Who? Ashnikko
What? Daisy
Where? North Carolina, US
What they say? This song is for the brats (brattiness being a recurring theme in my music). It’s about this absolute boss dominatrix vigilante character of mine. She rids the world of rapists and throat punches the patriarchy, leaving daisies behind as a calling card of sorts. She’s sexy as fuck, wears only platforms, latex, and blue diamonds.
Why we love it? Unhinged with a helping of genius and insanity from the jump, this trap-inspired anthem of empowerment is bold and energetic with a softer, more sultry vocal on the chorus that provides a moment of levity before Ashnikko comes back in hard with lyrics sharp enough to leave you bleeding. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Grimes, Poppy, Qveen Herby
Who? BLAKTRIX
What? DUMB
Where? Cardiff
Why we love it? Raw, to the point and politically charged, ‘DUMB’ is a fantastic showcase of BLAKTRIX lyrical ability and flow. Musically, this track has a unique style and flavour that really elevates it above a lot of rap and hip-hop coming out of the local scene at the moment. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Nas, Gift of Gab, Raleigh Ritchie
Who? Deep Sea Diver
What? Lights Out
Where? Seattle
What they say? Deep Sea Diver have announced its third album Impossible Weight, which will arrive October 16, 2020 via High Beam Records. To ring in the announcement, the group — led by Seattle’s Jessica Dobson (once the lead guitarist for Beck, The Shins and many more) — she says “‘Lights Out’ was written around the time I hit that wall when we first started working on the record; it’s about fumbling through the darkness and knowing I damn well need help getting out,”
Why we love it? ‘Lights Out’ is a vast emotive explosion of awesome guitar riffs and spiralling percussion that screams across the universe. infused with a thrilling vocal rush as Dobson cycles through an entire kaleidoscope of moods. Her infectious voice at once powerful and widescreen and yet tender as she reaches out for a helping hand in the dark. Epic! (Bill Cummings)
FFO: Sharon Van Etten, Hole, Metric
Who? Chika
What? U Should
Why we love it? This beautiful track is laid back, chilled out, and masterful. Striding the fine line between old school and new school, the juxtaposition of the rap verses with the chorus that’s sung so softly and beautifully, this is an instant neo-soul classic. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Solange
Who? Eli Moon
What? Phases
Where? London
What they say? Phases is a song about change. Whilst a lot of people seek comfort in life…if I stop for too long and become too comfortable I very quickly start to lose my mind! I wrote this song at a time where I needed something new. Life felt like a never ending cycle of the same activities, same people and I just needed to escape. In the song I deal with the existential crisis that I often find myself in, where I begin to question everyone and everything around me. ‘Why am I here?’ ‘Why am I doing this?’ ‘Is there meaning to any of this?’ I suppose the biggest question is ‘what if it never changes?” And that’s how the song arose. My biggest fear is being stuck in a situation where I have no power to affect it. It’s not a quiet feeling, it’s not a creeper…I wake up one day and there it is; the gut wrenching need to scrap everything and start all over. I suppose life does happen in phases, which is why it’s important to understand that no situation lasts forever, and there is never a situation where you have no power to affect it, but I wanted to capture this emotion in a song, so that I have it forever and can always use it in times where I need to be reminded of this.
Why we love it? Gripping from the first second with repetitive synths and laden with attitude and an ear-worm of a chorus. The production is interesting and varied, the vocals are smooth and confident, it’s a track that truly stands out from the crowd. (Lloyd Best)
FFO: Georgia, Robyn, Santigold
Who? STACEY
What? DMT
Where? LA
What they say? ‘DMT’ is a fun, modern exploration of psych-pop. I wrote it with some of my favourite songwriters, Canadian duo Babygirl. We let our brains run free with melody and lyrics and of course a love for Beatles-y vibes. I’m a big psych-rock enthusiast, old and new, and was excited to dip my toe into that world.
Why we love it? The vintage stylings of STACEY are on show in full force here with a wonderful stripped-back track, painted with summer vibes and psychedelic optimism. It’s the perfect companion to the summer weather and long drives in summer nights.
FFO: Lana Del Rey, Allie X, Florence and the Machine
