There are artists whose influence quietly stretches across decades, shaping culture even if they haven’t always crossed my path. Iconic queer artist and activist Logan Lynn is undoubtedly one of them. Despite building an extraordinary thirty-year career, he’s only made fleeting appearances on EQ Music Blog. That feels ready to change, because “The Pain and The Power” looks like the perfect place to truly discover the depth of his artistry.

Created with filmmaker Cai Indermaur, “The Pain and The Power” is a deeply personal documentary tracing Lynn’s remarkable journey through queerness, faith, addiction, trauma and continual self-reinvention. Arriving alongside the film is an original motion picture soundtrack, released on September 4, giving fans an even richer way to experience the story.

To introduce the project, Logan shares two striking new singles, “The Cocaine Scene” and “Too Hard.” Musically, they’re instantly engaging, wrapping irresistible electro-pop melodies around stories that demand your full attention. Rather than simply losing yourself in the infectious beats, these are songs that encourage you to really listen. “Too Hard” unpacks the emotional fallout of a relationship ending. While, “The Cocaine Scene” explores the seductive highs and devastating cost of chasing excess in pursuit of the rock-and-roll dream. They’re catchy, yes, but they’re also profoundly honest.

“The process of making this record and film has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life,” Lynn says. “It’s wild to watch decades of footage and songs become a story I can finally step back and see from the outside. These first two singles feel like opening the door and inviting people into that world for the first time”.

As the project itself suggests, “The Pain and The Power” isn’t about arriving at a neat conclusion. It’s about living truthfully with everything that came before and discovering freedom through acceptance rather than perfection. That message feels especially powerful in today’s world.

Adding another special dimension, Logan is taking the documentary on the road this September with a series of screenings across Oregon, Washington and Idaho, each featuring an in-person Q&A.

Closer to home, UK fans have an opportunity to experience it too. A London screening takes place on August 26 at Multi Dimension Independent Film Festival.

“The Pain and The Power” isn’t simply another album and documentary pairing—it’s a testament to resilience, told with fearless honesty, proving that sometimes the brightest light comes not from hiding our scars, but from allowing them to illuminate the path forward.

Pre-save “The Pain and The Power” soundtrack here

Connect with Logan Lynn

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

The post Logan Lynn Returns With “The Pain and The Power” Documentary, Soundtrack & New Singles appeared first on EQ Music.

If you’re not already feeling a little ethereal today, give the latest Erin LeCount release “The Cinema” a spin and that mood will arrive almost instantly. Few emerging artists occupy the space between fantasy and raw emotional honesty quite like Erin does. And this latest chapter only strengthens her reputation as one of alternative pop’s most captivating new voice.

Back in February, Erin unveiled her remarkable “Pareidolia” EP, a six-track collection that she’d been carefully crafting for months. Cloaked in shadowy synth-pop textures, introspective songwriting and the kind of otherworldly vocal delivery that inevitably draws comparisons to Kate Bush, the project felt both timeless and refreshingly modern. Standout tracks “808 Hymn“ and “I Believe“ quickly became highlights here on EQ Music Blog, making this next release all the more exciting.

Rather than closing the book on “Pareidolia”, Erin has chosen to expand its universe with a deluxe edition. Arriving after a recent run of live dates and ahead of festival appearances across the UK, Europe and Australian tour. The deluxe release gifts listeners another shimmering cinematic jewel in “The Cinema.” It feels entirely at home among the EP’s dreamlike landscapes while bringing an even greater emotional intensity to the collection.

“This song is about grieving all the art you wish you would have made. i was so deeply creatively blocked when i wrote this song, i would cry in the car to the greatest pop songs of all time, feeling in literal agony that iI didn’t make them, feeling angry at the simplicity, their choruses on repeat in my head for days, and it felt like they were haunting me, driving me to madness”. Erin reveals.

It’s almost impossible to imagine “Pareidolia” without “The Cinema.” Having spent two years in development before finally reaching its breathtaking finished form, the song rewards every moment of patience with an atmosphere that feels simultaneously intimate and cinematic.

As mesmerising as “The Cinema” is through headphones, its accompanying performance video elevates the experience even further. Stripped back yet incredibly ambitious, the visual was filmed in a single take using seven cameras, a laptop, synths, drum pads, a looping station and one giant screen. The result is nothing short of magical. Every layer is performed and built before your eyes. Thus showcasing not only Erin’s captivating vocal presence but also the artistry and technical precision that underpin her music. It’s a breathtaking reminder that sometimes the most immersive performances don’t rely on spectacle alone. They simply require an artist brave enough to let their creativity unfold in real time.

“This is a song for every person who feels the fear of never fulfilling your potential. thinks about all the dreams and paths not chosen. about all the songs and scripts and stories not written. about all the dances and “what ifs?” and almost, nearly, maybes. about envy and frustration. seeing other people’s dreams come true. wishing it was you instead”.

With “The Cinema,” Erin LeCount once again proves that her greatest strength lies in turning life’s quiet anxieties into moments of astonishing beauty. Subsequently, the track glows with the same haunting elegance that defines “Pareidolia”. Some artists write songs you admire; Erin LeCount, however, creates worlds you never quite want to leave.

Stream “Pareidolia” here

Preorder Vinyl here

Connect with Erin LeCount

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinlecount

The post Erin LeCount Expands “Pareidolia” Deluxe EP  With Stunning New Track “The Cinema” appeared first on EQ Music.

There really isn’t much left to say about Babymorocco that hasn’t already become part of his growing mythology. Almost single-handedly, transforming himself into one of pop’s most fascinating cult phenomena. Following the breakout success of the debut album “Amour” and its expanded companion “Amour: The Jean Paul Deluxe”, he’s piquing the point where word-of-mouth and an intensely loyal fanbase do most of the heavy lifting. PR almost feels optional.

That hasn’t stopped me from eagerly diving into his latest creative evolution though. This time, it’s all about his alter ego, Tropico Rocco.

The opening statement of this new era arrives in the form of “Annoying,” which made its live debut during Tropico Rocco’s set at Primavera. Judging by the footage Rocco shared online, the crowd locked in from the very first beat. It’s the kind of instant connection that can’t be manufactured.

Where Babymorocco’s previous material leaned heavily into club-focused EDM production—big, phat beats, driving basslines and relentless energy built for sweaty underground dancefloors and hedonistic festival crowds. “Annoying” introduces a subtle but significant shift. Teaming up with Jack Laboz, a sharper pop sensibility begins to shine through. It’s still unmistakably Babymorocco-coded. Yet now balances confidently on that exciting line between mainstream accessibility and underground club culture.

“Annoying” was actually created in the very studio where Andy Warhol was shot. ‘We made it quickly and intensely; it came from such a desperate place that I felt sick. Jack instinctively knew to punch in those keys and start capturing every sad thing I would do for someone I was obsessed with,’ adds Babymorocco.

The visual is equally captivating. Directed by JoeBlue, the video throws Tropico Rocco together with Mgna Crrrta’s Farheen inside a vibrant, Roy Lichtenstein-inspired art-pop universe. It’s bold, surreal and perfectly amplifies the track’s emotional chaos with striking comic-book flair.

With “Annoying,” Babymorocco isn’t abandoning the underground that embraced him—he’s simply stretching its boundaries. Tropico Rocco is the vehicle for this next chapter, already steering towards something bigger, bolder and irresistibly unpredictable.

UK fans won’t have to wait long to catch Babymorocco back on home soil either, with an appearance lined up at London’s Body Movements on 30th August. Beyond music, the ever-expanding 360 artist also known as Jean Paul is down to make his acting debut in the A24-produced Channel 4 comedy series “It Gets Worse”, arriving later this year.

Connect with Babymorocco

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/bbymorocco/

The post The Tropico Rocco Alter-Ego Era Begins For Babymorocco With The Addictive New Single “Annoying” appeared first on EQ Music.

If 2025 felt like the year XO quietly positioned themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting new girl groups. Then 2026 is shaping up to be the moment they truly step into the spotlight. Momentum is building fast for the fearless five-piece as they prepare to release their debut mini-album, “Need To Know“, on October 16th. Similarly, every new teaser is making that anticipation feel even more justified.

After introducing this new era with the sleek, infectious “Hotline“. (A track packed with Timbaland-inspired beats and an unapologetically millennial pop attitude about moving on from an ex). XO are already back with another irresistible taste of what’s to come. This time, it’s the empowering sisterhood anthem, “Clique.”

What immediately stands out to me is how confidently XO are carving out their own lane. While fellow rising girl groups Say Now and FLO are embracing rich R&B influences. XO, on the other hand, are leaning wholeheartedly into quintessential British pop. It’s polished, hook-driven, full of personality, and refreshingly unafraid to celebrate classic pop songwriting.

The video for “Clique” adds another heartfelt layer to the story. Returning to the very audition room where the five members first met just 18 months ago, complete with polaroids from those earliest days together, feels like a full-circle moment. It’s both nostalgic and inspiring, reminding us how quickly this group has grown while hinting that they’re only just getting started. Their distinctive styling, confident choreography and unmistakable chemistry effortlessly usher XO into this exciting new “Need To Know” chapter.

As the group explain, “still rough around the edges”, upcoming project “Need To Know” was loosely inspired by the advice columns Zoe spotted outlining “20 Things You Need to Know In Your Twenties. We thought – what if they were songs?”

The concept instantly feels relatable, and if “Clique” is anything to go by, the band is delivering those life lessons with sparkling hooks, confidence, and genuine heart.

I’m genuinely loving the direction XO are taking. Rather than chasing trends, they’re building an identity that feels authentic, uplifting and unmistakably their own. If “Need To Know” continues at this standard, XO won’t simply be knocking on pop’s front door—they’ll be holding the keys, inviting everyone into the clique. Proving that the brightest new chapter in British pop has only just begun.

Pre-save Need To Know

Connect with XO

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

The post XO Return With Empowering New Single “Clique” Ahead Of “Need To Know” EP appeared first on EQ Music.

After an exhilarating run of standout singles, London-based, Norwegian-born international pop artist IVY has finally unveiled her awaited debut EP, “Poisonous“. While the title initially carries a deliciously sinister edge, don’t let it fool you. Beneath it lies a collection of songs that showcase exactly why IVY continues to be one of the more captivating emerging voices in pop.

One thing that keeps drawing me back to her music is her songwriting. IVY has never been one to dance around difficult emotions or disguise her feelings behind clever metaphors. Instead, she lays everything on the table with striking honesty. She pairs vulnerability with an unapologetic confidence that gives every song real personality.

Having already been charmed by “Bet On Me” and its irresistible main-character energy, I was curious to hear how the rest of “Poisonous” would unfold. Thankfully, IVY doesn’t simply revisit familiar territory. Instead, she broadens her sonic and emotional palette, balancing playful confidence with moments of greater vulnerability and intensity.

The title track, “Poisonous,” perfectly encapsulates that evolution. Powered by a driving pop production, infectious hooks and an empowering lyrical message, it explores the magnetic pull of a relationship you know isn’t good for you, yet can’t quite break free from. It’s bold, self-aware and effortlessly addictive. Another reminder that IVY knows exactly how to craft pop that resonates long after the final chorus.

There’s an irony at the heart of “Poisonous”. While its title suggests something you’d instinctively avoid, these songs have quite the opposite effect—they keep pulling you back in.

“Poisonous” leaves the impression of an artist who understands that pop music can be both addictive and deeply personal. IVY effortlessly blends the two, creating songs that invite you to dance one moment and reflect the next. It’s a debut that doesn’t just introduce her artistry. It leaves you eager to hear what the next chapter will sound like.

