Stephen Kelly – frontman and songwriter for Dublin rock band Raglans, has released ‘Home Brew Volume 1’ a lockdown concoction of newly written and home produced material. Working with mixing engineer, Eamonn Conway (Raglans, The Scratch, Sorcha Richardson, Otherkin) remotely from pandemic bedrooms, ‘Home Brew’ is a collection of new tracks and bonus unreleased older recordings that have never seen the light of day until now.
‘Home Brew Volume 1’ is a cohesive, melodically rich collection of tracks which showcases the versatility of Stephen Kelly as an artist. The EP has a diverse and engaging soundscape oozing alternative edgy elements blended between indie pop melodies, rock n roll tones with the odd country twang thrown in for good measure.
Boasting deft production and first rate musicianship, ‘Pile Up’ sets the EP in motion. The tracks luring, enticing beat is the perfect appetiser for whats to come. From the sun kissed swag of ‘Hollandia’ to the sweet ballad ‘Same Old Town’ the EP provides emotive and passionate tunes showcasing Kelly’s musical prowess – the latter displaying poignant songwriting “Forever lonely waiting on tomorrow”.
Exuding witty lyrics and wonderful melodic changes, the attitude soaked ‘Shit Song’ is a brisk, glorious assault on the senses. As in all ofKelly’s music his tracks are brimming with rich instrumentation as he spreads slinky basslines and slick guitar lines over a punchy rhythmic backdrop – a joy to listeners ears. Within ‘Home Brew Volume 1’ each song flows into the next with ease, subtly revealing different aspects of Kelly’s musicianship.
Arguably the most intriguing track on the EP ‘Icarus’ is a dynamic shot of adrenaline. Perhaps it’s the deft lyrics combined with invigorating use of instrumentation but there is something special about this track. Radiating ethereal guitars, eerie soundscapes and a rumbling bass the track is one of the highlights on the EP. The song emits kinetic energy and a magnetic personality that entices the listener to press the replay button repeatedly. It is utterly sublime.
‘Fallen Heroes (Live)’ triumphantly brings the EP to a close. A jangly live track laced in good vibes, witty lyrics and a heartening sing along refrain. This catchy ditty is a treasure at the moment. Providing us with a hint of live atmosphere through a fun, free spirited track, it is a superb way to end the EP.
Stephen Kelly presents a well crafted and charming collection of tracks which showcase his refined musicianship and exceptional knack with melodies. The earworm gems are a delight on the ears and mark Kelly as a first rate songwriter. Looking forward to Volume 2.
Moncrieff has recently released his second EP ‘The Class of 2020’. Having spent most of early 2020 in the solitude of his friend and co-producer Toby Scott’s home studio in Brighton, Moncrieff has created a collection of songs free and unconfined by genre that capture the zeitgeist of an ever changing musical and cultural landscape. Moncrieff’s debut body of work ‘The Early Hurts’ EP featured lead track ‘Like I Do’, this debut radio single (released in Sept 2019) received extensive airplay across national radio racking up nearly 12 million audience impressions and 5 million streams. The success of the single and EP led to Moncrieff selling out his first headline show in Dublin in less than 3 hours. His growing reputation also landed support slots touring with headline Irish acts Picture This and Walking on Cars.
As far as sophomore EP’s go ‘The Class of 2020’ is a musical triumph which boasts the unique genius of Moncrieff. Within this catchy, upbeat and candidly honest EP Moncrieff pushes boundaries and expectations while being extremely forthright with his emotions. The rich and utterly lush production on the tracks is masterful and something to be admired. If his debut ‘The Early Hurts’ EP had you thinking Moncrieff is an exceptional artist – ‘The Class of 2020’ will not only confirm your hypothesis but tell you the artist has more talent up his sleeve than he is letting on.
‘PLAYLOUD’ jump starts the EP – lathered in electronic production, R&B and infectious pop Moncrieff’s fun, euphoric expression of youth surges through playful soundscapes and witty lyrics “I’m a f*cking unicorn if I say so”. Oodles of attitude spills all over the EP. From quirky censored F word’s to catchy shout along choruses – it’s an energetic start to the EP. Moncrieff utilizes his unique and soulful vocals to inject rich depths through the rapid lyrics in ‘PLAYLOUD’ and surge emotion and velvety tones into the upbeat, urban pop ‘AMERICA’. A track that is vibrant, rich and laced in satirical commentary ‘AMERICA’ displays Moncrieff’s versatility as an artist through tropical rhythms, jangly soundscapes and a catchy chorus subtly scented with the aroma of Fun Boy Three’s ‘It Ain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That You Do It)’. The track is an impressive earworm which will chime in your head for days, its infectious rhythm unabated by any other tune you play after it.
Moncrieff doesn’t pull punches lyrically in this EP. He delivers an exhilarating middle finger to those in power failing to support society; “We chase our dreams while you spread your lies, Build castles in the sky, Heaven knows we’re all gonna die” in ‘AMERICA’ and rips shreds out of himself in ‘Sad and Horny’ “I’m a looser yeah i’m just a creep, who would wanna f*ck me”, it’s an honest account of his journey and thoughts on this year expressed through slick, first rate musicianship. The lush falsetto on the latter is simply flawless and gives listeners a teasing reminder of Moncrieff’s debut work – a clever addition and one that works so well. The chorus of ‘Sad and Horny’ erupts with subtle bursts of luscious pop followed by bubbling beats and simmering synths which blossom into a catchy release of tension as Moncrieff gravitates from glistening pop into a more melancholic undertone.
Similarly the dancefloor bop ‘DANCE’ follows the glum lyrical theme ‘we’re born, make money then we die’, however once again Moncrieff packages the ominous message within an upbeat infectious gem. ‘Dance’ is arguably my favourite track on the EP. This tightly produced glitter ball is drenched in bitter-sweet dreamy melodies, warm vocals and a catchy whistle along feature. Destined for the kinetic energy of a live show, the body moving beat, sweet electronics and jaunty guitar make this track a delight on the ears.
Moncrieff brings the EP to a close with the first demo he released this year during lockdown, the tender and earnest ‘in my room’. This beautiful track is again, a throwback to ‘The Early Hurts’ EP and the ruminating, depressive side of Moncrieff. Brooding, sombre and soulful Moncrieff coos a bittersweet melody atop ethereal soundscapes and lamenting piano creating an expansive, lonely and almost celestial backdrop. His wonderfully expressive vocal delivery hits hard and is raw and honest. Riddled with pain and expressing heartfelt emotion the track winds down the EP to a perfect end. ‘in my room’ is a poignant representation of how many people felt this year. However the track can be interpreted in many ways, for example it is a wonderful contrast to the upbeat, energetic bravado of opening track ‘PLAYLOUD’ where youthful angst has the potential to take on and change the world whereas ‘in my room’ is vulnerable, afraid and filled with doubt. Looking at the EP as a whole one can see Moncrieff is allowing the listener to glimpse different opposing facets of his personality and emotional state, which in truth on introspect is within each and every one of us. Moncrieff is vividly painting through the medium of music how we all feel at times. We may put on a brave face but within we are vulnerable and filled with doubt. Subtle messages, themes and nuances such as these lurk throughout the EP, within the lyrics, soundscapes and musical embellishments, deftly left obscure by the artist for the listener to make their own assumptions on the topic at hand.
Another point of interest is Moncrieff is ending the year as it began for the artist. His first release of 2020 is his curtain call as well – the finale of a chapter, the end of a crazy year and ‘in my room’ aptly closes the chapter or does it ? .. the haunting nature and sorrow of the track feels as if it’s a small break before everything kicks off again… Intriguing to say the least.
‘The Class of 2020’ displays a different facet to Moncrieff as an artist. His sublime ability to make you feel the pang of his isolation and emotional state through tonally tight, crisp and full flavoured production is awe-inspiring. The dynamic energy within each track is infectious and each song warrants its place on the EP creating a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable collection of tracks. Moncrieff is a musical force of nature who possesses depth and artistic understanding that is both mesmerising and enviable. ‘The Class of 2020’ is only a keyhole glimpse of the boundless talent this artist has to offer. Keep an eye on this guy.
