Charlie Hilton (ft. Mac DeMarco) – 100 Million
The bewitching “100 Million” is the second single from Charlie Hilton’s debut album Palana. Hilton, lead singer of Portland band Blouse, is joined on the track by Mac DeMarco who played all the instruments and provided vocals. Palana will be released on 22 January via Captured Tracks.
Willow Smith – F Q-C #8
Pop futurist Willow Smith has finally released her debut album. Since 2011 Smith has released a string of singles and EPs but Ardipithecus is her first full-length release. The album is a world away from bubblegum pop; in fact you’re likely to find more bubble gum on the streets of Singapore. The majority of the album was written and produced by Smith but other album credits include AcE (aka older brother Trey Smith) and JABS.
Katy B x Four Tet x Floating Points – Calm Down
Katy B has dropped the first piece of music from her forthcoming project titled Honey. There is currently no release date for the album which will see Katy working with a number of artists and producers. The cerebral “Calm Down” is a collaboration with Four Tet and Floating Points. You can expect to hear much more about the project in the new year, so standby for that.
Daye Jack – Hands Up (ft. Killer Mike)
Daye Jack has called in Atlanta legend Killer Mike for new track “Hands Up” – uniting two phenomenally talented generations. “Hands Up” sees the two addressing police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. It’s an important topic that is handled skilfully by the pair. Jack is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Atlanta and this latest track demonstrates that he has much to say and we should all be listening.
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down – Nobody Dies
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down have announced details of their latest album, A Man Alive, and shared new track “Nobody Dies”. The album was recorded in San Francisco’s Tiny Telephone Studios and was produced by tUnE-yArDs’ Merrill Garbus. The album will be released on 4 March.
Skizzy Mars – Alcoholics
Harlem’s Skizzy Mars has released the first single from his new LP Alone Together. “Alcoholics” is, unsurprisingly, about those who drink too much. While the title is predictable, the production is anything but. Produced by Michael Keened, “Alcoholics” sees Mars exploring new sonic territory and themes
Nimmo – UnYoung
The infectious “UnYoung” is the latest track from Nimmo. The track never relents; it’s five minutes of clubland bliss but it’s euphoric beat disguises the song’s darker lyrical themes. The music gives you life while vocalists Sarah Nimmo and Reva Gauntlett warn you not to take it for granted. Like the track, life doesn’t last forever.
Litany – Work This Out
Litany is back with new track “Work This Out”. It’s more poppy than previous efforts but retains the band’s arch lyricism. It doesn’t sound a million miles away from some of the tracks off E•MO•TION, which in 2015 is probably the ultimate musical compliment.
Flybear – The Hook
The buzz around wunderkind Flybear continues to grow. The 19-year-old has an awful lot of skill as demonstrated on bouncy, atmospheric new track “The Hook” – one of the year’s strongest instrumentals. Flybear gives his beats space; the sounds are intricate and delicately balanced. The track is brought to you via the good people at Record Record.
CROOX – Crying
UK collective CROOX has returned with new cut “Crying”, the lead track from their forthcoming EP which is set to be released on 5 February 2016. “Crying” is minimalist break up anthem. The band said: “Break up songs are usually about missing someone or how much better you are without them. “CRYING” was inspired by the feeling of just not giving a sh*t about that person anymore”. A sentiment we can all get behind.