UK acoustic vibes blending long riffs and summertime world-music rhythms with conceptual depth. Akiva Zneimer takes us back to the lightness of the warmer seasons, with a song fusing rap and melody to that alt-folk bounce of a style once made underground famous by the likes of Will and the People.
Songwriter
From ambient vocal harmonies through an upbeat indie pop arrangement that’s timeless in its fusion of light dance and intimate heartbreak, FERDIE blends melancholy and optimism quite seamlessly, with the gentle to impassioned single Till Dawn.
Hailing from the Netherlands, New Key is an elusive modern artist, writing and recording songs organically, and with little concern for social media or image – the music speaks for itself.
Ultimately feeling like a huge power-pop ballad at its peak, the essence of Selfish is again that twist of angst and unexpectedness that runs throughout Kyle Jaymes’ songwriting. The music is beautiful, but the sentiments are loaded with pain and self-preservation; an outcry against someone whose Selfish choices have been unignorably suffered for far too long.
“The main values I want to represent in the indie folk music world are authenticity, integrity, and kindness.”
Something cool emerges here, less density of lyric but lines that feel vast and impactful. It’s a shoulder-sway of an alternative track, a twist of organic trip hop adding further to the versatility of Tom Downing’s repertoire, and a personal favourite. We’re along the lines of the unexpected indie pop gems of Big City Life somewhat, only it’s new as ever, interesting, and musically satisfying.
Dreamy indie pop arrangements with surprisingly bold and energising vocals – Nia Perez pours her heart into soul into both the writing and performance process, and the result is a compelling and intimate yet often euphoric, personal EP.
Pure creative freedom and diversity built from the need to overcome struggles and encourage better mental health. HOUNDS & JACKALS is a musical project blending sound, games, magic, and interactive media, and the artistic powerhouse has released an extensive amount of albums and videos over recent years. Collaborating directly with other artists – vocalists, musicians, … Continued
Stripped-back realism that the music worlds needs to cherish right now. Tia Gostelow continues her Low Lights series, with the intimacy, gentle fingerpicking, and light and breathy vocals, of Always.
If you’ve lost someone, a partner in particular, this one will hurt, but is almost certainly still worth the listen. The raw humanity and heart of I Still Say We is cordially genuine.
Lush riffs, an old-school pop-rock warmth that’s organic and immersive, with vocals and storytelling that again lean towards the softer rock tones of the nineties and early noughties. US songwriter Zach Outman captures a sense of groove and emotional refrain that’s beautifully uplifting, memorable, and just distinct enough to stand out right now.
Beachside summer vibes to warm up the winter months, a modern reggae jam with catchy vocals and colourful production – Andy Kinley reaches out to the golden coasts of California, Florida, Hawaii, Thailand, Australia and beyond, with the uplifting earworm Happy Hour.