A distinctly unique fusion of pop and RnB, German talent DEVADO created ‘Cloud 11’ using only her vocals and body percussion on the entire production.
“‘Cloud 11’ is a song about falling in love when you expect it least.
This talent takes samples of her voice and other sounds and transforms them into synthesisers, bass, beats and more. With the aim of producing new songs every six to eight weeks, it’s safe to say DEVADO will surely keep 2021 interesting!
A truly superb audible experience, Tom Marden’s ‘Church’ draws the complexity of a passionate love/hate relationship on a lo-fi beat over a gorgeously dreamy melody.
The project serves as an altar ego to artist Léo Faubert, who is based in France. It’s there where he began making music in his father’s small studio, before working with groups Kid Wise and After Marianne.
There was a time when Sweden was pumping out electro-pop songs on a weekly basis, but lately the nation’s commercial music scene has diverted into other styles. Which is actually pretty great, since it keeps things exciting and fresh – but I do still wish that the occasional banger made it’s way to me still.
But fret not if you’re like me, as you’ll be happy to see that BBY LIZA has served us all with a big track in the form of ‘Champagne’. Press play and put the volume on high!
Hailing from New York, GK is a rapper who seamlessly blends pop-punk with hip-hop to create a sound that is not only universal but also future-forward.
‘Falling in Love’ is an emotive track that looks at love and loss, and is sure to amplify this artist’s fan base even more.
Describing themselves as ‘somewhere in sludge between electronic disco and cosmic pop’ is probably as accurate as you could expect when listening to Mancunian outfit VELVET SHAKES.
This is a sound that feels nostalgic yet current, with an essence of eccentricity that charms you over instantly. As far as British bands go, it’s almost impossible not to envision these chaps becoming a household name at some point. On new single ‘Can You Do The Right Thing’ they say:
“It’s a song that’s trying to give someone close to me love and light in dark times – an opportunity for contemplation.”
Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Mellowdrama’.
Exceptionally emotive and powerful, ‘Pull Apart The Pieces of My Heart’ is the kind of song that proves you don’t need an extravagant production to relay a meaningful message to the listener.
So it may come as no surprise to learn that it’s creator is already garnering traction. Brooklyn artist Rich is a frequent tour mate of Chance The Rapper and has a fan following that includes the likes of Justin Vernon, James Blake and Zane Lowe.
Peruvian singer and songwriter Daniela De Izcue creates a kind of RnB-pop that is reminiscent of the 90’s sound, yet still feels smooth, sleek and current. Regardless of whether or not you can understand Spanish, this song will resonate.
‘Obsesioná’ talks about the sexual desire you have for a specific person when you are young, specially when you just walked out of a relationship and have experienced a heartbreak.
Say what you want about Spotify’s algorithm, but the fact that it led me to ‘grey’ by an elusive new artist called Marcus Jacob makes me feel very content.
Delivering a refreshingly original take on hyperpop, this is a sound that is complex and raw in essence, all the while intriguing and immersive to the listener.
Huddersfield born and bred PENNY is a 23-year old talent who’s angelic vocals are just about the most beautiful you’ll listen to all day. With gorgeously melodic songs that showcase her flair for honest lyricism, this artist could well be your new favourite pop star.
“I wrote ‘Sad Puppy’ at a time when I’d finally realised I was worth more than how I’d been allowing people to treat me – a breakthrough moment. But I still felt so frustrated for ever allowing myself to be treated that way.”
A beautifully emotive and dreamy indie sound from two LA-native songwriter-producer-musical directors.
A story about the beauty and the tragedy of coming to terms with a relationship that’s run its course, ‘Cruel Sumer II’ has an essence of timelessness which is really quite exquisite.
Brisbane’s mou creates a deeply moving kind of sound that is minimal in production yet completely engrossing. This truly is one of the most outstanding newcomers to emerge from Australia so far this year.
Sometimes you press play on a rap track and you just know the talent behind it will take off in a big, big way.
Those vibes were felt on KayCyy’s ‘No Luck’. Watch out for this Minnesota-based talent; it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world wakes up to this kid.
A London-based Ghanaian talent who has taken the rock world by storm this year, psykhi is an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of the conventional; creating sounds that are raw and atmospheric yet have an essence of timelessness.
Making London talent proud, Faye Meana‘s cutting-edge approach to soul and RnB is something really quite special to experience.
‘What You Do’ is a song that feels familiar yet future-forward, showcasing this artist’s ability to deliver a sound that is like none-other… and I am living for it!
obai is an American-based teen artist who is creating sounds that are years ahead of his age, proving himself to be a hugely exciting talent to watch out for.
Richly intense and dark alt-RnB tones are fused with hints of indie on new single ‘NO MORE’.
Hailing from Connecticut, Connor Kauffman is a 19-year old singer and songwriter who’s song ‘Hate You For A Lifetime’ achieved over 2 million views on TikTok prior to it’s release.
Impressively, the track was written, produced, recorded and mixed entirely by Connor in his bedroom. Needless to say, this is one kid to watch out for!
A hugely exciting new talent from So-Cal, Miki Ratsula is a Finnish-American artist who’s style of lo-fi pop is not only beautifully stripped-back, but melodic and emotive. This is a sound that encapsulates the essence youth in 2021, and it’s beautiful.
“’reeboks’ is a song about being so anxious about the future that I end up just running myself into the ground. I don’t want to dwell over such mundane things. I’d rather be excited for future things. At its roots, it’s a song about anxiety and the weight it carries on us.”
Already an established name within the music scene, BLEACHx, the moniker of queer platinum-selling songwriter Jeremy Thurber. Behind the scenes, this talent has has phenomenal success working with the likes of TVXQ, SHINee, Meghan Trainor, Jake Miller and Greyson Chance to name only a few.
Now we’re being treated to his very own solo work in the shape of new single ‘Dead Inside’. This is pop at it’s finest; a wildly catchy melody, captivating lyrics and sleek vocals.
“‘Dead Inside’ is such a personal song to me, it really embodies all the loss in my life, how I felt at the time and the birth of the BLEACHx project, it’s a fun song that is a culmination of all the genres and writing styles I love and a goodbye to all the negative feelings I had inside. I wanted something dark and Maniacal you could also dance to. When I wrote it my dad passed away and my boyfriend left me because he couldn’t deal with the grief of it all and it was exactly how I felt inside.” – Jeremy Thurber, BLEACHx
Hailing from Hertfordshire in England, Sophie Odira is phenomenally talented singer and songwriter who is still just 18-years old. Her sound is near impossible not to enjoy; simple and catchy melodies compliment a unique vocal tone that is sure to charm you over in an instant.
‘Little Love’ is a tongue-in-cheek look at relationship dynamics, especially when the bar is so low that doing the bare minimum gets you endless praise.
“I know that a lot of people relate to that first verse, but I want people to listen and realise that’s not the be all and end all of love and relationships. You don’t have to get into a relationship for the sake of it, or be in one which doesn’t serve you how it should be. It’s okay to be on your own.”
A stunning fusion of dream-pop and shoegaze from an up and coming British outfit based in London.
Aqualine create an atmospheric sound with honest lyricism that gives a youthful perspective on life, as is the story with new single ‘Alone for a While’.
“‘Alone for a While’ is a song that was written during the lockdown of 2020 as described through its lyrical content about being isolated.”
