Now Hear This is a monthly A&R column that provides you with exciting new sounds we discovered through the innovative new music platform Groover.
Each month, you can expect a varied bouillabaisse of songs from a vast spectrum of artists from all over the globe, regardless of genre or geography.
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1. IZO
Sounds like: Erykah-esque neo-soul caught up in the African futurism of the Burna Boy and Tems era.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
I try to make and write music in the same way that I design a collection. Start with the sketchbook (building and layering melodies), test some fabric samples, (harmonies) and construct the final garments (lyrics). I would reference my sound as an Afro Urban Jazz/Neo-Soul ‘soundscape’. I would say that my songs stand alone, but my ‘music’ is experienced when paired with the respective HOUSE OF IZO design attributes.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
It’s an abbreviation of my childhood nickname ‘Izzy O’. I came up with it when I founded my brand in 2019…IZO just hits harder!
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
“If I put this candle in an all-white gallery, it looks like art, if I put it in a garage it looks like a piece of trash” – Virgil Abloh (R.I.P)
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
I think that music is like fashion, in the sense that it’s cyclical. Its cycles just take longer… I’m loving the oldskl and subtle boom-bap comebacks.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Honestly, with AI already infiltrating the industry, who knows.. I’m soo ready though!
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Free Speech.
2. Maddy Byrd
Sounds like: Thoughtful, powerful folk-rock storytelling from the streets of Brooklyn.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
My approach varies song to song, but my favorite way to write is to pick up my guitar and channel whatever feelings are passing through me at the moment. I’d say my sound leans toward Americana and folk rock, but you can tell I have a lot of pop and country influences too.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
It’s just my name. I thought about going with something different, but at the end of the day, my music is brutally honest. It just wouldn’t match the vibe to use anything other than my own name.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Brandi Carlile for sure. I love all her stuff but especially her album, ‘In These Silent Days.’ I also am constantly inspired by younger artists like Noah Kahan and Joy Oladokun. They are all so open and honest and bring such emotion to their work.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Women in music are killing it. It’s so exciting to watch, and I love all the fantastic music we’re getting out of it.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
People think I’m crazy, but I actually see things going back to more old school recording techniques and sounds. I think people get nostalgic for live musicians and minor imperfections in a record. With AI on the rise, I think more and more people will want to go back to a more human sound after more of the same.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music is my lifeline. The world can be so overwhelming and scary, especially right now and especially for anyone who is different. Music makes me feel brave in spite of it all and reminds me that being different is beautiful.
3. INTERCONTINEN7AL
Sounds like: A band who has recorded their music on all seven continents, crafting songs rooted in alt-rock but peppered with influences from all over the globe in a bid for world unity.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
Matt Smith here, founder of INTERCONTINEN7AL. I am proud to say that we are the first rock band in history to record music across all 7 continents, and the group is comprised of over 30 musicians from 15 different countries. The band develops our material virtually, writing and recording song concepts using the application BandLab. Our songs “Manor Hill”, “Puerto Aisen”, “Night Shift”, “The Chamber”, and “Butterflies” from the EP World Over are the only original compositions that include instrumentation recorded on all 7 continents – featuring percussion and/or guitar from research stations in Antarctica. While mainly rooted in rock music (folk/acoustic, alternative, hard rock), due to the diverse nature of the band dynamics, our music spans a multitude of other genres including pop, blues, jazz, Latin, funk, metal, gospel, prog, classical, reggae, bluegrass, bossa nova and even showtunes.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
The name INTERCONTINEN7AL was inspired by Tool’s song “7empest”, with the 7 reflecting the fact that all of Earth’s continents are represented in the music that is created by the band.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
With over 30 musicians contributing to this group since its inception in 2020, it’s impossible to cover all of the major artists that have directly or indirectly guided our development. That being said, some of the most influential musicians and bands that have made a massive impact on our sound include Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Porcupine Tree, Tool, Prince, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd — artists that have showcased an ability to branch out and try different musical approaches and explore alternate avenues. The album Vs. by Pearl Jam is just one example of how a rock band can alternate between hard rock anthems and soft acoustic ballads, while keeping the overall record’s theme intact.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
I would say the most exciting thing occurring now is the ability of musicians to quickly create music at home with their own personal “at home” studios and DAW set ups, and also effectively collaborate with other artists all around the world. By utilizing technology in this manner, musicians can break down geographical and cultural barriers to find common ground in musical interests and endeavors. It is absolutely remarkable what one can accomplish these days using a free or low cost application on a laptop or cell phone to make music.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
While I referenced above the fantastic opportunities that technology affords artists, I also see the music world heading at a major crossroads in the next few years, with the exponentially increasing impact that artificial intelligence has on generating new music. There will come a time when record labels and streaming services will have to emphasize the importance of championing organic and human-made music, instead of saving money on royalties and promotion by relying on AI “artists” to populate playlists and maximize earnings. Otherwise, the music industry as we know it will cease to exist, and it will become much more difficult to find those true artists that are creating groundbreaking art and striving to move music forward, rather than digitally reiterating and repackaging music that has already come before.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music will always be there to offer us comfort during times of trouble. As I write this response, I am listening to the legendary Sam Cooke to remind myself of a beloved family member who had just passed away. Music is often times the glue that holds connections together, it strengthens our bonds, and it can quickly transport us back to the simpler, happier moments of our life.
