Author Archives: Zara Hoffman

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Luke Sital Singh releases his aptly named new single “Strange Weather”—fairly fitting given the weather we’re currently having over here in the UK!

Taken from his upcoming EP of the same name, Luke Sital Singh returns more profound than ever with the release of his superb new single. Oozing with atmospheric folk-iness and Luke’s distinctively soft, soothing vocal, “Strange Weather” once again proves Luke is truly unique. Fans of the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Bear’s Den will feel at home here.

“Weather is a big metaphor,” Luke observes. “It affects your mood and how you look at life. Rain makes everything worse. If it’s sunny again, the problems are there, but they seem easier to deal with. I’ve never made note of the atmosphere before. The metaphor carried on for me, because everything was strange after the Pandemic. ‘Strange Weather’ was a summary of the EP and how I felt in general.”

Luke Sital-Singh’s new EP “Strange Weather” is in stores on 9th June 2023 via Nettwerk.

PHOTO: HARVEY PEARSON | Prepare to get wistfully whisked away with British newcomer Alice Auer and her jazz-infused single “Greek Street,” out now.

Alice Auer has been on our radar for a while now, and it’s pretty obvious why when singles like “Greek Street” are being created. Created by Alice with help from long time friends Conor Albert, James Smith, and jazz musician Seth Tackaberry, “Greek Street” is a blissfully glorious, soul-tinged single from the offset.

Talking about the release, Alice says, “I wrote ‘Greek Street’ in a day with my lovely friend and very talented musician/ producer, James Smith. Story wise, ‘Greek Street’ was inspired by the first date my boyfriend and I went on together at Jazz After Dark in Soho, London. I wanted to create some contrast in the song emotionally and musically, so we wrote the lyrics from the perspective of someone who had that relationship, that experience, that romance—but lost it and longs to have it back. We then took the bones of the song to Conor and let him work his magic.”

“Greek Street” is out now via London tastemaker label Young Poet (Conor Albert, WOOZE). Auer’s second solo project is due for release later this year.

Berlin-based newcomer SOUKOU has just released her powerful new single “Bloodline.” It’s the perfect introduction to this formidable artist ahead of her EP release later this year.

Channelling the likes of Robyn and Solange, SOUKOU combines neo-soul with synth-pop infused sensibilities creating a sound that feels otherworldly. SOUKOU’s honeyed vocals are at the forefront as they soar over twinkling piano keys and subtle percussion.

Talking about the single, SOUKOU explains, “This song is about generative trauma. It’s about my grandparent, my parents and me. Its about healing and letting go of the stuff that doesn’t belong to you; about freeing yourself.”

SOUKOU’s forthcoming EP centers around family and asks whether the next generation can be freer if we manage to detach ourselves from our traumas. Oozing with emotion and vulnerability, SOUKOU’s latest release encapsulates this profound artist perfectly. If “Bloodline” is anything to go by, we can’t wait to hear the rest of the EP, due for release in Summer 2023.

“Bloodline” is in stores now.

Coming all the way from Dublin this week, Irish newcomer ESSIRAY has already made quite the splash with the release of her new single “Mr Perfect,” out now.

An indie-pop delight from the offset, “Mr Perfect” combines hints of soul, pop, and indie creating something truly mesmerizing and instantly infectious. Talking about the single, ESSIRAY, aka Rachel Murphy, explains, “’Mr Perfect’ isn’t about one person or one situation, for me it’s about the combination of emotions I’ve felt thoughout my early twenties and navigating my love life.

As a young woman in this male dominated society it can often feel like we’re being told how to act and how to present ourselves; trying to live up to this societal standard created by men. The track also has a lighthearted undertone of coming out of a relationship, those rose tinted glasses coming off and you’re just feeling happy in yourself.”

The single has already seen support from the likes of New Music Friday UK and Fresh Finds Pop on Spotify, and we expect great things are to come from this vibrant Irish native. Watch this space…

“Mr Perfect” is in stores now.

This week’s Artist of The Week is London-based newcomer Svetlana. The self-proclaimed “Romantic Rockstar” has just dropped her new single “Soul Sister” ahead of her EP release, due later this year, and its definitely setting the scene for exciting things to come.

“Soul Sister” showcases Svetlana’s honey-like vocals, sounding akin to the likes of Joy Crookes and Cleo Sol. As you can probably assume from the song’s title, there is a lot of soul coming through on this single, but there are also elements of jazz and blues, allowing Svetlana to stand out from her counterparts.

Courageously authentic and possessing an artistic soul reminiscent of icons who have shaped music today, Svetlana encompasses the spirit, lyrical ability, and passion to create a unique legacy as a singer and songwriter. Hotly tipped to be a reckoning force in the industry, with “Soul Sister,” rising sensation Svetlana hopes to continue to captivate listeners with her timeless soundscapes.

“Soul Sister” is in stores now.

London-based newcomer Amelia Rose and Finnish producer cocabona collaborate for the release of celestial new single “Falling Down,” out now. As well as being a writer, vocalist, and producer, Amelia is now curating her slick new sounds through experimentation and collaborating with various producers, musicians, and artists.

Chill to the max with Amelia Rose and cocabona’s stunning new single “Falling Down”—a jazzy fusion of electronic splendour, soothing vocals, and vibrant beats. Talking about the single, Amelia says, “This track is about going back to your old ways even though you realise that something isn’t working out. I wanted to create a kind of sonic tapestry, with the production and the vocals, that would take the listener on a journey through that emotional space which cocabona really brought out and was a pleasure to work with.”

After the success of her first single “midnight” with New York-based artist Relyae, which was featured on BBC 1Xtra and several editorial playlists, Amelia will be releasing her debut EP “Phases” in February 2023.

“Falling Down” is in stores now.

Nashville-based newcomer Mandi Mapes shines bright with the release of her touching new single “Daffodil Floors,” out now.

What an absolute delight to listen to. Folk-pop newcomer Mandi Mapes shares her breathtaking new single “Daffodil Floors” which is truly stunning from the offset as Mandi’s intimate vocals compliment the rich, piano-led musicality—and the string section at the end?! Amazing.

Talking about the single, Mandi explains, “This song is about healing from that hurt. It’s about taking off those heavy burdens, ignoring those voices of shame and running free like a child, knowing that we are loved, that we matter, and that we belong not because of what we do, but because of who we are.”

“Daffodil Floors” is in stores now.

Sibling duo Skelly brush off the January blues with the release of their deliciously jazzy new single “Connection,” out now.

Tom and Laura Misch better watch out cos there’s a new pair of talented siblings on the London jazz scene. Skelly are a brother and sister duo from North London who make neo-soul flavoured music with jazz and pop influences. Their latest single “Connection” is a brass-filled delight from start to finish with Emma’s soft subtle vocals soaring effortlessly over Ben’s brilliant musical arrangements.

Talking about the single, the band elaborate, “‘Stop lying to yourself, you cannot fake a connection, I do not need your protection…’ This line, repeated over and over in the outro, is the fundamental idea behind this tune. It’s about close friends headed for inevitable romance, yet while one side yearns for it, the other is reluctant to acknowledge their feelings.”

“Connection” is in stores now.

This week we’re heading to the West of England to meet Melotone, a psych-jazz quartet who are creating wonderfully woozy tunes.

The band’s latest release “Entre Ondas” combines sixties psychedelia with jazz-infused Tropicalia and Bossa nova soundscapes creating something truly mesmerising. Lead singer Alec Madeley is half-Brazilian, which has clearly influenced the rest of the band’s musical motives. “Entre Ondas” allows us to travel away from these cold winter mornings to warm, sultry afternoons—and we can’t get enough.

Talking about the single, Alec explains, “’Entre Ondas’ is a landmark song for me because it is the first of ours that truly captures our love of sixties and seventies Brazilian music. During the pandemic, I was listening to a lot of Caetano Veloso, Os Novos Baianos, and Gal Costa, which I think inspired me to write something in Portuguese, almost as a homage to the greats I had been obsessing over.”

“Entre Ondas” is in stores now via Think Twice Records, an arm of Last Man Music Group.

We’re kicking off 2023 with a brand new Irish discovery. Hayleon released her debut single “Warrior” in December we can’t wait to see what the New Year has in store for her.

“Warrior” infuses Scandi-pop and Irish folk music creating something that is truly unique. Hayleon’s soft, celestial vocal soars over the almost tribal-like musicality, whilst the fiddle and low whistle create an undeniably ethereal sound. “Warrior” is a song about the physiological and emotional elements of female relationships and the press that comes with it.

Hayleon—aka Hannah Ryan—was previously a member of ambient folk quartet Pine The Pilcrow. With “Warrior” she goes solo for the first time and we’re excited to hear what she gets up to next.

“Warrior” is in stores now.

Shake off those Christmas party hangovers with Bristol- based newcomer Badliana and her trippy new single “Mayday,” out now.

“Mayday” is oozing with sass and swag from the offset as Badliana’s smooth, sultry vocals compliment the dark, woozy electronics effortlessly. Fans of FKA Twigs and Little Dragon will feel at home here.

Talking about the single, Badliana explains, “‘Mayday’ is bossy, confident, and all about just doing what you want, when you want, manifesting it, and achieving it basically. It’s about taking control and just fully allowing yourself to be yourself and not giving a f**k about what anyone thinks.”

Having already previously supported the likes of Jelani Blackman and Etta Bond and made her debut appearance at Glastonbury 2022, we’re excited to see what this emerging electronic talent will get up to next.

“Mayday” is in stores now.

Welsh newcomer Thallo captivates listeners with her unique blend of jazz-infused dream-pop. Her new EP “Crescent” is out now.

Thallo creates a wonderful cocktail of sounds throughout her EP, combining elements of jazz, pop, and folk creating a sound that is truly enchanting. Thallo’s hauntingly beautiful vocals compliment the subtle jazz textures effortlessly, whilst the personable lyricism adds further depth and importance to the musicality.

The three track EP chronicles the artist’s own story about an on-going condition causing chronic pain which began in 2020 and left her temporarily unable to walk or stand—locked in by her condition after the world had been released from lockdown—and forced to cancel her planned appearance at this year’s SXSW, which is now rescheduled for 2023.

Thallo is the work of singer-songwriter Elin Edwards, based between her homelands of Gwynedd, North Wales, and London.

“Crescent” is in stores now.

London-based emerging artist Jewelia shines bright with the release of her bittersweet new single “Second Best,” out now. Influenced by the likes of nineties pop star Natalie Imbruglia, there is definitely a nostalgic edge to Jewelia’s music, however it is brought into the 21st century with Jewelia’s butter-soft vocals and relatable lyricism at the forefront.

Talking about the single, Jewelia explains, “From a young age, we watch stories of success against all odds and are besotted with the chosen one, while getting accustomed to look down on the average people and their struggles—the irony being, of course, that we are them.

We are told that we can achieve anything, if only we try hard enough. As inspiring as this sounds, it also implies that we only have ourselves to blame (regardless of systemic disadvantages, biological limits, financial difficulty etc.) for having an average life, in a world where mediocrity is viewed as being worse than utter failure. Something is messed up here, and I thought it was worth exploring.”

“Second Best” is taken from Jewelia’s upcoming album Strong in My Own Way, due in stores in Spring of next year.

London-based synth-pop artist Rodney Cromwell, aka Adam Cresswell, has had an eventful career. A founding member of notable electro duo Arthur & Martha, as well as head of independent label Happy Robots Records, Cresswell has spent the last few years creating a sound synonymous with his alter ego, culminating in the recent release of single, “The Winter Palace.”

The track is taken from album Memory Box, released this year to wide acclaim. Standout track, “The Winter Palace” perfectly illustrates Cromwell’s distinctive synth-pop sound. The single, with a nod to vintage electronic artists, combined with Cromwell’s own unique style, dances with synth strings, dreamy harmonies, and evocative lyricism, creating a perfect soundtrack to winter.

Accompanied by the krautrock-inspired b-side, “Rod Jane & Freddy,” the soon-to-be-released promo CD will feature remixes from Infra Violet and Gemma Cullingford.

Cromwell’s quirky style has attracted the attention of a range of tastemakers from NME to Paste magazine, as well as synth-pop legends Blancmange, who have invited him on tour supporting their UK dates. Even more reason for us here at TVDHQ to make Rodney our UK Artist of the Week.

“The Winter Palace” is taken from album Memory Box, both in stores now.