Tag Archives: Ronika

Weekly Gems 120

Posted on by

Jude the Obscure – Strong Enough

Jude The Obscure

Manchester-based musician Jude The Obscure shows resilience in the face of adversity in jazz, hip-hop and soul-inspired track, ‘Strong Enough’.

Sounds like: Loyle Carner

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | Instagram

James Blake – Are You Even Real?

James Blake

James Blake releases the atmospheric ‘Are You Even Real?’, in partnership with Apple’s Behind The Mac campaign. Another contender to the evergrowing back catalogue of comforting masterpieces from the British producer and multi-instrumentalist.

Sounds like: Jamie Woon, Jamie XX, The Weeknd, SOHN

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

Declan McKenna – Daniel, You’re Still A Child

Declan McKenna

We all know a Daniel, or perhaps we even are one – the one that gets “lost in the sauce, stoned, lost in some existential fear or lost his way in some VR game”, yet has so much to prove. Declan McKenna gives us a delicious taste of his forthcoming album, ‘Zeros’.

Sounds like: HUNNY, Sea Girls, Peach Pit, The Night Café, Chaz Cardigan, The Beatles, Circa Waves, The Magic Gang, Vistas, Love Fame Tragedy

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

Connie Constance – James

Connie Constance

Refreshing alt-pop artist Connie Constance bares all and dives into “an ocean of narcotics” in new single ‘James’, summing up how we all want to feel and act right now – to get a bit squiffy and then crawl back to bed.

Sounds like: Kate Nash, Laura Misch, Joy Crookes, Rosie Lowe, Poppy Adjudha, Arlo Parks, Cleo Sol, Moses Sumney

Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram

NZCA Lines – Prisoner Of Love

NZCA Lines by Aleksandra Kingo

NZCA Lines by Aleksandra Kingo

Time to get sweet and funky with NZCA Line‘s ‘Prisoner of Love’. We surrender to its smooth and delectable slice of opulent disco.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Gold Panda, New Order, Ronika, Thor Rixon, Hot Chip, Prince, Roosevelt

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

Aquilo – Moving On

Aquilo by Morgan Hill-Murphy

Aquilo by Morgan Hill-Murphy

Sounding particularly Glass Animals, and more instrumentally upbeat than previous releases, duo Tom Higham and Ben Fletcher – aka Aquilo – return after a two-year hiatus with the ‘Sober’ EP, featuring ‘Moving On’.

Sounds like: SOHN, Great Good Fine Ok, Hurts, X&Y, Young Empires, Fenech Soler, Glass Animals

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

MAX RAD – It’ll All Be Fine

MAX RAD

Singer and producer MAX RAD takes a positive stance with new single ‘It’ll All Be Fine’. Comparing the track to an out-of-body experience, he advises to look at the bigger picture, and stop internalising. Wise words.

Sounds like: Tash Sultana, Foals, Chet Faker, Honne, Ben Khan

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Weekly Gems 105

Posted on by

cactus? – Shitdisco

Cactus? by Riccardo Michelazzo

Cactus? by Riccardo Michelazzo

Cactus? is an innovative three-piece band from the industrial plains of Northern Italy.

Combining influences from the dance-punk phenomenon of mid-00s with the current Lo-fi Bedroom movement, adding to the mix 80s synths and samples – their new single ‘Shitdisco’, out now via Costello’s Records, is full of frenetic and unpredictable energy of crazy synths and poppy vocals.

Sounds like: Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Bloc Party

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Stevie wolf – Paper maché doll

Stevie Wolf - Paper maché doll

Indie-pop savant Stevie wolf is paving the way with his refreshing approach to unconstrained honesty.

Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and major anxiety disorder, as well as meeting a lot of set backs when it comes to making music, hasn’t stopped him exploring the constaints of both personal and societal expectations.

Sounds like: Myylo, Phil Good

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

On’yu – Done Without

On'yu - Done Without

On’Yu is the creation of Australian multi-instrumentalist and producer, Rob Eggleston.

His new single ‘Done Without’ is a sweet slowburner with crisp 80’s influenced electric piano mixed with a soulful-synth bass and blushes of neo-emo in there.

Sounds like: Patternist, LOYALS, 90’s Kids, La Bouquet, MILKK

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Alexander 23 – Loving You Gets Hard

Alexander 23

Alexander 23 is calling it as it is, in the new song, ‘Loving You Gets Hard’.

Further showcasing his lyrical genius, the multi-million streaming Chicago-born singer/songwriter wishes to maintain normalcy as possible, and share his views on a compassionate relationship.

Sounds like: Lauv, Chelsea Cutler, Shoffy, Nolie

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Linney – Cool

Linney

Pop sensation Linney returns in 2020 with ‘Cool’.

The single is full of breezy vocals with a full-fledged pop essence, written about navigating the complications of losing someone, something close to Linney’s heart.

Sounds like: CAPPA, Paperwhite, Poema, Scavenger Hunt

Facebook | SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

Mazoulew – Circles Feat. Bonnie Wylde

Mazoulew

London-born, Italian-residing Mazoulew has been making music for 15 years.

Inspired by varying genres of Motown, acid jazz and drum&bass, the UK producer fuses these sounds with minimal and melodic electronic beats.

His new single features the ethereal vocals of Bonnie Wylde.

Sounds like: Kidnap, Model Man, Jessie Ware, Lane 8

Facebook | SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

NZCA LINES – Pure Luxury

NZCA LINES

NZCA LINES (aka Michael Lovett) shares his kooky and cosmic track, ‘Pure Luxury’.

It’s a rehashed response to the notions of luxury, status, and the insanity of pursuing material wealth in the face of environmental catastrophe.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Gold Panda, Ronika, Hot Chip, Ben Khan

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

East Harbor – Miss the Old You

East Harbor

It’s always a good sign when you turn the volume right up when initially listening to a track.

Florida-based quartet, East Harbor does just that in their infectious new single, ‘Miss the Old You’. Turn up and listen below.

Sounds like: La Bouquet, The Band CAMINO, The 1975, Manchester Orchestra

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Surf Rock Is Dead – Immaculate

Surf Rock Is Dead

The Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD) boys are back with the sweeping ‘Immaculate’, lifted off their debut LP ‘Existential Playboy’ out on 1 May.

Whilst appearing genteel, this is anything but. A juxtaposition that addresses the bleakness of societal affairs and corrosion of daily life amidst the capricious decisions made by those in power.

Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Swimming Tapes, The Cure, Beauty Sleep

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Weekly Gems 92

Posted on by

Younger Hunger – Second Best

Younger Hunger

Younger Hunger is making waves with new single ‘Second Best’.

Inspired by 90’s indie-rock guitars, chart-topping pop hooks, and emo lyricism, their sound is quite difficult to pin down, especially when they refuse to make the same song twice.

Musically sitting somewhere between APRE and Sea Girls, the Orange Country-based upstarts present us with a perfect contradiction.

Sounds like: APRE, Sea Girls, Low Island

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Urchin – Without No Fear

Urchin - Without No Fear

Blog-house promoter Urchin (aka London-based producer Leo Appleyard) shares his new single, ‘Without No Fear’, out now on BonFire Records.

‘Without No Fear’ is the third track from the jazz-turned-indietronica musician’s sophomore EP, due out in January 2020, and features luxurious R&B vocals from Black Rose.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Birthh – Yello / Concrete

Birthh - Yello / Concrete

Jazz and neo-soul musician Birthh (real name Alice Bisi) was raised in Florence on a diet of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.

The new video for her single ‘Yello / Concrete’ was filmed between the Tuscan countryside and Milan and, as the visuals suggest, merge two unconventional sounds

Sounds like: Mallrat

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

I AM KARATE – Hey Love

I AM KARATE

Swedish duo I AM KARATE (aka producer and songwriters, Marta Pettersson and Erika Ahlström) shares new single, ‘Hey Love’.

Speaking about insecurity, the girls explain,

“The song is about insecurity and not feeling sure you’re being honest with your love. Like he’s got a secret world when he’s dreaming that you’re not a part of, and you wonder if it’s more than just dreams.”

Sounds like: Ralph, Say Lou Lou, MIYNT, Doe Paoro, Sirena, Susanne Sundfør, Shura, Kyla La Grange

Website | SoundCloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

NoMBe – Paint California

NoMBe

German born, Los Angeles-based artist NoMBe shares his vibrant new single, ‘Paint California’, the first single from his sophomore breakup album, ‘Chromotopia’.

