LITM Pop Picks this week explores indulgent sounds and sensations across pop, dark-pop and electro-pop genres featuring artists Sacha Mullin, Haunts, Ro Nova and others

In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we dive into the musical nuances, signature sounds and lyrical depth of artists Liam J. Edwards, Sacha Mullin, Lucy Crisp, Haunts and Ro Nova. Explore the compelling narratives presented through their tracks, fusing elements of pop, jazz, dark-pop, and electro-pop.

Liam J. Edwards - Progress

Welsh singer-songwriter Liam J. Edwards delivers a powerful message in his latest track ‘Progress’.  True to its title, the track serves as an anthem of empowerment, celebrating personal growth, self-belief, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The song kicks off with a synth-heavy introduction, setting the stage for Liam's deep and powerful vocals to shine. As the track unfolds, the pace accelerates, featuring lush harmonies, and a catchy chorus. Lively rhythms and electro-synth elements infuse the pop track with youthful energy and vibrancy. Liam's voice bears resemblances to the likes of Sam Smith and Dan Reynolds, adding a soulful touch to the song. It's the perfect soundtrack for a rejuvenating Sunday of self-care, reminding us to overcome self-doubt and reach for greater heights in life.

Sacha Mullin - Arranging Flowers [Radio Edit]

Sacha Mullin, a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, known for his emotive singing, has delivered a musical opus, in his latest offering, ‘Arranging Flowers [Radio Edit]’.  Mullin's artistry reaches its zenith as he seamlessly merges genres in this track with absolute finesse. This song is woven with swift jazzy instrumentals, ethereal harmonies, and silk-like intricate vocal melodies that could only be stitched together by a seasoned musician. Picture the track’s progression this way— the descent of an avalanche. It commences as a mild snowslide on a towering peak; softly pulsating rhythm and the solitary yet stellar vocals of Mullin build up the tension in the track. As it accelerates, the song develops layers in instrumentation and grows in intensity, mirroring the unstoppable force and splendor of a cascading avalanche. The supporting choir, equal in sophistication as the lead vocals, elevates the song to a sensory masterpiece. Arranging Flowers [Radio Edit] engulfs the listener entirely like…you guessed it right… an avalanche. 

Lucy Crisp - One Summer’s Day

‘One Summer's Day’ by Lucy Crisp, a pop artist hailing from Nottingham, takes us on a journey through the warm, sun-soaked landscape of summer love. Crisp's songwriting and musical tonality are reminiscent of chart-topping pop sensations like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Camila Cabello. Lyrically, the song delves into the magic of finding your lover during radiant summer days. It offers a refreshing perspective on new-found love, replete with promises and oozing with thrill, alongside the enduring enthusiasm it infuses into life as months slip by. The dreamy ambiance, buoyant rhythms, passionate vocals, and meticulously arranged harmonies, evoke the sense of an impulsive summer love. ‘One Summer's Day’ gets personal and real, making it a must-listen for anyone yearning for the allure of a summer affair. 

Haunts - Monster

‘Monster’ by Haunts is a dark-pop track that immerses listeners in a netherworldly sonic ambience. The song has a characteristic bass-heavy drum and synth background which reverberates deep in your heart, creating a haunting rhythm. It is perfectly contrasted by the glass-like voice of the singer, that thins and thickens as the lyrical and musical mould demands. The melodies possess a formidable yet tender quality, heightened by the chiming electronic tunes that flutter in and out of existence like elusive quantum particles. "Monster" delves into the limits of love and acceptance, questioning the extent one would go to preserve love and embrace the idiosyncrasies of their partner, especially the dark side of their psyche. It's a deep, free dive into the haunting depths of the ocean of love.

Ro Nova - Echo 

London-based producer Ro Nova, making waves with her unique discography, has a luminescent new offering titled ‘Echo’. With vocal texture and tonality reminiscent of artists like FKA Twigs, Alina Baraz, and Billie Eilish, Ro Nova’s track is an immediate mood boost, radiating empowerment and vivacity. The lyrics delve into themes of self-reliance, belief, and trust in one's abilities. Throughout the track, you'll find delicate piano chimes scattered like glitter, accompanied by a celestial synth ambiance, all set to the backdrop of steady-paced muted bass beats. This combination creates an auditory spectacle that is highly addictive. ‘Echo’ seamlessly combines synth-club influences with electro-pop aesthetics, immersing you in a world of disco lights, dancefloors, and unrestrained self-expression.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator

In LITM Pop Picks this week, Lapenzi, Kärma Sounds, Joe Lington and others deliver emotionally charged ballads, soulful melodies, and dancefloor hits

In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we take you on a musical journey from heartfelt love songs to club hits from artists Lapenzi, Johnaé Elease, NEO & NEO, Kärma Sounds, and Joe Lington.

