Gaspar Narby by Aldo Filiberto
The next instalment in the Gaspar Narby ‘Collab’ EP is ‘Fragments,’ featuring another incredibly talented vocalist hand selected by Gaspar – the talented singer, Taura.
Much like the title of the track, the fragmented piece of pop pie is full of splintered production techniques, delivered up with delicate vocal slivers courtesy of Taura.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, Summer Heart, Bonobo
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Wonderful bedroom pop producer Gaspar Narby releases the dreamy ‘Sleepless’ featuring the ethereal vocals of LEES.
Another slice of downtempo electronica with melancholic pop tendencies and delicate melodies, Gaspar further explains,
“Sleepless, the EP’s first single, is the third song I write with LEES. She’s one of my closest friends and such a gifted writer; she just knows how to tell vivid stories through catchy melodies. This song is about the beautiful memories that haunt you, the ones you’d like to forget but never want to let go. It’s an uplifting sad song, basically!”
The ’Collab’ EP is out on 11 December via Radicalis.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, Summer Heart, Bonobo
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Jolé by Doug Elliott
Folktronica poet Jolé celebrates his ‘Silver Lake’ EP with the magical song, ‘Tie Dye Sky’. Immediately painting a picture of beauty in the title, Jolé once again perfectly encapsulates his love of friends and family, and his time in Los Angeles.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, Elliott Smith, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Ed Prosek, Hazlett, Benjamin Francis Leftwich
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TOMMASO – ‘Better On T.V.
Dream pop newcomer and Chicago native, Tommaso Veronesi – aka TOMMASO – unveils his eagerly-awaited sophomore offering ‘Better On T.V.’. A friendly reminder not to get too caught up in the digital world, this is a must-listen.
Sounds like: Summer Heart
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Daniel Allan – Peanut Butter Feat. Perrin Xthona
Sometimes uncomplicated bedroom pop is best. Cue Daniel Allan and his delectable new single featuring Perrin Xthona, which will very likely be sticking in your head all day.
Sounds like: Billie Eilish
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Seraphina Simone – Hollywood $$$
Seraphina Simone by Tara Rowse
Seraphina Simone delves into the smoke & mirrors world of fame in her sophomore single ‘Hollywood $$$’. Having experienced the celeb world from an early age (her godparents’ were Prince, Miles Davis, Christie Hynde, Pete Townsend and Mary Greenwell), she knows all to well the “predatory darkness under the glitz“.
Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Laurel, Chløe Black, VÉRITE, Blondie
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Gillian Heidi – Desperate
Gillian Heidi by Jenn Curtis
At just 16 years old, Gillian Heidi treats her music as a conduit for truth and her sync-ready track ‘Desperate’ is no exception. Underscored by layered harmonies and full-bodied instrumentation, Gillian’s R&B-infused pop vocals take centre stage as she sings of the guilt and thrill that comes with having a crush while in a relationship.
Sounds like: Harlee
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Hedara – Fire With Fire
London-based songwriter Hedara shares her self biographical song about living with anxiety. It’s a track that showcases Hedara’s raw songwriting ability by stripping the production down to just piano & vocal, resulting in an affecting and honest piece of work from a talented performer.
Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Birdy
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London-based songwriter Joshua Oliver – aka Jolé – is always soul searching, and this forms the very basis of the folk, indie and electronic music he so lovingly creates.
His new single, ‘Alpine Green’ was written during a visit to Los Angeles in August 2019, in which he was seeking solace from the separation from his loved ones. Speaking further, he explains,
“I wrote this song whilst being really homesick. The narrative is about experiencing something beautiful or uplifting that you wish you could share with someone that can’t be there. It’s about feeling grateful in the moment but wanting someone you love to experience it with you also. However, in not being with that person, holding them in your thoughts or in your memory can sometimes be good enough.”
Expect his ‘Silver Lake’ EP out in August, inspired by his visit to L.A in 2019.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, Elliott Smith, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Ed Prosek, Hazlett, Benjamin Francis Leftwich
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Gaspar by Jurrga
Swiss-born, London-based Gaspar Narby offers a sweet taste of bedroom, lo-fi pop with his new single, ‘Sirens’.
