Track of the week. Showcasing a superb example of Nordic alt-pop, Lea Kampmann’s ‘In Circles’ is a slow burning and glistening masterpiece that blends house-inspired synths with thoughtfully constructed percussions.
The song was inspired by the need to go out and grab life, instead of waiting for it to pass by.
“The most important thing to me as an artist is to make pieces of art that people can see themselves in.”
Track of the week. Beautifully emotive vocals deliver captivating and raw lyrics on flowerkid’s ‘vodka orange juice’. Through the production’s simplicity, this is one of the most intense releases I have come across so far this month, and a sign that this rising Sydney-based starlet is one to watch.
“It was hugely cathartic writing this song. I hope when other people are listening, they feel the same way. If you feel like you aren’t accepted for who you are, please know that you are loved.”
Track of the week. It’s hard to get nostalgia right when it comes to producing new music, yet Keiynan Lonsdale has managed to construct one of sharpest blends of pop and R&B that I have come across over the last few days.
“I finally feel in harmony with myself as a man, at peace with both my feminine and my masculine. Sometimes, there are still demons to face, there’s still fear, but… I’ve stopped running, so I can continue growing with strength.”
Keiynan plays his first ever headline show at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre – tickets here.
Track of the week. Luke Royalty’s refreshingly original approach to pop continues to win me over more and more with each release.
‘High Life’ is that strong dose of pop medicine we all need to get us through those summer blues.
“I just really enjoy writing catchy pop music and try to write choruses that give you that release of euphoria. It’s written about the insecurities that play in your head even when things are going well and not trusting yourself when you’re on the up with the looming thoughts that a down could be just around the corner.”
Having already garnered support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, Clash Magazine, The Independent and Amazing Radio, Luke looks set to be one of the breakout acts of 2021.
Track of the week. A conceptual and future-forward approach to hip hop that still somehow maintains an essence of nostalgia, ‘This Lifetime’ is one of the best releases that I have come across over the last week.
On the track, Pugs connects with fellow Chicago artist Rockie Fresh and glides across the bouncy production of Tusk57, with each MC breaking down what they want to see in this lifetime; for themselves and the people that come after.
Taken from the upcoming album ‘Test Drive’ which drops 13th October 2021.
Track of the week. Leicester-raised artist SOFY has to be the most exciting British talent that I have come across so far this month.
An understated and hazy indie-pop sound with a dose of cheekiness, it’s no wonder she’s already picking up support from prominent tastemakers likes Clara Amfo, Jess Iszatt, Gemma Bradley, and artists Tom Grennan, Sam Fender, and YUNGBLUD.
Track of the week. I’m not quite sure how I stumbled across ‘Perplexed’ by London group Boy Bleach, but in all honesty this is probably one of my favourite pop songs of the year so far.
There’s a captivating essence of melancholy running through the track that feels refreshingly deep, raw and honest. Yet somehow the sound still carries a pop sensibility that makes it just so easy to connect with.
Track of the week. With just shy of one billion streams across his catalogue to date and over nine million monthly listeners on Spotify, Purple Disco Machine has truly established himself as a dance powerhouse.
‘Dopamine’ features London based, Dutch born singer songwriter Eyelar and is taken from his forthcoming album ‘Exotica’, out on the 15th October 2021.
Track of the week. Only recently just turned 18, Derby born and London based Oliver Keane launches one of the most impressive debuts that I have had the pleasure of listening to so far this year.
Stunningly tender through it’s simple construction, ‘in the morning’ showcases this artist’s mesmerising vocals and beautiful lyricism. Despite his young age, this is a sound that is raw and exceptionally emotive.
Since hitting his teens Oliver was determined to forge his own path, barely pausing for breath. And this debut is a testament to the commitment he has given to his craft.
“I’ve probably written something in my notes or made a voice note every single day for the past six years. We’re talking about thousands of songs. I can’t remember the last time I went without making music, or having some form of an idea just sitting in the back of a train, singing to myself like a weirdo…”
Track of the week. With more than 1.7 million followers, mega-talented Australian girl group H3rizon are taking over the TikTok pop scene by storm.
And it’s little wonder why; their style of blending 90’s style RnB with dance is not only fresh but completely mesmerising. This is a sound that brings a smile to your face with it’s ode to nostalgia.
Track of the week. Consistently pushing the boundaries of British rap, Jeshi has yet to release any work that disappoints.
At the forefront of every song seems to be it’s captivating and relevant lyricism, performed over rich soundscapes and sharp productions. ‘Sick’ is no exception, and is a track that holds your attention the whole way through. So watch out for Jeshi – this artist only continues to grow in strength.
Track of the week. Bronx-raised and Harlem-based twins Angel + Dren create a type of RnB that is truly timeless in it’s concept. The ethereal ‘Nirvana’ showcases a melting pot of sounds that the sisters have amassed through their life journeys and artistic explorations.
“’Nirvana’ is about feeling misunderstood. It’s about love and nostalgia.”
Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Dark Summer’ which is out on 13th September 2021.
Track of the week. The big challenge in creating conceptual pieces of music is that the chances of mainstream audiences connecting with your work is somewhat limited.
