The Creature Appeal
Birmingham indie natives, The Creature Appeal, have just released their latest single, ‘The Getaway’, available on all major streaming platforms now. ‘The Getaway’ originally started as scribble on an office notepad, as a hopeful keepsake that there would indeed be a morning worth getting out of bed for. For the first time, the band add soft piano keys to their usual mix of soaring guitars and soulful vocals. Listen below.

Surly Grrly
Minneapolis-based queercore band Surly Grrly released their hard-hitting new single, ‘Heroes,’ on Election Day, November 5. The punchy track critiques society’s tendency to place powerful men on pedestals, only to be shocked when they inevitably abuse their power. With nods to the current political climate, ‘Heroes’ captures the frustration with this repeated cycle, challenging listeners to question why we continue to be surprised by behavior that seems inevitable. Driven by a catchy beat, anthem-like chorus, and Surly Grrly’s signature DIY punk sound, ‘Heroes’ will resonate with fans of riot grrrl, punk, pop, and beyond. The song’s chorus was sparked by a conversation between lead vocalist/guitarist Medbh McNamara and guitarist/vocalist Eloïse Boigenzahn about a domestic abuse case dominating the media. As they expressed shock, they began to ask, “why are we surprised?” Time and again, public figures—artists, politicians, influencers—are exposed as abusers. We regularly see this pattern of abuse both on a large scale and within our own communities. Those in power (typically men) exploit their positions and use toxic male solidarity to shield themselves from consequences, which is yet another method for the patriarchy to oppress and control women and marginalized communities. Surly Grrly’s mission as a band is to push back against that, encouraging listeners to join them in cathartic moshing and screaming. Boigenzahn recalls the moment the chorus was created: “I was paddleboarding with my mom early in the morning, a few days after Medbh and I were talking about it, and a little tune started to pop into my head. I had to paddle away to record myself singing the melody.” McNamara comments on the frustrations that led to the development of the song: “I’m so fucking tired of women being called man-haters when we’re simply fed up with the constant disappointment and trauma caused by men. I no longer have the energy to be surprised when a powerful man is exposed as an abuser, but I’m scared that our exhaustion will turn into apathy. We are tired, but we cannot accept this as the norm. This song is a way to fuel the fire to keep pushing against abuses of power.” Working on their second record, Surly Grrly is a Minneapolis-based queercore protest band that combines fun with feminist fury, unapologetically smashing the patriarchy. They have been a rising voice in the feminist punk scene, known for their high-energy live shows and rebellious, politically-driven lyrics tackling bigotry, queerphobia, and misogyny head-on. Listen to ‘Heroes’ below.

Mersey Wylie
Acclaimed Liverpool musician Mersey Wylie returns with new single ‘Woman’. The long-awaited release is her first since 2018’s critically lauded EP, The Skin I Live In, and she’s back with her signature blend of neo-soul, jazz and alternative-pop. ‘Woman’ is a powerful commentary on violence against women, societal pressures and highlighting feminine strength. Mersey says: “I wrote ‘Woman’ a few years ago in response to some brutal violence against women, and the minimisation of this in the media. Women were often described only in relation to the men in their lives, and men were encouraged to imagine ‘if she was your daughter or mother’ in order to empathise and contextualise these atrocities, which felt so dehumanising. It then bloomed into a song about conforming to societal pressures, being measured by superficial standards, a fury at the way sexual assault victims are treated by the media and the courts, and ultimately taking back that power.” Liste below.

Laura Dia
After her versatile and soulful debut visual EP; Laura Dia makes a gear-shift with new single ‘End Of The Night!’. Laura says, “I wrote it after I put out this tweet: “I love a man that’ll grab your hand and say ‘Let me show you something'”. This tweet from @imdrebrown sums up the vibe though: “I love meeting someone in the club and we be in a relationship for the entire night” This is the start of a new era for me. Although R&B has always been my main love I also like popular music and it’s where I see my music going. Being the future R&B-Pop hits. This is an intro to that vision..” Listen below.

Gaisma
Born in Latvia, Alisa (Gaisma) has been immersed in music and dance since childhood. Alisa’s musical journey began early on in her hometown of Riga, where she took acting and singing lessons, while also learning piano and violin. Later, she taught herself guitar and music production. Her love for analog equipment and old-school gear quickly grew, and she incorporated these elements into her live sets. In addition to her musical work, Alisa is also actively engaged in visual projects. Her creative portfolio includes both analog and digital photography, where she works both behind and in front of the camera, as well as collages and video art. These visual pieces often intersect with her music, creating a symbiosis of auditory and visual experiences. In her works, Alisa acts as composer, cinematographer, and performer, blending choreography and improvisation into a contemporary form of movement. With her new album as Gaisma, Motherland, Alisa is venturing into alternative hip-hop and contemporary R&B, exploring her rap voice and expanding her artistic boundaries. This album reflects her ongoing evolution as a multifaceted artist, merging the different elements of her creative practice into a cohesive, forward-thinking sound. Stand out track ‘White Shirt’ is a call for greater reflection and awareness of our surroundings, encouraging us to stay true to ourselves and move confidently through life. Listen below.

Jess Allardice
Jess Allardice is a singer-songwriter from Glasgow with a distinct sound influenced by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill. Known for her soulful voice and deep, introspective lyrics, Jess blends R&B and alternative music with philosophical and existential themes that invite listeners to explore their own spirituality and identity. After years of refining her craft, Jess is now introducing her unique perspective to the world with her debut single ‘FINNA KIN.’ Jess studied Commercial Music at the University of the West of Scotland, where she honed her performance and songwriting skills. Her musical journey includes playing in bands with notable artists like Lewis Capaldi and interning at Morsecode Studios with industry veteran Brendan Moon (discovered artist Paolo Nutini) , where she learned the essence of artist management. This background, combined with her rich influences, has laid the foundation for her impactful debut release. ‘FINNA KIN’ combines deep-rooted spiritual themes with modern R&B and soul vibes. The title, merging the slang term “finna” (meaning “going to be”) and “kin” (representing relations or connections), symbolizes the universal oneness Jess seeks to convey. In her own words, “We are all spiritually connected, and our experiences, though unique, bring us together in one larger collective.” Listen below.

Mythora
Mythora, the dynamic three-piece alternative rock band fronted by powerhouse vocalist Jessie Rose, proudly unveils their latest single, ‘I Didn’t Know.’ An emotionally charged track that navigates the complex terrain of heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience. Fusing vulnerability with empowering energy, Mythora’s latest single is set to resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced the tumultuous ups and downs of love. ‘I Didn’t Know’ is more than just a song—it’s an emotional journey. Blending gritty guitar riffs and driving percussion with infectious melody and raw lyricism. Featuring a soulful, introspective pre-chorus that builds a powerful sense of tension, the song erupts into an infectious, sing-along chorus that captures the raw yet relatable experience of lost love and unexpected strength. “We wanted to honour the innocence and vulnerability that a person has when they fall for a person’s inauthentic charm” says Jessie. “‘I Didn’t Know’ reflects the realisation and heartbreak that deception brings and reminds the listener of their personal power and instincts which is especially important after being gaslit.” Listen below.

Lauren Rintoul
After a two-year hiatus, Lauren Rintoul is back with ‘Downpour’, a striking new single that ushers in the next phase of her artistic journey. This glitch-infused ballad dives into the tension of holding back emotions to protect the people around you from feeling the same. Produced with her friend Charlotte (@sillylittlesongwriter), ‘Downpour’ weaves dense, evocative lyrics with an unforgettable mix of vocal chops, synths, and a bassline that lands with intensity. The track builds toward an explosive finish, blurring the lines between organic and electronic, revealing Lauren’s gift for pairing raw emotion with genre-defying production. “’Downpour’ came from a time when I felt like sharing my struggles affected those around me in ways I didn’t intend,” Lauren explains. “All of a sudden I realized that when I talked about negative feelings i was having, it would trigger a waterfall of everyone around me also going through it” Listen below.

Sara De Santis
Sara is a London-based, Italian-born multi-instrumentalist,pianist/keyboardist, songwriter, and producer who has been an integral part of the London music scene for over 10 years. Having honed her skills as a session musician, Sara has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Tom Chaplin, Priya Ragu, Kindness, Tricky, Art School Girlfriend, Mya Mehmi, Rosie Lowe, Tupac Martir (Cosmos Within Us – Satore Studio), Sundara Karma, Suki Waterhouse, Dagny, Claudia Kane, Francesca Belmonte, Mai Kino. Known for her versatility and artistic depth, Sara has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter as a self-releasing artist. Her original compositions are a captivating blend of neoclassical tradition, pop, folk, and contemporary jazz, all infused with a cinematic quality that reflects the wide-ranging influences she’s absorbed throughout her career. ‘WINTER’ marks Sara’s long-awaited debut, a gentle offering of how the season steals in, unbidden, catching her unaware as it strips the world bare. She stands at the threshold, resisting the pull of emotional solitude ushered in by the traitorous cold. In closing one’s eyes, there is a surrender—a quiet hope—as light breaks through, offering one last moment of warmth before the cold fully takes over. It’s a poetic dance of vulnerability, resilience, and fleeting beauty. Listen below.

Creeping Embers
Creeping Embers Live At The Brunswick is the debut release for genre-hopping Queercore punks, Creeping Embers. A simple and compact EP containing three live demo tracks, their individual sounds range greatly. The third and final piece of music is the heavily politically charged ‘Curb Stomp Your Local Nonce’ speaks for it before you even hear a single note. Written about the corruption within the music scene that allows pedophiles to take advantage of underage fans and musicians by infiltrating their spaces, ‘Curb Stomp Your Local Nonce’ is a harsh and biting tune with heavily screamed vocals, and aggressive instrumentals. The band themselves are very politically inclined and believe in standing up for what is right, regardless of if it isn’t palatable to everyone who hears it. Listen below.

Check out more of our recent submissions via the playlist below!

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Lauren Greco
Originally from Australia, Lauren Greco has mastered an R&B sound where rhythmic dreaminess meets an enticing, video vixen vibe with a captivatingly dark edge. Her unique fusion of soulful vocals and introspective lyricism ventures into uncharted musical territory, drawing in those who revel in the allure of genre-defying soundscapes. With a lyrical journey that traverses love, relationships, self-discovery, and empowerment, Lauren’s mission is to resonate with a diverse audience, particularly women seeking self-acceptance and navigating the complexities of modern relationships. Her new single is called ‘You Lied’. “The song is about dating someone who is a compulsive liar. It starts off as one little white lie and then it continues to be a tangled web! The song is about the journey of dating a liar and coming to terms with leaving whilst discovering your own self worth,” says Lauren. Listen below.

Maria Rosenberg
Maria Rosenberg is a singer songwriter based in London. Her music is a blend of modern and old, blues and trip hop sadness with attitude. Dreamy smokiness with badass poetic fantasy where love stories meet childhood trauma, where David Lynch meets yo momma. Her new single ‘Slow Dancing’ is a poetic narrative that touches on the complexity of human emotions. And, at its core, it’s also a love story, reminding us that love can heal and transform even in the face of adversity. “From a drunk start to a sober finish, now celebrating 2 years of sobriety this song is a nod to the dark allure of David Lynch’s movies, the haunting melodies of Suicide,” explains Maria. “It explores the idea that deep down, what we’re really seeking is love and connection, but when we’re lost or hurting, we turn to alcohol as a substitute. It’s a reflection on how we often replace our emotional needs with substances, ultimately searching for something more meaningful.” It was produced by Maria and an English Grammy award-winning record producer Stuart Matthewman, most known as a founding member of the band Sade, also worked with Paloma Faith, Maxwell. Listen below.

The Creature Appeal
The Creature Appeal have evolved massively since their formation in the primordial ooze that was the late 2010’s Birmingham indie landscape. They consist of Nicole Sedgley (Vocals), Conor Sharphouse (Bass), Campbell Air (Guitar), Cath Grove (Keys), and Andy Wilson (Drums). Their sound is difficult to pin down. Imagine the introspective and melancholy lyrics of Phoebe Bridgers/Boygenius, paired with soaring, soulful vocals of Florence + The Machine, all backed by 2010’s-esque indie guitars. One thing is for sure; any gig with TCA on the line up will be an emotional rollercoaster. The Creature Appeal are releasing their final single of 2023, ‘Standing in The Sun’, backed by a 5-date UK Tour. With this set to be their biggest release to date, 2024 looks to be their busiest year yet. “‘Standing in the Sun’ is a culmination of the nostalgic feelings of summers gone by; a rose-tinted retrospective of seasonal flings, warm July evenings, and fond memories of hotter days,” explain the band. “The song can be summarised by the lyric ‘Dance to beer garden bops in the afternoon, if these times ever end, they can only end too soon’. With energetic, bouncy vocals layered above the indiest riff we could muster, we hope this track brings a bit of sunshine to our listeners.” Listen below.

DOEXL
DOEXL is a music producer (dark wave, EBM, industrial) and visual artist based between Paris and Berlin. She’s self-released on her music label and post-production studio VOAXS. Inspired by mythology, the enigmatic facets of the life experience, her creative focus is in bridging the realms of art and technology, through her authentic perspective on dark music and visual identity. In 2021, she made her debut with the EP MORPH, followed by her new EP Corpus, out now. This second record, with heavy bass, metallic beats and organ synths includes the singles ‘Beast’, ‘Vox’, and ‘Prey’. On the surface level, EBM club track ‘Prey’ is a synesthetic journey where Sound and Technology merge into an Industrial party. On a deeper level, behind the line “Intuition warns you of danger’s hiding where you fear it’s gonna eat you” is a message of introspection, awareness of one’s own deepest fears, vulnerabilities so one’s able to be freed from external threats. Listen below.

Mya Lai
Mya Lai is a brand-new independent artist based in Leeds, UK. Coming from a mixed Chinese and Indian background, Mya was discouraged from pursuing music when she was younger in favour of a more academic path. She repressed her passion for many years, studying a natural sciences degree and working as an Assistant Psychologist in the UK National Health Sevice. However, Mya’s true calling continuously called out to her, and a turning point came when she realised the importance of authenticity and pursuing her true passion as a recording artist. Mya’s debut single, ‘Roam Free,’ was released in October 2023, blending pop and rock influences. Her music draws from a variety of genres, including pop, rock, indie, and classical. Her prolific songwriting has already produced a substantial back catalogue, ensuring a steady flow of releases and live performances in 2023 and 2024. Leveraging her background in psychology, Mya also shares motivational videos online, inspiring others to chase their dreams and embrace authenticity. The track ‘Roam Free’ is a pop-rock ballad, written from a place of heartbreak. Whilst the song encapsulates sadness and lamentation after the end of a relationship, the lyrics also communicate the prospect of healing from pain, and a sense of hope for the future. Listen below.

Beth Baines
Beth Baines is a singer-songwriter from Toronto. She has previously written and recorded material with the band Dream Whip and released music under the name Brushsigns. Imagine if Mitski was inspired by Felt and Cocteau Twins. This is what her new single, ‘Nepeta,’ sounds like. ‘Nepeta’ takes heartbeat-like percussion inspired by Felt’s ‘Sempiternal Darkness,’ and builds on that with omnichord, organ and chimes, and textured guitar. “Recorded and co-produced by my friend Justin Ladd, we wanted things to sound sparkly and bright,” says Beth. “‘Nepeta’ is inspired by my time spent as a gardener in Toronto. Nepeta, a late bloomer, very popular here, is where the title of the song comes from. Thematically, ‘Nepeta’ is about the material and immaterial possessions we carry with us to navigate periods of isolation. These can manifest as physical objects, like a Nepeta cutting we plant in a garden, memories of friends, or a song we listen to on repeat to hold onto a certain feeling.” Listen below.

Check out more of our recent submissins via the playlist below!

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