Category: New Music

New Music: Daniel Nolet

Photo / timvanemmerloot

Dutch newcomer Daniel Nolet was initially working his way to becoming a professional footballer before deciding to dedicate himself to being a musician.

Inspired by icons like The Beatles, The Police and BB King, Nolet creates a classic yet impactful style of pop-rock. This is a sound that feels punchy, raw and bold – while still maintaining some pop sensibilities.

Powerful new single ‘Hannah’ was inspired by grief, and is dedicated to a friend who decided to end their own life:

“Hannah took her own life around two years ago and it sounds strange, but for her it might have been the best or even only option. The pain and sorrow but also the resilience of her surroundings kept me intrigued for months.” 

“The lyrics revolve around the suicide note she left and how such a beautiful human being could be in this pain.”

Nolet hopes that the song will increase people’s awareness on mental health issues and suicide prevention.

Daniel Nolet

New Music: Blue Lupin

Photo / alexandmadi

Today marks the debut for an exciting new British creative collective, led by singer and songwriter Joanna Wolfe.

With a style of music-making that blends elements of dreamy pop with mellow shoegaze, Blue Lupin create sounds that feel timelessly classic and utterly mesmerising to experience. Speaking on their first release, Wolfe explains:

“‘Soak’ is a song born out of letting go of my grasp of the creative process. It came from a sense of letting go, taking the pressure off and diving into the playful side of creativity.” – Joanna Wolfe, Blue Lupin

The song precedes a debut four-track EP from the collective, which is out soon. In the meantime, listeners can look forward to more releases from Blue Lupin between this November and next March.

Blue Lupin

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New Music: VX Duse

Emerging London talent doesn’t get much more impressive than rising artist VX Duse, who’s style of fusing British alternative R&B with Latin American sounds has already seen him garner early praise from the likes of Wonderland and Complex.

Growing up in the capital’s south to a family steeped in Colombian heritage, VX Duse crafts songs that feel sleek and future-forward, while still maintaining strong essences of emotion and passion. Speaking on his new single, he says:

“‘Spinnin’ is a love story where the love is undeniable. It holds all the power between you and another – the type of love that drives you crazy with thoughts and desires and is so pure when you’re with that person. Regardless of any external situations and temptations, the only thing real to you is the way you feel about each other. It’s an exploration on the ideas of the foundation of love and its strength for the right person, that even if there is conflict or some separation at times, there’s only that one person who is on your mind.”

Alongside his solo work, VX Duse is also part of a hip hop and multi-media collective called VXMOB, who are set to play a series of dates this month across the UK.

VX Duse | VXMOB

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VXMOB Live Dates 2022

  • 12th – Manchester, Academy 3
  • 13th – Birmignham, o2 Institute 3
  • 14th – London, Electric Brixton 

New Music: Stella Angelika

Emerging from North London is singer and songwriter Stella Angelika, who unveils her new single ‘Maybe’ today.

Through her honest lyricism and skilful blends of melodic R&B, soul and soft pop, Angelika creates universally likeable sounds that are easy to connect with. Speaking on her new release, she says:

“‘Maybe’ is about the early stages of relationships, full of optimism and promise, but also uncertainty, and it’s that uncertainty part that is often skirted over in love songs and rom coms. Love and relationships are messy and annoying and beautiful and painful and scary and ‘Maybe’ is made up of all of that. It’s about really letting yourself love someone, fully letting them into your life and being open to the idea that maybe they’re the person you could spend your life with.”

With support from heavyweight tastemakers like The Line of Best Fit and Earmilk already under her belt, this rising artist may well be one to watch. Upcoming EP ‘That Girl I Hate’ is scheduled for release in October 2022.

Stella Angelika

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New Music: Euro Cowboy

Hailing from Sweden are newcomers Euro Cowboy, who unveil their melodic debut single ‘420@hotmale.com’ today.

Through its refreshingly original mix of bedroom pop and alternative R&B, the song feels tastefully understated in tone – while also maintaining a strong sense of individuality and character.

The track is lifted from Euro Cowboy’s forthcoming EP, which is scheduled for release later in the year. In the meantime, be sure to follow this eccentric and loveable Scandinavian outfit on social media here.

Euro Cowboy

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New Music: Bandit

Inspired by musical legends like The Strokes, Cage The Elephant and Fontaines D.C., Liverpudlian outfit Bandit create a style of British indie-rock that is energising, raw and utterly captivating to experience.

With its lyrics that tell of a modern love story, anthemic new single ‘Vagabond’ is spectacularly epic and bold in its production. Speaking on the song, Bandit say:

“It was one of those rainy overcast evenings in a bar in Liverpool and there we were, as brazen as ever. Stood within the midst of a smoking area on a night out trying to convince yourself that this familiar feeling isn’t that L word that we’re all scared of. It’s evident that we’re a bad idea, we both know that, but who doesn’t enjoy a slight catastrophe. Imagine the sass of Mia Wallace embodied in a girl, I stood no chance, love was always going to be on the table. ‘Vagabond’ is quintessentially a tale of romance between two friends and trying to fight yet confess feelings and riding a night out together within the confines of secluded courtyard slowly filling up with smoke, the great beginnings of a romance novel if you ask me.”

To date, Bandit have achieved praise from noted outlets like DIY, Clout and Dork, while also picking up placements on BBC Radio 1 and Spotify’s New Music Friday.

Bandit

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Bandit Live 2022

  • 8th October – Twisterella Festival, Middlesborough 
  • 18th November – Moth Club, London 
  • 22nd November – Dead Wax, Birmingham 
  • 23rd November – The Garage Attic, Glasgow 
  • 24th November – The Key Club, Leeds
  • 26th November – Night People, Manchester 
  • 27th November – Arts Club Loft, Liverpool 

New Music: Maggie

Track of the week. As a nation rich in pop heritage, Norwegian musical talent has come to be known as some of the best in the world.

Newcomer Maggie continues with this tradition, and as you press play to ‘Paralyzed’ you’ll quickly understand why this artist is so impressive.

Written, performed and produced in its entirety by Maggie, this anthemic release is an exceptionally strong piece of music that feels powerfully moving – and serves as a perfect example of Scandinavian alt-pop at its very finest.

“It’s about a bad trip. Although you can interpret it in different ways. It could be about when you have an expectation about something and it doesn’t work out for you.”

Maggie

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New Music: Charlotte Plank

Singer, writer and producer Charlotte Plank has been one of the most exciting new discoveries of the week.

Fusing the distinctive sounds of drum and bass with elements of pop and indie-rock, Plank creates songs that feel fresh and new, while still maintaining essences of old-school nostalgia.

With early support from the likes of A1234 and The Line of Best Fit, Plank could well be one British talent to watch out for this year.

Charlotte Plank

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New Music: Kay Nambiar

Photo / Kay Nambiar

Kay Nambiar may not be a name familiar to you, but this Dutch talent is widely known across his home country as a noted photographer, model and presenter.

Today sees Nambiar’s debut as a solo artist, with the release of his gorgeously melodic new single ‘Speaking In Tongues’.

Through its beautifully emotive and delicate fusion of stripped-back indie and pop, the song’s contemplative lyrics tell of Nambiar’s feelings of paranoia and anxiety after attending a party.

Kay Nambiar

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New Music: Sleeping Together

Formed during lockdown over FaceTime, British indie rockers Sleeping Together unleash their sound to the world today with the release of debut single ‘Summer Girl’.

“’Summer Girl’ was inspired by a short and sweet summer romance. At the end of summer, the couple agreed to go their separate ways. Like the romance, Summer Girl is short, bright and sweet, capturing the highs of a British summer in its emphatic chorus. However, much like the British summer, this romance was rained off too soon. These fleeting glimpses of a love, destined for rapidly approaching heartbreak, are conveyed perfectly through Summer Girl’s climbing vocals.” –  Alexander Lloyd-Jones, Sleeping Together

Hailing from the North West of England, this hugely promising four-piece create indie anthems that are inspired by a wide range of topics – from love and heartbreak, through to toxic masculinity and nights out.

Sleeping Together have already received support from the likes of Amazing Radio, and are scheduled for further airplay on XS Manchester and Radio X. Fans can look forward to five further releases between now and the spring months of next year.

Sleeping Together

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New Music: ANTICALM

One of the most exciting debuts to emerge from the UK this week comes courtesy of British rapper ANTICALM.

Fearlessly blending elements of hip hop with electronica, grime and punk, this talent creates energising sounds that are distinctly unique in character and tone. Speaking on his future-forward release ‘Bobs n’ Bits’, he says:

“I walked past a discount shop called bits n bobs when I was living in Manny! Walked home, flipped the chorus and recorded the track that day. Everyone talks about doing bits round here, me, I don’t do bits, I do bobs and bits. Simple!”

Through his mould-breaking style of music-making, there is no doubt in our minds that ANTICALM will make a significant mark on the UK rap scene within the next year.

ANTICALM

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New Music: Guy Margalit

A master of many talents, Guy Margalit is a singer, songwriter and producer who was raised in Colorado.

While Margalit’s sound is inspired by the sounds of 70’s funk, indie and alternative R&B, this artist has had also had rich history in performing and working on projects that have varied from classical to jazz musical styles.

New single ‘BE2GETHER’ is a playful twist on indie-pop, and features one of the catchiest melodies that you’re likely to experience all weekend. Keep an eye out for this kid – he may well be one to watch.

Guy Margalit

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New Music: Anna Thoresen

Hailing from New York is rising singer, songwriter and producer Anna Thoresen. Still only 20-years of age, this artist is rapidly garnering traction thanks to her beautiful blends of bedroom pop, indie and alternative R&B.

New single ‘party girl’s lament’ presents listeners with a gorgeously stripped-back production, while Thoresen opens up on her past struggles with addiction:

“It comes from a very vulnerable, personal place that I don’t speak about often, but screams through my music. It’s about addiction, anxiety, and being in a dark place, and everyone around you is not too different, yet no one really talks about it. Addiction is way more common than we think, especially with underage high school and college kids, and nobody talks about it without feeling shame or guilt. I’d like to break the stigma by speaking on my own experiences”.

Fans of this emerging starlet can look forward to an upcoming debut EP, which is scheduled for release later this year.

Anna Thoresen

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New Music: LONG ISLAND

Emerging from the British town of Huddersfield are newcomers LONG ISLAND, who launch their debut today with the release of shimmering new single, ‘blissful satisfaction’.

Inspired by the happiness that love can bring, the song presents listeners with a thoughtfully constructed production that blends indie with dreamy pop, resulting in a sound that feels uplifting and joyous.

With support from the likes of BBC Introducing already under their belt, this UK outfit are most certainly ones to watch.

LONG ISLAND

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New Music: Jei-Rynn

Photo / Aubree Estrella

For fans of the 00’s punk-pop sound, LA-based talent Jei-Rynn might well be one of your favourite new artists.

By blending elements of alternative music with pop, rock, indie and punk, Jei-Rynn creates sounds that feel unique and fresh, while still maintaining strong essences of nostalgia.

Inspired by feelings of escapism, new single ‘sleeping (all day)’ is taken from Jei-Rynn’s forthcoming ‘overreacting’ EP, and was produced by Alex Arias – famed for his work with the likes of The Mowgli’s and Matchbox Twenty.

Jei-Rynn

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New Music: Nat Slater

Hailing from London is singer and songwriter Nat Slater. Through her distinctively honeyed vocals and sleek productions, this rising newcomer is crafting some of the most impressive cuts of R&B-pop to emerge from the capital.

Featuring the talents of Finn Matthews, melodic new single ‘Ride The Wave’ encapsulates those euphoric moments of feeling care-free, as Slater explains:

“’Ride The Wave’ is about being in the moment with someone and not caring what happens next. I wrote it while I was in LA making music, the sun was shining everything felt very blissful, I just wanted to capture that feeling.”

With support from the likes of Kiss FM and Wonderland Magazine, Slater’s ascent into the musical mainstream is imminent. Be sure to keep this rising starlet on your radars.

Nat Slater | Finn Matthews

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New Music: Fuzzy Sun

Photo / Sara Carpenteri

In recent decades, the North of England has come to be known as the birthplace of British indie talent, and today’s introduction of Stockport’s Fuzzy Sun continues the tradition.

Taken from the group’s forthcoming EP, new single ‘Money’ presents listeners with a sound that carries dark and thoughtful lyrics over an electrifying mix of indie, rock and pop.

“‘Hey Sonny yeah money’s gonna kill your soul’ is the key line which inspired the song. We all seem to be chasing money and material things. And I think it leaves us empty and unfulfilled. Despite that, it’s just so ingrained in us as a society and it prevails.” – Kyle Ross, Fuzzy Sun

To date, Fuzzy Sun have received praise from the likes of Clash and Dork magazines, Earmilk and BBC Radio 1, as well as achieving placements on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK and Hot New Bands playlists.

Fuzzy Sun

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New Music: Lucy McWilliams

Hailing from Dublin is 22-year old singer and songwriter Lucy McWilliams. Already a buzz-worthy talent with over 13 million catalogue streams on Spotify, McWilliams is rapidly gaining traction thanks to her captivating style of music-making.

With its perfected fusion of dreamy pop and indie, today’s release of new single ‘Break My Own Heart’ will continue to propel this hugely promising artist’s momentum even further.

Inspired by the insecurities that arise when romantic relationships start to get serious, the song’s lyrics are powerfully raw and relatable.

“‘Break My Own Heart’ is about self-sabotage within a relationship; being scared of being close to someone so you intentionally push them away before they can cause heartbreak to you. It’s that fear of rejection and preparing yourself for the hurt before they can hurt you.”

Garnering support from respected outlets like Official Charts, Songwriting Magazine, Blogtheque and Record of the Day, this is one Irish starlet to keep on your radars.

Lucy McWilliams

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Upcoming Shows

  • 2nd Sep – Electric Picnic, Ireland
  • 4th – 7th Oct – Ireland Music Week

New Music: insha

Photo / Gennelle Cruz
– Flash Warning –

One of the most impressive introductions of the week comes courtesy of 19-year old indie artist insha.

Compelling new single ‘DGMTS’ was produced by Samir Alikhanizadeh (who has worked alongside the likes of FKA Twigs, Shygirl and Chloe & Halle), and provides listeners with a soundscape feels sparse and minimal – yet deeply emotive.

“I first started writing ‘DGMTS’ ages ago, in late 2020. I wrote it in a dark time in the middle of the night. It wasn’t completely done when Samir [Alikhanizadeh, producer] first went at it – it had a whole missing verse, and honestly I think it was really depressing. I write by letting random things come out of my mouth and sometimes being shocked at what comes spilling out. But that is music and that is art. Simply snippets of time. I meant every word. Up until a month ago, I really debated on whether I should soften some of the darker lyrics. It never felt right to do so – it didn’t feel honest. ‘DGMTS’ captures everything I was feeling at the time in music – I couldn’t be happier with it. Everything always gets better.”

The song serves as a follow-up to insha’s 2020 debut release ‘she’s watching’, which was praised by Billboard Magazine and achieved over 90k streams on Spotify alone.

insha

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New Music: Edie Bens

Edie Bens is a Welsh singer and songwriter who, at 21-years of age, is releasing some of the most promising indie-pop sounds to emerge from the UK.

‘Therapist’ is only Bens’ second single, yet the track showcases an artist who has the ability to pair beautifully melodic songs with thoughtfully written lyricism.

“’Therapist’ is about my uni boyfriend. We started seeing each other mainly because of the convenience and the familiarity of being housemates. It didn’t last very long as we were a terrible fit. And he was quite controlling. I was so scared to end things at first for fear of hurting his feelings despite knowing it was making me deeply unhappy. Writing this song was a way of me taking back my own narrative and happiness.”

To date, this rising starlet has collaborated with the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Flyte, while also touring alongside COIN and Felice Brothers among others.

Edie Bens

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