Beach Weather – Unlovable

Photp / Kirsten Barnett

One of America’s most prominent alternative outfits return today with a punchy slice of melodic pop-rock.

Beach Weather‘s new single ‘Unloveable’ makes an immediate impact from the moment you press play. Inspired by our personal feelings of insecurity, the song’s lyrics strike a chord with most listeners who have fallen into the trap of self-doubting themselves.

“We had been building all of these ideas in our heads of what we thought we needed to be and whether we could be satisfied with who we actually were. I think in a way it’s about questioning your own value. Wondering if you’ll ever truly be enough and never completely meeting expectations. At the same time being satisfied knowing that it’s human to feel that way.” – Sean Silverman, Beach Weather

With strong support from alternative radio stations across the globe, Beach Weather have accumulated over 100 million catalogue streams to date. If you’re in New York, be sure to catch the band perform at Pier 17 on 30th September 2022.

Beach Weather

Jon Vinyl – Entice Me

Photo / Arman Saturday

For a second week in a row, we have a Jon Vinyl feature that we can’t wait to share with you. This time it’s the turn of new solo single ‘Entice Me’.

As has become expected from Vinyl, the song treats listeners to a sublime blend of soul, alternative R&B and mellow pop. A perfect sound for the summer season, ‘Entice Me’ continues to solidify Vinyl’s status as one of Canada’s most exciting new artists.

The track is the first single to be taken from Vinyl’s next project, which is scheduled for release this October. In the meantime, fans can look forward to a live rendition of the song, which will be unveiled over the next few weeks.

Jon Vinyl

Cassie Marin – Jungle Fetish

Your pop bop for the weekend comes courtesy of Californian mega-talent Cassie Marin.

Lifted from new album ‘Lil 5i5’ (out now), ‘Jungle Fetish’ is a song of contradictions. While the production carries a light-hearted and playful tone, the lyrics are honest, brave and intensely raw. As Marin explains:

“I designed the production to carry a feeling of hope and magic but, the truth is, that the main themes required a lot of deep digging and hard work. ‘Jungle Fetish’ is an exploration of the self without judgment while also being a very tragic story about abuse and my victory over it. It is a reminder that no matter what harm may come to us, we deserve to feel dazzlingly pure and uncompromisingly brave.”

To date, Marin has received praise from noted tastemakers like Ones To Watch, Earmilk, Dummy and KULT magazines, while her catalogue of releases has amassed millions of streams across platforms.

Cassie Marin

Sofia Karlberg – Just For You

Photo / Daniela Spiroska

Swedish-Moroccan starlet Sofia Karlberg is no stranger to these pages, having first been featured back in 2016.

Since that time, Karlberg’s momentum has exploded – with the artist garnering over 1.5 billion catalogue streams, 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners and a significant following across social media.

Today marks the release of Karlberg’s ‘Hold My Love’ EP (out now), alongside melodic new track ‘Just For You’. A masterclass in Scandi music, the song infuses subtle hints of melancholy into a thoughtfully-constructed pop production, and sets the tone for the EP.

“The journey of this EP started when I was contemplating what to do next, not only musically but in general with my life. The pandemic forced a lot of us to dig deep, ask ourselves questions we might not want to know the answers to and to revalue our purposes. I realised I needed to stand on new grounds so I decided to move to Berlin from my hometown Stockholm. I wanted to invite all the different parts of my new city into this EP, the darkness, the fun, the love but mainly the diversity. It’s such a weird and unique city with plenty room for everyone to be themselves in and I hope that this collection of songs can give you just that feeling, that there’s something for everyone, and that you’re all welcome into my world.”

Sofia Karlberg

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THILO – RUN RUN

Showcasing some of the finest R&B-pop to emerge from Germany in quite some time, singer and songwriter THILO is back with more outstanding music.

Today sees the release of the rising artist’s new conceptual project, entitled ‘RUN RUN’ (out now). Through the theme of running, the collection of songs touch on topics like young love, personal growth and introspection. Expanding further on the project, THILO says:

“Running through this world means embracing the unknown, the introspective and emotional chaos, while simultaneously trusting the process of running on, wherever life takes us and whatever situations it confronts us with.”

To date, THILO has picked up praise from the likes of TRENCH, The Pit and Flutwelle Magazin, while his songs have received airplay on noted radio stations across Europe including 1Live, Big FM and Absalon Radio Copenhagen.

THILO

Arliston – Mothering

Photo / Bo Morgan

Acclaimed Brixton-based outfit Arliston return today with a captivating fusion of indie and dreamy pop through the release of new single ‘Mothering’.

Lifted from the group’s forthcoming ‘Even in the Shade’ EP, the song presents itself as fragile, understated and subdued in tone – yet also carries a gorgeously soulful and emotive essence which is mesmerising to experience.

“I”m so happy with how this one came together. We always try to keep a lid on the productions, it’s too easy nowadays to use all the toys on every song, but with ‘Mothering’ I think we’ve managed to get a real sense of groove and momentum into such a small arrangement.” – George Hasbury, Arliston

Arliston’s momentum has rapidly picked up since the release of ‘Mountaineer’ last year, which has accumulated over 850k streams on Spotify alone. The band now command over 37k monthly listeners on the platform, while tastemaker approval comes from the likes of Variance, Earmilk and CLOUT.

Arliston

Hunter Moreau – Be Alright

One of the most exciting pop prospects to emerge from Massachusetts recently has been Hunter Moreau, and today’s release of new single ‘Be Alright’ only further adds to the much-deserved hype.

Energising as it is uplifting, this anthemic bop has that burst of positivity that we all need – and continues to showcase Moreau’s artistic versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.

“‘Be Alright’ was written above all else, as a reminder. Like a reminder that pops up on your phone, letting you know you still have things left on your to-do list.  Except this reminder is to let you know, that no matter how overwhelming and exhausting the whirlpool of life may seem, it’s going to be alright.”

The song was co-written alongside pop heavyweights King Mala and Parkwild (who has also worked with the likes of Griff, Sam Feldt and morgxn).

While this is only Moreau’s third single, the promising newcomer has already garnered over 850k collective streams on Spotify alone.

Hunter Moreau

Sherwyn – Goddess Reign (feat. Amber Mark)

Two Alfitude favourites team up on one of the most impressive releases of the week.

Written as an ode to female strength, ‘Goddess Reign’ features the talents of American artists Sherwyn and Amber Mark, and treats listeners to a sound that blissfully fuses alternative R&B with bouncy funk and hip hop.

“Sherwyn sent me the track and two seconds in of listening when the percussion comes in, I was HOOKED! So honoured I get to be a part of such an amazing song that brings out so much emotion“ – Amber Mark

“I’m blessed to have the women I have in my life who shaped me and continue to do so to this day. Thankful to have Amber with me on this joint and I know y’all gonna enjoy!” – Sherwyn

‘Goddess Reign’ is taken from Sherwyn’s much-anticipated ‘Maker’s Design’ debut EP, which is out in the autumn. Sherwyn will also join Teddy Swims on tour later this year.

Sherwyn | Amber Mark

purpl – Tell All Your Friends

Since launching in 2018, UK-based talent purpl has consistently crafted some of the finest blends of alternative pop and R&B.

Today marks the starlet’s return, with the release of mellow new single ‘Tell All Your Friends’.

Through its dreamy production, the song transports listeners to purpl’s beautifully ethereal sonic world – and sets the tone for the artist’s next phase of work.

“2022 is a new chapter for me. I’m focusing on staying true to myself and making the music I want to make.”

To date, purpl has garnered praise from BBC Introducing, Spindle and LOCK among others, while her songs have been featured on editorial Apple, Deezer and Spotify playlists like New Music Friday and New Pop UK.

purpl

Noah Guy – 2 DOGS 1 LEASH

Photo / thenamesneema

Few artists have the ability to fuse soul, R&B and pop together with such effortless ease as US musician Noah Guy.

New single ‘2 DOGS 1 LEASH’ features Guy’s soulful vocals delivering sharp and articulate lyrics over a production that feels fresh and future-forward.

The song is really just one long rhythmic freestyle, cycling through these deep personal fears, doubts, and hesitations I had sequestered from a past relationship. I had gotten out of a relationship that was super fast, super intense, and really quite perfect outside this mutual understanding that we maybe didn’t pace ourselves the way we should have.

Commanding more than 130k monthly listeners on Spotify, Guy’s momentum is on the rise. Be sure to familiarise yourselves with this talent’s work – this is definitely one artist to watch.

Noah Guy

Ten Minute Detour – Golden Tapestry

Canadian rockers Ten Minute Detour return today with an uplifting slice of indie bliss through the release of their new single, ‘Golden Tapestry’.

An essential addition to all your summer playlists, the track serves as the band’s last release to be lifted from their forthcoming third album – which took three years to write and record.

Along with previous singles like ‘What Can I Do?’ and ‘On We Go’, the song continues to showcase the group’s skill at crafting indie-rock bops that are packed with character and charm.

Fans can look forward to Ten Minute Detour’s upcoming gig, which is set to be held at Hamilton’s Mills Hardware in October (tickets here).

Ten Minute Detour

charlieonnafriday – Enough

Emerging Seattle artist charlieonnafriday returns with a melodic blend of rap and melancholic pop through his new single ‘Enough’.

A heartbreak anthem for the modern age, the song looks at the feelings we get when we realise that our partner no longer provides us with a sense of fulfilment.

While a relative newcomer, charlieonnafriday has already accomplished several impressive achievements; garnering a million followers on TikTok and over 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

“I’m not the same person I was in high school. But I’m still making songs in my bedroom. I’m still capturing moments. And hopefully people want to live through what I capture.” 

charlieonnafriday

Gyakie – FOR MY BABY

With more than 600k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Ghanian artist Gyakie is rapidly marking her name as one of Africa’s most exciting musical exports.

Sultry new single ‘FOR MY BABY’ continues to showcase this rising starlet’s enchanting and uplifting style of sound, thanks to its finessed fusion of R&B and Afropop.

The accompanying visuals were directed by George Guise, who has also created work for the likes of Tiwa Savage and Maleek Berry.

Taken from Gyackie’s ‘MY DIARY’ EP (out now).

Gyakie

Jany Green – Change

Alfitude favourite Jany Green returns with an impressive blend of nostalgia-tinged punk, new wave and alternative pop.

Anthemic new single ‘Change’ is refreshingly raw in character, and treats listeners to a sound that is both bold and highly energising to experience.

“I was in my John Hughes bag when I was writing these songs, and thinking about Bender and Claire in The Breakfast Club; the tension of whether change has to come from within, or from the other person.”

While only releasing a handful of singles to date, Green has seen his momentum, grow rapidly thanks to praise and support from industry heavyweights like NME, Pigeons & Planes, FADER and The Line of Best Fit.

Jany Green

Chrissi – Lipo

Photo / Shenell Kennedy

One of the most exciting newcomers to have emerged from the UK R&B and soul scene last year was Essex-born Trinidadian artist Chrissi.

New single ‘Lipo’ marks this rising starlet’s first release of 2022, and serves as an ode to body-positivity, confidence and self love.

“​​I wrote ‘Lipo’ because I was upset with a guy who’s sexualised me and then decided he couldn’t be with me because he didn’t want his friends to know what he’s into. Everyone has to kiss a few frogs I suppose. Made a banger out of it though!”

Since the release of her ‘Back In The Day’ debut EP last year, Chrissi has garnered praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Vogue, Clash and GRM Daily to name but a few.

And with a growing fanbase that includes Adele, Joy Crookes and Mahalia, it seems imminent that Chrissi will become one of the UK’s next musical talents to take over the world.

Chrissi

Benson Boone – Better Alone

While still 20-years of age, US singer and songwriter Benson Boone is both a social media star and buzz-worthy pop artist who currently commands close to 12m monthly Spotify listeners.

New single ‘Better Alone’ is taken from Boone’s ‘Walk Me Home…’ EP (out now), and is one of the most impressive songs you’ll likely listen to all day.

Featuring Boone’s distinctive vocals, the track is a gorgeously melancholic piece of pop that serves as a powerful anthem for the broken hearted.

Benson Boone

Dre’es – Pure Sugar

Photo / Alondra Buccio

Producer, singer-songwriter and artist Dre’es has been a prominent name amongst the Californian rap scene for almost a decade, consistently releasing some of the most innovative and future-forward hip hop sounds even up to this day.

His first single of 2022 comes in the form of ‘Pure Sugar’. With its dreamy and melodic production, this song is one of the most beautiful releases of the week. Speaking on the song, Dre’es says:

“‘Pure Sugar,’ lyrically and thematically, is rooted from insecurity but delivered with the greatest intention in an almost like musical peace treaty with a former lover. Naturally providing reassurance and desperately seeking reassurance despite the current state of a relationship on top of a static, blade-like, heavy-winded reverse synth cutting through an even heavier 808 drum. A rap verse delivered like a sermon digging into personal nostalgia in storytelling that an audience can’t help to feel, but only two people could really know.”

The accompanying visuals for the track (directed by Luis Vidal) show Dre’es working on his music alongside his friends and frequent collaborators.

Dre’es

Goldpark – I Guess It’s Never Enough

American outfit Goldpark are back today with yet another slice of premium rock through the release of their new single, ‘I Guess It’s Never Enough’.

Rapidly becoming an Alfitude favourite, this Nashville-based trio continue to showcase their refreshing style of music-making, by blending classic rock sounds with a more playful and current indie-pop twist. The song serves as a taster the band’s forthcoming EP, of which they say:

“We had the right songs, the right producer, and the right spirit. This body of work is the best representation of who we are and where we are going. We hope this EP makes people smile.” 

To date, Goldpark have picked up praise from the likes of Mystic Sons, Atwood Magazine and Variance, as well as countless placements on several noted Spotify playlists like License To Chill and Fresh Finds Rock.

Goldpark

beaux – benadryl

Photo / Joshua Atkins

Alt-pop darling beaux returns with his first single of the year, following on from the release of his 2021 EP ‘memories written down so I won’t forget them’.

A love song for the modern age, summery new track ‘benadryl’ presents listeners with a playful and charming fusion of indie and pop.

“‘benadryl’ is about feeling too excited to fall asleep because you’re with the person you love and your mind just can’t rest. Their hay fever tablets knocked them out, so you’re just lying in bed, staring up at the pictures on their wall, waiting for them to wake up.”

With support from the likes of NME, Notion, Clash and Sunday Times Culture, beaux is rapidly making his mark as an artist to watch. UK fans can catch beaux playing London’s Camden Assembly on the 18th October.

beaux

young friend – ENDLESS

Photo / Zachary Vague

Rapidly gaining momentum as one of Canada’s most promising bedroom-pop talents, young friend returns today with the release of his new single, entitled ‘ENDLESS’.

Lifted from his upcoming ‘HOW DID WE GET HERE?’ album (out 9th September), the song was inspired by the feelings that one experiences after a breakup.

“‘ENDLESS’ is a song that reflects on a past relationship. It is about feeling nostalgic for what you once had, like you would do anything to return to that time in your life.”

Stylistically, the production fuses elements of indie, rock and alt-pop to provide the song with a raw and impassioned feel that perfectly reflects the lyricism.

Still only 22-years of age, young friend currently commands over 850k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, and has received critical praise from the likes of EARMILK, LADYGUNN and A1234.

young friend