From mellow tones to effervescent melodies, this edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks has something for everyone to enjoy! Featuring artists Blair Coyle, Van Sur Les & Emmi Kuittinen, Andy Smythe, Stevie Lee Woods & The NRL Band, and Ashley Ray Simon.
1. Blair Coyle - Down the Line
A soothing ambient track with tones of Americana, ‘Down the Line’ is unabashedly passionate, and delivered with unfiltered honesty, with lyrics like- “Will you look me in the eye, as we cry and cry and cry”. The artist captures the aftermath of parting ways with the arrangement itself. It showcases the distance using the mix, by having the crisp vocals lament in close quarters, almost like he’s right next to the listener, while the instruments feel far away, and more blurry. The arrangement follows the lead vocals, like a hazy presence at first, distinctly solidifying as the song progresses, and this is one of those songs that stays with you, long after it’s finished.
2. Van Sur Les, Emmi Kuittinen – Tapio
Amsterdam-based electronic music artist Van Sur Less, along with Emmi Kuittinen, has crafted this solid-fluid mix that’s inspired by Ingrian heritage. The arrangement features a hypnotic swirl of recurring grooves that warp and rotate without disorienting, while deep underneath sits the looming bass, blending the simulation into one. Closing your eyes, you might experience a series of stimulating patterns, with soft visual pops of colour against a rippling backdrop of wavy patterns. Atop these layers rests a dainty layer of vocals which, along with the bass, creates a funky sandwich of sorts. It’s definitely one of those highly loopable tracks that lingers. Listen here-
3. Andy Smythe - Life of a Man
Andy Smythe’s latest track, ‘’Life of a Man’ is a fresh spin on a familiar vintage indie sound with a clever set of lyrics accompanied by instruments that are completely boogieing it out. Featuring a walking bass, a groovy brass section, and an infectious melody, it evokes a lively scene, as if you’re sitting amongst the musicians. One of the highlights are the instrumentational layers, each on their own riff pattern, such as the harmonica enthusiastically echoing the singer with its tail-end flourishes, or an effortlessly charming trumpet solo. It’s one of those songs you’d hear in a cozy underground pub, over a tall pint and live music.
4. Stevie Lee Woods & The NRL Band – Where I Find God
Veteran country rock artist Stevie Lee Woods, along with The Nashville Roadhouse Live (NRL) Band, just released this gorgeous track, laden with shimmering instrumentation and lilting vocals. The song carries a passionate vibe of reassurance and comfort, with a soundscape reminiscent of The Beatles. The chimes of the piano start low and subtle, and grow in intensity as the song progresses, and the backdrop of glistening instrumental haze gently pushes the layers into a slow ascension towards a gentle release at each chorus, in good old tribute fashion. Wood’s powerful vocals glide between empathetic and resolute. Listen here-
5. Ashley Ray Simon – She
Alt-folk artist Ashley Ray Simon just released ‘She’, a slow evolution of atmospheric beats, warping and mutating as the listener sinks deeper into the track. The intro features sultry instrumentation and subtle crackles of guitar notes, almost immediately setting the tone with the lyrics “She sang the trees to the sky, she stands a mountain over lions.” It’s one of those songs where you wonder who “she” is, but as you get into the song, a slow realization hits. The crunchy underbed of guitars grows amidst sandy swirls of texture, carefully developing into a hazy storm with its fragmenting guitars, submerging the listener deeper into the track, while still maintaining its overall mellow, electric feel.
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