Tag Archives: Sir Sly

Weekly Gems 116

XY&O – Left Alone

XY&O - Left Alone

What a way to kick off the gems this week! Welcome back XY&O.

Teasing a debut album (finally!) comes ‘Left Alone’ – another slice of hazy pop with simple and effective melodic structures, and of course, Skip Curtis’ luscious vocal mix.

Sounds like: Kid Astray, Sir Sly, Lost Boy Crow, Nonaphoenix

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Limón Limón – Barcelona

Limón Limón

Future indie duo Limón Limón is taking us back to sweeter times in ‘Barcelona’.

Conjuring up dreams of warm summer nights sitting on the beach drinking wine, as the salt air drifts over our warm bodies. Perfect!

Sounds like: Midnight Pool Party, La Felix, All The Rest, argonaut & wasp, Goldroom, Pastel, 90’s Kids, Empire of the Sun

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Jamws – Toronto

Jamws - Toronto

When you are in flow, you are completely engrossed in the task in hand. Hours can pass without even noticing. This appears to have happened to South London multi-instrumentalist, performer and bedroom producer Jamws whilst working on his debut EP ‘Toronto’.

The five heartfelt tracks describe various stages of heartbreak, starting with a separation, following his partner of ten years moving to Toronto.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, The 1975

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Max Alexander – Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander - Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander is a new alt-pop singer/songwriter from London.

Originally an acoustic artist by heart, he’s decided to go straight in with the electric guitar, to create an all together fist-to-chest sound in ‘Stay Where You Are’.

Sounds like: WEIRDO

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Victor Perry – What I Observe

Victor Perry

It’s always worthwhile to take a step back sometimes, and reflect.

NYC-based singer-songwriter/vocalist Victor Perry does exactly that in his lyrically mature new song ‘What I Observe’. As he croons in a poetic form of self-expression, we witness a subtle electro-pop space in which the track really starts to breathe.

Sounds like: Rhye, Rationale, Jacob Banks, James Blake, The Weeknd, Labrose

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dekleyn – Who We Are

dekleyn - Who We Are

Australian duo dekleyn fuses electro-pop with pop-leaning dance in the catchy single, ‘Who We Are’.

It touches on the topical subject of mental health and the sense of vulnerability that comes with almost every relationship.

Sounds like: LANY, joan, LAUV

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PELA – South Of

PELA

South London duo PELA share ‘South Of’, the first song they wrote together.

Amalgamating differing musical influences, it’s another stellar example of the duo’s sonic trajectory into a moody, melodic melodious song.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, James Blake, KAYTRANADA

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Amy Milner – Wildside

Amy Milner

Singer/songwriter Amy Milner shares her new single, ‘Wildside’.

Written about catching yourself before you lose control, facing those demons and welcoming the dark side of your mind, it’s energetic commercial alt-pop at its finest.

Sounds like: Birdy, Emma McGrath, Florence + The Machine

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Jens – Nocturnal

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Bergen-born Jens could be the next big Scandi-pop superstar.

His off-kilter single ‘Nocturnal’ has all the makings of a pop banger – upbeat, catchy vocal hooks with a carefree bass line.

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, Myylo, Charlie Puth

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Weekly Gems 50

EMM – 11

Emm

Exciting newcomer EMM creates music from a unique perspective, yet her music is undeniably “EMM” when you listen to it – classically produced, authentic pop.

Landing a hand in every instrument in the track, as well as every word and melody you hear, ’11’ is another powerful ballad that comes from her past struggles of eating disorders, mental health issues, many industry evils.

Sounds like: CHLØË BLACK

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Delena – Animal

Delena

Delena (fka Boba K) shares her new single ‘Animal’. She creates honest pop music with a gritty edge.

‘Animal’ is a powerful anthem of self-confidence, strength and belief, elevated by her flawless vocal delivery. Speaking of the track, Delena explains,

“I wanted to write a song which could mean something more. The moment I walked into the studio I knew exactly what the song would be about.I didn’t want a love song. I wanted a song with strength, power and authenticity! I wanted anybody who heard it, to find themselves in it!”

Sounds like: Dagny, Halsey, HAIM

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Summer Heart – Touch

Summer Heart

We’ve been fans of Summer Heart (aka frontman and producer David Alexander) for a while now.

