𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 - this week: Holding On - India Dupriez

Welcome all to 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿, a series of weekly reviews by Charles Connolly - an artist in his own right. Here, Charles delves into the greatest brand new singles brought to you by the best unsigned artists on our electrifying and eclectic set of 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 playlists.

𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙣 - 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖 𝘿𝙪𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙯

Cross country? That’s nothing, as Charles travels to the opposite side of the world and finds himself in the Gold Coast, Australia.

I won’t be making any dingo, kangaroo, koala, barbie, Fosters or Crocodile Dundee jokes. Neither will I be referencing the Land Down Under in really any way, other than to state that my next artist in question hails from this here land, oh-so far away from my deeply rooted past and present in London.

For many of us, music is a hobby or a pastime (or past-time, as I would say - pastime sounds more like an Italian vegetable spread). Some of us stick our music online to see what people think of it. A lot of us do the same to gain constructive criticism. But let’s face it, most of us are here for success. Or moreover (I loathe the word), to attempt it. The road to success is a rocky one - so I am told - but the main reason we push on and strive for it, is its rarity. So few of the millions will actually succeed in the brutal, hard-edged and cutthroat world of mainstream pop music. A handful, in fact! This rarity however is what makes it stay gleaming and powerful. It is one of the few things these days that remains special. Take knighthoods, for example. It used to be one of the highest accolades in British culture. Of course, it still means a great deal, but it is simply far more common than it used to be, and therefore has lost a lot of its importance and grandeur.

A few months ago I coined a term: Pop Class. I was so content with it, that I was tempted to change my artist name…! I did not however. But here I formally state in print that it is mine. ALL MINE!! Anyway, we will finally get down to business. My featured artist this week is India Dupriez with her latest single, Holding On. I believe she has what it takes, and is - I have a feeling - well on her way to the stars. SHE is what I would call Pop Class, on the road to Success. India is only 17 years old, yet has already been playing the pop game for years. Her sound is refined and, dare I say, classy. It is slick and absolutely ready for mass consumption. These days, production and mixing values are so high that it can often be difficult to tell if one is listening to a mainstream artist or an unsigned, unknown artist. With this in mind however, India has taken things a notch higher by somehow managing to work with Justin Bieber’s producer, shown clearly by the mint quality of her records so far.

India Dupriez’s voice. Such maturity and assurance is here in abundance, despite her tender age. Some people are simply born for this ‘line of work’. Holding On starts with immediate clarity. The song is less about verses and choruses, but more about phrases. When I say ‘phrase’, I mean a certain melodic and rhythmic structure. By the fifteenth second we are already pushing on to phrase number two. It is this constantly changing scaffold that keeps the song alive and progressively moves it forward. 32 seconds in, we are subject to the third ever-lifting phrase, and finally we soar to the chorus at 45 seconds with a melody that pierces the clouds above us, only to rain glitter.

Our talented young singer has a modern pop voice that oozes class and demands to be in the top ranks. She has precision in tight rhythm, without sounding harsh or sharp, and is never forced - much in the way that Ariana Grande manages. There are also notes of her idol, Miley Cyrus and even elements of Dua Lipa, Halsey and Wild Belle. The effect is earnest and youthful, yet packs a punch when it has to, much like how Sia reaches for the high notes, minus the aggressive tone. There is even something about early Madonna in her voice at times, I would say. India is effortlessly full of passion as she sings her heartfelt, yearning lyrics. She manages to curl a subtly different tone around each and every word, proving her natural control and versatility.

This is a BIG pop hit. It is chock-full of hooks, tailor-made to suit your modern needs. I am thoroughly impressed, and honoured to have her in our very own playlists. In my eyes, she will continue to shine and will go very far indeed. India is destined for the big league. I just have this feeling.

I can’t quite explain it - but India, I know you’re doing something right.

Listen to 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙣 on Spotify HERE!

Listen to 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙣 on Apple Music HERE!

Have a look at India's website HERE!

Follow India on Instagram HERE!

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