Tag Archives: SOHN

Weekly Gems 180

Go Hawaii – Dolphin’s Touch

Go Hawaii

Lo-fi, post-punk duo Go Hawaii release new single, ‘Dolphin’s Touch’.

Taken from their debut album, ‘Trespass,’ it fuses distant vocals with present, melodic guitars for an introspective indie track that steadily builds into a grungy and reflective masterpiece.

Sounds like: Terry vs Tory, Black Marble, Chastity Belt, Men I Trust

SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

IORA – Brother, Sister

IORA

Hard grafter Manchester-based songwriter and producer IORA (aka Holly Phelps) shares ‘Brother, Sister’.

Supported by the PRS Open Fund, the project is a futuristic blend of alt-pop with layers of electronica, field recording and punchy samples providing the backdrop for Holly’s top-line.

Sounds like: Georgia, Kate Bush, Aluna, Kito

SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

LIAS – Need Me Now

LIAS by Arton Sefa

LIAS by Arton Sefa

Classically-trained, Berlin-Based Songwriter LIAS explores vulnerability in new single, ‘Need Me Now’.

Emotionally-charged vocal energies effortlessly blend with a warm production of glorious chord progression that leads to a beautiful interlude of vintage keys.

His new EP ‘Run Boy Run’ is out now via his own label, Moontune Music.

Sounds like: James Blake, Sampha, SOHN, Jamie Woon

SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram

Weekly Gems 120

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

KYOTI – Citadel

KYOTI

British art-pop trio KYOTI, share ‘Citadel’, the sixth single from their expansive ‘Project Twelve’, which sees the band release one track every month for a year.

Their disparate and captivating storytelling collides into rich soundscapes of jazz, folk, and pop-inspired synths and beats, interlaced with thoughtful lyricism.

Lyrically ‘Citadel’ considers personal issues and broader political ideas, both continuing themes throughout KYOTI’S work to date.

Lead singer, Ed says of the track, “In the turbulent times we are currently living through it can be so easy to shut ourselves off. Rather than engage with what is going on across the planet and in society, whether that’s climate change, homelessness, or mental health issues – instead people tend to seek comfort and shelter from those closest to us.

“The phrase “I need a citadel” sits at the heart of this song. I was thinking about how bombarded we all are in the modern world – by the news, social media, and constant expectations of success and progress – but that sometimes you just want to hang out with mates and loved ones, safe in the knowledge that there’s no judgement. For me that feels like a citadel and I think a lot of people are probably in need of that too.”

‘Project Twelve’ will be showcased in its entirety via a string of London shows early 2020 ahead of the final release completing the series in September.

Sounds like: Hot Chip, SOHN, James Blake, Two Door Cinema Club, Death Cab For Cutie, Honne, Dead Ceremony

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

De Rien – Cali

De Rien

German producer and multi-instrumentalist De Rien releases debut R&B infused, indie electronic offering with “Cali”. Residing between neo-soul, organic electronica and a splash of nu-disco, “Cali” is built on the foundation of a soulful groove set by a shuffling percussive line and mellow synth line, while lush layers of distorted vocals litter the track.

What personally caught me the most onto the track is despite the fact it is minimal electronics, you can never predict what the next take will be. And that reflects a huge amount of talent within the multi-instrumentalist behind it.

De Rien: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter| Instagram

Sounds like:  SOHN, Joe Hertz, Alina Baraz, Hippie Sabotage

Weekly Gems 70

REYNA – The Way I Loved You

REYNA

Starting off this week’s gems is yet another banger of a song from REYNA, called ‘The Way I Loved You’.

With echoes of Tegan & Sara, the Milwaukee siblings keep making delectable tunes that edge on the cooler side of pop. Click play below.

Sounds like: Haim, Tegan & Sara, Lorde, MUNA, Powers, The Aces

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Lyves – Faded

Lyves

British R&B singer Lyves (aka Francesca Bergami) shares her beautifully crafted new single, ‘Faded’.

In the track, Lyves invites us to join her on a bittersweet journey of faded love, complete with a disco-soul fusion and sweet bass lines.

Sounds like: Jesse Ware, Rhye, London Grammar, James Blake, SOHN, The Weeknd, Banks, Jamie XX, Shura, Seal

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

The Bliss – Shiny Days

The Bliss by Zach Gray

The Bliss by Zach Gray

Elecro-pop duo The Bliss (aka pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer/guitarist Felix Snow) shares new track, ‘Shiny Days’.

Described by Felix as the “dining room table anthem,” ‘Shiny Days’ is a true charmer that encapsulates a summertime love.

Their EP, ‘Heaven If You Want It,’ is out now.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Joe Goddard, Le Youth, ADAL

Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Máni Orrason – Numb

Máni Orrason

Máni Orrason by Yannic Pöpperling

We are huge fans of quirky Icelandic electro-pop provacateur Máni Orrason‘s new single ‘Numb’. In fact, we are slightly obsessed with all of the visuals for his last few releases, portraying a broken yet endearing persona of desperation and a need for love.

The visuals for ‘Numb’ flashback to straying and emotional neglect, “I had this desperate need to be seen and to be comforted. I guess i was really lonely at the time”, Máni recalls.

The EP ‘BABY ANGEL’ is out now via Humming Records.

Sounds like: The 1975, Shy Luv

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

TriOrca – Ghost

TriOrca

TriOrca by Preston King

It’s time to end this week’s gems on a funky number from cross Atlantic trio, TriOrca.

Comprised of multi-instrumentalists and writers, who between them have an ecclectic array of work connections – including Jessie J, Sam Henshaw, Empire of the Sun – their modern, yet nostalgic music fuses neo-soul, hip hop and 70’s psychedelica.

Sounds like: Lauryn Hill, Myo, Kudu Blue, Yakul

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

MOTTRON – Lighter

Mottron

This is not a warning, although it might first seem like that when listening to the debut single by pop impressionist MOTTRON.

MOTTRON creates a dark and melancholic atmosphere in ‘Lighter’ that is confusingly optimistic at the same time – chopped electronics with sobering vocals, woods, strings and pianos.

It’s out now via [PIAS].

Sounds like: Maribou State, Aquilo, SOHN, Thomas Azier

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Weekly Gems 52

Ayelle – Obvious

Ayelle

Mellow music-maker Ayelle shares her self-reflecting new single ‘Obvious’.

The Swedish-Iranian R&B singer-songwriter teamed up with producer Jonah Stevens, to delve furhter into her lyrical clarity and sultry vocals.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Banks, 4AM, Wet, IYES, The XX, SOHN

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTubeInstagram

Jinka – Ghost 2 U

JINKA

Jinka’s track ‘Ghost 2 U’ is glitchy trip-pop at its finest.

Ghost 2 U” is the Transylvanian artist‘s most emotionally dynamic track to date.
It juxtaposes a heavy, industrial half-time drop reminiscent of acts like Cashmere Cat, Amnesia Scanner or Tommy Cash with touchingly fragile and intimate tale-telling verses.
Jinka’s vocals evolve over a loop of pluck-sounds that unavoidably take your imagination to an underground stalactite cave hidden in the souterrains of Berlin.

Sounds like: Kate Boy, I BREAK HORSES

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

daste. – SOBER

daste

Australian trio daste. is comprised of Callum MacDonald, Braxton Tahi & Tyler Harden.

Focusing on the smaller details (with the ‘d’ in daste. standing for detail), their new track, ‘SOBER’ is a summery lo-fi number showcasing simple, yet effective songwriting, and shares the idea that a clear head is always better than a mediocre, intoxicated one.

It’s out now via Mammal Sounds Records.

Sounds like: RÜFÜS DU SOL

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Malihini – Delusional Boy

Malihini

There is always an air of romanticism with Italian culture and Italian duo Malihini are no exception to this rule.

Their new single ‘Delusional Boy’ has upbeat drums, neatly undercut by its recurring vocal refrain, “Delusional Boy/Delusional Girl” – the downbeat rejoinder conveyed with a typically euphonious duo vocal melody that juxtaposes between a falsetto male part with baratone-esq female vocals, which all in all, creates an extremely easy-to-listen-to pop track.

Expect their debut album ‘Hopefully, Again’, out on 8 March via Memphis Industries.

Sounds like: SAMA, Beach House, Tennis, Chairlift, Au Revoir Simone

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

HighSchool Jacob – Cant Get Enough

HighSchool Jacob

Highschool Jacob is an indie pop artist who has a serious way with words, so don’t mess.

Based out of Los Angeles, this nu-funk extraordinaire weaves catchy and retro melodies and engrossing stories to make head-nod worthy and heartwarming music.

Listen to ‘Can’t Get Enough’ below.

Sounds like: Daft Punk, Du Tonc

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Jesse Hite – When It All Comes Down

Jesse Hite

There is a definite lo-fi, funk theme in this week’s gems. Introducing Jesse Hite – an exciting solo artist who has just shared his debut ‘When It All Comes Down’.

An American artist living in France, Hite effortless blends sounds thanks to this move across the Atlantic, as well as travels through Asia.

‘When It All Comes Down’ is the first single of a three-song EP to be released. The song is full of character, soulful lyrics, in which Mite manages to create as much blooming sound as music troop, Jungle between a large number of them!

Sounds like: Shy Girls, YAKUL, Jungle, LCD Soundsystem

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

youthxx – New Frontier

youthxx

Taking on the challenge of a new anthem for millennials is youthxx (also one half of Golden Coast).

