Cherry Angel – Cherry Dream

Rising starlet Cherry Angel (aka Alycia Lancey) returns today with a beautifully melancholic slice of dreamy indie-pop through her new single, ‘Cherry Dream’.

The song tells the story of a girl who pines for a type of romance that she can only dream of. Elaborating further on the lyricism, Lancey explains:

“This concept, although somewhat dangerous to one’s mental health, is a reality so many people face when love is lost. We re-rack the brain and dissect the what-ifs. This song is really about depression. She yearns to stay asleep to be with this absent person. Since she can’t go back and she can’t move forward, she is staying still, reliving her memories.”

The track follows on from the LA-based singer-songwriter’s acclaimed debut ‘Caffeinated’, which was released last fall. Cherry Angel plans to release more singles later the year.

Cherry Angel

Joshua Thew – Never Be

Photo / Angela Suarez

Rising artist Joshua Thew celebrates the launch of his new LP today, entitled ‘Turn Me To Water’.

Within the ten-track record (out now) is this stunning little number called ‘Never Be’. Inspired by the French film ‘Climax’, the track’s production flirts between alternative R&B, indie and electronic pop.

The resulting sound is one that is future-forward and experimental, while still feeling classic and timeless.

“‘Never Be’ is a song for everyone that sometimes needs the release of the dance floor. To let go of the struggles or fears of life. To unite and be individual and celebrate it.”

Joshua Thew

New Music: Naia Lika

Hailing from America is Naia Lika, who has already become one of our favourite pop discoveries of the month.

Inspired by artists as diverse as Remi Wolf, Dua Lipa, Leon Bridges and YEBBA, Lika creates a refreshingly eccentric style of pop – as you’ll experience when you press play on her debut single, ‘Gas Station Bouquet’.

The song treats listeners to a captivating mix of soul, funky R&B and pop. Playful, charming and melodically memorable, the track serves as an impressive introduction to Lika.

“Creating the song was an impactful moment for me. I had just experienced one of the toughest years of my life and it was such a valuable opportunity to actually sit down and write about something positive in my life amidst all the negativity swarming my mind. I don’t think I take enough time to appreciate what I have in my life.”

Fun fact: Lika’s great-grandfather sang alongside legends as iconic as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis Jr.

Naia Lika

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Ella Rosa – Ruin My Lyf

Photo / Callum Hutchinson

LA-based singer and songwriter Ella Rosa is one talent that we predict will take 2023 by storm.

‘ruin my lyf’ is taken from Rosa’s freshly-released ‘anxious attachment style’ EP (out now), and continues to showcase this British-born artist’s dynamic style of sound. Remarking on her new collection of songs, Rosa says:

“This body of work came together naturally after I began to let go of my people pleasing tendencies and started to lean towards full transparency. The title came to me when I realized that all of the music I had been writing was fully saturated in themes that link to having an anxious attachment style. Instead of trying to get rid of it I enhanced it and poured it into this project. The first genre I landed on was drum and bass, hence all the speedy drums in all of these songs. I want this project to give people the space to be fun, spontaneous and wear their heart on their sleeve.”

With more than 650k career streams to date on Spotify alone, Rosa is one artist that should be on everyone’s radar over the coming months.

Ella Rosa

Lenn – dreams are a nightmare

After a busy year recording music and joining acclaimed duo Icarus on their sold-out UK tour, Lenn returns with a sensational new single to remind you of her extraordinary talent.

With its finessed fusion of alternative R&B and ambient pop, ‘dreams are a nightmare’ links the emotions that are triggered from dreams with the introspective thoughts many of us experienced during lockdown.

“I wrote ‘dreams are a nightmare’ about the struggle of chasing after what you truly want. So often in life the things that offer the most joy also leave us at our most vulnerable and expose us to anxiety, heartache and deferred hope.”

Written and recorded by Lenn at her home-studio in Bristol, the song serves as a taster to the artist’s forthcoming debut EP (out later this year).

