Music - New Music

New Music: SpaceAcre

SpaceAcre is the musical project of UK-based artists Phoebe Little and Jas Scott, who collectively create dreamy pieces of alternative pop that feel dark, atmospheric and captivating.

New single ‘Chemicals’ is the first track to be taken from the duo’s forthcoming EP, and showcases a beautifully constructed production that feels fragile and melancholic – yet also powerful and intense.

“It’s about how chemicals can affect someone’s brain, whether they are naturally occurring or not. It has a multi-layered meaning as we all have stuff that we’re addicted to. Often when writing, we’ll be thinking about a subject, maybe something quite personal, and I’ll just get Jas to rant about it for a while. I’ll then note down the interesting bits and we write the lyrics from there.” – Phoebe Little, SpaceAcre

SpaceAcre will perform at London’s Paper Dress Vintage on the 25th October – tickets can be found here. The duo’s upcoming EP is scheduled for release early next year.

SpaceAcre

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Lizzie Esau – Bleak Sublime

Rising starlet Lizzie Esau continues to gain traction across the UK with her perfected blends of indie and rock, and that momentum looks set to grow even further with the release of her new single, ‘Bleak Sublime’.

Subtly raw and melancholic in tone, the song was inspired by the desire of wanting feelings of pleasure without the help of alcohol.

To date, Esau’s collection of songs have accumulated well over 330k total streams on Spotify alone. You can catch Lizzie live alongside UPSAHL on tour in November – tickets can be found here.

Lizzie Esau

New Music: Dubinski

Hailing from Scottish city of Edinburgh are rising four-piece band Dubinski. Through a style of music-making that blends indie and rock with punchy pop, this group of brothers look set to become one of the UK’s most promising new outfits.

With its anthemic melody and classic (yet charmingly playful) production, new single ‘Beyond Me’ serves as a perfect introduction to the band. Elaborating further on the song, the Dubinski explain:

“‘Beyond Me’ is inspired by the sense of inability to change one’s self, with the goal of avoiding the eventuality of getting into one failed relationship after another.”

To date, Dubinski have garnered early praise from notable outlets like CLOUT, BBC Radio Scotland and Record Of The Day.

Ahead of the release of their self-titled debut album (out 11th November), the band will be performing a series of dates across the UK – more details here.

Dubinski

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Dubinski Tour 2022

30 Sep – The Ferret – Preston, UK
01 Oct – Mr Wolfs – Bristol, UK
07 Oct – Sneaky Pete’s – Edinburgh, UK
14 Oct – NE Volume Bar – Stockton, UK
15 Oct – MacArts – Galashiels, UK

Ruby Waters – Open Arms

Those of us seeking a musical tonic to the mid-week slump will welcome the release of ‘Open Arms’ from rising alternative singer songwriter Ruby Waters.

Inspired by the ebbs and flows of life, the song encourages listeners to embrace situations and deal with them as they arise.

“I wrote ‘Open Arms’ in Spain last spring at a song writing camp I was lucky to be invited to. The song came so naturally. [It’s] about how I like to deal with shit, my outlets, and how to handle the ups and downs. It doesn’t always have to be a weakness or a problem to be depressed or overwhelmed, it can sometimes just be a part of life, and however you cope with it isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

With millions of catalogue streams to date and over 280k monthly listeners on Spotify, as well as a JUNO nomination and two Top 5 entries on Alternative Radio, it’s safe to say that Waters is one of Canada’s most promising new musical exports.

Ruby Waters

Arima Ederra – Portals

If you’re a fan of the early works of Corinne Bailey Rae then Arima Ederra’s ‘Portals’ will transport you right back to those mid 00’s.

Beautifully mellow yet emotive in tone, the song presents listeners with a sound that proves the concept of ‘less is more’, and showcases the singer, songwriter and visual artist’s exceptional craftsmanship.

