“Sun” is indeed a bright, optimistic light in the world of independent alternative pop music. The singer/songwriter is Berlin-based Jamila Al-Yousef who offers a cool chamber pop arrangement to reinforce the positive message behind “Sun”, which is not to fight yourself, just show up, and get on with making your day the best that it can be, using the sun rising and setting as food-for-thought imagery. Jamila’s vocal is likeable and could easily be inspired by legends like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Joan Baez. But she brings another dimension to that inspiration through her culture as a daughter of Palestinian immigrants, and she was in fact born on the day the Berlin Wall fell. Known in Germany as a cultural and political activist and also as a teacher, Jamila Al-Yousef brings a lot of perspective to her music which we can enjoy and appreciate.
PAUL VANICE & DAN BOUJEE, THOMAS RODENBACH & STEPHEN ALLEN, “Real Love”
What might at first listen seem like an odd kettle of fish in “Real Love” sinks in deeper and successfully with repeated plays. German producers Paul Vanice & Dan Boujee collaborate with vocalist Thomas Rodenbach as they did on a song I wrote about this past summer called “Closer”. While that song had rock elements in its production, the core of “Real Love” is a lovely pop tune that takes a few sidesteps into future bass territory musically, along with some hip hop verses courtesy of NYC vocalist Stephen Allen. Everything surprisingly gels together quite happily. You have a classically structured pop song with a memorable chorus, a hard hitting future bass middle, and hip hop flavours that all make “Real Love” multi-dimensional. Though it’s an unconventional and challenging mix, hats off to Vanice & Boujee for making “Real Love” work as a whole.
These days, the new music just keeps coming, and for people like me who live for what’s coming next, it can get a little overwhelming when you find out there are so many new songs you want to hear. So my “10/10” feature helps alleviate the pressure for me, and also allows me to introduce you to 10 new songs in more capsulized reviews.
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 – “siic” by stef, from edition #20, just debuted on 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.
TYLER GARRETT, “Stardust”
For the last while, I’ve been enjoying the R&B-inflected dance pop of Tyler Garrett’s new album called Runaway. The L.A.-based, South Carolina-born singer has a diverse set of pipes which are particularly showcased well on the track “Stardust”. This is a crunchy, gritty one for the dance floor which allows Tyler’s voice to really let loose, while its funky Prince-meets-OutKast groove really stands out. I’d love to hear “Stardust” in extended or remixed form!
MACY CRAWFORD, “juliet”
It’s rare that an artist will release songs that have a common conceptual theme, outside of many progressive or perhaps hard rock performers who create huge epic stories. So “juliet” is the first of five songs from an EP still to come from new South Carolina talent 20 year old Macy Crawford, and they all shed some different light on some well-chosen tragic heroes and heroines from mythology and literature. Naturally, “juliet” is she of Shakespeare fame, with a song that takes a specific view about why the star-crossed lovers met their fate. Macy has a stunning voice and makes for a fine story-teller through song, and “juliet” is co-written with and produced by Robbie Rosen, who is currently sitting up top of my personal chart with “Sanctuary”.
ANIQO, “Fear”
Germany’s ANIQO (Anita Goβ) writes and releases mainly electronic alternative pop songs that are never, ever boring, and always make you think (usually accompanied by well-crafted videos), even when they might be at their most polarizing. “Fear” takes a step sideways from “Wonderland” and “LoveLife”, two of her bright and most accessible songs. It takes you on a dark, ponderous journey of self-realization where one of the things you might discover about yourself is that fear lies within everyone, something we must embrace and reconcile ourselves with frequently, and try not to let it overwhelm us. The video for “Fear” is full of striking, well-shot imagery, with a nice reveal at the end.
MAYA DELILAH and SAMM HENSHAW, “Breakup Season”
Breakup songs have been with us for so long, it’s safe to reassure yourself that people will never get enough of them, as they often come from deep and unique places within the songwriter. Maya Delilah is a pop/R&B singer/songwriter/guitarist from London who has been causing a stir that has led to her new aptly titled EP It’s Not Me, It’s You. Leading the EP is “Breakup Season”, featuring the amazing, effortless voice of Samm Henshaw (who I saw in concert last year), an ideal compliment to Maya’s own deft soulful tones. Like other breakup songs, this one is a celebration of doing the right thing for yourself, while recognizing things that you did wrong too. The uplifting arrangement plays not unlike songs you might hear at a traditional New Orleans funeral, meaning that it’s time to move on in “Breakup Season”.
ALICE PISANO, “September”
I enjoy it when acoustic releases are made with intention, not just to release a decent song with limited production values. Alice Pisano is a new singer based out of London but raised in Italy, and “September” hits home because of her vulnerable and striking vocal performance. Yes, it’s a sad, end-of-summer song relating a failed relationship and why everything you do or see reminds you of the person now gone from your life. “September” as a song takes a few spins to warm up to, but there’s no denying Alice’s talents through those repeat listens.
SCOTT MAGNUS, “Break My Heart”
I’ve continued to enjoy Scott Magnus’ previous single, “The Phoenix”, which I wrote about this past summer, for its anthemic energy and expressive vocal, coming from a performer who you would never know has multiple special needs challenges – ADHD, Autism and Dyspraxia. The Manchester-born talent follows it up with “Break My Heart”, which, knowingly or not, has its roots set back in about 1983 when streetwise British new wave rock bands like JoBoxers, Aztec Camera and others had their time in the sun. It’s very refreshing, and Scott’s every-guy voice, as set against appropriate minimal-sounding production, definitely makes the song stick with you.
CRAWFORD MACK, “The Last Perfect Day On Earth”
Protest songs forever have singer/songwriters like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in their debt, and continue to this day in various shapes and forms. Glasgow-based singer/songwriter Crawford Mack offers some of his thoughts about the need for climate change in a gentle but provocative manner to make you think about “The Last Perfect Day On Earth”. If not us in our lifetimes, some future human beings may experience the subject of the song, so he encourages to us through song to act now, not later, to do our part. Crawford wrote the song knowing that the critical GOP26 talks about climate change begin in his hometown tomorrow (November 1). His taut performance makes me think of a Paul Simon-meets-Joshua Radin style, while his band restrains itself nicely from rocking out too much to support the thoughtful but pointed nature of the song.
LEXI MARIAH, “Demons”
The voice of new US singer/songwriter Lexi Mariah is one that you’ll remember, as it fits in snugly with contemporaries alongside Bebe Rexha and Dua Lipa. “Demons” also benefits from a catchy chorus and shiny production, which is perfect for a pick-me-up in these autumn months. I don’t think the song offers anything new lyrically but Lexi’s refreshing vocal and the melody will seize your ears and happily make you look forward to more from her.
ANJXLXE, “Feel It”
Montreal’s ANJXLXE is a new voice to keep your ears happy with her single “Feel It”. Clearly there will be comparisons to Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara and Jessie Reyez, as she gracefully breezes through this tight and snappy but quick single which she also co-wrote. Its bluesy, jazzy arrangement helps give it some needed edge, but for future releases I’d love to hear ANJXLXE flex more vocal muscle which will help take her songs over the edge. For now though, “Feel It” is a solid introduction.
KITONE, “Alright”
Russian dance producer Kitone has in a short time already been supported in mix-shows by just about every current major DJ/producer. He brings you “Alright”, a song oozing with positive vibes that will certainly rev up a full dance floor and keep the party moving for the rest of the evening. The pitched down vocal is generic but the dynamic synths and well thought out arrangement makes “Alright” an easy spin for dance music lovers who enjoy their songs fast-placed, as well as for club DJ’s looking to add some pronounced bounce into a set.
JOHN SKYFIELD, LAURENTIUS and MAYLEN, “Swimming In Gold”
For a dance/pop song that will light up themusic, room, you need listen no further than “Swimming In Gold”, a collaboration between Germany producer John Skyfield, Dutch producer Laurentius, and prolific Nashville-based singer/songwriter MAYLYN. Its lilting melody and bright synths are in complete sync with its lyrics, which are a celebration about being in love. But “Swimming In Gold”‘s pedigree proves the dynamics in the trio that created it. John Skyfield is currently on my chart as a producer with Shoby and Victor Perry on “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”. I’ve written about Laurentius before with his songs “Stay The Night” (also with Victor) and “Fucking To Forget”. MAYLYN’s big moment came not long ago with co-writing and singing “Yellow” with Martin Jensen and Giiants. It’s always fascinating to see all of this talent connect and make such an enjoyable release.
