Tag Archives: Jacob Banks

Weekly Gems 116

XY&O – Left Alone

XY&O - Left Alone

What a way to kick off the gems this week! Welcome back XY&O.

Teasing a debut album (finally!) comes ‘Left Alone’ – another slice of hazy pop with simple and effective melodic structures, and of course, Skip Curtis’ luscious vocal mix.

Sounds like: Kid Astray, Sir Sly, Lost Boy Crow, Nonaphoenix

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Limón Limón – Barcelona

Limón Limón

Future indie duo Limón Limón is taking us back to sweeter times in ‘Barcelona’.

Conjuring up dreams of warm summer nights sitting on the beach drinking wine, as the salt air drifts over our warm bodies. Perfect!

Sounds like: Midnight Pool Party, La Felix, All The Rest, argonaut & wasp, Goldroom, Pastel, 90’s Kids, Empire of the Sun

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Jamws – Toronto

Jamws - Toronto

When you are in flow, you are completely engrossed in the task in hand. Hours can pass without even noticing. This appears to have happened to South London multi-instrumentalist, performer and bedroom producer Jamws whilst working on his debut EP ‘Toronto’.

The five heartfelt tracks describe various stages of heartbreak, starting with a separation, following his partner of ten years moving to Toronto.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, The 1975

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Max Alexander – Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander - Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander is a new alt-pop singer/songwriter from London.

Originally an acoustic artist by heart, he’s decided to go straight in with the electric guitar, to create an all together fist-to-chest sound in ‘Stay Where You Are’.

Sounds like: WEIRDO

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Victor Perry – What I Observe

Victor Perry

It’s always worthwhile to take a step back sometimes, and reflect.

NYC-based singer-songwriter/vocalist Victor Perry does exactly that in his lyrically mature new song ‘What I Observe’. As he croons in a poetic form of self-expression, we witness a subtle electro-pop space in which the track really starts to breathe.

Sounds like: Rhye, Rationale, Jacob Banks, James Blake, The Weeknd, Labrose

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dekleyn – Who We Are

dekleyn - Who We Are

Australian duo dekleyn fuses electro-pop with pop-leaning dance in the catchy single, ‘Who We Are’.

It touches on the topical subject of mental health and the sense of vulnerability that comes with almost every relationship.

Sounds like: LANY, joan, LAUV

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PELA – South Of

PELA

South London duo PELA share ‘South Of’, the first song they wrote together.

Amalgamating differing musical influences, it’s another stellar example of the duo’s sonic trajectory into a moody, melodic melodious song.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, James Blake, KAYTRANADA

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Amy Milner – Wildside

Amy Milner

Singer/songwriter Amy Milner shares her new single, ‘Wildside’.

Written about catching yourself before you lose control, facing those demons and welcoming the dark side of your mind, it’s energetic commercial alt-pop at its finest.

Sounds like: Birdy, Emma McGrath, Florence + The Machine

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Jens – Nocturnal

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Bergen-born Jens could be the next big Scandi-pop superstar.

His off-kilter single ‘Nocturnal’ has all the makings of a pop banger – upbeat, catchy vocal hooks with a carefree bass line.

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, Myylo, Charlie Puth

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Weekly Gems 47

Lydia Evangeline – Down

Lydia Evangeline

Lydia Evangeline is standing as a quality and thought-provoking songstress.

Never truer to a gritty pop sound, ‘Down’ is about a toxic relationship, full of lyrical sadness and an optimstic sass running throughout.

It’s out now via Bespoke Records.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, NAO

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CILVR – Bound To Die

CILVR

Swedish singer/songwriter CILVR has drawn comparisons to Billie Eilish, Lykke Li and Kate Bush and we can understand why with her delicate take on Scandi-pop.

But don’t be fooled, these dulcet tones quickly transcend into slick and airy pop.

With a genuine ability to write original songs, we are excited of things to come from CILVR.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Lykke Li, Kate Bush, Robyn

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Suns Up – Love You Back

Suns Up

What’s up Suns Up? Sussex country-bumpkin band Suns Up will definitely brighten up your day with ‘Love You Back’.

A perfect indie-pop anthem with sweet guitar melodies, infectious hooks and dizzy vocals. As seen on your next Made in Chelsea episode very soon…

Sounds like: Sea Girls, The Kooks, Two Door Cinema Club, The 1975, Phoenix, Sundara Karma

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Chris Ayer – Need Somebody

Chris Ayer - Need Somebody

West Coast dweller Chris Ayer shares ‘Need Somebody’.

It’s a pop song through and through, written about being in a relationship with someone that you know isn’t good for you, a perfect remedy for heartbroken teens across the globe.

Sounds like: XY&O, Charlie Puth, Ed Sheeran

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Dylan Emmet – Memory feat. Constance

Dylan Emmet – Memory feat. Constance

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Dylan Emmet has a gut wrenching story to tell. After discovering about a two year old daughter he never know about, Emmet packed his bags and moved to New York to be a full-time dad and musician.

He has enlisted Candian singer/songwriter Constance (NÉONHÈART) on their emotional song ‘Memory’, and the special chemistry between Emmet and Constance is clear throughout the song.

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Bellhouse – Like You Loved Us

Bellhouse

Bellhouse is the Swedish pop project of Emma-Lee Andersson.

A trained truck driver who would have chosen a career in criminology if it weren’t for her music, it’s perhaps surprising that Bellhouse didn’t notice her musical talent in pop music soon.

Her gorgeously radio-ready ‘Like You Loved Us’ had us at hello and for this reason, Bellhouse is one of our Ones to Watch for 2019.

Sounds like: Allie X, Zella Day, ORKID, Harlee

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Jamie N Commons – Paper Dreams

Jamie N Commons

Following a move to Los Angeles to pursue his now hugely successful songwriting career, Jamie N Commons found his music took an unexpected turn towards the musical greats of the 80’s.

Containing these ingredients, plus the addition of some rock and blues in there, Jamie N Commons’ ‘Paper Dreams’ are certainly proving fruitful.

Sounds like: Rag’n’Bone Man, Jacob Banks

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thanks. – HYHU

thanks.

Berklee Music of College graduates duo thanks. are inspiring musicians around the world with their new single ‘HYHU’ (Hold Your Head Up).

It does exactly what it says on the tin, with an extra dose of groovy indie-pop swagger and electronic melodies.

Sounds like: Coach & Ref, Rudimental

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Clinic Blonde – Fabled

Clinic Blonde

Copenhagen quarter Clinic Blonde are playing it nonchalant with dreamy new single ‘Fabled’.

Their sound is both fresh and nostalgic – think sparkling riffs and sky-high vocals that will warm the warmest of months.

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Jacob Banks & Louis The Child – Diddy Bop

Jacob Banks x Louis The Child

Electronic meets soul on ‘Diddy Bop’ – a new song by Jacob Banks and Louis The Child, as featured on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack no less.

We’re loving the unique direction both acts are taking with the track – groovy piano chords and a feel good energy.

Listen below.

It’s out now via Republic Records.

Sounds like: Rationale, Aloe Blacc, Rag’n’Bone Man, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Salt Ashes, Ben Khan

Jacob Banks
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Louis The Child
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Vera Blue – Regular Touch

Vera Blue

Moving can be a great form of therapy, so why restrict it? That’s exactly what Vera Blue is doing in the video for her single ‘Regular Touch’.

Vera Blue’s delicate and ethereal vocals in the track are led by her dancing performance in the beautifully shot New Zealand-based location, giving us a glimpse of what it’s like to watch Vera Blue on stage,

“I dance a lot when I’m performing on tour, because the songs make me want to move.” explains Vera. Before this project, I was sort of hiding behind my guitar when I was on stage, but now I can really go for it. That’s what the electronic side adds to the music.”

She heads to the US to support Jacob Banks on his North American tour.

Sounds like: Susanne Sundfør, Zara Larsson

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Jacob Banks – Unknown (To You)

Jacob Banks

Welcome the first single from Jacob Banks‘ highly anticipated, upcoming album.

‘Unknown (To You)’ is a cinematic version of ‘Unknown’, which was originally featured on Jacob’s ‘The Paradox’ EP. It again features beautiful string arrangements, but Jacob’s vocals are more rugged and emotive.

Sounds like: Rationale, Aloe Blacc, Rag’n’Bone Man, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Salt Ashes, Ben Khan

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Weekly SubmitHub Gems 9

Is 9 your lucky number? We’ve received some great submissions this week.

Enjoy them below!

Labrose – Disguise

Labrose

“When your lips are too thick to speak, sing”. What a great motto to live by. Meet the writers behind this line, Labrose – a UK/US producer/singer/songwriter duo who create delicate electronica.

Ironically, their new single ‘Disguise’ is left wide open with a stripped back approach, giving perspective to the complicated nature of both love’s beauty and its toxicity. Pure bliss.

It’s out now on PM Recordings.

Sounds like: Rhye, Rationale, Jacob Banks, James Blake

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ARY – Already There

ARY - Already There

Step aside ladies, Trondheim-raised / Oslo-based Norwegian solo artist ARY has arrived.

