Ahead of her performance at London’s Mighty Hoopla this weekend, former Wonderland cover star Rita Ora has released a new single, “Ask & You Shall Receive.” Co-written by Raye, the track is an upbeat, infectious floor filler infused with summer vibes and carpe diem spirit. “The song is about seizing the moment romantically and diving straight in with that special someone,” she says. “It was co-written by the amazing Raye, which feels like such a full-circle moment, as I have so many amazing memories from when we were on the road together for the Phoenix tour.”
Wonderland
WONDERLIST
New Rita Ora, a Dua Saleh and serpentwithfeet collaboration, and more: this week’s Wonderlist roundup is here!
Rita Ora by Rosie Matheson
Rita Ora — “Ask & You Shall Receive”
Shaboozey — Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going
What a year 2024 has been for Virginian artist Shaboozey. After collaborating with none other than Beyoncé on her critically acclaimed album Cowboy Carter, he’s now soaring on his solo journey, yet still seems to be aiming for a similar destination. Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, his new album out today, is a beautiful and strong addition to his already well-established body of work, now infused with a country twang.
Lancey Foux — “Daylight” (featuring Teezo Touchdown and Cash Cobain)
Lancey Foux, Teezo Touchdown, and Cash Cobain join forces for their new collaborative release, “Daylight.” With Teezo’s signature sound and Cobain’s production mastery, the track brings new depths to Foux’s lyrical and vocal excellence — truly highlighting the skillset of each artist.
John Glacier — “Steady As I Am”
Plucked from her forthcoming EP “Duppy Gun” — which has officially been announced, alongside the news of her debut headline show at the ICA in London on 31 July — “Steady As I Am” is an honest and introspective offering from John Glacier. With elements of dancehall, electronics, and ambience, the track finds its artist in her element, with her deadpan flow and hypnotic, rhythmic melody captivating listeners.
Samm Henshaw — “Fade” (featuring Kirby)
On his new single, singer-songwriter Samm Henshaw teams up with Memphis singer Kirby for a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of coping mechanisms. Tackling the topic, “Fade” delves into the temptation of avoidance and the urge to cling to what’s familiar — even if it may no longer be what’s best. The accompanying music video invites viewers into a couples therapy session, bringing the song to new dimensions.
BABii — “JOYR1DE”
Through a concoction of electronic sounds, hip hop beats, otherworldly pop elements, and compelling vocals, BABii sonically explores what lust means when one feels disconnected from their own body and sexuality. “JOYR1DE” is an intimate yet expansive single in which its artist confronts her own trauma, looking at ideas of sexual longing and authenticity through her deeply personal lens and a narrative of deep fake porn.
Dua Saleh — “unruly” (featuring serpentwithfeet)
Sudanese-American artist Dua Saleh and Grammy-nominated artist serpentwithfeet unveil their new collaborative single, “unruly.” Paving the way for a new chapter of artistry for Saleh, the track is atmospheric and melodic, with captivating hooks that leave you wanting more.
Matilda Cole – “Mortal”
Fresh from recent single “Big Mouth”, Lewes-born singer-songwriter Matilda Cole continues to build momentum as one of the most exciting and naturally intriguing artists coming through in the UK right now. On her latest single “Mortal”, the youngstar showcases versatility, exploring the different range and depths of her sound, with the soundtrack providing the perfect bed for Matilda to reflect on love as a power and coming to terms with being in a relationship again. Co-written and produced alongside Will Bloomfield, the track is introduced by atmospheric violin strings and slowed percussive elements, laying the foundation for Matilda’s smooth lyricism to flow across before exploding into a scintillating chorus exclaiming; “I think I was born to adore you”. A certain one to watch over the coming months.
Casnova – “Dele Man”
Continuing to build momentum as one of the hottest selector/ producers emanating from London, Casnova returns with brand new track and visual for “Dele Man”. Tapping into Middle East and UK club sounds, the single showcases Cas at his very best, blending various elements together for a guaranteed summer banger. Paired alongside an official video directed by Zaineb, the release follows Cas’ newly founded ‘ARTA’ night which promises a number of nights throughout summer. All in all, “Dele Man” acts as another reminder of Cas’ innate skill in crafting a sense of vintage nostalgia, whilst planting himself distinctly in today’s effervescent culture.
Hakushi Hasegawa — “Departed”
Japanese artist Hakushi Hasegawa ushers in a new era of music with “Departed,” an immersive single plucked from their forthcoming album. Drum beats, synths, and vocal samples intertwine for a complex and captivating track that balances pop and pandemonium — an idea that Hasegawa has coined “Exploratory Ratio.”
Davey — “okay o.k. Ok”
Davey’s new house track “okay o.k. Ok” is a particularly special offering from the LA-based artist and producer. In a beautiful homage to his Persian heritage, he incorporates an instrument of his childhood into the single, merging cultures and crafting something entirely one-of-a-kind. “A few months ago, I was reintroduced to a supporting character of my childhood: a decades-old, handmade Persian hammer dulcimer — called a santoor — that had lived under my parents bed throughout my childhood,” Davey shares. “Earlier this year, my parents moved house and gifted it to me to use in my studio. ‘okay o.k. ok’ is the first of many songs that incorporate this family heirloom — and a familiar sound from my half-Persian household — with the electronic taste I’ve developed from my lived experience in Western modernity.”
Aka Shades – White Knuckle Ride
London’s own multi-hyphenate, Aka Shades, hits a career-defining high with his debut album, White Knuckle Ride. This sonic rollercoaster dives deep into his personal tales of identity, sexuality, trauma and spirituality, as well as the hardships of addiction recovery. Crafted with raw authenticity, the album captures the tumultuous journey of young adults teetering on the edge of danger, all from Shades’ queer lens. Sonically, the collection is a vivid testament to the genre-fluid vibrancy of London’s underground queer music scene. From the haunting acapella opener “Run for Your Life” to the gritty edge of “Shotgun” and the bold, provocative standout “Body Bag,” White Knuckle Ride is a masterful tapestry of sounds that leaves us craving more.
Zoe’s Shanghai – “Scratching”
Bursting with woozy guitar licks and tender, psychedelic melodies, “Scratching” emerges as a warm canvas for Zoé’s Shanghai to flaunt her spellbinding vocals shining in perfect harmony. With the Jamaican heritage artist describing the track as a “conscious step into the labyrinth of my romantic relationships”, her intimate tone portrays vulnerability at a complex crossroads exploring new love, while the dazzling armour carried across the music video displays a familiar instinct to stay guarded; an intoxicating juxtaposition that gradually pulls away and reveals Zoé’s internal affirmations moving towards peace and enlightenment.