This segment features artists who have submitted their tracks/videos to She Makes Music. If you would like to be featured here then please send an e-mail to helen@shemakesmusic.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
Jo Davie
This month saw Brisbane/Meanjin artist Jo Davie (she/her) release her follow-up single ‘Sandcastles’ produced by Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music). It comes after her debut ‘Throw Me A Rope’ was released late 2023. Jo is excited to finally release ‘Sandcastles’ after touring nationally and internationally in her other bands Asha Jefferies and Cigany Weaver for the first part of this year. She explains the song’s origins, “‘Sandcastles’ is about losing my mum, and missing her during key moments of my life; travelling, moving out, getting married, and not being able to talk to her about any of it. But more broadly, it’s about losing anyone, and having to do things without them. It’s about how we all build our lives like sandcastles, to make our mark and feel significant, even if it’s just until the tide comes in. It’s still worth it to love someone and to lose them.” Listen below.
Lina Horner
In moments of loss, life’s possibilities often become clearer, inspiring us to pursue our deferred dreams. For Swedish artist and songwriter Lina Horner, this realization sparked a journey to Wales in July 2023. Her destination was the iconic Rockfield Studios, a place steeped in musical history, where legends like Coldplay, The Cure, Queen, and Bowie once recorded. At Rockfield, Lina participated in Pro7ect songwriting retreat, one day with headline producer Kaity Raeand co-writers MaY Finucane and Richard Keogan. Surrounded by the studio’s serene setting, their discussions about lasting legacies and the impact of departed loved ones fueled creativity. Outside, the presence of the horses that strolled in the open meadows, Brimstone buYerflies that flew by and birds that kept singing seemed like cosmic signs. Amidst this atmosphere, the song ‘Whispers’ was born—a heartfelt reflection on the lingering presence of a dear friend. Mixed by Rockfield’s own Jack Bostonand mastered by AlexGordonat Abbey Road Studios, in London, ‘Whispers’ embodies Lina’s quest to illuminate the connections that endure beyond loss.”I wanted to capture the essence of a friend’s lingering presence,” Lina shares. “Their departure leaves a door ajar, inviting us to explore a new world of possibility. ‘Whispers’ became a testament to resilience and the enduring power of music to transcend loss that invites listeners to embrace the whispers of departed loved ones, guiding us toward a brighter tomorrow.” Listen below.
Fishwyfe
Following the success of her previous track, ‘Ricky,’ which skillfully melded hooky pop-punk with an alternative edge, Fishwyfe continues to showcase her mastery of alternative pop with her new release, ‘GET OUT.’ ‘GET OUT’ promises to deliver another captivating offering, delving deeper into Fishwyfe’s ethereal soundscapes and haunting melodies. In the hypnotic waves of ‘Get Out’, Fishwyfe delivers a dark ethereal track that will make your hair stand tall. With a haunting tapestry of atmospheric synths, ghostly echoes, and spine-tingling whispers, she delves deep into the subconscious and gut feelings, unearthing raw emotion and crafting a dreamlike soundscape that lingers long after the last note fades. Listen below.
Trixie
Trixie, the dynamic and boundary-pushing artist, is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated EP, Manic Trixie Dream Girl. Bursting with energy and creativity, this EP promises to captivate listeners with its unique blend of pop and alternative rock. With Manic Trixie Dream Girl, Trixie invites audiences into her vibrant world, where she fearlessly explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, love and the rollercoaster ride of emotions that come with it. From infectious hooks to introspective lyrics, each track on the EP offers a glimpse into Trixie’s multifaceted artistry and undeniable talent. Manic Trixie Dream Girl is more than just an EP; it’s a statement of artistic freedom and authenticity. With its infectious energy and relatable lyrics, it’s sure to resonate with audiences. ‘Perish’ is the most special song to me in my EP,” says Trixie. “It goes through the memories of my lowest moments in life when all seemed to be going wrong and it is very personal to me. It talks about how people will leave you after they get to know you for real and how exhausting it is to feel the need to be seen by these people.” Listen below.
Anna Arco
Dive into the ethereal embrace of the Stockholm-based, independent, Alt-Pop artist/producer Anna Arco. Here’s a duet choreographed by the celestial voices of close friends Anna Arco and Anna Blu. Their harmonies weave a tapestry of emotion, a heartfelt pop anthem echoing the delicate balance of openhearted-ness and vulnerability. ‘Please Heart’ is the second single from Arco’s upcoming album Songs of Sins and Scars, the third and last in a trilogy. Listen below.
Amelle Rose
Amelle is a 27 year-old singer-songwriter from France now making a new home for herself in Bristol. A lot of her work is focused around mental health and the human condition, which pairs beautifully with her distinctively open approach to composition and songwriting. Her debut album, Conversations with Louise, released in 2022, marked a significant milestone in her artistic journey, showcasing her talent for fearlessly vulnerable and introspective storytelling. Now, with her new single ‘Congratulations,’ she continues to delve into these themes, navigating the conflicting emotions and grey areas of postpartum struggles with raw honesty. Delving into the depths of her experience with postpartum depression, Amelle crafts a melancholic piece that bravely confronts the unspoken struggles many mothers face. Through hauntingly cinematic melodies and poignant lyrics, the song opens a raw dialogue about the internal conflict of embracing motherhood while grappling with a profound sense of loss and identity crisis. It serves as a courageous testament to this taboo subject, offering solace and understanding to those who find themselves silently struggling. Simultaneously, this invitation into Amelle’s world of vulnerability sparks conversations about the often overlooked struggles of new motherhood, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms through evocative storytelling, ultimately resonating on a deeply human level. Listen below.
Ari Raine
After a transformative year marked by introspection, growth and embracing gentle self-love, rising pop star Ari Raine captivates with a new, darker and more cinematic sound that promises to leave listeners spellbound. Since her debut EP, Just To See Me Fall in October 2022, Ari has truly found her voice. Navigating post-college life amidst a global pandemic, she turned to songwriting as a means of authentic expression, crafting a unique sound that melds nostalgic ‘00s R&B with contemporary pop, quickly garnering acclaim within her community. Reserved and private with her emotions, Ari Raine experienced a profound transformation when she embraced songwriting. The act of pen meeting paper unlocked a wealth of expression, allowing her thoughts and feelings to flow freely onto the pages of her journal. Through her music, Ari processes her emotions, offering her audience the same opportunity for reflection and healing. Each song Ari crafts is a window into her personal journey, inviting fans a glimpse into not only her thoughts but her soul, forging a powerful connection through shared experiences and emotions. New track ‘You Wish I Was Her’ stands as a dark, cinematic masterpiece that invites listeners into a new era of introspection and growth. Influenced by icons such as Ashanti, Brandy, and also newcomers, Reneé Rapp and Kelsea Ballerini, this track is a blend of pop, rnb, singer/songwriter, and country. With its sweeping choruses and lush orchestrations, culminating in the poignant refrain of ‘you wish I was her’, it narrates the journey of heartbreak and knowing when to step away from a dead end relationship. Listen below.
Ssolana
Ssolana is a 22-year-old queer artist from North London who creates alternative dream-pop music through haunting harmonies and contrastingly low and high vocals. Her latest track ‘Learn Your Lines’ is about struggling to form meaningful connections with people and how a lot of social interactions can often feel superficial and almost scripted. In this upbeat, catchy yet stirring track, ssolana opens up about how draining it can be to feel like you cannot be your authentic self and the aftermath of a disastrous night out through her alluring harmonies and relatable lyrics. Aside from music, she is a social media content creator who first started drawing attention from her outspoken approach when it comes to politics, social and economic inequalities, her openness about her struggles with mental health and her fae-inspired style; all of these traits can be heard in her music. Listen to ‘Learn Your Lines’ below.
Where’s Beth
Characterized by buoyant melodies and strikingly tender lyrics, Where’s Beth is the folk-pop project of songwriter Sarabeth Weszely. Her music has a raw devotional quality to it that draws on longtime influence Sufjan Stevens, while her unconventional approach to rhyme and phrasing recalls the likes of Joni Mitchell and Connie Converse. In an effort to keep up with her rapidly growing collection of songs, Sarabeth spent the year 2023 learning how to self-record. ‘Devotion’ is the first single from her upcoming LP, Bone Broth, and is upbeat dreampop with ethereal vocals, confessional lyrics, and a catchy vintage drum machine beat. Listen below.
Kerri Martin
Kerri Martin is a singer/songwriter, pianist, guitarist, and producer. With roots in classical music, years of piano, voice, and viola lessons, Kerri Martin found comfort in indie/alternative music. Her journey as an artist began with the writing and recording of her song, ‘Over and Over’ in 2016. Since then, she’s released multiple EP’s and singles, all produced on Logic Pro X in her bedroom. She just released a song called ‘Waiting for Your Love’. It’s a sad synth pop track inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, and Holly Humberstone. “I wrote this song about that antsy, sinking feeling of holding out hope that someone will love you back,” says Kerri. Listen below.
Check out more of our recent submissions via the playlist below!
