We have our favourite top picks out today on New Music Friday.
1. Fletcher – ‘Girls Girls Girls’
FLETCHER shares her intoxicating new single “girls girls girls,” a bold reimagining of Katy Perry’s groundbreaking hit “I Kissed a Girl.” With Perry’s early stamp of approval, “girls girls girls” continues the original track’s legacy as a key force in bringing LGBTQ+ to the forefront of the mainstream. While the 2008 mega-hit was all about sexual curiosity and empowerment, FLETCHER made the decision to celebrate her queer identity just as loudly as her sexual expression by acknowledging “it’s not phase,” despite what others may say.
Go HERE to download/stream “girls girls girls” now.
Produced with Kito (collaborator of her gold-certified track “Bitter”), the single cements FLETCHER’s status as one of her generation’s most fascinating queer icons. With its chorus lyrics partly lifted from “I Kissed a Girl,” the song pays tribute to Perry while letting FLETCHER’s signature sensibilities shine. To that end, “girls girls girls” unfolds in a minimalist alt-pop sound (fluttery beats, shimmering textures, delicate guitar tones), ultimately spotlighting her hypnotic vocals and intimately detailed, uninhibited storytelling.
2. Super Disco Club – Happiness ft. Sadako Pointer
Super Disco Club revived the irresistible rush of dancefloor Disco with modern House touches on their recent debut single: ‘We Are One.’ Consisting of Andy Van and Cassie Van, Super Disco Club have demonstrated that their gift for massive mainstream dance productions still shines in 2021 and lives up to their enviable track record of hits. Andy Van’s previous credits include the phenomenal success of Madison Avenue (‘Don’t Call Me Baby’ being both a UK and Billboard Dance #1 hit), Vandalism (with Cassie Van), and the Vicious Recordings record label (which he runs with John Course).
Now Super Disco Club share their second single: ‘Happiness,’ which features a very special guest in the shape of Sadako Pointer (related to the legendary dance-pop divas: The Pointer Sisters). ‘Happiness’ is released alongside an official video.
The title ‘Happiness’ says it all when this meteoric track drops and instantly ignites the dancefloor. Super Disco Club’s new jam leaves a lasting impression, as it effortlessly unites the uplifting House and Nu-Disco scenes, with an abundance of commercial crossover appeal. Both accessible and cool in equal measure, the track is elevated with an outstanding performance from Sadako Pointer, who definitely helps to “keep that goodness coming.”
3. Tom Walker, Masked Wolf – ‘Something Beautiful’
Tom Walker today releases his first new music in two years with ‘Something Beautiful’, a rousing, heartfelt collaboration with chart-busting Australian rapper Masked Wolf – listen here.
Acoustic driven and flanked by a huge trap beat, the song was written by Tom, Masked Wolf & Steve Mac – also produced by Mac. Kicking off with Masked Wolf, Tom’s instantly recognisable voice soon enters the arena, in fine form, to create a special standout moment on this exciting new release.
“I’d already been working on the song when I heard ‘Astronaut In The Ocean’ and we asked Masked Wolf if he would have a go.” explains Tom. “He sent back a verse after a few hours and it was exactly what the song needed. I’d been going round the houses on different verses, never landing the right thing, but as soon as we added Masked Wolf into the mix, the song just worked! It’s about being super grateful for what you do have. Finding ‘Something Beautiful’ in the dark times.”
Masked Wolf adds; “When I heard the song, I thought what in God’s name is this?! There was so much emotion, it gave me goosebumps – I had to jump on it straight away. I felt there was a connection with Tom’s lyrics because I love talking about emotions and topics that matter.”
4. Nathan Evans – ‘Ring Ding’
On speaking about the upcoming single Nathan says:
I’m so excited to finally share this brand new single with you all. Myself and the team have worked hard on it and I’m delighted to share the video with you too. It was really fun to make and if anything, I hope it helps anyone who is thinking of going on holiday with someone they just met in a bar…to think twice!’
Brand new Single ‘Ring Ding (A Scotsman’s Story)’ has released today and the video has premiered on Nathan’s YouTube’
The single follows Nathan’s global No.1 success after his single ‘Wellerman’ and ‘Told You So’ amassed over 6 million streams.
Nathan is hugely popular with 1.7 billion streams amassed across all platforms and songs.
To meet demands of Nathan’s popularity, Nathan will be celebrating his first ever book release ‘The Book of Sea Shanties: Wellerman and Other Songs from the Seven Seas’ which will hit shelves from 15th October.
5. Jessica Wilde – ‘Down To Earth’
‘Down To Earth’ is South London singer/spoken word/rap artist Jessica Wilde’s 6th single from her raw, confessional concept album, a truly unique project, with each song a diary entry taking us on a journey through addiction and toxic relationships to self- empowerment and living sober. The album has so far gained support from tastemakers such as Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1 and CLASH Magazine.
‘Down to Earth’ comes as the transition song, Wilde’s inner conversation amping herself to be in her new found strength, ready to bring it back down to earth when sh*t hits the fan, stay grounded in her power and authenticity, knowing when she stays true to herself she can handle anything life throws at her.
Produced by Callum George, this vibey track grooves textures of live feeling drums and bass layered with electronic undertones, carried by Wilde’s husky, distinct and sensual vocals.
6. The Calls – ‘Until It’s Time’
Leeds trio THE CALLS have released UNTIL IT’S TIME, the new single and video to be taken from their forthcoming EP scheduled for release later this year. The single will have its launch night at a headline hometown show at 360 CLUB @ LEEDS LENDING ROOM on FRIDAY 15 OCTOBER with support from Second Rate, Silverlode and Mundane Arcane. Tickets available here: https://www.seetickets.com/
This will be the band’s first full capacity show since lockdown last year and they’re naturally eager to experience it all over again, as vocalist and songwriter Tom Fuller explains:
“We really can’t wait to get out there and play live again. It’s going to be a special occasion and we’ve got some new material that we’re excited to play for everyone. It’s a unique moment and it’ll be a fantastic show.”
7. Aimeé – ‘Just A Phase’
Aimée is back and she’s back with a banger! Just A Phase is Aimée’s newest statement release and is out now, via Universal Music Ireland. This strategically fashioned, beguiling track is true to Aimée’s deep-rooted love of 90’s nostalgia, airing a rush of hybrid Irish-Swedish influence along with a determined, no nonsense approach and an unadulterated love of pop music. Listen to Just A Phase HERE.
Having tucked herself away over the past year and a half, the talented singer songwriter took time to reflect on her journey and successes to date, while also taking a deep dive into her next wave of creative aspirations. With this in mind, Aimée teased ideas with long-time collaborator Richey McCourt and decided a fusion of Irish-Swedish influence would be the magic ingredient for their next creation, and Swedish writer Nick Jarl was the perfect fit.
While curating Just A Phase, Aimée says:
“Working on Just A Phase was a completely different experience for me. In the past I had felt a need to identify myself through my lyrics, to establish who I am with the listener. Which I think we did effectively, especially with the last EP. But I felt this time round I needed to be free enough to write in a more fun, sensual, and light way. I adore that late 90s sound of Britney, NSYNC – the pure unadulterated pop of it all. So, it made perfect sense to work with a Swedish writer on this song. Myself and Richey McCourt, who I co-wrote the last EP with, wanted a very no nonsense, pop focused writer in on this one with us. There’s something very ambitious about how Swedish pop writers write, and Nick (Jarl) was the perfect person to bring that magic. I love that this unique Irish / Swedish collaboration has resulted in what I feel is my most determined & focused sound yet. ‘Just A Phase’ is all about that intense, charged stage of any romance, where it feels almost obsessive and all consuming, despite your best efforts to not let it take over.”
“It feels like a fresh start coming back with new music at this particular point in time. I feel I’ve gained a maturity as a writer and as a woman through what was a trying time globally, and personally too. All I want to do ultimately is entertain. That might sound like a cliché, but pop music should do that – it has the ability to cut through the noise and just transport the listener for 3 minutes. The music I’m writing now feels like me embracing all that I love about pop music and it’s place both in the world, and in my personal history.”
8. Kudu Blue – ‘Brother’
Brighton collective Kudu Blue have unveiled their new single ‘Brother’, out now.
