In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we curate an exquisite mix of pop releases with addictive melodies and immersive soundscapes from artists Beth Brandy, Aiko Tomi, Lucas Köksal, softpower, and .Fen.
Beth Brandy - Magic
A magical debut release from rising star Beth Brandy will get you hooked to the artist’s sound and style. Bringing you a captivating blend of pop and funk, Beth Brandy draws inspiration from the pristine and powerful vocal aesthetics of Ariana Grande and Christina Aguilera and the musical personalities of Anderson .Paak, Michael Jackson, and Silk Sonic, so you can imagine the sonic experience that awaits you. In Magic, Beth Brandy performs alchemy, fusing warm muted guitar notes, swelling strings, and angelic harmonies into a dazzling, embellished sonic fabric that her stunning vocals don while strutting through the soundscape. The smoothness and grace with which her voice flows through the highs and lows of melody is enchanting. Magic is an impressive and intoxicating release from Beth Brandy, one that makes you want to hear more. Listen to Magic by Beth Brandy here!
Aiko Tomi - Some Lights Need to be Dimmed
Dive into the shimmery, intriguing, and immersive sonic world of Aiko Tomi, a pop sensation not afraid to push the boundaries of genres. Aiko brings a modern, unconventional, and experimental energy to her soundscapes, blending elements from punky kawaii-rap, post-pop, and electronica. Some Lights Need to be Dimmed is a stellar show of metallic textures, radiant tones, and pulsing tempos. The song feels like a new world unraveling itself, a mosaic of electronic beats emerge in hypnotic patterns, synth takes many forms–wide, shrill, sharp, fluid–and her vocals morph in and out of melody, at times an infectious hook and at times dissonant warbles. Aiko Tomi creates a gripping tale of sounds that truly absorbs you into itself. Listen to Some Lights Need to be Dimmed by Aiko Tomi here!
Lucas Köksal - eye to eye
Lucas Köksal is an Ontario-based musician painting the most alluring, colorful soundscapes. The jangly guitars, racing percussion, and ambient harmonies form a lush backdrop, one that is rich with addictive melodies, inviting atmospheres, and breezy appeal. An electrifying solo interlude cements this track as an exquisite sonic gem, making it a thoroughly fascinating moment in the song. The nonchalant, tender vocals elevate the sound to new heights, adding depth and dreamy quotients to the music. As dazed and whimsical as the music feels it is also cut sharply by the profound lyrical theme. eye to eye is the kind of song that you can melt into and forget about reality. Lucas Köksal impresses with eye to eye’s seamless composition and musical creativity. Listen to eye to eye by Lucas Köksal here!
softpower - MIRROR
softpower dives into the depths of the human psyche and love in MIRROR. The music embodies the enigmatic, powerful, and alluring character of the lyrical theme, bringing you a soundscape that is unfurling in mesmerizing, experimental and electronic fractals of sounds. At the heart of the music lies softpower’s bold authenticity and a commitment to exploration of melody, to twist, transmute, and turn simple notes into intricate, intriguing textures of music. In MIRROR, softpower’s vocal performance is commanding and hypnotizing. This effect is compounded with the pulsing metallic tunes in the backdrop, synth cascades, and the vocal distortions. MIRROR by softpower is an exotic aural experience that will surely move you. Listen to MIRROR by softpower here!
.Fen - Hero
.Fen brings you an enlivening blend of funk and Motown, with a pop twist in his vibrant soundscapes. In Hero, .Fen crafts an upbeat and sunny sound that will instantly lift your mood. The fast paced percussion brings a groovy edge to the music, getting you moving along to the beat. Reverb-soaked suave solos, guitars, swelling horns, and energetic harmonies evoke feelings of warmth, joy, and hope in you, making you want to play the song on repeat. The singer’s earthy husky voice anchors the music to the meaning, breathing life into the lyrics with catchy, lively melodies. .Fen spills a charming charisma and sincerity into the music that feels real and relatable, making the song all the more invigorating and stirring. Listen to Hero by .Fen here!
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