UK-based singer-songwriter Marti West is back with another single, which he has named ‘Somebody New’. The track is the second one he has released in 2023, and, for Marti, the year is still young. He has informed us that he will be releasing a new album on the 28th of April, where listeners will find the already shared song ‘Nobody Knows Me (Like You)’as well as his latest offering.
The track brings to mind a coming-of-age feeling. There is an angsty mood to the whole deal. Like a spotlight, lively drums light up the performance. A steady texture of guitar strum moves listeners towards the song’s brassy climax. That is, a brass section jives to the rhythm of Marti’s heart, giving us something to move to.
On November 25th, PRIESTESS, the alt-pop artist hailing from London, releases her three-track debut EP Landscapes. The EP includes previous releases‘Landscapes’ and ‘Holy Flesh’, alongside brand-new single ‘Hooks’. A music video for ‘Hooks’ lands the same day, co-directed with the artist Ana Lemos. The video concept was to centre the visuals around a choreographed performance by Kate to create visuals that reflect the primal feelings within the track.
The ‘Landscapes’ EP pieces together an emotive narrative. PRIESTESS’ haunting, crystalline vocal wraps around swirling electronica and plunging basslines to describe silent rages, against harassment, toxic relationships and the environmental damage we are inflicting on our planet. The artistry and power behind each track is reinforced by three evocative music videos which beautifully express the energy and passion of the music.
Kate said about the ‘Landscapes’ EP “This debut EP came from many different spaces and angles emotionally. The name of the title track became an embodiment for the Landscapes of feeling that it was written within. Stitching together a mix of moments in time, whilst I was going through different experiences. It is also representative of how my work has an intrinsic connection to nature and the mirroring of ourselves within its cycles of death and rebirth.”
She continued to talk about the Lead single ‘Hooks’ “This track was written about my experience within an abusive relationship and the relatability I felt about people that go back to their partners even when they know it’s unhealthy and bad for them. This experience was one that was very hard for me to extricate myself from and I felt it was like an intoxicating monster that had its hooks in me making it very hard to leave.”
PRIESTESS was formed in London by Kate Fleur Young. Priestess conjures up images of Nature’s ancient esoteric energy fused into an Alt-Pop world. Kate – at the creative helm and heart teams with producers James Mottershead and Oli Kilpatrick. Haunting melodies, sibylline harmonies and visceral lyrics are woven together by threads of hope. Illuminating them against a backdrop of dark beats, bass and lush electronic landscapes. Celebrating transformation and self-expression through the ritual of music their collective sound has influences such as FKA Twigs, Fever Ray, Massive Attack and Little Dragon. The result is an arresting electronic sound filled with deep sensuality and intuition.
Support for PRIESTESS continues to gather pace. With plaudits coming in from the likes of Wonderland, CLASH, CMU, Get In Her Ears and M Magazine to name but a few, it’s clear that PRIESTESS is ready to stake her claim on the music scene with her powerful representation of dark electronic pop.
Lutfia has shared her latest EP So Much For Summer, a combination of alternative pop and funk. With an undeniable love for singing and songwriting, the singer has been sharing lyrics as young as 14 years of age. Inspired by a diverse range of iconic talents like Christina Aguilera, Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson, Lutfia creates a colourful world through her music with lyrically rich lyrics and upbeat hooks. Each track stands out on its own, as Lutfia pours out her heart on messages about self-love and mental health.
‘City Of Angels’ is our personal favourite track on this EP. It’s inviting and gives the listener a delicate warmth with rock-esque hooks. One can almost call this anthemic, as it talks about a love for mankind and embracing life. Definitely a song for everyone on this release, Lutfia is going places.
Stepping into the L.A. music scene in 2019, Rich Delinquent has established himself as a refreshingly honest alternative pop act. Rich Delinquent’s music draws influence from Flume, The Weeknd, and Blackbear who are all known to switch it up with finesse, whenever they deem fit. Set to release his album Sadboi on the 5th of November via 24-8 Records, the Australian music producer has shared some eclectic alternative pop gems with us these past few months. An advocate for mental health in the music scene, Rich Delinquent wants to create awareness of all the negative spirals one can find themselves in when chasing fame.
Rich Delinquent fill us in on his upcoming work and influences below.
What are some of your earliest memories of music?
I can still vividly remember the moment I saw a guitarist, Steve Morse from the band Deep Purple play live at my first concert as a child. That was the moment I knew I wanted to play guitar and be on stage performing.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
I’ll always start with writing the instrumental bed followed by the chord progression, melodies, and drums. Once this is done I write the top line (sometimes collaborating with songwriters), then track the vocals, finish the producing and finally mix the song down.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
I honestly don’t have a preference, it all goes hand in hand and is all equally rewarding. For me, It’s like asking someone if they prefer to eat or drink.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
One of the biggest drivers behind me making music is to connect with people through my songs. Receiving messages saying that one of my songs helped someone reconsider suicide, helped get through a breakup, or even just turned someones day around means the world to me.
These messages mean a lot more to me, the high streaming numbers or a shout-out from a peer.
If you could put together a radio show, what kind of music would you play?
I’ve put together a Spotify playlist called Delinquent Radio, so I guess it would be that. A wide range of music from EDM, hip-hop, and metal.
Name five artists and their albums who would appear on your radio show
The Weeknd, Bring Me The Horizon, Blackbear, Flume, and Whipped Cream.
What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?
I have huge goals of headlining festivals and winning Grammy’s, but that doesn’t dictate success for me. A successful music career is one in which you can touch as many people as possible on an emotional level. That’s a real success.
One last thought to leave your fans with?
I am just really excited for this album to be out in the world. It’s been a long time coming; from writing the songs in lockdown in Melbourne, Australia to moving to LA to pursue music. It’s been a journey. This is my debut album and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
Album track ‘She’s Happy?’ features on the Spotify playlistPOP_GROUND.fm