Lapenzi - Pretend

Australian singer-songwriter Lapenzi’s latest release titled “Pretend” is an emotive musical outpour of a dejected lover. The penetrative tonality of the singer’s voice shines bright over soothing piano melodies. It immediately reminds you of the vocal texture and writing style of artists like Miley Cyrus. Lyrically, the track is a hymn for broken hearts; traversing topics of loss, yearning and attachment. The song has a tendency to wring your heart strings, emanating a sense of melancholy and emotional release. Towards the end, the song beautifully culminates into pure and raw singing and solitary piano keys that linger in your mind long after the song’s over. 

Johnaé Elease - Headphones

Singer-songwriter and mental health advocate, Johnaé Elease’s new track titled “Headphones”  provides a musical companion to all those feeling overwhelmed by society, burnt out and experiencing the anxiety of infinite choices. Her heart-felt vocal rendition of the lyrics convey the beauty and power of music to offer a safe haven to anybody feeling anxious. She draws from her own experience of finding immense joy in “never-ending playlists” on an unsettling day. With vibrant peppy guitars, bubbly rhythm and soft harmonies this song feels like the gentle morning sun hitting your skin. If you’re having a not-so-okay day and are in need of a mood-lifter, then this is the song you need.

NEO & NEO - Stone In My Heart (Live At Hardstudios)

Stone In My Heart is NEO & NEO’s new indie release. With emotive chords, grounding beats and grunge vocals that deepen and soften in waves emphasizing the lyrical narrative, this song is meant for those times when you find yourself drawn into the current of introspection. As the song takes shape, sustained piano sounds surround the track driving feelings of melancholy and separation deep into your heart. This track’s musical expression is reminiscent of sounds from Coldplay, Kodaline and others. The lyrics allude to gloomy days that bring an air of contemplation. It addresses the weight of one’s inner chasm and explores concepts of attachment and absence. 

Karmä Sounds - Mysterious

Mysterious is a high-energy club-banger type of a song released by Kärma Sounds, the moniker of Karina Morin, a Vancouver based artist. The electro-pop track is a shot of adrenaline packed with dance beats, funk and synth elements. The singer’s emphatic voice and sonic range clearly exhibits her vocal influences by artists like Erykah Badu, Sade and Chaka Khan. Through the lyrics we hear a story about being curious, impulsive and free in love.   As the song progresses, slinky guitar riffs, squiggly bass notes and electronic pulses merge together, creating a dreamy cosmic soundscape. This song sonically paints a picture of what it might feel like to be transported to a dance-club in another planet, where you have just locked eyes with a potential beau. Because why not, “Life’s too serious” and you want to “Keep it mysterious”.

Joe Lington - You & Me 

With “You & Me” Joe Lington renders a groovy sonic narrative on love. The song’s twangy acoustics, bass notes, passionately husky vocals, and soft rock beats draws listeners in and never loses their attention. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love and togetherness, while the music's suave melodies and unhurried tempo enhances the song's nostalgic charm. If you enjoy the French language, then you’re in for a treat– a French verse in the second half vocally delivered with raw authenticity. The instrumental arrangement is tastefully understated, allowing the vocals and lyrics to shine. This track is sure to strike a chord with anyone who's ever been in love.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator

LITM Pop Picks this week brings you energetic beats, diverse vocal textures and futuristic sounds from artists Yael Lanciano, Duncan Spencer, Balloon Shed and others

This edition of LITM Pop Picks covers a wide range of musical expression ranging from peppy love songs, festive carols, moody tunes to otherworldly soundscapes from artists Yael Lanciano, D’Artagnan, H. Kink, Duncan Spencer and Balloon Shed.

Yael Lanciano - Runnin’ Away

With “Runnin’ Away” singer-songwriter Yael Lanciano takes us back to 2010’s pop music era. Using refreshing melodies and lively rhythm, she makes music that is reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen or Selena Gomez. The lyrics describe the singer’s sweet persuasion to her beloved who is in two minds about their connection. Yael’s lyrical prowess ensures that the vocals complement the musical background like hot chocolate to croissant. The song’s electric keys, dance beats and silvery vocals make it stand out. It’s also hard not to mention the praise-worthy production on this track. Send this to your crush and they might just inch a little closer to you.

D’Artagnan - Merry Christmas Darling

Christmas comes early this year with D’Artagnan’s new release titled “Merry Christmas Darling”. This track is a musical manifestation of gratitude, celebration and love. With tender vocals laid gently on jolly tunes and festive chimes, this track makes you want to open that xmas decorations box and get to work. The celebratory sounds of the chorus invokes feelings of love and joy that will spill on to your loved ones…through a phone call in case you’re home alone. This song will instantly transport you to snowy days, warm chocolate drinks and gift wrappers. A compulsory track for your Christmas party this year.

H. Kink - Once In A While

“Once In a While” is the opening track of H.Kink’s latest album “Karate”. A pensive and moody soundscape envelops the entirety of this track, setting the stage for the formidable auditory journey that is to come. Sharp pulsating beats, shifting vocal display, and dark melodies make this powerful pop-rock track one of a kind. H.Kink explores concepts of longing, emptiness and outrage through the lyrics. As the song progresses, it gets more entropic with increasing emotional tension, distorting melodies, dark electric notes and high-intensity vocals. This track aptly conveys the turmoil in a person’s mind caused by the bitter aftermath of bad love.  

Duncan Spencer - Paradise

Duncan Spencer soothes the listener with sentimental sounds and inspiring lyrical display in the likes of Coldplay or One Republic with his latest track “Paradise”. This track’s lulling piano notes, tranquil guitar riffs and relaxing rhythm will ease your aching soul. With empowering lyrics, this song will penetrate the layers of your mind and awaken powerful hope. Duncan’s deep voice gives off a feeling as though the singer is personally reaching out to you, especially during the lines “I know you’ll figure it out…” and “tell me honey, tell me honey, are you feeling alright…” This song is a sonic paradise for the ones feeling lost and in need of emotional strength and redirection.

Balloon Shed - Frank Says

Singer-songwriter Rowan Davies’ bedroom-pop and garage-rock project named “Balloon Shed” methodically blends genres in this new track titled “Frank Says”. There’s a nostalgic alt rock sound about this track with pop elements embedded in the musical crevices. The lyrics weave a futuristic story of a pioneer guiding his people to other worlds in search of life sustaining forces. Frank’s message is made loud and clear in this song- Each of these worlds suffer the same fate; of bloom and ruin. Ultimately, the souls that inhabit these worlds inherit the same fate. With soaring orchestral melodies, classic rock beats and energetic guitar riffs, Balloon Shed conjures up an animate musical backdrop for this prophetic space-age tale.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator

Interview : Singer-Songwriter Ettie Talks to Us about her Latest Release, Marty McFly

1. We want to know the artist behind the art. Please tell us a little bit about the journey with music.

I started releasing music in 2019, with my debut single ‘fast cars and airplanes.’ I initially started out a pit more ambient and synthy, heavily influenced by Pale Waves and James Blake. As I kept developing my sound I realised that I loved leaning towards pop-punk. Pop-punk and emo music was the spark of my songwriting journey. I always loved writing and I’ve been writing stories literally since I learnt how to write, and then when I started to listen to bands like Paramore and Fall Out Boy and Greenday, I realised I can write songs and story-tell at the same time.

My release of my song ‘I’m Sorry to my Exes’ was a real turning point in my career. It was the heaviest pop-punk inspired song in my catalogue, and my first some to loudly proclaim ‘I’m queer.’ Ever since then my journey has consisted of making really gay, really emotive music.

2. Your latest single, ‘Marty McFly’ has just come out. What did you set out to achieve with it and what do you want your listeners to take away from it?

‘Marty McFly’ is such a special song to me, because it captures an emotion I’ve been carrying for a longtime, and one that is poignant to those in the queer community who were closeted for a long time. It’s this odd yearning to go back in time and tell your younger self that it’s okay to be who you are, you don’t have to suppress it. I gave it such an upbeat, fun production because I wanted to show people that it’s okay to be sad about the time spent not living authentically, because it’s made who you are today something to celebrate.

3. Can you tell us a little about your creative process? How do you go about songwriting and soundscape craft?

I write all of my songs almost exclusively on public transport. I don’t know what it is! Maybe it’s the fact it’s such a liminal, transient space. Like, I am stuck in this vessel taking me from one destination to another, and I have ample time to think. This is where I’ll get a concept or a melody, and I’ll try to record it on my phone the best I can without looking weird to the London commuters. After that I’ll get home and have a listen, and build the songs around that with my guitar in my room.

4. Who are some artists who played a vital role in influencing your style and why?

Hayley Williams from Paramore is my biggest influence. Her songwriting talent from such an early age, her loud political stance and just all-around presence on stage and in the music industry is untouched by any other artist out there. I also have to credit Taylor Swift, I grew up with her catalogue and all of her metaphors slap! And basically any female artist that prioritises lyrics and storytelling.

5. If you had to impart some words of wisdom to upcoming artists, what are some realities that you would alert them to?

Stream counts and numbers aren’t everything! The only numbers you should care about are the people who have genuinely been touched by your music, the people who show up to your shows, and those who care about the art you make.

6. What projects/releases do you have lined up for the near future?

I have been writing so much, and I have a little timeline in my head. All I can say is that there is much more where this came from.

Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator