Category: Music

New Music: Teddy Fontana

A hauntingly mesmerising alt-pop sound from LA talent Teddy Fontana. The chorus to ‘Burn Bright’ in particular is immensely powerful. Today she releases a new record called ‘Paradise City’, in which she says:

“This EP was written and recorded during a time that felt like the whole world was experiencing a multitude of negative emotions. In writing these songs we really tried to inject the music with our day to day feelings and energy. We recorded the whole project at a music studio in Laurel Canyon with a vast musical history. We chose the title “Paradise City” because Los Angeles itself felt very pertinent to the creation of the record. Lyrically there are songs that I hope will be cathartic and relatable, and also songs that I hope will invigorate the listener with confidence and electricity. Sonically there’s a broad spectrum of ultra-modern pop moments and also retro-inspired cinematic elements of production.”

‘Paradise City’ is out now.

Teddy Fontana

New Music: Logan Prescott

LA-based indie-pop artist Logan Prescott is one of the most exciting talents that I have come across all week.

Already a songwriter who’s worked for the likes of Chad Kroeger’s 604 Records (Carly Rae Jepsen, and Mathew V), Logan also creates some gems for himself too.

‘tongue’ is one of those songs that sticks with you for the rest of the day, thanks to it’s 80’s vibes, smooth vocals and very catchy melody.

Logan Prescott

New Music: Kendall Bowser

Listening to Kendall Bowser’s new single ‘Never Had’ is one of those moments that reminds you how lucky you are to have a passion for discovering new music.

The lyrics on this track are just sublime, and to hear Kendall’s voice perform them is an even further delight. Such an emotive piece of music; I hope it moves you as much as it did me.

“Have you ever lost a life that you haven’t lived? Or a dream that you dreamed so vividly but it never came true? That’s what this song captures. ‘Never Had’ is about missing the life that you never got to live because someone else couldn’t see themselves living that same life with you. It’s about missing the love that’s lost, the security that’s no longer there and the children you’ll never have. It’s grief, and sadness, and heartbreak.”

Kendall Bowser

Watch: Fionn – Hold Off

Canadian outfit Fionn have released some serious bops this year. This is unashamedly joyful pop music that guarantees a smile on your face; something I think we could all do with right now!

“‘Hold Off’ is an upbeat and lighthearted song about letting go of a toxic relationship and finding the joy and strength in being alone. The song doesn’t take itself too seriously, and we wanted the video to follow suit. It’s fun and colourful with outfits inspired by the early 2000s. We wanted the video to portray us living our best lives despite what the person we are singing about may have done.”

Taken from the new EP ‘Candid Constellations’ which is out now.

Fionn

4 Minutes Later – Grace

A deeply emotive ballad from a group who initially burst onto the scene back in 2018, when their illusive #whois4ml campaign went viral across the globe. This eventually led to the release of their debut EP garnering over a million streams, and a solid fan base ever since.

“Each of us has a Grandmother whose mind is giving away to dementia and that’s where the song comes in. ‘You talk about places that you used to go, the people and faces you no longer know’.”

4 Minutes Later

New Music: Big Stuff

A beautifully constructed blend of alt-RnB, soul and pop from Big Stuff. This East Coast outfit initially formed as a songwriting duo, but had their plans scuppered once shutdown kicked in. Finding themselves stuck in isolation with no artist to speak through, they became their own performers – and what a fantastic idea that was!

“The inspiration behind ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ is falling in love with your partner’s joy. We actually based each verse line on the little things we witnessed about each other. From discovering pockets in a new dress or buying two for one when we only needed one – that burst of happiness over something so small can be seriously contagious.”

Big Stuff

Betta Lemme – Ce Soir

Canadian starlet Betta Lemme is back today with one of the catchiest bops of the week. This is disco-pop with the perfect dose of sugary kitsch that will almost certainly get you up and dancing.

With lockdown serving as a backdrop, ‘Ce Soir’ invites you into Betta Lemme’s daydreams about a distant partner as she longs for connection. In this time alone, she’s reminded that the real luxury is being with a loved one; all the Zoom calls and retail therapy just can’t compete.

“On a night where crying seemed like my newfound and mastered hobby, and overthinking became my full time job, I pretended this little Gucci box was my friend and asked her if she could ‘flip this frown.’ In that moment, material goods became insignificant, a thing I’ve known all along, This song is about letting those daydreams free and realising that the only thing that will bring meaning to these things is enjoying them with the one you love. I wanted to have fun with loneliness and remind myself that some of the lowest points always bring us the perspective that we need.”

Betta Lemme

New Music: Linda Diaz

Press play on ‘Blessed’ and you’ll experience a truly stunning vocal over a beautifully smooth and soulful melody. Hailing from Manhattan, Linda Diaz is a singer, songwriter and performer who recently won the 2020 NPR Tiny Desk Contest.

This song is all about the growing pains that accompany big life changes. While we often stand in our own way when we focus on our shortcomings, ‘Blessed’ serves as an affirmation and reminder to acknowledge our talents, successes and blessings as we work toward meeting future goals.

Linda Diaz

New Music: Dpart

Hailing from North West London, Dpart is a rapper and songwriter who sites the likes of NF and J Cole as influences.

