Irish songwriter, Somebody’s Child, has released his new single ‘Top Drawer Romance’. Cian Godfrey (AKA Somebody’s Child) has fast become one of the hottest prospects in Ireland having accumulated millions of streams and significant support from Spotify as well as BBC Radio 1’s (Jack Saunders ‘Next Wave’ artist), Radio X, Amazing Radio (A-list), RTÉ Radio 1 (Recommends), RTÉ 2FM (Rising 2020), and Today FM. With a Late Late Show performance, Kodaline and Kaiser Chiefs support slots, as well as UK festival appearances on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds, the band’s energetic, loose, and organic live performances continue to evolve into a potent and enlivened experience.New single ‘Top Drawer Romance’ comes in the wake of his acclaimed debut EP ‘20-Something’, released earlier this year and the first of four singles off Somebody’s Child’s upcoming sophomore EP ‘Hope, Amongst Other Things’.
‘Top Drawer Romance’ is a jaunty sun kissed blast of indie as Somebody’s Child surges radiant melodies and youthful adrenaline into his witty songwriting. The track has an instant charm and glow about it as sharp stings on guitars exude a burst of energy through a buoyant rhythm and vibrant wall of sound. With laid-back, rasped vocals, mellow melody and lyrics depicting the precious yet fleeting nature of youthful romance ‘Top Drawer Romance’ is an infectious indie anthem ready for repeat plays.
Speaking about ‘Top Drawer Romance’, Somebody’s Child said: ‘’Top Drawer Romance’ is the song that started this project in my bedroom 3 years ago. The Top Drawer reference is a metaphor to that messy relationship everyone goes to at some point in their life, which reminded me of the state of the top drawer of my bedside table in college at the time.”
After his debut release ‘Dive’, Chris Conroy has released his second single ‘Sink Or Swim’. Named after his grandad, who coincidentally was the only other musically orientated member of his family, Chris was destined to pursue a career in music. Discovering a love for guitar and in turn songwriting in his late teens, his life experiences have shaped who he is and how his music sounds today. A constant battle between happiness and heartache, love and loss, Chris expresses a refreshing and honest vulnerability, a defiant and hopeful mindset all in a playful yet serious manner.
‘Sink or Swim’ is a powerful number saturated in intense soundscapes, emotive melodies and Chris Conroy’s heartfelt songwriting. The track surges with tension as rushing electronics create an adrenaline infused soundscape. Conroy’s vocals rasp and passionately drift over the bitter sweet melody as the track builds for the explosive chorus. ‘Sink or Swim’ is a song expressing the conflict between chasing your dreams and staying comfortable in your surroundings. Conroy talks about the uncertainty in moving forward whilst trying to hold onto the past. This twisting and coiling emotion is perfectly expressed within the tracks intricate layers. Simmering electronics pull the listener into the songs abyssal depths while elegant keys create moments of innocence and sweetness that become almost suffocated by the jittering beats. ‘Sink or Swim’ is a dynamic and compelling tune from Chris Conroy.
Koala Club have released their new single ‘So Long’. After a streak of songs released earlier this year, Koala Club were set to hit summer 2020 with an explosion of new material. After securing a slot supporting indie idols Swim Deep, the band continues to establish themselves in their hometown of Brighton, whilst continuing to expand their online audience. The band have received support from Spotify gaining them over 1000 monthly listeners, support from local radio and praise from BBC introducing.
Wrapped in glorious sun kissed indie ‘So Long’ is a radiant gem from Koala Club. While providing witty lyrical content the band keep the song upbeat with light jangly guitar injecting tropical tones into the tracks buoyant foundation. With smooth vocals and a catchy fun melody ‘So Long’ is that instant pick me up we all need. A rooted elastic bass oozes a hip moving groove while the melody and jubilous guitar exude positive vibes. Ready for repeat listens, ‘So Long’ is a delightful gem from Koala Club. Looking forward to hearing more from this talented bunch.
