Sought after co-writer and collaborator Richard Orofino shares the pictorial visuals for his new single, ‘Rather Die’.
Effortless vocals and subtle 80’s synths dominate the song as Orofino declares a love song for the end of the world.
In discussing the song, Richard says, “You would expect it to be a fairly dark tune by its title, but the story describes imagining a world without the person you hold closest to your heart. Being able to say you would ‘rather die’ than live in this fictional reality is super dramatic, which is kind of the point of the song. The premise screams ultra-romance to a point of it being almost silly. I felt a natural inspiration from the ‘new romantic’ genre of the 80’s, alongside some modern Indie/pop anthemic landscapes. My vision was to create a love letter that feels like you’re driving into a black hole but still filled with hope.”
Expect his ‘Spell’ EP, due later in the year.
Sounds like: Gotye, Val Astaire, Ghostly Kisses, Arctic Lake, Arcade Fire, Future Islands
We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!
In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).
THURSDAY 12 JULY
Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage
Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.
Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.
Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.
Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.
Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.
Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.
One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.
The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.
We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish
Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.
Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!
Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry
Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.
He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.
Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green
Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.
Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.
Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!
Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA
Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).
Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.
Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.
They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.
Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!
Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!
The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.
Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man
Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.
His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray
With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.
Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.
We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Danish dream pop duo Slowes have released their new single, ‘Tell Me Why’, a song about discovering a lying lover.
Much like their previous material, ‘Tell Me Why’ reflects in a melancholic hopeful kind of way, and is led by a strong hook, perfectly amalgamating alternative pop sounds with chillwave.
Sounds like: Fleetwood Mac, Future Islands, Sundara Karma, Tame Impala, Day Wave, Jo Marches, Liss, Mew
Our hearts go out to those in Mexico at the moment. This one is for them.
‘Mexico’ is a debut song by Seattle-born Rae Isla, who has a family interest in South America. It features guitarist Lito de la Isla and was produced by Gianluca Buccellati (Tei Shi, Yellerkin).
Rae is donating all of her profits from the sale of the song to Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross).
Denver duo, Motion Trap (aka Kyle Williams and Nathan Rogers) release spirited new single, ‘The Movement’, and the synth-rock-pop number does just that. Make you move.
Expect their sophomore album ‘Heavenly Bodies’ out soon.
Sounds like: Depeche Mode, OMD, Future Islands, Roosevelt, Cut Copy
Wow, Nocturnal Tapes have arrived and aren’t we happy they have!
Their new single ‘All I Need’ takes you on a spacial journey of floaty dreamscapes and psychedelia attitudes. It is about that moment when you realise you have everything you need and suddenly the pressure you’ve been putting on yourself can lift.
Sounds like: Kasabian, Tame Impala, Du Tonc, Cut Copy
If Lorde decided to dabble in hip hop, this might be the result – ‘Undertow’ by Kendall Morgan.
Kendall grew up in Nashville, and started writing songs as early as she can remember. Her experience in songwriting has led her to working on tracks with Kendrick Lamar and Yo Gotti.
Londoner Martin Luke Brown has seemingly come out of nowhere with a banger of a indie pop track called ‘Opalite’ and he means business!
Speaking of the song, MLB says,
“Opalite as a song began with this hypnotic little drum loop and the words just came out. I write placeholder lyrics all the time and then chip away at them until they’re complete but I pretty much stuck with what rolled on Opalite. It just felt right. It’s about finding hope in something and not wanting to let itgo. Whether you find that hope in superstition or religion or love. Whatever really.”
MLB plays London’s Servant Jazz Quarters tonight and ‘Opalite’ is out now via LAB Records.
Sounds like: Bon Iver, Will Joseph Cook, Dua Lipa, Kyko, Sody, Dan Croll
Equally as soft on the electronic side of things as the beautiful ‘Picking Flowers‘, ‘Skin Deep’ is a contemplative track about ways to get over a lover through emotionless actions.
‘Skin Deep’ is out now via Lemon Zen Records.
Sounds like: Lucy Rose, Daughter, Maggie Rogers, The Japanese House, Bon Iver, Fenne Lily
Birmingham-born singer/songwriter Tailor has already written for the likes of MØ, TĀLĀ, Huntar, FTSE and Peking Duk, and his own solo material is pretty decent too.
Bordering on alt-pop and electronic music, Tailor has a knack of discussing both sides of the story. His most recent release is a double-A side single called ‘Disillusion / Blame’.
Whilst ‘Disillusion’ is more upbeat in production, ‘Blame’ is about taking the hit in a relationship to benefit the unit as a whole.
Sounds like: Chet Faker, Francis and The Lights, Toro Y Moi, Lauv, Huntar, Sam Smith
It turns out Secret Weapons have been keeping a few things from us, the unfortunate news of lead singer Gerry Lange being ill. Whilst touring with bands like Weezer and Panic! at the Disco, the band kept Gerry’s health struggles quiet and as Danny Rocco says “strangely, the album became about making the album.”
Their latest single ‘My Blue Heaven’ embodies that very struggle.
Sounds like: Future Islands, The 1975, Lionel Richie, The Levity, The Island Club, Ghost Beach, Backstreet Boys, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The Knocks, Dagny
Paris and Simo – Come As You Are Feat. Karen Harding
Canadian electronic dance duo Paris and Simo have teamed up with Karen Harding for ‘Come As You Are’.
The ultra-positive dance-tinged anthem is grounded in the belief that “everyone should have freedom of expression without being judged”, according to Paris & Simo.
Sounds like: RAC, The Him, Goldroom, Flight Facilities, Pusha T
A collaborative album sounds exciting to us, especially when it’s written and produced by rising singer/songwriter/producer NOVAA and UK bedroom producer LO.
‘Go There’ is the third single from their ‘LIGHTS’ album, and “is about empty promises and letting go of someone that doesn’t really want you. It’s the moment you realize that you’re put on hold and that it’s not a romance but a game. The bubble you lived in pops and you find yourself playing a role and being someone that you don’t want to be.”
The album is out now on 29 September via Majestic Casual.
Having recently signed to Different Recordings (Anna Of The North, Kllo, Claptone), LIMITS manages to perfectly blend slices of ethereal, tech-house with melodic pop-inspired vocals.
The track is out now.
Sounds like: Shy Luv, Claptone, Tube & Berger, Rüfüs, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle
German-based Satin Jackets teams up with British singer, David Harks on ‘Northern Lights’.
As with all of Satin Jackets’ music, ‘Northern Lights’ has a distinct cosmic vibe, which is to be expected with the title of the song. Add to the mix, nostalgic vocal tones and reflective melodies, to create a breathtaking listening experience.
It’s out today on Eskimo Recordings.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Goldroom, RAC, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Future Islands, Phoenix
San Diego native, singer-songwriter and visual artist Alice Gray shares her debut single ‘Pink Cadillac’.
Describing her music as “sad songs you want to dance to”, Alice’s sound has a bittersweet edge to it thanks to beautifully planned pop hooks and wistful lyrics.
Love songs don’t have to be all about the doom and gloom of a relationship, they can be about the music you adore. Brooklyn locals, Secret Weapons do just this with uplifting new single, ‘Comeback Season’.
The twosome deliver a positive message about overcoming the odds (specifically the struggles they encountered whilst writing their album), which is further highlighted by the delightful addition of a gospel choir!
It’s out now via Epic.
Sounds like: Youngr, The 1975, Lionel Richie, The Levity, The Island Club, Ghost Beach, Backstreet Boys, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The Knocks
Talking of love songs…Atlantic artist/producer Seersha has written a gorgeous track called ‘Typical’ for her husband to listen to on his summertime drives.
Seersha’s ethereal vocals immediately make you feel free, as if you are screaming with joy at the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Sounds like: MS MR, CHVRCHES, Tears For Fears, Lights, Paramore, Phil Collins
Los Angeles producer, AWAY, shares the stunning new video for ‘Sleepwalker’, featuring London Thor.
Paving the way for the next generation of sound, AWAY likes to expose mixed feelings in his music, often touching on confusion, sadness, apathy, and anger.
Continuing with his monthly release schedule, VILDE, shares ‘Maintain’.
The music of VILDE – an innovative music project set up by Stockholm-based Thomas Savage, former member of Kins – is dutifully firm and ‘Maintain’ stands by that mentality with its racing drum beat and Savage’s claustrophobic vocals.
Elaborating on the themes behind ‘Maintain’, Vilde explains, “The subject matter of the song is somewhat of a crammed amalgamation of ideas. Part inspired by the film ‘Ace in the Hole’, where a news reporter begins to twist events in a dark way to gain fame through his portrayal of the story. There’s some pretty bleak imagery in the lyrics, yet bits of optimism seep through too, provoking a sense of solitude, release & calm.”
Live Dates
July 21 – Kantine Am Berghain, Berlin w/ Foreign/National
July 29 – Old Blue Last, London w/ Foreign/National
Sounds like: Wild Beasts, Spektor, Radiohead, Thomas Azier, James Blake, Ulrich Schnauss, TV on the Radio, BØRNS, Tim Hecker, Future Islands
