Song of the Day: Retro-39 – Tilly Birds

Bangkok’s alt-pop sensations TILLY BIRDS have dropped their latest single, ‘Retro-39’, a shimmering synth-pop gem that dives deep into the bittersweet feeling of missing someone you can’t get out of your head. Known for their genre-blurring approach, the trio of Billy, Third, and Milo have once again crafted a track that fuses indie, funk, and 80s-inspired pop into a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

Formed over a decade ago, Tilly Birds have always embraced their broad musical influences, from The Beatles to Queen, merging them into a modern approach that resonates with listeners worldwide. With millions of fans in their home country of Thailand and beyond, the band has become synonymous with crafting catchy, energetic tracks that leave a lasting impact.

Their album It’s Gonna Be OK (2021) earned them the Best Asian Artist award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards 2021, and it was also recognized by NME Magazine as one of the 25 Best Asian Albums of 2021. In Thailand, their success is unparalleled—they swept five major awards at the TOTY Music Awards 2021 (T-POP of The Year), including: Best Music of the Year (Male Group), Best Artist of the Year (Group), Best Producer of the Year, Best Song of the Year and Best Album of the Year.

In their latest offering ‘Retro-39’, Tilly Birds take listeners on an emotional journey of longing and nostalgia. The song paints a vivid picture of trying to escape the memory of someone you wish you didn’t miss—disconnecting from the world, turning off your phone, and retreating to music as a form of solace. With its irresistible hooks and sleek 80s-inspired production, the track blends funky synths and infectious chorus lines, making it a perfect addition to their already captivating discography.

Musically, ‘Retro-39’ showcases Tilly Birds’ knack for marrying infectious pop hooks with textured, layered production. The track opens with an immediate pull—sharp synth lines weaving through punchy beats, while Billy’s guitar riffs add a grungy edge beneath the polished surface. As the chorus hits, Third’s emotive vocals soar, delivering a melody so infectious it’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
Tilly Birds’ ability to inject emotion into danceable pop is what makes ‘Retro-39’ stand out. For fans of The 1975, HYBS, and Dayglow, the song is built on contradictions—retro vibes mixed with contemporary energy, upbeat grooves paired with lyrics of longing—but it works beautifully, creating a sound that’s both familiar and new.

In a music world saturated with fleeting pop trends, ‘Retro-39’ is a reminder of why Tilly Birds continue to thrive: they create songs that connect on a deeper level, pairing irresistible sounds with stories that resonate. As you hit repeat on ‘Retro-39’, it’s clear Tilly Birds are a movement, shaping the future of alternative pop one unforgettable track at a time.

Retro-39’ is out now…why not check out the video for the vibrant single below…

Follow Tilly Birds via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tillybirds
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TILLYBIRDS/
X: https://x.com/tillybirds

Song of the Day: Butter – Vessna Scheff

Beginning her artist career in San Francisco, VANESSA SCHEFF began playing ukulele after acquiring one from a thrift store for $14. Inspired by personal stories of growth and interpersonal relationships, she began writing intimate music and playing live throughout the San Francisco Bay Area at venues such as the Bazaar Cafe, The Fillmore, The Hotel Utah, and The Lost Church. In 2014, she began experimenting with visual art, utilizing projections in her musical performances and collaborating with dancers and poets in interdisciplinary performance.

In 2015, Scheff moved to the East Coast where she met and began collaborating with Lee Clarke, a Philadelphia based music producer. While in Philadelphia, she performed at venues, galleries and museums such as Johnny Brenda’s, World Cafe Live, Boot & Saddle, Urban Art Gallery, The Barnes Museum, The Affordable Art Fair, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. In spring of 2022, she graduated with an MFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design, and is currently writing and recording her debut album titled ‘Nevermind the Moon,’ inspired by Adult Skate Nights pairing 80’s beats with 90’s R&B vocal melodies in a celebratory call for intimate connection.

Her single off this forthcoming album, ‘BUTTER’, possesses mesmerizing vocal harmonies, shimmering 90’s to early 2000’s synths, and an 80’s club backbeat, which drops you right into the feeling of swooning when you see your crush under the disco ball at the roller rink.

“This song is inspired by a desire to feel playful, fun, sexy, and confident while navigating being a caregiver during the pandemic. I wrote ‘BUTTER’ inspired by Adult Skate Night (unofficially known as Black skate night at rinks throughout the U.S.) as a dreamscape of the freedom found on the rink” Vessna says.

Together with her collaborator Lee Clarke, Scheff builds an electrifying current glistening with the anticipation and rush of pushing off the rink wall, and gliding into your confidence. Have a listen to ‘BUTTER’ below…

Watch Re.decay’s video For Single, ‘Sun In The Morning’

Owen Ross and Emanuel Bender – aka hip-hop duo RE.DECAY– have created the surreal music video for debut single, ‘Sun In The Morning (feat. ADH, Mawcom X, Sedric Perry)’ via SPRINGSTOFF.  The single is lifted from their upcoming EP, ‘Down Long Enough’ which will be released on 19 June.

Re.decay reveal a little more about the magic that went into creating the music video: “Sun In The Morning was filmed and conceived by Alex Forge, a wildly talented French film maker. Sedric shot his part in Owen’s studio in Berlin while ADH and Mawcom X filmed their parts in NYC and Accra respectively. Then Alex edited it in Spain and uploaded it over a full day on WiFi that was struggling with the number of quarantined people on it. Like all of our endeavours it involved an international group of creative people overcoming obstacles to make something great.”

Check it out below…

Song of the Day: This Whole Nothing – Color Theory

Featuring lyrical ambiguities with electronic embellishments and gently rolling synths, Brian Hazard – aka – synthwave act COLOR THEORY’s ‘This Whole Nothing’, creates a world of nostalgically transfigured memories which allow the listener to place their own emotions into the music.

“This Whole Nothing” is one of those songs that people will read into as they will. The lyrics are just vague enough to be universal. My inspiration was the spacious emptiness one experiences when the voice of the mind quiets and the world can be seen as it truly is.” – Color Theory

Generating nearly three million plays across streaming platforms, Color Theory has received significant support on YouTube, having been picked up by renowned channels such as NewRetroWave, The ’80s Guy, LuigiDonatello and SoulSearchAndDestroy.  Winning the grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, having three songs featured in the Just Dance video game series and two in the Rock Band video game series, plus several song placements on MTV’s The Real World, are just some of Color Theory’s notable achievements.

Have a listen to ‘This Whole Nothing’ below…

Maya Killtron Gets ‘Fired Up’ With Brand New Single

Multi-faceted artist MAYA KILLTRON returns in 2020 with 80’s funk inspired single  ‘Fired Up’, her follow up to 2019’s ‘Never Dance Alone’.

The Toronto based singer, violinist and DJ now finds herself at home in modern boogie and funk full of lush strings, horns and big vocals.

‘Fired Up’ forms part of her new EP via her own record label, Never Dance Alone Records.

Check it out below…