Indie rock royalty Hayley Mary announces Australian tour in support of her debut album, Roman XS out October 25. The tour announcement comes alongside gothic-synth pop single, ‘Eighteen’, and a vampire-themed music video co-starring Bryn Chapman Parish from Heartbreak High and Mac The Knife. On ‘Eighteen’, Hayley finds herself yearning for a past she was once so desperate to escape. She recounts, “I was on a road trip in LA, driving a Mustang, when ‘When You Were Young’ by The Killers came on. Suddenly, I felt nostalgic for my youth. Then I realised—I was living the dream my 18-year-old self had, driving a Mustang through America. It’s ironic to long for a past I wanted to escape.” This sense of haunting nostalgia is symbolised in the accompanying video directed by Sami Swilks, where Hayley is attacked by her vampire boyfriend, Heartbreak High star Bryn Chapman Parish, and becomes trapped as an eighteen-year-old vampire for eternity. [via Good Call Live]

Manhattan four-piece cumgirl8 have shared ‘ahhhh!hhhh! (i don’t wanna go)’, which is taken from their debut album, the 8th cumming. The arrival of ‘ahhhh!hhhh! (i don’t wanna go)’ additionally comes alongside an accompanying music video directed by Leah Hennessey (best known for HBO’s John Early: Now More Than Ever, and the cult webseries Zhe Zhe). Speaking of the video and its concept, Hennessey said: “We shot the video at 93 Canal, this experimental live streaming studio in Chinatown, which is carrying on the tradition of public access/pirate broadcasting downtown. The fictional show ‘Feminist or Feminot’ is hosted by the AI Hologram of The Collective Unconscious Perception of Second Wave Feminist Philosopher Susan Sontag (played by me and actress Roberta Colindrez), who is grilling the band about their particular brand of surrealist sex positive feminism. The conversation seems to splinter hologram Sontag into two, and when she encounters her double in the heart of Dimes Square, she’s forced to confront the erotic consequences of a level narcissism only made manifest with the help of AI.” [via The Line Of Best Fit]

Friedberg share vigorous new single ‘Hardcore Workout Queen’, the title track of their upcoming debut album of the same name. The track comes alongside an absurdly fun, stylish 80s-inspired music video, directed by the Nüesch Sisters, where fitness magazine covers spring to life and their stars break free from their glossy pages -watch here. Friedberg will also be performing their first UK headline show to celebrate their album release on 4th November at The 100 Club in London, buy tickets here. The album’s title track is a thrilling example of the band’s live spark, with it’s driving bass line, dreamy production and Anna’s clear-cut vocals, it’s a track that both evokes festival legends like Wolf Alice or Wet Leg, as well as being classically Friedberg. Written by Annaof Friedberg when she was in“a wake and bake mood”, she says“It’s about being the Champion of the slobs, whilst cheering for the Hardcore Workout Queens, who run past your bedroom window early morning, when you’re just tucking into your second breakfast. It’s kind of you do you and I do me and maybe one day we’ll switch. It’s the perfect song to listen to whether you’ve got a protein shake or a beer in your hand, whether you’ve got a popcorn machine or a rowing machine in your home, whether you’re a wake and baker or a record breaker.” Following up on their previous work for the band for ‘My Best Friend’, the Nüesch Sisters have outdone themselves with the new music video for ‘Hardcore Workout Queen’. This time, the band takes the spotlight on the covers of fitness and health magazines, but with a twist -they’re showing off workout routines that involve doing absolutely nothing. “The idea was that it’s muscle beach without the muscle. It’s a fitness video for lazy people”, explain Kim and Florine Nüesch.“The only problem? There’s one real Hardcore Workout Queen in the bunch, and as she starts to flex her actual workout skills, the other cover stars get a little… jealous. They start breaking free from their magazine prisons, hopping from one cover to another, causing absolute comedic mayhem.”

Hearts and Rockets return with a new music video created by Kalindy Williams herself, for ‘The Promise’, a synth-heavy track originally released last March as a split 7″ single, co-released on It Records, with fellow Aussie speed ‘n roll crooner Cong Josie. Hearts & Rockets’ new synth-heavy single ‘The Promise’ sounds like the indie sleaze offspring of The Cramps and The B-52s. Kalindy’s bratty vocals demand servitude, while Kurt’s stabbing bass punctures the synth’s driving melodies, all set to a disco beat. ‘The Promise’ conjures nostalgic pacts we all made to each other as kids, a reminder of the trust we put in those first and important friendships, igniting a vibrant and nostalgic high-energy rush of steady bouncy rhythms and jittery chunky bass stabs, obsessively topped by dire buzzing and flickering synth drifts, whilst bratty ecstatic vocals tease and taunt with relentless passion. The colorful visuals by Kalindy Williams create a punk Alice in Wonderland tea party to sync with the off-kilter exuberance of the soundtrack. You might at first think you are watching a typical Alice reenactment until you notice the risque leather bondage bra and black lace gloves accessorizing the cute powder pink dress. The rainbow tinsel-strewn walls make a perfect backdrop for Hearts and Rockets as Kurt hops around in a motorcycle jacket playing bass and Kalindy searches through a wide variety of iced saccharine treats. [via WL//WH]

Hot off the back of her headline slot on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds Festival this year, feminist rage queen and Brat punk princess DELILAH BON has dropped her brand new album, Evil, Hate Filled Female. Her second full-length also features newly released focus track and music video for ‘I Am The Best (Just Ask Your Momma)’. On the video, DELILAH BON comments: “This is a song I wrote about my online haters commenting and sharing my videos on social media, their engagement pushing them even more in the algorithm. It’s about how certain men online perceive me, how they despise everything I stand for, lyrically addressing their obsession and pointing out that their Momma’s would probably love what I do. It’s a middle finger to all those that have demonised me online, the soundtrack of my villain era.” [via Original Rock]

Rising to the stratosphere as one of Poland’s brightest stars, LUNA, the 2024 Eurovision representative, has launched her highly anticipated new single, ‘Wild West’. This dynamic electro-pop anthem, crafted in collaboration with British producers Paul Dixon and Josh McClelland, promises a fresh sound and a profound commentary on the trials and triumphs of modern life. Alongside the single, LUNA has also unveiled an impressive music video and announced the release of her sophomore album, scheduled for November 15. ‘Wild West’ delves deeply into the essence of contemporary existence, portraying a world as rugged and unpredictable as the untamed frontier. Written just before LUNA’s Eurovision journey, the track mirrors the struggle to stay true to oneself in a harsh environment where trust is scarce, emotions are concealed, and every advancement demands immense strength. The ‘Wild West’ serves as a powerful metaphor for a realm of endless possibilities, where dreams can be achieved but only through difficult choices and sacrifices. With its driving beats and compelling lyrics, LUNA guides listeners through a landscape where the pursuit of success is both thrilling and fraught with obstacles. [via Press Party]

FKA Twigs has shared details of her third album, EUSEXUA, and shared the captivating lead single – check it out below. The project comes as the long-awaited follow-up to her 2019 album Magdalene, and has been teased by the singer in recent weeks. Now, Twigs has shared full details about the new record and confirmed that it will be released on January 24 via Young. To celebrate the announcement, the singer-songwriter has dropped the title track as the lead single, as well as an accompanying music video directed by Jordan Hemingway. “King sized, I’m vertical sunrised / Like flying, capsized / Free, I see you are Eusexua,” Twigs sings, with ethereal vocals sitting on top of the pulsating, electronic rhythm. “Do you feel alone? / You’re not alone/ And if they ask, you say you feel it / But don’t call it love.” [via NME]

Electro-pop évocateur Viola Odette Harlow, formally known as Glüme, returns with her brand new single, ‘Human’. It is the first official release since her phenomenal sophomore album, Main Character, which was released in February 2023. On ‘Human, Viola creates a sumptuous yet haunting and heartbreaking ballad. Beautifully depicting Viola’s experiences within both her personal life and the entertainment industry, the single is bold and fiercely earnest. It is the perfect way for Viola to begin the new chapter of her continuously creative and diverse career. The accompanying music video was directed by Manny Liotta. Speaking about the ‘Human’ music video, Viola said: “The music video for ‘Human’ was inspired by the films Metropolis and The Red Shoes. Metropolis is the story of a woman turned into a robot to serve the narrative of a larger system. The robot then rebels against its makers and the real Maria still exists after all. In The Red Shoes, the character Victoria Page becomes locked into a role where a pair of red ballet shoes won’t let her stop dancing, and famously dances until her demise. These themes resonated with the last year of my life. I think I’ve also watched Blade Runner a lot and that is evident, too.” [via Mc Gig Music]

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Co-written and produced with prestigious post-punk producer Dan Carey (Wet Leg, Foals, Been Stellar), ‘My Best Friend’ crawls with an anticipating sense of climatic urgency that ultimately leads to a chorus of chaotic yet cohesive energy. Partnered perfectly with frontwoman Anna Friedberg’s silky vocals and signature cowbell chimes, the essence of the track is non comparable to anything other than Friedberg.

Anna, of Friedberg, says “It was the first song I wrote with Dan Carey: It started with a jam at his studio in South London – with just 2 guitars and a cowbell. Well… and a few cowbell hits later the song was there in its whole glory. I had such a good time making this track with Dan. I kind of already felt from the very first second I met him and entered his studio that this was gonna be amazing. The track is about non-commitment, I am experiencing more and more in all aspects of modern society.”

Directed by the award-winning directing duo Nüesch Sisters, the video captures the band on a commuters worst nightmare, the London underground during rush hour. Featuring people’s journey’s from all walks of life, the band appear throughout the carriage playing their respective instruments in amongst the carnage of a jam packed tube, creating the illusion that seeing a band play their latest track on public transport is the most normal thing in the world.

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Friedberg have released their brand-new music video for their latest energetic single ‘Hello’, directed by Talia Beale. The track is the first instalment of their debut album, due for release later this year. Talia Beale is a director and artist who creates through the lens of a queer woman of colour navigating her twenties. Known for her quirky, vibrant and original style, she has directed videos for various talented artists including NiaArchives and Valencia Grace and most recently worked with Friedberg to bring their vision to life. In the music video we are placed in a warped ‘Friedberg room’ where Anna has melted into one of her walls, ultimately becoming a part of the furniture. ‘Hello’ is written from the point of view of spending the night living in someone’s head, so the visual is a reflection of the motion of all our passing thoughts: they are overwhelming, nonsensical, detaching, comforting, erratic, tempting yet disorientating; all the while making so much sense. Anna, lead singer of Friedberg, says “​​I already fell in love with Talia’s initial idea of me reciting the lyrics of the song whilst my head is stuck in a wall. Over a good cup of cappuccino we instantly bonded over the idea of a leaf blower blowing the band’s hair while we are performing the song. I loved everything else we came up with that day – like taping the band to the wall. When I wrote the song I imagined spending the night in a stranger’s mind and thinking all of these things that I never thought… Saying all of these things that I never said. And get a holiday from my own mind. So the concept of the video just worked perfectly for the song.” Talia Beale, Director, says “This project’s been a dream to work on! Anna’s an artist who takes the risk of thinking outside of the box and pushing creative boundaries. It’s provided a playground to explore our most surreal ideas, the ones maybe we often try to dull down by attaching too much rational thought to in the name of commercialism.”

Australian artist Winifred is back once again to unveil her captivating new single ‘Blue Fire’. Lifted from her eagerly-awaited new EP Carpet of Flowers, the follow-up to 2022’s breakthrough debut collection EP1, ‘Blue Fire’ sees her continue more of those ambitious alt-pop textures she has been building for herself since she first emerged. With her voice and performance as enthralling as ever, she looks to embark on the next phase within her ascending career with this powerful new release. Speaking on the new single Winifred commented: “I wrote ‘Blue Fire’ as a mood piece. To me it’s a sensory-inspired phrase. It’s a reflection on desire and self-awareness. When your desire is just out of reach, maybe in some rare cases, that’s where it’s meant to stay. My aim was for the production to feel simultaneously ethereal and gritty while remaining kind of understated throughout. Low-key bedroom bop energy.” Accompanying the new single is a brand-new music video shot in a whirlwind ‘one night’ shoot with director Luis Campbell. Winifred added about the video: “I shot the music video for ‘Blue Fire’ in one night at VENTspace studio with director Luis Campbell and Kurt Schwerdt on camera. It was a breezy shoot, and a great team to work with.”

Melbourne’s Charm of Finches (sisters Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes) share new track ‘Middle of Your Mess’ from their forthcoming album Marlinchen in the Snow. “’Middle of Your Mess’ is a tongue-in-cheek bop on when sometimes women like to blame other women for their own internal issues when it comes to relationships,” explains Ivy and Mabel. “At the time of writing this one, we were listening a lot to Nora Jones’ album Little Broken Hearts and we think some of her brazen brutal honesty was an influence on this song.” Known for their otherworldly DIY aesthetic, Charm of Finches also release a self-directed video for ‘Middle of Your Mess’ via YouTube inspired by Saltburn, Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, as well as some of the sisters’ favourite films such as Picnic At Hanging Rock and Heathers.

Liz Lawrence has confirmed the details of her next studio record Peanuts and unveiled its lead single and opener ‘Big Machine’. The single reflects on, ‘the feeling of carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders’, according to Lawrence, who added: “The frustration of trying to solve the climate crisis whilst the political classes drag their feet and the desire to do a Thoreau and go live in the woods. It’s a nod to alternative living and the battle of the Beanfield. It’s the book of trespass, it’s the guarding of statues, it’s my pot boiling over with frustration at the state of it all.” [via Live4Ever]

East-London artist Nuha Ruby Ra has unveiled her brand new single, ‘Fetish 2 Forget’. “‘Fetish 2 Forget’ is a dance floor in a factory, with a few doms present. We’re at a warehouse party again, with other thoughts on our minds. The ‘wasted man’ is the same guy who’s likely playing his own song on guitar at 6 in the morning, but the essence of the song lies in the lyric ‘Freaks trying hard at life, we’re dancing on the line, we pray to see the light, when we whisper in the dark’,” Nuha Ruby Ra explains. [via Line Of Best Fit]

Shelf Lives have released a new video for ‘PVC Real Estate’. It’s a cut from their not-long-dropped new EP, You Okay?, which arrived towards the end of last year. The band explain: “’PVC Real Estate’ is essentially about LA’s growing homeless population, specifically focusing on the city’s struggle with maintaining its glamourous façade despite it. It highlights the dark contrast of hitting rock bottom and being homeless in a city that is often glamorized for its sunny and luxurious lifestyle. “We paired the California dreamin’ and sunny disposition that permeates the city with lyrics that touch upon the persistent ‘itch’, both from drug addiction and the desire to “make it” in LA, contributing to the complexities of being a resident of the city as well as the homeless experience.” Director Holly Hunter adds: “I loved the song’s concept that LA is an artificial set, built to appear perfect and pristine, but in reality, there’s a lot of fakery and facade going on! We brought this to life by playfully creating a hyper-real California beach constructed totally out of trash and repurposed materials (complete with a team of LA street cleaners) and put Shelf Lives at the heart of the LA fantasy.” [via Dork]

Queen of Hearts, the forthcoming album from rising pop star Zolita, is set for release on May 31 via AWAL. In conjunction, Zolita’s latest track ‘All Girls Go to Heaven” debuts. Showcasing themes of happiness and self-acceptance within the LGBTQIA+ community, the track is an uplifting anthem, encouraging listeners to live their lives to the fullest. Of the song, Zolita explains, “’All Girls Go to Heaven’ came from a place of pure queer joy and wanting to write a song that would make people feel empowered by who they are. The chorus is designed to be sung along to, and I can’t wait to hear people screaming it at my shows.” [via Broadway World]

After celebrating the label’s first birthday earlier in the month, UTOPIA releases Orchid’s ‘heaven/jealous’, a sparkling UK-garage track set in an otherly world. Self-described as tongue-in-cheek and sensual, ‘heaven/jealous’ is a sweet re-introduction to Orchid. Inspired by a poem by Persian Rumi, in a book about a mushroom wonderland where is mentioned that ‘sometimes liquid love on earth makes the sky jealous’, ‘heaven/jealous’ celebrates love in a material, physical world full of hedonistic pleasures. “I heard this quote from Rumi and it took my breath away, about how having a physical body to love others with is better than any prize of an afterlife or immortality can give. I think our world and being alive is underrated,” Orchid explains. “I wanted to write something that celebrated the fleeting reality of love and being a mere mortal, and capture that euphoria and romance… imagining love in a glutinous, effervescent indulgent earth with all its material things, like this maximalist thirst trap made just for Heaven.” [via Line Of Best Fit]

Infusing a nostalgic, feel-good early 2000s pop rock vibe with a modern bedroom pop twist, Jewelia’s enchanting sound has captivated a loyal following since her move from Bucharest, Romania to London. Her debut album, City of My Mind, along with subsequent successful releases, have solidified her place in the indie-pop scene. In her latest single, ‘Loser,’ Jewelia showcases an evolved version of her distinctive sound, featuring sharp pop hooks, evocative sonic elements, and introspective lyricism that resonates with listeners. The song’s composition is characterized by dynamic percussion and lively guitar riffs, creating an energetic and infectious atmosphere. Paired with captivating visuals, the music video for ‘Loser’ embodies the enigmatic and wistful essence that defines Jewelia’s unique brand of nostalgia-infused indie-pop. Co-written and co-produced by Jewelia and Andy Denyer, with mixing by Niko Battistini (known for his work with Charli XCX and Caroline Polachek), the spirited track sets the stage for Jewelia’s highly anticipated upcoming album, Little Wins. Jewelia explains the track’s narrative and inspiration, commenting, “‘Loser’ is about all those times when we couldn’t push ourselves out of our comfort zones. When we wanted to say something but were too embarrassed or shy to say it. When we wanted to learn how to play an instrument or learn that new language but always found an excuse that there was no time. When we let an opportunity slip away because we lacked the courage or the confidence. This doesn’t make us losers, just humans.” [via Wonderland]

CHVRCHES’ vocalist Lauren Mayberry has released a new video for ‘Change Shapes’. The track follows on from her recent drops ‘Shame’ and ‘Are You Awake?’, and a solo headline tour that saw her play London’s KOKO. “I feel like I perform to the general public but also play a character inside the internal experience, because there is so much negotiation involved in my existence there,” she explains. “How do I keep people happy enough that they’ll let me do the creative work that I want to? I feel quite fake and hypocritical sometimes because so much of the narrative around the band is “feminist”, but my experience inside of it hasn’t been a lot of the time. I feel like I did all this work to make things function but when you DO adapt yourself in that way, it’s seen as manipulative, in order to get what you want.” [via Dork]

Lava La Rue has announced their debut album, STARFACE. The full-length is teased by the London artist’s new single ‘Push N Shuv’, with the full record following on 21st June. Lava explains: “I wrote ‘Push N Shuv’ 5 years ago before Covid (the vocals you hear on the song are still my 21 year old voice) and I knew when I wrote it 2019 that if I made an album that’s what I wanted it to sound like. It’s literally been years in the making and honing in on that sound and it only feels fitting that this is the song that I announce the album with.” [via Dork]

Sia has released a new video. It’s a cut from her recently-announced new album, Reasonable Woman, with teaser track ‘Dance Alone’ created with previous collaborator Kylie Minogue. The record also features guest turns from Chaka Khan, Paris Hilton, Tierra Whack, Labrinth, Kaliii and Jimmy Jolliff. Her first proper album since 2016, Reasonable Woman will be released on May 3 via Atlantic Records. [via Dork]

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Loaded with infectious guitar hooks layered between distortions of front woman Anna Friedberg’s mesmerizing vocals, ‘Hello’ is deliciously vibrant. Enveloping an aura which bends from sultry to energetic, the track is packed with creative versatility – evidence that Friedberg are ones to watch.

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