Christine and the Queens shares the beautiful ‘People, I’ve been sad’.
A minimalistic and melancholic rendition, sung in both English and French, it’s a true piece of Letessier’s still vulnerable heart about teenage sorrow, an inward approach and yet a sad unity.
Watch the COLORS session below.
Sounds like: HAIM, MUNA, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Robyn, Empress Of, Roisin Murphy, St. Vincent, ÄTNA
French composer and “perfectionist machinist” Epic Empire brings joy to our ears with the new song, ‘Go On’.
Asking for us to search deep inside ourselves, the emotive track echoes both the old school touches of Moby as well as more modern producers, Model Man.
Norweigan band Sløtface shares ‘Tap the Pack’ – a raw and catchy self-pep talk about keeping fear by your side to drive you and not letting it bring you down.
Their album ‘Sorry For The Late Reply’ is out at the end of the month via Nettwerk/Propellor Recordings.
Wow, the German music scene is really blossoming at the moment. Munich-based band KYTES is bringing some positive energy in the new video for the indie-pop banger, ‘GO OUT’.
Reminiscing to a time when life seemed easier, ‘GO OUT’ is a throw-back tune through and through and celebration of teenage years.
Sounds like: Phoenix, Blossoms, High Tyde, Travis, Them Swoops, Native People, Strange Talk, Two Door Cinema Club, Parcels
Dan Croll returns with the release of double A-side single ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Stay In L.A.’ through Communion Records.
Following a transition to California from Liverpool two years ago, Croll’s writing has taken a more sunny demeanor, although there still remains a contemplative undercurrent with a gentle nod to his home town.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, The Beatles, Elton John, Bombay Bicycle Club
Started by London-based Zygmunt Day, Joe Hyam and Nathan Kerntiff in 2019, Bad Progress is an experimental and refreshingly practical project that focuses on “the blend of musical styles playing in pubs and out of car windows in London” in a timeless and often scrappy style.
Their philosophy is “just make it easy”, which can be seen in their EP, ‘Moody Bangers’, out now.
Sounds like: Fontaines D.C., Black Midi, The Clash, Black Country New Road
Big Fox might not be a name on the lips of the UK music lovers, but she has had huge success around Europe, especially Scandinavia, Germany, Italy and France.
The fragility of her new single ‘Beast’ is moving – she interrogates the process of using violence and fear to enforce order, and frames through a plucky-pop lens.
Multi-talented Scandinavian songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer Emil Wilk, better known as M.I.L.K releases new single ‘Need A Witness’ via Capitol Universal.
His new, self-produced single, ‘Need A Witness’ is a feel good and laid back jam full of technicolor. Expect his forthcoming debut album ‘Always Summer Somewhere’ set for release in March.
Fiery LGBTQ artist Lauren Sanderson has incredible drive. That’s clear from her music and attitude (not many people can say they’ve given a TED Talk at the age of 18).
Her new single ‘Upset’ flips the issues of the despondent Generation Z on it’s head.
Australian pop artist Phoebe Sinclair is a self-confessed emotional wreck, and this makes for intoxicating music.
Her new single ‘OMG’ is Sinclair taking ownership of her mistakes whilst not letting them define her.
Backed by a four-piece all girl ensemble, oozing confidence and power, and armed with a massive pop vocal, Sinclair smashes out electro pop tunes with an inescapable energy.
British artist Tallsaint releases the highly chic and addictive ‘Model Effect’.
Taking inspiration from early 2000’s tracks as well as a more modern pop culture of now – born from a visual scene in Killing Eve where Villanelle sees Eve in the bathroom for the first time and makes a comment on her hair.
Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Anna of the North, Stereo Honey, RALPH, St Vincent, Lykke Li
Self-taught musician Beau Diako shares his new single called ‘Flamingo’, taken from his debut EP, ‘Flutter’.
Featuring neo-soul artist Jordan Rakei, the track is probably his most “pop” song from the EP, which is a glorious fusion of indie, jazz, folk, electronic and soul.
ANDRO may have plenty of experience touring in Jungle‘s band, but now it’s his time to shine.
His debut single, ‘GYMH’ (Give You My Heart) kicks off a new collection of theatrical pop melodies that balance between the ethereal and emotional, perfectly encapsulated by the beautifully shot video below.
Also from Nashville is singer/songwriter/producer John Luke Carter, aka Mokita.
Known for his lyrical and buoyant electronic-based pop, Carter was classically trained in piano in his youth and first started performing in his church. Later, he taught himself to play guitar and eventually transitioned into electronic music production.
His new single ‘Colorbind’ is an attempt to try and describe depression to someone who has never experienced it.
Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND, Nick Anthony, Luna Pines
Named after a harbour road that lead to the sea, unique Welsh songwriter based in London Penniless Cove, is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist that writes raw, affecting music drawing from a number of different genres.
The music obsessive shares ‘Too Tight’ – a weird and wonderful array of jazz, blues and folk.
Sounds like: Regina Spektor, Björk, Ibeyi, Alev Lenz, Kate Nash
Faradays is the project of Dutch songwriter and physicist Karindra Perrier.
Her new EP ‘Memories’ is out now and to celebrate the release, Faradays has put together a playlist for us full of honest and vulnerable songwriters, taking inspiration from her fascination for time, the world, and life itself in both music and science.
Maggie Rogers – Alaska
This song grabbed me the first time I heard it because it has very personal vocals and distinct sounds, and yet it’s so catchy, I just wanna dance to it.
Wildhart – We Made up a Dream
The Swedish have such particular pronunciation and vocal timbre, I love it. Beautiful song.
Lorde – The Louvre
I’m a fan of the way Lorde delivers her kind of mainstream yet authentic songs. With this track particularly, I’m just obsessed with the underwater-like bridge with the lush vocals and melancholic melodies.
Flume, Kai – Never Be Like You
This track, it’s such a good hit. Way to ride those faders on the synths! And the variety in drum sounds with the carefully tailored beat, kind of genius to get your track lively like that with few elements. Plus the “never be like you” is just an undeniably good vocal hook.
St. Vincent – New York
St. Vincent has been an inspiration to me since forever. I guess I could have added almost any song by her in this list, and I almost added Cheerleader. But I chose the more recent New York, because it’s so epic and emotional.
ANIMA! – Moving Mountains
I really love that ascending melody in the chorus, and then how the groove takes off after, and back to the darker sounding verse with the lively synth bass. Contrasting parts that come together so harmoniously. Really good.
Frank Ocean – Solo
I was kind of late to discover Frank Ocean. But now I cannot go without. His songwriting is so inspiring, his lyrics, his imagery, the way his hooks work in surprising ways.
Ásgeir – Higher
I don’t listen to this song so often anymore, but when I was writing for our EP Memories I often went to this song for inspiration on a straightforward approach that leads to a magical warm vibe. The way the piano chords are elegantly dragging behind the beat makes this song doesn’t become inert or clunky.
Katie Dey – Fleas
This is so radically uncompromising. It’s strange. It’s sweet. It’s the weirdest bedroom pop, completely out there. I love it.
Klangstof – Sleaze
I’ll end with a fellow Dutchman, because I’m proud of all the beautiful music and awesome artist we have here in the Netherlands. This track of Klangstof is subdued and excited at the same time. And I highly recommend listening to more of their tracks.
Sounds like: CILVR, Bat for Lashes, The Japanese House
Jackie Charles – the love-child, band and alter ego of Kaja Bremnes – looks at the topic of ‘Time Travel’, because after all isn’t the past sometimes better than the future?
The new single is Scandi-pop blended with anarchic tendencies – inspired the times spent between the rooftop bars of Berlin and a Norwegian fishing boat.
The 26-year old Copenhagen-based producer & musician Molina (aka Rebecca Maria Molina) is channeling series 80’s synth vibes in her new single ‘Venus’.
Tinkering with experimental alt-pop sounds featuring heavy Japanese music
Sounds like: Wolf Alice, Tears for Fears, Kate Bush, Röyksopp, Georgia
The first time listening to Uffie‘s ‘Pop The Klock’ was nine years ago and it simply blew our minds. We couldn’t get enough of the French-American’s experimental and nonconformist pop sound. The original modern pop star.
Fast forward nine years and Uffie has definitely not lost her sparkle. Listen to her straight-up pop single, ‘No Regrets’ below.
One of our ones to watch for 2019 is Wild Moccasins, a beautifully crafted band fronted by the magnificent Zahira Gutierrez with her notable soaring pop melodies.
Their new single ‘Doe-Eyed Dancer’ is taken from the ‘Look Together’ album, which is a resilient and volatile break-up record co-written by Gutierrez and guitarist Cody Swann after their decade-long romantic relationship dissolved.
Listen now and be prepared to click ‘repeat’ over and over again.
Sounds like: Tennis, Oh Land, Wild Ones, Tame Impala, Anteros
KIDDO Feat. Decco – Drunk And I Miss You (Arturs Lapins Remix)
We don’t usually support remixes on the site, but it’s been a tough week and this track has got has raring to go for the weekend. It’s Arturs Lapins‘ remix of ‘Drunk And I Miss You’, by feisty Stockholm-based artist KIDDO
Sliced and diced into a more chill-hop vibe, check it out below.
We are intrigued by Belfast-based singer/songwriter Rebekah Fitch and her seemingly effortless avility to push artistic boundaries whilst still slotting into the mainstream with her memorable melodies.
Tinkering with 80’s pop and rock sensibiities, her new single ‘Poison’ considers the way we are taught to think and what we are taught to value by society, as well as the topic of control, stopping us from becoming the fullest version of ourselves.
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.
Proving that there is nothing more powerful than a one woman show is UK indietronica artist, PATHS.
She has put together a playlist for us of her favourites. Enjoy!
Paths – Neoprene
Started with my own track, its just been released on 21st January, a proud moment for me, so hopefully giving people a taste straight away of who I am!
Thrash Hat – Pandaface
So Rory Friers aka Thrash Hat is actually my producer. In this song you can really hear essence of what he’s brought into not only my first release but future releases that you’ll here very soon! Cheers Rory!!
Jamie XX – The Rest is Noise
I absolutely love Jamie XXs album, I constantly play it, I’ve probably racked up the most of my Spotify listens, listening to his music! Its fresh, inventive, creative, yet makes you want to move. Its a big influence in my music, through the use of sampling, especially sampling natural sounds, and manipulating them into dance beats! This is maybe one of the lesser known tracks on this album, but one of my favs!
Santigold – Disparate Youth (The 2 Bears Remix)
I used to do a bit of DJ-ing at some local club nights, and I always found this went do well at the time Santigold was really getting a buzz and I think this was placed in a big advert at the time. The deep synth was bass in this is fab! Turn it up!
Vessels – Had a Love
Just a great chilled out dance vibe to this one. Love the texture of the vocals and the reverb throughout.
Bonobo – Kerala
I work as a programmer by day, and find Bonobo real feel good, motivating music to code to!!
TV on the Radio – DLZ
Awesome band, lots of sounds going on, a real dark gritty edge to this song, that really builds up. I found TV on the Radio a few years ago when looking for some indie DJ-ing music. Their track ‘Wolf like Me’ is also a big fav of mine.
Swim Deep – Honey
I don’t know what it is, but theres just something about this song. Its a real summery feel, its relaxing, its very cool, and I just love the chorus! Great band.
Her – Five Minutes
Saw this band at The Great Escape Festival last year, Just a really chilled out but catchy song.
Feist – My Moon, My Man
I’ve a lot of love for Feist, she really knows how to write a good song! I discovered this track through my DJ-ing, but it was actually the Boys Noize remix I was playing out, that is an excellent remix, check it out!
HAIM – If I Could Change Your Mind
GIRL POWER! – these girls are awesome, they are just genuine, down to earth, really really good musicians. Ive been trying to catch them live for a few years now. I love the catchiness of this track.
St. Vincent – Cruel
Again GIRL POWER! I saw St Vincent perform about 2 years ago at a big festival in Ireland, I was at the front and it was just awesome!!! Everything is performed perfectly, every quirky dance move, every single amazing riff she churns out of her guitar! A massive influence to me! Love she uses gritty distorted guitar effects, theres so few females down this style of music, its great to watch!
The xx – On Hold
From the The XX latest album, I’m really loving the new songs, and can really hear their progression in their style. I’ll be seeing them live in Munich next month!!! Cant wait!
Miike Snow – Genghis Khan
All Miike Snows stuff has been awesome. The had a big hit song that was in a big show in the UK a few years back, and I really got into his last album. Again its fresh innovative catchy music, they really know how to drive a song.
The xx – Loud Places
Just because I love Romys voice and Lyrics in this song. Again a real Jamie XX use of natural sound sampling, that I really love and also use in my own tracks.
Wasps – And So I Watch You From Afar
Again this is my producer Rory Friers full time band. They are a BEAST of a band live.
Their live shows, sweep you up, swirl you around, then spit you out, and leave you longing for me! Everyone should see them once in their lives!! They will be touring again this year, be there!
Anna Meredith – Scrimschaw
I saw Anna at The Great Escape Festival last year. It was the most innovative band I’ve seen in a long time. Its like she uses an instrumental band with a brass section to create proper dance music. Her live show was awesome, so tight, and really builds ya up. One to watch!
Foals – Albatross
I’ve listened and loved Foals since their first single was released. They were the energetic, fierce band I really needed at a time when I was loosing my musical direction. I’ve seen them live about 6 times now, from small packed out sweaty venues, to a massive headlining festival slot at Festival, when I was also playing the festival that year on the BBC Introducing stage. It was a real memorable moment for me.
Foals – Olympic Airways
An earlier foot-tapping song of Foals. Again foals really influenced my music right from my early demos of clean guitars with reverb and delay. You can’t help but nod your head to this one. The lyrics are pretty cool too.
Plant Perfecto – Not Over Yet 99
Ok so this is just a pure cheesy one to end with, this is a real classic, and I dare ya not to sing it!!!! Klaxons may have covered it, but this versions still the best for me!
Glaswegian KLOE has been making waves in Scotland and beyond.
Her latest track ‘Touch’ has been produced by Lewis Gardiner of Scottish band Prides, and emulates modern youth, providing an honest insight into KLOE and the teenage generation of today. It features KLOE’s signature whispered vocals lined up over bass-laden synths.
KLOE said, “I’m so excited to finally be releasing new music. Touch is the last piece of the puzzle to my little trilogy – which began last December with Grip. The track is about a guy who introduced me to a lot of vice and made me grow up a lot. This song marks the end of an era – and also the beginning of what’s to come.”
Watch her teenage dream inspired video below.
‘Touch’ has been released through Columbia / IAMSOUND / National Anthem.
Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Evvy, CAPPA, Chelsea Lankes, Kyla La Grange, Indiana, Leena Ojala, St. Vincent, The Weeknd, Drake, Justin Bieber