I’ve never really been a “new year, new me” sort of person, but sometimes you have no choice but to make a new playlist and engulf yourself in completely new music to help you survive the January blues, and February. And sometimes March. My hobby – or should I say challenge – for the past few weeks has been trying to find music that I enjoy without listening to the same songs I listened to last year on repeat. If you’re anything like me, specific artists, songs and especially playlists have the power to transport us back in time. Luckily I’ve managed to find some new music that feels fresh. Here are my 2019 saviours, so far.
Naaz
Naaz is an up and coming Dutch pop singer who recently supported Hayley Kiyoko on her first major European tour. I went to their show on February 1st at SWG3 and Naaz’s performance made the whole night worth it. Having briefly checked out her Spotify page before heading to the concert, I thought I knew vaguely what to expect – another unoffensive, fairly catchy pop artist. When she appeared on stage as a sweet, refreshing bundle of energy I was highly impressed by her talent and sheer excitement to be in the room. Her most popular tracks Loving Love and Up To Something are both uplifting examples of her energetic sound. Naaz has livened up my 2019 playlist and has repeatedly lifted my mood when she appears on shuffle.
Ariana Grande
For some reason I tried to avoid Ariana Grande’s thank u, next when it was released at the beginning of February. I’m not sure if I was subconsciously trying to be one of those people or if it was only because after hearing 7 rings for the first time I felt fairly underwhelmed compared to a lot of hardcore Arianators. However, after giving the full album a chance, I can now say that thank u, next is surprisingly comforting. Even the softest songs on this album are oozing with power. It offers wistful and soft melodies in ghostin, imagine and needy that make your heart ache for loves you may never even have. My favourite from the album, NASA combines the beat and chorus of a hit radio song with soft vocals and a refreshing message about the importance of taking time out to be yourself.
Fenne Lily
I came across Fenne Lily after Shazam-ing the background music from an episode of the online BBC Three drama, Clique and discovered the song What’s Good which I immediately fell for. She is an alternative musician from Dorset, England whose music emits similar heavy-hearted vibes to that of Daughter and Ben Howard. In April 2018 she released her first album On Hold which features a range of beautifully soft and personal love songs including Bud which, due to its gentle vocals and heartbreakingly pure lyrics, is one of my favourites. While her music isn’t exactly cheerful it is calming and unapologetically sincere.
Header image: Pixabay/StockSnap
