Music - New Music

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

TURNA + Gillian Mapp – Hold On

One of the most interesting releases this weekend also happens to be one of the mellowest.

‘Hold On’ finds rising Manchester-based producer and DJ TURNA joining forces with Canadian singer Gillian Mapp on a melodic song that thoughtfully blends elements of alternative R&B with essences of soul and UK garage.

“’Hold On’ is about an internal state of being stuck on someone.” – Gillian Mapp

With a finessed style of music-making that feels future-forward yet understated in tone, TURNA’s work has already garnered attention from the likes of BBC 6Music, 1Xtra, Rinse FM and Kiss FM.

TURNA | Gillian Mapp

Tablefox – Give It All

New Zealand rockers Tablefox return today with an anthemic new single entitled ‘Give It All’.

Through its bold production and empowering lyrics, the song reminds us to not succumb to our inner voices of doubt, and encourages us to move forward in life.

“The song is about someone dealing with their ‘inner voice’, their inner critic’ that is trying to hold them back… but their positive voice is saying “screw that!” – Clinton Bell, Tablefox

The track serves as Tablefox’s first new music since the release of their 2021 ‘Battles‘ album, and features the talents of the group’s new drummer, Henrik Rylev.

Tablefox

eif – Grown

Danish musician eif is back today with a soulful fusion of R&B and mellow pop through the release of her new single ‘Grown’.

Inspired by the realisation of our true worth, the song looks at the power of personal growth and self-love.

eif is currently collaborating alongside acclaimed platinum-selling producer Rasmus Gregersen, and is due to release another new track next month. In the meantime, check out eif’s ‘Teal’ EP here.

eif

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Grant Knoche – FIRST HELLO

Rising talent Grant Knoche returns with one of his most honest and emotive releases to date in the form of his new single ‘FIRST HELLO’.

Through it’s beautifully arranged production and candid lyricism, Knoche has created a song that truly has the power to connect with so many listeners. Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, he says:

“I recently came out as bisexual to my friends and family and the last person to tell was my dad… so I wrote him FIRST HELLO :) It’s a special and life-changing song. Really hoping to change many lives with this one.”

This is emerging pop music at it’s most impressive – and if there’s time for you to listen to just one song today, let it be this one.

While only 20-years of age, Knoche continues to prove himself as one of America’s most promising artists – commanding a loyal army of over 250k Instagram followers and more than 68k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Grant Knoche

Sans Soucis – All Over This Party

If you’re looking for an uplifting song to get you into the weekend mood then ‘All Over This Party’ from London-based Sans Soucis is your bop.

The track finds the Italian-Congolese songwriter, artist and producer deliver an anthem of self-empowerment that encourages people to celebrate their identities.

“This song is a way for me to reclaim my power in an environment that very often misgenders, abuses and stigmatises femme presenting people. I’m non-binary and my gender identity is fluid. I wanted to celebrate this awareness by literally summoning my friends who have been such an inspiration for me in this journey.”

Sans Soucis has already received widespread acclaim from noted outlets such as The Guardian, Fader, Trench and The Forty-Five, while the artist currently commands over 125k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Sans Soucis

Beach for Tiger – Craving

London five-piece Beach for Tiger are back today with a gorgeous slice of bliss through the release of their new single ‘Craving’.

Melodic and dreamy in tone, the song treats listeners to a psychedelic fusion of mellow pop and indie, and serves as a taster to the band’s forthcoming EP.

“This is a dreamy romantic jam that reflects on the excitement of new love.”

If you’re in London then be sure to catch the group perform live at The Victoria Dalston on 29th September – tickets can be found here.

Beach for Tiger

The Big Pink – Safe and Sound

Acclaimed British indie outfit The Big Pink unveil their latest single today, entitled ‘Safe and Sound’.

The song is lifted from the group’s forthcoming third album, ‘The Love That’s Ours’, which also happens to be their first release since 2012’s ‘Future This’. Speaking on the track, frontman Robbie Furze says:

“Dancing with these vultures in my fugitive apartment”, “Angels with their wings clipped gunning for the love that’s ours”.

