So Below burst onto the scene in 2015 with her debut single “Drift” gaining over 100,000 Soundcloud streams in just a few months. Her rise wasn’t from some strategic marketing plan set up by a large PR team; instead it was organic growth as listeners were innately attracted to her dark, layered vocals over sublime beats with eerie synths.
Goth-pop songstress So Below is Madeline North who began developing the So Below moniker when she left her native land of New Zealand. Her self titled EP released in 2016 with 4 songs, including “Drift”, that continued to build upon and hone in on her mesmerizing dark pop sound while garnering the artist over a million Spotify streams. So Below recently resurfaced with her latest single “Ruin”, released last month via Limited Health and plans to release her second EP later this year. “Ruin” builds even further upon her sound – mixing Stranger Things level synths around club ready beats and Madeline’s euphoric vocals that leaves the listener spellbound, and probably unaware of how much they’ve been dancing during the song. It probably doesn’t need to be said, but So Below is definitely an artist on the rise, and we can’t wait to hear her new EP.
Despite the buzz that So Below has garnered so far, Madeline North has still seemed to maintain a more low profile, keeping the air of mystery that surrounds the project. Luckily for us, Madeline was nice enough to take over this week’s Monomania Spotify playlist by giving us 5 songs she’s currently got on repeat. Check out So Below’s Monomania picks below:
Bonobo – “Surface”
I’ve had this song in my head for the past few weeks and I love it! I’m a sucker for good harmonies, and the production is super duper awesome.
The Blaze – “Virile”
This song is great but what I love most about it is the music video. It’s so simple, just two dudes hanging out in a room but there’s so much joy and emotion in it.
MUNA – “Crying On The Bathroom Floor”
The production is super dark, I love the pulsing base. What I think I like most about this song though is the lyrics. They’re really clever. I have some major lyric envy on this one haha.
Now, Now – “SGL”
I’m really good friends with these guys. This is the first track they’ve put out for a while and it’s a total banger. I love the post chorus, it’s HELLA amazing.
Anna of the North – “Someone”
A friend played me one of her songs a few years ago and I had it in my head for like a week. Her stuff is really simple and sweet.
Listen to our Monomania Playlist on Spotify (updated weekly, 30 songs at a time) below, including So Below’s contribution:
So Below Online:
SOUNDCLOUD: www.soundcloud.com/sobelowsound
INSTAGRAM: @sobelowsound
TWITTER: @sobelowsound
