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.
June Turns Black – Gotafeelin:
gotafeelin begins like a gentle breeze brushing over emotional scars, soothing and tender in its delivery. The opening is draped in delicate piano melodies and shimmering synths that sway with ethereal grace, setting a tone that’s both melancholic and hopeful. Subtle vocal samples float in and out, while soft harmonic vocals layer themselves like whispers from a distant memory. There’s a haunting calm in this moment, an almost cinematic stillness that feels like the calm before a storm. Then, gently but decisively, hypnotic percussions emerge, guiding the track into a realm where softness starts to flirt with tension. This careful build-up is one of the most striking elements of the track. Rather than diving headfirst into intensity, June Turns Black invites us into a slow, emotional unraveling. As the song transitions, the textures grow darker, more layered, and increasingly ominous. Suddenly, the sound blooms into a distorted and aggressive outcry, a bold contrast to its peaceful beginning. Gritty guitars, turbulent drums, and raw, punk-infused yet soft vocal deliveries crash through the serene landscape, like emotion finally snapping under the weight of unspoken pain. It’s a masterclass in emotional pacing, where each sonic shift carries weight and intention. By blending such vastly different energies within a single track, gotafeelin becomes more than just a song, it becomes a journey through emotional turbulence and catharsis. The juxtaposition between softness and aggression, control and chaos, gives the track a deep sense of narrative and personal vulnerability. June Turns Black has crafted something deeply expressive, showing that fragility and fury can coexist in the same breath. It’s hypnotic, unsettling, beautiful, and wholly unforgettable.
François Marius – Catch The Sun – Jamaican Version:
Catch The Sun – Jamaican Version is a vibrant and soul-soothing offering that dives deep into the roots of reggae while embodying a refreshing modern touch. Right from the start, the track delivers an immersive instrumental texture that feels both cohesive and deeply intentional. The rhythm section stands strong, with crisp, pocketed drumming and a full-bodied bassline that gently steers the groove forward without ever needing to rush. The piano, though subtle in presence, plays an incredibly vital role here. Its clean, skanking stabs breathe authenticity into the rhythm, adding that rich, syncopated pulse that is synonymous with classic reggae. Yet, it’s the interplay between all the instruments, the tight rhythm guitar, warm bass, expressive keys, and perfectly paced percussion, that creates the true magic. Nothing feels overdone; each element carries its own weight while feeding the collective momentum of the track. It’s this sense of instrumental unity that gives the track its infectious sway and easy-living spirit. François’ vocal performance, meanwhile, offers a calm, grounded presence that sits comfortably in the middle of the mix. His tone is relaxed and effortlessly natural, echoing the carefree optimism the track is rooted in. But what makes the vocal delivery truly shine is the interplay with the background vocals. These airy, contrasting layers are not just mere harmonies or afterthoughts, they feel intentional, placed like brushstrokes around the lead vocal to evoke both texture and depth. The background voice acts almost like a companion: softly responding, occasionally reinforcing, and at times dancing around François’ lines with graceful subtlety. This layering creates a soft call-and-response dynamic that is deeply characteristic of reggae and adds to the song’s emotional depth. The fills are gentle but effective, painting a sonic image that feels like an open dialogue between the self and the surrounding energy, warm, welcoming, and soulfully rich. Altogether, Catch The Sun – Jamaican Version is a beautifully constructed celebration of reggae’s spirit, executed with both reverence and individuality. François Marius doesn’t rely on flashy techniques or overwhelming flourishes to win over the listener, instead, he lets the groove speak, letting every layer unfold with patience and purpose. The song invites its audience into a state of peaceful surrender, offering a gentle reminder to slow down, be present, and embrace the moment, just as one would when watching the sun dip below the horizon. It’s a track that doesn’t just sound good, it feels right. It’s warm, grounded, melodically satisfying, and masterfully understated in a way that honors the reggae tradition while also leaving room for personal expression. Marius has struck a fine balance between musical craftsmanship and emotional honesty, and in doing so, he’s created a piece that lingers long after the final note fades.
François Marius – Positive Vibes – Jamaican Version:
Positive Vibes – Jamaican Version is a calm and radiant escape wrapped in sound. From the moment the track begins, you’re immersed in a relaxed but vibrant reggae groove that feels both classic and alive. The instrumentation is masterfully layered: the rhythm guitar chops are tight yet breezy, the bassline pulses steadily like a heartbeat, and the one-drop drums guide the song’s energy with quiet assurance. But it’s the gentle presence of the synth-piano melodies that adds an ethereal lift, soft ripples that float through the mix like sunlight dancing on water. Together, these elements don’t just build a groove; they open a sonic doorway into stillness, optimism, and emotional clarity. François’s vocal presence is one of the track’s most compelling features. His voice doesn’t push, it flows, speaking directly to the heart with a calm warmth that makes each word feel honest and lived-in. What deepens that emotional pull is the way the backing vocals weave around his lead, soft, soulful echoes that cradle the melody and add a sense of spiritual closeness, almost like a choir of reassurance. There’s something profoundly human in the way the voices blend: not perfect or overproduced, but genuine, grounded, and heartfelt. His message of unity, peace, and inner strength resonates without needing to be loud, because the emotional sincerity speaks louder than volume ever could. This version of Positive Vibes captures the essence of reggae while also carving out something distinctly personal. François isn’t borrowing a style, he’s conversing with it, honoring the roots while letting his own creative soul pour through every note. The fusion of raw rhythm, mellow harmonics, and lyrical depth creates a space where the listener can breathe, reflect, and be uplifted. It’s music made for the mind and the spirit, something to carry with you on heavy days and peaceful mornings alike. In its simplicity lies its power, and in its sincerity lies its beauty. François Marius has crafted not just a song, but a small sanctuary of sound.
Souljunkie – Silence (Alternate Version):
This song is a masterfully arranged piece that immediately captures attention with its percussive brilliance. The track opens with rhythmic clarity, and soon after, smooth acoustic textures settle in like a warm breeze. It’s a rich, refreshing combination that feels both grounded and elevated. Then comes the guitar, graceful, melodic, and emotionally fluid, pouring into the arrangement with a delicate charm. Together with the earthy percussions and flowing stringed melodies, they establish a soundscape reminiscent of Middle Eastern folk traditions, embedding cultural nuance and character into the core of the track. As the composition progresses, it develops into a genre-blending sonic experience. Soft rock elements begin to subtly emerge, especially through the drumbeat’s evolving structure, creating a layered momentum. Yet, the folk-inspired percussions remain anchored, preserving the cultural essence while driving the track forward. The thumping, reverberating basslines add necessary depth and resonance, giving the track a grounded fullness that supports both its rhythm and emotion. Every instrument feels alive, contributing to a shared musical vision that is texturally sparse yet emotionally saturated. Vocally, the track thrives in its softness and serenity. The delivery is calm and composed, allowing the lyrics to breathe naturally over the instrumentation. There are moments where the vocals echo, gentle and haunting, adding a layer of elegance that’s subtle but deeply effective. This light vocal reverb, paired with the careful instrumental spacing, creates a sound that feels intimate yet expansive. The overall production doesn’t crowd the listener, it invites them in, offering a beautifully balanced rhythm that is culturally rich, emotionally reflective, and sonically immersive.
Drela X Stoneboy – Dem Dead:
Dem Dead is a powerful sonic statement, a fearless, hard-hitting anthem that carries the grit and ambition of street resilience blended with the finesse of African dancehall. From the moment the beat kicks in, it becomes clear that this track is more than just music, it’s a declaration of strength. The instrumental pulses with thick Afro-dancehall basslines and militant drum patterns, creating an explosive rhythmic foundation that commands attention. The production thrives on a seamless fusion of Afrobeats and dancehall, showcasing an energetic synergy between Nigerian street-hop influences and Ghanaian musical boldness. Every kick and synth accentuates the aggressive, war-ready tone of the song, making it both a club banger and a call to rise above. Lyrically, Dem Dead channels the spirit of survival and victory. Drela’s verses are charged with boldness, his voice cutting through the mix with a fierce confidence that embodies someone who’s had to fight his way up. His performance is raw yet controlled, pouring grit and determination into each line. Stonebwoy’s entry adds a thrilling dynamic shift; his smooth yet powerful delivery brings international weight to the record. The chemistry between both artists is electric, they don’t just complement each other, they amplify each other’s presence. The chorus is infectious, designed for massive crowd interaction, and its chant-like structure makes it perfect for street and stage anthems alike. It’s the kind of hook that sticks in your mind and ignites a fire in the listener, inspiring pride, defiance, and momentum. Beyond its sonic force, Dem Dead is deeply rooted in cultural and artistic intention. It represents a landmark moment in Drela’s journey, a bold step from rising underground force to regional recognition. Featuring one of Ghana’s most respected musical exports signals more than just ambition; it represents unity, cross-border strength, and the emergence of a new West African sound built on collaboration and energy. With this single, Drela positions himself not just as a promising act, but as a voice of the streets, backed by Stonebwoy’s seasoned credibility and a production that feels crafted to make waves. Dem Dead doesn’t just play, it stomps, speaks, and surges forward with undeniable force.
Local Hero – I Am On Fire:
I Am On Fire explodes with a fierce, volatile energy that immediately grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. The opening riffs are razor-sharp and charged with urgency, setting the tone for a track that burns with unapologetic defiance. The guitars snarl with grit and distortion, while the drums pound in with primal force, creating a foundation that feels both raw and calculated. There’s an electrifying sense of rebellion in the way everything comes together, the bass growls underneath like a monster waking up, and the tension builds as the sound evolves. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t merely introduce itself; it announces itself with a bang. The vocal delivery is absolutely relentless, channeling fury through every line with an unfiltered emotional power that feels almost visceral. What begins with controlled chaos grows increasingly wild and aggressive as the track progresses, as if the vocalist is growing more possessed with each passing verse. The tempo subtly escalates, and the instrumentation intensifies in tandem, pushing the song to a thrilling boiling point. The shouting becomes more vicious, more desperate, and more cathartic, it’s as though the entire band is releasing years of frustration in under four minutes. The sound is rough around the edges in all the right ways, giving it a brutally honest texture that doesn’t pretend to be polished, instead, it dares to be real. By the time the final moments hit, I Am On Fire has transformed from a fierce outburst into a full-on sonic assault, reaching levels of intensity that leave a lasting impression on the listener. The acceleration of both the rhythm and emotion is undeniable, you can feel the momentum building and crashing like a tidal wave of sound and rage. It’s a track that embodies chaos and control in equal measure, keeping the energy alive from start to finish without ever losing its purpose. This is music that burns bright and fast, unapologetically loud and fiercely authentic. Local Hero doesn’t just play with fire here, they become it.
Local Hero – Break Free of All Chains:
Break Free Of All Chains is a high-energy, gritty-textured punk rock masterpiece that bursts forth with a sense of urgency and rebellion from the very first second. The driving guitars are sharp and relentless, crafting a fierce wall of sound that commands attention and fuels the song’s core message of liberation and resistance. Local Hero delivers the instrumental chaos with precision, blending distorted layers and crashing drums into a soundscape that feels raw yet intentional, perfectly suited for mosh pits and emotional catharsis alike. What makes this track even more powerful is its emotional weight. Beneath the aggressive instrumentation lies a spirit of defiance and empowerment. The vocal delivery is intense and unwavering, punching through the mix with a rebellious clarity that underscores the lyrics’ cry for personal and societal freedom. There’s a fire in the performance that suggests this isn’t just music, it’s a mission, a release, and a rallying call. Local Hero channels the chaotic beauty of punk rock not just as a genre but as an attitude, and that commitment bleeds through every second of the track. As the song charges forward, the tension and tempo escalate, giving the final moments a ferocious energy that lingers even after the last chord fades. Break Free Of All Chains doesn’t just entertain, it energizes, awakens, and challenges. It’s the kind of track that refuses to be background noise, demanding your attention with every note and every scream. Local Hero has carved out something compelling here: a fearless anthem that stands proud in the tradition of punk, but with its own voice that refuses to be silenced.
Danny Waters, Volgin & Ertan Koculu – I Wanna (Danny Waters Remix):
I Wanna (Danny Waters Remix) by Volgin and Ertan Koculu is a deeply immersive journey through the finest edges of deep house. From the moment the track begins, Danny Waters injects a hypnotic pull with rhythmic basslines and subtle groove layering. The intro unfolds with delicate percussion that steadily builds anticipation, wrapping listeners in a warm, pulsating aura. The remix doesn’t rush, it allows space for the progression to breathe, laying a sonic bed that is both soulful and kinetic. Waters’ remixing skills shine in the way he transforms the original’s essence into something atmospheric yet rhythmically driven. The heart of the remix lies in its perfectly engineered blend of textures. Deep pads swell in the background while an elegant vocal loop threads through the mix, adding a sensual, human edge that lingers without overwhelming the beat. There’s a rich layering of synths that shimmer subtly, drawing from melodic deep house while keeping the low-end grounded. The groove is tight and consistent, but it’s the detailed flourishes, reverbs, echoes, slight pitch warps, that create the emotional resonance. Each section of the track brings a sense of anticipation and resolve, with breakdowns that don’t disrupt the momentum but elevate it with tastefully minimalist transitions. By the time the remix reaches its final stretch, Danny Waters has created a soundscape that’s equally suited for a late-night dancefloor as it is for introspective listening. It’s groovy without being aggressive, stylish without being sterile. The energy is both deep and refined, staying true to the DNA of deep house while elevating the mood with a modern, cinematic flair. I Wanna (Remix) doesn’t just revisit the original, it reinvents it through emotion, rhythm, and depth, giving the track a new identity that stands on its own in today’s deep house sphere.