Music
Carolyn Hunter Finds Her Voice In Empowering New Album ‘Lovelight’
Lovelight is a brilliant synth pop masterpiece detailing Hunter’s most intimate reflections, desires, and longings.
Indie Folk Pop singer songwriter Carolyn Hunter steps into the spotlight with a collection of 8 stunning tracks on her new album, Lovelight, out December 3rd, with a music video for “Felt Like Love” on December 6th. In addition to this exciting release, Hunter is proud to have contributed background vocals on The Lumineers’ new holiday single, “This Is Life (Merry Christmas),” out now. Lovelight is a moment for the artist in which she fully embraces her self-identity. At its core, this poetic pop celebration explores themes of desire and longing, as well as the evolving sexuality and energy that accompanies finding your voice. For Hunter, these songs reflect a time in which she sought out an identity void of codependency, and rooted in empowerment and exploration. Lovelight is a glimpse into the most intimate corners of Hunter’s world; the songwriter’s ethereal vocals, story-driven lyricism, and fearless vulnerability yield a final product characteristic of Maggie Rogers, HAIM or Taylor Swift’s Folklore.
The dreamy record features 8 tracks, each painted with colorful melodies and vibrant, kaleidoscopic production. “Felt Like Love” blossoms from simple, warm keys into an anthemic chorus driven by a gritty bass-line, and embellished with spritely synths. “Don’t Let Me Down Easy” immediately catches listeners attention with a beautifully textured, percussive production. Hunter rips the bandage off on this epic heartbreak anthem as she confronts the transition out of the shadows head on. “Giving Myself To You” is a sultry statement against codependence accented with a charismatic bitterness and caressed with angelic background vocals. Hunter achieves the perfect amount of sparkle on this somber track, and peels her vibrant synth-pop back to a deeper level; she captures the full scope of emotions inherent to moving on from one era to the next. The smooth, steady groove on “Come Down” is driven by airy synths, hypnotic percussion, and is steeped in passion and melancholy. Overall, the tracks on this album come together in an impressive showcase at the epitome of dream-pop.
Hunter dedicated the last three and a half years to perfecting the tracks on Lovelight. She worked regularly on this project with producer and collaborator Julian Peterson out of Wolf Den Studios in Longmont, Colorado. Peterson is a mastermind of songwriting and musical craftsmanship, as well as a wizard on guitar. He is a deep listener that worked flawlessly with Hunter to help her find a new authentic way of singing. In early 2018, the two began workshopping songs she had written. He would take the song on his guitar, shape shift structure, chords, and rhythm until they found the heart of each song. The two honed in on their favorite projects to create the final tracklist; this album is a true collaborative effort, the culmination of the best of their work together. Fans can stream Lovelight on all major streaming platforms on December 3rd, and watch the music video for “Felt Like Love” on December 6th.
More about Carolyn Hunter: 
Carolyn has shared stages around the world with the likes of Lang Lang, Karla Bonoff, The Lil Smokies, The Good Lovelies, and many more. After graduating from UCLA’s School of Theater Film and Televisions, Carolyn taught herself guitar and began to pursue life as a folk singer.
On a small surf island in the southeast, Carolyn founded folk-rock band “The Fam Band,” known for their Joni Mitchell-meets-Allman Brothers grooves. After moving back West to Colorado, she co-founded indie-folk band ‘The Heartstring Hunters’ —known for its crowd pleasing three part harmonies and female review — and was nominated by Denver Westword for “Best Folk Band.”
Finding solace in Colorado, Carolyn joined the Daniel Rodriguez Band (Elephant Revival) as a vocalist in year, performing across the country, over public radio, and on his latest record “Sojourn of a Burning Sun.” In the Front Range and beyond, Carolyn is often sought after as a collaborator, known for her fairy-like melodies, Joni Mitchell subtleties, and Tracy Chapman-esque tones.
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google News
Artist Spotlight
“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes
“Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.
A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.
By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.
For more information about Archer Stevens, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Archer Stevens’ “Pretty Ugly“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Archer Stevens | Instagram |
Artist Spotlight
“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Khynan Rhys’ “Do You Still Remember?“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Khynan Rhys | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
