- Words Miriam Balanescu
- Photo Credit Marina Coenen
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.
"Remember" by Joya Mooi
Whoozy and misty, this is a single to soak in. From the Dutch-South African artist Joya Mooi, the single was produced by Sim Fane and SIROJ with a trip-hop, lo-fi backbone. Mooi explains her inspiration behind the single: "Thoughts that seemed revolutionary in the past, were hardly actually listened to, and are now part of our collective memory, part of our IG quotes and referred to in pop culture."
"Dreams of a Dreamer" by Piers James
Part of his 'A Dying Breed Part II' EP, alternative rap artist Piers James does not disappoint with his latest - entrancing dreampop synths, smooth vocals, and a funk-inflexed guitar pave the way for James' distinctive voice unifying this multi-genre track. The rapper continues to push the mould following backing from the likes of BBC Radio 1XTRA and GQ.
"Patio" by George Moir
Advocating for the staycation, "I don't really need a vacation" bedroom pop fave George Moir sings in this single about holidaying while counting the pennies. Irresistibly cheerful, "Patio" will be sound-tracking your sunny afternoons.
"The Things You Do" by Tara Lily
Tara Lily has that vintage jazz feel reminiscent of Duffy, powered by blast-away vocals. Only her second single to date, the Peckham artist is sure to steal your attention with her tangible sensitivity and snazzy update on a classic genre.
"Jonah" by Maeve
"Jonah" is all for undertones and unnerving electronics. Overset by Maeve's gorgeously ethereal vocals, and in collaboration with William Orbit, the Cayman Islands-born artist's latest raises the tension. One for when you feel you need to escape into another spacey, slightly spooky, world.
"Love in Vain" by Rhett Nicholl
Rumbling strings, murky piano, cut through by a spiky hip hop beat, combine in this stormy number from North London artist Rhett Nicholl. The instrumentals are tied together by Nicholl's signature searing vocals.
"Already free" by Shungudzo
A buzzing opening rescinds into powerful chorals which pack a punch. This bluesy single from Shungudzo's latest album 'I'm not a mother, but I have children', all about battling corrupt power structures with soul, finds emancipation through music - break free!
"On Your Side" by Wet
The band Wet are making a comeback. Co-written by Kelly Zutrau and producer Buddy Ross, "On Your Side" pairs wavering synths with some unexpected popping and cooing electronics. The single is "is about the feeling of embodying unconditional love as a special and fleeting experience", Zutrau says.
"Wavelength" by Mollie Coddled
Sugary sweet bedroom popper Mollie Coddled laces her saccharine single with biting lyrics about the Gen-Z generation. The DIY artist has gained the support of BBC Introducing for cloud-soft synth-pop tunes.
"Rat Poison" by psykhi
Debuting with "White Picket Fence" earlier this year, psykhi has rapidly rolled in another cracker "Rat Poison". Trickling guitars meet psykhi's refreshing vocals, deepened with a grungy bass - keep your eye out for this one.
"Here for Me" by Honey Mooncie
British singer-songwriter Honey Mooncie shares her first new music this year in the form of "Here for Me". The chill number, which features stunning harmonies and jazzy vocals combines neo-soul with R&B. Honey said: “This project for me tells a love story from start to finish. ‘Here For Me’ comes towards the end of this relationship and is about feeling like you need more from someone and coming to terms with knowing that you need to let them go.”
"Fight Back" by ANDRO
Jungle collaborator, ANDRO, has shared a new song that combines elements of soul and synth pop into one rousing number. "Fight Back", is one of ADRO's most personal works to date: “It’s a lament to the loss of my father. It's about pleading with him to stay and finding a way to fight,” he says - adding that “it's one of the most painful songs I've ever written and took a long time to gain the strength to finish it.”