BEST INDIE SONGS - WEEK 2 2015

So that's it, then. 2015 is finally here! Hopefully you've shaken off the final remnants of your hangover by now and are ready to face this year with a new lease of life, not to mention a new thirst for music. Whatever you do, avoid that Kanye West and Paul McCartney collaboration like the plague as that'll only cause the loss of appetite, nausea and general sense of hopelessness to come rushing back. Ick! No, stick with BitCandy to guide you in the direction of the best indie songs you need to get your ears around this 2015, starting with the following tracks from MØ, Kodaline, Rae Morris and more.

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MØ – NEW YEAR'S EVE

MØ's year may've ended on a pretty shitty note (literally), but the Copenhagen chanteuse bounces back this 2015 with the majestic “New Year's Eve.” Is it me, or does this channel some serious Lana Del Rey circa-“Video Games” vibes? Maybe I've just got bad SNL performances on the brain.

KODALINE – HONEST

That awkward moment when the lyric video is far better than the official video. No matter, as that one didn't feature Steve Garrigan. I can't understand why so many Kodaline fans dislike “Honest,” the lead single from the Dublin band's forthcoming sophomore album, Coming Up for Air. Sure, it's a little Coldplay, but... But... But... Steve Garrigan!

THE TRAGIC THRILLS – CREEPS AND STRANGERS

DIGITALISM – SLEEPWALKER

An electronic rarity from the Hamburg duo, Digitalism, here. You probably best know these guys for their remixes, but their original music is definitely worth a listen, too. “Sleepwalker” features on the Japanese edition (why does Japan always get the awesome bonus tracks?) of their sophomore album, I Love You, Dude, and remains a generally undiscovered gem to emerge from the synth-pop trend that defined 2011, and more specifically, the Drive soundtrack.

RAE MORRIS – UNGUARDED (LIVE AT THE ARCOLA THEATRE)

Of the numerous British chanteuses to emerge recently, Rae Morris was the only one I felt had yet to truly assert herself. That all changes with this live rendition of “Unguarded” from her forthcoming debut album of the same name. Sure, I can't understand a word she's singing, but gibberish has never sounded so delightful. “Where we will be ohhh garrr it is tooo billl, ohhh garrr it is lur-uhh-er-uhh-er-uhh-er-ve...”

GIA KOKA – COLD SHOWER

In a moment of passion last September, I called Gia Koka's debut single, “FCUKU,” “THE SECOND BEST FUCKING SONG I'VE HEARD THIS YEAR” (don't ask me what came before it as I can't remember). So, maybe that was a slight exaggeration on my part, but it certainly had me sold on the eclectic Amsterdam songstress. Four months later and Koka returns this 2015 with her sophomore single, “Cold Shower,” and not that I haven't learnt from my past mistakes, but this is THE SECOND BEST FUCKING SONG I'VE HEARD THIS YEAR (after MØ).

IAIN WOODS – FIEND

Last time BitCandy checked in with Iain Woods, he was making dark pop songs under the Psychologist moniker. Nowadays the London crooner has taken to using his Christian name, and has a bold new sound to accompany it. On “Fiend,” Woods brings together brass instruments, Vaudeville-style piano and soulful vocals to create something I'd more expect to come out of Mark Ronson than a guy who resembles the lovechild of Connan Mockasin and Andy Warhol. For more clusterfucks like this, stream Woods' debut album, Psychologist, over at SoundCloud.

NATHAN BALL – ECHO

Move aside, Ben Howard. Nathan Ball is my new favorite troubadour from London blessed with impeccably good looks. The comparisons don't end there, however. On his debut single, “Echo,” Ball's voice takes on a very similar timbre and charm to Howard's, the kind to make you stop what you're doing and give you goosebumps all over.

BEARSON – PINK MEDICINE

WARNING: Side effects of listening to “Pink Medicine” may include dizziness, increased heart rate and muscle spasms (dancing). Don't exceed more than eight doses a day unless you want to experience intense feelings of well-being, elation and happiness. If you're allergic to these or any other related emotions, then please seek advice from your doctor before pressing play. - Bearson Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Oslo.

ST. SOUTH – GET GOOD (INFINITEFREEFALL REMIX)

Concluding this week in super chill fashion courtesy of Infinitefreefall. This isn't the first time the South Carolina producer has remixed St. South, and it's for good reason the two artists have come together again. His previous flip up of the Freemantle chanteuse's hit, “Slacks,” was nothing short of bliss, and the same applies to this reinterpretation of the saxophone-infused “Get Good.”

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Until next week! x

About Jess Grant

When Jess Grant isn't writing on music, she can be found playing it – on her guitar, on her ukulele, and on her recently acquired mandolin. Playing it hideously, she ought to add. Jess also studies. She studies the English language, to be precise. Jess is currently on her way to a degree in the subject, and enjoys starting and never finishing novels, screenplays, and poetry in her spare time. She also likes dogs. Lots of dogs.