The leftfield leaning pop single perfectly encapsulates NoMBe’s butter-smooth vocals over the intricately created arrangement.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Friendly Fires, Jungle, Vampire Weekend, Local Natives

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Ronika – Solitaire

Ronika - Solitaire

Nottingham-born singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Ronika is back and sounding distinctively disco-noir.

Continuing Ronika’s inclination for all things funk and dream pop, the track features spoken-word contribution from Lee-Ann Curren (a French female pro-surfer and fellow musician) whilst also forming part of Ronika’s latest longer-form project.

Sounds like: ABBA, Chaka Khan, Aeroplane, Breakbot, Ballet School, Ladyhawke, Color War, The Human League, Little Boots, Bananarama, Annie

SoundCloud | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

George Eve – One Track Mind

George Eve - One Track Mind

George Eve‘s music is quite frankly a melting pot of different sounds and rhythms.

From bold, expansive and inventive melodies to candid lyrics touching on love, heartbreak and isolation, it’s clear Eve will be forming his own path in the industry.

He has teamed up with Sam Duckworth as co-producer for the brooding single, ‘One track Mind’.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Glass Animals

SoundCloud | Instagram

Constance – Work Hard

Constance - Work Hard

Canadian singer/songwriter Constance shares her effervescent sophomore single, ‘Work Hard’.

With smooth electronic production and lush vocals, her music continues to shed light through her raw and emotional lyricism exploring heartbreak, love, and loss.

Sounds like: Lorde, NEONHEART, Billie Eilish

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Nina Chuba – Lips Shut

Nina Chuba

20 year old Berlin-based artist Nina Chuba shares her most vulnerable release to date.

Written about treating herself better and muting those negative voices in her head, ‘Lips Shut’ is another urban leaning pop hymn from the unique artist.

Sounds like: Lorde, Billie Eilish, Lauren Sanderson

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

KOKO – Freak (Acoustic)

KOKO - Freak

Bristol-born pop three-piece KOKO have a natural wall of energy which they call the “KOKO traingle”.

They’ve just dropped the acoustic version of their debut single, ‘Freak’. Stripping back the electro-tinged original of their debut singl, it’s all about embracing individuality – “It’s a FU to the man!”

Sounds like: Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Gigi Rowe – Promises

Gigi Rowe by Chase Leonard

Gigi Rowe by Chase Leonard

Has Gigi Rowe travelled from the 80’s just to release ‘Promises’? We think so.

The bright and eclectic artist brings the retro/futuristic sounds of that decade to life in the new single, as she boldly showcases her hot pink characteristics.

Sounds like: Ralph, Great Good Fine Ok, LANY

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Weekly Gems 75

Posted on by

ROOM8 – Only You Feat. The Sound of Arrows

ROOM8

Production duo ROOM8 have just shared their new single, ‘Only You’, featuring The Sound of Arrows on vocals, and taken from ROOM8’s album ‘Transduction’, released in October.

The love song interprets the feeling of being uneasy with people out in the world. It’s sway-inducing, timeless synth-pop, worthy of a slot on Stranger Things.

Sounds like: Electric Youth, St Etienne, Aeroplane, Lindstrøm, Ronika, RAC

Facebook | SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

UNSECRET – Joyride Feat. Butterfly Boucher

UNSECRET

Who is UNSECRET you ask. Well, it turns out that no one really knows. It could be a producer, it could be a collective. We are not entirely sure, but one thing we do know is that UNSECRET’s new single with Australian singer, Butterfly Boucher is a summer corker!

Conjuring up an image of a ‘Joyride’ in new single of the very name, the retro beat is in a pop race with Boucher’s luscious vocals and anthemic lyricism.

Sounds like: The Knocks, Goldroom

Facebook | SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

Ali Horn – Dreamers

Ali Horn

Ali Horn shares his psychedlic new track, ‘Dreamers’.

The ever so radio-friendly track echoes sounds from The Flaming Lips and Beck, in a kalaedscopic state, with a generous nod to the sound of the 60’s.

With a pulsating beat that builds through its verses into an uplifting chorus, it carries the listener through a lyrical journey much darker in content than the music would have you believe at first.

