Category: Music

New Music: The Burning Feathers

West London is known to be the birthplace of some of the most iconic British rock and roll acts – from The Rolling Stones to The Who. Today, this historic part of the capital introduces a new band to the rock scene, called The Burning Feathers.

Inspired by the the likes of Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters and Nirvana, this four-piece create music that recreates the classic rock sound and adds to it a modern twist. On their debut single ‘Start of an end’, they say:

“This track was written about relationships breaking down during the pandemic – the things that make you want to leave and the things that make you stay. We wanted to reflect the light and shade in both the music and the lyrics. Even though the verses are dark and heavy, we wanted the chorus to feel like an anthemic 80’s party song.”

Formed during the pandemic, the group aims to become ‘the rock band it’s okay to like’. And judging by their debut, we think they might just achieve it. The Burning Feathers consists of James Perryman, Soroush Shakeri, Rob Pennel and Alvin Ho.

The Burning Feathers

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Annie Scherer – Doll

Annie Scherer is an award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is currently based in Nashville.

New single ‘Doll’ was written and produced by Annie herself, and treats listeners to a pop production that feels dark and mysterious, but still easy to form a connection with. If you’re a fan of artists like Lana del Rey and MARINA, then chances are high that you’ll fall in love with this song.

“‘Doll’ is about getting mixed signals after a relationship ends. It’s about thinking you have control over something, but constantly having to question where things stand.”

Scherer’s music has so far picked up praise from outlets as respected as American Songwriter, A&R Factory and Times Union. Alongside tastemaker support, the artist has also achieved several impressive accolades including ‘best local musician in New York’s Capital Region’, ‘Producer’s Choice – Celebration of Music PBS Special’, and runner up at Nashville’s Music City Mayhem.

There’s no doubt in our minds that Scherer is a musician with a great future ahead. Absolutely one to watch!

Annie Scherer

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New Music: The One Eighties

The One Eighties is the new musical project of American artists Autumn Brand and Daniel Cook.

If they already look familiar to you, it might be because of the fact that these two talents were formerly part of acclaimed outfit New Reveille (explore here), who were praised by the likes of New York Times, Rolling Stone and Billboard.

The duo have just released a fresh new single called ‘Two Jet Planes’, and it’s simply sublime. By fusing elements of Americana with indie and pop, the track feels sincere, heartfelt and emotive. Elaborating on its lyrical inspiration, Brand and Cook explain:

“‘Two Jet Planes’ is about two people getting lost together in their own little world and drifting further and further into the abyss. They begin to wonder whether they’ll ever land or if they even want to. The song questions which is more important, the journey or destination. But there’s also the idea of not wanting to get so lost that you lose yourself and can’t find your way back. We imagine that these two people will drift forever.”

You can catch The One Eighties performing at Kings Raleigh on 25th August – details here. Debut album ‘Minefield’ is out on the 18th August (pre-order here).

The One Eighties

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YAOUNDÉBOXINGCLUB – SNAKES

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t enjoy the sounds of YAOUNDÉBOXINGCLUB.

This London-based singer, songwriter and producer is building a reputation for herself as a musician who is unafraid to push sonic boundaries. She’s back today with an impressive new single, called ‘SNAKES’.

The song’s lyrics tell of the artist’s struggles with trying to navigate her way through life, and is complimented by a grunge-inspired style of production that is powerfully raw and arresting in tone.

“I wrote the song in about an hour, hence why it’s quite simplistic lyrically. It pretty much speaks for itself, and it’s something I needed to get off my chest. Sonically, it’s quite different from what I’ve done so far, but it’s pretty much inspired by all the music that I grew up listening to: Sum 41, Blink-182, Fall Out Boy then State Champs, The Story So Far and ROAM.”

Debut EP ‘I Thought I Knew You, Boy Was I Wrong’ is out now.

YAOUNDÉBOXINGCLUB

Siena Liggins – RENT FREE

If you’re suffering from some midweek blues then Siena Liggins is here to save your day with a massive new bop.

‘RENT FREE’ feels like a perfected amalgamation of every Y2K pop hit ever created; there’s hints of Britney, NSYNC, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys… heck, even some O-Town in there.

Not only is the song a lot of fun, but its impressive production also acts as further proof that Siena is undeniably one Atlanta’s brightest pop starlets.

Siena’s music has been hyped by the likes of Fader, Clash, Earmilk and Refinery29, and also found its way onto prominent Spotify and TIDAL editorials.

‘RENT FREE’ is lifted from the artist’s critically acclaimed ‘FLOOZY’ LP, which can be heard here.

Siena Liggins

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New Music: Enter Red

Enter Red are an emerging British indie outfit who have just unveiled an epic new single called ‘Low’.

Produced by Ben Laver (who is also the band’s drummer), the song presents listeners with a bold and energising alt-rock sound. Lyrically, the track was inspired by the feelings that are associated with trying to fix a broken relationship.

