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.

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Inspired by the likes of Alanis and Adele as much so as AWOLNATION, Victoria Tyler’s music is unequivocally driven by a sense of purpose and artistic contemplation. The sound fuses genres with subtle freedom, and the emotional depth and unique melodies of these two singles underlines that beautifully well.

PopSongwriter

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

Acoustic musician and songwriter Summer Redstone leads with a much-welcomed dose of clear authenticity as a modern artist. The sheer feeling and delicate intensity of her two recent singles highlight a sense of talent and purpose in the field, Summer’s voice meandering through long-form melodic musings, backed only by an acoustic guitar, and delivering a fine balance between the familiar and the impressively original.

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Catchy melodies and poignant imagery act as deliberate connections between songs, holding up the NYTHM approach to modern writing and production, and delivering an album that’s somewhat dark yet enticing as a modern electronic pop collection. We even get modest twists of hip hop amidst the likes of No Exit Pt. 2, and always the structure of each song feels playful, even theatrical – that Disney-esque sense of character and exploration resounding along the way.

AIPopProducer

Deeply moving vocal harmonies and organic keys present a crisp ode to simpler musical eras, as songwriter Tony Stewart delivers a heartfelt and poignant dedication to his late wife. Brilliantly creative from a melodic and structural perspective, Special Day meanders carefully between melancholy and optimism. The set-up has hints of both The Beatles and Queen … Continued

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Modern production tools and relatable writing continue to take hold in the modern music realm, and ever // never’s approach quite seamlessly blends the two. It’s an uplifting ode to and old friend, and the music works its magic with ease. A strong contender for the good vibes and dance playlists this summertime.

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Delicate indie pop, rising from acoustic guitar and piano arrangements, through extensive lyrical musings and reflections on life and love. Vivi Ash gifts smooth vocals and fearlessly honest lyrics to a timeless format, with the five original songs of the Don’t Cry EP.

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