Brogeal ‘Witchy Emerald Eyes’
Falkirk outfit Brogeal build on their growing momentum with the release of another barn-storming single called ‘Witchy Emerald Eyes’. Imbued with a misty-eyed romance, it’s another upbeat anthem characterised by their love of traditional folk and driving indie. Centred around an instantly addictive chorus, it’ll feature on their upcoming self-titled EP. The band already have a busy summer lined up – slated to appear at The Great Escape, TRNSMT, support Paolo Nutini in Limerick all before a UK-wide tour.
Cara Rose ‘Ever Been Changed’
Today marks the welcome return of Cara Rose who releases her first single of 2024 in ‘Ever Been Changed’. Picking up where she left off, it’s a poignant ballad imbued with the thoughtful, evocative lyrics and soulful vocals that have always defined her heart-rending sound until now. Inspired by love and friendship, there’s an enlightening and uplifting feel to the track – understated yet no less deeply affecting, her distinctive vocals accompanied by gentle strums of the guitar and warming vocal harmonies. It marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the singer-songwriter as she prepares to embark on a European tour which includes many sold out dates in Germany and Austria to name a few.
Psweatpants ‘AM/FM RADIO’
Ahead of his headline shows next week in Edinburgh (18th) and Glasgow (19th), Psweatpants has dropped his eagerly anticipated project ‘AM/FM RADIO’. Rattling through eight incisive tracks (including three interludes) in its short 16-minute runtime, the project is perhaps his most ambitious to date – framed around a radio show and shifting between potent, hard-hitting numbers like ’NONSENSE’, ‘CADENCE’ and ‘URGH’ and the more smooth, atmospheric ‘BAGUETTES’ and ‘PENSIVE THOUGHTS’, the former featuring fellow upcomer Washngton. You’ll be able to see the whole thing live at our very own Houses Festival at SWG3 next month on 11th May.
Pearling ‘Another ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Life’
Another artist set to appear at Houses Festival next month, Pearling has shared a new single called ‘Another ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Life”. Set to join the previously released ‘Swirly Circus Girl’ and ‘Wildfire’ on her upcoming EP ‘Love lockets’ out next week 18th April, the dreamy track submerges us once again in her carefully crafted ethereal sound – defined by those twinkling melodies and sweet processed vocals. Otherworldly and ethereal, she will bring the EP to life at Room 2 next week on 18th April with a host of special guests.
Katie Nicoll ‘Jodi Said’
Recorded in Dundee with producer Mark Tindal, ‘Jodi Said’ is the first release of 2024 from rising star Katie Nicoll. The graphic design student has graced the stage alongside Scottish giants in the form of Callum Beattie and Rianne Downey, and has received airplay from BBC Scotland, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing. The infectious chorus embarks listeners on a relatable journey of the highs and lows associated with young love, where Katie Nicoll demonstrates her strength for creating catchy alt-pop bangers. Originally hailing from Kirriemuir, expect the Dundee-based singer songwriter to connect with audiences further afield with the release of ‘Jodi Said’.
Pedalo ‘Lighter’
Featured as the second single from their upcoming EP, ‘Lighter’ is released by emerging indie/ alternative group Pedalo. Shimmering reverb-soaked guitars and powerful vocals embody the quintet’s dreamy sound, being one that perfectly suits summer evening relaxation. The launch show for the tune takes hold of a headline slot at Sneaky Pete’s on Friday 13th April, with support from BOOTlace and Ryan Harley.
Wunderhorse ‘Midas’
After immense success from the group’s debut LP ‘Cub’ and a worldwide run of shows, Wunderhorse return with ‘Midas’. Evidently a much more raw and honest offering, the track takes influence from crunchy blues-rock guitars and Bob Dylan-esque lyricism. It’s no surprise the song received huge accolades on social media, where fans became familiar with the melody and riffs from live videos taken from their tour late last year. Frontman Jacob Slater comments, “The song was written in a bathtub in Paris, and forgotten about until it resurfaced in Minnesota. Midas is the guy who makes you feel like a pencil stub, all used up and nothing to show for it, but it’s always just business as far as he’s concerned.
Joshua Kelly ‘Love Keeps Running Out’
‘Love Keeps Running Out’ is arguably Kelly’s catchiest chorus yet, demonstrating his shift towards a more indie-pop sound. Produced and written alongside Glaswegian mastermind Johnny Madden, the upbeat festival-ready track explores the feeling of having nothing left to give due to a fear of getting hurt again. Driving acoustic chords anchor the relatable narrative with stratocaster-licks added in for good measure. Vocal harmonies and a colourful bass line cement the summery tune together as an imminent hit.
naafi ‘UVA’
Producer and songwriter naafi previously caught our attention with ‘Magnolia’, and now she’s unveiled a four-track EP titled ‘UVA’. Having previously been credited on songs with TAAHLIAH and Alliyah Enyo, it’s no surprise that naafi’s debut project is brimming with promise – blending pristine, exquisitely produced electronica with real emotional depth. From the hypnotic ‘Magnolia’ through to the complex yet uplifting ‘CaVa’, it’s a highly rewarding and spellbinding listen. “I think it’s actually quite hopeful,” says naafi of the EP. “Making this record was quite cathartic. It’s an introspective look into my childhood growing up on army estates and also subsequent periods of change in my life. I think I always felt a bit more comfortable being unsituated or not attached to being in a particular place – I still feel that now. I started making it toward the end of lockdown in that limbo period; spending a lot of time by myself reminded me of moving around when I was younger.”
Tune in to the full playlist below:
