Alfitude - New Music + Unsigned Talent

Evan Fong – breathe

Evan Fong needs no introduction. This hugely popular multi-hyphenate amasses a massive following on social media, thanks to his popular YouTube presence and, of course, his burgeoning music career.

‘breathe’ shows a different side to Fong’s style of work. Despite its upbeat tempo, the track is intentionally raw and unfiltered, creating a sound that hooks the listener throughout. ‘breathe’ feels conflicted – on the one hand, it’s catchy, but on the other, it feels dark.

The song sets the tone for Fong’s next album, which he created while macrodosing on meth and almost dying. This is an important and very brave moment in Fong’s career, and shows an artist unafraid to open himself to the world.

Evan Fong | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: greenwald

German newcomer greenwald is one of our favourite discoveries of the week. This rising talent has a natural flair for blending the past with the current in a way that is not easy to create in music.

Through her love of 00’s pop-rock (think Avril Lavigne), greenwald builds soundscapes that hark back to a time when life felt simpler. There’s a sense of playful nostalgia in her sound which is charming, but there’s also a modern edge to the work which keeps the songs feeling fresh.

‘Scandal’ is the artist’s latest single and serves as a taster to an upcoming EP, which is scheduled for a summer release. This is one talent to watch!

greenwald | Ones To Watch Playlist

Pet Owner – Mind Tricks

It’s a big day for Lucerne-based starlet Pet Owner, as she releases her sophomore album, ‘Second Nature‘. Within the nine excellent tracks on the record is ‘Mind Tricks’, which has really captivated us.

This is a dreamy, mesmerising blend of indie and pop with subtle hints of eccentricity. It’s a truly original piece of music and one that continues to affirm Pet Owner’s status as one of Switzerland’s most interesting alternative artists.

Impressively, Pet Owner has played more than 70 concerts in her home nation as well as Germany, Belgium and France. You can explore more of the artist’s music on Spotify here.

Pet Owner | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Dreaming of Citra

We’re really excited to be sharing with you an emerging outfit from Manchester, going by the name of Dreaming of Citra. Already making a mark across Northern England, it feels inevitable that this five-piece group will start to hit the UK mainstream soon.

‘Never Looked At Me That Way’ is their new single and treats listeners to a melancholic fusion of gritty indie and pop. Despite its sad lyrics, which tell of a love that can never be, there’s still an element of playfulness that keeps you locked in until the end of the track.

“‘Never Looked At Me That Way’ is a bitter sweet pop track about locking eyes with the one person you know you’ll never be with. It captures the quiet heartbreak of longing, restraint and loving from a distance.”

Dreaming of Citra have already picked up praise from the likes of national outlets like BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, and performed as part of This Feeling’s ‘Big in 2026’ series. Be sure to keep this group on your radars, big things might well be on their way!

Dreaming of Citra | Ones To Watch Playlist

Matador x Elliot Vast – Twisted

Award-winning Irish DJ and artist Matador unveils a new collaboration with American outfit Elliot Vast today, called ‘Twisted’.

This track’s beauty is in its simplicity. The song is inspired by a former lover returning, and presents listeners with a melodic house production that slowly evolves, gradually building a dreamy soundscape with a hypnotic beat.

Matador currently commands more than 230k monthly listeners and has amassed well over 25 million streams. LA-based Elliot Vast are a sought-after singer-songwriter producer duo who have collaborated with the likes of Nero’s Joseph Ray and Pretty Pink.

Matador | Elliot Vast

New Music: OXFLOYD

TRACK OF THE WEEK

Born in Greece and based in Brooklyn, OXFLOYD is an artist who is gaining momentum with his emotionally charged style of alternative pop.

‘oxygen’ is a haunting, raw, and powerful statement that details the devastation of suffering from heartbreak. A sharp kind of pain that is so intense that simply surviving feels heavy.

The song was created alongside acclaimed executive producer Brent Kolatalo, who has also worked with the likes of Lana Del Rey and Bruno Mars. It’s rare to come across an artist so comfortable with exposing their true emotions, and we’re excited to see what comes next for OXFLOYD.

OXFLOYD | Ones To Watch Playlist

Hutch – Coasting

“‘‘Coasting” is about being in denial when I was younger: I knew I needed to change but struggled to break away from toxic patterns. This song acknowledges that I had my fun, but it was becoming more dangerous than a good time. Multiple times where I felt I had got myself together – ready for rebirth with big plans and bright ideas – I was then straight back into old habits because of an old ‘friend’ or one glisten from a persuasive eye.

Hutch | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Annabell

“I often write songs in my phone notes, little poems, little song ideas, journalling etc. I had this one line “I write about you every time I pick up the pen” stuck in my head, about the idea of someone who occupies your every thought – you write about them, you journal about them… someone who’s ultimately toxic for you – who you’d keep giving to even if you didn’t get anything back

Annabell | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Rosie Haze

Hailing from the creative hotbed of Portland is Rosie Haze, an emerging singer and songwriter. Inspired by the likes of Radiohead and Phoebe Bridgers, this talent excels at crafting deeply emotive songs.

Haze’s new single, ‘Fresh Flowers’, recently caught our attention. This track feels refreshingly organic and sincere in its character. Recorded at the artist’s home studio, the song’s dark and atmospheric production complements the introspective lyrics, which tell of life after a tough breakup.

“I’m wearing black for who I was before. Cut fresh flowers and set them on my grave. I’m wearing white, starting this new life. Cut fresh flowers to carry on my way”.

An upcoming album, titled ‘For Who I Was’, is out later in the spring and will touch on themes as diverse as relationships and politics. Haze will celebrate the release of the record at Portland’s Atlantis Lounge on the 3rd of April, so be sure to grab a ticket if you can!

Rosie Haze | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Nastiest Below

We don’t usually post multiple tracks for a newcomer, but Nastiest Below is an exception we’re happy to make. Emerging from the UK, this electronic artist creates club-ready songs that are not only interesting but also original in their construction. He is inspired by the likes of The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers, and you’ll see the influence come through when you play his music.

‘All and More’ delivers a breakbeat style of production that also carries a strong UK Garage element. The track is experimental and future-forward, while still maintaining a classic rave sound that feels very distinctly British.

Nastiest Below also unveiled an equally impressive B-side called ‘I Might Be’, showcasing a darker edge to the producer’s work. While in keeping with the breakbeat sound, this song feels headier and more intense, ‘built for late-night, warehouse club settings’, as he explains.

While still very new, we see a tonne of potential for Nastiest Below, so be sure to keep him on your radars.

Nastiest Below | Ones To Watch Playlist

Mel Denisse – aiming alone

Nashville’s Mel Denisse returns today with a new single called ‘aiming alone’, and it deserves your immediate attention!

Produced by Micah Tawlks (who has also worked with the likes of Paramore and ASHE), this track is instantly arresting. Its dark and mysterious sound blends alternative pop with shoegaze and trip hop. Speaking on the song’s theme, Mel says:

“‘aiming alone’ details wanting to be understood with urgency, while still feeling sealed off behind glass. On the other side, the world watches and speculates, close enough to see you, never close enough to meet you. That distance becomes the point: the two realities can’t be reconciled. The outro carries that into finality – an acceptance of the lone road, and the resolve of aiming alone.”

The track is taken from Mel’s forthcoming debut EP, which is out soon. In the meantime, check out more of this rising artist’s catalogue on Spotify.

Mel Denisse | Ones To Watch Playlist

Big Sleep – Bruiser

Dublin’s Big Sleep have steadily grown to become one of Ireland’s most talked-about rock newcomers, and for good reason. This emerging four-piece craft a distinct, bold sound that is sonically brave and refreshingly original.

‘Bruiser’ is lifted from the group’s debut album ‘Holy Show’ (listen here) and presents listeners with an arresting production that blends dark indie-pop with alternative rock.

Big Sleep have received acclaim from the likes of Hot Press, Clash, and District magazines. They’re currently on an in-store tour across the UK and Ireland and will hit the road across their home nation in April. In our humble opinion, we think this outfit will go global quickly, so try and catch them if you can.

Big Sleep | Ones To Watch Playlist

Big Sleep In-Store Tour 2026

Feb 23 – Banquet Records, Kingston
Feb 24 – Wax & Beans, Bury
Feb 25 – Jacaranda, Liverpool
Feb 26 – Spindizzy, Dublin

Irish Tour 2026

Apr 15 – Wavelength, Cork
Apr 16 – Dolan’s Upstairs, Limerick
Apr 17 – Mike The Pies, Listowel
Apr 24 – Cleere’s, Kilkenny
Apr 25 – Connolly’s of Leap, Leap
May 28 – Róisín Dubh, Galway

Kate Bush… but make it brat

This Charli xcx-inspired take on Kate Bush’s iconic ‘Wuthering Heights’ seems to have gone viral very quickly. Give it a spin; it’s delightful.

Elias O. Graversen is a promising Danish-Bolivian pop artist currently working out of Berlin who deserves every bit of attention he gets from this bop.

Elias O. Graversen | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

BOVSKI – Do It Again

Illusive German producer and DJ BOVSKI returns with one of our favourite electronic releases of the week.

‘Do It Again’ is surprisingly moving. The production has a melancholic undertone that is further amplified by the vocal delivery, leading to a song that is emotionally heightened but also energising.

Despite the mystery surrounding his true identity, BOVSKI has exploded in popularity since launching his work in 2023. He’s amassed more than 40 million TikTok and Instagram views and his songs have been streamed over 85 million times on Spotify alone.

BOVSKI is touring across Germany for most of the year, so if you’re based in the country check out his schedule here.

BOVSKI | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Modern Oli

Modern Oli is an artist project from actor Oli Higginson, who some might recognise from shows as iconic as Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton. As a musician, this talent creates a style of music that is instantly likeable.

‘Transatlantic’ follows on from Oli’s debut ‘One Of Those Faces’ (listen here) and treats listeners to a blend of 80s-inspired synth and pop. The anthemic melody complements lyrics that describe the heady feelings of falling in love. Oli explains:

“I sat down at the piano and took myself back to one of the greatest summers of my life when I fell in love with the most intoxicating, invigorating human being I had ever set eyes on. It’s about the electrifying power of pure attraction. I’m so proud of ‘Transatlantic’ as a song because I feel it completely captures that tingly magic of feeling like nothing in the world matters except that person right in front of you and that with them you can conquer the world together.”

Despite being a relative newcomer to the pop world, Modern Oli has already picked up praise from BBC Radio London (where his song was played to over 500k listeners), Notion Magazine, 1883 and more. Fans will be pleased to know that a debut EP and some headline shows are on the way.

Modern Oli | Ones To Watch Playlist

Òlah Bliss – Radio

We still can’t get enough of Òlah Bliss and her brilliant brand of pop. She’s back with another brilliant new single called ‘Radio’, and we’re very excited to be sharing it with you.

This track serves as a taster to the artist’s next album, ‘Menace’, which is out in May. Òlah consistently pushes the boundaries of pop, and this song shows us yet another side to her artistry. ‘Radio’ was inspired by the ‘psychology of post-love’ and touches on themes of obsession and vulnerability.

‘Menace’ will feature 16 songs that carry a synth-wave pop style of sound. Until it’s released, you can enjoy more of Òlah’s work right here.

Òlah Bliss | Ones To Watch Playlist

Sundozer – Liquid Heaven

Sundozer is the musical project of US-based artist Christian Luis French. If you love artists like Washed Out and Toro y Moi, then chances are high that you’ll also enjoy Sundozer’s style of work.

‘Liquid Heaven’ is a beautifully constructed song that blends lo-fi electronic indie with rock, resulting in a sound that is refreshingly experimental and intriguing. It’s a sonic experience like nothing else we’ve come across this week and makes us look forward to the artist’s upcoming debut album. In the meantime, you can explore more of Sundozer’s music on Spotify here.

Sundozer | Ones To Watch Playlist

Ross Newhouse – Glass/Flows

Singer-songwriter Ross Newhouse has built a solid fanbase within his native state of New Jersey for quite some time now, starting with his debut EP ‘Suddenly I Demand Repair’ (listen here) back in 2021.

Newhouse’s latest single, ‘Glass/Flows’, shows that this artist still continues to create brilliant indie-pop music. This is a beautifully dreamy and melodic track that draws inspiration sonically from the likes of Finneas and The 1975. Lyrically, Ross explains that the song is ‘about trying to pick up the pieces but knowing you’ll always see the cracks’.

To date, Newhouse’s songs have amassed more than 650k cumulative streams on Spotify. He’s also received praise globally from outlets as diverse as NJ.com and Japan’s Niche Music. Catch Ross performing at New York’s Cassette on the 18th March – tickets available here.

Ross Newhouse | Ones To Watch Playlist

Menke – Only When In Motion

We’ve long been fans of Swedish artist Menke. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, this talent crafts some of the most profound and sincere indie-pop songs to come out of the Nordic region.

New single ‘Only When In Motion’ (co-written with Nick Hahn) was inspired by a challenging time for Menke, when life and its direction felt uncertain. Elaborating on the song’s theme, she says:

“The only thing that brought relief and helped my thoughts to rest was setting my body in motion and letting my heart beat harder. When we move, our thoughts become clearer, fear softens, and what has been can wash away. It’s a reminder that life is not something we hold on to, but something we move through.”

Menke has achieved a series of acclaimed releases – from 2018’s debut EP ‘Till havet’ to 2024’s ‘Elver’ (listen here). She has amassed more than 15 million streams on Spotify and was featured by the likes of Clash and Gaffa magazines.

Menke | Ones To Watch Playlist

moonsea – I’ll kill you if you die before me

Melbourne’s moonsea (aka Cecilia Xu) returns today with a tongue-in-cheek, albeit slightly sinister-sounding track called ‘I’ll kill you if you die before me’.

Despite its menacing title, the song is actually a tender and heartfelt ode to love, and the fears it can bring when you wonder what life would be like without your special someone.

moonsea has been a prominent name within Australia’s and New Zealand’s alt-pop scene from as early as 2020, when she was mentored by Gordi (aka Sophie Payten) as part of AIR’s Women in Music program.

Alongside her work as a musician, moonsea is also professionally involved in the world of medicine, which often inspires her approach to songwriting.

moonsea | Ones To Watch Playlist

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