Clearing Out the Noise

Hey all,

We’re heading to the final sprint of the year, with students gearing up for the exam season and professionals wrapping up end-of-year projects. In the spirit of World Mental Health Day happening tomorrow, here’s a quick reminder to keep a clear mind amidst the hustle.

Listen to slow music, shake off your worries with energetic beats, or simply binge-listen to your favourite artists. Depending on your state of mind, a good song can always help tide through the times.

That’s why Music Musings is here – to bring you the best music for your every mood 😌

If you’re new to this space, check out my website to find out more about what you’ll be expecting in the coming newsletters. I try to keep my song choices as varied as possible, but I’m more than welcome to receive suggestions!

As always, thanks for reading. I’m glad to have you around 😊

Until next week,

Val ♫

(P.S If you are reading this in your email, please click “Read Online” at the top-right corner next to the date for a better reading experience!)

🧘 Going Through The Motions

What makes songs about overcoming challenges so special is its ability to paint exactly how we feel when we are going through tough times. They resonate with us in a way that feels like our inner selves are speaking to us, ultimately comforting us and making us feel that we are not alone.

Here are some songs that capture that shared human experience of overcoming hardships:

• Carry It Well - The Duet by Sam Fischer, Hana Effron

• Start Again by Birdy

• Hard to Be Human by Anson Seabra

🎤 Artist of the Week: The Icarus Account

While Kodaline and Bon Iver dominate the indie scene, this twin duo have been quietly making slow, gentle music in the background. It’s astounding how many have yet to discover this hidden gem.

If you’re searching for a calm respite from life’s chaos, you’re going to love their heartfelt lyrics and slow rhythms. Take it from me – their songs got me through my teens.

Here are my all-time favourites:

• Angel of Mine by The Icarus Account

• Oceans Between Us by The Icarus Account

• Keeper of Your Heart by The Icarus Account

🍺 Tunes to Toast To

Still not over Oktoberfest? We get it – we all need a good drink to get us through the rough days. Sometimes, the relationship between alcohol and human emotion is so strong, people write music about it.

Here’s some songs about people processing feelings and memories at the bottom of an empty bottle:

• Tequila by Dan + Shay

• Whiskey Bottle by GANGGA

• I Quit Drinking by Kelsea Ballerini, LANY

• Wine by Clara Benin, Charlie Lim

🎶 New Music This Week

Heaven is a place by The Wldlife: Kind of amazed at how this song moves you with just keyboards and some synth. Every build-up and descent feels like taking a big gulp of fresh, purified air, and it’s invigorating.

Insomnia by Kodoku: The beat pattern is usually the main highlight of these type of songs, but what got me hooked was the fingerstyle guitar. It blends perfectly with the singer’s smooth vocals, as if it’s harmonising along.

Life Goes On by Ed Sheeran & Luke Combs: It’s our favourite ginger’s attempt at going country, with a duet that pairs perfectly with Luke Combs’ iconic husky voice. If you listen carefully, you can hear remnants of Ed Sheeran’s “One” and “I See Fire” in the melody.