ALFITUDE

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?

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

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

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

Beljune – White Heat

Birmingham talent Beljune is back today with one of his most impressive releases to date (in our humble opinion anyway…).

‘White Heat’ takes its inspiration from the iconic 1949 film noir, which the artist watched before writing the song.

“I wrote it while living in Cork with my producer, spending evenings watching old films for inspiration. After watching White Heat one night, I went into the studio the next day saying, ‘If Quentin Tarantino directed a remake of White Heat, this would play over the credits.'”

The track is cinematic, dark, and almost sinister in tone. With that said, it also delivers elements of soul, R&B and pop. The track serves as one last teaser to Beljune’s forthcoming EP, ‘A BLACK & WHITE FILM’, which is out soon.

Beljune | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Tiger Adopt

UK artist Tiger Adopt has been releasing songs from as early as 2021, but we’ve only just come across his work this week.

This talent crafts immersive electronic productions that build soundscapes which tell stories. His new single ‘MORTLAKE’ is an emotionally driven blend of electronica, indie and synth that touches on the topic of grief in a very unique and moving way.

“I made this song to document delayed grief, to escape the claustrophobic anxiety of being trapped in one time and place but wanting to go back to another. It’s 120bmp which matches the racing speed of thoughts replaying in my mind. The track moves through three sections, panic, reflection and recovery.”

A very unique artist, creating very unique pieces of sonic art. Make sure you check out his discography here.

Tiger Adopt | Ones To Watch Playlist

Tory Silver – Boy Disco

We only came across Tory Silver a few weeks ago, and we’re very much fans at this point. The hugely talented Pittsburgh talent returns with another showstopper that we’re pretty excited to be sharing with you.

Contrary to its title, ‘Boy Disco’ is a refreshingly fuzzy and sonically textured garage-rock song that carries its charm in its rawness. Lifted from Tory’s ‘In Through the Front with Lasers’ album (out on the 29th May), the song represents ‘a stream of consciousness at heart’. Silver elaborates:

“The album is about moving forward in life despite the obstacles thrown our way, and this song is where I just wrote down what I was feeling. By the end, it shifts into something more tender – a reminder of how important it is to have the right people in your life, and a hope that everyone has that. That, and it’s a freaking rock song.”

Tory Silver | Ones To Watch Playlist

Freddie Lewis – The eighth wonder of the world

Freddie Lewis has just unveiled his latest EP, ‘Flowers’ (listen here), and along with it, this sublime track called ‘The eighth wonder of the world’.

This poetic song blends spoken word with indie-pop in a way few can do so well. The lyrics captivate from the first line, and the production compliments Freddie’s vocal delivery perfectly. Safe to say, we love this.

Freddie’s work has been praised by the likes of BBC Radio 1, 6Music, The Line of Best Fit, and Word Play Magazine and has also been selected for flagship playlists like Spotify’s New Music Friday UK and Fresh Finds UK & IE. You can catch the artist performing live at London’s Next Door Records Two on the 28th of May – tickets here.

Freddie Lewis | Ones To Watch Playlist

TWOFVCE – Colored/Sky

We’re starting the week with a mesmerising blend of indie, alternative pop, and psychedelica from Belgian outfit TWOFVCE.

Cinematic new single ‘Colored/Sky’ is almost hypnotic in its sound. The track serves as a teaser to the Antwerp-based group’s forthcoming ‘Floating Perfectly Flat On Land’ album and was made in collaboration with Morisse Monty (aka Jussi De Nys). The production is chilled and heady but also feels mysterious and intriguing.

TWOFVCE states that the track was created as ‘a laidback, groovy essence that beautifully merges the realms of alternative indie and urban pop’, and we couldn’t agree more. Excited for what comes out next!

TWOFVCE | Ones To Watch Playlist

Nevadasky – Life Is What Happens

London-based musical project Nevadasky has come to be known for a distinct style of indie-pop that is not only sonically creative, but also lyrically substantive.

The artist has only recently returned to the music scene after a four-year hiatus, with ‘Life Is What Happens’ his second release since last year.

The production fuses nostalgia-laced synth with alternative rock and pop to mirror the song’s message of appreciating our past but also making the most of the future.

“The song was inspired by John Lennon’s famous quote and reflects how soon life passes. Sometimes you need to slow down and reflect on what is important to you, especially as you get older. Life is so short, so we need to make the most of it.”

It’s good to have you back, Nevadasky!

Nevadasky | Ones To Watch Playlist

Pool Girl – Call It What You Want

Pool Girl is back with a new era of music-making, and she’s treating us all to that new sound with her latest single, ‘Call It What You Want.’ Think Beach Boys and The Strokes mixed into one, and you get this.

The track follows on from the artist’s acclaimed 2025 EP ‘Ultramarine‘ and presents listeners with a dreamy indie-pop style of production that, despite its mellow tempo, actually encourages us to embrace falling in love, no matter how past experiences have tainted us.

“‘Call It What You Want’ is about someone being afraid to admit their deeper feelings. When something is flowing and moving, it can be really scary to allow yourself to let go of all the ‘what ifs’ and simply be open to the idea of falling in love again.”

A new album, titled ‘Melancholic Beach Town,’ is due for release later this year in the summer.

Pool Girl | Ones To Watch Playlist

ill peach – CRASH COURSE DUMMY

It’s a rare day in London… the sun’s out, and the heat is almost Californian in levels. It’s a good day, and to celebrate, we’ve got one of the upcoming summer’s biggest bops, courtesy of Alfitude favourites ill peach.

‘CRASH COURSE DUMMY’ mixes shimmering alternative pop with indie, resulting in an instantly captivating sound. It’s sonically feel-good, and the melody is catchy to anyone who plays the song.

Lyrically, the song speaks of people who try the most to fit in and the toxicity that comes from trying too hard to be the centre of attention.

“‘Crash Course Dummy’ was written about that one person in a social setting who’s trying so hard to fit in you can feel it from across the room. The loud, unfiltered type where the desperation almost becomes uncomfortable to watch. Like nails on a chalkboard.

The lyric ‘you only love me with my head in a wall’ is really about those social dynamics where it feels like people only notice you once you’re self-destructing for their approval.

Over time, I’ve found confidence in being quieter. Being present. Not forcing myself into rooms or relationships that don’t fit. If someone doesn’t gravitate toward me, that’s okay. Maybe it’s their loss.”

ill peach | Ones To Watch Playlist

Stefan Mahendra – Too Late

We’re suckers for classic soul, and it doesn’t get any sweeter than Stefan Mahendra’s new single, ‘Too Late.’

The track blends old-school, nostalgic soul tones with R&B, jazz, and pop, resulting in a sound that feels familiar and warm but with a sharp emotional edge that comes from its lyricism.

“Now you’re in my rear view mirror / Begging me to reconsider… I’m already on the freeway…”

“It’s too late / To turn around and change your mind”

Shaan Ramaprasad, who has worked with the likes of Jungle and Teddy Swims, collaborated alongside Mahendra in the development of the sound, adding to its beautiful sonic textures.

Fans can look forward to a new EP, due for release later this year.

Stefan Mahendra | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Vau

Vau is an artist and producer emerging from Malmö in Sweden who recently caught our attention with a gorgeous song called ‘Bird You Want To Save’.

The track’s production is a masterclass in lo-fi pop. Despite its dreamy and enchanting soft style of sound, the track speaks of unrequited love, which offers an interesting juxtaposition between the music and the lyrics.

“A song about wanting to be held but not being able to receive it. About looking put-together on the outside while feeling like a broken mess on the inside. The song almost didn’t make the album – until I found a tiny frozen wren outside my studio and nursed it back to health overnight in a pot. The next morning it flew away.”

An upcoming album is scheduled for release later in the summer. Vau’s music has amassed over two million streams to date, which is an impressive feat for a relatively new talent.

Vau | Ones To Watch Playlist

Christian Sean – Saint Loreto

We first featured Canadian talent Christian Sean back in 2024, and we’re delighted to see that he’s still creating some really great pop sounds.

It’s near impossible not to be won over by ‘Saint Loreto’. The track presents listeners with a playful and experimental blend of synth, alternative pop, and indie. The sound reminds us of Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ era yet still feels fresh and new.

“I was reading Kelefa Sanneh’s book Major Labels: A History of Popular Music, and thinking about the nature of pop and how it didn’t really exist as its own genre until the 1980s, when it was pioneered by a handful of producers using synths and primitive drum machines. I wanted to pay respect to that organic electronic approach in the studio, and make my own version of a pure pop song with an updated vision.”

Christian’s music has won praise from outlets as noted as EARMILK and Under The Radar, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Barcelona next month for Primavera Sound, then be sure to catch him performing there live.

Christian Sean | Ones To Watch Playlist

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