Following a busy couple of years which saw UK singer and songwriter Sertari chart in Europe and win the Akademia “Singer/Songwriter” Award for her Unplugged EP, she has now finished her new EP – “Bright Star” which features Grammy award winner J- Ivy. After returning from a tour of Cyprus, she is now filling up her diary with festival performances and has reached the final of the Soundwaves competition and will be performing at the O2 academy. She started off by setting up her own label, and running her own live music nights on the South Coast to promote independent talent, as well as promote her own music. As a result of her drive, she has already achieved much self-propelled success, with worldwide releases, press, TV and radio exposure behind her – including recently being played out on BBC Introducing. She was also recently offered a record deal with a Major European Label – but for the time being, she is staying Independent. Sertari has been lucky enough to have worked and performed with a variety of producers and artists, and further to her Akademia Award she was also a previous nominee for “Best Live Act” and “Best Song” at the Exposure Music Awards, and Winner of the Extreme Exposure Award in the UK Open Mic Finals. She has released her new single ‘Flying High’ from her EP ‘Bright Star’.
‘Flying High’ is an ambitious electronic pop track that shimmers with soaring synths and hefty snappy beats to create an atmospheric tune that is larger than life. The emotive electronic soundscapes flicker and flash with dazzling scintillation to create a thrilling lusciously rich experience. Driving guitars teamed with powerful vocals and an attitude-soaked rap feature provided by J Ivy make this track a mighty electronic pop banger that is adrenaline rushing and sublimely elevated.
New York City based alternative folk artist Tender Glue has release the first single from his forthcoming album ‘Closet Leftovers’, which will be released monthly over the coming year. Self-recorded in the closet of Tom Gluewicki’s studio apartment, the album is a delicate blend of indie rock, alternative folk and elements of post punk. As an active and passionate member of the artist community, singer-songwriter behind Tender Glue, Tom Gluewicki set up his own label ‘Don’t Label Me Records’ which has a main focus of building an integrated and like-minded community whose priority is to create genuine songs. Furthering that ideology, Tom set up his own live project ‘Smartphone Sessions’ created to support passionate musicians and artists by documenting live performances recorded by volunteers using their smart phones.With a passion for genuine music and the sole aim to create and experiment, Tom wrote the first single ‘With You Here’ in a five-minute burst of creativity before work. The single itself is a textural and ambient modern take on alternative folk. Following his DIY ethos, the track was recorded in Tom’s closet, leading to some challenges with static and interference along the way, all adding to the endearing and warming character of the single. Written, performed and recorded by Tom himself it gives a taste of what to expect from the forthcoming releases. Release dates of all next singles will be posted on social media throughout the coming months.
‘With You Here’ is a reverb laden track laced in sweet vibrant hazy guitar and a soft tapping beat. It’s tender and beautiful brimming with sun kissed vibes and luscious melodies. For me the golden zesty guitar lines which wistfully whine are the magnificent gem of this track, they flood it with such passion and emotion while lifting it to aerial celestial heights. Tom’s vocals exude emotion and tenderness while the sublime layering on the track creates a special unique experience. Its an ethereal majestic piece from Tender Glue and a sublime beautiful track to hold dear.
Alfie Indra has released his second track ‘Red Lights’ on Keep Me Young. Hailing from Suffolk (living in Manchester) the track comes after the success of Indra’s debut signed release ‘Hard To Cope’. The 21 year old has been releasing music unsigned for a number of years and his music has evolved from stripped back folk/acoustic to a more upbeat feel while still retaining the lyrical essence from his roots. ‘Red Lights’ has been released on all online platforms including Spotify and iTunes, along with a music video filmed in a night club in Manchester capturing those blurry nights, teamed with some bright red performance shots.
‘Red Lights’ fleshes out a sublime woozy example of Alfie Indra’s electronic pop with a mushy pliable beat giving a blissful sense of excitement and anticipation as it playfully slaps against hazy swirling electronic soundscapes. The melodies ooze heavenly ecstasy from every note while sonic flecks daydreamingly flash dazzling neon lights as if showing glimpses of a memory of a fun night out. This chilled laid-back track soothes with an unhurried sense of elation and wonder as Indra’s vocals whisper with sweet delicacy and passion. The guitars warmly glow through the hazy electronics giving a subtle glimpse of the thrilling solo to come for the magical joyous crescendo. It’s just a sublime subtle burst of heavenly mellowness that fills you with anticipation and youthful elation.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The RPMs
Straight off the back of a string of summer gigs and festivals up and down the country, Brighton’s The RPMs are back with their new single ‘Your Ghost’ and all revved up with a bigger sound than before. The RPMs recently released their second EP ‘Agents Of Change’ in June 2017 through Xtra Mile Recordings. They followed their release with a run of shows throughout the spring and summer months, including supports with We Are Scientists. Alongside this they also played Camden Rocks, Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Butefest,110 Above, Big Feastival (run by Jamie Oliver and Alex James from Blur) and RivFest in honour of the memory of River Reeves and the members of Viola Beach. The EP continued to win them fans on the radio, including airplay of lead single ‘Oh My God’ from Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins and Tom Robinson across BBC 6 Music and Radio 1, BBC Introducing in The South & the Radio X Evening Playlist. More recently, ‘Things I Forgot To Do’ was added to Huw Stephens’ Best of BBC Introducing playlist as well as the Radio X Evening Playlist and John Kennedy Recommends on Radio X.
‘Your Ghost’ is a flickering indie pop sprinkled bombshell. This band know how to write an insanely catchy tune brimming with rich intensely satisfying soundscapes. Dazzling electronics flash and fluctuate throughout adding a surge of adrenaline inducing bedazzlement. With bright spirited guitar jangles and a snappy beat this track is an instant vitality shot of pizzazz and high-powered energy. Smooth laid-back vocals add a hazy daydream vibe that exudes summer sun and good times. These guys write smashing indie pop bangers and ‘Your Ghost’ is a prime example of this. The melody is luscious and sweet while the instrumentation blinds with bright breezy scintillation and power pop energy while still holding an indie edge. Another great track from The RPMs.
Toronto based producer Nightshifts has released his new single ‘Karma’. Having had past musical successes in other Toronto bands and produced an official remix of “Michicant” for Bon Iver, Nightshifts is gearing up to release his debut LP this November. ‘Karma’ is a soulful blast into Nightshifts sonic universe. Its smooth cool and ridiculously groovy. With a finger clicking beat and groovy swagger soaked guitar melodies it’s a silky little number. Velvety vocals coo and charm while sonic flecks dazzle and flicker between shimmering synths. This laid-back track is polished and creamy and effortlessly cool. With a relaxing sway like tempo and clap along feature it an infectious funky pop sprinkled ear worm.
When asked about the track Nightshifts said “Karma was written at a time when all my friends and I were very unsure about what we wanted to do with our lives. I wrote the song to try and calm my own nerves; to say it’s ok not to know, let’s just enjoy the ride. Matthew Vlahovich of Young Empires co-produced this track at his Trinity Bellwoods Studio”
Brighton’s Fond Of Rudy have released their new single ‘To Be Mine’. This shimmering indie track glistens with an electronic pop luster. It’s peppy and bright with breezy synths and ripply jagged guitar lines that add a zesty zing to the sugar-coated track. With an invigorating catchy chorus and danceable tropical hued groove this track is instantly likable and infectious. Effortlessly cool and smooth with soulful vibrant vocals wrapped in hazy ethereal soundscapes it’s a captivating dazzler. This four piece have a knack for melty melodies and ‘To Be Mine’ glistens with ear worm candied melodies and honey drenched instrumentation that leaves you craving for more.
MYA Project is the alternative, electronic/acoustic pop creation from Dalila Mya. Originating from Europe, now based in Los Angeles, this musical creativity comes from a background of classical training combined with a Sound Engineering Degree. MYA Project is a fusion of electronic and acoustic music, where Trip-Hop meets World Music and Pop Rock. Dalila’s background has seen her work as a Live Sound Engineer, working with artists such as Tool, Depeche Mode, Alabama Three and Massive Attack. Besides her live work, she has worked as a Studio Sound Engineer for several studios in England and the U.S.A., including Abbey Road in London and The Village Studio in Los Angeles. She has now released her new track ‘Something That Good’. It is the second single from the album MK. Possibly the most captivating and intense song on the album it was written and recorded in only 3 days. With a sticky flickering beat glooping and slapping against flickering electronics it’s a smouldering dark entrapment of peril. Wobbling soundscapes add a chilling mirage of obscurity, cold and sticky it is almost suffocating. Mya’s luring vocals entice and enchant with a bewitching melody that swallows you up in a confusing delusion of smoke. The melody wisps around like vapours creeping in your ears – you are powerless to its catchy entanglement. A haunting thrilling second single from MYA Project.
The video for the single was shot and produced in Los Angeles by Dalila Mya, who produced and edited the video in her own studio in partnership with, videographer and visual artist J.F. Brown.
Watch the video for ‘Something That Good’ which was shot in one day in one of the historical venues in L.A. – the Hollywood Hotel below
Indie alt pop outfit Dutch Party have released the new single, ‘Blade Runner’. Dutch Party has received critical and commercial acclaim with features in Billboard, Pigeons and Planes and Fader among others. ‘Blade Runner’ is the first song off the upcoming EP ‘Combat Pop’ and combines infectious guitar riffs, with heartfelt and poignant lyricism. Originally hailing from Twin Peaks in San Francisco, Ken Franklin started writing and recording music after he discovered a recording booth in a small closet beneath the stairs of his parents’ house, that had been hidden for decades behind a wall of boxes. Inside was a reel-to-reel tape machine, an echo box, and two guitars which Franklin soon used to experiment with different sounds and sonic textures to create his own songs. After moving to LA, Ken started indie alt pop band, Dutch Party, while living in Echo Park with the intent of adding more subversion to the American airwaves. ‘Blade Runner’ is a sweet luscious treasure of infectious guitar melodies blended flawlessly creating delightful mouth-watering alternative pop. Lo-Fi vocals soothe with a dreamy haziness while sticky slapping beats and intricate rhythms playfully bounce with hyperactive elasticity. Instantly danceable and swirly this track takes you from grooving to a laid-back utopia effortlessly. Light twinkles add a sprightly feather-like wispy delicacy and airiness to the track while the stomping beat grounds it. It’s a stunning new release from Dutch Party.
Bon Villan is a three piece electro pop band from Toronto preparing for the release of their first single ‘Outta Cash’. The band’s three members, multi-instrumentalist/Vocalist Jared Parker, multi-instrumentalists Julian Powell and Alex Hanes are all seasoned members of the Toronto music scene. Collaboration between the three began back in the spring of 2016 and the project has been picking up steam since. ‘Outta Cash’ is a fizzing bubbly can of electronic pop. Deliciously sweet and juicy with simmering electronics darting between sticky sugary beats. The candied lush vibrant melody exudes swagger and instant likeability. With raspy vocals adding a touch of grit this track oozes oodles of rich luxurious textures. It’s energetic and refreshing with snappy beats and a blissful rush of exhilarating soundscapes. This track takes you on a floaty nectarous journey of ecstasy. It’s a slick swagger infused effortlessly cool blend of electro mouth watering pop. A sublime debut from Bon Villan.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From April Towers
Nottingham April Towers have released their new single ‘Takes One to Know One’. Since forming, the duo of Alex Noble (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Charlie Burley (production, samples, guitars & keyboards) have put out a series of singles and EPs including last year’s ‘Silent Fever’ and have played shows and festivals in the UK and Europe. They have been away from the spotlight in recent months honing the finishing touches to their debut album ‘Certified Freaky’. Recorded at Soho’s legendary Dean Street Studios in the same room David Bowie recorded Diamond Dogs, the album is co-produced with highly revered electronic artist-cum-DJ Ben Pearce and mixed by Nathan Boddy. ‘Takes One to Know One’ is a shimmering synth pop track jammed with infectious grooves and lustrous soundscapes. It’s a sweet bubbly can of sugar rush filled pop. Smooth vocals glide along a rich catchy melody while bopping beats slap with honey coated stickiness. With body grooving rhythm and glittering synths it’s instantly enjoyable and teamed with a Pet Shop Boys vibe it’s a timeless gloopy yet smooth delight.
‘Takes One to Know One’ is the first single taken from their debut album, due out early next year, which is currently being funded through Pledge Music, more info here http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/apriltowers
You can catch them live at
MON 26 JUNE – THE OLD BLUE LAST – LONDON, UK
Stream ‘Takes One to Know One’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
