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.
Songwriter
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.
It’s a brief yet striking listen, a kind of quiet scream in some ways – a song that urges you to turn up the volume, tune in more closely, and listen again and again, to fully connect with the depth and passion of it’s make-up.
Anthemic indie rock with a gritty vocal lead, just enough reverb to soften and elongate each resounding line – Nicholas Bak delivers a sharp and smooth Americana sound, with the opening track of the eclectic EP Long Time Coming.
Four original songs from acoustic singer and songwriter Dan Arwady highlight the purity and poetic intrigue of an artist born to create and perform. Carry With You is a simple yet striking collection, and highlights the devotion and ability of multi-instrumentalist Dan Arwady in a beautiful way.
Dream-rock to sink into, hazy guitars and reverb, organic playing and waves of atmospheric production – breathy vocals are softly expressive, amidst poetic lyrics that call out for lasting intimacy. Allo Monroe captures a moment perfectly, with the stillness and ambition of Somewhere Across The Veil.
Ukulele rock troubadour Winchester 7 softens the mood this season, blending the warmth of genuine vocals, with the organic set-up of live acoustic musicianship, and a storyline that unites vulnerability and hope in a captivating way.
Alongside songwriting strength and structure, the subject matter is refreshingly original, comical but still performatively vulnerable, and presents the very best of Eddie Wang’s uniquely juxtaposed sense of entertainment and appeal.
Beautifully uplifting songwriting, divine vocals amidst a blissful and relevant production style – Daven Lucas engages and uplifts, with the poetic purity and motivational depth of I Prayed, I Cried.