Category: Music

Gina Livia – hollow

German artist Gina Livia might not be a name familiar to you, but this immensely popular singer & songwriter has already amassed more than 18 million career streams from the release of just a handful of songs.

Inspired by the topic of mental health, new single ‘hollow’ layers sincere lyricism over a mellow pop production. The result is a sound that is gentle and melodic, but still feels melancholic in tone.

“‘hollow’ is a song about mental health. About how fast your mind can switch and focus on the dark. About the depth of sadness and the depth of thoughts and feelings, which control your whole thinking area. And in this thinking area you feel seen and understood in a weird unhealthy way. But ‘hollow’ is also about this urge to follow through, to not give in. ‘Cause if life is meant to go this way, I will follow.”

The song was written by Livia herself, and produced by Tez Cadey. If you’ve fallen in love with Gina’s work then be sure to check out her impressive catalogue of songs here.

Gina Livia

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New Music: Elle Coves

Elle Coves is a name that you’ll start to see very often, very soon. This newcomer has just released an impressive debut single, called ‘Before I Fall Apart’, and it’s nothing short of a power-pop masterpiece.

Sonically inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers, Max Martin and Fleetwood Mac, the song’s production injects subtle hints of nostalgia into a modern and fresh pop sound.

“For me, ‘Before I Fall Apart’ is about realising that no amount of running or hiding from your feelings will keep you away from that person; that your paths are inexplicably entangled with one another, and there’s no escaping it. It’s about desperately needing reassurance and hoping that they want things to work out as much as you do.” 

While still only 18-years of age, Elle has already shared stages with the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Wild Youth and Moncrieff. There’s no doubt in our minds that this artist will hit the mainstream in a big way – so be sure to keep her on your radars.

Elle Coves

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Madge – notss

Photo / Lanee Bird

Acclaimed pop musician Madge returns today with a bold new single, entitled ‘notss’.

The track is taken from the artist’s forthcoming ‘ravepack’ EP (out 14 July), and showcases an electronic production that is immediately arresting from the moment you press play.

“The soft torture of mixed signals and the excitement of captivity. I can’t help but think that getting strung along like this is just keeping me strung out on something I like. Made this with my gabber crew Grandbankss x Tzar and a Pinterest mood board of shibari bondage. It might be my favourite from this mixtape.”

Aside from their own solo music, Madge has also worked with bands as prominent as Pussy Riot and Portugal. The Man.

Madge is also a noted model who has been featured for campaigns by the likes of Gucci, Prada and Valentino.

If you’re based in New York then you can catch this rising talent performing live in Brooklyn on the 30th June, or on tour with ZAND across the US in September. Dates and tickets can be found below.

Madge

Madge US Dates 2023

  • 06/30/23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere (Loft) – tickets here
  • 09/11/23 – Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou’s *
  • 09/12/23 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge *
  • 09/14/23 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord *
  • 09/15/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo *
  • 09/16/23 – Las Vegas, NV @ Soulbelly BBQ *
  • 09/19/23 – Denver, CO @ Globe Hall *
  • 09/22/23 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry *
  • 09/23/23 – Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen *
  • 09/26/23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie *
  • 09/27/23 – Washington, DC @ DC9 *
  • 09/28/23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere Zone One *

* = supporting ZAND – tickets here

New Music: Hungry

If you’re in the mood for some fresh British rock then Manchester-based outfit Hungry is the band for you.

Through their distinct style of ‘cord punk’, this emerging four-piece create melodic songs that are not only sonically impactful, but also feature socially conscious lyricism.

Speaking on the inspiration behind new single ‘The Jig’, frontman Jacob says:

“What has inspired the song? It’s thirteen years of Conservative rule and a neoliberal orthodoxy that has given the UK a callous and self-righteous ruling class that views anyone beneath as overdramatic and lazy. It seems of late that the governmental system may be revealing itself, one of corruption, dishonesty and embezzlement. In many ways the lyrics call for a collective consciousness of that.” – Jacob Peck (front man & songwriter)

Initially forming around the Cambridgeshire region in England, this promising group of musicians have been building steady momentum with just a handful of releases – from selling out their own shows to picking up support from tastemakers like Mystic Sons.

Hungry

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New Music: Jaryn Jones

The musical journey of Jaryn Jones is an interesting one. After a Vegas internship in management (where she found herself within the company of globally renowned outfits like Imagine Dragons and The Killers), this promising singer-songwriter decided that she herself wanted to become an artist.

