Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

EP Review, Folk, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Bland Orlando ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ EP

Cork Indie Pop/Folk artist Bland Orlando has released his new EP ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’. This three track collection floats and swoons in Bland Orlando’s delicate and emotive musicianship. From the brooding fluid groove of opening track ‘Blue’ the EP sets up a tranquil scene with relaxing vibes and sweet lush melodies. With soft warm guitar accompaniment and a steady beat slap this track allows  Bland Orlando’s vocals to become the main focus point as he coos with raspy tones over the delicate tender melody. ’Hold’ has a lighter more buoyant quality as the twinkling soundscapes flutter about the rich rhythm and infectious melody. It’s charming and a joy to listen to. There are intricate subtle melodies through out that create a mesmerising and peaceful tone to the track making it perfect for evening listening. This EP in brimming with passion and luscious melodies. Bland Orlando’s simplistic approach gives a special and magical effect to his tracks. ‘Wasted’ closes the EP. Haunting backing vocals lull and whine behind Orlando’s deep vocals. Passion and emotion radiates through out the track – building becoming more jittery until it transforms into a tropical- esque delight. The guitars add a dash of zest and sun-speckled scintillation as the rhythm becomes more shaky and vibrant. It’s a chilled cruising track to bring the EP to a mellowed out hazy summer end. 

 Bland Orlando has created an emotive EP that is set to ease the mind and relax the soul with his superb musicianship. 

Stream ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ below 


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

Jonnie Wallace ‘Keep Me Warm’

Edinburgh singer songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘Keep Me Warm’, a bright little ditty brimming with warm guitar strums and buoyant beat. This track bounces along on a meaty rhythmic foundation as the deep vocals coat the verses in a bitter-sweetness while the catchy dynamic chorus bursts into a sing-along ready atmosphere. With zesty guitar moments glistening throughout, this vibrant powerful number is a hefty and charming display from Wallace. 

Stream ‘Keep Me Warm’ below


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sal the Musician ‘Fine’

Sal the Musician has released his new single ‘Fine’. His debut track ‘Low’ was released in March to much attention from a number of media outlets in Ireland and has received airplay on radio stations like RTE2FM and Galway Bay FM amongst others.

‘Fine’ is another passionate slice of Sal the Musician’s compelling and richly diverse musicianship. With his unique blend of indie rock, electronic and pop this track lies comfortably in the ears. Twinkling keys portray a sweet glimpse of innocence. Sal builds the track progressively creating tension and curdling turmoil up to the expressive chorus. The drums build becoming more punchy as the lamenting guitar pines behind flickering electronics to create a wholly invigorating listening experience as Sal the Musician fleshes out his pure and emotive sound.

Stream ‘Fine’ below

https://soundcloud.com/salthemusician/fine/s-9Yk9F


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Mike Paul ‘Games with My Heart’

Carrick on Suir singer songwriter and music producer Mike Paul has released his new single ‘Games with My Heart’ following his debut single ‘Blame It on the Sun’ which was released on January 21st and had great success in its first month on Spotify gaining nearly 40,000 streams.

‘Games with My Heart’ is a charming upbeat synth pop number sparkling with light instrumentation and delightful tones. With a shaky rhythm and steady beat keeping a buoyant foundation for the shimmering synths and peppy guitar melodies, Mike Paul brings a funk flavour to his indie pop. Soulful vocals glide effortlessly over the velvety melody while a groove infested bass drifts suavely over the glistening soundscape. It’s a delightful bounce and laid-back display of Mike Paul’s absorbing musicianship.

Stream ‘Games with My Heart’ below


Folk, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jane Willow ‘The Fool’

Photo Credit: Tiernan O Rourke

Jane Willow is set to release her new single ‘The Fool’ on May 31st. The Dublin-based folk musician of Dutch origin has supported the likes of Glen Hansard, Mark Geary, Kíla and The Unthanks and her debut EP ‘Onward Still’ received radio play on Radio 1, Radio Nova, BBC Radio Ulster.

‘The Fool’ sees Willow venture to the more country elements of her sound as she takes a powerful stance with strong melodies and upbeat instrumentation. The warm guitar strides through a resilient buoyant beat while Willow’s striking vocals exude passion, emotion and endurance. There is strength and character driving this track through a winding dark and mysterious journey. The guitar weaves and meanders through  innocent melodies and sultry tones as the track progresses from the ominous, smoky verses to the expressive chorus. The vocal melody remains sweet and dainty however the instrumental backdrop and powerful vocal delivery are strong and brazen creating a raw and intriguing contrast. Willow has poured everything into this compelling track as she fleshes out and crafts her rich and diverse sound beautifully.

About the track Jane Willow said : “This song started as an homage to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’, exploring country songwriting with a strong vocal in mind, but it quickly evolved. I never intended for it to be a real song, or for me to sing it. But something personal occurred to me and I connected with the song because of it. To me this song is about consent. I wanted to rid myself of the anger I felt. And I didn’t want to feel alone in this hurt.  I feel very nervous releasing this song, or speaking about it. But I know the song means something to me. And hopefully it will mean something to other people too.”

‘The Fool’ will be released on May 31st for more information you can follow Jane Willow on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/janewillowmusic


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

Eoin ‘Infinite’

Cork singer songwriter Eoin has released his new single ‘Infinite’. The track is taken off his upcoming album, ‘Reverie’.He has played headline slots in venues like DeBarra’s Folk Club and The Poor Relation as well as support slots in the Crane Lane and Roisin Dubh.

‘Infinite’ is an easy going ditty that glides on a steady beat and soft instrumentation as Eoin’s velvety vocals caress the melty melody. The track is laid back and filled with soulful passion as the warm guitar jingles, upon a soft beat.As the song progresses it builds to an intense expressive chorus filled with shrilling sharp guitars and thrilling distortion before settling back down to its floaty dreamy state. With a rich cello feature and fire side glowing atmosphere this jazz hued, beautifully crafted track showcases Eoin’s diverse and full-bodied musicianship.

Stream  ‘Infinite’ below


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Alex Abbuehl ‘Only The River’

After the successful release of ‘Black Coffee’, Italian-born Alex Abbuehl is now releasing his second single, ‘Only The River’ on 16 May, followed by a concert at Liverpool’s Jacaranda Phase One.

‘Only The River’ showcases Alex Abbuehl’s soft and beautiful musicianship. He tenderly coos through an elegant piano progression while lush backing vocals provided by Rachael Langtree softly harmonise with his velvety tone. It’s a sorrowful lonely tune portrayed perfectly through the sombre tender melody and gentle accompaniment.The track builds gradually becoming more powerful as Alex pines and expresses his isolation. The piano adds a classy and dignified quality to this dainty track. ‘Only The River’ is an exceptional honest and striking track that speaks from the heart and displays Alex Abbuehl’s sincerity and mature writing.

Stream ‘Only The River’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Aimée Steven ‘My Name’

Liverpool artist Aimée Steven has released her debut single ‘My Name’  on At Large Records. The track which has already been featured on BBC 6 Music and received multiple plays on BBC Merseyside is a compelling 60’s – esque chic number that boasts Steven’s slinky, vintage musicianship.Her smooth velvety vocals emanate a rich quality and warm texture over the suave melody as she coolly strolls over the lyrics with sass and swagger while a shimmy chic backdrop glimmers behind. The jangly guitar stridently weaves between the shaky rhythms and steady beat as they lay down that effortless 60’s- esque foundation. It’s a rich vibrant sassy track that is sure to have the feet tapping and hips grooving in no time. A sublime debut from  Aimée Steven.

Watch the video for ‘My Name’ below .


EP Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Giorgio De Palo ‘First Waves’ EP

Berlin-based Italian singer-songwriter Giorgio De Palo has released his first debut EP called ‘First Waves’. Most of the EP has been created in his small home studio, where time and economical pressure were inexistent offering the ideal environment for a free creative process.

‘First Waves’ is an easy listening collection of tracks filled with beautiful mellow melodies and rich musicianship simmering in ethereal atmospheres. ‘Eclipse’ kicks off the EP with sublime guitar, plucked delicately through wispy soundscapes while Giorgio’s warm vocals passionately coo over the heartfelt melody. Rich and exotic with sun bursts glistening through every vibrant note and luring beat its a sublime way to begin the EP. The tender previously released singles ‘Rails’ and ‘Vivid Dream’ follow with their uplifting vibes, supple beats and glorious guitar melodies. There is a dreamy haze created in this collection of tracks that absorbs you into a caring world created meticulously by Giorgio. ‘Disruption’ brings the EP to an end with darker tones as haunting soundscapes surround deep vocals and a melancholic melody. It’s a nostalgic sombre number doused in beautiful guitar work and an ominous beat. The way the guitar meanders and weaves through each track ties them all together superbly and adds a majestic quality to this fantastic and moving EP.

Stream ‘First Waves’ below


EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Matt Portland ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’

London songwriter Matt Portland has released his debut EP ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ which includes the two lead singles ‘Secondary’ and ‘South Destruction’.

‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ is a warm passionate EP that evokes bittersweet emotions of love and loneliness through wonderful musicianship. With this subline EP Portland carves for himself a position as one of alternative pop’s prime retro-visionists. The melodies are delectably sweet and they melt smoothly and caressingly upon the ears providing comfort and tranquility while Portland’s equally velvety vocals lay delicately on the melody with passion and charm. His 1960’s soulful pop, sounds so fresh as he swathes ‘Paper Thin Reins’, ‘Secondary‘ and title track  ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ in warm guitar twangs and ethereal pop atmospheres while peppering the tracks with elegant piano and lush string glides. His graceful presentation of these songs is what makes them so mesmerising and beautiful. There is something to be admired within Portland’s musicianship – the longing guitar melodies, the smooth command at which his vocals dictate the pace, all of which lead to an enchanting chorus – an utterly breathtaking listening experience. There is a romantic velvety flow to each track. Even in the melancholic ‘Angels Of The Bay’ with its piano strides of grandeur, lush backing vocals and haunting atmosphere holds the heart breaking tear of romance.These tracks superbly boast Portland’s rich and vivid song writing, but Portland has one more trick up his sleeve , final track ‘South Destruction’. A time stopping gem that swoons with delicate piano twinkles, a sway-like flowing tempo and warm guitar. The track slowly builds becoming more intense as backing vocals are introduced. A soft beat graces our ears as the strings enter gliding through this captivating sombre backdrop. It’s a delicate, sweet gem that closes the EP on a heart stopping tone of nostalgia and regret.

‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ EP showcases the mature and compelling musicianship of Matt Portland as he has created a darling collection of tracks to treasure.

Stream ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ below