Scouse Singles 2020

It's been a tumultuous year for the music industry and the loss of landmark Liverpool venues like The Zanzibar and Sound Basement, and potentially Parr Street Studios and Studio 2, has struck a serious blow to Liverpool's cultural identity. And yet, in spite of all this, Liverpool continues to nurture world class artists and produce world class music. The city may have suffered some losses, but not enough to dampen the passion of its artists. I for one cannot wait to be back in a dark, sweaty room with a vodka and coke in hand, losing my voice and feeling the kind of adrenaline that only accompanies live music. Until then, here's my round up of the best singles that Liverpool had to offer in 2020.

10. Wasn't Made For Love - James Jackson

James Jackson is an incredibly talented writer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer. 'Wasn't Made For Love' is beautifully written and performed, and the soundscape that James creates is so encapsulating and atmospheric. Possibly a weird comparison, but I can imagine him composing soundscapes for meditation apps. Closing your eyes and taking in this song feels like a meditation in itself.

9. You Like Talking About Yourself - Sara Wolff

I only discovered this track towards the very end of the year but it instantly stuck with me and quickly became a favourite. Sara's style is so refreshing and this track has a really unique sound to it. I love the introduction of dissonance with the guitars, creating a sense of simmering chaos as the song progresses. This track keeps you on your toes throughout as it slowly builds. You never quite know what's coming next, always feeling on the brink of explosion and constantly intrigued. I have definitely been left wanting more and can't wait to hear what's next from Sara.

8. Moonglow (I Could Love You) - Henrio

What a beautiful, beautiful song. Henrio has such a delicate and captivating vocal on this track, and the lyrics are just stunning. So relaxing to listen to and you can definitely hear the love he has for his craft resonating through this song. Again, this maybe a niche reference but I can definitely imagine this song going viral on TikTok for appearing on cottage-core compilations.

7. Stuck On A Feeling - SPINN

I honestly think SPINN are the Scouse band of the moment right now, and this has got to be their best offering yet. With an instantly catchy guitar hook and powerful chorus, this track is the ultimate main character anthem. It captures the essence of that classic Scouse sound that somehow makes me nostalgic for an era of Liverpool that I wasn't even alive to experience - but with a fresh take.

6. Woman - Tori Cross

Tori Cross has a song for every mood and this track just instantly puts me in a good one. Listening to this takes me right back to early summer, when life was slightly less hectic and all I did everyday was read and sunbathe. I really love the sleek guitar licks in this track, as well as the catchiness of the chorus. Definitely a mood booster - and we all love to see women boosting other women, right?

5. Placebo - Crawlers

Crawlers are hands down the best band I've discovered this year. This song became an instant favourite for me and I'm still just as obsessed with it. The energy on this track is absolutely insane and I just know it's going to bring the house down live (whenever that might be!). There is SO much talent in this band as well as just really lovely, down to earth people. Also... trumpet? On a track like this? Amazing.

4. The Same - Lizzie Walmsley

You might start to be noticing a bit of a LIPA alumni bias on this list, but what can I say? There's just so much good music coming out of there - and Lizzie is no exception. This is another track that just instantly takes me back to sunbathing in my garden during the first lockdown. Immaculate R&B vibes with a bass groove that goes in hard as well as some great keys playing. And let's not forget the stunning vocal performance from Lizzie Walmsley. Skip to 1:43 if you want instant shivers down your spine. Those harmonies never fail to flaw me.

3. Self-destructing - Sola

American born but now Liverpool based Sola is another new artist that I've discovered this year. 'Self-destructing' is a shining example of brilliant pop writing and production. I absolute love the groove in the chorus - I don't really know how else to say it but this is just a super vibey song. The most outstanding aspect of this track though has to be the sleek production, and that break down at the end is just unreal. 

2. Wondrous Place - Natalie McCool

I've been following Natalie for a while now and she never fails to impress. I think I listened to this song every day for about three months after it came it. This is such an atmospheric track that uses really minimalist production to great effect - a good example of less is more. It's also really refreshing to hear a drone used in a 'pop' setting, with the harmonic movement coming instead from the beautiful melody and vocal harmonies. This track gives off a real dystopian vibe, a fitting soundtrack to the end-of-the-world-esque backdrop of 2020. 

EDIT: I just discovered this is a cover of 'Wondrous Place' by Billy Fury! I had no idea - such a unique take on the original though.

1. Hush - Crawlers

I must admit I was somewhat holding back when talking about 'Placebo', so here we go - get ready for some full on, unfiltered fangirling. 

This song just had to be my choice for number one. I really can't describe the feeling I get when I listen to it, but it makes me want to go out and start a revolution. I've actually made listening to it a part of my morning routine so I can hype myself up for the day. I love everything about this song but especially that signature Crawlers bass tone and the bass solo, the insane vocals and as always, brilliant lyrics. And if you haven't seen the music video, drop what you're doing and watch it right now. It's great.

This band is seriously going places and I cannot wait to watch them grow. I'm absolutely desperate to see them live soon (fingers crossed) but until then you can check out the live gig they recorded at Edge Recording Studio here.