Bronx-raised artist High Nelson delivers one of the most interesting pieces of hip hop to have surfaced so far this month.
Conceptually unique in tone, ‘Sunday’ showcases an immersive production that feels understated yet utterly entrancing to experience.
Inspired by genres as diverse as British grime and rap through to old-school R&B and Calypso, High Nelson is pushing the boundaries of hip hop in a way that hasn’t been done in quite some time – making this talent one of the most exciting finds of the week.
One of the most stunning releases of the week comes from emerging Moroccan-Sudanese starlet Areej. New single ‘Hostage’ is nothing short of sounding sublime, and continues to prove this rising starlet’s immense talent.
Showcasing some of London’s finest soul and R&B, the song was inspired by the emotions that one can experience when feeling emotionally and physically imprisoned.
“You won’t know what freedom is until you experience what feeling imprisoned is.”
With high praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1, The Observer, Wonderland, Hypebeast and DORK, this artist’s work is not going by unnoticed, and it is in our view that Areej will hit the musical mainstream in a very big way, very soon.
Emerging UK-based artist NOAH is a 20-year old singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who crafts an exceptional style of alternative pop; one that has already caught the attention of notable tastemakers like Notion, The Line of Best Fit, Popjustice and BBC Introducing.
New single ‘Who’s Laughing Now’ is only NOAH’s second release, yet showcases this artist’s remarkable skills at not only creating unique sounds, but also delivering honest and open lyricism.
“‘Who’s Laughing Now’ is a song about coming out on top, despite the people who did their best to bring you down. It specifically relates to the transphobia I’ve faced, but can be interpreted any way. I wanted to speak about how childish their hate is, and highlight the fact that it’s based on nothing but stupidity.”
The track is taken from NOAH’s forthcoming debut EP, which features production from acclaimed industry heavyweights like Jon McClure and Dimitri Tikovoï.
Rapidly marking her name as one of Manchester’s most exciting R&B artists in recent years, RAHH unveils stunning new single ‘OKAY’. With it’s captivating and beautifully written lyrics, the song showcases emerging British talent at its finest.
“‘I wrote it at a time when Brexit was all we had heard for so long that it was becoming white noise, like COVID. Fading into the background like some kind of melancholic soundtrack to our bad life decisions and contradictory behaviours.”
The song is taken from RAHH’s latest EP (out now), entitled ‘I Told You We’d Be Famous’, of which she says:
“I Told You We’d Be Famous’ came from a lot of unrest and realisation as a twentysomething rocking up in an adult world that looked a lot different to the one I’d been sold. In a culture of ever growing social networks, mindless distractions and love that doesn’t text back, finding ways to numb the feeling of anxiety and heartache sometimes is the thing that brings us together. The EP is the soundtrack to those reckless nights and the longing for connection.”
To date, RAHH has garnered praise from noted outlets such as BBC 6 Music, Complex and Atwood, and worked with the likes of Liam Gallagher, Nile Rodgers, JP Cooper and Joel Corry.
RAHH is also launching a new sustainable clothing line called ‘Overkill Apparel’ on the 20th June.
Norwegian social media sensation bby ivy returns with another finessed pop release through new single ‘Losing Sleep’.
Alongside the track comes its superb video, which has already picked up considerable critical acclaim – including nominations for several music video festivals and awards across the world.
Commanding over 350k followers on Instagram alone and close to 50k monthly listeners on Spotify, this rising Scandinavian talent looks set to take on her biggest year yet.
Rising Nashville trio Goldpark return with a summer-tinged piece of musical bliss today.
Seamlessly fusing elements of indie, rock and pop with orchestral strings makes ‘Covered In Sunshine’ one of the stand-out releases of the week. Speaking on the song’s lyrics, the group say:
“’Covered In Sunshine’ is about the power of stepping outside. All of these problems, anxieties, and fears that have come from a reliance on technology feel a little less heavy when we step into the sunlight. That’s where we realise where ‘real life’ actually lives. Being a ‘part of life’ isn’t being fully connected at all times with the world around us through a viewfinder. It’s being a part of the outside world we forget about so often.”
The track follows on from ‘Lady Lightyear’ as the group’s next single to be lifted from their upcoming ‘Goldpark Two’ EP.
Contrary to their name, Disco Arcade create powerful and anthemic sounds that consist of indie, electronic pop and synth tones.
Inspired by the 80’s, this outfit craft songs which feel tastefully nostalgic while still maintaining a current edge.
New single ‘Paint You Wings’ reminds listeners of those sporadic moments when you cross paths with someone on a night out and feel an overwhelming sense of connection with.
For fans of old-school R&B and hip hop, today’s release of ‘TRAPPED AGAIN’ should give you some significant musical bliss.
Created as a homage to the classic 90’s sound, the track features a sleek collaboration between French talent TENNIN, acclaimed New York producer maticulous and rapper Justo The MC.
Understated yet exceptionally cool, the song looks at all the times that we fall in love with the wrong person – and could well be one of our summer anthems of the year.
Swedish songwriter and artist LOUUD unveils her latest single today, and it’s just as engaging as one would expect from Scandinavian pop.
‘Find An Island’ addresses those highly relatable feelings we all get – when we wish we could just run away and leave all our worries behind.
”I wrote ‘’Find An Island’ last year together with Jonas Peker and Robin Gustafsson. It’s a song about self-sabotaging and wanting to escape reality instead of facing my problems and hanging out with seahorses instead of people… ‘cause people can really suck sometimes.”
To date, this Stockholm-based talent has garnered praise from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, Ja Ja Ja and Radio P3, while her songs have been featured on flagship Spotify and Apple Music playlists.
Rising Asian-Canadian singer and songwriter Lyle Kam returns today with his charming new single ‘somebody to you’.
The track presents a sleek and well-constructed approach to electro-pop, and was written, produced and mixed by Kam himself.
After going viral with his single ‘Unlove’, this Toronto-based artist has garnered over four million Spotify streams to date, and looks set to continue his run of successes with this next batch of releases.
Canadian newcomer Tilsen unveils one of the catchiest bops of the weekend with the release of new single ‘Like I Do’.
Featuring a pop production that feels playful yet sinister in tone, the song is inspired by the darker side of her partner’s personality that no one gets to experience but her.
Already garnering more than four million catalogue streams on Spotify, as well as placements on flagship Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music playlists, Tilsen is well on her way to becoming one of Canada’s most exciting new prospects. Speaking on her approach to music-making, she says:
“I spend a lot of time reflecting on my life and my relationships. I sort of document my thoughts and feelings in my lyrics.”
For fans of modern rock and roll, Nashville-based newcomer Matt Sahadi may well be one of your new favourite artists.
New single ‘A Heart That’s Not Your Kind’ focuses on the way that we compare ourselves to the unrealistic worlds that social media presents to us, and how that can affect our chances of making real connections with people.
Both nostalgic yet modern in production style, the song showcases Sahadi’s unique approach to rock music, which is inspired by elements as varied as 80’s and 90’s synth-wave through to the sounds of The Killers and Sam Fender.
Just in time for the weekend, American-Norwegian duo NIGHTMÅNE release a bold slice of dark synth and disco-pop through new single ‘REVIVE’.
Confidently risqué, raw and powerful in tone, the song perfectly balances feelings of intensity with a beat that is irresistibly memorable.
NIGHTMÅNE create their work through a mix of inspirations – ranging from 80’s synth-pop to 90’s Scandinavian pop, as well as mainstream hits from the US Top 40.
As industry professionals, both members of the group have each achieved songwriting and production credits for artists as notable as Cher to Ace of Base and TVXQ!
Hailing from Boston is Datcha – a collaborative project consisting of artists ThatOneEyedKid and Julie Friedman. Together, this duo create powerfully emotive and experimental bedroom-pop sounds.
With an intimate and sincere style of music-making, Datcha’s work highlights the emotions that we all feel as humans.
New single ‘glory’ perfectly alternates between the emotions of vulnerability and fortitude, and uses elements of soul and gospel to intensify its message to listeners:
One of the most impressive debuts of the week comes courtesy of 18-year old London-based newcomer Ladybyrd.
With its perfected production, ‘Too Close To Call’ presents a youthful and energising slice of alternative pop that features impressive vocals and captivating lyrics. Speaking on the single, Ladybyrd says:
“‘Too Close To Call’ is a fictional story of a secret relationship. It’s from the perspective of the girl, trying to come to terms with the impossibility of the situation. She is secretly wanting to leave as she knows it’s wrong and unrealistic, but she is still infatuated with the person. That said, I hope listeners will use their imagination to find their own special interpretation.”
Already picking up praise from the likes of Clash Magazine, this is one UK artist that should be firmly on your radars.
Swedish artist Boy In Space unveils one of the summer anthems of the year through the release of new single ‘A**hole’.
Lifted from his forthcoming ‘BACKYARD’ EP, the song treats fans to a sound that is reminiscent of Blink 182 and The 1975 – thanks to its unique mix of bedroom pop and punk.
“While the frontyard is what you’re happy for people to see, the backyard is everything else. It’s what you try to keep hidden. The backyard is where you can see the ugly stuff. ‘A**hole’ is about some of the lowest times in my life, and the behaviour and thoughts that come to you in those periods of time.”
Now commanding well over two million monthly listeners on Spotify, this rising Scandinavian artist has worked alongside the likes of Alan Walker and SHY Martin, and received airplay on BBC Radio 1.
‘BACKYARD’ is out 16th September 2022, while ‘FRONTYARD’ is out now.
Already commanding more than 170k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, it’s safe to say that the buzz surrounding Nashville-based artist BIZZY is picking up.
Pressing play on new single ‘Anybody’ will show you exactly why this talent is becoming a new favourite – here is a track that perfectly blends elements of indie with pop-rock, creating a sound that is irresistibly likeable.
“This song was the freeing feeling of – I don’t have to date the type I’ve always dated and follow the straight and narrow path, I can go wherever and see what happens.”
But more than anything, this is a song with a beautifully simple melody and message – something that is sure to win BIZZY a whole new legion of devoted fans.
One of the finest rising musicians to emerge from LA in quite some time, Floyd Fuji returns with another finessed release – as has come to be expected from this Virginia-born artist.
Featuring the talents of Topaz Jones, ‘Breadwinner’ showcases a perfected blend of nostalgic soul, R&B and alternative pop, with lyrics that reflect our modern-day perceptions of ambition and success.
“‘Breadwinner’ is a song about the toxicities of dating in the 21st century. Everyone wants to just feel wanted and needed, but sometimes we get in our own way; projecting an exaggerated version of ourselves to fit a description and be better than it.”
To date, Floyd Fuji has been featured by NPR and BBC Radio 1xtra amongst others, while also working alongside the likes of Anderson .Paak and Babyface.
Hailing from Gabriola Island in Canada is promising newcomer NEAVV. With a style of music-making that fuses alternative pop with synth and indie, this artist creates beautifully melodic sounds that carry impassioned lyrics.
Written, recorded and produced entirely by NEAVV herself, new single ‘Want You’ is all about the feelings of longing that we can sometimes get when a relationship ends.
“When listening to ‘Want You,’ I just hope listeners find a place to sit in whatever emotions come up for them and know that any loss is hard – and it’s OK to not be OK.”
NEAVV has already garnered praise from noted music professionals like Dan Kurtz from Dragonette and producer David Bendeth (Paramore), as well as collaborating with the likes of Anki and October Child.
Emerging from the US is Connecticut-born artist northxix. Unlike many newcomers within the indie-pop universe right now, this talent is seemingly able to create tracks that are hugely impactful without the need for overly complex productions.
A modern-day breakup anthem, ‘september’ is an impassioned yet stripped-back indie song that feels beautifully raw and filled with emotion.
With support from the likes of Earmilk, A1234 and Sparky, it’s clear that northxix’s style of music-making is favoured among tastemakers – meaning it will only be a matter of time before this talent starts gaining more widespread momentum.
