Who? Possessive/Kit Major
What? Masochist
Where? LA
Why we love it? Pulse-pounding dance-pop with a dark edge that cuts deep into your brain and stays there. Kit Major’s soft yet powerful voice has never sounded so good and the production is fantastic with a tried and tested electro-pop beat that instantly draws you in. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Ava Max, Kim Petras
Who? Pheobe Ryan
What? Talk To Me
Where? Jersey, US
What they say? ‘Talk To Me’ was written moments after I got a text from the guy I was dating that he was also seeing someone else. I was upset for maybe 10 minutes, because then we started writing this song and it seemed much more important. Communication is something I write about often because I’ve been in way too many situations where I’ve experienced just how bad texting has fucked us all up. It’s so hard for people to be honest face-to-face. I think it’s important to remind (and challenge!) people to speak up when something is bothering them, and not hide behind a screen.
Why we love it? Dripping with attitude, this country-rock-pop hybrid is a fantastic showcase of Pheobe Ryan’s songwriting talents and unique vocal tone that sets them apart from the crowd. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Casey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey, Vérité
Who? Global Charming
What? Soft Fruit
Where? Amsterdam, Netherlands
What they say? ‘Soft Fruit’ is the first single from this Amsterdam based post-punk quartet’s debut album ‘Mediocre, Brutal’ which is coming on Subroutine Records on 9th October. With their slacker vibes, they exorcise the banality of everyday life, with a rhythmic takedown of daily routines. Global Charming make boredom sound intense and essential. Kinda perfect for our “new normal”.
Why we love it? Global Charming make the kind of sloppy, discordant rock that shouldn’t work, but it REALLY does. Half-spoken musings, sharp stabs of guitar infused with effortless pop melody, that’s ‘Soft Fruit’, a stand-out from the forthcoming album which, like Crack Cloud, repurposes classic post-punk for its own time and place. This is a thrilling opening salvo from yet another enthralling underground Dutch band. (James Thornhill)
FFO: Crack Cloud, Jonathan Richman, Television, Sonic Youth
Who? K I T
What? Warm
Where? Liverpool
What they say? ‘Warm’ is about someone who feels worn out after a break up. They feel untrusting after giving their heart away to someone just for it to be broken: It’s a way of saying things will get better and I’ll be here to support you along the way.”
Why we love it? A soft and tender indie track that allows K I T to show off his fantastic voice that dances around the guitars and drums with crowds chanting in the background as he declares an ode to his love and a promise of protection, truly beautiful.
FFO: Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers
Who? NEO 10Y
What? Crackhead Angel
Where? London
Why we love it? This dark alternative-pop track teeters on the brink of insanity in the best way possible. The production is top-notch, NEO 10Y’s vocal is varied, beautiful and full of emotion as they explore their inner turmoil. It’s EXCELLENCE. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Perfume Genius, Banks, Lykke Li
Who? snny
What? Postmodern Black
Where? Boston, US
What they say? ‘Postmodern Black’ is to me a sonic manifestation of my own self-reliance. It’s almost a superpower to be able to trust your instincts, and I wanted to render that notion with melody and instruments. As a young African man creating in this era I have a responsibility to my kinfolk to champion independence and fortitude during these divisive times. The title of the song is inspired by an essay written by bell hooks in 1990 called Postmodern Blackness.
Why we love it? From the first note, this song grabs you by the cuff and forces you to listen. Dirty synths rip through the air and demand your attention, the soft vocal contrasts beautifully against the harsh instrumental. It’s a sonic marvel and will catch you totally off guard. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Raleigh Ritchie, Roman Gianarthur
Who? Naomi Banks
What? Closer
Where? London
What they say? Closer is about being attracted to someone and not overthinking sexuality, just going with what feels right.
Why we love it? Beautifully crafted neo-soul with trip-hop influences that dances along with a sultry vibe that entices you in with super-smooth vocals, pinpoint delivery and sweetly layered harmonies, this track has it all.
FFO: Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Adeline
