New Music: Cole Bleu

Photo / Charlotte Alex

You may recognise Cole Bleu as a former member of much-acclaimed outfit The Let Go, who took over the tastemaker world by storm following the release of their 2022 mixtape, ‘Delete My Feelings’.

Today’s release of ‘HEARTBREAKERS’ serves as Bleu’s first solo single, and touches on topics of pain and regret from a break-up.

“‘HEARTBREAKERS’ is about breaking up with someone but then realising you regret it after seeing them with someone else. It’s a different kind of pain when you know it’s all your fault in the end.”

Bold, expressive and energising in character, the song marks Bleu as one of the most exciting soloists to emerge from the UK this spring.

Elaborating further on this exciting new chapter in her musical journey, Bleu explains:

“I’m so excited about my first solo project because it’s authentically me. There’s no name I can hide behind, because it’s just who I am. I’ve found a new found confidence sharing my music with the world as Cole.”

Cole Bleu

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Hallie – Shift the Focus

One of the most exciting new indie-pop talents to emerge from Australia over the last twelve months has been Hallie.

Garnering inspiration from their experiences as a queer artist, Hallie writes exceptional songs that lyrically touch on themes like identity, gender and sexuality.

‘Shift the Focus’ is taken from debut EP ‘This is Love’ (out now), of which Hallie says:

“I hand over to you a journey of my time with love; the good parts, the hard parts, the bittersweet moments. I am so proud of this body of work and the way in which I articulated my journey in discovering how I experience love and what I have learnt about myself through love!”

With support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, NME, PopBuzz and Scenestr Mag, as well as an ever-growing legion of fans across social media, Hallie is most certainly one to watch.

Hallie

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New Music: Hannah Hill

The first thing that strikes you when you press play to a Hannah Hill song is the sheer power of this talent’s incredible voice.

Add to that the impressive pop productions and strong melodies, and you have yourselves a promising new American star in the making.

Despite its unconventional title, ‘Dog In Your Purse’ is very much a love song that is lyrically relatable and beautifully written.

While Hannah Hill may be a new name to many, this emerging artist is already growing a solid fanbase across social media, and has amassed more than a million cumulative streams from just four singles.

Hannah Hill

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Beso Palma + ANGE – Madrugada

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with someone special or alone, this new collaboration from Sydney-based producer Beso Palma and Spanish artist ANGE might just be the most beautiful thing you’ll listen to all day.

Through its stunning fusion of dreamy electronic pop and R&B, ‘Madrugada’ tells of the unspoken chemistry between two people, and their feelings of uncertainty for the future. Is it just desire? Is there hope for something more? You, the listener, gets to decide.

The track showcases the very finest from these two emerging talents, with Beso Palma’s finessed production laying the foundations for ANGE’s flawless vocals to shine through.

Beso Palma | ANGE

New Music: Glimji

London-based Mancunian artist Glimji has been one of the most exciting discoveries of the week for us.

With an innovative yet playful approach to music-making, this talent creates rave-inspired, life-affirming sounds that are entrancing, energising and totally euphoric.

Created alongside fellow rising starlet Elphi, ‘Blush’ treats listeners to an instant boost of serotonin. While stripped back in its sonic character, this is a track that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your faces.

“‘Blush’ bottles the feeling of being love drunk in the sunshine. I wanted it to feel like sunshine on your face at a party in summer, walking into a festival arm in arm with your friends who all look really cool, or a drunk kiss on a rooftop at sunset. It’s a burst of excitement and euphoria. It’s about living in the moment and not thinking about tomorrow, being young and embracing mistakes.” – Glimji

Glimji | Elphi

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High Nelson – Moodshift

Rising American artist High Nelson is back with a gorgeously melodic fusion of genres through his new release, ‘Moodshift’.

Serving as the last single from his ‘HELLO’ EP (out now), the song is inspired by the concept of ‘feeling like yourself again’, and looks at the benefits of focusing on the experiences that make us happy in life.

The track continues to showcase High Nelson’s extraordinary skills in taking genres as diverse as R&B, reggae, and trap and combining them to create refreshing and new sounds.

High Nelson

blondfire – Age of Innocence

US-based artist blondfire has been on our radar for a good number of years, thanks to her infectiously memorable melodies, big productions and unique voice.

