MUST LISTEN 056
Every week, we’ll be bringing you MUST LISTEN: a series that's a compilation of rising artists along with songs that must be added to your everyday playlist. This week’s playlist consists of emerging acts like BXB LOVE, chaos chaos, and Sans Soucis. Turn on, tune in, and zone out.
IGNORANCE
Canadian-born singer-songwriter BXB LOVE, also known as Natasha Pheko, bursts onto the scene with “IGNORANCE SONG,” an unapologetic anthem celebrating self-discovery and self-empowerment. Through the song’s gritty genre-bending production and fun-loving approach, LOVE explains, “It’s about letting go of your perceived and projected identities, and realizing that we just ARE.” With two promising singles out, LOVE is just getting started.
Eternal
“Eternal” is the first single off the rising duo’s upcoming project Ethical Plum, a multimedia series consisting of music video episodes as the two explore their supernatural abilities. Initially written after a breakup, Asy shares, “Some of the experiences felt too crazy to sing about directly—I was too close to it all [...] This song and video is more of a cathartic expression of one shade of feelings post-breakup and it’s aware that it’s a temporary perspective on the experience.” With quirky drum sounds, a synthpop kick, and sentimental writing, we’re excited to see where chaos chaos takes off next.
Gone
Leading up to Chiiild’s upcoming project is the solemnly soulful ballad “Gone,” a story of the misunderstandings that arise when we least expect it and the lessons we learn from love. With an accompanying visual directed by Zac Wolf, Chiiild integrates elements of R&B, indie, and the alt-pop worlds. The Canadian-Ethiopian singer is set to release his sophomore album Hope For Sale this summer via Avant Garden.
Only Better
The Toronto singer releases her latest single “Only Better;” a bittersweet but much-needed letter to lovers past. “I simply put my two cents into what I thought they needed to uncover emotionally moving forward and let them go about their lives in a better direction,” says Majo. Coming to terms with the men in her previous relationships, Majo’s thoughtful writing will instantly reel you in.
Talking Walls
Uma releases her sophomore EP The Moth & The Dove, a 17-minute project unifying intricate arrangements of indie-folk and electronic influences with features by collaborator Lucy Lu. A soothing and soft serenade of tenderness, Uma gives reassurance in “Talking Walls” by echoing “I know that the world weighs heavy on you; Won’t you let the great world spin; I’ll stand with you till it all begins again.” The Barcelona-based musician finds influences in a diverse array of artists, from Nico and Macy Gray to the likes of Shakira, as well as from her classical violin training. It’s hard not to fall in love with Uma’s breathtaking writing and compositions.
Wasted All My Days
Hailing from Glasgow, The Vanities release their second single of the year “Wasted All My Days,” a vibrant track with gritty guitar sounds and ferocious hard-hitting drums. The band’s infectious punk attitude shines through on the single, accompanied by an equally spunky visual directed by Gary Beatson.
Easy FM
Premium Leisure, the solo project of songwriter/producer Chris Barker, sings about the ease of following the crowd in “Easy FM,” touching on the difficulties of staying true to ourselves. Enlisting other acclaimed talents like Willie J Healey and Palace’s Harry Deacon, “Easy FM” is truly a perfect blend of 70s psych-pop and carefree indie-rock.
All Day All Night
The three-piece Indonesian band Tripov debuted their latest single “All Day All Night,” a sweet indie-pop melody that “shows the experience of falling in love in every quirky, unique, and real way.” Composed of Jillie Kezia, Evan Asher, and Yoga Bagaspati, the new kids on the block captivate with their charming hook and fun-loving delivery.
I’m On
With intricately layered vocals in a folk-pop dream, London-based Sans Soucis shares her latest single “I’m On.” She explores healing, self-acceptance, and self-awakening, which she hopes to celebrate in her upcoming project On Time For Her. Inspired by an eclectic array of influences ranging from traditional Congolese music to pop influences like St. Vincent and Joni Mitchell, San Soucis continues her commitment to defying constraints and freedom.