RAINDEAR is back with a new song and with an album out next week, to boot. Thank goodness!
The amazing ‘Grace’ is about breaking free and finding your new self through sharing your vulnerability, and this can be seen in a more confident release from the Swedish artist.
Her album ‘Skies To My Name’ was self-produced in an all-female studio collective called Oda Studios in central Stockholm. Expect it to be released on 14 June.
Sounds like: Little Dragon, Kate Boy, Lykke Li, Phantogram, Santigold, SBTRKT, CSS
We’ve been desperately searching for some sweet, nostalgic heartbreak songs to play on the radio during our late night drives and we’ve just found one – ‘Awake’ by STRUAN.
Surprisingly written with this in mind, STRUAN explains he created ‘Awake’ because he was out in Los Angeles and couldn’t sleep thinking about his ex.
Sounds like: LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, Joan, The 1975
Rising Belfast dream-pop trio Beauty Sleep creates magical, synth-driven music. The three met at a friend’s party and bonded over a mutual love of G&Ts and music.
They are gearing to release their debut LP, ‘Be Kind’ is set for release on 17th May on Quiet Arch records. Listen to ‘The Dark’ below.
Following a stint of live shows last year, including Latitude Festival, Caswell releases ‘Surface’, a song of self-discovery and re-empowerment to reach a potential she didn’t realise she had the whole time.
It’s a crisp and clear rendition with definite musical intentions, and sets the tone for her second EP, to be released in April.
Sounds like: Låpsley, Skott, Lorde, Charlotte Cardin, Jorja Smith, JONES, Ray BLK, Sigrid, Maggie Rogers
Meet O Future (fka OOFJ), an electronic duo mixing electronics with symphony orchestra and voice consisting of Jens Bjornkjaer originally from Denmark and Katherine Mills Rymer from South Africa, now located in Los Angeles.
O Future’s new single ‘VOYEUR’ gains pleasure in watching other people’s vanity from afar in what the duo calls a “global turn on”, and with a gorgeously, exciting looping bass line throughout, what’s not to enjoy?
Current favs, Sea Girls, share their latest single, ‘Open Your Head’ – it’s about unconditional love and is another brilliant addition to their stellar back catalogue
Can’t wait for their album? In the mean time you can catch them at one of their live dates in the UK this February and March…
Sounds like: The Kooks, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club
After landing support from the Arts Council England’s International Development fund, Leaone found himself working from Transmitter Park Studios in Brooklyn New York, alongside multi-instrumentalist and producer Tom Marsh (of Lana Del Rey’s band) and Abe Seiferth (Yeasayer, Bears In Heaven, James Murphy), on a body of new material.
The result is ‘Prairie Fires’, a deeply devastatingly emotive song that Leaone wrote at a time when he had to leave behind a blossoming romance.
Last but definitely not least is Girl Crush, the music and fashion project of Swedish/British duo, Ottilia Kjulsten and David Sugar.
These two have a special interest in lost youth, lust-stricken heartbreak and a future that never arrived, which they define as “promcore”. Their new single ‘Baby Steps’ is out now via Brilliance Records.
p.s. Want to be as cool as these guys? Then buy one of their limited edition pieces of merchandise which they offer with every track release.
Sounds like: Niki & The Dove, LOVE SICK, So Below, Ralph, Anna of the North, Call Me Loop, SUMif
Next on our Ones to Watch list for 2019 is Georgia.
Georgia was brought up in a housing co-operative with her mum and dad (Neil Barnes from Leftfield). She is now 27, and forging her own musical path.
In her new single ‘Started Out’, Georgia darts between the innocent anxiety of “making it”, giving herself personal pep talks, whilst also trying to tap into a tenacious angst and flair. The track is produced solely using analogue equipment, ripping up house roots, 90’s break beats and attitudes in a risk-taking manner. Funny that, as the track is about embracing the thrills of taking risks and being “young fools”, knowing that at least someone out there will love us for it.
Little Dragon share their new single called ‘Lover Chanting’, the first release following the band’s signing to Ninja Tune.
Looping in bass-heavy electronica and R&B sensibilities, the Swedish group are exploring new sounds and seeking inspiration from the strangest of places,
“It started with Fred searching for a wedding march inspired by a Swedish prog funk folk keyboardist called Merit Hemmingson Erik got inspired by the track and started singing! After Erik wrote his vocal verses Yukimi got a bit worried about his lyrical abilities and stepped in to add her part on the song. Håkan flew to Germany to record a beautifully tuned clavinet. Once the clavinet was recorded Fred and Erik added their flavour with some drums and deep synth bass. For all the lovers out there, chant along! Dance for peace and unity in this world of madness.”
The three track ‘Lover Chanting’ EP is out on 9 November.
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
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.
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
Louis Fulton – Kevin’s Heart Feat. Bellah, BXRBER & Armani White
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.
We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!
In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).
THURSDAY 12 JULY
Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage
Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.
Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.
Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.
Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.
Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.
Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.
One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.
The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.
We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish
Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.
Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!
Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry
Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.
He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.
Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green
Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.
Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.
Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!
Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA
Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).
Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.
Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.
They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.
Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!
Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!
The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.
Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man
Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.
His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray
With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.
Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.
We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Electro-pop princess RAINDEAR today releases ‘SKY’, a song inspired by escapism and self-determination.
It follows on from the huge success of ‘Diamonds In My Chest’, and reminds us just how adventurous and quirky RAINDEAR is in both her songwriting and production skills.
Disclosure: I am RAINDEAR’s publicist at the time of writing.
Sounds like: Little Dragon, Ballet School, Kate Boy, Lykke Li, Phantogram, Santigold, SBTRKT, CSS
Self-proclaimed desert electro-pop princess RAINDEAR is back with a new single called ‘Diamonds in My Chest’.
The daughter of two jazz musicians, RAINDEAR has been singing and writing since a young age. She also produces her own music, having self-produced her debut album ‘Embers’ in 2016.
The majority of RAINDEAR’s music has a dark undertone (perhaps it is the dark winters in her home town of Malmö?), but we absolutely love this, especially the deeply low falsettos in ‘Diamonds In My Chest’, as she continues to battle gritty topics such as feelings of desperation, destruction and uncomfortable desire.
Disclosure: I am RAINDEAR’s publicist at the time of writing.
Sounds like: Little Dragon, Ballet School, Kate Boy, Lykke Li, Phantogram, Santigold, SBTRKT, CSS
We all have those moments at the traffic lights when the amber light strikes. Do we slam the breaks on or speed on through the looming red light? Luckily for us, 21 year old Norwegian native, MagnusBechmann is willing to take the risk and “go all in” with his music.
The result is the playful indietronica track, ‘Bruises’.
Sounds like: Kid Astray, Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club
Los Angeles-based band VOKES question society with their new single, ‘Screens’.
It’s a feel-good number about not such a feel-good subject of addiction to technology, which we are all guilty off, so how about we put down our phones and take a listen?
The video for the Phoenix duo’s new single ‘My Mistake’ takes us on an intergalactic journey exploring NASA found footage and cimenatic-like visions of vocalist, Mickey Pangburn.
Sounds like: Goldfrapp, Wolf Alice, Lilies On Mars, CHVRCHES, Garbage
Liverpool-based Two Islands remain mysterious, but nonetheless we enjoy their indie anthems.
Their new single, ‘Still Life’, is another ambitious release and a bid to “reclaim the romance of falling in love with an artist solely through their songs.”
Their positive attitude and knack of creating groovy bangers definitely sets them apart.
Time to get nostalgic with ‘Good Advice’ by NYC-based duo Fever High (aka guitarist/singer Anna Nordeen and singer/songwriter Reni Lane).
Apart from bohemian vocals and interludes of joyous guitars and tambourines, the song features anecdotes about bad advice from none other than Jeff Goldblum!
We finish this week’s gems with Swedish producer MagnusTheMagnus‘ new single, ‘Calling’ featuring KIDDO.
The off-kilter pirate radio station beat throughout the track reminds us a bit of Jamie xx in its innovation. Add KIDDO’s enticing vocals and you have a unique and highly danceable track.
Sounds like: Santigold, Tove Styrke, MØ, Jamie xx, Major Lazer
Combining musical influence from her Nigerian roots and British upbringing, Aadae’s music could be described as Afrobeat pop.
Her debut ‘River Of Tears’ is not just a song, but a “declaration of strength”. It started as a simple scribble on a notepad, but now encourages all to “stand defiantly in your own truth – and dance away your fears”.
