One of the most sublime slices of indie-soul this month comes courtesy of acclaimed Swedish artists Jelly Crystal and Seinabo Sey.
Conceptual new single ‘I Tryyy’ serves as a fervent love song, with soulful vocal deliveries, hotline bling-drums and swelling synth pads.
The track was produced by Simon On The Moon (James Blake, Jamie xx, Mahalia), and is the latest single to be taken from Jelly Crystal’s forthcoming EP ‘ILY’ which is out in June.
“I’m so happy I got the chance to make music again with my partner in crime from Kungsbacka, Simon On The Moon, and Sweden’s only voice, Seinabo Sey! We’re still not tired of writing love songs.” – Jelly Crystal
Seinabo’s ‘Younger’ has already hit the iTunes top-10 charts in over ten countries, and certified four times platinum in Norway and three times platinum in native Sweden.
Another year of music comes to an end, and with it comes the annual Random List. I’ve listened to the good, the bad, and everything in between. As usual, Alfitude bucks the trend with blog ‘best of’ posts to come up with a random list of highlights from the past twelve months. For previous years, check this out.
Biggest Trend Of The Year
This was the year that the male duo made a comeback like no other, with acts like HONNE, CHPLN and Whilk & Misky all making considerable impact.
Best Use Of Drugs In Lyrics
The bulk of Tove Lo’s album involves songs about love, misunderstanding or heartbreak. All three of which are better understood via narcotics and general misdemeanours through her lyrics. In all fairness though, it’s done so well that it all seems to make sense in the end.
Best Song That Should Have Done Better
Becky Hill didn’t take off as well as I had hoped this year. This song, penned by Alfitude favourite MNEK, really should have been heard by more people. It’s a sexy piece of pop.
Best Use of Primary-School Instruments
This track from Made In Heights was perfectly ‘on-trend’ this year while still managing to sound super cute through using a bunch of sounds you probably haven’t heard since you were at school.
Most Epic Gig Of The Year
This was a tough one, but in retrospect, it has to be seeing Rag’N’Bone Man in London back in July. Big man, big voice, and an immense sound. I really hope 2015 is his year. Speaking of gigs, follow the Alfitude Instagram for pictures, if you like.
Funkiest Scandi Act Of The Year
Danish Scarlet Pleasure have long been a favourite of mine, and 2014 saw the release of an EP which I’ve listened to far more than I’d like to admit.
Happiest Yet Moodiest Song Of The Year
This song from T.O.L.D is one of my favourites this year. Only because it’s such a headf**k to listen to. It’s sad and dreary, but it’s happy and uplifting at the same time. It’s confusing and beautiful. Kinda like life. Deep…
Most Exciting Major Debut
Seinabo Sey. I can’t fault anything this new soul powerhouse is doing right now.
Best Song To Make Babies To
Huntar managed to come up with the sexiest song of the year (in my reckoning, anyway).
Hottest Scandi Act
Swede Snoh Aalegra made a big impact both across Eurpoean and American blogs this year with her unique mix of RnB and soul.
One To Watch
I’m 99% certain that Years & Years will be 2015’s biggest newbie. It’s as good as British pop gets right now.
This new video from Seinabo Sey is exactly as I managed it to be- stunning, dark and soulful. ‘Pistols At Dawn’ is taken from her debut EP ‘For Madeleine’. Release October 13 / October 21st (US) / November 17th (UK).
