Tag Archives: Violet Days

Weekly Gems 131

Attawalpa – Done Hanging On

Attawalpa by Holly Whittaker

Attawalpa by Holly Whittaker

Very much a leftfield psychedelic visual and auditorial journey, former Jamie T guitarist Attawalpa shares the timeless hand-painted visuals for ‘Done Hanging On’, by modern visionaries Alex Gamsu Jenkins and Joe Taylor.

Sounds like: Jude Shuma, Alfie Templeman, Muck Spreader, Leonard Cohen

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Caspian Pool – Special Way Reloaded

Caspian Pool by Quentin Deronzier

Caspian Pool by Quentin Deronzier

Strongly influenced by 90’s French touch and techno, two French characters from Annecy, namely Low Bird (vocals) and Jimmy Q (guitars, synthesizers, production) – aka Caspian Pool, blast their contagious electronic cold wave in ‘Special Way Reloaded’.

Sounds like: FFO: Nimmo, The Chemical Brothers, Hercules & Love Affair, Goldfrapp, Joe Goddard, Chvrches, Digitalism, Holy Ghost!, Boys Noize, Little Dragon, Cut Copy, Icona Pop

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Lucia & The Best Boys – Forever Forget

Lucia & The Best Boys by Oli Erskine

Lucia & The Best Boys by Oli Erskine

The dreamy ‘Forever Forget’ is taken from Lucia & The Best Boys‘ new EP, ‘The State of Things’, and is a generous nod to the 80’s queens, Pat Benatar and Stevie Nicks.

Sounds like: Pat Benatar, Yonaka, Calva Louise, Courtney Love, Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Miley Cyrus

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Emanuel – Black Woman

Emanuel by Eric Miles

Emanuel by Eric Miles

Toronto R&B artist and songwriter Emanuel shares his new single ‘Black Woman’. Written a year ago, the message hasn’t changed – it’s a healing, celebratory ode to the resilience of Black women.

Sounds like: John Legend, Dylan Sinclair, Son Little, Michael Kiwanuka

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Sirens of Lesbos – PALA

Sirens Of Lesbos by Dominik Hodel

Sirens Of Lesbos by Dominik Hodel

Swiss sibling collective Sirens of Lesbos gear up to release their album, with the release of new single, ‘Pala’. It’s turned-on pop for a new psychedelic age.

Sounds like: De Hofnar, MYNGA, Talking Heads, Outkast

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Julia Church – Don’t Really Care What We Call It

Julia Church

South-African songwriter-producer Julia Church shares catchy pop gem ‘Don’t Really Care What We Call It’, a song about navigating those awkward feelings in a new relationship.

Sounds like: London Grammar, Emma McGrath, Violet Days, Birdy, GRACEY, Harlequin Gold, Millie Turner, Louise Burns, Tom Odell, Monogem

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Lissy Taylor – High

Lissy Taylor

British singer-songwriter Lissy Taylor shares her alluring single, ‘High’. Echoes of Lana Del Rey ooze from untamed Lissy, amongst the soft guitar riffs, driving rock percussions, and jangling tambourine.

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey

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Felix Räuber – Autsider

Felix Räuber by Madlen Krippendorf

Felix Räuber by Madlen Krippendorf

German multi-instrumentalist turned producer, Felix Räuber‘s bold new video aims to turn the preconceptions surrounding autism on its head, as it tells the story of an autistic character, deemed to be an outsider.

Sounds like: Aquilo, Solomon Grey, Son Lux, Nils Frahm, Ulrich Schnauss

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Weekly Gems 127

Julia Church – Marionette

Julia Church

One of our favs of 2020, South-African born songwriter-producer Julia Church, unveils her breezy new cut ‘Marionette’. A catchy track with clear intentions that showcase her stunning vocal range and innate ability to create a wonderful pop earworm.

Sounds like: London Grammar, Emma McGrath, Violet Days, Birdy, GRACEY, Harlequin Gold, Millie Turner, Louise Burns, Tom Odell

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Jimi Somewhere – Jesus Feat. Kacy Hill

Jimi Somewhere by Dev Dhunsi

Jimi Somewhere by Dev Dhunsi

Jimi Somewhere combines unique Christian rock and modern, sheeny emo. Inspired by Christian summer camps and his frustration & feeling of loss growing up as a Christian, the track features the angelic vocals of Kacy Hill.

Sounds like: Owen, Máni Orrason

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Lucky Idiot – Mud

Lucky Idiot

Lucky Idiot is an exciting new project from Maxwell Byrne (Golden Vessel), Kalem Woo (Rei So La) and Rei Sakakibara (Sweater Curse). Expect an upcoming debut EP, ‘Low Ceiling’, to be released in October via sumoclic.

Sounds like: Good Morning, Loving, Big Thief, Golden Vessel

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Dr Orange – Take

Dr Orange - Take<

Liverpool’s Dr Orange – aka Chas Moody – draws on indie alt-rock. His new single, ‘Take’, is luscious, high-frequency rock n roll with authentic nuances of a leftfield nature.

Sounds like: Attawalpa, The Last Shadow Puppets, The Libertines

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Playlist: MALORY

MALORY - Killer Cut Offs

Following a life-changing move to Toronto from London, Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Malory releases her sophomore album, ‘Killer Cut Offs’.

Completely self-produced, the album is full of quirky pop bangers, and Malory has kindly put together a playlist of influences for our readers.

Tove Styrke – I Lied
Tove’s album ‘Sway’ was huge inspiration for me early on when I was writing this album. The production is so cool, the songs are catchy, pop but so fresh and not cheesy at all. I love the lyrics in this one and the playfulness of the vocals.

Ashe – Choirs
Found this on my discover weekly and fell in love with it. The plucked and percussive production was something that inspired my production on songs like ‘Daydrunk’.

Rostam – In a River
I was so stoked to discover Rostam, I’d always loved Vampire Weekend but he’s just insanely talented on his own too. I really look up to him as a writer and producer. The way he builds this song, it’s so cinematic and warm. I love his ability to combine organic, world instruments and electronic sounds, this one totally inspired my production of ‘Alone With You’.

Still Woozy – Habit
This one is so funky and cool. The harmonies and melodies are awesome. His attitude and patter definitely inspired me on ‘Killer Cut Offs’.

Fortunes, Justin Bieber
These two are awesome, love love their lyrics and used to listen to this on repeat. Their hip hop influenced beats and chill production helped inspire ‘Puppy Love’.

Skip – SuperParka
Addicted to this song. The melodies, attitude and that driving bass line are pure genius. Seeing Superparka live at The Great Escape inspired me to strive to be more experimental and unafraid to be DIY in my production.

Charli XCX – Boys
I’m not alone when I say this one’s an absolute hit. The video game style production and Charli’s attitude were definitely an influence for me.

Vibes – Touch
My talented sister Taylor aka VIBES! She’s always been a huge influence on me and does everything herself. ‘Touch’ is one of my favourites, it’s so playful, glitchy, catchy and has so much sass which I adore. Love that line ’I promise to behave soon’.

Tove Styrke – On the Low
The main bass /synth line on this was a huge inspo as a starting point for my song ‘Killer Cut Offs’. The lyrics are so beautiful and honest too. Just another lovely choon from my main gal Tove.

Rostam – Wood
This was the first song of Rostam’s I heard and I totally fell in love. It reminds me of the Darjeeling Ltd. (Wes is also one of my fave directors). The composition and orchestration are glorious and his vocals are like a lilting lullaby.

Tove Stryke – Say My Name
Again, the bloopy synth bass line and her patter on this are just soooo cool. Not to mention it’s a BANGER. Lyrics, hooks and vibe it’s all there.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Evalyn, Violet Skies, Violet Days, Chloe Lilac, Ryn Weaver

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Julia Church – Japan

Julia Church - Japan

South African born Julia Church woos us with her baritone vocals and effortless pop energy.

Starting off as a smooth, soulful number, the pace soon picks up with an epic backbone of a drum groove driven by her more soaring, distinctive vocal.

She explains about the track,

“Admittedly, I have never actually been to Japan but have always been intrigued by it. It strikes me as a sort of enigmatic paradise, brimming with natural beauty that I could envision losing myself in. This song is essentially about losing yourself in a new world.”

Sounds like: London Grammar, Emma McGrath, Violet Days, Birdy, GRACEY, Harlequin Gold, Millie Turner, Louise Burns, Tom Odell

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Violet Days – Suck At Love

Violet Days - Suck At Love

Violet Days – Suck At Love

Violet Days is the project of Swedish singer/songwriter, Lina Hansson.

Asking whether you ‘Suck At Love’ is always going to be tricky to answer, but it’s also highly relatable to the majority of listeners. Luckily for us, Kris Eriksson (The Chainsmokers) is on production duties, helping Violet Days create an anthemic electronic song that almost makes us forget the initial question.

Violet Days will be playing the Ja Ja Ja club night at The Lexington in London on 23 February.

Sounds like: Tove Lo, Ellie Goulding, Monogem, Lorde, Chrvches, Evvy, VÉRITÉ, Imogen Heap, Dominique

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Jake Alder – Chasin’ Time Feat LKA

Jake Alder - Chasin' Time Feat LKA

Jake Alder – Chasin’ Time Feat LKA

Well this is a great collaboration, isn’t it? The UK meets Finland as Jake Alder invites LKA to join him in ‘Chasin’ Time’.

