Browsing Tag

dance pop

Effy Wang Interview: Harmonising Cultures and Beats in Her Sonic Mosaic

Posted on 10 November 2024

In this exclusive interview, Effy Wang explores her eclectic musical background and the creative processes behind her debut single, “Da Di Da La.” Born in China and now blossoming on the US music scene, Effy embodies a fusion of cultural sounds—from the classical strains of Chinese opera to the dynamic beats of modern hip-hop and bass house. This conversation unveils her journey from a childhood filled with diverse musical influences to her current exploration of genre-blending compositions. Read on to discover how Effy Wang is crafting a sound that’s as globally inspired as it is deeply personal.

Effy Wang, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for sitting down with us following the launch of your debut single, Da Di Da La. Before we get stuck into your music, we would love to know your artistic origin story and how your relationship with music has evolved over the years.

Thanks for having me! It’s my great pleasure to have this conversation with you amazing people!  

I was born in China and moved to the US in my early 20s. I’ve been singing and performing on stage since I was a little kid. And I started to learn piano in middle school and later on picked up guitar and other instruments like drum sets and CDJs. About the music influence, I would say my family’s music choice inspired me a lot when I was younger. My family loves listening to different types of music- my grandpa is a big fan of Chinese opera, my mom loves Cantopop from the 1980s, and my dad loves songs from Billboard and Oscar movies. So, I grew up with different influences that shaped the way I compose. I listened to a lot of Mandopop and Cantopop when I was a kid, then I fell in love with rock music, especially punk rock, when I was a teenager, and after I went to college, I started listening to hip-hop, R&B, EDM. I also experience writing songs in different genres as well and sometimes try to combine them. And when it comes to composing, I actually don’t care about genres that much and just let the idea flow and blend these different influences into the songs naturally. And yeah, that’s basically my music evolution story.

What’s the story behind the single?

So I wrote this song back in December 2023. I was going through a breakup and also facing graduation from college and was planning to move to a different city. There were a lot of changes that happened in my life back then, and I was feeling scared and lost. And one day, when I was scrolling through some videos on my phone, I noticed one video talking about how to break free and embrace the uncertainties of your life. And it reminded me of my relationship and made me start thinking. I felt I was the type of person that most of the time wouldn’t want to let things flow because of the deep insecurity in my heart. So is my relationship. It’s like the saying “The tighter you hold onto them, the more they want to slip away.” Which inspired the lyrics of my single “Light, shadows, open your heart to me. Past, future, wherever you go, be free”

We love how the etherealism in your vocal lines juxtaposes the solid backbeat, where did you find the influence for your unique aural identity?

Thank you! I honestly didn’t expect this song to sound like this at all. I would say because my singing style is kinda influenced by singers like Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding. But on the other hand, I listen to a lot of deep house, bass house, dubstep, trap, and hip-hop and I find myself always attracted by songs with sick beats, especially the heavy bass and kicks. So when I created this song, I actually created the beats of the song first, and then came up with the melody and lyrics. And after I recorded myself singing, the contradiction between the vocal lines and backbeat surprised me and I like it.

What is the most gratifying part of the songwriting process?

I think the most gratifying part was when I tried to write the bass part of this song. It was like a brilliant idea hit me out of nowhere that I could write a bassline that sounds like I was using the sidechain effect with the drum kit, but it’s not. Then I started playing notes on my keyboard while playing the drum part I had already made, and then the bassline that we hear in the song right now came out and made me feel so excited, and I started dancing to the beats I made and humming with the melody with some random words. And I felt good about the melody, too. It all just came together so naturally and made me so grateful and unexpected.

When are you most inspired to write? 

I wouldn’t say there’s a specific time during the day that I feel most inspired to write. It kinda changes every day up to my mood and my feelings. I’m not the type of person who would force myself to create if I don’t really want to. I used to be more disciplined with the songwriting process, but then I realized most of the time I don’t like the stuff I write when I don’t really want to create. So I just stopped doing that. I also have a habit that I love to put some ideas in my voice memo. My voice memo is full of different kinds of song ideas or melodies, and most of them just came out when I was walking or doing something else. And when I’m in the mood to create, I’ll just play the ideas I recorded in the voice memo and start to organize my thoughts. So yeah, when I’m most inspired to write, it depends.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

Be a nice person. Be nice to the people you work with, be nice to the other musicians you collaborate with, be nice to your fans. I used to ask this question to one of my mentors back in college. She’s a singer-songwriter, has been in the music industry for many years and collaborated with many great musicians we could call names. And she told me, “There are so many talented people in this world. So many musicians. But most of them didn’t make it in this industry. Because they see their talent as a gift and they treat others so badly. So you gotta respect whoever you work with, respect the people who support you and show you love, and not see everything as granted.” I think that’s the best piece of advice I’ve ever had from another musician. 

