Category: Listen

Low Island – Can’t Forget

Photo / Brian Rankin

Rising Oxford outfit Low Island return with a melancholic yet anthemic slice of electro-pop through the release of new single ‘Can’t Forget’.

Taken from the band’s forthcoming ‘Life In Miniature’ album (out November 2022), the song is inspired by the coming-of-age moments that we all experience as we transition into adulthood.

“It’s a reflection on the headiness of youth and a fear of growing up. Verse 2 is a nod to the day I left home; as I drove down the street, I caught my Dad crying and waving me away in the wing-mirror of my car. It’s one of those memories that gets printed right onto the front of your mind and that you never forget.” – Carlos Posada, Low Island

Hailing from the same city as Radiohead and Glass Animals, Low Island have accumulated millions of catalogue streams to date and garnered praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, PASTE, BBC Radio 1 and 6music.

Low Island

Low Island Tour 2022

  • 7th September – Warsaw, Hydrozagadka
  • 8th September – Vienna, Waves Festival
  • 9th September – Prague, Cross Club
  • 12th September – Leipzig, Naumann’s
  • 13th September – Berlin, Kantine
  • 14th September – Hamburg, Haekken 
  • 15th September – Cologne, Jaki 
  • 17th September – Paris, Supersonic
  • 2nd October – Birmingham, O2 Institute w/ X Ambassadors
  • 3rd October – Manchester, Academy 2 w/ X Ambassadors 

DOMi & JD BECK, Anderson .Paak – TAKE A CHANCE

Photo / Tehillah De Castro

As one of the most successful jazz collaborations in recent years, the work of DOMi Louna and JD Beck seems to have propelled the genre back in to the musical mainstream.

New single ‘TAKE A CHANCE’ is the third track to be lifted from their forthcoming debut album, entitled ‘NOT TiGHT’ (preorder here) – and features none other than soul & funk icon Anderson .Paak himself.

With their playful yet finessed take on music-making, this duo’s work has led to a very sizeable and hugely loyal fanbase all across social media.

“My philosophy of life is don’t take shit too seriously.” – DOMi Louna

DOMi & JD BECK | Anderson .Paak

Madisyn Gifford – 21

Most will agree that turning twenty-one is somewhat of a life milestone that represents our transitions into adulthood.

It’s a bittersweet age that Canadian newcomer Madisyn Gifford has perfectly encapsulated with her new single, aptly entitled ’21’.

Inspired by her birthday coinciding with lockdown, the song touches on the anxieties and aspirations that young adults have when they finally realise that the world is theirs to conquer.

“’21’ has been my lucky number for as long as I can remember and because of that, my entire life I have always placed really high expectations on what my 21st year was going to be like. I wrote this song with Jared Manierka at a time when I was feeling really frustrated because I had not been having a year even close to the 21 that I had always imagined due to COVID and some other life circumstances I was dealing with. This was one of those magical songs where after I wrote it, I was able to look at the issues I was having more clearly and luckily the second half of my 21st year was nothing short of magical. I’m so proud of this track and I think that it is going to be so much fun to perform and scream along in the car to. I hope people enjoy dancing around their kitchen to it as much as I do!”

Garnering more than a million career streams to date and catching the attention of noted tastemakers like Rolling Stone, Earmilk and CLOUT, this young artist is rapidly marking herself as one of the most exciting Canadian pop prospects this year.

Madisyn Gifford

AdeJosh – Chargie

British Nigerian artist AdeJosh has already accumulated well over five million global streams to date with his catalogue of releases, making him one of the UK’s most promising afroswing prospects.

Today marks the unveiling of this rising talent’s sophomore EP, entitled ‘All For Me’ (out now), along with his new single ‘Chargie’. Speaking on the concept behind the EP, AdeJosh says:

“The EP was inspired by a series of events that led me on a path of self-discovery and truly understanding my value. For me to know what I want ‘All For Me’, I had to know my heart’s desires and what I deserve. I have grown to be more self-aware and understand my true value and worth as a person. The passion behind my music is giving my listeners the music that their souls can connect to; I want to use my music to translate and express emotions and take people through the journeys of life that we all encounter”.

