Cosha has managed to craft a sound that is stripped back and minimal yet still feels like a full-on almighty banger with the release of ‘Run The Track’.
Taken from the upcoming album ‘Mt. Pleasant’, which is out on 2nd July 2021.
British newcomer Isaac Jack is an 18-year old artist who’s style of incorporating raw emotion, passion and quirkiness into his music delivers a fresh sound that channels all kinds of feelings.
While on the surface, ‘Pointless Girl’ seems like a stripped-back indie affair, the lyricism intricately tells of a story, best put by Isaac himself:
“The song examines the despair of young breakups, following a protagonist who is blinded with anger and confusion. They can’t help but obsess over their previous love, attempting to overcome the feeling of yearning through other relationships. However, the protagonist can never shake his past love from his head, seeing all other attempts as pointless. The raw vocals and plosive lyrics further cement the feeling of despair. The protagonist doesn’t care for anything anymore, ‘you can say what you like’, however at the same time you can see the fragility that the break-up has caused, ‘promise you won’t be as mean’. The protagonist has been worn down by the anger, frustration and heartache. In essence, his break-up is broken down into being a ‘bitter taste’ – the break-up has ruined his palette for anything else. The bitter taste of what could have been envelopes everything.”
Taken from the debut EP ‘The Salt That Stays’ which is out now.
Oklahoma-based talent PawPaw Rod is a rapper and singer who’s just debuted with ‘HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS’.
Both raw and emotive, this indie sound carries a funk undertone which is not only captivating but refreshingly original.
Arizonian talent Zac Greer is back with infectiously catchy indie-pop bop ‘melatonin‘; the perfect anthem for the summer months ahead.
Newcastle-based artist Angelene Holmes, who also goes by the alias of DELPHii creates a sound that feels so effortlessly finessed and cool that it really does leave you a little breathless. This is a gorgeously dreamy pop sound that is sure to take your mind to another place.
I don’t often feature songs with an 80’s twist, but this new release from British outfit Telemarkk is too good not to share.
If Dua Lipa’s recent ‘Future Nostalgia’ record gave you good energy then ‘Bloom’ is likely to do much the same; this is a catchy and euphoric bop that showcases some of the best synth-pop that I have heard so far this month.
“[Bloom] resembles holding on to positives in negative situations, particularly felt throughout the pandemic when dealing with isolation, expressing the feeling of falling out of touch with people and the realisation/evaluation of a breakdown in a relationship.”
Hailing from West London is new talent Shakota. With a style that blends indie and bedroom-pop seamlessly, this artist creates a sound that feels organic and honest while still being current and fresh.
Rising 18 year-old UK artist Tom Did It unveiled the visuals for infectiously catchy ‘Thinking Too Much’ today, which also happens to fall on Mental Health Awareness Week.
Initially released last year, the song has since become a fan-favourite, and one which firmly placed this talent on the music radar. Built over a captivating trap-infused production, Tom wears his heart on his sleeve as he takes us on a journey through his cluttered mind.
I have to admit that I’ve had ‘dimension’ playing on loop since I first heard it earlier; Toronto-based singer-songwriter Alex Porat has created one of the sexiest pieces of disco-pop so far this year. This is a sleek yet understated bop that you will instantly fall in love with.
“’dimension’ is about being tormented by the idea of wanting someone you can’t have. No matter how hard you try to get this person out of your head you just can’t seem to get rid of them. This song is an acceptance speech acknowledging that some relationships aren’t meant to be, but imagining a world where it could work out.”
One of the most interesting projects to emerge from Germany in recent times, art & experimental-pop duo We Will Kaleid return today with the mesmerising ‘Lure’.
The track demonstrates a perfect balance between something that is conceptual and avant-garde, while also being emotive and thought-provoking. On the song and video, they say:
“‘Lure’ makes a subtle but profound statement about the changing nature of human relationships, rebuking a world that seems to prioritise followers over enduring connections. We tried to capture a feeling of uncertainty and confusion in the video, visualising the loss of our own sense of self through the progressive deconstruction of Marcia’s character, as it’s slowly taken over by leering digital phantoms. We chose an experimental visual approach, bringing together old and new techniques to create something appropriately dystopian yet nostalgic.”
Taken from the EP ‘Aphasiac’ which is released on the 21st May 2021.
It’s always a moment of excitement when Australian talent CXLOE debuts new music.
Ever true to being the princess of dark pop, her new release ‘Cry & Drive’ sees her display an honest vulnerability in a way she has not leaned fully into before.
With inspirations ranging from Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston and Lily Allen through to Corrine Bailey Rae and TLC, 19-year old starlet Henjila‘s sound is likely will win you over in an instant. This is a fresh, woozy surf-pop style of music that flows with charm and charisma.
“The song is about being drawn to someone – you want to be around them because they make you feel euphoric. There is ‘something about’ them that is so captivating and the bond you share is almost too sweet to be real.”
London-based producer Indigo Eyes consistently exceeds expectations with every release.
‘Where Were You’ is a beautifully melodic song that explores deep house elements through an entrancing soundscape that feels spellbindingly hypnotic.
“Over the winter period this year I got really into deep house, likely because I was missing clubbing, but also because it weirdly helped me study for my exams, which definitely inspired this track a huge amount. I had it in an almost finished state for months with the feeling it needed just one more thing but I couldn’t put my finger on it, then one day I went to my piano and played the melody you hear half way through the track in one take and I knew that’s what I was looking for!”
Putting aside the fact that we both have the best name in the world (jokes…) Alfie Templeman’s new release ‘Wait, I Lied’ is a blissful fusion of indie-pop and disco that feels understated and cool, but still forces you to get off your chair and dance a little.
Mini album ‘Forever Isn’t Long Enough’ is out now.
It’s so incredibly refreshing to see a new talent stand their ground and challenge issues that are prevalent in the world today through music.
kezia is a 21-year old Tanzanian-American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who creates music that hits on topics like navigating life as a biracial woman, living with mental instability and depression, exploring spirituality, and learning to love through giving love.
“In a world where black women are uninvitedly sexualised, we need to take ownership of feeling strong and cemented in our sexuality. ‘south!’ is about liberty. It’s also about consent!”
British outfit TUITION formed at the start of last year’s lockdown, when they wrote and recorded music from their bedrooms and stayed in touch online.
They will ambitiously release six singles before the end of the year, one of which is ‘IDWTAI (idontwannatalkaboutit)’. This is a heartbreak anthem for everyone who is sick and tired of ending up with their hearts broken, when all they want is to feel loved.
“We called ourselves TUITION because our main writing influences stem from our own life lessons we learn along the way.”
Hailing from Barcelona, Leïti Sène is a rapper, creative and acclaimed actor who is emerging to become one of Spain’s leading artists this year. And with support from Vogue, i-D, VICE, El Pais and more, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world wakes up to this extraordinary talent.
“Releasing this first single from my next album makes me feel very excited, as it’s what I’ve been working on for the last year and it means a big step in so many ways, as well as a change of paradigm for my musical career; it’s something I needed to do and I think it’s a new direction that my audience still doesn’t know about.”
A beautifully emotive and melodic collaboration featuring experimental producer Haquin and indie artist Vaughan.
‘This Feeling’ is largely a piano-based composition that seamlessly fuses elements of indie, downtempo and electronica together to create a luscious sound that feels both melancholic and euphoric in equal measures.
The song itself is about finding a place of peace within something that is suffocating you on the surface level of reality; but ultimately has the capacity to be rehabilitating.
Track of the week. Sometimes a song plays and you know right from the start that the talent will take over the world.
Case in point: LA-based artist OCTAVIO the Dweeb and his release of ‘Someday I’ll Be Happy’. This is anthemic indie-pop at it’s finest, leaving you rooting for this kid to become the next big thing.
“We’re all dweebs in our own way – just trying to fit in and find ourselves. Some people just hide it better than others. I don’t know how the hell I’ve made it this far but we all love to root for an underdog and I’m rooting for me. Hopefully you are too :)”
Distinctive vocals immediately captivate you to listen to ‘Slow’ by the emerging RnB-pop talent Kami Kehoe.
Kehoe’s songwriting has a sense of maturity and confidence that shows this young artist as someone with something to say; knowing how to make her statement heard confidently and clearly.
“‘Slow’ is about the relationships you’ve had as a young person – especially being in an unequal relationship where you’re expected to do things emotionally (or otherwise) that you don’t want do, and learning how to overcome those patterns so they don’t manifest in future relationships. This song is about learning how to be stronger, embracing the power of the word NO, and being more able to hold your own in regards to what your needs are.”
