Tag Archives: MNEK

Weekly Gems 91

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Love You Later – Said You’d Be There

Love You Later by Sara Anne Waggoner

Love You Later is the brainchild of Nashville-born, synth-pop artist, Lexi Aviles.

She creates heartbreaker bangers with dreamy landscapes and an infectious pop vulnerability.

Her new single ‘Said You’d Be There’ is about not getting caught up with the small things that happen in life, but to let go, be free, and dance your way through the endless horizon ahead.

Sounds like: The Japanese House, MUNA, Soccer Momm, Snail Mail

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Zoe Konez & Antonio Lulic – Echo

Zoe Konez & Antonio Lulic - Echo

Singer-songwriters Zoe Konez and Antonio Lulic combine on the rousing alternative-pop anthem “Echo”. Drawing on influences from Zoe’s indie background and Antonio’s stadium-filling pop tones, it’s an epic piece of pop-fusion that details a longing for adventure at the expense of personal relationships.

Sounds like: Oh Wonder, Of Monsters and Men, Ben Howard

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Yaeger – I Tried

Yaeger

Extreme sport fanatic and Swedish pop act Yaeger (“hunter”) shares her dynamic single, ‘I Tried’, out now on Chess Club Records.

It’s infectious pop with a solid backbone. Listen below.

Sounds like: Tove Lo, Zara Larsson

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STORME – Back To Her

STORME

Scandinavian STORME returns with her new single ‘Back To Her’.

Written in the Swedish wilderness, the track’s topic considers how beautiful the Earth is, but also how fragile it is in it’s current, dying state.

It’s out now via Humble Angel Records.

Sounds like: Rae Morris, KATE BOY, Björk, Aurora, RAINDEAR, CILVR, Bat For Lashes, The Knife, Róísín Murphy, Billie Eilish

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BOII – Footwork

BOII

British duo BOII have us quite taken aback with their ‘Footwork’. Seems like we’re not the only ones expressing our feelings through the mode of movement.

The track focuses on the time when you can truly experience the “moment” by moving away from a challenging place and escaping reality.

Sounds like: Zola Blood, Tourist, Mansionair

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Fruut – R.O.E (Running on Empty)

Fruut

Philadelphia based singer/songwriter/producer Fruut shares her lo-fi take on indie pop and RnB to create the smooth and breezy ‘R.O.E’.

The new single is her first collab with producer Fortunewest and it’s guaranteed to get those ears twitching.

Sounds like: Sorcha Richardson, Mallrat, Vera Blue, Geowulf

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Tensnake – Rules Feat. Chenai

Tensnake

After a two year hiatus, the greatly awaited single from Tensnake arrives. Titled ‘Rules’, the feel good track features vocals from Chenai in an ode to 90s house, with a modern twist.

It’s out now on Armada Electronic Elements.

Sounds like: MNEK, Le Youth, Joe Goddard, Disclosure, Fred Falke, Louis La Roche

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Ben Kidson – Money

Ben Kidson

Self-taught rock fan turned esteemed pop-writer Ben Kidson has given his hand to producing and the result is the energetic ‘Money’.

Featuring heavy sampling of 90s video game sounds hidden throughout the track, ‘Money’ calls on people who have said they can help you to “put your money where your mouth is”.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Yungblud, Twenty One Pilots

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Eli & Fur – Wall To Wall

Eli & Fur

UK-based rising stars Eli & Fur provide lush and haunting vocals in their new single ‘Wall To Wall’.

Released on Big Beat Records/SIKR (Gavin Koolmon from Disciples new label) the progressive electronic track works perfectly listening to at home as it does on the dancefloor.

Sounds like: Luttrell, Kidnap, Henri

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Benji Lewis – New Day

Benji Lewis

Benji Lewis returns with the wonderful ‘New Day’, conjuring up images of happiness and freedome.

Shot around Los Angeles by Chris Weigen, the video for ‘New Day’ features Benji singing in front of various pastel backdrops.

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, The Kite String Tangle, Active Child, Gallant, Sam Smith, James Blake, Jack Garratt

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TheColorGrey – Nothing At All

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

TheColorGrey by Segraphy

We just can’t get TheColorGrey‘s new song, ‘Nothing At All’ out of our heads. It’s purely addictive urban pop, and therefore makes our Ones to Watch for 2019.

The single marks a distinct change in direction for the Belgian-based multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer. For the first time, he has recorded with a full live band, pushing his modern take on R&B and soul up a notch or two.

It’s out now on Warner Music.

Sounds like: John Legend, KAYTRANADA, MNEK

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Weekly SubmitHub Gems 3

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Back Talk – Nothing New (Feat. The Fame Riot)

Back Talk - Nothing New (Feat. The Fame Riot)

Los Angeles/Seattle group Back Talk blast out new banger, ‘Nothing New’ featuring The Fame Riot.

‘Nothing New’ offers up fighting lyrics smothered in modern production. Listen below.

Sounds like: Phantogram, Odesza, Louis The Child

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TWINKIDS – Body Wonder

TWINKIDS drop ‘Body Wonder’.

It’s a brooding number with elegant pieces of soulful vocals, unexpected harmonies and spare percussion written about how all-consuming love is.

‘Body Wonder’ is out now on Om Records.

Sounds like: Talos, Tame Impala, Oli Hannaford, Boxed In

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Ruben Young – Bad Habits

Ruben Young - Bad Habits

Rising Canadian R&B artist Ruben Young shares the ever so smooth ‘Bad Habits’.

Speaking of the single, Ruben says,

“I wrote it in the fall of 2015, following my “relapse” for a girl I’d been chasing since I was 16 years old. She’s never been good for me, and I’ve known it all along. We kept our ‘relationship’ a secret, and it became more of an affair. She was my forbidden secret – my bad habit. 7 years later, it all came crashing down. I think everyone’s guilty of falling for someone who they couldn’t get over; even though they knew they needed to. For me, she was dangerous, and I loved that about her.”

Sounds like: John Legend

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Tyzo Bloom – Before U Go (feat. Lauren Marie)

Tyzo Bloom is the brainchild of Los Angeles producer/songwriter, Casey Chen.

He writes progressive music that combines contemporary production, melodic tones and delightful vocals (this time, courtesy of Lauren Marie).

Sounds like: Sylvan Esso, Mura Masa, Ella Vos, Odesza

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Sub-Radio – Was It Good For You

DIY band Sub-Radio create uplifting music with a raw edge.

‘Was It Good For You’ creates a feeling of disorder as soon as you listen to it, but this isn’t a bad thing when the falsetto vocals are as good as this!

Sounds like: Smallpools, Young The Giant

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Ricky Remedy x JOHN.k – Gold

Ricky Remedy x JOHN.k - Gold

Introducing JOHN.k, an Orlando-based singer-songwriter who effortless perspires soul.

He has teamed up with Mad Decent-signed and Grammy Award winning producer Ricky Remedy for a new collaborative single, ‘Gold’, in which Ricky brings some serious, crisp production skills to the table.

Sounds like: MNEK, Gorgon City, The Weeknd

Ricky Remedy

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JOHN.k

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An Indietronica Preview of Wildlife Festival 2017

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Wildlife Festival 2017

Wildlife Festival returns for its third year at Shoreham Airport. Headed up by Disclosure and Black Butter Records, expect this be the most fun year yet, not just because you now have an excuse to take the Friday off, but because the line up is quite simply awesome.

We’ve picked out our favourites, so you don’t have to. Check them out below.

ANNE-MARIE
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Anne Marie

Essex-born artist, Anne-Marie, has had numerous hits over the last couple of years. With her sweet vocals (she performed in Les Miserables when she was younger) and urban swagger, we expect her performance to be very special indeed.

Sounds like: Zara Larsson, K-Stewart, Kiiara, Mabel

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CLEAN BANDIT
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Clean Bandit

We’ve been following Cambridge collective, Clean Bandit since they began, so it’s with great excitement that we see them playing the big stage Wildlife Festival this year.

They have gone from strength to strength with their collaborations, including a couple of other Wildlife artists.

Sounds like: RAC, AlunaGeorge, Disclosure, Bondax

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DISCLOSURE
Live DJ set. Location & Date TBC.

Disclosure by Catie Laffoon

Reigate brothers, Disclosure, are running the show at Widlife.

Citing a range of influences from classical, rock, funk and soul, their sound is a forward thinking amalgamation of the aforementioned genres.

They will be doing a DJ set at Wildlife.

Sounds like: MNEK, Sam Smith, Gorgon City

JESS GLYNNE
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Jess Glynne

Was ‘Hold My Hand’ the best song of 2015? Quite possibly, but regardless, it was definitely the song that put Jess Glynne on the global map, with a number of remixes secured with some key contenders in the dance industry.

With her stunning vocal tone and energy, Jess will be headlining the festival on Friday. Bring it on!

Sounds like: Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, Ella Henderson

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JOE GODDARD
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June

Joe Goddard by Marc Sethi

Fresh off the release of his album, ‘Electric Lines’ (out on Greco-Roman/Domino Records), UK producer Joe Goddard is set to play Wildlife Festival.

Joe Goddard is the founder member of electronic legends Hot Chip and ½ of DJ duo The 2 Bears, so expect a stellar performance in a similar vein!

Sounds like: Roosevelt, Hot Chip, The xx, Four Tet, Caribou, Jamie XX

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LIV DAWSON
Wildlife Stage, Saturday 10th June

Liv Dawson

Lovely Londoner, Liv Dawson, is one of our favourite newcomers from 2016.

The sound and emotional depth of the late teen prove that she is undeniably wise and confident beyond her years, and it’s therefore no wonder that she’s been picked to play Wildlife amongst such other great acts.

Sounds like: Beyonce, Banks, Jorja Smith

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MURA MASA
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June

Mura Masa

Electronic music producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Alex Crossan is Mura Masa.

He has a huge fan base (most, if not all of his singles have been used in various clothing adverts) and he is renowned for his glitchy production that incorporates Asian instruments, as well as incredible live shows.

Sounds like: Flume, Cashmere Cat, SBTRKT, FØRTE, The Knife

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RAYE
Wildlife Stage, Saturday 10th June

Raye

BRIT School attendee and South Londoner, RAYE, has been making waves with her unique take on R&B.

RAYE has received support from the likes of Years & Years, Charli XCX and Jonas Blue.

Sounds like: Years & Years, Louisa Johnson, Jess Glynne

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RUDIMENTAL
Live DJ set. Location & Date TBC.

With a knack for choosing great vocalists, Rudimental are known for their bold, bassy and brassy sounds. In a massive contradiction to their name choice, this four-piece are anything basic.

They will be doing a DJ set at Wildlife.

Sounds like: Alex Clare, John Newman, Will Heard, MNEK, NIMMO, Leo Stannard, Oli Hannaford

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SHY LUV
Tropical / Sounds Of The Future Stage, Saturday 10th June

Shy Luv

Shy Luv is the project of Manchester based Karma Kid and Armeria.

‘Time’ follows on from their ‘Shock Horror’ EP, but it’s live where the duo showcase their diverse range of influences including LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy and Friendly Fires.

Sounds like: Honne, Disclosure, Tame Impala, Hot Chip, Jagwar Ma, SG Lewis, LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Metronomy, Friendly Fires

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ZARA LARSSON
Wildlife Stage, Friday 9th June

Zara Larsson

It doesn’t seem that long ago since social activist and Swedish electro-pop singer, Zara Larsson hit our screens with the video for ‘Lush Life’.

She later teamed up with MNEK for ‘Never Forget You’, and is now set to get the crowds pumped on the Wildlife Stage.

Sounds like: Rihanna, Tove Lo, Dua Lipa

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TICKETS AND MORE INFO FROM THE Wildlife Festival WEBSITE.

Chris Malinchak – Happiness (Featuring Kaleem Taylor)

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Chris Malinchak

Always on the search for ‘Happiness’, we think we may have just found it in the new single from Chris Malinchak, featuring upcoming UK-based singer, Kaleem Taylor.

Although Chris is a house producer by heart, and whilst ‘Happiness’ undoubtly has the Malinchak vibe that was found in the hit, ‘So Good To Me’, the addition of Kaleem Taylor’s neo soul vocals adds a new electronic dimension.

Sounds like: MNEK, Disclosure, Duke Dumont, Le Youth, Tensnake

Chris Malinchak

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Kaleem Taylor

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Blak Emoji – Honey

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Blak Emoji

Citing a range of influences from Nine Inch Nails to Björk, Blak Emoji is bound to delight with their adventurous new track.

Soulful vocals, analog synths and crunchy guitar riffs make up the sweet sound of ‘Honey’.

Listen below.

‘Honey’ is taken from the ‘Intro’ EP. The release show will be happening on 27 January at Irving Plaza, so go check them out.

Sounds like: MNEK, Seal, Miike Snow, Blood Orange, Ed Sheeran

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Astronomyy – Into U

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Astronomyy

UK-based producer, Astronomyy, shares a dark version of ‘Into U’.

We don’t usually feature covers on Indietronica, but this is so different to the original by Ariana Grande, we had to include it.

The 26 year old has worked with the likes of Billie Eilish, MNEK and Zara Larsson, offering a variety of sounds, due to being raised on a heavy dose of 90’s – 2000’s pop & R&B, with equal measures of 60’s – 70’s rock, and everything in-between.

Sounds like: Aeble, James Blake, Active Child, SOHN, Lorde

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SG Lewis – Holding Back (Feat. Gallant)

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

SG Lewis

Well, this is a brilliant collaboration.

London based producer, SG Lewis shares ‘Holding Back’, featuring accomplished, Los Angeles vocalist, Gallant.

‘Holding Back’ is reminiscent of the upbeat tones of ‘All Night’, and both artists are feeling the outcome of working together.

SG said of the collab: “I’d been listening to Gallant for ages when I wrote the track, and sent it over to see if he’d be into it. He flipped the meaning of the song completely, which was so exciting.”

Gallant also commented: “I’m a huge fan of SG. I think he’s one of the most talented rising producers around right now. He’s making incredibly special music that’s unique and stylish.”

It’s released via Jasmine Music and available for purchase on iTunes.

Sounds like: MNEK, Alex Vargas, Jack Garratt, TENDER, Wølffe, Lucas Nord, Great Good Fine Ok, LANY

SG Lewis

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Gallant

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Interview: Benji Lewis

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Benji Lewis

Meet Australian singer/songwriter Benji Lewis, who has just released his debut ‘Hearts & Halos’ EP, along with its fourth and final single, ‘Night & Day’.

We had a chat with him to find out more about his music and being Benji Lewis.

Benji Lewis is a singer/songwriter from Melbourne. Tell us more about your day to day life as Benji Lewis?

Right now around the recent release of my EP, it’s a lot of being around the laptop, with emails and sharing to socials. It’s cool though, seeing new fans coming in, finding my music and having great sites and blogs come on board as well. I’m also setting up some features and collabs in Australia and the States, so some more emails, writing lyrics, melodies and getting in the studio when I can to record. In my free time though I’ll be with my sisters or housemates, a gin and tonic if I’m feeling it or I’ll watch a tv show, at the moment it’s Daredevil & Outlander.

Describe your sound in three words.

Emotion, Atmospheric, Vibes.

There’s an incredible amount of emotional energy that is poured into your music. Do you find it a difficult process tapping into such emotions?

I think I did at times, but when some memories are so visual still, everything can come flooding back. With some of the songs, especially ‘Reach You Where You Are.’ That one just came out of me when i was at the piano. You do feel it all again, so it isn’t all easy. But it does feel good to express it and let it out.

Your EP is called ‘Hearts & Halos’. Where did the name come from?

When deciding on the title, I had this huge list. But this one always stood out, from the moment I wrote it down. Well the EP is a lot about matters of the heart and then half of it is about the loss of my Mum, who is definitely now a guardian angel to me, so that’s where Halos came from. Then it just seemed a perfect fit, Hearts & Halos.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

Influences and new music styles can always change for me. But when it came to this EP, going into it I definitely had in mind music from James Blake, Tove Lo and some emotion and vocal style from Emma Louise as well. While the other half was more influenced by Gorgon City, Peking Duk and The Weekend.

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

About a month or two ago, before he hit the radio here in Australia I came across gnash, I really like stuff from him, especially ‘i hate u i love u’ & ‘leave a message.’ But I’m also liking Joy, Atlas Bound and anything from MNEK, he’s amazing, his production and vocals has all the vibes.

Sounds like: Antony Hegarty, Active Child, Gallant, Sam Smith, Solomon Grey, James Blake, Yazz, Jack Garratt, Disclosure, MNEK

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SP¡ON – Sunset

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Indietronica Staff

SP¡ON

It’s not all about Sweden. Norway also has some incredible music to offer.

One of our ones to watch for 2016 is SP¡ON; a newly formed and highly talented Norwegian electronic trio with all three of its members scattered across different cities throughout Europe.

The first member of SPiON is based in Bergen and has a background in animation; the second is a music producer and songwriter currently working out of London. Co-writes and credits to date include Aurora, Sinead Harnett, Pusha T, Max Marshall, and MNEK. The final member is based in Copenhagen developing sounds and music purposefully for video games.

Although the trio have been collaborating together musically since 2007, ‘Sunset’ is the first track to be revealed under the SPiON moniker. It features the vocals of Ina Sagstuen, an established jazz singer currently basing herself in Oslo, as well as an incredibly atmospheric vocal section from Sølvguttene, the Norwegian National Broadcastings (Norwegian equivalent of the BBC) official choir.

Sounds like: Imogen Heap, Violet Days, Mew, Broods, FLOR, Pink Floyd

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