As readers of EQ Music Blog are well aware, we have a particular liking for Nordic pop artists. A vibrant genre that has been the focal point of many features on our blog. From Sigrid‘s electrifying energy to Dagny‘s catchy melodies, and MØ‘s dynamic soundscapes to Moyka‘s ethereal vocals. We’ve only scratched the surface of the exceptional talent emerging from this region. Our quest for discovering fresh, innovative voices continues. And I am excited to introduce you to a standout emerging artist: IVY.

Originally hailing from Norway and now based in London, IVY, formerly known as bby ivy, is embarking on an inspiring new chapter in her musical journey. Her latest release, “Let My Hair Down,” showcases a raw and unapologetically honest take on alt-pop, blending highly emotive lyrics with captivating production. This track not only reflects her personal growth but also resonates with listeners on a deeper level. Thus making it a must-listen for fans of genuine and relatable music.

IVY is not only developing a distinctive sound in the alt-pop genre. She is also setting herself apart from other artists in the Nordic pop scene with her vibrant and anthemic power-pop style. In her artistic journey, she has transitioned from her previously sweet and alluring vocal delivery, which resonated with DJs, producers, and live audiences during various collaborations in the electronic and club music space. Which her most recent collaboration with Tungevaag on the track “The Night” highlights. Additionally, the bold, sing-speak approach she employs in “Let My Hair Down” represents a dramatic change. Moreover, making IVY nearly unrecognizable compared to her earlier pop music endeavours. Yet, above all showcasing her ability to evolve as an artist.

“This era is about trusting my instincts—creatively, emotionally, and physically,” IVY shares. “I’m not overthinking it. I’m letting it be loud, sexy, and unapologetic.”

Above all, these are the captivating aesthetics that IVY similarly incorporates in the “Let My Hair Down” music video. The visuals are vibrant and dynamic, delivering an empowering attitude that exudes confidence and strength. It embodies the spirit of a fierce, independent woman who embraces her individuality, unapologetically seeking to express her freedom and joy as she indulges in a hot girl summer experience. Moreover, celebrating life on her own terms.

Don’t miss out on her compelling artistry—IVY is certainly one to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of pop music!

Connect with IVY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivy/

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

Launching into 2025 with an irresistible blend of pop brilliance, Denmark’s Drew Sycamore presents “Lonely Heat.” This track is the result of an exciting collaboration with Swedish musical geniuses Vincent and Salem (Vargas & Lagola), recognised for crafting Avicii’s iconic hit “Hey Brother.” As a new taste from her eagerly awaited fourth album, the track “Lonely Heat” has the potential to captivate audiences far beyond Denmark. Since I first discovered Drew in 2020, I have been convinced of her ability to dominate the European music scene. With the success of Nordic pop artists like Robyn, Zara Larsson, Sigrid, and Dagny. It’s clear that there is a growing appetite for talented pop queens from the North. My greatest wish would be for Drew Sycamore to become one of the next big stars in this vibrant musical environment.

I believe a significant opportunity isn’t being acted on regarding Drew Sycamore’s rising star potential. Despite her impressive achievement as the most-played artist on Danish Radio. Notably, she has not yet performed at influential music discovery festivals like The Great Escape or SXSW. (Namely known for launching the careers of up-and-coming artists.) This oversight is perplexing, especially considering her captivating pop sound, which is entirely in English. And that furthermore has an infectious quality that makes it incredibly memorable. With her unique style and undeniable talent, it’s hard to understand why she hasn’t received the recognition and exposure that could elevate her career even further.

The collaboration with Vargas & Lagola marks a significant evolution in Drew Sycamore’s sound, particularly evident in “Lonely Heat.” This track highlights her lyrical depth, transforming it into an emotionally sad pop anthem that resonates. Additionally, Drew delivers a vocal richness not fully appearing in her earlier works. While she may not be aiming to disrupt the music industry. Nonetheless her exceptional singing and captivating performances place her in an excellent position to gain greater recognition. An outcome she wholeheartedly deserves given her impressive achievements so far.

Connect with Drew Sycamore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewmusicsite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewsycamore/

The post Listen to “Lonely Heat” by Drew Sycamore appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

I’ve been eagerly following the Danish pop music scene, and I’m thrilled to share some exciting news. The incredibly talented singer Theresa Rex, who initially gained my attention with her infectious break-up song “Bad Blood,” has just unveiled her latest track called “Ugly Cry.” This new release is described by Theresa as a “messy girl anthem.” Moreover, it promises to deliver the same emotional depth and captivating energy that Theresa Rex is known for.

The accomplished independent multi-platinum artist gracefully acknowledges her remarkable achievements, including lending her voice to a globally acclaimed chart-topper and attaining the prestigious #1 position on the US dance charts last year. Despite these accolades, she remains dedicated to unveiling her original solo music to a wide audience, steadfast in her commitment to operating as an independent artist.

