This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks features the indie-folk and rock blends with themes of self-reflection, adversity, and resilience.
1)Rosemary Shultz- Run with the Wolves
Nashville-based indie folk artist Rosemary Schultz brings us ‘Run with the Wolves’- a track forged by melding soft vocals with hard-hitting lyrics such as “take everything from me” & “can’t take my soul”. The song has a nice classic rock vibe with its guitar hook and feather-like dissonant harmony lines sitting on top of it. Adversity is the theme of this track, and with its smooth, dynamic instrumentation, gentle breeze-like vocals, and effortless guitar solo, it makes for a great track to listen to.
2)Shannon Hudson- Will I be Loved
The artist Shanon Hudson might be Texas-based, but he poses the question many of us worldwide secretly have - “if I hold back will I be loved”- a song talking about self-doubt coming in the way of love. The Americana singer-songwriter brings us classic hues blended with country rock, making for a fun foot-tapping experience. The music brings a chill, yet uplifting vibe- using its sleek banjo groove along with easy going guitar lines and solos, and some lovely harmonies bringing in that sense of joyful hope in the chorus.
3)Ask Carol-Desert
Norway-based Indie-rock duo brings us a dreamy, hypnotic song with a hook that brings us the feeling of time slowing down. With its slow-burning entry using a slick guitar skip, the song takes us to a more self-reflective mood, tapping into that late-night feeling we’ve all had while sitting under the stars, suddenly aware of our insignificance compared to the universe. The hypnotic vibe is carried throughout the track with its use of breezy vocals. That, along with an added whistling, you can almost picture the tumbleweed drifting through the scene.
4) Roxy Rawson- I found a place in the woods
UK- and Paris-based indie artist, Roxy Rawson, brings us a smooth blend of whimsy mixed with edgy in her new track. With vocals very reminiscent of Kate Bush, we get the perfect alternative + folk recipe. The rawness brought about in her voice, the song’s lyrics as well as melody, interestingly balance a quiet adversity with bemusement or even a sense of cheekiness. She makes full use of her powerful vibrato, while the flute interlude serves “ominous playfulness” being in sync with the instrumentation, yet at times cleverly deviating, reiterating that whimsical quality.
5)John Smyths- Now I’m Wiser
If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky yet self-reflective track, look no further than John Smyths new country rock song ‘Now I’m wiser’. It’s an absolute earworm with its uplifting rhythm and instrumentation, along with joyfully sung vocals. The instrumentalists complement each other and it almost feels like they’re setting the scene for an epic “happily ever after” moment at the end of a film. The lyrics are a great reflection of life, where the singer takes a step back and looks at every past moment, mistake, and milestone, all while seeing it through a whimsical lens. It’s one of those songs that feels like it was born from a positive high in the jam room, in one sitting!
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