What better way to ride through this heatwave than with a shimmering slice of indie, courtesy of LA-based singer and songwriter Sophie Truax.
‘Untether’ effortlessly fuses uptempo pop with indie and alternative rock, resulting in a sound that is both energising and refreshing to experience.
Despite releasing just three singles to date, Truax has already amassed more than 690k likes on TikTok while also landing placements on prominent playlists like Fashionably Early and Spotify’s Fresh Finds.
You can pre-order the artist’s upcoming ‘MFPR1US’ project here.
Over the past year, we’ve come to grow a special fondness for London-based singer, songwriter and producer sona blue.
The acclaimed artist has returned with some of his best work yet, and we’re so excited to be sharing it with you.
‘window seat’ presents listeners with a beautifully atmospheric mix of alternative R&B and lo-fi indie pop. The song’s accompanying visuals were created by sona himself, in collaboration with some friends.
“Written by me and produced with the help of my friends, it’s about feeling like a spectator in a relationship.”
‘no violence’ is another exciting new release from sona, and is taken from his upcoming ‘drifter’ EP. Lyrically, the song was inspired by the challenges of being in a relationship while also trying to chase your dreams.
‘I wrote and produced this entirely in my bedroom on my ones. Written about the stresses that come with balancing a long term relationship with your pursuit of a music career.”
The track perfectly showcases sona’s flair for writing songs that are not only melodically memorable, but lyrically powerful.
With only one EP and a handful of singles released to date, this promising musician has already managed to amass more than 100k cumulative streams. Be sure to keep sona on your radars – he is one talent to watch for.
Rising US-based singer-songwriter Yueku (aka Christian Koo) returns with an epic bop for us all to enjoy.
‘Marathon’ treats listeners to an 80’s-inspired sound that effortlessly fuses power-pop with indie and synth. Alongside its energising production, the song’s melody and punchy chorus makes this one of the biggest songs of the summer.
“‘Marathon’ is a high energy track about the inability to leave someone who isn’t right for you. No matter your efforts to distance yourself, they find a way to pull you back in. Though you’re capable of seeing the relationship through an objective lens, the other person inexplicably continues to cloud your judgment; the thought of running a marathon seems much easier than running away. The song has a lot of inspiration from 80’s pop, even slightly alluding to those old exercise tapes.”
Upcoming EP ‘Little Less Noise’ is scheduled for release on the 28th July. Yueku joins The Wldlfe on their summer tour from today – dates and tickets can be found below.
Black Polish might well be one of indie’s biggest newcomers. This hugely talented non-binary, LGBTQ+ singer-songwriter has been gaining significant momentum in recent months, thanks to their distinctive style of work.
New single ‘Purple Skies’ draws listeners into a soundscape that feels intense and heady, while the song’s introspective lyricism is not only honest and raw, but also emotive and thought-provoking.
“‘Purple Skies’ has quickly become one of my favourites I’ve made thus far. Every word I sing is very true and real to my everyday life.”
Having amassed more than five million cumulative streams to date, it’s clear to see that Black Polish’s music—as well as their ethos for inclusivity and tolerance—resonates with a lot of listeners. We can’t wait to see whats next from this talent!
We’ve featured Emei so many times on these pages that we’ve lost count. And yet still, this much-hyped alt-pop icon continues to impress us.
Anthemic new single ‘Cynical’ delivers listeners with a punchy and bold production that hits you hard, from the moment you press play. Emei has also unveiled some brilliantly vivid visuals for the track, of which she explains:
“When I met Aser Santos (DP) on the set of my ‘That Girl’ music video, I knew instantly we had chemistry through the camera. Our creative visions have always aligned for my music and it is with sincere excitement and giddiness to show the world our baby, the ‘Cynical’ music video. The moment I wrote this song, I knew it was my title track and I knew it needed a dramatic and ridiculous music video. The song has always been my favourite to play live so of course, a moshpit was a must. We then landed on an aesthetic inspired by Tim Burton and this video became everything I’ve wanted and more. Welcome to the title track of my EP. Welcome to the world of Cynical.”
Emei plays two dates in London later this month, although if you haven’t got tickets then good luck to you – since both shows are sold out! You can join the waiting list here. The artist will also embark on a tour across the US starting this autumn.
You won’t find a more summer-themed song this weekend than ‘Shimmer’ from American trio Summerdrive.
Listeners are treated to a style of sound that features elements of synth, indie, pop and alternative rock, while the lyrics tell of lost feelings:
“The overarching idea of the song is chasing a feeling that has faded, whether you like it or not. Visiting the places that you’ve been with someone, whether it be a friend or partner, and those places not holding the same meaning as they once did. Ultimately realising that sometimes it’s out of our control how these things end up.”
Summerdrive is the collaborative project of musicians Jake Stam, Matt Montgomery and Tim Coakley. The group have so far amassed more than six million catalogue streams on Spotify alone, making them one of New York’s biggest newcomers.
One of the most exciting soul talents to have emerged from South London in recent years has been singer, songwriter and performer Azu Yeché.
The artist is back today with a summery new single called ‘Gone Are The Days’, which was inspired by the thoughts and feelings that we encounter on our journey to adulthood.
“The song is about approaching adulthood and realising you have to stand on your own, and face the challenges and pressures that life brings. Realising that you now have to face all the things you pushed aside for tomorrow. It touches on that sentiment, and almost romanticises the innocence that usually comes with being a child – in particular, Fred [Cox – collaborator] and I spoke about how my life as a child in Lagos was so much simpler, compared to the hustle of London and adulthood. Having also lost my father earlier in the year, this song proved a huge reality check, as well as a balm in trying times.”
Yeché’s distinctive approach to the soul genre has garnered him praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Earmilk and Apple Music. The musician also boasts a fanbase that includes British legends Gabrielle and Lemar.
Listeners can look forward to a new EP from Azu called ‘Soul Afrikanah Part II’, which is scheduled for release later in the summer. In the meantime, you can experience ‘Soul Afrikanah Part I’ now.
Anyone with a broken heart will appreciate this new piece of music from US-based singer, songwriter and actor Bo Baskoro.
‘The Lonely Nights’ is an emotional song that finds the Portland native contemplating over the people who we can’t stop loving – even when they treat us badly.
Complimenting the the ballad’s meaningful lyricism is its polished production, which effortlessly fuses indie with alternative pop.
“‘The Lonely Nights’ is about the frustration of knowing that even though you feel used, manipulated and lied to by the person who left you, you still love them and want them to be happy, even if it’s with the person they left you for.”
Bo continues to build momentum with each release, and currently commands more than 23k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
Fans of Dominic Fike and Jaden will most likely fall in love with rising newcomer ODDGHXST.
Splitting his time between London and Hamburg, this artist’s approach to music-making centres around experimenting with different genres and styles of production, rather than focusing on one particular sound.
‘Running Away’ is the musician’s latest single, and presents listeners with a sincere and honest piece of alt-pop that is lyrically inspired by the importance of understanding ourselves. Elaborating further on the song’s meaning, ODDGHXST says:
“It’s a song about finding ones self. Being lost over and over again whether thats because of yourself or something else being the reason. Regardless, being more in touch with ones own emotional side and not rejecting it completely, but not letting it control your mindset and your actions either. Running away was something I used to do a few years before in my life, but I began to acknowledge my flaws and mistakes. Not hating them or ignoring their existence, but acknowledging them and learning to live with them. Stress, pain, hate, love, life, etc. all these things being human, but finding a balance. So, I wanted to write a song about my old self and looking back at how much I have evolved as a human being and as a person. It’s a bit hard to explain in words, but this song gave me a proper feeling on these topics.”
ODDGHXST’s songs have been streamed more than a million times on Spotify alone, and momentum continues to grow with each new release. This is most definitely an artist to watch for.
It wouldn’t be a normal Friday on Alfitude without sharing some new music from Canada, so this week it’s the the turn of indie-pop singer, songwriter and viral sensation Brooklyn Juliana.
‘Thinking About You’ is the artist’s first single of the year, and looks at the challenges that people in his generation encounter when trying to communicate with each other.
To date, Brooklyn Juliana has received more than 1.2m likes on TikTok alone, amassing a fanbase of more than 300k on the platform. With an ever-growing presence across social media (from the release of just five songs), we can safely say that this is one of the most promising talents to emerge from Canada in some time.
Rising British starlet Kate Lomas returns with a shimmering slice of indie-pop that deserves your attention.
‘Last Train Home’ is an introspective song that was written at a time when the artist was was experiencing some tough emotions – and reminds us that better days lie ahead.
The track balances feelings of melancholy with optimism in a thoughtful way – and in doing so, mirrors the healing process which most of us experience at some point in our lives. Elaborating further on the song’s inspiration, Lomas says:
“This song was written at a real low point of heartbreak in my life, I was very lost and the intention behind the initial lyric was that I wanted someone else to make me feel good. I didn’t realise until I finished the track, but I was the person that made a good thing out of my old self – I didn’t need someone else, I just needed to allow myself the time to heal and turn a bad situation into a good one through the process.”
We’ve got Spotify’s algorithms to thank for the discovery of Ari Morgan. We were instantly hooked on this artist’s style of sound, and had to share it with you all.
Through its thoughtfully constructed fusion of alternative R&B and lo-fi pop, Morgan’s ‘Ojay’ draws listeners into a shimmering soundscape that is both captivating and intriguing in character.
While still early in his career, we discovered that Ari has already achieved glowing praise from legendary tastemakersFashionably Early, while also accumulating more than 25k streams from just two releases. Keep your eye on this kid!
Hailing from New Zealand is Chase Woods, who is an emerging Māori artist currently based in Palmerston North. Woods has been building steady traction since 2020 – and his latest release is likely to become one of his biggest singles yet.
‘LovesaDrug’ is taken from the artist’s forthcoming ‘Better Late Than Never’ EP (out 21st July), and showcases a finessed mix of electronic pop and alternative hip hop. Elaborating on the song’s lyrical concept, Woods explains:
“As upbeat and groovy as it sounds, this song is about addiction. I have seen people fall into addiction and this song is about my point of view but also the point of view of someone with an addiction, while they’re still in the ‘honeymoon’ stage.”
With support from the likes of Variance Magazine, Stereofox and Last Day Deaf under his belt, Woods has marked himself as one of New Zealand’s hottest prospects.
tchochke is a musical collaboration between acclaimed producers Alex Black Bessen and Tim Voet.
As two of the most noted names in the industry, Black Bessen and Voet have worked with talents as prominent as BENEE and Tierra Whack.
Aside from hit-making for global artists, these two producers have also spent the last three years working on their own collection of songs, which are now ready to be released under the tchochke project.
The first single is called ‘From Stella’, and showcases a unique style of indie-pop which is experimental and eccentric, but also refreshingly playful in tone. The track serves as a taster to the duo’s upcoming ‘i’ll send you a letter’ EP, which is out on the 9th August.
tchochke will perform at Harlow’s Sacramento on the 10th August – tickets can be found here. The duo will release two more EP’s later in the autumn.
Rising pop outfit Emergency Tiara return with a sublime new release that deserves your attention.
‘Thirsty’ has been described by frontwoman Juri Jinnai as ‘my version of a love song’, and treats listeners to a charming mix of indie and pop.
The track was written as a dedication to Juri’s husband – for the love and support that he provided when the singer was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
If you’re a fan of Camera Obscura or Litany, then chances are high that you’ll also develop an obsession with this single.
Listeners can look forward to a new EP called ‘The Cat’s Meow’, which is scheduled for release on the 13th September.
Edwin Arzu is a promising singer and songwriter who was born and raised in New York’s Bronx, and is currently based in Los Angeles.
New single ‘Stay’ is a powerful and arresting piece of music that fuses elements of alternative R&B with stripped-back soul-pop. In equal measures, the track is minimal and sparse, but also thought-provoking and emotive.
Aside from achieving upwards of 100k career streams to date, Arzu’s work has found love from heavyweight tastemakers as noted as Dummy and Variance magazines.
Canadian songwriter Braden Lam has joined forces with Australian musician flowerkid to rework his indie-folk hit ‘second wind‘, and the result is simply mesmerising.
In our view, this is one of the best collaborations of the summer so far, and treats listeners to an immersive sound that feels mellow and dreamy. The track is part of Lam’s latest project, which sees him unveiling a new song every seven weeks.
If you’re new to Braden’s work, then we encourage you to play his most recent collection of songs, called ‘Strange Paradise’ here.
Lam’s music continues to grow in popularity. To date, the artist has amassed more than 200k streams on Spotify and is steadily building up a loyal legion of fans all across social media.
Boston has long maintained a rich and vibrant rock scene, with bands as prominent as Aerosmith, The Lemonheads, and well… Boston themselves all hailing from the region.
cameron lane is the latest name to emerge from the city, and looks set for global fame thanks to her distinctive take on the indie-rock genre.
Punchy new single ‘Real’ is a refreshingly energising piece of music that presents listeners with a textured production, catchy melody and vivid lyricism.
You can catch cameron lane performing at The Rockwell on the 16th July – tickets can be found here.
august at night is an R&B artist who recently caught our attention, and we’re so impressed with his music that we just have to share it with you all!
‘KFY’ delivers a style of sound that feels sultry and intoxicating in tone. This is a new and alternative approach to R&B that is refreshingly original and future forward, but still feels relatable.
august at night’s work has been praised by the likes of Earmilk, Wordplay, Mystic Sons and Wonderland, solidifying his status as one of America’s most exciting alt-R&B newcomers.
Hailing from the iconic musical city of Nashville is singer, songwriter and producer Brooks The Boy (aka Brooks Barry).
With more than 500k career streams amassed on Spotify to date, Brooks is already an artist whose momentum is on the rise.
New single ‘Tastes Like You’ is the musician’s second release of the year, and showcases an interesting mix of hazy pop and fuzzy indie-rock. The song’s vulnerable and honest lyricism contrasts beautifully against the production’s gritty and raw sound, creating an interesting sonic experience for listeners to enjoy.
There’s no doubt in our minds that this is a talent who will continue to grow in popularity and traction. You can discover more songs by Brooks The Boy here.
