Tag Archives: XY&O

Max Alexander – Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander - Stay Where You Are

Max Alexander is a new alt-pop singer/songwriter from London.

Originally an acoustic artist by heart, he’s decided to go straight in with the electric guitar, to create an all together fist-to-chest sound in ‘Stay Where You Are’.

Sounds like: WEIRDO

Victor Perry – What I Observe

Victor Perry

It’s always worthwhile to take a step back sometimes, and reflect.

NYC-based singer-songwriter/vocalist Victor Perry does exactly that in his lyrically mature new song ‘What I Observe’. As he croons in a poetic form of self-expression, we witness a subtle electro-pop space in which the track really starts to breathe.

Victor Perry · What I Deserve

Sounds like: Rhye, Rationale, Jacob Banks, James Blake, The Weeknd, Labrose

dekleyn – Who We Are

dekleyn - Who We Are

Australian duo dekleyn fuses electro-pop with pop-leaning dance in the catchy single, ‘Who We Are’.

It touches on the topical subject of mental health and the sense of vulnerability that comes with almost every relationship.

dekleyn · Who We Are

Sounds like: LANY, joan, LAUV

PELA – South Of

PELA

South London duo PELA share ‘South Of’, the first song they wrote together.

Amalgamating differing musical influences, it’s another stellar example of the duo’s sonic trajectory into a moody, melodic melodious song.

PELA · South Of

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, James Blake, KAYTRANADA

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud |Instagram

Amy Milner – Wildside

Amy Milner

Singer/songwriter Amy Milner shares her new single, ‘Wildside’.

Written about catching yourself before you lose control, facing those demons and welcoming the dark side of your mind, it’s energetic commercial alt-pop at its finest.

Amy Milner · Wildside

Sounds like: Birdy, Emma McGrath, Florence + The Machine

Jens – Nocturnal

Jens by Sigurd Fandango

Bergen-born Jens could be the next big Scandi-pop superstar.

His off-kilter single ‘Nocturnal’ has all the makings of a pop banger – upbeat, catchy vocal hooks with a carefree bass line.

Jens · Nocturnal

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, Myylo, Charlie Puth

Future Jr. – Rewind

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Indietronica Staff

Future Jr.

Your “friendly neighbourhood goodboi” Future Jr. returns to release ‘Rewind’.

Taking a mental trip back to his summer of 2019, Future Jr. reflects on better times with his friends in what he calls the best summer of his life.

A perfect light-hearted antidote to the dark and often lonely days and nights in isolation.

Sounds like: joan, XY&O, Colouring, EXES, Akurei, Nightly

Joshua Worden · Easy to Say (feat. Casey Harper)

Weekly Gems 109

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Indietronica Staff

Joshua Worden – Easy to Say Feat. Casey Harper

Joshua Worden

Joshua Worden recently hit a deeply introspective period and his new selection of releases shows this.

With an educational background in Jazz Guitar and English Literature, his music is stripped back and takes a slower pace these days, dabbling in R&B, pop, trip-hop, and chillwave. Listen to ‘Easy To Say’ featuring Casey Harper.

Sounds like: Kllo, Kudu Blue, Rhye, Blood Orange, Moses Sumney, The Internet

Logan Prescott – How We Wanted

Logan Prescott

Dallas-based Indie Pop artist Logan Prescott shares the uber dreamy pop single ‘How We Wanted’.

Tender guitars, dreamy synths and an all encompassing 80’s boyband vibe. Perfect for fans of LANY and joan.

Logan Prescott · How We Wanted

Sounds lik: LANY, The 1975, COIN, joan

Junipero · Junípero • New Beginnings

Junípero – New Beginnings

Junípero

The Mexican dream-pop scene is bubbling away like a reactive volcano.

Junípero is the project of Joán Melendrez and Janelle Saucedo, who enjoy experimenting with transcendent thunderous and melodic sounds. Listen to their debut single ‘New Beginnings’ below.

Sounds like: Beach House, Explosions In the Sky, Mogwai

Jafunk · Jafunk & DiRTY RADiO – The Baddest

DiRTY RADiO x Jafunk – The Baddest

DiRTY RADiO x Jafunk

From dreampop to nu-disco tinged funk, DiRTY RADiO team up with Jafunk on ultra smooth new track, ‘The Baddest’.

