Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

Singer/Songwriter

Tadhg Williams ‘The Story of Me and Them (In Three Parts)’

Waterford songwriter and poet Tadhg Williams has released ‘The Story of Me and Them (In Three Parts)’. The piece is a collaborative project with acclaimed northern artist Matt McGinn. Having supported acts such as Glen Hansard in August 2017 and David Keenan in 2018, Tadhg’s work has not gone unnoticed. Having played venues such as Vicar Street and Whelan’s, stage craft is something Tadhg considers vital in his performances. Recently putting together The Council House to join him for live shows, his songs have discovered a new life with the band, maintaining the rawness of his solo performances but adding more energy and beauty to the overall sound.

‘The Story of Me and Them (In Three Parts)’ is a moving nostalgic piece of art. Tadhg Williams recalls his relationship with his grandparents through a spoken word video. Accompanied by soft piano and lush backing vocal coos, his relatable and sweet poetry flows beautifully over the elegant backdrop as each word pierces the hazy nostalgia with supple, sweet tones. Tadhg’s images are vivid, conjuring fond memories of cakes, lemonade and tea. It’s a time stopping piece and a comforting, enjoyable video to watch.

Speaking about the project, Tadhg said; “I love writing about people and communities. Writing a song or a poem for someone is a very special thing. After My Father’s Clouds did well I started thinking about other ways to write about my family, those closest to me. I was keen to explore my relationship with my grandparents over time, as I’ve grown up, and their relationship with each other.”

Speaking about working with Matt McGinn, Tadhg said; “I am really excited about this. Matt is one of my favourite songwriters. I met him at All Together Now a couple of years ago with Stevie Scullion (Malojian) and after listening to his then latest album, End of the Common Man, I totally fell in love with his music. Matt is one of these artists that has a really special view of the world and I think I share that with him. It is honestly such a thrill to be working with a man I admire so much.”

On composing music for the project, Matt said; “I found myself relating to so many different parts of this spoken piece once I heard it. Maybe that’s the reason why the music came so naturally. It was lovely to work on.”

Watch the video for ‘The Story of Me and Them (In Three Parts)’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Drew Thomas ‘Early Hours’ EP

Drew Thomas has released his debut EP ‘Early Hours’. Drew Thomas is a singer/songwriter raised in Nottingham and living in London. He has spent the past few years playing shows around the country including slots at Reading & Leeds festival, Y Not festival and Shepherds Bush Empire. Drew’s previous offerings have been heavily tipped and featured by the likes of BBC Introducing, Sofar Sounds, Atwood, God is in the TV and numerous other online tastemakers.

‘Early Hours’ is a moving collection of tracks as Drew Thomas uses his heartfelt songwriting and gripping soundscapes to create an emotional rollercoaster. With elegant keys, punchy drums and cinematic crescendo’s ‘Lying On The Concrete’ and  ‘Running Reds’ kick start the EP with a multitude of emotions and rich textures.

The EP holds the listeners heart in suspense. Through the lyrics Drew tells uplifting, coming of age tales about finding yourself and the vices we hold that others don’t see. Using dark undertones, ethereal keys and indie pop melodies he balances themes of melancholy and feelings of loneliness with themes of hope to create a charming and compelling collection of tracks.

Drew displays his knack with beautiful emotive melodies through ‘Somebody You Needed’, the bittersweet melody drifts into an airy soundscape creating a tender tear-jerker. Soft keys wisps through pulsing electronics and steady beat, allowing the track to venture into darker territory while Drew’s clear warm vocals ooze soul and passion.

As ‘Early Hours’ progresses each song shows a different aspect to Drew’s musicianship. He simmers his emotive pop with subtle electronic elements to create a powerful and enthralling listening experience. This is shown most effectively in ‘High (On Our Own)’, the track which brings the EP to a gripping end. The song builds with power pop and indie elements as intense guitars blend with dramatic synths and snappy drums to create a hair-raising evocative finale.

‘Early Hours’ boasts the passionate and striking musicianship of Drew Thomas as he builds cinematic and powerful instrumentation around his gripping songwriting and velvety vocals to create a mature, earnest and uplifting collection of tracks. 

Stream ‘Early Hours’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze, Singer/Songwriter

Lucy Gaffney ‘Send Me Away’

Hailing from Belfast, the now Liverpool based, Irish songwriter Lucy Gaffney has released her new single ‘Send Me Away’,via Frictionless Music. The track was produced by The Coral’s James Skelly and featuring on the track alongside Lucy is Thom Southern (Electric Guitar, Bass) and Jim Sharrock(Drums).Previously, Lucy was part of Marathon signed band Southern, alongside her brother and consistent collaborator Thom. Her short solo career – with just the one single out so far – has already seen acclaim from the iconic Liam Gallagher (who called her music ‘celestial’), a collaboration with DMA’s and tours with Bill Ryder Jones and She Drew The Gun. Big supporters at radio have come in the form of BBC Radio 1, as well as BBC Introducing Merseyside and BBC Introducing Ulster.

