Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Chloe Berry - “Darling”
New York based singer-songwriter Chloe Berry explores her self growth journey with her new, indie pop single “Darling''. The song reflects on her experience with gaining newfound confidence and strength after losing yourself in an unhealthy relationship. Lyrics like “now I use my words / I grew a spine” embody a relatable coming of age theme that has an ongoing presence in 21-year-old’s authentically-centered sound. Berry’s calming vocal tone pairs perfectly with the track’s hypnotic, drum-lead production. With just a handful of tracks under her belt, Berry has already established an artistry rooted in honesty and introspection.
Noah Richardson - “WHEREVER U GO”
Philly-rooted artist Noah Richardson shares his latest single “WHEREVER U GO”, produced and mixed by Tyler Ripley. The song opens with a silky guitar riff and layering melancholic vocals, establishing a fitting soundtrack for late night drives dedicated to personal reflection. Its punchy bassline is consuming, making “WHEREVER U GO” a track you can’t help but move to. With lyrics that are equal parts hurtful and hopeful, such as “you don’t want to move on, but you’re probably better off”, Richardson beautifully encompasses the bittersweet lesson that you cannot continue to hold on to something you no longer have. “Moving on can be an incredibly difficult thing, ‘WHEREVER U GO’ is kinda my way of dancing through that pain and that process,” stated Richardson.
Abby Sage - “Pool Party”
Abby Sage’s “Pool Party,” is a haunting night swim in the deep end. Over deep bass and a low-end, distorted guitar in lockstep, she narrates a chilling allegory for children’s lack of preparedness for the world. Sage’s weary vocals, sounding all-knowing and Old Hollywood, interact with an atmospheric arrangement recalling acts like Billie Eilish or The xx.
The video finds Sage surrounded by darkness, her face obscured by different paper mache masks, looking like someone you’d stumble across in Twin Peak’s Black Lodge. Jump cuts and variations in speed add a disorienting layer to the already haunting soundscape. Her mask is illuminated in chiaroscuro; what’s underneath is more unsettling than anything that came before.
“Pool Party” is the latest in a line of singles by Sage and a perfect song for a late-night, streetlight-lit, summer drive.
Xav Clarke - “Noone Understands This Thing Called Life!”
Summer bangers don’t always have to be meaningless. Sometimes the best moments from the season come from being alone with one other person on a walk contemplating the nature of existence, but you know, in a fun way.
Xav Clarke isn’t afraid to ask big questions (“do the lights go out as soon as you die?”) over an arrangement that evokes the glory days of heat. Both laidback and bouncy all at once, “Noone Understands This Thing Called Life!,” smoothly lays out Clarke’s musings. His vocals are mixed perfectly, allowing them to interplay with the crunchy bass and other production flourishes.
Clarke is also a member of the psychedelic-pop group, Itchy Teeth, and has previously composed songs, and scores for numerous animated series including the BAFTA winning, The Amazing World of Gumball, and placements on Cartoon Network and Elliott From Earth, an upcoming series on Bento Box.
Expect more groovy, psychedelia on Clarke’s coming debut album, Arrow, out later this year.
“Summer Song” - Faae
An exciting blend of jazz and indie-folk, “Summer Song” is the latest addition to Orlando-based artist Faae’s impressive oeuvre. A master in intricate lyricism and a lover of songs that puncture the realm of synesthesia and nostalgia, Faae explores the feelings that accompany transforming into a person no longer recognizable to you.
“One More Episode” - Window Shopping
A five-piece hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Window Shopping are making a bombshell debut with “One More Episode”. Feeling both nostalgic and contemporary, the track is an ode to all twenty-somethings struggling to accept their status as an adult. The band creatively mix comical and silly lyrics with themes of adolescence, and melodies inspired by artists such as The Prettiors, Cheekface, and Sidney Gish.
Wotts - “6 Shooter”
Indie pop duo Wotts have teamed up with fellow Canadian artist The Desert Island Big Band to create the atmospheric track “6 Shooter.”
Wotts’ first every collaboration proves a success, with influences from The War On Drugs’ heartland rock sound.
Featuring a catchy chorus and an electronic edge, the song is full of charisma.
Wotts were put to work on ‘Six Shooter’ (the original track by TDIBB) and selected two elements to help them create something brand new. The result is a song full of unique (yet nostalgic) indie pop musings that showcase sweet guitar escapades and modulated drums. A fantastic effort from both artists.
Dez Rocksteady - “Don’t Need Much”
Leeds-based singer/ songwriter Dez Rocksteady returns with the heartwarming “Don’t Need Much.” Venturing into the territory of uplifting indie pop, Dez Rocksteady has crafted an infectious song behind the backdrop of a bluegrass-esque arrangement that aims to ease any worries and anxieties about living out your dream life.
“You don't need much to do a lot, so take a risk give it a shot, no one else can live your dream but you.”
Dez Rocksteady embodies authenticity with his raw vocals and wholesome lyrics, that although seem simplistic, are just right to have an impact, holding an important message. Through a broad spectrum of colorful melodies, and vibrant singalong parts, Dez Rocksteady continues to eagerly show the world why he deserves a spot on your “cheer me up” playlists!
Talkless - “Talking to Myself”
With prominent basslines pervading the track, Talkless’ “Talking to Myself” incorporates a distorted melody that isn’t always easy to create. The Brazilian American artist returns with his latest track to offer explorations in alternative indie rock.
The nostalgic grunge instrumentation that dominates the track provides the best backdrop for the lyrics on “Talking to Myself.” Touching on personal and vulnerable topics from relationships to mental health, the track shows listeners the pitfalls of overthinking and the struggle that comes with putting on a front for others. The jangly guitar riffs and smooth chorus highlight Talkless’ epic musicianship.
“Talking To Myself” is also accompanied by a fitting retro style VHS lyric video.
Listen
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weekly tunes playlist has been updated! new tracks from @furtradeband, @pecqband, @garryfool & more! check it out! https://t.co/ToFU0R6YGo -
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RT @oliviaborch: new @LunaCollective out todayyy shot by @alltookev ✨ @P1H_official editorial design by me ! https://t.co/cvSCKsWB5D
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RT @rlyblonde: @AnnieDirusso for @LunaCollective shot by me #35mm #portra800 https://t.co/0UUJSCBGcH