Her new single ‘Already There’ is ARY’s first attempt of a pop song, and it completely works. Pulsating synths worthy of club status and ethereal vocals, you won’t want to stop listening to it.

It’s out now via Petroleum Records.

Sounds like: Aurora, Sigrid, Kvelertak

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Vessels – Deeper In A Sky Feat Harkin

Vessels

Leeds-based five-piece Vessels share robust new single, ‘Deeper In A Sky’ featuring Harkin (aka Sky Larkin’s Katie Harkin), taken from their upcoming new album ‘The Great Distraction’ out on Different Recordings.

Speaking of the new album, Martin says, “The music acknowledges a bleakness and tension, but I think our response is optimistic and euphoric.”

Sounds like: Kate Boy, Caribou, Jon Hopkins

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Child Ivory – Angie

Child Ivory

US duo Child Ivory create uplifting music with a melancholic pinch.

Spacious vocals and a catchy AF guitar riff guide the dreamy ‘Angie’ through to our ears. Lovely.

Sounds like: KYKO, Phil Collins, The New Coast, Beach House, M83, Kurt Vile

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LOVE SICK – Bullet

LOVE SICK

We are all love sick to some degree.

Scottish girl/boy duo LOVE SICK share debut single ‘Bullet’, an ode to both heartbreak and obsession.

The couple met at a work Christmas party when Julie drunkenly let slip to Shaun (who also produced in his spare time) that she always wanted to be a singer. A few weeks later the duo coincidentally bumped into each other at a train station, and the rest is cosmic pop.

Sounds like: ASTR, Dagny, COSBY

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CAMARANO – Ashes

CAMARANO

Another debut, this time from Perth-based artist and multi-instrumentalist, CAMARANO (aka Mat Cammarano).

Having previous been involved in performing with bands as well as producing and recording for other artists, Mat has decided to go it alone and release ‘Ashes’.

It’s a fuzzy masterpiece that would fit well in the lo-fi category, alongside the likes of Tame Impala, Big Scary or Bon Iver.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, Big Scary, Bon Iver

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Jacob Banks – Mercy

Jacob Banks by Julie Patterson

Tickets to his New York and London shows sold out in minutes, and now Jacob Banks shares new track ‘Mercy’.

In keeping with his new EP, ‘Mercy’ is a neo-funk track full of soulful vocals that have been cleverly amalgamated with modern production sensibilities.

Upcoming Live Dates

May 4 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
May 18 Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
June 17 Dover, DE Firefly Music Festival
June 23 Rothbury, MI Electric Forest Festival
August 4 Cincinnati, OH Fountain Square
August 5 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
August 6 Montreal, QC Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts
August 13 San Francisco, CA Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival

Sounds like: Rationale, Aloe Blacc, Rag’n’Bone Man, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Salt Ashes, Ben Khan

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Jacob Banks – Unholy War

Jacob Banks

Jacob Banks

Meet Mr Jacob Banks, a neo-soul artist from the UK.

Updating a genre that’s been part of music for decades, ‘Unholy War’ is a determined track that may just bring soul into the digital age.

Although not a typical indietronica track, we can’t get enough of Banks’ smooth vocals and the track’s punchy riffs and textured beats.

It is the first offering from Jacob’s upcoming EP, ‘The Boy Who Cried Freedom’, out this spring on Interscope Records. He is currently on tour with LÉON in the US, and will be playing SXSW.

Sounds like: Rationale, Aloe Blacc, Rag’n’Bone Man, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Salt Ashes, Ben Khan

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Tourist – Together

Tourist.

Tourist.

Following on from his remix projects as Little Loud, Brighton producer William Phillips (now aka Tourist.) is offering up his biggest track to date; ‘Together’. The release of the track is perfect timing as he has recently been signed to Disclosure‘s affiliated label, Method Records.

The track is refreshingly more dancey than his previous work, but this doesn’t distract from his obvious talent, as showcased in the piano variation of ‘I Have No Fear’, taken from his earlier superb four-track EP ‘Tonight’ which was released via Monday Records.

‘Together’ is the first track from his follow-up EP, ‘Patterns’, which is out in the UK on 2 December 2013 via Method Records.

Highlighting the power of simple repetition, and with the track’s anthemic looped vocals and lofty synths, Tourist. has created an immediately infectious electronic dancefloor filler .

For something more mellow, watch ‘I Have No Fear’:

Sounds like: Cut Copy, Fenech Soler, ROOSEVELT

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