Caroline Polachek – ‘Pretty Impossible’

The current it girl of alt-pop Caroline Polachek brought us the soundtrack to the latter half of February with her album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You. Fusing electronica with garage and a touch of house, she’s created a downtempo masterpiece that is an early candidate for album of the year. ‘Pretty Impossible’ is the song Caroline said she was most proud of in an interview with Crack magazine. Inspired by the string section on Massive Attack’s ‘Unfinished Sympathy’, it’s a dreamy trip-hop track full of lush violins and scatty beats. And that spoken word section is to die for.

Paramore – ‘Running Out of Time’

Paramore made their much-welcomed comeback after a 5-year hiatus this February with This Is Why. Anxious and introspective, the album deals with a myriad of global issues such as war and the pandemic and explodes with nervous energy providing a cathartic experience for the listener. ‘Running Out of Time’ is one of the best tracks from the album. Singer Hayley Williams wittily jests at her poor time management in this light-hearted melodic track that proves that the post-punk revival isn’t dead. Feel the tension slip away as you dance to those stabbing guitar riffs.

Janelle Monáe – ‘Float’

You’ll ‘Float’ to Janelle Monáe’s triumphant new track that’s “light as a feather”. The single is the first new release from the singer from 2021 and features Fela Kuti’s youngest son, Seun Kuti, as well as his band, Egypt 80. Janelle showcases her rapping skills on dub influenced track featuring a rich brass section and groovy guitar riffs. We’re hoping that this chill uplifting song could be pointing to a new era for the R&B singer and that more new music might follow!

Lizzo & SZA – ‘Special’

The dream team-up of course is in our playlist. This month Lizzo and SZA dropped a remix of  ‘Special’ featuring SZA providing stunning backing vocals to the fantastic tune. Motivating, uplifting, and comforting – it’s the ideal song for turning a rainy day to sunny.

PinkPantheress & Ice Spice – ‘Boy’s a Liar pt. 2’

PinkPantheress’ TikTok hit ‘Boy’s a Liar’ got a revamp this month when the singer collabed with our favourite new rapper Ice Spice this month. The suitably titled ‘Boy’s a Liar pt. 2’ brings us everything we loved about the original plus an outrageously catchy verse from the orange-haired baddie. We dare you not to sing along.

Lana Del Rey – ‘A&W’

‘A&W’ is the most exciting piece of work Lana has released in some time. The seven-minute-long song, which was released on Valentine’s Day in the Americana queen’s typical romantic style, is broken into two parts and manages to refer to personas Lana embodied throughout her impressively varied career. It starts with a piano-driven melancholic melody before plunging the listener into an electronic R&B beat with distorted vocals reminiscent of tracks from Ultraviolence. We can’t wait for when Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd hits streaming next month.

Jessie Ware – ‘Pearls’

The ever-classy Jessie Ware gave us a taste of hazy luxury this month with her latest single ‘Pearls’. Bringing us a funky nu-disco moment, ‘Pearls’ is full of the singer’s usual uplifting energy packed with lively keys, great backing vocals, and whispery addressals.If ‘Pearls’ is anything to go by we know we’ll love Jessie’s fifth album That! Feels Good! dropping on the 28^th April.

Kelela – ‘Enough for Love’

Warm and full of longing, the R&B track ‘Enough for Love’ is the fifth and final single from Kelela’s album Raven, which dropped earlier this month. Kelela’s second LP is another early contender for album of the year. The angelic-voiced singer expertly shapes a hypnotic nocturnal soundscape that’s desire-filled, mediative, and utterly rich – its sound and energy is unmatched. 

Maisie Peters – ‘Body Better’

Maisie Peters voices her anxiety over body issues in ‘Body Better’ which every woman can, unfortunately, relate to. Although the lyrics touch on a sensitive spot for many the track is a refreshing sway-inducing pop tune. Featuring frills, cake, and um… blood, the music video for the track sees pop’s newest sweet-faced princess getting her hands dirty whilst on a picnic with her friends. It’s sugar-sweet with a dark twist and we’re here for it.

Princess Nokia – ‘Closure’

Princess Nokia gets angsty on their newest single ‘Closure’ switching their signature pop rap style for noisy alt-electronica. With boisterous drums and raw riffs, Nokia channels her sadness and anger over a failed relationship into a catchy breakup anthem that will heal the heartbroken. 

Yunè Pinku – ‘Night Light’

A twilight set electronic maze of twinkling sounds, Yunè Pinku’s progressive house track ‘Night Light’ sparkles as an endlessly replayable unique dance track. The London-based artist never fails to produce interesting, dreamy tunes that have us dancing the night away in a trance.

Nia Archives – ‘Conveniency’

Jungle heads will love Nia Archives’ liquid D’n’B and neo-soul fusion. As expected from the fun-loving DJ, singer, songwriter, and producer ‘Conveniency’ brings all the good vibes for pre or post-club antics. With scatty beats and gorgeous layered harmonies, it’s a sunny track that will put a smile on your face. The track is a single from Nia’s forthcoming EP Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall set to come out next month – keep an eye out for more playlist-worthy tunes.

Yaya Bey – ‘Exodus the North Star’

Vulnerable neo-soul will always have a place in our hearts and playlists. Brooklynite Yaya Bey’s ‘Exodus the North Star’ fuses neo-soul and reggae to create something special that we can’t stop playing. Yaya’s unique vocals pack a punch starting soft and then crescendoing into a powerful performance as she begs her lover to take her to paradise. It’s an ultra-romantic track that we’re goo-goo for.

_{Words by: Molly Sutherland}

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The post You Need These February Faves In Your Playlist appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Taylah Elaine

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We first heard about Taylah Elaine when her ‘Feel Good x DNA mix’ gained traction on TikTok. Now we can’t stop listening to her tasteful mixes – and looking at the half a million views her most recent Boiler Room set has received in less than a week, you EDM heads can’t either. The hip-hop-loving DJ from London first took the deck in 2017 and since then has DJed across the world in Paris, Amsterdam, Malta, Helsinki, and LA and has featured on stations such as Rinse FM and NTS. Expect to hear the likes of Nelly, TLC, Steve Lacy, and Missy Elliot if you are lucky enough to catch one of Taylah’s hip-moving sets. Not only are we adoring her sounds, but Taylah’s style is also super fresh. She always looks glowy in everything she wears – our favourites are the velvety ruffled crimson catsuit from Daily Paper styled with adorable y2k-inspired buns and the funky anime print two-piece set that she wore in her most recent Boiler Room set.

PinkPantheress

Though technically London-based singer, songwriter, and record producer PinkPantheress is not a DJ we just have to include her Boiler Room set on our list. The honey-voiced ‘Pain’ singer played the final hour of IFFY FM in London back in December and in a match made in heaven teamed up with girl group FLO to give an unmissable performance featuring all our favourite songs from both artists. The much-loved alt-pop artist became an internet sensation when her songs ‘Pain’ and ‘Break It Off’ blew up on TikTok. She’s had further success with the short but sweet ‘Boy’s a Liar’ from her most recent EP Take Me Home. PinkPantheress always manages to look sexy yet low effort with her laidback style often seen in form-fitting neutrals. In her Boiler Room performance, she was giving ethereal goddess in a slinky white two-piece made up of a dreamy maxi skirt and destressed top that made PinkPantheress shine in the pink light. Like the diva she is, we were graced with a costume change when she remerged in a short black crocheted one piece complete with a low-hanging silver belt after FLO’s performance.

Nia Archives

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Back in October, Nia Archives created an absolute vibe with her jungle sounds in her Boiler Room set in London. The record producer, DJ, singer, and songwriter from Leeds brought crazy energy to the room with her mix of old-school tunes to create the perfect infusion of 90s and contemporary sound. With her sets making everyone want to rave all night long it’s not hard to see why she’s been heralded as one of this generation’s leading Jungle artists and nominated for the Brit Award for Rising Star this year. Nia only rocks the waviest of garms from Stone Island bombers to C.P. company jackets. We adore the Burberry print shirt she wore when DJing at Boiler Room. She is drawn to checked prints and looks incredible in the tartan suit she wore in her music video for her track ‘So Tell Me’.

VTSS

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Polish artist VTSS took Amsterdam by storm when she performed at Boiler Room x Dekmantel Festival in September. Fast-paced high-energy electronic beats that keep the party alive are a staple of VTSS’s sets – if you like high-pitched industrial techno, she’s your gal. VTSS, whose real name is Martyna Maja, has also released several electroclash EPs that will have you vogueing until dawn. With fans in Shygirl and Caroline Polachek, we know you’ll eat her up too. VTTS’ style mixes Warsaw rave culture with pop diva fits creating a high fashion sleek vibe. Her platinum blonde locks and bleached eyebrows elevate all her fits, but we particularly love her nude corset and skirt combo and the mesh-panelled Mugler dress on her Instagram.

Lúcia Lu

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Berlin native Lúcia Luciano has the mixes that will transport its listener to another dimension. Her unique wavy sound that she displayed during her Boiler Room set in her home city Berlin back in December had techno fans going gaga. If you need more of Lúcia Luciano’s contagiously danceable music, you need to watch her mix on HÖR Berlin’s YouTube channel, which has over 1M views. Frequently seen sporting deconstructed tie-up tops with low-waisted jeans or a cute, patterned set, Lúcia Luciano knows how to dress to impress. 

Jyoty

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It’s an oldie but goldie. Three years ago, Jyoty made her Boiler Room debut having previously worked the door. The crowd was going feral for the London-based, Berlin-born DJ and the was internet dying for it – the set now has over 2M views on YouTube. Always beaming when she’s DJing, her good vibes are infectious and the crowd laps it up happily. From doorwoman to the world – Jyoty Sigh has mixed in clubs in London, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Lisbon, and New York and is a host for the renowned Rinse Fm home of the best urban music. With every set she plays a celebration and featuring mixes of artists such as Saweetie, ShyFX, and Iamsi, you’ll want to play her Boiler Room set or HÖR set from last year before the club. Jyoty’s wardrobe is full of colourful and exciting pieces like the AGR leaf patterned suit pants and the Roberto Cavalli leopard print maxi dress.

Words By: Molly Sutherland

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The post The Female DJs Keeping Nightlife Alive – You Need To Check Out These Boiler Room Sets appeared first on Voir Fashion.

PinkPantheress, WILLOW – Where you are

‘Where you are’ is a track that was teased on Tiktok for weeks, creating an unmistakable buzz and anticipation for its official release as you flicked through your FYP page. It’s undeniable that the rise of bedroom artist PinkPantheress has been crazy to watch, and uniting with an artist as highly-acclaimed as WILLOW is touching on new territory whilst creating the classic PinkPantheress sound we have grown to love. 

Bambi Bains – Mistake

Merging vulnerability with an infectious summertime soundscape gives you the latest single from Bambi Bains. If you’re entering summer newly single, this could be your go-to tune, as Bains sings lyrics straight from the heart that we can all relate to; “going to dance you off my mind until I feel alright”. 

Megan Thee Stallion – Plan B

Meg took her Coachella crowd by surprise with this track, performing it on weekend 1 before ‘Plan B’s’ official release. Quickly, videos shared from the festival gained traction, with fans praising Meg’s old school Hip-hop style flow. Of course, her flow may be slightly different, but her hot girl persona stays intact throughout, giving us all a slice of much-needed confidence. 

Becky G – NO MIENTEN

Coinciding with the announcement of Becky’s third studio album ‘Esquemas’, ‘NO MIENTEN’ dropped, getting us all excited for the record’s release date on May 13th. ‘NO MIENTEN’ is equal parts seductive as it is contagious, sending a fiery electronic dance rhythm to us just in time for summer. With this coming as the fourth electrifying single release from her upcoming album, we are in for a treat! 

KAROL G – PROVENZA

Another track that came to surprise us this month, ‘PROVENZA’, shows us a side of KAROL G that we don’t often see. We have become accustomed to high energy, powerful tracks, such as ‘MAMIII’ and ‘Tusa’, however ‘PROVENZA’ offers us something completely different. ‘PROVENZA’ is delivered as a gentle, carefree and Latin-kissed track, which is further mirrored by the picturesque music video, which features women of all different body types embracing themselves and nature in a unique spin on empowerment.  

Erica Banks – Pop Out

Delivering unapologetic energy in its purest form this month is Erica Banks, proving she has more up her sleeve to follow her viral hit ‘Buss It’. Complete with a sassy and assertive video, this could be the anthem to soundtrack your summer.

Justine Skye – What A Lie

Serving glamour, pristine vocals and honesty, Justine Skye has officially entered her new era. With lyricism surrounding the topic of a partner’s unloyalty surfacing, this track offers relatability whilst also showing the strength that can come from a breakup. Justine’s vocal performance is mirrored with delicate accompaniment, really letting her voice shine. 

DreamDoll, French Montana – Ice Cream Dream

With old school flows and production taking centre stage, this is a track perfect for any Hip-Hop lover. Linking up with French Montana further encapsulated the old school vibe DreamDoll was going for, as the pair match their flows and lyrical matters to create a vibrant synergy.  

Blessing – The girl next door

One of the most promising talents emerging right now, Blessing, released her EP ‘the girl next door’, and we’ve been loving her unique sound. Our favourite track, Freak, tells the story of rising above the judgement of others, as Blessing projects “guess time don’t close old wounds”.

Anitta – Versions of Me

When talking about the top releases this month, we had to mention Anitta’s latest album ‘Versions of Me’. Bursting with huge hits such as, ‘Envolver’, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, ‘Faking Love’ and ‘Me Gusta’, this is an album with something for everyone to enjoy. From collabs with the likes of Saweetie and Cardi B, this ambitious album seamlessly blends between powered pop tracks, rap features, R&B and reggaeton. Anitta yet again proves why she is the artist on everyone’s lips right now.

BIA, J.Cole – London

We didn’t expect to hear BIA shouting out Shoreditch this April, but we were pleasantly surprised with the lyricism of her latest collaboration with Rap legend J.Cole. From synchronised flows, tongue n cheek lines and an infectious video that perfectly encapsulates the energy of London, this collaboration delivered everything we could have hoped for.  

Nicki Minaj, Fivio Foreign – We Go Up

Although this track dropped at the end of March, the video didn’t officially drop till April 19th, and we had to include it! Currently used by over 530 thousand TikTok users, Nicki’s unapologetic and sassy lyrics are proving to be some of her most popular in a while. The duo devour the song’s drill beat and super-compressed production, which comes as no surprise. The video further reinforces the vibrant energy of this collaboration, with Nicki rocking signature pink wigs and a whole wardrobe of extravagant styles, as the pair’s chemistry does the talking whilst they pull up in a pink Lamborghini, in true Minaj style.

Words By Nadia Clasper

_{Featured Image: Gerasim Kutsarov}

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