Alaskan Tapes and Blu Miles deliver a compelling study in connection and collaboration on 'Blank Slate, Open Space', a seven-track ambient album that transforms distance into something deeply personal. Created between Toronto and Portland before being completed together in person, the project feels remarkably cohesive, with its seamless interplay of piano, saxophone, and atmospheric textures creating an immersive listening experience. Lead single “In-Cloud,” featuring Ann Ann

At a time when authenticity has become one of the most valuable currencies in contemporary music, Will Hanco's 'Storm Before The Calm' arrives as a compelling example of an independent artist fully stepping into his creative identity. The six-track EP sees the Brighton-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist take complete ownership of his craft, delivering a project that feels both deeply personal and strategically assured. Built entirely under Hanco's creative

Chuckmate’s latest single, “Medecina”, is the kind of track that grabs your attention quickly and keeps things moving. Built around a catchy bilingual hook and an easygoing Latin-inspired groove, it feels like a song made for good times rather than overthinking. The Nigerian-American artist blends English and Spanish throughout the track, following a flirtatious conversation that develops from a chance meeting into a fun night out. What makes “Medecina” work is how naturally

MAMI UMAMI’s AFTERwork arrives as a tightly wound document of exhaustion, momentum and late-capitalist overstimulation, the kind of EP that feels less “written” than lived through. Shaped over two years of late nights and shifting headspaces, it channels burnout, early adulthood pressure and the uneasy humour of simply trying to keep pace in a world that rarely slows down. Across its runtime, the duo refuse clean genre boundaries. Instead, AFTERwork moves in sharp, instinctiv

Ohzhe returns with 'GLORY', a reflective and sonically refined EP that explores themes of growth, purpose, and legacy through a cohesive blend of soulful production and introspective lyricism. Rooted in lived experience, the project presents a focused artistic statement that highlights his continued development as a storyteller and recording artist. Across the EP, Ohzhe balances atmospheric, sample-driven production with grounded emotional delivery. Warm textures, subtle soul

New York City-based Thai-Canadian artist Kanistha returns with “Mr. Right”, a polished pop single that pairs infectious melodies with an unmistakable sense of emotional sincerity. Built around shimmering production and an effortless vocal performance, the track showcases her ability to transform personal experiences into universally relatable pop songwriting. Musically, “Mr. Right” thrives on its balance of warmth and immediacy. Smooth, contemporary production provides the fo

There’s a sense of controlled tension running through ‘Red Riot’, the latest release from London-based artist SAMLOW. It’s there in the track’s rumbling low end, in its slow-building atmosphere, and in the way it steadily pushes towards a chorus that feels designed for release rather than resolution. More importantly, it’s what gives the song its identity. The project of songwriter and bassist Sam Gino, SAMLOW has quickly established a sound that feels distinct within today’s

Music and art collective This Is The Deep have announced they have signed to independent label 5dB Records, the home of Mould and Martial Arts, alongside the release of a new single and accompanying video for ‘Darkness and the Dawn’. This Is The Deep operate as a multidisciplinary project that pushes far beyond conventional band formats. Their work blends music with painted sets, handmade costumes, animation, and performance-based storytelling, building an interconnected visu

Brisbane shoegaze outfit Fragile Animals have announced their forthcoming six-track EP, Dead Stop - an atmospheric, emotionally resonant and impactful collection that captures the emotional fallout, uncertainty, and hard-won resilience that followed a landmark period for the band. Produced by Elliot Heinrich, Dead Stop was written in the wake of Fragile Animals’ breakthrough 2025 EP Tourist and their first-ever UK and European tour. The ambitious 14-date run took the band acr

On 'Prada Cups In The South Of France', Seth Narley and producer Creestal deliver a focused and immersive EP that balances ambition, atmosphere, and refined craftsmanship. Across four tracks, the project showcases Narley's evolving artistry through vivid storytelling and a strong sense of cohesion. Creestal's production provides a rich foundation, blending soulful textures, orchestral elements, and understated guitar work into arrangements that feel both expansive and intimat

Austin singer-songwriter Megan Lacy arrives with her debut album “That Feelin’”, a 12-track collection that feels both deeply personal and musically expansive. Rooted in alt-country but stretching comfortably into cosmic Americana and atmospheric folk, the record has a lived-in quality that comes from years of honing her craft in Austin’s songwriter circles, honky tonks, and intimate live rooms. What stands out straight away is how natural everything feels. Recorded live at K

In a music landscape often dominated by cynicism and surface-level storytelling, Rise Above Everything offers something refreshingly genuine with his latest single, "Fall On Me." The rapper, singer, and producer delivers an uplifting gospel hip-hop track that serves as both a personal testimony and a message of hope for anyone navigating life's darkest seasons. Taken from his latest project, A God's Eye View, "Fall On Me" is rooted in faith and spiritual renewal. Built around

Rising alternative-pop singer-songwriter Molly Warburton returns with her most powerful statement yet in the form of explosive new single, 'Shout Louder'. Released alongside her current UK tour with Lucy Spraggan, the track arrives as an unapologetic anthem of self-expression, rebellion, and refusing to make yourself smaller for anyone. Driven by an electrifying energy that perfectly captures the intensity of her live performances, Shout Louder showcases Warburton's natural t

James White & The Wild Fire have unveiled their latest single, The Ballad of Jimmy Blanco, released on 29th May, offering another compelling preview of their forthcoming EP, How To Replace Anxiety With A Broken Heart, due for release on 19th June. Formed in 2019, the band have steadily carved out a distinctive space where psychedelic folk rock intersects with traditional American roots music. Their sound combines atmospheric, expansive textures with the structural precision o

North West indie quartet Movin’ On continue their impressive rise with the release of their second single, How We Used To, arriving on 29th May. Following a debut that earned airplay from Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 6 Music, the band return with a bold and confident follow-up that further showcases their growing potential. Blending emotionally sincere songwriting with driving indie energy, How We Used To captures both the raw intensity of the band's live performances and their

Terry Jee is back with "Rainy Day Love", a feelgood pop-soul track that lives up to its title. Built around an easy groove, bright melodies and a positive outlook, it's the kind of song that aims to lift the mood from the first few seconds. The Paris-based artist has spent years moving between pop, soul and electronic music, and this latest release finds him settling comfortably into the soulful side of his sound. "Rainy Day Love" keeps things light and accessible, using rain

Essex/London-based singer-songwriter George Bone has announced his forthcoming debut EP The Yes Man alongside the release of a new single, ‘Floating Away’, a sweeping, heatfelt, cinematic track that builds anticipation for the upcming full release. Fresh from being named among BBC Introducing Essex & Cambridgeshire’s Ones To Watch for 2025, Bone’s latest release leans into the emotional storytelling and stylistic fluidity that have defined his rise so far. The single serves

Brooklyn-based indie artist Alaina May introduces an exciting new chapter with the release of ‘Casual’, a beautifully vulnerable single that captures the emotional confusion of wanting something temporary while longing for something deeper. Produced by TOLEDO, the track wraps May’s intimate vocals in dreamy indie-pop textures and understated melodies, creating a sound that feels both delicate and emotionally immersive. At its core, ‘Casual’ examines the intoxicating pull of f

Barcelona-based artist and spoken word performer, Msb Mario, is back with his unique sound and live set for two huge dates at either end of the UK. Performing in Brighton and Newcastle, at the Folklore Rooms and The Cluny respectively, Msb Mario's distinctive sound is sure to wow crowds. Described by Spanish outlet Kamikaze Sonoro as “An experience that goes beyond music. Msb Mario El Niño de la Pili tells stories that touch people's hearts”, Msb Mario comes off the back of 2

London-based British-Australian artist Oscar November has released the new single, 'Anything', an immersive and hazy summer soundscape that further cements his place within the UK’s emerging psychedelic indie scene. Released on 22 May, 'Anything' draws listeners into Oscar November’s distinctive sonic world, blending introspective songwriting with rich, atmospheric production. The track offers a glimpse into what the artist describes as his “busy mind,” pairing reflective lyr

Fresh from a run of live dates alongside Jamie Webster, Manchester indie trio Bank Holiday arrive with the kind of debut single that feels less like a first step and more like a statement of intent. Released on 27th May, ‘Out Of The Blue’ is a radiant, guitar-driven introduction to a band already sounding remarkably assured in their identity. Built on shimmering riffs, punchy percussion and a grounding bassline, the track channels the spirit of ‘90s alt-rock through a modern

In the lineage of sharply observed British indie songwriting, Crawford Mack’s latest single “Don’t Play The Victim” lands with a grin and a raised eyebrow. The Glaswegian songwriter’s newest offering dismantles masculine self-mythology with wit, precision and a keen sense of theatre, following a parade of men who mistake entitlement for individuality. Mack’s writing has always thrived in the space between personal confession and social commentary, but here he finds a particul

DJZEPiC continues to refine his formula of funk-laced house and disco-inspired euphoria with 'i GOT A FEELiNG', a single that feels tailor-made for sunset sets, packed dancefloors, and feel-good festival moments alike. The Australian producer has steadily built a reputation for blending nostalgic influences with contemporary club production, and this latest release is among his most polished efforts to date. Built around a buoyant groove and a relentlessly infectious rhythm s

Some songs arrive carrying more than a melody. They arrive with history attached to them - fragments of past selves, unfinished conversations, and questions that have only become more relevant with time. For Labrador Labratories, ‘Coded to be Free’ feels like exactly that kind of return: not a comeback built on nostalgia, but a thoughtful reintroduction from a band revisiting their origins through a contemporary lens. The story behind Labrador Labratories has always occupied

Few producers in modern electronic music navigate the intersection of heavy music and dancefloor energy as confidently as Mazare. On his latest release, ‘King For A Day’, the Italian producer joins forces with Brighton’s rising metal outfit EVILLE to deliver a genre-defying anthem that combines the raw intensity of alternative rock with the adrenaline-fueled production of contemporary bass music. From the opening bars, ‘King For A Day’ wastes little time establishing its inte

Avnah’s debut single 'I Feel Your Love In Me' is one of those tracks that instantly settles into its own groove. Warm, soulful, and effortlessly smooth, it introduces the Atlanta-born, Ghana-raised artist with a level of confidence that feels refreshingly natural for a first release. Built around mellow guitar lines, gentle percussion, and lush harmonies, the song creates an inviting atmosphere from the outset. There’s a richness to the production that draws from soul, jazz,

There's something refreshing about the way Charlie McDonald approaches songwriting. On his debut EP Things I've Never Said, the London/Paris-based artist doesn't try to dress up his emotions in grand metaphors or dramatic production tricks. Instead, he leans into honesty, creating a collection of songs that feel personal, relatable, and quietly affecting. The standout moment comes in the form of lead single “Don’t Worry”, a track that takes a feeling most people know all too

Running on Credit lean into the strength of traditional country storytelling on ‘Searching for the Sound’, a reflective and emotionally resonant title track that serves as a fitting introduction to the Southeast Texas outfit’s debut album. Grounded in authenticity and shaped by real-life experience, the song highlights the qualities that continue to make country music such a powerful vehicle for personal narrative. Built around warm acoustic textures, expressive steel guitar,

There’s something refreshing about a band that doesn’t seem particularly interested in fitting neatly into a box, and that’s exactly what makes Heavy Set Woman such an intriguing listen. The project, led by longtime collaborators William Serralles and Gumpi Falcon, has always followed its own creative instincts, and their latest single, ‘Highway One’, feels like another confident step down a road they’re happily paving for themselves. From the outset, ‘Highway One’ has the en

Norwegian DJ and production duo A/K kick off the year with a feel-good release that’s hard to resist. Their latest single, ‘Through You’, sees Henning Astrup and Joakim Kaspersen joining forces with legendary UK soul and disco vocalist Beverley Knight, and the result is exactly the kind of uplifting house record that seems destined for sunny afternoons and packed dancefloors. From the opening moments, ‘Through You’ settles into a groove that feels effortless. The production i

Country Love Song feels like it exists slightly outside of time. Kevin Farge has built an album that moves like memory itself; fluid, non-linear, and illuminated by sudden flashes of clarity. From the opening stretch, there’s a sense of place that never fully leaves. The Costa Rican setting isn’t just backdrop; it’s embedded in the texture of the music. You hear humidity in the air between notes, and distance in the way melodies echo outward. Farge’s songwriting thrives in em

With her debut single “Ratata,” Julia Sommerfield delivers an immersive piece of alternative pop that feels both emotionally raw and sonically cinematic. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter draws listeners into a dark, dreamlike world where vulnerability and determination collide, creating a debut that’s equal parts haunting and empowering. At its core, the song is about survival. Written while recovering from a serious illness, Sommerfield transforms her experience into

Sam Lemos presents an ambitious and thoughtfully executed artistic statement with 'Three Triptychs', a concept album that blends theatrical songwriting, experimental pop, and literary storytelling into a cohesive and compelling whole. The Las Vegas-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist demonstrates impressive creative range, balancing intellectual depth with accessible, engaging compositions. Lead single ‘Psalm 515’ offers a vibrant introduction to the

Photo cred: ZOE ARDIFF A lot of songs about wrong dating decisions sound heavier than they need to. Erica-Cody goes the opposite direction on “last man standing”, delivering something bright, addictive, and genuinely fun to sit with. The track circles around that moment where somebody keeps disappointing you, but somehow still talks their way back into the conversation. Erica-Cody never paints herself as completely innocent in the situation either, which gives the song far mo

The Songs of Butler & Cupples continue to defy easy categorisation with the release of ‘Frequency’, a bold and immersive new single that further cements the duo’s reputation for pushing songwriting beyond conventional genre boundaries. Arriving as their third release of 2026, the track showcases a project driven not by image or trend-chasing, but by a clear commitment to musical experimentation, emotional depth, and the enduring power of strong composition. Built around a son

Tim Gambles returns with 'Through The Sound', a fierce and emotionally charged alternative rock release that transforms environmental frustration into something raw, immediate and impossible to ignore. Built around pounding live instrumentation and a sense of barely contained urgency, the track sees the Tasmanian-born, North East-based artist pushing further into a heavier, more uncompromising sound. Recorded live in a single take at MONA in Hobart with the full band performi

Rising blues-rock artist Alex Kilroy has officially unveiled his powerful new single, “Break My Chains,” marking a defining moment in a musical odyssey that stretches from the mountains of Transylvania to the bedrock of the American blues tradition. Serving as the title cut for his highly anticipated debut album, the track introduces a guitarist and songwriter whose real-life journey is just as compelling as his sonic landscape. Blending smoky blues, psychedelic textures, and

Raleigh, North Carolina artist Newman delivers a focused and introspective statement with ‘dust on the akai’, a project that blends soulful production with thoughtful lyricism and cinematic restraint. Rooted in themes of faith, discipline, and personal growth, the record captures the tension between creative hesitation and forward momentum. Built around the image of a dust-covered MPC, the project reflects the moment intention finally turns into action. Newman’s production pa

Sharon Katta returns with his latest single ‘Authority’, and it’s one of those tracks that doesn’t just sit quietly in the background, it kind of pulls you in, sits you down, and makes you listen. At its core, ‘Authority’ is a bold spoken-word protest piece that digs into ideas of power, dignity, and the often uneasy relationship between people and the systems that claim to serve them. But what makes it stand out isn’t just the subject matter, it’s the way Sharon turns it int

Houston-based rock band Angry Joe and the Holy Socks have released their latest single 'I’ll Run Away', continuing the group’s blend of emotionally driven songwriting and atmospheric alternative rock. Built around layered guitars, understated orchestral elements and a melodic vocal performance, the track leans into a reflective mood while maintaining a strong sense of momentum. The band draw influence from melodic rock and alternative pop traditions, shaping a sound that feel

A compelling cross-continental meeting of minds arrives with ‘Dance of Shadows’, the new single from THE ILLUSTRATED MAN and veteran Italian producer Sasha Carassi, featuring Berlin-based vocalist Aquarius Heaven. Released 8 May via ILINX and taken from THE ILLUSTRATED MAN’s forthcoming debut album The Skin Of Time (out 12 June), the track lands as a focused, cinematic statement designed for late-night dance floors and deep, immersive listening alike. THE ILLUSTRATED MAN has

Rising Canadian country-rock artist Darren Day continues to build momentum with the release of his latest single, ‘Dyin’ For The Summertime’, via Prodigy Records, a track that leans confidently into radio-ready territory while still carrying the blue-collar grit that’s becoming his signature. Hailing from Vancouver Island, Day has already clocked up more than 50 live performances across North America, cutting his teeth in a circuit that includes respected venues such as Capit

The Great Escape week in Brighton expands its global footprint this year with a high-energy Alternative Escape takeover from Planetary Group and Impressive PR, returning to the Secret Comedy Club for a third consecutive year. Positioned as one of the festival’s most consistently influential discovery showcases, the event has become a key industry stop-off point for tastemakers, A&Rs, and international press tracking the next wave of breakout talent. Presented as an official A

For the first time in its 20-year history, The Great Escape Festival will spotlight New Zealand as its official focus country, marking a significant moment for Aotearoa’s export music strategy. Curated in partnership between the New Zealand Music Commission and Live Nation New Zealand, the takeover will see ten emerging Kiwi acts presented at Brighton venue Patterns on 14 May, reinforcing the country’s growing influence on the global live circuit. The initiative arrives again

At a time when the world feels increasingly uncertain, Ka Ma’s new single “Fearless” arrives not as an escape from fear, but as a meditation on how to live alongside it. The bilingual soul artist has built her reputation on blending cultures, sounds, and emotional storytelling, but “Fearless” feels especially personal. Rooted in alternative R&B while drawing from soul, jazz, urban rap, and Indian-inspired instrumentation, the track creates a hypnotic late-night atmosphere tha

Photo Credit: Larry Philpot One unexpected aspect of Ledbetter Heights (The 30th Anniversary Sessions) is how vividly it still captures the feeling of momentum. Even though Kenny Wayne Shepherd is revisiting material from thirty years ago, the album rarely feels frozen in nostalgia. There’s still movement inside these songs. That quality was part of what made the original 1995 release connect so strongly. Shepherd approached blues music with the instincts of someone listening

Welsh electronic duo Honddu return with their haunting new single 'Winifred', co-produced by Islet member JT. Built around a message of unwavering care and emotional protection, the track speaks directly to the experience of growing up and confronting emotional pain for the first time. At its core lies a simple but deeply affecting reassurance: “Winifred, dear, I’ve got your back with unfailing love.” Sonically, 'Winifred' drifts between cinematic alt-pop and warped indie ele

Stockholm songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Turnrivers returns with his new single 'Borrowed River Tune', out now via Slow Night Records. The project of Karl Wännström, Turnrivers continues to carve out a sound rooted in intimate storytelling, warm harmonies and understated folk arrangements. Inspired by Americana and contemporary acoustic music, 'Borrowed River Tune' reflects on the strange afterlife of songs, and how melodies can outlive their creators and quietly attach

Austin alternative rock trio Dining with Devils have returned with their latest release, 'The One Below', a heavy, groove-focused track shaped by the band’s love of grunge and desert rock. Originally sparked by a riff brought into rehearsal, the song developed through live improvisation before evolving into its final form. Thick guitar tones, forceful rhythms and a raw vocal performance give the track a direct, unfiltered energy that reflects the band’s live dynamic. Lyricall

Leeds-based duo Vazon have returned with their new single 'Hammerhead' via Kycker. The track introduces the next phase of the band’s development and serves as the first preview of their upcoming EP. Built around bass, drums and vocals, 'Hammerhead' focuses on a stripped-back arrangement while maintaining a dense and forceful sound. The track blends elements of rock, metal and punk, reflecting the band’s approach to genre. Vazon have gained momentum following the release of th