This Toronto based singer has worked hard to create something that the world needs more of. The first single from her upcoming EP, ‘Rise Up!’ is a pop hit with plenty of tricks up it’s sleeve. With plenty of soul, an uplifting infusion of reggae, an emotive video and a great deal of heart and passion in her lyrics it’s easy to see why Liz has such a following. What truly sets this song apart however is the movement behind it. It is a call to arms for people to work together to bring some positivity into their lives and make an impact in their community. To that end Liz has been hosting school workshops to encourage young people to make a change for the better and has been inviting people to join in on social media with the #RiseUpMovement hashtag.
top tracks
Top Tracks: The Only Ocean – So Shy So High
Just recently we have been blessed by the return of dream pop to delight our ears with it’s hazy goodness. It’s the kind of music that’s the perfect soundtrack for quiet reflection, for letting your consciousness disappear into the ether, for feeling like you’re part of a whole different wondrous world. It’s also the kind of music that this California four piece have perfected with their latest single. Having released their atmospheric eponymous debut just last year, The Only Ocean are eager to share more of their music with the world with their forthcoming EP TOO. If this first single, which combines airy dream pop with anthemic indie, and the intriguing artwork are anything to go by then it’s definitely something worth checking out.
Top Tracks: Cosmos & Creature – Young
Sometimes the hands of fate are kind enough to bring people together who are a perfect match. That seems exactly the case with Cosmos & Creature, the electropop duo consisting of Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore. They each first made a name for themselves by writing hits for other artists and have since been gathering their own fanbases for their solo careers. Burnette with his latest EP State I’m In and Moore with her debut release Shadow of the Sun have shown the vast songwriting talent they possess, which has now pooled together for this latest adventure. If the pop perfection of their first single ‘Young’ is anything to go by then Cosmos & Creature are greater than the sum of their parts and are truly a creative force to be reckoned with. It looks set to be the first of a long line of hits for the newly formed partnership of these two talented songwriters.
Top Tracks: Dalia Dargazli – Shades of Green
Following on from her Sugarlows EP in March, Toronto based singer/songwriter Dalia Dargazli has released her latest stunning single ‘Shades of Green’. In many ways it is an unusual meeting between two very different worlds. Lyrically it could be an essential summer hit, full of carefree fun and chilled out vibes. Musically however this is something far grander, a mellow kaleidoscope of splendid soundscapes. A single listen feels like a peaceful flight over a boundless and breathtaking landscape. The production is immaculate and the percussion in the latter half of the track builds towards a superb close. Dalia certainly has talent beyond her years and is clearly no stranger to big ideas and memorable melodies. If there’s more music of this high standard on the way then she could well be one to watch!
Top Tracks: Dyslexic Postcards – The Shakes That You Make
Let’s be honest with ourselves here, Dyslexic Postcards was never going to be the name of a sensible band. This Miami based alternative rock band inject a sweet hint of madness into everyday life. ‘The Shakes That You Make’, from their debut EP Spare The Altar, starts off fairly unassuming before launching into quirky psychedelica. The atmospheric opening wouldn’t sound amiss coming from The War On Drugs but soon descends into what sounds an unlikely collaboration between The White Stripes and The Flaming Lips. Vibrant and addictive, the band know how to make a great melody but are committed to doing so with tongue firmly in cheek. Dyslexic Postcards clearly love what they do and I’m certain that you will too.
Top Tracks: Marga Lane – Thinking About You
Multi-instrumental singer/songwriter Marga Lane creates divine soul with such grace and finesse that it almost seems effortless. A former graduate of the world renowned Berklee College of Music, she has worked hard to create her upcoming Motown inspired EP Undressed, due for release December 2nd. The striking simplicity of ‘Thinking About You’ highlights her immense talent and keen ear for a great melody. Consisting of a simple guitar line and Marga’s sublime vocals it is a refreshing breath of fresh air to the often overproduced world of modern R&B. This track looks back at the roots of great soul music and sees the irresistible appeal of an incredible voice and a hopeful message of love. Sometimes less is more, and with such heavenly vocals Marga Lane is undoubtedly someone that the world needs more of.
Top Tracks: Joshua Luke Smith – Becoming Human
We have all suffered our fair share of slings and arrows in our lifetimes, whether inflicted by others, by the cruel hands of fate, or by our own making. In your day to day life you will pass countless people enduring unspoken struggles seemingly without respite. Joshua Luke Smith, one of the most profound and inspirational young wordsmiths of his generation, has released a powerful new track in partnership with Samaritans to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day. His moving spoken word track ‘Being Human’ focuses on what we all have in common, rather than our petty differences. It spreads a message of strength through togetherness, of holding each other up and standing together come what may rather than dragging each other down. It teaches to love unrestrained and feel connected to those we make take for granted. Joshua’s passion, empathy and understanding make this the perfect track for such an important cause.
Top Tracks: Ren – The Coast
We are all gripped to some degree by a desire for something more, to expand our horizons. Few artists capture this wanderlust as well as singer/songwriter Conor Owen under his moniker Ren. Having already found success with his ode to the Emerald Isle ‘My Heart Belongs to Ireland’, his new upcoming single ‘The Coast’ continues with the theme of yearning to travel. Inspired by a life changing trip across Europe, ‘The Coast’ boasts the kind of bright, airy folk that is impossible not to love. With it’s achingly beautiful melody and Ren’s endearingly wistful vocals it sets a stunning and poignant atmosphere. It appeals to the sense of adventure in all of us and even if we can’t all have some life affirming whirlwind voyage, ‘The Coast’ takes you away on it’s own unique and memorable journey.
Top Tracks: Wons Phreely – Stars
As frustrating as it can be to find an artist that is hard to pin down and pigeonhole, it can also bring with it an intriguing sense of the uncertain. Having moved from Sydney to LA, Wons Phreely (real name Justin Wonsly) has combined his home grown Aussie absurdity with slick Californian production. The driving synth rhythm of his latest single ‘Stars’ is reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and Phil Collins era Genesis with just a subtle hint of Beck in Justin’s vocals. There a many little moments in this deceptively simple song which you could attribute to a wide range of influences, but none of those come close to really summing him up. With his new backing band The Horses injecting some fresh energy into proceedings it will be interesting to see what awaits on the horizon.
Top Tracks: Katie Buxton – You Flew
Sometimes the most simple and fragile songs are the ones that have the most power over us, and the latest singles from Philadelphia born folk singer/songwriter Katie Buxton is no exception. Now based out of Nashville and having released her debut EP From Songbirds, she has rightfully received plenty of recognition for her songwriting skills since she wrote her first song when she was just twelve years old. ‘You Flew’ is up to the high standard of artists such as Billie Marten and Gabrielle Aplin and tells the tale of loving someone who is not ready to love or be loved. The real measure of songs however is how they make you feel. Katie’s crystal pure vocals and honest heartfelt lyrics feel like a comforting blanket on a cold night, the crackle of a campfire as you stare towards the stars, a caring hand when times are tough. It’s that kind of connection that is so difficult to create and simply too splendid to measure.
Belwood Music 