Kev Minney is a Brighton based acoustic guitar player, singer and songwriter. Using open tunings and catchy melodic vocal lines he creates a dexterous and unique sound. He has now released a live video for his single ‘Chances’ which is taken from his debut album ‘Stories of the Sky’. ‘Chances’ is a sweet delicate track with twinkling piano accompaniment flooding heart-warming emotion and tenderness into the song. The cello glides through adding an overwhelming warmth and fireside glow. Lush backing vocals embrace the main vocals with a swoony sweet delicacy. The live video removes the piano and replaces it with soft acoustic guitar accompaniment however the backing vocals are just as crisp and immaculate perhaps even more so. It’s a little more stripped back but still remains beautiful and gripping.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Martha Ffion
Irish-born, and now Glasgow based singer-songwriter Martha Ffion has announced her eagerly anticipated debut LP entitled ‘Sunday Best’ which is released 9th March 2018 on Turnstile Music.’Take Your Name’ is the first single to be announced from the album and has an accompanying video which was directed and edited by Beth Chalmers & Claire M F McKay.Initially breaking through with a ‘postcard single’ on Scotland’s flourishing Lost Map label, Ffion’s reputation soared with last year’s ‘Trip’ EP, a swooning five-track collection that was released by Turnstile Music (Cate Le Bon, Gruff Rhys, Charlotte Church, Emmy the Great etc.) and championed by Gold Flake Paint for its “beautifully melodic sway”.
‘Take Your Name’ follows the swoony lusciousness of her EP. A 50’s, 60’s- esque melty melody unfolds upon delicate sweet instrumentation. With its sway-like tempo and heavenly backing vocals teamed with light guitar twinkles and a soft dragged laid back drum beat it’s a timeless little gem that soothes the soul and fills you with an innocent sense of longing and wistfulness. Ffion’s flawless crisp vocals smoothly caress this delicate dreamy track and adds a contemporary hazy filter over this picturesque delight. Filled with heartfelt tenderness and pristine sweetness it’s a soft centered utterly beautiful elegant composition.
Joshua KYEOT (pronounced kye-oh-tee) is a British-Ghanaian singer/ songwriter from South London who writes soul songs with a timeless quality and has a tone that is instantly recognisable. He has recently released his new single ‘Playground Sweethearts’. Taking jazz, pop, classical and rock as inspiration, he cites Stevie Wonder, Sisqo, and Michael Jackson among his top influences. Driven by music as a primary means of expression Joshua KYEOT is steadfast in his pursuit of becoming an all-around entertainer. Joshua has spent the past few years earning his stripes by playing various stages including ILUVLIVE hotlist and Sofar London. Generating some buzz within the industry he has opened for acts such as Izzy Bizu off the strength of his live sets.
‘Playground Sweethearts’ is a delicate passionate track filled with pure wholesomeness and oodles of soul. Twinkling guitars and soft drums create a timeless classy sound that is so sweet and luscious to the ears. The plucked guitar creates a simple start to the track and floods the track with an elegant tender warmth that is beautiful. A creamy honey coated melody caresses the graceful subtle instrumentation as Joshua’s vocals exude passion and emotion. Sublimely crafted the track builds into a steamy sharp guitar solo and fiery affectionate crescendo. Filled with romance it’s a beautiful refined track from Joshua KYEOT.
Based in Germany singer-songwriter JayElbid has recently released her debut single ‘Rise and Fall’, a melancholic ballad about the ups and downs of life and the resistance to surrender to negativity. Coming from a classical background and showing an interest in piano and violin before primary school, JayElbid has always had a strong passion for music and turned to song writing after an illness left her unable to follow some of her past hobbies.