The fourth release in his #12SongsOfSummer project, in which he would release a brand new track each and every month is called ‘Touch’, a woozy psych-pop number about playing the game of life.

It’s out now via Perfect Texture Records.

Sounds like: Swimm, Hazel English, Washed Out, Day Wave, Teen Daze, Toro y Moi, Animal Collective

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Aaron Taos – Loneliness

Aaron Taos by Dave Krugman

Aaron Taos by Dave Krugman

Aaron Taos discusses the topic of depression and constant battle between dark and light in his new single ‘Loneliness’.

The video portrays the feeling of isolation Taos felt during a rough patch he found himself in, where he wasn’t able to leave the house. He managed to get through it by appreciating the relationships around him, specifically that of his girlfriend at the time – “She was a shining light through my dark time, reminding me that as important as your goals are, connection and love is the foundation of feeling good and whole.”

Sounds like: Yoke Lore, MP The Kid

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Nightseason – Wear the Treads Off

Nightseason

Meet the electrifying duo, Nightseason.

Nightseason got its start when drummer-turned-producer Patrick Zeinali scoured through Spotify for a voice to accompany his new project and located Jordan Caiola. Following this digital trend, their new EP ‘Coasts’ was later written exclusively via email and touches on themes of love.

You can listen to their new single, ‘Wear The Treads Off’ which is stripped-back and a beauty of a slow-burner.

Their ‘Coasts’ EP is out now.

Sounds like: Talos, Honne, Yoke Lore, Sir Sly, Alt-J

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XY&O – One More Night (Lemonade)

XY&O

Causing us as much of a crush as ‘Lights On‘, Welsh band, XY&O return with the sensual video for ‘One More Night (Lemonade)’.

Amidst a sensual haze, lead singer Alex serenades a tattoo’d lady with this summery pop number, exploring “the motives of those who seek out carnal pleasures and the expectations people have.”

Sounds like: Kid Astray, Sir Sly, Lost Boy Crow, Nonaphoenix

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Mating Ritual – Drunk

Mating Ritual

The 90’s was a messy time, and Mating Ritual are channelling such vibes with their new track ‘Drunk’, which lasts a sturdy six minutes 21 seconds. But this track is more about lovemaking than drinking, as the Los Angeles-based band contemplates the dissolution of a relationship following the honeymoon period.

The album, ‘How You Gonna Stop It?’ will be out on 9 June via Smooth Jaws.

Sounds like: M83, The Cranberries, Sir Sly, Huntar, Pacific Air, Ten Fé, Blossoms

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Mating Ritual – Night Lies (Feat. Lizzy Land)

Mating Ritual - Night Lies (Feat. Lizzy Land)

Mating Ritual – Night Lies (Feat. Lizzy Land)

The last time we wrote about Mating Ritual, it was on RAEKO‘s ‘Need 2 Know’. This time around, Mating Ritual have produced a stand out track called ‘Night Lies’, featuring Lizzy Land.

‘Night Lies’ is at the forefront of modern day electronic music, with robust vocals and nostalgic drums that ring of a faraway musical utopia.

The track is the second to be released from the band’s debut album ‘How You Gonna Stop It?’, which will be released as two six-track volumes – Volume 1 on 24 January, and Volume 2 in April.

Sounds like: KYKO, Sir Sly, Goldroom, Huntar, Pacific Air, Ten Fé, Blossoms, VÉRITÉ

Mating Ritual

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Lizzy Land
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RAEKO – Need 2 Know (Feat. Mating Ritual)

Raeko & Mating Ritual

Raeko & Mating Ritual

One year on from their last single release together, Raeko (Jason Suwito‘s project) and Mating Ritual have teamed up once again, to our delight!

Funky and soulful vocals layered over a sweet, nu-disco backdrop, this is strictly on a ‘Need 2 Know’ basis.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Sir Sly, Collaj, Lane 8, Zimmer, Goldroom, Huntar

RAEKO

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Mating Ritual

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AJÁ ROSE – Paradise Blue

AJÁ ROSE

AJÁ ROSE

AJÁ ROSE is an Los Angeles-based singer/drummer duo.

We know very little about the couple, only that their forthcoming EP is coming out this summer, and has been produced by Jason Suwito of Sir Sly.

