Track of the week. Formerly known as Adrian from the hugely successful Scandinavian duoFOOL,Flavio is a new solo project that is showcasing the very finest in emerging Danish talent.
‘Speeding’ is without doubt one of the most impressive debuts by any newcomer from Denmark this year, and is an intensely gripping fusion of dark pop and hip hop.
To date, this single has garnered over 118k streams on Spotify alone, and paves the way for Flavio to become one of his home nation’s most promising musical exports.
Summer might almost be over, but Brooklyn-based newcomer Tetza has managed to treat us to one last shimmering bop before the fall season hits us.
With its charming blend of R&B, pop, soul and bossa nova, ‘no money’ is an unconventionally playful love song written to remind us all that money doesn’t matter when you love someone.
“You ain’t got no money, but all I wanna spend is your time… it makes no cents but boy you’re a dime.”
Tetza – no money
The track serves as a taster to a forthcoming EP, which is out soon. When not working on her own material, Tetza is also an accomplished topliner and session vocalist who has worked with the likes of John McLucas, Dose Coast and Jacre.
Upon pressing play to Hunter Daily’s ‘Die In LA’, you might be surprised (and impressed) to learn that this is only the artist’s debut.
A truly outstanding introduction to a promising and talented newcomer, the song serves as a masterclass in melancholic pop. Executive produced by none other than Jenna Andrews herself, the track encompasses Daily’s feelings about living in Los Angeles:
“‘Die In LA’ is about being from LA and never feeling like I can leave or see other places because of the industry I’ve chosen. It’s juxtaposition of hating LA and the scene and not feeling like I fit in, but its also where I come from; I love LA just the same. I don’t want it to be the only thing I ever experienced at the end of the day. Everyone else gets to make that leap to follow their dreams and come here to LA or wherever to follow their dreams, but when you’re from here and in this industry, you’re forced to stay put. This song is about my longing to see more of the world and escape some of the monotony that is LA. This song was written as a kind of love/hate letter to LA because it has been my home my whole life.The essence of the city is such a part of me and I wanted the video to capture that, and I think it does.”
Fans can look forward to two further singles from Daily, both of which will be released before the end of the year.
Your weekend alt-pop banger has arrived, courtesy of UK singer, songwriter and producer ear candy (aka Jamie Jordan).
While still only on his fourth release, this rising newcomer has already garnered over 125k collective streams on Spotify alone.
New single ‘lonely’ demonstrates why this artist has such appeal – this is punchy and playful pop that is not only infectiously memorable but also lyrically relatable.
“Fed up of those late night calls? Fed up of being pushed away only to be called back? Fed up of that emotional manipulation? Then lonely is the anthem for you.”
Emerging from Manchester comes 20-year old singer and songwriter May Payne.
Already garnering a fanbase of over 35k followers across social media, this rising starlet is winning hearts all across the country with her charming take on indie-pop.
New single ‘Lazy Sunday’ was inspired by the infatuations that we can go through when we first meet someone – even to the point where we temporarily forgive the incompatibilities.
“I get myself entangled in a lot unhealthy and mis-matched situation-ships and more often than not it all comes down to that feeling when it’s a Sunday, you’re hiding away in someone’s room, and you’re both happy to pretend that things really could work out between you – or ignore the fact that they won’t.”
Be sure to follow along with Payne’s journey to stardom through her website and Instagram.
For those of you based in London, Luke Silva might already be a familiar face. This Italian-Brazilian singer and songwriter has been a prominent name in the capital’s busking scene for some time, leading to a series of his performances going viral on social media.
Silva unveils a new studio record today, entitled ‘Belong To The City’. Through its sleek fusions of synth and alt-pop, the song continues to showcase this rising talent’s potential.
“[The song] is a catchy pop ballad with an 80’s feel that drags the listeners on a story telling journey into a rough break up, while at the same time keeping the energy vibrant and lighthearted.”
To date, millions have watched Silva’s busking videos online – leading to a loyal fanbase of over 80k followers on Instagram and 115k on TikTok alone.
London-based talent Anin Rose unveils her latest release today, entitled ‘Feed This Fire’.
As an artist who is rapidly gaining traction with her beautifully empowering fusions of gospel, soul and pop, Rose has carved a name for herself as a musician who creates honest songs that have the potential to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
‘Feed This Fire’ was inspired by the emotional traumas that come with being locked in a toxic relationship, and showcases Rose’s exceptional skills at songwriting.
“Oh it wouldn’t be the same, If we didn’t feed the flames… So will this ever change”
Anin Rose – Feed This Fire
Rose’s musical expertise has recently seen her work alongside the likes of Freya Ridings, Jamie Grey, Take That and even Hugh Jackman.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
