LITM Singer-songwriter Picks featuring Rita De Los Angeles, WestingWay, Maddison Katev, and More!

LITM Singer-songwriter picks Rita De Los Angeles, WestingWay, Maddison Kate, Jacob Ifans and Claudia Tomàs.

1. Rita De Los Angeles - Riding Shotgun

Summer of 2002, an innocent American tourist encounters lifetime love in Germany. Movie script? Not a chance. It's Rita De Los Angeles' life, and her song Riding Shotgun is the song you didn't realize you were going to need for your next torrid romance.

This tune is the sound equivalent of rolling down the automobile window, having wind ruffle your hair, and yelling, "Anything is possible!" With airheaded melodies and a beat that imitates the smooth roll of an open road, the tune encapsulates the free, lovely energy of being in love.

Rita's gentle voice almost hugs you with the speakers. The words paint images of adventure, feeling of spontaneity, and discovering magic in the unlikeliest places. If you've ever been or ever fantasized about being in love, Riding Shotgun will tell you that life's greatest moments catch you when you're not expecting it. Hold on and ride it out!

2. WestingWay - Grace

Westingway's Grace is a genuine Americana treasure that sounds like the sound equivalent of being enveloped by an old friend. The track is all about trying to get through heartbreak and love, and it manages some success at this with sincerity and a dash of rough charm.

The instrumentation is as cozy as a night around the campfire, with pedal steel and acoustic guitars and subdued percussion. The singing of Jon Wheeler is like that favorite, cozy flannel shirt- worn in, cozy, and ageless. It's an introspective song about resolve, where each lyric feels to be ripped from a journal.

Think Tyler Childers meets The Lumineers with a sprinkle of stardust. Grace is the kind of song you’d play while driving into the sunset, pondering life’s ups and downs, and realizing that sometimes, the journey back to love is just as meaningful as the destination.

3. Maddison Kate - A Truth

Breakups are terrible. But A Truth by Maddison Kate puts that heartbreak together, wraps it around empowerment, and serves it with a side of "I deserve better." It's a breakup song, but one that's gentle and thoughtful and reminds you that healing is a process, not a race.

The melody is stream-of-consciousness movement- gentle but insistent- while Maddison's lyrics pierce to the heart: "This wasn't my fault, and I'm stronger for it." Her voice is gentle strength, the kind of friend who has seen the worst and sits beside you now saying that you are alright.

Whether you are currently going through heartbreak or years down the line, A Truth is a reminder that the best tales begin when one chapter closes. Grab some tissues and let this one remind you that resilience is the ultimate glow-up.

4. Jacob Ifans - Sun Don't Shine

Jacob Ifans' first single Sun Don't Shine is like drinking a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon—comforting, nostalgic, and ever so slightly melancholic.recorded during a chilly winter in a caravan, the song is lo-fi romanticism and raw-around-the-edges intimacy that can't be mastered.

The song begins all dreamy, waking from a dream sort of way, and gradually gains focus as it plays out. Ifans' subtle vocals are stunningly framed by a gentle female harmony, building a cozy, layered world that's like wrapping yourself up in a snuggle blanket for your soul.

Ideal for the indie-folk aficionado, the song's rawness is its beauty. It's coarse around the edges, but it's only because it's truthful. Sun Don't Shine is not only a song, it's a soft transfer of human contact in an age of clamor. Include it on your rain day playlist and be enchanted.

5. Claudia Tomàs - I've Seen You Lose

Claudia Tomàs' I've Seen You Lose is an ode to weakness and courage. It's the song that reaches you, even when you're sobbing in your PJs alone with a bowl of ice cream.

With lines such as, "I've seen you lose, but I've seen you rise," Claudia weaves a tapestry of raw emotion. Her voice stretches like a phoenix in one breath and collapses into a soft drone in another, mirroring the highest highs and lowest lows of human existence.

The composition of the song is stark and yet evocative, keeping the narrative in the foreground. By the last two minutes, it is no longer a track but a chant: You can break, but you can rebuild. No matter if you're at the height of the world or huddled in the trenches, I've Seen You Lose is a reminder that all falls are one step away from victory.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here

LITM Rock Picks Tunes To Turn Your Mood Around Featuring Brooks John Martin, Martin Kuiper, Richard Tyler Epperson and More!

LITM Rock picks tunes that will surely uplift your mood for the weekend, brought to you by Brooks John Martin, Martin Kuiper, Richard Tyler Epperson, Rosetta West, and We Have Ghosts

1. Brooks John Martin - Clear Blue Waters
   With "Clear Blue Waters," Brooks John Martin presents a soul-quenching trip of self-discovery and rebirth. The song seamlessly wed his folk heritage with cinematic richness, building an expansive, though intimate, soundscape. With the initial chord of his guitar, Martin establishes a field of contemplation, conjuring the serenity of clear waters as much as the grandeur of open skies.
   From Cedar Falls, Iowa, Martin has travelled through many creative paths in the form of Toast and The Blue Danes. Under his own name now, he contributes a down-to-earth authenticity that can't be overlooked.
   The rich, stacked instrumentation on the song recalls Brian Wilson's grandeur without losing the folk sincerity of Neil Young. Lyrically, it's a poetic appeal to strength, with the likes of "Come back to the clear blue water with me" ringing as profoundly personal yet universally relatable.
   A veritable work of art, "Clear Blue Waters" is Martin at his best.

2.  Martin Kuiper - Dreams
Martin Kuiper's Dreaming Of A Sea of Time feels like opening a beautifully weathered journal- intimate, poetic, and introspective. "Dreams," the lead-in to the EP, establishes the atmosphere with ethereal acoustics and wispy synths that swim through your head like a soothing tide.

Kuiper's voice bears the gravity of one who lived and learned, drawing you into his world of remembrance and change. Erik Neimeijer and Jim Zwinselman's unobtrusive arrangements give each note its time, as if relishing the air between hope and remorse.

This isn't music- it's a sonic memoir, the second in a trilogy that's as concerned with the passing of time as it is with the narratives we bring. For listeners of reflective folk with a cinematic bent, Kuiper's Dreams is a precious thing to be discovered

3. Richard Tyler Epperson - December Night
“December Night” from Richard Tyler Epperson’s Fragmented Night doesn’t just kick things off- it transports you. This isn’t your typical rock; it’s dynamic storytelling set to a soundtrack of shifting moods and stunning crescendos.

Epperson demonstrates he's no prisoner of the genre. As "December Night" smoulders with understated intensity, "I Love It When It's Cold" creeps in with neo-soul murmurs and a tip of the hat to the edgier face of pop. And before you can say you think you know him, "Let's Drive" erupts- half country-funk, half indie adventure.

This record plays at the fringes of what defines rock, taking bits from its neighbours and building something that is distinctly Epperson. With its cunning use of space, dynamic colour, and emotional grime, Fragmented Night is a call to explore the confines where rock and the unexpected intersect.

4. 4. Rosetta West - Circle of  Doubt
Rosetta West's "Circle of Doubt" is a blues-rock fever dream- dark, smoky, and addictively trippy. Beginning with a mesmerising guitar riff that's like a looping incantation, the song draws you into a psychedelic underworld where blues meet psychedelia.

Joseph Demagore's vocals are a chilling chant, thick with tension as he belts about spiritual wars and struggling for liberation. The swirling guitars and glinting cymbals create a sonic texture that's both frantic and healing.

Flip to the B-side, and "The God Who Made Me Cry" swaps haze for down-to-earth grit, mixing folk-inspired storytelling with darkened distortion. Rosetta West evokes a timeless atmosphere, weaving old themes into contemporary bluesy enchantment. "Circle of Doubt" is not merely a song- but an enchanting ritual you'll return to again and again.

5.  We Have Ghosts  - You. Know. Want
We Have Ghosts’ You.Know.Want is akin to being sucker-punched by the '90s alt scene- unbridled, raw, and wonderfully unpredictable. This three-piece outfit from the UK combines punk's punky fringes with grunge's heavy swagger, creating a sonic brew that is half pandemonium, half catharsis.

Benjamin Mace-Crossley's spoken-word vocals cut through the din in staccato fashion, laying down lyrics that grapple with vulnerability and deception. Underpinning the energy are Sam Edwards' throbbing bass and Juan Sanchez's explosive drumming, the track a relentless, hypnotic force.

Most striking is the duality- punk toughness and melodic sweetness combining to produce a song that's as bristly as it is clingy. You.Know.Want is not a song but an emotional riot that has you gasping and clamouring for more. Floor-shaking? Yep. Soul-shaking? More than that.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.

LITM POP Picks Tunes To Turn Your Week Around Featuring Deborah Fitz, Silja Rós and Matilda

LITM Pop picks tunes that will surely turn your week around, featuring Deborah Fitz, Silja Rós and Matilda!

1. Deborah Fitz- The Puppet
   The debut single, "The Puppet," by Deborah Fitz is an intense trip that solidifies her position as a new force to be reckoned with in Northern Irish music. Recorded at Zero Hour Studios in Coleraine, the track employs imagery of puppetry to discuss the issues of control and self-ruling. Instead of seeming jaded, the imagery is salvaged by Fitz's raw lyricism and confident vocal performance. Pitting her alongside Amy Winehouse and Tracy Chapman, her voice is raw, lived-through, and tells it like it is.

   Michael's blues guitar accompaniments suit Fitz's vocals perfectly, delivering a rich but unobtrusive backdrop. The build of the track reflects its narrative in lyrics, expanding from introspective melancholy to stubborn declaration of independence. Combining emotional openness and accessibility, Fitz avoids self-indulgence, creating a track that will resonate with all.

   "The Puppet" is a crowning debut, showcasing Fitz's visual wealth and establishing her as an artist to be reckoned with.

2. Silja Rós- Lemons
Silja Rós's "Lemons" from her third studio album, ".letters from my past," is her trademark mix of Scandinavian pop and neo-soul. The song is a highlight in an album documenting introspection and self-improvement. Commended by meticulous care, "Lemons" is made possible by the collaborative efforts of Denmark and Iceland, jazz-laced rhythms, full brass sections, and muted textures of Rhodes piano.

Rós's singing style is far from interesting, marrying technical skill with emotional integrity at all points. Her ease in moving between styles, blending modern R&B beats and classic pop sensibilities, attests to the rigorous musical schooling she has received. The introspective lyrics of the song, drawn from private journals, guide fans into a deeply personal space without forsaking broad appeal.

"Lemons" is a testament to Silja Rós' artistic maturity as well as to her secure place among Iceland's most innovative and most interesting artists.

3. Matilda- Superpowers
Matilda's "Superpowers" is an uplifting song, gleefully celebrating the victory over adversity. With its radio-friendly sound and common inspirational messages, the single resonates with listeners of all music genres. Its propulsive energy comes from kinetic performance, like propulsive percussion and soaring synth timbres that generate the sense of drive and empowerment.

Matilda's vocals are the focus of the song, transitioning from heartfelt verses to a haunting chorus in a peaceful manner. Her lyrics are all about internal fortitude, accepting individual talents and using them in a struggle against hardship, so that the song is both a personal and generally inspiring song. The music in the song maintains its pop-oriented aspects in balance with a subtext of indie hipness, so that it speaks strongly to broad audiences.

"Superpowers" is one of those cheerful songs that brings together great melodies and a genuine message, putting Matilda in the position of an artist who is both entertaining and meaningful.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.

LITM Rock Picks Tunes Brought To you By Sons of Chance, Ubiquity Machine, King in Yellow and More!

LITM Rock Picks Tracks to Jostle Up Your Playlist Featuring Sons of Chance, Ubiquity Machine, King in Yellow, Koburg and Chris Quesnel

1. Sons of Chance- Show Them
   Sons of Chance are not visiting to play- they're here to slay. With a chant-ready "woawaoah," Show Them takes us in on its inspiring vibe quicker than you can say "dance revolution." It's more than an indie alt-pop-rock tune; it's a movie anthem for those times when life has you beat, and you must get up like a phoenix with deadly dance skills.

   The words, "Get on your feet now, boy, show them you can shake and dance," may come across as basic party directions, but it's more than that. It's a rallying cry for battling the darkness of despair, a plea to reclaim your happiness, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to combat the blues is to boogie them into submission.

   From Fife, Scotland, this high-energy band understands how to blend metaphorical and uplifting lyrics with ageless instrumentation. Seriously, this may be the movie soundtrack of a Guy Ritchie montage- picture a tough underdog boxer fighting along with this playing. Straight-up gold. Sons of Chance are the motivational experts we never knew we needed. Now, we need to go add this gem to all playlists forever.

2. Ubiquity Machine- Angela
If longing had a theme song, it would be Ubiquity Machine's Angela. Half indie-rock soul and half melancholic electronic marvel, this song is like a love letter wrapped in fog and nostalgic longing. It's the aural equivalent of gazing out of a rainy window, pleading with the universe, "Do you even care, Angela?"

Dan Marsh and Howard Rabach, the DC dream team musicians, bring you layers of rich synths, eerie guitars, and words that punch you in the existential gut. Phrases like "You got the love I need, kinda love that I believe" are poem punches to the stomach. Do you believe in love, Angela? Do you?!

With over 100 songs to their name, Ubiquity Machine proves their storytelling prowess yet again. This one will haunt you- in the best way possible. Just don’t listen to it at 3 a.m. unless you’re prepared to spiral (with headphones on, of course).

3. King in Yellow- Dream Weapon
If only your most profound existential crisis had a killer soundtrack. That is Dream Weapon by King in Yellow. Inspired by the eerie, broken-up stories of Robert W. Chambers' The King in Yellow, this song is shoegaze, noise-rock, and new wave giving birth to a gorgeous melancholy child.

Unfurling at the margins like a memory torn away, the guitars keen, the feedback throbs, and the vocals- nearly a wail, almost a whisper—grieve what's lost. It's akin to hearing Pixies' Black Francis on the way home from a very bad day. The line "Dream Weapon is about delusion" sums up that sinking sensation when you discover the world isn't the way it appears—or the way you wished.

Kyle McDonough and Nick Vining make their Kingston, NY recording a fever dream that's well worth the wait. This is music for pacing the floor at 3 a.m., a ghost at your back, and questions you can't quite put into words. Haunting and hypnotic, Dream Weapon sticks with you long after the final note has sounded.

4. Koburg- Twisted Fairytale
Dive into Koburg's Twisted Fairytale gothic majesty, where symphonic metal and cinematic drama entwine. If Painted Stars does not give you chills, are you truly alive? Koburg's strong vocals sweep like a heroine battling her way through an enchanted forest- daring, lovely, and totally badass.

This record isn't music; it's an experience. Each song feels like it was ripped from the score of a dark fantasy epic. The name implies a reinterpretation of fairy tales, but darker, grittier, and more emotionally-packed. It's like if Maleficent had formed a metal band and went on tour across the realms.

Die-hard symphonic metal and theatricality fans will adore Koburg's transformation as an artist. This album is just what you need for those times when you want to be empowered, exposed, and transported to another world- simultaneously.

5. Chris Quesnel – Tarantino

Lights, camera, summer feeling! Chris Quesnel's Tarantino isn't a song- it's a mood. Picture a sun-kissed montage of road trips, beach excursions, and serendipitous meetings with a stranger who just might become the love of your life. This alt-pop pearl is your new summer jam.

The track’s soaring guitars and infectious melody feel like Party in the U.S.A. met indie cool at a music festival and decided to stay up all night talking about fleeting love and serendipity. It’s bright, fun, and oh-so-relatable, especially if you’ve ever experienced that spark of connection with someone new.

With Californian producer Matthew May's output, Quesnel is able to capture the thrill of a summer romance in a catchy but non-clichéd fashion. Tarantino is the musical equivalent of the ideal pair of sunglasses- cool, effortless, and guaranteed to make everything a little more radiant.

Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!

If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.