Welcome back to this week’s New Music Round Up, which is once again jam packed with the best new releases for your enjoyment.
If it’s new albums you’re after, then look no further as three incredible ladies released new albums this week. Lily Allen released her fourth studio album No Shame, whilst Jorja Smith dropped her debut record Lost & Found. Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson also released her folk covers album Tales From Home.
Over on the singles front, Becky Hill made a welcome return with her infectious new single ‘Sunrise In The East’. Evanescence teamed up with Lindsey Stirling to release ‘Hi-Lo’ whilst Why Don’t We unveiled their new single ‘Hooked’.
Other new music releases came from the likes of Lilly Ahlberg, Olivia Thai, Lord & Lady, Lady Moon & The Eclipse, Emilie Brandt, Morgan Evans, benny mayne, Drax Project, and Tommi Waring.
If you’ve got room for a few more new additions to your playlist, then check out some of our favourite new releases below.
Sonny – ‘Supernova’
Northern singer Sonny is back with his new single ‘Supernova’, and he’s ready to blow your expectations out of the water. Up until now, the singer-songwriter has delivered captivating soulful offerings however, with ‘Supernova’ he showcases a completely new side to his music and we’re already obsessed with the outcome. Laden with a driving pop-rock vibe, ‘Supernova’ is a built-for-stadiums anthem which should be played at full volume. Speaking about the track, Sonny said: “‘Supernova’ shows a different side to my music that I’ve never shown before. It’s a bit rockier and darker. I was massively influenced by Nirvana and Foo Fighters at the time as I was listening to them a lot and had just watched Montage of Heck.” ‘Supernova’ is taken from Sonny’s forthcoming EP, Northern Nights, due for release on June 22.
The Keymakers – ‘Burning Me Up’
‘Burning Me Up’ is the third single from duo The Keymakers, made up of Rome and Rederic. Speaking about the urban-electro track, which shows another side to the duo, Rome said: “It’s about that feeling of wanting something so bad that it hurts. That tension – that intense desire – that’s something we tried to capture with the track.”
James Francis – ‘Free To Be Me’
‘Free To Be Me’ is the second single from singer-songwriter James Francis. If James looks familiar, it might be because you recognise him from singing at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding last month, as part of the Kingdom Choir. Now, James is going it alone with a single which celebrates individuality and confidence in your own identity. The song is a powerful offering which sees James unapologetically being himself.
MAYKA – ‘Watching You’
Swedish producer and singer MAYKA has released her new offering, ‘Watching You’. Speaking about the track, she said: “I’m really excited to share this song. ‘Watching You’ is a bittersweet pop song about temptation and destructivity – about always seeking what’s no good for you and pushing boundaries just to get a rush. The sound is summery and playful but at the same time it’s got some neat UK bass elements which I love. A perfect mix of dance and pop!”
Era Istrefi – ‘Prisoner’
Fresh from featuring on Nicky Jam’s official FIFA World Cup song ‘Live It Up’, Era Istrefi has released her new single ‘Prisoner’. Speaking about the song, she said: “I grew up listening to reggae records, so when I heard a demo of ‘Prisoner’ written by Emily Warren and Scott Harris, I felt the song was so relatable to me, I identified with the incredible melodies and lyrics. it’s got emotional levels that take me to both happy and melancholy places, whilst being authentically reggae, which I love.”
YOUNGR – ‘Lost In Translation’
Multi-instrumentalist YOUNGR is having a fantastic year so far, following the release of tracks such as ‘Drive’ and ‘Ooh Lordy’. However, he is ready to step up his game even further with the release of the pop-funk offering ‘Lost In Translation’. Speaking about the track, YOUNGR said: “This song says a lot about me and the world I am living in. Being fortunate enough to take my live show around the world and meet all these amazing people, it puts real perspective on life. I feel like this song was being written in my head over the past 3 years with every new experience and person I came across.”
Persona – ‘Indie Cowboy’
‘Indie Cowboy’ is the new single from indie pop/rock band Persona. Speaking about the track, the band said: “‘Indie Cowboy’ has been a long time in the making. The intro guitar riff was written by singer Tom Spartinos nearly ten years ago! It wasn’t till about 4 years ago, where the band actually started to put it together. Musically the song came together after CJ Kostaras joined the band and took the drums to a whole new level. Lyrically, the song was written within the last 6 months by Costas Themistocleous and Tom Spartinos.”
“We are by no means a political band or band that’s really in touch with politics, but we wanted to write a song about current events and where we feel we fit in such places.” States Tom. “‘Indie Cowboy’ is an indirect shot at the racism, division, & state of the current world and its affairs. I believe everyone needs to lay down their pride and just remember that we are all human beings” adds Costas.