LITM Picks Tunes which will put you into introspection featuring Ava Valianti, Collaborations and Platitudes

LITM Singer-songwriter picks tunes brought to you by Ava Valianti, Collaborations and Platitudes

1. Ava Valianti - Laugh Track
   Ava Valianti’s Laugh Track offers a deeply introspective and relatable exploration of identity and perception. The track delves into the unsettling feeling of being the center of attention but not in a way that feels validating, akin to living in a sitcom where the laughter is directed at, not with, the protagonist. Ava captures this emotional tension through moody indie-pop melodies and genuine, introspective lyrics. The spartan production of the song puts center stage her worn but assertive voice to convey the weariness of performing roles society has foisted upon her.

   Referring to The Truman Show and How I Met Your Mother, the song cleverly draws parallels between popular culture characters trapped in roles that have been predetermined for them and real-life experiences of struggles with identity. The haunting but subtle melody is complemented by the raw exposure in Ava's lyrics, and the listener is left with the sensation that it is all achingly personal. The tightrope walk between humor and emotion is what makes the connection so special, and those grappling with self-doubt or pressures of public opinion can particularly relate.

   Laugh Track stands out musically and emotionally, too. It speaks so intensely to anyone who's questioning if they're real, delivering the message home with one which is powerful as well as quite real itself. Tender production and the truthfulness of Ava's voice make this piece one to remain remembered for a dreadful long time once it ceases to be heard.

2. Collaborations - Time For You

Time For You by Collaborations is a retro journey into the Motown golden age, where soulful warmth meets sharp modern production. Anais Preller leads on vocals, and the song begins with an old-school horn section that catches the ears of listeners immediately. Production is immaculate, with expert-level mixing, editing, and mastering that breathe life into each element. The vocals are crisp and distinct, a refreshing exception in a genre in which bad production all too often obscures the message.

Anais Preller's singing is enchanting, her voice communicating effortlessly the emotional depth of the song. The bridge saxophone solo stands out, adding a real, soulful quality that does justice to Motown's distinctive sound. The opposition between lush instrumental backing and Anais's honest delivery creates a timeless sound, striking a perfect balance of vintage charm and contemporary sophistication.

With its vibrant energy, authentic lyrics, and impeccable production, Time For You is a soul music homage that feels both ageless and fresh. It's a song that worships its forebears while firmly planting itself as a modern gem. Perfect for fans of soul and Motown, this song is a beautiful testament to the agelessness of stellar music.

3. Platitudes - Time To Come Home
Platitudes' Time To Come Home is a track that will for sure send you into a spiral of introspection that evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia and longing. The song evokes a rich emotional terrain, charting the motifs of reunion, redemption, and the final siren call of home. With its grounded lyrics, the song welcomes individuals into a reflective space, and thus, it becomes extremely personal yet universally appealing.

The delicate piano tunes and the song surging into the lyrics are so smooth. The sound is lush but intimate, with warmth of the words that come through. The lead vocal delivery is raw and bare, with a mix of hope and exposure that pulls at heartstrings.

It is what sets Time To Come Home apart that it manages to strike a balance between simplicity and emotional impact. The song does not treat about majesty but wins because of authenticity and quiet narration. It's one that is akin to a warm hug from a loved one that reminds everyone of the power of home as a place and as an emotion.

For anyone who has ever longed for reunion or the solace of familiarity, Time To Come Home is an inspiring and lyrically crafted song that lingers long after the final note has faded. It's a poignant reminder that no matter where we wander, home is always in the wings

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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