Intoxicating musical wisdom and charm meanders from pure euphoric vibrancy to intimate and honest contemplation. Tennessee songwriter and musician Ben Stephens delivers a sensational debut album this year, with the unrivalled complexity, skill and originality of a fiercely vulnerable Hello World, This Is The Inside Of My Mind.
Albums
By this point, EMA has effectively graduated from good to great, in my view. The creativity is next level, and Sienná has managed to balance absolute artistic freedom and versatility with a clear sense of reason, intention, and value. This lets the album feel incredibly diverse yet relevant from start to finish.
SC4REAL starts up his new album with a magnetic opening track, and builds further on the excitement and conscious reflection of Phases Groove throughout what could quite possibly be his most truthful and inspiring project yet.
Electro pop and dance united by conceptual introspection that counters the digital production with a certain humanity and depth. JD Rotate’s latest album digs into the moments, experiences and relationships that shape a life and who we are, and does so by way of an eclectic and pristine stylistic approach.
As you can tell from these titles, this project is far from surface-level stylistics. Sonic Pulse Project set out to explore the concept of searching to find genuine human connection and peace amidst the chaos of modern digital white noise.
YaoJing’s focused yet diverse skillset has achieved him high-profile credits on shows like Wings Of Glory, for which he composed the Han Hong-performed TV theme Flying Moment, as well as the theme song I Like You (performed by Zhao Lusi), for which he worked as recording supervisor and vocal producer.
Crisp indie rock guitars alongside a unique rhythmic identity and grunge-like vocals (only softer, maybe punk and Americana-inspired) – a certain creative character atop a nostalgic format, even with a hint of alt-country during the peaks.
A definite highlight that begs for you to listen more than once, reflecting with stark realism on the true contrast between the turmoil of life at war and the struggle to then adapt to life at peace.
Immersive noir pop and distinct, revealing vocals let the poetic phrases, memories and moments of February introduce the unique creative styling of Elizabeth Perran – in a manner that genuinely draws you in.
Funk and soul revival with a twist of indie rebellion and anthemic, colourful charm. X&ND kicks off the immense celebration of WHO’S DANCING, with the sharp and snappy, soulful nostalgia and gritty creative evolution of a rather mighty NEED THE FUNK.
Stunning music; piano and strings – euphoric wonder and beauty – a celebratory core but layers of honesty and struggle intertwined. A deeply human perspective as ever. The unmistakable Bad Bubble delivers a two-part album of entirely new experiences and songs, for the exceedingly delectable Regarding Flor.
Organic and soulful optimism and brightness – essential in times of great division and uncertainty. Esteemed composer and pianist Antonija Pacek releases one of the year’s most hopeful and promising instrumental albums, with the aptly-titled serenity and charm of Soul Sanctuary.