To date, this LA-based talent has garnered praise from the likes of Flaunt and Fader magazines, while also commanding over 30k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

Arima Ederra

Fazerdaze – Break!

Acclaimed New Zealand singer and songwriter Fazerdaze is back with one of the catchiest songs of the week.

Lifted from a forthcoming EP of the same name, ‘Break!’ is an energising and arresting slice of indie-rock that feels rebellious and anthemic in equal measures.

With a loyal fanbase that includes over 50k followers on Instagram and 300k monthly listeners on Spotify, Fazerdaze has marked her name as one of New Zealand’s most interesting musical exports in recent years.

‘Break!’ EP is out 14th October 2022 | Fazerdaze

New Music: Shaker Neon

Shaker Neon is an exciting new collaborative project created by established musicians Dom James and Tommy Antonio.

With vocals from London-based artist Camille Ruz, new single ‘Forget’ showcases this duo’s exceptional skills in creating a sound that perfectly balances fresh pop tones with essences of nostalgia.

Having already garnered praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and Amazing Radio, as well as achieving placements on Spotify playlists like Fresh Finds, Shaker Neon may well be one of the UK’s most interesting new pop prospects.

Shaker Neon | Camille Ruz

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DC – The Latest

Greenwich-born rapper DC unveils his first new music of the year, and it was certainly worth the wait.

‘The Latest’ samples J Cole’s ‘Chaining Day’ (Sly Slick & Wicked’s ‘Sho’nuff’), and was inspired by some of the trials, tribulations and hardships of growing up in London.

“Feels good to be back, I’ve been away working and now I feel like it’s time to go. Happy to be dropping this new one, take it as the introduction to the next chapter in the story.”

To date, DC has received acclaim from the likes of CLASH, The Line of Best Fit and Complex UK, while his catalogue of releases has garnered well over 20 million streams on Spotify alone.

New Music: Jazmine Flowers

Track of the week. It could be said that singer, songwriter and producer Jazmine Flowers is the full package when it comes to emerging talent.

With a finessed and perfected fusion of alternative R&B and pop, this artist is undeniably one of the UK’s biggest musical prospects.

New single ‘detached’ serves as a masterclass in pop, presenting a sound that is not only melodically memorable, but also carries captivating lyricism that grips listeners from the start.

With early praise from the likes of Wonderland, The Forty-Five and BBC Introducing, there is no doubt in our minds that Flowers will hit the mainstream in a big way very soon.

Jazmine Flowers

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blackwave. – cracked screen (feat. Lute)

Belgian duo blackwave. have become a benchmark of excellence for European hip hop.

Continuing with their run of successful collaborations, new single ‘cracked screen’ features acclaimed rap artist Lute, and serves as a taster to new album ‘no sleep in LA’ (out now).

“The initial idea came about when one day I realised how much I was ‘living’ through my phone by dropping it and by the screen cracking. All of a sudden I started to notice the screen itself, instead of being completely immersed inside this world of internet and social media. It sparked the first idea of the chorus: ‘Live my life behind a cracked screen, nothing’s what it seems’. From there it evolved into a track about all these different aspects of idolisation both from the perspective of idolising as well as being idolised. It’s about the fronts we tend to put up on the internet, and the moment those fronts start to shatter in front of you.” – Willem Ardui, blackwave.

Newly acquainted fans of this ever-rising outfit should also check out their previous projects, ‘ARE WE STILL DREAMING?’ and ‘Mic Check’.

blackwave. | Lute

Swim Deep – Little Blue

Still going strong ten years after their debut, indie outfit Swim Deep return with an anthemic new single alongside the announcement of an upcoming tour.

‘Little Blue’ features an uplifting production from Dreamtrak, while the lyrics encourage us to stick with our hopes and dreams – no matter how old we are.

