Sungaze – I’m No Longer Afraid of Heights

Photo / Rikki Austin

For those unfamiliar with Sungaze, this emerging six-piece outfit are from the city of Cincinnati in Ohio. Their sound has particularly impressed us this week, and we’re quite excited to be sharing their new single with you.

‘I’m No Longer Afraid of Heights’ is a beautifully atmospheric emo song that fuses alternative rock with dreamy pop and shoegaze. The production is sonically complex, evolving in intensity as the track progresses. It’s powerful, moving, and almost cinematic in its tone.

Lyrically, the song looks at our hopes and aspirations as children, and how they eventually begin to conflict with the realities of adulthood. Elaborating on the single’s accompanying music video, lead vocalist Ivory Snow says:

“It was important to us to film the video in the real life settings that inspired it. We filmed over the course of three days. Day one was mostly spent working with our kid actors, and filming the office-attire scenes. Day two was filming the outdoor performance and narrator scenes which involved sneaking into a gravel pit yard and walking the streets of the small town where I grew up. The corner store in the video is the very same that is mentioned in the first verse. The third day was the live show, which was shot at Madison Live in Covington, KY, across the river from Cincinnati. To get the slow motion effect, we had to perform the song at 2x speed, which made for a humorous experience. I think we were all thankful that we play relatively slow music.”

‘I’m No Longer Afraid of Heights’ is taken from the band’s album of the same name, which is scheduled for release on 22 May 2026 – preorder here.

Sungaze | Ones To Watch Playlist

Diverse – Haunted

Diverse has to be one of the most interesting artists that we’ve come across this week. Hailing from Switzerland, this musician creates a very distinctive electronic sound that is instantly captivating.

‘Haunted’ is taken from the artist’s newly released EP of the same name (listen here) and presents listeners with a UK Garage-style of production that builds an immersive soundscape full of interesting textures.

Diverse has been active since 2022, crafting productions that mix genres as diverse as dubstep, drum & bass and house. The ‘Haunted’ EP is his first release with experimental indie label Androids Dungeon Radio.

Diverse | Ones To Watch Playlist

Iona Luke – Existential

Photo / Daisy Dickinson

Rising UK starlet Iona Luke is back today with a bold new single called ‘Existential’.

This track makes an instant impact from the start. The production fuses alternative rock with indie-pop, resulting in a sound that is intense, raw and dramatic. Lyrically, the song’s introspective lyrics speak of personal identity and doubting yourself when you’re an artist.

“In a madly oversaturated music space, figuring out where you stand and what you have to say is scary stuff. When I had to decide whether I’d be ‘Iona’ or ‘Iona Luke,’ I repeated my name in my head too many times and had the mini existential collapse we all get when a word suddenly looks a bit funny.”

“This song is about identity, overthinking, and wondering if what you do actually matters. It was almost impossible to write… snapped a lot of pencils.”

Iona was carving a career as a musician while also studying English Literature at Cambridge University. She’s gained attention from icons like Lana Del Rey and has amassed over two million career streams to date.

Iona Luke | Ones To Watch Playlist

Interview: Quickfire with Hanne Leland

Norwegian star Hanne Leland has been on our radars for more than a decade, and we’re still fans after all this time. The acclaimed singer and songwriter has had a varied career in music, immersing herself in Nashville’s scene in her early years before shifting to the electronic pop sound that she is so well known for now.

Leland returns today with a brilliant new Scandi pop banger called ‘Call You Mine’. It’s the perfect song to add to your weekend playlists, and in our view, it is likely to gain even more traction over the upcoming summer months. It’s catchy, fun, and lyrically relatable to anyone who’s ever fallen in love.

To celebrate its release, we managed to get the chance to have a catch-up with the artist, where she speaks on the creative hustle, her inspirations when making music, and what the future holds.

You’ve made a fascinating transition from the Nashville singer-songwriter scene to becoming one of Oslo’s most exciting independent pop forces. For those just joining the journey, how would you describe the Hanne Leland sound in 2026?

I’d say my sound is very much rooted in pop, with a touch of electro-pop. I like to experiment, so my sound has shifted a bit between indie pop and electro-pop over time, but at its core, it’s always been pop. This year, I’m really leaning into a more polished, playful electro-pop sound.

Your career is a masterclass in DIY hustle – from pitching sponsors to recording with Taylor Swift’s session musicians in Tennessee. Looking back at those early days, what is the core motivation that keeps you building this international career entirely on your own terms?

I think a lot of indie/ DIY artists are naturally very entrepreneurial, and that’s something I’ve always identified with. I have a strong work ethic and I love making things happen, but ultimately, it’s my love for music and songwriting that has kept me going.

Whether it’s your previous singles or your 2025 Christmas album, there’s always a distinct emotional thread in your writing. Where do you typically find yourself most inspired to create? Is it in the quiet moments of reflection or the chaos of real life experiences?

I’d say it’s a bit of both! I often write about my own life, whether that’s the big, chaotic moments, like a breakup, or the quieter, everyday experiences. For example, my 2025 song ‘Nothing At All’ is about the simple, everyday life with your partner, and how that ordinary routine can be everything you want.

Your new single ‘Call You Mine’ is an anthem that captures that agonisingly exciting ‘are we/ aren’t we’ phase of a new romance. Since you wrote this a couple of years ago, what was it about this specific track that made it feel like the perfect spark to kick off your 2026 releases?

I think it’s the perfect track for spring! It’s flirty, fun, and full of anticipation. It feels great to release something upbeat and playful just as the sun starts peeking out and summer is on the horizon.

With over 17 million streams under your belt and a fresh team behind you in both Norway and the UK, the momentum is clearly building. What does the rest of the year look like for you?

I’m thrilled to be playing my own headline show in Oslo this year! I also have more singles planned, in the same playful, upbeat vibe as ‘Call You Mine.’

Hanne Leland | Nordic Sound Playlist | Ones To Watch Playlist

Master Peace x Thomas Day – Love Hate

Two of the brightest musical talents have joined forces to create one of the summer’s biggest songs… even though we’re still in April!

Pairing acclaimed wordsmith Master Peace and rising singer-songwriter Thomas Day is quite the genius move. ‘Love Hate’ playfully weaves dreamy indie with alternative pop, building a shimmering soundscape that contrasts nicely with both artists’ distinctive vocals.

If you haven’t yet, make sure you check out Master Peace’s latest EP, ‘Stupid Kids‘, and if you’re in London, then you can catch him performing live at Heaven on the 28th October.

Master Peace | Thomas Day | Ones To Watch Playlist

Yellow House – Bound & Covered

Photo / Andile Phewa

Yellow House is the musical project of South African singer and songwriter Emile van Dango. With more than 100 million career streams already racked up on Spotify, Emile has already established himself as one of his nation’s most promising rising stars.

New single ‘Bound & Covered’ is a finessed dream-pop song that reminds us of the work by artists like Tame Impala and Washed Out. Hazy, mysterious, and utterly mesmerising, this track speaks of the intensities of being in love.

“‘Bound & Covered’ is a declaration of devotion and passion. Two lovers existing in complete belonging to one another across space and time.”

An upcoming ‘soft-concept’ album, called ‘Gateways & Trains‘, is scheduled for release soon, which will focus on the story of a mystic lover who leaves heaven to search for love.

Yellow House | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Stella Lovell

Stella Lovell is a promising newcomer hailing from Seattle, and we think you might enjoy her impressive sound.

Stella blends indie with rock, pop and folk to create sounds that have mainstream appeal while still maintaining a sense of raw authenticity.

New single ‘Get Away’ took a while to come to life – it was written four years ago in the artist’s childhood bedroom, and perfectly encapsulates Lovell’s style of work.

If you like the song then you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s an EP scheduled for release on the 8th of May. In the meantime, be sure to follow Stella on Spotify!

Stella Lovell | Ones To Watch Playlist

Navina – Rain (Overcoming Anxiety)

Photo / Lincoln Pictures

Navina is one of the UK’s most interesting indie-folk talents right now, and we’re not the only ones who think so. This rising starlet has picked up praise from outlets like BBC Radio 1 and Spotify, and momentum is certain to continue with the release of her new single, ‘Rain (Overcoming Anxiety)’.

The track showcases Navina’s natural flair for crafting productions that are easy to listen to sonically while also being lyrically raw and deeply personal. This song was inspired by feelings of anxiety, yet still gives listeners a sense of hope.

“This song came from a place of surrender. In the chaos of anxiety, I found that instead of fighting, there is peace in letting go, trusting in something greater than myself. It’s a song about weathering the storm and realising you’re never truly alone. When the sea of anxiousness is overwhelming, trust in something outside of myself shows that the sea is just made up of the rain, and anxiety can be overcome.”

More new music is on the way. In the meantime, you can follow Navina on her Substack, where updates are added every week.

Navina | Ones To Watch Playlist

Bradley Jago – You Let Go

We’ve lost count of the number of times that we’ve featured UK artist Bradley Jago, and for good reason. This talent continues to win fans and critics alike with his distinctive soul sound.

Jago returns today with a new EP called ‘My Inner Vitriol’ (listen here), along with a single called ‘You Let Go’. Blending elements of R&B into the production, the track is reminiscent of sounds by the likes of Amy Winehouse and Sasha Keable.

“It follows the end of the honeymoon phase, with each partner accusing the other of changing the dynamic of the relationship first.”

To celebrate the release of the EP, Bradley will play his first headline show in over a year at London’s Theatreship on the 16th April – grab your tickets here.

Bradley Jago | Ones To Watch Playlist

Sunstone – The Trip (Get Y’ Money Back)

If you’re in the mood for some R&B-soul, then we’ve got a great track to share with you today, courtesy of London-based outfit Sunstone.

‘The Trip (Get Y’ Money Back)’ is a taster to the band’s upcoming ‘Cherry Smack’ album and looks at themes of migration and the challenges of resettling. Alongside the thoughtful lyricism, this song seamlessly fuses neo-soul with classic R&B, concluding with an unexpected but impactful piece of spoken word.

Sunstone won the International Indie Songwriter Contest back in 2018 and have since then been featured by tastemakers like Visual Atelier 8, The Word Is Bond, and Podcart.

Sunstone | Ones To Watch Playlist

Corrj – The Angels Won’t Look Down Again

Australia-based artist Corrj is back today with a personal and powerful new single called ‘The Angels Won’t Look Down Again’.

On the surface, this is a sleek and finessed alternative-R&B song with polished beats and flawless vocals. But dig deeper and you’ll find a song that is brutally raw and honest in its lyrics.

The track was inspired by the legal battles that Corrj had to go through following the death of his father, trying to regain his family’s belongings, and the long-lasting emotional toll that it took. It looks at the complexities of grief and the struggle to move forward, even when you haven’t yet fully healed. Elaborating further, Corrj explains:

“My father died in March 2023 who was a massive influence on me and my music, he taught me piano and guitar. I saw him take his last breath in the hospital. I had my first national tour that was already locked in starting in May 2023. A week before the tour start my fathers’ ‘girlfriend’ who was staying at our family home at the time (while we were out) changed all the locks in the house once she found out she wasn’t in his Will.”

“This song was written in the aftermath of losing my father, the turmoil that followed, and a two-year legal battle that intensified an already overwhelming grief. ‘The angels won’t look down again’ is a metaphor for that absence not a rejection from heaven, but the acceptance of my new reality.”

The artist is currently working on his next project, which will ‘highlight a lot of introspective themes to do with that experience, my mental health and the things I have experienced in love’.

Alongside his own work as a solo artist, Corrj is also a guitarist who has shared stages with the likes of Go-Jo and Hannah Stow.

Corrj | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Natalie Leonard

New York’s Natalie Leonard is a promising singer, songwriter, producer and dancer who creates a very special blend of R&B and pop.

Natalie is already building traction in her home city, thanks in part to her live shows which feature her brother Jesse. Unashamedly bold in her work, she delivers songs that not only have a heavy impact sonically but also lyrically.

New single ‘Turo Tesla’ was inspired by the “fall before the crash of a city romance” and includes elements of synth to add an electronic twist to the sound.

“‘Turo Tesla’ is a cinematic R&B ‘night-walk’ anthem exploring the imbalance of a trust-fall into unconditional love. It captures the adrenaline of giving everything to someone who is terrified of the descent.”

Natalie has performed on iconic stages like the Hammerstein Ballroom and Sony Hall and also had her music featured by tastemakers like Perspective and IGGY Magazine.

Natalie Leonard | Ones To Watch Playlist

Kimani – Feels Like

UK artist Kimani is no stranger to these pages; we first came across this talent’s work back in 2020. To this day, he continues to impress us with his distinctive style of alternative R&B, which is proving to be some of the best to emerge from the UK scene in recent years.

New single ‘Feels Like’ treats us to a joyful yet mellow piece of music. The production is texturally fuzzy, adding an indie edge to the sound which makes it a really interesting experience to listen to.

Even after all of this time, Kimani is somewhat of an enigma to us… but with songs this good, we’re still big fans.

Kimani | Ones To Watch Playlist

Julia Calvin – is it?

Julia Calvin only came across our radars this week, but we’re already in love. The Costa Rican and American singer-songwriter creates a very sincere pop sound which is instantly captivating.

‘is it?’ is an introspective song that is relatable to anyone who has a habit of putting other people ahead of themselves. The track marks the moment when Calvin finally decides that enough is enough – and to not be swayed just for the benefit of others.

“As a recovering people-pleaser, I have a tendency to overly seek reassurance. This song was born during a time when I was in a long-distance relationship and I wasn’t getting the reassurance I felt I needed that things were okay. It was an admission that, while I was bringing old subjects back up, I also needed to be met in the middle – ‘it’s really not much to meet me halfway, is it?’ I’m an older sister (if you know you know), and I have a tendency to over-extend myself and put my needs aside for others. This song was the beginning of standing my ground, and realizing that ‘I don’t wanna be a nice girl if nobody ever listens.’ I took the idea to the last writing session I did in LA before moving to NYC a year ago, and we finished it so quickly and effortlessly. Favorite kind of writing session!”

Calvin’s music first gained recognition in 2019, when she won the BMI Foundation’s Peermusic Latin Scholarship Award that year. Since then she’s released two EP’s – ‘Boxes’ in 2022 and ‘Everything to Gain’ in 2024. You can listen to both records here.

Julia Calvin | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Linn-Katrin Lune

It’s been a while since we last featured talent from Norway, so we’re really excited to be sharing with you newcomer Linn-Katrin Lune.

‘Sunset Hill Road’ is Lune’s second release to date and treats listeners to a melodic fusion of indie-folk and acoustic pop. The minimal production allows the vocals to shine through beautifully, and overall, this is quite an easy song to fall in love with.

Lune cites Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Melissa Horn as some of her inspirations, and we can certainly hear elements of that on ‘Sunset Hill Road’. We’re looking forward to hearing what comes next!

Linn-Katrin Lune | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Alex Bonyata x Bella Rose – I Should Feel Better

Musicians Alex Bonyata and Bella Rose have collaborated on a new single, and it’s so catchy that we had to share it with you.

‘I Should Feel Better’ looks at the pressures that we put on ourselves to be happy. Alongside the memorable melody, the song’s lyrics are refreshingly honest and easy to form a connection with.

“The song explores unexplained depression, pressure to be okay, and the question: why don’t I feel better when I’m supposed to?”

Bonyata and Rose are songwriters who met at the Grammy Foundation’s Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and have been working on songs together from as early as 2015. Collectively they are known as The Young Something and have performed with the likes of Ringo Starr and Foreigner.

Alex Bonyata | Bella Rose | Ones To Watch Playlist

Leo Perl – Another Day

American indie artist Leo Perl returns with his second single of the year, called ‘Another Day’. There’s a playful irony in how this track’s frantic and high-energy production contrasts with lyrics that speak of procrastination.

The production showcases a sound that fuses alternative pop with indie and rap, and continues to highlight Perl’s ever-evolving style of working. This is a musician who is comfortable playing around with a variety of genres, which makes his work refreshingly unexpected with each release.

Leo Perl | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Danie Groves

British and Thai singer, songwriter and actress Danie Groves is a very special newcomer who has won us over with her sleek R&B sound.

‘Embers’ is out today and was inspired by the age-old dilemma of falling in love with the right person at the wrong time – and having to let them go. The lyrics are honest, vulnerable and sincere, drawing listeners into Danie’s innermost thoughts. She explains:

“I wrote ‘Embers’ years ago about someone who changed my perspective on what it means to pursue love with integrity. I still have a lot of admiration for that person, but the experience taught me how much timing and honesty matters. It helped me understand what I truly value in a relationship. At its heart, the song is about gratitude: for the memories, the lessons, and the clarity that came afterwards.”

Groves has had an interesting childhood split between the UK, Hong Kong and Thailand. Alongside her music career, Danie is also a qualified barrister and based in London.

Danie Groves | Ones To Watch Playlist

Vansire – For the Moment

Minnesota music project Vansire return today with a charming new song that we think you might love quite a lot.

‘For the Moment’ is a subtly playful-sounding track that weaves dreamy pop with indie. The production feels nostalgic in tone, while the lyrics speak of the connections that we have with music as we grow older.

“A kind of metamodern tribute to people who listen to us and those who occupy a similar age range to us, taking solace in the community and expression that music can afford us, reflecting on the way our lives have changed through forces outside our control, but celebrating the ties that music can provide us.” – Josh Augustin, Vansire

The song is lifted from the duo’s next LP, ‘Taking Solace’, which is out on the 5th June 2026. Vansire consists of musicians Josh Augustin and Sam Winemiller, who have been writing and recording their music for over a decade.

Vansire | Ones To Watch Playlist