Fearlessly vulnerable songwriting from Nami Shafaghi, emerging under the moniker of NumyNumyNumy – Lovely Headache is a dreamy deep-dive into personal struggle and uncertainty, and blends poetry and personal anecdote throughout a modest, keys-led arrangement and intimate performance that naturally suits the depth and emotion of the writing.
Singles
London songwriter and artist Lola Wild softens the weight of the world, with a dreamy soundscape and Lana-esque vocals quietly luring us into a state of poetic contemplation and vulnerability.
Pop-rock musician and storyteller Dave Curl masters the groove and sentiments of heartfelt songwriting, with the short lines and vulnerability of an honest to uplifting Fool in Love.
From smiling, laughing, and connecting with nature, to embracing the simple pleasures of food and daily life, Don’t Forget is a creatively distinct ode to all that makes life wonderful, and it speaks volumes on behalf of the creative intentions of producer and songwriter Bee-Pet.
Inspired by the likes of Tupac and Eazy E as much so as Fabulous and Michael Jackson, LA ENVY’s fascination with the technical aspects of the artform, from lyrical ability, cadence, conscious bars and visual awareness, has naturally helped set him apart from the vast majority of modern artists.
Distinct pop performance traits scattered throughout an ambient, colourful production – something like Troy Sivan with its call and response whispers and scenes – Olivia Cox makes sure to capture attention, with the brand new pop single Paris.
Dance-pop and synth-wave crossover artist Barbara Romanov, building tracks out of dreamy, impassioned vocals and purposeful writing, lights up the indie space with a handful of originals this year – not least of all the anthemic eighties groove and infectious hook of Do It With You.
For a gunslingin’ good time, upbeat rhythms and slick guitar riffs, an old-school western vocal and a classic country rise and fall in both the story and melodic progression – Ace Diamond captures the good vibes of times past, with The Baddest Gunslingin’ Man.
Fighting to continue the embrace of organic creativity – an electronic track both distinct and nostalgic in its fusion of melody and weight – Kaleel Zibe delivers an outright instrumental beast of a track, for Let’s Get Out Of Here.
Lovely live acoustic vibes, primed and ready to light up the summer festival scenes – The UK’s own Life in Session highlights the value of a strong groove, organic music and snappy songwriting, with the naturally catchy She Can See Right Through You.
Instantly presenting with the raw purity of a live piano performance, complete with the weight of the keys and the natural reverb from the pedals, The Awakening is quick to intrigue for its sense of melodic originality. We progress through almost 4.5 minutes of music, an explosive mid-section injecting sheer power and tempo and fullness, in between two halves that feel both united in their tuneful direction, and unconfined by the walls of expectation.
We hear fragments of anger, gritty reflections and ideas, but otherwise it’s the music that takes precedence – which is actually a brilliant encapsulation of the very concept at hand. The voice of conscience is quiet, taking a backseat over the stylistic requirements of a mainstream audience. “I sold out… I f*cked up…” These words are nearly silent echoes amidst an otherwise celebratory instrumental wave of music.