Emerging New York artist Rich returns today with a stunning R&B release through the form of new single ‘You Don’t Care’. Minimalist and dreamy yet intense in tone, the song continues to showcase this rising talent’s extraordinary songwriting skills.
Alongside the single, Rich has also unveiled one of the best covers of the year so far, reworking OutKast’s iconic hit, ‘Ms Jackson’.
With a huge online following (including over 400k followers on TikTok alone), as well as early support from the likes of Complex, Wonderland, Flaunt and BBC Radio 1, Rich’s ascent into the global musical mainstream is imminent.
London-based rising artist sona blue continues to showcase his impressive skills at crafting introspective indie gems with the release new single ’17’.
With it’s self-aware and honest lyricism, the song’s relatable storyline has the potential to resonate with most who have fallen in, and out of love.
“It’s about that part of a relationship where things start to break down. I wrote this about someone I was with for a short time, but our lives quickly went in different directions. I knew it was the beginning of an end, but I still wanted to cling onto it.”
Inspired by the likes of Prince, Frank Ocean and James Blake, sona blue’s work has so far captured the attention of notable tastemakers like Clash Magazine and Variance.
Track of the week. Now a hugely successful artist all across Scandinavia, Danish starlet (and Alfitude favourite) Jada unveils her latest album ‘Elements‘, alongside new single ‘Don’t Say My Name And Forget It Again’.
The song expertly instills that trademark brand of Scandinavian melancholy over a melodic pop production, giving listeners a sound that feels moving yet empowering.
“When I experience art that really resonates with me, it leaves me feeling more like myself than before. When I come across art where I really feel like people are true to themselves, where I can imagine exactly how they would move or sing, what their soul wants to express, it reminds me of myself. It’s a mirror. I want to be that and offer that freedom of self. I want them to feel strong, cute and sexy.”
The track is just one part of a wider scope of work under the ‘Elements’ record, which took inspiration from Jada’s realisation that, as humans, we consist of multitudinous parts that shouldn’t be boxed into just one singular category.
One of the stand-out releases of the week comes from rising East London artist Joey XL. Dreamy and mesmerising in tone, ‘Special’ is one of those songs that seems impossible not to fall in love with.
With production from Ryan Andre & OBR, the track seamlessly fuses mellow R&B tones with elements of reggae, creating a sound that is not only innovative but intensely captivating.
“‘Special’ was one of the fastest songs I’ve ever made and also one of the most enjoyable. It’s a simple song about connection and attraction and the feelings that come with that. It brings a different, more upbeat and summery vibe to songs I’ve released so far and I’ve enjoyed paying homage to my Caribbean roots.”
Joey XL’s inimitable style of songwriting has already seen him garner praise from heavyweights like Clash, GRM, DUMMY and TRENCH to name but a few.
British musician ELIZA returns with a beautifully sleek yet mellow fusion of indie-soul and hip hop through new single ‘Heat of the Moon’.
With its minimal construction, the song draws listeners into a surreal sonic universe that feels mysterious, bewitching and completely spellbinding.
“I found the love of all things in his eyes and that’s when I knew he saw the same in mine. A major catalyst for a wild, boundless openness that I’d never experienced before that moment”.
To date, ELIZA has garnered praise from the likes of i-D, Fader, NOTION, Highsnobiety, CLASH and Wonderland; while her COLORS rendition of ‘Wasn’t Looking’ has picked up almost 25 million views on YouTube.
Unusual Demont is no stranger to the Alfitude pages, with his irresistible style of R&B never failing to impress us.
This rising talent has garnered considerable traction over the last year (accumulating well over 700k monthly listeners on Spotify alone), and the momentum looks set to grow even further with the unveiling of summery new single ‘Maybe Not’.
Charming and playful in tone, the song treats listeners to Unusual Demont’s distinctly unique and eclectic approach to R&B, and serves as a taster to the artist’s next phase of releases.
Hailing from New York is 24-year old Puerto Rican newcomer Papikaiser. By expertly fusing Latin and Reggaeton sounds with hip hop and pop, this artist creates songs that feel fresh and energising, while still maintaining a sense of mainstream appeal.
And it’s thanks to this winning formula that Papikaiser’s momentum is on the rise – with a rapidly expanding army of loyal fans across social media. Speaking on his summery new single ‘Ella’, he says:
“The song is about a woman who is confident in herself and her body and she knows how to go with my flow. She is not missing a thing, because you know “Ella una Freak una Nasty, mira como mueve ese body”.
With a universally likeable style of music-making, Papikaiser is one of those artists that has the potential to connect with a global audience – and should firmly be on your radars.
One of the first things listeners may notice when playing Skylar Love’s catalogue of songs is just how captivating this rising artist’s vocals come across.
Inspired by a variety of musical movements that range from the 1930’s to classic and modern rock, this Pennsylvania-based singer songwriter creates sounds that feel refreshingly powerful and engaging.
‘Drunk on Love, High on Emotion’ garnered Love a semi finalist placing at the 2021 International Song Competition, proving that this musician could well be one to watch out for.
A superb fusion of alt-R&B, dark pop and soul from London-based French artist Léa Sen.
One of the first thoughts to cross listeners minds will be the sheer level of maturity that stems from the delivery of these songs. This is a sound that is self-assured and gorgeously expressive.
“People assume that if you’re a woman, you’re just a singer, whereas I do so much more. I’m not going to make myself feel insecure though – I’m going to be comfortable expressing myself however I want.”
‘I Feel Like I’m Blue’ is a beautifully captivating piece of music that feels finessed and modern, with a strong essence of emotion.
One of Copenhagen’s finest indie-pop starlets returns with a gorgeously soulful and dreamy release through new single ‘Summer’s Already Gone’.
Inspired by the sadness of the summer season ending, Mercedess wrote the song alongside indie superstar Goss and guitarist Søren Breum, while production came from critically acclaimed artist Vera.
“I wanted to write a song that could represent both the fearlessness of the magical Summer days and the truly blue sadness of the re-occurring love story it actually is when Summer eventually comes to an end. I know it’s a heartbreaking, melancholy feeling but it’s also everything I love about Summer.”
The track is taken from the long awaited debut album, ‘Casa Fantasia’, which is also released today. Speaking on the project, Mercedess says:
“’Casa Fantasia’ is an album about longing for closeness and honesty. These songs are an escape from reality – a place to feel free and be yourself. Writing it, was a personal journey and process to me, that hopefully will make space for creativity, art and emotions for others too.”
Achievements for Mercedess just this year alone include ‘Song of the Week’ on Danish Radio P3, as well as praise from influential tastemakers like COLORS and Ones to Watch.
Emerging US artist Andi’s momentum continues to rise, with the teen starlet now commanding over a million Tik Tok followers and more than 600k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.
New single ‘Devil’s Work’ is not only melodically beautiful, but lyrically powerful. Written for those who are struggling with mental health and self acceptance, the song’s empowering lyrics are sure to touch many listener’s hearts.
“This song was inspired by the lack of open conversation about mental health. So many people portray perfect lives online yet are struggling behind the scenes. The lyric, “Her reflection shows her ribcage but she thinks she weighs too much,” portrays the reality of this day in age – especially on social media. There is a beauty standard that is so unattainable that young girls and boys are unable to see themselves clearly. I want this song to help people get through tough times that feel impossible to get through.The line, ‘magazines have editors and makeup does the devils work,’ is another metaphor for social media setting unhealthy standards. You aren’t seeing the editing of the pictures, posing, fake lighting; you’re just getting the final product. This is so unhealthy for young boys and girls.”
With such a loyal fanbase under her belt, it seems only a matter of time before Andi hits the global mainstream with her relatable brand of pop.
Rising LA-based talent Alex Beck has to be of the most exciting indie-pop talents to emerge from California in recent months.
Melodic new single ‘Tunnel Vision’ is a gorgeously engrossing track that feels subdued and dreamy, yet still maintains an essence of euphoric energy that is deeply emotive to experience.
“‘Tunnel Vision’ is about the kind of love that’s electrifying and that feeling you get when you feel that sense of magic with someone.”
If you’re based around the LA area then you can catch Beck live on the 14th June 2022 at Breaking Sound LA – more information here.
Rising Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Casey Møøn delivers a beautifully hazy and dreamy slice of music with the release of his new single ‘Home’.
Through an infusion of genres that include indie and lo-fi pop, the song gives listeners a sense melancholy while still feeling light and airy in tone. It’s a perfect sound for the summer season ahead, and is sure to propelMøøn further into the spotlight.
Aside from his solo work,Møøn is also one half of acclaimed production duo Zookids, who have worked alongside global names like Zhavia, Young Thug and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
American artist Caroline Romano returns with a perfected slice of melancholic pop-rock on new single ‘Hollister (I Want To Be Her)’.
Further showcasing this talent’s extraordinary skills at songwriting, the track feels melodic, engaging and emotional. Meanwhile, the mellow production allows for Romano’s distinctive vocals to shine through, as she sings witty lyrics that captivate you almost immediately.
“I decided to make an alternative version because I wanted a chance to give the lyrics a chance to match the emotion I put behind them when first writing the song, I wanted the original version to sound like something you might hear in an actual Hollister in 2011. The alternative version is like its moody, sad twin sister.”
With early support from the likes of Hollywood Life, EUPHORIA, Sweet High and Just Jared, this is one artist that should certainly be on your radars this year.
Hailing from Nashville is rising starlet Riley Whittaker. While still only 17-years of age, this singer-songwriter creates impressive fusions of indie, pop and rock that display a talent far ahead of her years.
Punchy new single ‘Preoccupied’ sounds rebellious and raw, while still feeling polished and well-constructed. This is a track that epitomises the essence of youth, and is certain to garner traction particularly amongst Gen-Z listeners.
With twelve singles and an EP already under her belt, it’s safe to say that this hard-working young artist is on her way up.
Rising US talent Nick Wagen creates an invigorating style of indie-pop that is easy to fall in love with.
New single ‘You’re Not There’ was written and produced by Wagen himself, and features elements of shoegaze to form an energising sound that is both atmospheric and distinctive.
Still only 21-years of age, Wagen already commands close to 100k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, making this Indiana native one of the most promising new indie discoveries so far this summer.
Rising UK artist SOCKiTTOME returns with his third independent release, ‘the whistle song’.
Inspired by manipulative relationships, the song was written and produced entirely by SOCKiTTOME, and juxtaposes powerful lyrics with a soft and acoustic production that is reminiscent of Miike Snow’s finest work.
“I wrote this song about a couple I knew going through a difficult separation. One half had recently lost someone very close to them, became closed off and began to blame their partner for it all. I wrote this from the female’s perspective of wanting to salvage this relationship but finding fewer and fewer reasons to keep fighting for it. I recorded it in my old bedroom back in my hometown whilst taking a break from living in the same household. This is my first song covering a heavier topic.”
With an ever-growing fan base who are drawn to his inimitable style of bedroom-pop, SOCKiTTOME continues to pick up momentum with each release.
London-based newcomer Seren 4 Ever unveils her debut to the world with the release of ‘Cellophane’.
Sonically, the track balances elements of experimental electronica with indie and sugary pop, creating a musical universe that is both entrancing and unique in character.
While the production feels fresh and future-forward, the introspective lyricism tells of the struggles that young adults face, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a deeper level.
As far as debuts go, this is one of the most interesting and captivating songs to be released this week.
Sometimes the most interesting songs are the ones which are inspired by the simplest of feelings. This can be said for rising alt outfit TEOSE’s latest single, ‘Bikini’.
“The song is literally just about feeling insecure when wearing a bikini.”
In addition to the track’s captivating lyricism, the fuzzy indie production provides a further charm to the sound, while the catchy melody will most likely stay in your minds all day long.
Signed to independent British label Kaleidoscope, the group have already garnered early praise from the likes of BBC Introducing in Scotland, Scottish Alternative Music Awards and Headliner Magazine.
Emerging artist HRTLSS is no stranger to the Alfitude pages, thanks to his consistently captivating alt-rock sounds.
Today sees the British talent unveil his latest single, ‘Throw It Away’. Inspired by the classic emo and punk sounds of the 90s and 00’s, the track’s dynamic production is confidently bold and punchy.
With ongoing support from the likes of BBC Introducing, as well as regular placements on flagship Spotify playlists, HRTLSS continues to prove himself as one of the most promising alternative artists in the country.
