Category Archives: New Music

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sarah Munro ‘Say Hello To You’

Sarah Munro is a 20 year old singer-songwriter and guitarist from Hertfordshire who writes jazz-pop songs with a strong emphasis on lyrics and storytelling. She has just released her debut album ‘Say Hello To You’, featuring 10 original songs and a stunning interpretation of the jazz classic ‘Autumn Leaves’. Munro’s music has been championed by Jamie Cullum and Michael Ball, both of whom have played her single ‘For Eternity’ on their BBC Radio 2 shows. She has also received radio airplay on Jazz FM, BBC 6 Music, France Musique, as well as radio stations worldwide and recently supported Paul Carrack on his 24 date UK 2017 tour, playing in prestigious venues including Birmingham Symphony Hall and the London Palladium. She has also supported legendary American songwriter Jimmy Webb, and in January performed a sold-out headline show at The Pheasantry in Chelsea.
‘Say Hello To You’ is the title track on the album and showcases Munro’s beautiful talented knack for charming simple story telling. Displaying her crisp stunning vocal Munro narrates a sweet tender tale of acceptance of ones self. Feathery light guitar accompaniment and twinkling keys lift the track into a flurry of weightless beauty. Its innocent and charming while bringing a tear to your eye. Coated in positive motivational and assuring tones its the track you put on for your sister, daughter, friend etc to tell them be yourself and love yourself. Munro displays a mature voice for her age with control and expression that assures her destiny as a budding star. Whether this is your genre of music or not just Monro’s vocals alone will have you mesmerised and captivated.
Sarah Munro will return to perform at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, on May 1st, performing in the 600-seat PizzaExpress Live Arena. She will also be playing at the Cornbury Festival on July 9th.
Watch the video for ‘Say Hello To You’ below

Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Dome Hall

Dome Hall are a Newcastle based alternative indie band. Consisting of members Danny Lynd ( Lead vocals), Matty Floyd (Bass guitar, vocals), Olly Brooks (Sax), Matt Edge (Keyboard) and Dom Hall (Drums) they fully embrace the clean indie sound with added quirky components such as saxophone and keyboard. The band have released their debut single ‘Marske Woods’ today.
‘Marske Woods’ is a sweet little ditty, gentle, delicate and oozing warm comforting tones. Rich diverse instrumentation takes this track into a mushy mellow bliss with the glowing snug tones on saxophone really setting a laid back vibe. The soft cushioned beat and bounce on bass give the track a vibrancy and suppleness. With a creamy easy flowing melody it is melt in your mouth good while jazz-like keys glide with elegance and style. Velvety smooth vocals soothe while the sax playfully frolics with a swanky dashing charm. This track exudes fine sharp classy musicianship.
Dome Hall will be playing Hit The North Festival on the 28th April so make sure to check them out.
Stream ‘Marske Woods’ below

Album Release, Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Second Hand Spaceman ‘Blast Off’ Album

 

Electronic Producer Second Hand Spaceman is set to release  his debut album ‘Blast Off’ on 28th April with 100% of Pre-Order sales being donated to the World Land Trust to help them with their vital rainforest conservation work and to help to spread a positive, educational message about saving the environment. This is the first project embarked upon by Second Hand Spaceman. The album itself has been a work in progress for the past 18 months and was self-written, recorded and produced.
‘Blast Off’ is a viscid flex of electronic grooves mixed with orchestral and ambient flavours splashed against a host of synthesisers with a hint of hip hop thrown in. Right from the first track on the album, ‘Nice Planet’ Second Hand Spaceman sucks you into his spacey eerie vibe with spooky alien-like soundscapes and sticky beats. Its a wobbly electronic phenomenon. ‘Blast Off’ brings us a big band bouncy feel, vibrant and bright with brass-like sounds and triumphant vibes. Throughout the album Second Hand Spaceman shows off his skill to create a cinematic visual for the listeners to experience from jubilant hearty sounds to delicate twinkling in tracks such as ‘Uncharted’ and ‘Discovery’. A sense of magical elegance is created with sparkling light keys against an edgy sonic background. Its definitely an album for adventures as it opens the mind to all possibilities where there is no limits not even musically.

You can pre order the album here https://www.secondhandspaceman.com/

Indie - Surfer, Indie Dream Rock, New Music, Surf Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Velveteins

Canadian trio The Velveteins have released their new track ‘Midnight Surf’ which is taken off their upcoming debut full length ‘Slow Wave’ which will be released this May 12th. ‘Midnight Surf’ is a glazed over crooning slow jam that has a simple approach but cuts deep. Like a wave the track swooshes in and out with gentle delicacy. Soft instrumentation with cushioned beats accompanies the emotionally raw expressive vocals as the beautiful sway-like honey coated melody floats by in soothing clouds and tugs hard on the heart strings. The sharp sting on guitar freshens the track up adding slashes to the soft bouncy sombre song. Smothered in melancholic tones and hazy daydream vibes The Velveteins give us a track that oozes bleeding emotion while lulling you into a daze.
Stream ‘Midnight Surf’ below

 


Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Justin Lacy ‘Sealed’

Justin Lacy has recently released his new single ‘Sealed’ from his upcoming record ‘Control Burn’ out on April 13. Lacy is not your typical singer-songwriter, he is equal parts lyricist, arranger, composer and performer.  His oddball vocal delivery of image-heavy lines, steeped in sweeping orchestral arrangements creates his own little pocket of unique yet captivating indie guitar folk.

‘Sealed’ is a prime example of Lacy’s bright quirky approach to song writing that twists your ears to a blissfully unique blend of sweet melodies and subtle bursts of joy. Featuring a  bouncy and optimistic array of inventive instrumentation. With child-like warm toned flickering on guitar, honeyed lull on backing vocals and luscious ear worm melody, ‘Sealed’ fast warms its way into you mind and heart. The use of the glockenspiel adds a darker bittersweet tone while also creating a rich contrast. The song is almost cinematic and theatrical at times adding a little tension and drama to the fluffy candy coated track. For me Lacy’s nylon-string guitar creates a beautiful delicate sound with a warmth and tone that I cannot stop listening to. Lacy’s quirky vocals adds a dramatic almost striking quality however its perfect for this track and completes the songs blossom into the delightful peculiar track that will put a smile  on your face.

Stream ‘Sealed’ below

https://soundcloud.com/justin-lacy/sealed-1

Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Odd Couple ‘Am I Evil’

Our favourite new garage-rock duo Tammo Dehn and Jascha Kreft from Odd Couple have released their new single Am I Evil’. This follows their previous banger ‘Gone Solid’ which we featured on Indie Buddie last month. Both tracks feature on their debut album ‘Flügge’ which is due for release later this month.

‘Am I Evil’ is a fatal blast of ruthlessly sleek infectious garage rock that effortlessly drifts from slinky and groovy to head banging mania. Mind blowing and blissfully obscure this duo know what they are doing as they present us with a septic jaunt back to a time when things weren’t so mercilessly sanitised and lobotomised. Dirty gritty riffs forcefully hook you into their villainous prowl while Odd Couple question their unhealthiest and most intrusive thoughts. Mighty pulverising drums bring the track to that powerful brawny punch and mosh worthy frenzy. With western cowboy-like guitar interjections and incredibly slick guitar licks, Odd Couple gives you mind numbing thrilling opaque fierceness that holds a slithery retro sleekness. It’s sultry silky and packs a mighty punch all while having a retro tint and brutish swagger. These guys are ones to watch.

Stream ‘Am I Evil’ below

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Electro, New Music

S.O.S ‘Silent Witness’

Bedford-based, 22-year-old singer songwriter Sophie Debattista aka S.O.S. has released her eagerly awaited second single ‘Silent Witness’ off her debut EP ‘Edges Of The Mind’. S.O.S is a first-class graduate from The Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance. She headed the production team on the trend-setting track alongside the renowned mastering engineer Shane the Cutter who has worked with the likes of Nathan Fake, Luke Abbott, Blu Mar Ten and DJ Shadow amongst others. The young singer has supported US superstars Ciara and Ariana Grande, British legends Take That and One Direction whilst playing top venues such as the NEC Birmingham, The Roundhouse Camden, IndigO2, O2 Islington Academy, Barfly Camden, Proud Camden (headliner), Troubadour (headliner) and The Water Rats to name a few. S.O.S’s tantalising lead single ‘Bittersweet’ received top press coverage and radio play including support from the likes of BBC Introducing, BBC6’s Tom Robinson and Clash Music amongst many others.
‘Silent Witness’ is a glossy pop track laced in sticky tar- like darkened electronics. This catchy track holds an air of mystery and shadowy tones with almost whispered seductive vocals for the verse luring you into the entrapment of the infectious chorus. The track displays crisp production and well blended crafted sounds, featuring pulsing sticky electronically influenced beats and intricate detailed lyrics. Smothered in intensity this track is a catchy vibrant pop tune cloaked with dark gluey electronics. The electro-pop tune will be accompanied by an edgy and intense music video created by up-and-coming director AJ Ullah and will be released on the 14th April via her independent label Sossy Music.

When asked about the track Sophie said:
“Silent Witness is about a young girl who finds herself in a difficult situation. She’s at an age where her friends are beginning to experiment with new ventures however she doesn’t feel like she’s ready to join them just yet and doesn’t want to rush into maturing too quickly. When she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, she has to make an important decision whether to live up to her friends’ expectations or whether to listen to her heart and not go through with it. The song explores the different emotions that the young girl goes through at this tough time. She wants to remain credible but wants to be sensible, so does she go through with it? You’ll have to listen to the song to find out…”.
Stream ‘Silent Witness’ below

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Island Apollo ‘Hold it Down’

Indie rock band Island Apollo established themselves as one of LA’s hottest bands to watch. Combining a classic surf vibe with funky urban grooves, Island Apollo captures the spirit of a West Coast daydream come to life. With members from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, Island Apollo is authentically Southern Californian and isn’t afraid to show it. After being named Orange County’s “Best Pop Artist” from the OC Music Awards, Island Apollo has had songs appear on FOX Sports, CBS, PBS, TeenNick, VH1, USA Network, and has even had a song appear in a commercial with 2017 Sports Illustrated cover model Kate Upton. Island Apollo have now released their new single ‘Hold it Down’ which was produced by Eric Lilavois (Saint Motel, Atlas Genius).

‘Hold it Down’ is a mighty blow to the head of richly textured full bodied indie pop. Smothered  in darker undertones this track gives us eerie spine chilling soundscapes cloaked in a bouncy pop exterior. Featuring upbeat funky strutting guitars, this track is sleek and groovy and infectiously catchy. Driving drumbeats and synth bass riffs add that spooky thrilling vibe while smooth layered vocals add a multi texture and delirious quality. Island Apollo demonstrate their unique thrilling sound all wrapped up in fine musicianship. These are ones to watch.

Stream ‘Hold it Down’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Fears Chella ‘Girlfriend’

Fears Chella are an evocative Stoke/Manchester based band who cheekily blur elements of grunge and pop with sparkles of dreamy and chaotic 90s indie-rock,Having finished 2016 with support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1, Shell Zenner for Amazing Radio, The Unsigned Guide’s ‘Artist Spotlight’ and BBC Introducing along with playing a string of shows, which included support slots for All Tvvins, Honeyblood and PINS, band members Andy Gannon, Dylan Mellor, Tom O’Neill and Ben Tansey have released their infectious new single ‘ Girlfriend.’ The single follows up on the  huge buzz from the bands debut single ‘Cool’.

‘Girlfriend’ is sun soaked blazing indie  dream pop, edgy and punchy yet polished and sleek in all the right places. Bursting with energy and vitality this track is brimming and gleaming with bright hazy luminosity that evokes images of sun and good times. This track is ablaze with zealous fiery guitars that smoulder through the verses exploding with zest and dynamism for the chorus. With a punchy bounce on drums teamed with a spring-like lively bass its a buoyant refreshing blast of indie pop. Infectious sweet melody and smooth vocals are the icing on this delicious cake as Fears Chella prove they have talent to deliver rich mouth watering tunes that you will want to put on repeat. These guys have a bright future ahead.

Stream ‘Girlfriend’ below

https://soundcloud.com/fearschella/girlfriend

Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Tooth & Nail

Genre: Grunge rock/Blues/Soul

Bio: Formed in late 2016 when singer/guitarist Daniel Pearson (a prolific singer-songwriter with three quietly acclaimed albums behind him) joined forces with metal-loving drummer Mike Neilson, the band soon amassed a set of visceral, exciting & adventurous rock n’ roll songs that join the dots between vintage soul and the 90’s grunge explosion. Cryin’ For You is the first of three 2017 single releases, with new songs also arriving in late May and October.

Track: Cryin’ For You

When asked about the track Pearson said:
“It’s one of life’s truths that love hurts, and that’s what Cryin’ For You is all about, I love a lot of old blues & soul records when you can really hear the pain and experience in the voices, and that’s what we were aiming for here – as well as laying down some big riffs and grungy fuzz. That’s pretty much the mission statement of Tooth & Nail – soul songs played loud and heavy.”

Why we Like It: Its a fiery expressive heavy hitting soulful track packed with passion and tender moments with slick bluesy elements and wallops of gritty rock. Killer riffs add a beefy brawn and gravelly texture to the burning longing track.
You can follow Tooth & Nail on

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/toothandnailuk

Twitter https://twitter.com/toothandnailuk
Stream ‘Cryin’ For You’ below

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/tooth-nail-cryin-for-you/s-lpmCR

Tom Ryder

Genre: Indie folk-pop singer-songwriter

Bio: Essex-based singer-songwriter Tom Ryder has enjoyed a stellar start to his career as a solo artist. With his debut EP Strings Attached receiving airplay across 39 BBC radio stations and repeated support from BBC Introducing, his brand of acoustic pop is proving to be tailor made for radio. Influenced by Tracy Chapman and Damien Rice, Tom’s timeless songwriting has been described as “nuanced & beautiful” (BBC Introducing), “full of passion, promise and pedigree”

Track: Here We Go Again

Why we Like It: Its that radio-friendly, infectious folk-pop that will put a smile on your face. With bright sweet melodies and soaring vocals its spirited warm wholesome music that will have your foot tapping and bopping in no time.
Follow Tom Ryder on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tomryderofficial
Twitter https://twitter.com/songryder
Watch the video for Here We Go Again below

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