Category: Music

Kacey Fifield – Never Reply

Words can’t express how hard we’ve fallen in love with American singer-songwriter Kacey Fifield’s new single, ‘Never Reply’.

The track’s production treats us to a mesmerising fusion of indie- pop and classic rock, while the relatable lyrics tell of the contrasting emotions that we experience when trying to recover from painful emotions.

“This song plays on the idea of claiming to no longer care about a person who hurt me in the past, while making it painfully obvious that I actually care way too much.”

The song was co-written by Michael Kamerman and Sam Beresford, and is taken from Kacey’s forthcoming ‘Nostalgia Haunts Me’ EP. Explaining further, the artist says:

“Channeling the light, beachy vibes of Lorde’s ‘Solar Power’ record, the track creates an almost hauntingly optimistic tone, evoking the feeling of knowing something is too good to be true. The idea that I’ve moved on from this person to the point at which I wish I could go back in time and ‘never reply’ to them is in fact too good to be true, since the rest of the EP showcases the fact that pretending to not feel these emotions only makes them stronger.”

To date, Kacey’s music has been streamed over 6 million times, and currently attracts more than 40k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

Kacey Fifield

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Libby Whitehouse – OMG

Brighton pop artist Libby Whitehouse is here with one of the biggest bops of the week!

‘OMG’ is an anthemic slice of pop bliss that tells of the singer’s desire to meet the perfect man. The song was written and recorded in Sweden, and carries with it that perfected Scandinavian style of production that always hits the spot. Elaborating further on the track, Libby says:

“I wrote this song in 2022 after just landing in Stockholm, getting stuck in knee-deep snow dragging my humongous suitcase to Dino’s [Medanhodzic] studio, where I met him and Maia [Wright] for the first time. I got into a rant about how I missed two things 1) the Summer and 2) the feeling of fancying someone (because absolutely no one was doing it for me!). I remember saying ‘I miss that OMG feeling!’ so we wrote a song about the butterflies, newness and excitement. I feel like it was a manifestation, which worked, as a month later I met my boyfriend!” 

Libby already commands a huge following on social media, and looks set to have a stellar year ahead that is sure to see her name propelled into the British music mainstream.

Libby Whitehouse

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New Music: OTHERS

We’ve got some fresh new UK talent for you today, in the form of Pontypridd trio OTHERS.

Consisting of Grammy nominated songwriter Danny, award-winning director Lewys, and professional guitarist Mark, this promising outfit create a style of alt-pop that is both future-forward and bold in character.

‘Lose It’ is the band’s latest single, and was lyrically inspired by the raw emotions that can arise from losing your composure.

“’Lose It’ felt like the culmination of years of searching for our sound. The moment we wrote it, I knew it had to lead as the debut single. It captures that sensation of losing grip on reality, when every attempt at calm evaporates, and you cross the threshold of no return.” – Danny Lafrombe, OTHERS

Despite only releasing a handful of songs to date, OTHERS have already gained more than 350k cumulative streams on Spotify.

OTHERS

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New Music: Maina Doe

Australian starlet Maina Doe is here with a sensational new single called ‘Witness’. Serving as a taster to the artist’s upcoming EP, the track delights its listeners with a finessed fusion of alternative R&B and stripped-back pop.

Doe’s music has been streamed more than a million times on Spotify. In addition to her ever-growing base of followers, the artist has also picked up support from the likes of Triple J, Notion Magazine, BBC Radio 1xtra and Rinse FM.

Maina Doe

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Jon Vinyl – Clouds

Track of the week. Can we ever get enough of Jon Vinyl? The short answer is simply no! The Canadian soul superstar returns today with yet another mesmerising song called ‘Clouds’.

The track further affirms the Canadian’s ease at crafting beautiful tracks that are not only impressive in their production, but also lyrically and melodically enchanting.

It’s no surprise to learn that this talent has already found praise from some of the world’s most respected tastemakers – from BBC Radio 1Xtra, Billboard and MTV to Beats1 and Apple Music.

If you’re based in North America then you can catch the artist live on his HEARTBREAK HILL tour from March – with shows all across the US and Canada. Full details here.

Jon Vinyl

Helen – Pretty Privilege

Fans of Flo Milli, Doja Cat, and Beyoncé will most likely also enjoy Washington, D.C. artist Helen, who has just released a sleek R&B-pop bop for your enjoyment.

Despite its playful production, ‘Pretty Privilege’ carries a serious message that reminds listeners to empower themselves- regardless of how society perceives them.

“It’s meant to challenge conventional standards and celebrate the empowerment of individuals irrespective of societal judgments.”

If this is the first time you experience Helen’s music, then check out her 6-track debut EP ‘ubiquitous’ here. The artist’s music has so far amassed more than a million streams on Spotify, so be sure to keep your eye on this kid!

Helen

Leila Jane – Love Will Come Rushing

Dublin artist Leila Jane has been one of Ireland’s most interesting pop talents in recent years.

Aside from her distinctive vocals, this gifted musician is also capable of translating her truest thoughts and emotions into sincere and heartfelt lyrics.

New single ‘Love Will Come Rushing’ seems like a suitable song for Valentine’s Day, as it symbolises the constant cycle between struggle and growth. On its inspiration, Jane says:

“I wrote the song as a result of my experience taking part in the Irish national final of the Eurovision last year.”

To date, Leila’s music has collectively garnered more than 100k streams on Spotify, while her work has been praised by the likes of RTE Radio 1 and Hot Press Magazine.

Leila Jane

New Music: Daisybox

Hailing from the US is promising newcomer Daisybox (aka Taylor Hottenstein). With each single that this musician releases, he finds his fan base growing – thanks to his captivating style of sound which can be described as melancholic pop rock.

Hottenstein began writing music following the death of his brother. The artist realised that songwriting was a meaningful way for him to process his emotions, and facilitate his healing.

‘Someone Else’ is the singer’s latest release, and tells the story of two lovers who are starting to drift way from one another. Hottenstein explains:

“This song is about a couple who love each other, but have lost their spark. The verses refer to their relationship real time while the chorus is a hypothetical situation where the main character sees their lover out in public with someone else. It’s meant to be about holding on to love.”

Daisybox

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Sick Love – Ricochet

Photo: Glen Bollard / Sick Love

Dublin indie kids Sick Love return with a powerful new single that is sure to propel their momentum across the globe.

‘Ricochet’ is an unashamedly bold and immensely inspiring song that instructs us to follow our chosen destinies in life, no matter what hurdles come our way.

“‘Ricochet’ is a song about standing up for your dreams and following your own path, even when the world thinks you should give up. It’s about believing in yourself, blocking out the hate and riding your own wave no matter what anybody else thinks.”

The track serves as a taster to the band’s forthcoming (and highly anticipated) debut album, which is out in the spring.

With support from BBC Radio 1 already under their belt, you can be sure that Sick Love will become one of Ireland’s biggest musical exports in 2024.

Sick Love

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SOCKiTTOME – disguise

This weekend’s biggest bop comes courtesy of UK artist SOCKiTTOME (aka Matt Carter).

‘disguise’ is a self-crafted piece of indie-pop gold. Aside from its perfected production and catchy melody, the song’s lyrics are also sure to resonate with many listeners. Elaborating on the track’s inspiration, Carter explains:

“‘disguise’ is a song written and produced by myself from my bedroom studio. it’s a song about parasocial relationships and dealing with the fallout when that person you idolise is ultimately a facade hiding a more corrupt background – but in a more general sense it’s about how we all have to put on a front in order to hide our true selves.”

To date, SOCKiTTOME’s music has picked up praise from outlets like BBC Wales, The Luna Collective, and Its All Indie, while his songs have amassed almost 500k streams on Spotify alone.

SOCKiTTOME

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New Music: Gaby K

Photo / Amy Lauffer Neff

If you’ve yet to experience Gaby K’s music then get ready to fall in love with this rising UK singer.

Inspired by modern-day icons like Amy Winehouse, Jessie Reyez and Amber Mark, this musician crafts a distinctive style of R&B-pop that has already picked up praise from tastemakers as respected as Wonderland and Earmilk.

Melodic new single ‘Call Me’ is lifted from the artist’s freshly released ‘Get to Love You’ EP (listen here), of which she says:

“Although the journey starts with falling in love with someone, this is just the beginning of how I grew to be the person I am now; alone, happy and I have finally found love for myself as an individual. I still have me and I am enough. I hope others will resonate with this too and that it helps them not only heal from any pain, but also reminds them not to sacrifice their well-being for others. It is a journey of losing someone but also finding yourself again. I believe that the most important love is self-love and putting your own health and happiness at the forefront.”

Gaby K is also a skilled live performer, and has supported Olivia Dean and Pip Millett on the respective tours. As far as emerging UK talent goes, this is one artist to watch for in 2024.

Gaby K

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Piper 57 – Love Bombing

German talent Piper 57 has built an impressive fanbase over the years, thanks to her refreshingly bold lyricism and punchy pop productions. Energising new single ‘Love Bombing’ is no exception.

The track was inspired by a series of dates that the artist had with an older gentleman, who seemingly had his life settled – but in reality was battling some inner problems that were not immediately evident.

The song offers listeners a glimpse into the world of ‘sugar dating’, and will no doubt only increase interest in this hugely promising pop starlet.

Piper 57

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boerd + Boko Yout – Lavendel

We’re so excited to be sharing with you the second collaboration from Swedish artists boerd (aka Bård Ericson) and Boko Yout (aka Paul Adamah).

‘Lavendel’ (Swedish for ‘lavender’) is the latest teaser from the musicians’ forthcoming ‘Griot’ EP (out 15th March), and presents listeners with a melancholic fusion of alt-pop and downtempo. Speaking on the song’s lyrics, Adamah says:

“Since high school, I have struggled with my sleep. I wake up several times during the night and feel restless as if someone or something is waking me up. Lavendel resembles my sleep; it mixes nightmares with dreams, restlessness with deep sleep, and ghost stories with lullabies.” – Boko Yout

Alongside boerd’s established popularity, Boko Yout is also carving a name for himself as one of Sweden’s most promising new stars, garnering more than 78k monthly listeners on Spotify.

boerd | Boko Yout

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Timmy Milner – 2009

If you’re in the mood for some 90’s inspired indie-rock then we’ve got the perfect track for you.

‘2009’ is American singer Timmy Milner’s latest single, and treats us to a captivating production that is not only sonically creative, but also incredibly charming to experience. Explaining the inspiration behind the song, Milner says:

“The idea behind ‘2009’ came from Instagram. My friend Rachel posted ‘Taking pictures using timers, I’ve got too much time’ in a throwback post and it inspired the song’s hook. Many of my friends requested the recording after hearing 2009 played at shows. In 2021, we began recording drums on tape and later finished it at my home studio in 2023 in LA. Jason Soda mixed the record at Palomino Sound in Boyle Heights. I’m excited to finally share it with Spotify and the world.”

Fans can look forward to Milner’s new record, ‘Winning Time’, which is scheduled for release this year. In the meantime you can enjoy more of the artist’s songs here.

Timmy Milner

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New Music: Amelie Lucille

At only 15-years of age, New York’s Amelie Lucille has to be one of the youngest singer-songwriters that we have ever featured on Alfitude.

And once you play her new single ‘See me’ you’ll understand why. This is a beautifully intense, sombre and heartfelt piece of music that focuses on toxic relationships. Elaborating on the lyrics, Lucille says:

“I wrote ‘See me’ as a way to reach out to people that are in a toxic relationships, whether it is with a partner, friend, or family. The song is written as a ‘cry for help’. My goal is to always be sincere in my lyrics and therefore hopefully relatable to the listeners.”

“‘See me’ was a release, and I hope it feels like that for others too.”

Fans in NY can catch this artist at The Bitter End, where she often performs as part of their Urban Garage series. Otherwise, listeners can stream more music by Lucille on Spotify here.

Amelie Lucille

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Tilly Kingston – Youth Is Wasted

It wouldn’t be a normal weekend on Alfitude without us sharing a banger for you… This time it’s courtesy of British pop-punk artist Tilly Kingston.

New single ‘YOUTH IS WASTED’ is an anthem for self-empowerment, and is just as uplifting and anthemic as you’d expect it to be!

“‘Youth Is Wasted’ is a tongue in cheek ‘P*ss Off’ to all the people who look down on me and say I am wasting my life and having too much fun. Well if this is wasting my life than fuck yeah, I am, and loving every minute of it!!”

The track follows on from Tilly’s breakout debut ‘Best Break Up Ever’ (listen here), which has already amassed more 1.4 million views on YouTube and 90k Spotify streams. One to watch!

Tilly Kingston

EMMY – Call Me When You Can + Hysteria

Social media starlet EMMY (aka Emmy Hartman) has been a rising name ever since going viral in 2017.

Over the years, this hugely talented singer has built up a legion of dedicated fans (exceeding more than two million followers on TikTok alone), thanks to her captivating  acapella covers.

EMMY has released a new EP today called ‘Mouthful’ (listen here), of which we’re featuring two of our favourite tracks.

The first is ‘Call Me When You Can’, which treats listeners to a melodic fusion of dreamy indie and pop, with subtle hints of folk.

We’re also obsessed with closing track ‘Hysteria’, which perfectly balances elements of synth with alt-pop:

The record has been released through iconic LA music company GODMODE, who are also known for their work with artists as prominent as Lizzy McAlpine and Channel Tres.

EMMY

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Aleks Grey – Sunset Cigarette

Photo / Are Næsset

One of our favourite songs of the week comes courtesy of Norwegian alt-pop artist Aleks Grey.

New single ‘Sunset Cigarette’ looks at those moments in life that remind us previous events and people.

In the case of this song, the scent of a cigarette burning on a summer’s day brings back memories of a cherished person for the musician.

It’s not always easy with relations and relationships, whether it’s a partner, friend or family. But through the highs and lows, love will always be a big part of those nostalgic feelings.

The track continues to prove that Grey is one of Norway’s most interesting alternative talents. His likeable style of sound has not only amassed a significant number of streams online, but the artist has also found support from the likes of Jammerzine and BBC Merseyside.

Aleks Grey

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New Music: Leona Rue

Leona Rue is a rising UK-based newcomer who has just released her third single, called ‘Graceful’.

This song showcases the 19-year old artist’s impressive songwriting skills. Alongside its haunting production, the sincere lyrics address topics of self-identity and family dynamics.

“‘Graceful’ is about the complicated relationship you have with yourself growing up, and also that with your parents. Finding reasons to blame them for why you turned out the way you did ; for me in this song it’s more literal, about feeling messy, clumsy and ungraceful as well as struggling to say the things I really mean.”

With support from Apple Music, BBC Introducing and Radio 1 already under her belt, it’ll only be a short matter of time before Rue picks up mainstream appeal.

Leona Rue

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Cloudbelly – Handfuls

If you’re in the mood for some cinematic indie-folk then we’ve got the perfect track for you.

‘Handfuls’ is the latest single to be released by US-based trio Cloudbelly, and it really is one of the most sublime compositions we’ve come across so far this year.

“‘Handfuls’ is one of Cloudbelly’s darker excursions, cyclical and meditative as it mourns a freshly broken connection.”

The track was released as a taster to the award-winning band’s upcoming album, called ‘i know i know i know’.

Cloudbelly are currently preparing for their next tour, which begins on the 23rd February at Brooklyn’s Footlight Underground. Full dates and tickets can be found here.

Cloudbelly

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