I can confidently say that this is not the case with Carter Ace’s ‘The One and Lonely’. Truly a sublime composition, the Cameroonian-American singer, songwriter, rapper and artist has seamlessly blended RnB with hip-hop, soul and even space funk to create one of the most impressive songs that I have experienced so far this month.
“This track is about creating art in the void of loneliness, intensified during the last year with the forced isolation of the pandemic and navigating my growing success. In this void, the pressure to create has turned into a distracting white noise as I recognise that I am truly ‘the One and Lonely.’ As the track morphs static noise into inspirational melodies, I realise ‘I don’t know my purpose, so I might as well enjoy the ride.’”
Track of the week. In my humble opinion, it’s only a short matter of time before Californian duo Motel 7 reach global recognition for their superb approach to alt-pop.
Consisting of Anton Khabbaz and Dylan Jagger Lee, this outfit have the ability to seamlessly craft songs that create impact in the most thoughtful and balanced way imaginable.
“A friend of mine told me that this song reminded him of a Nirvana record, and I was like ‘hell yes.’ I feel like thats what we want to hear. Sometimes I’d rather have someone tell us our songs sound like some of the OGs such as Nirvana, rather than someone on Top 40 radio right now.” – Motel 7
Track of the week. Already a talent with a significant online fandom (over 3.2 million TikTok followers alone), Camylio will undeniably hit the mainstream very rapidly.
And yet, this artist’s musicianship is impressive on it’s own standing. Raw and emotive vocals compliment a classic production that sets the tone for a hugely emotional song.
“When you’re in a relationship, you share music and playlists. As soon as everything goes wrong and falls apart, you can’t even listen to the songs associated with that person anymore. You’ve broken up, and you’re trying to get yourself together. You’re attempting to move on and put the pieces back together. However, all you can fixate on is if your ex is going through something similar.”
Track of the week. Captivating lyricism takes centre stage on Kay Young’s latest release, ‘White Teeth’. This Londoner is not only a rapper and singer but also a producer, and in my view one of the UK’s most promising up and coming talents.
Track of the week. Best played exceptionally loud, ‘wake up!’ is a hugely exciting release from CHUALA, a left-field experimental artist who instills powerful lyricism into electronic sounds that immediately captivate and entrance you.
This track encourages the listener to share awareness over their hectic schedules by processing mental health, and indicating the importance of living in the moment.
“While ‘wake up!’ is also a kind of turn up song, it’s mostly a criticism to this idea, that all that matters is how much money you make, even if it means you never have time for anything else. a lot of us have totally submitted to a workaholic lifestyle and we wanna ‘out-busy’ each other. I felt very cynical when writing this song and chose the repetition in the lyrics to showcase the repetitive routines many people follow until they die.”
Track of the week. Joy Crookes channels an essence of Amy Winehouse on new single ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now’. A perfect blend of indie and soul, this is a sound that is sonically captivating and lyrically intelligent.
“This song is one of the most complicated songs I’ve ever written (in a good way). The track carries with it a deep sense of irony, it’s written from the perspective of someone who finds it easier to remain complicit out of a fear of being cancelled. During the social and political turmoil of the last 12 months, performative behaviour has become prevalent alongside cancel culture. These two reactions I think are often intertwined as cancel culture can be a response to half hearted performatism.”
“In some sense you can sympathise with the perspective I’m singing from because cancel culture is scary, as is re-educating yourself and challenging your friends and families. Ultimately I hope the song encourages people to be a bit braver, whilst the themes are clear in my head the chorus is universal – ‘man I guess I was scared, feet don’t fail me now, I got to stand my ground and though I’m down for trying, I am better in denial so I hush don’t make a sound’. Open up a dialogue, speak out, make mistakes – that’s okay and that’s how progress happens.”
Track of the week. As far as debuts songs go, this has to be one of the stand-out releases I have heard so far this year.
A self-described grunge-pop songstress, SACHA is a Scottish-born and London-based artist who’s immense vocal immediately draws you in, while the epic production from Lewis Gardiner keeps you hooked from start to finish.
“’Something We’ll Regret’ is about my repetitive bad choices when it comes to men. I always go for someone I know is bad news or a situation that will inevitably end badly but can’t help myself! I had just broken up with my last boyfriend and started dating someone who had already told me he didn’t believe in monogamy! I knew this wasn’t going to work for me long term but couldn’t help myself as it was fun at the time – it’s about the mentality of going for things knowing that the outcome will most probably end in tears!”
Track of the week. With over 28 million global streams to date from just a handful of singles, ENNY is without doubt one UK name that is firmly on everyone’s radar.
‘I Want’ is a sleek blend of RnB, pop and disco that’s finessed yet eccentric and boldly confident.
“This tune is deffo a significant song in my musical journey as it was the first song that Paya and I made together. We had no expectation, just vibes, London and some wavy weather. I hope this tune paints more of a picture into the world I’m coming from and the story of the EP. This is one to bubble to and motivate you to get up and get what you want!”
Taken from the debut EP, which is out soon.
