Australia’s own Groovy Daughter captivates with a bassline later echoed in vocalized “da da dums” that stay in your head over many days post first listen. It’s fitting that a song about the artist drowning out criticism can so easily occupy your own headspace.
Neo-soul
Why We Like It: KIRBY’s “Superpower” Ft. D Smoke
On the affirming “Superpower,” KIRBY and D Smoke make for a dynamic duo. KIRBY’s dreamy melodies and D Smoke’s concise bars give the song an empowering sense of leadership.
Why We Like It: Thythy’s “Free As A Bird”
Freedom in simplicity. With just a guitar and some subtle vocal layering, Thythy grows wings on “Free As a Bird.” The minimalistic touch closes the gap between singer and listener making the experience intimate and refreshing.
Why We Like It: Voice Monet’s “Dynamite 2.0”
On “Dynamite 2.0,” Voice Monet struggles to find the words that will bring serenity to her relationship, lamenting her inability to communicate. Her sing-song flow makes use of neo-soul sensibilities with hip hop bounce.
Why We Like It: Noha Saré’s “Talk To Me”
In a spirited debut, Noha Saré dramatically cuts through the crowd with “Talk to Me.” Her voice resonates strength as she sings about facing her fears and finding power in unexpected ways over the ebb and flow of bright production.
Why We Like It: Dragonfruit’s “Apples”
Temptation, the serpent in our ear that whispers nothing is truly out of reach. Bubbly and alluring, “Apples” sees the neo-soul band Dragongfruit personifying the story of Adam and Eve as the internal voice of desire.
Why We Like It: Arlana’s “Authenticity”
Artists often sell their image as much as they sell their art. On her new single “Authenticity,” neo-soul songstress Arlana sings about maintaining a sense of self in her music and image with an upbeat rhythm that leaves the competition with some catching up to do.
Why We Like It: Kai Straw’s “Are You Coming With Me?”
In March, Kai Straw lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic – so he began to pursue music full time. With millions of streams already coming in from his part-time investment, a renewed focus has given him the time to regularly release singles like “Are You Coming With Me?” The single further highlights his strength as a commanding vocalist whose presence shines on elegant, yet sparse instrumentals.
Why We Like It: Laroie’s “Fire Rising”
“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.
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.
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