10 International new releases that are out now.
1. Bennett – Buzzed
Connecticut songstress, BENNETT, has released her latest track today. “Buzzed” is available now at all DSPs and streaming services. The release is accompanied by an official video directed by Art Camp available now and is the first single from Bennett’s upcoming sophomore EP.
“Buzzed” is Bennett’s first musical offering of 2021 and the Orphanage produced anthemic party banger serves as a small taste of what’s to come for the burgeoning pop/soul singer-songwriter. With a live performance date at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash this Friday 8/20 it’s safe to say that Bennett is back and eager to heat things up.
2. Lexi Berg – Lonely World
Each single that Lexi Berg has released this year has delivered a new wave of attention for the Swedish-American singer-
Lexi’s new single ‘Lonely World’ raises the energy from the melancholy pop of her recent singles, infusing her songwriting with the bite of its forceful guitars and the passion of her refined yet robust lead vocal. Bringing to mind prime Fleetwood Macwith its contrast of enticing melody and volatile emotions, the song’s lyrics are entirely in tune with 2021. “Everyone’s tired of their digital lives,” sings Lexi, “These walls can make you feel so small.” LISTEN HERE.
3. Salem Ilese – Ben & Jerry
In Celebration of her 22nd birthday, Northern California pop singer and songwriter Salem Ilese releases her brand new single “Ben & Jerry.” An ode to the closing of Summer and a celebration of her favorite sweet treat, “Ben & Jerry” is an electro-pop anthem that speaks to not settling for less in relationships and honoring your self worth.
Salem Ilese has had a whirlwind 2021, including releasing her ‘(L)only Child’ EP back in May, a coming-of-age project whose themes span from self-acceptance and self-love, to the social and environmental issues plaguing our world. Additionally, Salem has seen meteoric success co-writing rising hits for Bella Poarch (“Build A Bitch”), Tomorrow x Together (“Anti-Romantic”), and Jamie Miller (“Here’s Your Perfect”), all of which have become ever evolving viral sensations, dominating the streaming charts. Per Rolling Stone, “rather than working with big names, [Salem has] proven adept at helping to provide artists with their first hit”. Similar to Salem’s very own smash hit “Mad at Disney”, these songs often explore themes of female empowerment, and new visions of the world that turn establishment led gender norms on their heads.
4. Felix Jaehn and Robin Shultz – I Got A Feeling
Following the success of their smash single ‘One More Time’ ft. Alida, Felix Jaehn and Robin Schulz have joined forces again to deliver another contagious new single that’s primed for the summertime. ‘I Got A Feeling’ features the vocal talent Georgia Ku, who has collaborated with the likes of Illenium, Martin Jensen, Party Favor and more. Joining together at an apex between their signature sounds, Felix Jaehn and Robin Schulz remind fans why they are an unstoppable force when collaborating. Out now via Universal Music, ‘I Got A Feeling’ is available to stream across platforms.
‘I Got A Feeling’ opens with a sultry melody that immediately captivates the audience. In true Felix Jaehn fashion, the single is uplifting with groovy sensibilities and commanding vocals while Robin Schulz adds his own unique flair to the track. Georgia Ku lends her intriguing talent with catchy vocals that effortlessly complement the wavy soundscape.
5. Vök – No Coffee At The Funeral
Icelandic trio Vök have shared one of their most exciting singles yet, with the exhilarating and heartfelt No Coffee at the Funeral, which is out now through Nettwerk Records. They have also announced that they will be releasing a brand-new EP Feeding on a Tragedy on 8th October.
New single No Coffee at the Funeral follows recently released singles Skin and Lost in the Weekend, which gave an early taste of their new material recorded last year in their Reykjavík studios. The singles were the follow-up to their acclaimed 2019 album In the Dark, which was written and recorded by the band in collaboration with producer James Earp (Bipolar Sunshine, Fickle Friends, Lewis Capaldi).
No Coffee at the Funeral is a powerful and heartfelt song, which showcases Vök at their very best.
6. Rasmus Hagen & Maxine – Learn To Love
Rasmus Hagen is a platinum-selling singer/songwriter and producer from Stockholm, Sweden. Inspired by Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Julia Michaels and Lauv, Hagen’s compelling blend of pop and acoustic soul aims straight to the listener’s hearts.
Everything started with weekly guitar lessons at eight years old, playing classic rock songs from The Beatles and The Eagles – which eventually led to starting his first cover band. After a few years of passionately jamming with classmates, he went on an exchange year to the USA and focussed on music theory and classical guitar. During this time, he played in several bands and toured both nationally and internationally, before deciding to start a solo career. In February 2021, he released his debut album Love & Hurt, which was received with glowing reviews and achieved platinum status within just six months.
