LITM Singer-Songwriter picks reflective and soulful songs from Anthony Messini and others

This week’s edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks features soulful music from Anthony Messini, Ryland Moranz, Coruja Jones, The August Arrival and Haotian.

Anthony Messini - Sounds Like Jack

“Sounds Like Jack” is the latest single released by Anthony Messini. A delightful melody erupts from the bright-toned acoustic guitar that flows like a river through the valley. About halfway through, the second acoustic guitar provides rhythm and backing to the lead. The classically trained guitarist Anthony Messini crafts an acoustic melody with influences from classical music, jazz, pop, folk and world music to create a soulful lullaby that can put you at ease in a second. The artist brings out the interplay between the acoustic guitars, perfectly blended and balanced, to weave this melody from the heart.       

Ryland Moranz - The Hell Of This Town

Singer-songwriter Ryland Moranz is out with his latest single “The Hell Of This Town”, a bluesy melody that hits close to home. The song opens with some mellow guitars over piano chords and an array of string instruments that join in making this simple tune into a rich and lively melody. Ryland mixes traditional country music with some bluegrass and blues influences to express this lovely melody. The song, despite the title, was written as a love song for his wife. As someone who faced a constant dilemma of being on the road, doing shows and missing home, the track is a remembrance of joy and a reminder of what’s important.         

Coruja Jones - Undo

Coruja Jones is the brainchild of the Manchester-based indie folk artist Dan Jones and he is out with his new EP “Undo”. The title track “Undo” features at number four on the EP. It starts with a heavenly synth sustain upon which intricate and graceful guitar along with soft beats are painted. When the soothing dreamy voice of Dan comes in, the listener is instantly transported. The melody takes on a haunting mood with reverb-filled vocals and sustained falsetto accompanied by melancholic guitar progressions. Produced by Sam Vicary of the Cinematic Orchestra, the song is a beautiful melody that captures the essence of living and translates it to the listener in the most elegant way possible.

The August Arrival - Fleeting and Forever

The Yukon-based musician The August Arrival is out with their latest album “Hillsides” and it features a song called “Fleeting and Forever” at number two. It is an emotionally charged indie folk rock song with ruminative chord progressions, soft drum beats and sustained synth chords. The effect is the creation of a soundscape that is dreamy and spaced out. Sara MacDonald’s vocals cut through this ambient atmosphere with finesse and grace. The vocals are often embraced by harmonies and backing vocals to sound moody and mysterious. “Fleeting and Forever” urges you to introspect life and to reflect more as the fleeting moments once lost are never to be had again.

Haotian - Ring Road

“Ring Road” is the latest single released by Haotian and it’s a deep dive into the immersive experience carved out by the artist. The experience of travelling, of building connections and how ring roads are a metaphor for the choices in life. Along with the dreamy storytelling, Haotian combines elegant instrumentation to create a surreal soundscape. The song opens with his voice accompanied with soulful piano notes. Slowly as the song progresses and explores more sinister moods, string instruments are added to provide sustain, and backing vocals blend in the background transporting the listener to an ethereal place. After the soothing violin and mellow drums kick in, the song finds closure and resolves like a magnificent fire burning out.  

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