In this edition, we explore high-voltage metropolitan pulses, neon synth-pop, retro-futuristic energy, cinematic orchestral tributes and the euphoria of a new crush. For the full playlist click here.
De Fans – “Nights Mashine”
De Fans is the musical project of German artist and creator däh De. His latest song, “Nights Mashine,” combines the aesthetic of a retro neon glow with modern electronic production. This melancholic yet strangely uplifting song explores the metropolitan cycle of the night and the concept of the “machine” as a metaphor for urban life. It features prominent shimmering synths with a steady, mid-tempo rhythm that keeps the listener grooving. The vocal harmonies embody a sense of urban solitude while building a nocturnal atmosphere. De Fans brilliantly layers the electronic elements to offer an immersive, captivating earworm that will have you snapping your fingers and tapping your feet from the very first listen.
Tune into “Nights Mashine” while driving through the city at night and watching the lights blur, or when you need a boost of energy while burning the midnight oil.
Nadine Abs – “Caesar”
Based in London, Lebanese musician Nadine Abs is driven to create songs centred on her personal relationships, cherished memories and heartfelt moments. Her latest single, “Caesar,” is a deeply personal tribute to her late school principal and math teacher, whose Arabic name translated to Caesar. As a self-made man, he encouraged his students at Rawdah High School in Beirut to follow their own dreams and aspirations and tried to step in and offer personal support in multiple ways. Joined by Will Clemens on the piano and Izzy Howard on the violin, Nadine Abs constructed this pop ballad with the kind of unbridled sincerity that quickly steals hearts upon the very first listen. Her vocal delivery is cinematically operatic and carries the intensity of her devotion beautifully. Additionally, sound engineer Jay Jacobs offered his support by stepping in to tie all the elements together into a melodiously distilled and expertly constructed track.
Play “Caesar” during moments of quiet remembrance and solitary reflection, or when you need a dose of hope and inspiration to unabashedly chase your own dreams.
AINA – “Be My Boo”
Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer AINA crafts contemporary alt pop songs that explore romantic desire through playful teasing, sleepless yearning and light-hearted vulnerability. Her latest single, “Be My Boo,” perfectly captures the sense of giddy infatuation that you get wrapped up in when you develop a crush on someone new. Built on a foundation of bright, shimmering synths, the track possesses a layering of different textures that ebb and flow to create a sense of density without feeling cluttered. Lyrically, the track makes use of some beautifully classic metaphors to describe an instant emotional connection and offer a direct, playful confession of love. AINA’s vocal delivery is naturally breezy and effortlessly dreamy, while the rhythm is upbeat and driving, carrying elements of nu-disco and indie-electronica.
Ultimately, “Be My Boo” perfectly encapsulates that euphoric feeling of floating on a cloud for everyone who has ever felt or longs to feel the sparkly excitement and anticipation of a new crush.
Novitza – “A Beat More for a Waltz”
Montenegrin musician Novitza creates highly immersive and emotionally expressive songs that linger with listeners even after they end. “A Beat More For A Waltz,” the leading track of his debut EP ‘From Darkness Unto Light’, masterfully combines storytelling with orchestral musical elements. The beat is driving and percussive while creating a sense of constant forward motion. The piano keys build tension beautifully while contributing to the cinematic nature of the track. Lyrically, the song pulls you in with a simple, plaintive longing through repetitive lines like, “One more step towards me and the passion in my heart explodes,” and, “I just want to dance with you.” The vocals are ethereal and demonstrate a wide capacity for range while holding incredible yearning.
Ultimately, “A Beat More For A Waltz” is a romantic and heartwarming song that perfectly channels the deep yearning you feel when you look across the room and watch someone that makes your heart pound with excitement, trying to be patient while wishing you could just hold them and pull them close.
Lorraine – “I Feel It”
Formerly known as Lorraine and currently performing under the name Blackroom, the collective featuring Ole Gunnar Gundersen (lead vocals), Anders Winsents (guitar), and Paal Myran Haaland (keyboards and programming) is an indie-electronic and synth-pop trio based in Bergen, Norway. Their latest single, “I Feel It,” expertly balances pop elements with modern rock textures. The track features a melodic, driving bassline that is high in the mix and carries the melody as much as the vocals do. Winsents provides clean, jangly guitar riffs that cut through the synthesizers while complementing Gundersen’s plaintive and slightly detached vocals. Haaland’s use of warm, buzzy analog synths adds a retro-futuristic feel while keeping the sound crisp and industrial.
Overall, “I Feel It” is a high-voltage, synth-rock anthem about the electricity of a moment that is so strong you can’t describe it, you just feel it.
