It is sometimes hard to write about everything you’ve liked listening to. That’s why we’re presenting a new article format that will allow you, in addition to our regular reviews and playlists, to discover new tracks and new artists !
Today, we feature in this playlist some electronic pop music from across the Channel and across the Atlantic ; we have selected six artists who each have their very own & unique music world. On today’s menu, we explore the newest forms of pop music, and what is especially happening within the young independent music scene : the one that plays with the codes of synthpop, electronic pop, R&B and more. Let us introduce you to Seaker, Billy Boguard, Cole Nights, Dama Juda, Con Killion and Joey Capo’s latest tracks.
Seaker – Ashes
Our journey starts by putting under the spotlight an artist called Seaker, and most importantly her track “Ashes”. This track goes deep in analyzing the way the thoughts are processed in an anxious person’s mind. However, Seaker does it in a very soft way : “Ashes” lets Seaker express herself smoothly, letting her voice rumble and echo in the verses to then come together and merge in the chorus. This way, she represents beautifully and metaphorically what takes place in one’s head when incoherent thoughts are eventually put at bay.
“This song is an ode to anxiety and the shit storm it brings. Don’t worry about which vocal is the lead. Don’t worry about which anxious thought in your head you should pay attention to. Shut your eyes and try to escape for a minute.” – Seaker about “Ashes”.
Out of all of the six tracks that we have curated, “Ashes” is certainly the track that features the most organic elements ; the instrumental is somewhat reminiscent of what Agnès Obel does when she plays the strings. “Ashes” is meant to be a hymn that soothes the tormented soul and it is done in a brilliant way.
Billy Boguard – California
Moving on to a whole other universe on Billy Boguard’s latest track. Billy Boguard is a London based French songwriter whose pop music intertwines with that of indie, folk and alternative music in general. By adding a light dose of trap to this diverse universe, “California”‘s melody lets Billy Boguard sing with his soulful voice and express himself in a metaphorical way on various subjects, from money to love and the desire to live your life the way you would want to live it.
“Under society’s pressure, we sometimes want to escape, to toss the dice and create a brighter future for ourselves.” – Billy Boguard about “California”.
Till now, Billy Boguard’s music had us accustomed to calmer sounds and melodies played on the piano ; it is with great pleasure that we get to hear him on a different type of track, while still being able to hear his music signature !
Cole Nights – When You Call Me
Then, it is the calmness of the modern soul-infused pop music of Cole Nights that invades us with sweet feelings on his last track “When You Call Me”. We rise above the clouds as we listen to the voice of Cole Nights, a moody voice that gets lost in reverberations and that fills the space around us beautifully. “When You Call Me” is however a bittersweet journey, as it takes inspiration from post breakup events that caused mixed feelings to arise.
Based in Atlanta, Cole Nights is one of these easily recognizable producers and singers, and that is due to an ethereal musical signature : dreamy productions that let his voice be raspy as well as angelic. All of his tracks allow his voice to echo and soft melodies to develop, and that gives the listener the impression to watch life unfold in slow motion right before their eyes.
If you liked this version of the track, an alternative, slowed-down version was put online by the artist a few days ago !
Dama Juda – young
We keep diving even deeper into the depths of alternative pop, and this time it’s Dama Juda that we meet on our way. Ethereal synthetic melodies, muffled piano chords, warm voice filled with emotions : all these elements are featured in her latest song entitled “young”.
“When I was young, the world played in my background”
– Dama Juda – “young”
The introduction of the track suggests a conversation between a father and his child ; since the words are deliberately difficult to decipher, it feels like we are listening to it from the child’s perspective. We are then transported to the sweet incantations of Dama Juda, who tells with kindness the story of the transition from childhood to adulthood. “young” is a song that allows Dama Juda to put joyful pop aside in order to focus on her melancholic side instead, and thus invites us to be gentle with ourselves and our past selves in a very sweet way.
Con Killion – Prada U
We move on to another type of atmosphere on “Prada U” by Con Killion ; we leave alt-pop for a modern type of R&B. Con Killion reminds us of the lesser-known songs of The Weeknd : by skillfully applying different treatments to his voice, and by letting scattered piano chords surprise his listeners as they listen to the track, Con Killion creates a emotionally filled atmosphere that moves the listeners and get them hooked to the song. “Prada U”, which reads “proud of you”, is an ode to self-love and positive energy; a hymn to self-confidence.
“Prada U” pays homage to the time in my life where I realized the power of positive energy and how we can lift ourselves and each other through that energy.” – Con Killion
If you want to listen to more of Con Killion – which we highly recommend you do, especially if you enjoy more sultry, less upbeat R&B tracks – he released an album called “Red Flags” a few months ago, and you can listen to it on his SoundCloud profile !
Joey Capo – DIAMOND LIFE
We end our selection with the track “Diamond Life” from Joey Capo, a track that will make electronic music lovers fall in love with rap music. Joey Capo’s style is very reminiscent of the era of “SoundCloud rappers” ; his music style goes from rap to electronic music in a split second, and the way he sways between both genres actually shows how compatible they are. That way, vocal distortions and jerky voices give an electric feel to a sensitive type of rap that is both energetic and nostalgic. “Diamond Life” allows Joey Capo to express himself about how strong a person get when they decide to fully be themselves and do what they are meant to do in life.
“Cause no matter what the rest may seem,
I just gotta do what’s the best for me”
– Joey Capo – Diamond Life
“Diamond Life” starts with a motivational speech, a speech that is then followed by a production composed by the artist Lupo. The introduction allows Joey Capo to rap lyrics that are directly aimed at boosting self-confidence ; halfway between a monologue and a dialogue with a person that needs a little push to fully be themselves, “Diamond Life” is a track filled with hope and self-love.
You can listen to this playlist on our Spotify account. If you liked it, we highly recommend you to follow our “Pop & Alternative” playlist that we regularly update with fresh tracks !
Disclaimer – this artist selection has been curated through MusoSoup #SustainableCurator. More information available on MusoSoup’s website.
