Tag Archives: Nimmo

Weekly Gems 134

Caspian Pool – Insider

Caspian Pool

French synth-dance duo Caspian Pool likes to keep us on our toes with their wide-ranging selection of electronic music. Cue the colour-fuelled visuals for the foot-thumping ‘Insider’.

Sounds like: 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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Psyence – Retrospect

Psyence by Mark Vyse

Psyence by Mark Vyse

Anthemic alt-rock band Psyence returns with psychedelic sensibilities in rousing new single ‘Retrospect’, reminding us that every bitter end has a new beginning.

Sounds like: Queens of the Stone Age, Kasabian, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, The Blinders, Wolfmother

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Beharie – Me & My Lonely

Beharie

Distinctive Norwegian voice, Beharie shares his soulful, folk and ambient blend in the form of ‘Me and My Lonely’. Pastoral and beautiful, the track orbits a peaceful finger-picked acoustic riff.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Bombay Bicycle Club

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Flechettes – Chasing Youth

Flechettes

Wigan-based four-piece Flechettes share the radio-ready and uplifting ‘Chasing Youth’, with blazing indie-pop guitar riffs and catchy vocals, making for a seriously dynamic record.

Sounds like: Sea Girls, Red Rum Club, The Blinders, Stanleys, Garden Party

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Chillhum – Dancing (Alone)

Chillhum

22-year-old producer, songwriter and musician Ethan Bedell – aka Chillhum – shares ‘Dancing Alone’, a stripped back and melodic blissed-out track that celebrates the joys of being alone.

Sounds like: Gaspar Narby, Couro, Flume, Ed Sheeran, Flume, Louis The Child, Petit Biscuit, Troye Sivan, Robotaki

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Bre Kennedy – Where Did Summer Go

Bre Kennedy by Lindsey Patkos

Bre Kennedy by Lindsey Patkos

Songwriting heavyweight Bre Kennedy winds down for the cooler months with her acoustic track ‘Where Did Summer Go’, a nostalgic ballad that symbolises the passing and loss of time and dreams that never got to see the heat of summer.

Sounds like: Charli Adams, Taylor Swift, HAIM, First Aid Kit

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Izza – Lows

IZZA by Sam Rockman

IZZA by Sam Rockman

Dark-pop artist Izza chronicles the ups and downs of dealing with anxiety and depression in a world where people are obsessed with the perceived perfection of their online selves, in new single ‘Lows’.

Sounds like: Dua Lipa, Gracey, Call Me Loop, Mabel

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Rayowa – The Only Night

Rayowa

Following hot in the footsteps of disco collective, Jungle, is Essex based brother trio, Rayowa.

Dan, Reece and Luke often perform with a live band, showcasing their mutual love of soul, funk and disco. Their feel-good new single ‘The Only Night’ takes a look at cutting loose and escaping the mundanity of modern life.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust of your shoes and get dancing…

Sounds like: Jungle, Chic, Nimmo

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Kudu Blue – Ice Tea

Kudu Blue

Brighton-based electronic-dance four-piece Kudu Blue releases new single ‘Ice Tea’, a love song that plays it cool.

Blending neo-soul sounds with modern dance-led alt-pop, Kudu Blue is influenced by “a bit of 90’s trance and euphoria music, but with a pop twist.”

Expect their ‘Auras’ EP out on 24 May.

Kudu blue Live w/ Vök

15th April – Glasgow, UK @ Broadcast
16th April – Manchester, UK @ YES
17th April – London, UK @ Hoxton Bar & Kitchen

Sounds like: Kllo, Jessie Ware, Nimmo, Mura Masa, Jamie XX, Floating Points, Bonobo, Jungle

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Kudu Blue – Mountain Song

Kudu Blue

Brighton-based alt-soul and electronic outfit Kudu Blue shares ‘Mountain Song’.

The hypnotic fusion of dance-floor sounds takes you on a musical journey of retro proportions and urban filling roots. Listen below.

UK and European Tour Dates

16th Feb – The Louisiana, Bristol (Cub Sport support)
20th Feb – Moth Club, London (Loyal support)
23rd Feb – Patterns, Brighton (Joel Culpepper support)
14th March – Lille Vega, Copenhagen (Tennyson support)
15th March – Berghain/Kantine, Berlin (Tennyson support)
17th March – Hydrozagadka, Warsaw (Tennyson support)
21st March – Le Pop-Up du Label, Paris (Tennyson support)
23rd March – Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, London (Tennyson support)
24th March – The Sound House, Dublin (Tennyson support)

Sounds like: Kllo, Jessie Ware, Nimmo, Mura Masa, Jamie XX, Floating Points, Bonobo

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Weekly Gems 51

Mark Diamond – Steady

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

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

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 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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Weekly Gems 43

Beacon – On Ice

Beacon - On Ice

Beacon is NYC-based duo Thomas Mullarney III and Jacob Gossett.

The new single, ‘On Ice’ showcases Beacon’s signature sound of melodic yet mysterious pop music with a cathartic edge.

Like a beacon of light, the duo use multiple instruments to portray a journey from darker places to those of colour and spirituality.

‘On Ice’ is out now on Ghostly International.

Sounds like: Matthew Dear, Nimmo, Solomon Grey, Junior Boys, Kyson, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Aquilo

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The Rungs – King of Books

The Rungs - King of Books

The Rungs is a female-fronted, alt-pop, bedroom-based project from Brooklyn NY.

Their new single, ‘King of Books’, is a dreamy, melancholic indie synth song that explores a toxic relationship, capturing that moment when the rose tinted glasses are lifted.

Sounds like: Men I Trust

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ORKID – NoNoh

ORKID

ORKID shares ‘NoNoh’ and it’s every bit of tuned electro-pop you’d expect from a young Swedish act.

Offering sweet fragiity with commanding vocals, it’s beauty will instantly captivate you.

Speaking about the track, ORKID says,

“”NoNoh” is about that moment when you feel you’ve had enough of someone’s bullshit. Singing this song is literally a release for me. It’s an aggressive yet awesome feeling of strength. The song kind of speaks for itself; with the melodies and track combined, “NoNoh” gives you exactly that sense of self-empowerment”

Sounds like: Rihanna, Rita Ora, Harlee

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Tanjier – Lights

Tanjier

Irish trio, Tanjier create perfectly crafted indie pop with a sophisticated attitude about modern day pressures on Generation Y.

Their new single, ‘Lights’ explores the challenges of breaking the typical parental expectations of going to college, getting a 9-5 job, and making enough money to buy a house. It tells the story of someone who has gone through all of these so-called life goals successfully but, ultimately, isn’t happy.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle, Foals, George Michael

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ANNALIA – Cycles

ANNALIA - Cycles

Los Angeles-born singer/songwriter ANNALIA has some serious talent.

Described as “organic pop”, she distinguishes herself from the crowd by discussing important topics and using real instrumentation over catchy beats. In her new single, ANNALIA considers the cycles of emotional abuse in a relationship.

If anyone can help you through this, it’s ANNALIA, her killer pipes and “You’ve Got This!” attitude.

Sounds like: Linney, VÉRITÉ, Carly Rae Jepsen

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Twin XL – Good

Twin XL

Meet five kids who go by the name of Twin XL.

Their glistening and gorgeously retro single ‘Good’ maybe a debut, but between the lads, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and ABC’s Lucifer

Sounds like: Portugal, The Man, Titanics

SoundCloud

Hydromag – P.J.R

Hydromag

Hydromag is the dream-pop project of Falmouth-based producer and multi instrumentalist Josh Best-Shaw.

He has just released an uplifting and almost freeing track called ‘P.J.R’, which unfortunately covers the sad topic of suicide.

Speaking on the release, Hydromag says “It was not easy task to write this song, it took a lot out of me and I spent far longer on it than any other song I’ve written. I’m still not sure that I’m fully happy with it, but it was a good way to address the issues I had locked away.”

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out

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Gregory Dillon – Painted Blue

Gregory Dillon - Painted Blue

We’ve had a lot of NYC-based artists on this week’s gems, however each of them have something unique to offer us.

Last but not least is Gregory Dillon and his new single, ‘Painted Blue’.

With a driving 80’s backbeat, considering a backdrop of the New York skyline, Gregory explores the city and all its musings.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Captain Kidd

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Weekly Gems 37

Ben Khan – 2000 Angels

Ben Khan

Big news. Ben Khan returns with the announcement of his debut album (hurrah!) and a self-directed dystopian video for spine-tingling new single ‘2000 Angels’.

The album – set for release in the summer – was produced alongside Flood (PJ Harvey, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails) and mixed by Spike Stent (Björk, Frank Ocean), with Ben playing every instrument on the record.

Always with a creative hands-on approach, Ben also plans to launch his new interactive website, The Foundation, which offers an insight into the richness and depth of the album’s story.

Sounds like: Leo Kalyan, Twin Shadow, Jai Paul, JUNGLE, Disclosure, Prince, Blood Orange, Harts, Oyinda, Shy Girls

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OTR – Close Feat Kai Straw

OTR - Close Feat Kai Straw

OTR manages to get the chilled but tense vibe just right with his latest single, ‘Close’, which includes the soulful vocals by Kai Straw.

The 25-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer uses his mathematical mind as a key component when it comes to his music, producing off-kilter melodies and electronic sounds.

Sounds like: Hotel Garuda, Gryffin, ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, Porter Robinson

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NAVA – Ritual

NAVA

NAVA is the highly energetic project of Persian songwriter Nava Golchini and three other Italian musicians. Visually, NAVA is a mix of horror and fashion inspired by the works of visionary designer Gareth Pugh.

The debut single ‘Ritual’ gives us a glimpse into the NAVA world – full of electro arrangements, tribal instruments and dark metropolitan landscapes.

‘Ritual’ is out now on Factory Flaws.