Connect with IVY

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

The post IVY – The ‘Poisonous’ EP Is Her Most Confident and Emotionally Charged Release Yet appeared first on EQ Music.

Some artists catch your attention with a great song. Others leave a lasting impression because they bring something genuinely fresh to pop. Lex Viscera firmly falls into the latter category.

The rising Eastern European-born musician first came onto my radar a few months ago with “My Curse.” It was one of those tracks that immediately pulled me into its immersive world, wrapping atmospheric production around an undeniably compelling pop sensibility. I couldn’t help but be captivated by it.

I’ve always believed the best pop music invites you in emotionally as much as it hooks you melodically, and that’s exactly what Lex achieves here. Every listen uncovers another subtle layer, making “DAWN” feel less like a polished performance and more like someone quietly sharing a part of themselves they can no longer keep hidden.

For me, this is where music proves its worth beyond entertainment. Songs like “DAWN” remind us that pop can be a space for empathy and understanding just as much as escapism. Lex’s honesty feels generous, inviting listeners into his world while gently encouraging them to reflect on their own.

I think it is beyond brave to share such an intimate personal account. No doubt the process has been cathartic in many ways, while also opening the door for listeners to feel less alone in their own struggles. That kind of openness carries real weight, particularly when it’s delivered through music that remains so effortlessly engaging.

“The songwriting on this record is the most direct I’ve ever been on any music released thus far because I wanted to force myself to confront the topic rather than try to dance around it using abstract metaphors that create a veneer of nonchalance,” LEX shares.

With “DAWN,” Lex Viscera continues to demonstrate that some of the most affecting pop music comes from a place of fearless authenticity. By turning vulnerability into strength, he reminds us that healing doesn’t always arrive in silence—sometimes it arrives wrapped in shimmering synths, unforgettable melodies, and the courage to finally greet the dawn.

Connect with Lex Viscera

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

The post Lex Viscera transforms personal struggles into captivating synth-pop on “DAWN”. appeared first on EQ Music.

Every so often, I find myself completely pulled into the world of spoken-word music. It’s not something I write about all the time, but when an artist manages to marry poetic storytelling with genuinely exciting production, I’m all in. There are a few names that have consistently hit that sweet spot for me, Example and Dan Whitlam immediately spring to mind. And I’m always open to discovering someone new who can capture that same spark.

In fact, I feel I was a little blindsided when it comes to Antony Szmierek. He played my local music festival a couple of years ago, but I wandered off to catch another act instead. Judging by the glowing reactions afterwards, it quickly became one of those “I really should have stayed” moments. Thankfully, it’s never too late to catch up.

From the moment “Seminal” kicks in, it’s easy to understand why Antony Szmierek has become such a compelling voice within the UK’s alternative music landscape. There’s a natural ease to the way he blends spoken-word observations with vibrant electronic production. He creates something that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly uplifting.

“Seminal” is about choosing to believe in something. Coincidence as a religion. Making your own luck in the face of loneliness and doubt. The smallest things can feel seminal, seismic and life-affirming if you just choose to lean in,” Antony Szmierek blissfully states about the new track.

It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures the song’s spirit. Rather than chasing grand gestures, “Seminal” finds beauty in life’s subtle moments. A narrative reminding us that perspective can transform the ordinary into something unforgettable. That uplifting thread seems set to run throughout “Decoding Birdsong“, Antony’s forthcoming album arriving on August 21st. An album also boasting collaborations with Serra Petale of Los Bitchos, Pretty Girl, 1-800 GIRLS, Imogen and the Knife, and ELLUR.

Following the acclaim surrounding “Service Station at the End of the Universe”, Antony’s rise has felt wonderfully organic. From BBC support and festival appearances to sold-out headline shows and a growing international audience. Antony’s journey is one fuelled by authentic connection rather than overnight hype. It’s refreshing to see an artist whose words seem to matter just as much as the beats carrying them.

