Author Archives: Zara Hoffman

The festive season is well and truly upon us. and to celebrate we’ve got a Christmas cracker of a song for you. Australian singer-songwriter Carla Wehbe has been making waves for a while now, and she recently dropped her latest single, “christmas doesn’t feel the same without you.”

You’ve never met an artist quite as exhilaratingly odd as Carla Wehbe. An elusive trait often misunderstood but highly prized in the music world, Wehbe’s unconventional uniqueness of vision has become the hallmark of the likes of Bowie and Mercury. Charming, celestial, and utterly infectious, this latest cut is the perfect addition to your Christmas-themed playlists. Carla’s soft, sultry vocals soar over the vibrant musicality, sounding akin to the likes of Sabrina Carpenter or Gracie Abrams.

From her independent beginnings with the 2020 single “Don’t Tell Me” through to her critically acclaimed 2023 EP “Jupiter and Mars” and supporting international superstars on their Australian tours, including The Chicks, Alec Benjamin, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims. She has recently wrapped up touring with Peach PRC on her Australian tour.

“christmas doesn’t feel the same without you” is in stores now.

Singer-songwriter Eva Penney soothes us into the week with the release of her captivating new single “you sound like the dolphins!,” out now.

Born from a demo made in a single afternoon, this song is a true capsule of time, made even more final in the production process by being recorded onto reel-to-reel cassette tape. This track is one of Penney’s more understated projects, however it feels no less anthemic as Eva’s rich, warm vocal soars effortlessly over the beautifully delicate musicality. It features mechanical clicks and sweeps of the analogue cassette recorder and gentle synth hums and squeaks, often mistaken by listeners for dolphin sounds.

Eva Penney has always been honest in her music, constantly treading an uneasy line between metaphor and truth. With a sound inspired by alternative and acoustic folk, the electronic and DIY elements weaved into her recordings and performances create a unique and warming listening experience.

“you sound like the dolphins!” is in stores now.

Watch out! There’s a new hyper-pop girlie on the scene and she means business. Saila’s debut single “So Far” is out now via So, Let’s Talk.

Based in the UK, rising star Saila has already had her music featured in Marvel blockbuster Eternals, as well as having a publishing deal with Fat Pigeon Publishing / Kobalt Music Group. She has just dropped her infectious debut single “So Far” and it’s oozing with sparkle and celestial soundscapes. Fans of the likes of PinkPantheress and NewJeans will feel very much at home here.

Talking about the single, Saila says, “’So Far’ was me having a conversation with myself earlier this year when I was really lost and unsure. I needed a reminder to be kind to myself, to recognise how far I’ve come, to be brave and keep going. I didn’t write ‘So Far’ thinking it would be my first single, but the year went on and I found myself going back to that song for support again and again. I think a lot of people feel the way I felt, and maybe they need to hear the same words I did, so here we are!”

“So Far” is in stores now via So, Let’s Talk.

Eclectic indie electro artist Marek Kubala has made a mark on the UK music scene in recent years. His expansive use of electronic soundscapes mixed with soaring guitar has garnered support from BBC 6 Music as well as a plethora of influential Spotify playlists. Now, he returns with the release of his latest cut, “Peeping Tom.”

The track is taken from Marek’s latest EP, also titled “Peeping Tom,” and is an example of his ability to combine retro sonics with contemporary production. “Peeping Tom” is a polished electro tune that conjures comparisons with bands such as Depeche Mode. Shimmering vocals are spliced with menacing synths, as the track builds ominously throughout, to create a mature piece of alternative pop music.

Marek describes the EP as a record that combines the futuristic soundscapes of NZCA Lines with the ambitious new wave influences of Talk Talk. With production coming from longtime Brian Eno and Jon Hopkins collaborator Leo Abrahams, “Peeping Tom” encapsulates Marek Kubala’s distinctive take on modern electronic music.

“Peeping Tom” is in stores now via Shore Dive Records.

Dolores Forever are a transcendent duo who have recently released their stunning debut album It’s Nothing, out now via Sweat Entertainment.

Influenced by the likes of Haim, Mitski, and Sharon Van Eaten, Dolores Forever’s debut is an oozing tapestry of rich sounds and sentiment throughout. Talking about the album, the band says, “It’s taken from a line in [album track] ‘Go Fast Go Slow’: ‘I lie in bed at night and I pretend it’s nothing,” Hannah explains.

“Usually, when somebody says ‘oh, it’s nothing’, it actually means it’s really something. That’s sort of a theme across this record, really. It’s about us reconciling with our position in the wider world; we’re too loud, too big, too opinionated for certain sections of society, so it’s easier to just say ‘it’s nothing’ than get into it. On the other hand, it’s also mildly a joke between us because it’s our debut, so it means everything to us. To call it It’s Nothing just made us laugh!”

Julia, from Copenhagen, and Hannah, from Yorkshire, were introduced to each other by a mutual friend at a party who thought they’d get on well. Both have a background in music and songwriting, and shortly after, Dolores Forever was born. This friendship has underpinned the band’s whirlwind rise since releasing their first single, “Kilimanjaro” in 2021.

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British powerhouse Whitey—aka NJ White—has exploded back onto the scene with the release of his triumphant double album MENTAL RADIO, out now.

The album is a sixteen track tour de force that certainly takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride. A chaotically colourful clash of genres, styles, and moods, it’s hard to pin this album down at times but surely that’s the beauty of it? Pulling influences from across decades of sound and putting it through the Whitey blender creates something fresh—an album that is in turn furious, raw, amused, politically razor sharp and poignant—a satirical take on 21st century life—a musical pop art collage.

Stand out tracks include previous singles “CHERRADE,” “THIS IS FOREVER,” and “LITTLE PIGGIES.” Whitey has just released a brand new video for “LITTLE PIGGIES” to aptly coincide with the US election. A vibrant combination of classic, alternative, and glam rock, “LITTLE PIGGIES” is an infectious floor-filler with a powerful sentiment behind it.

Talking about the single, Whitey elaborates, “It’s a ballsy political swipe, a proper protest track that references Animal Farm, Three Little Pigs, the American political divide, Trumpism, and personal responsibility. The song started from a place of amused cynicism at many peoples’ inability to see The Wolf before their eyes, then gradually became a song with a more urgent feel as events unfolded over the last few years.

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Ahead of the official film release, Scottish artist Megan Black shares “Something Golden,” a new single she’s written for an upcoming British short film called The Programme. The film premiered this spring in Digbeth, ahead of showings at several film festivals and a general release on 7th November 2024.

Megan Black’s haunting soundtrack skillfully captures the film’s dark undertones while infusing it with heart and grit. Talking about the song, Megan says, “I started working on this project whilst I was going through my own diagnosis of autism and ADHD. I felt real grief and a sense of loss that I had never really understood myself. Sam and the team behind The Programme have been a joy to work with—they really understand what it means to be neurodivergent and why spreading this awareness is so important. Grief in my own life had left me feeling numb and writing this soundtrack came along at the right time—it was healing—there really is ‘something golden’ about that.”

The Programme is the first short film from award-winning writer and director Sam Grierson. It was an Official Selection at the Little Venice Film Festival, New York International Women’s Film Festival, and Sykehouse Film Festival, with a nomination for Best Actress for Michelle Jeram (BBC Granite Harbour, Liar, Eastenders, The Split).

The work began after a two-year writing hiatus triggered by the devastating loss of Sam’s best friend to suicide. The resulting film sparks reflection and reshapes perceptions, encouraging an understanding of the intricate layers of grief and the complex intersectionality of neurodivergent experiences. Sam is LGBTQIA+, autistic, and ADHD. Grierson’s film exposes us for believing in stereotypes, exposes society for marginalising people, and displays in no uncertain terms that everyone deserves to be centre stage. A neurodivergent subject encourages us to examine universal fears.

Emily Brimlow is a soul-pop singer playing by her own set of industry rules. She’s just dropped her new EP “Burnt” and it’s a stunningly summer-tinged delight from start to finish.

Known for her whimsical, “beachy” vocal stylings and unique blend of world music and R&B, the Canadian-born singer pairs her wide spectrum of life experiences and diverse story-telling sensibilities. Emily’s sugar sweet vocal compliments the lighthearted indie-popness of the song effortlessly, creating a sound akin to the likes of Jerry Williams or Maisie Peters.

Emily has proven to be a force to reckon with in this new wave of young, genre-bending, independent artists seeking to break beyond industry limitations. Ambitious in her pursuit to ensure each song is fresh and slightly different than the last, Emily draws inspiration from the present day while still leaning on her musical roots. Originally from BC, Canada, Emily now resides in Huntington Beach, California.

“Burnt” is in stores now.

Irish alt-rock quartet NewDad are very hot on everyone’s lips in the UK (and of course Ireland) right now and we can see why. With their debut album Madra already gaining them critical acclaim, we’re excited to see what 2025 will bring for this young band.

NewDad’s latest single “Under My Skin” is a shoegaze-infused delight channeling the likes of Wolf Alice and Lime Garden. The song has been featured on the latest soundtrack of the game Life Is Strange, a game the band grew up playing themselves and consequently, a “real full circle moment” for them.

The irresistible appeal of songwriting is the opportunity to give voice to the ineffable. For NewDad singer/guitarist Julie Dawson, music has always served as a safe haven for articulating what she struggles to express elsewhere—a place where she can explore her deepest emotions without compromise.

“Under My Skin” and debut album Madra are in stores now.

Rising singer-songwriter Yuneki’s debut EP “Born Without Skin” is out now. Its a vibrant collection of indie-pop vignettes proving this seventeen year old is certainly one to watch. Taken from the EP is new single “Over Again.” 

Following the introspective “Sleepwalking” and the sweet “Like Honey,” “Over Again” carries a certain casual intimacy. Yuneki’s voice, crafted to narrate poignant stories, weaves through delicate piano lines and an uplifting chorus. Her debut is positioning her as a fresh, relatable Gen-Z voice, aiming to offer solace and connection to anyone navigating tough times.

Speaking about her new single release, Yuneki describes, “‘Over Again’ is about my internal voice. Resenting myself for making the same mistakes so many times and fear that everyone I love will give up on me.”

Raised in Cambridge on a musical stew of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Lady Gaga, Yuneki spent her formative years penning down big feelings at a time when she struggled to fit in. She started turning those inner thoughts into lyrics when she was eleven and began singing lessons around the same time.

At fourteen, Yuneki was already in studio sessions and working with producers. She’s now landed a record deal with 23 Recordings, a new indie imprint created by ADA and Atlantic Records.

“Born Without Skin” is in stores now.

Indie-pop newcomer Nieve Ella has been making waves in the UK for a while now and with the release of upcoming EP “Watch It Ache And Bleed,” due for release imminently, we think she may very well be one to watch for 2025.

Latest single “Ganni Top (She Gets What She Needs)” sees Nieve channel the likes of Olivia Rodrigo as she combines indie pop with a punk rock attitude creating a sound that is truly anthemic. Nieve Ella has quickly become one of the most exciting artists in the UK. Following the release of two EPs, she has gained supporters from Radio 1’s Greg James, Jack Saunders, and Mollie King to tastemaker journalists at NME, Notion, DIY, and DORK, as well as a digital audience of over 100,000 and over three million streams.

Nieve Ella is a true music lover, citing some of the biggest stars and underground newcomers of the alt-pop/indie scenes as influences: Sam Fender, Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, and Flyte. Her musical journey started when she quickly gained a TikTok following covering of some of these artists—and now only a short time later she is sharing their stages and collaborating with the same producers.

Nieve’s EP “Watch It Ache And Bleed” arrives in stores on 17th October 2024.

Watch out! There’s a new British girl band on the scene and they mean business… Say Now continue to make waves with the release of their infectious new single “Trouble,” out now.

Fierce, feisty, and full of fun, “Trouble” is exactly what you need right now. Talking about the single, the trio say its “about knowing your worth and being confident in what you’re bringing to the table! We want people to listen to this song and know that it’s ok to be outspoken, and that you can have fun and be cheeky whilst doing so.” The super sassy video also features Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle making a fabulous cameo.

Written by the band themselves, as well as pop gods Wayne Hector (Sugababes, The Pussycat Dolls), Anya Jones (Little Mix, kamille), and Duck (Halsey, Mimi Webb), the powerful single sees the ladies very cleverly channel the spirit of girl groups that came before them by sampling legendary ’90s dance hit “Unbelievable” by English alternative rock outfit EMF.

We can’t wait to see what these girls get up to next—a much needed boost of energy to the British pop scene.

Introducing new kids on the block Sol Feo (pronounced “s-ol f-Eh-oh”), an explosively soulful six-piece alt-rock band from Bristol, UK. Their latest single “Emerald” is taken from their upcoming debut self-titled EP, due 4th October 2024, and if “Emerald” is anything to go by, you’re in for a treat.

Meticulously crafted by sound designer Rik Dowding (Massive Attack, Portishead, the xx, Franz Ferdinand), the independently produced EP showcases the exhilarating creative vision of the group with a sound that has been described as “heavy soul.” Latest single “Emerald” is a tune about dancing your troubles away and we have no doubt that’s exactly what you’ll be doing after a few listens of this banger.

The full EP promises to “take listeners on a captivating voyage, weaving through the depths of introspection and rising to euphoric crescendos.” Don’t miss your chance to be amongst the first to experience this powerful and innovative new band.

Singles “Lucy” and “Emerald” are out now. Sol Feo’s self-titled EP is in stores on 4th October 2024.

PHOTO: AKYTOM STUDIO | South London’s BINA. returns with another slice of lo-fi R&B to ease your way into the working week. New single “Self Assured” is out now.

BINA. is an artist who uses a mixture of emotion-provoking, sophisticated lyrics and catchy melodies to detail her life experiences in music. She lays smooth, soulful vocals over alternative R&B-infused soundscapes, creating the perfect blend of R&B, jazz and neo-soul. New single “Self Assured” is no exception as BINA.’s effortlessly chilled vocal takes centre stage, flowing freely over the mellow electronica. Fans of the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote, IAMDDB, and Erykah Badu will feel at home here.

As an emerging artist, she has begun to refine her craft and establish herself as one to watch, having collaborated with an array of tastemakers in the music and the fashion scene, such as Boiler Room, Dr. Martens, and London Fashion Week.

“Self Assured” is in stores now.

British-Nigerian artist Essence Martins soothes us into September with new single “Quiet & Perfect,” out now.

Combining elements of indie, folk, pop, and soul, Essence’s sound is uniquely her own. Talking about her latest release, Essence explains, “‘Quiet and Perfect’ is a song about yearning for the perfect kind of love. It’s a fantasy about getting all you want in a person and a relationship. Many of us grew up watching love stories on TV and in films, which often depict a heightened romantic love. I later realised the many inaccuracies in them. Many had unrealistic standards of love that were either toxic and full of drama or too perfect, like in a lot of Disney movies where real struggles were not included.

We all watch TV and movies to be entertained, and I love watching a heightened reality, but as a result of being young and naive, I feel like I had a warped idea of love. Even though I haven’t yet experienced it myself, I’ve witnessed that a lot of successful relationships are the ones that are simple and feel easy. They might even seem boring at first glance, and of course, they’re never completely perfect. But I think that perfect love is embracing imperfections in one another and finding treasure in the simple, mundane aspects of life as well as the big, exciting things. Sometimes love can be ‘quiet and perfect’ in that sense.”

Born and raised in North West London, Essence was always surrounded by sport, specifically tennis, practicing and competing in tournaments. After a year of studying Sports Science and Biology in the US on a tennis scholarship, she made the life-altering decision to follow her heart and pursue a career in music, and she’s not looked back since.

“Quiet & Perfect” is in stores now.