Tag Archives: Gorillaz

Weekly Gems 103

daste. – About Us

daste.

Australian trio daste. shares the smooth electro / lo-fi-funk single, ‘About Us’.

As with all things daste., the “d” is in the detail. Delivering an inspiration message, the song is about battling with uncertainty. Listen below.

daste.

Sounds like: RÜFÜS DU SOL, Two Another, LEISURE, Tora

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uomo – All I Hear

uomo

Introducing the new project by Pietro Filippone – aka uomo.

His latest release, ‘All I Hear’, is the first song that Filippone has written by himself for the project. A decent bit of autotune in there, the softer house elements give the song a gorgeously gentle uplift.

Sounds like: Henry Green, Roosevelt, Goldroom, Hayden James, Elderbrook

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Tungz – Can’t We Just Be Friends Again

Tungz - Can't We Just Be Friends Again

Bristol-based quartet Tungz combines effortless funk riffs with infectious vocal melodies and indie-pop sounds in new single, ‘Can’t We Just Be Friends Again’, out now via Heist or Hit.

It speaks of the confusion and the weird frustration that comes with wanting to snap back to being happy with someone you’ve only ever really been cool with before.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, Christine & The Queens, Patawawa, Bamily

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Amtrac – So Afraid ft. Alex Metric

Amtrac by Grant Spanier

DJ and producer Amtrac has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning British musician, DJ and producer Alex Metric on vocals in new single, ‘So Afraid’.

Looping vocals contemplate a simple question, “why you so afraid of love?” as Alex Metric’s breathy, enunciated voice lends an edge to the droning synths beneath, forming a steady crescendo of sound and passion that blooms.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Cut Copy, Lane 8

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Dirty Nice – 100,000 Heartbeats

Dirty Nice

UK duo Dirty Nice releases ‘100,000 Heartbeats’. A synth-wave pop at the core, it’s the perfect counterpart to the more lo-fi B-side, ‘Love Team’.

Originally presented as a special Valentines Day release, Dirty Nice sent a number of personalised cards to fans. Continuing this theme on their Instagram, an intergalactic cartoon epic has unfolded with a new card revealed every day.

Sounds like: Elder Island, Camel Power Club, Gorillaz, Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical

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Ekko – Off My Mind

EKKO

Norwegian native, singer/songwriter and producer Rebekka Danielsson – aka EKKO – shares the visuals for ‘Off My Mind’.

Highly energetic, glorious pop with addictive melodic hooks and immaculate production this tune ticks all the boxes to be a serious club anthem and floor filler.

Expect her debut EP ‘Symptoms’ out later in the year.

Sounds like: Tove Lo, Chelsea Lankes, Allie X, ALMA, Kim Petras

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Langva – Different Things

‘Different Things’ by Norweigan artist Langva is the perfect antidote in these gloomy days we find ourselves in.

It’s a short and sweet burst of summer, with a groovy bassline that amplifies the affectionate feelings you may have for someone.

Sounds like: Easy Life, Yakul

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ELBA – Remember Me

ELBA - Remember Me

Rising Danish pop songstress ELBA is making waves.

Starting her musical journey in the local choir at the age of six, it was clear her destiny was singing. Her new single ‘Remember Me’ showcases her powerful vocal range, and perfectly fits with the electro-pop production.

Sounds like: Mabel, Harlee, JUJ

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Discrete x Chris Collins – Better Days

Discrete

Creative music producer Discrete teams up with Chris Collins on ‘Better Days’.

With a top-notch level of production and flawless vocals, combined with inspiration from an extensive range of genres, prepare to click repeat.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Le Youth, The Weeknd

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Emilie Nicolas – Who’s Gonna Love You

Emilie Nicolas - Who's Gonna Love You

The Norweigan artists are smashing it this week, and it’s truly great to see Emilie Nicolas return.

Showing a new side to her music – less “cool pop” and more reflective – ‘Who’s Gonna Love You’ is centred around the difficulties of letting go of a relationship, succinctly capturing despair, unbridled joy, and the desire to dance.

