Category: Music

New Music: B00sted

Hailing from Vancouver is rising rapper, singer and producer B00sted, who has just unveiled one of the first summer anthems of the year.

With its energising and infectiously uplifting blend of indie, hip hop and alternative pop, ‘She Wanna’ showcases a style of sound that is fresh, current, and enormously enjoyable to listen to. Elaborating on the song’s inspiration, the artist explains:

“‘She Wanna’ is a song about falling for someone even though you know it’s a bad idea. You find yourself getting lost in the moment and doing stuff you usually wouldn’t do. ‘She take drugs, she dance with the devil, does some things I’ll keep on the low.’ You know that she’s bad news, but you decide to take the risk anyway.”

While still only 21-years of age, B00sted has impressively amassed more than seven million catalogue streams and over three million YouTube views.

With a loyal fanbase across social media and a natural flair for crafting hit songs, we think B00sted might just end up being one of Canada’s next superstars.

B00sted

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New Music: mlbacard¡

Photo / MILO CITRON

Track of the week. We’ve had this song on repeat for a good while, and we think it’s one of the most impressive debuts of the month so far.

mlbacard¡ is the moniker of UK-based singer and songwriter Maria Luisa. Since her early childhood, this artist has used music as a way to process her experiences with life’s challenging moments.

“I think at a young age I really didn’t fit in, everybody was just a bit of a sheep and I didn’t understand how to be a sheep and that was very difficult. Now I realise that’s a great advantage; it was immensely difficult at the time, but now it’s a huge strength.”

As time has gone by, mlbacard¡ has developed a style of songwriting that is not only sonically impressive, but lyrically honest.

‘KETCHUP’ reminds us of Amy Winehouse’s iconic ‘Frank’ album, and showcases a perfected fusion of melancholic pop, indie and soul. Elaborating on the song’s lyrics, mlbacard¡ explains:

“I was a lost soul, swimming in a fish bowl; I’d trap myself in the inevitable cycles of depression.  I felt misunderstood and didn’t accept the way society conventionally measures success, the world felt empty, therefore I felt empty.”

mlbacard¡

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Native Son – Pretty Wing (Demo)

What better way to start the new week than with a funky and soulful slice of alternative pop, courtesy of American up-and-coming wonderkid Native Son.

As we’ve come to expect from this talent, ‘Pretty Wing – Demo’ serves listeners with an experimental fusion of genres that is boldly unconventional and utterly mesmerising to experience.

Inspired by our occasional tendencies to fall in love with someone who is not good for us, the song’s relatable lyricism contrasts nicely with its sonically distinct production.

“Native Son muses on the liminal spaces we occupy when we develop feelings for people that we can’t, or shouldn’t, have feelings for. ‘Pretty Wing’ is a record for the person pining after their best friend, or hanging-on to the words of a toxic ex.”

Native Son continues to make waves across tastemaker circles, and has become a regular fixture on some of the world’s most prominent playlists. This is one emerging New Yorker that should be on everyone’s radars!

Native Son

Claudia Kelley – jealous af

If you’re looking for a cheeky slice of Scandinavian pop to bounce along to today then you’ve come to the right place.

As the title implies, ‘jealous af’ is all about jealousy – and the times when we realise that we can’t hide our envy no matter how hard we try. The track is the latest release from rising Swedish singer and songwriter Claudia Kelley, and is sure to put a smile on your faces.

Interestingly, ‘jealous af’ is part of a series which sees Kelley unveiling music that she wrote, but never ended up in the recording studio:

“As a songwriter you write a lot of songs for pitch, with other words; for other people, labels. A lot of the time they get stuck with the label saying: we love this, the artist wants it. One year goes by, you ask if they still want it, they say: yes we love it don’t give it to anyone else and then one more year goes by and so on. So I decided to release all the songs that are stuck in limbo under my project called: songs that nobody wants. With no specific artist project, no red thread. Just some songs that I still like after all this time.”

To date, Kelley has amassed more than 170k cumulative streams on Spotify from the release of just three singles, making her one Scandi pop talent to keep on your radars.

Claudia Kelley

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New Music: THE ISLAS

Photo / Hayley Champion

British indie-rock talent is going through a peak time right now, and it doesn’t get more exciting than Norwich outfit THE ISLAS.

Already hyped by the likes of BBC Introducing, Spotify, Rolling Stone India and Amazing Radio, this emerging London-based DIY group are rapidly gaining momentum thanks to their energising and anthemic songs, which expertly balance bold indie sounds with elements of pop and rock.

‘Who’s Your Money On?’ is the band’s first release of the year, and further affirms that THE ISLAS might just end up becoming one of the UK’s hottest new acts.

THE ISLAS

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New Music: Sekou

Sometimes you press play to a song and you instantly know that the artist will take over the world. That’s certainly the case with 18-year old British talent Sekou, who has just unveiled his phenomenal debut single, ‘Better Man’.

Lyrically honest and raw, the song inspires us to embrace our flaws and strive to better ourselves, so we can live a fulfilling life that we can proud of. Elaborating further on the track, Sekou explains:

“Growing up I had a bad relationship with my dad, but I never knew I could write a song out of it. I wanted to write half of it to myself, telling myself what not to do, but then also telling my dad a message as well. When I started the writing process that was the only thing I could really relate to and be honest about.”

With early support from the likes of BBC Introducing, as well as GQ, ID and Vogue magazines already under his belt, we think it will only be a short matter of time before this kid becomes a global name.

Sekou

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Santino Le Saint – whisky & wine

In recent years, Santino Le Saint has firmly marked his name as one of South London’s hottest emerging artists.

Today’s unveiling of his new single ‘whisky & wine’ continues to impress, with its stripped-back fusion of alternative R&B, indie and and soulful pop. The production feels sparse and minimal, allowing for Santino’s powerfully moving vocals to shine through.

An upcoming EP is scheduled for release soon. In the meantime, fans can catch Santino performing live at London’s Cloud X Festival this August – tickets can be found here.

Santino Le Saint

The Jürgen Clubs – Rare Candy

Photo / Line Westerboe

Rising Danish rockers The Jürgen Clubs return with yet another impressive release today called ‘Rare Candy’.

Through its bold and captivating indie-rock production, the song focuses on how we, as a society, have seemingly lost the ability to share or debate our opinions in meaningful and thoughtful ways.

‘Rare Candy’ is The Jürgen Clubs’ fourth single to date, and was produced by Søren Buhl (who is also known for his work with Scandinavian artists as prominent as Blaue Blume, Greta and Rebecca Lou).

Showing their potential to become one of Denmark’s next musical exports, the band continue to gain traction globally, with recent features on Spotify’s New Music Friday, as well as support from noted outlets like Kings of A&R.

The Jürgen Clubs

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Maty Noyes – Lighter Thief

LA-based musician Maty Noyes is one of those rare talents who is able to not only sustain a successful career as a soloist, but also as a highly sought-after songwriter who has worked with the likes of Kygo and Celine Dion.

After amassing more than 120 million career streams from her own releases, Maty returns today with a brand new single. ‘Lighter Thief’ is the first track to be lifted from upcoming project ‘Rainbow Syndrome’, and showcases a cinematic style of sound that blends elements of indie-pop with folk. Elaborating on the lyrical concept behind the song, Noyes explains:

“This song is about loving the anti-hero. He’s the bad boy in the movie that gives you just enough hope that he could turn good. You almost want him to win (over the classic good guy). The whole situation feels like home – sometimes you run away but you always come back to it. It’s that feeling when the future is so uncertain, and nothing is safe or guaranteed but you accept it because it makes you feel alive. You do what you can to bring light and happiness, but that’s not always the way love goes.”

Aside from her huge fanbase, Maty has also won over critical praise from outlets as respected as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Nylon, PAPER, V Magazine and The New York Times. It’s going to be a big year for this talent – be sure to keep her on your radars!

Maty Noyes

Olivia Grace – Sundays

We’ve lost count as to how many times we’ve featured Olivia Grace, but we still can’t get enough of of this charming American alt-pop starlet.

On new single ‘Sundays’, Olivia pines for a simple life with simple pleasures, and was written during a time in the artist’s life when she was physically and emotionally drained from having to undergo dialysis treatment three times a week.

Produced by Parisian duo Her Demon, the track serves as a taster to Grace’s forthcoming debut album, which is scheduled for release on the 10th November 2023.

To date, this rising talent has received praise from the likes of BBC Radio, The Line of Best Fit and Newsweek, while also achieving more than 950k career streams on Spotify alone.

Olivia Grace

New Music: J. C. Wright

Hailing from London is singer, songwriter, composer and producer J. C. Wright, who has just unveiled his stunning debut single, entitled ‘Bird Of Prey’.

Lyrically inspired by themes associated with death, this beautifully emotive and sincere song presents listeners with a thoughtfully constructed and melodic fusion of indie and folk.

While ‘Bird Of Prey’ is Wright’s first solo single, this accomplished musician is already a prominent name within the British music industry, amassing more than twenty years of experience – from being a band member with Das Psycho Rangers and The Genies, to running his own music studio and record label.

Wright was also one of the co-founders of legendary Britpop venue The Splash Club at The Water Rats, which has hosted performances for bands as iconic as Oasis, Blur, Skunk Anansie and Placebo.

An upcoming EP is scheduled for release in the summer.

J. C. Wright

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The Puddleducks – Body High

The Puddleducks might not be a name you are yet familiar with, but this group of four friends (Joseph, Wade, Allen and Weston) are already well on their way to becoming one of South Carolina’s hottest new exports.

Since releasing their first music just last year, this indie-rock outfit has already amassed more than 800k catalogue streams, thanks in part to their viral hit single ‘MILF Song’.

Today’s release of ‘Body High’ continues to highlight the band’s immense potential. Fusing high-energy punk rock with pop and indie, the song treats listeners to an uplifting yet refreshingly raw style of sound.

“‘Body High’ is like two shots of tequila and a Marlboro red all given to a musician by hyped up fans who just want to party with the band.”

Fans can look forward to a new EP, which is scheduled for release this summer.

The Puddleducks

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JÁNA – Gia

Swedish starlet JÁNA (aka Johanna Andrén) is back today with a soulful slice of R&B-pop to brighten up our mornings.

Created alongside producer Isac Hördegård, melodic new single ‘Gia’ was inspired by the story of iconic American supermodel Gia Carangi, and looks at the human desire of wanting to feel loved unconditionally.

“It is definitely a homage to Gia Carangi. I was so touched by the movie and went deeper into Gia’s life story after seeing the movie like ten times. This song is reflecting on unconditional, real love and the search for it. About living life to the fullest. It’s also about seeing beyond beauty. I think the scariest thing for a woman is to be ugly and I think that it is both very sad and very interesting.”

A talent on the rise, JÁNA has been steadily building momentum thanks to her unique style of music-making, which seamlessly blends alternative pop with soul and R&B.

JÁNA’s catalogue of releases have already amassed more than two million career streams to date, and the artist has picked up support from tastemakers as noted as BBC Radio 1, Lyrical Lemonade, Fader Magazine and COLORS.

JÁNA

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New Music: NewDad

Photo / Bella Howard

NewDad are one of the most exciting musical exports to have emerged from Ireland in quite some time.

Hailing from city of Galway, this promising four-piece have enjoyed significant momentum over the past few months (reaching more than 140k monthly listeners on Spotify) thanks to their mesmerising approach to indie-pop.

New single ‘In My Head’ was written in the band’s home town, and focuses on the heavy thoughts and feelings that can exist inside our minds during difficult times.

“If you’ve seen us live you might recognise it, been playing it for a while so it feels really good for it to finally be out there in the world. Thank you for your patience and we hope ye love it as much as we do.”

The track serves as a taster to the band’s album, which is currently being recorded at the iconic Rockfield Studios. NewDad perform at Dublin’s Grand Social on the 24th May – details can be found here.

NewDad

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Harvey Jay Dodgson – Alligator

Harvey Jay Dodgson is back today to remind you why he’s (deservedly) become one of the UK’s most hyped indie newcomers.

‘Alligator’ is taken from the artist’s new EP of the same name (out now), and showcases a bold and cinematic indie-rock sound that is immediately arresting from the moment you press play. In one word, this record is simply epic, and deserves a listen.

The release of the EP marks the start of a busy season for Harvey, who has just announced that he will be performing at the iconic Glastonbury Festival in June.

Dodgson has received praise from industry heavyweights as respected as BBC Radio 1, Notion, Wonderland and Clash magazines, while also garnering more than 250k catalogue streams to date on Spotify alone.

Harvey Jay Dodgson

New Music: palmboy

We’re really excited to share with you some very promising indie talent today. Hailing from Los Angeles is artist Nick Sadler, who goes by the moniker of palmboy.

This musician creates a special kind of sound that infuses elements of old-school indie with a future-forward style of alt-rock, and marries it perfectly with thoughtful lyricism and powerful vocals.

‘complacent’ is a self-empowerment anthem that reminds us to pause, look back and feel proud of what we’ve achieved so far in life. Elaborating further on the song, Sadler explains:

“I wrote this song about initially struggling to accept the idea that I may never be happy with the level of success I achieve, and allowing myself to entertain the idea that maybe I should wear that like a badge of honour and just own who I am right now, not worrying about the past or the future. we all deserve to be a little complacent sometimes.”

If you’ve enjoyed palmboy’s work then be sure to also check out his breakout hit ‘Sophie’, which to date has amassed more than 150k streams on Spotify.

palmboy

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New Music: Christa Lee

Hailing from Madison in Wisconsin is singer and songwriter Christa Lee, who has just introduced herself to the world with debut single ‘Love Potion’.

Through its charming fusion of soul, R&B and dreamy pop, the song treats listeners to a sound that is not only gorgeously mellow and melodic, but also beautifully uplifting.

“I’m beyond excited to share my first single with the world. It’s been a long journey to get to this point, and I’m so grateful for all the support and positive feedback I’ve received so far. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me next.”

Inspired by modern-day icons as prominent as Harry Styles, SZA, Kali Uchis and Remi Wolf, its clear that Christa has a sharp awareness of what makes a hit pop song. We can’t wait to see what’s next in store for this promising newcomer!

Christa Lee

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The Eiffels – Collide

American outfit The Eiffels have to be one of pop-rock’s hardest working bands. Fresh off a tour across Southern California, the group have just announced that they will be unveiling some new music in due course.

In the meantime, we’d like to share with you their 2021 release, ‘Collide’. Still a popular choice amongst their fans, the song treats listeners to an energising mix of punchy pop and indie-rock.

“‘Collide’ is a love letter to the nights we lose ourselves on the dance floor. It’s a song about the moments in life when there’s a room filled with complete strangers, different in so many ways, but they’re all singing the same lyrics and dancing to the same rhythm.”

Amassing more than three million career streams to date, and garnering praise from heavyweight tastemakers like Pitchfork, Alternative Press, LA’s KROQ and MTV, it’s clear to see that The Eiffels’ music resonates with a large and diverse audience.

The Eiffels

New Music: Chandler Daniels

Photo / rionoir

LA-based musician Chandler Daniels has a natural flair for creating songs that blend a variety of genres together in a seamlessly smooth and organic way.

The production on ‘Nicotine’ is sparse and minimalistic, allowing for Chandler’s captivating vocals and vivid lyricism to shine through. Sonically, the track incorporates elements of hazy alt-R&B with dark pop – resulting in a haunting soundscape that is rich in character.

With such a versatile style of songwriting, we think Chandler Daniels might very well make a name for himself as one of LA’s most interesting musical talents.

Chandler Daniels

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Native Son – Meryl

New York’s Native Son (aka singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist Ano Chrispin) has been winning over fans ever since the release of his 2020 debut, ‘Metro Dread’ (listen here).

Creatively inspired by the ‘need to narrate the everyday’, Chrispin’s distinct style of music-making has seen him become one of the state’s most exciting emerging newcomers.

New single ‘Meryl’ presents listeners with a refreshingly eccentric and future-forward sound that blends elements of lo-fi rock with indie and dreamy pop. Elaborating further on the song, Chrispin explains:

“I wrote this song as an ‘ode to the mobile’. It’s a record about traveling to get to someone you care for- whether that entails biking to get a drink with a partner, or taking the train to meet a new hookup. Leaving at sundown and arriving at midnight. ‘Meryl’ is a fuzzed out and almost sensual track written for the moments we share with the people we love; all after the long journeys we take to get to them.”

Native Son has so far garnered tastemaker praise from respected outlets like Complex, NME Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan and Dummy Mag. The project’s songs have also been featured on countless prominent playlists such as Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Today’s Indie Rock.

Native Son