Tag Archives: NAO

Weekly Gems 100

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Indietronica Staff

TESSA – Bad Bad Love

TESSA

Australian artist Tessa Neale (fka Hoodlem) wants to leave her ego at the door whilst making music. Unfiltered and full of sass, this is TESSA at her core.

Produced with Jeff Hazin and featuring Toronto rapper Terrell Morris, her new single ‘Bad Bad Love’ is an upbeat anti-love song sending a message to the game-playing lovers everywhere…we see you.

Sounds like: Mahalia, Empress Of, Nao, Jessie Ware

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Francis Novotny – Someone I Wanted To Be

Francis Novotny

Young Swedish songwriter Francis Novotny shares the beautiful ‘Someone I Wanted To Be’.

With modern rings of The Cinematic Orchestra‘s ‘To Build A Home’, the cinematic approach to this stripped-back song – about love, regret, and new perspectives – is delicately composed with an emotional piano progression, whilst his vocals take centre stage.

Sounds like: The Cinematic Orchestra

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STRØM – Blurred Out

STRØM

After months of anticipation, Swedish artist STRØM finally unveils his earnest chops, whilst, ironically sharing his new single called ‘Blurred Out’, taken from his debut album, ‘Immortal’ out now via This is Scandinavia / Sony Music.

With a cascading beat of drums and vocal loops, the track gives us an intriguing glimpse into the album.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, TENDER, Solomon Grey, James Blake

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Benji Lewis – No Alibi

Benji Lewis

Sounds like: The 1975, The Kite String Tangle, Antony Hegarty, Active Child, Gallant, Sam Smith, Solomon Grey, James Blake, Yazz, Jack Garratt, Disclosure

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Christian Cohle – Breathe

Christian Cohle by Adrian Wojtas

Dublin-born Christian Cohle shares his haunting and melancholic debut single, ‘Breathe’.

Mixing majestic synthesizers and driving rhythms, ‘Breathe’ explores the emotional struggle of feeling interlinked with something that turns out to be artificial. Discussing the inspiration behind his new record, Cohle says: “Breathe was predominantly informed by experiences I was going through at the time, but also very much influenced by the neo-noir science fiction film, Blade Runner 2049.”

Sounds like: James Blake, Sampha, Jai Paul, Solomon Grey

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Matthew Scott Ragland – Here and Now

Matthew Scott Ragland by Holly Peyton

Dallas-based songwriter, producer, recording artist and former band member of Austin based Nelo, Matthew Scott Ragland finds solace in a new project.

His double single, ‘Here and Now / Now is Here’ was written by Ragland from a purist point of view, where synthesizers, drum machines and string samples take the place of his trusted guitar.

Sounds like: The Stone Roses, Ulrich Schnauss, Jon Hopkins, Joe Goddard

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Pastel – Let You (Feat. Haoting)

Pastel - Let You (Feat. Haoting)

French-Polynesian singer and multi-instrumentalist Pastel unveils his impossibly smooth new single, ‘Let You’.

It’s a blissed out neo-jazz Bossa Nova fusion compiled alongside long-time friend and Taiwanese artist, Haoting.

Sounds like: FKJ, Miller Blue, Yakul, Easy Life, Hers, Tom Misch

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Weekly Gems 47

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Lydia Evangeline – Down

Lydia Evangeline

Lydia Evangeline is standing as a quality and thought-provoking songstress.

Never truer to a gritty pop sound, ‘Down’ is about a toxic relationship, full of lyrical sadness and an optimstic sass running throughout.

It’s out now via Bespoke Records.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, NAO

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CILVR – Bound To Die

CILVR

Swedish singer/songwriter CILVR has drawn comparisons to Billie Eilish, Lykke Li and Kate Bush and we can understand why with her delicate take on Scandi-pop.

But don’t be fooled, these dulcet tones quickly transcend into slick and airy pop.

With a genuine ability to write original songs, we are excited of things to come from CILVR.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Lykke Li, Kate Bush, Robyn

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Suns Up – Love You Back

Suns Up

What’s up Suns Up? Sussex country-bumpkin band Suns Up will definitely brighten up your day with ‘Love You Back’.

A perfect indie-pop anthem with sweet guitar melodies, infectious hooks and dizzy vocals. As seen on your next Made in Chelsea episode very soon…

Sounds like: Sea Girls, The Kooks, Two Door Cinema Club, The 1975, Phoenix, Sundara Karma

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Chris Ayer – Need Somebody

Chris Ayer - Need Somebody

West Coast dweller Chris Ayer shares ‘Need Somebody’.

It’s a pop song through and through, written about being in a relationship with someone that you know isn’t good for you, a perfect remedy for heartbroken teens across the globe.

Sounds like: XY&O, Charlie Puth, Ed Sheeran

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Dylan Emmet – Memory feat. Constance

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Dylan Emmet has a gut wrenching story to tell. After discovering about a two year old daughter he never know about, Emmet packed his bags and moved to New York to be a full-time dad and musician.

He has enlisted Candian singer/songwriter Constance (NÉONHÈART) on their emotional song ‘Memory’, and the special chemistry between Emmet and Constance is clear throughout the song.

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Bellhouse – Like You Loved Us

Bellhouse

Bellhouse is the Swedish pop project of Emma-Lee Andersson.

A trained truck driver who would have chosen a career in criminology if it weren’t for her music, it’s perhaps surprising that Bellhouse didn’t notice her musical talent in pop music soon.

Her gorgeously radio-ready ‘Like You Loved Us’ had us at hello and for this reason, Bellhouse is one of our Ones to Watch for 2019.

Sounds like: Allie X, Zella Day, ORKID, Harlee

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Jamie N Commons – Paper Dreams

Following a move to Los Angeles to pursue his now hugely successful songwriting career, Jamie N Commons found his music took an unexpected turn towards the musical greats of the 80’s.

Containing these ingredients, plus the addition of some rock and blues in there, Jamie N Commons’ ‘Paper Dreams’ are certainly proving fruitful.

Sounds like: Rag’n’Bone Man, Jacob Banks

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thanks. – HYHU

thanks.

Berklee Music of College graduates duo thanks. are inspiring musicians around the world with their new single ‘HYHU’ (Hold Your Head Up).

It does exactly what it says on the tin, with an extra dose of groovy indie-pop swagger and electronic melodies.

Sounds like: Coach & Ref, Rudimental

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Clinic Blonde – Fabled

Copenhagen quarter Clinic Blonde are playing it nonchalant with dreamy new single ‘Fabled’.

Their sound is both fresh and nostalgic – think sparkling riffs and sky-high vocals that will warm the warmest of months.

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Weekly Gems 30

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

High Hazels – Days Of No One

BBC 6 favourite, breezy indie band High Hazels share their new single ‘Days Of No One’.

Fighting an ever-losing battle of love and being lonely, lead singer James admits that despite the conflicting themes in their music, he is a fan of people; “Weirdly that’s why I think loneliness pops up in our music quite a lot, I suppose it’s more the fear of it.”

Sounds like: The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane, Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles, Richard Hawley, The Coral, Beach House, Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine

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Cape Cub – Come Around

Creating honest, real and emotive music is Cape Cub‘s forte. It seems to be in his blood.

His new single – out today on LAB Records – is called ‘Come Around’ and is a highly thought-provoking song about losing a loved one.

Sounds like: Foals, Passenger, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Tep No, Brandon Flowers, Death Cab for Cutie, Temper Trap,

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Captain Kidd – Bleed

There is a bit of a Drake vibe going on in Captain Kidd‘s new single ‘Bleed’ and we are digging it.

A perfect blend of blissed-out, nostalgic indie with modern pop. Listen below.

Sounds like: RÜFÜS, SAMA

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Bishat – Unholy Romance

Bishat - Unholy Romance

Swedish alt-pop artist Bishat shares the intriguing ‘Unholy Romance’.

It has an intense and destructive undertone and was written in collaboration with producer Damian Ardestani (aka XOV) on a freezing day just outside of Stockholm.

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Robyn, LKA, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, July Child, Nao, Lorde

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LMBO – Fake It

LMBO

Classically trained multi-instrumentalist school friends and singer LMBO releases debut single ‘Fake It’.

Music to match a soundtrack, the melodies effortlessly tip toe between the light and dark.

Sounds like: Hellogoodbye, Owl City, Hotel Garuda

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Bishat – Under My Skin

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Bishat

Wow! What a talent Swedish artist, songwriter and producer Bishat is.

Bishat wrote her first song with José Gonzalez at the tender age of 13, and runs her own label MINAMIN.

Her single ‘Under My Skin’ is an upbeat and melodic pop offering with R&B tinged vocals full of self-worth.

Sounds like: Robyn, LKA, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, July Child, Nao

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Rachel K Collier – Rust

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Rachel K Collier - Rust

Welsh solo artist and producer, Rachel K Collier returns with her addictive track ‘Rust’.

We are obsessed with the song’s beautiful, metallic riffs, and house-influenced percussive grooves, as well as the highly relatable lyrics that discuss how relationships can become stale and deteriorate unless you keep them polished and fresh, “left to rot, things wont changed…polish off, make it shine”.

