- Words Liam Cattermole
A weekly playlist sharing our pick of the best new music from the world's most exciting emerging musicians. You heard it here first.
‘Round’ by Two Shell & Sugababes
When UK dance music’s biggest enigma(s) went on Hessle Audio’s Rinse FM show two years ago, their mix sent blogs into meltdown. Why? Mainly because of ‘Round’ - their remix of the Sugababes’ classic of a similar name. Sonically, metallic drums are compressed into a dystopian two-stepper while the three-piece’s vocals are chopped and screwed across the wobbling bassline.
‘Kid Muscle’ by Sex Week
Brooklyn duo Sex Week are treading that line between the dreaminess of shoegaze and the sludginess of grunge. Whispering seductively over whirring fuzz and delicately plucked acoustics, ‘Kid Muscle’ is stripped back and distinctively slow-core, as the duo maintain their unnerving presence in our ears, on our playlists and in the music industry at large.
‘Stone’ by Lilah Pi & Bakar
Inspired by Greek mythology, Lilah Pi’s ‘Stone’ looks existentially at the world and her place within it. Written in a moment of deep introspection, the drifting pop ballad draws from elements of funk and house music to create a SZA-Esque palette that harnesses a strong, feminine energy. Bakar is on hand to provide the final licks of paint, referencing everything from Van Gough to Medusa.
‘Slow Down’ by Miso Extra
Japanese-British polymath Miso Extra wants us all to ‘Slow Down’ on her latest single. Produced by DJ Boring, the minimal UKG bop sounds like the soundtrack to the end of a night out, as the lights come on and people eek out that final moment of euphoria before stumbling into taxis and carrying on the party.
‘Fields’ by Anna Shoemaker
Indie-pop icon Anna Shoemaker looks to the serenity of nature on her cathartic new hit, ‘Fields’. Written in that first week of January, when everyone’s making resolutions and seeking betterment, she wants to remind us that looking toward the future doesn’t always have to be so anxiety-inducing. Later this year, she’ll be embarking on a North American tour that’ll take her from Ferndale right through to Philadelphia.
‘I Still Swear It’s A Bop’ by HiTech, John FM, Ziggy Waters
If you know anything about Detroit, you know that this is a legendary link-up between three artists blurring the lines of Steel City electronic music. Originally released on their self-titled mixtape, HiTech are continuing to revive their back catalogue and remind us why they’re one of music’s most exciting prospects.
‘Hercules’ by 01VOID, evilgiane
The prolificness of evilgiane and his SURF GANG collective makes them impossible to ignore on our UNDISCOVERED round-ups. This time, 01VOID taps their springy trap beats to accentuate his bulging bars. The rapper puffs out his chest and shows all the strength the song’s namesake, ‘Hercules’, alludes to, reminding his contemporaries of how far he’s come and what more he has to give.
’TRU’SAY’ BY Casper Grey
Grabbing you by the scruff of the neck, Casper Grey’s gravelly poetry cradles between chaos and coherence. ’TRU’SAY’ sounds like the rope burning down a cherry bomb, but never reaching the end, as the east Londoner flirts with combustion before centring himself and remaining poignant with his wordplay.
‘My Oh My’ by MANJA
Bali-based pop-rock band MANJA return with ‘My Oh My’, a vibrant anthem urging reflection on what truly matters and advocating for kindness and community. Produced by Brian Kresna Putro and featuring Ayla Adjie, the track blends catchy rhythms with a powerful social message.
‘Bomb Tech 49’ by DJ Love (Sherwin Tuna)
Filipino Budots pioneer DJ Love puts the beats of ‘Bomb Tech 49’ into full throttle, transforming bombastic rhythms into an experimental techno masterpiece. His innovative production pulses through the track, crafting a soundscape that reflects the vibrant nightlife and dynamic culture of Davao City.