Frontman James Grimsdale said of the track: ‘Nobody likes being taken for granted. This song is a celebration. It’s about moving on from toxic people and looking after no.1. We wanted the song to reinforce the idea that positive outcomes do occur from letting go, even when you think you can’t.’
Irish singer-songwriter Rory & The Island has released his brand new single ‘When The Lights Go Down (Valhalla)’. Rory’s journey began as lead singer of indie-rock band The Revs, who found themselves topping the Irish charts with two top 5 albums and a string of successful tours making waves throughout Ireland, Europe and even reaching Australia with a top 30 single. After the bands split in 2007, Rory moved to a remote island in the Canaries where he opened a live music venue ‘The Island Bar’. It was here the Donegal songwriter performed weekly residency shows building up a cult following of people from all over the world that would travel to the island to come and see him perform. It was also here that Rory & The Island was born and he began his solo project. Two albums later, Rory independently earned himself 8 top 30s, 2 top 10s and a number 1 single in the Irish charts. As well as performing all over the UK and Ireland supporting the likes of Ocean Colour Scene, Feeder and Alabama 3. 2019 saw Rory leave the island, return back to Ireland and extensively tour, filling out rooms around the UK and Ireland with his London show at The Dublin Castle selling out within 48 hours of going on sale.
‘When The Lights Go Down (Valhalla)’ is a warm, catchy track saturated in the melodious songwriting of Rory & The Island. With a steady beat and buoyant acoustic guitar strum the track has an instant foot tapping charm. Rory’s velvety tone and subtle rasp caresses the infectious melody with a laid back tone while the sparse guitar strides add a dash of edge and indie rock to the song. It’s a passionate track which talks about the battle of keeping a sustainable career as an artist in a difficult industry through wonderfully rich and warm musicianship.
The Clockworks have released their new single ‘Enough Is Never Enough’. Formed in Galway and drawn together by a mutual appreciation of all music, past and present, The Clockworks are a four-piece comprising James McGregor on Vocals/Guitar, Sean Connelly on Guitar, Damian Greaney on Drums and Tom Freeman on bass. The latest and last in a series for Alan McGee’s Creation 23 label sees the Galway four-piece take aim at the injustices and prejudices rife in our society with an assault of straight-up punk rock.
The Clockworks paint a vivid picture of our fractured society with new release ‘Enough Is Never Enough’; aconcise, energetic and hard hitting track which is sure to knock your socks off.
Clever and well placed lyrical content is where The Clockworks excel. With raw commentary and witty turns of phrase McGregor’s biting delivery wavers between emotional, disgust and nonchalant acceptance, “And everybody loves to bitch, Factions speak louder than herds”. The canvas for the track is a bristly energetic blend of harsh punk rock and moody grunge with a sweet peppering of indie to provide a buoyant light embellishment on top. A constant drum beat crashes between the rumble on bass while jaunty guitars meander between striking, acute exclaims and gentle laments accompanied by an infectious melody which coils underneath; the band use these contrasting elements to build diverse textures into the song which are a delight to listeners ears.
The Clockworks ability to wrap energetic soundscapes around an expressive lyrical delivery is impressive and makes the track entirely consuming. ’Enough Is Never Enough’ is a vigorous and catchy tune from a band that keep getting better with each release.
Speaking about the track James of The Clockworks says: “This was the last song we wrote in Ireland. I’d been working on the lyrics for ages. I like to write about the social or emotional by writing about a specific character or scene. I think focusing on the particular and the specific is the best way to get to the general and abstract… Musically, this song was all about getting the feeling right. We wanted it to be forceful and relentless but also for there to be enough space for melody and emotion.”
We caught up with lead singer, Ophelia (Fee) Booth from BLOXX to talk about the release of their debut album ‘Lie Out Loud’ and their huge UK tour scheduled for spring 2021.
‘Lie Out Loud’ has been a long time coming for the Uxbridge four piece, and follows a glorious ascent since BLOXX exploded onto the scene four years ago with their definitive brand of confessional, relatable indie pop. The album features the huge singles ‘Go Out With You’, ‘Coming Up Short’, ‘Thinking About Yourself’, ‘Off My Mind’, alongside a wealth of new material that showcases the band’s journey so far, which has seen them play huge shows, build an army of fans and amass over 30 million Spotify plays.
You guys have released your debut album Lie Out Loud. You guys burst onto the scene four years ago. Why did it take four years to bring out an album, were you crafting your sound, readying for this release to make it as cohesive as possible?
We really just wanted to build a bit of a name for ourselves with singles and Ep’s. Crafting an album can be a long thing when you’re brand new to the industry. It feels good to not have rushed it all.
Talk to us about the title, why did you choose to call the album ‘Lie Out Loud’?
It came as a bit of a shock when i said it out loud, and I didn’t actually think it made much sense until I dwelled on the idea that it actually does. We spend, as humans, a lot of time convincing ourselves that we’re being honest with ourselves, when we can just be lying. The act of lying out loud is the idea that we’re so unaware that we’re lying, we’re doing it out loud. A lot of the tracks on the record deal with personal things for me, and the feeling of the above.
It’s an album of cracking energetic indie tunes with shredding guitars, driving rhythmic sections and oodles of energy. How did you guys approach the writing for this album?
I think it’s important for me to write as if I’m trying to write a song for the stage. I love the idea of a crowd in my mind when I’m writing.
You have a wonderful knack with writing earworm melodies. Talk us through how you come up with these melodies. Do you spend time ruminating on them or does it just come naturally?
A lot of it is patience, listening and feeling the music. But I am always singing to myself, sometimes around supermarkets I’ll have to grab my phone and record a melody that I’m singing. I listen back most of the time and it’s absolute nonsense.
To coincide with the album release, You have unveiled a new single ‘5000 Miles’. It’s an unconventional love song that perfectly encapsulates the feelings of love, lust and growing up in a British satellite town. Tell us about that song and what sparked you to write it?
It is about my girlfriend at the time whom I met in the US. When I left I was really upset and penned half of the lyrics for this tune on the flight whilst drinking red wine. The music came later in this case, which is unusual for me.
Do you write your songs from personal experiences? If so do you ever feel anxious that the people you are singing about will know the song is about them?
Yes sometimes but I usually send a text explaining that there’s no hard feelings. In some cases people think it’s about them when it’s not at all. I find that quite funny, but if the glass slipper fits I say!
How did you choose which tracks you were going to put on the album?
It was a bit hard but most of them were no brainers. I rarely hate a song that I write. Except for ‘Lay Down’. Bin that one.
‘It Won’t Work Out’ is one of my favourite songs on the album. Tell us about that track and how you crafted it?
Oh right, amazing! Me and Steph Marziano spent a hot hot day in the studio just writing and this happened! The four on the floor really makes that tune for me, and the way it opens up with guitars in the second part. It’s a cool one.
Do you have a track that you are particularly proud of?
I think it has to be ‘Coming Up Short’. We were totally able to completely capture my energy and my song writing style in that song. I’d love to think that’s my sound down to a T.
Fee your vocals are strong and emotive while oozing attitude and swagger have you always been a confident singer?
Oh no, I used to be awful really. Confidence is so key to performance, and I didn’t have any, but I’ve taught myself that feeling strong makes you act stronger so I’m not nervous anymore.
You have constructed a solid reputation through touring extensively with the likes of indie giants Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats, hitting up major festival stages and rapidly churning out anthemic crowd explosive tunes. I bet you were gutted that you haven’t been able to tour the album this year?
Yeah! We’ve been really lucky actually! We were really gutted yeah. Having to cancel loads of shows really hit us hard, and I’m sure it’s hit everyone! Just can’t wait to get back on the road.
What tips have you picked up playing these shows with Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats and Sundara Karma, as well as the festivals like Reading, Leeds and The Great Escape?
I think it helped us grow up a lot. We got to live on the road for a bit and being away from home and family when you’re young is how you learn to be independent I think. All of the bands we’ve toured with have been amazing to us, and it’s been so great to learn things like etiquette and also how to perform better!
You are set to celebrate the album’s release with a huge UK tour scheduled for spring 2021. What have you got planned for the shows?
So many great things. We want to make those shows the best we’ve ever played. Getting to play album tracks for the first time in front of people will be the best feeling. I penned some of these tunes to be live anthems, so we want to bring everything to the table next year for all the fans.
Do you have any advice for anyone watching who wants to start a band or career in music?
Keep going, write a load of music, stay true to your ideas and your sound, and never stop dreaming big.
What’s next for you guys?
More music, more shows, energy and some cool surprises early next year!
‘Lie Out Loud’ is a tight, vigorous album and an impressive debut. BLOXX pack oodles of energy into these passionate tunes and the result is a hook laden album which evokes the raw energy of a live gig as well as providing a refined satisfying body of work locked and loaded for repeat listens.
BLOXX are set to head out on tour in 2021. Check out the dates below
SUNDOWN are back with their latest release ‘Dead In The Water’. The Dublin quartet sold-out a headline show in Whelan’s last year and have toured Ireland with gigs from Belfast to Cork, including their festival debut at Independence and supporting acclaimed artists such as Sion Hill and Larkin’s.
‘Dead In The Water’ continues SUNDOWN’s run of adrenaline-inducing, turbo-charged tunes. Boasting deft production and evoking a sense of youthful energy the band’s sound is mature and impressively tight. Burly riffs and a resounding rumble on drums introduce the track’s lonely desert atmosphere before the song begins to trot and then gallop into the chorus accompanied by blistering guitars and a rooted bass which ignites with roaring intensity. A passionate yet chilled vocal delivery drifts over the melody, simmering and bubbling with dramatic glimmers on synths, which at times peer through the epic stride on bass and relentless drums. The band rein in the songs ebullient tenacity allowing tense and utterly thrilling soundscapes to continually build until the blazing guitar solo finally announces the songs pinnacle moment. SUNDOWN have an exciting sound and the tunes they are whacking out are of a high standard and substance. Keep an eye on these guys, they are going places.
Dublin-based singer/songwriter/producer Dunluvly has released his new single, ‘Something On My Mind’.The song is the second release off Dunluvly’s upcoming EP, ‘Plethora’.
Exuding a chilled atmosphere, subtle R&B elements and indie pop melodies, Dunluvly crafts ‘Something On My Mind’ superbly. The multitude of textures created through looped guitar and meticulous attention to detail showcase just how talented Dunluvly is as an artist. Each subsequent listen provides a new treat to the ears as it reveals a new melody, rhythmic pull or electronic twinkle within the song’s rich sonics. With warm indie guitar peering behind a lo-fi beat and agitated percussive progression Dunluvly creates a vibrant backdrop for his smooth vocals and hook filled melody to flourish within. ‘Something On My Mind’ is wonderful track from Dunluvly. Looking forward to hearing more from Dunluvly.
About the track Dunluvly says, “I wrote the track when I was in the decision making process of trying to move out. I was going a bit mad living at home with my family, and feeling mounting frustration at the impossibility of moving out in the county that I grew up in. The song expresses the agitation of wanting to fly the nest but feeling chained. It felt impossible to work to afford a place to live and also have the time to pursue creative endeavours.“The main hook of the track is a looped melody that repeats quite a bit in the song. It mimics being caught in a mental loop and being haunted by the same recurring thoughts.”
Nashville Indie-pop, alternative band Nightly have released their debut album ‘night, love you’. In true Nightly manner ‘night, love you’ overflows with genuine, heartfelt warmth and refined musicianship. These guys write infectious earworms oozing lush intricate arrangements that create wonderfully melodious tunes.
