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.
Music
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.
Inspired by the likes of Tupac and Eazy E as much so as Fabulous and Michael Jackson, LA ENVY’s fascination with the technical aspects of the artform, from lyrical ability, cadence, conscious bars and visual awareness, has naturally helped set him apart from the vast majority of modern artists.
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.
Distinct pop performance traits scattered throughout an ambient, colourful production – something like Troy Sivan with its call and response whispers and scenes – Olivia Cox makes sure to capture attention, with the brand new pop single Paris.
Dance-pop and synth-wave crossover artist Barbara Romanov, building tracks out of dreamy, impassioned vocals and purposeful writing, lights up the indie space with a handful of originals this year – not least of all the anthemic eighties groove and infectious hook of Do It With You.
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.
An old-school drum-line with a Philadelphia groove about it, blending smoothly with world music tones and organic layers of synth / string / voice… An intoxicating mystique, and a melancholic aura from the chords to back up the instant escapism of the track. Beth Gladen sets herself apart from the crowd, with the beautifully original, piano-led trip-hop and alternative essence of Re-Birth.
Fighting to continue the embrace of organic creativity – an electronic track both distinct and nostalgic in its fusion of melody and weight – Kaleel Zibe delivers an outright instrumental beast of a track, for Let’s Get Out Of Here.