Already commanding more than 180k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, it’s safe to say that rising UK-based singer and songwriter Bellah is a talent that should be on everyone’s radars.
With production from Sensei Bueno and Ari PenSmith, new single ‘IN THE MOMENT’ showcases a finessed and emotive R&B sound, while Bellah’s sultry vocals muse over the complexities of past relationships.
“When I realised the danger, I let it go. But now we’re getting reacquainted, it’s getting complicated.”
Bellah – IN THE MOMENT
A critic’s darling, this MOBO-nomintaed artist has picked up praise from the likes of Clash, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit, British Vogue and BBC 1XTRA.
Hailing from Hertfordshire is promising British newcomer Ed Staal. Through an interesting fusion of old-school soul and classic pop, this talent crafts sounds that feel both timeless and cool in equal measures.
Self-recorded and produced, Staal’s sleek new single ‘Baby Blue’ is lifted from his upcoming ‘Battle Scars & Broken Hearts’ EP, and reminisces over an old relationship:
“The track is about looking back on a past relationship with hindsight and seeing how immature myself and the actual relationship became. Touching on how meeting new people has felt meaningless since the end of us.”
To date, Staal has picked up support from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1, while his catalogue of releases has accumulated over 150k on Spotify alone.
Ahead of their upcoming UK tour with The Slow Readers Club, Dutch indie outfit Klangstof unveil a refreshingly eccentric new single.
Lifted from forthcoming album ‘Godspeed To The Freaks’ (out 16th September), ‘Truth’ treats listeners to a dreamy synth-pop experience, while the lyrics address the idea of humans recognising their weaknesses and solving them.
“‘Truth’ was by far one of the most fun tracks to record on the album. Erik and I had a studio that got up to 35 degrees in summertime. We were jumping around in our underwear jamming on this track the whole day. I came up with the idea to make a bit more of a light-hearted song about cheating. It was one of those moments where we were way too excited to go all dark. The song really transformed during sessions on Vlieland. Wouter played this reggae guitar loop on top of it and it all made total sense. The music was just the burst of energy we all needed.” – Koen van de Wardt, Klangstof
International fans can catch Klangstof on tour now alongside Pixies – with dates in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, France and Hungary remaining.
Acclaimed London talent Poppy Ajudha returns with a powerfully defiant and impressively bold release.
Written and co-produced by Jungle, new single ‘NO!’ continues Ajudha’s style of crafting songs that serve as a reflection on the current issues affecting her generation.
“In a world where anyone can reach you at any time, and say whatever they want through a computer screen, ‘NO!’ Is a rebellion against, the criticism and internet trolling, a social commentary on a world of chaotic political narratives, dishonest public figures and the ongoing flow of conflicting public opinions. The track is about owning who you are, being unapologetically yourself, and saying NO! to other people’s expectations of you. I wrote ‘NO!’ with Jungle on our first time meeting, our energies just clicked and we created the perfect rebellious and urgent record that speaks to how I feel in this moment.”
To date, Ajudha has performed on iconic stages like Glastonbury and SXSW, received praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and 6Music, and calls Barack Obama, Michaela Coel, Anderson Paak and Naomi Campbell as some of her noted fans.
Ajudha embarks on her own headline tour this winter, hitting cities across the UK and Europe.
Hailing from South London is much-acclaimed rapper and singer Len. Since the release of his debut project ‘DEAD END’ earlier this year, this newcomer has picked up praise from the likes of Complex, TRENCH and GRM Daily.
A familiar theme across Len’s work is the desire to push musical boundaries, and challenge people’s perceptions of how genres should sound.
This is a talent who is unafraid to experiment, and in doing so is crafting a catalogue of songs that are refreshingly bold and exciting.
Hypnotic new single ‘SOLACE’ presents listeners with heady fusion of club sounds – ranging from jungle to drum & bass, and showcases this emerging talent’s exceptional artistry.
Track of the week. A perfected fusion of alternative R&B, psychedelic indie-rock and dreamy pop come together on Jordan Hawkin’s sublime new single, ‘Super Power’.
Following on from the release of Hawkin’s acclaimed‘Heart Won’t Stop’debut EP last year, this rising singer-songwriter has gone on to appear at the Sundance Film, Roots Picnic and Essence festivals, while his ever-growing fanbase includes none other than SZA herself.
If you’re in love with ‘Super Power’ as much we are, then be sure to watch Hawkin’s performance for COLORS – which is just as magical as the studio recording itself.
Since forming back in 2019, Boys World have been on a mission to become one of the biggest pop acts across the globe.
And with songs like ‘SO WHAT’, their hard work might be paying off. A polished mix of pop and R&B come together on a song that is so infectiously catchy that it won’t leave your head all day.
With praise from the likes of Clash and Paper magazines, the future looks bright for this group of talented starlets.
One of America’s most prominent alternative outfits return today with a punchy slice of melodic pop-rock.
Beach Weather‘s new single ‘Unloveable’ makes an immediate impact from the moment you press play. Inspired by our personal feelings of insecurity, the song’s lyrics strike a chord with most listeners who have fallen into the trap of self-doubting themselves.
“We had been building all of these ideas in our heads of what we thought we needed to be and whether we could be satisfied with who we actually were. I think in a way it’s about questioning your own value. Wondering if you’ll ever truly be enough and never completely meeting expectations. At the same time being satisfied knowing that it’s human to feel that way.” – Sean Silverman, Beach Weather
With strong support from alternative radio stations across the globe, Beach Weather have accumulated over 100 million catalogue streams to date. If you’re in New York, be sure to catch the band perform at Pier 17 on 30th September 2022.
Rising newcomer and BRIT School alumni Chanel Loren is currently crafting some of the most impressive fresh cuts of R&B and pop.
Since her debut single‘Playlist’earlier this year (which has accumulated over 200k streams alone so far), the Sydney-based Londoner has already picked up attention from heavyweight tastemakers like GRM Daily, CLASH and Dork magazines.
Serving as an uplifting anthem for the heartbroken, new single ‘Some Other Time’ was inspired by the effects caused from toxic relationships.
Sydney’s Ashli might well become one of your favourite new R&B starlets to emerge from Down Under.
Already praised and featured by the likes of triple j and MTV, Ashli has studied under the mentorships of Sampa the Great and Gretta Ray; marking herself as an artist to watch.
New single ‘Dance Again’ is reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s iconic collaborations with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis from the early 00’s, and fuses soulful pop with soft dance tones to create a sound that is truly charming.
As one of the UK’s most exciting emerging talents, Watford’s Kayla Grace showcases her immense potential with the release of new single ‘Nobody Loves Me‘.
The refreshingly honest track finds the 21-year old artist and songwriter contemplating her feelings of paranoia and insecurity, and encapsulates the thoughts that some of us may have while we are young and trying to figure out who we are.
“’Nobody Loves Me’ is basically the embodiment of the intrusive thoughts I have from my unhealed inner child. I had a complicated childhood and found a lot of my needs were ignored so I always believed that everyone hated me. Things are better now, but I think I dragged that cloud with me into teenage years/ adulthood and can’t shake it off.”
While still early in her career, Grace has already picked up attention from BBC Introducing and Clash, as well as being featured on flagship playlists like Spotify’s New Music Friday UK.
For a second week in a row, we have a Jon Vinyl feature that we can’t wait to share with you. This time it’s the turn of new solo single ‘Entice Me’.
As has become expected from Vinyl, the song treats listeners to a sublime blend of soul, alternative R&B and mellow pop. A perfect sound for the summer season, ‘Entice Me’ continues to solidify Vinyl’s status as one of Canada’s most exciting new artists.
The track is the first single to be taken from Vinyl’s next project, which is scheduled for release this October. In the meantime, fans can look forward to a live rendition of the song, which will be unveiled over the next few weeks.
Your pop bop for the weekend comes courtesy of Californian mega-talent Cassie Marin.
Lifted from new album ‘Lil 5i5’ (out now), ‘Jungle Fetish’ is a song of contradictions. While the production carries a light-hearted and playful tone, the lyrics are honest, brave and intensely raw. As Marin explains:
“I designed the production to carry a feeling of hope and magic but, the truth is, that the main themes required a lot of deep digging and hard work. ‘Jungle Fetish’ is an exploration of the self without judgment while also being a very tragic story about abuse and my victory over it. It is a reminder that no matter what harm may come to us, we deserve to feel dazzlingly pure and uncompromisingly brave.”
To date, Marin has received praise from noted tastemakers like Ones To Watch, Earmilk, Dummy and KULT magazines, while her catalogue of releases has amassed millions of streams across platforms.
Swedish-Moroccan starlet Sofia Karlberg is no stranger to these pages, having first been featured back in 2016.
Since that time, Karlberg’s momentum has exploded – with the artist garnering over 1.5 billion catalogue streams, 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners and a significant following across social media.
Today marks the release of Karlberg’s ‘Hold My Love’ EP (out now), alongside melodic new track ‘Just For You’. A masterclass in Scandi music, the song infuses subtle hints of melancholy into a thoughtfully-constructed pop production, and sets the tone for the EP.
“The journey of this EP started when I was contemplating what to do next, not only musically but in general with my life. The pandemic forced a lot of us to dig deep, ask ourselves questions we might not want to know the answers to and to revalue our purposes. I realised I needed to stand on new grounds so I decided to move to Berlin from my hometown Stockholm. I wanted to invite all the different parts of my new city into this EP, the darkness, the fun, the love but mainly the diversity. It’s such a weird and unique city with plenty room for everyone to be themselves in and I hope that this collection of songs can give you just that feeling, that there’s something for everyone, and that you’re all welcome into my world.”
Showcasing some of the finest R&B-pop to emerge from Germany in quite some time, singer and songwriter THILO is back with more outstanding music.
Today sees the release of the rising artist’s new conceptual project, entitled ‘RUN RUN’ (out now). Through the theme of running, the collection of songs touch on topics like young love, personal growth and introspection. Expanding further on the project, THILO says:
“Running through this world means embracing the unknown, the introspective and emotional chaos, while simultaneously trusting the process of running on, wherever life takes us and whatever situations it confronts us with.”
To date, THILO has picked up praise from the likes of TRENCH, The Pit and Flutwelle Magazin, while his songs have received airplay on noted radio stations across Europe including 1Live, Big FM and Absalon Radio Copenhagen.
Hailing from the pop mecca that is New Zealand comes rising Auckland-based artist Theo Sawyer.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the sounds of Motown, this 22-year old talent creates radio-friendly pop anthems that are impossible not to enjoy.
Debut single ‘Forget Your Ex’ was entirely written, recorded and produced by Sawyer in his flat, and encourages listeners to move on from failed romances – and look forward to the future.
“‘Forget Your Ex’ is a song dedicated to those hesitant to take the leap back into the sometimes-scary world of dating; coupled with the thrill and excitement of meeting someone new. It is for those who want to dive back in, experience new things, and have no fear of living your best life.”
Acclaimed Brixton-based outfit Arliston return today with a captivating fusion of indie and dreamy pop through the release of new single ‘Mothering’.
Lifted from the group’s forthcoming ‘Even in the Shade’ EP, the song presents itself as fragile, understated and subdued in tone – yet also carries a gorgeously soulful and emotive essence which is mesmerising to experience.
“I”m so happy with how this one came together. We always try to keep a lid on the productions, it’s too easy nowadays to use all the toys on every song, but with ‘Mothering’ I think we’ve managed to get a real sense of groove and momentum into such a small arrangement.” – George Hasbury, Arliston
Arliston’s momentum has rapidly picked up since the release of ‘Mountaineer’ last year, which has accumulated over 850k streams on Spotify alone. The band now command over 37k monthly listeners on the platform, while tastemaker approval comes from the likes of Variance, Earmilk and CLOUT.
One of the most exciting pop prospects to emerge from Massachusetts recently has been Hunter Moreau, and today’s release of new single ‘Be Alright’ only further adds to the much-deserved hype.
Energising as it is uplifting, this anthemic bop has that burst of positivity that we all need – and continues to showcase Moreau’s artistic versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
“‘Be Alright’ was written above all else, as a reminder. Like a reminder that pops up on your phone, letting you know you still have things left on your to-do list. Except this reminder is to let you know, that no matter how overwhelming and exhausting the whirlpool of life may seem, it’s going to be alright.”
The song was co-written alongside pop heavyweights King Mala and Parkwild (who has also worked with the likes of Griff, Sam Feldt and morgxn).
While this is only Moreau’s third single, the promising newcomer has already garnered over 850k collective streams on Spotify alone.
Two Alfitude favourites team up on one of the most impressive releases of the week.
Written as an ode to female strength, ‘Goddess Reign’ features the talents of American artists Sherwyn and Amber Mark, and treats listeners to a sound that blissfully fuses alternative R&B with bouncy funk and hip hop.
“Sherwyn sent me the track and two seconds in of listening when the percussion comes in, I was HOOKED! So honoured I get to be a part of such an amazing song that brings out so much emotion“ – Amber Mark
“I’m blessed to have the women I have in my life who shaped me and continue to do so to this day. Thankful to have Amber with me on this joint and I know y’all gonna enjoy!” – Sherwyn
‘Goddess Reign’ is taken from Sherwyn’s much-anticipated ‘Maker’s Design’ debut EP, which is out in the autumn. Sherwyn will also join Teddy Swims on tour later this year.
Emerging from Dallas in Texas is promising newcomer Olivia Kuper Harris. Not only is this artist a singer and performer, but also a songwriter and producer.
Drawing influences from genres as diverse as R&B to soul and jazz, this talent creates beautifully finessed sounds that feel melodic and organic in character.
With its empowering lyricism and sleek production, new single ‘Chains’ serves a perfect introduction to listeners who are yet to discover this promising musician.
“‘Chains’ is about breaking free from mental chains. I hope it’s relatable and that you enjoy the track!”
