After the success of ‘Afterburns‘ – which came with a quirky personality quiz – the Scottish multi-instrumentalist, Cyrano returns with the final single, ‘Plaster’, taken from his debut four track EP, ‘Consolations’.
Inspired by The National’s Matt Berninger lyrical milieu, Cyrano explains,
“Plaster is probably me at my most vulnerable, but I think that’s why it’s one of my favourite songs I’ve written. The first line “Locke halts; he’s got my head in a river drawn out starting to shiver” describes a moment in counselling where I felt completely broken. Locke is someone I owe a lot to for pulling me through, and Plaster is for anyone struggling and an admission of strength through weakness. As difficult as life can feel, there’ll be a moment where you come through, towel dry and seeing the past in hindsight.”
The EP – co-produced alongside Foals’ Kit Monteith and LukeSmith (FKATwigs, KeatonHenson) – is left-field pop, full of vulnerability, covering topics including anxiety and depression, love and growing older. Listen below.
The musical landscape in 2020 is full of high and heavy production, layers and layers and processed sound to please the listener, and in general, this sounds great. However, it’s a special moment when you can really appreciate a song for its raw authenticity, and that’s exactly what Bjorn Rydhog provides with his latest single, ‘Into Your Heart’.
The track introduces itself slowly, allowing you as the listener to settle into its vibe before Bjorn stuns us with his blissful vocals. Recorded in the legendary Tambourine Studios in Bjorn’s hometown of Malmö (Sweden), the singer takes us on an emotional and relaxing journey with the help from featured vocalist Moa McAllister from Peach Baby.
The video for the melodic track is soft in its visual presentation with gentle beams of colours. Watch below.
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
London based electronic duo Solomon Grey returns with the breathtaking new single called ‘Interstate 695’, showcasing the first in a selection of new works culminating in the forthcoming EP ‘Music For Picture: Vol. I (Parallels)’ released on 27 March.
Soundtrack ready, the new single is dynamic, an ethereal track with bold analogue synths, pulsing drums, wide strings and other orchestral score elements. Inspiration for the song came from Solomon Grey’s soundtrack work, in their words “we played with the idea of watching films of our childhood. Inspired by our youth and looking at it from where we are now. What did that innocence mean to us now, and how would we score it.”
Sounds like: Aquilo, Heaven 17, Depeche Mode, Ásgeir, Chet Faker, James Vincent McMorrow, Hozier, Lane 8, The National, Son Lux, M83, James Blake, Bon Iver
After a hiatus, TENDER returns with ‘6 In The Morning’, showing a slightly new direction for the duo.
Stripping it back to basics, James Cullen and Dan Cobb’s new release is upfront and at times, takes an unnerving dive into self-reflection.
“The track ‘6 in the Morning’ is about the bitter, petty end to a relationship, where both parties do things to push the other away,” says Cullen. “Avoiding being the one to call it off, they intend to do things to make the other break. When the relationship finally ends, it brings relief.”
“We have all been in those situations, where it seems easier to stay in a bitter and toxic environment instead of just calling it off. It’s like pulling off a plaster. The slower you do it, the more pain it causes.”
Sounds like: MOTHXR, Jungle, Glass Animals, HUNTAR, Caribou, Air, The National, Tame Impala, Boxed In, Honne
The brilliant Australian artist Saint Barae returns with an intimate and nostalgic offering through his latest single ‘Power + Control’.
In a raw and empowering message behind the song, Saint Barae begins to open up as he takes us into a very personal and intimate tale of handling his sexuality with the people that mean the most to him.
Since listening to Die Orangen‘s single, ‘Sonne’, we’ve become slightly obsessed with their psychdelia approach to industrial sounds.
Having originally forged their partnership in the diverse electronic music scene of Australia, Kris Baha and Angus Gruzman recently decamped to the thriving Berlin scene to develop their dark and pulsing industrial-inspired productions.
Irish-born, indie artist, Somebody’s Child returns his frenetic new single ‘Jungle’.
Usng music as a platform to discuss topics of mental health, ‘Jungle’ is a nervous yet honest display of indelible guitar riffs and beautifully coarse vocals.
These ladies are having a fun time, and we want to be involved.
Royal Cinema was formed by longtime friends Johanna Cranitch, Isaac Carpenter and Sydney Wayser who, having spent years playing in their own solo projects and in other various touring bands such as The Cranberries, LORDE and Awolnation, decided they wanted an additional musical outlet where they could let loose and have fun.
Their new single is ‘CHA-CHING’ – a self-produced, pulsing pop track.
Tessa Dixson is back with another bittersweet single, in the form os ‘Hiding’.
Once again produced by Reinhard Vanbergen and mixed by Neil Comber (M.I.A., Charli XCX) is a silky and bittersweet affair.
Tessa’s torn but soulful voice is high up in the mix, locking you in from the first verse. The chorus is huge, there’s a sitar hook and warm backing vocals guiding you through the raw emotions of the song.
Sounds like: The xx, Kllo, Grace Carter, Lorde, Billie Eilish
The darker shades of pop music have risen to the top of the pile of late, with artists like Banks consistently enthralling a captivated audience and Billie Eilish sensationalism reaching much of the world. Aiming for a slice of that pie is Montreal’s Aaricia, who balances her darker ethos with a soaring, honeyed vocal.
Her new single is equal parts sugar and spice, with Aaricia outlining ‘For Two’ is about desire and fantasy. It’s about that one person you can’t resist. You can try to play it cool but, in the end, you know you’ll succumb to temptation.
Sounds like: Liyv, CLAVVS, Charlee Remitz, Tessa Rae
From the west coast of Ireland comes a distinct blend of alternative rock and post-punk that simultaneously rides a wave of nostalgia whilst sitting ahead of the contemporary curve. archmotors, a duo with prowess and skill that extends far beyond their meagre membership, second single to date ‘Sitcom’ is darkly humorous in the most compelling way.
Fans of older video games will be charmed by the ‘point and click’ style video accompaniment – a perfect pairing, tune in below.
Swedish LGBTQ songwriter/producer Elina Eriksson shares her debut single, ‘Discover Her’, after finding out that a girl she was living with during her time in London, was cheating on her.
Clean and simple in its cut, the nostalgic-pop song has a positive feel throughout, despite the song’s adverse lyrical content.
Introducing Nashville creative, R.LUM.R. His music is R&B, underscored by a hip-hop attitude, pop dalliances, and a progressive rock vision.
In ‘How This Feels’, R.LUM.R urges an honest interpretation of the song by its listener. It is taken from his forthcoming album, due this fall via Island Records.
Australian artist JVLY shares his smooth’n’mellow tune, ‘me&her’, which features some co-production from Swiss producer DRKTMS.
In the song, JVLY channels some serious dream-pop vibes (think Men I Trust) with buzzy analogue synths, that he neatly stumbled upon whilst trying out his brand-new analogue synthesizer.
L.A.-based artist Noah Kenton continues his musical journey with the crossover alt-R&B bop ‘Walk’.
Cutting his teeth as an indie-pop singer-songwriter, he traversed to a colourful, crossover sound after his interest in production allowed him much more creative freedom.
The track also features Maryland lyricist Jahn Rome, who brings a welcome, rhythmic energy to the track.
DIY musician Tim Rose shares his video for ‘Left on Read’, the third release in a series of visuals culminating into a short film and showcases his obsession with smooth and soulful guitar licks.
The track considers dating through your smartphone and the pitfalls associated with getting to know someone through technology.
Meet Florida fourpiece, Jordan Esker & The Hundred Percent.
They’ve just released their EP, ‘My Own Misreable’, which is gospel/synth-rock meets organ-led emo/soul and a kind of heartbreak only fans of The National will understand.
We’ve been desperately searching for some sweet, nostalgic heartbreak songs to play on the radio during our late night drives and we’ve just found one – ‘Awake’ by STRUAN.
Surprisingly written with this in mind, STRUAN explains he created ‘Awake’ because he was out in Los Angeles and couldn’t sleep thinking about his ex.
Sounds like: LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, Joan, The 1975
Rising Belfast dream-pop trio Beauty Sleep creates magical, synth-driven music. The three met at a friend’s party and bonded over a mutual love of G&Ts and music.
They are gearing to release their debut LP, ‘Be Kind’ is set for release on 17th May on Quiet Arch records. Listen to ‘The Dark’ below.
Following a stint of live shows last year, including Latitude Festival, Caswell releases ‘Surface’, a song of self-discovery and re-empowerment to reach a potential she didn’t realise she had the whole time.
It’s a crisp and clear rendition with definite musical intentions, and sets the tone for her second EP, to be released in April.
Sounds like: Låpsley, Skott, Lorde, Charlotte Cardin, Jorja Smith, JONES, Ray BLK, Sigrid, Maggie Rogers
Meet O Future (fka OOFJ), an electronic duo mixing electronics with symphony orchestra and voice consisting of Jens Bjornkjaer originally from Denmark and Katherine Mills Rymer from South Africa, now located in Los Angeles.
O Future’s new single ‘VOYEUR’ gains pleasure in watching other people’s vanity from afar in what the duo calls a “global turn on”, and with a gorgeously, exciting looping bass line throughout, what’s not to enjoy?
Current favs, Sea Girls, share their latest single, ‘Open Your Head’ – it’s about unconditional love and is another brilliant addition to their stellar back catalogue
Can’t wait for their album? In the mean time you can catch them at one of their live dates in the UK this February and March…
Sounds like: The Kooks, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club
After landing support from the Arts Council England’s International Development fund, Leaone found himself working from Transmitter Park Studios in Brooklyn New York, alongside multi-instrumentalist and producer Tom Marsh (of Lana Del Rey’s band) and Abe Seiferth (Yeasayer, Bears In Heaven, James Murphy), on a body of new material.
The result is ‘Prairie Fires’, a deeply devastatingly emotive song that Leaone wrote at a time when he had to leave behind a blossoming romance.
Last but definitely not least is Girl Crush, the music and fashion project of Swedish/British duo, Ottilia Kjulsten and David Sugar.
These two have a special interest in lost youth, lust-stricken heartbreak and a future that never arrived, which they define as “promcore”. Their new single ‘Baby Steps’ is out now via Brilliance Records.
p.s. Want to be as cool as these guys? Then buy one of their limited edition pieces of merchandise which they offer with every track release.
Sounds like: Niki & The Dove, LOVE SICK, So Below, Ralph, Anna of the North, Call Me Loop, SUMif
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
Self-described “tragic” songstress Sasha is speaking a lyrical frankness in her new single, ‘Ouch!’, written about foreseeing being stung in a relationship.
The single blends unique and interesting soundscapes with sweet pop production and has elements of ‘Pure Imagination’ featured in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Tasty.
Sounds like: Billie Eilish, VÉRITÉ, Rae Morris, The Japanese House
Introducing the new project called Bohnes by Alex DeLeon from the band The Cab.
His new single ‘Raging On A Sunday’ is a frenetic two middle fingers to religion, caught up with an anthemic rock backdrop, glitches of grungy electronica and a retro-inspired, R&B-tipped vocal range.
Caymanian-born, London-based R&B newcomer Maeve shares the striking visuals for her new single ‘Eden’.
Directed by Black Dog Films‘ filmmaker Jade Jackman, choreographed by Liv Lockwood and styled by designer Asai (Dazed 100), the hallucinogenic and bestial video borders between what is real and what is not, conveying a sense of abandonment and isolation found in a toxic relationship.
The song is taken from her debut EP ‘Beasts’, out now.
Katy Tiz has teamed up with esteemed songwriter Ed Drewett on new single, ‘Life’, which has a Bonnie & Clyde context.
Recorded whilst suffering with laryngitis, this is a testament to Katy Tiz’s determination, and the result is a raw and enchanting song that is upfront and honest.
Sounds like: Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor, Aly & AJ, Bonnie McKee
Golden Vessel (aka Max Byrne) returns with ‘Moonstone’, featuring friends Elkkle and Akurei.
The upbeat track once again incorporates Byrne’s signature cross-genre style, and futuristic production.
‘Moonstone’ is inspired by the historical investigation of missing moon rocks from NASA trips into space on Apollo 11. Legend has it that the specimens once brought back to earth in 1969 were distributed across the world in the famous Goodwill Moon Rocks initiative, only to, nearly 30 years later, have mostly vanished or become untraceable.
Sounds like: MØ, Brolin, The National, Gang of Youths, Bon Iver, Alex Vargas, TENDER, Kanyon, REFS
American producer Lincoln Jesser produces indie synth-pop with sky-high aspirations.
Growing up at school, Jesser would often play in jazz sessions during the breaks, but it wasn’t until he listened to The Strokes that his passion for music was spiked.
Moving slowly into the electronic realms of production brings us to Jesser’s release today, called ‘Undone’, which you can listen to below:
