There is a lot of music around, so it’s okay that you might get a little overwhelmed. Each and every week, artists bring their A game with brand new singles, and we have taken it upon ourselves to select ten of the best to treat you, because you’re good to us. This week is pretty electronica heavy, but the tracks are so good even the strongest of sceptics will be boogying in no time. Have a good weekend!
Sofi De La Torre – 19 in Mexico
Sofi De La Torre has continued her steady but rapid rise to international fame and fortune this week, with another new single in the form of 19 In Mexico. It’s got attitude, a good beat and just enough sultry vibes to reel you in. She is just one week out from releasing her Mess EP, and if her slew of tracks that have trickled out over the past few months isn’t enough to make you excited for that, 19 In Mexico should definitely do the trick!
Sonia Stein – Baggage
Sonia Stein wins the award for “Best Voice” this week. Just have a listen to this track. Soulful, rich, deep and perfectly suited to the bouncy, bassy beats she’s singing over, her range and abilities are on full display here with Baggage. Fierce and fiery, she is putting her foot down here and having absolutely none of your shit. Giving a whole new meaning to electro-RnB, Stein makes it almost sound easy to pull off a song like this, and quite frankly, we can’t get enough.
DiamondDahi – NMDB (ft. Little Simz)
DiamondDahi is a brand new collaborative project from bloodpop (formerly known as Blood Diamonds) and DJ Dahi, who have collectively produced for Big Sean, Lupe Fiasco, Tinashe, Madonna and Grimes, with bloodpop even writing a whopping six tracks on Justin Bieber‘s newly released Purpose. So it’s safe to say that this is really, really well-produced song. N.M.B.D or No More Blood Diamonds, features UK rapper Little Simz, who is probably my favourite rapper to have emerged in 2015. For such a young artist, her flow is so on point, and makes for the perfect top line above the swooping synths and smooth percussion. This is a really, really cool track. I’m looking forward to hearing a lot more from DiamondDahi!
Alice Ivy – Walk on (ft. Indigo Fly)
Melbourne’s Alice Ivy has returned with a wonderful new track, Walk On, featuring rappers Indigo Fly. The smooth electro-soul and hip-hop blend is seriously smooth and so catchy, with intricate brass and scratch-infused instrumentation and a rhythm that you can’t help but bop your ahead along to. I absolutely love that more and more music like this is coming out of Australia. Indigo Fly (Eloji and Branford) steal the show with their wicked, on-point flow – again, an indication that the local landscape is not only changing, but growing up.
Owen Rabbit – Denny’s
This isn’t the typical music that I’m into, but Owen caught my attention with Holy Holy back in August, and I LOVE his latest, Denny’s. A weird and wonderful blend of organic and electronic sounds, the soundscape has been pieced together, growing in intensity, layer by layer, with each sound fitting precisely in with the next. The artist has spoken about how the track was influenced by his experiences with depression and anxiety – and it makes for an absolutely powerful track, emotionally as well as musically.
Cubenx – A Sheltering Sky
This is a bit of a left-field entry, but it’s expansive, psychedelic and utterly electric, filled with all kinds of mysterious intrigue and allure. The track’s Soundcloud description includes the following quote, and instead of reviewing it any more, I recommend you have a think about it while you listen: “We’re not tourists, we’re travellers: tourists are someone who thinks about going home on the moment they arrive, whereas a traveler might not come back at all.” This is a STUNNING release from the Mexican producer, aka Cesar Urbina. It features on the just-released 11-track LP Elegiac, which you can and should listen to right here.
Swick – R6 Wheel (dub)
Swick is one of my favourite producers in Australia. I like to think of him as a King Midas of sorts, except whatever he touches turns into a banger instead of gold (aural gold, maybe). R6 Wheel (demo) is no exception. It’s HUGE. Long term friend and collaborator with none other than Nina Las Vegas, this track comes as his “sampler” in a month long series released by Nina’s label NLV Records to showcase the label’s signings. I mean, there are debut tracks, and then there’s this. We cannot possibly get enough of Swick, or anyone on NLV Records for that matter, so here’s hoping this is an indication that even more new music is on the way!
