Wonderland.

WONDERLIST

Unexpected cult rap returns, to immersive pop genius and the smoothest of R&B: André3000, Bleachers, Jaz Karis and more in Wonderlist.

Photography by Alex Lockett

Photography by Alex Lockett

André 3000 – New Blue Sun

Your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper, André 3000 is one of the most notorious MCs to come out of America since the turn of the century. Known for his elusiveness, the news of a long-awaited solo body of work was welcomed with open arms. It was never going to be straight-forward with André however – rather than a rap album, the polymath has made one of the best instrumental albums of the year with New Blue Sun. Showcasing his incredible ability of the flute, André delivers a textured, ethereal, atmosphere-laden and cinematic experience, cementing his legacy as one of the most exciting and interesting visionaries of the modern musical era.

Bleachers — “Alma Mater”

The second single released ahead of their forthcoming, self-titled fourth studio album, “Alma Mater” is full of the nostalgia-infused, intimate yet full sound we’ve come to know and love from Bleachers — then elevated even further with ethereal additional vocals from Lana Del Rey. A heart and soul-grabbing track, it comes with the announcement of a UK tour — and this one in particular we’re dying to hear live. Frontman and critically acclaimed producer Jack Antonoff has mastered the art of making an album feel both stadium-worthy and like it’s meant to be played from the forgotten record player you found in your attic. Vast yet personal, grand yet dear. We can’t wait to hear Bleachers in its entirety on March 8.

Jaz Karis – “Little Blue Moon”

South London’s soaring star Jaz Karis has one of the most impactful voices in the UK R&B space. Following last year’s stunning EP “Dear Jaz”, Karis unveils “Little Blue Moon”, continuing to shine through in a competitive scene with her show-stopping vocals, visceral writing, and vibrant instrumental palettes.

Biig Piig – “Watch Me”

Following the release of her stylised mixtape “Bubblegum” earlier this year, the genre-bending genius of Biig Piig is back with “Watch Me”. The Nine8 stalwart continues to evolve her sound, with this new single marking an uncompromising new artistic chapter in the development of one of the most provoking artists to emerge in the last few years.

Midas the Jagaban — “Midas Touch EP Vol 2: Return of the Mask”

The start of a brand new chapter for Midas the Jagaban, the phenomenal “Midas Touch EP Vol 2: Return of the Mask” is out now. Featuring four previously released singles, her new EP blends Afrobeats and R&B to create an infectious energy and captivating sound. Take a listen!

Dora Jar – “Puppet”

Alternative pop songstress Dora Jar has been impressing with the breadth of her emotional potency and the immersive nature of her sound. She’s returned with a hazy and reflective cut, “Puppet”, a track inspired by a message to her past self. Atop driving synths, sprinkles of xylophone and booming percussion, Dora serenades the palette, delving into the desire to be authentically herself.

BILK – “RNR”

The Essex trio are back with their explosive new heater “RNR”. Bursting with raw lyricism and frantic sound waves that embody abrasive, British youth culture rising up against authority, Bilk has created an incendiary soundscape fuelled with power-charged guitar riffs and heavy drum breaks – a perfect canvas for frontman Sol to flex his blistering vocal range with typical finesse. From rooftop sets, vintage car pursuits and bustling pub sessions, the electric music video is packed with vibrant scenes that depict the vigorous lifestyle of an inspired rock and roll star in the making. Keep your eyes on this grippingly unique band fast on the rise.

Quinn Oulton ft. Coltrane – “Lately”

Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Quinn Outlon is renowned for his electronic-tinged jazz, and continues to progress his sound with each passing release. For his latest cut, “Lately”, he joins forces with R&B mainstay Col3trane for explore drinking habits. It’s a thoughtful and subtle number that blends rich production with striking lyrical ideas.

Wasia Project — “Remember When”

The siblings’ musical project, Wasia Project, by William and Olivia Hardy, unveiled a new single this week, “Remember When.” The track is a poignant ballad, where we see Olivia’s honeyed vocals beautifully melt into sparse, spectral instrumentation that gradually builds into a dazzling denouement. “‘Remember when’ is a song about the passing of time. How people never truly ‘die’ or ‘leave’; they change form. And will forever remain in the content of one’s memory and mind. There is a sad beauty in grief. A beauty that is left unseen by many, written in lockdown…,” the band shares.

B-ahwe – “26% Mixtape”

Rising soul singer-songwriter B-ahwe has been stunning us with her recent run of singles, and we have now been blessed with a cohesive and dazzling body of work in the form of “26% Mixtape”. Featuring previous singles “ “ and “ “, as well as impressive lead single “Patience” with NEONE the wonderer, it’s a sonically expansive and thematically explorative project, full of gorgeous instrumentation and philosophical lyrical musings.

Bugzy Malone – “Lean”

One of Manchester’s leading rapper, Bugzy Malone has never restricted himself to one style of rap, and with this new one “Lean”, we see yet another side of the MCs artistry. Atop a classic East Cast hip hop influenced beat, Malone gives us playful bars, a catchy hook and handfuls of charisma.

DAISY WORLD — “break it off”

Along with the announcement of her forthcoming debut album, TOOTHPICK, DAISY WORLD has released a new single. Titled “break it off”, the track is a relatable and empowering offering inspired by a second and final date with a man who wasn’t looking for the same thing she was. It is a perfect anthem for learning how to let go, say goodbye, and stay firm on what you want. With an accompanying visual, it’s a luscious single that gets us excited for more.

Proph – “Trust Fall”

The return of South London rapper and producer Proph marks a new sound for him that fuses R&B and Hip-Hop flavours. Having spent countless hours in the lab developing his craft, ’Trust Fall’ proves that his creative depth goes beyond what he’s already proven to his evolving fanbase. It’s a cohesive track that follows a self-produced guitar-laden instrumental, a perfect sound bed for the bedroom intimacy and natural flair that we saw in his recent BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 cypher.

Only The Poets — “Every God I Pray To”

Before it was even released, “Every God I Pray To” was an Only The Poets fan-favourite. Often played acoustically from within their audience, the track became a symbol of the connection between the alt-pop four-piece and their listeners. Now, the impeccable, intimate track is out in the world. A beautiful offering that was written in just two hours, it is an authentic and genuine detailing of coming to terms with the end of a once seemingly perfect relationship.

Emotional Oranges — “Nowhere”

Los Angeles R&B duo Emotional Oranges have teamed up with Nonso Amadi for an exciting new release: “Nowhere”. The first single off of their upcoming collaborative EP “Blended”, it is a smooth and atmospheric taste of what’s to come — with a message of connection, support, and loyalty. In their own words, the track touches on “the idea that no matter what’s going on, you’re always going to be there for your person/people.”

BOJ & Ajebutter22 — “MAKE E NO CAUSE FIGHT III”

BOJ and Ajebutter22’s new EP, “MAKE E NO CAUSE FIGHT III” is out today! Opening with “42”, the focus track and an ode to the good life, the 5-track project takes listeners on a journey through guitar melodies, saxophone solos, lyrical serenades, and more. Dynamic on their own but absolutely magnetic together, the two artists have truly outdone themselves with this one.

Tim Lyre — “MASTA”

Rising Afro-fusion artist Tim Lyre dropped his new 8-track EP, “MASTA”, via London and Johannesburg-based label Outer South this week. Skipping between hip-hop, dancehall, amapiano, R&B, and afrobeats, it’s an eclectic, thought-provoking and sophisticated project, where we see Lyre peeking on his artistry through his afro-futuristic gaze. On “MASTA” he is offering an uptempo and feel-good project, playing in the genre-bending grounds, that is promised to evoke many emotions.

Omah Lay — “Holy Ghosts”

One of the biggest names coming from Nigeria, Omah Lay is back with a new single, “Holy Ghosts”, out now. Committed to his roots and fans, amassing millions of listeners monthly on streaming platforms, the single is upbeat, dancy and percussion-heavy, marking his personal take of the Afro-fusion bright and expansive grounds.

Evi — “Insecure”

“I wrote “Insecure” during a time in my life where many changes were happening, for the first time in a while I felt vulnerable and unsure of what was coming next; the uneasiness you get when things are out of your control,” says Evi. Following the success of her debut single “Jealous Type”, she unveils her newest musical project with “Insecure”. The track is a breakup anthem, offering a heartfelt and personal sonic experience, where we see the London-based artist sharing her most raw and human side. Evi’s soft, plush voice mixed with deep drums and melodic riffs are the perfect background for this pop ballad.

Merry Lamb Lamb — “Exodus”

Hong Kong born, London based rising star Merry Lamb Lamb released her new EP “Exodus” via Mad Decent this week, welcoming the launch of a fresh chapter for the multi-hyphenate artist. The EP showcases a bolder, more club-oriented sound for Merry, who says it is a “courageous story about me stepping out, looking for that utopian dream.” To do that, she channelled the “pessimistic”, “pretty angry” feelings she experienced through lockdown. “Exodus” follows Merry’s debut album Genesis in 2022 and the recent standalone track “Night”.

Far From Saint – “The Weather Left To Go”

Far From Saints’ latest offering, “The Weather Left To Go”, is a testament to their unwavering creative brilliance. The track was released amid the soaring success of their debut album and effortlessly blends country, rock, folk, soul, and Americana elements into a harmonious tapestry. A legendary hit we can’t wait to see rise and boom with success.

Sunareht ft. Le Dom – “Promises”

“Promises” by the legendary Sunareht featuring Le Dom, is an electrifying track with infectious rhythms. The parisian producer, Sunareht, blends choppy samples with the bass-heavy beats, creating an exhilarating musical experience. This collaboration is one to go down in history and will send you into the weekend bursting with energy.

Myla Vie – “BURN”

Myla Vie’s latest fiery single, “BURN” is a captivating blend of influences from the likes of The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey, and Doja Cat. Crafted in her bedroom, the track showcases genrevblending creativity, profound storytelling, servig up an enchanting sonic experience. Myla’s future is beaming bright and one we can’t wait to watch unfold…

Duncan Spencer — “Paradise”

Duncan Spencer’s new single, “Paradise”, is a piano driven track that sparks introspective self-reflection. Asking listeners, is this your paradise?, the song is a heartfelt rumination that allows you to fill in the blanks, contemplating your own life as he lets us into his. Take a listen!

WALWIN – “Halo”

WALWIN’s sparkling new track “Halo”, is the lead single from his captivating debut record, The Prius Diaries: A Hybrid Story. “Halo” is a pop-punk and alt-rock gem that is a truly refreshing introduction to the scene. With soaring melodies and profoundly relatable lyrics, this track it’s an instant anthem.