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Alternative

Martin Packwood narrated a ‘Suburban Story’ with his cinematic instrumental rock panorama of ambience, awe and raw emotion

Posted on 20 January 2025

Martin Packwood’s Standout 2024 single, Suburban Soundscape, paints with sound rather than strokes, proving words aren’t always necessary to articulate raw emotion.

The Birmingham-born composer and instrumentalist, who rediscovered his creative spark after years away from the scene, channelled decades of experience into a dynamic instrumental track that balances nostalgia and innovation with unflinching precision.

The track opens with a pulse of 80s-inspired atmospheric reverb, gently coaxing listeners into its cinematic ambience. Then, angular guitar notes slice through the backdrop of shimmering synths, setting the stage for orchestral strings to swell and stir. Packwood’s love for rock is unmistakable as the guitar tones build with a classic fervour, only to be softened by meditative electronic motifs that tether the record to a state of hypnotic tranquillity.

The arrangement defies the boundaries of rhythm, offering a panoramic experience that shifts between introspection and awe, creating a sonic environment where stillness and movement coexist.

Packwood, who cut his teeth as a teenager playing across Birmingham’s live circuit, clearly honed his craft across genres ranging from heavy rock to jazz. After shelving his guitars to focus on family and career, the COVID lockdown gave him the space to build his own home studio and reconnect with his creative roots. That rekindled passion radiates throughout Suburban Soundscape.

Suburban Story is now available to stream on all major streaming platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Alt-RnB Visionary Isabelle Mettle Reached Her Experimental Zenith with ‘Not Feeling You’

Posted on 19 January 2025

Isabelle Mettle, the 22-year-old producer, songwriter, and vocalist from North London, has built a reputation for her fusionist sonic signature and ability to instil emotion into innovation. Her latest single, Not Feeling You, is a testament to her fearless experimentalism, merging retro-fused soul with glitchy trip-hop textures and neo-soul waves that hit with deliberate force.

The track unfolds like a sonic tug-of-war, capturing the emotional turbulence of feeling out of sync in a relationship you’ve outgrown. Mettle’s harmonised vocals act as an anchor amidst instrumental chaos, her soul-drenched delivery piercing through the unpredictable landscape. It’s a study in contrasts: the complexity of shifting time signatures pairs with jagged turntable scratches to create moments of disarray, while her control and precision tether the track, preventing it from spiralling into complete disorder.

By the time the neo-soul undertones reassert themselves in the mix, the track feels like a fully realised emotional storm — a visceral portrayal of dissatisfaction which aches with evocative weight. Each element of the production seems intentionally misaligned, mimicking the inner confusion of a love gone stale.

With influences rooted in soul, R&B, jazz, and alternative music, Mettle has been refining her craft since her early teens. She describes herself as a producer and songwriter first, with vocals being an extension of her creative process rather than the sole focus.

Not Feeling You was officially released on January 17th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Breaking the Mould: An Interview with r/ginola on Bold Soundscapes and a New L

Posted on 18 January 2025
r/ginola

With an unmistakable knack for pushing boundaries and weaving intensity into every track, r/ginola is a genre-defying artist carving his own path from the unlikely backdrop of Connecticut. Having honed his craft through years of experimentation and evolution, his music is an unapologetic blend of moody cadences, raw emotion, and influences as diverse as shoegaze, nu-metal, and modern trap. In this candid interview, r/ginola opens up about his tumultuous artistic journey, the deeply personal themes behind his forthcoming 8-track LP, and his unrelenting commitment to authenticity in an industry often criticised for its uniformity. From his creative process to his take on vulnerability, this conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist determined to leave a mark.

r/ginola, welcome to A&R Factory! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you and discuss the release of your upcoming LP. Before we get into the music, we’d love to get a better understanding of who you are as an artist. How did you get started and where has your music taken you so far?

I started about 4 years ago as more of a way to vent my feelings and frustrations that I had at the time. I showed friends the stuff I was making during a smoke sesh and they really encouraged me to get in a proper studio and take it seriously. That period was very dark but I’m glad I went through it. It allowed me to fully express things but also find myself as an artist and really made me open to new ideas or sounds.

Fast forward to now, after 3 rebrands in terms of name & genre, and over 100 songs, I feel I’ve really grown as an artist, and I am currently making my best stuff. The old stuff was cool (a lot of it is deleted) but the new stuff is basically a blend of what I was making previously.

What’s the most satisfying/challenging aspect of your craft?

Hmm.. the most satisfying to me is creating songs. I enjoy the writing bit, coming up with different flows and then putting it all together. The most challenging bit is mixing/mastering. I’m not the greatest at it but I normally try to tweak it to how I would like it and how it would sound in my car

Can you describe the unique elements that define your sound?

My sound to me is different from anything you hear currently. It’s hard nowadays for artists to really stand out because there is a lot of copy and paste but with my sound, I worked hard to make it different.

My delivery/cadence is very moody, and I think that comes from my time making shoegaze/nu-metal music. The lyrics are very sexual or aggressive at times, which is basically my usual nature.

What’s the story behind your 8-track release?

Whenever I drop a project, I always try to paint a picture. The picture is created by expressing everything I have dealt with in my life through relationships, friendships and miscellaneous things. This project, in particular, is about me falling in and out of love with an ex. I don’t wanna dive too deep into it, but you get the gist. I should also add that when it comes to the story/lyrics of each song, I leave it up to the listener to interpret it however they see fit.

How would you say the release reflects your identity as an artist?

This release is me. From the lyrics to the story to the energy to the sound, this project embodies everything I set out to be when I initially started.

How do you balance vulnerability and creativity?

When it comes to writing I pretty much lock myself in a certain period of time in my life and remember what it felt like. The more vulnerable I am the better the lyrics I believe. I try to keep it from sounding like I’m whining and keep it very fun so people are able to connect with it better. Sappy love songs just aren’t for me. I like to make mine sick and twisted, very dark at times.

You’ve cited influences ranging from Deftones and Static Dress to Yeat and Young Thug. How do these varied inspirations manifest in your music, and are there any nods to these artists on this record?

Jeez, I could talk about each of these artist for days! And there are loads more, LOADS! But these have been very prominent in my artistry. I’d say Deftones for sure has played the biggest role, Chino Moreno for me is god (I’m glazing heavily and I don’t care haha), I love that guy dearly! From songwriting to singing to energy to just about everything, he heavily influences my music. I love Static Dress for their visuals as well as their sick storylines, Oli is very cool!

Going by the standout single, sssnake, you’re clearly one to push the boundaries of sound design, where did that boldness as an artist come from?

I’ve always been bold. Maybe too bold at times but I like being this way. You can’t be afraid to take risks or try new things, you just gotta go for it and stick with it. Will it get you in trouble sometimes? Sure, but who cares! Be different, enjoy yourself!

How has your location shaped your artistic journey?

Umm I mean I feel like it kind of blessing but also a hindrance. I’m from Connecticut, so not too many people know of the state or where it is. There aren’t many artists or any artists for that matter that have made it out. But I also feel like that’s because everyone is trying to sound like everyone, and since Connecticut is unknown, no one wants to hear their story. They’d rather listen to someone from California, Florida or New York if the story is similar. For me, I’m in my own lane; there is no one making this kind of music here. And I love that!

What does 2025 have in store for you?

We will see together hahah I’m hoping to tick some boxes off the things I’ve been manifesting but I won’t be disappointed if things don’t go as planned. End goal is to just continue putting out great music and enjoy every second of it!

–

Stream r/ginola’s new 2025 LP on SoundCloud now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

lullaby pushed the boundaries of sound design with ‘despairing boy aspiring poet’

Posted on 15 January 2025

For their latest release, the 18-year-old Belgian producer lullaby (Sana) sculpted an immersive 35-minute auditory odyssey which offers a seamless plunge into introspection. despairing boy aspiring poet begins with an ambient trip-hop atmosphere that immediately sets a reflective and transcendent tone; as the release evolves, glitch-wave textures creep in, wrapping around the psyche before the calm is shattered by bass surges that arrive without warning, only to fade just as quickly.