“There’s a couple of themes running through ‘Little Blue’. The lyrics came out as I was writing the melody and I just kept them in. When I look back at it and what I was feeling at the time, it was most probably about me and my fiancé, with a more general moniker for myself and the band too. ‘Here now we’re going to make it’ – is a reassurance that I’ve always needed. I’d like to think sometimes I don’t need it, but now more than ever I do. I’m 30 now, so that youthful foolish hopefulness is slowly being replaced by a crappy realism, but I still think we’re going to headline Madison Square Garden one day so that self belief hasn’t totally abandoned me just yet. And when we do, I’ll be singing this song.” – Austin Williams, Swim Deep

The group will play a series of shows across the UK, beginning in Southampton later this month. Tickets can be found here.

Swim Deep

Live Dates 2022

24 September – Heartbreakers, Southampton
15 October – Live At Leeds, Leeds
24 November – Jimmy’s, Liverpool
27 November – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
28 November – Thekla, Bristol
30 November – The Garage, London

New Music: Elron Gardy

Today marks the debut for a mysterious yet refreshingly unique new musical project called Elron Gardy.

‘Reflex and Movement’ finds this illusive British alternative-pop outfit addressing the evolution of humans, as well as their relationship with planet Earth.

“This is song is about how mankind has convinced itself that it has surpassed evolution and that we are better, or at least above, all other things that live on our planet – when in reality we are simply just another species that roams it. By denying our animal instincts we have moved further towards an existence of rootlessness, loneliness and anxiety. With our lack of care for the things that gave us life, that life will inevitably, at some point, be taken from us. But perhaps without humans the world would be better off…”

Elron Gardy will play their first live show at London’s Laylow on 10th November 2022 – tickets available here.

Elron Gardy

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Joey XL – Good Love

Emerging London-based R&B talent Joey XL returns with a melodic piece of musical perfection.

Lifted from the forthcoming EP ‘XL’s Room’ (out 30th September), new single ‘Good Love’ serves as a shimmering end-of-summer ode to those who love being in love. Commenting on the EP, Joel XL says:

“The challenges that life throws your way, each designed to shape and advance your existence and purpose, are encapsulated in ‘XLs Room’. It centres on the concept of a bedroom, as well as the solitude of the mind, both private and safe spaces to feel and process lessons in love, navigating relationships, finding direction and understanding who and what you’re meant to be. This EP is a journey of self-discovery – each track speaks to my musical and mental evolution, crossing genre and themes, ending with passionate optimism that everything happens for a reason and the best is yet to come.”

With early support from the likes of Complex UK, DUMMY and New Wave magazines, it seems almost certain that Joel XL will become one of Britain’s newest R&B superstars.

Joey XL

Floyd Fuji – TONGUE TIED

Few artists are as capable of maintaining a consistently high standard of releases as LA-based polymath Floyd Fuji.

Latest release ‘TONGUE TIED’ continues to showcase this talent’s impeccable musical artistry, and was inspired by the feelings that we all shared while we were stuck in lockdown last year.

“This song was written during the first Covid lockdown here in LA. I was already fantasising what it would feel like to finally leave my house. We were stuck inside for so long. I almost forgot how to walk, let alone talk and meet new people. Everyday I’m still trying to poke holes in this bubble I built around myself. Though things in the world are still a bit shaky, I hope this track makes you dance around and momentarily release the worries of the world around you.”

The song further propels this rising musician’s momentum, and follows his acclaimed collaboration with Topaz Jones the song ‘BREADWINNER’.

Floyd Fuji

Juliander – We

Swedish singer, songwriter and producer Juliander unveils his latest single, entitled ‘We’.

With its refreshingly original approach to pop, the sound feels experimental and future-forward in tone, yet also carries a deeply emotive and meloncholic undertone which is truly captivating to experience.

Speaking on the single, Juliander says:

“‘We’ was born from a single sound and the lyrics came to me right away. It was written in a one take. Everything felt natural and it just flowed, the best feeling for a songwriter. I experimented a lot in the production and my favourite part is probably the instrumental after the second chorus, it just feels euphoric and I love it.”

Already an established artist in his native Sweden (with over 95k monthly listeners on Spotify alone), Juliander has released a string of successful hits and toured alongside the likes of Zara Larsson and Alan Walker.

Juliander

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Karaboudjan – Upside Down

If you’re looking for a dreamy, psychedelic and euphoric slice of electronic indie then Karaboudjan’s ‘Upside Down’ is the song for you.

Stylistically similar in some ways to the works of Tame Impala, this is the kind of song that effortlessly transports listeners to a place of bliss and joy. Speaking on the track, Karaboudjan (aka Billy Kim) says:

“I’ve always been attracted to songs where the music contrasts the lyrics. Like a song that makes you want to dance but with somber lyrics. That’s what makes ‘Hey Ya!’ from Outkast so compelling for me. But in my case, there wasn’t previous foresight in writing ‘Upside Down’ that way. I tend to write vocal melodies around the instruments, and not so much the other way around. Usually I approach all creative writing free of rigid outlines or concepts. It’s hard to explain, but really a simple idea to create like a child, free of any criticism and without any boundaries.”

Alongside his solo work, Karaboudjan has also been a tour member for Tycho since 2016.

Karaboudjan

Sub Cultures – Smoke Room

Sub Cultures return with an epic new release that is sure to propel this rising British-based outfit further into the mainstream.

Produced by none other than Gethin Pearson (who has also worked with the likes of Charlie XCX, Crystal Fighters and Walt Disco), energising new single ‘Smoke Room’ treats listeners to a raw, confident and bold indie-rock sound that is entirely captivating from the moment you press play.

Be sure to catch the group live this month, as they perform a series of shows across the UK – more info here.

Sub Cultures

JEEN – Chemical Emotion

Canadian starlet JEEN returns today with a shimmering slice of indie-pop in the form of her new single, ‘Chemical Emotion’.

Taking it’s lyrical inspiration from Hunter S. Thompson’s iconic quote ‘buy the ticket, take the ride,’ the track further showcases JEEN’s comfort in fusing a multitude of genres together – creating a sound that feels really quite mesmerising.

“It’s about letting yourself drift in the flow of everything and hanging on as hard as you can to what makes the shitty parts more tolerable.”

The song is lifted from JEEN’s forthcoming ‘Tracer’ EP (out 21st October). Until then, be sure to explore her superb recent projects – ‘JEEN‘ and ‘Dog Bite‘.

JEEN

New Music: Phoebe Vic

Emerging from New Zealand is promising performer and songwriter Phoebe Vic.

Inspired by modern icons like Robyn, Tove Lo, Rina Sawayama and Jesse Ware, this artist crafts pop sounds that are not only easy to listen to, but also carry thoughtful lyricism.

Self-described as an ‘anxiety bop’, Vic’s new single ‘Starting Again’ looks at the natural human tendency of falling into the same cycles in life:

“When you know the current path will take you back to the same place but you continue on ahead anyway, as you aren’t ready to change direction. Or maybe, you don’t know what that direction is yet.”

The track is the first taster to be lifted from Vic’s forthcoming EP, which is scheduled for release soon.

Phoebe Vic

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The Collection – Sorry Baby

One of North Carolina’s most prominent emerging indie-pop outfits return today with an anthemic release that deserves to be on everyone’s weekend playlists.

Written as an uplifting song for self-empowerment, The Collection’s ‘Sorry Baby’ reminds us all to be embrace and accept our true selves, regardless of how that might make other people feel.

“I wrote this one with the intention of exploring the concept of being unapologetically oneself. What I’ve realised is that sometimes that means not listening to the nay-sayers around you, even if it hurts their feelings or expectations.” David Wimbish – The Collection

The Collection are finishing the rest of the year performing shows all across the US, while also joining fellow label artists Sammy Rae & The Friends on their autumn tour.

The Collection

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