Consider yourself introduced to US-based duo Louis Pastel and Felix aka Paris Texas who impress with their explosive debut single ‘HEAVY METAL’. Arriving with a superb music video that perfectly reflects the track’s grungy atmospherics, the track sees the duo’s dynamic verses and unique flows over emphatic guitars and a killer beat. With a debut mixtape on the way, ‘HEAVY METAL’ wonderfully sets the tone for what’s to come from Paris Texas.

South Korean collective Balming Tiger release vibrant and refreshing double A-side singles ‘JUST FUN!’ and ‘LOOP?’. Comprising Omega Sapien, sogumm, wnjn, Mudd the Student, Unsinkable, and San Yawn, the group continue to impress on these two new cuts, showcasing their playful yet hard hitting soundscapes (courtesy of Unsinkable & wnjn) and witty delivery. Check out the lackadaisical atmospherics of ‘JUST FUN!’ (which arrives with a stellar music video) and the powerful headbanger that is ‘LOOP?’ here.

Tamil-Swiss artist Priya Ragu kicks off the new year with the release of sensational new single ‘Chicken Lemon Rice’. Having already impressed us with her infectious debut single ‘Good Love 2.0’ (which made it onto the FIFA 21 Soundtrack), the emerging artist returns with another sizzling banger as her glossy vocals glide across the festive soundscape. Vibe to ‘Chicken Lemon Rice’ here and be sure to keep an eye out for more greatness from Priya Ragu this year.

UK-based artist Alicai Harley unleashes her incredible debut EP ‘The Red Room Intro (Yard Gyal Inna Britain)’. Featuring previously released Ashanti-sampling single ‘I Just Wanna Know’ as well as contribution from the likes of Stefflon Don, Nadia Rose and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Moelogo, the ten-track project is packed with spellbinding cuts that showcase Alicai’s versatility and growth as an artist. An instantly uplifting listen, ‘The Red Room Intro (Yard Gyal Inna Britain)’ is a blast from start to finish – check it out here.

Rising UK based pop sensation Griff unleashes powerful new single ‘Black Hole’, her first taste of new material of the year. Having made the shortlist of this year’s BBC Sound of Music poll off of a stellar 2020 which saw the release of superb singles ‘Good Stuff’, ‘Forgive Myself’ and ‘Say It Again’, Griff continues her ascent as one of the most exciting voices around with the bubbly and melodramatic ‘Black Hole’. Listen here as Griff’s soulful, heartfelt tones sweep across the electronic-led soundbed.

Toronto based artist Ebhoni follows up last year’s ‘MIA’ with equally explosive and impressive new single ‘Hit This’. Produced by IzyBeats (who’s worked with COLORS alumni Jorja Smith and Koffee), the Afrobeats inspired track features a fiery beat to serve as the perfect backdrop for Ebhoni’s sensual and commanding vocals. Dive into ‘Hit This’ and stay tuned for more from Ebhoni this year.

Pakistan-based producer Talal Qureshi and singer/songwriter Hasan Raheem team up for striking, genre-bending new single ‘PAISA’. Released alongside a playful music video created by Arham Ikram and RohanYV, the vibrant track boasts a spirited trap-inspired beat which lays the foundation for Raheem’s slick multi-lingual delivery. Check out the ‘PAISA’ here, it’s a bop from start to finish.

Angola-born, Portugal-based artist Rony Fuego expresses his gratitude on his vibrant new single ‘Graças a Deus’. Released at the end of last year, ‘Graças a Deus’ (which loosely translates to “Thanks God”) boasts an energetic soundscape penned by Charlie Beats who lays down a bouncy beat to serve as the perfect backdrop for Fuego to lay down his scintillating vocals. Dive into the celebratory track here and keep an eye out for more from the rising artist this year.

Melbourne-based newcomer daine unveils the long-awaited official version of ‘Bloody Knees’ (produced by Circle Pitt), her final offering of the year. Over the past year, the Filipino-Australian artist has been showcasing her delectable slices of pop with a string of singles like ‘Picking Flowers’, ‘My Way Out’, ‘Ascension’ and ‘Angel Numbers’ and an unofficial ‘nitecore’ version of the new single on her SoundCloud which caught the attention of Charli XCX. Check out ‘Bloody Knees’ here and keep an eye out for more from this rising artist.

Rising Italian artists HÅN & GIUNGLA share collaborative single ‘CTR’, a glorious and utterly uplifting slice of pop with a bite. Driven by a blistering electronic beat that’s overflowing with a vibrant energy, the track is further heightened by the pair’s nonchalant and smooth vocals, ‘CTR’ is the result of emails, ZOOM sessions and multiple file exchanges between the pair during lockdown. Stream ‘CTR’ (which is out via Italian label Factory Flaws) here.

Hamburg, Germany based artist Nina Chuba follows up her superb debut EP ‘Power’ with hard-hitting new single ‘Babylon Fall’. Showcasing a new side to the newcomer’s repertoire, ‘Babylon Fall’ sees Chuba lay down her apocalyptic critique of “all the stuff I think that should go first when the world finally ends” delivered with a slick flow over explosive electronic beats. Stream ‘Babylon Fall’ here and be sure to keep an eye out for more from Nina Chuba next year.

Consider yourself introduced to Japanese multi-disciplinary artist MANON and her scintillating new single ’18’ which is produced by KM. Accompanied by a brilliant music video directed by MANON and ZOEY, the explosive cut follows previous singles ‘2 LIVE IN A REAL WORLD’ and ‘WORLD’S END’ (ft. dodo) from earlier this year. Soundtracked by an icy electronic beat, the track sees MANON lay down her sugary vocals with an effortless, almost nonchalant flow – see yourself here.

Having lent his production chops to the likes of Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek, HAIM and more, American producer and artist Jim-E Stack steps into the spotlight with his star-studded debut album ‘EPHEMERA’. Setting the tone singles ‘Note to Self’, ‘Jeanie’ and ‘Sweet Summer Sweat’ which feature Empress of, Bon Iver and Dijon respectively, ‘EPHEMERA’ also sees contributions from Octavian, Brockhampton’s Bearface and COLORS alumna Kacy Hill. On the record, Jim-E Stack weaves together a range of sounds and influences to create a seamless and diverse sonic atmosphere – check it out here.

London artist and COLORS alumni Bakar returns with striking new single ‘1st Time’, the follow up to last year’s ‘Will You Be My Yellow’ EP. The track encompasses the rising artists unique and refreshing artistry over a stellar beat penned alongside longtime collaborator Zach Nahome. Dive into the brilliant single here and keep an eye out for Bakar’s sophomore album which is set to drop next year.

Nepalese-born, North Carolina-based breakthrough artist Curtis Waters (aka Abhinav Bastakoti) shares ‘Pity Party’, his magnificent debut studio album. Since going Tik Tok viral with infectious cut ‘Stunnin” (which features Harm Franklin and has now amassed over 300 million global combined streams), the rising singer, songwriter and producer has gone onto share equally impressive singles ‘The Feelings Tend To Stay The Same’ and ‘Freckles’. On ‘Pity Party’, Waters brings his witty songwriting and slick vocals over playful and emotive soundscapes – stream the entire album here.

Brighton-based singer, songwriter and producer unveils sparkling new single ‘Is It Infatuation?’ alongside a stunning music video. Following the previous cut ‘Savannah’, ‘Is It Infatuation?’ is another gorgeous pop gem that showcases the artist’s intoxicating vocals over a spellbinding beat co-produced by Dan Carey. The track arrives with an equally arresting visual which was shot by DEWEY via a drone whilst under lockdown – check it out here.

Rising South London based artist Midas The Jagaban unveils her explosive new Afrodance single titled ‘Party With A Jagaban’. Serving as the follow up to her equally irresistible debut offering ‘Come We Bill Ehh’ which dropped earlier this year, ‘Part With A Jagaban’ is an absolute blast from start to finish as Midas’ vibrant vocals sweep across the energetic soundscape with a zip. Stream the single here and keep an eye out for more from this promising artist.

Introducing Australian singer/songwriter ASHWARYA (pronounced ash-waa-ree-ya) and her shape-shifting new single ‘BIRYANI’. Serving as the follow up to her striking debut single ‘PSYCHO HOLE’ which dropped this past summer, the explosive new single is accompanied by an hypnotic DIY music video which was shot in ASHWARYA’s garage during lockdown. Shifting between Hindi and English, ‘BIRYANI’ is a melting pot of blazing electronics, warbling bass and some killer vocals – check it out for yourself here.

Omega Sapien, frontman of the alternative K-pop group Balming Tiger unveils ‘Serenade for Mrs.Jeon’, the lead single from his forthcoming debut solo album ‘GARLIC’. Accompanied by an equally energetic music video which is directed by Jan’Qui, the spirited single features an explosive soundscape penned by Bumjin who lays down the perfect soundbed for Sapien’s powerful delivery. Check out the hypnotic single here and be sure to keep an eye out for ‘GARLIC’ which is out later this month.

Danish singer, songwriter and producer Goss delivers another dazzling slice of left-field pop on new single ‘Everybody’s Going’. Melding together sweet acoustic guitar melodies with a bounding beat that is laced with soothing electronic pulses, the track shines brighter with Goss’ yearning and heartfelt vocals. Check out the brilliant new single, which is taken from the artist’s new project of the same name here, it’s a stunner!