Explore Our Latest Music Discoveries Of Talented Independent Artists.
Welcome to Discovery 10/10, where we highlight ten standout artists in every edition. Each feature includes a short, impactful review alongside the artist’s music, making it easy to dive right into the music. Whether you’re here to find fresh talent or just explore new sounds, Discovery 10/10 has you covered. Stay tuned for the latest picks.
Tia Gostelow – Always (low lights version)
“Always (low lights version)” is a tender and intimate song that envelops the listener in a warm, soothing atmosphere from the very first note. The gentle blend of piano and acoustic guitar creates a sense of quiet reflection and emotional closeness, serving as a delicate backdrop for Tia Gostelow’s smooth and velvety vocals. Her delivery is filled with sincere vulnerability, conveying the depth of longing and emotional uncertainty with clarity and heartfelt precision. Lines such as “oh, love me now, or cut me loose…” highlight the raw emotional honesty that defines the track, making each word resonate deeply. The production is exceptional, balancing the subtle instrumentation and vocals to preserve the song’s emotional core while enhancing its late-night, contemplative glow. This version captures a peaceful, intimate mood that lingers long after it ends, showcasing Tia Gostelow’s remarkable ability to convey emotional nuance and heartfelt expression.
Nothing But Real – Scars and Burdens
“Scars and Burdens” is a haunting and emotionally charged composition that immerses the listener in a dark, cinematic atmosphere from the very beginning. The instrumental layers, including eerie guitar tones and subtle drumming, create a slow-building tension that evokes a sense of shadowy reflection and introspection. The vocals glide smoothly over this backdrop, delivering each line with hypnotic precision and emotional control, guiding the listener through a narrative of pain, vulnerability and internal struggle. Lines such as “I’ve learned to fake a smile, my breath is running dry…” showcase the raw sincerity and emotional resonance at the heart of the song, capturing exhaustion, resilience and hidden truths with remarkable authenticity. The production is meticulously crafted, balancing the haunting instrumental with vocals that remain front and center, preserving the immersive and mysterious atmosphere. “Scars and Burdens” is a compelling exploration of personal reflection and emotional depth that lingers long after the song ends.
JOCODER – I Wanna Say
“I Wanna Say” is a deeply heartfelt and soulful composition that carries a powerful sense of personal expression and emotional intimacy. The song is particularly remarkable as a one-man band creation, with every instrument played by the artist, giving the track an authentic and cohesive feel that reflects dedication, patience and artistic discipline. The atmosphere is tender and reflective, inviting the listener into a space of quiet vulnerability where emotion flows freely. The vocals are warm, deep and soulful, sitting gently beneath the instrumental layers, with the repeated phrase “I wanna say” acting as both a musical motif and an emotional anchor, drawing the listener into the sentiment of the song. The production is meticulously handled, balancing clarity, warmth and fluidity across all elements, allowing the emotional core of the track to shine through without overpowering the instrumentation. “I Wanna Say” is a beautifully intimate exploration of heartfelt expression that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression.
Zachary Mason – Earthsick
“Earthsick” is a hauntingly introspective and emotionally rich composition that immerses the listener in a mysterious and reflective atmosphere. From the opening moments, the track establishes a quietly unsettling tone, inviting careful attention and setting the stage for a journey through complex emotions. The guitar riffs enhance this mood with melancholic, expressive lines that evoke longing and contemplation, while the vocals perfectly mirror this introspective quality, blending vulnerability with a subtle intensity that makes each lyric feel deeply personal. Standout lines like “we miss blue skies, another lies, we told ourselves so many lies…” capture the song’s core theme of self-reflection, emotional weight, and the human tendency toward self-deception, leaving a lingering resonance in the listener’s mind. The production is thoughtfully balanced, with instrumental layers and vocals harmoniously integrated, ensuring the song’s emotional depth remains intact throughout. “Earthsick” is a compelling exploration of melancholy, introspection, and the search for clarity within personal truths.
Grid Theory – (Un)worthy
“(Un)worthy” is a deeply captivating and emotionally charged composition that masterfully blends vulnerability, intensity, and dynamic contrast. From the opening, the track establishes a hypnotic and suspenseful atmosphere, gradually building tension that draws the listener into its intimate emotional landscape. The instrumental arrangement, highlighted by textured guitar riffs and driving drumming, creates a vibrant and immersive soundscape that mirrors the song’s emotional depth. The vocals are smooth, velvety, and deeply expressive, conveying sincere passion and vulnerability, particularly in lines like “I could wait forever in the darkness, I could hide my truth if you asked me to, cause I can’t let go of this madness, heaven knows I’m not ready for the real you…,” which stand out as moments of raw confession. The sudden screamo section adds a cathartic release, providing a dramatic contrast that emphasizes the intensity of the lyrical and emotional themes. With top-notch production, seamless transitions, and careful balance between all elements, “(Un)worthy” explores themes of emotional conflict, self-exploration, and the struggle between vulnerability and intensity in a profoundly engaging way.
We Might Be Robots – Tin Roof Testimony
“Tin Roof Testimony” is a profoundly heartfelt and soul-stirring composition that immerses the listener in a warm, reflective, and emotionally grounded atmosphere. From the opening instrumental, the track exudes intimacy and intention, drawing the listener into a space where every sound feels purposeful. The lead vocals are smooth, passionate, and richly textured, conveying vulnerability and sincerity that resonate deeply, while the choral harmonies add depth and communal warmth reminiscent of classic gospel and soul recordings. The lyrics, particularly lines like “my hands are tired, but my heart still hums, every tear is a seed, and the rain still comes…,” reflect gentle resilience and poetic tenderness, bringing moments of quiet revelation. The production is polished yet retains a raw humanity, with careful balance between instruments and vocals that enhances the timeless, 1960s gospel soul quality of the piece. The song’s theme centers on hope, perseverance, and emotional honesty, creating a moving experience that lingers long after it concludes.
Kandro Secondo – Bohemian Christmas
“Bohemian Christmas” is an immersive and emotionally rich musical journey that captures the spirit of the Christmas season through a thoughtfully crafted collection of songs. Each piece contributes its own mood and narrative while remaining united by a warm, soulful essence that balances quiet reflection with joyous celebration. The dynamic shifts in tone and melody keep the listener engaged throughout, allowing the emotional depth of the composition to unfold naturally. Standout moments, such as in “World Christmas” with the lines “Christmas, come with your gift, listen to the child who still lives within me, bringing peace among all people,” highlight themes of innocence, hope, and unity, delivered with heartfelt sincerity. The production is polished and cohesive, with clear, expressive vocals and rich, well-arranged instrumentals that enhance the storytelling and create a timeless holiday atmosphere. The overall theme of the work celebrates the deeper meaning of Christmas, weaving together reflection, joy, and emotional warmth.
Duplexity – Labyrinth
“Labyrinth” by Duplexity is a hauntingly beautiful and emotionally immersive song that explores themes of melancholy, introspection, and relational tension. The track creates an intimate, almost cinematic atmosphere where every instrumental nuance feels deliberate, evoking the sensation of navigating an emotional maze. The interplay between the male and female vocals is particularly striking: the female voice is fragile and tender, conveying deep vulnerability, while the male voice adds a reflective, somber depth. Together, their harmonies mirror the emotional complexity suggested by the song’s title, as if two individuals are wandering through the same labyrinth of unresolved feelings. Lines such as “cold conversations, the passing time, something is not sitting right” poignantly capture subtle tension and quiet discomfort, highlighting the song’s reflective narrative. The production is polished and balanced, with careful attention to reverb, spacing, and tonal clarity, which preserves the haunting mood while allowing the emotional vulnerability of the vocals to shine. Overall, “Labyrinth” is a masterful exploration of emotional complexity and haunting beauty.
Desu Taem – irreverent resident president
“irreverent resident president” by Desu Taem is a vibrant and playful song that exudes energy, humor, and lively charm, capturing the listener’s attention from the very first note. The track carries an uplifting momentum, with a cheerful rhythm that inspires movement and sing-alongs, creating an atmosphere that feels bold and full of personality. The vocal delivery enhances this lively spirit, blending dramatic flair with confident expressiveness, which brings out the playful and humorous elements embedded in the lyrics. Lines such as “Crowned king of chaos in a plastic chair” showcase the creative storytelling and wit that define the song, giving it a distinctive and memorable character. The production quality is polished and well-balanced, allowing the vocals and instrumental layers to complement one another seamlessly, emphasizing both the lively energy and the song’s playful narrative. Overall, “irreverent resident president” is an entertaining, cleverly crafted composition that highlights Desu Taem’s artistic creativity and musical finesse.
Desu Taem – Empty. Hollowed out
“Empty. Hollowed out” by Desu Taem is a haunting and emotionally intense composition that immerses the listener in a world of darkness, tension, and vulnerability. From the opening moments, the track establishes a heavy, commanding atmosphere that feels both consuming and compelling, immediately drawing the listener into its emotional landscape. The vocal performance is raw, fierce, and expressive, perfectly mirroring the haunting spirit of the instrumental while conveying a sense of urgency and inner conflict. The instrumental arrangement, driven by powerful drumming and sharp, striking guitar riffs, amplifies the tension and provides a dynamic backbone that accentuates the theme of emotional turmoil. Lyrics such as “dark clouds, storm in my veins, echoes scream your twisted name” vividly capture the intensity and chaos within the narrative, further deepening the listener’s connection to the song. The production quality is polished and well-balanced, allowing each element, from vocals to instrumentation, to shine while preserving the track’s raw and dark energy. Overall, “Empty. Hollowed out” stands as a bold and expressive piece that showcases Desu Taem’s artistry and powerful musical storytelling.