Across seven tracks, ‘Bose x NME: C24’ provides a diverse, genre-spanning collection of some of the world’s most-exciting rising artists. Here’s NME’s guide to every song…
Artemas – ‘So Stunning’
The British singer and producer’s entry to ‘Bose x NME: C24’ showcases a new side of his artistry, as ‘So Stunning’ opts for space and drama and its gorgeous production. Does anyone else hear a nod to Justin Timberlake’s 2013 banger ‘Mirrors’ in his falsetto vocals?
Best bit: The blown-out outro where his visceral emotions collide with heavier, gnarlier soundscapes. Masterful stuff.
For fans of: The Weeknd, Fontaines D.C.
Lola Young – ‘I Don’t Mind’
Young says that this track is about that person; the one you know that’s wrong for you, but the one whose memory just won’t fade. No surprise, then, that ‘I Don’t Mind’, a track with lo-fi guitar and doubtful vocals, appears to be assessing each and every decision in real time and calculating the emotional fallout.
Best bit: Its restrained instrumental choices allow the song’s uncertain, nervy message to really hit home.
For fans of: Nilüfer Yanya, Julien Baker
Laufey – ‘Where Or When’
The Icelandic-Chinese artist has the chops to make traditional jazz standards sound like her own creations. This version of the Rodgers & Hard number – inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s 1956 release – is built around a rising piano refrain, nudging the door open for Laufey’s honeyed vocals to take centre stage.
Best bit: The combo of the chorus’ swelling strings and Laufey’s unmistakable trademark vocal performance.
For fans of: Lana Del Rey, Billie Holiday
Royel Otis – ‘Nack Nostalgia’
There are few bands around right now with the ability to make any riff sound essential and memorable, but such is the strength of the pairing of the Aussie duo. On the heady ‘Nack Nostalgia’, a bouncing, bluesy hook sustains the whole track and later reveals itself as the song’s earworm chorus.
Best bit: That guitar lick, the kind that will stay pinging around your head for days to come.
For fans of: The Stone Roses, The Vaccines
Samara Cyn – ‘Loop’
It’s fitting that ‘Loop’ kicks off with its chorus and wastes little time by holding back. Her time performing live as a poet has emboldened Samara Cyn to cut right to the chase; over a woozy beat and riff, the fearless LA-based musician gets to the heart of the matter immediately.
Best bit: A miraculous flow in the opening verse sees Samara traverses cadences and emotions expertly.
For fans of: SZA, Kehlani
Teddy Swims – ‘Funeral’
The US artist has name-checked the Motown scene as an influence on his work and ‘Funeral’ is certainly in keeping with that promise. The Detroit-bred sound became synonymous with universal emotions and big performances; this track, which follows the international success of ‘Lose Control’, bursts with passion and a seriously impressive vocal performance.
Best bit: Teddy’s powerhouse vocals give the song its gritty and well-worn edges.
For fans of: Lewis Capaldi, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man
Tehya – ‘Peach Pit’
Earning her spot on the mixtape via our BandLab initiative, Tehya’s ‘Peach Pit’ is as bold and colourful as any of her major label contemporaries. The DIY nature of her career is felt keenly here, a spiky, witty slice of alt-pop that has potential to be a total summer earworm.
Best Bit: Its opening lines provide vivid imagery: “When I last seen you / Still sticking raspberries around all your fingers”.
For Fans Of: Remi Wolf, Dora Jar
Stay tuned to NME.com/C24 for all the latest on the return of the iconic mixtape
[Editor’s note: NME and BandLab are both a part of Caldecott Music Group]
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