February Round-Up

Although we still have a way to go, February has shone a ray of hope on the music industry as live events become a prospect of the not-so-distant future. February has also been a great month for Liverpool music with some brilliant new tracks coming out. Here's my round-up of my favourite singles from the last month - a list that consists of all female artists and just happens to have been published on International Women's Day! Not intentional, but a happy coincidence! 

This Too Shall Pass - Niki Kand

Sleek and cool, Niki Kand is a queen of dream-pop. Her latest single appropriately landed just in time for the first spell of summery weather in the UK, and listening to this track with the birds singing and the sun shining through my window just filled me with springtime joy. With chilled lo-fi production and silky vocals, Niki tempts you to relax and just slow down - something I think we all need to be reminded of right now.

A Sun Going Down - Natalie McCool

When watching Natalie McCool's recent livestream set from Futureyard, this was the track that stood out to me the most and I was so excited to hear that it would be the next single from her upcoming album. As always, Natalie showcases her incredible talent for songwriting with brilliant lyrics and mesmerising harmony. I'm also obsessed with how spacious and reverberant the chorus sounds - combined with the vocals, it creates such a powerful atmosphere. I'm so excited for this album!

Stay The Same - Amber Jay

Amber Jay is such a unique artist with a really intriguing sound. The second single from her new EP 'Never Too Far from a Dark Thought' is a dark electro-pop track that keeps you hooked with constant dynamic rise and fall. I particularly love the middle-eight which features the namesake lyric of the EP and provides some really interesting rhythmic and sonic contrast.

Electric Dream - Pixey

'Electric Dream' is the kind of feel-good pop we all need right now. Full of energy and euphoria, having a dance to this in my bedroom never fails to cure my bad moods. I can so clearly picture Pixey performing this on the main stage at Sound City with the crowd bouncing and the sun setting over the Baltic Triangle. Hopefully a vision that will very soon become a reality as we get closer to the light at the end of the tunnel. I can confidently say that this track will be an anthem for my summer.

Garden of Eden - Billie Marten

Anyone who knows me knows that Billie Marten is my favourite artist of all time and has been since I was about 15. 'Garden of Eden', the first single off her upcoming third album 'Flora Fauna', is a refreshing change of pace for Billie. Much more dynamic than her usual gentle, breezy ambience, 'Garden of Eden' is a lively yet charming track. If this is laying the groundwork for her maturing style, I can't wait to hear the rest of this highly anticipated album.

(Disclaimer: I know she isn't from Liverpool but I just love her so much - I had to include it)