Lower Spectrum, Proxima
This song immediately stopped me in my tracks. The track begins slowly, with deep, drawn-out notes of all kinds of tone and thickness, coming together to shape one hell of a musical landscape. Once the rhythm kicks in, there’s this ominous, suspenseful drive, before giving way to a delicate melodic section with vocal samples and more. The sections all then fuse together, eventually creating an hazy atmosphere filled with shuffling rhythms, a catchy hook and a beat that’s ready for a late-night dance-floor. This is the lead single on Lower Spectrum’s upcoming EP New Haze, set for a 2016 release via Pilerats.
Clubfeet, We Are Affected
Clubfeet have returned! That’s right. They kind of left fans hanging a little since their 2013 Heirs & Graces LP, so this week we are imagining more than a few Clubfeet faithful would have been pleasantly surprised indeed to see the band finally release a new song. Was the wait worth it, though? Absolutely. This slow jam is a sparkling slice of emotive electro pop, and will have you side stepping in no time. It’s groovy, funky, a little disco and mellow-but-not-too-mellow – all the things that make Clubfeet so great. Welcome back guys, we missed you!
XXYYXX, Red
Any day that includes new music from XXYYXX is a good day in our books, so this week was pretty great indeed. Responsible for some of 2013’s best songs, Red is the first release from the young but prolific producer in quite some time – and it does not disappoint. Big, shifting beats fill the space whilst muffled vocal samples are chopped and changed and scattered throughout. Synths whir, the bassline pounds, the groove makes you sway, and the drop is enough to bring you to your knees. We’re not too sure where he’s been, but we sure as hell are glad XXYYXX is back.
It’s video roundup time! Once again, Howl And Echoes are coming in hot with the freshest, most eyeball stimulating music videos to be dropped by the artists you love and some of the artists you don’t know you love yet, of this week. We do all the dirty work and herd them all into one convenient, web-based location for you to enjoy every Friday so that you don’t have to. Have yourself a good old gander at the latest offerings from:
Bob Moses – Tearing Me Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=73&v=T4oUeqOkb90
Coming straight from their wildly acclaimed debut album Days Gone By is the latest single from Bob Moses, Tearing Me Up. The Vancouver-via-New York electronic-pop duo have made some waves this year with their infectious sound. The video was shot in Paris and the smoking lounge feel of the track, soft crooning over an off-kilter backbeat and some beautiful keys thrown in, blends perfectly with the gorgeous after dark urban shots of two lovers making their way around the very city of love. Real nice stuff.
The Retroaction – Little Strange
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w360BXmJibo
Staying with Canada for this next one, which may be one of the more creative and fun music videos I’ve seen all year. Shot using a 360 camera in the band’s living room, you can watch this little jam session from every angle conceivable. Most importantly though, WHAT DOES THE SIGN ON THE ROOF SAY, The Retroaction? Because I can’t read it but I absolutely need to know.
The song’s a cracker too, some old time rock and roll done nice and shouty, just the way it should be. There’s running through the motions with music videos just trying to make something that’s aesthetically pleasing and then there’s doing something wacky and enjoyable like this that really involves the listener. The Retroaction nailed it.
Kali Uchis – Ridin’ Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUANL9WoB90&feature=youtu.be
Colombian (via Virginia) singer, songwriter and producer Kali Uchis is a tender 22 years of age, but she’s already appeared at Coachella (alongside Kaytranada), supported 21st century soul man Leon Bridges on tour and even found a guest spot on Tyler The Creator‘s Cherry Bomb LP. She’s a talent on the rise for sure, and track/video combinations like Ridin’ Round, off her upcoming album Rinse, are only going to shoot her to stardom faster.
The song is a wicked summery blend of reggae, neo-soul and RnB, featuring Kali’s sugar-sweet pop vocals. The video sees Kali with the sass turned up all the way as she returns to her roots to capture a snapshot of life in her home of Colombia. There’s apparently minimal acting going on in the video, with a lot of family members used for the scenes in the streets, the aim being to provide a real and authentic look at her origins. The perfect visual accompaniment to a song that showcases Kali’s multitude of talents to near perfection.
KLP – Recover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d06RcWW10Fo&feature=youtu.be
If you’re an avid Triple J listener, you’ll know KLP, aka Kristy Lee Peters, who serves up good vibes on the weekly hosting House Party. She’s also a talented vocalist, songwriter and producer in her own right, but to add just a bit of extra spice she has enlisted the artful flow of Remi for her brand new single Recover. It’s an upbeat party track arriving just in time for a long, hot summer, and the music video accompanying it is one hell of a celebration.
With cameos from some of KLP’s contemporaries in the Australian music scene like Peking Duk, Art Vs Science, Set Mo, L-Fresh The Lion and Remi himself, the clip also features an appearance from Triple J colleague and all-around legend breakfast host Alex Dyson, actress Sophie Lowe and a stack of others, all attending the type of party we simple folk could only dream of. A great watch.
The Laurels – Zodiac K
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ggzQdbYfs0
If you’re looking for something a little more psychedelic, we have the latest offering from Sydney’s Inner West, a track entitled Zodiac K by quartet The Laurels. The clip is a triptastic montage of chopped up photographs of the bands’ 2013 tour of the US, where they played the Austin Psych Fest. It’s so pleasing to the eyeballs and the accompanying track does the same for your ears.
Catch The Laurels at Newtown Festival this Sunday and supporting The Brian Jonestown Massacre at The Factory on the 18th!
The Goon Sax – Sometimes Accidentally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANLhUtwvYAk
Brisbane trio The Goon Sax, apart from having a killer band name, also put out one of my favourite songs of the year a little way back with the foot-tapping, shoe-gazing, contagiously jangly Sometimes Accidentally. I’ve listened to it that many times that I feel like Rainier Wolfcastle when Jay Sherman told him his loafers were untied. It’s a great track, and the video partners up with it marvellously. It’s a trip through some sunny suburbs as the band act out the narrative lyrics to the song and it .
Another great band out of my hometown. Can’t wait to catch them playing their well-deserved slot at next year’s Laneway Festival.
Sofi de la Torre – London x Paris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1_wCBjurGM
Spanish singer-songwriter Sofi de la Torre is something else. Her shimmering, hazy electro-pop has been well-received with every release and the haunting London x Paris, a track off of upcoming EP Mess from her, is no different. Full of dreamy synths and the smoky, enchanting voice of Sofi hypnotising the listener, it’s here accompanied by some deliciously lo-fi shots of the streets of both titular cities. Sofi directed the clip herself, capturing London and Paris, both cities she has spent time living in, in an amazing light.
Visually and sonically captivating, we’re looking forward to Mess thoroughly.
Bad//Dreems – Bogan Pride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoRTcEog5lk
I love absolutely everything about Adelaide outside rockers Bad//Dreems. Their debut album Dogs At Bay was released this year and blew everyone’s fur so far back it wasn’t funny. Bogan Pride is one of the hardest rocking songs to make the final cut of that album and the Baddies put out an equally hard-hitting music video to match it. The footage is as grainy and raw as their sound, some of the highlights include a dude in a Mal Meninga-era Canberra Raiders jersey opening bottles with his teeth, another dude with pink-eye, speed dealers, missing fingers, the neon lights of the pokies, a shirtless wrestling match, durries at every turn and all of it spliced in with footage from one of the band’s raucous gigs.
Just watch and tell me this isn’t the most Australian music video of 2015.
Each week, we have our eyes and ears open for the best of the best when it comes to new music, and each and every week the world delivers. For your listening pleasure, we have narrowed it down to just 10 tracks we think are more than worth your time. From hip hop to dance, pop to neo-R&B, there is something for everyone in this playlist. You are so very welcome.
Kali Uchis, Ridin’ Round (Prod. DJ Dahl)
Rising international superstar Kali Uchis actually released this track back in February on her Por Vida EP, but it seems DJ Dahl just couldn’t get enough of it, and decided to release his own version of the track. Self-described as “forsure one of my favorite records I’ve done this year,” DJ Dahl has well and truly outdone himself with this one. Whilst we love the original, we have had to make a special place in our heart for this bad boy.
Sofi De La Torre, London x Paris
We’ve had our eye on Sofi De La Torre for a while now, and with each release she always has us coming back for more. This latest track is one of her best yet. Smoky, emotional, passionate and a little more raw and exposed than we’re used to from De La Torre, London x Paris is her most intimate track and definitely one of our favourites. Crisp beats piercing a bed of thick, hazy synth and her naturally beautiful vocals, this is a total dream.
Bri Clark, Shiver
This is one of the most powerful tracks I’ve heard in a while. So passionate, so raw; Bri Clark pushes herself as far as she can go with this one and she sounds so good whilst doing it. She isn’t taking any of your bullshit whilst casting herself in the most exposing light she’s been in yet, and as a result I just can’t stop listening to this song.
Ribongia, Journeys
Ribongia is the musical moniker of the Italian-born, Sydney-based producer who has just released new single Journeys. The jungle-inspired track is the first taste of his upcoming ESCAPISMS EP, following on from the last, It Began. This is a really interesting track that focuses squarely, and heavily on the rhythm – and what a rhythm it is. Calling on jungle and break-beat elements, the percussively-loaded track is free, nearly ecstatic, a real celebration. Fun, frantic and completely hypnotic, my feet have already starting to move.
EMRSN, Down (Prod Jarreau Vandal)
Melbourne neo-R&B artist EMRSN returns with a new single, Down. Working with Soulection producer Jarreau Vandal, Down is, quite simply, a wonderful track. The track immediately grabs your attention with that huge rhythm, the expansive percussive beat, the synths that both combine with, and elevate the already-soaring vocals. Soon, the main beat kicks in, immediately shifting the vibe to a funky, fresh and wide-eyed feel. All in all it’s a wonderful atmosphere – sprawling, fun and sonically gorgeous.
Young Tapz, Killa
Young Tapz might ring a bell or two, and that would be thanks to his featuring spots on TWO of Hermitude‘s biggest tracks, The Buzz and Through The Roof. However, now it’s his turn to take centre stage, and we couldn’t be more excited about this track. Absolutely fucking massive, Killa immediately thrusts him onto his own level. Speaking about his track, Young Tapz said, “It’s dangerous out here, I’m just tryna let my people know.” Thanks for the heads up, Tapz, but we could have used some warning that you were sitting on a track as fiery as this one.
Kendrick Lamar, Alright (SVSSY Flip)
Well, I’ll bet you’ve never heard K-Dot quite like this. The jarring, glitchy, weird and wonderful synth-heavy flip is courtesy of mysterious new Sydney producer SVSSY. The flip really feels more like a brand new track with a Kendrick sample. The atmosphere is completely packed and nearly disconcerting in its intensity and, ultimately, it’s strangeness. The rhythm carries it through, however, building and growing here and there, ever-changing tones and colours. Listen closely to the sample a bit before the six-minute mark, it’s from Kendrick’s ‘I’m Preaching Hope, Not Violence’ interview.
Wishes, I Want to be Alone With You
The latest from Sydney outfit Wishes is a sparkly offering of on-trend indie/electro-pop, just in time for the festival season. Practically made for summer, this warm and infectious track is immediately reminiscent of the likes of MGMT, Foster The People or even Passion Pit, but it’s his modern production that keeps it in 2015 and beyond, well away from 2009. Accessible with it’s mainstream appeal, but still slightly leftfield to keep alternative dance fans happy, Wishes will be a name we will be seeing a lot of very soon, whether we like it or not!
The Tongue, Never Going Down ft. Ngaiire
We recently shared The Tongue’s first single from his upcoming album, You Got Me ft. Mataya, and today he returns with Never Going Down ft. Ngaiire. Opening on light synths and a bulging bass, the trap-influenced rhythm caught me off guard at first – but I love it. Once again The Tongue is lyrically dense, with a compelling flow through every verse. Ngaiire’s uniquely rich vocals are the perfect padding, too. This is another really impressive offering from the Sydney artist – I’m looking forward to hearing more.
Surahn, Wanted To Fly
A modern take on groovy, psychedelic rock ‘n roll, this single is the first original new release from this producer/singer/songwriter for a long while – and I think it’s incredible. While you may not know the name, it’s likely you’ll know the talent. Surahn is a prolific performer and collaborator, having worked with Kimbra and Usher, sung live with Flight Facilities, and toured extensively with Empire of the Sun. Now he’s going it alone, and if the rest of his material sounds anything like this, it won’t be long at all until “Surahn” is a name you know REALLY well.
Finally, the weekend is here, and it’s a long one at that! Thankfully, we have once again pulled through to bring you the top 10 new tracks that have dropped this week. There is a really good mix here, from sultry pop to delicate piano numbers, peculiar electro, shoegaze, late night club jams and – of course – some Killer Mike. TGIF!
1. Sofi de la Torre – Lovers Work Late
Lifted from her forthcoming EP Vermillion, this is one rising pop star that isn’t messing around. She’s already had nods from Paramore and Grimes, as well as a lot of Internet love. If you listen to her tracks, you’ll know why. Her honeyed voice and sultry lyrics paired with pop styled production makes for an incredibly enjoyable experience.
2. Adria – Falling
Perth singer Adria has just dropped her debut EP, Shell, and Falling is her latest single. Beautiful and delicate piano is juxtaposed with her incredible vocal range, as it soars with incredible passion before dropping to a faint whisper. Wait ’til you get to the end and try not to melt. Stunning.
3. Late Night Hysterics – Moondance
Following on in our Perth love this week is the new track from local heroes Late Night Hysterics. Labelling it as “Atmospheric Electronic”, they’re not too far off the mark with this new track. Epic, sprawling and captivating, Moondance is one massive track that I was enthralled in from the first listen.
4. Fieldings – A Pleasant Stutter
Sydneysider Fieldings has been kicking around for about a year under this current moniker (she was formerly known as The Understudy), but her simplisitic, less-is-more approach makes her sound like she’s been doing this since forever. A Pleasant Stutter is understated cool, featuring sounds from a Dulwich Hill thunderstorm and a car safety PSA from the 70s, wicked vocals, thumping beats and what sounds like a wall of fuzz descending on your ears.
5. Left. – Liquor Lip Loaded Gun (Sticky Fingers cover)
I’m not the biggest fan of Sticky Fingers, but I could be if they started sounding like this! Intricate, experimental and sweeping, this cover is a tremendous effort and has been on repeat for quite a while now. I really love artists that completely overhaul the track their covering to make it their own, and Left. has done this and more with Liquor Lip Loaded Gun.
6. Sea Moya – Do Things
Psychedelic beat trio hailing from Germany Sea Moya make some of the most interesting sounds I’ve heard in quite some time. Do Things is one of those tracks that makes you sit up and listen, with it’s originality and fresh take on electronica that I just can’t get enough of!
7. MNDR & Killer Mike – Lock & Load
We also have a separate post on this bad boy, but it’s just too cool not to cover. Two of my favourite artists in the game teaming up for one of the most bad ass songs to be released this year, MNDR and Killer Mike both shine on Lock & Load (I actually think it’s impossible for Killer Mike NOT to shine). The gangsta beat with the echoing, almost creepy synth lines provide the perfect bed for MNDR’s sexy as hell vocals and Killer Mike’s epic verse.
8. Phosphene – Be Mine
US rockers Phosphene are back with another killer track in Be Mine. Sticking to their guns, this shoegaze number shines a great light on their lead female vocalist and features a pretty killer guitar solo. This is tipped to be included on their new EP coming out later this year, which has us very excited indeed to hear what’s still to come.
9. LUCIANBLOMKAMP – Help Me Out (Rat & Co Remix)
I fucking love LUCIANBLOMKAMP. He is one of the most exciting electronic artists in the Australian scene, and he continues to deliver excellent tracks. Help Me Out has featured heavily in my most played tracks lately, so it’s pretty awesome to see fellow local electronic heroes Rat & Co jumping on remix duties. Bringing jazz into the fray, they give this twisted, dark track some soul with it’s hip hop backbeat. Also that breakdown is what dreams are made of.
10. The Completely Boys – Hard 4 U
This is the collaborative project of Sweat It Out! Music alum Frames and his friend from bass lords B.O.O.M.A. As someone who is no stranger to late nights in the club, this is the kind of music that speaks to me on another level. The perfect tracks for those 3am times when your body is aching from the heaving bass you just experience and you don’t want to go home just yet, these guys are the new kings of late night club jams.
Friday means one thing and one thing only here at Howl & Echoes – playlist day! We have spent all week compiling this week’s best releases and narrowing it down to just 10 songs we think you need to hear. This week, there’s a lot going on. We’ve got Canberra’s Safia, the tragically beautiful track from Szymon, and a Cyril Hahn take on a Caribou classic, as well as a bit of hip hop from JayCee, MIA, Bon Voyage, and another Notorious BIG mashup. In between all that you can be taken away to a dreamier place with Genghar or Sofi de la Torre, and get down to an amazing cover by Winter Islands. Enjoy!
1. Safia – Counting Sheep
This track is a bit strange, as is to be expected with Safia. Dramatic, dynamic and infectious, these three guys know how to make a good dance track, and Counting Sheep is no exception! Following along similar lines from their eerie Paranoia, Ghosts & Other Sounds, this track is a little spooky but so groovy and fun it doesn’t matter!
2. Szymon – Golden
This is a special track. Szymon wrote a series of tracks in his bedroom in 2008, but it wasn’t until his tragic loss in his battle with depression that they were to see the light of day. Eloper Music and his family joined forces to release his beautiful songs, and so they should. Golden is lovely, smooth and definitely deserves your time.
3. JayCee – Vibe
This is one of the smoothest hip hop tracks I’ve heard in a while.The sparse, relaxed production allows the lyrics to take centrestage, with the beautiful vocals of Naomi Lee paired with the chilled out rhymes of JayCee. This has sunny afternoons written all over it.
4. Gengahr – Haunter
Gengahr have just supported Alt-J and Wolf Alice, so already you know they must be good. Haunter is a beautifully delicate track; hazy and emotive with fragile vocals and acoustic guitars. Keep an eye out for these guys, as they continue to capture hearts at SXSW, then support Circa Waves and The Strokes – definitely ones to watch!
5. Sofi de la Torre – That Isn’t You
Alternative R&B is quickly becoming one of the most popular genres in music at the moment, meaning it takes something extra special to standout. Spanish singer-songwriter Sofi de la Torre is exactly this. That Isn’t You is lifted from her forthcoming EP out next month, and I cannot wait for that to drop. This sultry, emotional track features powerful production full of skittering percussion, swirling lasers, whistles and swelling synths. Sublime.
6. Winter Islands – Don’t Let Go (En Vogue Rework)
This En Vogue track is definitely a guilty pleasure/go to karaoke tune for me, so to hear it reworked by Winter Islands in such a way makes me very happy indeed! They’ve made it explosive, with booming drums and soaring guitars, as well as vocals delivered with almost as much passion as me during my karaoke performance.
7. Caribou – Second Chance (Cyril Hahn Edit)
Caribou had one of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2014, with each track on his Our Love album an example of bar raising electronica. It takes a brave soul to step up to the plate to remix this legend, but Cyril Hahn took it upon himself, and spun Second Chance into a slowed down and more soulful, sweeping number. He’s definitely done it justice.
8. Bon Voyage – Booshie
This track is so much fun. Lots of bass, cheeky lyrics and light synths make for a seriously contagious track from this fresh new three piece. “Booshie” is to consider oneself to be above everyone else, and if Bon Voyage are making tracks like this I would say that belief is justified. I’ve had “She way too good for that” stuck in my head for two days now.
9. MIA – CanSeeCanDo
I fucking love MIA, and I’m so glad she is back to her good old angry as hell self. CanSeeCanDo marks the return of her politically charged dance tracks, where her messages of global politics are thinly veiled by immediately likeable and accessible dance music. There was a brief stage where, with the release of her 2013 release Matangi, she was told her music was too dark. This surprise track was accompanied by the SoundCloud description, “DEMOCRACY CONVERSATIONS ! TAMILS ARE STILL WAITING! AND NO MY BEATS ARE NOT BETTER WITHOUT MY POLITICX” so it’s safe to say she’s back, and ready to tear the world a new one!
10. Terry Urban – Who Shot Papi (Prod. Chi Duly) Notorious B.I.G x FKA twigs mashup
We’ve covered the first release of this mashup series, as well as the whole damn album Terry Urban dropped this week, so this track is included merely as an indicator of what has been on repeat for me for the past 5 days. Who would have thought Papi Pacify would be so well suited to Who Shot Ya? The whole album is a dream I didn’t know I’d had come true, and this little number is a definite stand out.