Tag Archives: YUAR

Playlist: Leena Ojala

Leena Ojala

Leena Ojala

Disclosure: I am Leena Ojala’s publicist at the time of writing.

London-based alternative electro pop singer, Leena Ojala, has put together a playlist for us of ten tracks she has come across when listening to new music.

Of the playlist, Leena says, “I have gone for tracks that use varying influences and mix different styles in production.”

Oh Wonder: All We Do

I like the repetitive piano riff and the vocal melody. They create a sad yet beautiful feel for the song. The minimalistic approach makes the song memorable – it’s a case of less is more.

Dominique: Good Girl

I like the guitar hook she uses throughout the track. The hip hop beat underneath and the interesting distortion she uses are interesting giving the track a nice character. Big up for Dominique for creating her own lovely production!

Anevo: Electric Heart feat. Ameria

The unique sound of the different instruments used in the track come across nicely. Every section has different influences: the verse is more electronic and dance-like whereas the chorus is chilled. The different styles used give the track a nice vibe.

KINGDM: Say It Again

I like the use of drums with African influences. There is a soulful vibe going on with the vocals, melody and the piano which give the song a romantic feel.

MRGD: Skin Deep

I like the use of call and response mixed with the nice vocal hooks. The chorus incorporates different feels i.e. reggae rhythm and drum sound, synth piano and vocal hooks. This gives the track an unusual but unique crossover of styles.

XY&O: Low Tide

The minimal strumming and picking of the guitar in the verses gives the track a nice relaxed feel. I like the four to the floor drums in the chorus giving it kind of dancing in the summertime vibe. The vocals with an echo and a delay effect finish the track off nicely.

Phoria: Undone

I like the use of unusual blending of styles and rhythmic influences – the type you find with FKA Twigs. The track has a nice atmosphere, delivered by whispery vocals, hooks, dark piano tones and reverb effects.

Tess: Love Gun

I like the use of middle eastern feel in the track created by the vocal movement and the acoustic guitar. I can see influences of “Inna” here, but there are also elements of R&B, Pop and Hip Hop.

Sounds like: Låpsley, Adele, Rae Morris, YUAR, Micky Blue, London Grammar, Dominique, Amanda Merdzan

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Leena Ojala – Little Place

Leena Ojala - Little Place

Leena Ojala – Little Place

Dramatic songstress, Leena Ojala, returns with ‘Little Place’.

Written by Leena Ojala and produced by BenbrickAella Jordan-Edge was the obvious choice to direct the video (she also directed the video for Leena’s ‘Why‘).

The video was shot in NYC in freezing temperatures, and explores a young couple’s journey as they grapple with life in a new home, far away from their ‘little place’.

Of the video, Aella explains; “I moved to New York at the age of fifteen, so I knew the feeling well: of being awestruck and overwhelmed in a city that sweeps you up, propelling you forward whether you like it or not.”

Aella’s favourite scene is “the moment on the beach – it represents that frustrating time near the end of a relationship where you’re desperately trying to make it work, fighting the last fight.”

Disclosure: I am Leena Ojala’s publicist at the time of writing.

‘Little Place’ is out today via 51Den and available for purchase on iTunes.

Whilst you’re at it, check out the awesome Saturday, Monday remix.

Sounds like: Låpsley, Adele, Rae Morris, YUAR, Micky Blue, London Grammar, Evvy, Dominique

Website | Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

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