“Borderlines” Remix by Heidrunna and NZCA Lines

Heidrunna and NZCA Lines (Metronomy's Michael Lovett) have teamed up to remix her 2021 single "Borderline".

The remix, in comparison to the original single, is lighter and bouncier. It really helps to showcase Heidrunna's whimsical vocals without drowning them out by a heavy melody. I don't say this often, but I do prefer the remix over the original in this case. NZCA Lines perfectly enhanced the dynamic soundscape that "Borderline" has while keeping Heidrunna's inspiration in the forefront.

Heidrunna has always showcased a unique and electronic sound and this remix helps prove that. Her musical influences of artists like Blondie, Kraftwerk, Daft Punk, and more, are definitely present in this remixed version of "Borderline".

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“Leave Me Alone” by Tempoh Slow

Known as "musical shapeshifters averse to genres", Tempoh Slow's "Leave Me Alone" is effortlessly expressive and authentic.

This new genre, genre being used loosely, is an interesting take on the music scene, especially in today's day an age where labels are everything. "Leave Me Alone" focuses on the idea of taking responsibility for your own flaws and faults - past, present, and future - while actively acknowledging your growth. On the single, the duo state, "We all have toxic behavioural tendencies that we are subconsciously attracted to, but rarely do people admit that they are kind of fucked up too! It is also just a way of making fun of myself for being hella dramatic sometimes".

Releasing their new EP Punxx Noir in March of 2022, I am interested to hear the music they release between now and then. Being known as 'genre-less' is an artist is a rather unique path to travel, but leaves complete creative freedom with no boundaries.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“Here” by Grace Kay

Grace Kay's newest release, "Here", is grounding and nostalgic.

"Here" holds the emotion of losing a friend, but the power of being able to move on. However, you know you'll still be there for them - think of a 'right person, wrong time' type of situation. For a song that reminisces on the good, the bad, and the traumatic, it's comforting and provides a steady release of worry.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“1998” by MIREI

MIREI's "1998" gives off a relatable coming of age message though a digital sound.

The message behind this song is one I'm sure many of us can relate to. When it comes to that age in-between teenager and adult, people start to treat you differently. In some cases they expect you to be a full-fledged adult and in others they argue that you're still a child. It's an odd battle to face but just like "1998", the rest of us Gen X-ers aren't alone!

In contrast to the message of this song, I think the delivery of the track gives off a very overproduced and synthetic sound. The authenticity of the tune is completely wiped away. "1998" has a lot of good qualities but it's hard to look past the post-production that was added on top.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“Hide & Seek” by Etta Marcus

Etta Marcus' idea of "Hide and Seek" is one that never seems to end.

I really enjoyed this single from Etta Marcus. Her voice is so light and ethereal that you almost miss the slightly daunting message of the song. "Hide and Seek" reminds me of what it's like to lose a friend, a partner, etc. but from the perspective of the person who was lost. It's a constant reminder that their little quirks, the memories you shared, and the things you cherished most about them will never go away.

It's their memory that never seems to fade, even if it's days, months, or even years since you've last thought of them. The lines "I should stay here forever/ I'm the hole in your sweater / The splinter in your finger" really support the fantasy that they may be gone, but they are never going to be forgotten.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“whereareyou?” by Olivier

"whereareyou?" is a call into the emptiness of an one-sided relationship.

Olivier's latest single, "whereareyou?", is a heart achingly emotional track that echoes the partner in a relationship looking for validation, recognition, or even the smallest emotion from the one person they are supposed to count on no matter what. The lines '"do you ever miss me? / do you ever miss me in the dark?" repeats throughout this single, only adding to the heartbreak.

If you have ever found yourself putting everything you have into a relationship, only to receive nothing in return, this song is for you.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“White Mazda Truck” by Emilee Moore

“White Mazda Truck” by Emilee Moore will make you love and hate every white Mazda truck you pass.

LA-based artist, Emilee Moore, put out one of the most emotion-filled songs of 2021. This indie alt-pop tune is very much a heartbreak anthem and explores every emotion a heartbreak brings. This song puts  the longing you feel for the happy moments of a broken relationship up against all the reasons you had to break up with your S.O. 

Whether you have experienced a heartbreak, are going through one now, or are experiencing the greatest relationship of your life, give this song a listen.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“hating myself in the summer” by Rachel Bochner

“hating myself in the summer” could be the opposite perspective of “Little Things” by One Direction. It’s honest and raw, and says everything someone with confidence issues wishes they could scream into the world. One day, those issues get old and you begin to realize who cares! I wish I had this song to relate to in middle and high school, when my self-esteem was at its worse; however, I’m glad I have it now.

The journey to accepting your self-image is a long one, but for now we have this summertime bop that makes life seem okay for two minutes and forty-two seconds.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“High Rise Levis” by Eliana Rubin

The 'it's us against the world’ mentality is strong in Eliana Rubin's "High Rise Levis".

This song makes me want to return to that honeymoon phase all couples have at the beginning of a budding relationship. It's soft, it's pop, and very much a lovesick beat. Elaina Rubin reminds me of early Troye Sivan, mixed with a Clairo type of emotion. If you're looking to take your chance with that special person, one listen to this song and you'll be absolutely head over heels.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“Do You Know” by The Motive

As someone who is well into their early twenties, I will always be an absolute sucker for a good coming of age sound.

"Do You Know" by The Motive is exactly what I'm looking for. Over time, the sound of rock has taken many different forms. The Motive, a South-West London based band, brings their own modern, indie taste on rock music. Add "Do you Know" to your summer tunes and start following The Motive, because once the world returns to 'normal', they will surely be on top.

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“Action Figure” by Sunlust

As someone who is a sucker for any female or female-fronted musician, this song is exactly what I am looking for. ⁠

“Action Figure” by Sunlust is raspy, rough, and everything we need in a rock song. This song makes me want to take over the world while simultaneously burning down my ex's house. ⁠

As one comment on their music video mentioned, this song is where Hole meets the Pixies...and I couldn't agree more. This raw, female-fronted energy is a nice break from what's repeated on the radio. Add this song to your break-up playlist and you're good to go!⁠

Action Figure is only one song off of Sunlust's newest album titled "Geek Confessions". If you're looking for more powerful female rock leads, you won't want to miss out on this new release.⁠

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine

“Golden Retriever” by Tomode

Just like a golden retriever, this song has all the energy and excitement you could ever need.⁠

Golden Retriever by Tomode reminds us that we need to start living in the moment and enjoying life as it comes; find excitement in the little things and stop focusing on what won't matter in the long run. Summer is quickly approaching and this song will be one for the playlist, windows down, on the way to the beach.

Scandanavian disco-duo Tomode has easily brought us a new euphoric, pop hit that will never go out of style. ⁠

Listen here.

Written for Cut It Out Magazine