Kaytranada, Sabrina Carpenter & Jamie XX In Wonderlist

Wonderland

WONDERLIST

Sabrina Carpenter’s latest pop gem, Jamie XX’s album teaser and Kaytranada’s triumphant full-length: this week’s list is a treat…

Photography by Jivi Emir

Photography by Jivi Emir

Kaytranada – TIMELESS

Seminal production wizard Kaytranada has blessed us just in time for summer with his latest full-length album, TIMELESS. Seemingly adverse to releasing anything that isn’t pure heat, Kay once again shows why he’s one of the most cherished names in his craft with a colourful, superbly crafted collection of cuts, bolstered by features from a range of A-listers such as Anderson .Paak, Childish Gambino and Tinashe.

Jamie XX – “Treat Each Other Right”

Production visionary is finally releasing his highly-anticipated sophomore record, In Waves, this year! We’ve been blessed with a delightful teaser cut, “Treat Each Other Right”, a heady club anthem that sonically twists and turns its way towards a gloriously gritty climax. That video too, just wow.

Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please”

Quickly become the pop star of 2024 thanks to the meteoric success of her previous single “Espresso”, Sabrina Carpenter is set to once again break the internet with the release of “Please Please Please”. A dreamy, cascading pop cut that ticks all the boxes (including a cameo from Carpenter’s main squeeze Barry Keoghan), the track further cements the singer’s position as the mainstream’s current IT girl.

Dylan – “Perfect Revenge”

Emerging pop frontrunner Dylan is making her way up the ranks and looks set for a big breakthrough this year. She’s shared a captivating new cut, “Perfect Revenge”, a dazzlingly orchestrated banger with a highly catchy hook and a sweeping vocal showing.

Beabadoobee – “Coming Home”

Dirty Hit signee and alt pop crusader Beabadoobee recently shared news of a forthcoming third study album, This is How Tomorrow Moves, due in mid August. She’s unveiled a glistening new single from the record, “Coming Home”, a gentle, stripped-back gem that feels sentimental and heartfelt.

Fat Dog – “I am the King”

Blistering outfit Fat Dog can’t stop thinking down stylistic doors. This newest track “I am the King”, plucked from their September-set debut album, is nothing short of enthralling. From the orchestra opening to the euphoric vocal passages and James Blake (I think) sample, it’s truly a sonic spectacle. Their LP is bound to make a splash, watch this space.

BADBADNOTGOOD – “Mid Spiral” Series

We may be going slightly off-grid from the Wonderlist bourgeois with this one but we have to shout out Canadian outfit BADBADNOTGOOD. The jazz six-piece keep amassing career heights and with their recent “Mid Sprail” EP trilogy, “Chaos”, “Order” and “Growth” (linked above), they might been nearing the summit. Brimming with intimate and intricate instrumentation, it’s luscious, challenging and deeply impactful work from one of the very acts best around.

Confidence Man – “I CAN’T LOSE YOU”

Aussie firecrackers Confidence Man have moved half way across the world. Now calling London home, the act with a knack for euphoria shared a huge new anthem “I CAN’T LOSE YOU”, a earworm-inducing tune that is the first taste of their upcoming album. Welcome to the party!

tendai – “Twin Flame”

Creative maverick tendai is one of the most respected and fluid artists currently coming out of London. Back with another subtly beautiful cut, “Twin Flame”, the polymath flaunts his vocal vibrance and lays his feelings out for all to see on this poignant and decadent new number.

Joey Valence & Brae ft. Danny Brown – “Puckapunch”

Here is our winner for collab of the week! Enigmatic and genre-defying duo Joey Valence & Brae have shared a new album, NO HANDS, and unleashed a terrific lead single that enlists one of US rap’s most quintessential names. “PACKAPUNCH” is a grimy, off-kilter and rip-roaring number with three slick verses, brimming with idiosyncrasy and intelligence.

Friko – “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi (Radiohead Cover)”

Chicago outfit Friko have just wrapped up their debut North American tour in support of their inaugural album, but are keeping their feet firmly on the gas with their incandescent cover of “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi”. The modern classic from Radiohead’s In Rainbows is a spellbinding cut that is technically challenging, but the pair make a concise and unique take on the cut look like light work.

Aziya – “crush (tom verlaine)”

Quickly rising alt-rocker Aziya is back at it following the release of her second EP late last year. The new track, “crush (tom verlaine)” is a moody yet uplifting amalgamation of distorted guitars, soaring vocals and driving beats. This one hits!

James Massiah – “True Romance”

Arguably one of London’s most underrated artists, poet and DJ from south of the Thames James Massiah has unveiled his atmospheric and meticulously crafted new EP “True Romance”. Lyrically adept and musically explorative, it’s a thrilling and robust project that furthers Massiah’s rising acclaim.

Soft Launch – “Piano Hands”

Soft Launch are going hard. Back with their sophomore single after the hugely impressive “Cartwheels”, the band flaunt their chameleonic style with “Piano Hands”, a cut that proves simultaneously off-kilter and groove-laden, and boasts a intimate yet grand vocal performance. These lot are really cutting through the noise, with their noise.

SamRecks – “HIT or MISS”

Continuing his unique blend of sonic innovation and thoughtful, original bars that has made the Nigerian-born south-east London native one of the most eye-catching new names of the past year, SamRecks, aka REKKI, drops off “HIT to MISS”, effortlessly showcasing REKKI’s distinctive style, outlining a narrative of nostalgia and early personal experiences dipping into fashion and love interests alike. Produced by T.O, “HIT or MISS” continues to showcase a rare, subtle talent that underlines REKKI as a significant new artist in the landscape. Bouncy percussive elements combine with shimmering synth lines, providing the perfect bed for Sam’s smooth cadence to skip across, exclaiming “could you be my hit or miss?”. Released alongside an intoxicating, self-directed and edited official video, “HIT or MISS” is guaranteed to garner a huge amount of attention across the UK and beyond.  

Swindle – “Queenie, Season 1”

Production savant Swindle has become known as one of the leading names in his craft in the UK, and continues to reach new creative heights with the unveiling of his latest project. The sonic wizard has blessed Queenie, an original TV series based on Candice Carty-Williams best selling novel, with a score, composed entirely by him, with a gorgeous Bellah-featuring cut “Way Back To Me”, an added bonus.

Lyza Jane – “Everyday”

Conjuring an enigmatic, midnight sound, “Something In The Rye” emerges as a capsule into the mind of Lyza Jane; a rich sonic journey balancing upper-echelon R&B and trip-hop alongside Lyza’s hedonistic commentary elevated through love, intimacy and the wonders of existence. Commanding attention from the offset with the hazy lead cut “Everyday”, purities in her cadence are contrasted only by the melancholic emotions faced when losing touch with something you love – a complex limbo that transforms vulnerable affirmations into something inspired and universal. Delivering a statement on power and vulnerability, the EP looks set to grow further attention around one of the UK’s most exciting new voices.

BODUR – “TAPESTRY ‘HIJAZ” 

London-born musician BODUR returns with her latest single “TAPESTRY [HIJAZ]”. The track marks a new phase for BODUR who tackles generation trauma making it her most personal release to date. “TAPESTRY [HIJAZ]” is led by BODUR’s rich and distorted vocals across production influenced by Maqam, a traditional Arabic system of microtonal music. BODUR teamed up with director Furmaan Ahmed and creative director Rukaiyah Qazi for the accompanying visualiser to capture the core themes within the music. 

Clara La San – Made Mistakes

Composer, producer and singer Clara La San is etching her name into modern legacy. Her new album, Made Mistakes, is as stylistically diverse an album as you’ll hear this year; flirting with the edges of electronica ,there is a sonic identity that is cemented across the record. It’s emotional, endearing and enigmatic – don’t miss out.

Margo Raats – “Paper Paradise”

From Belgium to LA and now London, Margo Raats has had quite the journey to her debut project. “Paper Paradise” is an emotionally-potent, unassuming and thoroughly impressive body of work, with fantastic vocal performances from Raats constant throughout.

JAY1 ft. Neeshay – “ASAP”

UK rapper JAY1 has been floating around the scene for a number of years now, but has returned after a hiatus of late with added incentive and a clear artistic vision. He unveils a new single “ASAP”, showcasing the talents of his very own brother, Neeshay, for a lively and cheek-laden rap number.

Downtown Kayoto – “Coastlines”

Coming as the official third single from the new project, Hull’s creative beacon continues his unique blend of sonic innovation and thoughtful, original lyricisms that has made the Yorkshire-based talent one of the most eye-catching new names of the past two years. Latest single “Coastlines” further catapults the youngstar into the very upper echelons of the UK music scene — his unique style outlining a narrative of nostalgia and early personal experiences. DK delivers smooth-cut, poignant lyricism on top of a choppy production consisting of effective percussive elements and smooth guitar riffs, co-produced by DK himself alongside Dan Briskin and Frankie Scoca — fresh from his production “Super Shy” by NewJeans. This latest single continues the theme of confident vulnerability, touching upon a past relationship, DK encourages the listener to be comfortable in expressing feelings and emotions. 

Shy FX & Mr. Williamz – “Rudeboy Design Soundtape”

One of the most beloved British music icons from the last few decades, Shy FX, continues to show why he is widely accepted as one of the most iconic DJ / producers emanating from these shores with his brand new, ten-track project, “Rudeboy Design Soundtape”, released in collaboration with Mr. Williamz. Spanning classic d&b sounds, as well as jungle and dancehall, from the hard-hitting bass kicks of “Gideon’s Charge” to the more melodic notes of lead single, “Firetime”, the EP flits between full soundtracks and a series of effective interludes, capped off with Mr. Williamz’ innate lyricism. With key features from the likes of legendary singer Ms Dynamite and DJ/producer Breakage, ‘Rudeboy Design Soundtape’ further cements Shy’s legacy as one of the most important electronic artists this country has to offer.

Ocean Wisdom x Method Man – “Step”

Ocean Wisdom continues to flex his lyrical focus across “Step”, commanding the potent backdrop as sinister piano licks and heavy-set 808s transport us into pure grime nostalgia. The North Londoner acutely intertwines quick-witted bars and blazing authenticity while battling adversities on the roads – a self-assured pursuit for progression that’s quickly backed by Method Man’s effortless cadence shining with authority and menace. A clear marker of his reputation in the scene right now, the rare co-sign from one of the most influential rappers in history underlines the impact Ocean Wisdom is collecting in his dominant return to the ether this year.

WONDERLIST

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