What has been the most affirming and standout moment in your career so far? 

I think the most affirming and standout moment to me is not about what rewards I got. It’s the moment I realize if I put my heart into something, I can make things happen. I remember back in college, there was a time when I was obsessed with hip-hop music, and I really admired some rappers and lyricists who could just express themselves so smoothly and flawlessly. And English is like a second language to me, and I felt so hard to express myself, not even mention rhyme. So I joined a hip-hop ensemble in my college, and on the first day in that class, the instructor who is a great hip-hop DJ and rapper from New York, asked me to freestyle, and I freaked out. And then he told us, the group of people in his class, that after two months, there would be a hip-hop showcase, and we all gonna go on stage to perform. And after that, I just started listening to a lot of hip-hop songs, I practice and practice rapping and also sometimes freestyle with my own words. It’s like the first time I pushed myself out of my comfort zone music-wise and tried to learn a whole new skill in such a short period. And after two months, our music group went on the stage. I’m one of the singers and rappers of that group. We performed eight songs and many rappers and hip-hop producers were in the audience looking at us. And I’ll always remember the screaming and shocking reactions people gave me and my group because I don’t look like a rapper to them at all lol. Even though that show was a part of my college but after that I felt so different on stage when I performed and I will always remember that night because it brought me great courage and faith.

What can your fans expect from an Effy Wang live show? 

When people come to my show, I want them to feel something when they leave, whether it’s because of some simple things like the light and ambiance, or because one song hits their feelings and makes them feel so related. I always believe music is a way people connect with each other, and that’s always what I try to do when I put on my live show, I want to feel these connections with my audience. So when my fans come to my show, they can expect a musical, spiritual journey and some special memories they can carry on after.

Where do you hope your music will take you?

I hope my music can take me to see the bigger world and help me build connections with others I meet on this journey. I always dreamed that one day, I could live like these big DJs to travel around the world, doing tours, playing their originals and remixes, and bringing this amazing energy to people they probably would never have met before. It’s all about connections and energies, and we all need each other. So I hope my music can take me on this journey and leave some good memories and experiences for others in this world.

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Stream Effy Wang’s debut single on Spotify now.

Follow the artist on Instagram and TikTok.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Effy Wang: Bridging Dreamscapes and Beats in ‘Da Di Da La’

Posted on 5 November 2024

In her debut single, Da Di Da La, the up-and-coming alt-pop siren Effy Wang juxtaposed the etherealism of dream pop with the rhythmic momentum of EDM by doctoring a pulse-pounding backbeat into the arcane atmosphere of the soul-driven production.

The rush of emotions that each progression manifests couldn’t be more visceral; the way the diaphanous elements intersect with the rhythmic intensity will undoubtedly leave plenty desperate to hear more from the icon in the making who is no stranger to beguiling audiences with her live performances. Now, she’s set to take over the airwaves with her effortlessly distinctive sonic signature, which is scarp enough to etch her name into the legacy of alt-electro pop.

Da Di Da La was officially released on October 21; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SonicFluxx Interview: Cosmic Inspiration and Artistic Evolution on Florida’s East Coast

Posted on 3 November 2024

In this A&R Factory interview, we speak with SonicFluxx, an artist shaped by a childhood amid the unique cultural and natural landscapes of Florida’s East Coast. SonicFluxx shares how experiences such as witnessing shuttle launches, growing up near Disney World, and being surrounded by 80s and 90s pop icons like Depeche Mode, Madonna, and Pet Shop Boys influenced his sound and vision. He reflects on his path from DJing to full-time music production in Los Angeles, alongside the challenges of adapting to social media in the modern music world. With new music on the horizon, SonicFluxx reveals a vision dedicated to using music as a healing force, ready to connect with listeners globally.

