Music - New Music

New Music: Baby J

Track of the week (and arguably, the entire year so far). Baby J is a Miami-based newcomer who has just released a debut that has immediately won us over.

‘Run Like Crazy’ is stunning on every level. A minimal yet impactful production delivers hypnotic beats that are instantly captivating.

And within that soundscape, Baby J’s beautiful vocals perform lyrics that inspire us to stay optimistic in our quest for happiness in life.

The song is taken from the artist’s ’13:7′ EP, which is available to stream now. Interestingly, the title comes from the verse John 13:7 in the Bible, which says, ‘You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’

Baby J

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: rarish

We’ve got a hugely exciting new outfit to share with you today, hailing from the musical mecca of Nashville.

rarish craft a style of sound that is distinctly unique. Blending elements of alt-pop with R&B and indie, their music feels experimental but also playful.

Their debut single was released today, and it’s called ‘get high’. Despite its uplifting production, the lyrics look at the toxicity of being in a relationship when one person is taken for granted by the other.

“‘get high’ is about a parasitic relationship in which one person makes themselves available on a whim for the other, who takes advantage of the former’s time and emotional energy.”

While we don’t really know much about this duo yet, we’re quite sure they’ll be ones to watch in a very short space of time.

rarish

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Strawberry Launch – Bad Luck

We’re still only in the summer of 2024, but it’s already been one of the most chaotic and unpredictable years we’ve ever gone through (for us, at least).

But with every uncertainty comes the fact that, whether we want to or not, we just have to fight through and carry on. American outfit Strawberry Launch captures the sentiment wonderfully with their pop-rock ballad, ‘Bad Luck’.

Meeting her for dinner / you turn a blind eye
Yeah I think you should leave him / and you ask my why
It’s just bad luck, just a bad deal, it’s just bad luck, just a bad year

The song is lifted from the group’s freshly released EP of the same name, which includes four more bangers that are definitely worth playing very loudly in your homes. So pick yourselves up and dance through the mess… good days will come!

Strawberry Launch

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

CloudNone x Linney – Quiet Of My Mind

Your dance anthem this weekend comes courtesy of acclaimed producer CloudNone, with their Linney collaboration, ‘Quiet Of My Mind’.

At its core, this is a polished EDM bop, but on a deeper level, the track delivers a certain essence of emotion, which is amplified by Linney’s sincere vocal delivery. The lyrics are introspective and thoughtful, encouraging listeners to seek solitude from within themselves.

“This song is about that place of peace that we all hold internally, our mental happy places that makes the real world around us a little easier to manage. We hope this song brings you a refreshing sense of solitude. With love, CloudNone & Linney”

CloudNone has become one of dance music’s most inspiring names. Their work has landed placements on iconic video games like Fortnite, while their DJ performances have supported global names including Tiesto and Martin Garrix.

Linney is a renowned vocalist and musician who has achieved critical praise from tastemakers as noted as EARMILK and Kings of A&R, as well as racking up more than 80 million Spotify streams.

CloudNone | Linney

Elise Elvira – My Girls

One of our favourite Scandinavian talents to emerge this year is Elise Elvira. As a triple-threat artist who is a performer, songwriter, and producer, it’s clear Elvira is a naturally adept musician.

The new single ‘My Girls’ is a refreshingly distinctive summer bop. This track was co-produced alongside Fabio Trimarchi and lyrically focuses on the importance of healthy female friendships.

The production is experimental and unexpected, yet it still maintains a playful pop sensibility that is charming and intriguing in equal measures. A very special sound from a very unique artist!

Elise Elvira

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Beach For Tiger – Closing That Door

London’s Beach For Tiger return with one of their most impressive releases to date. If you’re craving some smooth, soulful psychedelic disco, then ‘Closing That Door’ is the song for you.

As we’ve come to expect from this outfit, the track draws listeners into a heady soundscape that is hazy and dreamy in style. Lyrically, the song touches on the moments that we experience when we worry about something beautiful in our possession disappearing.

“‘Closing That Door’ is all about feeling like you are on the edge of something amazing, but worrying that it is too good to be true and could one day be gone.”

The band has amassed more than 1.7 million career streams to date on Spotify, while commanding over 7k monthly listeners on the platform.

Beach for Tiger

PawPaw Rod – Shadow

We’ve come to learn that American singer and songwriter PawPaw Rod’s name has become synonymous with artistic excellence.

The acclaimed musician’s latest offering, ‘Shadow’, is an introspective piece of music that effortlessly blends indie with smoky funk tones and retro-tinged soul. Speaking on the new single, PawPaw Rod explains:

“‘Shadow’ is about wanting to know more about yourself. Your shadow is like your inner child, and part of getting older is acknowledging that part of you and allowing it to exist within you. You can’t be afraid of your own shadow – you have to embrace it wholeheartedly.”

The artist will shortly embark on a massive North American tour that culminates in San Francisco in November. Dates and locations are listed here, although fans across the globe can still enjoy the singer’s catalogue of songs on Spotify.

PawPaw Rod

Tinsley – Hard to Love

Rising American indie-pop talent Tinsley returns with a weekend-ready bop today, called ‘Hard to Love’.

Despite its sad lyricism, which looks at nursing broken hearts and suffering the insecurities of being in a toxic relationship, the track presents us with an energising electronic production that is reminiscent of Swedish superstar Robyn’s style of work.

“It’s about heartbreak and feeling like a second choice in a relationship.”

The song was written by the artist herself, and features production from Timothy Robert Graham. To date, Tinsley’s music has amassed more than 140k cumulative streams on Spotify, and has received airplay from noted radio stations like KEXP 90.3.

Tinsley

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Ella Thompson

Fans of Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Alicia Keys will have a new starlet to fall in love with, going by the name of Ella Thompson.

If melancholic soul music is to your taste, then ‘Let There Be Nothing’ will hit all the right spots. Dramatic, moving, and beautifully heartbreaking, the song looks at the pains of accepting circumstances, but also finds the hope in new beginnings.

“‘Let There Be Nothing’ is a song about accepting something for what it is, without trying to change or fix it – and then making the choices you need to make. That moment of realisation can be sad and incredibly difficult, but on the other side is freedom.”

“The dominoes in the video represent the interdependent structures of patriarchy, racism and capitalism. How do these structures impact our choices and what are we willing to sacrifice? Ultimately we need an overhaul if we are to have freedom for everybody.”

Thompson has amassed more than half a million streams on Spotify, while also garnering praise from the likes of CLASH, KEXP, and Ones to Watch. There’s not enough 60’s-inspired music being released these days, so Thompson’s work is a welcome breath of fresh air to us.

Ella Thompson

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Make Friends – Groans

Track of the week. The UK really is a hotbed for emerging indie-rock bands, and this week’s release of ‘Groans’ by Make Friends proves that case nicely.

Having garnered support from tastemaker legends like Wonderland Magazine, CLASH, and Radio 1, it comes as no surprise that the Bristol-based group has returned with a sensational track that reaffirms their status as one of the country’s hottest prospects.

The song perfectly balances indie with rock and pop, and was lyrically inspired by our natural tendencies to overthink the little things in life.

“‘Groans’ is a song about all the little things that go wrong. The song is about reflecting on yourself and understanding all the things that push people apart. The song paints a picture of different scenarios in which you may have overthought a situation or something hasn’t felt right … the ‘Groans’ of yesterday.”

Make Friends perform at London’s iconic Old Blue Last in Shoreditch tomorrow (tickets here). If you’re not in town, you can still experience more of the band’s brilliant music on Spotify.

A new EP, written and produced with Ed Nash (Bombay Bicycle Club), is scheduled for release on the 13th September 2024.

Make Friends

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Mingo Drive

It’s taken a good old while for Mingo Drive to debut their music. Despite forming in 2018, this four-piece outfit from Tulsa only started releasing music this year.

‘Color Blind Stories’ is the group’s new single and is very much a case of good things coming to those who wait.

The track’s production is stylistically reminiscent of indie icons like The Killers, while the melody is infectiously memorable and is certain to stay in your minds all day.

We’re not sure what comes next for Mingo Drive, but whatever it is, we’re here for it!

Mingo Drive

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Claire Brooks

LA talent Claire Brooks is most definitely a name to watch. Having already amassed more than half a million Spotify streams to date, this rising starlet is quickly gaining traction thanks to her style of work, which fuses a whole range of genres together into distinctive and special sounds.

‘Hibernation’ is released today alongside another track called ‘Slowly Towards the Door‘, and delivers a captivating alt-pop and R&B production that showcases both Brooks’s sonic and lyrical artistry.

If you enjoy Claire’s music, then we strongly suggest you give her latest EP, titled ‘The Human Experience‘, a listen. In our humble view, Brooks is a hugely exciting newcomer that deserves to be on everyone’s radar.

Claire Brooks

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Sadye – Taste for Blood

Sadye is carving a name for herself as one of Canada’s most unconventional pop newcomers, and the release of her new single ‘Taste for Blood’ shows you why.

From the moment you press play on this track, you’re presented with a dark yet energising sound that instantly grips you. It’s as cinematic as dance-pop gets, and it’s sure to win this emerging talent even more new fans.

“The lyrics describe how I’ve conquered my demons and how I’m ready to do that for someone else now—and not just that I’m ready, but that I’m craving it. I think the song sounds like what love feels like for me. Like this wild, cinematic fantasy. It’s demon slayer, it’s outlaw, it’s a different kind of love song. Mike and Nico made it into the western, glam, symphony of my dreams. I think if you listen it’ll give you that beautiful, uneasy feeling of “no turning back.”

As a sign of her ever-growing popularity, Sadye’s music has been featured on flagship playlists like Spotify’s New Pop Picks, Apple’s New in Alternative, and Amazon’s Breakthrough Pop, as well as on noted TV placements.

Sadye

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Solace

Birmingham has a new indie band to be proud of, and they go by the name of Solace. This emerging outfit (consisting of band members Kieran Sparkes, Joel Hampton, Lee Hollis, Will Scott, and Daniel White) creates energising songs that feel raw and emotive while also maintaining mainstream appeal.

Their new single ‘Trying’ treats us to some of the finest rock that the UK has to offer right now. It’s bold, loud, and anthemic, and it might well be their breakthrough hit.

“Our third song, ‘Trying’, has just been released, and we couldn’t be more excited for you to hear it. We poured our hearts into this song, and we hope it resonates with you as much as it does with us.”

If you’re based in the Midlands, then you can catch the group performing alongside The Viz, Tennant, and Louie Walsh on the 19th July at Rainbow Birmingham – tickets can be found here.

Solace

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Sam Setton – 8 Years New Tears

New York’s Sam Setton is back today with a beautifully melodic new single called ‘8 Years New Tears’.

Alongside its finessed production, which blends alternative R&B with dreamy pop, the track’s introspective and refreshingly honest lyrics make this one of the most sincere and heartfelt releases that we’ve come across this week.

“Ultimately, the song conveys a message about the unpredictability of life, the importance of self-reflection, and the inevitable changes and growth that come with time.”

Sam first rose to prominence in 2018 and has been winning followers ever since. To date, he commands more than 10k monthly Spotify listeners, while his songs have accumulated more than five million streams.

‘8 Years New Tears’ is lifted from the artist’s freshly released album of the same name, which you can stream in full glory here.

Sam Setton

New Music: Tatum Gale

Track of the week. One of the most impressive newcomers to emerge from the States this summer is Tatum Gale, who just unveiled a gem of a song today.

