Electric Pets – Elephants Can Swim

Derby-based outfit Electric Pets have been building steady momentum since their debut just a year ago.

With two EP’s and four singles released so far, this four-piece have already amassed more than 50k streams online while also garnering praise from national outlets like BBC Introducing and Radio X.

New single ‘Elephants Can Swim’ presents listeners with an anthemic and energising mix of indie, garage and rock. Lyrically, the track encourages us all to accept and celebrate our true selves unreservedly:

“It’s about embracing your individuality, accepting you’ll never please everyone and taking a risk no matter the outcome… because if elephants can swim then surely anything is possible?” – Emma Buckley, Electric Pets

The band will perform at Y Not Festival on 28th July 2023 – tickets can be found here.

Electric Pets

New Music: Floyd Zion

Floyd Zion is no stranger to acclaim. Formerly known as Artist Unknown, this rising talent has made a name for himself thanks to a genre-bending style of sound that pushes the boundaries of music to the extreme – without sounding obscure.

Zion’s new single ‘Boiling’ is a perfect example of the artist’s creativity. Bold, playful and intriguing in character, the track makes an immediate impact on the listener.

Having recently signed to Benji & Joel Madden’s MDDN Records, it seems likely that Floyd Zion’s momentum will continue to grow this year.

Floyd Zion

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New Music: Roadrunner

Sometimes, a debut song from a new project stands out more when there’s a little mystery involved.

This is certainly the case with creative collective Roadrunner, who have just introduced themselves to the world with a stunningly beautiful self-titled single.

Lifted from a forthcoming EP – intriguingly entitled “༽◌◌ৣ ◌◌ৢ ؞༽இ-)̛ ◌ྀ◞ ༎y ༽؞ ৢ◌؞􏰀 􏰀ლ⣎”, this stripped-down track showcases a sound which is almost ethereal in tone, and blends elements of alternative R&B with mellow pop and indie.

Amassing more than 200 million total streams under their own solo work, we can be sure that whoever is behind Roadrunner will know exactly how to create premium sounds.

Roadrunner

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Pa Sheehy – Meet Me At The Record Store

Hailing from the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland, Pa Sheehy is a singer and songwriter who was formerly known as the frontman with rock group Walking On Cars.

Sheehy’s momentum grew following the release of his 2021 solo debut, ‘The Art of Disappearing’, garnering millions of streams and critical acclaim from tastemakers across the world.

The musician returns today with a new single that serves as a taster for his forthcoming ‘Lost In A ‘90s Arcade’ EP, which will be released in the summer.

Nostalgic and beautifully sentimental in tone, ‘Meet Me At The Record Store’ is a moving piece of pop that recalls the artist’s visits to his local record shop as a teenager.

“‘Meet Me At The Record Store’ is the idea of going back in time and meeting my younger self to see what he’s like. I wonder if that eureka moment hearing Bowie in that old record store never happened, who would I be?”

You can catch Sheehy on tour this month – dates and venues can be found here.

Pa Sheehy

KIDS – 253

One the most acclaimed British outfits to have emerged so far this year has been indie duo KIDS (aka Beau Blaise and Alex Harvey).

Today sees their return with another impressive new single, called ‘253’. Taking its name from a bus route that drives through the London boroughs of Camden and Hackney, the track’s lyrics are inspired by the feelings that arise when someone starts to fall for a friend.

The song is taken from KIDS’ freshly-released ‘Love and the City 1’ debut EP (out now), of which Blaise says:

“Our self-produced debut EP ‘Love and the City 1’ was born out of heartbreak. While working long term in a studio in Wales, I broke up with my girlfriend due to the distance. Then moved back to my hometown, London, reconnected with my childhood friend Alex, we wrote these songs and formed KIDS. The EP tells a story of growth and explores why some early relationships don’t last.

Alongside the release of their new record, KIDS have also announced a series of shows across the UK, starting this month in Manchester – dates and venues are below.

KIDS

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KIDS Live Shows 2023:

  • April 26th (Wednesday) – Manchester –  The Rodeo Mag Night – 33 Oldham Street
  • April 29th (Saturday) – Southampton – Joiners
  • May 11th (Thursday) – Brighton – Great Escape – The Outdoor Beach Stage
  • June 29th  (Thursday) –  Liverpool –  Jimmy’s
  • June 30th (Friday) –  Sunderland – Independent 
  • July 1st (Saturday) – Stockton – KU Stockton
  • July 23rd (Sunday) – Secret Garden Party – Where The Wild Things Are Stage
  • July 29th (Saturday) – Y Not Festival – Scruff Of The Neck Stage

New Music: Rye Milligan

Welsh musician Rye Milligan is already a familiar face within the British indie-rock scene as a member of hugely popular outfit Luna Bay.

Aside from his work with the group, Rye is also an emerging singer, songwriter and producer who releases music with his best friend and dummer, Ceri Bain.

New single ‘Run Honey’ showcases a production that fuses alternative pop with indie in a refreshingly unique way, and is lyrically inspired by the monotony of life. Elaborating further on the song’s creation, Rye explains:

“I wrote the second verse for this while waiting for the Easy Life boys and their crew to arrive at their rehearsal studios in Leicester. I had this instrumental that I’d made and was just playing it on loop over my headphones, using any opportunity and free time to write.”

To date, Milligan’s work has picked up coverage on outlets as noted as BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and Clash Magazine. An upcoming EP is scheduled for release soon.

Rye Milligan

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Romy Dya – Let Love Heal

Photo / 13plus31

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer Romy Dya is back today with a stunning new collection of songs to enrich our lives.

Dya’s ‘Transformation’ project (out now) is more than just a record – it’s a sonic experience that covers themes of healing, meditation, emotions and reflection.

“I wanted to create something that would resonate with listeners on an emotional level and offer comfort and support in these uncertain times. With ‘Transformation,’ I aim to inspire the audience to take a moment to reflect, connect with emotions and find peace within themselves so they can find their authentic self.”

Lifted from the EP is new single ‘Let Love Heal’, which is lyrically inspired by the awesome healing power that love brings.

“This song is a powerful reminder that love is the most transformative force in the world, and that by opening our hearts, we can heal from the inside out. Whether it’s self-love or the love we receive from others, love is the key to transformation.”

To date, Dya has amassed more than two million catalogue streams on Spotify, and worked with the likes of Martin Garrix, Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes and many more internationally-recognised icons.

Romy Dya

REYSHA RAMI – PL4Y

Guess what… it’s time for your weekend anthem! Our favourite pop bop today comes courtesy of LA-based starlet REYSHA RAMI.

New single ‘PL4Y’ perfectly balances experimental electronica with mainstream pop, resulting in a sound that is infectiously catchy and hugely uplifting. Make sure you crank up the dial to full volume before you press play on this track.

“‘PL4Y’ is an anthem of owning your own sexuality and leaning into the art of playful flirting. Lyrically, it’s getting at the idea that you know someone is attracted to you and you want them to do something about it, or else you will. As I enter into a more electronic sound with mixes of industrial dance and techno house, my aim is to simply get people moving. I’m very inspired by the dance sound of the 2008-2012 era that is currently making a huge comeback, and PL4Y is the first of many electropop tracks that prescribes to the notion that life may feel really heavy, but we can escape for a few moments to disconnect and have fun.”

The song serves as a taster to RAMI’s ‘CYB3RP0P’ project, of which she says:

“I would describe the sound of CYB3RP0P as a combination of Sl*t Pop meets M.I.A. The music is created for the club and stadium scenes. You’ll hear a theme of heavy synth bass lines that drive the tracks, industrial & metallic sound design, and vocals dripping in high-attitude delivery of poetic nonsensical lyrics. If you listen to COBRAH, Slayyyter, Ashnikko, or Kim Petras, you will resonate with this project.”

With so much exciting music on the horizon, we think RAMI is one talent to watch for this year.

REYSHA RAMI

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