Following the successful release of debut single ‘Eyes Wide’ and follow up ‘Hollow’, new Scottish sensation Keir Gibson treats us to ‘Circles’, an emotional journey with an alt-pop twist.
From the outset, Keir’s powerful voice and soulful tones reminiscent of Lewis Capaldi take centre stage. However, Keir has no issue separating himself from the obvious comparison, the record itself builds a stunning radio-ready space in which we can delve into the meaning behind his lyrics, and showcase his talents to the full, culminating in a huge, emotion-filled grande finale.
The multi-faceted talents create infectious, experimental pop in their basements studio in a London warehouse. They also run their own underground audiovisual club nights, as well as producing and remixing for other artists.
Scottish-born Keir Gibson releases his debut track ‘Eyes Wide’.
Despite being brought up on a dose of Scottish music, the 18 year old’s sound borders the electronic, pop and folk realms in an alt-pop fusion.
‘Mixed & mastered by Grammy-nominated mixer Matty Green and Grammy award-winning mastering engineer Joe LaPorta, ‘Eyes Wide’ showcases what’s more to come from the talented singer/songwriter.
Sounds like: James Arthur, Maggie Rogers, Julia Michaels, Lauv
Indie pop duo Apollo LTD share the sway-inducing visuals for ‘Man That I Used To Know’.
Much like their last single, ‘Misfits‘, this one is incredibly easy listening with its smooth production skills, twinkling synths, and luscious vocals.
Australian artist cln shares his downtempo new single ‘Change My Mind’.
Whilst the track’s production appears minimalistic in it’s electronic approach, there is a dark undertone of R&B that lingers throughtout the song in a contemplative manner.
Zanski is the electro-R&B project of Tom Probizanski.
With a sound captivating and emotive, Zanski’s sound is refreshing, yet relevant. His new single ‘Smoke In My Lungs’ echoes of the wonderous Ben Khan in it’s distinctive groovy sound.
Napoleon Gold – Love Don’t Cut Me Down (feat. Haiva Ru)
French-born Antoine Honorez aka Napoleon Gold returns with his latest single ‘Love Don’t Cut Me Down’ featuring the vocals of Haiva Ru’s Allie Merril.
The track can be compared to an 80’s Fleetwood Mac song that’s been given an electronic boogie re-skin.
Speaking of the unique late-night feel of his music, Napoleon credits his life-long struggle with insomnia, “During my first year in Brussels for university, my insomnia became more and more frequent. I remember staying awake night after night, making music, watching the sunrise from my music desk – it had this beautiful orange and golden colour, I knew seeing this colour meant I had once again failed to sleep, but it also symbolised a new day, a new beginning. I decided to name that colour ‘Napoleon Gold'”.
Sounds like: Goldroom, Chela, RAC, Le Youth, JackLNDN
Grammy-Award nominated producer and vocalist, and Mura Masa collaborator, Tom Tripp returns with his latest single ‘TAM’, the first release off his forthcoming project ‘FLAG’.
The electro-laced funk track started life back in 2016, undergoing various iterations on Tom’s Laptop until a session with Grades earlier this year led to a final version that the self-proclaimed perfectionist was finally happy to share with the world.
Exciting London-based singer Thailah shares the banger, ‘Feels Right’.
Ramping up the BPM, her fourth ever release, has been produced by the up and coming producer J.AR.K. to create a track that will work equally well in the car as in the club.
Brooklyn based duo, Tropic (aka electronic producer & DJ, Phuse, and R&B singer/songwriter Jo-B Sebastian) shares their breezy new tune ‘Lights Out’.
With delicate falsetto vocals that energetically loop around syncopated beats, the track explores the regret and denial that comes after a breakup in both nostalgic and futuristic manner.
Nashville-based alternative pop act, Daniella Mason, is back with a dreamy new visual that continues her ‘Mental State’ EP and ‘State of Mine’ sound series in which she aims to explore different parts of our humanity.
With her latest music video release – shot and edited by Dylan Reyes – Mason aimed to create a dream sequence that visualises the feeling of wandering throughout her mind and expands on its aimlessness.
Sounds like: Imogen Heap, The Japanese House, Robyn, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, George Gretton, Luna Pines
Kicking off our weekly gems on International Women’s Day is dark pop project STEELE with ‘Know Her’.
Comprised of producers Charles Elmi, Dejan Sajinovic and Swedish vocalist/artist STEELE, the heavy and progressive sounds they create slot nicely alongside the likes of Monogem or Banks.
Listen to the sultry ‘Know Her’ below, which is taken from their forthcoming LP on Firegate Music.
Tiaryn is an exciting Australian artist who is making waves this side of the world.
Her new single ‘Falling’ is the first single off an upcoming EP. It’s laid back and feel-good song that reflects on the evolution of a young relationship; from initial infatuation to the thrilling discovery of true connection.
A refreshing break appears to be just what Alexx Mack needed, because she is back with a song of epic proportions, and something that we all can relate to – ‘Wine In Bed’.
Inspired by her own toxic coping mechanisms, Alexx explains,
“Wine in Bed is about me learning that my coping methods were adding to the toxicity in my life and relationships. I would drink and cross my fingers to feel better, and almost every time I’d end up making another mistake. I thought that every sign was pointing to me needing to be alone, the truth was that I was pushing everything good in my life away.”
Sounds like: Charli XCX, Julia Michaels, Halsey, Kate Boy, The 1975, The Magnettes
It’s a battle of the pop songs this week, that was until we heard ‘Not Really’ by SAGE. There really is no competition!
The feminist pop track has been produced by double-diamond producer PJ Bianco (Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, ARIZONA) and written by SAGE alongside famously rumoured actual Britney Spears vocalist, Myah Marie Langston.
Young choir singer-turned songwriter Lucy Neville has hit us hard with her sweet vocals and striking lyrics on ‘Ransom’, a song about falling in lust and then in love.
Australian-born, you’d be forgiven for thinking Lucy was brought up in Nashville surrounded by country and pop, a true testament to her talent.
Scottish born “ethereal pop” artist Y.A.S is sending good ‘VIBRATIONS’ with her new single.
A Drake-style loop kicks off the track preparing us for Y.A.S’ rapturous vocals to kick in. A song about an incredibly rare connection so deep with someone that you can communicate without words.
We are loving the husky vocal tones of London-native Mafalda and brisk piano keys in her current single ‘Goodbyes’.
The beautifully constructed ballad is easily something you’d hear in the charts, possibly as a result of Mafalda’s recent work with UK and US based producers.
After a brief hiatus, Alexx Mack returns to our stereos with her latest release ‘Your Car’, featuring EXES.
Alexx took the year long break to rediscover herself and her music, and the break has done her good. The reformed sound is ruminating and lustrous, everything a modern, dark synth-pop song should be.
Sounds like: Julia Michaels, Halsey, Kate Boy, The 1975, The Magnettes
It will feel like summer is still here if you take a listen to Wooshay‘s new single ‘Alone’.
A stripped-back and easy house melody bounces throughout the song, as the Californian duo blend Middle Eastern production with the warm and commercial vocals of Deanna.
Sounds like: The Him, Shift K3y, Karen Harding, Le Youth
Matt Wills has backing from all walks of musical life, so who are we to disagree?
Although Matt seeks collaborations from those in electronic music and grime scenes, ‘Lights Out’ is right up Indietronica’s street.
The video has been directed by Chris Parton and firmly showcases Matt’s knack for putting together an incredibly hook with romantic vocals and on point production.
Sounds like: Ed Sheeran, Aquilo, Bastille, The Kooks
Oxford quartet Low Island share the cleverly choreographed and colourful video for ‘The Lines’, which has a distinct 90’s vibe to it.
It features young dancer Olly Bell and focuses “on the current states of anger, protectionism, division and paranoia that have become so prevalent in today’s society.”
Sounds like: Four Tet, Alt-J, Glass Animals, Shy Luv, Hot Chip, Caribou, Aquilo
Despite the deliciously boozy bass-lines and woozy vocals in ‘High’ that conjure up feelings of warm stoner summers, the song was written and recorded during the coldest and darkest part of the year, which is only a testament to Florda Well for their positive outlook.
We are expecting great things from Sydney-based artist IDA based on the sound of her latest single ‘1111’.
Also the vocalist in Little Deed, IDA is well practised in recording and performing. ‘1111’ offers a great second solo single – delicate synths slow-burning beats and yearning vocals.
Expect her debut EP, ‘i’ to be out before the end of the year.
ZAYN has met his match, in Norwegian singer and musician Astrid S.
Following on from the epic ‘Paper Thin,’ is the video for ‘Hurts So Good,’ directed by the acclaimed screenwriter and director, Andreas Öhman at Naïve Studio in Sweden.
About the video, Astrid remarks:
“It was a very cool experience to do this music video. I went to Stockholm for two days, and we filmed it by a beautiful summer house outside of the city, as well as in a studio. It felt so uncomfortable doing the scenes with the actor which depict the aspects of a complicated relationship reflected in the song’s lyrics. But after seeing the final result it was so worth it. I’m very happy with the video, and I think it suits both the song and me.”
It’s the lead single from her upcoming, self-titled EP, and was written by Lindy Robbins (Jason Derulo, Demi Lovato) and Julia Michaels (Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez, Little Mix) and produced by Max Martin Studios and MAG. That would explain the strong pop influence!
Of the EP, Astrid says:
“Until now, my fans have had to wait a long time to hear new music from me, one track a year! But, I’ve been in the studio, working hard, and now I have lots to share with you. This May, my first 5 track EP will be coming to you all to listen to whenever and wherever! I am so excited!”
The EP is set to be released on 20 May via Virgin EMI.
