Indie folk singer-songwriter, Kyle Britton from Los Angeles is releasing his debut EP, ‘Riddle’, on 8th July. He has enlisted help from Los Angeles’ most seasoned musicians including Kyle Crane on Drums (Daniel Lanois, Elle King) and renowned violist, Ginny Luke (Rihanna, Dave Matthews Band) and famed engineer, Darryl Swann (Macy Gray), on this EP. His single of the same name was released earlier this month and it explores the demise of a poisonous love affair and the enduring pain that follows. ‘Riddle’ is an emotion evoking track which has a theatrical feel as Britton narrates a story to us with the backing of cinematic music. Britton’s vocals begin in an almost whisper-like narration of this tale, like the secret of scandalous story that cannot be spoken aloud. He conveys the longing tone perfectly through his soft emotion filled vocals teamed with a melancholy melody on viola and light waltz like beats. This builds for the chorus and then softens again for the return of the verse. We are presented with mysterious dark undertones giving the listener a feeling that this tale is distressing and eerie. The melody runs smoothly and almost with the sway like effect of a dangerous spooky waltz that will lead to the characters demise. The song builds to an intense and emotional crescendo when finally the track is played out by the lamenting viola.
Stream ‘Riddle’ below
DreamVacation are a four piece alternative/cinematic band from Los Angeles. The band lineup consists of Ray Silva (vocals) Gerry Matthews (bass and backing vocals), Morgan Terrinoni (guitar), and Noah Alexander (drums). They have previously supported live acts such as Foster the People, Airborne Toxic Event, The War On Drugs and Matt & Kim. The four piece also had success placing songs in films and TV shows, including Showtime – Shameless, TNT – Boston’s Finest, and SYFY – Being Human, to name only a few. DreamVacation have released their new single ‘Letting In The Dead’ from their new self-titled EP which was produced by John Rausch, engineer and track architect for such powerhouses as Taylor Swift, Pink, Florence and the Machine, Foxes and Birdie. ‘Letting In The Dead’ is a catchy melodic track with atmospheric guitars that give a light aerial feel while also adding an edge to the track giving it a sharp vibe. The beats are soft and bouncy and add an uplifting feel while Silva’s vocals are warm and raspy and emotion filled. Silva’s vocals are unique and pull you into the song and teamed with the sweet melody make this song really attractive to the ears. There is a melancholy tone to this song but the instrumentation keeps it upbeat and flowing fluently. The guitar plays a lamenting melody behind the vocals at times which is beautiful especially towards the end when it plays the track out.
This track takes you on an emotional journey of nostalgia and longing in a light animated way with radiant guitars and dynamic vocals.
Stream ‘Letting In The Dead’ below
Our Worth A Listen track this week is Stellify’s ‘Shun’
Stellify are an Alternative Rock / Fuzzy Blues band from London. Band members James Howlett (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Richard Costello (Vocals & Lead Guitar), Carlos Dittborn (Bass) and Daniel Perez (Drums) have been steadily and constantly gaining momentum since their formation in 2011.
Their new single ‘Shun’ is a blues filled, fiery rock track, with deep smouldering vocals and seductive, alluring, elastic bass. When teamed with the rapid persuasive drums in the verse they compel your body to move. The chorus comes alive with a heavier mosh sound and more dynamic vocals which really shakes things up before the song returns again to the intense smooth tease of the verse. The psychedelic trance feel on guitar adds to the bewitching effect of this luring track.
Stellify are playing a number of shows and festivals throughout 2016 where they will be delivering blues filled fuzzy rock and roll.
You can see them at
JUN 23, The Beer Kat, London
JUL 16, Eailing Blues Festival,Walpole Park, Ealing
SEP 13, Time Out Rising Stars, 229 The Venue, London
Stream ‘Shun’ below
Forbear is a Future rock, Cinematic dirt band from Los Angeles. Composed of some of LA’s most prolific musicians, Scott Goldbaum (formerly of Wise Cub) leads the band with beautiful vocals and melodic guitar, while classically trained Molly Rogers’ viola adds a layer that is truly captivating. Mike Mussleman (drums) and Nick Chamian (bass) round out the four piece with one of the most impressive, and methodical rhythm sections in indie rock today. Individually the band members have worked with artists/bands including Feist, Bastille, Kamasi Washington, Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Kimbra among others. They met in 2014 and quickly caught the attention of famed producer/engineer Eric Lilavois (Saint Motel, Atlas Genius) who produced their upcoming release ‘Good God’ and recorded it at the famed London Bridge Studios in Seattle. ‘Good God’ begins with the commanding single ‘Delroy Lindo’ ‘Delroy Lindo’ is a fantastic piece of musicianship, it flawlessly weaves together cinematic rock with a truly unique voice and spectacular harmonies. It almost feels classically written with a beautiful elegant viola melody interweaving between the vocals in a sort of call and response style. Both the dynamic sweet vocals and viola seem to have a conversation which the listener is witnessing. The addition of vibrato on the viola adds a sort of agitation to this tender conversation. The drums are light and come in and out in places during the verse and then hold a soft steady foundation behind the chorus adding a depth to the track. The lush graceful harmonies add to the angelic blissful music and sombre heartbreaking tone. The bass is smooth and supple and blends perfectly with the overall experience.
‘Delroy Lindo’ is “about two people who moved to the West Coast to be together, only to have the illusion of what they thought waited for them be eaten alive by their false romanticism” and Forbear portray this image to us perfectly. They use their spectacular talents to convey a tender emotional theme in such a beautiful unique way. It is an honest, true, raw and heartbreaking yet elegant, fascinating and graceful surreal experience. Forebear put into words and music the feelings that are always so difficult for us to express ourselves and that is truly skillful.
A must listen!
Good God is set for release August 26 and if ‘Delroy Lindo’ is anything to go by its going to be amazing.
Stream ‘Delroy Lindo’ below
New Valley Wolves have just released their new single ‘Trouble’ and its a hefty, mean, bluesy track full of attitude. The duo have built a reputation for themselves as the fiercest live act in Ireland through relentless gigging at home and abroad. With a sound bigger than an A-Bomb and energy that borders on psychotic ‘Trouble’ lives up to this reputation. With its robust dirty bass, thunderous drums and howling vocals this track shakes you to your core and is definitely a track to sink your teeth into. Its big, mean and destructive while the flexible bass keep a cool, smooth steamy vibe. The frenzy created in the manic mosh worthy bridge is insane. Its enough to get a crowd headbanging and going crazy in its high energy body pounding sound. The track returns to it slick bluesy style again to finish leaving you wanting more.
This is a band you don’t want to miss live and ‘Trouble’ is a must listen!
You can seeNew Valley Wolves live at:
Jun 24 Sea Sessions Donegal
July 30 Crane Lane, Cork
They are also playing at Electric Picnic and Rockathon.
Stream ‘Trouble’ below
We caught up with Ben Adey from King Harvest & The Weight ahead of their UK and Ireland tour and the release of their unmissable debut album ‘Maps’.
Can you explain King Harvest & The Weight to anyone who doesn’t know you?
There’s plenty of bands out there who shamelessly ride their influences out to death, But we try not to ape our target too closely for our own good and come across like soulless bandwagon chasers. We love the music we grew up with, which is rooted in seventies good times rock n roll.
How did the name King Harvest & The Weight come about?
I wrote a load around 50 songs, demoed them all on a battered old Yamaha acoustic and then hooked up with Olly (guitar) & Justin (Drums) we recorded the tracks and got our arses in gear and booked some shows.
Your album is full of 70’s classic rock tracks with catchy hooks and well crafted melodies How did you decide on this style of music ?
It’s just what comes out, it isn’t over thought, or planned. It’s every free flowing creative and writing process.
Your music seems to have the ability to transport the listener back to that 70s rock period with such ease, is this a natural effect of your music flow or was it something you had to try hard to achieve?
Dead easy. Play what you like and do what feel is right for you. It’s not about being cool, it’s about doing what you enjoy, with no boundaries.
Your debut album Maps is due for release on June 20 what can we look forward to or expect from ‘Maps’?
Blistering 3 minute tracks, crammed with hooks.
What was your favourite part of making this record?
Recording it and playing music with superb people.
You have some great riffs and guitar solos in your tracks was this something you spent ages on to get right or did they come naturally?
Ideas come in all shapes and sizes. From rehearsal jams to the bare embryos of IPhone recordings.
Which of the songs on your album are you most proud of and why?I’d say, This Town. It was the first track I wrote, which actually spearheaded me into doing the album. It was the track that made me think that I wanted to actually have a go and play live again.
Had it not arrived, I’d probably be spending my Saturday nights just driving back and forth to Tesco buying White Magnums & Bier d’ore. It saved me from decadence,ha!
Did you come cross any challenges when recording this album?
Yes, trying not to be impatient and rushing things.
You have a number of live shows coming up to promote the album what can people expect at these shows?
Loud noise, riffs and a pop song shower
Which venue are you looking forward to playing the most?
All of them.
What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
Tough one, not sure yet! You have three dates in Ireland this July is this your first time playing in Ireland and have you any expectations from the Irish crowd?
It is our first time as a band, yes. And we’re expecting it to be a great time.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Pick up whatever is in sight, bang it, beat and have fun. Most importantly fuck what anyone tells you is cool and do what you love X
You can catch King Harvest & The Weight live at
Saturday 25th June – The Glad Cafe, Glasgow
Sunday 26th June – Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
Friday 1st July – Pine Lodge, Cork
Saturday 2nd July – Roisin Dubh, Galway
Sunday 3rd July – Grand Social, Dublin
We will be definitely heading down to one of the Irish shows to check out their “Loud noise, riffs and a pop song shower” .
London-based singer-songwriter Scott Dean has released his new single ‘Lucky Seven’ from his recently released album ‘Neon’. The lyrics of ‘Lucky Seven’ were inspired by Dean’s experience working as a croupier, he explores the effects of obsession and addiction in society. ‘Lucky Seven’ is a melodic track with an airy atmosphere. The reverb used conveys this perfectly and teamed with soaring guitars which add an edge to the track you really get a feel of wanting to escape. The drums are light and keep a melancholy tone as they provide a soft steady beat. The instrumentation is light leaving the guitar and vocals to portray the message to us. Dean’s vocals are smooth and emotion filled and become slightly more animated for the anthem like chorus, while the guitars give an aerial feel like a sharp breeze that is refreshing.
‘Lucky Seven’ explores a hard-hitting subject matter which Dean portrays through reverb-laden guitar riffs, atmospheric soundscapes and a soaring chorus that displays the range of Dean’s influences and abilities.
Stream ‘Lucky Seven’ below.
Jackie Venson is an Indie Blues artist from Austin, TX. She has released her video for her new single, “Next Life.” The track is about Unrequited love which is a universal theme and is easy to relate to. ‘Next Life’ begins as a gentle melodic track with soft instrumentation and steady piano that holds a strong foundation for the track. Venson’s vocals are strident and strong. This track has a laid back atmosphere and a cool calm vibe. The track is a slow burner that gradually builds to a fiery guitar solo and abrupt end. The track is presented in a precise manner, and every note and strum has its place but blends well forming a melodic track that shows superb musicianship.
Watch , ‘Next Life’ below.
Tameca Jones is a soul starlet from Austin, TX. She has made a name for herself as the “Queen of Austin Soul,” for her amazing ability to go from soulful wailing to silky coos effortlessly. This has won her devoted fans, accolades, and some high profile situations . She has opened for Austin super stars Gary Clark Jr., Max Frost, Bob Schneider and other big touring acts. Jones has received major love from Billboard Magazine for her white hot performance at the 2015 Austin Music Awards, where she paid tribute to late beloved musician Ian McLagan alongside legends like Steven Van Zandt, Charlie Sexton, Alejandro Escovedo, and Patty Griffin. Even Gary Clark Jr., asked her to sing on the song “Wings” for his latest album. With Jones set to release her highly anticipated debut EP this year there is no stopping her.
Jones has released her new singles ‘Hot and Bothered’ and ‘Head Over Heels’ from her forthcoming EP and they are bursting with infectious funky soul pop and smooth catchy melodies. ‘Hot and Bothered,’ is a Motown inspired track produced by Josh Moore (Max Frost). This track exudes swagger and confidence and cool strutting attitude. Jones’ vocals are smooth like honey and bursting with sass. This track stands out, grabs your attention and makes you groove. Everything about it is natural its not forced it flows fluently with its cheeky soul that knocks you back. Its a “strut down the street with confidence” feel good track. With soft bouncy percussion that has an impulsive dancing effect and sensual bass that holds the provocative vibe yet is still subtle and tasteful, full of class and beaming with energy. ‘Head Over Heels’ is a soulful and emotional track. Jones’ vocals again shine in this track. She has the ability to pull your heart as she conveys the pain and raw emotion with every note, while still holding a strong feminine independent persona that you get from her vocals. She exposes a heartbreaking passionate and longing tone that knocks you for six. The soft instrumentation lets Jones’ amazing vocals take the main focus while the gentle lull of the backing vocals reinforce the wistful tone. You feel every emotion in this beautiful heartfelt track.
Tameca Jones is a rare gem with incredible vocal abilities that tell a story and can bring you on an emotional journey but can also boost you up, give you confidence and strength and get those hips gyrating. Looking forward to the EP!
Stream ‘Hot and Bothered’ and ‘Head Over Heels’ below
Born just outside of New York, blues-rock singer/songwriter Norma Jean Martine relocated to Nashville to study at Belmont University, before making the jump to London. Since then, she’s released several preview tracks to Soundcloud, opened for top acts like Tom Odell, James Aruthur and Lissie, along with releasing her debut single, ‘No Gold’. She has co-written and featured on two tracks ‘We Ain’t Dead Yet’ and ‘Paint’ on Pablo Nouvelle’s current album ‘All I Need’, out on Armin Van Buuren’s label Armada Music. Martine’s most recent release ‘Freedom’ was her cover of George Michael’s classic 90’s track, which is currently the soundtrack to a multi-million pound Europe wide advertising campaign, reaching nearly 1 million streams on Spotify.
Her latest single ‘No Gold’ was released on May 20th via Virgin EMI Records. It was produced by Joel Pott from Athlete and mixed by Danton Supple, ‘No Gold’ was taken from her forthcoming debut album ‘Only In My Mind’ which is due for release on 9th September. ‘No Gold’ is a blues rock track that is full of positive hopeful tones. The track is full of soft beats and is “swayingly” fantastic with added bounce. With lush backing vocals and a tribal beat to start followed by Martine’s amazing almost raspy yet clear vocals for the verse. She performs the verse with an ease and smoothness that grabs your attention and makes you listen. The catchy chorus brings a positive “Can do” atmosphere that is revitalising. The theme that “you have to leave a place in order to come back and appreciate, and see it from the outside” is effectively portrayed in the instrumentation but also through the many dimensions and emotions in Martine’s outstanding vocals .
Watch ‘No Gold’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
