Multi-talented artist Glassworker is a musician, vocalist, songwriter and producer hailing from Austin, Texas. As a self-defined ‘exploratory pop’ project, their debut release ‘See Me Now’ serves as a beautiful introduction to their sound.
A spacious and electronic world driven by ethereal vocals, the song reflects on the intensity of loss while grappling with the pain and confusion of desires for reconciliation.
Norway continues to be a hotbed for European talent this year. Emerging from the west coast of the beautiful Nordic nation, Benedikt are a nine-piece outfit who label themselves as an ‘atmospheric indie orchestra’.
The sound is beautifully captivating, and encapsulates a multitude of emotions in a subtle and considered way. On their new single ‘In the Mirror’, they say:
“The lyrics are about a close friend of the band who got severely injured after a drowning accident. Wrapped in fast-paced drums and dark, atmospheric orchestration, it explores hazy, adolescent memories and the joys and struggles of growing up together.”
Taken from the sophomore album ‘Balcony Dream’ which is out now on Koke Plate.
Formerly known as Johnny Utah, today marks the return of JAWNY with the release of ‘Best Thing’. This is a refreshingly inventive take on the pop – it’s a sparkling, soulful and original sound that is perfect for the summer months ahead.
The track marks JAWNY’s first new music this year, and follows the culmination of his debut project ‘For Abby’ which included the huge viral track ‘Honeypie’, a track that has now been streamed over 200 million times globally.
A new addition to EMI Records, George O’Hanlon is a British singer and songwriter who’s emotive sounds will capture your heart and mind as soon you press play.
‘The Storm’ is one of those songs that seemingly begins with fragility and vulnerability, before building up to a hugely moving crescendo. This is a shimmering, cathartic and epic piece of music, built around bright guitars and sky-chasing melodies.
“It’s quite an angry song. I wrote it during a period when there was conflict going on around me that really fed into the music.”
Two sensational bops from LA-based singer-songwriter Laica. These tracks have a perfect balance of being sweet pop ditties, while also carrying beautifully relatable emotive tones.
A sleek yet understated blend of disco, funk and soul from former New Young Pony Club member Lou Hayter.
This is exactly the kind of song that is impossible not to vibe along with, and a perfect taster for the upcoming album ‘Private Sunshine’ which is due out on 28th May 2021.
One of my favourite vocalists from recent years, Sinead Harnett is back today with a stripped-back soulful slice of pop that’s simply beautiful.
“This was one of those songs I wasn’t ready to finish for quite some time. I’d had an argument with someone in my family and the chorus just came out. But it was too painful to finish until years later when I played the chorus to M-Phazes. I think what I learned from the process was that love evolves and changes, but when it’s unconditional you just keep going until it feels good again.”
Taken from the upcoming album ‘Ready Is Always Too Late’ which is due 21st May 2021 via Sony Music
Hugely exciting pop from 18-year old Norwegian talent Morgi. This is such an impressive debut from someone so young; stripped and minimal yet filled with punchy emotive tones and captivating vocals.
The 23-year old South Africa-born, London-based artist is back today with an infectiously catchy power-pop bop that will stay with you all day.
“In school I was obsessed with this poem called ‘Dover Beach’ by Matthew Arnold and I always wanted to visit the Dover cliffs, so I went there alone on a writing trip in October last year. I actually wrote the melody and lyrics of this song while I was sitting on the beach. It’s about being infatuated with somebody and seeing them everywhere you look. I was kind of pissed that I went to look at the beach, all I could think about was this person, hence the lyric ‘you stole the view of Dover Beach.’ It’s another internal struggle with my own insecurities and a sort of acceptance of the fact that I can’t escape my daydreams of this person, even if I go to a different place.”
This is the kind banger that makes you so damn hungry to get back in to a club and dance your ass off.
London-based DJ and artist YATABE fuses a multitude of dance genres together to create a sound that is not only unique, but frankly epic. So go and get your best speakers plugged in, and press play to ‘Pretty Truth’ right now!
A sleek and dreamy fusion of indie and pop, with an almost cinematic essence to the production. Australian trio Telenova carve a sound that is indulgent and confident, yet also filled with raw emotion and honesty.
Getting hyperpop done the right way is a very careful art. I don’t think any recent genre can sound so spectacularly sh*t if it’s been approach the wrong way.
Fortunately, talents like Spanish artist Rakky Ripper are a masterclass in perfect hyperpop. ‘Whatever’ is experimental, eccentric and playful while still being very, very pop.
British singer-songwriter AJ Wander has crafted one of the most compelling pieces of indie pop to emerge from the UK this week. ‘Eye to Eye’ is a song grows in intensity the longer you listen, matched with powerful lyricism and a uniquely captivating vocal.
“I wrote this song in my bedroom in the middle of the night after having a fight with my ex. It is me finally realising that we had been blinded by our desire to be OK, when in reality, we were far from it.”
Taken from Wander’s first EP which due later this year.
I am so excited to be sharing with you the sounds of new talent emie nathan. Her single ‘noman’ is just about the most beautiful debut you will listen to all day.
This is a song that feels deeply emotive in a subdued kind of way, brimming with raw lyrical honesty that is delivered with gorgeously velvety vocals.
“I wrote this song just over a year ago when I was a few months into a new relationship. It tackles the realisation of the fact that I was (more often than not), a glass-half-empty kind of person having previously been sure that I always led with optimism. While not necessarily always a bad thing, I started to notice a default negative response within myself sometimes evading accountability and worst of all not giving myself credit where credit was due. This song marked the willingness to try and see things through a more positive lens, to allow myself to feel celebrated and seen by those who love me, and to hold myself to a higher standard.”
Canadian breakout pop sensation Olivia Lunny returns with a new track that is sure to stay in your heads for quite some time. This is a nostalgic, melodious bop we could all do with listening to today.
“‘Sad to See You Happy’ is a very fun, vibrant song at first glance, the lyrics however, are subtly darker and reminiscent. The contradiction of these two make for a unique combo and will hopefully leave the listeners intrigued and dancing along!”
Nashville-based artist West End Ritos is usually the drummer for indie-pop outfit Miki Fiki. The release of ‘Wyuon’ marks his debut as a solo talent, and it’s a wonderfully original and charming blend of chilled indie and lo-fi pop.
“I’ve always loved experimenting with different types of music, and after years of writing music in my room that no one will ever hear, this finally feels like the right culmination of styles & experimentation. I wrote, produced, and performed everything. It’s the most genuine expression of my musical brain to date.”
Teen star Denis Coleman has certainly caused quite a stir since the release of his debut EP a mere five months ago. This burgeoning artist has already amassed almost five million streams across all platforms, supported The Vamps on tour and will soon be joining HRVY on his virtual show at the Royal Albert Hall.
“’Tangerine’ is about the truth that comes out in the night. After a certain hour, all the facades we build to hide our insecurities, our fears, our desires crumble down leaving nothing but our genuine self, beautiful in its simplicity. Tangerine describes being able to tell that someone is fighting their own demons and wanting to help but realising that you still have to be patient. If you bite too soon, they might lash out. But like the tangerine which appears to be an ordinary fruit with a rough skin at first, getting know them is worth it because behind the barriers they put up, they are a genuinely sweet person.”
Citing music legends from the early 00’s like Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and LeAnn Rimes, Portuguese artist Nana Lourdes has a unique approach to pop that feels nostalgic yet still refreshingly original and future-forward. ‘WDWG’ is undoubtedly one of the catchiest bops I have had the pleasure of listening to today!
London-based singer-songwriter Khazali has released a gorgeously alluring piece of alt-pop perfection on ‘Comfort’.
Featuring delicate piano-led grooves over a subtle electronic beat, Khazali’s emotive vocals pull us through a sonic stream of consciousness. Speaking on the track, he says:
“Brian sent me these beautiful broken piano chords, and I broke into tears. I had my notepad, and I just left myself a note, a half-poem saying; ‘I can’t comfort you right now / Let the water wash you down’.”
Taken from debut EP ‘Going Home Vol.1’ due on 7th April via Kitsuné Musique.
A psychedelic blend of dreamy pop and indie, with a shimmering essence of disco that radiates finesse.
This Australian trio are both self-produced and self-recorded, and consist of brothers Luke (vox, guitar) and Jordan (drums) as well as Dan (guitar, BV’s).
“‘Lonely Eyes’ tells the story of solitude in this mad main world. The hustle and bustle of a virtual life can get in the way of our human nature.” – Luke, Sugar Soap
