Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

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

Father John Misty ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ and ‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’

Father John Misty has released two new songs, ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ and ‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’ from his forthcoming album, ‘God’s Favorite Customer’ which is due out June 1st via Sub Pop/Bella Union.

These two tracks follow the cool, love drenched suave with gloriously dark undertones that Father John Misty does so well. ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ follows the swoony sound and delicacy we have come to adore with a melty luscious melody mournfully caressing the jazzy- esque piano jangles reminiscent of Elton John while a steady beat and concise guitar strums in the background. However, this track isn’t soppy and lovesick as it first appears. Though sonically lavish, the piano strikes add a harshness and sneering quality while the lyrics, “Like a pervert on a crowded bus / A glare of love bears down on us” opens up a whole new meaning to the track. Father John Misty croons and howls between his sweet falsetto  and the stomping, cinematic instrumentation. Though the track is cynical of romance it’s still beautifully written in the most dreamy fashion. The track broods and builds to an outstanding crescendo with a dramatic brass instrumental finish. It’s got a delightful bounce and some heart skipping a beat moments yet lying underneath is a more sombre tone.

‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’ is your sweet, heart felt ballad that hits you right in the chest and would make even the toughest of people shed a wee tear. It’s tender with honest lyrical content that stops time and makes you feel every painful line. He croons and pines over a brooding lamenting piano melody which caresses the fuzzed guitar whines and steady beat. Sweetly melodic and hard hitting it’s a beautiful new addition to our much treasured Father John Misty collection.

Stream ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ and ‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’ below


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

London King ‘A Kind of Love’

London King has released the fourth single ‘A Kind of Love‘ from her EP ‘Antichrist Child’. King’s first moment in the spotlight occurred when she was just 4 and her first song ‘Sinking in The Darkness’ was penned at 11 years old and even features on her first EP. King started her career as the frontwomen of Rancid before turning solo at age 18.She released her first EP ‘Golden Edition’ in 2014 working with award winning producer James Colah. Her follow up ‘A Kind of Love’ was produced by another award winner, Aubrey Whitfield, who has worked with the likes of Little Mix and Kelly Clarkson.

‘A Kind of Love’ twinkles and glistens with swirling electronics from the start creating a delicate sweetly toned backdrop for Kings emotive, powerful vocals. A snappy beat gently whacks, pulses and slaps through the flashing electronics while lush backing vocals and sparkling keys inject an ethereal elegance and dreamy quality to the track. It’s a tightly compact and highly emotive song that softly and sweetly glides along at a steady pace pouring honest, heartfelt emotion into every silky glorious note.

Stream ‘A Kind of Love’ below


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sam Brockington ‘Fool’

Indie singer-songwriter Sam Brockington is set to release his newest single ‘Fool’ on April 6th. After gaining support from BBC Introducing and BBC 6Music upon the release of his debut EP ‘Peace of Mind’, his newest release takes us in a new direction, showing Sam’s growth as an artist and marking what is set to come.Hailing from Devon, Sam began his solo career as a busker in Melbourne, Australia, where he was able to develop a distinctive folk inspired singer-songwriter style influenced by the likes of Matt Corby. Upon returning to the UK and relocating to Bristol, Sam began to focus on shaping his sound and became a regular in the festival circuit, with highlights including Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds. Inspired by the pace and diversity of the city, Sam’s music has now matured into a fusion of alternative indie whilst still preserving that earnest and warming singer-songwriter edge.

His newest single ‘Fool’ was written about the feeling of being held back in life by his own personal hurdles, with the aim of connecting with the listener on a more emotional level. Produced by Bat For Lashes bassist TJ Allen, the track holds an underlying profoundness while still appealing to listeners as an upbeat indie release. With his warm distinctive vocal adding a celestial quality, this track glows with a heart warming purity and comfort that is beautifully uplifting and vibrant. The melodic bass grooves and weaves between a driving drum beat and ethereal guitar. This track pulses, throbs and soars with adrenaline rushing emotion. Lyrically the song is a burst of expression and clear anguish, making your heart skip a beat and yearn to listen to it again. Richly layered and simply sweet ‘Fool’ is a fine example of the pure honest musicianship that consumes the listener in a whirlpool of luscious sounds and leaves them dancing around the room entirely captivated.

‘Fool’ is due for official release via all major digital platforms on 6th April and is set to be supported by a video release the following week and a B-side single release in May.

While you wait to hear the track have a listen to ‘Peace of Mind’ below

 


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Isaac Gracie

Isaac Gracie has released his new track ‘That Was Then’, from his eponymous debut album which is due out 13th April via Virgin EMI. Another deeply soul touching track from the singer songwriter ‘That Was Then’ swoons and sweeps with a delicate heartfelt melody caressed by Gracie’s passionate vocals. A soft beat holds a steady foundation while guitar strums provide an edged, ethereal quality to this dainty track. Lush backing vocals coo behind the sublime tear-jerking melody which swishes and elegantly glides between the beautiful sweet instrumentation. Maturely composed and tightly layered Gracie showcases his sophisticated, deeply moving musicianship that places him as one of the finest new singer songwriters out there at the moment. His ability to make you feel every painful, sorrowful note is masterful yet, his pure, honest rawness hits you hard in the chest. It’s a pristine creation – timeless and beautifully crafted. There is no need for over production or flashiness, ‘That Was Then’ exudes emotion and is another gem to add to the treasure of tracks Gracie provides for us to hold dear.

You can catch Isaac Gracie Live at :

11th April – Gorilla, Manchester

12th April – Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Leeds

13th April – The Mash House, Edinburgh

15th April – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

16th April – The Crescent, York

17th April – Leadmill 2, Sheffield

18th April – The Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

20th April – O2 Institute2, Birmingham

21st April – O2 Academy2, Oxford

22nd April – Arts Centre, Norwich

23th April – Thekla, Bristol

25th April – The Haunt, Brighton

26th April – Hackney Empire, London

Watch the video for ‘That Was Then’ (Live at Konk Studios) below


Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Soul

Leon Bridges ‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ and ‘Bad Bad News’

Leon Bridges, the double Grammy Award nominated R&B artist, has announced details of his second album, ‘Good Thing’. The album will be available both digitally and physically on the 4th May. ‘Good Thing’, the follow up to Leon’s critically acclaimed, award winning, Certified Gold debut album ‘Coming Home’, was Executive Produced by Ricky Reed and Niles City Sound, and produced by Ricky Reed. Leon and his long-time collaborators and ‘Coming Home’ producers, Niles City Sound, headed out west to work with Reed with the goal of taking Leon’s music in a more modern R&B direction while staying true to his signature style. Leon has released two tracks from the album ‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ and ‘Bad Bad News’.

‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ is your tender soulful slow burner. Leon’s falsetto vocals cruise and sweetly coo through this delicately passionate track. With swoony strings and twinkling piano its a candle lit romantically smooth charmer that oozes emotion. With a soft orchestral arrangement flickering around his warm vocals- it’s evening chill time bliss.

‘Bad Bad News’ is the funkier number. Its swagger soaked and peppy with a groovy bassline that is strut ready. Leon’s vocals exude sass and an effortlessly cool panache. It’s a swish fluid track that seeps swanky chicness with flickers of slick glossy guitar while holding an air of laid back flamboyance. It’s an alluring track that swoops in with charisma and a slicked back funky style.

Both tracks display Leon’s sophisticated richly passionate musicianship and deeply soulful sound with a funky twist thrown in.

When asked about the album Leon said, “I loved my experience with Coming Home. Good Thing however allows me to showcase more of my influences and artistry. I’m excited for the world to hear it and perform this diverse group of songs live.”

Stream ‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ and ‘Bad Bad News’ Below

 

 


Album Review, Folk, Folk and Soul, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brendan McMahon ‘On This Fine Occasion’

Singer/ songwriter and guitarist Brendan McMahon has released his newest album ‘On This Fine Occasion’. His incisive and insightful song writing combined with his eclectic vibe blends a variety of genres. Ranging from rock, pop, country, celtic, folk and blues he says he is not trying to fit to one particular genre; his new album is a fusion of them all. Hailing from Melbourne, Brendan McMahon discovered his love for music at the early age of ten. With the intentions of starting a band, he released his first album ‘Falling To Earth’ under the moniker ‘Satellite Gods’. Discovering his creative nature and natural flare for recording, a second release immediately followed before completing his recent third album ‘On This Fine Occasion’. With influences like Harry Manx, Richard Thompson, Queensryche and John Mellencamp, his style offers an uplifting blend of rock through to folk. The lyricism of the tracks portray a narrative with inspirations taken from simple objects through to his extensive travel experiences. So far in his career, the Aussie musician has worked with artists such as Bob Spencer (Angels), Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), Wilbur Wilde (Ol’55), Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes), Brett Kingman (James Reyne) and more.

 ‘On This Fine Occasion’ is a collection of tracks which blends a variety of multi genres seamlessly to create a sublime absorbing listen. From the anthemic folky tinged tracks like ‘Alive’ with its soaring powerful arena ready choruses and the whistle friendly cheery ‘Hotel Hemmingway’ with its warm vibrant instrumentation to the rock and roll doused darkly hued ‘Doctor’ McMahon keeps each track fresh and enjoyable.The jingly tunes bounce along with a good wholesome feel and a purity which the folk elements provide. ‘Marker 7-58’ is an utterly beautiful track packing oodles of emotion while guitar twangs lament over a sweet delicate melody and subtle percussion.It’s stripped back and tender. The story telling and lyrical development in the album is superb and thought provoking. The tender moments in tracks such as ‘Mother’ are passionate and embracing and the vibrant peppy moments in tracks like ‘Esmeralda’s Eyes‘ are warm motivating and mighty. ‘Gentleman Joe’ is another tender little gem. It’s raw and intimate with spaced out components that make each fragment an emotional moment you feel and experience as the track progresses into a powerful anthem. However it’s ‘Beat’ that really stands out for me. This track marks a shift in the album with a steamy guitar whine and funky groove. It’s  ready for the strutters  with its dance floor swag. The guitar solos shred with a glossy sleekness while funky keys add a jazzy element to this panache soaked track. ‘Home’ is a glorious way to finish the album. Lush backing vocals introduce this elegant number with a choir like soothing quality. When the main vocals kick in this track just calms and soothes the soul with its comforting wholesome melody and light bright instrumentation. A soft beat taps behind zesty sprinkles of guitar and velvety vocals creating the perfect summers evening backdrop. The sharp guitar injections add a sun speckled positivity through the sweet lamenting of the melody. It’s a beautiful cosy end to an album which takes you on a journey of genres in the most charming heartwarming way.

Stream ‘On This Fine Occasion’ below


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

Goldkey ‘Faster’

Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn. Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert. He will play summer 2018 festival dates and select North east dates in support of his upcoming single ‘Faster’, to be released March 2.

‘Faster’ oozes a beautiful dreamy glow with tender heart-warming emotion. With delicate instrumentation of twinkling guitar and richly soft vibrant drum rumble this track is true, pure, wholesome and just sublimely charming. With a sweet melody caressed by Horns’ luscious velvety vocals and honeyed guitar twangs it just warms your bones and soothes the soul. It’s passionate, fragile and a cosy track to hold dear. There is something very special about this little gem.

Stream ‘Faster’ below


Electronic, Singer/Songwriter

Sertari ‘Flying High’

Following a busy couple of years which saw UK singer and songwriter Sertari chart in Europe and win the Akademia “Singer/Songwriter” Award for her Unplugged EP, she has now finished her new EP – “Bright Star” which features Grammy award winner J- Ivy. After returning from a tour of Cyprus, she is now filling up her diary with festival performances and has reached the final of the Soundwaves competition and will be performing at the O2 academy. She started off by setting up her own label, and running her own live music nights on the South Coast to promote independent talent, as well as promote her own music. As a result of her drive, she has already achieved much self-propelled success, with worldwide releases, press, TV and radio exposure behind her – including recently being played out on BBC Introducing. She was also recently offered a record deal with a Major European Label – but for the time being, she is staying Independent. Sertari has been lucky enough to have worked and performed with a variety of producers and artists, and further to her Akademia Award she was also a previous nominee for “Best Live Act” and “Best Song” at the Exposure Music Awards, and Winner of the Extreme Exposure Award in the UK Open Mic Finals. She has released her new single ‘Flying High’ from her EP ‘Bright Star’.

‘Flying High’ is an ambitious electronic pop track that shimmers with soaring synths and hefty snappy beats to create an atmospheric tune that is larger than life. The emotive electronic soundscapes flicker and flash with dazzling scintillation to create a thrilling lusciously rich experience. Driving guitars teamed with powerful vocals and an attitude-soaked rap feature provided by J Ivy make this track a mighty electronic pop banger that is adrenaline rushing and sublimely elevated.

Stream ‘Flying High’ below


Singer/Songwriter

Kev Minney ‘Can you feel it too?’

Brighton based acoustic guitar player, singer and songwriter Kev Minney has released his new single ‘Can you feel it too?’ along with a live video of the track. The track follows his recent release ‘Chances’ and continues his delicate deeply emotive style seamlessly. Acoustic guitar twinkles between a strong almost eerie beat. Haunting backing vocals coo throughout adding a frosty chill to the track as subtle cello flickers increase the harrowing atmosphere. It’s a cold ghostly number that is hair- raisingly mysterious.

Watch the video for ‘Can You Feel it too?’ below


Electronic, Indie Electro, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Falling Ghost ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’

Manchester based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Falling Ghost has released his debut single ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ which was self-produced in Manchester and then mastered by John Davies (The XX, Lana Del Rey, Gorillaz), through Regent Street Records. Falling Ghost, AKA Daniel Sweeney was formerly the singer-songwriter with Manchester band Sylvia. Before splitting a year ago, Sylvia recorded two albums and toured extensively across the UK and Europe and achieved national radio play from the BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music.  Since going solo, Sweeney has spent the last twelve months writing, recording and producing the first Falling Ghost album which is entitled ‘Pure O’ and is set for release later next year.

‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ is a crisp clean-cut display with velvety vocals and hypnotic electronic slapping beats. It’s a dreamy, floating emotionally charged track that is honest pure and gripping. The haunting breezy soundscapes wisp about the track giving a coldness while the beautiful delicate melody floats on top soothing from the biting chill. It’s somewhat eerie yet sublimely melodic with twinkling keys and sway-able tempo it’s a captivating debut from Falling Ghost.

Stream ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ below