ALFITUDE

New Music: Chris Youmans

Californian artist Chris Youmans has to be one of the most promising pop newcomers to emerge from the US in recent times.

This talent is building traction globally thanks to his distinct take on music—which blends electronic pop with elements of funk, soul, and jazz.. Youmans cites his musical icons as Nile Rodgers, Quincy Jones, and Max Martin—and you’ll hear all of those inspirations come through when playing any one of his many brilliant songs.

‘Too Close’ is lifted from the album ‘Electric Love Connection,’ which is out now. You can also catch Youmans performing at LA’s iconic Viper Room on the 8th of March—tickets available here.

It’s almost impossible not to feel some kind of connection with this musician’s work, and for that, we think he’s a star in the making.

Chris Youmans

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New Music: ZenToy

Hailing from Brussels in Belgium is an interesting composer, producer, and DJ called ZenToy.

We recently came across one of his latest releases, called ‘Your Eyes,’ and we think it’s pretty fab. The track showcases an electronic style of production that is fresh yet also carries a sense of retro nostalgia, which is really quite charming to experience.

The song reminds us a lot of the classic sounds by disco icons like Sylvester and Patrick Cowley, so if that’s your kind of flavour then be sure to check out ZenToy’s work!

ZenToy

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Healthy Junkies – Dead Souls

Acclaimed London-based punk-rock outfit Healthy Junkies have released one of the catchiest songs that we’ve come across for a good while.

Despite its dark title, ‘Dead Souls‘ is an energising punk bop that not only showcases singer Nina Courson’s captivating vocals but also treats us to a melody that is sure to stick in your head all day.

Healthy Junkies are about to take part in a series of shows across the UK and in Paris—so if they’re in a town near you soon, be sure to check them out!

Healthy Junkies

Pentire – Being Underwater

Herefordshire indie chaps Pentire kick off their year with not only a new single but also a UK-wide tour, which we highly recommend you try and catch.

‘Being Underwater’ serves as the group’s focus track on their new EP, titled ‘Love On TV’ (out now). The song itself is a sincere and mellow, yet emotive, piece of music that mirrors its lyrics beautifully.

“‘Being Underwater’ is about moving out to the city and finding life beyond your hometown. Growing up and succumbing to real life can feel isolating and often as if you’ve been ‘underwater’ all these years. This song was written during a visit back to my family home, in a break from the newfound city life.” – Jack Morgan, Pentire

Pentire’s momentum has continued to grow recently, with the band’s music gaining support from outlets like BBC Radio 1 and 6Music, and their headline concert shows selling out nationwide.

Pentire

Pentire Love on TV UK Tour 2024

13th Feb – Bristol Thekla
14th Feb – Manchester Deaf Institute
15th Feb – Leeds Brudenell Social Club
17th Feb – Glasgow King Tuts
18th Feb – Newcastle Zerox
19th Feb – Sheffield Yellow Arch
20th Feb – Nottingham Rescue Rooms
22nd Feb – London Oslo

bog berries – Overcommitted

Your weekend indie-pop bop comes courtesy of Cooper Evello’s music collective bog berries.

New single ‘Overcommitted’ was inspired by the pressures that we put on ourselves to make the most of life, to the point where things become overwhelming and chaotic. Alongside its relatable lyrics, the song’s melody is sure to stay in your mind for a good while!

“I am deeply afraid of death and I think I battle that fear by trying to do as much as possible and live life to‬‭ the fullest.” – Cooper Evello‬‭, bog berries‬‭

With support from the likes of Atwood Magazine under their belts, as well as thousands of streams amassed on Spotify, we think there’s an exciting future ahead for this Bostonian outfit.

bog berries

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townsend – hard truth

US talent townsend is back again this week with a captivating new bop called ‘hard truth’.

As we’ve come to expect from this immensely gifted artist, the track serves us with a catchy melody and a pop production that is both experimental and alternative but still easy to listen to and connect with.

Dare we say, ‘hard truth’ is our favourite release from townsend so far. If this calibre of work continues, then we have no doubt that this talent will not only hit the mainstream in the US, but perhaps the rest of the world too.

townsend

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Ex Habit x BURY – let me fall

TRACK OF THE WEEK

Our first post this week is a brilliant collaboration between two very promising artists: US-based musician Ex Habit and rising Istanbul newcomer BURY.

‘let me fall’ delivers a beautiful mix of alternative pop, soul, and R&B. The sound is cinematic and dark, without coming across as too heavy or overwhelming.

Alongside the impressive production, these two artists’ vocals complement one another perfectly. Speaking on the track’s lyrics, Ex Habit says:

“This song encapsulates the feeling of deep all encompassing devotion and infatuation with a lover.”

Ex Habit has amassed more than 155 million streams on Spotify to date, while BURY has garnered 23 million streams herself on the platform. Two names to watch for in 2025—mark our words!

Ex Habit | BURY

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New Music: clovers daughter

We’ve got a gorgeous newcomer to share with you today, going by the name of clovers daughter.