With UK headline dates lined up this autumn and his first US performances on the horizon, Antony Szmierek is stepping into an exciting new chapter. As for me, I’m making up for lost time after missing that festival set a couple of years back. With “Seminal” as the doorway into the next era of his music, I’m more than happy to walk straight through it. Some artists entertain, others make you think—but the special ones somehow manage to do both while keeping you moving. Antony Szmierek is proving himself to be exactly that kind of artist.

Connect with Antony Szmierek

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

The post Antony Szmierek continues to blur the lines between poetry and dance music with the uplifting new single “Seminal”. appeared first on EQ Music.

Australia’s influence on the global pop landscape continues to flourish. Following this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, where Delta Goodrem‘s breathtaking entry “Eclipse“ firmly placed Australia back in the international spotlight. There’s a fresh wave of Australian talent making equally compelling moves. One artist riding that momentum is London-based Australian singer, songwriter and actress Charlotte MacInnes. She is currently celebrating the arrival of her stunning debut EP, “Highwater“.

Although many may already know Charlotte through her successful acting career. She now reveals music has always been at the heart of who she is. From starring in North Shore, which became a Netflix hit in both the US and UK, to portraying Daisy Buchanan in Florence Welch’s “Gatsby“ for the American Repertory Theatre. Without doubt, she consistently demonstrates an ability to immerse herself in emotionally rich storytelling. After years of quietly refining her sound behind the scenes, Charlotte finally steps into the spotlight as the artist she was always destined to become.

(Photo by Jordan Kirk / Design by Martin Cohn & in-house team)

When you own vocals as emotionally affecting as Charlotte’s, hiding them simply isn’t an option. I first discovered the breathtaking singles “Celestial” and “Struck” while I was away enjoying a Mediterranean holiday. With “Highwater“ just around the corner, I knew there was no way Charlotte MacInnes was slipping under the radar on my watch.

Across its six tracks, “Highwater“ embraces an exhilarating alt-pop soundscape where shimmering synth-pop textures intertwine beautifully with sweeping orchestral flourishes. Charlotte’s dynamic vocal range effortlessly moves between haunting intimacy and soaring cinematic peaks. She creates a magical atmosphere that, coincidentally, shares a similar sense of scale and emotional grandeur to Delta Goodrem’s “Eclipse”.

Charlotte commented, “I’ve been living with this new music for a while now and working with the most incredible people to bring it to life. I am in love with the magical yet honest world we’re building. The whole process was a very empowering catharsis, and I hope that feeling extends out to anyone that hears it.”

The EP’s latest focus track, “Beast,” is a propulsive synth-pop anthem with an otherworldly glow. Exploring the unsettling experience of unleashing a version of yourself you barely recognise. The track balances hope and rage with striking vulnerability. Likewise the accompanying video, filmed in South London’s Beckenham Place Park by Genevieve Reeves with creative direction from Martin Cohn, perfectly mirrors the song’s ethereal energy.

“Highwater“ is the opening chapter of Charlotte MacInnes’ musical journey. And it’s an exceptionally confident one. With cinematic ambition, captivating songwriting and vocals that leave a lasting impression, she’s not simply joining Australia’s latest wave of breakthrough artists. Simply put, she’s helping define where it goes next.

Connect with Charlotte MacInnes

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

The post EMERGING ARTIST Charlotte MacInnes Debuts “Highwater” EP With Stunning Alt-Pop Anthem “Beast” appeared first on EQ Music.

Sometimes an artist’s momentum reaches a point where every new announcement feels entirely deserved, and that’s exactly where Sophie Grey. finds herself right now. After spending the past year lighting up stages alongside some of music’s biggest names, the cosmic retro-electro pop favourite is fast becoming one of the UK’s most in-demand support acts. With another landmark summer performance just around the corner, her star continues to rise at an exhilarating pace.

From touring with Sting and duetting with the legendary Trevor Horn, to most recently appearing alongside AJR. Sophie’s trajectory has been nothing short of stellar. She’s also landed coveted opening slots for icons including Grace Jones, fellow Sophie, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Soul II Soul. Next up, on July 5th, she’ll join an incredible line-up supporting Duran Duran at BST Hyde Park. She will share the bill with pop luminaries Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Scissor Sisters, Groove Armada and Melanie C.

Undoubtedly, Sophie has been wowing pop lovers wherever she performs. While her devoted Greybot Army continues to grow from strength to strength. Here at EQ Music Blog, well, we’ve been cheering her on from practically the very beginning. This makes it especially rewarding to watch her rise unfold in real time.

Of course, we’ve also come to expect Sophie’s irresistible blend of retro-electro soundscapes and heartfelt tales of love found somewhere across the furthest reaches of the universe. Her latest cyberspace-themed bop, “Lunar Highs” (Hands Go Up), once again taps into that signature magic. This time, Sophie explores the magnetic pull of instant attraction, chemical chemistry and those intoxicating serotonin rushes that arrive without warning. That’s the very definition of a lunar high.

As always, Sophie’s visuals are every bit as captivating as the music itself. Directed by frequent collaborator Maximilian Stafford, the video provides another dazzling showcase for her unmistakable cyber-pop aesthetic. Shimmering metallic leotards, statement neon styling and strands of cool blue fairy lights combine to create an otherworldly dreamscape. An aesthetic equal parts futuristic fashion editorial and intergalactic pop fantasy.

With every new release, Sophie Grey. continues to prove she’s not simply chasing the stars, she’s carving out her own constellation within modern pop. “Lunar Highs” (Hands Go Up) sparkles with infectious energy, celestial charm and the kind of magnetic personality that leaves you happily floating in her orbit long after the final chorus fades.

Connect with SOPHIE GREY.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/p/Sophie-Grey-100077680292710/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiegreymusic

The post Sophie Grey. Debuts ‘Lunar Highs’ Ahead of Duran Duran BST Hyde Park Performance appeared first on EQ Music.

There’s always room on my playlist for a dance track that genuinely lifts the mood. Eddy Lucas arrives with exactly that kind of energy on his latest release, “Embrace.” At a time when feel-good music couldn’t be more welcome, this one lands with all the warmth and optimism you’d hope for.

Inspired by Wilson Phillips‘ iconic ’90s anthem “Hold On”, “Embrace” takes that familiar feeling of perseverance and reinvents it through a glossy House lens. It’s not about chasing nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, either. Instead, the track captures the emotional spirit of the original while giving it a vibrant, club-friendly pulse that’s entirely its own.

Helping elevate everything further is New York vocalist Julia Elise, whose soulful performance adds plenty of heart to the euphoric production. Together, the pair strike that sweet spot between uplifting pop sensibility and dancefloor escapism. In turn, making “Embrace” one of those tracks that’s just as happy soundtracking a summer drive as it is filling a late-night dancefloor.

I’ve always admired producers who understand that House music isn’t only about the drop, it’s about creating a feeling. That’s exactly what Eddy Lucas taps into here. Rather than overwhelming listeners with layers of production tricks, “Embrace” keeps its focus on melody, emotion and infectious positivity. Sometimes that’s all you really need.

While longtime House fans may already know Eddy through his collaborations within the UK dance scene. “Embrace” feels like the kind of release that could introduce him to an even wider audience. It has broad crossover appeal without losing the authentic House groove that makes it so easy to connect with.

“Embrace” reminds us that timeless songwriting and uplifting dance music remain a winning combination. Some tracks ask for your attention, while others simply make you smile from the very first beat. “Embrace” comfortably falls into the latter category—and honestly, that’s a feeling worth holding onto.

Connect with Eddy Lucas

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

The post Eddy Lucas Finds The Sweet Spot Between Nostalgia And House Music With “Embrace” appeared first on EQ Music.