Banger’s Weekly Finds (Vol 7): Hidden Gems Of The Week
By: Chris Buxton // Instagram: @chrisbuxtonllg
nodisco.- “A Long Talk @ Taylor’s”
Mesmerizing, intoxicating, & hypnotic are all words that describe emerging singer nodisco.'s (Chris Toufexis) latest single "A Long Talk @ Taylor's". Hailing from Toronto, the alternative-pop artist is known for their versatility and genre-bending sound. On "A Long Talk @ Taylor's", nodisco. releases a driving pop song full of lush melodies, captivating sonics, and an ear-worm hook. Lyrically, the record is full of imagery and songwriting that feels sensible. Although this is my introduction to nodisco., I can truthfully say that I'm hooked.
Ella Jet- “haunted”
It is rare that I come across an artist that I consider to be a natural talent, but Ella Jet has all the tools to become a household name. Growing up in a musical family, the burgeoning artist has always had an obsession for music. After rising in notoriety in the local scene in St. Petersburg, FL, she has continued to build a dedicated fanbase with her innate ability to craft sensible records. Her sound is comforting and there's this realness to it that makes it so relatable. Now, she debuts on our pages with her latest single "haunted". The record is a reflective piece that showcases Ella dealing with a family mental health issue in her adolescent years. When I hear her vocals, it feels like she's talking to a younger version of herself to deal with the extremity of this situation. It's almost like this single is a therapeutic release to help with processing the hardship she experienced. Although there are sad undertones, the single is relatively upbeat, and it shows how she stopped letting the diagnosis keep her caged. She realized suffering is a part of life, and she found her own peace. "haunted" is a story of triumph and finding peace in the darkness.
Juliana Madrid- “Satisfied”
Have you ever listened to a song that reminded you of your home? If so, you know that feeling is unmatched. Growing up in the Carolina's, I have always loved contemporary music with pop-rock and folk influences. This week, I was impressed when I came across one of the most talented singers out of Texas, Juliana Madrid. Juliana is a breath of fresh air. If I were to compare her to anyone, I would say her voice is a combination of Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift, & Lexi Jayde. Recently, the emerging singer broke her silence with her latest EP "Afterlife". My favorite from the project was her introspective hit "Satisfied". The record is laced with warm acoustics, exceptional song arrangement, & she blesses us with an infectious hook. Juliana states, "This song is me bitterly reflecting on a drunken interaction with someone I met at a party with unrequited interest." "Satisfied" seamlessly weaves Juliana's enduring early-aughts alternative influences together with the melodic cadence of folk guitar rhythms, evoking a nostalgic nod to her Texan root. After spending the last hour listening to this on replay, I can truthfully say that she has gained a new fan!
Carsen- “Mean It”
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, emerging singer-songwriter, Carsen, has had an incredible journey. The singer went from getting recruited to play D1 soccer at TCU, to becoming an artist overnight. After realizing her soccer career was over due to a severe concussion, Carsen used her downtime to refine her skills as an artist. Now, she enters our pages with her mesmerizing single "Mean It". The record is her first official single in 3 years, and it doesn't disappoint. With her angelic vocals, she slides over the smooth sonics. Although her sound can be described as r&b with pop-undertones, Carsen is a versatile artist. On her latest, she describes a relationship where one party is unsure of their intentions, and this is a very relatable topic. Carsen carries this song vocally, and she has us all watching! So, check out the single below!
Teo Pasqualle- “LET IT GO THE THINGS YOU CAN’T CONTROL”
Teo Pasqualle has recently become my new guilty pleasure. Hailing from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pasqualle has been cultivating a dedicated fanbase locally. His sound can be described as alternative hip-hop with pop undertones. Now, the rising artist enters our pages with his single “LET IT GO THE THINGS YOU CAN'T CONTROL”. The record is laced with an ear-worm hook, metaphorical lyrics, and dynamic sonics. I loved the nostalgic feel of this record. It felt like a song that could have been on Jaden Smith's "CTV3". Overall, this is a must-hear record so stream it below!
Oranje Space- “Lucy”
Oranje Space is an up-and-coming independent artist who blends elements of R&B, neo-soul, and alternative music to create a unique and captivating sound. Drawing inspiration from artists like Dijon, Orion Sun, Frank Ocean, and Choker, Oranje Space crafts lyrics and melodies that explore themes of love, self-discovery, and the human experience. Now, he enters our pages with his exceptional single "Lucy". The record is perfect for summer sunsets. It's a warm alt-r&b record that is laced with lush melodies, soft building production, & rhythmic bounces that will make you want to dance into the night. I don't know how anyone could not fall in love with this song. "Lucy" is a comforting record that will make you appreciate falling in love. This is one of my favorite tracks of the month!