Creative freedom takes the wheel, as warped sound-design unites distorted guitars and heavy rhythm and bass – Nique Star demands attention well, for the girl who breaks hearts.
Singles
The humble strum of an acoustic guitar, the breathy warmth of an intimate, melodic folk-pop vocal, subtle synths in the distance – Italian artist Alaïs reflects with sophistication and respect, on the highs and lows of learning to love yourself.
Instrumentally pristine soul rock, with an intriguing progression from disjointed riffs through a wholly immersive soundscape and song – a composition and performance seemingly inspired by the limitless adventure of life.
Honolulu’s Azato recaptures the soulful essence of reggae, with a fresh take on both the genre and songwriting. When We Gonna Start? is a mellow and increasingly hopeful, uplifting ode to unity, and provides an active opposition to the rise of division and fighting.
The writing feels genuine, the melody intoxicates, and the subject matter inspires. Mary Oz is carving out her own carefree lane in modern music, and the songs speak volumes on behalf of that.
Introducing a unique take on Christian Contemporary and Gospel music – UK-based creative DORCAS TG brings a joyful twist of reggae and personality together with catchy and heartfelt songwriting, for the likes of her uplifting single Sweet Jesus.
Heavily distorted electronic production unites intense rhythms and euphoric synths, as Noah7even composes a uniquely hypnotic and evocative debut, for PANORAMA.
Chris establishes the artistic journey really well, the final section acting as a brief second verse; a momentary return to quiet poetry, before we explode back into the peak of the arrangement, for the mighty and resounding, familiar ache of ‘I’m reminded that you’re not here anymore – As I pull myself from off this floor’.
Adrien’s voice maintains its authenticity – the performance feeling genuinely like a simple ode or letter to a significant other, never initially meant to be heard by strangers, but all the more intoxicating for that quality.
Charming basslines and productional fullness create a melodic warmth that instantly sets the mood, before a breathy and compelling lyrical venture adds a whole new twist of intention…
California’s Aquafox artistically relays the complexities of self-discovery, with the brilliant uplift and simultaneous evocative relevance of Triggers.
Sometimes a song just intrigues you enough with its sense of character and unexpected story that you can’t help but grow to love it. French trio WOooodz seem to have mastered that quality here, blending the mildly unremarkable with the outright unpredictably powerful, for an evocative and catchy indie hit with a clear sense of conceptual relevance.
Featuring a gripping storyline that’s personal in lyric but relatable and broadly compelling in the accompanying video, SnapDibz recreates the story of the Karate Kid with My Life’s visual counterpart, depicting a child’s reaction to being bullied and ultimately finding his strength. Meanwhile the music relays a tale designed to engage with and inspire those who are struggling to find their way.