It’s true that if you’re a fan of Sigala‘s music, you’re likely familiar with Bryn Christopher. He’s provided vocals on the BRIT-nominated artist, producer, and DJs tracks, including the popular 2015 hit “Sweet Lovin‘.” Not only did Bryn lend his soulful vocals to the track, but he also co-wrote it. In fact, Bryn has co-written and penned many hits for other artists, including Melanie C and Louis Tomlinson. Additionally, you may recognize Bryn from his work with the electronic band – I See Monstas.

With that said, evidently Bryn Christopher is no stranger to the music industry. However, as a songwriter behind the hits, he has reached a point where the spotlight is beckoning him to a career as a solo artist. Whereby recently, he released his first solo vocal effort of 2023. A song called “High,” written and recorded with DJ producers Jodie Harsh and Laconic. Bryn is excited to see where this new journey takes him as he embarks on a new chapter in what is already an illustrious music journey to date.

As a result of his extensive collaborations with Sigala. It’s no surprise that Bryn Christopher’s solo release features a dancefloor, pop-crossover aesthetic. However, what sets him apart are the soulful powerhouse vocals he brings to the table, showcasing his pop star quality.

It’s always inspiring to see artists use their platform to share their personal stories and struggles with the world. Similarly, regarding “High” – the release is a deeply personal song that draws from his own journey towards self-acceptance.

“When I sing ‘I prayed and it didn’t work‘, that’s me looking back at a time when I really, really didn’t want to be gay,” he says while further adding, “Obviously now as an adult, I’m really proud of being gay. It isn’t all that I am, but I do think it has helped to shape me as a person and an artist. And it can give me a very unique perspective in songwriting sessions.”

Bryn Christopher is a force to be reckoned in the music industry. With his exceptional skills as a songwriter and his soulful powerhouse vocals, he already proved himself as a top artist. If you haven’t checked the music yet, you’re missing out on the next big thing. Keep an eye out for this rising star in 2024, he’s bound to take the music world by storm.

Connect with Bryn Christopher
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrynChristopher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryn.christopher/

The post Listen to “High” by Bryn Christopher appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Remember this? It’s our EQ Music Blog playlist:- “This Beat Is Poptronik” – January 2023. Admittedly, it has been a while since we updated the playlist. However, as it is New Year. We thought we would take another shot at it. While recognising that we posted about some incredible songs on the blog lately. We have compiled a new list for ourselves and for you, also, our readers. To ultimately assist us all with avoiding an unwelcome dose of the January blues.

Recap begins…

JANUARY 2023 features…

In November, with the arrival of his new song, “Satisfaction,” Darin turned the heat up with a different level of hotness. As a matter of fact, the track is not only, hotter than hot, but it is also a pivotal transition in his life and music career.

The Sugababes (Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchannan) dropped their album “The Lost Tapes” on Christmas eve. These are much spoken-about and sought-after tracks that have lain in the Sugababes vault for years. To celebrate. We felt it suitably fitting the MNEK co-write “Drum” gets a prominent feature on “This Beat Is Poptronik” -January 2023.

Ava Max’s latest electrifying pop cut. “Dancing’s Done” exhibits an epic dance floor sound. And owns a stylistically strong 80s electro-pop vibe. It is a track that makes no excuse for what it is. A song about love and lust. (Although, not necessarily in this order.)

Whatever you do, you should not miss these gems from ALMA, Nic Billington, JORDY, Initial Talk ft Sam Sparro, PJ Brennan and Zac Poor.

Put these emerging artists on your radar: 

In my opinion. In “Hey Cowboy,” Devon Cole, an alt-pop singer-songwriter from Toronto released only the second funniest song of 2022. She showed that powerful lyricism paired with a fun-loving dose of playfulness creates a powerful and addictive mix.

Adam Evans is in his infancy as an independent artist. Yet the signs are good as his burgeoning pop career takes off. As a result of sharing raw and honest vulnerability while soul-searching in his songs. In the tracks “Hypothetically” and “BITE ME!,“ Adam Evans demonstrates his undeniable talent. This, in my opinion, is proof positive why he is an artist to watch.

Musically drawing comparisons with Kate Bush and Foxes. The album “The Words” demonstrates Liz Cass as one of the most promising intelligent pop acts to break through this year.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you. With Sam Short, we see beyond the TikTok hype. Listening to “Taste It,” is a slice of heartbreak pop art. Equally. The details that are so intense and raw.

With every release, Alexander Stewart creates, even more, one- to-watch buzz. It isn’t any wonder he applies his craft to heartbreak and sad pop songs. Since he is blessed with a super emotive vocal. In addition, his delivery is extremely moving. In fact, almost every song he releases is sent viral within days, if not hours. His talent is undeniable. Look out for him. Since with a handful of tracks to his name, he is only warming up.

However, please do feel free to explore the playlist. Discover a new favourite track and/or artist for yourself. Tell your friends about our playlist if you like. An even better idea would be to nudge them toward subscribing. (It would make us stupidly happy if you did this) Check back for more “This Beat Is Poptronik” news and an updated playlist sometime soon.

The post Stream It! “This Beat Is Poptronik” Playlist – January 2023 appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Hurrah for normalcy creeping back into new music releases and the pop charts. Being a person who has a somewhat phobic reaction to Christmas music, December is a particularly challenging time musically for me. For this reason, I especially become impatient for the first proper release week of January to arrive. Irrespective of the music industry, returning back into gear usually gets off to a slow start. Generally, I tend to feel these songs in a much more intense way than I would otherwise. (Which, speaking honestly, is pretty powerful, anyways.) One of the first press releases landing in my inbox on Friday was an alert about the new Sigala track “Radio,” which features MNEK on vocals.

Since being familiar with what MNEK does and having a fair understanding of Sigala’s artistry also. I thought I knew what to expect from this track. Checking “Radio” out. My assumption of a banger was correct. Although I did not expect to be gripped by the lyrics the way I was. In fact, I felt the songwriting was quite a neat concept. The clever narrative describes what it feels like to connect with a song in a palpable sense. And about the feelings that song lyrics can evoke, moreover. In addition, the track discusses the benefits of music and songwriting as a means of expressing feelings and making connections. This collaboration reminds us about the beneficial value of music radio broadcasting also.

In three minutes, “Radio” swiftly evolved from merely being seen as a catchy dance-pop crossover club song. To a track where the lyrics assist with the manifesting of a profound and broader train of thought.

Normally, DJ and production led songs like this to be dismissed as nothing but a bop. Although in this instance. The lyrical meaning of “Radio” elevates this release beyond that ill-informed assumption.

Connect with Sigala
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sigalamusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sigalamusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigala/

Connect with MNEK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNEKOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MNEK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MNEK/

The post Listen to “Radio” by Sigala x MNEK appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Browsing the internet during the holidays. I am surprised to discover not everyone is talking about the miracle that happened at Christmas. The fact that not one family argument broke out at my home on Christmas day is not what I speak about. Instead, I refer to the Sugababes (Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchannan), who dropped their album “The Lost Tapes” on Christmas eve. These are much spoken-about and sought-after tracks that have lain in the Sugababes vault for years. (Check out the fab article HERE about these tracks written by Raj from back in the day).

In a statement released by them, the Sugababes said…

“This has been a year of incredibly positive moments for us as a band. We wanted to do something to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. We wrote this album almost 8 years ago, and we remember the magic we felt at the time. For various reasons beyond our control, it didn’t get an official release. So it’s with great pride that “The Lost Tapes” gets a fully independent release from us today. Available now on all streaming platforms – listen here https://songwhip.com/sugababes/the-lost-tapes – A very Merry Christmas, love Mutya, Keisha & Siobhan x

As much as I appreciate this special gift from the ladies. More importantly, the release is, at last, paving the way for some even more up-to-date material from them. Since in, 2020, it was once again reported the ladies were working with MNEK. Truthfully I wanted to get behind the remixes that were released as part of the “One Touch” (20th Anniversary Edition) last year. My only regret is that I found it difficult to fully engage with the extended versions used as promotion for this milestone release.

Although on the contrary, picking out favourites from “The Lost Tapes” is moreover, a difficult task. It is just super satisfying, no matter how long it took, that these songs eventually have seen the light of day. For the purpose of this blog feature and also for the sake of the pure pop aesthetic exhibited. I have selected “Summer of ’99” as a focus track.

