New Music: Souvenir

Brooklyn musician Souvenir (aka Michael Fenuccio) is a promising talent who is currently releasing some of the most impressive pop sounds to emerge from New York.

By fusing nostalgic synth tones with a modern electro-pop production, Souvenir’s latest single ‘Karma’ is a beautifully sad yet empowering banger that serves as an anthem for anyone who’s been made to feel worthless.

“Karma’s not your friend and neither am I.”

The song follows on from Souvenir’s well-received ‘Human Nature’ EP (available here), which was released last year. As an artist on the rise, Souvenir has amassed more than 130k catalogue streams on Spotify alone to date.

Souvenir

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New Music: Fake A Smile

Hailing from the British seaside town of Bournemouth are newcomers Fake A Smile, who have just unveiled their first single, called ‘Prom Dress’.

Collaborating alongside acclaimed producer Gianluca Buccellati (who has also worked with the likes of Arlo Parks, Biig Piig and White China), this promising trio create captivating sounds that fuse hazy indie with alternative pop in a distinctly unique way.

“We wanted to create a body of work that introduced listeners to our core sound. ‘Prom Dress’ came together after a conversation we had about staying present and not getting too hung up on the past. We worked with producer Gianluca Buccellati in LA to refine our sound and solidify what we wanted to say as a band.”

The song serves as a taster to the group’s forthcoming ‘Shoot Me To The Moon’ EP, which is out soon. Keep an eye out for these chaps – they might just be one of the UK’s most interesting new indie outfits this year.

Fake A Smile 

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New Music: Devon Thompson

If you’re a fan of classic rock then Californian talent Devon Thompson might just be your new favourite artist.

As a Gibson Guitars signee, Thompson creates rousing songs that incorporate elements of both traditional and contemporary rock styles, resulting in powerful and edgy sounds that carry with them a sense of timelessness.

Sonically impressive and lyrically bold, Thompson’s fiery new single ‘Napoleon’ looks at the uncomfortable dynamics that occur when two people within a relationship do not share the same intensity of feelings for one other.

Devon Thompson

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New Music: Laura Wolf

Brooklyn musician Laura Wolf is an experimental artist who really is a breath of fresh air.

Wolf’s style of work involves her dissecting sounds from different genres, and reconfiguring them back together again in interesting and unconventional ways.

Songs like ‘Calligraphy and Calculations’ initially come across as conceptual and avant-garde in character – but the more you listen, the more you begin to form meaningful connections with the sounds. Elaborating on the title of the song, Laura explains:

“I was charmed by the Wikipedia page of Kane Tanaka, the (then) oldest person alive, which listed her favourite pastimes as ‘calligraphy and calculations’.

New album ‘Shelf Life’ is scheduled for release 2nd June 2023 via Whatevers Clever. 

Laura Wolf

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New Music: Carl :Cries

We’re going to be completely honest and tell you that we have no idea who is behind Norwegian-Swedish duo Carl :Cries, but once you play their debut single, ‘On My Mind’, you’ll know exactly why we are so excited with this outfit.

Lifted from the band’s forthcoming ‘Stranger In My Bed’ EP (out 28th April, pre-save here), the song serves as a masterclass in Swedish indie-pop.

Inspired by the the traumas from a previous relationship, the track’s dark, melancholic and emotive production is nothing short of sonic perfection.

“The feeling to distract yourself and keep your eyes open, then when you close them she’s on your mind.”

Carl :Cries

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New Music: no good

Track of the week. Contrary to the name, rising North American talent no good is very much very, very good.

As a social media sensation with more than 1.8 million followers on TikTok alone, it was always going to be inevitable that no good would end up releasing some orginal music.

And we’re thankful for it, since ‘Tune Out’ is one of our favourite debuts of the season. A beautifully melodic piece of music, the song presents listeners with an emotive fusion of indie and pop.

no good

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New Music: Claudine Magbag

We recently came across a promising new artist from Seattle, called Claudine Magbag.

As a singer and songwriter, this talent crafts sounds that blend elements of R&B with pop.

Magbag’s songs are not thoughtfully constructed, but also melodically memorable and lyrically powerful.

While Magbag’s new single ‘How Could You Say’ feels delicate and intimate in tone, it’s a track that is also deeply captivating to experience.

Claudine Magbag

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New Music: EVA

Brighton newcomer EVA has released one of the biggest weekend anthems of the year.

‘My One’ is an infectiously catchy dance-pop bop that is both energising and uplifting in character. Elaborating on the track and its accompanying visuals, EVA explains:

“My One’ is a playful anthem that incorporates the Jersey Club sound. The track uses the 160 BPM tempo used in Liquid, and the prominent kick sequence that characterises the Jersey Club sound – yet ‘My One’ holds its own sonic idiosyncrasies. These include a funky bassline break alongside syncopated snares created from sampling ASMR golf swing sounds, feeding into the song’s visual theme of golf.”

With support from the likes of Clash, Wonderland and Worldplay magazines already under her belt, EVA might just be one to watch for in 2023.

EVA

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New Music: Timi O

Boston-based artist Timi O’s ‘Threat’ only runs for 83 seconds, but it’s one of the most innovative and immersive pieces of music we’ve heard all week.

Distinctly unique in its concept, the song’s production pushes the boundaries of the rap genre – and in doing so, creates an exceptional sonic experience. Elaborating on the inspiration behind the track, Timi O explains:

“This song is reflective of my experience as a Black man in the US. The instrumental sets me up to portray a supervillain-like persona, but my lyrics show that I am just a man trying to beat the odds.”

While still a rising talent, Timi O has already amassed more than 850k career streams on Spotify alone. We envision big things for this musician… so be sure to keep an eye out!

Timi O

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New Music: JEWLS

Photo / c.kassette

Emerging from Germany is alt-pop talent JEWLS, who is rapidly marking a name for herself as an artist with an incredible skill for crafting immersive soundscapes that are both timeless and ethereal in tone.

Expressive new single ‘Realism’ addresses the superficial characteristics that society has adopted due to social media, and presents thoughtful lyricism over a stunning dark-pop production.

“‘Realism’ tells the story of misfitting the world of Vanilla Girls and Boys. Rather be alone, than in the wrong vibe.”

In our view, this is one of the finest electronic pop releases that we have come across this week. The song is taken from the artist’s forthcoming debut album, entitled ‘There Is No Sunset’, which is scheduled for release later this year.

JEWLS

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New Music: Elizabeth Hume

Fans of 90’s indie will absolutely fall in love with American newcomer Elizabeth Hume.

‘Breathing’ is the first single off Hume’s upcoming EP, which was completed in collaboration with producer Nolan Garrett.

Inspired by the euphoric emotions that we experience while we are in love, the song treats listeners to an airy and lofty fusion of indie, folk and pop.

“‘Breathing’ is an expression of feeling content in love. Wanting to know everything about the person that brings you this sense of joy. There is nothing like listening to the breathing of a loved one and witnessing them live with beauty and adoration.”

Hume’s EP will consist of five songs, and was written and recorded while she was on her gap year after finishing high school. Elaborating on the forthcoming project, Hume explains:

“The content of this EP centres around inspecting and reflecting on aspects of mental health, relationships, and figuring out where personal identity fits into it all.”

Elizabeth Hume

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New Music: Temm

One of the most impressive discoveries of the week has been Temm. Hailing from London, this singer and songwriter has just unveiled the first single from her forthcoming debut EP, and it’s a stunner.

‘Right Words’ is a powerfully emotive song that was written as a dedication to anyone who is facing a hard time in their lives, and reminds us that better days lie ahead.

Covering themes of adversity, self-reflection and healing, the song’s introspective lyricism feels refreshingly relatable, and is sure to be a source of comfort and encouragement for any listeners who are struggling with life right now.

More information about Temm’s debut EP, along with its London launch show, will be announced soon.

Temm

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New Music: Andie Mechanic

American artist Andie Mechanic is an indie singer and songwriter who is inspired by the complexities of human emotion.

Haunting new single ‘Clinton’ is a sonic experience like none other. Gritty, intense, and unnerving in its style, the song relays a difficult period in Andie’s life.

“I wrote this song about when my life felt like a horror movie. This track is for those of us that need to experience the catharsis of our mistakes one more time.”

Andie’s work has already been featured on respected tastemaker sites such as Atwood Magazine, while also landing placements on flagship Spotify playlists like New Pop Picks and Fresh Finds.

Andie Mechanic

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New Music: Ashaine White

Ashaine White might not yet be a name known to many, but this talented musician is already making waves.

Already tipped by the Ivor Novello Academy and Apple Music as one of the country’s most promising new songwriters, it’s clear to see that White is an artist to watch for this year.

Soulful, dark and melancholic in tone, new single ‘Right Here’ serves as a taster to the future starlet’s work, and showcases her self-described style of ‘grunge soul’ beautifully.

“‘Right Here’, is a moody and romantic take on the outcomes of a toxic relationship, where the sweet and loving memories of the honeymoon phase are the only thing to cling onto.”

Ashaine White

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New Music: Perry Foster

Photo / chrisrubeo

Hailing from New York is promising newcomer Perry Foster, who has just unveiled a beautiful piece of acoustic indie with his single, ‘The Lucky One’.

Recorded in the Hudson Valley, the song was written, arranged and sung by Perry himself. It presents listeners with a gorgeously warm and mellow style of sound, while also infusing elements of alternative R&B and soul into its production.

Although this is still only Foster’s fourth release to date, we see a ton of potential for this talented musician – so be sure to keep this artist in your radars!

Perry Foster

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New Music: HENRIKES

Swedish newcomer HENRIKES (aka Josefin Henrique) is a vocalist and songwriter who has recently appeared on our radars.

Inspired by old-school icons like Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk, as well as modern-day names like Lykke Li, Anna of the North and Susanne Sundfør, HENRIKES aims to create cinematic pieces of pop that are both nostalgic and current at the same time.

Melodic new single ‘Out Of The Blue’ seamlessly fuses power-pop with electronica and synth. The result is a sound that is punchy, bold and confident in character. Elaborating on the inspiration behind the song, Josefin explains:

“‘Out Of The Blue’ is an expression of that turning point when you least expect it and light reappears out of the blue. It touches on the energetic feeling of attraction when it strikes without warning.”

HENRIKES

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New Music: Ben Lamb

Hailing from South East London is Welsh alt-pop artist Ben Lamb, who has just unveiled a captivating new single that deserves your attention.

‘Something in the Water’ presents listeners with a production that is not only refreshingly experimental in character, but is also rich in sonic texture.

Inspired by the overwhelming effects of being in love, the song’s lyrics feel raw and candid, yet still relatable.

“Now that you’ve saved me, take me back you yours, I’ll make myself at home”.

‘Something in the Water’ is Lamb’s second single to date, and will be featured on the artist’s forthcoming debut EP of the same name (scheduled for release this May).

Aside from his own work as a solo artist, Lamb is also an accomplished drummer who has worked alongside the likes of Bat and Ball, Easypeel and Gabrielle Sey.

Ben Lamb

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New Music: Beth Morgan

One of the most exciting debuts to emerge from the UK this month has been Beth Morgan.

‘Kissing Strangers’ is a gorgeously intimate slice of pop that feels classic and timeless in its production. Written for those who have had their hearts broken, the song’s emotionally-charged lyrics feel refreshingly raw and honest.

Prior to the release of the song, Beth’s vocals were featured on a cover version of iconic UK hit ‘Flowers’, consequently landing a placement on the hugely popular TV show Love Island.

Beth Morgan

New Music: splendi

Hailing from Philadelphia is 23-year old singer, songwriter and drummer splendi.

With only three singles under her belt, this rising starlet has already amassed more than 135k streams on Spotify alone.

Pressing play on ‘lazy bones’ gives you an idea as to why splendi’s name has become one to watch. The song showcases a refreshingly original style of indie-pop that is heartfelt, honest, raw, and emotive in character.

splendi plays Philadelphia’s Silk City on the 28th April – tickets can be found here.

splendi

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New Music: kohzee

There’s something very special about London/Brighton rap outfit kohzee.

As a musical collective, these three artists write, produce and perform all of their work in their own home attic studio.

Together, this trio craft a style of sound that fuses hip hop with alternative jazz, and in doing so, create songs that feel distinctly unique in character.

As winners of DHL’s Fast-Track Sessions, kohzee were able to create ‘sand’ over a two day period at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios with the help of executive producer Hannah V.

kohzee

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