Surprisingly, we’d not heard of Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Daniella Mason, before today, and quite frankly, we are blown away by her talent for crafting beautiful and intelligent pop music.
A journey of loss, Mason’s new record stands as one of four EPs that she’ll be releasing over the course of the next year as part of her State of Mine sound series. Each album — Emotional State, Physical State, Mental State, and Spiritual State — will explore the different parts of our humanity that we tend to suppress and have difficulty embracing.
Sounds like: Imogen Heap, The Japanese House, Robyn, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish
Charlee Remitz creates synth pop full of big dreams.
Having recently moved from Nashville to Los Angeles, the singer/songwriter’s music shines. Her new single ‘Forever Like This’ has lashings of 80’s inspired synths and breakaway vocals that tell a story of the first flashes of love.
It is the third single from her upcoming sophomore album, ‘Sad Girl Music’, out on 9 November.
We featured his new single, ‘Obsessed’ featuring Clara Hurtado, not that long ago and he’s come back with a lively new video for it. These two don’t take themselves too seriously, which is pretty refreshing.
If you follow CUB’s Twitter you will see more videos of him and Clara goofing around.
Finnish sister duo LCMDF release ‘Waterfalls’, taken from their ‘Sad Bangers’ album, out now.
Don’t be misled by the ironically positive pop keys and resulting euphoric climax in ‘Waterfalls’, as this is an ode to Generation Y, the modern day “baby boom” generation who were born in the 1980s and 1990s…and the ones who struggle in today’s society.
Newcomer YOUTH (aka songwriter and producer Steven Mudd) is also one half of the critically acclaimed indie-pop duo, Golden Coast.
His debut single ‘Fire’ is energetic from the get go, with a steady drum beat and finger clicks throughout, perfectly blending with the anthemic feel of the song.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
Four-piece-turned-brother-two-piece, Fenech-Soler explode back into our lives with a video for the brilliant, ‘Kaleidoscope’, the lead track from their brand new EP.
The video follows a girl on a bedtime journey of multi-coloured proportions.
Still streamlining indie pop, Fenech-Soler once again share with their listeners, joyous and upbeat music, and the timing feels perfect.
They play Oslo in Hackney on 27th October, so get yourself down there.
What else is to say? The Duffy brothers are back!
Sounds like: Bag Raiders, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Friendly Fires,The Whitest Boy Alive, Delphic, The Chain Gang of 1974, The Naked and Famous, H A R T E B E E S T, The Jezabels, The Knocks, NONONO, Duologue, Tourist, Bastille
Following the success of ‘Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl’ and the most recent ‘It’s All In Vain’, Wet return with the equally as emotionally charged, ‘All The Ways’.
The trio is comprised of the enigmatic Zutrau and multi-instrumentalists Joe Valle and Marty Sulkow, who met through mutual friends as college students in NYC in 2007.
The highly anticipated album ‘Don’t You’ is out on 29 January via Columbia Records. There is also a limited edition signed 12×12 litho and vinyl available here.
Wet Headline UK & EU Tour
Fri 11 March Paradiso Grote Zaal, Amsterdam
Sat 12 March Studio 672, Stadtgarten, Cologne
Mon 14 March Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
Wed 16 March Le Pop-Up du Label, Paris
Fri 18 March Patterns, Brighton
Sat 19 March Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Mon 21 March Broadcast, Glasgo
Tue 22 March The Deaf Institute, Manchester
Wed 23 March Scala, London
CHVRCHES return after a nine month break with a new gem, ‘Leave A Trace’.
Staying true to what made them such a successful trio in the first place, ‘Leave A Trace’ has strong repetitive vocals (courtesy of Lauren Mayberry, who really has a knack of getting her point across), crammed in over unique luscious sounds.
It’s fair to say that CHVRCHES will be leaving some serious musical traces, once again.
And check out the luscious Goldroom remix (added 17 Dec).
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
For Esmé is Toronto-based band that is giving us some real deep electronica feelings right now.
The band consists of three friends, Martha, Nathan and Dave, who all met through a mutual friend.
Dave filled in last minute for a show in Montreal and enjoyed playing with For Esmé so much that he packed his stuff into the tour van the next morning and moved to Toronto.
The echoey vocals from Martha on their debut track ‘Just Yet’ are accompanied by lush pulsating beats. The track has been co-produced by James Bunton.
Sounds like: Chvrches, The Naked and Famous, Priest, MS MR, Robyn, Lilt, Prinze George, Purity Ring, GEMS, Vogue Dots, NONONO, Mt. Eden
The Kings-Cliffe boys,Fenech-Soler, unveil the video for their acoustic Balcony TV performance of ‘Last Forever’, set in the beautiful Hollywood Hills.
The stripped back version of ‘Last Forever’ (taken from their incredible album ‘Rituals’) showcases the raw talent of Fenech-Soler, as well as revealing a softer side of the band.
The special edition of ‘Rituals’ is available for pre-order in North America via iTunes and includes four tracks that you will receive instantly when you pre-order.
Sounds like: Bag Raiders, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Friendly Fires, Delphic, The Chain Gang of 1974, The Naked and Famous, H A R T E B E E S T, The Jezabels, The Knocks, NONONO, Duologue, Tourist, Bastille
Swedish trio NONONO have been swiftly getting noticed around the world, making melodic tuneful electro-pop, which has even been picked up by major TV adverts.
The latest release is ‘Hungry Eyes’, a track from their upcoming debut studio album, ‘We Are Only What We Feel’. ‘Hungry Eyes’ is a stark, marching progressive song, with a hint of sadness and yearning…
You may have come across NONONO before with their anthemic whistle-laden catchy jam ‘Pumpin Blood’.
