We have put together a list of songs that have stood out in January for a plethora of reasons. Please take the time to invest and immerse yourself in them:
Sophia Bel: Don’t Forget
You will always experience saturation in many niches and styles of music, but there is always that magic spot that sets someone apart. Montreal’s Sophia Bel has hit the sweet spot melodically with her latest single ‘Don’t Forget’. She manages to infuse a heart-stopping amount of nostalgia into her delivery and she shines as a new songwriter to follow.
Mallrats: Groceries
The Australian outfit has created a sweet, kaleidoscopic pop jewel layered with simple, yet plush melodies. There is so much to identify with in this song and that’s where its beauty shines. It will identify those heartbreak and “heart make” moments as part of your adolescence – no matter how old you are.
Rachel K Collier: Dinosaur
It’s fair to say that we have become somewhat obsessed with the Welsh producer. She deserves a pivotal platform and stage amongst peers and continues to be one of the most inspiring electro-pop artists to emerge in recent years. ‘Dinosaur’ adds to a catalog of faultless creativity from her and I am desperate for the day I see her live.
Eliss May: Water Lilies
There’s something deeply unsettling, yet gratifying about May’s latest sonnet. The Danish songwriter’s vocal alone is packed with character and when combined with electronic nuances manages to show something deeply refreshing. Compositionally stark, this will spur your imagination and leave you feeling invigorated.
J.R.: Be My Man
You always crave and need something to keep your preferred style of music interesting. Alternative and indie rock is my go to and in an age where we have the generic and uninspiring, J.R. has punched a hole in my heart. She sets off melodic fireworks and dynamic explosions in her latest release. This is a saviour in a field of wilting flowers.
George Ogilvie: Grave
The Brighton-based singer-songwriter continues to show unabashed honesty in his songwriting and performance. This is a visceral listening experience and its production, arrangement, and delivery match those at the top of their game. If this is what Ogilvie is producing now, I find it impossible to imagine where he will be in the next 5-10 years.
Press Club: Get Better
There’s a buzz about Press Club. I don’t mean a flutter that goes away, a meer bleet from the likes of NME, but a real rumbling. They have a power and confidence that sets them apart from so many other indie rock bands and without them on the current alternative plain, it would be a very boring place.
Airplane Man: Borderline
The new wave outfit still remains one of the most mysterious groups to date. Their impeccable output has continued to restore my faith in music and with production skills comparable to long-established artists it comes as no surprise that various rumours have circulated about their identity. This is the stuff of magic.
Joe Connor Little: Ordinary
One of the biggest compliments in music or indeed to a musician is when a song, a lyric or a line reminds you of those closest to you. ‘Ordinary’ is an extraordinary delivery of emotion, pain, love and completeness. Hope sometimes fades when you are looking for something newfangles in music, but as a singer-songwriter, Little sets himself apart.
Winona Oak: He Don’t Love Me
A deliciously rich production, this stands heads and shoulders above its peers using the same production style. Thanks to a compelling vocal and accurate lyrical interpretation of heartbreak, this exudes class. Pop culture is grateful once again for another shining light.
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