Browsing Tag

adele

Charlotte Forman is a voice of resilience and reason in her piano-driven power ballad, Don’t Change Me

Posted on 21 November 2024

In ‘Don’t Change Me,’ which is featured on Charlotte Forman’s EP of the same name, the artist pours her heart into a piano-driven ballad that magnifies her arcane control over pitch and register within a refined and emotionally charged production.

With a voice that rivals the raw, affecting power of Amy Winehouse and Adele, Charlotte Forman opens not just industry doors but windows into her soul. The lyrical narrative offers a profound exhibition of the expectations placed on female artists in an industry often swayed more by aesthetics than by talent. This piece is an unflinching declaration of self, a protest against the misogynistic undertones that often undermine genuine artistry. Forman’s lyrics roar with the strength and fortitude of a woman unyielded.

As the single progresses, it boldly veers into an Avant-Garde territory with a cabaret-like flair, as dissonant piano keys build into an artful climax before settling back into Forman’s swanky vocal reprise. This audacious turn mirrors the thematic resistance of the song, asserting Forman’s artistic identity in the face of industry conformity.

Stream the Don’t Change Me EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Awakening to Bella Gate: ‘Sleepwalking’ Melds Classic and Contemporary with Masterful Artistry

Posted on 15 May 2024

If you’re still sleeping on the breakthrough UK singer-songwriter, Bella Gate, her revolutionary approach to power balladry exhibited in her latest single, Sleepwalking, will prise your heart and soul open to her immensely affecting artistry.

The classic songwriting style is enough to slip you back into the 70s before the Florence and the Machine artful touches pull you right back to modernity as Bella Gate’s vocals channel the spirituality of Stevie Nicks and the deep resonant timbre of Adele, with all the emotive authenticity to boot.

While looking back on chapters of teenage love and self-discovery, most will shudder at the naivety; Bella Gate is viscerally living through the torment within Sleepwalking; vicariously join her as the pop-rock piano keys dance beneath her endlessly ascending vocal register as they spill the agony in a retrospective call for clarity.

With plenty more singles in the pipeline for 2024, the 23-year-old Edinburgh/London residing artist is more than worth a spot on your radar. If she’s esteemed enough to have her debut LP mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Geoff Pesche, she, and her talent in bringing a fresh and innovative vibe to the industry, is one to watch.

Sleepwalking was officially released on April 26^th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

London Pop Debut: Tyla Jay – To Be a Girl

Posted on 2 July 2021

Pop artists are often guilty of perpetuating toxic female stereotypes through their lyrics; refreshingly, with her debut single, ‘To Be a Girl’, London-based singer-songwriter Tyla Jay gave a far more relatable account of femininity.

While her sonically compelling sound is well and truly her own, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter takes influence from a dynamic array of artists, from Billie Eilish to Beyonce, from Aretha Franklin to Adele.

The amalgamation of eclectic inspiration allows Tyla Jay to bring an old school style of soul to release paired with a relatable, modern air. The contemporary feel mostly resonates through the lyrics which explore insecurity and scribe battles with self-scrutiny when we’re trying to find the self-acceptance that we pretend comes so easily.

Perhaps most admirably, Tyla Jay allowed To Be a Girl to unfold as an empowering and uplifting release despite the lyrics that scratch far beneath the surface on a subject that is already so raw for so many women. She has exactly what it takes to become one of the most inspiring pop artists of our generation.

To Be a Girl is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lillibet explores patriotism through a new lens in her soul-pop single, ‘Kingdom’

Posted on 15 June 2021

After her debut single, I Love You When I’m Drunk, was met with rapturous acclaim; there was plenty of anticipation of what Lillibet’s sophomore single would bring. The feisty indie soul-pop track, Kingdom, certainly didn’t disappoint. The Milton Keynes-hailing singer-songwriter surpasses Winehouse in terms of attitude and experimentalism while offering the same soulful connection and rich and resonant vocals.

Paradoxically, Lillibet exudes the grace of a Parisian chanteuse while simultaneously carrying the grit of our modernity in the socially aware single that shows England through the lens of an immigrant’s eyes. Regardless of how many times you listen to Kingdom, you will continue to take something new from the single. The wit-soaked meta lyrics weave through stunning parables that are powerful enough to shift dim-witted perspectives.

Kingdom is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Find your inner strength with Charlie Hay’s piano-pop ballad ‘Truth’

Posted on 29 March 2021

Charlie Hay’s latest single ‘Truth’ is a timely addition to the airwaves, in a time of uncertainty, the semi-orchestral piano pop ballad is an empowering affirmation that any change needs to happen from within.

The lyrics unravel as a series of perception-shifting mantras versed through vocals which carry a touch of Daughter and Adele while the instrumentals boast timeless gravitas.

Truth smashes the misconception that guidance, validation and support are best found externally. It’s a powerful reminder that your mood and outlook on life doesn’t have to depend on the news.

Truth is a stunning single, in every possible way, the efficaciousness of the evocative instrumentals, the meta poetry in the lyrics, and the LA-based Swedish singer-songwriter’s vocals which could easily see her top the charts.

Truth was officially released on March 15th. You can hear it for yourselves via Soundcloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Anna Mae Kelly releases Pop infused single Devil Eyes

Posted on 24 April 2020

https://soundcloud.com/user-871446961/devil-eyes/s-V8yxXu8evca

Artist Anna Mae Kelly has released her latest track ‘Devil Eyes’ a real energetic and lively Pop hit.

Having this suspenseful beat that fills the air, raising the volume of each melody higher and higher as the vocals begin to seep in, having this sweet melodic tone hitting them high notes perfectly. The vocals tend to fall behind the instrumentation as that takes over and powers through.

The melody is hard-hitting and upbeat and every element goes together in such an impressive way, really gravitating towards that Pop sound and the style that Anna has to offer.

As the melody picks up the pace and the suspense builds, the tone of voice takes more of a raspy sound. The way that the style switches up within seconds, taking it from a lower volume to really pushing all the energy and power into it as the volume ramps up.

Anna really shows throughout this piece the variety of tones she can portray through her music and she definitely deserves all the recognition with this amazing single. We can’t wait to see what she gets up to next.

Listen to Anna Mae Kelly’s Devil Eyes by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Karley Myall

Check Out T I A N I From London & Her Pop Track “All Of Me”

Posted on 9 November 2017

All Of Me is the recent single from TIANI. The song is a great example of the act’s approach to energetic melodies and poignant songwriting with personal lyrics. The sound of “All Of Me” is particularly intuitive and intricate, falling somewhere in between the unmistakable appeal of pop music, and the strong integrity of indie. Think of a mix between Adele and CHURCHES!

This single is particularly strong for its heartfelt, intimate lyrics and for the unique approach to songwriting. This track is certainly a great example of the artist’s sensibilities, but also of her outstanding energy and positive vibes.

Find out more and listen to “All Of Me” directly on TIANI’s official page on Soundcloud.

A&R Factory Present: Lauren Carter

Posted on 23 January 2017

Based out of Los Angeles, Lauren Carter, according to GQ Mexico, proves that ‘talent and beauty can co-exist.’ Viva Glam Magazine states, ‘if you love Lana del Rey, you’ll love Lauren Carter.’ Vents Magazine states, her single Rulebreaker features ‘an eclectic melody blending seductive vocals with pounding drums that is a work of pop perfection.’ Maxim Magazine called Lauren a ‘triple sexy triple threat,’ and DJ Fresh, who featured her in music video ‘Lassitude’, called Lauren ‘easy on the eyes, and a pleasure to work with.’ As a vocalist, she has a resonant three octave range that can deliver haunting ethereal notes to a full on belt.

A self-proclaimed ‘music nerd’ Lauren has completed a Masters Degree in Music, resulting in her knowing Beethoven and Schubert as well as she knows Lana del Rey, Bjork, or say, Leonard Cohen. Featured extensively in her career in magazines such as GQ, Maxim, Esquire, she explores the relationship between audience and performer, the male gaze, and her writing delves into topics like sexual politics, female independence, life in Los Angeles, and the American Dream. Combining an exhibitionist quality with an academic/ introvert’s soul…Lauren Carter continues to push the envelope. In 2016 her track ‘Around the Globe’ was picked up by Volkswagen for a radio commercial. She is an award-winning vocalist who attended prestigious Northwestern University and University of Southampton, UK and has lived and worked primarily out of London and Los Angeles.

Lauren’s full EP, ‘American Dream,’ will be released in January 2017.

A&R Factory Present: Kristine Mirelle

Posted on 4 November 2016

Kristine Mirelle is a Mexican/American singer/songwriter and pianist from Roswell NM. She currently resides in Los Angeles CA and actively performs 5 nights a week. Her work bears resemblances to the likes of Lilly Allen, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lana Del Rey. Her genre of music can be described as Pop Retro Soul.

In her earlier years she performed and competed in National classical piano competitions around the US. She won 4 consecutive National Sonata competitions and was inducted into the International Piano Guild at age 12. One of her most popular subjects for interviews was her life she chose as a traveling musician selling her music door to door in neighborhoods all over the country. She traveled the United States selling her music in local neighborhoods and singing on people’s doorsteps.

She also volunteered in various countries around the world raising money via her viral fanbase and also going door to door selling her music. South Africa, Thailand, India, and Peru were all countries she visited volunteering and performing in special education centers and AIDS stricken communities.

Kristine also started a Mexican food brand in 2009 called “Lil Kristi’s” consisting of health conscious tortilla chips and salsas. Her products can be found in popular grocery stores including Whole Foods, Sprouts, and 70+ grocery stores in New Mexico.

Along with her passion for music, her passion for life has created a foundation for her ambitions. Kristine Mirelle continues to be an example of instrument mastery and vocal ability in a time when true musicians are scarce.

Kristine Mirelle currently lives in Hollywood CA.