Something I love about music, is that everybody has experienced it. It’s totally unlike other art forms in that sense. You’ll find it everywhere from commercials, to elevators, to being on hold with customer support. Everywhere you look there’s music. Since everyone ends up exposed to it so frequently, they have passionate opinions. How many times have you heard someone say they HATE a certain song? Although I doubt the artist sat down to make a song that people hate, it still causes intense emotion which I think is pretty neat.
I find myself hunting for music that makes you feel something. What it is you feel isn’t as important as just feeling in general. This week, I think every song will make you feel something. Maybe you’ll like it, maybe you won’t; but there’s only one way to find out.
Bay Bryan » Let Go
The light almost bouncy energy of ‘Let Go’ is enchanting.
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‘Let Go’, the follow-up to Bay Bryan’s debut is light and easygoing. I love the smooth shuffle feel and the jazzy instrumental was perfect for Bryan’s effervescent voice. I loved how uplifting everything was without sacrificing the poetic nature of the lyrics. Easily pushed along by the versatile percussion, there was always something to hold your attention. Sometimes, light and quiet pops – while at others a huge splashy drum kit. No matter what was happening behind the melody it felt perfect for the atmosphere and supported the vocals incredibly well. Melding so many different unique voices was simply beautiful. Another phenomenal release by Bay Bryan.
Make sure to connect with Bay Bryan on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
EMBLM » Something To Believe In
Injecting hope into sadness isn’t always easy, but EMBLM pulls it off on their gorgeous new song, ‘Something To Believe In’
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Based out of the UK, EMBLM wrote ‘Something To Believe In’ during the January/February 2021 lockdowns. After seeing the music industry decimated, it left feelings of dejectedness. Still, there’s hope. Modern production defined the almost chillwave sound. From the after-effects on the vocals to lovely piano riffs, everything sounded relaxed. Atmospheric vocals suited the instrumental and helped the cool energy. Ambient synths would fade in and out, thickening the texture and giving EMBLM the foundation to soar overtop. Capturing these complicated emotions is what made ‘Something To Believe In’ impressive and memorable.
Make sure to connect with EMBLM on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Ghosts Of Our Former Selves » Sea Of People
Listening to ‘Sea Of People’ is an experience, guaranteed to make you feel something.
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‘Sea Of People’ is best described as an epic of a song. Much as the Odyssey is full of complicated themes, ‘Sea Of People’ manages to capture a myriad of different emotions and grooves. Released as the lead single off their new album by the same name, it kicks ass. Funky bass riffs pair well with catchy lyrics and everything else going on. It was modern, yet nostalgic. The versatile rhythm section adapts to the catchy melodic lines, giving every voice a chance to shine. ‘Sea Of People’ along with the whole album are an absolute joy to listen to.
Make sure to connect with Ghosts Of Our Former Selves on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Lorensa » Strangers Instead
‘Strangers Instead’ sheds light on the weird transition from lovers to strangers
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‘Strangers Instead’ touches on the strange cycle of love. Literal strangers to best friends, and right back to strangers. It’s never an easy transition because it hardly makes sense. Despite this, LA-based Lorensa captures the whiplash you feel after a breakup. Powerful vocals drive the song, while intimate lyrics drive the point home. I loved how much energy the drums and bass added. The rolling hi-hats complimented Lorensa’s bouncy chorus’. Everything was said in an approachable, catchy way too. It helped keep ‘Strangers Instead’ feeling light regardless of the melancholy theme. These complex emotions set to the modern production kept the song stuck in my head all day.
Make sure to connect with Lorensa on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Lucy Dreams » Silver Lines
Lucy Dreams bend the definition of pop music on their cool new solo, ‘Silver Lines’
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Throbbing bass lines support intimate vocals on Lucy Dreams new release ‘Silver Lines’. Synth pads give ambient dark energy, that fits the mood to a T. Cool, unique production gives the song an almost futuristic soundscape. Heavy after-effects on the vocals fit the mood and further that feeling. One of my favorite parts was how everything locked together through the chorus. The lyrics were interesting and furthered the vibe, while the instrumental expanded and evolved. At times leaning into the pop elements, at others leaning far into the electronics. Throughout the genre-bending, ‘Silver Lines’ was groovy and unlike anything else I’ve heard before.
Make sure to connect with Lucy Dreams on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
Tekla Waterfield » New Skies
Delicacy meets calm beauty on ‘New Skies’
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Warm vocals floated over easy-going strings on Tekla Waterfield’s release, ‘New Skies’. The namesake song of her newly released album, it manages to be pretty and intricate with ease. Each voice worked together, taking the spotlight only when necessary. I loved how playful the instrumental was, it gave a chance for the vocals to shine. Long backing vocals added chordal depth and enhanced the whole experience. Waterfield’s vocals were beautiful over the thin texture. Walking strings seemed to dance in the background, while the melody drifted along going wherever it pleased. One of my favorite parts was how easy ‘New Skies’ was to listen to.
Make sure to connect with Tekla Waterfield on Facebook » Instagram
Tyler Conroy » did you get better?
Tyler Conroy’s heartfelt wishes leave ‘did you get better?’ sounding gorgeous and personable
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Although the lyrics are tinted with sadness, there’s an air of hope throughout. Tyler Conroy’s vocals were easy going and sang of wishing the best for an ex. Instead of keeping tabs on them, this rhetoric captures all the best wishes while keeping a healthy distance. Not only was the song beautiful, but I also loved the vulnerability Conroy showed. It was intimate and offers a glimpse into the complex emotions of losing a loved one. You never stop wishing the best for someone you truly care about, but sometimes the best choice is to go your separate ways as strangers.
Make sure to connect with Tyler Conroy on Facebook » Instagram » Twitter
