On The Stereo #42

Emma Stevens: we interviewed the “surf chick” singer-songwriter all the way back in 2013

We single out some new songs from Emma Stevens, Von Spar, Liv Austen, Emma White, Michael Ray and Jordan Mackampa

EMMA STEVENS ft KEVIN JEREMIAH
BECAUSE IT’S YOU
Bright Star Records
Fast-rising UK country star Emma Stevens returned with this stunning track, which was taken from the Brit’s latest EP, Atoms. Her vocal matches perfectly with Jeremiah’s and together they create a gorgeous harmony. With its catchy lyrics and toe-tapping beat, combined with its heartfelt lyrics, this is a track that will delight country fans the world over. LK

VON SPAR
A DREAM (PT 2)
Bureau B Records
This Cologne-based outfit have been making innovative electro-pop ever since their debut 15 years ago. This time they’re joined by Canadian songwriter/ vocalist Chris A. Cummings and it’s a thrilling union. By softening their krautrock-inspired rhythms and adding Cummings’ spongy vocals they land on something appropriately surreal. DH

LIV AUSTEN
DETOUR (EDIT)
NUA Entertainment
This Norway-born, London-based country artist is one of the most impressive and exciting vocalists on the scene right now and with this latest offering she has elevated herself to brand new heights. The track has been given an edit as part of the vinyl release and the heartfelt results are breathtaking. It’s a poignant, heartfelt ballad about heartbreak and longing and it’s simply stunning. LK

EMMA WHITE
TEN YEAR TOWN
Whitehouse Records LLC
Sweet sweeping vocals from this exciting country artist makes this is a real standout. It’s a stripped back, thought-provoking guitar-led ballad that shines a light on the pitfalls artists come across on their career path – it’s all about how it takes ten years to become an “overnight success”. It’s poignant and lyrically strong and is a standout track from White. LK

MICHAEL RAY
HER WORLD OR MINE
Atlantic Records
This was a fan favourite across the UK when Ray performed it at C2C back in March, so seemed a logical choice to be chosen as his next single off the Amos LP. It’s a ballad that builds while sonically it keeps to its roots, making it a real standout from an artist who has the world at his talented feet. Her World Or Mine is one of my favourite songs of 2019 so far. LK

JORDAN MACKAMPA
UNDER
AWAL Recordings
The subject matter of someone getting carried away with thoughts of where a new love might lead to feels particularly apt here. Like a more soulful Jack Johnson, this song builds from Mackampa’s acoustic guitar and welcomes a funky bassline, some heartfelt backing vocals and a toe-tapping rhythm as it gathers momentum. DH

Words: Laura Klonowski, Duncan Haskell

Listen to these songs and other On The Stereo selections via the Songwriting Magazine Spotify ‘Music Reviewed’ playlist.

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