‘Send Me Away’ is a dreamy slice of psychedelic shoegaze as Lucy Gaffney’s delicate vocals drift over an expanding swirling soundscape. The effervescent instrumental backdrop fizzes and swells to create an intoxicating wall of sound. With sweet guitar refrains piercing the thick euphoric bass ripples and driving beat, the track instantly lifts you into an ethereal state of bliss. The melody is saturated in irresistible hooks and syrupy textures. As the song progresses distorted guitars superbly build creating pockets of piercing scintillation through the dazing synths while Gaffney innocently coos over the tense edgy soundscape. Lucy Gaffney is a compelling artist and talented songwriter, showing strong personal musical growth from her days in Southern and MMode. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Lucy Gaffney in the future.

About the track Gaffney explains: “For me the track really encapsulates the dreamy element in the idea of love, getting lost in intoxicating moments and the electric excitement of the unknown. With the recording I wanted to capture the garage band rawness from when I wrote it in the rehearsal studio. There’s an honest naivety to it that fizzes with electric quirks and kinks from start to finish, igniting an in the moment carefree edge.”

Stream ‘Send Me Away’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Joyce ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’

Up and coming, unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’. Jack 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. 

Once again Jack Joyce presents another sleek and breezy indie rock number that exudes charm while maintaining the irresistible infectiousness of his previous single ‘56 Roadster’. Boasting warm jaunty guitar, steady drums and a sun kissed soundscape ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ is a quirky, lyrically witty and upbeat bop. With a balmy smooth melody draped over nimble guitar refrains and elastic bass groove it’s a buoyant gem sure to brighten anyone’s day. In fact, it’s the effortless laid back swagger and light flirtations on guitar that makes this track so enticing. Jack weaves sweet and nimble guitar lines into the songs foundation to create bright moments and zesty stings to delight the listeners ears with. His unique, cheeky vocals ooze character into the song while the irresistible bubbling backdrop makes ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ quite the ear worm. Showcasing refined tunes, sharp storytelling, and strong musical growth, Jack Joyce is becoming an impressive songwriter. He has limitless talent and ambition, keep an eye on Jack Joyce.

Stream ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Dagny ‘Strangers / Lovers’ Album

Norwegian singer Dagny has released the second half of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ via Little Daggers Records. The first half of the album was released earlier this year and documented the blossoming early stages of a new love, while the second half examines the fall out of that relationship.

Dagny’s knack with luscious melodies continues into the second half of the album as she creates beautiful earworms that flourish within the clean dynamic production. There is something more tantalizing and darker about the second half as it subtly slips into a more mysterious and brooding aspect of her infectious pop.

‘Moment’ kick-starts the second half of the album with a buoyant disco vibe as Dagny spreads a sweet pop melody over a breezy electronic backdrop while zesty guitar refrains add a dash of bite between the sugar sweet soundscapes. ‘Please Look At Me’ strides on a more enticing electronic wall of sound filled with bouncy beats and rich percussive elements which flesh out the songs charm. Dagny brings the intoxicating synths and energetic soundscapes to a halt for the emotive ‘Bad At Love (Interlude)’ and beautiful ballad ‘Coast To Coast’. These earnest tunes display Dagny’s emotive songwriting, deft musicianship and striking vocal capabilities. Her ability to express heartfelt, heavy-hitting, and emotional lyrics through a delicate musical arrangement is mesmerising.

In this second half Dagny displays the post breakup emotions through an intriguing lens. These infectious pop tunes slip into the head with ease allowing the second half of the album become just as upbeat, catchy and danceable as the first half while her songwriting prowess meanders through the conflicting, complex, and sombre themes. Propelled by jittery percussion, pulsing synths and dreamy melodies, ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak ’and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ display this superbly. The flashing disco synths in ‘Bye Bye Baby’ reinforce the strength of finally leaving the relationship behind.

‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a cohesive album and a journey of the heart, expressed through passionate, bubbling and dynamic musicianship. Dagny is a wonderful songwriter and her ability to provide a completely satisfying, emotional and refined album is impressive. Her smooth unforced tunes have a glitzy swagger and shimmer about them but dig beneath the catchy hooks and danceable beats and there is a pool of depth and poetic prowess within. ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a sublime album of electronic pop and a fantastic display of expressive musicianship from Dagny.

You can check out our review of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ part one here https://www.indiebuddie.com/dagny-side-a-of-strangers-lovers-album/

Stream ‘Strangers / Lovers’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Angie McMahon ‘Piano Salt’ EP

Australian songwriter Angie McMahon has released ‘Piano Salt’ a beautiful stripped-down companion piece to last year’s debut album ‘Salt’. The Melbourne, Australia-based artist adapted with a return to the instrument that helped her fall in love with music in the first place – the piano. The new collection finds her reimagining five fan favorites from her debut album ‘Salt’

The soothing and beautifully arranged piano EP displays a new facet to McMahon’s poetic flair as she takes ‘Soon’, ‘Slow Mover’ and ‘Keeping Time’ and dips them into a delicate emotive soundscape without the aid of production and varied instruments at her disposal, in fact the lack of instruments is what makes theses versions come to life. It truly feels the songs flourish within this setting, free to breathe and speak for themselves as McMahon’s mesmerising and emotive vocals allow the listeners mind to ruminate on the heartfelt lyrics.

