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.
Berlin-based singer VILLFORTH creates a kind of pop that instantly likeable. With distinctive vocals, gutsy lyricism and catchy melodies, this could well be an artist to watch out for.
Her new single ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Morning’ speaks her truth about an unhappy relationship between two lovers living in different cities.
MOONWOOD are an emerging indie-rock outfit currently based in Sydney. Their new single ‘Slow Down’ provides listeners with beautifully constructed lyricism that glides over an atmospheric production which is both emotive and captivating in equal measures.
You’ll struggle to find anyone who’s crafting soul as finessed as Pale Jay is right now. Songs like ‘Shameful Game’ are immediately infectious, hooking you in and leaving you wanting so much more from this emerging star.
Emerging from Iceland comes una schram, who’s approach to pop is refreshingly playful while still maintaining a certain sense of finesse.
‘Crush’ is a sugar-coated gem that was mined from her hometown of Reykjavík, with some funk tendencies and lyrics that tap into the consciousness of most late teens and early twenty-somethings.
A hugely exciting debut from Nottingham raised and London based singer songwriter Joey Knight.
With a beautifully sincere approach to music-making, Joey has already found himself collaborating with a close-knit community of other emerging talents (and Alfitude favourites) such as Issey Cross, Tayo Sound, Jalle and Sfven.
‘let u go’ is a subtly emotive piece that all’s about heartbreak, with Joey examining his own mistakes in a relationship and looking back at it with fondness and honesty.
“‘let u go’ is a song coming from a place of heartbreak and the heartache in hindsight. Looking at the breakdown of a relationship and wondering if it would be different had certain things changed, and blaming yourself for not being able to see, or do certain things at the time. It’s really that post-breakup vicious cycle of thoughts that I think most people have experienced at some point in their lives – whether it be through friendships, family or romantic relationships”.
UK talent Just George has already picked up attention from heavyweights like BBC Radio 1 thanks to his breakthrough release ‘Blue Maserati’ last year. Now he’s back with new single ‘Remind Me’, which revolves around themes of unrequited love and nostalgia.
Trappy inflections blend with guitar licks to create a sleek backdrop for Just George’s soft falsetto, underlining his status as one of the country’s most exciting new prospects.
“‘Remind Me’ is about a person you desire, but the complexities involved when that person is your type but you’re not theirs.”
A deliciously dreamy fusion of alternative R&B and pop from LA based Asian-American recording artist and plus size model Yumi Nu.
‘Bouquets’ is a luxurious sound that is produced with flair and finesse in a way that is really quite exquisite.
Canadian born and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Jenny Kern creates a kind of indie-pop that feels dreamy and atmospheric.
Her latest release ‘Alone’ is a gorgeously constructed sound that feels emotive and subdued, as she reflects:
“It’s a song I wrote when I was in the deepest spiral of being alone. I felt like no one was listening. With everything going on in the world over the last two years, ‘Alone’ feels like a ritual. It’s probably one of the darkest but most honest songs I’ve written. It came from a place of hopelessness. In this song I’m calling out for answers into an empty, lonely void, both in darkness and light, and receiving nothing back. While it’s sad, it’s really me on a path of self-discovery and searching for meaning in a dark and unforgiving world.”
Bostonian duo davvn (Mike and McCall) initially bonded over their shared love of pop punk music from the 2000’s, which helped influence their genre-blending sound.
Self-describing themselves as ‘imperfect pop’, davvn’s music is based around dreamy melodies that are layered over live and electronic productions.
“‘filter up’ is an empowering anthem against increasing societal pressure for women to have to filter themselves and look a certain way to be considered beautiful.”
UK-based talent CHERISE has created one of the most sublime cuts of R&B that I have come across all week. A stunning melody sets the tone for emotive lyrics that are sung gorgeously over a finessed production.
“I wrote ‘Rise’ while in deep grief and it was my way of remaining hopeful. I share this song to extend a sense of optimism in the face of the uncertainty we all share in this time.”
Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Remedy’ which is due for release by LAB Records on 29th October 2021. Cherise also plays at London’s Ninety One Living Room on 13th November 2021.
Hailing from New York, Gurba blends elements of indie rock, alt-R&B and bedroom pop to create a sound that is distinctly unique.
New single ‘Say More’ carries an essence of soulful melancholy that is both lyrically impassioned and melodically captivating in equal measures.
With a nostalgic flair comes emerging Australian duo Wanderers. Blending elements of indie, funk, soul and pop into infectiously memorable bops, this duo are sure to gain global momentum over the next year.
