I can’t think of a better way to kick off the weekend than with this sharp blend of soul and RnB-pop from Swedish talent Delphi.
For over a decade, this artist has written her own songs as well as performed back-up vocals and tracks for some of Sweden’s biggest star and film productions.
“A feel good song about summer and celebrating life! Play it getting ready, pre party, at the party, or in your car! Let’s GO! Summer is around the corner!”
Unless you’re familiar with your Latin-pop, Carla Morrison may be one of the biggest names you have yet to hear of. With millions of followers across social media, this artist is undoubtedly on her way to becoming the next crossover artist that takes over the English-speaking world by storm.
‘Obra de Arte’ translates to ‘work of art’ and was written as an anthem to implore all people on the margins to see their beauty and magic; women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of colour and beyond.
Mayfly are a Montreal-based duo composed of singer-songwriters Charlie and Emma, who not only perform their music but also self-produce it. With a sound that feels dark yet vulnerable and honest, this is some of the finest Canadian indie-pop that I have had the pleasure of discovering so far in June.
Taken from the new EP ‘ESSENCE’ which is out now.
Already a noted writer who’s worked with the likes of chloe moriondo, Peach Pit and Valley, Charli Adams releases am electro-pop gem that blends nostalgic tones with a more future-forward approach.
Philadelphia-based artist, producer and songwriter STVN returns today with magnificently catchy new single ‘EVERYTHING’S FINE’.
This is a fantastic blend of punk-pop and indie, and features the kind of lyricism that we can all relate to. If you’re building up your summer playlists then this song is a must!
“This song is for everyone who’s had someone reach out to them after a breakup, acting like everything’s fine and back to normal. It’s about drawing the line and setting boundaries for yourself in relationships.”
Anwar crafts a magnificently raw and highly charged blend of grunge and pop that is not easy to miss. Bold, confident and intensely emotive, this is one name to watch for.
A haunting and almost ethereal sound that is stripped-back and minimal, yet beautifully moving.
Ushering in a new era of their sound’s evolution, Alfitude favourites HONNE join forces with breakout RnB star Pink Sweat$ on the release of ‘WHAT WOULD YOU DO?’.
The accompanying visuals (directed by Ian Robertson) tell of a love story that unfurls in the heart of a pastel-toned suburbia, with HONNE cast in supporting roles as paper boy and gardener. Pink Sweat$ also features, performing his verse through the dashboard screen of the protagonist’s soft-top convertible, with the video matching the warm, summer glow of the track itself.
“In the past, we’ve limited ourselves. We might get to a section of a song and things are getting really exciting, but we then pull ourselves back and say, ‘Can we really do that?’. Now, we’ve sidestepped the rules and done whatever we wanted to do.” – HONNE
Carpark are a relatively new face within the UK indie-rock scene, having been born out of the recent lockdown. Their sound feels refreshingly confident and bold, while also maintaining a sense of nostalgia that adds a dose of charm to their songs.
The three-piece outfit have spent the past year writing about everything that hurts and frustrates them, from love and climate grief, to missing the taste of warm beers on tour.
‘Countdown From Ten’ explores the psychological effects of climate change and deals with the band’s own experience with climate grief.
“It often feels as though all the problems in the world are created by humans, climate change and Covid have been the themes for the last year while we’ve been writing. ‘Countdown From Ten’ is the result of us contemplating this and casually daydreaming about human extinction” – Scottie, Carpark
Nairobi-born and Bristol based artist Richie Gathu is a 24-year-old self-taught producer who’s musical craftsmanship embraces both his African heritage and his British home.
Just in time for the summer, ‘Cosa Nostra’ is a distinctive, guitar-led blend of indie-pop and rap with an infectious melody and up-tempo beat.
“As soon as I press play on ‘Cosa Nostra’, I’m teleported to Havana, Cuba or to the Amalfi Coast. In my mind, I see a beautiful sunset on the horizon, my body fuelled by 15 (or more) tequila shots as I hit the salsa across a pebbled street toward my lover who is in the exact same vibe as I am. The inspiration for the song stems from lockdown, the endless months of being separated from a lover and planning to ‘pull up’ as soon as I could. I even had to sprinkle some Swahili in there to add extra flavour to the tune!”
With support from the likes of Complex UK and BBC Introducing already under his belt, singer songwriter Magnus Chapple returns today with an effortlessly sleek RnB number in the shape of ‘You There’, featuring vocals from Swiss artist and producer Niels.
“’You There’ is upbeat for a reason, what is there to be sad about?? The world is opening up and people can start to live their lives again! It’s about going into everything you’re doing with 100% commitment and striving for that little bit more every time, be it that one last dance when the club is closing, or having that one special person with you when you’re having a great time. Whatever it is you’re doing, I want this to be the track that lifts the mood!” – Magnus Chapple
Toronto-based artist Kalisway releases an inventive body of work in the form of ‘Special K – ChopNotSlop’, showcasing her eclectic talents. This is a record that really deserves to be played the whole way through, and is sure to lift some moods up!
“I miss being around that party, beautiful women and chill energy vibe when you’re out having a good time. So, I had to bring it back in a new way for everyone to rock to!”
Sometimes the simplest productions make for the best kind of pop. Australian newcomer Thomas Porter is a perfect example, with the release of his debut single ‘Tired’.
This is a summery bop featuring ukulele strums that usher you into a glorious lo-fi medley where warm, breezy vocals muse on a life with the person you love.
“For me this feels like pop music for people that don’t necessarily want to admit they love pop music in a lot of ways. I’m hoping that people see the honesty of it. That they see real rawness. Authenticity is so hard to come by now. I’m a lot of things and I’m not a lot of things, but I realise that all I have is this.”
A hugely exciting talent emerging from London, Deijuvhs crafts songs that serve to represent an underground scene made up of skaters, punks, rappers, rebels and misfits.
‘Scumbag Anthem’ is a guitar-heavy, raw and wildly infectious release that balances between the artist’s fiery frustration and thoughtful self-awareness.
Exceptionally talented singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Natalie McCool returns today with a dreamy slice of indie-pop in the form of new single ‘Take Me To Your Leader’.
A broad and compelling listen throughout, the song serves as an insight into what can be expected from the forthcoming full-length album, ‘Memory Girl’.
“I’d had this idea of feeling ‘alien’ floating around for a while – and the phrase Take Me To Your Leader is one I’d never really heard in a song before, so at first I was unsure but it really grew on me. It’s about wanting to belong – almost obsessively, wanting to have something valid to say, and these thoughts and feelings spiral until you become fixated ‘I want to peel your skin, dive for gold, let me in’.”
McCool is also running her new ‘Memory Girl Project’, where she is asking fans to submit their inspiration for a song she plans to record and release as a standalone single after the album release. Find out more here.
New album ‘Memory Girl’ is out on 30th July 2021.
Having made his musical debut through critically acclaimed band Jungle, London-based artist Andro carries a distinctive vocal that is immediately arresting. Both versatile yet deeply moving in tone, listening to this talent sing his way through ‘Fight Back’ is an emotional experience. The song combines elements of soul, synth-pop and gospel and is one of his most personal works to date.
“It’s a lament to the loss of my father. It’s about pleading with him to stay and finding a way to fight. It’s one of the most painful songs I’ve ever written and took a long time to gain the strength to finish it.”
Taken from the debut EP ‘Mortal’ which is due 16th July 2021.
One of the most exciting finds of the weeks comes from Irish-Nigerian artist Cherry Dragon, who’s blend of soul-pop with alternative RnB is something that is really quite captivating to experience. ‘Starlight’ is a raw and emotive piece that inspires us to live the way we want.
“I noticed so many people were struggling because they didn’t have the job or the relationship or the house they feel that they are ‘supposed to have’. It’s easy to fall for the pressure that society can project on to us but really it’s our lives and we only have the one. I decided I’m gonna live it how I want to.”
A true visionary who is consistently creating some of the most exciting sounds to emerge from the USA, Jean Dawson is back today with the exhilarating ‘Dummy’.
Growing up in Tijuana, Dawson crossed the border every day to go to school in San Diego as a kid, falling in love with music during these long commutes. He uses his art to challenge the hyper-masculinity that line in both black and Mexican cultures and social norms overall.
Jean will be opening for BROCKHAMPTON on their North American 2022 show.
Swedish pop starlet ORKID’s new single ‘Sugar Coma’ is as sweet as you’d imagine. This is a flirty, playful piece of electro-pop that will instantly win you over and be a staple to your summer playlists.
“You’re invited to the world of ‘Sugar Coma’ with a cherry on the top for an extra layer of goodness. Adding more would be a sin so I will leave you to enjoy this piece of sweet bliss.”
For fans of the very early Amy Winehouse and Corinne Bailey Rae releases, you may appreciate the tones of new talent Honey Mooncie.
This is British neo-soul at it’s very finest, seamlessly blending just the right amount of pop and RnB into the mix to create a sound that feels distinctively unique and totally captivating.
‘Here For Me’ is taken from an upcoming project that is produced by the legendary Fred Cox and Owen Cutts.
“This project for me tells a love story from start to finish. ‘Here For Me’ comes towards the end of this relationship and is about feeling like you need more from someone and coming to terms with knowing that you need to let them go.”
