Tag Archives: Rationale

Weekly Gems 116

XY&O – Left Alone

XY&O - Left Alone

What a way to kick off the gems this week! Welcome back XY&O.

Teasing a debut album (finally!) comes ‘Left Alone’ – another slice of hazy pop with simple and effective melodic structures, and of course, Skip Curtis’ luscious vocal mix.

Sounds like: Kid Astray, Sir Sly, Lost Boy Crow, Nonaphoenix

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Limón Limón – Barcelona

Limón Limón

Future indie duo Limón Limón is taking us back to sweeter times in ‘Barcelona’.

Conjuring up dreams of warm summer nights sitting on the beach drinking wine, as the salt air drifts over our warm bodies. Perfect!

Sounds like: Midnight Pool Party, La Felix, All The Rest, argonaut & wasp, Goldroom, Pastel, 90’s Kids, Empire of the Sun

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Jamws – Toronto

Jamws - Toronto

When you are in flow, you are completely engrossed in the task in hand. Hours can pass without even noticing. This appears to have happened to South London multi-instrumentalist, performer and bedroom producer Jamws whilst working on his debut EP ‘Toronto’.

The five heartfelt tracks describe various stages of heartbreak, starting with a separation, following his partner of ten years moving to Toronto.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, The 1975

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Max Alexander – Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander - Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander is a new alt-pop singer/songwriter from London.

Originally an acoustic artist by heart, he’s decided to go straight in with the electric guitar, to create an all together fist-to-chest sound in ‘Stay Where You Are’.

Sounds like: WEIRDO

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Victor Perry – What I Observe

Victor Perry

It’s always worthwhile to take a step back sometimes, and reflect.

NYC-based singer-songwriter/vocalist Victor Perry does exactly that in his lyrically mature new song ‘What I Observe’. As he croons in a poetic form of self-expression, we witness a subtle electro-pop space in which the track really starts to breathe.

Sounds like: Rhye, Rationale, Jacob Banks, James Blake, The Weeknd, Labrose

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dekleyn – Who We Are

dekleyn - Who We Are

Australian duo dekleyn fuses electro-pop with pop-leaning dance in the catchy single, ‘Who We Are’.

It touches on the topical subject of mental health and the sense of vulnerability that comes with almost every relationship.

Sounds like: LANY, joan, LAUV

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PELA – South Of

PELA

South London duo PELA share ‘South Of’, the first song they wrote together.

Amalgamating differing musical influences, it’s another stellar example of the duo’s sonic trajectory into a moody, melodic melodious song.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, James Blake, KAYTRANADA

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Amy Milner – Wildside

Amy Milner

Singer/songwriter Amy Milner shares her new single, ‘Wildside’.

Written about catching yourself before you lose control, facing those demons and welcoming the dark side of your mind, it’s energetic commercial alt-pop at its finest.

Sounds like: Birdy, Emma McGrath, Florence + The Machine

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Jens – Nocturnal

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Bergen-born Jens could be the next big Scandi-pop superstar.

His off-kilter single ‘Nocturnal’ has all the makings of a pop banger – upbeat, catchy vocal hooks with a carefree bass line.

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, Myylo, Charlie Puth

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Weekly Gems 38

OTR and Blondage

OTR x Blondage - Cold Facts

We are super excited to share OTR‘s new single in which he has teamed up with Blondage.

Despite what the name suggests, ‘Cold Facts’ is a sensitive and positive piece of work, written about shedding toxic relationships, just as the snow melts and hearts thaw.

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

OTR
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Blondage
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Anna Pancaldi – What I’ve Become

Anna Pancaldi

Luxury gin brand owner, Anna Pancaldi releases her new single ‘What I’ve Become’.

Much like it takes time to create a distinguished bottle of gin, Anna finely tunes her music, and constantly evolves as a singer/songwriter. This time round she gives the electric guitar a go.

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RAINDEAR – Coins

RAINDEAR

One by one the coins fall by the wayside. RAINDEAR‘s latest jam continues the theme of authentic, experimental melodic pop.

It’s written about “the last efforts you give to someone before you (not a day too soon) give them up completely. Just like when you pay your last coins to something, you don’t really care where they go anymore cause you’re so exhausted and broke and have zero fucks left to give.” Damn right girl!

Sounds like: Little Dragon, Ballet School, Kate Boy, Lykke Li, Phantogram, Santigold, SBTRKT, CSS

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Fred Nicholas – C’est la vie

Fred Nicolas

From one pop-loaded self-examining Swede to another. Singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Fred Nicholas shares new single ‘C’est la vie’.

The track is lyric-driven and pop-loaded, and perfect for chilling out to with a nice glass of vino. Cheers!

Sounds like: Rationale, Seinabo Sey

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SHE Major – Quiet House

SHE Major

Let’s slow it down a bit. Belgium-based artist SHE Major shows her quiet and more mature side in ‘Quiet House’.

Listen out for sultry vocals and R&B-infused electronica.

‘Quiet House’ will be part of SHE Major debut ‘Music In’ EP, which will be released on 6 July via [PIAS].

Sounds like: Banks

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Louis Fulton – Kevin’s Heart Feat. Bellah, BXRBER & Armani White

Louis Fulton

Finally this week is ‘Kevin’s Heart’ by LA-based producer Louis Fulton.

We have no idea who Kevin is, but one thing this song does do is showcase Louis’s ability as a smooth talker and beat-maker, effortlessly flipping the J. Cole cover.

Sounds like: Ariana Grande

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MATTIS – Into The Night

MATTIS - Into The Night

MATTIS takes us ‘Into The Night’ with his enigmatic new single.

His baritone vocals offer a soulful elegance whilst remaining respectful to the darkness and delirium that often accompanies a period of sadness and loss.

Sounds like: Rationale, Ben Pearce, James Blake, Sampha

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Fred Nicolas – Lennon Loved Yoko

Fred Nicolas

Swedish songwriter/producer Fred Nicolas has caught our attention with his ability to create great pop music full of catchy melodies and offbeat lyrics.

His new single, ‘Lennon Loved Yoko’ is about “falling recklessly in love and the angst over fumbling every attempt at expressing it.” Damn!

Sounds like: Rationale, Seinabo Sey

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Weekly Gems 29

Hansaa & Soso – Nights Feat Emma Sameth

Hansaa & soso

Australian outfit Hansaa & Soso shares the new video for ‘Nights’ featuring the delicate vocal tones of Los Angeles-based Emma Sameth.

The visuals, directed by Julian Pircher, watch a young man follow his desires for a lady as she is laid out right in front of him.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Kuru Blue, Banks

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Sunan – Faster

Sunan

Introducing Sunan, the vibrant new project from Pete Robertson.

Despite taking himself away from the music scene after departing The Vaccines, Sunan has had a “controlled explosion” of ideas from “minimalist string quartets to maximalist 80s-style prog pop.”

One of these results is ‘Faster’,  which covers a kaleidoscope of unshackled themes and variations.

Sounds like: LCD Soundsystem, Everything Everything, Alt-J, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads

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MATTIS – The Chain

MATTIS

We absolutely love Copenhagen-based viking soul MATTIS.

His new single ‘The Chain’ is written about the demise of a failed relationship (we’ve all been there). Ultimately life is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sounds like: Rationale, Ben Pearce, James Blake, Sampha, Thomas Azier

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Xie – Habits

Xie - Habits

We’ve all got ‘Habits’ but none are as positive as Los Angeles-based producer and singer Xie.

Taking a fresh perspective on pop music, Xie is paving the way for female producers with her new song!

‘Habits’ is out now via Seeking Blue Records.

Sounds like: Sofi Tukker, Crystal Fighters, The Knocks, Charli XCX, CHLØË BLACK

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Kuzo – Luna

Kuzo

This laid-back duo have big dreams in their heads. Meet Kuzo.

The video for ‘Luna’ explores nature during the day, epitomising a dream-like state, waiting for the moon to come out.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Noosa

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Shadowlark – See Each Other Right

Shadowlark

British trio Shadowlark single ‘See Each Other Right’ blends sounds similar to that of Goldfrapp and Fleetwood Mac.

It’s another hypnotic song to add to their synth-tinged roster, further showcasing front woman Ellen Smith’s mysterious vocals.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Lykke Li, Goldfrapp, Fleetwood Mac

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More Giraffes – Basement

More Giraffes

Futuristic pop duo More Giraffes (aka Mark Hadley and Keeley Bumford) are pinned to grab your attention with their short and snappy production techniques, colourful vocal loops and fresh melodies.

Listen to their debut single, ‘Basement’ below.

Sounds like: Charli XCX, Manila Killa

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Josh Jacobson – Sideline Feat. Gigamesh

Josh Jacobson

Josh Jacobson is effortlessly combining modern R&B with dance-pop in his new single ‘Sideline’ featuring co-production from Gigamesh.

On the subject of the song, he explains,

“Sideline is a song about growth and building in new directions, learning to let go when it’s necessary to move forward. It’s about those inner voices at times of transition that are at once exciting but so challenging emotionally. I think these lyrics will resonate with a lot of people in different ways, so I’m excited to hear how people relate to the song.”

Sounds like: Le Youth, Drake, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd

Josh Jacobson
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Gigamesh
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Fred Nicolas – Help

Fred Nicolas - Help

Introducing Fred Nicholas, a Swedish songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist who is debuting his single ‘Help’.

Co-produced by Simon Hassle (Skott, Zara Larsson) the song has an underlying pop melody that perfectly matches with Fred’s reassuring vocal tones.

It’s always good to ask friends for help, and have friends give you help when you are your worst self, so this one goes out to you.

Expect his EP in early 2018.

Sounds like: Rationale, Seinabo Sey

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Jacob Banks – Unknown (To You)

Jacob Banks

Welcome the first single from Jacob Banks‘ highly anticipated, upcoming album.

‘Unknown (To You)’ is a cinematic version of ‘Unknown’, which was originally featured on Jacob’s ‘The Paradox’ EP. It again features beautiful string arrangements, but Jacob’s vocals are more rugged and emotive.

Sounds like: Rationale, Aloe Blacc, Rag’n’Bone Man, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Salt Ashes, Ben Khan

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Weekly SubmitHub Gems 9

Is 9 your lucky number? We’ve received some great submissions this week.

Enjoy them below!

Labrose – Disguise

Labrose

“When your lips are too thick to speak, sing”. What a great motto to live by. Meet the writers behind this line, Labrose – a UK/US producer/singer/songwriter duo who create delicate electronica.

Ironically, their new single ‘Disguise’ is left wide open with a stripped back approach, giving perspective to the complicated nature of both love’s beauty and its toxicity. Pure bliss.

It’s out now on PM Recordings.

Sounds like: Rhye, Rationale, Jacob Banks, James Blake

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ARY – Already There

ARY - Already There

Step aside ladies, Trondheim-raised / Oslo-based Norwegian solo artist ARY has arrived.

Her new single ‘Already There’ is ARY’s first attempt of a pop song, and it completely works. Pulsating synths worthy of club status and ethereal vocals, you won’t want to stop listening to it.

It’s out now via Petroleum Records.

Sounds like: Aurora, Sigrid, Kvelertak

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Vessels – Deeper In A Sky Feat Harkin

Vessels

Leeds-based five-piece Vessels share robust new single, ‘Deeper In A Sky’ featuring Harkin (aka Sky Larkin’s Katie Harkin), taken from their upcoming new album ‘The Great Distraction’ out on Different Recordings.

Speaking of the new album, Martin says, “The music acknowledges a bleakness and tension, but I think our response is optimistic and euphoric.”

Sounds like: Kate Boy, Caribou, Jon Hopkins

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Child Ivory – Angie

Child Ivory

US duo Child Ivory create uplifting music with a melancholic pinch.

Spacious vocals and a catchy AF guitar riff guide the dreamy ‘Angie’ through to our ears. Lovely.

Sounds like: KYKO, Phil Collins, The New Coast, Beach House, M83, Kurt Vile

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LOVE SICK – Bullet

LOVE SICK

We are all love sick to some degree.

Scottish girl/boy duo LOVE SICK share debut single ‘Bullet’, an ode to both heartbreak and obsession.

The couple met at a work Christmas party when Julie drunkenly let slip to Shaun (who also produced in his spare time) that she always wanted to be a singer. A few weeks later the duo coincidentally bumped into each other at a train station, and the rest is cosmic pop.

Sounds like: ASTR, Dagny, COSBY

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CAMARANO – Ashes

CAMARANO

Another debut, this time from Perth-based artist and multi-instrumentalist, CAMARANO (aka Mat Cammarano).

Having previous been involved in performing with bands as well as producing and recording for other artists, Mat has decided to go it alone and release ‘Ashes’.

It’s a fuzzy masterpiece that would fit well in the lo-fi category, alongside the likes of Tame Impala, Big Scary or Bon Iver.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, Big Scary, Bon Iver

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Martin Luke Brown – Into Yellow

Martin Luke Brown

London based Martin Luke Brown shares his first release on LAB Records.

It’s slightly more restrained than his previous single, ’65 Roses’, but this approach keeps emotional tension throughout the track, whilst Martin Luke Brown continues to showcase his expansive vocal range with the accompaniment of an organ and the rumbling of bass lines.

Sounds like: Will Joseph Cook, KYKO, Sody, Dan Croll, Amaroun, Frank Ocean, DAUNT, Bon Iver, Rationale

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Jacob Banks – Mercy

Jacob Banks by Julie Patterson

Tickets to his New York and London shows sold out in minutes, and now Jacob Banks shares new track ‘Mercy’.

In keeping with his new EP, ‘Mercy’ is a neo-funk track full of soulful vocals that have been cleverly amalgamated with modern production sensibilities.

Upcoming Live Dates

May 4 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
May 18 Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
June 17 Dover, DE Firefly Music Festival
June 23 Rothbury, MI Electric Forest Festival
August 4 Cincinnati, OH Fountain Square
August 5 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
August 6 Montreal, QC Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts
August 13 San Francisco, CA Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival

Sounds like: Rationale, Aloe Blacc, Rag’n’Bone Man, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Salt Ashes, Ben Khan

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