Simon Le Ma

20 BEST TRACKS OF THE MONTH – JANUARY 2026

Posted on by JL

Best of the best of the month

ALL TOGETHER


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TRACK BY TRACK

– 1 –

Band: LIME GARDEN
Who: British pop-rock act from Brighton, UK.
They released their debut LP One More Thing
in 2024.

Track: 23
New piece from their upcoming 2nd album
Maybe Not Tonight, out on April 10th.

TUTV: Yeah! Absolutely yeah! Move your pelvis, move your head, move your feet, move anything that is movable. This resistless dancefloor upper boosts your mood on the spot.

Vivid vibes.

Instagram – Tour Dates
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– 2 –

Band: HOLY FUCK
Who: Robust electro rock veteran combo from Toronto, CA.
All members also have their own projects. They formed in 2004.

Track: EVIE
First single from their forthcoming 6th longplayer,
titled Event Beat, showing up on March 27th.

TUTV: HF do not fuck around. This badass jam gets you going
all day long. Sway your hips. Hip and hop to the addictive flow.

Dope tune.

Tour Dates – Instagram
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– 3 –


📸 Tina Gross

Band: THE DARTS
Who: Steamy garage Amazons based in Seattle, Washington,
fronted by charismatic singer-songwriter Nicole Laurenne,
also operating solo as Black Viiolet

Track: MIDNIGHT CREEP
The first single from their forthcoming LP, their 6th, named
Halloween Love Songs. It’ll hit our stereos on March 3rd.

TUTV: Midnight Creep is vintage Darts frenzy. Sizzling, blistering, and red-hot-blooded. Laurenne and her sidekick, her organ, lead the hungry troops once again. The piquant buzz and fuzz at play here ignite all of your limbs and make you jump like a kangaroo from left to right and back. From now on, every day is Halloween.

Bulleseye.

Instagram – Website – All Albums
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– 4 –

Band: WASTE
Who: Rowdy Belgian indies
who find beauty in chaos.

Track: DOG HOUSE

TUTV: Beware, these punked-up bloodhounds bite. They chase you with ruthless racket. They bark like werewolves. They bloody rock! They’re no waste of time whatsoever. Rabid stuff. Arrrggghhh.

Helter skelter.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 5 –

Band: HAVVK
Who: Steamy punk rock duo
from Ireland. They have 3 albums
under their belt.

Track: ON TIME

“This song is about the endless lists of goals and resolutions we make for ourselves, many of which have arbitrary deadlines attached to them. ‘On Time’ is trying to capture that feeling of being right on the crest of a wave of busyness, the ‘last wave’ where you think surely it will be calm seas after this. But there’s always another and another.”

TUTV: WTF. Riot grrl clamour is back, but dirtier, rawer, and LOUDER.
94 boiling seconds that do your poor head in. Punktastic.

Holy smoke!


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 6 –

Band: COWBOY HUNTERS
Who: Glasgow‘s punk dropouts
Megan Pollock and Desmond Johnston.

Track: HAVE A PINT
New single from their upcoming 5-track EP,
titled EPeepee. It’ll hit the streets on March 20th.

TUTV: This is it. Raw and rough punk hysteria at its sharp-cutting best. These two hungry hunters take you on a wham-bam rollercoaster ride, up and down, left and right. Have A Pint sounds like it was recorded in their local pub’s toilet, generating some barbed wire shit, juiced with obstreperous duet vocals that drive you nuts .

Have a beer.
Go berserk.

Instagram – Spotify – Tour Dates
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– 7 –

Artists: DEAD ANYWAY
Who: British duo that sets the dark lyricism of Kate Arnold
against the music and soundscapes of Marc Symonds.

Track: A SHIFT OF PERSPECTIVE
Lead single from their new, forthcoming, 7th longplayer, named
Squeak Piggy Squeak, and out on February 6th. More info here.

TUTV: What the hell is this? Must be the most dancey, vibey, and trippy track
of their sonic canon. A Shift Of Perspective has an irresistible pelvis-energizing
swing spiced with wah-wah guitar sparks and, of course, Kate Arnold‘s
spoken-word panache.

Envigorating.


