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.
EDM
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.
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.
Norway producer Indieclimb impressively brings together the evocatively ambient and the boldly intense. LEGACY is a fascinating original track, built around the unique pairing of a siren-like riff and atmospheric synths that emotively descend underneath it.
Vocal flair with drum and bass and lashings of effects – an immersive sonic journey through cinematic layers of colourful production traits and short, provocative lines; ZOE.LEELA creates an electronic journey fit to both intrigue and uplift, for Gold Reloaded.
Big beats and euphoric synths, a mass of detail united within a dreamy blanket of escapism – Bryyo kicks off the hypnotic EP Past, with the pristinely ethereal tones and hopeful melodies of Visor.
Unique and effective production amidst deeply honest, evocative lyrics paves the way for a whole new sound in modern dance-pop. Molli launches an intoxicating debut single, uniting alternative flair with snappy, catchy resolves that naturally linger in the mind.
Known for her iconic and alluring mixes, DJ Minx 305 captures a timeless fusion of electronic escapism past and present, and continues to celebrate an inherent passion for blending different vibes and styles into one harmonious mix.
Soaring EDM soundscapes and evocative lyrics and melodies – an impassioned performance elevated by intricate, purposeful design; cascading layers of synths, rhythms, bass, and immersive contemplations.
Aries21 is a lifelong songwriter come modern producer, and Just a Bad Dream marks a euphoric introduction to his style.
In the case of this latest release, the unmistakable voice of Sarah R Jay resounds amidst a dreamy and euphoric composition – a simple melody, sensational drops into blissful energy and escapism, and lyrics that paint unignorable images of peace and prosperity in life and love.
Stunning production, performance and writing unite beautifully, as Davide Carbone and singer Kate Watts continue to ride the wave of their sensational Drum and Bass single Finding Myself.
Something initially a little dreamy, calm yet fully-loaded with subtle detail – synths, light rhythms, keys, breathy vocals. Later on we’re confronted by a boldly energising peak. Montana duo BLVDS blend poetic pop songwriting with the rising energy and escapism of electronic dance and pop-punk, for their gentle to anthemic single Two Sides.