The great music just keeps coming!
Below is an eclectic mix of five new releases that we are vibing with right now.
1. Alter Ego – Imelda Gabs
Lausanne, Switzerland based Belgian and Congolese pop artist, Imelda Gabs began her musical journey, performing and composing with piano, violin and singing.
With a passion for creating an all immersive journey for her listeners, Imelda blends a mix of sounds with cinematic visuals to create an all senses experience.
As her second self produced single, ‘Alter Ego’ is about how a vicious circle can be created when fighting your inner demons. The track brings a strength and empowerment while still possessing a rebellious edge.
The track begins with a powerful and emotive question that draws your right into the song, expressed through Imelda’s rich vocals, ‘Did you ever have that feeling?’. The song continues to tell the story of fighting your inner demons with the use of a hooky beat and captivating vocals and will have you intrigued until the end.
Alongside the song, Imelda Gabs worked with Dariy Mambetov to produce a video clip which adds to the intrigue of the story. You can check it out at her YouTube channel below.
You can find more of Imelda Gabs at:
Website – https://www.imeldagabs.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/imeldagabs
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/imeldagabs
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/imeldagabs
You can listen to ‘Alter Ego’ at:
2. Swimming – Priya Francis
Melbourne, Australia based alt-R&B singer/songwriter, Priya Francis has spent the last years working and collaborating with a growing list of Melbourne artists such as Yuto., Billy Reeves, Nitecaller and Georgia Dabbous, to develop the depth of her work that you hear today.
“I think my sound has come a long way from when I first started releasing music. I’ve really leaned into my R&B influences a lot more and blended it with some of the pop and alt-R&B sounds I’ve come to love as I’ve gotten older.
My parents listened to a really wide range of music while growing up, so I learned how to sing and develop my voice around artists like Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder, then combining it with songwriting styles and expressions I heard in people like Norah Jones and Lauryn Hill.” Priya Francis
Inspired by artists such as Kehlani, H.E.R, Jon Bellion and Lauryn Hill, Priya has released her latest single, ‘Swimming’, which is all about the search and the journey to finding independence.. to allow yourself to make mistakes and learn and grow from those mistakes.
The track was produced by Jarrod Hambleton with input from Coben McDonald (one half of electronic-duo Yuto.) and brings an atmospheric vibe, taking you back to the 90’s, with a R&B twist. You will hear the dreamy sounds of distorted guitar riffs, simple beats and the clear and alluring vocals of Priya.
You can find more of Priya Francis at:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/PriyaFrancisMusic
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfFUhfQJwxcDrDrdOUeY_9Q/featured
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/priya_francis
You can listen to ‘Swimming’ below:
3. Simpler Times – Char (EP)
Residing in London, UK, Pop R&B artist, Char is quickly building a following in the UK and beyond, having sold out her headline show at London Camden Assembly in just this last October 2021, where she debuted her release, ‘Walk Without Fear’, and having a huge backing by KISS Fm and BBC introducing.
Beyond her music, Char is passionate about speaking out and taking action for causes that she believes in and is the founder of the mental health not-for-profit organisation Mad Millennials.
Char’s latest four track EP release, ‘Simpler Times’ has been released this last 17th December and is a culmination of four tracks that take you on an inner journey.
The title track, ‘Simpler Times’ is about our inability to often see the resilience that we have, until we are left with no option but to draw on that strength.
The track is followed by ‘Got Me Feeling’ that takes us to a more Jazzy pop vibe and features a saxophone, which is about desire and longing and completed with ‘Same Again’ and ‘Control’.
“Though we know the meaning of ‘simple’ is relative and perhaps paradoxical in itself because whilst things may have been easier in retrospect, each stage of our life presents its own challenges.” Char
You can find more of Char at:
Linktree – https://linktr.ee/CHARmusic
You can listen to ‘Simpler Times’ below:
4. November – Svavar Knutur
Icelandic singer/songwriter, Svavar Knutur regularly tours Europe and North America and is currently preparing for his third Australian tour.
In 2020, Svavar was a participant in the international music initiative Global Music Match, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with international artists such as Lucy Ward (UK), Adyn Townes (Canada), Breabach (UK) and Fanny Lumsden (Australia).
As a follow on from his 2017 album ‘Ahoy! Side A’, Svavar Knutur is in the process of finalising his album, ‘Ahoy! Side B’, in which his latest single ‘November’ is a taster for.
“The album is a journey of gratitude and exploration, the discovery of new perspectives and hidden truths.”
‘November’ portrays the polarity of a month of sadness in looking back at the joys of summer, combined with the lessons learned in a month of transformation.. The acknowledgement of the struggles, yet the deep appreciation for the beauty that lies within the struggle.
The track features an entrancing blend of guitar, strings and the raw captivating vocals of Svavar Knutur.
You can find more of Svavar Knutur at:
Website – https://www.svavarknutur.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/svavarknutur
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/SvavarKnuturofficial
Instagram – https://instagram.com/svavarknutur
You can listen to ‘November’ below:
5. Columbus, Ohio – Nellie
Originating from Yonkers, New York, USA and currently residing in Manhattan, singer/songwriter, Nellie is influenced by artists including John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Fleetwood Mac to Phoebe Bridgers, John Mayer, TOLEDO, and Vanessa Carlton.
On a weekly basis, you can find Nellie performing all around the streets of New York as a busker, with her favourite spaces being Strawberry Fields in Central Park or Washington Square Park.
Produced and mixed by Daniel Alvarez de Toledo and Jordan Dunn-Pilz, also known as indie duo TOLEDO, Nellie’s latest single, ‘Columbus, Ohio’ relates to the exploration of love, distance, reality, and realisation.
“I was in a long distance relationship with my partner for two years until I moved down to NYC and we finally were together. He inspired me to try and write a fun song about our relationship. One of our first dates in NYC, we got (very) drunk at the Standard and started bullshitting about life together. He raved about Ohio, his old stomping grounds, and I reiterated how I would never move there. I’m a New Yorker through and through. After years together apart, I realized I just wanted to be together- no matter where.” Nellie
The track begins with a voice recording, alluding to the theme of the song.. It then jumps into the sound of lush guitar lines as the voice recording continues.. As the recording fades, you are left with a summer vibey soundscape featuring a catchy drum beat, dreamy guitars and the stunning vocals of Nellie.
This is a great weekend playlist addition.
You can find more of Nellie at:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nellefromtheblock
You can listen to ‘Columbus, Ohio’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.