“No matter how it looks from the outside, you never really know what’s going on until you’re in it. It’s like an expensive car might look great, but if you find out that it can’t move, you’re going to need a different one to get anywhere.” – Kyle Ashwood, Enter Red

This Bristol-based group are already gaining significant momentum all across the country, and have found support from established outlets like The Guardian BBC Introducing and Louder Than War.

We predict big things for these lads, so make sure you keep them on your radars!

Enter Red

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Chitra – In My Opinion

Photo / Izzie Austin

One of the most exciting indie talents to have emerged from Australia over the past two years has been Melbourne’s Chitra (aka Chitra Ridwan).

Today’s release of ‘In My Opinion’ showcases an artist who possesses an effortless ease in creating indie-rock sounds that somehow feel both nostalgic and future-forward at the same time. Elaborating further on her new single, Ridwan explains:

“I wrote this song about trying to understand how to be there for a loved one if they don’t want your help and coming to terms with that. It’s about seeing patterns of behaviour and getting frustrated but ultimately stepping aside.”

Chitra has picked up support from the likes of triple j, NME and NTS Radio. If you’re unfamiliar with this artist and would like to explore more, then be sure to check out her 2020 self-titled debut EP here.

Chitra

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Steven van Betten – Yosemite

Acclaimed LA-based singer and songwriter Steven van Betten returns with a beautifully sincere new single, called ‘Yosemite’.

The track was inspired by a real-life situation in which the father of van Betten’s friend passed away during a hike across Yosemite.

Through its thoughtfully constructed mix of indie and folk, the song looks at themes of childhood and loss, and reminds us that life is an unpredictable journey.

To date, Steven van Betten’s music has been praised by tastemakers as noted as Stereogum and The Line of Best Fit. Fans can look forward to an upcoming LP, which is out later this year.

The artist will be performing at Gold-Diggers in Los Angeles today (5th July) – tickets can be found here.

Steven van Betten

New Music: Bleu Valentine

We randomly came across Canadian singer-songwriter Bleu Valentine while browsing through Spotify earlier today, and we’re very happy with this discovery!

‘I’ll Go’ is a beautifully melodic R&B song that feels refreshingly alternative and distinct, while also maintaining a strong emotive essence.

We don’t yet know much about this Toronto-based musician, but we can safely assume that they are a talent on the rise.

An upcoming debut EP is scheduled for release later this year.

Bleu Valentine

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Tara Lily – Double Time

Tara Lily has to be one of the most acclaimed talents to have emerged from London in quite some time.

New single ‘Double Time’ invites listeners into a mysterious yet captivating sonic world that is built on drum’n’bass, alternative R&B and dark pop.

With support from outlets as respected at Clash, Wonderland, Fader and Rolling Stone, this British-Bengali artist has rapidly marked herself has a global star in the making.

You can catch Tara at London’s Village Underground on the 10th October – tickets here.

Tara Lily

New Music: Jonathan Plevyak

Another week, another outstanding Nashville talent to share with you. This time it’s the turn of singer and songwriter Jonathan Plevyak.

Inspired by the sounds of 50s and 60s rock and roll, this musician creates a nostalgic style of sound that is classic and timeless, but also feels edgy, fresh and current. On his new single ‘Strange Times’, Jonathan says:

“I wrote this song about waking up in the midst of all the external craziness going on in our lives and world. taking a look around and asking questions. Do others have your best interests at heart? Friends, family, media, rulers, politicians, elites, etc. It’s not a political tune but rather a wake up song. A take your voice and power back song. It’s my anti fear anthem with some retro outlaw country attitude and today – it’s yours. I hope it connects with you and empowers you.”

Since his debut earlier this year, Plevyak has impressively amassed more than 100k streams on Spotify. You can experience is previous releases here.

Jonathan Plevyak

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New Music: Kissimjau

We are starting the week with an absolute banger from rising Norwegian pop starlet, Kissimjau.

‘2 HOT 4 THIS (let’s do shots!)’ is a song that’s just as wild as its title implies. Sonically fusing drum’n’bass with electronic pop, the track serves as an anthem of empowerment for anyone who is stuck in a toxic relationship.

To date, Kissimjau has amassed more than three million likes on TikTok and over 600k streams on Spotify from only a handful of releases.

With an ever-growing fanbase, as well as support from tastemakers all across the world, Kissimjau might just end up being one of Scandinavia’s biggest musical exports this year.

Kissimjau

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New Music: khylo

Track of the week. LA-based newcomer khylo has captured our attention with his sublime approach to alternative R&B, which you can experience in its full glory through new single ‘entertainment’.

Released as part of a double-pack that also features the equally impressive ‘wishicould’ (listen here), this talent is representing the finest in emerging Californian R&B artistry.

With support from heavyweight tastemakers like A1234, Fashionably Early and Dusty Organ already under his belt, the future’s looking bright for this promising musician. khylo is one kid to watch for this year!

khylo

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New Music: Georgia Gets By

Photo / nic_sandflower

Georgia Gets By is the new musical moniker for Georgia Nott, who is also known as one half of acclaimed New Zealand brother-sister outfit BROODS.

While the the duo is still active, Nott’s project was set up as an outlet to showcase her indie-rock productions.

This is a powerfully moving sound that feels beautifully organic, raw and sincere in character.

“After years working collaboratively as BROODS, I wanted to start a project that could be wholly about my experiences.”

‘Easier To Run’ is already one of our favourite indie releases of the summer, and we just can’t wait to hear what’s next from Georgia Gets By.

Georgia Gets By

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New Music: NOLO’S ADDICTION

We came across NOLO’S ADDICTION some time ago, but decided to feature their new single today only because it’s the perfect soundtrack for a sunny Sunday afternoon.

‘JUST LIKE CANDY’ is a heady and intoxicating mix of nostalgic soul, alternative R&B and indie. The sound feels both experimental and underground, but also timeless and charming.

We still don’t know much about this newcomer, but judging from what we’ve heard so far, this is one talent to keep on your radars.

NOLO’S ADDICTION

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River Westin – Blush

River Westin is a self-described ‘vintage boy making vintage music’, who has gained prominence in recent years thanks to his refreshingly unique style of sound.

Spellbinding new single ‘Blush’ is a sultry, hazy and intriguing piece of alt-pop that reminds us of the darker productions from artists like Lana del Rey, Lykke Li and Mazzy Star.

The track follows on from River’s sophomore album ‘The Honeymoon Suite’ (listen here), which was released last year and has already amassed well over 100k cumulative streams on Spotify alone.

Westin’s work has been picked up by outlets such as The Q Review, The Art Of Being Queer and Lost in Transmission, while his songs have also been featured on prominent playlists like Spotify’s very own ‘Queer As Folk’.

River Westin

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Sekou – Forgiving Myself

Photo / Charlie Pryor

London artist Sekou unveils an empowering new single today to celebrate the launch of his highly anticipated debut EP.

Produced by Sounwave, ‘Forgiving Myself’ treats listeners to an unconventional twist on the soul-pop genre, and is taken from the acclaimed teenager’s new ‘Out of Mind’ record (out now).

“I wanted to have creative freedom on this [EP] and do something different from what I’ve done before. I loved having control over the kind of sound I wanted to make, the people I wanted to work with, and the tracks on the project – it was freeing and allowed me to be honest. I’m excited for people to listen to this EP and understand me more as an artist. While ‘Better Man’ showcased my vocal ability, this project shows my range, and what I’m truly capable of.”

Aside from the ongoing tastemaker praise that Sekou continues to receive, the artist has also grown a fanbase that includes global stars as prominent as Sam Smith, Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa. It’s all quite incredible for a talent who is still only 18-years old… exciting days lie ahead!

Sekou

New Music: SHADESOFBLUE

One of the most hyped indie talents to have emerged from Los Angeles in recent months has been SHADESOFBLUE.

Born in France, raised in Florida and now living in California, this emerging musician has been gathering significant momentum thanks to his impressively bold indie-rock releases.

‘HELLO’ is a powerfully raw song which tells of the artist’s struggles with alcoholism, as well as his own father’s relationship with addiction.

Lyrically honest, and refreshingly erratic in its sonic concept, the track makes an immediate statement from the moment you press play.

You can explore SHADESOFBLUE’s previous singles on Spotify, and pre-order his next project, called ‘IT’ here.

SHADESOFBLUE

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Robinson – Things Aren’t Nice In Paradise

Representing New Zealand’s latest generation of global superstars is Robinson, who has just released an anthemic new single called ‘Things Aren’t Nice In Paradise’.

Through its energising electro-pop production and the artist’s distinctive vocals, the song commands your attention from the moment it starts – and leaves you hooked until the very end.

“It is the beautiful door with the monster behind it. It is the crowd of people whose validation you seek but whose opinions are too loud to bare. It is the one with the money tongue, who yearns for your dreams. It is paradise from afar but your worst nightmare up close.”

To date, Robinson’s music has achieved more than 200 million career streams while also commanding more than 500k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Alongside her catalogue of songs, Robinson is also an accomplished performer who has also toured the world and shared stages with the likes of OneRepublic.

Robinson

Alex Slay – LBD

Nashville-based talent Alex Slay is back with a sublime new single, titled ‘LBD’.

Through its perfected blend of melodic soul and dreamy pop, the track continues to affirm Slay’s status as one of the US’s most promising R&B prospects. There is little doubt in our minds that this is one artist who is destined for great things.

To date, Slay’s music has been streamed more than 250k times on Spotify alone, and has received tastemaker support from the likes of Acid Stag, Hype Off Life, Honk and Iggy magazines.

Alex Slay