Artist Dava boasts a heavy emphasis on sonic and visual world-building. She attributes her love for disruptive soundscapes to her quiet upbringing in the countryside. It was there that she discovered her love for the internet culture and gothic idyllic films. Influenced by the works of Mike Dean, Rosalia, FKA Twigs & Mazzy Star, Dava's sound brings industrial futurism to a unique and decisive head.
Godly the Ruler (Godwill Oke) is a Nigerian-born, Chicago-raised musician known for defying genres and pushing boundaries. Their music spans hip-hop, alt-indie punk, EDM, and more, embracing unpredictability. They draw from a dramatic and theatrical style, using their wild imagination to express life's urgency across identity and genre. Godly's songs cover love, war, rage, and intense experiences, resonating with those who feel like outcasts and seek liberation.
Hailing from South Africa, Internet Girl is unicorn in their local scene. Yet, they've made their mark in the US as pioneers of the internet punk scene. Since 2019, this dynamic trio has artfully merged live grunge vibes with innovative production, resulting in a one-of-a-kind sonic experience that resonates globally and continues to gain momentum through collaborations and an ever-expanding international fanbase. Lead vocalist Ntsika's bold and confrontational coming-of-age narrative, fused with the punk-electronic stylings of Neese and Griggs, cements Internet Girl as a thrilling and disruptive force emerging from Africa.
Lauren Sanderson, an influential queer alt-pop icon, began her rise to prominence with a TED Talk at 19 that set the stage for her future success. Her debut album, Midwest Kids Can Make It Big, released in 2019, earned acclaim from Billboard, Complex, MTV, and others, and led to major tours with FINNEAS and Chase Atlantic. In 2022, Lauren gained viral success with her TikTok hit “THERAPY!” from her second album, Death Of A Fantasy, and collaborated with fellow queer icon GFLIP on the track “GAY 4 ME.” Her impact was further solidified in 2023 with a monumental 37-city world tour across North America, Europe, and the UK. As she continues to push boundaries and redefine alt-pop, Lauren is now preparing to embark on her next US headline tour beginning October 25, 2024.
A self-taught producer from Birmingham, UK, Maya blends catchy drum and bass with emotional depth. Tracing her musical journey from remixing popular artists on Soundcloud to developing her unique sound, she excels in creating warm, spectral drum and bass music in her bedroom studio. Her upcoming collection of music bridges the gap between club music and intimate, personal soundscapes. It represents Maya taking the leap into making music a focal point of her identity. After a six-year stint as a chef, often juggling 14-hour shifts, Maya Randle has channelled the intensity of balancing this demanding work with her creativity into her distinctive music. Her songs serve as a unique self-portrait, illustrating the rewarding promise inherent in carving out one's own creative path. In every deliberate choice you can hear the satisfying solace that comes with Maya finding herself inside the music, an unexplainable feeling that sticks with the listener, full of heartfelt intent.
Sophia Stel's music encapsulates a dreamlike journey through poignant pop melodies and textured dance beats, weaving together fragments of personal experiences navigating life’s complexities. Her music, rooted in intimate observations of everyday life and the quest for unconditional love, invites listeners into an ephemeral sonic universe where moments of forgiveness and acceptance shine through, reminding us that true connection is often found in the midst of life's transient beauty.
SIMONA is a constantly evolving creative force within the contemporary music scene. In May 2023, she released ESFERA DE AMOR, her debut album, a full-length record comprising thirteen songs inspired by various currents of club music. Effervescent and versatile, the Argentine artist births a sublime and eclectic first album, a true underground sonic gem brimming with sensuality, pleasure, vulnerability, and self-sufficiency. Adopted by Barcelona, she conquered the emerging scene with singles like BALI (2019), PERREO Y LLORO (2020), and ROSA PASTEL (2021), tracks that, from the very beginning, hinted at her overwhelming musical naturalness, inherent talent, and distinctive collage identity. Committed to feminism, gender equality, and queer visibility, in February 2022, she became the global ambassador for EQUAL, Spotify's ongoing program supporting women in the music industry, a milestone that elevated her short career and led her to major stages in Spain and Latin America, such as Sónar, Lollapalooza Argentina, and Bahidorá in Mexico.
ALUMNI.
aldn, hailing from Reston, Virginia, delved into the digital universe early on. Introduced to music production through an ableton launchpad at a young age, he quickly developed a passion for creating unique sounds. Influenced by artists like Skrillex, Linkin Park, and A Tribe Called Quest, aldn embraced the idea of crafting music that defies traditional genres. His tracks gained traction on Soundcloud, with "glittr" making a significant impact, accumulating over 1 million streams on Spotify. With his EP "greenhouse," aldn offers a candid glimpse into his world, reflecting personal thoughts and experiences shared through the lens of digital connection. He embodies a generation bridging online communities and real-life experiences, drawing inspiration from early 2000s emo music. As his project gains momentum, aldn envisions an evolving musical journey, with "greenhouse" marking just the beginning. From computer screens to center stage, aldn's future is boundless.
Blood Cultures emerges as a distinct and enigmatic presence in the music world. Their genre-defying sound and dedication to anonymity reflect a pursuit of something larger than themselves. With the new record 'LUNO,' Blood Cultures delves deeper into their purpose and identity, influenced by their experiences as a first-generation American from Pakistan. They recognize the importance of speaking out and representing underrepresented voices, especially in times of social upheaval. 'LUNO' is a personal yet globally resonant body of work, divided into phases of the moon, drawing inspiration from philosopher Carl Jung's exploration of darkness and transformation. The tracks explore the interplay of light and dark, embracing diverse energies and identities. Blood Cultures challenges societal norms through their physical expression, using attire to confront issues of gender and cultural identity. Collaborative efforts and a wider outlook on music-making contribute to the richness of 'LUNO,' celebrating the influence of diverse cultures on the sonic landscape. This album is a bold statement of intent, inviting listeners into a realm of introspection, revolution, and connection through music.
CARR's EP "TV Boyfriends" delves into the pivotal moments of change, mixing Avril Lavigne coolness with a bigger, hookier sound. Collaborating with long-time friends and collaborators, the record showcases CARR's profound and sharp songwriting. While still addressing emotional turmoil, CARR approaches it with newfound vulnerability. The EP explores the complexities of relationships, unraveling layers of understanding in each track. It redefines domesticity, referencing the instability within the concept of 'home.' CARR takes control of her narrative, crafting heartbreak anthems that affirmatively reclaim her experiences. The EP encapsulates the significance of every moment, preserving them as capsules of shared time. Through lessons learned and embracing change, "TV Boyfriends" marks CARR's coming-of-age journey, where one thing is certain: things will never be the same.
Originally from Rockford, IL, 23-year old CONNIE’s influences include Daft Punk, SOPHIE, Pharell, Metro Boomin, Skrillex. After spending two years recording songs over FaceTime with his internet friend JELEEL!, he moved to Los Angeles with the rising star in 2019 where they recorded the viral hit DIVE IN!. CONNIE is launching his own artist career with new tracks that feel disruptive, and futuristic - a music world he coins as “[HI_TEK]”. To CONNIE, “HI_TEK” is a new sound that combines elements of industrial dance music, hip-hop and hyperpop. He puts it on himself as a “responsibility” to create something new and defining to our music culture. This way, to him, he can leave his mark. HI_TEK is the rebellious and avant-garde answer to where music is going.
Glimji, real name Will Rothwell, is a unique voice in the dance music scene hailing from Manchester's vibrant dance community. Distinguished by a sound that's bright, fast, ethereal and brimming with joy, he's carving out a distinct niche amidst the "UK sound" dominating global dance music. Glimji's style merges the irreverence of Manchester's music culture, echoes of the late 80s and early 90s "Madchester" movement, and the playfulness of a Britpop record or a trance / UK garage beat from the 2000s. Glimji's upcoming project draws from a 2000s era of music/fashion, repackaging it into a future dance pop experience. Across his work, one element remains consistent: an unadulterated sense of euphoria.
Godford's music captures the essence of present nostalgia, akin to contemporaries like Bob Moses and Jamie xx. They maintains anonymity online, offering a direct line to their authentic self through emotionally charged music. The records reflect diverse environments and real people. It invites listeners on an immersive journey through electronically distorted vocals, blurring lines between artist and friends. Godford's aspiration is for his songs to serve as time markers in someone's life. They embrace the concept of the "indie rave," infusing emotional vulnerability into electronic music.
Jackie Hayes’ first musical experiences happened in the church worship band. There’s an irony to the divinity, considering Hayes was kicked out of the worship band for being a nonbeliever. Detaching herself from her family’s religious fervor, Hayes moved to Chicago at 19, immersing herself in the city’s new wave of genreless artistry. The move proved fruitful: she continued self-releasing music, and shared stages with the likes of Claud, Role Model, Briston Maroney Sunflower Beam and The Japanese House as well as playing Lollapalooza.
Madisen has always intuitively gone her own way. With a vested interest in music since she was young, taking piano lessons before studying classic piano, she changed her major in college from education to performance, and was heavily involved in her university’s choir before her in-person classes and then senior recital were canceled in 2020. She had already been writing music since high school, and felt compelled to record some of those songs for her senior project instead. Recorded in her bedroom studio with long term partner Josh, she shared a snippet of debut “Baby in Blue” to Tik Tok before posting the song in full. The quietly stirring single was made from a period of self-reflection, and resonated across the platform for its lovelorn, ephemeral emotion. Although she graduated with a degree in jazz, it felt like a sign of encouragement for her to step outside of the shadow of just playing other people’s music.
Meet Nilo Blues, a 20-year-old poster child of the post-internet, low-attention-span, what’s-the-wifi-pw Generation Z. Growing up in the Toronto art scene, Blues drew influences from his upbringing as a Vietnamese-Chinese Canadian living within a distorted western society. Often feeling internally lost and never accepted, he experienced the struggles of self-concept and trying to live beyond stereotypes. These adversities have fueled his creative chi as Blues comes out of the starting gate full of bravado, poise, and conviction rarely witnessed from a new artist.
A film student at Chapman University, Kim's musical journey defies conformity. His songs delve into human emotions, blending shoegaze and intimate confessionals. His music embodies a search for something greater, offering a glimmer of hope. Kim's music, akin to an indie film soundtrack, is a reflection of real life. Despite the challenges of life, the music finds solace in the idea of movement and self-discovery. Ultimately, it celebrates the promise of what lies ahead.
Ukiyo cultivates a dynamic and explosive soundscape, drawing upon distinct hip-hop influences, Soulection-style grooves and chill-pop ─ blending in dizzying synths for good measure. Over the last four years, the artist-producer has released 44 original tracks and remixes, and gained support from such major publications as Nylon, Vice’s NOISEY vertical, PressPlayOK, Indie Shuffle, Clash Music, and Culture Collide, who have praised his many creative endeavors. Prolific artist, songwriter, and producer Pharrell Williams playlisted Ukiyo’s 2016 song “Calling,” on his OTHERtone radio show and playlist, alongside the likes of Maggie Rogers, SZA, and Perfume Genius. The song also landed on Dutch DJ and producer Martin Garrix’s The Martin Garrix Show.
Will Hyde's journey into pop music began during his lowest moments. Starting with electronic production in high school, he gained traction in the music industry with the success of SYDE, a house music project formed with his best friend. However, he struggled with feeling disconnected from his own releases and battled severe anxiety. Now, just outside his teenage years, Will has found his footing with. Collaborating with a close-knit community of fellow artists, the resulting music is vulnerable yet purposeful. Will's approach to storytelling, influenced by songwriters like Lily Allen and Lord Huron, sets him on a path to influence the future of pop music. His singles explore the complexities of love in various relationships, reflecting his newfound focus on self-care and spirituality. Will's music touches on the depths of human experience, offering a sense of community through shared understanding.