Singer-songwriter, spoken word artist Elina Filice has released a new single in celebration of Pride Month (June), ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The dance-pop anthem celebrates the coming out experience and getting lost to find yourself. Elina hopes the song can help those struggling to come to terms with who they are, as well as all of those on the lifelong journey away from shame and into love and pride. The single was recorded in Elina’s home studio and produced by Viscose.
Doused in sunkissed melodies and bright instrumentation, Elina Filice presents a shimmering pop anthem with ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The song continues Filice’s collection of irresistible earworms as the artist ventures into a more synth-pop sound for this new tune. This track is a fresh, and glittering gem with warm guitars creating a balmy hue over rich rhythms and disco grooves. Filice coos, “let’s get lost a little, cos I wanna be yours a little” over jaunty guitars and soaring synths as the compelling lyrics mirror the song’s energetic and liberating backdrop – perfectly enhanced by the bubbling verses bursting at the seams with vigor and adrenaline. ‘Let’s Get Lost’ is a sublime display of musicianship from Elina Filice. Press play and enjoy.
About the track, Filice says, “This song was written while reflecting on my own coming out experience. It’s such a unique and painful time, and those first feelings of queer love are so transformative. After dating the wrong gender you’re finally feeling something that feels right to you, things you’ve never felt for another person. At the exact same time you’re realizing who you are. It really is finding yourself through loving someone else, which is why for the queer identity, who we love and who we are are inextricably intertwined.”
Immersed in memories of pre-pandemic life, ‘Colours (In My Mind)’ is the new single from Manchester indie pop band Five Days North. From winning the 2017 Best Unsigned Band at the UK Unsigned Music Awards, Five Days North have gradually evolved into the encompassing and emotionally charged outfit they are today. Their heart-on-their sleeve lyricism combined with their infectious brand of indie pop has turned heads in their home city of Manchester, as well as further afield. With festival spots at Dot To Dot Festival and Kendal Calling, headline shows at Gorilla and Manchester Academy 3, as well as radio support from BBC Introducing and Co-Op Radio, Five Days North are winning hearts and minds up and down the country as well as on the international stage.
Exuding a progressive 80’s synth-pop persona filled with melodic pop hooks and indie glimmers, ‘Colours (In My Mind)’ shows Five Days North are a band cultivating their sound into something unique and expressive. The track broods with a dark undertone as bubbling rhythms simmer under the atmospheric synth explosions. With brisk drum beats creating a pulse and rush of adrenaline, Five Days North present a fresh and biting tune brimming with passion. The band blend a whirlwind of expressive instrumentation with soft eerie twinkles on keys to create a wonderful contrast as the track reaches its dynamic crescendo. Saturated in lush textures and sounds ‘Colours (In My Mind)’ is a magnificent new single from Five Days North.
Jackson Wang has released a video for his new single, ‘LMLY’, which stands for ‘Leave Me Loving You’.’ LMLY’ is Wang’s second solo single of 2021, following his Mandarin single ‘Alone’. However, the singer has also released a number of collaborations this year, including ‘Magnetic’ with Rain, ‘So Bad’ with Chinese rapper Vava and ‘M.I.A’ with Indonesian singer Afgan.‘LMLY’ is expected to appear on Wang’s forthcoming album, due for release later this year.
‘LMLY’ is a lush guzzle of synth pop as Wang spreads a bittersweet melody over an intricate 80’s hued backdrop. Saturated in shimmering synths and pulsing beats, the song has a danceable soundscape that is difficult to resist. Melding soft disco tones with crisp sparkling production, Wang adds layers of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in. The song has a dreamy, melancholic melody that floats upon rich rhythms while ethereal electronics wisp about creating the song’s chilled soundscape. Wang blends nostalgic tones into this synth-pop gem to create a heartfelt tune that is immensely catchy and charming. This earworm sparkles with refined instrumentation and sweet tones while the punchy beat and elastic bass groove anchor the track.
‘LMLY’ is a passionate song exuding dynamic and emotive vocals that venture effortlessly into sweet falsetto heights and warm depths to create a compelling listening experience.
After the successful debut single release of ‘Trespasser’ in July 2020 Belfast local and ‘dootdootRecords’ artist Quinn has released her follow up single ‘Some Days’. Since linking up with Producer Michael Mormecha and John Dynes from dootdoot Music, Quinn’s guitar and piano based lyrical music has taken a massive leap into experimental, hard hitting pop.Quinn has performed in many venues around the world, including touring in New York,Amsterdam, Dublin, Cambridge, Manchester, Dubai, Dublin and Nashville,with the main purpose of getting her music in front of as many people as possible. She has also appeared at multiple venues and events in Northern Ireland
Quinn fleshes out her emotive alternative sound with new single ‘Some Days’; a shimmering pop track with an 80’s synth sheen. The track travels on an upbeat melody and tightly weaved synths which creates a vibrant and bubbling soundscape for Quinn’s expressive vocals to bounce off. As the jaunty guitars spread a sweet radiance through the warm melody the song reaches its comforting power pop crescendo. Exuding quirky, earnest lyrics ‘Some Days’ is an uplifting and richly crafted gem from Quinn.
The song was written in Amsterdam in January 2020 when Quinn was on tour in Europe. About the song she says…. “I was really struggling with the loneliness of the music industry and not sure what direction to go in. I wrote ‘Some Days’ on an acoustic guitar in 3 or 4 days and used it to help redirect my goals and focus for my career in music.”
Wild Youth have released their new single ‘Next to You’.Already making a major impact across streaming services with pop gems like “Can’t Move On” and “Making Me Dance” racking up millions of plays, the band’s blood-pounding choruses, heart-stompingly gorgeous melodies, and deft lyricism have seen them share the stage with the likes of Mumford and Sons, Niall Horan, The Script, Kodaline and Zara Larsson on arena-sized shows.The Irish quartet is comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O’Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam.
Steeped in funky indie pop and an 80’s pop sheen ‘Next to You’ is the glitzy new addition to Wild Youth’s charming repertoire. With a dreamy euphoric melody drifting over a bubbling backdrop the band create another foot-tapping, get up and strut delight. Shimmering guitar hooks entwine a glitter-ball soundscape of scintillating pop as this chic smooth number oozes the panache and passion Wild Youth have become known for. It’s easy to get lost in the lush intricacies of ‘Next to You’ as the track builds into a sing along delight. The band embellish and craft this track beautifully creating a light indie pop number boasting an irresistible funky bass line which will entice you to the dance floor. Wild Youth have knocked it out of the park once again.
Speaking on the track, Wild Youth shared: “Next to You’ is about an immediate connection with somebody; that overwhelming feeling of meeting “the one”, and wanting to spend every single minute by their side. Regardless of whatever that involves, you’ll literally do anything.”
Props has released his new single ‘You & Me’. Props’debut ‘wired EP’ seeped into the world last month with nice words across the blogosphere, radio play from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio and a spot on Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves.
‘You & Me’ infuses smooth indie and intricate electronic beats with eclectic textures and psychedelic distortion to create a wonderful pop tune. Hyperactive keys jingle through a beat heavy flutter as Props throws sweet pop melodies over a vibrant explosive sound. The bursts of synths create a juicy, radiant atmosphere in the track as Props uses lo-fi and a rich, intricate electronic backdrop to create a dazzling and lush listening experience. The tracks’ cynical lyrics contrast the cheery bouncy soundscapes superbly which adds to the songs appeal. With a deft beat drop creating harsh edgy elements between the sun kissed sugar pop melody ‘You & Me’ is an upbeat and fun track from Props.
About the song Props said : “You & Me is an observation of human beings clearly sleep walking to self destruction. Not particularly cheerful,but hopefully the music makes up for that…’”
Jack Rua, the ambitiously bold and innovative Irish Glam-pop artist, is set to release his debut eight-track mini-album, ‘Narcissus’ on June 26th. ‘Narcissus’ sees Jack Rua team up with producers Porridge, LOGUOS, Mattu, Tenderhook. and Rouleaux. Following the internationally-praised releases of ‘Scarlet A’, ‘Ego’, ‘Rise’, ‘Curious’, and the albums fifth and final single ‘Reflection’ released earlier this month the album charts the singer-songwriter’s journey after he graduated from college, moved away from home to New York City and broke up from a long-term relationship.
‘Narcissus’ wraps, contorts and dazzles as Jack Rua brings a vivid array of influences from glam rock, house and pop to create a full bodied, shimmering and utterly infectious collection of tracks. There is much vibrancy within as Rua entices the listener right into the album’s dark epicentre while keeping the danceable infectiousness alive throughout with wild dance explosions and slick glam rock swagger. It’s quite the enjoyable power pop gem.
‘Narcissus’ sets the Jack Rua experience in motion. He doesn’t do anything in half measures and his debut album is a sublime example of how Rua has mastered his craft through meticulous attention to detail and layering. Luring dark and eerie, Rua entices with flashing beat pulses before erupting into an implosive, tense EDM soundscape. ‘Narcissus’ is an intriguing start to the album and a fine display of Rua’s musicianship. He superbly teases and builds tension in his tracks, fermenting thrilling electronics to create bubbling coiling soundscapes of fragmented synths and dramatic electronic progressions. The talented Darce joins Rua for the sultry ‘Rise’.Well placed risqué lyrics are cooled by Rua’s soft vocals while the sticky electronics smother the backdrop in a humid haze. Darce’s raps punch through the sensual electronics as the track simmers and smoulders in a bubbling pop vapour.
Lyrically ‘Narcissus’ is a coming-of-age album which juxtaposes the joys of self-discovery with the personal and global anxieties you feel when you get a bit older.‘Curious’ playfully challenges binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world” while ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’ expresses a newfound appreciation that the artist began to feel for himself. The theatrical finger clicking and sultry ‘Scarlet A’ marks a turning point in the tracklist where Rua dives beneath his ego and explores the deeper and darker parts of himself. All this is set to an invigorating backdrop of dubstep elements, punchy rhythms and intoxicating electronics.
LOGUOS and Rua are quite the musical dream team, creating a shimmering summer pop anthem with crisp, infectious production and the passionate, euphoric musicianship of ‘Ego’ is quite the radio ready summer bop.
The artist’s scramble to be remembered in ‘Forget Me Not’ is deftly expressed through gripping, intense, intricate layering embellished only by the incomparable musical flair of Jack Rua. Each song exudes vibrancy and expressive musicianship to create the ultimate dance pop album ready to tantalize the listeners ears.
The album takes a turn with the melodious ‘Reckless Abandon’, however rather than brooding through a moody ballad Rua whacks out a dance infused 80’s anthemic number with lamenting guitar strides and power pop gusto. The harsher guitar elements slice through the pop mirages as the song spirals into a disco hued swirl of confusion. There is still composure within the track which is impressive. It’s a song about the despair that can occur in a situation wherein one can suddenly lose complete control. Rua displays passion through the coiling entwinement of this music. His vocals remain emotive yet composed.
The beautiful ‘Reflection’ brings the album to an end. Rua cools the tone for his finale ruminating on who he is and whether or not he likes what he sees in the mirror. With wispy electronics and a heavy thumping beat he closes the album after a whirlwind of acceptance, experimentation and self doubt to almost start it all again. Rua’s vocal delivery is simple with as little fuss as possible allowing the lyrics and his soft tone drift over the ethereal backdrop. It’s a powerful thought-provoking song to close a frantic and colourful album.
‘Narcissus’ is a fabulously fun and deeply personal album. Jack Rua announces his debut album with musical flair, prowess and compelling dance pop. This talented artist is fearless. He is not afraid to express his vulnerability and that is a quality to be admired. He is certainly an artist to keep an eye on. His tunes are a rebellious, catchy and wholly satisfying listening experience. I’ve witnessed Jack Rua blossom as an artist. Each track he has released to date has grown and built his rich, bold and intriguing sound to create a moving and unique collection of tracks that is polished and refined. He has become quite the dance pop connoisseur.
‘Narcissus’ will be released on June 26th until then you can stream Jack Rua’s recent single ‘Curious’ below
Electric Skyline have released their new single ‘Hit Play’ which is part of their two track EP entitled ‘A Side / B Side’.Electric Skyline started putting out songs on their own in Spring of 2020. Long-time friends, Robby Walton and Blake Brock -both indie artists from the same town- joined forces with Nashville guitar player Jesse Walpole to form a band that knew what they were going for. The band’s process is a self-sustainable machine. Everything you see and hear was created by the band; no label or management. They’ve written, recorded and produced all of the material that’s been put out in 2020 as well as all of the business details that come with releasing music as an artist.It’s a very communicative process and with the members living in different cities, (Robby and Jesse in Nashville and Blake in Birmingham).All of the band’s songs could be considered, “recently released,” the most so being their fourth publication and first EP, “A Side / B Side,” that is a two-song, modern day representation of a cassette tape with a single song on each side. “Hit Play” was a song that Blake had half- written and “No Phones,” the same of one of Robby’s. Both songs were eventually co-written and feature both of the vocalists in the tracks.
‘Hit Play’ is a dreamy electro-pop number as Electric Skyline entwine laid back melodies with luscious production and synths to create a mellow sweet gem. The gentle lilt of the vocals warmly hugs the soft synth-pop melodies while the track grooves through the backdrop with danceable rich rhythms and infectious diso hued grooves. There is a cool vibe drifting over the song as the delicate key twinkles float wistfully through the buoyant beats and infectious funk peppering provided by the guitars.With a nostalgic tone of longing, rippling undercurrents and laid back persona, the electro pop sound Electric Skyline embrace is magnetic. The trio’s sound reminds me of Troye Sivan’s debut ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ however their disco elements, funk zest and rich composition puts Electric Skyline’s stamp and unique twist on the electronic pop genre. Their tunes are enthralling, satisfying and sweet as honey to the ears.
Irish alt-rock quartet The Academic have released their new single ‘Aftertaste’. Co-Produced by the band alongside Dublin producer, Cormac Butler, “Aftertaste” is a teaser of what we can expect from the band’s second album, which is promised for the first half of 2020. The band have shared the stage with headliners such as Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, and Cage The Elephant as well as headlining their own sold out shows on both sides of the Atlantic.
‘Aftertaste’ is an exhilarating guzzle of carbonated indie shimmering through a glistening 80’s pop sheen as The Academic present their tight intricate sound with precision and vibrancy. From the sweet candy flossed nostalgic melody to the lustrous guitars the band create a meticulously layered indie pop smacker ready to revolve in your head for days. Sleek glittering synths create a refreshing ethereal atmosphere bursting with energy as Craig Fitzgerald’s vocals warm the track with his passionate velvety tone. Intricate zest filled guitars create a stinging bite to this beaming effervescent number. An elastic bass rumble creates that all important infectious groove while the synths surge adrenaline into the track. ‘Aftertaste’ is a stadium ready charmer that is sure to continue The Academic’s rise to fame.
Speaking of ‘Aftertaste’, frontman Craig Fitzgerald says, “When it came to ‘Aftertaste’ it was a lot different to how we worked before. From a production standpoint we were a lot more involved. Sometimes there is a preconceived notion out there that if you are a guitar band, you should be in a particular lane. Our mindset when writing, is less defined by what the stereotype of an indie band should sound like and be more about letting our songs be the best they can be.”
Synthpop duo Drive have released their new single ‘Reckless’. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK the band self produce all their own music. This exhilarating new track boasts Drive’s confident heart racing musicianship as they douse their indie sound in a sparkling 80’s pop sheen. Shimmering ethereal synths wisp and soar creating a breathtaking soundscape and rush of adrenaline while the snappy buoyant beat adds an infectious danceable quality into the mix. The smooth vocals flood the track with passion as this duo flesh out their youthful sound with rich soundscapes, wonderful synths and sublime melodies. With a catchy melody dipped in honey sweet tones this glucose pop number is charming and instantly infectious. An exciting effort from Drive.
Stream ‘Reckless’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