4. Haast Hunter
Sounds like: Kiwi metalcore from “Nu Zealand” with a hint of Flying Nun indie pop dashed in to keep things interesting.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (answered by frontman James Harper).
Our approach has always been to write what we love and enjoy to play, and if others happen to like it…. Well that’s an added bonus! I think in this day and age authenticity is everything. If we truly don’t love what we do, we will quickly be found out! (and hey, what’s the point? Where im at in my life I don’t have time to be anything less than who I am) We are unapologetically us. We channel this mantra into our song writing.
As far as our own goes, we can’t help but be a hybrid of the music we love and grew up with. From everything rock and roll, to the early 2000’s era of Nu Metal to modern metalcore. If you throw all of those references in a pot and let marinate, sooner or later you will end up with Haast Hunter.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
Well… “Haast” was taken…. I always planned (for years) to name the band after the Haast Eagle (The world’s largest Eagle, now extinct, was native to our home country of New Zealand). “Haast Hunter” just felt right for a name.. The “Hunter” is more hunting the greatness that the Eagle stood for (Rather than literally trying to hunt the thing down).”
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
“Oh where do we start and where do we stop on that one.. As a group we all have some many different favourite bands and influences between us (still a lot of common ones too however). Bands from Queens of the Stone Age, Bring me the Horizon, Deftones, Slipknot, System of a down, Architects, Sleep Token, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Bad Omens, A Perfect Circle.. Those are just the first ones that came to me!
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
“First thing that comes to mind is the mystery around this new band “President” that is going to pop up at this year’s Download Festival. If you have not heard, look into it! Its very exciting.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
It has to keep evolving otherwise we will all get bored quick. I need to keep pushing and evolving my song writing, lyrics and vocals. I’m two years into this “Frontman/ Singing” journey. Forever learning. I love every moment.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
I can speak for the rest of the guys in the band on this one. Music is our therapy. I think without it we would all be lost. With everything going on in the world, what keeps me grounded most is knowing my band is there to jam and create when needed. It’s the ultimate catharsis to vent everything that’s going on both on a personal and global level.
5. A Case of Mistaken Identity
Sounds like: A jagged slice of buzzsaw guitar punk from LA that grooves like mid-‘80s Sonic Youth when they sang about Death Valley.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (questions answered by group mastermind Paul Dunne).
I’m always aiming for a sort of sonic disaster that’s approachable, malleable. The wall of sound doesn’t cut it anymore — I’m thinking more like a warped tunnel of sound the listener traverses through. It’s all about electricity. I want the guitars to sound like loose wires sparking together, the bass a grooving power line along the moonlit highway. I want the cascading drums and bellowing vocals to disrupt any stagnation in the listener.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
I wanted the listener to be convinced that it wasn’t just me, that they were listening to an entire band of individuals. Maybe I had some doubts at the start of whether a solo project would be valid. Either way, the band name was a nod to the misalignment of who was behind the microphone versus the projected image. For half of the first few releases I utilized some studio drummers I had met online and the other half I methodically programmed a drum machine – this new album is the first to be entirely me performing every instrument. Since The Waterbed Factory is a concept album about a punk band on the moon, I feel that the artist name reflects the sentiment exponentially.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
The Stooges’ Fun House is incredibly important to me… it balances so many acrobatic feats of distortion, rhythm, song structure, noise. Ron Asheton definitely shaped my guitar playing, and Iggy, well, who doesn’t want to jump around the studio like Iggy?
