STRUAN, Awake Review

STRUAN SHIELDS (aka Struan) is a vocalist and songwriter based in Los Angeles. His First single “Better” was featured on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” and “Fresh Finds: Poptronix.”  Struan has his second single out now, titled “Awake.” Struan says, ” I wrote this song because I was out in LA and couldn’t sleep thinking about my ex.” That is something we all can relate to and with Struan’s easy-going vocal style and bursting full production, “Awake” will be a welcomed addition to the playlist.

“Awake” begins with building synths and a big drum beat. Struan’s voice is pure and warm. The lyrics are well-constructed and meaningful. The indie-pop production is top-shelf. Struan avoids the sporadic
hi-hat pattern that plagues this genre and that is one of the many positives this track belies. His song form is well-structured. The bridge does fall into the spaced-out reverb world, but the lyrics and melody are still clear and audible. The vocal harmonies are a nice touch. The last chorus offers very nice vocal lines from Struan. This is an artist to keep an eye on.

As an emerging artist Struan has many positive attributes early on.  His pleasing vocal style and out of the box approach to writing is a breath of fresh air in the indie-pop genre. Sometimes when something works, that’s great – but to then hear every son with the same formula becomes a fall back too many producers rely on.  Struan has a fresh sound and a voice that can carry it home.  A recommended listen from a new fresh face on the scene.