This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks takes you through different textures and emotions, ranging from vulnerable and soft to raw and resoundingly powerful, featuring artists J Terrell, Keith Anthony, Callum Kerrigan, Jeff Hodges ft Alyxandra, and Bog Witch.
1. J Terrell- Golden hour
This country song by J Terrell will have you swaying and bobbing with its feel-good ambiance and peppy rhythm. It’s got elements of classic Americana with a tinge of pop, drawing the listener into its unique soundscape. Its music reflects the title, as the composition —and especially the chorus—feels like gentle sunlight streaming in at golden hour. The accompanying harmonies have a glistening quality that lifts the main vocals, while the guitars bring a vintage feel. The main vocals are husky and mellow, pairing well with the guitar’s skip-like rhythm. The tone of the track is breezy and easy-going, like the feeling of lying on a hammock with your headphones on and drifting off…
2. Keith Anthony- No Crown in the Rain
Keith Anthony brings in a cozy, nostalgic feeling that’ll remind you of simple joys with his latest track, ‘No Crown in the Rain’. It’s a combination of uplifting tones, soothing vocals, and lilting melodies that’ll fit right into a ‘90s Hollywood feel-good film. The vocals have a gentle timbre and are accompanied by backing harmonies that drift seamlessly into unison, lifting the song into a buzzy, euphoric territory. The instrumentation has a charming texture, finding a sweet spot right next to the vocals, backing the singer at some points, yet standing out as its own entity with its layering and hooks. Overall, a great listen!
3. Callum Kerrigan- Daisies
Callum Kerrigan’s track ‘Daisies’ is a gut punch with its visceral and soulful arrangement. The indie folk track leans into the emotionality of the music, with themes of regret and introspection, focusing on the artist’s pain and struggle to get through difficult times. It uses rustic guitars along with raw vocals, taking the listener through the singer’s emotions, as he delivers an uninhibited mix of pain and anguish. The underbed of instrumentation shifts between painful and comforting, serving as a reminder of how music can be used not only as a tool to communicate one’s bare feelings but also how it can serve as a non-judgmental and comforting presence.
4. Jeff Hodges ft Alyxandra- Coming Home
‘Coming Home’ is a cinematic head-banger of a track that’ll have you singing your heart out from beginning to end. It’s a resounding and powerful track typical of stadium rock songs, as everything from the lyrics to the vocals to the instrumentation builds up to the chorus, effectively leading to an anthemic release. The lyrics describe the magnetic pull towards home that the singer feels, and that is echoed by the orchestra of atmospheric instrumentation with its majestic release of tension. The foreground guitars deliver a crunchy sound and a solid groove while the two lead singers channel the energy from start to finish, ending with a climactic finale.
5. Bog Witch- Dream Birds
With a whimsical, bedroom pop aesthetic, ‘Dream Birds’ delivers a captivating and enchanting experience. The song is quietly brilliant and slightly introverted in its approach, crafting a unique and cosy ambiance. As the lyrics unfurl vivid descriptions of a dream, they gently lift the listener through the song’s pillowy textures. The ukulele starts off with an innocent set of ‘plunks’ leading deftly up to a peppy strumming rhythm. The singer has a sweet yet raw quality to her voice; as she leans into a tender approach and slight trembles, she brings in a vulnerability to the track while also maintaining an effortlessly bright performance overall.
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