I caught up with Kildare-raised singer-songwriter Shiv to talk about her recently released debut EP ‘Me 2 Me’. Shiv who is now back in Ireland for Christmas tells me how she crafts her songs, what sparked her to venture into a career in music and her new found joy for the family chaos Christmas brings.
“I think everyone’s really looking forward to the craziness because it’s been such a dead year, and coming up to Christmas you have time to relax, but it can also be fairly stressful and busy but I think it’s a welcome busyness this time around for a lot of people.”
Shiv has released her debut EP ‘Me 2 Me’. She wrote, produced and recorded her six-track debut EP during a year of self-discovery. However for Shiv the crafting and sculpting of this EP was more nerve-racking than the process of releasing it into the world.
“I think I had all my nerves when I was making it, if that makes sense. While I was doing it I was really apprehensive and really anxious and overthinking every lyric, every chord. But once I made the decision to release it and once I had the first single out of the way, I was happy. I’m happy with the EP and, obviously, I want people to like it but I was comfortable in the fact that I was happy with it myself. So I think that really helped, taking the time to sit with it way before the release.”
The EP is a great collection of tracks saturated in R&B and Soul with tropical elements peppered on top. Shiv explained being exposed to various genres has helped craft her sound.
“My dad used to play such a variety of stuff when we were growing up so I think that’s where the influence comes from musically. In terms of songwriting process. I like to come up with lyrics first.I try to write poetry as much as I can and then sometimes those poems turn into songs, but usually if I have an idea I want to get down or if I hear a word that I think will be really cool or phrase that I think would be really nice in a song I try flesh it out. Then I get down to the piano, play a few chords, see what sits right, see what melodies come out. From there then, it kind of flows. I’m lucky enough that I do have an idea of production and it’s easy enough to translate the ideas that I have in my head into a real song so yeah that’s usually the way it goes.”
Shiv shows her deft lyrical capabilities within this EP. She presents intimate and honest, accounts on a variety of themes from anxiety and longing to loneliness. I wondered if this feels exposing, releasing these personal thoughts into the public and are these feelings and emotions just as raw performing the songs now.
“Yeah, absolutely. I think that was part of the struggle as well being so vulnerable and so honest is quite a scary thing. You’re letting people into your mind and letting people see your flaws and your insecurities. I suppose it’s just part of being human as well. I feel that’s the best way to connect with people, if you are your most authentic self that translates and that’s what makes people connect to whatever you’re doing, people can sense the authenticity. But yeah, it’s definitely a nerve-racking experience especially during the writing process. More than post writing. It can get easy being caught up in your head and be like, oh, should I really be saying this should I really be exposing this part of myself. But all in all it’s such a rewarding thing and such a freeing experience because you know you are being true to yourself and expressing yourself in the most honest way that you can.”
“I guess it’s a processing thing I suppose. If you write a song about something and sing about something it is kind of, a relief. It’s like you’ve freed yourself from that in a sense, and obviously it’s never going to be perfect and the emotions are still going to come up but I guess it’s a way of processing the emotions so they’re not as raw. You know when you’re kind of anxious about something or overthinking something and it’s always in the back of your mind and it’s never really resolved, I feel writing and releasing songs, for me anyway gives things like that a sense of resolve. Then performing them afterwards, I think it’s easy to go back into that frame of mind. I can put myself back to how I was feeling but it’s not something that is overwhelming it’s not bringing me down or bringing me back to that point. I can still feel free.”
The instrumentation Shiv uses is light, bright and almost bouncy which creates a wonderful contrast to the emotive lyrical content. Shiv’s songs unfold and blossom almost naturally.
“I find it hard to picture in my head, what exactly I want something to sound like. I follow a feeling, when I’m producing stuff so even from lyrics, that shapes what chords I’m gonna play. The chords shape the melody and then the melody shapes everything else, so it fits in together, not necessarily all at once. Each song encompasses the whole feeling of my emotion, if that makes sense. Each song is a representation of whatever feeling I was trying to convey, just in my own way.”
Shiv has a degree in psychology which has helped her understand her feelings and emotions. This has aided her to express a true and organic version of herself within her songs.