Recorded on a 4-track cassette deck (which made the final cut), the track is inspired by a near miss car crash Gaspar had with his friend, who was driving at the time. In his dreams, the accident always happened, but luckily for us, this is just a dream.
Gaspar’s EP, ‘Transatlantic’, is out now via Radicalis. Listen below.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, Summer Heart, Bonobo
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Ant Antic – Good News
We’re all dealing with the overload of impressions and information we’re all exposed to, which often leaves us numb.
Woozy-R&B auteur, Ant Antic interrogates the onslaught of clickbait in his Rupert Höller-directed visuals for ‘Good News’
Sounds like: Ben Khan, Moderat, Jai Paul, 5K HD, Sega Bodega
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Beth Duck – Nomophobia
British pop singer Beth Duck shares her cyber-inspired electro-pop single, ‘Nomophobia’, inspired by a realisation of our generation’s phone obsession.
With a clear European influence – the track is produced and co-written by One by One, a songwriter and producer duo from Berlin.
Sounds like: Ralph, Dagny, Tove Lo, ALMA
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Opus Vitae – Carry The Weight
“Love isn’t perfect, and neither is life, and that’s the real fairy tale” says Los Angeles-based songwriter Banah Winn, aka Opus Vitae. Ain’t that the truth.
His new single ‘Carry The Weight’ is driven by the fired up angst about the current political climate of the world.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Sufjan Stevens, Porches
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Future Jr. – Back To You
Inspired by missing home, Australian-born, pizza-loving, Los Angeles-based Future Jr. shares ‘Back To You’.
Conjuring all the nu-disco, dream-pop vibes one could ever wish for, the song was written by Future Jr. and a friend after attending a cliche house party in the Hollywood Hills.
Sounds like: joan, XY&O, Colouring, EXES, Akurei, Nightly
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School of X – Bad Love
Following the extremely well-received release with Lord Silva, School of X releases ‘Bad Love’.
Inspired by Eks-skolen – an anti-establishment art collective that was based in Copenhagen in the 1960s – the emo-tinged song by School of X’s Rasmus Littauer (MØ, Liss, Clairo) is about the loss of trust or faith.
Sounds like: MØ, Máni Orrason, Soleima, Goss, Mura Masa, Clairo, Röyksopp, Lo Moon, Mew
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Tigerpunsh – Shade
Born from a remote connection via Instagram and a mutual love of big cats, London-based Welsh/Finnish electro-pop duo Rochelle and Vee are Tigerpunsh.
Brand new onto the scene, their single ‘Shade’ holds a bursting energy throughout, with delicate Eastern synths and experimental pop elements. A great start to what could be a very exciting future for the girls!
Sounds like: Broods, EXES, MS MR, Vera Blue, RAINDEAR, Nova Club, Georgia
Alex O’aiza – Out Of My Mind
Alt-pop whizzkid Alex O’aiza shares the Instagram video for ‘Out Of My Mind’, produced by Austin Bello from Dallas pop-punks Forever The Sickest Kids.
Combining snappy pop melodies with gritty rock riffs and layered samples, the visuals show a fun side to O’aiza, whilst still conveying a timely message of pushing through adversity and hard times.
Sounds like: Kasabian
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juuku – healing Feat. wilo wilde
Commencing with delicate piano keys and leading to chill electronic production, juuku‘s new single ‘healing’ does just that.
Raw and unfiltered – like the body of his work – his collaborative single with wilo wilde is both angelic and moody.
Sounds like: Madnap, yetep
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Olivia Lunny – Think of Me
Canadian singer/songwriter Olivia Lunny shares the catchy and radio-ready ‘Think of Me’.
Channelling pure pop vibes with vibrant electronic production, this post breakup anthem is one for all the broken hearts out there.
Sounds like: Halsey, TESSA
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HUDSUN – Shutdown
Having entered the music scene from the early age of 17, this rising star has already received national recognition within the UK.
In his signature soul-infused, pop sound, HUDSUN’s latest offering ‘Shutdown’ speaks of the frustration in attempting to break someone out of an emotional prison they have created for themselves wrapped up.
Sounds like: Imagine Dragons
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Last Youth – Violent Ends
Last Youth has returned following their debut album release with new single ‘Violent Ends’ – an array of genre-bending vibrant pop and alt-rock.
Full of emotional angst, the track portrays the violent ends that the human race faces.
Sounds like: Imagine Draons, Bring Me The Horizon, Thirty Seconds To Mars
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.
Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Two Door Cinema Club
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Jain, Sagres Stage
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.
Sounds like: Brigitte, Santigold, L.E.J, Yodelice, Lilly Wood & The Prick
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Khalid, Sagres Stage
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
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Wolf Alice, Sagres Stage
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
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Sampha, Sagres Stage
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
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FRIDAY 13 JULY
Two Door Cinema Club, NOS Stage
We have watched Irish electro-poppers Two Door Cinema Club play live countless times, and that’s why they’ve made this list.
It’s hard to believe these youngsters have been around for over eight years. Still full of energy and banging tunes, catch them on the Friday!
Sounds like: Phoenix, Hot Chip, Passion Pit
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Future Islands, NOS Stage
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.
Expect big things on stage!
Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Perfume Genius, Twin Shadow, Sylvan Esso, Austra
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CHVRCHES, Sagres Stage
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
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Portugal. The Man, Sagres Stage
Bold American rock band Portugal. The Man have been making serious waves of late, and if you haven’t heard of them, you soon will.
An iPhone soundtrack waiting to happen; expect goosebumps, sway inducing vocal harmonies and a fist pumping bass line.
Sounds like: Foster The People, Broken Bells, Grouplove, Circa Survive, MGMT
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Surma, Coreto Stage
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.
Sounds like: Yellerkin, Yoke Lore, M83, Joanna Newsom
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SATURDAY 14 JULY
Lotus Fever, Coreto Stage
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.
Sounds like: Alt-J, Pink Floyd
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Mighty Sands, Coreto Stage
Mighty Sands is a Lisbon-based quintet.
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!
Sounds like: Father John Misty, Tame Impala, MGMT
MGMT, NOS Stage
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
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Perfume Genius, Sagres Stage
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
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Bernado, Coreto Stage
Wow, Bernado‘s vocals have blown us away after watching her live performance of ‘The Boy Is Mine’.
The London based British/Portuguese singer/songwriter effortlessly combines modern attitudes from London attitude with a jazzy flair.
Sounds like: Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith
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Real Estate, Sagres Stage
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.
Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, MGMT
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Find out more info about NOS Alive and purchase remaining tickets here.
TESHA – Dreams
Brooklyn-based TESHA shares her mesmerising new single, ‘Dreams’.
TESHA effortlessly displays breathless vocal whispers with imaginary Japanese strings and a steady electronic backbeat.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Björk, FKA Twigs, Lykke Li, Joanna Newsom
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LUMINAR – Stand Down
Dutch production duo LUMINAR shares ‘Stand Down’,
A slow starter, but bare with it, as ‘Stand Down’ does build and burn into a stream of dream pop with spacious synths and drums.
Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Sigur Rós, London Grammar
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Nina June – Out to Sea
Finding artistic inspiration during a 700 mile solitary walk through France and Spain, while listening to the film music of Thomas Newman (American Beauty) and Michael Nyman (The Piano), as well as the ethereal pop of Rhye and Zero 7, Nina June has created the cinematic pop song, ‘Out To Sea’.
Listen below.
Nina June’s album BON VOYAGE is out today.
Sounds like: Rhye, Seinabo Sey
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Superheart – After Midnight
Superheart‘s new single ‘After Midnight’ has a serious sense of nostalgia to it, despite us not hearing it before today.
It reminds us a little of the music from The Beach soundtrack thanks to its warming vocals and subtly powerful tropical licks.
Sounds like: Brian Eno, Sugar Ray
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Joshua Worden – Tennessee
Adorned in flowers and a “no sweat” approach in his press shot, Joshua Worden oozes an effortlessly cool approach to his music.
Joshua’s new single release ‘Tennessee’ is both raw and organic, yet electronic and processed, and we’re not the slightest bit confused…in fact we can’t get enough of his nonchalant vibe.
Sounds like: The Strokes, James Blake, Toro y Moi, Jamie Woon, Sufjan Stevens, Tame Impala
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Retro Kid – Retro Kid (RK Version)
So it turns out you can make music from literally anywhere, including a studio with equipment sitting on ironing boards!
Usually one for more indietronica stuff, the bedroom producer Retro Kid has pulled this one out the bag for his DJ set, which is to be aired on BBC Introducing’s Big Bangers weekend on 29 March.
The track takes influence from the many late nights in Copenhagen and was largely produced with a headache the day after.
Sounds like: Röyksopp, Jungle, Hot Chip, Little Dragon
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JINKA – Countdown Forever
Berlin-based artist JINKA shares the experimental and rather sporadic ‘Countdown Forever’, full of plonky synth sounds.
Speaking about the track, JINKA states,
“Countdown Forever is about an illusional state of infinite hedonistic experience. The title is paradoxical. But just because something is paradoxical it doesn’t mean you can’t explore the idea of it. I think, what I generally do when I’m writing is that I try to take a different perspective on the mundane, dip crude reality into some sort of surreal glossing, romanticize it without smoothening the contours.”
Sounds like: Kate Boy, I BREAK HORSES
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Melbourne musician Dan Flynn shares ‘Across The Wire’.
Much like all good folk songs, there is a soft melancholy throughout the song, and the addition of the lo-fi choir makes it an all atmospheric feat.
‘Across the Wire’ is the lead single taken from Dan Flynn’s upcoming solo album ‘Ghost Melodies’, out on 22 September.
Sounds like: The Slow Show, Sufjan Stevens, The National, Arcade Fire
Anti-folk artist, Erin K, has been keeping herself very busy. Originally born in London, but now residing in the States via Italy, she has just shared the video for ‘No Control’, filmed across Iceland, and released her album ‘Little Torch’, which you can listen to on Spotify here.
To celebrate, Erin K has put together a playlist for us.
Tennis – Night Vision
I love the immediate hood of this cool drum beat and the contrast between the closeness of the verse against the dreamy delayed vocals in the chorus. I just walked to the flight gate listening to this in my headphones. Great walking song!
Perfume Genius – Learning
The simplicity of Perfume Genius is a breath of fresh air, reminiscent of the honest lyrics encountered in Andrew and the Johnsons or (kids soundtrack guy). I especially love the lyrics “blah blah blah” at the end of this intimate song. I’m inspired by this artist! I have tickets to see him at Heaven in London in a few weeks!
Hospitality – Going Out
I don’t have much to say about this other than it’s been my song to start my day with for the past 2 weeks! Makes me feel like dancing! I’d love to see them live.
Whitney – No Woman
I LOVE this artist. It’s rare that you find a drummer that is also the lead vocalist. Check out their live sessions online, definitely one of my top favourite new discoveries at the moment.
Cass McCombs – Bum Bum Bum
A friend of my from Fort Lauderdale introduced me to this band (amongst others) recently and I think I had this song on repeat for an hour after the first listen. I love songs that push along with a constant repeated beat and sound. Check out his other songs, they are all beautiful. Something very nostalgic about this sound.
Sufjan Stevens – All of Me Wants All of You
This is one of my favourite songs at the moment. It’s so beautiful. He recently came out with a live version of this, amongst others. Personally, I prefer the live versions but worth checking out.
Leon Bridges – River
When I first heard this I assumed it was an old recording from the 60s. I love the way this song builds and Leon’s voice is flawless and emotive. Goose bumps.
U.N.P.O.C. – Here on My Own
What’s not to love about early Modest Mouse! Great build, beautiful lyrical rhythm, one to scream along to at home, or in my experience, the customs line at Heathrow Terminal 4 (in my head of course).
Shuggy Otis – Strawberry Letter 23
Yes Yes YES! I love the every part of this. If you like retro 60s jams, you’ll dance along to this.
CAN – Vitamin C
I remember the first time I heard this in some shop in London. I couldn’t wait to get home and listen to it properly. I’ve loved this song for years. The vocal, the consisting arrangement and cool organ sounds. Might not be a new find for me but I’ve included it here nonetheless.
Sounds like: Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor, Alev Lenz, alt-J, Pam Ayres, Susan Vega, Kim Boekbinder, Lily Allen