Category: Music

New Music: VELVET SHAKES

Describing themselves as ‘somewhere in sludge between electronic disco and cosmic pop’ is probably as accurate as you could expect when listening to Mancunian outfit VELVET SHAKES.

This is a sound that feels nostalgic yet current, with an essence of eccentricity that charms you over instantly. As far as British bands go, it’s almost impossible not to envision these chaps becoming a household name at some point. On new single ‘Can You Do The Right Thing’ they say:

“It’s a song that’s trying to give someone close to me love and light in dark times – an opportunity for contemplation.”

Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Mellowdrama’. 

VELVET SHAKES

New Music: Rich

Exceptionally emotive and powerful, ‘Pull Apart The Pieces of My Heart’ is the kind of song that proves you don’t need an extravagant production to relay a meaningful message to the listener.

So it may come as no surprise to learn that it’s creator is already garnering traction. Brooklyn artist Rich is a frequent tour mate of Chance The Rapper and has a fan following that includes the likes of Justin Vernon, James Blake and Zane Lowe.

Rich

ONUR – PARAMI VER

A supreme blend British and Turkish heritages come into full force on ONUR’s new single ‘Parami Ver’.

Inspired by his time in Istanbul during the pandemic, the song translates to ‘Give me my Money’ and serves as his first single on Sony Music Turkey.

“I feel like it’s so important now more than ever to drive a cultural conversation between the western world and Turkey. Western media portrays such a distorted view of Turkey that fuels nothing but hate and fear. I want to change that.”

ONUR

New Music: Daniela De Izcue

Peruvian singer and songwriter Daniela De Izcue creates a kind of RnB-pop that is reminiscent of the 90’s sound, yet still feels smooth, sleek and current. Regardless of whether or not you can understand Spanish, this song will resonate.

‘Obsesioná’ talks about the sexual desire you have for a specific person when you are young, specially when you just walked out of a relationship and have experienced a heartbreak.

Daniela De Izcue

New Music: Marcus Jacob

Say what you want about Spotify’s algorithm, but the fact that it led me to ‘grey’ by an elusive new artist called Marcus Jacob makes me feel very content.

Delivering a refreshingly original take on hyperpop, this is a sound that is complex and raw in essence, all the while intriguing and immersive to the listener.

Marcus Jacob

Chelsea Cutler – Walking Away

After initially sharing a short snippet of this track on Instagram last year (which fans lovingly dubbed the ‘Jeep Song’), Chelsea Cutler returns with the hugely relatable ‘Walking Away’.

“‘Walking Away’ is about how intricate and complex a relationship can be, and it’s also about realising you can’t keep holding on to something when it’s not right. This was actually the first song I wrote for the album, so it feels fitting to go forward into this next chapter with this single. I’m so excited to share everything with the world!”

Chelsea Cutler

New Music: PENNY

Huddersfield born and bred PENNY is a 23-year old talent who’s angelic vocals are just about the most beautiful you’ll listen to all day. With gorgeously melodic songs that showcase her flair for honest lyricism, this artist could well be your new favourite pop star.

“I wrote ‘Sad Puppy’ at a time when I’d finally realised I was worth more than how I’d been allowing people to treat me – a breakthrough moment. But I still felt so frustrated for ever allowing myself to be treated that way.” 

PENNY

ÄTNA + MEUTE – Weirdo

Two of Germany’s most exciting emerging acts join forces on a song that is truly like none other you will have heard before.

Avant-garde pop duo ÄTNA and techno marching band MEUTE collaborate on ‘Weirdo’, a song which is sonically so original and unique that it holds your attention captive all the way through.

“We have been big fans of ÄTNA for a long time. The videos, the music, the talent and the overall style are a blast and now a collaboration has come out of it – how cool is that?” – MEUTE

ÄTNA | MEUTE

Still Woozy – Get Down

Still Woozy‘s unique blend of lo-fi pop and indie has steadily won him a huge legion of fans in recent years; and with songs like ‘Get Down’ it’s really not hard to see why.

The announcement of his tour of North America and Europe this autumn sparked a frenzy, with several cities already selling out already – but you might just be lucky enough to catch him live.

Taken from the forthcoming full-length debut ‘If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is’ which is out on 13th August 2021.

Still Woozy

New Music: bandofyou

A beautifully emotive and dreamy indie sound from two LA-native songwriter-producer-musical directors.

A story about the beauty and the tragedy of coming to terms with a relationship that’s run its course, ‘Cruel Sumer II’ has an essence of timelessness which is really quite exquisite.

bandofyou

New Music: mou

Brisbane’s mou creates a deeply moving kind of sound that is minimal in production yet completely engrossing. This truly is one of the most outstanding newcomers to emerge from Australia so far this year.

mou

Motel 7 – Messing With Fire

Track of the week. In my humble opinion, it’s only a short matter of time before Californian duo Motel 7 reach global recognition for their superb approach to alt-pop.

Consisting of Anton Khabbaz and Dylan Jagger Lee, this outfit have the ability to seamlessly craft songs that create impact in the most thoughtful and balanced way imaginable.

“A friend of mine told me that this song reminded him of a Nirvana record, and I was like ‘hell yes.’ I feel like thats what we want to hear. Sometimes I’d rather have someone tell us our songs sound like some of the OGs such as Nirvana, rather than someone on Top 40 radio right now.” – Motel 7

Motel 7

Watch: Henjila – Fake Friends

To celebrate the release of new EP ‘Moonshot’ (which is out now), rising talent Henjila unveils visuals for ‘Fake Friends’.

Already garnering support from the likes of Clash, BBC Introducing, Equate, Line of Best Fit and more, there’s no doubt that Henjila is one bedroom-pop artist to watch out for this year.

Henjila

New Music: KayCyy

Sometimes you press play on a rap track and you just know the talent behind it will take off in a big, big way.

Those vibes were felt on KayCyy’s ‘No Luck’. Watch out for this Minnesota-based talent; it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world wakes up to this kid.

KayCyy

New Music: psykhi

A London-based Ghanaian talent who has taken the rock world by storm this year, psykhi is an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of the conventional; creating sounds that are raw and atmospheric yet have an essence of timelessness.

psykhi

New Music: Faye Meana

Making London talent proud, Faye Meana‘s cutting-edge approach to soul and RnB is something really quite special to experience.

‘What You Do’ is a song that feels familiar yet future-forward, showcasing this artist’s ability to deliver a sound that is like none-other… and I am living for it!

Faye Meana

New Music: Connor Kauffman

Hailing from Connecticut, Connor Kauffman is a 19-year old singer and songwriter who’s song ‘Hate You For A Lifetime’ achieved over 2 million views on TikTok prior to it’s release.

Impressively, the track was written, produced, recorded and mixed entirely by Connor in his bedroom. Needless to say, this is one kid to watch out for!

Connor Kauffman