Inspired by his love for the children of his close friends, Follow You highlights the heartfelt nice-guy style of J.C. Maru as a songwriter and performer. The natural acoustic ambiance is inviting, softly paired vocals bringing a kind of warmth and depth that’s immersive, and the melodies and lyrics remind us of the beauty and wonder of connection and learning.
Acoustic
For Everyone I Ever Loved is a collection of soulful acoustic ballads and folk-country anthems, all built around thoughtful sentiments, appreciative scenes, memories, poems, and deeply stirring melodies. In his own words, “This one took me 77 years to find. ‘For Everyone I Ever Loved’ is what I needed to say, before I move on to the next adventure.”
“Working in public healthcare is a huge privilege. You’re exposed to the full spectrum of human emotion and experience, and that needs an outlet. For me, songwriting is the most natural way to process and unpack those experiences.”
Building from a purely acoustic and nearly whispered introduction, Monsters employs Frida Mann’s unmistakable vocals, and slowly but surely evolves through a story of anger, resentment, confinement. The voice is captivating, and later near-euphoric in its outcry, and as such, this conceptual journey is incredibly passionate, in both vocal and instrumental delivery.
The aptly-titled EP RAW is completely unique, evocative and often spellbinding, and what’s more, Hila’s answers to these questions, and her perspective as a rising artist, portray an incredibly refreshing sense of identity and purpose in modern music.
Lush organic piano, strings and guitars light up an indie pop warmth that’s heartfelt, timeless, and naturally uplifting. UK songwriter and acoustic musician Euplasia kicks off an extensive 12-month release schedule for his new album, and ‘You Wonder’ is an inspiring introduction to the project.
Simple but striking, nostalgic country folk with lush vocals and short lines rising through the joys of romance and wonder. Joshua Jamison ignites the modern country flame, with this raspy and catchy acoustic gem.
Slowly increasing the ambient details, the melodic resolve of Swan is easy-going but effective, ‘the swan is down’ feeling almost unfinished every time it appears, and adding a kind of alternative, perhaps Damien Rice-like melodic uncertainty and ache to the music.
Gentle lo-fi synth notes and the quiet strum of an acoustic guitar, an intimate vocal and writing style that feels diary-like in its tentative expression and longing. Chris Pannella delivers the closing song from his EP The Four Seasons of Her, and its a sleepy to euphoric and heartbroken story of love lost and fading passion.
From the Riverside EP of gorgeous instrumental originals, Serbian guitarist and musician Zarko delivers a crisp and captivating acoustic composition, for the wonderfully impressive and moving Vilino Vrelo.
More great music from Germany this season, the softness of nineties indie pop, acoustic and comforting, with genuine sentimental value at its core. The Last Lupine offer an evocative sense of escapism and story, with the stunning simplicity and wonder of Stay, Return.
“The main values I want to represent in the indie folk music world are authenticity, integrity, and kindness.”