UK songwriter Stephen McCafferty not only writes songs that connect and captivate, but achieves a fine use of contrast structurally along the way. The single Someday Somehow is a fine example of that skilful approach, an explosive rock introduction quickly dropping out for a much more intimate and stripped-back verse vocal.
Songwriter
Fearlessly vulnerable songwriting from Nami Shafaghi, emerging under the moniker of NumyNumyNumy – Lovely Headache is a dreamy deep-dive into personal struggle and uncertainty, and blends poetry and personal anecdote throughout a modest, keys-led arrangement and intimate performance that naturally suits the depth and emotion of the writing.
Having climbed higher and higher with each new evocative and stylishly original release from recent years, Lithuanian-Canadian songwriter and producer Aistis returns this year with a sublime new album, and continues to highlight the profound thoughtfulness of both his songwriting and musicianship.
London songwriter and artist Lola Wild softens the weight of the world, with a dreamy soundscape and Lana-esque vocals quietly luring us into a state of poetic contemplation and vulnerability.
Pop-rock musician and storyteller Dave Curl masters the groove and sentiments of heartfelt songwriting, with the short lines and vulnerability of an honest to uplifting Fool in Love.
From smiling, laughing, and connecting with nature, to embracing the simple pleasures of food and daily life, Don’t Forget is a creatively distinct ode to all that makes life wonderful, and it speaks volumes on behalf of the creative intentions of producer and songwriter Bee-Pet.
Songwriter and producer Edmond Bruneau compiles the very best of his lost singles and feature songs from a colourful career. The album Singles and Jingles is a bright and catchy collection of versatile anthems and singalongs, and highlights the strength of songwriting and design that drives everything from the creative Edmond Bruneau corner.
Great music and purposeful songwriting, interesting structures that feel both satisfying and unpredictable – MICKELSON fights against the quiet voice of modern pop and rock, with an album that fearlessly unites creative freedom and intentional songwriting, throughout 10 striking originals.
For a gunslingin’ good time, upbeat rhythms and slick guitar riffs, an old-school western vocal and a classic country rise and fall in both the story and melodic progression – Ace Diamond captures the good vibes of times past, with The Baddest Gunslingin’ Man.
Lovely live acoustic vibes, primed and ready to light up the summer festival scenes – The UK’s own Life in Session highlights the value of a strong groove, organic music and snappy songwriting, with the naturally catchy She Can See Right Through You.
Born out of a genuine need for the cathartic process of making heartfelt music – Francis’ Scream writes songs from a place of authenticity and struggle, and delivers them with an air of organic folk-pop that’s both acoustic and vocally distinct.
Introducing a rather fearless and artistic representation of genuine emotional realism – Sierra Stone injects an unwavering degree of character and originality into the pop format, with the boldly evolving power and presence of A Man Like You.