Slotting in perfectly amongst some of the wonderful female-led acts music has to offer in 2020 is FIERO – a duo comprised of Los Angeles-based Kelsey Bulkin and Nashville-based Joseph Bogan.
They have just released their new EP, ‘Reunion’ – a collection of four indietronica based songs. With their breezy vocals that glow with a vintage aesthetic, you feel wrapped in a warm musical blanket, that invigorates the ultimate euphoric and dream-pop state.
Speaking about the new EP, the band says,
“Everything in existence is one. this oneness has never been more clear than now with the cause and effect of individual actions affecting the whole. when you see more of life you realize everything eventually comes together or collides or collapses. all appearance of separation or division are temporary and are serving an eventual and inevitable reunion. the oneness cannot be divided; not in any real sense. these songs are sensitive and pulsing as the heart is as it journeys through the wilderness into that promised land. fiero means bold and i like to think of it as the abandon that comes when you have nothing left to lose and everything feels cheap except what’s in your heart.”
Sounds like: Shura, Anna Of The North, Say Lou Lou, Wet, Paperwhite, Scavenger Hunt, HAERTS, Prinze George, MS MR, Mr Little Jeans, Men I Trust
Cactus? is an innovative three-piece band from the industrial plains of Northern Italy.
Combining influences from the dance-punk phenomenon of mid-00s with the current Lo-fi Bedroom movement, adding to the mix 80s synths and samples – their new single ‘Shitdisco’, out now via Costello’s Records, is full of frenetic and unpredictable energy of crazy synths and poppy vocals.
Sounds like: Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Bloc Party
Indie-pop savant Stevie wolf is paving the way with his refreshing approach to unconstrained honesty.
Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and major anxiety disorder, as well as meeting a lot of set backs when it comes to making music, hasn’t stopped him exploring the constaints of both personal and societal expectations.
On’Yu is the creation of Australian multi-instrumentalist and producer, Rob Eggleston.
His new single ‘Done Without’ is a sweet slowburner with crisp 80’s influenced electric piano mixed with a soulful-synth bass and blushes of neo-emo in there.
Sounds like: Patternist, LOYALS, 90’s Kids, La Bouquet, MILKK
Alexander 23 is calling it as it is, in the new song, ‘Loving You Gets Hard’.
Further showcasing his lyrical genius, the multi-million streaming Chicago-born singer/songwriter wishes to maintain normalcy as possible, and share his views on a compassionate relationship.
The single is full of breezy vocals with a full-fledged pop essence, written about navigating the complications of losing someone, something close to Linney’s heart.
The Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD) boys are back with the sweeping ‘Immaculate’, lifted off their debut LP ‘Existential Playboy’ out on 1 May.
Whilst appearing genteel, this is anything but. A juxtaposition that addresses the bleakness of societal affairs and corrosion of daily life amidst the capricious decisions made by those in power.
Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Swimming Tapes, The Cure, Beauty Sleep
Love You Later is the brainchild of synth-pop artist, Lexi Aviles.
Based in Los Angeles, the singer has spent intermittent periods in pop-loving Nashville and has used this time to create her own shimmery sound full of wide-eyed optimism, all while casting an unwavering grasp on the ideologies behind self-love, unresolved longing, and complicated romance.
Her painfully honest new single, ‘Making Plans,’ is taken off her forthcoming sophomore EP, ‘Heaven Is Without You,’ released on 10 April. Speaking on the track, she explains,
“‘Making Plans’ is about I tend to ‘make plans’ just to keep myself busy and get lost in it all. It sounds crude but if I really was honest with myself and with you, I think sometimes – even if we don’t realize it – we use people to pass time for our own selfish reasons. To escape or feel something. We don’t want to be alone.”
Sounds like: LANY, MUNA, The Aces, Paperwhite, The Japanese House
OH Wonder returns with the glorious new single, ‘Hallelujah’! Praise be!
The visuals, shot in one take, feature Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht in a field amongst a selection of multi-coloured church gowns. As colourful and catchy as ever.
Sounds like: IYES, Kid Astray, Banks, Fickle Friends, Monogem, Paperwhite, PROM, Blood Orange, Years & Years, Bipolar Sunshine, Broods, ASTR
Damn right, Nashville-based Daniella Mason knows the power she has a woman.
