Browsing Tag

Pop Singer Songwriter

Skinny G Radio lingers on the precipice of chaos in his augmented alt-pop power ballad, As I Look Around

Posted on 24 April 2024

Skinny G Radio’s latest single, As I Look Around, is an audacious expression of alt-pop artistry that captures Geoffrey Lussier at his most uninhibited. As a Connecticut native with a diverse musical pedigree, influenced by the likes of Billy Joel and John Mayer and seasoned through an apprenticeship in Los Angeles, Lussier’s craft as Skinny G Radio fuses insightful songwriting with an eclectic production style reminiscent of Mark Ronson and Jon Bellion.

As I Look Around is a rock-licked, electronica-augmented piano pop power ballad that dances on the edge of chaos and control. This track encapsulates the turbulence of its themes—insanity and the loss of control—in a way that resonates deeply in our unpredictable era. Yet, it’s the song’s masterful balance of explosive energy and restraint that defines its character. With dynamic shifts that travel from the guitar-driven grit of 70s rock through the polyphonic glow of 80s pop, to the ornate orchestral layers, the song creates a rich, ever-evolving soundscape.

This single not only highlights Lussier’s ability to channel broad musical influences into a seamlessly alchemic sound but also his skill in creating a palpable connection through layered, complex compositions. As I Look Around is a compelling herald for his upcoming album, promising more explorative leaps into the potent emotions and reflections of contemporary life. It’s an invitation to experience the maddening times with a sense of infectious zeal and an anthem for those drawn to the artful edge of alt-pop innovation.

As I Look Around was officially released on April 16th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Hannah Johnson pioneered a new path through 90s nostalgia-wrapped alt-pop with her sophomore release, Mine

Posted on 22 April 2024

Hannah Johnson’s sophomore hit ‘Mine‘ blew all expectations out of the water following her 2023 debut, ‘Slow Motion‘. Mine is a kaleidoscope of sound that catapults listeners into the past and the promising future of pop music. The masterclass in genre fusion blends the rhythmic bounce of funk, the raw edge of pop-punk, and the lush textures of R&B into a compelling pop synthesis.

From the outset, ‘Mine’ pulses with a life of its own, driven by Johnson’s rich vibrato that dances over layers of funky guitar riffs and a solid dance-y backbeat. The production, with its lo-fi charm, accentuates the authenticity of her musical exploration, allowing her distinctive voice to guide the narrative through this densely woven sonic landscape.

Johnson’s journey from the quiet suburbs of Coppell, Texas, to an emerging pop sensation is reflected in her music’s ambitious reach. With her roots in diverse musical disciplines, from drum beats to lyrical piano melodies, Johnson channels this extensive background into a sound that recontextualises the sonic past and builds the future of pop.

With ‘Mine’, she not only secures her spot as a trailblazer in the pop genre but also invites her growing audience of nearly 30,000 monthly Spotify listeners to join her in a vibrant exploration of musical boundaries. This single is less a step and more a stride towards the zenith of pop charts, promising that Hannah Johnson’s trajectory in the music world will be as intriguing as the melodies she creates.

Mine was officially released on March 15th; stream the single on Spotify.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Make a Date with Cliff Lynch’s Soul-Wrapped Pop Hit, Sex on the Weekend

Posted on 6 April 2024

Cliff Lynch, emerging from his boyband roots with Roman Road, has crafted a pop anthem that is brimming with the exoticism of sonic seduction and offers a refreshing departure from the assimilative new wave pop trend currently saturating the UK indie scene with his latest single, Sex on the Weekend.

Hit play and get into tune with the 90s boyband-esque harmonies and colourfully moody melodies which complement Lynch’s distinctively bold approach to pop, which is charting his own path through a genre often mired in superficiality. Fuck baseless earworms when you can discover soul-stirring experiences which showcase artist’s commitment to depth and authenticity, which is exactly what you get with Sex on the Weekend.

The single explores lust-fuelled emotional themes, yet nothing about it feels salacious. Instead, Cliff Lynch delivers an intimately vulnerable testament to lyrical candour. The Latin guitar grooves and solid backbeat create a backdrop that is both sensual and sincere. This track is a challenge to every lothario who believes hook-up culture needs to lack soul.

Born in South London and influenced by icons like Queen, Michael Jackson, and Justin Timberlake, Lynch’s solo material takes a mature, singer/songwriter approach, blending rock, R&B, and beloved pop elements. ‘Sex on the Weekend’ is a testament to his evolution as an artist, from his early days with Cloud 9 and Roman Road to his current solo endeavours.

As Lynch gears up for his debut EP release in 2024, ‘Sex on the Weekend’ stands as a compelling preview of what’s to come. It’s a track that will leave listeners hot under the collar, not just for its sensual themes, but for its heartfelt honesty and the undeniable talent of Cliff Lynch as a solo artist in the pop domain.

Stream Sex on the Weekend on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Pop plunged to new emotional depths with Bekah Wilbourn’s debut single, Go Numb

Posted on 26 March 2024

Bekah Wilbourn’s ‘Go Numb‘ envelops you in a world where vulnerability meets a sonic revolution. This debut single from the El Paso native is a journey through the heartstrings, plucked and resonated in a symphony of emotion and sound.

The track begins with gentle guitar strings laying the foundation, upon which Wilbourn’s vocals weave a narrative of emotional rawness. As the production escalates, the listener is drawn into a rhythmic stupor, a blend of moodily turbulent synthetics and a compelling backbeat that commands attention.

As the song progresses, Wilbourn introduces chamber pop orchestral layers, amplifying the emotional resonance, and elevating the track to an almost cinematic scope. The interplay of 90s pop influences with forward-thinking sonic elements ensures that ‘Go Numb’ resonates with a sense of familiarity, yet ventures boldly into uncharted territories.

Lyrically, ‘Go Numb’ is a poignant reflection on the all-too-human desire to retreat into numbness when vulnerability becomes a battleground. Wilbourn captures this sentiment with raw honesty, offering a mirror to our own experiences of emotional turmoil.

Bekah Wilbourn, with ‘Go Numb’, carved her own niche with a blend of introspection, innovation, and undeniable musical prowess. This single is a bold statement of intent from an artist unafraid to bare her soul and push the boundaries of pop music.

Go Numb was officially released on March 15; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jenna Louise started a riot of affectionate fervour in her pop-rock hit, You’re Still the One

Posted on 19 March 2024

Harmonising in the middle ground between Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne and Paramore, Jenna Louise’s latest fire-branded pop-punk anthem, You’re Still the One, is a riot of affectionate fervour, which proves that few people love harder or are as uninhibited with their candour as the UK-based singer-songwriter.

Released ahead of her debut LP, My Journey, which had been five years in the making before its launch on March 4th, You’re Still the One is the perfect introduction to Jenna Louise’s hook-rife sonic signature that will be scribing through your mind for long after the high-octane hit has faded to a close following the augmented magnetic energy that she keeps a tight rhythmic leash on throughout the production.

The Springsteen-esque riffs that frequently decorate the track with rock-licked euphoria tie the earworm together and bring even more power to the release which reveres romantic connections that prove even after you’ve weathered storms and hit the rocks, passion doesn’t need to falter.

You’re Still the One is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mia Laren is on rhythmic fire in her latest self-produced pop hit, Woman Like Me

Posted on 16 March 2024

Mia Laren’s latest single, ‘Woman Like Me‘, is a masterclass in contemporary pop production, interweaving nostalgia with a fresh, electrifying approach. The guitar tones shimmer with a transcendental quality, while the basslines run as hot and heavy as the empowered lyrics. The anthem of self-worth and confidence is a striking testament to her burgeoning prowess in the pop music sphere.

Hailing from Baltimore and now based in San Diego, Laren, a singer, songwriter, producer, and professional dancer, infuses her music with the rhythm and expression of her dance background. This is vividly apparent in ‘Woman Like Me’, where she combines sharp rhythmic beats and sultrily magnetic vocal lines which hark back to Shakira’s ‘Whenever, Whenever’ while exhibiting her ability to create aural auras which reflect her lyrical themes. Coupled with her impressive octave range, which borders on the celestial, Laren is undoubtedly on the cusp of becoming a significant name in the pop genre.

‘Woman Like Me’ is a reflection of her belief that music is the connection to the soul. It’s a track that not only awakens the rhythmic pulses but also invites you to connect with its deeper message. The track is the perfect opportunity to align your actions with your worth.

The official music video for Woman Like Me was officially released on March 6th; you won’t want to miss the conceptually fire gender fuckery Laren uses to prove her worth and inspire other women to find their own.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sam Phillips serenaded urban desolation into melody with his seminal pop single, In the City

Posted on 14 March 2024

Sam Phillips, a 21-year-old Nashville-based talent, has struck a resonant chord with his debut LP, ‘Hide ‘n Seek’, particularly with the single ‘In the City‘. This track stands out as a testament to his burgeoning artistry, showcasing a maturity that seems far beyond his years and harmonies so light they defy gravity in the predominantly acoustic number.

It’s a song that cuts to the core of the emotional themes explored while demonstrating that there’s immense power in simplicity when delivered with authenticity and profound understanding.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of moving into the city, a journey from comfort to regret. Phillips taps into a universal sentiment, especially poignant in today’s world of widespread isolation. The bustling metropolis, often seen as a place of connection, is instead portrayed as a landscape of solitude. This theme will undoubtedly resonate with many, echoing the feelings of disconnection prevalent in our times.

Artistically, ‘In the City’ is both sublime and mellow, using its sonic narratives to great effect. The electric guitar solo towards the outro is particularly striking, cutting through the synthetic backdrop which symbolises a turbulent disconnection from sanctity.

For fans of pop looking for a track that combines lyrical depth with melodic beauty, ‘In the City’ is a must-add to your playlist. It’s a song that not only entertains but also invites reflection, making Sam Phillips an artist to watch in the contemporary music scene.

Sam Phillips’ LP, Hide ‘n Seek, was officially released on February 16; stream the album on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ZERONIRVANA unleashed the alt-pop debut of the year with her arcanely affecting triumph, Lucid Drama

Posted on 13 March 2024

The orchestral alt-pop priestess, ZERONIRVANA has made her affectingly arcane debut with her single, Lucid Drama. The striking statement of artistic identity from the Bangalore-born, Boston-based artist defies the conventional boundaries of alt-pop.

The track opens with a haunting piano melody, each minor key striking a chord of introspective depth. The orchestral strings, sharp and poignant, weave through the layers of turbulent electronica, crafting a soundscape that cuts to the core of the melancholic themes explored. It’s in this complex musical terrain that ZERONIRVANA’s voice finds its home – a voice that carries the weight of classical training yet resonates with the relatable essence of a modern pop icon.

Lyrically, ‘Lucid Drama’ is a poignant exploration of resilience in the face of relational adversity. ZERONIRVANA navigates the nuances of emotional strength and vulnerability with a deft hand, her words offering both a mirror and a map for listeners grappling with similar struggles. The song becomes a beacon of empowerment, encouraging a steadfast hold on one’s ground amidst the tempests of life.

ZERONIRVANA’s artistic vision, as showcased in ‘Lucid Drama’, transcends mere musical performance. Her commitment to creating a therapeutic, almost theatrical experience for her audience is palpable. This track is a journey through the avenues of mental health and personal growth, set against a backdrop of captivating visuals and storytelling that ZERONIRVANA masterfully curates across her digital platforms.

In ‘Lucid Drama’, ZERONIRVANA doesn’t just launch her career; she invites us into a world where music is a catalyst for self-discovery and empowerment.

Lucid Drama was officially released on February 18th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Molly Warburton is Pop Panache Perfection in ‘Overdrive’

Posted on 9 March 2024

Molly Warburton’s latest single, ‘Overdrive‘, is permission to break free from life’s relentless rhythm and sink into a melody that floods into the soul. The alt-electro-pop manifesto will liberate anyone who knows how it feels to be at the mercy of the frenetic pace of modernity, the crucifixions of insecurity and the trappings of romantic complexity.

It is a bold step in Warburton’s evolving discography through its defiance of pop convention; Overdrive draws inspiration from the likes of HAIM, Dagny, and Self Esteem, allowing Warburton to weave a rich sonic fabric that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. The song is a masterful blend of 80s synthpop and 90s dance-pop, infused with innovative vocal effects and harmonic layering that set a new standard in vocal dynamism.

The track’s production is a testament to Warburton’s inventive approach to piercing through the plastic pop veil. The lyrics and melodies intertwine to create a poignantly exhilarating anthem, serving as a powerful reminder to step back and gain perspective on life’s journey.

Having already made her mark on renowned playlists and festival stages, the UK-based singer-songwriter is on a sure-fire trajectory to the top. Be a part of her ascent and hit play.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lauren Kidd highlighted the obscurity of modern romanticism in her infectious pop hit, Conversations with Strangers

Posted on 29 February 2024

If any up-and-coming pop artist has what it takes to become the voice of her generation, it is the self-taught Queens, NY-hailing luminary Lauren Kidd with her Conversations with Strangers EP.

The title track begins with a raw, bedroom indie pop prelude before blossoming into an infectious electro-pop earworm with a backbeat that rhythmically compels you to lean in and surrender to the tempo of the anthem. The transition is seamless, showcasing Kidd’s knack for blending intimate storytelling with a broader, more universal pop appeal.

The song’s upbeat tempo belies its deeper exploration of the risks we take in our interactions with strangers, trusting them with our most vulnerable selves. Kidd navigates this paradox with a deft touch, maintaining an energy reminiscent of a Taylor Swift hit, yet layered with a complexity that is uniquely her own.

Whether or not she intended the track to radically transform the way you perceive the danger-fraught trappings of romanticism, she achieved it. It is no surprise that so many pop fans are glued to her playlist staples.

With melodies that inch their way into your psyche and refuse to leave, her personality-infused harmonies and the clear songwriting stripes stretched through the progressions, Lauren Kidd is a triple threat in the music industry.

The Conversations with Strangers EP was officially released on February 23; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast