Your Summer Soundtrack 2015
Summer is nearly upon us, so you'll need to update your iPod to get you in the mood. We all know that sunshine sounds like The Beach Boys, so instead we've done interviews, attended gigs and listened to a ton of albums (it's a tough life, we know), to bring you the best new artists and little known bands that you need to know about now.
We've found a band for every summertime occasion, from BBQs and the beach to parties and road trips.
Your summer soundtrack starts here:
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Brian RobinsonLost Dawn
WHO: They might come from Falmouth, Cornwall, but this three-piece band are a brilliant mix of glamrock, pounding drums and pure energy. There’s real T Rex influences here, which is no bad thing. The Marc Bolan-esque Song For Robert will make you want to grab your mates and head out to dance now, while the slower Talk About It starts with garage beats – it’s the kind of song you want on your iPod on a sunny day. Lost Dawn might have an emo-sounding name, but they are pure energising, fun-loving happiness. lostdawnrock.com
WHEN TO PLAY: Before getting ready for a big night/during aforementioned big night/when you need a pick-me-up after that big night.
Natalie Prass
WHO: It Is You by US singer-songwriter Natalie Prass should be part of a Disney soundtrack; it’s one of the prettiest, most melodic and joyful songs we’ve heard in a long time. If you aren’t in love, it makes you feel like you could be or so happy that you don’t need to be. Don’t be deceived into thinking Prass is one note though - My Baby Don’t Understand Me is heartbreaking and tearfully written after a particularly bad row with her now ex. She covers the journey of an ill-fated relationship, the good and the bad, and we hope she finds love again so we can more of that sweet, sweet voice. natalieprassmusic.com
WHEN TO PLAY: During any kind of intense relationship drama – whether you’re in love or falling out of it.
Getty ImagesBørns
WHO: There is actually no way any living being could not be cheered by the sounds of Electric Love by Swedish singer Garrett Borns. It’s uplifting electro-pop with serious T Rex vibes and wow does it make you want to dance. Oh and Taylor Swift called it an “instant classic” on Twitter. If anything will make you happy to get out of bed it’s this song. facebook.com/bornsmusic
WHEN TO PLAY: On your way to work when you need to be woken up in the best, most cheerful way. Or if you need a confidence boost generally.
Say Lou Lou
WHO: Swedish twin sisters Miranda Anna and Elektra June Kilbey-Jansson create breathy, dream-like synth pop – a soundtrack to T-shirt weather if ever there was one. Their debut album, Lucid Dreaming is a hazy mix of pretty melancholic melodies teamed with Eighties disco-style tracks, such as standout Games For Girls and the more sensual Glitter. sayloulou.com
WHEN TO PLAY: When hanging out in the park with your friends or at any kind of afternoon BBQ. Also, for Friday night afternoons in the office when you’d kill to be outside.
Clarence Clarity
WHO: Well hello funk. Clarence Clarity smashes genres to create an experimental take on pop, funk and dance. Like a lot of great funk, it sounds kind of sleazy and it begs to be danced slowly to. His debut album Not Now is an unpredictably, intense medley of futuristic tracks that is a must-have for any iPod. twitter.com/clarenceclarity
WHEN TO PLAY: Any party. Preferably somewhere debauched. Or when you’re making out.
Hannah Rose Platt
WHO: Not all summer music has to be anthemic – you’ll need some soothing, melodic music for hazy, quiet BBQ afternoons and contemporary Americana singer Hannah Rose Platt is the answer. Ideally, you’d have her play her guitar and sing her stories of hope, love and loss while you all sit round a fire with your friends drinking cans of Heineken, but her debut album, Portraits, made independently in Nashville, is the next best thing. hannahroseplatt.com
WHEN TO PLAY: Late night after a BBQ, when everyone is feeling full and content. Ideally, there should be candles and/or a fire. Or any time you feel like escaping into someone else’s life.
U.S Girls
WHO: Toronto-based Meg Remy, aka U.S Girls, has been around for a while, but she’s still a relative unknown in British shores. What she does is playful, wild pop with RnB influences; it’s trippy with a muffled Sixties appeal – think a stoned, grimy version of the Ronettes. Our favourites are The Island Song and Jack. usgirls.bandcamp.com
WHEN TO PLAY: In the car with the windows open or late at night at a house party.
Getty ImagesDej Loaf
WHO: It was only last summer that rising hip-hop artist Dej Loaf, 23, quit her job as a cleaner at a Chrysler plant to pursue music full time. Drake featured lyrics to one of her songs, Try Me, on Instagram and her star started to rise. She has since worked with Eminem on his compilation Shady XV and will soon start touring with Nicki Minaj. Last year, she said she wanted “the world” to hear her work and we don’t doubt that they will. dejloafmusic.com
WHEN TO PLAY: When you need a dose of self-confidence – this will rev you right up.
Getty ImagesGeorge the Poet
WHO: Linking rap and poetry is nothing new, but George Mpanga is the embodiment of that idea. The socially-motivated spoken-word artist raps about more than what’s happening to him, but also politics, society and injustice – all to rhythmic, engaging beats. You find yourself gripped by his stories and the way in which he tells them. A passionate wordsmith, George the Poet is a unique musician and poet who deserves to be heard. iamgeorgethepoet.com
WHEN TO PLAY: When your podcast doesn’t work or in lieu of a book. This is intellectual listening.
Kerri Watt
WHO: Scottish singer-songwriter Kerri Watt is pure pop – big, uplifting choruses and catchy riffs and we challenge you not to start singing “Youhoo” within 40 seconds of single You. Signed to 25 Hour Convenience Store, the record label of Libertines drummer Gary Powell, Watt started out in musical theatre before finding her feet with the guitar and launching her debut EP Who’s Lovin’ Me Now? . kerriwatt.com
WHEN TO PLAY: When with young or old relatives – this is a cheerful crowd-pleaser.
Yak
WHO: London-based trio have a wild, feral appeal that is darkly reminiscent of legendary Eighties punk band The Cramps. Smile has a glorious Rocky Horror Show feel to it. Yak are energetic and magnetic – a winning rhyming combination. facebook.com/yakyakyak
WHEN TO PLAY: Whack Yak on late at night at your summer parties (be mindful of your audience though) or prior to a music festival to practise your head-banging.
Getty ImagesYoung Fathers
WHO: Mercury prize winners Young Fathers incorporate hip-hop, soul, folk, indie, trip-hop, African music; their every track is a genre-blending surprise. A lot of music journalists have struggled to describe the band’s debut album, Dead, but its defining trait is its originality. You could brand the Scottish three-piece as alternative hip-hop, but this doesn’t seem to take into account all the many, many genres they experiment with. We advise you to listen to Dead and hear these musical adventurers for yourself. young-fathers.com
WHEN TO PLAY: With your hipster friends or when you want to impress anyone with your excellent and progressive taste in music.
Getty ImagesDjango Django
WHO: Django Django’s trippy yet enchanting first album was a unanimous success that led to top spots at festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds and also Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. The Brit band recently released their second album, Under The Saturn, is a more developed version of the first. They’re essentially an electro version of The Beach Boys, with surf guitar teamed with synth grooves. djangodjango.co.uk
WHEN TO PLAY: On holiday or during any beach-based activity (maybe not anything sexy though, it’s too perky). Also good for road trips.
Rhodes
WHO: David Rhodes is a husky, otherworldly version of Sam Smith. There’s less of the powerful ballads; his voice has a more mysterious, ethereal appeal and his voice more gravelly. He seems broody and a little sad, but thankfully not emo, and has already supported Rufus Wainwright, Laura Marling and London Grammar. He softly plays the electric guitar, building up to powerful climaxes as seen in Your Soul and Morning, and writes lyrics that you wish were written about you. His debut album is out on 4 September. rhodesmusic.co.uk
WHEN TO PLAY: When you’re feeling broody, pensive or have a touch of the summertime blues
Jack Savoretti
WHO: Technically, Jack Savoretti isn’t a newcomer, but for most he’s still an unknown name. He first hit the music scene in 2008 when he was touted as the new Paolo Nutini (they both played the guitar and has Italian-sounding names), but after a dispute with his management he left the scene. But now he’s back with new album Written In Scars, which has received critical acclaim for its soulful, acoustic folk sound. jacksavoretti.com
WHEN TO PLAY: During dreamy, lazy summer evenings.
Alan.Ni
WHO: Ala.Ni’s debut EP is split into four segments, spring, summer, autumn and winter – with each released according to the specific season. Although we’ve yet to hear her summer material (due out on 6 July), her spring EP had us extremely excited indeed. She describes her sound as “dark Disney”, but we’d compare her to a contemporary Billie Holliday with vocals as searing as Minnie Riperton. If you get the chance, watch Alani live. The muffled sound of her EP has an intimate appeal, but hearing her voice and range in the flesh is a must. ala.ni.com
WHEN TO PLAY: As a lullaby for dosing in the park. Or if you need a soundtrack to kiss to…
