5 Songs I Love w/ Edwina van Kuyk

We sat down with Edwina van Kuyk after the release of her stellar new tune 'Find My Way' Ft. Martello, to discuss what influences shaped her unique sound. Be sure to check out the single at the bottom and follow her on socials!

Higher Than Here - James Morrison 

I chose this song because James Morrison was one of my main inspirations when getting into music. When I heard ‘You Give Me Something’ for the first time, I knew I wanted to do whatever he was doing and so I started writing songs. But when the Higher Than Here album came out, I remember exactly where I was. I don’t think you can really explain these things too much but I felt so emotional listening to it. I was on a train and I think I just listened to it on repeat for the whole journey. The gospel elements, the stacked vocals. I can’t even pin down exactly what it is that makes it special for me, but it made me feel something and I still get that same feeling when I listen to it today. He’s contributed so much to who I am as an artist. I hope to open for him some day!

I Say A Little Prayer (with the royal philharmonic orchestra) - Aretha Franklin

Wow wow wow. Nobody does it like Aretha did it. This song is dreamy and gorgeous and so much fun. I must have heard it in a romcom when I was younger because there’s a serious dance sequence, hair brush singing routine going on in my head any time it comes on. Lianne La Havas’s version of this is also amazing!

Song I made up to stop me having a panic attack just now (ft Rich) - Field Medic

This song is excellent! I feel like everyone needs this in their pocket. It’s exactly what it says on the tin and it’s so soothing. It’s come in handy at many times in my life, and there was a period where I was travelling a lot with music and where I felt particularly anxious, especially on airplanes. I would count on this song to bring me back from the edge and it always delivers. Aside from that, Rich also has one of the most beautiful voices I’ve come across. It’s so soothing and warm. So yes, this song had to make the list because realistically, it’s probably the one on the list with the highest play count. 

Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader 

I really have no idea what it is about this song that does it for me but I love it! I couldn’t pin down the first time I heard it, or where I was. I wouldn’t even say that I listen to it all that much but it just brings me so much joy. It’s more so that I’m out somewhere and I hear it, and in that moment I’m just happy. I’ve always liked it and felt myself light up any time it comes on so it had to get a nod. Plus, if you were to ask me my favourite song, this would come to mind.

A Song For You - Donny Hathaway 

The ultimate love song. It’s so stunning. I find that it’s always a voice that I connect with as opposed to a genre. It’s his voice that hooks me from the start. It’s so timeless and wherever I am when I hear this, it slows me down and gives me pause. The instrumentation in this as well is so spacious and reflective and then there’s the woodwind & strings. It’s just so beautiful. If there was only one song I could listen to/had to listen to, I think it would be this one.

'Find My Way' Ft. Martello - Edwina van Kuyk