Introducing a timeless traditional set-up and a brilliantly original song – Brendan McKinney & the 99 Brown Dogs made a hearty first impression, with the unbelievably catchy folk-rock anthem James Dunn’s Daughter.
Rebecca Cullen
Introducing a cinematic, progressive metal and operatic chaos of emotional intensity. ununk blends the familiar and the unknown, throughout the changing pace and presence of a conceptually complex We Are Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On.
LA singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and vastly streamed artist – Adam Exler has gone from strength to strength in extending his original repertoire of music over the years.
Paired acoustic guitars, one fast-paced and rhythmic, the other meandering with a soulful sense of longing. Don Pasquale Ferone employs the bare essentials from an established musical toolkit, to deliver an organic and impassioned performance and song.
Unafraid to go-there experimentally as an artist, Stephan Folkes adopts a playful and limitless creative angle with music. His sound is not traditionally satisfying, but his voice, in both tone and songwriting, is undeniably recognisable from one release to the next, and there’s a lot to be said for artistic integrity.
Impressively distinct vocals blend personality and smooth but raspy RnB intentions, with a likably upbeat bounce of a production. Jake Exavier raises the mood in both topic and style, with the catchy flavours of the new pop-fusion single Just What U Like.
Sometimes collaboration is the key to finding that sound or artistic moment that connects more strongly with a broader audience – no longer something exclusively personal to the performer, but bridging the gap to realise that actually, these ideas and feelings are relatable, and the music is impressively original and impassioned enough to hit with impact.
Production tools have peaked in recent years, but that just makes it all the more exciting to dive in. Have fun with it, but also make sure the music means something, connects in a genuine way, and provides you with something impactful as a creative – which in turn will transfer to your audience. O Watchman! seems to encapsulate that approach quite beautifully.
While technology continues to advance, the beating heart of creativity that connects remains as the irreplaceable human touch. Throughout the ages, art born out of struggle and uncertainty has always been the most impactful, and that continues to be true – regardless of the tools utilised to create it.
Considering the evolution of music and technology, Pasquile talks of the growth from vinyl to tapes to CDs to digital, and how we didn’t fight that evolution. And yet, with modern production tools, not least of all AI, we seem to be at war with or afraid of the future.
Theatrically confident lyrics and equally unique vocals quickly draw attention, as The fin. perform with playful charm and intrigue, for Nebula.
Ten original songs weave together this story of the Mystic Code, and while there’s plenty to unpack and explore conceptually, which rewards and provides insight and reflection, the music is also – and importantly – an impressive and enjoyable place to escape into for a while.