musomusofm on the radar playlist #62 - Molteno, Alfie James, Moonhound, Hannah Elkins and more....
Ahead of me leaving my beloved laptop behind at home for an entire week, I thought I’d squeeze in another 9 track playlist before I go galavanting around Europe traversing cities and countries via the rail network which I am led to believe is 10 times more efficient, cleaner and cheaper than what we have to endure here in the UK.
I am secretly hoping that the food on offer will at least be on par with that of Great Western Railway, I fondly look back to my childhood when I tucked into a sausage roll via the buffet car after a football game in Wembley (under 18’s final - 1982) and as the journey progressed, I slowly lost my voice….so whatever was in the sausage roll did a great job of rendering me quite literally speechless for the next 48 hours, thanks British Rail, you da best!
Anyway, I am taking away the spotlight from the 9 killer tracks that make up the new playlist, there are two featured acts this time, if you get chance, scroll down and have a read, if you like what you see (and hear), hit them up on the socials, spread some love, give them a like or a share if you fancy, they’ll thank you for it.
In the meantime, the full playlist is accessible below, hit play and get comfy for the next 30 minutes, see you on the other side.
Molteno
Earmilk, Notion and John Kennedy (Radio X) are big fans and you will be too once you have heard the latest offering from UK Alt-Pop artist MOLTENO.
The track is ‘Moonlight’ and the East London artist dabbled with both the real sand surreal prior to pulling the bones of it together in her home studio prior to working with collaborators to get it match fit and ready to release.
An accomplished vocalist, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, MOLTENO has been praised as the "love child of Björk and Bat For Lashes", acquiring support across national radio, tastemaker press and editorial playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
Capturing an essence of the otherworldly, MOLTENO’s music is an immersive sonic and visual journey through the universe and beyond. The new single ‘Moonlight’ is no exception, capturing a breathtaking dreamy haze right from the off. A wash of airy synths, subtle guitar lines and the silky, delicate and hauntingly beautiful vocals float over a driving bass and drum line to create a transportive soundscape which packs both melancholic emotion and an exciting, fresh energy.
Speaking about the single, MOLTENO shares: "After experiencing lucid dreaming, with 'Moonlight' I wanted to explore the idea of travelling and connecting through dreams. What if we truly wake up in our dreams and travel by moonlight? It's the first single from 'Element 2' – the second of four EPs that aim to celebrate the elements and the way nature connects us."
The new single is also set to be accompanied by a Daisy Moseley directed music video featuring notable actor William Moseley (Narnia, The Royals).
Having created a musical identity and a brand of her own, MOLTENO has collaborated with fashion labels such as Longshaw Ward and Eirinn Hayhow for photoshoots and stage outfits, allowing her to emphasise her unique image as an artist. With acclaim across blogs including the likes of Earmilk, Notion, Dummy, 1883 Magazine, the artist has also gained a heap of radio support from the likes of BBC Introducing, Radio X and Amazing Radio as well as gaining placements across Spotify & Apple Music Editorial playlists.
No Stranger to the live circuit, the solo artist has appeared at the likes of Camp Bestival, Fractalight Festival Of Light, Camden Assembly, The Finsbury and The Victoria to name just a few, as well as live radio performances on Shoreditch FM and Soho Radio.
Having already made a name for herself as one to watch with a whole host of national support, MOLTENO is heading into more new releases with a feverish excitement surrounding her music. The new single ‘Moonlight’ is out now, go and listen to it, love it and share with everyone you know as MOLTENO is here to stay!
Socials
Alfie James
Sonically, Alfie James stands amongst the likes of Mac Miller, Easy Life, Ed Sheeran and Loyle Carner.
With a loyal, evergrowing, fanbase the South London native is quickly making a name for himself within his local scene whilst also amassing thousands of streams worldwide. With resonating lyricism, raw punchy vocals and enticing production that keeps you guessing throughout, Alfie proves he has all the boxes ticked to be your new listening obsession.
Alfie combines his love of singer-songwriter melodies, jazz-inspired beats and relatable lyricism into the perfect self-produced, alt. pop package.
From writing his first songs on his guitar at the age of six to producing his own tracks at 16, Alfie embodies a melting pot of genres; drawing comparisons to artists such as Tom Misch and Rex Orange County.
After a slew of singles his debut EP ‘Not Your Friend EP’ was released in late 2021, condensing a year of progression and reflection into 6 effortlessly smooth tracks.
His latest offering 'Liquor Store' melts liquid gold grooves and witty cultural lyrics straight from the hungover mind. Every sonic nook and cranny is filled with experimental, almost foley-like sounds which dance around a synth/guitar main melody. With the engrossing bass line that sucks you in and swings you into the path of a thumping kick drum, Alfie has cracked the combination of jazz-rap and resonating lyrics.
‘Liquor Store’ is the first single to be released since last year's ‘Not Your Friend’ EP and sees Alfie embark on a new run of fresh releases. The talented singer-songwriter continues to blend a plethora of eclectic influences into nuanced beats topped with witty prose and an honest, laid-back delivery:
“My relationship with drink is a funny one, dangling between the doghouse and lifelong memories from nights out. Visiting New York and Miami in the past year, the big liquor stores were so cool to see on every street corner, very different to those in the UK; the cover art was taken from one in New York. I wanted the production to reflect that intoxicated state, with lots of phase-shifting and panning. With summer upon us, I wanted to nail that light, skippy rhythm that gets stuck in your head all day. I was obsessed with cramming as many beer puns in as possible, I think I did pretty well!”
Turn on, tune in, drop out - You’ll be glad you spent 5 minutes checking out Alfie James’ latest track, once you’re done, check out his back catalogue as there is SO much more to explore.
Socials
SO there you have it folks, another 9 awesome tracks for you to get your ears around. If you liked any of them, please hit them up on the socials and tell them, mention that you heard them on the musomusofm on the radar playlist and they might even buy me a cookie if our paths ever cross!
Please take a moment to spread the word on social media, it’s on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, just head to musomusouk on either platform and give it a LIKE, SHARE, THUMBS UP or whatever you can!
Until next time…..