From classic piano embellishments in ‘Soon’ to simple chord progressions in ‘Slow Mover’ McMahon’s songs take flight within this ethereal EP. McMahon takes the bluesy ‘Pasta’ and creates a more delicate rendition that allows you to focus on the clever, emotive and lonely lyrics. This rendition becomes timeless on ‘Piano Salt’ as the sweet harmonies and sombre piano heighten the tracks more hair-raising moments as it builds to the powerful crescendo.

There are extra little treats within this majestic collection as well. A goosebump-inducing cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The River’ is ecstasy to the ears; soothing, nostalgic and powerful as McMahon’s soulful vocals sprawl over the beautiful melody with ease and such emotion. While maintaining the coldness of the original she provides her own magical tone, style and finesse to this beautifully painful song with a lofty whistle feature reinforcing the lament on piano.

A sublime, soft and heartfelt rendition of ‘If You Call’ features on the album with guest vocals from Leif Vollebekk. Their voices blend and melt together like butter on hot toast, it’s an utterly immaculate piece of music. Another delight is McMahon’s haunting cover of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Born to Die’ which showcases her deeper range while her pacifying tone highlights the track superbly.

McMahon’s ‘Salt’ is an album that was so impactful and compelling it garnered such huge praise and support. The beauty of ‘Piano Salt’ is it highlights the powerful and poignant lyrics within the songs while showcasing just how talented McMahon is. The listener gets a keyhole glimpse into the creative genius of a unique and intriguing artist.

About ‘Piano Salt’ McMahon said : “Piano is the first instrument I learnt and the one that made me first love singing. My favourite piano song when I was young was k.d lang’s cover of ‘Hallelujah.’ So this EP feels like a return to my piano-cover-loving inner kid. It’s been a really nice creative opportunity to recreate the feeling of some bigger songs off my first record, give them a new life, and cover some of my favourite songs too. It gave me something to do when we went into quarantine. The creative process also helped me shed some fear around sounding too cheesy on the piano, or too sad – I realised that doesn’t matter so much because I just love to play and sing.”

Stream ‘Piano Salt’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Mark Hegan ‘Another Kind of Blood’

Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘Another Kind of Blood’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.

‘Another Kind of Blood’ is a driving infectious indie number locked and loaded with Mark Hegan’s polished, feel good songwriting. His passion flourishes through the track with a relentless upbeat radiance while the heart pounding drum beat, dynamic guitar and powerful chorus are an instant shot of adrenaline. This stirring anthem has a moving velvety melody. Hegan’s wholesome vocals add warmth and tenderness to the track as it builds to its compelling crescendo. With a sax solo and foot-tapping beat on drums this kinetic tune showcases Hegan’s earnest musicianship while turning it into something quite anthemic and powerful. 

Stream ‘Another Kind of Blood’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Sinead McConville ‘Running from You’

Sinead McConville has released her second release; a self-empowerment & fierce pop track ‘Running from You’. Sinead McConville released her debut single ‘Doorstep’ in May 2020 which received nationwide praise. The song was played on national radio stations such as Totally Irish with John Barker, 8Radio and Dublin City FM.Her first headline show was one of the first live gigs back in Dublin on July 4th in The Wild Duck in association with Ex Oh Promotions. The gig was a huge success and ended with a standing ovation & encore. Furthermore, she performs as a session musician with upcoming Irish artists and has performed on The Late Late Show with D. Cullen, Irish Music Week & The X Collective Showcase with ELKAE and TiLT in The Button Factory with Munky. Radio performances include RTE Radio 1 (Today with Sean O’Rourke and The Ray D’Arcy Show), BBC Radio Ulster (Gerry Kelly), SPIN 1038 (Plan B with Sarina Bellissimo) and East Coast FM (The Morning Show with Declan Meehan).

‘Running from You’ is a power pop anthem doused in dark-hued electronics, suspenseful beats and the dynamic songwriting of Sinead McConville. Haunting synths wisp about the dance-infused beats which thump and pulse throughout building tension as the track progresses. With a smooth vocal delivery contrasting the fermenting, curdling instrumental backdrop and honest lyrics ‘Running from You’ is an intoxicating new single from Sinead McConville

About the track Sinead McConville said : “A past relationship just kept being brought up in conversations and it came to the stage where I felt like I was constantly running from everyone bringing him up. Writing this song felt like I was finally laying all my cards on the table and expressing that no more did I depend on someone to bring me happiness. Instead I truly found my own happiness and ‘picture perfect land’ within myself”

Stream ‘Running from You’ below


Author : Danu