- 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.
‘I Wish I Gave You Hell’ by CATTY
Brash and abrasive, CATTY’s thrilling new single, ‘I Wish I Gave You Hell’, sees her switching play. The compelling newcomer is set to support Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park, and the ferocity of the track will go down a treat this summer. Punching you in the gut with relentless riffage and her hauntingly beautiful vocals, CATTY is a serious one to watch for the rest of 2024.
‘Not Your Angel’ by Zsela
Taken from her highly anticipated debut album, Big For You, which was released today, ‘Not Your Angel’ echoes the ambitious artist’s emotive sentiments. “I want to meet you over and over and over and over and over and over again,” she sings as the song plays out, not confining herself to desperation and rather illuminating the giddy excitement of meeting that special someone.
‘Hi Speed Lover’ by Airrica
2024 has been Airrica’s year. The American DJ can boast releases on Diplo’s Higher Ground imprint, B2B sets with TSHA and appearances at the world’s best clubs. Today, she dropped her debut solo EP, Hi Speed Lover and its title track has got us firmly in festival mode. Giving hazy beach club vibes, the 4/4 thumper whisks you away to a remote island, dancing on sand with your favourite cocktail in hand.
‘BTS’ by Gbnga
One of London’s most criminally underrated rappers, Gbnga has been making waves for years with his jiggy singles and we only hope that ‘BTS’ sees him getting the recognition he deserves. Taking cues from the jazz-infused drill of Knucks, the single features Venna-Esque saxophone work and shuffling 808s as he charts his steady rise and what else he has up his sleeve.
‘Moth To A Flame’ by Zoee, Nourished By Time
Guesting on club tracks with PC Music and releases on Vegyn’s Plz Make It Ruins imprint are just a couple of accolades that Zoee can boast from her career so far. On ‘Moth To A Flame’, she links up with buzzy singer and producer Nourished By Time for some slow and sultry goodness: perfect Sunday afternoon listening for anyone in need of a reset.
‘Afraid’ by kid apollo, Kilu
Few collaborations make as much sense as this one. kid apollo and Kilu have always been on a similar wavelength, putting us in our feels with their dulcet and endearing bedroom productions and ‘Afraid’ is no different. A tearjerker that analyses the loneliness after a breakup, the single would be the perfect soundtrack to any coming-of-age film that fancies wobbling a few bottom lips… or maybe just mine.
‘Jacked’ by Heartworms
Jojo Orme’s thudding post-punk under the pseudonym Heartworms is riddled with drony guitar riffs and gothic allure. On ‘Jacked’, the singer-songwriter yaps her poetic ordeals over climatic soundscapes, which tease monstrous build-ups and sudden breakdowns, keeping you perched on the edge of your seat anxious but excited to hear where the song takes you next.
‘Your Body’ by Stonebwoy
One of Ghana’s most promising voices, Stonebwoy is a superstar in the making. Already reaching deity status back home, his infectious Afrobeats is starting to turn heads in the UK, and ‘Your Body’ has all the qualities needed to be one of the summer’s foremost bangers. Breezy melodies and his buttery vocals combine in fine fashion, sounding like the very act of winding down your car window on a hot day and letting the heat beam on your face.
‘Fake the Move’ by Badbox
A feast for summer, Badbox's latest track is a vibrant Afro house banger. Pinpointed by plosive vocals and polished production, it ebbs through infectious rhythms and captivating baselines that build raptured layers of sound. Perfect for the unpredictable energy of a summer night, 'Fake the Move' is every inch a tune to make you move and kick-start summer; it might even be enough to get the sun peaking from the clouds!
‘CHRYSALID’ by Yodashe
Yodashe is back with conviction. The London-based singer-producer is known for orbiting an ethereal dreamworld in her music, and her latest release, 'CHRSALID’, proves that her experimental soundscape is ever-changing. Meandering through distorted vocals and contemporary production, the track explores our poisonous relationship with superficiality and the power in holding your own.