It’s hard these days to find singers who sing in their natural accents, so imagine our surprise and delight within seconds of tuning into ‘is your bedroom ceiling bored?’.
Sody’s stunning vocals greet us and lock in the attention of the listener with her unmistakable tone and talent. The track is not a completely fresh song however, the song previously released as a solo track called ‘Bedroom Ceiling’ earlier in 2020, before the more production heavy rendition featuring Cavetown, accompanied by a brand new music video.
Not only is it an absolute joy to see these two linking up and creating such a marvellous track, but this is the first proper music video that we have seen since the beginning of lockdown. Not only is this song moving to the core, ‘is your bedroom ceiling bored?’ is a visual reminder that we may soon be returning to normal.
““Is Your Bedroom Ceiling Bored?” is for my fellow overthinkers,” Sody explains. “It’s when you’re staring at your ceiling at 4am looking for answers and wondering what someone is thinking. It’s when you write paragraphs to someone over text but then delete it and respond ‘I’m okay’. I imagine so many of us are experiencing this in isolation which unites us all!”
Take a ride to sonic ecstasy with Muck Spreader‘s new single, ‘Carnal Tongues’. It’s a collision of genres and ideas, with vocalist Luke Brennan’s curious spoken words luring you into this weird and wonderful world.
Sounds like: Black Midi, Comet is Coming, Fat White Family, Attawalpa, YARD ACT
Written in four different places as two of the band members were sofa surfing, Bristol-based outfit Tungz shares their latest single, ‘Go Out’ focuses on anxiety caused by overexertion and bad
routines.
Platinum-Certified singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker shares catchy pop single ‘supercuts’. Named after the hair chopping salon, it’s feel-good summertime anthem co-written and co-produced by Jeremy and Max Martin’s MXM camp in Stockholm.
Soul and jazz-influenced artist Afonso shares ‘Bloom’. A big bold reflection on the first stages of a relationship, as the love grows and develops, set to a beautiful hazy groove.
White Lights shares ‘Body Trap’, the lead single from his forthcoming ‘NUMBSKULL’ album. With its dark underbelly, the R&B track borders into the realms of hip hop and emotionally-withdrawn electronica.
Amy Milner shares a tale of inner conflict in her new single, ‘Closer’. Written alongside producer Tim Larcombe (Lana Del Rey, Halsey) between Amy’s home in Suffolk and Tim’s studio in Brighton, “Closer” is the second single from her new EP ‘Big Bad Thoughts’ due later this year.
Hot off the chat with his idol, Imogen Heap, pop artist Chaz Cardigan takes on post-breakdown life with his bombastic new single, ‘Everything’s Wrong’.
Using fascinating art and interesting musical approaches to portray complicated relationships, Australian-based R&B duo Galdive shares their stunning jazz-fused song, ‘Nescience’.
Continuing to make a strong push into the alt-mainstream, feminist pop artist GRAE releases new single, ‘Ex Lovers,’ alongside a self-directed music video.
Her haunting vocals grab the attention from the get-go, with a tone resembling the likes of a darker Halsey and taking inspiration from the 90’s alternative scene.
GRAE says about the making of the almost confessional video;
“The idea for the video for ‘Ex Lovers’ was to have me talking to my computer / phone like a diary and letting out all my emotions to the guy I was and to the guy I was trying to get over. It was interesting to film a video in my bedroom and be creative with it. Due to the virus we had limited resources but were able to pull through! It will be interesting to look back on in a few years and remember the state of the world we were in at the time.”
Canadian born popstar Mathew V releases his enigmatic single ‘Don’t Let Me Go’.
A bold, unabashed pop track, Mathew V is using his strong roots within the LGBTQ+ community to express himself and let the music do the talking. Listen below.
Debut act MΛD FVN has a lot to say, about a lot of things, including the light hearted topic of life, which she so nearly lost in two separate accidents.
A call to arms, this is emotional, raw and powerful.
Rising Los Angeles vocalist kauf is offering a rework of his first original track featuring another vocalist Overjoy – one of three artists on his burgeoning label ONE / HALF.
Taking a more “pop” approach to his music, he has added a UK garage style beat and some looped vocal samples, giving it more energy and bringing it into the dance world.
Only on her second release, 16 year old Romanian electro-pop act Francis On My Mind is proving that “Euro pop” is very much a thing of the past.
Sparing synth, melodic drums and fragile but still powerful vocals, this new song comes as a breath of fresh air in a saturated industry of overproduced singles.
Danish pop newcomer ELBA is 25-year-old singer and songwriter Ellen Bathum. She tells stories about the loss of control and the many nuances of love.
