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.
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.
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.
LA-based starlets Alé Araya and aisu’s collaboration on new single ‘Citrine’ presents listeners with a sound that is rich in energising and experimental sonic textures.
For those unfamiliar with these two artists, Alé Araya is a singer, songwriter and producer who has been featured by the likes of Lyrical Lemonade and Early Rising, while her breakout hit ‘Orange Juice’has accumulated over 580k streams on Spotify alone.
Turkish-born artist aisu impressively commands more than 350k monthly listeners on Spotify, thanks to her bold pop productions and infectiously catchy future-forward bops like‘bal gibi’.
Some songs put a love spell on you from the moment you press play, and planet girl’s collaboration with RYCE does exactly that.
‘lets stay the same?’ is in its purest form, just a lovely song. Whimsical and playful yet melancholic and soulful, this is likely to be the prettiest slice of pop you’ll enjoy today.
Already garnering appreciation from the likes of BBC Introducing as well as achieving placements on some of Spotify’s most iconic playlists (including New Music Friday, Our Generation and Fresh Finds), this is one artist you should all have on your radars.
Another week, another impressive pop release from Norway. This time it’s the turn of newcomer JOP, who’s name initially came to prominence after going viral on TikTok, consequently accumulating over 15 million views on the platform.
With production from Aside and Hitimpulse, new single ‘What If’ is a beautifully emotive song that features an anthemic melody and powerful vocals.
Already becoming a noted name in his home nation, it seems imminent that JOP will hit the rest of Europe in a big way very soon.
A master of dreamy R&B-pop, Brandon continues to delight and impress listeners across the world with his effortlessly cool style of music-making.
Latest offering ‘Steady’ carries hints of Daniel Caesar and classic Lenny Kravitz, creating a soulful sonic world that is simply spellbinding to experience.
Aside from being our ‘Track of the Week’ recipient twice (a rare achievement in itself), Brandon has been praised by the likes of Ones To Watch and Rated R&B, while Spotify has featured the artist on noted playlists like Alternative R&B, idk. and Acoustic Soul.
Track of the week. Formerly known as Adrian from the hugely successful Scandinavian duoFOOL,Flavio is a new solo project that is showcasing the very finest in emerging Danish talent.
‘Speeding’ is without doubt one of the most impressive debuts by any newcomer from Denmark this year, and is an intensely gripping fusion of dark pop and hip hop.
To date, this single has garnered over 118k streams on Spotify alone, and paves the way for Flavio to become one of his home nation’s most promising musical exports.
We begin the week with London-based producer & singer Lila Yin’s latest release, entitled ‘All Mine’.
Presenting itself as a luxurious slice of alternative R&B and dark pop, the song’s empowering lyrics remind listeners to stand by their own volitions, and not succumb to the wants of others.
The song continues to showcase Lila Yin as one of capital’s most interesting R&B prospects, and marks the artist as one talent to watch out for.
Continuing to prove herself as one of the UK’s most exciting R&B prospects, Brighton-based artist Kaisha returns with her stunning new single ‘Ego’.
Inspired by the heartbreaks that her friends have had to suffer from at the hands of terrible lovers, the song serves as a call to all the bad men out there to do better:
“This track is about men who pretend to be good guys. I often hear stories of situations where they’re incredibly nice to their friends but completely the opposite when it comes to the person in a relationship with them. Almost like a facade that they keep up for the outside world but when they’re complacent, their true colours shine through. Save us the time and don’t pretend to be something you’re not.”
This is the first single to follow on from Kaisha’s ‘If Not Now Then When’ EP (out now), and serves as a taster for the artist’s next wave of releases
Rising artist Barely Trev has been gaining momentum with his recent run of releases, thanks his charming and universally likeable style of pop music.
Dreamy new single ’75 in December’ presents listeners with a stripped-back fusion of mellow indie and alternative pop, while melancholic lyrics tell of the bittersweet feelings associated with leaving your home town.
