K-Pop superstars BTS share photo teasers for newest single ‘Butter’

Band, Dance, K-Pop, Korean Pop, Music News, New Music, News, pop, Pop Music

With the original teaser photo appearing on May 9th from the BIGHIT music Twitter account, the BTS members have gone and released even more promotional content ranging from single-member shots to the latest release featuring all members together; see below.

The track itself, ‘Butter’, was initially shown on April 26th and is planned to be unveiled to the public on May 21st at 5 am BST (British Summer Time). The dance-pop song will be the second English language track from the group, the first being ‘Dynamite’ released in 2020, and is already being hailed as “brimming with the smooth yet charismatic charm of BTS”.

Dynamite music video

If you cannot wait until May 21st, the BIGHIT Twitter account is overflowing with lots of promotional content and photoshoots to tide you over until then.

The Brits Recap: Winners Addition

Awards, female singer, grime, Hip Hop, indie, Indie-Pop, Live, Music News, News, pop, Pop Music, R&B, Rap, Soul, UK Music, Urban

The Brits 2021 took place on May 11th at London’s O2 Arena with an in-person crowd of 4000 people, particularly revolutionary in these socially distancing times. Hosted by Jack Whitehall, who has maintained the hosting role since 2018, and chock full of performances from the likes of Dua Lipa and Coldplay, the night was a success, especially as a government COVID piolt event.

It was a big night for firsts as Taylor Swift became the first female to receive the ‘Icon’ award. Little Mix became the first all-female band to win the ‘Best British Group’ Award, proving that girl power is still very much alive by winning an otherwise all-male category.

The Brits 2021 Highlights

A true highlight of the night was a joint performance from Sir Elton John and Years & Years, who honoured the TV smash hit ‘It’s a Sin’ with the Pet Shops Boys classic of the same name.

Overall, the night was a triumph and a reminder that music not only survived but thrived even during a global pandemic.

The complete list of winners is as follows:

Global Icon – Taylor Swift

Rising Star – Griff

Breakthrough Artist – Arlo Parks

Male Solo Artist – J Hus

Female Solo Artist – Dua Lipa

British Single – Harry Styles (Watermelon Sugar)

British Group – Little Mix

International Group – Haim

International Female Solo Artist – Billie Eilish

International Male Solo Artist – The Weeknd

Mastercard Album Of The Year – Dua Lipa (Future Nostalgia)

Words by Ellen Oakley

Conan Gray is ready to make you cry once again with his latest release ‘Astronomy’

Acoustic, Alt-Pop, Indie-Pop, Music News, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, Singer-Songwriter

Conan Gray has released another follow up to his debut album in 2020, ‘Kid Krow’, and it’s a pure pop heartbreak. ‘Astronomy‘ follows the story of falling out of love whilst being in denial, creating a painful, drawn-out process. The track wraps this devastating narrative in ethereal vocals and a beautiful melancholic instrumental, both of which have become signatures of Gray’s work.

Proving a talent for delicate ballads, ‘Astronomy’ utilises a gentle vocal performance and acoustic backing, allowing Gray’s grounded lyricism to intimately capture such a relatable experience. This ability is more than apparent in the aforementioned ‘Kid Krow’, and ‘Astronomy’ simply shows the world how much further Gray can go creating authentic pop listening experiences.

Astronomy (Official Video)

As reported in Dork, Gray said: ” ‘Astronomy’ is about that slow, painful, often denial inducing process of growing apart from somebody,” continuing on to say, “I find the worst heartbreaks happen slowly. No blowout fight and slamming doors and showing up on doorsteps while it’s raining. Just a gradual decaying of love with nothing left to do to stop it from slipping away. There’s no explanation, nobody to blame. That hurts the most.”

Gray has also released the single ‘Overdrive‘ in the time after his debut album, which is an example of his knowledge on how to create excellent pop tracks no matter the tempo used.

Words by Ellen Oakley

Pink to be the youngest recipient of The Billboard Music Icon Award

Awards, female singer, Live, Music News, News, pop, Pop Music

As reported by Billboard, American singer Pink is to be the next recipient of their Icon award. The award has had nine legendary previous recipients: Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Cher, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Garth Brooks, with Pink becoming the tenth.

The award itself was established in 2011 to recognise an artists contribution to the world of music, not only to give them acknowledgement but also guaranteeing them a performance spot at the award show. There has been a winner every year, bar 2015, since its formulation.

At 41, Pink will be the youngest artist to be honoured with the award as well as it cementing her first performance on the Billboard Music Award stage in 5 years.

Pink’s last BBMA performance in 2015

This award is one of several that highlight Pink’s contribution to the music world at large, as in the past, she has picked up the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award (2017 – VMAs) and the Woman Of The Year award (2013 – Billboard).

“I feel so honored to join the ranks of music idols like Cher, Garth Brooks, Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder. It’s a true ‘pinch me’ moment and I feel humbled and blessed.” – Pink

Make sure to catch Pink on the Billboard Music Awards, hosted by Nick Jonas, on May 23rd.

Words by Ellen Oakley

Jade Moss brings the world of retro glamour to the masses with her upcoming single ‘Only U’

Alt-Pop, Alternative, female singer, Music News, New Music, New Release, pop, R&B, Retro

Dropping May 14th, ‘Only U’ is a beautiful collection of retro pop and contemporary R&B nuances all tied together with Jade Moss’ smooth vocal performance. Moss, whose brand is nostalgic charm topped up with a distinct style and sense of self, croons through the tale of a female character fighting against the waves of love at first sight whilst creating a rich, charismatic track.

The track, taken from Moss’ upcoming debut EP, is sleek and sophisticated from the word go. With a real Amy Winehouse-Esq feel, the song is full of addictive harmonies that highlight Moss’ voice perfectly without overshadowing it and an upbeat instrumental with a level of class present throughout. ‘Only U’ never feels aged; it utilises retro styling in a way that keeps it grounded in a modern setting, avoiding over saturating the listener with overplayed cliches. The overall result is a soulful pop bop that fits Jade Moss to a ‘T’.

“The music that I write is about my experiences with love, joy, strength and the importance of self-worth” – Jade Moss

‘Only U’ is Jade Moss in her element. The song is a showcase of her style and her ability to connect through her lyrics and voice, allowing Moss to give the nod to her influences (Etta James, Grace Jones and Lauren Hill) whilst simultaneously carving her own distinctive path in a musical landscape that seems to be missing a bit of retro glamour. Make sure to keep an eye (and ear) out for ‘Only U’ dropping May 14th.

Check out Jade Moss at these internet places:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jademossmusic/

Website: http://www.jademoss.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jademossmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jademossmusic

Soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/user-789899991 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hsVMOWHuptQXh34KCOEsi

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdat_o2sz115bl7WRXzt7Pg/videos

Words by Ellen Oakley

Preyah oozes pop princess perfection with her latest single ‘On The Line’

Alt-Pop, Electronic, Music News, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, R&B

Preyah delivers pure pop prowess with her newest single, ‘On The Line’. The track, released on April 9th, is a blend of pop and electronic elements tied together with a soulful vocal performance that showcases Preyah’s talent and her glamourous style, especially present in the accompanying music video.

On The Line Music Video

‘On The Line’ is a perfect floor filler. With a dramatic chorus highlighted with disco-Esq strings and an addictive instrumental that carries Preyah’s smooth voice to fruition whilst she makes relatable jabs at modern dating culture. The track is full of energy fit for a diva (“a quirky diva” in Preyah’s own words), and this energy is more than present in the music video, which is full of untouchable stage presence and a gorgeous lilac centric colour palette.

With style reminiscent of eccentric dance hall vibes and modern pop-rap tracks (see Doja Cat), Preyah has created an anthem perfect for a night out sing-along that screams empowerment and purpose. It’s sleek, professional and full of flair, marking Preyah as someone to watch as she shapes the pop landscape around her.

Check out Preyah at the following internet places:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preyah_yeah/

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/preyah-114912188/preyah-on-the-line/s-U4tIkKbXH0u

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JrtHrH28JpMPS6CmWcOku

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/preyah/1061548923

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC29ziSFefQTKjOMFSWr8zA/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preyah_?

Words by Ellen Oakley

Billie Eilish tugs at heart strings (and tear ducts) with latest single ‘Your Power’

Alt-Pop, Alternative, female singer, Music News, New Music, New Release, News, pop, Pop Music, Singer-Songwriter, Weird-Pop

In the week in which the 19-year-old announces her upcoming album title ‘Happier Than Ever’, Billie Eilish has dropped the single ‘Your Power’ (April 29th) which strips back the singer to the raw emotion listener’s were introduced to back in 2017 with her debut EP ‘dont smile at me’.

The track itself is a soft yet forceful call out to those who use their power to take advantage of others. Combining Eilish’s ethereal vocals with a delicate acoustic backing, the song does not shy away from directly confronting the situation with questions of “Will you only feel bad when they find out?“. 

Eilish again proves her talents as she creates an intimate space for listener’s to absorb her story without overwhelming them. The track has a melancholic beauty with a sobering grounding in reality, a style the singer has perfected over the years. Simple yet effective, ‘Your Power’ lives up to everything people expect from Eilish and is an incredible sign of what’s to come.

Words by Ellen Oakley

The future will be live streamed thanks to Brite Spires’ upcoming track ‘Futurist’

Alt-Pop, Electronic, female singer, Music News, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, Review, UK Music, Weird-Pop

Electro-pop rich, female-fronted Brite Spires takes listeners to the future with their upcoming release ‘Futurist’. Taking inspiration from Gill Scott-Heron’s piece ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’, the four-piece reimagine the narrative into a refreshing synth-heavy track. Complete with ethereal harmonies, bouncy backing and a lively energy that keeps it grounded in modern-day pop, Brite Spires bring a wave of contemporary nostalgia that works effortlessly.

Following on from the success of their February 2021 release ‘Crystalize’, Brite Spires channel all things New Wave and 80s pop, but rather than sound like a cliched ode, ‘Futurist’ elevates the nuances through a driving beat and a dynamic performance. The vibrant instrumental, full of sleek synths, compliments the combination of sung and spoken word featured throughout the song, creating a musical landscape akin to a fast-paced sci-fi tale. The vocal performance itself is soft but never lacks emotion; taking on the role of the narrator through a story of modern technology, it guides the listener from start to finish, never coming across as passive but instead fully immersed into the world Brite Spires have built. Singer Bella Glanville nails the airy pop vocal, which acts as another driving force behind the track.

Being compared to artists such as Blondie and Madonna (courtesy of NIGHTSHIFT) is an example of how slick both the production and performance Brite Spires generate are. They are a pop literate experience, taking inspiration from the likes of New Order and La Roux and reworking them into a refreshing mixing pot of modernised electronic pop.

Overall, ‘Futurist’ is clean, full of life and a good time all around. Whilst feeding into the growing trend of nostalgic pop, Brite Spires stand out with their synth-pop stylings due to how genuine it feels. The joy that spills from the track is palpable and should not be missed out on.

Make sure to check out Brite Spires on Spotify.

Words by Ellen Oakley

Taylor Swift- Fearless (Taylor’s Version) Drops

Country, Music News, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music

As reported in NME ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ is an impressive collection of pithy country pop songs – but, of course, we already knew that. Initially released in 2008, Taylor Swift’s breakout second record ‘Fearless’ was the one that catapulted her to the stratospheric levels of success she retains today.

Receiving largely positive reviews and massive commercial acclaim, it has sold over 12 million copies internationally and it won a 20-year-old Swift her first Grammy for Album of the Year in 2010.

Now, though, Swift has done something totally unprecedented: she’s re-recorded the entire thing.

It’s the first release in Swift’s ongoing battle to regain control of her master recordings that will eventually see her re-record each of her first six albums (that’s everything from her 2006 self-titled debut up to 2017’s ‘Reputation’). This bold step is a first for the music industry and comes following several sales of Swift’s back catalogue.

Taylor’s version of her beloved album ‘Fearless’ is proving to be a huge hit with fans across the globe. Nostalgic in nature, the re-recorded singles are taking us back to our teenage years of angst and heartbreak.

A dose of new Music for your Friday, Pop Playlister’s Fresh Hit Radar

Alt-Pop, female singer, Fresh Hit Radar, Indie-Pop, New Music, New Release, pop, Pop Music, R&B, Singer-Songwriter

We’re back once again to bring you a striking line-up of new Music with our Fresh Hit Radar.

Today we’ve got some power-packed tracks to help you get in to the feel-good Friday spirit.

First up it’s Mildflower with gorgeous Synth-Pop track ‘Just a Boy’. This single is bedroom Pop at its very best, subtly groovy and electro infused ‘Just a Boy’ is a total ear worm of a track. Packed full with innovative instrumental elements Mildflower creates a truly curious and other-worldly soundscape. Listen below-

Next up is a power packed single from Motion Sickness ‘Ether’. Ethereal vocals sit over punchy pianos chords and a steady beat. ‘Ether’ feels full of mystery and just a hint of darkness, softly sweet vocals are contrasted by the track’s lurking and leering synths to create a threatening yet freeing soundscape. ‘Ether’ wouldn’t be misplaced in a James Bond film, intense and anthemic Motion Sickness establishes himself as a producer powerhouse.

If you’re feeling a little more angsty we’ve got a track for you. ‘Better off Meditating’ is a grungy single from Tamar Berk. Full of attitude and resentment ‘Better off Meditating’ has us feeling like we could take on the world and everyone in it. If you reminisce over the golden days of Pop-Punk you’ll love this one!

Ending on a sultry and soulful note we have Pavit Sanghera’s R&B single ‘Fake Love’. Pavit’s pure toned vocals will have you well and truly in your feels, not to mention those gorgeous runs! ‘Fake Love’ is just great R&B, reminding us of the soulful divas from the 90s, Pavit Sanghera has that nostalgic R&B style.

Happy Listening!