Global Artists Spotlight: Mikalyn, Matt Moody, Sophia And More

Sophia – Fragile

Rotterdam-based singer-songwriter Sophia’s nine-track debut album Fragile showcases the musician at her most vulnerable yet. The record covers infectious pop, spellbinding R&B and silky neo-soul while Sophia’s smooth vocals stand out thoroughly. In a statement, the artist said, “The album is called fragile, because I am. The songs are fragile too. I’ve never been this honest in my entire life and it scares me to share everything with the world. But I have found that there is strength in being fragile and vulnerable. It takes courage to be fragile.”

Matt Moody – “Party in the Valley”

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Matt Moody’s latest offering is the melancholic electro-pop single “Party in the Valley.” The track includes the artist’s indie sensibilities as well as his breezy vocals. In a statement, Moody said, “’Party In The Valley’ is about experiencing that deep, melancholic state of staleness. I decided to name it ‘Party In The Valley’ because I thought it best captured that idea of throwing a pity-party for yourself instead of facing your emotions head-on. There are so many distractions these days, it’s hard to find clarity of self (and the song) was just a way for me to transform that stagnation into creation.”

Mikalyn – “Ready to Love You”

Canadian artist Mikalyn sings about backtracking on a relationship on her latest Eighties-inspired track “Ready to Love You.” The song’s echoing vocals, oscillating synths and groove-laden bass parts are the perfect mix for Mikalyn’s shimmering vocals. In a statement, the singer said, “The idea of love is scary and overwhelming sometimes and this song is about trying to avoid it where possible.”

MOSKITO – “Don’t Touch My Baby”

U.K. rockers MOSKITO’s newest single is the frantic “Don’t Touch My Baby.” The song includes pulsating drums, raging riffs as well as soaring vocals. Describing themselves as “gritty, British, and in your face,” the band said in a statement, “’Don’t Touch My Baby’ is a dark story of rage and aggression. It’s an envious statement delivered in the form of ‘love song gone wrong.’ It’s something that can be interpreted differently with each listener’s unique experiences.”

2Strangers, CRÈME — “Shout It Out Loud” 

The new trap banger from South Carolina-based producer 2Strangers aka Luke Vilaivanh and singer CRÈME aka Trixie Reiss digs into a metallic guitar riff and a heady amount of swerving beats and production. While 2Strangers has previously released music under the moniker Yonexx and remixed pop hits, CRÈME has also led electro-pop and EDM songs from as early as 2017. “Shout It Out Loud” is released via independent record label Lacuna.