Atlanta-based rapper Jerome's single "Global" celebrates how far he's come while not easing up on the throttle either. He also keeps it real and honest, admitting in the lyrics: "I was rapping about materials and shit so pathetic. I was talking like I'm better than the listener, thought that shit was good for me but it just kept me prisoner. Yeah I hope you understand that when you feelin' insecure, not a single person on this planet has your signature, not a single person on this planet has a story like yours, these haters gonna try and knock you but don't fall to the floors."
The song comes as he recently celebrated 188k monthly listeners on Spotify, saying on Twitter: "that is insane to me. I remember being at 10,000 and celebrating because I remembered what it was like to have 100. If you have ever streamed my music, thank you." The track has a potent lofi sound with a relentless urban beat thanks to production from Jacko.
Seattle-based indie pop duo Follies & Vices' latest single "Red Wine" is sure to get your foot tapping along with its boppin' bassline, groovy rhythm and fantastic indie guitars and vocals - including a cool fuzzed guitar solo. They've been playing local indie rock venues and have been together for a number of years but took a hiatus around 2015 to pursue other bands. They then reassembled in 2017 and released two singles in the lead up to their first "official" single "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" in July 2018. Here's to more great music to come from them!
Toronto-based artist Freddie Future brings the smooth vibes on his debut single "Leave Me Cold". His vocal melody is mesmerising and super catchy, leading the track over silky electronic pop production. The track is the first from his upcoming self-titled EP (due mid-2019) and whilst remaining light musically, lyrically it deals with the weight of: "the crushing, sobering realization that you have been in the wrong once the other person has left. The vibe of the song captures this heartbreak we face within our relationships."
Just before Christmas, Florida-based electronic producer MorN released the first single "Onset" from his forthcoming album "World In Color", and now every two weeks until around April, he'll be releasing new songs from the album. Last month MorN released the dazzlingly euphoric third and titular track with vocals from Gillian Marino, of which he wrote:
"The first three songs of the album start the journey and the intention behind the music I want to create. 'Onset' starts with an epic explosion of color, bringing you into the start of the journey and the pure confidence and inspiration that carries you through the creative process. 'Heartbeat' then focuses on the introspective self doubt and self awareness to then become yourself through realizing that acceptance of who you are is the key to happiness."
"This song, World in Color, is the outcome of this realization in Heartbeat. Without many of the things that hold you back, you are free to create in such a way that there are no limits. It's such a valuable feeling and I hope that this song causes you guys to feel the inspiration that I felt when producing and perfecting it."
Opening with classical-like strings, Kaskade's new single with vocalist Cecilia Gault works into a chilled out pop house track with a dancey yet minimal drop. Kaskade promoted its release with a video on Twitter questioning whether or not people are more likely to break up on Valentines Day than any other holiday. Hopefully that's not the case for any of you, but at least you'll have this great song to play!
Shortly after the original late last year, LA-based DJ/producer duo Phantoms released a fantastic VIP mix of their track "Lay With Me" with High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens. While the original had a dance pop feel, the VIP has a faster, upbeat clubby house feel with a driving synth lead and vocal chops. Speaking on the release of the original, Phantoms wrote: "We grew up with Vanessa then weirdly ran into her at the airport last year and talked about working on music at some point. Then a few months later we got in the studio and recorded this song. It was a cool way to reconnect since the last time we all hung out we were around 16 years old. So happy this song is finally out, it's one of our favorites."
Noizu and Satin Jackets have also released official remixes of the track. And if you haven't seen it already, check out the original video clip here which does a stunning job recreating the "Breaking Free" audition scene from High School Musical, representing: "us all growing up and moving on, but still remembering where we came from."
LA-based producer NOTOK's latest single "Believe" is part sci-fi, part horror, but all epic. The track begins with an eerie synth atmosphere and then introduces glitchy vocals. In the moments before the gritty dubstep bass drop, an innocent yet haunting small voice asks: "will you believe in me?" and it's seriously chilling. Turn the volume up and enjoy! NOTOK will also be releasing a new single with INRVISN on label Hegemon on Tuesday called "What It's Worth" featuring beautiful vocals from Alina Renae. Check out a preview here.
Connecticut-based rapper P.MO has a wonderful emotive chilled out rap sound, particularly on his recent single "Over" with production from Mike Squires. His voice shifts effortlessly from lovely singing to faster rap and brings the feels on the titular line: "Will you still love me when it's over?" P.MO also recently collaborated with Maine-based rapper Spose on the song "Suicide Doors" from Spose's new album "We All Got Lost", which Squires also produced on and directed the video clip for. Check it out here. Go follow them all for more great music!
New Zealand-born, LA-based artist Kelsy Karter has struck gold on her latest single "Harry" musically and virally. The track has a catchy, laidback modern rock'n'roll vibe while her fantastic cracking vocals fangirl over Harry Styles. For Harry's birthday, she even went so far as to get a tattoo of his face from celebrity tattoo artist Romeo Lacoste prominently over her own face - revealed later to be a publicity stunt of course! It sure made some headlines though and got her music to new audiences thanks to coverage from outlets including BBC, Cosmopolitan and Billboard. Check out her YouTube video on how the song came to be below. She's set to go far having consistently released quality singles since her debut "Out of Drugs" in 2017 and we can't wait to hear more from her!