Category: Listen

Fleece – It’s the Life

If Canadian indie group Fleece already sound familiar to you, then it might have something to do with their parody clip ‘how to write an Alt-J song’, which took the internet by storm and consequently amassed 13 million global views.

Since then, this Montreal-based LGBTQ outfit have grown in popularity (and notoriety!), commanding a loyal legion of fans across social media and reaching more than 250k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Inspired by the concept of ‘faking it till you make it’, joyful new single ‘Its the Life’ is yet another impressive addition to the group’s catalogue of releases, and encourages us to take a more playful approach to living life.

Fleece

Kaz Moon – A lot to explain

As an artist who is now commanding a quarter of a million monthly listeners on Spotify, we think it’s safe to say that Kaz Moon has officially become one of America’s most prominent indie talents.

New single ‘A lot to explain’ is the first track to be lifted from Kaz’s upcoming ‘ST*R *NISE’ project, and showcases a perfected style of sound that fuses lo-fi indie with bedroom pop.

“This might have been the first thing I ever recorded after moving to New York in 2021, I remember working on it in my new apartment, which at the time was really cursed looking. The previous tenant was some kind of alcoholic. It had like two decaying couches facing each other, just a really cursed environment. Then I made this.”

Fans in the US can catch Kaz supporting SURL on a nation-wide tour from next month, starting on the 2nd April in Philadelphia. Dates and tickets can be found here.

Kaz Moon

Pearly Drops – Feed The Fire

Hotly-tipped Helsinki duo Pearly Drops unveil another stellar new release today, entitled ‘Feed The Fire’.

As far as pop music goes, this track is refreshingly unpredictable and intriguing. Through its intelligent style of production, the song contrasts feelings of joy and euphoria, with melancholy and woe.

“This song can’t decide if it’s outgoing or shy, sad or upbeat, it’s like when you say someone is a ‘lost cause’ – not really having a proper sense of self or lacking a protecting barrier between yourself and the rest of the world.”

Pearly Drops (aka Sandra Tervonen and Juuso Malin) have grown to become one of Finland’s most hyped musical acts in recent years, and currently command more than 590k monthly Spotify listeners.

Pearly Drops

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Belot – Cool Whip

We’ve made no secret in the past of just how obsessed we are with UK talent Belot.

Following on from the release of her much-acclaimed ‘Harmless Fun’ EP last year, this rising starlet returns today with a brand new single called ‘Cool Whip’.

As we’ve come to expect from Belot, the track presents listeners with a refreshingly eccentric mix of indie and pop. Explaining the inspiration behind the lyrics, she says:

“‘Cool Whip’ is about being in a relationship with someone who initially seems caring and extremely generous, but down the line you come to realise that every gift and or kind gesture was a cover up for yet another affair or slip up. I’ve had a few friends over the years that eventually discovered spontaneous flowers could also be red flags. So I always thought it would be interesting to write about the sort of dynamic, where the nicer the gift, the worse the crime.”

With more than 3.5 million career streams already under her belt, it looks like 2023 might be the year that Belot (deservedly) hits the mainstream. Keep an eye on this one!

Belot

Belot UK Live Dates 2023

  • 3rd June – The Courtyard Theatre, London (Supporting ARXX)
  • 4th June – Mighty Hoopla Festival, London

Siobhán Winifred – Sober

Alt-pop newcomer Siobhán Winifred is back with a stunning new single, entitled ‘Sober’.

Through its introspective and meaningful lyrics, the track offers listeners a glimpse into Winifred’s thoughts on the complexities of relationships.

“I wrote ‘Sober’ about the conflicting emotions you experience when your relationship with someone is based on no attachment and no expectations. It’s about the constant push and pull, where every word and action can have a double meaning. Lyrically the song is about how, when you’re feeling lost, you attach your worth to their interest in you and do whatever you cannot to lose it. Sometimes despite all the warning signs that are there, it’s hard to resist the sense of self-protection and direction that comes from placing your sense of self in someone else’s interest in you: you know you need to let go but just don’t have the strength to. Ultimately, I like to think Sober is a very relatable song that captures the emotional conflict we experience when we find ourselves in a relationship with a inevitable expiration date.”

Inspired by the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Leonard Cohen and Alex Turner, Winifred’s music been featured on noted editorial playlists like Spotify’s New Music Friday and Fresh Finds. Tastemaker acclaim for the emerging Londoner also continues to grow, with recent support from BBC 6 Music, 1883 Magazine, Hot Press and more.

Siobhán Winifred

The New Division – Southside

What better way to shake off those midweek blues than with an energising slice of synth pop, courtesy of LA-based musician The New Division (aka John Kunkel).

‘Southside’ is the kind of song that immediately sets your heart racing. With its anthemic melody, rousing vocals and memorable lyrics, this is one track that is certain to lift your spirits.

Alongside the release of the single, Kunkel has also unveiled a new album called ‘Modern Life’, which is out now. Fans in the US can catch The New Division on tour starting this summer – more details can be found here.

The New Division

Roni Bar Hadas – Mood

(Graphic Design – Dafna Gat)

For those unaware of Tel Aviv’s Roni Bar Hadas, this singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is rapidly marking her name as one of Israel’s most promising newcomers.

Through its beautifully melodic fusion of dreamy pop, soul and alternative R&B, new single ‘Mood’ looks at Roni’s yearning to break free from all the negative feelings that cloud her mind.

“Rather than listening to the voice in her head that tells her she is different and disconnected from others, Roni invites us to join her in her mood and shed a few layers and embrace the interconnectedness of all human beings.”

Since the release of her acclaimed 2020 debut album ‘Calm the Beast’, Hadas has gone on to accumulate more than 900k career streams on Spotify alone, while also picking up airplay from both Israeli and British radio stations. ‘Mood’ is lifted from Roni’s forthcoming sophomore album, which is out soon.

Roni Bar Hadas

BERWYN – Bulletproof

Photo / Jonathan Gift

BERWYN is no stranger to these Alfitude pages, thanks to his ever-impressive run of singles that showcase the very best in emerging UK-based musical talent.

New single ‘Bulletproof’ is yet another example of BERWYN’s exceptional songwriting skills, with its beautifully melodic production and refreshingly honest lyricism.

“Bulletproof is less about me and more about the people around me. It’s another part of my personality. I’m willing to do anything for the people around me, it kinda revolves around that. It also highlights the dangers of my job and exposes me as an individual with troubles. Relationships are a give and take, have my back and I’ll have yours because I’m not safe, I will need help and I’ll be more than willing to return the favour.”

Acclaimed by tastemakers and news outlets all across the world, BERWYN currently commands more than 380k monthly listeners on Spotify. You can catch the artist on tour right now, with shows in Bristol, Cardiff, Brighton and London still to go. Tickets can be found here.

BERWYN

cudos – highscore!

Rising American outfit cudos are back with a perfect weekend anthem for us all to enjoy.

Serving as a taster from their forthcoming debut album (scheduled for release later this year), ‘highscore’ is a refreshingly eccentric piece of music that blends elements of energising pop with synth. Elaborating on the lyricism, cudos explain:

“The song is about the inner battles you have with yourself when you’re constantly trying to 1UP yourself. In a lot of ways this song is a direct manifestation of itself, as it’s the first song we’ve both ever fully produced, written, recorded & engineered to come out. And to this point in the cudos project, it’s our favourite song we’ve ever finished.”

For those who have yet to come across this highly promising duo, cudos is a musical collaboration between childhood friends Alex Puchalski and Daniel Piper. Together, these two artists have created songs that have rapidly gained traction, resulting in more than a million catalogue streams on Spotify alone.

cudos

Heartbreaker – 99¢

’99¢’ from NY-based musician Heartbreaker might just be the one of the shortest-running weekend bops ever made.

Running at under a minute in length (and featuring an iconic soundbite at the end that is certain to make you smile), the track treats listeners to a perfected and crisp-sounding hyperpop production that somehow feels both nostalgic and experimental in equal measures.

In a sign of what might come in the future, Heartbreaker utilised AI software in not only the creation of the track, as also for its artwork.

“The song is performed by an AI singer, and the cover art is an AI-generated composite. As machine learning lurches into adolescence, it only makes sense that the algorithm is turning moody, rebellious, and yearning for connection. Callbacks to 2013 tumblr ephemera like Abercrombie jeans and Arizona iced tea place the love song in the context of the ever-expanding internet, of tearing your heart out in front of your crush and sending it to their anon inbox.”

As a songwriter, producer and DJ, Heartbreaker has worked alongside the likes of Hatsune Miku, Kira and Sidney Gish, while his own solo releases have amassed more than million streams to date.

Heartbreaker

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: moleface

One of the most exciting finds this week has been Bristol-based newcomer moleface.

With a style of production that is refreshingly raw and punchy in character, this artist creates songs that make an impact from the moment you press play.

Written as ‘the perfect coming of age soundtrack about the importance of friendship’, new single ‘camden (the life I chose)’ presents listeners with an alt-pop sound that epitomises the essence of youth.

It’s a song that we’d define as charmingly chaotic, and reminds us all to let go of our problems for a short while, and embrace life a little more.

‘camden (the life I chose)’ is taken from moleface’s upcoming ‘london core’ tape, which is scheduled for release soon.

moleface

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

BENTLE – Sideshow

We’ve long been fans of Australian artist BENTLE, and today’s release of new single ‘Sideshow’ continues to delight us even further.

Inspired by a story of two people who start to drift apart, the song treats listeners to a beautifully emotive fusion of indie, pop and alternative R&B.

“It’s about fractured communication, the blurry lines between inevitability and control, and the romance of the situation that smothers the true feeling.”

With such a thoughtful approach to music-making, it’s no surprise this NY-based talent has already amassed more than 500k streams on Spotify from only a handful of singles.

BENTLE

HART – VOODOO PLANS

London-based artist HART first appeared on our radar over two years ago – and even back then, we were seriously impressed with his sound.

Today marks a special day for this rising talent though, as he’s just released his debut single, entitled ‘VOODOO PLANS’.

Produced alongside acclaimed personnel Jabari Manwa and Brad Lewis, the song takes its inspiration from an ex who tried to replicate HART’s energy through another man.

“You took my heart to put it in another man… you can’t recreate me don’t you understand”

With its finessed and distinctive mix of R&B, pop and hip hop, the track serves as a powerful introduction to one of the UK’s most exciting newcomers.

HART

Nix Northwest – Time Out

We’ve been looking forward to this news for quite some time… London-based rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist Nix Northwest has finally released his debut album today, entitled ‘Xin’s Disappearance’ (out now).

Lifted from the much-anticipated concept project is ‘Time Out’, which presents listeners with a thoughtfully constructed and melodic fusion of UK hip hop and jazz.

In a sign of his ever-growing popularity, Nix has just sold-out all dates on his upcoming tour. More so, as an artist with over 20 million catalogue streams already under his belt on Spotify alone, it’s clear that Nix will become one of the UK’s hottest musical exports this year.

Nix Northwest

Nix Northwest UK Tour 2023

  • BIRMINGHAM—-19th March
  • GLASGOW—-20th March
  • MANCHESTER—-21st March
  • BRIGHTON—-23rd March
  • LONDON—-24th March

Cam Thomas – Heisman

British rap artist Cam Thomas has been marked as one of the country’s most promising hip hop prospects, with the release of his new single ‘Heisman’ only further propelling his momentum.

Taking its name from the world-famous Heisman Trophy, the song looks at themes of success, wealth and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Lyrically intelligent and sonically bold, the track serves as a taster to Cam’s forthcoming debut ‘Redshirt’ album (out 5th May).

With support from the likes of BBC Introducing, Wonderland and Plastic magazines under his belt, Cam Thomas is one name to keep on your radars this year.

Cam Thomas

VC Pines – Dangling

Following on from his triumphant comeback single earlier this year (‘Running’), acclaimed UK artist VC Pines returns with a powerful new track entitled ‘Dangling’.

The song was inspired by the pain that comes from keeping too many thoughts locked in our minds, and serves as a reminder to be more open and accepting of help from others.

“’Dangling’ is a culmination of bad habits, late nights and broken relationships. BUT. The fact that these are exacerbated by things that are all in your head. I was put on lamotrigine after my epilepsy diagnosis and my moods would swing like Newton’s cradle. I thought that people were thinking things or saying things or that they were acting a certain way towards me due to reasons I’d made up in my head and eventually this tore down some strong relationships I had. Late nights and alcohol didn’t fix anything when I thought they would. Really, if I’d just asked questions, things could have been different. So ‘Dangling’ is a reminder to be open, and not fester in your own assumptions.“

‘Dangling’ was created alongside London-based producer Hoost, who is noted for his work with artists like Rina Sawayama, Olivia Nelson and Louis III.

After selling out Camden’s MAP Studio Cafe in January, VC Pines has now announced a headline show at London’s iconic Lafayette on the 15th September – tickets can be found here.

VC Pines

Hanne Mjøen – Hard To Love (feat. Ryland James)

Photo / Fabian Fjeldvik

Not many Norwegian alt-pop artists have made as much impact globally as Hanne Mjøen has over these last few years.

Today marks her return with a powerful new single that features the talents of Ryland James, entitled ‘Hard To Love’.

Beautifully melancholic and refreshingly honest in tone, the song looks at the emotional vulnerabilities that start to appear when we find ourselves connecting with someone special.

”’Hard To Love’ tells the tale of being a complex person. Everyone has bad sides and struggles and through the lyrics I wanted to put mine on the table, letting the one you love know that if you want a love of eternal sunshine, I’ll give you the opposite. I’ll make it hard for you to love me cause unfortunately I’m not a perfect person either.”

Mjøen has received recognition from international outlets and tastemaker publications as prominent as Fader, NRK P3, Line Of Best Fit and many more. Meanwhile, rising artist Ryland James already commands more than 250k monthly Spotify listeners.

Hanne Mjøen | Ryland James

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Miko – 2 Cups

It might still be March but we’ve already got a summer anthem lined up for you all to enjoy.

‘2 Cups’ is taken from rising Canadian artist Miko’s upcoming sophomore EP, and was created in collaboration with acclaimed producer Derek Hoffman.

Lyrically inspired by a songwriter ‘living the life’ in LA, the song presents listeners with a punchy fusion of gritty indie-rock and pop.

In equal measures, this is a sound that feels intense and raw, but also playful and lively in character.

Miko

Madeline – Relief (feat. Jeffrey Eli)

One of our favourite alt-pop artists to have emerged from the US in recent years has been Madeline – so we’re delighted to be sharing with you her new collaboration featuring up-and-coming talent Jeffrey Eli.

The version of ‘Relief’ that you’re listening to right now is actually a revamped one; the original edit has already amassed more than 50k streams since it’s release last autumn.

The song is taken from Madeline’s ‘Gut Tag’ EP, which is scheduled for release in April 2023.

As two rising stars in the making, Madeline’s work currently draws in almost 70k monthly listeners on Spotify, while Jeffrey Eli commands a fanbase that exceeds 900k followers across social media.

Madeline | Jeffrey Eli

KAYLS – On The Rocks

If you’re on the hunt for a pop-rock banger to perk up your Wednesday then you’ve come to the right place!

LA-based singer and songwriter KAYLS has just released a brand new single called ‘On The Rocks’, which she describes as a ‘celebratory break up song where I recount my intuitive thoughts as I reflect on a relationship’.

It’s a bold, punchy and energising slice of guitar-driven alt-pop that is sure to stay with you for the rest of the day. Elaborating further on the song’s lyrics, KAYLS explains:

“Who wants the cork of someone else’s champagne bottle landing in their moules-frites? That’s what a septic relationship can feel like. You’re sitting at the wrong table with a cork floating in your dinner and no champagne. It’s like if you put on a blindfold and spin around and around and take it off and try to run you’re going to fall down. This song feels like a pact with myself to never override my intuition or allow myself to attach to the wrong person again.”

To coincide with the release of the song, KAYLS has also launched the sale of specially created Jasmine Soaking Salts for fans to enjoy – more details can be found here.

KAYLS