German-based singer-songwriter and all around creative Mogli has just released the 5th episode of her 10 part-film, taken from her forthcoming cinematic album ‘RAVAGE’.
Called ‘Aftermath,’ the new episode begins with Mogli and her male counterpart forced to hard manual labour after being captured by a local gang of people. The episode details how Mogli finds the inner strength to escape from the gang, a metaphor for her breaking out of her toxic relationship.
It’s a theme that runs throughout her forthcoming cinematic album ‘RAVAGE’, and to celebrate we’ve asked her to put together a playlist to celebrate its release.
You can listen to the playlist below:
Emilie Nicholas – Wild one
I love how Emilie is super blunt with her lyrics in this song, very inspiring that she says what she thinks
Ex:Re – Where The Time Went
I remember listening to this song on repeat while suffering from depression. Sad songs make me happy, that’s something you can hear in my album RAVAGE.
Billie Eilish – when the party’s over
The vocal production and singing are so very nuanced and on point here… when I recorded my album I wanted every little note to be purposeful so I love this.
Sylvan Esso – Uncatena
Sylvan Esso opened up a whole new genre for me merging pop and electronic music in a really cool way
Phoebe Bridgers – You Missed My Heart
Who can transform sadness into songs better than phoebe bridgers? Love love love the vibe of this song
Florence + The Machine – Sky Full Of Song
In this song the singing matches the lyrics so well! Florence is singing at the top of her lungs as if she was screaming, very cool.
ÄTNA – Bond
I adore german band Ätna for their complex yet catchy music
Missincat & Robot Koch – Made of Stone
This is such a beautiful fusion of organic and digital sounds it feels grounded yet ethereal
Bon Iver – Blindsided
Old but gold this song is in a way so small but the drum gives it drive, I love this combination
Ásgeir – Að Grafa Sig í Fönn
first song that moves me so deeply even though I understand the words. I strive for melodies that have intention so this was a beautiful experience for me.
Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Phil Good has unveiled an official remix of his latest single ‘Everything’s Good’ from DJ and producer Slow Magic.
He’s kindly taken time out of his busy schedule and put together an ace playlist, which you can listen to below.
Charli XCX, BJ Burton – 7 years
I’ve been falling hard for Charli’s music in the last few years. It’s so aggressively pop and so aggressively experimental, and I feel like no one can do it like she does. This song blows my mind.
Sylvan Esso – Ferris Wheel
Sylvan Esso is one of my favorite bands. I loved their last record “what now?” and was so excited to hear this song “Ferris Wheel” as their first single off the upcoming album. its everything I love about them wrapped into 2:58.
Deaton Chris Anthony – I love all my friends
This song gives me Francis and the Lights vibes but in such a cool and youthful way. I think Deaton Chris Anthony is such a creative force and I love this song.
Flume, Toro Y Moi – The Difference
This song makes me feel all of my feelings and memories from this life and my past 236 lives combined. Something about the sounds and Toro’s voice just gets me goin’.
Phil Good – Everything’s Good (Slow Magic Remix)
This is my song remixed by Slow Magic. I love how he took the previously upbeat and guitar-driven song to a totally new world. makes it a bit sadder and I love me a sad song.
Dijon – rock n roll
I’ve never heard anything like this before and every time I listen there’s something new and fresh for me to discover. The guitar is amazing and his vocals melt my soul.
Toro Y Moi – Who I Am
This is one of my favs on Toro’s latest album “Outer Peace”. I love that this song is so upbeat and simple but the closer you listen to it, the more that gets revealed. It makes me want to party.
Caribou – like I loved you
Another sad bop with the craziest production. I love the synthesized bass/guitar sound and the drums hit harder than a 20-foot bong.
Jim-E Stack, Empress Of – Note To Self
I found Jim-E Stack less than a year ago and then proceeded to listen to his whole discography non-stop for a few weeks. This song embodies everything I love about his production and sound. Makes me feel like going on a road trip.
