Graham Lake – Run em Down (feat. Avelino)

Track of the week. Emerging Swedish newcomer Graham Lake joins forces with UK rap star Avelino on the release of massive new single ‘Run em Down’.

The Stockholm-born singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist presents a sleek production on the track as he threads clean guitar through energetic synths, serving listeners with a sound that is immediately captivating and hugely exciting.

“‘Run em Down’ was made during a part of my life when many people influenced my decisions, dreams, and ambitions. My music was the thing keeping me grounded and this song came to be my freeing from all those attachments. ‘FOCUS’ came to life quickly but ’Run em Down’ was even quicker. That proved to me that I was on the right track and that this song was meant to be the follow-up. I never intend to speak on what my song’s true meaning is because it’s different for everybody but to me, it’s a celebration of knowing what you deserve and that nothing besides yourself can stop you from reaching that.”

Graham Lake | Avelino

Soon – Not A Love Song

Copenhagen-based duo Soon return with an intimate and honest pop song in the shape of new single ‘Not A Love Song’.

Lead singer August Fogh delivers a heartfelt vocal performance over this acoustic and minimalistic ballad, which is all about denying the feeling of being heartbroken.

Soon

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New Music: Kilder

Rising producer Kilder creates sounds that feel hypnotic and emotive in equal measures.

New single ‘Love Enough’ is a delicious slice of electronic pop – characterised by Kilder’s signature arpeggiated synth pads and bouncing basslines.

With support already garnered from the likes of Dazed, Dummy, i-D, The Line of Best Fit, The Independent, Notion, Wonderland and BBC Radio 1, it really is only a matter of time before this talent hits the mainstream.

Kilder

‘Love Enough’ features vocal talents by Leyla.

New Music: Alex Harry

With strong singer/songwriter influences from the likes of Lewis Capaldi and James Bay, rising Coventry artist Alex Harry has a unique talent and conveys music in a way that hits you hard.

On his emotive new single ‘Lost’, Harry talks about being misunderstood and feeling like an outcast who needs to get away from the pressures of modern city life.

The Lost Tour plays across Norway from April 2022.

Alex Harry

New Music: Hitha

Emerging from California is 17-year old singer and songwriter Hitha. A child prodigy who realised her love of music from the age of just four, this talent now creates music that converts lifetime hardships and experiences into uplifting songs that are relatable and inspiring.

“I feel that music is the best way to reach people directly and share thoughts and emotions rather than simple words.”

Hitha

Jeshi – 3210

Since the release of his critically acclaimed EP ‘Bad Taste’, Jeshi has moved from strength to strength, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music including slowthai, Celeste & Vegyn.

In anticipation of his upcoming debut record ‘Universal Credit‘, he releases rave-inspired banger ‘3210’. Speaking of the album, he says:

“My grand satirical reappropriation of two words that British media have given a negative connotation. Two words that mean embarrassment for a lot of people. A smart and tongue in-cheek tribute to the reality of everyday life for young Britons. Heartfelt and high-octane; drawing in depth from my 25 years living here.”

‘Universal Credit’ is out 27th May 2022.

Jeshi

Watch: BENEE – Never Ending

Photo / Lula Cucchiara

BENEE returns with that distinctively dreamy alt-pop sound through her latest single ‘Never Ending’. Of the video, BENEE says:

“From the start, I knew I wanted the ‘Never Ending’ video to be driven by lots of fast cuts and lots of post-production to make it a really cool visual trip! The video was made with two friends of mine Devan & Riley – Devan has a really good eye for shots and Riley is super skilled at creative direction. I also knew Riley would kill the whole post prod side of the project! This has been my favourite video to date as I just love how well it suits the song. It was a last minute decision to put my dog Tūī in it, but I knew she’d make my performance walking down the street feel more natural.” 

Taken from the new EP ‘Lychee’ which is out now.

BENEE

BENNE World Tour 2022:

  • 28 April Åre Sessions Åre, Sweden
  • 01 May Fållan Johanneshov, Sweden
  • 02 May Sentrum Scene Oslo, Norway
  • 06 May Botanique – Orangerie Brussels, Belgium
  • 07 May Le Trabendo Paris, France
  • 09 May Live Music Hall Cologne, Germany
  • 10 May Verti Music Hall Berlin, Germany
  • 15 May SWG3 Glasgow
  • 16 May Albert Hall Manchester
  • 17 May O2 Shepherds Bush Empire London
  • 19 May Komplex 457 Zürich, Switzerland
  • 20 May Fabrique Milan, Italy
  • 22 May Roxy Prague, Czech Republic
  • 23 May Freiheitshalle Munich, Germany
  • 24 May Vienna Arena / Arena Wien Vienna, Austria
  • 26 May Proxima Warsaw, Poland
  • 27 May Mojo Club Hamburg, Germany
  • 28 May Paradiso Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • The North American leg kicks off on 31st May, as well as appearances at The Governors Ball and Bonnaroo in the summer.

New Music: James Bailey

Los Angeles based vocalist James Bailey cleverly blends elements of R&B and West Coast Rap with different sub-genres of instrumentation – treating listeners to different sounds with each track he releases.

‘Airplane Mode’ was created in collaboration with Inland Empire rapper Trizz and Las Vegas producer DWNLD. The song serves as a soundtrack for everyone who is tired of being too connected to all the things that don’t matter.

James Bailey

Stefan Mahendra + Jackson Mathod + fika – Is It Me?

Following accolades from Jennifer Hudson and time spent touring with Olly Murs, one of London’s most in-demand R&B singers Stefan Mahendra releases his new single ‘Is It Me’, featuring  Jackson Mathod. 

The track is taken from Stefan’s upcoming debut EP, which explores ‘the inherently unpredictable aspects of love’.

“I love the fact that we are all as passionate as each other about music. When we were writing the EP, we got so excited and hyped each other up so much. It’s amazing and exactly the type of energy you want when collaborating. Aside from countless delicious kebabs we consumed (big up J&D Kebabs), we also have a lot of fun just hanging out and I’m so happy to say that fika have become very good friends of mine.”

Stefan Mahendra | Jackson Mathod | fika

New Music: Kieran Ivy

UK artist Kieran Ivy unveils a charming and infectiously memorable blend of indie and pop through new single ‘Call Me Your Ex’.

Drawing influences from genres as varied as alternative, blues, psychedelic rock and pop, this talent constructs sounds that feel unique in character, yet still highly relatable to any listener.

Kieran Ivy

New Music: Recess Villains

Of all the emerging hip hop talents that I have come across this week, Recess Villains are by far the most exciting.

This LA-based group were formed by ‘goth-pop’ artist Swim and rapper Juice Judah as recently as last summer, yet their sound is already impressively polished.

Recorded in Cervia during the duo’s first trip to Italy, ‘Ciao Bella’ is a trap rock song with glitchcore and rage rap undertones that is set to propel this outfit’s profile into the global mainstream.

Recess Villains

Mr Little Jeans – Better with You

Photo / Nina Jordan

Norwegian musician Monica Birkenes, aka Mr Little Jeans returns today with the superb ‘Better with You’.

The song was written about the exhilarating early stages of a relationship, and speaks to Birkenes’ symbiosis with her co-writers, Drew McFaddenand Leon Jean-Marie”

“I’m at my most creative and honest when I’m writing with people I know and trust. It also helps if I can boss them around and be vocal about what I want, which is what I did most days.”

Taken from the forthcoming project ‘Better Days’ which is out on 3 June 2022 via Nettwerk.

Mr Little Jeans

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New Music: FènixDion

US outfit FènixDion blend elements of alternative R&B with indie-rock to create sounds that are expansive, transportive and radiant.

This is music that reminds you of classics from the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Beck and Musicology-era Prince, while still sounding new and unique in character.

“While watching Minneapolis eat itself alive I was very emotionally distraught and filled with so many questions and concerns of what the future of my city looked like. ‘Mama Say’ consolidates the thoughts that were running through my head at the time, and the mindset I needed to adopt to get through it all. The song is an anthem of hope amidst the overwhelming and soul altering issues facing humanity.” – Keston Wright, FènixDion

FènixDion

New Music: Sea Lemon

Based out of Seattle, Sea Lemon is the solo project of 26-year-old songwriter Natalie Lew. Sonically inspired by likes of Alvvays, Chromatics, The Beach Boys and Rilo Kiley, Natalie’s songwriting and sound is all about being both present in the moment while never fully letting go of nostalgia, and her experiences growing up as a 4th-generation-Asian woman.

‘Turn Away’ was written about the fear of being inaccurately perceived, and the overthinking and wondering about how one is perceived and thought of.

Sea Lemon

Gutter Punk – Unconditional Love

‘Unconditional Love‘ continues Gutter Punk’s ever-impressive run of experimental pop releases.

The song touches on unconditional love, being loved by someone, even when we may not deserve it.

With a soundscape that feels upbeat and bouncy yet also sombre, the track sounds uniquely original and refreshingly captivating – serving as a crowd favourite at Gutter Punk’s live performances.

Taken from the upcoming project ‘Punk Everlasting’.

Gutter Punk

New Music: Ten Times

Ten Times may well be the next big Swedish EDM-pop export to watch out for. With over 650k monthly listeners on Spotify and platinum-selling songs like ‘Changes’ and ‘All Star’ under their belt, these two brothers are creating sounds that clearly resonate with a huge audience.

A perfect addition to your weekend playlists, new single ‘Let You Go’ is catchy dance anthem with an emotionally relatable story that is sure to win you over.

Ten Times

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New Music: Gorgeous

Danish duo Gorgeous unveil debut single ‘Divine’ today, and as their name entails, what you’ll experience when you press play is indeed very… gorgeous.

Crafting songs together as a team, these two talented musicians complement each other’s work while also being unafraid to embrace their human and musical differences.

The result is a shimmering pop sound that feels organic and understated, yet rich in emotion and character.

“Falling in love easily seems like a veil of euphoria, happiness and fascination. But at the same time, it’s a personal invitation into the life of a complete stranger – and the other way around – where you eventually will have to face each other’s story and what it holds of peculiarities, weaknesses, misfortune and tragedy. ‘Divine’ is about that total surrender – about showing the good and the bad sides when you bump into that “one in a million”-true love.” Maríe Louise, Gorgeous

Gorgeous

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