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Instagram – Facebook – Spotify
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– 8 –


Photo Devon Chambers

Band: ADULT DVD
Who: EBM punks from
Leeds, UK.

Track: REAL TREE LEE

“Lee is a guy that we never want to become, let’s make that clear! This tune goes out to all the blokes who keep it blokey and delve too far into the cretin side of the internet, dudes that base their entire lives around some bonkers right wing conspiracy. When it comes to Lee, what you see isn’t a what you get, and what you get is much darker than you’d expect.”

TUTV: Hit! Hit! Hit! Need an upbeat upper to get you through the day? This Adult DV
one, right here, will do the job, with striking Chemical Bros echoes and other electronic pyrotechnics.

Instagram – Linktree – Spotify
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– 9 –

Artists: RADARBASE
Who: British duo knocking
dance anthems together.

Track:  TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER
Piece from their brand new debut EP, called

TUTV: Alert your limbs, folks. Some boom-boom Basement Jaxx e-cstasy
is coming your way. Techno blitz in quadrophonia. Chemical beats and
underworld heat. Insane, right? You betcha.

Follow the leader.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 10 –


Photo by Turn Up The Volume

Band: THE NIGHTCLUB
Who: Seasoned Belgian rockers.

Track: BLUE EYES
Only their 2nd single.

TUTV: These dance-inducing Belgians do what they did before in other bands. They move and groove with a slow-burning intensity, like a snake sneaking up on its prey. Alright, all you nightclubbers out there, get your lazy ass off your couch and shake your booty to the guitar-motorized beats.

Yes!


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Instagram – Facebook
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– 11 –


Photo by Jason Thrasher

Band: CROOKED FINGERS
Who: The ever line-up changing group
of seasoned North Carolina songsmith
Eric Bachmann.

Track: HAUNTED
New piece from his upcoming 7th, only his first in
15 years, titled Sweth Deth. It’s out on 27 February.


New album artwork

TUTV: Haunted is a goosebumps duet with eminent songstress
Sharon Van Etten. An impassioned, wholehearted, vocal
delight.

Wonderful.

Instagram – Linktree – All Albums
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– 12 –

Band: HIQPY
Who: Ebullient indies from
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Track: YOUMAN.
Their newest single.

TUTV: A brisk, sprightly, and tremendously catchy guitar pop gem
peaking on its splendiferous chorus. A tantalising slice of music.
The repeat button was invented for tintillazing tunes like this.

Glorious.

Instagram – Spotify
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– 13-

Artist: PITOU
Who: Critically acclaimed
Dutch songstress.

Track: TO DO WHAT
New piece from her upcoming second LP,
named P2, out March 15. More info here

TUTV: What starts as a mid-tempo, sensuous thrill
turns into an awesome EBM stomper. Stupendous!

Pump up the jam.

Linktree – Spotify
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– 14 –

Band: Cape Crush
Who: Power-emo band
from Massachusetts.

Track: CALM & DELIVERED

Ali Lipman (guitarist/vocalist) channels an inner strength as she details
the pressures women face to be emotionally regulated when everything
is overstimulating.

“We’re known for our upbeat power-emo songs, with big leads, big harmonies, and big refrains. This song perfectly encapsulates what we do best. There’s plenty of surprises to come on Place Memory, but ‘Calm & Delivered’ is the perfect definition of a Cape Crush anthem.”

TUTV: A kind of those tunes that puts a blissful smile on your face right away.
Guitar fireworks from the kinetic kick-off, working their way to the heartening
chorus. Sinewy indie fuel to get you going. Sensitive vocals. Punchy girl power.

Buzzing.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 15 –


© Achiel De Vlerk

Band: LIP SERVICE
Who: Electro pop outfit
from Belgium.

Track: SLOWLY
Piece from their upcoming album
Swalman, out early next month.

TUTV: Electro-pop at its funky and vivifying best. A lazy tune that makes you hum/whistle along on the spot. A dreamy ditty, jaunty and breezy. A perfect sonic companion on your earphones while strolling in slow-mo in the city.

Cheery.


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Instagram – Linktree
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– 16 –


(c) Linde Raats

Artist: SIMON LE MA
Who: Belgian singer-songwriter
with an eclectic musical taste.

So far, he has 2 albums under his belt.

