Be that you want to dance or just chill, We’ve compiled a condensed list of some great Pop/Electro/Synth/Darkwave bangers that will do more than accompany you this weekend. Check it out!
Chris Wills - Know My Name
A true-grit kinda songwriter, Chris Wills has been cultivating his sound and style between New York and Los Angeles for years, acquiring a bit of a “blue collar” patina on him -if that makes sense- that makes his music feel grounded and relatable in ways that many other songwriters just don’t seem to have.
In "Know My Name," Wills reflects on a profound personal journey marked by a two-year struggle with depression. The song emerged unexpectedly during a moment of creativity, catalyzed by a pivotal conversation with a friend who became a romantic partner. Her words, “We all get to choose what we believe,” resonated deeply, helping to lift the fog of despair that had clouded his reality.
Close To Monday - Quality of Love
It’s not always about the quantity but about the quality, and the European Darkwave duo Close To Monday is all about quality production and sounds. The duo is said to be not just “tapping into the darkwave and synth-pop resurgence” and this has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt by how impactful their innovative sound has been in the wider European Alternative scene.
“Quality of Love” opens on lugubrious ethereal synth and the icy, dagger-like vocals of singer/songwriter Ann, when the song bursts wide open, it does so on enthralling goth/trance/industrial vibes founded on a muted DnB drum pattern.
Ashlee Keating - "Nice N Naughty"
On a less heavy note, "Nice N Naughty" comes out swinging with sexy holiday vibes, and it becomes the 3rd Christmas track released by Keating, with 2023 and 2022 already seeing their own.
This song feels like a delightful time capsule as if it had been written, produced and kept safely stored since 2005, though that may not be intentional. Ashlee’s gorgeous yet sultry vocals are full of wistful optimism, and the Christmassy sound just adds to this carefree attitude that reminds you of a simpler time not so long ago.
Maisy Kay - Cosmically Intertwined
Maisy Kay spent the better part of 2023’s summer touring alongside JVKE“What Tour Feels Like”, and this seemed to be the point where a great momentum started for Maisy, because she’s not slowed down one bit, racking up hundreds of thousands of streams, topping charts and even collaborating with legendary DJ Tiësto.
This song by Maisy Kay is all about a love that seems to be written in the stars. Utilizing clever wordplay and references, Maisy paints a vivid picture of what it feels like when something is simply meant to be.
RYAL - What I Mean To You
RYAL is a true dynamic duo combining electro-pop and synth-wave alike into an enthralling concoction that’s scarily easy to get hooked on. The project is the creative partnership of vocalist and keyboardist Jacque Ryal and multi-instrumentalist and producer Aaron Nevezie.
“What I Mean To You” is a 2022 song that explores themes of love, support, and vulnerability, emphasizing a deep connection where one partner reassures the other of their strength and worth. Recently, Nevezie has remixed the track into a ‘party’ anthem that completely recontextualizes and breathes exciting new life to what was already an amazing song.
ARM - "Show Em How"
"Show Em How" by ARM is a captivating downtempo pop track that blends heartfelt lyrics with a relaxed vibe. Its jazzy chords and warm beat create an energizing soundscape, while ARM’s soulful vocals deliver a powerful message about inspiring change through authenticity. The chorus emphasizes leading by example, enhanced by rich harmonies and subtle instrumentals. This song balances motivation and introspection, encouraging courage and integrity with an irresistible groove.