Returning to the raw essentials of heartfelt songwriting, Maypo Deluxe lets the nuance and realism of his voice and lyricism shine naturally, for the acoustic guitar-led fireside charm and radical acceptance of Living Out Loud.
Songwriter
Live rock and pop written and performed with energy and skill – Hawai’i-born singer and songwriter Pepper Diaz and band The Scoville Scale deliver an uplifting and distinct new indie sound, with the soulful peaks, distorted power chords and riffs of the romantic and impassioned The Long Game.
Southern rock is alive and well, and Taxman is a must-hear for the live-band fanatics and working class heroes of our time.
Lovely to beautiful songwriting, vocals and arranging – Ari Fraser continues to impress, engaging with authenticity and heart, as this ambient country to folk-pop single Where Have You Been provides an emotional earworm, and effectively reminds us to appreciate the beauty and love of connection.
Crafted in collaboration with Brazilian singer Josh Paulino, Only Pretend is both fierce and delicate, and evolves gorgeously throughout its three-minute lifespan.
Great songwriting, a happy guitar anthem of quirky images, big dreams, and a fine fusion of organic folk-pop realism and cinematic, fully-loaded keys, strings and rhythms to elevate a catchy jam. KRANTZ captures a timeless vibrancy and warmth, with the uplifting wonder and romance of Dance on the Moon.
Blending atmospheric ambiences with soulful, evocative vocal contemplations, Lithuanian producer, singer and songwriter Irma Vado gets complex and cutting, with the fearlessly honest and creatively unlimited songs of her 2026 album Native Tongue.
“I definitely enjoy a momentary escape of the weighty burdens that being a person who is least in the society in which they live carries with it.”
Blending smooth and distinct vocals with ambient dance and reggaetón production and catchy resolves, singer and songwriter Chris Axé brings something fresh and evocative to modern Latin music, with highlight tracks from the 2026 album Estación Chris Axé.
Four incredible songs, not a bad moment, nor one that’s less than great, in my view.
“It takes place in a dystopian empire, where an insurrection and revolution are taking place after the killing of a child, as seen in the song “Dancing In The Fallout,” which I took inspiration from the people of Iran who would die just to be free, who fantasize of being themselves and ridding their societies of oppression.”
Softly soulful, classic vocals and an equally classic arrangement of strings, keys and modest rhythms – Davis The Singer lets passion and connection guide, for the growing emotional charm and sublime performance of Colors (reimagined).