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.
S. Coop – UNDER DI GUN (Acoustic Version):
“UNDER DI GUN (Acoustic Version)”is a striking departure from the conventional idea of acoustic music, bringing a fresh perspective that merges intimacy with rich sonic creativity. The song opens with S. Coop’s voice taking full control; clean, crisp, and richly textured. There’s an immediate connection as his vocals glide effortlessly through the soundscape, setting a deeply emotive tone without sounding overly melancholic. Rather than relying solely on guitar as many acoustic songs do, this version opts for a far more nuanced and creative instrumental arrangement. The percussive elements are particularly noteworthy, not loud or dominating, but subtly rooted in a stripped-down Caribbean-style rhythm that injects warmth and identity into the foundation. This percussive groove, although delicate, drives the flow with a quiet confidence. The guitar strings, while subtle, are clear, rich, and meticulously placed, blending with melodic piano motifs that lend an extra layer of sweetness and calm sophistication. The serene shimmer of the synths adds a gentle softness, almost like sunlight dancing on water, elevating the atmosphere without overwhelming it.
What truly sets this version apart is the restrained elegance with which it builds and holds tension. There are moments in the instrumentation where it feels like everything is about to burst open, like a crescendo waiting to happen, yet it never does. Instead, it pulls back intentionally, choosing refinement over drama, and that restraint adds emotional depth. The background vocal adlibs are a masterstroke, subtly layered to enrich the overall vocal texture without pulling attention from the main melody. They create a sort of ambient vocal echo, enhancing the feeling of introspection and internal dialogue. The progression remains stable and smooth throughout, giving the listener a sense of emotional continuity. It’s acoustic music, yes, but not in the typical bare-bones, guitar-only fashion. It’s acoustic with intention, elegance, and personality. S. Coop crafts a version that feels both quietly powerful and beautifully intricate, proving that simplicity, when done with this level of care, can be just as impactful, if not more, than a full-blown production.
Llamadeus – Something About Your Love:
“Something About Your Love” is an alluring sonic experience that gracefully blends atmospheric synth-pop with the emotional pulse of contemporary R&B. From the opening seconds, the song crafts a space of intimate vulnerability through silky synth layers and ambient textures that serve as a backdrop for the song’s central theme: the indescribable power of romantic connection. The beat is clean and controlled, with smooth percussive elements that never overpower but instead provide a polished structure for the melodic elements to shine. Llamadeus makes intelligent use of spatial mixing, giving every element room to breathe, particularly the lead synths and soft, gliding harmonies that float over the instrumental like mist. The chord progression, though subtle, evokes a feeling of nostalgia and warmth, allowing listeners to sink into a mood that’s simultaneously dreamy and emotionally grounded. The production overall feels meticulous yet effortless, with a restrained elegance that’s more focused on emotional resonance than showy effects.
Vocally, Llamadeus delivers with a hushed intimacy that feels almost confessional. His tone is warm and textured, perfectly suited for the song’s romantic undertones, and his phrasing demonstrates a clear understanding of melodic dynamics. There’s a soul-infused delicacy in his voice that elevates the lyrics beyond simplicity, when he sings about love, it’s not cliché; it’s personal. The refrain, subtle yet catchy, is where the magic lingers, each repetition imprinting itself gently into the listener’s memory. The lyrical content, though minimalist, is powerfully evocative, capturing the ineffable sensation of being drawn to someone beyond explanation. It’s not just about infatuation, it’s about resonance, that deep, ineffable pull between souls. The layering of light harmonies during the chorus enhances this emotional depth, creating a soft echo effect that mimics the lingering thoughts of someone you can’t forget. Altogether, “Something About Your Love” stands as a brilliant fusion of modern electronic sensitivity and timeless romantic sentiment, revealing Llamadeus as a storyteller of emotion.
David Alex-Barton – Dog ‘N All:
“Dog ’N All” is a heartwarming, sonically polished country-pop rock track that gently celebrates the irreplaceable bond between a person and their dog, unfolding with an easy charm and emotional accessibility that feels both timeless and authentic. The song opens with a bright, shimmering electric guitar riff, cleanly picked and melodically inviting, that instantly sets a nostalgic tone, echoing the feel of late-90s country-infused soft rock. What follows is a tight and neatly arranged rhythm section built around a mid-tempo groove: steady kick drums, lightly brushed snares, and a warm, supportive bassline that subtly glues the instrumentation together without ever overpowering it. Acoustic guitar strums come in beneath the lead melody, adding an earthy, organic layer that further grounds the track’s easy-going nature. David Alex-Barton’s vocals enter smoothly, crisp and clear in the mix, with an honest tone that’s both conversational and emotionally resonant. His delivery is steady and confident, with minimal melodic strain and just the right amount of expressive inflection, allowing the lyrics to land naturally with heartfelt clarity. As the first verse transitions into the chorus, subtle production flourishes appear: background harmonies begin to bloom, and Randy McLellan, whose vocal layering adds emotional weight and dimension to the hook expresses himself with his rich vocals. The chorus itself expands just slightly in intensity, with more pronounced guitar strums, lifted vocals, and a gentle melodic peak that feels like a warm embrace rather than a dramatic climax.
Lyrically, “Dog ’N All” walks the perfect line between light-hearted and sincere, expressing appreciation for a dog’s loyalty with the kind of poetic directness that’s easy to connect with. Rather than overcomplicate the message, the songwriting leans into relatable imagery and familiar emotions, offering a wholesome perspective that reflects broader themes like companionship, trust, and unconditional love. The second verse builds gently upon the first, introducing more vocal harmony and instrumental depth; you’ll notice the electric guitar beginning to insert short melodic phrases between lines, while a barely-there pad or keyboard tone adds background warmth and subtle ambiance. The bridge, while not overly dramatic, provides a tasteful dynamic shift, easing the listener into a more reflective moment before the final chorus returns with a touch more vigor and fullness. The track’s final 30 seconds ease into an instrumental outro that reintroduces the opening guitar motif, bringing the journey full circle with a satisfying sense of closure. Sonically, the production is pristine, each element is well-balanced and clear, with thoughtful use of stereo space and layering. “Dog ’N All” doesn’t rush nor linger; it’s compact yet emotionally full, familiar yet fresh. Ultimately, it stands as a beautifully produced and thoughtfully written tribute to companionship, wrapped in a comforting soundscape that invites listeners to pause, smile, and remember the simple joys that never fade.
Dax – Lonely Dirt Road:
From the very first few seconds, “Lonely Dirt Road” immerses the listener in a space of atmospheric stillness and emotional gravity. The track opens with soft, reverb-soaked piano chords that are intentionally sparse, setting a reflective, almost sacred tone that feels like standing alone at sunrise on an endless country road. These keys are accompanied by airy ambient textures that seem to float behind Dax’s voice, acting as a gentle emotional bedrock. There’s a subtle swell of warmth in the background, almost like a distant wind, giving the impression of movement even when everything feels still, an auditory metaphor for what the song is about: moving through emotional stillness to find clarity. As the song progresses, delicate percussive elements and faint basslines begin to emerge, not overpowering, but rather pulsing slowly like a heartbeat, grounding the listener in the present moment. The production never tries to outshine the message; instead, it breathes with Dax’s delivery, expanding and retracting with the rhythm of his emotions. The mix is clean and intentionally minimal, with each instrumental component given space to exist without clutter, allowing the gravity of his lyrics and voice to dominate the auditory field.
Emotionally, the song is drenched in vulnerability, self-reflection, and spiritual introspection. Dax’s vocal tone is conversational yet heavy with feeling, his cadence fluctuates gently, rising during moments of longing or subtle intensity and falling back into quiet restraint when he reflects on his personal struggles. There’s a crack in his voice that isn’t theatrical but rather honest; it sounds like someone confessing thoughts that are usually kept locked away. The lyrics are soul-baring, but the way they’re delivered, calm, deliberate, and deeply human, is what makes the track so powerful. As the song unfolds, you begin to feel the weight of what “the lonely dirt road” represents: a physical and spiritual sanctuary, a place removed from judgment, chaos, and noise. The second half of the track introduces gentle harmonic layers that echo behind his words, almost like ghosts of thoughts or prayers, an ethereal presence that suggests he’s not entirely alone out there. There’s no dramatic climax or beat drop; instead, the song resolves with the same quiet dignity it began with, like a slow exhale after holding in too much for too long. The emotional progression mirrors a journey through solitude, ending not in answers, but in peace. Dax doesn’t just perform this song, he lives it, and in doing so, he invites the listener to step into that same road, to find their own quiet and perhaps their own healing.
Dax – Man I Used To Be:
“Man I Used to Be” by Dax is an emotionally gripping, soul-baring masterpiece built on a beautifully restrained yet deeply expressive instrumental framework. The song begins with a delicate, melancholic guitar riff, rich in reverb and warmth, setting a moody, reflective tone that immediately draws the listener into a world of inner dialogue and spiritual confrontation. This guitar-driven intro isn’t flashy, it’s subtle, spacious, and almost cinematic in its phrasing, acting like an open door into Dax’s internal monologue. As his voice enters, crisp and full of emotional weight, it melds seamlessly with the guitar, almost as if they’re two parts of the same story. The production gradually expands, introducing soft R&B drum programming, muted kicks and gentle snares that maintain a steady rhythm without intruding on the song’s contemplative essence. As the track progresses, mellow piano melodies are layered in, flowing like distant thoughts surfacing in the back of the mind. These piano touches are faint and airy, yet they breathe life into the soundscape, further enhancing the track’s dreamy and introspective ambiance. The instrumentation doesn’t dominate; it breathes, evolves, and retreats in perfect sync with the rise and fall of Dax’s emotions, creating a hauntingly atmospheric R&B backdrop that is as therapeutic as it is immersive.
Lyrically and vocally, Dax delivers one of his most vulnerable performances to date, pouring raw emotion into every line as he recounts the painful chapters of his past and the difficult journey toward healing and transformation. His voice is steady but emotional, occasionally breaking just enough to let you feel the struggle behind the words. Lines like “I’m half the man I used to be / It’s gon’ take some getting used to me” are not just sung, they’re confessed. There’s a rhythmic intimacy in his cadence, as he switches between melodic singing and near-spoken-word delivery that makes each lyric feel deeply personal and immediate. As the track unfolds, ambient pads and faint vocal harmonies begin to fill the background, adding a lush, immersive quality that makes the whole song feel like it’s unfolding in a memory. The second half of the track becomes more emotionally potent as subtle swells in the production mirror Dax’s lyrical elevation from pain to acceptance and hope. Despite its softness, the song carries immense emotional weight, delivered through every carefully placed chord, every breathy harmony, and every moment of silence between lines. “Man I Used to Be” doesn’t just showcase Dax’s lyrical storytelling, it demonstrates his mastery of emotional composition and his ability to create a soundscape that feels like both a confession and a healing sanctuary.
François Marius – Rock the World 2 Peace (Original Album Version):
Rock the World 2 Peace (Original Album Version) is a vibrant fusion of Latin urban rhythm, reggaeton cadence, and soulful instrumentation that channels a global call for unity and transformation. The song bursts open with a confident, rhythmic energy that instantly draws listeners into its dance-infused pulse, underpinned by a deeply infectious reggaeton-style beat that never loses its grounding in groove and soul. Marius’ vocals, crisp, resonant, and filled with conviction, glide with intention across the instrumental layers, offering lyrical affirmations of peace, resilience, and shared humanity. His delivery is both assertive and warm, striking a rare balance between activism and celebration. What elevates the track even further is the sophisticated arrangement: syncopated drums blend seamlessly with a melodic bassline, while shimmering piano chords add warmth and harmonic depth. Every element feels deliberately placed, never cluttered, but layered enough to provide a dynamic listening experience. The song’s bilingual essence, combining both English and French, adds to its international appeal, breaking linguistic barriers while strengthening its message of universal togetherness, showing that peace and music speak a language that transcends borders.
One of the most striking and emotionally compelling features of the track is the use of the saxophone, which enters subtly at first, then blossoms into a soulful presence that carries immense expressive weight. Its arrival feels like a turning point in the song’s sonic landscape, introducing not just another instrument, but a voice of emotion. The saxophone’s tone is warm, fluid, and slightly jazzy, adding a sophisticated melodic layer that contrasts and complements the song’s punchy rhythm with grace. Its phrasing feels almost conversational, like a voice of reason or a gentle wind of hope whispering through the urgency of the beat, guiding the listener emotionally through the song’s message. As it weaves through the percussive elements, it gives the track a cinematic edge, enriching the overall atmosphere with both elegance and urgency. There’s a natural chemistry between the saxophone and Marius’ vocals, as if the instrument echoes what the lyrics leave unsaid. The addition of background harmonizing vocals adds a sweet deepened touch to the conclusion of the song. The sax not only softens the intensity of the reggaeton rhythm but also elevates the song’s emotional resonance, making the message of peace not just something heard, but deeply felt. Marius’ integration of such expressive instrumentation into a genre often dominated by synthetic textures is a bold, refreshing, and thoughtful artistic choice, and it works beautifully to create a song that’s both sonically compelling and spiritually uplifting.
Kwesi Slay – Tuutu Doo:
This track is uniqueness in every ramification, it’s wildly good. The vibe, the groove, the energy, it’s magnetic and constantly evolving. The musical style is rare, daring, and richly textured, showcasing Kwesi Slay’s ability to blend cultural artistry with modern expression. From the very first second, there’s a deep-rooted cultural richness in the way it unfolds, layering celestial, almost choral vocals with lush instrumental warmth and soul. The acoustic guitar melodies come in gently, yet intentionally, adding an earthy purity that anchors the song’s ethereal atmosphere. There’s a hypnotic groove that emerges from this fusion, an irresistible pulse that moves you even before you realize you’re caught in it. That fingersnapping percussion is placed so precisely—it’s crisp, sharp, and injects a sense of movement that makes the intro feel elevated and alive. The electric acoustic strings serve as the silent guide, moving the song forward with a polished, bright, and beautifully rich resonance. It’s a sound that demands attention, but never shouts, it glows. And then there’s Kwesi’s voice, raw, smooth, and utterly sincere. His delivery carries grace and clarity, and the way he holds each lyric feels intentional. His tone is effortless, yet filled with weight. Then comes one of the song’s most creative moments, the backup vocals. They don’t just support him, they respond to him, pick up lines where he pauses, dance around his words like a conversation within the song itself. It’s so organically done that it feels like one voice in many forms.
Just when you think the song has given its all, it opens up into a new dimension, one that blends Afro-soul with Afro-rap and the deeper pulse of Afro-culture. A cozy, steady Afro-rap beat emerges, carrying warmth, bounce, and intent. Underneath it, the soundscape becomes even richer, cultural percussive rhythms begin to speak, while faint flutes hover in the background, like echoes from a traditional past merging with a contemporary future. The transition is seamless, yet emotionally stirring. The entire arrangement feels ceremonial, yet modern, like ancestral rhythms redesigned for a new generation. Kwesi’s shift into rap is as smooth as it is commanding. Alternating between English and Ghanaian, he adds a textured bilingual flow that heightens the song’s authenticity and global appeal. What’s most stunning is how the backup vocals continue their clever involvement even in the rap sections, stepping in to echo, enhance, and elevate without ever overpowering. It’s a fusion of voices, cultures, languages, and styles that feels not just intentional but spiritual. From start to finish, the track is art in motion, sweet, melodic, full of surprise, and dripping with originality. “Tuutu Doo” isn’t just a song, it’s a cultural experience that keeps you listening, moving, and feeling with every second.
Virtualcoverparty – Beyond the Surface:
“Beyond the Surface” by Virtualcoverparty is a masterfully crafted, emotionally resonant piece that begins with a piano performance so intimate and texturally rich, it feels like a whispered confession in a quiet room. Each note is played with palpable intent, weighted, deliberate, and saturated with a bass-heavy depth that leaves a subtle hum echoing in its wake. This isn’t just a melodic opening, it’s a deeply immersive soundscape that immediately centers the listener’s emotional focus. The piano exudes a kind of solemn heaviness, not in volume but in tone, where every chord seems to linger with introspection. The lower register lends a grounded, almost mournful undertone, while the way each note flows into the next, softly, gently, with grace, creates a sense of unspoken reflection. The ambient hum that follows the tail of each keystroke adds an almost ghostlike dimension, making the track feel alive with silence as much as sound. It’s in these quiet moments that the emotional soul of the track is most bare, minimal yet profoundly expressive. The absence of other instruments in the early stages is intentional and effective, giving the piano space to breathe and the listener time to feel. There’s no rush, just an invitation to pause, sink in, and explore the quiet weight of emotion that lies beneath the surface.
As the piece unfolds, there’s a graceful transition into rhythm, marked by the entry of a soft, percussive drum beat that gently stirs the stillness without ever disturbing its core. This beat isn’t loud or aggressive, it’s calculated, hypnotic, and feels almost like a heartbeat beneath the serenity, adding a subtle groove that draws the listener deeper into the flow. It’s after this percussive foundation is laid that the track begins to blossom texturally: delicate synth melodies slowly emerge, not in an abrupt shift but in a careful, almost ceremonial unveiling. These textures are airy and expansive, unfolding with a sense of wonder as if the song is taking its first breath after deep introspection. Each element adds a new layer of emotion, the synths shimmer softly, wrapping around the percussion and piano like mist curling over a calm lake at dawn. The progression is organic and unforced, giving the sense that every added detail has been meticulously placed to preserve the song’s meditative beauty. Toward the latter half of the song, there’s a noticeable elevation in emotional intensity, not through volume or complexity, but through a fuller presence of sound that still honors the track’s restrained elegance. In the final moments, faint background hums reappear, echoing the opening atmosphere and tying the journey together. “Beyond the Surface” is more than a song; it’s an emotive voyage, a stunning blend of minimalism and texture, reflection and movement. Virtualcoverparty has created something that doesn’t simply play, it resonates, it lingers, and it speaks volumes without ever needing to raise its voice.
François Marius – Yam Bayaya:
“Yam Bayaya” is a vibrant, genre-bending musical celebration that draws its strength from a fusion of Afrobeat rhythms, Latin Pop melodies, and the pulsating heartbeat of Caribbean reggaeton. From the very first second, the track commands attention with Marius’s voice, soulful, textured, and full of character. His vocal tone carries a weighty presence, warm and rounded, like the voice of someone singing from a place of joy and lived experience. There’s something deeply charismatic in his delivery, he doesn’t just sing, he invites. Accompanying him in those opening moments are subtle but crucial background fills, faint echoes that swell gently in the background, wrapping around his lead like musical arms. Almost immediately after, the sweet, clean pluck of electrifying guitar strings enters with precision, each note ringing out with melodic clarity. These guitar lines aren’t just filler, they are emotionally expressive, adding a colorful, almost tropical melodic texture that sets the stage for the rhythmic explosion to come. This opening section is both catchy and intentionally paced, offering enough intrigue to pull the listener forward while giving the sonic layers room to breathe. Then, as if on cue, the rest of the instrumental architecture begins to unfold: syncopated Afro-Caribbean drum patterns, textured hand percussion, bright rhythmic claps, and a deep, punchy bassline that thumps just beneath the surface, all coming together in a carefully calibrated rise that transitions the track into full gear.
The true brilliance of “Yam Bayaya” lies in how it evolves, there’s a kinetic flow to the way the song progresses that mirrors a celebratory procession. As the beat kicks in, it brings with it an undeniable sense of movement, upbeat, groove-laden, and laced with infectious energy. The rhythmic structure leans into Latin pop’s accessible bounce while layering in the intricacies of Afrobeat’s polyrhythmic sensibility and the seductive sway of reggaeton. François Marius’s lead vocals remain the central thread, and what elevates them even further is the vocal layering, his voice is doubled in some parts for emphasis, while background vocals from Bérénice and possibly others soar in harmony, adding richness and a communal spirit to the sound. These background vocals aren’t just decorative; they’re crucial to the song’s emotional impact, expanding the track’s energy and giving it the atmosphere of a shared cultural moment, almost like a live celebration captured in studio form. The chorus, anchored by the magnetic and repetitive chant “Yam Bayaya”, is both hypnotic and jubilant, designed to get stuck in your head, but also to unite listeners in a shared rhythm. The production is crisp and polished, yet it retains an organic, sun-drenched feel, every instrument is given space to shine, and the mix never feels overproduced. From the pulsating midsection to the joyful instrumental flourishes toward the end, “Yam Bayaya” thrives on its layered sonic vitality. It’s a track that transcends borders, an anthem of dance and togetherness that positions François Marius as not just a singer-songwriter, but a conductor of joy, movement, and cultural fusion through sound.