The track is a sultry number with epic synth surges and fulfilling drum beats, all of which create an emotional experience. LKA’s intentions when writing the lyrics for ‘Chasin’ Time’ were to help her advance forward in all endeavours, and this song proves that both parties are doing just that.

Disclosure: I am Jake Alder’s publicist at the time of writing.

The track is being offered as a free download from Jake’s SoundCloud page.

Sounds like: Violet Days, Dominique, MØ, Grimes, Paperwhite, Calypso

Jake Alder
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LKA
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Playlist: Violet Days

Violet Days

Violet Days

Stockholm artist, Violet Days (aka Lina Hansson) has been busy collaborating of late (Hotel Garuda, The Chainsmokers, Fraser T Smith), so we thought it was only fair to catch up with her.

The result is a playlist of Violet Days’ current favourites for inducing feels.

Lesley Gore – You Don’t Own Me
Perfect key change, and perfect cheese.

Sufjan Stevens – For The Widows In Paradise
This is my evergreen. Always.

Tame Impala – Let It Happen
Latest obsession.. Love the soundscape

Kavinsky – Nightcall
Genius song from a genius movie.

Troy Sivan – FOOLS
Love the whole idea of Blue neighborhood, it’s beautiful and honest.

The Ronettes – Be My Baby
I’m never getting over this song, it had me ever since Dirty Dancing.

The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
Well, Brian Wilson…

Miike Snow – Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)
The melodies and lyrics are so playful and instantly has my interest.

Moby – When It’s Cold I’d Like To Die
Melancholy perfection.

Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
This track has all the pieces for all types of modes.

Brandi Carlile – The Story
Her storytelling is stunning.

Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana
Nothing feels like that verse.

Bon Iver – 8 (Circle)
HOW GOOD?!

Sounds like: Ellie Goulding, Monogem, Lorde, Chrvches, Evvy, Tove Lo, VÉRITÉ, Imogen Heap

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Emma Gatsby – 2 Steps

Emma Gatsby - 2 Steps

Emma Gatsby – 2 Steps

Sassy 19 year old Emma Gatsby knows what the deal is, and she isn’t letting anyone get in her way.

Hailing from New York, Emma learned to play the piano and cello at the tender age of four, with her mother teaching her, until she sadly passed away when Emma was aged nine. Following this, Emma picked up a guitar and decided to teach herself to play. She was writing songs by aged eleven, but was using music as a way to distract herself from the realities that she found herself in, especially after her father passed away.

Of her latest song, Emma says, “‘2 Steps’ is a song I wrote about a relationship or should I say several relationships. As much as it’s based on my real life experience with an ex, it was more so, my realization that I was always the one doing the damage first that inspired the song.”

Sounds like: Violet Days, Dominique, Kissy, Amy Guess, Harper, Sizzy Rocket, SUMif, Sibling

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Violet Days – Your Girl

Violet Days - Your Girl

Violet Days – Your Girl

Violet Days is the electronic project of Stockholm based Lina Hansson.

The new single ‘Your Girl’ is a fresh slice of artful and stylish indie pop.

Lina says of the track;

“I guess this song is my way of saying that sometimes you need to feel like you’re more than just enough for someone. That you want to feel special and deserve not to be taken for granted. It´s like being kept in an emotional limbo where you don´t know what anyone feels anymore, cause there´s no interaction, and that sucks.”

Sounds like: Ellie Goulding, Monogem, Lorde, Chrvches, Evvy, Tove Lo, VÉRITÉ, Imogen Heap

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SP¡ON – Sunset

SP¡ON

SP¡ON

It’s not all about Sweden. Norway also has some incredible music to offer.

One of our ones to watch for 2016 is SP¡ON; a newly formed and highly talented Norwegian electronic trio with all three of its members scattered across different cities throughout Europe.

The first member of SPiON is based in Bergen and has a background in animation; the second is a music producer and songwriter currently working out of London. Co-writes and credits to date include Aurora, Sinead Harnett, Pusha T, Max Marshall, and MNEK. The final member is based in Copenhagen developing sounds and music purposefully for video games.

Although the trio have been collaborating together musically since 2007, ‘Sunset’ is the first track to be revealed under the SPiON moniker. It features the vocals of Ina Sagstuen, an established jazz singer currently basing herself in Oslo, as well as an incredibly atmospheric vocal section from Sølvguttene, the Norwegian National Broadcastings (Norwegian equivalent of the BBC) official choir.

Sounds like: Imogen Heap, Violet Days, Mew, Broods, FLOR, Pink Floyd

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