In this new pop music roundup, our team selected releases from the likes of Leonie Persch, Drew Schueler and LOVA.
Lee Cole – “Mine”
With the release of “Mine”, Cape Town’s Lee Cole continues his streak of stellar singles. The new song comes dressed in polished pop production, something we have come to identify the South African singer-songwriter by. “Mine” thrives on Lee’s powerful vocals and fervent songwriting. R&B/soul influences are discernible, the melodies sure to have you singing along. “This song is about shooting your shot,” explains Cole. “It’s about being direct with someone you connect with, telling them: ‘if you give me a shot, i can be everything you want- because i feel like you could be everything i need.’ in a world where relationships are often weighed down by expectations and rules, sometimes love is just about being honest and clear.”
Lee Cole on Instagram>>
Leonie Persch – “Code Blue”
The most recent release from Los Angeles-based artist Leonie Persch is a catchy, bittersweet song christened “Code Blue”. Actually, it is only her second single under her real name — the singer previously wrote for other artists while making music under different monikers. Relocating from Berlin to LA meant trading comfort for uncertainty, and she seems to be settling in just fine. In fact, although “Code Blue” initially started as a love song, it leans closely into Leonie’s personal story. “‘Code Blue’ captures the raw, aching moment when something beautiful stops breathing. Whether it’s love, a dream, or a version of yourself,” says Persch.
Leonie Persch on Instagram>>
Angel Peaches – “Quedate”
Angel Peaches was born to a musician mother (Doris Montenegro performed and toured with legendary group La Sonora Dinamita) and, naturally, she grew up immersed in everything cumbia. Now a singer in her own right, the artist’s style embraces her musical heritage, as exemplified by her newest single, “Quedate”. The cumbia-laced Latin pop track arrived paired with a bright, colourful and playful music video depicting a potion-fuelled summer romance. “Quedate” is upbeat and simply fun. Let the rhythms carry you away.
Angel Peaches on Instagram>>
Tyler James Bellinger – “Dandelion”
I bet you will like this new piano-driven ballad by US crooner Tyler James Bellinger. Titled “DANDELION”, the song is quite polished, both in songwriting and production. This comes as no surprise though, especially considering the time Tyler took to hone his craft (he even participated in the American TV Show Songland). About “DANDELION”, it’s a really soul-stirring piece. “This song is a lament to escape circumstance. In this case, as my father was dying, my mom and I were struggling with the pressure and weight of care taking. This song was my simple wish to feel peace somewhere else, if even for just a moment,” Bellinger says.
Tyler James Bellinger on Instagram>>
LOVA – “It’s Alright”
Swedish pop singer LOVA relies on honesty to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level — her songs are refreshingly candid, her melodies totally irresistible. Well, the artist has a new song out now via Nettwerk. Titled “It’s Alight”, it is a showcase of excellent pop production. “I initially started writing this song with someone close to me in mind, someone who was struggling but kept insisting they were fine,” LOVA opens up. “But the truth is, I saw pieces of myself in it too. It’s always easier to recognize unhealthy patterns in others than to confront them in ourselves. Whether it’s about them or me, the story is the same – someone smiling through their sadness, convincing themselves they’re happy, until they start to believe it. But this song is here to let people know: It’s okay to want more.“
LOVA on Instagram>>
Midnight Til Morning – “Ghost Of Us”
Pop rock outfit Midnight Til Morning was formed in the most unusual of ways — Shane Appell, Zach Newbould, Conor Smith and Mason Watt auditioned for the Netflix show Building The Band individually, and soon forged a chemistry that led to the creation of the band. Midnight Til Morning made their debut early this month, releasing the songs, “Bye” and “Ghost Of Us”. The latter was paired with engrossing visuals (watch the highlighted video).
Midnight Til Morning on Instagram>>
Newton Faulkner – “What Took You So Long”
With his upcoming album slated for a September 19 release, UK artist Newton Falulkner recently unveiled a new single in collaboration with Teenage Cancer Trust. The new song is titled “What Took You So Long” and represents the bold creativity that stemmed from Newton’s symbolic cutting off of his signature dreadlocks on stage last year. “I remember an A&R team looking at me like I was nuts when I played the verse idea a decade ago. Now I don’t listen to anyone when making music I love – what took me so long?” he notes. This epic and euphoric pop anthem will surely help build anticipation for the scheduled album release.
Newton Faulkner on Instagram>>
Myra Monoka – “Sun Is Up”
Classically trained Hungarian singer and songwriter Myra Monoka is supplying sun-kissed summer vibes with her new single, “Sun Is Up”. The song was written alongside top Hungarian artists and is a great showcase of Myra’s chill pop style. It is rhythm-driven and characterized by catchy hooks and soulful vocals. The intoxicating feel-good vibe makes “Sun Is Up” a song that you’ve got to listen to before summer comes to an end.
Myra Monoka on Instagram>>
Marcos Ubeda – “Sexy Lady”
Marcos Ubeda is a talented musician from Sweden. Owing to his jazz background, the composer & producer’s style involves a funky fusion of R&B and pop. His newest offering is especially contagious. The song is called “Sexy Lady” and I have to admit the title is quite befitting. This is actually the first time Marcos is stepping to the fore as a vocalist. And he did an amazing job — with both the vocals and overall production. “Sexy Lady” is incredibly good.
Marcos Ubeda on Instagram>>
Madelline – “Happy as Hell”
Rising Canadian pop singer Madelline is confronting her anxiety on “Happy as Hell”. With this one, the artist did craft a catchy pop song with punk-fuelled hooks and thoughtful lyrics. “Happy as Hell” exhibits Madelline’s vibrant style. The song was produced by Arthur Besna and Jan Buscema. “The single ‘Happy as Hell’ is about feeling like you’re falling behind in life,” the singer reveals. “This anthemic song has cinematic strings and ushers in my new era of what I call ‘Theatrical Pop.“
Madelline on Instagram>>
Drew Schueler – “Burden”
The latest from Nashville singer-songwriter Drew Schueler is a tender pop ballad that he named “Burden”. Stripped down in style, the song highlights Drew’s emotion-driven composition and production. Filled with soft piano melodies, “Burden” carries heartfelt reassurances. “I wrote this song for my wife, to tell her that I’ll be there for her even on her worst days,” Schueler shares. Whether it is someone close to you, or you yourself, that has dealt with anxiety, this song will resonate deeply.
Drew Schueler on Instagram>>
Eden Rain – “I’ve Hidden Your Passport”
Following her “Growing Pains” single, Leeds native Eden Rain is back with a gripping new piece. Sitting at the intersection of indie pop and alternative pop, the new song is called “I’ve Hidden Your Passport”. It brings us closer to the release of Eden’s next EP, which is currently in the works. “I’ve Hidden Your Passport” is the latest result of producer Iain Berryman and Eden’s ongoing collaboration. “I’ve Hidden Your Passport” was released in the company of a music video filmed by Oliver Newman.
Eden Rain on Instagram>>
