Track Of The Day: Christine Sako – ‘Coda’

Inviting with a breezy-pop disposition, Christine Sako brings us another infectious ear-worm with her latest release ‘Coda‘. Following her recent track ‘Seasoned’ and the shimmering sound of ‘Sediments‘, the Minneapolis musician proves that her artistic identity still has space to unfold as she brings us into another sonic undertaking that is uniquely her own. 

Beat driven melodies and dense layers of synth create cool, crisp layers for the bed of ‘Coda’ to dance upon. It is here where we see the benefits of Sako’s production abilities – sounds concentrated and filled with attention to tonal detail. This track showcases Sako’s use of captivating aspects of electronic soundscapes, juxtaposing them perfectly with the melodies of an energetic-pop anthem. 

‘Coda’ is wholesome in meaning, embodying both the relatable struggle of running into burnout, whilst also providing a feel-good song that captures the empowering feeling of letting go of negativity. Draped in Sako’s glistening, powerful vocals, its chorus is an undeniable hook that is clear and confident with cathartic emotion. 

Christine Sako holds her own with power-pop assertiveness and enticement, as ‘Coda’ holds our attention with its blissful energy.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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Track Of The Day: Nadia Sheikh – ‘Love Is Undefined’

As the nights grow longer and colder, Nadia Sheikh has gifted us a soul-searching indie rock treat with a perfectly wintery vibe. The British-Spanish artist’s latest single sparkles with an expansive sound and her consistently mesmerising, smooth vocals.

Following the hypnotic honesty of ‘IDWK’, ‘Love Is Undefined’ is similarly introspective, bursting into the guitar-laden hook “what am I to you?/what are you to me?” with intense feeling. Layered around Sheikh’s melancholy lyricism, eerie piano and echoing whispers add spooky ambiance, while the track roams around the classic quiet-loud rock dynamic with chiming emotion to beautiful effect.

Sheikh explains: “Sometimes love just turns into dust. You realise things aren’t working out and you can’t keep on going on but you’re so afraid of hurting the other person that you end up hurting yourself. That’s what I tried to convey in ‘Love Is Undefined’. Here I’m at my most honest. It was a very cathartic song to write, a bit scary too as it’s so personal, but it helped me heal and I hope it can help anyone going through the same kind of situation.”

More captivating gifts are in store as ‘Love is Undefined’ is taken from Nadia Sheikh’s upcoming EP Undefined, set for release on 16th November.

Leonie Bellini
@teenpeachmovie

Photo Credit: Laura Avinent

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Track Of The Day: Aisha Badru – ‘Rooted’

Enchanting folk-strewn new-age dreaminess, Aisha Badru’s latest single ‘Rooted’ is a therapeutic exploration of the feeling of home. It’s reassuring and comforting as if she was speaking directly to you, drawing you into the song. A truly stunning new offering.

‘Rooted’ is spacious and its simplicity gives the song a calming effect. Electronic and folk elements are combined to create an ethereal ambiance. Like rays of sunlight shimmering through the trees, you can hear nature seeping through the track. The atmospheric synth sounds function as a drone, creating a meditative sense of stillness. As I listen, the sweeping textures of the drone awaken an awareness of my body, giving me goosebumps. 

It feels as though the song creates a space for reflection and healing. The instrumentation is carefully layered to create calming soundscapes. Furthermore, Aisha’s voice is soft and soothing, her lullaby-like lilting melodies feel intuitive and natural. The vocals sound intimate as though it’s whispered into your ears. The simplicity enhances the heartfelt lyrics and allows you to reflect on each phrase. Aisha sings “plant your trees upon the earth, know your value, know your worth”, in a way that radiates sweet positivity. Alongside its positivity, the track seems to be both dripping with emotion whilst also being subtle and restrained in a way that is really impactful. Aisha, who has spent much of her time travelling around the world, explains that she never really had roots, but now – living in Orlando with her partner and twin toddlers – “We’re planting seeds and starting a garden. This is home. I’ve never felt this sense of home”.


Aisha Badru’s The Way Back Home EP is set for release on 3rd December via Nettwerk Records – it’s going to be a perfect way to reflect on the end of the year. You can pre-save the EP via a donation to the One Tree Planted non-profit organisation.

Jaz Kelly
@surfjaz

Photo Credit: Jeffery Trapani

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ALBUM: YAY MARIA – ‘OYEZ’

YAY MARIA is the supremely talented Maria Machin – a trans and queer musician from Derby, who you probably know as the front-woman of Grawl!x. With this solo electronic pop project, Machin has created an outlet to explore her gender transition. And after listening, you’ll be grateful that she chose to invite us on the journey.

Her long-awaited debut solo album is nothing short of magical. Ambitious and accomplished, OYEZ is a DIY pop record that transcends its humble origins. Its beats, bleeps and harmonies will fill your heart and send pure joy racing around your body. It feels like a celebration of otherness; breaking boundaries with lush orchestration, samples and driving beats without losing sight of its pop sensibility.

The album feels truly immersive. The giddy dancefloor stomper ‘TRU CRUSH’ is a standout, as are ‘PLASTIK PINK’ and ‘SHOPPING CENTRE’ – both sassy, grown-up slices of electro-pop that would be killer singles. Meanwhile, Belper’s Town Crier pops up halfway through the record too, just to let us know that YAY MARIA hopes we’re enjoying ourselves in a cute little nod to Machin’s Midlands’ roots!

Yet, despite these highlights, it’s the anthemic (and brilliantly named) ‘EPIPHANY (IN A CHARITY SHOP)’ that’ll stay with me. In it, Machin reflects on YAY MARIA’s purpose. “This isn’t about me,” she says. “It’s about so much more than me.” And she’s right. At a time where the trans community faces so much hostility, I really hope this album finds its way to the ears, hearts and minds who need it.

A joyful, powerful and important album, OYEZ offers love, solidarity and the inspiring message that being queer is beautiful. Yay to that, Maria!

OYEZ is out now. Buy the digital album on bandcamp now.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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