Releasing her first single of 2020, Josefine delights us with her alt-pop track, ‘Let It Go’. Living in Los Angeles, the Rytmus Music High School (Stockholm) graduate is in good company, with previous alumni including global pop icons Robyn, Tove Lo and Icona Pop.
Produced by Martin René (Meghan Trainor, H.E.R, Snoop Dogg, Madcon) the L.A. beach chill track could be her most popular song to date, although this is no easy feat, having racked up over nine million streams from her previous seven singles.
Christine and the Queens shares the beautiful ‘People, I’ve been sad’.
A minimalistic and melancholic rendition, sung in both English and French, it’s a true piece of Letessier’s still vulnerable heart about teenage sorrow, an inward approach and yet a sad unity.
Watch the COLORS session below.
Sounds like: HAIM, MUNA, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Robyn, Empress Of, Roisin Murphy, St. Vincent, ÄTNA
London-born, now US-based singer/songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Sophia Gripari shares her first self-produced single, ‘Lesson Learned’.
The electro-pop track is written about the liberation found in realising and subsequently walking away from a toxic relationship.
REYNA is feeling pretty ‘Clueless’ in their fun new karaoke based video.
The upbeat pop single, taken from their highly anticipated upcoming debut EP in Spring 2020, is written about learning to accept and love yourself even when you’re feeling clueless about life.
Effervescent pop maker la lune releases the delectable ‘holding onto u’.
The 20 year-old, London-born singer-songwriter and producer has been releasing music with a DIY ethos since she was 18. Masked beneath her pseudonym and subtle social media presence, la lune is using obscurity to ‘protest’ against the over-sexualisation of women in music, stating that her music should be listened to and judged at ‘face value’.
Sounds like: Shallou, Fickle Friends, The Japanese House
The Millennial Club is SoCal melancholic-synth pop band comprised of friends and jazz musicians, singer/guitarist Andres Owens, bassist/keyboardist Jared Ortiz, guitarist/saxophonist Jake Stevenson, and drummer Tyler Kamei.
Their lovelorn new single ‘Coffee In The Morning’ displays Owen’s wisdom beyond his 23 years of life through his powerfully intimate lyricism which puts listeners directly into the relationship at stake. It features guest vocals from newcomer Tori Romo.
Romanian-born Edith has been writing songs since at song, and creating music was her only path to express her emotions from a young age.
Her new single, ‘No Matter What You Do’ is an emphatic, contemporary-pop banger that showcases her natural songwriting ability. Drawing on personal experiences, for an upbeat piece of pop bliss.
Sounds like: Blithe, Mabel, Dua Lipa, Baker Grace, Just Kiddin
Move over Sweden, it seems Germany is knocking on the door of talented electro-pop artists.
One such artist is FLØRE. In almost a whisper, the often lonely FLØRE tells a touching story about the fragileness of growing up in the ethereal new single, ‘Blue Tide Eyes’
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
OH Wonder returns with the glorious new single, ‘Hallelujah’! Praise be!
The visuals, shot in one take, feature Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht in a field amongst a selection of multi-coloured church gowns. As colourful and catchy as ever.
Sounds like: IYES, Kid Astray, Banks, Fickle Friends, Monogem, Paperwhite, PROM, Blood Orange, Years & Years, Bipolar Sunshine, Broods, ASTR
Damn right, Nashville-based Daniella Mason knows the power she has a woman.
A modern feminist anthem through and through, it spells out the world from many womens’ eyes. Her forthcoming EP, ‘Physical State’ is due out this fall.
Sounds like: Imogen Heap, The Japanese House, Robyn, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, George Gretton, Luna Pines
Nigerian-British avant-pop auteur and artist Tony Njoku shares the brilliant new Max Jedwab-directed video for ‘CONFIDENT’.
The intense single adopts a confessional, diary-like intimacy underpinned by whirring synths, which dissolve into effervescent chaos.
It is taken from his new album, ‘Your Psyche’s Rainbow Panorama’, released on 4 October via Silent Kid Records, in which he has taken inspiration from a work of Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson’s glass walkway, entitled ‘Your Rainbow Panorama’.
Sounds like: Sacred Animals, Ben Khan, Flying Lotus, Ghostpoet, Gaika, Lightfoot
Zanski digs deeper with his creative new single, ‘Younger You’.
A laid-back RnB affair, Zanski has teamed up with vocalist Emilia Ali to deliver unparalleled vocal lines, rich harmonies, and sweet grooves that perfectly showcase his ability for some serious tuneage, with as much intrigue and substance as James Blake or Jai Paul.
Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Honne, Banks, Jai Paul
Pop music is always in a state of flux, and there are always artists doing interesting things with it if you know where to look. This week it’s Seattle-based producer-singer-songwriter Slow Shudder.
Reminiscent of the likes of Robokid and PC Music artists, ‘Just As You Are’ walks a fine line of forward-thinking contemporary production and early 00’s sugary pop, for a delightfully charming ballad.
It’s coming to the end of summer, which is why you need to listen to the almost-tropical ‘One By One’ by Broken Back and featuring Alle Farben.
The combination of Broken Back’s upbeat and quirky energies with his whimsical vocal styling, combine effortlessly alongside Alle Farben’s diverse, colorful, and boundless spirit.
The multi-faceted talents create infectious, experimental pop in their basements studio in a London warehouse. They also run their own underground audiovisual club nights, as well as producing and remixing for other artists.
Scottish-born Keir Gibson releases his debut track ‘Eyes Wide’.
Despite being brought up on a dose of Scottish music, the 18 year old’s sound borders the electronic, pop and folk realms in an alt-pop fusion.
‘Mixed & mastered by Grammy-nominated mixer Matty Green and Grammy award-winning mastering engineer Joe LaPorta, ‘Eyes Wide’ showcases what’s more to come from the talented singer/songwriter.
Sounds like: James Arthur, Maggie Rogers, Julia Michaels, Lauv
Indie pop duo Apollo LTD share the sway-inducing visuals for ‘Man That I Used To Know’.
Much like their last single, ‘Misfits‘, this one is incredibly easy listening with its smooth production skills, twinkling synths, and luscious vocals.
Australian artist cln shares his downtempo new single ‘Change My Mind’.
Whilst the track’s production appears minimalistic in it’s electronic approach, there is a dark undertone of R&B that lingers throughtout the song in a contemplative manner.
Zanski is the electro-R&B project of Tom Probizanski.
With a sound captivating and emotive, Zanski’s sound is refreshing, yet relevant. His new single ‘Smoke In My Lungs’ echoes of the wonderous Ben Khan in it’s distinctive groovy sound.
Napoleon Gold – Love Don’t Cut Me Down (feat. Haiva Ru)
French-born Antoine Honorez aka Napoleon Gold returns with his latest single ‘Love Don’t Cut Me Down’ featuring the vocals of Haiva Ru’s Allie Merril.
The track can be compared to an 80’s Fleetwood Mac song that’s been given an electronic boogie re-skin.
Speaking of the unique late-night feel of his music, Napoleon credits his life-long struggle with insomnia, “During my first year in Brussels for university, my insomnia became more and more frequent. I remember staying awake night after night, making music, watching the sunrise from my music desk – it had this beautiful orange and golden colour, I knew seeing this colour meant I had once again failed to sleep, but it also symbolised a new day, a new beginning. I decided to name that colour ‘Napoleon Gold'”.
Sounds like: Goldroom, Chela, RAC, Le Youth, JackLNDN
Grammy-Award nominated producer and vocalist, and Mura Masa collaborator, Tom Tripp returns with his latest single ‘TAM’, the first release off his forthcoming project ‘FLAG’.
The electro-laced funk track started life back in 2016, undergoing various iterations on Tom’s Laptop until a session with Grades earlier this year led to a final version that the self-proclaimed perfectionist was finally happy to share with the world.
Exciting London-based singer Thailah shares the banger, ‘Feels Right’.
Ramping up the BPM, her fourth ever release, has been produced by the up and coming producer J.AR.K. to create a track that will work equally well in the car as in the club.
Brooklyn based duo, Tropic (aka electronic producer & DJ, Phuse, and R&B singer/songwriter Jo-B Sebastian) shares their breezy new tune ‘Lights Out’.
With delicate falsetto vocals that energetically loop around syncopated beats, the track explores the regret and denial that comes after a breakup in both nostalgic and futuristic manner.
Nashville-based alternative pop act, Daniella Mason, is back with a dreamy new visual that continues her ‘Mental State’ EP and ‘State of Mine’ sound series in which she aims to explore different parts of our humanity.
With her latest music video release – shot and edited by Dylan Reyes – Mason aimed to create a dream sequence that visualises the feeling of wandering throughout her mind and expands on its aimlessness.
Sounds like: Imogen Heap, The Japanese House, Robyn, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, George Gretton, Luna Pines
Sweet sweet pop is on the agenda right now, courtesy of NOA who channels some serious Robyn meets Ariana Grande vibes on her new single ‘Hypocritical’.
Expect lighthearted pop vocals, catchy melodies and a resonant emotional theme throughout, from the Toronto-born singer-songwriter.
Swedish indie-pop band Like Swimming has just released the first part of their two-part EP, ‘Resistance / Relations’. The EP is an attempt for the band to get all their political frustration out in the first part, ‘Resistance’, and to make room for the ups and downs of personal battles in the second part, ‘Relations’, coming later this year.
Like Swimming has put together a playlist for us, of tracks that have inspired ‘Resistance’.
CHVRCHES – The Mother We Share
Great inspiration for the synth in ‘Strike a Pose’!
Robyn – Who’s That Girl?
Strike the rhythm!
Robyn – Dancing On My Own
That bass gave us the right feeling for ‘Strike a Pose’.
Gang of Youths – Poison Drums & Phoenix – Lisztomania
Both tracks inspired us to change the drums of ‘The Ground’ completely.
Daughter – Smother
Gave us the right feeling of desolation and frustration for ‘Save Me’.
Jennie Abrahamson – Bloodlines
Inspired us to put the vocal up front in ‘Save Me’.
Like Swimming – Lean on
We liked the space we allowed ourselves to have in this one, so we wanted to do it again.
Vi Va Dom – Familjen
Gave us the right dancing moves for ‘Dead but Dancing’
Beck – Girl
Helped us feel ok with letting ‘Dead but Dancing’ stand out from the rest of the songs.
Bob Dylan – Ballad of a Thin Man
The lyrics from this inspired all of ‘Growing’, so much that we had to lend a phrase even.
Royal Teeth – Wild
Those rim shots are why Petter “missed” the snare on ‘Growing’.
Like Swimming – Cover My Eyes
This is a song that we did and liked so much that we wanted to do again, it turned out to be something very different: ‘Fire on the Fields’.
Sounds like: Chvrches, Chrome Sparks, Of Monsters & Men
Swedish singer/songwriter CILVR has drawn comparisons to Billie Eilish, Lykke Li and Kate Bush and we can understand why with her delicate take on Scandi-pop.
But don’t be fooled, these dulcet tones quickly transcend into slick and airy pop.
With a genuine ability to write original songs, we are excited of things to come from CILVR.
Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Lykke Li, Kate Bush, Robyn
West Coast dweller Chris Ayer shares ‘Need Somebody’.
It’s a pop song through and through, written about being in a relationship with someone that you know isn’t good for you, a perfect remedy for heartbroken teens across the globe.
Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Dylan Emmet has a gut wrenching story to tell. After discovering about a two year old daughter he never know about, Emmet packed his bags and moved to New York to be a full-time dad and musician.
He has enlisted Candian singer/songwriter Constance (NÉONHÈART) on their emotional song ‘Memory’, and the special chemistry between Emmet and Constance is clear throughout the song.
Bellhouse is the Swedish pop project of Emma-Lee Andersson.
A trained truck driver who would have chosen a career in criminology if it weren’t for her music, it’s perhaps surprising that Bellhouse didn’t notice her musical talent in pop music soon.
Her gorgeously radio-ready ‘Like You Loved Us’ had us at hello and for this reason, Bellhouse is one of our Ones to Watch for 2019.
Following a move to Los Angeles to pursue his now hugely successful songwriting career, Jamie N Commons found his music took an unexpected turn towards the musical greats of the 80’s.
Containing these ingredients, plus the addition of some rock and blues in there, Jamie N Commons’ ‘Paper Dreams’ are certainly proving fruitful.
