Author: Lucy Lerner

London based singer-songwriter OLI drops the impossibly dreamy Don’t Give Up. With a lush sonic landscape where distinctive vocals fill ambient spaces, the catchy melody winds itself around you The repetitive lyrics reiterate the reassurance.  OLI says of the song, “I think last year a lot of the feeling was just to keep going and keep your head above water. I felt that around me a lot, friends losing jobs, experiencing periods of bad mental health and somehow pushing on. It made me realise how resilient people are and how little they give themselves credit for it.” She continues: ““I wanted the…

One of our favourite songs of 2021, All I Dream is transcending in many ways but the acoustic version elevates it to an atmospheric and airy place. Released via Goldun Egg Records and co-produced by FERGUS and Jake Gosling, the stripped-back song brings the lyrics and FERGUS’s unique vocals to life. The way it abruptly ends leaves you craving more. “All I Dream’ conjures up an idyllic evening back in civilisation after a long period of isolation. Enduring dark times by holding on to the dream of “what could be” and relishing the prospect of enjoying the simple things you’d previously…

The master of reinvention is back with a bang with debut Mixtape Love Or Rivalry and an elixir of sounds. DA REAL3ST has his finger on the pulse of what people want to listen to particularly with his silky hooks, and honest lyricism that allows his character to shine. A variety of influences peep through the 15 track project, but it’s DA REAL3ST’s triumphant bars and wordplay that blaze brightly. Each deftly crafted track hits the spot for whatever mood you’re in and are incredibly re-playable. Personal favourites include HAY HAY, NO FEMALES (featuring NoFaceJay), BET (featuring Sona), PARTYNEXTDOOR and…

Lola Melita’s single Dreaming Is All I Have is a dreamy number about unrequited love. Smokey vocals undulate over a layered, shimmering backdrop. Nostalgia melts wax-like over a catchy chorus and fills in the ethereal spaces. “I had just met someone back in my hometown and kept obsessing over the moments we’d had and let this overwhelming feeling drive this song.” Lola Melita has recently released If You Cared Less, a song that displays her distinctive dream-pop style and is well worth listening to.

D.E.L creates a sugary love affair with their single Sweet. It’s a breath of fresh air song that conjures youthful nostalgia through floating vocals, a colourful sonic landscape and charming melodies. “Sweet is a track designed to be a soundtrack to a chilled afternoon, looking at the sky or at the beach with your earphones in.” D.E.L’s music is inspired by art, music and Japanese anime. Listen to their back catalogue for more thought-provoking music and mellow vibes.

After All is another dreamy single from Indie Folk band Children of Indigo. Focusing on rippling acoustics, rich textures and lush harmonies, the band knows how to make music you can simply drift into. “We’ve all had a crazy past year and a half. This song is about contrasting the ups and the downs. There will always be evil in the world but there will always be good. Trying to see the light at the end of a dark tunnel, and believing in our humanity’s future through endless hope that we will get overcome the next challenge.” – Children of…

Discover magic with Hocus Pocus, the latest release from The Greys. The sibling trio has dropped a shimmering song about the magical feeling that forbidden love releases. Gorgeous vocals, a winding melody and sultry instrumentals make up this intoxicating song. “Sometimes what feels so wrong can feel so right at the same time. We know it, you know it, and no one will admit it, but sometimes we just want what we want. That is Hocus Pocus. That is the honest place in which this song lives.” The stylish visuals are inspired by the classic American fantasy sitcom I Dream…

Raebel has a far-reaching, beautifully bold sound. Her vocals are richly intoxicating, her music is danceable, catchy and memorable. Watch out for this glittering Afro dancehall star who will be shining bright this year. The talented Nigerian artist released her highly anticipated single Miniskirt at the end of 2021 via Konvest Music. An anthem for our times, you will be playing it on repeat and appreciating a fresh new layer upon each listen. Fusing afrobeat, reggae, pop, dancehall and more, Raebel has coined her sound Raebellious that attributes to her risk-taking and invigorating musical style. We caught up with Raebel…

Dark-pop queen Eiza Murphy delivers with brooding single Movies. Written during the lockdown last year, Movies captures the feeling of escapism and imagining your life as if you were in a movie. Eiza’s versatile and expressive vocals float over mesmerizing instrumental textures and build to a catchy, anthemic chorus that will have you singing along. For a brief song, Movies certainly packs a punch. Eiza told Neon Music exclusively about the making of this gripping new song, “I wrote Movies while I was in London during the last lockdown. I remember it was raining all day and it felt like…

BM Casso’s signature sound is a heady fusion of contemporary musical elements, exotic instruments and traditional African rhythms. On his new EP Badman which features the impressive single On Repeat, the independent Nigerian singer-songwriter incorporates a cocktail of compelling melodies, rich vocals and dance-infused beats. We caught up with the talented BM Casso to find out more. How would you describe your sound to new listeners?My music either talks about my life experiences, encompassed in flows and rhythm, or just vibes and melodies to make you move your body and bump your head. Tell us about your latest EP Badman…