Aurgasm

danish pop // vocal electronica

Following the recent international success of Oh Land and Fallulah, it’s safe to say that Danish songstresses take the current electronic-infused pop tendencies beyond the too common synths-plus-strings clichè. Copenhagen-based Hannah Schneider’s sophomore album Me Vs. I (2012) combines classic singer-songwriter tradition, perfect pop sensibility and Nordic electronic soundscapes. In the standout track “Me Vs. I”, featured below, Hannah’s mesmerizing vocals are emphasized by endless layers of electronic sounds and sample-collages.

Mesmerizing Nordic soundscapes.

Hannah Schneider – Me Vs. I

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piano pop // indie-songwriter

Gorgeous melodies and captivating phrases of poetic innocence rise from a big splash in Andrea’s heart. Steeped in her rich, breathy voice, the Beat Beat Pound of piano joins sweeping strings to serenade unveiled affection for someone special to appreciate forever. But sparks fly then fade, and gravity alone cannot hold feelings together. From passion to passerby, distancing memories of love ripple away. Time pauses in a summer rain keeping you inside to relax, think, and sip tea. Bittersweet moments we’re left with linger on repeat as reflective longing tides our minds like the catchiest measures in songs.

Simple, lyrically sweet and beautiful.
Andrea Ball – Gem
Andrea Ball – Sun Goes Down on the City
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pop-folk // singer-songwriter

Hush (The Secrets Project) (2012), Shelly Fraley’s latest album, has everything to satisfy your pop cravings for the summer. It’s sweet, yet far from sugary. It’s catchy, yet sophisticated. Essentially, it’s everything you could want in a pop song. Shelly’s album ranges from mid-tempo piano ballads to upbeat acoustic tunes, all brimming with the cleverly crafted hooks. The opening track “Hush” would most certainly appeal to the fans of Lenka, while the lovely “Just Don’t Wanna Be Alone” shares similarities with such pop-folk darlings as Rosi Golan and Katie Herzig.

Sweetest pop perfection.

Shelly Fraley – Hush
Shelly Fraley – Just Dont Wanna Be Alone
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pop // soul

Miriam Bryant’s debut single “Finders, Keepers” (2012) might label her as a potential Sweden’s answer to the British soul invasion. However, while vocal comparisons to the critically acclaimed Adele are definitely due, Miriam’s songwriting is more in line with Paloma Faith’s jazz glamour with an added touch of Amanda Jenssen‘s sing-along soul-pop. “Finders, Keepers” is a truly emotive ballad that evolves around dramatic piano and strings, and Miriam’s powerful vocals. She’s one songstress I’ll be keeping a keen eye on in the future.

Strong, emotive songwriting.

Miriam Bryant – Finders, Keepers
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french vocal // soft soul

Quebec native Amylie first caught our attention (and stole our hearts) with her debut album Jusqu’aux Oreilles back in 2008. Four years later, Amylie is back with a new album, Le Royaume (2012), and its first single “Les Filles“. Le Royaume is a colourful mix of retro pop and soul, soulful vocal harmonies and truly refreshing melodies. The new album ranges from delicate to playful uptempo melodies with ocasional electro touches, bringing to mind Feist, Jessica Fichot and the Parisian avant-pop of Camille. As of now, I’m certain Amylie’s Le Royaume will end up among my most listened albums of the summer.

Strong, irresistible melodies.
Amylie – Les Filles
Amylie – Tais Ta Tête
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