New Music: angelbaby

California-based metastar angelbaby is one of the most interesting artists that we have come across in quite some time.

Signed to ground-breaking record label Hume Collective, angelbaby pushes the boundaries of what we have come to expect from pop artists – both in the way that music is created, and how we, as listeners, consume it.

‘View from the Moon’ is angelbaby’s second single to date, and features songwriter and producer Stolar (who has worked alongside the likes of Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Aloe Blacc).

Inspired by angelbaby’s move to Los Angeles, the song’s beautifully sparse production mirrors it’s highly emotive lyrics, which centre around feelings of loneliness and isolation.

angelbaby

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New Music: WUKASA

One of the most exciting discoveries to emerge from Scotland this month has been alt-pop outfit WUKASA.

The band release a new single today, entitled ‘California’. Through its shimmering blend of lo-fi pop and mellow indie, the track encapsulates our desire to escape from the mundane.

While still early in their career, this Edinburgh-based group have already collaborated on songs with personnel as noted as Adam Haggar (Childish Gambino, Kanye West), BuzzKiller (Robbie Williams, Olly Murs) and Dave Lloyd (Stillhound).

Be sure to keep these chaps on your radar – they might just turn out to be one of the UK’s next big global exports.

WUKASA

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Tugboat Captain – Like Caroline

London-based indie outfit Tugboat Captain have just unveiled a charming new single that deserves your attention.

‘Like Caroline’ was written as ‘a love letter to leafy, suburban South-East London’, and treats listeners to a melodic fusion of dreamy indie and nostalgic pop.

Impressively, the song was created entirely by the group themselves – from the songwriting and performing, through to the production, engineering and mixing.

Initially formed in 2017 as the moniker for multi-instrumentalist Alexander Sokolow, the Tugboat Captain project has grown over the years to become a fully-fledged four-piece band, with three albums already under their belt – as well as tastemaker approval from the likes of Clash and Riot magazines.

Tugboat Captain

New Music: Kitty Fitz

Hailing from South East London is promising alt-pop starlet Kitty Fitz (aka Kitty Drummond). With a refreshingly confessional style of songwriting, this artist crafts engaging songs that are personal and vulnerable in character.

‘All My Life’ is taken from Kitty’s freshly released ‘All My Own Stunts’ debut EP (out now), and is inspired by her ever-present struggles with self-questioning.

“‘ All My Life’ is a really personal song. I almost think I left it as the last song on the EP because I’m so nervous about other people hearing it that I needed to build up some courage first with the other songs! I’m constantly wondering about if I’ve made the right decisions, and I’m absolutely haunted by ‘what ifs’, and this song is really about surrendering to how I feel and also singing about my flaw of overthinking. Despite being scared everyone is now going to know how much of a big softie I am, I’m excited to see people’s interpretations.”

Garnering support from outlets as noted as BBC Introducing and Clash Magazine, Kitty is well on her way to stardom. The artist plays London’s George Tavern on the 22nd April – tickets can be found here.

Kitty Fitz

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Rachel Bochner – If I’m Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It)

Photo / Carina Allen

Hailing from New York City is rising singer and songwriter Rachel Bochner, who has been steadily building momentum over the last few years thanks to her unique approach to music-making.

Created alongside frequent collaborator Tiger Darrow, punchy new single ‘If I’m Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It)’ serves listeners with a fierce, bold and confident mix of dark electronica and alternative pop. Elaborating on the song, Bochner explains:

“When I showed up at Tiger’s studio the day we wrote this single, all I knew is that I wanted to make a song we could strut to. We started off writing something that embodied more of an IDGAF attitude, but after a while we realised it just didn’t feel super authentic. There was a moment when we were working on it when we realised, okay, maybe we do kind of give a f*ck… but if we’re going to be sad, we might as well look hot doing it.”

To date, Bochner has amassed more than five million catalogue streams on Spotify, and garnered praise from the likes of Clout Magazine and Kings of A&R. An upcoming debut EP will be released later in the year.

Rachel Bochner

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New Music: Hana McCartney

American artist Hana McCartney is marking herself as one of the US’s most promising Gen Z music newcomers.

Through a mix of genres that blends indie with alternative pop, rock and even some subtle hints of the blues, McCartney creates sounds that feel intense, heartfelt, authentic and relatable.

‘Dope’ is McCartney’s new single, and looks at the toxic and damaging effects of peer pressure in a raw and honest way. The track is taken from the musician’s ‘Rust and Stardust’ album (out now), of which she says:

“The idea of each song having a drug reference or innuendo was already in my mind when I started writing this album. Taking taboo topics like abusive relationships, substance abuse, addiction, and mental health and personifying them into stories that are relevant to me and others can relate to was my goal.”

Listeners can also check out McCartney’s previous project, ‘What’s Real’ here.

Hana McCartney

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Puma Blue – Pretty

London-born musician Puma Blue (aka Jacob Allen) seems to be one of those talents that everyone has a soft spot for.

Today sees the return of the Atlanta-based artist with the release of a sublime new single called ‘Pretty’. Speaking on the meaning behind the song, Puma Blue explains:

“it’s about feeling dissonance with what you see when you look in the mirror. it’s all my insecurity, all my ugliness, my confidence, sensuality, desire to give myself over to romance – in a song.”

The track is lifted from Puma Blue’s upcoming sophomore album, ‘Holy Waters’, which is scheduled for release on the 1st September.

The artist tours North America throughout the month of May, and Europe in September (including a show at London’s iconic Koko on the 28th) – tickets can be found here.

Puma Blue

Strawberry Launch – Ready Yet

New York’s Strawberry Launch have been winning over fans ever since their formation back in 2018.

This much-praised collective of musicians have grown a reputation for crafting pop-rock anthems that are not only energising, but also thoughtful and emotive in tone.

They’re back today with another impressive new release that deserves your attention.

‘Ready Yet’ is a ‘coming of age’ song that was lyrically inspired by the thoughts and feelings which occur during our transition into adulthood.

“‘Ready Yet’ is an honest soliloquy about the fear of getting older. The warm and truthful pop ballad shares the familiar anxiety of losing one’s purpose and clinging to the small moments of early life, while easing into the waters of adulthood.”

To date, this emerging group have picked up support from noted industry outlets like Atwood Magazine, Rolling Stone India and Under the Radar. On Spotify, they have amassed more than 200k career streams and currently command 23k monthly listeners.

Strawberry Launch play New York’s Baby’s All Right on the 3rd May and The Sultan Room on the 7th June – tickets can be found here.

Strawberry Launch

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Geo Jordan – Close Enough

Photo / Christopher Hargreeves

We’re still in April but it’s already been a busy year for acclaimed British electronic artist, songwriter and producer Geo Jordan.

Alongside the release of his self-created ‘Fathom’ EP today, Geo has also unveiled a sleek new single (… his third since January!) called ‘Close Enough’.

Through its finessed fusion of dance, alternative R&B and soulful pop, the song tells of the euphoric emotions that arise when a romance begins to blossom.

‘Close Enough’ is one of five beautifully-constructed tracks on the EP, which features songs that are lyrically inspired by themes as diverse as love, new energy, rebirth and relationships.

Geo Jordan has been a tastemaker’s favourite for some years now, and we firmly believe that the release of ‘Fathom’ will establish him as one of the UK’s hottest new musical exports.

Geo Jordan

New Music: GIOVANNA

US-based newcomer GIOVANNA has delivered one of the sharpest slices of R&B and soul this week.

‘i know best’ is sleek and finessed in its production, while also carrying with it some powerfully honest lyricism. This is a song that is bold and raw, but still somehow feels vulnerable and emotional too.

The track was produced by sahara and BUSCO, and sets the scene for what fans can expect in the future from this hugely promising talent.

GIOVANNA

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Foley – On the Rocks

Kiwi outfit Foley (aka Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett) return with a sublime new single called ‘On the Rocks’.

Dreamy, soulful and sultry in tone, the song marks somewhat of a creative shift from the band’s usual sound, but still maintains a subtle hint of the sonic eccentricity that the duo have come to be known for.

“We write music that bonds people in their experience, through heartbreak, joy, the ups and downs of life. We aren’t afraid to experiment and push at the seams of pop to find our own place within that.”

‘On the Rocks’ follows on from Foley’s debut ‘Crowd Pleaser, Pt. 1‘ project (out now), and serves as a taster to their next collection of songs, which are scheduled for release soon.

Foley

Charlotte Cardin – Confetti

Photo / Aliocha

Canadian singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin is back after a two-year hiatus with one of the finest pop releases of the week.

‘Confetti’ heralds a new creative chapter for the acclaimed musician, and is inspired by all the introverted people out there who struggle to be themselves around others.

“‘Confetti’ is an ode to introverts. I had the realisation that at every single party I had ever been to, I would lock myself in the bathroom at some point and try to compose myself and gather my thoughts. And when I became aware of that, I thought ‘okay I should write a song about this’. It’s a party track for people who hate actually being at the party.”

Among her many accomplishments, Cardin has achieved praise from outlets as iconic as Fader, Nylon, Flaunt, Paper and W magazines, picked up several wins at the Juno Awards and has also been nominated for a prestigious Polaris Music Prize.

Charlotte Cardin

Hot Tub – Close Your Eyes

You may not be familiar with Canadian DJ and producer Hot Tub, but this talent has been active on the house music scene since 2019 and already amassed more than 400k career streams to date.

Sonically inspired by Elderbrook, Amtrac and Rufus Du Sol, ‘Close Your Eyes’ is the lead single from Hot Tub’s new EP of the same name, which has just been released.

The track showcases an uplifting style of melodic house that is both emotive and energising in equal measures.

“‘Close Your Eyes’ was written on a small island in Indonesia while I was travelling the world.”

Hot Tub has been praised by respected industry outlets like DJ Mag, as well as artists as prominent as The Chainsmokers, jackLNDN and LEFTI.

Hot Tub

New Music: REVII

Track of the week. REVII might be a new name to you, but this Minnesota-based rapper has already garnered attention over the last few years as Def Jam signee Nimic Revenue.

Now an independent artist, REVII has begun releasing some of the most impressive rap sounds that we have come across in quite some time.

‘Face Painted’ in particular, is a gorgeously dreamy, ethereal and emotive song that presents hip hop in a refreshingly future-forward and unique way.

“It has taken multiple different versions of myself to introduce the one I am most proud of… In this life you must learn to swim or you will drown. Not only have I learned to swim but amongst the waves throwing me back on to land, I learned to build myself a ship.. welcome to this adventure, I hope you all enjoy the next few years I have planned out.“

REVII

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MORGXN – Beacon

Nashville artist MORGXN first caught our attention all the way back in 2016, and has continued to impress us ever since.

Today’s sees the release of this ever-emerging talent’s new single, entitled ‘Beacon’. As we’ve come to expect from MORGXN, the song treats us to an anthemic melody, captivating lyrics and powerful vocals. Elaborating on the song, the musician explains:

“Sometimes the power of a song remains hidden until right before you release it. Just how the light seems darkest just before the rush of morning. ‘Beacon’ has and continues to save my life. It charges me and gives me hope even when I can’t see it myself. Writing it with Melissa Fuller & Drew Kennedy was one version of finding hope in the darkness. But as I set to release this song against the backdrop of all the unrest we have going on in Nashville… I’m reminded that we are only as strong as the most vulnerable in our community. And this song is my flag I’m raising.”

MORGXN’s work has so far garnered more than more 65 million career streams, and the artist currently commands more over 795k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

MORGXN

Vigilantes – Tigerwall

Photo / Steven Haddock

UK indie outfit Vigilantes have been steadily gaining momentum for some time now, amassing critical acclaim along the way from heavyweight outlets like BBC Radio 1 and Radio 6 and being championed by noted names such as Mike Skinner, Huw Stephens and Tom Robinson.

Self-described as ‘moody pop for the introverted heart’, this emerging group specialise in thoughtfully-constructed sounds that are bold, raw and full of emotion, while still maintaining a relatable essence.

‘Tigerwall’ is taken from band’s ‘The Neighbourhood’ concept EP (out now), and treats listeners to an anthemic song the was inspired by the painting of a tiger which was featured in their neighbourhood’s bar.

Vigilantes

New Music: Josh Passcde

We’re starting the week with some exciting independent talent from the US. Josh Passcde is a DIY musician who creates all his work solo, and is already releasing some very promising sounds.

‘Me And You Against The World’ is a classic love song written for the modern world. Rich in sonic textures, the track fuses elements of indie with alternative pop in an interesting and original way.

“A song about the feeling when you find a special person and it feels like the world falls away and it’s just you and that other person and all the feelings that come along with that.”

Having dabbled in the past with electronic music, Josh Passcde is now focusing more on crafting indie and rock songs. We can’t wait to hear what’s next for this prospect!

Josh Passcde

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Balu Brigada – Designer

New Zealand’s Balu Brigada (aka Henry and Pierre Beasley) have been steadily building a loyal legion of fans over the last few years thanks to their infectious and captivating style of dreamy pop.

New single ‘Designer’ is our favourite release from this duo yet, and showcases the full potential of these two brothers – not only as singers, but also songwriters and producers.

As one of Atlantic Records’ newest signees, it seems likely that Balu Brigada will hit the global indie-pop scene by storm this year.

Balu Brigada

New Music: Melo Relo

Maryland artist Melo Relo’s pop-punk anthem ‘Fix’ is one of those epic songs that perfectly blends a bold and energising production with thoughtful and impactful lyricism.

Playing at just over three minutes in length, the track follows the happenings of someone struggling with depression, and was produced by Melo himself along with Patrick Zappia and Sensu.

To date, Melo Relo has amassed more than 180k streams on Spotify alone. This talented musician, producer and video director aims to release more new music throughout the rest of the year.

Melo Relo

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maxime. – wedgie

In our view, maxime. has to be one of Canada’s hardest-working artists. He’s back again today with a refreshing slice of eccentric indie-pop that deserves your attention.

‘wedgie’ is taken from maxime’s brand-new ‘mile end (kiss ur friends)’ EP (out now), and showcases a genre-bending style of sound that is so distinctly unique that it’s near impossible to describe.

As the true definition of a DIY artist, maxime. produces, engineers and releases all of his work, and currently commands more than 225k monthly listeners on Spotify.

maxime.