In the ancient world, purple was originally the colour reserved for the imperial families of Rome, Persia and Egypt and while it’s no longer elitist, there’s still something special to be had to the red-meets-blue hue. Our Purple Pop selection showcases the most luxurious, beautiful and unmissable pop music finds for our ears to yours.
New York-based Colombian duo Salt Cathedral prepare for their upcoming record, Before It’s Gone, releasing on March 22. The album explores a self-contained musical universe, transcending genre boundaries, and delves into themes like climate change, complacency, friendship, trust, and social media. The duo, Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada, have crafted a concept album that reflects on time and its relation to modern existence. The latest album track ‘Terminal Woes’ showcases their musical versatility with polyrhythmic, east-Asian influences and serves as a protest song against climate change, accompanied by a beautifully choreographed music video directed by Jesse Bronstein.
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Sophia Gripari’s ‘Common Sense’ marks her initial release of 2024, penned during one of her concluding songwriting sessions in Los Angeles before relocating to her hometown, London. The song delves into the theme of returning to a past love despite knowing it defies common sense. The lyrics navigate the complexities of giving someone another chance, acknowledging the naivety in the decision. The upbeat and synth-driven production contrasts with the underlying emotional depth of the lyrics, creating a pop anthem that captures the dichotomy of emotions in rekindling a relationship. ‘Common Sense’ showcases Sophia Gripari’s ability to blend catchy pop melodies with poignant storytelling.
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Katelyn Butcher’s latest single ‘Saying Things I Don’t Mean’ is a heartfelt exploration of the artist’s struggle with the fear of abandonment. The poignant lyrics reveal her inner turmoil, expressing the deep-rooted anxiety of expecting people to leave. This vulnerability is articulated through the fear of being blindsided and the tendency to push loved ones away as a preemptive measure. The song becomes a poignant reflection on the artist’s emotional landscape, where the fear of loss becomes a catalyst for unintentional actions and statements. Through this raw and honest narrative, Katelyn Butcher connects with listeners on a profound level, sharing a piece of her own complex journey.
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Montreal’s indie-pop virtuoso, Soran, unveils the enchanting track ‘Magic’, a precursor to his forthcoming album Loneliness Confetti set for release on March 15 via Audiogram. Following the infectious ‘Diamond’ and heartfelt ‘Anna,’ this new single is a dopamine rush tailored for magnetic lovers, aiming to create a musical atmosphere for magical moments. With mesmerizing synthpop, thumping beats, pitch-shifted harmonies, and sparkling lyrics, the song takes listeners on a journey of romantic and electric euphoria. Soran, who started as a busker in the Montreal Metro, showcases his evolution with ‘Magic,’ blending vintage synth tones and electronic percussion for a contemporary pop glory.
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‘Gonna Write A Hit Song’ marks the collaborative effort of songwriter Darrell Rogers and recording artist Marlena Meadows. Inspired by a Sunday Writers’ Night at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe, the track whimsically navigates the challenges of the music industry. Stemming from a captivating tale shared during that fateful evening, the song humorously reflects on the desire to create a hit song and the inherent struggles in the process. Darrell, known for his storytelling prowess, penned the track after being deeply moved by the songwriter’s narrative. With Marlena Meadows’ soulful vocals complementing the composition, ‘Gonna Write A Hit Song’ stands as a relatable and engaging addition to Darrell Rogers’ repertoire.
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Elephant in the Room, the electronic, soul and pop duo comprising Marty Mullaly and Keenan Copas from Ireland, presents their new single ‘Thinking Of You’. With roots in New York City, the duo infuses dark electro-pop tones with a soulful, nostalgic touch. The track is a harmonious blend of electricity and organic acoustics, creating an immersive and emotive landscape. After a year’s hiatus to recharge creatively and professionally, Elephant in the Room returns with a fresh musical direction, showcasing their evolution and unique sonic identity. ‘Thinking Of You’ reflects the duo’s ability to craft a contemporary sound that seamlessly weaves together diverse elements.
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Raven x Rabbit’s debut single ‘Alive’ marks a refreshing uplift for indie pop, set to release on January 19. The duo, comprised of Danna (Raven) and Heather (Rabbit), presents a captivating blend of emotionally rich and creatively vibrant music. ‘Alive’ takes listeners on a journey from an intimate ballad to an exuberant indie rock anthem, mirroring the emotional depth of its audience. The song weaves a narrative of hope, love, and self-discovery, resonating with the experiences of youthful explorers. With enchanting piano and evocative vocals, ‘Alive’ becomes an anthem for those navigating the complexities of young adulthood, offering an authentic and creative expression of life’s adventures.
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Beren Olivia emerges stronger and more confident with her upcoming EP, signaling a powerful comeback. The British singer-songwriter’s introspective journey has led to a metamorphic period, reflected in her music’s potent themes and messages. Beren’s EP, driven by five compelling songs, reveals her resilience and commitment to self-discovery. As she prepares to share her experiences, Beren aims to create a space for open conversations about mental health through her music. With her latest single ‘Drown It In Grey’ gaining traction, Beren Olivia is not only elevating her artistry but also serving as an advocate for mental health, leaving a positive impact on the world.
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21-year-old Toronto artist Trey Joshua unleashes his latest studio release ‘Di Slow’, marking a departure into dark alt-pop. The track features explosive production and a melodic groove that showcases a new facet of the young artist’s evolving sound. Following his last release, ‘Come Down’, Trey has experienced significant growth. The song, which Trey self-produced, combines exceptional vocal performance with progressive pop elements, building into explosive choruses. A fan favorite on social media, ‘Di Slow’ reflects Trey’s commitment to exploring new sounds and genres while keeping listeners engaged and excited for his upcoming EP in 2024.
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Solo singer-songwriter and bassist from Pennsylvania, EĐĐIE steps into the spotlight with his new single, ‘The Spark’. Known for fronting the band Nothing But A Nightmare and contributing to their successful album Kleptomania, EĐĐIE embarks on a solo journey. His recent Untethered EP offers a glimpse into his captivating vocals, infectious melodies, and grooving bass lines. ‘The Spark,’ the lead single from EĐĐIE’s upcoming album Grieving Hour, delves into the initial pain of heartbreak, portraying a poignant scene of a distraught individual reflecting on the past of a relationship. EĐĐIE aims to showcase his musical versatility and more with the upcoming album.
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PURPLE MELON 