Her new single ‘700 Angels’ has a catchy pop hook, but it almost feels like it splits in two directions – experimental electronic music and indie that ultimately culminates into a fiery explosion.
Former death metal singer, Cloudy June, takes a proud new step into the world of pop.
Expect her new ‘Psycho’ to be an exhilarating ride of rock and pop. It proves once again how young self-made independent talent can make a real impact.
With a modern twist on an emo/pop-punk ballad, the song was initially written in the format of a love letter to an ex, and shows a more sentimental perspective to Mokita’s music.
Nashville bootgaze/indie-rock outfit Creature Comfort share the fuzzy ‘Arcade Fire’.
Not to be confused with the track ‘Creature’ Comfort’ by the band Arcade Fire (a cheeky nod to Arcade Fire unexpectedly releasing ‘Creature Comfort on the same day Clark and his bandmates performed at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in 2017), this is a psychedelic explosion with wavy electric guitar and unrelenting percussion.
British pop singer Beth Duck shares her cyber-inspired electro-pop single, ‘Nomophobia’, inspired by a realisation of our generation’s phone obsession.
With a clear European influence – the track is produced and co-written by One by One, a songwriter and producer duo from Berlin.
“Love isn’t perfect, and neither is life, and that’s the real fairy tale” says Los Angeles-based songwriter Banah Winn, aka Opus Vitae. Ain’t that the truth.
His new single ‘Carry The Weight’ is driven by the fired up angst about the current political climate of the world.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Sufjan Stevens, Porches
Inspired by missing home, Australian-born, pizza-loving, Los Angeles-based Future Jr. shares ‘Back To You’.
Conjuring all the nu-disco, dream-pop vibes one could ever wish for, the song was written by Future Jr. and a friend after attending a cliche house party in the Hollywood Hills.
Following the extremely well-received release with Lord Silva, School of X releases ‘Bad Love’.
Inspired by Eks-skolen – an anti-establishment art collective that was based in Copenhagen in the 1960s – the emo-tinged song by School of X’s Rasmus Littauer (MØ, Liss, Clairo) is about the loss of trust or faith.
Born from a remote connection via Instagram and a mutual love of big cats, London-based Welsh/Finnish electro-pop duo Rochelle and Vee are Tigerpunsh.
Brand new onto the scene, their single ‘Shade’ holds a bursting energy throughout, with delicate Eastern synths and experimental pop elements. A great start to what could be a very exciting future for the girls!
Sounds like: Broods, EXES, MS MR, Vera Blue, RAINDEAR, Nova Club, Georgia
Alt-pop whizzkid Alex O’aiza shares the Instagram video for ‘Out Of My Mind’, produced by Austin Bello from Dallas pop-punks Forever The Sickest Kids.
Combining snappy pop melodies with gritty rock riffs and layered samples, the visuals show a fun side to O’aiza, whilst still conveying a timely message of pushing through adversity and hard times.
Having entered the music scene from the early age of 17, this rising star has already received national recognition within the UK.
In his signature soul-infused, pop sound, HUDSUN’s latest offering ‘Shutdown’ speaks of the frustration in attempting to break someone out of an emotional prison they have created for themselves wrapped up.
Matt Couchois of atmospheric indie-pop project, fakelife, releases invigorating new single, ‘Drugs All Night’.
You can almost sense the energetic tension as Matt sings about a tumultuously toxic romantic relationship – what more could you want from a nightclub pop anthem?
Sounds like: The Knocks, Great Good Fine Ok, RAC, La Poré
Born from a simple plan – make music friends in a flatshare in former East Berlin, BLOODHYPE is a Berlin-based, independent gang of four that demand to be noticed.
Masterminded by frontman Weyland and UK producer John “P Nut” Harrison (AmyWinehouse, AliceMerton), their new single ‘Violent Heart’ caught us from the get-go. It’s an addictive slice of modern indie pop full of 80’s inspired self-pity.
Churchgoer-turned-open mic singer Tina Boonstra has shared her interesting new track, ‘Out of my depth’.
With a sharp emotional intensity, you can feel the angst bubbling underneath as the track progresses into a crushingly honest rage against the universe, God and insomnia.
German-born, Los Angeles-based indie artist NoMBe shares ‘HEELS’, a catchy AF funk-laden jam.
Oozing sass upon sass, it’s taken from his upcoming concept album, ‘CHROMATOPIA’ which is built upon the spectrum of colour and the spectrum of sexuality.
Foreign Fields is US-based Eric Hillman and Brian Holl, who create a bewitching melting pot of acoustic sounds.