“These lines sum up the record perfectly. I moved to L.A. to find my record and I found it, but at a price. I was chased by every temptation known to mankind. I was promised love. I was promised wealth. I was promised the world. Drugs, women, stardom, all the cliches hounding me and biting at my heels. I got caught up in it. I was strung out and I got lost. I can now put my hands up and admit that. For a while I lost my wife. I lost my family and friends and mostly, I lost my mind.”

“This song, ‘Safe & Sound’, came from a moment of pure clarity when I realised I had to turn my life around and just deliver this record. I was held up in my fugitive apartment and these people were not angels at all, they were gunning to take away everything I loved!”

Crafting sounds for well over a decade, The Big Pink have received praise from the likes of The Times, Rolling Stone, NME, CLASH, The Line of Best Fit, DORK, DIY and more.

The group have also announced details of an official album release party on 5th October in London – tickets here.

The Big Pink

New Music: Bethia

Representing some of the most exciting R&B-pop to currently emerge from the UK is artist and songwriter Bethia.

Inspired by the likes of Ariana Grande, Kiana Ledé and Sinead Harnett, this promising starlet creates finessed and sleek sounds that not only have mainstream appeal, but are also captivating and emotive in tone. Speaking on her new single, Bethia says:

“I created this song for anyone who has ever felt cheated of their own emotions in whatever situation that best resonates; especially if you find it hard to open up emotionally in the first place.”

Bethia first gained traction through the release of her song ‘Should I Know Better’, which went viral across social media and picked up over 880k streams on Spotify alone.

Bethia

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Evenson – LUNGS

Critic’s favourite Evenson returns with yet another impressive slice of indie through release of his new single, ‘LUNGS’.

Lifted from the forthcoming debut EP ‘SADLY, I STILL LOVE YOU’, the song serves as a beautifully honest and raw piece that continues to prove this talent’s impressive skills at music-making.

“I wrote ‘LUNGS’ a month after my grandmother passed away. I found myself at odds with time/ age and most importantly the idea of living. We wanted to make something that felt singular, we asked how would psychedelic rock sound if it were made in Haiti (my home)?”

To date, Evenson’s songs have not only picked up praise from noted tastemakers across the globe, but also command almost 40k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Evenson

Bryce Drew – Still Recovering

LA-based artist Bryce Drew returns with a gorgeous fusion of alternative pop and soul through her new single, ‘Still Recovering’.

Co-written by legendary producer Greg Wells, the track marks somewhat of a comeback for Drew, who last released music back in 2020. Speaking on the song, Drew says:

“It’s about the boundaries of compassion and the emotional tradeoff of being a sensitive soul. For me, it’s a reminder that it’s OK to set boundaries for yourself, and that the message of self care I expressed in ‘Love Life’ has its harder moments too, especially over the last two years when the whole world has been overwhelmed.”

Drew’s catalogue of work has accumulated over one million streams to date, while the artist has received support from the likes PopMatters, American Songwriter and Parade.

Bryce Drew

New Music: S.C.A.B.

If you’re craving for some fresh indie rock, then emerging four-piece outfit S.C.A.B. might well be one of your new favourite groups.

Today’s release of new single ‘Tuesday’ showcases some of the finest work from this rising Brooklyn-based band.

Emotive, pensive and melancholic in tone, the track looks into the struggles of forming meaningful connections:

“Tuesday” is a song about disillusionment with trying to form meaningful connections, and searching aimlessly for something worthwhile. There’s a scene from Seinfeld where Newman says ‘Tuesday has no feel. Monday has a feel, Friday has a feel…’ and that type of unspecific, hard to pinpoint vibe is what I wanted to express with the lyrics… you’re trying to get through the week, find any ounce of happiness to cling on to (sitting in the sun, feeling it burning your skin), looking for something but not finding it.” – Sean Camargo, S.C.A.B.

S.C.A.B.’s debut project, ‘Beauty & Balance’ was released in 2019, while a sophomore LP is scheduled for release soon.

S.C.A.B.

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