This edition of LITM Pop Picks showcases contemporary pop releases that are redefining the genre from artists Kelsie Kimberlin, Ainsley Costello, nyxotype, Skar de Line, and Bad Bubble.
Kelsie Kimberlin - Perfume
American-Ukrainian musician and singer, Kelsie Kimberlin, weaves profound meanings into melodies in her soundscapes. Reflecting on both wars and worries plaguing the outer world, as well as inner triumphs and turmoils, her compositions reflect a maturity and artistic evolution that is far beyond her age. “Perfume” is a captivating release inspired by Patrick Süskind’s novel of the same name, except the artist puts an uplifting spin on the story. Soaked in mystery, desire, and love, the music lingers in your mind, like the scent of a lover. Bright atmospheric melodies light up the soundscape while dynamic electronic beats dot the music in intricate, cascading rhythms. Kelsie Kimberlin’s voice, elegant and emotive, paints the soundscape in hues of passionate feeling—longing, love, and attraction—bringing to life a romance that is as sweet as it is strong. Listen here!
Ainsley Costello - EXLESS
Ainsley Costello is a pop-rock powerhouse. The young artist has been steadily releasing empowering, exhilarating, and exceptional anthems on love, heartbreak, and all the other experiences that hold a young heart hostage. “EXLESS” is a power-packed, emotionally charged single that lets you know that not being in love is okay. The artist brings a refreshing twist to the usual love songs, her confident and charming performance conveying a sense of self-love, authenticity, and empowerment in enjoying life and living it on your own terms. Acoustic strums teeming with joy , pounding drums bleeding passion, and electrifying riffs exuding confidence make the musical backdrop a nostalgic, brilliant pop-rock production. Ainsley Costello’s lively and expressive vocal performance steals the spotlight injecting the soundscape with infectious energy. The catchy and contemporary title touring hook is an earworm that makes you sing your heart out. “EXLESS” once again cements Ainsley Costello as a rising force in pop music. Listen here!
nyxotype - Technosaurus
“Technosaurus” by nyxotype blooms into a dark and exotic electronica-forward soundscape, its haunting allure and dark enchantment wrapping around your senses palpably. The futuristic aesthetics blend seamlessly into a familiar, foreboding atmosphere embedded with elements from a decaying past. The soundscape is pulsing, beating, and thrumming to the enigmatic call of something surreal, the Jurassic creatures in the lyrics coming to life into the deep trenches of imagination the music takes you into. The production, experimental and bold, brings out shape-shifting dynamics, evolving tones, and hypnotic passages. The vocal narration, almost artificial in its delivery, wafts weightlessly about the sonic atmosphere, like spectral waves, revealing frisson-inducing lyrical images. A one of a kind listening experience, “Technosaurus” arrests your senses. Listen here!
Skar de Line - Vignette
London-based, Swedish musician Skar de Line crafts a poignant and profound soundscape in “Vignette.” With a powerful message and a moving instrumentation, this song inspires the soul. Lyrically, the artist eloquently describes the might of the unknown, the inherent possibilities and potential in the future, from a fresh start, an empty slate while gracefully navigating the fears and anxieties of uncertainty. The soundscape germinates from sparse yet stirring piano notes, their gentle yet affecting sound seeks and surrenders, the most vulnerable moment yet. The singer’s tender yet moving emphasis on the emotion gradually mounts, the crescendo as cathartic and calming as it is rousing and empowering. The song flows from reflections to revelations steadily and unhurried, the weight of each word lingering in the background, waiting to be uncovered and understood. “Vignette” is not just music, it’s an inner movement towards strength and self-discovery. Listen here!
Bad Bubble - Sprinkler
Chicago-based musician Bad Bubble reaches for your heart in the stirring ballad “Sprinkler.” The minimalism in the soundscape veils something larger, the expanse of which is yet to be discovered. Wistful piano chords open the song, welcoming the singer’s melancholy-drenched, ruminative vocals. As yet, the emotions are understated and tender, palpably enveloping you like skin. Just as you settle in, the soundscape swells, the vocals and piano gain a driving force of emotionality. Rousing synth strings emerge alongside lush harmonies, cushioning the soaring vocal performance. The journey from themes of self-harm to resilience and determination is thoroughly rewarding and heartwarming, the eloquence and elegance of the composition reflects sincerity, talents, and perseverance of a rare kind. Bad Bubble’s artistry is a powerful display of evolution and excellence and “Sprinkler” is a testament to that. Listen here!
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