Birth...life...resurrection without death. Who is truly the alchemist of identity? What is belonging? Polish-born but raised in the concrete jungle, New York City. Educated in the most illmatic of boroughs, Queens - the place where "stars are born", fostering emcees that had to lyrically fight it out with titans in the Bronx.
Fanny Andersen was clearly born to be a star. Anyone who has ever witnessed her live shows or have simply watched footage can attest to her confidence on stage with that uncanny ability to not only deliver an incredible performance but control the climate. That same energy is apparent in her records which translate into larger than life pop tunes stacked with a distinct golden touch only the Olso-based artist can deliver.
Often times names such as Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen are mentioned when discussing some of the most impactful wordsmiths of music. However Lookman Adekunle Salami can be considered as one of our modern marvels whose immaculate songwriting and lyricism puts him on par with many of the greats of the art form. Known to many as L.A. Salami, the London singer, poet, musician and overall multi-disciplined creative erases any sonic boundaries or limitations, allowing himself the freedom to constantly explore and foster a rich carnival of sounds.
Sometimes happenstance can foster something that in unexpectedly great. In the case of Phoebe Little and Jas Scott, it was a coincidental meeting at a writing camp in Normandy where their interaction began. Even that encounter was circumstantial as it was producer James Sanger who connected the two together after hearing something in both of the women and understanding that they would be a perfect musical match. He was right. That pairing led to Little and Scott forming the band SpaceAcre.
Swedish artist Melanie Mohlkert aka CRONICLE isn't one to fall victim to the constraints of musical boundaries. Whilst many fans remember her as the front woman of the Stockholm punk-pop band Tantrum to Blind, a group who graced the screens of MTV, her latest venture finds the versatile singer delivering a euphoric mixture of R&B, trap and pop that burns with the same flaming blaze that she has brought to the world of rock and even emo.
thisisNAMASTE, the moniker of Natasha Marie Stewart, is an artist who confidently knows her craft and what it takes to make amazing pop records. Pumping out anthemic songs that range from empowerment and self-honesty, down to mental health, to say that she is creating a splash would be a disservice. To call her movement a tidal wave would be more appropriately fitting.
When it comes to pure, unadulterated rock & roll, it doesn't get any better than Filthy Tricks. Based in Warrington, their sound is explosive, fostering that nostalgic feeling of when iconic bands ripped the roofs off of venues with might. Comprised of Liam Rimmer, Gerard Van Den Hoek, Chris Peake, Matty Hignett and Chris James, their no filler, nothing but the best approach to music is reflected in every aspect of each recording. It's about the quality and Filthy Tricks have stood more than true to that vision.
The Oxford dictionary defines the meaning of the word identity as "who or what somebody/something is". No one understands the importance of identity more than Aime Simone. The Berlin-based artist has defined who he is and what he stands for, refusing to let the past dictate his modern or future existence. Aime Simone's lyrics in his songs are equally external as they are introspective, as he sings of the state of the world whilst playing his part to uplift, yet also opens a window into his personal journey that has led him to where he is now.
Delacey represents the classic idea that talent mixed with hard work pays off. The Los Angeles-based artist has helped to write hit records for the likes of Halsey, Demi Lovato, Zara Larsson, The Chainsmokers and the list continues. While the credits to her name are incredibly impressive, as a singer Delacey is just as dynamic with a range that stretches across multiple genres.
Give one listen and look at singer ILIRA and one will quickly come to the understanding that she was born to be a star. With a consistent record of pumping out impressive pop singles, themes of confidence and high self-esteem flow continuously in her songwriting. Aside from possessing a killer voice, her ear for polished production choices puts her in a win-win situation. At this point in her career the powerhouse artist can do no wrong.
