Berlin-based dream-folk duo Wolf & Moon share more folktronica tunes in new album. After committing to one song a day, the highs and lows of recording were captured with an overarching sense of adventure. Listen to ‘While We Ride’.
Neo-jazz talent, Jude the Obscure shares ‘Moments’. It’s a lyrically impassioned, piano-led, jazz and hip-hop influenced single oozing with soulful trumpet licks and impactful live drums, further highlighting the young Manchester-based talent.
We all have those internal battles and none more so than Canadian-born margø, who has created a soundtrack for those who are finding their voice. Listen to the raw and unapologetic ‘someone else’.
Introducing Boston-based Heath240. Blurring the boundaries of rap with indie and bedroom pop, he juxtaposes a light-hearted delivery with darker lyrics. Watch his video for ‘Chirp’ featuring DanielPrice.
After seeing success with his Holograma EP last year, this Nashville based singer/songwriter has returned with an alternative rock effort via Capitol Records and Loud Robot. Chaz Cardigan has brought an energetic feeling of reinvention with new single, Haircut.
British teen and born creative, Griff teams up with Honne on the sincere ‘1,000,000 X Better’. Once again tackling an array of important issues for generations, we say make some room Dua Lipa.
Ed Prosek‘s new single ‘Now and Then’ marks the first chapter in a compelling new story for the talented solo artist. Picking up the folks riffs from his roots, he looks ahead with a fondness towards growing old.
Rising Norwegian alt-pop production duo Jimmy Smash let us loose on their tranquil and groove-rich piece of electronic pop, ‘Under’. For fans anywhere between Jungle and Roosevelt.
Berlin-based Wolf & Moon shares ‘Eyes Closed’. In doing this invigorates some sort of superpower, according to the duo, an ability to awaken the senses that were once sleeping. Try it for yourself.
Sounds Like: James Vincent McMorrow, Lea Porcelain, Xul Zolar, The xx, Bryde
‘Take Your Time’ and smell the flowers. That’s the message in Beau Turrentine‘s latest song, with its woozy and enticing demeanour that channels sweet and blissful dream-pop tones. It’s out now via Terrible Records.
Chillhum shares ‘Waste My Time’ featuring a vocal duet with Devyn Sawyer. It’s another slice of intricate and experimental bedroom pop with acoustic-electric R&B from the budding singer-songwriter/guitarist/producer.
Rich storyteller Hank Compton creates music that dives beyond the surface level, exposing his greatest highs and lows. His new EP is called ‘Loser’ and portrays a moment in his life when he was experiencing ups and downs, and well, life.
We asked the Nashville native to put together a playlist for us with any chosen theme. His theme of choice is “Music That Keeps Me Going,” which is probably needed, now more than ever.
Duster – Travelogue
The thing about this entire record that really inspired me was this band’s way of making a beautiful soundscape out of gritty, unorthodox instrumentation. Also, music always takes me back to physical places or “era’s” of my life and this is reminiscent of the summers spent skating through the neighborhood with my friends growing up.
Sad Penny – Pissing
This song has some of the coolest, 90’s esque melodies/guitars and the whole story behind the song has this comical yet serious theme, which I adore.
Westerman – I Turned Away
This song has such a lush undertone to it. Something about the voice/production has this beautiful innocence to it without losing its depth.
The Blue Nile – The Downtown Lights
The emotion in Paul Buchanan’s vocal performance is unmatched. One of my favorite 80’s bands.
Lonas – Doesn’t Feel Right
This song is all-around one of my favorites, but the detail that sticks out to me the most is how well the percussion holds its organic quality while the synths and guitars create the atmosphere around it. Also, Lou and I produced my entire “Loser” EP together 🙂
Zander Hawley – Thumbs
I had the privilege of working on this EP with Zander and he never ceases to amaze me with his talent both lyrically and melodically. His voice is so good he could sing the telephone book to me and still find a way to make me cry.
The Cure – Pictures Of You
The Cure is one of my favorite bands of all time. Definitely a song you could catch me unapologetically belting at the top of my lungs at a stoplight.
Kevin Krauter – Piper
The writing and production on all of his stuff has always been so inspiring to me. This song specifically gives me chills every time the guitars come in before the last chorus. So dreamy and dissonant.
Prince – Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?
Prince has not only been one of my favorite artists of his decade but one of my favorite guitarists as well. That being said, the guitar parts on this song are fucking mint.
Roger – I Want To Be Your Man
One word. VOCODER.
