Artist Spotlight

Maddy Low ignites an honest reverie with her newest release, “To Be Near”

At just 18 years old, the New Zealand singer-songwriter Maddy Low presents her mesmerizing new single “To Be Near,” a work that expertly blends timeless aesthetic, marked by its sincerity and striking sense of intimacy. Released under Timeless Records, “To Be Near” unfolds with a meticulously crafted arrangement that features gentle acoustic guitar, soft harmonies, and intricately interwoven strings, earning attention naturally without demanding it. This composition surpasses conventional indie folk; it encapsulates the tense yet intimate moment before a first kiss, where hesitation dissolves into deep emotional yearning, deftly illustrating the tension between uncertainty and surrender.

Lyrically, Maddy explores the delicate nuances of unexpected love, which often manifests during serendipitous, unforeseen moments. Her lyrics articulate an intensely personal yet nearly universal experience of recognizing a profound emotional connection, highlighted by the line “Now I get what they all meant,” which serves as a poignant reflection of such feelings. The impact of this lyric, amplified by the raw emotion that permeates every note, hits like a truth one didn’t know was needed until it is sung back to them.

Her vocal execution is refreshingly organic, drawing comparisons to early Clairo and a gentler iteration of Lucy Dacus while firmly establishing her distinctive identity. There exists an unrefined elegance in her narrative style that belies her age, adding an extra layer of genuine nature to her vulnerability.

Building on her previous acclaimed work within cinematic soundtracks and the playful charm of her earlier release, “Games,” “To Be Near” signals a significant evolution in her artistry. The single embodies a profound introspection that emphasizes the value of genuine emotional experience over mere performance prowess. It stands as a subtle yet impactful achievement, setting the stage for her upcoming headline concert at Big Fan in Auckland. This track encapsulates a poised restraint that resonates well beyond its final notes, inviting listeners to slow down and engage with their emotions amidst a chaotic world.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Emerald Bluffs’ “To Be Near“ on Spotify.
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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

Connect with LAST ALEX! on Spotify