MUSIC ROUNDUP: January Releases 2021

SAMA NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP RETURNS

2021 is now well upon us, and with that brings ten exciting January releases hand picked by the team here at SAMA to keep you going! Behind the scenes we are getting ready to launch something new - please keep an eye out for that. Until then, get your headphones on, and immerse yourself into the playlist! You can find us on Spotify @officialSAMA

Stay safe x

In alphabetical order:

Aiitee - Let Go

A soulful and slick mood runs throughout ‘Let Go’, the brand new track from r’n’b artist Aiitee. Adding flourishes of auto-tuned vocal melodies akin to Kanye West or Charli XCX, ‘Let Go’ is pinned by a rock solid backbeat, the melodies overlap each other to form a cacophony of smooth rhythms. Having been featured on BBC Introducing, Aiitee is set for an exciting year.

Baby Strange - Club Sabbath

As sleazy as ever, the power-trio of Baby Strange have released their first single of 2021. Named after the infamous club night held in Glasgow’s Priory Bar, Club Sabbath is a rawkus and energetic track that packs a powerful punch. The wailing of guitar leads are melded together with slabs of synchronized riffs, as the trio tear through relentlessly.

Blanck Mass - Starstuff

Coming as the first teaser for the upcoming new LP, legendary electronic music pioneer Blanck Mass ( AKA Benjamin John Power) does not hold back. Easing you in with a whirlwind of arpeggiated synth lines that build into an all-encompassing stomp of kick drum and droning electronics. Coming in the wake of the soundtrack, composed for the film Calm With Horses, this will be the official follow-up to 2019’s Animated Violence Mild.

Elisabeth Elektra - I Am The Love (Elektra’s Dance Mix)

A brand new remix coming from synth-pop songstress Elisabeth Elektra revitalises ‘I Am In Love’. A refreshing take on an older track, Elektra’s moving vocal performance matches the icy snyths and the driving bass lines so well. Fitted with impassioned hooks and enveloping production, the track is ready to be welcomed into the venues of Scotland with open arms.

Felix And The Sunsets Music - This Will Change

Inspired to bring a positive celebration of the Black Lives Matter movement, Felix and the Sunsets have manifested this into their recent track ‘This Will Change’. Hailing from Leith, the garage-rock/neo-psychedelic group combine wispy acoustics, a sleek guitar solo with samba rhythms to create this poignant track. All proceeds from this track are being donated to Intercultural Youth Scotland, who aim to support young people who face multiple barriers in success.

Gift Horse - Sempiternelle Danse Moderne

Building on the pop filled promise of 2018’s Trojans EP, lo-fi art pop outfit Gift Horse have inverted their pop sensibilities for a joyous catharsis. Sempiternelle Danse Moderne comes from the new full length Happy Clappy, with a bubbling drum line moving the song forward into a chaotic and immediate explosion of fun.

<a href="https://gifthorserides.bandcamp.com/album/happy-clappy">Happy Clappy by Gift Horse</a>

happy tears - You Get to Be Yourself

Happy Tears is the brand new ‘guitar pop’ project from Megan McNally (stmartiins, Billy Mitchell), with the debut single ‘You Get to Be Yourself’ leading the way. With dreamy vocals drawing you into the flurry of cosy rhythm guitars and fuzzy leads, McNally manages to create an escape from the January cold. With more releases scheduled for the rest of 2021, we can only welcome more of Happy Tears to help thaw out the winter blues.

Josephine Sillars - Enemy

Originally from the Highlands but now based in Leeds, Josephine Sillars gained recognition from her time in Manic Pixie Dream Band. Venturing out with her solo material, the new single Enemy comes as her first release since 2017. With a groovy beat propelling the track forward, the understated synths and weaving vocals form the core of the instantly engaging sound.

Mark W. Georgsson - Forever in My Heart

Combining the stylings of traditional Celtic and Norid folk with a unique take on Americana and Country, singer/songwriter Mark W. Georgsson is clearly a well travelled man. ‘Forever In My Heart’ is the new single, and in itself is a small auditory holiday. With references to Scotland in its sound and lyrics, the heartfelt acoustic instruments echo images and sounds that would fit in any of the places mentioned. The icy coasts of Norway and the equally icy coasts of Dundee are all seeped into this track.

Steg G, CCTV - Scars

Previous SAMA winner Steg G is back with the brand new single Scars, a hard hitting rap stomp from the start. As it kicks into high gear with the rousing chorus, complete with wailing electric guitar samples intertwined with the visceral bars from Glasgow duo CCTV.