My “10/10” feature is back for Edition #20! It’s the first one since July, but it’s a proactive way for me to share more great new music with you instead of getting frustrated trying to either write too much at one time (which means I write less enthusiastically and make mistakes) or not write about some songs I hear that deserve your attention.
For those not familiar with10/10, I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention. I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the 10/10 lists are any less than those featured individually – “My Time” by Gina Naomi Baez, from edition #19, is now rising up my personal chart – and they are not listed in any particular order. Writing “10/10” posts means I can just cover more songs in one shot with a few sentences about each. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I sometimes don’t get a chance to write about.
- KUNZITE, “Lemon Swayze”
American psychedelic-electronic duo Kunzite have an out-of-the-blue winner with “Lemon Swayze”. After enjoying it several times, I still have no idea what it’s all about, and the entertaining video, with an older man on a road trip with a (blatant symbolism alert) back seat full of lemons, certainly adds to the mystique. Fans of MGMT will enjoy the melody, which relies on some repetitive sounds, that totally works as an undercurrent to its anthemic, almost singalong vibe. You can definitely rock out however you like to “Lemon Swayze”, which comes from Kunzite’s new album Visuals.
- NIGHTRO and EMDEY, “The Vibe”
New York based Indian dance producer Nightro follows up the earlier “Don’t Like It” with the classic house-fueled “The Vibe” along with German producer Emdey (formerly MD Electro). Despite its short length, dance music fans will dig the rapid fire pace of “The Vibe”, whose melody and soulful vocal will transport you back to the early 90’s house days, where it could easily be played next to tracks by CeCePeniston and Crystal Waters from back in the day. “The Vibe” was also recently picked up by Sam Feldt for his latest Heartfeldt Radio show so who knows where you’ll hear it next.
- STEF, “sicc”
“sicc” takes a few listens to get under your skin, but once it does, it’s gonna stay there for a while. It’s by new Alabama-raised, Nashville-based electronic alt.pop singer Stef (otherwise known as 21 year old Stefani Colvin). “sicc” ruminates about obsessions and being forthright with one’s intentions so that people don’t mess around with you. While obvious comparisons will be to Billie Eilish because of its dark atmosphere, Stef’s versatile voice has a leg up in the song’s minimalist setting. “sicc” is brooding and compelling, and deserves a shot at alternative and college radio.
- HELAINE VIS, “Ice”
The soulful, jazzy atmosphere in “Ice” will hold your attention in this new release by Poland’s Helaine Vis from her upcoming album Pretty Cliché. What’s unique about “Ice” is its perspective, which comes from a woman who broke a guy’s heart, and the regret that follows knowing that she let a good one slip away. Its black and white video signifies the barren feelings that remain when you discover you are wrong, not knowing when your world will fill with colour again. Helaine has a beautiful, expressive voice which clearly was influenced by classics like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, and translates their sway into a convincing pop setting.
- GLASSIO, “Magazines”
Glassio is a solo electronic pop vocal project that is now the recording name for one of its original members, NYC-based Irish-Iranian talent Sam R., who returns with his new single “Magazines”. It’s also a collaboration with Dave Rublin of American Authors, and while you can hear some similar Americana kinds of influence in the storytelling style of the song, it takes a turn for a different bent with its slight, ear-catching synth melody. Sam’s thoughtful, chill vocal also lifts this song above average, a perfect foil for the lyrics which are about self-acceptance and moving in a positive direction despite any recent difficult circumstances. “Magazines” will be followed by Glassio’s second forthcoming album called See You Shine.
- MARAVA, “Underwater”
Russian electronic producer Marava follows his delightful dance/pop collaboration with Canadian singer Eadie on “Life’s Okay” with a dramatically different presentation. “Underwater” is a vivid instrumental that will send visions of anything to do with the ocean to your brain. This is a song that is tailor-made to be played in a movie, video clip, or video game, and Marava’s production and synth work is so compelling and fluid, you won’t even notice the over four minute length.
- IAN MATTHEW, “Mr. Reliable”
Connecticut-based singer/songwriter Ian Matthew is back with a song that will keep you smiling called “Mr. Reliable”. Ian glides into a jaunty Jason Mraz-meets-Jack Johnson territory in this song about that kind of guy you can always depend on. And some people might sneer, but a lot of people really do depend on such folks, so “Mr. Reliable” is an enjoyable toast to them. Ian can rock out with the best of them or lend his voice to an electronic dance track, but “Mr. Reliable” is nonetheless a refreshing head-turner.
- NADIA VAEH, “Leap Of Faith”
The phrase “taking a leap of faith” can apply to any situation where you must take a bit of a risk to move forward because it’s simply the right thing to do for yourself. With her convincing honesty, Atlanta singer-songwriter Nadia Vaeh manages to convey her message with a gritty rock style that may take inspirations from singers like Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch, and Halsey. The rock style of the early 2000’s seems to be in comeback mode, so fans of that era are bound to enjoy “Leap of Faith”. And even as an indie artist, Nadia is a caring philanthropist who often donates proceeds from her music to charity, and is certainly deserving of your support.
- RUSSO, “On The Floor”
Dutch producer Russo follows up “BTTF” with a techno-flavoured slice of future house called “On The Floor”. Fans of Showtek and Claude Von Stroke will enjoy the grittiness of some of the synth work, while the melodic hook might be inspired by 90’s pioneers like Moby. “On The Floor” teases and flirts with you, is definitely one that will keep club goers dancing while begging for an extended mix.
- PALMARIA, “Ocean”
New Italian, London-based duo Palmaria try to raise consciousness about our planet and the ecology with “Ocean”. The song serves as a dual gentle message about finding a tranquil, enjoyable, personal space in the world that you will enjoy. But really, the latter is dependent on the former, and Palmaria have even partnered with environmental organization OGYRE, who collects back plastic from our waters and repurposes it. The song’s lilting melody and vocalist Giulia’s alluring tones make “Ocean” a tonic for your ears and brain.
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