Sweets – CRADLE

We’ve been huge fans of Manchester-based talent Sweets for some time now, so we’re very excited to come across his new single, ‘CRADLE’.

This artist is never afraid of pushing sonic boundaries, and this track is no exception. With its eccentric mix of alternative pop, hip hop and indie, the production on this song comes together to build a soundscape like none other.

Momentum for this rising musician continues to grow, with recent support from national outlets like BBC Radio 1, NME, and CLASH Magazine.

Sweets | Ones To Watch Playlist

Thomas Azier – Room Of Love

TRACK OF THE WEEK

Over the span of a decade, Thomas Azier has grown to become one of the most acclaimed composers, producers and singers to emerge from the Netherlands.

The artist returns with a timeless new release called ‘Room Of Love’. The production presents listeners with a heady blend of indie, trip hop, and dream pop.

The sound is cinematic in tone and sets the scene for lyrics that speak of the tensions between our fragile human emotions and the struggle of living in modern life.

“‘Room Of Love’ is an exploration of softness and sensuality inside of a harsh reality. I tried to render the tension between trauma and tenderness, the ambiguity and contrast that co-exist but are rarely voiced in the same breath. I write about moments when the daily routine of life bleeds into something magical, something of splendor or grandeur. Moments when dream logic applies and earthly laws don’t seem to matter. I am walking across volcanic rock, taking in the view of lava spewing from a crater.”

Aside from his own releases, Azier is also a sought-after writer and producer who has worked with artists like Stromae, Faber, and Anouk.

Thomas Azier | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Vera Kay

Vera Kay is an artist who has caught our attention lately with her distinctive take on electronic pop.

This rising starlet creates sounds that are unexpected and highly unique, without being too abstract or alienating. Kay’s new single, ‘Rude’, is a perfect introduction to anyone who’s yet to come across her work.

The track seamlessly blends dark pop with trap, resulting in an atmospheric sound that is seductive and intriguing.

“The track captures the rush of giving in to temptation and wanting someone who knows exactly the effect they have on you. ‘Rude’ explores the thrill of chasing chemistry with someone who’s a little trouble – and loving every second of it.”

Vera Kay | Ones To Watch Playlist

Adam Jensen – Cellophane

American artist Adam Jensen is back today after a 9-month hiatus. That might not seem like a long time, but it’s the longest he’s taken without releasing music… and we think you’ll love his new work.

‘Cellophane’ is an epic indie-rock song that immediately commands your attention. With its 90’s-inspired garage-rock sound, the production feels refreshingly organic. Elaborating on the track’s lyrics, Jensen says:

“‘Cellophane’ is about your past suffocating your future. It is fuzz pedals set to maximum fuzz and huge, raw drum tones recorded at 3am in a smoke filled studio. It’s about the demons of your past becoming the demons of your future no matter how hard you try. You can’t escape your past. You can’t escape yourself.”

A debut album titled ‘Hymns for the Damned’ is on the way, which, impressively, was entirely written and produced by Jensen himself.

Adam Jensen | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: A Days Wait

Canadian outfit A Days Wait are an interesting musical project that release music for a good cause. All proceeds from the songs go to charity, which is quite a beautiful commitment to make.

‘First Time’ is a synth-pop song that feels nostalgic in tone but still has a sense of modernity to it. Produced by Mitch Bowden, the track offers listeners a glimpse of a new album, scheduled for a release later in the summer.

Be sure to check out A Day’s Wait’s back catalogue until then – stream previous songs over on their Spotify here.

A Days Wait | Ones To Watch Playlist

W. Y. Huang – Born To Lose

Singapore-born and New York-based singer-songwriter W. Y. Huang’s ‘Born To Lose’ is one of those understated songs that sonically feels sparse but lyrically carries a lot of weight.

The production flirts between indie, folk, twee and Americana, resulting in a melodic and warm style of sound.

Written as an ode of sorts to those who feel like life is a constant struggle, this song serves as a relatable and humble reminder that we all have the strength to face adversity.

“Written for the underdogs, late bloomers, and anyone who feels like they just can’t catch a break.”

The track is taken from Huang‘s upcoming debut album, titled ‘On Stranger Hills’, which is out on the 2nd September.

W. Y. Huang | Ones To Watch Playlist

Sons Of Sevilla – Drive By Honey

Photo / Seb Gardner

UK sibling duo Sons Of Sevilla are back today with a mesmerising new single called ‘Drive By Honey’, and it’s sure to shake off any midweek blues you might be experiencing.

A shimmering blend of lo-fi indie, dreamy pop, and country come together to create a beautifully hazy and summery sound. The track came to life after the group’s first US tour and was created with the help of musician and producer Skinshape.

A new album is coming out soon, but in the meantime you can explore more of this duo’s delightful songs on Spotify here.

Sons Of Sevilla | Ones To Watch Playlist

Tiger Bear Wolf – Wolf

Despite Tiger Bear Wolf only coming across our radars just this last week, we were surprised to learn that this American indie outfit has been going since 2002.

Hailing from Greensboro, NC, this four-piece (consisting of Jonathan Moore, Noah Howard, Matt Bostick, and Lawrence Holdsworth) crafts a refreshingly authentic style of garage rock that is full of sonic texture and character.

New single ‘Wolf’ is lifted from their forthcoming self-titled third LP, which is scheduled for release on 17 July. On the song’s lyrics, vocalist Howard explains:

“The bad news is that you got bit by a robot werewolf, imperiling everyone you love. The good news is that for one night each month, you experience the perfect unification of your appetites and your higher purpose. It’s compelling to see which of our parents’ musical influences stick with us, and even more so, which of those influences end up rubbing off on our friends. When Jonathan and I were rooming together in college, it was a Mose Allison record, Wild Man On The Loose if memory serves correctly, via Jonathan’s father that had a lasting impact. Allison opened a door to the world of Jazz that continues to expand my sphere of musical influence. A few years later, Jonathan and I shared a house together. This time, it was Captain Beyond that found its way into the house record rotation via Noah’s father. That first, self-titled Captain Beyond record proved to have a heavy influence on the increasingly progressive song structures of Tiger Bear Wolf. We learned so much about the ride a song can take a listener on with that record. ‘Wolf’ dutifully salutes Captain Beyond, and marches on.” – Noah Howard, Tiger Bear Wolf

The new LP will mark the last chapter of a three-part trilogy that originally started 17 years ago. This is a classic example of good things coming to those who wait, because we’re looking forward to hearing more!

Tiger Bear Wolf | Ones To Watch Playlist

Caroline Alves – Innocence

We’re huge fans of Swiss-Brazilian starlet Caroline Alves, so we’re delighted to see that she’s returned with one of the songs of the summer.

‘Innocence’ is a shimmering fusion of alternative pop, synth and indie and was produced by the acclaimed Louis Ryan. The sound is irresistibly charming and sonically represents the manic energy that comes from falling in love too quickly.

“I wrote ‘Innocence’ about the beautiful chaos of loving someone with your whole heart before you know better. It’s about being naive enough to believe love can heal everything. I also used a different kind of approach during the songwriting of this track: I wanted this song to be very descriptive and sound like an image or a movie. So you could actually paint or make a script out of my lyrics.”

Alves will perform at Swiss, French and UK venues across the summer and will also support the legendary Ricky Martin on his June show in Switzerland.

Caroline Alves | Ones To Watch Playlist

Yellow House – Infinity Loops

Photo / Andile Phewa

Yellow House (aka Emile van Dango) returns with a new single today that further affirms his status as one of South Africa’s biggest musical export prospects.

‘Infinity Loops’ treats listeners to an atmospheric, almost cinematic blend of dreamy pop and indie, with a subtle nod to country folk. The sound complements the lyrics, which speak of a powerful love connection between two people.

The track is lifted from Yellow House’s forthcoming ‘Gateways & Trains’ album, which is out soon. Until then, you can listen to more of his work on Spotify, where he’s also been featured on some big playlists like New Music Friday US and Spotify Fresh Finds.

Yellow House | Ones To Watch Playlist

Orlando Hotopf – Wild Ones

Orlando Hotopf is becoming a regular fixture on our pages, and for good reason. The rising Stockholm-based talent is winning fans globally with his every-impressive indie releases, and new single ‘Wild Ones’ will only continue to grow his popularity.

The lo-fi, subdued production mirrors the song’s lyrics, which are inspired by bad relationships, and the tensions between staying with someone and wanting to let them go.

This is Hotopf’s sixth single to date, so we’re hoping that at some point this talent finally releases an album! In the meantime, you can explore more of Orlando’s music on Spotify.

Orlando Hotopf | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Eden Rain – Open Season

It’s been a short while since we last featured UK artist Eden Rain, so we’re really happy to share some new music from this talented singer and songwriter.

‘Open Season’ is a refreshingly original indie-pop sound, crafted by acclaimed producer Ed Denholm and co-written alongside fellow musician SOFY. The track presents a new side to Rain’s style of work, showcasing her ever-evolving sound.

“I wrote it with two people I think are the crème de la crème of the music industry who are as talented as they are lovely. “I haven’t put music out for a while, but thank you for sticking around and hearing me out.”

While we wait for more new music, be sure to check out the artist’s most recent EP, 2025’s ‘Can I Come Too’ here.

Eden Rain | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Silje Strange

Silje Strange is a promising newcomer emerging from Denmark who crafts a gorgeous alt-pop style of sound that is deeply emotional, haunting, and raw.

New single ‘How Lucky You Are’ touches on themes of emotional manipulation and the mental anguish that comes with being in toxic relationships. The lyrics are honest, brave, and really quite powerful.

“This song is about a relationship where the narrator describes how they control their partner through manipulating threats, lies guilt tripping. The lyrics move between reassurance and menace, exposing how psychological abuse often hides behind ‘care,’ jealousy, and the fear of abandonment. The song was inspired by curiosity about how a manipulative partner thinks, showing why someone might keep hurting the person they claim to love.”

While we still don’t know much about this artist, something tells us that she’ll grow to become one of Denmark’s most interesting musical exports.

Silje Strange | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

The Youth Play – Sunday

British rockers The Youth Play are back with one of their most ambitious releases today – the epic ‘Sunday’.

A statement to embracing the unpredictable, this stellar release is unapologetically bold and confident in tone. It was written by the group’s frontman, Diego Bracho, after reconnecting with his old friends following a breakup.

The Youth Play will feature at the ‘Big Dork Summer’ alongside Coach Party on 21 July in London’s iconic Sebright Arms – grab your tickets here.

The Youth Play | Ones To Watch Playlist

Mind Bath – Seasons Change And So Do I Bitch

As you might imagine, the first thing that caught our attention with Mind Bath’s latest release is the song title, which is both intriguing and fierce at the same time.

‘Seasons Change And So Do I Bitch’ showcases a mesmerising alternative R&B production, with cinematic strings and a stunningly soulful vocal, while the introspective lyrics draw listeners into the artist’s mind in a refreshingly original way.

“‘Seasons Change And So Do I Bitch’ is the grooviest heart opener I’ve ever written. Super cheeky and fun, yet rooted in mindfulness and freedom. Me, Nick Ferraro, and Forever were in a makeshift studio overlooking a lake, instruments stoned and the song composing itself. I wrote the lyrics and melody in 20 minutes and recorded it in one take. It was my first time experiencing that kind of clarity and ease in my songwriting. I hope you sing along.”

A new album, which will be a literary-musical piece of work titled ‘Aqueous’, is scheduled for release later in the year and will come with the artist’s debut novel.

Mind Bath | Ones To Watch Playlist

FKJ – Soulmates

We’re starting the week with some top-grade funk-pop, thanks to French musician FKJ.

‘Soulmates’ serves as a taster for the acclaimed artist’s next project, ‘Tyber’ (pre-save here), which is out later in the year. The album will also complement a world tour with stops all across Europe and Asia. Speaking on the new single, he says:

‘’Soulmates’ is about embracing your solitude. For me, solitude really works, and I’m taking time with myself. But I really care about my soulmates, the people in my life who are important to me. It’s all about finding the balance.”

The track seamlessly fuses alternative pop with funk, soul, and hints of jazz too. Overall, this is a heady sound that inevitably sets you up for the day in the best possible way.

FKJ | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Taylor Bleu

TRACK OF THE WEEK

“‘Mad House’ had to be the first release, because it’s my foundations, it’s where I come from. No matter how hard I try to write about other things, the majority of my life has been devoted to caring for and battling with someone who is unwell. ‘Mad House’ is representative of my resilience. I kept my mum’s cries in at the end of the song because although it might not be palatable, it’s been my theme tune for years, and I haven’t ever been able to turn it off, this time I can.”

Taylor Bleu | Ones To Watch Playlist

Iona Luke – Can We Still Hang Out?

Photo / Daisy Dickinson

We are so excited to see UK musician Iona Luke return this week with a new single. It’s safe to say that we’ve been enjoying this artist’s work for a good few months now, and her new single is just what we hoped it would be.

‘Can We Still Hang Out?’ is a melancholic song that reminds us of 90s indie rock. It’s nostalgic and classic in its style of sound but still feels fresh and relevant in 2026.

Aside from the fantastic production, Iona’s powerful vocals deliver the lyrics in a heartfelt way that instantly hooks the listener. There’s no doubt that this is an artist to keep on your radar.

Iona Luke | Ones To Watch Playlist

Van Chamberlain – The Right Line

Photo / Rory Shamlian

Critically acclaimed Brooklyn rockers Van Chamberlain return this week with an inspirational new single that encourages us to be a positive force around the people we surround ourselves with.

Alongside its meaningful lyricism, ‘The Right Line’ showcases a beautiful production that fuses indie-rock with soft pop in a way that makes this release feel timeless in its style.

“This is a song about wanting to give the people around you a reason to smile. It’s easy to write a song about what you’re going through. This time I wanted to write a song for everyone else.”

Sophomore record ‘As Far As the Eye Can See’ is out in September later this year. Van Chamberlain have picked up praise from outlets like AllMusic, XS Noise, and Week in Pop.

Van Chamberlain | Ones To Watch Playlist

atmos bloom – Everything

Photo / Kyoka Seguchi

atmos bloom is the musical project of Tilda Gratton and Curtis Paterson, who originally met while auditioning for a play while at the University of Manchester. Since then, they’ve built a steady fanbase with their brilliant sound, which blends psych-rock with shoegaze and indie-pop.

New single ‘Everything’ is taken from their upcoming ‘Everythingness’ album (out 24th July) and has some of the most relatable lyrics of the week. If you’re struggling to balance life while also trying to find your true inner self at the same time, then this track is for you.

atmos bloom | Ones To Watch Playlist