Impressively, ‘Rise and Fall’ was written in one sitting and hasn’t been changed since, as it captured exactly the feeling and mood JayElbid wanted to portray. Recorded in the legendary Funkhaus Berlin, JayElbid’s vocals are reminiscent of Florence Welch and Enya and the single offers atmospheric and endearing simplicity. This deeply touching track is raw unadulterated emotion expressed simply and beautifully through JayElbids exquisite vocals which glide seamlessly from her deep low range to sweet falsetto. She expresses so much raw emotion through her vocals alone- it’s a magical heart wrenching and tender experience. The elegant piano accompaniment gently flutters behind with tear jerking delicacy. This track is crisp and sweet yet flooded with sombre emotions. It’s one that will leave a crowded room silent, consumed within the song’s lyrics and powerful vocal display from JayElbid.
Alfie Indra has released his second track ‘Red Lights’ on Keep Me Young. Hailing from Suffolk (living in Manchester) the track comes after the success of Indra’s debut signed release ‘Hard To Cope’. The 21 year old has been releasing music unsigned for a number of years and his music has evolved from stripped back folk/acoustic to a more upbeat feel while still retaining the lyrical essence from his roots. ‘Red Lights’ has been released on all online platforms including Spotify and iTunes, along with a music video filmed in a night club in Manchester capturing those blurry nights, teamed with some bright red performance shots.
‘Red Lights’ fleshes out a sublime woozy example of Alfie Indra’s electronic pop with a mushy pliable beat giving a blissful sense of excitement and anticipation as it playfully slaps against hazy swirling electronic soundscapes. The melodies ooze heavenly ecstasy from every note while sonic flecks daydreamingly flash dazzling neon lights as if showing glimpses of a memory of a fun night out. This chilled laid-back track soothes with an unhurried sense of elation and wonder as Indra’s vocals whisper with sweet delicacy and passion. The guitars warmly glow through the hazy electronics giving a subtle glimpse of the thrilling solo to come for the magical joyous crescendo. It’s just a sublime subtle burst of heavenly mellowness that fills you with anticipation and youthful elation.
North-West singer-songwriter Jack Woodward has released his second EP ‘Higher’. With his lead single ‘Higher’ receiving confident support from tastemaker radio stations such as Amazing Radio & BBC Introducing he follows through with his full EP demonstrating his electrifying sound to establish himself as one of the UK’s most promising new singer-songwriters. Like many great singer-songwriters, Woodward has been brought up on a strong musical diet. His musical palette has since developed to the likes of Newton Faulkner, Tom Odell, John Mayer and Foo Fighters, igniting his great passion for song writing.
‘Higher’ is a triple strike of what Woodward does so well. Title track ‘Higher’ is a strong example of his fine pop musicianship. The catchy chorus swooshes in with a surge of emotion exuding through Woodward’s passionate vocals and lush backing vocals. It’s a delicately paced track that spends time gently trickling emotion throughout the verses before building into the gushing chorus. Elegant piano accompaniment introduces the track while strong chords add stability. With stinging melancholic guitars lifting the crescendo, it’s an uplifting powerful piece that sets this EP off to a great start. Woodward is intent on showcasing his wide scope and multi genre style as each track shifts subtly between genres. ‘Pray’ displays the pop electronic flavour to this delicious Neapolitan ice cream -like EP. With a lighter bouncier feel, this snappy little ditty is fresh and crisp. Flashing electronics teamed with a sticky beat and luscious melody create a summer ready anthem. Woodward maintains his dark deeply emotional undertones; however, he wraps it in a pretty energetic little bow that charms and sparkles delicate bursts of luminosity. ‘Seven Seas’ is a little more alternative and definitely takes the darkest tone of the three tracks. This track marries the themes of both its predecessors and takes a fiery anthemic fist pump approach. Woodward’s vocals are deeper and dynamic as the shadowy instrumentation of bubbling basslines and jagged guitars add a conflicting vibe like a storm of uncertainty and agitation. It’s haunting and a little eerie but a mighty end to the EP.
Woodward has built a strong three point attack that displays his flexibility and versatility as an artist. His impressive depth and maturity teamed with refined prudent musicianship makes this singer songwriter stand out.
23-year-old pop-indie singer Zach Leon has recently released his full-length album entitled ‘Sail Away Heart’. Leon is an alternative artist originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years. Leon released his first solo EP ‘The Great And Terrible’ in 2016 which lead to music videos, local recognition and a growing fan base.
‘Sail Away Heart’ devotes itself to gloriously triumphant anthems like the richly textured ‘California (Girls Don’t Sing)’ with its lush rhythm, snappy catchy melody and superb sing along chorus. ‘The Villain’ follows this pattern with a jazzy vintage piano feature introducing the track before it blasts into a fiery anthem of crashing instrumentation and mighty vocals. Leon uses every weapon in his arsenal to offer up a wide assortment of genres from heavy alternative tunes to the sweet doo wop 50’s- esque romantic elegance of ‘A + K’ and the tipsy swayable ‘Drunk Eggs’ .The first half of the album glides and flows with delicacy and warmth with ‘Sad Tonight’ acting as the acoustic little charmer which displays Leon’s ability to hold your attention with a simple arrangement, beautiful melody and captivating lyrics. The sweet little jingle of ’Sailawayheart pt. 1’ marks the end of that delicate tone as ‘Pretentious Love’ shakes up the album with an alternative rock heaviness. Shouty vocals swear and scream with attitude while guitars crash and drums pound throughout. ‘Fight Me’ smashes through with punk attitude demanding attention with its infectious mosh ready bounce. These particular tracks add a rough and tumble edge to the album making for an invigorating listen. I love the short little interludes in the album ‘Sailawayheart Pt. 2’ and closing track ‘Sailawayheart pt. 3’ are just sweet little dittys you could put on a loop, they are peppy and refreshing.
‘Sailawayheart’ is a refreshing array of beautiful romantic tunes covered in a warm glow and tenderness with some feisty rock and punk whacks thrown in. Leon blends his multi genres well slipping and sliding between genres showing the highs and lows of life and the magical glimpses between. An impressive collection from this young singer songwriter.
Olly Flavell is an innovative singer songwriter whose originality captivates with ease. With wisdom beyond his years and a youthful flair, carefully crafted material naturally flows from this talented 20-year-old making him stand out from the crowd. In combining influences from the realms of Pop, Country and Rock Flavell creates an unseen contemporary sound with nuances of classic melodies and traditional lyricism. Flavell who is currently recording his new EP ‘My Heart In My Hand’ is set to release his new single ‘Paint the Sky’ on Christmas day.
‘Paint the Sky’ is a beautiful melodic track that bleeds soulful passion and romance. It’s delicately swayable with a luscious melody and warm soaked heartfelt instrumentation to whisk you away into a sweet tender lovely bubble. With gentle guitar strums, a soft tapping beat and some steamy guitar injections it’s one for a romantic slow dance and perfect for the idealistic Christmas scene- soft snow fall and romance. Flavell’s soulful vocals exude a beautiful sense of love and devotion and pull at your heartstrings while a sultry guitar solo adds a nice hint of passion. It’s fireside, dreamy warmth perfect at this time of the year. Flavell has a knack with elegant melty melodies and refined arrangements and this treasurable wispy ballad is another example of his charming, polished evolving craft.
West London based singer-songwriter and abstract artist, FREEMAN has released his new single ‘Good Times’ on Catapult Records.’Good Times’ is the follow up to the recent and acclaimed debut ‘Lay On’ and was recorded over the Summer at Eastcote Studios in Kensal Rise with Jamie Brown and engineer Andy Hughes. ‘Lay On’, which picked up widespread support from the likes of The Huffington Post and BBC Radio London, came with 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. The new single is another indication of what to expect from the singer’s forthcoming album ‘Truth’ which is scheduled for release early next year.
‘Good Times’ is a heartfelt warm number that oozes fireside glowing wholesomeness. It’s soft with gentle percussion tapping playfully along the tender beautiful melody. Cosy guitar strums twinkle between FREEMANS warm soothing vocals. It’s sing along ready and instantly swayable and charming. Its delicate and feathery light with an infectious buoyancy and positive atmosphere that will put a nostalgic smile on your face. A lovable track that will warm you up on a cold winters day. It is a pure snuggly delight that is so easy to listen to.
