A selection of ACM’s finest artists, hand-picked from a range of this month’s latest tracks. Discover more on the This Is ACM playlist!
Chaos In The Tea House – Mr Milligram
First things first, how can you not be intrigued by a band called Chaos In The Tea House? The London natives have been making a name for themselves over the last few months with slots at the Boileroom and Finborough Arms, and have finally released their debut single Mr Milligram, and it’s a cracker. Jumping right into it with an irresistible indie riff, the track has so many different parts to it you need it on repeat to appreciate everything it holds, from the start, right the way through to its finale: a face-melting solo. With a couple of shows already booked for February, and doubtless many more on the horizon, keep an eye on their Facebook for what they’ve got coming up.
Swings Like Sixteen – Die Easy
Listening to Swings Like Sixteen’s new single Die Easy, you would be forgiven for not realising that this was the duo’s debut. They have carefully crafted their own unique sound that settles between folk and grunge. A beefy bass line sets the tone and feeds into its mesmeric choruses and winding riffs. Already featured on BBC Introducing, their first EP Velvet Nights is due out very soon – like them on Facebook to keep up to date with what they’ve got going on. If this is their first release, we’re dying to see what they release next.
Axel Enderlin – Plus Un Bruit
Unlike most tracks that feature on these lists, Axel Enderlin’s new single Plus Un Bruit (which translates to ‘more noise’) is sung almost completely in French. This synth-heavy track from the ACM student sounds as though it would fit right into the soundtrack from cult movie Drive; Plus Un Bruit is a masterclass in how a simple, well produced, stripped back tune can hit all the right spots. Enderlin keeps himself mysterious, with little to learn about the artist outside of a cryptic, touching Spotify bio, keep your eyes peeled for what else he has in store over the coming year. If it’s anything like this, you’re going to want to keep tuned in.
Lost Near Blue Ape – 6 Out of 10
6 Out Of 10, the new single by Lost Near Blue Ape, has all the hallmarks of a classic indie tune. With witty lyrics reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys’ first few albums, the song starts off with a classic off-beat, upbeat indie sound before breaking into something much heavier towards the end. The band have already featured on BBC Introducing and played sets at some of London’s most well known venues – if you can make it to High Wycombe for the 8th February, head to Phoenix Bar to check them out on their next live show.
Neon Islands – Time
Time is the latest single from ACM alumni, Neon Islands, and doesn’t depart from their penchant for writing dancey, guitar-led tracks. Seriously, it comes in somewhere between Interpol and Arcade Fire, and you’ll be tapping your feet from the off and dancing round the room by the end. Having already headlined a festival in Malta, sold out London’s KOKO and featured on This Feeling’s ‘Big in 2020’ list, the band are heading places and being noticed by all the right people. Give them a like on Facebook, and head down to their next show on March 3rd at the iconic Old Blue Last. Definitely go and see them soon before they’re whisked away on an inevitable world tour.
Ashwin Seegobin (AKA Smash) – Road
From ACM tutor Ashwin Seegobin, or Smash as he’s most well known to the public, and featuring production by Badjohn Republic and vocals from Busy Signal, comes Road. If you need something to get you pumped to get out of bed and start the day, look no further than this Soca/EDM fusion. Four years in the making, the music is only half of what makes this track so genius, with the other half made up by the superbly animated video, created by Seegobin himself and inspired by 90s 2D video games. Have a listen and, if you feel inspired, drop Smash a message – it’s what your tutors are there for!
Lil Nath and Kayncee – Step On The Scene EP
Grime may be taking over the British rap scene, but when EPs like Step On The Scene by ACM students Kayncee and Lil Nath come along, you realise that Hip-Hop ain’t dead yet. The tracks may all be marked explicit, but they aren’t filled with lyrics about gratuitous violence. Instead they rap about relatable issues faced in day-to-day life and real problems that society as a whole needs to deal with. With exceptional production, every one of the five tracks offers something different, but each one is perfect for sitting back and chilling to. Both artists are constantly working on new material, so head over to their Facebook pages here and here, to keep up to date with what they’ve got coming out.
Luke Lorenz – Tomb
It’s pretty incredible how consistently ACM student Luke Lorenz releases quality content. Back once again with a new single, Tomb, Lorenz showcases his unique mix of electro-pop and rap. Set against simple piano and a drum track, the lyrics talk about the struggles of fighting your own demons while battling for the success you know you deserve. With only weeks away from another release, put this one on repeat and let it sink in before Luke’s back with another standout song. It won’t be long before he’s featured back on this list, but if you can’t wait for more from this artist, give him a follow on Instagram.
Tara Flanagan and Spectrum – Leaving You Behind
Another catchy and impassioned electro-pop masterpiece from ACM Creative Artist alumna Tara Flanagan with Producer Spectrum. Combining versatile vocals, rich synths and scintillating dynamic shifts, Leaving You Behind is the perfect track to get you ready for the weekend. Tara’s heartfelt and relatable lyrics explain the hardship of needing to move on from a relationship for emotional closure, “my heart is done with hurting, it’s time for us to draw the line”. Check out the track above and make sure to follow Tara Flanagan on Instagram for future updates!
If you dream of achieving success in the creative industries, come along to one of our Open Days. We can’t wait to see what our alumni do next – and we’d love to welcome you into the ACM community.
