Brighton, England-based songwriter Ian Roland opens 2026 in compelling form with new single “Virtually Free.” Recorded at Brighton Road Recording Studios, the track utilizes a 12-string guitar and upright piano whilst exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion — overall delivering a sound that shows enjoyable shades of Paul Simon and Daryl Hall in its accessibly melodic, folk-laden production. The songwriting presents a heartrending celebration of human connection and community, delivering a timeless sound that beautifully captures the profound significance of requited love and shared freedom.

A tender, approachable array of stately piano and frolicking guitars is complemented by an introspective vocal feeling. Initial lyrical remarks on the power of observation meld within the chiming acoustics and steady percussion, evolving seamlessly into a more expansive textural pull. “All looks the same everyday, virtually free,” his vocals let out there, as the glistening piano re-emerges alongside. Roland’s vocals attain an even more heartrending entrancement in his “I know you feel it too, symbiosis…” acceptance of requited love.

The comforting vocal layers consume in both the verses’ more understated charm and the harmoniously glowing allure of the title-touting refrain. The latter is especially magnetic as intertwining vocals, brisker guitar strums, and effervescent piano converge for a wholly satiating send-off. Full of radiant tonal and smitten thematic enjoyment, “Virtually Free” is a thoroughly inviting success from Ian Roland.

Check out the track’s excellent music video as well, below:

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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