On this edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks we have tracks that have adapted folk influences in the best possible way for the modern listeners to tracks that have the potential to be anthems. The list features artists Lena Younes, Michelle Lockey, Josh Jensen, and more!
Lena Younes - Ways of the Dreamer
Heavily weighing with folk influences, ‘Ways of the Dreamer’ by Portugal based singer-songwriter Lena Younes is a song where you’ll find inspirations seeping in from the ages that have passed. The song is the title track from Younes’ album that deals with ideas of motherhood and ancestral bonds and ties. With a pace that gently moves up and down, along with instrumentation that’s inspired from folk tunes, and the beautiful vocals of Younes, the song comes through as one that feels tied to the earth and nature, and thus, spirituality. It warms your senses and fills you with gratitude for what nature has given to you and has made you capable of.
Michelle Lockey - Dig Deeper
Letting the acoustic folk genre take over, Michelle Lockey’s ‘Dig Deeper’ echoes the spirit of the American resilience in the face of hardships. The emotions spread throughout the song are allowed to be the star as the musicality of it is kept simple. Simple acoustic guitar riffs accompanied by soft drums, along with lyrics that touch your heart, the song is one that will have you introspecting. “Could I run up a mountain/ Do I have what it takes/ To leave this comfortable life for an unknown life” is a question we have all asked ourselves at some point when stuck at crossroads between giving up our comfortable present for something that excites our soul.
Josh Jensen - Be Human
Starting off with soft guitar picking, Josh Jensen’s ‘Be Human’ gradually settles into a heart tugging song about being present as a human. Featuring vocals by Hannah Wyatt that add further depth to the track, the song is a poignant reminder urging us to have empathy and kindness in our hearts as we interact in this largely digital world. The lyrics have strong imagery, allow us to picture the song as it flows. The song is acoustically driven and lets the vocals be the centre of the song, which allows the message of the song to stay clear and afloat.
Gigi Wilde - Becky
Focusing on the ambiguity that comes with attraction with regards to queer experiences, ‘Becky’ by Gigi Wilde thus, becomes an anthem for such experiences. Shifting from having full instrumentation to having light instrumentation to let the vocals shine through, the song is rhythmically brilliant. The choruses have edited vocals which wonderfully add to the passion and tension in the song. An artist that comes to mind when listening to Wilde’s track is Girl in Red. There are strong resemblances in the sound textures these two artists share in their work. “And you say you won’t break me/ But I’m begging on my knees/ Come and take me oh/ Whisk me away” explain the experiences of unrequited love in queer narratives.
FOAM - Elysium
FOAM’s ‘Elysium’ makes use of slight folk influences and experimental electronic music to create a haunting soundscape. The melodies, along with the vocals, lean strongly towards an eerie musical tone. “I have a sense of an everlasting trance…” further strengthens that eerie sense. At 1:40 minutes there is a shift, with the introduction of folk drum like sounds, that takes the song to the next level. The Black Ghosts’ artistry is something that you might think of upon listening to this track. With a sound design that has been carefully and thoughtfully crafted, the song is definitely a unique listening experience.
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