These LITM Pop Picks range from warm and playful to delicate and expansive – featuring Annika Bellamy, James M Larocque, and kryosyn!
1. Annika Bellamy – Palm Tree
An upbeat track that immediately transports you to “a place far away” that’s soaked in bright sunshine, Annika Bellamy’s Palm Tree unfolds with an unhurried pace. It blends soft emotions with equally delicate instrumentals to create a sound that’s soothing without falling into the trap of becoming purely escapist and superficial. Bellamy clearly understands that good production is usually at its best when you don’t notice it, and this song exemplifies that: produced with restraint, the vocals and mood are given centre stage. Walking the line between warm and sincere without becoming preachy and excessive, this track is effortlessly uplifting. Listen to it here!
2. James M Larocque – Maybe Once
James M Larocque’s Maybe Once is a playful exploration of the rollercoaster that is falling in love. With lines like “Now I’m all alone again here, wondering when she will see me / Give me some hope, would you? Maybe once,” the song dives into every feeling that comes with the territory – from hope to doubt to disappointment, it skips along with what feels like almost mischief. With background harmonies and calm instrumentation setting the pace, Maybe Once is minimal and smooth as Larocque skillfully intertwines the different layers to create a rich musical experience that has clear depth and thought behind it. Check it out here!
3. kryosyn – Fading Away
In its opening moments, kryosyn’s Fading Away is delicate: with its piano layer and soft, almost whispered vocals, its fragility feels like it could break with just a movement. This arresting nature continues through the track even once the percussion and expansive synths come in – not replacing the core of the track, but building on it. From the vocals to the overall feel of the track, everything moves seamlessly between the moods of inward melancholy and cinematic, powerful vulnerability. Towards the end, it all comes together as the vocals display their range: building up to a soaring finish that closes on a note of realisation, it’ll make you want to listen to it again and again.
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.