UK producer, DJ and artist Subculture teams up with the equally magnificent Hak Baker on ‘Tornados’.
Soulful, emotive and entrancing tones blend with an eclectic and experimental production to create an audible experience that is exceptionally distinctive.
Priya Ragu continues to release gems that blow me away completely. New single ‘Forgot About’ showcases a more mellow and soulful twist to this talent’s repertoire that is further proof of just how talented she is.
Be warned before you press play that this song is exceptionally catchy..! vaultboy is a singer-songwriter from Florida who’s track ‘everything sucks’ has started to pick up viral traction – having been used in over 90k videos on TikTok alone since January.
“It’s crazy to me how a song I wrote in my bedroom about looking on the bright side has connected to so many people all over the world. We’re all so similar in that way; we’re just looking for a reason to smile and be okay.”
vaultboy
Hailing from Washington D.C. is singer, songwriter, and musician Danni Baylor. This self-taught artist began her career as a background singer, although the momentum really picked up after she gained national recognition for her series of YouTube covers.
Not only that, but Danni’s songwriting talents have seen her work with the likes of Fantasia, BTS, Tamela Mann, TWICE, Jason Nelson and BlackPink. Overall it’s fair to say this is one hugely gifted kid!
Not only is Talia Jackson a sensationally talented singer and songwriter, but she’s also an NAACP award-winning actress who plays Jade on Netflix’s ‘Family Reunion’.
‘You’ is a glorious fusion of alt-RnB and pop that feels and airy and ethereal; almost cosmic in it’s essence. And with Talia’s passionate vocals gliding over a beautiful melody, you’ll fall in love with this song instantly.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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’.”
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.”
Immensely loveable trio NOT THE MAIN CHARACTERS are back today with digitally-charged new single ‘My Phone Knows’.
With a dreamy pop production set against a glitchy soundscape, the beautifully melodic song explores how technology makes us approach self-realisation differently these days.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
