Reflecting on the subject matter of survivor’s guilt, everything from the writing to the performance of Martyr breathes authenticity and meaning into the creative ambient space. The idea of being thought of as strong, when deep-down you feel devastation, and still haven’t healed from the trauma, is one that’s perhaps more common than expected, and yet it’s rarely – if ever – brought about in contemporary music and songwriting.
Rebecca Cullen
Ultimately a summer anthem of romantic connection, Ella se calienta follows Nitido’s uniquely smooth to powerful voice, through an addictive modern groove fusing elements of Cuban, Reggaton and Afrobeat, across a landscape built of organic and funky guitars and riffs.
A thoughtful earworm of a return – Storyteller and songwriter Litt Bueno, focused on intention and connection as a musician, showcases the very best of his heartfelt and engaging style, with the organic and melodically engaging single Yesterday.
Work ethic and passion, individuality and collaboration united – these are key traits for longevity within the ever-shifting music industry. Enter Matija, with a wealth of releases under his belt, and a level of consistency that refuses to falter.
Guitarist and composer Hear The Colors – an artist with a defiantly unique approach to crafting audio soundscapes and other-worldly ventures that consume audiences – delivers a profound and powerful instrumental album this year, with the magnetic and mighty Rebirth.
Van life encapsulated but with a twist of creative meandering through topics close to the heart. Nate Larson hosts the uniquely inspiring escapism that is the WonderBuzz Podcast – an original show that’s grown from strength to strength in a few short months.
Indie-pop songwriter and artist NIVIRA blends the dynamic and colourful backdrops of modern pop music, with confident and joyful vocals, and the juxtaposed depth of profoundly vulnerable but essentially hopeful lyrics.
‘A journey through betrayal and healing’ is precisely what we can experience with this song, and it suits the listener’s needs, thanks to the deeply personal but still poetically vague lyrics that can naturally be made your own.
Creatively unusual, strangely enthralling music – a rare trait to stumble upon, in this case balancing an intense organic drum pace with dreamy waves of shoegaze guitars and indie bass; something like manic weight and ethereal melodies uniting across a sub-two-minute plain of expression.
Dreamy guitar play, smooth vibes, live drums and enchanting harmonies – Captain Highside sets the vibe beautifully, with the organic and impassioned I Can’t See.
Lighting up the space with euphoric afro rhythms and gentle vocal melodies, Nigerian-born artist Jaylon, more recently based out of an ever-eclectic and creative Bristol, delivers an uplifting six-track EP that’s both stylistically relevant and artistically fresh.
Political and topical conversations, the independent opposition to mainstream headlines – The Real 4-1-1 Podcast offers real life discussions that matter, and is hosted by triple board-certified physician, activist, and democracy defender Dr. Mcgee.