Author Archives: Zara Hoffman

You may recognise Debbii Dawson from the seventeenth season of America’s Got Talent where she wowed the judges by performing a slowed down version of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” She was voted through unanimously, however was later eliminated from the competition, but it seems the joke’s on them! Debbii’s latest single “Too Strange for the Circus” is a country-tinged slice of pop that certainly proves Debbii is one to watch for 2024.

Channelling her inner Dolly Parton / Stevie Nicks, Debbii’s unique twang soars effortlessly over the infectious musicality that feels gorgeously light and fluffy all the way through. Dawson describes an all-too-familiar isolation in “Too Strange for the Circus”—the floating loneliness of feeling just a few steps too far to be in anyone else’s orbit. She waltzes around a space metaphor, leaning into the weightlessness of the feeling: “I’m too strange for the circus /too human for Mars /too deep for the surface.”

Debbii is from Minnesota and describes herself as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Her grandfather immigrated to the US from India. On America’s Got Talent, Debbii explained that he taught himself to play the organ by drawing an organ keyboard on the pavement with charcoal. He then went on to teach Debbii’s father and herself in the same way. Pretty awesome, hey? Debbii will be making her London debut on 17th January at Folklore but I’m afraid its already sold out!

“Too Strange for the Circus” follows Dawson’s recent EP, “Learning,” also in stores now.

Multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Yellowitz returned last year with the release of his powerfully poignant new album Peel Back The Pleasure, out now via Veta Records. Previously known for his folk / singer-songwriter influences, this release sees Benjamin build upon this, whilst opening up new doors to a potential new audience. Sounding akin to the likes of RY X and James Blake, Yellowitz combines acoustic elements with ambient electronics creating a sound that is undeniably impressive.

This album doesn’t seem to have been promoted as a concept album, but in many ways it feels like it could be. Throughout the album, Yellowitz tackles difficult subjects such as accepting queerness, feelings of loss, and sexual pleasure. He also induces these lovely intervals of spoken word, for example on “(Something About Resilience)” where he’s clearly leaving a voice note for a friend after having a particularly hard day.

Even though there are elements of darkness within the voice note, it also concludes with a sense of positivity and how proud Benjamin is to be queer, despite the battles within that. This particular moment really sums up the album as a whole for us, because, even though there are deep, dark moments, there’s also a whole lot of love and joy on the album. Its a celebration of self-love and friendship… and a bit of sex.

Previous single “Bad Dad Club” is the perfect example of this. Discussing themes of gender, queerness, and complex family relationships, this release is brave, bold, and beautiful. There’s also a stunning video to go alongside it you should watch instantly. Going forward, it would be great to hear and see more of this experimental side to Yellowitz as there’s clearly something special going on here, but perhaps moving away from the classic folk-infused songwriting will give him even more of an edge in his bright future.

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Happy new year folks! We kicking off 2024 with something chilled to help ease those sore heads some of you will undoubtedly have. LA-based artist Julian Roy teams up with DAP The Contract and Bryn Bliska on their sultry new single “M.K.B,” out now.

The single combines jazzy electronics with mellow guitar and key twangs creating something otherworldly. If you’re looking for music to relax, focus, or simply vibe to, this release is the one for you.

Julian Roy’s sound is mixes modern R&B and neo-soul with experimental world music soundscapes. His music is inspired by his travels through the island life of South East Asia and South America as well as living with musical communities in Nashville, San Francisco, and now LA. Julian’s sound is best compared to artists like Frank Ocean and Chet Faker.

So, what are you waiting for? Unwind and relax to “MKB,” in stores now.

Exploding onto the scene, Twat Union are a new feminist punk band who are not afraid to speak their minds in the best way. Their hilariously outrageous debut single “UTI” is out now.

This all female seven-piece combine influences from the Riot Grrrl era with current punk trailblazers such as Dream Nails and Lambrini Girls. With wild, immersive gigs involving their distinctive provocative humour, the band don’t shy away from talking about things like period sex, thigh chafe, and the focus of this debut single: UTIs.

Talking about the single, front woman Kate Mac elaborates, “People don’t talk about UTIs very much, but most of us have had them, and most of us hate them (no kink-shaming if you like them but we would love to hear from you if you’re actually a fan). And if you don’t get them, we guarantee you know someone that does.

This song is for everyone to shout, laugh, cry, and generally express your anger about female and non-binary medical problems (we know some men get them too) and maybe we can change the narrative around when and how it’s ok to talk about issues down there.”

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Samantha Lindo’s latest musical endeavour, Ancestry, is a captivating exploration of identity and heritage that seamlessly weaves together diverse genres and influences. This highly anticipated released has been funded by the Arts Council and the MOBO fund of Help Musicians UK.

Ancestry is a compelling album that explores the stories from Samantha’s family history, including her great, great grandfather—a black methodist minister who defiantly married a white Scottish teacher in Jamaica in 1880. It also explores the history of his son, the Conservator of forestry of the whole island, who planted and protected the trees that are now under threat from the extreme weather and flooding of the climate crisis, as well as her grandparents who came to the UK in the fifties as part of the Windrush generation, all framing the expression of themes of climate justice, dual heritage identity, and inter-generational healing.

Each track takes us as the listeners on a journey, and sees Samantha’s warm, soul-tinged vocal soar effortlessly over stunningly rich soundscapes. From spiritual jazz to retro soul and even spoken word, the album oozes colour, confidence, and creativity. The first track on the album, “Child In Me,” introduces us to the theme and sound of the entire work. The solo piano we first hear is soon joined by Samantha’s incredible vocals and later layered by haunting strings, all in perfect harmony.

On “Child In Me,” Samantha says, “The writing process was inspired by nostalgic memories of aunts, uncles, and wider family members and reflecting on how the magic and joy of those relationships form part of the fabric of who we are. Last written but first on the album, ‘Child In Me’ is about those people now, despite complexity and family conflict, with the purity and innocence of a child. In a wider sense, it’s also about seeing hope and possibility, and boldly imagining a different future when we face so much complexity and crisis.”

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Fraser Morgan is a rising newcomer on the folk-punk scene, and he’s bringing all the vibes with the release of new single “Fell In Love Again,” in stores now.

The single is full of fun and oozes with a wonderfully chaotic energy from the offset. The backstory stems from Fraser meeting a girl on a night out in Colchester. Fraser elaborates, “I started writing this silly song about how my mum’s probably sick of hearing about my love interests. One night I played it at an open mic and people went mental for it, so here we are two years later and it’s still one of my most popular songs.”

Having already played over 900 gigs, Fraser has become known for his passionate live performances where he and his band share humorous one-liners between songs—whilst also delivering important messages on mental health within the songs themselves. Fraser is hoping to continue to captivate listeners with his infectious blend of artistry.

Sleep Walking Animals have redefined their folk identity with their new EP “PINK. YELLOW. RED.” in stores now via Black Sea Music.

“PINK. YELLOW. RED.” oozes with ethereal sonics from the offset with intricate production, vintage-pop choral harmonies, and electrical elements. These new elements are weaved around the foundations of their acoustically influenced songwriting creating something truly new and compelling for the listener. Paired with poetic lyricism and wistful atmospherics, “PINK. YELLOW. RED.” is a multifaceted collection of endearing shapes and sounds exploring themes of loss, love, and light.

The band has already sold out venues across the UK and have been aired on national TV and radio, most notably on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and Tom Robinson’s Introducing Mixtape.

Sleep Walking Animal’s “PINK. YELLOW. RED.” is a must-listen, and the band’s ability to evoke such a range of emotions makes this EP a captivating and memorable addition to their discography.

Barbarella is the eclectic alt-pop newcomer on the scene, and she’s getting frisky with her new single “Horny” out now.

Produced by Dave Randall (formerly of Faithless), this release oozes with sass and swag from the offset. Barbarella’s distinctive vocal takes centre stage as Dave’s synth-infused soundscapes pulsate vibrantly underneath. Barbarella explains, “I wrote this song after Glastonbury 2022, where I bumped into an old flame who I thought I didn’t like anymore… but I definitely still did. Nothing happened between us, which was probably very wise but also very frustrating. I guess I had a massive build up of libido energy, which was channelled and released into this song.”

Already being described as her generation’s Cyndi Lauper, Barbarella—aka Barbara Pugliese—has become known for her stunning, sensual, and intense live shows. Her band Barbarella’s Bang Bang formed within South London’s queer underground scene and have appeared several times at Glastonbury Festival, Boomtown, Fuji Rock and many more. We can’t wait to see where Barbarella’s fearless artistry will bring us next.

“Horny” is in stores now.

Get ready to groove with all female disco collective All Day Breakfast Cafe. Their vibrant new EP “Have You Seen This Queen” is an utter delight for the ears from the offset.

Channelling the likes of Ezra Collective whilst also having a clear love for old school funk and disco, All Day Breakfast Cafe are taking the London jazz scene by storm. Their latest EP is a fun-filled collection of upbeat bangers and dance floor fillers, and we can’t get enough.

Taken from the EP is their latest single “Adrenaline Rush,” a song about that moment of exhilaration. “You might feel it when you’re on the dance floor,” guitarist Jelly Cleaver elaborates, “when you do something new that challenges you or you do anything thrilling. This is your theme tune for that feeling and your reminder to do something that excites you… regularly! The whole EP is a tribute to female friendships and queer joy.”

These “personal hype women” are all about spreading joy and empowerment and we’re here for it. In fact, everyone involved in this project, from the band to the studio engineer, is female or queer. This collective are no strangers to the London live circuit and we hope to see them travel further afield in the very near future.

“Have You Seen This Queen” is in stores now.

Prepare to be mezmerised by London’s latest experimental jazz trio Intervention. Their debut single “Fire” is out now.

The single combines the group’s Latin, soul, jazz, and electronic influences, creating a sound that feels otherworldly. The song reflects the internal fire whose embers are within all of us. Drummer-percussionist Lya Reis Guerrero explains, “the innate drive to uplift our spirits, overcome obstacles, and emerge stronger than before. “Fire” serves as a symbolic anthem for personal reinvention and the courage it takes to embrace change.”

Intervention are Lya, vocalist Plumm, and internationally acclaimed Latinx pianist/producer Eliane Correa. Together they provide a unique journey where energy and euphoria are transmitted through improvisation. Despite this being their debut release, we’re certain we’ll be seeing much more of this eclectic trio in the near future. Watch this space…

“Fire” is in stores now.

Bristol-based newcomers My First Time have exploded onto the scene with the release of their raucous debut single “Wind Up Merchant,” out now.

Combining a post-punk energy with indie-pop swag, “Wind Up Merchant” is instantly infectious and packs a powerful punch. Talking about the single, the band elaborate, “we wanted the song to be ‘tongue in cheek’—an anti wind-up anthem. It’s the sort of track you could blast to drown out the ramblings of your annoying sibling or super conservative relative. The track shifts from the perspective of the ‘wind-up merchant’ themselves to the target caught in the crosshair.”

Newly signed to indie tastemakers Submarine Cat Records, we’re excited to see what this exciting young band get up to next.

“Wind Up Merchant” is in stores now.

Newcomer to the Bristol indie-rock scene, Sean Edwards brings us a breakup song, “Give It Up,” but encompassed in a catchy and energetic rock track to take the sting out of the romance ending.

The driving power chords and minimal but rhythmic drums make for a stadium ready song which will be sung along to by all who hear it. These simplistic instrumentals make it easy to focus on the lyrics, allowing space for a story to be told which Sean believes is vital to his songwriting.

Sean describes himself as self aware, and the stories that he tells stem from real life experience. His music is a way to give himself advice and express understanding for personal growth. He also sees himself as a fatherly, but dry-humored figure, and seeks to help those who listen to his music to, like him, be introspective with their thoughts and feelings.

Sean is keen to make his imprint on the Bristol scene. With an EP on the way and plenty more music in the works, “Give It Up” is only the beginning for Sean Edwards.

London-based pop newcomer Cate recently released her new single “One Hit Wonder,” but we’re pretty certain this won’t be the case for her…

Drawing influence from early noughties country pop records, “One Hit Wonder” is an end of summer anthem which reflects on a past lover who emulates the same excitement and sudden abandonment as a one hit wonder does. Referencing Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town,” Fountains of Wayne’s “Stacy’s Mom,” Toploader’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” alongside many more, Cate’s lyricism continues to flare with creative artistry.

Talking about the track, Cate explains: “I wrote ‘One Hit Wonder’ with my friends last summer after making a joke that a man that I was dating was one. Then the joke went a bit too far when we wrote a whole song out of a whole bunch of one hit wonders. It’s about someone who only really gives you one good summer of fun, but never anything else. And as much as you want to get the song out of your head—you just can’t.”

We had the pleasure of catching Cate perform live when she supported Maisie Peters in Cardiff earlier this year and we certainly feel like she’s living up to the hype. Cate shows no sign of slowing down, with a support slot for Australian singer songwriter Gretta Ray kicking off this month across Australia and a UK headline tour all happening this year.

“One Hit Wonder” is in stores now.

Idiosyncratic artist Katie MF recently released her powerful debut album False Starts, Open Endings and our inner-anarchist is feeling things…

Having already released two EPs, Katie’s new album showcases her ability to combine a punk-rock ethos with a poignant story telling charm creating something truly special. False Starts, Open Endings is a record that takes no prisoners, exploring a plethora of topics including the dire state of UK politics and patriarchal issues to past relationships and the joy she finds in her DIY community.

Over the last few years she’s become an integral part of the UK DIY punk scene, making friends in all the wrong places with her captivating live performances. Since her first proper punk show at the New Cross Inn in 2018, she’s played with the likes of Frank Turner, Spanish Love Songs, Pkew Pkew Pkew, Chris Farren, Lightyear, Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun, and Lauran Hibberd, whether on her acoustic guitar or with her backing band.

False Starts, Open Endings is in stores now via Lockjaw Records.