Best New Music of February 2019
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Chances are, you haven't heard of these artists. If you have, we applaud you, and we want to hear what songs you know by them through our email devalleyarts@gmail.com It's only a matter of time, with the help of social media posts of course, and you'll be hearing these very artists on the radio and seeing them on the charts. Dive in, soak up it up, and become the person your friends turn to for new music.
Intro Song: Tora - Entity
Listen on YouTube
Listen on YouTube
FEATURED BANDS IN THIS EPISODE:
SORTED BY APPEARANCE ON SHOW IN EXCEPTION TO ARTIST OF THE MONTH
AJ TRACEY FEATURED SONGS: Ladbroke Grove (13:16 - 14:45) Rina (14:45 16:05)
You heard it here first, 2019 will be the year for British rapper AJ Tracey. This month he released his debut self-titled album and sold-out London’s legendary Brixton Academy. Tracey has even received a co-sign from Drizzy Drake himself. The 24-year-old artist’s debut clearly showcases his versatility with songs like, “Doing It”, that features spitfire verses similar to fellow British rapper Skepta. There are songs that will certainly be dancehall hits such has, “Butterflies”, which has a tropical feel similar to Drake’s own, “One Dance”. Tracey has also proved that his creativity is not limited to the rap genre with the song “Country Star”. Don’t be the last to know about one of the most talented and refreshingly unique new artists to enter the rap game...CONTINUE READING
Continue to AJ Tracey's Website
You heard it here first, 2019 will be the year for British rapper AJ Tracey. This month he released his debut self-titled album and sold-out London’s legendary Brixton Academy. Tracey has even received a co-sign from Drizzy Drake himself. The 24-year-old artist’s debut clearly showcases his versatility with songs like, “Doing It”, that features spitfire verses similar to fellow British rapper Skepta. There are songs that will certainly be dancehall hits such has, “Butterflies”, which has a tropical feel similar to Drake’s own, “One Dance”. Tracey has also proved that his creativity is not limited to the rap genre with the song “Country Star”. Don’t be the last to know about one of the most talented and refreshingly unique new artists to enter the rap game...CONTINUE READING
Continue to AJ Tracey's Website
SUN DRUG FEATURED SONG: Post + Break (1:57 -3:00)
Sun Drug are a four piece indie rock band from Los Angeles, California. Over the last 2 years they have been working on their latest LP titled, Joyfreaker. Originally called, Vanaprasta, the band changed their name to Sun Drug around the time of their self-titled release in 2015. The change was due to the simple fact that the band was “fed up” with explaining what their name meant. Along with the name change, the band also decided to calibrate their sound from what they considered a more chaotic feel into something more concise. Their blend of psychedelic sounds along with traditional rock n roll will surely come as refreshing for Rock fans of any generation. Be sure to check out their first single since 2015, “Post + Break”, and also be on the lookout for their full length album scheduled for release later this year...CONTINUE READING
Continue to Sun Drug's Website
Sun Drug are a four piece indie rock band from Los Angeles, California. Over the last 2 years they have been working on their latest LP titled, Joyfreaker. Originally called, Vanaprasta, the band changed their name to Sun Drug around the time of their self-titled release in 2015. The change was due to the simple fact that the band was “fed up” with explaining what their name meant. Along with the name change, the band also decided to calibrate their sound from what they considered a more chaotic feel into something more concise. Their blend of psychedelic sounds along with traditional rock n roll will surely come as refreshing for Rock fans of any generation. Be sure to check out their first single since 2015, “Post + Break”, and also be on the lookout for their full length album scheduled for release later this year...CONTINUE READING
Continue to Sun Drug's Website
GRANDSON FEATURED SONG: Falling (4:43 - 6:10)
Jordan Edward Benjamin, known professionally as "grandson" is a Canadian-American musician. He is best known for his politically charged lyrics and music videos, and for his single "Blood//Water" which broke the Top 40 on multiple Billboard charts. He signed to RCA Records in 2017, and to Fueled by Ramen the following year. Grandson was born in New Jersey, but was raised in Toronto, Canada. His inspirations include, Nirvana, Bob Marley, Ray Charles, John Lennon, and Rage Against the Machine....quite a versatile taste of music. He dropped out of college to pursue his music career in Los Angeles in 2014, and its paying off. His single Blood/Water now has over 50 million listens on Spotify alone, so I think its safe to say Grandson is on the rise. In 2016, his grandfather, who was a huge influence to him, passed away. He was the one that introduced him to Ray Charles, so part of going by the name Grandson is paying homage to him. When choosing his name, he had been experimenting with street names, school names, and nothing really stuck. Then his manager called him one day really excited because he had had a dream the night before. He was side stage and I was performing, and the crowd was chanting ‘grandson’. He called him and just like that the name Grandson was born. Also, you will love the video below...CONTINUE READING
Continue to Grandson's Website
Jordan Edward Benjamin, known professionally as "grandson" is a Canadian-American musician. He is best known for his politically charged lyrics and music videos, and for his single "Blood//Water" which broke the Top 40 on multiple Billboard charts. He signed to RCA Records in 2017, and to Fueled by Ramen the following year. Grandson was born in New Jersey, but was raised in Toronto, Canada. His inspirations include, Nirvana, Bob Marley, Ray Charles, John Lennon, and Rage Against the Machine....quite a versatile taste of music. He dropped out of college to pursue his music career in Los Angeles in 2014, and its paying off. His single Blood/Water now has over 50 million listens on Spotify alone, so I think its safe to say Grandson is on the rise. In 2016, his grandfather, who was a huge influence to him, passed away. He was the one that introduced him to Ray Charles, so part of going by the name Grandson is paying homage to him. When choosing his name, he had been experimenting with street names, school names, and nothing really stuck. Then his manager called him one day really excited because he had had a dream the night before. He was side stage and I was performing, and the crowd was chanting ‘grandson’. He called him and just like that the name Grandson was born. Also, you will love the video below...CONTINUE READING
Continue to Grandson's Website
MACHINEHEART FEATURED SONG: Do You Love (7:01 - 8:52)
The synth pop band machineheart, was formed in Washington state by a group of friends and is fronted by singer/model Stevie Scott. The band originally created buzz with their covers of popular songs by The 1975 and Katy Perry. They even contributed to the soundtrack for the MTV’s Scream series. Their debut full length album, People Change, was released earlier this month via Billboard and features the singles, “Do You Love” and “Altar”. Lyrically these songs are not only catchy, but also extremely thought provoking, they recently posted, “We wrote Altar as a very rudimentary, guttural response to inward despair. But we found that even in deep tragedy, there is still beauty to be found.” You can currently catch machineheart on their US tour with You Me At Six and Dreamers...CONTINUE READING
Continue to Machineheart's Website
The synth pop band machineheart, was formed in Washington state by a group of friends and is fronted by singer/model Stevie Scott. The band originally created buzz with their covers of popular songs by The 1975 and Katy Perry. They even contributed to the soundtrack for the MTV’s Scream series. Their debut full length album, People Change, was released earlier this month via Billboard and features the singles, “Do You Love” and “Altar”. Lyrically these songs are not only catchy, but also extremely thought provoking, they recently posted, “We wrote Altar as a very rudimentary, guttural response to inward despair. But we found that even in deep tragedy, there is still beauty to be found.” You can currently catch machineheart on their US tour with You Me At Six and Dreamers...CONTINUE READING
Continue to Machineheart's Website
DUGONG JR. FEATURED SONG: Holding On (8:54 - 10:08)
Dugong Jr is a “multidisciplinary creative” from Melbourne Australia. Dugong Jr is signed by Mad Decent, one of the biggest names in dance and electronic music. His sound has been described as, “ like water dripping off a dinosaur’s back under a waterfall”. If you want to truly understand what that means, I suggest you check out some of his work. His soulful electric beats have taken him around the world to play numerous music festivals including: Splendour In The Grass and Brownies & Lemonade and Groovin The Moo. His music has also received praise from the likes of BBC Radio1, Vice, and Complex. Be sure to check out the music video for his new single, “Holding On”, featuring Austen, Dugong on guitar, and their pet Giraffe....CONTINUE READING
Continue to Dugong Jr.'s Website
Dugong Jr is a “multidisciplinary creative” from Melbourne Australia. Dugong Jr is signed by Mad Decent, one of the biggest names in dance and electronic music. His sound has been described as, “ like water dripping off a dinosaur’s back under a waterfall”. If you want to truly understand what that means, I suggest you check out some of his work. His soulful electric beats have taken him around the world to play numerous music festivals including: Splendour In The Grass and Brownies & Lemonade and Groovin The Moo. His music has also received praise from the likes of BBC Radio1, Vice, and Complex. Be sure to check out the music video for his new single, “Holding On”, featuring Austen, Dugong on guitar, and their pet Giraffe....CONTINUE READING
Continue to Dugong Jr.'s Website
THE WILD STATE FEATURED SONG: Air Runs Out (10:53 - 12:28 )
The Wild State could potentially be the new best thing in alternative/indie rock. The band hailing from Brixton, was able to land a record deal with IAMSOUND MUSIC, just after recording initial demos for their upcoming debut album, Light Along The Waves. Shortly after the band was formed they were offered a festival slot while they only had a few songs. After coming up with a full set in just a few weeks and receiving positive feedback they decided to spend the next year writing together. They have listed some of their influences as The Nationals, and Bon Iver which clearly shows through their music. Seeing as the band is still so new, they have yet to really tour. For now check out their debut single, Air Runs Out. I’m sure it will leave you waiting for what is next to come from a band with such great potential...CONTINUE READING
Continue to The Wild State Website
The Wild State could potentially be the new best thing in alternative/indie rock. The band hailing from Brixton, was able to land a record deal with IAMSOUND MUSIC, just after recording initial demos for their upcoming debut album, Light Along The Waves. Shortly after the band was formed they were offered a festival slot while they only had a few songs. After coming up with a full set in just a few weeks and receiving positive feedback they decided to spend the next year writing together. They have listed some of their influences as The Nationals, and Bon Iver which clearly shows through their music. Seeing as the band is still so new, they have yet to really tour. For now check out their debut single, Air Runs Out. I’m sure it will leave you waiting for what is next to come from a band with such great potential...CONTINUE READING
Continue to The Wild State Website
SUN SILVA
SUN SILVA FEATURED SONG: Sun Skin Air (16:44 - 18:05)
Sun Silva, from the United Kingdom, is a group of four young friends, Oscar, Sam, Charlie, and Jake. The guys have brought a refreshing sound of indie pop back into our lives. You can clearly hear the influences of bands like Radiohead, Tame Impala, and The Maccabee within their music. Their newest single, Sun Skin Air is a more high-octane song that combines propulsive beats with Temples-esque, harmony-laden psychedelic flourishes. The song was written in "a horrible hostel with no fan” during a visit to Spain. The lead guitarist, Oscar noted “It's kind of Krauty; a bit more gritty. Blue Light is quite poppy, so we wanted something a bit weirder...” And weird it definitely is. Notice the true talent of Sun Silva in the acoustic session below.
Continue to Sun Silva's Website
Sun Silva, from the United Kingdom, is a group of four young friends, Oscar, Sam, Charlie, and Jake. The guys have brought a refreshing sound of indie pop back into our lives. You can clearly hear the influences of bands like Radiohead, Tame Impala, and The Maccabee within their music. Their newest single, Sun Skin Air is a more high-octane song that combines propulsive beats with Temples-esque, harmony-laden psychedelic flourishes. The song was written in "a horrible hostel with no fan” during a visit to Spain. The lead guitarist, Oscar noted “It's kind of Krauty; a bit more gritty. Blue Light is quite poppy, so we wanted something a bit weirder...” And weird it definitely is. Notice the true talent of Sun Silva in the acoustic session below.
Continue to Sun Silva's Website
JADU HEART
FEATURED SONG: Purity (18:57 - 19:50 )
Bunny masks, electronic, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop music is what you can expect from the duo Jadu Heart. Both from England, Dina and Faro had been friends since their early teens. Later they moved to London together and both studied music at BIMM. Jadu Heart was formed during a school assignment when the two were asked to write songs in character. Along with the masks, they also created a comic book for the characters along with their EP, Wanderflower. ...CONTINUE READING
FEATURED SONG: Purity (18:57 - 19:50 )
Bunny masks, electronic, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop music is what you can expect from the duo Jadu Heart. Both from England, Dina and Faro had been friends since their early teens. Later they moved to London together and both studied music at BIMM. Jadu Heart was formed during a school assignment when the two were asked to write songs in character. Along with the masks, they also created a comic book for the characters along with their EP, Wanderflower. ...CONTINUE READING
Other February Releases On The Rise
SWMRS
SWMRS were formed by Cole Becker and Joey Armstrong after being inspired by the film School of Rock. Surprisingly not by the fact that Joey’s father happens to be the lead singer of Green Day. Even though all of the band’s members are fairly young, they have certainly already made a name for themselves. SWMRS originally went by the name, Emily’s Army, until their 2015 performance at the Soundwave Festivals. After the performance they not only gave up the name, but decided to retire all of their old songs from their live set. In 2016, SWMRS were signed by Fueled By Ramen, arguably the biggest music label in all of pop-punk, featuring bands such as Fall Out Boy and Paramore. They have also done their fair share of touring including the Vans Warped Tour along with opening for Blink-182 Their latest album, Berkeley’s on Fire, was released earlier this month and continues to prove pop-punk is not dead!...CONTINUE READING
Continue to SWMRS Website
SWMRS were formed by Cole Becker and Joey Armstrong after being inspired by the film School of Rock. Surprisingly not by the fact that Joey’s father happens to be the lead singer of Green Day. Even though all of the band’s members are fairly young, they have certainly already made a name for themselves. SWMRS originally went by the name, Emily’s Army, until their 2015 performance at the Soundwave Festivals. After the performance they not only gave up the name, but decided to retire all of their old songs from their live set. In 2016, SWMRS were signed by Fueled By Ramen, arguably the biggest music label in all of pop-punk, featuring bands such as Fall Out Boy and Paramore. They have also done their fair share of touring including the Vans Warped Tour along with opening for Blink-182 Their latest album, Berkeley’s on Fire, was released earlier this month and continues to prove pop-punk is not dead!...CONTINUE READING
Continue to SWMRS Website
LOU DOILLON
Lou Doillon is a British singer-songwriter, actress, and model. Her first acting role was in the film Kung Fu Master at only age 5. As a model she has been the face of numerous well known brands including: H&M, JBrand, and Gap. In 2010 she began her solo musical career, with the genre being described as, “Haunted Folk”. She was already well known by the time she released her debut album, Places, in 2012 due to her success as an actress and model. CONTINUE READING
Continue to Lou Doillon's Website
Lou Doillon is a British singer-songwriter, actress, and model. Her first acting role was in the film Kung Fu Master at only age 5. As a model she has been the face of numerous well known brands including: H&M, JBrand, and Gap. In 2010 she began her solo musical career, with the genre being described as, “Haunted Folk”. She was already well known by the time she released her debut album, Places, in 2012 due to her success as an actress and model. CONTINUE READING
Continue to Lou Doillon's Website
BOY HARSHER
Boy Harsher are a dark electronic duo from Northampton, Massachusetts. The sound is eerie, intense, and incredibly easy to dance to. They are currently a staple for after parties in London and Paris with their track Pain. The duo actually jokes about being able to hear the song playing while they stand outside of clubs they can’t get in. They also said that the track came from a place when the two hated each other, lived together, and would still always sleep together. CONTINUE READING
Continue to Boy Harsher's Website
Boy Harsher are a dark electronic duo from Northampton, Massachusetts. The sound is eerie, intense, and incredibly easy to dance to. They are currently a staple for after parties in London and Paris with their track Pain. The duo actually jokes about being able to hear the song playing while they stand outside of clubs they can’t get in. They also said that the track came from a place when the two hated each other, lived together, and would still always sleep together. CONTINUE READING
Continue to Boy Harsher's Website
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