Stream: Riding On Your Misery - Thrill You Kill You

Thrill You Kill You is the one-woman musical project of Fei-Fei. Having previously DJ’d, Fei-Fei swapped her turntables to focus on creating indie, post punk and electronica. The music was written, recorded and produced by Fei-Fei herself, even recording vocals in her bathroom on a cheap microphone.

The result is this passionately lofi slice of melodic aggression. Riding On Your Misery is a song aimed at Fei-Fei’s doubters, as she describes, “Riding On Your Misery is a fuck-you to everyone who said I wasn’t good enough”. It’s a high-octane and emotionally naked assault that is pretty much impossible to turn your back on. On that sense of vulnerability, Fei-Fei says:

“I used to shut out the softer, emotional side of myself. I spent most of my life putting up walls, developing thick skin. This is the first time I’ve been brave enough to just be me.”

Check out Riding On Your Misery below:

Stream: Nebula - LightHouse

Coming from cinematic synth-pop duo LightHouse, Nebula is a cosmic slice of electronic pop. Consisting of Katya Richardson and Logan Nelson, LA-based LightHouse started at to create modern cinematic music combining acoustic sounds and synth-based textures.

Nebula itself feels like it is floating in space - whispered vocals giving way to a psychedelic chorus that attempts to capture the wide open environment. With a vocal hook that swings on big melodies like planets’ orbits, there is something otherworldly about this song and I love it.

Nebula is LightHouse’s third single and it precedes their forthcoming EP, set to be released this autumn.

Stream: Receipts - Dominique

Receipts is the new alt-R&B-pop joint from NYC based musician Dominique.

Having first discovered her passion for music making growing up in Florida, Dominique started out making music in Garage Band and playing live at local coffee shops and talent shows. Having taken a break to pursue a degree in Biology at NYU when she was 18, Dominique got back into music making upon graduating.

Having already received attention from NME and The Line Of Best Fit, Dominique is determined to show the various sides to her sound on her forthcoming EP. Receipts is out now and provides a taste of what to expect.

Receipts is a song the describes the experience of being asked by an ex-love for a second chance, but being too overwhelmed by all the memories of things they have done wrong in the past. Dominique’s laid back vocal perfectly captures the world-weary sound of someone who has already heard to many excuses. With a cool synth melody and layered vocals Receipts manages to sound fresh and modern but also remarkably simple and restrained.

Describing the process of making he song, Dominique says:

“Working on the record with my songwriter friends MDA and EJAE was such an uplifting experience and I’m so happy with what these two talented women contributed to the track. To top it off, my dad played bass on each chorus in the song, and I got to record him myself when I visited my hometown last month.”

Check out Receipts below.

Video: Depth - Upwhirl

Originating from Nashville, TN, Upwhirl are duo Nina and Michael Green and together they make rock influenced by electronic and computer-based sound design. They have just unveiled their new track Depth, ahead of their forthcoming debut album.

Depth is one of those songs that I knew I had to share as soon as I heard it. That bass line is just something else - majestically dark and organic... It’s a little White Stripes, a Little Nine Inch Nails. Nina’s vocals float above this track like they are untouchable, all the while sinewy distortion and rhythms pulverise those of us forced to exist on this earthly plane.

Throw in the paranoia-inducing video and you have something just a little bit wonderful. This all feels like it could have come straight out of season one of True Detective.

Stream: Who We Are - Tep No

It has been a few years since I’ve covered Tep No here, a Canadian artist who originally came to my attention as a result of his blissed-out R&B and electronic music.

Who We Are hits the exact moments that make Tep No’s music so wonderful. This is a warm, sun drenched track that feels like half-remembered memories. On hearing this I’m suddenly back in Mediterranean back streets, slowly baking in the midday sun whilst I wait for a little relief. I’m remembering the blissful feel of seawater at my feet or the cooling embrace of climbing into a pool as I slip away from the humid heat. It’s like being hit with your favourite memories from a forgotten holiday.

Describing the track, Tep No says:

“The song is about a lifelong bond between friends and lovers, sharing moments while getting high, reflecting on the past and realizing that you're in a better place because you have the support of the people in your life.”

Check out Who We Are below: