Radio LBB: Discovering Groundbreaking New Music

I’ve always loved pop music. Less keen on listening to old stuff. Much more fun to look (and listen) forwards rather than backwards. I have optimistic, populist ears. In the 1930’s Noel Coward wrote, “Strange how potent popular music is”. He was bang on.

In an age of streaming algorithms and highly curated playlists, I've found Instagram a surprising and vibrant source for discovering groundbreaking new music.

If you look for it, it can be a dynamic hub for emerging artists to share raw, intimate snippets of their work. A crucial element in their success is something I call ‘aural candy’ production. Music today is (rather depressingly) consumed on forever smaller speakers. The one on your phone can be less than 13 mm wide. That is tiny!

Therefore, how your music ‘sounds’ through a phone speaker is fundamental. The songwriting, the production, the mix, and the vocals all must grab your attention, spark engagement, and implant in your memory, so you remember it afterwards. This incredible production efficiency is exactly why I love modern pop music!

Where is my husband

Raye

The totally talented Ray song-writer. It’s so infectious and I love how the record’s machine gun lyrics sound.

Touch The Sky

AnaHata

I don’t know anything about this act other than AnaHata comes from India.

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Can you feel it

MNA 55

I suspect these two are part of a growing Spotify trend of ‘ghost artists’. From what I understand, songwriters who waive their rights to all copyright, publishing and royalty income. Instead, they receive a small fee. This is great for Spotify, as they don’t have to pay for streams - like they do for those pesky big artists. Spotify tricks us into believing they are legit artists. A shame, but I hope these writers go on to be the hit makers of tomorrow.

Hello Heaven, Hello

Yungblud

This chap - a gender fluid cross between Iggy Pop and Count Dracula is the perfect emo-rock anti-hero for our time. And… you’d be perfectly taking him to have tea with your grandmother. And a fantastic voice for pop. If he can make his next album as perfect as his last, he will be a huge mega star.

I would Hate Me Too

TX2

My jaw dropped when I first heard this, I love the brutally honest lyrics and Timothy’s voice, perfect for tiny phone speakers.

Hole

Metrik

A one-man band from London. I love his cinematic techno style. Not for everyone!

Hello Shadow

Sugar Jesus

One of our super genius writers.

Tiesto

Bring me To Life

I heard this in a club last weekend. It sounded phenomenal and the crowd went mad…!

Messy

Lola Young

Very much an ‘under the radar’ song but really grows on you.

Ella Minus

Upwards

Slightly bonkers. Great attitude.