Songs To Brush Your Teeth To (16th March)
I’d love to tell you being sick over the past couple of weeks left me with ample time to listen to new music while I was resting and recovering, but honestly, I spent most of the resting time asleep and went back to work as soon as possible. Why am I telling you this? I’m preparing you for the fact it’s not a double list of new music recommendations to this week, it’s just five.
I’ve had a few questions about why I only do five songs, and I feel like I already answered this, but I’ll answer it again. My whole intention with the list is to make it manageable (for me, and for you). From my perspective, it’s no secret that I’m time poor – this isn’t my full time job, so this has to be something I can still commit to even in really busy weeks and writing a post like this about 30 songs just isn’t that.
More importantly, from your perspective, I want this to be a micro-habit. It’s a little moment in your day where you listen to one new song. Or 15-20 minutes one day a week to listen to them all. I want you to have the chance to fall in love with a new artist and go and listen to more of their work. My hope is it’s something that works with the busyness of people’s every day lives.
Charlotte MacInnes – Struck
It’s hard to believe that Struck is Charlotte MacInnes debut single, there’s such a confidence running through the song. Charlotte’s vocals soar through the powerful dance-pop release. I love how it starts so sparsely, centring her voice before the drum beat kicks in and reveals the true tone of the song.
Regarding the single, Charlotte commented, “‘Struck’ is a song about bravery and defiance, written from inside the storm, not after it. It’s a battle cry for anyone standing in the mouth of something irreversible.”
Find out more about Charlotte MacInnes here.
Angus Legg – 12th of May
I’m a big fan of Angus Legg‘s music and his latest single 12th of May is no exception. It’s just such lovely indie/folk tune. It’s earnest, honest and full of yearning. Musically, the layered strings dominate the track, feeling almost orchestral at times and it swells to fill the space between the lyrics adding further emotions to the track.
“12th of May is the day I left to live in London,” reflects Angus. “I left someone behind I wasn’t sure geography or timing would permit reconnection with. It’s an acceptance of the above and a celebration of a wonderful experience of romantic human connection – my favourite to date. In totality, ‘12th of May’ is for my now partner Claire. Spoilers, things worked out.”
Find out more about Angus Legg
Ella Hooper – I Got Eyes (On You)
I love this big number by Ella Hooper. I Got Eyes (On You) definitely has that rock n roll energy Ella is so well known for, but there’s also some country elements in there, and definitely some smatterings of a 90’s power ballad too. I was really taken with how loud it is as a track, but how beautifully all the elements work together. You can hear so much going on every time you listen, and it’s no surprise to discover the song was recorded in Nashville – it sounds like something you’d hear pouring out the doors of one its live music venues on a Friday night. It’s fun, high energy and one you just want to dance to!
Find our more about Ella Hooper here.
Oscar The Wild – Ghost
Another big track is the latest release from Oscar The Wild, Ghost. I feel for the most part I’m picking high energy numbers this week, and it’s probably paralleling the joy I have with having my own energy back! This indie/grunge number inspired by Hanne & Thea – two characters in Hannah Kent’s historical-fiction novel ‘Devotion’– ‘Ghost’ asks the question: “how attached is too attached?”, as vocalist Ruby explores themes of dependence and attachment. It’s full of big guitars, a catchy push and pull chorus and a pulsing rhythm that’s quickly become part of Oscar The Wild’s defining sound.
Find out more about Oscar The Wild here.
Emily James – Tommy
I tossed up two songs for this last spot this week. The other one will definitely make an appearance next week, but I decided to end on something a little softer. This one popped in my inbox with the first line ‘If you love crying to sad-girl folk-pop, meet Emily James‘ and I was sold (I’m only half joking here, I’ve spent a LOT of time crying to Annika Bennett). Anyway, I did actually listen before committing it to the list, and it was actually Emily’s lyrical delivery and the clever structuring of the song that captured me more than the cry-worthiness! It starts gently, like she’s drip feeding you the story, one word lines and half finished sentences. My partner was telling me a story of how David Lynch uses anticipation in his work, and this song does the same as she creeps through the first verse. The song builds, adding some jazz elements in there, the piano gradually takes up more space and the speed of the story accelerates – in the way the feelings of love so often do once you realise you’ve definitely fallen for someone, before gradually melting away and the song ends with almost a whisper. I enjoyed how she used the whole song to share her feelings, and I’m definitely excited for the rest of the album.
Find out more about Emily James here.
All our Songs To Brush Your Teeth to can be found on our playlist for new music:
Apple Music and Spotify versions of the playlist here.
Let us know in the comments which track is your fave!