CURIOUS FOR MUSIC: FRESH HITS (19.06.26)
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Welcome to our bi-weekly round-up, where we spotlight the freshest releases, emerging voices, and genre-pushing music from across the globe. Whether it's a chart-shaker or an underground gem, if it moves us, it's here. Bringing you music that you should be curious about!
Sylvain Zebo ‘Test’
If Alain Bashung and Etienne Daho were invited to a modern indie-pop dinner party, Sylvain Zebo's "Test" would probably be the soundtrack playing in the background. The single glides effortlessly between atmospheric synth textures and pop-rock energy, anchored by a chorus riff that sticks around long after the song ends. What makes it especially enjoyable is the balance between thoughtful lyrics and effortless cool—it's a track that makes you want to dance a little, think a little, and immediately hit replay. Sophisticated without being pretentious, "Test" is a charming reminder that great songwriting never goes out of style.
NMDA & Isabelle Rose ‘Stoned’
On “Stoned,” NMDA and Isabelle Rose basically said: “what if we made a song that feels like a movie scene you accidentally start crying during?” The result is lush, emotional electrosoul with live instrumentation and vocals that absolutely refuse to be ignored. It’s intense, it’s gorgeous, and yes—it will make you stare out of a window like you’re in a music video.
Symonne ‘The Way You Love’
If memories had a soundtrack, Symonne’s The Way You Love would be playing in the background while you stare out of a train window pretending you're in a coming-of-age film. Wrapped in silky R&B grooves, dreamy harmonies, and a warm neo-soul glow, the London singer-songwriter turns nostalgia into something surprisingly comforting. Rather than dwelling on the past, Symonne celebrates the moments and people that quietly shape who we become, delivering heartfelt lyrics with effortless charm and emotional honesty. It's reflective, relatable, and dangerously easy to put on repeat.
Peter DiMaggio ‘Chasing a Trace’
If “Fly Away” introduced Peter DiMaggio’s songwriting talents, “Chasing a Trace” proves he’s got plenty more stories worth hearing. Wrapped in warm acoustic textures and sprinkled with gorgeous trumpet flourishes, the song strikes a sweet balance between wistfulness and optimism. DiMaggio sings with the kind of relaxed confidence that invites listeners to pull up a chair and stay awhile, while the rich instrumentation keeps unfolding with new details on every listen. It’s heartfelt, charming, and refreshingly free of unnecessary drama—a song that quietly wins you over before you even realize it.
MIIA ‘Necessary Evil’
If your playlist lives somewhere between emotional breakdowns and underground dancefloors, MIIA just gave you your new obsession. “Necessary Evil” is dark, cinematic, and ridiculously catchy, pairing introspective storytelling with UK garage-inspired production that feels both nostalgic and fresh. MIIA’s signature haunting vocals glide effortlessly over the skittering beats, creating a track that feels equally perfect for midnight drives, headphones-on moments, or packed club speakers. It’s bold, emotional, and impossible not to replay immediately.
Noble ‘Ugly Heart’
With “Ugly Heart,” Noble serves up a sparkling slice of country-pop that’s equal parts witty, relatable, and ridiculously catchy. Built around a lively guitar hook and an irresistible sense of swagger, the song takes aim at people who think money and status are personality traits. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, Noble turns the whole experience into a playful anthem about knowing your worth, making this three-minute gem an instant mood booster with plenty of heart.
ZK Jade ‘Good Lover’
If emotional confusion had a danceable theme song, it would probably sound a lot like ZK Jade's Good Lover. Blending moody alternative pop with sleek R&B influences, Jade turns a frustrating relationship dynamic into an addictive listening experience. The production sparkles, the storytelling feels refreshingly honest, and the chorus sticks around long after the song ends. It's equal parts heartbreak, self-awareness, and late-night texting energy—and somehow makes all three sound effortlessly cool.
Carlotta Schmidt ‘Let Me Be Me’
If your music library could use a little more joy and a lot more personality, Carlotta Schmidt has you covered. "Let Me Be Me" is a feel-good Americana gem packed with catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and enough positive energy to brighten even the most overcast day. Schmidt turns a deeply personal story into a universal sing-along about self-acceptance, while the charming DIY video reminds us that sometimes the most powerful productions are the ones built by real people. It's thoughtful without being heavy and inspiring without being preachy—a tricky balance that Schmidt nails.