Tag Archives: Indie Soul

Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Miles Graham ‘Don’t Change’

Miles Graham has just released his brand new single ‘Don’t Change’. The Irish singer-songwriter Miles Graham has been establishing his reputation, first hitting BBC Radio 2’s playlist with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and then with high profile Billboard Dance hits with Don Diablo and L’Tric. During that time, Graham has focused upon honing his music, the first release of which comes with his brand new single ‘Don’t Change’.

‘Don’t Change’ struts with a funky retro soul sheen while Graham spreads infectious pop over his charming and sleek musicianship. The catchy backing vocals coo between a jaunty guitar stride and twinkling keys while the shuffling beat and danceable bass groove wiggles its way into your mind. The foot tapping rhythm and clean production makes this sparkling pop number crisp while the indie soul elements smother the track in panache and chic gloss. With Graham’s smooth velvety vocals caressing the creamy melody this vibrant ditty oozes with sweet encouragements and uplifting vibrancy through a classic timeless soundscape.

About the track Graham said  “Breakup can be dark or colourful depending on your perspective. The choice is always yours , ‘Don’t Change’ I hope is a colourful moment captured within all the turmoil” explains Graham.”

Stream ‘Don’t Change’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Art Funk, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, New Music, Soul

Toshín ‘Knock Knock’

Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘Knock Knock’, taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Get Your Life’ which is set for release on the 14th of February. Over the last few years, Toshín have played some amazing shows and festivals including Beat Yard festival (2019), Electric Picnic (2019), Body & Soul Mainstage (2019), and Music Makers Festival UK (2019). They have played headline shows in the Workmans for a single launch, Sin E for their 3rd birthday party, alongside Munky in Lost Lane, and alongside Shookrah in the Kino in Cork.

‘Knock Knock’ is a soulful passionate number that boasts the exquisite first rate musicianship of Toshín. This band have a tight, chic and polished sound brimming with emotion and power which translates superbly in this elegant and classy track. The song builds beautifully from a soft emotional and delicate intro to a funky outburst as the band keep the track intriguing throughout. The majestic twinkling guitar weaves gracefully with a lamenting tone while the rich rhythm, brass elements and jazz tonality inject a dash of sass into this tantalizing track. With lush harmonies the band pack oodles of gusto, emotion and instrumental prowess into ‘Knock Knock’. The guitar melodies in particular are outstanding – they flood the track with tender, vaporous and intoxicating characteristics while subtly sweetening each component and melodious fragment at the same time. Tosin Bankole’s vocals rein in the vibrant instrumental backdrop with compelling control. Her vocals display rich depths and warm tones for the powerful chorus while cooing softly and soulfully through the verses. Her vocal control is mesmerising and lifts the track into diva heights. This is one very talented band with music which can ignite the soul. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.

About the track Tosin Bankole said : “Knock Knock  for me is about struggling through a bad mental health episode. The song has a darkness to it, not just lyrically but also within the music. It has some more upbeat sections, however, that represent how music got me through those bad times. It’s a really therapeutic song to sing live!”

Toshin will be embarking on an Irish Tour between February and March to promote this new EP. Their tour will culminate in a headline show in Dublin at the Grand Social on March 12th.

Toshin Tour dates:

20/02: Spirit Store, Dundalk

22/02: Crane Lane, Cork

27/02: Roisin Dubh, Galway

29/02: Smiddy’s, Mullingar

01/03: The Nail Bar, Trim

05/03: Empire, Belfast

12/03: The Grand Social, Dublin

Stream ‘Knock Knock’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Michael Jablonka

London’s Michael Jablonka has released his new single ‘Papier-mâché’.Born and bred in the capital, Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire, including, over the past couple of years, touring arenas and festivals worldwide with fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka. During this period, Jablonka decided it was time to blaze his own trail as a bandleader and songwriter, collating a set of intense yet universal rock’n’soul tunes.

‘Papier-mâché’ is another kinetic treasure from Jablonka. Filled with his high powered intensity, passion and prowess for songwriting- this track exudes effortless swagger with tenderness and emotion exploding from every note. With a snappy meaty rhythm driving and pulsing through the track like adrenaline in your veins Jablonka builds the tension slowly adding a new thrilling dimension with each verse as it ferments and broods into the dynamic chorus. Just when you think this molten sweltering gem couldn’t  get any better Jablonka bursts into the most riveting spine tingling guitar solo. This solo shreds through your skull with shivering distortion, sublime nimbleness and spiraling grandeur ensuring his masterful guitar skills are firmly imprinted into your brain until you are attempting air guitar while kneeling on the floor dramatically. With an infectious chorus doused in a sweet melody and warm vocals this is another outstanding track from Michael Jablonka.   

Lyrically, ‘Papier-mâché’ is something of a metaphor for an intangible idea, a thought that flounders on uncertainty. Michael explains: “Sometimes unconsciously an idea might snowball into an emotion that you’re afraid to confront. And ‘Papier-mâché’ for me is that structural object you can’t quite figure out, it’s fragile and easily falls apart if not taken care of.”

Stream  ‘Papier-mâché’ below

https://soundcloud.com/jablonka-music/papier-mache


Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Population 7 ‘Lowlight’

Population 7 are a nine piece alternative UK hip-hop and neo-soul band from the West-Midlands.The band have released their video for their new single ‘Lowlight’. This chilled effortless cool track exudes soulful breezy swagger and placid grooves.So laid back with velvety vocals lush harmonies which is blended with vocal rapping these guys present a smokey fluid track that evaporates, glides and cruises with ease. A soft beat encases the track in a buoyant blanket while gentle piano floats with fine elegance adding a cold classy chicness. It’s soaked in a subtle panache with a fiery attitude displayed through the rapping but still holds a delicate finesse and soulful passion.

Watch the video for ‘Lowlight’ below


Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Michael Jablonka

Michael Jablonka is a musician from London. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock. The 27-year-old has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those who have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid. Jablonka’s intense yet universal alt-rock’n’soul tunes scream for wider appreciation and ‘Peacefully’ is the first of a dynamite double-A to be released by Jablonka on Lost In The Manor Records.

‘Peacefully’ erupts with a blistering guitar riff that sizzles and scorches into a whip crack slapping rhythm. Jablonka’s vocals, raspy and soul infused bleed over the melty infectious melody. It’s so satisfyingly heavy and fuzzed with sharp enthralling guitar exuding red hot fiery swagger. Jablonka is cool and majestic while the massive anthemic chorus explodes with a combustible rawness. Edgy and refined it’s an electric soul belter that will leave you gobsmacked. This guy has so much talent it seeps from every note, every lyric, glowing like divinity, it’s a track to gather the masses and consume them in its celestial sound. It’s a slap in the face announcing a true musician in all his glory. Put it on repeat ‘Peacefully’ is your doorway to escapism, consume and absorb this divine track. Keep an eye out for this guy.

“Peacefully is about separating yourself from a rough situation,” says Jablonka of the track produced by Ben ‘BJ’ Jackson at NXNE Studios in London. “Everyone is constantly in need of escapism.”

Stream ‘Peacefully’ below

https://soundcloud.com/jablonka-music/peacefully-2/s-pmUw3


Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

ScttWlkr ‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’

Alaska based singer-songwriter ScttWlkr has recently released his newest single ‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’. As an artist, ScttWlkr is notorious for his use of soulful lyrics and his powerful raspy voice and although he’s experimented with different instruments, as every good artist does, he’s built a following around his bare bones acoustic music, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics that he pours his soul into.

‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’ is a warm melodic treasure packed with passionate soulful vocals depicting heartfelt emotional lyrics. Sweet guitar twangs as ScttWlkr’s soothing raspy tone creates a beautiful tender scene and candle lit delicacy. With soft acoustic guitar strums throughout it’s cosy and intensely moving and captivating. With a stunning gentle melody and toasty mellow exterior wrapped in nostalgic tones its wholesome and pure. It’s simply presented but extremely effective.

Explaining the inspiration behind the release, ScttWlkr said,

“I wanted to capture the feeling of sadness, and write a song that could be felt and related to by anyone who has ever been through a rough patch in relationships. Whether it be family, friends or significant others.” 

The track was released in late June and is available to stream or purchase via all major media providers. For more information about ScttWlkr, his future releases and any upcoming live shows, follow him on his social media pages here https://www.facebook.com/scttwlkr

Stream ‘Sleep Cycle Cyanide’ below

 


Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Indie Buddie Introducing : Harry Strange

London based singer-songwriter, Harry Strange has released his debut single ‘Back Around’.Its gripping and intensely emotional pulling at your soul with every subtle beat. Gentle and delicate piano adds a beautiful elegant glide and sway while Harry’s soulful vocals packs a tender passionate punch. Chill smooth electronics create a breezy ethereal atmosphere that is just sublime. Expressing raw fragile emotions in such a sweet touching way, Harry delivers a pure and flawless performance for his debut single. Its simple yet striking with crisp clean production, almost immaculate.
Stream ‘Back Around’ below


Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Soul

Just Alex and Yan Etchevary ‘Til Midnight’

