“A Story Told gives an energetic ode to finding what matters most and putting your effort and concentration in on those elements of life. Excising the distractions and cancerous people is no easy task but becomes much easier when you take the time to truly evaluate the meaningful things in our personal orbit. Musically, this track is as light and free as the feelings it is trying to express.
A fun, uplifting track. ”
“English band, Sarpa Salpa unleashes this track which has a Maroon 5 meets late 80’s early 90’s vibes. An energetic track about chasing joys and happiness in the chaos that is modern life. The ever-elusive concept of true contempt is tough to hold on to but great music certainly gives us a taste of the ‘Simple Pleasures,’ we all crave. ”
“Rap feels like its entering a new era. Trap doesn’t hit as hard, and fun is coming back to the genre. Lance drops clever bars, bouncy flows over a skipping beat that has groove and fresh pockets. Rap is crying for a new sound and ‘Crop’ is a step in the right direction. ”
“I’m loving the influence UK drill is having on music around the world and this record is no exception. ‘Jungle’ is smooth and inviting whilst still having attitude and tempo. Nowo is right the world is a jungle but records like this make it just that little bit easier to navigate. ”
“Jazz is poetry and on ‘The Bush’ HoodyBoi is speaking my language. The record epitomises that jazz is not only not dead but its thriving, fresh and relevant as ever. Glorious chords, subtle vocals paired with infectious grooves. This is the sound of summer 2023.”
“Taken from his new album ‘Some people scream, some people talk’ 05 Honda is a serious head bopper. The groove in this record is infections just as is Wakai’s laid back flow. The chorus is catchy and potent and has us feeling like we’re riding shotgun as Wakai shows us his world. ”
“Chevy just made one to send the clubs up all 2023. This record is effortless but still witty. ”
“I love the use of good imagery to set a scene and convey the world in a tangible way. Ariana Fig uses ‘Cherry Coke’ as a substitute for alcohol and addiction the way those in recovery find a new fixation but these new infatuations rarely fulfill the user in the same way leading to a constant struggle and this song highlights that so well both in the writing and emotive delivery. Fog’s tone is talented but also vulnerable and genuine and you can feel every word. ”
“Alex McArtor has a vocal richness and emotes an emotional depth that lends this track a wisdom beyond her twenty-one years. Which goes to show when artists tap into their inner-self and infuse those emotions that nothing is impossible or off the table regardless of age or circumstances. Written in Laurel Canyon, this is a perfect addition to the rich history of music born from the Southern California hotspot. ”
“The end of a relationship can feel like the death of a loved one and going through the such grief takes time. Often we eventually emerge on the other side stronger and only then can we appreciate what we once had. This track follows that pattern and Caroline Roman’s talent vocals sell the story as much as the artful writing. ‘St George’ is a song with heart, and genuine humanness to its spirit. ”
“This a is stunning debut from a powerful and talented vocalist and musician. Krrysopher is a Romanian superstar in the making. The singer/songwriter was finalist of the tv show Superstar 2021 and this captivating track make same wonder how she did not win. ‘Homesick’ is a track that lands with power and emotion and left me awed by the writing and delivery.”
“Few things in this world are as baffling as love. Todd Binder delivers this track with the rattled passion of a man trying to unravel his heart and find meaning in the world while being totally confused what everything means. ‘Real Love’ will to that to a person.”
“ZZ Ward has the vocal chops to do anything she damn well pleases. Much like P!nk, you never quite know what style you are going to get with a ZZ Ward track and ‘On One’ gives your several in one neat package.
There is high energy Blues, a cutting Rock edge, and a sprinkling of a Pop brand of Hip Hop all within this single song. The energy comes straight at you and the power is evident on every note. And the video is a fun ride as well!”
“Delivered in a classic Indie Pop sound, Holly Wild unleashes ‘Hard To Love,’ a track about struggling to love someone that isn’t as easy to be in a relationship with as perhaps they appear from the outside. The track is a lesson to us all, as we sometimes take things for granted or hold back from the ones who love us the most. Then again sometimes we just have to go with the clues others present and realize they are takers who are never going to give what we need.
This is a track that can be seen both ways and each listen offers something new. A definite add to several of my Spotify playlists. ”
“The soft edges of this track held me close and kept me leaning in as the emotions washed over me. Ships Have Sailed offers a timeless Indie Rock sound that grips the listener with ease. This song was written for the singer’s then unborn daughter and is meant to offer a peaceful bit of advice and guidance that we all can stand to be reminded of from time to time.
’Edge Of An Ocean’ is a great metaphor for life and the different waves and challenges we face. ”
“The melody and build here offer a timeless sound that honestly could come from any of the last three decades. The writing is sharp and the vocals sell the emotion quite well.
Media House is a band that sort of falls between the genre cracks as they have a diverse sound in the two tracks I have heard, This, ‘Car Sales Men’ being my favorite of the two though I will definitely be checking out more of the band’s work as both submissions were quality. Don’t sleep on the lyrical metaphor here that is very cleverly crafted.”
“Americana can be a tough genre to pin down but this track from Diane Gentile and Austin songwriting stalwart, Alejandro Escoveda might very well set the bar for the genre. Poetic and emotional lyrics over a steady heartfelt delivery that hook the listener in every way. ‘Walk with Me’ offers timeless sound and talent with perfectly matched imagery for the video.
The track offers hints of Emmylou and Springsteen with an ode to Dylan on the side.”
“Written for her best friend, ‘For Shaughnessy’ is a tribute to friendship, empathy, and the power of emotional connection. Madisyn Gifford never meant this track to be released but when she shared it with her friend they decided together that this was a song that needed to be shared and heard by others.
The power of friendship is clear and so is the humanity of the writing as well as Gifford’s incredible vocal talent.”
“Edwin Arzu returns after his summer slow burner ‘Vices’ with ‘Stay’, a brooding raw plea to a lover asking the honest question “if the sky falls... would you stay?”. Stay is honest, poetic yet unmistakably grounded, with vocals that feel like an intimate conversation.
Arzu is set to deliver is much anticipated debut project in the fall of this year. Until then, we have stay to soundtrack every late night think session. ”
“WUKASA gives a pure Electro Pop gem with ‘Party People.’ Lyrically the track is swaggering ode to confidence and just stomping forward no matter what ‘s in your way though musically the track’s dream like synths and soft steady rhythm almost belies a false bravo that makes me think the track the narrator of the story is trying to convince themselves as much as anyone else. The duality of that felt brilliant to me as that is how most of our minds work no matter what we display for the world. ”