Summer '21 Round-Up

DISCLAIMER: I started writing this as my June round-up and then commenced the busiest, most chaotic summer of my life and I never got round to finishing it (ironic considering what I wrote in the intro). Here instead is my summer '21 round up!

Firstly, apologies for my long absence. I started this blog back around Christmas as I was bored to tears in lockdown and felt like I needed something to focus my energies on. Unfortunately, I forgot that university is all-consuming and once I started term again I didn't have much time to write. Now I've finished first year and have a good few months off for summer, I'm hoping to start up writing again - of course with the aim to share great music and my favourite upcoming artists, but also to get in some practice for the music journalism module I'm taking next year!

The last year has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging and disheartening periods for musicians in my living memory. The uncertainty of a precarious summer of festivals hanging in the balance, the frustration of watching gigs and tour dates be pushed back and back into the void. And yet, in stark contrast to this bleak backdrop, I don't think I've ever experienced a year quite like it for music. My three favourite artists and biggest musical influences - Billie Marten, The Staves and dodie - have all delivered phenomenal albums just months apart. Olivia Rodrigo has well and truly sucked us all into her explosive teen drama (personally I could've done with this album in my life about 7 months ago but I'll take it). Jorja Smith, Griff, Orla Gartland, Billie Eilish, and, of course, the Music Industry itself: Taylor Swift. Even Lorde has felt the pull and made her much anticipated comeback. We just need Rihanna to drop an album now and it will officially be the year to end all years where music is concerned.

On that note, here is my Summer '21 Round-Up:

'a damn good place to start' - Claudia Kate

DIY pop artist Claudia Kate has firmly cemented her road to stardom with her debut album 'a damn good place to start'. With catchy pop hooks and tongue-and-cheek lyrics, Claudia echoes Lily Allen-isms on tracks like 'Brainworks' and 'Girls Girl'. She also taps into her more introspective side with stand out tracks 'Ok' and 'Fat', which features a spoken word verse of pure lyrical genius. With staggering talent and a strong sense of self-assuredness in her sound and image, Claudia Kate is without a doubt one to watch.

'Memory Girl' - Natalie McCool

Natalie is one of those rare artists that you just simply can't fault, and her new album 'Memory Girl' is a remarkable feat of musicianship and songwriting that you don't come across often. With a string of incredibly strong singles preceding it, the album delivered everything I'd been hoping for. Awash with synth riffs, guitar parts dripping in effects, and of course the classic McCool delay on the vocal, it's an incredibly atmospheric listen from start to finish. 'Memory Girl' blends hints of 80s and a classic Liverpool sound (can anyone hear Tears for Fears in the guitar parts occasionally or just me?) with sleek modern production, Natalie has created a truly original sound. Her recent album launch show at The Kazimier Stockroom was just a further display of her talent as a performer, and especially as an accomplished guitarist. Not even phased by having to repair a broken string on a dark, baking hot stage 5 minutes before her set, Natalie McCool is a true professional and master of her craft.

'Night Moves' - Monks

Monks' latest singles '100 Percent' and now 'Night Moves' are getting me hyped to experience more of this evolved sound. Super retro, but still fresh feeling, Monks have nailed it with this one. It's hard to pin them down to any sort of genre - a blend of indie, funk, synth-pop and 70s nostalgia all come to mind, with a hard groove that's great to dance to and a trumpet thrown in for good measure. I'm also obsessed with the lyrics 'just like a Western, a stare down for the ages'. Not sure why though.

'A Couple Hundred Sad Songs' - Naila

A debut release for Barcelona born artist Naila, 'A Couple Hundred Sad Songs' is a breezy yet soulful track that begs to be enjoyed under the sun with a cold drink and some mates. Let Naila's voice ease you into the weekend, and mellow in the sleek guitar licks and laid-back groove.

'Wavelength' - Mollie Coddled

This is such a fun song to soundtrack the summer. With an upbeat dream-pop/indie-pop sound, Wavelength is full of character and perfects the effortless, laid back production. Mollie Coddled gives me hints of Doja Cat and Clairo, while retaining an original voice. And that name is genius.