Electro-pop princess RAINDEAR today releases ‘SKY’, a song inspired by escapism and self-determination.
It follows on from the huge success of ‘Diamonds In My Chest’, and reminds us just how adventurous and quirky RAINDEAR is in both her songwriting and production skills.
Disclosure: I am RAINDEAR’s publicist at the time of writing.
Sounds like: Little Dragon, Ballet School, Kate Boy, Lykke Li, Phantogram, Santigold, SBTRKT, CSS
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With just two tracks under their belt, PLYA‘s sound is already becoming very recognisable as energetic pop that is full of adrenaline. Handy that, as their second ever single is called ‘Adrenaline’!
Speaking on the single, PLYA explain,
“Adrenaline is about that perfect high you feel when you fall for someone new. For us, the track captures the rush of living in that care-free moment, but not knowing where it will take you.”
Lock in, watch below and enjoy the ride.
Sounds like: Fickle Friends, Draper, Sykes, Broods, Phantogram, Monogem
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Self-proclaimed desert electro-pop princess RAINDEAR is back with a new single called ‘Diamonds in My Chest’.
The daughter of two jazz musicians, RAINDEAR has been singing and writing since a young age. She also produces her own music, having self-produced her debut album ‘Embers’ in 2016.
The majority of RAINDEAR’s music has a dark undertone (perhaps it is the dark winters in her home town of Malmö?), but we absolutely love this, especially the deeply low falsettos in ‘Diamonds In My Chest’, as she continues to battle gritty topics such as feelings of desperation, destruction and uncomfortable desire.
Disclosure: I am RAINDEAR’s publicist at the time of writing.
Sounds like: Little Dragon, Ballet School, Kate Boy, Lykke Li, Phantogram, Santigold, SBTRKT, CSS
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We have some right summery sounds for you, coming from PLYA.
Pronounced as Playa (Spanish for beach), the trio, led by Julia Sykes (Sykes) create music inspired from travels to cities, and of course the beach.
Their new single ‘Thinking Of You’ was inspired by that feeling you have when you are separated someone you have a connection with.
Sounds like: Draper, Passion Pit, Sykes, Broods, Phantogram, Monogem
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Seeing Hands – Take Me Back
Seeing Hands create lo-fi sounds, ironically with warmer tones than you would expect based on the fact they live in Newcastle.
The video for ‘Take Me Back’ hits you with waves of nostalgia. Watch below.
Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, Day Wave, The War On Drugs, Beauty Sleep
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JNNA – Waking Up With You
JNNA has always had an ongoing love and passion for music.
Regularly working with Tyzo Bloom, the Los Angeles native’s new single ‘Waking Up With You’ is a pure electro-pop track about young love.
Sounds like: Laurel, Evvy
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TRACE – You Don’t Know Me
Another Los Angeles-pop songstress, TRACE has just shared her new single, ‘You Don’t Know Me’ – a song about first impressions.
TRACE is the daughter of Vietnamese pop icon Carol Kim, and has always been surrounded by music. Despite trying not to follow in her mum’s footsteps, TRACE couldn’t resist penning tracks and recording them in the bathroom.
Listen to one of the results below.
Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Laurel, Tove Lo, Broods, GEMS, Lykke Li, Phantogram, So Below, Jessie Ware, LUEM, Cat Power, Lorde, James Blake, Banks
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Polarbearz – Recognize feat Angelica Larsson
Rock musicians-turned electronic producers Polarbearz share ‘Recognize’. Despite being located in the distant Lapland and writing a song about being different, the duo have managed to create music that sounds so on point.
It features the vocals of Angelica Larsson.
It’s out now on With Love Recordings.
Sounds like: The Chainsmokers, Kygo
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Meet BEFFROI, a downright dark and downtempo electronic duo comprised of Rori and Valentin.
Their new single ‘Jade’ has an overall pop feel, combined with a slight touch of some bass-laden beats.
Speaking about the track Rori says,
“When Val first sent me Jade’s instrumental, I was driving by one of those red-light districts Belgium is famous for. Watching all those lonely souls interacting in hopes of finding instant satisfaction got me inspired. I then came up with those lyrics about this guy feeling numb & empty; desperately seeking answers about love & feeling mechanisms. The only time he finds closure is when he enters the ‘Jade’, but it never last long.”
Sounds like: Phantogram, GEMS, Kate Boy, Portishead
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Back Talk – Nothing New (Feat. The Fame Riot)
Los Angeles/Seattle group Back Talk blast out new banger, ‘Nothing New’ featuring The Fame Riot.
‘Nothing New’ offers up fighting lyrics smothered in modern production. Listen below.
Sounds like: Phantogram, Odesza, Louis The Child
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TWINKIDS – Body Wonder
TWINKIDS drop ‘Body Wonder’.
It’s a brooding number with elegant pieces of soulful vocals, unexpected harmonies and spare percussion written about how all-consuming love is.
‘Body Wonder’ is out now on Om Records.
Sounds like: Talos, Tame Impala, Oli Hannaford, Boxed In
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Ruben Young – Bad Habits
Rising Canadian R&B artist Ruben Young shares the ever so smooth ‘Bad Habits’.
Speaking of the single, Ruben says,
“I wrote it in the fall of 2015, following my “relapse” for a girl I’d been chasing since I was 16 years old. She’s never been good for me, and I’ve known it all along. We kept our ‘relationship’ a secret, and it became more of an affair. She was my forbidden secret – my bad habit. 7 years later, it all came crashing down. I think everyone’s guilty of falling for someone who they couldn’t get over; even though they knew they needed to. For me, she was dangerous, and I loved that about her.”
Sounds like: John Legend
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Tyzo Bloom – Before U Go (feat. Lauren Marie)
Tyzo Bloom is the brainchild of Los Angeles producer/songwriter, Casey Chen.
He writes progressive music that combines contemporary production, melodic tones and delightful vocals (this time, courtesy of Lauren Marie).
Sounds like: Sylvan Esso, Mura Masa, Ella Vos, Odesza
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Sub-Radio – Was It Good For You
DIY band Sub-Radio create uplifting music with a raw edge.
‘Was It Good For You’ creates a feeling of disorder as soon as you listen to it, but this isn’t a bad thing when the falsetto vocals are as good as this!
Sounds like: Smallpools, Young The Giant
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Ricky Remedy x JOHN.k – Gold
Introducing JOHN.k, an Orlando-based singer-songwriter who effortless perspires soul.
He has teamed up with Mad Decent-signed and Grammy Award winning producer Ricky Remedy for a new collaborative single, ‘Gold’, in which Ricky brings some serious, crisp production skills to the table.
Sounds like: MNEK, Gorgon City, The Weeknd
Ricky Remedy
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JOHN.k
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We receive a huge amount of submissions via SubmitHub, and unfortunately cannot review all of the tracks, so we have decided to compile those tracks into a weekly segment of gems we’ve particularly enjoyed.
Dream Lake – Midnight Sun
Swedish electro-pop duo Dream Lake share the dreamy ‘Midnight Sun’.
This song perfectly encapsulates the airy, long days of light during the summer in Sweden, with dreamy vocals and romantic keys.
Sounds like: Summer Heart, Beach House, M83
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Vanguards – Rosie & The Blackheart
Vanguards are a indie pop focused four-piece from Brighton.
‘Rosie & The Blackheart’ is a bittersweet love song that echoes 80’s guitar legends. The track was recorded live and produced by Steve Harris (Kodaline, Dave Matthews, Kaiser Chiefs).
Sounds like: INXS, Kings Of Leon, The 1975, Kodaline
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Tigers and Thieves – Change Your Mind
US-based Tigers and Thieves share ‘Change Your Mind’, an indie rock track that has all the markings of a hit, despite being recorded in their garage studio. It’s been mixed by Brian McTear (The War on Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, Local Natives).
Sounds like: Local Natives, Foster the People, The Neighbourhood, alt-J, Surfer Blood, The Temper Trap, Nick Mulvey
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Gold Fir – Night Walk
Despite what the name suggests, London duo Gold Fir (aka James and Mabel) play funky tracks for our immediate pleasure, day or night.
Their music is full of sass n soul, and is definitely bold.
Sounds like: Madonna, Little Dragon, Goldfrapp
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Someone – Say Something
Songstress, Someone is shaking off her cutesy appeal with a more earthy sound on ‘Say Something’.
Jangling beats sway nicely alongside upbeat guitar riffs and catchy vocal leads.
Sounds like: Few Bits, Bryde
ALKE – Without You
Los Angeles-based pop duo ALKE release ‘Without You’.
There is no denying the obvious chemistry shown between Jameson Flood (production, guitar, keys) and AK Karrasch (vocals) on the track as it explores love versus independence.
Sounds like: Monogem, Phantogram, Shura
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Vox Eagle – Sweet Temptations
Australian/US duo Vox Eagle share the glistening ‘Sweet Temptations’.
It’s a song about late nights out on the town and those sweet temptations that you may (or may not) encounter.
Expect their EP to arrive next week.
Sounds like: Cut Copy, Joe Goddard, Roosevelt, Goldroom, Tame Impala, LCD Soundsystem
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DVWEZ – Giving Into Us
DVWEZ (pronounced “Dames”) is making a stand for independence, all the while giving into strong desires.
Lush R&B melodies breathe over unique alt-electro soundscapes in ‘Giving Into Us’.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Salt Ashes, Aaliyah
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Saro – Eyelids
Newcomer Saro continues to produce dark pop music.
His new track ‘Eyelids’ is delicately produced with its brooding falsetto vocals and a soft touch of melancholy.
Sounds like: Aquilo, Jack Garratt, Draper, Clean Bandit, Years & Years
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Los Angeles-based artist G.Smith shares her intriguing new single, ‘X’.
Her unique take on production methods (including the use of a washing machine) has led to a sound that borders on grunge and electro pop.
Sounds like: Phantogram, The Japanese House, Imogen Heap, Kate Boy
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TOLMAN
Musicians, Brittany and Andrew Tolman, met in college. They soon formed a jazz band, but their relationship went further than jazz music.
After marrying, the duo performed with the band, Imagine Dragons, but sometimes less is more, and the couple decided to work on their very own, intimate project, aptly going by the name of TOLMAN.
TOLMAN have shared ‘Chaperone’; a track that effortlessly combines retro synths and lush vocals.
Of the track, Brittany explains,
“‘Chaperone’ is about being independent and recognizing your own worth, even when somebody else can’t. One afternoon, we had an intense conference call and I stuck up for myself and it felt really empowering. We were both fired up and needed a way to express our frustration so we immediately went to our Moog synthesizer and wrote the song’s bass line and chorus vocals. It was very cathartic.”
Sounds like: Monogem, Scavenger Hunt, Phantogram, Broods, Imagine Dragons, Pistol Shrimp, Passion Pit
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