Wonderland.

WONDERLIST

Contemporary, classic, craft, charisma and community: PinkPantheress, The Streets & The Silhouettes Project bring wonder to this week’s list.

PinkPantheress – “Mosquito”

Few artists encapsulate the modern industry as succinctly as PinkPantheress. From her humble Tik Tok begins, she has risen to become one of the most esteemed and established artists in the UK, with a sound that feels inherently her own bleeding out into various generic crevices. Her comeback track, following the huge Ice Spice collaborative hit “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”, sees the polymath continue on her journey to global domination, with highly intelligent lyricism lingering beneath vibrant sonic tendencies.

The Streets – “Each Day Gives”

As he gears up to unveil his long anticipated comeback solo album and accompanying debut feature film, Mike Skinner elevates hype to unprecedented levels with the release of the LP’s third single, “Each Day Gives”. Brimming with typical Streets wit and poignance, the new track is a showcase of Mike’s ability to move with the trends whilst remaining authentic to the sound that saw him become the icon he now is.

The Silhouettes Project ft. Jords – “Ends On My Back”

One of the most important musical collectives in the UK right now, The Silhouettes Project explode into the ether with their latest cut “Ends On My Back”. With sleek, heavy-set bass lines and jazzy brass touches, the sharpened sound waves serve as a canvas for South London lyricist Jords to flaunt his dextrous wordplay and unshakable cadence. Paired with production finesse from affiliate Srigala, the duo displays an electric synergy that embodies their mantra of authentic collaboration and an elevated approach that inspires young artists to follow their creative journeys. Now with a flurry of releases set to drop across the coming months in the lead up to their biggest project yet, the Hackney-based collective is quietly becoming a true music success story in the making.

Latto – “Issa Party”

Latto’s latest hit, “Issa Party”, is a testament to her rising star power in the music industry. With a string of chart-toppers, collaborations with industry heavyweights, and an impressive array of awards under her belt, Latto is truly unstoppable. “Issa Party” featuring Baby Drill, is the ultimate summer anthem we’ve been waiting for, and it solidifies Latto’s status as one of the biggest rappers in the world today.

Zino Vinci – “Tamagotchi Crocs”

One of UK alternative rap’s latest breakout stars, there’s not many MC’s bringing more cheek, craft and charisma than East London’s Zino Vinci. His latest offering, “Tamagotchi Crocs”, is a personal, potent and playful cut that sees Vinci bring his slick flows and undeniable delivery to a narrative that shines a light on his upbringing.

Aziya — “Lonely Castles”

Rising UK alt-rock artist Aziya has released her newest EP, “Lonely Castles”, featuring focus single “Mars Retrograde”. Contemplating the disconnect between online connection and the isolating loneliness of reality, the project covers topics ranging from online dating and hookup culture, the polarisation of society, and our reactions to being left on read. “All of the songs pin together the very real story of what it looks like to live in the 21st century,” Aziya explains. They’re captivating, addictive, and powerful — and we’re utterly obsessed.

Yxngxr1 – “Budapest”

Singer-songwriter Yxngxr1 has a talent for nostalgia. A prolific writer who has built an impressively varied discography in a short space of time, the Cardiff-native has returned with a fresh slice of sentiment, with a gently grooving number “Budapest”, a track that boasts sunny instrumentation and vivid, reflective songwriting.

Lola Young — “Conceited”

South London’s Lola Young is ushering in a new exciting chapter with “Conceited”. Following the successful project My Mind Wanders And Sometimes Leaves Completely with viral hit “Don’t Hate Me”, this new single offers a hypnotic beat, clever lyrics, and overall fresh perspective on a narcissistic lover.

6Baby – “Tek Time”

Newcomer 6Baby, formerly Hxxdz, continues to make a mark on the Northern rap scene with his powerful new singe “Tek Time”. Serving up an intricately interwoven fast-paced soundtrack, consisting of skippy snares and woozy bass kicks, the 0161 rapper delivers his seamless flow and catchy bars throughout, touching upon the polarity of relationships. Taking inspiration from the likes of A Boogie, Benji and Lil Baby, the twenty-two-year-old morphs transatlantic sounds into his own unique style, marking him as a serious one to watch for 2024 and beyond.

Saya Gray — “ANNIE, PICK A FLOWER.. (MY HOUSE)”

Japanese-Canadian artist and producer Saya Gray is confidently carving her own space in the industry, and her newest release might be the perfect example of her experimental, detail-oriented soundscape and lyricism. Written during a bedridden period with pneumonia, “ANNIE, PICK A FLOWER.. (MY HOUSE)” conveys Gray’s relationship with the digital world and the emptiness she’s felt in technology-driven art. With an accompanying visual, the track is out now!

Frozemode — “Vermin”

The London-based alternative rap trio is back with a new video for single “Vermin”! Co-directing it themselves, they take their track into a visual world of gritty vehemence and prove a new sector of their creative expertise. “Making this music video was a very exciting process,” explained I.V GATLIN. “The video is a bit of a fever dream representation of how the song feels to us. Abstractly representing the darkness and the grandeur of the track, whilst also representing how all three members of the group merge together but have our own distinct qualities.”

Rio Rainz- “Dancing in the Dark”

Rio Rainz’s latest single, “Dancing in the Dark”, unveils a new side to his artistic prowess. With soulful storytelling and a lovesick hook that resonates with anyone who has experienced this sort of pure vulnerability, Rio continues to showcase his genre-fluid style. Born to Irish and Jamaican parents, his eclectic influences shine through, making him a standout artist to watch.

Lunar June – “Heart Scream Summer”

Lunar June’s electrifying new single, “Heart Scream Summer”, is a captivating journey into the depths of the emotional labyrinth summer can bring. With influences from the likes of Charli XCX and Lorde, Lunar June’s unique blend of pop, indie, and electro shines through. Her soulful vocals and honest storytelling make this track an anthem for anyone navigating the tribulations of youth and the unknown. Olivia Judd’s talent as a writer, producer, and artist is undeniable, and “Heart Scream Summer” is a testament to her prowess. Don’t miss out on this euphoric yet deeply personal electro-pop gem…

Odalie — Puissante Vulnérabilité

French singer and producer, Odalie, has just released her debut album, Puissante Vulnérabilité. In a world that often labels vulnerability as a weakness, the genre-defying musician takes a u-turn and brings sensitivity to the forefront of her work, emphasizing the importance of embracing our reliance upon each other. It’s an album full of contrasts and raw emotions, interspersed with moments of quietude and a heavy dose of experimentation. An interesting sonic experience for sure!

Hazel — “10,000ft”

Drawing influence from renowned musicians such as Billie Eilish, Holly Humberstone, and Lorde, London-based artist Hazel brings a fresh and catchy feel to her unique alt-pop musical essence. By bringing her personal experiences of navigating through depression and loneliness to the forefront of her music, she aspires to create a space for individuals who, despite being surrounded by others, struggle to have their voices heard. Her new single, “10,000ft,” is her fifth single, a groovy, synth-driven track with strong beats and captivating vocal harmonies that concludes her debut EP of the same name.

Darla Jade — “Backseat Driver”

Darla Jade is a backseat driver, and that’s not up for discussion. Her third offering of 2023, the new single, “Backseat Driver,” is an upbeat electro-pop, guitar-driven track paired with 80s-style synths. Bringing her vulnerability to the center stage of her songwriting, Darla’s lyrics talk about being scared to let go of control and trusting someone to have her best interests at heart.

Elliphant — “Therapy”

Take a deep breath… you’re about to enter Elliphant’s world. The Swedish singer-songwriter and rapper, known for her caustic electronica and fiery, self-empowered attitude, has become a go-to collaborator for some of music’s biggest names, including Diplo, Doja Cat, and Tove Lo. But now, she’s soaring on her own wings, bringing her music to a bigger, tougher, and more outspoken stage with her brand new single “THERAPY.” The track is the first taste of her upcoming fourth album, TROLL, a raw and uncompromising cocktail of electronic punk, grime, and hip-hop—a musical experiment that finds the common ground between darkness, vehement rage, and pure, unadulterated fun.

Nardean — “FOLLOW THRU”

London welcomes a new talent to town as Australian-Egyptian singer and songwriter Nardean releases her new single, “Follow Thru.” Her first musical project since relocating to the UK, this groovy tune relies on the pairing of Nardean’s vocals and live instrumentation, making it a classy choice for the upcoming EP’s first single. “Follow Thru” will be followed by the second single, ‘Smoke in the Room,’ in October and will culminate in “The Remedy” EP in November to round out 2023.