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!

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.

ssolana
Ssolana is a 20-year-old queer singer-songwriter and producer from North London who creates haunting, dream-like songs with contrastingly low and high vocals. Her lyrics are full of metaphors to mask the more eerie and serious themes often seen throughout her work. Aside from music, she is a social media influencer who first started gaining popularity for her outspoken approach when it comes to politics and social and economic inequalities, her openness about her struggle with mental health and her fae-inspired style; all of these traits can be heard in her music. Her alternative, dream-pop aesthetic goes deeper than her music as she deems the visual art for her songs as equally important to her storytelling. Her latest track ‘from the grave’ has a spooky, sinister feel as she expresses the aftermath of her self-isolation due to issues with her mental health and ADHD. The song follows her as she attempts to emerge back into the world, however, things feel different now, she feels different. Listen below.

Rhiannon Leonard
Rhiannon Leonard is a singer-songwriter from the West Midlands. Last year she released an emo/pop-punk album, a kind of love-letter to the early 00s music she loved so much. Her new EP however is balls-to-the-wall pop; 5 songs influenced by some of her favourite female pop-stars. “I’ve gigged acoustic for years (and continue to do so), but decided to go full pop production when I returned to the studio this year” she explains. Stand out track ‘Ex-Lovers Mixtape’ came from a conversation with a horrible ex, that Rhiannon basically turned into a petty song reflecting on previous relationships, then named the EP after it. “I’ve often jokingly referred to myself as the Black Country Taylor Swift – if you get involved with me, you get a song written about you. This EP was another fun way for me to push the trope.” Listen below.

Vero Noah
In a nordic pop universe, infused with soul, Gospel, and electronica, you’ll find Vero Noah. At a young age, she found comfort in music as safe haven. From a small southern town in Norway, she started her musical journey with her own music. Despite her young age, she has a lot of experience being a songwriter for other artists and as a touring performer. The long-anticipated debut of Vero Noah is here, with the third single from her upcoming EP. She pulls you in with her velvet-mellow vocals with honest lyrics inspired by her own life with the hope that her music will help others the way it helped her. ‘Swing Your Bat’ is an uplifting soul jam with an inspirational message about being aware of where you go when you need comfort. If you’re a fan of artist like Tori Kelly, Allen Stone and Alessia Cara, we’ll definitely think you’ll vibe to this new track by Vero Noah. Listen below.

AMY.D
From the age of 12 years old AMY.D had started to create tracks in her bedroom using only her laptop, microphone and mini keyboard. From 2019 she has been in the studio making tracks with Cassius Clifford (CC On The Beat) where she has developed and grown to find her own unique sound which is a mixture of acoustic and alternative/electronic pop. AMY.D is an advocate for positivity and growth, with the objective to connect with and help the community’s that are close to her like the LGBTQ+ , POC, the adolescents, people suffering from mental health and anyone who feels outcasted or unseen. Listen to her new single ‘I Wish’ below.

Shallise
‘Natures Best’ is the first single off Shallise’s extended project T.R.I.A.L.S DELUXE. It features London guitarist Otta Bayley who Shallise has worked with previously on her track ‘The Way’ (also featured on T.R.I.A.L.S EP and Deluxe). Shallise uses the power of similes to describe a toxic and destructive relationship. She describes the desperation to walk away but finds it has too much of a strong hold on her. ‘Natures Best’ was written and sung by Shallise, produced by London based GLSUoA, mixed by sound Engineer MixedbyHarlequin along with assistant engineers SANA.J and Leonard Ramershoven and mastered by Joshua Diamond. Along with a featured guitar solo played and written by Otta Bayley. Listen below.

Holly Clausius
Holly Clausius is a queer Toronto artist blazing a trail of her own. Her soulful songwriting emulates the ballads of Feist, the honesty of Amy Winehouse and raw onstage talent of Alanis Morissette. Blending the genres of pop, rock, soul and folk – there is a flavor for everyone in Clausius’ music. Holly released her debut acoustic EP Sunflower in 2020, rock-pop LP Rose Garden in 2021 and has been working hard on a new project, forget-you-not focusing on different sounds like pianos/synths, live drums and horns. Some of the biggest inspirations behind these songs include Vulfpeck, Maggie Rogers, Taylor Swift and Julia Jacklin. This EP is a reflection on past relationships and the choice between growth and holding on to pain. Throughout the journey we go from long-distance betrayal to the heartbreaking decision to let someone go. “Flora – the periwinkle haired character is who I share this story through and is a symbol of love and forgiveness” explains Holly. “Being a queer artist, I chose to create a character that not only accepts you for your tough decisions but who also relates to feeling different and outcasted. My producer Alex Purcell and I worked tirelessly on this for 6 months and recorded vocals from my home studio, something we perfected during the pandemic. We play with synths and 80’s inspired sounds on the lead single ‘forget-you-not’ – a song that reflects on my earlier relationships with family, friends and the people who bullied me throughout my teenage years. Listen below.

Kate Fear
Kate Fear’s debut single, double A-side ‘Sylvia’ and ‘The Beat Goes On,’ is out now. A slice of post-punk indie disco, ‘Sylvia’ is driven by razor-sharp snares, bouncing bass and hook-laden synths. Lyrically, the song is about how the world treats female artists. Kate says “When a woman is a troubled genius, the world focuses on the troubled, not the genius.” Written and recorded by Kate throughout 2020 and 2021 at her home studio, with vocals recorded at Hove’s Church Road Studios, Kate’s music takes influence from Talking Heads, Blondie, Pulp, Erasure, Pins, Stereolab and Kraftwerk. Kate says: “I want to make music that means something but that will make you dance round your living room as well. These songs give you the option to engage with the lyrics or just do your thing to four-to-the-floor rhythms with snappy snare and funky bass.” Listen to ‘Sylvia’ below.

Check out more of our recent submissions via the playlist below!

The post appeared first on She Makes Music.