Tag Archives: Justin Timberlake

Billy Vena – Rabbit Hole (Love Is What You Make It)

billy vena rabbit hole

Texas based – Panama native rising artist Billy Vena really knows how to craft irresistible pop tunes.

His brand-new single ‘Rabbit Hole (love is what you make it)‘ combines 80s reminiscences with a modern approach, especially lyrics-wise (“queen in my sheets, but king by noon?“). It’s a playful, colorful track enriched by a killer guitar solo curtesy of rising act Nana Lourdes (Fresh Finds / Lorem).

In Billy’s own words: “‘Rabbit Hole’ is about a sexual awakening and how confusing it can be when you realize it’s happening. I wasn’t necessarily writing about my Teenage rejections but my teenage regrets and how the back and forths in my head, kept me in a “what if” scenario till this day. We may never know what the other person truly feels but maybe love is what you make it.

Sounds like: Michael Jackson, Pharell Williams, Justin Timberlake

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Billy Vena – Disco Maniac

billy vena - disco maniac

Hailing from galaxies far far away, long lost dancer turned recording, artist Billy Vena returns today with ‘Disco Maniac’. Part Bee Gees’ ‘Saturday Night Fever‘ / part early 00s Neptunes productions (see JT’s Rock Your Body), ‘Disco Maniac‘, as the title suggests, is a modern disco-tinged banger. Press play…and dance 🕺🏻🔥

Speaking about it, he says: “Disco Maniac is essentially about being raised by a television and wishing to live in an era you weren’t alive to experience. It’s about dreaming of a scenario in which you can live out that certain fantasy.

ICYMI, listen also to his previous releases ‘Space Hippie‘ and ‘Wiz

Sounds like: Bee Gees, Pharell Williams, Justin Timberlake

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The Shadowboxers – Float On By

The Shadowboxers

Justin Timberlake-mentored trio The Shadowboxers have blown us away with their luxurious, beat-driven pop.

After searching high and low for their identity, it feels as if they have found it. Their new single ‘Float On By’ is a perfect example, written about ambition being the ego and surrendering yourself to the plans of the universe.

Sounds like: Die Orangen, Jungle, Tame Impala, 10o’clock Chemical

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Weekly Gems 77

Margot Polo – Let’s Get Out

Margot Polo

Margot Polo (aka David Provenzano) releases his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’.

A song about breaking out of routine ruts (something he is guilty of), Polo has teamed up with esteemed producer, Brad Wood, and their main goal with the track was to create a fun and huge chorus…and they have definitely succeeded.

Expect a five-song EP out this fall.

Sounds like: Von Sell, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, CHAPPO, The Beatles

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Holt – Tower

Holt

We all have safe pillars in our lives and London based self-taught singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Holt is no exception.

Using her father as the reference in her new single, the lyrics tell a non-linear story about that is capable of transporting the listener to another world.

Sounds like: RUNAH, Bat for Lashes, Björk, Enya, Massive Attack, Nils Frahm

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Bokito – Freckle

Bokito

Indie-funk band Bokito releases their new single ‘Freckle Leather’. Often mistaken for a heavy metal band, Bokito bring back their combination of signature hooks, unshakeable melodies and playful lyrics. A tightly-packaged, uproarious mix of indie, rock and perfect pop cadence that hooks listeners in straight at the first beat.

At first, ‘Freckle Leather’ reminds of Vampire Weekend, however, the five-piece stand their ground pretty quick and combine a lot of different styles. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Jeff Buckley and Justin Timberlake, the group created a completely new sound of modern indie regulated by ergonomic melodies.

Sounds like: Vampire Weekend, Two Door Cinema Club, Stereohoney, Shiners

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The Hails – Sugar

The Hails

Inspired by the cool glamour and fast life of the Miami Vice era, The Hails share their new song ‘Sugar’.

With its danceable beats and 80’s synth pop influence, ‘Sugar’ is a crafty juxtaposition that melds truth and fiction with the lyrics telling the story about a girl who lives life brazenly and recklessly.

The five-piece from Miami have met at Florida University and since then have dedicated their unique sound with classic drum machines to create an irresistible trademark sound of their own.

Sounds like: Sade, Hippo Campus, Kid Bloom

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Halfloves – Polvo

American indie band Halfloves releases their latest release ‘Polvo’ from their forthcoming sophomore album ‘Dazer’, out on August 30.

‘Polvo’ is a fresh new indie addition with melodic riffs and upbeat drums. With its carefree instrumentals and dreamy lyrics, the song is only a taster of what the upcoming album has to promise.

“We recorded this song in a barn in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa where the classic NY studio ‘Magic Shop’ has found a new home, now dubbed the ‘Magic Barn’.”

The band praise themselves on having recorded ‘Polvo’ in the same studio that Bowie, Björk, Coldplay and many others used to make some of the most defining records of our time.

Sounds like: Clinic Blonde, Two Door Cinema Club

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Vacation Club – Always or Never

Vacation Club

‘Always Or Never’ is the latest single released by the edgy, yet colourful band Vacation Club.

Written and produced by the band themselves, the laid back and catchy pop song elevates the perfect combination of upbeat beats and Helena Hahn’s beautiful vocals. The band has taken a raw and youthful approach towards the journey of love heightening both the highs and the lows.

Sounds like: LANY, Pale Waves, The 1975, Donna Lewis

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Noble Oak – Evaporate

Noble Oak

Canadian-born, singer-songwriter Noble Oak has released his latest single ‘Evaporate’.

The song features his melancholic, beautiful vocals combined with captivating instrumentals he’s Oak yet again managed to create a dreamy release that will sound even better performed live on a big stage.

Noble Oak’s full-length debut album with Last Gang is set for worldwide release in 2020.

Sounds like: Luna Pines, Tame Impala

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Weekly Gems 59

ODA – Don’t You Know

ODA

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 Sigur Rós, heartfelt lyrics of Bon Iver, 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.

Sounds like: ODESZA, Manila Killa, Louis Futon, Kasbo, Amanda Tenfjord, Dagny

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George Gretton – Tread Water

George Gretton by Imogen Harrison

George Gretton by Imogen Harrison

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.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Bon Iver

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Aimée – Don’t Bother

Aimée

Hold up. There is a new pop princess in town, and she goes by the name Aimée.

The Irish artist’s debut single ‘Don’t Bother’ is an anti-break up song, akin to empowering 90s pop such as Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.

Sounds like: JoJo, Zara Larsson, Justin Timberlake

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Felix Räuber – Running Out Of Time

Felix Raueber by Michael Miklas

Felix Raueber by Michael Miklas

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

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Broken Back – Young Love

Broken Back by Emma Birski

Broken Back by Emma Birski

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’.

Sounds like: Kygo, Kazy Lambist

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The Bliss – Nothing Scares Me Anymore

The Bliss by Zachary Gray

The Bliss by Zachary Gray

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, Icona Pop, Rita Ora) 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.

Listen to ‘Nothing Scares Me Anymore’ below.

Sounds like: The Chainsmokers, Sofi Tukker

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Weekly Gems 29

Hansaa & Soso – Nights Feat Emma Sameth

Hansaa & soso

Australian outfit Hansaa & Soso shares the new video for ‘Nights’ featuring the delicate vocal tones of Los Angeles-based Emma Sameth.

The visuals, directed by Julian Pircher, watch a young man follow his desires for a lady as she is laid out right in front of him.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Kuru Blue, Banks

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Sunan – Faster

Sunan

Introducing Sunan, the vibrant new project from Pete Robertson.

Despite taking himself away from the music scene after departing The Vaccines, Sunan has had a “controlled explosion” of ideas from “minimalist string quartets to maximalist 80s-style prog pop.”

One of these results is ‘Faster’,  which covers a kaleidoscope of unshackled themes and variations.

Sounds like: LCD Soundsystem, Everything Everything, Alt-J, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads

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MATTIS – The Chain

MATTIS

We absolutely love Copenhagen-based viking soul MATTIS.

His new single ‘The Chain’ is written about the demise of a failed relationship (we’ve all been there). Ultimately life is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sounds like: Rationale, Ben Pearce, James Blake, Sampha, Thomas Azier

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Xie – Habits

Xie - Habits

We’ve all got ‘Habits’ but none are as positive as Los Angeles-based producer and singer Xie.

Taking a fresh perspective on pop music, Xie is paving the way for female producers with her new song!

‘Habits’ is out now via Seeking Blue Records.

Sounds like: Sofi Tukker, Crystal Fighters, The Knocks, Charli XCX, CHLØË BLACK

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Kuzo – Luna

Kuzo

This laid-back duo have big dreams in their heads. Meet Kuzo.

The video for ‘Luna’ explores nature during the day, epitomising a dream-like state, waiting for the moon to come out.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Noosa

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Shadowlark – See Each Other Right

Shadowlark

British trio Shadowlark single ‘See Each Other Right’ blends sounds similar to that of Goldfrapp and Fleetwood Mac.

It’s another hypnotic song to add to their synth-tinged roster, further showcasing front woman Ellen Smith’s mysterious vocals.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Lykke Li, Goldfrapp, Fleetwood Mac

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More Giraffes – Basement

More Giraffes

Futuristic pop duo More Giraffes (aka Mark Hadley and Keeley Bumford) are pinned to grab your attention with their short and snappy production techniques, colourful vocal loops and fresh melodies.

Listen to their debut single, ‘Basement’ below.

Sounds like: Charli XCX, Manila Killa

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Josh Jacobson – Sideline Feat. Gigamesh

Josh Jacobson

Josh Jacobson is effortlessly combining modern R&B with dance-pop in his new single ‘Sideline’ featuring co-production from Gigamesh.

On the subject of the song, he explains,

“Sideline is a song about growth and building in new directions, learning to let go when it’s necessary to move forward. It’s about those inner voices at times of transition that are at once exciting but so challenging emotionally. I think these lyrics will resonate with a lot of people in different ways, so I’m excited to hear how people relate to the song.”

Sounds like: Le Youth, Drake, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd

Josh Jacobson
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Gigamesh
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Weekly Gems 17

Shoos Off – Future Heartbreak

ShoosOff

Time to kick your shoes off and get down with this week’s favourite tunes.

First up is Los Angeles-based bedroom collective, Shoos Off.

Led by singer Patrick Killeen, these guys amalgamate synth sounds with delicate, upbeat vocals, in a modest manner.

Listen to ‘Future Heartbreak’ below.

Sounds like: The Knocks, Smallpools, St. Lucia

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Sonata Kay Feat. Novo – Reach

Sonata Kay ft. Novo - Reach

Meet Sonata Kay, a London-based artist with a bright future.

Citing various influences from around the world, Sonata Kay likes to combine the ethos of a traditional singer/songwriter with electro-pop production.

Listen to dramatic ‘Reach’ below, featuring Novo.

Sounds like: Melis, Amethysts

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ARIA – You Got Me Good

ARIA

Continuing to share her desire for electronic, pop and R&B, London-based ARIA shares her latest single called ‘You Got Me Good’.

The track is about a darker realisation of relationship hardships, portrayed through atmospheric guitar riffs and vocal belt-outs.

Sounds like: Emile Sande

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Margot Polo – Turn You, Baby

Margot Polo

Halloween has passed, but we are still jamming to Margot Polo‘s spooky new single, ‘Turn You, Baby’.

Margot says that the throw-back number “is for self-professed werewolves and fans of Michael Jackson, Foster the People, Justin Timberlake, and The Killers” and we couldn’t agree more.

Sounds like: April Towers, Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, CHAPPO, The Beatles

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Kastrup – Try It All

Kastrup

You can really see why Kastrup‘s music has been described as creating arena pop.

The Swedish duo’s new single ‘Try It All’ definitely encompasses this, with its longing vocals and an uplifting children’s choir of a chorus to match.

It’s out now via Strandberg/ Westberg Music.

Sounds like: Imagine Dragons, OneRepublic, Twenty One Pilots

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Youngr – Out Of My System

Youngr

Youngr

It’s the first day of May, and so time for a summery number to start the month off right.

Youngr is a London-based LIPA graduate and musician, who has sought influence from the likes of Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris, Miike Snow, NERD and his musician father August Darnell (Kid Creole & The Coconuts).

His new track is called ‘Out Of My System’, and of the track, Youngr says;

“After becoming single over the past year, I was having a lot of fun… whilst racking up a huge visa bill, travelling the world and basically getting it all out of my system. It’s a feel good record about a time in my life that was very much that, getting it all out of my system… I guess I’m probably still in that time in my life!”

‘Out Of my System’ is out on 27 May.

Sounds like: Phoenix, Miike Snow, Flight Facilities

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