LITM Rock Picks Tunes To Turn Your Mood Around Featuring Brooks John Martin, Martin Kuiper, Richard Tyler Epperson and More!

LITM Rock picks tunes that will surely uplift your mood for the weekend, brought to you by Brooks John Martin, Martin Kuiper, Richard Tyler Epperson, Rosetta West, and We Have Ghosts

1. Brooks John Martin - Clear Blue Waters
   With "Clear Blue Waters," Brooks John Martin presents a soul-quenching trip of self-discovery and rebirth. The song seamlessly wed his folk heritage with cinematic richness, building an expansive, though intimate, soundscape. With the initial chord of his guitar, Martin establishes a field of contemplation, conjuring the serenity of clear waters as much as the grandeur of open skies.
   From Cedar Falls, Iowa, Martin has travelled through many creative paths in the form of Toast and The Blue Danes. Under his own name now, he contributes a down-to-earth authenticity that can't be overlooked.
   The rich, stacked instrumentation on the song recalls Brian Wilson's grandeur without losing the folk sincerity of Neil Young. Lyrically, it's a poetic appeal to strength, with the likes of "Come back to the clear blue water with me" ringing as profoundly personal yet universally relatable.
   A veritable work of art, "Clear Blue Waters" is Martin at his best.

2.  Martin Kuiper - Dreams
Martin Kuiper's Dreaming Of A Sea of Time feels like opening a beautifully weathered journal- intimate, poetic, and introspective. "Dreams," the lead-in to the EP, establishes the atmosphere with ethereal acoustics and wispy synths that swim through your head like a soothing tide.

Kuiper's voice bears the gravity of one who lived and learned, drawing you into his world of remembrance and change. Erik Neimeijer and Jim Zwinselman's unobtrusive arrangements give each note its time, as if relishing the air between hope and remorse.

This isn't music- it's a sonic memoir, the second in a trilogy that's as concerned with the passing of time as it is with the narratives we bring. For listeners of reflective folk with a cinematic bent, Kuiper's Dreams is a precious thing to be discovered

3. Richard Tyler Epperson - December Night
“December Night” from Richard Tyler Epperson’s Fragmented Night doesn’t just kick things off- it transports you. This isn’t your typical rock; it’s dynamic storytelling set to a soundtrack of shifting moods and stunning crescendos.

Epperson demonstrates he's no prisoner of the genre. As "December Night" smoulders with understated intensity, "I Love It When It's Cold" creeps in with neo-soul murmurs and a tip of the hat to the edgier face of pop. And before you can say you think you know him, "Let's Drive" erupts- half country-funk, half indie adventure.

This record plays at the fringes of what defines rock, taking bits from its neighbours and building something that is distinctly Epperson. With its cunning use of space, dynamic colour, and emotional grime, Fragmented Night is a call to explore the confines where rock and the unexpected intersect.

4. Rosetta West - Circle of  Doubt
Rosetta West's "Circle of Doubt" is a blues-rock fever dream- dark, smoky, and addictively trippy. Beginning with a mesmerising guitar riff that's like a looping incantation, the song draws you into a psychedelic underworld where blues meet psychedelia.

Joseph Demagore's vocals are a chilling chant, thick with tension as he belts about spiritual wars and struggling for liberation. The swirling guitars and glinting cymbals create a sonic texture that's both frantic and healing.

Flip to the B-side, and "The God Who Made Me Cry" swaps haze for down-to-earth grit, mixing folk-inspired storytelling with darkened distortion. Rosetta West evokes a timeless atmosphere, weaving old themes into contemporary bluesy enchantment. "Circle of Doubt" is not merely a song- but an enchanting ritual you'll return to again and again.

5.  We Have Ghosts  - You. Know. Want
We Have Ghosts’ You.Know.Want is akin to being sucker-punched by the '90s alt scene- unbridled, raw, and wonderfully unpredictable. This three-piece outfit from the UK combines punk's punky fringes with grunge's heavy swagger, creating a sonic brew that is half pandemonium, half catharsis.

Benjamin Mace-Crossley's spoken-word vocals cut through the din in staccato fashion, laying down lyrics that grapple with vulnerability and deception. Underpinning the energy are Sam Edwards' throbbing bass and Juan Sanchez's explosive drumming, the track a relentless, hypnotic force.

Most striking is the duality- punk toughness and melodic sweetness combining to produce a song that's as bristly as it is clingy. You.Know.Want is not a song but an emotional riot that has you gasping and clamouring for more. Floor-shaking? Yep. Soul-shaking? More than that.

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This Week's LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks is all about the contemplative flair with artists like Patti Zlaket, EG Phillips, and Larry Karpenko

This Week's LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks is all about the contemplative flair with artists like Patti Zlaket, EG Phillips, and Larry Karpenko

Patti Zlaket - Bliss 

Patti Zlaket is an experimental singer-songwriter and sonic designer. Her craft springs from her curiosity, her tendency to stray and find meaning in the abstract. Her latest release, ‘Bliss’ is a track that traces the outlines, the flutter and feeling of the theme. Blending calming rhythm cycles with specks of beats, splattering across the soundscape, the soundscape is light and airy. And the vocals, intuitive and deep rooted in memories, autobiographical emotions, and echoes, adds so much mystery to the nostalgia. And the best way to experience the track is to let yourself drift into the slow forming whirlpool of bliss and all the dimensions that it releases. Listen Now! 

EG Phillips - When It Gets Dark 

The mysterious flow that Patti creates is absorbed and expanded with neoclassicals in EG Phillips’ ‘When it Gets Dark’. The artist’s instrumentals are cinematic and contemplative, luring the listener to spread across its soundscape and explore. The baritones are hypnotic and ruminative, well-paired with the low tones of the cello. It takes us to the other side, towards the unknown, back to a fond past or a solitude that takes you to distant places. The song has that descriptive charm and romantic blues that is reminiscent of Sinatra’s era. All in all, it is quite wonderful to float through space and drift into its reality. 

Larry Karpenko - The River 

Larry Karpenko’s ‘The River’ explores the infinities that faith brings to his life. The track, lush and vivid with instrumentals, reinforces the cinematic ambience of its predecessor. In the wake of this theme, the artist touches upon the hope, joy, and love that ties into it, enriching his life. It is a very scenic soundscape, and it grows tremendously, inflating with the warm sentiment of his vocals. It’s like a relief, a weightlessness, a buoyant feeling that somehow anchors you, keeps you fluid and centred in all the ways that matter. And the artist, building a song around this feeling, finds the perfect metaphor to relate it to, to build a song around, and to connect with people. 

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LITM Singer-SongWriter Picks Tunes To Turn Your Day Around Featuring Morning Tourist, Ana Gracey, Ian Roland and More!

LITM Singer-SongWriter Picks Tunes for that perfect start to the week brought to you by Morning Tourist, Ana Gracey, Ian Roland, Lost Chimes and Gerr Walsh.

1. Morning Tourist - Leap
   Morning Tourist's "Leap" is an indie folk song that evokes the sweetness and bitterness of leaping in faith and transformation. The song starts with the gentle acoustic guitar, which continues to be joined by calming percussive beat and muffled harmonies that add depth to the song. The lyrics are poetic and contemplative as well, confronting points of change in life with optimism and vulnerability. Morning Tourist's warm, expressive voice makes the song immediately come to life, drawing listeners along on its emotional ride. Softly layered strings in the chorus add an emotional richness that makes "Leap" both intimate and expansive at the same time. It's the perfect companion for contemplative me-time or solo drives on winding roads.

2. Ana Gracey - Afterlife
Ana Gracey's "Afterlife" is a complex blend of electronic pop with a beautiful inclusion of violin that radiates sophistication. With soft piano sounds, the song is a ballad that delves into grief right off the bat, conjuring a late-night introspective vibe. The vocals are amazing and raw, conjuring an image of yearning and introspection about what lies ahead. The song's lyrics are multi-faceted, walking a tightrope on truth that has you glued to the screen. The music is rich and dynamic, with subtle tunes that flourish, anchoring you to the song. This song shall make you feel the heaviness and depth of grief just as how misfortune loves orphans, fire loves innocence. "Afterlife" is a ballad that sounds like an eternally timeless classic that can be reimagined indefinitely.

3. Ian Roland - Craving
Ian Roland's "Craving" is a stunning bare acoustic rock track that's brimming with passion and honesty. The relentless drive beat of the track and the witty guitar work build a solid but close foundation for Roland's intense singing. The words are desire and need, and they're told with a truth that's heart-wrenching. When the song reaches its climax, harmonies and subtle percussion are added to the richness without concealing its stark beauty. The chorus is anthemic but restrained, catchy and straightforward. "Craving" is such a sincere confession to song, a real treasure for the acoustic rock genre. A must-listen for all those passionate out there.

4. Lost Chimes - Something Different (Radio Edit)
Lost Chimes' "Something Different (Radio Edit)" is synth-pop perfection that brings together old emotions with a bright, modern sheen. The metallic synths and infectious beat form a euphoric sound space one can't help but move to. The vocals are silky smooth and slickly produced, warbling of leaping headlong from the normal into experience. The production is sharp and alive, layering layered melodies and crisp percussion into the mix to maintain the tempo. The chorus is infectious, full of shining optimism that is motivational and inspiring. "Something Different" is a road trip and dance-floor anthem in waiting.

5. Gerr Walsh - When The Stars Don’t Work
Gerr Walsh's "When The Stars Don't Work" is a melancholy country-folk ballad that simulates an ardent letter to the departed beloved. The light strumming of a solo acoustic guitar is counterposed by the warm, impassioned voice of Walsh, upon which the soft, musing and poetic words of the song rest at ease. The production is unassuming but effective, with subdued and muted pedal steel complementing its wistful loveliness. The beauty of this song is in the telling, conjuring up pictures of hope and despair amidst the uncertainties of life. "When The Stars Don't Work" is a gentle and ageless song—a song that pulls at your heartstrings and lingers long after the last note has faded away.

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LITM Picks In-The Feels Tunes Brought to You By Zachary Mason, Janet Devlin, Tom Collins and More!

LITM Picks some soothing tunes that can drift into featuring Zachary Mason, Janet Devlin, Tom Collins, Jacob D Edward and Dan Arwady.

1. Zachary Mason -  Fathers

   Zachary Mason's Fathers is an emotional tribute that speaks to depth and tender reflection. The song finds itself to be at once a personal story and a universal hymn to complicated relationships we seem to have with our fathers, mainly related to moments of strength, vulnerability, and unspoken understanding.

   ‘Fathers’ pictures vivid memories through lyrics shared moments, quiet lessons, and time passing with such bitterness. The lines bring forward a poignant fusion of nostalgia coupled with reverence for that person. Mason's words have the depth of language to speak to the strength and sacrifices so often shown in ways that spoke less of words but more to people on an intimate level.

   Vocally, Mason puts in an emotionally charged performance. His voice is warm and full of soul with the right amount of grit to give his reflections their weight. Every lyric sounds like a personal confession, making the sentiment of the song all the more resonant.

   The instrumentation is understated, though poignant: gorgeous acoustic guitars play hesitantly behind a gentle piano and a swelling string arrangement that, without overpowering the vocal, gives emotional life.

   Touching in its realization and beautiful in its crafting, Fathers stays long after the music has faded.

2. Janet Devlin - Cigarette Sweets

It's like a bitter-tinged, smoke-filled melody with Janet Devlin's Cigarette Sweets-a cocktail of intoxicating vulnerability and poetic lyricism. The song is like an intimate diary entry that is raw, reflective, and achingly personal.

Cigarette Sweets is, metaphorically and lyrically a dance between desire and addiction that love is, as intoxicating and fleeting as the cigarette. The lines sum up the duality of desire versus destruction in strong imagery that lasts long after this song is over.

Janet's voice delivery is nothing short of magic. It's an otherworldly sound and fragile fortitude as if she fights the urge not to cry, but bare her soul. Every note has this haunted quality that somehow makes emotions come out very upfront and raw

The production really suits the introverted melody of the song itself with delicate acoustic guitar strumming, gentle percussion, and atmospheric touches. Intentionally sparse, the arrangement let Janet's voice and the weight of her lyrics be the centre of attention.

Cigarette Sweets is a lovingly crafted detour through love's intoxicating highs and its glum lows, showcasing Janet Devlin's unparalleled abilities to turn pain into art.

3. Tom Collins - Care In The World

Again, airy and feel-good vibes with Tom Collins' Care In The World end up as the anthem of just the right mood and mood for leaving worries and embracing life's light moments with all that much energy and in full carefreeness that a song would demand.

Musically, Care In The World breathes with a refreshing sense of escapism. There is an effortless kind of positivity in the lines of the song that feels both timeless and universally uplifting. Strength then lies in simplicity served through a form: all in one phrase, such a message of universality coupled with empowerment is harnessed.

Very warm, open vocals by Tom, full of playfulness charisma that is drawn to the very sunny arms of the song-all effortless cool, but so perfect for a laid-back-but-upbeat tempo.

Instrumentally, this song Care In The World comes with indie-pop qualities of soft rock, jangly guitars, smooth bass lines, and a rhythm that is impossible to not tap your feet to. Crisp and clean production with a perfect amount of texture to add an organic touch.

This refreshing reminder to take things in stride, life's little pleasures, is a song dripping with pure happiness

4. Jacob .D. Edward - Sophie Take Me Dancing

Sophie Take Me Dancing by Jacob D. Edward, for example, is fun, but at the same time vintage-in the best tradition of a wild paean about careless nights and abandon in youth: like the melancholy, memory-packed postcard from an unrepented past.
The song lyrically is a heavy dose of romance and yearning. It evokes beautiful dance floor moments full of romance where the story unfolds. The piece is actually very vulnerable yet so hopeful. At the same time, the narration is in poetical simplicity as it would catch the heart.

The soulful richness of Jacob's voice carries an old-school warmth that feels both comforting and fresh at the same time. He gets the feeling of longing just right with just a touch of whimsy to make Sophie's invitation to dance as intimate as a whispered secret.

The instrumentation on this track is a sort of perfect blend of jazz-pop and classic swing with some jaunty piano melodies, lively brass sections, and the rhythm simply asking to move. The production has a warm, vintage quality that fits the nostalgic tone of the track to a T.

Sophie Take Me Dancing is an ostentatious celebration of love, music, and the magic of shared moments. It is one of those timeless tracks that has undeniable charm.

5. Dan Arwady - Somebody Else

Dan Arwady's Somebody Else is a powerful exploration of heartbreak and the subtle complexities of letting go. This track captures, in a poignant, bittersweet ache, that someone you loved has moved on, making a narrative feel so personal yet somehow universal.

Lyrically, Somebody Else is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The lines encapsulate the raw pain of love lost. The song’s honesty cuts deep, resonating with anyone who has felt the sting of being replaced.

Dan's voice is incredibly emotive; there is vulnerability but also strength. The voice sounds almost conversational as if he is telling a secret to the listener. It's the small cracks and nuances in his delivery that make each lyric hit so much harder, and the emotional weight of the song is more impactful.

The instrumentation is subtle yet effective, so soft acoustic guitars, delicate piano lines, and a restrained rhythm section all echo the introspective nature of the song. The production is spotless, polished, and lays bare this emotion to take centre stage.

The beauty of the ballad Somebody Else is that Dan Arwady can craft something so beautiful out of the hurting feelings inside that it leaves a mark on the soul forever.

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LITM Picks Indie Tunes For The Soul Brought To You By Nick Di Gregorio, Mandy Shadow and ForgottenSongs

LITM picks Indie tunes to rejuvenate your soul by Nick Di Gregorio, Mandy Shadow and ForgottenSongs.

1. Nick Di Gregorio - Give It a Week

   You know they say you don’t appreciate good days without bad ones. Well, this song is literally one of those which makes you feel like you are not alone in this. You've known that sometimes there's just chaos swirling inside and time's your only antidote? Well, then you will fully understand exactly why Nick Di Gregorio's "Give It a Week" gives you just this feeling with some soothingly beautiful yet thoughtful songwriting long afterwards. When this song kicks on with that chord on the guitar, it automatically transports you straight into the gut-wrenchingly intimate atmosphere wherein vulnerability seems like the hero at centre stage.

   The song feels like a conversation with an old friend, someone telling you, "Hey, it will be fine. Everything will work out in the end." Di Gregorio's voice is rich and earnest, perfectly complementing the lyrics as they bludgeon that fine line between despair and hope. The lyrics resonate and really speak for anyone who's been in the thick of it.

   The production is refreshingly stripped back, to keep the focus on poignant storytelling. Subtle harmonies and light percussion provide just enough texture to keep the track engaging without overwhelming its heartfelt simplicity.

   What makes Give It a Week so special, though is the relatability. Whom among us hasn't ever found themselves in this situation? Fighting and clinging to the belief that things must get better someday. So what do you guys think? Give this gem a spin and remember, time heals all.

2. Mandy Shadow- Round The Corner

What is waiting just around the corner? Mandy Shadow's Round The Corner takes one on a mysterious and empowering journey of reflection from the very first note. There is an anticipation in the air, as if you are at the edge of something transformative.

Mandy Shadow's voice definitely shines bright with this song – rich, full of soul and emotion. With her own touch, she breathes vulnerability in strength; and it's really impossible to listen to her with every word singing. Resilience and hope are two beautiful themes in lyrics that depict this person being fully ready for everything life will ever throw her.

The instrumentation, a blend of warm piano tones and subtle string sounds, perfectly creates that sense of inward reflection. The development throughout the song mirrors the transition from uncertainty into confidence.

Whether you're in trouble or need a little boost of courage, Round The Corner is that reassuring hand on your shoulder. So what's your next move? Let Mandy Shadow's haunting song take you in whatever direction it might lead; you might find something great there.

3. ForgottenSong- Down To The Filter

What does it look like when the filters are removed, and only the raw truth is left? ForgottenSong comes out unapologetically gritty and haunting, throwing oneself straight into human emotional depth. It's as if the song starts off from the first beat of a late-night confession, veiled in shadowy vulnerability and stark honesty.

ForgottenSong sings both from the throat and the heart: every lyric has this visceral emotional vibrancy as if it is being read and experienced firsthand. The poem and the candour that dwelt within the lyrics speak about wearing out one's endurance and keenness of a perspective only in the final bit of life which has been melted away and would cling to the minds for years in the ears.

The moody atmosphere added in the production gives the smoky guitar riffs and a steady almost hypnotic rhythm drawing the listeners into its world. The minimalistic arrangement ensures that in the raw emotion of this track, less does not mean the same as more.

Down To the Filter is more than just a song; it's an experience—a reminder of those moments when you have nothing left but to be at your barest core, that's when you find your strongest self. So are you ready to hit play and let it speak to your soul?

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LITM Brings In Soulful And Energized Songs With Tano Jones Revelry, Charlie Freeman, Roger Jaeger And More!

Slip into a blissful music abyss with LITM bringing in tunes in indie and folk rock by The Tano Jones Revelry, Charlie Freeman, Roger Jaeger, Owen Young and Joshu.

1. Tano Jones Revelry - Light It (LIT)

The Tano Jones Revelry is a true energy explosion with Light It (LIT), the song that holds attention right from the first beat. A seamless combination of funk, rock, and soul, it is all about rhythm and dynamism.

The driving basslines and crisp percussion lay down a powerful foundation, while the guitar riffs burst with electrifying intensity. Charismatic vocals from Tano Jones deliver an anthemic performance urging the listener to break free and live for the moment.

What really sets apart Light It (LIT) is delivering raw energy alongside precisely the right amount of polished production. Every element-be it instrumentation or layered harmonies-is cut to amplify the infectious vibe. It's just one of those tracks to get your heart racing, move your feet, either dancing on the floor or vibing all by yourself.

The chorus is catchy, brightening up the song with a sing-along quality that sticks long after the song ends. Be it the groove or the unapologetic energy, Light It (LIT) feels like the spark to start a party or ignite personal motivation.

Ready to turn it up? Because this one's destined to set your playlist on fire.

2. Charlie Freeman - WatchTower

Charlie Freeman's WatchTower is a hauntingly beautiful-a track that continues to echo in one's mind even after the last note of the final chord. With an atmospheric melody and poignant lyrics, the song seems to breathe out the mystery with introspection.
The acoustic guitar is in centre stage. It creates a complexly woven emotion, which perfectly teams up with Freeman's emotive, unassuming vocal delivery. It feels more raw and personal, as he is speaking secrets only meant for you.

The narrative of WatchTower is perhaps its strongest aspect. Lines are pictures, painting themselves upon your imagination and pulling you into the guarded truths and words left unspoken. The subtle rise and fall of the arrangement mirror the song's theme, creating a sense of tension that resolves beautifully in the closing moments.

Does it sound like a call to reflection or more like a prompt to uncover stories? Listen to WatchTower: It's a gem that will pay back every time you listen.

3. Roger Jaeger - Grandpa’s Ghost

You know once in a while we come across a song whose title takes us back to a distant memory? A memory where one leg is the museum of love and the other leg is in the abyss of hurt. 

It's Roger Jaeger's Grandpa's Ghost, an odyssey in memory and loss. Yet in that, a profound reflection through a space woven into acoustic textures with heartfelt emotion through deeply emotive lyrics.

The melody is tender yet meaningful and features Jaeger's soulful voice with a touch of warmth and sincerity in each note. Every note would feel like a brushstroke across a canvas, painting vivid pictures of fond memories and heart-wrenching goodbyes.

It's what makes Grandpa's Ghost so resonant. Even though it is, on one hand, personal, it hits every theme of connection and remembrance for anyone who's ever loved and lost. The understated instrumentation gives the storytelling its best light, making every word a whispered memory.

Is it a quiet song to reflect on, or one that brings you tears? Either way, Grandpa's Ghost is a poignant tribute to the past.

4. Owen Young - Town Line

Owen Young captures the quaint touch of small-town beauty along with introspection, an essence that Town Line encompasses, like a nostalgic wrap. With its heartfelt words of lyrics and understated music, this track whisks you away to places where memories linger and stories unravel.

The acoustic arrangement is both soothing and unassuming; it lets Young's voice take centre stage. It carries a real sincerity from his voice, painting pictures so vivid of crossroads- literal and metaphorical-at every turn. Each lyric feels like a page of a journal, asking each listener to reflect on her or his own moments of change and growth.

What truly stands out is the song’s timeless quality. It’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, making it perfect for a quiet evening or a long drive. Town Line is more than a song—it’s a journey that reminds us all of where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

5. Joshu - Holding On by

Joshu's Holding On is raw and very riveting to explore the topics of resilience and vulnerability. This song uses ambient textures and heartful delivery of vocals in order to create an intimate and expansive atmosphere.

The minimalist setting serves the lyrics because Joshu has explored the theme of perseverance and emotional struggle. There is an ache in his voice that hits the depth of every human heart; each note carries the burden of holding on when it seems the world cannot keep balance.

It builds instrumentally, in all subtle ways, with just as much sensitivity as the song's emotive curve; there isn't a single point of overpowering the raw sincerity of the performance amidst its sound layering. It's a song that invites pause, a refuge in silence unspoken.

Is Holding On familiar to you? Or is it encouraging quiet strength in your daily living? In any event, Joshu has produced an album that is somehow at once personal yet, paradoxically, deeply, movingly universal.

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