SonicFluxx, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your career and your future ambitions. We’d love to know how your upbringing on Florida’s East Coast, among such iconic figures, influenced your sonic signature. 

Growing up in Central Florida in the 80’s and 90’s was a special time in our American history and I feel lucky to have experienced many things that most didn’t during that era.  Growing up next to Disney World taught me that music holds messages and meaning and that music can be the language that unites all.

I watched the Space Shuttle program firsthand and watched many shuttle launches from my backyard.  I learned at a young age that there was more than this world we are on and I found love in the stars and the universe.  I questioned my existence of this planet at a pretty young age and what my role was.  I grew up living five minutes from the beach – walking through the sand and understanding the concept that a speck of sand doesn’t make much, but a whole bunch of it creates a beautiful beach.

When you grow up and live in such a magical and inspirational place, I think it tends and fuels the creative fire within and ignites the spark that so many musicians and artists before me have experienced.

What was it about Depeche Mode, Madonna, and Pet Shop Boys that inspired you to light your own creative spark? 

I found deep inspiration with these three artists particularly because through their music, I learned that songs can have a message to invoke positive change in society.  Many artists feel a duty to use their voice as a platform to invoke political, cultural and societal change in the world and this is also what I wanted out of my own music and songwriting.  Aligning with the same beliefs as an artist also made me feel connected to the artist themselves in a way and I found this connection to be very special.

How has your relationship with music changed over the years?

I was born in a Southern Baptist Church, so I grew up singing traditional hymns on Sundays. I grew up extremely sheltered from what is called secular media in the religious tone.  My introduction to pop and dance music did not occur until my rebellious teen era, in which I would spend hours in FYE at the mall and listen to CDs.  I consumed every bit of pop culture I could at this point in my life.  I connected with dance music in a spiritual way that spiritual music never gave me.

I began to study and analyze what made a great song at this age.  I would have a knack for knowing what songs on an album would be the next single before it was released.  I turned this talent into songwriting.  I was a DJ in my early 20s and began producing remixes myself with Sony Acid Music Studio on a laptop I rented from Rent-A-Center.

I am a self-proclaimed pop and dance music lover.  I took pride in sharing new tracks with people and seeing their reactions when they loved it.  After many years of no music interaction other than consumption, I quit my job, quit college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career full time.  I find myself enjoying creating music more than I enjoy listening to it myself.  However, don’t get me wrong, I still stan for a few artists new music!

Creatively, what came most easily to you, and what did you have to work hard to hone?

Melodies, hooks and songwriting came the easiest.  Most of my songs have been written in about three days – one song I wrote in 15 minutes.  I have a knack for hearing a beat and immediately hearing a melody in my head.  Then words come after that.  It’s a chaotic process I will admit, but it works for me.

Half of my lyrics aren’t even written down anywhere because songs are written so quickly.  ‘Nomad’, for example, was half written and I made up the rest of the lyrics in the studio on the spot.  My songs come from my life, my struggles and my heartache – it’s pretty easy to spill out currently.

What is challenging for me is creating social media content.  I am not good at picture taking, not quick to take pictures in settings and I find creating and thinking of social content does not come easy at all.  I am from the MySpace generation, so the new era of social media has definitely been the biggest challenge to overcome for me.

You mentioned a period of depression after focusing on your vocation as an astronomer; do you believe a lack of creative output is to blame for a lot of existential suffering in others?

Short answer: yes.  I believe that many people do not use the right side of their brain enough and invoke creativity in their lives.  I love that book reading and crocheting has made comebacks these days.  I think more people need to find that creative output to truly find peace.  As a child, we use this side of our brain so naturally and it’s a beautiful thing.  When we lose our sense of imagination and wonder, we can lose who we are and where we are going – Walt Disney taught me that and I still firmly believe in it.

Could you tell us more about your vision for your music going forward and any new directions you are exploring in your artistic journey?

When I started my music career full time, I said that if my music reached just one person and helped them, I’ve done my job.  Music is healing.  Music can be your remedy, as I sing in my song ‘Remedy’, which is a love letter to all my fans.  I have achieved this and now my goal is to take the same concept but go worldwide.

I am always writing new music and do have new music ready to go and am planning to release a deluxe edition of the album around February 2025.

