Tag Archives: Nils Frahm

Tom Ashbrook – Tu:orbit

Tom Ashbrook by Jodie Canwell

Tom Ashbrook by Jodie Canwell

Lockdown gave us lots of time for inner reflection and like many others, we reached out to listen to more gentle genres of music to calm our overstressed minds.

One such artist we took delight in, is multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Tom Ashbrook. His filmic EP titled ‘koːda’ explores new variations of ‘Klass’, (a track taken from his 2020 album ‘Sensibus’), to create a collaborative new body of work, all stemming from the original melody ideas.

The second track from the EP, ‘tu ː orbit’ features guest vocalist Faroese singer-songwriter Greta Svabo Bech. Known for her vocal collaboration with Ludovico Einaudi with ‘Circles’, performance on Deadmau5’s ‘Raise Your Weapon, the pair combine to create an emotionally rich, delicate blend of Ashbrook’s signature classical influence with Greta’s ethereal tones.

Sounds like: Lane 8, Jon Hopkins, Nils Frahm, Robot Koch, Olafur Arnalds, Max Richter, Le Youth

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Weekly Gems 131

Attawalpa – Done Hanging On

Attawalpa by Holly Whittaker

Attawalpa by Holly Whittaker

Very much a leftfield psychedelic visual and auditorial journey, former Jamie T guitarist Attawalpa shares the timeless hand-painted visuals for ‘Done Hanging On’, by modern visionaries Alex Gamsu Jenkins and Joe Taylor.

Sounds like: Jude Shuma, Alfie Templeman, Muck Spreader, Leonard Cohen

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Caspian Pool – Special Way Reloaded

Caspian Pool by Quentin Deronzier

Caspian Pool by Quentin Deronzier

Strongly influenced by 90’s French touch and techno, two French characters from Annecy, namely Low Bird (vocals) and Jimmy Q (guitars, synthesizers, production) – aka Caspian Pool, blast their contagious electronic cold wave in ‘Special Way Reloaded’.

Sounds like: FFO: Nimmo, The Chemical Brothers, Hercules & Love Affair, Goldfrapp, Joe Goddard, Chvrches, Digitalism, Holy Ghost!, Boys Noize, Little Dragon, Cut Copy, Icona Pop

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Lucia & The Best Boys – Forever Forget

Lucia & The Best Boys by Oli Erskine

Lucia & The Best Boys by Oli Erskine

The dreamy ‘Forever Forget’ is taken from Lucia & The Best Boys‘ new EP, ‘The State of Things’, and is a generous nod to the 80’s queens, Pat Benatar and Stevie Nicks.

Sounds like: Pat Benatar, Yonaka, Calva Louise, Courtney Love, Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Miley Cyrus

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Emanuel – Black Woman

Emanuel by Eric Miles

Emanuel by Eric Miles

Toronto R&B artist and songwriter Emanuel shares his new single ‘Black Woman’. Written a year ago, the message hasn’t changed – it’s a healing, celebratory ode to the resilience of Black women.

Sounds like: John Legend, Dylan Sinclair, Son Little, Michael Kiwanuka

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Sirens of Lesbos – PALA

Sirens Of Lesbos by Dominik Hodel

Sirens Of Lesbos by Dominik Hodel

Swiss sibling collective Sirens of Lesbos gear up to release their album, with the release of new single, ‘Pala’. It’s turned-on pop for a new psychedelic age.

Sounds like: De Hofnar, MYNGA, Talking Heads, Outkast

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Julia Church – Don’t Really Care What We Call It

Julia Church

South-African songwriter-producer Julia Church shares catchy pop gem ‘Don’t Really Care What We Call It’, a song about navigating those awkward feelings in a new relationship.

Sounds like: London Grammar, Emma McGrath, Violet Days, Birdy, GRACEY, Harlequin Gold, Millie Turner, Louise Burns, Tom Odell, Monogem

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Lissy Taylor – High

Lissy Taylor

British singer-songwriter Lissy Taylor shares her alluring single, ‘High’. Echoes of Lana Del Rey ooze from untamed Lissy, amongst the soft guitar riffs, driving rock percussions, and jangling tambourine.

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey

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Felix Räuber – Autsider

Felix Räuber by Madlen Krippendorf

Felix Räuber by Madlen Krippendorf

German multi-instrumentalist turned producer, Felix Räuber‘s bold new video aims to turn the preconceptions surrounding autism on its head, as it tells the story of an autistic character, deemed to be an outsider.

Sounds like: Aquilo, Solomon Grey, Son Lux, Nils Frahm, Ulrich Schnauss

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Weekly Gems 111

Henry Green – Tide Feat. Andreya Triana

Henry Green

Henry Green shares the delicate new single ‘Tide’, featuring London-based vocalist Andreya Triana.

Another slice of ear candy from the Bristol-based producer, the instrumentally focused track is taken from his upcoming new album, ‘Half Light’, which is now due 3 July via Akira Records.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Jadu Heart, Jon Hopkins, Erased Tapes, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Flying Lotus, Bonobo, Maribou State

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BODÉ – Wiz Feat. Billy Vena

BODÉ Feat. Billy Vena - WIZ

What happens when some talented artists team up? A song destined for success, that’s what!

Dutch producer Boris Deckers de Breda aka BODÉ release ‘Wiz’ with San Antonio, Texas singer/songwriter Billy Vena – an honest record about being destined for music success, but with the price that comes with it, aka empty pockets.

Sounds like: Gorgon City

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Hoofa – Alone

Hoofa - Alone

Hard working London lads, Hoofa, share their anthemic new single, ‘Alone’.

With comparisons to indie band contemporaries such as Larkins and Sea Girls, as well and lyrical influences from more nostalgic acts such as The Beautiful South and PEACE, this is a perfect slice of jangly pop.

Sounds like: Kodaline, Larkins, Sea Girls, PEACE, The Beautiful South, Little Comets

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Zanski – Consequence

Zanski - Consequence

Toronto vocalist/producer Tom Probizanski – aka Zanski – has an almost emo twist to his electronic take on R&B and alt-pop.

His new single ‘Consequence’ explores the theme of self-acceptance in the face of overwhelming internal struggle, a continual theme throughout his music, which varies in sound from gritty lo-fi electronica to vocal-rich, synth-heavy production, tailored with emotional lyrics and heavy themes.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Bearcubs, Jadu Heart, The 1975

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Chaz Cardigan – S.O.S

Chaz Cardigan

Classically trained pianist Chaz Cardigan continues to pair searing self-examination with supremely catchy refrains.

His new single ‘S.O.S’ shows some serious self-awareness, as he acknowledges a tendency to self-sabotage and admits, “I’ve got a way of getting in my way“. Don’t we all!

Sounds like: Harry Styles, Declan McKenna

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Flight to Moonlight – Midnight Feat. Priz

Flight to Moonlight

The moniker of songwriter, singer and producer Adam Baring – Flight To Moonlight returns after a hiatus with a potent blend of genres in the form of his new single ‘Midnight’.

The fearlessly nostalgic track combines genres of disco, pop and electronica.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Chromeo

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CAPPA – There With You Baby

CAPPA

It’s been a minute since sweet talking CAPPA released some new music.

In keeping with CAPPA’s signature feel-good, carefree pop sound, the song chronicles the honeymoon stages of a new relationship where anything could happen and, maybe, love isn’t all that scary.

Sounds like: Lorde, Lana Del Rey, HOLYCHILD, Purity Ring, Washed Out, Say Lou Lou, The Knife, M83, KLOE, Druzy, Taylor Swift, The Knife

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Maida Vorn – Automatic

Maida Vorn

Brighton is an immensly creative place, and the Maida Vorn alter-ego of Mollie Clack is no exception.

Dark electronic at its core, her music is quirky space pop with magical tendencies. Her EP is out now and you can listen to ‘Automatic’ below.

Sounds like: Yonaka, Marina & The Diamonds, Kate Bush, Lady Gaga

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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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Playlist: POLO

POLO

POLO is an exciting new band comprised of Luke Lount, Kat McHugh and Daniel Edgell.

The trio base themselves out of “a total dive” town in Leeds, and use this rough’n’ready surrounding as inspiration for their music, which is full of heart and substance.

We asked POLO to put together a few of their favourite songs, and here they are!

Porches – Country

A song written like no other.

Baloji – Soleil de Volt

Got this on repeat at the moment… There are so many hooks throughout and there’s heaps of energy and life in the recording. Probably the funkiest song of the year so far

Patrice Rushen – Remind me

The slowest of slow jams.

Phoria – Red

Sonic bliss! These guys are super talented, and seem to always hit you right in the feels with their song writing ability.

Young Fathers – In My View

LOVE LOVE LOVE the sound young fathers are putting out at the moment. They’re nailing it for me with experimental lyrics through rap and spoken word and combining that with a big bodyshaking production. Also well worth a youtube for the music vid.

Olympia – Smoke Signals

A party favourite for the band. Feel good, fun and really damn catchy.

SZA – The Weekend

We all absolutely love SZA and this is just one of the many bangers from her amazing debut.

Amandla Sternberg – Let Me Stay Baby

Silky, smooth, sexy. A feast for the soul and ears.

Nils Frahm – Sunson

Beautiful and serene from start to finish. We had the pleasure of seeing him live recently and it was breathtaking.

Jon Hopkins – Emerald Rush

1 word: Cathartic.

Catch them live on one of their UK tour dates.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Jinka

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Felix Räuber – WALL

Felix Räuber by Madlen Krippendorf

Meet German producer Felix Räuber.

No, his debut solo single ‘WALL’ is not a tech-house track, despite what his press shot may look like, but rather rich and fragile cinematic pop that builds and erupts into something simply mind-blowing.

‘WALL’ is neo-classical and electronic in its nature. Initially intended as a remix of the song of the same name by composer Nils Frahm, it quickly developed into a track of its own.

Sounds like: Aquilo, Solomon Grey, Son Lux, Nils Frahm, Ulrich Schnauss

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Henry Green – Another Light

Henry Green

Bristol-based Henry Green shares ‘Another Light’.

Following the theme of movement, ‘Another Light’ is an all encompassing cinematic masterpiece fuelled by Henry’s obsession with complex electronic sounds.

Speaking about the track, Henry says,

“I had a really vivid image/moment in mind when I wrote “Another Light”. I was sat on a silent beach in the early hours of the morning, slightly hazy from the lack of sleep and I wanted to write about the whirlwind of colours and textures, both in the landscape but also in my mind at that moment. So much change had happened in such a short amount of time and I was just reflecting on it all.”

His debut album ‘Shift’ is set for release on 30 March via Akira Records.

Sounds like: Jon Hopkins, Erased Tapes, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm

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