LITM Singer-SongWriter Picks Tunes To Turn Your Day Around Featuring Morning Tourist, Ana Gracey, Ian Roland and More!

LITM Singer-SongWriter Picks Tunes for that perfect start to the week brought to you by Morning Tourist, Ana Gracey, Ian Roland, Lost Chimes and Gerr Walsh.

1. Morning Tourist - Leap
   Morning Tourist's "Leap" is an indie folk song that evokes the sweetness and bitterness of leaping in faith and transformation. The song starts with the gentle acoustic guitar, which continues to be joined by calming percussive beat and muffled harmonies that add depth to the song. The lyrics are poetic and contemplative as well, confronting points of change in life with optimism and vulnerability. Morning Tourist's warm, expressive voice makes the song immediately come to life, drawing listeners along on its emotional ride. Softly layered strings in the chorus add an emotional richness that makes "Leap" both intimate and expansive at the same time. It's the perfect companion for contemplative me-time or solo drives on winding roads.

2. Ana Gracey - Afterlife
Ana Gracey's "Afterlife" is a complex blend of electronic pop with a beautiful inclusion of violin that radiates sophistication. With soft piano sounds, the song is a ballad that delves into grief right off the bat, conjuring a late-night introspective vibe. The vocals are amazing and raw, conjuring an image of yearning and introspection about what lies ahead. The song's lyrics are multi-faceted, walking a tightrope on truth that has you glued to the screen. The music is rich and dynamic, with subtle tunes that flourish, anchoring you to the song. This song shall make you feel the heaviness and depth of grief just as how misfortune loves orphans, fire loves innocence. "Afterlife" is a ballad that sounds like an eternally timeless classic that can be reimagined indefinitely.

3. Ian Roland - Craving
Ian Roland's "Craving" is a stunning bare acoustic rock track that's brimming with passion and honesty. The relentless drive beat of the track and the witty guitar work build a solid but close foundation for Roland's intense singing. The words are desire and need, and they're told with a truth that's heart-wrenching. When the song reaches its climax, harmonies and subtle percussion are added to the richness without concealing its stark beauty. The chorus is anthemic but restrained, catchy and straightforward. "Craving" is such a sincere confession to song, a real treasure for the acoustic rock genre. A must-listen for all those passionate out there.

4. Lost Chimes - Something Different (Radio Edit)
Lost Chimes' "Something Different (Radio Edit)" is synth-pop perfection that brings together old emotions with a bright, modern sheen. The metallic synths and infectious beat form a euphoric sound space one can't help but move to. The vocals are silky smooth and slickly produced, warbling of leaping headlong from the normal into experience. The production is sharp and alive, layering layered melodies and crisp percussion into the mix to maintain the tempo. The chorus is infectious, full of shining optimism that is motivational and inspiring. "Something Different" is a road trip and dance-floor anthem in waiting.

5. Gerr Walsh - When The Stars Don’t Work
Gerr Walsh's "When The Stars Don't Work" is a melancholy country-folk ballad that simulates an ardent letter to the departed beloved. The light strumming of a solo acoustic guitar is counterposed by the warm, impassioned voice of Walsh, upon which the soft, musing and poetic words of the song rest at ease. The production is unassuming but effective, with subdued and muted pedal steel complementing its wistful loveliness. The beauty of this song is in the telling, conjuring up pictures of hope and despair amidst the uncertainties of life. "When The Stars Don't Work" is a gentle and ageless song—a song that pulls at your heartstrings and lingers long after the last note has faded away.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.

LITM Pop Picks tunes that Will Put A Smile On to Your Face Featuring jazzygold, Larry Karpenko, Wonderful and Mulahbae!

LITM Pop picks tunes featuring jazzygold, Larry Karpenko, Wonderful and Mulahbae!

1. Jazzygold - we’re alright
   Jazzygold’s "we’re alright" is a velvety blend of jazz and pop that feels like sipping a caramel latte on a rainy day—warm, smooth, and comforting. The song kicks off with a jazzy piano riff that dances around a tight rhythm section, setting a sophisticated yet approachable vibe. Jazzygold’s vocals are the star of the show, effortlessly weaving silky harmonies with a touch of soulful grit. The lyrics—hinged on hope and resilience themes—are a soft reminder that there could be patches of beauty in the eye of a storm. The instrumental interlude is the standout, with solo saxophone playing that is vintage but new. The eclecticism renders the song universally appealing without watering down its artistic sheen. It's a banger of nostalgia with precisely the right degree of grit, ideal for lounging or dancing around your living room.

2. Larry Karpenko - Little Things New
Larry Karpenko's "Little Things New" is the auditory analogue of a walk through a forest bathed in sunlight—earthy, invigorating, and deeply introspective. The melody makes a tip of the hat to indie folk convention with the acoustic guitar being the central instrument, supported by minimal percussion and Karpenko's gentle, evocative singing. The lyrics deal with rediscovery and embracing life's little miracles, weaving lovely images that leave an unforgettable impression in one's mind. Karpenko's narrative is most effectively brought out in the chorus when a dash of melancholy is infused into hope. The tender harmonies in the background provide emotional resonance, elevating the arrangement into something totally spellbinding. It's a song that gets under your skin, pulling at the heartstrings as it provides a warm, soul-hugging experience. Ideal for quiet evenings or quiet moments, this is indie folk at its stripped and purest

3. Wonderful - Just So Beautiful
Wonderful's "Just So Beautiful" is a shimmering dream-pop gem that's like soaring above an inky black night sky filled with stars. Shimmering synth textures wrap the listener in a starry blanket, providing a sonic landscape that's as hypnotic as it is enchanting. Ethereal and soft vocals whisper like a distant galaxy. Lyrically, the song is in wonder at life, nature, and the sheer beauty of love, with poetic flourishes that are sentimental and celestial. Production is heavy on tumbling melodies and a straining rhythm that never wants to end. There's something cinematographic about it—close your eyes, and you can almost imagine a montage of life's most lovely moments spooling out. It's the kind of song that is ethereal and extremely intimate at the same time, to be listened to by ethereal, atmospheric sound enthusiasts.

4. Mulahbae - Tattoos
Mulahbae's "Tattoos" is a gruff, in-your-face track that exudes swagger and sexuality. Combining hip-hop grime with R&B sheen, the song is a nocturnal epiphany on a quiet morning in an easy rhythm. Mulahbae's performance is one of interactivity—slicing between rhythmic rap and melody vocals that wrap themselves around the listener. Strength, identity, and love are searched for in lyrics that borrow from the metaphor of tattoos as indestructible bond and lasting scar. The album is smooth, with a sequined bass slithering low beneath the texture of threatening synths. The hook is more infectious than sin, nigh on necessitating repeat plays. It's the type of song that needs to go on both your gym mix and your late-night drive mixtape. Mulahbae achieves a mood that is sensual yet contemplative, and "Tattoos" is a standout track of modern hip-hop/R&B.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.

LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks Tunes Featuring Chris Quesnel, BRANDON SC, CALAMITY JAY and more!

LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks Tunes to Vibe brought to you by Chris Quesnel, BRANDON SC, CALAMITY JAY, Guy Simoneau and Emma Miller.

1. Chris Quesnel - Cherry Chapstick (Acoustic)
   Chris Quesnel has unclogged the thudding energy of "Cherry Chapstick" in a stark acoustic rendition that feels like a close-up chat. Such an approach pays tribute to Quesnel's storytelling ability and emotional intelligence as he ascends a hook-laden pop song on an idyllic ballad.

   Acoustic guitar plucks softly in the background; there is warm, minimalist production here, allowing Quesnel's smooth voice to age the language. The words are richer here, wistful and near-past heft to them.

   The chorus is just as hooky, but its acoustic performance is now more in the vein of a clandestine whisper than a howl to the masses. The string-skipping bridge is the highlight, a mellow moment before the final chorus blows up in even crazier abandon.

   Acoustic pop enthusiasts will adore this rendition of "Cherry Chapstick." It is a testament to the power of simplicity and sincerity in music, which makes it perfect for quiet evenings and musing playlists.

2. BRANDON SC- Diary
Diary by BRANDON SC is an independent folk diary as intimate as sifting through the pages of a hand-written journal. Its sparse arrangements and introspective lyrics invite listeners into the realm of gentle vulnerability and unchecked feeling.

It opens with a soft acoustic guitar and immediately creates a personal atmosphere. BRANDON SC's warm exposed voice bears the burden of his words. The scene is vivid and intimate, chronicling moments of happiness, sorrow, and revelation in poetic style.

Throughout the track, strings and harmonies are heaped up high, depth being added to the minimalist configuration. In simplicity, the chorus screams as a mantra A footnote of how we mature and grow as we work our way around the world and write it upon our pages.

Just as good for Iron & Wine fans or Gregory Alan Isakov's, "Diary" is a chic written indie-folk treasure that stays in your heart well past the time music has ceased playing, just as the smell of an old novel.

3. CALAMITY JAY - A Hobo’s Hymn
Calamity Jay's "A Hobo's Hymn" is an Americana staple weaving tales of wandering spirits and lost highways into a soulful, raspy-voiced masterpiece, capturing the freedom and melancholy that makes the genre so timeless and evocative.

The songs are raw and lush, filled with jangly guitars, a howling mandolin, and the ever-present beat of a long train ride. The lyrics paint vivid portraits of changing lives.

Rahel's voice is the soul of the song, with a weathered sense of wisdom that pulls you in and sets up shop within the story. The chorus is a hauntingly optimistic refrain, it leaves a sense of pondering.

"A Hobo's Hymn" is just right for fans of legends such as Townes Van Zandt or Gillian Welch. It's a tune for anyone who's ever been drawn to the open road or has ever known the pangs of homesickness, all rolled up in a lovely melody.

4. Guy Simoneau
Guy Simoneau brings a message of hope and faith with "Good News," a modern gospel song that exudes optimism and spiritual encouragement. The song is a testament to perseverance, thankfulness, and faith in better days to come.

The arrangement is a vibrant mix of piano-driven melodies, uplifting choir harmonies, and a toe-tapping rhythm section. Simoneau’s vocal delivery is powerful and full of conviction, drawing listeners into the joyful proclamation.

The lyrics are straightforward yet impactful, offering reassurance to anyone facing challenges. The bridge, with its call-and-response interplay between Simoneau and the backing choir, is a highlight, creating a sense of communal celebration that’s impossible to resist.

For people who love contemporary gospel or inspirational tunes, "Good News" is a nice reminder of the power of friendship and belief. It's a song that can uplift your spirits and encourage you to spread its good news to other people.

5. Emma Miller - Artifacts
It’s not often that a live performance moves you to the core, except Emma Miller did that with her performance. Emma Miller's "Artifacts" is an exquisitely written indie folk-pop that feels like excavating emotional treasures long hidden in the annals of the past. Her otherworldly voice and literary lyrics capture the fragility and tenacity of memories, infusing them in a tender but potent melody.

The instrumentation is subtle yet compelling, with acoustic strumming that is softly played, gentle piano playing, and ambient strings that provide depth. Miller's vocals are eerily emotive as she croons.

The song’s structure mirrors the act of excavation, starting with a quiet, introspective verse before building into a lush, emotionally charged chorus. The production is crisp yet organic, allowing every element to breathe and contribute to the track’s emotive power.

"Artifacts" will resonate with fans of artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Lucy Rose. It's a song for those who find beauty in introspection and strength in vulnerability, offering a powerful reminder that our past shapes but doesn't define us.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.

LITM Pop Picks Tunes That Will Set The Tone For The Week Just Perfect For You Featuring Jus Min, Dawning, Frank Joshua and More!

LITM Pop picks tunes that will redefine your week taking out all your Monday blues brought to you by Jus Min, Dawning, Frank Joshua, JULIENT and Francesca Pichierri.

1. Jus Min - High Speed

   High Speed is an electrifying ride through an exciting soundscape of synths, beats, and high-energy adrenaline by Jus Min. The song boils with energetic powerplay, hanging a notch between electronic and pop influences, which makes it a perfect catch for urgency about chasing dreams at full speed.

   The opening track, "High Speed," gets started with dancing synth lines accompanied by pulsating beats, shooting you off to another speed in no time. Instrumentally crafted vocals cruise over the backdrop of the musicians, drawing lyrics of ambition and determination.

   This includes lines to celebrate the relentlessness and attention-a hallmark of the entire work. Very slick atmospheric and driving interactions keep consumers completely absorbed what's not called for in some upbeat party comp is totally left out of an album like that.

   High speed is the name of it - High Speed, another praise for high-octane life from Min. It makes the ride action-packed at the right moments.

2. Dawning - Want That

Want That by Dawning is a rich, sultry R&B soundtrack that weaves longing, desire, and vulnerability into one. Rich production and emotive delivery make it sound great for those late-night moments.

The opening is minimalist with lush keys and soft percussion in a mood to what is later dominated by the voice. Dawning's voice never sounds anything less than masterful in its ability to pinpoint the push and pull of yearning.

It captures the ache of longing for a person who's out of one's reach. The lines are poignant enough to have created a bitter-sweet tension. Warm harmonies and complex melodies give this richness to the telling.

It is so intimate in its reflective nature, this is one song about emotion as well as soundscapes. Vulnerabilities are strength in Dawning's world; every note lingered after the fading of the song.

3. Frank Joshua - Walls

Walls is a touching journey into walls we set up and the strength that it takes to break those walls. The folk melodies of this track have, in conjunction with poignant lyrics, given an intimate setting for listeners to reflect and connect.

It's heavily dominated by acoustic guitar and very softly nudges the whole arrangement to centre to the emotive voice of Frank. He speaks raw, he speaks honestly. And weight gets added to the lines. 

This builds beautifully into subtle strings and harmonies that just beg for catharsis, a testament to the power of simplicity in storytelling where every element seems purposefully and personally crafted.

Walls is an anthem for a soul who is built around self-imposed limitations, translated through art making the track relate-able and deeply moving to one's core by Frank Joshua.

4. JULIENT - Break-free

JULIENT's Break-free is anthemic in nature, an alternative rock number, but it contains soaring pop sensibilities. Full of driving energy and empowering lyrics, this one is for all those personal triumph moments.

Breaking off with a catchy guitar riff, Break-free immediately sets the tone to be defiant and determined. JULIENT sings with tenacity and conviction commanding into your ears with the lines. Clean yet dirty production balances the anthem choruses to be put side by side with the reflective verses, and this adds layer upon layer of instrumentation to a climatic finale that leaves one invigorated and turned on.

Break-free captures the spirit of the song - about breaking free from all the chains, be it internal or external. JULIENT has somehow managed to come up with a track that is as cathartic as it is very elevating and should be heard to the bone of all those loving empowering rock anthems.

5. Francesca Pichierri - Sperarci Due Eroi 

Sperarci Due Eroi by Francesca Pichierri is actually a great ballad of cinematic orchestration combined with Italian heartfelt lyrics to create a great and evocative listening experience.

It begins with very subtle piano lines that evolve to become an anthemic sweep as Francesca brings the centre with her emotional, crystalline voice. Tender, commanding delivery keeps you glued to the tale of love, hope, and heroism.

It's beautifully written in Italian; it's the song that portrays the theme of finding strength within each other. Phrases such as "Sperarci due eroi" (Hoping we're two heroes) depict shared resilience and an untainted connection.

Orchestral elements bring dramatic and deep moments into the song's narrative, so each moment of crescendo is a victory and each silent moment allows the heart to introspect.

Sperarci Due Eroi will be a really good masterclass in emotional storytelling from Francesca, who can create sounds that transcend the boundaries of language and culture. A song that clings to the heart long after the last beat.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.

LITM Rock Picks Tunes That You Can Add To Your Weekend Playlist Featuring Angryoldogs, Gaz, Time Behind and More!

LITM Rock Picks some great tunes for your weekend playlist brought to you by Angryoldogs, Gaz, Time Behind, The Northern Light and David & Goliat.

1. Angryoldogs - Woke

   Angryoldogs' Woke is an unapologetic burst of raw energy, coupling biting commentary with a gritty, punk-driven edge. The track doesn't just play in the background; it reaches out and grabs you by the collar and forces your attention.

   Instrumentation is the savage and relentless, heavily distorted guitars, heavy drum pounding, an aggressive bass, and an effort to translate that raw punk into the contemporary sounds of rock. The vocals sneered out and fired with such intensity, perfectly encapsulating the frustration and rebellion written into the lyrics.

   The lyrics take an ironic jab at social norms and performative awareness with the irony, and lines cut through all that superficiality lamenting some hollow gestures in a world that really needs to change.

2. Gaz - More Than A Shooting Star

More Than A Shooting Star is the work of Gaz - a gentle, soaring anthem for the ephemeral yet poignant beauty of moments we wish to live forever. It is cinematic and heartfelt in arrangement, almost the musical expression of a whispered wish under the sky of twinkling stars.

The instrumentation is a lush dreamy mixing of guitars and percussive soft beats with warmth, both comforting and uplifting. Gaz gives his voice a heartfelt performance, investing each lyric with sincerity that can be felt. It's impossible not to feel swept away by the crescendos developed in the song.

Lyrically, the song reflects on life's transient beauty, likening precious moments to shooting stars—brief yet unforgettable. The lines evoke a bittersweet longing that tugs at the heartstrings.

More Than A Shooting Star is an enthralling piece, finding beauty in impermanence, soothing within its gentle message. Be reminiscing over some moment that's past or maybe wishing on your own star; this is one soulful accompaniment.

3. Time Behind - Sit Back

Sit Back by Time Behind is a laid-back, introspective song that asks listeners to stop, think, and just be. It is one of those songs that sounds like a slow, warm afternoon where time seems to stop.

The melody is rooted in laid-back grooves, with mellow guitar strums and a rhythmic bassline setting the tone for relaxation. The vocals are smooth and understated, perfectly complementing the easy-going vibe while subtly conveying the song’s deeper undertones.

Lyrically, Sit Back is an ode to mindfulness, urging us to let go of life’s rush and savour its small, often overlooked moments. The lines serve as a gentle reminder to find peace amidst the chaos.

This track is a masterclass in understated beauty, where simplicity speaks volumes. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or seeking a soundtrack for quiet introspection, Sit Back is your perfect escape. Time Behind delivers a calming yet thought-provoking tune that feels like a deep breath in musical form.

4. The Northern Light - Secrets

Secrets is a track from The Northern Light, that exudes heavy introspection over buried truths and vulnerability. Its haunting melodies, alongside the thoughtful words, have that feeling of walking into an unclear, mystified world.

The instrumentation is balanced with dark synth tones and ethereal guitar lines, creating a beautiful sonic soundscape that is hauntingly beautiful. Vocal lines shift from hushed whispers to powerfully realized crescendos in an evocative gesture of the push-and-pull of emotions being portrayed.

Lyrically, Secrets goes into the heavy tension of what's said and what's not said. The lyrics dawn with a poetic, mysterious air that holds listeners on every uttered word.

With a cinematic atmosphere and emotional delivery, Secrets proves The Northern Light can tackle complex human emotions in the recording. It is a song meant to be felt as much as heard—a moody, evocative piece that lingers in the mind long after the last note fades.

5. David & Goliat - You Made My White Christmas Blue

David & Goliat turn holiday cheer on its head with You Made My White Christmas Blue, an achingly moving and refreshingly unconventional holiday song. This bittersweet ballad takes the listener on a reflective journey through heartache during what's meant to be the most joyful time of the year.

The instrumentation is very melancholic; piano plays with a gentle, soothing touch and the strings, setting up the mood of sadness. The weight of sorrow carried in David & Goliat's voice resonates deeply through every line sung, the raw honesty that can't be denied in order not to feel the stinging of their pain.

Lyrically, the song masterfully juxtaposes festive imagery with heartbreak. It is a poignant look at how loss can eclipse even the brightest lights of the season and one that's deeply relatable to anyone who's ever faced a lonely Christmas.

You Made My White Christmas Blue is a stirring reminder that the holidays aren't always merry and bright—and that's okay. With its heartfelt delivery and hauntingly beautiful melody, it's a song that will resonate long after the tinsel comes down.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.