“Fire Rising” kicks off the debut self-titled EP by Laroie with a flashy, synth-laden, electro pop song about the anticipation of a lover’s quarrel. We were drawn to the song by the dichotomy between the subtle vocal inflections and the parallel production.
Neo-soul
Why We Like It: Talya Amira’s “Float”
The lost element of love songs is that “what the heck” feeling, according to Talya Amira. Her new single “Float” encapsulates the chaos of romance alongside the elation of soaring. Sure, being swept off your feet is exhilarating, but it’s also nerve wracking.
Why We Like It: Lou Berry’s “Dreamers” Ft. Gracy Hopkins & LYNN
“Dreamers” is an intense experience. Lou Berry crafted a dreamy landscape for vocalists Gracy Hopkins and LYNN to escape into. The blend of soul and rap gives the landscape a textured feel, the details are constantly evolving.
Why We Like It: Milla Thyme’s “Heaven Looks Like” Ft. Wayne Tennant
The gospel inspired “Heaven Looks Like” visualizes the afterlife as gathering around the table with beloved friends and family. Milla Thyme raps about finding heaven on Earth among the people who mean the most to us.
Why We Like It: Mark Ferg’s “Dedication”
Songs like “Dedication” are rare peaceful moments that can compel us through the turbulence. Mark Ferg says “the best way for me to contribute to what’s going on right now in the world is to reflect and document it through my art.”
Why We Like It: Sean Cleleand’s “Sleepless”
Ever wonder what it sounds like to dream with your eyes open? Sean Cleland imagined “Sleepless” to be the sound of laying awake in isolation of the late night. His mind wanders through a waking dreamland of funk and soul rhythms.
Finding WORTH in the Journey: STORRY’s Interlude-19
Toronto singer Storry details her journey of finding what her life means to her and how she moves forward in the midst of limbo, reflecting on her past to better understand her present.
Why We Like It: Abigail Sernal’s “Space”
The production drizzles gently into the track. “Space” hits with R&B styled rhythms and grooves that include a glittery piano, warm baselines, and crispy smooth drums. Sernal croons with a voice as light as a summer breeze as she reflects on what’s led her to needing space.
Why We Like It: Emma Volard’s “Femininity”
On “Femininity” Emma Volard welcomes her womanly nature in the form of a song that sounds like a spell summoning her femininity in all its greatness. The single pushes into neo-soul soundscapes with dynamic production that ranges from smoothly drifting to tensely climbing.
Why We Like It: Pink Matter’s “You’ll Never Know”
Sometimes strictly off a few notes of an intro you know you have to listen more intently to a new song. Pink Matter’s latest single “You’ll Never Know” is unquestionably one of those jams. The sharp melodic high pitched piano chords strike such a specific nerve right out of the gate.
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