A refreshingly original fusion of indie and alternative R&B from a talent who is rapidly picking momentum, thanks to early praise from the likes of Pigeons & Planes and DailyChiefers.
And once you press play, you’ll understand why. Daniel Price creates an authentic sound that bravely pushes boundaries, while still feeling effortlessly sleek in tone.
Cowboy Mugshot’s ‘Wires Crossed’ may well be that one song that stays in your head for the rest of the day.
This genre-bending chameleon draws influences from the worlds of jazz, trip hop, EDM, rap and post grunge to create sounds that are not only interesting and unique in character, but tremendously catchy.
“Sometimes it all goes sideways. ‘Wires Crossed’ takes an honest look at the fallout of a relationship that has come to a sudden end. It’s a tale about a boy in the throes of heartbreak set on an airport runway.”
Hailing from Manchester comes indie-pop trailblazer Sukie. Through her signature style of crafting funny-yet-sad lyricism, this talent presents songs that carry a perfect balance of playfulness and melancholy.
New single ‘Best Of Luck’ invites listeners into her personal space, as she opens up about growing up in a complicated family dynamic peppered with mental health issues, while also reflecting on the importance of letting go and moving forward.
“‘Best of Luck’ is really just about growing up in a family that seemed super ‘normal’ from the outside, but had lots of stuff going on that my friends and outsiders didn’t know about. It’s kind of an ode to me and my childhood best friend, as we both grew up in families that were very affected by mental illness. It feels like both a sad and a triumphant song to me. Writing it helped me to realise how much anger and resentment I was holding on to, and helped me to come to terms with the fact that mental illness is never anyone’s fault. it’s a song for my inner child, really. Giving her a hug and letting her know that it’s okay to move on from long-held grudges.”
Track of the week. Emerging from the musical powerhouse that is Manchester is soul wonder-kid [ K S R ]. Words really can’t express how deeply impressed I am with this new talent.
This artist creates music that is stunningly finessed, beautifully melodic and timeless in concept.
Taken from the new EP ‘Peace + Harmony’ which is out now.
Emerging from Los Angeles is Vietnamese-American singer-songwriter thuy. Through her distinctly captivating vocals, skilful songwriting and modern take on R&B, this talent already commands over two million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. On her new single and visuals she says:
“’figured u out’ is about a toxic relationship but I didn’t want to make the video about that. I wanted to make it more abstract and quirky and about actually figuring things out. There are scenes with the detective aspects and games such as Tic Tac Toe, Rubik’s cubes, and puzzles to hint at the theme. It’s a really playful video with a bit of satire. I wanted to film it this way since the song is an upbeat anthem for the girls that were going through a breakup. My whole goal was to make it more playful rather than have the guy be the main focus of the video.”
Hip-hop cultivator Pardyalone is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new artists that I have come across this week.
Citing some of his musical influences as Juice WRLD, Bryson Tiller and Bob Marley, this emerging talent is quickly making a name for himself thanks to his honest approach to songwriting – covering themes as varied as addiction, family issues and love.
While on the surface, new single ‘Cupid’ treats listeners with a fresh and infectiously memorable sound, the lyrics share Pardyalone’s honest perspective on the sudden and intense pain of reminiscing a past love.
“Love is honestly hard. Sometimes it doesn’t work, and you’re left with nothing.”
Hailing from Oregon is newcomer Boy is Princess, who has been producing songs singe the age of just twelve.
Currently studying at Portland State University, this talent still manages to create exceptional and experimental sounds like ‘Oslo? He’s For Blood’ whenever he gets free time from school.
“I’ve loved Sega Bodega and his take on theatrically writing lyrics I guess, I like story telling but I’ve always been afraid to be the story teller. Oslo is a character I wanted to tell a story about, I like to think he is a vampire monster person, but at the same time is just very misunderstood.”
A beautifully dreamy blend of indie, alt-R&B and pop from LA-based singer, songwriter, and musician Sam Stacy.
With its production inspired by Frank Ocean and Daniel Caesar, while its songwriting by Continuum-era John Mayer, Sam’s new single ‘Mine’ takes intricate guitar parts with simple melodies and turns it into a finely balanced fusion of R&B and acoustic sounds.
“‘Mine’ was inspired by one too many long-term casual relationships. I was tired of my own lack of commitment and wanted to write about breaking that cycle.”
Hailing from the musical mecca that is Bristol are newcomers The 139. Named after their shared home, this group are constantly writing new music – inspired to create songs for those lost in the middle without a voice of their own.
True to its title, ‘Feeling Blue’ is a melancholy and bluesy fusion of indie rock and pop, with a charmingly emotive tone that is sure to spark a connection with many listeners.
“Rejection is something we all know well, and the song is derived from those sullen days of overthinking and reminiscing where we’re always left ‘Feeling Blue.'”
The 139 will play Exchange on 24th March to celebrate the release of the song.
With praise from the likes of Clash, Music Week and Complex already under her belt, as well as support from heavyweights such as BBC (Introducing, Radio 6, Intro on Radio 1, 1xtra) and Official Charts UK, British talent Lili Caseley is rapidly gaining momentum as one of the country’s most exciting new pop artists to watch out for.
“Wrote this song with my guy Oli Fox! We wrote it about a toxic and addictive love that you keep going back to regardless of how the void still remains afterwards… Essentially, it’s a ‘pretty good bad idea.'”
One of the stand-out releases of the week comes courtesy of UK artist Jack Reardon, who goes by the name of Bonze.
Reardon spends his days working as a trained psychotherapist, and these themes intrude on his music.
Produced by Brookfield and taken from Bonze’s forthcoming debut album, new single ‘Self’ delivers a bold fusion of electronic prowess and raw, open feeling – plunging the listener into a world of self-reflection.
“This song has a double meaning really, I’m not just talking to the audience through the lyrics; I’m also talking to myself. The song is not only an autobiographical commentary on my ‘self’ and my own struggles to tackle personal issues, but it is also a message to the listener to reflect on the instant-gratification nature of western society and how, instead of being seduced by substances to make them happy; they should really rely on themselves. You are the person that you’ve been waiting to meet, basically.”
Bonze performs live in London on 11th March with Dutch Criminal Records at The Water Rats.
Emerging from the German city of Hamburg is independent duo Lovis. With an experimental take on music-making, this outfit construct sounds that feel fresh and new, while still providing listeners with a sound that is easy to connect with.
“Our ambition is to make music we love. Together with friends and family we try to push genre boundaries.”
American talent The China Blue delivers a deliciously experimental mix of alternative R&B and funky pop with new single ‘out of my mind’.
Describing struggles with mental health and the feeling of losing your mind, the track plays itself as a danceable catharsis, with a paired visualiser that has The China Blue choosing to cope with these feelings by shaking them out.
Rising Californian creative roman around (Roman Rivera) is not only a recording artist but also an accomplished drummer and and multi-instrumentalist.
After touring the country as a drummer for various bands, Rivera began experimenting on their own music, with the creation of songs like ‘DNT’ coming to fruition.
The song applies intricate rhythms and lush textures to support passages on relationship red flags, and the recurring trauma of an abusive relationship.
“‘DNT’ started as a demo in April of 2021. I was using it as a project to design synth sounds and create random drum loops. It wasn’t intended to go anywhere, but when some friends heard it they became attached to the creation and encouraged me to finish it.”
Emerging from Ireland is newcomer April, who’s alternative approach to pop feels future-forward while still carrying a sense of 90’s nostalgia. Introspective new single ‘Hotel’ is subtly emotive and totally captivating.
April supports Matilda Mann on her UK tour from later this month.
Emerging from New York is recording artist Ayla D’lyla, who’s melodic and dramatic approach to dark pop is irresistibly captivating.
Bold and cinematic in essence, her new single ‘Money’ is a biting take on the struggles that afflict modern love. As Ayla explains:
“This song is exactly what you’d think it’s about. Many of the women in my life, including myself, seem to constantly feel emotionally unfulfilled by their relationships with men. Quite frankly, we just want your money.”
Ayla plays her debut headline show in NYC on 15th March at the Mercury Lounge. Tickets are available here.
Emerging from LA is songwriter BOYU, who’s latest release blends indie-pop with rap in a refreshingly conceptual way. If you’re a fan of Dominic Fike, Jeremy Zucker or blackbear then chances are you’ll love this talent too.
‘Miata Trip’ was inspired by the highs and lows of a psychedelic trip – specifically by the globally acclaimed HBO hit show Euphoria.
“Akin to the euphoric peaks of a trip, the verses and bridge represents liberation of the soul, uplifting and carefree, paired with bright happy chords and melody. In contrast, the chorus and outro symbolise the dark downward spiral when stuck in a self-deprecating headspace, with minor chords, angsty flow/ production, and slowed BPM.”
BOYU performs at Spring Fest on 19th March 2022 with Tessa Rae, Banana Club, and Halo Kitsch.
One of the catchiest releases this week comes courtesy of rising US artist, producer and musician Joshoo.
With its superb blend of indie and bedroom-pop, ‘Obsession’ carries lyricism about a situation in love that many of us will be able to connect with.
“This is a song about getting stuck in toxic relationships, and confusing stress or anxiety with the excitement of love!”
Hamilton singer and songwriter James Alphonse crafts a style of sound that is not easy to describe. This artist bravely fuses elements of electro pop, pop-rock and chill R&B to form songs that feel original yet relatable.
New single ‘i dont need to choose’ is all about the relationship insecurities faced by his long-term and long-distance partner.
“People have described my music as diverse pop with a touch of guitar and R&B melodies… It’s tough to pin me down, but I’m hoping it’s more like opening a cookbook and seeing all the amazing things you can eat, rather than going to a pierogi shop for your favourite, standard pierogi and finding they’ve changed the menu (if you love pierogi as much as I do, that example will stick the landing, otherwise, fill in your own addictive food for effect).”
Alphonse’s upcoming debut solo EP will feature production from the likes of Andre Kaden Black (Fefe Dobson, Francesco Yates) and Tal Vaisman (21 Pilots, Imagine Dragons).
Hailing from Los Angeles, All Things Blue craft a mesmerising blend of lo-fi pop and indie that feels nostalgic and charming in equal measures.