Today’s release of anthemic new single ‘Age of Innocence’ continues this trend, and treats listeners to an energising slice of electro-pop that is near impossible not to enjoy.

“‘Can we go back to the beginning?’ This song’s about thinking back on a time before the complexities of life and adulthood took over. Bittersweet lyrics with a majestic melody urges the listener not to lose hope. ‘Keep giving your heart away.’ It’s been a little while since I’ve had a release, as my song says, life goes on and on, but I’ve been writing and recording new material all through the pandemic.”

To date, blondfire has amassed more than 15 million cumulative streams on Spotify alone, and commands more than 80k monthly listeners on the platform.

Fans of ‘Age of Innocence’ will be pleased to know that more new music from blondfire is planned throughout this year.

blondfire

Jamie Cooke – No Return

One of the UK’s most promising new soul artists in recent years has been Watford-raised singer and songwriter Jamie Cooke.

New single ‘No Return’ is based around themes of empowerment and self-care, and presents listeners with a fresh sound that feels sleek and current, but also nostalgic and classic at the same time.

“A song about choosing myself, an 80’s inspired ode to self love and not returning to a toxic love.”

With praise from tastemakers as iconic as Wonderland already under his belt, Cooke looks set to take on his biggest year yet. Keep an eye out for this kid!

Jamie Cooke

Aáyanna – Kill For Me

It’s barely been a month since her last release, but rising talent Aáyanna is back with yet another spectacular new single.

‘Kill For Me’ is an atmospheric and passionate song that looks at the sense of security which we might enjoy while we are in strong relationships.

Alongside it’s bold lyricism, the track presents listeners with a sultry alternative-R&B production that features extensive use of trap drums to create an immersive sonic experience.

“‘Kill For Me’ will always have a special place in my heart because it was made in collaboration with my brother, Snowie, and someone who’s work I’ve admired for a long time, Dante. One of the best feelings in my opinion is being with someone who makes you feel safe and protected— somebody who doesn’t play about you, and I wanted to convey that with this song.”

Aáyanna

New Music: myie

Photo / Jesper Smeding

Emerging from the city of Uppsala in Sweden is musician and actor myie (aka Miriam Ingrid), who has just unveiled an impressive new single entitled ‘Mary’.

Written as an ode to self empowerment and personal freedom, the song’s captivating lyrics compliment a beautifully melodic and uplifting alternative-pop production.

“‘Mary’ is a song about freedom, liberation from ideas or people holding one down. The song’s main character convinces ‘Marie Antoinette’ to elope together, there’s a lot at stake but at least they have each other. ‘Mary’ encourages people to live by their own sets of rules- and if anyone cares: let them eat cake.”

‘Mary’ is taken from myie’s forthcoming debut album, ‘Feel Real’, which is out soon. With support from the likes of BBC’s Jack Saunders already under her belt, myie is one Scandinavian starlet to keep on your radars.

myie

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Sunkissed Child – Love N Attention (feat. Otis Mensah)

Valentine’s week kicks off in style thanks to this stunning new collaboration between Sunkissed Child and Otis Mensah.

With it’s finessed fusion of classic R&B and hip hop, ‘Love N Attention’ treats listeners to a smooth and gorgeously dreamy sound, while the lyrics detail our need to be desired by the people whom we are attracted to.

The song continues to showcase Sunkissed Child’s impressive musical versatility. To date, this rising artist and vocalist has garnered praise from the likes of Purple Melon and LOCK Magazine. She plays London’s Grand Junction on the 9th March – tickets can be found here.

Sunkissed Child |Otis Mensah

New Music: Mya Mehmi

Track of the week. Running at under two minutes, Mya Mehmi’s ‘Parivaar (Interlude)’ might be one of the shortest-running recipients of this accolade in some time.

Distinct and captivating in tone, the track presents listeners with a luxurious style of alternative R&B that is sonically captivating. Elaborating on the powerfully moving lyricism featured within the song, Mehmi explains:

“I made this song in 2020 for my cousin and my dad, after the passing of my beloved Thaya (uncle). I was drowning in emotions, smoking a score of weed a day and feeling so helpless watching my family grieve a loss that we will without a doubt never truly recover from. This was my effort to console loved ones and immortalise someone that continues to be so influential in my life.”

Written, produced and performed by Mehmi, this talent is proving herself to be a musical powerhouse in the making, and has already received praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and 1xtra, BBC Asian Network, CLASH and The Line of Best Fit.

