A richly eclectic release from Berlin-based outfit Everything And Everybody, who are crafting some of the most interesting art-pop that I have come across lately. This is a sound that is boldly experimental, drawing from a plethora of influences and styles.
‘NIZZER’ looks into the unhealthy relationship between consumption and self-education in our Western society. It’s about the absurdity of the potent promise that you can buy your way into becoming a different, better, or happier person.
It wouldn’t be a normal week on Alfitude without featuring some outstanding Canadian talent. So I’m starting the week off with Toronto-based artist Caleb Jacob, who’s track ‘knock knock’ is a smooth and stripped-back fusion of hip hop and indie that is subtly moving while also being effortlessly sleek.
A hugely refreshing approach to alt-pop from LA-based talent Two Fang. This sound feels raw and abrasive, yet carries an undertone of vulnerability which is really quite captivating to experience.
Born and raised Southern California, Alexa Cappelli is a 21-year old artist and singer-songwriter who’s new single ‘Say Something’ garnered over 2.6 million TikTok views within a week after announcing it’s release.
Quite the achievement, and it’s easy to understand the attraction; this is a polished pop sound that is immensely easy to enjoy and connect with.
Hailing from Vancouver, Chersea’s style of electro-pop feels both playful and sassy in equal measures.
Using her own personal hardships as an inspiration, the music she creates makes it just that bit easier for you to connect with yourself, and to those around you.
Californian artist Benny Bellson brings a certain flair of confidence to his indie sound that instantly draws you in. ‘Red Wine’ is a song that feels experimental and original, yet also playful and light-hearted.
Be warned before you press play that this song is exceptionally catchy..! vaultboy is a singer-songwriter from Florida who’s track ‘everything sucks’ has started to pick up viral traction – having been used in over 90k videos on TikTok alone since January.
“It’s crazy to me how a song I wrote in my bedroom about looking on the bright side has connected to so many people all over the world. We’re all so similar in that way; we’re just looking for a reason to smile and be okay.”
vaultboy
Not only is Talia Jackson a sensationally talented singer and songwriter, but she’s also an NAACP award-winning actress who plays Jade on Netflix’s ‘Family Reunion’.
‘You’ is a glorious fusion of alt-RnB and pop that feels and airy and ethereal; almost cosmic in it’s essence. And with Talia’s passionate vocals gliding over a beautiful melody, you’ll fall in love with this song instantly.
A hauntingly mesmerising alt-pop sound from LA talent Teddy Fontana. The chorus to ‘Burn Bright’ in particular is immensely powerful. Today she releases a new record called ‘Paradise City’, in which she says:
“This EP was written and recorded during a time that felt like the whole world was experiencing a multitude of negative emotions. In writing these songs we really tried to inject the music with our day to day feelings and energy. We recorded the whole project at a music studio in Laurel Canyon with a vast musical history. We chose the title “Paradise City” because Los Angeles itself felt very pertinent to the creation of the record. Lyrically there are songs that I hope will be cathartic and relatable, and also songs that I hope will invigorate the listener with confidence and electricity. Sonically there’s a broad spectrum of ultra-modern pop moments and also retro-inspired cinematic elements of production.”
‘Paradise City’ is out now.
LA-based indie-pop artist Logan Prescott is one of the most exciting talents that I have come across all week.
Already a songwriter who’s worked for the likes of Chad Kroeger’s 604 Records (Carly Rae Jepsen, and Mathew V), Logan also creates some gems for himself too.
‘tongue’ is one of those songs that sticks with you for the rest of the day, thanks to it’s 80’s vibes, smooth vocals and very catchy melody.
Listening to Kendall Bowser’s new single ‘Never Had’ is one of those moments that reminds you how lucky you are to have a passion for discovering new music.
The lyrics on this track are just sublime, and to hear Kendall’s voice perform them is an even further delight. Such an emotive piece of music; I hope it moves you as much as it did me.
“Have you ever lost a life that you haven’t lived? Or a dream that you dreamed so vividly but it never came true? That’s what this song captures. ‘Never Had’ is about missing the life that you never got to live because someone else couldn’t see themselves living that same life with you. It’s about missing the love that’s lost, the security that’s no longer there and the children you’ll never have. It’s grief, and sadness, and heartbreak.”
A beautifully constructed blend of alt-RnB, soul and pop from Big Stuff. This East Coast outfit initially formed as a songwriting duo, but had their plans scuppered once shutdown kicked in. Finding themselves stuck in isolation with no artist to speak through, they became their own performers – and what a fantastic idea that was!
“The inspiration behind ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ is falling in love with your partner’s joy. We actually based each verse line on the little things we witnessed about each other. From discovering pockets in a new dress or buying two for one when we only needed one – that burst of happiness over something so small can be seriously contagious.”
Hailing from North West London, Dpart is a rapper and songwriter who sites the likes of NF and J Cole as influences.
A passion for soccer comes through on ‘Showboat’, wherein Dpart uses various football skills as punchlines, while also sticking to his gritty reality-based lyrics that combine both football and his own experiences growing up in London to great effect.
The Netherlands has been a hotbed for eclectic pop recently, and today brings another superb new act in the form of 4B2M.
The two sets of brothers create the most luxurious blends of indie and pop that you could ever possibly hope for, all the while infusing a ton of charm and whit in the form of their lyricism.
‘Money For Sale’ is a searing commentary on the cost of capitalism, showing the band’s sense of humour while also making a statement.
A sincere and heartfelt style of music-making from UK talent Sam Seccombe. ‘Crocodile Tears’ is a beautifully written pop-ballad featuring Sam’s rich vocals, emotive lyricism and a captivating melody.
“This track is something that I wrote months after a break-up, in an attempt to try to escape the anger and bitterness that had come from it all. I wanted to write something that would help me move on: something that would acknowledge the good bits, that would address the bad bits and that would see it for what it was at the time.”
Hailing from Berlin is songwriter and producer Dexter Francis Mason. This artist creates an eccentric style of music that blends lo-fi pop with electronic funk, resulting in a sound that is not only intriguingly experimental but refreshingly original.
Taken from the debut album ‘I’m Sorry You Feel That Way’ which is out on 28th May 2021.
If you know your Danish pop then you may recognise Ellison from his previous project, SHERPA (who was featured on here countless times).
Now he’s venturing solo with the fantastic debut release of ‘I Could Be Your Lover’. This is premium synth-pop that was made for the dance floor, taking inspiration from the New 80’s vibe which is spreading all across Denmark.
Berlin-based newcomer Piper 57 crafts a style of pop that feels future-forward, dark and atmospheric yet still easy to connect with. The danceable bass-driven music compliments a powerful vocal, and lyricism that is thoughtful and true-to-life.
“I want to learn new stuff, be around interesting people and see inspiring places. There are so many experiences waiting out there, and I can’t wait to turn them into music.”
A stunning debut from Vanessa Gimenez, who’s single ‘Make It Rain’ follows on from the disbandment of her previous project with Swimming Girls.
This is a piece of dreamy indie-pop that flows beautifully, making it instantly captivating and tremendously catchy.
“‘Make It Rain’ was the first song written for this project. To me it’s about retaining that childlike sensibility that is full of hope and dreams. A mindset that a lot of people lose once they grow older.”
Hailing from Los Angeles, ED.1T create an innovative blend of soul and pop that feels sleek and finessed, luring the listener into a sound that is both intriguing and captivating. And with over 17,000 monthly followers on Spotify alone, this duo are already building a solid and loyal fanbase.