Synths wisp and soar through the tracks creating an ethereal atmosphere which exudes sweet hues and lush textures that flourish through ‘the car’, ‘mess in my head’ and ‘not like you’. Indie jaunty guitar bursts add a dash of vigor through the tracks as the band allow each song show a new facet of their musicianship. The 80’s shimmering disco ball of ‘time online’ is a lonely bop with elements of auto tune on the vocals. The tracks bittersweet infectious melody is an instant hook which entices the listener into submission while a danceable shuffling beat coupled with cinematic production makes ‘time online’ a memorable track on the album.
A number of interludes embellish the album providing a The 1975 vibe for ‘(howitfeels)’ – exuding sparkling synths, bubbling beats and audio clips, this darker number displays a unique facet to the bands sound while the short ‘turnpike’ showcases Nightly’s heavier electronic side as they layer deft beats over an electronic soundscape. ‘whiskey’ displays the light-hearted and fun element of the album while paving the way for the ultimate summer tune, ‘summer’. This upbeat ditty is the gem. Though all the songs warrant a memorable place on the album there’s something special about ‘summer’. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibe, radiant atmosphere or dreamy melody, the song emcompasses everything youthful and free. The band continue this knockout melodic flow through their slower ballads. ‘older’ which is my favourite track is an earnest account of growing up and the fear and expectation associated with it. A relatable theme set to beautiful music, it’s the most moving track on the album. The song is honest and filled with weaving electronics, soft beats and bubbling soundscapes which caress Jonathan Capeci’s soft coos as he perfectly delivers the lyrics with passion and tenderness. With warm guitar accompanying his voice this emotional tune is a captivating example of how well Nightly capture emotion within their lyrics and music.
The band build on natural emotion, expertly crafting it through this album to provide an incredibly powerful collection of sonic beauties. However they keep the tempo bubbly and bright with ‘so sly’ and ‘lose a friend’ while ‘the movies’ returns the album to that dreamy nostalgic melancholy that could make your heart bleed. The album comes full circle with ‘i got so much to tell you’. A minimalist track with reverb vocals and echoed soundscapes; the song builds tension ever so carefully. Themes of love, confusion and fear all flood through the song’s lyrics while the swirling electronics and lofty soundscapes create space between the clicking and pulsing beats.
There is a magical quality to Nightly’s melodic wizardry. Their ability to pull passion, sadness and love out of every note is masterful. The band have nurtured their sound and allowed it blossom into something beautiful and passionate. Emotion drives this collection of tracks. ‘night, love you’ is a catalogue of life and a journey of the heart set to intricate, cinematic sounds and emotive vocals – a wholesome, wholly consuming listening experience.
Irish Pop Singer/Songwriter Taylor Mas has released his new single ‘Bad News’.Despite ‘Bad News’ being Taylor Mas’s debut single as a solo artist, she has had many years of experience in the music scene in Ireland. Having completed a level 8 Degree in Songwriting at BIMM Dublin she has performed vocals for many different artists and bands across Dublin in multiple different recording studios as well as performing at Electric Picnic, Longitude, Knocken Stocken and many more Irish music events and gigs.
Exuding lyrical depth, ‘Bad News’ isa moving number which displays Taylor Mas’ ability to express emotionally powerful songwriting through beautiful musicianship. The delicate melody gracefully glides through an atmospheric backdrop of elegant keys and wispy synths creating a haunting and time stopping effect within the tune as Mas’ soft vocals give a tender earnest delivery on a heart-wrenching theme. With pop sensibilities weaving into powerful ballad-esque soundscapes Mas announces herself with a meaningful and utterly gripping number sure to pull a tear from your eye.
About the track Taylor Mas said: ‘’Bad News was written at a time in my life where I felt absolutely everything was going wrong for me. My career, my health, my relationships were all treading on thin ice and I was simply waiting for what would happen next to push me over the edge. I saw hope in nothing and felt like everyone was fine except me. I believe there are moments and times like this in every person’s life. I hope many people will relate to the song’s lyrics, especially now with how uncertain the world is. This song really highlights the importance of mental health and I hope people will listen and realise they are not alone in how they feel.’’
Stream ‘Bad News’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
