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Pop

Ben Thuesen mastered the art of indie pop euphonic immersion with ‘Angel Face’

In his latest indie-pop release, Angel Face, the affectingly irreplicable Ben Thuesen channelled the soul-wrenching mourning of a love lost into a composition that haunts with its lyrical depth and intricate melodies.

The Sacramento-based singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer exhibited how he has perfected the art of euphonic immersion with this vignette of the bittersweet aftermath of affection. The anthem for the lovelorn echoes the melodic poignancy of artists in the same vein as Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, while ensuring that no influence overshadows the uniqueness of his distinctly cultivated sonic signature.

By weaving guitar strings and heartstrings together, the independent artist crafted a sonic landscape that mirrors the isolation of heartbreak. The stinging clarity of his guitar lines cuts through the nightscape with the precision of a seasoned jazz musician, his roots bleeding into each note, offering a raw, unfiltered emotional narrative which reflects the alienatingly quiet hours of introspection that often accompany the loss of love.

Angel Face will be available to stream on all major platforms from July 19; stream it on Soundcloud first.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lust and Luminescence: Exploring Derik Madrid’s Pulsative RnB Pop ‘Vision’

Derik Madrid, a Filipino singer-songwriter based in Sydney, illuminated the airwaves with the neon-lit glow of his latest RnB pop release, Vision. Created in collaboration with the powerhouse producer, Declan Dias, the sensuously salacious single explores the phenomenon of objects of desire existing as abstract ideas within fantasies until the lust-fuelled daydreams become more tangible than semblances of reverie.

The themes of fixation are expertly visualised in the etherealism of the single which showcases Madrid’s vocal versatility and Dias’ ability to thematically run with a concept until it euphonically materialises. Pulsative electronic beats become the bedrock of the vulnerable release that is underpinned with enough pure passion to allow listeners to vicariously experience the artist’s deep adoration and prompt reflection on the profound connections in their own lives.

By exploring the haunting fear of loss and unrequited love, Vision is a deeply affecting meditation on the dualism of love. It’s so much more than a showcase of Madrid’s ability to fuse his narratives into memorable melodies; it’s a testament to his talent for creating music that resonates on a profound level with his audience.

As Madrid continues to draw inspiration from icons like Sam Smith and The Weeknd, his own unique voice becomes increasingly distinct and influential.

Vision was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

An In-Depth Interview with Georgina White on Her Unique Sonic Journey and Artistic Versatility

Georgina White took time away from her versatile artistic career to share how she discovered and refined her unique sonic identity, one that beautifully melds old-school soul with a diverse range of influences—from classical to folk and jazz. The conversation reveals the eclectic nature of Georgina’s music but also her profound connection to her artistic roots and the personal evolution that shapes her craft. From early influences watching her mother perform opera, to her own experiences on the West End stage and her explorations during the pandemic, Georgina’s career is a testament to perseverance and artistic amalgamation. Her narrative offers a fascinating glimpse into how her multifaceted career in music and acting intertwines and influences her creative output and performance style.

Georgina White, welcome to A&R Factory! Your artistic identity appears as fascinating as your eclectic imbued with old-school soul discography. Your sonic signature resonates with a rare authenticity; did finding your characteristic tone come easily to you? 

Hi Amelia! That’s a great question and thank you, that’s a huge compliment… I spent a long time searching for my authenticity and sonic sound; I now believe I always had it within me but it’s taken years of playing various roles, singing in so many different styles throughout my career and using all this experience to create my own authentic sound.

As you said, my style is certainly eclectic – I’ve always sang from the soul but with classical influences from my opera singing mum and folk playing grandparents. Add some sultry jazz/blues, theatrical playfulness and a powerful belt and there’s my signature tone!

You clearly thrive in the spotlight, when did your creative desires start to shape your reality? 

I spent a lot of my childhood watching mum on stage being an absolute vocal powerhouse. I was mesmerised; it was vibrant, exciting and empowering. I knew I had to follow suit – not in opera but performing in many different ways. I was cast in a West End show when I was 15 and it all took off from there.  I started writing a lot of my own material during the pandemic when I escaped to my home studio for peace of mind.

You’ve succeeded in your acting and music career; how do you find these disciplines and talents influence each other? 

They’ve always been incredibly intertwined; I’ve worked consistently as an actor/ musician in theatre since graduating from RADA so it’s influenced the way I think. Words come to me easier over music. I can understand what’s going on in my life a lot more when there’s background music playing!

When acting, I will always do a vocal warm-up before a performance to ensure my voice has its true range and sometimes I’ll sing my lines in practice to find colour and flavour.

Does your ability to embody a wide range of characters as an actress help you to bring your lyrical characters to life more vividly?

Definitely. Each song I now release feels like it’s performed by a different character; a contrasting layer. But they all add together to create something whole. Me.

You’re well on your way to becoming revered in London’s live music scene after performing at Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club and the Moustache Bar in Dalston, what can your fans expect from your live performances? 

They can expect a very eclectic set! Originals from the heart accompanied by a live band or me on keys. Cover mash-ups going from blues to rock that will make you want to bop and (depending on the show) a variety of musical theatre characters that will make you laugh and cry. I also play sax and bassoon!

You’ve also been quite a hit on the airwaves since releasing your debut single in 2021. In your opinion, what is it about your sound which speaks to a wide audience? 

I sing from the soul and I say it as it is, so hopefully that. I’ve also been around a while, faced a lot of rejection and really worked my ass off. I’ve had 2 number 1s in the UK Chart of Gold with my soul covers which has been a dream come true.

I’ve been told I’m good at atmospheric storytelling and I like to play with vocal styles and tones so hopefully the audience is kept engaged. My more peaceful music has been described as therapeutic too.

I think, perhaps, they don’t know what I’ll do next… Nor do I sometimes! I work with my talented and experienced producers at Creative and Dreams Music Network to figure out what the next step is.

Looking forward, how do you envision the next chapter of your artistic journey? 

I’m so incredibly grateful for everything I’ve achieved and experienced so far. I’m looking forward to more growth as an artist; more writing, experimenting and understanding myself and what I want to say. Being brave. Oh, and an album is on its way!

I’ve been playing at festivals this Summer (Old Town Live is next on 27th July) and I have more theatre coming up later this year too (that I can’t talk about yet!). I’ll be working towards a solo tour of the UK and hopefully internationally too.

Can your fans look forward to more new music from you this year?

Absolutely. I’ve got ready recorded singles up my sleeve, it’s now all about timing. I’ve been on the road for 9 months with theatre productions so having a little rest before it all takes off again! Thank you so much for listening!

Listen to Georgina White’s latest single, LOVE, on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

London’s introspective indie pop icon, Gemma Felicity, struck again in ‘10 Million Dates’

Our adoration for Gemma Felicity remains unflinching after the release of her intimate indie pop single, 10 Million Dates. With her latest right-on-the-euphonic money release, the London-hailing singer-songwriter captured the collective frustration within the modern dating scene, detrimented by the illusion of endless choice.

The sense of disillusion in the lack of real, raw, and pure connection resounds throughout the artistically profound, poetically bitter-sweet lament which acts as the ultimate consolation to anyone who is losing the motivation to keep searching.

By delicately touching on themes of people pleasing, loneliness, fear of the future, emotional baggage, and the ennui which follows pinning hopes on a transient character in our lives before they disappear within the folky dream pop reverie of the polished production, Gemma Felicity delivered one of the most affecting singles of 2024.

As the introspectively candid icon gears towards the release of her 5-track EP, Baggage, there’s no doubt that she’s inching towards the zenith of her career.

10 Million Dates was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergas

Marc Ambrosia aurally embodied queer pride with his alt-pop anthem, You Can Tell Me

Pride month may be over, but the perpetual appeal in Marc Ambrosia’s queer pop anthem, You Can Tell Me, is infinite.

The luminously iridescent outpouring of euphoric emotion, inspired by a coming-out story which tore down a barrier in a friendship, explodes as a riotous affirmation that there are few things sweeter than tearing off a façade and tuning into the liberating freedom of living openly and proudly.

The tinged-country pop-rock hit is enveloped by the exhilarating joy that comes as a consequence of acceptance and self-expression while LGBTQ+ allies are celebrated for their profound ability to change worlds simply through understanding and accepting.

Whether the single acts as an inspiration to take that candid leap or you adopt Ambrosia as a confidant while you prepare to write your own coming-out story, there’s no denying that Ambrosia is well on his way to being crowned as a queer pop icon who will be impossible to usurp if the ecstasy in You Can Tell Me is a sign of what is to come.

With his fourth studio LP, Gay & Proud, due for release on August 30th, he’s a visionary you want on your sonic radar.

You Can Tell Me was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

EmiTQM has made an ethereal debut with his installation of Latin indietronic pop, IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE

Latin pop sensation in the making, EmiTQM, has made an indelible mark on the Latin pop scene with his dreamy indietronica debut single, IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE, which arrests with ethereal melodic waves in the same vein as Cigarettes After Sex, and originates via tenderly warm and exploratively 8bit-adjacent sequences which envelop you in a sonic world of kaleidoscopic colour and soul.

Translating to ‘maybe you thought of me’, IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE is a reticently sweet embodiment of hope and yearning to reverberate around the mind of the person who ceaselessly occupies every waking thought.

The single is an affectingly unforgettable introduction to the Mexican pop singer-songwriter and producer’s unique style which has already seen him amass a loyal army of fans who relish in his ability to visualise universally resonant facets of the human condition.

The emotions that will flood through you as you follow EmiTQM’s lead through this future-forward earworm reach the pinnacle of visceralism. The hazy love-drunk hues translate with perfect articulation as the lines between reality and imagination blur.

One of the only things with more promise than his music career is that the sun will rise tomorrow. We are already stoked to hear what he has in store for his sophomore release.

IGUAL Y ME PENSASTE was officially released on June 27; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bela V scorched through the pop veil with the soulful inferno in her sophomore single, Wait Game

When Bela V penned her sophomore single, Wait Game, she didn’t just write a fierce pop hit, she scribed her illustrious legacy through a calligraphy of sheer intensity and fervour.

By splicing soul with the insurgent energy of pop punk, the singer-songwriter became a defiant renegade in the pop scene and settled a stark milestone in her creative career which exhibits her talents as an actress and siren songstress.

Wait Game mirrors her eclectic influences – Lana Del Rey’s haunting nostalgia, Amy Winehouse’s raw emotional depth, and Avril Lavigne’s defiant pop punk ferocity; each formative element serves to amplify the emotional magnitude of the next, exhibiting Bela V as an alchemist of originated vivacity. From soulful verses that could rival any classic soul legend to a chorus that bursts with a punkish roar, the track is a bold declaration of her artistic finesse.

The production of the track deserves as much acclaim as the vocals; polished yet edgy, it supports Bela V’s transitions from smooth, seductive tones to hell-hath-no-fury outbursts with seamless precision. This sonic landscape does more than just back her voice; it heightens the emotional gravity of her lyrics, plunging the listener into a whirlwind of passion and defiance.

As Bela V ends her own wait game and steps back into the spotlight, she brings with her a song that promises to ignite the airwaves and cement her status as a pop icon in the making.

Wait Game was officially released on June 14; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lose yourself in a labyrinth of arresting unconventionality with Christine Tarquinio’s indie pop single, New Year’s Day

The 21st of June may seem a strange time to release a single titled New Year’s Day, but the internet phenomenon singer-songwriter Christine Tarquinio knew exactly what she was doing with this quintessentially eccentric indie-pop release which brings to mind the futility of allowing the calendar to dictate the date of your transformations and resolutions.

The twee in all the right places installation of indie bedroom pop carries a touch of art pop expressionism in its quirky authenticity which allows the recording artist to emerge as an unrestrained icon of creative freedom and heartfelt individuality.

With dustings of 90s pop aesthetics in the release which wears Kate Bush influences on the vocal harmonies, there’s just enough nostalgia and familiarity within New Year’s Day for listeners to find their footing in the labyrinth of arresting unconventionality.

New Year’s Day is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Emilie Thorsby electrified the airwaves with the disco pop grooves in ‘Fake Love’

After garnering over 40k streams on Spotify with her 2023 single “Ocean,” pop sensation Emilie Thorsby has continued to ascend the ranks of the music industry. Her accolades include several prestigious awards, international stage performances, interviews with NBC, and a feature in Elle Global Woman Magazine. Emilie’s career momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

Her latest release, “Fake Love,” is poised to further elevate her profile. This timeless anthem embodies all the characteristics of an enduring pop classic. The kinetically rhythmic euro disco grooves, combined with an instantly catchy hook and her vibrant, vivacious vocals, transform “Fake Love” into a guilt-free pop pleasure.

The Spanish guitar motifs bring a distinct dynamic to the radio and dancefloor-ready track which will undoubtedly become another playlist staple for anyone who seeks serotonin from sound.

Fake Love is a fiery attest to the capacity for reclamation of the heart, body and rhythmic pulses after falling in love with a lothario. Should your summer romances end on a bitter-sweet note, sugar the pill with this infectiously empowering tour de force.

Fake Love was officially released on June 28; stream the single on Spotify now.


Review by Amelia Vandergast

King Brian versed the gospel of manifestation in his latest alt-RnB single, Gotta Make It

Gotta Make It by King Brian

King Brian (AKA Brian Christopher Brown) is a master of all creative trades, and jack of none; the Michigan-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, dancer, author, filmmaker and producer honed his talents at a young age, and at this stage of the game, he is nobodies’ pawn.

His latest single, Gotta Make It, is an extension of his impassioned aspiration to become a catalyst for positive transformation worldwide; also noted through his series of books which explore how to unlock enlightenment, fulfilment and self-actualisation. By fusing the soul of RnB and the conviction of rap verses within a melodically tight, and transcendentally iridescent all-consuming pop-hooked production, Gotta Make It is an unflinching statement of intent from an artist determined to bring his rapidly expanding audience to gaze through his illuminated and empowered world view.

Gotta Make It surpasses the tired hustler hip-hop tropes by delivering the gospel of manifestation to anyone ready to take control of their lives, instead of blindly wishing for kismet or karma to pay them their dues.

Gotta Make It is exclusively available on Bandcamp until the single reaches all major streaming platforms on July 7th. Find your preferred way to listen here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast