Tag Archives: Indie Folk

Indie Folk, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Marie Danielle

Genre: indie-folk singer

Bio: US indie-folk singer-songwriter Marie Danielle will release her debut UK single Soldier on Tuesday 18th April. Marie’s stunning debut album Hustler picked up Stateside acclaim last year. She’s currently touring the US, working on a new album with Simone Felice & Drive-By Truckers’ Mike Patton and will be touring the UK later this year. Marie’s dark and intelligent songwriting connects with audiences through a naked honesty about love, loss and addiction. Within a year of her first live show, Marie was touring throughout the US and Europe and her song One of My Kind was featured on an episode of the Showtime series ‘Billions.’ Currently recording new material with Drive-By Truckers bassist Mike Patton, Marie will soon be visiting the UK for new live dates.

Track: Soldier
When asked about the inspiration for ‘Soldier’ Marie Danielle said:
“I’ve tried so hard to settle down, but the only thing I’m any good at is music. When you’re in a different city every night, love is fleeting. That incessant march makes you feel like you’re fighting some kind of imagined war.”
Why We Like It: Its warm twangy indie folk that’s soaked in melancholic tones but still manages to stay positive, upbeat and bouncy. Its a timeless country track blended sweetly with folk-influenced Americana that will have you humming along and tapping your foot in no time.

Follow Marie Danielle on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MarieDanielleMusic

Stream ‘Soldier’ below

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Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Justin Lacy ‘Sealed’

Justin Lacy has recently released his new single ‘Sealed’ from his upcoming record ‘Control Burn’ out on April 13. Lacy is not your typical singer-songwriter, he is equal parts lyricist, arranger, composer and performer.  His oddball vocal delivery of image-heavy lines, steeped in sweeping orchestral arrangements creates his own little pocket of unique yet captivating indie guitar folk.

‘Sealed’ is a prime example of Lacy’s bright quirky approach to song writing that twists your ears to a blissfully unique blend of sweet melodies and subtle bursts of joy. Featuring a  bouncy and optimistic array of inventive instrumentation. With child-like warm toned flickering on guitar, honeyed lull on backing vocals and luscious ear worm melody, ‘Sealed’ fast warms its way into you mind and heart. The use of the glockenspiel adds a darker bittersweet tone while also creating a rich contrast. The song is almost cinematic and theatrical at times adding a little tension and drama to the fluffy candy coated track. For me Lacy’s nylon-string guitar creates a beautiful delicate sound with a warmth and tone that I cannot stop listening to. Lacy’s quirky vocals adds a dramatic almost striking quality however its perfect for this track and completes the songs blossom into the delightful peculiar track that will put a smile  on your face.

Stream ‘Sealed’ below

https://soundcloud.com/justin-lacy/sealed-1

Indie Folk, Indie Pop, New Music

Ian Janco ‘Life’

Ian Janco has released his debut single ‘Life’, his first musical offering since moving to Liverpool. Janco grew up on an isolated ranch in Idaho, USA, owned by his role model and recent mentor, Carole King. The track is a faultless example of Ian’s unerring ability to write a chorus that is equal parts catchy and endearing. It has already been picked up by Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady on Radio 2, and is getting a whirlwind response.
‘Life’ is a bright cheerful hop and skip of feel good joy. Chirpy whistle along feature kicks off the track with peppy light acoustic guitar and perky bouncy beat, its a charming shimmering track that is soul fulfilling and warm. This joyful, folk/pop propelled slice of adoration will put a smile on even the most bitter persons face and put a spring in their step. Catchy sing along chorus and chirpy vibes makes this song insanely infectious, it almost calls the sun out to shine and lifts away all your worries. The sweet lull on backing vocals teamed with Janco’s smooth clear almost cooling vocals give the track a relaxing free vibe.
When asked about the track Janco said “Life is about missing somebody, and telling them that you love them and want only the best for them… I hope this song makes people happy, It’s really as simple as that.”
Stream ‘Life’ below

https://soundcloud.com/ian-janco/life/s-WCd8i

Bluesy Americana rock, Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Beau + Luci ‘Fire Dancer’

