Josefine is the latest LA-based female pop sensation out of Stockholm.
She quicked built an audience with her first 5 singles, having already pushed over 15M streams on Spotify alone and features on Swedish national radio NRJ and UK national radio BBC Radio 1 with renowned curator, Jack Sanders.
Her brand-new single “Dreamin’” is an irresistible pop banger produced by Martin René (Meghan Trainor, H.E.R, Snoop Dogg, and Madcon).
Speaking about it, she says: “‘Dreamin’ is one of the personal and intimate testimonies for me immortalising those high endorphin and super nostalgic moments when you first begin to fall in love and you need to pinch yourself to see whether you are dreaming or not and whether this other human in front of you truly feels the same crazy feelings. I wanted to capture those butterfly-filled and super passionate and irreplacement moments which are engraved in time. To complement this, I wanted to make a song and production that just has super dancey energy to take you away from all the craziness of 2020 and dance the night away too.”
French synth-dance duo Caspian Pool likes to keep us on our toes with their wide-ranging selection of electronic music. Cue the colour-fuelled visuals for the foot-thumping ‘Insider’.
Sounds like: Nimmo, The Chemical Brothers, Hercules & Love Affair, Goldfrapp, Joe Goddard, Chvrches, Digitalism, Holy Ghost!, Boys Noize, Little Dragon, Cut Copy, Icona Pop
Anthemic alt-rock band Psyence returns with psychedelic sensibilities in rousing new single ‘Retrospect’, reminding us that every bitter end has a new beginning.
Distinctive Norwegian voice, Beharie shares his soulful, folk and ambient blend in the form of ‘Me and My Lonely’. Pastoral and beautiful, the track orbits a peaceful finger-picked acoustic riff.
Wigan-based four-piece Flechettes share the radio-ready and uplifting ‘Chasing Youth’, with blazing indie-pop guitar riffs and catchy vocals, making for a seriously dynamic record.
Sounds like: Sea Girls, Red Rum Club, The Blinders, Stanleys, Garden Party
22-year-old producer, songwriter and musician Ethan Bedell – aka Chillhum – shares ‘Dancing Alone’, a stripped back and melodic blissed-out track that celebrates the joys of being alone.
Sounds like: Gaspar Narby, Couro, Flume, Ed Sheeran, Flume, Louis The Child, Petit Biscuit, Troye Sivan, Robotaki
Songwriting heavyweight Bre Kennedy winds down for the cooler months with her acoustic track ‘Where Did Summer Go’, a nostalgic ballad that symbolises the passing and loss of time and dreams that never got to see the heat of summer.
Dark-pop artist Izza chronicles the ups and downs of dealing with anxiety and depression in a world where people are obsessed with the perceived perfection of their online selves, in new single ‘Lows’.
Releasing her first single of 2020, Josefine delights us with her alt-pop track, ‘Let It Go’. Living in Los Angeles, the Rytmus Music High School (Stockholm) graduate is in good company, with previous alumni including global pop icons Robyn, Tove Lo and Icona Pop.
Produced by Martin René (Meghan Trainor, H.E.R, Snoop Dogg, Madcon) the L.A. beach chill track could be her most popular song to date, although this is no easy feat, having racked up over nine million streams from her previous seven singles.
The wonderful Dagny drops the video for ‘Somebody’ – possibly the ultimate love song to exist.
Strong words…but that’s how much we love her.
It’s a dance-floor-ready rhythm with bubbling synths open up around Dagny’s magisterial pop vocal. A song written with a goal of conveying the ultimate “in-love” experience, Dagny explains,
“It’s the all-consuming and exciting feeling when everything is still new. I’ve been lucky to experience it. I find that when I’m in love I feel everything ten times more than usual. With ‘Somebody’ for me it’s not just the lyrics but the whole vibe of the song that represents that: when I listen to it I get a lot of positive energy and I just wanna throw myself into something new and exciting.”
Dagny will release her long-awaited debut album this September.
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
‘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.
Berklee grad Noé shares her blissed-out new single, ‘Rabbit Hole’.
Whilst the song still contains a glimpse of her limitless energy, the main focus is a more raw and free flowing vibe than we are used to. Call it her Frankenstein song.
Noé’s forthcoming debut EP ‘ibynoé’ is set for release on 21 May.
At just under three minutes long, you’ll be easily forgiven for pressing repeat on SHY Nodi‘s new track, ‘Snakes’.
SHY Nodi, aka Nirob Islam, was born in Stockholm in 1993 after his family emigrated to Sweden from Bangladesh. Since then, he has penned some incredible tracks with his songwriting partner, SHY Martin, and won a number of native music awards.
His new single – out now via BLNK Music – is a frank call out to relationship snakes. You know the ones…
Rising electro-pop duo The Bliss share new single ‘Happier’.
Comprised of pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer and guitarist Felix Snow (SZA, Kiiara, Gallant, IconaPop, RitaOra, TerrorJr.), their third single is a funky bop number, that effotlessly trailblazes new age synth-pop.
Curated within a minimal electronic soundscape that includes adventurous songwriting, densely layered harmonies and neo-soul guitar riffs, Myo is on a quest to add a human touch in the world of programmed dance music.
Folk singer/songwriter Ed Prosek is a musician that has come to our particular attention and we suggest you take note too.
Using songwriting as a crux, to tap into the things he is too afraid to say to himself, Ed has an array of heartfelt talent that has culminated in millions of streams.
