Award-winning songwriter and musician Sean Martin fronts the brilliantly unique genre-fusing indie rock act The Quarantined, delivering this summer an incredibly original story and set-up, for the passionate and powerful Skeleton Chair.
Songwriter
Cinematic soundscapes and funky nostalgic basslines and beats – an eighties vibe with soundbites galore, alongside a late-night RnB vocal grit and fluidity that’s akin to The Weeknd. An intentionally elusive Beaux Deity kicks off an engaging and colourful EP, with the catch and quirky Y’all Saw.
The song reflects upon the idea of falling in love with something unreal – a figment of your own imagination. It’s a complex and provocative topic, the emotional depths of the mind proving limitless and poignant in this setting. What appears as a simple love song, actually runs far more deeply, and prompts consideration of the true wonder of the self, and the power of the mind in conjuring up a whole other seemingly sentient being to fall in love with.
Inspired by the likes of Alanis and Adele as much so as AWOLNATION, Victoria Tyler’s music is unequivocally driven by a sense of purpose and artistic contemplation. The sound fuses genres with subtle freedom, and the emotional depth and unique melodies of these two singles underlines that beautifully well.
Continuing to bridge the gap between skilful, expressive songwriting and production, and an increasingly urgent need for intentional and widespread shifts in the collective human mindset, UAE creative Sarah R Jay launches her latest heartfelt cry for unity, with the Official Vocal Version of Echoes of Humanity.
Electrify My Heart leans towards eighties tumbling rhythms and vocal harmonies, almost Kate-Bush like in its theatrical presence and emotional depth, for a catchy song of desperation and subsequent connection that’s profound and evocative. The soundscape is organic and multi-layered, the crescendo is huge, and the energy – the passion of the chorus and peak – helps make this another defiant highlight, and a superb introduction to the delicacy and drama that walk hand-in-hand throughout this EP.
LA songwriter and artist Simona Shao blends acoustic and contemporary pop qualities through a softly evocative realm, and the results are sublime. Her latest three-track EP Waves presents three parts or chapters of a story, reflecting on the highs and lows of an impactful romance, and balancing calm, poetic imagery and ideas, with personal experiences that feel both relatable and profound.
Acoustic musician and songwriter Summer Redstone leads with a much-welcomed dose of clear authenticity as a modern artist. The sheer feeling and delicate intensity of her two recent singles highlight a sense of talent and purpose in the field, Summer’s voice meandering through long-form melodic musings, backed only by an acoustic guitar, and delivering a fine balance between the familiar and the impressively original.
Deeply moving vocal harmonies and organic keys present a crisp ode to simpler musical eras, as songwriter Tony Stewart delivers a heartfelt and poignant dedication to his late wife. Brilliantly creative from a melodic and structural perspective, Special Day meanders carefully between melancholy and optimism. The set-up has hints of both The Beatles and Queen … Continued
Tropical acoustic pop with summer rhythms and distinct, delicate vocals – Matias Malta captures the colourful calm of oceanside living and serenity, with Canção Pela Paz.
McKay are an act upholding the realness and talent of organic, man-made bands and songwriting, at a time when we need that more than ever. They write youthfully fearless, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, with fresh melodies and blissfully harmonised performances, and for all of these reasons, they’re a personal favourite act from the past couple of years, and Casino is incredibly special as an original project.
Lush new music from Blue Julius brings a dreamy guitar groove of both acoustic and electric tones. Collaborating once again with Dani Stacy, the band offer a soulful nostalgic performance and rising energy, for the intoxicating You Make Me Feel New.