Category Archives: New Music

A Chat With, Indie, indie rock, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With: The Backseat Lovers

The Backseat Lovers performed their debut Irish show, in The Button Factory last Wednesday night as part of Eastbound Dublin. Their show was completely sold out, following two venue upgrades. The Salt Lake City four-piece have had huge streaming success. They independently released, their debut album ‘When We Were Friends’ which smashed through industry ceilings after its 2019 release with 120m+ Spotify streams for the international phenomenon that is their single ‘Kilby Girl’ along with achieving a sold-out, first-ever 48-date US Tour and a Lollapalooza debut last year.

I spoke to Joshua Harmon (vocals/guitars), Jonas Swanson (vocals/guitars), Juice Welch (drums) and KJ Ward (bass) before their show in The Button Factory. 

The Backseat Lovers have become known for their sun-kissed indie rock sound. The guitar in particular is an irresistible factor in this band’s songs. The sweet mellow and nimble guitar melodies weave soothing tones through each song, making every track utterly glorious to the ears.

Joshua: “ I think we look at guitar melodies pretty similar to the vocal melodies. They both guide the song and sometimes either/or will come first, especially with our older stuff, some of those songs will revolve around a riff or it would revolve around the melody and the riff would come later. It’s always sort of different”

Though the songs are laid back and melodious there is enough grit to keep each song interesting. ‘Pool House’, is a fine example of this, the song builds to a shredding guitar-heavy crescendo that is just exhilarating and the band explained to me how they crafted the song.

Joshua: “Well, I started writing that song on a classical acoustic guitar at a party somewhere. I guess it’s the morning after a very bad party and I was in Southern California. So it kind of…came from weird, some sort of beachy energy somehow. When we started playing it as a band, it kept that energy. I remember the moment we were in my parent’s basement, we were jamming it and I hadn’t written the chorus yet. It was once we kind of written that chorus we were just jamming it and I just started singing that “wait outside”, just that melody. It wasn’t even any lyrics yet, it was just singing that melody, and it got heavier as we kept jamming it, so it’s naturally the evolution, having a heavier side once it got to the chorus.”

The Backseat Lovers have an intricate sound. They carefully build the tracks to create catchy, light tunes filled with oodles of passion that is enhanced by delicately placed instrumentation. This creates a mature and lush listening experience. I wondered how the band write their songs and if they approached writing like a jamming session or if each member brings bits they have written to each other to work with.

Jonas: “I think that one depends too, a lot of the songs we have out were songs that Josh had written and then brought to us and we all arranged our parts. But as we’ve kept playing together as a band, we’ve started to, write songs more out of just jams or, either me or Josh coming up with a seed of an idea and then bringing that to the band and it growing from there. But there’s lots of different ways. We like to continue to explore new ways too.” 

Well crafted and clever lyrical content is an obvious element in each of the band’s songs. Lines such as “Feels like a night to carry a tune, I’ve been carrying yours since you wrecked my room” “So we chase jack with love” from Kilby Girl eloquently express subtle messages and poetic undertones. The band explained to me the effort that goes into coining these lyrical elements and how they don’t feel pressure from outside influences to write poignant lyrical content.

Joshua: ” I feel Jonas and I are the main lyric writers and yeah, we’ve probably spent hours and hours most days churning through lyrics. Sometimes you’re just singing a melody and the lyrics are making their way into the melody in a very natural way in real time and sometimes it’s much more methodical, like trying out different puzzle pieces to fit the rhythm of the song and make a rhyme, and a certain cadence. It’s a combination between the two. It’s really fun, and it’s incredibly frustrating. It’s the best and worst part in my opinion”

Joshua: “ We don’t really feel pressure from outside. I think we have a certain amount of pressure that we create for ourselves. I think, at least for me, when I’m writing a song, it’s so much more.The only reason I’m doing it is to feel like I’m doing something for myself and I’m connecting with myself. When I think of something and it clicks and I’ve been working on it, for a second I feel it click in place. It’s the most satisfying feeling, it’s like Oh, I haven’t done that before, that pushed a little further than I went last time, you know. So that’s where the pressure comes from.”

Jonas: “Sometimes the most satisfying lyrics, feel the most genuine and I feel a connection to, are really simple ones that don’t really have a lot, I guess, super poetic value to it. But because they’re just saying exactly how it is, sometimes that’s even better than something that’s really flowery, I think.”

The Backseat Lovers’ song titles are interesting. They aren’t obvious song titles, they appear random with hints to the lyrics within the song. This adds a new dimension and meaning to the songs. Maple Syrup is a superb example of this. We spoke about what sparked that name for the song.

Joshua: “With the first album there is a strange arrangement of song titles. It’s something that’s fun when you can think of a song.. because naming a song isn’t very fun, generally, in my opinion it’s kind of like the last part, it’s like okay now we have to name the song. But with those ones, it was really quite fun, because there were certain important backstories behind certain lyrics that only I would know about, that would end up making their way into the song title and Maple Syrup, I wrote about my friend. In the second verse, I’m talking about the purple sweater that he left at my house and he smelled like maple syrup. So that was where that came from.”

The band have been making waves in the music industry independently. With over 120m streams, their UK and Irish run of shows all sold out and they return to the US to support Jack White on his Arena tours. I asked the band if they had any advice for any upcoming independent artists and if we can look forward to their next album soon.

Joshua: “I think, take it with a grain of salt because we don’t know what the hell we are doing. We’ve always understood the reason why we’re making music in the first place. Ask [yourself] that question, then answer it and then act with that as the centre of what you’re doing. If you want to make music to get attention, then you have to know that’s why you’re doing it. But if you’re making music because it fulfils you, and because it’s something that you care about and you want to share it with people and that’s why you’re doing it doesn’t really modify it, essentially, if you’re acting on principles [that are] reasonably good.”

Jonas: “Yeah, we’ve been recording [album] for the last year. We still don’t have a date yet, but it’s getting close.”

Joshua:”Yeah, it’s about done”

The Backseat Lovers are crafting their sound beautifully to create tunes filled with compelling indie rock, wonderful intricate melodies and first-rate musicianship. Their debut album ‘When We Were Friends’ is just a glimpse into the many talents of this band. I’m looking forward to hearing what delicious musical gems they have in store for us with their next release. 

Stream ‘When We Were Friends’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

SODAPOP ‘Kevin’s Famous Chili’

SODAPOP has released his new single ‘Kevin’s Famous Chili’. This luscious indie-pop ditty is a glorious example of SODAPOP’s sweet and charming sound. He coats a candied melody in hazy sun-kissed vibes to create a bright atmosphere while a light spritz on guitar injects a dash of zest into the song’s opulent soundscape. The ethereal and dreamy effect SODAPOP’s songs have is mesmerising, he has a talent for creating songs that flood with smooth melodies backed by expressive instrumentation making each release absolute manna to the ears. Filled with bouncy rhythms, smooth vocals and an upbeat atmosphere ‘Kevin’s Famous Chili’ is a magnificent example of this. 

About the track SODAPOP said: “This song is a homage to the scene from The Office where Kevin spills his Kevin’s Famous Chili and desperately tries to scoop it back into the pot with loose papers. It’s simultaneously hilarious and depressing, which is how I feel about my life a good portion of the time. A while back I used Spotify’s Listen Alike feature and found me and Kevin’s actor’s listening habits are apparently 85% similar. So I can relate to him in many ways lol. My goal with this song is for Kev to hear it and be like ‘nice.’”

Stream ‘Kevin’s Famous Chili’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Cabin ‘Whatever You Have’

Dublin Producer, Songwriter & Multi-Instrumentalist, Cabin has released his new single ‘Whatever You Have’. The fourth single to be released under Cabin, ‘Whatever You Have’, completes the collection of four tracks conceived and produced within a particular time, that ultimately led to the inception of Cabin as a musical project. Cabin (aka Adam McCabe) began crafting his songwriting and production skills as part of post-punk outfit Brass Phantoms. He has had his music featured on the likes of BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq, Spotify’s Hot New Bands and more.

