Surfacing: Ava James [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

London singer-songwriter has been in the studio a lot lately, and the fruits of sessions with the likes of Casually Here (aka Nic Nell of RAINER) and Paul Aiden are finally appearing. The Tropics-produced 'Won't Look Back' is the first track to drop.

Listen: Santigold - Radio [Soundtrack Preview]

Words: Saam Das

It's been a good three years since Santigold delivered her second album, 'Master Of My Make Believe', so it was a pleasant surprise when 'Radio' recently turned up somewhat out of the blue. The new song appears on the soundtrack to new romcom 'Paper Towns', adapted from John Green's ('The Fault In Our Stars') novel, joining the likes of Vampire Weekend and HAIM.

Surfacing: Stephanie O [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das // Photo: Jamie Sinclair

Formerly part of The Puppini Sisters, who I wrote about on this very blog back in 2006(!), Stephanie O'Brien made a fresh start last year with a stunning acapella cover of Portishead's 'Glory Box'. Dropping part of her surname, she recently appeared on a compilation by the good folk over at Killing Moon, before releasing her new EP 'Alive' today.

Listen: Al Bairre - Julia [New Single]

Words: Saam Das // Photo: Caroline Mackintosh

Hyperactive South African quartet Al Bairre (pronounced Al Bear) were a wonderful surprise at The Great Escape Festival earlier in the year - they even thanked us, but the pleasure was truly all ours. Joyous new single 'Julia' is a perfect introduction to the band's effervescence, and we've popped previous single 'Bungalow' below for good measure.

Surfacing: Meilyr Jones [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

Moshi Moshi Records have put out releases by some of my favourite artists in the last decade or so - from Hot Club de Paris to Tom Vek. Former Race Horses frontman Meilyr Jones is the latest off the conveyor belt of interest, with debut single 'Refugees' out on the label this August.

On Camera #28: Amy / Terminator: Genisys / X+Y / Broad City / Suicide Squad

Words: Saam Das

In Cinemas: 'Amy' (2015) + 'Terminator: Genisys' (2015)

Surfacing: Charlie Fink [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

I'm still grieving the loss of Noah And The Whale - a London band who began as an upbeat folky outfit before undergoing a depressive phase and finally finishing off in a Tom Petty-inspired musical fashion. Thankfully, the individual members are still continuing on in various projects. Frontman Charlie Fink is the latest to unveil his new work, in the form of debut track 'My Heartbeat Lost Its Rhythm'.

Telly Text Special: Broad City

Words: Jordan Andrew

US sitcom 'Broad City' has had some buzz so when 4music offered us the chance to view the opening episodes of the first series, we were there. 'Broad City' stars Abbi Jackson and Ilana Glazer, as two women trying to survive in New York as every day brings a new crazy situation for the girls to try and get themselves out of.

Surfacing: Maisy Kay [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

English rose Maisy Kay may only be 16 years young and coverage might be sparse right now, but a path to success has already been drawn - she now lives Stateside, and has been working with some fairly big name producers (such as Captain Cuts) and songwriters. Listen to new track 'Blood Filled Tears' below.

Download: K.I.D - I Want You To Know (Zedd Cover)

Words: Saam Das

One of our most enjoyable acts of the festival season thus far has been Canadian twosome K.I.D, who we caught at The Great Escape in Brighton in May. Their musical vision takes in different approaches, ranging from grunge to RnB, and their latest effort takes on dance - in the form of the Zedd-Selena Gomez collab, 'I Want You To Know'.

Surfacing: Sozo & Lux [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

We don't know too much about production duo Sozo Savant and Lux Pyramid, other than they are making some wise musical moves. Fresh off producing the hype generating Chløë Black on her popular cover of Kanye West's 'Runaway' and more recently, collaborating with Charlie Fink of Noah & The Whale on his debut solo track, they've delivered a cut of their own in the form of the funky 'Laundromat'.