Multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ben Hobbs returns with his punchy new single, ‘Own Arms’.
Mastered by the acclaimed Robin Schmidt, this is a catchy indie-rock-pop banger, full of more dynamic energy than his last single, ‘How We Care’. It explores the act of saying
farewell to the things that may be holding someone back and improving oneself to
feel free again.
Discussing the project, he says; “I wanted to capture this fast-paced punk idea, circling around on 3 chords and create something with loads of energy. It started out a lot more electronic with the production, but we decided that to really make it work everything had to be live and real.”
Scottish band, Dancing on Tables, explores a more melancholic side in ‘Not To Need You’.
Written in Nashville alongside legendary songwriter Liz Rose (TaylorSwift, LittleBigTown, CarrieUnderwood), the hopeful song encapsulates the uphill battles everyone goes through in life but reminds us that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sounds like: Sea Girls, Biffy Clyro, Circa Waves, The 1975, Rat Boy, Circa Waves, The Amazons, Blossoms, Wild Nothing, Cassia, Catfish and the Bottlemen
Like an early Billie Eilish, Australian artist Stellie is transforming our take on pop.
Inspired by strong female voices, her tender and personal tales are indie-pop slow-burners that cut straight to the heart. Listen to her hazy new single, ‘How Do We Look So Good?’ below.
It’s great to see GusGus back with another stellar release.
The electronic innovators have released ‘Out Of Place’, highlighting the duo’s affinity for rolling synth-lines and sharp, pop-driven vocals. Listen below.
Sounds like: Simian Mobile Disco, Tears For Fears, Simple Minds, Röyksopp, Goldfrapp, Orbital, Roisin Murphy
Another Newcastle band for us this week – Llovers.
Releasing the infectious new cut, ‘Feeling Sound’, it’s clear that anyone listening to the track will be enamoured by their immense potential, thanks to their irresistible anthemic tendencies with sparkling riffs, sing-along choruses and playful songwriting.
London baroque pop band Weird Milk shares ‘Is That Love?’.
Having already supported indie risers Alfie Templeman and Pip Blom, and about to support APRE on their UK tour, their latest offering doesn’t disappoint.
Songwriter and drummer Charlie Glover-Wright explains, “The song itself is about a relationship turning sour as a lemon and the main character realising that they don’t need it anymore and they’ll be better off on their own.”
Sounds like: FEET, Sports Team, The Magic Gang, Genghar, The Last Shadow Puppets
You may recognise Kelli-Leigh’s vocals from such hits as ‘More Than Friends’ by Jame Hype, ‘I Got U’ by Duke Dumont and Second City‘s ‘I Wanna Feel’, but it’s time for the British singer/songwriter to step out into the light and reveal her first solo music of the decade.
The uptempo pop song, ‘Cotton Clouds’ describes a blissed out relationship. Lovely.
Dutch DIY duo The Day are Laura Loeters from from Antwerp/Belgium and Hamburg based Gregor Sonnenberg.
Sharing the fancy-free video for their cover of ‘Tenderfoot’ by The Lemonheads / Smudge, the latest release is inspired by their youth, as the dream-pop band continue their tasteful take on original classics.
Orlando-based 25 year old Talii has a wicked streak, as can be witnessed in her sultry and dark pop song, ‘Good To Be Bad’.
Born into a musically gifted and diversely talented family of musicians and performers, she began singing at age 3 and was playing the piano and writing songs by age 7. There is no denying her talent.
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.
NYC-based Dady is comprised of singer/songwriter Rachel Dady and songwriter/producer Jesse O’Connor.
Born from enemies, these two have somehow put their differences apart and now create delicate dream pop for the masses. ‘Failing’ effortlessly switches between tender moments and an anthemic hook.
Sounds like: Carly Rae Jepsen, Paperwhite, Taylor Swift, Haim
With it’s deceiving upbeat melody, Born Stranger‘s new single ‘Last Night on Earth’ is surprisingly about the sad topic of suicide.
An ode to those who have left our planet too soon, this track urges you to celebrate, live in the moment and be compassionate with each other.
Listen below.
Sounds like: Prinze George, Sia, The Wombats, Bastille, Major Lazer, Years & Years, M83, Foals, KAPTAN, The Brocks, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Myzica
Dublin disco-noir trio Sleep Thieves shares new single ‘Sea of Shadows’.
With the song’s minimal lyrical attitude and looping darkly ethereal synths full of nostalgia that completely immerse your mind, it’s hard to believe the threesome met on Twitter.
Having recently signed to Different Recordings (Anna Of The North, Kllo, Claptone), LIMITS manages to perfectly blend slices of ethereal, tech-house with melodic pop-inspired vocals.
The track is out now.
Sounds like: Shy Luv, Claptone, Tube & Berger, Rüfüs, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle
German-based Satin Jackets teams up with British singer, David Harks on ‘Northern Lights’.
As with all of Satin Jackets’ music, ‘Northern Lights’ has a distinct cosmic vibe, which is to be expected with the title of the song. Add to the mix, nostalgic vocal tones and reflective melodies, to create a breathtaking listening experience.