Sounds like: Tove Styrke, Tove Lo, Susanne Sundfør, AURORA

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Ed Prosek – Mercy

Ed Prosek

The Berlin-based indie-folk troubadour, Ed Prosek returns with a luscious ode to his love affair with music, lifted from his forthcoming EP.

It plays out like a heart-wrenching ballad and is brought into a tender balance by Ed’s genuine delivery.

Sounds like: Dermot Kennedy, Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Chet Faker, Talos

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Nic Hanson – Crush on You

Nic Hanson
Boy, have we got a little crush on Nic Hanson.

Having just toured with the wonderful Moon Boots and with a flurry of viral Insta covers, Nic Hanson is sending his take on funky pop.

Sounds like: Prince, Ed Sheeran

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The Endorphins – Dead or Alive

The Endorphines

Stockholm siblings Alva & August Heldt are The Endorphins.

As their name suggests, their feel-good future pop is set to induce endorphins. As they put it – “It’s about love, friendship, parties and sex“, and what’s wrong with that!

Listen to self-expressive ‘Dead Or Alive’ below.

Sounds like: The Magnettes, Banks, Fabich, Pastel, Midnight Pool Party, Keljet

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Weekly Gems 87

Ariane – Sweatshirt

Press 1

French-American pop singer and songwriter Ariane speaks to champion the underdog. Combining Lorde’s dreamy and atmospheric vocals with the moody sound of Banks and Billie Eilish, Ariane creates a refuge for her listeners.

Ariane’s rhythms build up together with a simple drum kit toward a heavy bass/kind of solid drop highlighted with her smooth progressive voice.

Sounds Like: Banks, Billie Eilish, Blood Orange, Lorde

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Tasha Angela – Lost in Nostalgia

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Toronto based Tasha Angela is back with a new single entitled ‘Lost in Nostalgia’ in which she explores groovy productions mixed with tender vocals performance. ‘Lost in Nostalgia’ starts sharp with a minimalist approach that progresses smoothly and perfectly backed by Tasha’s beautiful voice.

Sounds Like: Mahalia, ren, BAYNK

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Aimee Milner – A Little More

‘A Little More’, is the dreamy new collaboration between singer-songwriter Amy Milner and producer Tim Larcombe (Lana Del Rey/Halsey).

The second track from a stunning forthcoming project, it’s a breathtaking piece of electronica that’s right at home among the likes of The Japanese House or Bon Iver. The track is accompanied by a visual, created from clips of Amy & Tim’s process recording the album, showcasing the depth and creative flair involved in their artistic process.

Sounds Like: The Japanese House, Luna Pines, James Blake, Bon Iver

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DAD – Alligator

Dad - Profile Pic

DAD debuts her project with her new single ‘Alligator,’ with visuals from designers and illustrators Beverly Johnson & Cam Chan.

‘Alligator’ weaves lush instrumentation, catchy vocals hooks, and cheeky lyrical content as an ode to her ex-boyfriend, who, despite all his questionable actions, she still has to thank for leading her to Los Angeles.

Sounds Like: Lolo Zouaï, Doja Cat, Snow Tha Product, Lil Miquela, Gorillaz

Instagram

Ellen Krauss – Let Me Have It

Rising Swedish pop artist Ellen Krauss releases her brand new single ‘Let Me Have it’ through Tiller Inc. licensed to BMG Recorded Music.

An empowering stripped-back track about standing up to your oppressors and your inner demons, the song’s intro is calm. It features beautiful vocal progressions throughout and a guitar-based buildup, all the while reflecting Ellen’s strong and personal songwriting.

Sounds Like: Isak Danielson, Hov1, Smith & Thell, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo

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Jenaux – Give It Up

Jenaux - Give It Up

Jenaux is giving us some serious Duke Dumont vibes with his new single ‘Give It Up’.

Usually one for a remix, the NYC-based producer has turned his tricks to writing solo material. Lead by a strong bassline and funky vocal harmonies, ‘Give It Up’ gives us disco-licking good vibes and proves this is the right direction for Jenaux.

Sounds like: Duke Dumont, Gorillaz, Justice

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Playlist: Youngr

Youngr - What's Next

Youngr made his name putting together bootlegs, so guess what, it’s bootleg time ladies and gents!

Check out his bootleg hitlist below.

Ramblin

Simply Red is my favourite band ever. I was listening to his Stars Deluxe album on the plane, and it had these amazing acapellas of old blues songs on the end that I’d never heard. Decided to make a bootleg with one of them.

Silence

Always loved this tune. Used to cover it in an old band. Decided to do it with Youngr.

London Grammar – Hey Now

I was super drunk one night on the night tube in London and had a part of this vocal in my head but had NO idea what the words or song was. So I was just singing it to strangers untill someone told me what they thought it might be … Next day I found the stems and made a bootleg.

Gorillaz – Feel Good and Michael Jackson – Billie Jean

Because it’s the greatest beat in pop, and one of the greatest basslines in pop. It was almost too obvious, I had to check if someone had done it before!

Jungle – The Heat

Always liked Jungle‘s vibe. Actually did a remix with an old band I was in that never turned into anything, so revisited the vocal and made a new mix!

Zhu – Faded

Again, dope vocal. Remember the first time I heard it. Instantly wanted to do my own thing with it.

Daft Punk – One More Time

What an amazing message. And the fact it just repeats it’s self so many times. It’s brilliant.

Craig David – Fill Me In

Cause he’s a UK legend! Grew up with his music. And his vocal style suited mine, so it worked really easily for me.

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

I had made a bootleg with a Marvin Gaye sample, and the guitar line I wrote kept reminding me of The Temper Trap song (which I also fucking loved) .. decided last minute to put The Temper Trap vocal over Marvin Gaye and it instantly found its magic.

All Saints – Pure Shores

Pure shores was one of the first CDs I ever bought. Bought it from Woolworths in Manchester and it cost £6.99! I was trying to write a dance song in 3/4 and the chords I was using gave me the same emotion that lure shores did.

Check Youngr’s latest single below:

Sounds like: Phoenix, Miike Snow, Flight Facilities

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Dappled Cities – Stone Men

Dappled Cities

Dappled Cities

Let’s slow it right down in preparation for the upcoming weekend.

Cue Dappled Cities; a Sydney-based indie band creating warm synth sounds.

Their new track, ‘Stone Men’ takes us back in time with its light guitar strokes and airy vocals that remind us a little of Damon Alban. Joyous!

Expect their forthcoming and fifth studio album titled ‘Five’ (stylised as |||||), out on 5 May via Chugg Music.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, Washed Out, Gorillaz, Daft Punk, Phoenix

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Playlist: MIYNT

MIYNT

MIYNT

MIYNT is a Stockholm-based artist and musician. Having listened to a couple of her previous tracks, we decided to get the girl to put together a playlist for us.

You can check it out below.

Leon Bridges – Coming Home 
I was blown away by this song, it has a timeless feel to it.

Touchy Mob – Crooked Lust 
I love the lo-fi feel and the melancholia in this song. It’s brilliant.

Alabama Shakes – I Found You
Brittany Howard must be one of the greatest singers alive. I love this song.

Mild High Club – Windowpane 
Man, I almost wanna steel that synth in the beginning, or in the whole song. It’s an amazing song.

Gorillaz – On Melancholy Hill 
I think that all of my favorite songs includes the chord bm. This one included. It just catches some sort of melancholia. Damon Albarn 4-ever.

Fever Ray – I’m Not Done
I think that this is one of the best electronic songs of this decade.

Buscabulla – Sono
This makes me wanna dance

Valerie June – Wanna Be On Your Mind
This song falls in the same category as the Leon Bridges-track. It just feels timeless. So chill and beautiful.

PJ Harvey – Let England Shake
Because I’m secretly in love with PJ Harvey.

Angel Olsen – Shut Up And Kiss Me.
I just discovered Angel Olsen and I think she is awesome.

You can listen to MIYNT’s new single, ‘You Were Never Too Much’, below.

