Here's a list of six artists/bands I currently have on repeat!
1. Zak Abel. A table tennis champ with a soulful voice, I discovered him a few weeks ago and have been obsessed ever since. It's super exciting discovering a new artist when they're just starting out, usually I'm late to the party and have to catch up on about 5 EPs and 2 albums but instead I have to impatiently wait for his new album 'Only When we're Naked' which I'm so excited for, as new album equals tour (please come to Bristol or Bournemouth.) This sounds super cheesy but listening to his songs and watching his 30 second covers on insta, you can truly tell he has so much fun making music, which makes it even more enjoyable to listen to. My favourite songs from Mr Abel so far are Unstable (his new single, check out the music video) Everybody Needs Love, Say Sumthin and Running from Myself.
2. Frank Ocean. This isn't really a new find, I've loved Frank Ocean since I discovered Channel Orange in Year 9 but after getting tickets to this years Lovebox (purely to see Frank) I've been listening to my favourite mixtape of his 'nostalgia, ULTRA.' It's not on spotify but can easily be found online, 'Songs for Women' and 'Nature Feels' are my most listened to. I mean how can you not love 'Nature Feels', purely from the first line.
3. Jorja Smith. I discovered Jorja Smith on Radio 1extra's live lounge singing 'Carry me home' and after hearing her voice I immediately found her on spotify and listened to all of her songs. Her voice is so soothing and the vibe of her songs are so chill, you definitely need to check her out! Definitely one to add to the revision playlist. My favourite songs are 'Carry me home', 'Where did I go' and 'Blue lights' where she samples Dizzee Rascal's 'Sirens.'
4. Kehlani. I am in love. Distraction is one of my favourite songs ever but I was so excited for this album and it delivered. A lot of the time when an album is released I'll find a few songs I like but I could put this album on shuffle and I'd love every song. If you're a fan of badass females in hip hop, then Kehlani's your girl. 'Undercover', 'Keep on' and 'do u dirty' are the ones I'm loving at the moment. Do I buy tickets for her London show in March? Decisions, decisions.
5. Amber Run. If you haven't heard of Amber Run go search them right now! The first time I saw them live was a few years ago when they supported Lewis Watson, they were so energetic and fun live so I went back and saw them again when they did their own tour at Colston Hall, Bristol. Their most famous track is probably 'I Found' but my favourites are 'Pilot', 'Heaven' and now they have a new single out called 'Perfect' which you should check out, it's a bit heavier than their usual stuff but I really dig it. Their songs cover a range of moods, whether you're wanting to sulk or pine over someone they've got you covered, or if you're in the mood to happily dance around they've also got you covered there too.
6. Maggie Rogers. A few nights ago I watched her masterclass with Pharrell Williams and fell in love with her voice and the melody of 'Alaska.' I had to screenshot the video so I wouldn't forget it in the morning, she currently only has three songs on Spotify, but I love them all and highly suggest you listen to her. Her songs are mix of folk, dance, alternative but yeah LISTEN TO HER!!
Claudia x