Global Artists Spotlight: Featuring Emika, TONYB., Miranda Joan And More
Hear new tunes by musicians from across the world
This week's Global Artists Spotlight features musicians (from left) Emika, TONYB. and Miranda Joan. Photos: Sven Marquardt; Courtesy of the artists
Ryan Montbleu – Wood
American singer-songwriter Ryan Montbleu’s latest three-track EP Wood is a rustic folk Americana record filled with lyrics about what it means to be human in today’s world. The new EP is the first installment from a series of four records titled Wood, Fire, Water and Air. “The songs on Fire were a chance for me to just let loose and have fun,” says Montbleau. He adds, “They were an opportunity to not overthink things for a change, to trust my gut and follow what felt good.”
Miranda Joan – “Home”
Canadian neo-soul singer-songwriter Miranda Joan’s new single, the lush “Home,” features a hooky piano part with soulful sonic elements as well as her smooth vocals. The song is accompanied by a scenic music video and is also off the artist’s forthcoming album titled Windborne.
TONYB. – “Serious”
Nashville-based R&B artist TONYB. recently dropped a shiny new tropical single as a bonus track from the deluxe version of his 2020 album Flashing Lights. The fresh song features harp tones, heavy beats, vocal harmonies and a catchy melody.
Jimkata – “Roots Down”
Three-piece synth/rock outfit Jimkata from Ithaca, New York channel chunky guitars and euphoric arrangements to create their uplifting offering “Roots Down.” While the track stemmed from vocalist Evan Friedell’s breakup, it channels more of an optimistic vibe wherein the vocalist comes to the realization that, like his grandparents, he too will find the right person to complement him in time.
Bonze – “Jenny (Can You Hear Me?)”
https://soundcloud.com/bonzemusicuk/jenny-can-you-hear-me
U.K. alt-pop electronic artist Bonze’s fresh, dreamy offering “Jenny (Can You Hear Me?)” opens with delicate atmospheric sonic elements before bursting into life with a bopping chorus. The track picks up with funky guitar licks and pulsing synths while punchy drum machine beats underline Bonze’s falsetto vocals, creating a highly danceable yet emotional soundscape.
SC.undercover – “Deeper Love”
Poignant guitar plucking and emotional vocals are what fills U.K. artist SC.undercover’s latest intimate single “Deeper Love.” Drawing from R&B and pop music, the singer-songwriter shines quite brilliantly on the song with impressive falsetto vocals.
Gunnar Gehl – “Dance Alone”
American pop artist Gunnar Gehl delivers a spellbinding piano-aided new single “Dance Alone.” The song has a gradual build and is filled with dynamism while Gehl’s hooky melody sticks in your head. The artist says, “’Dance Alone’ is that sad song about not wanting to see the person you love happy with someone else.”
Soft Glas – “Rust”
Taken from Cuban-origin singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Soft Glas aka Joao Gonzalez’s upcoming album How Strange (out March 19th), his February release “Rust” is an emo/indie rock dive into detailing a lifelong friendship. Part of the fourth album from Soft Glas, “Rust” ties together choppy drum work and sparkly guitar with the artist’s wistful vocals.
Riley Moore – Sweet Boy
Released on March 12th, Tennessee singer-songwriter Riley Moore’s new EP Sweet Boy was recorded in a 200-year-old cabin in rural U.S., which means there’s a lot of earthen qualities to the sound. In between banter and acoustic tracks, Moore offers enchanting, simple-times folk music in the first of a trilogy of EPs.
Emika – “The Anti Universe”
British experimental artist Emika has previously received praise from the likes of Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke as well as The Weeknd and her latest release “The Anti Universe” keeps things aptly spectral yet urgent on the audio-visual front. Part of her VEGA trilogy that details the transhumanism movement, Emika teams up with director Zee Marla Osh for a striking music video for “The Anti Universe” as well. Her next single from the trilogy, “Transcended Before Me,” releases on March 26th and features Horace Andy, best known for his work with trip-hop act Massive Attack.
Oceans – “Rollercoaster”
London-based producer and singer-songwriter Kiz aka Oceans has been steadily accruing millions of streams and accolades since 2017 and his new song “Rollercoaster” offers a perfect explanation. It’s happy-go-lucky melodies but treated with the artist’s changing styles. Oceans sings breezily yet commandingly, switching up between hip-hop, guitar-aided pop and electronic styles.
