In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we have Halo Rider and more!
Halo Rider - “Ghost of a Radio”
Halo Rider is the dynamic collaboration between violin virtuoso Anne Harris and acclaimed singer-songwriter Markus James, blending revolutionary blues and spellbinding performances. With the two having much acclaim to their names, they fuse their styles together effortlessly on their latest track, “Ghost Of A Radio” — an uptempo, alternative number filled with radio-like voices, organic percussion and rhymed verses in a very interesting take on rapped verse; and they blend their violins and guitars together with much aplomb as they bring forth a listen that is evocative, and strikes much interest in the listener. Take a listen to the track here!
Holy Høly - “From The Ashes”
Holy Høly represent the newest brand of experimental nu-jazz music with downtempo electronic music elements, seamlessly blending it together with their dreamy, ethereal vocal performances on their latest single, “From The Ashes”. Right from the start of the song, there’s much going on in terms of the experimental aspect of this track, with a swinging, smooth jazz rhythm dotting the smooth, refined vocal performances that render the fine, layered songwriting under the hood. Add to it warm, beaming 80s and 90s synths, and this listen quickly evolves into a highly experimental sound design showcase, which I’m glad to report pays off quite nicely. Take a listen to the track here!
Michael Zuzek - “Graystone”
Michael Zuzek, a Toronto-born pianist and songwriter, channels the iconic sounds of the 60s and 70s with influences from Burton Cummings, The Beatles, and The Band, crafting a pop-rock powerhouse debut with his single, “Graystone” — keeping the energy to the storytelling, Michael brings his good-natured ragtime pianos and the gentle acoustics in the background to weave together deep, complex chord structures that are punctuated quite eloquently by the basses and the scores of vocal harmonies. Michael’s vocal performance finds a lot of power in the layering and the rendition, and the result is a track that you’ll be humming along to before you even realise it. Take a listen here!
Ian Vargo - “Creepy Florida People”
Ian Vargo, an accomplished music engineer for artists under Capitol Records, EMI, and more, and an educator at The Pro Audio Files brings a synth-pop sound that finds itself very influenced by Ian’s sound tech background, manifesting beautifully on his latest single, “Creepy Florida People” — with excellent chemistry between the elements of the ensemble right from the start, the star of the show here is the production adopting a beautifully avant-garde sound with radio-like vocals, catchy melodies and counter-melodies that really show off Ian’s expertise in making music. Overall, this track is the kind that suggests Ian in a direction making waves bigger than ever — take a listen to the track here!
Emma Miller - “just a feeling”
Influenced by Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush, Emma Miller has garnered acclaim from music critics and BBC Radio — and on her latest single, “just a feeling”, she beings a beautiful track with soulful, rich harmonies that don’t take long to punch with their impact. Soundtracked by gentle wave-like pianos that waft you over like the clouds on a moonlit night, there’s beauty in the simplicity here, with Emma bringing her brilliant vocals that shine through the mix. As the song progresses, the harmonies get wider, staying firmly glued together and resonant for maximum emotional impact. The mix is also tight and holds all the elements in place effortlessly. Take a listen to the track here!
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