Category: New Music

New Music: Nuorah

Nuorah is a singer, songwriter and producer who came across our radars this week, and we just have to share her work with you.

This artist crafts indie-pop with serious lyrical substance. The child of a complicated life, Nuorah’s work touches on topics like self-conflict, finding oneself, and where we fit into the world. On the new single ‘Blonde’, the artist explains:

“‘Blonde’ is a commentary on the quiet alienation of not meeting a supposed expectation. Driven by organic production and raw lyricism, it captures the sting of craving an impossible ideal while having to accept that it will never be reality.”

Ultimately, Nuorah’s work makes us ask ourselves: who are we meant to be?

Nuorah | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: IamOutlandish

If you’ve popped in to an H&M store recently, then you might have already come across this pop gem from British newcomer IamOutlandish.

‘DEUX’ is a refreshingly bold and quirky single that playfully flirts between electronica, dance-pop, and synth. This is like nothing you’ll have heard before, and we’re already in love.

“Built around a synth I made six years ago, it’s punchy, cheeky and made to move to.”

IamOutlandish’s music has been featured on playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Finds Pop, as well as landing features on tastemaker outlets like BBC Introducing.

IamOutlandish | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Austin Powell

It’s a big day for New Jersey artist Austin Powell, since he’s just released his brilliant debut album, ‘CHALANT’ (listen).

‘Retribution’ is the lead single and treats us to an energising mix of indie, pop and R&B. Despite its playful essence though, this song sits within a record that was inspired by a difficult time in Powell’s life, when he moved from LA to be with his now-late grandmother:

“That’s the transition at the heart of this record. Away from Los Angeles into the high desert, away from independence into interdependence, away from separation into togetherness with my grandma – and watching her move away from life, slowly, into death.”

Powell first gained traction back in 2019, when his single ‘No Vacancy’ picked up praise from the likes of Happy Mag and OneWrite. Alongside his music, Powell is also an actor who has starred in shows like Shameless and NCIS.

Austin Powell | Ones To Watch Playlist

Garland Kelley – Reality Fades Away

Nashville singer and songwriter Garland Kelley is an artist who came across our radars this week and caught our attention with his universally likeable style of indie-pop.

‘Reality Fades Away’ contrasts an uplifting production with deeper, existential lyrics. Garland wrote, performed, and produced the song himself, showcasing some really promising potential. Elaborating on the track, he says:

“The song unfolds like a message from the future, confronting the moment when the life you imagined gives way to uncertainty, and the unexpected possibility that can emerge when it does.”

Active since 2023, Garland’s work has touched on life’s deeper topics, like mortality, identity, and philopsiphy. Check out more of his music here.

Garland Kelley | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: The Marches

It’s a big day for UK newcomers The Marches, as they release a brand new 4-track EP called ‘Faultline‘, of which ‘Be Cool’ is lifted from.

The song showcases the Glasgow-based all-female rock group’s sound, which feels refreshingly bold and charged. The lyrics are inspired by the inner voice within us that pushes us to rebel against our old selves. Sonically, the production treats listeners to a classic indie-rock sound that evolves into something spectacular by the end.

The Marches have won praise from outlets as noted as BBC Introducing, Radio 6, and The Scotsman.

The Marches | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Good Hugg

Newcomers like Good Hugg are one of the reasons why this website continues to champion emerging artists after so many years.

This promising UK talent creates a style of sound that blends retro-inspired pop with a dreamy indie twist. The new single ‘talk more’ was a passion project by the artist, taking a year to construct with every detail meticulously considered.

“Written, produced and performed entirely by me, I was obsessed with using ‘bad’ vintage gear to say something new, layering sonic references to uncanny-valley 80s/ 90s nostalgia. I love the sound of shifting vocals between foreground and background to make it feel like a weird dream.”

While we still don’t know much about Good Hugg, his approach to songwriting makes him stand out in a way that has already made us big fans.

Good Hugg | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Kohla

Despite being a relatively new talent, UK singer and songwriter Kohla is already gaining traction across the globe thanks to her distinctive (almost ethereal) vocals and enchanting pop productions.

‘You Took The World’ is a nostalgia-tinged track that is sonically inspired by the works of FKA Twigs and James Blake, and speaks of the joy that comes from falling in love. The production is stripped-back yet also feels cinematic in tone, allowing for Kohla’s stunning vocals to shine through.