Propelled by shimmering synths and soulful vocals, ‘Brother’ is a rousing modern pop jam that captures the essence of the Kudu Blue sound. Along with previous singles ‘December’, ‘Light On Me’ and ‘Fire’, it will feature on Kudu Blue’s forthcoming EP KBVOL.4, out on 29th October. They also recently joined forces with fellow Brighton artist Kideko and US DJ and producer SNBRN on singles ‘Ready For My Love’ and ‘Echoes’ respectively.
With roots in Brighton, Birmingham and Bristol, Kudu Blue combine a wide melting pot of influences (from trip-hop to garage and rock to reggae) into their own brand of bright, textured and melody-driven dance-pop. Their previous releases have gained support from the likes of Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1, Jamz Supernova on Radio 1Xtra, and Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6, as well as securing a BBC Introducing ‘Track of the Week’ with single ‘Somebody To’.
Continuing to flourish in what has been their busiest year to date, ‘Brother’ sees Kudu Blue set up nicely for the release of their hotly-anticipated new EP.
9. prxz – ‘Blush’
prxz has released his latest track Blush, the second track to be taken from his forthcoming album ‘prxz’, released on AWAL on 21st October.
‘Blush’ follows ‘Child In Red’ which was released in September. Where ‘Child In Red’ pulsed with late night energy, ‘Blush’ is a softer and more reflective piece of music. It shows another side to prxz, whilst highlighting again what an incredible producer he is.
The self-titled album is coming out on 21st October. It sees prxz build on the time he spent in the US earlier in his career. prxz was discovered by XXXTentacion through SoundCloud, he moved to the US where he worked with Lil Wayne and Ski Mask The Slump God amongst others. Already his work has been streamed millions of times on Spotify and Soundcloud, and after the death of XXXTentacion he relocated back to the UK to begin the next chapter in his career. prxz is now emerging to create his most fully realised music so far, and his album is set to push things forward and light up the autumn.
10. Noizu x Disciples x MOYA – Catch My Love
Hotly-tipped producer Noizu has joined forces with platinum-selling UK trio Disciples and singer/songwriter MOYA to release ‘Catch My Love’.
‘Catch My Love’ highlights Noizu and Disciples’ ability to produce tracks ready for the club and radio alike, combining thunderous kick drums and classic rave elements, all topped by the stunning vocals of MOYA to create an infectious crossover single.
Noizu propelled into the spotlight this year with his smash hit single ‘Summer 91’. The track was certified Silver, and has surpassed over 50 million streams to date. The single garnered key radio support and was added to playlists across BBC Radio 1, Capital FM and Kiss FM, spending an incredible 22 weeks in the UK Top 100 singles chart.
Emerging on the scene back in 2017, Noizu has come a long way since his breakthrough debut with Lasers that appeared on Chris Lake’s HOWSLA LP, with endless support from the likes of house masters FISHER, Claude VonStroke and Green Velvet to name a few.
He previously collaborated with Dombresky on their single Rave Alarm, released on his own Techne imprint and landed Annie Mac’s Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1, marking Noizu’s tastemaker authority as a label head with undeniable production flair. Not stopping there, Noizu recently collaborated with Eli Brown on ‘Inside My Head’, and remixed Solardo and Chris Lake’s ‘Free Your Body’. This summer Noizu made his debut at Reading & Leeds Festival and is set to perform at festivals including EDC, Las Vegas and Holy Ship, Mexico as well as headlining Hollywood Palladium in November.
One of the biggest groups in British dance music, Disciples have received a wealth of success in their career to date, amassing over 1 billion combined streams. With a plethora of infectious records under their belt, the trio have garnered consistent support across BBC Radio 1, Capital and Kiss FM. Reaching the coveted #1 spot on the station’s Dance Chart for underground banger ‘48HRS’, they were also crowned Annie Mac’s ‘Hottest Record In The World’ and Danny Howard’s ‘Friday Fire’ with groove-led ‘No Ties’, and have previously enjoyed a six-week run on the station’s A-List with Platinum smash hit ‘On My Mind’. Not stopping there, they delivered an impressive mini-mix for Annie Mac and an Essential Mix for Pete Tong which were both met with strong praise.