The distorted, autotuned vocals amplify the emotive intensity as they caress the semi-lucid motifs that dominate the record which isn’t content to sit comfortably in one genre; evidenced by the post-hardcore instrumentals which disrupt the ambience, only to give way once more to sublime serenity.

Drawing inspiration from ambient music’s emotional depth and the raw energy of dubstep, lullaby juxtaposes atmospheric textures with evocative melodies, crafting tracks that resonate both cerebrally and viscerally. Their self-taught production skills are wholly exhibited as they push the boundaries of sound design, orchestrating contrasting textures into a wholly unique sonic identity.

With curveball after curveball, lullaby ensures the audience is never static, constantly shifting between serenity and chaos.

Stream despairing boy aspiring poet on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lauren Ash – Whiplash: A Relentless Assault of Punk Rock Ferocity

Posted on 15 January 2025

Lauren Ash’s transition from award-winning actress to punk rock powerhouse proves she’s more than adept at commanding the spotlight in any arena. With her latest single, Whiplash, Ash and her band crank the scuzz to its absolute peak, delivering a relentless assault of punk rock ferocity. The track combines riotous pop-punk hooks with the unrelenting pulse of pure rock energy, creating an anthemic, adrenaline-spiked experience.

Known for her sharp comedic timing in roles such as Dina Fox in Superstore and Scorpia in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Ash channels a new kind of intensity in Whiplash, shredding through punk conventions with unapologetic grit. Her raw vocal delivery pairs perfectly with a blistering arrangement of riffs and percussion that lands like a gut punch and resonates long after the track ends.

Since stepping into the music scene in 2023, Ash has made a monumental impact. Her debut single, Now I Know, hit #1 on the Canadian iTunes Rock Chart and climbed to #5 on the Billboard Alternative Digital Song Sales chart. Following a string of high-profile performances, including sets at Los Angeles’ iconic Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room, Ash is gearing up to release her debut album in 2025.

Whiplash was officially released on January 13th; stream the single on Spotify now and discover more ways to connect with Lauren Ash via her website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Pampoo sang the gospel of gratitude in ‘Simple Days’

Posted on 14 January 2025

Pampoo’s seminal release, ‘Simple Days’, filters contentment through honeyed R&B harmonies, allowing euphoria to rise on rhythmic waves and cascade into soul crooning that gently yields to gospel-esque lyrical sermons. It’s the kind of track that doesn’t just feel good; it creates a comforting refuge from hectic modernity. Their message is simple—if you’re content with your lot in life, you’re on the only rich list that really matters.

This collaboration began as a spark of friendship between longtime confidants Jim Vincent and Chris Blatherwick, who reignited their creative synergy by swapping musical snippets between Albany, NY and Connecticut. When they drew producer and old friend Ted Swan back into the fold, they brought new textures to their sound. Balancing alternative rock, folk, Americana, hip-hop, and R&B influences, they shape something that transcends standard genre boundaries.

Within ‘Simple Days’, mindfully motivational rap verses brush shoulders with youthful backing vocals that lift innocence into the spotlight. This evolving embodiment of soul helps you see the beauty in your day-to-day existence, reminding you that even the quiet moments hold their own warmth.

Pampoo knows precisely how to let soundscapes shimmer with authenticity. ‘Simple Days’ isn’t a disposable good-vibes anthem; it’s a euphonic act of enlightenment that encourages you to find wealth in life’s simplest corners. With an EP in the making, there’s plenty more sonic serotonin to come from Pampoo.

Simple Days will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, from January 14th; find your preferred way to listen and connect with the artist via their official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dreams of Zephyrus synthesised the chill of disconnection with their alt indietronica release, Stone Cold

Posted on 13 January 2025

With their latest single, Stone Cold, the indie experimentalist Dreams of Zephyrus tore down genre confines until there was nothing left but rubble and an opportunity to explore a brand-new intersection of ethereal indietronica.