“I felt that I was at a crossroads at the time, approaching 30 and realising that my old algorithms for distraction and excitement weren’t really working the same way they used to. I wanted more, but not sure what, when or how. All I knew was that my olds tricks weren’t serving me anymore. So I dove deep into this feeling, which actually brought me some sort of clarity.” – Dusty Lee, Wanderers
Nashville born and Los Angeles based Penny Lame (Gracen Hill) is a master of many talents – being a singer, songwriter and producer. When Gracen turned 20, she got a publishing deal, dropped out of college, and got signed by a label.
Realising that she would be happier on her own, this now fully independent artist marks her debut with ‘LIPSTICK’. The track serves as a sweaty alt-punk-pop anthem that’s all about pushing back against a partner’s abusive behaviour, and rising out of the toxic fumes. On the song she says:
“I had finally had enough bullshit. I was with someone who cheated and lied all the time, and I would believe them because love will do that to you. One day, I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. I wrote this song to get over them and never go back. I used to always go back. Not anymore! This song put all my feelings I could never say out loud into words. Now when I listen, I can’t unhear it.”
Emerging from Perth in Scotland is 6-piece indie-pop outfit Parliamo. With influences from The Avalanches and Massive Attack to Super Furry Animals and The Beta Band, the group bring together witty social commentary–styled lyricism with a distinctively unique songwriting approach.
“‘Echo In My Chamber’ is a story of infatuation rather than love, with the lyrics telling of a dichotomy within yourself as you struggle with how you really feel about someone. The chorus is essentially a conversation with oneself, as you grapple to remind yourself not to get too carried away too quickly.”
Taken from the upcoming EP ‘The Parliamo Manifesto’ which will be released on 7th October 2021 via Modern Sky.
Recently signed to the legendary Communion Records, US-based talent Slimdan (Danny Silberstein) is no stranger to the industry, having already garnered a reputation as a songwriter for the likes of Sasha Alex Sloan, Diplo, Ethan Gruska, King Henry and more.
Now he’s ready to show the world his own music through the moniker of Slimdan, with ‘MVP’ revealing Silberstein’s irreverent self-analysis and wit.
“One time in little league I got so panicked while I was pitching that I started crying and everyone had to stop the game to clap for me. I’ve been chasing that attention ever since. I made this with Ryan Linvill and Noah Conrad and the ending of this song is my favourite thing I’ve ever made.”
Australian talent Lucille Two crafts a beautiful mix of indie and pop that is infused with hints of melancholy. This melodic sound feels warm and relatable, yet still carries a subtle sense of eccentricity which is delightful to experience.
‘I’ve Been Waiting’ looks at the regret of waiting until it’s too late to tell someone how you feel about them, and the effort to move on.
UK artist Lucy Deakin’s latest release ‘2009’ is one of the finest slices of nostalgic pop you’ll likely encounter all week.
Detailing her old life a little over a decade ago, the song looks at modern-day markers for musical success, touching upon viral trends and people’s desire to be ‘TikTok famous, something else but broke’ but ultimately wishing you could turn back the time.
Taken from the new EP ‘in your head i’m probably crying’ which is due for release on 5th November 2021.
Tour Dates
Thur 04/11/21 – The Grace, London
Fri 05/11/21 – The Louisiana, Bristol
Tue 09/11/21 – Oporto, Leeds
Fri 12/11/21 – Komedia Studio, Brighton
Sat 13/11/21 – Bodega, Nottingham
Thu 18/11/21 – YES Pink Room, Manchester
Fri 19/11/21 – Surf Cafe, Newcastle
Sat 20/11/21 – Garage Attic, Glasgow
Dutch duo Weval fuse elements of alt-R&B, indie and electronica into soundscapes that feel subtly eccentric and inherently unique in nature.
‘Changed for the Better’ is a sincere, heartfelt and unashamedly positive track that is both emotive and uplifting to experience.
Taken from the forthcoming EP ‘Changed For The Better’ which is out on 12th November 2021.
Swedish outfit I don’t speak french craft a refreshingly original and wildly exciting sound that combines a multitude of genres together to create something unexpected and fun.
‘Skate in Barcelona’ is the story of a wannabe social influencer monster, much like the band’s own mascot ‘Bob’ the monster who tries desperately to build a facade of coolness.
“No song should sound the same, I rather have the listener jump out of their seat than having to repeat myself”.
Members of the band can also be found in Stranded Mermaid, and Swedish Red Elephant (the alter-ego of Håkan Persson and Louise Lindenger), where they write, produce and collaborate with artist such as Lucas Estrada, Matisse & Sadko, farfetch’d, Timmy Trumpet and more.