His classically-infused single ‘So Beautiful’ is out now and comes from forthcoming EP ‘Light As A Feather’.
Sounds like: Mumford & Sons, James Vincent McMorrow, Vance Joy, Richard Walters
Norwegian artist ODA (pronounced “Oo-da”) takes us on a breathtaking journey with her new single, ‘Don’t You Know’.
Taking influences from an eclectic mix, including a love for the ethereal electronica of SigurRós, heartfelt lyrics of BonIver, and the indie energy of British bands such as Coldplay and Keane, ODA stands out from the crowd with her own take on electro-pop.
ODA’s highly anticipated EP, ‘Hide’, is out today.
Nottingham-born multi-instrumentalist and singer George Gretton shares his stunning debut single ‘Tread Water’.
As a musician performing in bands, it wasn’t until he discovered production – which he taught himself – that he unlocked his creative potential. The result is a forward-thinking sound with expansive atypical arrangements, experimental processing and fitful drum samples.
Felix Räuber is one talent that you cannot ignore.
At the tender age of 13, he founded his first band in his basement that grew to become Polarkreis 18. Fronted by Räuber, their first studio album took them across Europe on tour, the second album achieved gold status, and single Allein Allein became one of the most successful German-language songs of all time (earning platinum status) and a global hit.
Räuber made the move to Berlin in 2012 to realign himself as an artist. Jump forward to 2012 , Räuber shares the video for his genre-pushing cineamtic pop new single, ‘Running Out Of Time’. Watch below.
Sounds like: Thomas Azier, Aquilo, Solomon Grey, Son Lux, Nils Frahm, Ulrich Schnauss
Broken Back (aka Jérôme Fagnet) is an advocate of friendly, tropical sounds, which may surprise you considering why he started making music.
His former life as a motivated entrepreneur and business student tragically came to an end when, at just 22 years old, his back gave out and he was confined to a bed. This free time was used to create music.
This flair for feel-good and infectious grooves, is perfectly showcases in his acoustic performance of ‘Young Love’.
The electro-pop project The Bliss is the latest coalition of pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer Felix Snow (Leona Lewis, SZA, Kiiara, Gallant, IconaPop, RitaOra) of the pop-trio Terror Jr.
While both artists are established within their own realm, this partnership brings them collectively to a whole new level of creativity and wonder.
Much like Charli XCX, Toronto-based pop artist WILLA has music and colour synesthesia; a cross-sensory condition which allows those who have it to experience things with more than one sense.
Channelling a new sparkling colour in ‘Cause You Did,’ WILLA confronts the feelings of pain associated with the person that hurt her the most.
Boston-based futurist nu-electro/synth-pop duo Coach & Ref team up with Los Angeles-based talent Mike Taylor on their highly optimistic new single, ‘Decisions’.
Speaking of the track,
“Decisions is a song that answers a question people ask me all the time “Why are you so damn happy” and the answer for me is, “I choose to be so damn happy”. It’s as simple as that.”
RKCB is Los Angeles-based twosome comprised of Riley Knapp and Casey Barth.
Their single ‘Know Love’ is about accepting change, inspired by a book written by Alan Watts during the duo’s time in London, and is full of R&B leaning pop melodies and waves of synths loops and impassioned vocals.
Arguably Sweden’s best kept secret, Joakim Molitor today shares his short and snappy single ‘Back To You’, out on TEN (Zara Larsson, Icona Pop, Niki & The Dove, Benjamin Ingrosso).
All good things come to end, but luckily SoundCloud has a repeat play button for this uplifting romantic, electronic ballad.
Surprisingly, we’d not heard of Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Daniella Mason, before today, and quite frankly, we are blown away by her talent for crafting beautiful and intelligent pop music.
A journey of loss, Mason’s new record stands as one of four EPs that she’ll be releasing over the course of the next year as part of her State of Mine sound series. Each album — Emotional State, Physical State, Mental State, and Spiritual State — will explore the different parts of our humanity that we tend to suppress and have difficulty embracing.
Sounds like: Imogen Heap, The Japanese House, Robyn, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish
Charlee Remitz creates synth pop full of big dreams.
Having recently moved from Nashville to Los Angeles, the singer/songwriter’s music shines. Her new single ‘Forever Like This’ has lashings of 80’s inspired synths and breakaway vocals that tell a story of the first flashes of love.
It is the third single from her upcoming sophomore album, ‘Sad Girl Music’, out on 9 November.
We featured his new single, ‘Obsessed’ featuring Clara Hurtado, not that long ago and he’s come back with a lively new video for it. These two don’t take themselves too seriously, which is pretty refreshing.
If you follow CUB’s Twitter you will see more videos of him and Clara goofing around.
Finnish sister duo LCMDF release ‘Waterfalls’, taken from their ‘Sad Bangers’ album, out now.
Don’t be misled by the ironically positive pop keys and resulting euphoric climax in ‘Waterfalls’, as this is an ode to Generation Y, the modern day “baby boom” generation who were born in the 1980s and 1990s…and the ones who struggle in today’s society.
Newcomer YOUTH (aka songwriter and producer Steven Mudd) is also one half of the critically acclaimed indie-pop duo, Golden Coast.
His debut single ‘Fire’ is energetic from the get go, with a steady drum beat and finger clicks throughout, perfectly blending with the anthemic feel of the song.
