*Note: We used to make 10-song potpourri lists like this, but we are no longer permitted to do so. If you’d like to listen to longer playlists of our curation, though, check out our Spotify public playlists here.
Cole Spain – “Go again”
-When I first clicked play on this song, I thought the opening guitar was good and wanted to hear more. When the vocal harmonies entered the track, I pretty much immediately clicked accept on the song. Once the banjo enters and it takes on a pop country vibe, the song really settled into a comfortable spot. The line “if love’s a game then I want out” really works for this overall heartbreak message; it’s a song about feeling played or used in a relationship. Something about the production and overall style feels like Sheryl Crow wrote a song performed by Rascal Flatts… or some mixture in that vein. I’m certainly happy to support this and adore these harmonies from start to finish.
European Suns – “Lawn chairs”
-If you listen to about 20 seconds of this song you’ll hear what I love about it. The acoustic guitar has this sweet openness to it. When the lead vocal enters, the track feels really good and comfortable like a lot of folk music I have covered in the past several years. The lyrics are thoughtful and the phrasing is really fantastic. This is an underrated aspect of songwriting, but it absolutely matters in making a message that allows people to connect. If you’ve ever been in a stage of life that left you aimless and confused, but still wanting to find purpose, you will be able to connect with this exceptional song. This is delightful contemporary folk music. I’ll be watching European Suns for sure.
Emilia Vaughn – “Dead bouquets”
-The heaviness on the bass drum of this track sets the mood. It contrasts nicely with the light energy of the lead vocal. The combination of influences on the track makes for a unique indie pop vibe that we’re happy to support. The delicate lyrical message is about falling for many people without any of them really feeling like the right fit. The line, “I’m not the only one you’re lying to” hits very hard here. The genre blend event feels just right for the conflict and tension present in the song. Give it a spin.
Image courtesy: Emilia Vaughn IG
