Category: Music

Zoe Ko – DIRT

Track of the week. If you’re in the mood for some mischievous electronic punk-pop then we’ve got the perfect anthem to share with you today.

‘DIRT’ is the huge new single from rising newcomer Zoe Ko, and was inspired by the artist’s ties to New York City. She explains:

“I’m from NYC baby!! Raised there my whole life. I wouldn’t be the crazy bad bitch I am without it. NYC is often looked down upon for its grit, intense hustle and bustle, garbage on the street, rats, pigeons, cockroaches, scary subways, etc. But to me, though sometimes admittedly not the most wonderful things to endure, those elements of the city were fun, real and influenced me into becoming an adaptable and adventurous person.

When I moved to LA I missed all the grit and dirt NYC had. I missed its rawness and the people in it. Though this is an exaggeration, I found myself surrounded by more girlies in lululemon outfits and drinking Hailey Beiber smoothies in their snazzy cars than ever before. There was a fakeness and showiness to this city that I wasn’t used to.

So a few weeks into living here I walked into Jonny’s (prod and co writer) studio and started ranting about how much I miss NYC and it’s “dirt” and how I didn’t understand where LA was hiding theirs. I loved the word DIRT so much I decided it needed to be turned into a gritty dance track I would hear in one of my favorite clubs in NYC, so I could bring some of NYC’s dirt to the city of angels.  

I’d like to say, now living in LA for 7 months I actually love it here lol. And when I wrote this song I was being a bit insane, dramatic, and homesick HAHAAH.”

Written in collaboration with Jonny Shorr, the track showcases Ko’s phenomenal talent. She’s just been signed to Big Loud Rock, and looks set to take on her biggest year to date.

If you’ve not yet experienced Ko’s work then be sure to check out her 2023 EP ‘Baby Teeth’ (listen here), which landed placements on flagship playlists like  Spotify’s New Music Friday and Apple’s New in Pop.

Zoe Ko

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Husky Loops – Again Replay

Ahead of the weekend comes one of the catchiest bops to grace us here at Alfitude in quite some time, courtesy of London-based trio Husky Loops.

‘Again Replay’ is lifted from the critically acclaimed band’s freshly released ‘ultrarama’ EP (listen here), and treats listeners to an energising blend of indie and electronic pop.

“When I pause for a second and think about all the reasons why I started making music in the first place, ‘ultrarama’ is what being in Husky Loops should feel like. It’s not about pleasing others or fitting to a format: I am writing music that satisfies the need inside me of expressing something real, without overthinking it. We are making the art we want to listen to, the music that can fill the gap between our imagination and what comes out of the speakers. And if no one cares… we do, and that’s the point. We value caring, free flow, curiosity. No social media will change this mindset as our inspiration makes us confident and able to become what we desire to be.” – Danio Forni, Husky Loops

Husky Loops have already picked up praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac (garnering Hottest Record and Tune of The Week on her show), and have toured with global outfits as noted as The Kills, Placebo and David Byrne. They currently command close to 30k listeners on Spotify, while their songs have amassed more than 6 million streams to date.

Husky Loops

New Music: club hearts

If you’re in the mood for some fresh indie-pop then we’ve got a fantastic talent to introduce you to.

Created during quarantine and debuting in 2021, club hearts (aka Barrett Bleeden) has been steadily gaining momentum in recent times.

In fact, the artist sold out iconic American venue El Cid after releasing just one single – a feat never accomplished by anyone before.

As a musician who writes, records and produces all of his songs, it’s no surprise that his new single ‘sweet things’ carries with it a special meaning:

“This song is for your drive home at the end of the night, where the whispers of what could have been are the only thing on your mind. Imagine that first look at your significant other: the warmth, the butterflies, the hope. You envision countless futures in your mind. Years after splitting up, you cross paths again and familiar feelings return.”

If you enjoy clubs hearts as much as we do then you’ll be pleased to learn that the artist has eight songs scheduled for release this year.

club hearts

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Maina Doe – Lucid Dreams

Track of the week. Sydney’s Maina Doe returns with a sensational new single that deserves your immediate attention and praise.

‘Lucid Dreams’ delivers a finessed mix of alternative R&B and indie-pop, similar to sounds crafted by iconic artists like Frank Ocean and Kelela.

Lyrically, the song draws on themes of self-compassion and vanity, with words like ‘How can you go up if you’ve never gone down?’ giving listeners some food for thought.

The artist is currently preparing the release of a new EP, which is scheduled for release soon via Valve Sounds.

Maina Doe

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Jason Ivy – Crush

Rising singer-songwriter, actor and filmmaker Jason Ivy has just unveiled a new single called ‘Crush’.

The track treats listeners to an ethereal fusion of dreamy pop and alternative R&B, while also featuring Ivy’s distinctive falsetto vocals.

Sonically reminiscent to works by Tame Impala and Sadé, this piece of music demonstrates why Ivy is such a hyped talent.

Hailed by Nick Cannon as ‘Chicago’s Future Superstar’, Ivy’s songs have charted globally – from Iceland to Nepal. To date, the artist has amassed more than 600k Spotify streams and picked up support from the likes of Dummy Mag, GQ South Africa and NPR.

Jason Ivy

New Music: Nellie Charles

Manchester has a new R&B starlet and her name is Nellie Charles. If ‘Boss’ is anything to go by, then we anticipate that this artist will hit the mainstream before the end of the year.

With it’s finessed production, smooth vocals and empowering lyricism, the song showcases the very best in emerging British R&B. Speaking on the track, Nellie says:

“As an artist, ‘Boss’ is more than just a song to me – it’s a statement. It embodies my journey of self-discovery and self-respect. This song came from a place of realizing that in any relationship, my voice matters. It’s a celebration of knowing your value and not being afraid to demand the respect you deserve. ‘Boss’ was born out of a moment where I felt the need to express my strength, not just as a woman, but as a person who understands her worth. It’s a reminder to myself and to others that in love and life, we are our own bosses. The process of creating ‘Boss’ was deeply personal and liberating. It’s a blend of my experiences, dreams, and the musical influences that have shaped me as an artist.”

The track sets the tone for Nellie’s upcoming debut EP, which is scheduled for release in the summer. With support from the likes of Notion and WORDPLAY, we think this is one of the UK’s biggest music prospects for 2024.

Nellie Charles

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Erika Sirola – BERNADETTE

Photo / Morrigan Rawson

Track of the week. It’s been quite the while since we featured some high-grade experimental music, so we’re excited to be sharing with you this fabulous new song from Finnish-Canadian star Erika Sirola.

‘BERNADETTE’ is lifted from the artist’s freshly released ‘THE FOUR FACES’ EP (out now), and presents listeners with an intelligent fusion of experimental electronica, alternative pop and hints of funk.

“This EP delves into the core of the self. I’m such an advocate for fluidity in artistry. I’ve witnessed so many who feel they’ve had to sacrifice interesting avenues out of fear they wouldn’t be accepted or understood. The creation of this EP and design collection also marks the first significant step for me in letting go and embracing freedom in ‘all the everything and nothing’ that I am. The Jungian Archetypes profoundly influenced my journey of self-exploration to such an extent that they became the foundation of the songs. Together, they represent ‘the four faces,’ with each song telling the story of a character.”

In addition to the release of the EP, Sirola has also unveiled a corresponding visual world that compliments each of the four songs. Blending sustainability with antiques and armoury, the collection can be found through Basic Space.

Erika Sirola

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

bail bonds – I KNOW THAT I NEED YOU

bail bonds first caught our attention last winter, and we’re pleased to say that he’s still impressing us immensely.

New single ‘I KNOW THAT I NEED YOU’ is a beautifully raw and powerful piece of music, that was inspired by the self-realisation that our own actions can sometimes drive the people we love away. Elaborating further, the artist explains:

“maybe i’m projecting but i feel like a lot of people can understand and relate to the pain of hurting someone you love or even worse, driving them away. this song is about the moment of realisation when it sinks in that you’ve lost the person you needed the most and its all your fault. living with that pain, owning it and walking forward in it until it hopefully hurts a little less. that sounds really heavy but the song and production are tinged with a sense of optimism that evokes striving, persevering and maybe even finding happy endings in unexpected places. the searing, ascendant guitars and massive drop deliver a cathartic sense of washing clean. sometimes ‘there ain’t nothing harder than to ask for help,’ but if you can find the courage, it waits for you.”

If this is your first time experiencing bail bonds’s music then be sure to explore the rest of his catalogue here. This talent’s music has so far been featured by tastemaker outlets as respected as Going Solo and Glide Magazine.

bail bonds

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Corella – Head Underwater

Manchester-formed outfit Corella are back with one of the biggest indie-rock singles of the week, and we’re certain you’ll love it too.

‘Head Underwater’ encapsulates that feeling of letting go, and connecting with your rebellious side. The production is energising and euphoric, making this the perfect weekend anthem.

“‘Head Underwater’ captures that night where you totally let go of your inhibitions. The atmosphere takes control of you and you’re living out your more rebellious alter ego that’s laid dormant in your waking life, drinking and partying till late and perhaps getting up to certain things that you may well regret the next morning.”

Corella have garnered praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Clash Magazine and Radio X. In anticipation of their upcoming ‘Once Upon A Weekend’ debut album (scheduled for release this May), the band will shortly hit the road – performing headline shows and also featuring in some festivals. Full dates listed below.

Corella

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Corella Live Dates 2024 – *headline shows

  • 30th Mar – Stockton Calling
  • 2nd May – Dublin, The Grand Social*
  • 3rd May – Belfast, Limelight 2*
  • 5th May – Liverpool Sound City
  • 6th May – London, Rough Trade East (instore event)
  • 8th May – Edinburgh, The Caves*
  • 9th May – Nottingham, Rough Trade (instore event)
  • 10th May – Birmingham, Mama Roux*
  • 11th May – Leeds, Stylus*
  • 12th May – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms*
  • 14th May – London, KOKO*
  • 15th May – Bristol, Thekla*
  • 16th May – Brighton, The Great Escape Festival
  • 18th May – Utrecht NL, Ekko*
  • 19th May – Cologne GER, Hellios37*
  • 20th May – Hamburg GER, Hebebühne*
  • 21st May – Berlin GER, Prachtwerk*
  • 29th May – Norwich, Arts Centre*
  • 31st May – Manchester, O2 Ritz*
  • 26th July – Tramlines Festival
  • 28th July – Truck Festival
  • 3rd Aug – Kendal Calling
  • 9th Aug – Boardmasters
  • 17th Aug – Hardwick Calling
  • 23rd Aug – Leeds Festival
  • 25th Aug – Reading Festival

Demmy Sober – Practice

If you’re in the mood for some sultry alt-R&B then we have the perfect song for you.

‘Practice’ is by Belgian-American musician Demmy Sober. Produced by PMP and featuring hip-hop talent Blkswn, this track treats listeners to a finessed production and thoughtful lyricism. Speaking on its inspiration, Demmy says:

“The song delves into the universal theme of heartbreak, recounting the experience of repeated breakups and the subsequent return of exes when it’s too late – a realisation that they were merely practice for the next chapter.”

Already an acclaimed artist, Demmy Sober’s music has amassed more than 800k streams to date on Spotify alone. Fans will be happy to learn that a new album is scheduled for release later this year.

Demmy Sober

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New Music: Jake Timeline

One of the most eccentric pop singles released this week comes courtesy of California-based artist Jake Timeline.

‘miss connection’ is a refreshingly unique song that is as intriguing as it is charming. Inspired by romantic mishaps, the track’s playful lyrics are not only relatable, but also entertaining.

“i struggled with only pursuing unavailable people when i first got single as an adult. awkward one night stands, brief intense flings, long-distance flameouts, jilting and getting jilted. on a memorable one my date learned she wasn’t straight mid-hookup 

self-destructive as those relationships may have been, i never found scolding myself to help as much as finding some humor and grace about it all. sure sometimes people find mr./mrs./mx. right, but a lot of life is getting comfortable with ‘miss connection’ 

let my new song ‘miss connection’ be the light and loving soundtrack to your next failed rendezvous”

Alongside his work as a musician, Jake Timeline is also a filmmaker, comedian, and adman. Despite only having four songs under his belt, we think this talent is likely to build up a lot of traction in the future.

Jake Timeline

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Miller Roberts – Leonard Cohen

Australian starlet Miller Roberts returns today with a sublime new single that deserves your attention.

The story behind ‘Leonard Cohen’ is a compelling one. The artist accidentally came across an old note from her partner’s former lover, consequently stirring up emotions which served as the inspiration for the song. Explaining further, Roberts says:

“On a day where I was in Covid quarantine with nothing to do, I took it upon myself to clean my boyfriend’s apartment.

I started looking through records, and stumbled on a vinyl by one of my favourite artists, Leonard Cohen. The album was released posthumously, called ‘You Want it Darker’.

I opened up the record and out, fell a slip of paper with some handwritten words on it. I assumed it to be a lyric sheet, but I slowly realised that this was a poem written by a previous girlfriend and this record was actually a gift.

Finding this little piece of history within my little piece of the present was a rude awakening. My partner had had a life before me. He had loved another; held another; said goodbye to another. 

Naturally, I felt jealous, wary even. But among a host of other feelings, I was really quite impressed. This poem, this remnant of the past, brought to light the baggage of a past love, and, frankly, I couldn’t have planned it better myself if I tried. 

A beautiful poem, inside an iconic record. This girl is a genius. 

And if we ever say goodbye, I’ll be sure to do something just as romantic; just as premeditated; just as brilliant.”

Miller currently commands more than 50k monthly Spotify listeners, while her music has amassed more than five million streams. In our view, she is one of Australia’s most promising talents!

Miller Roberts

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New Music: KITES

British newcomers KITES prove that Northern England is still one of the world’s most prominent pop-rock powerhouse regions.

Anthemic new single ‘Innocence & Gold’ showcases a style of sound that is bold, emotive and confident in tone. The song’s lyrics are inspired by themes of regret, as lead singer Kane Teal explains:

“‘Innocence & Gold’ is a song about longing – about wishing you had spoken to someone, but perhaps you missed the timing, or felt that the right moment never came. It is these fleeting moments of missed opportunity that we tend to regret the most, and can find ourselves haunted by them long after they have passed.”

Despite their relative newness, KITES have already picked up praise from the likes of BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Keep an eye out for these lads – they could quite possibly hit the mainstream soon!

KITES

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New Music: Stinkus

We don’t often get a chance to share slacker rock on Alfitude, so we’re very excited to introduce you to American outfit Stinkus.

Impressively, this talent manages to create a style of music that feels both nostalgic and current at the same time.

New single ‘Rodeo Mary’ is lifted from his upcoming debut album, which is scheduled for release this April. On the lyrics, he says:

“It’s about someone with undiagnosed BPD.”

While we still don’t know much about Stinkus, we can confirm that we’re already big fans. You can explore more of the artist’s music on his Spotify here.

Stinkus

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Kai Bosch – Funny

Rising UK artist Kai Bosch is back with one of the biggest single of the week, and we can’t wait to share it with you all.

‘Funny’ is lifted from the musician’s upcoming ‘Love, Throw Me A Bone’ EP (out 26th April), and presents listeners with an eccentric blend of indie and alt-pop. Explaining the song further, Kai says:

“‘Funny’ was a total accident for me, I usually like to write about things in hindsight when I can look at something from a distance where I can be a lot more reflective and poetic in my dissection of something – however, with ‘Funny’ I came into that studio angry!

“I had been having a really terrible week, I bumped into my ex on the tube for the first time since we broke up and he was a totally different person – that broke my heart all over again, but to make matters worse I found out the next day that he was in a relationship with someone else, and had been since we broke up.

“I went through such a whirlwind of emotions, but eventually settled on anger, so when I rocked up to the studio with my friend Gabe Coulter I ended up word-vomiting the most unfiltered and unsubtle thoughts into that microphone.

“As a whole, ‘Funny’ explores the resentment and anger that I feel for my ex, but also how embarrassing I find it that I spent so long yearning for him – every time that I held my breath going past his stop on the tube, looking for his face in a sea of commuters at rush hour, six months of hoping we would cross paths again and reunite as something other than strangers only to find he had been with someone else the whole time – soul crushing!”

Kai’s songs have so far amassed more than a million cumulative streams on Spotify. Keep an eye on this kid – he’s one to watch!

Kai Bosch

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Kai Bosch upcoming performances

  • Apr 30 – Prince Albert, Brighton
  • May 1 – The Social, London
  • May 2 – The Castle Hotel, Manchester
  • May 3 – Poetry Club, Glasgow

Sophie Sutton – Nurse

If you’re in the mood for some 90’s inspired alt-rock then we’ve got a fabulous new song to share with you, courtesy of acclaimed singer and songwriter Sophie Sutton.

‘Nurse’ is one of our favourite tracks of the week. With its catchy melody, heartbreaking lyrics, and beautifully textured production (by Brian Trahan), we’re quite certain you’ll fall in love with this song as much as we have.

Despite only releasing a handful of singles so far, Sutton has already amassed more than 350k streams on Spotify. The artist will release a new EP soon, called ‘My Worst & Best’. In the meantime, be sure to check out her other songs here.

Sophie Sutton

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New Music: LONA

Fans of UPSAHL and PVRIS will most likely enjoy German newcomer LONA. This promising artist has just unveiled her debut – and it’s a banger!

‘Crash’ is self-described by LONA as her ‘taking someone for granted anthem’. In terms of the sound, the track showcases an impressive production that treats us to a bold and energising fusion of pop and indie-rock.

“As a hypersensitive person, I demand a lot from my partner and regularly rely on their support. Fully aware that our protective shield thins with each instance, I seek stability while inadvertently sabotaging myself.”

While this is the first time we feature LONA, we suspect it won’t be the last – she might just be one of Germany’s newest rock prospects!

LONA

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Lucy Clearwater + Emily Brimlow – In My Drunkenness

American starlets Lucy Clearwater and Emily Brimlow have just released a gorgeous new collaboration called ‘In My Drunkenness’.

Serving as a taster to Clearwater’s forthcoming ‘APRIL’ EP, the song presents listeners with a beautifully melodic mix of folk, acoustic pop and Americana.

Despite its subdued and fragile style of sound, this song hits hard with its deeply personal and emotive lyrics:

“It outlines the all-too-familiar feeling of missing an ex and the inability to remove them from ones mind whilst in a drunken state.”

Both artists are currently building significant momentum. Brimlow commands more than 156k monthly listeners on Spotify, while Brimlow’s songs have amassed over 300k streams to date.

Lucy Clearwater | Emily Brimlow

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Jordyn – Happening

Photo / Kevin Ray Orange

For those of you who have had a tough week, we’ve got you covered. Acclaimed Nashville artist Jordyn is back today with an uplifting new single called ‘Happening’.

The track treats listeners to an infectious blend of funk, soul and disco-pop, while the lyrics offer us some sage wisdom:

“In life, hard times are inevitable; but so are good times, and neutral times, and everything in between. On tough days, it’s brought me a lot of comfort to understand that it’s just life happening. I can run from it and cause more suffering, or just accept it, extract the lessons and move forward”.

Jordyn is an artist with many talents. Not only is he a singer, but also a songwriter, rapper and vocal producer who has been praised by industry icons as noted as Motown founder Berry Gordy. An upcoming album is on the way, called ‘Innersections’ (out 5th April).

Jordyn

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Tadhg Daly – How’s Your Day Been?

Irish singer and songwriter Tadhg Daly returns today with powerful new single called ‘How’s Your Day Been?’

The song treats listeners to a captivating fusion of indie, rock and alternative pop. Lyrically, the track looks at the emotional complexities of being in a ‘situationship’. The artist explains:

“‘How’s your day been?’ is the first track from an EP that documents the journey of 2 emotionally broken and unavailable people falling in love. It’s a song for anyone that feels like they might be catching feelings for their ‘situationship’ but are too scared to admit it. It’s for anyone that is craving a more meaningful conversation than a token “how’s your day been?” before getting into someone’s bed.”

To date, this London-based talent has amassed more than 4 million career streams. Tadhg performs at London’s iconic Lexington on the 16th April – tickets available here.

Tadhg Daly

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