Stockholm-based producer Cape Lion shares his new single, ‘Deceiving’.
A groovy masterpiece that expands outside of the current electronic sound space, the track is a sonic journey for the listener from start to finish.
Sounds like: Miike Snow, Amason, Peter Björn and John, Tame Impala, Empire of The Sun, MGMT
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Introducing Hi Frisco.
Hailing from the sunny cities of Blackpool (Henry) and Yorkshire (Felix), this UK-based duo uses experimentation lo-fi pop sounds to create music that would slot nicely alongside MGMT and Tame Impala.
Kicking off is the disorientating but hypnotic. ‘Snowfall’. Not bad for a debut.
Sounds like: MGMT, Tame Impala
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“Have YOU ever been dumped? We here at courtship understand. Text us if you like the song and/or need a free therapy session from ya boys Eli and Micah 818-338-6877.”
Los Angeles duo courtship. is always here to help with their new single ‘Number 1’ and its sweet AF basslines, cascading piano keys and retro-inspired vocals.
The duo elaborates, “We wrote this song because we all know what it feels like to be number 2. Not good. The line ‘baby you’re fun, but you’ll never be number one’ sums it up perfectly.”
Sounds like: Cut Copy, Van She, Summer Heart, Jagwar Ma, Two Door Cinema Club, MGMT, Passion Pit
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Neon Strangers – Stuck In A Rhythm
Neon Strangers by Ronja Dahlgren
‘Stuck In A Rhythm’ by Swedish duo Neon Strangers is short, sentimental and sweet.
The duo – comprised of Anton Ericson and Robin Dahlgren – explore their very own take on emotional songwriting, and what it’s like to be human.
Sounds like: Of Monsters And Men, Born Strangers
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Sophie Kilburn – Indigo Fever
Introducing Derbyshire-born Sophie Kilburn and her debut single ‘Indigo Fever’.
It’s a beautiful fiery alt-pop number that showcases Kilburn’s powerful songwriting with an anthemic backdrop – “How can you love your body, when nobody is loving you?”
Listen below.
Sounds like: KT Tunstall, Florence & The Machine, Angie McMahon, Emma McGrath, PJ Harvey, Jade Bird
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Tyler Meacham – Say Yes
Tyler Meacham is one lady who, when she makes mistakes along the way, gets up, dusts herself off and tries again.
‘Say Yes’ is a punchy pop number with a slice of attitude for the modern female generation.
Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Maggie Rogers, City & Colour
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School of X – Write My Name
School of X by Jonas Bang
Touring drummer for MØ and Major Lazer, Copenhagen-based Rasmus Littauer spends the majority of his time on the road. When he does get some rare downtime, he spends it writing and producing tracks for his solo project, School Of X.
His evocative synth single, ‘Write My Name’ is the final single release before his ‘Destiny’ EP, which takes us on a journey of leaving doubts behind and looking forward.
Sounds like: MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Cat Power
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Stranger Girl – Find The Humour
Indie music often alludes to themes of adolescence, but what happens when indie bands grow up? Should their songwriting not follow suit? Stranger Girl are the perfect example of that, they retain all the trademark sonic tropes but their songwriting addresses navigating love in their twenties, hoping to ‘Find The Humour’ post-breakup.
Listen below and check out the warm fuzzy guitars set the perfect backdrop for frontwoman Melissa’s Blondie-inspired pop-rock vocal melodies.
Sounds like: Wolf Alice
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The Chevin – Big Machine
We’re not going to feel bad for digging a band that racks up similarities to The Killers and U2.
The band in question is vibrant Leeds-based The Chevin, and we can’t help but admire their nod to energetic, 90’s rock in the new single, ‘Big Machine’.
Sounds like: The Wombats, The Killers, INXS, Duran Duran, U2
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Wow, what a debut single this is!
New Swedish band on the block, Vola Tila comes straight out of the gate armed with an infectious yet emotional account of “a loss of oneself”. Full of energy, and a heady blend of pop and indie, fusing synths, guitars and both live and programmed drums, the recently formed pair take influence from a crossover of genres, each with a background in production and composing for other artists.
Fully obsessed with music, Johannes Henriksson and Richard Andersson have spent almost every day in the studio together creating their new EP, recorded in collaboration with Sonic Boom (MGMT, Panda Bear, Spacemen 3) and Swedish producer Charlie Storm (Håkan Hellström).
Sounds like: MGMT, LANY
Rebellious band geeks, French Horn Rebellion shares new single ‘Renaissance Man’.
A combination of French horn played “really really loud” and laid back groovy beats, these two brothers – aka Brooklyn-based Robert and David Perlick-Molinari – know how to make you dance.
Since its inception, French Horn Rebellion has been an independent project, and the brothers now also co-own their very own label and studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – YouTooCanWoo. The studio has been responsible for producing musical artists such as MGMT and The Knocks, while also creating the audio identities for companies like Spotify, MTV and LOGO.
The track is taken from their ‘Graduation Compilation,’ an album comprised of past hits and new tracks, signaling the end of an era as they launch their new disco/house/dance label imprint, toucan sounds.
Sounds like: RÜFÜS, Flight Facilities
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Mark Diamond – Steady
Seattle-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Diamond shares slow-burning pop song, ‘Steady’.
At just 25, Diamond already oozes so much self-love and confidence, and with this being a debut, we are blown away by his frank approach to welcoming such feel-good emotions.
‘Steady’ is out now via Stardog Records/Republic Records.
Sounds like: Tom Petty, Hootie & The Blowfish
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Stats – Lose It
UK-born band Stats embrace spontaneity by transfusing genres in their music, such as 70’s art rock, 80’s synth grooves, and cosmic disco-pop.
The new single ‘Lose It’ is about temptations to simply vanish into thin air, a desire that most of us have probably faced in life. Let’s hope Stats don’t disappear anytime soon.
Expect their ‘Other People’s Lives’ album shortly.
Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Pet Shop Boys, Nimmo
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Suzi Island – Halo
Brighton trio Suzi Island shares vibrant new single, ‘Halo’.
Produced by Larry Hibbitt (Nothing But Thieves, Sundara Karma, Sea Girls, Marmozets), ‘Halo’ has a bittersweet sound throughout and is a clear bound forward for Suzi Island following their last two singles.
Sounds like: Nothing But Thieves, Sundara Karma, Sea Girls
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Kita Menari – Pretty Sure
Kita Menari by Joram Kaat & Rens Polman
Kita Menari is the synth-pop project of Dutch artist Micha de Jonge.
His new single ‘Pretty Sure’ is an infectious slice of indie-dance-pop with a big nod to classic Passion Pit-.esq synth effects.
Kita plays Eurosonic Noordeslag on 19 January, so check him out if you can.
Sounds like: Goldroom, Passion Pit, MGMT, Phoenix, The Naked And Famous, Silversun Pickups, Matt & Kim
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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.
Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Two Door Cinema Club
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Jain, Sagres Stage
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.
Sounds like: Brigitte, Santigold, L.E.J, Yodelice, Lilly Wood & The Prick
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Khalid, Sagres Stage
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
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Wolf Alice, Sagres Stage
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
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Sampha, Sagres Stage
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
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FRIDAY 13 JULY
Two Door Cinema Club, NOS Stage
We have watched Irish electro-poppers Two Door Cinema Club play live countless times, and that’s why they’ve made this list.
It’s hard to believe these youngsters have been around for over eight years. Still full of energy and banging tunes, catch them on the Friday!
Sounds like: Phoenix, Hot Chip, Passion Pit
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Future Islands, NOS Stage
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.
Expect big things on stage!
Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Perfume Genius, Twin Shadow, Sylvan Esso, Austra
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CHVRCHES, Sagres Stage
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
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Portugal. The Man, Sagres Stage
Bold American rock band Portugal. The Man have been making serious waves of late, and if you haven’t heard of them, you soon will.
An iPhone soundtrack waiting to happen; expect goosebumps, sway inducing vocal harmonies and a fist pumping bass line.
