Troye Sivan’s most mature album to date, Jamie T’s most anthemic record so far, and girl in red goes blue: it’s Wonderlist!
Troye Sivan – “FF”
One of pop’s most magnetic presences, Troye Sivan, comes of age on his cinematic and characterful fourth album, She’s The Best. Expanding his sound into the further, more left-field corners of pop, while still maintaining his mainstream acumen. Lead single “FF” is a romantic and impactful electro-pop ballad.
girl in red – “blue”
Norwegian favourite girl in red returns with her first solo music this year, kicking off a new era with the release of “blue”. Uplifting in tone, shimmering in texture and heartfelt lyrically, the change of colour suits the singer-songwriter well.
Jamie T – “Waist 36, Leg 32”
UK royalty has delivered his triumphant, hook-heavy and emotionally sprawling sixth album, Ghosts (100 Days of Morning). The latest growth from the scrappy underdog behind some of the most iconic indie tracks across the past 20 years, the new record shows the growth and depth of Jamie’s craft as a songwriter, musician, and societal commentator. Still one of the best around.
John Glacier – “Lights”
Hackney rapper, poet and producer John Glacier returns with the track “Lights”, the follow-up to her July single “Bond Girl”. Produced by Kwes Darko, it’s the most upfront and accessible moment of her career so far, with synths, grand bells and skittering production that feels contemporary without losing its off-kilter sentiments.
H.LLS ft. SamRecks – “HOUSEPARTY”
H.LLS are one of the most exciting, elusive musical collectives to emerge in recent years. Continuing their flawless run of singles that have carved out a clear sonic identity and gained them an increasing pool of plaudits, the latest cut from the group is “HOUSE PARTY”, a zoned-out anthem with an excellent feature from rapper SamRecks.
studio20 – “Penny Drop”
Off-kilter and experimental, the debut single from emerging Kent four-piece studio20 is complex, compelling and challenging. From its dual vocal lead, the fierce distortion of the guitars, and the idiosyncratic glockenspiel melody that pops in and out, the tune is oddly affecting and artistically fascinating.
Nia Smith – “Mr Right”
Following the release of her sophomore EP “Payback Is A Dog” earlier this year, Ivor Novello and MOBO-nominated Nia Smith returns with “Mr Right”. An intimate track that captures the loneliness of watching others fall in love, the single sees the Brixton-raised singer match her powerful, versatile vocals with heartfelt storytelling.
Bricknasty – “the dom perignons”
Irish genre-benders Bricknasty are gearing up to share their fourth project, “forever”, in early November via FAMM. The third teaser for the much-anticipated body of work, from the Dublin collective that has cemented itself as one of the most interesting groups of the 2020s, is suitably creative. “the don perignons” plucks from all manner of styles, held constant by frontman Fatboy’s mercurial talent.
Indigo Sparke – “Weird Fish”
Australian musician Indigo Sparke returns with “Weird Fish”, the latest single from her upcoming third album, There Is a Light on the Horizon Line. The track is about love and how being close to someone can change the way you see things. Produced by John Parish, who’s worked with PJ Harvey for years, it has a fuller sound than some of her earlier work, with a bigger band.
NATHALIA – “In Our Prime”
Fiercely unique, the opening entry into NATHALIA’s sonic universe is surprising and sensationalist. Formerly one half of provocateur pair-up Lover’s Skit, the creative force steps out on her own with a dual single drop. “In Our Prime” is especially effective, with pounding, progressive production and an electric vocal performance.
Chloe Slater – “Can I Finish Please”
Dropping her debut album Riot Youth via Stolen Juice, Chloe Slater spotlights her lead single “Can I Finish Please?”. A sharp and satirical take on the generational divide in political conversations, the song sees the 23-year-old singer-songwriter turn the familiar frustrations of being young and having your opinions dismissed into something wryly funny.
Faye Meana – “Don’t Tell Me”
She’s been floating around the London undergrowth for years now, but Faye Meana’s new EP, “I Meant To Say”, is the crowning moment of her career so far. “Don’t Tell Me”, the lead single, is emblematic of everything that works about the project – dazzling vocals, vivid writing, rich production, gorgeous from top to bottom.
Remi Wolf – “Champagne”
Packing the emotional punch of a heated heavyweight, Remi Wolf’s wonderful third album Mud is her best work to date. Lead track “Champagne” is big, bold, and best sung at the very top of your voice.
de clair – “week 25”
Swedish talent de clair has unveiled her soaring debut album, veta begas, a gorgeous collection of songs built on the foundations of juxtaposition, of certainty and doubt, of right and wrong. Lead single “week 25” is an indie rock anthem that’ll blow your socks off.
Luke RV – “Humble Pie”
One of Welsh rap’s high-flying exports of recent years, Luke RV delves deep into his psyche, lineage, and relationships on his accomplished 14-track new album, How to Grow Wings. Standout track “Humble Pie” illustrates his growth as a musician, dipping in and out of tight bars and melodic musings atop a soulful, boom-bapping, backdrop.
Mary Ann Alexander – “Call Me?”
Mary Ann Alexander’s new track, “Call Me?”, is a late-night R&B track about wanting someone who always seems to be on the move to slow down and let you in. Warm, plucked guitars and honey-sweet production sit with her soft vocals and vulnerable lyrics. The Keralan singer released her debut EP “Love Or A Lesson” earlier this year, and with co-signs from SZA and Kehlani already under her belt, she’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
Awning – “Little Green Book”
To mark their signing to Winspear, Awning have dropped off their new single “Little Green Book”. Recorded at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios and produced by De Sevens, the song talks about grief, with lead artist Christian Dimick writing the track in an ambiguous manner that opens up the meaning of his emotions to interpretation, whilst allowing him privacy.
Unflirt – “Air Turns Blue”
There’s a bit of Y2K nostalgia in Unflirt’s new single, “Air Turns Blue”, but with breakbeat drums that bring it into the present. It’s a slight change of direction for the London-based singer, whose last EP, Fleeting, leaned more into a bedroom-pop sound. After supporting Snail Mail and WILLOW earlier this year, she’s now teasing a bigger project on the way.
Tooth – “Take Me As I Am”
Ahead of their headline UK tour, Tooth are back with “Take Me As I Am”, their first single under Parlophone and the follow-up to this summer’s Restless In Bloom. The track captures the band maturing fast after a year on the live circuit, with interlocking guitars, driving drums and one of frontman Tom Pollock’s most impressive vocal performances yet.
The Wran – “The Waterford Boys”
Ireland’s The Wran release their debut album The Stone Man today, following a run of standout festival sets including Glastonbury, Green Man and Electric Picnic. “Waterford Boys” features on the album, being a reinterpretation of an 1865 ballad that turns a historical comic number into a gritty grunge-trad anthem.
Aluna ft. Jengi – “Moaning”
A whirlwind of ups and downs, rises and refinements, Aluna’s link up with Jengi is a thrill-a-second. “Moaning” revolves around a hypnotic synth line, with Aluna’s vocals hitting in all the right places. The first of many more to come from the globally renowned artist.
Booter Bee – “B1”
Fast gaining recognition as one of the country’s hottest and most talented rappers to emerge from these shores, Booter Bee’s brand new single, “B1”, continues his immaculate run of form and demonstrates exactly why he is so in-demand. A trademark bouncy soundtrack, packed with crisp percussive elements and menacing strings, lays the perfect foundation for the Northerner to unleash the effortless flow and thought-provoking bars he has become so well known for.
Theo Ogundipe – “I.T.”
Best known for his acting roles in Top Boy and Mickey 17, Theo Ogundipe is debuting in the music scene with his debut EP, “In Transit”, out in November. The lead single, “I.T”., offers a glimpse of what’s to come: blending rap, soul and electronic sounds, the seven-track project is a personal introduction to the Nigerian-born, London-raised artist, who produced the whole EP himself.
Wonjin – “Ice King”
The singer-songwriter of the boundary-pushing alternative K-pop collective Balming Tiger, Wonjin continues to step out on his own with the second and final pre-release single from his soon-to-drop debut album, Mangsangrok, out on 20th October. “Ice King”, the new cut, is a poignant look at loss and recovery.
Johnny Venus – The 11th Hour
GRAMMY-nominated artist Johnny Venus releases his debut solo album, The 11th Hour, executive produced by The-Dream. The 12-track project draws inspiration from the symbolism of the Master Number 11 and serves as both a body of work and a reflection of his evolving worldview, exploring love in all its forms, self-love, romantic relationships, family, spirituality and community.
DPAT – “coda”
Highly regarded for his intricate productions across the US R&B and rap space, Dpat returns with one of the most cinematic visuals you’ll see this year with “coda”. With the story created by Dpat and directed by Adrian Villagomez shot entirely on location in Huaros, Canta and Lima, Peru, it follows the adventures of a young couple straight out of Human Traffic. As Dpat gears up to the release of his new studio album, it comes as a sharp and timely reminder of the artist’s visual prowess and creative skills as well as on the production boards.
Dylan John Thomas – “Nothing Here Worth Taking”
Glasgow’s Dylan John Thomas is back with “Nothing Here Worth Taking”, the title track and final taste of his sophomore album, which is out today. This track is an anthem about showing up for a mate when things get tough, sung over an acoustic guitar, blasts of brass and his signature vocals. The 10-track album sees Dylan mix folk, country, blues and even 90s dance, as he gears up for a homecoming show at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom before heading out on his biggest UK and Ireland tour yet.
Janet Devlin – “How Do Cowboys Say Goodbye?”
You know all those times that you’ve wondered how cowboys say goodbye? You don’t need to worry about that anymore; Janet Devlin has got you covered. On her latest heartfelt country ballad, the singer-songwriter is vivid and vivacious, covering plenty of emotional ground.
Merges – “Another State”
From the small-town beginnings of South Dakota to the creative pulse of Los Angeles, alternative R&B artist Merges delivers her enchanting new single, “Another State”. The release brings together intricately curated elements to form a cohesive sonic palette, demonstrating Merges’ distinctive artistic vision and her ability to offer listeners a glimpse into a world deeply specific to her, while simultaneously making them feel completely at home.
Dog Radio – “The Last Of Our Kind”
Alex and Daniel, otherwise known as Dog Radio, are detailing their thoughts on “The Last of Our Kind” with this gentle and slow, indie-folk-twanged love letter. With vocals that feel like a whisper buttering a careful acoustic strum, the glitter of twinkling piano keys and the cry of a violin adorning the almost-silence, this is a song that swirls with love — the magic and the melancholic, the joyous and the jinxed. I can’t tell whether I’d love or hate to be Maddy…
