Wonderland.

WONDERLIST

Dazzling pop, genre-bending brillance and alt-rap-electronica crossovers: Tyla, UGLY, Louis Culture and more feature in Wonderlist…

Tyla – “Truth or Dare”

One of the year’s breakout stars, Grammy-nominated superstar-in-the-wings Tyla has just blown up the Internet with massive hit “Water,” and is using the hype effectively announcing her self-titled debut album, set for release in 2024. She has shared three teaser singles, the standout of which, “Truth or Dare,” is a spritely, sun-kissed track full of rhythm, resonance and realness.

UGLY – “Hands Of Man”

One of the most provoking and meticulous new bands in the country, Cambridge-hailing act UGLY have the potential to bush the boundaries of sound and genre. Having just finished supporting Black Country, New Road on a UK tour, the band return with a jaw-dropping new single, “Hands Of Man,” a track that feels devastating and uplifting simultaneously, brimming with intricate musicianship and visceral songwriting.

Louis Culture – “GRAMMAR / NO LOVE”

Undoubtedly one of the most provoking and exciting names in UK alternative rap, Louis Culture has built a reputation as a forward thinking and experimental artist. His new double-sided single is no different; leaning into the influence of electronic on his sound further than ever, Culture offers a varied vocal performance and vivid, tender and compelling lyricism across the two tracks.

Good Morning – “One Night” / “Real I’m Told”

As they gear up to take the next leap in their bountiful artistry, Australian duo Good Morning show their worth with two fabulous singles, “Real I’m Told” and “One Night.” Fusing indie and folk, the likeable and superbly executed sound of the pair is in full flow on the new tracks, oozing radiance and reflection.

Yxng Bane – “Favourite Girl/City Girls”

UK rap trailblazer Yxng Bane has garnered acclaim throughout the years for his hybrid afro-grime sound, and has now returned with one of his finest projects to date, “Colossal,” an mixtape released for free on Youtube and Soundcloud only. Standout track, “Favourite Girls/City Girls,” is a perfect example of his cross-genre approach, and is brimming with sharp flows and expressive lyricism.

kid apollo – “these things” / “sylvie”

Progressing in sound and style impressively over the past few years, Brixton trio kid apollo are ending their biggest year yet with a vibrant splash with their new double-sided single. “these things” finds whispery vocals atop hazy guitar-driven instrumentation, whilst “sylvie” brings delicacy and drama into the mix.

Kenya Grace – “Paris”

Flowing a year of soaring growth, UK singer-songwriter Kenya Grace has the industry at her feet. She’s back with another sleek and dreamy cut, “Paris,” a track that blends liquid D&B, bedroom pop and UKG with effortless ease.

Everyone You Know – “All My Friends Are Taking Drugs”

Multi-faceted and genre-merging brother duo Everyone You Know are pushing forward the new wave of indie-electronic crossover acts. They’ve released another arena-ready single “All My Friends Are Taking Drugs,” a track with immersive instrumentation and a clear message.

Cristale – “Antisocial”

South London rapper Cristale has emerged as one of the most exciting names in the scene, and finishes ’23 as she means to go on with a classy rap cut, “Antisocial.” Commanding on the mic and thoughtful in her lyricism, Cristale glides atop the booming and atmospheric TSB beat.

Bess Atwell – “The Weeping”

Hotly-tipped songstress Bess Atwell offers depth and beauty in her cohesive sound. She follows recent single “Sylvester” with another superb offering, “The Weeping.” Produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, the new single is a heart-rendering and nostalgic affair, full of personal meaning and emotionally brevity.

Sophia Amato – “NY/LON”

Alternative R&B riser Sophia Amato has released her highly anticipated sophomore EP, “NY/LON,” a project that details and romanticises a six week stay in New York this summer. Brimming with cascading and gorgeous vocals, uplifting instrumentation and intelligent lyricism, it’s a glorious listen.

Erick the Architect ft. Joey Bada$$ & FARR – “Shook Up”

Musical polymath and founding member/ producer of NYC’s Flatbush Zombies, Erick the Architect, announces his hotly anticipated solo debut album I’ve Never Been Here Before due February 23rd 2024, alongside a brand new single titled “Shook Up” featuring Joey Bada$$ and FARR. The forthcoming album consists of 16 deeply personal and powerful tracks, exploring the themes of fearlessness, Black resilience, beauty in darkness and unity over a thrilling soundtrack consisting of a mix of hip-hop, soul, dub, psych and more. Crafted in his Los Angeles home studio, Erick’s debut full length features several long-time collaborators and new friends including the likes of; Joey Bada$$, Westside Boogie, George Clinton, Channel Tres, Kimbra, Lalah Hathaway, RÜDE CÅT, Boy Boy, Pale Jay and FARR, as well as a number of producers including award-winning electronic musician James Blake. The result is a statement-making collection of razor-sharp songs from an artist set free by being his authentic self, and embracing the vulnerability that comes with it.

Rimzee ft. ArrDee – “The Game”

Following the announcement of his forthcoming mixtape “Feed The Streets,” due February 2024, UK rap trailblazer Rimzee continues to remind us why he is dubbed as one of the best lyricists to emanate from these shores, dropping off a powerful new single with “The Game” featuring one of the UK’s biggest breakthrough artists, ArrDee. Poignant bars and sleek vocals land on a nostalgic soundtrack featuring woozy bass kicks and effective instrumentals throughout. Perfectly complementing each other’s flow, the two Brits come together for perhaps one of the most impactful rap tracks to come out of 2023, with Rimzee demonstrating his continued trajectory in crafting some of the best real rap music in the UK full stop.

FelixThe1st – “for now”

Returning with his final single of the year, London’s very own FelixThe1st is back with ‘for now’. Providing his own teenage angst soundtrack, ‘for now’ channels feelings of romance, heartbreak and frustration which are all themes taken from his debut project which is due early next year. ‘For now’ incorporates a sound that sits between Nu Gaze and Alt-Pop which is a fusion that has allowed him to express himself in more ways than ever before.

Lil Macks – “Mob Ties”

Lil Macks is in a league of his own. Continuing his electric run of form so far, the Somali heritage artist delivers blazing authenticity across this latest offering; an incendiary backing laced with emotive pianos and trap-heavy percussion. Seamlessly dissecting the adversities of inner-city life and the consistent pressures faced on the roads, his deep-rooted bars flourish with authority and menace while a complex battle with paranoia elevates his lyrical integrity to new heights, now cementing himself as one of London’s next breakout stars in the making. With serious co-signs coming across the culture, get ready to hear a whole lot more.

DETO BLACK – “Just Like Deto”

It’s been a quiet year for Nigerian rapper and artist DETO BLACK, bar a few savvy feature appearances. She’s now finally returned after an agonising wait with a fresh cut, “Just Like Deto.” Produced by Grammy-winning producer Cadenza, the track immediately reminds us of why DETO was so hotly tipped, with a unique flow and tone dominating the forward-thinking instrumental palette.

Night Tapes – “drifting”

It’s been a successful 12 months for London three-piece Night Tapes; dropping their third and best EP “Perfect Kindness” earlier in the year, the band are back once again to showcase their continuing artistic progression, with a snappy and immersive new single, “driftin.”

Humble the Great – “dreams”

Production powerhouse Humble the Great is well established for his work behind the buttons, but lately he’s been proving himself to be just as impressive as the artistic centre-piece. His latest, “dreams,” is immaculately crafted, from the dusty piano chords to the measured yet expressive vocals. A gorgeously soulful cut from an artist to keep your eye on in 2024!

kwn – “wn up”

Exciting rapper kwn has shown great versatility and technical skill despite a relativity small discography. Back with a new one “wn up”, the artist uses autotune with an interesting and individual touch, offering a potent lyrical narrative and rousing vocal performance.

Lifesize Teddy – “POISN”

Following her impressive self-titled debut EP back in August, rising star Lifesize Teddy shows intent with the swift follow up sophomore, “POISN.” Showcasing another side to her artistry and character, the EP is a more vulnerable and subtle collection of cuts in comparison to her gloriously abrasive debut, with Lifesize Teddy delving through genres and emotions with craft and vision.

PARISI – “Believe In Yourself”

High flying Italian production duo PARISI bring an anthem touch to their work. The now London-based pair have returned with another club-ready cut that brings warmth and a euphoric energy, not settling into its sound but rather reaching further into the annals off their artistry.

itoldLexi – “Unconditionally, Lexi”

Chicago-born, London-based singer-songwriter itoldLexi has been making her name with slick and rich R&B cuts. Following a progressive year, the soulstress finishes on a high with the release of her dazzling new EP. With cascading and naturalistic instrumentation, thoughtful writing and ethereal vocal prowess, the project sets itoldLexi up for stardom in the new year.

Chy Cartier – “Bossed Up”

The latest striking rapper to emerge from the fruitful sonic breeding ground of Tottenham, emerging rapper Chy Cartier offers charisma and technical astuteness at the ripe age of 19. She’s built plenty of hype around her debut release, “BOSSED UP,” and its arrival has not disappointed. Slick flows float atop the lively instrumental, with Cartier illustrating a playful lyrical acumen.

Tim Lyre ft. Jords – “MASTA”

Nigerian talent Tim Lyre is impressing with his diverse and daring sound. He’s back with another heater, this time enlisting UK rap favourite Jords for an amapiano and dancehall fusion. The track is accompanied by a vivacious visual set in South London.

Reuben Aziz – “Running”

Southampton-born, London-based Reuben Aziz showcases his modern soul intoxicating aesthetic in R&B-tinged single “Running.” The 20-year-old tackles emotions of young love with his elderly wisdom across a stripped back self-produced ballad which highlights his entire musical abilities. The track invites his evolving audience into his expanding mind field that begin with viral single “find u” earlier this year that was released earlier this year.

Kumo 99 – Headplate

Impressive Japanese-American duo Kumo 99 have unveiled a stacked new project, Headplate, for our listening pleasure. Full of rave-ready future classics that leave you aching for the dance floor, the track-list touches on punk, hyper pop, techno and more.

Meelo – “Day”

Instrumental and singer-songwriter Meelo returns following the release of his debut EP “Movement 1” last year, back with a rhythmically progressive and vocally potent cut “Day.” Exploring the worlds of production and songwriting with a synth led sound, the new track is immersive and atmospheric, with Meelo proving his worth as a writer and vocalist.

Parker Matthews – “Used to Be”

Pittsburgh-born, LA-based singer-songwriter Parker Matthews has unveiled his latest single, “Used To Be.” Following TikTok success for past single “Layover,” he continues to show promise for his pop-fuelled sound, boasting anthemic vocals and colourful instrumentation.