Listen - NEW MUSIC

Lila Drew – Bad Juice

Lila Drew returns with a spellbinding new release that continues to showcase this singer and songwriter’s remarkable artistry.

Serving as a taster for an upcoming album, the song presents listeners with a dreamy twist on the indie-pop genre. Elaborating further on the song’s inspiration, Drew says:

“‘Bad Juice’ is really about trying to figure yourself out in a rapidly moving universe and trying to have some fun while doing so. This was one of the last songs I wrote for my upcoming album. A lot of the songs I wrote up until then were pretty introspective and serious, and I wanted to try something different. I was working with Matt Hales in Bath, England, and remember going into the studio thinking, ‘f*ck it, I’m going to make a song that is funny and sarcastic and ridiculous; a song that will lyrically make me laugh and that recognizes its lack of seriousness.’ I had just rewatched Kubrik’s adaptation of ‘The Shining’ and was imagining myself standing within those patterned hallways and trying to find a way out. It’s become such a special song for me because it really was the first time I let go of all the seriousness and focused on just enjoying making music — it’s easy to lose sight of that.”

To date, this rising talent has accumulated well over 17 million streams on Spotify, with her GoldLink collaboration ‘faded/2am’ garnering close to 10 million streams alone.

Lila Drew

Zakhar – Real Me

As far as British newcomers go, few have achieved as much commercial and critical success as quickly as London-based rap artist Zakhar.

Melodic new single ‘Real Me’ is released alongside debut EP ‘Scars On My Mind’, which is out now.

“This is more than an EP, it’s my story so far.”

While still only 18-years of age, Zakhar commands a significant fanbase – with more than 400k monthly listeners on Spotify and tastemaker praise from the likes of Complex UK, Wonderland, Vice, SBTV and The New York Times.

Zakhar performs live alongside Sadie Jean in London on the 3rd October 2022 – tickets can be found here.

Zakhar

Deyaz – Bitter

Track of the week. One of the most impressive releases to emerge so far this month comes courtesy of rising East London artist Deyaz.

Powerfully raw, honest and frank in tone, captivating new single ‘Bitter’ was inspired by the artist’s struggles with addiction.

“‘Bitter’ is about the struggles I had with addiction. As much as the subject is dark, I feel the song has a positive outlook as it shows acceptance within the problem and acknowledging the lifestyle that comes along with it can be harmful to your future. ‘Bitter’ really feels like the start of a new chapter for myself sonically & personally.”

With support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Fader, Clash and The Guardian, Deyaz is undoubtedly one UK talent to keep on your radars.

Deyaz

Golden Features – Vigil

Acclaimed Australian producer Golden Features unveils a beautifully dark and intensely captivating sound through his new single, ‘Vigil’.

“‘Vigil’ is about the point of diminishing returns. The sound of birds begging you to go to bed, desperately trying to sleep when your brain won’t allow it. It’s for anybody who’s managed to escape the kick-on only to be left alone in a silent room with nothing but head-noise.”

The song’s accompanying video continues with the story from previous single ‘Touch’, as Golden Features explains:

“The ‘Vigil’ video starts where the ‘Touch’ video ends. It’s about trying to stay sane and navigate the head noise. I wanted to capture the moment after the afterparty when the last person has left and you’re alone with nothing but your thoughts.”

Already an established name within the international electronic scene, Golden Features has accumulated over 275 million streams, achieved several platinum and gold ARIA certifications, and played on iconic stages like Coachella.

Golden Features

Oli Fox – Half As Much

London-based singer and songwriter Oli Fox returns with an anthemic slice of musical bliss that is sure to propel this talent further into the mainstream.

Lifted from new EP ‘The Season’ (out now), ‘Half As Much’ presents listeners with a catchy and energising blend of indie, soul and pop. Speaking on the EP, Fox says:

“The EP is a crash course on how to fall in and out of love. From ‘the season’ which I wrote in a state of euphoria after putting myself back into the dating scene, to the bitter recollection of a relationship I’d left in ‘Cloud 9’. I really hope people can resonate with at least one of these stages. ‘Half as much’ is my favourite song on the album as I wrote the chorus in roughly five minutes, slumped in my kitchen doorway. It’s a bit of an epiphany, realising that someone can almost make you feel twice the person you were without them, hence the concept of ‘I only ever felt half as much'”.

Not only is Fox an acclaimed soloist (with praise from likes of BBC Radio 1), but he is also an established top-liner who has recently secured co-writes for Aquilo, Gorgon City and James Smith among others.

Oli Fox

Sötnos – Care About Nothing

It’s barely been a month since we last featured Stockholm duo Sötnos, but today marks their return with the release of new single, ‘Care About Nothing’.

With its eccentric mix of indie, pop and rock, the song delivers a sound that feels care-free, fun and uplifting – and further cements Sötnos as one of Sweden’s most exciting newcomers.

“This was the first song we ever made together. Recording this song, we jumped up and down and screamed as loud as we could. It was a total blast and it went fast and we hope it translates for you out there listening.”

The track shares its name with the duo’s debut album, which is also released today and can be heard here.

Sötnos

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AMAVA – Feel Things

From our experience, hyperpop tends to be a very hit-and-miss genre. Fortunately, AMAVA’s new single ‘Feel Things’ is a weekend anthem that we think everyone will enjoy.

Injecting a dose of playfulness into a sonic universe that features sharp electronic beats and bouncy bass, the song’s charm creates a sense of joy that is sure to resonate with many listeners.

“This is a pure, honest love song where I didn’t shroud everything in a cover of heavy imagery and mystery and it was all me just saying exactly what I felt”.

Inspired by modern-day pop legends as varied as Charli XCX, Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift and Lorde, US-based AMAVA’s songs have collectively amassed over 600k streams to date on Spotify alone.

AMAVA

Gustaf – stop

Danish pop artist Gustaf continues to impress us with the unveiling of his latest single, entitled ‘stop’.

Through its nostalgia-tinged synth production, the song’s bittersweet lyrics tell of the emotional dilemmas that come with summer romances. Elaborating further on the track, Gustaf says:

“‘stop’ is a song about being in the early stages of your summer flirt, but suddenly it’s starting to get a little too serious and you’re not ready to commit! Mainly because you’re afraid of commitment but also because you want to keep that cloud nine feeling going on, you’re too afraid that you’ll make the wrong choice, and the daily trivial life kicks in! So let’s just stop before we fall in love!”

The song marks Gustaf’s sixth release to date. New fans of this promising Scandinavian talent can check out his past singles on Spotify here.

Gustaf

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

PLVTINUM – DIE4MYBITCH

American pop artist PLVTINUM is back with a new single, along with the announcement of an upcoming EP which will be released later in the year.

Showcasing a style of dark electronic pop that is cinematic and sinister in tone, the track presents listeners with a sound that is both intriguing and captivating.

“On one hand, my instinct to engage in possessive behaviour can be destructive to my relationships, on the other, it can lead to elevated passion and loyalty. This song acts as a device for cathartic expression – instead of attempting to rationalise my more unsavoury attributes, I lean into them.”

PLVTINUM has accumulated over a billion catalogue streams since the release of his 2016 viral hit ‘Champagne & Sunshine‘, and also commands a significant fanbase all across social media.

PLVTINUM

Memphis LK – Whip

Rising Australian talent Memphis LK returns with an early bop to prepare you for the weekend ahead.

New single ‘Whip’ finds the self-taught songwriter, producer and DJ delivering a melodic and mesmerising fusion of dance music and pop. Speaking on the song, Memphis LK says:

“Making dance music, I’m drawn to sounds that have conflicting moods, contrasting the hard and the soft. That’s ‘Whip’. It’s kind of a breakup anthem for bad bitches. The day I started making this song, I was carrying a 15L water bottle up the stairs and I tripped and put a hole in the wall. So every time I look at the massive hole in the wall I think “Oh cool that was the day I made Whip.”

To date, this emerging artist has garnered over a million catalogue streams on Spotify alone. While we await further new releases, be sure to check out the 2021 EP ‘1’ here.

Memphis LK

Friday Pilots Club – Never Say No

American alternative rock five-piece Friday Pilots Club are back today with their third release of the year.

Lifted from the group’s upcoming ‘I LOVE YOU, ROBOT SUPERSTAR!’ EP, new single ‘Never Say No’ is an anthemic and deeply moving song that was inspired by the ending of a toxic relationship.

“’Never Say No’ came to be one long night in Chicago at the exact moment that I realised me and my ex were no longer good for each other. It stems from the fear of being the one who potentially lets a good thing go. It’s reminiscent of late nights and soured relationships; it’s everything you wanted to say to your ex but couldn’t at the moment you needed to most. We as a band have poured our blood, sweat, and tears into the dynamic ebb and flow of this song and we couldn’t be more excited for it to be out in the world.” – Drew Polovic, Friday Pilots Club

With more than 30 million streams on Spotify and critical praise from the likes of Earmilik, Alternative Press and Prelude Press, Friday Pilots Club have officially become of America’s most prominent alt-rock outfits. The band’s forthcoming EP will be released in October through Friday Pilots Club / STEM.

Friday Pilots Club

Lizzie Esau – Bleak Sublime

Rising starlet Lizzie Esau continues to gain traction across the UK with her perfected blends of indie and rock, and that momentum looks set to grow even further with the release of her new single, ‘Bleak Sublime’.

Subtly raw and melancholic in tone, the song was inspired by the desire of wanting feelings of pleasure without the help of alcohol.

To date, Esau’s collection of songs have accumulated well over 330k total streams on Spotify alone. You can catch Lizzie live alongside UPSAHL on tour in November – tickets can be found here.

Lizzie Esau

Ruby Waters – Open Arms

Those of us seeking a musical tonic to the mid-week slump will welcome the release of ‘Open Arms’ from rising alternative singer songwriter Ruby Waters.

Inspired by the ebbs and flows of life, the song encourages listeners to embrace situations and deal with them as they arise.

“I wrote ‘Open Arms’ in Spain last spring at a song writing camp I was lucky to be invited to. The song came so naturally. [It’s] about how I like to deal with shit, my outlets, and how to handle the ups and downs. It doesn’t always have to be a weakness or a problem to be depressed or overwhelmed, it can sometimes just be a part of life, and however you cope with it isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

With millions of catalogue streams to date and over 280k monthly listeners on Spotify, as well as a JUNO nomination and two Top 5 entries on Alternative Radio, it’s safe to say that Waters is one of Canada’s most promising new musical exports.

Ruby Waters

Arima Ederra – Portals

If you’re a fan of the early works of Corinne Bailey Rae then Arima Ederra’s ‘Portals’ will transport you right back to those mid 00’s.

Beautifully mellow yet emotive in tone, the song presents listeners with a sound that proves the concept of ‘less is more’, and showcases the singer, songwriter and visual artist’s exceptional craftsmanship.

To date, this LA-based talent has garnered praise from the likes of Flaunt and Fader magazines, while also commanding over 30k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

Arima Ederra

Fazerdaze – Break!

Acclaimed New Zealand singer and songwriter Fazerdaze is back with one of the catchiest songs of the week.

Lifted from a forthcoming EP of the same name, ‘Break!’ is an energising and arresting slice of indie-rock that feels rebellious and anthemic in equal measures.

With a loyal fanbase that includes over 50k followers on Instagram and 300k monthly listeners on Spotify, Fazerdaze has marked her name as one of New Zealand’s most interesting musical exports in recent years.

‘Break!’ EP is out 14th October 2022 | Fazerdaze

DC – The Latest

Greenwich-born rapper DC unveils his first new music of the year, and it was certainly worth the wait.

‘The Latest’ samples J Cole’s ‘Chaining Day’ (Sly Slick & Wicked’s ‘Sho’nuff’), and was inspired by some of the trials, tribulations and hardships of growing up in London.

“Feels good to be back, I’ve been away working and now I feel like it’s time to go. Happy to be dropping this new one, take it as the introduction to the next chapter in the story.”

To date, DC has received acclaim from the likes of CLASH, The Line of Best Fit and Complex UK, while his catalogue of releases has garnered well over 20 million streams on Spotify alone.

blackwave. – cracked screen (feat. Lute)

Belgian duo blackwave. have become a benchmark of excellence for European hip hop.

Continuing with their run of successful collaborations, new single ‘cracked screen’ features acclaimed rap artist Lute, and serves as a taster to new album ‘no sleep in LA’ (out now).

“The initial idea came about when one day I realised how much I was ‘living’ through my phone by dropping it and by the screen cracking. All of a sudden I started to notice the screen itself, instead of being completely immersed inside this world of internet and social media. It sparked the first idea of the chorus: ‘Live my life behind a cracked screen, nothing’s what it seems’. From there it evolved into a track about all these different aspects of idolisation both from the perspective of idolising as well as being idolised. It’s about the fronts we tend to put up on the internet, and the moment those fronts start to shatter in front of you.” – Willem Ardui, blackwave.

Newly acquainted fans of this ever-rising outfit should also check out their previous projects, ‘ARE WE STILL DREAMING?’ and ‘Mic Check’.

blackwave. | Lute

Swim Deep – Little Blue

Still going strong ten years after their debut, indie outfit Swim Deep return with an anthemic new single alongside the announcement of an upcoming tour.

‘Little Blue’ features an uplifting production from Dreamtrak, while the lyrics encourage us to stick with our hopes and dreams – no matter how old we are.

“There’s a couple of themes running through ‘Little Blue’. The lyrics came out as I was writing the melody and I just kept them in. When I look back at it and what I was feeling at the time, it was most probably about me and my fiancé, with a more general moniker for myself and the band too. ‘Here now we’re going to make it’ – is a reassurance that I’ve always needed. I’d like to think sometimes I don’t need it, but now more than ever I do. I’m 30 now, so that youthful foolish hopefulness is slowly being replaced by a crappy realism, but I still think we’re going to headline Madison Square Garden one day so that self belief hasn’t totally abandoned me just yet. And when we do, I’ll be singing this song.” – Austin Williams, Swim Deep

The group will play a series of shows across the UK, beginning in Southampton later this month. Tickets can be found here.

Swim Deep

Live Dates 2022

24 September – Heartbreakers, Southampton
15 October – Live At Leeds, Leeds
24 November – Jimmy’s, Liverpool
27 November – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
28 November – Thekla, Bristol
30 November – The Garage, London

Joey XL – Good Love

Emerging London-based R&B talent Joey XL returns with a melodic piece of musical perfection.

Lifted from the forthcoming EP ‘XL’s Room’ (out 30th September), new single ‘Good Love’ serves as a shimmering end-of-summer ode to those who love being in love. Commenting on the EP, Joel XL says:

“The challenges that life throws your way, each designed to shape and advance your existence and purpose, are encapsulated in ‘XLs Room’. It centres on the concept of a bedroom, as well as the solitude of the mind, both private and safe spaces to feel and process lessons in love, navigating relationships, finding direction and understanding who and what you’re meant to be. This EP is a journey of self-discovery – each track speaks to my musical and mental evolution, crossing genre and themes, ending with passionate optimism that everything happens for a reason and the best is yet to come.”

With early support from the likes of Complex UK, DUMMY and New Wave magazines, it seems almost certain that Joel XL will become one of Britain’s newest R&B superstars.

Joey XL

Floyd Fuji – TONGUE TIED

Few artists are as capable of maintaining a consistently high standard of releases as LA-based polymath Floyd Fuji.

Latest release ‘TONGUE TIED’ continues to showcase this talent’s impeccable musical artistry, and was inspired by the feelings that we all shared while we were stuck in lockdown last year.

“This song was written during the first Covid lockdown here in LA. I was already fantasising what it would feel like to finally leave my house. We were stuck inside for so long. I almost forgot how to walk, let alone talk and meet new people. Everyday I’m still trying to poke holes in this bubble I built around myself. Though things in the world are still a bit shaky, I hope this track makes you dance around and momentarily release the worries of the world around you.”

The song further propels this rising musician’s momentum, and follows his acclaimed collaboration with Topaz Jones the song ‘BREADWINNER’.

Floyd Fuji

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