As with all promising folk contenders, the duo wrote and recorded their upcoming album, ‘The Beauty of Survival’ in the winter in a back-to-basics cabin with no heating built by a two-man father-and-son team in Western Wisconsin.
Bronze Whale like to walk a lot. During this time, they talk about things they want to accomplish, music stuff and dinner.
This where the lyrical inspiration came for ‘Let’s Go Walk’, a resonating and atmospheric electronic piece about love, loss and learning. It’s out now on their own label, MagicMagic.
Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-j, OTR, CLN, Golden Vessel, Autograf
Multi-instrumentalist Zoë Phillips combines country with beautiful folktronica. Think DollyParton meets BombayBicycleClub.
Set for the same level of fandom, Phillips has already seen plenty of support from the BBC, and her new single ‘Love Is Gone’ is going to propel her closer.
Looking like they are having the best time, the video footage was taken from many of their past videos plus some extra shots from 2010 to 2019.
HUMANS is a Canadian indie-electronic duo made up of musicians Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq. Focusing on performance and production styles of both the past and present, HUMANS have consistently impressed upon audiophiles with their technical and compositional skills.
Introducing Zach DeGaetano and Bridget Boltz – aka Mannequin Online.
Pushing sonic and ideational barriers with gritty, yet refreshing off-kilter pop, may their sound forever remain bright, gritty, and unapologetic. Listen to ‘I Do’ and check out the glorious Gorgeous guitar solo.
Sounds like: Goldroom, Poolside, VHS Collection, The Knocks, Miami Horror
Yorkshire isn’t particularly known for his pop heritage. That is until now. Meet singer/songwriter Franky.
Her influences range from funk, disco and R&B, and her new single ‘Follow My Lead’ will urge you to do just that, with its fizzy attitude and feisty pop sensibilities.
Estereomance is a trio from El Paso/Juarez comprised of Manu, Paulina and Adria.
The three artists may come from different experiences and backgrounds but they share one common goal – artistic fearlessness that invokes sensitivities of emotional fibres reachable through consciousness.
In a gentle nod to 70’s French dream pop, the single ‘Crimson Queen’ explores the themes of vanity, obsession, insecurity, gender and beauty through surreal and metaphoric music.
Kent-born, London-based indie-pop newcomer CHERITON (aka Nick Harrison) shares his catchy new single ‘Parallel’, out now So Good So Good.
The infectious single, full of guitar-pop and vibrant melodies, is produced by Andy Hall (Bastille, Fickle Friends, JamesGillespie) and reflects on social media and the damaging effects it can have on mental health.
Overcoats is made up of critically acclaimed Brooklyn duo, Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell.
Channeling punk emergy with vulnerable vitality, their champion new single ‘Fire & Fury’ is equal parts dark and brooding as well as hopeful and anthemic – a dichotomy which is mirrored in the its soaring chorus “there’s a fire, there’s a fury, the sky is falling, but we’ll get through it.”
Watch the her Productions-directed video below.
Sounds like: The Magnettes, HAIM, First Aid Kit, Cold War Kids, The Violent Femmes
We are super excited about Reva Devito‘s fresh hustle on soul and R&B.
The Portland native has already featured on some of the most recognizable tracks of KAYTRANADA, Young Franco, Chuck Inglish, and B.Bravo, as well and as the live vocalist for Australian indie-pop rising musicians Miami Horror.
Produced by longtime collaborator B.Bravo, ‘Bet You Stay’ is a nostalgic, slower jam. Smother this over your ears right now.
LeyeT (pronounced “light”) channels emotional vulnerability into alternative-pop songs with a solid heartbeat.
She’s teamed up her friend Labit on new single, ‘Here For You’ – a song about friendship, being there for each other through the highs and lows of life, and sticking together through it all. The song was written with the Make Sure Your Friends Are Okay initiative in mind, a community that encourages you to have meaningful discussions with people you care about – answering truthfully the question of ‘how are you?’.
The Sydney duo dekleyn shares new single ‘See Right Through Me’.
Writing infectious heartbreakers, their songs have meaningful influences throughout. Speaking about the new one – a lesson about love and forgiveness – they explain,
“The song is about giving so much to a person and becoming so close with them that they know everything about you, even more than you know about yourself. As the relationship begins to break down, it begins to become obvious that the two could never be without each other, “I don’t plan on leaving this feeling at all, this is all I have.”
Phew! This is what we’ve been waiting for. A big “Fuck You!” to anxiety anthem!
