M Magazine’s New Music Monday is back and, this week, we’ve got the perfect blend sultry R&B bliss, dancefloor-primed belters and post-punk power. Enjoy.
Kara Marni – Close
When you think of R&B darling Kara Marni, you think rich production and luscious vocals, and her latest single Close is certainly on-brand. As an artist who wears her heart on her sleeve at all times, Kara’s soulful brand of storytelling offers a diary-like window into the drama of her life. Speaking about the new track she says: ‘Close is a very personal song to me about liking someone but knowing deep down that getting too close with this person will end in tears.’ If this is sign of what’s to come, we can wait to hear more.
Biig Piig – Feels Right
Irish artist Jess Smyth, otherwise known as Biig Piig, has just put out her latest cut Feels Right: a dancefloor ready number about the energy of a night out
Smyth explained: ‘I miss going out so much. The feeling of letting go and being surrounded by sweaty people; meeting strangers and one-night romances; the tunes and ecstasy. Feel like pure shit just want her back.’ Can relate.
Dry Cleaning – Scratchcard Lanyard
London four-piece Dry Cleaning are back with their new single Scratchcard Lanyard, their first release since joining 4AD. Centred around a surrealist stream of consciousness from vocalist Florence Shaw, Scratchcard Lanyard is as hypnotising as it is nonsensical.
Speaking of the tracks origins, the band say: ‘In the search for your true calling in life, it’s easy to try so many things that you end up confused. It can lead to an enormous build-up of frustration. You may fantasise about exacting revenge upon your real or imagined enemies. Ephemeral things and small-scale escapist experiences can provide some relief.’ The accompanying video is a must watch.
Mandrake Handshake – Gonkulator
Mandrake Handshake are the latest signing to cult label, Nice Swan Records. The home of Pip Blom, FUR and Courting, Nice Swan know your new favourite band when they see it. Speaking on Gonkulator, the band said: ‘This is our 3-minute party tune, but in swung 5/4 ‘cause who doesn’t love a good 5/4 groove!? It’s a song about sheer joy, happiness and freedom for two-and-a-half minutes – can’t be any longer because it’s too much otherwise’. Into it.
Conducta – Time (ft – Jgrrey)
Conducta, one of the UK’s most in-demand producers, DJs and remixers, has teamed up with enchanting South London songstress JGrrey for his latest single Time. Equal parts soulful pop song and bubbling club banger, Time is the perfect antidote for a moody Monday in the city.
