Tag Archives: Hazel English

Weekly Gems 105

cactus? – Shitdisco

Cactus? by Riccardo Michelazzo

Cactus? by Riccardo Michelazzo

Cactus? is an innovative three-piece band from the industrial plains of Northern Italy.

Combining influences from the dance-punk phenomenon of mid-00s with the current Lo-fi Bedroom movement, adding to the mix 80s synths and samples – their new single ‘Shitdisco’, out now via Costello’s Records, is full of frenetic and unpredictable energy of crazy synths and poppy vocals.

Sounds like: Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Bloc Party

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Stevie wolf – Paper maché doll

Stevie Wolf - Paper maché doll

Indie-pop savant Stevie wolf is paving the way with his refreshing approach to unconstrained honesty.

Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and major anxiety disorder, as well as meeting a lot of set backs when it comes to making music, hasn’t stopped him exploring the constaints of both personal and societal expectations.

Sounds like: Myylo, Phil Good

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On’yu – Done Without

On'yu - Done Without

On’Yu is the creation of Australian multi-instrumentalist and producer, Rob Eggleston.

His new single ‘Done Without’ is a sweet slowburner with crisp 80’s influenced electric piano mixed with a soulful-synth bass and blushes of neo-emo in there.

Sounds like: Patternist, LOYALS, 90’s Kids, La Bouquet, MILKK

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Alexander 23 – Loving You Gets Hard

Alexander 23

Alexander 23 is calling it as it is, in the new song, ‘Loving You Gets Hard’.

Further showcasing his lyrical genius, the multi-million streaming Chicago-born singer/songwriter wishes to maintain normalcy as possible, and share his views on a compassionate relationship.

Sounds like: Lauv, Chelsea Cutler, Shoffy, Nolie

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Linney – Cool

Linney

Pop sensation Linney returns in 2020 with ‘Cool’.

The single is full of breezy vocals with a full-fledged pop essence, written about navigating the complications of losing someone, something close to Linney’s heart.

Sounds like: CAPPA, Paperwhite, Poema, Scavenger Hunt

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Mazoulew – Circles Feat. Bonnie Wylde

Mazoulew

London-born, Italian-residing Mazoulew has been making music for 15 years.

Inspired by varying genres of Motown, acid jazz and drum&bass, the UK producer fuses these sounds with minimal and melodic electronic beats.

His new single features the ethereal vocals of Bonnie Wylde.

Sounds like: Kidnap, Model Man, Jessie Ware, Lane 8

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NZCA LINES – Pure Luxury

NZCA LINES

NZCA LINES (aka Michael Lovett) shares his kooky and cosmic track, ‘Pure Luxury’.

It’s a rehashed response to the notions of luxury, status, and the insanity of pursuing material wealth in the face of environmental catastrophe.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Gold Panda, Ronika, Hot Chip, Ben Khan

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East Harbor – Miss the Old You

East Harbor

It’s always a good sign when you turn the volume right up when initially listening to a track.

Florida-based quartet, East Harbor does just that in their infectious new single, ‘Miss the Old You’. Turn up and listen below.

Sounds like: La Bouquet, The Band CAMINO, The 1975, Manchester Orchestra

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Surf Rock Is Dead – Immaculate

Surf Rock Is Dead

The Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD) boys are back with the sweeping ‘Immaculate’, lifted off their debut LP ‘Existential Playboy’ out on 1 May.

Whilst appearing genteel, this is anything but. A juxtaposition that addresses the bleakness of societal affairs and corrosion of daily life amidst the capricious decisions made by those in power.

Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Swimming Tapes, The Cure, Beauty Sleep

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Weekly Gems 98

Franky – Follow My Lead

Franky - Follow My Lead

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.

Sounds like: Icona Pop, Harlee, Charli XCX

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Estereomance – Crimson Queen

Estereomance

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.

Sounds like: Men I Trust

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CHERITON – Parallel

CHERITON

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, James Gillespie) and reflects on social media and the damaging effects it can have on mental health.

Sounds like: Vampire Weekend, HAIM, Blossoms

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Overcoats – Fire & Fury

Overcoats

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

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Jesse Merineau – Honey

Jesse Merineau

Jesse Merineau shares his energetic new single ‘Honey’.

A sweet rendition of a simple track that hits you in all the right places. New, but not unfamiliar. Like a warm hug on a cold evening.

Sounds like: Viola Beach, King No-One, High Tyde

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Marina Kaye – The Whole 9

Marina Kaye

21 year old multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Marina Kaye continues to heal wounds with her music.

Her twisted piece of alt-pop single ‘The Whole 9’ is a sultry rebirth with a superb vocal range and lush key changes throughout.

Sounds like: Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga

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Reva Devito – Bet You Stay

Reva Devito - Bet You Stay

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.

Sounds like: Janet Jackson, Aaliyah

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LeyeT – Here For You (Labit + LeyeT)

LeyeT

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?’.

Sounds like: Halsey, Imogen Heap

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dekleyn – See Right Through Me

dekleyn

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.”

Sounds like: LANY, joan, LAUV

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Ruben Dawnson – FYALMA

Ruben Dawnson

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

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Small Talk – Alarm

Small Talk

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

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Surf Rock Is Dead – Diabolik

Surf Rock Is Dead

Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD) is comprised of Chicago native Kevin Pariso and Melbourne native Joel Witenberg.

The new single ‘Diabolik’ is a vent about the crazy and hindsight-amusing roommate situations that you find yourself in. It’s a fusion of jangly surf-pop and lo-fi post-punk.

Their debut LP ‘Existential Playboy’ is out on 1 May.

Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Swimming Tapes, The Cure

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Weekly Gems 50

EMM – 11

Emm

Exciting newcomer EMM creates music from a unique perspective, yet her music is undeniably “EMM” when you listen to it – classically produced, authentic pop.

Landing a hand in every instrument in the track, as well as every word and melody you hear, ’11’ is another powerful ballad that comes from her past struggles of eating disorders, mental health issues, many industry evils.

Sounds like: CHLØË BLACK

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Delena – Animal

Delena

Delena (fka Boba K) shares her new single ‘Animal’. She creates honest pop music with a gritty edge.

‘Animal’ is a powerful anthem of self-confidence, strength and belief, elevated by her flawless vocal delivery. Speaking of the track, Delena explains,

“I wanted to write a song which could mean something more. The moment I walked into the studio I knew exactly what the song would be about.I didn’t want a love song. I wanted a song with strength, power and authenticity! I wanted anybody who heard it, to find themselves in it!”

Sounds like: Dagny, Halsey, HAIM

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Summer Heart – Touch

Summer Heart

We’ve been fans of Summer Heart (aka frontman and producer David Alexander) for a while now.

The fourth release in his #12SongsOfSummer project, in which he would release a brand new track each and every month is called ‘Touch’, a woozy psych-pop number about playing the game of life.

It’s out now via Perfect Texture Records.

Sounds like: Swimm, Hazel English, Washed Out, Day Wave, Teen Daze, Toro y Moi, Animal Collective

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Aaron Taos – Loneliness

Aaron Taos by Dave Krugman

Aaron Taos by Dave Krugman

Aaron Taos discusses the topic of depression and constant battle between dark and light in his new single ‘Loneliness’.

The video portrays the feeling of isolation Taos felt during a rough patch he found himself in, where he wasn’t able to leave the house. He managed to get through it by appreciating the relationships around him, specifically that of his girlfriend at the time – “She was a shining light through my dark time, reminding me that as important as your goals are, connection and love is the foundation of feeling good and whole.”

Sounds like: Yoke Lore, MP The Kid

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Nightseason – Wear the Treads Off

Nightseason

Meet the electrifying duo, Nightseason.

Nightseason got its start when drummer-turned-producer Patrick Zeinali scoured through Spotify for a voice to accompany his new project and located Jordan Caiola. Following this digital trend, their new EP ‘Coasts’ was later written exclusively via email and touches on themes of love.

You can listen to their new single, ‘Wear The Treads Off’ which is stripped-back and a beauty of a slow-burner.

Their ‘Coasts’ EP is out now.

Sounds like: Talos, Honne, Yoke Lore, Sir Sly, Alt-J

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Weekly Gems 41

Sugarcane – Bethnal Green Blues

Sugarcane

Comprised of Robin French (Cuckoo) and Antonia Thomas (Misfits, Lovesick), these two creatives write seductive bossa nova music paired with calypso pop sensibilities that would fit well on the soundtrack of ‘The End of the F***ing World’.

On the motivation behind Bethnal Green Blues, Robin states,

“Sometimes you write a sad song from a happy moment. This came to me while I was flying to South America to see a girl I’d fallen for. It’s about the emotional ice age after a romance fails, but it was written as that ice melted under the Argentine sun..”