Cue Norweigan artist/producer Ruben Dawnson and his emotionally expressive tuneage, namely ‘FYALMA’. Speaking about the track some more, he explains,
“It’s a big fuck you anthem to anxiety! Like many others I’ve been struggling with it for a long time… hopefully this can lift people’s spirit and I hope people will connect with it and scream out the lyrics!! I really want it to reach as many as possible and help create a big “fuck you” wave towards anxiety!!”
Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Summer Heart
Connecting at a music school in the Netherlands, the now duo Small Talk is making music to the standard of industry veterans, as it’s clear the understand what it takes to put together a hit, and have achieved that with ‘Alarm’.
Running the length between upbeat indie-pop and melancholic EDM, the pair masterfully play with different shades and moods. Expect much more from the youthful duo in 2020.
Sounds like: The Him, Bastille, The Chainsmokers, Imagine Dragons
Welsh musician, Ani Glass (also a former member of indie-pop group The Pipettes) shares the visuals for her new single, ‘Mirores’ – the title track from her forthcoming debut album, released in March.
The quirky and illuminating visuals wouldn’t go amiss in a Petit Meller or Yelle music video, as she shares a journey from dark desperation to motivation and inspiration.
Sounds like: Petite Meller, Giorgio Moroder, Vangelis
We’re very excited to share ‘Stay Fantasties’ by wife and husband duo, Hollie and Keith Kenniff aka Mint Julep, an expertly manicured electric-pop venture that stands in stark contrast to the nebulous and experimental Helios and Goldmund outputs for which the latter member is known.
The vulnerable track shimmers underneath an amalgamation of textures and is out now on Western Vinyl.
Sounds like: Beauty Sleep, Tame Impala, Electric Youth, The Naked And Famous, Cocteau Twins, Helios
From one lonely artist to another…introducing transatlantic duo FARR (by way of Los Angeles and London) vocalist Roméo and producer Linden Jay (who has also produced for Rejjie Snow, LION SNOW, RITUAL and more).
Born from London loneliness, the soulful new track, ‘Heal Me’, was written with Carl Barat and Olly Burden and is full of heartfelt longing for missed loved ones.
Sounds like: RKCB, Jadu Heart, Dan D’Lion, James Vickery
Renowned songwriter SHY Martin (Bebe Rexha, Astrid S, Kygo, Ellie Goulding, ALMA, Jess Glynne) picks up her beloved guitar again and shares the delicate, stripped back ballad, ‘Slow’.
Rich and organic, it shows another side to the popstar-in-the-making.
Los Angeles-based pop artist Steph Sandor is quite frankly over this shit.
Her pulsing new single ‘Circles’ is a straightforward pop statement shared from a place of vulnerability and frustration. It’s out now on BonFire Records
‘I Need You Tonight’ is the latest in what’s been a prolific year of electro-pop anthems from the fast-rising European pop artist, Delena.
Lyrically suggestive, it’s an ode to the initial, exciting stages of a relationship. Set to the foundation of contemporary pop production, it’s another gem going above and beyond the high expectations set by Delena.
Sounds Like: Dua Lipa, Halsey, Call Me Loop, Charlie XCX
Trying her hand at a more pop-oriented track, ‘Don’t Wanna Go Back’ by Marie Lang is another stunner, with lyrical candour, creating a constructive narrative about Marie’s romantic life and tales of love, connection, and everything in between.
A classic friends-with-benefits situation, Marie once again takes a personal story and turns it into a vibrant piece of R&B and pop.
Melbourne-based ELME draws musical inspiration from a diverse selection of sources, musical and otherwise.
With a vocal character rooted in singer-songwriter origins, his sound has evolved to blend elements of electronica and pop with his love of acoustic guitar and piano.
Another Australian gem, this time from Abraham Tilbury, who is looking back over the last few years living in Melbourne in his latest single, ‘So Right’.
Now living in Brisbane, the solo artist is determined to focus on writing music under his own name instead of ghost-producing. The result is a fine piece of electro-pop.
Sounds Like: Jackson Dyer, JVLY, Friends in Paris, Georgia Mae
Maude Latour‘s new single is an exploration of the anguish and physical wear and tear related to heartache.
Latour’s self-assured vocals, lyricism inspired by ancient Greek poetry, and her elegant yet unconventional structure make ‘Lovesick’ her boldest effort to date.
German / British duo TONI&MASH teases us up with the first track from their debut EP ‘I Want It’. Going full on acid and synths, the track will take you through their world and warm you up for the full EP.
With a wide range of influences that includes everything from Abra to Patti Smith, and Grace Jones to The Sugababes, TONI&MASH have developed a DIY aesthetic with a riot girl attitude that borrows just as heavily from their retro inspirations, as much as more contemporary ones.
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.
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.
‘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
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.
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