Despite never meeting, the two worlds have somehow collided into a kaleidoscope of sounds. With summer written all over it, click play right now.

Sounds like: Pat Lok, Jean Tonique, Keljet, Gigamesh, Moon Boots, Tobtok, Moullinex, Pomo, Anderson Paak, Mac Miller

Blu DeTiger – Figure It Out

Blu DeTiger

Meet Blu DeTiger, touring bassist for Caroline Polachek, The Knocks, and Fletcher, and a credible artist in her own right.

Her art-pop single ‘Figure It Out’ is so bright and colourful that you need to put on those sunnies sharpsih.

Blu DeTiger · Figure It Out

Sounds like: Kitten, Sofi Tukker, The Knocks

Night Tales · Feel Nothing (Original Mix)

Far West – Can’t Let Go

Far West - Can't Let Go

Far West is, as you’ve guessed it, from the West Coast of the US, in California.

They have a unique take on bellowing indie/synthpop, reminiscent of the early ’00s. The new single ‘Can’t Let Go’ has big synth leads with a poppy vibe, and is written about trying to let go of something that isn’t good for you.

Far West · Can’t Let Go

Sounds like: Passion Pit, Bombay Bicycle Club

SoundCloud | Instagram

Night Tales – Feel Nothing

Night Tales

Australian electronic duo Night Tales – aka amaliza (Australian-born Kamaliza Salamba, formerly of Olympic Ayres) and Third Floor (UK-born/Aussie-based Aaron Bannie) drop their 3rd single of 2020 titled ‘Feel Nothing.’

It’s a positively-led dance number with a tender touch, written about a relationship that is emotionally spent.

Sounds like: Duke Dumont, Just Kiddin, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle, Hayden James

Makk Mikkael – fear

Makk Mikkael

Montreal based artist Makk Mikkael (MacKenzie Michael) has been writing music from a young age. Since then, she has explored different cities in her home country of Canada, to finally settle in Montréal.

The heartbeat of her new single is a minimalistic down-tempo electro track with ethereal vocals and driving rhythm, which soon goes off-kilter as the ‘fear’ takes over.

makk mikkael · fear

Sounds like: BABii, Men I Trust

Bronze Whale · Bronze Whale x Poles – Hold. Wait. Fall.

Bronze Whale – Hold. Wait. Fall. Feat Poles

Bronze Whale - Hold. Wait. Fall. Feat Poles

First Bronze Whale are walking, next they are stopping.

Stripped right back, the minimal electronic track features fellow label mate and longtime friend, Poles. It’s about being dragged back into a relationship even when you know it’s toxic. Needing to see it through regardless of what it takes from you.

Sounds like: James Blake, Chet Faker, Flume, Droeloe, Weeknd, OTR, CLN

Nao Yoshioka – Up and Away feat. PHER

Nao Yoshioka

Rising Japanese star Nao Yoshioka is showcasing her modern R&B and soul.

Born in Japan, now living in the US, Nao has been perfecting her craft and working alongside legendary musicians in the scene to create an authentic & powerful new album ‘Undeniable’, out now. Listen to her slow and sensual single, ‘Up And Away’ featuring PHER.

Nao Yoshioka · Up and Away feat.PHER

Sounds like: Aaliyah, Solange, H.E.R, Marie Dahlstrom, Oscar Jerome, Ella Mai, Alicia Keys

Madnap · Silhouettes (ft. Little Shadows)

Madnap – Silhouettes Feat. Little Shadows

Madnap

After relocating to Los Angeles in 2017, producer/songwriter/remixer Madnap – aka Kyle Fitzgibbons – shares ‘Silhouettes’ featuring Little Shadows.

The emo-tinged, trap-pop track is his favourite to date, and perfectly captures the Madnap sound in 2020.

Sounds like: yetep, Rome In Silver, Manila Killa, LIONE, juuku

SamYell – Lose Yourself

SAMYELL

California native Samyell has a creative superpower that he is meant to share with the world.

Produced by Osinachi Nwaneri (T.I., Ciara, Black Eyed Peas), ‘Lose Yourself’ will make you do just that.

An infectious nighttime, jazz infused R&B anthem, it urges you to “get lost through temptations of money drugs and false promises.”

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Babyface, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Pharrell

Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Mona Vale – All This Time

Mona Vale

Songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Hoddle – aka Mona Vale – has created an altogether chilled track called ‘All This Time’.

