Music - New Music

Noah Richardson – Dead To Me

Philadelphian artist Noah Richardson has been one of our favourite indie-pop discoveries of the year, and today sees this budding musician return with some more great sounds.

Lifted from his album of the same name (out now), Richardson’s new single ‘Dead To Me’ is inspired by the feelings of pure bitterness that come about from a bad relationship.

While the lyricism is raw and dark, the song’s playful production blends elements of indie with bedroom-pop in an utterly charming way, leaving listeners hooked and wanting to hear more.

“‘Dead to Me’ is just a real sarcastic, Go f*ck yourself kind of vibe. You did me wrong and I hope you pay for it. I think of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, head up high taking on the day, not giving a damn.”

Noah Richardson

Daniel Schulz – Make It

Danish pop sensation Daniel Schulz marks his return today with uplifting new single ‘Make It’.

Lifted from Schulz’s upcoming debut album, the song serves as a perfect anthem for those of us who need some encouragement to overcome our obstacles in life.

“‘Make It’ was written for one of my best friends who needed it but eventually, it spoke to me too and what I’ve been going through for the past five years. Here it is for the World to hear it – and I hope it will be a melody of optimism and light to everyone listening.”

Since the release of his huge 2017 hit single ‘Turn Back Time’, 24-year old Schulz has carved a name for himself as one of Denmark’s most promising pop prospects, and currently commands over 715k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

Daniel Schulz

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New Music: Guy Margalit

A master of many talents, Guy Margalit is a singer, songwriter and producer who was raised in Colorado.

While Margalit’s sound is inspired by the sounds of 70’s funk, indie and alternative R&B, this artist has had also had rich history in performing and working on projects that have varied from classical to jazz musical styles.

New single ‘BE2GETHER’ is a playful twist on indie-pop, and features one of the catchiest melodies that you’re likely to experience all weekend. Keep an eye out for this kid – he may well be one to watch.

Guy Margalit

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saturn 17 – not my fault

Californian indie-rock duo saturn 17 return today with a dreamy release in the form of new single ‘not my fault’.

Inspired by the uncontrollable sense of hopefulness that comes with having a crush on someone, the song’s relatable lyrics make it one of the stand-out releases of the week. Speaking on their songwriting process, saturn 17 say:

“It’s really helpful to have a good and open friendship within the band in addition to the tool of songwriting to help us process some of the complicated feelings when having a crush.”

Formed in 2019, this talented outfit currently command over 130k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, thanks to series of hit releases including ‘could this be love?’ and ‘right now’.

saturn 17

New Music: Anna Thoresen

Hailing from New York is rising singer, songwriter and producer Anna Thoresen. Still only 20-years of age, this artist is rapidly garnering traction thanks to her beautiful blends of bedroom pop, indie and alternative R&B.

New single ‘party girl’s lament’ presents listeners with a gorgeously stripped-back production, while Thoresen opens up on her past struggles with addiction:

“It comes from a very vulnerable, personal place that I don’t speak about often, but screams through my music. It’s about addiction, anxiety, and being in a dark place, and everyone around you is not too different, yet no one really talks about it. Addiction is way more common than we think, especially with underage high school and college kids, and nobody talks about it without feeling shame or guilt. I’d like to break the stigma by speaking on my own experiences”.

Fans of this emerging starlet can look forward to an upcoming debut EP, which is scheduled for release later this year.

Anna Thoresen

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Lleoh – Evil

We are launching in to the weekend with a stellar new release from Denmark by promising pop artist Lleoh.

Serving as an anthem for self-empowerment, ‘Evil’ was inspired by the inner struggles that we face after our hearts have been broken – and we try to resist the urge to become vengeful and bitter.

The track’s sublime fusion of dark electronic pop and alternative R&B was created alongside Jonathan Elkær (from acclaimed Danish outfit Phlake), and is taken from Lleoh’s forthcoming ‘Waves and Rocks’ EP (out soon).

Lleoh

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New Music: LONG ISLAND

Emerging from the British town of Huddersfield are newcomers LONG ISLAND, who launch their debut today with the release of shimmering new single, ‘blissful satisfaction’.

Inspired by the happiness that love can bring, the song presents listeners with a thoughtfully constructed production that blends indie with dreamy pop, resulting in a sound that feels uplifting and joyous.

With support from the likes of BBC Introducing already under their belt, this UK outfit are most certainly ones to watch.

LONG ISLAND

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PENNY X – obsessed

Independent artist and songwriter PENNY X returns today with a supreme release that continues to showcase this newcomer as one of the most promising talents to have emerged from Germany so far this year.

With it’s punchy blend of alternative pop, indie and rock, ‘obsessed’ creates a bold sound that inspires listeners to empower themselves – even after a relationship ends and you see your ex with another person.

“‘obsessed’ is a heartbreak and female-empowerment song at the same time. It’s a story about being jealous of your ex’s new girlfriend and obsessing over her so much – in the end it might even seem as if she’s the one you desire.”

The song follows on from PENNY X’s release of ‘faster‘ earlier this year, which picked up praise from the likes of DNÜ and Popmuzik.

PENNY X

New Music: Jei-Rynn

For fans of the 00’s punk-pop sound, LA-based talent Jei-Rynn might well be one of your favourite new artists.

By blending elements of alternative music with pop, rock, indie and punk, Jei-Rynn creates sounds that feel unique and fresh, while still maintaining strong essences of nostalgia.

Inspired by feelings of escapism, new single ‘sleeping (all day)’ is taken from Jei-Rynn’s forthcoming ‘overreacting’ EP, and was produced by Alex Arias – famed for his work with the likes of The Mowgli’s and Matchbox Twenty.

Jei-Rynn

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Talii – More Than Friends

Rising American artist and songwriter Talii unveils her latest release today, entitled ‘More Than Friends’.

Continuing with her style of exquisitely fusing elements of R&B and soul with pop, the track showcases a side to Talii that listeners will not have heard before – as she begins to open up about her sexuality in a gorgeously emotive way.

“‘More Than Friends’ actually started as a vocal sample that, my boyfriend/ producer, Gbliz and I created. Phil Mango (of Luxury Lane) took the sample and added this amazing afrobeats bounce to it. ‘More Than Friends’ is bringing the listener in on a conversation going on with a friend and I. She’s been venting about her toxic boyfriend, meanwhile, I’m insinuating that I can treat her better (“we could be more than friends”). It’s the first time I’ve ever shared my queer side in a song before so it’s nerve wracking yet freeing. I feel like the persona I take on in the song is a little more confident than I am when it comes to flirting with women lol but it was fun to embody that for this song.”

To date, this rising talent has garnered praise from respected tastemakers including Billboard, Notion, Wonderland and EARMILK, while also landing placements on noted Spotify playlists like ‘Fresh Finds: The Wave’.

Talii

New Music: Nat Slater

Hailing from London is singer and songwriter Nat Slater. Through her distinctively honeyed vocals and sleek productions, this rising newcomer is crafting some of the most impressive cuts of R&B-pop to emerge from the capital.

Featuring the talents of Finn Matthews, melodic new single ‘Ride The Wave’ encapsulates those euphoric moments of feeling care-free, as Slater explains:

“’Ride The Wave’ is about being in the moment with someone and not caring what happens next. I wrote it while I was in LA making music, the sun was shining everything felt very blissful, I just wanted to capture that feeling.”

With support from the likes of Kiss FM and Wonderland Magazine, Slater’s ascent into the musical mainstream is imminent. Be sure to keep this rising starlet on your radars.

Nat Slater | Finn Matthews

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Raindear – Rush

Scandinavian musician Raindear returns today with her bold new single, ‘Rush’. No stranger to these Alfitude pages, this talent has consistently proven herself to be one of Sweden’s most interesting pop artists from recent years.

With a beautifully intense fusion of electronica and dream-pop, the song presents listeners with an atmospheric soundscape that is truly quite captivating to experience.

Serving as a taster to Raindear’s forthcoming album, the track’s lyrics were inspired by the hardships and sacrifices that creatives have to endure – in order for them to continue with their artistry.

Raindear

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SOFY – Big Talk

A British pop starlet in the making returns today with an infectiously catchy new release.

After a busy season playing festivals all across the country (including Glastonbury), SOFY unveils ‘Big Talk’, and it’s a perfected slice of indie-pop that pairs a slick production with fun and relatable lyrics.

“‘Big Talk’ was inspired by my time in the wilderness of dating apps, trying to find meaningful connection but getting bummed out by small talk that never goes anywhere. I think we all need a bit more ‘Big Talk’ in our lives.”

In the relatively short space of time since SOFY’s debut last year, this talent has achieved press support from the likes of Clash, Notion, Wonderland and The Line of Best Fit, while also commanding over 40k monthly Spotify listeners.

SOFY

SEB – 3am in nyc

If you’re looking for a midweek pick-me-up then pressing play on SEB’s ‘3am in nyc’ will do you well.

Lifted from his new ‘IT’S OKAY, WE’RE DREAMING II: don’t worry, i’ll be fine’ EP (out now), the track was written as an ode to the artist & producer’s time spent in New York:

“‘3am in nyc’ serves as a snapshot of my time in NYC. Specifically those late nights, going out drinking and being on the train with my friends. At that time in my life, there was never anywhere I had to be, so every night was always an adventure: whether it was roaming the city, going out to bars or meeting new people in the most random places.”

The song continues to showcase SEB’s remarkable skills in creating future-forward pieces of music that never fit into any one specific genre, yet still carry tons of mainstream appeal.

SEB

New Music: Fuzzy Sun

In recent decades, the North of England has come to be known as the birthplace of British indie talent, and today’s introduction of Stockport’s Fuzzy Sun continues the tradition.

Taken from the group’s forthcoming EP, new single ‘Money’ presents listeners with a sound that carries dark and thoughtful lyrics over an electrifying mix of indie, rock and pop.