Sounds like: Nouvelle Vague, Men I Trust

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Dancing On Tables – Colour Me Good

Dancing On Tables by Lucy Foster-0009

We love an indie anthem, so thank you to five-piece pop-rock, Dancing On Tables.

The band, school friends from school in Dunfermline, a small town just outside Edinburgh, have released ‘Colour Me Good’ – a groove-laced, vintage indie-pop track that encapsulates sun-drenched, dance-able songwriting with a distinct Scottish charm.

Sounds like: Sea Girls, Biffy Clyro, Circa Waves, The 1975

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Slenderbodies – The One

Slenderbodies

Slenderbodies is a California-bred duo who write forward-thinking, dreamy synth-pop.

Their new single ‘The One’ is intricately subtle musical medication, shared in preparation of their upcoming EP, ‘SORAYA’, to be released through Los Angeles indie label Avant Garden, which is also home to Emotional Oranges.

Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-J, Milky Chance, Mura Masa, Passion Pit, PVRIS

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Dirty Nice – Always Summer

Dirty Nice

Forget those summer blues.

Mysterious UK-based duo, Dirty Nice, make a positive point in new single – it’s always summer, somewhere.

Released on Kitsuné, the single is an antidote to holiday blues, and the “optimistic twin” to their track ‘Zero Summer’.

Sounds like: Shy Luv, Phoenix, Daft Punk, Jai Paul, Sylvan Esso

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Gavin Haley – Sad Season

Gavin Haley

From summer season to ‘Sad Season’ with former professional cyclist Gavin Haley‘s latest single.

While competing with the national cycling team, Haley suffered an injury that resulted in a collapsed lung, setting back his travel by several months. During his recovery, he explored and found inspiration in Europe’s underground music scene, becoming enamored with energetic live performances filled with a grit and energy.

Starting with a simple West Coast-inspired guitar riff, ‘Sad Season’ soon picks up and exposes determined pop and R&B.

Sounds like: Zayn Malik, Frank Ocean, Ed Sheeran

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ROYAL – Vessel

ROYAL

Canadian songstress ROYAL debuts with ‘Vessel’, the first of six new tracks that appear on her upcoming album, ‘Heart of Shadows’.

Covering the topic of heartbreak, loss of identity and raw self-reflection, this is electro-pop at its finest in 2018.

Speaking about ‘Vessel,’ ROYAL says,

“This song is about heartbreak – having to let go of someone you love, and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote this song it while trying to find myself after getting lost within a relationship for many years and then feeling shattered by the loss of a love I thought would last a lifetime.”

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Lana Del Rey, Evvy, Noosa, Dominique, The xx

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Von Sell – Scene Of A Crime

Von Sell

Last but not least, our favourite breakthrough act – self-taught producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Von Sell.

After a bout of vocal pain and subsequent treatment, we are pleased to say that Von Sell is on the mend and returning to our stereos with ‘Scene OF A Crime’.

Taken from his forthcoming sophomore EP, ‘Digital Sleep’, the song reflects on unrequited love, but, due to its uptempo nature, it will ultimately leave a taste of confusion in your mouth because you can’t help but dance despite the disconcerting subject matter.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze, Peter Gabriel, Alt-J, Thomas Azier

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Weekly Gems 22

Georgi Kay – Guilty Pleasures

Georgi Kay

Singer Georgi Kay is warning us about guilty pleasures in her new single.

Quintessentially indietronica-based, ‘Guilty Pleasures’ is a song about falling in love with someone who, despite the deep emotional connection being mutual, is romantically tied down by another.

Sounds like: Fjer, Alpines

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Satin Jackets – Mirage

Satin Jackets - Mirage

The story goes something like “when we’re good, we’re good. And when we’re low, we’re low”. Sound familiar?

Satin Jackets is tapping into our relationship insecurities with a strangely upbeat melody in ‘Mirage’. I guess that’s kind of the definition of a mirage!

It’s out now via Eskimo Recordings.

Sounds like: Goldroom, RAC, Le Youth, Pink Feathers

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Slenderbodies – Amnesia

Slenderbodies

Exciting new Californian-based duo Slenderbodies share their new single, ‘Amnesia’.

Their music shares intricate guitar melodies and breathy vocal work that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking at the same time.

This is definitely one act you won’t forget in a long time.

Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-J

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LANNDS – Words

LANNDS by Jesse Brantman

LANNDS is Memphis-born artist Rania Woodard and she shares her exciting slow-burner called ‘Words’.

There is nothing brash about this type of music, it’s soothing in its intent as well as thought-provoking.

‘Words’ is the second song off her forthcoming EP, ‘LEGENDS’ (expected March 2018), released on Kobalt/Kitsuné.

Sounds like: Björk, Vök, Låpsley, The Japanese House, Daughter, TENDER

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Von Sell – Hell No

Von Sell

We have been huge fans of Brooklyn-based artist Von Sell for a long time, and we are extremely happy he is back well and singing again after a six month break due to vocal chord issues.

Von Sell takes more of a funky attitude in the production techniques of ‘Hell No’ but we dig it – we’re gonna call it his come-back track!

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze

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Jayce Cantor – Done For Now

Jayce Cantor

Singer/songwriter/producer Jayce Cantor shares his radio-ready single ‘Done For Now’.

The song has elements of catchy R&B blended with modern indietronica-influenced production that works brilliantly with Jayce’s soulful vocals as he sings about love and heartbreak.

Sounds like: Craig David, Le Youth

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Bliss Nova – Now

Bliss Nova

…And finally, it’s time for some blissed-out music from Toledo-based duo, Bliss Nova.

Their second single called ‘Now’ hits you instantly with its chilled pop sensibilites and dreamy vocal harmonies.

Some exciting times ahead for these guys.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Porches, Cut Copy, Toro y Moi, Caribou, Wild Nothing, Phoenix, Tame Impala, Tuska

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The Drums – Blood Under My Belt

The Drums

It’s been quite a hiatus for The Drums, but it shouldn’t all be doom and gloom as they’ve just dropped new single, ‘Blood Under My Belt’.

Lo-fi sounds and jiggly guitars lead the track that frontman Jonny Piece has been written to an ex-lover, confessing his wrongs but also his love.

‘Blood Under My Belt’ is taken from the ‘”Abysmal Thoughts”‘ album, out on 16 June via ANTI-. Pre-order here.

Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English

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Geowulf – Don’t Talk About You

Geowulf

Geowulf

Geowulf are an Australian born dream pop duo comprised of Star Kendrick (vocals) and Toma Banjanin (guitar/production), who now reside in London/Berlin.

Following on from their summer hit, the amorous ‘Saltwater’, is the video for ‘Don’t Talk About You’. It was shot in Berlin and watches as the couple explore the city through a hazy filtered lens.

About the track, the duo explain,

“This song went through a geographical & creative metamorphosis over almost two years… We originally wrote it in Copenhagen, demo’ed it in Stockholm and then revisited it recently when Toma & I were both in London. I guess the song speaks for itself but ultimately it falls in the good ol’ “wanting-something-that-ain’t-good-for-you” vein …”

It’s out now on 37 Adventures.

Sounds like: Hazel English, Summer Heart, Rilo Kiley, Daywave, Kurt Vile, Warpaint

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Von Sell – Ivan (Revisited)

Von Sell

Von Sell

A self-confessed terrorist of love, and now tunes. Von Sell releases the final version of his track, ‘Ivan’, following the “quasi demo version” doing the rounds on blogs in early 2015.

Von Sell has quite an eclectic background, having been born to an Israeli mother (who also sings) and German filmmaker. He lived in New York during his early years before moving to Germany at two, where he was raised. He later returned to the US to study at Berklee College of Music.

Listen to ‘Ivan (Revisited)’ below.

Von Sell is lined up to be one of 2017’s breakthrough acts.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze, Peter Gabriel, alt-J

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Von Sell – Stay

Von Sell

Von Sell

Von Sell is a Brooklyn-based electronic artist.

He’s been working hard with Nick Stumpf (Caveman, NVDES, The French Kicks) to tailor his shrewd, lo-fi, pop sound.

His new single, ‘Stay’, gently meanders upstream towards an emotional climax about gender roles in society.

Of the track, Von Sell says, “I remember thinking about these archaic roles men and women assign each other in relationships, emotionally, sexually, temperamentally, intellectually. We’ve evolved in every way until it comes to how our relationships actually materialize. It’s like we’re still wearing our kids clothes and they hardly fit but we refuse to buy something new in our size ‘cause of our programming.”

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze

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