An early Phil Collins sprung to mind as soon as we heard ‘Echo Chamber’ by RJ Thompson.
It is the first release from his upcoming album of the same name and is refined retro pop, that isn’t boastful or brash.
The video is the brainchild of RJ and director IanWest (James Bay, The Lake Poets, The Futureheads). On the video, Ian says,
“We wanted to create something nostalgic but also something that reflected the nature of the song. That feeling music gives you… the way it taps into your memory and reminds you what it’s like to be free and happy without the rules and restrictions of society was really important to highlight. I guess that’s the main theme behind it, for those few minutes you have a freedom, and that creativity and music can’t be oppressed.”
Tour Dates
29 November – City Hall, Newcastle (Jools Holland Support Tour)
30 November – City Hall, Newcastle (Jools Holland Support Tour)
1 December – SECC, Glasgow (Jools Holland Support Tour)
21 December – International Centre, Harrogate (Jools Holland Support Tour)
22 December – First Direct Arena, Leeds (Jools Holland Support Tour)
You can expect RJ’s album on 17 November.
Sounds like: Phil Collins, Ryan Adams, The 1975, Brandon Flowers, Gabrielle Aplin
Having recently signed to Different Recordings (Anna Of The North, Kllo, Claptone), LIMITS manages to perfectly blend slices of ethereal, tech-house with melodic pop-inspired vocals.
The track is out now.
Sounds like: Shy Luv, Claptone, Tube & Berger, Rüfüs, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle
German-based Satin Jackets teams up with British singer, David Harks on ‘Northern Lights’.
As with all of Satin Jackets’ music, ‘Northern Lights’ has a distinct cosmic vibe, which is to be expected with the title of the song. Add to the mix, nostalgic vocal tones and reflective melodies, to create a breathtaking listening experience.
It’s out today on Eskimo Recordings.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Goldroom, RAC, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Future Islands, Phoenix
San Diego native, singer-songwriter and visual artist Alice Gray shares her debut single ‘Pink Cadillac’.
Describing her music as “sad songs you want to dance to”, Alice’s sound has a bittersweet edge to it thanks to beautifully planned pop hooks and wistful lyrics.
Love songs don’t have to be all about the doom and gloom of a relationship, they can be about the music you adore. Brooklyn locals, Secret Weapons do just this with uplifting new single, ‘Comeback Season’.
The twosome deliver a positive message about overcoming the odds (specifically the struggles they encountered whilst writing their album), which is further highlighted by the delightful addition of a gospel choir!
It’s out now via Epic.
Sounds like: Youngr, The 1975, Lionel Richie, The Levity, The Island Club, Ghost Beach, Backstreet Boys, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The Knocks
Talking of love songs…Atlantic artist/producer Seersha has written a gorgeous track called ‘Typical’ for her husband to listen to on his summertime drives.
Seersha’s ethereal vocals immediately make you feel free, as if you are screaming with joy at the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Sounds like: MS MR, CHVRCHES, Tears For Fears, Lights, Paramore, Phil Collins
Los Angeles producer, AWAY, shares the stunning new video for ‘Sleepwalker’, featuring London Thor.
Paving the way for the next generation of sound, AWAY likes to expose mixed feelings in his music, often touching on confusion, sadness, apathy, and anger.
“Hey everybody. I’m the WEIRDO” declared Josh Christopher (formerly of Brighton duo, IYES) earlier today on his Facebook page.
We’ll let you into a little secret, we kind of already knew that WEIRDO was the project of the now Berlin-based producer, but it’s still exciting that he’s finally announced it to the world.
So now that the news is out, will we learn everything possible about the WEIRDO project through the realms of social media? Not quite.
Josh still appears to be maintaining some mystery, having slightly concealed his face on the dark blue track cover of new track ‘Sapphire’ (which also features some awesome drumming skills of Debbie Knox-Hewson (also Charli XCX‘s drummer)), and throughout the song, there is also an uncertainty as to whether the sapphire really is as beautiful as first thought.
Following on from the huge success of July Child‘s cover of ‘C O O L’ by Le Youth (aka Cassie’s ‘Me & U’) is the North London duo’s new track.
‘When You Call’ is an ambient electronic tune full of throwback vibes and soulful beats, and there are even glimpses of influence from the 80’s legend that is Phil Collins.
Have a listen below and click for a free download.
July Child was formed by Kiyon Samavat (aka Kiks) and Amber Clara; two Londoners who were both born on 29 July 1991.
It’s hard to believe these guys are only 22. They already have their own label (Paper Thin Records Ltd) and have self-written, recorded and produced their debut album. Expect to hear a lot of amazing material from these guys.
The duo will be performing a headline show at the Barfly, Camden on Saturday 26 April 2014. Support will come from Molly Beanland and Empty White Circles. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sounds like: Phil Collins, London Grammar, Shura, Jessie Ware, SOHN, Stevie Nicks, IYES, The XX, Madonna, Late Night Alumni
