Benny Bellson’s ‘Snow’ is a track that initially comes across as unpredictable and raw at first, but rapidly wins you over thanks to it’s sheer originality and eccentricity.
Benny Bellson – Snow
Elephant Castle – No Me and You
LA-based retro-inspired indie rock project Elephant Castle return with yet another eccentric and mesmerising song that is just impossible not to enjoy.
Never one to disappoint, the moniker behind singer and multi-instrumentalist Phil Danyew treats listeners to the ultimate anti-love anthem on ‘No Me and You’.
“Happy almost Valentine’s Day! Figured I’d release something festive for the holiday. ‘No Me and You’ is a triumphant celebration of being broken up with.”
Peyton Shay – Aftertaste
Billboard-charting LA artist Peyton Shay returns with angsty new pop single ‘Aftertaste’ today.
The song is taken from Peyton’s upcoming EP (out this spring), and focuses on the lingering side effects and presence of a bitter relationship.
“After recording this song, I really felt like this was the beginning of authentically leaning into my sound and creative endeavours. It’s strange how a song written about the lingering side effects and presence of a bitter relationship can lead to a moment of finding who I truly am and the message I want to share with the world.”
Still only 18-years old, Peyton is one of the youngest female charting artists and has already embarked on an international tour.
Cam M. – Karma
American alt-pop artist Cam M. is back today with deliciously dark new track in the form of ‘karma’.
Produced by GrizD, the song starts with a haunting beginning, slowly bringing in soft beats and a steady guitar that creates the perfect backing for Cam’s vocals to shine through.
With its refreshingly honest lyricism, the track conveys the message that sometimes things don’t always have the wanted reaction.
“I wrote this song after finding out about a false rumour that had caused me to lose a lot of my friends. This song is about how manipulating others can backfire and leave you lonelier than the people you tried to hurt.”
RIVER – We’ll Be Together (feat. Lute)
Just in time for the weekend comes this charming blend of sultry pop and R&B, courtesy of emerging Swedish artist RIVER and American rapper Lute.
‘We’ll Be Together’ sees nostalgic soulful tones set the scene for RIVER’s silvery vocals to deliver bold and punchy lyricism over an infectiously memorable melody.
“I wanted to make a song that both tapped into the music of old-school soul that I grew up with mixed with the attitude of current hip-hop. To get Lute on the track helped me reach that vision and took it all to another level.” – RIVER
Taken from the upcoming debut EP, which will be arriving later this year.
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clide – HOTEL ROOM
With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, pop artist clide greets fans with uptempo track ‘HOTEL ROOM’.
Showcasing his ever-evolving musical sound, the guitar-driven song carries a punky essence and explores the complexities of love that aren’t often discussed during this time of year.
I’m cool, I’m cool with being friends, But I’m in your, in your bed again / I’m scared, too scared to make a move, Cause I can’t fall back in love with you
biz colletti + Hustle Standard – Only Way Out
If you’re a fan of Fletcher, Charlotte Lawrence and Olivia O’Brien then you will be utterly mesmerised by ‘Only Way Out’.
This is a beautifully introspective and deeply moving piece of downtempo pop from Nashville-based songwriter & artist biz colletti and Hustle Standard.
“This song is about that moment when you realise you’ve been living your life for other people. When you wake up and know that you need to focus on yourself otherwise you will be completely lost. This is that moment of reckoning.”
Coops – The Kid Is Back
North London rapper Coops returns with one of the sharpest hip hop releases of the week. Produced by long-standing collaborator Talos, ‘The Kid Is Back’ showcases a vibrant sound that pits Coops’ fizzing lyricism against a backdrop of boom-bap beats and scratching.
“A while ago now, me and Talos were talking about getting back to making music the same way we did when we made ‘Lost Soul.’ A lot of the music we have made since that project, we haven’t really sat in the studio together and locked in. This was one of many songs that came from those sessions. That classic Coops & Talos sound! The song is pretty self-explanatory… I’m back!”
The song is taken from Coops’ highly anticipated forthcoming new album, which is out soon.
New Music: Tim Lyre
Emerging from Lagos is fast-rising Nigerian musician Tim Lyre. A man of many talents, Lyre is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. His new single ‘Hubris’ explores Greek mythology and features North London rapper Lex Amor.
The song precedes the release of Lyre’s debut album ‘Worry < (‘worry less’)’ which is set for release in March.
Two Feet – Caviar
Ahead of his forthcoming full-length project later this year, electro-soul artist Two Feet releases two beautifully emotive and melancholy singles – ‘Caviar’ and ‘Amy’.
‘Caviar’ touches on themes of jealousy and desire, while the lyrics aptly describe the intense push and pull of a toxic relationship.
As he approaches 2 billion overall streams to date, you can expect 2022 be the year that launches Two Feet even further into superstardom.
28. & The.Blind.Monkey – Say That You Love Me
One of the most exciting Canadian releases this week comes courtesy of Quebec City artists 28. & The.Blind.Monkey, who’s new single ‘Say That You Love Me’ propels a melodic and old-school style of hip hop into the future.
The track found its inspiration during a breakdown in the partnership’s relationship; the pair had to reboot their priorities to understand each other better so that they could continue their pursuit both respectfully and truthfully.
Molly Hammar – Tell Her
Now commanding over 300k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, it’s safe to say Molly Hammar’s momentum is accelerating at an impressive pace. Her music has spread like wildfire all across Europe over the last year, and together with iconic french producer Bob Sinclair she even landed the top spot on Italian radio with ‘We Could Be Dancing’.
The release of new single ‘Tell Her’ will only continue push this artist into receiving the recognition she deserves. On the song, she says:
“‘Tell Her’ is written and based on a vision I’ve had about all the people who stay in relationships just because they feel comfortable and safe. The song is an anthem about how great things could be if you leave it for something that could potentially be amazing.”
The Swedish songstress has already received acclaim from the likes of BBC, Beats 1, Billboard, NYLON and Complex, and collaborated with the likes of Big Narstie and Ella Eyre.
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Dan Fable – Bisto Gravy
Mancunian artist Dan Fable is very quickly becoming one of my favourite emerging talents of late.
With his refreshingly authentic take on British indie-pop that features witty lyricism and catchy melodies, it feels only a matter of time before Fable hits the mainstream in a big way.
“This is a song I wrote about someone I used to know who was known locally as ‘Bisto’. It has recently gone viral on TikTok and seems to be loved by everyone who hears. I hope you feel the same.”
Casper The Ghost – Different
Swedish outfit Casper The Ghost return today with their punchy new single ‘Different’.
The acclaimed duo of Casper Brodin and Victor Hillbom have launched in to the new year with a sound that is more raw and intense than what we’ve heard before.
The song is all about finding the right person for you – which makes you want to be a better person.
“It’s about when you find that special someone, perhaps not the type of person you thought you’d end up with, but one who makes you a better version of yourself.”
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Eloise Viola – Begging
Emerging London based singer-songwriter Eloise Viola unveils her new single ‘Begging’ today.
Featuring those distinctively powerful and bold vocals, the song serves as an emotive take on the modern ballad, fusing elements of R&B with synths to create a sound that feels intense and captivating.
“‘Begging’ is a song that addresses the ‘what if’ situation about women in positions of power, a comment on how women are treated particularly as referenced in male-led, ‘Bond’-esque films. The lyric ‘All nice guys go to heaven’ underpins the meaning of the song, that men seem to get away with bad behaviour but outspoken women are called out and criticised.”
To date, Viola has received acclaim from the likes of Billboard, Wonderland, Clash, Popdust and Euphoria magazines, as well as support from BBC Introducing and Fubar Radio.
New Music: Forgetting Yesterday
Sweden might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of rock these days, but Malmö outfit Forgetting Yesterday are set to change that.
This is a sound that epitomises the definition of punk pop; delivering a nostalgic sound with a current twist.
’30’ touches upon the emotions of telling yourself that you are okay under the circumstances while neglecting how you truly feel.
“This modern take on our prior pop punk sound is something we are really proud of. When heading into the studio with producer Ludvig Ottosson (Noija) of Silver Sun Studios we wanted to elevate what we were already doing and that’s something we really think we achieved here.”
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Interview: Quickfire with Skales
It’s an absolute privilege to bring you this quickfire interview with talented Nigerian wunderkid and certified Afropop icon Skales.
Garnering over 150 million cumulative streams to date, this multi-award winning star has collaborated with the likes of Major Lazer, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido and East African artiste Harmonize. His music has captured fans around the globe, including in the UK where he performed at the iconic Wembley Arena.
With the release of new single ‘Nobody 2 Somebody’ and the announcement of his highly anticipated forthcoming project dropping later this month, Skales took the time to answer some questions that offer us an insight into the mind of one of Africa’s biggest music heavyweights.
You recently released your new single ‘Nobody 2 Somebody’ – can you tell us what the song is about?
‘Nobody 2 Somebody’ is simply just myself reflecting about times I did not have and all I had on my side was hope, believe and time.
You are also about to drop your ‘Sweet Distractions’ album in February. Give us a lowdown of what we can expect?
Everyone should expect musical excellence with different genres infused together to gas you up because I got some of my faves featured on some of the records and also the productions on there was mostly my idea but it’s more comforting that everyone who worked on this album with me was as flexible as I am . In the end I believe and I know that this is my best work yet.
Who have your biggest inspirations been when writing music?
My biggest inspirations gotta be the people that listen to my music and also when writing music, I always imagine their faces with different expressions but yes life experiences in general gotta be the icing on the cake.
As someone who frequently creates hits with other artists, who would your ultimate dream collaboration be with, and why?
My ultimate dream collaboration has to be with Kanye West and honestly because he has been my musical hero for a long time now and it’s quite obvious that he is a musical genius.
In your opinion, which emerging artists from Africa should we keep an eye out for?
There’s Alota special artiste emerging from Africa but for I’ll say keep an eye on Jody he is coming for everything.
What do you have planned for the year ahead?
For the rest of the year I’m definitely touring the world and I’ll be putting out for music for sure.
Hamond – Angels
American producer and multi-instrumentalist Hamond returns with yet another refreshingly bold release. ‘Angels’ sees the Houston hyphenate blending elements of R&B with pop to create something that feels futuristic and avant-garde, while still beautifully melodic and captivating.
“It’s about being watched over and protected by people around you… even when things are not perfect.”
Ruth Koleva – Beyond Borders (feat. Diggs Duke) – Yakul Remix
Presenting a special remix by emerging Brightonian four-piece Yakul, ‘Beyond Borders’ is the latest release from Bulgarian-born New York City based singer-songwriter Ruth Koleva.
Featuring the talents of US artist Diggs Duke, the track offers a hazy and warm embrace that serves as a musical and lyrical catharsis about a utopian world.
“‘Beyond Borders’ is a project, which we started a few years ago with Diggs Duke and wanted to tell the story of how we could connect and feel close, even if we are far away apart. We started recording the song in the US and Amsterdam and ended up finishing it in a small Mexican village and filmed the video in Sofia, Bulgaria. It’s truly a song about the universal language of music and how art does not see any borders.” – Ruth Koleva
New Music: janiegiirl
A charming approach to pop by Portland artist janiegiirl. With its early 00’s take on the genre, ‘Flip Phone’ is the kind of song that feels both nostalgic and future-forward in equal measures.