Sounds like: CAPPA, Banks, Lana Del Rey, Tame Impala, Alt-J, Kate Boy, IYES, Zola Blood, I AM KARATE, Tula

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An Indietronica Preview of Iceland Airwaves 2014

Iceland Airwaves

Since the first edition was held in 1999 in an airplane hangar, Iceland Airwaves has become the festival for music lovers, being praised by many as the best music festival in the world.

Set amongst beautiful scenery in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, the festival celebrates homegrown talent as well as musical craft from further afield.

Haven’t got a ticket? Don’t fear! Indietronica is attending to find out what all the fuss is about.

By the powers of the internet we bring you a preview of the lesser known bands and our ones to watch, straight to your computer or phone screens.

ADULT JAZZ

Adult Jazz

Adult Jazz

Adult Jazz is a four-piece from the UK. Their debut album ‘Gist Is’ has taken four years to make and was released via their own label Spare Thought.

They sound like a jazzed-up version of Bombay Bicycle Club or a mellowed out version of Jagwar Ma.

We are definitely looking forward to seeing them play.

Sounds like: Bombay Bicycle Club, Jagwar Ma, Panda Cubs, The 1975, Yeasayer, Saux

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ALICE BOMAN

Alice Boman

Alice Boman

With simple lyrics and ethereal overtones, Alice Boman is a quintessentially Swedish singer.

Have a listen to her stunning cover of War on Drugs‘s ‘Red Eyes’:

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Sounds like: Lykke Li, Kate Bush, Ellie Goulding, Rae Morris

ÁSGEIR

Ásgeir

Ásgeir

For fans of Bon Iver and Deptford Goth looking for something slightly different, meet twenty-two year old Icelandic singer/songwriter, Ásgeir (aka Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson).

Ásgeir’s debut album, ‘Dyrd í dauðathogn’ was mostly written by his 72 year old father and became so popular in his home country, 10% of the Icelandic population is estimated to own a copy.

The English-language version of the album (‘In The Silence’) was translated by John Grant.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Deptford Goth, RY X

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BALLET SCHOOL 

Ballet School

Ballet School

Berlin-based Ballet School is Irish Rosie Blair on vocals/guitar, Japanese-Brazilian Michel Collet on lead guitar and Louis McGuire on drums.

Blair and Collet met two years ago in Berlin when Blair heard Collet playing his guitar in the U-bahn. Sharing their love of the Cocteau-Twins, she immediately asked him to form a band. In 2012 they began collaborating with McGuire.

A mélange of ’80s pop and R’N’B is always at the forefront of the band’s agenda.

Sounds like: Kitten, Claire, BLSHS, Kavinsky, Madonna, Robyn, Ronika

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BERNDSEN

Berndsen

Berndsen

From modern 80’s inspired music to a musician who sticks to his roots and breathes 80’s electronica.

Berndsen (aka David Berndsen) is a bearded iconic figure in Iceland and regularly works with Hermigervill; one of Iceland’s most notable producers.

Sounds like: Depeche Mode, New Order, Tesla Boy, Salt Ashes, Graingerboy, Thomas Azier, Soft Cell

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

BIRD

bird

bird

bird is Jon Valur Gudmundsson, a successful 26-year-old singer/songwriter from Iceland who makes electro-infused indie pop.

Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Ásgeir, 1860, Kid Astray

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BLAENAVON

Blaenavon

Blaenavon

Blaenavon is a three-piece indie outfit from Hampshire, UK formed of Harris McMillan, Frank Wright, and Benjamin Gregory.

Heavily guitar-based, it is no surprise that these guys are being written about by the likes of NME and Clash.

Their new EP ‘Koso’ is out now on Transgressive Records.

Sounds like: The Macabees, Two Door Cinema Club, Young Kato, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Editors, White Lies, Daughter

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CARIBOU

Caribou

Caribou

Following the success of ‘Swim’ in 2010, Caribou is finally back!

At first glance, his latest track ‘Our Love’ is a long wave length of dance music beats, but upon further inspection it is a lot more gritty and the R&B hooks remind us of Inner City‘s ‘Good Life’.

Sounds like: Roosevelt, Metronomy, All We Are, New Build, Touch Sensitive, Rufus

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DISA

Disa

Disa

Iceland born Disa writes celestial, synth pop. She left Reykjavik to live in Copenhagen and pursue her dream of singing.

She is now signed to Danish label Tigerspring.

Sounds like: Salt Ashes, I BREAK HORSES, Kate Boy, Death Rattle, Dimond Saints, Brian Eno

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EAST INDIA YOUTH

eastindiayouth970

East Londoner William Doyle is East India Youth.

His tracks are stark and choate masterpieces with marching and minimal drum rolls.

Sounds like: Sivu, These New Puritans, Conner Youngblood, Brian Eno

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EAST OF MY YOUTH

East Of My Youth

East Of My Youth

East Of My Youth is Herdis and Thelma from Reykjavik.

Citing influences from classical and modern genres, the duo creates experimental pop music.

Sounds like: Austra, Feist, OH Land

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EMILIE NICOLAS

Emilie Nicolas

Emilie Nicolas

Emilie Nicolas is another one of Norway’s amazing exports.

Her voice immediately demands your attention and we have had her atmospheric cover of Norwegian band DumDum Boys‘s 1990 track ‘PStereo’ on repeat in the Indietronica office.


Sounds like: Tove Styrke, KYIKI, BLSHS, Monogem, Tove Lo, Lykke Li, Elliphant, X priest X, La Roux

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FARAO

Farao

Farao

Following on from Nicolas is Farao, another Norweigen singer/songwriter with a knack for combing emotive lyrics and indie-folk sounds.

Sounds like: Poliça, Emilie Nicolas, Bon Iver, Rae Morris, First Aid Kit, Susanne Sundfør

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FURA

Fura

Fura

FURA is an Icelandic project between songstress Björt Sigfinnsdóttir, and producer duo Hallur Jónsson and Janus Rasmussen.

FURA embraces the element of drastic nature, isolation and emotional depth.

Sounds like: Phantogram, Lykke Li, Nina Yasmineh

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FUTURE ISLANDS

Future Islands

Future Islands

The serious electronic Baltimore trio is back.

Advising us about love and loss, and offering up mesmerising performances, we are glad Future Islands will be getting the recognition they deserve at Iceland Airwaves.

Sounds like: New Order, Suzuki Method, Wild Beasts

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HIMBRIMI

Himbrimi

Himbrimi

Himbrini is an Icelandic band comprising of Margrét Rúnarsdóttir on vocal and keys, Birkir Rafn Gíslasson on guitar, Hálfdán Árnason on bass and Skúli Arason on keys and Egill Rafnsson on drums.

Himbrini offers up soft, Scandinavian pop and it is lush. This is one band we cannot wait to watch live.

Sounds like: Lykke Li, Röyksopp, London Grammar, Bat For Lashes, Island Fox, IYES, The XX

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HOW TO DRESS WELL

How To Dress Well

How To Dress Well

How To Dress Well (aka Tom Krell) is an American singer who twists up sensual guitar-based R&B with sparkling synth pop.

He is definitely one to watch.

Sounds like: LANY, Great Good Fine OK, Until The Ribbon Breaks, July Child

Website | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube

JUNGLE

Jungle

Jungle

The music-by-soul collective Jungle has been bubbling away at the surface for some time now. Their music offers a pinch of Gorillaz-esque bass lines and sexy lyrics.

Sounds like: Rudimental, Disclosure, Le Youth, Clean Bandit, Gorillaz

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud

KAJAK

KAJAK

KAJAK

We absolutely love Icelandic cousins, KAJAK.

They are heavily influenced by tribal cultures and in their live shows they mix visual arts and theatrics, making it a special and engaging experience to watch.

Sounds like: Coldplay, I BREAK HORSES, Kate Boy, Sia

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KLANGKARUSSELL

Klangkarussell

Klangkarussell

Klangkarussell is Tobias Rieser and Adrian Held; an Austrian electronic dance music production duo who formed in 2011.