Mehmi also hosts a fantastic podcast called ‘Straight No Chaser’, which can be heard here.

Mya Mehmi

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Dolores Forever – When I Say So

Artwork / francesca_allen_

One of the most hyped outfits to emerge from the UK over the last year have been London-based group Dolores Forever (aka Hannah Wilson and Julia Fabrin).

They launch into 2023 with a catchy new single, entitled ‘When I Say So’. With its dreamy fusion of indie and pop, the track serves as an ode to those of us who struggle to grasp with the idea of growing up.

“’When I Say So’ is about reluctantly growing up. A song for the curious who want more than they are supposed to expect. There’s the moment when you’re suddenly not the ingénue in the room anymore and everything around you is changing. You’re not sure you’re on the same ride as everyone else.”

To date, Dolores Forever have received praise from the likes of BBC Introducing and Radio 1, as well as NME, i-D, Rolling Stone and Dork magazines. The duo perform at Omeara London on the 15th February – tickets can be found here.

Dolores Forever

Amilli – Stuck in My Head

Photo / Niren Mahajan

We’ve found the perfect weekend banger for you on this beautiful Saturday morning, courtesy of rising German starlet Amilli.

Melodic new single ‘Stuck in My Head’ layers a catchy drum n bass beat over a charming pop production, resulting in a sound that is uplifting and energising in tone.

“‘Stuck In My Head’ lives from the thought that I just wanted to make songs that make you feel good and radiate self-confidence. One has no desire for commitment and wants to be independent, but this one person arouses more interest than intended. The person pulls you under its spell and you just can’t get them out of your head.”

Amilli’s momentum has risen at a meteoric pace since her debut release four years ago. Currently commanding more than 200k monthly Spotify listeners while also garnering praise form outlets as iconic as The Line of Best Fit and Schön! Magazine, Amilli has undoubtedly become one of Germany’s biggest new musical exports.

Amilli

Only The Poets – Even Hell

Photo / Jordan Logan

Reading four-piece Only The Poets have been on our radar for several years now, so it’s exciting to see that they’ve just launched a debut single with EMI.

Representing the very best in emerging British indie-rock, ‘Even Hell’ was created alongside acclaimed producer Charlie Hugall, and presents listeners with an electrifying sound that will most certainly propel this outfit into the mainstream.

“‘Even Hell’ is our love letter to music. We just wanted to show our appreciation for music and how it can help you out and give you that escape in scenarios that would normally make you feel stressed and uneasy. Sonically it leans into our Britpop influences with the energy of it, and the fans seemed to have really connected with it.” – Tommy Longhurst, Only The Poets

The band shortly embark on a European tour that will hit several major cities, culminating in London’s iconic Shepherd’s Bush Empire in May.

Tickets and dates can be found here; be sure to catch these lads before they start selling out stadiums!

Only The Poets

Only The Poets Live Dates 2023

  • 11TH APRIL – PALLADIUM WARSAW 
  • 12TH APRIL – PALLADIUM WARSAW
  • 15TH APRIL – SIMMCITY VIENNA
  • 16TH APRIL – ROXY  PRAGUE 
  • 17TH APRIL – ROXY   PRAGUE
  • 18TH APRIL – METROPOL   BERLIN
  • 20TH APRIL – ESSIGF AFRIK   COLOGNE
  • 21ST APRIL – MELKWEG MAX   AMSTERDAM
  • 23RD APRIL – TRIX   ANTWERP
  • 3RD MAY – SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE   LONDON

Varas – Hell No

Photo / Lamia Karic

Acclaimed singer and songwriter Varas begins his year with anthemic new single, ‘Hell No’.

Through its raw and bold production, Varas addresses the mundane nature of life, and the desire to escape from it all.

“You know the feeling when it’s Friday and you’ve just survived another week full of snow storms and hurtful ingrown toenails. Your body is hurting, not because you worked out or anything but because you walked home with groceries and un-ergonomically only brought one bag.

After walking in a leaning matter you come home. A dear friend hits you up: ‘care for a beer?’. You care a lot actually. Anything to make you think about something else than this cycle of habits around work. You wanna talk about literally anything else. Your friend’s THINKING about CONSIDERING possibly getting a cat? Soon? No, in four years? Ah, still, you’d rather think about your friend considering possibly getting a cat in four years. Anyway, you change your clothes and head into town. Finally you manage to get to a bar with some friends. It’s cheap and smelly, just like you. Now it’s time to have a pleasant time of distraction. But before you even take the first sip it happens, someone at the table innocently asks you about next week’s work and duties. Right there, that moment you have to keep yourself from telling your dear friend to shut the f up, was our state of mind when we wrote ‘Hell No’.”

With his refreshingly original and distinct approach to music-making, Varas is rapidly becoming one of Sweden’s most hotly-tipped newcomers. Fans can look forward to a new EP, scheduled for release later this year.

Varas

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Jade LeMac – Car Accident

Photo / Zachary Vague

One of Canada’s biggest musical exports to have emerged in recent years has been Vancouver-based alt-pop artist Jade LeMac.

After accumulating more than 30 million streams to date, LeMac finally unveils her debut EP today, entitled ‘Constellations’ (out now).

“I’m very excited to be releasing my first EP. It’s named after ‘Constellations’, the first song I had released. It’s the song that started this whole journey and I wouldn’t be here without it. I have learned so much about myself, my song writing, and storytelling through this EP. The process has made me explore my own creativity and imagination, and brought me to these places and stories that never would have existed if I hadn’t written it. Overall, I’m hyped about being able to share this first piece of me. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in my own story, and I can’t wait for what’s to come and to continue doing what I love.”

Alongside the release of the EP is new single ‘Car Accident’. A beautifully powerful and emotive ballad, the song looks into the dynamics of a complex relationship.

“This is the first time I have ever written from the perspective of two people and I love how subtle but how impactful the changes are. I was actually writing the lyrics on the bus and as I was coming up with this story in my head I was seeing myself inside of these characters and feeling all of these feelings of two people who have both lost something, and I ended up just crying the whole way. It’s probably one of my favourite songs on the EP.”

Jade LeMac

New Music: Magz

Magz is a promising new starlet hailing from New York. As an independent musician, Magz is not only a singer but also a songwriter and producer.

‘For Good’ is a perfect representation of this talent’s exceptional artistry. Beautifully vulnerable and honest in tone, the song’s lyricism is both moving and relatable. Elaborating on the meaning behind the track, Magz explains:

“It’s been said to accept the things you cannot change. You keep on moving, though nothing stays linear. Somehow you find something to hang on to, even when nothings left. Somehow you’re strong but also fragile. But there is strength in fragility, and fragility in strength. My mental health has not been a journey, but an odyssey. I never thought that I would make it to age 25, yet here I am. I hope with this song that people feel less alone in this darkness.”

‘For Good’ is lifted from an upcoming EP which is currently in the works. In the meantime, listeners can explore Magz’s other releases here.

Magz

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Aistè – You’ve Got The Feeling

Photo / Erdvilas Petras Abukevičius

Rising London-based starlet Aistè is back today with a gorgeously captivating new single that deserves your attention!

In what might be the finest piece of soul-pop that you’ll listen to all weekend, ‘You’ve Got The Feeling’ revolves around the concept of break-ups – and their consequent emotions.

“Now I feel that the learning phase is over, I’m ready to deliver the goods.”

The song is taken from the Lithuanian-born talent’s ‘The Theory of Everything’ album, which is scheduled for release this May.

Aistè is also an accomplished film director, whose work on ‘Money is Life’ consequently led to the artist picking up a Best Director nomination at the 2020 KlipVid Awards.

Aistè

New Music: BOY2K

Photo / Rafael Moncada

Just in time for the weekend comes this almighty bop from up-and-coming duo BOY2K.

Consisting of Boy Untitled and Boy Apocalypse, BOY2K is an experimental music project that gathers its inspiration from societal topics as diverse as technology, friendship, social media and sexuality.

Sonically, listeners can expect to hear productions that feature elements of electronica, pop, techno, nu-disco and house music. Speaking on their new single, BOY2K explain:

“To us, ‘Close Friends’ embodies the idea of ‘Music For The People’ in its use of world sounds and the hilariously relatable experience of someone sliding into your DM. It’s fun, it makes you move, and honestly, makes us LOL when we sing it. It feels like a bop you can get down to with your bestie. Just like us when we made it.”

With support from the likes of Billboard, Nylon, and OUT! magazines, BOY2K might just be one of the most interesting electro-pop outfits to emerge from the US this year.

BOY2K

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