A passion for soccer comes through on ‘Showboat’, wherein Dpart uses various football skills as punchlines, while also sticking to his gritty reality-based lyrics that combine both football and his own experiences growing up in London to great effect.

Dpart

New Music: 4B2M

The Netherlands has been a hotbed for eclectic pop recently, and today brings another superb new act in the form of 4B2M.

The two sets of brothers create the most luxurious blends of indie and pop that you could ever possibly hope for, all the while infusing a ton of charm and whit in the form of their lyricism.

‘Money For Sale’ is a searing commentary on the cost of capitalism, showing the band’s sense of humour while also making a statement.

4B2M

Emi Wes – Take Me To The Moon

Undoubtedly one of my favourite Danish talents of late, Emi Wes returns with an infectiously catchy blend of soul of indie-pop that gives you dreamy, summery vibes.

This is a playfully quirky sound that still feels effortlessly sleek, all the while glistening with hints of nostalgia.

“‘Take Me To The Moon’ is about a very short-lived fling where you just want to have fun while it lasts, feeling confident in your desires, knowing that you have to go soon. ‘Cause you’re too busy.”

Emi Wes

New Music: Sam Seccombe

A sincere and heartfelt style of music-making from UK talent Sam Seccombe. ‘Crocodile Tears’ is a beautifully written pop-ballad featuring Sam’s rich vocals, emotive lyricism and a captivating melody.

“This track is something that I wrote months after a break-up, in an attempt to try to escape the anger and bitterness that had come from it all. I wanted to write something that would help me move on: something that would acknowledge the good bits, that would address the bad bits and that would see it for what it was at the time.”

Sam Seccombe

ViVii – Smackdown

Swedish outfit ViVii have long been a blog favourite for years now, thanks to their trademark indie style captivating listeners across the world.

Now they’re back with a new take on their sound, and it’s a flawless slice of uptempo hazy dream-pop that is perfect for the summer weeks ahead.

“We had enough mid-tempo songs and were eager to do something more danceable. What does it take to make a simple dancing song? We thought two chords at first but then we indulged in a third chord and suddenly it became complete! A tribute to our Swedish music heroes ABBA who we mixed with a little Fleetwood.”

Taken from the new album ‘Mondays’ which is out now.

ViVii

OLI – Think About It

London-based singer and songwriter OLI has that distinctive type of voice that immediately draws you in.

With a style of music-making that is tender and reflective, ‘Think About It’ is an easy mid-tempo pop number that provides a soothing balm to anyone who’s experienced increased anxiety or worry over this last year.

“There are days when you won’t have any control over your thoughts, you’ll think of anything and everything all at once. I wanted the song to show how that felt. When it’s late at night and all I can tell myself is ‘don’t over think’, whilst knowing I absolutely will anyway.”

OLI

Ruben Dawnson – Safely

One of Norway’s most promising indie-pop talents of late, Ruben Dawnson has rocketed past 1.5 million streams on Spotify alone since the release of his debut.

And there’s good reason for it; this is a talent who is deeply connected with this work, constructing everything in his own bedroom and not shying away from showing raw honesty and vulnerable emotions.

Look out for the forthcoming EP ‘Sunshower’, which is scheduled for release this summer.

Ruben Dawnson

New Music: Dexter Francis Mason

Hailing from Berlin is songwriter and producer Dexter Francis Mason. This artist creates an eccentric style of music that blends lo-fi pop with electronic funk, resulting in a sound that is not only intriguingly experimental but refreshingly original.

Taken from the debut album ‘I’m Sorry You Feel That Way’ which is out on 28th May 2021.

Dexter Francis Mason

New Music: Ellison

If you know your Danish pop then you may recognise Ellison from his previous project, SHERPA (who was featured on here countless times).

Now he’s venturing solo with the fantastic debut release of ‘I Could Be Your Lover’. This is premium synth-pop that was made for the dance floor, taking inspiration from the New 80’s vibe which is spreading all across Denmark.

Ellison

New Music: Piper 57

by  Rico Zartner / @itsricozartner

Berlin-based newcomer Piper 57 crafts a style of pop that feels future-forward, dark and atmospheric yet still easy to connect with. The danceable bass-driven music compliments a powerful vocal, and lyricism that is thoughtful and true-to-life.

“I want to learn new stuff, be around interesting people and see inspiring places. There are so many experiences waiting out there, and I can’t wait to turn them into music.”

Piper 57

SOMA – In the Night

Starting the weekend off with a belter of a pop song from Stockholm-based artist, producer and creator SOMA. ‘In The Night’ exudes good vibes, sleek beats and one hell of a catchy melody.

“This is a song I’ve had with me for the past 3 years. It has seen many phases, several different productional styles and finally found its form on the cusp of the pandemic that we’ve all come to know so well. In March 2020, I made the decision to put the release on hold. At a time when the world was, and still is, struggling to cope with deep shock, friends and family members losing their jobs, and some their health and lives, a song that so brutally celebrated the body felt like a sin.“

“Today, the same song that started out as a catchy tune with no remarkable depth, is nothing short of a tribute to our magnificent human bodies. Big or small, confined or free to move, in pain or in bliss, our human bodies are the containers and the pure expressions of life-stories. From our nearly unbearable intergenerational trauma to our secret one-night-stands.”

Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Make Me Human’ which is due on 27th August 2021.

SOMA