Jaïr Faria – August

SONG OF THE WEEK


Dutch singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jaïr Faria is having quite the year, and deservedly so. This hugely talented artist has just been signed to Roc Nation’s publishing arm, as well as a recording contract with Giant Music.

‘August’ is a flavour of what the future holds. This is a bold, powerful, cinematic, and beautifully intense song that fuses alternative rock with dark pop and soul. It’s unashamedly raw, reflecting the healing process after a breakup:

“‘August’ is about trying to move on from someone and finally reaching a period where life begins to feel light again. But even in the middle of a beautiful summer, one dark, rainy day can bring everything back – the memories, the absence, and the pain you thought you had left behind. The rain becomes a metaphor for those unexpected moments that pull you back into grief, while August represents the warmth and happiness you are trying to return to. It is a bittersweet song about how healing is never completely linear.”

To date, Faria has amassed well over 11 million career streams and 44 million TikTok views, to name a few achievements.

Jaïr Faria | Ones To Watch Playlist

Sinego x Tripolism – Flotando

South American producer Sinego and Danish trio Tripolism have joined forces to create one of the weekend’s standout electronic releases.

‘Flotando’ is an immersive piece of sonic perfection. The production is polished and balanced, with a hypnotic beat that draws listeners into a soundscape which blends melodic house with Afro-house and techno.

Sinego is an acclaimed producer who has amassed more than 6 million career streams, while Copenhagen’s Tripolism are one of Scandinavia’s biggest electronic powerhouses, amassing over twenty million streams to date.

Sinego | Tripolism | Ones To Watch Playlist

Vau – Cocoon Time

We only featured Vau a couple of months ago, but we can already safely call ourselves fans of this rising newcomer.

The Swedish singer and songwriter is back today with a gorgeous song called ‘Cocoon Time’, and it’s really quite something. The production blends bedroom pop with fuzzy indie, resulting in a hazy and subdued style of sound. And yet despite its minimalism, this track still feels sonically joyful and energising.

But don’t be fooled – the lyrics are actually pretty intense. The artist explains:

“A song with an uplifting production and feeling, but rather dark lyrics: about self loathing and the need to merge into the depths of your sofa to hide from the world for a while. But also: to – in due time – emerge from those depths and take a leap into a new chapter of life again. A song for all us sensitive souls out there.”

Vau has also released an album of the same name today, which you can enjoy here.

Vau | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Tom Sless – Country Butter

‘Country Butter’ by American artist Tom Sless is one of this summer’s catchiest releases, in our humble opinion anyway.

This track blends a playful, nostalgia-tinged indie-pop production with lyrics that compare the warmth of the summer season with that of being in love. It’s a classic pop sound that is instantly relatable to most listeners and one that fits perfectly into any summer-inspired playlist.

Sless abandoned his corporate life working for Deloitte, opting to buy a van and roam around the country performing wherever he could. You can catch Tom at The Double Wide in Dallas on the 14th August – tickets here.

Tom Sless | Ones To Watch Playlist

Saint Blonde – smooth talkin’

Despite being around since 2018, we’ve rarely come across the Texan group Saint Blonde’s work… and we’re wondering why it took us so long to wake up to just how brilliant they really are.

‘smooth talking’ is one of those songs that exudes confidence; it’s bold and punchy without trying hard. The production seamlessly fuses indie with psychedelica, gritty rock, and dreamy pop. It’s a blend of sounds that shouldn’t work together, but somehow they do here. And fantastically so at that.

If you enjoy these guys as much as we now do, then be sure to explore their back catalogue on Spotify here.

Saint Blonde | Ones To Watch Playlist

K La – Cold

There’s something very powerful when an artist reinvents themselves. As listeners, we get to explore new sounds, perspectives, and ways of expression when musicians shift, as is the case with Atlanta’s Kayla Williams and her rebrand, K La.

‘Cold’ is immediately captivating. With its intense, dark, and cinematic style of pop, this release makes a bold and powerful statement – an announcement of a new dawn for an already hugely gifted artist.

“K La is the voice that had been whispering beneath everything I’d released before. The songs were always honest, but they were still careful. K La isn’t a different person, she’s the version of me that stopped apologising for taking up space and granted herself permission to be louder, bolder, and more expressive”. ‘Cold’ is just the first of many soundtracks finally breaking that sound.”

We’re so excited with this new work from Williams and can’t wait to see what is next on the horizon.

K La | Ones To Watch Playlist

Dan Croll – Most of All

Photo / Hanifah Mohammad

Acclaimed artist Dan Croll has graced our pages for well over a decade and still continues to pleasantly surprise us.

His new single, ‘Most Of All’, is a magnificent blend of indie, pop and folk. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity. The production is thoughtfully balanced, the melody is simple, and the lyrics are easy to connect with.

The track was inspired by a road trip that Croll embarked on while in the US and reminds us that the charm of these adventures lies in the people we meet and less about the places themselves.

“During my final month in Los Angeles, I had this urge to leave nothing undone. I borrowed a friend’s car and set off on a series of road trips to see everything that had been sitting on my list.”

“‘Most of All’ came from that realisation. It is a reflection on that journey, but more importantly on what it led me to understand. The song moves through those images of travel and discovery, but always comes back to the same conclusion… ‘I’d miss you most of all’ is the truth that grounds it.”

A new album, titled ‘Winning Streak’, is out on the 9th October 2026.

Dan Croll | Ones To Watch Playlist

muuk – starfish

Photo / Victor Stokholm

SONG OF THE WEEK

Danish artist muuk returns today with her third single, and it really is something quite special.

‘starfish’ is many things sonically. This is dreamy pop with elements of lo-fi indie and shoegaze.

The production builds a soundscape that feels somewhat joyful and optimistic but juxtaposes heavily against lyrics which speak of toxic love in an unbalanced relationship she went through.

“I was so miserable in this period of my life, yet I truly believed this was the love of my life.”

“With ‘starfish’ I finally feel ready to let go of all the pain that has followed me throughout all these years. I want to move forward.”

An upcoming EP is on the way. In the meantime, be sure to check out Muuk’s other two equally stunning singles here.

muuk | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

ROREY – Binary Thinking

We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve featured NY talent ROREY, so it won’t come as a surprise that we’re loving their new single, ‘Binary Thinking’.

The production presents listeners with a summer-tinged indie pop production that feels nostalgic in tone. The song’s melancholic essence mirrors the lyrics, which are inspired by the thoughts that cross your mind when you stop communicating with someone you used to be with.

“This chorus is my favorite because, I think we all want to stand on the belief that the other person will regret losing us but, I also wondered if I even mattered enough to be felt as a loss. I wondered a lot if my absence was more of a relief. I feel like the song highlights that cyclical ‘Binary Thinking’ when you’re left speculating. While this song was written over a year ago it could have been written yesterday. Silence is open to interpretation and the intention behind it doesn’t change the impact.” 

ROREY has amassed more than 550k streams to date and continues to win praise from tastemakers like OnesToWatch and Atwood Magazine.

ROREY | Ones To Watch Playlist

Pool Girl – Crab

Musician, producer and DJ Pool Girl returns with a shimmering new single today, called ‘Crab’.

This sun-drenched, warm track is lifted from the artist’s upcoming ‘Melancholic Beach Town’ album (out on 18th September) and showcases an interesting mix of indie and surf-inspired pop.

Pool Girl’s work has been featured on Spotify playlists like Fresh Finds Indie and All New Indie. The artist will perform headline gigs in LA and New York soon before embarking on a support tour in the autumn.

Pool Girl | Ones To Watch Playlist

Hera Lind – Finsbury Park

The first thing that stands out when playing ‘Finsbury Park’ is Hera Lind’s stunning vocals.

This 25-year-old Icelandic singer and songwriter crafts a style of indie-folk that is mesmerising to experience. Having grown up in London, it’s no surprise that the city weaves its way into Hera’s artistry.

‘Finsbury Park’ is a beautifully melancholic piece of music that was inspired by the insecurities and anxieties that come with realising that the person you love is starting to doubt the relationship.

Alongside her own work, Hera has also collaborated with global names like French talent Snny, Northern Ireland’s Weston Loney, and Bartek Turski from Poland.

Hera Lind | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Panama + AMTRAC – Hummingbird (Banyan Remix)

Acclaimed production duo Banyan have delivered one of the standout releases of the week – a very special remix of Panama and AMTRAC’s recent hit ‘Hummingbird‘.

This version builds a soundscape like none other. It’s immersive and utterly captivating, starting minimally and evolving into a spectacular finale.

“After years of being fans of Panama and AMTRAC we had the honour of remixing their new single ‘Hummingbird'”.

Banyan currently attract close to 500k monthly listeners on Spotify and have landed features on tastemaker platforms like BBC Radio 1 Dance and Capital Chill.

“Music helps us transmute the hard times into something more beautiful and the good times into something that we can leave behind and share.”

Panama | AMTRAC | Banyan | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Alicia Clifford

London-based Alicia Clifford is still a new name but is already winning a tonne of fans, including names as noted as Sam Fender and Gigi Perez.

‘Torn’, produced by Song Higginson (tmdistant, YAOUNDÉBOXINGCLUB), is track that will be relatable to anyone who’s witnessed their former lover move on to someone new.

It’s a refreshingly alternative mix of indie, pop, and rock and makes an instant impact from the moment you press play.

We’re excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for this hugely promising singer and songwriter.

Alicia Clifford | Ones To Watch Playlist

Brice Blanco – Cheap Thrills

We’ve made no secret of our love of US newcomer Brice Blanco, so we’re ecstatic to hear that he’s back today with another sensational release.

Produced by Amarah, ‘Cheap Thrills’ is a taster for the artist’s forthcoming ‘AFRO URF’ record and showcases a dreamy fusion of alternative R&B and hip hop. The song’s lyrics touch on the idea that chasing superficiality doesn’t result in true fulfilment.

Blanco’s work has already picked up seals of approval from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, while also landing on some flagship Spotify playlists. One to watch!

Brice Blanco | Ones To Watch Playlist

MAPLO + Ben Thrasher – can’t take this

Salt Lake’s MAPLO have joined forces with Seattle’s Ben Thrasher on a new single, and it’s a banger.

‘cant take this’ treats us to an energising mix of old-school, soulful house music and UK garage. It’s got a nostalgic, 90s club sound but also feels distinctive, joyful, and a little bit cheeky.

Both MAPLO and Ben Thrasher are gaining significant traction across social media with their projects, and this collaboration will only boost their momentum even more.

MAPLO | Ben Thrasher | Ones To Watch Playlist

Tone Ranger – Drive

SONG OF THE WEEK

If you’re in the mood for some dreamy indietronica, then we’ve got a brilliant new song to share with you, courtesy of acclaimed US artist and composer Tone Ranger (aka Alex Simon).

Inspired by Simon’s late grandfather (a mechanic with an impressive classic car collection), ‘Drive’ is somewhat of a love letter to the freedom of being on an open road. Sonically, the production blends nostalgic synths with electronic music, resulting in a sound that feels familiar but also refreshingly original in style.

Simon has been releasing music as Tone Ranger from as early as 2018 and has shared stages with the likes of Orbital and Thievery Corporation.

Tone Ranger | Ones To Watch Playlist

KLP – 2AM

Australian house icon KLP is here with your weekend club anthem, the aptly titled ‘2AM’.

This track is pure euphoria. With its upbeat production and classic house sound, the song reminds listeners theat nothing will ever beat the feeling of being in a club with good company and good music.

KLP currently commands close to a million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, and with releases like ‘2AM’, it’s no wonder why.

KLP | Ones To Watch Playlist

Rachel Ritchie – Father’s Daughter

American singer and songwriter Rachel Ritchie releases one of her most personal singles to date, ‘Father’s Daughter’.

The indie-pop song was inspired by the artist’s late father and serves as a tribute but also a celebration of the special bond that dads have with their daughters. The artist elaborates:

“This song is a tribute to my father, who has passed away and celebrates that I turned out to be strong like he was, and even though he is gone, his memory and lessons live on.”

Ritchie’s music has amassed more than 50k career streams to date on Spotify, with support from tastemakers coming from the likes of Lefuturewave and Soulwavez. You can explore more of her songs here.

Rachel Ritchie | Ones To Watch Playlist

Crab – Hair

We first featured US indie-rockers Crab earlier this year, and we’ve been fans since.

They’re back today with a massive new single called ‘Hair’. As we’ve come to expect from this emerging group, the track is loud, full of character, and infectiously catchy. This is indie at its most playful and energetic, and we’re here for it.

Crab play Brooklyn’s Empire Stage on the 24th of July – find out more here.

Crab | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: The Amber Lens

We’ve got an exciting British debut to share with you today – and if you love rock, you’ll absolutely appreciate this outfit.

Hailing from South Wales, The Amber Lens only formed this year, but if their introductory single ‘Spectral Machines’ is anything to go by, we think these guys will go far very quickly.

The track presents listeners with an industrial alt-rock sound that is full of grit and character. It’s bold, confident, and infectiously energising – mirroring the group’s love for bands as iconic as NIN, My Vitriol and Deftones.

The Amber Lens | Ones To Watch Playlist