‘Whatever You Have’ delves deep into Cabin’s expressive psychedelic pop sound. The track is a wonderfully emotive listening experience and doused in pristine soundscapes of twinkling keys, intense electronic pulses and driving rhythms. Soul-infused vocals ripple throughout, gently guiding the listener through the track’s rich instrumental bed before the song dissolves into its powerful psychedelic finale. The track is a joy to listen to and is a mesmerising example of Cabin’s writing and production skills. 

On the track, Cabin says; “This is a piece that embodies how I look at and approach creating music as an individual. That we now have the ability to create something far larger than ourselves, we should strive towards that.”

Stream ‘Whatever You Have’ below

 


Author: Danu

A Chat With, Indie, indie rock, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With: Emily 7

Dublin Four-piece Emily 7 have released their new single and fan favourite from live sets ‘Oh Me Oh My’. I spoke to Kyle and Scott Bellow, Daniel Clarke and Brandon Craig about their new single, songwriting and their energetic stage presence.

The last time I spoke with Emily 7 the band was a two-piece consisting of brothers Kyle and Scott Bellow. At that time we discussed the potential of adding more members to the band and I was intrigued to find out what sparked the decision to welcome Daniel Clarke and Brandon Craig into the Emily 7 family.

Scott: “Well, over lockdown myself and Kyle, we really started to look into the production side of things a bit more, looking at it a bit more carefully and looking at the live sound at the time wasn’t half as, I suppose, good as it could be. We knew both Daniel and Brandon. I knew Brandon through college and we knew Daniel from gigging in the past together and just being on the scene. We always got on, we just made the decision to go from two to four, what was the worst that could have happened you know, and we’re happy we did”

The addition of two new members has given the band the ability to expand and evolve their sound to create rich diverse tunes and dynamic live performances.

Daniel: “Yeah, the sound definitely changed a lot just because it was like the two boys to begin with. So when me and Brandon came in we were like, what else can we do because the songs are already class to begin with. It was just supporting the arrangement bit that was their big thing.”

Brandon: “Yeah broadening the harmonic structure as well along with filling out the sound especially in recording and we looked to adding more instruments as well in the recording.”

Daniel: “Yeah I think in ‘Oh Me Oh My’ we have a piano. We’re changing constantly, seeing what we can do better and what we can add. It is the four brains thinking there and we all have different influences. It’s like, oh, what can I put in.”

Brandon: “We gel it together as well with our own unique styles and it blends you know. “

Daniel: “ It oddly works.”

Writing songs as part of Emily 7 is a collaborative process. Each member brings their strengths and styles into the rehearsal room and the result is a melting pot of shredding guitar, resounding drums, catchy melodies and a plethora of indie rock goodness.

Kyle: “I suppose the four of us would have our own ideas individually. Then we just bring them to the rehearsal and flesh it out from there. The odd time, we could come in with fully formed songs or whatever, but more often than not it’s bringing in the bare-bones structure to see what as a collective piece we can add to the song to make it the type of song we’d be happy to put out.”

Emily 7 have released their new single ‘Oh Me Oh My’. It’s a catchy tune that pivots around indie guitar hooks and buoyant rhythms which translate well in the recording. The song depicts the feelings of regret the day after a night out and the lyrics slowly reveal the memories of the protagonist as the song progresses.

Kyle: “That song in particular came very quick. Some songs you can find yourself gruelling over for a long period of time but fortunately that was very quick. From the initial writing of the song compared to the version we released, it’s completely different. When we were in the studio recording it, as Daniel mentioned, there was the four of our brains bouncing off each other. As the lads mentioned, there’s a piano in the final recording which was just one of them spur of the moment ideas and the backing vocals as well because that’s something we’ve never really experimented with before. It was just on the fly in the studio. So, it went through some development, from the initial song to what we came out with but we’re very happy with how it turned out in the end.”

Kyle and Daniel share main vocals on some of Emily 7’s songs providing a refreshing listening experience throughout their tunes. We discussed how they share out the different vocal parts and if they write songs with the other in mind for the vocal.

Daniel: “ It kind of just comes when I write the song. I’m like, oh, I won’t be able to sing this so I’ll ask Kyle to do it, type thing. It’s just something that clicks. I just know Kyle’s voice. So it’s like, oh, he’ll sound like he has more meaning when he’s saying this, as opposed to me.”

Kyle: “Yeah, If I bring the idea of a song in, I’ll end up singing it or vice versa if Daniel brings something in and I suppose just going from there and just figuring out the arrangements and then help to flesh it out and make it into the fully finished song that we’d like. It’s just something that happens naturally.”

“There’s a handful of songs I suppose where Daniel comes in with a song, he’ll sing the verse, I might do the chorus or vice versa and then I suppose thinking about the backing vocals and such but there’s no power struggles.”

Emily 7 exude swagger and energy on stage. From suave guitar poses or standing on the drum stool to effortless banter with the crowd, the band appear to have a tight and flawless stage persona. For a young band, they know how to put on a show and get the crowd moshing in a manic frenzy.

Scott: “To be honest, it is completely on the fly. It really does come from the crowd’s energy. Every gig is different. Every gig is unique. We don’t work off a script or even on some nights we will decide to play a certain song that hasn’t been in our set in a good while. It really does depend on the crowd, the venue and the gig and just really how we’re feeling I suppose. We put more focus into creating good music because that’s really what it’s about at the end of the day it’s not about a swagger really as such. We’re there to create good music and if the swagger comes along with that so be it. If people enjoy it, they enjoy it, if not f*ck off.”

‘Oh Me, Oh My’ is a great track live. I have seen Emily 7 live a few times and this particular song is a hit with their fans and the crowd seem to love bellowing back the lyrics.

Scott: “Yeah, well, for me personally I don’t write many of the lyrics but I see a lot of these tracks when they are just general ideas and we’re bouncing them around in the studio. When you work on something for a long time and then, you notice that other people are getting enjoyment out of it, it’s great. I think it’s the best feeling in the world. You can only keep these things secret for so long and you have to let it out to other people. I think I speak for the rest of the band as well there are some songs that I think we personally don’t even like ourselves. However, other people have gotten enjoyment out of it and I think that really is the main thing, to be honest.”

Daniel: “Yeah for me and Kyle [we] definitely have where it’s like, oh, I wrote this in my bedroom, and you’re like playing the venue and people are enjoying it.”

I wondered if it was the live reaction to the song that made the band release ‘Oh Me, Oh My’ as their next single.

Kyle: “We released a couple of tracks last year and any time we played that song people seemed to like it even if it wasn’t necessarily a gig like if we were in rehearsals, and some of our friends were with us they always seem to like that song so when it got around to recording the next single it was a no brainer really, considering other people liked [it] anytime we played it live. Hopefully, people like the recording as much as they like it live.”

Brandon: “ I’ve seen people singing it live before it was released as well. It was so easy to catch on to as well, but a lot of people, even that we knew personally as well they would be listening to the song and you’ll hear them singing along in the rehearsal as well.”

The four-piece are a young band making their imprint on the music industry with people like Liam Gallagher giving them a shoutout and brand endorsements from Fred Perry and Dr. Martens as well as playing their own sell-out headline shows in Whelan’s, The Workmans and The Grand Social. From their experience so far the band had some advice for a budding young band trying to make a name for themselves.

Scott: “To be honest, getting involved with other people is the main thing and don’t be too close to yourself. You really need to be willing and open to other ideas, collaborating with other people and communication is the main thing but just work really hard. I think that the decision I made years ago to start playing drums was probably the best decision. I’ve met some friends that I’ll know for the rest of my life. I’ve been in some wacky places and stuff. It’s not a choice that you’d regret. Give it your all and just enjoy what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

“I’ve made the choice now that I’m not going to be a bank manager in a couple of years. I just enjoy what I’m doing and the only reason someone would say don’t do it or anything they’ve obviously not tried it or experienced it themselves you know. I’m 19 and the stuff that we’ve done so far, I’m very proud of and I don’t think there is a lot of people this age that do stuff like that. I don’t think there’s a lot of people enjoying themselves this much in that sense. I’m really having the time of my life really. I love this band, I love gigging, I love releasing music it’s all great. It all just works out. It’s brilliant.”

Emily 7 have some exciting few months ahead and the quartet told me what is next on their plan for world domination

Scott; “ Well we will start with Dublin then the world. We will be playing This Is It Festival in The Grand Social on June 2nd and we’re also supporting THE K’S in The Workman’s Club on the 21st of May. So yeah we will be releasing more tracks, a collection of tracks, an EP at the end of the year. They’re really good tracks. I think in the past we’ve been patient to say the least in terms of releasing music. Yeah, we’ve been spending a lot of time rehearsing and, writing in the studio and we have a lot of new sounds and new ideas. But until then, you can catch us supporting THE K’S in The Workman’s Club on the 21st of May and playing at This Is It Festival in The Grand Social on June 2nd.”

Emily 7 are a hard-working and dynamic band who lace their songs with effervescent indie rock and oodles of talent. ‘Oh Me, Oh My’ is a fine example of this. The track is filled with jaunty guitars, a bustling bass and drum foundation and warm vocals. ‘Oh Me, Oh My’ is a satisfying new tune to indulge in again and again.

Stream ‘Oh Me, Oh My’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Mark Daly & The Ravens ‘Gotta Run’


Mark Daly & The Ravens have recently released their new single ‘Gotta Run’. From performing at the MTV EMA Awards with The Voodoos, hitting #1 on the Scottish New Music charts with his Autism Awareness charity solo single ‘Your World’ to his songwriting work with Geoff Tate-led supergroup, Operation: Mindcrime; and recently performing on the Monsters of Rock Cruise 2022 alongside the likes of Alice Cooper, Buckcherry and more, Irish Rock musician Mark Daly’s career has been as varied as it has been exhilarating. His last single, ‘Don’t Look Back’, was the first with a new line-up of like-minded musicians that joined him to create Mark Daly & The Ravens. In the summer of 2021, Mark teamed up with Avantasia guitarist and world-renowned producer Sascha Paeth to begin work on a brand new Hard Rock album called ‘Peace in the Panic’ which is set for a release this year.

‘Gotta Run’ is a fiery, swagger-filled tune that boasts the colossal rock sound of Mark Daly & The Ravens. The band take a brawny drum foundation and douse kinetic guitars, riveting bass lines and blues sprinkled panache on top to create a tune that is a glorious assault on the senses. The song is well crafted as the band blend classic rock elements with earworm melodies to create that big arena rock sing-along before the song unfolds into a swirling frenzy for the manic crescendo. With rasped vocals and dynamic energy pulsing throughout ‘Gotta Run’ is a satisfying rock stomper that displays the magnificent sound of Mark Daly & The Ravens. 

Stream ‘Gotta Run’ below 


Author: Danu

Album Review, New Music

SkyQuaker ‘1.5°’ Album

UK based Hard Rock Act SkyQuaker have released their first full length album, ‘1.5°’.SkyQuaker is composed of frontman Stephen Hope-Wynne, lead guitarist Ben ‘Ferdy’  Ford, drummer Josh Brown and multi-instrumentalist and producer George McFarlane. Each one of these members have been highly accredited throughout their musical careers and boast a combined client list of Prince, Gabrielle, Sham69 and the Sex Pistols. So far, SkyQuaker have released 2 rare version singles “Thank God for Rock and Roll” and “Queen Kong” with accompanying music videos through Aurora Eclipse Productions.

‘1.5°’ presents the blistering and diverse sound of SkyQuaker as the band blend an array of genres to create a thrilling listening experience. With Bhangra elements and Punjabi vocals from Bhangra composer and radio DJ, Dav Singh blended between powerhouse 80’s rock in ‘Claw’ and ballsy rock bravado surging through ‘Armistice Day’ the album showcases intriguing soundscapes within each track. The band sprinkle surprise soundbites throughout the album from earthy birds and rumbling storms to whispered vocals to create a unique aspect to their sound. This album has a theatrical element to it as well. Tracks like ‘Love Under Fire’ are a fine example of this and boast dramatic vocals, shredding guitar riffs and pummeling rhythms. SkyQuaker display their various musical talents by mixing rock, jazz, funk and stage theatrics to create an album that rushes with adrenaline from start to finish. Featuring collaborations with Paul Jordanous and Mike Garson, the career pianist for David Bowie, the album displays a unique blend of different musical tastes and styles. ‘1.5°’ is a mighty album from SkyQuaker. 

Stream ‘1.5°’ below


Author: Danu

A Chat With, Interviews, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

A Chat With: Bradley Marshall

Dublin based artist-songwriter Bradley Marshall has released his first official single ‘Make Believe’.The song is a cinematic tune that surges with earnest lyrics and lush textures and is anchored by an elegant piano melody that exudes tender emotion throughout. I caught up with Marshall to chat about the single, what inspired him to write it and how the artist is crafting his sound.

“It was a song that came from my own personal views and perspectives. I wanted to write something that a lot of people would relate to, and I think a lot of people have gone through something of love that was never really reciprocated back to themselves. So what I tried to do was, write that from my own perspective of my personal experiences, but also try to make it as relatable as possible for other people and yeah, it worked out really well that way”

“ The song was written on the piano. I did it with a few people because I can’t really play [piano] that well. So I didn’t do the piano part but yeah, the song was written on piano because we felt that it makes it more emotional.”

Through eloquently crafted lyrics Marshall creates a song that is moving and relatable. We discussed how he crafted the lyrics and whether they came to him in a flow of inspiration or if it was something he spent a lot of time creating.

“Yeah, it was a mix of both. It was the inspiration of what happened but with melody and with writing, it kind of just flows. I don’t really think too much about it. Just whatever I’m feeling inside, I just write down on a page.”

‘Make Believe’ is Marshall’s first official single. The song introduces Marshall as a heartfelt songwriter with an ear for melody and rich compositional arrangements. He explained to me his decision on releasing this song as his first release and how the song is only a glimpse into his diverse sound.

“Yeah, definitely. I have a good few that I could have brought out but I felt ‘Make Believe’ was the most powerful, and emotionally [the] one to start with because it’s probably the most relatable to a lot of people too. “

“Make Believe gives a lot of what I’m about but I’m also very versatile in what I do so I have a lot of more upbeat [songs].. but yeah, I’m definitely going to change it up. When people hear that [Make Believe] they probably think that’s what I’m about, but I’ll probably bring out something completely different next time. So we don’t know yet.”

Marshall has recently released a black and white live performance video for the song. How a performance is presented can make all the difference to an audience and his visually minimal approach is beautiful and wonderfully impactful.

“Yeah, we wanted it to be as real as possible. So we actually decided with the video to do just a live vocal. So that was actually a live vocal performance. I just felt it’d be more powerful and more real. I didn’t want to mime it or anything like that because I know the song is so powerful to me, so I wanted to sing it and yeah, we found a setting that’s really nice. We decided to put it black and white because we think it matches the theme of the song so yeah, that was our decision to do that.”

Marshall has a warm, confident, easy on the ears voice. It appears effortless when he sings. I wondered if he was always a confident singer.

“Yeah since I was a kid, I’ve always been a confident singer. I reckon in the late teens, you know, sixteen/ seventeen I stopped for a while, I cared too much what people think. But, I definitely don’t anymore. I’m glad that I got back at it”

“Even in school and stuff, it was difficult [singing] you know, I don’t know some people just think different of it but you’ll never get anywhere in life if you care [what] people think”

Marshall has garnered a big following across social media by posting heartfelt, soulful videos singing a mix of both covers and self-penned songs. Navigating through social media channels and keeping up with creating content can be a daunting task for artists but Marshall appears to have the ability to not become overwhelmed with the task.

“To be honest, lately, I haven’t really been posting as much on TiKTok and stuff but I don’t stress about it, you know….I don’t think people should really feel stressed to post things. It’s not easy to keep posting things every day because you have to come up with things and songs to sing and things to cover and all that kind of stuff. So it’s not as easy as it looks.”

Having recently performed in the Academy to his biggest audience to date. Marshall is making a name for himself as an artist to keep an eye on. He explained to me how surreal and exciting the experience was.

“Yeah, that was amazing. I went on the Tuesday and it was basically sold out. I think there was only like 30 tickets left. I haven’t done a proper gig like that. Ever. So it’s my first time in front of five/ six hundred people or whatever it was there. It was just an amazing feeling – people singing back to you and holding flashlights up and some people crying and stuff like that. It was a really surreal experience.”

Bradley Marshall has been honing his songwriting skills to create tunes that are earnest and irresistible and ‘Make Believe’ is the perfect example of this. It’s a well crafted musical gem filled with beautiful melodies, heart rushing emotion and moving vocals. There are plenty of exciting times ahead for this budding artist and Marshall intends to work hard to ensure he has diverse and enjoyable tunes ready for listeners to indulge in for the coming months. 

“I’m just gonna put my head down and keep writing songs. I have a few already that we’re planning to release maybe one song in June or something around that time and it’s going to be a different song to ‘Make Believe’, but I really love the song that we’re going to bring out. So yeah, I’m just going to keep working hard, keep writing, keep getting in with people and keep socializing and all that stuff. “

Stream ‘Make Believe’ Below


Author: Danu

EP Review, New Music

Sheena Stormer ‘Groupie Goes Rockstar’ EP

Sheena Stormer has released her new EP ‘Groupie Goes Rockstar’. Stormer balances elements of alternative rock, blues and 80’s pop to create a blistering EP filled to the brim with gusto and slick instrumentation. Boasting shredding guitar, elastic bass grooves and pounding drums the EP exudes a dynamic wall of sound throughout. From the powerful rock ballad ‘Not Enough’  to the bluesy guitar swaggered ‘Don’t Cheat On A Serial Killer’, and catchy ‘Groupie’ the EP surges with attitude, witty lyrics and earworm melodies that will revolve in your head for days. However, Stormer leaves the best to last with her heartfelt final track ‘Crushing On You’. This song is the gem of the EP – a brooding, tender tune wrapped in glittering guitar elements and soft drums as Stormer’s charming vocals yearn with longing. This tune provides a glimpse into a new exciting facet to Stormer’s sound and is the perfect end to a riveting EP. 

Teaming witty lyrics with vibrant musicianship, ‘Groupie Goes Rockstar’ showcases the promising sound of Sheena Stormer. 

Stream ‘Groupie Goes Rockstar’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

Abrasive Trees ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’


Abrasive Trees are back with their latest release ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’.  The track was recorded at Penquit Mill Studios in Devon by producers Lucy and Matthew Board (Pale Blue Eyes) and written by the Scottish-born guitarist Matthew Rochford. 

‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ is an intense instrumental piece that boasts Abrasive Trees’ expansive and immersive sound. The band weave sweet-toned guitar between heavy drums to create a thick intricate wall of sound that builds into an intoxicating grunge infused crescendo enhanced by dark eerie atmospheres and raw alternative elements. Showcasing evocative soundscapes and a poetic spoken work opening ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ is an impressive display of Abrasive Trees’ musical talent.  

Stream ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

RIA RUA ‘Boss’

RIA RUA has released her new single ‘Boss’. The song is the first single off RIA’s debut EP, ‘chaos/control’ which is being released and promoted by the German indie label MPM. RIA RUA is a modern Irish female electro-grunge singer, songwriter and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and won her the 2021 International Artist of the Year from Nova Radio in the UK. Her last two releases were playlisted on Irish, UK US and German national radio. 

It is difficult not to be enthralled by RIA RUA’s music.‘Boss’ is a fine example of this. The artist’s masterful production skills are on full display within the song and highlights just how talented RIA RUA is as a musician. RIA RUA’s mesmerising vocals ooze attitude atop a wonderful concoction of electronic pulses, grunge undertones and alternative embellishments creating an evocative soundscape that is a joy to listen to again and again. RIA RUA’s talent is boundless. The artist creates wholly consuming tunes filled with gloriously emotive soundscapes that showcase a deep understanding of music production even a seasoned musician would be enviable of. ‘Boss’ is an absolute gem.

Stream ‘Boss’ below 


Author: Danu