In today’s emerging artist spotlight, we introduce the incredibly talented artist, songwriter, and model Eden Hunter. Since the launch of her music career, she has been making significant waves. Especially so after being honoured as the 2022 Emerging Artist of the Year at Mighty Hoopla. Eden’s captivating lyrical pop has been winning over fans in droves. As her emotionally resonant songs connect on a universal level while showcasing a beautifully textured vocal quality that lays bare her vulnerabilities.

Eden has masterfully refined her craft while making a significant impact in the music industry in a remarkably short time. She has not only opened for major artists like Tom Grennan, Ella Eyre, Thomas Headon, James Smith, and Anna of the North. She has also established herself as a compelling new voice to watch. Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. The announcement of her highly anticipated debut EP, “The Circus Man,” set to release later this year. Leading up to this exciting debut, Eden introduces her first single, “Knock Me Out,” a polished pop anthem that delivers an empowering message sure to resonate with listeners.

“Knock Me Out” is the first single of a new project that I have been trying to make for a long, long, long time. It is my love letter to Hollywood that I wrote during a trip to Los Angeles that truly changed my whole perspective of who I am and what I want”. Eden Shares

Every artist draws influence and inspiration from those who came before them. In the case of “Knock Me Out,” it seems that Eden may be channelling the iconic Madonna. (Particularly her hauntingly beautiful ballad “Frozen.”) The vocal stylings reveal striking similarities that are hard to ignore. It may not be a mere coincidence that Eden so poignantly leads into the chorus with the heartfelt plea, “Dear sweet Madonna, please don’t take this all away.” Seemingly, if true, this connection not only deepens the song’s emotional resonance but also pays homage to a pop legend.

Regarding the song’s theme, Eden states…

“I have always been somebody who indulges in the romance of life, the theatrics of the highs and lows and how main character it feels, which can be wonderful or it can be really heavy, hard to shake and distracting from what is actually happening to me. I owed myself honesty and the opportunity to heal and for some reason it felt easier allowing this to happen ‘across the Atlantic Ocean’ far away from anything or anyone I knew.”

Notably, Eden Hunter has swiftly and impressively refined her musical style. Thus showcasing a distinctive blend of catchy melodies and emotive lyrics. With the latest offering “Knock Me Out,” she stands on the cusp of a significant breakthrough, ready to captivate audiences and leave a lasting mark on the pop music scene. Above all, Hunter’s confident delivery and vibrant energy position her as an exciting and fresh talent, promising to shine brightly among the industry’s newcomers.

Connect with Eden Hunter
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/edenhunter_/

The post EMERGING ARTIST: Eden Hunter appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

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I have to admit, it wasn’t until the most recent album, “Troubled Paradise,” that I really started paying attention to wannabe pop star Slayyyter. After trying to make it in the pop scene for a few years, Slayyyter’s debut album in 2021 showed a more subdued side to her DIY pop sound. Where she toned down the bravado and switched up the synth-pop style. I was pleasantly surprised by the results of this evolution. However, she recently linked up with Tove Lo in the support slot of the Swedish pop sensation’s North American leg of the Dirt Femme tour. This aroused my suspicions that we might be hearing more from Slayyyter soon.

Honestly, I was not expecting what Slayyyter just released. “Out of Time” is unquestionably her most pop-oriented track so far, and it’s amazing. It has that 80s/90s vibe that reminds me a lot of Kim Petras, and I just found out that they have the same producer, Vaughn Oliver. No wonder the similarities are there! Oliver has also worked on some of Kim’s iconic hits like “Malibu,” “Sweet Spot,” and “Personal Hell.”

About “Out of Time,” Slayyyter says… “it was inspired a lot by my own anxieties and insecurities about being a smaller artist in the music industry. This song is a slick 80s rebirth for me about anyone who has ever wanted to be famous.”

Having seen the official visualiser for Slayyyter’s new song. The clip gives a glimpse into what we can expect from this era of her music. There’s a strong theme of Hollywood luxury, celebrity obsessions, dreams and delusions, femme fatales, and vanity. These themes remind me somewhat of Allie X‘s “Super Sunset“. Although, the music on the leading focus single, “Out of Time,” seems to be more in keeping with the style of Kim Petras and Miley Cyrus.

The song “Out of Time” by Slayyyter has super impressed me. This track showcases her musical prowess like never before, and I can’t help but hope that she continues down this path. The combination of indie, synth-pop and 80s is truly, alluring. If she keeps this vibe going, I can see myself becoming a huge fan of Slayyyter in the coming months…

Connect with Slayyyter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Slayyyter-104494698104151
Twitter: https://twitter.com/slayyyter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slayyyter/

The post Listen to “Out of Time” by Slayyyter appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

In May this year, I shared a blog post about the Norwegian singer-songwriter Anna of the North. In the piece, I highlighted that she had collaborated with Gus Dapperton on the track “Meteorite“. (It was noted that the song was the first focus release of Anna’s third album). In the feature, I mentioned, ‘I do not seem to write about Anna of the North way near enough.’ Which is also a wholly valid statement. Similarly, however, I have written about many other Norwegian music artists this year. With this in mind. It was important to me, nonetheless, not to overlook the fact that Anna’s new album “Crazy Life” is releasing on November 4th. Neither that, a new focus single, “I Do You“, is now out.

Dreamy, shimmering synths are her signature sound and what I have come to expect from her. In her project, she doesn’t take risks, and neither does she need to. When the music possesses a timeless quality, for instance, it continually enchants and spellbinds in equal measure. Staying within her sonic realm. These are feelings that Anna of the North always makes of point of representing in her music videos. And where she sets to work to captivate by connecting with us and being relatable.

She explains “I Do You” simply by saying, “I wrote a song about my inferiority complex”.

Further elaborating…

“Too many times have I been in the situation where I put other people before myself. I imagine everyone around me being so happy and successful. Like other people are so in control of themselves and their feelings. It’s like I give other people superpowers. We say that we’re our own worst enemy. And I’m definitely mine. I wish sometimes that I could see myself from another perspective. I wish that I could look at myself, like I look at others…If I did me, like I do you.”

The project of Anna Lotterud has already proved its mastery in merging timeless vibes with the digital-styled sounds of the modern pop landscape. Above all. I can both see this and hear it, even if she cannot. She is naturally an endearing performer/artist. An indie-pop darling in the truest sense of the expression.

Connect with Anna of the North
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaofthenorth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anna_ofthenorth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaofthenorth/

The post Watch “I Do You” by Anna of the North appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

I am so grateful to the universe that it listened to my plea and that a great electronic pop track from Darla Jade track found its way to me this week. Having observed her music being picked up by Radio1. And growing tastemaker support. The electro-pop singer-songwriter, born and bred in Stoke-On-Trent, is someone I have wanted to check out for a while now. So this weekend, I shut myself away for some peace and solitude for a few hours and made sure I got to know the music of Darla Jade better.

From my listening session, I discovered that I really liked her authentic songwriting style. The lyrics are dripping with thoughtfulness and emotive sensibilities where she covers topics around her own life experiences. (And that she rarely deviates away from this style.) More often than not, the music itself radiates with delightful shimmering synths. I am not the first to say this, but the melodic music style she has chosen to work in exudes a noticeable Scandinavian style of pop presence. Where artists such as, Sigrid, Dagny and Anna of the North are the one’s Darla Jade finds herself compared with the most.

The little inflexions of her voice seen in the chorus sections of her latest track, “Can’t Run Forever,” remind me of Sigrid’s singing style most.

She discusses the third single from her upcoming sophomore EP, due later this year.

Darla Jade explained: “I had a lot going on last year. I realised that I tend to bottle up my feelings and essentially just run away from my issues. So this song is about me addressing that and trying to get myself to ‘just face it’ as it all ‘catches up eventually.”

My mind starts to speculate about which music acts to keep an eye on in the months ahead this time of year. The music world isn’t overflowing with electro-pop releases at the moment. Boo! However, Darla Jade shows much promise and has me excited about her music. If you enjoy electro-pop and don’t immediately fall in love with Darla and her track “Can’t Run Forever.” It is not my intention to be rude when I say, “There is something seriously wrong with you.”

Connect with Darla Jade
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlajadeuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darlajadeuk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlajadeuk/

The post EMERGING ARTIST: Darla Jade appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

When sending acts to Eurovision in recent years, Norway started a trend of veering down the novelty route. I cannot think why they do this as some of the best pop acts to come out of anywhere come out of Norway. Sigrid, Astrid S, Dagny, Susanne Sundfør and Morten Harket, for example. One more candidate for the role of Norway’s Eurovision ambassador I can think of is Anna of the North. I do not seem to write about Anna of the North way near enough. She just put out the track “Meteorite” in collaboration with the New York-raised singer-songwriter and producer Gus Dapperton.

The song is the first insight of Anna’s third album. Gus composed the song originally.

Speaking about the collaboration and song, Anna says, “He (Gus) asked if I wanted to put a verse on it (“Meteorite“) and collaborate which I, of course, wanted to do. I’m a big fan of him. I love the song and am so happy with how it came out. Our voices work really well together. It’s a song about distance and how energy always connects us.”

It is good to hear such a warm, summery song from Anna. “Meteorite” has more pop influences than she usually does, but a third album is a good time to switch things up a bit. The guest spot from Gus lends well to this dynamic. The idea of an indie-pop collaboration for a change is refreshing, in comparison to pop and EDM.

In the Chessa Subbiondo directed music video, I love how ordinary, and real it feels. A launderette is the setting of the video. Far from airing their dirty laundry. As they go about the mundane tasks of daily life, Anna and Gus are more intent on crooning about the effects felt, by long-distance relationships.

“I can feel you here, feel you there, feel you right, baby. I can feel your waist ‘cross the space and the time. It hits me like a flood, like a stun, like a light, like a meteorite.”

This sunny slice of whistle-led skittering pop is perfect to cool off on a hot summer day. It is a record that is never anything less than intoxicating.

Connect with Anna of the North
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaofthenorth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anna_ofthenorth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaofthenorth/

Connect with Gus Dapperton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gusdapperton
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gusdapperton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gusdapperton/

The post Watch “Meteorite” by Anna of the North & Gus Dapperton appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

I didn’t write about the most recent KEiiNO track when it dropped at the beginning of December. I felt it a better idea that I wait till New Year to celebrate the release instead. The title of the song “A New Beginning” had me feeling this way inclined, I guess.

Despite not knowing beforehand, I sensed, nonetheless, KEiiNO might release a video around New Year. Luckily for me, my hunch has paid off. They did indeed debut the video for the track over the New Year.

For “A New Beginning“, the Nordic pop trio have linked up with the emerging Norwegian artist and songwriter Peder Elias. PwC in Norway invited 12 acts to collaborate with a less established artist to write and record a song. KEiiNO was one of them. The band selected 24-year-old Elias from Trondheim from a list of potential candidates to collaborate with.

KEiiNO’s decision with Elias has worked out great. As lead vocalists on the track. KEiiNO’s Alexandra and Peder work together effectively. Although almost too well, that I forgot I was listening to a KEiiNO track. I was left waiting for Fred’s signature Sami rap bit to arrive. Yet glad it was able to get squeezed in towards the end of the song because, without it, it just wouldn’t be a KEiiNO track.

The video directed by Alexander Zarate Frezfor the track focuses on the lead vocalists as they negate being bold and stepping into the unknown, taking cues from the song narrative. They sing. “A new beginning, I’m in tears (in tears). ‘Cause I know I need to go it alone, just ride on my own. I’ve been waiting for tonight. And tonight, I wanna start something new. A new beginning.”

In the footage from the music video, we see the lone figure of Alexandra at a bus stop with only her suitcase for company. Peder is out in his car, taking a drive. As I think of all the possibilities, how this video could have ended. I feel somewhat deflated they chose to go with the safe option. There were some near slips the band swerved on this release for sure, but KEiiNO redeemed themselves in the end. The star of this show is definitely the use of neon light effects captured in the footage, though. Might, these be replicating the aurora borealis (The Northern Lights)?… If so, I feel it.

