Global Artists Spotlight: Featuring Gabriella Stella, Cooper Phillip, Brother. And More

Cooper Phillip – “Not Perfect”

Russian-born, Los Angeles-based soul-pop artist Cooper Phillip croons magnetically on her latest single “Not Perfect.” The empowering track includes Phillip’s remarkable vocals alongside some bouncing beats while the artist sings about embracing one’s own faults. The singer also released a quirky video that captures the essence of her lyrics.

Edwin Raphael – Staring at Ceilings

On his new five-track EP Staring at Ceilings, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Edwin Raphael reflects on the spectrum of human indulgence before being optimistic about mankind. There’s uplifting tracks (“Time to Sink” and “Sea of Things”), hypnotic sonic elements on “Mild Sanity,” dynamism with the title track and vibrancy on the record closer “The After.”

RAGS AND RICHES – “CROSSFIRE (feat. Cody Morgan)”

Kentucky sibling duo Tanner and Peyton Whitt aka RAGS AND RICHES combine their diverse influences as well as their brand of pop-rock to craft a jumpy new single called “Crossfire” featuring fellow Kentucky musician Cody Morgan. The track features heavy drums, gritty guitars and energetic vocals as the artists touch upon staying mentally strong through life’s battles and anxieties.

Coral Palms – “Echoes”

Torquay-bred, London-based indie-pop band Coral Palms come out all guns blazing with a sublime new single “Echoes.” The song features a hooky guitar riff, an infectious melody as well as a pumping groove. The band also adds in rock and pop strains as well as a breakdown towards the end of the song. According to the group, the track is a love song for current times.

Gabriella Stella – “Dirty Laundry”

22-year-old Dallas-based singer-songwriter Gabriella Stella’s latest pop tune, “Dirty Laundry,” features a strong acoustic guitar strumming pattern while various percussive elements bring the song to life alongside Stella’s graceful vocals.

Dylan Dunlap – Soldier On

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dylan Dunlap shines on his just-released six-track EP Soldier On. The record ties together melancholic themes with stirring melodies and the musician’s ability to craft pop eloquence.

Brother. – “EZ”

Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, indie-alternative band Brother. deliver a chilled out and dreamy new tune called “EZ.” Filled with synth sounds and a warm vibe, the track is perfect for a night in with a warm cup of coffee.

Autocatalytica – Powerclashing Maximalism

Canadian metal act Autocatalytica — helmed by Toronto-based guitarist-vocalist Eric Thorfinnson — rounds up a wrecking crew of musicians, including India-based drummer Neilroy Miranda (now part of Bengaluru prog band Rainburn) for the supremely chaotic debut album Powerclashing Maximalism. Although there’s now a follow-up record Vicissitudes, the debut record is a formidable introduction to the heady prog, math and tech-metal world of Thorfinnson and friends, channeling refreshing djent. 

Ktborderline — “New World”

Taking the route to releasing singles for nearly two decades now, New Jersey-bred hip-hop artist Ktborderline aka Kevin Walker was earlier known for songs like “Fresh In the Club” in 2013, but more lately, he’s bringing more hard-hitting bars about racial injustices in the U.S. with his new song “New World.” Previously, the artist released songs like “Hands Ups,” “Jungle” and “Last Shot” (featuring a chorus delivered by his daughter Londynn Walker) which also detail systemic problems in his country, from school shootings to economic drawbacks. 

Single By Sunday — “Helter Skelter”

Marrying all the favorite things anyone would like about pop-punk — warm choruses, choppy drum work and disruptive guitar leads — Glaswegian band Single By Sunday’s new single “Helter Skelter” is an instant earworm for any of the style. It’s supplied with a music video that’s partly grisly but intriguing nevertheless, featuring the quartet performing the song amidst a forest. 

End These Days — “Vein” ft Yang Jin Hyun

Repping the heavy spectrum of music from Busan, South Korea since 2013, End These Days released their most recent record, Dead End EP in 2020 and one of the highlights remains “Vein,” a dreamy yet gnashing song which heaps up the dissonance while also providing anguish that’s reminiscent of U.K. metal stalwarts Architects, with a lot more melodic elements. The band are currently working on their second full-length album, the follow-up to 2017’s Ambivalence.