Baby Monster are giving away a track each week in lead up to the release of their album on 27th June. Download Mr Success here!
MP3: Baby Monster – Mr. Success
First Watch: Robyn ‘Call Your Girlfriend’
I love Robyn (as you might have guessed if you’re a regular on here). Video’s great, even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the song when I first heard it but watching this makes me change my mind. Gonna dance like her next time I’m rockin’ the discotheque.
First Listen: Nicola Roberts ‘Beat Of My Drum’
I know, a lot of people will look down on this single but for what it’s worth, this is about as edgy as mainstream pop is in the UK right now- and it’s actually a lot of fun. Produced by Diplo and Dimitri Tikovoi. She was always the odd one out from Girls Aloud, and this single is pretty left field compared to what the other girls have done with their solo stuff. And dare I say, I see small hints of Robyn in there too. Check out here.
First Listen: The Kill Van Kulls ‘Lost and Found’
I just adore this new single by The Kill Van Kulls, who I’ve featured on here before. Visit the band’s website to hear more, or download a remix of ‘Lost and Found’ right here!
First Watch: Liam Bailey ‘It’s Not The Same’
You may know that I’m a bit of a fan of this guy. Now signed to Amy Winehouse’s label, Liam Bailey’s back with a new single and video. Love.
Flashback: Amy Winehouse (Manchester 2004)
From a gig she played in 2004 at the Manchester Academy while on her first album – Frank, with support from Tyler James. This was the first time I saw her live, and it was the first proper gig I ever brought tickets for.
I nicked a poster for this gig when I was at uni and it’s been on my walls ever since. A few years later, Back to Black was released and well… rest is history!
New Music: Teachers
New Music: The Jezabels
I’ve mentioned what, maybe six or seven new acts today – all of which are pretty good. But nothing tops finding a band at the end of the day who completely blow you away. These are The Jezabels: and their songs are just about as close to perfection as they can get. Full of big, epic rifts and emotion. Just outstanding! Check out here.
New Music: Airbird
Edgy and airy sounds. Obviously done with a lot of computer work but you forget that once you immerse yourself in it. One to watch for sure. Check out here.
Good Swedish Hip Hop: Alexis Weak – Släpp Taget
New Music: James Pants
If I ever went to a fancy dress party dressed like Jamie Lidell (which will probably never happen), I’d probably end up looking like James Pants. You could either see his stuff as ultra cool or ultra rubbish, but either way I think it’s alright. And I love the name. Check out here.
New Music: Marcus Foster
I won’t lie to you, I find Marcus Foster’s sound and image a bit attractive. Moody, raw guitar rifts take you to a dark bar somewhere rural and American. Check out here.
New Music: Unouomedude
Make sure you listen to this on some decent speakers. There’s nothing out of the ordinary with this guy, but the sounds he make scream youth. It’s easy to listen to, and lifts you up a bit. Check out here.
New Music: Ed Sheeran
A soulful voice with a massive online following. File beside James Blake and Jamie Woon. Check out here.
New Music: Foe
Tipped to be huge later in the year, Foe is a throwback to that 90’s, dark/ dirty power sound. It took a couple of listens to get into this, but I can see the appeal. Fresh. Check out here.
New Music: Craft Spells
I’m really a big fan of this band. It’s sort of polished, bright shoegaze. The track above makes my heart melt a little. It reminds me of Madonna’s ‘Get Into The Groove’. Weird, I know. Maybe it’s the drums. Check out here.
New Music: Tall Ships
New Music: Down With Webster
New Music: Austra
Already getting loads of buzz, this is sort of Florence & The Machine but with a more chilled electro vibe to it. Check out here.
New Music: Asking Alexandria
You know that type of rock where the singer makes really angry growly noises? It’s really hard core. Anyway, this band mixes that but changes gear to more mainstream rock when it all gets a bit too much. Check out here.