The Burma are back but with something different. Where their debut album focused on the Indie rock side of things (read our piece on the LP), their latest offering, a single titled ‘23’, leans more toward the Dream Pop side of things, with heavily glazy vocals, soft plucks, and woozy guitar filters. A languid record that drifts among the clouds, ‘23’ sees lead vocalist Tony O Donovan reflecting, looking to the past to inspire the mood that pervades the track.
Will the trio continue to paint the remainder of their forthcoming sophomore album (yes, there is one in the works) with a similar brush, I wonder? Touching on the subject, the band shared: “‘23’” is the first song we wrote and recorded for our second album. It’s one of those songs that came together really quickly. The song you hear now has barely changed from its initial conception, which is a rare thing for us!”
CHAiLD is a young rising pop artist born in Luxembourg and currently based in Brussels. His unique, soothing, yet intense voice grabs you by the gut and takes you into his melancholic universe. Inspired by artists like Troye Sivan, Sam Smith, Julia Michaels or Mø, the artist comes up with his very own pleasing style of Pop, in which he integrates his own Italian roots. CHAiLD is a generational voice for the queer youth in need of self-expression.
At only 25 years old, the artist has already added many remarkable achievements to his tally since kicking off his career in Luxembourg in 2019, such as his opening slots for his musical idols like Dean Lewis and Mahmood or his various performances at numerous festivals like Sonic Vision Festival (LUX) or Dockville (DE).
The young artist is ready to return with a new EP, Urgent Care, written at a time when he felt helpless and used songwriting as a way to cope with anxiety. The EP is a powerful and vulnerable exploration of the artist’s journey towards self-acceptance and healing. Through honest lyrics and soulful melodies, CHAiLD shares his realization that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a way to connect with others and with oneself.
The title track “Urgent Care” sets the tone for the album, with CHAiLD laying bare his struggles and acknowledging his need for help. This theme is woven throughout the album, as the artist delves into his past traumas and the pain he has been carrying for too long.
Overall, “Urgent Care” is a raw and emotional EP that invites listeners to join CHAiLD on his journey towards self-discovery and healing. Through his music, the singer reminds us that it is okay to not be okay, and that asking for help is a brave and necessary act of self-care.
“‘Urgent care’ is my way of opening up to myself and to others. Throughout my life, I thought vulnerability was a flaw and that showing weakness resulted in an open invitation for people to hurt me. However now, I know I am allowed to tell people I’m not ok. It is ok to break down and to accept the fact that the world feels just a bit too much to handle from time to time. So, from now on, I will try to heal from the hurt I’ve been carrying within me. And most importantly, instead of dealing with it alone, I will ask for help. Yes, I am in urgent need for care.” – CHAiLD
LIVE DATES
15/04 EP release CHAiLD, Kulturfabrik (Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)
13/05 Tallinn Music Week (TBD, Estonia)
17/06 Fête de la Musique Kopstal (Kopstal, Luxembourg)
29/07 festival congés annulés, Rotondes (Luxembourg, Luxembourg)
Britain’s own Jackson Homer has exploded onto the scene these past 12 months with no intention of turning back. Brimming with laid-back yet funky energy and saucy vibes, his first EP release in 2022 has already amassed over 1.5 million streams on Spotify, gained support from NMF UK, Fresh Finds UK, Fresh Finds, Internet People and Gaming Lounge, had his track written up as one of the Songs of the Summer by The Guardian and sold out his first headline show for his EP release, sponsored by none other than Redbull.
For Jackson Homer’s next release ‘In My Head (LaLaLa)’, he brings in the brilliant rapper, Cap1talA. An inspiring individual, equally making waves in the industry, with upcoming shows alongside Feux and Ashbeck, editorial playlist adds on Fresh Finds Indie, Free Form, and the night bus edit, as well as articles on CULTED, GRM Daily & more.
Jackson Homer is a British producer and DJ based just outside of Birmingham, whose timeless sound invokes names such as Disclosure, Daft Punk and Kaytranada.
Through his father being a DJ, Jackson was always surrounded by music whilst growing up. Around the age of just 7, Jackson Homer conveyed a curiosity for DJing and began learning the fundamentals. It was not long before Jackson became intrigued by the process of music production and developed a passion for it.
Jackson Homer’s debut album (‘99) undoubtedly exhibits his talent for music production. Each track differs from the last, yet ties together in a thoughtful composition. Jackson has now over 1.5 million streams on Spotify since his first release in March 2022.
Jackson’s previous achievements include 5 different Spotify editoral playlists (including, NMF UK, Fresh finds UK, Fresh finds, Internet People and Gaming Lounge), as well as playlist adds from the Ministry of Sound and Adidas. Jackson was chosen for one of the songs of the summer by The Guardian as well as selling out his first headline show supported by Red Bull UK.
Cap1talA is a 21-year-old rapper from Kent currently based in West London. In his own words “My music shows my journey within the growth and emotional experiences over the years I’ve had as a Black man in the UK. I’ve seen that my music has connected with people and has touched them so that’s why I always try to keep a positive message – that’s why my motto is ‘keep on livin’”.
Cap1talA’s music and influences combine the gritty 90s Hip hop and soul sound with a modern day input on Trap and alternative beats. He doesn’t stick to any particular sound and isn’t boxed into a particular scene. Some of his biggest influences include Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller and Childish Gambino.
He focuses on introspective lyricism often about relationships, mental health and previous life experiences he’s had to endure; it is both encouraging yet reflective at the same time.
With a message in mind, The Beautiful Blū have released a pop-rock single titled ‘One Final Day’, taken from the forthcoming album iGenocide. The single and project alike see them addressing socio-political issues ranging from genocide to political marketing and ideological themes of Nationalism.
Less about surface and more about depth, the song is a revolt against the political agenda that tries to convincing the youth to estrange themselves from people of other nationalities, set over a heart-beating piano instrumentation. In an anthemic protest, British vocalist Bill Ryder-Jones takes the position of a propagandist selling glory at the cost of living. It’s a strong cause and an equally strong record.
The Beautiful Blū shares:“Our upcoming album “iGenocide” reflects the experience of interacting with survivors of such atrocities. Not everyone came into the studio with the same exposure to the people who suffered through these events. Yet, we were able to bond as musicians around the music. In doing so, it served as a beautiful reminder that music emphasizes the qualities that bring people together, as opposed to pushing them apart.”
