Epic electronic arrangements and the poetic exploration of topics both thoughtful and fierce – HeartherLee Sounds creates from a place of conceptual inspiration, and as such, her album Battleground features a boldly eclectic array of styles.
Music
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.
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.