Stream SonicFluxx on Spotify and discover more about the artist via their official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Gemma Felicity – AM I TOXIC: A Kinetically Electric Alt-Pop Candid Confession

Posted on 28 October 2024

‘AM I TOXIC’ by Gemma Felicity proves that a good pop hit is so much more than a polished set of hooks, a honeyed set of pipes and a catchy chorus line; it’s a songwriter who knows exactly how to stretch your perceptions to let new resonance in through the use of confessional candour.

Felicity’s personal flaws are laid bare in the accountability-driven dance-pop anthem, but even the most scrupulous critic would struggle to find a flaw in the single itself. The perennial pop earworm transcends an auditory experience through the way it alters your emotional state with the euphoric energy in the high-octane, kinetically electric pulse of the track, which is all too easy to get addicted to.

The London-based alt-pop artist has been honing her eloquent craft since the age of 9; in 2024, it has all paid off with AM I TOXIC, which will feature on her first EP, Baggage, which explores how personal baggage can weigh heavy romantic relationships.

Having performed at iconic venues and been featured on BBC Introducing, Gemma’s presence is both resonant and transformative, continuing to mesmerise and energise audiences worldwide as she prepares for a performance at the Miss Planet International Beauty Pageant.

Stream AM I TOXIC on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Sigma Strikes with ‘You Left’: A Melodic Force of Dance-Pop

Posted on 24 October 2024

The Sigma’s new single, ‘You Left’, channels heartbreak into an energised dance-pop anthem with a sharp edge. It’s a track built to fill club spaces, with progressive rhythms that will sit comfortably alongside Avicii and David Guetta in any playlist. The melodic structure draws you in, while the undercurrent of emotional intensity amplifies the rhythmic magnetism.

Despite emerging from the underground, The Sigma’s production chops speak volumes about his potential; the track’s seamless synthesis of pulsating beats and pop-infused guitar elements echoes the finesse of Mark Ronson’s EDM pop style; every instrumental was interwoven to give listeners more than just a casual earworm; it’s a kinetic dancefloor hit that merges emotional weight with undeniable energy.

It is only a matter of time before The Sigma becomes a regular feature on the dance scene. Get him on your radar now.

Stream the iPhone-shot official music video for You Left by heading over to YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unveiling Layers of Reflection: An Interview with Gemma Felicity on ‘AM I TOXIC’ and the ‘Baggage’ EP

Posted on 24 October 2024

In our conversation with Gemma Felicity, we sink into the introspective depths of her recent single ‘AM I TOXIC’ and the overarching themes within her emotionally charged EP ‘Baggage’. Gemma opens up about the process of creating music that not only reflects personal accountability but also challenges the listener to confront their own roles in relationships. With her raw and reflective approach, she reveals how personal experiences have fuelled her songwriting, transforming pain into powerful lyrical narratives. 

Welcome to A&R Factory, Gemma! Thanks for sitting down with us to discuss your latest single, ‘AM I TOXIC’, and the incredible work you’ve been doing with your EP ‘Baggage’. AM I TOXIC is such a powerfully candid tour de force which brings to light how accountability is such a scarcity in relationships and much of life. How did it feel to bring such an intense track to fruition?

Yes, it is so true that accountability can be so rare nowadays, in relationships and in life generally. Many people prefer to put the blame on others so that they do not have to look at themselves and take responsibility for their own behaviours and actions. I think I am quite an intense person and I think deeply about things, so I didn’t even realise it was an intense track. But thank you! And I feel proud to have brought this track into the world, as it has come from such a personal place.

You’ve mentioned that much of your songwriting is self-reflective, and this track certainly showcases that. What was it like to collaborate with Alex Rossiter and Louis Takooree for this single, and how did they help bring your vision to life?

Both Alex and Louis are always amazing to work with. They are both the complete opposite to the type of men that I wrote the song about. I came up with the idea of the song back in January 2022, just after I had been ghosted by a guy who had treated me like a piece of crap for months. I was really upset about this, and thinking to myself, wondering why it was that I always got treated this way. I started to really ask myself why I thought this might be. Did I not think that I was worthy of more than this? I started to put it into a song. I didn’t finish the song, but I just left what I had written on my phone in a voice note for months and months.

I was then lucky enough to meet Alex, my guitarist, in June 2022 of that year. He asked me in around September 2022, if I would like to work on some of my original songs with him. So, we spent a couple of days writing together in a park, taking the clips I had recorded on my phone and turning them into full songs. I was so happy that he was helping me to finally bring my song ideas to life, as it was what I had wanted to do for so long.

When it came to AM I TOXIC, I remember him saying “This is such a banger”, and we made a full demo of it together at his place. He told me he knew the perfect person to work on it in the studio with me. He then introduced me to Louis, and Louis made the songs really pop in the studio. He was just the perfect person to bring it all to life. I am so happy with how AM I TOXIC turned out in particular. It was such a beautiful process of turning the song into what it is today, and I have the boys to thank for that.

How did you approach translating such an introspective song into a visual format for the official music video? 

I worked on the music video with an amazing team called Grizzly Productions. We first brainstormed ideas together – I knew I wanted it to be quite different to any of my previous music videos. I wanted this one to be more performance-based and visually very exciting, rather than storyline-based (which is what my previous music videos were like). I think the music video does a great job of making an extremely introspective song also very exciting and fun.

What led you to centre your EP around the theme of emotional weight being carried into relationships, and how did your personal experiences shape the stories told in each track?

I guess it was just something I was going through and struggling with at the time. I think relationships are great teachers for us, and they can reflect back to us things we need to learn about ourselves. Through every relationship I had, I would realise and learn more about myself, and I would always observe what the experience I had attracted, was teaching me about myself and how I felt within myself, and I found this very interesting. I started seeing a therapist and we worked through some of these issues, and that is when I started writing lots of music about it. I guess all the self-reflection gave me a lot of songwriting content.

You recently headlined at The Troubadour for the second time. How does performing your songs live compare to the process of writing and recording them, especially with such emotionally charged material?

I won’t lie, I find singing my songs live very challenging because they are so vulnerable and personal. As someone who is fairly introverted, I would say, I find it pretty uncomfortable to be so open about myself in front of a huge room of people like that. The songs can often make me feel quite emotional too when I am singing them. But I have learnt how to try to connect to the emotions of the song, whilst still slightly separating myself from the emotional charge that the song has on me naturally.

When I was writing and recording these songs, I let myself be as emotional as I wished to be. But performing is a bit of a different process, as you don’t want to start crying in front of the audience really, so you have to learn how to feel the emotion of the song without getting overly emotional. I find this challenging because I am a very emotional person.

You have started paving the path to international stardom this year with performances in the US and India, what did you take away from these experiences?

Thank you so much for saying that. The performances I did this year in the US and India were so amazing for my confidence in terms of performing and getting out of my comfort zone. The songs we sang in the performances were much more upbeat and party vibes compared to the original songs that I usually sing. It was a completely new vibe for me, and an amazing experience. We also had to dance and truly perform them confidently to the audience, which really put me out of my comfort zone but definitely has helped me to grow. I think you can’t really grow without a certain level of discomfort.

Your lyrics often explore vulnerability and complex emotions. How important is it for you to write from a place of raw honesty, and do you ever feel exposed putting such personal themes into your music?

Yes, I find it extremely difficult and very exposing writing about such personal themes. It is challenging, to say the least, and often feels way too vulnerable. But I always remind myself that there is beauty in vulnerability and expressing the things you don’t find easy to express. As a songwriter, your words will resonate with other people, and you have the ability to really comfort people and make them realise that they aren’t alone in all of life’s complexities. I think there is beauty in music that is so raw and real. I don’t really like superficial surface level music unfortunately – I always tend to go in at the deep end. Sometimes I really wish I could write about superficial stuff, as I wonder if I might be happier if I were to be more of a happy-go-lucky person. I’m a deep thinker though through and through.

Stream AM I TOXIC on Spotify now, and follow Gemma on Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Jaco Painted a Pop Portrait of Love’s Duality in His Latest Single, ‘Gioconda’

Posted on 22 October 2024

In his third single and first Italian release, ‘Gioconda’ the electro-pop icon in the making, Jaco, tracked the highs and lows of love, painting a sonic picture as ambiguous and complex as the Mona Lisa’s smile. As the bass kicks momentum into the disco-funk-tinged indietronica beats, the pop production draws you into an intoxicating kaleidoscope of emotion which shimmers with reflections of love’s beauty and inevitable fragility.

