Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From LP

Los Angeles, Critically acclaimed recording artist and songwriter, LP, is back with her brand new single, “Girls Go Wild.” Produced by Mike Del Rio (X Ambassadors, Kylie Minogue, POWERS), the new offering is also the first track off her forthcoming album, set to be released via BMG.Since unveiling Lost On You, her fourth full-length studio album (May 2017 via BMG/Vagrant), LP has been touring tirelessly, selling out shows worldwide and hitting notable festivals including Coachella (Indio, CA), Osheaga (Montréal, Canada), Outside Lands (San Francisco, CA), Mad Cool (Madrid, Spain), and more. The title-track from the record has also clocked an impressive 500 million streams and attained platinum status internationally in Russia, Poland, Greece, Switzerland, and France. The official videos for standout album singles, “Lost On You,” “Muddy Waters,” and “When We’re High,” are now approaching 280+ million combined views as well.

‘Girls Go Wild’ is a funk filled flex of the classic, intoxicating and melodic sound that LP does remarkably well. Driven by a rooted bass which slides in a groovy foundation for the western-esque guitar to weave around while a throbbing beat punches that LP stamp into your very soul. Doused in a delicious sugar drizzled melody the sweet luscious vocals coo over the catchy chorus adding a warm raspy hue for the meaty verses. Filled with oodles of passion this instant heart clencher fills your ears with glorious danceable bittersweet melodies that make you want to strut,glide and prance around with a bourbon in your hand while you let the delicious track consume your soul. Yearning and bleeding this track hits deep in the chest while floating with a dreamy sultry desert vibe and that whistle along feature is so catchy. Another invigorating track from LP.

Of the track LP says, “‘Girls Go Wild’ was born out of a Joshua tree excursion with some close friends after coming home from a long bit of touring . It was the first song I wrote for the album when my thoughts and ideas were swirling around like a storm.  It feels like I channeled my past present and future as told through a desert dream.”

Stream ‘Girls Go Wild’ below


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

Jack Woodward ‘Rain’

Cheshire 24 year old solo artist Jack Woodward has released his new single ‘Rain’. The track was recorded in St Helens, North West England, with a production team called ‘Sugar House’ and is the 10th song that they have worked on together. Woodward has played a lot of new venues and festivals both solo and with his backing band, including performing on the X Factor Live Tour in Brighton to 4500 people, playing the BBC Introducing Stage at Blackburn’s festival of making, playing a sold out gig at Sound in Liverpool and The Cavern Club. His last EP ‘Higher’ was met with incredible support, with tracks broadcast multiple times by BBC Introducing Lancashire, Amazing Radio, features from BBC 6 Music’s ‘Fresh Faves’ and interviews with BBC Introducing Lancashire and The ‘Warrington Guardian’

’Rain’ is a sparkling swirling concoction filled with dark stormy tones over sublime musicianship. Flashing electronics dazzle and coil above jangly guitar and spaghetti western hues. The vibrant electronics and buoyant beat keep the track bouncing along at a steady peppy pace as the mysterious haunting guitars whine and creep in filling the track with tones of uncertainty and danger. The catchy chorus and velvety vocals add an infectious gripping texture to the track while the sweet melody soothes and laments over the instrumental turmoil. It’s a compact polished number that soars to ethereal heights with sublime instrumentation and cinematic vibes that will have you on the edge of your seat.

When asked about the track Woodward said:  “‘Rain’ is about a man who has made a terrible mistake and committed a crime. He’s on the run from the world and searching for escape and solace anywhere he can find it; in his lover.”

Stream ‘Rain’ below


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Maddie Stenberg ‘Take Me Home’

Liverpool based artist Maddie Stenberg has released her debut single ‘Take Me Home’. Blending haunting vocal melodies with powerful introspective lyrics, Maddie Stenberg brings her experiences to life with her intricate vocals at the heart of the whole sound. Her fusion of influences create a transporting and unique sound.Backed by an intelligent and compelling band her live shows are full of intrigue that radiate a fierce boldness that is engrossing and gripping to experience.

‘Take me home’ is an enchanting atmospheric number that flows on a surge of sweet tender emotion. Stenberg’s vocals ooze emotion as her raspy hinted tones display rich depths and lush facets of sweetness between strong intense moments. The twinkling piano adds a touch of elegance to the track while warm guitars glisten between breezy soundscapes.The song builds nicely as the beat becomes more punchy as the track takes a more vivid intense approach. With beautiful backing vocals cooing over the delicate melody its a wholly enthralling majestic song. It’s a fine debut from Maddie Stenberg- well crafted beautifully composed with a sublime blend between sweet, delicate and powerful.

Stream ‘Take Me Home’ below

 


Americana, Bluesy Americana rock, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Biilmann ‘The Hills Have Eyes’

One of Australia’s rising blues and roots musicians Jack Biilmann has released his new single ‘The Hills Have Eyes’. The Canberra based songwriter has established a formidable reputation for himself amongst local and national touring circles, having shared stages with the likes of Tash Sultana, Bobby Alu, Ian Moss, Bootleg Rascal and more over the last few years. A tenacious guitarist with a charming performance style to boot, Biilmann has struck a positive chord within the scene.

‘The Hills Have Eyes’ is a golden, passionate display that blends alternative indie with some warm country twangs. Biilmann nails balance in this track as it cruises in, coming across as unhurried and cool-headed with a peppy spring in each step to deflect any notion of the track succumbing to monotony.His buttery-smooth vocal delivery and velvety melody will ease your blood pressure and radiate sun kissed glows into your day. With energetic twangs, a steady beat and glorious guitar feature this track is an instant pick me up shot. The wispy background vocals trailing in the distance create an airy atmosphere to this glorious satisfying track. From the get go this song enters like a sublime sprightly breeze to refresh your cluttered mind. It’s a beautiful listen spiked with muted touches of bluesy rock, country and pop elements to make for a wholesome absorbing experience.

About the track Biilmann said : “The Hills Have Eyes is a kick in a new direction from me, I wanted to do something that had the elements with what make me who I am as an artist with a new twist. It’s sure to come as a bit of a surprise, but is still a very ‘Jack Biilmann’ sounding song. The production from Kojo Ansah has really given this song exactly what I am after and I am so excited to release it and see its response..”

Stream ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ below

 


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Video Premiere

Charles Cleyn ‘Decisions’

Charles Cleyn has released a video for his single ‘Decisions’. ‘Decisions’ is the title track off his debut EP. Cleyn was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. He grew up playing piano and singing songs around the supper table with the family. “Music was always playing in the house. I grew up learning how to sing harmony and how to hold a tune.” Over the years, he took what he learned in music growing up and started writing and playing his own music. Cleyn now lives in Berlin where he has recorded his debut EP, ‘Decisions’. A blend of soulful choir and majestic harmonies that perfectly match his style of combining acoustic instruments and 21st century pop rhythms.

‘Decisions’ is a charming warm little ditty that glides and bounces with golden heart warming bliss. Its sweet melody swoons upon a delicate guitar strummed backdrop before building into a singalong ready passionate chorus. Soft drums rebound off the luscious melody and delicate backing vocals creating a richly layered sublime texture.It’s a golden romantic gem that is so easy to listen to- exuding a bright sunlit radiance from every delightful note while Cleyn’s velvety vocals seep passion and honey drizzled tenderness. It’s Ed Sheeren- esque with a Tom Petty Free Fallin’ warm glow. The twinkling keys add a hint of graceful elegance and classy swirl into this sweet number.

Watch the video for ‘Decisions’ below

 


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Isaac Gracie ‘Running On Empty’

Isaac Gracie has released the video for his new single ‘Running On Empty’. The track features on Isaac’s acclaimed eponymous debut album, ‘Isaac Gracie’ which is out now through Virgin/EMI. The video is a tongue-in-cheek look behind the scenes at the filming process of a music promo, with reference to some infamous recording stories of yesteryear. It was directed by Stephen Agnew (Wolf Alice, Royal Blood, Drenge) in Hammerwood Park, East Sussex.

The ‘Running On Empty’ album version brings us a more buoyant punchy indie sound than the beloved raw Maida Vale session. The passion still floods through like a tsunami however, Gracie livens things up a bit with a dynamic elastic rhythm bopping a danceable beat while jangly guitars stride and soar over his raw emotional filled powerful vocals. Upbeat and striking this track shreds and electrifies with lush backing vocals and a singalong anthemic chorus that will have a live audience bellowing back at the top of their lungs. It’s a hearty tune that hits you in the chest and fills you with emotion while making you want to dance. His musicianship is timeless and crisp with an intensity and lyrical quality that  is striking and has the ability to connect with every listener. ‘Running On Empty’ gives Gracie the chance to showcase how he can take this quality and deliver an energetic blistering facet to this emotional vivid sound.

Director Agnew explains about the video: “Isaac is a really interesting artist with a timeless quality, both to his music and aesthetic. This is paired with a very English sensibility. I thought it would be fun to highlight these things whilst exploring the more esoteric elements musical heritage, in a manor that wasn’t too self-regarding or dark, whilst playing with the stories that surround the recording process. This video is basically that. It draws its inspiration from all over the shop.The location is a house that Led Zeppelin owned and that actually featured in ‘The Song Remains The Same’. The video itself is comprised of references and vignettes inspired by the stranger, more esoteric moments in rock music recording history. Some are contrived, some are direct references to pretty infamous anecdotes and characters.”

Following the release of his debut album, Gracie headed out on the road across Europe and the UK in support of it. The tour stopped at his biggest show to date at London’s Hackney Empire. Gracie is now readying himself for a busy Summer of festival appearances, detailed below.

9th June – Best Kept Secret, Hilvarenbeek
23rd June- i-Days Festival, Milan
6th July – Rock Werchter, Werchter
10th June – Montreux Jazz Lab, Montreux
14th July – Gurten Festival, Bern
15th July – Citadel, London
20th July – Curious Arts Festival, South Baddesley
3rd August – Belladrum, Inverness
5th August – All Together Now, Ireland
11th August – Boardmasters, Newquay
12th August – Summer Well Festival, Bucharest
22nd August – Bellahouston Park, Glasgow
24th August – Leeds Festival
26th August – Reading Festival
1st September – Tuckerville, Enschede

Watch the video for ‘Running On Empty’ below

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

Andrew Puckett ‘Stronger Now’

Andrew Puckett has recently released his newest single ‘Stronger Now’, a catchy, melodic track with a deeper underlying message. With the aim of bringing meaningful messages with chart topping melodies, Andrew Puckett has drawn comparisons with the likes of Twenty One Pilots and Kodaline, yet maintains a unique position of creating high energy music with a relatable lyrical undertone. His newest single ‘Stronger Now ‘was inspired by a time in Puckett’s life when he experienced a struggle with mental health. As a message of hope, the message conveyed in the track is that although it may not feel like it, fighting to keep going every day is a small victory.

Sometimes we all need that track that will act as a mantra to keep you pushing through and ‘Stronger Now’ is exactly that- an emotive gripping number with a catchy motivational chorus to give you hope and strength. Puckett’s laid back vocals glide from a rap to a soothing coo as twinkling piano strides with a sturdy surety while also elegantly glimmering adding a delicate yet confident quality to the track. The piano glides over sticky slapping beat pulses while the infectious sweet melody embraces this endearing soundscape. It’s a gripping, enthralling indie pop track that has a touching message. Puckett has displayed his mature, moving musicianship and it’s pretty impressive.

Stream ‘Stronger Now’ below

https://soundcloud.com/andrewpuckett/stronger-now


Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

FREEMAN ‘Truth’ Album

 

West London based singer-songwriter, FREEMAN is set to release his eagerly awaited debut album ‘Truth’ on Catapult Records tomorrow the 25th of May. ‘Truth’, recorded at Eastcote Studios in Kensal Rise with Jamie Brown and engineer Andy Hughes, features fourteen tracks including the current single ‘Weekend’, the recent ‘Good Times’ and last year’s debut ‘Lay On’ all of which have picked up widespread critical support from the likes of the Huffington Post to plays on BBC Radio London. ‘Lay On’ was accompanied by a video featuring footage from the Oscar winning French short ‘The Red Balloon’ and had 180k views and over 1.5k shares on its first week online.

‘Truth’ is a collection of catchy indie pop tracks sprinkled with sweet Americana to create a sublime tight album that is enjoyable to listen to. ‘All About Love’ kicks off the album with a sensual bassline and punchy beat that will have those feet tapping and body grooving in no time. The melodies in this album are delightful, this particular tune has a sing along ready chorus and melody that is luscious, sweet as taffy and utterly golden. ‘Best Days’ and ‘Rolling Stone’ steamroll in with a stomping beat and rock and roll swagger soaked guitar strides, there is definitely a Bryan Adams country-esque vibe about the former while ‘Weekend’ hops about with a indie pop buoyancy and vitality as jangly guitars drive through free wheeling, sunny soundscapes and upbeat animation. ‘Good Times’ which is my favourite track on the album takes on the role of the sweet slow jam. It is warm glowing and feathery light with delicate tapping percussion wrapped in a luscious sway-able melody and soothing vocals. ‘Indiana Girl’ and ‘Redemption’ follow the emotional slow burner pathway as does ‘Lay On’ which adds a soulful hue to the mix provided by delicate keys and supple guitar injections caressed by soft whispered raspy vocals. This romantic little ditty is soothing, delicate and heartfelt. The Americana and country flavours shine through tracks such as ‘Watchtower’ and ‘Hearts Of America’ as warm guitar (and harmonica twangs in the former) fill the tracks with cosy melancholic tones and rich depths as the ever catchy melty melodies melt upon this beautiful balmy backdrop. There is no shortage of sing along choruses in this album nearly every track has a hook that invades your brain, constantly revolving in your head all day ‘Rolling Stone’ is a prime example of this so is ‘Life’- who doesn’t fall under the trap of a good “la la” lyric especially when it’s surrounded by a sweet delicate melody. Freeman brings the album to a fluid and gentle end with the aching yet glowing positivity of ‘Midnight Wanderer’ followed by the hushed heartbreaking ‘Goodbye My Love’ and finally the tender ethereal ‘Fire’ closes the album on a calm beautiful tone.

‘Truth’ is a heartfelt charming collection of tracks that are warm, cosy and sweet with some swagger and fun thrown in to keep you singing along and bopping between the emotional tears. The album will be released on limited edition vinyl and CD and will be available to download at all the usual major outlets tomorrow.

Watch the video for ‘Lay On’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Singer/Songwriter

Mackenzie James Cregan ‘We’ll Be Here’

Mackenzie James Cregan is a Liverpool based singer/songwriter/musician from Los Angeles. Mackenzie puts a modern spin on his music, giving him a unique sound that includes catchy pop choruses and melodies.He first picked up a guitar at two years old and started taking lessons from his father Jim Cregan at nine years old. Since then, Mackenzie has taught himself how to play bass, drums, and piano. After living in Los Angeles his whole life, at the age of 21, Mackenzie decided to move to Liverpool, UK in the fall of 2017 to kickstart his new solo career.He has now released his new single ‘We’ll Be Here’.

‘We’ll Be Here’ is a vibrant sing along little ditty that radiates good vibes and sunshine. This peppy gem hops and bops about with a swaggering spring in its step. The buoyant beat and jangly guitar sets the groove infested foundation for you to shimmy your night away. A melty melody glissades upon this delightful foundation with a silky finesse that oozes panache and strut quality. Mackenzie’s vocals smoothen the track with a velvety sweep of prancing confidence while a steamy guitar solo injects that final blow of swanky rock & roll suave. It’s a foot tapping infectious number that will brighten your day and have you dancing and singing along in no time.

You can catch Mackenzie James Cregan live at his single release show on Friday 11th May at 24 Kitchen street in Liverpool.

Watch the video for ‘We’ll Be Here’ below


EP Review, Singer/Songwriter

Sundays Always Calling ‘Summer Dreams’ EP

Sundays Always Calling, the solo project of songwriter and musician Chris Gardner is set to release his new EP ‘Summer Dreams’ on 1st June 2018. Hailing from Michigan, Sundays Always Calling was formed in 2014. Discovering his love for music and writing, he released his EP ‘Sweet Sunshine’ in the same year and later released his debut album ‘At Sunrise’ in 2017. Both releases incorporate melodic qualities along with tuneful acoustic fingerpicking which is also incorporated into his upcoming release ‘Summer Dreams’ giving him a distinctive style.

‘Summer Dreams’ is a melodic and sweet collection of tracks that sway and jangle along at a gentle calming pace. Title track ‘Summer Dream’ delicately sets the EP in motion with warm acoustic tones  glowing with the zesty cosiness of subtle country guitar twang injections. The track builds becoming a little more vibrant and passionate. These songs smoothly flow into each other creating a laid back picturesque mellow listen to just relax into. ‘Nights Were Young’ and ‘Warm Night’ are your romantic slow jams as a twinkling guitar fills out the spacious contemplation and delicacy of the tracks. Each song builds nicely becoming more waltz-like or softly vibrant adding lush little shifts and richer textures each time. This EP is easy on the ears and sweetly dainty right up to closing track ‘In The Moonlight’ which brings us to a soothing heart-warming end to this dreamy EP.

Sundays Always Calling ‘Summer Dreams’ does exactly what it says on the tin. It lulls you to a tranquil dreamy state while packing it with golden sun kissed vibes.

Stream ‘Nights Were Young’  below