“‘You Took The World’ was lyrically inspired by Scottish poet Jackie Kay’s ‘Late Love’, where the invincibility of falling in love feels as though you own the world. As the darkness of my disability (endometriosis) gradually took over my life, I often found myself reminiscing on my first love – the happiest time in my life – imagining our final conversation if the worst came.”

Kohla has earned praise from the likes of BBC6 Music, Wonderland Magazine, and The Scotsman.

Kohla | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Zeon

While we still don’t know much about US-based Australian artist Zeon, we are already quite charmed by his work.

This ambitious newcomer is building momentum across social media with his breezy vocals and finessed R&B productions. ‘How Can I’ is a glistening piece of music that reminds us of that classic 90’s R&B-pop sound which we all know and love.

“I moved to New York to become the best. These are the start of my ideas.”

Despite being a relatively new talent, Zeon has already picked up more than 100k streams to date from the release of just three songs. One to watch!

Zeon | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Miss Wednesday

If you enjoy Nordic folk-pop, then we’ve got a very special new artist from Norway to share with you today, going by the name of Miss Wednesday.

‘Golden Trash’ is a mesmerising song that carries the same vein of sounds by Simon & Garfunkel and speaks of capitalism and the importance of recycling. While the lyrics are meaningful and thoughtful, the production really stands out with its refreshingly organic and airy essence.

“Written after a clean-up campaign, it explores capitalist consumption and how part of the solution to the climate crisis can be reusing what we already have.”

The track mirrors Miss Wednesday’s approach to her art, which at its core is self-described as ‘eco-folk-pop’. Miss Wednesday often uses instruments from upcycled items and incorporates her passion for sustainability in her stage performances as well.

Miss Wednesday | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

New Music: Heavy in Pocket

Heavy in Pocket is an emerging artist hailing from the US, who crafts an indie sound that is instantly likeable.

New single ‘Itchy Boo’ is refreshingly raw in its production. Inspired by the idea that no matter how well you feel you have your life under control, there are always people who will find a benefit from you.

“It explores the realization that while you might think you have a great handle on your life or a brilliant independent idea, there is always someone further ‘upstream’ running a master plan – someone who actively benefits from your belief that you are the one in control.”

The song mirrors Heavy in Pocket’s approach to songwriting, which features themes from despair to desire.

Heavy in Pocket was born in Texas but travels all over America, performing in venues across the country. An album is on the way!

Heavy in Pocket | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Ella Aslin

American singer and songwriter Ella Aslin is a new artist who we’re very excited to be sharing with you today.

A graduate from Berklee College of Music, this artist has been building traction for a short while now, with just two singles released.

‘Ruin me!’ is a taster for Ella’s upcoming debut album, ‘For the Life of Me’, and showcases a charming mix of indie rock and pop. Speaking on the lyrics, the artist explains:

“‘Ruin me!’ explores the frustration of loving someone and not being able to tell them how you feel. I wrote it after falling in love with a close friend of mine who was in a relationship at the time. The song reflects the feeling of longing I had for her and the guilt I felt for thinking of her in that way- knowing that she might’ve felt sad or uncomfortable if she found out. It’s mostly an ode to the anger I felt towards myself for holding out hope for something that would never happen!”

‘For the Life of Me’ is due for release later this month. You can catch Ella performing at JUNO Albuquerque on the 20th of September – tickets here.

Ella Aslin | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Jacob Barrett

One of the most beautiful releases to come across our radars this week is ‘Maybe’ by San Francisco newcomer Jacob Barrett.

This song speaks of the cycle of thoughts that go through our minds after a connection with someone falls apart. Its production mirrors the melancholy that comes with these emotions, creating a sound that is heartfelt, sincere, and really quite emotional. Elaborating on the lyrics, Jacob explains:

“It’s rumination. The belief that if you turn something over enough times in your head you’ll finally fix it – while knowing, the entire time, that you won’t.”

Crafted with the help of Luciano Vassão and Karl Force, ‘Maybe’ is the perfect song for anyone who tends to overthink the relationships they have with those closest to them.

Inspired by artists like Tracy Chapman and Lucy Dacus, Barrett is an emerging singer, songwriter, and producer who has already gained praise from outlets such as Clout, Plastic Magazine, and The Big Takeover.

Jacob Barrett | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: ZALIK

Hailing from San Francisco, ZALIK is a house producer who, despite releasing only a couple of songs to date, is already picking up some good traction with his work.