Subsequently, after gifting this enormous treat. Sugababes also issued an alert that we remain vigilant to their incoming updates saying…

“Santa might have a few more tricks up his sleeve before the years up, so watch this space”. (i.e, keep an eye out for further notification on any or all of the links below).

Connect with Sugababes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSugababes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sugababes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugababes/

The post Listen to “The Lost Tapes” by Sugababes appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

In their most recent release. With the song “Diamond Life“. Independent singer-songwriter Leo Kalyan has made an inspirational move. This being that they have borrowed the title from Sade‘s successful and much acclaimed debut album. In fact, the new song from Leo is not a cover, as some music fans might have first assumed. Nevertheless, at the same time it is noted that Sade’s style is similar to Leo Kalyan’s. In that both artists use smooth and dreamy ambience. And yet, strangely enough in the song that is written and performed with the prolific pop polymath MNEK. With this track Leo aims to teach self-love and gratitude as a powerful force. And, is where Leo says of, “Diamond Life” is a song that is written about connecting to your inner light & power. About finding the ability to shine from within”.

In noticing the Jade Ang Jackman-directed video, now released in support of “Diamond Life“. It is evident that there is some lovely juxtaposition between the visual elements and lyrical narrative here. Since, according to the song’s message. It tells us we can be wealthy, in life, without accumulating physical possessions or spending on luxury items. Whereas, in contrast. The dazzling video footage flips this idea by and large. So that instead the visual exudes a sense of extreme opulance. The stunning clip shows Leo wearing nothing but sparkling gems. While not forgetting to mention that they are enjoying every bit of luxuriating in them as well.

And yet, they confirm the songs subject matter as…

“resisting the push & pull of the material world with all of its endless expectations and limits. No amount of success, money or acclaim can substitute for the confidence that comes from realising your own self-worth. The “Diamond Life” truly is inside of you.”

Coming out of a two-year hiatus. The soaring pop anthem “Diamond Life” acts as a reintroduction to the multi-hyphenate Kalyan. In any event. Continues to prove above all. They still have their finger on the pulse at all times. Especially it is most notable that we see this when they are creative while at the same time advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.

First and foremost. Their enthralling new single and video are just a taste of what is to come. Since a long-awaited body of work from Leo Kalyan is slated to arrive early 2023.

Connect with Leo Kalyan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leokalyan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leokalyan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leokalyan/

Connect with MNEK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNEKOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MNEK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MNEK/

The post Watch “Diamond Life” by Leo Kalyan ft MNEK appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Music artist Zac Poor has excited me with his musical talent since back in the day. I have witnessed his music evolution from 2010 to the present. Although, I rarely see music artists do something so remarkable that it makes me stop and take notice. Unexpectedly as it turned out. I was in for a treat yesterday morning when I found out the video to Zac’s current release, “Ghost Boy,” at that time, had just premiered online.

To say that the song is his most important one ever. This is only the tip of the iceberg of praise that Zac deserves for his courage in writing, recording and releasing it. Since, because recently in a series of emotional Instagram posts, he opened up a lot on a personal level. He explained he wrote a letter to his younger self about a year and a half ago and had turned it into the song “Ghost Boy“.

The letter/lyrics describe a childhood experience that impacted him greatly as Zac grew up. He encountered hatred for the first time as a child. It further mentions that at 31 years old, he learned to make peace with himself. The song traverses sadness, truth, authenticity and hope.

Yet the music video is moreover deeply affecting and incredibly poignant. Since in the Ameerah Roelants + Zac Poor directed video clip, we see him openly embrace his feminine side. For the visual, he is joined by his niece Bella Poor. She assists with helping to bring this healing story to life.

In a personal statement dedicated to Bella, expressing his gratitude, Zac said

“You helped to tell a story about a young boy too scared to look in the mirror because he was told who he was, was ugly. Thankfully that boy grew up to learn how beautiful he was.

Beautiful because he was kind.

Beautiful because he was different.

Beautiful because he was gentle.

Beautiful because he was feminine.

Beautiful because he was queer.

Beautiful because he was brave enough to love despite being hated for it”.

It is my hope Zac does not mind that I repost such a personal message. Since I believe this story and his experiences can benefit other members of the LGBTQ+ community, I am sharing them with you today.

Zac Poor has most recently co-written songs for Tate McRae and MNEK. He is currently writing his debut album, “Years Of My Youth.” The LGBTQ+ inspired anthem “Ghost Boy” is the lead single.

Stay tuned to Zac Poor since I have an inkling, that the new music will continue to both inspire and excite in equal measure.

Connect with Zac Poor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZACPOOR/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacpoor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacpoor/

The post Watch “Ghost Boy” by Zac Poor appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

The horrible truth is, I have a need to be extra selective with my music choices to write about at the moment. I am preparing to go away on my summer holiday in a few days. Thus, my time is at a premium just now. More than ever, I am sharing with our readers the new music which strikes a chord with me most. It may surprise readers that I am digging into a song written to promote a leading cannabis-infused beverage in collaboration with Weedmaps. But not without good reason, I am gunning for this track. Founded by queer people, Drink Producer Cann is an established company. They launch their pride campaign for 2022 with the anthem “Taste So Good” (The Cann Song). The song and video feature an all-star diverse cast from the LGBTQ+ community.

Independent pop singer-songwriter VINCINT is joined by Hayley Kiyoko and MNEK on this Leland-penned track. Also along for the ride is pop royalty Kesha, who links up for a verse of her own.

Botanical infused beverages may not appeal to everyone. That said. The market for drinks boosting health benefits such as those associated with CBD is starting to fill up supermarket shelves alongside hard seltzer and kombucha. It is an immense growth area and strand of the plant-based revolution. It was only a matter of time before drinks of these kinds received the full-blown promotion treatment to rival Coca Cola and Pepsi.

The lyrics
“A little different can taste so good (taste so good). What a feeling (I knew it would, I knew it would).” Also, apply when celebrating our differences. And why in this campaign, support from the LGBTQ+ community works two-fold.

The track is that good. That if we were to block out all mentions of the drink campaign, the song would still hold up on its own and proudly.

The song got me pure and simple. Together with the rallying message it sends. Why else would I commit to writing about a product available in the USA only and not the UK, where I am based? “Taste So Good” primary use may be that of an advertisement, but I’ll say this. The track from VINCINT ft Hayley Kiyoko and MNEK is a whole lot better than many of the pop songs released in recent weeks.

Connect with VINCINT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vincintmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VINCINT_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincint/

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayleyKiyoko/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hayleykiyoko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykiyoko

Connect with MNEK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNEKOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MNEK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MNEK/

The post Watch “Taste So Good” (The Cann Song) by VINCINT ft Hayley Kiyoko and MNEK appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

FACT. The top spot on my personal Spotify Wrapped has gone to Tom Aspaul for two years in a row. The heartbreak disco-pop of his debut album “Black Country Disco” and “Black Country Discothèque” (the remix album) were constant music companions in my life, steering me through the gloomy days of lockdown. As such, “Black Country Disco” will never get old to me. Since he announced, the new era would begin on New Year’s Eve. I was eager to jump right into the new music when it dropped. As I watched Tom’s Instagram posts, I became intrigued by “Let Them” (It’s All Love). Even so, I held off from posting my thoughts until the video was released.

The first thing I noticed about the new track, it is brimming with Europop flavour. I felt sure Tom would reference Moldovan singer Natalia Gordienko’s Eurovision entry, “Sugar,” as an influence for the new sound. (He has shared his appreciation of the track extensively on his social media platforms). In line with the “It’s Fantastic” playlist, he curated for the “Life In Plastic” sophomore album – (that includes songs that inspired the upcoming album). Steps, Kylie, Adam Rickitt, Liberty X, Everything But The Girl and INNA, among others, helped shape the sound of his second album. I was startled not seeing Gordienko’s name on the line-up. (Check out the “It’s Fantastic” playlist HERE)

Not everything has changed in this era. Tom teams up with longtime collaborator Gil Lewis again for the release. Speaking with Gay Times, Tom said. “I’ve worked with Gil Lewis, who produced the first album, again, but every song is co-produced by me this time around. I’ve also collaborated with my wonderful friend MNEK on a couple of tracks.” (Read the full interview with Gay Times HERE)

As much as I enjoy the new direction of the music. It was the Sam Taylor-Edwards‘ music video I’ve been dying to watch. Clever, wardrobe styling from Aaron Francis Walker helps project the image we see of Tom encoded into a virtual reality version of himself in the clip. This styling is on point, and has such a cool, camp, gay aesthetic for a video game model. I cannot take my eyes of this video it is massively captivating.