Singer-songwriters Just Alex and Yan Etchevary have announced the release of their new single ‘Til Midnight’ available on major media platforms from April 28th. The single is taken from the duo’s forthcoming EP ‘GLASS’ due for release May 12th. Before launching their collaborative project, Alex and Yan both enjoyed respective successful solo careers. Canadian singer-songwriter Yan Etchevary gained international recognition with the single ‘The Way You Want Me’ with DJ Lucky Rose. The song was nominated for the Heatseeker award at the 2016 Canadian Music Week Awards and has garnered over 9 million stream on Spotify. The Canadian powerhouses have joined forces to record the single ‘Til Midnight’, a modern ballad which is sure to invoke the emotions of any listener. Recorded in Montreal, the single hosts a list of contributors who have worked with some of the world’s biggest names, including Tom Coyne (Adele, Bruno Mars) and Stephen Kaye (Ziggy Marley). Just Alex cites Sam Smith as his inspiration for the single, which was recorded with a live quartet at the songwriter’s studio.

‘Til Midnight’ is a twinkling delight packed with soul and tender emotion, its light dimming mood setting smoothness that flows with an effortless sway. Feathery light elegant strings caress the track and sweep it into a romantic flurry. Creamy vocals and light piano feature glide  through the track with passion and delicacy. ‘Til Midnight’ is a swoony dreamy pop track that oozes romance from its core

Stream ‘Til Midnight’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music

Jetty Rae ‘Take Me to the Mountain’

Jetty Rae is a singer-songwriter based out of Northern Michigan she recently released her new album ‘Can’t Curse the Free’. Jetty is known for the power and restraint in her voice and her ability to pull at your heart strings delicately. However she also possesses the power to awaken a passion, a fight in all of us when she really belts it. Her hopes are to eventually start a label for independent artists like herself, that will empower artists to start where they are. She is hoping to give them the tools, studio time, experience, and resources they need to succeed in making great art. Her single ‘Take Me to the Mountain’ is the perfect example of Jetty’s magnificent voice and powerful song writing.
‘Take Me to the Mountain’, echoes with haunting goosebump inducing soul fused with indie rock and laced with speckles of pop. Its sensually smooth with gentle instrumentation letting Jetty’s sultry vocals take the limelight. Warm deep guitar glimmers throughout the track while the soft percussion and melodic sway -like character creates a steamy sweltering track that oozes soul and emotion. The sharp guitar stabs in the chorus add edge and sting to the enticing velvety track. Its enchantingly luring and seductively intense as Jetty coos with a gentle yet assertive alluring quality.’Take Me to the Mountain’ is a strong addition to an album which is filled with raw emotion soulful passionate vocals and fine musicianship.
Stream ‘Take Me to the Mountain’ below

Stream ‘Can’t Curse the Free’ album below

 

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, Indie Soul, New Music

Twenty four Debut EP

Twenty Four are a four piece up and coming indie band from Glasgow. Band members Daniel Adens, Ian Lawrie,Scott Canham and Rory Smith are releasing their self titled debut EP which is available to pre- order on itunes now and will be released Wednesday on all streaming services, spotify, itunes, apple music, soundcloud etc.
Twenty Four give us an EP crammed with energetic punchy tracks that blister and bubble with infectious scorching indie. ‘Loose It All’ kicks things off with a snappy elastic rhythm setting up the swinging rock and roll lively track. The track bounces and bops with flexible bass and crunching guitars giving the song a high powered ball of fire stamina and lively fun vibe. ‘Never Be The Same’ cools the tone slightly with a sweet melody on guitar to start. Passionate raspy vocals add some grit to the track while it maintains a swing tempo. Punchy drums add brawn while the malleable bass adds a spring and rubbery bounce. The shift in the track for the bridge is refreshing as it takes a more rapid approach to the soul- like track. ‘On The Run’ introduces itself with thunderous heavy instrumentation. With a mighty catchy chorus and perky instrumentation of twinkling light sunny guitar features, its sun soaked ebullience. Once again the ductile bass bring the track to life and gives a slick strong foundation to ground the song while the playful and nimble shredding guitar runs freely weaving between the melody.‘Seventeen’ bubbles with animated vivacious stamina. Its cheeky swagger infused vocals teamed with fluttering funky bass and cheerful zesty guitar proves once again theses guys have a knack for writing songs that make you want to dance. ‘Stranges’ finishes the EP with sparkling guitar and a reggae – esque vibe. Its a sun setting relaxing groovy track that makes you think where have these guys been and why haven’t I heard them before now. Gentle instrumentation and soft beat will have you swaying in a dim light setting with images of the  sand, sea and sunset.
Twenty Four are a Glasgow band that can take you to your tropical paradise in just five tracks. Fantastic musicianship really talented bunch of guys who don’t just write music they take you on a journey to utopia .
Check out Twenty Four’s Facebook page for all the details to get the EP here https://www.facebook.com/twentyfourmusic/