Tag Archives: How to Dress Well

Weekly Gems 107

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Indietronica Staff

Alara – Demons

Alara

Accomplished singer Alara shares the beautiful, ‘Demons’, a perfect antidote to current times.

Despite being heavily influenced by the power of Grimes, Alara’s music is also soft and hazy, with a soul-healing quality. Her new single is about finding solace in the idea that everyone is going through something, and we’re not so different after all.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Skott, Ryn Weaver

Chris Wills – Pyro

Chris Wills - Pyro

Los Angeles-based artist Chris Wills shares the addictive ‘Pyro’.

Finally in a place to accept himself, Wills decided to write music and just give it a go. The result is a quirky inner reflective track, which he uses to find the answers he’s been craving.

Sounds like: Myylo, Michael Medrano

GRAE – Slow Down

GRAE - Slow Down

Introducing Toronto artist GRAE.

Delivering powerful and mystical R&B leaning pop, her new single ‘Slow Down’ touches on the topic of feminism and empowerment, and considers the topic of women finding difficulty in expressing their wants and desires.

Sounds like: RALPH, Willa, ASHS, Louise Burns

Mt. Wolf – Tayrona

Mt. Wolf

After a long hiatus, dream pop band Mt. Wolf returns with their misty new single ‘Tayrona’ featuring Tamsin Wilson from Wilsen.

This is the first single from a forthcoming collaborative project, to be released via Akira Records, and is complete with hazy, layered soundscapes that ebb and flow into a folktronica masterpiece.

Sounds like: Daughter, Phoria, Still Parade, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Active Child, Bon Iver

Ernest – Never Leaving

Ernest - Never Leaving

Despite the inflicted isolation, Copenhagen-based Ernest keeps us moving with their smooth and funk-tinged single, ‘Never Leaving’.

A story conjured up following the band’s encounter with a beautiful cashier during a recent visit to the supermarket, the guys manage to dig up and present big emotions from everyday situations.

Sounds like: Liss, School of X, Frank Ocean, SILQUE

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Aaron Smith – Brother

Aaron Smith

Scottish singer/songwriter Aaron Smith shares his new single ‘Brother’, which touches on the topic of addiction.

A subject close to his heart, this release once again penetrates to the core of your emotions, fuled by experiences of both love and trauma.

Sounds like: Frightened Rabbit, Ed Prosek, Amber Run, Novo Amor, Talos

Love You Later – Blindfolded

Love You Later

Love You Later is the brainchild of US-based 21-year-old singer/songwriter Lexi Aviles.

‘Blindfolded’, the final song on her latest EP, ‘Heaven Is Without You’, is the perfect crescendo to the lush and dreamy collection of songs, and pushes for self-realisation and liberation after shedding old skin from a recent breakup.

Sounds like: Imogen Heap, Broods, The Japanese House

Syd Silvair – The Moth

Syd Silvair - The Moth

Syd Silvair is endlessly inspired by the rich visual narratives of the deck, and the ways in which their divine messages manifest in our physical realm.

Using The Magician tarot card as her guide, her single ‘Moth’ encourages to reclaim the power on your own terms, and is equally as fierce in its presentation.

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Harry, Stevie Nicks

Raven Artson – Notice Me

Raven Artson

Ever-evolving LA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Raven Artson releases his single, ‘Notice Me’.

It’s a lofty not-so-classic love song that takes an otherworldly opinion with eerily sweet vocals and piano-led composition.

Sounds like: How To Dress Well, ANOHNI

OCTAVIO – Nineteen (Sad For No Reason)

OCTAVIO

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Octavio Herrera aka OCTAVIO is a 19-year-old artist making a unique concoction of hip-hop and indie music.

Whilst in his new song ‘Nineteen (Sad For No Reason)’, there are plenty of reasons to be feeling glum at this moment in time (and he’s by no means alone), we should join Octavio in celebrating his past year.

Sounds like: Rex Orange County, Mac Demarco

Jillian Steele – New Orleans

Jillian Steele - New Orleans

Nashville-based pop artist Jillian Steele‘s new single is written about unexpectedly falling in love in New Orleans.

But this isn’t her first crush, Steele has been performing from a young age, having formed an early love for performing, including singing and acting in commercials. Listen below.

Sounds like: Savannah Sgro, Violet Skies, Charlotte Sands

Years & Years – Shine

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

Years & Years

The Years & Years boys are back with ‘Shine’.

Twinkling with synths and soulful vocals, this is another endearing track from ‘Communion’.

Watch the supernatural video below:

Pre-order ‘Communion’ on iTunes here. It is out via Polydor Records.

Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Blonde, Cloud Boat, Yes Cadets, Citizens!, How to Dress Well, Lxury, Bondax, SOHN, Flume, Phoenix, All We Are, Ellie Goulding, Jungle, Sam Smith

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Years & Years – Worship

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

Years & Years

Still with recognisable vocals from Olly, but taking a more tropical approach courtesy of Mikey and Emre, is latest track ‘Worship’ by Years & Years.

It’s a little teaser from their new album ‘Communion’, which we cannot wait for.

Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Blonde, Cloud Boat, Yes Cadets, Citizens!, How to Dress Well, Lxury, Bondax, SOHN, Flume, Phoenix, All We Are, Ellie Goulding, Jungle, Sam Smith

Years & Years – King

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

Years & Years

We have a huge music crush on these three kings.

Years & Years is back with the video for ‘King’. It’s another song from the trio about the pain of love, but their first video with impressive dance moves (it was choreographed by Ryan Heffington, who also choreographed SIA‘s ‘Chandelier’)

It’s hard to work out how they do it, but with just one listen of ‘King’, we are already belting it out of the car window, the office, the gym, anywhere really…

Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Cloud Boat, Yes Cadets, Citizens!, How to Dress Well, Lxury, Bondax, SOHN, Flume, Phoenix, All We Are, Ellie Goulding, Jungle, Sam Smith

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1987 – Bomb

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Indietronica Staff

1987 – Bomb

Following on from the beautiful ‘Michelle’, 1987 (aka Stockholm born, London based songwriter and producer Victor Holmberg) shares the official video for his latest single ‘Bomb’. ‘Bomb’ is sung entirely in Swedish, but language is not a barrier due to the emotion and melody of the track. Directed by Ty Olsen, the video features an appearance from famed 1960s Swedish super model Ingmari Lamy. Watch below:

‘Bomb’ can be purchased on iTunes and has been released via Parlophone Music Sweden AB and Warner Music Group. Sounds like: Ásgeir, Until The Ribbon Breaks, How to Dress Well, Pistol Shrimp

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An Indietronica Preview of Iceland Airwaves 2014

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Indietronica Staff

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 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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Tumblr

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

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

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

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 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

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

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

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

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

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

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

EAST INDIA YOUTH

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 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 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

Facebook | Soundcloud

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

Facebook | | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

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

Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

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

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

Facebook | Soundcloud

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

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

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

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

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

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

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 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

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

Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube

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

SISY 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 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 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

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

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

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.

Years & Years – Desire

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Indietronica Staff

Years & Years – Desire

It may be getting colder outside, but the temperature has risen in the Indietronica office since the first play of new track ‘Desire’ by Years & Years.

The 90’s house-inspired track retains the distinctive claps we frequently hear from Years & Years, whilst taking on more of a modern, Clean Bandit vibe.

The boys have recently finished supporting SOHN and MØ and are due to support Clean Bandit and Sam Smith on their UK and European tours.

After the success of The Magician‘s ‘Sunlight’ which featured Olly on vocals, we believe that ‘Desire’ is the tune that will make Years & Years. It is out on 23 November.

Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Cloud Boat, Yes Cadets, Citizens!, How to Dress Well, Lxury, Bondax, SOHN, Flume, Phoenix, All We Are, Ellie Goulding, Jungle, Sam Smith

Years & Years – Real

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Indietronica Staff

London electro-pop trio Years & Year release second single ‘Real’, on Kitsuné on Feb 17th. Co-produced by Lxury, B-side is by ‘Eyes Shut’, which is a more sombre take on the band’s sound, written in a remote beach house on the Sussex coast.

Frontman Olly Alexander comes from a classicist musical upbringing, and draws on iconic pop culture figures such as Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, David Lynch and Raymond Carver – wrapping them in his crooning, melodic tones.

‘Real’ follows the trio’s debut single, ‘Traps’, which earned the fast-rising threesome a welcome response from the blogging community. Listen to ‘Traps’ here

Sounds like: How to Dress Well, Lxury, Bondax, Sohn, Flume, Phoenix, Citizens!