a warm mix of soulful pop, intimate songwriting and vibrant energy defines today’s picks. from jazz-leaning arrangements to stripped-back indie moments, these tracks lean into emotion without losing their melodic pull.
before i lose faith in you – max restaino
max restaino delivers a rich and cinematic pop ballad with timeless vocal presence
before i lose faith in you flows with smooth piano, soft brass textures and a measured groove that builds emotional weight. the fantastic vocal sits exactly where it needs to – front and centre, carrying a lovely sense of lightness with a touch of drama.
max restaino, a sheffield-based multi-instrumentalist, uses this track to showcase his blend of jazz influence and modern pop songwriting. it represents a refined and confident step in shaping his signature sound. it’s really great, and we’d love to hear more.
thank u for making this max restaino 🔥
sacrifice – chroma noir
chroma noir create a wonderfully dreamy and dark pop atmosphere filled with tension and romance
sacrifice drifts through layered synths and slow-burning rhythms, with airy textures and a subtle guitar presence adding depth. the boy/girl vocals are particularly great, bringing a sense of contrast and emotion to the track.
chroma noir, the santiago-based duo, lean into a more romantic and gothic direction with this release. it marks a shift in tone, expanding their sound into something softer yet more cinematic.
thank u for making this chroma noir 🔥
smile, people smile – audren
audren brings bright and uplifting pop energy that feels instantly joyful and human
smile, people smile bursts with lively horns, rhythmic grooves and a playful sense of movement. the arrangement feels full and dynamic, pulling together pop, r&b and jazz elements with ease. it’s got just a pinch of steely dan, which i’m always in favour of.
audren, a multidisciplinary artist based in france, uses this track as a response to personal challenges, turning it into something outwardly positive and energising. it reflects her wider aim to uplift through music. it’s genuinely great.
thank u for making this audren 🔥
dead sea – phoebe june
phoebe june crafts a dreamily soft and intimate pop moment that genuinely stands out
dead sea leans on gentle guitar and airy production, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere. the vocal delivery is a real highlight, and produced in a way that gives you literally all the feels.
phoebe june, a berlin-based songwriter, uses this release to highlight her focus on honest and minimal storytelling. it captures the strength found in quiet connection and emotional openness. this one was an instant spotify follow for me, and i can’t wait to hear more from this exciting artist.
thank u for making this phoebe june 🔥
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