Global Artists Spotlight: Johnny Ashby, Pearl, Abi Jenaé And More

Johnny Ashby – Time Of Our Lives

British-bred singer-songwriter Johnny Ashby’s new 12-track debut album Time Of Our Lives is soaked in sincerity and authenticity, and the result is a calm and meticulously produced collection of pop-indie songs. The record is packed with warm strings, rhythmic strums, punchy drums and Ashby’s rich vocals which dance alongside gorgeous backing harmonies. In a statement, the artist said, “This album has been a long time in the making! Being my first full-length record, this feels like such a big part of me, and, artistically, it shows a big part of who I am. I really wanted to break that barrier between myself and the listener and be as honest as I could be with these songs. It’s a little peek into what I’ve been feeling and who I am as an artist.”

Pearl – “Honeymoon Suite”

Sydney alt-pop artist Pearls’ new track is the glittery “Honeymoon Suite.” The track showcases the singer’s playful side as she explores the harsh realities of a relationship going sour over sassy vocals and warm soundscapes. She said in a statement, “’Honeymoon Suite’ is a song about the romance dying in a relationship. Once you take those rose-colored glasses off you realize you’ve invested in a human that didn’t deserve you and all you want is your money back.”

Abi Jenaé – “Owo”

There’s an unmistakable sense of vibrancy in Afropop artist Abi Jenaé aka Abisola Lufadeju’s new single “Owo.” Part of her upcoming EP, Jenaé echoes the oft-heard conundrum of “More money, more problems,” etching out a sonic style she refers to as “Grimey hip-hop.” 

Anand Wilder – “I Don’t Want Our Love To Become Routine”

Known for his work with Brooklyn rock band Yeasayer, singer-songwriter Anand Wilder scaled psychedelic highs with his previous single “Delirium Passes,” but there’s a tender, seemingly country-informed folk sound on his latest single “I Don’t Want Our Love To Become Routine.” His debut full-length album I Don’t Know My Words will be out in 2022 via the label Last Gang.

Kissin’ Dynamite – “Good Life”

German rock band Kissin’ Dynamite stick to their stadium-level grandiosity on their upcoming album Not The End of the Road and we got a taste of that in their latest single “Good Life.” The anthemic, feel-good song brings in vocalists including Alea der Bescheidene (from metal group Saltatio Mortis), Charlotte Wessels and Guernica Mancini (from rock band Thundermother) to exercise their distinctive croons.