Wonderland.

WONDERLIST

From melancholia-tinged anthems to intricate jazz and psychedelic indie, we dive deep on this week’s Wonderlist.

Photography by Brandon Dudley

Photography by Brandon Dudley

Deb Never – Thank You For Attending

Deb Never’s new project, Thank You For Attending, is a beautiful combination of infectious sonics and honest songwriting. Covering the highs and lows of love — from its comfort to pain — Deb sings with a confidence and power that draws listeners in. With influences of rock and dance music, she creates an alt-pop sound all her own. Standout tracks “Momentary Sweetheart” and “Paper Houses” feel both comforting and challenging, as her soothing vocals spark conversations about time, loss, lust, and love in our current age.

Yussef Dayes ft. Venna & Charlie Stacey – “Black Classical Music”

Leading from the front in the modern British jazz revolution, Yussef Dayes is an incomprehensibly talented drummer. Rhythmically progressive and technically flawless, it’s rare to find someone with such an ability to tell a story through his musicianship, explaining himself more clearly with sonics than most artists do through words. We are overjoyed at the news that Dayes’ will be releasing his long awaited debut solo project, entitled Black Classical Music. We’ve also been blessed with a glimpse into the LP in the shape of the title track. Dayes enlists long term collaborators, saxophonist Venna and pianist Charlie Stacey, for an intricate and engrossing showcase of exquisite musicianship. If you don’t know, get to know!

Lava La Rue – “Renegade”

Lava La Rue is perhaps one of the most chameleonic and prolific artists currently plying their craft. Increasingly impactful in the UK alternative space, Lava has show themselves to be striking across an array of genres, from rap to indie pop, with their latest offering “Renegade” once again flatting the eclectic nature of their artistry. Hazy and psychedelia-infused, the new single is spritely and serene, rough and ready but smooth as silk. With their foundations in growing collective Nine8 and the progression of their sharpening artistry, the sky truly is the limit for Lava La Rue.

Keeya Keys – Keys to the City

A name shining bright amongst an already fluorescent UK rap scene is Keeya Keys. Known for his cheeky bars, playful production choices and easy going persona, Keeya has been on the cusp of stardom for a while now, and with the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, Keys to the City, he might have just secured it. Stylistically eclectic, the rapper dives into garage, drill, gospel and UK rap, concocting a sound full of colour and craft, with Keeya’s charismatic delivery and slick, humour-laden bars the perfect centre piece to the bouncy approach of London production quartet 4PLAY.

Benjamin Ad ft. Kojey Radical – “Losing”

South London rapper and singer Benjamin AD has been rising the ranks of the UK alternative scene. After recently enlisting UK trap trailblazer Young Adz for “Brave Face and underground legend A2 for “Let Me Explain”, Benjamin has now acquired the nuanced services of alternative rapper frontrunner Kojey Radical for an atmospheric, compelling track, “Losing” that flaunts the skill of both writers, as they reflect of the negativity and reality of hedonistic tendencies.

Killertunes ft. Not3s &BZ – “Shy”

“Shy” is the collaborative single between UK rap heavy hitter Not3s and rising, striking talent BZ, produced by potent Nigerian producer Killertunes. Tthe silky production from the high flying beatsmith brings together colourful guitars and vintage horns, with the generic diversity shining through, whilst both rappers catch the eye and the ear with their witty lyricism and engaging delivery.

Sophia Lili – “Rules of the Game”

Returning with her third single following the sultry sounds of previous offerings “Only One” with Feux and “meant to be”, Sophia Lili’s “Rules of the Game” is a luxurious, hazy and sublime offering. Under the helm of production wizard Sam Ellwood, Lili fuses sensual delivery with impactful lyricisms on a cut that infuses R&B tendencies with a glittering of alt rap and a healthy helping of pop-esque magnetism.

Amaarae — “Co-Star”

Singer-songwriter, producer, and engineer, Amaarae is a versatile artist in her own class. In addition to announcing the release of her highly anticipated album, Fountain Baby, she has released a summer anthem, “Co-Star”. A song truly embracing the current zeitgeist, it’s all about astrology and star signs. Absolutely contagious and joyful, “Co-Star” was released with an equally as fun music video. A competition between the signs, it’s humorous, smart, sensual, and fashionable all at once. You’ll find yourself rooting for your sign, and playing the song on repeat!

SBTRKT — The Rat Road

SBTRKT has released a new album, The Rat Road, after six years of working on it. A deeply meaningful start to a new chapter, he shares his feelings on the current state of the industry through euphoric and melancholic sounds. Blending the techno and electronics he has become known for with new bits of pop and vulnerability. Stepping out of the mask he has come to wear, he lets the world in on his story: “My storyline became attached to the mask. Originally, the idea of it was to put focus on the music, but this facelessness inevitably meant an element of voicelessness too.” This album is true SBTRKT.

Bellah Mae — “Date Your Dad”

Rising singer-songwriter Bellah Mae has released a new single ahead of performing at The Great Escape Festival. Described as Gen Z’s answer to “Stacy’s Mom”, “Date Your Dad” is an infectious anthem of pure girl power. Smart lyrics, catchy hooks, and strong vocals come together in a song that establishes Bellah’s promise as the next big pop star.

Zakhar – “Find You”

Since North-London based musician Zakhar stepped into the scene, he has impressed with his dynamic sound and thoughtful lyricism. His latest single “Find You” remains synonymous with his soulful storytelling and melodic flow as the song explores the varied depths of love and hope. At only 18 years old, Zakhar became viral sensation with his debut single last year, “Never Hiding” and as the protégé of producer JAE5. Zakhar is certainly amongst the exciting new artists to watch this year.

PHABO – “Casamigos”

Rapidly becoming a significant prospect emerging across international waters, multi-faceted artist and creative PHABO continues his exploration for true love with “Casamigos”. Set across hazy synths and bright percussion, the San Diego, CA native’s sun-kissed cadence shines bright through dazed silhouettes, moving between smooth Spanish licks and deep-rooted wordplay as he breaks down the complications of a fading love affair. One that propels him toward self-reflection and reconciliation while battling a burning desire for love and lust. With his highly anticipated studio album fast approaching, get ready to hear and see a whole lot more from one of R&B’s finest exports.

Creams- “Almighty”

Tbilisi-Born, Berlin-based artist Creams releases a distinct and mesmerising new single “Almighty”. Described as dystopian, Creams’ latest single gives a chillingly beautiful take on the importance of survival. The seductive yet unpredictable composition remains synonymous with the artists unique style. With influences noticeable such as FKA Twigs and Joni Mitchell, Creams’ eclectic new single and visual is available to stream now.

Erin Bloomer- “Wasted It On You”

UK singer and songwriter Erin Bloomer brightens us up with her vibrant new pop single “Wasted It On You”. Dedicated to the ups and downs experienced in relationships, Erin sonically captures the excitement and frustrations gone through in a turbulent romance. With strong influences from artists such as Doja Cat and Charli XCX, the 21 year old debuts her eccentric new single along with an equally as energetic music video available to stream now.

Taloula – “DANGER”

East-London-based, R&B talent Taloula continues to flaunt an eclectic vocal prowess across her self-produced record “DANGER”. Floating atop spacey synths and rolling bass lines, the Israel-born vocalist celebrates self-realisation and exploration in a vibrant tone of psychedelia. Her glossy vocals dissolve into brassy jazz breaks, opening pockets for her to fill with wisdom and a refreshingly classy sonic aesthetic. Communicating the unnerving journey of vulnerability with an aim to inspire a new wave of free-thinkers, “DANGER” sets exciting levels as Taloula looks to carve a significant path in the London R&B landscape.

Dabieh – “lose control.”

Returning to the ether shines Cloud X founder and executive producer Dabieh. His latest atmospheric gem “lose control.” seamlessly evokes the enriched sound waves you can expect from a creative at his most comfortable and potent. The South-East Londoner reconciles the social and creative boundaries he has broken in his journey, and the self-realisation gained through turbulent realities of his hardships and mental health. Embarking on another breakthrough year ahead of his hotly anticipated project release and Cloud X’s largest music festival to date, Dabieh is defining himself as one of the most important innovators making serious waves across London and beyond.

Julius Black- “Wings”

New Zealand based musician Julius Black’s celestial new single “Wings” takes listeners into a meditative realm with his soulful sound. The love song captures the haunting beauty that shadows most romantic experiences and is paired with an equally as evocative visualiser available to stream now. The 22 year old shares the same transcendent sonic qualities in his music as artists like Frank Ocean and Rex Orange County, making him a definite one to watch.