‘Your Day’ is a melodic indie-pop track that incorporates elements of breakbeat, resulting in a shimmering piece of music. Alongside its thoughtful production, Gale’s vocals are presented in a mellow yet captivating way, which is utterly mesmerising to experience.

“‘Your Day’, a song about offering solace.”

The track is not only sonically distinct, but also beautifully constructed. We’re already obsessed with this talent, and can’t wait to explore more of his work when he releases his new EP later this year.

Tatum Gale

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Sister Ghost – Dark Matter

If you’re not yet familiar with the work of Irish musician Sister Ghost, then today’s release of ‘Dark Matter’ could be an ideal introduction.

Inspired by the distinctive productions from iconic outfits like Simple Minds and Tears for Fears, this track balances an energising production with bittersweet lyrics. The result is a sound that is energising and bold, yet also nostalgic in character. Elaborating on the song’s lyricism, the artist says:

“I wrote the lyrics for this song after being moved to tears watching the French film ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ by Céline Sciamma, as I really felt it echoed some of my own queer experiences. That’s also why there’s some French in the bridge section of the song, which translates to ‘my love, she glows in the fire’. The chorus phrase ‘dark matter, pour over me’ just came to me out of nowhere, and when I looked into it I found that dark matter in science is defined as being unseen or invisible, so then it made sense to me to use it as a device to convey the alienation and sadness queer people feel when they have to hide their true selves or walk away from relationships due to queer-specific circumstance.” – Shannon Delores O’Neill (Sister Ghost).

Sister Ghost has been praised by the likes of KEXP as well as The Guardian, BBC Radio 1, and 6 Music. The artist has also performed alongside noted indie bands such as We Are Scientists, Shellac, and Fontaines DC.

Sister Ghost

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

townsend – death of me

Nashville’s townsend returns with an interesting new single that’s managed to blend electronic pop with country in the most tasteful way imaginable.

‘death of me’ treats us to a production that feels nostalgic while also feeling fresh. It’s a song that’s sure to land on many people’s playlists this summer, and rightfully so.

“country but make it hyperpop”

Alongside its sonic brilliance, townsend’s vocals add a sense of sincerity that is emotive and heartfelt.

The track is taken from the artist’s upcoming EP, which is scheduled for release later this year.

townsend

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Leonard Wellington

Leonard Wellington is a rising Dutch artist who is currently based in the cultural hotspot of Berlin. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, this talent is making waves with his distinctive indie sounds.

‘Ive been feeling’ is a summer-ready anthem that thoughtfully blends pop and rock together, while at the same time, the artist compliments the song with a raw yet soulful vocal performance.

“As I embark on this musical expedition, I invite you to join me, to explore the depths of the human experience through the power of song. Let’s create something unforgettable together – a testament to the beauty of vulnerability and the strength found in embracing our true selves.”

Despite releasing only a handful of singles so far, we see a tonne of potential for this musician. This is one of the Netherlands’ most promising newcomers, so we suggest you keep him on your radars!

Leonard Wellington

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Vilhelm Buchaus – Dying Light

Swedish singer and songwriter Vilhelm Buchaus is back with another teaser from his highly anticipated upcoming EP, and we can’t wait to feature it for you today.

New single ‘Dying Light’ is a powerful rock-pop banger that was inspired by the artist’s yearning for adventure. Elaborating on the lyrics, Buchaus says:

“’Dying Light’ is a song I wrote about growing up and longing for something more in life. I grew up in a small town and have always felt limited by the repetitive and safe everyday life that comes with it. Much of the longing for something else that I felt as a child has gone into the writing and inspired, among other things, this song.”

This musician currently commands more than 14k monthly Spotify listeners, while his songs have already garnered over 600k streams. With such a natural flair for songwriting, we anticipate that Buchaus will grow to become a Scandinavian sensation very soon.

Vilhelm Buchaus

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this:

Like this: