This Single Play showcases strong female energy, with all featured artists being women. Perhaps it’s a refreshing counterbalance to the heavy male-dominated music I’ve been listening to lately. With that in mind, here are three songs worth your time.
A Collaborative Spirit and Raw Emotion Ignites “Ablaze”
“Ablaze,” In These Trees & Tartie (YouTube)
“Ablaze” exemplifies the power of collaboration, even when faced with physical distance and a shared urgency about the state of the world. This project unites Binnie Klein, a DJ and lyricist at WPKN, a non-commercial radio station in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Australian singer-songwriter Tartie. Their partnership began when Tartie reached out to Klein at the onset of the global pandemic, asking if she would play her music on the air—which Klein did. Through a series of emails, Klein mentioned that she had some lyrics in need of music, and Tartie agreed to collaborate, sparking a creative partnership.
“Ablaze” stands out with its powerful vocal delivery and poignant message. The entire album, The Quiver, is a true tour de force, featuring emotionally raw songs that echo the introspective depth of Kate Bush, though without the quirkiness.
Allie Sandt Delivers Mature and Polished Sound in “The Right Time”
“The Right Time,” Allie Sandt (YouTube)
It’s incredibly satisfying to witness a musician’s growth over a relatively short period. Take Allie Sandt, for example. As a solo artist, she’s been steadily building a collection of songs that showcase her impressive musicianship and vocal talent. Her track “The Right Time” evokes a Steely Dan vibe, particularly in the lyrics (“And if I’m smiling I’m pseudo/But if I’m honest I’m mean”). This connection extends to the music itself, which blends pop and jazz elements—a fusion that also influences Sandt’s vocal delivery. The entire production feels so polished that it’s surprising to learn that the musicians behind it are only in their early 20s. It’s a reminder that sometimes everything old is new again.
Paper Citizen Captures Freedom, Friendship, and Abandonment in “Car Stereo”
“Car Stereo,” Paper Citizen (Bandcamp)
Paper Citizen is the music project of LA-based musician Claire Gohst. Her story is both inspiring and poignant. The difficult part is that at age 17, she left her home in Singapore after her family discovered she was gay. However, her journey is also inspiring—Gohst found her voice singing U.S. pop songs and developed her skills on the violin. Her talent earned her a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. In 2016, Paper Citizen released its first EP, and in 2019, Gohst moved to LA to pursue her indie music dreams.
The track “Car Stereo” was, according to Gohst, “loosely written on guitar by a bonfire with friends on Dockweiler Beach. After that night, I dreamt of it, woke up, and created a demo using Garageband on my iPad while on the road.” The song reflects themes of friendship, the sense of abandonment when blasting loud music in your car, and the visceral experience of living in the moment. It captures a heady sensation of pure freedom, summed up in the revealing lyric: “I know I’ve come a long way for this feeling.”
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