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
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.
Top Tracks: FOXTRAX – Underwater
These New York natives may have written their debut EP in a remote cabin in the woods, but despite the creative isolation they have kept their finger on the pulse. The band’s lead single ‘Underwater’ features some bright indie guitar work that many more established bands would be envious of. Having only been together as a band for a short while they have made remarkable progress, both musically and with their ever growing fanbase. Many indie bands struggle to make music of this calibre and yet here we find FOXTRAX have managed to capture the magic between just the three of them. The band have set their ambitions high and have clearly made a great start on their winding, fox-trodden path to greatness. Unlike the pesky mirages that plague frontman Ben Schneid in their desert roaming music video, this power trio certainly aren’t going to fade away any time soon.
Top Tracks: Maggie Szabo – Gold
This Canadian alternative pop artist is on top form with her latest single. Now based in LA, Maggie Szabo has blended together a range of styles to create an intriguing hit. The heavy blues stomp of the intro, the deliberate piano driven tempo, the soulful backing vocals, the in-your-face attitude and the overarching pop mentality bringing all the disparate elements together create something quite unlike anything else around. With ‘Gold’ being the latest in a long line of soul infused pop hits under her belt, including the brilliant ‘Tidal Waves and Hurricanes’, it’s no surprise that she has already gathered a massive fanbase.
Top Tracks: CAPTIONS. – Bearfights
There’s just something so fitting about hazy, genre bending rock that makes it the perfect soundtrack for those long summer nights. The kind of nights filled with all the adventures of youth and trying to find your place in the world. The latest single from Californian band CAPTIONS. is just such a song, equally suited for both exciting escapades and quiet reflection. The nostalgia tinged ‘Bearfights’, the first single from the band’s upcoming debut album ITERATIONS, blends together a hint of 90s alternative with bright indie riffs and harmonies, all set within a billowing cloud of dream pop soundscapes. If the rest of their debut lives up to the standard set by this first track then it’s release will certainly be something to look forward to.
Top Tracks: Jake Davis – Saying it Right
Having caught the attention of music fans across the globe thanks to his stunning cover of Hozier’s ‘Work Song’, multi-instrumentalist Jake Davis is set to follow with his first EP The Valley. Lead single ‘Saying it Right’ is a perfect summer anthem. It plays around with the addictive electro pop mentality, an infectious R&B rhythm and ends on a high with a striking indie pop guitar solo. It’s the kind of airy and upbeat pop that can almost summon a glorious blue sky with it’s catching carefree energy. However beneath the light hearted melodies the lyrics deal with insecurity and struggling to connect, albeit in a cool and collected way. ‘Saying it Right’ displays a level of production and musicianship above what you would expect for such a shamelessly addictive pop song.
Top Tracks: Daisy Victoria – Animal Lover
Socially anxious Suffolk songwriter Daisy Victoria has emerged from her woodland sanctuary with the title track of her latest EP. Alternative anthem ‘Animal Lover’ is an outlandish and engaging offering that charms from the offset with some compelling guitar work and striking vocals reminiscent of kindred spirit Kate Bush. All the best artists are just a bit mad and Daisy is no exception. Bolstered by a rich lyrical imagery, Daisy’s music paints a vivid picture which celebrates all the glorious strangeness of everyday life. She remains an intriguing character as well as an outstandingly talented artist. Her new EP Animal Style, recorded with producer Dan Austin (Pixies), is out 19th August and the title track is available on SoundCloud now.
Belwood Music 