- Words Notion Staff
- Photo credit Lauren Luxenburg
Undiscovered is a weekly playlist sharing our pick of the best new music from the world's most exciting emerging musicians. You heard it here first.
"Black Boy" by Joel Culpepper
Arresting us with Joel Culpepper’s ripe, rounded, impactful vocals, “Black Boy” is four minutes of pure elation. The exuberant soul and Gospel track is inspired by Culpepper’s time working as a mentor in London schools. The South London artist explains, “I feel there have been so many important songs that address black men, but I wanted to hear a song that universally celebrated being a black lad with an upbeat Minnie Riperton vibe.” Culpepper will be back with more from his debut album “Soft Culpepper”.
"Sick" by Maeve
Maeve is back with a bewitching new track that follows close behind this year’s “Bleach” and “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” – wry takes on the internet sad girl aesthetic. Taken from her debut EP “Caravaggio in a Corner Store” and co-produced by Kai Whiston, “Sick”’s unnerving beats and police siren wail soundscape, is sure to get inside your head. Maeve confesses, “I’m muddy and sick and going my own way and hope that you will join me.”
"Golden" by Bellatrix
A striking, shapeshifting track with hints of the darker music of Bjork and SOPHIE. Bellatrix is returning from a short hiatus in her musical career, now with her next EP whose title “I was an Aphid” takes after feminist Audre Lorde. The four tracks promise to be her most personal yet, as she comes to terms with an abusive relationship. “Golden” switches sporadically between menacing electronics and cheerful vocals, in a single which will keep you hooked.
"Shrugs" by Bea Anderson
Soulful and sweet, this slightly off-rhythm track about working together in a relationship is from Bea Anderson’s luscious debut EP “the eden project”. Starting off at a slow pace, layered with jazzy guitars and Anderson’s lush vocals, the song offers an unexpected, compelling twist – and ends on a whisper. Anderson aims to make music which tests the boundaries of R&B: “I don’t see why we need to be boxed in or generalised” she says, “Black Women and Women of Colour are exceptional, multi-faceted beings."
"China Doll" by Bored at My Grandmas House
Glittering with layers of acoustics and spacey synth sounds, this deceptively upbeat tune combines gentle lyricism with lofi production. Making music from home, Bored at my Grandma’s House’s self-described “shoegazey dreampop” style feels both nostalgic and bang on trend. Her latest, part of the “Side by Side” compilation to support marginalized genders and the LGBTQ+ community in Leeds, even features a special appearance from her dad, David, on violin.
"Tell Me What You Want" by Shango SK
Blending an eclectic mix of sounds, from electro-pop synths to hip-hop undertones, Stockport native Shango SK is setting himself apart on Manchester’s music scene since his debut only last year. Citing Oasis, Drake and Elton John as influences, it would be impossible to fit the artist’s genre into a box.
"Frankenstein" by Claire Rosinkranz
Topping the viral charts on Spotify both here and across the pacific, the young Californian star is serving up another helping of catchy tunes with “Frankenstein”, along with her second EP. This track from the TikTok phenomenon is a very 21st century take on 90s hit “Lovefool” by The Cardigans, complete with cowbell.
"Hold On Cowboy" by HYTTS
Glaswegian pop band HYYTS offers up a gloriously euphoric number from their fresh EP which delves into the span of a relationship. One half of the duo, Adam explains “”Hold On Cowboy” is our anthem for getting carried away and falling in love instantly.”
"I'm Not Coming Home" by Sweets
“The songs verses channel the anger and fire in my belly”, explains Sweets, the up-and-coming alternative rapper behind new single “I’m Not Coming Home”. A grime and drill fuelled amalgamation of bitter rap and a dream-synth otherworldly chorus.
"Never Coming Back" by Sharna Bass
The protégé of Clean Bandit – featuring on their wave-making single Extraordinary – Sharna Bass demonstrates her unique sound in her latest track. With a chill R&B beat and distinctive backing, Bass sings honestly about calling it quits in a relationship.
"NOBODY ELSE" by Evann McIntosh
This up-and-coming singer-songwriter, who is just 17, has just crafted a light and loveable new bop "about commitment and being very proud of your relationship with somebody,” Evann explained. “It is about monogamy and the idea of there being one person for everybody, and that you’ve found yours.”