If you’re a fan of Frank Ocean‘s early work, or Stevie Wonder’s iconic records from the 70’s & 80’s then the chances of you falling in love with Milwaukee talent Felix Ames are extremely high.
This is soul music constructed flawlessly and thoughtfully, guiding listeners on journeys of bliss and escapism.
Rising UK artist Oliver Keane returns with a stellar new single, along with the news that his debut EP ‘16mm dream sequence’ will be set for release later in the spring.
Honest and vulnerable in its lyricism, ‘Fixing a Broken Heart’ navigates the pain of a missed opportunity:
“‘Fixing a Broken Heart‘ was about a friend of mine. We’d both been flirting back and forth but neither had the courage to make a move. She started talking to another guy and as her friend I had to sit there and accept that.”
‘16mm dream sequence’ is out on 22 April 2022.
Emerging from Chicago is classically trained singer songwriter Ebony Loren, who crafts a style of acoustic pop that is heavily influenced by other genres like R&B and jazz.
With such a charming style of sound, Loren’s music has already propelled her to success on TikTok, where she currently commands over half a million followers.
Loren’s new single ‘Phone Static’ tells the story of online fatigue, wondering how she’s found herself alone at home staring at her phone instead of being out with people creating real life memories.
Rising pop singer/songwriter Annika Wells offers listeners a glimpse into her upcoming debut project, through the release of her emotional and poignant new single ‘Modern Art’.
The track serves as a piece of commentary on heartbreak in the digital age, as Wells explains:
“[The song] explores the aftermath in the modern age where our relationships are no longer just interpersonal experiences, but digital galleries in which we can curate, arrange, and erase carefully constructed identities. It walks you through the world that’s left after the real break up – the physical evidence, but also the online remnants that are increasingly inescapable in this day and age.”
No stranger to the industry, Wells has already penned tracks for the likes of Jonas Brothers, BTS, PRETTYMUCH, and Steve Aoki. Her impressive vocals and songwriting have also been featured on collaborations with Illenium’s ‘Nightlight’ and Midnight Kids’ ‘Run It.’
As far as London talent goes, you’ll be hard pressed to find an artist as exciting as Milo Clare right now.
Dreamy, finessed and melodic in tone yet subtly playful and rich in character, listening to ‘Texas’ may well confirm Clare as one of your favourite newcomers this year.
One of the stand-out electro bops of the month comes from New York based singer and Grammy nominated artist Kah-Lo.
Drawing on influences from living in Lagos, London and New York, ‘Drag Me Out’ expertly blends groovy house basslines with punchy drum kicks and infectious lyrics – treating listeners to the ultimate pre-party anthem.
“I’m usually the last one standing at a great party, so ‘Drag Me Out’ is an actual account of how nights like those typically go for me. It’s my very own recklessness anthem.”
Undeniably one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the UK recently, Sam Tompkins unveils emotive visuals for his new single ‘My Brother’.
“‘My Brother’ is really special to me. I love it so much. The origin of it is actually a sad but lovely story. When I was about 18, we lost our Nana and at the funeral we had to read the eulogy. I got about 6 words in before being in floods of tears, my brother read the rest and was so strong. Flash forward to last year when my Papa (Grandpa) passed away and I decided to do the eulogy. Sadly because of covid my brother couldn’t make it as he was working away in Canada. This time I got the whole way through it and I remember getting the text from my brother who watched it through a live stream that I smashed it and I felt so proud because the only way I was able to do it was knowing I was the exact age my brother had stepped up and been brave 5 years prior.”
With praise from the likes of MTV, Clash, BBC and Notion, as well as airplay from BBC Radio 1 and features on Spotify editorial playlists, 2022 could well be the year that Britain unveils it’s next big superstar to the world.
Taken from the new EP ‘who do you pray to’, which is out now.
Forward-thinking musical starlet Tove Styrke consistently pushes the boundaries of pop, and new single ‘Hardcore’ is no exception.
Taken from the upcoming album ‘HARD’ (out 3rd June), this dramatic yet playful song was produced and co-written by Max Martin’s young protégé Elvira Anderfjärd (Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran) and Jakob Jerlström (Tove Lo, Lorde).
“‘Hardcore’ is definitely one of my favourite tracks on the album. It’s about wanting someone hardcore. I took the term from gaming, if you die you die but it’s all in. I also wanted to make the track sound drunk, like when you’re lost in a person. That’s why we made the temposhifts before each chorus. The production is so good on this one, it blows my mind.”
Tove supports MARINA on tour in May:
Track of the week. Emerging from the British city of Northampton is hugely exciting new talent REMIEWORLD.
From the moment you press play on ‘Come Back To You’ there’s a sense that this artist’s special approach to music-making could make him one of the UK’s new rising stars.
Seamlessly fusing elements of alt-pop with punk, indie and rap, REMIEWORLD delivers a sound that is not only distinctly unique but refreshingly original.