Track: NEW RELIGION
New single from his upcoming 3rd album,
named Get Sweaty, out next September.

TUTV: Expect brassy Motown vibes. Glamorous, soulful, and uplifting.
New Religion energizes all of your limbs. You can sing, whistle or hum
along. Early spring fun, folks.

Gospel!


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Instagram – Facebook
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– 17 –

Band: GORILLAZ
Who: The famous brainchild of Blur’s Damon
Albarn and comic book artist Jamie Hewlett.

Track: ORANGE COUNTY
Newest single from their 9th longplayer, named
The Mountain, and coming our way on March 20th.

TUTV: La-la-la. This trancey shanty features Bizarrap, Kara
Jackson and Anoushka Shankar. Feel-good and easy-going joy.

Frolicsome.

Instagram – All Albums
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– 18 –


Credit: Abbey Raymonde

Band: THE TWILIGHT SAD
Who: Scottish romantic indies who have
been earning a loyal fanbase since 2003.

Track: DESIGNED TO LOSE
Taster from their upcoming album, named It’s The Long Goodbye.
They’re 6th overall, and first in seven years, written in the wake
of frontman James Graham losing his mother to dementia.
Out March 27th.

TUTV: Sad story, sticky tune. Great bass riffage, bouncy
drums, expressive vocals, and an overall orchestral resonance.

Enthralling.

Instagram – Linktree
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– 19 –

Artist: BOB RELUCTANT & THE LONELY LOVERS
Who: The musical moniker of singer-songwriter Robert Baker.

Track: DREAMAGER

TUTV: Need some day-night-dreaming stimulus? This near-whispering reverie is what you’re looking for. Soothing and chilling. Lovely duet vocals. Starry-eyed chorus. You
won’t feel lonely when Dreamager touches your soul.

Entrancing.

Linktree
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– 20 –

Artist: WINONA OAK
Who: The musical moniker of engrossing
Swedish songstress Johanna Ewana Ekmark.

Track: HORSES
The 2nd single from her upcoming,
sophomore album (details TBA).

TUTV: Oak‘s velvety voice makes me think of superstars Lana Del Rey and Billie
Eilish‘s heartfelt tenderness. Melancholic reverie Horses is a nostalgic lullaby. She
revisits childhood memories of riding, a time when she felt safe, free, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Mesmerizing.

Instagram – Spotify
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BlueSky

JUKEBOX 2026 – WEEK 2 – Five New Rad Tracks Added Twice A Week

Posted on by JL

Another year, another Jukebox to fill with new
tracks, 5 twice a week, for your aural pleasure.

This is the 3rd batch of 5 new rad ones of 2026

ALL TOGETHER


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TRACK-BY-TRACK

Band: HIQPY
Who: Ebullient indies from
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

“What if Kurt Cobain and Ariana Grande (frontwoman) had a Pokémon together?
Well, you’d get something like a Hiqpy. This 4-headed creature is playful and a bit
headstrong. Superpower: Spews flames of echoing ad-libs and fuzzy guitars, hailing
from Amsterdam.”

Track: YOUMAN.
Their newest single.

TUTV: A brisk, sprightly, and tremendously catchy guitar pop gem
peaking on its splendiferous chorus. An irresistible piece of music.
The repeat button was invented for tintillazing tunes like this.

Bullseye.

Instagram – Spotify
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The Twilight Sad, 2026. Credit: Abbey Raymonde

Band: THE TWILIGHT SAD
Who: Scottish romantic indies who have
been earning a loyal fanbase since 2003.

Track: DESIGNED TO LOSE

Piece from their 6th LP, first in 7 years, baptized It’s The Long Goodbye.
Out March 20th. Written in the wake of frontman James Graham losing
his mother to dementia.

TUTV: Intense guitar pop magnificence fueled by Graham‘s
vivid vocals and the orchestral richness of the song. Top.

Instagram – Linktree – Biography
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(c) Linde Raats

Artist: SIMON LE MA
Who: Belgian singer-songwriter
with an eclectic musical taste.

So far, he has 2 albums under his belt.
Train Of Thought (2024).
The Housewarming LP (2023).

Track: NEW RELIGION
New single from his upcoming 3rd album,
named Get Sweaty, out next September.

Press info: “New Religion marks the start of a new chapter in Simon’s musical bible.
With his new single, he transforms from conceptual songwriter into the hyperactive
leader of a funky church service.”

TUTV: Expect brassy Motown vibes. Glamorous, soulful, and uplifting.
New Religion energizes all of your limbs. You can sing, whistle or hum
along. Early spring fun, folks. Score!

Spread the gospel.


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Instagram – Facebook
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Band: PRESSGANG MUTINY
Who: Canadian Celtic folk combo reviving the raw spirit of sea shanties and
working-class maritime traditions. This Toronto-based vocal quartet is more
than a band. They are keepers of a centuries-old storytelling tradition, brought
roaring into the 21st century.

Across their twelve years together, PM have moved from Toronto pub sessions to
major maritime and folk festivals across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom,
The Caribbean, France, Germany, and Poland.

Track: OLD MICK
New cut from their forthcoming 3rd LP, titled
Departure. It’ll land on March 13th.

TUTV: Think Dropkick Murphys stripped to the bone. Celtic folk spirit
in mellifluous motion. Glorious harmoniousness. Old Mick sticks all
the way. Oil your pipes.

Let’s all chant.

Facebook – Instagram – Spotify
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Artists: KONRADSEN
Who: Folk pop duo from Norway.

Track: EFFICIENCY
It features fellow Oslo artist Beharie.

“‘Efficiency’ portrays a kind of love that isn’t always immediate or all-consuming, but one that endures nonetheless — a relationship where time, patience, and a willingness to see the beauty in each other’s imperfections are essential. It touches on a phase many people recognize: when the distance between two people can feel greater than before, yet the bond remains strong.”

TUTV: Jenny Marie Sabel‘s voice is warm-hearted, sensual and
magically attractive. Efficiency is a gentle lullaby that triggers
daydreaming.

Entrancing.

Instagram – Facebook

INTERVIEW – Meet Belgian Up And Coming Songsmith SIMON LE MA

Posted on by JL

16 January 2024

If you’re looking for an up-and-coming singer-songwriter
to start 2024, I have a notable one for you.

Belgian artist SIMON LE MA, blessed with a bewitching voice, who released his
excellent debut album THE HOUSEWARMING LP last November should get your
aural attention if you’re a fan of captivating musings.

Le Ma‘s musical taste is pretty eclectic. Funky songs, jazzy songs, poppy songs, even
some flamenco vibes here and there. Expect echoes of Father John Misty, and the
acoustic beauty of Bonnie Prince Billy. Cool, right? You betcha (my trained ears never
fail me, except on a hangover off-day).

All that said I’ll give the word to Simon. But first, as usual
with a TUTV interview, a slice of music to warm up.

Hello Simon,

What or who influenced you to pick up a guitar and start to play music?

“Without my friends in high school, I would have never picked up the guitar. My friends have all been brought up on classic rock bands such as the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Pixies, whereas I come from a household of almost total musical silence. I remember a ‘Radio 2 Greatest Hits’ CD in the car with some Robbie Williams and Tina Turner, but that was about as far as it went in terms of musical upbringing.

As a result, I never took an interest in music, until my friends introduced me to bands
like QOTSA, Arctic Monkeys and the Black Keys at the age of 16. Being the insecure teenager I was, I wanted to be able to follow their conversations at school, so I absolutely CONSUMED those artists’ albums.

My friends convinced me to play the bass and form a band, which we did. Unfortunately, we had different musical ambitions so we don’t play together anymore, but I cherish those memories and I will be forever grateful to them for introducing me to music.”

Which track would you play to the people who never heard of you?

“I would play ‘Decision Making‘, the first song on my album. I think the song leaves enough space in the beginning to focus on the lyrics, which introduce the story of the album quite well. Musically, it builds nicely to a climax which is one of my favourite moments. It always makes me happy, especially when people sing along when I play it live.”

Your debut album is out. It’s titled ‘THE HOUSE WARMING LP’.
What is it that you want to express with the title?

“‘The Housewarming LP’ is a chronological concept album about a housewarming party that goes from bad to worse. If you listen closely to the lyrics, you’ll hear evening turn into night as the awkward initial conversations make way for desperate monologues.”

What’s the story behind the cover image?

“Last summer, I played a wedding gig somewhere in West-Vlaanderen with Anly Lippens,
a friend and terrific singer. After soundcheck, we had a lot of time left and I stumbled upon a large room with a dance floor and some weird-looking mirror balls. I asked Anly if she could take some pictures for “online content”.

She has a great vision and feeling for aesthetics and placed a white balloon next to me
on the floor. I really like that detail because it adds to the underlying idea of the album.”

Do you write the music and the lyrics yourself, Simon?

“I do. In the final week of 2021, I isolated myself in an apartment in Oostend and recorded nine demos. I usually start with a general story for each song, which fits the theme of the album. Once I have a clear direction, I start writing some vague lyrical ideas, mostly just some sentences that flash through my head or that I picked up somewhere.

I then start making grooves and progressions to match those lyrics and keep building until I’m ready to make songs and record demos. The demos for the album were later refined and mixed by Xavier De Clercq at Poolside Studio, so he had a great impact on the music.

Jan Joos and Freddie Webber also created some epic guitar solos for ‘Socrates‘ and ‘Distance‘ respectively. They also sang backing vocals for several songs together with Anly Lippens, Christoph Goossens and Siebe Puynen.”

Were you listening to other records/artists while writing the album?

“I listened a lot to my ‘Discover Weekly‘ playlist, a weekly algorithmic list made by
Spotify with 30 new songs based on your listening habits. I like to hear fresh ideas
when I’m in the writing phase to keep me inspired.

I had also just discovered José González’ classic album ‘Veneer‘. He certainly inspired me to aim for a warm and acoustic vibe. Finally, I was also listening heavily to Yong Yello‘s album ‘Marcel en het Magnetisme van de Goot’. He inspired me to make a concept album.”

Are all songs in some way connected or do they all stand on their own?

“All songs are connected. The album is a musical translation of the feeling you get when you had a rough week at work, your social batteries are depleted and you realise that you should have stayed at home. The housewarming party is just too much to handle. As a result, you get irritable, jealous and cold. You act weird and out of sync and you eventually end up hurting the people you love the most.”

Suppose the album would be the soundtrack for a movie,
which one would it be, Simon?

“Good question! I’m sure there are some movies out there about home parties going wrong, but I don’t have anything in mind. I’m a big fan of animation though, so I guess
it would be funny to see Shrek or Monsters Inc. with some of my music in it.”

You did an album launch show recently. Which artist/band
would you love to tour with?

“I’m a big fan of Warhaus. His latest album ‘Ha Ha Heartbreak’ is one of my all-time favourites. I broke down in tears when he played ‘Time Bomb‘ during his show at AB
last year. His musical vision, style and lyrics really speak to me.

Also, I’m sort of in love with Tamino and his music. I think you could say that he’s
my male crush. However, I don’t know if it would be a good idea if I was to tour with
him, since I probably would just be in awe around him all the time.”


Warhaus, Ghent – Pic by Turn Up the Volume

What are your musical ambitions for the future?

“I dream of playing a few support gigs in a really cool venue such as ‘De Vooruit in Genth or ‘Trix‘ in Antwerp. Besides that, I just want to continue to make concept albums, funny music videos and have people sing along to my songs when I perform them live. I really like that feeling.”


Playing the blues in Ghent, 2023 – photo by Turn Up The Volume

Your favorite track and album of 2023?

Track: ‘Há-de sarar’ by ‘MARO’.
Album: ‘Hortelã’

Why? I don’t understand a word of what she’s singing
in Portugese, but the woman touches my soul.


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What may we expect in 2024, Simon?

“Musically, my goal is to release a follow-up album after the summer. I already
finished nine demos and booked some time at Poolside Studio in the coming months.
In the meantime, I’m going to keep promoting ‘The Housewarming LP’.

Personally, even though I feel like I’ve already come a long way, I would like to keep learning how to be a better listener, how to stop judging others and how to love myself
a little better at times when that seems difficult.”


Another Ma quality: a great sense of humour

Thank you Simon for this interview.
May the road rise with you in 2024

STREAM ALBUM


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SIMON LE MA: Facebook – Instagram