MUSIC ROUNDUP: April Releases 2020
The SAMA’s Music Roundup is back for April!
We hope everyone has been managing to stay safe during lockdown in these strange, and difficult times. For anyone struggling in these times we recently posted an article about support available for musicians, organisations, freelancers and more, you can read about it here.
NEW MUSIC!
Each month SAMA’s team picks out ten Scottish releases to feature for you! This month’s playlist has a strong dose of electronic, hip hop, rock and more! For those of you looking to discover your new favourite artist we suggest getting the kettle on, finding those headphones and tuning into this playlist!
Enjoy the music, and stay safe! -Team SAMA’s x
In alphabetical order
Andrew Wasylyk - The Dying Art Of Giving In
After featuring at the SAMA’s Paisley Takeover pre-lockdown, multi-instrumentalist Andrew Wasylyk has gifted the world another beauty in the form of his new self titled EP. Propelled by a buoyant piano line, the title track is dressed in many instrumental layers giving it a Wasylyk’s staple luscious sound.
Autobahn 86, Jokey - National Health Service
Debuting to the world in this time of uncertainty, Autobahn 86’s ‘NHS’ is an ode to one of the greatest institutions in our history. With a simple but incredibly effective chant from Jokey, the punishing synths roar with a distorted ferocity.
Baby Taylah - Home
Having been a part of the Glasgow live circuit for over a decade, Baby Taylah has returned with ‘Home’, the second track released under this moniker. Throughout this track, the artist combines a symphonic pop sound peppered with flourishes of manipulated vocal samples.
Barrie-James - Float
The second single from Glasgow singer/songwriter Barrie-James,is the thundering ‘Float’. A raucous mix of soul-infused guitar and driving piano. Interweaving with the vocals, the piano holds the core to the track's hook allowing the former Kassidy frontman to let loose on the guitar leads.
Damn Dirty Duke - No Meaning Exists Here
Evolving from an art installation, the ferocious Damn Dirty Duke’s latest track ‘No Meaning Exists Here’ is no exception. Complete with punchy keys, the track is mixed with an eerie and dense instrumentation as well as a Nine Inch Nails-esque production. Between the duo, both vocal performances have a strong personality coming through that further drives the abrasive sound.
Elisabeth Elektra - My Sisters
Chunky synth arpeggios underpin the bright keys that cradle Elisabeth Elektra’s voice on her latest single ‘My Sisters’. With a chart worthy hook the rising act is joined with a sense of mysticism, as if it soundtracked a dream like fantasy.
Goodnight Louisa - Agnes
A slow burn of synths sparking a powerful flame, Goodnight Lousia’s ‘Agnes’ is a vibrant journey of contemplation through the medium of a powerful sonic landscape. The Edinburgh-based dark pop act explores pop hooks throughout, subverting them in order to form her own take on the idea.
Man of the Minch - Circles
With a string section pulling at the chords of your heart, the thrilling ‘Circles’ comes as the latest single from folk-pop multi-instrumentalist Man of the Minch. The lush arrangement of the wide range of instruments featured within ‘Circles’, are a wholesome slice of music that knows no boundaries.
Nova - Status Quo
Having had acclaim from publication all over the country, Nova has been keeping the heat at full with her recent releases. The latest effort ‘Status Quo melds together dance beats with the slick bassline that runs throughout. Nova’s fierce lyrics and vocal prowess, combined with this instrumentation, make for an enthralling listen.
Ultimate Fear - Swam
Debuting onto the scene with their single ‘Swam’, ambient alternative quartet Ultimate Fear kick off the track with a cacophony of synths combined with an immense drum machine. Balanced out with a dreamy vocal reminiscent of Cocteau Twins, when the tightly wound guitars break through onto the chorus the song opens up into a whole new level.