This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks brings to you retro influenced queer anthems to haunting, ethereal tracks, to fun, wholesome country tracks and more. The list features artists John Kairis, The Cockney Cowboy, Shannon Hudson, and more.
John Kairis - Say Less Father
A distinct, authentic country sound guiding the track, ‘Say Less Father’ by John Kairis is everything a country song is at its core. A simple banjo and guitar layer drives the song, with the occasional piano notes thrown into the mix. This simplicity keeps the song calm and gentle sounding, allowing you to fully immerse yourself into the track. The lyrics are both playful, fun and genuine, real, offering a nice paradox regarding the overall sound of the track. It is a paradox because the song sound wise seems very seriously emotional which the lyrics are evidence as to it not being that way.
The Cockney Cowboy - FIVE
A crisp guitar riff starting off the track, ‘FIVE’ by The Cockney Cowboy feels like a song that is a valley between the world of rock and country. The instrumentation is pretty classic, with steady, dynamic drums, guitars that shift and move around and don't let monotony take shape in the song. Lyrically, the song is a beautiful, wholesome capturing of the beauty that a family is, specifically a chaotic, joyful family of five. The instrumentation brilliantly captures the essence of the thematics of the track. The guitar solo section towards the end of the track is a pure cherry on top, and takes the song to whole another level.
Shannon Hudson - The Words I've Left Unsaid
A soft rock sound laying ground to the song, ‘The Words I've Left Unsaid’ by Shannon Hudson captures the part of a relationship that isn’t at all rosy. Instrumentation wise, the song makes use of emotive, swirling, twangy guitars and steady drums primarily, with the acoustic guitars playing in the background softly. The vocals come in layers in the chorus sections and add nice textures to the overall smooth texture of the track. The song lyrically captures the process of the end of a relationship, wherein it’s hard to say where you stand leading to a state of confusion and great sadness.
Amy Vee - Blood in the Water
An emotive acoustic guitar riff opening up the track, ‘Blood in the Water’ by Amy Vee feels like a dip into an ethereal world for 3:41 minutes. The production of the song is simply pure brilliance, in the way that the instruments come in layers one by one and then slowly build towards a climax. The instrumentation because of the way that it moves can feel very theatrical. The mysterious vibe that the instrumentation gives off is so very alluring. Vee’s haunting vocals are the perfect accompaniment to the instrumentation choices in the track. There is simply no way that the song won’t have you under its spell.
Kele Fleming - This is Not Religious
An upbeat guitar riff starting off the track, ‘This is Not Religious’ by Kele Fleming is a powerful, important queer anthem that is sure to warm your heart. The instrumentation is very retro, specifically the 80s and early 90s, but the themes of the song were relevant, are relevant, and will be so till the end of the time. The lyrics of the track are deeply honest considering they were very much a part of Fleming’s internal monologue as a woman coming to terms with a normal that coincides with the normal of the majority of the world. Ending with the lines “love is love” this song will have you find yourself in the lyrics if you too are grappling with your identity.
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