Sounds like: The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev, Beck, Pavement

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Amahla – Have Mercy

Amahla

Starting with a beautifully addictive bassline, ‘Have Mercy’ by Amahla immediately draws you in, allowing you witness to Amahla’s authentic, modern soulful approach to songwriting.

The honest track – a conversatin between two people about social progress – ebbs and flows between solemn verses and stirring chorus hooks, and has a live performance feel.

Sounds like: Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Grace Carter, Caswell, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Delena – One Night

Delena

Ukrainian-born, London-based singer-songwriter Delena has been declared as one of the most exciting names in pop by a number of key pop publications, so who are we to argue?

Her new single ‘One Night’ is another intense slice of the action with an 80’s style drive and female attitude.

Sounds like: Dagny, Halsey, HAIM

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Gavin Haley – Show Me

Gavin Haley

Gavin Haley shares his incredibly emotive new pop single, ‘Show Me’, out now via Red Bull Records.

A former pro cyclist, Harley discovered an incredible drive to create his own music following a cycling injury.

A geniune lovesong about a love lost, Haley creates another perfect slice of indie-pop in the new single, a gentle burner that builds to a poptastic climax.

Sounds like: Shawn Mendes, Gareth Pugh, Jack Hawitt

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Weekly Gems 37

Posted on by

Ben Khan – 2000 Angels

Ben Khan

Big news. Ben Khan returns with the announcement of his debut album (hurrah!) and a self-directed dystopian video for spine-tingling new single ‘2000 Angels’.

The album – set for release in the summer – was produced alongside Flood (PJ Harvey, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails) and mixed by Spike Stent (Björk, Frank Ocean), with Ben playing every instrument on the record.

Always with a creative hands-on approach, Ben also plans to launch his new interactive website, The Foundation, which offers an insight into the richness and depth of the album’s story.

Sounds like: Leo Kalyan, Twin Shadow, Jai Paul, JUNGLE, Disclosure, Prince, Blood Orange, Harts, Oyinda, Shy Girls

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

OTR – Close Feat Kai Straw

OTR - Close Feat Kai Straw

OTR manages to get the chilled but tense vibe just right with his latest single, ‘Close’, which includes the soulful vocals by Kai Straw.

The 25-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer uses his mathematical mind as a key component when it comes to his music, producing off-kilter melodies and electronic sounds.

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

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

NAVA – Ritual

NAVA

NAVA is the highly energetic project of Persian songwriter Nava Golchini and three other Italian musicians. Visually, NAVA is a mix of horror and fashion inspired by the works of visionary designer Gareth Pugh.

The debut single ‘Ritual’ gives us a glimpse into the NAVA world – full of electro arrangements, tribal instruments and dark metropolitan landscapes.

‘Ritual’ is out now on Factory Flaws.

Sounds like: Nimmo

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Betablock3r – Make You Happy

Betablock3r

It could be 2014 again, and boy it feels good! During your visit, expect luscious vocals, addictive synth drops and and nu-disco undertone. All this, courtesy of Betablock3r and the new single ‘Make You Happy’.

It is the first single off their debut EP Monolith, out now.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Chromeo, RAC, Nightdrive

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Tanners – Holy Water

Tanners

It wouldn’t be a decent weekly gems feature without some pop in there. This week Tanners is the chosen one.

Tanners is the moniker of New York City-based songwriter and producer Tanner Peterson. Leading the way for women in creative music tech, Tanners has also spoken at TEDxTeen.

Inspired by her childhood love for the beach, ‘Holy Water’ celebrates the beauty and electricity born from allowing yourself to be completely vulnerable and enveloped by the ocean. “It’s a thank you song to the ocean for teaching me to embrace vulnerability,” Tanners says of the track.

Sounds like: Shura, Monogem, Ronika, Jessie Ware

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Young Sierra – Next To You

Young Sierra - Next To You

Meet emerging alt-pop trio Young Sierra, who were born from a school friendship, and bonded “over a shared love of low bit-rate Drake mp3s, eighties pop and hot-sauce”.

They have the kind of frantic energy of Arcade Fire and the cheeky nature of The 1975. Naughty.

Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Electric Youth, The 1975, Night Panther, Bad Sounds

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Charley Stride – Different Stars

Posted on by

Charley Stride

Introducing UK-based singer and all round talent, Charley Stride.

Having already performed onstage with the likes of Tom Jones and Jools Holland, Charley’s debut single ‘Different Stars’ is definitely one to impress.

It’s full of 80’s inspired synth sounds with a modern electro edge. Listen below.

Disclosure: I am Charley Stride’s publicist.

Sounds like: M83, Ronika

Twitter | Facebook | SoundCloud

Share on Tumblr

Rudie Edwards – Lover Like You

Posted on by

Rudie Edwards

Meet Rudie Edwards, a London-based artist full of sass and bubbling sounds.

As well as creating her own music and attending the renowned BRIT School, she has also written for the likes of CeeLo Green, Erik Hassle, and Beatrice Eli.

The video for her new track, ‘Lover Like You’, is a funk-fuelled bonanza of colour and sexuality. Of the track, Rudie explains,

“Lover Like You” is about knowing what you want from a lover and not being afraid to express it or ask for it and sees the singer dancing with reckless abandon in the midst of a disco tinged glitter party.

“The mission is to wake people up…I want to make some bloody noise that doesn’t sound like all of the other bloody noise out there.”

Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Ronika, ELKKA, Erik Hassle

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Continue reading →

Share on Tumblr

Tei Shi – Keep Running

Posted on by

Tei Shi by JJ Medina

Tei Shi by JJ Medina

Tei Shi is back!

The Agostina Gálvez-directed video for ‘Keep Running’ by the Brooklyn based songstress oozes sex appeal and instantly takes us back to that Flake advert from the 80’s, but this time it’s a mic and not a chocolate bar.

Tei Shi’s debut album, ‘Crawl Space’, is out 31 March on Downtown/Interscope Records.

Sounds like: ASTR, Tinashe, Shura, Claire, Ballet School, VÉRITÉ, La Roux, Ronika, Kitten, Depeche Mode, Lykke Li, FKA Twigs, Rilo Kiley, Dominique

Tumblr | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

Continue reading →

Share on Tumblr

Cocovan – Mirage Of Us

Posted on by

Cocovan by Thibault Debaveye

Cocovan by Thibault Debaveye

Parisian artist Cocovan oozes class and sophistication. No wonder, as she splits her time between France and Los Angeles.

Her disco debut, called ‘Mirage of Us’, was self-written and produced by the lady herself.

‘Mirage Of Us’ is the first single off her upcoming EP, and is available for free download on Cocovan’s Soundcloud page.

Sounds like: Madonna, Ronika, Cyndi Lauper, Henri, Blood Orange, Annie Lennox

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube

Share on Tumblr

Interview with Pr0files

Posted on by

Pr0files

Pr0files

Sunny electro duo, Pr0files, have released their debut album and to celebrate, we caught up with them for a quick fire interview round, and the answers are hilarious! Check them out below.

1. Album or EP?
Danny – Album
Lauren – Singles!!!

2. “Call Yourself a Lover” or “Abuse U (Feel It)”?
Danny – This is like choosing your favorite child. Call Yourself a Lover.
Lauren – Seriously, they’re both my babies, I just can’t. But CYAL.

3. Audio or video?
Danny – Audio
Lauren – Music video

4. Notepad or laptop?
Danny – Laptop
Lauren – MacBook Pro

5. Pen or pencil?
Danny – Pen, preferably blue ink
Lauren – Thin Sharpie

6. Homemade or readymade?
Danny – Homemade
Lauren – Always DIY

7. Bad hair or bad clothes?
Danny – Never bad hair, bad clothes for sure
Lauren – Bad clothes can be forgiven

8. Girls or boys?
Danny – Girls
Lauren – Tall, dirty blonde boys with blue eyes
Tall, dirty blonde boys with blue eyes

9. Hot or cold?
Danny – Hot
Lauren – Let it snow

10. Home or abroad?
Danny – No place like home
Lauren – Home on the range

Their incredible debut album ‘Jurassic Technologie’ is out now via STRAIGHT A RECORDS.

Sounds like: ASTR, Ronika, Monogem, Color War, Palmedo, Shura, Chromeo, Tep No, Laurel

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | Instagram

Share on Tumblr