Category: Music

Zouj – Driving With My Eyes Closed (feat. Sahareya)

Photo / Felix Posner
Director / Franz Impler

Emerging Leipzig producer Zouj teams up with Slovenian rapper and multi-instrumentalist Sahareya on new single ‘Driving With My Eyes Closed’.

Treating listeners to a refreshingly original and interesting take on hyperpop, the song’s thoughtful lyricism contrasts sharply with its playful production.

“We’re all speeding up to uncertainty on a bumpy road hovering over lava and yet we maintain the American narrative illusion of ‘Knowing where to go, being focused, having a purpose, a plan, work hard for what you want and make it’ when actually deep inside we all know no-one knows what they’re doing, where they are going. We are leading a life full of improvisation, unmatched expectation, hardship, crisis, dissatisfaction, plan Bs, Cs and Ds: an endless navigation towards whatever is kind of “working out” for ourselves with a constant dread of regression looking over us whether it’s political, ecological or economic. Everything advertised to us is a disappointment but even if we gave up on everything we don’t have the choice but to keep our hands on the steering wheel.” – Zouj

Over a relatively short space of time, Zouj has marked himself as one of hyperpop’s most exciting new artists, picking up praise from the likes of NME, Colors, Clash and XLR8R.

Zouj | Sahareya

Lila Drew – Bad Juice

Photo / Vincent Haycock

Lila Drew returns with a spellbinding new release that continues to showcase this singer and songwriter’s remarkable artistry.

Serving as a taster for an upcoming album, the song presents listeners with a dreamy twist on the indie-pop genre. Elaborating further on the song’s inspiration, Drew says:

“‘Bad Juice’ is really about trying to figure yourself out in a rapidly moving universe and trying to have some fun while doing so. This was one of the last songs I wrote for my upcoming album. A lot of the songs I wrote up until then were pretty introspective and serious, and I wanted to try something different. I was working with Matt Hales in Bath, England, and remember going into the studio thinking, ‘f*ck it, I’m going to make a song that is funny and sarcastic and ridiculous; a song that will lyrically make me laugh and that recognizes its lack of seriousness.’ I had just rewatched Kubrik’s adaptation of ‘The Shining’ and was imagining myself standing within those patterned hallways and trying to find a way out. It’s become such a special song for me because it really was the first time I let go of all the seriousness and focused on just enjoying making music — it’s easy to lose sight of that.”

To date, this rising talent has accumulated well over 17 million streams on Spotify, with her GoldLink collaboration ‘faded/2am’ garnering close to 10 million streams alone.

Lila Drew

Zakhar – Real Me

As far as British newcomers go, few have achieved as much commercial and critical success as quickly as London-based rap artist Zakhar.

Melodic new single ‘Real Me’ is released alongside debut EP ‘Scars On My Mind’, which is out now.

“This is more than an EP, it’s my story so far.”

While still only 18-years of age, Zakhar commands a significant fanbase – with more than 400k monthly listeners on Spotify and tastemaker praise from the likes of Complex UK, Wonderland, Vice, SBTV and The New York Times.

Zakhar performs live alongside Sadie Jean in London on the 3rd October 2022 – tickets can be found here.

Zakhar

Deyaz – Bitter

Track of the week. One of the most impressive releases to emerge so far this month comes courtesy of rising East London artist Deyaz.

Powerfully raw, honest and frank in tone, captivating new single ‘Bitter’ was inspired by the artist’s struggles with addiction.

“‘Bitter’ is about the struggles I had with addiction. As much as the subject is dark, I feel the song has a positive outlook as it shows acceptance within the problem and acknowledging the lifestyle that comes along with it can be harmful to your future. ‘Bitter’ really feels like the start of a new chapter for myself sonically & personally.”

With support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Fader, Clash and The Guardian, Deyaz is undoubtedly one UK talent to keep on your radars.

Deyaz

New Music: Boko Yout

Not much is known about Stockholm-based artist Boko Yout (aka Paul Adamah), but the music pretty much speaks for itself.

This is a sound that pushes indie music to the extreme. Bold, experimental, invigorating and refreshingly unique in tone, songs like ‘ANXIETY’ are as captivating as they are intriguing.

There is no doubt in our minds that this emerging talent will become one of Sweden’s newest musical exports in the coming future.

Boko Yout

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Golden Features – Vigil

Acclaimed Australian producer Golden Features unveils a beautifully dark and intensely captivating sound through his new single, ‘Vigil’.

“‘Vigil’ is about the point of diminishing returns. The sound of birds begging you to go to bed, desperately trying to sleep when your brain won’t allow it. It’s for anybody who’s managed to escape the kick-on only to be left alone in a silent room with nothing but head-noise.”

The song’s accompanying video continues with the story from previous single ‘Touch’, as Golden Features explains:

“The ‘Vigil’ video starts where the ‘Touch’ video ends. It’s about trying to stay sane and navigate the head noise. I wanted to capture the moment after the afterparty when the last person has left and you’re alone with nothing but your thoughts.”

Already an established name within the international electronic scene, Golden Features has accumulated over 275 million streams, achieved several platinum and gold ARIA certifications, and played on iconic stages like Coachella.

Golden Features

Oli Fox – Half As Much

London-based singer and songwriter Oli Fox returns with an anthemic slice of musical bliss that is sure to propel this talent further into the mainstream.

Lifted from new EP ‘The Season’ (out now), ‘Half As Much’ presents listeners with a catchy and energising blend of indie, soul and pop. Speaking on the EP, Fox says:

“The EP is a crash course on how to fall in and out of love. From ‘the season’ which I wrote in a state of euphoria after putting myself back into the dating scene, to the bitter recollection of a relationship I’d left in ‘Cloud 9’. I really hope people can resonate with at least one of these stages. ‘Half as much’ is my favourite song on the album as I wrote the chorus in roughly five minutes, slumped in my kitchen doorway. It’s a bit of an epiphany, realising that someone can almost make you feel twice the person you were without them, hence the concept of ‘I only ever felt half as much'”.

Not only is Fox an acclaimed soloist (with praise from likes of BBC Radio 1), but he is also an established top-liner who has recently secured co-writes for Aquilo, Gorgon City and James Smith among others.

Oli Fox

Watch: Freddie Long – Sober

After spending the last eighteen months working on new music, Freddie Long is back today with one of the most powerful releases of the week.

Serving as Long’s first single from his forthcoming debut album ‘LOVE/HATE’ (out next year), ‘Sober’ is a raw and brutally honest pop-rock anthem which finds the artist singing about turning to alcohol as a way to deal with a break-up.

The song marks a new beginning for Long, who has spent the last few years experimenting with different sounds:

“I’ve always felt like I’ve been trying to find the right fit for my music. The previous few projects I’ve enjoyed and loved working on but this project has felt different. I feel like I’ve connected with my roots. This music makes me feel something, on and off stage.”

The accompanying video for the track features drummer Kieran Leigh, and was filmed in an empty garage with the help of friends:

“I’ve always been hands-on when it comes to visuals, I enjoy creating and coming up with concepts. This one was no different. We managed to pull this shoot together within one day and I’m very proud of what we achieved.”

Freddie Long

Sötnos – Care About Nothing

It’s barely been a month since we last featured Stockholm duo Sötnos, but today marks their return with the release of new single, ‘Care About Nothing’.

With its eccentric mix of indie, pop and rock, the song delivers a sound that feels care-free, fun and uplifting – and further cements Sötnos as one of Sweden’s most exciting newcomers.

“This was the first song we ever made together. Recording this song, we jumped up and down and screamed as loud as we could. It was a total blast and it went fast and we hope it translates for you out there listening.”

The track shares its name with the duo’s debut album, which is also released today and can be heard here.

Sötnos

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New Music: Grace Gachot

Of all the pop debut releases that we have come across so far today, Grace Gachot is our favourite.

Presenting the genre in its purest form, this London-based 21-year old singer and songwriter has created one of the catchiest bops of the week with her new single ‘F*ckboy Tragedy’.

“I wrote this song about a time when I thought I knew someone really well, only to realise that their intentions were completely different to mine. It’s disappointing, but it isn’t heartbreak, which is what inspired the humorous title and sarcastic hook – ‘it’s a F*ckboy Tragedy’.

Sung in both English and Spanish, the track showcases Gachot’s skill at constructing songs that are not only certified pop bangers, but also feature interesting lyrics.

Aside from her first solo release, Gachot also collaborated alongside German outfit Tube & Berger on ‘It’s a Fine Day’, which has so far amassed over 700k streams on Spotify.

Grace Gachot

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AMAVA – Feel Things

From our experience, hyperpop tends to be a very hit-and-miss genre. Fortunately, AMAVA’s new single ‘Feel Things’ is a weekend anthem that we think everyone will enjoy.

Injecting a dose of playfulness into a sonic universe that features sharp electronic beats and bouncy bass, the song’s charm creates a sense of joy that is sure to resonate with many listeners.

“This is a pure, honest love song where I didn’t shroud everything in a cover of heavy imagery and mystery and it was all me just saying exactly what I felt”.

Inspired by modern-day pop legends as varied as Charli XCX, Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift and Lorde, US-based AMAVA’s songs have collectively amassed over 600k streams to date on Spotify alone.

AMAVA

New Music: Vigilantonie

Emerging from Melbourne in Australia is musician and writer Vigilantonie, who releases an impressive new single entitled ‘Cooked’ today.

Through its bold mix of alternative pop, indie and rock, the song demonstrates the work of an artist who is confident in crafting sounds that are not only refreshingly unconventional, but also carry thought-provoking and witty lyricism.

“‘Cooked’ is about trying to get perspective on your depression before you’re out of it. But it’s also about climate grief and political anger.”

An artist already on the rise, Vigilantonie’s work has been included in over 200 hundred playlists to date, and also received praise from respected tastemakers like Triple J among others.

Vigilantonie

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New Music: Bea Stewart

Photo / Izzie Naylor

Representing some of the finest new emerging talent from Northern Ireland is singer and songwriter Bea Stewart. Today marks the artist’s debut with the release of ‘Screaming At Traffic’.

This folk-inspired acoustic song presents listeners with a beautifully emotive sound that features Stewart’s heartfelt and honest lyricism. Elaborating further on the inspiration behind the track, Stewart says:

“I wrote ‘Screaming At Traffic’ at a time when I was frustrated at my younger self for not acting on feelings I had for a friend because I was too scared. I was trying to process this without letting it turn into regret – sometimes those missed chances in life come around to teach us a lesson, so we don’t make the same mistake when it really matters. I think it’s quite a universal experience to suppress feelings out of fear of rejection or ruining a friendship so I hope this song means something to someone else too.”

Stewart plays London’s West Hampstead Arts Club on the 22nd September, with free tickets available here… So be sure to catch this rising starlet before the rest of the UK does!

Bea Stewart

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New Music: Blair West

Hailing from New York is songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Blair West.

New single ‘Rabbit Holes’ marks West’s second release to date, and showcases a beautifully delicate fusion of dreamy folk, indie and acoustic pop.

Through its refreshingly minimalist style of production, the track delivers a sound that feels warm, soothing and emotive in tone, while the lyricism serves as beautiful expression of love.

“This song brings together the most personal pieces of me as an artist. The lyrics, which were some of the first I ever wrote, originally lived in a poem of mine: ‘if you leave me, I’m coming to.’ It was meant as a cheeky expression of my love for my fiancé – maybe a little creepy, maybe a little extra, but most definitely romantic. As if ‘hopelessly devoted to you’ was remixed with a bit of sass and enigma.”

West’s debut release, ‘All This To Say’ has already garnered over 50k streams on Spotify, and can be heard here.

Blair West

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Gustaf – stop

Danish pop artist Gustaf continues to impress us with the unveiling of his latest single, entitled ‘stop’.

Through its nostalgia-tinged synth production, the song’s bittersweet lyrics tell of the emotional dilemmas that come with summer romances. Elaborating further on the track, Gustaf says:

“‘stop’ is a song about being in the early stages of your summer flirt, but suddenly it’s starting to get a little too serious and you’re not ready to commit! Mainly because you’re afraid of commitment but also because you want to keep that cloud nine feeling going on, you’re too afraid that you’ll make the wrong choice, and the daily trivial life kicks in! So let’s just stop before we fall in love!”

The song marks Gustaf’s sixth release to date. New fans of this promising Scandinavian talent can check out his past singles on Spotify here.

Gustaf

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PLVTINUM – DIE4MYBITCH

American pop artist PLVTINUM is back with a new single, along with the announcement of an upcoming EP which will be released later in the year.

Showcasing a style of dark electronic pop that is cinematic and sinister in tone, the track presents listeners with a sound that is both intriguing and captivating.

“On one hand, my instinct to engage in possessive behaviour can be destructive to my relationships, on the other, it can lead to elevated passion and loyalty. This song acts as a device for cathartic expression – instead of attempting to rationalise my more unsavoury attributes, I lean into them.”

PLVTINUM has accumulated over a billion catalogue streams since the release of his 2016 viral hit ‘Champagne & Sunshine‘, and also commands a significant fanbase all across social media.

PLVTINUM

New Music: Lalu

Showcasing some of the most promising fresh indie-pop from the UK is newcomer Lalu.

Released only last year, Lalu’s debut single ‘Piece to Keep’ was picked up as a feature song on the ITV edition of hit series ‘Love Island’ – consequently propelling the artist’s music to audiences all across Britain, Australia and the USA.

Serving as an end-of-summer anthem, Lalu’s melodic new single ‘Circles of Nostalgia‘ is inspired by the memories that we carry with us from past romances.

Lalu

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Memphis LK – Whip

Rising Australian talent Memphis LK returns with an early bop to prepare you for the weekend ahead.

New single ‘Whip’ finds the self-taught songwriter, producer and DJ delivering a melodic and mesmerising fusion of dance music and pop. Speaking on the song, Memphis LK says:

“Making dance music, I’m drawn to sounds that have conflicting moods, contrasting the hard and the soft. That’s ‘Whip’. It’s kind of a breakup anthem for bad bitches. The day I started making this song, I was carrying a 15L water bottle up the stairs and I tripped and put a hole in the wall. So every time I look at the massive hole in the wall I think “Oh cool that was the day I made Whip.”

To date, this emerging artist has garnered over a million catalogue streams on Spotify alone. While we await further new releases, be sure to check out the 2021 EP ‘1’ here.

Memphis LK

New Music: Selassie

Photo / Arnaud Ele

One of the most exciting releases of the week comes courtesy of Ghanaian-born talent Selassie, who’s artistry focuses on the aim of ‘breaking the stereotypes and the mentality of kids from Africa to Europe.’

New single ‘Symbols’ elegantly weaves dreamy jazz tones with elements of hip hop and alternative pop, creating a sonic universe that really is quite sublime to experience.

“My music reflects the way you want to be loved.”

Undefined by any one genre or category, Selassie constructs songs that serve as ‘a transparent conversation with himself’, resulting in candid and refreshingly honest pieces of work.

There is no doubt in our minds that this is one artist destined for mainstream success – so be sure to keep Selassie on your radars.

Selassie

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Friday Pilots Club – Never Say No

American alternative rock five-piece Friday Pilots Club are back today with their third release of the year.

Lifted from the group’s upcoming ‘I LOVE YOU, ROBOT SUPERSTAR!’ EP, new single ‘Never Say No’ is an anthemic and deeply moving song that was inspired by the ending of a toxic relationship.

“’Never Say No’ came to be one long night in Chicago at the exact moment that I realised me and my ex were no longer good for each other. It stems from the fear of being the one who potentially lets a good thing go. It’s reminiscent of late nights and soured relationships; it’s everything you wanted to say to your ex but couldn’t at the moment you needed to most. We as a band have poured our blood, sweat, and tears into the dynamic ebb and flow of this song and we couldn’t be more excited for it to be out in the world.” – Drew Polovic, Friday Pilots Club

With more than 30 million streams on Spotify and critical praise from the likes of Earmilik, Alternative Press and Prelude Press, Friday Pilots Club have officially become of America’s most prominent alt-rock outfits. The band’s forthcoming EP will be released in October through Friday Pilots Club / STEM.

Friday Pilots Club