Mikky Ekko is best known for writing and appearing on Rihanna’s hit single, “Stay,” but out of view from watchful eyes Mikky is strategically plotting his full-fledged debut on the scene. His latest track “Disappear”  – along with previous releases “Pull Me Down” and “Chained” — show Mikky’s desire to not only gain name recognition but also earn the respect of his peers as an incredible singer, songwriter and producer. A blossoming layer of ambient sounds flourish underneath Mikky’s undeniably luscious voice. It all makes for a track worthy of everyone’s ears. Stream it below.

STREAM: Mikky Ekko – “Disappear”

Directors Jeb Hardwick, Trewin Howard and Thom Novi were faced with a monumental task when creating a video for Phoria‘s “Red.” How does one create a visual worthy of such a magnificently beautiful song? With incredible vocals, pristine piano arrangements and perfectly placed spoken-word samples, these six minutes are only deserving of the best. Well, long story short, they did. The sentiment and emotion that oozes out of the audio version of “Red” is tastefully translated into a captivating collection of moving pictures. Watch it above.

STREAM: Phoria – “Red”

Just to be clear: It’s Oliver Wilde. Not Olivia. Although we welcome those of you looking for celebrity news to stick around and listen to “Flutter,” the latest track from this Bristol artist. “Flutter” is a downtempo alt-folk track — or in the words of Mr. Wilde, “lo-fi glitch tinsel” — that’ll hit the spot if you’re looking for a strange, soothing break to your day. Fans of Deer Hunter and Atlas Sound should take notice. Stream “Flutter” below.

STREAM: Oliver Wilde – “Flutter”

With three EP’s to date – Facedown, Sex, Music For Cars – and a host of rave live reviews, The 1975 are quickly cementing themselves as one of 2013′s break-out artists. Just when you thought they were done producing new material, though, they’ve revealed even more this year with their 4th EP, IV, out later this month. One of the most impressive things that they bring to the table is the eclectic mix of music they create. Their range extends from radio-ready singles like “Chocolate” and “Sex” to beautiful downtempo electro pieces like “Me” and “Facedown.” The first taste of this new EP comes in the form of “Haunt/Bed,” another example of their latter talent. Stream it below.

The 1975 will be playing a special edition of All Things Gold on Thursday, June 20th. Grab your tickets while they’re still hot at the link below…

After an extended period of silence, Jamie Isaac will be putting out a proper release this year in the form of his debut EP, I Will Be Cold Soon. Last April Isaac gave an interview for DIY in which he stated that he wanted to take 2012 to, “solidify further how [he] wants [his] music to evolve.” Based on “Softly Draining Seas,” he spent that time well. Complete with percussion that brings back memories of LCD’s “Dance Yrself Clean” and piano chords/vocals that would make even James Blake pause and applaud, “Softly Draining Seas” is a beautiful piece asserting Isaac’s impending arrival. Stream it below.

STREAM: Jamie Isaac – “Softly Draining Seas”

As we mentioned earlier today, Victoria Bergsman (dba Taken By Trees) just released “Only You” as a single last week along with with a sensual new video. Accompanying those two is a warm remix of the track courtesy of relatively-unknown L.A. producer Belief. The remix gives the track more of a backbone while sounding like a blend of The Blow and Gold Panda, chopped up by Star Slinger. Listen to it below and grab a copy of Other Worlds, released last October via Secretly Canadian.

STREAM: Taken By Trees – “Only You (Belief Remix)”

Hamilton, Ontario seven-piece The Rest are on a mission to make a video for every song from their excellent 2012 full-length, SEESAW. Next up on the list is the first track on the record, “Who Knows,” which explores the tragic existence of a man whose brainwaves mirror isolated picking of the track’s lonely guitar. Sadly, this leads not to awesome musical superpowers, but rather to the inability to recognize or remember anything put in front of him, and the only thing that he manages to hold onto are images of creepy-looking bird monsters. Will he regain his memory, or will he be doomed to a life of tests and medications? And what is his deal with birds? Watch the video above to find out.

Check out the group’s bandcamp to stream SEESAW in its entirety or buy it in all kinds of formats.

STREAM: The Rest – “Who Knows”

New Yorker Alec Feld, AKA Expensive Looks, makes stunning experimental pop that blends ambient and dance influences to produce something at once otherworldly and familiar. His music has a supersaturated, melody-soaked dreaminess that recalls Scandinavian future pop wizards like World Tour, Karl X Johan and Postiljonen. Explore Expensive Looks’ SoundCloud page and you’ll encounter a plethora of surprising source material ranging from Justin Bieber to the Beastie Boys to Martha and the Vandellas – all drowned in a colorful array of nature sounds, synth drones and funky breaks. Check out “Idol,” one of Expensive Looks’ latest “codeine-soaked acid jams” below. The track will appear on Feld’s Northern Winds EP, out May 7 via Altitude.

STREAM: Expensive Looks – “Idol”

Stockholm boutique label Emotion Records specializes in hazy electro-pop slowjams that could well be radio hits on another planet. A case in point is Karl X Johan’s “Get It All,” an ethereal, R&B-infused dreamscape that sounds like Usher and M83 on Quaaludes. Here’s your perfect soundtrack for drinking Schnapps in an infinity pool under a Technicolor sunset with that special someone after a long day spent taming unicorns.

Once you’ve listened to “Get It All,” feast your ears on another sublime offering from the Emotion catalog, World Tour’s “Forever Tonight.”

STREAM: Karl X Johan – “Get It All”

STREAM: World Tour – “Forever Tonight”

James Blake made news today with the announcement of a new album, Overgrown, along with the premiere of its first single, “Retrograde”, on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 program. The track puts Blake’s distinct vocals first, warbling over lo-fi piano chords before a steady marching clap adds structure and pace. It’s a promising hint at what’s to come. Take a listen to the “Retrograde” radio rip below.

James Blake’s Overgrown is set for release on April 8th.

STREAM: James Blake – “Retrograde”