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Best Music Blog for New Artists

FAERYS Sever the Puppet Strings and Strike with ‘Control’

Posted on 8 February 2025

After slipping into the ether following their debut ‘Nova Scotia’, FAERYS have returned with ‘Control’, a sophomore single that takes no prisoners. The duo, known for tearing through genre lines like they’re made of tissue paper, are dialling everything up to eleven—synth-driven melodies crackle under the weight of colossal guitars, while pulsating beats and atmospheric textures ensure the walls close in with oppressive force.

FAERYS are no strangers to disruption. Their debut racked up 500k streams and left a dent in the electro-rock scene. ‘Control’ sees them storming back with a track that seizes attention with ironclad fists. It’s a white-hot, scorching attack on tyranny, cutting the marionette strings and igniting in an autonomous blaze of glory. The duality at play between the hypnotic, She Drew the Gun-esque female vocals and the razor-sharp Saul Williams reminiscent rap bars—delivered by a fierce London-based rapper—fuels a current potent enough to power a grid. The result is an industrial-charged riot, where every sonic element serves as both ignition and explosion.

Recorded in Brixton and marking the first two tracks of their upcoming EP, ‘Control’ signals that the duo is as indomitable as ever.

Control hit the airwaves on January 31st; stream it on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Boy by As Rome Burns: A Defiant Punk-Laden Anthem Against Patriarchal Poison

Posted on 22 January 2025

While punk, as a concept, is becoming increasingly harder to define, there’s no denying that it runs thick in the veins of the debut single, Boy, from the London-based sharp-witted antagonists, As Rome Burns.

With an unmistakable cerebral echo of The Fall drifting around the crunched chords that pulsate feverish energy into the anthemic melting pot of punk, grunge and indie, the protestive exposition of patriarchal violence and how it poisons the well of modernity knows exactly what trigger points to press and hits them hard enough to bruise.

If you could imagine what the Offspring would sound like if Mark E Smith, Rage Against the Machine and IDLES had some creative input, you’ll come close to getting an idea of what As Rome Burns delivered with their explosively authentic first foray onto the airwaves.

Boy is so much more than a mash of influence and contrasting genres; the inaugural release became a conduit of the artist’s ethos to throw progressive punches and stand against the threat of societal regression while allowing their raw originated sound to ramp up the visceralism of the socially conscious messaging.

Stream the debut single from As Rome Burns on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Find resolve through the rhythm and lyrical reflections in Flame’s seminal alt-indie release, ‘Heat’

Posted on 21 January 2025

The standout single ‘Heat’ from Flame’s alt-rock EP, Pride of the Lamb, which paints in colours from all across the alternative spectrum, ensues with a barrage of folkish rhythmic intensity before establishing a melody in the arcanely beguiling atmosphere.

The seraphic on the senses release transcends sound and moves into the remit of transformative meditation through the ethereal timbre of the lead vocals which refuse to bleed into the instrumentals in true shoegaze fashion as they relay mantric messages, guiding the listener towards transformation.

Flame lights fires through the trailblazing authenticity within their sonic signature, which pairs the textural motifs of grunge with the cathartic consolation of melodic rock as they build insurmountable walls of sound, brick by brick, note by note, while sharing a singular vision of leading the listener away from their ego.

Hit play and feel something primal within you wake in the presence of the Edinburgh-based alt-rock powerhouse who have exactly what it takes to stand at the vanguard of the post-shoegaze revolution in sound.

With one of the most distinct voices on the indie rock circuit, Flame is perceptibly in the minority of artists who favour their expression over commercial appeal, but there’s nothing within their debut EP that says they can’t have both; it’s pure evocative perfection.

Stream Heat as part of the 5-track EP on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Breaking the Mould: An Interview with r/ginola on Bold Soundscapes and a New L

Posted on 18 January 2025
r/ginola

With an unmistakable knack for pushing boundaries and weaving intensity into every track, r/ginola is a genre-defying artist carving his own path from the unlikely backdrop of Connecticut. Having honed his craft through years of experimentation and evolution, his music is an unapologetic blend of moody cadences, raw emotion, and influences as diverse as shoegaze, nu-metal, and modern trap. In this candid interview, r/ginola opens up about his tumultuous artistic journey, the deeply personal themes behind his forthcoming 8-track LP, and his unrelenting commitment to authenticity in an industry often criticised for its uniformity. From his creative process to his take on vulnerability, this conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist determined to leave a mark.

r/ginola, welcome to A&R Factory! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you and discuss the release of your upcoming LP. Before we get into the music, we’d love to get a better understanding of who you are as an artist. How did you get started and where has your music taken you so far?

I started about 4 years ago as more of a way to vent my feelings and frustrations that I had at the time. I showed friends the stuff I was making during a smoke sesh and they really encouraged me to get in a proper studio and take it seriously. That period was very dark but I’m glad I went through it. It allowed me to fully express things but also find myself as an artist and really made me open to new ideas or sounds.

Fast forward to now, after 3 rebrands in terms of name & genre, and over 100 songs, I feel I’ve really grown as an artist, and I am currently making my best stuff. The old stuff was cool (a lot of it is deleted) but the new stuff is basically a blend of what I was making previously.

What’s the most satisfying/challenging aspect of your craft?

Hmm.. the most satisfying to me is creating songs. I enjoy the writing bit, coming up with different flows and then putting it all together. The most challenging bit is mixing/mastering. I’m not the greatest at it but I normally try to tweak it to how I would like it and how it would sound in my car

Can you describe the unique elements that define your sound?

My sound to me is different from anything you hear currently. It’s hard nowadays for artists to really stand out because there is a lot of copy and paste but with my sound, I worked hard to make it different.

My delivery/cadence is very moody, and I think that comes from my time making shoegaze/nu-metal music. The lyrics are very sexual or aggressive at times, which is basically my usual nature.

What’s the story behind your 8-track release?

Whenever I drop a project, I always try to paint a picture. The picture is created by expressing everything I have dealt with in my life through relationships, friendships and miscellaneous things. This project, in particular, is about me falling in and out of love with an ex. I don’t wanna dive too deep into it, but you get the gist. I should also add that when it comes to the story/lyrics of each song, I leave it up to the listener to interpret it however they see fit.

How would you say the release reflects your identity as an artist?

This release is me. From the lyrics to the story to the energy to the sound, this project embodies everything I set out to be when I initially started.

How do you balance vulnerability and creativity?

When it comes to writing I pretty much lock myself in a certain period of time in my life and remember what it felt like. The more vulnerable I am the better the lyrics I believe. I try to keep it from sounding like I’m whining and keep it very fun so people are able to connect with it better. Sappy love songs just aren’t for me. I like to make mine sick and twisted, very dark at times.

You’ve cited influences ranging from Deftones and Static Dress to Yeat and Young Thug. How do these varied inspirations manifest in your music, and are there any nods to these artists on this record?

Jeez, I could talk about each of these artist for days! And there are loads more, LOADS! But these have been very prominent in my artistry. I’d say Deftones for sure has played the biggest role, Chino Moreno for me is god (I’m glazing heavily and I don’t care haha), I love that guy dearly! From songwriting to singing to energy to just about everything, he heavily influences my music. I love Static Dress for their visuals as well as their sick storylines, Oli is very cool!

Going by the standout single, sssnake, you’re clearly one to push the boundaries of sound design, where did that boldness as an artist come from?

I’ve always been bold. Maybe too bold at times but I like being this way. You can’t be afraid to take risks or try new things, you just gotta go for it and stick with it. Will it get you in trouble sometimes? Sure, but who cares! Be different, enjoy yourself!

How has your location shaped your artistic journey?

Umm I mean I feel like it kind of blessing but also a hindrance. I’m from Connecticut, so not too many people know of the state or where it is. There aren’t many artists or any artists for that matter that have made it out. But I also feel like that’s because everyone is trying to sound like everyone, and since Connecticut is unknown, no one wants to hear their story. They’d rather listen to someone from California, Florida or New York if the story is similar. For me, I’m in my own lane; there is no one making this kind of music here. And I love that!

What does 2025 have in store for you?

We will see together hahah I’m hoping to tick some boxes off the things I’ve been manifesting but I won’t be disappointed if things don’t go as planned. End goal is to just continue putting out great music and enjoy every second of it!

–

Stream r/ginola’s new 2025 LP on SoundCloud now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

‘sssnake’: r/ginola’s Venomous Dive into the Electronic Spectrum

Posted on 17 January 2025

With sssnake, the up-and-coming artist and producer, r/ginola, strikes again, delivering a sonic venom that bites hard and fast. Forgoing the usual slow-burn build-ups, the track hooks instantly, plunging listeners into a speaker-slamming anthem that meshes bass-heavy EDM with hyper-pop chaos. The glitchy techno interjections and euphoric house swells create a kaleidoscope of sound that refuses to play by the rules, colouring far beyond the conventional lines of electronica.

Building on the foundation of his first official release, Edgar Allen Poe, a genre-defying electrotrap banger, r/ginola continues to scribe his unique sonic signature across uncharted auditory territory. While his chaotic approach to production lands firmly in the remit of modern trends, his distinctive style carves out a space that’s entirely his own.

sssnake not only showcases r/ginola’s adventurous approach to sound design but also hints at his potential to become a trailblazer in the EDM scene. With a tighter structure and a little more polish to his sound, he could be poised to dominate the electronic frontier.

sssnake was officially released on January 17th; stream the single on SoundCloud and Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SAINT tgw – ‘in darkness,’; Hip-Hop’s Firestorm of Authenticity and Emotive Artillery

Posted on 14 January 2025

SAINT tgw is etching his way into the annals of hip-hop history with his raw authenticity and trademark emotively cinematic sound, and his latest single, in darkness, sets his reputation ablaze. Influenced by icons such as Tupac, Nas, and Biggie, while standing shoulder to shoulder with contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake, the rapper is blazing his own trail to the top without missing a step.

in darkness doesn’t just hit hard; it hits in all the right places. The high-energy intensity is perfectly juxtaposed with the meticulously measured cadence of his bars, which command a layered track that transcends typical hip-hop beats. Bluesy guitars angularly cut through the polished production, while the rattle of the 808s and blasts of bass create a visceral foundation for his fervent lyricism and charismatic conviction.

The anthem is a soundscape that melts the mind into susceptibility, making it impossible not to lock into SAINT tgw’s unrelenting momentum. SAINT tgw isn’t merely riding a wave of hype—he is the hype. in darkness solidifies his place as an industry heavyweight in the making and confirms what fans of raw, unfiltered hip-hop already know: SAINT tgw isn’t just aiming for greatness—he’s claiming it.

‘in darkness,’ will be available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud, from January 14th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dreams of Zephyrus synthesised the chill of disconnection with their alt indietronica release, Stone Cold

Posted on 13 January 2025

With their latest single, Stone Cold, the indie experimentalist Dreams of Zephyrus tore down genre confines until there was nothing left but rubble and an opportunity to explore a brand-new intersection of ethereal indietronica.

With wavy indie dream pop textures building around the vocal lines that reach out like a melancholic clarion call atop the saturated-in-effects polyphonic keys and interstellar motifs, Stone Cold is firmly rooted in Avant-Garde territory while simultaneously reaching out to listeners with the affecting songwriting and lyrical delivery style of Phoebe Bridgers and Angel Olsen.

The juxtaposition between the playfully warm instrumental layers, which seem to suspend you in the animation of the melodies, and the piercing ache of the harmonies reaches the epitome of haunting. Exploring the heart-wrenching experience of feeling someone withdraw affection and feeling the temperature drop, the single builds a sanctuary for anyone looking to steal back some affection into their soul.

Stone Cold was officially released on January 9th; stream the single on all major platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lil Dom reigned as trap royalty in his emotively heavy hit, ‘emo prince’

Posted on 8 January 2025

Lil Dom has staked his claim as emo trap royalty with emo prince, a dark, immersive plunge into raw vulnerability. The track’s opening minor-key Latin guitar strings set a deceptively tranquil tone before the instrumentals dissipate into wavy obscurity, amplifying the emotional weight carried by his confessional lyricism. Every beat and verse swells with unfiltered emotion, creating a soundscape where ennui and exhaustion echo with haunting relatability.

Known for reshaping contemporary music’s edges with his blend of emo rap, cloud rap, and hyperpop, Lil Dom’s artistry pushes boundaries without losing sight of raw authenticity. emo prince exemplifies his ability to bridge the sonic gap between introspective lyricism and cutting-edge production. The track’s cathartic undercurrent doesn’t just narrate the tortured psyche—it invites listeners to sit in its midst, offering a shared solace for those wrestling with the weight of burnout.

As the song builds, its brooding atmosphere fractures with the bite of a raw rock riff, giving a powerful, climactic release that anchors the listener within its emotive grasp.

emo prince dropped on December 27; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Shreya Pujari & Krishna Beuraa’s ‘Najaa’ Bursts with Pan-Global Soul

Posted on 27 December 2024
Shreya Pujari

‘Najaa’ by Shreya Pujari, featuring Krishna Beuraa, doesn’t rest on conventional borders. Shreya, an accomplished jazz and R&B vocalist from San Francisco with a history of coalescing international traditions, pulls influence from her Indian upbringing and fascination with global folk forms to create a performance that feels like a cradle for countless cultures.

Her study of linguistics and her world-spanning education—encompassing Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Canada, and more—has armed her with a rare versatility and tone. From recurring performances with folk bands and choirs, international tours, and sharing the stage with the likes of Jordan Sparks and Sergio Martinez, she’s always championed borderless expression.

In ‘Najaa’, Eastern strings, orchestral sweeps, and overdriven guitar riffs meld into a sonic melting pot. Shreya’s lush, arcane vocal textures seduce the senses before Krishna’s rallying cry edges in.

Shreya’s skill in weaving Eastern and Western ideas clearly resonates within the single and her trajectory from Indian chart collaborations to her current studies at Berklee and her recent immersion in Mediterranean and Flamenco styles in Valencia. ‘Najaa’ symbolises that relentless curiosity and ambition, proving that borders can crumble under the right melodies.

Najaa will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, from December 27th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

RNA KayGii is a conduit of cosmic charisma in his debut hip-hop hit, Boost Mine

Posted on 17 December 2024

RNA KayGii’s debut single ‘Boost Mine’ arrives with a vibe-driven aesthetic that feels more like a surreal sonic habitat than a standard hip-hop cut. Picture André 3000’s charisma colliding with the experimental impulses of J Dilla and RZA, and you’re halfway there. Metric precision in the beats holds it all together, while the lush, wavy textures seem to hover in a trippy, almost cosmic dimension.

The metaphysical imagery threading through the psychedelic motifs creates an unusual sense of intimacy as the track redefines the contours of the contemporary urban love song. The artist wastes no time pulling you deeper into the soundscape, with words that seem to drift through your psyche, stripping away defences to lay bare the emotional core. It’s less about grandeur and more about the raw nerve endings of feeling, all underscored by soulful grooves that swing between grit and silk.

‘Boost Mine’ doesn’t pander to the predictable. In under a few minutes, RNA KayGii proves that even a debut can possess a distinct edge, one that can expand horizons without ever feeling contrived. It’s a track that sets an unmistakable tone, letting you know this artist has something different to say—and the skill to say it.

Boost Mine hit the airwaves on November 28; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast