Tag Archives: Electronic Pop

Jacqueline Kennedy ‘Queen’ featuring Darce

‘Queen’ is the brand-new single from Dublin bedroom-pop act Jacqueline Kennedy. The track is written, performed and produced by Kennedy and features vocals from Cork rapper Darce. 

Jacqueline Kennedy made waves when she was the winner of the 2020 TilT Development deal with Sound Training Productions and 98fm’s Totally Irish. Now the Dublin producer and artist is ready to add her name to growing ranks of Female Irish pop acts, forging their own way. 

Filled with R&B tones and a hypnotic soundscapes, ‘Queen’ is a confident, laid back tune from Jacqueline Kennedy. The song deals with the idea that anyone can be royalty against the backdrop of a changing society and this theme is expressed through Kennedy’s crisp production, knack for earworm melodies and sleek lofi musicianship. The artist sprinkles twinkling synths into a pool of ethereal electronics to create a chilled luring atmosphere while her soulful soothing vocals caress the smooth melody. As the track progresses the soundscape becomes lush with supple layers and samples, greatly enhanced by Darce’s punchy rhymes which pierce the hypnotic backdrop with a verse of intense potent lyrics. ‘Queen’ is a fine example of Kennedy’s blossoming and enticing sound. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.

Stream ‘Queen’ below 


Author : Danu

Twonique ‘Factory Seconds’ Album

German native Twonique has released his latest album ‘Factory Seconds’ which was written, recorded and produced entirely in his bedroom.Twonique has the listener at heart; his instrumentals are created entirely for his audience, with the intention of provoking emotion so that listeners can relate their own story to his soundscapes.

‘Factory Seconds’ is an electronic driven collection of tunes filled with 80’s fusions that showcase the growing musicianship of Twonique. Oozing indie pop melodies and buoyant rhythmic pulses in ‘Too Late’ and ‘Moving On’ while ‘Climb’ broods in intricate guitar lines, layered vocals and trotting beats this album displays the versatility within Twonique’s sound. Throughout ‘Factory Seconds’ the artist blends lofi bedroom pop tones with electronic flourishes and synth embellishments to create an engaging listening experience. The album is brimming with vibrant tracks however it is the emotional ‘Lost My Face’ that is the pinnacle moment within the album. Twonique coos over soft guitar strums and an echoed whistle refrain while allowing the bittersweet melody become the highlight of the track. ‘Factory Seconds’ unveils Twonique’s strong musical growth since his previous releases such as ‘Amity’ while also displaying the artists’ intriguing, immersive sound.

Stream ‘Factory Seconds’ below


Author : Danu

rvstless ‘Wanna Be Free’

Irish artist and multi-instrumentalist rvstless has released his new single ‘Wanna Be Free’. rvstless is the new moniker of Steven McCann, an R&B/Soul project which found its feet throughout lockdown 2020. No stranger to the live music scene, McCann has played Electric Picnic, Body&Soul, Latitude in the UK and a whole host of festivals and tours, with his previous artist project TooFools and as an in-demand session musician. After touring extensively over the past few years as a session musician, previously working alongside the likes of JyellowL, Melina Malone, Phil Coulter, Booka Brass, Ralph Rolle (Nile Rodgers & CHIC), and Lisa Hannigan to name a few, rvstless will release a debut EP later this year. 

Within ‘Wanna Be Free’, rvstless spreads infectious laid back electronics over a mellow R&B backdrop to make an ambitious and incredibly catchy new single. The song has a sleek coating with an energetic underbelly as a skipping rhythm and rippling bassline pairs well with McCann’s smooth vocal performance. Featuring a dreamy melody and carefree sun-kissed atmosphere, the song is masterfully poised and crafted to balance chic cool and emotional sincerity in one buoyant, infectious gem. Exuding jaunty guitar, echoed soundscapes, and tight grooves weaved between lush pop melodies ‘Wanna Be Free’ is the perfect summer chilled bop.

Stream ‘Wanna Be Free’ below 


Author : Danu

The Crayon Set ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’

Dublin-based The Crayon Set have released their second single ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ taken from their forthcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ which is set for release in September 2021, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture,  Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.The first line-up of The Crayon Set released their eponymous debut album in 2013 – it was recorded with Nick Brine (Teenage Fanclub, Super Furry Animals). It’s follow-up ‘Lost Languages’ was recorded with Gavin Glass (Lisa Hannigan, Villagers) and released in 2017 and featured Kate Dineen on guest vocals who later became a permanent member of the band. 

Driving on a pulsing bassline and rippling electronics, ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ is a shimmering disco ball of alternative pop. The song fleshes out The Crayon Set’s lush sound with layers of palpitating synths, propulsive rhythms and a dash of Americana glimmering through on guitars. As the song progresses, it slips into psychedelic hues, creating a laid-back, carefree vibe that ebbs and flows throughout. The Crayon Set have become known for their hook-laden sound, and ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ follows this trend wonderfully. Press play and enjoy.

Speaking about their new single, Robert explains “I was pleased when this song came along – I think it helped signal a new direction for the band. It had more of a groove to it – and it had a melancholic atmosphere that drew you in. Lyrically it is about feeling down and losing a sense of yourself and your role in the world. It probably inspired the ‘Downer Disco’ album theme – a bit depressing, but you could dance to it…”. 

Stream ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ below 


Author : Danu

Zach James Douglas ‘Something / Anything’

Zach James Douglas has released his debut single ‘Something / Anything’ featuring guest vocalist Kintsuku, via ZJD records. Zach James Douglas is an indie/alternative producer and songwriter, hailing from the South Dublin suburb of Tallaght. Having previously had the pleasure of playing festivals such as Glastonbury and Electric Picnic with former band “Little One”, Douglas now steps out alone for the first time, with his debut single ‘Something / Anything’ released everywhere April 28th on ZJD Records via Faction Records. 

‘Something / Anything’ is an earthy tune laced in rich electronic soundscapes and Zach James Douglas’ intricate production skills. The song has a balmy atmosphere with dance elements infused between tropical tones and warm guitar embellishments. Kintsuku’s soft vocals add sweetness and emotion to the songs fluttering backdrop as Douglas builds ‘Something / Anything’ superbly. He injects a dash of spice on percussion and elegance on keys to create a wholly immersive song for listeners to indulge in. ‘Something / Anything’ is a timeless and wonderful tune from Zach James Douglas.

About the song, Douglas says...”Something/Anything deals with the bitterness and the anger that began to engulf mine and my Ex’s relationship, as she struggled to come to terms with her own personal demons and issues at home. It documents how my role in her life began to change from one of positivity, comfort and reliability, to the new position of the perpetual scapegoat.”

Stream ‘Something / Anything’ below


Author : Danu

Riley Holland ‘Say it First’

Riley

Riley Holland has released her new single ‘Say it First’. Riley Holland is a songwriter and performer from Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Riley has achieved much in her early career. In 2019 she was a semi- finalist in the Belfast-Nashville Young Songwriter Of The Year, making her live debut during this festival. She was also a finalist in the All-Ireland Star Nation competition. This earned her recording time in Ireland’s famous Windmill Lane studio.

‘Say it First’ is an infectious electronic pop tune saturated in Holland’s emotive songwriting. The track surges with luscious sun kissed electronics that wisp through balmy tones and sticky beats as Holland uses her knack with bittersweet melodies to create one heartfelt breakup bop. The tender lyrics contrast the song’s effervescent radiant backdrop; the warm guitars, tropical tones and bubbling rhythms make ‘Say it First’ a refreshing piece of pop perfection. Holland’s warm vocals coo “ don’t call me and tell me it’s over and we should just be friends”, over an intricately layered electronic pop backdrop creating a danceable radio-ready gem for listeners to indulge in.

‘Say it First’ is a slick, well-crafted earworm that marks Holland as an artist to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Say it First’ below


Author : Danu

Luke Power ‘Drinks’

Luke Power has released his latest single, ‘Drinks’. After touring with Irish pop and rock band Picture This and performing in venues like The Olympia, Luke Power returns after a three-year hiatus with an arsenal of over 20 tracks ready to go. Born in 1999, Power grew up in Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by music. Both his uncle & grandfather are experienced vocalists and heavily influenced his decision to pursue music. Power started playing the guitar at the age of eight and began learning the basics of production when he was ten. Becoming skilled at Logic X and Pro Tools, he then began to mix and master tracks for various artists in Ireland.

‘Drinks’ is an energetic electronic pop track dripping in the tight musicianship and lush melodic prowess of Luke Power. Spreading swirling synths around bubbling beats and flickering electronics the track has an effervescent soundscape that surges with adrenaline. Throughout this dance floor smasher, Power adds emotional lyrical content to provide a satisfying listening experience. His smooth vocals caress the dreamy melody while the dynamic production flurries with a hurried urgency behind his moving lyrics “ I don’t feel real”.

Power displays his ability to craft an engaging and musically deft tune that exudes heartfelt lyrics and emotion at its core. Keep an eye on Luke Power.

About the track Power said, “It is an ode to the good times pre lockdown, where you can go out to create new memories with friends”.

Stream ‘Drinks’ below 


Author : Danu

Robert O’Connor ‘Too Late’

Robert O’Connor has released his new single ‘Too Late’ to celebrate the release of his deluxe nine-track EP ‘Transcendence.’ The EP was originally released in November 2020 to a rapturous response from fans and widespread critical acclaim and this expanded edition celebrates that.

‘Too Late’ takes O’ Connor’s infectious sound to a darker, more sombre dimension. With swirling electronics creating a thick muggy atmosphere while soft lamenting synths glisten throughout, he crafts an infectious, melancholic brooding number for listeners to indulge in. O’Connor keeps the dance momentum from his previous releases going in ‘Too Late’ with bubbling beats and infectious hooks weaving between the icy electronics while his warm vocals coo the catchy melody. With intense verses building to an anthemic chorus and energetic crescendo, ‘Too Late’ is a well-crafted, electronic pop tune that boasts the lush musicianship of Robert O’ Connor.

Stream ‘Too Late’ below 


Author : Danu

Noah Elliott ‘Never Know’

Oregon Pop-R&B artist Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Never Know,’ produced by Nashville hit-maker Jon Santana (Phangs, SuperM).

 ‘Never Know’ is a piece of softly glittering pop prowess as Elliott swirls sweet melodies through bubbling electronics to create an ethereal and tender number. With R&B elements weaved through fresh synths and spacious soundscapes, Elliott builds the track superbly. Weaving soft guitar between bubbling beats and a laid-back tempo, the song floats into a dreamy atmosphere allowing the electronics to unfold and create a soothing sense of nostalgia.

Elliott’s soulful vocals coo throughout, creating a melancholic and sweet tone to the track. His lush falsetto and velvety tone adds to the track’s overall sulky yet dreamy atmosphere. As Elliott builds the song, he layers bouncy synth elements into the catchy chorus and airy soundscape. Here the electronics become a little darker and sticky while the R&B elements kick in for the finger-clicking beat and the smooth vocals. 

Elliott’s songwriting excels in setting vulnerable, personal themes and lyrics to his minimal radio-friendly pop. It’s this exposure of his heart that gives the track its power and beauty  “Romeo and Juliet I envy what they had, thought we would have that or was it unrealistic “….. “But your doors are always closing when I keep mine cracked open waiting for you to walk in”. Elliott wears his heart on his sleeve for each song he releases, and ‘Never Know’ is a superb example of this. 

Elliot’s spacious yet intricately weaved musicianship and heartfelt lyrics make each release engaging and utterly compelling. Within ‘Never Know,’ we see this through beautiful melodies, meaningful, honest lyrics, and a gripping wall of sound. 

About the track, Noah Elliott said “The song is about the confusion and heartache that results from having no idea as to why someone left you.”

Stream ‘Never Know’ below


Author : Danu

Midnight Wayne ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’

Having cut his teeth in one of the most well-loved live bands of their time on our festival circuits and live scene, former Hot Sprockets frontman Wayne Soper is no stranger to the Irish music scene. Now focusing on his solo artist project, Midnight Wayne, Soper returns with ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ boasts the impressive genre-blending musicianship of Midnight Wayne. Melding 80’s synth-pop with crisp sparkling production, Soper adds layer upon layer of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in.

The song flows upon a kinetic groove and pulsing bass while sweet synths chime throughout. Soper uses a tight beat to pull against a funky flex on guitar, and loose electronics to create a tantalizing, irresistible sound to tease and entice the listener with. The result is a mesmerising display of musical prowess and an enjoyable listening experience.

From panache-soaked breathy whispers to velvety croons, Soper’s vocals ooze a charming tone while delivering the uplifting lyrics “seek the fire that you’ve lost inside”. The upbeat lyrics are highlighted further by the tracks infectious jangly guitars and rhythmic bounce.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ is a gem to treasure. Midnight Wayne is refining his sound into something special and something to get excited about. Looking forward to hearing more from Midnight Wayne.

Stream ‘It’s Alright Hold on Tight’ below 


Author : Danu