Future Swedish pop icon Bellhouse creates an ethereal, lighthearted soundscape with “Coping”, a track that, honestly, isn’t as lighthearted as it comes across as at first listen. Packing in meaningful lyrics aided by the fluidity of her airy vocals, there is unexpected force in some of the lines that hits you right where it needs to. This song absolutely packs a punch, and has us looking to 2019 for more from this spectacular songstress.
Keep up with Bellhouse here.
Monthly Hits has just released the incredible “Need You Tonight” from CCIITTYY and it’s an essential listen if you like emotive electronic sounds. The duo has moved from strength to strength since they first emerged as an act, and the summer saw them release the stunning “Still On My Mind.”
Combining soul-searching vocals with slightly retro synth patterns and brooding beats, CCIITTYY have really honed their pop hybrid signature. As we edge towards 2019, we can expect further musical goodness from this pair throughout the incoming twelve months.
For now, check this out.
The seriously talented OIJ is taking centre stage with another new single release. He has had great successes with his Wabi Sabi EP and “Back To The Start” featuring GIA KOKA, and now brings us “Seconds Away From Love.”
It takes a fresh direction to some of his previous tracks, and is given a deep, cinematic energy that seems to claw its way through the speakers. Expansive melodies and steadily progressing electronic washes mean that “Seconds Away From Love” has a meaningful and somewhat haunting quality.
Take a listen to it here.
In the mood for a staccato, soulful, slow burner to really enjoy as you wind down this week? How about trying “King” by slenderbodies on for size? The lightweight feel of the vocals is absolutely divine, with little hints of MJ strewn about, while the instrumentals treat you to a soundscape that is worthy of an evening in the backyard, gazing at the stars. As for the lyrical content, slenderbodies explains: “’King’ was written by taking a hard look at the way we create. The song focuses on tough topics of self-doubt, need for validation from the world, and a desire to be great when creating. However, we realized that so much of our positive behaviors and gifts regarding creativity were instilled in us by the strong women in our lives. First our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers. Then later on romantic partners and friends. To have someone who says they believe in you and consistently shows it is a wildly powerful thing, and ‘king’ pays homage to that.”
Check it out below, and be sure to let us know what you think!
Keep up with slenderbodies here.
Indie rock musician Jane Frank is ending 2018 on a particularly high note, with the release of her stunning, layered new track “Fight or Flight”. Soft – like the caress of your fingertips on your forearm – her voice carries lightly over the instrumentals, creating a certain magical feeling that is absolutely perfect this time of year. The most interesting part? The song’s meaning isn’t as pleasant as the soundscape would insist.
“‘Fight or Flight’ is about how we’re all scared, admits Frank. “And how, after several failed relationships, we start to close up. Everybody is thinking about what they gave, or what they didn’t get.”
Keep up with Jane Frank here.
Shining brightly over on Absent Mind this week is the new single from ZENDR and singer/songwriter James Chatburn. It is the second time ZENDR has released on the newly established label, and we love this latest offering.
Once again ZENDR brings out soulful, jazz-inspired notes into this production, whilst Chatburn does a glorious job of allowing his tones to fill the space in between brass-led riffs and smooth electronic transitions.
Be sure to check out this collaboration right away for a dreamy end to the week.
Looking for something silly and perhaps a little sticky sweet in its pop-infused sound? We’re actually taken with the upbeat production of Mona On The Radio‘s “Bright Blue Bathrobe”, which reminds us of Owl City – meets – Weird Al, with a twinge of hip hop. And if you close your eyes, you can hear the instrumentals in the back of your favorite Nintendo game.
Keep up with Mona On The Radio here.
Los Angeles-based pop duo YVR recently released their new stunner of a track “Messy”, with a soundscape that couldn’t be less so. Pounding bass sets the tone, Courtney Jenae’s ethereal vocals make the track almost seem otherworldly. While the lyrics warn of a messy romantic situation on the horizon, we’re pulled toward the feeling of something brand new coming our way. Check this track – and add it to your holiday party soundtrack – below!
Keep up with YVR here.
Just released on Sony Music Norway is “Better With You,” the latest slice of electronic goodness from Maybon. With a whole host of wonderful sounds under his belt, the producer is back for more with this track that features Temmpo.
It is somewhat darker than some of his previous works and will pull you in under its enticing spell. Riddled with slow-transitioning synths and powerful vocals from Temmpo, this is well worth a listen. Maybon says: “‘Better With You’ is about how you feel better when you’re with that one special person. We all have someone who can lift us when we’re having a bad day – and the song is about that feeling.”
You can stream it here.