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Dream of 1988 by Davia Schendel

Youssef Harraz
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Dream of 1988 by Davia Schendel

Davia Schendel takes the listener on a nostalgic trip with her newly released sophisti-pop song ‘Dream of 1988’.

Davia is an artist/musician/songwriter from San Francisco, United States; she is also a co-founder and writer of a literary magazine called ‘You Know What I Mean’.

With the help of Max Havas on guest vocals and Phillip Greenlief on saxophone, Davia brings us a nostalgic dreamy song with elements of psychedelia fused with pop and jazz. Relax and enjoy as wind chimes start off the song setting the dreamy mood with a swingy bass line taking the groove flourished by a swell guitar that gives the ambient depth. Phillip comes in with his soulful saxophone lead line shadowed by a harmonizing guitar. The bass line and tom drum groove are the backbones of the song giving room for the vocals while maintaining the groove. In the first verse, Davia takes the foreground with warm doubled vocals starting off the 80’s pop nostalgic vibe. While the second verse is where Max gets the spotlight with his soulful voice backed by harmonies from Davia. The outro is a slowly fading psychedelia ambiance where Phillip blows his heart away with the saxophone.

Shine by Carl Liungman

Nadine Elwan
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Shine by Carl Liungman

Rising solo pianist and artistic soul Carl Liungman from Huarod, Sweden released a sweet and uplifting creation in the form of an album called ‘Shine’, on the 17th of November. Gracing is with some largely missed classical music, this album will take you to a faraway land adorned in peace and beauty. Carl is largely inspired by the sound of Coldplay, Hans Zimmer, John Legend, and Argo Part. The album was produced in his home studio in southern Sweden. In 2020, Carl released the album ‘Born’, the complete opposite sound of his newest creation. His aim is to spread messages through his music that encourage the listeners to make reflections on the core of life. 

A masterpiece with its light, and hopefulness this album’s momentum is everything when it comes to the way the music was composed. As you listen, you feel like the music is melting into each other from the warmth they emit. The star of all the brilliant thirteen tracks is obviously the piano, which really feels like it’s speaking to you personally and compassionately. The overall sound of the album is friendly and mellow. The soundscape is nothing but the piano pieces with sometimes a slightly violinist feeling. Because of the upbeat tone the album is built on, most of the piano playing is high-pitched and over the top in satisfying your happy vibes. 

What’s really special and identifies the emotional state of each song is the time of the distance between each note, along with its intensity whether it’s fast or slow paces. There is also always a cheerful piano melody that is then layered with free piano playing that sets the emotive story of the track. In many tracks, each piano note takes its time as it’s being played, like you’re being asked to complete every single tone. Sometimes the music feels like raindrops, a light brush of warm wind, or some fall leaves blowing and other times in much more intense piano playing you feel like a river or an ocean flowing. 

The order of the songs has nothing in particular in respect to the context or storytelling, but from the names of the songs which are mostly emotional states and positive words like ‘rare’ and ‘lullaby’, and the most cheerful music, it seems that the theme is all about hope, dreams and rising above anything. Nonetheless,  We would’ve loved to see some darker notes, to signify even more of the overwhelming feelings of positivity in the album. Highlighting some rain would be marvelous to let the rainbow shine even more. a beautiful and relaxing experience, you must add this album to your morning routines, or stressful days for a better mood and rejuvenation of hope.

Three Cheers for Vulnerability by Neutral on Paul

Akram Soliman
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Three Cheers for Vulnerability by Neutral on Paul

“Three Cheers For Vulnerability” by Neutral On Paul is one of those records that deliver exactly what they promise. The record has a fine mix of Indie Music, Folk Rock, And Alternative Rock elements. The 60s influence is the most tangible element to be found here, but not the only one. At many points, you will feel like these guys channel great old classic rock and 60s/70s pop-rock such as David Bowie, The Beatles, or even Fleetwood Mac. The first track, Bones To Break, is a fine example of this mixture. The folky elements form the foreground of the track, but the guitars are also prominent and beautiful. The drums are pretty light on the ears, making this fit into the indie rock spectacle, but also reminiscent of 60s rock. On a similar note, the second track Out Of The Frame (Phosphenes) has a very similar style because of the keyboards, clean guitars, and groovy bassline. The vocals make it a very accessible record because of how soft and well-layered they are. Kudos to whoever mixed this album. Colored Light is more of a soothing piano ballad, although it has some soft drums and guitars. I’m sure it will remind you of your favorite Beatles song. Unsettling begins with a nice and soft guitar strumming pattern and you get goosebumps once the vocals begin. The short duration of this track makes me feel like it was put as some sort of interlude between songs. The fifth track, So Much To Lose, begins with heavier drums and more forward-sounding guitars, making the whole arrangement heavier. The stompy drum beat and melodic guitars go insanely well with each other, and you will feel like this song came right out of the 70s. If I’m being honest, it’s hard to believe that a modern-day band can write and perform this well. These guys are something special when it comes to sounding nostalgic. 

The title track is my favorite on the whole album, as it balances heaviness and melody pretty well. The solo/instrumental part breaks character from the classic rock attitude of the song (and the whole record) and sounds like a 2000s Alternative rock solo. I am amazed by how effortlessly these guys blend such styles and subgenres. Take A Beat has those electronic percussions and a more dynamic and groovy bassline which leans towards more modern styles of rock and synthpop. With lyrics about personal struggles and self-acceptance, this is one of the most heartfelt and unique pieces here. The eighth track, A Slaughter, has heavier distorted guitars and a thumpy bassline that will get you moving once you listen to it. Despite its difference and distinction from the other tracks though, it still shows the same personality and attitude we have felt since the beginning of the record. The ninth and tenth tracks are called Swellin’ and Actual Air, respectively, and they both go back to that sweet 60s pop/pop-rock sound. With the former being a heavier track and the latter a more somber clean guitar and box drum ballad, you can feel how the band has a constant personality that presents itself regardless of the genre or the style they’re playing. The bottom line is, this is a record that connects modern indie tropes and 60s/70s guidelines to forge a whole new sound. In many areas, the folky elements were the star of the show and in others, it was run-of-the-mill rock ‘n’ roll, and writing a record that’s this diverse yet coherent is (in my humble opinion) the biggest flex Neutral On Paul have got.

Chosen by Destiny Imani

Moataz Gwaily
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Chosen by Destiny Imani

If honest, chill RnB, with an ethnic, uncommon edge is your cup of tea, then by all means, give Destiny Imani’s latest single a spin, it will not disappoint. 

The Los Angeles native Destiny Imani is on her fourth studio-recorded single of 2022. Chosen is a contemporary RnB song with sensual undercurrents of true, soulmate love, and an inspired arrangement that’s hip, accessible, fresh, and very chill.

Chosen is downtempo. Dominated by airy, dark atmospheres, courtesy of darkly atmospheric keys that sound foreboding and haunting. An intoxicating bass line is constantly snaking around the minimalistic-yet-rich composition. A lush song, the voice of Destiny is rich and warm, and delightful, her lyrics are romantic, heartfelt, and honest, and her delivery is simple yet direct and intoxicating. An immediate star of the show is the unconventional, trebly guitar that plays wonderfully cooky lead and rhythm, all over the song, perfectly and effortlessly filling in all the gaps.

Chosen is deliciously written, and even more deliciously implemented. Via masterful mixing, Destiny Imani managed to create an outstandingly smooth piece of RnB that’s darkly atmospheric, effortlessly honest, and captivating. A truly sublime effort.

Christmas In My Soul by Glenn Valles

Viola Karmy
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Christmas In My Soul by Glenn Valles

There’s something about Christmas that goes beyond its festive characteristics; it’s the peace that comes with it. All its manifestations are glorious, for sure, but the grace in the soul it provides is what is priceless. The Award-winning songwriter, Glenn Valles, captured the genuine essence of the miraculous season in his single, “Christmas in My Soul.”

Glenn Valles is a Mumbai-based multi-genre songwriter. He has won many international songwriting awards (USA, UK, Ireland, Australia). His outstanding writing covers a wide range of genres such as country, pop, rock, hip-hop, blues, reggae, and EDM. His music is composed in such a way that it creates a personal soundscape for the listener based on how it resonates with them. It allows for an authentic connection between the listener and Valles.

“Christmas in My Soul” is a 2020 holiday song that is themed around Christmas; so what distinguishes it from other carols? Well, everything about it does!! All of the elements present the festivity of the season in a lighthearted manner. However, what truly makes it standout is that it is not only sonically endearing, but it also creates a magical sense in one’s core where they can experience an exceeding joy as if the eastern star had shone on them from within.

The song has an emotionally stirring approach that brings warmth and color to even the darkest, grayest nights. Straight out of the intro, the instrumentation carries delight and coziness. There’s a balanced harmony in the peppy jingle bells’ sound and bouncy percussion, along with the delicacy of smooth chords and mellow piano notes.

The poignant lyrics craft a scene of what really matters at Christmas: the moments that you save in your heart, thinking, “When life gets a little rough, I’ll rewind to this part.” It’s sincerely written, and the tuneful featured vocals certainly add up to the sincerity.

Christmas has an indescribable enchantment. Only stellar abilities like Glenn Valles’ can bring this glam to life in the form of music. His remarkable writing skills managed to create an exceptional set where he demonstrated his passion for this season and embodied the Christmas spirit. You can watch the music video for “Christmas in My Soul” below and enjoy its intimate vibe.

Multiply by Millie Blooms

Youssef Harraz
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Multiply by Millie Blooms

Millie Blooms is an artist/producer from Monmouth, England. Prior to 2022 she released three Electronica singles but decided to start 2022 with a new persona and sound; mixing the classic 90’s hip-hop and R&B with modern hip-hop. She released three singles ‘Faint of Heart’, ‘DNA’ and ‘Bounce Ya Necks’ before ‘Multiply’. The three singles were a huge success generating more than 200k plays on Spotify.

Blooms wrote, produced, mixed, and mastered ‘Multiply’ with her co-produced, mixed, ed and master engineer Dan Fry. The song starts with a pulsing synth accompanied by a groovy beat and 808 basses. Blooms start the track by introducing herself to the listener and the main theme of independence and empowerment while stating that no one is being disrespected. Her main theme in this song is a celebration of independent artists like her as well as those who work on their projects alone and challenges the stereotype that women cannot work independently.

With simple lingual lyrics powered by her smooth flow, she was able to make the listener understand the song. Furthermore, the neatness of the sound mixing and mastering made everything fall in place together to make the perfect combo.

Live You by AlanP

Yara Atef
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Live You by AlanP

Emerging artist AlanP releases a banger called ‘Live you”, an electronic pop song from Lyon, France on the 4th of October. Alan joined a music training center for a period of time after not giving up and standing against his parents refusal to pursue a musical career. He is inclined to electronic, drum and bass, and dubstep sounds. He is also heavily inspired by Avicci, and has an upcoming album and we’re truly excited for the kickstart of his journey. 

The song talks about breakups which really shows the somehow chaotic and overwhelming feeling we get from the beat used. The overall sound of the song is young, kind of sad, and a little bit upbeat. The mix is very entertaining, and the soundscape is kind of pop which creates an upbeat undertone. The song is also very bold and melodic with the tune, and there is a lot of fixation on drums play.

There are also heavily processed vocals that sound inhumane telling us the sad story. Although the song takes a single course of a very fast pace with no transitions to keep the song a little mysterious, the high energy of the song is very infectious. We would imagine it perfect for radio shows, stores, and advertisements. There is more to come from Alan, it’s only the beginning so stay tuned!

Every Body by The Drunk Astronomer

Moataz Gwaily
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Every Body by The Drunk Astronomer

Originally publicized for as a half-joke, a song that was spurred by a fit of humor inspired by The Drunk Astronomer’s previous training as a physiotherapist. Every Body turns out to be a stunning piece of dream pop that’s as haunting as it is quirky and beautifully put together.

Nathan Fox, an Englishman who goes by the moniker The Drunk Astronomer, is a part-time musician, and part-time father of 2 sons. Every Body is taken from his debut EP ‘Octopi’, set to release in February 2023. Nathan took a lengthy break from music and pursued training in Physiotherapy. While sitting with his guitar one evening, he says he started spewing all those anatomical facts, and it spontaneously turned into a song, and the rest is history.

Meant to be, Every Body is inspired, one of those songs just floating in the air we breathe, looking for human vessels to give them shape and color, and Nathan was its vessel. The simple, “ridiculous” lyrics are funny, and educational too if that’s what you’re looking for, but it’s the outstanding arrangement, the haunting composition, and the gentle, soaring delivery that duly set this song apart, make me actually tense in wait for Octopi to drop, I’ll be in the front rows. Every Body is a colorful, masterfully produced piece of dream pop. Traditionally dream pop, the vocals are warm and accessible, layered and rich, playing a tasteful supporting role to the entire mechanism of the song.

The composition is also accessible. Gentle, serenading, and optimistic, the music is as celebratory as the lyrics that celebrate the grandiosity of the wonderful, complex systems that are our human bodies. But it’s ultimately the truly epic production that puts every element exactly where it belongs that steals the whole show, then proceeds to add value with the countless stutters and sputters of all the fleeting, untouchable sound effects, fluttering all over the place. Sublime.

Every Body is exactly my cup of tea. Quirky lyrics, drenched in humor, and a musical content that’s lush and rich, where every element is exactly where it should be to deliver and bolster an atmosphere that’s gentle and encompassing, and very, very warm. The video is very nice and the effort to make it is really apparent. I can’t wait for this song to drop, it will be on all my playlists, and I’ll be waiting for the EP too. The Drunk Astronomer has just gained a new fan.

45 Hours by Aless Arias

Viola Karmy
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45 Hours by Aless Arias

Aless Arias’ second single, “45 Hours,” is one of these songs that sounds like heaven but hurts like hell. It conveys a bad feeling in such a feel-good sonic realm.

The Sydney-based singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, Aless Arias, made her independent appearance, with her debut single “Evolve” in June, and now she’s back with her song “45 Hours,” which goes well with the cold weather.

Arias says about her music that it’s a nostalgic reflection on her life so far, but as soon as I listened to “45 Hours,” I realized that her music is a reflection of ALL of our lives! She truly knows how to write profound lyrics that are highly relatable and get straight to the core.

“45 Hours” depicts the weary routine that feels like endlessly running in a wheel headed nowhere. The skilled artist, on the other hand, managed to deliver the stabbing reality in a soft manner with a dreamy vibe in all of the elements. Her silky vocals carry a hopeless, drained attitude, yet she still sounds peaceful and shining. I’d be fine with any of life’s ugly truths if they were delivered in this ethereal voice. 

A soothing intro opens the single, and the lyrics may portray a stuck-in feeling, but the instruments remain free and lush throughout. The hybrid dream pop and soft rock sound with a shoegaze hint is mesmerizing. It sets a meditative mood that makes you want to close your eyes and embrace every note of the shimmering guitars and steady drumming. If the melody is missing in life, it defiantly exists brightly here and sways gently to lure you into timeless repetitions. The solo part is where the glow increases and the energy is unleashed. With raw performance and minimal production, Aless Arias was able to offer an ear-candy piece that captured a dilemma with delicacy.

“We’re going round and round again. When will this ever end?” Well, who knows! Just keep listening, and you’ll feel better.

One More Christmas by Chris Mason

Moataz Gwaily
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One More Christmas by Chris Mason

Chris Mason’s latest single is an attempt to hijack the holiday season. Suitably timed, it would be an effortless success if it gains the attention, it so readily deserves.

 From the English Midlands, Chris Mason is a self-taught musician with a clear, enviable knack for pretty melodies, emotional songwriting, and poetic, gut-wrenching lyrics. It helps that his voice is distinctive, and his delivery is immaculate.

 One More Christmas is an ode to spending the festive season surrounded by family and loved ones, and it doesn’t matter which season you’d consider festive, culture and religion aside, spending joyous times with loved ones is a sacred blessing that we all ought to savor and cherish. This is exactly what makes One More Christmas feel universally sweet and heartfelt. The warm, cozy vibes are delivered via tightly mixed acoustic, expansive, roomy drums, and a bass that boasts a gargantuan tone, and a carefully written, minimal line. The heartfelt composition feels gentle and familiar, and Mason’s vocal line reaches high and delivers effortlessly. The strings sound serene and their wails are like siren songs, and the lush vocal harmonies are the cherry on top of this delicious cake.

 With a mix that could have probably been a little more thorough, mitigating some of the hisses from the strings and the rest of the instrumentation, this song would have been an instant, soulful Christmas classic. But make no mistake, in its current form, it’s still captivating, heartfelt, and very, very beautiful.  



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