I haven’t featured DVBBS on EQ Music Blog before, which honestly feels like complete madness when you consider the Toronto duo’s global impact on dance music. Yet I can unequivocally confirm that multiple-Grammy winner Nelly Furtado has long remained a beloved fixture on the site. Most recently, through standout tracks “Love Bites,” “Corazón,” and “Honesty” from her 2024 album “7″. (A banner era that also saw Nelly headline The Mighty Hoopla with effortless icon energy).

It is wild, there’s never even been a proper shoutout here to DVBBS’ breakout smash “Tsunami“. The 2013 EDM anthem not only hit No.1 on the UK Singles Chart, but also stormed Spotify’s Billions Club while earning platinum certifications across nine countries. You absolutely know the one — that thunderous bassline and explosive melody still dominate sporting arenas and festival stages to this day. Which is exactly why this long-awaited collaboration between DVBBS with Nelly Furtado on “Torture of the Heart” feels like such a major pop culture moment.

What makes “Torture of the Heart” feel even more special is the timing surrounding it. Earlier this year, Nelly seemingly hinted she may be stepping away from music indefinitely. Therefore, this release arrives with an added sense of significance and emotional weight. Thankfully, the pull of this collaboration proved impossible to resist.

“The idea of working together has been floating around for a couple of years — we’ve been sending ideas back and forth for a while. A few months ago, Nelly sent over the vocal for “Torture of the Heart”. It was stripped down, super raw, and the minute we heard it we knew immediately — this was the one. It was almost like she was in the room, singing straight into our soul. There’s nothing better than hearing a melody and lyrics that feel that authentic. You know right away it was written straight from the heart.” – DVBBS 

That authenticity radiates throughout the track. Nelly’s unmistakable worldly-pop sensibilities glide effortlessly across DVBBS’ euphoric electronic production. This proves once again just how adaptable and timeless her voice truly is. Yet, there’s vulnerability woven into every lyric. Whereas the soaring dance production gives the song a cathartic release that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

Should “Torture of the Heart” mark the beginning of a new musical chapter for Nelly Furtado rather than a farewell epilogue, then music is all the better for it.

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The post Nelly Furtado Makes Stunning Music Comeback With DVBBS on “Torture of the Heart” appeared first on EQ Music.

There’s something undeniably magnetic about DECO. Maybe it’s their effortlessly likeable persona. Maybe it’s their infectious blend of retro-inspired indie-synth-pop. Or perhaps it’s simply because they know exactly how to deliver a euphoric night out.

Witnessing the band first-hand at the Waterfront in Norwich on their 2024 headline tour supporting debut album “Destination I Don’t Know”. I can confidently say DECO are one of the most entertaining live acts currently bubbling through the UK pop scene. From stepping on stage to the moment they soaked up rapturous applause at the end, the packed venue was completely locked into the band’s vibrant energy. Pure fun from start to finish.

Their growing popularity was already evident when “Destination I Don’t Know” landed a Top 10 position on the Official UK Album Sales Chart in 2024. (A huge achievement for an independently releasing band). Yet while DECO have earned a reputation as a feel-good party band and festival favourite. More importantly, they continue proving there’s more depth beneath the glittering synths and singalong hooks.

That evolution began with the Mika-esque title track “Dreamland” from their forthcoming sophomore album and now continues with the newly arrived single “Weekend”. The track is another burst of colourful, mood-lifting pop brilliance.

“On face value, it lives for its title – it’s a feel-good weekend anthem,” says frontman Max Kendall. “It’s a record that made us feel good when we made it, and even more so now we’re playing it live. It’s just got that energy, it’s a mood changer. That excitement for the weekend is something you have from a young age, and it never really goes away.”  

Simplicity remains central to DECO’s appeal. Staying true to their independent DIY ethos, the band once again keep production in-house. Above all, with Max Kendall overseeing much of the production and post-production for the “Weekend” video. It’s a straightforward concept executed with maximum effect. A creative hallmark that continues to define DECO’s artistic identity as much as the music itself.

With “Dreamhouse” arriving on October 23 on CD, cassette, colour vinyl and digital formats, (PRE-save here) DECO feel poised to elevate themselves even further.

At a time when pop can often feel overcomplicated or manufactured, DECO remind us that genuine joy, human connection and irresistible melodies still matter most. And perhaps that’s their greatest strength of all. They don’t just soundtrack the weekend, they make you feel like you’re living inside it.

Connect with DECO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decoband/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoband/

The post DECO Bring Euphoric Energy To New Single “Weekend” Ahead of “Dreamland” Album appeared first on EQ Music.

If first impressions are everything, then Amelile is making sure her next chapter leaves a lasting mark.

Having already turned heads with previous releases like “H.E.L.L.O” and earned recognition from Rolling Stone UK as an artist to watch, the Albanian-born pop newcomer returns with “Monster” — a darker, bolder and far more provocative offering that showcases an exciting evolution in both her sound and artistic identity.

Built around sleek contemporary production and emotionally charged storytelling, “Monster” dives headfirst into the intoxicating push-and-pull of toxic attraction. It’s polished pop with sharp teeth — the kind of track that seduces you before revealing its darker intentions.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Amelile explains:

“Monster’ is about that side of love you know isn’t good for you, but you can’t walk away from — it’s intense, addictive, and a little dangerous, and I wanted the song to feel exactly like that.”

That tension is woven throughout every moment of the track. Equal parts vulnerability and power, “Monster” explores the emotional chaos that comes from wanting something you know could hurt you. It’s relatable, cinematic and irresistibly dramatic — exactly the kind of emotional pop that thrives when it’s willing to embrace both the light and the shadow.

Amelile’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Raised in Albania, she moved to the UK alone at just 16 years old to pursue her dreams, later performing across Europe and building an impressive profile that includes appearances at major events such as Kënga Magjike, Junior Eurovision and Gjeniu i Vogël. She was also crowned Miss World Albania in 2021, a title that helped further establish her growing international presence.

Now fully focused on music and preparing her debut EP, Amelile is proving she’s much more than another emerging pop artist. With over 100,000 followers already invested in her world, “Monster” feels like a statement of intent from an artist confidently stepping into her power.

And if this is what the darker side of Amelile sounds like, we’re definitely intrigued to hear what comes next.

Follow Amelile on Instagram.

The post Amelile Embraces The Dark Side Of Desire On New Single “Monster” appeared first on EQ Music.

Patrick Wolf has never exactly been one for following convention, which is probably why his long-awaited return to music has felt so refreshing. In fact, if you were to scour the EQ Music Blog archives, references to harpsichord usage would likely be few and far between. Somehow, it feels entirely fitting that Patrick Wolf would be the artist to bring it back into orbit, dramatically.

After a tumultuous decade away from releasing albums, Patrick is a much better version of himself these days, after addressing life struggles. 2025 saw Patrick re-emerge with “Crying the Neck”, a body of work that felt both deeply personal and creatively rejuvenated. More importantly, it introduced us to a version of Patrick Wolf that appears stronger, wiser, and fully reconnected to his artistic spirit.

Now, in the interim between “Crying the Neck” and an already-in-progress eighth studio album, Patrick has gifted fans two standalone tracks — “The Beast” and “The Laughing Dove.” Yet it’s “The Beast” that immediately commands attention.

From the first listen, there’s an unmistakable current running through it — echoes of “Lycanthropy” colliding beautifully with the theatricality and melodic magnetism of “The Magic Position”. The harpsichord flourishes lend the track an eerie, baroque grandeur, while Patrick’s poetic lyricism once again proves why his songwriting remains so singular. He never reaches for the ordinary. Instead, he transforms emotion into vivid mythology.

And truly, only Patrick Wolf could make rage sound this elegant.

“The Beast”, set in a castle I dreamt up and it’s castle grounds where five characters wrestle out in a power play, The Prince of The Rose, The Witch in The Wall, The Jester, The King and The Beast”. Patrick shared with mailing list subscribers.

The music video-directed by Joseph Wilson captures the characterisation, wonderous portrayals by Patrick.

At its core, though, “The Beast” feels more like it’s an artistic reclamation. A fearless reminder that vulnerability and empowerment can exist side-by-side, wrapped in poetic fury and gothic splendour. Patrick Wolf isn’t merely revisiting past eras here; he’s transcending them.

Connect with Patrick Wolf

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/patrickwolf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickwolf

The post Patrick Wolf Unleashes Gothic Rage and Harpsichord Drama on New Single “The Beast” appeared first on EQ Music.

Fresh from the emotionally charged releases of “focus on u” and “honest,” emerging alt-pop artist Dirt Flirt now unveils the full vision behind her concept-driven sophomore EP, “Scorpio Fever”. Closing the shimmering collection is latest focus track “high horse”, a vulnerable, slow-burning finale that ties the project’s emotional arc together with striking honesty.

Previously, “focus on u” captured the dizzying intoxication of early obsession, that all-consuming rush where one person suddenly becomes your entire universe. It was dreamy, euphoric, and impossible not to get swept up in. In contrast, follow-up single “honest” pulled listeners into far murkier emotional territory. Furthermore, documenting the painful unravelling that begins once idealisation fades, and difficult truths start surfacing.

