Following the release of her debut EP, ‘Island of Mine’, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter, ELTHIA shares her latest offering, ‘I Love You, But You Make Me Cry.’ The song is the beginning of her new venture towards indie-pop music with dance elements, showcasing delicate instrumentation coupled with soft, dreamy vocals and glittery guitar harmonics.
‘I Love You, But You Make Me Cry’ was inspired by the pieces of a broken relationship. It’s about trying to reach someone, but they keep putting up their walls, trying to protect themselves – and every time you try to dig a little deeper, it hurts a little more. Elthia explains, “The message of the song is to tell the story of what it’s like to love something that hurts you every time you try to understand it. I wanted to show the duality of the two ideas that are constantly at war while existing inside of you, and showcase what the breaking point would actually be, if there is one at all.”
Have a listen to ‘I Love You, But You Make Me Cry’ below…
Following up from her widely-acclaimed debut single ‘I’m Not Running to You’, Manchester-based MNRØ’s latest single, ‘Waves’, displays a more contemplative, soulful side of her musical DNA.
This intriguing slice of futuristic pop is nonetheless just as addictive and catchy as its predecessor’s expletive-laden, confrontational blast of electro-pop, and seems tailor-made for sultry late summer evenings on the beach.
‘Waves is out now on all download and streaming platforms…have a listen below…
Released today (14th October), VOGUES’ second single, ‘Tony & Moses’ possess a soulful, laser-focused example of modern alternative pop, which chronicles the idea of losing someone. Written from the perspective of the one left behind, it succinctly captures the emotions of the character reckoning with loss.
Challenging the listener with unusual melody lines, yet delivering his lines with undeniable passion and sincerity, Londoner Vogues’ unique voice weaves elegantly around soothing strings, electronic drums and moving piano motifs.
Musically inspired by the likes of Julia Holter, Brian Eno, Group Listening and Penguin Cafe Orchestra – the name ‘Tony & Moses’ originally came from a video of Tony Allan teaching Moses Boyd how to drum afrobeat – which is where the drum machine pattern comes from – a very slowed-down afrobeat pattern tentatively played by Moses under Tony’s fixed stare.
‘Tony & Moses’ was originally written by Ted Mair, who along with Vogues make up part of The Golden Dregs’s live band.
Vogues says: “Ted sent me ‘Tony & Moses’ over lockdown and I instantly thought ‘I have to do a version of this’” explains Vogues. “The beauty of the song just really struck me. I asked him if he would allow me and if he wanted to collaborate on it. He had kinda distanced himself from it and thought it was going to lay dormant forever. However once I had a go at singing he was inspired to rearrange the instrumental, recording new material on double bass, clarinet, piano and bass guitar.”
Vogues counts artists including Dev Hynes and Solange as key sources of inspiration – and those influences can be heard within the soulful, diverse tracks he has released to date. Sounding in places like his voice has been lifted from a bygone era, Vogues, along with collaborators Benjamin Woods (AKA The Golden Dregs who produced Vogues’s debut single YH4M) and Ted Mair, neatly incorporate elements of soul, electronic and alternative pop to create something truly encapsulating.
‘Tony & Moses’ is out now via Nothing Fancy. Check out the lyric video for single below…
Following up on his single, ‘Salt’, which claimed the blog’s Song of the Week title last month, VOXXEN presents his latest, ‘Quit While Were Ahead’.
Unlike his previous effort, ‘Salt’, which possess bold uses of electro rock and indietronica, ‘Quit While Were Ahead’ is more of a minimalist affair, taking on feathery indietronica soundscapes.
Check out the accompanied video below, which features the Norwegian artist himself. Expect a string of singles from Voxxen plus an album release later this year.
Melbourne-based musician RARIA showcases her vibrant pop sound and knack for storytelling through latest single, Break Up With Her.
Co-written and produced by Rory Noble (Kanye West, Twice As Nice, Jupiter Project), ‘Break Up With Her’ is an infectious slice of guitar-driven pop music. Dealing with the emotional whirlwind of seeing an ex-partner move on with someone new, RARIA’s glistening vocal melodies soar over the track’s bouncing melody, injecting a playfully bold attitude into her unique brand of pop music.
Following the release of her debut single, ‘Will You Tell Your Girlfriend’, RARIA (formally known as Rachel Costanzo) is already leading a new wave of nostalgia-driven, eclectic pop. Redefining the genre and making music “to be remembered”, the up-and-coming star is ready to make a dynamic and lasting impact.