Houston’s Simon Val blends the vocal meandering and brightness of musical theatre with the colour and calm of folk-pop as the aptly optimistic single Just Smile emerges.
Pop
An ever-expressive and thoughtful Amadante releases perhaps his most immersive and beautiful single yet with the faultlessly crafted, heartfelt and catchy Waken Dreams.
Featuring a decidedly varied flow from rap to long-form RnB melodies and simple pop refrains, BARTENDER feels like a mainstream hit with a twist of uninhibited creativity.
Unpredictable yet satisfying, with a strong suggestion of a compelling live delivery, No Longer Welcome is easily one of the most seductive, memorable tracks to emerge this side of 2021.
Immediately inviting with its stylish pairing of acoustic guitar picking and the relentless rhythm of summer dance, BusyBeagle set the mood with ease as an aptly-titled Sailing Away emerges.
Following on from the beautifully colourful and well-received EP of 2020 Dreams, Clément Bindzi releases the equally dreamy and delicate All I Want – the perfect dance-pop summer hit to round off the season.
The UK’s own BaitFaceRyy is swiftly building an indie empire with his uniquely emotive take on contemporary hip hop fusion.
Acoustic folk-pop rising into pure pop warmth unites with melancholic, characterful vocals as James Arellano digs deep into heartache.
Reggae rhythms and simple, organic musicianship guides us seductively into a catchy and summertime-ready Rolling from world-music artist The Pirate.
Stylish funk and dance-pop vibes emerge with a nostalgic spoken vocal for a clear sense of carefree swagger and identity – Lefteris Samson crafts with adoration and fun united throughout You Gotta Love Her.
Sun Space keep things creatively fresh with this partly nostalgic yet contrastingly high-octane, contemporary mix – Tell Me follows a fast-paced soulful vocal as it meanders through a deeply personal storyline.
Isaiah Mclaughlin remains one of the most freely expressive, distinctive indie artists around, and this final project shines a striking light on these qualities.