With wavy indie dream pop textures building around the vocal lines that reach out like a melancholic clarion call atop the saturated-in-effects polyphonic keys and interstellar motifs, Stone Cold is firmly rooted in Avant-Garde territory while simultaneously reaching out to listeners with the affecting songwriting and lyrical delivery style of Phoebe Bridgers and Angel Olsen.

The juxtaposition between the playfully warm instrumental layers, which seem to suspend you in the animation of the melodies, and the piercing ache of the harmonies reaches the epitome of haunting. Exploring the heart-wrenching experience of feeling someone withdraw affection and feeling the temperature drop, the single builds a sanctuary for anyone looking to steal back some affection into their soul.

Stone Cold was officially released on January 9th; stream the single on all major platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Elevated Focusion: Channeling Two Decades of Motif Mastery into ‘An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif’

Posted on 12 January 2025

Elevated Focusion has always had a knack for turning personal moments into musical odysseys, and their latest venture proves it once again. In this interview, we step into their world of mesmerising motifs and rediscovered treasures. The backbone of this LP, An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif, dates back to 2001–2004, a time when a Yamaha Motif Classic keyboard was central to the creative spark. Fast-forward two decades, and these tracks find fresh purpose in 2025, offering a glimpse into the old-meets-new synergy that fuels Elevated Focusion’s style. From the subtle jazz infusions to the nostalgic Nintendo echoes, their willingness to experiment breathes new life into these long-lost compositions.

Elevated Focusion, thanks for catching up with us to discuss the launch of your LP, An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif. With the tracks being made in 2001 – 2004, the project has been two decades in the making; what inspired you to release the collection of tracks in 2025? 

The studio I mix my music in has an old Motif. So while mixing my 3rd album, I have been taking all my old music from my memory cards. I already released the album ‘Elevated Focusion’ under the name Jonny Rythmns.  I would say that album was 20 years in the making.  This was probably 5 minutes in the making…lol.

I am an impulsive artist and in the moment it seemed like it could be cool to do something with some of the mixed music from my old memory cards.

All the tracks were brought to life on a Yamaha Motif Classic keyboard; how did the instrument influence the creative process behind these tracks?

I bought this keyboard when I was 19 years old.  With the Motif, I used to play a lot more piano.  A lot of my songs would have piano in some way or another.  Which is funny, because I never use piano at all anymore.  So it really is like two completely different artists.

Do you feel its specific sound shaped the emotional atmosphere of the collection?

I love Jazz and 90s Nintendo music.  At that time, I really wanted to be a jazz artist, but I just didn’t have the technical skills to do it.  I was trying to make jazz, but it just ended up being whatever the hell it was…lol

I only ever had an original Nintendo and it was functional for a long time.  So, I guess subliminally, I always had Nintendo on my mind. So Nintendo “wanna be” Jazz was my thing I guess.

What was the process of professionally mixing these songs like, and how did it transform the original tracks?

I honestly did the bare minimum on these songs except for the last song.  I put a little time into that one because I wanted to see where the engineer could bring it.

I wasn’t planning on releasing these songs.  I just was doing the bare minimum to get them ready for possible use in TV & Film.

I mixed the song that is the final song on the album last week. I really wanted to do something with it.  So, I decided to put together an LP with my favorites of the songs I recently mixed.

Since creating this collection, what do you feel are the most noticeable ways you’ve evolved as a musician and composer?

I definitely feel like technology has made it easier to develop a song and collaborate with other artists.  My music was a lot more introspective back then.  I was just stuck in my own head.  I have a lot more life experience now.  It is a lot easier for me now to step away from my music and try to create from a third-person point of view.

Were there any specific life events or personal moments during 2001–2004 that particularly influenced the themes or emotions of these songs?

There is no doubt about it, that it was a difficult time in my life.  To be honest, I don’t really remember it. Those memory cards are really all I have.

I always want to create an experience with each release.  It sounds crazy, but this release really isn’t personal.  I wanted to create an immersive experience of what memories I took from those old memory cards.

