Category Archives: Electronic

Zach James Douglas ‘Something / Anything’

Zach James Douglas has released his debut single ‘Something / Anything’ featuring guest vocalist Kintsuku, via ZJD records. Zach James Douglas is an indie/alternative producer and songwriter, hailing from the South Dublin suburb of Tallaght. Having previously had the pleasure of playing festivals such as Glastonbury and Electric Picnic with former band “Little One”, Douglas now steps out alone for the first time, with his debut single ‘Something / Anything’ released everywhere April 28th on ZJD Records via Faction Records. 

‘Something / Anything’ is an earthy tune laced in rich electronic soundscapes and Zach James Douglas’ intricate production skills. The song has a balmy atmosphere with dance elements infused between tropical tones and warm guitar embellishments. Kintsuku’s soft vocals add sweetness and emotion to the songs fluttering backdrop as Douglas builds ‘Something / Anything’ superbly. He injects a dash of spice on percussion and elegance on keys to create a wholly immersive song for listeners to indulge in. ‘Something / Anything’ is a timeless and wonderful tune from Zach James Douglas.

About the song, Douglas says...”Something/Anything deals with the bitterness and the anger that began to engulf mine and my Ex’s relationship, as she struggled to come to terms with her own personal demons and issues at home. It documents how my role in her life began to change from one of positivity, comfort and reliability, to the new position of the perpetual scapegoat.”

Stream ‘Something / Anything’ below


Author : Danu

Apella ‘Buried You’

Photo Credit : Ray Keogh

Apella have released a limited edition vinyl and CD of their debut album ‘1963’, alongside the brand new single ‘Buried You’. Since the album was digitally released on January 29th, it has been going from strength to strength with a whopping 500,000 streams racked up to date. Pre-orders for the physical release launched in January via apellamusic.com with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this album going directly to The Marie Keating Foundation specifically to help fund the outstanding support services they provide to women affected by Breast Cancer.

Bouncing between an effervescent pop chorus and earnest verses, ‘Buried You’ is a fizzing electronic-infused pop-punk/ indie banger from Apella. The band depicts heartbreak through this dynamic tune as brooding verses, that are smeared with dark undertones simmer into a bright pop chorus that is so catchy you will have to prise it from your head. The song displays the expressive songwriting and ever-shifting musicianship of Apella. Venturing into heavy electronics the track whirls and coils around dizzying synths and a hyper wall of sound. As a rampant bassline weaves between punchy drums and effervescent electronics the track spirals into the exhilarating chorus. Apella blend lush textures with rich soundscapes and shake them up to create a fizzing anthem while heart-stopping melodies and meaningful lyrics add weight and depth “I trembled at the thought of moving on, you surrendered all hope before hope was gone”. Dara Quilty’s vocals balance the tender lyrics and explosive soundscapes with ease. His coo’s ebb and flow with the instrumental turmoil providing emotion and anthemic power throughout. The track is such a joy to the senses and a fine display of musicianship from Apella.

‘Buried You’ is accompanied by a vigorously high energy, vivacious music video directed by Ray Keogh. Talking about the video Director Ray Keogh said: “I have been part of the Apella journey since inception and this music video captures everything they represent. Quilty and Nolan are two extraordinarily talented performers. We set it up and executed this video just like we were headlining a music festival! This is Apella. I am incredibly proud of this.”

Speaking of the album Dara Quilty said: “The response to the album on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube has been overwhelming. I still enjoy opening up my phone and simply seeing it exist in the world. As I mentioned before, we’ll be donating 100% of all the physical sales proceeds directly to The Marie Keating Foundation. Up against COVID-19 and BREXIT, I am delighted that production is complete and we can finally release our beautiful Vinyl and CDs! I am eternally grateful to everyone who has pre-ordered and we’ll continue to donate sales after the release date!”

100% of the proceeds from this album bought on apellamusic.com will go directly to The Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living support group, Survive and Thrive programme, BRCA awareness and support programme and School’s Cancer Awareness Programme.

Watch the video for ‘Buried You’ below 


Author : Danu

Riley Holland ‘Say it First’

Riley

Riley Holland has released her new single ‘Say it First’. Riley Holland is a songwriter and performer from Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Riley has achieved much in her early career. In 2019 she was a semi- finalist in the Belfast-Nashville Young Songwriter Of The Year, making her live debut during this festival. She was also a finalist in the All-Ireland Star Nation competition. This earned her recording time in Ireland’s famous Windmill Lane studio.

‘Say it First’ is an infectious electronic pop tune saturated in Holland’s emotive songwriting. The track surges with luscious sun kissed electronics that wisp through balmy tones and sticky beats as Holland uses her knack with bittersweet melodies to create one heartfelt breakup bop. The tender lyrics contrast the song’s effervescent radiant backdrop; the warm guitars, tropical tones and bubbling rhythms make ‘Say it First’ a refreshing piece of pop perfection. Holland’s warm vocals coo “ don’t call me and tell me it’s over and we should just be friends”, over an intricately layered electronic pop backdrop creating a danceable radio-ready gem for listeners to indulge in.

‘Say it First’ is a slick, well-crafted earworm that marks Holland as an artist to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Say it First’ below


Author : Danu

Luke Power ‘Drinks’

Luke Power has released his latest single, ‘Drinks’. After touring with Irish pop and rock band Picture This and performing in venues like The Olympia, Luke Power returns after a three-year hiatus with an arsenal of over 20 tracks ready to go. Born in 1999, Power grew up in Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by music. Both his uncle & grandfather are experienced vocalists and heavily influenced his decision to pursue music. Power started playing the guitar at the age of eight and began learning the basics of production when he was ten. Becoming skilled at Logic X and Pro Tools, he then began to mix and master tracks for various artists in Ireland.

‘Drinks’ is an energetic electronic pop track dripping in the tight musicianship and lush melodic prowess of Luke Power. Spreading swirling synths around bubbling beats and flickering electronics the track has an effervescent soundscape that surges with adrenaline. Throughout this dance floor smasher, Power adds emotional lyrical content to provide a satisfying listening experience. His smooth vocals caress the dreamy melody while the dynamic production flurries with a hurried urgency behind his moving lyrics “ I don’t feel real”.

Power displays his ability to craft an engaging and musically deft tune that exudes heartfelt lyrics and emotion at its core. Keep an eye on Luke Power.

About the track Power said, “It is an ode to the good times pre lockdown, where you can go out to create new memories with friends”.

Stream ‘Drinks’ below 


Author : Danu

Pecking Party ‘Descendant’

Dublin-based electronic band, Pecking Party have released their latest single ‘Descendant’. The track is accompanied by a stylised sci-fi-influenced video directed by Richard Harvey (winner of First Cut Youth Film Festival Music Video competition).

Luring, dark and superbly composed ‘Descendant’ displays the raw electronic rock of Pecking Party in all its glory. This sinister concoction blends swirling electronics with heavy, gritty rock and acute trip-hop to create an enthralling listening experience. The sheer terror and assault provided on bass and drums is masterful as the band create a harrowing coarse wall of sound for the shadowy, almost futuristic toned electronics to ricochet and swirl around.

The band balance their harrowing heavy sound with ethereal elements allowing glimmers of lightness and innocence to flicker within the muggy atmosphere. As harsh guitars gnaw through the track’s intoxicating soundscape, the delicate melody and soft vocals provide a refreshing contrast.

Ciara Ryan’s smoky lulling tone carries the track’s lighter moments – with sweet haunting coos on backing vocals she discusses themes of intergenerational dread and fear for the future. Ciara Ryan ventures into a menacing tone as growling backing vocals howl before the striking perilous chorus. 

Pecking Party have crafted their sound masterfully creating an enticing and frenzied sound sure to ignite the senses and leave you craving for more. 

Watch The Video For ‘Descendant’ below 


Author : Danu

Noah Elliott ‘Never Know’

Oregon Pop-R&B artist Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Never Know,’ produced by Nashville hit-maker Jon Santana (Phangs, SuperM).

 ‘Never Know’ is a piece of softly glittering pop prowess as Elliott swirls sweet melodies through bubbling electronics to create an ethereal and tender number. With R&B elements weaved through fresh synths and spacious soundscapes, Elliott builds the track superbly. Weaving soft guitar between bubbling beats and a laid-back tempo, the song floats into a dreamy atmosphere allowing the electronics to unfold and create a soothing sense of nostalgia.

Elliott’s soulful vocals coo throughout, creating a melancholic and sweet tone to the track. His lush falsetto and velvety tone adds to the track’s overall sulky yet dreamy atmosphere. As Elliott builds the song, he layers bouncy synth elements into the catchy chorus and airy soundscape. Here the electronics become a little darker and sticky while the R&B elements kick in for the finger-clicking beat and the smooth vocals. 

Elliott’s songwriting excels in setting vulnerable, personal themes and lyrics to his minimal radio-friendly pop. It’s this exposure of his heart that gives the track its power and beauty  “Romeo and Juliet I envy what they had, thought we would have that or was it unrealistic “….. “But your doors are always closing when I keep mine cracked open waiting for you to walk in”. Elliott wears his heart on his sleeve for each song he releases, and ‘Never Know’ is a superb example of this. 

Elliot’s spacious yet intricately weaved musicianship and heartfelt lyrics make each release engaging and utterly compelling. Within ‘Never Know,’ we see this through beautiful melodies, meaningful, honest lyrics, and a gripping wall of sound. 

About the track, Noah Elliott said “The song is about the confusion and heartache that results from having no idea as to why someone left you.”

Stream ‘Never Know’ below


Author : Danu

Midnight Wayne ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’

Having cut his teeth in one of the most well-loved live bands of their time on our festival circuits and live scene, former Hot Sprockets frontman Wayne Soper is no stranger to the Irish music scene. Now focusing on his solo artist project, Midnight Wayne, Soper returns with ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ boasts the impressive genre-blending musicianship of Midnight Wayne. Melding 80’s synth-pop with crisp sparkling production, Soper adds layer upon layer of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in.

The song flows upon a kinetic groove and pulsing bass while sweet synths chime throughout. Soper uses a tight beat to pull against a funky flex on guitar, and loose electronics to create a tantalizing, irresistible sound to tease and entice the listener with. The result is a mesmerising display of musical prowess and an enjoyable listening experience.

From panache-soaked breathy whispers to velvety croons, Soper’s vocals ooze a charming tone while delivering the uplifting lyrics “seek the fire that you’ve lost inside”. The upbeat lyrics are highlighted further by the tracks infectious jangly guitars and rhythmic bounce.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ is a gem to treasure. Midnight Wayne is refining his sound into something special and something to get excited about. Looking forward to hearing more from Midnight Wayne.

Stream ‘It’s Alright Hold on Tight’ below 


Author : Danu

Magnetik Zu ‘Let You Go’

Magnetik Zu has released her new single ‘Let You Go’.Magnetik Zu is the creator of the Zunique sound which is a blend of electric guitars with dark sexy edgy elements. Magnetik Zu is most known for her energetic live performances, often jumping up on the tables to dance with the crowd.

Doused in dark muggy electronics with an indie-rock edge ‘Let You Go’ is a luring new track from Magnetik Zu. The song floats through haunting melodies and melancholic atmospheres as deep whispered vocals reinforce the eerie mysterious tone while a lamenting piano exudes a sense of innocence in the background. Dynamic guitars provide a raw powerful element to the track alongside punchy drums and shadowy electronics which creates a thick muggy wall of sound. Well-crafted and intricately layered, ‘Let You Go’ is an expressive and emotive new song from Magnetik Zu.

Stream ‘Let You Go’ below


Author : Danu

Craig McMorrow ‘These Times’

Edinburgh-based musician Craig McMorrow has announced the release of his new electro-acoustic single, ‘These Times’ on January 29th. The single, which follows McMorrow’s debut ‘Home’ was written and produced over Zoom during the lockdown.

‘These Times’ is an emotive uplifting number of electronic pop from Craig McMorrow. Through his country- esque vocals and motivational lyrics McMorrow oozes charm and emotion and shows strong musical growth from his debut ‘Home’. Soft acoustic guitar and elegant keys chime through a warm ethereal soundscape as beats bubble in the background. The use of pulsing expressive electronics creates a passionate and expansive soundscape that is both soothing and vibrant. With a catchy anthemic chorus and moving verses, ‘These Times’ is well crafted and wonderfully presented.

‘These Times’ is set for release on January 29th for more you can follow Craig McMorrow on Facebook here 

https://www.facebook.com/craigmcmorrow


Author : Danu

Ria Rua ‘Bad Girl

Ria Rua has released her new single, ‘Bad Girl.’ Ria Rua is a modern Irish female electronic art-pop singer, songwriter, and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer and touring the world with orchestras, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and she was nominated for 2020 International Artist of the Year by a UK radio station.

Ria Rua’s first-rate musicianship soars to new heights with her latest track ‘Bad Girl.’ From the well-formed turn of phrase to rich musicianship, this bewitching track is intricately crafted. Crisp vocals swirl around infectious rhythms and dark electronic pulses, while tropical embellishments and edgy indie textures add depth and colour to a tantalizing luring soundscape. Within moments the listener is captivated and in awe of the superb display of skilful production.

Lyrically Ria pulls no punches. She exudes an empowering attitude through witty lyrics, which at times cuts deep like a knife. “Yeah, you’re nice to me now say it’s great to see ya. Where was this year’s ago when I was no senorita. I know it’s a fake, only your mistake fire in disguise, let’s go burn this f*cking snake”. Radiating swagger and sass throughout, Ria’s wonderful, pristine vocal delivery heightens the honest lyrical approach.

‘Bad Girl’ is a fantastic display of production wizardry and deft songwriting ability. I can not wait to hear more from Ria Rua. Ria is a talented artist and one to get very excited about.

About the track, Ria Rua said: “I spent three months creating this song – recording over 500 individual tracks in the process! The lyrics are about being bullied by people you once trusted when you ‘become who you are.’ So in a sense, it’s about betrayal, but more importantly, it’s about standing up to bullies and being brave enough to embrace your potential! “

Stream ‘Bad Girl’ below 


Author :Danu