Lenn

Tycho Jones – Risk To My Reward

Tycho Jones has been gracing our pages since 2019, thanks to their charismatic and refreshing approach to indie-pop.

After a short hiatus from creating music, this rising talent is back with melodic new single ‘Risk To My Reward’. Inspired by the risks we take in order to achieve good things, the song’s relatable lyricism is both intelligent and meaningful.

“‘Risk To My Reward’ is about the thrill of the chase – the pursuit of a dream, a lover, a friendship. Taking the risks necessary in order to progress and grow.”

Since the release of their much-acclaimed debut ‘Tychonaut’ mixtape, Tycho Jones has gone on to acquire praise from publications as iconic as CLASH, Notion and BRICKS magazines.

Tycho Jones

City Park – Competition

Photo / Kate Hummel

Acclaimed Dutch pop outfit City Park mark their comeback today with the release of new single ‘Competition’.

While the production flirts between dreamy pop and the band’s trademark ‘fuzzy R&B’ sound, song’s lyrics encapsulate the charm, sweetness and tension between two people as they try to impress one another.

The song serves a reminder of the Amsterdam trio’s superb style of music-making, which has already earned them well over six million career streams to date.

“This year, we’ll be doing what City Park is about after all: sharing songs, stories, experiences, and working with visual artists we love. God willing, we’ll even throw parties, play shows and hang out with you.”

City Park

REBENN – Maybe I’m Psycho

Born in South Korea, REBENN is an emerging songwriter and producer who creates a style of sound that expertly fuses elements of alternative pop with electronica.

‘Maybe I’m Psycho’ is a thought-provoking song that was inspired by a heated commotion between REBENN’s parents. Lyrically, the track looks at the ways in which people will find ways to act as victims, when in fact they are often to blame for their own actions.

Complimenting REBENN’s impressive production are vocals from rising artist Deza, whose presence on the song amplifies its depth and emotional intensity.

A former member of the U.N. Peace Keeping Force, REBENN immersed himself into music after leaving the army, and has so far achieved the seal of approval from heavyweight tastemakers as noted as Cloudkid and Cakes & Eclairs,

REBENN

New Music: Nicky Tats

Nicky Tats may not be a name known to many around the globe, but this DJ-producer has been a fixture within America’s nightclub scene for the last fifteen years, curating and playing songs for both clubbers and A-Listers alike.

The musical project of New York’s Nicholas Legakis, Nicky Tats creates energising productions that blend house music with pop, resulting in sounds that have universal appeal.

New single ‘Just Stay’ presents listeners with an anthemic mix of techno and future rave, and serves as a perfect addition to your playlists for the weekend ahead.

Nicky Tats

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Alexia Chambi – Nothing Happened (feat. Ralph Taylor)

Photo / jocelynmurrayboyne

Emerging genre-bending starlet Alexia Chambi joins forces with long-time collaborator Ralph Taylor on new single, ‘Nothing Happened’.

Based on real-life events, the song tells of a story involving Chambi and a boyfriend who had initiated an open relationship, only to regret his decision shortly after.

“‘Nothing Happened’ is a story based on true events, about a boyfriend who spontaneously requests an open relationship while being abroad but quickly calls back to express his regret.”

The track marks the beginning of a project that will see Chambi unveiling a string of singles throughout the year, eventually culminating in the release of a confessional EP entitled ‘Open Relationship’.

Alexia Chambi | Ralph Taylor

New Music: Noah Vernon

Hailing from Australia is promising indie-pop singer and songwriter Noah Vernon. Already an artist on the rise, Vernon has found himself building a loyal legion of fans across social media with the release of only a few singles.

Inspired by the everyday struggles of life, Vernon’s work feels relatable to most listeners. New single ‘IN TOO DEEP!’ continues with this theme, by addressing the times when we fall into toxic relationships.