Is there a particular track in this collection that holds the most personal significance to you?

I would definitely say the final track.  It was my attempt to create a symphony just using that keyboard.  I recorded each sound on its own track and filled up the 16 tracks on the keyboard.  It was really difficult to do at the time.

Now with having Logic Pro, all the things that were impossible on the Motif are now extremely easy.  But I am still really proud of that track for what it is.

How do you hope this collection connects with listeners, especially those who might not have experienced your earlier music?

This is an invitation to an intimate moment.  It is almost like sharing memories.  Most of my old music is poorly mixed.  These songs are professionally mixed.  So maybe someone would give this a chance, where they normally couldn’t get into my old music.

What’s next for Elevated Focusion? 

I am working on the mixing for my 3rd album which I hope to release by Fall 2025.  It is a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to sharing it.  Where ‘Dark Nights’ focused on dark themes, this is a lot lighter.

I honestly love doing this.  I am already working on my 4th album.  Each album will always have its own vibe, and I will always try to challenge myself to do something fresh.

–

Listen to An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif on SoundCloud now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Lena Lovelace – Nameless: an otherworldly lullaby of gothic grandeur

Posted on 11 January 2025

The hauntingly ethereal installation of Avant-Garde aural cinema, Nameless, from alternative artist Lena Lovelace resonates with a gothic baroque atmosphere that cradles her Soprano arcane harbingering vocals. As she paints a sci-fi vignette of an alien which appears to eight people in different guises, listeners are compelled to acknowledge how no one appears in the same form to two people; we’re all alien abstractions attempting to cultivate a sense of familiarity in each new connection. Against the unsettling backdrop, Lovelace remains a fearlessly unique artist whose messages challenge you to perceive reality from new angles.

The Cambridgeshire-hailing, Norwich-based artist has been writing and recording for over a decade. Her sound—shaped by an indie/alternative vibe reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Sister—often draws on the traits of fictional characters that stir her imagination. This latest track was inspired by a dream in which an alien landed on Earth and fell in love with eight people.

The result is an otherworldly lullaby of gothic grandeur that soars above ordinary parameters, offering a glimpse into Lovelace’s dedication to forging new aural paths and ensuring no listener leaves without a shift in perspective.

Nameless was officially released on November 2nd and is now available to stream on all major platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

LA’s GiNN 諸葛靖 dropped a darkly debauched dancefloor-scorching electrohop anthem with his mindfully mantric hit, //MHM//

Posted on 10 January 2025

LA’s GiNN 諸葛靖 is back with a swagger-soaked, unapologetically bold new single, //MHM//, dropping on 10th January. It’s a jet-black, body-moving juggernaut that hammers home his mission to bridge cultures and tear through genre boundaries in one fell swoop. The track bristles with a sense of unrestrained hedonism, but there’s an empowering undercurrent too, as GiNN commands us to trust our instincts and slam the door on timid self-doubt.

Charged with grit and fuelled by a pulsing bassline, //MHM// is precisely the kind of track that carves its own niche in Electrohop. As soon as the thundering beat kicks in, it’s clear GiNN has taken care to ensure every element lands like a knockout punch.

Recorded in Chengdu, Sichuan, and spearheaded by GiNN as Executive Producer, Composer, and Lyricist, the single joins a litany of cross-continental influences that shape his bilingual style. He’s deftly woven Mandarin and English hooks into a propulsive arrangement that feels underground-ready and crafted for the main stage.

With creative support from Otomic on arrangement and audio engineering, //MHM// simmers with dark tension before bursting into a thunderous assault of bass. GiNN’s low-slung vocals add an air of edgy mystique; there’s no mistaking his raw self-assurance as he urges listeners to own their choices. Lyrically, it holds true to the mantric backbone, turning a simple “mhm” into a resolute statement of intent.

GiNN’s commitment to celebrating his Han-American roots remains a vital part of his artistic identity. He’s proven he can hold sway both online—racking up more than 50K followers on 抖音—and on monumental stages like 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festival in Guangzhou.

//MHM// will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, from January 10th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast