Track of the week. Showcasing a superb example of Nordic alt-pop, Lea Kampmann’s ‘In Circles’ is a slow burning and glistening masterpiece that blends house-inspired synths with thoughtfully constructed percussions.
The song was inspired by the need to go out and grab life, instead of waiting for it to pass by.
“The most important thing to me as an artist is to make pieces of art that people can see themselves in.”
Immediately arresting vocals glide over a dark and richly intense piece of pop on ‘FLARE’.
Emerging from Melbourne, ASHWARYA is already achieving critical acclaim globally thanks to her outstanding work on recent EP ‘Nocturnal Hours’.
Séamus has to be one of the most exciting newcomers that I have come across this week.
The mysterious singer, songwriter and producer creates tracks with unique soundscapes that blend R&B, pop, new wave and experimental genres together in beautiful fashion.
With his dreamy vocals and atmospheric productions, this is one talent who is sure to win over plenty of new fans in the coming months.
Emerging from Sweden is Graham Lake, is a Stockholm-born singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who is still just 20-years old.
Today sees his debut, and boy is it something to behold! Released via EMI Sweden, ‘Focus’ was co-produced by mentor Linus Eklöw of the iconic duo Galantis.
A flawless fusion of rap and electronic pop compliments Graham’s distinctive vocals over the instantly memorable hook, ‘I’m gonna keep focusing on me.’
Formed whilst living together in Manchester during lockdown, HEAD BALLET are a self-produced duo made up of Kiera Court and Danny Casio.
Their style of music fuses elements of indie, electronica and pop to create sounds that carry a sense of nostalgia while still maintaining a fresh and current feel.
“Real Life’s aim was to capture the end of an era, the transitional period between two distinct and antithetical stages of being. The end of a pursuit, a honeymoon, a romance or friendship. The title was born out of a sustained disbelief in a wilted emotion and an attempt to water it back into existence.”
Already garnering support from the likes of BBC Introducing, this pair of talented artists could be one of the next new acts to emerge from the North.
The Lagoons are the DIY musical project of Southern California-raised, jazz-trained, multi-instrumentalist brothers Ryan and Joey Selan.
Their eclectic new single ‘Madness’ serves us with a nostalgic twist on indie rock, and was inspired by all of the craziness happening across the globe over the past year.
Newcomer Bota Butterfly crafts a distinctly unique style of melodic electro pop that pushes the boundaries of what is expected from the genre.
This is a sound that is boldly future-forward, yet still carries an essence of timelessness to it. All this makes for ‘Somebody Else’ as one of the strongest pop releases of the week.
“’Somebody Else’ is a song that is very close to my heart. I felt a very strong desire to write it right after my break up. In this song I am addressing my inner self trying to find the answers, the answers of how to find the strength to let go whilst you still have feelings for them. What do you do when you find out that the person you were getting to know and was falling in love with is in a relationship with somebody else? I wrote about my mixed feelings, the conflict between mind and heart, which I feel like most people experience after the breakup. It’s about ‘rescuing’ my heart and making it mine again.”
UK-based indie rock outfit The Trusted cite some of their musical heroes as Catfish and the Bottlemen, The 1975, The Clash and Elvis Costello to name but a few.
The sound they construct is full of charm and character, yet carries an essence of intensity that is gripping to listeners. Their new single ‘Vellichor’ encapsulates the sense of the passing of time, and dissatisfaction with the trajectory of one’s life.
“This is a song about nostalgia. It’s about using the past as a drug to combat the pains of today. The word ‘Vellichor’ means ‘the smell of old bookshops.’ This song has nothing to do with the meaning of the actual word but more with the feeling it creates. Vellichor in this context represents ‘the smell of old emotions and the passing of time.’ The protagonist is unhappy and distraught with the way in which their life has turned out. They are horrified at the new world and long for a different time or a previous life.’ Another of the many songs written during lockdown, and with the world seemingly changed in many ways forever, Vellichor represents a sense of seeking solace in the past.” – Tom Cunningham, The Trusted
As the name would suggest, this is music designed to bring happiness into your homes.
What started as two producers sharing dance music by London’s South Bank during lockdown has now turned into a full-blown phenomenon.
The new album ‘Human Again’ is out now.
Majestic Casual signee Nora Lilith crafts an intriguing yet beautifully sophisticated blend of lo-fi pop, alt-R&B and jazz.
Her new single ‘Wake’ is taken from the debut EP ‘Daysof8’, which is a collection of unusual, alluring and utterly unique songs that are sure to captivate any listener.
“This EP to me feels like an assortment of sonic experiments and inner world reflections. I feel like the energetic range of these tracks is a direct outcome of the varying timelines these tracks were created on, some very old and some newer, and some written on the same day. Over all, these songs lyrically all share an element of malaise, while instrumentally express both a sanguine yet broody attitude. That juxtaposition feels connected to what I’ve mentioned in my bio; the symbol of Lilith and how it, to me, represents a regaining of strength in what would otherwise be considered darkness…”
Hailing from Chicago, NoSo has crafted one of the most outstanding blends of indie and dream-pop this week. ‘Suburbia’ is a gorgeously melodic song that charms listeners in the most beautifully subtle way.
Emerging from Santa Fe, Alexx Cloud has been creating, performing, and writing music for well over a decade.
Proudly independent, this talent creates rap sounds that are easy to listen along to and enjoy. Garnering almost a million collective streams, he has worked with the likes of YNW Melly, King Los, Mark Battles, J-Diggs,
Already amassing over 30,000 Spotify streams just from his first two singles alone, UK-based talent KUBA is firmly gaining traction thanks to his refreshing take on music-making.
From crafting finessed R&B sounds to taking on house music, this is a multi-faceted artist who is sure to continue building momentum.
Since the release of ‘Neu’ last Friday, the track has aired daily on Amazing Radio UK and USA, been played on BBC Introducing and playlisted by Spotify on ‘UK Dance Music’ and ‘New Dance Revolution’.
I am excited to introduce Kenté with you all. This US-based talent has just released his debut effort, ‘For you’, and it’s a beautifully melodic pop sound that just feels so effortlessly cool and well worth a listen.
“This song is all about having a good time and being connected to something or someone new but finding out it won’t last. Staying in the moment but realising this great something has to end.”
Track of the week. Beautifully emotive vocals deliver captivating and raw lyrics on flowerkid’s ‘vodka orange juice’. Through the production’s simplicity, this is one of the most intense releases I have come across so far this month, and a sign that this rising Sydney-based starlet is one to watch.
“It was hugely cathartic writing this song. I hope when other people are listening, they feel the same way. If you feel like you aren’t accepted for who you are, please know that you are loved.”
Hailing from Canada are alt-rock group SLEEPSHAKE. With an unapologetically bold and confident approach to music-making, this outfit create songs that are anthemic and electrifying in style.
Their rousing new single ‘Medicine’ is all about the desperate need for stable emotional stimulation.
A tremendously fun and catchy indie-pop release from US-based artist AJ Smith. ‘Cooler’ is a relatable bop with lyrics we can all find some level of connect with.
“First dates, insecurities, worrying we might say the wrong thing and lose our chance at true love. We’ve all been there. ‘Cooler’ is a song about those nerves and the internal dialogue I’ve had whenever I’ve met someone new. Wishing to be cooler, hoping to get a second chance if I messed up this first one. I hope it gives someone the confidence they need to boldly be themselves and recognise they’re already ‘cooler’ the way they are.”
Smith’s songwriting and performance talents have already him earned multiple awards, including the Abe Oleman Scholarship from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and ranking as a semi-finalist in the 2020 International Songwriting Contest.
British talent Max White is one name to watch out for, having recently been confirmed as Rag’n’Bone Man’s support act on the UK & Ireland tour.
“Rag’N’Bone Man heard my music. the next thing I knew i was performing to him and some of his friends. He must have seen something special in my music, because about a month or two later we performed together, and a couple months after that he asked me on tour.”
His new melodic single ‘IMAGINE’ takes a refreshingly unique approach to pop; this is a sound that feels confident and self-assured.
Taken from the new EP ‘IMAGINE’ which is out now.
Here’s a fantastic debut from newcomers BLVCKBOW. Hawaiian natives Jasmine Crowe and Brittni Paiva have teamed up to create a sound that is not only sleek in style, but also extremely easy to listen to.
New single ‘Memorize U’ blends elements of rock and electro-synth seamlessly, while the sentimental lyrics keep you hooked throughout.
“The lyrics to ‘Memorize U’ are inspired by feeling physically and emotionally bonded with someone. It’s about really taking in and being present in those moments you have with that other person so that you never forget what it feels like being together.” – Jasmine Crowe, BLVCKBOW
UK-based outfit slowride craft a sound that perfectly fuses alt-rock with indietronica, to form songs that are not infectiously catchy but also carry a ton of character.
Their new single ‘Trip’ plays with the idea of taking a trip into self discovery; finding oneself by removing the masks we wear and becoming one’s true authentic self.
