In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we bring expansive, energetic, and emotionally-charged soundscapes from artists Issara, Energy Whores, MOLTENO, Karen Harding, and Alutepena Hughes-John.
Issara - Phoenix
Issara’s soundscapes are a melting pot of genres, with a melange of musical, cultural, and artistic influences brewed into a vibrant, lively blend of melodies and meaning. In Phoenix, Issara celebrates self-love, endurance, and resurrection, instantly uplifting your spirit with the anthemic, dazzling soundscape of this song. A captivating mix of soul, pop, retro yéyé and rock, the musical backdrop is embellished with a pumping drum beat, wah-wahing guitar motifs, gritty riffs, reverb-soaked melodies, and glittery chimes. Issara’s velvety, soulful vocals douse the music with their emotive, smooth tunes, fascinating you with the ease and grace with which her voice can scale the highs and lows of melodies. It is impossible to resist the song’s rhythm and infectious energy, so it is best to give in and get grooving. Listen to Phoenix by Issara here!
Energy Whores - Mach9ne
Energy Whores craft bold, experimental, energetic soundscapes that combine sonic innovation and eloquent lyricism in a truly avant-garde, and intriguing style. It is hard to pin down their sound to one particular type and it is precisely that quality that sets their discography and storytelling apart. Mach9ne, their latest release is bustling with electronica, pop, rock, and 80s synth elements, adding a dystopian, futuristic appeal to the music, one that perfectly complements the social commentary in the lyricism. A pulsing electronic beat sequence, sprawling synth textures, and celestial atmospheres forms a danceable, upbeat, and enigmatic musical backdrop. The vocals, android-like and hazy, adds another layer of dynamism to the music. Energy Whores songs have an edgy, thought-provoking, and distinct characteristic making it a deeply engrossing and enthralling sonic experience. Listen to Mach9ne by Energy Whores here!
MOLTENO - Clouds
MOLTENO brings into existence otherworldly aural realms that are expansive and boundless, engulfing you in their dreamy atmospheres, pulsing beats, and swelling melodies. In Clouds, MOLTENO evokes a transcendent and liberating feeling through the deep and seamless landscape of her music. The lush backdrop is decorated with choral vocal tunes, ethereal synth spreads, fluttering trip hop beats, and a radiant ambiance. MOLTENO’s angelic voice glides over the music with alternative, R&B melodies, uttering each word with captivating tenderness and precision. Like the Earth and the moon, the music and her vocals are engaged in a celestial waltz, a mesmeric, magical phenomenon to experience. MOLTENO’s soundscapes are a portal to a place existing somewhere between the real and surreal. Listen to Clouds by MOLTENO here!
Karen Harding - 6 Feet Off The Floor
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Karen Harding weaves emotive and evocative tapestries of sound and story with a creative and musical depth that captivates. In 6 Feet Off The Floor, Karen delves deep into the human experience, searching for purpose in the grand scheme of life through a breezy, warm, and soothing soundscape. A gentle percussive rhythm drives the music forward, with soft, glowing infusions of piano melodies. At the heart of the sound is Karen Harding’s expressive and commanding vocals. Her ability to inject sincerity, honesty and vulnerability in her vocal performance is impressive and masterful. Through her mature, raw, melodic voice, she ties together every element into a heartfelt, stirring medley of sounds that comes alive with emotional and musical depth. Listen to 6 Feet Off The Floor by Karen Harding here!
Alutepena Hughes-John - Platonic
Alutepena Hughes-John wields the power of emotions and music to capture the intensity and depth of life experiences, love, and human connections in her soundscapes. Platonic is one such release where she manages to encapsulate the expanse of feelings that an unrequited love evokes in a person. Radiant acoustic strums, reverb-soaked guitar plucks, and a hazy ambiance creates a bright yet dark appeal to the music. A slow-flowing groove through airy drums adds a gentle yet driving rhythm to the sound. Her voice towers over the music, at times powerful and direct, at times soft and vulnerable, and at times speaking words with tender conviction. The dynamism this brings to the sound is deeply intriguing and unique. She infuses the music with a sense of passion, excitement, melancholy, and disillusionment, giving you both ends of the emotional spectrum in one immersive soundscape. Listen to Platonic by Alutepena Hughes- John here!
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator