We Speak Music
Exploring the Depths: ION’s “Like A Sickness”
ION, an enigmatic figure in the experimental music scene, has long captivated listeners with his audacious explorations of sound, spirituality, and the occult. With the release of his highly anticipated EP, Like A Sickness, ION takes a bold leap into new sonic territories, pushing the boundaries of genre and inviting us to experience a profound journey into the depths of human consciousness.
Like A Sickness, is not merely an EP; it is a multifaceted exploration of themes that resonate deeply within the human experience—insanity, occult wisdom, and the preservation of the spirit. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a sacred text, delving into the ancient roots of spirituality and intertwining them with contemporary experimental sounds. The result is a visceral and transformative experience, where listeners are confronted with raw emotion and intricate soundscapes that evoke a sense of divine cognizance.
In ION’s words, “This EP is monumental for me. Like A Sickness, is the initiatory body of work in my transmutation as an artist. It represents a shift towards ritualistic, more intimate expressions of the occult.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the EP, which marks a significant departure from his previous work, embracing a more multidisciplinary approach that melds music with deep ritualistic and spiritual undertones.
From the opening track, listeners are drawn into a world where the lines between sanity and insanity blur. ION employs haunting melodies, ethereal vocals, and pulsating rhythms that reflect an artistic metamorphosis—an invitation to transcend conventional listening experiences. The EP serves as a reminder of the echoes of long-forgotten sacred practices that still resonate within our contemporary lives.
Like A Sickness, embodies a unique juxtaposition of ancient wisdom and modern experimentalism, creating a sonic rite that invites introspection and contemplation. Each composition is carefully crafted to evoke an emotional response, drawing listeners into a space where they can reflect on the madness and mysticism inherent in the human condition.
As listeners immerse themselves in the sonic landscape of, Like A Sickness, they are encouraged to engage with the material on a deeper level. ION’s intention to reawaken the purity and sincerity of early spiritual devotion resonates throughout the EP, making it a profound listening experience that transcends mere entertainment.
In the closing track, the listener is left with a sense of yearning, as the music fades into silence, echoing the timeless struggle between chaos and clarity. This final moment encapsulates ION’s vision: a continuous unfolding of transformation, where each listening experience is a step deeper into the unknown.
With, Like A Sickness, ION heralds a new era in his artistic journey, one steeped in both ancient practices and modern experimentalism. The EP is not just a collection of songs; it is an invitation to explore the depths of the soul and the mysteries that lie within. As ION continues to push the boundaries of music and spirituality, listeners are left with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in his ever-evolving soundscape.
Through his unique blend of musical innovation and spiritual exploration, ION invites us to confront our own perceptions of reality, reminding us that the journey into the depths of our consciousness is one filled with both madness and illumination. Like A Sickness, is a testament to the transformative power of music, a reminder that within the chaos of existence, there exists a profound and sacred order waiting to be uncovered.
Critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and producer, Emily Saunders has just released ‘Moon Shifts Oceans’ — her upbeat, soul-infused album that blends smoky vocals with jazz-fusion and folk-pop sensuality. Saunders crafts a deeply personal and emotional soundscape, evoking magical nights filled with warmth, connection, and freedom. Her songs inspire hope and healing, embodying a belief in music’s power to uplift and transform.
The next single to come from the album is the record’s opener ‘Blue Skies Forever’, an epic, uplifting track bubbling with vibrancy. The track’s multi-layered vocals and ethereal melodies radiate sunshine, positivity, and love. Its glistening sunshine-soaked, funk-infused vibes are perfect for the balmy summer months, as we harness the glorious energy of the beautiful blue skies around us.
Emily’s works are celebrated for their innovation and emotional depth, and ‘Blue Skies Forever’ is no exception, delivering a powerful message through her signature sound. Creating a unique fusion, she brings an infectious energy and comforting richness to every note, seamlessly blending virtuosity and adventurous musicianship of the highest order. Future-jazz and Brazilian-inspired, Saunders writes hooky basslines underpinning her riffs and grooves with an irresistibly catchy pop sensibility. At the core of ‘Blue Skies Forever’ Emily’s soaring, enchanting voice, playfully dances over her infectious melodies and bold music-production, effortlessly weaving its way into the listener’s soul.
“Writing and producing music, creating its riffs, grooves, and a space for my voice and lyrics to fly means the world to me. Blue Skies Forever reaches for the blue skies that always exist above the clouds of everyday life, that despite the troubles in the world around us, hope rises in the human heart and connects us all… somehow and somewhere, the sun shines in blue skies”, says Emily.
Born in Charing Cross, Saunders grew up in Brixton, South London, in a highly musical family, singing from the age of four. But navigating challenging family dynamics in her teens, she sought shelter and support at a local hostel, where she lived for three years from age 16. “These difficult years spurred me on creatively, and music became my safe space, where I transformed the adversity from teenage chaos to a deeper understanding of the impact of sound on those turbulent times. This has been my driving force ever since”, she explains.
Saunders had to dig deep when diagnosed with acute psoriatic arthritis in 2017, leaving her semi-paralyzed, unable to walk, and isolated at home. “It would be easy to ask why me? Why now? But it’s empowering to be free even when everything around you feels like it’s closing in,” says Saunders, who recovered and pushed through the trauma of her disabling injuries to forge an even deeper sound and a determination to self-engineer and fully immerse herself in her music with the freedom to create with no restraints. “Focusing on the creative force within can transform each and every one of us. The trick is to keep believing, keep creating, and keep sharing”, she says.
Her new album ‘Moon Shifts Oceans’ is a creation of beauty, strength, and soul. Saunders is at her best, her voice is rich and magnetic, wrapping around melodies with effortless grace and artistry, offering an intimate journey through her world of deep feeling and dynamic sounds. The album conjures the perfect night — the air is warm and sultry, your friends are by your side, and the evening has just begun. Think honey vibes and breathless pop sexiness. Saunders keeps you hooked from the first track. Every note is a reminder to live life with joy and openness.
Dubbed “the Queen of Jazz Fusion,” her engaging, distinctive vocals, and hands-on production blend pop and soul-jazz with echoes of Brazilian beats. With the album, Saunders masterfully balances depth and joy, offering a soul-soothing escape filled with groove, melody, and heart. Expect catchy songs, infectious grooves, and vibrant rhythms. After her critically acclaimed debut album, her follow-up, ‘Outsiders Insiders’, was described by BBC Radio 2’s Jamie Cullum as “absolutely brilliant,” showcasing her artistry with unique compositions praised for their originality. Today, Saunders is unstoppable. Now, on her highly anticipated forthcoming new album, ‘Moon Shifts Oceans’, she has again raised the bar, offering a powerhouse of hits — her best yet, and hailed by critics as the breakout star for 2025.
Saunders’ music has hit the Top 10 on international iTunes and Amazon charts in the UK, USA, Germany, France, and Indonesia, receiving multiple 4-star reviews including: Evening Standard, Guardian, Independent, and Daily Telegraph. Her music has received multiple plays on BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; consistently playlisted on Jazz FM; and receives widespread radio play on national stations across the globe, from US and Japan to Australia, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Italy, México, Brazil, Turkey, New Zealand, South Korea, and South Africa.
2025 Live Dates:
7th June- Twickenham Exchange Theatre, London.
13th June- Y-Theatre, Leicester.
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