“I wrote this song last winter after moving from Minnesota to South Carolina. There was a day in December that hit 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24C), which was a huge change for me having lived in a cold climate my whole life. While the warmth of my new surroundings despite it being the middle of winter seemed like a dream, it came with a realisation that I was no longer near my friends and family. There’s a melancholic feeling that comes with moving away from home, and that idea is what inspired the lyrics for this song.”
To date, this aspiring musician has garnered well over 850k catalogue streams on Spotify alone, making him one artist to watch.
Melbourne-based pop innovator ASHWARYA returns with one of the boldest new releases of the week.
Eccentric, future-forward and experimental in tone, ‘Can’t Relate’ showcases this rising talent’s willingness to push the boundaries of pop in a way that feels fresh and exciting, while still maintaining some mainstream appeal.
“‘Can’t Relate’ was a song that came out of nowhere, which is what I think adds to its unpredictability. I’d just finished touring with The Rubens, and Sam, the legend, invited Stevan and I to come down to his studio in Thirroul, NSW, for a couple days. It reached a point in the session where Steve and I were creating in pure chaotic, unhinged frequencies (in a good way), which manifested itself into this track.”
I think at the core of it, the track speaks to a lot of the frustrations and the inner monologue of wanting to just dissociate from people who infantilise you. With all the crazy shit going on right now in the world (the list is endless) and the added anxieties through social media and the news, it’s got me questioning, ‘what the fuck is going on here?’ ‘Is this really happening?’ Hopefully, it resonates because I can’t seem to relate to a whole lot going on, especially now.”
To date, this genre-bending starlet has received critical acclaim from tastemakers like CLASH, NME, Complex, Dork and i-D. ASHWARYA will perform at BIGSOUND this month, and supports Dua Lipa in October (details below).
Tuesday, September 6 – Prohibition – BIGSOUND, Brisbane
Thursday, September 8 – Ric’s Backyard – BIGSOUND, Brisbane
Sunday, October 30 – The Palais Theatre, St Kilda, VIC – An Exclusive Evening with Dua Lipa – The Melbourne Theatre Show (presented by the Victorian Government, ALWAYS LIVE & Live Nation) – with Sycco, Cat & Calmell
Summer might almost be over, but Brooklyn-based newcomer Tetza has managed to treat us to one last shimmering bop before the fall season hits us.
With its charming blend of R&B, pop, soul and bossa nova, ‘no money’ is an unconventionally playful love song written to remind us all that money doesn’t matter when you love someone.
“You ain’t got no money, but all I wanna spend is your time… it makes no cents but boy you’re a dime.”
Tetza – no money
The track serves as a taster to a forthcoming EP, which is out soon. When not working on her own material, Tetza is also an accomplished topliner and session vocalist who has worked with the likes of John McLucas, Dose Coast and Jacre.
Of all the songs we received this week, ili’s ‘Time Goes By‘ is probably one of the most beautiful that we have experienced.
Proving the concept that ‘less is more’, the song finds the hugely popular Scottish singer, songwriter and producer musing over life – and the pressures of achieving your dreams within the short space of time that we have on this earth.
“Coming from a place further than the heart it speaks a truth that haunts us all… time goes by so fast.”
With a collective fanbase of over 320k followers across social media, ili has come a long way since her time competing on the UK’s X Factor, and even garners support from global stars like Shania Twain, Willow Smith and Summer Walker among others.
Upon pressing play to Hunter Daily’s ‘Die In LA’, you might be surprised (and impressed) to learn that this is only the artist’s debut.
A truly outstanding introduction to a promising and talented newcomer, the song serves as a masterclass in melancholic pop. Executive produced by none other than Jenna Andrews herself, the track encompasses Daily’s feelings about living in Los Angeles:
“‘Die In LA’ is about being from LA and never feeling like I can leave or see other places because of the industry I’ve chosen. It’s juxtaposition of hating LA and the scene and not feeling like I fit in, but its also where I come from; I love LA just the same. I don’t want it to be the only thing I ever experienced at the end of the day. Everyone else gets to make that leap to follow their dreams and come here to LA or wherever to follow their dreams, but when you’re from here and in this industry, you’re forced to stay put. This song is about my longing to see more of the world and escape some of the monotony that is LA. This song was written as a kind of love/hate letter to LA because it has been my home my whole life.The essence of the city is such a part of me and I wanted the video to capture that, and I think it does.”
Fans can look forward to two further singles from Daily, both of which will be released before the end of the year.
Scandinavian pop starlet Bishat unveils a beautifully emotive new track today, entitled ‘PROBLEMS’.
Serving as the follow-up to her much-hyped previous single ‘MANNERS’, Bishat once again displays a finessed and well-constructed fusion of R&B and pop, while her candid and honest lyricism reminds lovers not to dwell on their partner’s negative traits.
“It might sound obvious but I think in reality, we’re not very good at it. I feel there are so many preconceived ideas of how a relationship should be and that sets us up to fail. I wrote it in the beginning of a relationship when we were trying to figure out how NOT to mess it up like we always had done before. We just sat there telling each other all our flaws and desires a few days later I wrote the song.”
Proving herself to be one of the Nordic region’s most promising talents, Bishat’s recent work has found her achieving a nomination for Rookie Artist of the Year at the prestigious Denniz Pop Awards.
Your weekend alt-pop banger has arrived, courtesy of UK singer, songwriter and producer ear candy (aka Jamie Jordan).
While still only on his fourth release, this rising newcomer has already garnered over 125k collective streams on Spotify alone.
New single ‘lonely’ demonstrates why this artist has such appeal – this is punchy and playful pop that is not only infectiously memorable but also lyrically relatable.
“Fed up of those late night calls? Fed up of being pushed away only to be called back? Fed up of that emotional manipulation? Then lonely is the anthem for you.”
Emerging from Manchester comes 20-year old singer and songwriter May Payne.
Already garnering a fanbase of over 35k followers across social media, this rising starlet is winning hearts all across the country with her charming take on indie-pop.
New single ‘Lazy Sunday’ was inspired by the infatuations that we can go through when we first meet someone – even to the point where we temporarily forgive the incompatibilities.
“I get myself entangled in a lot unhealthy and mis-matched situation-ships and more often than not it all comes down to that feeling when it’s a Sunday, you’re hiding away in someone’s room, and you’re both happy to pretend that things really could work out between you – or ignore the fact that they won’t.”
Be sure to follow along with Payne’s journey to stardom through her website and Instagram.
For those of you based in London, Luke Silva might already be a familiar face. This Italian-Brazilian singer and songwriter has been a prominent name in the capital’s busking scene for some time, leading to a series of his performances going viral on social media.
Silva unveils a new studio record today, entitled ‘Belong To The City’. Through its sleek fusions of synth and alt-pop, the song continues to showcase this rising talent’s potential.
“[The song] is a catchy pop ballad with an 80’s feel that drags the listeners on a story telling journey into a rough break up, while at the same time keeping the energy vibrant and lighthearted.”
To date, millions have watched Silva’s busking videos online – leading to a loyal fanbase of over 80k followers on Instagram and 115k on TikTok alone.
London-based talent Anin Rose unveils her latest release today, entitled ‘Feed This Fire’.
As an artist who is rapidly gaining traction with her beautifully empowering fusions of gospel, soul and pop, Rose has carved a name for herself as a musician who creates honest songs that have the potential to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
‘Feed This Fire’ was inspired by the emotional traumas that come with being locked in a toxic relationship, and showcases Rose’s exceptional skills at songwriting.
“Oh it wouldn’t be the same, If we didn’t feed the flames… So will this ever change”
Anin Rose – Feed This Fire
Rose’s musical expertise has recently seen her work alongside the likes of Freya Ridings, Jamie Grey, Take That and even Hugh Jackman.
