Platform’s Nick Lowe takes us through his best tracks of the week and what we should be adding to our playlists that aren’t corny Christmas songs…
Tommy Cash — ‘X-RAY’
Ahead of his LP ‘¥€$’ out November 30, the Estonian artist has shared the intense, 90s synth-rave ‘X-RAY,’ produced by PC music’s Danny L Harle. Oh, and he also stars as a cult leader in the accompanying music video, too.
Sam Bluer — ‘Bite My Tongue’
Male artists creating stellar pop music come few and far between, but Sam Bluer appears to do it seamlessly. The Melbourne singer-songwriter captures enough pop-punch and bounce in this track to solidify himself as perceptible pop-star.
Call Me Loop — ‘Business’
Brixton’s-finest has released her fourth single of the year and isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon. Business is a glossy, twinkly cut backed by silky guitar strums amounting to a perfectly executed pop song.
A$AP Rocky — Sundress
Accompanied by a beat that interpolates Tame Impala’s “Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind?” Sundress is a summery, dreamy track that shows the artist’s creative flair and talent making him so renowned amongst his peers.
Rita Ora — First Time High / New Look
It was difficult to pick just one track from her new album ‘Phoenix,’ so I had to pick two (and even that was a struggle). After years of label issues and albums being shelved — Rita has finally returned with more than enough classics to keep me going until her next project. First Time High and New Look are both perfect, solid pop songs. Tracks which offer that sensation of nostalgia whilst remaining completely contented from the surface are hard to produce, yet Rita seems to throw them out like they’re nothing. Anthemic, bold and all-around bangers… they’re brilliant.
Sam Fender — Poundshop Kardashians
Sam Fender delivers a tongue in cheek response to the volatile celebrity obsessed culture within society and the problems that arise from it. Featuring an exhilarating sing-a-long chorus, you’ll have trouble getting this one out of your head.
Ama — Monochrome
If the voice of Jorja Smith and the sound of NAO had a baby, you’ll find the dreamy London-singer Ama. At just 18-years-old, her talent is definitely worth getting excited about. A nostalgic, R&B love letter in which she describes it as something that was “written instead of sending a really lame text message to a crush I had.”
Shy Nodi — No Vibe
He has written hits for the likes of The Chainsmokers and NOTD but through making music under his own name, has decided to show a darker side to himself in contrast to the pop hits he has written for others. No Vibe is a gloomy yet uplifting track that is probably best played looking out of the car on a rainy day.
Aya — HISTORY
I’m not sure what’s in the Swedish water, but it can’t be a coincidence that they birth to some of the most talented pop-stars and songwriters around. This dancehall R&B infused track is more than likely to have you on your feet.
Mauwe — Balcony Dreams
This soft and subdued electronic-influenced track from Bristol duo Mauwe marks the last selection on this week’s tracks of the week. If you’re a fan of Wafia, SG Lewis or Petit Biscuit… then this track might just be for you.
Listen to our December playlist below.
By Nick Lowe