In this week’s instalment of What’s Going On, we’re serving up fresh sounds from boundary-pushing jazz newcomers, rockers with something to prove, and dance-floor queens ready to take over. Your next musical fixation starts right here. As always, if you dig what you hear, follow and stream these artists.
Tokio Hotel – German emo-pop legends Tokio Hotel are back with an ENCORE. Their first album in four years delivers 12 tracks full of emotional intensity, hard-won confidence, and unapologetic self-expression. From the empowerment anthem “Dye My Hair” to the vulnerable “Without You” to the epic “Perfect Ending,” the band reflects on growing up in the spotlight while embracing their next chapter. With a sold-out arena tour ahead, Tokio Hotel is back for good!
Watch the new music video for Tokio Hotel’s “Perfect Ending” below.
Bluegirl – London’s Bluegirl is stepping out from behind the scenes with her debut single “Look At All The Happy People.” You know we love bringing you a debut, and this track doesn’t disappoint! Pairing propulsive production with straight-out-of-the-diary lyrics, the track turns big feelings into an atmospheric anthem. Already earning rave reviews online and a shout-out from Courtney Love (wow!), Bluegirl writes, performs and produces her own music. Consider this your introduction to a seriously intriguing new voice. Will 2027 be the year of Bluegirl?
Listen to Bluegirl’s debut single “Look At All The Happy People” below,
Nicotine Dolls – Sometimes, you just want to rock hard. Enter Nicotine Dolls. The band is turning toxic relationships into a full-throttle rock-and-roll tantrum on “Gimme Sympathy,” the latest preview of their self-titled sophomore album. Fuzzed-out guitars, pounding rhythms and frontman Sam Cieri’s soaring vocals fuel this swaggering rock track about people who take everything and give nothing back. Who hasn’t had a relationship like that? After scrapping an entire album to rediscover their rock roots, the NYC-bred band sounds fully realized and more confident than ever.
Listen to Nicotine Dolls’ new single “Gimme Sympathy” below.
Knats – There’s great jazz music coming out of Newcastle. Who knew? I didn’t, but now I do. Geordie jazz disruptors Knats are keeping the hometown spirit alive with A Great Night In Newcastle, a remix EP celebrating their Mercury Prize-shortlisted album. The standout is easily the dark, dancefloor-ready spin on “7 Bridges To Burn” featuring producer Man Power and the unique vocals of Nadine Shah. Their blend of working-class storytelling and gritty electronic sounds sets Knats apart and makes them a unique act in the contemporary jazz scene.
Listen to Knats’ “7 Bridges to Burn” (Nadine Shah and Man Power’s Return to The Bridges) below.
Jazzy – Jazzy is taking over the dance floor with Peace & Patience, the Irish DJ sensation’s long-awaited debut album. Across 13 tracks, she blends euphoric house, sleek late-night pop and surprisingly personal storytelling into a collection built for both sweaty clubs and emotional comedowns. Featuring collaborations with French electronic duo The Blaze and Irish dance icon Saoirse, it’s another major step for one of the scene’s most viral DJs.
Watch the music video for Jazzy’s “Peace & Patience” below.
