Tag: pop music

Thaïs Sala returns with her lusciously layered and immersive brand of electronic pop single ‘Sleeves’.

THAÏS SALA, the Paris-born singer/songwriter and cultural curator, is back with another stunning single, ‘Sleeves’, taken from her forthcoming debut EP, Echo Museum, which is set to release on 21st August.

Having grown up between the enchanting streets of Marrakech and the diverse landscapes of the UK, and now living in Montreal, Thaïs brings a rich, global perspective to her music. From a young age, Thaïs Sala has been immersed in a world of cultural diversity, and it shows in her music. Her unique sound blends electronic rhythms with soulful vocals, moving effortlessly between crystalline highs and husky lows. This mix of vulnerability and strength is a hallmark of her style, making her music resonate on a deeply emotional level.

Following the release of ‘Atonement’, Thaïs Sala now presents ‘Sleeves’, the second instalment from Echo Museum. Produced by Moses Belanger, ‘Sleeves’ is an intricate blend of subtle electronica elements and layers, making it an immediate and compelling listen. The track opens with emotive piano chords seamlessly mixed with Thaïs Sala’s ethereal harmonies, evolving into a rousing synth progression and a four-on-the-floor rhythm. This striking blend of soul and house music showcases her unique ability to merge genres effortlessly.

Lyrically, ‘Sleeves’ explores the theme of emotional honesty, likening the act of putting on and shedding emotions to wearing and removing clothing. Phrases like “uniform of feels” capture the routine of the psyche and the pressures to conform to external expectations. The song is a reflection on the struggle to be true to oneself and others while navigating life’s inherent highs and lows.

In the vein of artists like RY X, James Blake, and BANKS, ‘Sleeves’ is a modernised electronic and pop-infused masterpiece. Its deep, brooding quality soothes and enthuses simultaneously, showcasing the magic of Thaïs Sala’s craft.

As Thaïs Sala gears up for the release of Echo Museum, ‘Sleeves’ solidifies her place as a powerful new voice, with her ability to blend genres and create deeply personal yet universally relatable music making her an artist to watch for 2024 and beyond.

‘Sleeves’ was released on Wednesday (31st July). Why not have a listen below…

Connect with Thaïs Sala via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulsphynx/

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Arliston’s new single, ‘Vertical’ mountaineers through melancholy

ARLISTON‘s latest offering ‘Vertical’ is a brooding, introspective journey that delves deep into the heart of existential dread. The duo’s signature blend of intimate vocals and expansive soundscapes is in full force here, creating a sonic atmosphere that’s both suffocating and cathartic.

Opening with a delicate piano melody and Jack Ratcliffe’s soulful baritone, the track gradually builds to a crescendo of emotional intensity. It’s a familiar Arliston territory, but ‘Vertical’ feels like a particularly raw and vulnerable exploration of the band’s signature melancholia. The lyrics, both poignant and relatable, capture the paralyzing feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

Musically, the track is a masterclass in dynamics. The tension between quiet introspection and soaring choruses is expertly handled, creating a sense of emotional catharsis. The addition of Sam Catchpole’s driving drums and Brett Shaw’s percussive flourishes adds a layer of complexity to the arrangement, without ever overshadowing the song’s core emotional impact.

While Arliston’s influences are clear – The National, Bon Iver, and Damien Rice cast long shadows over their sound – the duo have managed to carve out their own distinctive niche. ‘Vertical’ is a testament to their talent for crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners, offering a much-needed soundtrack to those moments of doubt and despair.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Arliston, ‘Vertical’ is a must-listen. It’s a song that lingers in the mind long after the final notes fade, leaving you with a sense of both melancholy and hope.

‘Vertical’ was released last Friday (26th July) via various music platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Follow Arliston via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/officialarliston
IG: https://www.instagram.com/arliston/
X: https://x.com/arlistonband

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Song of the Day: Worth It – Paige Bea

London-based singer, songwriter and producer PAIGE BEA‘s single, ‘Worth It’, is a dark, feminist ode to the frustrations of not knowing where you stand at the start of a new relationship. On ‘Worth It’, Paige is characteristically direct, asking outright rhetorical questions that ask for frankness in where this new romance is heading, paired with bold, honest statements about her own intentions: “I’m not here to convince and coerce / make things nice and give birth / I’m a difficult person”.

Speaking more on the lyrical inspiration behind ‘Worth It’, Paige said: “The lyrics for Worth It came shortly after a date I’d just been on. I was already just so anxious about when I was going to get the text back and how much longer we were going to have to do this silly dance before we just gave in to falling in love and seeing what happens. It felt like we were both coming into the start of it with a lot of trepidation given past relationships we’d been in, and we were trying to be adults by taking it slow, but it also felt like that was sucking the fun, spontaneous joy of starting something new out of it? I was also thinking about expectations of women in relationships, the peacemaker, the homemaker, the PA, the mother (I’m not here to convince and coerce / Make things nice then give birth / I’m a difficult person) and I wanted to make a statement that I probably won’t fit into the idea of who you think I am and I want to make that clear, but I’m also up for just leaning into this new feeling and taking a leap of faith if you are? I think our generation has this tendency to think that because they are grown and therapised, it means we can micro-manage all our relationships and behaviours and I’m far too impulsive for that. I’m much more about throwing myself in the deep-end and seeing where it takes me.”

Across her work to date, Paige Bea has seen excitable airplay and support from BBC R1’s Jack Saunders, Tara Kumar, Sian Eleri, BBC Introducing London’s Jess Izsatt, and BBC 1Xtra’s Jamz Supernova (who invited her into the studio for a Late Night Discovery interview), as well as esteemed publications and outlets such as COLORS, The Line Of Best Fit, Wonderland, The Independent, CLASH Magazine, Wordplay Mag, enfnts terribles, The Rodeo + more.

Upon the release of ‘Worth It’, Paige Bea announced her new EP ‘Flutters’ which was available from Wednesday (17th July) via DMY Artists. Why not listen to the avant-garde track below…

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Song of the Day: avoid! – Sion

German-born and South Korea-based multi hyphenate SION has returned with the release of his highly anticipated EP, ‘Sociavoidance’. Marking a transformative period for the hit-maker, ‘Sociavoidance’ goes against what we’re accustomed to, navigating a variety of genre-bending sounds; the 5-track project is a step in a different direction for the storyteller. Following on from the February release of ‘O.o’, we dive deeper into Sion’s unpredictable world. With an EU tour on the horizon later this year, ‘Sociavoidance’ is a glimpse of what to expect on stage.

Exploring the disassociation in modern-day interaction, Sion bares elements of vulnerability as he confronts his fears and desires surrounding social interaction and relationships, forming a comforting familiarity for many that’s enriched with depth and emotion. Boasting a refreshed creative flare, ‘Sociavoidance’ finely blends indie electronica, abstract hip-hop, alt R&B, and glitch pop yet still remains cohesively structured. After hours of refining the smaller details, this project reflects a time of great significance and self-reflection.

Opening the EP with “avoid!”, Sion instantly sets the tone as he acknowledges his disillusionment with modern-day relationships. Confronting his difficulty with human connection, he shares that his existing relationships are strained because of it.

”When asked about the difference between this album and previous projects, Sion explained, “This project marks the beginning of a new journey for me musically. I dove into different subgenres such as indie electronica, abstract hip-hop, alt R&B, and glitch pop, while trying to bind together all these different sounds in a cohesive manner through tons of sound design. I’m not sure, and kind of scared about how it will resonate with my audience right now. But at some point, I needed to progress, and this work certainly gives me the courage to experiment with even more genres and styles going forward in my career. I want to be remembered as an artist who has many facets but maintains a distinct colour, and I’d like to believe that this album is a good start in the right direction.”

Listen to ‘avoid!’ below…

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Song of the Day: Leaves – Sann Rao

SANN RAO‘s latest offering, ‘Leaves’, is an introspective track that blends moody piano synths and punchy drums with soulful, expressive vocals, creating a vibe that’s both defiant and reflective. The song uses rich metaphors to express the superficiality and emptiness of certain figures in the music industry, while celebrating one’s authenticity and strong foundation. The song will be promoted with skits, a music video and short-form content.

“Leaves to me is about shallow relationships and the lack of authenticity in the music industry but also everyday life. (…) I talk about how I’m trying to live life differently to the people I’ve met and the meaningless interactions I’ve experienced.

(…) I want the listeners to have a better understanding of who I am as a person and I’d like them to see that I make music to contribute something truthful to the world” – Sann Rao

Sann Rao, a 27-year-old R&B sensation hailing from Surrey, UK, brings a unique and distinctive voice to the industry. Of Indian heritage, Sann’s vocal prowess is characterised by an impressive range that captivates audiences. His sound has earned him praise at open mic performances, where his hard work and dedication shine through.

Investing in his craft and driven by an unwavering belief in his talent, Sann is a relentless artist committed to pushing his musical boundaries. The singer-songwriter has garnered praise from both fellow musicians and new fans, who recognize his exceptional talent and eagerly anticipate his future releases.

In collaboration with BBC Radio Producer and frequent creative partner, Illatek, Sann Rao is building a lane for himself in the music landscape. Their latest release, ‘In 2 U,’ dropped mid December 2023 and has garnered over 9,000 listens on Spotify, contributing to their collective success of over 50,000 streams across their collaborations. The track made waves across the UK, with radio station shows such as BBC Radio and Kishmeister at Itch FM featuring the song in their rotations. Sann’s first official release, ‘Honest,’ which debuted in February 2024, has reached +15k streams on Spotify.

Currently under the representation of Oh Eight, a label and talent management services agency, Sann is poised to ascend to the next level of his musical journey. As he continues to evolve and enchant with his melodies, Sann Rao stands as a rising star in the R&B scene, leaving a mark on the industry with his one-of-a-kind voice and unwavering passion for the art.

Listen to ‘Leaves’ below…

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