aBreak Triumph for Underwater

‘Underwater’ Making Waves Across the Atlantic

UK based indie musicians Blue Scarr and Aimee Britannia are the latest in a line of emerging talents to be introduced as the number one song on the prestigious and influential abreak music chart, based in the United States, but heard worldwide.

Blue Scarr is a member of the New Artist Spotlight, an online community of independent artists, set up with the intention of providing independent musicians with peer to peer support

The abreak58 (as its commonly known) is an independent music chart and playlist run by abreak music and is linked to a radio station of the same name, facilitated by iHeart Radio. All competitors are indie musicians whose songs are selected based on human curation by the abreak music team, headed up by former Sony Music Executive Bruce Tyler. abreak Music also boasts a 24 / 7 radio station which plays nothing but indie music.

In the era of fake media profiles, empty promises from dubious looking twitter accounts, and the sheer number of dodgy botted playlists it is refreshing whenever an organization, like abreak music like this sticks its head from under the water and takes a breath proclaiming, “indie artists we hear you”. Its clear that there are parallels to be drawn here with New Artist Spotlight and in particular the #StopPayola campaign.

Underwater began its climb to the top of the charts in early January, gathering momentum as it climbed.  Every two weeks the song climbed ever higher before reaching the summit on 14th March 2024.  Much praise is reserved for the incredible vocal performance of Aimee Britannia, who worked with Blue Scarr on the song Underwater.  Neither appreciated the success and reception the song would receive. 

Blue Scarr is not the only NAS member to have enjoyed success on the chart.  At the time of writing Cerulean Chamelion and Shahiem both has songs charted.  Past abreak alumni includes Gasman Sam, Katanak, Elizmi, and most notably another past number one DavidD (Formerly Chvrli Blvck).

Into the Deep End

Blue Scarr reflects on this success in the context of what came before it. Approximately one year ago this week he took tentative baby steps into the shallow end. “I remember some days I had no streams at all” he comments. “Getting my first song on the abreak58 in May 2023 really helped me bring my music to a bigger international audience”. Underwater has received huge domestic attention from a number of UK radio stations and podcasts.

But he reminds me that if it wasn’t for the incredible support of the NAS community of artists that the momentum may have been lost early on. “100% the support of my NAS family has helped, Underwater’s rise to the top is a testament to how important it is to harness the love and support of a community”.

The Voyage Ahead

And he reminds me of the benefit to having a wonderful collaboration.  “We are both really good at different things, and together we produce great sounding songs.  Aimee has a fantastic voice, a real talent for songwriting, and is also an excellent producer.  We make a great team”.  “Blue Scarr’s ethereal production made it easy for me to write and record Underwater very authentically and naturally.  His talent and hard work has helped  put my music on the map and I’m forever grateful for our friendship”, comments Aimee. 

Blue Scarr explains there is more to come from this chart topping due, with an anticipated release coming in late spring, and more projects in the works.  For now though the pair get to enjoy their 2 weeks atop of the charts in the number one position.  

The chart can be found at www.abreakmusic.com and @abreakmusic on instagram.  Blue Scarr and Aimee Britannia can both be found on instagram as @bluescarrmusic and @aimeebritannia.

Underwater can be located on the New Artist Spotlight playlists.