Ray BLK – 5050
Catford’s finest Ray BLK has dropped the visuals for new track “5050”– a super slick track with shades of 90s R&B. “5050” is Ray’s first track since she released her intimidatingly brilliant EP Miss Havisham. Featuring an all-girl crew, the video subverts the visual tropes of male artists. Writing on Twitter, Ray said: “I wanted to replicate hood rap videos on link up & GRM but a female interpretation & show the unity we see in male videos among women too.” Expect big things in 2016.
JoJo – Back2Life
Free from her record deal, JoJo has had a relatively industrious 2015. Earlier this year she released the excellent EP Triangle and has now followed it up with the surprise release of her new EP #LoveJo2. It’s the best Christmas gift none of us thought we needed. Particular highlights include a new version of “When Love Hurts” which has been interwoven with Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” and her club-ready cover of Soul II Soul’s “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me).”JoJo is currently hard at work on her new studio album, her first since 2006.
Purity Ring – heartsigh
Purity Ring has dropped the stunning visuals for their track “heartsigh” which is featured on the band’s new album another eternity. The music video was designed by the band – everything including the band’s costumes and Corin Roddick’s “state-of-the-art crystal mallet synth”. The video perfectly captures the energy of Purity Ring’s phenomenal live shows – part gig, part performance art.
PUZZLE – Godlike
“Godlike” is the debut single from the Brazilian-born, London based collaborative artist and musician PUZZLE. The track features a chorus which soars over the sound brooding synths – a sonic nod to synthpop/new wave bands like Depeche Mode and OMD. PUZZLE is equally committed to the visuals. Check out “Godlike” below and then head to YouTube to explore the immersive 360 visual created to accompany to the track.
Little Cub – Intent
Little Cub has returned with new cut “Intent” – the follow-up to their debut track “Breathing Space”. The band combines earnest lyricism with a future-pop sound. Little Cub, who hail from South London, is comprised of Alexander Gore, Duncan Tootill, Adrian Acolatse and Nathaniel Butler.
Sia – Cheap Thrills
“Cheap Thrills” is the latest intended-for-another-artist single from pop’s most industrious songwriter and performer Sia. Originally written for Rihanna’s impending album Anti (the Chinese Democracy of pop albums), “Cheap Thrills” is an ode to having a great time on a limited budget. “Cheap Thrills” will appear on Sia’s forthcoming album This Is Acting.
Elliphant – Step Down
“Step Down” is the latest single to be taken from Elliphant’s forthcoming album, it’s a lighter and breezier track than we’re used to from the Swedish hit-maker. Elliphant is one of pop’s most intriguing forces and has demonstrated time and again that her music can’t be constrained. Living Life Golden will be released on 25 March.
Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself (Fareoh Remix)
Any old excuse to include Hailee Steinfeld in the #Wonderlist. Steinfeld has dropped the long overdue remix EP for her monstrously empowering debut track “Love Myself” which includes this gem from Fareoh. Steinfeld’s vocals have been pitched down for this insanely danceable rework.
David Bowie – Lazarus
Jareth the Goblin King, aka David Bowie, keeps it weird with new cut “Lazarus” – the latest single from new album Blackstar. Produced by Bowie and long-time collaborator Tony Visconti, “Lazarus” will also feature in Bowie’s new off-Broadway musical of the same name. Blackstar (★) will be released on 8 January, the date of Bowie’s 69th birthday.