“My first release has indeed been a long time coming. ‘Long Time Coming’ is about getting to that stage where you’ve been so put off by men that you can’t even entertain one anymore. It’s the realisation that you’ve taken way too much shit, followed by the slightly haunting or peaceful thought that you might never actually fancy one again.”
Jos Rivers | Ones To Watch Playlist
Two big artists collaborate to create one of the most powerful songs of the week. Dutch-South African singer-songwriter Joya Mooi and Pan-African multi-hyphenate Lady Donli’s ‘Only Water’ was inspired by noted Olympic diver Greg Louganis, who found solace in the water while suffering from the social stigma of HIV in the 80s and 90s.
Sonically, the production presents listeners with a hypnotic fusion of alternative R&B and neo-soul, building a soundscape that immerses you in the story of the song, just as a diver immerses themselves in a deep pool.
Mooi’s music has picked up praise from the likes of NPO, KEXP, and Billboard Africa, while Lady Donli currently draws more than 140k monthly listeners on Spotify.
UK singer, songwriter, and producer WØLFFE is an artist whose music is instantly recognisable.
This rising starlet crafts a sound that is unashamedly unique, working within genres as diverse as alternative rock and dark pop to make dramatic songs that tell stories through honest and heartfelt lyrics.
New single ‘Holiday From My Mind’ came to life after the artist took medicinal mushrooms and lyrically speaks of a strong desire for escapism.
“One summer’s Saturday, feeling itchy and depressed, my housemates and I decided to indulge in some medicinal mushrooms. Lying in our English garden I wrote all of the lyrics to ‘Holiday From My Mind’. Six months later, I turned the poem into a song and produced this entirely myself from my bedroom. The song tales life as a newly single 30 year old hellbent on escapism and validation.”
WØLFFE’s catalogue of releases has so far amassed almost two million streams to date. You can explore more of her work right here.
Michael Isaak is back today with a stunning piece of ‘Arabesque Folk’ music that deserves your attention.
Fusing the traditional Oud instrument with indie and folk, this song brings a perfect harmony between Arabian and Western sounds. The production is calmly ethereal, building a soundscape that feels traditional and timeless but also current.
The song came to life while Isaak began learning more about himself and his heritage, immersing himself in his family’s history originating in Egypt’s Port Said. He explains:
“I wanted to do justice to the stories of family members who were displaced by occupation, and those who continue to be displaced today. The key is a symbol of hope, a way of carrying our homeland with us.”
If you love Isaak’s work, then be sure to check out his acclaimed 2024 EP, ‘Forever is a Scary Word’, which you can stream here.
Australian singer-songwriter and producer Solomon France has unveiled his latest collaboration with Joshua Luke, titled ‘Only The Good Die Young’.
For anyone unfamiliar with Solomon’s work, this track is a great introduction. A beautiful and harmonious blend of dreamy indie, surf pop, and drum & bass all come together into a style of music that is unlike any other.
This isn’t the first time that these two artists have worked together; their 2021 song ‘Let It Out’ (listen here) grew to become a hit globally, and we’re quite sure the same will happen with this new release as well.
American artist Emily Rose Burnett is a new talent who caught our attention just this week with her brilliant new single, ‘thank u’.
The beauty in this song is its simplicity. A balanced yet stripped-down blend of soul and jazz sets a sonic backdrop for Emily’s heartfelt and self-affirming lyrics to shine through. Talking about the track’s inspiration, she says:
“It’s a rejection of toxic relationship dynamics in favor of choosing yourself, while simultaneously being grateful for the experience you’ve gained from a past love, even if it hurt.”
This song has a sense of quiet confidence that we’re absolutely charmed by. It brings a new perspective to the classic breakup songs that we’re used to, which is a refreshing welcome!
Briana Piedra returns today with a deliciously dark new single called ‘Bad Habits’, and we’re excited to share it with you.
Ambient yet cinematic in character, the track’s production is one of contrasts. The sound is tense and dark, while Briana’s captivating vocals invite listeners into her innermost thoughts, where she sings about self-awareness after a long period of denial in her life. She elaborates:
“It’s the moment where denial turns into awareness, when you realize you’re staying somewhere you don’t belong because it feels easier than leaving. I wrote this from a place of seduction and self-awareness, knowing I wasn’t chasing love, just something familiar enough to hold onto.”
The song shows a new side to the LA-based artist’s work, and serves as an introduction to the next stage of her musical journey. We’re looking forward to see what’s next!
Chicago-born-and-raised Justin Sconza is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, noted for being an artist who single-handedly creates all of his songs – from the writing to the performing and recording.
Today is a special day for this hugely talented musician, as he marks the release of his sixth album, ‘Fantasy’. This new project features a collection of songs, each of which carries its own distinct narrative.
“‘Fantasy’ centers on the idea that while everyone lives in reality, they also live inside their own thoughts – imagining things they wish they had said, experiences they hope to have one day, or alternate versions of moments that never quite happened. The album exists in that parallel space between the inner world and the real one.”
‘Native Birds of Guam’ is the album’s first single and treats listeners to a melodic and energising Ramones-esque production. The lyrics, inspired by the lack of native birds in Guam (a fact neither Justin nor we knew!), centre around the theme of immediacy.
Over the years, Sconza’s music has won a loyal fanbase globally, resulting in over a quarter of a million career streams to date on Spotify.
theophilia is a promising new artist emerging from Sweden, who has just released a captivating new single called ‘Together Through Life’.
Blending a nostalgic synth sound with elements of indie and electronica, the song instantly hooks listeners with its pulsating beat structure and intriguing vocal delivery. The track is taken from the artist’s freshly released ‘Big Bang’ album (listen here), of which he says:
“I found myself far out in a no-man’s-land of the human psyche, but eventually made it back home again, and that journey is what the record reflects.”
The record is in fact theophilia’s debut, but it took an incredible 15 years to come to full fruition:
”’Big Bang’ has passed through five different studios in 50 different incarnations, but that was what it took to find its core. Twisting and turning, overworking things and then going back, that’s my way of understanding a song’s identity.”
theophilia plays Stockholm’s Debaser Nova tonight (6th March), so if you’re in town, be sure to grab a ticket here.
“‘Wayside’ is about moving from one change to another & the feeling of isolation that brings.” – Sam Akpro
“I suppose it’s about being frustrated with yourself and life, going round and round in what feels like the same place forever, but there’s something hypnotic, meditative and soothing about it. I hope my vocals lend to that.” – TYSON
If you’re in need of a loud anthem to shake off your midweek slump, then we’ve got the perfect song to introduce to you – ‘Galactus‘ by London newcomers Blisssymbols.
This brotherly duo has a very distinctive and original approach to alternative rock. The sound is eccentric, bold, and textured. Alongside its captivatingly raw production (thanks in part to the fact that the track was recorded in their childhood bedroom), ‘Galactus’ also makes a statement with its lyrics, which focus on the topic of consumption. They explain:
“The song name ‘Galactus’ references the all-consuming, planet-eating, marvel villain. In this regard the song is a regard to our society’s mass consumption and our collective desire to consume. Why in this regard, Galactus embodies our collective villainy.”
Blisssymbols often play Brixton’s Windmill, so if you’re London-based and enjoy this outfit’s music, then be sure to follow them on social media to check when their next show is on. In the meantime, you can listen to more of their songs here.
TRACK OF THE WEEK
We’ve long believed that Isak Danielson is one of Sweden’s best songwriting talents, and his new single, ‘Always You’, only makes us affirm this even more.
This is a classic heartbreak song that reminisces on the ‘what ifs’ of a failed relationship. It’s a deeply moving track that could relate to anyone healing from a wounded heart.
