Illeeria recently received her silver 100k award from YouTube, a milestone many can only dream about, and she continues to expand her reach with consistently launched singles of uniquely versatile expression and musicianship. A memorable introduction to an artist who is swiftly proving a force to be reckoned with.
Songwriter
Working its magic as both a timeless pop hit and indeed a clear acoustic contender – one that would no doubt connect beautifully in a stripped-back, unplugged live setting – Atmosphere marks a fine introduction to an established songwriter, with a clear talent and style of his own.
The UK’s own Lord Sparky England has recently launched a beautifully impassioned project called The 7 Sins. The EP delivers precisely what its title implies, seven stories and songs that each directly relate to one of each of the renowned sins.
An industrial whirlwind of sound – cascading synths, melodies, harmonies and a rhythmic robotic stomp of a rhythm – the iconic Isaiah Mclaughlin returns, with the aptly-titled, extensive conceptual album Reincarnation.
Kyle Jaymes is unmistakable as an artist, and refreshingly authentic and humble at the very same time. His songwriting and musicianship consistently promise versatility from one track to the next, but always that central voice, in lyric, structure and tone, remains distinctive.
“This was a song that came out of passion, I penned the lyrics 25 years ago and recorded a demo with a friend, a flat mate, and fellow ex-band member Steve Mulligan. I was very upset and angry at the time in what I was hearing and seeing coming out of occupied Palestine.”
Following the rightful success of her debut single Wake Up Call, the unmistakable songwriting and vocal depth of Mary Ann returns – this time elevated amidst a crisp electronic rock soundscape and a fresh poetic expression of longing.
The songs emerge with a uniquely storytelling arrangement, a fine back and forth between softness and weight, and a touch of the theatrical presence of bands like Panic! At The Disco or, again, the ever-relevant Queen.
Dreamy surf-rock akin to shoegaze but with a blissful clarity – Alice Asara brings together instrumental prowess and soulful, poetic songwriting, for the impressively creative EP SLEEPLESS.
Nostalgic indie pop with a deeply moving undertone; delicate vocals, vulnerability and acoustic purity at its core – Emilia Vaughn impresses, with the intimacy and heartbreaking revelations of Skeleton.
When good songwriting and real musicianship unite, it almost always makes for a worthy listening experience – in this case, definitely one to look out for across the UK’s live scenes this year.
Introducing an evocative pop-rock anthem, one that soulfully embraces listeners when they’re feeling at their most disconnected – the latest project from Abhi Ananda is the rock outfit Almost Citizen, and New Day is the sublime and refreshingly humble new single.