Category: New Music

New Music: shortstraw.

shortstraw. is a rising rapper, songwriter and artist hailing from Coventry in England. This talent is rapidly gaining momentum not only in the UK but also globally, already picking up praise from outlets as noted as Kaltblut and Spindle magazines, among others.

New single ‘pattern up’ is lifted from the upcoming mixtape ‘coinstar’ (out 22nd May) and presents listeners with a bold, intense, and immediately arresting fusion of punk, rap, and jungle. Elaborating on the lyrics, shortstraw. says:

“The repetitive ‘get gone , get up , get about now’ that runs throughout this track is saying ‘get fucked up and go crazy to this song, use it as your release before u go home back to normal life and face whatever’s going on.'”

shortstraw. will headline a show at The Social in London on 2nd June. Grab a ticket here.

shortstraw. | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: LED

Fancy some fresh new indie-punk to shake your midweek blues away? Then we’ve got the perfect song to introduce you to, courtesy of rising teen outfit LED.

This LA-based trio, consisting of bandmates Edie Yvonne, Layne Olivia, and Lockett Pentz, craft a brilliant sound that epitomises the trials and tribulations of being young and surviving in this world.

New single ‘She’s Your Perfect’ speaks of ‘feeling like you are never enough’. Production-wise, the track treats listeners to an energising yet melancholic sound that blends elements of punk and rock with indie and pop.

Despite being so young, these chaps are showing so much potential. A debut EP is on the way… Ones to watch!

LED | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Poppy Freeley

Poppy Freeley is one of our favourite newcomers this month. Hailing from West Yorkshire in England, this pop artist crafts a style of sound that is distinctively original and authentic in character.

‘Holiday Blues’ is the debut single from Freeley and treats listeners to a heady blend of dreamy pop and indie rock. The soundscape is stripped-back, smoky and raw, contrasting with Poppy’s mesmerising and ethereal vocals.

“‘Holiday Blues’ captures the fleeting intensity of a holiday romance already destined to end, holding onto something while knowing it’s already slipping away.”

Alongside her solo work, Poppy has also competed in local music festivals and performed in musical theatre productions.

Poppy Freeley | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: The Grapes

We don’t often get the chance to feature music from South Korea, so we’re really excited to be sharing with you a rising brother duo from Seoul, going by the name The Grapes.

If you enjoy dreamy 80s-tinged synthpop, then you’ll love their new single, ‘Wish You The Best’. The song is nostalgic but also feels current, distinctive, and fresh.

“Self-written, self-produced, and home-recorded, it captures the raw and unfiltered energy that defines us.”

The track serves as a taster to the band’s forthcoming debut ‘trivial’ EP, which is out soon. In the short time that The Grapes have been releasing music (their first single, ‘Summertime‘, was released only a month ago), they’ve gone on to amass thousands of streams and build a global fanbase across social media.

The Grapes | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Luke Armstrong

Photo / Zachary Gray

This week’s indie-pop gem comes courtesy of rising LA-based newcomer Luke Armstrong.

Luke was born to American parents and raised in Beirut before moving to California to play college basketball. He’s bilingual in English and Arabic and has used music as a channel for expressing his identity from as early as his childhood.

“I was an intense child. Music has always helped me process that intensity.”

“There’s an opportunity to face fear with art, to surrender to what scares you, process it, and come through.”

‘2000’ was recorded with acclaimed producer Daniel James, who has also worked with the likes of Hayley Williams, David Byrne, and Efterklang. The track rewinds listeners back to the millennium and sees that era from a fictional perspective created by Armstrong, and looks at the chaotic ways of the world.

“I want to be honest about human suffering, and to make a statement about what a better world can look like.”

Luke Armstrong | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Lonnie Gunn

Photo / Nicole Ngai

“’Good Girls Go to Heaven’ reflects the eerie, painful realities of forcing yourself to be a stranger to someone you once knew intimately and being unable to let go. The song swallows all that frustration, yearning, and emotional repression and vomits it back out into a white-hot fuzz. The title itself is sort of an ironic remark about behaving in accordance with the ‘social guidelines’ instead of addressing the elephant in the room: the fact that this other person and I were once in love and can never unknow that feeling. Good Girls is a reveal of the subtext in the strained small talk and resisted eye contact. The final verses of the song act as a reluctant goodbye to the part of ourselves we once had with each other, or before each other, and will never have again.”

Lonnie Gunn | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: seegz

seegz is a UK-based singer, songwriter, producer and mix engineer. His new single Gloria was released this week, and it’s an immediately captivating song that caught our attention. This is a style of alternative pop that is distinctively unique in tone, with a lot of sonic texture. If you like the sound, then you’ll be happy to learn that an upcoming EP is on the way.

seegz’s music has already landed on prominent Spotify editorials like Fresh Finds Indie, as well as being featured on BBC Introducing. If you’re based in London and you’re free tomorrow (13th April), then you can catch seegz supporting Serena Sun at the legendary Old Blue Last. Grab a ticket here.

seegz | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: dramaclub

TRACK OF THE WEEK

dramaclub is the most exciting discovery of the week, and once you press play on their new single ‘love in the darkness’, you’ll see why.