This American-Palestinian singer and songwriter is garnering traction thanks to her distinctive style of music, which infuses folk and pop elements into delicate indie productions.

The new single, ‘are you coming home’ is a perfect introduction to the artist’s work and touches on aspects of longing and self-discovery.

“it captures the bittersweet ache of trying to hold on to something fleeting.”

You can catch clovers daughter performing live in Las Vegas on the 15th of February—tickets are available here.

clovers daughter

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Housewife – Work Song

If you’re in the mood for some fresh new indie pop, then Housewife’s latest release should hit the spot nicely.

‘Work Song’ is the artist’s first single of the year and treats us to an energising sound that is not only melodically catchy but is also filled with captivating lyrics—focusing on the expectations that we set ourselves.

“‘Work Song’ is about feeling unsatisfied with yourself and where you’re going. I have really high expectations of myself but also have really unhealthy habits and so oscillate between being a workaholic and being burnt out. I wanted to poke fun at myself, while still processing it as a valid issue in my life. This song is for anyone else out there with executive functioning issues who sometimes feel like a hot mess.”

Housewife’s momentum has grown from strength to strength over the past year, rapidly becoming a critic’s favourite. She releases her next EP on the 7th of March, titled ‘Girl Of The Hour’. Until then, you can explore more of the highly praised Canadian artist’s work over on Spotify.

Housewife

New Music: Mikeyy

Track of the week. We came across Iraqi-New Zealander talent Mikeyy a few days ago, and we’ve had his new single ‘lift’ on rotation ever since.

This track not only serves us with a refreshingly eccentric and unique take on hyperpop, but its joyful playfulness is so infectious that it’s really become a perfect anthem for the weekend.

Mikeyy is inspired by a wide range of artists—from Brakence and Glaive to The Beatles and Kanye West. He’s garnered more than 300k streams on Spotify so far, while also attracting almost 6k monthly listeners on the platform.

Mikeyy

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Cat Ridgeway – Sprinter

Orlando singer and songwriter Cat Ridgeway has to be one of America’s most interesting indie-rock newcomers.

Her songs all carry a very distinctive sound—distinctive vocals, captivating lyrics, and bold productions.

New single ‘Sprinter’ is no exception to the rule. This track explores themes of life and death and also touches on the topic of mental health in a sincere and thought-provoking way. Speaking on the single, Cat says:

“When my friend lost her battle to depression, we were all shocked, and had no idea she was struggling at all. Mental health so often gets treated like a nuisance, something that should be ignored, hidden, or not taken too seriously. Most anyone who’s lost someone to it will tell you they never saw it coming. The best metaphor I could think of, and what I kept coming back to in the lyric, was how there’s never a convenient time to deal with a check engine light on your car. People just ignore it, keep driving, and hope it turns off… but you can’t do that with a car, and you can’t do that with your life. My friend was a runner, a sprinter, which I found poetic because of how much she metaphorically ran from her problems. I felt like I was doing the same thing. But then I realized by writing this song and album, I was running straight into everything I’d been avoiding processing. It may have been in different directions, but we both ran, so it only felt right to call the record ‘Sprinter.’”

The song is lifted from an upcoming album that shares the same name, which is due for release this March.

Cat Ridgeway

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Kylie Rothfield – Old Man

Kylie Rothfield returns with a sensational new single today, and we’re very excited to be sharing it with you.

‘Old Man’ is a powerful indie-pop song that was inspired by someone who falls in love with an older partner, only to then realise that they only dated you for their own ego and self esteem. It’s a unique concept, and is really quite interesting to listen to.

Rothman has had quite the career, having worked with musical icons like Alicia Keys, Ryan Tedder and Ester Dean. In addition, her songs have amassed over a million streams to date, with that number sure to grow even more over the coming year.

Kylie Rothfield

New Music: RHNO

Track of the week. With a new year comes a fresh wave of talent that we’re really stoked about—one of which is US-based artist RHNO.

‘Gowithyou’ fuses synth with distorted pop and adds some soulful R&B into the mix for extra goodness. The sound is bold and distinct but also feels relatable and easy to connect with on an emotional level.

The track marks a new direction for the already hyped New Yorker. We think you’ll be hearing about this kid more often in the future, so be sure to keep this one on your radar.

RHNO

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New Music: Lucas Player

Lucas Player is an alternative 21-year-old artist from New York who initially picked up attention at only 15 under the moniker of Kibishi.

After going on a short hiatus, Player is back with a new name and a captivating style of sound. ‘More Than You’ is a lo-fi track that is intriguing and somewhat haunting to experience.

And while it is refreshingly experimental in its production, the song still maintains a powerful sense of emotion thanks to Player’s heartfelt lyricism.

“A confession from a former music composition student who left everything behind to pursue his dream. Now at 21, I’m breaking my silence with a song that’s been keeping me awake at night. It’s the most important song I’ve ever written, and my first words after years of holding back.”

We can’t wait to see what’s next for this very interesting talent—one to watch in 2025!

Lucas Player

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Higgo – Sunrise

We’re starting the new year with a massive new release from acclaimed London-based producer and DJ Higgo, called ‘Sunrise’.

Perfectly balancing UK garage with techno and house, this track seamlessly flirts between nostalgia and futurism.

It’s one of those rare garage-style tracks that both millennials and Gen Z might collectively find resonance with, and we’re certain it’ll get a tonne of momentum over the next few weeks.

Higgo plays London’s Night Tales Loft on the 17th of January alongside Matty Chiabi & Scruz—get your tickets here.

Higgo

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Lisa Heller – U LIKE THAT

American alt-pop musician Lisa Heller has been on our radars for quite a while now, and still, to this day, she manages to produce some very impressive belters.

‘U LIKE THAT’ is a bop that is impossible not to fall in love with straight away. The lyrics were inspired by the feelings that you sometimes get from falling for people who you know are a bad influence, while the production blends pop with rock in a very special way that only Heller can craft.

“Perfect for anyone who’s been in a ‘right now, not forever’ situation.”

Heller’s music has already amassed more than four million streams on Spotify (we’re not surprised, to be honest). While releasing her music, Lisa has also performed on stage with global names like Yung Gravy, Misterwives, and Peach Tree Rascals.

Lisa Heller

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Martin Luke Brown – animal

Track of the week. We’ve long been fans of UK talent Martin Luke Brown, and we’re pleased to see his return this week with another brilliant new release called ‘animal’.

The song focuses on themes of escapism, and tells of the artist’s desires to switch off from the modern world and return back to basics – experiencing life the way it was meant to be.

“About once a week I get a deep urge to retire from capitalism and run off into the woods to become Tarzan in a cabin somewhere eating berries. This is about that urge for a simple life away from the abstract chaos of the modern world.”

The track’s production blends elements of dreamy, lo-fi pop with indie, creating a soundscape that allows listeners themselves to escape from the manic chaos of current life.

Alongside his recent run of solo releases, Martin has also had a busy few months supporting global stars Sam Tompkins and Emily King on their respective tours.

Martin Luke Brown

Sarah von Reis – Nest

If you’re in the mood for some sweet indie pop, then we’ve got the perfect song to share with you today, courtesy of rising Scandinavian starlet Sarah von Reis.

‘Nest’ is a beautifully warm track that starts slow and hazy, gradually evolving into a euphoric climax that epitomises the emotions we experience when we’re deeply in love.

“‘Nest’ is a steamy, dreamy makeout song about one of those nights you wish would never end. There is this running joke in the lesbian community that a typical first lesbian date lasts until you break up. You meet at a bar, have drinks, go to her place and then you just never leave. You ‘U-haul’ and move in together in the first week and talk about the wedding on the second. Nest is about a first night like that, when you put down your sword and cease to exist beyond her arms. Hope this will be a song to keep the heat going through this winter!”

The track serves as another example of this Swedish singer and songwriter’s exceptional talent. Fans can expect Sarah’s debut album to drop next March, with a tour in her native homeland to follow. Exciting times for an exciting prospect!

Sarah von Reis

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Joshua J – In My Phone

Track of the week. Netherlands-based musician Joshua J returns with one of the most impressive songs of the week, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

‘In My Phone’ presents listeners with a finessed production that fuses neo-soul with afrobeat. Complimenting the sublime production are the introspective lyrics, which focus on the artist’s journey of self-discovery while visiting Ghana.

“As a child, I felt intense anger towards my mother for her inability to care for me and my siblings due to her struggles with drug addiction. However, as I matured, I gained a deeper understanding of her plight and realised that addiction is a battle that many face. I wrote this song to humanise addiction and to forgive my mother, using the mobile phone as a modern symbol of the addictions that affect us all.”

The track is lifted from Joshua J’s sophomore album ‘Polygamy,’ which was also released today and features contributions from Xenia Manasseh and AE (listen here).

Joshua J

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Emeryld – Lights Camera Baby!

Your weekend anthem comes courtesy of New York’s Emeryld and her synthpop banger ‘Lights Camera Baby!’

Let’s be clear: we’re obsessed with this track. It’s dramatic, punchy, and energising but also feels really emotive in tone. It’s perfect pop and reminds us of the sounds of icons like Robyn and Tove Lo.

The song serves as a taster to Emeryld’s next chapter as an artist and was written with Heather Sommer and produced by Slush Puppy, who has worked with the likes of Brooke Candy and Nessa Barrett, among many other global names.

“‘Lights Camera Baby’ was the first song I wrote with Slush Puppy and my first day back in the studio after a messy breakup and even messier relationship. We were two girls in the same friend group which led to us feeling like local bar celebrities, turning heads and sparking controversy, when in reality, it was just embarrassing and narcissistic to think we were anything serious but a spectacle, mirroring and magnifying each other’s issues.”

And as if being America’s next pop superstar isn’t already enough work for this talent, she’s also the name behind LA’s U-Haul party, which has become one of the city’s biggest lesbian events.

Emeryld

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