Tag Archives: synth pop

A Chat With : Dagny

I caught up with Norwegian singer songwriter Dagny [Norvoll Sandvik] ahead of the release of part two of her debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ which is out on the 2nd October. We discussed how she crafts her tracks, her emotional songwriting and how writing and potting plants has kept her busy over the last few months.

Dagny has officially solidified herself in recent years as one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters: yielding over 450 million streams, as well as selling out international headline tours along with critical acclaim from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harper’s Bazaar. Her debut EP ‘Ultraviolet’ received unanimous praise from critics with features such as Billboard’s 10 Pop Stars To Watch In 2017, and VEVO’s Ones To Watch 2017.

When we spoke, Dagny was in Oslo. It was a beautiful day in Oslo while I sat facing a window displaying the gloomy dull Irish weather ( I was definitely experiencing weather envy). However I express my love for the beauty of the coming season, Autumn and we discuss the colours and magic that this time of year beholds as Dagny reveals to me it was London that sparked her own love for Autumn

“You know what, I’m the same actually, I love Autumn. My favorite time of the year and I lived in London for a long time. So, for some reason it just reminds me a lot of London weirdly, I don’t know what that is but this gives me a good feeling in my stomach this time of year.”

Dagny has been honing and perfecting her songwriting for a few years and she has been nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year at 2019 Spellemannprisen Awards (Norwegian Grammys) – the third year in a row Dagny has been nominated. Among her many achievements, she also co-wrote Katy Perry’s recent single ‘Never Really Over’ – racking an impressive 300 million streams on Spotify alone but only now has she decided to release her debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’. This is a collection of tracks she has been crafting and perfecting all this time for the album

“Yeah, absolutely. I started on this album and decided that I was going to do an album around springtime in 2019 and then we went into the studio in October and that’s kind of where we’ve been since October last year, so it’s been a long process…the fact that you have to see it as a whole, instead of just concentrating on singles and you have to work on the story and development throughout the album and the track list and how the songs are transitioning between each other, so it’s been a very different process than focusing on the singles. I think for me it was so exciting and challenging and inspiring to work on a bigger project and have a bigger body of work basically, so it is something that we’ve spent a lot of time on, yeah for sure.”

“I think the songwriting was mostly the same because I first started out by deciding what my favorite songs were. I listened through, basically my old catalogue that I’ve been writing the last few years and then I very quickly saw that there was a theme and it became very clear to me what the theme was and this whole thing about splitting the album into two. As I started working and diving into the album more and more ( obviously in periods during the last year I’ve also been writing a little bit ) I think the process was a bit different because I already knew what I had and what I felt was missing and if there was a little part of the story that I felt wasn’t really being communicated well enough then I could dig a bit deeper into that specific theme or you know, whether it’s an upbeat song or a really melancholic song, so I think the writing that I’ve been doing throughout the period has definitely been different, I’ve put my mind into trying to make something very specific.”

“Before I started making the album, it was very much like going to the studio and just see what happens and letting yourself be inspired in all kinds of directions. So in that sense I guess it’s been a little bit different but I think in general, when I write I try not get too caught up in what’s happening in music in general. I never try and go in and be like ‘oh yeah let’s try and write a single’ and stuff, it’s just whatever mood you’re in, you have to let that take the lead I guess on what you end up doing that day”.

Dagny has already released the first half of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ earlier this year and the second half is due in October. I wondered why she chose to separate the album into two halves and if it was to give all the tracks a chance to be heard and appreciated

“ Well, it was actually when I started listening through all the songs that I’ve written and I found my 15 favorites or something. I just felt like there was a very clear story but it sounds like two sides of the story. I played it to some of my band members while we were doing festival season last year and I remember them giving me the same reaction like, ‘this feels great, but it kind of feels like two sides of the story’. So you have one side which is very much like the start and happy time of a relationship and then you have the other half which is showing a breakup or post a breakup. So it just felt like a natural way of telling the story even clearer. Also it felt very natural to put out the first half, which is very upbeat and happy, before the summer and then maybe leaving the more darker side of it to the autumn. Just because for me music can be a little bit season based, but in a positive way because I just want to enhance certain feelings that I have with different seasons.”

“So it was a lot of things that made me draw that conclusion and then working on the visuals and working on the album, I wanted to make it really clear that it’s an album and not an EP, that’s something that we really put a lot of time and effort into…. there’s a lot of stuff going on all the time, a lot of information constantly to take in and I want my album to be something that you sit down with and you listen to. In a way, I guess you’re right, it gives all the songs an opportunity to be heard which I think is a nice thought. “

‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’ is the first taste of what we can expect from the second half. It’s quite the empowering electronic pop track that was in fact inspired by the classic movie Casablanca.

“With that song I think we started with music and we were very inspired by the track and the sound of the track. It was funny because you can get inspired by lots of different things and then at the end of the day when you write it, it’s like, you put your own experiences and your own thoughts into it. So actually what first sparked that song, like the idea of that song was this old movie, a classic, it’s called Casablanca, it’s from 1942 or something and it’s a love story. The main character, the male character in the film he has this quote that he says several times throughout the movie where he goes “here’s looking at you kid” and I guess the way that we kind of interpreted that was, it’s something that he says when he realizes he can’t have the love of his life or they can’t be together but he can still look at her and admire her. It doesn’t really change how he feels about her and so I was just inspired by that”

The first half of the album is laced in shimmering sunny pop tracks with sugary synths and rich electronic beats. Dagny explains she gets her inspiration from anywhere and the format of how she writes varies with each song

“Actually, a lot of the time for me, both happen at the same time. I very rarely write a song like on a piano and then put production on it, because I find that I can equally get inspired by what’s happening in the track. The sounds and the feeling that I get from the track can be part of inspiring what the song is about or how I write the melodies and stuff, so it often feels like things happen almost at the same time. Once the song is written and for me, very quickly, I get an idea of whether this feels like something special or not and then you spend a lot of time crafting it after the song is there, but I think working with a team like me and another songwriter and a producer for example then, I love that. Those things kind of happen very much around the same time, I guess. On the record I think the only song that really changed was on the first half, there was a song called ‘Tension’ and that was actually a really upbeat super, kind of pop-y vibe. It just didn’t really feel right so we completely changed it and it became the most, I guess melancholic song of the first half but other than that, I think, a lot of the foundation of the song is already there from when it was written”

One of my favourite songs on the first half of the album is ‘Paris’. I love the swoony, dreamy, delicacy of the track. Each song on the album has a special place in Dagny’s heart and depicts a special emotion for her as well, its difficult for her to pick a favourite.

“Oh, that’s a tricky question. I think for me, honestly, it has changed very much throughout the process. I think I’ve probably had a phase with all of them like there’s been, one month that I’ve been listening to this song and it’s like ‘oh this is my favorite’ and then maybe another month where I don’t listen to that song at all and I listened to one of the other songs, I’m like ‘no, this is my favorite’. I mean obviously they’re all picked because they’re special to me in some way, and there’s some songs that I’m very excited to play live, while other songs that you know, just hit me more emotionally. I often find that about stuff in a live sense and I think, ‘Come Over’ has always been special to me I guess. I don’t know why, and ‘Somebody’ too. So, I don’t know, I love them all in different ways.”

Dagny’s passionate vocals exude an effortless sweetness. It would seem she was always a strong singer and confident vocalist however singing is not where she feels at her best

“Oh no, not at all. Absolutely not, for me songwriting was probably what grabbed me first and singing was just the way of communicating what I was writing, I guess. I’ve never been like a schooled singer and I’ve had so many issues with my voice so sometimes I can be really like ahh!. It’s just so annoying because I get so hoarse but I guess throughout lots and lots of years of songwriting I’ve just found my thing and what kind of works for my voice. But yeah, I think sometimes  I also pick songs because they feel right for my voice, you know” 

Music and writing is an art form and an expression of ideas and emotions etc. They are born from the creative genius and experiences of the artist. I have always wondered if it is difficult for an artist to hear someone else singing their songs as they may not sing or express the song the same way the songwriter would or even understand or correctly interpret the mindset the musician was in at the time of writing the song. Dagny is not as bothered by this as I might have thought, she wants the best for her songs. Almost like children she wants them nurtured and the best brought out in them even if its not her voice to do it

“I definitely know when I can’t do justice to a song. If I write a song and I feel like i’m not nailing this song and feel it would be so much better if someone else has sang it like I’m not precious with that stuff at all. The most important thing I do always is to make sure that the song is the best that it can be, whether it’s me singing it or someone else so sometimes I make songs and I quickly realize one out of three things, one, no, this lyrically does feel right to me, or two, this song I just cannot sing as good as it needs to be sung or three, it just doesn’t really fit in or, it doesn’t really hit me in the right way or it just doesn’t feel like a Dagny song. That’s how we explain it. It’s either a Dagny song or it’s not, but I think most of the time I always go into the studio thinking that I’m writing something for myself and then sometimes it just happens to come out differently. So then obviously I want that song to find another home so it doesn’t just lie in some inbox and never get heard. So, yeah that’s like my main focus to just try and do whatever is best for the song.”

“If I then ended up giving a song away then, in a way, I want that artist to make it their own and to communicate it in the way that they feel is right, so the second I give it away it’s not really up to me to decide anymore. Yeah, so I don’t think I’m precious with that because I feel if a song, felt right and I was able to do it in the right way, then I probably would have just kept it for myself. I mean for me, I obviously mainly focus on my own project but I do love writing for other people. I feel it’s a different type of creativity, where, I can just have a flow of ideas but I’m not the one who has to filter it and I don’t have to think about, ‘oh no I wouldn’t sing that line’ or that’s not how I really felt or you know those kind of things. So, sometimes it’s almost easier to write songs if it’s not for you.”

Dagny has released stripped back versions of her tracks; she recently released a beautiful version of ‘Somebody’. This version focuses on the lush quality of her melodies while also showcasing her rich vocals and the depth in her lyrics. Sometimes with a pop song these important elements can fall deaf on listeners ears and get lost in all the musical production. These moving, stripped back versions of her tracks truly display just how talented an artist Dagny is. 

“ For me the more singer songwriter approach has always been how I started out and so that’s something that I really love doing, stripping things back like that. But I think, as you say, I believe if it’s a really strong song, then you can basically do it almost in any form and it will still shine through in a way. But I think, doing the more stripped back stuff you can convey a completely different emotion. I remember when we did an acoustic rendition of ‘Somebody’ people were like ‘oh that’s actually a really beautiful song’ and I think because the production is so up and kicking ( the way that it is on the main record), then as you say maybe people don’t really take in the emotion as much or that kind of emotion or maybe they don’t listen to the lyrics and the melody as much. So in a way, when you strip it back like that it suddenly becomes almost a whole different song or a whole different emotion, which I think is really nice and something that we’ve been doing with a lot of my singles. I think we’re gonna hopefully continue doing that.“

During this crazy covid time and lockdown Dagny got to focus on her album and spend time just taking a breather from all the chaos life can bring 

“ In the beginning I was in quarantine so I had to stay at home. And it was actually for me at the time much needed. I think I needed to just slow down a little bit and, you know, re-pot some plants and sow and do other things that were just non music related and really just breathe a little bit. So, for me, that first period was actually really important. But then after that, you know, obviously the summer, not being able to do festivals and stuff, which I love and I missed a lot. I just kind of dug into the album even more and I started doing a lot more writing this summer so I’ve kind of kept busy for the whole time and been working a lot so it’s been very creative and just musical in a different way than I thought.”

I think I prefer a non-Corona year if I’m going to be honest like most others, but I really feel at the same time that there has been some really nice parts of it as well. It’s just like slowing down sometimes you know when you travel all the time and you work all the time, sometimes it’s nice to just remember that there are other things to life too. People are feeling a lot of pressure as well because everyone’s constantly keeping busy and doing so much and being social and we’re always getting all the best sides through social media and I think a lot of people are feeling a lot of pressure. So I felt those first weeks when everyone was just staying at home we were all just in the same boat and there wasn’t so much pressure on constantly doing stuff and being social and all these things. I think it’s important sometimes to just stop and breathe, but it’s hard when you feel like everyone else is moving so fast and being so productive.”