NATIXX, LYON BROTHERZ and ROBBIE ROSEN, “To The Top”
While its lyrics would usually call out for an anthemic melody that you could rock out to, “To The Top” by German producers Natixx and Lyon Brotherz and NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen sets out to strike you in a different way altogether. Its melody is carried by a flute or similar synth sound that supports its enthusiastic lyrics very well. That sound also gives the song an uncharacteristically fun, medieval touch, which you don’t hear often in dance or electronic music outside of more progressive-sounding tracks. It’s a quick song at only 2:35 but “To The Top” doesn’t let up, becoming quite memorable and one that you will find yourself easily having on repeat.
If you need a break from deep house and future bass bangers, then look no further to the latest single from TheFatRat’s new album Parallax, “Let Love Win”, featuring singer and co-writer Anjulie. Parralax also contains TheFatRat’s previous recent singles “Hiding In The Blue” and “Violet Sky”, as well as one track featuring violinist Lindsey Stirling, who often works in the electronic dance music setting. “Let Love Win” is a song that’s easy to digest, and I appreciate all of the light and bright synth elements that TheFatRat incorporates into this production. Juno Award winning singer Anjulie – who you’ve also heard through song placements on many TV shows, as well as with her songwriting for people like Kelly Clarkson and Nicki Minaj – though is the highlight, her lovely vocal makes every word pointed and meaningful. “Let Love Win” is off to a great start; I’ve already seen it on several electronic dance playlists.
“Summers In December” is a classic-style pop song that hits all of those sensitive nerves when you remember events from long ago like they were yesterday. It’s by newcomer Henley Ocean – who/which is not a newcomer but the new project name for German singer/songwriter Daniel Volpe, who has been featured in this blog numerous times through his songwriting as well as his other 2010’s guise as Zorro Blakk. “Summers In December” is another killer collaboration with blog regular Charlie Mason, and that should speak volumes in itself. The song’s melody has signature 80’s pop written all over it, and keeping it simple, straight-forward and inviting is most welcome in these difficult and complex days.
JOHN SKYFIELD, SHOBY & VICTOR PERRY, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”
It’s music to my ears when a left field cover choice comes along, and German producers John Skyfield and Shoby and NYC singer Victor Perry bring us a wonderful cover of American R&B singer Angie Stone’s 2002 release “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”. In another world, the song (which features an interpolation of The O’Jays’ classic “Backstabbers”) should have been a massive hit at the time of release, but ended up being a dance club smash in a propulsive Hex Hector and Mac Quayle remix. Although it’s more than a minute shorter, the three artists together nail the intent of the original mix, with Victor showing his versatile vocal talent as it moves through the wide range of emotions succinctly within the song. I’m not a fan of covers, but Shoby and Victor worked together on their lovely recent rework of Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero”, so you’ll know when you hear “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” why I’m enjoying it so much. A dance remix would be most welcome for clubs!
SAXITY and VICTOR PERRY, “Could’ve Should’ve Would’ve”
Every release together is always such a welcome surprise, so I’m always happy to write about another teaming of Saxity and Victor Perry, this time on “Could’ve Should’ve Would’ve”. The German producers always make Victor’s voice and lyrics shine, and this time it’s in some funky Michael Jackson/Usher/George Michael territory that allows Victor to let loose. Throw in some gorgeous high notes for harmony as well as slick instrumentation including some well-placed saxophone against a chugging groove and “Could’ve Should’ve Would’ve” is a fine addition for your anytime playlist!
Angelo Basham is a new name to dance music though he’s not new to the game at all, having previously recorded under another name. But new identity means a clean, fresh sound, and “Fly Me To The Moon” is bound to catch your attention with its seductive deep house beats and a love story inspired by Frank Sinatra’s classic of the same name. The uncredited female vocal will grab you right from the inset as the rhythm lures you deeper into the story. This is Angelo’s second release under his new moniker, and sets the bar high with its top notch calibre of artistry. It’s well suited for dance radio play and tailor-made for playlists for late night club play too.
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