Ariana Grande – Into You
This new Ariana Grande album is shaping up very nicely. For “Into You”, the second official single from the forthcoming Dangerous Woman, Grande has once again called upon the production services of Max Martin and Ilya and the results are typically brilliant. When Grande is given the right material she’s unstoppable.
Xenia Rubinos – Black Stars
Brooklyn’s Xenia Rubinos has shared new track “Black Stars”, the latest single from new album Black Terry Cat. It’s a frenetic track that sees Xenia Rubinos fusing genres. In less prodigious hands it could be a mess but Rubinos has a flare and skill that makes it a thrilling ride. Black Terry Cat drops on 3 June via ANTI-.
Dua Lipa – Hotter Than Hell
A new video/track from Dua Lipa is always welcome. The aptly titled “Hotter Than Hell” sees Lipa conquering banger territory. Lipa has been a superstar in waiting since her debut track, if there’s any justice this is the moment she breaks through.
Oyinda – Flatline
Oyinda is a name you’re going to be hearing a lot more from. New cut “Flatline”, taken from her Restless Minds EP, is a hypnotic track. Oyinda’s raw, incredibly human vocals colliding with electronic beats. Restless Minds is released on 10 June via Blood & Honey.
Anna Straker – Late Night Swimming
“Late Night Swimming” is the debut single from London based producer and singer-songwriter Anna Straker. Straker has captured the sound of a warm summer evening, her weightless vocals weaved between a hazy synth-driven instrumental. Having started her career providing backing vocals for artists like Rudimental, John Newman, Years and Years, “Late Night Swimming” demonstrates that Straker is ready to cross the stage a make a name for herself.
Lion Babe – Jungle Lady Remix Pt.II Feat. Angel Haze
Lion Babe, New York purveyors of the slinkiest pop, has dropped a new remix of “Jungle Lady”. Remixed by Devin Christian, the track now comes with a fiery new verse from Angel Haze. This old school anthem is included in the latest Kitty Cash mixtape Love The Free, Volume 3.
Ghost Culture – Multiply
Ghost Culture has released his double A-side single Safe/Multiply. On “Multiply” there is a palpable sense of euphoria with Ghost Culture channelling elements of clubland with beats punctuated by stabs of spoken word – humanity careering with the electronic. Safe/Multiply is out now via Phantasy.
Braids – Companion
“Companion” is the title track from Braids’ recently announced EP, the follow-up to 2015’s Deep In The Iris. There is a quiet power to “Companion”. It’s working on so many levels but it’s delicate and sensitive, never overpowering. Singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston also shared a powerful and important essay on sexual abuse & empowerment through art, titled Reclamation Through A Microphone. You can read the essay on Pitchfork
WEIRDO – ARMANIO
Little is known about Weirdo but two songs in we’re getting the strong sense that, whoever they are, they’re onto a good thing. Catchy as hell, “ARMANIO” is the follow-up to “BUTTER”. There’s an archness to their songwriting – to make a song about a clingy partner sound this fun takes a lot of skill. You can expect to hear more from this faceless producer.
Boys – All My Friends
Boys is the solo project of HOLY guitarist Nora Karlsson. The intimate “All My Friends” is the second single to be released from her new Love on Tour EP, the follow-up to last year’s debut Kind of Hurt. It’s beautiful songwriting with words that are drenched in longing and regret. Love On Tour will be released on 20 May via PNKSLM Recordings.