Music - New Music

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

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

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

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