Currently attending the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Lila Yin is a London-based singer and producer who’s approach to alt-RnB is an effortlessly sleek affair.
“This track explores vulnerability when in a relationship and the possibility of losing yourself in it.”
Taken from the upcoming EP ‘JADE/D’ which is scheduled for release this summer.
One of my favourite new acts to emerge from Scandinavia recently, Isle of You return with another almighty electro-pop banger to inject us all with some extra energy for the weekend ahead.
‘Ears Ringing’ gives off flashes of cinematic late night drives in Tokyo, dance floors in the early 00’s and 80’s future nostalgia.
“A post pandemic anthem about dancing off anxiety and just blasting the music (until your ears start ringing).”
A stunningly finessed blend of RnB and pop, matched with one of the most impressive vocals you will likely experience all month.
A recipient of the ‘Andrew Lloyd Webber Scholarship’ at the Urdang Academy, it’s clear that it’s only a matter of time before this talent becomes an established name.
Taken from the EP ‘Happy Now’ which is out now.
A hugely anthemic and rousing release from Swedish indie-pop outfit I Am Nova.
‘Don’t Wait Up’ is a song that gleams with attitude and determination, talking about taking steps forward and moving away from an unhealthy relationship.
British singer and songwriter coupdekat (Katherine Reilly) creates a kind of pop that feels instantly relatable to a whole generation of younger listeners. Combining modern beats with strong melancholy vocals, this artist creates catchy songs that tackle subjects like mental health, love, social media and loneliness.
‘Little Tescos’ is dedicated to coupdekat’s best friend, and their summer adventures last year as the lockdown started to lift in England.
“‘Little Tescos’ is the soundtrack to teenage oblivion in a post lockdown summer in Britain. The late night drives and the celebration of friendship.”
A beautifully emotive blend of indie and lo-fi pop from Dutch outfit Go Fishing! The project came to life when the world began shut down in the spring of 2020.
The two lovers decided to move in together, and began collaborating in their living room for fun. Soon enough they realised that they were on to something special.
“During lockdown, we were experiencing a winter dip in ourselves and in others around us. We wrote this song in a moment in time where one looks forward, unknowing of what the near future might bring.”
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.
