Artist Spotlight / Nov _ listen

01. Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is somewhat of a Youtube sensation with nearly 4 million subscribers to his channel to date. Perhaps yet to break into mainstream pop culture, it is fair to say his music career is

progressively taking off with his music videos reaching over 51 million views and his sophomore EP 'WILD' hitting No. 1 in 41 countries.

Facts aside, 'WILD' is a collection of 6 tracks showcasing Troye Sivan very much as an artist in terms of song writing and videography. Both elements combine to demonstrate his ability as a vivid

storyteller.

The 6 tracks have an alternative feel to them, however it is the sense of emotion that Sivan instills within each song that makes them memorable. His layering of lyrics on each track act as a guide through the song. Even without his voice, the instrumentals capture the story intended to be told. The build up of the music, every time the beat drops or the synth rises, coincides with his flow of words or change in tone - a clever play between them is achieved. There is something dreamy and otherwordly to the sound, yet the underlying stories all remain relatable. In conjunction with the release of the EP, three tracks - 'WILD', 'FOOLS' and 'TALK ME DOWN' - come with a series of videos joining together to tell the story of 'Blue Neighbourhood'.

Listen to: Ease (ft. Broods)

A collaborative track with up-and-coming New Zealander 'Broods'. The pair combine to create a particularly dreamy and melancholic track. Their similar voices blend together softly while being overlaid on a strong beat.

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02. Gryffin

Gryffin, also known as Dan Griffith, has notched up millions of plays for his remixes of tracks by artists such as Years and Years, Tove Lo and Maroon 5. Most of the remixes are more synth-based and notably integrate a new hook or rhythmic guitar riff to the existing track. There is a particular echo in each of the remixes which becomes recognisable as a Gryffin mark. Often or not, the Gryffin remixes give a new sense to the original track sometimes simply through a shift from major to minor. For the most part the general tone is soothingly laidback with a steady beat to keep your head nodding throughout.

Listen to: Misterwives - Reflections (Gryffin remix)

Relatively in a similar tone to the original track, without the uplifting pop chorus. A distinct misty feel with a very Gryffin characterising guitar riff easing in and out throughout the remix.

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03. Justin Bieber

"It's okay to like Justin Bieber"... I tell myself as I type this, conflicted between maintaining some sort of apparent street cred or willing to accept that it's just too hard to ignore the steady stream of hits The Bieber is currently churning out. Since the release of 'Where R U now' - which when that beat drops, you know it - the tone for the new Justin Bieber sound had been set.

I feel, and sound, old. Given the time it's been since Justin Bieber was just a Baby who burst on the scene, crooning away, melting all the teenage girls hearts all before his voice had even broken yet... it is fair to say that he has in fact grown up. The eagerly anticipated arrival of 'Purpose' encapsulates this new grown up Bieber - the influential appearances of Skrillex and Diplo laying the foundations of this new upbeat (emphasis on beat) and positive direction.

The mannerisms of Justin Bieber as an artist today show perhaps a newfound appreciation and attention to music as a craft. That isn't me going as far as saying that 'Purpose' is a music defining album of all time, but it is giving credit where credit is due. Having already released 'What Do You Mean' and 'Sorry' as leading tracks from the album, there is obvious quality pop on tap. It is refreshing to hear somewhat sensitive lyrics mixed in with contemporary beats coming together - that may supposedly be due to the original acoustic writing of some songs. Other tracks on the album such as 'I'll Show You' and 'Mark My Words' show the grown up and dare I say reflective side of Bieber to balance out the heavy beats and dance vibes.

Regardless of your take on whether Bieber is now "cool" or not, you simply cannot ignore the infectious polished pop that is being presently served up by the now 21-year-old. The over all package from the album marketing creating the hype to the delivery of the album should be applauded. You can see the work and production that has gone into forming the new Justin Bieber - yes Bieber's vocals aren't mindblowing, but you can surely note the vast improvement in choreography, videography and over all the attention to performance.

2015, mark it, the year Justin Bieber grew up.

Listen to: Sorry

An unapologetically catchy beat with no complicated lyrics, sorry.

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