Critically acclaimed rising Nigerian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Tim Lyre releases his debut album ‘Worry <‘, and with it comes superb new single ‘Present’.
The Afro-fusion track is all about living in the moment, and sees Lyre explore different genres spanning Afrobeats, alté and neo-soul.
‘Worry <‘ is out now.
Sydney-based talent merci, mercy returns with a gorgeously effervescent and honest pop gem.
Beyond the shiny exterior of new single ‘Sick To My Stomach’ hides some serious subject matter, detailing the artist’s on-going struggle with addiction – namely to alcohol and cigarettes.
“‘Sick To My Stomach’ is about my addiction with alcohol and cigarettes and how it may seem like old news to some people because it’s what I always sing about. Right now in my life I am not struggling with heartbreak for another, but for myself. When I wrote this song I felt like anyone I told about my addiction would question it because it wasn’t life threatening in their eyes. This song will take you on a journey of me and my self-worth. It is really showing you that I have come to a realisation where I begin to understand what is truly going on with myself and that it really is an issue people should start worrying about.”
Emerging from LA is newcomer Nana, who’s approach to rap is not only refreshingly alternative but unique and individualistic in character.
Featuring singer songwriter Rae Khalil, new single ‘Heaven’s Sky’ is a vulnerable song with insightful lyricism, set over a melodic and soulful production.
“The song is about love having no limits. What it feels like to love and be loved unconditionally.”
Khalid returns with a sublime fusion of soul, R&B and pop through his latest release, ‘Last Call’.
Dreamy and emotive in tone, this is just about one of the most beautiful songs I have experienced so far this month.
Tik Tok starlet Devon Again is back today with an anthem to self -sabotage through her new single ‘All My Fault’.
“I had a super super annoying realisation that I was in charge of my own life and most of the hurt I was feeling was no ones fault but my own. Now more than ever I am trying to re-train my brain into treating myself better and doing what I can to not fall back into old patterns. It’s so hard to keep growing and not resort to what’s comfortable, and ‘all my fault’ is what came out of my little cyclical panic about whether or not i will just continue to sabotage myself”.
The track is a vibrant offering from an artist who already commands an ever-growing legion of online fans, while also being chosen by Spotify to front a Fresh Finds campaign.
Rising pop singer-songwriter Haiden already commands a significant fan base across social media, so when he initially teased ‘Sorry to Your Next Ex’ it came as little surprise that the track picked up over 25,000 pre-saves.
A gas-powered rage record, the song speaks directly to the ex that you were way too good for. With a liberal application of distortion and attitude, this track borrows rock elements to heighten the intensity of the pop sound that Haiden is becoming known for.
New York-based singer/songwriter Brian Delaney is no stranger to the industry, having written hundred of songs for artists over the last decade.
Today he launches his first official solo project under the name of BRKN BLVD. Featuring the talents of CHYLD, new single ‘Over the Rainbow’ is an upbeat and angsty pop jam that balances feel-good vibes with elements of melancholy perfectly.
SOME DAZE is a transatlantic collaboration between Seattle-based Nolan Garrett and London-based Kris Hermannsson.
The duo formed in the midst of the pandemic, consequently creating a sound that consists of immersive psych-pop, jazz inspired harmony, and ear worm-inducing melodies.
Undeniably one of the most charming songs to come out this month, ‘How To Forget Everything’ was written, recorded, and produced almost entirely remotely in the midst of lockdown.
“It’s a song about love and dependence.”
Bay Area artist Jay Kayze constructs a style of hip hop that is impossible not to enjoy, fusing captivating lyricism with pop-leaning old-school instrumentals – ultimately creating a sound that feel immediately relatable to most listeners.
‘Dollar n A Dream’ was first written during the early morning hours after Kayze found inspiration from his bandmate Koste’s new beat, and was delivered in just one take.
“I’m tryna make y’all see, all it takes is love / A dollar, dreams, n a team, to lift you up” ~ Dollar N a Dream
Kayze has opened for the like Nas, Rakim and Too Short. He has also received high praises from The Game, DC Young Fly and amassed over 4 million collective streams to date.
With an approach to music-making that avoids fitting into any one particular genre, US talent nic violets never fails to surprise and delight with his releases.
Latest release ‘Bleu!’ sees violets draw inspiration from indie, alt-pop and drum & bass patterns while the chorus takes a minimal approach – allowing the atmosphere to speak.
“‘Bleu!” is my narrative on having too much of a good thing, and taking it for granted”.
New York-based artist Cade Hoppe sets himself self apart from others in the pop landscape thanks to his warm baritone vocals, earnest lyricism and dreamy melodies.
Originally hailing from Sacramento, Hoppe moved to the East Coast to pursue his academic and athletic dreams before developing his beautiful his indie-pop sound. On new single ‘Morphine’ he says:
“I think your life experiences can either make you the person you always feared you’d become or the person you always hoped you’d become. By putting this song out, I hope I’m one step closer to the latter”.