And with that epiphany, Jones made the decision to relocate to Nashville in Tennessee, so she could follow her dreams. New single ‘Run’ centres around that time in the artist’s life, as she explains:

“‘Run’ was written in April of 2020, weeks into the pandemic, right around the time I graduated from college. I was wondering where life would lead the world, and for me. It illustrates timeless moments of nature, a lust for life and adventure; it was my motto for how I would start this new chapter of my life; it helped me pursue my move to Nashville; and so I ran.”

With it’s balanced and melodic fusion of indie and pop, the song presents listeners with an uplifting sound that serves as a taster to Jaryn’s upcoming debut EP.

“I write instinctually, on what comes natural in the creative process. I value music that is authentic, that leaves me wanting more; I want my listeners to be left wanting more.”

Jaryn Jones

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New Music: Blair Davie

One of Scotland’s most promising alt-pop talents of late has been Blair Davie. With only a handful of releases so far, this emerging singer-songwriter has already picked up thousand of streams and found themselves performing alongside the likes of Calum Scott.

Blair unveils their new single today, entitled ‘Lovely’. Written as a dedication to the trans community, the song’s lyricism is not only refreshingly empowering, but also serves as a reminder to embrace and love yourselves for who you are.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve suppressed and hidden parts of me I didn’t want the world to see. The world can be so unkind to things that are different. I never spoke about it with anyone and had become so used to being someone I truly wasn’t that I barely even thought about it. Then one day last year I watched an episode of Queer Eye about a transgender person just letting themselves be who they are and celebrating that and it awoke something in me. Being unapologetically who I am can be terrifying and difficult but every day that I try, I find that I shine a little bit brighter.”

To date, this rising artist has garnered praise from the likes of BBC Introducing, Earmilk, RTE and The Scotsman. Blair joins Sam Fischer on tour from tonight. Dates and venues are listed below, and tickets can be found here.

Blair Davie

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Blair Davie (supporting Sam Fisher) UK & EU Tour 2023

  • May 31 – Brussels, AB Club
  • Jun 02 – Cologne, Helios 37
  • Jun 03 – Berlin, Badehaus
  • Jun 06 – Amsterdam, Bitterzoet
  • Jun 08 – London, The Waiting Room
  • Jun 09 – London, Folklore

+ Aug 13 – Sziget Festival, Hungary 

New Music: Echo Thrills

Today is a very special day for Stockholm artist Oskar Jennefors, who has just unveiled his new project, called Echo Thrills.

If you’re a fan of outfits like Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, then the chances of loving Echo Thrills are almost certain to be high.

Jennefors experiments with the sounds of soul, disco and rock to create new pieces of music that feel timelessly classic but also refreshingly current.

As its title suggests, debut single ‘In a Dream’ presents listeners with a gorgeously constructed soundscape that is blissfully hazy and psychedelic in character. Elaborating further on the song’s inspiration, Jennefors explains:

“The track started out when I was on vacation, at my parents summerhouse in the Swedish archipelago. The sun was beaming down and was chilling by the ocean. Being in a blissful state combined with the beautiful surroundings gave me inspiration for the chords, and the slow disco beat just felt right on that warm, lush summer day. The lyrics are inspired by dreamstates and the beautiful places that you can visit in your dreams. All in all the track, for me, is more about being in a certain state of mind. A state of exploration, awe and a sense of magic.”

Echo Thrills

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

POLARTROPICA – Ride or Die

LA-based up-and-comer POLARTROPICA collaborates with Edgar Everyone on summery new single, ‘Ride or Die’.

Through its infectious fusion of indie and synth-pop, the song encourages listeners to take a hold of their futures and chase their dreams.

“Inspired by new beginnings, taking the plunge when following your dreams or falling in love. Dedicated with love to all of our grandparents, our hometowns – the family, heritage, friends we leave behind but are always in our hearts.”

POLARTROPICA has received tastemaker acclaim from Nylon Magazine, Billboard, LA Weekly, NPR and many others, while their catalogue of releases have so far amassed more than 80k streams on Spotify alone.

Alongside their audio releases, POLARTROPICA’s music videos have also gained recognition within prominent film festivals such as The London Director Awards, The LA Independent Filmmakers Showcase Film Festival, New York Indie Shorts Awards and Cannes Shorts.

POLARTROPICA | Edgar Everyone

New Music: Relay Relay

Hailing from North Carolina is husband & wife outfit Relay Relay (aka Hannah and Jamie Rowen).

For all the indie-loving, thrill-seeking adventurers out there, the duo’s new single ‘High On You’ might just become one of your songs of the summer.

The track was written following a challenging (but rewarding) hike across the White Mountains, when the pair supported one another in completing the physically arduous trek.

“While on tour in New England, we found we had several extra days between shows. As outdoors lovers, avid runners, and climbers, we decided to camp in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and go hiking. We wrote this song at the campsite after a long and challenging hike through the presidential region. During the hike, I had a lot of doubt, as I was getting tired and the terrain was getting more technical. I was not expecting the hands-and-knees type bouldering and was worried about the sun setting on us, but with Jamie’s continuous encouragement we found the endorphin-filling panoramic views were well worth the struggle.” – Hannah Rowen

From this experience, Hannah and Jamie then crafted the song’s lyrics to reflect on the moments when we are infatuated with someone, but are unsure if they feel the same way towards us.

“We channeled this kind of dizzying self-doubt and the subsequent high into the lyrics and instrumentation of ‘High On You’ where the subject is swept up with someone but isn’t sure if the feeling is reciprocated. Sometimes it feels too good to be true, you know?! In verse 2, Jamie takes the melody and you can hear his reassurance as he tries to convince the self-doubting subject of his feelings.”

Relay Relay

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Leah Rye – The Observer

Photo / RURU Photography

Rising Dutch starlet Leah Rye is back today with a punchy new single, entitled ‘The Observer’.

As the second release to be lifted from the artist’s upcoming ‘Symbiosis’ album (out this October), the song showcases a sonically confident style of alternative pop that is both bold and anthemic.

Alongside its impressive production, Rye’s powerful vocals add an extra layer of intensity – to make the song immediately arresting from the moment you press play.

“Do you ever feel you’re a guest in your own life? Too many choices, too many expectations to live up to.”

‘The Observer’ follows on from Rye’s ‘Growing Into Me’ (listen here), which was also lyrically inspired by the artist’s innermost thoughts and feelings.

Leah Rye

Leah Rye Club Tour 2023

New Music: Ashley Elle

Emerging from Los Angeles in California is indie-pop talent Ashley Elle, who has just released a beautifully moving new single.

‘Heavy Heavy Heavy’ was written following the artist’s return back home after spending some time living in London, and looks at the feelings of anxiety and depression that we can experience when life becomes overwhelming.

“’Heavy, Heavy, Heavy’ is a song about struggling with the complexities of life. I wrote it at a time when I felt so much pressure and responsibility trying to deal with growing up and the challenges we face.”

Creatively inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift, Elle’s style of music balances raw and personal lyricism with thoughtfully composed melodies.

‘Heavy Heavy Heavy’ follows on from Elle’s viral hit ‘how do you stop loving someone?’ (listen here), which has so far amassed more than 200k streams on Spotify alone.

Ashley Elle

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Alex Over + Andrew Shobeiri – Lost

Composer Alex Over and producer Andrew Shobeiri are two British names that are already established within the UK music industry.

Alongside their own solo projects, Alex and Andrew have also frequently collaborated together on a series of well-received singles.

Released through independent label Perpetual Collective, ‘Lost’ is the pair’s latest offering, and features the talents of singer & songwriter Zee.

“This song takes us on a different direction, drawing us straight in with suspense alongside the vocals from the get-go.”

Sonically, the production fuses elements of melancholic dance-pop with electronica, resulting in a piece of music that feels dramatic and highly emotive in tone.

Alex Over | Andrew Shobeiri

Grrrl Gang – Spunky!

Photo / Tiny Studio

One of Indonesia’s most hyped indie outfits to have emerged in recent years has been Grrrl Gang (aka Angeeta Sentana, Akbar Rumandung and Edo Alventa).

They’re back today with an anthemic punk banger called ‘Spunky!’, which was inspired by a manic episode that Angeeta had experienced:

“I feel like I’m on top of the world, untouchable. I do things without thinking, always chasing after that feeling of instant gratification. I feel extra confident in myself – to a point of grandiose thinking—and that I could do anything.”

The track’s production showcases a sound that bold, impactful and immediately arresting.

‘Spunky’ is lifted from the trio’s upcoming album of the same name (out 22nd September – preorder here), of which Akbar explains:

“This is Grrrl Gang’s first release after we graduated and got day jobs that made us have to move to Jakarta, which is undeniably 180 degrees compared to Yogya [Yogyakarta – the band’s college city]. But moving to Jakarta enabled us to work with Lafa [Pratomo – producer] on Spunky! from start to finish.”

Amassing more than 13 million cumulative streams on Spotify, while also commanding an army of over 350k monthly listeners on the very same platform, these three hugely talented musicians look set to take over the indie world by storm very shortly.

Grrrl Gang

Noah Pope – Shining

Nashville’s Noah Pope continues to build momentum with the release of his new single, ‘Shining’.

The song’s lyrics are inspired by the worries that we experience when we try to explain our feelings out loud, while the production showcases a fuzzy fusion of the indie, alt-rock and bedroom-pop genres.

“This one is about anxiety around saying how you really feel, made in my basement – where i feel the least of it.”

As a tastemaker’s favourite, Noah Pope’s songs have become regular additions on globally respected playlists like Spotify’s Lorem, New Music Friday and Spring Acoustic.

Pope plays New York’s Map Room alongside Tor Miller on the 19th June – tickets can be found here.

Noah Pope

New Music: Avara

Austin-based singer, songwriter and producer Avara is one of the most interesting discoveries of the week.

Melodic new single ‘if you picked up’ is somewhat of a masterclass in alternative R&B, and presents us with a finessed sound that is both mesmerising and dreamy in tone.

With only two singles released so far, Avara has already found support from the likes of Rolling Stone India and We Plug Good Music, and has also had her work featured on noted playlists such as ORYL’s late night chill and Ones To Watch. The future’s looking bright for this starlet – be sure to keep her on your radars!

Avara

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New Music: Upamanyu Mukherjee

We don’t come across as much emerging alt-pop talent from India as we’d like to, so today’s discovery of Pune artist Upamanyu Mukherjee is very exciting.

While still a teenager, Upamanyu has already shown himself to be a natural musician who has an impressive ability to write sincere pop songs with meaningful lyrics.

When composing his songs, Upamanyu not only uses his piano and guitar, but also utilities his talent for doodling to uncover his true inner emotions and thoughts – so that he can relay them on to his songwriting. Elaborating on his new single, he says:

“‘I Love You’ is an ode to a special someone. It captures the immediate emotions of a person who has just realised that they have fallen in love and the feelings and thoughts that come along with confronting that.”

Upamanyu Mukherjee

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Rothstein – chokehold

Photo / Justine Vanderpool

Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter Rothstein returns with a sultry new single that deserves your attention.

‘chokehold’ takes its inspiration from an old classic story called ‘The Girl With The Green Ribbon’, and looks at the secrets that lovers can keep from one another.

“There’s a folktale called ‘the girl with the green ribbon’, about a girl who never takes her scarf off lest her head roll off with it (from ‘in a dark, dark room’, a collection you may have read in elementary school if, like me, you went looking for the scariest shit available). ‘chokehold’ is my take on that story, a spooky little record about a dirty little secret.”

Rothstein has amassed more than eight million streams since releasing debut album ‘HIGH WATER’ back in 2018. Aside from his own solo work, this acclaimed artist has also worked on collaborations with the likes of Brasstracks and Alexander Lewis.

Rothstein

New Music: Goodluck Rylie

Hailing from California is LA-based newcomer Goodluck Rylie. If this is the first time you’ve heard of this artist, then his new single, ‘Wish You The Best’ is a perfect introduction to his work.

The polished pop production contrasts beautifully against the powerfully intense and refreshingly honest lyrics.

Goodluck Rylie plans to release a new single every month for the rest of the year. If they’re all as brilliant as this single then it’s safe to assume that Goodluck Rylie will hit the mainstream very quickly.

Goodluck Rylie

Samuel Petra – How Could I Miss You

Track of the week. Samuel Petra has marked himself as one of Spain’s most exciting indie prospects, and the release of his new single only confirms this further.

‘How Could I Miss You’ showcases a style of sound that perfectly blends together indie, rock and pop with subtle hints of electronica. The result is a piece of music that is not only melodically memorable, but also sonically captivating.

To date, Petra’s music has found its way onto editorials like Spotify’s Fresh Finds, as well as on prominent curator playlists like Before The Data and Fashionably Early.

Samuel Petra

Yueku – Paradise

We are starting the week with an infectiously uplifting slice of sonic bliss, courtesy of Tennessee-based artist Yueku (aka Christian Koo).

‘Paradise’ treats listeners to a shimmering fusion of pop and indie, and is lyrically inspired by the beautiful connections that are formed between two people.

“It’s a simple love song for someone with some uncertainty about the afterlife, but the core message is that the time spent together here in the present is heaven enough for me.”

Yueku has already amassed more than a million cumulative streams on Spotify from the release of just one EP (2021’s ‘Catch Me If You Can’, stream here). Be sure to keep this rising artist on your radars!

Yueku