Tag Archives: Rihanna

Weekly Gems 110

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St. South – Growing Up

St. South

St. South is the moniker for Australian singer-songwriter-producer-multi-instrumentalist Olivia Gavranich.

She is known for creating blissful, nuanced and soulful electro on her own terms. Taken from her debut full-length album ‘Get Well Soon’, the visuals for ‘Growing Up’ refine the simplicity of life, out there in the world.

Sounds like: CAPPA, Tusks, Haux, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Henry Green

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Sea Girls – Do You Really Wanna Know?

Sea Girls - Do You Really Wanna Know?

Quite possibly their most commercial (and arguably most catchy) release to date, ‘Do You Really Wanna Know?’ is a beacon of hope during these anxiety-inducing days.

Expect their emotionally charged, deeply personal, hook-laden debut album ‘Open Up Your Head’ to be released on 14 August via Polydor.

Sounds like: Marsicans, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club, Sundara Karma

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Ayelle – Fast Life

Ayelle by Polly Hanrahan

Ayelle by Polly Hanrahan

Rising R&B artist Ayelle returns with ‘Fast Life’; a lesson in self-care, especially important during these trying times.

Part of the lesson includes yoga, drinking tea. as Ayelle explains, “…making time for yourself to slow down and conquer fomo“. Listen below.

Sounds like: Banks, 4AM, Wet, IYES, Tove Lo

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Kidsmoke – The Bluest You

Kidsmoke

Welsh Indie-pop quartet Kidsmoke releases the hypnotizing new single ‘The Bluest You’ on Libertino Records.

With a sensational and emotional build, the track picks apart the impact of mental health on loved ones, taking a more sombre tone than previous releases.

Sounds like: Boy Azooga, Penelope Isles, Swimming Tapes

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LU KALA – Want You

LU KALA - Want You

Pop-powerhouse and rebel LU KALA returns with her empowering new single ‘Want You,’ co-written and produced by Terrence Lam (Drake/Rihanna, Alessia Cara, Kaskade, Meghan Trainor).

Paving the way for female strength, she is ready to face herself when it comes to self-sabotage. Are you ready too?

Sounds like: Tones & I, Paloma Faith, Duffy, Macy Gray, Vera Blue, Thelma Plum, Ava Max

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pluko x Panama – higher

pluko

Bedroom producer-turned main stage act, 19-year-old pluko teams up with Australian vocalist Panama for a lush indie electronic single, ‘higher’.

Amassed glistening synth-work, ethereal vocal work, and a steady, rhythmic drum beat, this is is a treat for the ears.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, Ásgeir

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CLUBHOUSE – Weekend

Clubhouse

Who cares if it’s not shining right now, because it is sure as hell shining wherever these five go.

The release of ‘Weekend’ – a jazzy summer bop that creatively balances simplicity and swagger – kicks off the summer for rising pop band CLUBHOUSE.

Sounds like: Surfaces, Peach Tree Rascals, Tom Misch, Yakul, Easy Life, Still Woozy

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Weekly Gems 88

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Surf Rock Is Dead – Our Time

Surf Rock is Dead by Jacqueline Harriet

Surf Rock is Dead by Jacqueline Harriet

Introducing Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD for short) – aka Kevin Pariso and Joel Witenberg from Chicago and Melbourne.

Their new wave and billowy single, ‘Our Time’ captures the moment where you are forced to face fear head-on and look within.

Expect the band’s debut LP in the spring of 2020.

Sounds like: My Bloody Valentine, DIIV, Day Wave

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Lauren Sanderson – Upset

Lauren Sanderson

Fiery LGBTQ artist Lauren Sanderson has incredible drive. That’s clear from her music and attitude (not many people can say they’ve given a TED Talk at the age of 18).

Her new single ‘Upset’ flips the issues of the despondent Generation Z on it’s head.

Sounds like: Post Malone, Rihanna, Sizzy Rocket

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Phoebe Sinclair – OMG

Phoebe Sinclair

Australian pop artist Phoebe Sinclair is a self-confessed emotional wreck, and this makes for intoxicating music.

Her new single ‘OMG’ is Sinclair taking ownership of her mistakes whilst not letting them define her.

Backed by a four-piece all girl ensemble, oozing confidence and power, and armed with a massive pop vocal, Sinclair smashes out electro pop tunes with an inescapable energy.

Sounds like: La Roux, Robyn, Vera Blue

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Tallsaint – Model Effect

Tallsaint

British artist Tallsaint releases the highly chic and addictive ‘Model Effect’.

Taking inspiration from early 2000’s tracks as well as a more modern pop culture of now – born from a visual scene in Killing Eve where Villanelle sees Eve in the bathroom for the first time and makes a comment on her hair.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Anna of the North, Stereo Honey, RALPH, St Vincent, Lykke Li

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Hank Compton – Judge Me

Hank Compton

Nashville native, Hank Compton, shares his head nod-inducing single, ‘Judge Me’.

Combining his love of classic rock and 80’s pop, Compton’s music and rich storytelling creates a modern sound with a nostalgic feel.

Sounds like: Sam Fender, Bruce Springsteem

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Beau Diako x Jordan Rakei – Flamingo

Beau Diako

Self-taught musician Beau Diako shares his new single called ‘Flamingo’, taken from his debut EP, ‘Flutter’.

Featuring neo-soul artist Jordan Rakei, the track is probably his most “pop” song from the EP, which is a glorious fusion of indie, jazz, folk, electronic and soul.

Sounds like: Tom Misch, Bombay Bicycle Club

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ANDRO – GYMH

ANDRO by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis

ANDRO by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis

ANDRO may have plenty of experience touring in Jungle‘s band, but now it’s his time to shine.

His debut single, ‘GYMH’ (Give You My Heart) kicks off a new collection of theatrical pop melodies that balance between the ethereal and emotional, perfectly encapsulated by the beautifully shot video below.

Sounds like: Kyri

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Mokita – Colorblind

Mokita

Also from Nashville is singer/songwriter/producer John Luke Carter, aka Mokita.

Known for his lyrical and buoyant electronic-based pop, Carter was classically trained in piano in his youth and first started performing in his church. Later, he taught himself to play guitar and eventually transitioned into electronic music production.

His new single ‘Colorbind’ is an attempt to try and describe depression to someone who has never experienced it.

Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND, Nick Anthony, Luna Pines

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Penniless Cove – Too Tight

Penniless Cove

Named after a harbour road that lead to the sea, unique Welsh songwriter based in London Penniless Cove, is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist that writes raw, affecting music drawing from a number of different genres.

The music obsessive shares ‘Too Tight’ – a weird and wonderful array of jazz, blues and folk.

Sounds like: Regina Spektor, Björk, Ibeyi, Alev Lenz, Kate Nash

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Weekly Gems 57

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Jackie Charles – Time Travel

Jackie Charles by Knut Åserud

Jackie Charles – the love-child, band and alter ego of Kaja Bremnes – looks at the topic of ‘Time Travel’, because after all isn’t the past sometimes better than the future?

The new single is Scandi-pop blended with anarchic tendencies – inspired the times spent between the rooftop bars of Berlin and a Norwegian fishing boat.

Sounds like: The Cure, Alvvays, Ariel Pink

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Daise – Glass Mind

Daise

Los Angeles-based dream-pop quintet Daise shares the ethereal and emotional ‘Glass Mind’.

It’s an intensely reflective song that almost borders in emo territory with its transfixing guitars and pensive melodies.

Sounds like: The Smiths

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Tallsaint – Warm Skin

Tallsaint

British electro-pop artist Tallsaint shares music that touches critical themes of obsession, romance, anxiety and womanhood.

‘Warm Skin’ is the first track taken from her debut EP ‘Hard Love’ on indie label Dance to The Radio, out now and takes a more vulnerable approach.

Sounds like: Stereo Honey, RALPH, St Vincent, Lykke Li

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Molina – Venus

Molina

The 26-year old Copenhagen-based producer & musician Molina (aka Rebecca Maria Molina) is channeling series 80’s synth vibes in her new single ‘Venus’.

Tinkering with experimental alt-pop sounds featuring heavy Japanese music

Sounds like: Wolf Alice, Tears for Fears, Kate Bush, Röyksopp, Georgia

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Uffie – No Regrets

Uffie

The first time listening to Uffie‘s ‘Pop The Klock’ was nine years ago and it simply blew our minds. We couldn’t get enough of the French-American’s experimental and nonconformist pop sound. The original modern pop star.

Fast forward nine years and Uffie has definitely not lost her sparkle. Listen to her straight-up pop single, ‘No Regrets’ below.

Sounds like: Mallrat, Alice Jemima, Grimes, Yung Lean, Charli XCX, Yelle

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Wild Moccasins – Doe-Eyed Dancer

Wild Moccasins

One of our ones to watch for 2019 is Wild Moccasins, a beautifully crafted band fronted by the magnificent Zahira Gutierrez with her notable soaring pop melodies.

Their new single ‘Doe-Eyed Dancer’ is taken from the ‘Look Together’ album, which is a resilient and volatile break-up record co-written by Gutierrez and guitarist Cody Swann after their decade-long romantic relationship dissolved.

Listen now and be prepared to click ‘repeat’ over and over again.

Sounds like: Tennis, Oh Land, Wild Ones, Tame Impala, Anteros

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KIDDO Feat. Decco – Drunk And I Miss You (Arturs Lapins Remix)

KIDDO

We don’t usually support remixes on the site, but it’s been a tough week and this track has got has raring to go for the weekend. It’s Arturs Lapins‘ remix of ‘Drunk And I Miss You’, by feisty Stockholm-based artist KIDDO

Sliced and diced into a more chill-hop vibe, check it out below.

Sounds like: MØ, Odesza, Billie Eilish, Jinka, ALMA, Rihanna

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Rebekah Fitch – Poison

Rebekah Fitch

We are intrigued by Belfast-based singer/songwriter Rebekah Fitch and her seemingly effortless avility to push artistic boundaries whilst still slotting into the mainstream with her memorable melodies.

Tinkering with 80’s pop and rock sensibiities, her new single ‘Poison’ considers the way we are taught to think and what we are taught to value by society, as well as the topic of control, stopping us from becoming the fullest version of ourselves.

Sounds like: Pat Benatar, YONAKA

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Weekly Gems 54

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Malory – Blue Umbrella

Malory

Rising pop artist Malory shares the beautiful ‘Blue Umbrella’, which we have had on repeat all week.

Seeking inspiration from life actions, ‘Blue Umbrella’’ started life on a tube journey after Malory had observed a family and noticed the father had a sadness in his eyes and seemed strangely discontented.

The Londoner was later in the studio making an experimental instrumental with producer Danny George when they noticed there was a blue umbrella left in the studio, which Malory found represented the image of an unhappy corporate figure in the rain on his way home from work.

Expect her debut album ‘Cornucopia’ out on 1 March.

Sounds like: Zella Day, Aurora

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Noé – Pity Party

Noé

Raised between Hong Kong and Aix en Provence in France, Paris-born singer/songwriter Noé doesn’t want to fit inside a musical box any longer.

Not quite defining her sound, her low-tempo music gathers inspiration from a blend of Pop, R&B and alt-indie sounds, tied together through painfully honest lyrics.

Her new single, ‘Pity Party’ highlights Noé’s tendencies to overthink and sometimes feel sorry for herself.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ

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Crow – Go

Crow

Exciting new Argentinian/American artist Crow shares the sultry single ‘Go’.

The song channels the idea of courage – following brutality at the hands of bullies during Crow’s school years – with hypnotic and melodic soundscapes and introspective reflection.

Sounds like: Gwen Stefani, CHLØË BLACK

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Gold Spectacles – Courtside

Gold Spectacles - Courtside

Forming in London, Gold Spectacles is the collaborative output of two British songwriter/producers who create “baroque-pop”.

Their new single ‘Courtside’ focuses on dependence in a long distance relationship, and uses flute, spanish guitar with analog synths to create a post-modern landscape.

Sounds like: Lykke Li, Bombay Bicycle Club, San Fermin, Fyfe, Astronauts, Carousel, Dan Croll, Nick Leng, Bibio, ROSTAM

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Drinker – Something I Want

Drinker - Something I Want

Brooklyn-based duo Drinker shares ‘Something I Want’ – a track slightly darker than your average musical tipple.

Inspired by a mututal love of James Blake, songwriter Aaron Mendelsohn and producer Ariel Loh “wanted to create a visually diverse and bold message with the video for “Something I Want” and enlisted the help of NY based LGBTQ focused film maker Tyler Byrnes. With the implementation of stop motion animation and found footage, we aimed for a stark and surreal aesthetic to paint America’s multi-generational story of consumerism.“

Sounds like: Thom Yorke, James Blake, Trentemoller, The Acid, Fever Ray, Sevdaliza, Tame Impala

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2CRE8 – Naughty Boy

2CRE8

Dutch DJ/producer duo 2CRE8 has today released their debut single ‘Naughty Boy’.

Having spent their time growing up together at high school, it was until a gig in December 2014 that everything fell into place and they decided to form a duo.

Check out ‘Naughty Boy’ with its bold dance-led lyrics and a catchy flute drop, which definitely hints at their playful side.

Sounds like: Harlee, Just Kiddin, Blonde, The Magician, Calvin Harris, Rihanna

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Ariela Jacobs – Missing You

Ariela Jacobs

Externalising her thoughts, Ariela Jacobs considers the concept of missing her old self in new song ‘Missing You’.

New York born and Melbourne bred, indie-pop singer-songwriter Ariela Jacobs was raised on a diet of literature and art. Her songwriting sends the listener on a journey both intimate and other-worldly; with melodies with clear folk-based lines, underscored by lush chords and pulsing rhythms.

Sounds like: Evvy, Linney, Goldroom, Le Youth

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NOURI – Where Do We Go From Here

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NOURI

We are super excited to share the stunning debut from artist NOURI called ‘Where Do We Go From Here’.

Born in a Syrian refugee camp following the bombing of her family’s home in Kurdistan, NOURI and her family were granted refugee status in New Zealand when she was aged three. She now resides in Los Angeles, where she has worked with four time Grammy award-winning producer Brian Kennedy (Rihanna, Lady Gaga), landed a vocal feature in the Hollywood film Daddy’s Home 2, performed the United States National Anthem at the Staples Center for the Knicks v Clippers game and scored the game’s first touchdown in the First Annual Celebrity Football Game for the John Ross II Foundation. Not much then.

The passionate visuals for ‘Where Do We Go From Here’, a song about “the struggle of wanting to be with someone you care deeply for but at the same time wanting to let them go because the timing isn’t right”, features NOURI and model Bennett Jonas.

NOURI is currently working on an EP set to be released in 2019 – expect big things from this unquestionable star.

Sounds like: Ariane Grande, Rihanna, Lady Gaga

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Weekly Gems 43

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Beacon – On Ice

Beacon - On Ice

Beacon is NYC-based duo Thomas Mullarney III and Jacob Gossett.

The new single, ‘On Ice’ showcases Beacon’s signature sound of melodic yet mysterious pop music with a cathartic edge.

Like a beacon of light, the duo use multiple instruments to portray a journey from darker places to those of colour and spirituality.

‘On Ice’ is out now on Ghostly International.

Sounds like: Matthew Dear, Nimmo, Solomon Grey, Junior Boys, Kyson, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Aquilo

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The Rungs – King of Books

The Rungs - King of Books

The Rungs is a female-fronted, alt-pop, bedroom-based project from Brooklyn NY.

Their new single, ‘King of Books’, is a dreamy, melancholic indie synth song that explores a toxic relationship, capturing that moment when the rose tinted glasses are lifted.

Sounds like: Men I Trust

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ORKID – NoNoh

ORKID

ORKID shares ‘NoNoh’ and it’s every bit of tuned electro-pop you’d expect from a young Swedish act.

Offering sweet fragiity with commanding vocals, it’s beauty will instantly captivate you.

Speaking about the track, ORKID says,

“”NoNoh” is about that moment when you feel you’ve had enough of someone’s bullshit. Singing this song is literally a release for me. It’s an aggressive yet awesome feeling of strength. The song kind of speaks for itself; with the melodies and track combined, “NoNoh” gives you exactly that sense of self-empowerment”

Sounds like: Rihanna, Rita Ora, Harlee

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Tanjier – Lights

Tanjier

Irish trio, Tanjier create perfectly crafted indie pop with a sophisticated attitude about modern day pressures on Generation Y.

Their new single, ‘Lights’ explores the challenges of breaking the typical parental expectations of going to college, getting a 9-5 job, and making enough money to buy a house. It tells the story of someone who has gone through all of these so-called life goals successfully but, ultimately, isn’t happy.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle, Foals, George Michael

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ANNALIA – Cycles

ANNALIA - Cycles

Los Angeles-born singer/songwriter ANNALIA has some serious talent.

Described as “organic pop”, she distinguishes herself from the crowd by discussing important topics and using real instrumentation over catchy beats. In her new single, ANNALIA considers the cycles of emotional abuse in a relationship.

If anyone can help you through this, it’s ANNALIA, her killer pipes and “You’ve Got This!” attitude.

Sounds like: Linney, VÉRITÉ, Carly Rae Jepsen

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Twin XL – Good

Twin XL

Meet five kids who go by the name of Twin XL.

Their glistening and gorgeously retro single ‘Good’ maybe a debut, but between the lads, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and ABC’s Lucifer

Sounds like: Portugal, The Man, Titanics

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Hydromag – P.J.R

Hydromag

Hydromag is the dream-pop project of Falmouth-based producer and multi instrumentalist Josh Best-Shaw.

He has just released an uplifting and almost freeing track called ‘P.J.R’, which unfortunately covers the sad topic of suicide.

Speaking on the release, Hydromag says “It was not easy task to write this song, it took a lot out of me and I spent far longer on it than any other song I’ve written. I’m still not sure that I’m fully happy with it, but it was a good way to address the issues I had locked away.”

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out

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Gregory Dillon – Painted Blue

Gregory Dillon - Painted Blue

We’ve had a lot of NYC-based artists on this week’s gems, however each of them have something unique to offer us.

Last but not least is Gregory Dillon and his new single, ‘Painted Blue’.

With a driving 80’s backbeat, considering a backdrop of the New York skyline, Gregory explores the city and all its musings.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Captain Kidd

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OTR – Bliss Feat. Ashley Leone

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OTR

The emotional grab of music can be as strong as a meteorite crashing to earth and this is certainly the case for Ryan, the 25-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer behind the project called OTR.

Named after his residing neighbourhood on the outskirts of downtown Cincinnati known as “Over-the-Rhine”, the once-neglected area is full of inspiration for Ryan.

Listen below.

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

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Caitlyn Scarlett – Human, Being

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Caitlyn Scarlett

Upcoming UK artist Caitlyn Scarlett shares ‘Human, Being’.

We first covered Caitlyn when writing about her duet with Born Stranger, and she continues to impress us with her new track.

‘Human, Being’ is delicate, with Caitlyn’s celestial vocals and soft Eastern chimes tapping throughout. Listen below.

Sounds like: Melis, Zara Larsson, Rihanna, MØ, Lily Allen, Kehlani, Tove Lo, Tove Stryke

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Playlist: Sean Turk

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Sean Turk

Production seems to be Sean Turk‘s forte, having already released material on Warner, Spinnin’ Records, and Ultra Records and gained support from some key players.

We wanted to get inside the musical mind of the New York-based #BedroomBass enthusiast to find out where he finds the inspiration for his music.

The result is the below playlist, or in Sean’s own words…

Hey what’s going on y’all! Here is a playlist that kind of encompasses the vibes I’m feeling at the moment. A lot of similar stuff that I am usually influenced by. These songs are my go to for traveling/driving around from day to day. Hope you guys enjoy!

Sounds like: Gryffin, Prince Fox, CHIMES

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MOK – The House VP

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MOK

MOK

Brighton based alt-pop collective, MOK, return with ‘The House VP’; a nearly-twenty minute video that shows a brooding situation developing with a character that encounters different lives and stories throughout suburban Brighton.

Personal lyrics and a haunting video to match, MOK reflect back on “friendship, excess, mental health, everyday life, highs and lows”.

Sounds like: Nine Inch Nails, Die Antwoord, Professor Green, Childish Gambino, Rihanna, Harper

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