JENNIE and Dua Lipa collaborate for the former’s debut album, Rachel Chinouriri is as vibrant as ever, and yeule edges into dark terrain: it’s Wonderlist.
JENNIE ft. Dua Lipa – “Handlebars”
Global pop heavyweight JENNIE has shared her long-awaited debut album, Ruby, much to the delight of her totemic fan base. It’s a stellar work with mouthwatering collaborations including Doechii, Childish Gambino and Dominic Fike. The pick of the bunch for us though, is the vibrant Dua Lipa-featuring pop-tastic ballad “Handlebars”.
Rachel Chinouriri – “Can We Talk About Isaac”
Although currently on tour supporting Sabrina Carpenter, soon-to-be-superstar Rachel Chinouriri has announced news of a forthcoming EP “Little House”, due early April, and has unveiled a teaser single. “Can We Talk About Isaac” is coloured by the typical Chinouriri charm—gusty guitars, knockout vocals and playfully potent lyricism.
yeule – “Skullcrusher”
Avant pop visionary yeule has returned with news of a new album, Evangelic Girl is Gun out 30th May on Ninja Tune. A new cut has accompanied the news, “Skullcrusher”, which hints at a dark, gorgeously sinister direction for the upcoming full length, with stormy electronica and heavy rock characteristics incentivising a bold new invention.
p-rallel feat. Drewbyrd – “Feel That”
Having stamped his name right at the heart of Black British electronic music culture, p-rallel builds up steam ahead of his much anticipated late March-set EP “Can’t Be Me” with the release of a euphoria-driven new single. “Feel That” grows from a slow-burning house banger into a glitchy, hip hop flavoured anthem with vocal sprinklings from LA rapper Drewbyrd. A craftsman at the top of his game.
j-hope ft. Miguel – “Sweet Dreams”
BTS’s j-hope is back with a crowd-pleasing new solo single featuring GRAMMY-winning R&B crooner Miguel. “Sweet Dreams” is sun-kissed and melodically sweet, with the two vocalists proving highly complimentary to each other’s sonic approach.
Radio Free Alice – “Empty Words”
One of the most exciting emerging guitar bands around, Aussie four-piece Radio Free Alice continue their mounting of the UK indie scene with another excellent single. “Empty Words” is gritty and energetic, full-frontal and swirling, with a snappy vocal showing from Noah Learmonth augmented by the fiercely unpredictable instrumentation.
Mei Semones – “I can do what I want”
Sonically dextrous Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Mei Semones’ debut album is coming 2nd May. This latest single “I can do what I want”, is sheer brilliance. Intricate rhythmically and structurally surprising, the instrumental nuance of the rising musician is plain to see, with her tender vocals cutting through the enthralling backdrop beautifully.
BXKS x Travy – “Guestlist”
Leading the UK underground rap charge, BXKS joins forces with Irish hip hop’s new poster boy Travy for a hard-hitting, charisma-heavy and expertly-crafted new single “Guestlist”. The first offering from a forthcoming BXKS mixtape, the pair go back-to-back effortlessly, bringing faultless delivery and slicing bars.
f5ve – “Magic Clock”
Japanese girl group risers f5ve have unveiled news of their debut album, SEQUENCE 01, coming on 5th May. The launchpad single, “Magic Clock” is pure pop fun, a bubblegum reminder of the five-piece’s tongue-in-cheek and infectious bravado.
Ava Joe – “Black Summer Babe”
A stunning new sensation in the London soul space, Ava Joe stars a richly intoxicating new release. “Black Summer Babe” is a vivid depiction of mood and spirit, with Joe’s swooning vocal delicacy gliding atop the unassuming Americana-adjacent sonic backdrop. One to watch.
Joeboy – “Taxi Driver”
Afrobeats new wave heavyweight Joeboy has announced his forthcoming third album Viva Lavida, is coming on 28th March. The lead single, “Taxi Driver” is atmospheric and chromatic, deeply piercing lyrically in its eulogy of romance.
KESH – “If I Beg”
Listen here
With unexpected turns and innovative twists plenty, the enigmatic KESH makes quite the statement with her compelling and challenging new single “If I Beg”. Occasionally the softness of her FKA twigs-esque vocals offer a glimmer of comfort, but bar that, you might want to sit down for this wild ride.
sooyeon – “in the club, we’re all disassociating”
Rising DJ and producer sooyeon is back for the first cut following her acclaimed ’24 debut EP, and it grows her artistic roots out tenfold. “in the club, we’re all disassociating” is a intoxicating affair, full of wobbly synths, glitchy sampling and heavy bass passages.
KILIMANJARO – “Makalelo (Origins)”
Heavily acclaimed London-based Zambian/Scottish DJ and producer KILIMANJARO unleashes his dancefloor ready four-pronged opus, “Makalelo (Origins)”. Hypnotic and free-wheeling, the work cements him as one of London’s most expressive beatsmiths right now.
Kayla Grace – “a leith ross song”
Emotionally potent and dreamily wistful, Kayla Grace’s EP-teasing new single “a leith ross song” is a genteel ballad of the sweetest proportions. Lovestruck and quietly uplifting, there’s sing-along potential aplenty.
Panic Shack – “Gok Wan”
With such thrilling and visceral post-punk energy, the sonic anarchy of Panic Shack will turn even the straightest-edge gig-goer sideways. New single “Gok Wan” is pure, riotous and heady fun.
Kayleigh Noble – “Am I Asleep?”
A rising star in Ireland’s ever-fertile sonic landscape, Kayleigh Noble continues her exploration of rave-infused electronics, sultry R&B, and pop euphoria with her latest single, “Am I Asleep?” For fans of Brat’s beautifully chaotic dancefloor energy, laced with a doll-like pop twang. Summer playlist? Sorted.
Sirens Of Lesbos ft. Zacari – “Room 333”
Gearing up to release their new album in April, Swiss music collective Sirens of Lesbos share a genre-blending, encompassing new single. “Room 333” borrows the vocal prowess of Kendrick Lamar and Isaiah Rashad collaborator Zacari, and is a daring and distinctive gem.
Florentenes – “Fuel For The Flame”
Rising Manchester indie four-piece Florentenes are dropping a new EP, “HOMEGROWN” in May, and offer up a new single from the body of work. “Fuel For The Flame” is a snappy, homage-filled guitar rager that boasts raw vocals and noteworthy instrument work.
Shivani Day – “Know When You Call”
Leicester-born, London-based Shivani Day creates a soundscape to empower her listeners in new single “Know When You Call”. A joint production effort from long-term collaborator Minas and Shivani, they draw from Reggae, Dancehall and traditional influences, which has always been crucial to Shivani’s discography.
