Tag: Listen

Tom A. Smith – Put On A Record Tommy

This weekend’s banger comes courtesy of rising UK artist Tom A. Smith and his brilliant new single, ‘Put On A Record Tommy’.

The track treats listeners to a quintessentially British take on indie. Cheeky, infectiously catchy, and confidently bold, the production blends nostalgic 80s-inspired synth-pop with a more gritty indie-rock sound.

The song is lifted from a new EP that shares its title, with a limited edition vinyl being released next month.

“Tommy’s dance place is officially open. Put on a record Tommy is a party and everyone is invited. But it’s not all it seems. Where do I go from here?”

We first featured Tom when he was just 17 and were impressed with his work even in those early days. Now aged 21, it’s clear that this is an artist to watch for.

Tom A. Smith | Ones To Watch Playlist

Tom A. Smith – Live Dates 2026

  • 13 May – Hastings, White Rock Theatre (with The Lottery Winners)
  • 15 May – The Great Escape, Brighton (Third Man Records at DUST)
  • 16 May – London, The Forum (with The Lottery Winners)
  • 21 May – Paris, Oberkampf Festival
  • 23 May – BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Sunderland
  • 19 Jun – Stockton Globe (with Amy MacDonald)
  • 20 Jun – Isle of Wight Festival
  • 27 Jun – Sheffield Steelyard (with The Sherlocks)
  • 10 Jul – Plymouth Sound Factory Festival
  • 11 Jul – Eden Sessions, Cornwall (with The Maccabees)
  • 24 Jul – Together Again Festival, Chester
  • 26 Jul – Truck Festival, Oxford
  • 09 Aug – Boardmasters Festival, Cornwall
  • 20 Aug – 110 Above Festival, Leicestershire

Toria Rainey – Mosquito

Toria Rainey’s ‘Mosquito’ is one of the finest indie-pop releases to have come across our radars this week.

This hugely promising Brooklyn singer and songwriter seems to be at ease writing songs that not only melodically flow beautifully but also carry thoughtful lyricism that touches on themes like personal identity.

‘Mosquito’ is a song that shares with listeners Toria’s thoughts of people who take advantage when they sense your vulnerabilities. She explains:

“‘Mosquito’ uses a tiny nuisance as a stand-in for a much bigger problem: people who sense when your guard is down and take what they can. It’s about being drained by someone who keeps coming back, and wondering how much of your own loneliness keeps the door open.”

Despite being a relative newcomer, we see so much potential in Toria’s work. We’re excited to see where this talent goes next!

Toria Rainey | Ones To Watch Playlist

Calm Canopy – Leap of Faith

Canadian DIY artist Calm Canopy has just released one of the most upbeat indie songs of the week, and we’re excited to be sharing it with you.

‘Leap of Faith’ serves as a taster to the his forthcoming ‘Departure Bay’ project (out 3rd July) and blends mellow dance-pop with indie to create a sound that is both energetic but also rooted in emotion and sincerity. Speaking on the song, Calm Canopy explains:

“‘Leap of Faith’ captures the tension between self-doubt and self-acceptance.”

Calm Canopy’s songs have landed placements on flagship Spotify playlists like Fresh Finds: Indie, Fresh Finds: Pop, RADAR Canada, and New Music Friday Canada. The artist has also amassed more than 100k career streams to date.

Calm Canopy | Ones To Watch Playlist

Leaone – Goodbyes & Goodtimes

It’s a big day for independent UK artist Leaone, as he’s just unveiled his first new music since 2023.

‘Goodbyes & Goodtimes’ has been worth the wait. The track seamlessly fuses indie with alternative pop and electronica, resulting in a sound that is unexpected and very distinctive.

“It’s the title track from my new album, written and self produced in a Suffolk caravan during a turbulent year. After a North London joyrider totalled my car, I used the insurance payout to fund a trip to Los Angeles to get it mixed by the stellar Mitch Kenny. And that ladies and gentlemen is how you turn lemons into Rock N Roll.”

Leaone’s music has picked up support from noted tastemaker outlets like Clash Magazine, BBC6 Music, and BBC Introducing. ‘LEAONE – 10 Year Anniversary Album’ is out now – grab a copy here.

Leaone | Ones To Watch Playlist

Orlando Hotopf – Blue Jeans

Orlando Hotopf returns with his distinctive indie-folk sound today through a beautiful new single called ‘Blue Jeans’.

Written and recorded during a snowstorm in the outskirts of Stockholm with the acclaimed Tyler Neil Johnson, the song speaks of the instability that some people can bring to your life.

“‘Blue Jeans’ is about that someone who comes in your life creates a hurricane and then leaves is the worst possible way.”

Despite being a relative newcomer, Hotopf’s music has already picked up more than 80k streams to date. More new music is coming, so be sure to follow Orlando on Spotify.

Orlando Hotopf | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

Wintur – close your eyes

LA-based singer, songwriter, producer and pianist Wintur returns today with a beautiful new single called ‘close your eyes’.

Already picking momentum across TikTok (interestingly, through fan pages of Sombr and Conan Grey), this is a song that instantly wins you over thanks to Wintur’s emotionally charged vocals and a shimmering indie-pop production.

Wintur is an artist on the rise. He’s gained more than 100k career streams to date from releasing just a handful of singles, while also currently attracting 7k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Wintur | Ones To Watch Playlist

ORKID – In All Of My Tomorrows

Photo / Joakim

We’ve been fans of Swedish artist ORKID for well over a decade at this point, and yet she still finds ways to make us love her even more. And we’re not the only ones – this artist has had a burst of interest and recognition, particularly in the past year, thanks to her widely acclaimed EP ‘Where Flowers Grow’ (listen here).

That record was created following the passing of her mother, and new single ‘In All Of My Tomorrows’ (along with the accompanying EP of the same name) follows on from the aftermath of grief. ORKID explains:

“My first EP was rooted in grief – a body of work that helped me begin to process something very personal. But grief doesn’t disappear; it changes shape. ‘In All Of My Tomorrows’ is about carrying that feeling forward while finding space for hope again.”

ORKID was the recent winner of a P3 Guld award, as well as a nominee for Best New Artist at the Swedish Grammys. We’re so happy to see this talent get the recognition she deserves!

ORKID | Nordic Sound Playlist

Obed Padilla – RODEO CLOWN

California-based Chicano singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Obed Padilla has released a new taster called ‘RODEO CLOWN’ in the run up to his forthcoming EP of the same name.

Despite its shimmering, upbeat indie-pop sound, the song is actually one of Padilla’s most personal and speaks of the internal conflicting emotions we go through during a breakup.

“I dealt with a lot of grief the last couple years and to my surprise, healing wasn’t linear. I believe there are 6 stages and the 6th stage is feeling like the rodeo clown for being the last one at the party still dealing with things everyone already moved on from. The star of the show and the butt of the joke.”

The EP itself is a concept project of sorts, and aims to go through all the emotional changes that we find ourselves in when a partnership falls apart. The record is out on the 22nd May, and you can pre-save it here.

Obed Padilla | Ones To Watch Playlist

NESYA – PUT THE FRIES IN THE BAG.

This weekend’s banger is by American artist NESYA, who has graced us with a punchy new single intriguingly called ‘PUT THE FRIES IN THE BAG’.

Produced by the acclaimed Kill Dave, the song bounces between electronica, darkwave, trap and pop. The track should have sounded like a chaotic mess, but instead it’s pure brilliance. Despite its inspiration from trauma, the song serves as a reminder that good times can return.

“I wrote it in the middle of a messy divorce and betrayal. The song turned that chaos into something fun. It’s proof that the ‘dumbest’ idea can be the thing that makes you want to dance again – or just eat some fries.”

NESYA has amassed more than 45 million career streams to date and is the flagship artist at the newly formed label Double Down.

NESYA | Ones To Watch Playlist

Offica – Life I Chose

TRACK OF THE WEEK

Offica is undeniably one of Ireland’s most prominent and gifted musical artists to have emerged from the Emerald Isle, currently attracting more than 250k monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

He returns with our favourite single of the week, ‘Life I Chose’. This is a finessed and finely constructed track that weaves a tonne of emotion into an Afro-House style of production. The result is a song that delivers sincerity and soulfulness in a thoughtful and expressive way.

Production comes courtesy of acclaimed producer New Machine, who has also worked with the likes of Aitch, Jorja Smith, and Plan B.

Offica | Ones To Watch Playlist

Taylor Williams – For The First Time (Mac DeMarco Cover)

Photo / Jo Anna Edmison

We really can’t express how much we’re in love with American soul artist Taylor Williams. So, naturally, we’re very happy to see that he’s back this week with another sublime new release which we’ve had on rotation all day.

‘For The First Time’ is Taylor’s take on the Mac DeMarco classic and turns a lo-fi indie gem into a mesmerising, shimmering soul number. This isn’t an easy task, but Williams manages it with flair and finesse.

Praise for the artist has been steady since last year, garnering support from notable tastemaker outlets like Earmilk and Unrecorded.

Taylor Williams | Ones To Watch Playlist

Return to Dust – Hey Ya! (Outkast Cover)

“Our love for the ’90s and ’00s music goes further than just rock music, so we made our own heavy version of ‘Hey Ya!’ by OutKast.”

Return to Dust | Ones To Watch Playlist

Return to Dust Europe Tour 2026

  • 6/2 —Gdansk, Poland — Mystic Festival*
  • 6/6 — Nuremberg, DE — Rock im Park Festival*
  • 6/7 — Nürburg, DE — Rock am Ring Festival*
  • 6/9 — Leipzig, DE — Felsenkeller
  • 6/11 — Nickelsdorf, AT — Nova Rock Festival*
  • 6/13 — Leicestershire, UK — Download Festival*
  • 6/15 — Hamburg, DE — Grosse Freiheit 36
  • 6/16 — Cologne, DE — Live Music Hall
  • 6/17 — Lucerne, CH — Sedel
  • 7/19 — Clisson, FR — Hellfest*
  • 6/21 — Dessel, BE — Graspop Festival*
  • 6/22 — Berlin, DE — Huxleys Neue Welt
  • 6/23 — Warsaw, PL — Letnia Scena Progresji
  • 6/25 — Budapest, HU — Barba Negra Red Stage
  • 6/28 — Helsinki, FI — Tuska Festival*
  • 7/3 — Galicia, ES — Resurrection Festival*
  • 7/6 — Paris, France — Pan Piper
  • 7/7 — Paris, FR — Bataclan
  • 7/8 — Amsterdam, NL — AFAS Live
  • 7/10 — Birmingham, UK — O2 Institute
  • 7/11 — Glasgow, UK — O2 Academy
  • 7/13 — Belfast, IE — Telegraph Building
  • 7/14 — Dublin, IE — National Stadium
  • 7/16 — Manchester, UK — O2 Victoria Warehouse VENUE UPGRADE
  • 7/17 — London, UK — O2 Academy Brixton VENUE UPGRADE
  • 7/18 — London, UK — Camden Assembly^

* Festival Date | ^ Exclusive headline show

MAMI UMAMI – belly dancer



Malmö outfit MAMI UMAMI, fronted by artists Jaquelin El Amiri (Miss Mami) and Leonard Furby, create a kind of sound that is chaotic, unpredictable… and absolutely thrilling.

Emerging from Sweden’s underground scene, this creative collective has been gaining steady momentum since the release of their singles, ‘Piraja’ and ‘Paper’, last year. Now they’re back with another big release, ‘belly dancer’.

The track’s personality mirrors the energy and creativity that comes with MAMI UMAMI’s live performances. Lyrically, the song tackles themes of capitalism and the yearning to rebel against society’s expectations of success.

”F*** you and everything you stand for.” – MAMI UMAMI

MAMI UMAMI play Gothenburg’s Pustervik on the 1 May (tickets), and Debaser Nova in Stockholm on the 9 May (tickets). A new EP titled ‘AFTERWORK’ is scheduled for release soon via Big Wednesday.

MAMI UMAMI | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

mickey jas – Save Our Skins

One of our favourite US-based independent artists, mickey jas, is back today with a charming new single to get us into the weekend mood.

‘Save Our Skins’ showcases an upbeat style of indie-pop that is cheery and playful, contrasting with lyrics that speak of anxiety. The words highlight the humbling and very human sensation of feeling both sad and happy at the same time.

“This contradicting clash of emotions is meant to remind us that at the end of the day we all end up in the same place so we might as well make the most of what is in front of us. 

mickey jas has a very unique way of telling stories in his music, sharing personal struggles through lyrics that feel authentic and relatable. There’s no doubt that this is one of Baltimore’s most interesting and promising musical prospects.

mickey jas | Ones To Watch Playlist

muuk – into you

Photo / Antonia Steiner

muuk, the musical moniker of artist Ines Roervig Lewkovitch, first came across our radars earlier this year with her sensational debut ‘i’m no soldier’.

The hugely talented Danish starlet returns today with a powerful single called ‘into you’. This introspective and emotionally charged song was inspired by the artist’s difficult childhood, transporting listeners to her bedroom in her father’s apartment.

“I’m really not good at writing songs where I point fingers at others, but for so many years I’ve wanted to hug my younger self and tell her that it is not her fault what happened back then. This song is justice for her.”

“I don’t think my father ever experienced real love… so how could he possibly pass it on to me? Either way, it was really hard for me growing up, never knowing what unconditional love felt like. I always felt like I had to fight for my parents’ acceptance.”

The track was created alongside fellow songwriter Victor Stokholm and producer Morten Bergholt, and was completed in only four hours. It’s rare to come across a musician who is bold and brave enough to expose their innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities in the same way that muuk has, and that’s something incredibly special.

muuk | Ones To Watch Playlist | Nordic Sound Playlist

JJerome87 – Track and Field

JJerome87 is the solo project of alt-J frontman and songwriter Joe Newman. As part of the band, Newman managed to help create one of the UK’s most influential indie outfits from the past decade.

‘Track and Field’ is Newman’s latest single and showcases a summery pop sound that features hints of indie, Americana and gospel. The song is warm and nostalgic in tone, and further affirms Newman’s status as a top-tier songwriter.

A debut album titled ‘The Canyon’ is scheduled for release on the 26th of June.

JJerome87 | Ones To Watch Playlist

Subterranean Street Society – Kindness

Photo / Edward Freije

Subterranean Street Society is a Dutch-Danish trio currently based in Amsterdam who craft a style of folk-grunge that really is quite something spectacular to experience.

Vocalist and guitarist Louis Puggaard-Müller wrote the band’s latest offering, ‘Kindness’, during a trip through Malin Head in Ireland with a friend.

“I originally wrote it as a traditional folk song, pretty much campfire style. But when I brought it to the band, we turned it into something bigger: an alternative folk grunge track that keeps the emotional core intact while giving it weight and movement. To me, it feels like the ultimate road trip song. Raw and cinematic. The kind you will blast while driving through wild, beautiful scenery, preferably Irish, but any view will do.”

The song’s lyrics were inspired by that journey, encompassing the landscapes, the talks with strangers along the way, and the clarity that sometimes comes from embracing the unknown.

“The title ‘Kindness’ comes from the fact that we were completely dependent on strangers. Every mile we travelled was given to us. It made the world feel fragile but generous at the same time.”

Alongside Louis, Subterranean Street Society also includes Ivo Johan Schot on bass and choir and Joost Koevoets on drums, percussion, and vocals.

The band recently supported Laura Cox on tour and have a full year ahead with new releases for their fans to enjoy. In the meantime, you can explore more of their music on Spotify, where they currently attract more than 13k monthly listeners.

Subterranean Street Society | Ones To Watch Playlist