Expect Rachel’s second EP in early Autumn and debut album early 2018.

Sounds like: All Saints, Little Dragon, NAO

Shannon Saunders – Pure

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Shannon Saunders

We’ve been keeping our eyes on London-based Shannon Saunders ever since we first heard her vocals on Wilkinson‘s ‘Breathe’, so we were pretty happy to learn that she has shared her new video for ‘Pure’.

Shot on a stunning black beach in Iceland, the Damian-Weilers‘ directed video shows both a tough and beautiful side of Shannon (who else would be able to walk bare footed on a freezing beach in Iceland so gracefully?!), which pretty much sums up the meaning behind the track.

As Shannon puts it,

“‘Pure’ is the awakening of the soul when you first experience unconditional love. Musically it is a marriage of heavy underground beats with ambient vocals, taking you on a journey between first heartbreak and first love.”

‘Pure’ is out now via Lovejoy Records.

Sounds like: FKA Twigs, Låpsley, NAO, Delaire, Jessie Ware

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Deliah – Better The Devil

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Deliah

New track, ‘Better The Devil’ by Deliah is slightly out of the realms of what we would normally post, but we think the Liverpool-based duo have something pretty special.

The jazz-tinged R&B release is, as lead singer Michelle Harris and instrumentalist Alex Dopierala put it, “an almost sarcastic look on being oppressed.”

Honing their live set, Deliah have spent the last year supporting Ady Suleiman and Maverick Sabre
Like what you hear? Catch them at one of the dates below:

19th November – Liverpool, Sound Station Podcast Prize
6th Dec – Snug – Bristol – ILUVLIVE
8th Dec – Fallow’s Cafe – Manchester – ILUVLIVE

Sounds like: Ady Suleiman, Maverick Sabre, NAO, Shakka, Låpsley, Dua Lipa

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Playlist: IDER

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

IDER

We can’t get enough of North London duo, IDER, so we asked them to put together a playlist for us in order to really get inside their musical brains.

This is the result. An emotional journey of music, past and present.

Banks – Better
Can’t get enough of the sexy, captivating vocals.

Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart
Old school love.

NAO – Inhale Exhale
The vocal melody following the bass line is awesome.

The Clash – Should I stay or Should I Go?
…we’ve been watching ‘Stranger Things’…

Glass Animals – Cane Shuga
Love the new album, love this song.

Bruce Springsteen – Racing in the Street
Always back to Bruce

Geowulf – Saltwater
Excited to play alongside these guys next year. Love the sound of this track!

Julia Jacklin – LA Dream
Saw her play live last month and this song blew us away. Such beautiful lyrics.

Sounds like: The Japanese House, Imogen Heap, Oh Wonder, Shura, The 1975, Tegan and Sara, MUNA, Aurora, Tourist, Wet, London Grammar

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Playlist: Foreign Air

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Foreign Air by Luke Adams

Foreign Air are indietronica duo, Jacob Michael and Jesse Clasen.

The boys put together a pretty epic playlist for us, to celebrate the release of their EP, ‘For The Light’.

ANOHNI – Drone Bomb Me

She is fearless on a microphone.

Cashmere Cat / The Weekend / Francis and the Lights – Wild Love

Love the collaboration element of different styles on this track.

Wildbirds & Peacedrums – Ghosts & Pains

A band favorite before every show.

Snakehips – Money on Me ft. Anderson.Paak

This is constantly stuck in my head. Running around the city, this is the anthem.

Moses Sumney – Lonely World

A whole lot of music going on here.

Okay-Kaya – Damn, Gravity

Watch the video and fall!

NAO – Inhale-Exhale

That voice!!! The future queen of R&B ?

Bon Iver – 22 (OVER S∞∞N) (Bob Moose Extended Cab Version)

An artist in his prime.

Lewis Del Mar – Puerto Cabezas, NI

The heaviest pen in indie rock right now.

Buscabulla – Sono

All the posi latin psych vibes you need to get you up and going in the morning. produced by Dev Hynes.

‘For The Light’ is out now.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Gryffin, Friendly Fires, Alt-J, Glass Animals, Temper Trap, Two Another, One Republic

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Rachel K Collier – Ships

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Rachel K Collier – Ships

Channeling hip hop, house and soul, Welsh producer and songstress, Rachel K Collier, shares the thwacking tribal track, ‘Ships’.

Vibrant in nature, and even more powerful in presentation, ‘Ships’ is, as Rachel puts it, “a lyrical tale of realisation and acceptance”.

Sounds like: All Saints, Little Dragon, NAO

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