We had the pleasure of chatting with Chinese American Bear as they gear up for the release of their highly-anticipated sophomore album, “Wah!!!” The Seattle-based duo, consisting of married musicians Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, uniquely blends Chinese mando-pop with the Western indie pop sound. Their music seamlessly transitions between English and Mandarin, capturing a cross-cultural spirit that is both poignant and playful. “Wah!!!” features a collection of ear-catching tracks meticulously crafted over two years in their Seattle home studio. Written, produced, and mixed by the duo, the album is an 11-song journey filled with comedy, groove, quirkiness, and cuteness, guaranteed to keep you smiling. With melodically rich instrumentation, touches of psychedelia, and a sharp pop sensibility, it’s set to be one of the standout indie pop records of the year.
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We spoke to BULLYACHE, the London-based duo and dance company comprising Courtney Deyn and Jacob Samuel, about their debut single and video “Never let.” This track, featured in their acclaimed dance-theatre art piece “Tom,” encapsulates the doom-pop energy and emotional intensity BULLYACHE is known for. They shared how “Never let” represents the tipping point in “Tom,” delving into corrosive emotional dynamics and ambiguous feelings. Filmed in a modest setting, the video gained life as dancers spontaneously moved to it, making it a team-driven masterpiece. BULLYACHE launched “Tom” to five sold-out nights at London’s Yard Theatre and has toured prestigious venues across the UK and Europe. Their genre-blending work, rich in working-class and queer expression, has seen acoustic renditions performed at Abbey Road Studios ahead of upcoming releases.
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Mila V is stirring anticipation for her upcoming EP, Static, with the song and video release for “Reno’s Carpool”. In collaboration with co-director and costume designer Jessica van Halteren and stylist and creative consultant Ricardo Van Lachterop, Mila V delivers a meticulously crafted, fantasy-driven aesthetic. “Reno’s Carpool” functions as a short film, exploring themes of self-oppression and ego dominance. The track’s shuddering beats and provocative lyrics make it a stark, personal protest, aiming to expose the true nature of others. The music video transports viewers into a captivating fantasy, neo-noir universe, where Mila V is depicted as being trapped within a metaphorical cage, hypnotized, representing the silenced and confined self. Alongside her, the Chameleon-man character and his elf-helpers serve as symbols of deceit and oppression, representing those who maintain their power by subjugating others. As the video unfolds, Mila V confronts her past, ultimately revealing her strength.
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We caught up with Cassie Raptor during the release of her debut album ‘Predator’. Ascending from the underground to global fame, Cassie Raptor has imprinted an unforgettable mark on the dance music scene with her relentless brand of industrial techno. Having already dropped a series of preview singles, the full 8-track album ‘Predator’ is now ready to captivate the eagerly awaiting community.
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We caught up with KALTBLUT favourite Baby Yors ahead of the release of the eagerly awaited album, AMERICANO. Crafted as a Spanglish project, AMERICANO delves into Baby Yors’ experience as an immigrant in the United States. This album masterfully weaves themes of love, criticism, hope, and passion, presenting a powerful collection that effortlessly blends Latin rhythms, infectious pop anthems, and a rock core that epitomizes Baby Yors’ distinctive perspective and voice. A genre-defying artist, Baby Yors has performed globally, enchanting fans and followers who resonate with his freewheeling spirit and emotionally charged songs and videos. From his music to his films, Baby Yors is dedicated to creating art that challenges established norms while embracing his rich multicultural heritage.
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We spoke with Japanese musician Hakushi Hasegawa/長谷川白紙 (they/them) ahead of their new album Mahōgakkō/魔法学校, now out on LA-based Brainfeeder Records. This release coincides with Hasegawa’s first public reveal, adding mystery to their compelling persona.
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We spoke to Nick Ward as he announced his debut album, House With The Blue Door. House With The Blue Door follows Nick’s two previous EPs and represents a lifetime in the making. The album delves into themes of family, childhood, DNA, and the complex relationship we have with the past. Nick finished the record just before his twenty-second birthday, aiming to encapsulate his childhood and adolescence into a single statement while exploring how trauma and memory have shaped who he is today. He describes the album as a deeply personal journey, one that not only reflects his own experiences but also resonates with anyone grappling with the echoes of their past. The intricate lyrics combined with haunting melodies create a reflective and immersive experience for listeners, inviting them to ponder their own histories and the indelible marks they leave behind. Within the album, Nick traverses through a mosaic of emotions, from the innocent joys of youth to the poignant struggles of growing up. He hopes that House With The Blue Door will not only be an album but also a narrative that encourages introspection and connection.
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Adelaide-born DJ, producer, and label boss Juliet Fox has made quite a splash in the electronic music scene, quickly becoming one of the must-watch acts out there. Her tracks genuinely live up to the hype too. Remember the iconic rave anthem ‘Damaged’ by Antillas with Fiora on vocals? Well, Fox has breathed new life into this classic with her remix, dropping today through the famous Dutch label Armada Music.
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We spoke to Slim Soledad about the release of their debut EP, collectives, and core influences that shaped their career. Born in Brazil, Slim Soledad was deeply influenced by São Paulo’s vibrant party scene, diving into vogue and contemporary dance. As part of the Chernobyl collective, she organized São Paulo’s first trans-led parties, shaping her style as a DJ. Now based in Paris, her music—a mix of techno, baile funk, and electro—has earned her performances at major festivals like Sónar and Primavera Sound. Collaborations with fashion icons like Riccardo Tisci (Burberry) and brands like Prada further highlight her diverse influence. Her latest track, ‘T.E.T.A Intergalactica,’ is a powerful travesti declaration against societal conformity, set to redefine boundaries with her EP, Manual Espacial Para Aqueles Que Não Sabem Nadar—a cosmic journey through sound and identity.
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We spoke to Ninajirachi about her new EP, girl EDM, which continues the journey from her 2023 4×4 EP. girl EDM infuses her signature icy, glitchy textures with the club sounds of the late 2000s and early 2010s, offering a left-field twist on hard dance, electro house, progressive house, and trance.
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We spoke to Shea Couleé, drag superstar, actor, and recording artist, about their latest release “DIVINE” and their ground-breaking tour The Love Ball. Couleé’s debut album “8,” released under HausDown Records, hit #1 on the worldwide iTunes dance album chart and features collaborations with artists like Mario Winans and Sam Sparro. The track “DIVINE” has been praised as the perfect pregame anthem, and Initial Talk’s remix adds an irresistible nostalgic vibe.
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We spoke to Cardiff-born producer and DJ Elkka just before her debut album Prism of Pleasure on Ninja Tune was released. Spanning 18 months, the album reflects Elkka’s journey as a bold, queer woman who gradually pieced together her identity. Moving to London in her 20s, she began DJing and producing, eventually launching her own record label, femme culture. Prism of Pleasure, centred on queer intimacy and featuring artwork by her wife Alex Lambert, showcases a blend of silken vocals and emotional beats. Elkka, recognized for her vibrant releases and celebrated with awards such as BBC’s Essential Mix of the Year, continues to champion the LGBTQ+ dance community with her spellbinding mixes and energetic club tools.
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GIRLI opens up about her new album Matriarchy, safe spaces, and transformations. The alt-pop artist is known for being bold and unapologetically herself, with her new album marking a new era. She describes it as her most “reflective” and “vulnerable” work. Collaborating with producers like Gil Lewis and Zhone, she felt creatively liberated by removing the pressure to fit a certain sound or message. Naming both the album and its lead single ‘Matriarchy’, GIRLI aims to highlight the beauty of queer love and the female gaze in a patriarchal society.
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BDE Records sees FAFF & Submarine FM join forces to create a stompin’ 4-track EP titled “Final Fantasy”. This exciting collaboration highlights the strengths of both artists, promising a unique and exhilarating musical journey. Submarine FM is renowned for their mesmerizing experimental live sets and productions, which often transport the audience into a surreal auditory experience. Their expertise in creating immersive soundscapes combines seamlessly with FAFF’s playful, genre-bending musicality. This fusion results in a perfect match, blending creativity and technical skill that music lovers are sure to appreciate.
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We caught up with KUČKA, the talented producer, vocalist, and creative dynamo, to discuss the release of her second full-length album, Can You Hear Me Dreaming?, now available on LUCKYME®. In this new phase, Laura Jane Lowther, the genius behind KUČKA, transitions from personal storytelling to a world of whimsical fantasy. She delves into “emotional voyeurism,” a term she coined to describe the attempt to understand someone from an imaginative emotional perspective rather than a purely logical one. Embracing the quirks of her “cartoon brain,” driven by dream logic where symbols and imagery interact unpredictably, she uses them to uncover deeper emotional layers. Her openness to reverie is evident as she transcends the literal, opting for poetic ambiguity. These concepts, combined with her decade-long experience in the studio, are palpable across the 12 tracks of meticulously crafted electronic production and captivating pop songwriting.
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We spoke with Leeds-based DJ, producer, and turntablist NikNak following the release of her new album Ireti, which is available now on Matthew Herbert’s Accidental Records. NikNak has collaborated with big names like Grandmaster Flash, Princess Nokia, Akala, and Madlib. She has received support from Gilles Peterson, DJ Mag, Clash, Mixmag, The Wire, Resident Advisor, and Electronic Sound. Her debut album Bashi was critically acclaimed and established her as a standout in the experimental electronic music scene. NikNak has performed at legendary venues such as Berghain, Glastonbury, Fabric, We Out Here, and Outlook. Additionally, she is the first Black turntablist to win an Oram Award and was compared to Loraine James by Gilles Peterson in a recent interview on WWFM.
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For its second release, following SALÒ’s debut album, Kuboraum presents a unique compilation of tracks from friends and family, each inspired by the brand’s philosophical and aesthetic principles. Known for their unconventional eyewear, which they refer to as “masks,” Kuboraum’s Berlin flagship store serves as a studio, showroom, and gallery, fostering a strong relationship between the artists and the community.
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Fabiola Reyna discusses her new album Malegría—a celebration of intuition, transition, connection, and spiritual survival with themes of queer love, feminine sensuality, and intentional relations to the earth. The album blends Congolese, Peruvian, and Colombian rhythms with influences from artists like Chavela Vargas. The title “Malegría” merges the Spanish words for “bad” (mal) and “happiness” (alegría), expressing a bittersweet essence. It reflects Reyna’s personal journey, especially after transitioning from a duo with Nectali ‘Sumohair’ Diaz to a solo project due to Diaz’s passing.
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We had the chance to chat with artist, model, influencer, and provocateur, Britney Manson following the release of her latest single and video for “American Dream.” Featuring dazzling strobe lights and stunning outfits, the video is a sensory extravaganza. Britney not only wrote and co-directed the video but also crafted the design, proving that it’s her world, and we’re merely spectators. The single follows the viral sensation “FASHION,” which has amassed over 120 million streams worldwide. At 28, Britney skillfully melds girly pop vocals with profound lyrical content, breaking free from traditional genre boundaries. Her music embodies a harmonious blend of mainstream and underground culture, echoing her dynamic artistry. Rooted in her personal experiences and goals, “American Dream” exudes raw emotion and unapologetic authenticity. This upbeat dance track motivates listeners to seize opportunities and fearlessly pursue their aspirations. Drawing inspiration from the iconic sounds of the late 2000s and early 2010s, Britney honours her musical forebears while crafting a distinctive path of her own.
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We caught up with multi-talented producer, DJ, songwriter, and vocalist, System Olympia as she makes her highly anticipated return with the “Sanctified” EP. System Olympia’s unique blend of retro-futurist sounds and cutting-edge production has attracted a global fan base, offering listeners an immersive experience through pulsating beats and captivating atmospheres. Based in London, System Olympia draws inspiration from various sources, creating a timeless sound that has been well-received by critics and fans alike. She also hosts a monthly residency on NTS, showcasing a mix of genres and unreleased music. With her distinct style and successful label, Okay Nature Records, System Olympia solidifies her position as a standout artist in the industry.
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We spoke to Ghostly Kisses about “Darkroom”, their highly anticipated sophomore album out now on Akira Records. The French Canadian duo, Margaux Sauvé and Louis-Étienne Santais blend intimate fan-submitted stories with dark electronic pop across 12 tracks, further deepened by their “Box of Secrets” project. Building on the success of their debut album Heaven, Wait, which reached 150 million streams, “Darkroom” has already made strides with hits like “On & Off,” winner of the Biiblii International Track of The Year. Aside from their recording achievements, Ghostly Kisses enhances their global rapport through extensive touring, now prepping for their largest UK/EU tour to date, which includes multiple sold-out venues among its 22 stops.
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We caught up with up-and-coming artist Natalie Red about her eagerly awaited EP, ‘Silence Through These Walls’. This vibrant new project continues to challenge conventions and overturn genre clichés, from the vertiginous rhythms of the EP’s debut single “U Been On My Mind” to the serene and captivating atmospheres of her latest track “Official”. No less exciting, the EP’s namesake track “Silence Through These Walls” dazzles with compelling hooks and bright melodies, marking a quintessential end to this enchanting five-track endeavour. Natalie’s poetic skills are reflective and connect profoundly, drawing listeners into a limitless sonic landscape. Her latest EP builds on the momentum of her earlier singles, including the dynamic “OVER”, a zestful cut of PC Music-inspired futurism that affirmed her as a noteworthy talent.
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We had the pleasure of chatting with Chloé Caillet, DJ, producer, and visionary behind the SMIILE event concept and record label. Just last month, Chloé ignited the stage at Village Underground with a meticulously curated lineup featuring Kamma & Masalo’s dynamic mixes and Grace Sands’ esteemed musical selections, underscoring the diversity and energy of this incredible night.
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We recently sat down with Antonin Lemiere, known professionally as Airmow, to discuss his much-anticipated EP “Broken Memories.” A Paris-based artist and music producer, Airmow infuses his tracks with bold, provocative, mysterious, and ominous tones, crafting a soundscape that is both immersive and expansive.
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We had the pleasure of sitting down with pop innovator Allie X, fresh from launching her much-anticipated fifth studio endeavour, “Girl With No Face.” Steeped in the defiant essence and pioneering soundscapes reminiscent of the early ’80s, the album’s tracks are a unique blend of comforting nostalgia and brand-new auditory experiences.
IAMDDB unveils the video for her single, “KOUNTING CHiCKENS”, taken from her latest album “LOVE is WAR, Volume 6”. Showcasing a remarkable blend of high-octane energy and thunderous 808 bass, IAMDDB embraces a newly evolved gothic-tinged trap style — a side of DDB that remains uncharted until now.
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In conversation with SEBii, we unravel the layers behind his latest work and his inaugural journey into the ANTii-Hero narrative. Join us as we uncover the depth of his artistry and the chromatic heart of “VVSS2.”
As “They Are Textural” delves into the multifaceted nature of humanity, it beckons us to embrace the intricate layers that comprise our own selves. Our conversation with Sha Ru reveals the depths of their album, their evolving narrative, and anticipates the paths they will tread next.
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As she continues to expand her fanbase with her powerful musical narratives and distinct genre, ELI’s ‘Full Form’ delivers a captivating journey. We sat down with the artist to talk about her journey and her latest release.
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In this interview, we dive deep into the inspirations behind Kuntessa’s EP, explore how she channels her frustrations with the world into her music, and discuss her aspirations and goals as an artist.
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We spoke to artist and producer Mo•Louie before the release of her newest electro-pop bop ‘Touch Me’. Mo•Louie possesses an uncanny ability to craft songs that not only create a sonic world but also offer a fully immersive experience. Her previous releases in 2023, such as ‘Signs’ and ‘Hold You,’ have eloquently showcased Mo’s talent for creating thought-provoking, dramatic, and awe-inspiring compositions.
WEEDKILLER is a collection of irresistible songs that perfect the bold, genre-blending sound that has defined Ashnikko‘s work to date. The WEEDKILLER universe that Ashnikko has created is a dystopian fantasy that tells the story of a fae civilization occupied and destroyed by machines that feed on organic matter where the faerie protagonist seeks revenge by becoming part machine – a poetic commentary on environmental disaster and the rapid evolution of technology. Full of equal parts naked vulnerability and joyful rebellion. KALTBLUT spoke to Ashnikko during the release of their debut album, a follow-up to the acclaimed 2021 mixtape DEMIDEVIL.
shado and KALTBLUT magazine are taking three of Europe’s biggest cities, London, Berlin and Amsterdam, and investigating how and if young people are turning to music collectives as safe spaces of political community that traditional politics is failing to provide.
Wirski shares his Top 5 after the release of his debut on MISBHV Recordings. Tomek Wirski is a creative director for MISBHV. Named one of the 100 most influential people in Fashion, Design, Culture and Sport by Hypebeast and cited as one of the 30 most influential public figures by Vogue Poland. Wirkski’s debut MISBHV004 offers a nuanced narrative operating in its own genre of Eastern European rough-edged club melancholy.
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Innovative producer Apashe unveils his latest genre-bending gem with new single ‘Gasoline’ featuring Delhi hip-hop star Raga, out on 28th April. ‘Gasoline’ is a futuristic mix of industrial synths, brooding strings and India-inspired rhythms, with Apashe’s production matched only by the intensity of Raga’s acerbic flow. Raga’s evocative writing topped with sublime metaphors in Hindi describes his unprecedented infatuation with a fearless, strong woman. Apashe takes it a notch higher with his timeless composition inspired by India’s vibrant culture, resulting in a work of creative brilliance that’s bound to make you rewind in a heartbeat.
Blondie, the iconic rock ensemble, not only defined new wave and punk music across the U.S. and U.K. in the late 1970s, they also defied expectations: ten years after they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and nearly forty years after their first number one hit single “Heart of Glass,” the band is still a rock powerhouse. They released a new album, Pollinator, in May of this year that’s a dizzying electro-pop feat with Sia, Dev Hynes and Charli XCX among the list of collaborators. We caught up with lead singer Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein and drummer Clem Burke in Berlin to talk past adventures, new music and the craziest gig they’ve ever played.
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Since their breakthrough back in ’95 with ultimate grunge anthem “Only Happy When It Rains”, Garbage – lead by frontwoman Shirley Manson, alongside producer-instrumentalists Steve Marker, Duke Erikson and legendary Butch Vig – gave hope to a bored and restless generation. The generation that would buy just one CD and listen to it till they knew every single lyric back to front. It was Shirley Manson who gave voice to these agitated youths – a way out of a world that seemed entirely alien to them. At a time when a barrage of iconic female-fronted bands such as The Distillers, No Doubt, The Cardigans and Hole were making their mark on the world. The outspoken Glaswegian was, and still is 21 years later, one of rock’s loudest and brutally honest musicians. My inner fangirl had to try hard to keep her cool as Shirley and I discussed Garbage’s new work, changes in the music industry and asked ourselves – where are the rebellious youths today?
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There’s just something about Poppy Ajudha. A soul singer who came up in south London’s jazz scene, she isn’t afraid to wrestle with any subject matter as part of her creative expression. On her new EP, FEMME, she explores and expresses various aspects of love and identity, all in her signature heartfelt croon. She talks to us about making the album, how music pushes her to grow further and why her degree in anthropology makes her a better artist.
When Wolf Alice released their first EP in 2013, they were an alt-folk band to watch. In the 5 years since they’ve matured into a dynamic rock outfit with rough-and-tender sounds reminiscent of ‘90s darlings like Elastica and Hole. The 2018 Brit Award-nominated group from North London includes frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, guitar/violinist Joff Oddie, bassist Theo Ellis and drummer Joel Amey. We caught up with them to chat about the strangeness of touring and how they’ve grown as a band, together.
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