Global Artists Spotlight: Featuring Marlounsly, Cody Lovaas, Izzy T And More

Izzy T – “NUCLEAR” (feat. Ben Hunter)

Blessing us with unadulterated alt-pop/rock music with her latest single “NUCLEAR” is London’s Izzy T. While the vocalist’s fierce vocals cut through distorted guitars, rapper Ben Hunter also chimes in with a fiery verse. As Izzy sings about the dark side of a relationship, she says, “This song has really paved the way for my new sound as an artist.”

Soleil – “Whose Side?”

New York-bred and Miami-based singer-songwriter Soleil recently released a vibrant and colorful video for her latest pop single “Whose Side?” The clip depicts what the song is all about, showcasing multiple personalities that represent picking a side.

WYNNE – Both Sides

Songwriter and producer Rory Andrew aka WYNNE’s new EP Both Sides is a lush and mesmerizing sonic experience. The record includes the airy “Open Doors” and the luxuriant “Midnight.” The artist says, “It’s about coming to terms with a sense of loneliness and isolation at a time when we all desperately crave connection.”

Crys Matthews – Changemakers

A resident of Washington D.C., singer-songwriter Crys Mathews takes inspiration from movements such as Black Lives Matter, Me Too, Queer Consciousness as well as COVID-19 and documents the current times in the world on the just-released 12-track Changemakers. While the record covers Americana, folk, blues, bluegrass and funk, Matthews’ honest songwriting shines through.

SLUGS – “I Could Do Better”

Los Angeles alt-rock outfit SLUGS narrates about finding a way back to the blissful naivety of being a child on their latest song “I Could Do Better.” The track kicks off with a trippy psychedelic feel before picking up with pumped-up drums and a hooky melody.

Marlounsly – “I Am”

Haitian-American singer-songwriter Marlounsly marks her return with a pop/r&B offering titled “I Am.” The track’s groovy beat matched with the artist’s breathtaking vocals makes it a tasty listen. According to Marlounsly, the song tells listeners to know their worth.

19&YOU – “PART OF YOU” (with Carlie Hanson)

Ahead of their self-titled debut EP which drops next month, L.A.-via-Australia alt-pop outfit 19&YOU share the uplifting “PART OF YOU” that also includes vocals by Carlie Hanson. Through the song, the band drives their coming-of-age tales regarding ex-lovers, past celebrations, and the pursuit of self-discovery amidst the chaos and heartbreaks.

MEARA – “Blackbird”

British/American vocalist MEARA impresses with her spine-tingling vocal range on her new cinematic single “Blackbird.” The track is the first of a few singles to follow that lead up to the artist’s upcoming album.

Cody Lovaas – “Flowers on the Freeway”

California singer-songwriter Cody Lovaas’ music is one that’s freeing and blissful. The musician delivers splendidly on the dreamy “Flowers on the Freeway.” The song is filled with clever lyricism, an invigorating beat as well as his textured vocals. He says, “[The song] is about finding something beautiful in an ugly place.”

Bad Gyal – Warm Up

Earlier this month, Spanish pop artist Bad Gyal released her new eight-track EP titled Warm Up. Across the record, there’s tropical tracks (“44”), sensual delivery (“Aprendiendo El Sexo”), reggaeton, Afro-Latin music and more. Bad Gyal also dropped a steamy music video for the dancey “Judas” featuring Argentine singer KHEA.

BETWEEN FRIENDS – tape 002

Los Angeles-based synth-pop sibling duo BETWEEN FRIENDS, comprising Savannah and Brandon Hudson, showcase their synth-dappled and bass-driven effort that explores their creativity on the five-track mixtape titled tape 002. With a music video out for “tired of your love” – inspired by the original Apple iPod commercial and the 1983 film Flashdance – the pair are also plotting to release more material soon.

PinkFiz – “Did I Ask?”

U.K.-based teenage pop-punk artist PinkFiz addresses female consent, standing up for equality and sexual harassment on her latest rocking single “Did I Ask?” Not one to stay silent, the artist says, “I wrote this song about the phrase ‘she was asking for it’ because I was really angry that day about it and I needed to get all my frustration about it into words and into a song. I am very passionate about fighting for equality and about making opportunities for everyone the same.”

ROY3LS – “Destiny”

Nashville sister trio ROY3LS recently unveiled their powerful and feisty new single “Destiny.” The track includes haunting harmonies and marvelous instrumentation. In a statement, the siblings say, “After an uncertain year, ‘Destiny’ is our response to how we are going to move forward in 2021 and how we are going to stay true to who we are no matter what the circumstances are around us.”

Aibai – Aibai

23-year-old Minneapolis-based producer Aibai drowns us in beautiful ambient and cinematic soundscapes on her new self-titled EP. The indie/electronic record features various artists and overall is a delightful experience with Aibai’s production touch.

Ronnie Watts – “You Said” (feat. Zach Oliver)

Rochester native Ronnie Watts paints a melancholic picture with her latest single “You Said,” featuring fellow artist Zach Oliver. While the track delves into modern-day teen heartbreak, the song also features poignant guitar plucking while Watts and Oliver’s voices both sit beautifully together.

Alt Bloom – “Tired”

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Ethan Thompson’s project Alt Bloom is out with a brand new acoustic pop offering titled “Tired.” The song features a hooky guitar part over groovy beats and a catchy chorus.