Category: New Music

New Music: Michael Isaak

If you’re a fan of Phoebe Bridgers or Conan Gray (and let’s face it, who isn’t?) then you might have a new artist to obsess over soon called Michael Isaak.

This LA-based newcomer thoughtfully blends elements of indie and folk with acoustic pop, resulting in a sound that is sincere, emotive and honest in tone. Elaborating on his new single ‘okay with this’, he says:

“Rock bottom felt like home. And in that darkness stood a strip of blue tape on my childhood bed frame. My brother put it there in some effort to tell me it’ll soon get better. That blue tape became a reminder of all the pain I endured–leaving college, losing friendships, feeling denied for who I was–but also the hope that I could overcome it all.”

A former Princeton neuroscience student, Isaak is now embarking on a new musical journey that has already seen him gain more than 70k streams from just two singles. We anticipate big things for this talent, so be sure to keep him on your radars.

Michael Isaak

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New Music: da nang

If you’re in the mood for some 90’s inspired garage rock then we’ve got the perfect banger for you today.

‘eye for an eye’ is the latest single from emerging Canadian group da nang, and delivers a style of sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic in equal measures. Elaborating on the song further, they say:

“Fuelled by life’s ugly endings, ‘eye for an eye’ is a classic revenge song that points the middle finger both outward, and inward.”

Despite releasing only a handful of singles since their debut earlier this year, da nang are already marking their name as one of Canadian indie’s most interesting and promising newcomers.

da nang

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New Music: Chris Buxton

Summer might well and truly be over for most of us around the world, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy one last shimmering bop before the cold nights settle in.

‘LEXI (MAKE TIME)’ is one of the sweetest and most uplifting love songs that we’ve come across in quite some time, and showcases rising Charlotte, NC artist Chris Buxton‘s natural flair for songwriting.

“The song represents the honeymoon stage after years of being with someone. After time spent trying to figure out if the relationship was meant to be, I finally matured and realised that everything I wanted was right in front of me. The record is the perfect song to end the summer on, and it’s a deep dive into my own relationship.”

Buxton’s music has recieved praise from heavyweight tastemakers as respected as Lyrical Lemonade, MTV UK, Fashionably Early and A1234. In addition, the musician has amassed more than 3 million streams on Spotify alone.

Chris Buxton

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New Music: mike rowave

If you’re familiar with Australian indie outfit The Moving Stills, then chances are high that you’ll enjoy bandmate Mike’s new musical project, mike rowave.

‘Santa Ana’ treats listeners to a hazy fusion of bedroom pop and lo-fi surf rock. Explaining the lyricism behind the song, Mike says it was:

“inspired by growing up and figuring out how to navigate new connections and relationships.”

While this is still only mike rowave’s second single (following ‘peace pipe’, which was released earlier this year), we think that this is one indie talent to watch for in the coming months.

mike rowave

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New Music: Sultans Court

Photo / Nouki

We are starting the weekend with a sensational new outfit emerging from Germany called Sultans Court.

In our opinion, this group are responsible for creating some of the most interesting indie sounds to come out of Europe right now. New single ‘Autopilot’ presents listeners with a flawlessly constructed fusion of psychedelica, soul and indie-pop.

The sound is smooth, dreamy and utterly entrancing to experience. Elaborating on the song further, they say:

“The song delves into themes of helplessness and estrangement within a relationship. Imagine a long car ride where nobody engages in conversation.”

With more than a million career streams to date and support from heavyweights like Radio 1 Germany, it’s safe to say that this is one band to watch for.

An upcoming EP called ‘Everything’s Fine’ is scheduled for release in January 2024.

Sultans Court

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New Music: CAROUSELS

If you’ve ever wondered what an indie-rock Bond theme would sound like, then pressing play to ‘I Can’t Stop the Rain from Falling’ by rising Danish band CAROUSELS should give you a sweet glimpse.

Through its impressive production, the track transports listeners to a mysterious sonic universe that feels melancholic, moody and reflective in tone. Lyrically, the song addresses the challenges that life throws at us – as the band explains:

“It’s about going through a series of difficult life events, and many friends and family trying to rationalise and spiritualise the reasons for why. Meanwhile, few acknowledged and tuned into the pain and hardship experienced, making the whole situation more difficult to go through.”

Despite forming only last year, CAROUSELS have already begun to generate hype across Denmark. The group have played iconic venues like BETA and Råhuset, and collaborated with musicians as noted as Fyfe.

CAROUSELS

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New Music: SadCrush

German newcomer SadCrush is one of those talents whose style of sound is so unique that it’s actually quite hard to assign any one genre to.

The artist’s work has been labelled as a hyperdream project, and their debut single ‘AstroDrive’ seems to fit that description well.

With its Y2K-inspired techno production, the track somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and future-forward in equal measures.

“‘AstroDrive’ channels the aesthetics of space expansionism and the digital singularity as a form of escapism in a global state of crisis. Instead of succumbing to this idea, the song proposes escaping into our human bonds and relationships.”

The song showcases a musician of who is refreshingly unafraid to push their creative boundaries, so we can’t wait to hear what comes next!

SadCrush

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New Music: Marcus Mackey

Photo / Michelle Gonzales

Hailing from LA is promising Californian artist artist Marcus Mackey, who has just released one of the catchiest singles of the week.

To put it simply, ‘S.E.L’ (Someone Else’s Lover) is a pure pop bop. With its relatable lyrics, infectiously catchy melody and energising production, the song delivers on everything you’d want and need for a weekend anthem.

“I made ‘S.E.L.’ not to solve the problem, but to at least get you dancing through it.” 

Working alongside acclaimed producer Luke Villemur, Mackey looks set to become one of the West Coast’s newest prospects. Keep this kid on your radars!

Marcus Mackey

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New Music: PARCS

Representing some of the very best in emerging Welsh music are rising outfit PARCS, who have just unveiled an infectiously uplifting new single called ‘Wait!’

Through its perfected mix of indie, disco, pop and synth, this song is sure to put you in a good mood ahead of the weekend. Elaborating on the track, they explain:

“The song’s origins were a simple loop drum and synth loop recorded in a rehearsal room, soon becoming an idea that we couldn’t help but add to and construct a more elaborate groove. We wanted to explore a different angle of the PARCS sound while still maintaining that core dream-like, synth heavy character but also introducing some bigger and brighter sounds.”

If you’re a fan of Passion Pit, M83 or The XX, then chances are high that you’ll also enjoy this band’s sound.

With praise from national outlets like BBC Radio Wales already under their belt, this promising group of talented musicians look set to hit the mainstream very soon.

PARCS

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New Music: Oranje Space

Track of the week. Hailing from California is LA-based newcomer Oranje Space, who has been steadily gaining traction in recent months thanks to his distinct fusions of neo-soul, alternative R&B and pop.

If you’ve yet to experience this artist’s work, then pressing play to ‘Lucy’ will serve as a perfect introduction. Melodic and emotive in tone, the song’s style of sound feels reminiscent to the works of modern-day icons like Frank Ocean and Dijon.

“This song is my outlook on what it feels to be loved unconditionally.”

With support from tastemaker heavyweights as respected as Early Rising and Fashionably Early already under his belt, we can expect to hear a lot more from this talented kid.

Oranje Space

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New Music: Maya Donovan

Brooklyn native Maya Donovan has to be one of the most impressive newcomers for us this week.

While still in her early 20’s, this promising singer and songwriter has mastered the art of creating songs that feel timeless and beautifully sincere in tone.

‘The Company’ presents listeners with a stripped-back and melancholic fusion of indie and folk, while the sincere and emotive lyricism centres around the artist’s life-long struggles with anxiety.

“Anxiety sometimes feels like it’s being orchestrated by this sinister network that I’m always trying to outsmart, a ‘company’ if you will, with a conspiracy to overthrow me from my own body.”

If you’re based in Greenwich Village then you can catch Maya performing at The Bitter End every so often, since she is an artist in residence. You can find out more here.

Maya Donovan

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New Music: Malxolm Brixkhouse

Malxolm Brixkhouse (aka Malcolm Brickhouse) is a promising singer and songwriter who is currently emerging from the States.

As a former bandmate of viral rock group Unlocking The Truth, Brixkhouse is already an artist who is familiar with the spotlight.

‘See-Through’ is one of Brixkhouse’s latest releases, and showcases an energising style of sound that blends dark, alternative pop with punk and indie-rock.

The track serves listeners with a brave and bold production that feels fresh and future-forward, and sets the tone for what fans can expect next from this talented musician.

Malxolm Brixkhouse

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New Music: Rai Kah Mercury

If you’re a fan of British indie-rock then Rai Kah Mercury might be one of your favourite new outfits.

Hailing from Burton-Upon-Trent, this rising four-piece have been building solid traction – particularly over the past year, thanks to their powerfully arresting and anthemic songs.

‘Dreamworld (Paper Chained in Love)’ is lifted from the group’s newly-released debut EP, called ‘Constraints of Reality’ (listen here). Speaking on the record, they say:

“This is such a special moment for us.. Written as teenagers in our small Staffordshire village and recorded on the beautiful Isle of Lewis in Scotland some years later, it’s so great to finally release this to the world. Thanks to all who have supported us throughout the years. There have been countless beautiful moments and we’re indebted to so many friends and loved ones for their kindness and support.”

You can explore the band’s previous singles here.

Rai Kah Mercury

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New Music: Dane Schumacher

We are very excited to introduce to you an emerging alt-pop artist from the US, called Dane Schumacher.

Dane’s music has been picking up significant momentum since the start of the year; this talent has already amassed more than 97k cumulative streams to date from the release of just two singles.

And we think his popularity will surge even further with the unveiling of his latest track, ‘Sucker Punch’. If you’re suffering from a summer romance that’s reaching its inevitable end, then this song is for you.

“I was dating a bigger musician and she was going on a three month tour. We just started to like each other a lot when I realised our future didn’t look too optimistic. The song’s about enjoying the time you’ve got with someone before they move on with life.“

Listen to more of Dane’s music here.

