Tag Archives: Hot Chip

Glassio – One Of These Days

Glassio by Rachel Cabitt

Glassio by Rachel Cabitt

Continuing to provide a constant stream of excellent releases this year, Glassio returns once again with new, upbeat track ‘One of These Days’.

The new single, lifted off his forthcoming debut LP ‘For The Very Last Time’, is a chilled-out, summertime tune, tinged with electro-pop nuances. Synth arpeggios carry you from verse to verse gracefully, keeping the song upbeat despite its more dark subject matter. In his own words, Glassio says this of his new single;

“I wanted to write a song that could help people who have felt bullied or silenced. Something that could serve as a hopeful, dance-y and optimistic song about feeling accepted whilst getting their message across. Like most of us, I’ve had the misfortune of knowing some pretty awful people in my life. This song is about all of them and me wanting to break away and fully accept myself for who I am.”

Keeping true to his modern style – whilst channelling 70’s soft rock influences – Glassio creates a new space for his sound, taking forward strides by looking back on his love of Paul McCartney is a testament to his musical intelligence, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Sounds like: Hot Chip, Metronomy, Foals, Jagwar Ma, Rüfüs, Flume, Odesza, Bob Moses, Glass Animals, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

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Jude the Obscure – Strong Enough

Jude The Obscure

Manchester-based musician Jude The Obscure shows resilience in the face of adversity in jazz, hip-hop and soul-inspired track, ‘Strong Enough’.

Sounds like: Loyle Carner

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James Blake – Are You Even Real?

James Blake

James Blake releases the atmospheric ‘Are You Even Real?’, in partnership with Apple’s Behind The Mac campaign. Another contender to the evergrowing back catalogue of comforting masterpieces from the British producer and multi-instrumentalist.

Sounds like: Jamie Woon, Jamie XX, The Weeknd, SOHN

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Declan McKenna – Daniel, You’re Still A Child

Declan McKenna

We all know a Daniel, or perhaps we even are one – the one that gets “lost in the sauce, stoned, lost in some existential fear or lost his way in some VR game”, yet has so much to prove. Declan McKenna gives us a delicious taste of his forthcoming album, ‘Zeros’.

Sounds like: HUNNY, Sea Girls, Peach Pit, The Night Café, Chaz Cardigan, The Beatles, Circa Waves, The Magic Gang, Vistas, Love Fame Tragedy

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Connie Constance – James

Connie Constance

Refreshing alt-pop artist Connie Constance bares all and dives into “an ocean of narcotics” in new single ‘James’, summing up how we all want to feel and act right now – to get a bit squiffy and then crawl back to bed.

Sounds like: Kate Nash, Laura Misch, Joy Crookes, Rosie Lowe, Poppy Adjudha, Arlo Parks, Cleo Sol, Moses Sumney

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NZCA Lines – Prisoner Of Love

NZCA Lines by Aleksandra Kingo

NZCA Lines by Aleksandra Kingo

Time to get sweet and funky with NZCA Line‘s ‘Prisoner of Love’. We surrender to its smooth and delectable slice of opulent disco.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Gold Panda, New Order, Ronika, Thor Rixon, Hot Chip, Prince, Roosevelt

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Aquilo – Moving On

Aquilo by Morgan Hill-Murphy

Aquilo by Morgan Hill-Murphy

Sounding particularly Glass Animals, and more instrumentally upbeat than previous releases, duo Tom Higham and Ben Fletcher – aka Aquilo – return after a two-year hiatus with the ‘Sober’ EP, featuring ‘Moving On’.

Sounds like: SOHN, Great Good Fine Ok, Hurts, X&Y, Young Empires, Fenech Soler, Glass Animals

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MAX RAD – It’ll All Be Fine

MAX RAD

Singer and producer MAX RAD takes a positive stance with new single ‘It’ll All Be Fine’. Comparing the track to an out-of-body experience, he advises to look at the bigger picture, and stop internalising. Wise words.

Sounds like: Tash Sultana, Foals, Chet Faker, Honne, Ben Khan

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Mel Blue – Yesterday

Mel Blue

Anyone who reads Indietronica on the regular knows we are suckers for French disco. That’s why we couldn’t refuse to support Mel Blue‘s ‘Yesterday’.

Whilst the six-piece might be based across the other side of the world, in Sydney, the track is a sweet and summery breath of electronica that pays homage to Daft Punk, Zimmer, and Phoenix.

Sounds like: Daft Punk, Zimmer, Phoenix, L’lmpératrice, Stardust, Hot Chip, CAPYAC

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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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Glassio – Nobody Stayed for the DJ.

Glassio - Nobody Stayed For The DJ

We covered Glassio a while back, and his melancholic and bittersweet take on electronica, disco and pop, what he describes as “melancholy-disco.”

The new single by the NY-based Irish-Iranian songwriter-producer is called ‘Nobody Stayed For The DJ.’ Inspired by early-80s UK-electro, the track is buoyed by trembling rhythms and emotional rumbles through its burbling synths. The expansive track still finds its place in a peaceful echo chamber as Glassio’s crooning guides us through a journey where tragedy and self-depreciation meet unexpectedly.

In his own words, Glassio says,

“I wanted to write a song about a DJ that has a micro-existential crisis during a set where they’re performing to absolutely nobody. I’ve definitely been there many times where I’ve DJ’ed or played live to an empty room and thought ‘what am I doing with my life?’ and know a lot of friends that can relate to that thought.”

Sounds like: Hot Chip, Metronomy, Foals, Jagwar Ma, Rüfüs, Flume, Odesza, Bob Moses, Glass Animals, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

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KYOTI – Citadel

KYOTI

British art-pop trio KYOTI, share ‘Citadel’, the sixth single from their expansive ‘Project Twelve’, which sees the band release one track every month for a year.

Their disparate and captivating storytelling collides into rich soundscapes of jazz, folk, and pop-inspired synths and beats, interlaced with thoughtful lyricism.

Lyrically ‘Citadel’ considers personal issues and broader political ideas, both continuing themes throughout KYOTI’S work to date.

Lead singer, Ed says of the track, “In the turbulent times we are currently living through it can be so easy to shut ourselves off. Rather than engage with what is going on across the planet and in society, whether that’s climate change, homelessness, or mental health issues – instead people tend to seek comfort and shelter from those closest to us.

“The phrase “I need a citadel” sits at the heart of this song. I was thinking about how bombarded we all are in the modern world – by the news, social media, and constant expectations of success and progress – but that sometimes you just want to hang out with mates and loved ones, safe in the knowledge that there’s no judgement. For me that feels like a citadel and I think a lot of people are probably in need of that too.”

‘Project Twelve’ will be showcased in its entirety via a string of London shows early 2020 ahead of the final release completing the series in September.

Sounds like: Hot Chip, SOHN, James Blake, Two Door Cinema Club, Death Cab For Cutie, Honne, Dead Ceremony

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The Feather – Sister

The Feather by Gilles Dewalque

The Feather by Gilles Dewalque

Belgium folktronica artist The Feather shares his bass-licking new single, ‘Sister’.

Swerving synths, it’s a hypnotic indie-pop gem that depicts how social media affects us all, out now via [PIAS].

Sounds like: Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Hot Chip, Joe Goddard

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STRØM – Last Try

STRØM

STRØM

We stumbled upon the beautiful ‘Last Try’ by Swedish artist STRØM just a few minutes ago and had to share it.

Having recently moved to Berlin, STRØM continues to release music that combines elegant vocal melodies with euphoric percussion. Beautiful.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, TENDER, Solomon Grey, James Blake

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Yazmyn Hendrix – Be Me

Yazmyn Hendrix

With a cool name, Yazmyn Hendrix takes Ed Sheeran’s lead and uses her voice with a loop pedal to create magical music.

Her new single ‘Be Me’ is taken off her upcoming EP named ‘Saturn Returns’ and is her first break-up song, and subsequent coming out song.

Sounds like: Alicia Keys, Aurora

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Ani Glass – Mirores

Ani Glass

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

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REYKO – Surrender

REYKO

London-based pop outfit REYKO shares the visuals for ‘Surrender’.

Filmed on the English South East coast, it’s a slow and steady track that expresses their elusiveness in a peaceful and dreamy manner.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Saint Etienne, CAPPA

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Mint Julep – Fantasies

Mint Julep

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

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Nathaniel Stewart – Lone Wolf

Nathaniel Stewart - Lone Wolf

Portland-based Nathaniel Stewart shares ‘Lone Wolf’, a track about dealing with loneliness and finding out who you are.

With skyscraping melodies and enduring drums, prepare to drift away.

Sounds like: M83, Nick Murphy

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FARR – Heal Me

FARR

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

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SHY Martin – Slow

SHY Martin by Hampus Hjellström

SHY Martin by Hampus Hjellström

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.

Sounds like: Halsey, Emily Burns

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Steph Sandor – Circles

Steph Sandor - Circles

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

Sounds like: Chelsea Cutter, CAPPA

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Blanks – Sweaters

Blanks - Sweaters

Dutch YouTuber, Blanks shares his falsetto-led single ‘Sweaters’.

With a unique way of interacting with fans – Blanks actually writes music with his fans, not just for his fans – his pop music captures and engages.

Sounds like: COIN, Two Door Cinema Club, Joan, Great Good Fine Ok

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Rosa Ama – Oku

Rosa Ama

Rosa Ama is a collaboration between Berlin-based, British songwriter David Harks and Belgian composer Vicente Milioto da Palma aka Vhyce.

The new release ‘Oku’ offers waves of soft disco-pop with a generous nudge towards those beautiful, euphoric dance floor moments.

It’s out now via Kitsuné.

Sounds like: Joe Goddard, Hot Chip, Du Tonc, Maribou State, Bonobo, Jamie xx

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REYNA – The Way I Loved You

REYNA

Starting off this week’s gems is yet another banger of a song from REYNA, called ‘The Way I Loved You’.

With echoes of Tegan & Sara, the Milwaukee siblings keep making delectable tunes that edge on the cooler side of pop. Click play below.

Sounds like: Haim, Tegan & Sara, Lorde, MUNA, Powers, The Aces

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Lyves – Faded

Lyves

British R&B singer Lyves (aka Francesca Bergami) shares her beautifully crafted new single, ‘Faded’.

In the track, Lyves invites us to join her on a bittersweet journey of faded love, complete with a disco-soul fusion and sweet bass lines.

Sounds like: Jesse Ware, Rhye, London Grammar, James Blake, SOHN, The Weeknd, Banks, Jamie XX, Shura, Seal

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The Bliss – Shiny Days

The Bliss by Zach Gray

The Bliss by Zach Gray

Elecro-pop duo The Bliss (aka pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer/guitarist Felix Snow) shares new track, ‘Shiny Days’.

Described by Felix as the “dining room table anthem,” ‘Shiny Days’ is a true charmer that encapsulates a summertime love.

Their EP, ‘Heaven If You Want It,’ is out now.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Joe Goddard, Le Youth, ADAL

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Máni Orrason – Numb

Máni Orrason

Máni Orrason by Yannic Pöpperling

We are huge fans of quirky Icelandic electro-pop provacateur Máni Orrason‘s new single ‘Numb’. In fact, we are slightly obsessed with all of the visuals for his last few releases, portraying a broken yet endearing persona of desperation and a need for love.

The visuals for ‘Numb’ flashback to straying and emotional neglect, “I had this desperate need to be seen and to be comforted. I guess i was really lonely at the time”, Máni recalls.

The EP ‘BABY ANGEL’ is out now via Humming Records.

Sounds like: The 1975, Shy Luv

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TriOrca – Ghost

TriOrca

TriOrca by Preston King

It’s time to end this week’s gems on a funky number from cross Atlantic trio, TriOrca.

