If I can tie these three songs together with a theme, I think it’d be surrender—the way the trees give way to winter, letting loose what they can no longer afford to nurture in order to enter necessary deep rest. Radical acceptance of the present moment permeates these pieces, as melancholy as the moment may be.   Josh Sahunta “Turn Off the Lights” -On my first listen through, I wrote “I feel like he wants to crawl in a hole and hibernate.” This song feels on the brink of the seasons changing from autumn to winter, making it a most appropriate listen at the moment. “Could it be, coul ..read more

We have anxiously anticipated new music from Portland songwriter Jeffrey Martin for what seems like an eternity. In an environment of constant busyness and overbearing distraction, we often overreact and forget the beauty of music is how it slows us to focus on what matters. The art is an anthesis of the paper gods we worship. In this, Martin is a humble prophet. His songwriting is authentic and bright in what feels like a flash forwarded life. On “Paper Crown”, he contemplates confidently the unknowing we all share, but are afraid to admit. The artist explains: “This is a simple song that fel ..read more

Emelia – “The Circle” -It took me until the end of the first verse to get my jaw off the floor… then I realized not only do I love this voice, but I have covered it before. Emelia has one of those voices that is incredibly high quality, but this song is also quite complex melodically. The lyric “makes me wonder if you’ll ever feel guilty for the way you’ve taken part of me” is… emotional. Now that I’ve listened to it a few times, I’ve resonated with both the main character as well as (unfortunately) the one the song is about. It’s definitely a song that pulls on the heart. The delicate harmoni ..read more

Tom A. Smith “Fading Away” When Sir Elton John says you are going to be a “big star”, you’re in a pretty good place in your career. Garnering praise from John as well as publications like NME, has become standard fare for the UK songwriter. What we like from the young artist is his blend of sounds. From piano ballad, to searing rock, Smith confidently through genres like only the young can. He has a mass appeal while still being a deeply authentic artist. We look forward to hearing more. Jenny XIII – “Open Up to Me” “Open Up to Me” is a proper groover. The bass line carries a Death Cab style ..read more

Niamh Evans – “Fingers Crossed” -“In my head there is a version of you that is so in love.” Wow. The lyrics of this song are heartbreaking and they cover the theme of heartbreak. It’s looking back on a relationship at some of the wonderful moments, “in the rearview.” I won’t lie; there’s a bit of a Taylor Swift style romantic idealism blended with harsh realism in this song. It works really well. The songwriting style is melodic and enjoyable, creating a solid basis for the emotional lyrical work. Evans has a beautiful voice that makes the sweetness of the song all the sweeter and, somehow, ma ..read more

Aaron Rizzo – “Florence Again” -The quality of the production on this track is absolutely outstanding. The lyrics are about the dream of being with someone and naming their daughter Florence. There’s a dreamlike energy to the way the vocal blends in the production mix. The melody has a wonderful lightness to it. I keep thinking of words like dreamy and floating… which seems to be the vibe the song is going for. If you’ve ever daydreamed about being with someone and imagined a life with them, this song is for you. It’s intoxicatingly romantic, so be ready for that. Nina June and Emily James ..read more

Emory Duncan – “If You Say Goodbye to California” -I’m not sure there’s really a genre for this new track from Emory Duncan, which is why the “alt” tag works so well here. There’s a banjo, so it’s at least Americana/folk adjacent. What I love most about the song, though, is the way the easy going groove keeps the song moving along. It ends up being a lyrically driven song with an inviting, familiar lead vocal. If you’re looking for an easy going track with shades of Americana, folk, and chill country music, you’ll find a lot to like in this song. “Wash me away into the fault line and carve ano ..read more

Jenny Kern – “Are We Still Falling In Love” -I’ve written about Jenny Kern’s music in the past, so it’s easy to hear why I said yes to this one as well. Kern has a fantastic voice and a great sense melody. This is quintessential pop music. I decided to feature it on its own instead of with similar indie pop because it feels so distinctive. The production mix on Kern’s vocal is outstanding here. The track has a nice mid-level tempo that feels like it’s a dance tune on the chorus but a bit more chill on the verses. It’s a vibrant, energetic tune with a range of emotional and melodic cues that ar ..read more

Instead of leading this review with a genre tag, I just want you all to know that Jen Hawley has an amazing voice. That’s the most important part of this album; Jen Hawley can sing! Fans of pop-flavored music with aspects of several subgenres should definitely give this one a chance. Let me explain. The opening track “Handed Heaven” has a cool, soulful energy and a blues style. The lyrics are about someone who handed heaven to a relationship. The horns are great accents, but Hawley’s emotional vocal hits just right here. The second track is the classic “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” but it is s ..read more

Tom Webber – “I Am What I Am” -When I first clicked play on this song, my approval finger was hovering over the button almost immediately due to the great guitar playing… then the vocal entered and I smashed that “APPROVE” button. Webber writes with depth and sincerity that puts me in mind of several classic folk artists. The lyrics are about self awareness in the best way possible. It’s almost an anthem for midlife; acknowledging weaknesses and strengths with a beautifully reflective spirit. “Understand I am what I am.” Amen to that, troubadour. Taylor James Donskey – “Another Season” -Somet ..read more