YellowStraps – Take Over

Copenhagen-based trio CHINAH kick off their 2021 with the release of spellbinding new single ‘Mysterious’. Serving as the follow up to last year’s ‘Promise’ and ‘Eternal Blue’, the single sees vocalist Fine Glinvad’s dazzling tones glide atop the experimental, electronic-led production with ease. A satirical commentary on “of women being attracted to the mysterious man, and how it leaves you guessing about his feelings”, ‘Mysterious’ has us intrigued for what’s to come from the Danish outfit.

Consider yourself introduced to Nigerian singer/songwriter Ayra Starr and her shimmering new single ‘Away’ which is taken from her self-titled debut EP which also dropped this past Friday. Joining taste-maker label Mavin Records (the same team behind COLORS alumni Rema and Tiwa Savage), Starr shines on the delectable cut which features a serene soundscape for the singer to lay down her dynamic, soaring tones. Check out ‘Away’ here and be sure to give ‘Ayra Starr’ a spin too – it’s a stunner!

Maryland-based trio Lo Village (Ama, Kane and Tyler) continue to impress with the release of their magnificent new EP ‘Lost In America’. Featuring previously released singles ‘Terry Crews’ and ‘Out The Window’, the project is rounded off with three new gems in the form of ‘Sick’, ‘Run’ and ‘Lost In America’, the latter of which arrives with a stellar new clip by Wayn O Reid. Encased in a blend of Hip-Hop and R&B, the project presents the rising trio’s sharp commentary on the current landscape of America, and establishes the group as ones to watch.

Consider yourself introduced to the lush intonations of alt-pop newcomer Cariss Auburn and her delectable new single ‘Float’. Released this past week, the single serves as the first taste of new music from the Wolverhampton based singer who lays down her dreamy vocals over a shimmering, synth-laden soundscape. Enjoy the single here along with its Prickly Peach Films-directed music video here.

Montreal-based trio Planet Giza (aka Rami B, Tony Stone and DoomX) share new single ‘When The Moving Stops’. Serving as the lead single from their forthcoming new EP, the track arrives with a slick, nostalgia-inducing music video directed by Guillame Landry and Dovi Kotto, which is inspired by classic hip-hop clips from the late 90’s and early 00’s. Driven by a pounding bass and tinged with groove, the track sees the trio set the scene wonderfully for what’s to come – check out ‘When The Moving Stops’ here.

Dutch artist Benny Sings shares uplifting and groovy new single ‘Nobody’s Fault’ which features fellow COLORS alumnus Tom Misch who works his magic with a stellar guitar solo. Accompanied by an equally cheerful music video directed by Eliot Chassagne, ‘Nobody’s Fault’ is a sparkling gem taken from his forthcoming new album titled ‘Music’. Watch Benny bust some moves, groove along to the track here and don’t forget to check out ‘Music’ which is out April 9th via Stones Throw Records.

If you’re looking for a song that will warm your heart and soul, look no further than ‘Once’, the new single by Swedish singer and songwriter Anna Leone. Since sharing her intimate and stunning A COLORS SHOW of ‘Wandered Away‘ in 2018, Leone went on to share her debut EP of the same name and returned last year for the equally gorgeous ‘Wandering’. With ‘Once’, which arrives with a stunning music video shot on The Azores created alongside Savannah Setten, the Stockholm native evokes a sense of freedom as she sings about embracing “what once was in order to move forward”. Drift away to the quietly surreal and delicate intonations of ‘Once’ 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.

Indian rapper DIVINE teams up with Vince Staples and Pusha T on the explosive new single ‘Jungle Mantra’. Fresh off the release of his sublime new album ‘Punya Paap’ which dropped late last year, the Mumbai-based artist brings his spitfire verses and clever wordplay and is joined by two of America’s best over a fiery, hard-hitting beat penned by Karan Kanchan. Check out ‘Jungle Mantra’ here, which is lifted from Netflix’s forthcoming adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s 2008 novel ‘The White Tiger’.

Tulsa-based dream-pop duo Sports (aka Cale Chronister and Christian Theriot) share sparkling new single ‘The Look’. Dripping with a groove-inflected soundscape topped off by slick vocals, the spellbinding single serves as the latest offering from the pair’s forthcoming project titled ‘Get A Good Look Pt. 1’ which is due February 12th. Vibe to ‘The Look’ here, it’s a bop from start to finish.

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.

Swiss-born, London-based singer/songwriter Kings Elliot continues to impress with the release of new single ‘Dancing Alone’. The follow up to last year’s ‘I’m Getting Tired Of Me’ showcases the rising artist’s melodious yet affecting songwriting and cements Kings Elliot as one to watch. Listen as those heartfelt vocals traipse across the piano-led instrumentation to conveying the hardships of keeping a relationship afloat whilst struggling with mental health.

Seventeen year-old Scottish songwriter and producer Dillon van Rensburg aka dvr shares delightful new single ’16 (demo)’. Lifted from his brilliant new EP titled ‘u can call me dillon’, the gorgeous single was performed on Dillon’s school piano and was recorded in a single take on Dillon’s phone when he was 16. Accompanying the track, is an equally arresting music video directed by Aliyah Otchere which too, was recorded in a single take. Check out ’16 (demo)’ and keep an eye out for ‘u can call me dillon’ which is also out today.

New York-based rapper Marlon Craft teases his forthcoming new album ‘How We Intended’ with the release of ‘At The Door’. Accompanied by a visual directed by Jacob Carlson and Marlon Craft himself, the track boasts a jazz-inflected, laid back beat penned by Arbus Beats for Craft to lay down his reflective words with a sharp, invigorating flow. Check out ‘At The Door’ here and be sure to give ‘How We Intended’ a spin when it drops next month.

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.

French outfit L’Impératrice get their groove on with the release of new single ‘Peur des filles’ which is lifted from their forthcoming sophomore album titled ‘TAKO TSUBO’. Serving as the follow up to 2019’s ‘Matahari’ and latest single ‘Anomalie bleu’, ‘Peur des filles’ is accompanied by a stellar (and gory) visual directed by Aube Perrie which wonderfully mirrors the track’s dreamy and funk-filled atmospherics. Swoon to the single here and keep an eye out for ‘TAKO TSUBO’ which is set to drop March 26th.

L.A. based indie-folk artist Mal unveils ‘In Free Fall’, her gorgeous debut EP which is inspired by the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe and Leslie Feist. Released alongside an online VR visual exhibition, the seven-track project showcases Mal’s poetic storytelling over incredibly atmospheric and immersive soundscapes on highlights like ‘Night’, ‘Bluebird’ and closer ‘By The Ocean’. Immerse yourself in Mal’s wondrous sounds and stream ‘In Free Fall’ here.

New York City based artist ernest rareberrg shares the stunning visual to latest single ‘Secondary Handstand’ which is directed by Noah Weisfogel. The accompanying clip wonderfully mirrors the track’s moody and nostalgic aesthetic as rareberrg is pictured maintaining direct eye contact throughout, creating an eerie yet intimate atmosphere. With one of the most unique sounds around, rareberrg is undoubtedly an artist to keep an eye on this year – for now though, check out ‘Secondary Handstand’ here.

Toronto-based Persian-Dutch singer and songwriter KIANA kicks off the new year with the release of lush new single ‘September’. Serving as the follow up to last year’s ‘Lesson’ and ‘off of this’, the delectable cut boasts a slick beat penned by Arham and sukh as KIANA’s soothing tones wash over to create a sense of peace and tranquility. Check out the feel good song here, it’s a stunner!

Norwegian artist, producer and creative Lokoy teams up with Nils Bech on striking new single ‘relay’ which is lifted from his forthcoming debut album titled ‘badminton’. Driven by a lively beat which blends together African-inspired percussion as well as sampled Icelandic church choirs, ‘relay’ is a vivid pop cut that’s finessed by those light and airy vocals. Check out ‘relay’ here and keep an eye out for ‘badminton’ which is out January 22nd.