“Yeah I did. I was going into educational psychology and then when I didn’t use my degree I thought it was a waste, but psychology is one of those things… it’s people you know what I mean and that’s a lot of what life is about. It’s aided me in that sense for sure. I’m definitely, for being able to process emotions, being self aware and being able to be real with myself and talk through things with myself…which is what songwriting is for me, it’s the talking through things. That background in psychology has helped me understand feelings more and be able to translate them from just a vague abstract feeling in my brain to a physical manifestation of it via lyrics and music.”
I wondered if the change in career from psychology to music was a difficult decision. There is so much uncertainty within a career in music and to take that jump is a brave decision.
“It was a process. Music has always been a part of my life. Like I said, my dad used to play so much music for us growing up and my mom used to sing with my sister and I a lot. I sang all the way up through school, I was in choirs and I sang with a couple of my friends. It was always something that I had and something that I always came back to, but I never really thought of it seriously as a career, just because it seemed unattainable. It was one of those things that you know, only one in a million really makes it but I guess the model changed for the music industry and it became more of an achievable goal. I’m so lucky and grateful that I have a family that really does support,they are so supportive. It just made it easy then to see that goal as something that I could possibly slide into.”
“How I really got started was my sister was getting married, and I was her maid of honour. I was meant to make a speech for the wedding. Public speaking is just not really my thing. I was not very good at it so I said instead of that,I can write a song maybe and see how it goes. So I wrote her song, which I posted on YouTube and I ended up getting scouted by this management agency in Dublin. That gave me the drive to start seeing it as more of a concrete possibility. I started off timidly and I approached it as though it’s still a hobby and slowly it began becoming more real and more solid as I progressed and transitioned into being a full time musician, which is something I never really thought I would be doing. So it was just a process, it was something that’s always been with me and then just ended becoming more and more of a theme in my life .”
Shiv explains it wasn’t an automatic or spontaneous decision to change career and because of this, the change in career was easier to process.
“Exactly, yeah, it made it easier to digest and be serious about it and get used to the idea in my head that, I’m a singer now, you know. If I just made the switch I don’t think I would have been able to have as much time to figure out what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. I possibly would have ended up giving up before I could even get ahead because I wouldn’t have been secure in what I was doing.”
Choosing to sing at a wedding rather than deliver a speech is not the decision most people would make but Shiv was always comfortable with her own voice.
“It was something I always did. I was…I don’t know eight or nine, and there was this scene in my town it was called Shepherds Watch and it was basically a Christmas Carols sort of thing. I was singing, as part of a choir and then one of the organisers came up to me at the end of practice and was like ‘oh you should do the solo’. I was like what !, obviously I always enjoyed singing, my mom used to sing with us, as I said, and it was just something that I always had but I didn’t really think I was talented at. After I did that solo and I loved it so much, I loved the performance aspect of it. It developed into something more serious for me.I could recognise that it was something that I was good at and something that I really enjoyed doing.”
I was interested to know of Shiv’s experience with DJing and how this aided her production skills. She explains how DJing gave her the foundation she needed to produce her own songs.
“Yeah, absolutely. I did DJing for a while as it was a great way to make money. It was also a lovely way to be able to express myself in a musical form that’s not necessarily singing because I didn’t think that was a real option. So it was a really nice way to get a sideways door into the music world and made me feel I could teach myself or learn how to produce because that falls on the more technical end of music, I just played instruments, but I didn’t really know that much about production. DJing was definitely a nice stepping stone”
Shiv has also travelled quite a lot while she was creating this EP, travelling from Paris to Mozambique and this travel gave her the space and time she required to tap into her creativity.
“Yeah I think so, when I went to Mozambique…my parents live over there and it was just around the time when I was starting to consider taking music seriously. I had written one or two songs but there was nothing that I felt confident enough to release. I was in Dublin and I was working as a waitress and doing the mid 20s thing of you know; working, going out and kind of the same thing over and over. So, my parents said take a break from work come stay with us and see what happens, give yourself six weeks, completely immerse yourself in music and just see what comes out. So I had the six week period of just writing…it wasn’t even necessarily a case of wanting to experience Mozambique or particularly to do with the country or where I was, but it was just the opportunity to get familiar with how I wanted to represent myself I guess musically. So yeah, that was that and then Paris. Yeah, Paris has definitely been an influence. I moved there last year and just having different environments and seeing different things and being around different people. It makes your brain, see things in a different way and think about things in a different way as well. I think it’s really important to take yourself out of your usual environment because it allows you to let different things come out. So yeah, I feel travelling definitely was an influence and driving factor”
The ‘Me 2 Me’ EP discusses anxiety, especially ‘Letting You Go’. It’s a personal note to Shiv to release the overwhelming grip of deep-rooted anxiety. I wondered if she had that anxiety travelling, and how she overcame it.
“Yeah I did. I guess I’ve always been an anxious person. I do feel as a general rule our fast paced way of living doesn’t allow for you not to be anxious. After I’d released my first couple of songs, I hadn’t really been expecting anything to come from them and I was just excited and was like I just need someone else to hear them. They surprisingly got a really good reception, and that was amazing. But in another sense it was also crippling because before I was just writing for myself and I didn’t have any expectations. Whatever I put out was what I put out and it didn’t really matter because if no one heard it I’d be in the exact same position that I was before. But after I put out my first couple of tracks I felt a bit more pressure and I felt I had something to prove and that’s where it came out, when I tried to create….because I didn’t feel as free as I did before. I felt a bit more in my head about things and oh you know if I make this then it’s not really like this song that people seem to like, maybe I need to make more of that. So yeah, that’s where that came from. Writing the songs helped me work through that because I guess that’s what a lot of them are like, the EP is essentially a diary entry from me to me.”
I asked when we can finally get back to doing shows again, what can people expect from Shiv’s live performances.
“I’m still working on what I want to do. I do want to incorporate some live looping and stuff like that into my shows but at the moment, my setup is with the live band, which is great. It’s so lovely to have other people to bounce energy off as well.”
Shiv’s path to music is an intruiging one which has allowed her to indulge in her creativity and experience different countries and cultures. I wondered what advice she would give to anyone who wants to pursue a career in music.
“Take the time to familiarise yourself with the different technologies that exist. It’s so much more accessible now than it used to be a couple of years ago. Get familiar with GarageBand and that kind of production stuff, so that you can support yourself and move yourself through music without having to rely or depend on anyone else. Invest in a microphone so you can get your own demos going and mess around with stuff and just feel free to create. Also just be patient with yourself, that’s a big thing that I’ve taken away from this last year. Just be prepared that possibly not everything is going to be perfect, not everything is going to be amazing and that’s just part of the process. Be comfortable with failure and expect the failure and not to judge too much… try not to judge it and allow what’s going to come out, come out.”
Shiv has some exciting thing coming up next year so stay tuned to her socials
“Next year I have my first headline show, that’s going to be in April. I’m really looking forward to that and then I’m hoping for an album, that’s my aim. I’d love to have an album before the end of 2021. Hopefully when things get back to normal I’d love to be performing and possibly a tour but, who knows it’s difficult to say for sure what’s gonna happen in the next few months.”
Shiv creates deeply emotive and passionate tracks surrounded in lush tender soundscapes. Her ability to touch the soul with her silken voice and heartfelt lyrics is mesmerising and marks her as an artist to keep an eye on. Along with her charming persona and magnificent production skills there is something very special about Shiv.
Dublin born artist Robert O’Connor has recently released his new EP ‘Transcendence’. Laced in danceable electronics, emotive vocals and infectious melodies the EP fluidly drifts into the ears delivering a satisfying listening experience. O’ Connor creates a cohesive and uplifting collection of tracks complete with sweet short musical instrumentals; ‘Intro’, ‘Interlude’ and ‘Outro’ provide supple breaths of fresh air between the infectious pop drizzled dance gems. O’ Conner utilizes delicate warm guitar melodies between his sun soaked synths to create summer saturated tunes ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ is a perfect example of this.
Each song drifts into the next providing a glimpse into O’Connor as an artist. His vocals exude a velvety tone as he uses sticky beats and flashing disco- esque soundscapes to illuminate bittersweet tracks such as ‘Older ‘20’. Throughout the EP soft melodies radiate a lovable earworm charm as the crisp production highlights the tenderness within each song. Oozing rich, pop sensibilities and sun kissed, laid-back soundscapes O’ Conner has crafted a wonderfully lush EP to indulge in.