‘mind.exe’ blends old-school house music with UK-inspired garage, creating a melodic anthem and a very hypnotic beat.

We’re looking forward to seeing what comes next from this promising talent… In the meantime, be sure to check out ZALIK’s previous release, ‘Be With Me‘.

ZALIK | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Coria

Photo / Amelie Karlsbro

Hailing from Sweden, Coria is one of the most impressive newcomers to come across our radars this week.

‘Lost In Translation’ is a melancholic pop masterpiece that hits your emotions hard. Despite its relatively minimal production, this song is cinematic in tone. It’s raw, vulnerable, and deeply moving.

A new EP titled ‘Aftermath’ is scheduled for release later this year. In the meantime, you can explore more of this hugely promising singer, songwriter, and producer’s work here.


Coria | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

New Music: goodkitty

If you’re in the mood for some indie rock this weekend, then we’ve got a brilliant new artist to share with you, called goodkitty.

This Chicago-based singer, songwriter and producer crafts a style of sound that feels refreshingly authentic and emotionally charged.

‘The Right Kind’ is lifted from the artist’s upcoming 2027 album and treats us to a timelessly cool blend of alternative rock, indie, and fuzzy pop.

“The song paints a rolling, blood-pumping picture of the mutual understanding of two people who aren’t together but would like to be – if it weren’t for their current relationship statuses.”

While we wait for the full project to drop, be sure to explore more of goodkitty’s music here.

goodkitty | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Alicia Clifford

London-based Alicia Clifford is still a new name but is already winning a tonne of fans, including names as noted as Sam Fender and Gigi Perez.

‘Torn’, produced by Song Higginson (tmdistant, YAOUNDÉBOXINGCLUB), is track that will be relatable to anyone who’s witnessed their former lover move on to someone new.

It’s a refreshingly alternative mix of indie, pop, and rock and makes an instant impact from the moment you press play.

We’re excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for this hugely promising singer and songwriter.

Alicia Clifford | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: The Amber Lens

We’ve got an exciting British debut to share with you today – and if you love rock, you’ll absolutely appreciate this outfit.

Hailing from South Wales, The Amber Lens only formed this year, but if their introductory single ‘Spectral Machines’ is anything to go by, we think these guys will go far very quickly.

The track presents listeners with an industrial alt-rock sound that is full of grit and character. It’s bold, confident, and infectiously energising – mirroring the group’s love for bands as iconic as NIN, My Vitriol and Deftones.

The Amber Lens | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: January Blue

New Zealand has long been a hotbed for new talent. January Blue is another artist to emerge from the nation, and her single ‘Midas’ is one you have to hear.

The indie-pop production is simple in its style, allowing for some really quite captivating lyrics to shine through. This is a song that addresses the toxic side to being ambitious – when the quest for success becomes so obsessive that it starts to take a toll on your mental well-being.

“‘Midas’ explores the darker side of ambition. It’s about becoming so consumed by the pursuit of success that you stop questioning what it’s costing you. While society celebrates achievement, status and wealth, we rarely talk about the emotional toll that often comes with them. The song uses symbolism like the white rabbit and the golden ticket to question whether the things we’re taught to chase are worth losing ourselves for. It’s both a personal confession and a broader critique of a culture that mistakes success for fulfilment.”

January Blue still only has a handful of songs released to date, but from what we’ve heard, this talent has everything she needs to go global.

January Blue | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: GRIM

SONG OF THE WEEK

The most powerful song to come across our radar this week has been ‘Moonface’ from UK newcomer GRIM.

This track is truly epic. It’s painfully raw, intense, and deeply personal. The cinematic dark-pop production creates a beautiful soundscape that serves as a perfect setting for GRIM’s honest lyricism. Speaking on its inspiration, GRIM explains:

“‘Moonface’ is about trying to heal from the trauma of losing both of my parents to cancer, and from the nightmares and memories that still follow me. It uses the medical idea of ‘moon face’ and the phases of the moon as a metaphor for illness, grief, and transformation. The song is not about forgetting that pain, but learning to carry it, face it, and turn it into something that can make other people feel less alone.”

We haven’t heard music this grand in scale from a newcomer since Woodkid’s 2013 masterpiece, ‘The Golden Age.’ Impressive work from a very talented emerging artist.

GRIM | Ones To Watch Playlist