“‘Hey Sonny yeah money’s gonna kill your soul’ is the key line which inspired the song. We all seem to be chasing money and material things. And I think it leaves us empty and unfulfilled. Despite that, it’s just so ingrained in us as a society and it prevails.” – Kyle Ross, Fuzzy Sun

To date, Fuzzy Sun have received praise from the likes of Clash and Dork magazines, Earmilk and BBC Radio 1, as well as achieving placements on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK and Hot New Bands playlists.

Fuzzy Sun

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New Music: Lucy McWilliams

Hailing from Dublin is 22-year old singer and songwriter Lucy McWilliams. Already a buzz-worthy talent with over 13 million catalogue streams on Spotify, McWilliams is rapidly gaining traction thanks to her captivating style of music-making.

With its perfected fusion of dreamy pop and indie, today’s release of new single ‘Break My Own Heart’ will continue to propel this hugely promising artist’s momentum even further.

Inspired by the insecurities that arise when romantic relationships start to get serious, the song’s lyrics are powerfully raw and relatable.

“‘Break My Own Heart’ is about self-sabotage within a relationship; being scared of being close to someone so you intentionally push them away before they can cause heartbreak to you. It’s that fear of rejection and preparing yourself for the hurt before they can hurt you.”

Garnering support from respected outlets like Official Charts, Songwriting Magazine, Blogtheque and Record of the Day, this is one Irish starlet to keep on your radars.

Lucy McWilliams

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Upcoming Shows

2nd Sep – Electric Picnic, Ireland
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New Music: insha

– Flash Warning –

One of the most impressive introductions of the week comes courtesy of 19-year old indie artist insha.

Compelling new single ‘DGMTS’ was produced by Samir Alikhanizadeh (who has worked alongside the likes of FKA Twigs, Shygirl and Chloe & Halle), and provides listeners with a soundscape feels sparse and minimal – yet deeply emotive.

“I first started writing ‘DGMTS’ ages ago, in late 2020. I wrote it in a dark time in the middle of the night. It wasn’t completely done when Samir [Alikhanizadeh, producer] first went at it – it had a whole missing verse, and honestly I think it was really depressing. I write by letting random things come out of my mouth and sometimes being shocked at what comes spilling out. But that is music and that is art. Simply snippets of time. I meant every word. Up until a month ago, I really debated on whether I should soften some of the darker lyrics. It never felt right to do so – it didn’t feel honest. ‘DGMTS’ captures everything I was feeling at the time in music – I couldn’t be happier with it. Everything always gets better.”

The song serves as a follow-up to insha’s 2020 debut release ‘she’s watching’, which was praised by Billboard Magazine and achieved over 90k streams on Spotify alone.

insha

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Watch: Sha Sha – Themba Lami (feat. Ami Faku)

Hailed as the ‘Queen of Amapiano’, Zimbabwean star Sha Sha returns with a sensational collaboration featuring acclaimed soul artist Ami Faku.

Lifted from her upcoming ‘I’m Alive’ album, hypnotic new single ‘Themba Lami’ presents listeners with a sensual and intensely intimate sound, and was inspired by feelings of heartbreak. Speaking on the visuals for the track, director Lenzo Dlamini says:

“When you listen to the song you get a sense of how intimate the song is, I went with a feel and concept that is more inviting into their personal space matching the message of the song. We created spaces and setting that feels like it’s like their own rooms where they can confide in one another.” – Lenzo Dlamini, Director

Sha Sha was the first Zimbabwean to win Best New International Act at the BET Awards, and has also received recognition from the SAMA and MTV Africa Music Awards. The artist currently commands over 200k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

Sha Sha | Ami Faku

New Music: Edie Bens

Edie Bens is a Welsh singer and songwriter who, at 21-years of age, is releasing some of the most promising indie-pop sounds to emerge from the UK.

‘Therapist’ is only Bens’ second single, yet the track showcases an artist who has the ability to pair beautifully melodic songs with thoughtfully written lyricism.

“’Therapist’ is about my uni boyfriend. We started seeing each other mainly because of the convenience and the familiarity of being housemates. It didn’t last very long as we were a terrible fit. And he was quite controlling. I was so scared to end things at first for fear of hurting his feelings despite knowing it was making me deeply unhappy. Writing this song was a way of me taking back my own narrative and happiness.”

To date, this rising starlet has collaborated with the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Flyte, while also touring alongside COIN and Felice Brothers among others.

Edie Bens

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DEJA – Boom Boom Bah

Serving listeners with some of the finest blends of R&B and pop to emerge from London in some time, DEJA returns today with feisty new single ‘Boom Boom Bah’.

Playful, bold and energising in tone, the song was written as an unconventional ode to DEJA’s mother.

“‘Boom Boom Bah pays homage to my mama and our heritage but in the most light-hearted way. I’ve written ballads about my love for my mother but I wanted this one to make her smile and shake body!”

Already a critic’s darling, DEJA has graced the pages of respected outlets like DUMMY, Wonderland, Complex, Notion, Clash and COLORS. DEJA also boasts a loyal fandom that includes Macklemore, Etta Bond, Emeli Sandé and Ady Suleiman among others.

DEJA

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