They are known for ‘Sonnentanz’, a track that accidentally became a hit last year. We’ve watched Klangkarussell perform live with their band and they put on a good show!

Sounds like: Will Heard, Milky Chance, Klingande, Wankelmut, MÖWE

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KWABS

Kwabs

Kwabs

Vienna-via-London producer Kwabs‘s music is soulful with an electro twist.

Kwabs is a growing artist and we are expecting a number one hit soon!

Sounds like: Azekel, MNEK, SOHN, James Blake, Ben Khan, Banks, Jesse Ware, Kele Okereke

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

LILY THE KID

Lily the Kid

Lily the Kid

Lily the Kid is the brainchild of Lilja K. Jónsdóttir (who was the former front woman of Icelandic electro-pop veterans Bloodgroup) and her brother, the producer Hallur Jónsson.

Breathtaking vocals, combined with a bass line bubbling at the surface makes Lily the Kid very special indeed.

Sounds like: Banks, Shura, Blood Orange

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ROOSEVELT

Roosevelt

ROOSEVELT

Roosevelt (aka Marius Lauber) is a Cologne-based electronic artist with a flair for discotronica. He effortlessly emerges warm beats with hypnotic psychedelia.

Sounds like: The Whitest Boy Alive, Caribou, Tourist., Jagwar Ma, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Yellerkin

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SHURA

Shura

Shura

Shura (aka Aleksandra Denton) was born in London to a Russian actress and an English documentary filmmaker.

Her last (but unreleased) track ‘Touch’ gained 3 million hits on Soundcloud.

Her music can be described as a contemporary mix of twinkling, ‘Lucky-Star’-era Madonna with the bedroom-R&B grooves of Blood Orange, filtered through a haze of Balearic synths and swirling, Warpaint-inspired guitars.

Shura has just signed to Polydor.

Sounds like: Blood Orange, Massive Attack, Madonna

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SISY EY

Sísý Ey

Sísý Ey

Sísý Ey (pronounced See See Ay) was formed in 2011 by three sisters; Elin, Elisabet and Sigga. Their goal was to sing live house music, and with the help of DJ Oculus, their dream has become a reality.

Sounds like: Gorgon City, Klangkarussell, TIEKS, Celeste

Facebook

THE WALKING WHO

The Walking Who

The Walking Who

The Walking Who is a psychedelic rock trio based based in Sydney and is made up by Rohin Brown, Paul Mclean and Jay Drury. Their music is inspired by Byron Bay surf chimes and folk.

Sounds like: War on Drugs, Yellerkin, Jagwar Ma, Roosevelt, Empire of the Sun, The Doors

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

VOK

Vök

Vök

Vök is a dreamy electro duo-turned-trio from Iceland.

Taking a slightly different slant on traditional Icelandic electro music, we especially like the smooth tones from the saxophone, courtesy of Andri Már Enoksson.

Sounds like: Death Rattle, Duran Duran, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Chairlift, Poliça, Björk, Tegan & Sara

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

YOUNG KARIN

Young Karin

Young Karin

Young Karin is a simple and dreamy art pop production by Reykjavik-based Karin & Logi Pedro.

Having already been nominated for the Icelandic Music Awards, we anticipating brilliant things from the duo.

Sounds like: Banks, July Child

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Having already sold out (apart from limited package deals), this year is set to be as explosive as ever! You can track the event on the Iceland Airwaves 2014 app.

Indietronica’s Guide to The Great Escape Festival 2014

Our ones to watch at this year’s TGE:

LAUREL

Laurel

Laurel

Laurel is a 19 year old from London who writes tracks about lust and love. She already has an impressive backlog of songs just waiting to be released to the public.

Have a listen ‘To The Hills’.

7pm on Thursday 8 May at Komedia.

Sounds like: Soft as Snow, Broods, Tove Lo, Lorde, Lana Del Rey

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | Website | Youtube

TOVE LO

Tove Lo

Tove Lo

Tove Lo (aka Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson) is Swedish singer/songwriter. The feisty popstar-in-the-making has already written for the likes of Girls Aloud and Icona Pop, but this time it will be her taking centre stage at TGE.

Tove Lo is on a mission to get noticed and there is no doubting she will.

Tove Lo’s debut EP ‘Truth Serum’ was released via Universal Music in March and can be purchased on iTunes.

8.30pm on Thursday 8 May at Komedia.

Sounds like: Laurel, Icona Pop, Indiana

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CHILDHOOD 

Childhood

Childhood

Childhood were originally a duo who formed at Nottingham University. They have an expansive sound that has gradually flourished since their initial bedroom-recording days. We are expecting good things from these guys.

Sounds like: Be Forest, HAERTS, Swim Deep, Metronomy

10pm on Thursday 8 May at The Haunt.

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | Tumblr | Youtube

PAWWS

Pawws

Pawws

Pawws (aka Lucy Taylor) is a singer/songwriter from North London. She is classically trained on the flute and piano, but has branched into a more pop/electronic sound following tours with Kele Okereke and MGMT.

‘Give You Love’ is taken from her forthcoming debut EP ‘Sugar’.

9.15pm on Thursday 8 May at Komedia.

Sounds like: MSMR, RAC, Goldroom, MGMT, Daft Punk, Annie, Robyn

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ALL WE ARE

All We Are

All We Are

Years & Years count themselves as big fans of All We Are.

Rich, Guro and Luis originate from Norway, Ireland and Brazil and describe themselves as ‘Bee Gees on diazepam’.

8.30 pm on Saturday 10 May at The Haunt.

Sounds like: Stealing Sheep, Be Forest, Amason, Sir Sly, Years & Years, Warpaint, Frank Ocean, Metronomy, TV On The Radio, OutKast, Bon Iver, Broken Social Scene, Toro Y Moi

Facebook | Myspace | Twitter | Soundcloud | Youtube

EYEDRESS

Eyedress

Eyedress

Idris Vicuña is Eyedress. The 23-year-old Filipino largely conducts meetings from his bedroom in his parent’s house, where he makes his music as well. His music has a Nordic-sounding sadness to it, yet twinkles with hazy optimism.

9.15 pm on Saturday 10 May at The Haunt

Sounds like: I BREAK HORSES, Death Rattle, Soft as Snow, The Chain Gang of 1974

Vimeo | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

JUNGLE

Jungle

Jungle

The music by soul collective Jungle has been bubbling away at the surface for some time now. With a pinch of Gorillaz-esque bass lines and sexy lyrics, these guys are definitely going to give Rudimental a run for their money. Expect to hear them on an advert near you very soon.

10pm on Saturday 10 May at The Haunt.

Sounds like: Rudimental, Disclosure, Le Youth, Clean Bandit, Gorillaz

Facebook | Soundcloud | Website

Y.O.U

Y.O.U.

Y.O.U.

Y.O.U (Your Own Universe) (aka Elliott Williams) has worked with Tigersushi owner, Joakim Bouaziz. Think 80s synth pop, nu disco, and house, with a nod to the legendary ‘French Touch’. This eclectic, forward thinking approach has placed Y.O.U in an esteemed class of artists, with Elliot’s ethos mirroring that of Tigersushi’s varied roster.

10pm on Friday 9 May at Blind Tiger.

Matt & Kim, Passion Pit, Miike Snow, Years & Years, Phoenix, GUSH, Holy Ghost!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

PHANTOGRAM

Phantogram

Indietronica wrote about ‘Fall in Love’ by duo Phantogram back in December.

‘Fall in Love’ is a powerful, heavy, track, with bass-driven pulsating sounds, and crunching synths reminiscent of Sleigh Bells. The drums are at times heading down a hip-hop route, all while Sarah Barthel’s vocals drive the melody, pulling the layered sounds together in this really cool track.

9.45pm on Friday 9 May at Digital.

Sounds like; Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Metric, Sleigh Bells, Charli XCX

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AMBER RUN

There is some good music coming out of Nottingham lately. Amber Run are a Nottingham five-piece with a true talent to whip up indie anthems.

7pm on Thursday 8 May at Concorde 2.
2.30pm on Friday 9 May at Above Audio.

Sounds like: Young Kato, Two Door Cinema Club, Bastille, The 1975, Foals

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GHOST BEACH

Ghost Beach

Ghost Beach

We love a bit of tropitronica at Indietronica and Josh and Eric of NY-based synth pop duo Ghost Beach are no exception. Combing 80’s synth pop and 70’s disco vibes to create ultimate feel good tracks.

We aren’t expecting a visit from Noosa to this year’s TGE, but ‘Close Enough’ is just so catchy, it had to be included.

10pm on Friday 9 May at The Green Door Store.

Sounds like: Passion Pit, July Child, Noosa, Goyte, ASTR, The Knocks, Holy Ghost!, Smallpools, Goldroom, Oliver Nelson

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ULLA NOVA

Ulla Nova

Ulla Nova

Meet diverse London songstress, Ulla Nova.

From the get go, her debut track, ‘Kid From London’, fuses electro pop and hip hop beats, complete with cute snippets of chanson.

This London kid is tipped for big things.

10pm on Saturday 10 May at Sticky Mikes Frog Bar.

Sounds like: M.I.A, Iggy Azalea, Say Lou Lou, Lorde, CHVRCHES

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KIESZA

Kiesza

Kiesza

Shortly before the garage trend of the late 90s, the UK’s vice was house (acid house, deep house…you name it the UK loved it).

Kiesza is originally from Calgary, but is now based in NYC. The 25-year old started as a ballerina in her teens before joining the Canadian Navy. Training to be a sniper, she made the dramatic switch to music.

11pm on Friday 9 May at The Warren.
1.15am on Saturday 10 May at Brighton Coalition.

Sounds like: Disclosure, Aluna George

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WILD BEASTS 

Wild Beasts

With the distinctive falsetto voice of Hayden Thorpe loved and hated by all, Wild Beasts‘ songwriting abilities are unquestionably brilliant.

We are looking forward to watching these guys.

9.45pm on Friday 9 May at the Brighton Dome.

Sounds like; Foals, Antony & the Johnsons, Twin Shadow, Dutch Uncles

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SALT ASHES

Salt Ashes is 22 year old Veiga Sanchez. The Brighton-based dark electronica songstress cites influences from Kate Bush to Daft Punk.

11.30pm on Saturday 10 May at Brighthelm.

Sounds like: Daft Punk, Le Youth, M.I.A, Kavinsky, Kate Bush, Ghost Beach, Ronika, Kylie, Depeche Mode

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BALLET SCHOOL

Ballet School

Ballet School

Berlin-based Ballet School is Irish Rosie Blair on vocals/guitar, Japanese-Brazilian Michel Collet on lead guitar and Louis McGuire on drums.

Blair and Collet met two years ago in Berlin when Blair heard Collet playing his guitar in the U-bahn. Sharing their love of the Cocteau-Twins, she immediately asked him to form a band. In 2012 they began collaborating with McGuire.

With a mélange of 80’s pop and R’N’B at the forefront of the band’s agenda, their tracks provide a meditative driving beat of pop at it’s best and showcases both Irish and Japanese influences.

8.15pm on Thursday 8 May at Brighton Coalition.
12.30pm on Thursday 8 May at The Green Door Store.
3.30pm on Friday 9 May at The Green Door Store.

Sounds like: Cocteau-Twins, The Cure, I BREAK HORSES, The Naked and Famous, Blondie, Claire, BLSHS, Kavinsky, Madonna, Robyn, Ronika, BLSHS

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BROLIN

Brolin

Brolin

Brolin is a UK-based vocalist, songwriter, producer and remixer. To date, he has remained pretty anonymous simply stating on his Soundcloud page; “I am a bedroom producer, self-taught, self-analysing, into beats, space, and melody”.

We are looking forward to watching him play.

3.15pm on Friday 9 May at Komedia.

Sounds like: Rainer, H A R T E B E E S T, Kaleida

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