Getting back to the roots of great music, the kind that we listen to in full – a song that moves us, in the quiet of solitude, in the depths of our own minds; not the sort that needs us to simply repost a short clip and hope for virality.
Singles
On thoughts of everything getting a return, great music increasingly circles back to the building blocks of deeply evocative sub-genres – the charm and enchantment of trip hop, in example; the uplifting vibrancy of drum and bass, the creative freedom of both, and the intimate, engaging fluidity of honest voices.
An ever-creative Oktavvia delivers one of her most distinct dark power-pop arrangements yet this season, with the darkness, the sweeping synths, the high-octane EDM backdrop, and the anthemic, empowering chorus, of I Decide.
Built around fearless vulnerability and optimism in the face of darkness and turmoil, Lost But Found is profoundly honest in its relaying of struggle and uncertainty, but is ultimately inspiring and motivational in its turn towards possibility and the light found through Faith and good decisions.
Cinematic eighties euphoria with an electro-pop twist of vocal story and a dreamy leading tune. The always creative cmon3tta launched perhaps their most immersive single yet this season, with the admiration and all-consuming escapism of Man.hattan.
Independent music from the creative hub of Paris – Btissam releases a brand new single through Studio BS Music, and it’s a pop-rock and indie-funk fusion of traits that’s both anthemic and empowering. .
Distorted and funky dance-pop with a quirky twist of nostalgia and a deeply inspiring true story at its core. Ashleigh Harley takes self-belief and positivity to creative new heights, with the eclectic dance-rock essence and realism of Itsy Bitsy Bikini.
New Zealand artist and producer Mykle Williams has amassed thousands of monthly listeners this year, and alongside a growing dance-pop core, euphoric folk-pop anthems like In The Silence of My Mind showcase the true warmth and thoughtful appeal of his style.
Brand new music form Matthias Boretius promises an ambient and soulful, organic journey as ever – this time taking subtle influence from the likes of Underworld, only veering off creatively, with near-operatic vocals that enchant and engage the senses and thought process.
Dreamy to upbeat, acoustic shoegaze that slowly evolves into something a little more rock and roll-inspired – a taste of the band’s full set-up potential, but a simultaneous focus on the softness and style of their vocals and songwriting.
Creatively artistic, performative and charming – an organic artist with a playful yet intentional sense of passionate escapism at the helm. Julz The Great brings something brilliantly distinct and refreshing to modern music, with the eclectic rock energy and soulful delivery of Turn The Other Way.
Lush acoustic country and folk vibes back up a gorgeously honest performance from the already impressive and engaging Blair Dunlop.