Author Archives: Katie Moore

Having received praise from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1, Essex band Hoshino, who formed back in 2015, have now graced our ears with a brand new slice of luscious electro-pop.

Defined by the distinctive, rich vocals of Elloise Rosemond, “Stars (In The Night Sky)” flows with a soulful groove alongside whirring beats and delicate, sparkling refrains. Made up of many eclectic layers of sound and oozing alluring, dreamy vibes, it’s a truly innovative sonic delight.

For fans of the impassioned RnB by the likes of Erykah Badu, with this latest offering Hoshino have proved themselves capable of creating their own utterly unique, and hugely catchy, resplendent fusion of sounds.

With support for Fickle Friends, and a slot at Secret Garden Party festival already under their belts, Hoshino are set to charm listeners with their elegant, effervescent creations.

“Stars (In The Night Sky),” the new single from Hoshino, is currently in stores.

Channelling the late ‘70s CBGB’s era of New York City’s punk rock scene, Glaswegian duo Bad Mannequins continue to win the hearts (and ears) of a new generation through the release of their single “Double Denim,” and we are delighted to name them this week’s UK Artist of The Week.

Having released their debut EP, and first of a three-part trilogy “Deny ’Til U Die Part 1” in the summer of 2017, Bad Mannequins have continued to impress listeners with their high-octane brand of garage rock. Despite the simplicity and raw energy of the drum/guitar set-up, Bad Mannequins have managed to create a sound that packs a punch for just over three blistering minutes.

With tongue in cheek, lyrics such as “You wouldn’t even be here if your momma didn’t rock that double denim!” combined with hook-laden, fuzz-filled riffs, Bad Mannequins’ sound is uniquely infectious. Garnering support from the likes of BBC Radio, as well as being featured on hit US TV show Limitless, Bad Mannequins appear to be gearing up for huge year.

“Double Denim” is in stores now via Triple Denim.

Following 2016’s Upsweep, Canadian artist Hannah Epperson has now released the album’s eagerly awaited second half, Slowdown.

Armed with just her violin and a loop pedal, Epperson has created an innovative collection, with two distinct versions of each track, the “Amelia” and the “Iris.” Derived from the idea of two opposing worlds coming together to form a fictional character of a narcissistic and alienated young man, the versions of each song stand in stark contrast with each other.

Combining folk-inspired, sweeping strings alongside pulsating beats and Epperson’s twinkling crystal-clear vocals, the “Amelia” version of album opener “20-20” is a haunting slice of electro, folk-tinged pop. The “Iris,” however, is more stripped back, a gentler offering, relying simply on the power of Epperson’s impressive vocal range and delicate instrumentation for effect.

The album continues in this vein, the two opposing versions of each track contrasting and clashing, in the most effective way. As the throbbing beats and eerie, ethereal layers of sound of the Amelias are juxtaposed with the stripped-back melancholy and delicate emotion of the Iris, Epperson has created a surreal and cinematic soundscape.

Read More »

Fast becoming known for their beguiling, ethereal creations, Berlin-based HAWK follow the success of singles “Once Told,” “Take It Away,” “Mirror Maze,” and most recently “Sin,” with the release of a brand new AA side.

Steeped in the band’s trademark spellbinding grace, “Below” takes its inspiration from Irish history—the Catholic church and its mistreatment of women—a subject of which front-woman Julie Hawk feels passionately. Flowing with delicate, twinkling melodies and sweeping celestial vocals, gritty undertones start to surface as the track progresses, building to a sudden raging blast of fury. Of the track, Julie explains:

“… as an Irish woman, both looking back at how women were treated in the past and the desperate lack of progress today, I feel betrayed by my country. We’re still fighting for basic reproductive rights for women and seeing an embarrassing response from our government.”

Read More »

Not only an esteemed producer with her own recording studio, Texas-based Victoria Celestine is also quite accomplished at creating her own catchy pop delights. Following the success of her previous single “Carrying On,” she’s now released another truly uplifting offering.

“Can You Hear The Echo?” is a soaring, electro-pop soundscape flowing with catchy, honey-sweet refrains alongside twinkling hooks and joy-filled romanticism. Exploring how the echo of your past will always remain and affect the relationships in your present, this new single is a wonderfully empowering, beautifully effervescent creation with shades of Ellie Goulding.

Having already received acclaim from the likes of Clash and The Line Of Best Fit, Victoria Celestine now looks set to continue charming listeners worldwide with her latest slice of vibrant electro-pop.

“Can You Hear The Echo?” is in stores now via Yellow Brick Music.

PHOTO: KARL MYRVANG | Our Artist of The Week is yet another Nordic gem. Circumnavigate has been creating utterly majestic dream-folk for a few years now and their debut album, When Worlds Collide, lands in shops on 14th December 2017.

The latest single from the album, “Secret,” is absolutely stunning and captivating from the offset. Lead singer Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen has a voice that could melt butter—it’s warm, soft, delicate and is joined by the rest of the band’s flawless harmonies. Having already been compared to The Cinematic Orchestra and Of Monsters and Men, it’s no surprise really. Circumnavigate’s vocal performance and musicianship is ridiculously tight, infectious, and mesmerizing.

Sigrid met Carl Frederik Kontny (piano/guitar/vocals) at school in Sandvika, Norway. She then moved to London where she was joined by Ross Craib (percussion/vocals) and Charlie Fowler (bass/vocals), and the rest, as the say, is history. They’re busy bees, that’s for sure, having collectively played alongside some of London’s biggest names including Gabrielle Aplin.

Catch Circumnavigate live at The Sebright Arms, London on 18th December. When Worlds Collide is in stores on 14th December 2017.

Drawing inspiration from a trip to South America last year, Bristol-based artist Emily Magpie’s latest collection of tracks is filled with all the ethereal majesty one could ever desire. Building a reputation across Bristol and with live crowds across the country, having played Green Man Festival and a number of Sofar Sounds sessions, Emily is now ready to unleash “The Witching Hour.”

Opening the EP, the title track does just what it says on the tin; as hauntingly magical as you’d expect, “The Witching Hour” oozes a whirring, glitchy wonder as Magpie’s rich vocals soar alongside interwoven electronic soundscapes and gentle folk-inspired melodies. Inspired by a book about the witch trials, it’s a captivating reflection on the magic of simply being alive.

More traditional in sound, “Leave It To Fate” is filled with the delicate beauty of finger-picked ukulele melodies as Emily’s sweeping, impassioned vocals create a twinkling splendour. Continuing in the same vein, “Angel Face” exudes sparkling ethereal vibes as deep beats resonate, creating a celestial grandeur that’s truly enchanting. Closing the EP is the honey-sweet, fragile allure of “When We Find It.” As sunny melodies float atop driving electronics and pounding beats, it’s a haunting fusion of sounds almost reminiscent of the eerie majesty of Bjork.

Having already received support from the likes of The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, and Clash, Emily Magpie looks set to continue charming listeners with the spellbinding power of this latest offering.

Co-produced by Anuj Robin, “The Witching Hour” is in stores on 24th November.

PHOTO: KASIA WOZNIAK | Our Artist of the Week this week is the The Magic Lantern, aka Jamie Doe. Jamie has been making delicate alt-folk for quite a while now and his single, “Holding Hands” is his latest masterpiece.

“Holding Hands” builds slowly with Doe’s soft, warm vocals opening the track. As the saxophones come into play, they compliment Doe’s voice effortlessly, creating something truly mesmerizing and incredibly unique. Jamie’s ability to combine jazz and folk into something ethereal and is undeniably spellbinding. Fans of Grizzly Bear and Chet Baker will feel at home here.

Jamie is originally from Australia but moved to the UK when he was 12. He decamped to London in 2007 where he expanded The Magic Lantern into a collective, and together they’ve pushed their music to new boundaries inspired by Jamie’s keen ability to pen beautiful lyrics with lilting melodies. Since then, The Magic Lantern has gone from strength to strength and Jamie now excites fans with the anticipated release of his third album, To The Islands, from which “Holding Hands” is taken.

“Holding Hands” is in stores now via Hectic Eclectic Records.

No newcomer, Danish artist Lasse Matthiessen has been writing songs since he was a child, he’s supported the likes of Suzanne Vega and Anna Calvi, and now hopes to charm listeners with the cinematic grandeur of his upcoming new album.

Inspired by the nocturnal pulse of Paris in the summer, title track and lead single “When We Collided” is the perfect introduction to the heartfelt collection of songs. Filled with Matthiessen’s rich, deep vocals and smooth, twinkling melodies, it oozes a soaring, emotion-strewn splendour.

As the luscious vocal harmonies of Sara Hartman flow alongside Matthiessen’s sweeping majesty, the recording exudes a delicate, sophisticated musicality, making for a truly spellbinding slice of indie-folk. With each track on the upcoming album offering its own unique impassioned grace, reflective lyrical storytelling and subtle, haunting power, it’s bound to captivate on first listen.

With shades of the poignant emotive beauty of José González, When We Collided is in stores on 10th November via Zpektakel Records / The Orchard.

Chilean born singer-songwriter Inti Rowland, aka Rivera, migrated to the UK as a small child before developing his craft in London as an emotively stylish musician—and he’s this week’s UK Artist of The Week.

Inti’s new single “We’re Alive” was inspired by the dramatic events of a car crash that left the songwriter to reflect on how reckless events can come from a single moment of naivety. The songwriter explains, “When your confidence runs away from you and you think you’re invincible, the song is about surviving what you bring upon yourself.” Having already been compared to the likes of Grizzly Bear and Elbow, Inti’s vocals compliment his musical stylings in a visceral fashion, supplying the track with a legion of beauty and compassion.

After spending to end of 2016 in South America, Inti travelled across the Atacama Desert and the landscapes became the aesthetically pleasing visuals of Rivera. Having previously released material under Inti Rowland and receiving praise from Clash and Gold Flake Paint, his new moniker, Rivera, is now ready to capture listeners with “We’re Alive.”

“We’re Alive” by Rivera is in stores now and available to stream on Spotify.

Following 2015’s debut, Carve Every Word, Best Girl Athlete—aka Katie Buchan—has released her brand new album. A musically rich, eclectic collection of tracks, the eponymous new release perfectly showcases Buchan’s skill as an innovative writer of songs. With each standing alone as a single entity, every track tells its own relatable story with a stirring emotive depth.

Opening with the twinkling melodies and warm vocals of “Baby Come Home,” we’re introduced to the album’s wide range of influences early on as the fast-paced rap of Jack Hughes is suddenly juxtaposed with Buchan’s lilting charm.

From the folk-inspired melodies, emotion-strewn vocals, and luscious harmonies within tracks “Different Face” and album closer “Sometimes,” to the electronic hooks and glitchy beats of anti-establishment anthem “In The Morning,” Best Girl Athlete succeeds in amalgamating genres to create something for everyone.

As sweeping strings and soulful vocals create the captivating, cinematic soundscape of “Cigarette Dreams” and rich piano melodies ooze an alluring, majestic grandeur in “Silver City,” Buchan surprises us once again with the whirring hooks and uptempo horns of “In Your Head.” Swapping Mark Ronson-esque moments to those of Lana Del Rey at the drop of a hat, it’s a truly impressive collection, and it’s hard to deny that Best Girl Athlete has created something rather magnificent and entirely original with this self-titled sophomore offering.

Best Girl Athlete is in stores now via Fitlike Records—on vinyl.

Having won the BBC Young Folk Award back in 2009, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Megan Henwood has received support from BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe and Janice Long—and has now returned with a twinkling new single.

Taken from her upcoming album River, “Seventh” flows with shimmering melodies alongside Henwood’s warm, smooth vocals. Filled with a heartfelt, swooping emotion, it oozes a sophisticated musicality and delicate beauty, making for a truly charming slice of alt-folk. With shades of This Is The Kit and Lucy Rose, “Seventh” will leave you longing for more of Henwood’s intimate and uplifting soundscapes.

Having already wowed crowds at numerous festivals, including Glastonbury and Cambridge Folk Festival, it looks like Megan Henwood will continue to draw in more fans with her consistently enchanting creations.

Read More »

Having only been creating music as SEYD for a mere eighteen months, London-based artist Ellie Robinson has now collaborated with producer De Wilde (BMG) to create her twinkling new single.

A truly captivating offering, “Another World” flows with infectious glitchy beats that provide the backdrop for Robinson’s soaring honey-sweet vocals. A reflection on mortality and the loss of a loved one, the track oozes a sweeping, haunting splendour as chiming electronic hooks and shimmering melodies are interwoven to create a dreamy, whirring soundscape.

Simply spellbinding, “Another World” is a perfect introduction to the musically rich and eerily powerful creations that SEYD has to offer. And, having already received praise from the likes of Crack In The Road and BBC Introducing, we can’t wait to hear what she has for us next.

“Another World” is in stores now via Born Good.

Following the success of his debut album 2064, Danish artist Lucas Berner—aka The Chairman—has teamed up with producers Mathias Bang Madsen and Jakob Løkkegaard to release his sophomore offering, The Strange Life.

An eclectic, sonically rich collection, The Strange Life is filled with one sweeping soundscape after another. Album opener “Masquerade In The Radio” oozes the subtle power of Berner’s soulful vocals against a backdrop of twinkling melodies, before “Lemon Yellow” scatters glitchy beats and electronic hooks alongside a soaring, dark melancholy.

From the catchy electro-pop sounds and whirring romanticism of “Dandelions” and “Now That You Love Me,” to the racing spoken word and definite nods towards old school hip-hop found in “She’s Not Fine,” The Strange Life fuses together a vast array of musical layers with experimental song structures and production.

Whether you’re being swept away by the rich lyrical storytelling and haunting power of “Animate,” or simply getting lost inside the complex electronic hooks and impassioned vocals of “Barcelona,” this album offers a captivating and unique take on contemporary pop.

The Strange Life is in stores on 29th September via Danish Music Entertainment.

Having travelled alone to Nashville to follow her dream, artist Meghan Roner—aka LIEZA—began her musical journey as an intern for Grammy Award winning Femke Weidema, and has now collaborated with the producer to create her infectious new single.

A shimmering slice of electro-pop, “Eyeliner” is a truly heartfelt creation. Of the track, LIEZA explains: “…’Eyeliner’ is that anthem that you sing to yourself in the mirror when you’ve had a bad day and you’ve forgotten what makes you unique, what makes you strong…Put on your ‘eyeliner,’ whatever armour that may be for you, and then go out and take on the world…”

Flowing with the soaring power of Roner’s twinkling vocals, “Eyeliner” juxtaposes a delicate melodic beauty with sweeping electronic hooks and the subtle empowering sentiment of its rich, lyrical honesty. With shades of the likes of Banks, or even the emotion-strewn power of Lana Del Rey, this elegant new offering from LIEZA marks the young artist as a definite one to watch for the rest of 2017 and beyond.

“Eyeliner” is in stores now via LV Music.