As I sit here on Christmas Eve waiting for the big day to come, I thought I’d put myself to good use rather than watching ‘The Good Life Christmas Special’ from 1978 by creating yet another ‘on the radar’ playlist.

I was inundated with some quality tracks and as usual, I have dug deep and managed to curate a collection from around the world, hope you enjoy them!

Georgia G – Are You Single?

Georgia G is a unique, fantastic disco-pop vocalist and songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. Her latest track 'Are You Single?' is a catchy, upbeat pop track to get you in the party mood! For all those singletons out there looking for a date- This is the tune for you!

Harvey Jay Dodgson – Caroline 

Hailing from Portsmouth, Harvey has already seen a remarkable ascent even before releasing music officially - being tipped and playlisted by BT Sport and playing The Isle of Wight Festival 110 Above and Victorious Festivals as well as support slots for The Himalayas earlier this month.

His highly anticipated debut single, the instantly definitive 'Caroline'. was Clash TOTD and set such a buzz his Waiting Room show just a week alter was full of Industry. With shades of Sam Fender, Johnny Marr and The Black Keys whilst still remaining entirely in his own lane, Dodgson’s debut is a fierce statement of intent from the southerner.

'Caroline' is the first taste of huge things to come from Dodgson over the next year, and by bringing together raw lyrical work with driving instrumentation, effortlessly showcases why the 19 year old is onto such big things.

Harvey will be Live on Scruff Of The Neck TV Dec 6th and supporting Isla Rico on Dec 9th at Hope and Anchor Islington and Harvey has also been announced to support The Snuts whilst touring their Number 1 debut album at the Wedgewood Room on 16th November.

Midnight Shoppers – Vertigo

Midnight Shoppers are a bassline-driven alternative rock band blending rhythmical grooves with catchy melodies and textural guitar lines. Their debut EP, The Every Day, ranges from acoustic, White-Stripesy rock, to high-energy synth-based indie.

After a debut headline show at Underbelly Hoxton at the end of 2019, the band had an active few months on the London music scene performing at the Camden rocks festival and Isle of Wight new blood quarter-finals before covid induced a year-long live music hiatus. The band are now back on stage in London and Cambridge and are set to release a number of new singles in 2021/22.

Little Victories – Love Gets Me Down

Little Victories are a British three-piece, alt pop band laced with dancing guitars, twin vocals and a homemade 6 string bass. A kaleidoscope of genres, the band is a one stop shop for all your emotional needs calling on influences such as The 1975, Bon Iver and Oh Wonder. Consisting of three different musical souls, Marcus Gooda, Nay Shalom and Sam Rose, collectively the trio pen relatable music with the hopes to connect with audiences around the world.

Covering topics from mental health, self-love, relationships and being generally understood, the band want to reinforce a sense of unity and connection that has been lost recently. The band reveals, “We want to instill a level of hope and connection that reassures our audiences that we all go through ups and downs - and that’s life. Everyone has their own story with their own challenges/heartbreak/highs and lows and when we realise that, the situations/feelings that often overwhelm us become less daunting and we feel less alone. Each day becomes about the little victories that get us through i.e. family, friends, music, small wins, faith, etc, hence the band name.”

Their latest single “Love Gets Me Down” is a confessional track detailing a rough patch with mental health whilst the people around you can’t or don’t understand why. The band confides, “We wanted to be personal and relatable whilst also keeping the reasoning ambiguous.” The complementing tones and harmonies from both Gooda and Shalom add a unique dynamic that is a rarity in the music of today. Along with Rose’s playful melodic guitar lines and echoing synths, there is a depth to the track which allows for contemplation and a time to reflect. Inspired by Bon Iver and The 1975 and their ability to fuse electronic elements with traditional band compositions, “Love Gets Me Down” blends these two worlds to create something which is comfortingly familiar, yet excitingly new.

BC Roadz – Stack$

Stack$ is the 3rd track off of A.D. BC is a youth-challenged solo artist that has coined the term "Blues Rap". You'll have to listen to know precisely what we mean. He's a storyteller, composer, artist, and monk. He's been down & out, up & down, and everywhere in between. He's the wicked turned divine, turned scientific mind. While only producing music on a DAW for a short while, he has written/composed/demo'd hundreds of works in all genres. This is just the beginning for BC. It's A.D.

Jo Next Door – New Friends

After resonating with millions of people on YouTube under the alias "Canen", Jo enters the music scene as a budding songwriter under the name “jo next door” with her debut single, “New Friends”.

Written last fall, Jo captures the unique experience of beginning college during a pandemic, as the song's upbeat sound contrasts with the more bittersweet lyrics about coming of age. She showcases her voice with lush harmonies, adding flowing piano, and rhythmic guitar to create an entire atmosphere.

Liz Dix – Cold Space

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Liz Dix has just released her debut single “Cold Space” on November 12th, 2021. The indie-folk/pop track is a reflection of the space created in a relationship when two people start to drift away from each other, as well as from themselves. Though the subject matter is melancholic, the soothing vocal layers, intimate lyrics, and catchy horn sections form an upbeat and nostalgic environment sure to immerse listeners. With stripped-back verses building to a full-bodied, catchy chorus, combined with a swelling bridge, “Cold Space” takes you on a journey through the countless emotions that embody the end of a relationship.

Alico – Gabrielle

Alíco is a Cincinnati-based indie-pop duo composed of actor/vocalist Spencer Anthony (Citi Bell Super Bowl Commercial, Google Commercial) and professional drummer Joe Nasser (12 yrs touring experience). Their third single, “Gabrielle”, is about the consequences of holding one’s heart below the surface for too long; a Pop/Punk reverie of the high highs and crushing lows of adolescence. Alíco's received international press and strong reactions from their 8k social media following.

Lizzie Esau – Bitter Weather

Bitter Weather is Lizzie Esau’s new single. Lizzie says ‘It’s about prioritising the important stuff and not obsessing about the things that don’t really matter in the end’.

Lizzie teamed up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Steve Grainger once again to deliver this laid back alt pop / hip hop track. Steve - ‘Lizzie’s put together a great band so it was an amazing opportunity to capture the energy that they've injected into the music.’

Adora – They Mingle With a Sweet Crowd

After two well-received, classic rock inspired first singles, Adora is back - this time they've gone disco!

This song is about the idea of glamorising people and places, only to find upon experiencing them that they are rather ordinary. It is set in an 80's inspired disco party theme, and the duo have prepared an amazing music video plus other visual content to take their vision further than their music.

Don't sleep on London's hottest glam rock duo, making a name for themselves in the city's music and fashion scenes!

So there you have it folks, the last playlist before Christmas, hope you enjoyed it! I would say that there could be another one coming on Christmas Day but as I’ll be at my brother-in-laws having dinner, he might think it a bit rude if I take off and spend 3 hours in the back bedroom on my own whilst he tries to entertain the masses….See you on the other side!