Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

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

A Chat With: Jonnie Wallace

Edinburgh singer-songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘Milk and Flowers’. It’s a catchy tune that shows a more angsty side to the singer. I caught up with Wallace to chat about the new single and what he has planned in the coming months.

“The song came to be from events that happened during lockdown. Being treated as a lesser priority after putting in so much effort with someone was really getting to me, and this song was my way of getting that anger out.”

Wallace has a wonderful knack for storytelling within his songs and ‘Milk and Flowers’ is an excellent example of his witty lyrics and compelling storytelling.‘Milk and Flowers’ is a great title with an interesting lyric, “I brought you milk and flowers to say I love you”. The flowers make sense, but I wondered why he brought the milk.

“I genuinely picked up the lyrics when my mum was saying her shopping list underneath her breath! This usually happens, titles pop out from nowhere and I run with them!”

“All of my songs are written from my own life experiences! There is no song I have written that didn’t directly happen to me. This makes it very easy as I am telling a story that I know inside and out!”

The B side track ‘Not Tonight Honey (skit)’ is cringey but very funny. It gives a vivid insight into the narrative behind ‘Milk and Flowers’.

“Yeah I wanted to mimic a one-sided phone call, where one person is trying their hardest and the other is just not interested. Based on true phone calls I have had, of course!”

The stomping rhythm and woodblock element give an edgy quality to ‘Milk And Flowers’. I wondered if Wallace has an idea of how he will fill out his songs when he is writing them, or does that come when in the studio.

“I really put a lot of effort into the drum arrangement for this. Being a drummer first and foremost, I always like to take time crafting the right groove!
As for the rest of the instrumentation, I always hear in my head what the finished article is going to sound like, and with the help of my producer Cam Hunter, we bring it to life with added extras that we discuss in studio.”

“I have always played everything on my records, and my own parts to all instruments. There have been a few exceptions of course; My good friend and percussionist Jordan Ferguson featured on the demo of ‘Jane’, and the bass line for ‘I Talk Too Much’ was inspired by a bass line that my bassist, Lukas Christie, played while we were jamming through the tune!”

Wallace has a distinct smooth vocal delivery, which he has honed over the years through gigging. I wondered if he was always a confident singer.

“I started my solo career almost 3 years ago to the date of my writing this. Before that point I used to play pub gigs but I would mostly play cajon and maybe do two or three songs, but I was shaking with nerves when I did!
I think doing more of those pub gigs by myself and gigging more with my solo project got my vocals to where they are today, my voice definitely didn’t sound like it does now 3 years ago!”

Melodies are something Wallace has proven to be proficient at creating. Tracks such as ‘Aftershave’ and ‘Cherry Baby’ have infectious choruses and vibrant melodies that are difficult not to sing along to and highlight just how talented Wallace is at creating earworms.

“With ‘Cherry Baby’ that melody did just come to me, but I changed my method for a while; I would get my chords and then write a riff on the guitar over it and then transfer lyrics into that melody, I just found it easier to write melodies on guitar at the time. Right now its kind of a mix of both!”

The lull in shows due to the pandemic and lockdowns has resulted in many artists writing a bucket load of songs and some struggling to find inspiration to write anything. I wondered did Wallace find he was writing a lot during the lockdowns and if he has any shows lined up in the coming months.

“I have actually been writing less because of lockdown. Lack of experience is lack of writing material for me. I didn’t write a lockdown song, I don’t agree with them. Everyone went through lockdown, and a lot of people used music as a kind of escape to forget it all, so I never understood why people would write a song about the one thing that people want to get away from. But that’s just my opinion!”

“Other areas of my music life are taking precedence at the moment, so I don’t have any shows in the diary right now, but I’m okay with that! I am very happy where I am musically just now, everything seems to just be falling into place!”

I wondered if ‘Milk And Flowers’ is the first taste of an EP or album from Wallace and what he has planned for the coming months.

“I can’t promise anything but I’m building up material for an album, but I am in no rush to get it done, I also don’t have the funds for it!”

“More releases! I’m loving the creative process just now and I want to get more stuff out soon!”

Jonnie Wallace is a talented artist who creates vibrant, witty tunes brimming with passion and infectious melodies. His relatable storytelling and deft musical prowess make his songs a joy to listen to. I’m looking forward to seeing what Wallace has in store for us in the future.

Stream ‘Milk And Flowers’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Keith Coleman ‘Hangover’

Hailing from Ireland, Singer/ songwriter Keith Coleman has released his latest single, ‘Hangover’. From starting to write music at the age of sixteen, Keith Coleman has gone from recording demos in his bedroom on a regular basis to recording a full record in a studio setting – ‘Hangover’ being the very first release under his name. The album is only the beginning of his musical journey, and he is ecstatic to show his fans what he has planned for the future.

‘Hangover’ is a catchy ditty sprinkled in Coleman’s infectious, upbeat and wonderfully melodic songwriting. Laced in bright, jaunty guitar refrains and perky rhythms, the track has an instant charm and uplifting quality. Coleman adds a shuffling beat and danceable swagger to the track as he fleshes out his alternative pop to create a relatable and fun tune to indulge in. Coleman’s smooth vocals melt over the sweet melody as he coos over playful lyrics which discuss drinking to get away from a naggy relationship. His cheerful delivery, glorious melodies and vibrant instrumentation makes ‘Hangover’ a catchy anthem sure to have you singing along in no time.

Stream ‘Hangover’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Soul

Papa Rua ‘G.B.T.M’

23-year-old Irish songwriter Papa Rua has released his new single ‘G.B.T.M’.Starting out as a Dublin busker, Papa Rua diverges from the Glen Hansard / Dermot Kennedy sound, identifying more with the burgeoning grassroot Irish hip hop / Drill / Afrobeat scene, with Papa Rua holding the torch for Soul and R&B. His past two releases ‘Lorna’s Song’ and ‘Not In My Name’ were released as part of live sessions, earning Papa Rua a growing dedicated online and local fanbase. His debut EP ‘103’ is expected to drop later this year. Written spontaneously during a session for his upcoming EP ‘103’, ‘G.B.T.M’ portrays male vulnerability with sincerity and care. Finding the market saturated with hyper-masculinity, Papa Rua wanted to shine a light on real experiences that contradict this narrative. 

‘G.B.T.M.’ is a tune that displays the soulful sound of Papa Rua. This charming track flows with mellow soundscapes to create a dreamy laid back listening experience. Papa Rua layers the song superbly as he creates supple textures through luxuriant melodies and infectious grooves, while the elastic bassline, intricate percussion, and beats add a gritty edge to the song’s soundscape. ‘G.B.T.M.’ showcases Papa Rua’s impressive, mature and irresistible soulful sound and marks him as an artist to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘G.B.T.M’  below 


Author: Danu

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

A Chat With :Shayne Ward

Multi-platinum recording artist/award-winning actor Shayne Ward has released his first original single in six years, ‘Crazy In Love’. I caught up with the singer to chat about the new single, working with Swedish DJ, Record Producer, and Grammy Nominated Artist StoneBridge as well as what he has planned for the coming months.

“I just wanted to create something that makes people smile and, you know, just that love is love. You should be allowed to love who you want, when you want, and that it’s [love] out there for you and when you get it, just embrace it and go crazy with it. I was really pleased when I collaborated with producer StoneBridge. How he just completely brought it to life and it’s been received so well by my fans. I’m pretty pleased with it.”

“I’m a big fan of StoneBridge, from the early 90s, and I think in this game now, one of the great things or the positives that you can take from social media is that you can reach out to people directly in DM’s and things like that and, as long as you’re not afraid of getting the answer no, which, I’m not afraid of, you know, I’m okay with no’s. But you just reach out to them and, I said I’d love to collaborate and do something and he was all for it. He’s been great ever since and he’s now a mate. So we’ve been working together for quite some time now so we’ve written quite a few songs. We’re just pleased with this one. I’m just happy to have something out for the summertime and something new for myself, like you said it’s been six years since I’ve had an original song out”

It’s difficult to not let the fear of rejection affect you. Especially when you are an artist and you have poured your soul into a song. It’s a very personal thing, and people in general automatically fear rejection. It takes a thick skin to put yourself out there. 

“ At the end of the day you’re gonna get a handful of no’s.You will get a few yeses, and you just have to keep persevering and don’t take it too personally. It’s nothing to do with your talent. It just might not be right for that person you’ve approached, they might not want to do something with you or they might be working on a different project, which is absolutely fine. I believe that everything comes full circle and if you really want to work with somebody, you try them again at a later time. But yeah, I mean in my life now, I’m 36. I’ve been working on new material since last year writing and pitching things for films and I feel in a really good place and I felt in the right place now to just start releasing new music again, especially for my fans who have been so loyal to me over the years.”

As Ward drove down by the coast in Cornwall, we discussed how he wrote ‘Crazy in Love’ and the catchy trumpet hook that features in the song

“Yeah, it came quickly. It’s quite wordy but it came quickly once I knew what the concept was, what it was about. I’m pretty good with lyrics in general so it was quite a quick process. I just recorded the vocals in my studio, sent the demo over to StoneBridge and yeah like I said he just completely brought it to life and before we knew it we had the track and then I set about getting the video made.”

“I always wanted to do something with a trumpet, it just reminds me of summer. There’s so many great songs out there with the trumpet. So when I was creating this demo for this song. I was looking at what samples I had on the music programs themselves like Logic, and I found this one or two great little samples, I kind of chopped it up, and made it sound the way that it did and put it on the track and StoneBridge put it in great places and before we knew it, it was like wow this is actually really cool”

The creation and layering of a track is a fun and fascinating part of creating music. I wondered if Ward found it overwhelming when he got to the studio and saw all the different sounds you can bring to the song.

“ I think more than anything, you’ve got to be willing, unless there’s a certain way you want a song to sound. Then you go out all guns blazing and you have a chat with the producer and say look this is how I want it to sound, just bring it to life like this. Or, you basically trust in the process which is, look, I know what you can do, this is what I can do. Show me what you’ve got. I sent StoneBridge the demo. What he sent back is not too far away from the actual original demo in terms of a lot of the sounds and the trumpet. I think at the end of the day, you’ve got to let someone else’s creativity become part of the project and then, that’s when the magic happens, But if you feel like you’ve already created the magic then you know, as long as you get the right producer on board he’ll produce it for you exactly how you want it to sound and I always like to find inspiration from elsewhere as well, that’s what helps my songs grow.”

‘Crazy In Love’ is an exciting new release, especially for fans who have been eagerly waiting for Ward to release music. We discussed whether an EP or album was in the works to follow the single.

“No, not at all I mean for me personally it was just about getting something out, I think realistically in this day and age in terms of the big numbers that a lot of the big stars do now you can’t really compete, you’re not gonna compete with the numbers of The Weeknd or [Lady] Gaga or Ariana Grande or [Justin] Bieber. So for me it was like, it’s been six years. It feels nice now because we’ve all fallen into this situation which is the pandemic. Where we’re all housebound so it felt right for me to start writing again. I just want to keep releasing music, I am working to hopefully complete a brand new album, which is exciting, and maybe early next year, that would be awesome to release it, but for right now I’ve got a good few other sideline projects that I’m involved with. Fans can just keep checking my socials as normal, and yeah, I’ll be updating them.”

Like many artists, the pandemic put a halt in Ward’s days due to lockdowns and such. This downtime sparked his decision to potter about in the studio and see where his creative thoughts took him.

“Yeah so the songwriting had stopped because I was just so focused on the acting in general. I didn’t feel like I had the mind capacity to try and think of anything new lyrical wise for a song because I was so engrossed in the storylines that I was doing. But yeah, naturally because of the pandemic it threw me back into the studio which I’m sure it did to a lot of people because you can’t go out and act anyway. So yeah, it was a perfect opportunity where I was like okay, let me relax, let me see how my creativity feels right now and it did. Once I turned on the computer and set everything up, microphone turned on I was away and I’ve been writing since last year so I’ve got a lot of great songs and I’m just so excited and stoked to get out there.”

2021 marks the 15th anniversary of Ward’s multi-platinum self-titled album. I wondered if he had any plans to celebrate the occasion.

“Well it kind of reminds me that I’m getting older. It’s 15 years. But, I think it’s such an achievement, to say that I’ve had, the amount of albums I have had, I’m just delighted, yes. I think unless I can get out and have a nice Guinness in a pub, I think it would just be a cup of tea and I’ll just say cheers to myself.”

Ward has had a diverse and successful career so far; an award-winning role as Aidan Connor on Coronation Street, winner of the second series of The X Factor, selling over three million records worldwide,15 global platinum albums and number one in nine countries. Ward has also had success on the theatre stage in the production of “Rock of Ages” as Stacee Jaxx in London’s West End as well as the touring productions of “The War of the Worlds” and “Band of Gold” and has also starred in the Tom Paton directed feature film “The Ascent”. I wondered with a diverse and well-rounded career so far, if he has any advice for aspiring musicians and actors.

“More than anything, it’s just trust your gut. I think the hardest thing as well is, a lot of people can’t take criticism and that’s not a fault. It’s not. You’ve just got to be willing to grow and be willing to listen and ask questions, and that covers both the acting and the singing side. If you want to progress in this industry, whether it’s acting or singing, trust your gut, believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t feel that something’s right, trust your instincts, but also be willing to learn.That’s one of the most important things, is to be willing to learn and let people see that you’re there to learn as well.”

With everything slowly opening up and live shows potentially coming back. Ward tells me about his hope to go on tour and what he has planned for the coming months.

“Oh yeah, I really want to. I’ve seen so many people’s shows being announced and then being postponed. I think we all want to get back doing shows. I think what’s great now is I have a new song out there and more stuff that’s gonna be coming out hopefully before the end of the year and, yeah, I can get myself a show over in Ireland, and you know that’s down to my fans over there just enjoying the song, download and streaming it and that’s actually what gets me over to Ireland, so fingers crossed.”

‘Crazy in Love’ is an upbeat summer bop laced in intricate soundscapes, biting electronics and glorious melodies. It’s a fantastic return from Shayne Ward and provides a glimpse into the tunes Ward will release next. 

Stream ‘Crazy in Love’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Ria Rua ‘Asking For It’

Ria Rua has released her new single, ‘Asking For It’.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 awarded International Artist of the Year 2020 by Nova Radio in the UK. Ria writes about power, love, obsession and control. Her debut single was about the global response to the coronavirus pandemic and has become a staple on Irish national radio. She has been awarded several Irish Arts bursaries, including the highly coveted Irish Arts Council’s National Music Bursary (2020) and has plans to release more singles in 2021, followed by her debut album.

Shrouded in gripping, nail-biting tension and unnerving electronics ‘Asking For It’ is a thrilling new single from Ria Rua. The track pulses with dark undertones as the artist blends heavy moments of EDM with head-spinning synths and techno flourishes. A dazed backdrop reminiscent of a rave has a muggy, lulling effect on the senses while Ria Rua’s vocals maintain an unimpressed matter of fact tone throughout. The striking lyrical content hits hard with bruising force as the artist pulls no punches, “people used to say to me you don’t walk around in short skirts cause they know what you’re asking for. No, it’s just implied cause you’re asking for it”. Boasting masterful production and thought-provoking lyrics ‘Asking For It’ is a fine example of Ria Rua’s boundless musical talent. Looking forward to hearing much more from Ria Rua.

Stream ‘Asking For It’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jonnie Wallace ‘Milk And Flowers’

Edinburgh singer-songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘Milk and Flowers’.Wallace presents a stomping dynamic indie rock track that boasts his sharp songwriting and energetic musicianship. Filled with edgy guitar riffs that pierce through a dense rhythmic wall of sound the track is well crafted, full-bodied and the perfect example of Wallace’s catchy passionate sound. Punchy instrumentation pivots around a sweet yet power-driven melody to create a strong and angst-hued tune full of gusto enhanced by blazing guitars that slice through resounding bass rumbles and relentless drum thrashings. As the song swarms to its hair-raising crescendo, Wallace howls “I’m not gonna wait on you no more” while haunting vocals echo his frustration in the background. ‘Milk and Flowers’ is a fantastic new single from Jonnie Wallace.

About the track Wallace said “This track is about not settling for being second best, or being an option, or being treated as a lesser priority. Too many times I have put in the effort to keep in contact, continue a friendship, or form a new relationship with someone, and too many times I have been ignored or treated like nothing important. I poured my angst and frustration into this track and I think it is my best work yet.”

Stream ‘Milk and Flowers’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Lonergan ‘Joop’

Dublin artist James Lonergan has released his new single ‘Joop’. Lonergan joined his first band, aged 10; since then, he has steadily fronted bands – most notably as the vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk.


Blending ambient soundscapes with looped harmonies on backing vocals ‘Joop’ displays the refined, lush sound of Lonergan. The track flows upon ripples of silken melodies and grand instrumental builds to create an atmospheric piece of music that boasts gripping soundscapes filled with washes of synths and elegant piano. A bubbling rhythmic undercurrent of shaking percussion and buoyant beats draws the listener into the song’s many intricate layers and musical depths while Lonergan’s passionate vocals exude soothing tones that become more dynamic before fading out into a blustery wall of distortion. Fusing harsh elements with delicate tones and sweeping moments on strings, ‘Joop’ is an awe-inspiring single as Lonergan pushes boundaries to create quite a mesmerising piece of art.

Stream ‘Joop’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jamie Button ‘Strange Saints’

Jamie Button has released his new single ‘Strange Saints’. The song is taken from Button’s forthcoming debut album, which was written in lockdown, and speaks of frustration, inner turmoil and a desire to break free. Hopes are high for Button’s new single after his previous singles ‘Flashbang’ and ‘Told You Things’ peaked at No. 3 and No.2 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts, respectively. ‘Strange Saints’ was recorded in Paisley at Jamie McGrory’s (Bay City Rollers) studio JJ Recordings. ‘Strange Saints’ features Scott Forsyth on drums and guitars whilst Gordon Burn (bass) and Gary Hornsby (lead guitar) complete the record. The song was produced by Glasgow-based Ross Hamilton (Texas, Saint PHNX, Seafret).

Steeped in indie rock energy with an anthemic chorus and Button’s trademark earworm melodies, ‘Strange Saints’ is a stomping new banger. Button crafts a catchy tune laced in blistering guitar hooks and driving rhythms ready to ignite a live audience while the easy on the ears melody ensures this song won’t leave your head anytime soon. His smooth vocals coat the song in emotion while the indie rock soundscape blazes in the background. Boasting a shredding guitar solo and adrenaline-inducing basslines, ‘Strange Saints’ is a fantastic new addition to Button’s knock out repertoire.

Stream ‘Strange Saints’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘Lost in Translation’

Following the critical success of his ‘What Little Time We Have’ EP, folk-pop songwriter and artist, Luke Clerkin, has released his new single, ‘Lost in Translation’. It is the first of a series of songs recorded remotely with Berlin-based producer, Jaako. Luke Clerkin is a two-time SCC Song Writing competition-winning songwriter and artist. He has been playing and releasing music for the past 6 years. His music has gained international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer-Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. Clerkin has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland. After returning from finishing a scholarship in the world-renowned Popakademie in Germany, Luke released his second EP, What Little Time We Have, in July of 2020. The EP spawned 3 singles that gained critical success and airplay all over the world. 2020 also saw him complete an apprenticeship with Ed Sheeran’s mentor and Nizlopi frontman, Luke Concannon.

‘Lost in Translation’ is a beautifully arranged, cinematic tune that boasts the compelling songwriting of Luke Clerkin. Clerkin sweetly coos over an uplifting melody while ethereal electronics, pulsing beats and warm guitars adorn the backdrop. The song exudes an air of elegance that is enhanced by a lamentful yet graceful piano element and Clerkin’s earnest lyrics, “I feel lost, lost in translation but someday ill get through”. He fills the song with hope and positivity as the instrumental backdrop grows, becoming more dramatic and uplifting. The track is a comforting tune, lavished in refined production and exhilarating musicianship that displays Clerkin’s passionate and moving sound. ‘Lost In Translation’ is an exquisite return from Luke Clerkin.

Talking about the release, Luke said, ”This song was written in 2019 when I was on a college exchange in Germany and I found myself ‘lost in translation’, I was dealing with homesickness, and finding it really hard to connect with people. The one thing that was keeping me going was music and it helped me overcome the language and culture barriers that existed. When I was going through this, I met Jaako and together we wrote the song in less than an hour, and we recorded a little live take to go along with it. After this session, we never really spoke again until during the first lockdown when he sent me a demo he made of the live take. I was so blown away by the demo that I knew I had to work more with him, and after some persuading from my end, we made it happen. This song marks the beginning of what I feel is a sound that I’ve been searching years for, and it’s only a small sample of what’s to come from this project.”

Stream ‘Lost in Translation’ below 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Slaney ‘All I Want’

Irish dance-pop artist Slaney has released her new single ‘All I Want’. Her track ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ was included on Spotify New Music Friday UK and received extensive radio and press support which led to her been snapped up by super live agent Sol Parker at Paradigm ( Billie Eilish / Take That etc ) for worldwide representation. Slaney is also a very talented actress and recently appeared in the BAFTA nominated hit TV show Normal People and a new Apple TV show Foundation.

‘All I Want’ is a shimmering dance-pop tune that continues Slaney’s run of irresistibly infectious tunes. A dreamy light melody is glazed with her smooth vocal coos and drifts sweetly into the ears while a bubbling dance-infused backdrop maintains a tantalising bounce and edge throughout. Slaney’s sweet melodies create a lulling effect on the listener’s senses as she ventures into a 90’s – esque dance soundscape that exudes soft swirling synths and luring electronic pulses. Blending a thumping bassline into the hazy backdrop, Slaney showcases a summer bop that is sure to be stuck in your head for days. Love it.

Stream ‘All I Want’ below 


Author: Danu