This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks takes you through different terrains of slow pieces, featuring artists - Live Oak Sunburst, JAYA, Stevie Lee Woods, and the NRL Band.
1. Live Oak Sunburst- Lurleen
This latest track from Live Oak Sunburst brings a new, smoky flavour to the Americana and folk genres, with its rustic approach. The track features a drawling guitar, raw, gravelly vocals, and a playful arrangement of guitar licks and mildly tipsy notes that feel right at home in the genre. Amidst the sparkling notes and smooth melodies, the spotlight is on the singer, with not just his vocal textures, but also how he acts as the storytelling guide, taking the instruments through different peaks and valleys of emotions, as the lyrics lay out the story of the main protagonist- Lurleen. All-in-all, a great recommendation for this genre!
2. JAYA – Paper Plane
With a few guitar plucks, some soft echoing vocals, and a shimmering atmospheric lull, ‘Paper Plane’ gives you the experience of a slow-motion dive into a fantasy world during its 4.43-minute short runtime. The composition is fluid and creative, as it uses a perfect combination of both technique and feeling to evoke a cosy, escapist space and a comforting presence. The guitar expertly produces fluid, arpeggiated chords alongside the singer’s soft, heartfelt delivery; and with a few added harmonies, the arrangement results in a pastel-y soundscape that tenderly ripples through emotions. Overall, the song carves out a niche of its own and is definitely one for the ‘replay’ list.
3. Stevie Lee Woods and The NRL Band - Don’t Let Heartache Turn to Heartbreak
Tucked in the cosy intersection of the Americana-Rock genre crossover is this latest track by Stevie Lee Woods. It’s a song that encourages you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, rather than letting a current painful moment devolve into future heartbreak. With lyrics such as “take time away to love and find a way”, it acts as an emotional guide, exploring themes of patience and love. The music itself is a slow dance, featuring a variety of instruments, from guitars to drums to a lilting piano and some powerful, heartfelt vocals. The arrangement could pull the listener into a rhythmic sway or lead one to the dance floor for a romantic waltz with their partner. If this piques your interest, give it a listen here-
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