This month our music playlist dives into it all from metal to jazz, techno, rap and singer songwriters from around Scotland. Grab some headphones, relax and enjoy the ten tracks!

To submit music, please send links to events@officialsama.com

Words: Ewan MacDonald

Adam Holmes - Nature

The earnest and stunning instrumentation coming from singer/songwriter Adam Holmes brand new track Nature perfectly encapsulates the young artist's talents. Combining wispy acoustic guitar chords with flourishes of melodies, this comes as the first new release from Holmes since 2018. Having garnered nominations from the SAY Awards, BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and a seal of approval from Stephen Malkmus, Holmes brings this rootsy take on rhythm and blues to the forefront with this track.

Aisha, Quail - Sunna

A pounding and unrelenting kick propels Sunna, which comes from a collaboration between local techno stalwart Quail and newcomer Aisha. Hypnotic synth bass wraps up immediately as it hurtles you through the soundtrack of nights out that are so dearly missed. The relentless beat shifts and changes with the bass line as it reaches an explosive climax.

From Sorrow To Serenity - Tell All

Punishing from the word go, the break neck riffs immediately launch you into this new track from Glasgow metalcore outfit From Sorrow To Serenity. Since their debut in 2013, with two full-length LP’s already under their belt, the band have been going strong with a handful of UK and European tours. Amidst the pandemic the band have released three singles, with Tell All being the latest, this forms the Trifecta EP which reveals their most uncompromising sound to date.

Kapil Seshasayee, Lil B - Hill Station Reprise

On face value this collaboration between idiosyncratic rapper Lil B and Glasgow’s desifuturist Kapil Seshasayee might seem random and peculiar. Step inside the brand new Hill Station Reprise and you will find it is the opposite. The slick instrumental is bursting with aquatic synth chords, and provides the backdrop for the Bay Area Rapper, who spits sleek bars of positivity and pride for your individual self and heritage.

KINGFISHER - With You Not Around

Hailing from Kilamrnock, indie-trio Kingfisher have released a double AA side single. Coupled with the equally stunning Bon Voyage, With You Not Around is a gorgeous acoustic-driven track. Dedicated to their drummer and ex-student who sadly passed away in 2018, the sombre track is raw and seeps emotional through every dreamy chord change. We’ve had word that Roddy Hart is due to play this track on BBC Radio Scotland next week, which surely is a suitable tribute to the memory of their friend.

Redolent - Perspicuity

Coming as the title track from the self released debut album, alt-pop quartet Redolent have been drumming up recognition with this release. With BBC Introducing Scotland featuring them on their show in March, the sleek and futuristic sounds of their style is aiming for the stratosphere. Impassioned vocals and waves of cascading arpeggios and chords create a sublime sonic atmosphere.

Louis Seivwright, AMA Jane - Circles

SAMA nominee Louis Seivwright is back with another stellar track, this time collaborating with former Teen Canteen guitarist AMA Jane to produce a sleek funk-pop number. Seivwright’s production melds so well with the winding vocal melodies of the singer, with the layered backing vocals really making the track stand out. Riding high off the back of his last album Cloud 9, released October last year, this young producer will no doubt be catering to the big leagues of the music industry in no time.

LOTOS - M8

SAMA nominee LOTOS has dropped her latest EP with M8 leading the charge and making way for her captivating mix of grime and afro-beat. Following the two releases from last year, Home and Home Free, this track is the latest statement from the emerging artist. Hard hitting beats drive the song with an 808 bass underpinning it, providing a song that is brimming with intent that demands your attention.

Rhona Stevens - Solo

Emerging singer/songwriter Rhona Stevens has released her third single of the year in the form of the jazzy Solo. The shimmering guitar chords intertwine with Stevens’ gorgeous vocals, with the fuzzy bass giving the track a jazz-funk edge. Having gained acclaim from the likes of CLASH, BBC Radio 6 and Help Musicians UK, the young artist will no doubt be a mainstay in the Glasgow scene in the coming year.

Uno Prism - Getting Through

Pulling from a wide array of genres to form this unique sound, Uno Prism is a nu jazz electronica artist currently based in Bristol with her latest single Getting Through coming as her first release in a year. Melting jazz, drum and bass, classical music and downtempo beats into her style, this track has a broad sonic horizon. With brass leading the melody along with the frantically tight drums, the pianos and synths bubble in the background.