Bio: The Tates are a Welsh Indie Pop five piece consisting of Liam Fusco, Tom Ryan, Matt Kilgariff, Jac Robin and Shaun Gwizdak. This new track has been eagerly anticipated after the success of the band’s debut release ‘Electric Girl’. The song was supported by Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing, Radio 1 and gained Amazing radio playlisting as well as being A-listed on BBC Radio Wales. Energized by their summer tour in support of ‘Electric Girl’ a confident and inspired band returned to the studio in Cardiff to work with producer Steffan Pringle (Estrons, Himalayas, Future Of The Left) again.
Track: Water
Lyrically ‘Water’ asks a poetic question exploring themes of nature over nurture, as Tom the guitarist explains: “Are the flaws that we share with our parents who we are, or have we learnt from them? Are we free to be the people we want to be or are we trapped by our genetic makeup and our immediate environment and society?”
Why We Like It: It’s a refreshing glistening indie pop track. Infectious sun soaked and brimming with rich textures and melodies. Shimmering synths teamed with zesty stings on guitar and smooth vocals create a sublime hazy dazzling track so succulent and silky it’s mouth-wateringly good.
Bio: Half Jordanian, half Irish singer Keeva was discovered after ex-White Denim members Austin Jenkins and Josh Block found her demos online. Growing up between Ireland, Jordan and also London, young Keeva has taken inspiration from musical traditions from all three places while also obsessing over the cult 45s of Sun Studios/RCA’s Studio B, alongside the likes of Patsy Cline & Willie Nelson to deliver her debut single Whiskey.
Track: Whiskey.
Why We Like It: It’s a timeless track elegant and delicate in its approach with graceful piano accompaniment and soulful emotional vocals. It’s strong, sure and brave as a firm chord progression gives strength and courage. The melody has sweet tender moments while also filling and seeping with firm endurance. It’s a power ballad for sure but more one to inject power to the listener to get up and get on with it.
Follow Keeva on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/keevamusic
Watch the video for Whiskey below
Polar States
Genre: Indie
Bio: Liverpool-based quartet Polar States début single won them the attention of Grammy Award winning producer Jon Withnall (Coldplay, Elbow) and since then its been none stop. The band have now released their debut four track EP ‘Lost’.
Track: ‘Lost’
Why We Like It: Title Track ‘Lost’ is the perfect example of Polar States infectious indie rock. Smattered in bubbly pop elements with a laid back smooth ear worm melody it’s a melodic flavoursome little ditty. Sharp guitar injections and dark undertones add a nice bite and gritty texture and teamed with punchy drums and lush vocals it’s the perfect blend. This track is radio ready and one which can be enjoyed by all. Make sure to check out the rest of the EP it’s a doozy.
Follow Polar States on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/PolarStates/
Stream ‘Lost’ below
https://soundcloud.com/polarstates/lost
Joe Russell-Brown
Genre: Dream Pop
Bio: 19-year-old Joe Russell-Brown’s has released his debut EP it is a collection of songs created on a cheap microphone and laptop in his grandma’s bungalow. It captures his transition from acoustic songwriter to dream-pop band leader
Track: Post-Youth Depression
When asked about the track Joe said:“Post-Youth Depression is a retrospective euphoria of the days you can only appreciate when they’re gone. It’s about friends, living in a shit town and the acceptance of whatever’s to come.”
Why We Like It: It’s a chilled lo-fi track, so soothing laid back and sweetly nostalgic. With slurred vocals and hazy soundscapes it’s like walking into a dream. The subtle guitar adds a whimsical idealistic mist to the track. Smothered in a blurred illusion that gives the track transparency, giving the sense of a euphoric memory in the back of your mind – you can’t grasp it as it is almost vaporous just there to cherish in the moment but cannot be held on to. Another sublime EP which you should check out.
Follow Joe Russell-Brown on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/joerussellbrownmusic/
Watch the video for Post-Youth Depression below
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Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