Comprised of multi-instrumentalists and writers, who between them have an ecclectic array of work connections – including Jessie J, Sam Henshaw, Empire of the Sun – their modern, yet nostalgic music fuses neo-soul, hip hop and 70’s psychedelica.

Sounds like: Lauryn Hill, Myo, Kudu Blue, Yakul

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Beacon – On Ice

Beacon - On Ice

Beacon is NYC-based duo Thomas Mullarney III and Jacob Gossett.

The new single, ‘On Ice’ showcases Beacon’s signature sound of melodic yet mysterious pop music with a cathartic edge.

Like a beacon of light, the duo use multiple instruments to portray a journey from darker places to those of colour and spirituality.

‘On Ice’ is out now on Ghostly International.

Sounds like: Matthew Dear, Nimmo, Solomon Grey, Junior Boys, Kyson, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Aquilo

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The Rungs – King of Books

The Rungs - King of Books

The Rungs is a female-fronted, alt-pop, bedroom-based project from Brooklyn NY.

Their new single, ‘King of Books’, is a dreamy, melancholic indie synth song that explores a toxic relationship, capturing that moment when the rose tinted glasses are lifted.

Sounds like: Men I Trust

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ORKID – NoNoh

ORKID

ORKID shares ‘NoNoh’ and it’s every bit of tuned electro-pop you’d expect from a young Swedish act.

Offering sweet fragiity with commanding vocals, it’s beauty will instantly captivate you.

Speaking about the track, ORKID says,

“”NoNoh” is about that moment when you feel you’ve had enough of someone’s bullshit. Singing this song is literally a release for me. It’s an aggressive yet awesome feeling of strength. The song kind of speaks for itself; with the melodies and track combined, “NoNoh” gives you exactly that sense of self-empowerment”

Sounds like: Rihanna, Rita Ora, Harlee

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Tanjier – Lights

Tanjier

Irish trio, Tanjier create perfectly crafted indie pop with a sophisticated attitude about modern day pressures on Generation Y.

Their new single, ‘Lights’ explores the challenges of breaking the typical parental expectations of going to college, getting a 9-5 job, and making enough money to buy a house. It tells the story of someone who has gone through all of these so-called life goals successfully but, ultimately, isn’t happy.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle, Foals, George Michael

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ANNALIA – Cycles

ANNALIA - Cycles

Los Angeles-born singer/songwriter ANNALIA has some serious talent.

Described as “organic pop”, she distinguishes herself from the crowd by discussing important topics and using real instrumentation over catchy beats. In her new single, ANNALIA considers the cycles of emotional abuse in a relationship.

If anyone can help you through this, it’s ANNALIA, her killer pipes and “You’ve Got This!” attitude.

Sounds like: Linney, VÉRITÉ, Carly Rae Jepsen

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Twin XL – Good

Twin XL

Meet five kids who go by the name of Twin XL.

Their glistening and gorgeously retro single ‘Good’ maybe a debut, but between the lads, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and ABC’s Lucifer

Sounds like: Portugal, The Man, Titanics

SoundCloud

Hydromag – P.J.R

Hydromag

Hydromag is the dream-pop project of Falmouth-based producer and multi instrumentalist Josh Best-Shaw.

He has just released an uplifting and almost freeing track called ‘P.J.R’, which unfortunately covers the sad topic of suicide.

Speaking on the release, Hydromag says “It was not easy task to write this song, it took a lot out of me and I spent far longer on it than any other song I’ve written. I’m still not sure that I’m fully happy with it, but it was a good way to address the issues I had locked away.”

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out

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Gregory Dillon – Painted Blue

Gregory Dillon - Painted Blue

We’ve had a lot of NYC-based artists on this week’s gems, however each of them have something unique to offer us.

Last but not least is Gregory Dillon and his new single, ‘Painted Blue’.

With a driving 80’s backbeat, considering a backdrop of the New York skyline, Gregory explores the city and all its musings.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Captain Kidd

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