Taking inspiration perhaps from the more evocative and low-tempo hits from Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen, Bob Berdanier keeps the authenticity of great songwriting and natural performance alive and well, and December is, in my view, one of his most engaging and memorable singles yet.
Pop
Poetic piano-pop with huge hooks and self-empowering themes – Brooklyn-born songwriter and artist Gabrielle Marie keeps things classic and upbeat, with singles like My Town.
An acoustic guitar-led number with a gorgeous chord pattern and relatable, intimate and honest vocals, Rainbows in the Sky features a classic folk-ballad set-up, with a modest performative charm that seems genuinely connected to these reflections on love and unrivalled unity.
Old-school RnB vibes bring a pop-fusion anthem akin to the days of Destiny’s Child. Wizherd changes lanes intensely this season, for the catchy groove and snappy vocal confidence of Vroom.
Having grown up in Jersey City, Juan Marcos Nieves – known to the scene as ROCKY – notes an eclectic background, immersed in music since just twelve years old. His passions for dancing and rapping alike led him towards an artistic identity that’s unquestionable, and as such, his original music reaches tens of thousands of listeners every month.
Catchy pop hooks and modern poetic phrases, a light and thoughtful style, and a full-length album of original songs. Tracygirl captures a heartfelt to uplifting range of emotions, with the brand-new album Higher Than Before.
Everything is subtle but effective – the production and vocal shifts, the central contrast from one section to the next. It’s modesty and artistry intertwined, and it speaks volumes on behalf of the intentions and values of Aaron Lerer and 1526 Records.
Striking blues-rock with a crisp and gritty guitar riff, and low-toned, sultry male vocals – Vince Robson captures story and vibe with style, as the mighty Desire introduces the memorable and well-titled album Movie Soundtracks to Non-Existent Movies.
Bridging the gap between nostalgic RnB and modern trap and hip hop, Wizherd captures a sound both familiar and fresh, with the smooth vocals and summer-ready groove of Hey DJ.
“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.”
With Zkrrt’s previous albums, there was something of a new-starter vibe to many of the pop-like arrangements and songwriting transitions. In my view, this latest project has completely overcome that, showcasing a defiant attention to detail and mood that’s intoxicating from one track to the next. The original style and inspiration remains, the reasons for making music stand tall, but the focus, the understanding, and the willingness to move an audience, have only let the style and sound grow stronger and more alluring.
Talking sacrifice and self preservation, Faith and prospects in the face of struggle and disappointment in friendships and life, Dead Wrong is incredibly catchy, and achieves a likeable fusion of rap and pop akin to the breakthrough hits from acts like Black Eyed Peas. The FarGoneWorld sound has its own truthful core though, and the music feels timeless in this setting, honest and unaffected by the expectations of the current scene, and this integrity stands tall.