With a unique approach to afroswing that incorporates elements of hip hop, R&B, pop, dancehall and afrobeats, AdeJosh’s work has picked up praise by the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Wireless, AfroNation and Capital Xtra among others.

AdeJosh

Halo Kitsch – hollywood *starlette

Self-proclaimed ‘pop rock diarist’ Halo Kitsch is back with a captivatingly dark, haunting and sinister sound through new single ‘hollywood *starlette’.

Produced by Ben Zelico, the song is inspired by the concept of vengeance, while also encouraging listeners to own their sexuality rather than be ashamed of it.

The track is lifted from Halo’s forthcoming debut EP ‘with you (in mind)’, which thematically tackles the struggles of drug addiction:

“For the first time I’ve managed to talk about addiction without glorifying drug use, a rare perspective the world desperately needs to hear. And more important now to me than ever after the death of my best friend, who passed from an overdose earlier this year. It’s my story, but it’s also hers, and anyone whose struggled with substance abuse. You will hear all of the strength, all of the sass, the power, and the sorrow in these six songs.”

With over a million catalogue streams to date, this rising American artist has picked up praise from the likes of Under the Radar, American Songwriter, Buzzbands LA and Vents Magazine.

Halo Kitsch

Jenny Mayhem – Karma Tattoo

Photo / Omar Elkharadly

Barbadian-Canadian songstress Jenny Mayhem returns with one of the catchiest summer anthems of the week.

Presenting a nostalgic 90’s indie production with a modern pop twist, new single ‘Karma Tattoo’ feels instantly relatable yet refreshingly experimental at the same time.

Produced alongside Sugar Jesus, the song serves at Mayhem’s second single to be lifted from her forthcoming EP.

Jenny Mayhem

VALDIS – story for you

Icelandic singer-songwriter VALDIS returns with a beautifully emotive and melodic piece of pop through her new single ‘story for you’.

Stripped-back and minimal in tone, this classic love song was written by Isa Tengblad and Rasmus Ladefoged Lampon.

With features on notable Scandinavian tastemaker sites like Scandipop and POPMUZIK, VALDIS is marking herself as one of the most promising new pop starlets to emerge from Iceland in recent years.

VALDIS

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Grant Knoche – ICARUS

Following on from his successful run on NBC’s American Song Contest earlier this year (placing 4th place in the grand final), Grant Knoche unveils summery new single ‘ICARUS’.

Having recently come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community, the lyrics utilise the mythological story of Icarus as way to reflect on Knoche’s sexuality – as well as his desires to fall deeply in love without fear.

As per Knoche’s usual high standards in music-making, ‘ICARUS’ is yet another polished and well-constructed slice of pop perfection that serves as a taster to his upcoming second EP (out later this year).

Grant Knoche

HEN$HAW – NOBODY

Acclaimed London-based rapper HEN$HAW returns with one of his most powerful and emotive releases to date.

Featuring production from goodbyechase, new single ‘NOBODY’ is lifted from HEN$HAW’S upcoming ‘SITTIN’ IN THE DARK’ debut EP (out later this year), and looks into feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“‘NOBODY’ was written about feeling alone, even in the company of your close friends / family, it touches on what it’s like for me to feel like a forgettable face and not feel like the confident person I can be. Picture yourself at a party, it’s coming to end of the night and you feel like you are the only one who knows you’re there, to me, this song perfectly captures this moment.”

To date, this rising 21-year old talent has picked up praise from the likes of GRM Daily, Dummy Mag and Mixtape Madness. HEN$HAW plays London’s Colours Hoxton on 10th August 2022 – tickets here. 

HEN$HAW

Emei – That Girl

Rising LA-based starlet Emei returns with an energising fusion of alternative pop and rock through the release of her new single ‘That Girl’.

Thanks to its catchy melody, this immensely enjoyable song details the all-too-relatable struggles we encounter when trying to motivate ourselves.

“[The song was] written on a whim after weeks of trying to keep a habit checklist and failing miserably. The pop rock inspired anthem encapsulates the energy of wanting so badly to be that girl who wakes up at 6am, goes on walks every morning, and drinks coffee black but never getting to that unattainable goal.”

Emei currently commands over 200k monthly listeners on Spotify, and has collaborated with the likes of Gnash, KiNG MALA and Jordan Lewis.

Emei

Ayla D’lyla – Anywhere But Here

Photo / Ayla D’lyla

Today marks the release of New York pop artist Ayla D’lyla’s latest single, entitled ‘Anywhere But Here’.

Dreamy and summery in character, the song was inspired by a yearning for escapism, and reminds city-dwelling listeners that life is all about balance:

“‘Anywhere But Here’ embodies the feeling of leaving the smoggy city and finding satisfaction in the simplicity of nature.”

To date, D’lyla’s work has picked up the attention of notable tastemaker publications like Paper and V magazines, while her work attracts more than 90k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

Ayla D’lyla

Goldie Vargas – Canyon

Goldie Vargas unveils a beautifully melancholic slice of indie-folk today with new single ‘Canyon’.

Inspired by songwriting legends like Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, the song’s sincere and emotive lyrics look at the feelings that one can go through after a breakup.

“‘Canyon’ is about the personal conflict of missing the person you were with and the relationship you once had, but also missing the person you were before you met them. The entire song physically feels, to me at least, like you are running in a field towards yourself trying to get back to your roots. I find it incredibly empowering and self loving, despite being a break up song.”

‘Canyon’ continues to showcase this LA-based artist’s exceptional songwriting skills, and serves as the final single to be lifted from Vargas’ upcoming debut EP.

Goldie Vargas

Willow Kayne – White City

Photo / Jack Bridgeland

Following on from her hugely successful work over this past year, London-based Bristolian vocalist & visual artist Willow Kayne unveils her latest release, entitled ‘White City’.

Inspired by the infamous West London district, the song looks at how the area is home to a diverse group of residents – from those struggling to get by day-to-day, through to the ultra wealthy who are drawn to the luxuries that the city offers.

“White City is an interesting place to live. Everyone’s experiences are completely different to one another, like many places in London it seems. Gigantic new buildings appear constantly, old buildings are being destroyed everywhere I look. When I walk down the street here, it is a complete mixture of people. I don’t know any of them and I like it here because they certainly don’t know me. We are simply all out here for ourselves.”

Already garnering praise from the likes of Clash, i-D and The Line of Best Fit, as well as picking up the Ivor Novello Rising Star award, Kayne is rapidly marking herself as one of the UK’s most interesting new pop starlets.

Willow Kayne

Isabella – Everywhere I Go

Photo / Amaury Nessaibia

LA-based artist Isabella had her first taste of musical success at the young age of sixteen. Unafraid to push the boundaries of R&B, this artist has consistently released finessed pieces of work that are refreshingly original in style.

With the unveiling of her new 7-track ‘Human’ EP (out now), songs like ‘Everywhere I Go’ continue to showcase this rising singer and songwriter’s approach to creating stunning sounds.

“This is the chapter where I’m stepping into my own skin. It’s about being OK with the different chapters that I’ve had in the past because they’ve all made me who I am today.”

Isabella

DUDE, MY DUDE – Eleanor’s Detour

Following on from the release of their critically-acclaimed debut single ‘Loser’ and its follow-up ‘Bike Ride’, emerging indie-rock outfit DUDE, MY DUDE return with ‘Eleanor’s Detour’.

The song was inspired by a scene taken from the film ‘Lucy’, as the band explain:

“One of the characters, Alex begins to open up to escapades, exposing herself to vulnerability and ambisexuality, when she meets the radical and daring Lucy.”

The track then expands on the dynamics between these two characters, and continues to tell their story:

“The pair’s opposing levels of impetuosity and confidence hint at the birth of a mutualistic relationship. As the track progresses, the protagonist, abandoned by their other friends, surrenders to the whims of the chaotic stranger and they find themselves continuing the party out on the street.”

With placements on flagship playlists like New Noise and The Scene, this rising British group now command close to 80k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

DUDE, MY DUDE

Lexie Carroll – if i built my home from paper

London singer and songwriter Lexie Carroll continues to prove her potential as one of the UK’s most interesting new pop artists.

Comforting new single ‘if i built my home from paper’ is a beautifully constructed ballad that initially feels delicate in tone, but builds itself up into a cinematic sound that is utterly captivating to experience.

With support from the likes of BBC Introducing, Clash Magazine and Dork, there is no denying that Carroll is one pop talent to keep on your radars.

Lexie Carroll

Lil Seyi – On E

Maryland artist Lil Seyi unveils an impressive body of work with the release of his new concept EP, entitled ‘A Blue Tesla Story’. Composed and performed by Lil Seyi himself, the EP consists of four songs that collectively tell of a story:

“The nameless main character in a ‘A Blue Tesla Story’ isn’t perfect, far from it actually. The EP even opens up with him going on a joyride, rear ending a car and driving away from the scene (hit and run). This decision leads to a series of events that end in the tragic passing away of his brother at the hands of the highway patrol. The EP continues as we follow the life of this main character as he deals with the public eye of this very public trial seeking justice for his brother. We see him getting support from protestors, but we also see him under heavy scrutiny as his involvement with credit card scamming surfaces. In the end, we find him left with nothing at all as time passes by and neither the supporters nor critics seemed to care about him or his late brother anymore.”

Within the body of work, one of the key songs is ‘On E’ – of which Lil Seyi says:

 “After hearing a voicemail from an old friend, we realise time has passed. We are in a future where our main character sounds… different. Not perfect, but he sounds a lot more mature and healthy mentally. We have no idea when and how this growth happens until he tells us his true healing started when he figured out what he truly needed was something bigger than you or me, God. As the music transports us with futuristic arps and wide spacey synths, we arrive at beginning of this transformation. We see him realising and understanding that despite everything else being gone, God still “sticks around”. With nothing else to lose, he accepts Gods offer of grace and love, the best decision of his life. Heaven erupts with joy, and the cheers are heard throughout God’s kingdom “for one soul, for you”.

Through his reworking of classic hip hop sounds and instilling a modern narrative within the lyricism, Lil Seyi’s music could be compared to works by Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West.

Lil Seyi

Nessa Barrett – die first

Social media creator & star Nessa Barrett returns with a powerfully emotive new single entitled ‘die first’.

Expertly fusing dark pop tones with elements of indie, the track presents a sound that is not only universally appealing but also beautifully moving.

The song is dedicated to Barrett’s own mother, as well as her late friend Cooper Noriega:

“this song means more to me than anyone could comprehend. coop said this was his favorite song off the album and im so happy i got to tell him that this song was for him and my mom before he passed. i miss u more than ever my little dove. i can’t believe this is my first release without u. this is ur song cooper. i feel u with me every time i listen.”

Nessa Barrett

FLO – Immature

FLO return with yet another perfected slice of R&B-pop that is certain to solidify this trio as the UK’s most promising new girl group.

Taken from their freshly released debut EP ‘The Lead’ (out now), new single ‘Immature’ continues the group’s work with mentor MNEK, and once again presents listeners with a sleek production that perfectly blends nostalgic R&B tones with a current pop edge.

“‘Immature’ is about being strong and confident in yourself and we really don’t have time for someone being immature. It’s ok for you to tell a partner, “You’re not giving me what I want and you say you want my body, but you aren’t doing anything about it! It’s our more grown up record and the next phase of the story to Cardboard Box. We had to dump them in ‘Cardboard Box’, but this is about why it was necessary.”

Since the release of their groundbreaking debut single ‘Cardboard Box’ only a few months ago, FLO have accumulated over 385k monthly listeners on Spotify, picked up airplay from national stations like Capital 1XTRA, BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1, and received critical acclaim by the likes of NME, Complex, Daxed, i-D and none other than Missy Elliott.

FLO

Caye – WE LOVE PT. 1

Photo / ibynoe

Boston artist, songwriter and producer Caye may not be a name familiar to many, but this critically acclaimed multi-disciplinarian already holds more than 70 million catalogue streams under his belt, and has worked alongside global artists like Alessia Cara, Abhi the Nomad and Meghan Trainor.

Inspired by the concept of self-discovery, new single ‘WE LOVE PT. 1’ was entirely written, performed, recorded, produced by Caye himself, and even features the sounds of an Australian didgeridoo.

“‘We Love’ was written when there were no shows, no access to live anything. I grew up going to shows, playing shows, and love touring and I needed to feel some of that during the last two years without it. I made these songs to escape to a different world when the world around me froze.” 

Over the next eight months, Caye will be releasing a new single monthly – culminating in an album that listeners can look forward to next year.

Caye