BEST OF THE WEEK: Tyc, Happy Sometimes, Mia LJ, Foresteater, Betablock3r, Suzi Island

With spring in tow and new releases aside from Ariana Grande and Kanye West news, we’ve got the newest releases you might have missed. These up-and-coming artists are paving the way for future dream pop and indie bops around the world. Check them out below.

Tyc – “Tongue Tied”

This bright and shiny song blends silvery vocals with heartfelt acoustics up front. As the track fades into synth and radio-ready pop sensibility, TyC has made a definite summer bop ready. Released today, the vocals are undeniably soothing and textured with catchy high notes.

Happy Sometimes – “Heartbreaker”

 

The vocals mix in well with the songstresses of the modern age and the minimalist instrumentation. The lyrics “heart on my sleeve/everyone wants to take it/no one sees when the heartbreaker’s breaking,” oozing emotion with solemn vocals with pop chops. A definite listen for fans of Halsey and Cher Lloyd.

Mia LJ – “Numb”

This track is powerful and sultry while keeping indie prowess and composure through recording live; a hard task to perfect. At just 20 years old, Mia LJ has soulful depth and a keen sense of musicality. The “subtle darkness” of the song is emotion driven and brings the r&b influences to the front.

Foresteater – “Pretend Land”

A fun, spritely track that has a lot of layers to it in the vocals. In the same vein as Portugal. The Man, but self-described as “candygrunge”, this is a track perfect for festival season. Influenced from a dream, singer Mikey Pro said he saw “a band playing on an island in outer-space surrounded by electric rainbows,” which pulls through in “Pretend Land.”

 

Betablock3r – “Make You Happy”

Hopping off his just released EP, Betablock3r’s first single “Make You Happy” is an electro house gem. This is chillwave yet dancey enough to have the best of both worlds with downtempo synth. The layered vocals make it a super dreamy track. Betablock3r has said the song is about the feeling of needing to be wanted at the cost of your own emotional well being.

“It’s easy to adopt narratives and assume to know the needs of others when in relationships. Sometimes the desire to appease under these narratives can be destructive. It becomes apparent the relationship itself is not worth saving in the first place.”

Suzi Island – “Show Me The Way”

The quintessential UK indie sound is alive and well with “Show Me The Way.” A Brighton, UK duo who had The Vaccines producer mix the track, the song is reminiscent of Royal Blood and Nothing But Thieves who are also counted as influences. The band have said they’re adamant about “living life, finding your way, discovery and fun,” which shines through with this carefree, indie crooner.