A modern feminist anthem through and through, it spells out the world from many womens’ eyes. Her forthcoming EP, ‘Physical State’ is due out this fall.
Sounds like: Imogen Heap, The Japanese House, Robyn, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, George Gretton, Luna Pines
Nigerian-British avant-pop auteur and artist Tony Njoku shares the brilliant new Max Jedwab-directed video for ‘CONFIDENT’.
The intense single adopts a confessional, diary-like intimacy underpinned by whirring synths, which dissolve into effervescent chaos.
It is taken from his new album, ‘Your Psyche’s Rainbow Panorama’, released on 4 October via Silent Kid Records, in which he has taken inspiration from a work of Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson’s glass walkway, entitled ‘Your Rainbow Panorama’.
Sounds like: Sacred Animals, Ben Khan, Flying Lotus, Ghostpoet, Gaika, Lightfoot
Zanski digs deeper with his creative new single, ‘Younger You’.
A laid-back RnB affair, Zanski has teamed up with vocalist Emilia Ali to deliver unparalleled vocal lines, rich harmonies, and sweet grooves that perfectly showcase his ability for some serious tuneage, with as much intrigue and substance as James Blake or Jai Paul.
Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Honne, Banks, Jai Paul
Pop music is always in a state of flux, and there are always artists doing interesting things with it if you know where to look. This week it’s Seattle-based producer-singer-songwriter Slow Shudder.
Reminiscent of the likes of Robokid and PC Music artists, ‘Just As You Are’ walks a fine line of forward-thinking contemporary production and early 00’s sugary pop, for a delightfully charming ballad.
It’s coming to the end of summer, which is why you need to listen to the almost-tropical ‘One By One’ by Broken Back and featuring Alle Farben.
The combination of Broken Back’s upbeat and quirky energies with his whimsical vocal styling, combine effortlessly alongside Alle Farben’s diverse, colorful, and boundless spirit.
Suffolk school friends turned band mates Amethysts release double A-side ‘How It Is / Imitate Me’
Amethysts have worked with esteemed producers Shuta Shinoda (Daughter, Ghostpoet) and Matt Miligan to create two tracks that are looped by energetic synths, harmonies and guitars – the perfect indietronica combination.
Speaking on ‘Imitate me’, the duo state;
“Imitate me delves into the cut throat world of the music industry. This is our first diss track. It alludes to the competitive side of the industry, and how often ego’s get in the way, and bands try to get one up on each other, instead of working together to make the scene a nicer place.”
New York-based retro-pop duo Fly By Midnight like to blend indie synth sounds with dance melodies.
Skimming through their back catalogue on SoundCloud, every track is a banger, full of hug yourself vocals, retro riffs and foot twitching electro claps.
Their new single, ‘You Belong’ is the lead single taken from their upcoming album, ‘Rerunning’, released on 16 November, and is no exception.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Great Good Fine Ok, LANY, The 1975, Joan, Ghost Beach, Passion Pit, Pistol Shrimp, Penguin Prison, Futurecop!, The Chain Gang of 1974, Paperwhite
NYC-based Dady is comprised of singer/songwriter Rachel Dady and songwriter/producer Jesse O’Connor.
Born from enemies, these two have somehow put their differences apart and now create delicate dream pop for the masses. ‘Failing’ effortlessly switches between tender moments and an anthemic hook.
Sounds like: Carly Rae Jepsen, Paperwhite, Taylor Swift, Haim
With it’s deceiving upbeat melody, Born Stranger‘s new single ‘Last Night on Earth’ is surprisingly about the sad topic of suicide.
An ode to those who have left our planet too soon, this track urges you to celebrate, live in the moment and be compassionate with each other.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Prinze George, Sia, The Wombats, Bastille, Major Lazer, Years & Years, M83, Foals, KAPTAN, The Brocks, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Myzica
Dublin disco-noir trio Sleep Thieves shares new single ‘Sea of Shadows’.
With the song’s minimal lyrical attitude and looping darkly ethereal synths full of nostalgia that completely immerse your mind, it’s hard to believe the threesome met on Twitter.
Following his awesome collab with Broods and still buzzing from a second Coachella appearance, Whethan shares news single ‘Superlove’ featuring London-based alt-pop duo Oh Wonder.
It is essentially an extremely happy love song with delicate tropical rhythms. Expect no sullen vocals and sultry tones here!
It’s out now on Big Beat Records.
Sounds like: Fickle Friends, Bastille, Kid Astray, Banks, Paperwhite, Years & Years, Bipolar Sunshine, Broods, Draper
Sonic production leads the way for Francis Novotny‘s new single ‘The Wire’.
It’s a brooding, electro-soul song by the Swedish multi-instrumentalist that is extremely reminiscent of JackGarratt or Asgeir, and captures that addictive quality of a nonetheless-toxic relationship, and the feeling (says Francis) “when a person leaves you hanging on without answers – and you know you should get out of it – but you keep winding back towards them.”
It’s not often we see decent indie rock coming out of the US, and we wouldn’t blame you for thinking this foursome going by the name of The Rare Occasions is British.
Their new single ‘Mercy Mercy’ is pure garage rock – rough around the edges, but fully refreshing to see due to the saturated market of pristine pop tunes.
Young Brighton duo Suzi Island debuts ‘Show Me The Way’, a breezy and catchy indie pop number.
These two have already managed to get some decent names onboard, including Pete from The Vaccines, who produced the song. They are definitely on our watch list for 2018.
NYC-based duo Glassio share ‘Back For More’, a song for anytime of the day!
Built on an orchestral-electronic backbone that nods to the likes of MassiveAttack and Air, the pining, heartsick anthem is a penned love letter to a paramour after a strained relationship has come to a close.
Sounds like: Hot Chip, Metronomy, Foals, Jagwar Ma, Rüfüs, Flume, Odesza, Bob Moses, Glass Animals, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
Having just signed to Terrible Records (Blood Orange, Porches, Le1f), Norwegian producer and artist Gundelach shares the imaginative ‘Control’.
It is taken from the forth-coming ‘Baltus’ LP, and showcases Gundelach’s Nordic-noir sensibilities, using delicate synths, pulsating beats and his effortless falsetto voice to tell a story of deep personal depression.
Sound like: Ásgeir, Bon Iver, Honne, Boxed In, RY X, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, The Presets
Time for something to lighten the mood from our favourite band of 2018, Great News.
‘You’re Mine’ is a shoe-gazer fan’s dream, a super colourful sonic nod to the 80’s and 90’s, a theme that runs throughout their debut LP ‘Wonderfault’.
Sounds like: Ten Fé, Bruce Springsteen, Sea Girls, SWIMM, Lean, Tame Impala, DIIV
We are excited about Benjamin’s Brother – an interesting indie-pop band from Tel Aviv.
Discussing topics such as violence, death, desire and love, and citing influences across several genres including Arabic, American folk and techno, it’s no surprise that their sound is expansive, yet tender.
Watch their video below, which was shot by Indy Hait, at the Tel Aviv Museum Of Art, on a 16mm film.
Sounds like: Tame Impala, SAMA, Mumford & Sons, Solomon Grey, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Aquilo
Dutch electronic duo CUT_ share ‘It’s On’, a song about the denial towards the demise of a relationship.
But they don’t just write about internal issues found in human nature, but also discuss topics on mass psychology and by analysing these aspects of our society, CUT_ attempts to find a way of coping with the messed up world we’re living in.
JOHN.K‘s electronic driven pop always catches our attention and ‘Best Of Me’ is no exception.
‘Best Of Me’ is JOHN.K’s fourth single and demonstrates another layer of maturity and artistry. Speaking of the track, he explains,
“‘Best of Me’ is about evolving through young love, admitting to past mistakes and committing to giving someone the best possible version of yourself.”
We don’t know a great deal about Swedish singer/songwriter Timothy, but have really enjoyed listening to his second single, ‘Fly’.
Timothy explains, “The song is a long battle with a ghost of his, he interpreters his own song with a self-written poem. Wanting the listener to create their own story, rather than giving it all away.”
Sounds like: Bon Iver, Alex Vargas, Ry X, The xx, Keaton Henson, Matt Corby
