NME‘s Radar Roundup is your weekly reminder of the rule-breaking rising artists you simply can’t afford to ignore right now. From interviews to reviews to track recommendations, here is where you’ll meet your favourite new artist.
Interviews
This week, Samia told us about releasing this summer’s defining indie album, Washington D.C.’s Bartees Strange invited us into his uncompromising sonic world and Baby Queen detailed the hugely important role that honesty plays in her songwriting.
The New Yorker’s debut album ‘The Baby’ feels like an ideal accompaniment to these strange, discombobulating times. Over 11 sonically diverse and emotionally complex songs, the 23-year-old’s music goes beyond fleeting indie-pop and speaks directly to the soul. Read the full interview Caitlin O’Reilly
The D.C. artist’s upcoming debut album ‘Live Forever’ resists conforming to genre at every turn, blending shades of indie rock, hip-hop, punk, country and more — often within the same song. It’s more than just a signifier of its creator’s varied musical appetite. Read the full interview Mia Hughes
Baby Queen’s latest ‘Medicine’ is a subdued but shiny track that explores the side effects and salves of anti-depressants. Each Baby Queen song may sound different but they’re tied together by a common thread: their writer’s sharp observations and wry humour, akin to The 1975’s Matty Healy or Lorde. Read the full interview Rhian Daly
Reviews
Never let a killer new release fly under your radar. This week, we reviewed Belako‘s first proper shot at world domination, BLOXX‘s assured debut and Sweeping Promises’ impressive first LP.
Spanish post-punks Belako finally look poised to break out on their own thanks, in part, to their first international record deal with BMG. The band may have a new global audience to impress but there’s no fear here: ‘Plastic Drama’ is full of the kind of confidence it takes to be unforgettable. Key track: ‘The Craft’ Read the full review Ali Shutler
The debut album from Bloxx arrives freighted with expectations — but the band are not the type to bow to pressure. Across 12 straightforward yet enormously fun tracks, the hotly tipped four-piece divulge their greatest asset: their innate ability to craft a mammoth chorus. Key track: ‘Off My Mind’ Read the full review Sophie Williams
At a desolate intersection of post-punk and new wave stands Boston-based revivalists Sweeping Promises. Their titanic debut album is custom-built for jangly lo-fi apologists with angular discord and indie-pop fizz. Key track: ‘Hunger for a Way Out’ Read the full review Tristan Gatward
New Bangers
NME’s New Bangers is our weekly-updated playlist that’s full of the essential new tunes you need in your life. Here are some highlights…
Divino Niño – ‘Made Up My Mind’
Internet Money – ‘Blast Off’ (feat. Juice WRLD & Trippie Redd)
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.