Spindle Selects: Tracks Of The Week

It’s the last Friday of June – literally WHERE has the time gone – and we have a brand new Spindle Selects Playlist to get you through the warm weekend. Featuring new releases from UMI, Lianne La Havas, Lauv, Dermot Kennedy and more. Check out the rest of our selects below…

kenzie ft. Sia – EXHALE

Newcomer kenzie has become one of the most influential rising stars of Generation Z, and not only is she Maddie Ziegler’s sister, she’s just released the song of the Summer, which features Sia. The accompanying video was shot during quarantine by Kenzie and sister Maddie on an iphone in their garden and features some HUGE TikTok personalities!

JP Cooper – Too Close

Following a string of incredible single releases in 2020, singer-songwriter JP Cooper delivers a beautiful new EP, which is lead by the title track ‘Too Close’. The latest body of work includes ‘In These Arms’ and ‘Little Bit of Love’, and you can catch JP performing these songs live during his Autumn UK & European tour.

Wild Horse – DON’T WANT YOU TO GO

East Sussex-based outfit Wild Horse continue the support for their forthcoming new album with their latest offering ‘Don’t Want You To Go’. Lifted from their fourth studio album ‘We Are In An Identity Crisis… But We Love It!’, the anthemic trio bring back more of that bold and euphoric indie-rock sound on this new release. Capturing the soaring and dynamic energy of acts like U2 and Sam Fender, this new delight sets up incredible promise for their upcoming collection, which is expected to arrive on the 16th July.

QHAIRO – Blue Petals

Talented newcomer Qhairo takes us on a journey with his powerful new track ‘Blue Petals’, which ‘is about the curiosity and self-analysis surrounding sexual exploration.’His debut EP ‘60FOOTNOIR’ promises to be a provocative listen which explores the dynamics of relationships, the black male experience, societal stereotypes and further.

UMI – Bet

UMI is one of R&B’s hottest upcoming talents and her new project Introspection is a perfect example of her talent and star power. Dropping her new single ‘Bet’, UMI reclaims her sense of self on the record, dropping a wishy-washy partner and their inconsistencies. Backed by her unique sound and impressive lyricism, Bet is perfect for anyone dealing with ‘do-nothing’ partners. Make sure to peep her new EP here…

J.DEROBIE – My People

Another excellent talent coming via superstar Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa programme; rising Ghanian dancehall artist J.DEROBIE teases new, uplifting single ‘My People’. The track is an ode to ‘that community and the friends and family members who helped to support him’. His upcoming EP Nungua Diaries features production from Grammy nominated producer GuiltyBeatz.

Dermot Kennedy – Giants

Dermot Kennedy is back with his inspiring new record ‘Giants’. When creating the new track Dermot took inspiration from the poem ‘What if 2020 Isn’t Cancelled?’ which was written by Leslie Dwight. Speaking on the record Kennedy says; “Change hurts and growing hurts. Giants is a song about just that, steeped in bittersweet nostalgia. It’s about acknowledging our loss of youth and how time inevitably changes things. Yet in the same breath the song is an encouragement to be brave – individually, and collectively.

Dan D’Lion – Lay Next 2 U

Dan D’Lion is continuing his music takeover with his new track ‘Lay Next 2 U’. Taking a slower tone in terms of sound, ‘Lay Next 2 U’ is a track that will ignite a feeling of wanderlust and have you floating through the clouds. Dan D’Lion touches on an array of emotions through out the song and gives listeners an epic production. We can’t wait to hear more from the London-based artist.

Lauv – Love Somebody

Lauv talks about his relationships habits in ‘Love Somebody’. Speaking from the heart, Lauv unapologetically discusses his missteps in a relationship, while also expressing his desire to just ‘love somebody’. It’s a short and sweet track that might leave you evaluating your own past relationships. Make sure to check out his brand new EP Without You here…

Ava Lily – Blameless

‘Blameless’ introduces an electrifying sound that pop enthusiasts will love. Ava Lily co-wrote the track with long-time friend and collaborator Gareth Esson. ‘Blameless’ is a sultry single that’s led by Ava Lily’s distinctive, and airy voice and is accompanied by a dreamy, lo-fi production.

MIREI – No Ordinary Love

MIREI pays homage to the iconic artist Sade and her timeless 1992 smash hit ‘No Ordinary Love’ with her modern take filmed throughout Tokyo, Japan. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the NAACP. She explains, “This is no ordinary love, no ordinary life, and exactly how I’m feeling right now. This song is to honor all the front line workers of COVID-19 and for all those who are fighting racial injustices.”

6LACK ft. Lil Baby – Long Nights

Dropping his new EP 6pc Hot, 6LACK is proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the R&B-trap sphere. His track ‘Long Nights’ has a classic ‘slow jams’ sound with its jazzy undertones and romantic lyrics.

Lianne La Havas – Weird Fishes

Covering Radiohead’s classic track ‘Weird Fishes’ Lianne La Havas gives the song a fresh and summer feel. She recorded the track after returning from Glastonbury festival last year. Speaking on the creative process for ‘Weird Fishes’ Lianne says; “I had the most wonderful, nourishing experience recording that, and that’s where I decided: the rest of the album needs to be like this. It’s got to be my band, and I’ve got to do it in London, whenever people have time.”

Lil Mosey ft. Lil Baby – Back At It

The two MC’s have partnered up on their confident new track ‘Back At It’. The single is backed by trap beat and some slick lyrics that will have you vibing all weekend long.

Tora – Escape Room

R&B newcomer Tora has dropped her debut EP Cavalier and it’s everything! The captivating London talent has been killing the game as of late with her tracks ‘Vein’ and ‘Call Your Name’. Her latest single ‘Escape Room’ continues Tora’s trend of releasing grade A music with its sultry sound. Speaking on the track the songstress states; “Escape Room was written after admitting to myself that I had outgrown the relationship and there was nothing there for me anymore. It’s the one romantic song on the project and was probably the most cathartic for me to write.”  Make sure to tune into her debut EP here.

Vintage Culture Maverick Sabre, and Jorja Smith – Slow Down

Vintage Culture has dropped his official remix of Maverick Sabre and Jorja Smith’s track ‘Slow Down’ – which is perfect for this upcoming weekend. Along with the single, the talented artist has dropped his project ‘Vintage Culture & Friends 3’ which you could listen to here.

Nothing But Thieves – Real Love Song

Five peice band Nothing But Thieves has dropped their amazing angst-filled single ‘Real Love Song’. The track tackles love in a refreshing and unfiltered way. Speaking on the track the band say; “An interviewer in Kuala Lumpur asked us why we don’t have a huge amount of songs about relationships or love. We hadn’t really thought about it before. The answer was that songs like that have been done to death and they rarely capture what love is actually like for most. Songs tend to be idealistic or Hollywood. Real Love Song was an attempt to write a song about love from a self-aware perspective.”

Beyoncé – BLACK PARADE

Queen Bey has dropped another black empowerment record with ‘Black Parade’ and we are GAGGING! Being her classic self, Beyoncé surprised her fans by dropping the track in the evening of Monday. The whole record is a love song to the black community highlighting the struggles that black people have endured, the beauty in being black and so much more. Thank you, Beyoncé for such a fantastic record.

Courtnie – What’s Up

Courtnie new single is the perfect track to get you through the summer with its flirty lyrics and feel-good sound! The rising R&B star describes the song as “big ‘I’m back and I’m better’ vibes”. This message can clearly be heard all throughout the song and is a must-have on your hype playlists. 

Jayla Darden – Demonstration

Jayla Darden and her new single ‘Demonstration’ is bringing a 90’s R&B like the sound and we are loving the trip down memory lane. The songstress sings about wanting her lover to show their feelings and ‘demonstrate’ how they feel about her. It’s the perfect track for anyone going through a limbo phase in their own relationships.

Natasha Bedingfield – Together In This Natasha Bedingfield releases an inspiring new track with ‘Together In This’. The song was penned for the animated feature Jungle Beat: The Movie, and is meant to spread the message of togetherness, friendship and perseverance.

Lindsay Ell – wAnt me back

Triple threat Lindsay Ell has released a new heartfelt track and is gearing up for the release of her new album ‘heart theory‘. The upcoming record is deeply personal and touches on the topic of grief. For a sneak-peek into her upcoming sound and direction listen to her singles ‘wAnt me back’ and ‘i don’t lovE you’.

Alice Rowe – Flex on You

Alice Rowe provides layered vocals and an exquisite sound on her new track ‘Flex On You’. The singer/songwriter ‘flexes’ on her ex-partner in the best way possible on the record. Speaking on the inspiration for the track Alice states, “It’s one of those situations where someone f*cks you over but once you’re out of it you realise you’re better. I was in this situation with someone, he even tried to talk to my friend and thought I didn’t know, I wrote the song straight after I found out so the song is very raw.” 

Freddie Long – These Darker Days

Freddie Long is back with his self-released EP ‘These Darker Days’. The young talent opens up his mind and heart on the new project making it his most intimate release yet. On the creation of the EP Freddie says; “There’s a strong message of self-reflection throughout these tracks. I’m no saint when it comes to my past and only over the last few years I’ve learned to accept that. I’m super proud of this project and feel it’s a big step up from everything I’ve previously put out”

Tei Shi – Goodbye

Tei Shi continues to impress with her latest offering “Goodbye”. The song is the second off her upcoming ‘Die 4 Ur Love’ EP due out July 17th and continues showcasing her artistic evolution and dynamic songwriting. Sonically the track stays true to the 80’s-influenced alternative-pop sound Tei Shi has become celebrated for, while propelling her further into the mainstream arena.

Make sure to subscribe and follow Spindle Selects on Spotify!