Wonderland.

WONDERLIST

Our final list of 2023 finishes the year strongly with Celeste’s return and Strandz’ latest taking centre stage!

Photography by Jesse Crankson

Photography by Jesse Crankson

Celeste – “There Will Come A Day”

One of the original tracks plucked from the forthcoming highly anticipated remake of The Color Purple, Celeste’s “There Will Come A Day” is a delicately cinematic, jazz-tinged treat. Undoubtedly one of the most impactful artists to emerge from the UK over the past five years, the singer-songwriter’s new offering is a welcome return and an indicator of plenty more sonic divinity to come from her.

Strandz – “An Idea Was Born”

Amongst UK rap’s most prolific and authentic breakout stars, Strandz has had an impressive year, with an array of strong releases accelerating his journey towards mainstream acclaim. Finishing the year on a high point with immersive new cut “An Idea Was Born,” Strandz once again showcases why he’s thought of in such esteem, flaunting his craft, vision and introspective qualities.

The Silhouettes Project ft. KeepVibesNear & Talulah Ruby – “Venus”

Having just announced a headline show at the iconic KOKO next year, The Silhouettes Project continues their immaculate run of form with “Venus”; an atmospheric soundscape produced by Sam Ellwood allows space for Talulah Ruby to flaunt her melodic range with typical elegance, before choppy vocal samples and heavy-set drum breaks chime in as we reach the apex of the vibrant chorus. The euphoric backing quickly fades back and opens pockets for KeepVibesNear to deliver intricate wordplay and his signature stripped-back vocals. He details a passionate new love and the ethereal connections that can transport us into a state of pure bliss, giving another glimpse into the truly feel-good vibrations expected from this grippingly unique project still to come.

Finn Foxell – “ROUND HERE”

Shepherd’s Bush’s singer, songwriter and rapper Finn Foxell has shown his nuance across an array of genres, from his early underground rap to more recent punk-fuelled bangers and indie anthems. His newest, “ROUND HERE,” fits the latter category; nostalgic, uplifting and undeniable, it’s a truly lovely tune with an even lovelier video.

brazy – “Daddy”

Multilingual rising artist brazy is back with another genre-bending beauty, “Daddy.” Following a batch of refined and confident releases throughout the year, brazy once again finds her voice and shapes her sound, and is set for a huge 2024.

Nemzzz – “Therapy”

Mancunian rapper Nemzzz is another UK MC who has proven his upward trajectory this year. Illustrating a vulnerability rare to find in the English scene, on his latest single “Therapy” Nemzzz reflects on his rise and its impact on his psyche, flowing graciously over an atmospheric backdrop.

WILDES – “heartbreak is silent”

Heart-rendering and musically progressive, London singer-songwriter WILDES has a way with emotions. She’s announced a new March-set EP and shared its lead single, “heartbreak is silent,” an immersive and intelligent electronic pop number that flaunts her serenading vocals and visceral writing.

Teejay & Davido – “Drift (Remix)”

One of the hottest crossover this year, Jamaican trailblazer Teejay recruits Nigerian superstar Davido for the official remix of “Drift”. The song’s sultry Afro-Caribbean rhythms pulsate as Teejay’s unshakable cadence kickstarts the momentum. He passes this energy to Davido, as he promises to “make her dance” while the sound of a camera snap punctuates his invitation to “take my picture”. They go big in the accompanying visual – which was notably shot in Nigeria. Private planes, champagne, and tricked-out cars rev up the action while Teejay and Davido shine in every frame.

LEOSTAYTRILL – “Out The Margin”

Written and produced entirely by Leo, “Out The Margin” continues to put the rap landscape on notice — his unique cadence, flow and ear for a hook finding a perfect bed in the bouncy percussive elements and xylophone-infused notes. Already receiving significant co-signs from UK icon JME and viral fashion sensation Corteiz founder Clint, as well as a recent appearance on America’s coveted ‘On The Radar Radio’ — performing a live version of his acclaimed single “Honeybun” — the sixteen-year-old’s abundance of character and playful lyricism over a truly contagious, marking Leostaytrill as one of the hottest new names to emerge in the scene this year.

Margrete – “Pandora”

Norwegian singer-songwriter Margrete has announced her forthcoming EP “FLAWS vol 2” – out early January – and shared a fresh single from the project. Hazy, anthemic and articulate, it’s a soaring tune that teases a big future for the rising artist.

Maria Taktouk – “shadow”

Lebanese singer-songwriter Maria Taktouk recently impressed with her debut single “shadow,” and now the 23 year old has augmented the release with the blessing of a live performance video to accompany the track. Bridging the gap of her Middle Eastern roots with a Western pop influence, it’s a spell binding cut full of gorgeous vocality and vivid lyricism.