The War On Drugs – Up All Night
In my opinion, this band is one of the best at combining folk and new wave into an edible, modern package. Also, this record on a sonic level is incredible. One of my go-to records for a pointless drive around town at dusk.
The Paper Kites – When It Hurts You
This chorus melody KILLS ME. This song/record takes spacious, anthemic production and still makes it feel desperate in the best ways.
The Replacements – Achin To Be
The Replacements have a band mentality that seeps into their music. I’ve always been such a fan of their entire vibe both musically and stylistically. The line in this song “She’s kind of like a movie that everyone rushes to see, but no one understands it sitting in their seats” always gets me.
Shania Twain – Forever and For Always
My admiration for Shania Twain has been apparent ever since I was 5 years old and my mom would play her CD’s as we rode around in our clunker minivan. This song is melodic candy to me and will always have a special, nostalgic place in my heart.
Listen to his ‘Loser’ EP below:
Sounds like: Ten Fé, Ryan Ashley, Zander Hawley, Hardcastle, Lonas, Young In The City
Ed Prosek takes an unexpected turn and shows us his creative vision in his video for new single, ‘Make It Easy’. As talented as Ed Prosek may be, the star of this particular feature is no doubt Nino – a small white dog which you can’t help but stare at. We cannot 100% confirm the breed, sorry! The video features Nino singing the song in its entirety, allowing a sense of fun into a deeply personal lyric.
The record itself occupies a unique space between soulful singer-songwriter and pop artist, Jack Garrett. An obvious appeal to this record is the outstanding vocal talent Ed possesses, summoning us with a soulful and powerful tonal edge. This is of course occupied by the undeniable writing talents of the British native.
Expect his EP ‘Flesh & Blood Part Two’ to be released in the summer.
Sounds like: Jack Garratt, Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Ten Fé, Chet Faker, Talos, Solomon Grey, Aquilo
Introducing EMMA-nominated Finnish band, The Holy.
With a heavy focus on the live setting, their music is led by atmospheric piano chords and layered alt-rock, to create an equally inspiring set of tracks in their utopian themed album, ‘Mono Freedom’, released on 17 April via Playground Music.
Speaking further, frontman Eetu Henrik Iivari explains,
“The record and the lyrical themes are inspired by Alan Weisman’s book The World Without Us; a classic science book that explores a bunch of scenarios of what would happen to Mother Earth if humans were to disappear today.”
Sounds like: Ten Fé, The National, Bruce Springsteen, NEU!, The Twilight Sad, U2, The Slow Show
Bristol-bred quartet Make Friends sure knows how to appease, with their dispensing progressive indie-pop.
Their fourth-ever single ‘When Nothing’s Said’, is ever so slightly more direct than their former releases, about experiencing and not being able to shake intense paranoia from the idea that your partner is being unfaithful to you.
It’s out now via Funnel Music.
Sounds like: Foals, Maribou State, Cassia, Bombay Bicycle Club
Matt Couchois of atmospheric indie-pop project, fakelife, releases invigorating new single, ‘Drugs All Night’.
You can almost sense the energetic tension as Matt sings about a tumultuously toxic romantic relationship – what more could you want from a nightclub pop anthem?
Sounds like: The Knocks, Great Good Fine Ok, RAC, La Poré
Born from a simple plan – make music friends in a flatshare in former East Berlin, BLOODHYPE is a Berlin-based, independent gang of four that demand to be noticed.
Masterminded by frontman Weyland and UK producer John “P Nut” Harrison (AmyWinehouse, AliceMerton), their new single ‘Violent Heart’ caught us from the get-go. It’s an addictive slice of modern indie pop full of 80’s inspired self-pity.
Churchgoer-turned-open mic singer Tina Boonstra has shared her interesting new track, ‘Out of my depth’.
With a sharp emotional intensity, you can feel the angst bubbling underneath as the track progresses into a crushingly honest rage against the universe, God and insomnia.
German-born, Los Angeles-based indie artist NoMBe shares ‘HEELS’, a catchy AF funk-laden jam.
Oozing sass upon sass, it’s taken from his upcoming concept album, ‘CHROMATOPIA’ which is built upon the spectrum of colour and the spectrum of sexuality.
Foreign Fields is US-based Eric Hillman and Brian Holl, who create a bewitching melting pot of acoustic sounds.
As with all promising folk contenders, the duo wrote and recorded their upcoming album, ‘The Beauty of Survival’ in the winter in a back-to-basics cabin with no heating built by a two-man father-and-son team in Western Wisconsin.
