Tag: alternative music

Anaiis shares deluxe version of her critically acclaimed album ‘this is no longer a dream’

ANAIIS shares the deluxe version of her critically acclaimed album ‘this is no longer a dream’ which includes remixes from Sam Henshawe, Jamilah Barry, DJ Lulo, Years and Years and Karen Nyame KG. The recent remixes are in addition to the collaborations on the original 2022 album (Chronixx, Topaz Jones, Jay Prince, Sjava +++)

The London based artist has spent a lifetime moving around the globe soaking up a multitude of cultures and influences that bring an innovative and genre-defying style to her artistic endeavours. Following the releases of her EP ‘Before Zero’ and her project ‘Darkness At Play’, anaiis further raised the bar with her self released debut album ‘this is no longer a dream,’ a cathartic and brave long player which was released in 2021. The album was well-received by notable critics and publications – she featured as the cover star on PUSS PUSS and FACT magazine – citing her as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in contemporary R&B. Alongside the critical acclaim, anaiis is an accomplished live performer who has been invited as a special guest at concerts by the likes of Erykah Badu, Ibeyi, Daniel Caesar, Nick Hakim and more, as well as recent headline performances in Dakar and Berlin which have all been met with rapturous praise.

Occupying the sweet spot between music, fashion and high art, anaiis has collaborated and contributed to notable works of art with the V&A, Camden Arts Centre, Palais De Tokyo, White Cube, Julien Creuzet, JulianKnxx and more. In fashion, she has featured in a Paul Smith campaign, collaborated with Valentino for her noteworthy ColorsxStudio performance, was dressed in Alexander McQueen for her Harpers Bazaar feature, as well as brand collaborations with Dr Martens, Levis, Paco Rabanne’s Millions x Vice x NTS, and more. She has also worked creatively with Ib Kamara, Nell Kalonji, Rafael Pavarotti, Campbell Addy amongst others on hers and other projects.

Now anaiis set the bar high, finishing 2023 on a high note with the deluxe version of her critically acclaimed album, ‘this is no longer a dream’. Why not check it out below…

Must Listens: undulation; ultraviolet, counts; vanishing . (chipmunk); cry in your sleep; reverie; make it easier;

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Christine Sako offers optimism in sun-kissed single, ‘Warmth’

Born and raised in Minneapolis, CHRISTINE SAKO has previously toured with fellow Minnesotans, emo-indie rockers Now, Now and as an opening act for Paramore’s ‘Brand New Eyes’ Europe tour. Now, after venturing out on the strengths of her own creative prowess, Christine Sako has crystallized into an iconoclastic brand of progressively passionate pop. Her first album, ‘The Math Project’ – a hybrid acoustic and synth-based pop offering – was inspired by the chilled-out Californian atmosphere.

These days, Sako is manifesting her artistic angle with her new single, ‘Warmth’. From guitar-driven indie-pop balladry to upbeat, bass-laden beats, her distinctive vocal range and melodies are on a mission to take listeners through an emotionally charged journey. Injecting finely-tuned hooks with an electrifying undercurrent and an edgy drumbeat, this track speaks to both her analog and digital sensibilities.

Speaking about her new single, Christine Sako had this to say, “‘Warmth’ is about being in that “too good to be true” mindset and how disbelief tends to be the overwhelming emotion when things seem to be going well. I started writing this song just after a breath of optimism had flown through me, realizing that indeed I was exactly worthy of the promising journey that was budding in my life.”

Why not have a listen below…

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Holysseus Fly shares stunningly personal debut solo EP, ‘Birthpool’.

A tribute to her grieving process and subsequent creative rediscovery after recovering from breast cancer in 2021, HOLYSSEUS FLY‘s debut solo EP ‘Birthpool’ is a truly special six-tracker that brims with magnetic strength, devastating emotion and heartfelt beauty.

Opening proceedings with the first song written for the EP, ‘Bloom’, a track borne of self-imposed pressure during lockdown to write again after recovering from treatment, the scene is set for the EP’s themes of creative reclamation. Holysseus sings ‘I’ll bloom when I choose to’, a statement of determination to create for only herself. As the sonics progress from a skeletal beat through to a deep, harmonically-rich drop, driven by Holysseus Fly’s captivating vocal, the EP’s opener registers high on strength via stunning vulnerability.

‘Marigold’, released as a B-side to ‘Bloom’, is as devastating as it is beautiful. Brooding keys and a steady heartbeat kick drive the track as Holysseus’ yearning vocal builds to its heartbreaking climax, cracking with emotion. Easy to hear why this had big support from Annie Mac on her Chill Playlist and Jamz Supernova’s ‘Hit Reset Track of the Day’ on 6 Music on its release.

‘Within The Water’, sees the artist working through her fears via another soaring, heavenly vocal performance which received huge support on its release from Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape, as well as an audio walk feature on BBC 6 Music with Chris Hawkin and seen here discussing on ITV News.

In ‘Under Your Sun’ we see the singer’s jazz roots come to the fore in a mellow soundscape topped with deliciously soulful vox that convey lyrical themes of creative rebirth and strength through adversity with typical aplomb.

Holysseus Fly expands themes of empowerment with a lightness of touch on ‘Teach Me’, produced by The Staves’ Rob Pemberton and recently added to the BBC 6 Music playlist. A challenge to undermining patriarchal voices, we see the artist step into her main character energy with a knowing sideswipe at anyone who might dare come for her. A feminist flag in the sand delivered with signature radiant vocals and one of many ‘chef’s kiss’ moments on the record.

losing Birthpool is the gut-wrenchingly gorgeous ‘A Weight Too Heavy’. The track swirls with grief, self-examination and sense of release after a period of intense mourning. The shattering lyric ‘I can’t look for the ‘why’’ is delivered with rawness and immensity and confirms Holysseus Fly as an artist with a real gift for emotional honesty, not to mention heartstopping vocal abilities.

