Did you miss us? We’re back with our New Music Alert February, filled with tunes we love. We’ve got a whole lot of heartfelt songs here, from big swelling anthems to subtle lullabies. Hear the full playlist below, and read about our even bigger list of standout tracks (we can’t help it, they’re just too darn good).
Karim Kamar | Prelude and Passacaglia
Ever heard a piano sing? That’s what Karim Kamar does on this briskly moving, beautiful track spanning eight minutes, letting the piano become its own voice, carrying a melody in the midst of a waterfall of notes. Also, if you want to see the London artist work his magic live, check out his gorgeous performance of “Big Red Balloon”. It’s a peaceful one.
Karo Lynn | “you inside me”
The elements of this track almost feel like gradients of color—high swelling voices, soft electric guitar, subtle drums, and Karo Lynn’s rich alto voice. They blend effortlessly, but even in their subtlety, they pack an uplifting alt-pop punch. Hear it to feel it.
JSWISS | “Golden”
A groove doesn’t have to be complicated, sometimes it’s two notes, back and forth, just enough to grip us, and then for an artist like JSWISS to keep us entranced, gliding through verses, dropping in a few flourishes of horn here and there. Hip hop, jazz, soul—it’s got all kinds of feelings folded into it.
Paigey Cakey | | “Myspace”
Paigey Cakey had us at Myspace, but then the Hackney based hip-hop artist really had us when we realized the genius of this quick-paced, highly catchy track. The artist doesn’t put the beat down for a second, and we’re hanging on her every quick word.
Malva | “10:10”
Don’t you love when a song feels like a breather? Malva has gifted us with this lazy afternoon, jazzy track that feels like the kind of free time we all crave. Put this one on and give yourself a quick two minute vacation.
Cianni Abri | “Where You Are”
Cianni Abri’s voice feels like water—rippling, subtle, and impossible to pin down. The track has a bigness to it, but the way the Philadelphia artist’s voice moves throughout it makes the whole thing feel so calming. Have a listen for yourself.
WILDES | “Lightly”
Right off the bat, this song swells in a way that makes you feel strong and optimistic. It’s an anthem, a reminder of strength, all in the shape of a solid, shimmering pop song. If you’re feeling down, open your windows and crank this song from the WILDES’ debut album.
Soso | “Lullaby”
This one from Soso is delicate, tender, a heartfelt lullaby wrapped in soft guitar and an easy beat. The Chicago-based artist is sharing something vulnerable with us here, the kind of song that sticks with you.
Brandon Ratcliff | “Always Moving On”
Brandon Ratcliff gives us this sunny, heartfelt country number about the messiness of life, and the growth that comes from it. If you’re feeling any kind of blues, put this one on the speakers.
Catalina Bayá | “soy gris”
We’ll leave you here with this one from Catalina Bayá. It’s a song that pulls you in with a synth hook that almost feels like a question, sparking your curiosity as the Buenos Aires artist illuminates a subtle groove.
Words by Sofar Editorial Team