Dane Schumacher

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New Music: Beant

Hailing from Leamington Spa is rising talent Beant, whose work has already landed praise from respected tastemakers as noted as Wordplay Magazine and BBC Introducing.

New single ‘Gallows’ showcases a distinct style of production that incorporates elements of UK hip hop with drum n bass, resulting in a captivating sound that is fresh and energising in character.

“This song is an ode to Punjab and the honourable men and women who continue to challenge the darkness. I live because of their defiance.”

The track follows on from the artist’s ‘The Rules of Engagement’ EP (listen here), which was released earlier in the summer.

While still a relative newcomer to the British hip hop scene, we think it’s inevitable that Beant will grow to become one of the country’s biggest musical prospects.

Beant

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New Music: Good Rzn

Good Rzn are one of the most exciting discoveries of the week. This promising LA-based duo look set to take over the pop world in the coming months, thanks to their refreshingly unique approach to music-making.

Mesmerising new single ‘Running Out Of Time’ presents listeners with a heady blend of dark, psychedelic electropop and indie, while the lyrics remind us that life is short and that we should chase our dreams.

“We wanted this song to evoke a sense of urgency to chase your dreams and do the things you’ve always wanted to now rather than later. Go dance in the rain, it’s been too long. Don’t waste your time waiting for perfect moment. The tone of the instrumental complements the vocals and lyrics with energetic synths and bold guitar elements and sets a sense of urgency.”

The track is lifted from the outfit’s forthcoming debut EP, called ‘Falling In Slow Motion’ (out 20th October 2023). You can catch the duo performing live in Denver and Las Vegas in the coming weeks – tickets here.

Good Rzn

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Good Rzn are Josie Molasky (vocalist & songwriter) and Tommy Ghirardini (guitarist & producer).

CHARLIE – Friends

https://open.spotify.com/track/2vQICu1xIC33ghSD6VYBMF?si=ad96d1be13b342ee

Cambridge-based singer, songwriter and producer CHARLIE returns today with a nostalgic new single called ‘Friends’.

The track reminisces of the bygone days of our childhoods, when life was easier and we had less to worry about.

“Here’s the thing, when you’re younger you don’t realise how good life was. It was so simple, so exciting and part of me misses it so much. I wrote ‘Friends’ inspired by the close knit group of mates I had growing up and how much time we spent together before growing up, moving out of our hometowns and going from seeing each other every day to a few times a year. Yes, this is a personal story to me, but it’s a story shared by every single person and I can’t wait for people to connect with it.”

Alongside its thoughtful lyricism, ‘Friends’ also treats listeners to an energising production that fuses elements of pop with rock.

To date, CHARLIE’s songs and collaborations have found their way onto outlets as noted as BBC Introducing. This talent could well be one of the UK’s new up and comers!

CHARLIE

New Music: Morning Silk

Inspired by the likes of Mac Demarco and Connan Mockasin, rising outfit Morning Silk (led by Frank Corr) create a very special kind of sound that instantly transports you to a beautiful place.

Melodic new single ‘Nightlife’ was written as a ‘sonic journey through the streets of New York City after dark’, and is so dreamy and mesmerising in tone that we think you might fall in love with Morning Silk after just one listen.

An upcoming EP called ‘Dark City Silence’ is scheduled for release soon. And if any of the other songs on the record sound like ‘Nightlife’, then we might be looking at one of indie’s biggest prospects of the year.

Morning Silk

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New Music: ZUBIN

Track of the week. Showcasing some of the very best in emerging South African music artistry is rising singer, songwriter and producer ZUBIN.

‘letter for you’ is the opening track to the artist’s freshly-released solo debut EP of the same name (listen here), and treats listeners to a beautifully stripped-back mix of alternative pop and indie.

Prior to this release, ZUBIN was noted for his work with Yung Beathoven and their collaborative ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ project (listen here), which received global attention and amassed hundreds of thousands of streams.

ZUBIN’s music has so far landed placements on editorials as noted as Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ and Apple Music’s ‘Breaking Pop’.

ZUBIN

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New Music: NOEL

Photo / Fredrik Andersson

We’ve got a phenomenal new Scandinavian talent to share with you today, who is almost certain to hit the global mainstream very soon.

Hailing from Stockholm, NOEL is a Norwegian-Swedish singer and songwriter who transitioned into the world of music after a knee injury halted his progress into becoming a footballer.

‘When You’re Not Mine’ serves as a powerful anthem for the broken-hearted, and is sure to resonate with huge swathes of listeners across the world.

“‘When You’re Not Mine’ was one of the first songs I wrote on my songwriting journey, and it has sort of progressed over time, just like me. It started as a break-up song, but it didn’t feel honest since I haven’t really been in love before. After rewriting the lyrics, it evolved into a personal story about longing for a special someone. Now, over a year later and after many late nights, I think we finally got it right, and I’m very proud of it. This song is for my future person.“

The song was written alongside prominent songwriters Johan Lindbrandt and Freddy Alexander, as well as Alfitude favourite Clara Mae.

NOEL

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