This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks features a quaint selection of pop, alt-folk, and country-Christmas blends from the artists MIO-ERA, Annie Mondegreen, Sara Gerdine, James Dunsmuir, and Brit Scoops.
1. MIO-ERA – INTRO
If you’re looking for something folksy and alternative outside of the English lyric world, MIO-ERA’s latest album will be a delightful listen. The song ‘INTRO’ lands the perfect opener with its lilting guitars and silky-smooth vocals. The minimalist instrumentation, consisting of cosy guitar arpeggios, taps into an alt-folk space that takes you through visuals of soft, breezy trees overhead and speckled afternoon sunlight layering the grass. The song is simple yet articulate through its musicality, as the lines sung in Mandarin flow daintily, easily lifted by the guitar notes in this short but sweet track. Adding colour and warmth to each line, the silky-smooth vocals make it a perfect, cosy listen.
2.Annie Mondegreen - In the Cards
Incredibly catchy and rustic, ‘In the Cards’ starts with a soothing, folksy tune and an evening palette where the vibe feels a bit cosy and introverted. The song slowly transforms from wallflower to whimsical with a shift in tone and performance where the lyrics are eclectically laid out in poetic form, featuring lines like “If you can teach me how to fly, I’ll cut the truth out of the sky,” while the music steps into an upbeat territory. An earthy guitar shifts from intricate arpeggios to crisp strumming, with both patterns providing a great accompaniment to Mondegreen’s raw vocals, which don’t feature much digital enhancement, giving it an authentic feel. Definitely give this song a go.
3. Sara Gerdine - Déjà Vu
Irish singer-songwriter Sara Gerdine brings a feel-good vibe with her latest track ‘Déjà Vu’, a charming love song to cosy up to. Starting with a warm, inviting guitar chord progression, the track carries a distinct vintage charm tailored for the romantics, and Gerdine’s buttery, flowy vocals bring in that old-Hollywood-esque charm, fitting the vibe perfectly. And the instrumentation of guitars, drums, and soft synths swirls around the singer, as the lyrics keep everything read between the lines, where nothing is explicitly said, but everything is 100% implicitly felt. If you’re up for a blend of folk, country, and pop, this would be a great pick!
3. James Dunsmuir - Breaking Down
California-based singer-songwriter James Dunsmuir creates a sombre, hazy setting on ‘Breaking Down’. A jangly guitar pops over the bass while synths slur in the distance, providing the perfect underbed of music for Dunsmuir’s soothing vocals. The music on the whole is rustic and subtly shapeshifting, going from stringy to cushiony to lucid and atmospheric. The arrangement has the instruments overlap and blend into one another, as each underlying instrument softly passes by, changing the song’s textures. If you’re looking for an engaging, vibey song that feels like a deep conversation with a mate, this would be a great pick.
5. Brit Scoops - Christmas With Myself
A spirited song that blends pop and country sensibilities, ‘Christmas With Myself’ is an inviting take on the upcoming holiday season, covered in tinsel, bells, and ornaments. It’s one of those songs you’d find yourself dancing to at a party, or cheerfully singing along to with its catchy tune and easy-going lyrics. What starts off as a song for "victims of cancelled plans" ends up being a story of hope with a heartwarming twist ending, as the song captures not just the festivities but also the essence of the Christmas spirit with its storytelling. The instrumentation instinctively brings enough whimsy and curiosity to lend itself to the story, making it an overall catchy listen.
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