Drawing us in with an intricate and emotive piano soundscape featuring textured drums, Jonathan Lobo opens Hero with the introspective lyrics, “How would you remember me when I die? Would you think I’m brave, or would you cast away memories? And how would you remember me when I’m gone?”

We immediately connect with the existential nature of the track, and the raw authenticity and relatability of what manifests. There is no doubt that Hero holds a cinematic allure, perfect for a movie like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Up, or Manchester By The Sea.

The poetic prowess and chord changes are emotionally charged, tapping into a power-pop adjacency reminiscent of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Elton John. Fans of John Mayer, Coldplay, and Tom Odell would also enjoy the track.

The build of the track is sublime, the choral harmonies, the transcendental guitar performance and the momentary silences to add drama to the truly powerful message of the song. Speaking on the release, Jonathan confesses, “I think I kept sitting on this song because it felt a bit too honest. It asks a question I do not really have a neat answer to – how do you want to be remembered? The line about kindness felt almost too idealistic at first, but I think I meant it more than I realised.”

We learn that the creative process of Hero began after attending a book release where the author spoke about the kind of legacy we hope to leave behind. Jonathan shares how half of the song was written during a song-a-day challenge in 2022 with just a piano, before being completed in 2025 with the addition of live drums, slide guitar, mellotron, acoustic guitar, and layered backing vocals.

Needless to say, we absolutely love the final outcome and the emotional catharsis that the Dubai-born-and-raised lawyer and independent singer-songwriter has delivered. We have added Hero to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Jonathan Lobo, including Love, and Start Again.

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You can read more features in our Music + Culture section.

AUDEN – Simulation

Rising NY-based artist Auden has released their 10-track EP, Simulation which we are obsessed with. A genre bending trip through europop, R&B, synth pop, subversive garage, glitch and more, Auden has a vast sound and catalogue, and the EP is the follow up to their first mixtape, Element.

With songs about love, connection, sobriety and the human condition, we love the intricate detail that Auden has poured into their body of work.

Auden, who recently co-produced Vapid Prophecy by NEO 10Y, has teamed up with House DJ, Don Crescendo and Brazilian artist, Junior High on the record. Simulation breaks the barriers between R&B, Dance and Experimental, and Auden continues to push sound forward.

Upcoming releases include a deluxe edition featured remixes of the singles, as well as other tracks. It will include remixes by Don Crescendo, Deluxe Ultra, Kylie Cloud, Lucia Beyond, Saint Taint & Adam.

FEAR OF MARKO – Dizzy

Dizzy is the debut from rising UK artist FEAR OF MARKO, it’s a textured pop-punk meet hyperpop anthem about spiralling, the understanding of self, internalized thoughts and falling for someone but also generally just being…dizzy!

Hailing from Manchester, MARKO has been building a cult following of likeminded individuals in the alternative and queer music scenes. We love the soundscape of Dizzy, MARKO’s passionate and nuanced delivery or the relatable message, and MARKO’s super engaging TikTok presence!

FEAR OF MARKO draws musical influences that range from the Gorillaz, McFly & Sneaker Pimps to Grimes, Charli XCX and Playboy Carti, but it is clear that MARKO also creating a lane of his own!

You can watch the lyric video here which our protagonist lips synchs along to, bringing to life his dizzy dimension.

Nikitaa – Bad Trip (Sitam)

Nikitaa has released a multi-genre and expansive song called Bad Trip (Sitam), where she sings emotively in Hindi/Urdu “if anyone has a prayer for the injustice”.

The narrative of the song sees the artist coming off a Bad Trip, but it feels like there are multiple interpretations of the song, which references a personal relationship, the state of society and first-hand experiences from the artist herself.

There is a surreal ancient civilizations-esque instrumental section which is epic and there are plenty of nods to Nikitaa‘s heritage. We are obsessed.

FKA Twigs – thank you song

We had to share the Aidan Zamiri directed video for FKA Twigs‘ thank you song, which is a very emotive piece, referencing suicidal thoughts, taken from her CAPRISONGS mixtape.

She opens the song with the vulnerable lyrics, “I wanted to die, I’m just being honest, no longer afraid to say it out loud…”

The video sees FKA Twigs simply get on a bus and enjoy a conceptual journey, as she sings “love in motion, my heart’s open”.

Izzy T – On My Mind

With a perfected futuristic alt-rock soundscape, we are in love with the latest single from Izzy T! On My Mind is a vulnerable anthem with an exquisite vocal performance and production, so it is no surprise that is has been chosen as Kerrang!’s track of the week.

Produced by Quentin Roelandt aka The Q, and co-written with Quentin, Celine Love and Kaey, the lyricism is profound and emotive, and the song takes us on a cerebral journey through Izzy T’s mind.

The song also has an epic video directed by Shan Snowling where we see Izzy T drowning in her woes, chained in an industrial building and performing like the icon that she is.

Rena Heart – Ride or Die

Setting the vibe with a moody synth-pop soundscape, we have been immersing ourselves in Rena Hart‘s latest single, Ride or Die. With layered vocals, intricate harmonies and poetic lyricism, Rena tells a romantic story about her favourite person, who she wants by her side.

Speaking on the meaning of the track, Rena says, “It’s about finding your way with someone who’s there for the ups and downs. It’s about the journey and all it entails. It’s about tenacity, hope and love.”

We are particularly enthralled by the fuzzing bass guitar details and the elegant piano outro. We stan the divergent synth work and how cohesively it fuses with Rena‘s enigmatic and atmospheric vocals. Rena Hart is a Mexican-American solo artist born and raised in Los Angeles and this is her first release after a two year hiatus. 

NÆLDE – Who Do I Owe My Smile 

Setting the tone with rising keys, textured details and a luxurious synthscape fused with atmospheric vocals and divergent and pulsating percussion, we are obsessed with NÆLDE‘s single Who do I owe my smile.

Speaking on the track, the rising Danish artist who is based in Berlin says, “Who do I owe my smile is a self-written- and made track about not wanting to put on a performance or mask simply to please others. I am asking the question of whether a smile is something I owe in order to be allowed to take up space. The song is dedicated to my younger sister.”

We feel inspired by the message of the song and are in awe of the ethereal, transcendental and intricate production.

Alta Falls – Trust Me

Setting the tone with an immersive and meditative indie pop soundscape, Alta Falls have delivered a quintessential love song with their new single, Trust Me.

“Trust Me, move on closer, I think I’m falling in love with you, more than anyone else…” sings the duo, who have amassed over 20,000 TikTok followers in recent weeks.

Speaking on the inspiration for the track, Alta Falls say, “The lyrics on Trust Me were inspired after a bittersweet trip to the 2017 AFL Grand Final. My team, the Adelaide Crows, were in their first grand final after almost 20 years, and my hopes were riding high to achieve a childhood dream of watching them win a flag”, explains lead singer, Nathanael.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t to be. And although it was a heartbreaking result there are still plenty of fond memories, including taking in the post-match The Killers concert along with the other half of Alta Falls, Matt”, he continues.

Lou Emery – Instinctual

“I’ll regret you in the morning, this I know…” sings Lou Emery, who is a rising pop-rock artist based in Los Angeles, on her new track Instinctual. Delivering a hybrid soundscape that has elements of disco, Lou takes us on a hedonistic journey where she showcases the more assertive side of her persona.

Speaking on the track, Lou says, “Instinctual is the first single from my upcoming debut EP. This sexy, beat-driven pop tune embodies the modern club scene, describing the thrilling chase of meaningless flirtation. I don’t plan on thinking tonight–and he may just be the perfect solution.”

Lou cites Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo as some of her sonic peers, which we can see come through in her art, but it is clear that she is forging a path of her own!

Jonathan Lobo – Magic

With immersive keys, vocal textures and an emerging guitar, all building into an enigmatic crescendo, Jonathan Lobo opens his new single, Magic with reflective lyrics about a connection that he had with a girl.

He takes us on a poetic journey, whilst Jonathan sings atmospherically on the hook, “Can we follow this Magic? My life won’t be the same…” The production on the track by Aman Sheriff (of Galipolli) is polished and hypnotizing.

Speaking on the track, Jonathan says Magic is about, “Someone that I met last year that brought excitement, purpose and inspiration into my life.”

Khasaia – Levels

With atmospheric vocals, fused with an intricate soundscape of textured synths, keys and a sitar, we are hypnotized by Khasaia‘s new single, Levels. The UK artist has a seductive, hybrid R&B vibe, an exceptional rap flow and a luxurious frequency that we can’t get enough of.

Speaking on the track, Khasaia says, “I always stop listening to a song once I’ve released it, but I listen to Levels last night and fucking hell, I did that!”

The song is dimensional, full of details, varying deliveries from the rising artist, and features a really catchy hook and intricate lyricism. We stan. You can watch a teaser for the song via Twitter.

Adam Naas – Forever Mine

Giving that authentic nostalgic edge that we desire so much, Adam Naas has released his latest single, Forever Mine. What marks the start of a new era for the rising artist based in London, Forever Mine takes us one a journey where Adam begs for one more night as he projects the leaving of his love.

We love Adam’s vocal range and the luscious harmonies that accompany him on the song. Forever Mine really demonstrates the vulnerability of the artist who is one of Naomi Campbell’s favourite artists in the world! Adam has a lot of upcoming performance dates in France this year!

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