Deeply moving, sonically captivating and truly remarkable Birthpool is a jaw-dropping debut from this one-of-a-kind artist. A spellbinding star turn and solo debut from the Bristol based vocalist, songwriter and pianist. Do not sleep on witnessing her incredible journey through rebirth and rediscovery live with November’s shows likely to sell out as quickly as her previous dates. Holysseus Fly will also be supporting 6 Music’s Tom Robinson on his forthcoming sold-out UK tour. Big things lie ahead for this exceptional young talent.

Holysseus Fly says: “I started writing Birthpool in Spring 2021 when I was feeling low recovering from treatment for Breast Cancer. Just like a seed having been planted in winter, I cared for a growing garden of creative ideas and allowed myself to write what I really wanted. I had been holding myself back with self doubt and fear that expressing my feelings about cancer would make it my identity as an artist. Looking back on the process of making the EP, I see this music as a true and honest reflection of moving through post-cancer grief and nurturing a new creative identity. This is my Birthpool.” Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Bloom, Under The Sun, A Weight Too Heavy

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Song of the Day: Who – Scout

London-based singer, songwriter and producer SCOUT ushers in a compelling era of evolution as she announce her debut EP ‘Everything Will Make Sense’, out 1st March 2024 via Sweat Entertainment (Dolores Forever, kid apollo).

Scout shares some of the same ideals as its namesake – Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird – as well as reflecting on her own wrestlings with femininity, societal expectations and the power found in telling your own story.

Hamburg born, Sweden raised and now firmly London based having moved to the capital at the age of 17, Scout’s transcendent pop creations are cathartic and empowering in equal measure. Partly tracking her journey as a young woman finding her footing in this industry (having operated in a shoegaze band signed to Heavenly Records in her late teens), Scout is a project rooted in defiance and knowing your worth.

To mark the announcement of their debut EP, Scout is sharing the project’s rousing second single ‘Who’. Through tasteful electronics and rich alt-pop production, ‘Who’ relays feelings of frustration and confusion, dissecting power abuse in the music industry – ultimately written as a reminder to wholly respect and trust your own sense of self.

Speaking more on the inspiration behind new single ‘Who’, Scout said: “The song was born from accumulated feelings of violation and a breach of trust by figures of authority in my life and early career. When I picked myself back up, I felt pretty raw and desperate to gain back a sense of self worth. When you have no mental buffer it feels a bit like having an open wound but thinking that by letting people poke around in it, they could help me heal.

‘Who’ is me questioning some of these people and experiences, it’s a reminder to not give your power away and to find it in your truth and self expression: To honour and embrace yourself fully, but also remembering the toll it can take when you don’t.”

Listen to the inspiring single below…

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Alt-pop artist merci, mercy shares third EP, ‘Like An Orchid.’

Alt-pop artist MERCI, MERCY shares her third EP, ‘Like An Orchid’, out now via Liberation Records. With this new body of work she delivers sparkling alt-pop anthems with heart, including recent releases ‘Shovel’, ‘Lonely & Horny’ and ‘Silver Lining’, along with unreleased cuts ‘If You Had Any Friends’ and ‘Mouldy’.

The songs bounce around merci’s thoughts on big topics including the ups and downs of relationships, struggles with addiction and anxiety, and everything in between. With support from BBC Radio 1 on Jack Saunders’ Future Artists show and Mollie King’s Future Pop show, on all of her material to date, merci, mercy has never been afraid of exploring emotional vulnerabilities. Navigating mental health issues and overcoming personal hurdles surrounding anxiety and growing up in relationships, she has poured newly gained insights and perspective into ‘Like An Orchid’.

“My new EP Like An Orchid is the roller coaster of emotions you have during your first relationship and how extreme they can feel especially when you are someone who has anxiety. This EP will take you on a journey of my inner demons while also showing you into my heart a little bit. The songs in Like an Orchid are a family in terms of the lyrics but distant relatives in terms of the way they sound. Each story has its own sound.” – merci, mercy.

WATCH THE ‘IF YOU HAD ANY FRIENDS’ LYRIC VIDEO

‘Like An Orchid’ saw merci, mercy once again work with her longtime collaborator and friend, producer Chris Collins (‘Lonely & Horny’ and ‘Mouldy’) along with fellow Sydney-based songwriter and producer Robby De Sa (‘Silver Lining’ and ‘If You Had Any Friends’) and the one and only Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy of The Wombats (‘Shovel’).

With over 24 million streams to her name thanks to the success of her first two EP releases: no thank you, no thanks (2020) and is it me, or is it you? (2022), the demand for new music from merci, mercy has grown in a consistent and organic way.

Widespread support via renowned outlets including triple j, Beats 1 and Zane Lowe, BBC Radio 1, Paper Magazine, NME, Clash Magazine, Flaunt and more, has positioned merci, mercy as part of a new vanguard of fresh Australian pop artists who have the potential to establish themselves as a long-standing presence internationally.

Extensive radio support throughout the UK and Europe, as well as continued global editorial playlist support across DSPs (she was one of the first global ambassadors of Spotify’s RADAR series and recently featured on the cover of Apple Music’s Superbloom playlist), has ensured merci, mercy’s front-of-mind status on the radars of industry and a fast-growing fanbase alike.

‘Like An Orchid’ is the next chapter in what has become one of Australian pop music’s most exciting and intriguing stories. Her dynamism was present from the jump but here, merci, mercy holds her space with a rejuvenated sense of self-awareness and ultimate happiness. A moment of blooming we can all wish to experience.

Listen to ‘Like and Orchid’ below…

Must Listens: Lonely & Horny, Silver Lining, Mouldy

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