no hope was inspired by Jim Carrey’s infamous commencement speech about hope running into the fire, and it builds a story and mood around this in a distinct, optimistic and memorable way. With a longer project due to release later in the year, isabelle tran’s debut marks a timeless first chapter in this honest and engaging artistic venture.
Music
Noting years of commitment to making music with authenticity and from the ground up, Willie Alex is a producer with a refreshing realism to his sound. The music is genuine, real, man-made, and that creativity and heart can never be faked. This one consumes you as it pours through the airwaves.
As the industry continues to force-feed us uncomfortably seamless tracks, largely lacking the humanity of talent and imperfection, the underground thankfully continues to strengthen its presence at the very same time. Industrial alternative producers and artists like Willie Alex are confidently taking the reigns, and the music speaks for itself.
Big vibes unite the festival ska set-up and modern production tools, as GhostWriterStevie delivers his catchiest jam yet, with the huge celebratory anthem My Distorted Mind.
Fans of Americana, soft rock, Nashville storytelling and eighties power-ballads will rejoice throughout the humble highs and lows of Echoes and Embers. Bob Berdanier suffers no unwarranted influence from modern trends, and instead writes from a place of real human feeling, creating with skill and understanding, towards precisely what an audience needs and connects with.
Evocative and poignant songwriting intertwined with the precision and escapism of finely-crafted trance – Blip Onskrine explores the weight of technology and the rat-race, with the enchanting dynamic and addictive depth of Overtime Ghosts.
Seamless production from the trustworthy corner of Psyborg – a dreamy summer house jam that’s soothing to lose yourself within. Daydreaming unites gentle layers of female voice, with hazy keys, synths, and a classic lounge groove, to bring us hypnotically into the new season.
Real human connection in musical form – an intimate capture, acoustic and thoughtful, honest and unedited. Gibishki introduces a sublime and interesting new album, with the rising passion and distinct identity of 7 Wonders.
A colourful and chaotic new single, already noting close to 100k views in just a few days, and despite its sub-three-minute lifespan, Ani Mori Nuse makes sure to leave its mark. This dancehall re-awakening brings Balkan Ethnic singing to the forefront, and makes for a culture and genre-fusing highlight from this year so far.
Uplifting and calming afrobeat with delicate, expressive vocals and well-written sentiments. Naija Luna creates a portrait of romantic attraction and good vibes, with the catchy and intimate single Luces de media noche.
Something precise yet ambient – an interesting fusion of retro electronic tones and those that sweep through the space like summertime EDM; all with a female lead that’s breathy to impassioned. John Paolo captures the energy and escapism of longer days, with the intoxicating single Lost In You.
Heartfelt integrity through a stripped-back, evocative acoustic realm. Piano and vocals simply paired, melody and emotion intertwined for something raw, real, and compelling. AD9 starts up an engaging and memorable EP, with the beautifully moving hip hop and RnB-fusing gem Sticking It Out.