NUMBER 1
GEMINI CHRIS - If You Want My Body
London, United Kingdom
London-based Gemini Chris is a Jack of trades as a producer, performer, and DJ. The international artist made my number one choice easy this week with the release of the house hit ‘If you want my body’. The track starts off with a vulnerably soft vocal discussing ideas of heartbreak and the relatable issues of ‘wrong place at the wrong time’. An echoed and reverb piano is led into a building pre-chorus filled with anticipation due to the double-time drum kit and reversed samples. The chorus is full of life with iconic dance drums and airy synth lines. This track should be a staple in any house party playlist and to add it to yours hit the link below.
NUMBER 2
DARIA MIREA - Don't Know Love Yet
London, United Kingdom
London-based Daria Mirea has released her latest song “Don’t Know Love Yet”. Panned picked acoustic guitar is a soft accompaniment for Daria’s soft and sweet voice. Her backing vocals are light and come together to support the lead. Long flowing reverbs add a sense of drama and space to the track. The track comes to life with the addition of strummed guitar chords and pumping drums. Daria’s voice grows in power and vulnerability when discussing themes of being in love yet not quite knowing what love is yet. Her gorgeous delivery will leave you in awe during the bridge as the texture rips away to let you hear its full range.
NUMBER 3
LIVE NOW! - When I Count Stars
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Live Now! Is the alias for Kazakhstan-based songwriter and music producer Ilya Ruskikh. A wide range of genres such as funk, indie-pop, and reggaeton come together to inspire Ilyas's musical style. His latest release ‘When I Count Stars’ is a pop hit with a funk bassline and disco-feeling drums. Bright synth pads provide the tracks major harmony while a leadline solo in the tracks bridge section. His bright and pop-produced vocal explores ideas about counting stars in the sky and going for your goals. Towards the end, the vocals combine with the backing one making a lovely mixture of melodies. This track has everything to make it a huge hit and believe it will.
NUMBER 4
DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI - Seven Years Old
Durban, South Africa
Double comfort safari is a musical project started by South Africa-based Paul Renwick. Starting as a bassist, now turned singer-songwriter Paul’s music is a mixture of synth layers and guitar lines with hopeful lyrics. ‘Seven Years Old’ is a tech-heavy multi-genre tune with many different elements. The reggae-like off-beat synth chords mix with a funky bassline while the dance-like drum machine rhythmically drives the track. Paul’s voice delivers lyrics about still holding on to the dreams that he had at ‘Seven years old’. The track breaks down to a dreamy rendition of the main lyrical idea and extra synth lines bring in a new level of sonic interest.
NUMBER 5
EOGHAN MOYLAN – All I Want Is Money
Galway, Ireland
Eoghan Moylan is a Galway-based singer, songwriter, and producer. His songwriting is descriptive and storytelling while his production is clean and punchy. ‘All I want is money’ is his latest release and as the title says, explores ideas surrounding feeling stuck in the same place for too long. The moody guitar lines pair well with the subtle brass section. The drums and bass are the perfect backline to Eoghan’s powerful voice. He layers his vocals to create a multi-toned choir vocal reuttering the song’s main lyrical theme. The track as a whole is an indie dream full of interesting instrumental lines and compelling vocals.
NUMBER 6
ALEX CHERNEY - Sleeping
New York, United States
Sunshine indie artist Alex Cherney is a New York-based singer, songwriter, and producer. Fusing the classics with the contemporary Alexes music is loved internationally featuring in many TikTok posts and playlists. ‘Sleeping’, his latest release, is a reggae-influenced summer smash. The offbeat brass chords provide uplifting and major harmony for the live kit to vibe to underneath. Alex’s vocals are sweet and multi-tracked to be full of subtle harmonies. His lyrics follow the ideas of being in a daydream and letting life go past you. This track is perfect for a summer's day and should be a staple in all summer playlists.
NUMBER 7
YOUNG LEÓN - Moonlight
Los Angeles, United States
LA-based singer-songwriter Young León mixes his inspirations together to create ‘mellow beach vibes and summer sun’ music. A dramatic reversed vocal sample leads into the mid-tempo pop track. The drums drive the energy as they switch rhythms through the verse to become fuller. Strummed guitar lines come together with high synth lines to be a rounded backing for Leon's deep vocals. The track breaks in texture allowing vocal adlibs to come through alongside developed guitar lines. The lead vocal line is sampled to create a rhythmically interesting breakdown. I wish this track was longer as it’s the perfect summer vibe.
NUMBER 8
LUCY CLUE - In Your Eyes
Frankfurt, Germany
Lucy Clue is a Germany-based singer, songwriter, and rapper. Her music delivers a message of standing up for yourself and being confident and her latest release ‘In Your Eyes’ definitely does that. Kicking off with dreamy synth pads followed by a pulsing kick drum and Lucy’s strong and passionate vocals. She effortlessly switches the lyrics of the track from English, where themes of not being able to stop thinking about someone are expressed, to Spanish where Lucy and this person connect by the heart. The track's synths are bright and pop sounding and are the perfect backdrop to the combination of lead and backing vocals.
NUMBER 9
CMK BEATS - Sexy Ladies (feat. John H Hall)
Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut-based CMK Beats have released their summer tune ‘Sexy Ladies’. The independent electronic producer has teamed with John H Hall for this house-inspired track. Moody synths combine with a full house drum machine kit. A whispery female vocal is followed by a catchy male one. The lyrics recite a mission of getting all the girls to the dancefloor for this epic track. Strong piano chords provide major harmony while a deep synth bass line plays underneath it. The track varies in texture to keep it interesting and a breakdown in drums and synth lines provides plenty of space for the track to build back up again. To hear an amazing track hit the link below.
NUMBER 10
LEXXI VONNE - 22.22.22
London, United Kingdom
’22.22.22’ is the latest release from multi-genre artist Lexxi Vonne. The London-based producer takes inspiration from elements in varying styles from cinematic music to synth-wave. Her latest release is filled with tech-heavy instruments and clever production. The dance-inspired four-on-the-floor kick drum pounds through the track while synths in many different timbres combine together to make up the track's texture. The track develops with new lines coming in and out. The harmony is major and with the synths sound provides a bright and optimistic tone. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the ‘magic’ Lexxi still has to release.
WHO'S YA FAVOURITE CHART - DANCE & POP - 12/08/2022 - VOTE NOW
DARIA MIREA - Don't Know Love Yet
DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI - Seven Years Old
LIVE NOW! - When I Count Stars
EOGHAN MOYLAN – All I Want Is Money
You can vote for more than one answer.