UK act ST.MARTiiNS have perfected the dark-pop approach with their latest, “Want God.” A hazy music video full of flower fields and gauzy lights perfectly emphasizes this song, full of explosive synths and warbly guitars. The chorus melody is really what drives this synthy shoegazy song toward greatness – watch the vid below and then add it to your Spotify playlist for good measure.
Napoleon Gold is on fire with this one – “Love Don’t Cut Me Down” is a nu-disco tinged electronic pulse featuring a lovely vocal take from Haiva Ru. Full of nostalgic and longing vibes – this one is emotional while still very, very danceable. “And I don’t wanna go if you don’t go with me” is insanely catchy – check it out below before inevitably adding it to your Spotify playlist.
LA artist Jabali released a banger in his latest, “Beamers.” A world class percussionist in his own right, Jabali showcases his flawless flow and expert production skills in this one, fleshed out with buzzing bass synths. “Take a sip, take a hit” will be running through your heads all day. Check it out below and add it to your Spotify playlist if you dig it.
J.R. (aka Julianna Riolino) is a Canadian indie popper whose “Pal” recently caught our ears. In this hooky, guitar pop jam, J.R.’s lilting vocals lay over top upbeat instrumentals. If you’re anything like us, her refrain of “don’t call me crazy, ’cause it happens all the time” will be running through your head all day long. Fans of Alvvays, Phoebe Bridgers, or Clairo will dig this one. Check it out below.
NYC native Cuesta Loeb‘s latest song “Ego Attack” is a guitar-driven dream-fest full of fuzzed out tones and Cuesta’s honest vocal prowess. While elaborating on the dangers of ego, this one really opens up around the two minute mark with a full-throated guitar solo. Fans of Smashing Pumpkins, Great Grandpa, or Bully will really dig this one. Check out “Ego Attack” below.
Zambia-born, UK-based artist Laxcity caught our attention with the smooth electronic pulse of “Focus.” A velvety vocal from Nakala lays perfectly on top of Laxcity’s r&b tinged electropop. Stick around for the drop in this song, where Laxcity chooses an ever-so-slightly off kilter stuttering rhythm, sure to please even the most nuanced of ears. Check it out below.
Here’s a juicy synthpop morsel to sink your teeth into – we think Low Island are crushing it on the unique, but irresistible “Search Box.” Between the kitschy, left-field lyrics and the ear-catching chorus, we think “Search Box” will intrigue you greatly. Half existential and half irreverent, this one is worth a listen just to make you question your perception of reality. Check it out below.
We think you’ll dig Villa Coola‘s latest ode to lost love, “Tru Luv Magazine.” This one pairs a booming electronic drumbeat with razor sharp vocal hooks and chill bedroom-pop vibes. Simple and catchy – fans of early Death Cab, Say Hi, or Weezer will definitely dig “Tru Luv.” Check it out on Bandcamp below or add it to your Spotify playlist. RIILL by VILLA COOLA
Canadian singer/songwriter Peter Mol caught our attention with the ultra-chill indie electro of “Blur.” Mol’s distinct baritone vocals deliver melancholy lyrics over muffled drums and droning keyboards. It’s sultry, smooth, soothing, and sad all at once – we especially like when it opens up around 2:50. Check it out via the widget below and give Peter some love.
We’re digging this kitschy video from indie electro solo act DEYO. “Digital” has everything you’d look for in a fun-loving, campy vid – impassioned dancing, children’s rides, floppy disks, and an overall 80s vibe. Beyond that, “Digital” is a catchy indie pop jam full of sexy lyrics and nu-disco-tinged guitars and basses. Watch the video below.
We’ve been jamming to this soulful house track by Swedish producer Rasmus Faber. Featuring a tasteful vocal from Magic Woman, “Animal” is the perfect compliment to a chill summer day, fleshed out with a casual marimba and a shuffling electronic beat. Fans of Sylvan Esso or Phantogram will dig this one – check it out below.
Buffalo label Steak & Cake Records is back with another summer single and video by pop act Kelli Bobbi. “July Rush,” directed by Brandon Schlia and starring singer Jazmine Frazier, epitomizes the youthful defiance of summer days and nights. Kelli Bobbi embodies 1980s revival. The name alone sounds like it belongs to an ‘80s pop icon, and the video for “July Rush” serves some fashion nostalgia with oversized jackets, bright high-waisted shorts, crew socks, smoky purple eyeshadow, neon shades, and denim – though you’d probably see these styles walking around the city right here in summer 2019. This then-meets-now aesthetic also comes through in the music, and it’s infectiously fun. The track has an instant, understated catchiness from the beginning; synth, a simple drum beat, and Frazier’s breezy vocals evoke the timeless feelings of optimism and excitement that come when the summer really starts to get going every year. The[...]
Mysterious Brooklyn chillwave artist DJ ST THOMAS caught our attention with his equally mysterious debut jam, “Fodder.” Pairing funk and electronica vibes with distant vocals seems to be working out well for ST THOMAS – we’re excited to hear more when he comes out with his full EP in October. Till then, bide your time with “Fodder,” embedded below.
Arche is a French pop act whose “My Only” caught our eye. The video is full of kitschy, 90s-esque windbreaker vibes (despite what otherwise seems to be a youthful group of musicians). Beyond their music video’s impeccable aesthetic, “My Only” is a super cool pop track – full of far-off vocals and wild synthscapes you’ll have to just hear for yourself. Give it a watch below.
“September Second” is an interesting song – dancy like an 80s pop song but delicate and morose a la reverb-drenched indie rock. Either way – we’re digging the sounds coming out of Brooklyn’s Plastic Picnic. By pairing vintage synth twinkles and jangly guitars with a warm and fuzzy mix, we think PP has created something truly special here. Check it out below.