Superstar in the making Noga Erez shares her bright and bubbly new video for ‘NO news on TV’.
Written during the COVID-19 lockdown with her partner Ori Rousso, the slick, eye-opener of a track imagines “what it would be like to live in a world with no politics, money, grit, racism or violence.”
Noga further explains,
“I call this song ‘A children’s song for adults’ because it shows a naive, utopian reflection of reality. I just needed to have a song like that. An escape song.”
Younger Hunger is making waves with new single ‘Second Best’.
Inspired by 90’s indie-rock guitars, chart-topping pop hooks, and emo lyricism, their sound is quite difficult to pin down, especially when they refuse to make the same song twice.
Musically sitting somewhere between APRE and Sea Girls, the Orange Country-based upstarts present us with a perfect contradiction.
Blog-house promoter Urchin (aka London-based producer Leo Appleyard) shares his new single, ‘Without No Fear’, out now on BonFire Records.
‘Without No Fear’ is the third track from the jazz-turned-indietronica musician’s sophomore EP, due out in January 2020, and features luxurious R&B vocals from Black Rose.
Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat
Jazz and neo-soul musician Birthh (real name Alice Bisi) was raised in Florence on a diet of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.
The new video for her single ‘Yello / Concrete’ was filmed between the Tuscan countryside and Milan and, as the visuals suggest, merge two unconventional sounds
Swedish duo I AM KARATE (aka producer and songwriters, Marta Pettersson and Erika Ahlström) shares new single, ‘Hey Love’.
Speaking about insecurity, the girls explain,
“The song is about insecurity and not feeling sure you’re being honest with your love. Like he’s got a secret world when he’s dreaming that you’re not a part of, and you wonder if it’s more than just dreams.”
Sounds like: Ralph, Say Lou Lou, MIYNT, Doe Paoro, Sirena, Susanne Sundfør, Shura, Kyla La Grange
German born, Los Angeles-based artist NoMBe shares his vibrant new single, ‘Paint California’, the first single from his sophomore breakup album, ‘Chromotopia’.
The leftfield leaning pop single perfectly encapsulates NoMBe’s butter-smooth vocals over the intricately created arrangement.
Sounds like: Du Tonc, Friendly Fires, Jungle, Vampire Weekend, Local Natives
Nottingham-born singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Ronika is back and sounding distinctively disco-noir.
Continuing Ronika’s inclination for all things funk and dream pop, the track features spoken-word contribution from Lee-Ann Curren (a French female pro-surfer and fellow musician) whilst also forming part of Ronika’s latest longer-form project.
Sounds like: ABBA, Chaka Khan, Aeroplane, Breakbot, Ballet School, Ladyhawke, Color War, The Human League, Little Boots, Bananarama, Annie
George Eve‘s music is quite frankly a melting pot of different sounds and rhythms.
From bold, expansive and inventive melodies to candid lyrics touching on love, heartbreak and isolation, it’s clear Eve will be forming his own path in the industry.
He has teamed up with Sam Duckworth as co-producer for the brooding single, ‘One track Mind’.
Canadian singer/songwriter Constance shares her effervescent sophomore single, ‘Work Hard’.
With smooth electronic production and lush vocals, her music continues to shed light through her raw and emotional lyricism exploring heartbreak, love, and loss.
20 year old Berlin-based artist Nina Chuba shares her most vulnerable release to date.
Written about treating herself better and muting those negative voices in her head, ‘Lips Shut’ is another urban leaning pop hymn from the unique artist.
Bristol-born pop three-piece KOKO have a natural wall of energy which they call the “KOKO traingle”.
They’ve just dropped the acoustic version of their debut single, ‘Freak’. Stripping back the electro-tinged original of their debut singl, it’s all about embracing individuality – “It’s a FU to the man!”
Has Gigi Rowe travelled from the 80’s just to release ‘Promises’? We think so.
The bright and eclectic artist brings the retro/futuristic sounds of that decade to life in the new single, as she boldly showcases her hot pink characteristics.
We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!
In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).
THURSDAY 12 JULY
Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage
Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.
Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.
Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.
Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.
Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.
Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.
One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.
The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.
We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish
Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.
Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!
Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry
Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.
He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.
Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green
Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.
Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.
Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!
Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA
Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).
Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.
Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.
They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.
Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!
Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!
The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.
Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man
Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.
His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray
With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.
Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.
We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Think of every single female pop star who has positively impacted your life. Now take a listen to Elley Duhé.
An Alabama-native, growing up Elley always felt like different to other kids her age and used music as a form of creative escapism after receiving a guitar from her father.
It wasn’t long after, that Elley found herself writing for artists like Usher and working with Grammy-Award winning producer Illangelo (The Weeknd).
‘Can You Touch’ is an empowering number, written by Elley and produced by Rahki (Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mac Miller).
The track is out now on A Creative Music Group / Columbia Records.
Sounds like: Charlie XCX, CHLØË BLACK, ALMA, Dua Lipa, Sigrid, Natasha Bedingfield, Sia
Our hearts go out to those in Mexico at the moment. This one is for them.
‘Mexico’ is a debut song by Seattle-born Rae Isla, who has a family interest in South America. It features guitarist Lito de la Isla and was produced by Gianluca Buccellati (Tei Shi, Yellerkin).
Rae is donating all of her profits from the sale of the song to Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross).
Denver duo, Motion Trap (aka Kyle Williams and Nathan Rogers) release spirited new single, ‘The Movement’, and the synth-rock-pop number does just that. Make you move.
Expect their sophomore album ‘Heavenly Bodies’ out soon.
Sounds like: Depeche Mode, OMD, Future Islands, Roosevelt, Cut Copy
Wow, Nocturnal Tapes have arrived and aren’t we happy they have!
Their new single ‘All I Need’ takes you on a spacial journey of floaty dreamscapes and psychedelia attitudes. It is about that moment when you realise you have everything you need and suddenly the pressure you’ve been putting on yourself can lift.
Sounds like: Kasabian, Tame Impala, Du Tonc, Cut Copy
If Lorde decided to dabble in hip hop, this might be the result – ‘Undertow’ by Kendall Morgan.
Kendall grew up in Nashville, and started writing songs as early as she can remember. Her experience in songwriting has led her to working on tracks with Kendrick Lamar and Yo Gotti.
Channeling desires of escapism in her music, Noga wants to embrace fun, but also discuss thought provoking topics at the same time.
The video for ‘Noisy’ was filmed and shot by Hen Makhluf at the Ralli Museum in the city Noga grew up in, Caesarea, Israel.
“Noisy is a video that tells the story of a group of girls who can create havoc even in the most peaceful and civilized places” Erez explains. “The group of girls represent the noise that exists in our minds, the voices that are always there and prevent clear and rational thought.”
Noga’s album, ‘Off The Radar’ is out now on City Slang.
Live Dates
July 8 – Belfort, FR @ Les Eurockéennes de Belfort Festival
July 12 – Tel Aviv, IL @ The Teder
July 15 – Gräfenhainichen, DE @ Melt Festival
July 29 – Vasto, IT @ Siren Festival
August 5 – London, UK @ Visions Festival (w/ Sophie, Jenny Hval, Waxahatchee)
August 12 – Berlin, DE @ Summer Slang // Festsaal Kreuzberg
August 16 – Cologne, DE @ C/O Pop Festival
November 1 – Paris, FR @ Pitchfork Avant Garde
Production seems to be Sean Turk‘s forte, having already released material on Warner, Spinnin’ Records,and Ultra Records and gained support from some key players.
We wanted to get inside the musical mind of the New York-based #BedroomBass enthusiast to find out where he finds the inspiration for his music.
The result is the below playlist, or in Sean’s own words…
Hey what’s going on y’all! Here is a playlist that kind of encompasses the vibes I’m feeling at the moment. A lot of similar stuff that I am usually influenced by. These songs are my go to for traveling/driving around from day to day. Hope you guys enjoy!
Musical talent and synthologist, Cassicus makes a surprising return to our stereos with his debut EP, ‘Baby’s Coming Back’, and to celebrate he has put together a playlist for the readers of Indietronica.
Shura – White Light
There are so many things I love about her sound. In particular this tune. It’s the way she hooks you in with melodies that snap between short Haim-y bursts and dreamier, slower lines. Super clever writing.
Photay – Reconstruct (feat. Seafloor)
Nothing beats when you just get recommended something by a mate at a party and end up totally digging it. The groove in this tune kills me.
Honne – Gone Are The Days
I’ve known these boys for a long time and they’re two of the hardest working musicians I know. The quality of their songs reflects this – writing & production at it’s most refined.
Twin Shadow – Golden Light
That chorus melody. My friend put this on the stereo when we were driving through LA at 1am and the match seemed perfect.
Todd Terje – Johnny and Mary
As if the Robert Palmer original wasn’t beautiful enough, turning the song on its head and making it a slow jam AND with a Brian Ferry vocal; one of my favourite ever reinterpretations.
Kendrick Lamar – King Kunta
This song builds in a way that cuts deep. The tension is mad. He uses his voice like a drum, the rhythm of his phrasing makes my head swing like crazy.
Blood Orange – You’re not Good Enough
This guy makes the most beautifully intricate pop songs and this is just one example of many.
Alex Winston – Velvet Elvis
I had the great pleasure of being her touring drummer back in 2011/12, and during our time in studio I helped write this song. A massive part of my musical roots.
Jessie Ware – Running
It was through this record I discovered the production of Dave Okumu, who I learned a lot from listening to. The vocals on this record get me every time – she’s incredible.
The Cure – Close To Me
My Mum and Dad used to play them all the time when I was a kid. Listening to this record was the first time I remember understanding what a hook was.
Beaty Heart are a band from Peckham in South London. We caught up with them to discuss their infamous name and latest release, ‘Soft Like Clay’.
Where did the name Beaty Heart come from?
We have never actually told anybody why we came up with the name, mainly because it comes from a pretty lame inside joke. We like the idea that people can attach their own meaning to it.
You are a four piece, but three of you play drums. This is an unconventional set up. Tell us more!
Actually these days there is just three of us, and only one of us is playing drums at the moment. We used to be all about those bongos back in the day, and we used to hand out drums to the crowd at the filthy house parties we used to play, but people kept stealing our stuff, so we had to stop doing that.
Describe your sound in three words.
Wow so amazing.
Your new single ‘Soft Like Clay’ has just been played on Annie Mac. How does that feel?
Yeh it feels great, everybody on the radio has been really supportive.
Where do you cite your musical influences from?
We listen to a lot of music on the road, and it all filters through to us in some way. Lee Scratch Perry, Arthur Russell, Roots Manuva, Pharoah Sanders, and Floating Points could be a good start!
We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?
Still listening loads to Archy Marshall‘s record which came out a few months ago. The new Kanye and Kendrick Lamar releases have been getting a lot of play too. Just been listening to the new Dean Blunt record, or Babyfather, whatever he calls him self these days, crazy bastard.
Like what you hear? Then go check the boys out at a gig near you…
April
Fri 8th Reading Oakford Social*
Sat 9th Cardiff dimswn Festival
Sun 10th Oxford Bullingdon*
Tues 12th Guildford Boileroom*
Wed 13th London Electrowerkz*
Sat 30th Leeds Live At Leeds
May
Sun 1st Salford Sounds From The Other City
Thurs 19th London XOYO
Fri 20th Brighton The Great Escape
June
Mon 6th Paris Le Pop Up du label*
Fri 17th Hilvarenbeek Best Kept Secret Festival
July
Fri 15th Groene Ster Welcome To The Village Festival
Fri 29th Kent Leefest
September
Sat 10th Isle Of Wight Bestival
*Headline show
Sounds like: Adult Jazz, Salt Cathedral, Bombay Bicycle Club, Panda Cubs, The 1975, Yeasayer
Hertfordshire four-piece The Hunna is causing quite a stir in the music world.
We caught up with the guys following their recent tour with Coasts, and discussed hip hop and rock influences, as well as what it was like working with Tim Larcombe (Lana Del Rey, Halsey) and Dan Grech (Wolf Alice, Circa Waves).
How did you meet and why did you start making music together?
We’ve all been close friends and brothers for a while now. Daniel Dorney (Bandana Dan) and Ryan Potter (Valentino) met in music college 6 years ago pursuing the goal of making great music. Jack Metcalfe (Insta King) also went to the same college a few years before. Jermaine Angin (The Prince) has known Bandana Dan since primary school and learnt how to play the guitar together since secondary school. There’s always been a connection between us even though we all met at different times in our lives. After our first rehearsal together 2 years ago we all knew that this was something really special and almost like it was meant to be. Our love and appreciation for music is something that we can’t put into words, the feeling that we have when playing together is the reason why we started and why we will continue making music together!
Where did the name The Hunna come from?
We all have a big hip hop / rap influence so it originated from that. We believe in keeping it 1hunna in everything we do.
Describe your sound in three words.
Turn Up Rock.
You worked with Tim Larcombe and Dan Grech on ‘Bonfire’. What was it like working with them?
It was a privilege to work with Tim Larcombe. He understood our vision and got to know us on a personal level really quickly which helped in the work environment and was a big reason why ‘Bonfire’ sounds like it does. We can safely say that Tim is a 1hunna guy and a true professional at what he does. He’s a true Hunna squad member! We admire Dan Grech’s roster and the work that he has produced. He was a pleasure to work with and brought a unique element to the track
Where do you cite your musical influences from?
Kings Of Leon
Foals
Kanye West
Marvin Gaye
Queen
Michael Jackson
Bob Marley
Prince
Drake
We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?
Rae Sremmurd
Kendrick Lamar
Wiz Khalifa
Yung Simmie
Dr Dre
Led Zeppelin
AC-DC
The Weeknd
Willow and Jaden Smith
Frank Ocean
Chief Keef
