New Music Friday! It’s that time again – Friday has once again blessed us with brilliant new releases. Have a look below to check all the new releases from touring artists, and where to catch them live.
AViVA
Today, Australia-born artist AViVA is set to release her sophomore album Volume II following the debut of her YA novel SELF/LESS. Since first emerging with her 2017 single ‘GRRRLS,’ AViVA has explored themes of control and isolation by way of her boldly magnetic form of emo-pop/alt-rock. Driven by a mission of uplifting and uniting outcasts everywhere, the Sydney-born, LA-based multidisciplinary artist has built up a strong community of fans she lovingly refers to as “Outsiders.” Volume II spotlights her immersive and electrifying brand of alt-pop. An unfiltered look at the ‘outsider experience and showcases the uncompromising originality that’s earned AViVA a passionate global following in recent years.
With its moody backdrop of hip-hop meets rock beats and alt- infused melodies, Volume II sets its emotionally vivid lyrics to infectious sing-song melodies. AViVA’s trademark vocal performances flaunt her effortless flow and fierce presence, sending a clear message across the album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEqz_RaUGKU
CMAT
On the pulsing ‘No More Virgos’ the Dublin cowgirl again showcases her songwriting prowess and lyrical ingenuity – marrying, as she puts it, “my love of 80’s Italo disco with my hatred of Virgos.” The invention of CMAT came about after Ciara strong-armed her way into a private songwriting masterclass hosted by Charli XCX, who played unreleased music to assembled hopefuls. Ciara was the only attendee to offer a critique of the demos; afterwards Charli sought her out, heard her story and advised Ciara to “blow my entire life up.” Catch her live on her UK tour here: http://gigst.rs/CMATPR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfDxIGQ8Hjg
Pixey
Seven months on from her first EP, Free To Live In Colour, Liverpool based singer Pixey returns with Sunshine State: a 6-track EP of pulsating beats and sharp, retro-sounding riffs. Whilst it may have been easy to characterise her previous EP as a pop record, Sunshine State is a genre-bending release. Through this EP and the successful live performances so far. Pixey proves she is an act we should be keeping our eyes on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-Fu689jcm4
Dappy
Featuring a slew of established and upcoming talent and after a long wait from fans, Fortune, Dappy’s new mixtape is finally out soon. It contains 12 inter-woven songs and solidifies his reputation as a UK mainstay, with Dappy’s passionate lyricism leading the way throughout. The tape sees Nafe Smalls, Stefflon Don and Shaybo all trade verses with Dappy.
Katy B
The electro-pop artist has released a new EP called Peace and Offerings. As another preview, Katy B has shared the single ‘Open Wound,’ which features R&B singer Jaz Karis.
While she staked her claim in the UK’s electronic scene with glossy, heavy production in the 2010s, Peace and Offerings takes a chill pill, instead recalling wine nights at home with close friends. With her usual night-out settings on pause, Katy was able to take a more introspective route. “The ‘Peace’ is me taking myself away and having peace of mind and the ‘Offerings’ are the songs, the parts of myself I’m giving away,”. “In a way I’m reintroducing myself again: I am the offering.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH7xtKbcBuY
CHVRCHES:
On their new album Screen Violence, CHVRCHES’ focus on honesty and exploration seems less like a stylistic choice than a means of creative survival. Screen Violence doesn’t feel like the music it contains: it makes you think simultaneously of the future and the past.
It describes both the days of the Video Nasty and the power the screens all around us wield today. Especially if we make a living through them. It feels strangely intuitive that much of Screen Violence came together when the bandmates were apart. “Basically everything apart from final vocals and mixing was done totally separately,” says Mayberry. It was a time when “everybody was going down the rabbit hole of ‘What things have I done in my life that I regret?’ Once you’ve done that…everybody’s shown each other their dirty laundry. And then it’s safer for it to be more open and vulnerable.” Or, as Iain Cook puts it: “If something’s got no rough edges, I don’t think it’s particularly appealing.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGPOSdrtfoM
Brooke Combe
Soulful Edinburgh-born newcomer Brooke Combe has unveiled her brand new single and video ‘Impress You’. The 21 year old has had a breakthrough year, culminated in support slots with Miles Kane and The Snuts. ‘Impress You’ provides another tantalising window into the world of a singularly talented and hugely exciting young artist.
With a swaggering bassline and smoky vocals, ‘Impress You’ was written entirely by Combe. This track explores the toxic beauty standards women are expected to conform to under the male gaze. Speaking about her new single, Combe explains: “‘Impress You’ touches on the pressures women can feel to look or act a certain way for men. Hoping to impress them by becoming the ideal woman in their eyes which can be quite hard to obtain.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzbKRGtW8Yo
Mick Jenkins
Mick Jenkins has announced his new album: Elephant in the Room is out October 29 via Cinematic Music Group. It features the previously released single “Truffles” and the just-released song ‘Contacts.’
Elephant in the Room features production from Thelonious Martin, Saba, Monte Booker, and more. Lon Renzell mixed Elephant in the Room and also executive produced the album with Mick Jenkins. Elton “L10MixedIt” Cheung mastered the record. Catch him live now: http://gigst.rs/mjknsPR