It’s out today on Eskimo Recordings.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Goldroom, RAC, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Future Islands, Phoenix
San Diego native, singer-songwriter and visual artist Alice Gray shares her debut single ‘Pink Cadillac’.
Describing her music as “sad songs you want to dance to”, Alice’s sound has a bittersweet edge to it thanks to beautifully planned pop hooks and wistful lyrics.
Love songs don’t have to be all about the doom and gloom of a relationship, they can be about the music you adore. Brooklyn locals, Secret Weapons do just this with uplifting new single, ‘Comeback Season’.
The twosome deliver a positive message about overcoming the odds (specifically the struggles they encountered whilst writing their album), which is further highlighted by the delightful addition of a gospel choir!
It’s out now via Epic.
Sounds like: Youngr, The 1975, Lionel Richie, The Levity, The Island Club, Ghost Beach, Backstreet Boys, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The Knocks
Talking of love songs…Atlantic artist/producer Seersha has written a gorgeous track called ‘Typical’ for her husband to listen to on his summertime drives.
Seersha’s ethereal vocals immediately make you feel free, as if you are screaming with joy at the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Sounds like: MS MR, CHVRCHES, Tears For Fears, Lights, Paramore, Phil Collins
Los Angeles producer, AWAY, shares the stunning new video for ‘Sleepwalker’, featuring London Thor.
Paving the way for the next generation of sound, AWAY likes to expose mixed feelings in his music, often touching on confusion, sadness, apathy, and anger.
UK-based Born Stranger (aka Maddox-Jones and Raife Hacking) invited emerging vocalist, CaitlynScarlett, to join them in the studio. Just 15 minutes later, the verse and lyrics to ‘Cheating Love’ were created.
Caitlyn explains, “The phrase ‘cheating love’ can be perceived as infidelity, but the undertone I wanted to convey was that of cheating love the same way someone might cheat death, a close shave but ultimately avoided.”
The track is co-produced by Yoad Nevo (Sia, PetShopBoys, Goldfrapp).
Sounds like: Prinze George, Sia, The Wombats, Bastille, Major Lazer, Years & Years, M83, Foals, KAPTAN, The Brocks, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Myzica
The Du Tonc disco boys have finally put together a playlist for us!
Du Tonc are still one of our favourites, which is handy as their new single, ‘Wonderland’ (which also features on the playlist), is one of their favourites too.
V – La Nouvelle Epoque
It’s pretty apparent we love the 80’s, can’t get enough of this gem. Modern 80’s vibes (if that makes sense).
Severed Heads – Dead Eyes Opened
If there is one track we’ve love to get the parts for and re work, it’s this.
Beyond The Wizards Sleeve – White Cow (Erol Allan Rework)
We’re big Wizard and Erol fans. This is stunning.
Charlie – Spacer Woman (Vocal)
More 80’s spaced out funkiness.
The Cure – A Forest
Think this tracks still get’s better overtime you listen to it.
Du Tonc – I’m On Fire (Bruce Springsteen Cover)
The only cover we’ve done and possibly our our favourite track.
Tears For Fears – Head Over Heals
Tears for Fears are a big inspiration to us, this track is genius (also featured in a rather awesome film).
Johnny Cash – Personal Jesus
Love the Depeche Mode version, but this is just filthy.
Du Tonc – Wonderland
Our favourite song we’ve written.
Midland – Final Credits
Effortless perfect dance floor record.
Sisterhood – Tunnels (Bicep Remix)
Still cane this, get’s better with each listen.
Sounds like: Kavinsky, ROOSEVELT, Summer Heart, MGMT, Day Wave, Washed Out, Yeasayer, Miike Snow, RAC, Goldroom, Set Mo, Luke Million, Neon Indian, Classixx, Holy Ghost!, Blood Orange
Born Stranger are ultimately a pop band, but with a deeper, darker layer, taking inspiration from such 80’s electronic bands such as Tears for Fears and DepecheMode, as well as more recent artists such as The Weeknd & Sia.
Listen to their track, ‘Fire & The Flame’ below.
It’s out on 19 August.
Sounds like: M83, Foals, KAPTAN, The Brocks, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Myzica
Musical couple, Leitbur (Pronounced ‘Light-brr’) (aka Jaron Widman and Samantha Krzyston), return with ‘I Need You’.
Combining his knowledge in film production and love of music, Widman constructs his songs like his short films; each filled with autobiographical scenes, characters, and the occasional flashback or dream sequence. Widman uses the mood and tone of the 1980’s like a cinematographer, framing each song with care, to tell stories that are in equal parts nostalgic, sweet, and filled with pathos.
Widman began collaborating with Krzyston, an aspiring psychotherapist and vocalist. Their romantic relationship caused Leitbur to become a film with two main characters. Soliloquies became conversations, and many of the warmest, and most painful, moments of their relationship were turned into their own scenes.
‘I Need You,’ the first single from their album, ‘Antique Travelers’.
Sounds like: Depeche Mode, BLSHS, Röyksopp, Tesla Boy, TDeL2, Graingerboy, Chvrches, NINA, Tears for Fears
