Samar – ‘Stop Killing Us’ 

There’s a lot going on in the world at the moment, and if you stopped to consider all the ongoing and volatile conflicts that are happening at any one time your head would probably explode. Minneapolis rapper Samar knows that feeling; an advocate by nature – he’s not into it for money, or the clout it brings – he narrates his own stories in his lyrics, finding his motivation in his local environment. At first a breakdancer, then a b-boy, he’s now a rapper with a global quest and an unmatched track record.

The Forevers – ‘Frederique’ And ‘Rockets Fly’

With the promise of making “some damn good music to rock out to, score a date to & chill to after”, sibling duo The Forevers have a lot to live up to, but thankfully they’re good on their word. Comprising brother and sister Mikolaj Mick Jaroszyk and Natalia Safran, the pair got their start while growing up in Communist Poland, back in the 1980s, where their starving ears feasted on the music broadcast by pirate radio, and they were exposed to the Western rock and roll rebellion of the likes of Bruce Springsteen.

Ginny Luke – ‘Love Hypocrisy’ 

In Ginny Luke’s hands the violin becomes a daring and bold statement piece, and with ‘Love Hypocrisy’ she unleashes an urgency and power as she reclaims her sexuality on her own terms. Ginny’s lightning flash electric violin solo and her oh so sultry vocals, are combined on ‘Love Hypocrisy’ with the mesmerising rock guitars, and Moog synth bass. The production gives it a creepy – yet sexy – alt pop feel, while at the same time it elicits rock undertones.

Bakir Floyd – ‘2 A.M.’

Music flows through the veins of Newark New Jersey native Bakir Floyd. The son of a member of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, he grew up trying to imitate his talented dad, who exposed him from an early age to rapping and singing, and he came up with his own tunes to perform. Growing up saw him pursue other interests, such as studying engineering at the University of Villanova, but music was always in the background, a flickering ember waiting for the right opportunity to spark into flame. Sure enough, Floyd is now making a name for himself with his music, and his hit song, ‘2 AM’.