Connect with KEiiNO
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keiinomusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/keiinoband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiinoband

Connect with Peder Elias
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pedereliasmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedereliaas/

The post Watch “A New Beginning” by KEiiNO ft Peder Elias appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

A new track has appeared from my second favourite pop artist named mags. (If you are wondering…my first being the awesome Magne (Mags) Furuholmen, synths/keyboard player, songwriter and founder member of A-ha). The mags from Copenhagen, Denmark, who I am writing about today. Grabbed my attention with a track called “I can’t get over you” that she released a few months ago (review HERE). With the music, she is leaning towards more of an indie-pop than a synth-pop vibe. Yet, her songwriting style reminded me a lot of DAGNY. Her second release of the year is “as long as we’re both breathing“. A pristine offering that sounds really big all over, but especially but not surprisingly in the chorus.

Written as a modern take on the famous words “till death do us part”. Explaining the track mags says…

“It’s about the declaration of love, to stay together for better or worse. “As long as we’re both breathing” is a song that emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding. As the keys to balancing between love and hate in any close relation. Two very different feelings that are often very close to each other on the emotional spectrum”.

There are some very cool changes in dynamic on this track. The softer moments are poignant and affecting. And where I noticed I was breathing slower because of being absorbed by mags every word and her delicate voice. So delicate and otherworldly until swapping it up for a blast of gusto in the chorus. I can imagine Sigrid fans would really resonate with what mags has done on “as long as we’re both breathing“. Since the track appears to be very influenced by the styles previously covered by the current number one Norwegian pop artist.

Alongside Sigrid, Dagny, Anna of the North, mags is helping to show the way forward to make pop great again.

Connect with mags
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magsmusicc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mags/

The post Listen to “as long as we’re both breathing” by mags appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Dreamy Norwegian songstress Anna of the North has become renowned for her shimmering pop releases. When first writing about her in 2014, I described her as sweetly spellbinding and perfectly enchanting. A signature trend that has never since so much, wavered. (Why attempt to mend what isn’t broke?) Anna has written her third album while in lockdown. The planned release is for the fall/autumn of this year. The countdown to the album drop begins with the melancholic but happy record “Here’s To Another.” A track that urges us to connect with the overwhelming feeling of the moment.

“‘Here’s To Another” is one of my favourite songs that I’ve ever written. It’s very honest, and the story of my life. It wasn’t intentional, but I think a lot of people can connect with the lyrics at the moment as we just put quite a strange and challenging year behind us.” Anna says of the track.

The blissfully alluring track is accompanied by the most adorable, delightful music video. The clip directed by Alexander Zarate Frez traces Anna’s movements after a night out at a friends house. She leaves the gathering a little upset. Everyone around her seems to be having fun, but for Anna. Who is having the worst pangs of anxiety and jealousy. Neither looks good on her. Until an unlikely friend steps forward and helps to sort out the funk mood, she is in. All is not what you might expect. Curious?… find out more. Take a wonderful four minutes to watch the clip and the story behind it.

Anna of the North continues to stay on brand, but my oh my, she has delivered exquisite, fantastical, synth-pop mastery here. On “Here’s To Another” she achieves a song of new heights, new depths, and everything in between.

Connect with Anna of the North
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaofthenorth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anna_ofthenorth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaofthenorth/

The post Watch “Here’s To Another” by Anna of the North appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Norway’s Emma Jensen has been promising her debut EP for a while. It was all going so well before Covid-19 struck. She supported Carly Rae Jepsen in Norway before everything closed down. It seems after almost a year without any new music, the EP release is continuing to take shape with the singer, producer’s latest cut “Talk Me Down.” There wasn’t a lot of warning the new track was coming either, as when taking a peep at Emma’s social media we are mostly fed glimpses of what she got up to this summer. Now “Talk Me Down” is here, the track was definitely worth the wait. Pristine, anthemic, Nordic pop with a slight icy shiver.

The song has already been added to the playlist of Norway’s biggest radio station NRK P3, and has the capability of making its presence felt in neighbouring Scandinavian countries, for sure. Especially when Emma’s singing voice on the track strikes of similarity to both Frida Sundemo and Anna of the North. The track has enough of a chilly mood coming through in the music, as well as factoring in a spectacularly upbeat chorus section.

Speaking with Norway’s pop culture website, 730.no Emma revealed that “Talk Me Down” was written about her experiences with suffering panic attacks. And how she addresses the situation whenever it arises. By calling up good friends and family. Talking through what has happened, helps with a sense of safety and restoring of balance.

I look upon the track as a glittery ode to remembering self-care goes beyond, the physical stuff we do to relax. Lighting scented candles, taking a luxury bubble bath or spa treatment. These things do not concentrate just on beauty and pampering aspects, they are also useful when looking after the beauty of the mind (wellness) as well.

Just because of how shitty 2020 has been, “Talk Me Down” will particularly strike an emotional chord. Regardless of this, the track is melodically pretty and wholly endearing. Play it once, and play it again, feel yourself falling in love with the song.

Connect with Emma Jensen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmajensn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmajensn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmajensn/

Now that’s what I call electronic pop!

Only the best new pop, electronic and indie music makes it onto our This Beat Is Poptronik Spotify playlists.

Curated by Mandy Rogers and Raj Rudolph from EQ Music – This Beat Is Poptronik is your must-listen-to playlist to download on-the-go.

Turn it up and tune everything else out.

Follow us on Spotify!

The post Listen to “Talk Me Down” by Emma Jensen appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

It doesn’t matter if the weather is raining or blowing a gale outside as whenever angel-voiced Hannah Jane Lewis is around, she always seems to bring the sunshine vibes along with her. And synth-pop, yes dreamily hued synth-pop, is also guaranteed a starring role within her music. The singer really came through with some down-right gorgeous tracks last year. I must confess, I happily got used to hearing her pretty, mesmerising voice, on a new track every other month or so. Thank goodness she hasn’t burned out on this trend and has carried it over spanning into 2020 as well. It is lovely to feel her presence once more with the arrival of the sparkling new track “Love Letters.”

With the feel of spring, now in the air, I’m ready for heart-bursting lyrics and sun-kissed grooves to begin making an appearance on the music scene. Hannah Jane Lewis with “Love Letters” is one music artist who is early on the case with a sublime combination of both. When I pressed play on the track and owing to the enchanting melody, I had the overwhelming feeling that I had somehow opened the door into a whimsical wonderland. (I am positive, it really wasn’t the case that being in isolation delirium has set in, and comes down to the nostalgic charm, the track has.) The spellbinding synth-work evokes a similar sense of carefree, breeziness which really, takes me back to the early 80s and The Dream Academy hit “Life in a Northern Town.”

The Hannah Jane track isn’t about singing a love letter to the north of any other part of the UK. As the songstress explains,

“Love Letters was sparked by a meme I saw from the notebook that said ‘if Noah can write Ali a letter every day for a year, then he can text you back’. I’ve had so many friends who have cried on my shoulder about a boy or a girl who makes them feel hard to love – my younger self included! One that you make excuses for, one that makes someone question their self-worth. So this song is with that in mind, written for a friend, reminding us all that we deserve THE MOST – for it to be just like the movies.”

Aww, and there we have it, in her dreamy, whimsy Hannah Jane Lewis has turned Cinderella and brought the fairytale feeling to life. May I offer a suggestion, that after we have enjoyed this track, let’s say we all click our fingers and be brought out of the COVID-19 nightmare. (If only like the movies, it could be as easy as that.) Be like Cinderella, stay at home. Help to keep your family and friends safe. (Public announcement, over.)

! Tune in to Hannah Jane’s – “Love Letters” Instagram Live release gig – TONIGHT – 18:30 GMT (for an acoustic set and Q & A)

Connect with Hannah Jane Lewis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HJLOFFICIAL/
Twitter: @hjlofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hjlofficial/

The post Listen to “Love Letters” by Hannah Jane Lewis appeared first on EQ Music Blog.