Hockeysmith is the exciting solo project of Annie Hockeysmith.
Spending time traveling between Cornwall and Copenhagen, in her new single ‘Lonely Loving Me’, Hockeysmith explores the theme of underground music communities in an adventurous and refreshing way, tempering post-punk with rave-infused electronica and pop intentions.
Expect her new EP ‘Tears At My Age’ out on 25 Jan via Ex-Local.
Sounds like: Lykke Li, Shura, Cocteau Twins, Georgia
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IDER by Lottie Turner
London duo IDER today share the inspiring visuals for ‘Mirror,’ a breakup anthem reviewing the loss of self-identity following a breakup, which almost always ends in a triumphant celebration of your own personal strength.
Shot by Lily Rose Thomas on Bromley High Street, the visuals are simplistic and honest, perfectly echoing the vulnerability of the song and the instinctive harmony of the girls.
Sounds like: The Japanese House, Imogen Heap, Oh Wonder, Shura, The 1975, Tegan and Sara, MUNA, Aurora, Tourist, Wet, London Grammar
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Ben Khan – 2000 Angels
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
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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
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NAVA – Ritual
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
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Betablock3r – Make You Happy
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
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Tanners – Holy Water
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
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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
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Weslee – Boy Like You
Mysterious UK-based duo Weslee share their visuals for ‘Boy Like You’.
Another lip-smacking and dreamy song, the Alexandra Gavillet-directed video for ‘Boy Like You’ takes inspiration from Kanye West and centres on the infatuation of the lead male figure through a series of personal camcorder style shots filmed around a hazy American summer.
Sounds like: Ben Khan, Kacy Hill, Blood Orange, Wet, Off Bloom
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Scene Writers vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners – Real Life Baby
Exciting Berlin-based duo Scene Writers (aka Christian Huerter and Sebastian Nouvortne) take inspiration from the art amidst the urban sprawl of Berlin.
They have produced a vibrant re-work of 3 Burners‘ ‘Real Life Baby’, which you can listen to below.
Sounds like: Becky Hill, Kungs, Draper
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joan – Tokyo
We are still massively crushing on duo joan.
Continuing their knack for producing heartbreaking pop songs with a retro twist, ‘Tokyo’ is inspired by that moment of falling for someone but your time is running out.
Sounds like: Shura, Two Door Cinema Club, St. Lucia, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The 1975
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Argonaut & Wasp – Radio Sound
Boom! Argonaut & Wasp are back with a funky new number called ‘Radio Sound’.
It is part of a double single, and combines elements of alternative, pop, indie, and funk to provide a bright sound, inspired by the bustling streets of Brooklyn.
It is released on the band’s own Bang! Jango Records.
Sounds like: The Strokes, Bad Sounds, Modest Mouse, Talking Heads, Phoenix, Miami Horror, Bag Raiders
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ELD – Desire
Swedish trio ELD share their brilliant new single ‘Desire’.
Creating a big emotions and an anthemic sound reminiscent of Arcade Fire and The National, ‘Desire’ amalgamates electronica with post punk elements, and even enters the shoegaze realm in parts.
Listen below and prepare to be blown away.
Sounds like: Arcade Fire, The National, Interpol, Ulrich Schnauss
Amanda Mair – Empty Blockings
Rising Swedish teenager Amanda Mair shares ‘Empty Blockings’.
In the video, Amanda broaches the highly important topic of anxiety and depression,
“I wanted to show the feeling of the continuously searchers desperation. The every day hope for running away from anxiety and sorrow but the faith is to weak and puts you in a circle of running and running until you don’t know what you’re running away from.”
It’s out now via Despotz Records.
Sounds like: Susanne Sundfør, OH Land, Zola Jesus
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Nikö Blank – Do U
Meet Nikö Blank.
A Korean native, the rising DJ and producer has shared remixes of the likes of Flume, Disclosure, Portugal. The Man, LAUV, Klangstoff and MOONZz.
His single ‘Do U’ features the polished vocals of Jacob Luttrell and channels some serious soultronica vibes.
Expect ‘The Frame’ EP to be out in November.
Sounds like: Flume, Usher, Medasin, Jacob Banks
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filous – Already Gone ft. Emily Warren
Austrian producer filous has also been an inquisitive soul, and a fast learner, perfecting a number of instruments at the tender age of 10. Fast forward 10 years, and filous finds himself nestled amongst the likes of Flume and ODESZA with his electronic music.
‘Already Gone’ features the delicate vocals of top songwriter Emily Warren (The Chainsmokers, FRENSHIP) and is out now via Ultra Music.
Sounds like: Gabrielle Aplin, Sigrid, Fenne Lily, Flume, ODESZA, Klei
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Blonde Maze – Thunder
We get a real sense of nostalgia listening to ‘Thunder’ by NYC songstress, Blonde Maze.
Touching piano keys and ethereal vocals express the beauty of maturity required to grow old and feel comfortable with someone.
Sounds like: Le Youth, Goldroom, Maggie Rogers
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Ella Blixt – WINNERS
Swedish multi-instrumentalist Ella Blixt shares her debuts single, ‘Winners’.
It’s ultimately a wise pop song which takes each part of the musical puzzle to write successes.
‘Winners’ is out now on Teto Records in Japan and Squeeze Day Recordings in Europe.
Sounds like: Joe Goddard, Sóley
MRY – Walking On Fire
Not happy with the corporate grind, MRY decided to sack his job in engineering and head for the bright lights of the Pacific Coast.
The result is ‘Walking On Fire’, a feel-good indie dance track that easily reminds you of the summer just gone by.
It’s out now via YouTooCanWoo.
Sounds like: The Levity, Cub Sport, Island Club, Lanes
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Lyves – Cover Me
Lyves shares ‘Cover Me’, which has been co-produced with Will Night.
It’s another honest and passionate song from the London artist, and is about the push and pulls of a relationship.
Sounds like: Kllo, London Grammar, James Blake, SOHN, The Weeknd, Banks, Jamie XX, Jesse Ware, Shura, Seal, Boards of Canada
UK jazz singer Jazz Morley enters the realms of electro-soul in ‘Safe Place’.
The song considers the idea of Jazz moving back to her seaside hometown of Bournemouth, to escape the stresses of city life;
‘This is a love song written about where I live and who I have in my life. It marks a shift in my own mental health, happiness and creativity. Being a full-time musician, life can be exciting, spontaneous and hugely rewarding but also chaotic, unpredictable and at times, unstable. For the first time in my life, I am happy with who I am, and where I reside – next to the sea, along the beautiful Dorset coastline.’
Sounds like: Shura, MUNA, Chinah, Honne, Jessie Ware, Låpsley, Monogem
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We receive a huge amount of submissions via SubmitHub, and unfortunately cannot review all of the tracks, so we have decided to compile those tracks into a weekly segment of gems we’ve particularly enjoyed.
Dream Lake – Midnight Sun
Swedish electro-pop duo Dream Lake share the dreamy ‘Midnight Sun’.
This song perfectly encapsulates the airy, long days of light during the summer in Sweden, with dreamy vocals and romantic keys.
Sounds like: Summer Heart, Beach House, M83
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Vanguards – Rosie & The Blackheart
Vanguards are a indie pop focused four-piece from Brighton.
‘Rosie & The Blackheart’ is a bittersweet love song that echoes 80’s guitar legends. The track was recorded live and produced by Steve Harris (Kodaline, Dave Matthews, Kaiser Chiefs).
Sounds like: INXS, Kings Of Leon, The 1975, Kodaline
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Tigers and Thieves – Change Your Mind
US-based Tigers and Thieves share ‘Change Your Mind’, an indie rock track that has all the markings of a hit, despite being recorded in their garage studio. It’s been mixed by Brian McTear (The War on Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, Local Natives).
Sounds like: Local Natives, Foster the People, The Neighbourhood, alt-J, Surfer Blood, The Temper Trap, Nick Mulvey
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Gold Fir – Night Walk
Despite what the name suggests, London duo Gold Fir (aka James and Mabel) play funky tracks for our immediate pleasure, day or night.
Their music is full of sass n soul, and is definitely bold.
Sounds like: Madonna, Little Dragon, Goldfrapp
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Someone – Say Something
Songstress, Someone is shaking off her cutesy appeal with a more earthy sound on ‘Say Something’.
Jangling beats sway nicely alongside upbeat guitar riffs and catchy vocal leads.
Sounds like: Few Bits, Bryde
ALKE – Without You
Los Angeles-based pop duo ALKE release ‘Without You’.
There is no denying the obvious chemistry shown between Jameson Flood (production, guitar, keys) and AK Karrasch (vocals) on the track as it explores love versus independence.
Sounds like: Monogem, Phantogram, Shura
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Vox Eagle – Sweet Temptations
Australian/US duo Vox Eagle share the glistening ‘Sweet Temptations’.
It’s a song about late nights out on the town and those sweet temptations that you may (or may not) encounter.
Expect their EP to arrive next week.
Sounds like: Cut Copy, Joe Goddard, Roosevelt, Goldroom, Tame Impala, LCD Soundsystem
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DVWEZ – Giving Into Us
DVWEZ (pronounced “Dames”) is making a stand for independence, all the while giving into strong desires.
Lush R&B melodies breathe over unique alt-electro soundscapes in ‘Giving Into Us’.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Salt Ashes, Aaliyah
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Saro – Eyelids
Newcomer Saro continues to produce dark pop music.
His new track ‘Eyelids’ is delicately produced with its brooding falsetto vocals and a soft touch of melancholy.
Sounds like: Aquilo, Jack Garratt, Draper, Clean Bandit, Years & Years
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‘Someone’ is the lead single taken from Anna Of The North‘s debut album, ‘Lovers’.
From the get go, ‘Someone’ is a spellbinding explosion of 80’s inspired synths, and is set to be the soundtrack to your summer.
Speaking about ‘Someone’, the band say,
“We think almost everyone has woken up after a big night, instantly regretting something that happened. It’s about how easy it is to break your promises when you’ve had a couple of drinks. Going deeper, the song is about accepting that you’re only human and to learn how to forgive yourself for your own mistakes and accepting that sometimes we need someone to save us from repeating any old habits.”
‘Lovers’ is due for release on 8 Sept via Different Recordings / Honeymoon / +1 Records.
Anna’s vocals also feature on Tyler, The Creator’s new single ‘911’, alongside Frank Ocean, out last Friday.
Sounds like: Shura, Grimes, Ballet School, Claire, MØ, Lykke Li, The Chain Gang of 1974, Chvrches, I Am Karate
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Jagara are three sisters from London making genre-bending mature pop music, or so their press release says.
When reviewing music, we usually enjoy having a good listen through what we get sent before we even cast our eyes on what we’re supposed to think about it, so putting the press release out of mind is a good starting point.
On first listen nothing about their new single ‘Real Love’ drags us in, then nothing is making us switch off either. Musically it is quite simple with an under-produced feel (in a good way), good arrangements with a strange and interesting appeal. There is a vague but pleasing sense of familiarity and that coupled with that by the third and fourth listens the vocals begin to become really catchy means that we can see how this three piece are building up a great reputation.
Jagara have recently been on tour supporting Bastille on their sold out arena tour and we can see and hear the link to a group like Bastille, and fans of Bastille will definitely be on board, even though we feel ‘Real Love’ displays a more pleasant subtlety to it than most of what we’ve heard from Bastille.
There are definite elements of past pop triumphs with plenty of influences rooted in the 80’s but Jagara have used only hints of these to give a sense of something you might know and their abilities as writers and musicians carry these through to make a good, albeit slightly uninspiring piece of music. On the whole ‘Real Love’ will no doubt push Jagara further to where they need to be, it’s catchy, it’s poppy, it’s familiar but it isn’t pushing the boundaries of their abilities let alone the boundaries of music. We feel there is much more to come from Jagara and we’re really looking forward to hearing how the next single or two develops from here.
Sounds like: Shura, Bastille, New Order, Grimes, Blondie
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Written by Pat Dooner
Headed up by front woman Edith Violet, best friends, FOURS, have a lot to say on a few topics.
Possibly entitled after the well known alcoholic drink has a reputation for making men lose control, their new track ‘Stella’ is about “calling out all the sleazy men that go out on their own, wait for you and your girls to get drunk, then spend the night non consensually dry humping your leg and ignoring your repeated rejections. Fuck you, and get off my arm.”
Sounds like: Fickle Friends, Florence + The Machine, Foxes, Shura, Wolf Alice, The Hunna, Two Door Cinema Club