This week's LITM Pop Picks shows off pop music as a powerful vehicle for emotional expression featuring artists like Grant Brown, DEWAR, Christian Dolan and others

In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, embark on diverse musical journeys through love, liberation, self-discovery and more with artists Grant Brown, DEWAR, Alexa Villa, Taylor Ravenna and Christian Dolan.

Grant Brown - Low

"Low" by Grant Brown is a refreshing love ballad that delicately navigates the allure of new romance. The music unfolds with a graceful dance of moving melodies, guided by a slow-rising rhythm that builds into a euphoric swell of ambient tunes. The song grows in intensity until the very end, where the listener is met with a gently grounding acoustic guitar section, ending on a refreshing note. Grant Brown's vocals, rich and resonant akin to Sam Smith, passionately convey lyrics exploring the immersive experience of love. The song delves into the intense desire to savor every moment with a beloved, all while maintaining a discreet romance away from prying eyes. "Low" emerges as a captivating and beautifully nuanced ode to new love.

DEWAR - Influence

“Influence” by Scottish musician DEWAR is a powerful rock-pop fusion track, characterized by looping guitar riffs, bold bass rhythms, and surging melodies. The singer's powerful vocals, delivered with genuine passion, elevate the music, particularly in the soaring vocal melodies that encapsulates the angst and state of being overwhelmed by the strong hold of a lover. Exploring the profound force of attraction, the track delves into the vulnerability of succumbing to immense influence. It's a weighty, validating anthem resonating with those suffering such a fate. However, amidst the intensity, there's a subtle undercurrent—a desire for liberation from the captivating hold, a plea to break free from an influence that lacks legitimacy. “Influence” is a musically rich exploration of love's captivating yet tumultuous dynamics.

Alexa Villa - MySpace

"MySpace" by Alexa Villa is a nostalgic nod to the punk-pop sounds of the 2000s, with a fresh, contemporary touch, evoking memories of Avril Lavigne and channeling Olivia Rodrigo's spirit. Villa's arrangement skillfully incorporates wobbly piano melodies, vibrant guitar riffs, acoustic tones, robust basslines, and driving drums. Her vocals, at times textured and distorted, infuse vitality into the track. Beyond its musical gravity, the song explores themes of self-acceptance, urging listeners to embrace their journey and love every facet of themselves. In a world grappling with imposter syndrome and self-esteem issues, "MySpace" becomes a powerful anthem, proudly chanting a self-love slogan that goes like this– “trying to love this place, my body, my mind, my space”.

Taylor Ravenna - Taking My Luv

"Taking My Luv" by Taylor Ravenna immerses listeners in a dark and foreboding soundscape. With evident EDM influences in the texture and tonality of the musical ambience, this song transports the listener to a deeply emotional world that the artist has constructed. The track’s melancholic yet reassuring chorus stands out, while looping vocal melodies and heavily distorted tones intensify the emotional tension as the song progresses. Ravenna takes the audience by the hand, guiding them through a somber narrative of gaining strength through adversity. The lyrics portray a fearless individual unafraid of dark places, navigating challenges with an open heart. Ravenna artfully captures the emotional turbulence of navigating tumultuous relationships.

Christian Dolan - A Memory and Your Versace

"A Memory and Your Versace" by Boston-based musician Christian Dolan featuring Cole Blundin is a pop phenomena, pulsating with the energy, reminiscent of music from Troye Sivan and Harry Styles. The track boasts ethereal distorted melodies, pulsing drums, and noodly electronic sounds, creating a sonic experience that mirrors the feelings of euphoria that infect your being, after a tantalizing romance. The singer’s hazy voice adds glittery pops of emotion to the song, morphing into a bright swaying aurora as the vocal harmonies emerge. Lyrically, the song narrates the story of an intense, joyous chance encounter that is not bound to last long, just like meteors, which lights up the sky briefly, leaving only invisible dust. Despite the fleeting nature, the memory lingers, capturing the beauty of something transient, much like the song itself—a vivid portrayal of the ephemeral nature of love.

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In LITM Pop Picks this week, experience electrifying tracks with pop-rock vibes, indie emotions and mystical sounds from artists Live In Color, Chords of Indigo, Feyleryn and others

Prepare to embark on a musical adventure in this week’s LITM Pop Picks, as we dive into the eclectic soundscape of captivating tracks, ranging from pop-rock to electro, and indie pop from artists Live In Color, Stephen Lind, Chords of Indigo, Ninali and Feyleryn.

Live In Color - Letter to My Future Lover

Letter to My Future Lover is the latest release from pop-rock band, Live In Color, hailing from Sweden. After garnering international attention and airplay on BBC1 Extra, with their track “A Better Me”,  Live In Color are back with another vibrant track. This track delivers the best of both worlds, combining the lively elements of pop and intensity of rock music. The engaging rhythm holds your spirit high throughout the track and is complemented by the energetic beats, catchy verses, dreamy reverbs and indulgent synth sounds. The tonality of the music takes your mind to the sounds of Gorillaz, Fall Out Boy and the like. Lyrically, the song explores the feeling of waiting for the one and the wonder of love. This song makes you feel like sonic fireworks going off showcasing vibrant melodies and sparkly riffs. 

Stephen Lind - Nosebleeds

This electro-pop track titled “Nosebleeds”, from gay pop artist Stephen Lind, bursts with serious techno energy and is sure to make you rave. The song is about experiencing a fall out with a toxic friend and the feeling of empowerment from being liberated from their conniving presence in your life. The song roars with emphatic bass rhythms, reverberating synth horns and fast-paced techno beats. The song comes to a slowing halt to indulge the listener in a heartfelt vocal and piano section conveying the grief and fatigue of being repeatedly let down. However, the chorus instantly picks up the pace reflecting the lightness of losing bad friendships in life. 

Chords of Indigo - I Will Let It (Go)

I Will Let It (Go) is the latest release from Chords of Indigo, Manchester based singer-songwriter. This track is the artist’s latest indie pop addition to his impressive discography. The artist employs an intricate interplay between acoustic guitar and bass, coupled with well-crafted rhythmic sequences, immersing the listener in a bounteous sonic experience. The track delves into the introspection and turmoil caused by a chance encounter with romance, using poignant lyricism. The singer’s raw and textured vocals add depth to the acoustic soundscape. The music is rich and sentimental much like the sounds of artists like Ed Sheeran or James Bay.

Ninali - Daylight

Daylight by Ninali, a musician based in Spain, is a modern pop gem that effortlessly fuses indie, synth, and more. This track is a joyful, uplifting experience, driven by vibey harmonies and a cheerful rhythm that creates a sunny ambience. The song's true highlight is its sonically decadent chorus, which bursts with energy and positivity. Throughout the composition, synth elements bloom from time to time, adding vibrancy to the overall sound. Ninali's emotive vocals authentically deliver the message of hope and assurance penned in the lyrics. The track creates a genuinely uplifting and inspiring atmosphere. "Daylight" is a radiant musical journey that showcases Ninali's musical prowess.

Feyleryn - The Cathedral 

Feyleryn, Barcelona-based producer presents “The Cathedral”, a mesmerizing electronic pop track that features singer Lars Are Nedland. From the onset, the song envelops the listener in a dark, mysterious musical atmosphere. Ethereal vocal harmonies set a mystical tone, eventually converging to create a haunting yet inviting aura. As the track progresses, it picks up a pulsing rhythm, blending intricate synth elements and unique electronic sounds. Strong bass tunes and driving drums intensify the experience, all while layered voices and mushrooming chimes add depth to the composition. "The Cathedral" is an auditory voyage, its soothing riffs drawing you into a sonic realm that's as enigmatic as it is compelling.

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