Tag Archives: Rita Ora

Weekly Gems 65

Noé – Rabbit Hole

Noé

Berklee grad Noé shares her blissed-out new single, ‘Rabbit Hole’.

Whilst the song still contains a glimpse of her limitless energy, the main focus is a more raw and free flowing vibe than we are used to. Call it her Frankenstein song.

Noé’s forthcoming debut EP ‘ibynoé’ is set for release on 21 May.

Sounds like: Yelle, Noosa, RALPH, Sigrid, Fiona Apple, VÉRITÉ, Izzy Bizu

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SHY Nodi – Snakes

SHY Nodi

At just under three minutes long, you’ll be easily forgiven for pressing repeat on SHY Nodi‘s new track, ‘Snakes’.

SHY Nodi, aka Nirob Islam, was born in Stockholm in 1993 after his family emigrated to Sweden from Bangladesh. Since then, he has penned some incredible tracks with his songwriting partner, SHY Martin, and won a number of native music awards.

His new single – out now via BLNK Music – is a frank call out to relationship snakes. You know the ones…

Sounds like: SHY Martin, KIDDO

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The Bliss – Happier

The Bliss by Zach Gray

Rising electro-pop duo The Bliss share new single ‘Happier’.

Comprised of pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer and guitarist Felix Snow (SZA, Kiiara, Gallant, Icona Pop, Rita Ora, Terror Jr.), their third single is a funky bop number, that effotlessly trailblazes new age synth-pop.

It’s out now via Atlantic Records.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Joe Goddard, Le Youth, ADAL

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Myo – A Particle

Myo - A Particle

Introducing London-based electro-jazz four-piece Myo.

Curated within a minimal electronic soundscape that includes adventurous songwriting, densely layered harmonies and neo-soul guitar riffs, Myo is on a quest to add a human touch in the world of programmed dance music.

Listen to ‘A Particle’ below.

Sounds like: Kllo, Kudu Blue

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Ed Prosek – So Beautiful

Ed Prosek

Folk singer/songwriter Ed Prosek is a musician that has come to our particular attention and we suggest you take note too.

Using songwriting as a crux, to tap into the things he is too afraid to say to himself, Ed has an array of heartfelt talent that has culminated in millions of streams.

His classically-infused single ‘So Beautiful’ is out now and comes from forthcoming EP ‘Light As A Feather’.

Sounds like: Mumford & Sons, James Vincent McMorrow, Vance Joy, Richard Walters

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Weekly Gems 59

ODA – Don’t You Know

ODA

Norwegian artist ODA (pronounced “Oo-da”) takes us on a breathtaking journey with her new single, ‘Don’t You Know’.

Taking influences from an eclectic mix, including a love for the ethereal electronica of Sigur Rós, heartfelt lyrics of Bon Iver, and the indie energy of British bands such as Coldplay and Keane, ODA stands out from the crowd with her own take on electro-pop.

ODA’s highly anticipated EP, ‘Hide’, is out today.

Sounds like: ODESZA, Manila Killa, Louis Futon, Kasbo, Amanda Tenfjord, Dagny

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George Gretton – Tread Water

George Gretton by Imogen Harrison

George Gretton by Imogen Harrison

Nottingham-born multi-instrumentalist and singer George Gretton shares his stunning debut single ‘Tread Water’.

As a musician performing in bands, it wasn’t until he discovered production – which he taught himself – that he unlocked his creative potential. The result is a forward-thinking sound with expansive atypical arrangements, experimental processing and fitful drum samples.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Bon Iver

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Aimée – Don’t Bother

Aimée

Hold up. There is a new pop princess in town, and she goes by the name Aimée.

The Irish artist’s debut single ‘Don’t Bother’ is an anti-break up song, akin to empowering 90s pop such as Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.

Sounds like: JoJo, Zara Larsson, Justin Timberlake

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Felix Räuber – Running Out Of Time

Felix Raueber by Michael Miklas

Felix Raueber by Michael Miklas

Felix Räuber is one talent that you cannot ignore.

At the tender age of 13, he founded his first band in his basement that grew to become Polarkreis 18. Fronted by Räuber, their first studio album took them across Europe on tour, the second album achieved gold status, and single Allein Allein became one of the most successful German-language songs of all time (earning platinum status) and a global hit.

Räuber made the move to Berlin in 2012 to realign himself as an artist. Jump forward to 2012 , Räuber shares the video for his genre-pushing cineamtic pop new single, ‘Running Out Of Time’. Watch below.

Sounds like: Thomas Azier, Aquilo, Solomon Grey, Son Lux, Nils Frahm, Ulrich Schnauss

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Broken Back – Young Love

Broken Back by Emma Birski

Broken Back by Emma Birski

Broken Back (aka Jérôme Fagnet) is an advocate of friendly, tropical sounds, which may surprise you considering why he started making music.

His former life as a motivated entrepreneur and business student tragically came to an end when, at just 22 years old, his back gave out and he was confined to a bed. This free time was used to create music.

This flair for feel-good and infectious grooves, is perfectly showcases in his acoustic performance of ‘Young Love’.

Sounds like: Kygo, Kazy Lambist

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The Bliss – Nothing Scares Me Anymore

The Bliss by Zachary Gray

The Bliss by Zachary Gray

The electro-pop project The Bliss is the latest coalition of pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer Felix Snow (Leona Lewis, SZA, Kiiara, Gallant, Icona Pop, Rita Ora) of the pop-trio Terror Jr.

While both artists are established within their own realm, this partnership brings them collectively to a whole new level of creativity and wonder.

Listen to ‘Nothing Scares Me Anymore’ below.

Sounds like: The Chainsmokers, Sofi Tukker

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Weekly Gems 43

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

SoundCloud

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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Weekly Gems 39

Neon Valley – Valley Girl

Neon Valley

It’s Friday, almost the weekend, so let’s celebrate with a retro-inspired video, courtesy of Neon Valley.

‘Valley Girl’ amalgamates the best kind of funk and synth pop, laced in neon nu-disco with solid lyrics that will no doubt get you in the mood.

Sounds like: Chromeo, Du Tonc, ROOSEVELT

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All The Rest – Waste My Money

All The Rest

Formed in 2013 by a group of musicians in the sleepy town of Senoia, Georgia, All The Rest makes honest music for a disoriented and systematic generation.

Their new single, ‘Waste My Money’ is about spending literal and mental money on your significant other.

Sounds like: LANY

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Nakala – Never Changed

Nakala

Nakala is a refreshing nu-R&B duo comprised of South Coast based Nakala and long-term production partner Brad Baker.

Their new track ‘Never Changed’ melodically free flows between the indietronica and hip hop genres and is reminiscent of a late-night drive through the city suburbs.

Sounds like: July Child, Ayelle

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PLYA – Innocent

PLYA

PLYA is taking a slightly different direction to their usual stuff, focusing on a more dreamy pop landscape.

Their new single ‘Innocent’ considers “the nostalgia of looking back at purer times from a place filled with imperfections.”

Sounds like: Fickle Friends, Draper, Sykes, Broods, Phantogram, Monogem

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RAIGN – God Only Knows

RAIGN

Alt-pop romantic RAIGN today releases her album ‘SIGN’, which features a dark and dreamy cover of ‘God Only Knows’, the Beach Boys‘ classic.

RAIGN runs her own record label, Millionaire London Records, designs clothes, writes songs for some of the biggest names in music and is currently penning an audiobook (scored by herself), and after taking a listen to her album, we’ve decided that this girl is badass!

Sounds like: London Grammar, Lady Gaga

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Gabriella Vixen – Old Mistake

Gabriella Vixen

Break-ups suck, we all know that, and Kent-based Gabriella Vixen perfectly describes the process of bumping into an ex in her new single, ‘Old Mistake’,

“Old mistake is about the empowering realisation that comes after that brief moment that we all at some point have experienced. When you bump into someone from your past, a flash of memories, followed by belly flipping butterflies, losing the ability to talk without stuttering, rosy cheeks and even an exchange of new numbers.”

Feisty! Gabriella is on our ones to watch list for 2019.

Sounds like: Zara Larsson, Ariana Grande, Mura Masa, Rita Ora

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New Arcades – Hideaway

New Arcades

Introducing New Arcades, a cinematic synth duo comprised of Dean Canty and Adam Sullivan.

They have today released their new single ‘Hideaway’, which is a slow-burning ballad that gently builds to a powerful synthetic harmony of electronics and an epic guitar finale.

Sounds like: M83, Chromatics, College

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Laélia – Television Feat. Inu The Strange

Laélia

Laélia is an energetic, Brazil born, London based femme fatale. Her music is eclectic to say the least, channelling the likes of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper.

She has teamed up with producer Inu The Strange on ‘Television’.

Listen below

Sounds like: Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, Yonaka

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Draper – Jealous (Feat BB Diamond)

Draper

Draper

No doubt there is skill in creating a great pop track, but there is also skill in sourcing up and coming artists to collaborate with, and the latter is where UK producer, Draper, really shows his A-game.

Draper has just dropped ‘Jealous’, featuring the talents of singer, BB Diamond.

It’s an electronic tinged track with soulful vocals and a uplifting chorus…enough to make any other producer pretty jealous.

‘Jealous’ is out today via M:UK, and taken off his upcoming EP, ‘Luminous’, out on 13 January 2017.

The EP also includes Draper’s recent track with Sam Sure. Watch the video below.

Disclosure: I am Draper’s publicist at the time of writing.

Catch Draper playing the Camden Assembly in London on 13 December. Limited tickets still available here.

Sounds like: Pistol Shrimp, Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne, Katy B, Ella Henderson, Rita Ora, All Saints

Draper

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BB Diamond

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Interview: Draper

Draper

Draper

After moonlighting as a prolific producer to pop stars (Rita Ora, Lapsley), Draper is finally breaking as a solo artist.

We decided to have a chat with the UK-based multi-instrumentalist.

For those of you who don’t know you, tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into music.​

I was born in France, grew up in London, and when I was about 16 I wanted to find out how drums and synths were made electronically so I did! I taught myself everything from the ground up, it took a while…

You are a songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist. Tell us the pros and cons of each.

Song writing is the best, there’s nothing like creating something from absolutely nothing, it’s massively exciting.

Producing is great because you can make someone else’s writing a reality, which can be hugely challenging at times but also very rewarding.

Playing instruments is something I don’t do enough of, I write ‘in the box’ meaning I do almost all instrumentation on the computer, I would love to have a studio with a wide variety of hardware that I can jam on, much more fun than sequencing midi.

Describe your sound in three words.

Eclectic synth party

What was it like working with Jazz Morley on her new track?

Really great, she’s an awesome song writer and I love her vocal tone!

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

All over the place, there’s not really one specific one, when I hear something that inspires me I find a way to use the same techniques (never copy).

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

I’ve been listening to Flume‘s new single a lot, I find him a real inspiration because his sound pushes producer technique ‘norms’, I’d love to see him live too.

Sounds like: Pistol Shrimp, Passion Pit, The Maccabees

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