Their debut, ‘Paradise Blue’ combines celestial vocals, invigorating synths and rhythmic drums. We can’t wait to hear more.

Sounds like: Phantogram, Monogem, VÉRITÉ, Prinze George, Sleigh Bells

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Playlist: XY&O

XY&O

XY&O

After being heckled at a recent XY&O show, we decided to get the guys onboard with a playlist to show us what they’re all about.

XY&O’s current release, ‘Chameleon’, is about social anxiety, and with that in mind, this playlist is in a bid to help you overcome any social anxiety that you may be suffering.

Daughter – Doing The Right Thing
The atmosphere these guys create in their songs is so hypnotic. I found the lyrics to this song to be particularly emotive after reading up on their meaning.

Mura Masa – Lovesick
We recently attended one of his gigs and the talent on this kid blows us away. He’s bringing something so fresh to the electronic music table.

Rufus – Innerbloom
A 9 minute epic that feels like it lasts for a lifetime and a few seconds at the same time. We can’t wait for their next return to the UK

Kaleo – Way Down We Go
Recently stumbled across this band and have had this single on repeat ever since. There’s so much cool stuff coming out of Iceland right now.

MGMT – Electric Feel
A timeless classic and one of the reasons we decided to start producing music together.

Ben Howard – Small Things
His new album is just too cool.

Parra for Cuva – Majoure
Such easy going, organic sounding electronica. I could (and do) listen to his album on loop.

Nahko and Medicine for the People – Aloha Ke Akua
A spiritual journey guided by words and an acoustic piano.

Coldplay – In My Place
One of my favourite bands of all time. Almost impossible to pick a single song so I simply chose the one that was playing while I wrote this 🙂

Kygo – Stay
If sunlight could be turned into music Kygo would be the guy able to do it. This song is a one way ticket to good vibes.

GoGo Penguin – One Percent
There’s just so much dark jazzy energy in this song. Easily one of the most immersive live shows we’ve ever experienced.

Bob Marley – Stir It Up
A revolutionary figure in every sense of the word. I’ve grown up listening to his music and a lifetime isn’t enough to get bored of it. Truly timeless music.

Sounds like: Phil Collins, Kid Astray, Sir Sly, Lost Boy Crow, Nonaphoenix

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Gypsy & The Cat – Inside Your Mind

Gypsy & The Cat

Gypsy & The Cat

Gypsy & The Cat are back and they mean business. If their new release ‘Inside Your Mind’ doesn’t tell you that, then you quite frankly don’t deserve to listen to the Australian duo.

We have the usual punchy falsettos and dreamy synths that Gypsy & The Cat have thrown our way before, but their new material has the benefit of an acoustic guitar and cultural influence from their recent travels in Japan.

‘Inside Your Mind’ has also been mixed by mixed by the legend that is Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, MGMT, Neon Indian, The Flaming Lips).

Sounds like: Empire of The Sun, Cut Copy, Pistol Shrimp, Ghost Beach, Sir Sly, Jagwar Ma, Day Wave, Miike Snow, Bag Raiders, Small Pools, Chromeo

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High Highs – How Could You Know

High Highs

High Highs

High Highs are a Sydney-based band consisiting of Jack Milas and Oli Chang.

Citing influences such as Talk Talk and Fleetwood Mac the duo create a range delicate synth soundscapes overlaid with multi layered vocal harmonies wrapped up an indie pop sensibility.

Jack Milas describes the creative process behind the track as such: “This tune was one of the first ones we wrote when we finished touring and went to the country to start writing. Its a simple song that came out really naturally. It was the song that bridged the gap between the first record and this one. Once we had How Could You Know I think we had the confidence to step further into unfamiliar territory for the rest of the record. We had a lot of fun playing this one in Oli’s living room with just a piano and 12 string guitar, and that method dictated how we wrote a lot of other songs on the album. It was important to us that they sounded great stripped right back.” 

The track has been taken from their new album ‘Cascades’ which is out on 5 February 2016.

The High Highs will be touring Australia and North America early Spring 2016 with UK dates to be announced soon.

Sounds like: Gypsy & The Cat, Empire of The Sun, Cut Copy, Ghost Beach, Sir Sly, Jagwar Ma, Miike Snow, Talk Talk, Fleetwood Mac

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