Category: Pop

Words By Joey Rochert.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first clicked on “Generational Transmission” by Marsha Swanson, but within minutes I found myself completely absorbed in what might be one of the most emotionally honest music videos I’ve seen this year.

The collaboration between Swanson and filmmaker Sam Chegini creates something truly special here. Swanson’s background in psychology shines through in how she approaches the complex topic of inherited family trauma. Her voice carries this raw vulnerability as she sings about the weight of what gets passed down through generations, both the beautiful and the broken pieces.

What struck me most was how personal this felt, even though the themes are universal. As someone who comes from a family of immigrants myself, I connected deeply with Swanson’s exploration of carrying forward both gifts and wounds from previous generations. There’s this moment in the song where she talks about taking ownership of what we pass forward, and it hit me right in the chest.

Chegini’s claymation work deserves its own praise. The visual storytelling doesn’t just accompany the music; it amplifies every emotion Swanson is conveying. His background working with established acts really shows in the technical quality, but more importantly, he seems to genuinely understand the heart of what this song is about. The animation moves with this organic flow that makes the clay figures feel alive and deeply human.

The cinematic strings over piano create this landscape that feels both intimate and expansive. I found myself listening with headphones just to catch every nuance. There’s something about how Swanson structures her melodies that stays with you long after the video ends.

What makes this collaboration work so well is how both artists bring their own cultural perspectives to themes that cross all boundaries. Chegini’s Iranian background and Swanson’s British roots, combined with her connection to composer Gustav Mahler, create this rich tapestry of inherited creativity and pain.

This isn’t just another music video. It’s a meditation on how we can transform the difficult parts of our family histories into something meaningful. Both artists have created something that honors where we come from while encouraging us to write our own chapters.

I keep coming back to watch it again, finding new details in both the animation and the lyrics each time. It’s the kind of work that makes you want to call your family and have those difficult but necessary conversations about patterns and healing.

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Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson

J.M.Dee returns with a summer anthem in Bittersweet Vacancy, a genre-defying single that’s out now and already turning heads. Fusing electronic textures, grand piano hooks, and a standout female vocal, the track hits with both emotional depth and earworm energy.

The Naples-based artist, originally from Virginia, is known for his refusal to be boxed into a single genre and this latest release proves just that. With touches of pop, R&B, rock, and a dash of old-school hip-hop influence, Bittersweet Vacancy feels both nostalgic and fresh. The soaring chorus and infectious melody make it an instant repeat-listen, while the rich production showcases J.M.Dee’s growth and adventurous spirit.

Drawing on everything from 80s new wave to video game soundtracks, J.M.Dee continues to carve out a sound that’s uniquely his own and we cannot get enough!

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Photo Credit: J.M.Dee

2plumdum is back with his latest track ‘Resonates’, and it’s already become one of my go-to tracks. The Alabama-based artist has smashe it here, incorporating hip-hop and pop to create a sound that’s both fresh and infectious.

‘Resonates’ features the combination of sharp lyrics and smooth flows. From the first listen, it’s clear that 2plumdum has a talent for writing memorable, punchy lyrics that stick with you. The beat is just as catchy—foot-tapping from start to finish, with a smooth production style that complements the vocals perfectly. It’s one of those tracks that gets stuck in your head in the best way.

Released on February 19, 2025, ‘Resonates’ is already making waves, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a track that brings energy and emotion, with a universal appeal that feels both personal and accessible.

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Photo Credit: 2plumdum.

“Like An Angel” was originally an untitled ghost track on Near Life Experience. What inspired you to revisit and re-record it?

Initially, I liked the idea of it remaining as an untitled ghost track on the album, even if it took years to be discovered. It was conceptually fitting that it could be discovered at the point when it appears to be the end. With the release of singles from the album, I noticed that the closing track “In Touch” (which the ghost track was attached to) was getting traction despite it not being a current single or on any playlists yet. There was no way of knowing whether the interest was in “In Touch” or in the ghost track. However, after one reviewer spotted and described the extra hidden track, many others began referring to it as their unexpected highlight or standout track. A combination of the interest in the track, as well as the approaching one-year anniversary of the album led to two of my band members independently suggesting that I re-record it as a single. I liked the idea of hearing how it could sound when given the same treatment as the rest of the songs on the album and so I was pleased to have the opportunity to do it justice.

This song marks your fifth collaboration with award-winning director Sam Chegini. What makes your creative partnership so special?

When you look at any of Sam’s work, it is evident immediately that this is someone who is in total command of their medium and who also has their own unique artistic vision. When I began collaborating with Sam on my own songs, I was additionally blown away by the depth of his understanding, intuitively and also with his meticulous attention to the lyrics and music. When in conversation, I would feel him deeply attending to my words and he would sometimes pause to jot something down as and when visual images started to appear. Once Sam relates to a concept, he is then able to bring his own rich life experience and empathy into it. When truth and integrity shine through, it has the power to transcend and really move people. Producer Henry Thomas and I would marvel and delight in discovering what new elements we would discover with each new watch even post release! Sam’s work is so layered, visually striking, nuanced, and he can tell the narrative from a place of deepest awareness. Working together over a sustained period of time, we realised that we had a shared value system and approach to both creativity and life. As Henry aptly stated, “When the marriage of music and visual imagery creates a perfect symmetry, it’s impossible to imagine one without the other”.

You describe “Like an Angel” as your most meaningful song to date. Can you share more about the message behind it?

I wanted it to serve as an honouring or an ode to those no longer with us who continue to influence and guide. We carry our attachment figures inside us, internalising their values. The message can also be summarised by the lyrics in the preceding track, “In Touch” which the ghost song was attached to because of its relevance. “All endings can feel like death, all deaths can feel like the end. Love resides with loss. Love can outlive life.” Whilst we have some influence, there is also much in life that is beyond our control, including death. I found comfort in the knowledge that whilst a person can be taken, our love for them can’t. This is a song about acceptance that was made from love about love. As a group of musicians who have all experienced loss, we set out to achieve something rare and beautiful for everyone and we all came out feeling that we had achieved this. That in itself was transformative. This level of combined investment also extended to the video collaboration with Sam Chegini. This process of collaboration during the making of the song and video has brought additional meaning due to the song having been a pathway to forging deep connections between people.

The single features an incredible lineup of musicians, including Henry Thomas, Martyn Barker, Tony Qunta and Anders Olinder. How did their contributions shape the final sound of the track?

Considerably! Meeting the right people to work with is part luck but also connected to what you are giving out and drawing in at different points in your life. Meeting Henry Thomas was one of those definitive connections that changed everything for me and it came about at the right time in both of our lives. Everything we cared about doing was aligned and his whole-hearted commitment and belief was profound.

As a producer, Henry has a unique ability to break-down process analytically and he knows how to bring together disparate elements whilst never losing the core identity. Knowing how to create a conducive environment where all musicians can flourish was key. In order to capture magical performances in the studio, he enlisted the help of highly co-operative, empathic and emotionally robust individuals who would be open enough to offer creative ideas on the spot, but could also let go of them without causing tension.

The rhythm section was the starting point and we needed something compelling that was also sensitive to the lyrics. Henry, Martyn and Tony spent a long time establishing the key groove between them. Tony referenced “The Police” as a 3-piece band who managed to create a very good groove with harmonic and rhythmic depth with just guitar, bass and drums. He came up with simple chords to create a wide landscape, with picked arpeggio notes to give rhythmic movement and interplay with the drums and bass.

Henry suggested a high range shimmery guitar. Tony used close voicings, adding some extra notes extending beyond the standard chords to enhance specific lyrics in a very ethereal kind of way. He also added some lead guitar lines later in the song that he said he wanted to sound “triumphant as well as serene, in line with the mood and sentiment of the song”. Once that strong foundation was established, the expressive piano playing of Anders Olinder seemed to follow effortlessly. The whole endeavour from beginning to end was a very beautiful process and we all came away with the feeling that we had created something transformative.

With Near Life Experience still receiving recognition and airplay, what’s next for you in 2025? Any new projects on the horizon?

2025 is already shaping up to be a very exciting year. There are a few surprises in the pipeline but at this point I can only say, there is still more life in “Near Life Experience” to come!

March will also see the completion of a new musical resource I have been developing for children’s emotional well-being post pandemic, called “TroubleChutes”. It comprises a collection of songs and illustrations covering challenging topics such as bullying, jealousy, sibling rivalry, divorce, and provides a forum for children to develop their emotional literacy. It is being published by karnacbooks.com the leading independent mental health publisher and we will be busy road testing it in our ambassador schools this year. It was recorded during the pandemic by many of the key band members who played on “Near Life Experience”. The whole project has been a huge labour of love so I cannot wait to put it to use!

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Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

What inspired the raw, vulnerable approach on “Watch Me”?

‘Watch Me’ was one of the first concepts I wrote for my second album, definitely 80s dance inspired. The message stems from my determination to prove the naysayers wrong and to be successful in the pursuit of my dreams. I absolutely love the production on this song. Shoutout to my producer, Electropoint, who really killed it with this one! This is definitely one of the dancier tracks on the album, which makes it even more fitting as an anthem of defiance and celebration. 

What message do you want “Watch Me” to send?

I want my listeners to realize and understand that it’s okay to be different, and to live a life that goes against the grain. You can be yourself and still have everything you’ve ever dreamed of. For me, as a gay man, I still wanted to get married and have a family. Everybody said I couldn’t have that after coming out, and I just responded with “Watch Me.” 

How did writing “Miserable Fck” help you process emotions?

I feel like every song I write is me processing my emotions in some way, shape, or form. 

Specifically with ‘Miserable Fck,’ I was reliving an argument I’d had with someone close to me while also processing the fact that I, along with many of my generation, tend to paint a perfect picture on socials while secretly dealing with — let’s call it ‘darkness’ — alone, or behind the scenes. Everyone thinks I have it all, but if that’s the case, why do I feel so miserable at times? 

That contradiction is something so many of us experience, but rarely admit to, and I wanted to put that raw honesty into the song. 

I’ve come to realize that the more you obsess over what you don’t have, the easier it is to overlook and underappreciate all the great things you DO have. It’s really all about your perspective — think glass half full vs. glass half empty. Hopefully a change in perspective will keep us all out of the ‘Doom Loop.’

Have you ever felt silenced in your career?

Absolutely — Whether by the industry, social media algorithms, or even those closest to me, I’ve faced moments where I felt unheard.

I’ve felt silenced by the industry, when I’d go on countless casting calls and auditions, just to be rejected and feel as though I’m not good enough. 

I’ve felt silenced by The Algorithm, for not allowing me to access a larger audience that so many other content creators seem to have found, and generated a genuine and long-lasting connection with.

I’ve felt silenced by my inner circle, whom have often discounted my music, even before experiencing it.

That’s really what “Shut Up & Listen” is all about. It’s about embracing self-expression and lifting each other up, always. Everyone seems to have an opinion, but only I have my story, and I choose to tell it through this medium. So STFU and listen! 😉 

What can fans expect from the Watch Me music video?

There are many many layers to the ‘Watch Me’ music video. It begins in a chaotic toddler environment, where I’m tripping over toys and kids are crying in the background.

It’s apparent I need a break, so I lock myself in my room for what I like to call a “daddy timeout.” I put on my virtual reality headset and escape to my Pop star fantasy world. Cue the music, choreography, and leather chaps!

At its core, the video mirrors the song’s message: stepping into your own power and demanding to be seen for who you are.

Shoutout to my incredible choreographer, Amanda Arenas, and dancers — Laura Hertziesen, Tianna Brown, Maya Shah, and Joicy Yang — Y’all slayed! I can’t wait for the next one. 🙌🏼

• youtu.be/DKE71ylHyVI
• www.iamthomascole.com
• facebook.com/thomasbcole
• www.instagram.com/iamthomascole

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Photo Credit: Thomas Cole.

Marsha Swanson, the progressive-pop singer is still firing on all cylnders and her new release, “Generational Transmission” proves yet another standout from her “Near Life Experience” album. There is a beauty surrodning this track which is easy to get lost in and it is the ideal track for the festive season with its warm glow.

There is a depth and a boldness present on this track which sends goosebumps right up the back of the neck. The vocals from Marsha are perfectly delivered, likely her best vocal performance to date and she synergies flawlessly with the myriad of sounds beneath her such as strings, piano tones and gripping drum rhythms.

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Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Thomas Cole’s highly anticipated EP “Watch Me” is out now, and it marks a bold new chapter in his musical voyage. The three-track collection, which dropped on November 22, 2024, sees the New York-based pop artist embracing a rawer, more vulnerable side while diving deep into personal themes of defiance, resilience, and empowerment.

The title track, “Watch Me,” is a powerful declaration of self-confidence and independence. With unflinching courage, Thomas responds to those who doubted his ability to have a fulfilling life after coming out, confidently proclaiming, “Watch me.” This anthem serves as both a personal statement and a message to anyone who’s ever faced adversity and judgment, reinforcing Thomas’s unshakable sense of self.

In “Miserable Fck,” Thomas channels the complexity of navigating relationships while dealing with inner turmoil. Inspired by a heated argument, the track is an emotionally charged release, blending electronic and rock influences to express frustration, longing, and the messy process of moving through tough times. As Thomas says, it’s about transcending the darkness even when life feels overwhelming.

The final track, “Shut Up & Listen,” fuses rock and electronic rhythms to tell a story of self-empowerment. Here, Thomas explores the fight to be seen and heard in a world that often seeks to silence authentic voices, making it a compelling anthem for anyone who has struggled to assert their truth.

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Photo Credit: Thomas Cole.

On her most recent release, “Once in a Lifetime,” a vibrant single with a contemporary pop vitality to her folk-acoustic roots, Saskia Griffiths-Moore shines. Acclaimed for her reflective approach, Saskia explores vivid new ground with this song, mixing the raw realism of her live band with appealing rhythms.

Designed by Kris Gorski in Poland, the song adds a vibrant edge to differentiate it from Saskia’s past work and catches a rich acoustic sound that seems as though you’re in the room with the band. “Once in a Lifetime” has a strong uplifting message: welcome the fleeting opportunities of life even if the road seems unknown.

You can check it out below.

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Photo Credit: Saskia Griffiths-Moore.

Singer-songwriter Marsha Swanson from London is back with a new single, “In Touch,” an instrumental piece that serves as a perfect window into the themes of her recent album, “Near Life Experience.” Released earlier in 2024 to critical acclaim, the album has been praised for its depth and introspective qualities. “In Touch” carries this forward, offering a unique musical journey that blends the poetic with the universal.

One of the single’s most touching elements is its vocal performance, featuring three generations of female voices softly reading poetry. Each voice adds a distinct layer, representing different stages of life and offering a haunting yet uplifting reminder of connection, reflection, and the passage of time. The interwoven vocals create an atmosphere that is as impactful as it is introspective, allowing listeners to experience the essence of shared human experiences.

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Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Marsha Swanson is the progressive pop star who keeps on delivering! Here she explores nostalgic feelings with ‘Still Remember’. Her vocals are divine and potentially her most compelling yet as she serenades the soul from the start. Also, the music is beautifully put together with many mood shifts occurring as it progresses.

‘Still Remember’ dips in and out of sad and happy realms. It is a journey with us one minute being taken down a pathway of longing before then being propelled forward with a joyous momentum. It is a great offering from Marsha Swanson and one to add to our collection!

You can take a listen below.

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Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.