Having made waves across the UK and Italy, Jaco’s latest release ensures nothing is lost in translation. Even if you don’t speak the language, the sticky-sweet melodies and euphoric reverberations will resonate. The warm tones offer a sense of familiarity, while the layered production reveals a depth that lingers beneath the fresh, summery exterior.

Prior to introducing his latest single to his staunch fanbase, Jaco hit international stages, brushed shoulders with Eurovision and X Factor alumni, and found a distinct way to maintain a unique sonic signature by channelling his classical training and Italian roots into British pop sensibilities.

Gioconda was officially released on October 11; stream the single via all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Arlo Boe ignited a dark electro-pop inferno of infatuation and insanity with ‘Manic’

Posted on 30 September 2024

In her fiercest pop hit to date, Manic, the trailblazing siren Arlo Boe delivered a veritable earworm that could devour a dancefloor. With EDM pop aesthetics, which are as dark as they are kinetic, the electrifying anthem adrenalizes as it empowers listeners who are tired of tempering their manic proclivities when it comes to obsessive infatuation.

There are nods to Lady Gaga in her ‘The Fame’ era in the scathing spoken word increments which interrupt the Goldfrapp-esque production, which harks back to the 00s pop era while simultaneously flirting with the energy and euphoria of 80s pop. Yet, Manic is so much more than a revisitation of pop’s past; Arlo Boe ensured that her latest single won’t be out of place on contemporary pop playlists.

Arlo says, “I have always been fascinated by obsessive loves and the way people can just form these intense infatuations overnight. My favourite movie is Gone Girl and after I wrote this all I could think of was Amy Dunne, this is what semi-inspired the video which I planned, shot, and edited myself. I love the troupe of “If I can’t have you, no one can” … in an entertainment sense of course!”

Manic stormed the airwaves on September 27; stream the single on Spotify now or watch the official music video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Celine Georgi serenaded her sycophants in her pop hit, Fan of Mine

Posted on 10 September 2024

RnB Pop revolutionist, Celine Georgi, hit the ground running with her seminal EP, Serendipity I. A standout single on the EP, Fan of Mine, is a rhythmically cultivated earworm which exhibits the euphonically evocative power in her ethereal vocal lines and is sure to leave swathes more sycophants kneeling at her altar.

The track kicks off with a wavy, delay-saturated prelude that gently sweeps you into its sonic sphere, followed by Georgi’s cinematic harmonies which seamlessly meld with a solid, rhythmically gripping beat. As you follow the melodies through the narratively rich synth pop tour de force, the beat punctuates pulsative gravity into the track which mirrors the quality of Hollywood Blockbuster. The balance of snare hits and bass drum punches drives the track forward, carrying all the momentum you could hope for in a dance pop hit.

As the music washes over you, there’s a palpable sense of euphoria paired with an urge to hit replay. For anyone chasing the sound of summer, look no further; Fan of Mine will resonate far beyond the season.

Fan of Mine is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Preston Scott Straus became a member of queer pop royalty with ‘For Love’

Posted on 5 September 2024

Infinitely more affirming, affecting and empowering than anything RuPaul has produced in their 15 studio album span, the latest single, For Love, from Preston Scott Straus will hit you in places you never knew music could touch.

To bridge the gap between the ballad and the dance-pop anthem, the Cleveland Ohio-originating singer-songwriter delivered an evocatively-charged synthesis of sincerity and vulnerability into a kinetically euphoric production which doesn’t just carry his lyrics, they amplify the verses which become mantras, ensuring they will stick with you for long after the outdo

After his humble upbringing where escaping into fantasy was the only way to feel free, Straus found music at the age of 12 when he played in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony and cut his vocal teeth by singing in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus.

At 18, Straus honed his songwriting and production talents which eventually helped him to overcome a challenging and homophobic childhood as he pursued love, freedom and creativity away from the church community.

Today, the artist is still endlessly devoted to making the world better for people who are just trying to be themselves, which shines through luminously in For Love which may be a feel-good track, but you’ll have to choke back the tears while embracing the soul of the single.

For Love dropped on the 30th of August; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast