This edition of LITM Pop Picks, features artsy reimaginations and eclectic compositions from the likes of Frank Joshua, T.Halcyon, Laum, Mahta and Skar de Line.
1. Frank Joshua-Turn to Your Soul (Reimagined)
For any retro soul and jazz lovers out there, ‘Turn to Your Soul’ sounds like it was written for you! It has all the instrumental and vocal elements that’ll sweep you off your feet, or maybe draw you into a waltz? The track is upbeat and uplifting, while at the same time not shy of being playful and dynamic. Its lyrics are themed around self-repair and act as an encouraging older brother trying to cheer you up. Every instrument pipes up, interspersing their solo bits alongside the vocals. The arrangement begins with a gentle plum-plum-plums of the piano joined by the vocals, and is slowly followed by the orchestra of various instruments, including the trumpets and saxophones. Vocally, the track is quite diverse, with great harmonies and a section where the chorus is set to varied repetition, making for an engaging hook.
2.T Halcyon -That Girl /Say My Name
Artists T.Halcyon and Tameer bring us ‘That Girl/Say My Name’, a slow-paced ambient vibe with a bit of grunge. The track’s beginning has an interesting repetition of “OMG that girl….” Setting a tone of edginess and mistrust themed around women taking back control. The arrangement offers a background instrumentation that flows with the main melody and is gently paced. The synths provide an atmospheric vibe while the rhythm section gives us an interesting variation of beats with either a soft presence, an upbeat kick , or at times a complete absence. The vocal distortions enhance the overall mellowness of the track.
3. Laum - Float
This artist from France brings us eclectic beats with an ominous vibe in his new single ‘Foat’. The track uses a mix of synths and gentle beats, and that, along with its lingering minor chords, creates a unique mix of unsettling and cautious. It begins with a heartbeat-like pulse along with some crisp harmonies. The synths surround the lyrics like a dome in some places, but pause in between to create a looming sense of dread. With each line's slow transition into the next, you do feel that you’re ‘floating’ through the song.
4. Mahta- Thinking About You
Toronto-based Artist Mahta has created the musical equivalent of a soft photographic bloom with her latest single, ‘Thinking About You’. Using a wide range of techniques such as ethereal harmonies, modulations alongside tranquil instrumentation, the track crafts a euphoric, dream-like vibe. The lyrics are also themed around dreams, and the main vocals have a unique texture that perfectly fits the aesthetic. The instrumentation fills up the background while keeping the spotlight on the lead vocals. All the elements tied together bring a very comforting feel, like someone holding your hand.
5. Skar de Line -The Screen
This new track by London-based artist Skar de Line, offers a fast-paced, gripping track evoking mental images of post-apocalyptic melancholia with ‘The Screen’. You get elements of electronic, hip hop, and dubstep, and even hints of industrial rock, all of which collectively evoke a cinematic aesthetic. The rhythm section shifts during different points of the track with a variety of beats and rhythms. The synth layers also make way for many layers of instrumentation using pianos, hums and other hooks. The pacing of these different sections makes the overall experience of the track vibrant and engaging.
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here