‘Transcendence’ is an EP brimming with Robert O’ Connor’s emotive, uplifting and heartwarming musicianship. There is no shortage of sweet melodies, elegant electronics and wonderful production within, making each track a delight on the ears.
Ross Breen follows October’s acclaimed release of ‘Some Other Time, Maybe’ (RTÉ Radio Recommended list,) with his new single ‘Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght’. Previous singles released include Heather in December (Dec. 2019 – supported by RTÉ Radio 1, Radio Nova, RTÉ 2FM ) and Idyllic Valley (performed on RTÉ television’s The Saturday Night Show, top 30 chart placement, no.1 iTunes Rock chart ). Ross was awarded the title of Ireland’s Best Unsigned Singer-Songwriter by Newstalk’s The Tom Dunne Show, with his song Monet singled out for extensive airplay from over a thousand submissions. He has also consistently impressed on the live stage, earning special guest invitations with acts like Midlake, Bell X1, Damien Dempsey, Sinéad O’ Connor and Oscar-winner Glen Hansard while building a following with his band at a number of Ireland’s premier festivals, including Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Indiependence, Sea Sessions, Vantastival and Knockanstockan .
‘Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght’ is a glistening Christmas track with an indie edge. This triumphant track has darker fuzzed guitar lines contrasting the bright church bells and shimmering synths as Breen spreads melodious hooks over a tight and richly textured backdrop to create a lush, well crafted new single.With an air of nostalgia, sprinkles of joy and Christmas cheer mixed with darker undertones the track takes us on a musical journey of past Christmases and experience them through a new lens as Breen’s warm vocals drift over the sweet melody. Exuding deft songwriting and a rich vibrant wall of sound ‘Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght’ is a refreshing and dynamic addition to Breen’s emotive musical collection.
Ross offers an insight into his latest song: “I come from a background of family and social life where gatherings with music are intrinsic to the enjoyment of Christmas. For many, music is a tie binding us together during this period. Art can unify when restrictions keep us apart. Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght envisages the close of 2020, how we will be engaging with our families, friends and partners during this time, and how it will be different to what we’ve known before. These lyrics are threaded with references to songs and instrumentals I’ve loved at sessions throughout the years, including obligatory party pieces from my grandparents, parents, sisters, close friends and extended family. I see it as a painting of Christmases gone by, rendering memories through verse and hoping we can all reach a point in the near future where we can once again feel free to experience that sense of warmth, openness and release.”
Up and coming unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘Electric Love Letters’. Joyce first embarked on his music career at the age of sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. He released his debut demo EP, ‘Get Down’, in October 2018 and spent the summer of 2019 busking through Europe. Following his return he sold out The Vintage Room in the Workman’s Club and the Whale Theatre. He followed this by opening for Cassia in Whelan’s and playing a slot at the New Year’s Festival in Dublin.
Vibrant, melodic and wrapped in slick indie goodness, ‘Electric Love Letters’ is a knockout bop from Jack Joyce. The track travels on bright jaunty guitar lines which hop through the shuffling beat as Joyce creates a fun, light and infectious gem. Joyce’s witty lyrics drift over a chugging rhythmic backdrop as his cheeky chappie charm and unique warm vocals highlight his impressive storytelling. All the fun lyrics aside the track is tight and well crafted, there are glorious little moments peppering the track in subtle refinement including a shredding solo and intricate weaving on percussion. ‘Electric Love Letters’ is another sublime pop sprinkled indie earworm from Jack Joyce.
Nathan Mac has released his new single ‘The Boy Who Learned To Fly’ produced by Brian Dwyer. Exuding majestic instrumentation ‘The Boy Who Learned To Fly’ is a wonderfully magical song from Nathan Mac. Soft aerial synths caress fluttering percussion and twinkling guitar as Nathan’s sublime storytelling holds your heart in suspense throughout. As the track builds, lush soundscapes weave innocent electronics between warm melodies and earnest lyrics – this enthralling soundscape showcases the refined and beautifully crafted musicianship of Nathan Mac. The song describes a boy who sees his father crying for the first time. There are layers to the story but the message is distilled into its final lyrics: “You will grow into a man, and it’s okay to cry.” ‘The Boy Who Learned To Fly’ is a captivating and cinematic number from Nathan Mac. His music is always a joy to listen to and never disappoints.
About the track Nathan said “Everyone has a story about this. When I sing this song to people, it seems to compel them to tell me about the first time they saw their father, or mother, or older sibling cry. The sheer amount of stories I’ve been told in response tells me that I’ve struck some kind of ‘chord’ with this song.”
Boston-based Fjorda has released her debut single ‘Unspoken’. Fjorda was born in Russia and grew up during the years of the collapse of socialism and the chaos of the new political reality. Her upbringing and turbulent adolescence led her to discover and ultimately fall in love with music. Fully self-taught since the age of 10, music became a form of liberation and escape; a mesmerizing, imaginary place to be.
Ambient, nostalgic and beautiful the piano led ‘Unspoken’ is a captivating debut from Fjorda. This stripped back gem flows elegantly on a bed of sweet sombre tones allowing Fjorda’s vocals lull you into a calming state of sorrow. There is a soulful warmth to her vocals as she coos the delicate melody while backing vocals whisper and echo her lyrics. Fjorda paints a picturesque scene of bittersweet nostalgia and melancholy through lamenting piano and lonely icy pockets of space. The contrasting and complimenting elements within the song is joy to the ears and showcases deft musical prowess and poetic musicianship. ‘Unspoken’ is a mysterious and emotive track that marks Fjorda as an artist to keep an eye on.
Inspired by his relationship with his girlfriend, ‘Where We Go From Here’ is the brand new single to come from Joe Romersa. Written from a place of love and feeling like his relationship was in a perfect place, ‘Where We Go From Here’ questions what will happen next. Recorded in his home studio, Joe Romersa plays most of the instruments on the record with Doug Hamblin (John Prine, Johnny Rivers) stepping in on electric guitar. Drummer / Songwriter / Sound Engineer Joe Romersa is a professional drummer with extensive studio experience on both sides of the glass. His work can be heard on numerous albums, including the 1992 Grammy award-winning ‘The Missing Years’ by John Prine
‘Where We Go From Here’ is a bluesy rock track saturated in Joe Romersa’s immersive songwriting. His deep whispered vocals create a dark sultry tone to the track while the luring beat entices in the background. Well crafted, the song balances vaporous blues rock with spaghetti western-esque country rock to create a tense and steamy number. The track builds superbly becoming more expressive as it reaches its rock infused fiery crescendo. With elements of Leonard Cohen flickering through a multi genre and lush textured backdrop, ‘Where We Go From Here’ is an intoxicating new single from Romersa.
Following the success of his debut single, ‘Time Out’, London-based pop singer-songwriter AJ Wander has now released his second track, ‘Way We Walk’. “Time Out” received 850k+ streams and 450k+ monthly listeners in only 3 weeks. Prior to the ongoing pandemic, AJ Wander had been running himself ragged playing covers at piano bars and hotels across the United Kingdom. Once lockdown hit, he turned all his energy and focus into creating his own music and pushing forward his solo career. Wander’s drive paid off as his new music led him to sign a management and recording deal with Elevation, a USA-based music company that specializes in artist development, and a publishing deal with BDi Music, administered globally by Bucks Music Group.
Melodically lush and heartfelt, ‘Way We Walk’ continues AJ Wander’s spine-tingling emotive song writing. Doused in uplifting and inspiring tones which contrast the earnest lyrics ‘Way We Walk’ drifts through anthemic instrumentation as a bright piano melody weaves between bubbling rhythms and warm guitar refrains creating an indie pop edge and expansive wall of sound. There are folk elements glimmering through lush pop soundscapes while the mesmerising, warm vocals of AJ Wander tie all the vibrant components together. He coos through the pulsing verses and showcases his rich depths and power through the explosive chorus as the instrumentation pushes and pulls creating a tense yet animated backdrop. ‘Way We Walk’ is a stunning second release from AJ Wander.
Lyrically, ‘Way We Walk’ centers around the end of a relationship, as Wander states, “I wrote ‘Way We Walk’ after an ex and I discovered the lie we’d been living together. We finally saw the truth that we weren’t made for each other and that ignorance isn’t always bliss.”
Stream ‘Way We Walk’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
