Global Artists Spotlight: LEEPA, Susan Darvishi, KTJ & CARLY and More

LEEPA – brain freeze 

On her new six-track emotive EP brain freeze, German pop artist LEEPA showcases her resilient vocals over a bed of silky production and poignant lyrics. In a statement, she said, “The EP turned out to be a collection of a bunch of different topics and sounds which kind of made me feel like I was brain-freezing. It’s kind of eclectic and odd but at the same time it makes total sense – like [it is] always with me, there’s a lot of sense in what shouldn’t make sense.” 

bexx – “One More Night” 

U.K. artist bexx’s music draws from Eighties synth-pop, pop-punk and classic rock, which can be heard on her latest upbeat single “One More Night.” The high-energy track is sure to make you move a leg while bexx’s sugary vocals hit just the right spot. Inspired by the 1997 romcom My Best Friend’s Wedding, bexx said in a statement, “The song is from Julianne’s perspective in My Best Friend’s Wedding, but it’s also from mine. Because even though my relationship wasn’t healthy, I really just wanted one more perfect night with this person before I had to cut them loose.” 

KTJ & CARLY – Ego Death 

On their five-track sophomore EP Ego Death, U.S. pop duo KTJ & CARLY bring forth catchy hooks, vivacious vocals as well as plenty of storytelling that includes the journey of self-discovery, transformation, and self-care. In a social media statement, the pair said, “This body of work is the culmination of the obstacles on the road to complete self-awareness  – the journey of ridding yourself of your ego.” 

Susan Darvishi – “Skip to the End” 

“Can we skip to the end/ Even before we began?” sings Susan Darvishi, an Iranian-American singer-songwriter who exudes a cheery and infectious level of fun-loving pop vibes on her latest single and in the music video for it. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Virginia, Darvishi now lives in Los Angeles and roams the city’s streets emphatically in video for “Skip to the End,” adding plenty of comedic flair that mirrors her playful lyrics around relationships and dating.  

Daisuke Miyamoto – “Brazilian Funk” 

Japanese producer-DJ Daisuke Miyamoto drums up an unshakeable amount of energy on his latest track “Brazilian Funk,” released via Bengaluru-based label Dynamite Disco Club. The six-minute jam sounds apt for a sweaty summer night in a club or festival ground, with a disco bassline and Brazilian vocals sampled on the song.  

Kalu & The Electric Joint – “Garden Of Eden” 

Nigeria-born, Austin-based artist Kalu James and Jonathan Holt aka JT form the crux of psychedelic, West African fusion act Kalu & The Electric Joint. On their latest single “Garden of Eden,” there’s a bit of psych-rock and shapeshifting sonic arrangements, going over Kalu’s airy vocals. In the music video directed, shot and edited by filmmaker Barbara F.G., we see Kalu amidst nature and beatific shots of butterflies. “‘Garden of Eden’ centers around the struggles of remaining open and vulnerable in relationships, partnerships and life without letting past experiences negatively dictate the future, often robbing us of the gift of the present, which is now,” the artist says in a statement.