STEREO SPOTLIGHT #3

We’re back with the third instalment of Stereo Spotlight, where we share music from up-and-coming artists that are starting to put themselves on the very large musical map. If you know someone who fits this bill, you can recommend a song to be featured in a future article by clicking the button at the top of the page. You can also listen to/follow the playlist of all the tracks on Spotify by using the playlist on the right. So, without further ado, here are this month’s recs!

Nounerish w/ Ninetysix – Dysfunctional

Up first is Dutch producer Nounerish with the track Dysfunctional, written and performed by up-and-coming artist, Ninetysix. Also originally hailing from a small town in the Netherlands, Ninetysix strived for more, and began busking around the East coast of Australia, all the while continuing to write and produce her own music. This track, a disco-inspired bubble-gum pop synth-y hybrid would no doubt pack out a dancefloor, but the message and inspiration of Dysfunctional reflect Ninetysix’s own personal journey. Having been diagnosed with ADD, she wanted to write something depicting the struggle of balancing being yourself and trying to fit in with societal norms. She describes the song as ‘all over the place, like my beautiful brain’. Regardless, the song is a certified bop and makes me even more excited to be back on a dancefloor again! You can also check out the music video here and don’t forget to subscribe!

Deep Down Wise – After Light

Next we have dark electronic duo Deep Down Wise with their latest single After Light. Based in Miami and comprised of Alvys and Alisa, the group are inspired by music from the 80’s and 90’s, something which is evident in their sound, giving it that old-school feel. Their music aims to cut deep, to allow you to channel the desires of your inner self, all the while embracing the insanity that comes with. The lyrics ‘Hear the lies, in disguise, indeed amid the smiles’ enhance this twisted idea, giving the duo an interesting and unique perspective, which fits perfectly with the post-punk, darkwave style of their sound. They have new music on the horizon too, with their track Howling dropping soon, so be sure to check them out!

Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band – They’ll Remember My Name

Kristian Montgomery, of Danish descent, but now residing in the US, represents a classic yet refined, rough yet ready, style of music. Incorporating elements of country, alternative, and old-school rock ‘n’ roll, Kristian, alongside his session band, recently released the album Prince of Poverty, their second album in as many years, and they’re in the midst of working on a third! They’ll Remember My Name is the opening track on the aforementioned album, a record that is reflective and clearly influenced by personal experiences, but still has the edgy, unpolished (in a good way) vibe that makes it feel all the more visceral. Not my typical style, but Kristian is an impressive and clearly passionate artist, so I have to give him props.

Shannon – But He’s There

Last, but certainly not least, is London based singer-songwriter Shannon, with her second solo track But He’s There. A chilled, soulful, riff-tastic song, it touches on unrequited love in a different and honest way, but the real stand out here are her effortless vocals: showing true promise as an up-and-coming artist. Inspired by artists such as Lianne La Havas (which definitely resonates in But He’s There), I can’t wait to see what she brings out next!