We Speak Music
Phonseca release pulsating “Staring At The Sea”
Phonseca is a Synthpop/Ambient/Electronica project, which brings together Bristol’s much respected keys/synth player Matthew O’Connor and brilliant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard.
Matthew has a rich musical background, bringing his talent to bands across the musical spectrum from House to Shoegaze, Psyche to Soundtrack, Electronica, Britpop and Rock. Both touring and featuring on albums released on labels as diverse as Rocket Recordings, Invada Records and Dishy Recordings, his creative input has featured on many projects. Inevitably the urge to form a more personal musical landscape saw him starting to write his own music. This began the process which resulted in “Between A Dream”, the debut Phonseca album, which came out in 2019.
The album was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his “Recommends” show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world. Matthew’s classical piano training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime TV like BBC1’s – The One Show, Channel 5 programs and National TV in most of Europe. This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other. Since its release, the pair have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording the second “Everything Lasts Forever”, which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.
The first taster of the new album is heartfelt, pulsating, all-out pop single “Staring At The Sea”. The track is a declaration of love and wasting no time with a sense of urgency. The track’s wide-eyed cinematic pop sentiments feel immediately familiar as Matthew’s 80s style drum machines and synth moods combine with Kristina’s soaring vocals for epic effect. The lyrics of the song follow the very relatable theme of ultimately two friends falling for each other and Kristina switches to Swedish language in the middle section which adds an intriguing touch. In its original form this was one of the first songs Phonseca ever wrote together in their “Disney Sessions”.
“I was asked by a Library Music company to write some positive upbeat songs for a Disney video, sadly it wasn’t accepted, but thankfully we kept it, sat on it for a while and tweaked it to become one of our best pop songs so far and an obvious single”, explains Matthew. “We acknowledge the genius of Prefrab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon in the opening lyric who I’m a big fan of. It’s also one of the songs that shows off Kristina’s vocals. I also wanted the talking bit to be in Swedish, to give the track an otherworldly feel”, he further adds.
Reece Rosé is not trying to reinvent the wheel. He is here to remind you why it worked in the first place. With “Misbehaving”, the rising electronic artist taps into something instantly familiar, then flips it into a feel-good house cut that lands right where nostalgia meets the dancefloor.
Teaming up with Capri Everitt, Reece Rosé leans into warm textures and groove-driven production that echo the roots of early ’90s house and UK garage. The result is effortless but intentional. Smooth chords, playful rhythms, and just enough bounce to keep things moving without overcomplicating the mood.
“Misbehaving” plays like a memory you did not realize you still had. Late nights, no responsibilities, music loud enough to blur everything else. It pulls from that space where time felt slower but nights somehow lasted longer. “It’s a reminder of those carefree high school days, when life felt simple, the nights felt endless, and the only thing that mattered was the music and the memories we were making,” Rosé explains. And that feeling runs through every second of the track.
What makes it click is that it never gets stuck in the past. The influences are clear, but the execution stays sharp and current. This is not revival for the sake of it. It is a continuation. Rosé understands the DNA of dance music and builds on it, keeping the energy light, summery, and forward-facing.
That balance is quickly becoming his signature. With international airplay on Kiss FM UK and Insomniac Radio, plus support from names like AC Slater, Zeds Dead, Boombox Cartel, DJ Q, REH4B, and DJ Craze, his momentum is building in all the right places. On Beatport, his releases are already making noise, proving that his sound connects both in clubs and beyond.
“Misbehaving” does not try too hard. It does not need to. It is light, nostalgic, and built to move. The kind of track that makes you look back for a second, then pulls you straight into the moment.
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