Other albums that keep me grounded creatively: Slint’s Spiderland, CSNY’s Deja Vu, Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain, CCR’s The Concert.
Another world of influence for me is the Southern California garage rock scene. When I was in grade school I went to this after-school camp thing and one of the counselors there was Ty Segall. I have this visceral memory of him throwing cooked spaghetti against the wall. When I started writing my own music in high school not only was I drawn to Ty’s music and the rest of that cohort (Mikal Cronin, Wand, Meatbodies, etc) but I couldn’t shake the spaghetti moment. It was a perfect allegory for the creative process: throw it against the wall and see what sticks. I think about it every time I’m recording an album.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
People are still making great music. It’s a weird time to be making music alongside streaming, label monopolies and the financial cost of creativity, but every week if you look hard enough there’s amazing music constantly being put into the world. Sometimes it’s a major label release, but more times than not it’s some intricate artist crafting their specific vision and placing it on Bandcamp for like five bucks. It’s exciting to me that amidst all the downtrodden luck an artist could face in this day and age there are still people willing to give it a try.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
I’d like to see the major streaming platforms give the old iTunes effort — have the option to purchase a song or album. There’s nothing stopping them right now from having that feature and I’m certain there are people who would pay for some of their favorite albums or to support local acts. The artist would make more money and the listener would get a more visceral connection to the musicians they admire. But alongside that whole concept: make the rest of the process free. Spotify alone is outperforming their year-on-year sales by huge numbers and it’ll probably continue until they merge with some other conglomerate.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music is everything to me. It’s a crutch and a backbone, a guiding light for both the good and bad times alike. In creating The Waterbed Factory I’ve given myself an outlet to critique the systems I find weak and manipulative while still having a great deal of fun on the journey. Likewise, finding new music that resonates with my personal values is a stellar way to feel less alone in this gigantic world. Thank you to every artist that has graced the musical universe with their tones and words.
6. Louie Rubio
Sounds like: Tame Impala playing on the deck of a soul yacht sailing the seas of your imagination.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
Depends. I may bring a guitar and pedals to a session to work on songs for an artist or take the role of a lyricist—really filling whatever space needs it. That might come from playing in a church band where my dad was the bandleader. The sentiment was always to add what’s needed and nothing more.
If I’m working alone then I try to stay open and see what happens that day. I try not to get too caught up in genre. The Spanish hook for “Mar Y Sol” came out of nowhere and I just kept it even though the rest of the song was in English. I think part of that is just loving music, but part of that is also working on soundtracks for Film and TV where sometimes a director needs a combination of different styles. For Baz Luhrmann’s The Get Down, I made a song with Nile Rodgers and the approach was very much the same.
As far as the sound of this album, these are the bands people mention when they describe it: Tame Impala, Pharrell, Peter Gabriel, Phoenix, Poolside, The Marias. Personally I hear indie with a bit of yacht rock, pop, and funk. It definitely has some spiritual themes sprinkled in as well. “Find Your Light” has a hook that almost functions as a prayer. In some ways it’s an ode to my Dad’s musical tastes.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
It’s just my name.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
I’m a fan of multi instrumentalists who sing and self-produce, like Mac DeMarco, Mac Miller, Kevin Parker, or James Blake. There is something whole about their work, also the stakes are higher when the workload increases.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
It feels like we may be heading toward a return to imperfections, even in the mainstream. A deeper appreciation for older genres.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Maybe a response to AI that looks like live albums, layered concept albums, idiosyncratic production and writing choices. I can see music being underproduced as well. Artists live-streaming their writing or production sessions. Lyrics becoming much more personal and specific.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Thankfully it’s always been a constant in my life so I don’t really know what the difference would be. I’m sure it’s key, though.
7. Dread Spectre Council
Sounds like: Chiming guitar fuzz and earnest pop songwriting reminiscent of Sub Pop-era Sebadoh and Mary Timony’s solo material.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (conducted by DSC brainchild Kenneth Amundsen).
My approach to making music is one of long waits and then sudden binges of writing. Could be weeks of no apparent ideas, then I suddenly dial into a string of them. I hope to catch the core of it before it dissolves back into nothing. More often than not this typically happens while I’m on the subway or somewhere I’m not very comfortable recording myself humming or whistling the melody, In that case I just repeat the thing in my head until I find myself somewhere I can. I like David Lynch’s analogy of fishing for the ideas. And I try to stay true to the original idea and not censor much at first, to see where it wants to go. I do have a lot of 90’s. alt rock, indie references in my sound but I don’t especially try to. Just what my antenna receives I guess. Melodies are what catches my attention the most.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
Firstly it seemed like all else was taken 
I have recorded tracks for a long time. I play and record everything myself and so I wasn’t really in a hurry to release them or even name the project. But when I had the opportunity to have Dale Crover of The Melvins, Nirvana and Redd Kross play drums on a few of my songs last year, I figured it was time to put it out there, and so like all other ideas. It just magically fell into my head… And I liked it.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
There is so much music and art that have informed me at some point or another. I started playing in bands at 9 years old. Heavily into hair-metal, Skid Row and such. Then came all the grunge and indie rock bands in the 90’s, skateboard films, which really opened some new doors. Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Melvins, Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr, Unwound, Beck. Then you’d dig back further and find the greats of punk, no-wave, noise, folk, psych, and so on. I love so much different music it almost poses as a problem when trying to curate my own output. I often want to play like the stuff I just heard…which one can do of course. But I’ve realized I get a lot of these type ideas, so I guess that’s my channel at the moment.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Maybe just the realization of how resilient art by humans really is. In most professions anyone would’ve found the same conditions futile, and resigned completely. But this is one of those primal things we need to do I guess.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
I guess as most people I’m curious how AI will affect things.I hope it creates a demand for the human element. The wrong notes, the out of grid rhythms, the art by accident. I just naively hope for some better incentives to encourage kids to keep at it full on. Keep buying physical records and merch from the smaller artists if you are a fan. It’s part of the community and experience. I’m lucky to collaborate with visual artist Monica Fosser on covers and merch which certainly elevates the total package of my output.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
It helps me find some purpose in the chaos. I really believe music is a universal force that connects us all. Everything is frequencies, and we all know it.
8. Janita
Sounds like: Alluring, assertive noir rock from Finland filled with melodic intrigue and complex rhythms that are itching for an Angelo Badalamenti arrangement.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
I was singing before I learned to speak, so I think it’s safe to say that my approach to music is almost as ingrained as my approach to breathing — it’s just what I do. Making music has always been how I’ve wanted to spend my life, even before I knew what that meant. As for my “sound,” whenever people ask me what kind of music I make, I just say “Rock ’n Roll.” That’s a simple answer and the truth is more nuanced, but it steers people in the right direction. The more nuanced answer is this: we artists secrete what we’ve absorbed, and I’m no different. I’ve been voracious with the music I’ve absorbed, so I secrete a mixture of rock, pop, alternative, old-school R&B, even elements of electronica. Over the years, one synthesizes those elements and hopefully develops one’s own sound artistically. So that now, I’d offer that mostly I just sound like myself.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
Janita’s just my name, man. Not a lot of other “Janitas” rolling around back when I started my singing career as a teenager in Finland — at least no famous pop stars — so, like Madonna, I went by my first name. I even nabbed janita.com before anyone else had a chance to, which I deem as quite an accomplishment!
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
I don’t really care what kind of music it is that I’m listening to, as long as it has nerve. I’m equally in love with Django Reinhardt, The Prodigy, Mozart, and Tom Waits. But in terms of who’s informed the artist I am today the most, I’d say Radiohead perhaps has had the biggest impact on me. Their entire catalog is so important to me, but specifically the albums Hail to the Thief, In Rainbows and King of Limbs. I think the way Radiohead has mixed alternative, dance, and even classical elements has been hugely meaningful to me. They’ve given me license to be more ambitious as well –– to fearlessly mix musical elements that usually might not “belong” together. I’m also a big fan of the more recent branch of the band, The Smile. Meshell Ndegeocello has been a lifelong muse for me, too. Her 2003 album Comfort Woman still thrills me, as do Bitter, and Devil’s Halo, etc. Elliott Smith, Blonde Redhead, The Punch Brothers, and Beck have also each left a huge mark on me as an artist. As I was making my new album, Mad Equation, I was listening to The Beatles and The Police a lot –– up and down each of their catalogs. It actually affected my singing – making my vocal expression cleaner, straighter. Now that’s actually something I did on purpose. I wanted to present clear, powerful harmonies with these new songs, and we really made it a feature on the new album.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
There’s always been a male-dominated lopsidedness in the music industry, and while that’s still true in songwriting, engineering, producing, and on the business side of things, I’m sensing that women are claiming their place more and more, being driven to become artists and musicians, and compelling ones at that. There have been increasingly powerful examples of kick-ass female musicians. For me it’s women like PJ Harvey, St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Anna Calvi. And I see a new batch of women artists too, like Nilufer Yanya, Dora Jar, and a terrific band from Brooklyn called Hello Mary pushing different kinds of boundaries as young women. I used to listen mostly to music by male artists, and these days I find myself listening to a whole lot of music by women. I’m glad to be a part of this development/movement/trend myself.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Honestly, I’m concerned. The basic respect and value our society places on music and musicians has been vastly diminished. Most people have gotten used to getting their music for free, or for incredibly cheap. The fact that musicians don’t get paid fairly for their work is making it untenable for many if not most of up-and-coming musicians and artists to continue pursuing careers in music. The rungs of the ladder I’ve climbed in my own career just aren’t there anymore for those now starting out and trying to climb it themselves. The Department of Labor Statistics reports that 80% of professional songwriters and 46% of professional musicians have gone out of business over the past 15 years. It’s no joke. I’m also worried about what effects AI will have—and is already having—on all the arts, in particular music. We musicians have been through a lot, and now we have a whole new shitstorm ahead of us. There’s a part of me that’s very doom and gloom about what’s in store for artists in the future on the one hand, and another part of me that’s driven to double and triple down on what I’m doing nonetheless.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music is more central to my life now than ever before. On U.S. election night 2024, when I sensed that things were going in a dark direction, I retreated to my room and started playing my guitar and singing. It was the only thing that felt reassuring to me at that moment, and I feel like I’ve been holding on to music for dear life ever since. Feeling grief and anger over the insanity of what’s happening in this country, and the instability that’s spreading across the world, makes me want to turn even more sharply towards the very thing that’s given me hope, given me strength, given me purpose from the very start—making music. That’s how I fight back. In a song, on a stage, with a record. Authoritarianism is brittle. It fears the power and the voices of us artists, and it always has. So I’m going to use my damn voice like never before. How’s that for Rock ’n Roll?
9. Errol Eats Everything
Sounds like: A passionate throwback to the days when MF DOOM, Pharoahe Monch and J-Live all shared space in the hip-hop underground.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
My creative process starts with finding a beat that resonates with me—it has to move my soul. Once I lock onto a rhythm, I zone out until the words come; it literally feels like I’m channeling energy from the universe, and I just spit whatever comes to mind without writing it down. This raw, unfiltered method gives my music a spontaneous quality, blending classic hip-hop, soulful melodies, and experimental production to create a dynamic, authentic sonic experience.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
Aside from being literally known among my friends and family for my love of food, the name is a metaphor layered with meaning. It represents my approach to music: I’m here to crush everything—coming out of nowhere and metaphorically “eating” the competition’s food, wiping out their efforts with my unique sound. The name also reflects my insatiable appetite for knowledge and my propensity to learn; I’m always absorbing new ideas and influences to innovate and push the creative envelope. This combination of relentless curiosity and a drive to dominate the musical landscape defines who I am.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
My influences span a wide spectrum of sounds and genres. In hip-hop, legends like Chuck D, KRS One, Nas, Rakim, Black Thought, Jay E, Yasiin Bey, Mr. Complex, and Gangstarr have shaped my perspective and approach. The rhythmic vibes of Dancehall and Reggae also play a significant role in my music. On the soulful and pop side, icons like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Prince have deeply influenced my musicality. I also find Anderson .Paak incredibly creative—his innovative style resonates with me and adds another layer to my diverse palette of influences.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Besides my project Errol Eats Everything, the most thrilling aspect of music today is its power to reach and inspire people worldwide. Emerging technologies and digital platforms are breaking down traditional barriers, allowing artists to connect with global audiences in unprecedented ways. Much like Marcus Garvey, who touched millions in the diaspora by speaking truth and physically traveling from continent to continent, my goal is to harness this power and share a message that resonates universally. This blend of innovative technology and diverse artistry is fueling a creative renaissance that empowers and unites communities across the globe.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
I believe we’re on the brink of a decentralized music landscape where digital platforms and emerging technologies fundamentally reshape how artists connect with their fans. One trend I find particularly exciting is the use of mechanisms similar to meme coins in crypto. Artists are increasingly pushing their brands forward by creating ecosystems where fans can invest in the artist’s vision and even benefit via dividends. This innovative approach not only strengthens the artist-fan relationship but also opens up new revenue streams and community engagement strategies. I’m exploring this model for my next project, and I see it as a pivotal move in the evolution of the music industry over the coming years.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
I’ve been inundated with feedback about the substance and sound of my music—people say I’m providing what they’ve been searching for for years, filling a void that’s long been felt. With conservative leadership dismantling policies that once held communities together, current politics has acted as a catalyst, drawing more ears to the message. It often feels like I’m speaking on behalf of those who didn’t even know how they felt or how to express it in the way that I do. Additionally, what many perceive as devilish intentions and maneuvers by the current administration aligns with the undercurrent of messages in my project. In these turbulent times, music becomes a powerful tool to inspire change, spark dialogue, and unite communities
10. Gloria Laing
Sounds like: If Phoebe Bridgers sat in on George Harrison’s Cloud Nine.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others:
My approach to music is all about storytelling and emotion. I fell in love with songwriting because I’m obsessed with finding moments of truth that surprise me, or finally articulating something I couldn’t quite get to with words. When it comes to my sound, I would describe it as a mix of dreamy, melancholic melodies with uncompromisingly honest songwriting. Vocals are the heart of my music, with layered production to create an intimate mood. Echoing Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo and Julia Jacklin, my music blends pop, indie and alternative elements.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
It’s just my name! haha (pronounced lang not laying btw)
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Ah that’s so hard, there are so many! But Adrianne Lenker, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, and Julia Jacklin are at the top of my list of artist inspirations. And top of my album inspirations are Crushing by Julia Jacklin, Digital Meadow by Dora Jar and Norman Fucking Rockwell by Lana del Rey.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
I love to see the girlies at the top. This past year felt so exciting to see women like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Doechii getting the recognition they deserve!
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Oooh, that’s an interesting question! The rise of independent artists and DIY culture in music is fascinating, and I think it will continue to shape the landscape of the music world in the next five years. What I hope to see from this shift is artists choosing collaboration over competition as the industry continues to decentralise. I think we’re moving in that direction already – I mean, the ‘girl so confusing’ remix was a marker of a cultural movement! And in the London music community, I’m hearing a lot more encouragement from people to help each other out and build each other up, which is super uplifting as a new independent artist.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
The world feels a bit terrifying in a lot of ways at the moment, and music provides such a wonderful and important source of comfort. I so admire the artists that are standing up for queer rights, trans rights, POC rights and reproductive rights in these scary times!
11. Zachary Mason
Sounds like: If Tom Verlaine aimed for the top of the pops in the late 1970s.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
For me, ideas for songs often start as a little chord sequence or riff which I record on my phone- trying to remember them doesn’t always work and it’s so frustrating when a nice little idea goes missing amidst the mental maelstrom!- after that, it could be a few hours, months or maybe even years until the idea is developed and recorded properly! It all depends on how I’m feeling and whether or not I feel the urge to develop that idea… Feelings are everything to me in music: if I don’t feel the same as the song needs to feel, chances are it won’t happen! I do enjoy creating music and I like to explore a variety of different sounds and styles… I’ve always listened to a lot of different music, from hard rock to the odd classical tune, and I think I’d feel somewhat tied down if I had to stick to just one genre or approach! It would be difficult for me to explain my sound as an artist in a brief, concise sentence- I won’t say I’ve done something for everyone, but I think I’ve certainly done a wide variety of stuff that will appeal to a lot of different people. People tell me that certain tracks resemble elements of Bob Dylan, Bowie and Neil Young, so there have certainly been influences that have rubbed off on me from my listening library! My music incorporates elements of a more old-fashioned sound whilst utilising modern sound effects. I’d like to just say: Don’t ask me to explain my sound- just have a listen and make up your own mind!
How did you come up with the name of your act?
The name Zachary Mason actually came about many years ago when, as a teenager, I had a desire to be a writer, and so I used to sign that name at the bottom of poems or other things I’d written… When the opportunity for me to become a musician came up, I decided to stick with that name and also inject a touch of nostalgia into my musical career!
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Neil Young, as my favourite artist, has definitely affected some of my more folky-sounding works. Although I’m not the biggest Nirvana fan, I did learn some of their music in the early days of playing guitar, and I’ve noticed that some of my rock songs have a hint of their sound here and there… I must admit, I don’t spend a great deal of time thinking or deciding who or what I sound similar to- I just get on with my music the way I feel it works best!
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
It’s a somewhat cheeky response, but I guess my own career and experiences as Zachary Mason are the most exciting thing for me personally!- seeing my fans grow and the reviews flooding in certainly occupies a fair amount of my time, and I can’t help but be focused on my own output and work! Seeing my music worm its way into the music industry- songs I’ve attuned 100 per cent to my own taste and preference- is an exciting experience! I’m not that keen on a lot of modern music, so I don’t really spend a lot of time looking at the charts or keeping up to date with the latest music news… One thing I would say though: Platforms such as Groover and Musosoup are really great for musicians to use and I’ve had a lot of good experiences, shares and fun using them! Platforms like these haven’t always been around so it’s really great to have them now!
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Not good… But one must remain positive of course- especially as I am now a part of that world!- so I hope that things don’t become too difficult for smaller artists, that the market doesn’t become too over-saturated and unprofitable, and that AI doesn’t completely kill the vast and glorious soul of music!
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music has always provided a distraction and refuge from life’s troubles for me, and, now that I have become a musician, it occupies my time more and gives me things to do and think about. It’s a great comfort to think that, during uncertain times, one thing is certain: Music is always there for me!
12. Mickey Gold
Sounds like: If Eddie Money traded places with Mac DeMarco, you’d have Mickey Gold and his distinctive take on Long Island bedroom pop.
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
More often than not the music comes first, whether it’s just a simple chord progression on guitar or a full instrumental, creating a mood for the song will inform the lyrics. Funny enough though, the song “my amelia” was one of the few instances where the lyrics came first. So I have a way I go about songwriting but it’s fun to switch up the approach every now and then
I would say my sound borders on bedroom pop but I like to experiment with folk, electronic, r&b and rock elements.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
Believe it or not, my real name is Mickey Gold. So I credit my parents for giving me a stage name.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
I actually made a list on my phone for both my favorite albums and artists and there’s about 60 names I can list. If I had to narrow it down to a few it would be:
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
The Beatles
Ritt Momney
J Dilla’s Donuts
George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass
The Strokes
Dominic Fike
I could go on and on about this so I’ll stop myself for now.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Mk.gee. That last album was an adventure. Very inspiring.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
I’m just hoping AI doesn’t fully replace musicians by then.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
I believe it’s important to acknowledge the bad that can happen in the world, but it’s also equally important to acknowledge the good. What’s great about music is that it has the power to do both. Not only can it make you feel less alone in your struggles, but it can also remind you of the little things in life that we may take for granted (“What a Wonderful World” is my favorite example of the latter).
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