Category: Pop

Words By Max Jordan.

Katie Veltri is back with new single ‘Catch Me’. It is a track which hits home with plenty of emotion and it takes us on an unforgettable adventure from the get-go.

It is a song which has a striking melody line which cements itself deep. So much so, the hook sticks like chewy on the bottom of a boot. Kicking off is a firm clap beat which gets the foot-tapping instantly. A divine guitar rhythm also strums out and leads us into the perfect vocal from Katie.

Katie sings about being alone and it provides heaps of sentiment. You can take a listen to ‘Catch Me’ by Katie Veltri below.

Words by Max Jordon.

Victoria Moralez is a new name to me. I was not aware of her discography before listening to this track, and I am still wondering why I have not come across her sooner. She has a sound which shines like a beacon, and she stands out truly on her own with her mesmerising quality.

Taking us on a journey from the get-go, ‘Eyes Off The Prize’ is a pop gem which ignites the pop flame more profoundly. She takes an innovative approach with her music, and it makes for a refreshing listen. For me, the vocals are flying high with Victoria hitting all the right notes tremendously well.

The highlight in the track is the chorus which truly cements itself deep. It has a contemporary feel but yet also provides a lot of nostalgia from yesteryear for good measure. Overall, it is a top-class performance which I will be keeping close for quite some time.

You can listen to ‘Eyes Off The Prize’ by Victoria Moralez below.

Words by Max Jordan.

Tali Shear has today dropped her latest single ‘Fool’. The artist who comes with plenty of talent really shines on this piece. She takes us on an emotional journey with sentimental value.

‘Fool’ kicks off with a deep and bold piano intro before Tali opens with one heck of a strong vocal performance. She has taken influence from the greats but yet crafts some genuinely unique to herself too. For me, the vocals are up their with the best and they are by far the best I have heard in recent times.

Overall, the track has a lot to offer, and the emotion can almost be touched with Tali piercing her way through with robust lyricism. You can check out ‘Fool’ by Tali Shear below.

Ashley Singh is a pop name which needs more attention. Why? Because he is a real talent and his latest release ’17’ is giving the big hitters a run for their money.

It is a gem with plenty of quality. We hear Ashley sing with utmost confidence, and his assurance is dripping all over this track. Also, the musical selection within the release sounds colossal. It builds as it plays out and we hear plenty of infectous melody lines and an anthemic chorus.

’17’ takes influence from many of the recent greats but yet Ashley shines brightly in a distinct light. I could not help but find myself gripping onto this release with dear life. Also, the chorus is enough to cement its name in modern music history books. It is a force which deserves your ear. Therefore, take a listen to ’17’ by Ashley Singh; you will not be disappointed.

Words by Max Jordan.

‘Hell Of A Heaven’ is the latest and most reputable track I have come across today on new music Friday. It is everything which an electronic pop song should be. I like the depth within the release, and the blend between soft and dark pop harmonise each other effortlessly.

The beat could shake even the sternest of listeners. The melody, although dark in delivery puts out heaps amount of inspiration and the vocals are quality driven. I could not help but feel an ultramodern feel here. It is not something anyone who has never done before, but it is not what you would expect from this genre. I like that. As a result, I enjoy the rawness of the direction and the vulnerability it brings.

Structurally the song works wonders, and it leads us on an adventure from the very beginning. It is almost like an emotional rollercoaster with the theme one minute being hot and then cold. It is relatively clear to notice that the singer comes from a background of producing and also working in the music business. He has that professionalism which you do not usually witness with new artists who are breaking out onto the scene. Also, the experience he has picked up along the way so far is making his music even more powerful with each release he drops.

But, we will have to hear more of this artist in the coming months to see if he is sticking to this direction of music. I think he should because it not only wins my vote but also the votes of his social media following which is blossoming nicely since ‘Hell Of A Heavens’ release day.

You can listen to the new single below.

Words by Alfie Mcdowell.

Abel Razal smashes it with his new release ‘Project 9’. What a genuinely majestic track this one is. I love how he has taken a Prince vibe but yet crafted something very unique of its own.

He has teamed up with M.A. Teweun on this piece, and she lends an unforgettable vocal performance. It is a pop gem, but yet there is plenty of flavour for everybody. I can hear a rock edge, but there is also a funk feel going on too, which makes it distinct from the get-go.

It starts with a smooth intro lead with a divine solo vocal performance offering lots of octave coverage. It has a gospel theme at the start. However, this does not follow into the rest of the track, proving that it has lots of variances. Abel also joins M.A Teuwen on the mic after a few bars, and he offers his backing vocal in a style we hear in Prince’s discography. I like that, not many people do that. It is a catchy track, and great for listening to in the red hot sun, we are getting at the moment.

The chorus is pretty out there. It’s bold with an infectious melody and a backbeat sitting behind it, adding even more groove to the already funky record. I could not help but notice an 80s influence too along the way. But yet there is plenty of contemporary screaming out too. Musically, it is structured well, and there is nothing which makes me get tired of it. There is a kind of Pharrel feel within the instrumental sections too.

Overall, I am on board with ‘Project 9’. Also, it is great to see an artist following in the direction of some of the greats. I will be keeping this on repeat for some time.

You can listen to ‘Project 9’ below.

Words by Louise Sako.

Summer is well and truly underway. It is not the smell of B.B.Q.s and stale lager coming from gardens which are reminding us though. It is the new track from Hayden Brenen.

His new release ‘Mi Carino’ has all the feel-good qualities we need as we head out of the lockdown phase. It has heaps amount of likeability, and with a strong and infectous melody, it is hard not to get right behind it. The British singer has teamed up with L.D.N. on this piece, and as a pair, they work tremendously well.

It is a Latin themed song. We hear the singer delve between his English and Spanish tongue which is strikingly poignant in its own right. I like how he has blended a Mediterranean feel with a contemporary pop vibe because it shows his ability to vary his sound. Also, the rap which we hear from l.D.N is awe-inspiring, adding a more underground and hip hop theme to the release.

Ask me who Hayden Brenen was a few weeks ago and I would not have been able to tell you. But, I am now seeing him everywhere. Why? Because music lovers globally, including ourselves, are realising how much talent the chap possesses. Also, it fills a niche, which we all need. Latin pop has been rising over the years, but it keeps getting better and better, and this track is leading the way for 2020 pop gems.

Does it sound like anything else I have heard? Yes, it is not exactly 100% unique in its delivery, and we do hear a Luis Fonsi influence peeking out of the track in various sections. But, its tone is in a realm of its own, and the characteristics the pair bring shine clear as day. You can listen to ‘Mi Carino below’.

Words by Louise Sako.

Le Fil is a name you should keep high on your pop radar. His new release ‘Undercover Lover’ is taking off like wildfire and it is relatively clear to see why.

He is straight from a tour with Mel C, impressive right? Yeah, but his new track is even more exciting. It speaks volumes to the masses. There is a definite LGBT vibe here, but yet it does not stay fixed in one place. It has just about something for everybody hence why it is becoming such a favourite record so soon after its new music Friday release.

The vocals stand out to me more than anything. I like how Le Fil has put his heart on his sleeve and performed something which is leaking with emotion. He speaks about a lover who he keeps behind closed doors. His message is delivered transparently, and I got into his story instantly from the get-go.

Besides the vocals, the music is also flying high in originality and quality. It is bold and thumps its way through the mix. It gets you into the party mood, and I could not help but bop my head with its delicious melody and fast drum beat. Also, be warned that the chorus will stay in your head for a long time after you listen. I often find myself humming away to it while driving around, and it even greets me in the mornings when I wake up. He gets into your head. Therefore he proves he is a name we will not forget. Also, it appears this isn’t a fad either because his hype train keeps getting longer and longer. You can listen to his new release ‘Undercover Lover’ below. Also, play it loud, and it will take you to a dance floor within seconds.

Words by Alfie Mcdowell.

Home State are fresh off the back of their latest release ‘Call Me/ Leave Me’. It is an electro blend of pop which is anthemic with its infectious delivery.

Vocally, the band are truly on point. It is the highlight within the release which grabbed me from the get-go. It has a rocky edge within the vocals, but yet it is hard to put this into a rock category which the band claim to be. Although to be fair to them, this is a new direction and very different from their other releases.

The chorus is a belter. It is flooding with a unique flavour which I could not help but get right behind. The music the band is putting on display deserves a lot of credit too. They have a lot of experience, and this is shining out of this release. But, I would love to hear a bit more rock in places. They are moving into the pop realms with an electrofusion. But, they are possibly heading very far away from their routes of being a rock outfit. Nevertheless, it works and is opening up its fan target massively. Therefore I cannot blame them too much for the new direction.

The track is around the average length for a radio edit. Any longer, and it could become repetitive; therefore, I agree with the group’s decision to keep it shortish but sweet. Lyrically, we hear them express themselves clearly. There is a considerable emphasis on the hot and cold emotional nature, and it resonates well with anyone who has encountered such a person. Overall, it is well worth a listen. Even, if you are a rock enthusiast, ‘Call Me/ Leave Me’ could quite easily convert you. Also, there is plenty for everybody.

You can listen to ‘Call Me/ Leave Me’ by Home State below.