This edition of LITM Pop Picks features a variety of genres from indie folk, to EDM to orchestral from the artists Nina D., Mark Andrew Hansen, Colourshop, Eddie Nolann and SerGo ft Ofri Afek.
1. Nina D. – Dear Younger Me
If you’re in the mood for a nostalgia-soaked conversation with your younger self, with themes of soul searching, isolation, and resilience, Nina D.’s latest track works as the perfect guide in music form. The song feels almost like a giant comfort blanket to cuddle up under, with Nina D’s honeyed vocals drawing you into the warmth of the narrative—a vivid recounting of childhood instances, such as the opening lines, “I know you’re staring at the ceiling thinking you were always one step behind.” The underbed of cello and guitar plucks adds to the comforting presence, leaving space for the vocals to take the lead as they dip into low notes and float back up into silky mid-tones. Check it out here:
2. Mark Andrew Hansen – Love Enough (feat. Jes Hudak)
Another soothing song with comforting vibes, but with the theme of love, is Mark Andrew Hansen’s latest track ‘Love Enough’ featuring singer Jes Hudak. The entire song is carried only by a soulful piano riff and a glistening set of vocals; with this, the minimalist nature of the arrangement creates beautiful moments of tenderness and intimacy, almost like a conversation between two lovers. This is also reflected by the two musicians, where the piano and vocals feel like they’re conversing—with each one giving the other a moment to speak, catching each other’s energy, and coming together. If you enjoy romantic songs and soft textures, this would be a great pick!
3. Colourshop – Tra Mille Volti
‘Tra Mille Volti’ is Italian artist Colourshop’s reinterpretation of Sting’s ‘Shape of My Heart’, adapting the lyrics into Italian while giving the song a fresh, contemporary feel, while effortlessly maintaining the ‘heart’ of the original. The vocals give the song a unique finish with velvety textures and a summery charm, while the mix keeps it light and airy. There’s also a rustic element to the vocals, where the artist easily drifts between an earthy, raspy tone and a brighter, silkier one. The song’s brief but smooth transition from Italian to English catches you by surprise, like the singer is looking right at you during that line. Hidden somewhere in the world of covers, there’s a unique retelling of an old tale if you’re looking, and this would be the answer to that.
4. Eddie Nolann – Turn Off My Name
A song that’ll get the blood pumping is French artist Eddie Nolann’s ‘Turn Off My Name’. The song features punchy vocals, an infectious beat, and a fist-pumpingly good tune that carries beyond the song's end. The instrumentation is comprised of a rain of different synth riffs and textures alongside a variation of rhythm patterns, creating volume and density as each layer signals the other to up the energy. The vocals offer the perfect counterbalance, with a more rustic, not-too-synthesized approach. The indie-electronica and nu-disco blends shape the track into a sleek, techno, fun-fueled venture, playable from nights out to post-work unwinds.
5. SerGo & Ofri Afek – Farewell Song
A serendipitously perfect way to close off this list is with the soulful track ‘Farewell Song’, a mystical, wondrous storytelling adventure in music form. A collaboration between producer SerGo and vocalist Ofri Afek, the track falls straight into cinematic territory, with an orchestral-led composition backing the Greek mythology approach from the vocalist, taking the track from great to epic. The song comes in waves; moving from a mild wash of waves to a heavy tide, the track goes from soft, gentle, and unassuming to bold, biblical, and bodacious. The song ends with a high-energy riff from the orchestra and Afek’s contrasting, high-altitude legato notes, giving the song the perfect finish. If you enjoy epic film scores and soundtracks, you might enjoy this track.
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