As Stereo Spotlight begins to grow and expand, we have another host of exciting new music to share this month. Remember this is where we share music from great new independent artists that are certainly ones to watch. 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!
MARNEY – California
First up is London-based artist MARNEY, who is bursting onto the scene with her debut California. Written in the aforementioned US state, MARNEY also created a one-take, Superman costume-baring music video for the track there. Speaking to Steve’s Stereo, she said “I like artists who build worlds… I want to see an artist’s world as much as I want to hear it”. Inspired and motivated by acts such as FINNEAS, Phoebe Bridgers and Kacey Musgraves, it’s clear to me that California isn’t just a song, but a concept, all tied together through the lyrics, the artwork, and the visuals to form a well-rounded statement. The image of Superman is a motif that threads through all of these things, allowing for a simple but poignant (and certainly memorable) video, for a beautiful song. Her next track Good Man is another from that trip to California, and will be released at the end of the month. Keep your eyes peeled, MARNEY is one to watch!
Tommy Roland – Blondie
Also coming out the gates with a smashing debut track is 18 year-old American artist Tommy Roland, with his boppy Blondie. Having always written songs from a young age, Tommy has spent recent years learning what it takes to become an artist, and he bursts onto the scene with an impressive debut. A track all about the excitement, expectation, and eagerness of a new romance, Blondie is a cheeky, catchy one. With regards to his next release, Tommy said, “My taste in music is pretty eclectic. I think this next song I have on the way reflects that. Think Jack Johnson meets Jay Z.” A combination I didn’t know I needed but now heavily anticipate!
Ewelina – Breaking These Walls
Up next is Polish artist Ewelina, with her uplifting Breaking These Walls. Finding comfort in music, and using it to quash any self-doubts is the message of the song, and in fact why Ewelina creates music, aiming to write songs that remind herself and her listeners that self-love and self-belief is paramount. This is the ethos for her upcoming debut LP Set In Stone, which she plans to release at the end of the year, as well as finally be able to get out and perform at live shows too. Speaking to Steve’s Stereo about her experience, she said “Everything always starts with a dream and it takes a lot of courage to follow it especially when everyone else tries to put you down.” I for one am impressed with Ewelina’s ambition and personal message that threads throughout her music, and Breaking These Walls is a perfect representation of this message – check it out!
Jacob Michael Jay – Crave
Last but certainly not least this month is self-taught singer-songwriter Jacob Michael Jay with Crave. Based in Alaska, Jacob not only writes and records his tracks, but produces them too. Inspired by Marvin Gaye, with musical influences of The 1975 and Cage the Elephant, Jacob describes Crave as “a summer fling kind of song”, about meeting someone new and becoming besotted. In the future he plans to continue to release his music, potentially with an EP coming towards the end of the year. Earlier this year he also released the impressive Hold On Tight which you can check out here.
