“We accept the love we think we deserve” – sadly I think few truer words about love have ever been written. But what I’ve never really considered till now, and what this quote fails to capture, is how what we think we deserve isn’t set in stone. One eureka moment of self-reflection could be all it takes to see yourself in a different light. One instance of someone pushing you too far could be all that’s needed to remove the rose tinted lenses from your eyes, revealing for the first time the pattern of how you’ve been consistently taken for granted. As cathartic as that moment is, when you realise your own self-worth, it’s often accompanied by the thoughts of “why didn’t I realise sooner?”. With her new single ‘Better’, taken from her forthcoming EP Low, New Zealand based singer/songwriter Isla writes for her younger self. An uplifting embrace for her past self, laying a toxic relationship bare and trying to awaken the inner strength that lay dormant. While the past is one thing that is set in stone, ‘Better’ can still be a beacon of self-worth in the present, hopefully providing someone with their own eureka moment to help them towards the love they truly deserve.
better
Spotlight!: Simon Baum
Being a singer/songwriter and performing in very stripped back and intimate arrangements is all about creating a sense of honesty. Sharing with the audience something personal and meaningful, baring your soul for the world to see. London based artist Simon Baum understands this role better than most. With his new EP Better he has crafted four touchingly heartfelt songs that say a lot about his character. The title track speaks of being thankful for what you have and feeling confident in one’s self, and ‘It’s All For You’ is a moving declaration of love, complete with vivid lyrical imagery. ‘Firelight’ sees Simon’s voice at it’s most vulnerable and delicate, while the incredibly moving ‘Bridges‘ shares an important message of togetherness, and about how the only way we can make the world a better place is to celebrate the things we all have in common. Simon Baum gives a modern spin to the classic 70s singer/songwriter sound of artists such as James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, producing an intimate portrait of himself within his music, albeit one that we can all see some small part of ourselves within.
Fans of Seafret, Frances, Isaac Gracie and Billie Marten should check out his new EP Better.
Top Tracks: emaé – Better
Soulful Scottish singer/songwriter emaé has returned with a brand new single. ‘Better’, taken from her debut album due later this year, is a gospel inspired, piano driven ballad. The track shares a message of reassurance, and of remaining confident and determined in the face of adversity. The song’s sparse arrangement gives room for emaé’s stunning vocals to really shine, and show that she is one of the most talented singers around right now. It’s rare to find such a powerful and moving voice these days, and rarer still for it to be blessed with a song that truly does it justice. Having already been named as “One to watch in 2017” by the MOBO Awards, I can wait to see her grow and blossom into the life-changing artist I know she can be.
Belwood Music 