His latest single “Learn to Love” emits a euphoric feeling wrapped up in a juxtaposed sense of hope and fear. Coming in with Hagen’s haunting, echoing vocals which fall over a tender piano motif, the song also features vocals from Dutch artist Maxine. Her Halsey meets Julia Michaels voice adds to a stunning polarity of tones and perspective, including a phenomenal array of harmonies that result in ultimate full-body shivers. The pop-acoustic feel maintains the raw passion allowing the depth to come through in a highly singable and relatable song. From energised guitar strums and subtle romantic synths, the tune is bursting with feeling and excitement.
7. Embody and Sondr – Raise The Roof
Lithuanian artist Embody has linked up with production duo Sondr on new single ‘Raise The Roof’, also featuring UK singer-songwriter Bryn Christopher, out 20th August.
Positively brimming with infectious, crossover dance-pop energy, ‘Raise The Roof’ combines euphoric piano chords and life-affirming breakdowns with the rousing vocal delivery of Christopher.
After dropping his self-released debut EP in 2014 and amassing over 100 million streams, Embody has since released on Black Butter Records, Polydor and Armada before signing to Ultra in 2019. He has also remixed the likes of Lana Del Rey, Kaiser Chiefs and Rudimental.
8. Clinton Kane – I Guess I’m In Love
Following overwhelming demand from fans, rising Norwegian-Filipino
In speaking about the new single, Clinton says: “HEY MY FAMILY. SO FREAKING EXCITED THAT THIS LOVE SONG IS OUT. IT’S BEEN MONTHS OF TEASING AND TOXICITY BUT I CAN FINALLY SAY THAT IM FREE FROM TOXICITY. ‘I GUESS I’M IN LOVE’ IS OUT EVERYWHERE. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY FAMILY. IT’S TIME TO GET MARRIED NOW x”
“I GUESS I’M IN LOVE” has been building fan fever since Clinton began teasing the track on his social media. With the song racking up pre-saves and over 40k fan made TikTok videos using the sound, Clinton has finally shared the love song of 2021 that listeners everywhere have been waiting for. Continuing to connect with each release, “I GUESS I’M IN LOVE” follows his February breakthrough hit “CHICKEN TENDIES,” which has accumulated over 90M streams worldwide
9. Eric Bolton – Genesis
Canadian rock singer and songwriter Eric Bolton shares the music video for his debut original solo song ‘Genesis (Let There Be Love)’. The track is a rock anthem for the ages, which Eric describes as “a song to mark my coming out as gay and beginning to celebrate the big life and big love I always knew I was meant to live.”
Eric grew up as a closeted kid in a highly conservative Christian family with many messages from the church and society putting down his sense of self-worth and confidence. Knowing he was gay from a very young age, he spent over two decades being told that he did not deserve to love or be loved as he was. With depression taking over, Eric then spent years hiding away from the world. In May 2020 at the age of 31, he finally stood up for himself and proudly came out as gay.
Speaking of that time, Eric says, “I decided to take my life back and saw it as my new beginning, so I wrote Genesis immediately after coming out. Stealing from biblical beginnings, I named the song ‘Genesis’ and swapped ‘let there be light’ for ‘let there be love’. It’s been a beautiful journey of self discovery, mental and emotional clarity, and increasing confidence ever since.”
The lyrics of ‘Genesis’ capture the hopeful light of Eric finally coming into his true self, with the excitement of who and what he can now become without the shackles of familial or societal pressures to be a certain way. He no longer holds onto the acceptance of others, but rather the unconditional acceptance and love that he has found for himself.
10. The Cocktail Slippers – I’ll Be Here For You
The Cocktail Slippers, the raucous five-piece all-woman rock outfit from Oslo, Norway, has released a new single (“I’ll Be Here For You”) a moving track written for the band’s daughters.
The track appears on the upcoming LP, ‘Shout It Out Loud,’ their fifth full-length album, and first in seven years.
Releasing on September 17 via Wicked Cool Records, the album was produced by the band, and co-produced by Stevie Van Zandt and Mike Hartung.
A ten-song trip through the world of this fiery female troop who wear both their passions and their musical influences on their sleeves, ‘Shout It Out Loud’ boldly demonstrates that the best way to express one’s self is at the top of your lungs, and trumpets the band’s mission to prove just how intensely they mean what they say.
