A picture of poignancy with meaning that far traverses music, Canadian superstar Mustafa has shared “Gaza Is Calling”. Unveiled alongside an immensely powerful visual depiction directed by Hiam Abbas and featuring Palestinian model Bella Hadid, the track is a progressive and cinematic effort, gorgeous yet at times frantic. All net proceedings of the track all benefit the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.
Wonderland
WONDERLIST
Mustafa’s poignant statement, hard life’s metamorphosis, and a new Bree Runway banger: here’s Wonderlist!
Mustafa – “Gaza Is Calling”
hard life – “tears”
Anddddd they’re back! Following their well-publicised showdown with an airline over their band alias, easy life have transformed for hard life, and sound hungrier than ever under their new moniker. The comeback comes in the form of stripped-back, sample-laden hip-hop cut “tears”, a track that represents the adversity of the group, and how their difficulties have launched a more refined, authentic musical project. There’s lots of come from this Leicester five-piece, mark our words!
Bree Runway – “Just Like That”
Bree Runway is about to take over. “Just Like That”, her first offering as an independent is a raucous affair, driven by abrasive synths, pounding beats and a vocal performance from Runway that is as raw as it is magnificent. A fabulous effort from a generational talent.
Pale Waves – “Perfume”
Dreamy pop rock four-piece bring translucence and emotional depth to their anthemic sound with “Perfume”. The 80s-tinged sonics and soaring vocal performance bring the Manchester band back with a bang; expect plenty more on their newly-announced fourth studio album, Smitten, coming in September.
Orion Sun – “Already Gone”
The subtle decadence of Orion Sun just keeps on sharpening. The acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer has shared her first solo release in two years – time spent chiselling her craft as a live artist – and sounds all the better for the time away. “Already Gone” is mature both sonically and lyrically, with the Los Angeles-based Orion offering up a heartache-fuelled outing backed by a warm, naturalistic musical palette.
Picture Parlour – “Face In The Picture”
Swiftly rising band Picture Parlour have already gone viral with their debut single “Norwegian Wood” and supported The Strokes and The Last Dinner Party. Now, they share their debut EP, “Face In The Picture”, which proves a riotous and enthralling listen. With shades of mid era Arctic Monkeys, there’s a dramatist-tone that stops just short of pedantic, and instead steers into pure fun. What a ball!
Etta Marcus – “Death Grips”
Folk crooner Etta Marcus keeps maturing into one of the most well-rounded singer-songwriters around, with this new one “Death Grips” a fierce example. Adeptly constructed musically, the cut features some stunning vocal contributions from Marcus, as well as visceral and vivid lyrical detail.
Raveena – Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain
Raveena’s new record Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain is highly impressive. Generically diverse and bolstering features from JPEGMAFIA on “Junebug” and Amira Ederra on “We Should Move Somewhere Beautiful”, she took influence from artists who “are really good at capturing the beauty and loss of life in the same breath,” and showcases her own nuance in capturing such a dichotomy across the LP’s 50 or so minute runtime.
FIDLAR – “Fix Me”
Surf-punk icons FIDLAR have returned after a prolonged hiatus with more violent vibrancy than ever. Dropping two new singles – standout “Fix Me” is linked above – the band have announced a long-awaited fourth record, a first in over five years. Strap in for this one.
Infinity Song – Metamorphosis Complete
There’s a seminal air to the work of New York band Infinity Song. The group have built a cult following with their 70s-tinged soundscapes and dazzling harmonies, and have now returned with a further augmentation of their recent EP. Metamorphosis Complete adds six gorgeous outings, raising the act to further artistic heights.
Young T & Bugsey – “Dundee”
Nottingham duo Young T & Bugsey continue their return to the scene with a groove-laden glistener “Dundee”. Produced by the former, the sparse, sun-kissed instrumental lays the groundwork for an ear worm hook and cheek-laden bars aplenty.
Isabella Lovestory – “VIP”
Sexy, atmospheric and downright hilarious, Isabella Lovestory’s latest single is a one for the weekend. Accompanied by a music video bound to get the juices flowing, Lovestory brings a flirtatious charisma to the sure-fire future club classic.
Byron Messia ft. Lil Baby & Rvssian – “Choppa”
Emerging last year with huge breakout hit “Talibans”, Byron Messia is going strength to strength. This new single enlists global superstar Lil Baby for an introspective feature, and sees Messia himself in sharp form, floating behind dancehall, trap and R&B tendencies.
Latto ft. Megan Thee Stallion & Flo Milli – “Sunday Service (Remix)”
In one of the biggest rap link ups of the year so far, Latto brings in fellow high flying stars Megan Thee Stallion and Flo Milli for a rip-roaring rendition of her hit song “Sunday Service”. Playful and braggadocious, it’s one hell of an anthem.
Hongza – “Lovesick”
Plucked from his forthcoming September-set EP titled “Coming of Age”, London-born, Vietnamese-Chinese singer-songwriter Hongza shares new single, “Lovesick”, a dreamy and delightful indie-pop outing. Hazy vocals, soaring guitars and tight production make this one a winner.
Kalisway – “Superstar”
One of the most exciting and refreshing young artists emanating from Toronto right now, Kalisway, returns to the soundsphere after a brief hiatus with funk-infused new single “Superstar”, taken from her highly-anticipated new project, ‘A Kid From Toronto’, due later this August. Continuing to create musical landscapes through raw sounds and natural emotions, the precocious alternative R&B/ Funk star surfaces with a joyfully surreal new single. Bass licks and nostalgic synth samples bed a shimmering journey into the young talent’s playful, left-field life – with tipsy, 80s infused grooves providing delicious pockets for her vocals to dance between, “Superstar” serves as a timely reminder of Kalisway’s skill in crafting a sense of vintage nostalgia, whilst planting herself distinctly in today’s effervescent culture.
Boj ft. Adekunle Gold “Love Garden”
Alté pioneer Boj is preparing for a busy summer with visualiser for recent single ‘Love Garden’ in collaboration with Adekunle Gold. Production from Grammy-nominated Ragee the track fuses sensual guitars, syncopated beats and hand-crafted bass, creating a perfect setting for Boj and Adekunle’s yearning vocals. Marking the lead single taken from a wider project, Boj is set to reinstate himself as an innovator, taking Alté culture to new heights.