MUSIC ROUNDUP: January Releases 2022
The first music round of 2022 is here, happy days! This month we dive into 10 fresh tracks from all across Scotland from indie folk pop, electronica, rap, spoken word & more. Listening to this playlist, there is absolutely no doubt we are in for another rollercoaster of a year of Scottish music releases. The first SAMA event of 2022 will take place this April, details to follow next month. In the meantime get this one cranked up and enjoy!
Words: Ewan MacDonald
AiiTee - Sound of Music
SAMA Nominee for Best Newcomer Aiitee has been making a name for herself since her debut album in 2020, since then she has gained waves of new fans and acclaim with her expert pop/rap stylings. With this latest single Sound of Music, Aiitee crafts a moody and moving beat that she locks into with ease. Melding melodies that weave in and out of the back beat keeping the track moving.
Doss - Lungs
A rapidly rising new force to be reckoned with in the local Glasgow’s music scene, this one man powerhouse is Doss. The solo project of musician Sorley Mackay, Doss has had a run of singles already released and a live session with Crowded Flat upcoming, with his debut single Posers leading the charge for this bubbling pot of young rage and passion. The fourth single Lungs is no different, an infectious pop song coated in a sinister, driving beat with flurries of distortion kicking off when the track reaches its climax.
Gentle Sinners - DMT
The sophomore single from Gentle Sinners, the new project from James Graham (Twilight Sad, Outlines) and his mysterious bandmate. Unlike the off-kilter grooves of the debut single Killing This Time, this new single DMT is more dark, with Graham’s pitched vocals bringing an unsettling vibe to it. With a luscious production behind it, the track really lets the sophisticated grooves dig in and let the weirdness ascend through the vocals and the layers of additional instruments.
Macka - Blush
With a streak of hot releases dropped last year, burgeoning dance artist Macka been hard at work cooking up yet another storming beat. Blush is a subtle but immediately groovy track, with the huge echos from the drums designed to fit perfectly in dark club or a sweaty festival tent.
Modern Studies - Light A Fire
Ahead of their upcoming fourth LP ‘We Are There’, due in February, the critically acclaimed chamber pop band Modern Studies have released another look into what’s in store with the single Light A Fire. A gorgeous, sweeping epic that gently rocks along with an Americana groove behind it, the track’s main point is the ethereal vocals that guide the rest of the music.
Melroze - Pressure
Glasgow Rapper Melroze has been cooking up a storm with his videos on Youtube, showcasing his excellent flow and occasion comical talent. The latest track Pressure is no different, opening with a short skit, the artist rhymes of his story and struggles with lyrical precision.
Nova, Empress MC - Baby Girl
Two of the hottest hip hop acts to emerge out of Glasgow in the last few years, award winning Nova and teams up with Empress for the brand new track Baby Girl. The high energy comes straight out the gate as Nova launches in to her piercing rhymes. With Empress coming in at the midway point, with a fiery strings of bars, the duo provide a flagship of local talent working together to create something new.
Niteworks, Hannah Rarity - Gloomy Winter
The prolific electronic trad outfit Niteworks, have once again graced us with a new release. Coming from the bands third full length LP, A’ Ghrain, Gloomy Winter is a sweeping adventure into the misty hills and infinite coasts we have in the Isles of Scotland. With local singer Hannah Rarity providing the angelic vocals, the band continue to perfect this alchemy of fusing two genres together so well.
Spyres - See Through You
With a recent deal at LAB Records signed, and a debut EP due in February, Spyres are quickly proving themselves as one of the hottest acts around town. See Through You, which got its first play on BBC Radio by Jack Saunders, is an angsty bop topped with searing guitar lines. Managing to pack a powerful chorus in-between the softer lulls in the verses, the band are certainly coming into their own by establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
Wends - Twenty Free
Stepping out into releasing music, Edinburgh based Reggae/Dub vocalist Wends has released the brand new single Twenty Free. With a steady beat backing the slick instrumentals, Wends is winding her smoky melodies throughout the song. Her vocal prowess is enchanting as it holds centre stage, with the liberating lyrical content this song will be perfect for that long awaited summer.