The venerable and Award-winning South African production duo GoldFish are due to release an album sometime soon, since their last one was now three years ago, Late Night People (followed more recently by a remix album of it). Dominic and David continue to tease us with a new single every now and then, and their latest, “Forever Free”, is a timeless and positive ode to something that’s important to everyone. Co-written with and sung by L.A.-based vocalist Nate Highfield, “Forever Free” soars to similar happy places that songs like Tritonal & Henry Dark’s “Shivohum” and Porter Robinson’s “Get Your Wish” have transported us this year. GoldFish’s production is effortless and Nate’s voice just lets “Forever Free” soar. Watch the entertaining animated video above, directed by Matt Torode – and yes, Dominic and David get the cartoon treatment!
Continuing to show off their diversity within the electronic dance music genre, Denmark’s Boye & Sigvardt return with their latest, “The Feelings”. This one sways away from the wacky but fun antics of this past summer’s “Party Sucks” for an accessible, radio-friendly deep house song that showcases the robust tones of Canada’s own Kiesza. The producers neatly balance the heavier bass rhythms and far-reaching synths with Kiesza’s fierce vocal, with the results being that “The Feelings” is one tidy and convincing three minute earworm. I’d definitely suggest a repeat collaboration!
Dutch producer Antum (aka Sam Jansen) is a new name to the electronic dance music scene, whose initial releases through Showtek’s Skink label have already received support from the likes of TiĂ«sto and Timmy Trumpet. His recent single “Worldwide” is a grabber that club DJ’s should remember once venues reopen. It’s a good song for mid-evenings with its early 2000’s retro vibes. But it’s the rhythm here that Antum’s gonna get’cha with – it’s got a bounce and shuffle mix that won’t let you stay still. Keep your ears out for Antum for future releases.
There is no denying that Alison Wonderland has paid her dues in her 11 years in the music business to become the superstar producer and performer that she is today. The L.A.-based, Sydney, Australia-born producer is the benchmark for fellow women in electronic dance music, thanks to scoring two #1 electronic dance albums and giving numerous well-received (by fans and critics) performances at festivals over the past few years. With 2020 being a transitional year for music, it was refreshing to hear her surface in the atypical duet with Chet Porter on “bummed” earlier this year, and take part online in performance to the delight of her fans as well – her excellent Digital Mirage set is below. Enter her new single “Bad Things”, and you can just envision a new festival set in your mind. The song features magnificent synth work and production, and a chorus that will have you swaying. I can’t wait to hear what’s in store for Alison Wonderland next year. Check out the intriguing video above.
“Handle With Care” is a melodic delight from L.A.-based singer RUNN. If you don’t know her by name, you definitely know her by voice through notable songs recorded with Illenium, Wooli, Dabin, William Black, We Are Fury, and numerous others over the last two years or so. Solo songs were inevitable with all of her vocal and songwriting talents, and “Handle With Care” also serves as the title of her 5 track EP. The song itself is much gentler than the settings in which you’ve heard her, and the crisp, on-point vocal really shines with less heavy production. I hope that we continue to hear RUNN on electronic dance music tracks recorded by others too, because she is a part of that soundtrack, but with songs like “Handle With Care” she can successfully hold a concurrent path too.
After starting to make waves a few years ago (when I first wrote about them) with relentless touring, which included gigs in the U.K., Pittsburgh rockers A Summer High have returned somewhat weathered but not beaten – but pared down to the duo of Mason Levi and James Anthony. “London” is as good a relaunch as any. A Summer High were massive fans of 5 Seconds Of Summer, and “London” moves their sound even closer to the music of that band, albeit with early 2000’s inspiration from Blink 182 and others apparent too. “London” is about crushing on a girl in that city and hoping she feels the same way. It’s an energetic, playful bop that shows that A Summer High is back and means business – in the most entertaining way possible.
“Collide” is the title song from the US production duo Crystal Skies’ latest EP. Britian and Aaron are definitely on a roll with a variety of melodic results in the EP to keep their increasingly large fan base very happy. Although the heavier, future bass-driven “Requiem” comes close, and “This Moment” features a beautiful vocal by now-regular Gallie Fisher, it’s “Collide” that stands out the most on the EP. It’s a neat companion piece to Porter Robinson’s latest music with its dreamy vocal approach which leads up to some brilliant big synths and beats. Though perhaps not as razor-sharp as last year’s Constellations EP, Crystal Skies consistently prove themselves to be leaders of their genre who grow with each release.
I’ve been pleased to write about the progress of EGZOD over the years. The Miami-based electronic dance music producer otherwise known as Carlos Carvalho-Martins seals the deal with his latest EP The Revolution, proving himself to be one of the best of his genre. He clearly lives by his music to keep inspiring and empowering others. And while the other songs in the EP do well to feature highly listenable tracks featuring Neoni and (once again) Wasiu, it’s “Don’t Surrender” that adds up the sum of all the parts. It’s an energizing, vital-sounding, futuristic house song totally suited for our times. It is co-crafted with L.A.-based vocalist EMM, about whom I’ve also written several times. Her potent vocal is front and centre, leading their emotional charge. With amazing streaming numbers of over 20 million that really started to show early last year, the only way is up and up for EGZOD.
“Falling Down” nicely captures the aftermath of a crazy evening when you’ve teetered over the edge and know it. It’s brought to you courtesy of an intriguing pairing of Belarus electronic dance producer Denis Palesso and young Portuguese producer FALCO. Little is available online about Denis, who has been releasing music that has been picking up listeners over the years. FALCO however in two short years has picked up support from veterans like Hardwell and has seen releases on a number of the major dance labels. Together they mesh well and “Falling Down” is a quirky but memorable slice of deep house that’s worthy of your attention.
In 10/10, I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention.
I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the 10/10 lists are any less than those featured individually, and they are not listed in any particular order. Songs by Bright Light Bright Light and Pawl & Discrete that were featured in edition #14 debuted yesterday on my personal chart 🙂
Writing 10/10 posts means I can cover more songs in one shot. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about.
CHRIS WALLACE, “Daydreaming”
L.A. based singer/songwriter Chris Wallace has been busy regathering his many fans, and a number of new ones too, after resurfacing this year after several years’ absence on the recording scene, though he continues to be a sought-after songwriter (such as for The Vamps). “Daydreaming”, his most recent release, is a certified bop, guaranteed to make you groove and revel in all those things you long to do. It’s delightfully straight-forward and guaranteed to offer you a great time.
BEWARE THE BEAR and SEAN SMITH, “Wishing On The Water”
“Wishing On The Water” is British singer/songwriter Sean Smith’s second collaboration with Portsmouth duo Beware The Bear, following last year’s “Show Me Love”, which ended up receiving international attention when featured in the TV show “MotherFatherSon”. “Wishing On The Water” is definitely a smooth, radio-ready pop song which takes a few spins before you latch onto its hook. Sean sounds wonderful in this more uptempo setting, and I’ll direct this one to the enjoyment of fans of Bastille and Coldplay.
HOTEL GARUDA, “Leave You”
I’ve been enjoying all four songs from Hotel Garuda’s latest EP This Tension, but have zeroed in on the playful-sounding positivity of “Leave You”. The man known otherwise as Aseem Mangaokar has taken a break from the deeper house vibes, which I’ve had the pleasure of hearing in concert, in favour of a highly danceable but more pop-flavoured sound, likely the result of working with a number of different contributing producers and writers. Despite its title, “Leave You” is about not wanting to leave someone, and the high level of energy is definitely in the spirit of loyalty, companionship, and love.
LAWSON, “Four Letters”
The engaging British quartet who were stars in their native country have returned this year after a four year absence with a number of solid new songs, and even performed online a few weeks ago to the delight of their fans. “Four Letters” is probably the best of these new songs, and it’s also exceedingly familiar, with a hook that is like a companion to their previous hit “When She Was Mine”. This all works wonderfully well, and in particular vocalist/songwriter Andy Brown is at his best here.
SAM DICKINSON, “Nothing’s True”
UK indie singer/songwriter Sam Dickinson continues to preview his much-awaited second full album Off Script, due in October, with “Nothing’s True”. This album is full of assorted soulful, danceable pop songs, and this new one does not disappoint. Taking big cues from 70’s and 80’s disco and UK soul, “Nothing’s True” contains a sharp vocal and some excellent guitar work which make this one stand out in Sam’s growing repertoire.
BRANDON COLBEIN, “Mean To Me”
“Mean To Me” by California-based singer/songwriter Brandon Colbein is a fascinating new song about staying in a flawed relationship when you don’t know what else to do about it. It’s catch line is “I let you be mean to me because of what you mean to me” – and that’s a real dilemma when you may be choosing your idea of love over your own well-being. Some people stick it out in that relationship and succeed; others do not. Brandon often zeros in on affecting topics that have different perspective. The song features one of his best recent vocals, and you can find other songs that he’s written, but not recorded himself, through recent releases by Zayn, Liam Payne, Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani, among others.
“Paradise” serves as a song of reassurance for many people whose mental health has taken its toll during the pandemic. Molly. is a new singer/songwriter and guitarist from Lancaster, England whose vocal tones are reminiscent of Florence Welch and Sigrid, while taking cues from classic songs by the likes of Fleetwood Mac. “Paradise” is a refreshing earworm which should bring the singer attention thanks to tight songwriting bridged by her spot-on vocal.
THE TRUSTED, “Wild Love”
The Trusted are a new four piece outfit from Southend-On-Sea, England who have a lot going on in their new EP Love And Suicide. All of the songs go by quickly with boundless energy and charismatic vocals by Tom Cunningham. The Trusted reminds me more of bands from the American alt.rock scene than from the UK. Nevertheless, I’m drawn to “Wild Love”, the song that concludes the EP, which stands out as the sum of all its best parts along with its relateable escapist theme. The Trusted are definitely one band to watch and I’m sure will deliver the goods in concert.
TYSON KELLY, “Am I Ever Gonna See You Again”
Tyson Kelly is a California-based indie singer/songwriter to watch with his new EP Plastic Rockstar. Taking cues from music of The Beatles and Talking Heads and spilling it into translation to the 2020’s is a challenge, which makes the EP fun to hear. “Am I Ever Gonna See You Again” tells the familiar road story of a fan falling for a rock star while on tour – which means, essentially, a one-nighter. The saga is in stark contrast to the upbeat, sometimes soulful vibe of the music, which even has Beach Boys qualities about it. Tyson is the son of renown songwriter Tom Kelly (Madonna’s “Like A Virgin”, Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional”), so his evident talents are in his blood, and he has appeared as John Lennon in Broadway’s “Let It Be”. His solo songs do break away from a Beatles-ish sound and, while some of the songs in the EP sometimes sound over-exaggerated and perhaps try too hard, he comes off as an affable original performer.
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