ALFITUDE - New Music

Kayla Thompson – Matter (feat. Nate Diaz)

Acclaimed American starlet Kayla Thompson returns with a sublime new single called ‘Matter’.

Created alongside fellow artist Nate Diaz, the song introduces listeners to Thompson’s more vulnerable side. Through its sincere lyricism and thoughtful alt-pop production, we think it’s one of Thompson’s most impressive releases yet.

With tastemaker support from the likes of Ones to Watch already under her belt, Thompson looks likely to hit the mainstream very soon – so be sure to keep this artist on your radars.

‘Matter’ is lifted from the Kayla’s ‘A Shot In The Dark’ debut EP, which is out now (listen here).

Kayla Thompson

teasea – What If, Could Be

If you’re in the mood for some soft shoegaze then we’ve got a talent to introduce to you who we’re sure you’ll absolutely fall in love with.

teasea is the musical project of Brooklyn artist Tom Criblez. Impressively, Criblez has already released five albums in three years – with his most recent collection of songs being ‘Methods Of Motion’, which was unveiled earlier this year.

‘What If, Could Be’ is teasea’s latest single, and treats listeners to a thoughtful composition that features a beautifully written melody and meaningful lyrics.

“This track is a wake up call to us humans and a reminder of how much we can lift each others spirits in more ways than we realise. It was the last track written for the upcoming album and came out of an idea I had while showering and trying to manifest a strong final track to complete the record. Most of the parts are one take to evoke a sense of raw liveliness and all tracked in my home studio in Brooklyn.”

You can experience more of teasea’s work here, or by checking out his Spotify here.

teasea

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

KRYSTOF – Built For This

We’ve been following Carinthian singer and songwriter KRYSTOF for quite some time. While still in his early 20’s, this talent has already marked himself as one of Europe’s newest music prospects, amassing more than five million career streams to date.

‘Built For This’ presents us with introspective, yet relatable lyrics. Based on the notion of whether some of us are actually built for love, the words of the song focus on an issue that is not often covered in pop music.

“‘Built For This’ is one of my most personal songs. Love is a hard pill to swallow. When you go through a lot of heartbreaks, you start wondering if it’s ever going to work out or not. This song is a captured moment of me questioning If I was even built for LOVE – Loving myself or another person.”

Despite its recent release, the song has already found its way onto flagship playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Finds, consequently amassing thousands of streams.

KRYSTOF

New Music: ammar

Track of the week. Hailing from Connecticut is rising musician ammar. New single ‘(nevermind)’ is taken from the artist’s ‘WHAT’S BEHIND BLUE SKIES?’ project, and showcases an experimental fusion of alternative pop and punk.

The sound is bold, confident and rebellious in tone, while the lyrics expose listeners to the inner workings of ammar’s mind.

“‘(nevermind)’ is a puzzling tale of love that’s all in my head,” ammar explains. “I envisioned the song as a love letter that I wrote and instantly threw away. I had no intention of telling this person how I truly felt, as love has been my relentless adversary, challenging me in all its forms, including the love for myself,” he adds. Capturing what ammar describes as his “fear of love “the song’s story concludes with everything falling apart; “I’ve always wanted to believe that magic isn’t hard to find, only to surrender to the inevitable conclusion: nevermind.”

Aside from his work as a solo artist, ammar is also a noted writer and producer who has worked with the likes of 070 Shake, Channel Tres, AUGUST08, Duckwrth and Bipolar Sunshine.

ammar

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

All Day Breakfast Cafe – Adrenaline Rush

If you’re in the mood for some blissful vibes today then we’ve got the perfect track for you.

‘Adrenaline Rush’ is by South London collective All Day Breakfast Cafe, and it’s probably one of the best disco-inspired singles that we’ve come across so far this year.

The song treats listeners to an energising production that feels uplifting and joyful, while the lyrics encourage us all to try and enjoy life as best as we can.

“‘Adrenaline Rush’ is about that moment of exhilaration. You might feel it when you’re on the dance floor, when you do something new that challenges you or you do anything thrilling. This is your theme tune for that feeling and your reminder to do something that excites you… regularly! The whole EP is a tribute to female friendships and queer joy.” – Jelly Cleaver, All Day Breakfast Cafe

The group’s new EP, called ‘Have You Seen This Queen?’ is out now, and was funded by the PRS Foundation, as well as Ronnie Scott’s Foundation and the band’s very own fans through a GoFundMe campaign.

All Day Breakfast Cafe

NOFUN! – DAYTRIP!

American music collective NOFUN! are back today with a playful indie anthem called ‘DAYTRIP!’

Written as an ‘ode to that feeling of losing the time while finding an adventure with your friends’, the song presents listeners with a style of sound that feels nostalgic and warm, but still maintains a refreshingly experimental edge.

Since featuring NOFUN! earlier in the year, we’ve seen this promising group of artists grow in momentum. To date, they’ve amassed more than 120k Spotify streams from the release of just three singles, making them one of California’s most interesting prospects.

NOFUN!

NOFUN! are Dave Coresh / Levi Evans / Garrett Gloom / Huebline / Louie Lambo / SWANN / WADE08 / Mother Wata / Zoodeville

New Music: Kitty Mack

Track of the week. Kitty Mack is a rising Norwegian artist who recently caught our attention with her latest single, ‘Movies’.

Contrasting with its charming jazz-pop production, the song’s lyrics tell of a personal circumstance that the artist experienced while she was in a toxic relationship that affected her self-worth.

The sound feels nostalgic yet modern, and is sure to connect with many listeners. It’s been a while since we’ve been this excited about a Scandinavian talent, and we can’t wait to hear what comes next!

Kitty Mack

🎵 Ones To Watch Playlist 🎵Scandinavia Sound Playlist

TUSHAR – Bloodshot Eyes

This isn’t first time that we’ve featured Australian talent TUSHAR, and we’re sure it won’t be the last either.

The artist unveiled his latest release today, called ‘Bloodshot Eyes’. As we’ve come to expect from this rising musician, the song treats listeners to a thoughtfully constructed yet mesmerising mix of pop and rock.

“This song is based on meeting someone at a party that is killing the vibe, and you want to do anything you can to stay away from them.”

We’d love to see TUSHAR perform at next year’s Great Escape festival, so if anyone out there is reading this and can find a way, let’s make it happen!

TUSHAR

MALU – Heavy Baggage

One of our favourite Scandinavian starlets has returned today, and boy, was it worth the wait.

Danish artist MALU’s new single ‘Heavy Baggage’ treats listeners to a melodic and finessed fusion of alternative R&B and soulful pop.

As charming as it is emotive, the track looks at the concept of self-awareness, and the desire to move forwards in life without carrying previous traumas.

“‘Heavy Baggage’ is an ode to self-realisation and explores the art of moving forward without being held hostage by your past. It’s about finding that rare individual who doesn’t just share your load but teaches you how to lighten it.”

To date, MALU has amassed more than 1.5 million career streams on Spotify alone, while also commanding an impressive 23k monthly listeners on the platform.

MALU

🎵 Follow the Scandinavia Sound Playlist

New Music: just Min

just Min is a promising newcomer who was born in Seoul, raised in Hong Kong and currently resides in New York.

New single ‘Cut Up Jeans’ is still only his third release to date, but already shows tremendous artistry.

Through its distinctive blend of alternative pop and hip hop, the song tells of giving former lovers new chances to redeem themselves.

“Even if we’re just ghosts after the story, I’d go to you. If we get to grow old and get boring, I’ll cherish you.”

With support from the likes of Wonderland and Notion magazines already under his belt, we believe this is a talent to watch for in 2024.

just Min

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: thenightsky

If you’re in the mood for something a little fun, then we’ve got the perfect song for you. Miami musician thenightsky has just released an infectiously uplifting new single called ‘Actress Eyes’.

Inspired by the uncontrollable emotions that we experience in our youth, the track treats listeners to a playful and energising style of sound that tastefully blends elements of indie with rock with pop.

thenightsky plans to release more new music over the coming months, so be sure to keep this artist on your radars.

thenightsky

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Jamila x luca! – Keep You Waiting

If you’re not plugged into the Swiss indie-pop scene then you’re missing out! We’ve come across so many promising emerging artists from the European nation recently, and today we’re delighted to be featuring two of the best newcomers.

Zurich-based artists Jamila and luca! have collaborated together on the release of ‘Keep You Waiting’, which is a beautifully mesmerising slice of dreamy pop that we’re certain you’ll fall in love with.

Lyrically, the song was inspired by the idea of ‘ignoring your ego and surrendering to what deep down feels right with a person you like, even if you’re scared of making yourself vulnerable’. With its relatable lyrics and memorable melody, this has been one of our favourite singles of the week.

Jamila | luca!

Sugar Soap – Day Dream

With the Australian summer season starting soon, we can expect to hear a lot of uplifting pop-rock songs to emerge from the continent over the next few months.

One of the first comes courtesy of Sugar Soap, who are back with a shimmering new single called ‘Day Dream’.

Aside from its hugely catchy melody, the song also showcases a polished production that marks this outfit as one of their nation’s most promising musical exports.

More releases are planned throughout 2024, so be sure to keep these chaps on your radars!

Sugar Soap

New Music: Ghostryder

Track of the week. We’ve had Ghostryder’s ‘Tootsie Rollin” on all weekend and we’re still obsessed.

Undeniably one of the catchiest alt-pop bops of the season, the track showcases this emerging singer, songwriter & artist’s talent perfectly.

Having already amassed more than a million cumulative streams to date, Ghostryder is marking his name as one of the most exciting queer artists to emerge from the US, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Keep this kid on your radars – he’s one to watch!

Ghostryder

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Ross Lynch + The Driver Era – Rumors

The Driver Era (aka Ross Lynch and brother Rocky Lynch) are back this weekend with stunning new single ‘Rumors’.

We’ve come to know that this duo only ever release top-tier alt-pop sounds, but this track has really surpassed all our expectations.

“Rumors these Rumors, no one really knows… The internet doesn’t always have the facts. We wrote a song about it and I hope you like it.” – Ross Lynch, The Driver Era

The single follows on from Ross’s highly publicised appearance on Troye Sivan’s ‘One of Your Girls’ music video, which ended up going viral in a matter of days. More new music will be announced in the coming weeks, and we can’t wait for it!

The Driver Era

Noah Bouchard – Came Close

UK hip hop artist Noah Bouchard returns today with a thoughtful new single that deserves your attention.

‘Came Close’ is taken from Bouchard’s forthcoming debut album, and features rising pop singer Hemes. The song was inspired the human’s natural desire for success in life, and the emotional tolls it can take.

Amassing more than 3.3 million career streams to date and picking up support from outlets as respected as BBC Radio 1xtra, Ministry of Sound and Wordplay Magazine, Bouchard is well on his way to becoming one of the UK’s most exciting music prospects.

Noah Bouchard | Hemes

Sunsets + benny mayne – Self Care Day

Your disco anthem for the weekend comes courtesy of Mexican-American dance producer Sunsets and Californian musician benny mayne.

It’s near impossible not to feel good while listening to ‘Self Care Day’. As its title alludes, the song reminds us of the small pleasures in life, and how important it is to give yourself a break every now and again.

Sunsets saw his momentum rise following the release of his debut EP ‘Something About You’ (listen here) back in June. To date, the record has garnered more than 500k steams. Keep this chap on your radars – he’s one to watch!

Sunsets | benny mayne

Grant Knoche – POSEIDON / DELETE

It’s a huge day for rising US pop talent Grant Knoche, who has just unveiled a highly-anticipated new EP called ‘I COULD DIE JUST THINKING OF US’ (listen here).

Nestled within its 29 minutes of musical brilliance is ‘POSEIDON’, which delivers a bold and powerful mix of electronica and pop.

“This track delves into the complicated emotions associated with missing an ex-partner months after a heartbreak.”

And as if that wasn’t enough, Grant also shows off his softer side with ‘DELETE’, which serves as a masterclass in melancholic sad-pop. It’s a ballad for the broken-hearted, and we’re absolutely obsessed with it.

Speaking on the song’s lyrics, he says that “it represents a release of pent-up anger, frustration, and the intense emotions associated with heartbreak.”

In our view, this new body of work is Knoche’s most impressive to date, and further proves that this artist is truly a global superstar in the making.

Grant Knoche

Good Rzn – 123

We only featured Good Rzn a month ago, but they’re already back today with another sensational piece of sonic perfection for us all to enjoy.

Self-produced new single ‘123’ is taken from the duo’s debut ‘Falling In Slow Motion’ EP (out now), and showcases a style of production that features elements of alternative pop, psychedelica and indie.

Alongside its impressive production, the song also presents listeners with thoughtful lyricism that touches on themes of personal growth and self reflection. Elaborating further, Good Rzn say:

“We wrote ‘123’ about looking back at times that seem more simple and realising that the things you want in life sometimes come at a cost. A storybook ending can’t come for free. The end of the song culminates in the storyteller realising that things can be simple again it just takes time to figure things out. The process of creating ‘123’ was smooth and quick. It was mostly written in a single day on an acoustic guitar and lyric notebook, and we had a voice memo of that which was a foundation for the production. We wanted the track carry similar levels of authenticity and intimacy as the voice memo, so we added certain elements to recreate that. In the intro, for instance, we added a recording of Josie from when she was first learning her ABC’s as a kid. This is definitely one of our favourite songs that we’ve written together.”

Good Rzn

New Music: DieKaiDie

If you’re in the mood for something a little unconventional then we’ve got the perfect outfit for you.

Hailing from Manchester, DieKaiDie is a promising collective of artists who look set to take on the British indie scene by storm.

‘Swiss Army Knife’ is filled with interesting sonic textures and layers. The sound is raw, intriguing and rich in character, and marks this outfit as one of the UK’s most interesting newcomers.

Inspired by the intensities that arise from topics like love and religion, it’s clear to see that this group are unafraid of crafting bold sounds. Speaking on their debut, they say:

“We think ‘Swiss Army Knife’ really encapsulates what we aim to achieve as a band. At the heart of it, it’s a pop song, catchy and repetitive, but has the potential to challenge the listener with it’s unconventional sound palette and willingness to lean into abrasiveness.”

DieKaiDie

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

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