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.
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.“
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Mcclendon returns today with an atmospheric new single that continues with his theme of ‘apocalyptic indie rock’.
In equal measures, ‘Loving For A Season’ is both nostalgic and future-forward. Lyrically inspired by the inevitable end of a relationship, the song feels emotive, sincere and melancholic in tone.
Interestingly, the track took only 90 minutes to write and record between Mcclendon and his collaborator Tommy Champion. Fans can look forward to a new 9-track album, entitled ‘The Garden’, which is scheduled for release soon.
Singer, songwriter and producer Vanda (aka Michelle Vanda) is a Chicago-raised talent who was born into a family of musicians.
Growing up in a creative environment allowed for Vanda to develop a natural flair for her artistry – and the result is a promising starlet who has just released a mesmerising new single.
‘Indigo’ serves as a taster to Vanda’s upcoming ‘Sober in Another Life’ debut album (out July 2023), and treats listeners to a melodic and enchanting blend of dreamy pop and mellow indie.
You’ll only need to play ‘Complicated’ once to know that Paddy Keyes is about to become Ireland’s next big star.
Lyrically inspired by the struggles that someone can face while they’re stuck in a toxic relationship, the track serves listeners with an anthemic fusion of rock and pop.
“No matter how horrible your partner is, making up stories or gas lighting you or whatever it might be to try control you, you still feel this attachment towards them, causing this never ending cycle of being in and out of this relationship, falling for them and their mind games”.
Produced alongside Daniel De Burca and Philip Magee, this is a song that’s impossible to ignore – and affirms the fact that Keyes has the talent to become a global name.
Keyes headlines Dublin’s Workman’s Main Room on the 1st June – tickets can be found here. Be sure to catch this kid now before he takes the world by storm!
This weekend’s anthem comes courtesy of rising California-based newcomer Tobey Lynn.
Already a star in the making, Tobey has released a string of hits that have so far amassed more than a million cumulative streams on Spotify alone, which is really impressive for a talent who is still in college.
Self-penned new single ‘LOSER’ is an anthemic slice of pop-rock that was inspired by the complexities that arise when two people transition from friends to lovers.
“I wrote ‘LOSER’ about loving someone so much to the point where you start calling them names – almost as if it’s so twisted and wrong to be this in love with someone, that you resort to self sabotage. You’re so obsessed and infatuated with this one person, you know nearly everything about them, you psychoanalyse all their traits, you wonder why they can’t be just as in love as you are. I wrote this song when I was feeling so heartbroken over trying to transition from best friends to a passionate romance. I became frustrated that it was moving at a slow and unsteady pace, constant hesitation and whether or not we were doing the right thing. I was ready to go full force into it and the other person just wasn’t. There’s nothing wrong with that, but my songwriter 19-year old drama queen self couldn’t help but want to dive straight into the friends to lovers trope. Calling this person a loser isn’t supposed to be offensive, it’s supposed to be endearing and that’s the whole point. Kinda like, “We’re best friends and right now you’re being a loser,”. It’s like hitting someone or nudging them when you’re trying to flirt with them. It isn’t the best way to get someone to notice you, but it sure works.”
Tobey plays the Flower Moon Festival at Garden Amp on the 28th April – tickets can be found here.
Over the last year, we’ve come to discover some great indie talent emerging from Austria.
Part of that movement has been Vienna’s peach tinted (aka Emil Paiker and Louis Springer), who are already gaining considerable traction within their home nation and all across Europe.
Inspired by the tensions and troubles that are associated with modern-day dating, new single ‘Hard To Get’ showcases a style of sound that seamlessly fuses nostalgia-driven indie-rock with alt-pop. The track is lifted from the duo’s freshly-released EP of the same name, which is out now.
peach tinted will play a series of shows as part of their ‘Hard To Get’ tour this May and June, starting in Prague and ending in their home city. Dates are below, and tickets can be found here.
Having amassed more than 19 million career streams to date, peach tinted look set to take on their biggest year yet – and are most definitely one band to keep on your radars.
sans is one of the most exciting newcomers that we have come across so far this week.
Based in South-West London, this independent artist and producer creates unique sounds that fuse elements of UK hip hop with other genres, resulting in songs that feel experimental but also relatable.
New single ‘eagle’ was inspired by the conflicting thoughts that we go through after a relationship ends, and presents listeners with an upbeat and feel-good style of production.
“I touch on the feelings experienced when leaving a relationship, from freedom to sadness, over a laid-back beat that picks up later in the song.”
Acclaimed musician Olivia Reid is back today with a thoughtful new single that is sure to strike a chord with many listeners.
‘Wounds (Healing)’ offers us a frank insight into Reid’s struggles with anxiety. The song is powerfully moving, and looks at the contradicting feelings of wanting to rid your mind of negativity, while also wondering whether you’d lose a part of yourself in the process of doing so.
“I recognised how much I had to heal from, but simultaneously feared that truly healing it would leave an absence or a blankness in me. When I’m in fight or flight mode long enough, wounds in the form of anxiety or sadness can mistakenly feel like a crucial part of who I am. The wounds feel familiar, so starting the healing process made me feel so much weaker at first.”
Reid’s music continues to captivate audiences across the world. To date, this artist has garnered more than fifty million streams and has seen her work celebrated by tastemakers as prominent as Wonderland, Flaunt, Ones to Watch and Brooklyn Vegan. Alongside her music, Reid is also involved with the EarthPercent charity – of which more details can be found here.
It wouldn’t be a normal week on Alfitude without featuring some exciting new music from Nashville, and this time it’s the turn of singer-songwriter Space Nat.
Melodic new single ‘PST’ is a dreamy slice of stripped-back indie rock that invites listeners into the artist’s thoughts and feelings.
While the song is sonically subtle and mellow in tone, the lyrics are gripping and honest. The resulting sound is one that is intriguing, but also beautifully captivating.
“An intimate recounting of specific events, love, loss and isolation, the narrator spares no detail.”
The track is lifted from the California-raised artist’s debut album, entitled ‘Who Cares What People Think!’ (out now).
We don’t come across garage-rock music as much as we’d like to, so it’s refreshing to hear Glaswegian trio TEOSE are back with a thumping new single called ‘Rat King’.
Named after a rare phenomena that occurs in nature, the track presents us with a bold sound that is both energising and playful.
“‘Rat King’ is one of my favourite songs we’ve ever written. It’s full of energy and silliness.”
In our view, the song further confirms that TEOSE are one of Scotland’s most interesting new music outfits. If you’re unfamiliar with the group, then we suggest you head on over to their Spotify and check out their catalogue of releases.
We’ve been following American alt-pop artist Noah Richardson’s career for quite some time now, and it’s so rewarding to see this talent begin to pick up so much traction.
Noah returns today with a punchy new single called ‘7 Minutes in Heaven’. The song was lyrically inspired by that one person who comes into your life and completely takes a hold over you.
Sonically, Richardson designed the track with his followers in mind, and has been created in a way so that ‘fans can drunkenly sing it at the bar with friends.’ He elaborates:
“Something you can scream at the top of your lungs and get out all that intimate animosity you have for that special someone. Here comes trouble, and I’m about to have my life ruined and love every second of it.”
Richardson’s rise so far has been impressive. Last year’s debut album‘Dead To Me’ has already been streamed more than 275k times, and the artist is currently in the middle of a nationwide tour across the USA – more details can be found here.
Emerging from the USA is Haley Nance, who has just unveiled a beautifully melodic new single called ‘Don’t Know Why’.
Through its thoughtful and melancholic fusion of indie and bedroom pop, the song treats listeners to a sound that reminiscent to the works of Holly Humberstone and Gracie Abrams.
‘Don’t Know Why’ is Nance’s second single to date, and follows the release of her well-received debut song,‘Death of Me’.
While we still don’t know much about this promising talent, we think she is most definitely one to watch!
Rising British talent Lenn is back with yet another sublime new single, entitled ‘renegade’.
Through its flawlessly constructed mix of dark, sultry pop and alternative R&B, the song addresses the toxic energies that arise from bad friendships.
“‘renegade’ was born out of a free therapy session with my co-writers where I could vent the frustration and helplessness I was feeling around that time. It’s a song about realising someone isn’t who you once thought they were, finally seeing the red flags that in all honesty were there from the beginning and resigning to the fact that you can’t control how someone writes you into their story.”
Impressively, ‘renegade’ is still only Lenn’s third single to date, and offers listeners a further glimpse into the artist’s upcoming debut EP.
While still early in her career, Lenn has already received praise from outlets as notable as BBC Introducing, Kings of A&R and DNü.