This Floridian quartet craft a style of indie pop that is refreshingly original. Their productions balance experimentation with playfulness and nostalgia, resulting in sounds that are unexpected and intriguing.

‘love in the darkness’ sonically carries hints of M83 and Capital Cities, while the lyrics speak of the metaphoric ‘tug of war’ that comes with caring for someone.

The track is lifted from the group’s forthcoming ‘for every room’ LP, which is out soon. In the meantime, you can explore more of their music right here.

dramaclub | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Oslo Green

Oslo Green is a master of many talents. He’s not only a singer, songwriter, producer and violinist, but also a co-founder of creative collective NYADO.

‘MaYbe’ caught our attention this week for its refreshingly original sound. The track, which features vocals from Adina Shine, serves as an introduction to Oslo’s new album, ‘No Strings Attached’ (listen here), and presents listeners with a beautifully balanced fusion of alternative R&B, hip hop, and pop.

On top of that, we’re also treated to some strings that give the track a sense of soulful nostalgia that is mesmerising to experience. Elaborating on the album’s concept, Oslo Green says:

“‘No Strings Attached’ – a promise I clearly couldn’t keep – both in relationships but also when it comes to the amount of strings I recorded for this album. This album covers a few good years of travelling around the globe – following relationships, music and big dreams. Growing up as a classical violinist, I could never imagine that one day I would put together something like this. While listening you might notice many flavors and languages. Writing and producing this album on the go, I blended in what I picked up from different places – NYC, Nairobi, Milan, Tel Aviv, Berlin, London and more.” 

The album follows on from Oslo’s well-received debut EP ‘The Oslo Green Express’, which featured an equally eclectic style of sound. You can explore more of the artist’s work on Spotify here.

Oslo Green | Adina Shine | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Stella Lovell

Stella Lovell is a promising newcomer hailing from Seattle, and we think you might enjoy her impressive sound.

Stella blends indie with rock, pop and folk to create sounds that have mainstream appeal while still maintaining a sense of raw authenticity.

New single ‘Get Away’ took a while to come to life – it was written four years ago in the artist’s childhood bedroom, and perfectly encapsulates Lovell’s style of work.

If you like the song then you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s an EP scheduled for release on the 8th of May. In the meantime, be sure to follow Stella on Spotify!

Stella Lovell | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Natalie Leonard

New York’s Natalie Leonard is a promising singer, songwriter, producer and dancer who creates a very special blend of R&B and pop.

Natalie is already building traction in her home city, thanks in part to her live shows which feature her brother Jesse. Unashamedly bold in her work, she delivers songs that not only have a heavy impact sonically but also lyrically.

New single ‘Turo Tesla’ was inspired by the “fall before the crash of a city romance” and includes elements of synth to add an electronic twist to the sound.

“‘Turo Tesla’ is a cinematic R&B ‘night-walk’ anthem exploring the imbalance of a trust-fall into unconditional love. It captures the adrenaline of giving everything to someone who is terrified of the descent.”

Natalie has performed on iconic stages like the Hammerstein Ballroom and Sony Hall and also had her music featured by tastemakers like Perspective and IGGY Magazine.

Natalie Leonard | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Linn-Katrin Lune

It’s been a while since we last featured talent from Norway, so we’re really excited to be sharing with you newcomer Linn-Katrin Lune.

‘Sunset Hill Road’ is Lune’s second release to date and treats listeners to a melodic fusion of indie-folk and acoustic pop. The minimal production allows the vocals to shine through beautifully, and overall, this is quite an easy song to fall in love with.

Lune cites Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Melissa Horn as some of her inspirations, and we can certainly hear elements of that on ‘Sunset Hill Road’. We’re looking forward to hearing what comes next!

Linn-Katrin Lune | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

New Music: Danie Groves

British and Thai singer, songwriter and actress Danie Groves is a very special newcomer who has won us over with her sleek R&B sound.

‘Embers’ is out today and was inspired by the age-old dilemma of falling in love with the right person at the wrong time – and having to let them go. The lyrics are honest, vulnerable and sincere, drawing listeners into Danie’s innermost thoughts. She explains:

“I wrote ‘Embers’ years ago about someone who changed my perspective on what it means to pursue love with integrity. I still have a lot of admiration for that person, but the experience taught me how much timing and honesty matters. It helped me understand what I truly value in a relationship. At its heart, the song is about gratitude: for the memories, the lessons, and the clarity that came afterwards.”

Groves has had an interesting childhood split between the UK, Hong Kong and Thailand. Alongside her music career, Danie is also a qualified barrister and based in London.

Danie Groves | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: FREZYA

‘FEVERLOCK’ is an interesting song for us to feature, down to the fact that the artist behind the track, FREZYA, is actually a virtual creation that was constructed by Lokidio Lab.