“Ugly Cry,” Theresa’s second release this year, showcases her raw and unfiltered emotions, creating a captivating blend of vulnerability and quirkiness. Through this song, she fearlessly unravels a compelling narrative of struggling with over-indulgence and the aftermath of emotional release. The relatable themes of over-sharing, over-emoting, and ugly-crying are portrayed with an honesty that leaves a lasting impact. Theresa’s evocative storytelling takes the listener on a poignant journey, ultimately culminating in a powerful and unvarnished depiction of vulnerability.

“Sometimes all you need to do is cry until the whole damn place is stuck under water,” Theresa Rex tells.

Furthermore, the track “Ugly Cry” showcases her exceptional singer-songwriter talents. It seamlessly blends sweeping melodies with a captivating arrangement that intensifies as the track progresses. Theresa’s vocals are slick and unforgettable, drawing comparisons to a mix of Tove Lo and Dagny. It’s truly remarkable that as an emerging independent artist from overseas, she has already garnered over a billion streams globally. This speaks volumes about the quality of her music and her undeniable talent.

Connect with Theresa Rex
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheresaRexMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheresaRexMusic/

The post Listen to “Ugly Cry” by Theresa Rex appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

It’s crazy to think that tastemaker season is already upon us. Increasingly my inbox is flooded with emails daily, promoting emerging artists that are apparently the ones to watch for 2024. I have noticed, however, pop acts were noticeably overlooked in the Radio 1 ‘Sound Of’ series and also the BRIT Rising Star Awards. Regardless, of industry recommendations such as Radio 1 or The BRITS. I still enjoy discovering new pop talents and writing about them. For instance, Lo Lauren is one such up-and-coming act brought to my attention recently. I was initially unsure about the debut release “Never The One” that dropped in June, but the follow-up track “Only One on Earth” has me hooked with its Dagny-like musical vibe.

Listening through “Only One on Earth” for the first time. Lo Lauren’s bright and breezy pop sound feels as though it was crafted by an artist who’s been around for years. It’s hard to believe that she quietly honed her songwriting skills by writing for other artists and appears to have only a moderate amount of live performance experience under her belt. With her tunes getting radio play, it’s no wonder people are wondering where this budding pop sensation came from. Especially, since when noticing she’s not signed to a label.

I must say, I am encouraged by Lo Lauren. I am impressed by her commitment to her unique sound. Her music is bold, uplifting, and enjoyable, and she has a way of exploring themes of human connection and teenage heartbreak that feel fresh and authentic. I find Lo Lauren to be especially remarkable, since she doesn’t seem to be influenced by current music trends. Instead, she’s undoubtedly in her own lane and thriving on her own merit.

Her first two releases indicate Lo Lauren is shameless in her desire to write happy songs about sad things. With that said, I most definitely want to know and hear more.

Connect with Lo Lauren
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lolaurenmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lolaurenmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolauren/

The post Watch “Only One On Earth” by Lo Lauren appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

My recent article about the song “Naked” should have convinced EQ Music Blog readers that Sam Short is on the cusp of breaking out. Today I return to further warn you that y’all will have to get used to me talking about her a lot more because I am sticking to my guns on this one. Given the rate she keeps popping up on major editorial playlists is another indicator that interest in Sam is growing by the day. Because of following her progress. I know she has wiped her Instagram posts. This usually happens when an artist starts a new project or gets signed to a label. It would not surprise me in the least if the latter is about to happen with Sam.

On the other hand, she may only have decided to give her social media a tidy-up. Noticing as I did in the emerging artist feature, I ran on her, she has written songs for Katy Perry, FLETCHER, Shakira and NOTD. I, therefore, feel a clean-up alone is an unlikely scenario. I anticipate an announcement could arrive soon. To the effect that she has signed with a label.

Her two remaining Instagram posts are drawing attention to “Taste It,” the latest song out.

Sam said,

“This song came from such a place of hurt, and it has turned into such a beautiful thing.” Further adding, “This is the most honest song I’ve ever written. It epitomizes my very first heartbreak. It details the visceral reaction that comes with betrayal…a feeling so painful you hate it, yet so real you can taste it.”

Listening to “Taste It,” the song is a slice of heartbreak pop art to me. The details in the lyrics are so intense and raw. Likewise, the stellar production on the track makes it hard to believe this song is by an independent artist.

In this music climate, Sam Short is totally relevant. She is growing her brand on TikTok, but this is the way of most emerging artists these days. I see beyond the craze. There is no doubt in my mind that she is a real talent, and she will win out in the end.

Connect with Sam Short
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samshortmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samshortmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samshortmusic/

The post Listen to “Taste It” by Sam Short appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

The Nordic pop singer-songwriter Dagny rarely lets us see her most vulnerable side. Although she is no stranger to sharing heartbreak pop songs with us. She favours a style, where she can put a positive spin on these situations, by using upbeat melodies and the catchiest musicality within reach of the Arctic Circle. Yet, particularly with her song “Highs and Lows,” she is slowing down the pace with good reason. And is doing so because she is about to start work on her sophomore album. And in follow-up to her double A-side album “Strangers / Lovers” of 2020.

The release of “Highs and Lows” is quite the mood change for Dagny, not least for the important reason described above. Additionally for the fact, of the adrenaline rush undoubtedly felt while touring this summer. Unquestionably these exciting adventures will have given her plenty to reflect on when embarking on the new album.

Since there is no immediate need (because of touring) to unleash another heart-pounding anthem. The opportunity does, however, present a window that enables her to release something a little unexpected but equally well-received similarly by fans and pop music listeners. With this in mind, she is putting out the rawest and most lyrically personal piece of her career. And importantly is doing so on her own Little Daggers Records imprint. This is a good indicator of just how much she has grown in confidence musically since her 2015 break-out release “Backbeat“.

Commenting on “Highs and Lows” Dagny says…

“You could say it’s about unconditional love – about steadily standing by someone’s side through all the highs and the lows, all the easy and the challenging. I hope this song is gonna feel like a warm hug for someone who needs it.”

Connect with Dagny
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dagnymusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dagnymusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dagnymusic/

The post Watch “Highs and Lows” by Dagny appeared first on EQ Music Blog.

I cannot contain my excitement about today’s new music discovery. I was passed a note about the emerging singer-songwriter and pop artist Sam Short some months ago…

Interest had begun to grow in her since debuting with the track “Already Mine” at the beginning of the year. The empowering pop ballad she wrote about helping a friend go through a breakup. A song that ignited TikTok by racking up over 30 million video views in just a few months. It quickly became apparent that Oregon-born, Los Angeles-based Sam harnesses the kind of star power that catches on quick. Because of feeling that she possesses the qualities of a musical artist set to go the distance. I asked our friend Javi Lopez in Austin to check out Sam’s Unofficial SXSW showcase when he attended the festival in person in March. Since Javi came back with such a glowing report of her acoustic set. I promised myself I would be onto the follow-up release quick smart.

Sensing Sam’s sparkling pop sensibilities might take her down a similar route to that of her debut release “Already Mine.” With the sophomore track “Naked” appearing over the weekend. I feel this suggestion I make is not too wide of the mark for the independently releasing singer-songwriter. As with “Naked,” and another future track, “Taste It,” has seen both these trace a similar pattern of activity. First going viral on TikTok and then Instagram alike (with over 5M total views before their official releases).

“I always wanted to create a track that could serve as an ode to self love and sensuality, but also detail what it means to be an empowered female in todays world. I think we did just that.” Sam Short shares when speaking about “Naked.”

In defining her sound. She sits alongside pop-contemporary artists like Julia Michaels and Hailee Steinfeld. Among her songwriter deals, at the moment, Sam has songs on hold with Katy Perry, FLETCHER, Shakira and NOTD. Which I of course find impressive.

With Sam Short, there is much to get excited about. I can foresee her blossoming into one of the most compelling solo pop acts to break through in a while. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Connect with Sam Short
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samshortmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samshortmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samshortmusic/

The post EMERGING ARTIST: Sam Short 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.

I am convinced I was Norwegian in a former life. I love so much about the country. The Norwegian lifestyle. The affinity with nature and the great pop and electronic music Norway produces. In some ways, I feel I am more connected with Norway’s music than Sweden’s. When picking out my favourite artists of the last few years, Dagny, Sigrid and Moyka are names that spring to mind because, in my opinion, they are a cut above the rest. Also, they are all Norwegian artists.

In fact, I have Moyka to thank for putting Markella on my radar. I spotted her shoutout about the newcomer and her posting about attending one of Markella’s recent gigs. At the time I didn’t get a chance to do my research before I popped off on my own Norwegian adventure travelling through the fjords last month. Fired up by the awe-inspiring impression the trip left on me, however. I wanted to make Markella one of my first emerging artist discoveries upon coming back to home.

Brought up in Greece and Hallingdal, Norway. Markella (real name Markella Assimakis) makes Nordic synth-based pop with Greek elements in the form of language, folk tones and timbres. (A bio shared on Spotify informs me). She has two tracks released, “Burn Again” and “Hide Away,” and appears not yet picked up by a label. The link between Markella and Moyka is that their music sounds uncannily similar. The explanation might be that they share production and songwriter support from Bergen musician Sondre Skaftun.

It isn’t the style of the music only that links Moyka and Markella. Their vocals follow a similar path. These are voices that equally share a haunting allure. From lyricists who write with utmost heartfelt authenticity. Of the two, Markella embodies hopeful, yearning and upbeat trends moreover. Nevertheless, she manages to exploit the unique blend of brooding yet sweet musicality that the Nordics are particularly trendsetters of. Straddling both pop and electronic music with ease.

A lot of Nordic music encompasses a majestic quality. And is directly reflective of the stunning landscapes, deep glacial fjords and magical skies. Somehow it all translates into the music, and is what makes it so special and beautiful. Markella is also tapping into this haunting elixir and makes magic for herself. Markella’s ice-cold Nordic pop cocktail is spot-on for my taste.

Connect with Markella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markellaitomat/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markellamusic/

The post Emerging Artist: Markella 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.