Tag: shoegaze

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“Better to You” by Elkvilla


Artist: Elkvilla

Song: Better To You

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: Ólafur Arnalds, The Tallest Man On Earth

Location: Australia/Germany

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: In the realm of folk-infused serenity, “Better to You” by Elkvilla stands as a radiant testament to the power of musical introspection. With its heartfelt lyricism, masterful instrumentation, and the warm embrace of Elkvilla‘s soulful vocals, this song takes us on a contemplative journey through the intricate landscapes of self-empowerment.

The journey begins with the opening line, “I am the salt in your wound,” a poignant declaration that sets the tone for the entire composition. It’s a song about enduring pain within a relationship, choosing to stay, and ultimately finding strength through personal growth and introspection. The resilience of the human spirit is poetically portrayed through Elkvilla‘s evocative lyrics.

The instrumental canvas of “Better to You” is both minimalistic and richly textured, an artful balance that is influenced by the work of folk artists such as The Tallest Man On Earth and neoclassical ones such as Ólafur Arnalds. The musical backdrop feels as comforting as it is profound.

Elvilla is the moniker of Australian singer-songwriter and producer Adam Dudek. He often crafts his songs on his own in his apartment in Berlin. He started this musical project, which is named after a beloved childhood toy, in 2020 but took a break to improve his producing skills. “Better To You” marks his return, and you can see that he has done a great job producing it. Expect to hear new songs from Adam every 4 to 6 weeks. It will be quite a treat!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd

Photo Credit: Stefan Hobmaier

Artist: M. Byrd

Song: Pyrrhula

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Detmold, Germany

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: M. Byrd is a German-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been making waves with his debut album The Seed, a collection of songs that blend intimate moments with wide horizons, inspired by the Laurel Canyon sound and shoegaze aesthetics. The album is meant to plant a seed and encourage listeners’ evolution.

One of the standout tracks from The Seed is “Pyrrhula”, a song that showcases M. Byrd‘s ability to create atmospheric and emotional soundscapes with his guitar, synth and bass playing. The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming and M. Byrd’s soft vocals, singing about a fire in someone’s eyes and a longing for connection. The song is named after a genus of birds, also known as bullfinches, which are known for their bright colors and monogamous relationships. M. Byrd uses this metaphor to express his desire for a lasting bond with someone who can light up his world.

“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd is a song that will make you feel something, whether it’s joy, sadness, nostalgia or hope.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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M83 – Amnesia

Artist: M83

Song: Silent Type

Genres: #indie

Location: Antibes, France

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: M83‘s latest album ‘Fantasy’ is a beautifully crafted, dreamlike soundscape that takes inspiration from ’80s shoegaze and film soundtracks. The album is a huge, fizzing world of sound that’s designed to feel as awe-inspiring as possible. Anthony Gonzalez’s haunting voice invites the listener to embrace the darkness and sadness in the lyrics.

One standout single from the album is “Amnesia,” a nostalgic and upbeat journey that features reverb-laden guitar riffs, soft synths, and the haunting vocals mentioned above. The track is a perfect representation of the album’s overall sound, with its sugary, dreamlike feel that’s entirely welcoming. The dreamy instrumentation creates a captivating and immersive listening experience.

All in all, “Amnesia” is a must-listen for fans of M83’s previous work and those looking for a new, dreamy sound to get lost in. While Anthony Gonzalez may have intentionally turned away from commercialism with this album (after the massive success he had with “Midnight City”), the songs remain as sugary and immersive as ever, drawing inspiration from the music he grew up on and the soundscapes of film and video game music.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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