When good songwriting and real musicianship unite, it almost always makes for a worthy listening experience – in this case, definitely one to look out for across the UK’s live scenes this year.
Songwriter
Introducing an evocative pop-rock anthem, one that soulfully embraces listeners when they’re feeling at their most disconnected – the latest project from Abhi Ananda is the rock outfit Almost Citizen, and New Day is the sublime and refreshingly humble new single.
What begins as a quirky and intimate ode to spending a birthday alone, soon evolves into a boldly poignant and heartbreaking expression of isolation and disconnection. Eddie Wang masters the unexpected once again, with the beautifully captured piano-pop ballad I Bought Myself A Cake.
Creatively eclectic to its core, the new album from Pennsylvania songwriter Monti Korbelle encapsulates freedom of play and curiosity of concept.
Raw indie pop-rock with scene-by-scene storytelling and a likable groove – established Connecticut songwriter and musician Adam Lippman reflects on mismatches in romance, with Wasted.
London songwriter and artist Jennifer Juan brings a unique fusion of traits to modern music, as the seductive tones of First Love softly pour through the airwaves.
The creative return of 旋林Rowens this month brings a soulful jazz-pop single of trembling vocal realism, retro keys and bossa nova rhythms. The melodically nostalgic Old Photo presents a catchy yet calming progression, and relays a lyrical poem exploring the impermanence of love.
This idea of you and I both having scars is strangely comforting, and the warmth and simplicity of the music reinforces that comfort. But elsewhere, the lyrics present a sense of having lost our way, and of there being no tomorrow – no second chances.
Introducing a musically eclectic, colourful and increasingly likable new single, songwriter and musician Eliza Nova brings a twist of multi-layered pop-rock and long-form storytelling to the modern scene, with the intriguing Never mind the silence.
Absolutely brilliant, in short – genuine in style and intent, unafraid to maintain its sense of artistry and purity despite the distractions and filler or hype expectations of the current industry. Even Keel displays a much-needed level of humanity, an anti-AI embrace that reminds listeners of the unmatched power of soulful creative expression.
Boasting over a million plays across nearly two-dozen original singles, LA-based Joseph Rutakangwa has carved out an impressive niche within modern music, the likes of Avani and I Am Meant For you building further upon a naturally distinct and evocative style.
For the new release, Joseph returns to the poetic reflections and optimism of his earliest work, and in the process gifts listeners a feeling of positivity, self-belief, and lasting calm.
Florida songwriter and artist Luanne Hunt compiles the warmest examples of her thoughtful style and the impressive evolution of her writing, with the wonderful seven-track album Miles & Memories.