“The song is about toxic relationship and not knowing how to pull yourself out.”

Vernon currently commands more than 16k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, while his catalogue of works has impressively accumulated well over 1.3 million streams to date.

Noah Vernon

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

FJ Law – paperweight

Rising UK artist FJ Law is back today with a beautifully emotive slice of indie-pop that is sure to captivate any listener.

Inspired by the fictional love story between Ross and Rachel from F.R.I.E.N.D.S, new single ‘paperweight’ is a guitar-driven piece of music that looks at the process of trying to save what’s left from a fading relationship.

The track marks an exciting year for FJ Law, who continues to find his work featured across prominent British media outlets and on multiple editorial Spotify playlists.

FJ Law

New Music: Elfrida

Hailing from Norway is singer, songwriter, producer, technician and composer Elfrida (aka Grete-Johanne Torvholm), who is a rising talent specialising in a style of music labelled as ‘arctic electronica’.

Sonically sparse yet perfectly constructed, Elfrida’s work contrasts minimalist sounds with raw and sincere lyricism.

‘Descend’ is likely to be one of the most thoughtful songs you’ll experience this week. Inspired by the inner conflicts of a neurodivergent mind, the lyrics offer listeners an insight into the artist’s world.

“All my life I’ve been a bit different, stood out in a crowd. I was a curious child, and others saw that as an opportunity to try and break me. I have ADHD and ‘Descend’ describes how my mind works – typically on a bad day. I don’t believe you have to have ADHD to relate, I think everybody feels this way from time to time. Creating music is a therapeutic process for me, and my vision is that my music can help others understand themselves better, and consequently develop a healthier relationship to their mind, soul, and body.”

Elfrida

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Downtown Kayoto – Run from you

In recent years Downtown Kayoto has proven himself to be one of the UK’s most promising alternative artists.

Released via London label Other Projects (home to NiNE8 and KhakiKid), new single ‘Run from you’ continues to build momentum for this remarkable talent, and showcases a raw sound that fuses indie-rock with essences of hip hop.

“‘Run from you’ is a song about how I would run away from my problems, I’m pretty sure that everyone goes through a similar thing. Specifically this was about a relationship that I really valued at the time, and when I look back at how I dealt with the end of the relationship I noticed that my behaviour was definitely avoidant. I get really prideful at points so sometimes I’ll just run so that I don’t need to deal with the situation at hand; run with no particular destination in mind, I just run and I when I look back I run fast… This is one thing I really wanna stop doing (lol). It’s not really healthy but without it I guess I wouldn’t have made this song.”

To date, Downtown Kayoto has recieved praise from industry heavyweights as noted as Zane Lowe, Pharrell Williams and Jack Saunders, while also touring alongside the likes of Tkay Maidza and Finn Askew.

Downtown Kayoto

New Music: Timothy Edward Carpenter

Photo / madelinewalczak

Rising American talent Timothy Edward Carpenter unveils a captivating new single today, entitled ‘panic attack in a michael’s’.

Through its impressive fusion of indie, pop and rock. the song looks at the topic of mental health in a beautifully raw and honest way. Elaborating on the song’s lyrics, Timothy explains:

“While recently walking through a Michael’s Art Store here in Nashville I came across the ‘frame aisle’ and the first thought that came to mind was how my therapist was advocating that I ‘reframe my perspective.’ Honestly, I started laughing aloud in the aisle followed by a much needed cry. When I arrived back at my apartment, I sat down and wrote what feels like a page from my diary, “panic attack in a michael’s.”

Timothy has just begun his ‘Small Spaces’ tour, and will visit several cities across the US throughout February – dates and tickets can be found here.

Timothy Edward Carpenter

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

New Music: ✦kenji✦

One of the most exciting discoveries of the week has been LA-based producer and singer ✦kenji✦.

New single ‘VIOLET !’ is proof that a song can be future-forward and experimental without losing its sense of sincerity and emotion.

Through its considered fusion of hyperpop and indie, the track serves as a modern love song that presents thoughtful lyricism over a well-constructed melody.

“He tells a heart-wrenching story of young love, falling for a girl with violet lipstick. These feelings were new and unfamiliar to him at the time, so he blamed them on his partner, repeating the line “Maybe it’s your fault”.’

With such a refreshing approach to music-making, ✦kenji✦ is rapidly marking his name as one of the most promising talents to emerge from the West Coast.

✦kenji✦

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

ellie d. – Real Thing

LA-based singer and songwriter ellie d. is back today with a refreshingly energising new single.

‘Real Thing’ is a beautifully constructed piece of electro-pop that looks at our need for connection. This is a sound that feels dreamy and reflective, yet still maintains an uplifting sense of joy.

“Both a very vulnerable and unapologetic declaration of wanting connection, romance, all the butteries… A song about putting yourself out there. The sense of there’s a lot of ways to be strong, and the most popular way people think of is being independent and doing everything by yourself but it’s just as meaningful and it shows strength to say that you really want someone in your life and who will love and support you the way you want to be loved.”

As a starlet on the rise, ellie d. begins her year commanding more than 45k monthly Spotify listeners. Meanwhile, her catalogue of songs continue to grow in popularity, with more than 2.5 million cumulative streams to date.

ellie d.

New Music: ESSIRAY

Irish music has really excelled over the last two years, and today’s introduction of ESSIRAY continues to showcase the amazing talent that is still emerging from this small but hugely creative nation.

ESSIRAY is an up-and-coming indie-pop artist who is not only a singer, but also a songwriter and producer. Initially debuting back in April last year, this starlet has gone on to release a handful of well-received singles, with ‘Mr Perfect’ being her latest.

The song was inspired by ESSIRAY’s own experiences and feelings while trying to navigate a world that is still male-dominated.

“‘Mr Perfect’ isn’t about one person or one situation, for me it’s about a combination of emotions I’ve felt though out my early 20s navigating my love life. As a young women in this male dominated society it can often feel that we’re being told how to act and how to present ourselves, trying to live up to this societal standard created by men.”

“This track also has a lighthearted undertone of coming out of a relationship and those rose tinted glasses have come off and you’re just feeling happy in yourself.”

With praise from prominent Irish outlets like Nialler9, Golden Plec and HotPress, ESSIRAY is one talent to watch for this year.

ESSIRAY

🎵 Discover more new music on the Ones To Watch Playlist

Mysie – CTRL

Rising independent musician Mysie is back with an empowering new single… and one which looks set to become her biggest release yet.

Lifted from the artist’s upcoming mixtape, the track gathers its inspiration from a situation when Mysie was ignored by a lover, and serves to remind us of our own self worth.

“‘CTRL’ is about receiving a phone call from an unfaithful ex who aired me for six months after saying BRB. It’s an empowering song letting him know: I won’t be fooled by his attempt to reel me back in.”

Mysie’s list of accomplishments is already impressive, with the UK-based talent picking up a prestigious Ivor Novello Award and being included on BBC Radio 1’s Ones To Watch 2023.

Mysie

Raven Artson – Rash Of Independence

Ever-evolving artist Raven Artson returns with yet another sonic delight in the form of his new single, ‘Rash Of Independence’.

Inspired by the iconic sounds of Corona, Timbaland, Madonna and Sugababes, this nostalgia-tinged song treats listeners to an eccentric yet charming production, while the lyrics tell of Artson’s appreciation for independence and love.

Indeed, it’s the desire for independence that keeps Artson’s work so refreshingly experimental, as he explains:

“Whatever swings my way, I take it on fully. I let down my guard to experience more than I can foresee and embrace the unexpected in my creative process. That’s where the playfulness comes in.”

Artson supports Coco & Clair Clair on their European tour this month – dates and tickets can be found here. Headline shows are coming up later in the spring.

Raven Artson