The year has only just started, yet the video is one of my favourites of 2022, already. I love that it envelops me in a sense of escape. I am hopeful that Tom’s “Life In Plastic” era will bring me more opportunities to break free from reality. Certainly seems Tom is hinting at this direction with both the music and the video.

Connect with Tom Aspaul
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomaspaulmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tom_aspaul
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_aspaul/

The post Watch “Let Them” (It’s All Love) by Tom Aspaul appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

It would seem that I haven’t written anything about Joel Corry before. I know, what! not even about “Head and Heart“, his monster collaboration with MNEK, but that was always going to blow up big. It isn’t usual that I would be saying this (but as you know, the last eighteen months have been anything but normal). Now the time feels right that a massive dance track takes off and takes over our lives. I feel we need not look any further than Joel Corry alongside Jax Jones, featuring Charli XCX and Saweetie. Who is giving us the song (“OUT OUT“) to party to as though it were New Year’s Eve.

It is obvious where the inspiration has come from for this dance banger. Joel and Jax speak brazenly about using the riff from Stromae 2010 mega-hit “Alors On Danse“. Snatching it and building the track around. I guess with the pinch of the familiar added to it, “OUT OUT” feels somewhat like meeting up with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. Then discovering that they have had a makeover or dyed their hair neon green. You recognise them, yet there is that element of newness evident as well.

The lead vocals from Charli XCX are so good. She does what is needed to make this track super fun. Cali rapper Saweetie who pops up on the one verse. Appears because she adds something a tad unexpected and sassy. When we’ve been craving, about the mere thought of being able to go out, out for so long. It seems only fitting that now we are allowed to go out and enjoy ourselves this way again that there be a ready-made anthem primed to help us burn up the dance floor. While the concept is nothing new (think Whigfield “Saturday Night,” a track about going out clubbing). Joel Corry in his wisdom has not missed a trick.

Connect with Joel Corry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoelCorry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joelcorry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelcorry/

Connect with Jax Jones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnMyJaxJones/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaxJones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxjones/

The post Listen to “OUT OUT” by Joel Corry, Jax Jones, (ft Charli XCX and Saweetie) appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

Do you feel overdosed on Christmas songs already, because the majority of them were released earlier this year? (This is me, but every year.) Regardless of this week’s top twenty pop chart resembling a Christmas hymn book, fear not, there are still plenty of non-festive pop tracks being released at the moment. I’d like to fill you in about London based singer-songwriter Beauty and his latest single “Vulnerable.” A contemporary electro-pop song with notable R’nB influences and styling.

Starting out as a songwriter, Beauty began releasing his own music only a few months ago. You might have seen him already if you watched the recent reality TV programme “Little Mix The Search.” He auditioned with a rendition of Tiësto and Mabel’s “God Is A Dancer” (This was not a show, I tuned in for a watch of. Am I put on the naughty list? – (sorry I’m just not very into Little Mix.) I have listened to the three tracks “Grown Up,” “Die For You,” “Vulnerable,” Beauty has now put out. His silky smooth harmonies and pop sensibilities completely, shine out like twinkling Christmas tree lights. Similarly evoking the same sense of tingly, excitement. At times I, noticed a little resemblance to MNEK creep into the vocals, but only a touch, and this, really nice.

Beauty’s speciality is his heart-on-sleeve lyrics. He particularly opens up good and proper on “Vulnerable.” He shares bare-boned lyrics about (what has become the songwriters most talked about topics of the year) isolation and loneliness.

“This song is about the realisation that I am not invincible. We all need human connection, and when we’re longing for someone’s affection, but we’re not sure if the feeling is mutual, it can really wound us and leave us feeling exposed.” Beauty explains.

Beauty delivers the single with qualities of command and vulnerability. The music is a near-perfect combination of catchy songwriting, transparent lyricism and pop. Beauty isn’t in the same league with MNEK, yet but let’s give it time and see what happens.

Connect with Beauty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautysmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautysmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautysmusic/

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 Emerging Artist: Beauty appeared first on EQ Music Blog.