Why this title? What connects these ideas and feelings? There’s so much to unpack, and yet at the same time, the cinematic presence and performative charm of the project lets the music simply engage with and entertain its listener. In short, Pertinax is stunning, and impressively free in its artistic and playful creativity.

Alt PopAlt RockBaroque PopDream PopExperimental Pop

From the dawn of the Bad Bubble audio experience – the first mention of Underscore, the historical poignancy of Future 9 – all of this has been with devout purpose; an artist intent on creating a legacy and lasting memory of a story and of his daughter. There are many heart-breaking and beautiful moments throughout the vast collection of albums, EPs and singles, but more relevantly, there are many, and perhaps some of the most impactful of all, to be found throughout a conclusion.

Alt PopDark PopDream PopSongwriterSynth PopSynth Wave

This song impresses all the more so with each revisit. Think of those unusual pop songs that just work brilliantly, yet feel a little left of the expected – Drinking in LA, Somebody That I Used to Know. The kind of indie pop song you wish you’d written, and in this case, it’s perfectly captured and produced. An easy must for the summer playlists.

Dream PopFolk PopIndie PopPop

Music that means something, softly gathering an intimate groove, with lush, breathy harmonies, quietly whispering long-form, nostalgic melodies, and concepts that feel poignantly relatable. Dovetail unite smart poetic references with deep personal uncertainty, for the blissful escapism of raining here, too.

Dream PopEmoIndieIndie PopShoegaze

LA songwriter and artist Simona Shao blends acoustic and contemporary pop qualities through a softly evocative realm, and the results are sublime. Her latest three-track EP Waves presents three parts or chapters of a story, reflecting on the highs and lows of an impactful romance, and balancing calm, poetic imagery and ideas, with personal experiences that feel both relatable and profound.

Dream PopIndie PopPopSongwriter