New York-based retro-pop duo Fly By Midnight like to blend indie synth sounds with dance melodies.
Skimming through their back catalogue on SoundCloud, every track is a banger, full of hug yourself vocals, retro riffs and foot twitching electro claps.
Their new single, ‘You Belong’ is the lead single taken from their upcoming album, ‘Rerunning’, released on 16 November, and is no exception.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Great Good Fine Ok, LANY, The 1975, Joan, Ghost Beach, Passion Pit, Pistol Shrimp, Penguin Prison, Futurecop!, The Chain Gang of 1974, Paperwhite
It’s not long until the end of the year, and what better way to see 2017 through with a playlist from Chelsea Lankes. This one goes out to all the ladies, and is probably one of the best playlists we’ve ever had! Lucky you!
“Here are some favorites over the last couple months including songs from favorite albums this year: SZA, Phoebe Bridgers, YOUTH, Lorde and Wolf Alice. Also I put a few singles from female pop artists I love and respect! To be enjoyed while driving at night, at low key parties, showering or anywhere you might sing really loud alone. 🙂”
…And whilst we have you, give Chelsea’s new track a spin too.
Sounds like: MUNA, Wet, Evvy, Ghost Beach, Kyla La Grange, Ji Nilsson, Tove Styrke, Carousel, Kitten, Nina, Mikky Ekko, Remmi, Cappa
Kinship is the project of North London twosome Tom Butler and Dave Crawford.
Seeking inspiration from past and present electronic spheres, their debut release has a dance energy that works in contrast with its chilled out, minimalist production.
Sounds like: Elderbrook, Caribou, Odesza, Ry X, Kllo, Four Tet, Maribou State
Time to drift away from the dark and wintery nights onto a sun kissed sandy beach in Calfironia.
SUMif‘s goal with this track is to make you dance, regardless of whether you are at a desk or live show. She’s certainly done that – we can’t stop spinning around on our seats!
In case you haven’t met French producer Kazy Lambist before, let us introduce him to you again.
At just 20, Kazy Lambist is already doing what Joe Goddard has spent years perfecting. Now we are in no way dissing Joe (we are huge fans), but youth is definitely on Kazy’s side, helping him create some insane floor fillers in his (short) time on this planet (see below for his current release ‘Be Yourself’).
We asked Kazy Lambist to put together a playlist for us. Watch out, this one has serious positive vibes.
Charlotte Adigéry – 1,618 Rich sound textures produced by the Dewaele brothers on Soulwax’s label DEEWEE. I love Charlotte Adigéry’s maternal yet malicious voice! The whole EP is amazing.
Bergheim 34 – Random Access Memory
This song’s name sounds familiar today! Although this came out in 2003, it has a lot in common with Daft Punk as they both pay beautiful tributes to analog instruments and devices. I love the wistful vibe on this one.
Mount Kimbie – Delta
I’ve been a Mount Kimbie fan since their “Crooks & Lovers” EP. To me, that was one of the most beautiful electronica EPs ever made. They always stay true to their need to mix acoustic sounds with unexpected synthetic sounds and drum machines – therefore they create a creepy and peaceful mood that goes directly through your heart. When I start listening to Mount Kimbie, it just goes on repeat all day because I never want to get out of that deep atmosphere.
Jean Leloup – I Lost My Baby
I remember my parents listening to this track when we were living in Montreal, Canada. I was 9 at the time, but this song still moves me.
Anna Kova – Believe
Beautiful beat with simple and clean voice melodies. The verses don’t have much meaning, they are just there to lead us to the wonderful chorus – “Believe in yourself.” This chorus is just so touching. Those three words keep me captivated and it seems like her voice is about to crack at the end of every sentence. It is so simple and still it evokes so much. I love this track.
Bonobo – Silver
I’ve loved Bonobo’s music for at least 10 years and think I’ll never get bored of it. He is just the best at what is tastelessly called “lounge music” or “chill music.” So many artists have tried to copy his work, yet none of them have succeeded. His music is full of truth and kindness; he’s the most peaceful musician without having to sing a word.
Ian Pooley – Chord Memory (Daft Punk Remix)
My music engineer Julien Delfaud showed me this remix one day because we were looking for a big, electro-bass sound. I fell in love with this bass line. Daft Punk efficiency!
James Tillman – Missed Encounters
His voice is just so soft it’s unbelievable. Perfect to wake up and start a lazy sunday with a hangover
Sounds like: RÜFÜS, Joe Goddard, RAC, Ghost Beach, Goldroom, Zimmer, Jape, Penguin Prison, Hot Chip, Friendly Fires
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.
A juxtaposing theme in Bad Wave‘s new single, ‘1955’; a “nostalgia for the future” if you will.
Much like the melodies within the song, ‘1955’ is split between the progression of the past and hope for the future with it’s echoey harmonies and rocky guitar riffs.
‘1955’ is out now via 10K Islands.
Sounds like: Phoenix, Death Cab for Cutie, GUSH, Hot Chip, The Foals, Two Door Cinema Club, Ghost Beach