Kickass trio Wild Horse shares the slow-burning, yet anthemic single, ‘Don’t Want You To Go’.
With it’s soaring and dynamic energy, it gives us a snippet of what’s to come from their upcoming album, ‘We Are In An Identity Crisis… But We Love It!’.
Montreal-based electronic artist CRi is quickly becoming a household name within the ambient electronic scene.
Having already released on TOKiMONSTA’s label, Young Art, and Anjunadeep, his new single ‘Never Really Get There’ is driven by his anxieties and desires for introspection, represented in expansive synths and Jesse Mac Cormack‘s elegant vocals.
Oslo-based alt-rock/punk outfit Lazy Queen share the potent new single, ‘Sober’.
Discussing the complex nature of addiction – a subject close to lead singer Henrik’s heart – it’s a frenetic and unpredictable beacon of sound as the band explore to find balance and normality.
Stockholm siblings The Endorphins shares ‘Parachute’.
A more soulful change in direction to their previous single, ‘Dead or Alive‘, the ’90s inspired R&B breaker was written about intensely falling head over heals for someone.
New York City-based Maude Latour‘s bubbly new single ‘Furniture’ is unapologetic as ever.
Written at the lowest point of a breakup, the song oozes bravery with an ounce of playfulness. This is her joyous breakup song, that she now shares with the world!
Local Crawley band TALU share their new single ‘Take You Home’.
Recording the drums in a warehouse and everything else in their living room and kitchen, the band captures the joy in everyday moments, offering a delightful slither of nostalgia that you’d desire from a modern day indie-pop band.
South London’s Alice MC shares her new single ‘My Love’, taken from her debut EP, ‘Storyteller’.
Despite her music fitting best within the jazz, soul and folk genres, Alice MC started by studying Opera at the Guildhall School. She soon realised her destiny was within the jazz worlds.
Introducing the new project by Pietro Filippone – aka uomo.
His latest release, ‘All I Hear’, is the first song that Filippone has written by himself for the project. A decent bit of autotune in there, the softer house elements give the song a gorgeously gentle uplift.
Sounds like: Henry Green, Roosevelt, Goldroom, Hayden James, Elderbrook
Bristol-based quartet Tungz combines effortless funk riffs with infectious vocal melodies and indie-pop sounds in new single, ‘Can’t We Just Be Friends Again’, out now via Heist or Hit.
It speaks of the confusion and the weird frustration that comes with wanting to snap back to being happy with someone you’ve only ever really been cool with before.
Sounds like: Ben Khan, Christine & The Queens, Patawawa, Bamily
DJ and producer Amtrac has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning British musician, DJ and producer Alex Metric on vocals in new single, ‘So Afraid’.
Looping vocals contemplate a simple question, “why you so afraid of love?” as Alex Metric’s breathy, enunciated voice lends an edge to the droning synths beneath, forming a steady crescendo of sound and passion that blooms.
UK duo Dirty Nice releases ‘100,000 Heartbeats’. A synth-wave pop at the core, it’s the perfect counterpart to the more lo-fi B-side, ‘Love Team’.
Originally presented as a special Valentines Day release, Dirty Nice sent a number of personalised cards to fans. Continuing this theme on their Instagram, an intergalactic cartoon epic has unfolded with a new card revealed every day.
Sounds like: Elder Island, Camel Power Club, Gorillaz, Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical
Norwegian native, singer/songwriter and producer Rebekka Danielsson – aka EKKO – shares the visuals for ‘Off My Mind’.
Highly energetic, glorious pop with addictive melodic hooks and immaculate production this tune ticks all the boxes to be a serious club anthem and floor filler.
Expect her debut EP ‘Symptoms’ out later in the year.
Sounds like: Tove Lo, Chelsea Lankes, Allie X, ALMA, Kim Petras
Rising Danish pop songstress ELBA is making waves.
Starting her musical journey in the local choir at the age of six, it was clear her destiny was singing. Her new single ‘Remember Me’ showcases her powerful vocal range, and perfectly fits with the electro-pop production.
The Norweigan artists are smashing it this week, and it’s truly great to see Emilie Nicolas return.
Showing a new side to her music – less “cool pop” and more reflective – ‘Who’s Gonna Love You’ is centred around the difficulties of letting go of a relationship, succinctly capturing despair, unbridled joy, and the desire to dance.
Stockholm siblings Alva & August Heldt are The Endorphins.
As their name suggests, their feel-good future pop is set to induce endorphins. As they put it – “It’s about love, friendship, parties and sex“, and what’s wrong with that!
Listen to self-expressive ‘Dead Or Alive’ below.
Sounds like: The Magnettes, Banks, Fabich, Pastel, Midnight Pool Party, Keljet
Yorkshire isn’t particularly known for his pop heritage. That is until now. Meet singer/songwriter Franky.
Her influences range from funk, disco and R&B, and her new single ‘Follow My Lead’ will urge you to do just that, with its fizzy attitude and feisty pop sensibilities.
Estereomance is a trio from El Paso/Juarez comprised of Manu, Paulina and Adria.
The three artists may come from different experiences and backgrounds but they share one common goal – artistic fearlessness that invokes sensitivities of emotional fibres reachable through consciousness.
In a gentle nod to 70’s French dream pop, the single ‘Crimson Queen’ explores the themes of vanity, obsession, insecurity, gender and beauty through surreal and metaphoric music.
Kent-born, London-based indie-pop newcomer CHERITON (aka Nick Harrison) shares his catchy new single ‘Parallel’, out now So Good So Good.
The infectious single, full of guitar-pop and vibrant melodies, is produced by Andy Hall (Bastille, Fickle Friends, JamesGillespie) and reflects on social media and the damaging effects it can have on mental health.
Overcoats is made up of critically acclaimed Brooklyn duo, Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell.
Channeling punk emergy with vulnerable vitality, their champion new single ‘Fire & Fury’ is equal parts dark and brooding as well as hopeful and anthemic – a dichotomy which is mirrored in the its soaring chorus “there’s a fire, there’s a fury, the sky is falling, but we’ll get through it.”
Watch the her Productions-directed video below.
Sounds like: The Magnettes, HAIM, First Aid Kit, Cold War Kids, The Violent Femmes
We are super excited about Reva Devito‘s fresh hustle on soul and R&B.
The Portland native has already featured on some of the most recognizable tracks of KAYTRANADA, Young Franco, Chuck Inglish, and B.Bravo, as well and as the live vocalist for Australian indie-pop rising musicians Miami Horror.
Produced by longtime collaborator B.Bravo, ‘Bet You Stay’ is a nostalgic, slower jam. Smother this over your ears right now.
LeyeT (pronounced “light”) channels emotional vulnerability into alternative-pop songs with a solid heartbeat.
She’s teamed up her friend Labit on new single, ‘Here For You’ – a song about friendship, being there for each other through the highs and lows of life, and sticking together through it all. The song was written with the Make Sure Your Friends Are Okay initiative in mind, a community that encourages you to have meaningful discussions with people you care about – answering truthfully the question of ‘how are you?’.
The Sydney duo dekleyn shares new single ‘See Right Through Me’.
Writing infectious heartbreakers, their songs have meaningful influences throughout. Speaking about the new one – a lesson about love and forgiveness – they explain,
“The song is about giving so much to a person and becoming so close with them that they know everything about you, even more than you know about yourself. As the relationship begins to break down, it begins to become obvious that the two could never be without each other, “I don’t plan on leaving this feeling at all, this is all I have.”
Phew! This is what we’ve been waiting for. A big “Fuck You!” to anxiety anthem!
Cue Norweigan artist/producer Ruben Dawnson and his emotionally expressive tuneage, namely ‘FYALMA’. Speaking about the track some more, he explains,
“It’s a big fuck you anthem to anxiety! Like many others I’ve been struggling with it for a long time… hopefully this can lift people’s spirit and I hope people will connect with it and scream out the lyrics!! I really want it to reach as many as possible and help create a big “fuck you” wave towards anxiety!!”
Sounds like: Day Wave, Hazel English, Summer Heart
Connecting at a music school in the Netherlands, the now duo Small Talk is making music to the standard of industry veterans, as it’s clear the understand what it takes to put together a hit, and have achieved that with ‘Alarm’.
Running the length between upbeat indie-pop and melancholic EDM, the pair masterfully play with different shades and moods. Expect much more from the youthful duo in 2020.
Sounds like: The Him, Bastille, The Chainsmokers, Imagine Dragons
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.
Kicking off our weekly gems on International Women’s Day is dark pop project STEELE with ‘Know Her’.
Comprised of producers Charles Elmi, Dejan Sajinovic and Swedish vocalist/artist STEELE, the heavy and progressive sounds they create slot nicely alongside the likes of Monogem or Banks.
Listen to the sultry ‘Know Her’ below, which is taken from their forthcoming LP on Firegate Music.
Tiaryn is an exciting Australian artist who is making waves this side of the world.
Her new single ‘Falling’ is the first single off an upcoming EP. It’s laid back and feel-good song that reflects on the evolution of a young relationship; from initial infatuation to the thrilling discovery of true connection.
A refreshing break appears to be just what Alexx Mack needed, because she is back with a song of epic proportions, and something that we all can relate to – ‘Wine In Bed’.
Inspired by her own toxic coping mechanisms, Alexx explains,
“Wine in Bed is about me learning that my coping methods were adding to the toxicity in my life and relationships. I would drink and cross my fingers to feel better, and almost every time I’d end up making another mistake. I thought that every sign was pointing to me needing to be alone, the truth was that I was pushing everything good in my life away.”
Sounds like: Charli XCX, Julia Michaels, Halsey, Kate Boy, The 1975, The Magnettes
It’s a battle of the pop songs this week, that was until we heard ‘Not Really’ by SAGE. There really is no competition!
The feminist pop track has been produced by double-diamond producer PJ Bianco (Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, ARIZONA) and written by SAGE alongside famously rumoured actual Britney Spears vocalist, Myah Marie Langston.
Young choir singer-turned songwriter Lucy Neville has hit us hard with her sweet vocals and striking lyrics on ‘Ransom’, a song about falling in lust and then in love.
Australian-born, you’d be forgiven for thinking Lucy was brought up in Nashville surrounded by country and pop, a true testament to her talent.
Scottish born “ethereal pop” artist Y.A.S is sending good ‘VIBRATIONS’ with her new single.
A Drake-style loop kicks off the track preparing us for Y.A.S’ rapturous vocals to kick in. A song about an incredibly rare connection so deep with someone that you can communicate without words.
We are loving the husky vocal tones of London-native Mafalda and brisk piano keys in her current single ‘Goodbyes’.
The beautifully constructed ballad is easily something you’d hear in the charts, possibly as a result of Mafalda’s recent work with UK and US based producers.
After a brief hiatus, Alexx Mack returns to our stereos with her latest release ‘Your Car’, featuring EXES.
Alexx took the year long break to rediscover herself and her music, and the break has done her good. The reformed sound is ruminating and lustrous, everything a modern, dark synth-pop song should be.
Sounds like: Julia Michaels, Halsey, Kate Boy, The 1975, The Magnettes
It will feel like summer is still here if you take a listen to Wooshay‘s new single ‘Alone’.
A stripped-back and easy house melody bounces throughout the song, as the Californian duo blend Middle Eastern production with the warm and commercial vocals of Deanna.
Sounds like: The Him, Shift K3y, Karen Harding, Le Youth
Matt Wills has backing from all walks of musical life, so who are we to disagree?
Although Matt seeks collaborations from those in electronic music and grime scenes, ‘Lights Out’ is right up Indietronica’s street.
The video has been directed by Chris Parton and firmly showcases Matt’s knack for putting together an incredibly hook with romantic vocals and on point production.
Sounds like: Ed Sheeran, Aquilo, Bastille, The Kooks
Oxford quartet Low Island share the cleverly choreographed and colourful video for ‘The Lines’, which has a distinct 90’s vibe to it.
It features young dancer Olly Bell and focuses “on the current states of anger, protectionism, division and paranoia that have become so prevalent in today’s society.”
Sounds like: Four Tet, Alt-J, Glass Animals, Shy Luv, Hot Chip, Caribou, Aquilo
Despite the deliciously boozy bass-lines and woozy vocals in ‘High’ that conjure up feelings of warm stoner summers, the song was written and recorded during the coldest and darkest part of the year, which is only a testament to Florda Well for their positive outlook.
We are expecting great things from Sydney-based artist IDA based on the sound of her latest single ‘1111’.
Also the vocalist in Little Deed, IDA is well practised in recording and performing. ‘1111’ offers a great second solo single – delicate synths slow-burning beats and yearning vocals.
Expect her debut EP, ‘i’ to be out before the end of the year.
Born in New York, now residing in Los Angeles, FOXTRAX are an alternative rock trio with an electronic edge.
A third release in their “moving to L.A.” trilogy, ‘Everything’s Changing’ is about taking time to appreciate when good things happen.
Their EP – expected for release in early 2018 – is produced by British production duo Alexander Wolfe and Ben Roulston (Wolf Alice, Florence+ the Machine) plus Jim Kaufman (Atlas Genius, Night Riots).
Nighshifts is the cosmic pop project of Toronto-based Andrew Oliver.
His new single ‘Karma’ is about not overthinking the future and sitting back to enjoy the ride, as expressed in the track’s nonchalant off-kilter vocal melody and breezy beats.
Electronic duo Glassio are going from strength to strength with each release.
The latest addition to their catalogue, ‘Daydream’, is an ode to their love of early 2000s LA-based Hip/Hop & R&B, and features the delicate vocals of NAKAYA.
The guys says they “were imagining Dre and AIR making a record together”, although we think the vocal loops are more reminiscent of Gorillz‘ ‘Stylo’.
Sounds like: Gorillz, Hot Chip, Metronomy, Foals, Jagwar Ma, Rüfüs, Flume, Odesza, Bob Moses, Glass Animals, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
Bristol-based rising star Henry Green shares his dark but ethereal new single ‘Stay Here’.
A lot of greatness comes from dark places, much like this single, which Henry wrote at the site of Berlin’s 1950’s broadcast facility, Köpenicker Chaussee, during a moment of frustration and loss of direction.
It’s out now via Akira Records.
Sounds like: Jon Hopkins, Erased Tapes, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm
Brooklyn-based art pop quartet IrisLune share ‘Lost In Chatter’.
Clever percussion throughout depicts chatter overlaid by synth-led harmonies and more of a dance-inspired melody, lyrically inspired by the final chapter of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice In Wonderland’.
Sounds like: Little Dragon, Deerhoof, Björk, Σtella
Growing up in the middle of nowhere has been the source of songwriting influence for Au/Ra‘s new single, ‘Outsiders’, not only because of her location growing up in Antigua, but also because of her introverted nature.
But this song is a call to arms for all misfits, giving them a chance to escape to a fantasy world.
She plays The Waiting Room in London on 13 November.
Sounds like: Florence + The Machine, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, The Magnettes
Swedish fuck pop trio, TheMagnettes are back with a sultry video for ‘So Bad’.
It explores “people’s fucked up double standards”, especially in the music industry. The song cleverly starts with a high school teacher style ramblings. The video follows suit, as the trio find themselves in a dummy-like state, trying to escape the patriarchy forced upon them.
Disclosure: I am The Magnettes’ publicist at the time of writing.
It’s taken from their debut album, ‘Ugly Youth’, due for release on 30 June via DigSin.
