A Toronto-based talent with a flair for creating catchy, atmospheric electro-pop songs. This track is all about the overwhelming feelings of wanting to be with someone who you really like, but they’re out of reach.
New Music: Lyle Kam
Category: Music
MAY-A – Apricots
This is the kind of song we need in our lives right now… The lyricism reminds us that we are just all humans who have no idea how the world will end up shaping us.
Watch: Lauv & Conan Gray – Fake
“Lauv and I wrote Fake while we were just hanging and ranting about those two faced people everybody knows. Those people who say one thing and do the other, people who constantly talk trash about their own friends. We wanted to make something fun you can scream in the car to, a song to flip a bird at those types of people.” – Conan Gray
Kyle Lux – Are You in Love?
Say, what are you here for?
What do you live for?
What did you do to me that makes me wanna live more
How did you get here? How do you see more?
Who do you think about when you’re bored
New Music: Witch Prophet
I’m so stoked to be featuring one of Canada’s most exciting and unique talents that you may never have heard of.
And actually, as far as introductions go, this stunning short film (directed by Leah Vlemmik) is a wonderful way to learn more about Witch Prophet; a queer, Ethiopian/ Eritrean, singer-songwriter who blends hip-hop, jazz, and soul seamlessly together.
The film is inspired by Witch Prophet’s late grandfather, who raised five daughters as a single dad in Ethiopia. These visuals, along with with the beautifully intricate soundscape crafted by Witch Prophet come together in a perfect harmony to tell a story that is totally immersive and captivating.
Taken from the Polaris Music Prize nominated album ‘DNA Activation’ which you can listen to here.
New Music: Miloe
SL – Felt Tips
UK super-talent SL’s release of ‘Felt Tips’ coincides with the announcement of his foundation, which he set up recently in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The fund will see him pledge to donate a minimum of £100,000 to charities that empower young people from all ethnicities across Britain (before extending the reach to his grandparents’ community in Nigeria).
A true star in the making, and one who has already set his sights at trying to help fix the world we live in, while still aged just 19-years old.
Zachary Knowles – super sad songs
Texan wonder-kid Zachary Knowles continues to impress with his unique approach to RnB and pop on this mellow slice of perfection.
“I’m always searching for new music, so I have a lot of inspiration from artists who are still emerging. I don’t sit down and think about what kind of song I write – if I hear a cool beat, I’m gonna write a song around it.”
THEY. – Losing Focus (with Wale)
The perfect blend of melancholic RnB and soulful hip hop.
“I wrote this one during a bit of a rough patch. It was weird time when it felt like a lot of things were getting off track, relationships, business, just everything. I was spending a lot of time in the studio alone drinking and just kinda let it all pour out.” – Dante Jones, THEY.
Taken from ‘The Amanda Tape’ which is set for release 23rd October via Avant Garden/ Island Records.
New Music: MOY
A Glasgow-based indie rock outfit who craft sounds that hark back to 90’s grunge while still feeling modern and relatable.
“’At My Door’ was written about escapism, a chance encounter with someone significant who takes you to a new place, wanting to return and when you can’t, the reflection and understanding of the truth that is staring you right in the face. that you can’t go back.”
New Music: LANNDS
A distinctively refreshing fusion of indie, pop and RnB that’s pieced together with powerful lyricism.
“For me this song in ways express being radical and taking up space. I think you can make it your own meaning but the main concept that sticks out to me is just being free and true to yourself. We wanted this song to have a very triumphant feel in this so we really tried to push that in the production as well. I think it in so many ways represent the feelings a lot of people of colour feel right now, especially with BLM and the way the world is operating right now. I want this song to be a representation of us and our time and I want people to know that we were on the right side of history.” – Rania Woodard, LANNDS
Dylan Fraser – I Do These Things For Me
Track of the week. An almighty sound that exudes intensity in an epic fashion. Dark, powerful and utterly compelling.
Taken from debut EP ‘The Storm’ which is out on 23rd October and can be pre-saved here.
Watch: Joesef – Does It Make You Feel Good?
Self-taught indie-soul sensation Joesef unveils new visuals to celebrate the release of new EP ‘Does It Make You Feel Good?’ which is out now via AWAL.
“This EP draws a line under a relationship that I’ve written about in ‘Play Me Something Nice’ – if that EP felt more hopeful, this is the end game. The bitterness, and the lies that stem from fading love, to the aftermath of dealing with loss and regret, and finally taking responsibility for my own actions. I don’t really give much away ever, so it will always make me feel uncomfortable sharing such personal aspects of my life, but maybe if it can help me work some shit out, it could help somebody else too.”
Rose Gray – Nothing Can Stop Us
This cover by Rose Gray of the classic hit ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’ by Saint Etienne is nothing short of genius. If this kid wants to bring the 90’s back in 2020 then I’m here for it!
“Saint Etienne is my favourite band. I’ve fallen in love with their music. ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’ was originally released in 1991, when the UK 90s dance scene was just being born. It’s an era of music I am fascinated by; I wasn’t born but maybe somehow through my mother’s eyes I partied to it. This song entwines dance music, 60s samples and incredible melody and melancholy.“
ELIO – Jackie Onassis
Giveon – Stuck On You
I can’t say ‘I love you’ no more
‘Cause my friends gonna judge me for sure
It took some time but I realised
You do me wrong, but it feels right
Joe Avio – Worst In Me
Another month, another outstanding release from Joe Avio. This track flirts between pop and RnB and is spellbindingly catchy.
Menke – Echo of Youth – Story Behind The Music (Short Film)
Today marks World Mental Health Day across the globe; a time to remember that pain can hurt just as much when it’s unseen, as it is seen.
With that in mind, Swedish singer Menke has released a deeply personal short film to accompany the collection of songs from ‘Echo of Youth‘ that were written over a ten year period when her life was turned upside down as a result of depression in her family.
During that time, Menke had to move from Berlin where she was performing as a folk singer, back home to her native Sweden to look after her 13-year old sister.
Their mother had lost the ability to function as a parent due to her deep depression, and Menke had to step up and look after her sibling full time.
The EP is heartfelt a story of struggle, and the departure of youth as one transitions to adulthood.
“We recorded the songs in one long take, not track by track. I wanted to capture a human and close feel – the withered and the exposed.“
Niko B – Quick Drive
Niko B’s latest release is proof that this talent really does have an uncanny ability to create joy through music with natural ease. Something we all need this year!
“‘Quick Drive’ was made for people to bop to and to remind them of the end of summer. It’s a very end of summer kinda song gives people a feeling to look back on all the memories they made. I imagine all my songs to be sung at Karaoke when i’m like 50 and I feel like this song does just that too. Very fun and boppy.”
Sam Wills – Turn Back
Sam Wills returns with a perfected slice of British RnB, constructed with the help of two hugely talented producers: Linden Jay (Lloyle Carner, Sinead Harnett) and Phairo (SG Lewis, Disclosure).