Sounds like: Nimmo

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Betablock3r – Make You Happy

Betablock3r

It could be 2014 again, and boy it feels good! During your visit, expect luscious vocals, addictive synth drops and and nu-disco undertone. All this, courtesy of Betablock3r and the new single ‘Make You Happy’.

It is the first single off their debut EP Monolith, out now.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Chromeo, RAC, Nightdrive

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Tanners – Holy Water

Tanners

It wouldn’t be a decent weekly gems feature without some pop in there. This week Tanners is the chosen one.

Tanners is the moniker of New York City-based songwriter and producer Tanner Peterson. Leading the way for women in creative music tech, Tanners has also spoken at TEDxTeen.

Inspired by her childhood love for the beach, ‘Holy Water’ celebrates the beauty and electricity born from allowing yourself to be completely vulnerable and enveloped by the ocean. “It’s a thank you song to the ocean for teaching me to embrace vulnerability,” Tanners says of the track.

Sounds like: Shura, Monogem, Ronika, Jessie Ware

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Young Sierra – Next To You

Young Sierra - Next To You

Meet emerging alt-pop trio Young Sierra, who were born from a school friendship, and bonded “over a shared love of low bit-rate Drake mp3s, eighties pop and hot-sauce”.

They have the kind of frantic energy of Arcade Fire and the cheeky nature of The 1975. Naughty.

Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Electric Youth, The 1975, Night Panther, Bad Sounds

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Weekly Gems 26

Troye Sivan – My My My!

Troye Sivan

My My My! Troye Sivan is getting us hot under the collar with his new video.

The video commences by following a peaceful and sweaty Troye dancing in an abandoned warehouse veiled in black and white, before flipping to an equally as sweaty but colourful night in said warehouse.

Sounds like: Years & Years, One Republic

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ADAL – Synthesize feat Alexanderson

ADAL

Rising pop artist ADAL shares his new single ‘Synthesize’, featuring the vocals of Alexanderson of XY&O.

It oozes nostalgia combine with forward-thinking pop sensibilities, and there are even more exciting times ahead for ADAL – he is currently writing a debut album, with an array of featuring vocalists which include FREJA, Indiana, Farida and NINA.

Sounds like: XY&O

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Kid Cupid – Easy

Kid Cupid

New London-based Kid Cupid shares the video for ‘Easy’.

Despite it’s overall blissed-out sound, it’s a song that deeply delves into self-destruction, including the harsh realities of addiction, through pulsating beats and gritty beats.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue

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Paige – Everywhere Feat. Jojee

Paige

Meet US-based DJ/producer Paige. He has teamed up with rising pop singer and fashionista Jojee on new single ‘Everywhere’.

The uplifting song transports you to a distant land where all is good with the world and you can freely open your arms to the sky and spin around.

Sounds like: The Him, Gryffin, July Child

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Atella – Alive

Atella - Alive

Galactic Norwegian producer duo Atella share the dreamy single ‘Alive’.

It is sway-inducing, unadulterated atmospheric cosmic disco with vocals that simply melt into your deeper being. Lovely.

Listen below.

It’s out now on Eskimo Recordings.

Sounds like: Röyksopp, Goldroom, RAC, Joe Goddard, Lindstrøm

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New Shack – Ways and Means

New Shack

New Shack is the synth-wave project from Cat Leavy and Eric Robertson.

They’ve supported Glass Animals, and you can see why due to their quirky attitude to making music. ‘Ways And Means’ has vintage synth notes and retro percussions throughout.

‘Ways And Mean’s is out now via Little Assembly.

Sounds like: Chela, Goldroom, Niki & The Dove

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STITCH – Goodbye Highline

STITCH

UK trio STITCH are giving London Grammar a run for their money with ‘Goodbye Highline’.

The mid-tempo track is about that tricky middle moment where you look back nostalgically on a love lost, but also welcome the bright future ahead. It contains 150 layers of strings, all of which were recorded by band member Kye in their shared living room.

Expect their ‘Welcome To The Dream’ EP in March.

Sounds like: London Grammar, Jessie Ware, Nimmo, Kudu Blue

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An Indietronica Preview of Wildlife Festival 2017

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

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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.

Rudimental

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.

Kudu Blue – Drink Alone

Kudu Blue

‘Drink Alone’ is the second track from Kudu Blue‘s debut EP ‘Shaded’.

Surprisingly, the Brighton-based band wrote, recorded, and produced ‘Drink Alone’ entirely in one of their bedrooms in their hometown of Brighton.

Originally conceived by singer Clementine Douglas whilst working a bar shift in their home town of Brighton: “The lyrical inspiration came a few years ago now. I was working in a pub in Brighton and we’d often have a drink during our shift. This one day I was trying to be good and decided to stick to some nutritious H2O. The girl that I was working with said “please don’t make me drink alone”, I thought it could be a good song premise so wrote it down, then had a pint.”

Clementine’s timeless vocals work well with the track’s pop-leaning songwriting and electronic production.

You can watch Kudu Blue play Camden Assembly on 3 May. Buy tickets here.

Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Nimmo, Mura Masa, Jamie XX

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