Over the last few months Australian trio daste. have been busy working on their debut album “dusk/dawn”
The first single off of it is titled ‘either way’ and it’s a chilled, indie-pop cut you shouldn’t miss.
It’s not just an utterly pleasant song, but has also a very positive message behind.
As the trio explain: “Late 2019 we were playing The Lansdowne for EMC and after our set we met Maina Doe backstage who insisted we link up next time we were in town. Come January, we were in Sydney again, supporting our friends Midnight Pool Party, and stayed for the weekend to do some writing. We met up with Maina on a cosy Sunday afternoon and started working on the track that would become ‘either way’.
We started with some chords that felt like they were interchanging between light and darkness, and the lyrics and message of the song were able to flow from that. ‘either way’ represents the constant struggle that we all have within ourselves about the ups and downs of life. It’s also about recognising those troubles and taking them in your stride, because even though it feels like everything might not be going the way you expected or maybe the worst day you’ve had in a while, the sun will rise either way. At the end of the day it’s up to you on how you want to experience those kinds of days and you can choose to learn from them or let them swallow you whole.”.
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
‘I Need You Tonight’ is the latest in what’s been a prolific year of electro-pop anthems from the fast-rising European pop artist, Delena.
Lyrically suggestive, it’s an ode to the initial, exciting stages of a relationship. Set to the foundation of contemporary pop production, it’s another gem going above and beyond the high expectations set by Delena.
Sounds Like: Dua Lipa, Halsey, Call Me Loop, Charlie XCX
Trying her hand at a more pop-oriented track, ‘Don’t Wanna Go Back’ by Marie Lang is another stunner, with lyrical candour, creating a constructive narrative about Marie’s romantic life and tales of love, connection, and everything in between.
A classic friends-with-benefits situation, Marie once again takes a personal story and turns it into a vibrant piece of R&B and pop.
Melbourne-based ELME draws musical inspiration from a diverse selection of sources, musical and otherwise.
With a vocal character rooted in singer-songwriter origins, his sound has evolved to blend elements of electronica and pop with his love of acoustic guitar and piano.
Another Australian gem, this time from Abraham Tilbury, who is looking back over the last few years living in Melbourne in his latest single, ‘So Right’.
Now living in Brisbane, the solo artist is determined to focus on writing music under his own name instead of ghost-producing. The result is a fine piece of electro-pop.
Sounds Like: Jackson Dyer, JVLY, Friends in Paris, Georgia Mae
Maude Latour‘s new single is an exploration of the anguish and physical wear and tear related to heartache.
Latour’s self-assured vocals, lyricism inspired by ancient Greek poetry, and her elegant yet unconventional structure make ‘Lovesick’ her boldest effort to date.
German / British duo TONI&MASH teases us up with the first track from their debut EP ‘I Want It’. Going full on acid and synths, the track will take you through their world and warm you up for the full EP.
With a wide range of influences that includes everything from Abra to Patti Smith, and Grace Jones to The Sugababes, TONI&MASH have developed a DIY aesthetic with a riot girl attitude that borrows just as heavily from their retro inspirations, as much as more contemporary ones.
Jerry Folk has just released the explorative, sonic track, ‘Purple Feelings’ featuring Rainsford, out now via Folkestad Recordings.
To celebrate the release of his next full-length collection of work that will showcase his next evolution as an artist, he has put together an eclectic playlist for us.
Tiffany Gouché – Can I
My fav for a while. Soothing ass r&b.
Daniel Caesar – Get You (Feat. Kali Uchis)
Same goes for this can’t believe I just discovered Daniel Caesar.
Tora – Amsterdam
Dope guys from Australia, been listening to their Little Dragon cover for ages. This is a new single of theirs, if u wanna feel something listen to this.
Salute – Man Down
Found this young dude from the UK on SoundCloud holy shit his sound design is flames. Also comes off as a really good dude!
Jessie Reyez – Shutter Island
Dope vocalist from Toronto. Seems like she is just starting to get some hype. I love this song so much.
Josh Pan – Nowhere
Josh Pan is one of the most interesting people I know. This song is timeless and different from a lot of his other stuff.
Mac Demarco – Salad Days
Favourite riff in a minute.
A$AP Rocky & Skepta – Put That On My Set
From A$AP mobs “cozy tape”. Skepta and A$AP on the same track unreal.
Flødeklinikken – Min Tid
Just discovered this Danish band. You might not understand the lyrics but you’ll feel the soul.
James Vincent McMorrow – We Move
Been on repeat the past weeks. I wanna do vocal production like this.