Starting in the pop realms and soon developing into an indie form of ambient electronica, the song is about the early stages of a relationship, setting nostalgic emotions on fire.

Mona Vale · All This Time

Sounds like: XY&O, Nightly, Great Good Fine Ok, Maribou State

Melyz – Bad Together

Melyz

Swiss artist Melyz shares her provactive new single ‘Bad Together’.

with a hint of R&B club vibes, the song takes a darker approach than previous releases, as it considers how toxic and destructive a relationship can become when it gets too passionate.

Melyz · Bad Together

Sounds like: Banks

Weekly Gems 108

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Indietronica Staff

Ant Antic – Good News

Ant Antic - Good News

We’re all dealing with the overload of impressions and information we’re all exposed to, which often leaves us numb.

Woozy-R&B auteur, Ant Antic interrogates the onslaught of clickbait in his Rupert Höller-directed visuals for ‘Good News’

Sounds like: Ben Khan, Moderat, Jai Paul, 5K HD, Sega Bodega

Beth Duck – Nomophobia

Beth Duck - Nomophobia

British pop singer Beth Duck shares her cyber-inspired electro-pop single, ‘Nomophobia’, inspired by a realisation of our generation’s phone obsession.

With a clear European influence – the track is produced and co-written by One by One, a songwriter and producer duo from Berlin.

Sounds like: Ralph, Dagny, Tove Lo, ALMA

Opus Vitae – Carry The Weight

Opus Vitae - Carry The Weight

“Love isn’t perfect, and neither is life, and that’s the real fairy tale” says Los Angeles-based songwriter Banah Winn, aka Opus Vitae. Ain’t that the truth.

His new single ‘Carry The Weight’ is driven by the fired up angst about the current political climate of the world.

Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Sufjan Stevens, Porches

Future Jr. – Back To You

Future Jr.

Inspired by missing home, Australian-born, pizza-loving, Los Angeles-based Future Jr. shares ‘Back To You’.

Conjuring all the nu-disco, dream-pop vibes one could ever wish for, the song was written by Future Jr. and a friend after attending a cliche house party in the Hollywood Hills.

Sounds like: joan, XY&O, Colouring, EXES, Akurei, Nightly

School of X – Bad Love

School of X

Following the extremely well-received release with Lord Silva, School of X releases ‘Bad Love’.

Inspired by Eks-skolen – an anti-establishment art collective that was based in Copenhagen in the 1960s – the emo-tinged song by School of X’s Rasmus Littauer (MØ, Liss, Clairo) is about the loss of trust or faith.

Sounds like: MØ, Máni Orrason, Soleima, Goss, Mura Masa, Clairo, Röyksopp, Lo Moon, Mew

Tigerpunsh – Shade

Tigerpunsh

Born from a remote connection via Instagram and a mutual love of big cats, London-based Welsh/Finnish electro-pop duo Rochelle and Vee are Tigerpunsh.

Brand new onto the scene, their single ‘Shade’ holds a bursting energy throughout, with delicate Eastern synths and experimental pop elements. A great start to what could be a very exciting future for the girls!

Sounds like: Broods, EXES, MS MR, Vera Blue, RAINDEAR, Nova Club, Georgia

Instagram

Alex O’aiza – Out Of My Mind

Alex O'aiza

Alt-pop whizzkid Alex O’aiza shares the Instagram video for ‘Out Of My Mind’, produced by Austin Bello from Dallas pop-punks Forever The Sickest Kids.

Combining snappy pop melodies with gritty rock riffs and layered samples, the visuals show a fun side to O’aiza, whilst still conveying a timely message of pushing through adversity and hard times.

Sounds like: Kasabian

juuku – healing Feat. wilo wilde

juuku - healing (ft. wilo wilde)

Commencing with delicate piano keys and leading to chill electronic production, juuku‘s new single ‘healing’ does just that.

Raw and unfiltered – like the body of his work – his collaborative single with wilo wilde is both angelic and moody.

Sounds like: Madnap, yetep

Olivia Lunny – Think of Me

Olivia Lunny

Canadian singer/songwriter Olivia Lunny shares the catchy and radio-ready ‘Think of Me’.

Channelling pure pop vibes with vibrant electronic production, this post breakup anthem is one for all the broken hearts out there.

Sounds like: Halsey, TESSA

HUDSUN – Shutdown

Hudson

Having entered the music scene from the early age of 17, this rising star has already received national recognition within the UK.

In his signature soul-infused, pop sound, HUDSUN’s latest offering ‘Shutdown’ speaks of the frustration in attempting to break someone out of an emotional prison they have created for themselves wrapped up.

Sounds like: Imagine Dragons

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Last Youth – Violent Ends

Last Youth

Last Youth has returned following their debut album release with new single ‘Violent Ends’ – an array of genre-bending vibrant pop and alt-rock.

Full of emotional angst, the track portrays the violent ends that the human race faces.

Sounds like: Imagine Draons, Bring Me The Horizon, Thirty Seconds To Mars

SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram

Future Thieves – Get Up

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Future Thieves

Basement band Future Thieves is comprised of Nashville-based Elliot Collett (vocals, guitar, keys), Austin McCool (guitar), and Nick Goss (bass).

To say these guys have had a tough year is an understatement, yet they come back with the same pop ambition and handcrafted grit as before.

This musical strength is clear in new single ‘Get Up’.

Live
^ with The Weeks

Oct 15 New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa ^
Oct 16 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall ^
Oct 17 Austin, TX @ Antone’s Nightclub ^
Oct 18 San Antonio, TX @ The Rustic ^
Oct 19 Dallas, TX @ The Rustic ^
Oct 22 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater ^
Oct 24 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge ^
Oct 25 San Diego, CA @ The Irenic ^
Oct 26 Los Angeles, CA @ The Hi Hat ^
Oct 29 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge ^
Oct 30 Boise, ID @ The Olympic Venue ^
Nov 1 Seattle, WA @ Columbia City Theater ^
Nov 3 Billings, MT @ Pub Station Taproom ^
Nov 5 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court ^
Nov 7 Wichita, KS @ Wave – Indoor ^
Nov 9 St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway ^

Expect the band’s upcoming EP, ‘Emotional Cost’, out on 22 November.

Sounds like: XY&O, Sea Girls, Brett, The Weeks, Hardcastle, Night Traveler, Local Natives, Hardcastle

Weekly Gems 47

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Lydia Evangeline – Down

Lydia Evangeline

Lydia Evangeline is standing as a quality and thought-provoking songstress.

Never truer to a gritty pop sound, ‘Down’ is about a toxic relationship, full of lyrical sadness and an optimstic sass running throughout.

It’s out now via Bespoke Records.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, NAO

CILVR – Bound To Die

CILVR

Swedish singer/songwriter CILVR has drawn comparisons to Billie Eilish, Lykke Li and Kate Bush and we can understand why with her delicate take on Scandi-pop.

But don’t be fooled, these dulcet tones quickly transcend into slick and airy pop.

With a genuine ability to write original songs, we are excited of things to come from CILVR.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Lykke Li, Kate Bush, Robyn

Suns Up – Love You Back

Suns Up

What’s up Suns Up? Sussex country-bumpkin band Suns Up will definitely brighten up your day with ‘Love You Back’.

A perfect indie-pop anthem with sweet guitar melodies, infectious hooks and dizzy vocals. As seen on your next Made in Chelsea episode very soon…

Sounds like: Sea Girls, The Kooks, Two Door Cinema Club, The 1975, Phoenix, Sundara Karma

Chris Ayer – Need Somebody

Chris Ayer - Need Somebody

West Coast dweller Chris Ayer shares ‘Need Somebody’.

It’s a pop song through and through, written about being in a relationship with someone that you know isn’t good for you, a perfect remedy for heartbroken teens across the globe.

Sounds like: XY&O, Charlie Puth, Ed Sheeran

Dylan Emmet – Memory feat. Constance

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Dylan Emmet has a gut wrenching story to tell. After discovering about a two year old daughter he never know about, Emmet packed his bags and moved to New York to be a full-time dad and musician.

He has enlisted Candian singer/songwriter Constance (NÉONHÈART) on their emotional song ‘Memory’, and the special chemistry between Emmet and Constance is clear throughout the song.

Bellhouse – Like You Loved Us

Bellhouse

Bellhouse is the Swedish pop project of Emma-Lee Andersson.

A trained truck driver who would have chosen a career in criminology if it weren’t for her music, it’s perhaps surprising that Bellhouse didn’t notice her musical talent in pop music soon.

Her gorgeously radio-ready ‘Like You Loved Us’ had us at hello and for this reason, Bellhouse is one of our Ones to Watch for 2019.

Sounds like: Allie X, Zella Day, ORKID, Harlee

Jamie N Commons – Paper Dreams

Following a move to Los Angeles to pursue his now hugely successful songwriting career, Jamie N Commons found his music took an unexpected turn towards the musical greats of the 80’s.

Containing these ingredients, plus the addition of some rock and blues in there, Jamie N Commons’ ‘Paper Dreams’ are certainly proving fruitful.

Sounds like: Rag’n’Bone Man, Jacob Banks

thanks. – HYHU

thanks.

Berklee Music of College graduates duo thanks. are inspiring musicians around the world with their new single ‘HYHU’ (Hold Your Head Up).

It does exactly what it says on the tin, with an extra dose of groovy indie-pop swagger and electronic melodies.

Sounds like: Coach & Ref, Rudimental

Clinic Blonde – Fabled

Copenhagen quarter Clinic Blonde are playing it nonchalant with dreamy new single ‘Fabled’.

Their sound is both fresh and nostalgic – think sparkling riffs and sky-high vocals that will warm the warmest of months.

Weekly Gems 26

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Troye Sivan – My My My!

My My My! Troye Sivan is getting us hot under the collar with his new video.

The video commences by following a peaceful and sweaty Troye dancing in an abandoned warehouse veiled in black and white, before flipping to an equally as sweaty but colourful night in said warehouse.

Sounds like: Years & Years, One Republic

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

ADAL – Synthesize feat Alexanderson

ADAL

Rising pop artist ADAL shares his new single ‘Synthesize’, featuring the vocals of Alexanderson of XY&O.

It oozes nostalgia combine with forward-thinking pop sensibilities, and there are even more exciting times ahead for ADAL – he is currently writing a debut album, with an array of featuring vocalists which include FREJA, Indiana, Farida and NINA.

Sounds like: XY&O

Kid Cupid – Easy

Kid Cupid

New London-based Kid Cupid shares the video for ‘Easy’.

Despite it’s overall blissed-out sound, it’s a song that deeply delves into self-destruction, including the harsh realities of addiction, through pulsating beats and gritty beats.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue

Paige – Everywhere Feat. Jojee

Paige

Meet US-based DJ/producer Paige. He has teamed up with rising pop singer and fashionista Jojee on new single ‘Everywhere’.

The uplifting song transports you to a distant land where all is good with the world and you can freely open your arms to the sky and spin around.

Sounds like: The Him, Gryffin, July Child

Atella – Alive

Atella - Alive

Galactic Norwegian producer duo Atella share the dreamy single ‘Alive’.

It is sway-inducing, unadulterated atmospheric cosmic disco with vocals that simply melt into your deeper being. Lovely.

Listen below.

It’s out now on Eskimo Recordings.

Sounds like: Röyksopp, Goldroom, RAC, Joe Goddard, Lindstrøm

New Shack – Ways and Means

New Shack

New Shack is the synth-wave project from Cat Leavy and Eric Robertson.

They’ve supported Glass Animals, and you can see why due to their quirky attitude to making music. ‘Ways And Means’ has vintage synth notes and retro percussions throughout.

‘Ways And Mean’s is out now via Little Assembly.

Sounds like: Chela, Goldroom, Niki & The Dove

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

STITCH – Goodbye Highline

STITCH

UK trio STITCH are giving London Grammar a run for their money with ‘Goodbye Highline’.

The mid-tempo track is about that tricky middle moment where you look back nostalgically on a love lost, but also welcome the bright future ahead. It contains 150 layers of strings, all of which were recorded by band member Kye in their shared living room.

Expect their ‘Welcome To The Dream’ EP in March.

Sounds like: London Grammar, Jessie Ware, Nimmo, Kudu Blue

Chris Ayer – Heavy

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Chris Ayer

Los Angeles native Chris Ayer gets a little ‘Heavy’ with his new indie pop jam.

The track, with it’s brilliant vocal hook and catchy guitar riffs, is addictive, and we can’t help but think Chris has cleverly positioned himself just slightly left of the popular chart music with this track, giving us enough commercial attitude to spark interest, whilst retaining his individuality amongst the crowd.

Sounds like: XY&O, Charlie Puth