Instantly unique music, a songwriter with a vocal that stands out by a mile, and a poetic lyrical thread that feels refreshingly human and honest and reflective. Sten Veiths blends alt-folk contemplation and calm with bolder folk-rock to cinematic stylistics, and showcases a superb strength of songwriting, with the mighty Where The Hell I Belong.
Songwriter
Evocatively reflecting on the unconditional love we get from and give to our pets – the wonderful degree of joy, the memories, friendship, and the inevitable pain of losing them – Canadian songwriter Martin Gladstone crafts a timeless folk-pop ode for any and all pet-lovers, with the beautifully hopeful Over The Rainbow Bridge.
French singer and guitarist Nicolas Willot pairs a likable organic groove with smooth melodies and quirky, raspy canned vocals, for a poetic and compelling take on contemporary blues-rock.
Just eighteen years old and already writing songs with genuinely great hooks and fearlessly unforgiving lyrics. Mia Mathilda is intriguing, a long-form story-teller and pianist with a deeply complex lyrical approach, and all of this is highlighted brilliantly, through the boldly unique but piercingly satisfying Radical Acceptance.
Originality matters more than ever, and this could be in your lyrics, your voice, your performative energy, your production or intentions. It could be combination of all of these. In this case, Sara Diana walks along a line that’s fairly nostalgic and familiar, but quickly captures a sense of pure identity and story that’s entirely her own.
Soulful pop-rock with stunning vocals, a poetic songwriting thread and catchy melodies, organic grooves – a touch of harmonised wonder to light up the bigger moments. MCVEIGH capture a lane somewhere between the likes of Sam Fender and Nothing But Thieves, with The Thief Of Leaving.
Queensland contemplative pop singer and songwriter Shar gets introspective and confronting, with the lo-fi indie-rock single misery.
Quite possibly the most interesting and enchanting original single to grace the space around me this month – Mimi’s Revenge deliver a stunning introduction to their creative depth and performative ability, with the superb new single Dire.
Acoustic beginnings lay down an organic festival vibe, as singer and songwriter Freddy Even delivers a catchy anthem of an indie track – and one that seems perfectly well-suited to the incoming summer season.
Piano-pop of a fearlessly stripped-back, vulnerable arrangement – clean vocals, short lines and a poetic, metaphorical intertwining of love and natural landscapes. Songwriter and artist Dailla highlights the thoughtful writing and unique vocal delicacy and warmth of her style, with Garden.
We’re in a king of Hard-Fi realm with this voice and writing, but then as we move into the more world-music sway and bass-play of Pet Sematary, Zweng is quick to recapture his own lane. The voice is softer, the lyrics compelling and unusual, before we return to another uplifting pop-rock anthem for Goodbye To You.
Poetic ballads from ambient and intimate to uplifting and powerful – Bobek’s Mind celebrates the creative production and songwriting of the modern era, with the heartfelt originals of Echo In Love.