Sounds like: Foster The People, Broken Bells, Grouplove, Circa Survive, MGMT
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Surma, Coreto Stage
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.
Sounds like: Yellerkin, Yoke Lore, M83, Joanna Newsom
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SATURDAY 14 JULY
Lotus Fever, Coreto Stage
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.
Sounds like: Alt-J, Pink Floyd
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Mighty Sands, Coreto Stage
Mighty Sands is a Lisbon-based quintet.
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!
Sounds like: Father John Misty, Tame Impala, MGMT
MGMT, NOS Stage
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
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Perfume Genius, Sagres Stage
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
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Bernado, Coreto Stage
Wow, Bernado‘s vocals have blown us away after watching her live performance of ‘The Boy Is Mine’.
The London based British/Portuguese singer/songwriter effortlessly combines modern attitudes from London attitude with a jazzy flair.
Sounds like: Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith
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Real Estate, Sagres Stage
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.
Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, MGMT
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Find out more info about NOS Alive and purchase remaining tickets here.
Electronic duo Solomon Grey are gearing up to release their sophomore album ‘Human Music’, out on 16 February via Mercury KX Records. The record was mixed by Dave Fridmann (MGMT, Flaming Lips, Tame Impala) and features a full orchestra recorded in Budapest.
We caught up with Tom and Joe…
1. Describe your sound in three words.
Emotive, cinematic, classic (we held to hold back from writing average or something similar).
2. Where did the name Solomon Grey come from?
There was a day of flinging names around, Tom said Solomon Grey (the inspiration for that is another story) and we thought it sounded right. At the time we wanted people to think it was one person. We always enjoyed reviews wrongly thinking Floyd or Gnarls Barkley were one artist.
3. Your music is hugely emotive, and your visuals and live shows, hugely atmospheric. Which comes first when creating music?
We normally talk about the visual aspect of a track once the first few ideas are down. It’s always present in the idea from an early point. Also, atmosphere is vital to how we work with a tune. Always trying to find where a track sits and how to achieve that. We are always discussing and sharing ideas, it’s part of the joys of working as a duo.
4. You toured with Above & Beyond in 2016. What was that like?
Amazing. Performing live on the tour ended up inspiring a lot of how we wrote this latest album. Those venues, the acoustics, the seated audiences. The whole Above and Beyond family were so great to us, we owe them everything. Still can’t quite believe that we played the Hollywood bowl. What a privilege.
5. Your upcoming sophomore album, ‘Human Music’, is out next month, and follows Joe’s extremely difficult journey with his mother. Was this album particularly hard to make?
Joe, “in places. This is hard to explain but it was a very lovely time spending that last summer with Sandy. We were together for the end and it was special. I think the whole point of the album is that from the offset I thought something like this would be as you described it ‘an extremely difficult journey’ but it turned out to be a beautiful celebration of our lives together and an honour and pleasure to be there at the end. There were difficult moments of course but mostly it was a time I will cherish. We were best friends and it was good being there together at the end”. Tom, “Making the album was challenging because of the amount of musical ideas Joe brought but we got through it.”
6. We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?
Arctic Lake recorded all their latest tracks next door and we think they are amazing. Msafiri Zawose has an album out called Uhamiaji which we keep playing on the way into work. Also, @iamofficer is recording his second album next door at the moment and we keep humming the melodies on our way home. It sounds beautiful, but he is still working on it so keep a look out for its release.
Sounds like: Aquilo, Heaven 17, Depeche Mode, Ásgeir, Chet Faker, James Vincent McMorrow, Hozier, Lane 8, The National, Son Lux, M83, James Blake, Bon Iver
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Norwegian five-piece Iffy Orbit channel Tame Impala vibes in new single, ‘Not Good Enough’, in which Iffy Orbit contemplate the pressure of possible failure.
Like with their former releases, ‘Not Good Enough’ combines psychedelic pop sensibilities with groovy vocals and funky basslines.
The single is out now via Toothfairy and features on their ‘Slow Times’ album.
Sounds like: MGMT, Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips, Bad Family, Bad Sounds