The track gives us a taste of what AI’s potential can be in music. Sonically inspired by genres like dance and amapiano, the song’s feel-good style of sound is infectiously uplifting. Alongside FREZYA, you can hear vocals from another digital project who goes by the name of LPSV.

“Narratively, ‘FEVERLOCK’ locks the night in place, midnight heat, slow-motion haze, and infinite flow, capturing the intimate aftershock of two partners collapsing into each other on the last atoms of strength.”

The song follows on from FREZYA’s debut release ‘FURTIVA‘, which gained considerable media attention and landed features on outlets like Plastic Magazine and York Calling.

FREZYA | LPSV | Lokidio Lab | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: MANNA

Without a doubt, MANNA is an artist who has absolutely blown us away. This Estonian newcomer creates a style of electronic pop that immediately commands attention.

‘I’m Just A Girl’ is a bold and upfront song that addresses gender politics and the unbalanced dynamics that can exist within the music industry. The production fuses dark pop with raw, abrasive electronic beats, complimenting MANNA’s sharp and confident vocal delivery.

This is a musician who is unafraid to challenge life’s conventions, and speaks their mind in clever and creative ways. We’re very excited to see what MANNA delivers next.

MANNA | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: MONIKA

Philine & Malte

MONIKA is a brand-new outfit from Germany who have won us over with their very distinctive sound.

The musical project of composer Malte Beckenbach and jazz artist Philine Senf-Beckenbach, MONIKA create songs that are inspired by everyday life.

New single ‘Gold’ flirts between the melancholic and the whimsical. The production blends nostalgic pop tones with elements of indie, folk, and soft rock.

“In reminiscence of a time that seems lost, but is not.”

Even if you don’t speak German (we can’t either…), there’s a warm charm to this song which wins you over, regardless of what language you understand.

MONIKA | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: The Danphes

It’s a big day for British newcomers The Danphes, as they release their debut single and introduce their fantastic music to the world.

This group of friends have joined forces to become one of Norwich’s newest musical outfits, creating an invigorating indie sound that epitomises the essence of rebellious youth. If you love The Smiths or Teenage Fanclub, then the chances are high that you’ll also enjoy these chaps’ music.

‘Heartbreak High’ was recorded at the famous Sick Room Studios, and speaks of a love between two people. The track feels playful and hopeful, while also capturing that youthful and unwavering ambition to run away and be free from the world.

“This song is about two people planning a quiet escape together – late night drives, headlights in the rear view and that feeling of being completely in sync with someone. It blends atmospheric indie guitars with nostalgic, cinematic mood inspired by wanting to run away and never look back.”

If you’re based in Norwich then you can catch The Danphes performing live at The Holloway on the 30th of March – get your tickets here, and catch them before they become huge!

The Danphes | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: SYOT

We’re starting the week with a charming slice of K-pop, courtesy of rising South Korean trio SYOT.

These newcomers are picking up a tonne of momentum right now thanks to their neo-traditional productions, which are distinctively unique in tone. New single ‘Hide and Seek’ carries a heavy influence from 90s UK Garage, and treats listeners to a playful bop that likens being in love to playing hide and seek.

The song is taken from the outfit’s new album, ‘NAVI’ (Korean for ‘butterfly’), which is also out today. SYOT consists of producer G.QOO, singer & pianist Hanbeen Park, and gayageum player Yoolim Lee.

SYOT | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: ALÍSI

ALÍSI is an emerging London-based artist with Brazilian-Portuguese roots who has blown us away with her hazy new single, ‘BRAKES’.

The track presents listeners with an alt-pop production that is both dreamy and emotionally raw at the same time. The sound feels almost cinematic and is reminiscent of the work by outfits like Billie Eilish and The Japanese House.

‘BRAKES’ was produced by Blake Bigfoot, who has also worked alongside the likes of Por$ch Bets and Brent de la Cruz. A new EP is scheduled for release later in the spring. In the meantime, you can check out more of ALÍSI’s music here.

ALÍSI | Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: Bethia Beadman

Fans of PJ Harvey and Fiona Apple will find a new artist to fall in love with, going by the name of Bethia Beadman. The UK-based newcomer makes a stunning impact today with the release of ‘Brick’.

Taken from the artist’s upcoming album ‘Kitten Feel’ (which was mixed by the legendary Tchad Blake), this song presents listeners with a texturally gritty sound, blending dark indie tones with alternative pop. Elaborating on the track, Beadman explains:

“Lyrics fall out of real life. The verses for ‘Brick’ slithered out at midnight, like an ancient Mississippi worm. That song is my snakeskin jacket.”

Alongside her work as a solo artist, Bethia has also collaborated with a range of icons behind the scenes on their projects, from Depeche Mode to REM. ‘Kitten Feel’ is out on the 5th June 2026 – pre-save here.

Bethia Beadman | Ones To Watch Playlist