All posts by Indie Buddie

Laura Elizabeth Hughes ‘Pandemonium’

Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her first single of 2020, Pandemonium’.The song was recorded live in one-take at Dublin’s Camden Recording Studios, the song features Cork producer 1,000 Beasts on piano. She has received amazing support from radio across Ireland including RTE Radio 1, 2FM, Today FM and BBC Radio Ulster and was recently announced in the Top 5 highest played independent releases on Northern Irish radio in the first quarter of 2020.


Hughes’ writing can bring so much out of the listener and her latest release is a perfect example of this. Encased in the tender and strikingly emotive songwriting of Laura Elizabeth Hughes, ‘Pandemonium’ is a time stopping gem. Hughes utilises her immaculate vocals to comfort, soothe and caress. Her rich tones have a magical power to light you up all while showing melancholic glimmers of longing and loneliness. She needs nothing more than her voice to reduce the most harsh and resilient of us to tears and ‘Pandemonium’ is a bitter sweet reminder of this. The song expresses that feeling we all have become so familiar with; being alone and the longing to see, hold and interact with our loved ones again, but that at the end of the day we’re all going to be ok. There is such comfort and perfection within this simple arrangement it’s utterly compelling. It’s a rare ability to be able to convey so much emotion and make such an impact with so little and in such a short space of time. Laura Elizabeth Hughes is a songwriter to treasure.

Stream ‘Pandemonium’  below 


Author : Danu

Sugarwolf ‘Changes’

Derry/Belfast based quartet Sugarwolf have released their new single ‘Changes’. Led by front woman Emma Gallagher the band previously secured a reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting rock outfits and plan to continue to do so. Sharing the stage on tours with the likes of Fightstar, Black Peaks, Queen Zee, Employed To Serve and Skindred helped earn the band the reputation as one of the best live acts in the country and have since gained the support and endorsement deals with Jägermeister, Orange Amps and Ruach Music.

‘Changes’ is a robust, raw number dripping in Sugarwolf’s coarse and ferocious musicianship as the band swirl exhilarating soundscapes into abrasive rock to create an electrifying new single. There are rich and explosive elements packed into this fiery track however the band manage to rein it in and control the eruption within their masterful thrilling soundscape. The pulverising demonic rumble on drums splinters the track while the darkly smeared guitars soar, crash and ricochet off the merciless backdrop.

There is a The Prodigy feel to this frenetic track. Emma Gallagher’s vocals are powerful, she bellows, coos and screams through the catchy melody. This band exude scorching swagger while maintaining a cool yet mysterious aura as they present a song with oodles of power both sonically and vocally. The turmoil and frustration presented within the music is complimented by the lyrics which depict emotions of loneliness, yearning, heartache and anger “I need somebody somebody to love You’re alone like me…Wish i, wish i could hate you” . It’s utterly mind blowing.

Sugarwolf have a full bodied, relentless and savage sound. They merge the gusto of Bring Me The Horizon with clever ambient soundscapes reminiscent of Wolf Alice with some Within Temptation sprinkled on top. I love how this band build and layer the track for maximum impact. The raw strikes on guitar teamed with wriggling bass create a superb ominous atmosphere as the track flourishes into a frenzy of mammoth alternative rock. The deft musicianship within this song is outstanding. Sugarwolf are ones to keep an eye on. Their ability to flood a track with so much angst and emotion with rich textures and shimmering undertones is a joy to the listeners ears and impressive to say the least.

Stream ‘Changes’ below 


Author : Danu

Inhaler ‘Falling In’

Taken from their forthcoming debut album which is currently in the works ‘Falling In’ is the latest release from Dublin quartet Inhaler. The band worked with renowned filmmaker & former Jesus & Mary Chain bassist Douglas Hart (Paul Weller, The Horrors, The Libertines) and Antony Genn on the song’s video, which was shot entirely over Zoom with each member in isolation.The band have amassed a die hard fanbase and their tracks have been streamed over 25 million times globally.

Filled with swirling synths and exhilarating youthful indie ‘Falling In’ presents Inhalers ever growing sound with a dash of 80’s swag. Shimmying percussion and an enticing bass groove create the tracks irresistible rhythmic flow. Robert Keating plays bass like the best of them; his ability to fluidly slide slinky bass grooves into a fuzzy dazing soundscape or rocking indie pop gem is impressive. While Keating’s bass is responsible for the smooth swanky gloss of each Inhaler track, Ryan McMahon whacks out that all important nimble yet all powerful drum backbone.

The track lifts to ebullient heights as it progresses to the euphoric crescendo. Josh Jenkinson’s free flying sleek guitar refrains soar and squall through the infectious beat. His shredding guitar solo ignites with a vaporous sting while Elijah Hewson’s warm and passionate vocals melt with a cool tone over the catchy bubbling backdrop.

Inhaler have created a psychedelic-hued track with dizzying synth swirls and grounding funk flexes to soundtrack the lyrical document on how their lives have changed over the past year as they reflect on the pitfalls of success. Lyrically the track shows great promise and growth in the band. Their songwriting displays depth, perspective and maturity. There is oodles of vibrancy and potential blossoming beneath the raw moments within the song while the effortless charisma the band members themselves exude, makes the song charming and instantly mesmerising.

‘Falling In’ hints Inhaler’s instrumental prowess is becoming more refined; subtle layering and musical treats are hidden and weaved throughout the track’s exhilarating soundscape.Another fine addition to Inhalers catalogue.

About the track frontman Elijah Hewson says :  “Falling In is a song about the battles that we all have with our own ego.I think being a young band on tour, and seeing our music connect with audiences from different parts of the world has opened our eyes to the excitement and exhilaration of life and being up on stage and feeling wanted and loved can be a very powerful drug. We are just beginning to encounter our own egos and becoming aware that allowing it to be in charge of who you are can be your downfall. You can cut yourself on its sharp edges and bleed to death if you’re not careful. We want to meet our egos head on, shake their hands and give them a hug. We are not afraid of them… we know we need each other. Your ego can be your friend, but you need your mates to make sure it doesn’t boss you around.”

Stream ‘Falling In’ below 


Author : Danu

KOU ‘Burn’ Permiere

Jon Wilkes, formerly the drummer in The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus has released his new single ‘Burn’ under the name KOU, his new musical revolution. Wilkes was a key member of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, recording albums with hit producers such as David Bendeth (Paramore, Papa Roach, Underoath), Howard Benson (Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, The All-American Rejects) and John Feldman (Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, The Used). With WILKES on drums, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus released 3 full-length records: Don’t You Fake It (2006), Lonely Road (2008) and Am I The Enemy (2011).Don’t You Fake It featured the hit single “Face Down” and was certified gold in November 2006 by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies and in June 2016 was certified platinum for selling over 1,000,000 copies.

Ignited with passionate and raw alternative rock ‘Burn’ is a wholly immersive and explosive track from KOU. Wilkes uses light twinkling soundscapes to begin the track, swirling airy synths into a flashing beat, creating a delicate intro before erupting into a mammoth outburst of pounding drums and sharp guitars. His powerful vocals express painful emotion as they bellow and coo the heartfelt lyrics.

There is plenty of verve, emotion and instrumental prowess in this track to make it relatable and a feature on every alternative rock playlist. The lyrics depict how cruel humans can be and how hatred can consume everything. Wilkes calls for everyone to revolt against this bitter hate and as he does so the song becomes more intense and animated. With an acute rough wall of sound battering the backdrop with alternative rock,Wilkes portrays the raw unadulterated hatred while using majestic guitars and ethereal synths to create tender delicate moments between the chaos. Lushly intricate and well layered ‘Burn’ is a beautiful fusion of electronic and alternative rock.

About the track and his new project Wilkes said : “KOU Stands for “Kingdom Of Us” and The idea of running a (KOU)coup in defense of our livelihood as humans and anything that holds us back. It’s about following your dreams no matter the cost.“BURN’ is about how as humans we have let hatred and the media consume us for decades and it’s time for a transformation.”

Watch the video for ‘Burn’ below 


Author : Danu

Worth A Listen – SICK LOVE

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From SICK LOVE

Dublin band SICK LOVE have released their new single ‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’. Following a string of acclaimed single releases, the track is the final installment of their new EP, ‘Baby, It’s You.’ 

Wrapped in a blistering swarm of raw indie rock ‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’ announces SICK LOVE’s return. This band has always created a thrilling wall of sound and this new number doesn’t disappoint. Blending the pulverizing gorilla might on drums with shredding blazing guitars SICK LOVE provides an exhilarating soundscape for listeners to immerse in. The acute assault of alternative rock blends with the smattering of sultry indie pop seamlessly.

Rebecca Geary’s vocals are uncompromising and dynamic as she pines and bellows with attitude and aggro between sultry coos. The band layer the track superbly. They create explosive moments between brooding elements within the ragged and tattered backdrop while a wriggling dark bass line grooves underneath.

‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’ takes the band’s raucous sound to a new, intoxicating level reminiscent of Blondie’s swagger and the brooding deft sound of Garbage yet with SICK LOVE’s own personal musical stamp. Their sound is getting better and becoming more unique with each release.

There is something invigorating about the tracks SICK LOVE creates. ‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’ takes their messy explosive sound and refines it into rich elements of heavy slick guitar work, ravenous bass and fierce drums to create a sound laced in controlled emotive anarchy. This loud angst-filled track is the power song I needed today. 

Stream ‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’ below 


Author : Danu

Travi The Native ‘Heavy Love’

Travi The Native has released his new single ‘Heavy Love’. Travi The Native is the latest alter ego of Belfast born frontman Travis Gilbert. Writing openly about personal struggles, Travi The Native is on his own crusade to shout about mental health, social media and toxic masculinity.

Effortlessly cool and mellow, ‘Heavy Love’ drifts with a chic relaxed persona on Travi The Native’s rich, melodic musicianship. The song is well crafted and tightly weaved. The backdrop is adorned in twinkling soundscapes which float on a slow Hip – hop hued beat while funky warm guitar lines radiate throughout. ‘Heavy love’ has a laid back, dreamy, irresistible charm which is emphasised even further through the rasped warm vocals. The zesty indie guitar adds a bite and refreshing lift to the track while also providing a glowing cosiness. This easy going ditty is a summer evening timeless classic to chill to.

Stream ‘Heavy Love’ below 


Author : Danu

Steve Bonham and the Long Road ‘Moonshine Elegy’ EP

Americana band Steve Bonham and the Long Road have released their latest EP ‘Moonshine Elegy’. ‘Moonshine Elegy’ is the second EP of a series of four to be released by renegade Americana band Steve Bonham and the Long Road. Steve Bonham and the Long Road consists of three musicians who blend a swampy brew of styles mixed from both sides of the ocean, taking inspiration from Americana, Folk, Country Blues, the spirit of the trail, hobos and the outlaw. Releasing music to critical acclaim in 2019, Steve Bonham and the Long Road’s last single was song of the year for National Indie Radio and was number one on UK Country Radio for two months.

‘Moonshine Elegy’ blends country elements with vibrant America and slivers of indie to create a well rounded collection of tracks. ‘Moonshine Running’ and ‘Ballad of Duane and Billy Marie’ display Steve Bonham and the Long Road’s deft musicianship. Warm guitars twang against twinkling keys and buoyant rhythms while animated vocals and lush harmonies chime in the backdrop. Swirling in a sultry mysterious atmosphere ‘Canyons in the Desert’ showcases the bands diverse and unique sound. A rumbling beat and eerie vocals entice the listener while majestic guitar work teases with the aid of chic piano embellishments. The New Orleans style ‘Silver Moon, Silver Girl’ brings the EP to a groove infested finale. With shimmy percussion, jazz hued piano and quirky vocals the band end the album on a teasing note. 

‘Moonshine Elegy’ EP is retro rich and filled with wonderful jazz and country rock elements. If a classy bit of clean fun is your thing then you will love this EP.

Stream ‘Moonshine Elegy’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Quick Picks – Twin Stranger, Skyfever, TwentyTwenty, Bad Love and Greyson Chance

Twin Stranger

Photo Credit: Fragment Imagery

Genre : Indie pop

Bio : Twin Stranger is a Welsh 5 piece power-pop project led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Alex McConnachie. Initially a bedroom recording project, McConnachie enlisted his multi-instrumentalist brother Liam as well as friends, bassist Josh Newington, Joe Tobin on keyboards and drummer Eric Karvik. Following their successful debut single ‘Tears of Joy’ which was released in February 2020, Twin Stranger have released follow up single ‘Crushed’, after being tipped by BBC Introducing and SiriusXM in the US.

Track: Crushed

Why We Like It: A sweet melody drips onto a bubbling indie backdrop. Garage-infused guitar mingles with rich instrumentation as a 90’s vibe wafts through the track while smooth vocals coo cynical lyrics over the dreamy melody. With a tightly weaved fuzzy bass and rich percussion Twin Stranger have created a well layered luminous gem. The hazy guitar riff and radiant licks slice through the buoyant soundscape as the track meanders between sweet daydream pop and moody grunge effortlessly. ‘Crushed’ is vibrant, catchy and luscious on the ears. 

Speaking of the track Alex McConnachie says: “Crushed is about realising that some people you know just love listening to the sound of their own voice and other people’s troubles and feelings and life troubles only really enter their mind for a split second, then they’re gone again. On a more positive note it’s also about summer time when you’re a teenager, the days blend into one and you’re just hanging out with your friends without a care in the world, just living in the moment.”

You can follow Twin Stranger on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/twinstrangerofficial/

Stream ‘Crushed’ below

Skyfever

Genre : Rock 

Bio : With Kerrang! Radio’s Johnny Doom believing they are ‘poised to take over the world’ and a recent addition to the Planet Rock Radio playlist. Dublin’s Skyfever are celebrating their previous single ‘Keep Pounding’ being the anthem of the Carolina Panthers games in the NFL. They’ve already got the support of rock gods such as Chris Slade of AC/DC and Alice Cooper, who gave them their big radio break in the US.

Track: The Wait 

Why We Like It: It’s another powerful and emotive rock mammoth from Skyfever. With sharp guitars shrilling and swirling with an ominous tone through a steady beat the track has an icy epic feel. Luke Lang’s strong, rasped vocals exude emotion as the track broods for the verses and explodes in true rock manner for the hair-raising chorus. The band builds intensity within the track through the use of thrilling dark synths. With guitars venturing between light twinkles and crashing raw lacerations Skyfever layer on oodles of dynamic instrumentation, slowly, creating a wonderful, rich tease of the powerful alternative rock Skyfever do so well. 

You can follow Skyfever on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Skyfevermusic/

Watch the video for ‘The Wait’ below 

Twenty Twenty

Genre : Alternative Indie

Bio : Twenty Twenty are an indie band based in Liverpool, UK. The lineup consists of drummer Ethan Furey, vocalist and guitarist Patrick Joseph and keys player Niamh Mailer. The trio set out to create a very dense warm and direct sound, tipping the hat off to genres as diverse as alternative rock, indie, dreampop, psycedelic rock and managing to sound like a reverb pedal on LSD.

Track: Lies

Why We Like It: With a catchy rooted guitar hook weaving through a punchy drum foundation this song shows Twenty Twenty’s ability to meticulously layer and refine their tracks. The band blend alternative rock with smooth indie melodies while groove-infected prismatic keys create a psychedelic wobble throughout the track. With a vibrant chorus eruption, sparkling soundscapes entwined between raw guitar and ominous glimmers on keys the track has an instant rich texture and appeal. ‘Lies’ is an atmospheric number with a catchy refrain that won’t leave your head anytime soon.

You can follow Twenty Twenty on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/twentytwentylpool/

Stream ‘Lies’ below

Bad Love

Genre : Indie pop

Bio : Bad Love make Sad-Boy Pop. They combine the cinematic allure of new-romantic icons with heartfelt and anthemic pop-hooks. Frontman, songwriter and producer Andy Gannon says that Bad Love has an obsession with creating art and music that feels real and sincere.

Track: Hurricane

Why We Like It: Hurricane is an effervescent slice of indie pop. Bad Love douse a sweet candy coated melody in heart gripping swirls of adrenaline-inducing indie while shimmering synths, glistening guitars and a groovy bass line create a dramatic and romantic atmosphere. Brimming with youthful heart-felt musicianship the track glitters with a lustrous pop sheen.The slapping and pulsing beats ripple in the backdrop in a flutter of suspense while the smooth vocals and toothsome melody glide with ease through the ethereal soundscapes. ‘Hurricane’ is another passionate number from Bad Love.

 About the track frontman Andy Gannon said “When you’re so intoxicated by someone new, you’re so acutely aware of every nuance of your relationship. You can’t get them out of your head. It’s about how that hurricane of feelings is like a montage in your head.” 

You can follow Bad Love on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BadLoveForReal/

Stream ‘Hurricane’ below 

Hollow Doors

Genre :Indie

Bio : Hollow Doors are a 4-piece band from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. Since forming in 2017 the band have built strong ties with fans in their community performing at almost every music venue in their hometown. Believing that live music should sound as good as the studio recording, their high energy performances have caught the attention of supporters, quickly becoming a local favourite.

Track: Some Other Me

Why We Like It: Driven by a rumbling elastic bass groove, slick guitar lines and anthemic rock power ‘Some Other Me’ is a firecracker of alternative rock. The shrilling guitar frills, licks and embellishments ooze swagger and sensual enticement as the band create a vaporous mysterious number laced in epic moments, refined musicianship and heart-racing intensity. With warm vocals caressing a passionate melody while being consumed by a dark ethereal soundscape Hollow Doors create one thrilling rock number.

You can follow Hollow Doors on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/HollowDoors/

Stream ‘Some Other Me’ below 

Greyson Chance

Genre : Singer songwriter

Bio : After reintroducing himself to the world with the highly acclaimed and long awaited sophomore album ‘portraits’ last year, Greyson Chance is currently preparing the release of his follow up record ‘Trophies’ for later this year.

Track: Honeysuckle

Why We Like It: This track oozes summer vibes as Chance splashes sugary fresh soundscapes over a hip seducing beat. A smooth melody seeps like honey from his velvety vocals as Chance experiments with a more electronic soundscape. He distorts his vocals in places while the pulsing beat, twinkling sounds and infectious instrumental-builds create a subtle surge of humidity and euphoria throughout. With a catchy chorus, pop sensibilities and meticulous layering Honeysuckle is one sizzling gem.

You can follow Greyson Chance on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GreysonChance/

Watch the video for ‘Honeysuckle’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/32jNQJPiYaLG1fMWMUGPtn?si=M6MbWNo-Suu_HplJBdarew


Author : Danu

Event News : Sion Hill Takeover


Sion Hill will takeover our Facebook for a live stream this Thursday at 7 :00 pm

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Mullingar native Sion Hill (Nate Johnston) represented Ireland on Saturday night performing his new single ‘Speak Up’ in the Free European Song Contest in front of a TV audience of 4 million viewers, finishing in the Top 10. ‘Speak Up’ has already broken into the Billboard Top 100 songs in Germany and the Shazam Top 200 charts following its release last Friday. The music video for ‘Speak Up’ was shot in Berlin where Johnston was quarantining for the last few weeks in order to be able to compete in the competition, which took place in Cologne. Sion Hill is signed to German record label Clouds Hill GMBH and has recently released two other singles, ‘Fuel Kids’ and ‘Last Minute’ with Warner Music Germany.

Johnston’s rasped warm vocals and soulful tone translate superbly in a live setting. His tracks are melodious and honey to the ears. This is one not to be missed.

Sion Hill has just released his new single ‘Speak Up’ check out the video below


Author : Danu

A Chat With : Jon Wilkes From KOU

I had a chat with Jon Wilkes about his new musical revolution KOU and his new single ‘Burn’ which is set for release this Friday. 

Wilkes was a key member of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, recording albums with hit producers such as David Bendeth (Paramore, Papa Roach, Underoath), Howard Benson (Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, The All American Rejects) and John Feldman (Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, The Used). He told me what sparked his decision to begin KOU.

“ So I started this at the back of a tour bus when I was still touring with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in 2009. We would travel from city to city and I would just be writing songs and I never really did anything with it. I continued my career as a drummer all the way up until 2015. I was with Red Jumpsuit until about 2012 and then I started touring with other bands and I went out with Monster Jam and did their halftime show. I did all this fun stuff as a drummer and I always had these songs just sitting on a back burner since 2009 and I have constantly been writing songs since then and finally I woke up one day and thought what am I doing, I need to transform and come out as a frontman. So now we have KOU”.

Wilkes is known for his energetic drumming style and larger than life persona however he found the frontman role of his new project daunting at first. 

“Absolutely, because I was a very charismatic, crazy drummer that would spit water in the air, jump up and down and jump over things and you know it’s weird to not have drumsticks in my hand. It’s a lot of fun. “

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus released 3 full-length records: Don’t You Fake It (2006), Lonely Road (2008) and Am I The Enemy (2011).Don’t You Fake It featured the hit single “Face Down” and was certified gold in November 2006 by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies and in June 2016 was certified platinum for selling over 1,000,000 copies. But Wilkes didn’t feel a lot of pressure following up on the success of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. He took it in his stride in true rock ‘n’ roll style

“ I feel like it’s just another chapter. Because Red Jumpsuit is still a band and still doing really well and I feel like this is another path for the fans to go check out.”

Wilkes released his single ‘Time Is The Enemy’ in 2018. It’s a unique track with immersive layers of mysterious synth-driven elements and genuine lyrics. He described to Indie Buddie his  song writing process and how he created the lush intricate and passionate explosions within his tracks

“I do a lot of programming myself in Ableton. I will make the entire skeleton and then add the real instruments afterwards.It kinda creates a soundscape and I demo everything out and I write all the lyrics and melodies and then I always team up with another up and coming young producer.So it’s me and one other guy, because I believe in collaboration. So I would team up with them and that person will bring it all together with me musically. I’m always down for the collaboration. All of these KOU songs, the ones that are out and the ones that are coming later this year, all of them just started as ideas but none of them sound exactly like the demo because of collaboration.”

Wilkes is gearing up to release his new single ‘Burn’ which is set for release this friday 22nd May. It’s a powerful song that has intense mosh ready moments that are kinetic and engaging through wonderful emotive genre blending soundscapes.

“ Oh man that track. When I wrote that track there was so much hatred going on in the world. It felt like there was a shooting every other week. There was an arcade that got shot up in my home town in Jacksonville Florida and I just felt like the world was going almost evil. There was so much bad going on, we had this shooting thing in Vegas and all these people just hating on each other and I wrote ‘Burn’.The idea is that as humans we have lost our way and we need to find love again, we need to find each other again. The passion in the track was the way that I felt about the world at the time, because day to day you feel so much love, you see people caring for each other, you see people stopping if a kid falls off his bike to help him up and get back onto his bike, but then also its like the media has pumped fear into us and has exaggerated the bad things and they don’t feel the good things.Its kinda like standing up to the media but then also unifying us to love each other again”

There are many ways for artists to break through and reach their desired audience through social media. Wilkes has experienced the music industry before the rise and influence of social media, when it was perhaps more tricky for an artist to get their name out there and recognised. However there is a slight paradox in the present world. It’s easier to reach people but now it can be more difficult to stand out.

“Now there are ten thousand doors that you can open really easily .But yes it’s hard to stand out because when I first started I was with Red Jumpsuit and all of that, we had a marketing campaign, our CD was sold in stores so yes its very very different but its great. The reason it’s great is because not only can an artist like me be independent right now and release a single world wide but any young artist can do exactly what i’m doing. The doors are wide open now for all musicians and that’s what makes it great. Thank you, the internet. It’s a great time for music now. Even though there is a pandemic people are still passionate if not more passionate about music than ever before.”

KOU plan to bring their energetic and sonically rich tour to Europe when everything settles down. I asked will they come to Ireland

“Absolutely once the pandemic situation calms down Europe is definitely where I need to go properly first, because we have such a pull there right now.  I love Ireland by the way when I toured over there it was one of my fondest memories.I was in ireland in 2009 or 2010 and it was amazing.Im really looking forward to going back to Ireland because ‘Time Is The Enemy’ the first single when it came out last year did very well in that market.”

Wilkes’ emotive vocal ability is impressive.This to my surprise was not a gradual learning process or training of his voice but more like giving in to the moment and his emotions and allowing his passion to pour forth.

“I think it’s the project KOU that brought it out. I sang backup in The Red Jumpsuit, I would play drums and sing harmonies here and there but KOU definitely brought out my voice. I woke up one day and I was like, this is the moment. I need to transform into this and actually the first recording I did was a remix – a Björk song and I released the video of it on Youtube. I put it up for free on soundcloud,  that was nerve-racking because that was the first time I actually heard my voice recorded and it wasn’t that long ago it was in 2016. I was surprised when I heard my voice for the first time. I kinda stopped and the engineer and I looked at each other and we thought ‘’we have something here’’. He was like there is something going on, you should definitely continue writing songs and that’s what I did.There wasn’t a whole lot of experimentation either. It was just going in and letting myself be consumed by the emotion of what was being said and really giving into it. If that means crying in the studio,or screaming that’s what happens.”

Wilkes has toured all over the world I wondered had he experienced anything bizarre or extraordinary in his time on the road

“There have been so many amazing experiences. It was pretty intense when we were in Indonesia. I think it was 2008 or 2009.We were playing inside of a mall. That was insane because there was not a whole lot of security and there were probably,18,000 people there and they hid us in a tiny room that was probably 12 ft by 12ft and we just sat there for hours until we went on to play. We also went over and played for the troops for the USO and that was an experience. That was in Afghanistan and Iraq and that was during the war so there were bombs going off.I also went to Stockholm Sweden in 2014 I think and I did the halftime show for Monster Jam. So this was after Red Jumpsuit and that was probably one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had.It was about 30 to 40 thousand people and I did a halftime show where I was dressed up like a power ranger, I had a light up suit on and it was for kids and we did EDM dance music and I drum soloed for seven and a half minutes and that was the half time show.It was amazing!”

A lot of people dream of living the life of a musician and playing their tracks to an audience. Wilkes has some words of wisdom 

“My advice for up and coming musicians is to never give up on your dream. If you can finish your song go and find the closest studio to you to finish the song and give it out to the world.You never know what’s going to happen. Artist’s like Macklemore, you know he had a song called ‘Thrift Shop’ that came out, now 10 years ago.But when he released that song he just put it up on the internet and he didn’t promote it, he didn’t do anything and that song was out for almost a decade before it went to radio and became a huge single.So you never know what’s going to happen, especially in the world that we live in now and the industry that we are in now.So release your music be passionate about it and don’t ever give up on your dreams.”

Wilkes has an exciting year planned ahead with KOU and is gearing up tour next year 

“The plan is to release singles the rest of the year.Right now we are releasing ‘Burn’ this week and then we will have another one that drops soon with some special guests. There are some things that we are lining up now and the plan is to release singles for the rest of this year and then start touring in 2021.”

Wilkes is an ambitious artist. His passion for music radiates from him through his animated and energetic persona.Exciting times lay ahead for him and all who are blessed to hear his music.

‘Burn’ is set for release this friday

For more you can follow KOU on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/koumusic/


Author : Danu