Halfway 2 nowhere

Last month, we signed our blog up to Groover for the first time, a new place to discover the best talent from around the world that you should know about. As part of a new permanent feature, we’ll be highlighting our best picks that are sent to us each month for you to check out too. If you’re an artist and want us to give feedback, and we provide feedback on every track sent through, head to Groover to sign-up and send your tracks far and wide.

Throughout May we received some truly great stuff and whilst we signed-up late in the month, were really excited about the future with Groover; so without further ado here are our top five picks from May.

Lola Balter – what i am made of (Canada)
Facebook / Instagram / Tiktok / Spotify

“Lola Balter’s latest track, “What I Am Made Of,” is a reflection on the journey of growing up and finding your true identity. The inclusion of the audio from a childhood video of hers, featuring Lola learning to sing
her ABCs, adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy to the song, reminding us of the innocence and vulnerability we carry within us.”

I loved this track; it’s rare to feel this kind of “realness” in new artists – Lola is clearly writing about experiences that matter and have meant something to her and at such a young age to be so proficient is a true talent. The vocals are restrained in a beautiful way – I can tell from the confidence in the vocal, Lola has it in her to be a powerhouse, but I love the maturity to know how she has fit her vocal to this style.

Few artists should pack everything in and make music, they’re simply not good enough, but this, is the whole package and whilst artists like Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift are taking this soft, restrained style to their music, it’s the right time to get this out far and wide whilst it’s popular.

Sarah Lake – Adios (USA)
Facebook / Instagram / Tiktok / Spotify

In what Sarah describes as a fun summer break-up song, I personally really got into this track and is right up my street right now. There’s an artist in England called Twinnie who is starting to make some waves and this is right up there with her quality.

There’s a great pace to the track, with the percussion composition keeping it ticking nicely – as someone not particularly confident commenting on country music, but just genuinely enjoy listening to it, this had to make the cut for this month’s feature.

The Train Rockers – Black Sheep (Germany)
Spotify / Instagram

Right, now we’re in usual H2N territory with some straight up rock music, fresh from Europe. “Black Sheep is an atmospheric and energetic alternative rock song looking at the world through the eyes of outcasts, misfits and unseen people. It reflects a sad chapter of my own life. Our song sympathizes with many people we met while playing on the streets, bars and also in jails. We are a Munich-based international band of 5 from Germany, Turkey and England, and we literally started on the streets of Munich in 2015.”

The vocal on the track is huge, and the chorus really ties this one together perfectly. I said in my Groover feedback this belongs on festival stages round the UK and the world, it’s so listenable and produced so well, we’re already in love with The Train Rockers and think you will be too.

Mallory Chipman – Like Venus (Canada)
Facebook / Instagram / Spotify

Just in time for summer, Mallory Chipman shares her fifth release of 2024, “Like Venus”: a song about finding unfettered self-love amidst a
world that threatens such things. Inspired by the 90s alt-pop grooviness of Sheryl Crow, with a contemporary twist reminiscent of Andy Shauf, Chipman strikes the perfect chord with “Like Venus” for that windows-down, tape-deck blasting sort of feeling; one that’s perfect for cruising around and feeling free.”

Back to the country/folk vibe, clearly I’m really into it at the moment, but with a more laid back, “take me on a road trip now” vibe to this one. For me this has a stunning controlled vocal that takes me right back to my childhood, listening to Alanis and co in the back of my mums car and I’ve since listened to this track on repeat after being sent it.

Edaan – Masquerade (USA)
Instagram / Spotify

“Masquerade” by Edaan – a captivating blend of soulful melodies and infectious beats that transports listeners to a realm where masks dissolve, revealing the raw essence within. As the artist behind this mesmerizing track, Edaan brings a unique fusion of genres, infusing Emo rock with hints of folk vibes, creating an auditory experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.”

His 8 song debut is released in July and if this track is anything to go by it’s going to be a serious bit of music. It takes the grungy vibe of Des Rocs, the seriousness of Nothing But Thieves, and the distorted guitars of early Muse – superb combination.