The various lockdowns [1] brought about due to the coronavirus pandemic have undoubtedly changed our lives and forced us all to find new ways of doing things and getting things done. As a result, innovation has risen across all industries because people have had no choice but to adapt. Companies — who otherwise didn't — are being forced to embrace working from home, celebrities are being forced to connect with their fans online, and people in general, are being forced to slow the f*ck down.
For the music industry specifically, artists are being forced to share their talents in different forms, work with their teams remotely, and find inspiration when there wasn't much to be inspired by. There's been a significant rise in virtual gigs and livestreams, like Dua Lipa's recent extravaganza [2], and we're finding new ways to support the artists we love through their online efforts. Podcasts like Song Exploder have found a new home on Netflix, which lets fans sink their teeth into the BTS of their favourite tracks, and Instagram Lives previewing new releases have now become part of our daily routine.
With so much more experimentation and innovation at our fingertips, it's no surprise that there's been a tonne of new music in the works, and it can be hard to keep track of who's doing what. Well, that's where we come in. Every month, we round up the best of the best from the UK new music scene. Whether it's another one of Mabel's eclectic remixes or a calming ballad from Ben Howard, we've got the tracks to see you through this new year.
Nelson Freitas & Mr Eazi - Tellin' Me Something
Few artists make us feel immediately better than Mr Eazi, and this song is no exception. Partnering with Cape Verdean-Dutch singer Nelson Freitas, who Eazi describes as his 'Big brother' [3], the pair released their new track "Tellin' Me Something", a lively tune with unique African influences.
Tash Sultana - Sweet & Dandy
Australian singer-songwriter Tash Sultana just released a new track, and we can't get enough. Smooth, sultry vocals are paired with a hopeful, wind chime-esque beat, and her twinkly voice sounds as magical as ever.
Years & Years - It's A Sin (Official Audio)
Following the release of Russell T Davies' incredible show, It's a Sin [4], starring Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander [5], the band themselves have released a dreamy rendition of the Pet Shop Boys classic — and you won't want to miss it.
Billie Eilish, ROSALÍA - Lo Vas A Olvidar
The collaboration to end all collaborations, two powerhouses came together to create "Lo Vas A Olvidar", a song which actually sees Eilish singing in Spanish [6]!
The track recently appeared on the second episode of Euphoria's latest special series [7], after being teased in its trailer, and it's already a pretty big hit.
Priya Ragu - Good Love 2.0
Swiss-Tamil artist Priya Ragu is one to watch. Funky rap lyrics merge with soulful harmonies in her latest release "Good Love", and if that wasn't enough to take your fancy, the South Indian influences in her music are very much present here, and they sound glorious.
Pa Salieu - Energy feat Mahalia
Crowned BBC's Sound of 2021, Pa Salieu has started his year with a bang. His latest release features soothing vocals from none other than Mahalia and, while it's a far cry from the buzzy 'Dem A Lie' that we all know and love, "Energy" is an upbeat, funky rhythm with a positive message.
Arlo Parks - Caroline
Released back in November, "Caroline" is the latest offering from the incredibly soulful Arlo Parks. As the next iteration from Parks since her Glass Animals collaboration, the song is brimming with mellifluous vocals and as always, pairs a melancholy tale with a wonderful tune and streams of effortless percussion.
ZAYN - Vibez
We've been waiting for new music from ZAYN since the beginning of time (or since the birth of his daughter [8]), and his comeback single "Vibez" did not disappoint. Elements of "Pillowtalk" find themselves enveloped in the tune, and while it might feel like his music hasn't moved on a great deal since those days, the new track is undoubtedly a more grown-up sound.
Charlotte Lawrence - Talk You Down
In a recent interview [9] with NME, US singer Charlotte Lawrence said "I wanted to be a part of a song about anxiety and how I deal with it. Talking with someone about how you feel is a perfect way to get through any emotional experience."
The breezy ballad somehow manages to make a song about irrational fears sound very, very lovely, and we're here for it.
Mae Muller - dependent
It's hard to believe that Mae Muller can sound any better than she already does, but then she goes and releases an acoustic version of "dependent", and any preconceptions are immediately shattered. Raw, poetic, and still somehow incredibly feisty, the acoustic offering is almost better than the original. Almost.
Kara Marni - Close
Kara Marni's latest release is clearly an attempt to show off her powerful vocals and undeniable range. The stripped back acoustic does well to dissolve any possible distractions and makes for a perfect rendition of her former single "Close".
Hope Tala, Aminé - Cherries
One of the most exciting artists [10] to come out of 2020, Hope Tala has exceeded any and all expectations with her latest collaboration with Aminé. The follow up single to her BBC Radio 1 Track of the Day "All My Girls Like to Fight", it's edgy, it's explicit, and it's the kind of song that makes you feel very cool for listening to it.
Biig Piig - Feels Right
Probably fuelled by the recent resurgence in teenage angst music (here's looking at you Beabadoobee), this subtle attempt by Biig Piig is an incredibly easy listen. The kind of sound that wouldn't feel out of place in a scene in 10 Things I Hate About You [11] or Skins, it's a total ode to the great British night out.
She told NME [12] that "'Feels Right' is a track about the energy of a night out. I miss going out so much, the feeling of letting go and being surrounded by sweaty people". Sounds about right, really.
Rose Gray - Save Your Tears
This song by London-born Rose Gray is incredibly funky. One for fans of Eliza Doolittle, Baby Queen, and Connie Constance, "Save Your Tears" is an electric disco track with brooding soul energy and all the vibes of 2 a.m. at a very glittery house party.