A few weeks ago, LIA released her thrilling new single “Out Of Control.” The track is a captivatingly atmospheric and sparse song driven by a harsh, dark electronic dance bass line. The latter wonderfully contrasts with LIA’s sweet, smooth vocals and her beautiful falsetto harmonies.

Today, she finally unveils the accompanying visuals that are definitely bringing the track to another level. In an instant, LIA is transported into a world unlike our own, where she slowly finds herself being swept away by the overbearing powerful presence of the color red, indicating an overwhelming sense of danger and trouble looming on the horizon.

The video opens with shots of LIA looking very disoriented as she rises from the water, slowly adjusting to her surroundings. The scene quickly shifts to her appearing in various locations surrounded by potential friends, possibly even worshippers who proceed to perform synchronised choreography that works perfectly with the pulsating bass line that enters the mix.

The presence of red slowly become increasingly prevalent as the story progresses, with eerie shots of red veil wearing figures rising from pews in the church. The focus swiftly and suddenly shits to an outside winter landscape, with LIA now completely overcome and possessed. Bearing red skin, wearing all red, camera shots flick back and forth between LIA in her normal form lost and confused out in the cold to her alter ego looking to take over as she gives a rise smile in the video’s conclusion leaving us wondering about the fate of our protagonist.

Shooting this video did not come without its challenges on a small budget, with LIA owing a lot of debt and gratitude to 25 people who worked pro bono for 15 hours across three days to bring this creation to life. Reflecting on the creation of this track and the music video, LIA said:

[su_quote]At the time I was following the guise of many people helping me navigate a new career in music and I was being pulled in many directions. My co-producer and I created a palette of sounds that felt dark and brooding but also extremely powerful because, at the end of the day, I still have my control, I still have my power and I’m excited to unleash it with this release. I couldn’t be more proud of what we created.[/su_quote]

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erDtYWtei1I&feature=youtu.be”]

LIA is currently working on her first solo EP featuring Montreal producers Frame, Robert Robert and Thomas White.

22-year-old Augustine burst onto the scene a couple of months ago with one of the most original and captivating tracks of the year, “Luzon,” and now returns with the beautifully poetic “A Scent of Lily”. In this new track, the Swedish singer-songwriter continues to flourish with his own brand of indie pop and also showcases his versatility by opting for a larger, more up-tempo production.

“A Scent of Lily” is incredibly cinematic, opening with an atmospheric synth pad and rhythmic guitar before introducing driving percussion and 80s synthesizers in its very catchy chorus. Inspired by Ariana Grande’s “Into You” and its short, sharp staccato rhythm, the artist’s powerful falsetto steals the show once more, delivering a hook packed with punch. “Oh and how she spreads all through my entangled mind. A Scent of Lily in my bed. Still left there from Sunday night,” he sings as the striking piano enters the mix on the choruses repeat, creating a rich and warm texture.

Written three years ago, “A Scent of Lily” is the imagining of losing yourself in a relationship. “There are few people that make your life completely blank. The ones who divide your life into a ‘before’ and an ‘after”, says the newcomer. The Swede has a wonderful way with words in a story where all his experiences shared with a significant other are magic. “A Scent of Lily” oozes charm and as a listener it is hard not to become as heavily invested and infatuated in this track as Augustine is in his new found romance. Listen below.

Sonia Bernardo had her sights set on becoming a Fado great after beginning to write songs at the age of 10 but indie music stole her heart and we are grateful to reap the benefits. Her first release since 2017, “Genius Level II” marks the beginning of a new chapter as she prepares to release her new EP, Panic Prayers.

Born to Portuguese parents and residing in London, Bernardo is heavily inspired by PJ Harvey and Talking Heads and previously drew interest from major producer Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music. Manzanera invited her to sing on the track “Sound of Blue’ and she joined him on tour, opening for Jools Holland in December 2018.

Co-produced by Dave Maclean (Django Django) and Sunglasses for Jaws, “Genius Level II” opens with a somber electric guitar melody before we become absorbed in Bernardo’s storytelling and strong, distinctive vocals. “Genius Level II” is a tale of relationship struggles and frustration following countless arguments.

“Now here we go again. Entertainment I’d recommend. In hope we still make it through, this is genius level II,” she sings. These lyrics perfectly illustrate Bernardo’s constant battle to keep her relationship alive in a first chorus delivered with attitude, laced with sarcasm. Despite the dark undertones of the instrumentation, the track has a real warmth and closes with a wonderful stripped back outro where she displays her intricate melodies, sweet tone and impressive vocal range. “Genius Level II” is very much in line with the alt-soul/jazz singer’s intention and desire to cultivate her experiences into a new fluid and sultry EP that oozes class. Listen below.

It’s not often that a song comes along that is unlike anything we have ever heard before, but with “Luzon” we are taken on a musical journey, transported to a foreign place where the sun is always shining.

A fine example of future-retro indie pop, Augustine‘s debut track grows on you with each listen. On “Luzon”, the Swede sets the tone from the very beginning with a driving synthesised brass chord progression and smooth, yet forceful kick drum. The incorporation of a shaker and splashes of bell chimes as the track builds immerses us in a nostalgic love story.

“Luzon’s” chorus elevates the track to new heights, bursting into life with Augustine’s vocals transitioning to powerful and elegant falsetto tones. Indeed, the 22-year-old originally from a small town outside Gothenburg has a very large and impressive vocal range. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up as he delivers a catchy and quirky hook that can’t help but put a smile on your face as you listen.

Augustine‘s “Luzon” is also accompanied by a stunning music video filmed in Italy that is heavily influenced by 1960/70s environments. Inspired by trailers of movies including Rum Diary and The Talented Mr. Ripley, the vision for the song and the video was for it to suit an old smokey Carribean bar vibe.

With a narrative focused on living to enjoy the moment, letting go and daring to fall in love, “Luzon” inspires each of us to feel the same. Watch below.

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5_QbCUEFNc”]