As 2022 draws to a close, we can’t help but look back at artists you need to know from from our fierce and fabulous New Music Alerts. Every playlist has held variety and individualism at its core, but before the curtains fall, we’ve pulled seven artists into the spotlight for an encore.
RAQUEL KURPERSHOEK | DÁTILES Y JAZMINES
A recent release from Raquel Kurpershoek enfolds classical Spanish guitar with a flamenco flare. Dátiles Y Jazmines paints the landscape of Seville, Spain with the artist’s voice leading every stroke. A moment of expressionism.
LIV† | “SWEAT”
This track dances along the lines of ‘80s/’90s garage rock. It’s a burst of feel-good vocals that glide over shuffling percussion and rhythms. LIVt grounds the short and sweet “SWEAT” for a beat with a burst of rap. It just gets better.
BEL | “PAUL BIGDAWG (WITH BOYISH)”
Taking a different tone, BEL breathes the same air as Julia Jacklin and Maggie Rogers, a dreamy melancholic confession that hits the heart. Teenage angst, quarter-life crisis individuals… be prepared to stop in your tracks.
BLKBOK | ”THE HUSTLE IS REAL”
“The Hustle Is Real” sounds as though it would be anything but instrumental piano music. But the hustle is found in the dancing keys. Detroit artist BLKBOK distills wonder and subtle conversation through the classical piano.
V.C.R. | “TRIP”
Multi-instrumentalist and recording artist V.C.R. brings you “Trip”, an offering that incorporates her soul, funk, and gospel influences in a simple melody that soothes the soul. The layers of communal voices create a warm and joyful space.
MESADORM | SOAP OPERA
London four-piece Mesadorm introduce their own “Soap Opera”. It instills early 2000s English honesty that only Lily Allen, Kate Nash, and Noah & the Whale can really claim. It feels raw and relatable, but just Bjork enough to have that edge.
YUTAKA HIRASAKA | “TIME WILL TELL”
As a firm favourite, Yutaka Hirasaka is easy breezy, laidback, mellow, and all things chill. “Time Will Tell” is just one of Hirasaka’s many tracks that settle the turbulence of the mind. We hope the Tokyo-based composer and pianist never stops creating his instrumental soundscapes – we are here for them.
Words by Maeve Hannigan