‘New Frontier’ achieves anthemic territory with an inspiring, unforgettable vocal and sharp contemporary production that mixes synthetic and organic sounds with finesse.

Sounds like: Imagine Dragons, Golden Coast

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Feiertag – Tension Feat. Ayelle

Feiertag - Tension Feat. Ayelle

We last spoke with Ayelle over two years ago, so we are especially excited to share her new single with the Dutch live-act and producer, Feiertag.

The dark pop track loops sensuality as it takes over our minds with a predictable yet exciting energy.

The single is out now via Majestic Casual Records.

Sounds like: Maribou State, Banks, 4AM, Wet, IYES, The XX, SOHN

Feiertag
Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

Ayelle
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTubeInstagram

Weekly Gems 27

OKKAH – Body of a Swan

OKKAH

Indie pop quartet OKKAH share their new single called ‘Body of a Swan’.

Elegant and melodic in nature, and much like the animal itself, ‘Body of a Swan’ takes you on a dream-like journey full of delicate vocals and gentle keys.

It’s the lead track from the EP of the same title.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Child Ivory, Crozet, Passion Pit

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Steven Bamidele – Things Could Be Better

Steven Bamidele

Let’s take things nice and slow with Steven Bamidele‘s ever-optimistic new single, ‘Things Could Be Better’.

It’s a stripped-back production with well-timed jazz percussion and emotive, soulful vocals, courtesy of the 23 year old London-based songwriter and producer.

Sounds like: Jamie Cullum, John Legend

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Kasbo – Aldrig Mer Feat TENDER

Kasbo - Aldrig Mer Feat TENDER

Kasbo is an exciting Swedish producer whose music fits nicely alongside the likes of ODESZA and Aquilo.

His current release ‘Aldrig Mer’ (translating to ‘No More’ in English) combines organic elements including real instrument recordings and electronic synths, as well as the boundless vocals of rising UK duo TENDER.

Expect Kasbo’s debut album to come out on Foreign Family Collective/Counter Records on 23 March.

Sounds like: ODESZA, Aquilo, SOHN, Jungle, Glass Animals, HUNTAR, Caribou, Air, Boxed In, Honne

Kasbo
Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

TENDER
Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Emilia Ali – Thick Thighs

Emilia Ali

No one wants thick thighs, unless of course they are coming from Emilia Ali.

Already smashing the charts on Spotify and key YouTube channels, Emilia Ali doesn’t want to go unnoticed, despite her hushed voice in new single.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Alice Jemima, CAPPA, Sia, Dominique, Kiiara, Phoebe Ryan, Laurel, Lana Del Rey

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

Cub Sport – Good Guys Go

Cub Sport

Cub Sport‘s new single ‘Good Guys Go’, questions just that – unreciprocated love, unfortunately a common theme in a lot of relationships.

The neon video, directed by Joe Agius is shot in real time with one roaming camera, and tries to capture an intense feeling of loss, inspired by images from fashion magazines and music videos by Michael Jackson, TLC, and Perfume Genius.

Sounds like: MRY

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

Haux – Heartbeat

Haux by Woodson Black

Haux is the project of rising photographer-turned-musician Woodson Black.

His most recent release, ‘Heartbeat’, is a stunning piano-led track that once again showcases his ability to effortlessly combine film and storytelling with music.

The short film set in the Cape Cod seaside town of Truro, Massachusetts features Sam Laiz and model Chloe Nørgaard, and explores the depths of love. Woodson explains,

“I get the chills anytime I remember this day at the beach. The landscape was so desolate it somehow made us shiver even more. I tried my best to capture that haunting feeling of being completely alone with your thoughts; those relentless kind of thoughts that never leave you. I wanted to show that while there is always pain in remembering, there is tenderness too.”

His forthcoming sophomore EP & companion short film ‘Something To Remember’ is set for release on 30 March via Ultra Records.

European Tour Dates

12 May – Berne, Switzerland – ISC
13 May – Zurich, Switzerland – Exil
16 May – Vienna, Austria – Chelsea
17 May – Berlin, Germany – Musik & Frieden
19 May – Copenhagen, Denmark – Ideal Bar
21 May – Stockholm, Sweden – Bar Brooklyn
22 May – Hamburg, Germany – Nochtspeicher
23 May – Cologne, Germany – Yuca
24 May – Roubaix, France – la Cave aux Poètes
26 May – Utrecht, Netherlands – EKKO
28 May – Groningen, Netherlands – USVA
29 May – Paris, France – Le Point Ephémère
1 June – London, UK – Omeara
2 June – Glasgow, UK – Stereo

Sounds like: Aquilo, SOHN, James Blake

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloudInstagram

Continue reading