The 1975 – I Like America & America Likes Me
I love The 1975. I didn’t really care for this song when listening to their album “a brief inquiry..” the first few times, but then I saw them play this live and watched him scream his soul into autotune and it made me cry. Now this song is one of my all-time favs.
Sounds like: Honne, Joseph Salvat, Miike Snow, Glass Animals, Joywave, Just Kiddin’, San Holo
Edinburgh duo Super Inuit make dreamy electronic pop that is also on an experimental plane.
Their music, crafted from mangled samples and synthetic melodies, immediately captures the listener. The latest single, ‘Mothering Tongue’ – which we also think is their strongest to date – is about the truths and untruths we tell ourselves.
Take a listen below.
Sounds like: Chvrches, Kelly Lee Owens, Four Tet, Sylvan Esso, Luna Pines
London-based three-piece Rumours ply us with some smooth R&B-themed vibes on ‘Lights Down’.
Often running the length between indie pop, indie dance and contemporary R&B, they fluidly move from one genre to the next whilst maintaining their distinct sonic identity.
Nashville-born singer songwriter Michael McQuaid shares his latest track, ‘Alone Lonely’ – a song that stems from bad relationships filled with isolation.
Taking inspiration from blues and soul, the singer singer uses sparse electronics in order to create a smooth yet impactful composition.
20 year old Kean Farrer shares his new single about his current city abode, Berlin.
A talent ahead of his years, Farrar has developed a unique approach to alt-R&B that reflects Berlin, a city mixed in hedonistic nightlife and historical isolation. Seems like he might be on a roll…
Dark mountain pop duo Misty Mtn (pronounced misty mountain) shares new single ‘Drive’, taken from their debut EP ‘Missed Your Call’.
As with the rest of the EP, the song is absorbed with lavish synth-pop productions and effervescent vocals. Using five natural elements – moon, fire, water, mountains, forest – Misty Mtn creates a melancholic soundscape full of reflective storytelling.
Sea Girls is smashing it at the moment, getting bigger and bigger gig slots and playing to larger crowds. But perhaps this was the band’s destiny, following front man Henry Camamile’s fateful decision to start a band and play KOKO in London.
The new single ‘Damage Is Done’ is yet another blazing anthem, and perhaps the new soundtrack for the best night of your life.
Sounds like: The Kooks, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club
There’s a gentle buzz surrounding Brooklyn boy-girl duo Misty Mtn. Comprised of Morissa Trunzo and Lucas Segall, Misty Mtn create “dark mountain pop”, which we can only assume, judging by their music, means enchanting synth-pop and organic harmonies.
Their new single ‘We’ll Call It Even’ is co-produced by Ariel Loh (Yoke Lore), illuminates a narrative that at its core is about the age-old adage: “fake it till you make it”. The band had this to say about the song:
“‘We’ll Call it Even’ is about the hustle of being a creative person in a city you can’t afford. We started the band after meeting in a restaurant where we both worked so this one is extremely personal for us. It’s about the joys of making something out of nothing and remembering where you came from.”
Comprised of Robin French (Cuckoo) and Antonia Thomas (Misfits, Lovesick), these two creatives write seductive bossa nova music paired with calypso pop sensibilities that would fit well on the soundtrack of ‘The End of the F***ing World’.
On the motivation behind Bethnal Green Blues, Robin states,
“Sometimes you write a sad song from a happy moment. This came to me while I was flying to South America to see a girl I’d fallen for. It’s about the emotional ice age after a romance fails, but it was written as that ice melted under the Argentine sun..”
We love an indie anthem, so thank you to five-piece pop-rock, Dancing On Tables.
The band, school friends from school in Dunfermline, a small town just outside Edinburgh, have released ‘Colour Me Good’ – a groove-laced, vintage indie-pop track that encapsulates sun-drenched, dance-able songwriting with a distinct Scottish charm.
Sounds like: Sea Girls, Biffy Clyro, Circa Waves, The 1975
Slenderbodies is a California-bred duo who write forward-thinking, dreamy synth-pop.
Their new single ‘The One’ is intricately subtle musical medication, shared in preparation of their upcoming EP, ‘SORAYA’, to be released through Los Angeles indie label Avant Garden, which is also home to Emotional Oranges.
From summer season to ‘Sad Season’ with former professional cyclist Gavin Haley‘s latest single.
While competing with the national cycling team, Haley suffered an injury that resulted in a collapsed lung, setting back his travel by several months. During his recovery, he explored and found inspiration in Europe’s underground music scene, becoming enamored with energetic live performances filled with a grit and energy.
Starting with a simple West Coast-inspired guitar riff, ‘Sad Season’ soon picks up and exposes determined pop and R&B.
Canadian songstress ROYAL debuts with ‘Vessel’, the first of six new tracks that appear on her upcoming album, ‘Heart of Shadows’.
Covering the topic of heartbreak, loss of identity and raw self-reflection, this is electro-pop at its finest in 2018.
Speaking about ‘Vessel,’ ROYAL says,
“This song is about heartbreak – having to let go of someone you love, and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote this song it while trying to find myself after getting lost within a relationship for many years and then feeling shattered by the loss of a love I thought would last a lifetime.”
Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Lana Del Rey, Evvy, Noosa, Dominique, The xx
Last but not least, our favourite breakthrough act – self-taught producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Von Sell.
After a bout of vocal pain and subsequent treatment, we are pleased to say that Von Sell is on the mend and returning to our stereos with ‘Scene OF A Crime’.
Taken from his forthcoming sophomore EP, ‘Digital Sleep’, the song reflects on unrequited love, but, due to its uptempo nature, it will ultimately leave a taste of confusion in your mouth because you can’t help but dance despite the disconcerting subject matter.
Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze, Peter Gabriel, Alt-J, Thomas Azier
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.
Sonic production leads the way for Francis Novotny‘s new single ‘The Wire’.
It’s a brooding, electro-soul song by the Swedish multi-instrumentalist that is extremely reminiscent of JackGarratt or Asgeir, and captures that addictive quality of a nonetheless-toxic relationship, and the feeling (says Francis) “when a person leaves you hanging on without answers – and you know you should get out of it – but you keep winding back towards them.”
It’s not often we see decent indie rock coming out of the US, and we wouldn’t blame you for thinking this foursome going by the name of The Rare Occasions is British.
Their new single ‘Mercy Mercy’ is pure garage rock – rough around the edges, but fully refreshing to see due to the saturated market of pristine pop tunes.
Young Brighton duo Suzi Island debuts ‘Show Me The Way’, a breezy and catchy indie pop number.
These two have already managed to get some decent names onboard, including Pete from The Vaccines, who produced the song. They are definitely on our watch list for 2018.
NYC-based duo Glassio share ‘Back For More’, a song for anytime of the day!
Built on an orchestral-electronic backbone that nods to the likes of MassiveAttack and Air, the pining, heartsick anthem is a penned love letter to a paramour after a strained relationship has come to a close.
Sounds like: Hot Chip, Metronomy, Foals, Jagwar Ma, Rüfüs, Flume, Odesza, Bob Moses, Glass Animals, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
Rising Canadian R&B artist Ruben Young shares the ever so smooth ‘Bad Habits’.
Speaking of the single, Ruben says,
“I wrote it in the fall of 2015, following my “relapse” for a girl I’d been chasing since I was 16 years old. She’s never been good for me, and I’ve known it all along. We kept our ‘relationship’ a secret, and it became more of an affair. She was my forbidden secret – my bad habit. 7 years later, it all came crashing down. I think everyone’s guilty of falling for someone who they couldn’t get over; even though they knew they needed to. For me, she was dangerous, and I loved that about her.”
DIY band Sub-Radio create uplifting music with a raw edge.
‘Was It Good For You’ creates a feeling of disorder as soon as you listen to it, but this isn’t a bad thing when the falsetto vocals are as good as this!
Introducing JOHN.k, an Orlando-based singer-songwriter who effortless perspires soul.
He has teamed up with Mad Decent-signed and Grammy Award winning producer Ricky Remedy for a new collaborative single, ‘Gold’, in which Ricky brings some serious, crisp production skills to the table.