Hailing from the swamplands of Southern Georgia, raised on a heady blend of rock-and-roll, blues and classic country, sisters Beau + Luci have released their debut EP ‘Fire Dancer’ which along with drawing from real-life experience weaves in elements of visionary storytelling throughout. Inspired by a central character from Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart trilogy—a fire-eater named Dustfinger—the intensely charged title track ‘Fire Dancer’ explores what Luci refers to as “the idea of taking something that could be used for destruction and instead using it to give hope”.
‘Fire Dancer’ starting with almost a cappella vocal harmonies, Beau + Luci demand attention with tight sweet toned vocals backed by rumbling drums. Its instantly catchy. This track twangs in all the right places without too much country in your face. Attitude soaked and bursting with sass and swagger these girls give us earthy yet lush rich textured folk-rock that packs a punch. Smoothly fluid and sleek with immaculate captivating harmonies teamed with elements of bluesy Americana rock thrown in and of course a shredding sharp guitar solo. Its elegantly and daintily lean and mean.
Produced by Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, Aaron Shust), Beau + Luci’s debut EP finds the duo collaborating with a host of esteemed musicians, including guitarist Scott Sharrard and keyboardist Peter Levin (both members of the Gregg Allman Band) as well as keyboardist Rami Jaffee (best known for his work with Foo Fighters and the Wallflowers). Throughout the EP, Beau + Luci show a sharp sense of songcraft honed through their near-lifelong studying of legends like Joni Mitchell and Johnny Cash. At the same time, the two channel pure passion into each track, instilling the EP with powerful energy.
Stream ‘Fire Dancer’ below

Folk, Indie Folk, New Music

David Arn ‘Power Line’

David Arn is an American singer, songwriter, musician best known for his highly personal lyrical style. He currently has two albums entitled, ‘Postmodern Days’ and ‘Walking in Dreamland’ (which in 2015 was played on over 85 US and Canada FM stations). Streamed worldwide on myriad outlets, Arn’s music has been featured on NPR stations, BBC Radio and heard on Delta Airlines commercial flights. Hailing from a literary background, the most important aspect of Arn’s songs are the lyrics which have an endearing lyrical style with a poetic flair. David has recently released his new single ‘Power Line’ which was mastered and engineered by Andrew Walter (David Bowie, Coldplay) at Abbey Road Studios and is a musical collaboration with Toby Wilson who features in the single as lead guitarist. As a sophisticated multi-instrumentalist and musician, this particular release is a new sound for David, who cites Leonard Cohen as one of his main influences. The single marks the first release of a larger project set to be released later in 2017.
‘Power Line’ twangs with melancholic nostalgic tones that glimmer with warm mellow scintillation. This new release still retains the lyrical style that David has been well known for in his previous two album releases, however the track echoes more of a mainstream folk sound. Smooth vocals lull you into a state of tranquillity while steady strums surge a hush of serenity with bright evening sun-setting glows. Sweet subtle guitar licks add warm sapid melodious qualities. Its a gentle song to sway to for those thoughtful contemplative moments on the patio.
Stream ‘Power Line’ below

Baroque Pop, Cinamatic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Psychedelic/Folk

Dia ‘Gambling Girl’

Dia is the stunning project of composer and performer, Danielle Birrittella. The Indie folk/baroque pop artist has released the beautiful, cinematic music video for her latest single, ‘Gambling Girl’ off her debut EP ‘Tiny Ocean’, which was released with Manimal Records and features songs produced by Joey Waronker (Beck, REM, Atoms for Peace), Tim Carr (The Americans, HAIM) and Frankie Siragusa (theLAB). Raised on a Hindu ashram, Dia sang ceremonial ragas as a child, which led to training and performing as an opera singer throughout the U.S. and Europe. Along these travels, she began experimenting with music and writing song fragments on a ukulele, which was gifted to her by her brother. Dia’s practice as a classically trained opera singer induced an incredibly critical ear. Her influences of classical music, such as Baroque and French Romantics are beautifully infused with modern experimental cinematic folk on her debut EP. A native of New England, and graduate of New York University (BA) and California Institute of the Arts (MFA), she has lived and worked as an artist in New York, France, and Italy. Highlighted performances have included Disney Hall’s REDCAT – Los Angeles, La Musica Lirica – Italy, The Chautauqua Institute – New York, La Main d’Or – Paris, and The Ludwig Foundation – Cuba.
‘Gambling Girl’ is a moody cinematic dream pop swirl that is more sticky than honey. The dark stuffy atmosphere suffocates you in a spiralling dreamy haze. The steady thump beat teamed with sultry bewitching lull on vocals give a narcotic hypnotic effect that draws you further and further into the calming opiate illusion. Dia’s vocals act as a sedative or tranquilliser cooing with soft mind numbing qualities. Driven by a seductive sway-like flow ‘Gambling Girl’ lures and entices with graceful delicate charm and daydream obscurity.
Watch the video for ‘Gambling Girl’ which portrays Dia and a cowboy beneath a sunset, riding horses and dancing in the desert below.

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

DD Allen ‘Just Like The Old Days’

British singer-songwriter DD Allen has announced the release of his new single ‘Just Like The Old Days’ which is taken from DD Allen’s forthcoming album due out early 2017. DD Allen first caught the attention of critics and fans alike as the support on James Blunt’s 2014 ‘Moon Landing’ arena tour in Bournemouth. Since then he has been putting the finishing touches on his debut album. On the new record, DD Allen has teamed up with an A-list team including engineer Mike Spink (The 1975, Jake Bugg) and Andrew Scheps (Adele, Hozier). The yet untitled album was inspired by many great artists, including Bob Dylan, who Allen names as his greatest influence. The record also includes a cover version of Dylan’s ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’.
‘Just Like The Old Days’ blends edgy contemporary rock and roll with sustainable melodic and soulful musicianship creating a sound that flows smoothly with effortless grace and charm. Warm sweet mellow tones on guitar fills the track with full flavoured ripe qualities. With animated bounce on drums teamed with soulful harmonica this track exudes bright rich tones with multi textures. Allen’s raw vocals amplify and heighten the dynamic energy and flush textures of the track. Shredding guitar solo adds a sharpened sting to the track while creating a cheeky “air guitar” moment for the listener.
Stream ‘Just Like The Old Days’ below

https://soundcloud.com/ddallenmusic/just-like-the-old-days-official-audio-mp3

Ambient Music, EP Review, Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Luna Tides ‘Open Woods’ EP

luna-tides-open-woods-album-art
Wales four-piece Folk/Rock band Luna Tides are set to release their debut EP ‘Open Woods’ next week.
‘Open Woods’ is an EP soaked in satisfying rich melodies that glow like a chest of hidden treasure and fill the soul with joy.
Title track ‘Open Woods’ kicks off the EP with sweet mellow twinkle of guitar. Gentle delicate vocals lull and soothe with lush harmony in backing vocals. The soft beat gives the track a cushion bounce. The track builds to an almost tribal repetitive uplifting anthem that would provide courage and endurance to the listener. ‘Last Night’ introduces itself with a strong beat and bright inspiriting vibes. This track weaves luxurious melodies on guitar with sweet infectious vocal melodies creating rich textures that is honey to the ears. ‘Luna’ follows taking a darker tone and giving a night time moon light vibe. A deeper almost rumble on drums and shadowed rhythm gives a magical mysterious vibe. With eerier strums on guitar and wail in the background a sense of danger and peril threatens from the unknown. Deep vocals warn of something menacing while the backing vocals add a haunting quality. ‘Luna’ changes the tone of the EP and gives us a refreshing darker side to Luna Tide’s story telling. ‘What Comes Around’ a track we previously featured on Indie Buddie closes the EP. Its bright warm cosy texture comforts and shields us from the dark tones that we previously heard. However subtly showing its own melancholic undertones with sombre lyrics. The overall bouncy track builds to an infectious sing along chorus with lustrous guitar and elastic rubbery beat that will have you bopping in no time.
Luna Tides ‘Open Woods’ will put a smile on any sour face with their upbeat lively tracks and heart warming soul enriching music.
You can pre order the EP here   http://bit.ly/LunaTidesClwb
Watch the video for ‘What Comes Around’ below

Ambient Music, Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, indie rock, New Music

Luna Tides ‘What Comes Around’

luna-tides-open-woods-album-art

Luna Tides are a four-piece Folk/Rock band from Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Originally under the name Thomas Seddon, they announced the new band name on the 24th January 2016 at the Free For All Festival, Cardiff. Their songs are inspired by growing up surrounded by the raw and inviting Welsh coastlines. Their first single ‘Over the Cliffs’ was praised by the likes of BBC Radio Wales’ Bethan Eflyn & Adam Walton, as well as being featured on 6 Music’s Tom Robinson ‘FOTN’ Mixtape. Over the past 7 months, Luna Tides have supported the likes of Top Loader and Into the Ark on tour, and have graced the stages of festivals; The Big Cwtch and DimSwn. Luna Tides have now released a video for the newest single ‘What Comes Around’.
‘What Comes Around’ glows with bright warm cosy textures. Its cushy bouncy beat and velvety vocals gives the track a smooth quality and likeability. It’s a hot cup of tea or coffee in your hands on a cold day. Sharp zest on guitar acts as a ray of sunshine illuminating and warming all in its path.The track builds for the chorus with harmony on backing vocals creating a sing along effect. The guitar and beat seem to dance in the verse like flames of a fire again enforcing the warm cosy feeling the song portrays which softens the blow of the matter of fact lyrics “I don’t love you any more”.
Luna Tides are set to release their debut EP ‘ Open Woods’ on the 24th November 2016, with a launch party that same night at Cardiff’s infamous Clwb Ifor Bach, in conjunction with The Forte Project and the Young Promoter’s Network.

When asked about the concept for the video frontman Thomas Seddon said:

“The music video for What Comes Around was sort of winged! It shouldn’t have been but time and the weather were against us. Id spotted an old advert in a magazine, where they’d layered a very pretty girls face with other images, but rather than using Photoshop I think they had used a projector to create the image, or perhaps double exposure. We had tried something similar ourselves the year before but not with the projector focused on just faces. When we came to filming it, we were delighted by this beautiful concept! It’ll be really interesting to see people’s reactions.”
Watch the video for ‘What Comes Around’ below

Americana, Cymrucana, Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Climbing Trees ‘Amber’

South Wales four-piece Climbing Trees consists of members Matthew Frederick (Piano, Guitar, Vocals), Colenso Jones (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Martin Webb (Guitar, Bass, Vocals) and James Bennetts (Drums, Percussion, Vocals). They describe their sound as Cymrucana (mixture of folk, country and Americana). The band formed in 2011 and came to the attention of BBC Introducing with the distinctive sound of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Hebron’, which was recorded in isolation in the woods of Carmarthenshire, the band were announced as one of twelve artists to take part in the inaugural year of the BBC and Arts Council of Wales’ Horizons project in the Spring of 2014. They have had appearances at Green Man Festival, Festival No.6 and The Hay Festival and have also performed at the Dylan Thomas Centenary celebrations in Laugharne Castle. With a live session at London’s legendary Maida Vale Studios , a television appearance alongside the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as well as soundtracking the BBC’s Real Valleys season and featuring in American documentary Fade To Winter, Climbing Trees have  had a busy few years and gained an ever growing following.
The band have finished their eagerly-awaited and much anticipated second album ‘Borders’ which has been shortlisted for this year’s Welsh Music Prize. This month they released their new single ‘Amber’ which is the third to be taken from the album. The track is flush with bright warm tones and richly entwined with lush melodies and glowing textures. The addition of the string quartet adds a delicate sweet elegance and sway to the track lifting it up and giving it flight and motion. The piano is also gentle and tender and compliments the track perfectly adding a beautiful graceful quality. The vocals are warm and soothing with smooth soft country tones. The guitars glitter and glisten while also adding depth to the elevating song. Climbing Trees continue to progress and perfect their unique sound and give us a track that is feathery light yet dense with warm golden textures.
Stream ‘Amber’below