Three new tracks that introduce elements of indie and dream pop to liven up your midweek

MaiaLuna – “Signal”
-If you’re looking for an atmospheric pop-flavored folk-influenced song, definitely check out this new work from MaiaLuna. Sometimes when I’m going through a stack of submissions, one just rises to the top. This certainly happened with MaiaLuna’s introspective, captivating vocal style. There’s something about the track that just makes me want to set aside the stresses of life and ease into the music. It’s the closest thing to “music as therapy” as I have heard in a long time. This is a remarkable track that will make you feel better, no matter your mood.

Jody Chamberlain – “I’ve Got a Broken Umbrella”
-I was never in musicals and I’m not necessarily a pure theater kid, but goodness do I love a song that has elements of a show tune! There’s something sincerely enjoyable about the chord progressions and overall energy of this track. The woodwinds in the background, the bass, and the whole composition establishing the lead vocal. Also, there’s something charming in a Rusty Clanton sort of way about the composition here that I really appreciate. It’s a bubbly sort of pop, but does a nice job of helping to ease the “pain of yesterday” with this optimistic gloss. I know it might strike some as a bit too twee, but I actually found it to be a breath of experimental fresh air.

Marsh Davis – “She Still Cries for You”
-I’ve been saying for years that one of the most important elements of a well-written song is in phrasing. I’m not sure I’ve heard a better song all year that captures that phrasing style, creating an expressive and deeply emotional vibe on this track. The opening lines are great, but once the rest of the band enters this song goes from good to great. There’s a timelessness in the compositional vibe that I really appreciate; it feels like it could have been from the late 60s, into the 70s, and then clicks its heels to this contemporary production polish like it couldn’t possibly have come before the 2020s. What a mood! If you’ve ever experienced long-term heartache that sticks with you for years, this is definitely a song that you will connect with. Stylistically, this really has a chance to chart since it works in the same vein of artists like Bruno Mars with that “old school made new” vibe. I hope it takes off! It’s deserving.