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.
First up for the Purple Pop playlist is a a dreamy, gauzy soundscape. Under her Sea Lemon moniker, Natalie Lew offers a taste of her upcoming album, Diving For A Prize, with ‘Stay’. The track, rooted in a real-life thrift store encounter, paints a vivid picture with fuzzy guitars and a loping drum groove. Lew’s vocals are ethereal, weaving a narrative of rest and observation. ‘Stay’ is an enveloping, cloudy experience, capturing the essence of Sea Lemon’s signature sound. It’s a gentle reminder to pause, delivered with Lew’s characteristic dreamy tones and evocative lyrics. The song’s origin adds a layer of human warmth to its ethereal atmosphere.
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‘Next To You’ is a mesmerizing folk-meets-americana gem that blends delicate fingerpicking with understated electronic flourishes. Jess Kerber’s honeyed vocals, layered with stirring harmonies, move from an intimate whisper to an aching crescendo, mirroring the song’s emotional depth. Inspired by dreams and memory, Jess’ lyricism is introspective and poetic, drawing comparisons to Elliott Smith and Sufjan Stevens. The production, shaped by collaborator Will Orchard, enhances the song’s warmth without overshadowing its raw sincerity. With its haunting beauty and quiet intensity, ‘Next To You’ cements Jess Kerber as one of modern folk’s most compelling voices, effortlessly balancing nostalgia and innovation.
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With echoes of Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers, Anna Duboc’s ‘Suffocating’ is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of relationship strain. Her vocals weave through melancholic verses and stark realizations. Lyrically, she captures the subtle nuances of emotional suppression and blurred lines of affection. Co-produced with Matias Mora, the track possesses a raw, intimate quality. Duboc’s ability to translate personal pain into relatable art is striking, evidenced by her connection with listeners. Beyond streaming numbers, she prioritizes genuine emotional impact, a refreshing perspective in today’s music landscape.
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From Moncrieff’s forthcoming debut, Maybe It’s Fine, ‘Shangri-La’ bursts with euphoric, sun-kissed pop. This track radiates a joyous, carefree energy, blending infectious beats, melodies, and shimmering synths. Moncrieff’s vocals capture the intoxicating thrill of reckless infatuation, painting vivid scenes of endless nights and boundless freedom. While rooted in personal experience, the song transcends narrative, embodying a feeling of pure, unadulterated bliss. ‘Shangri-La’ showcases Moncrieff’s evolution, a testament to his artistry and growth. It’s a vibrant, uplifting anthem, signaling a promising debut album.
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Birkir Blær’s ‘Go On’ is a potent blend of alternative soul-pop, driven by his versatile musicianship. The track, born from artistic defiance, radiates a powerful message of self-authenticity. Birkir’s soulful vocals, layered with R&B and pop influences, create an empowering soundscape. His technical prowess as a multi-instrumentalist shines, highlighting his ability to seamlessly blend genres. ‘Go On’ is more than a song; it’s a declaration. Birkir Blær’s sincerity and empathy resonate, making this track both inspiring and deeply personal. It’s a testament to his artistic integrity and a compelling step forward.
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With sharp lyricism and raw vulnerability, Ava Valianti frames her life as a sitcom, questioning her role within it via a poignant indie-pop exploration of self-doubt titled ‘Laugh Track’. References to pop culture heighten her introspective narrative. Her voice, a blend of Olivia Rodrigo’s storytelling and Lana Del Rey’s melodies, is both haunting and relatable. ‘Laugh Track’ is a deeply personal track, capturing the feeling of constant performance. Ava Valianti’s honesty, combined with her infectious hooks, creates a lasting impression. At just 15-years-old, her talent and maturity shine, marking her as a rising artist to watch.
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Blending 2000s R&B nostalgia with modern pop and bold beats, Nadia Younes delivers a fiery breakup anthem ‘Tombstone’. Her powerful vocals and playful lyricism deliver a confident, sexy, and fun track, perfect for anyone escaping a toxic relationship. With her classical music and dance background, Nadia brings a unique blend of artistry. ‘Tombstone’ showcases her ability to combine nostalgic sounds with contemporary production, creating a catchy and danceable vibe. Her influences, from Whitney Houston to Ariana Grande, shine through, crafting a sound that resonates across generations. ‘Tombstone’ is a confident step forward for Nadia Younes.
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Beginning with mellow acoustic tones, folk-pop gem ‘KID’ builds into an electric crescendo, amplifying Natalie Clark’s message of rediscovering childlike freedom. Her lyrics, rich with cultural references like “Back to the Future” and Lego, evoke a potent sense of nostalgia. Natalie Clark’s vocals, both tender and powerful, carry the song’s emotional weight and call to reclaim inner joy. Produced with Todd Spadafore, ‘KID’ balances intimate reflection with anthemic energy. It’s a reminder to tap into our innate wildness, a vibrant and uplifting track.
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Delivering a surprising blend of intricate guitar landscapes and layered vocals. Gus Thompson shares ‘Business Boy’. His youthful energy, honed from years of gigging, shines through, defying genre constraints. Producer Ed Graves’ influence is clear, crafting a lush sonic backdrop. The track’s polished production and catchy melodies hint at a broader appeal, while maintaining an indie edge. With its rich instrumentation and evocative vocals, ‘Business Boy’ signals a promising direction for this Philadelphia artist. The track’s blend of youthful spirit and seasoned production creates a compelling listening experience.
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‘On & On’ is a radiant return for Filiah, blending introspective lyricism with an infectious indie-folk groove. Her delicate vocals float over crisp drums and a warm, spacious arrangement, crafting a sound both soothing and empowering. Exploring themes of shame, growth, and emotional release, Filiah captures the quiet resilience in facing one’s inner world. Lines like “I’m so scared to disappear, but the further I go the safer I feel” resonate with raw honesty. Co-written during a songwriting camp, the track pulses with 70s-inspired warmth, offering both catharsis and joy. ‘On & On’ proves Filiah is a rising voice worth following.
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PURPLE MELON 