Bronze Whale like to walk a lot. During this time, they talk about things they want to accomplish, music stuff and dinner.
This where the lyrical inspiration came for ‘Let’s Go Walk’, a resonating and atmospheric electronic piece about love, loss and learning. It’s out now on their own label, MagicMagic.
Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-j, OTR, CLN, Golden Vessel, Autograf
Multi-instrumentalist Zoë Phillips combines country with beautiful folktronica. Think DollyParton meets BombayBicycleClub.
Set for the same level of fandom, Phillips has already seen plenty of support from the BBC, and her new single ‘Love Is Gone’ is going to propel her closer.
Looking like they are having the best time, the video footage was taken from many of their past videos plus some extra shots from 2010 to 2019.
HUMANS is a Canadian indie-electronic duo made up of musicians Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq. Focusing on performance and production styles of both the past and present, HUMANS have consistently impressed upon audiophiles with their technical and compositional skills.
Introducing Zach DeGaetano and Bridget Boltz – aka Mannequin Online.
Pushing sonic and ideational barriers with gritty, yet refreshing off-kilter pop, may their sound forever remain bright, gritty, and unapologetic. Listen to ‘I Do’ and check out the glorious Gorgeous guitar solo.
Sounds like: Goldroom, Poolside, VHS Collection, The Knocks, Miami Horror
Berlin based, Wolf & Moon is a duo comprised of modern day storytelling nomads, Dennis and Stef. Their debut album Before It Gets Dark was released on AdP in January of 2019 to much excitement form German press. Situations is Wolf & Moon’s follow up single, and rides on the tails of successful spring & summer. Wolf & Moon played SXSW this March and have been nominated for the “Best Newcomer” award at the VIA awards during this year’s Reeperbahn festival.
The track starts chill, building up toward a really catchy and melodic bridge which carries on with a dynamic melody backed up with Stef & Dennis’ incredible vocals. No wonders they were nominated for SXSW’s Best Newcomer award.
Sounds Like: James Vincent McMorrow, Lea Porcelain, Xul Zolar, Ten Fé
British newcomer Ro shares her self-produced debut, electro-pop tune, ‘do you think it’s fine?’
Looking up to female artists such as Grimes and Robyn, Ro is striving to reach their great heights of artistic control in a modern electronic landscape. Expect an EP later in the year.
Dutch production and DJ duo, 2CRE8 returns with a cheeky number called ‘Cheater’.
Giving a wink to misbehaving and making the most of the summer, in a similar vain to the likes of The Him, you’ll be forgiven for having this track on repeat, even when the sun isn’t shining.
Victoria’s Flight is a Glasgow-based band of childhood friends Matt Robertson and Craig Harkness.
Their new single ‘Paradise’ is the first of three singles that tells the story of summer love and loss, with a combined energy of tropical guitar riffs and contemplative vocals.
Bristol-based four-piece Make Friends are set to send tingles down your ears.
Lead by emotional stories, the subject matter of their debut single, ‘Drop Naked’ may be dark, but the complex grooves and stretched indie-pop chords suggests otherwise.
Expect their EP in spring.
Sounds like: Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals, Sea Girls, Ten Fé, Suzi Island, Everything Everything
We are super excited about TENDER‘s new single, ‘Slow Love’, taken from their album ‘Fear Of Falling Asleep’, out via Partisan Records.
Much like TENDER’s other offerings, ‘Slow Love’ has a delightful bassline throughout with soulful vocals, inspired by the moments that come just before sleep when silence descends, and doubt and fear and desire take over.
Sounds like: MOTHXR, Jungle, Glass Animals, HUNTAR, Caribou, Air, The National, Tame Impala, Boxed In, Honne, Colouring
We are huge fans of Germany’s finest disco kid, Satin Jackets (aka Tim Bernhardt) and Sydney-based singer/songwriter, Panama. Their new collab is a dreamy leftfield pop at its best.
Expect the second Satin Jackets’ album, ‘Solar Nights’, on April 26 via Eskimo Recordings.
Sultry artist CUT_ combines forces with Klangstof to create a captivating atmosphere where there is but one message: Sex.
‘Fever’, a minimalistic song, is soft yet sensual which ultimate leads to a burning tension between the two vocals with the addition of lush reverbs and slow moving synths.
Sounds like: James Blake, Kllo, Massive Attack, Phantogram, Kito, Broods