That emotional progression sits at the very heart of “Scorpio Fever”. Across the EP, Dirt Flirt carefully peels back layers of infatuation, desire, denial, and heartbreak, allowing each track to reveal a little more vulnerability than the last. Sonically, the project glows with atmospheric pop textures and late-night synth shimmer. Whereas lyrically it feels intensely confessional, like pages torn directly from a diary.

By the time “high horse” arrives as the closing statement, the emotional fallout has fully landed. There is a quiet devastation woven through the track, yet it never loses the EP’s magnetic sense of beauty. Dirt Flirt understands that heartbreak rarely arrives in one dramatic moment. Whereas, instead, it unfolds gradually through reflection, distance, and finally, acceptance.

What makes “Scorpio Fever” so compelling is its emotional authenticity. Rather than presenting heartbreak through polished clichés, Dirt Flirt embraces the uncomfortable in-between moments. The confusion, the resentment, the self-awareness, and ultimately, the growth that follows emotional collapse. It is this fearless honesty that elevates the EP beyond a collection of songs into something deeply relatable and cinematic.

As Dirt Flirt herself seems to suggest throughout “Scorpio Fever”: The hardest truths are often the ones we discover after the fantasy fades.

Connect with Dirt Flirt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirt__flirt

The post Dirt Flirt Wraps “Scorpio Fever” in Emotional Ruin and Beauty on “high horse” appeared first on EQ Music.

The most exciting thing happening in pop right now isn’t perfection… Its personality. In a post-Chappell Roan breakout landscape, emerging artists are finally realising that standing out matters more than fitting in. The age of algorithm-friendly sameness is significantly beginning to crack, making way for flamboyance, theatricality, eccentricity and fearless self-expression. And frankly, it’s about time.

Artists like MEEK and Haute & Freddy are leading that charge with unapologetic confidence, turning every performance into an immersive visual event. They are not merely dressing for attention; they are building worlds. Their aesthetic language feels equally rooted in rebellion, glamour and the celebration of outsider culture. Evidently, it’s pop music rediscovering its dramatic edge again.

Independent alt-pop provocateur Alfreda slots naturally into this thrilling movement. Her kitsch-fuelled theatricality, shape-shifting personas and offbeat storytelling feel perfectly aligned with the cultural mood of 2026. There’s a clear lineage here, too. Markedly, from the echelons of pop, David Bowie, Kate Bush, Madonna, Lady Gaga, MARINA, Björk and Allie X, can all be particularly felt within this artistic movement — not as imitation, but as evolution.

With her latest release, Alfreda introduces us to “Patsy”, a character dripping in emotional intelligence, quiet manipulation and survivalist femininity.

“Patsy” isn’t just the pushover, the sucker, the chump,” Alfreda explains. “She’s more intelligent than that. She will take the blame for whatever it is you want to just to keep the peace. And in doing so, assert her own dominance in a meticulous, almost invisible way.”

Framed as an audition tape from the lost production of “TEASERAMA!”, the accompanying visual unfolds through half-built sets, abandoned props and costumes awaiting a spotlight that never quite arrives. The concept cleverly mirrors the emotional limbo of the character herself — suspended between performance and reality.

What currently connects Alfreda, MEEK, Haute & Freddy, and the wider new-pop vanguard is their devotion to the beautifully unconventional. They champion misfits, oddballs and flamboyant eccentrics not as gimmicks, but as necessary cultural figures. In an era craving authenticity, these artists understand that identity is fluid, creativity should be fearless and self-expression deserves centre stage. Pop has always belonged to the outsiders. Furthermore, 2026 is simply remembering that again.

Connect with Alfreda

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/alfreda.co.uk

The post EMERGING ARTIST: The Return of Art-Pop Eccentricity: Alfreda is a leader in 2026’s Bold New Wave appeared first on EQ Music.

Swedish electro-pop favourites Icona Pop are stepping boldly back into the spotlight, and honestly, it feels like perfect timing. After a quieter spell, Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo have reignited their momentum with a string of glossy, high-energy releases including the Daya collaboration “Ritual” and the infectious follow-up “Dance To This.” Now, they continue the resurgence with the shimmering new single, “Butterfly Feelings.”

Landing just in time for summer playlists to heat up, “Butterfly Feelings” leans fully into euphoric dance-pop territory. Packed with sparkling synths, buoyant production and a wildly addictive electro-pop melody, the track captures the dizzy rush of falling headfirst into romance. There’s an undeniable lightness to it too — carefree, radiant and primed for festival season.

Vocally, there’s also an interesting edge that feels notably reminiscent of Dagny’s polished Scandinavian pop sheen. Yet even with those familiar tonal textures, Icona Pop still manage to stamp the track with their own unmistakable energy and chemistry.

Speaking about the release, Icona Pop explain: “‘Butterfly Feelings’ is a little song about falling stupidly in love. We were thinking of all the times when we had that feeling. You try to deny it in the beginning, but you can’t stop thinking about this person.”

The single also continues building anticipation for their upcoming album “Ritual”, arriving August 14 via Ultra Records and Iconic Sound Recordings. Judging from the emotional openness surrounding this new era, the project looks set to balance personal reflection with the duo’s signature dance-floor escapism.

Ultimately, “Butterfly Feelings” feels less like another comeback single. More like a reminder of why Icona Pop became such an essential force in dance-pop in the first place. There’s emotion beneath the glitter and vulnerability woven into the euphoria. Elevating a sense that Caroline and Aino are creating from a place of renewed confidence rather than chasing past successes.

In a pop landscape craving genuine escapism again, Icona Pop may have arrived back at exactly the right moment. Fully re-energised and creatively aligned once again.

PRE-ORDER/SAVE “Ritual” arriving August 14 via Ultra Records/Iconic Sound Recordings

Would you like to see the album cover also? – Here you go!

Connect with Icona Pop

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The post Teasing An Emotional New Era Ahead of “Ritual” Album Release, “Butterfly Feelings” Sees Icona Pop Return to Their Dance-Pop Best appeared first on EQ Music.

There are comeback stories and then there are full-circle moments. Emerging artist Bam Rigby is serving us both with his striking reimagining of “Silhouette” — a song that longtime pop obsessives may remember from his earlier pop music incarnation…

Back in the early 2010s, an artist named Kento arrived on the pop scene as one of the more intriguing names orbiting the world of Frankmusik. Armed with shimmering synth-pop hooks, anime-boy charm and serious crossover potential, he felt destined for bigger things. Then suddenly, he disappeared. Like many of you, we often wondered whatever happened to him because the promise was undeniable.

Cut to a few years ago and I’m at The Eagle in NYC ready to call it a night after a night of fun and raunch with my friends – somehow we ended up there… A guy with a razor-sharp jawline starts chatting me up out of nowhere and we instantly fall into a fun banter – connecting on the music (and perhaps his sparkling bright eyes) Naturally, Instagram profiles get exchanged. Turns out…it’s Kento and this pair of pop loving obsessives were already following each other.

After this night of chaotic clubbing energy, Kento explained that he was reinventing himself creatively. Gone are the sparkling electro-pop synths and glossy hooks we first fell in love with. In their place? A more instrument-driven sound rooted in contemporary pop-rock storytelling — something sitting comfortably between Harry Styles, Conan Gray and Benson Boone with a little emotional grit underneath the polish.

And honestly? It works. Gone is the Kento persona, now enters Bam Rigby.

What Bam also revealed to me was far more personal. Not long after making his stateside music debut years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer — a life-altering moment that forced him to step away from music entirely while he focused on recovery and rebuilding his strength. Now a proud survivor, Bam Rigby has become an advocate for cancer awareness, regularly supporting organisations like the American Cancer Society and Stand Up To Cancer through portions of his music and merchandise sales.

That emotional resilience bleeds beautifully into this new era.

His reworked version of “Silhouette” feels less like a reboot and more like a rebirth. The original Kento version leaned heavily into synth-pop melancholy, but Bam Rigby transforms it into something punchier, bolder and far more cinematic. Guitars swell, percussion crashes with intent and his vocals carry a lived-in vulnerability that only comes from someone who’s genuinely fought their way back to themselves.

It’s contemporary instrument-driven pop-rock done right — confident, emotional and refreshingly human.

And perhaps that’s the most exciting thing about Bam Rigby. He’s no longer chasing the moment he almost had ten years ago. He’s creating something far more authentic now. “Silhouette” proves that sometimes the best comeback stories happen after the spotlight fades.

Now one thing we have been dying to do at EQ Music is get Bam Rigby over to London for his first UK show with us – it actually almost happened. So, consider this your official notice, Bam Rigby — you’ve still got UK fans waiting for you over here and we fully expect an emotional singalong to “Silhouette” at an EQ Music showcase sooner rather than later.

And here’s a cheeky pic of that that fun night where I crossed paths with the future Bam Rigby himself.

The post Whatever Happened To Kento? Bam Rigby Returns Stronger Than Ever With “Silhouette” appeared first on EQ Music.

After dominating 2025 with the fearless energy of “.” (PERIOD) and the wildly unapologetic “Tits Out” tour, Kesha is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. If anything, 2026 looks set to be her boldest chapter yet. Armed with fresh music, a renewed sense of purpose, and an extensive run of live dates for “The Freedom Tour”, Kesha is once again proving why she remains one of pop’s most unpredictable and empowering forces.

Last year saw the pop icon reclaiming her narrative with confidence, humour, and liberation woven into every performance. But with the new single “Origami”, Kesha pushes even further into provocative territory. And no — despite the title — this isn’t a delicate ode to Japanese paper folding. Instead, “Origami” arrives dripping in raw sensuality and fearless self-expression, wrapped inside a visually arresting music video co-directed by Kesha alongside Brett Loudermilk and Zain Curtis, with choreography from Robbie Blue that leaves little to the imagination.

What makes this era especially compelling is how naturally she blends playful chaos with genuine emotional freedom. There’s still tongue-in-cheek humour, but beneath the glitter and provocation lies an artist completely comfortable in her own skin. “Origami” feels less like shock value and more like liberation without compromise, the sound of an artist fully stepping into her power.

Before taking over festival stages this summer, Kesha is clearly determined to make a statement. UK fans can catch her appearing across major festivals throughout June and July, including a highly anticipated appearance as special guest to Pitbull at British Summer Time — a full-circle moment for fans who still remember the chart-conquering magic of “Timber”.

Speaking on “The Freedom Tour“, the GRAMMY®-nominated artist exclaims, “this summer we are reclaiming our bodies, our voices, and our joy. We have survived. Now we get to be free. Let’s be free together. I want to know what freedom feels like, with all of you”

And honestly, that sentiment may be the true heartbeat of this new era. Beyond the provocative visuals and dancefloor-ready anthems, the message is one of resilience, joy, and radical self-ownership. In a pop landscape often obsessed with perfection, Kesha continues to remind us that freedom — messy, loud, emotional freedom — is still the most powerful statement an artist can make.

Connect with Kesha

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kesha/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kesha/

The post Kesha Reclaims Joy, Freedom and Power on “Origami” appeared first on EQ Music.

What a creative and inspiring journey it has been for Hayley Kiyoko since she first made a seismic impact in 2015 with the now-iconic anthem “Girls Like Girls“. More than just a breakout hit, the track became a cultural touchstone. A bold and empowering celebration of queer love, self-acceptance, and visibility that resonated deeply with fans around the globe.

Fast-forward to 2026, and Hayley’s beloved story is stepping onto an even bigger stage. “Girls Like Girls”, the forthcoming film from Focus Features, arrives in cinemas on June 19th and marks Hayley’s directorial debut. Based on both her hit single and New York Times bestselling novel, the film has been a decade-long labour of love for the multi-hyphenate artist. Set during one unforgettable sun-soaked summer, the coming-of-age story follows Coley, a new girl in town navigating first love and discovering the courage to fully embrace herself.

Naturally, a project this heartfelt deserves a soundtrack equally rich in emotion and identity. Hayley has assembled an impressive lineup of LGBTQ+ voices and allies. These include Young Miko, Tegan and Sara, Chelsea Cutler, Gigi Perez, Joy Oladokun, August Ponthier, and Snow Wife. Leading the charge is the newly released collaboration “Red Bikini” featuring Snow Wife.

Bursting with playful energy and carefree summertime chemistry, “Red Bikini” is an instant serotonin boost. It’s flirtatious, euphoric pop at its finest. ie, the kind of track tailor-made for golden-hour drives, beach parties, and sapphic summer playlists everywhere. The accompanying music video adds another layer of sweetness, too. Hayley and Snow Wife deliver a charming dance routine that gives fans a delightful taste of the film’s youthful spirit.

However, while “Girls Like Girls” may not unfold as a full-blown musical in the vein of “Mamma Mia!”, (as this choreographed video somewhat suggests). The soundtrack is already proving itself to be an essential extension of its emotional world. Above all, Hayley Kiyoko continues evolving as an artist, storyteller, and filmmaker, she reminds us that authentic representation never goes out of style.

Pre- Order the official “Girls Like Girls ” ‘Inspired By’ Soundtrack HERE

Connect with Hayley Kiyoko

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The post Hayley Kiyoko & Snow Wife Turn Up the Heat on “Red Bikini” from the “Girls Like Girls” movie Soundtrack appeared first on EQ Music.