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.
Sam Way — Alchemy (Spoken):
“Alchemy (Spoken)” by Sam Way is an emotionally rich and introspective piece where vocals, lyrics, and theme form the undeniable heart of the song. Sam’s spoken vocal delivery is tender, controlled, and deeply expressive, allowing emotion to flow naturally through every line without force or exaggeration. Lines such as “They were times we faced defeat, you made me question everything that I believe” and “take my tears, let me process, eliminate the things that I’ve done that I regret” reveal a raw honesty that anchors the track in vulnerability and self-reflection. The lyrics function as a quiet confession and healing dialogue, exploring doubt, regret, patience, and personal growth with clarity and emotional weight. “Give yourself some time to make a masterpiece” stands out as a defining moment, encapsulating the song’s central theme of transformation and self-forgiveness. Rather than relying on dramatic phrasing, the words are simple, sincere, and purposeful, allowing the listener to fully absorb their meaning. Sam’s voice carries warmth and fragility in equal measure, making the message feel lived-in and deeply human.
Musically, the song is carried by smooth, emotive, and soothing piano melodies that gently guide the emotional flow from beginning to end. The piano serves as the emotional backbone of the track, setting a calm and reflective tone while leaving space for the spoken vocals to breathe. Subtle ambient textures in the background add depth and atmosphere, giving the sound a dreamlike quality without overwhelming the intimacy of the performance. As the song progresses, deeper tones and string-like elements emerge toward the end, adding a sense of elevation and quiet resolution that mirrors the lyrical journey. The overall sound is tender, soft, and magical, reinforcing the song’s meditative nature and emotional sincerity. The production remains restrained and intentional, ensuring that every musical element supports the narrative rather than distracting from it. “Alchemy (Spoken)” succeeds as a beautifully balanced piece where spoken vocals, thoughtful lyricism, and delicate instrumentation work together to create a deeply moving and immersive experience.
Terje Gravdal — Talking Head:
Terje Gravdal’s “Talking Head” is a masterclass in vocal clarity and emotional precision, where the voice becomes the central instrument carrying the weight of the song’s message. From the opening moments, Gravdal’s vocals are measured and deliberate, imbued with a quiet authority that draws the listener into the reflective space of the track. Lines such as “if you’re talking all the time, you’ll be talking to yourself” and “if you’re talking all the time, you won’t reach anybody else, you’ll be blind and deaf and it’ll always show” are delivered with a combination of urgency and calm introspection, revealing a singer fully in control of both tone and phrasing. Every syllable is articulated with intent, allowing the listener to grasp not just the literal meaning of the words but the emotional resonance behind them. The vocal performance transforms these lyrics into a cautionary meditation on self-centered communication and isolation, making Gravdal’s introspection universally relatable. The song is unapologetically direct, holding a mirror to the listener’s own tendencies to speak without listening, while maintaining a reflective, almost meditative atmosphere that invites contemplation rather than judgment. Through his vocal delivery, Gravdal communicates both empathy and warning, showing that the real impact of communication lies not in the quantity of words spoken, but in their depth and awareness.
Musically, “Talking Head” complements its lyrical and vocal intensity with a thoughtful, restrained arrangement that foregrounds the song’s core message. The acoustic guitar forms a warm and stable harmonic foundation, its clean, minimalistic strumming emphasizing the lyrical narrative without distraction. Subtle percussive elements are introduced sparingly, adding rhythmic momentum while maintaining the song’s contemplative pace. The production is deliberately spacious, allowing Gravdal’s voice to occupy the forefront of the mix, giving the listener a sense of proximity to the narrative as if the singer is speaking directly to them. Structurally, the song’s concise runtime of just over three minutes is a testament to the precision of its design, every verse, every phrase, every pause is intentional, serving the larger thematic message. Thematically, Talking Head confronts the consequences of unrestrained speech and the isolation it breeds, highlighting how constant talking prevents genuine connection and understanding. It exposes the paradox of communication: the more one speaks without listening, the less one truly reaches others. By combining this theme with deliberate vocal delivery and clean, supportive instrumentation, Gravdal crafts a track that is both introspective and instructive, transforming a simple observation into a universal meditation on presence, attentiveness, and the human need for authentic dialogue. The song’s emotional resonance lingers beyond its runtime, encouraging reflection on personal habits, relationships, and the subtle ways in which communication shapes human experience.
Desu Taem — One-Legged Kickoff:
“One‑Legged Kickoff” is driven by vocals that are raw, intense, and commanding, establishing the emotional core of the track from the first note. The lyrics portray a theme of resilience, defiance, and determination in the face of imbalance and challenge, capturing the essence of starting “against the odds” with unwavering energy. The vocal delivery alternates between urgent, shouted phrases and controlled melodic lines, each phrase loaded with emotion and conviction. The power of the vocals amplifies the lyrics’ impact, conveying a story of struggle, persistence, and triumph with absolute clarity. Every word resonates with defiance and purpose, creating a sense of immediacy that pulls the listener into the song’s chaotic momentum. The theme extends beyond personal struggle, reflecting a broader statement on perseverance, bold action, and refusing to be constrained by circumstance. The song’s lyrical structure, combined with the dynamic vocal performance, ensures that the message is not only heard but felt viscerally, leaving a lasting impression of both intensity and empowerment.
Musically, “One‑Legged Kickoff” matches the force of its vocals with heavily distorted guitars, precise rhythmic structure, and relentless percussion, creating an atmosphere of controlled chaos. The guitar riffs are punchy, aggressive, and strategically layered, alternating between powerful chords and palm-muted accents that maintain tension while enhancing the song’s drive. The drums deliver constant propulsion with sharp snare hits, explosive cymbal crashes, and dynamic fills that complement the narrative momentum, ensuring that the energy never wanes. The production places the vocals front and center, allowing the lyrical and thematic elements to dominate while the instrumentation provides both support and amplification. The interplay of guitar, bass, and drums creates a sonic landscape that is dense, intense, and fully aligned with the lyrical message of resilience and audacity. “One‑Legged Kickoff” is a masterful integration of theme-driven vocals, evocative lyrics, and meticulously arranged instrumentation, resulting in a track that is both emotionally gripping and musically exhilarating, capturing the signature energy and vision of Desu Taem with absolute precision.
Desu Taem — The Boot In The Ass That I’ve Been Longing For:
Desu Taem’s “The Boot in the Ass That I’ve Been Longing For” delivers an unrelenting vocal performance that commands attention from the first note to the last. The vocals are gritty, raw, and filled with unbridled energy, shifting seamlessly between commanding shouts and melodic lines that are rough-edged yet precise. Every phrase carries the weight of anticipation, frustration, and fiery determination, perfectly embodying the thematic essence of the song. The lyrics, distilled directly from the song’s title, convey a bold declaration of self-assertion, empowerment, and reckoning, capturing the emotional release of finally confronting stagnation and demanding action. The track’s theme revolves around the exhilaration of facing challenges head-on, embracing the catharsis of a long-awaited push that forces transformation, and channeling frustration into personal strength. This thematic depth resonates throughout the vocal delivery, as every note, every breath, and every inflection amplifies the sense of confrontation, humor, and fearless rebellion that Desu Taem infuses into their music. The song’s energy is unapologetic, drawing the listener into a space where self-empowerment and cathartic release are celebrated through every vocal phrase.
The instrumentation perfectly complements this vocal and thematic intensity, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that drives the song forward with relentless momentum. The guitars strike with precision, layering crunchy power chords with sharp melodic flourishes that accentuate the emotional peaks of the song while maintaining a raw, aggressive edge. The bass provides a dense, punchy foundation, locking in tightly with the drums, which deliver energetic beats and fills that propel the track through its dynamic shifts. Every instrumental choice reinforces the confrontational and empowering message of the lyrics, ensuring that the musical framework enhances the emotional impact rather than overshadowing it. The production maintains a raw, unpolished texture that highlights the grit of the vocals and the precision of the instruments, creating an immersive listening experience that feels immediate, authentic, and powerful. “The Boot in the Ass That I’ve Been Longing For” succeeds as a masterclass in aligning theme, vocal delivery, and instrumentation, fusing metal energy with rock sensibility to produce a track that is bold, cathartic, and impossible to ignore.
Desu Taem — The Mad King and the Carpal Tunnel Juggler:
“The Mad King and the Carpal Tunnel Juggler” by Desu Taem bursts to life with an unrelenting energy that commands immediate attention. The vocals explode with raw intensity, swinging seamlessly between searing power and sharp, controlled moments of reflection, perfectly embodying the chaos of the “Mad King” and the relentless toil of the “Carpal Tunnel Juggler.” Every phrase is charged with urgency, each note delivered with conviction, driving the song’s narrative forward like a force of nature. The lyrics construct a vivid, surreal world where madness and labor collide, and the vocals carry this story with explosive emotional weight, oscillating between furious outbursts and tension-laden restraint. The melodic phrasing amplifies the dramatic stakes, with each climb in pitch and surge in volume sending shivers of anticipation, immersing the listener in the frenetic and unpredictable landscape of the track. From the first note to the final cadence, the song maintains a relentless momentum that makes every second feel vital, chaotic, and alive.
Instrumentally, the track is a powerhouse of aggressive precision and dynamic intensity. The rhythm guitars hammer out sharp, crunchy riffs that crash like waves, driving the song forward with unstoppable force, while the lead guitars slice through the mix with piercing, electrifying motifs that heighten every twist in the story. The bass and drums lock into a thunderous groove, with bass lines that pulse and surge in tandem with rapid-fire drum patterns, creating a heartbeat of tension and release that propels the track forward. Harmonic textures shift between dark, minor-driven turbulence and brief flashes of major resolution, reinforcing the song’s emotional rollercoaster. Every instrumental element interacts with the vocals to amplify the drama: explosive riffs punctuate screaming vocal lines, crashing drum fills accentuate the juggler’s frantic energy, and soaring guitar motifs elevate the madness of the king. “The Mad King and the Carpal Tunnel Juggler” is not just a song, it is an all-encompassing rock storm, relentless in energy, daring in storytelling, and devastatingly powerful in its execution.
Cameron Dallas — CATCH!
“CATCH!” opens with an immediacy that instantly pulls the listener into a deeply emotional space, anchored by Cameron Dallas’s expressive and nuanced artistry. From the lines, “when you’re gone the rain starts pouring .. we won’t see the sun for weeks,” the listener can feel the weight of absence and longing conveyed through his voice. Cameron masterfully balances vulnerability and intensity, infusing his performance with a trembling sincerity during softer passages while elevating the emotional tension in the crescendos, particularly in moments like “when you leave you take my heart with you … And my God .. I hope it’s true.” His phrasing and tone communicate both fear and desperation, allowing the listener to inhabit the story of love, separation, and emotional dependence that the lyrics depict. The melodic structure mirrors this vulnerability, with rising and falling lines that accentuate the emotional narrative, creating an intimate connection between performer and audience. The repetition of the lyrical motifs, combined with subtle melodic variations, cements the song’s thematic resonance, making the heartbreak and longing tangible, almost palpable. The careful layering of his voice, sometimes doubling or harmonizing subtly, amplifies the emotional impact and ensures that the story he tells is as sonically compelling as it is thematically rich.
Musically, “CATCH!” achieves a delicate balance between polished electro-pop production and raw emotional storytelling. The rhythmic foundation of the track, featuring syncopated percussion and punchy electronic beats, drives the song forward while maintaining space for the vocals to breathe and resonate. Layered synth textures and atmospheric pads provide depth, subtly evoking the stormy emotions described in the lyrics, while minimalist harmonic choices prevent the production from overshadowing the vocal narrative. The track’s concise, hook-focused structure maximizes impact, ensuring that emotionally charged lines like “no it can’t be true, I can’t lose you .. it’s no supposed to end this soon” hit with full intensity, leaving a lingering effect on the listener. Every sonic element, whether a subtle electronic accent, a drop in the percussion, or a swell in the background pads is intentionally placed to enhance the lyrical tension and support the vocal journey. Ultimately, “CATCH!” is a masterful example of emotional storytelling through modern pop production, blending heartfelt vulnerability, compelling lyrical themes, and sophisticated sonic design to create a song that is both deeply affecting and highly engaging for listeners.
François Marius — All That She Wants:
“All That She Wants” is a mesmerizing exploration of longing, desire, and emotional solitude, brought vividly to life through a delicate yet hypnotic sonic landscape. From the very first notes, the song immerses the listener in the character’s world: the soft acoustic reggae vibe, created with warm, sweet guitar lines and cozy fingersnapping percussions, instantly conveys intimacy and introspection. The thematic essence of yearning is reflected in the music itself, each plucked string, each rhythmic snap mirrors the persistent pull of desire and the quiet loneliness the lyrics describe. As the track unfolds, the reggae-infused acoustic guitar takes the lead, soon accompanied by heavy, pounding kicks that follow its steady, fluid rhythm, while the bass provides a weighted yet graceful groove, anchoring the sound with smooth melodic movement. Subtle background textures, from ambient pads to light synth swells, add depth without crowding the space, creating an atmosphere that feels both calm and hypnotically infectious. Every instrumental choice reinforces the narrative, with the flowing, gentle arrangement reflecting the emotional currents of the story: the restless longing, the bittersweet melancholy, and the tender hope that underlie the character’s life.
Vocally, François Marius and Bérénice carry the song’s emotional heart with masterful finesse. François’s voice opens the track, delivering the lyrics “all that she wants is another baby. She gon tomorrow why? All that she want is another baby” and “She lead a lonely life …. when she wakes up late under the morning light” with soothing warmth, emotive subtlety, and a conversational intimacy that makes the listener feel the character’s solitude and inner yearning. His phrasing, gentle vibrato, and melodic flow turn the storytelling into a deeply personal experience, drawing the listener into the emotional weight of the narrative. Bérénice’s vocals arrive later in the song, like a soft echo of the longing already established, adding a magical layer that enhances the story’s depth. Her tender, ethereal voice intertwines with François’s, creating a dual vocal dialogue that emphasizes both connection and isolation, mirroring the push-and-pull of desire and loneliness central to the song’s theme. The combination of the hypnotic instrumentation, acoustic guitar drenched in reggaeton vibes, sweet pounding kicks, fluid basslines, and layered ambient textures, and the emotionally rich, complementary vocals results in a track that is both calm and compelling, intimate yet universal. “All That She Wants” succeeds as a fully immersive listening experience, where theme, lyrics, vocals, and instrumentation coalesce seamlessly into a hypnotic, deeply resonant expression of human longing.
Cormac — Defenceless:
“Defenceless” by Cormac is a profoundly intimate and emotionally charged track that thrives on the raw vulnerability expressed through its vocal performance. From the very first lines, “I am not alone but I always feel it … I hide myself cause I’m scared of feeling what I’m really thinking … I feel defeated,” Cormac conveys a depth of internal struggle that is both relatable and heart-wrenching. His vocal delivery is meticulous, delicate yet controlled, with subtle inflections that reflect fear, hesitation, and longing. Each phrase is carefully articulated, allowing the emotional nuances of the lyrics to resonate fully with the listener. The verses adopt a restrained melodic contour, almost conversational in tone, which mirrors the feeling of introspection and isolation. In contrast, the chorus swells dynamically, reflecting a surge of emotional release as he navigates the tension between wanting to feel understood and the fear of exposing his inner self. The pacing, in combination with the key of E major and moderate tempo, frames his vulnerability in a way that feels both hopeful and sorrowful, giving the song a layered emotional texture that pulls the listener into his personal narrative.
Musically, “Defenceless” employs an arrangement that emphasizes space, subtlety, and emotional resonance, ensuring that the vocals and lyrical content remain at the forefront. Sparse instrumentation, including soft pads, gentle harmonic layering, and understated percussion, creates an expansive yet intimate soundscape that mirrors the fragility expressed in the lyrics. The chorus; “Can I be alright just a second just a moment just a day … It’s not a lie when I’m turning fire to ice … Cos I’m defenceless, I’m just a wreck yeah”, exemplifies the song’s thematic core of vulnerability, self-doubt, and the struggle for emotional stability. The restrained musical texture allows these moments to breathe, making every pause, every melodic rise, and every vocal inflection feel deliberate and impactful. Even the minimal harmonic shifts contribute to a sense of unease and introspection, reinforcing the narrative of feeling overwhelmed yet yearning for clarity. Overall, the interplay between the heartfelt vocal performance, introspective lyrics, and understated yet intentional instrumentation creates a track that is emotionally immersive, artistically coherent, and deeply moving, cementing “Defenceless” as a standout example of Cormac’s emerging artistry and his ability to communicate profound personal truths through music.
Soul de Vienne — That Was Insane:
“That Was Insane” is an emotionally immersive track that places the human experience at its core, with the vocals acting as both narrator and emotional conduit. From the very first note, the lead vocal performance captures a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the listener directly into the moment being described. The vocal delivery shifts naturally between reflective calm and impassioned intensity, perfectly mirroring the song’s thematic exploration of life-altering experiences that are as exhilarating as they are overwhelming. Layered harmonies and subtle backing vocals add depth, reinforcing key emotional beats without ever overpowering the narrative, creating a soundscape where every inflection and dynamic choice carries meaning. The song’s theme revolves around the transformative power of extraordinary, unpredictable moments, celebrating the thrill, chaos, and awe that come with experiences that defy expectations. The message encourages listeners to embrace life’s unpredictability, to feel fully, and to allow themselves to be moved by events that leave a lasting impact, positioning the track as a reflection on both vulnerability and exhilaration. The vocal performance, with its careful phrasing and emotive resonance, becomes a mirror of the song’s emotional landscape, making the listener feel both present and understood in the moment being recounted.
Instrumentally, “That Was Insane” is a lush, multi-layered sonic tapestry that perfectly complements its thematic intensity. A warm, rounded bassline forms the backbone of the track, grounding the emotional peaks and valleys, while the keys, played in smooth, soulful textures reminiscent of organ tones, create an expansive, reflective atmosphere. Percussion is meticulously crafted: delicate hi-hat patterns and soft snare accents drive the momentum without overwhelming the narrative, while the occasional use of cymbal swells adds tension at climactic moments. Strings or brass may subtly punctuate critical points in the track, giving emphasis to emotional climaxes and enhancing the cinematic quality of the arrangement. The instrumentation is carefully balanced to serve the song’s message, ensuring that every melodic and rhythmic choice reflects the feeling of awe, intensity, and transformation central to the track. Production-wise, the sound retains an analog warmth and natural resonance, maintaining an organic, human touch that makes the song feel lived-in and authentic. Overall, the combination of expressive vocals, intricately layered instruments, and deliberate production choices coalesce to amplify the song’s exploration of extraordinary, life-defining experiences, making “That Was Insane” a fully realized, emotionally compelling listening experience.
REDSKY — JMJLA:
“JMJLA” by REDSKY is a masterclass in high-energy hip-hop production, immediately drawing the listener into its immersive sonic landscape. The track’s foundation is built on a deep, punchy bassline that gives the song a strong physical presence, complemented by crisp, rolling hi-hats and layered percussion that create a rhythmic drive impossible to ignore. The instrumental arrangement is carefully crafted, balancing the low-end power with atmospheric synths and subtle melodic textures that fill the mid and upper frequencies, giving the song a sense of spaciousness without losing its intensity. Transitions between sections are fluid yet noticeable, with slight variations in instrumentation and beat patterns that maintain listener engagement while emphasizing the dynamic flow of the track. The production allows REDSKY’s voice to cut through effortlessly, highlighting both the technical precision of his delivery and the commanding presence the song exudes. Every musical element works in harmony to convey confidence, energy, and a bold, assertive character that defines “JMJLA” as an unforgettable entry in REDSKY’s discography.
Vocally, REDSKY dominates “JMJLA” with a delivery that is both commanding and fluid, effortlessly riding the beat while adding nuanced inflections and rhythmic variations that make each line resonate. His flow demonstrates a mastery of cadence and timing, with a confident attack on every word that reinforces the track’s themes of self-assurance, dominance, and resilience. The lyrics, reinforced by this intense delivery, explore the artist’s assertion of presence and control within his environment, encapsulating a sense of determination and unyielding energy that drives the song forward. Hooks and verses are structured to maximize impact, creating moments of repetition that anchor the listener while allowing the verses to explore lyrical dexterity and rhythmic complexity. Together with the intricate beat and production choices, REDSKY’s performance ensures that “JMJLA” is not just a song to listen to but an experience that resonates emotionally and physically, solidifying its place as a standout track in contemporary hip-hop.
Elysia Nicolas — I Walk Alone:
“I Walk Alone” by Eylsia Nicolas is a profoundly introspective and emotionally charged declaration of resilience, and at its core, the vocal performance and thematic expression drive the listener’s experience. Nicolas’s voice carries a measured sincerity, her mezzo‑soprano timbre shifts effortlessly between soft, contemplative verses and commanding, expansive choruses, creating a dynamic arc of vulnerability and strength. In the verses, she delivers with quiet intensity, conveying the weight of solitude and self‑reflection through controlled breath and subtle inflections that suggest both fragility and determination. As the song progresses into its chorus, her delivery broadens in range and volume without losing clarity, embodying the emotional shift from uncertainty to empowerment. The lyrical theme centers on independence, the courage to confront inner and outer challenges alone, and the transformative journey from introspection to self‑assuredness. These thematic elements are not just stated but felt through every vocal phrase, where nuance, hesitation, resolve, uplift, becomes part of the narrative structure. The emotional narrative resonates with anyone who has faced adversity, turning personal reflection into universal strength.
Instrumentally, “I Walk Alone” is crafted with an expressive yet spacious musical landscape that complements and elevates the song’s thematic core. The arrangement blends atmospheric synth textures with subtle piano or guitar motifs, providing a shimmering backdrop that feels both intimate and expansive. Rhythmic elements maintain a steady, pulse‑driven momentum, with percussion patterns that underscore the emotional weight of the lyrics without overpowering the vocal forefront. The bass lines add warmth and grounding, while harmonic progressions shift between contemplative and uplifting tones, enhancing the sense of journey embedded in the song’s structure. Production choices favor clarity and balance: every instrument occupies a defined sonic space, allowing the emotional intent of the vocals to remain prominent while enriching the overall feel with layered depth. The instrumental transitions, gentle builds before the chorus, textural swells during emotional peaks, mirror the song’s internal transformation, making the feel of the track as compelling as its message of strength and self‑discovery. This thoughtful interplay between theme and sound design makes “I Walk Alone” not just a song, but an immersive emotional experience.