“The guy I wrote this song about was not the one I was supposed to end up with, and I’m so glad I didn’t, but it’s interesting to look back and reminisce on the what ifs. What if I had stayed with this person? Could it have turned into something amazing? Has the love of my life passed me by? And of course, I don’t feel that all, but thinking about that sort of Sliding Doors scenario got my imagination going. I remember I had taken this video of the guy dancing to ‘Bette Davis Eyes’. The sun was coming into the room and he looked so happy. It was good times. ‘Always You” reminds me of one of those romantic movies where two people who’ve broken up do come back around to find each other in the end, like The Notebook or One Day… only nobody dies.”
The song features acclaimed pianist Litens Anton Nilsson, as well as the Stockholm Studio Orchestra.
Isak Danielson | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist
Isak Danielson Spring Tour 2026
Multidisciplinary artist and musician Josephine Illingworth returns today with one of the most sublime folk songs you might listen to in quite some time.
‘Old Holy Feeling’ is an atmospheric piece of music that draws listeners into a soundscape that is haunting but also ethereal in tone. The organic essence of the production stems from the artist’s approach to making songs, whereby she blends field recordings with heartfelt lyricism.
“Sleeping alone in churches each night, with a change of clothes, guitar, camera and field recorder, I am trying to write music and collect sounds that are filled with the outside, and filled with the indescribable feeling — part fear, part awe, part exhaustion — that I always seem to experience on expeditions like these.
I have heard wind curling through rafters, church bells that ring above my head on the hour each night. I have sung atop Arthur’s Stone in the shadow of Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains. It is song that I am seeking — sound as a relic, music at the end of my pilgrimage.”
Illingworth’s work has been featured by the likes of BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music. She’s also a recipient of BBC’s Tune Into Nature Prize, thanks to her flair for fusing nature into her sound. A new EP, titled ‘Bright Things I Found In The Dark’, is out soon.
Tayo Corvo is a name so new that it’s still a mystery to us who is behind this project, but in a way, that makes ‘Dose of You’ even more enticing.
What’s clear to us is that this track is crafted by a production team that knows what it’s doing. The song fuses dance-pop with old-school house in a balanced and harmonious way, matched by soulful vocals that comfortably navigate their way through mellow verses and big choruses.
We’re not sure who Tayo Corvo is yet, but we’re very excited for what comes next…
YME BEATS is the musical project of rising Dutch artist and producer Ymkje de Bijl. Hailing from the city of Venlo, Ymkje was born into a musical family. In fact, her mother was part of the iconic group Ottawan, who were at the forefront of European disco.
So it comes as no surprise that Ymkje’s music features a fun and eclectic mix of electronica and pop. Melodic new single ‘Unbreakable’ offers listeners a taste of what this talent is capable of.
Sonically, the track is uplifting and emotive, with a bold beat that keeps you locked in. Lyrically, the words touch on themes of personal confidence and not giving up on yourself.
“‘Unbreakable’ is a high-energy electronic track with a strong emotional drive, centered on resilience and strength.”
Having already collaborated with the likes of Daniel Bangalter (son of Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter) and been featured by the likes of A&R Factory and Izzy Magazine, it’s clear that the YME BEATS project is one to watch for. You can explore more songs by the artist on Spotify here.
If you enjoy that classic Britpop sound from the 90s, then chances are high that you’ll also love Lana Crow’s single ‘Orwellian Times’.
If you haven’t come across Crow’s music before, then let us give you some background on this interesting artist. Born in Kazakhstan and based in London, this independent singer and songwriter creates distinctive songs that blend alternative pop with indie and rock. The productions are often gritty and raw and complemented with lyrics that invite listeners to see the world through Crow’s observations.
‘Orwellian Times’ is a thought-provoking piece that challenges us to think about our connection to modern media and the content that we choose to consume. Crow explains:
“It’s about calling out what we have invited into our lives all in the name of feeling good about ourselves and keeping the score. We’ve become addicted to outrage, even in the matters that are not ours to judge, and this song is me holding up a mirror – not to condemn, but to make us think.”
The song shines a light on Crow’s style of work, which always aims to make us question the world that surrounds us. If the music resonates with you, then be sure to check out more of Crow’s catalogue on Spotify, where she currently draws in more than 2k monthly listeners.
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!
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.
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.
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!
