We can all agree, there isn’t enough love in the world.
As today is Valentine’s day, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to share some sweet, soul loving love to several, somewhat unloved (possibly unheard), tracks.
The first question you may ask is, ‘are these any good?‘
This is the problem we music searchers face as we pursue that one song that speaks to us on our insatiable lust to discover new music to match our moods. And I get it. Nobody enjoys ordering the wrong meal. Yet surprisingly, with a vast global menu to choose from many of us only eat the same dish everyone else is eating. So, see this as a chef’s recommendation!
I’ve listed ten tracks from our SoundCloud discoveries that, I feel, deserve another chance to be heard.
It is misleading to regard the number of plays as a direct correlation to the number of ‘listeners’ the track has received. For example; on the track listed as Number.1 in this list, I know I am personally responsible for at least 15 of the 35 plays! When I like a song, I like a song!
Also note: These tracks may be lovingly adored on Spotify, but for this article, all tracks are from our Soundcloud playlist.
Check out the list below, and share some listening love.
10. Mattias Svensson — Small Man (2015)
Mattias Svensson’s “EP” was the result of a long journey of songwriting, emotion, and religion. Inspired by artists such as Tracy Chapman and D’Angelo, the other three tracks on the EP sound nothing like the last track – Small Man.
100% mellow, lo-fi, sensitive soul. Designed for chilled listening pleasure. Available on Spotify too!
Track no longer on Soundcloud but updated with Spotify link.
9. Eva-linn — BEDTIME STORIES (2017)
Dim the lights, get under the covers and snuggle in. Close your eyes and listen. As the title suggests this evening ballad from Swedish singer Eva-Linn is silky smooth and cosier than baby bears bed!
8. KAALM — Need You To Stay (2017)
Perhaps it was the cover art that distracted people from hitting the play button on Swedish band Kaalm’s debut EP Everything. The sparsity of spins means many missed the sunshine warmth of – Need You to Stay. A fresh blend of nordic pop and soul. The band has been quiet since this release and its a shame as I fear a little more love could have kept them in the studio.
7. Jimmy Kuf — Crepuscular Ray (2018)
Jimmy Kuf is an exciting young Swedish Producer who I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. And you can hear in this debut single the melancholy haunting vibes that was the cause of my intrigue. And the unusual track name!
I strongly suggest headphones.
6. Djeff — What If I Told You (2017)
When I listen to this, I still am unable to believe I’m adding this to a ‘needs more love list’. If you’ve already pressed play while reading this, then your ears are delightfully caressed with warm soulful beats and lush harmonies. And I’m sure your conclusion will be the same as mine. Djeff deserves love, kisses…and even flowers! The band has not released any more music since their excellent debut album. Read our review here. It’s never too late to send flowers!
5. Veronah — Hopeless Case (2017)
Before Fieh and White Ascot there was Veronah.
Bands have always held a special place in my heart. Danish band Veronah reside there, alongside bands that were also gone too soon, such as; The Magnolia, and Dolla Lova. Veronah was a magnificent group that we may never see grace the stage again. Watch their videos here.
4. nstuff — Breathe (2016)
From the sublime opening strings to sweet Latin soul sound, the sunshine sound of Breathe by Finnish duo nstuff still impresses. nstuff were ahead of their time, and this is a Scandinavian soul classic.
3. Adée — YOU, YOU, YOU (Late 2019)
Written by Ida Adée Olsson & Thomas Ford, produced by Thomas Ford Adée, hits it out the park with this. Taken from her recently released album Forward her lyrics of a complicated love story are engrossing and wonderfully honest. It feels lifted from the pages of her personal diary.
Available on Spotify, Adée is always worth your time.
2. Sigrið Rasmussen — So Called Paradise (2014)
I discovered this haunting, sad, and beautiful track in 2014 – and still captures me every time I listen. The story behind the song is heartbreaking and is the most touching tribute an artist could produce. So Called Paradise – is in dedication to Danielle Beccan, an innocent 14-year-old killed in a drive-by shooting in 2004.
I don’t know where Sigrið Rasmussen is now. However, this track is the reason I will continue searching for her, and for more music that moves the soul.
1. Niklas Ljungfelt — Fade Out (late 2019)
Released in November 2019 this track has less than 100 spins!
At the time of writing, it had 35, and I’ve done around 15 of them!
This track is the epitome of the words ‘underrated’ and ‘undiscovered!’
If a gem is a precious and rare item discover deep underground then this ladies and gentlemen is a large, glistening, uncut gem. Unearth it, share it and send Niklas some soul love from a fellow soul lover!
