Ambient electronic pop with a unique voice

Students in the songwriting department of a music school are always taught that to write a successful song, it is very important for the songwriter to have variations in the pitches and octaves in the different sections. Generally the verse should have more description, fewer syncopated rhythms and must be sang in a lower register, whereas the chorus as part of the hook should have a repeating line with multiple layered voices and must be sang at a higher register. This way there is a contrast in the overall time map of the song. While this concept is true, it will also not be wrong to say that there are many other songs that don’t adhere to this concept and are still very popular. Lapsley’s debut album Long Way Home is one such album that has twelve songs sang almost within a limited vocal range but delivers a powerful impact on the listener. However there are a few exceptions like the song “Hurt Me” which is one of the better tracks.

The 19-year-old British songwriter has a very distinctive vocal quality capable of mellowing down any music lover. It is a fresh new voice promising enough to achieve great success with her genre of electronic music that is overtly ambient, soft and spaciously expressive. Thus, it comes as no surprise as to how she managed to get over a half million listens to her bedroom recorded EP on Soundcloud. Some of the songs that are noteworthy of a mention in Long Way Home are “Heartless”, “Cliff” and “Operator”. Her track “Painter” received a daytime airplay by BBC radio in September 2014. Her music videos are quite different and unique often touching elements of artwork, dance and drama.

This is a type of album that should be listened to in a stretch and not just one or two songs randomly. Just put on the headphones after a long day’s work while sipping wine in the balcony and looking at the stars. It won’t be surprising to feel the magic that her mesmerizing voice creates with the slow paced ambient electronic mellow songs.