Alma – Dye My Hair

Yellow-haired Alma is the latest Scandi-pop sensation to know about.  Hailing from Finland, this former talent contest finalist makes feisty and fun pop music, performed live with a trio of very cute drummers.  Check out her single ‘Karma’ and the irresistible ‘Dye My Hair Blonde’.  Ironically, the singer claims the song’s a lie – Alma’s florescent locks were entirely her idea.

Circa Waves – Fire That Burns

Circa Waves are back!  Liverpool’s purveyors of sunny indie-rock have definitely grown up on their new album ‘Different Creatures’.  The melodic song-writing is still intact, but with a distinctly heavier feel.  On their latest offering, ‘Fire That Burns’, frontman Kieran Shudall sings of lost innocence and troubled romance amidst thrashing guitars.  Those T-shirt weather days are definitely no more…

London Grammar – Big Picture

Another highly anticipated musical return this year came from Nottingham’s finest, London Grammar.  After the success of their debut album, ‘If You Wait’, the band decided to treat the world to a brand new single, ‘Rooting For You’, on New Year’s Day.  Their next release, ‘Big Picture’ is just as beautiful, combining lead singer Hannah Reid’s vocals with Jon Hopkin’s renowned atmospheric production.

Sampha – (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano

Who doesn’t love Sampha?  From the hugely popular love song ‘Too Much’ to the haunting groove of newer release, ‘Blood On Me’, Sampha has been teasing us with excellent singles for years.  After collaborations with the likes of Drake and Solange and a whole host of UK acts, the London musician has finally released an album, fittingly titled ‘Process’.  The most moving track to be taken from it so far, ‘(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano’, is about the saving power of ebony and ivory after the tragic passing of Sampha’s mother to cancer.

Elf Kid – Reload That

It may be cold and grey outside, but Elf Kid is here to banish away any winter blues.  After sampling Amerie’s ‘1 Thing’ on break-through single ‘Golden Boy’, this time the Lewisham MC has chosen a Malian collective to accompany his unstoppable rhymes.  Having spent time music-making in Ethiopia, Elf Kid’s ‘Reload That’ is a joyous fusion of afro-beats and grime – a celebration of both his African roots and Lewisham hometown.  Watch the vibrant single for the video, shot entirely in Ethiopia (hyenas included).