“In a way I hope we can take with us in some degree and maybe remember that it’s okay to stop a little bit sometimes. I just found that when Corona was happening, people were getting really crafty. They were like doing a lot of handwork whether it was knitting or sewing or potting plants and stuff and I just think there’s something really meditative with all of those kind of hobbies. A lot of people have continued that even after we were able to go out and meet people again.”

So what advice would Dagny have for aspiring songwriters and musicians?

“My advice would be to learn your craft, Just go out and write and write. At the end of the day the song is the most important thing; your music and the song. So constantly develop as a songwriter. Also play your instrument or play shows live and get training, that is really important or at least it has been for me. I also think not giving up is the best advice I can give because I was 25 when I released my first single, which, for a lot of people they would have probably just stopped, even before they reach 25 because they felt like, they needed to get on with plan B or whatever. But for me if I’d done that then I probably would have never been doing music like I do now, so just keep at it and persist and follow your gut and have fun with it.”

“At the end of the day we make music which is like, – I’m not a doctor or a nurse and like saving lives – but music really makes a difference to people’s life and emotionally its important for people. You can write a song to make someone feel uplifted or you can make a song to make people feel it’s allowed to just cry their heart out or whatever and that’s a really nice thing to do. For me at least, I try not lose track of that and not be too caught up in all of the other sides to music, you know, social media and business and all of that, but just remember that all I’m really trying to do is put sounds to an emotion, I guess. So, enjoy it.”

Dagny’s well-honed songwriting teamed with her mature, fun, synth-pop production creates vivid and passionate tunes. Each track is carefully crafted to present a relatable theme and energize the listener with a rush of emotions while giving something delightful to dance to at the same time. The first half of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is an invigorating surge of deft instrumentation and wonderfully infectious songwriting, I can’t wait to hear what the second half brings. 

Part two of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is set for release on October 2nd. Until then check out the first half below

Author : Danu

Darkroom Data ‘Hydrogen’

Darkroom Data have released their new single ‘Hydrogen’. Darkroom Data is the retro synthpop science project of Irish vocalist Gillian NoVa and Brazilian composer Márcio Paz. The duo have been writing and recording together for two years, developing a synth heavy sound that is lofi, synthpop at the core.

‘Hydrogen’ is a retro synth pop number generously dipped in the rhythmic and atmospheric musicianship of Darkroom Data. With pulsing beats puncturing the sugary rush on synths the duo create a chilled airy atmosphere while the sultry lull on vocals, coo and caress the ear worm melody. The song builds becoming more effervescent and heavy allowing the electronics to fuzz, creating darker undertones to this 80’s – esque tune. Darkroom Data have a tight and cohesive sound that is well crafted and layered to create a fluid, groovy listening experience. The track exudes moments of dynamic synth explosions which will coax you up to dance. ‘Hydrogen’ is a modern love story set to retro beats, ethereal synths and lush pop melodies and is a fine example of the compelling sound of Darkroom Data.

Stream ‘Hydrogen’ below 


Author ; Danu

TOYGIRL ‘Poison’

Dublin-based five-piece TOYGIRL are back with their third single out to date, ‘Poison’.Comprising Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar), Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar), and Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), and British / French lead singer Hannah Worrall the band have already notched up over 250K streams on Spotify and have been firmly established on the Irish music circuit, TOYGIRL is ready to extend their reach across international borders.

With layered ethereal synths shimmering over a rhythmic soundscape, ‘Poison’ ripples with the mesmerising musicianship of TOYGIRL. The majestic soundscapes fill the crevices of your mind with soft caresses while haunting whispered backing vocals lull in the backdrop creating a tranquil atmosphere for the listener to indulge in while the rich intricate drums build the tense and darker undertone.

TOYGIRL craft and layer their songs superbly so each listen reveals a new sound or hidden sonic delight which makes every replay just as compelling as the first. Chiming guitars delicately meander through the song’s vast pool of musical intricacies. Only for Hannah Worrall’s vocals (which exude passion, soul and rich tones) it would be easy for the listener to become lost within the track. Her sultry coos anchor and guide the listener through the tracks abyssal depths.The song builds in the later half. The intoxicating synths and bass intensify as the dark and sinister undertone bares its teeth and becomes more apparent.

‘Poison’ is an excellent display of the refined and immaculate musicianship of TOYGIRL. With each release TOYGIRL display musical prowess well beyond their years. Their music evokes a myriad of emotions and stimulates every sensory factor of the listeners imagination. ‘Poison’ is a joy to listen to again and again and again…

About the track Hannah Worrall said : “For me, this song is about deep infatuation, platonic, or romantic.The feeling that someone has accepted your purest form and loves you unconditionally. It’s one of the first songs that I wrote where my words felt transparent and straightforward, in some ways that makes me feel more vulnerable but also more connected to the song ” 

Stream ‘Poison’ below 


Author : Danu

Jack Rua ‘Narcissus’ Album

Photo Credit : PureGrand

Jack Rua, the ambitiously bold and innovative Irish Glam-pop artist, is set to release his debut eight-track mini-album, ‘Narcissus’ on June 26th. ‘Narcissus’ sees Jack Rua team up with producers Porridge, LOGUOS, Mattu, Tenderhook. and Rouleaux. Following the internationally-praised releases of ‘Scarlet A’, ‘Ego’, ‘Rise’, ‘Curious’, and the albums fifth and final single ‘Reflection’ released earlier this month the album charts the singer-songwriter’s journey after he graduated from college, moved away from home to New York City and broke up from a long-term relationship.

‘Narcissus’ wraps, contorts and dazzles as Jack Rua brings a vivid array of influences from glam rock, house and pop to create a full bodied, shimmering and utterly infectious collection of tracks. There is much vibrancy within as Rua entices the listener right into the album’s dark epicentre while keeping the danceable infectiousness alive throughout with wild dance explosions and slick glam rock swagger. It’s quite the enjoyable power pop gem. 

‘Narcissus’ sets the Jack Rua experience in motion. He doesn’t do anything in half measures and his debut album is a sublime example of how Rua has mastered his craft through meticulous attention to detail and layering. Luring dark and eerie, Rua entices with flashing beat pulses before erupting into an implosive, tense EDM soundscape. ‘Narcissus’ is an intriguing start to the album and a fine display of Rua’s musicianship. He superbly teases and builds tension in his tracks, fermenting thrilling electronics to create bubbling coiling soundscapes of fragmented synths and dramatic electronic progressions. The talented Darce joins Rua for the sultry ‘Rise’.Well placed risqué lyrics are cooled by Rua’s soft vocals while the sticky electronics smother the backdrop in a humid haze. Darce’s raps punch through the sensual electronics as the track simmers and smoulders in a bubbling pop vapour. 

Lyrically ‘Narcissus’ is a coming-of-age album which juxtaposes the joys of self-discovery with the personal and global anxieties you feel when you get a bit older.‘Curious’ playfully challenges binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world” while ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’ expresses a newfound appreciation that the artist began to feel for himself. The theatrical finger clicking and sultry ‘Scarlet A’ marks a turning point in the tracklist where Rua dives beneath his ego and explores the deeper and darker parts of himself. All this is set to an invigorating backdrop of dubstep elements, punchy rhythms and intoxicating electronics.

LOGUOS and Rua are quite the musical dream team, creating a shimmering summer pop anthem with crisp, infectious production and the passionate, euphoric musicianship of ‘Ego’ is quite the radio ready summer bop.

The artist’s scramble to be remembered in ‘Forget Me Not’ is deftly expressed through gripping, intense, intricate layering embellished only by the incomparable musical flair of Jack Rua. Each song exudes vibrancy and expressive musicianship to create the ultimate dance pop album ready to tantalize the listeners ears. 

The album takes a turn with the melodious ‘Reckless Abandon’, however rather than brooding through a moody ballad Rua whacks out a dance infused 80’s anthemic number with lamenting guitar strides and power pop gusto. The harsher guitar elements slice through the pop mirages as the song spirals into a disco hued swirl of confusion. There is still composure within the track which is impressive. It’s a song about the despair that can occur in a situation wherein one can suddenly lose complete control. Rua displays passion through the coiling entwinement of this music. His vocals remain emotive yet composed.

The beautiful ‘Reflection’ brings the album to an end. Rua cools the tone for his finale ruminating on who he is and whether or not he likes what he sees in the mirror. With wispy electronics and a heavy thumping beat he closes the album after a whirlwind of acceptance, experimentation and self doubt to almost start it all again. Rua’s vocal delivery is simple with as little fuss as possible allowing the lyrics and his soft tone drift over the ethereal backdrop. It’s a powerful thought-provoking song to close a frantic and colourful album. 

‘Narcissus’ is a fabulously fun and deeply personal album. Jack Rua announces his debut album with musical flair, prowess and compelling dance pop. This talented artist is fearless. He is not afraid to express his vulnerability and that is a quality to be admired. He is certainly an artist to keep an eye on. His tunes are a rebellious, catchy and wholly satisfying listening experience. I’ve witnessed Jack Rua blossom as an artist. Each track he has released to date has grown and built his rich, bold and intriguing sound to create a moving and unique collection of tracks that is polished and refined. He has become quite the dance pop connoisseur. 

‘Narcissus’ will be released on June 26th until then you can stream Jack Rua’s recent single ‘Curious’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Buddie Introducing : Electric Skyline

Electric Skyline have released their new single ‘Hit Play’ which is part of their two track EP entitled ‘A Side / B Side’.Electric Skyline started putting out songs on their own in Spring of 2020. Long-time friends, Robby Walton and Blake Brock -both indie artists from the same town- joined forces with Nashville guitar player Jesse Walpole to form a band that knew what they were going for. The band’s process is a self-sustainable machine. Everything you see and hear was created by the band; no label or management. They’ve written, recorded and produced all of the material that’s been put out in 2020 as well as all of the business details that come with releasing music as an artist.It’s a very communicative process and with the members living in different cities, (Robby and Jesse in Nashville and Blake in Birmingham).All of the band’s songs could be considered, “recently released,” the most so being their fourth publication and first EP, “A Side / B Side,” that is a two-song, modern day representation of a cassette tape with a single song on each side. “Hit Play” was a song that Blake had half- written and “No Phones,” the same of one of Robby’s. Both songs were eventually co-written and feature both of the vocalists in the tracks. 

‘Hit Play’ is a dreamy electro-pop number as Electric Skyline entwine laid back melodies with luscious production and synths to create a mellow sweet gem. The gentle lilt of the vocals warmly hugs the soft synth-pop melodies while the track grooves through the backdrop with danceable rich rhythms and infectious diso hued grooves. There is a cool vibe drifting over the song as the delicate key twinkles float wistfully through the buoyant beats and infectious funk peppering provided by the guitars.With a nostalgic tone of longing, rippling undercurrents and laid back persona, the electro pop sound Electric Skyline embrace is magnetic. The trio’s sound reminds me of Troye Sivan’s debut ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ however their disco elements, funk zest and rich composition puts Electric Skyline’s stamp and unique twist on the electronic pop genre. Their tunes are enthralling, satisfying and sweet as honey to the ears. 

Stream ‘Hit Play’ below 


Author : Danu

Slouch ‘Duplicity’

Glasgow Band Slouch follow up their early 2019 release, ‘In Your Mind’, with brand new single ‘Duplicity’. The single was recorded in summer 2019 in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. This year has so far seen them included in Fred Perry Subculture’s ‘Big in 2019’ playlist curated by This Feeling, play some of Glasgow’s most famous venues including King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Stereo and Nice N Sleazy and play their first shows outside of their hometown.

‘Duplicity’ is an effervescent glistening delight as Slouch meticulously blend punchy indie rock with ethereal shimmering synths and sublime pop sensibilities. With chiming guitars sparkling through the dynamic euphoric soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo, ‘Duplicity’ has everything to have you singing along and dancing. The melty melody drifts elegantly under the warm vocals as the track builds to its anthemic chorus. With a zesty guitar solo and crisp electronics Slouch have created a hazy dreamy number filled with sublime bubbling instrumentation.

‘Duplicity’ will be celebrated with a gig in Broadcast Glasgow hosted by This Feeling on the 27th September.

Stream ‘Duplicity’ below 


Author : Danu

Ivory Wave ‘Uptown’

Birmingham indie/dance band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Uptown’. The song was produced by Matt Terry (Prodigy/Enemy/YouMeAtSix) & mixed by Grammy award winning producer, Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2). Ivory Wave have landed main support slots with DMA’S, The Twang, Superfood and played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Truck, Y Not, Shiine On to name a few

‘Uptown’ is an infectious track filled with shimmering synths and rich rhythms. The track shimmy’s in, cool yet dynamic in its floor filling approach. Ivory Wave have a knack for creating carefree tunes as they add a pop polished sheen to their raw indie to create something truly enjoyable. Honest lyrics, brummie vocals and a smooth melody pepper the track in a catchy atmosphere while the swirling synths, jangly guitars and snappy beat make the track anthemic and ready for festival sing alongs. ‘Uptown’ is a fine display from Ivory Wave.

About the track George Johnson said “Uptown is about a binge of going out drinking. The fact that all week you’ll be texting your mates, planning those big nights out, to just wake up with a hangover, all your wages spent and 20 missed calls off your girlfriend. It just stopped appealing to me.”

Stream ‘Uptown’ below 


Drive ‘Reckless’

Synthpop duo Drive have released their new single ‘Reckless’. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK the band self produce all their own music. This exhilarating new track boasts Drive’s confident heart racing musicianship as they douse their indie sound in a sparkling 80’s pop sheen. Shimmering ethereal synths wisp and soar creating a breathtaking soundscape and rush of adrenaline while the snappy buoyant beat adds an infectious danceable quality into the mix. The smooth vocals flood the track with passion as this duo flesh out their youthful sound with rich soundscapes, wonderful synths and sublime melodies. With a catchy melody dipped in honey sweet tones this glucose pop number is charming and instantly infectious. An exciting effort from Drive.

Stream ‘Reckless’ below 


Victors ‘I’ve Been Missing You’

Victors have released their new single ‘I’ve Been Missing You’. Few can lay claim to performing at The Jacksons’ VIP party, having their tracks played at NFL Stadiums all over America and reaching nearly 2 million Spotify streams on their first release, yet Victors have found a formula in their undeniably catchy sound that is winning people over time and time again.

‘I’ve Been Missing You’ is a pristine sweet pop number as Victors flesh out their smooth clean sound with ethereal synths and lush melodies. Laid back and easy on the ears this velvety track floats beautifully on precise warm guitars while the shimmering synths soothe the backdrop in blissful delight.With soulful vocals and infectious beat this is one mellowed passionate song. Guest vocals are provided by up and coming artist Pippa, making this creamy track take on a glittering euphoric high for the candied chorus. With a luscious haze of pop sprinkled goodness coating the song ‘I’ve Been Missing You’ is an impressive tune with a slushy sweet 90’s boy band sheen. .

Following on from their last record ‘Big City,’ ‘I’ve Been Missing You’ acts as the other half to its predecessor, linking together lyrically and maintaining that signature Victors sound. The band added:“I’ve Been Missing You follows on from Big City. They kinda come as a pair.Realizing you’ve made mistakes but finding yourself in similar situations over and over”

Stream ‘I’ve Been Missing You’ below


Indie Quick Picks

Pelicandy

Photo credit: Nona Duch

Genre: alt-pop

Bio: Pelicandy are a London alt-pop duo who shared their first release of 2019 ‘Silent Treatment’ earlier this spring, the two-piece have already received widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community and across the airwaves (BBC Radio 1, Virgin),

Track: White Sky

About the track vocalist TC stated: “White Sky is about realising the ability to focus and reframe your own thoughts and perception of reality. Choosing what world you want to live in depending more on your mind-set than your surrounding environment, it’s like a superpower that anyone can learn. Depending on how we direct our thoughts we can even change our body’s own biology. It sounds like science fiction or new-age spirituality but it’s legit psychology and neuroscience”!

Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering funk flavoured synth driven track that glides upon cool chilled tones and a laid back atmosphere. With refreshing crisp synths glistening through snappy drums and breezy soundscapes this electronic number is brimming with swagger and summer vibes. Featuring a zesty stinging guitar solo and an infectious melody this velvety gem is instantly likeable.

You can follow Pelicandy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pelicandyband

Stream ‘White Sky’ below

Michael Jablonka

Photo credit :Lennon Gregory

Genre: Alternative Indie

Bio: Michael Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. His skills have been utilised by some of the country’s major rock and pop acts, and this summer Jablonka continues his tour of arenas and festivals worldwide with fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka

Track: ‘Go- Go’

Why We Like It:  It’s a haunting number that broods Jablonka’s refined thrilling musicianship. A steady drum beat sets a hypnotic tone for this thrilling track to flourish off while the sweet lamenting guitar chimes between this eerie sulky backdrop. The song builds becoming more passionate as distorted guitar pines and shrills flesh out Jablonka’s raw edgy sound. The song progresses beautifully from its laid back beginnings, gradually building to a soul infused rock crescendo brimming with intensity as the gritty guitar solo taking the track to spine chilling heights.

You can follow Michael Jablonka on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljablonkaofficial/

Stream ‘Go- Go’ below

Sea Girls

Genre: Indie

Bio: Following a whirlwind start to the year, which saw them being named as the only band on the BBC’s Sound of 2019 list and playing their biggest ever sold out live show at London’s Heaven, Sea Girls are excited to share the news that they have signed a record deal with Polydor Records (Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, The 1975). Earlier this month, the band announced their biggest UK shows for this autumn, kicking off in Nottingham on 2nd October

Track:  Damage Done

Vocalist and songwriter Henry Camamile explains the track: “Damage Done is about young love and moving on. The night before the song was written I recognised that a part of my past was amazing, a bit flawed and broken all at the same time. I wanted to try to be at peace with it, and to realise that better things are to come rather than holding onto the past. I sort of told myself I’m singing to no one if I’m not thinking of the future.”

Why We Like It:  It’s another passionate compelling track from Sea Girls that sweeps you up into a clenching surge of adrenaline. The sweet toned guitar twinkles between a snappy pulsing beat creating the tense and suspenseful verses that tease the anthemic chorus to come. These guys have an insane ability to create gripping, youthful tunes that rush into your veins with the expectation, kinetic energy and flutter of a first kiss while packing in some impressive indie backing to keep everything invigorating and refreshing. With an infectious melody, energetic bass, passionate warm vocals and precise exhilarating musicianship- it’s one sublime whoosh of indie to have you hooked in seconds.

You can follow Sea Girls on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sonicseagirls/

Stream ‘Damage Done’ below

Llovers

Genre: Indie Pop

Bio: Fast establishing themselves as one of the North East’s finest emerging acts,Teesside quintet Llovers have released their debut EP ‘Things That I Don’t Understand’, preceded by sparkling lead single ‘Coming Loose’ out via Think Tank? Drawing widespread acclaim across the airwaves (BBC Radio, 1, BBC 6 Music) over the last 18 months with a series of early releases, the band have already demonstrated their buoyant live potential supporting acts including Sundara Karma, Dream Wife and VANT.

Track: Coming Loose

About the track co frontman Jack Brooks stated : “Coming Loose deals with the anxieties that can come from being in a relationship, specifically one in which there’s little affection given from a paramour on the surface. It describes these feelings while also establishing which is used as a form of comfort within the narrative of the track”.

Why We Like It:  It’s a sparkling indie pop delight that swoons and floats around a delicious melody, shimmering synths and warm velvety vocals. A lustrous soundscape floods the track in dazzling scintillation while glittering guitars and a steady beat provide a wispy dreamy quality making this track so easy on the ears. The bitter sweet melody contrasts sublimely with the vibrant instrumental backdrop as the song soaks in summer vibes, psychedelic pop embellishments and rich textures.

You can follow Llovers on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wearellovers

Stream ‘Coming Loose’ below

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