- Words Notion Staff
A weekly playlist sharing our pick of the best new music from the world's most exciting emerging musicians. You heard it here first.
‘rot in love’ by ratbag
'rot in love’ is your new favourite post-apocalyptic break-up anthem. Taken off ratbag’s debut EP, why aren’t you laughing?, the track best encapsulates the equally unnerving and mesmerising universe that we’ve come to expect from the rising grunge-by-way-of-shoegaze artist.
‘WE GONE MAKE IT’ by dreamcastmoe
Spreading his soulful tones over a whimsical harp-infused beat, ‘WE GONE MAKE IT’, shows yet again that dreamcastmoe is an artist who can do it all. Chops between rapturous applauds and vinyl scratches make the track feel all the more visceral, as the Washington native speaks with his American drawl.
‘Me So’ by Amaliah
Releasing on Moxie’s On Loop records, Manifold is the debut EP from rising DJ and producer Amaliah. The Borne Fruits label and club night founder spreads her fizzy production across three tracks while Call Super hops on remix duties for ‘Helix’. ‘Me So’, with its techno bursts and stomping basslines, is our favourite of them all.
‘African Technology’ by Mxshi Mo, Hagan
The new release on Sam Interface and Ahadadream's More Time Records comes from Mxshi Mo, whose been pushing the boundaries of electronic music for some time now. Linking up with fellow polyrhythmic powerhouse Hagan, ‘African Technology’ blurs techno, gqom and Amapiano to rattle brains and blow your ears into a new stratosphere.
‘Used To’ by Frex, Jordan Ward
Making music with a distinct Gen Z appeal, Frex is the emerging alt-R&B star you need on your radar. ‘Used To’, featuring the butter smooth vocals of Jordan Ward, feels almost meditative, sedating you with dulcet harmonies and tip-toing production.
‘PLAYING 4 KEEPS’ by JXMESC, Namani
‘So far so good...’ reads the Spotify bio of JXMESC, who, on ‘PLAYING 4 KEEPS', realises that there’s no ceiling for the art he’s making. Enlisting Namani for a typically profound verse, the track speaks to hopes and dreams with an honesty you’d expect from two artists on the top of their game.
‘Dopamine’ by BINA.
BINA. is looking for a ‘Dopamine’ rush on her latest single. “Who cares if you can’t find a place to run or hide? You owe us all your time”, she declares in moody tones and a staccato flow, which stands in contrast the more fluid jazz and broken beat production beneath her.
‘Take Me Under’ by Betty
Leaning into the dissonant tones of 00s indie, Betty’s been making waves with a slew of alluring singles. On ‘Take Me Under’ she masterfully encapsulates the feeling of losing oneself in the thoughts of future lovers, as warped guitar riffage wisps in and out of her stream of conscience.
‘Gemini Guy’ by IYAMAH
On ‘Gemini Guy', IYAMAH reminisces about better times, questioning a former relationship over buttery neo-soul. The songwriter second-guesses her affection for the lover with sticky sweet lyricism and angelic vocals.
‘Fade to Black’ by Cam Thomas, Willhouse
‘Fade to Black’ is another hip-hop masterpiece from Milton Keynes hailing rapper, Cam Thomas. Reflecting on his past through a wise lense, the wordsmith breaks down mistakes and triumphs through though-provoking lyricism and an introspective beat, courtesy of Willhouse.