As we approach Women’s Day, this LITM Pop Picks list highlights the leading ladies at the forefront—the girls with the mics! Featuring artists- Baiba, Audren, VØLVE, The Sleepy Haunts and, Four Leaf Clover.
1. Baiba - Lover
Latvian producer, Baiba, has just dropped this electronic pop track- part escapist, part dance-worthy. The song is almost visually designed, with sparks of colour popping beneath the surface, highlighting the white velvety sheen of the vocal track. The singer’s velvety timbre is quite reminiscent of powerhouses like Anne Marie, but with a different approach and stylisation in her flourishes. The artist also plays around with the textures of the song, while still maintaining the core DNA of the track. The peppiness makes it a great pop girl anthem and a fun track to dance to, especially for the girls. Listen here-
2. Audren - Smile People Smile
An easy-going track that essentially oozes aura, ‘Smile, People Smile’ by Audren comes with surprises at every corner—not just in the composition, but also in the instrumental conversation happening within the arrangement. The track is an indie-pop exploration, but with a jazz flare-up in the middle. It has plenty of bass action, brass section pizzazz, and an overall mesmeric instrumentation, while atop, the main vocals and harmonies envelop the listener's ears with a charming delivery. This is one of those songs that is crafted like an appetiser: a composition that doesn’t overwhelm, but leaves you wanting more and coming back for seconds.
3. VØLVE - Morning
Speaking of mesmerising, VØLVE’s ‘Morning’ is definitely a top contender to add to your ‘soothing songs’ playlist. The artist packs in the swirly morning mistiness of an enchanted forest to create the soundscape of this track, from the soft, hazy instrumentation, the breezy vocals and the pillowy textures. The artist’s soulful singing adds mood and depth to the song, drawing attention to the surrounding soundscapes rather than to herself, as she blends into the scenery, while the hypnotic instrumental segments pull the viewer into the foggy jungle. The string section adds a beautiful ghostly presence, almost like a faint emotion disappearing in the background.
4. The Sleepy Haunts - 7 AM
Almost serendipitously following the lead of the previous track is The Sleepy Haunt’s ‘7 am’, but with a complete mood shift. This bubble grunge track is soft and comforting - a great pick-me-up if you’re feeling down in the dumps. The song derives an anthemic feel from its arrangement- a set of resolute drumbeats, chord progressions, and the singer’s cosy vocals, all combining to build momentum for an uplifting release. The infusion of pop rock and atmospheric rock creates a rich soundscape for the song’s theme, offering a perfect genre-blend to propel the emotional highs and peaks. Listen here-
5. Paper Crown - Four Leaf Clover
Contemporary Nordic pop duo Paper Crown has released ‘Four Leaf Clover’, a track mixing an array of textures to create an experiential sonic fever. The arrangement creates an interplay of several instruments but holds space between its layers to keep it light and airy in the verses, setting up an effortlessly high-octane release in the chorus. The glassy harmonies, the half-smoky, half-sparkling synths, and the vivid, atmospheric sizzle craft a perfect undercurrent for the lead singer to sail with, as she deftly shifts between techniques, going from soft and soulful to a full-voice belt. If this description tickles your fancy, check it out here-
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.