Thom Southern, a Belfast based singer, songwriter and producer, has released his debut single ‘Shivers’. Recorded in Southern’s Belfast based home studio, ‘Shivers’ has been co-produced by iconic producer and 2 time Grammy Award winner Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder). Thom Southern started his musical career busking in Belfast aged 16. After winning a national competition he was awarded a trip to Nashville and some recording time in a studio. The resulting material saw him awarded ‘Songwriter of the Year’ by Belfast City Council. He teamed up with his sister Lucy to form the band Southern. In 2012 they signed to Marathon Artists.Within 18 months they had toured with the likes of Jake Bugg, Bastille, Hudson Taylor, Catfish & The Bottlemen and The Kooks, saw their work used in international campaigns by ESPN, Netflix and Channel 4 and performed events around the world for brands such as for Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry. In 2016 the duo took some time off to launch another project – a self recorded psych-rock project called MMODE – before Thom made the decision to move back towards recording his own work.
Encased in a 90’s haze of sun kissed alternative grunge and the beautiful songwriting of Thom Southern, ‘Shivers’ is a captivating debut. With dizzying distortion on guitars swirling around ethereal sonic flourishes the track maintains a buzz of heightened emotion. Southern’s velvety vocals coo with reverb whispers over the dreamy melody while the steady drums and psychedelic embellishments create a colourful prismatic wall of sound. The song rushes with intensity as the blazing backdrop and impenetrable guitar onslaught provides a raw, alternative grunge edge to this gem. The pulsing bass gently protrudes though the hazy melody as Southern displays his flair for melodious, breezy, memorable compositions. ‘Shivers’ is a solid debut from Thom Southern.
About the track Thom Southern said : “Shivers is the concept of love feeling like a drug, a sensation of being outside one’s own body, floating and observing oneself from a different perspective. I wanted to embody this meaning within a dense sounding track, to mainly focus on one swollen guitar sound which never stops throughout and accompany that with repetitive beatnotic drums”
Noah Elliott has released his new single ’Selling Out’. Noah Elliott is a 23-year-old artist based in Los Angeles. In 2018, Noah released a stream of self-produced singles resulting in over 700k listens on Spotify. In fall 2019, he joined forces with producers Dylan Bauld (Halsey, Bea Miller), Rune Westberg (Colbie Caillat, Daughtry) and Jon Santana (SuperM) to finalize his first record. The 7-song project titled Songs for the Optimist will debut as singles over the next 6 months. Along with his artist project, he is putting the finishing touches on a 5-song EP for sync (co-produced by Jordan Frye of Position Music), and writes for other artists such as Mackenzie Bourg (American Idol), Stela Cole and Ben Hon.
‘Selling Out’ is a lush electronic pop tune which showcases Noah Elliott’s emotive songwriting, crisp production and grand musicianship. With deep grooves wriggling through ethereal synths, subtle tropical hues and intricate percussive shuffles the track has a bubbling backdrop which exudes an upbeat tone while the melancholic dreamy melody and velvety vocals create an addictive bittersweet sonic contrast. The breathtaking production and warm guitar refrains ensure the track hits you to the core while the electronic soundscapes glide into the ears with an effortless lo fi tone that is utterly soothing. The earnest lyrics deal with themes of love, manipulation and how harmful it can be to give up who one is for romance. This is what makes Elliott stand out as an artist – his ability to create a musically vibrant track that reaches out and touches the listeners soul through wonderful melodies and relatable themes.
About the track Elliott said : “ Themes of love, manipulation, and shame all come to mind when I think back to writing Selling Out. It’s about realizing how much of myself I was willing to give up for romance and how harmful that was for my own mental health.”
Bio : Springs are a band from Birmingham who are releasing their highly anticipated EP “3:17am” on October 3rd this year.They have released their new single ‘Desire’ as a taste of what’s to come
Track: Desire
Why We Like It: It’s a blazing indie track laced in scorching guitars, punchy drums and sweet melodies. The band build the song superbly to create an invigorating youthful indie sound. A melancholic bitter sweet melody drifts on a sharp indie soundscape while groovy bass lines and warm vocals ooze charm and oodles of energy into the track. ‘Desire’ is an impressive new track from Springs.
Bio : Somebody’s Child have shared Le Boom’s remix of “We Could Start A War” which is an exciting addition to the recent catalogue of songs released on the indie rock bands’ debut EP 20-Something. Le Boom duo (Aimie and Christy) are warming up with a string of remixes between now and the end of 2020. This highly anticipated remix is their first release in over a year as they have been working on new material.
Track: We Could Start A War
Why We Like It: Le Boom meticulously blend their lush melodic pop and tropical elements into the track creating a rich new aspect within the song. Originally the song broods and laments through dark soundscapes however Le Boom’s influence paints the dynamic soundscapes in a light breezy indie-house tone while highlighting the moving lyrics and Cian’s passionate vocals. The buoyant groove and summer electronics weave into the songs moodier elements delicately enhancing and highlighting the masterful elements of this compelling track.
Bio : Charles Connolly makes melodic pop songs for the masses. He writes and produces all the music himself aswell as singing, playing, arranging, recording and mixing.
Track: Never Said Goodbye
Why We Like It: It’s a smooth chilled pop number which drifts on smoky R&B elements and mysterious soundscapes. The lush vocals coo for the catchy chorus while reverb vocals and a chic finger clicking beat embellishes the verses.The arrangement of this song is subtly grand as we hear glimmers of horns, intricate twinkles on synths with a rich broad percussive filling – a compelling listening experience.
Bio : Dublin alt-folk artist Ailbhe Reddy is set to release her debut album ‘Personal History’ on October 2nd and has recently released her new single ‘Looking Happy’.Currently on the BBC 6 Music playlist (Lauren Laverne’s a massive fan), Ailbhe’s already got tour supports confirmed for 2021 alongside Big Thief, received backing from Consequence of Sound, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash & Wonderland, as well as having played the likes of Glastonbury, Primavera and Latitude amongst many others.
Track: Looking Happy
Why We Like It: Reddy’s distinctive warm vocals coo the honest lyrics in this jaunty infectious track which exudes glorious guitar riffs, buoyant rhythms and a pop smudged melody. The track has an icy dream-like nonchalant tone to it. However the steady guitar strums maintain the vibrant indie sound which contradict the lyrics (which navigate through break-ups in the age of social media) while a smooth lush chorus surges with sweet vibes and retro hues. It’s an infectious number brimming with rich musicianship and clean production.
Bio : PAULI is a brand new Irish artist. Inspired by lockdown the Cork born, Galway raised and now Dublin based musician took his song writing to the bedroom where he wrote and produced a three track EP delving into everything from self isolation, to binge drinking as well as dreams of love and loss. Lead single ‘Cocoon’ got video treatment from award winning animation director Marc Corrigan who has worked with Irish and international acts including Hamsandwich, The Academic, I’m From Barcelona, The Futureheads, and Dan The Automator. The video tells the simple story of self-isolation and life while cocooning, hopeful that we will emerge from it all the better for it.
Track: Cocoon
Why We Like It: It’s a heartwarming catchy track brimming with passionate musicianship and emotive songwriting. With sharp guitar refrains, steady beat and twinkling elements teamed with echo backing vocals and a blazing indie rock chorus this infectious hearty track hits you right in the chest. The warm electronics create a hazy dreamy atmosphere of summer sun while the velvety vocals soothe the tracks bubbling bright undertone to create a lush easy listening gem.
Wild Youth have released their new single ‘Next to You’.Already making a major impact across streaming services with pop gems like “Can’t Move On” and “Making Me Dance” racking up millions of plays, the band’s blood-pounding choruses, heart-stompingly gorgeous melodies, and deft lyricism have seen them share the stage with the likes of Mumford and Sons, Niall Horan, The Script, Kodaline and Zara Larsson on arena-sized shows.The Irish quartet is comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O’Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam.
Steeped in funky indie pop and an 80’s pop sheen ‘Next to You’ is the glitzy new addition to Wild Youth’s charming repertoire. With a dreamy euphoric melody drifting over a bubbling backdrop the band create another foot-tapping, get up and strut delight. Shimmering guitar hooks entwine a glitter-ball soundscape of scintillating pop as this chic smooth number oozes the panache and passion Wild Youth have become known for. It’s easy to get lost in the lush intricacies of ‘Next to You’ as the track builds into a sing along delight. The band embellish and craft this track beautifully creating a light indie pop number boasting an irresistible funky bass line which will entice you to the dance floor. Wild Youth have knocked it out of the park once again.
Speaking on the track, Wild Youth shared: “Next to You’ is about an immediate connection with somebody; that overwhelming feeling of meeting “the one”, and wanting to spend every single minute by their side. Regardless of whatever that involves, you’ll literally do anything.”
Cork band The Burma have recently recorded and filmed a live 15 minute set in Windmill Lane Studios.Since the release of their first single, ‘Quicksand’, the band has gained extensive national airplay and have received over thirty thousand plays across streaming platforms. The Burma have landed support slots for acts such as The Academic , The Strypes and Delorentos and have performed at festivals such as Vantastival , Doolin Folk Fest and Whelan’s Ones to Watch.
The Live at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin set is a collection of the bands infectious well crafted tracks as they showcase their live vigor along with some slick and wonderfully melodious tunes. The lush textures within their tracks are heightened by psychedelic moments meticulously blended with sharp guitars and pummeling drums which creates a full bodied sound. The melodies these guys produce hook you from the start and of course they pack this 15 minute set with their most delicious melodies so far. ‘Phoney Personality’ and ‘Buried Alive’ would be the pinnacle moments for me however this set has something for everyone: jaunty guitars, rich rhythms and oodles of passion and energy. The Burma are an impressive live act and a band well worth checking out and adding to your playlists.
Watch the The Live at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin set below
Dublin four piece Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘Concrete Bed’.Bullet Girl are guitarist Dylan Keenan, singer Aaron Doyle, bassist Tony Keyes and drummer Noel Dempsey. Their recent shows, including a standout set at TiLT in the Button Factory for 98fm’s Totally Irish, have elevated their standing in the Dublin live scene and earned them an invitation from Aiken Promotions to support hotly tipped The Mystrines of Liverpool for their performance at Eastbound Dublin.
‘Concrete Bed’ is a thrilling taste of the raw post punk Bullet Girl do so well. With scraping sharp guitars shrilling over an abrasive bass the band create an intoxicating wall of sound which accelerates from ominous tension to frantic chaos. This fantastic build and progression is why Bullet Girl’s musical prowess is mesmerising. They mix coarse piercing soundscapes with lighter guitar shrills and ferment this concoction until it’s simmering with unadulterated red hot fury. The pounding drums bash the tracks foundation with bloodthirsty mania while the frantic vocals scream and shout over the explosive anarchy. It’s anger, aggression and disdain all set to exhilarating musicianship, to create a mosh worthy onslaught for the listener to indulge in. Lyrically the track paints a vivid image of drug culture, homelessness and modern despair in Dublin City and the band reinforce this with dizzying soundscapes and the honest, bruising yet beautiful sound that is Bullet Girl.
About the track the band says: “Musically we wanted to create a spiralling soundscape to emphasise this endless cycle. We purposely wanted to write a song that went out of its way to strip away the romanticism of Dublin. As a city, Dublin and Dubliners have a lot to celebrate but while sleeping bags lay parked outside government buildings, it’s hard for us not to feel anger for the current state of our city. We don’t pretend to offer the solution to these issues, we only want to shine a light on it by presenting it in the most unfiltered manner possible.”
Dublin-based singer/songwriter Kevin Casey has released his new Indie Rock Anthem entitled ‘Sing My Soul To Sleep’. Long standing regular in the Irish music scene, Kevin Casey has released several singles, two EPs, and a full length album since 2014. He has done two European tours and gigged extensively across the country as well as in Germany, the U.K and the USA, including two consecutive years at Electric Picnic. He is known for his raw vocals, versatile songwriting, and for keeping Irish rock and roll alive and well. The Kevin Casey band is: Paul Casey (Guitar, Piano), Neil Casey (Bass) and Ger Gallagher (Drums). “Sing My Soul To Sleep” was mixed by Gavin McCormick and mastered by Billy Farrell.
‘Sing My Soul To Sleep’ is a jaunty indie rock track boasting a chugging rhythmic bounce, sharp guitars and the dynamic songwriting of Kevin Casey. The brisk pace of the song exudes adrenaline-inducing energy while the foot tapping drums and percussion ensure the track won’t leave your head easily. This song is a full bodied vibrant track, a jazz infused piano adds retro charm while the sprightly guitars provide a raw edge and indie rock bravado. The song travels along with infectious power on a 50’s rock n’ roll wall of sound while Casey’s charismatic vocals glide effortlessly over the catchy melody and clever lyrics which point out that although the world isn’t as we knew it this time last year, we still have some of the most important elements of life still with us – Music and Fun. ‘Sing My Soul To Sleep’ is an infectious anthem that is sure to get you up and bopping.
27 year old Dubliner, Nathan Mac has released his second single ‘Carolina’.‘Carolina’ is the latest link in the chain of the ‘Start of Something Blue’ project. As the second major release, the bar has been set by the success of his first single ‘Better Off Without You’. This song hit 70,000 streams on Spotify in the first two months alone and has received acclaim internationally from the likes of ‘Buzz music LA’, and ‘The Music Nerd’.
With emotive songwriting laced in pristine ethereal synths and moving melodies, ‘Carolina’ showcases the mature, earnest and poignant musicianship of Nathan Mac. With coiling sticky beats twisting between twinkling synths ‘Carolina’ oozes a dark undertone. The song has a push and pull effect as it flows through darker elements and glimmers of bright scintillation which provide innocent moments of hope. Nathan’s smooth emotive vocals coo and tenderly whisper through the bottomless flickering soundscapes adding a contrasting sweet, velvety tone the the tracks more icy elements. The heavier beats slowly venture into EDM pop without fully committing to the genre as Nathan surges his alternative pop with emotion and passion. With reverb vocals and clean production this wistful gem is a relatable earworm ready for repeat listens. An exceptionally rich and lyrically deep second single from this promising artist.
‘Carolina’ is a song of second chances. Once again this track is an outstretched hand to anyone struggling with self-worth. Through his lyrics, Nathan explores the power of being seen by a stranger (and artist) by the name of Carolina. They met online when Nathan commissioned a portrait of his little sister. “Back then I was so low that any interaction with a stranger would add to my self-worth. The people who liked my songs or just wanted to say ‘hi’ made me feel like I had value.” Using the metaphor of an artist drawing him back into existence, Nathan set about writing this song as a thank you to Carolina, not just for the wonderful portrait, but for giving him a new sense of self.
Soda Blonde have announced their newest single ‘Love Me World’ will be released across streaming platforms on September 24th alongside the band’s first live-streamed launch show. In celebration of the single release, the band will perform an exclusive launch show to be streamed from a secret location in Ireland’s capital on September 23rd.Tickets for the show are available now through this link https://sodablonde.veeps.com/stream/events/a517ce36fc67?ffm=FFM_4e10739c3f6fff7dafe6a81f48e253d2.
The single follows the band’s second EP ‘isolation content’ released in May this year. The EP saw support from BBC Radio One’s Huw Stephens, Janice Long of BBC Radio Wales and Ireland’s biggest stations RTÉ Radio 1, Today FM and 2FM.Soda Blonde emerged from the ashes of internationally acclaimed band Little Green Cars; whose debut album saw them sky rocket to number one in the Irish album charts. The band is fronted by singer-songstress Faye O’Rourke with Adam O’Regan on keys and guitar, Donagh Seaver O’Leary on bass and Dylan Lynch on drums.
‘Love Me World’ is an enticing example of the brooding sultry musicianship of Soda Blonde. The bubbly beat coils and simmers beneath wispy synths and sumptuous funky bass grooves while luring electronics unfold into a dark, slow jam that intoxicates and intensifies with each progression. Faye O’Rourke’s luring vocals coo over the velvet-textured soundscape with passionate longing while the rippling electronics exude an eerie, sinister tone. There is a glimmer of innocence expressed by twinkling keys and lush harmonies which creates brief sweet moments within this smouldering gem. This silky chic alternative pop number is another reason to love the musical prowess of Soda Blonde.
About the track Faye O’Rourke said “Love Me World’ is a song about acknowledging the darker moments of wanting to be loved by everyone. The idea of bending to fit the zeitgeist in the pursuit of acceptance and love.'”
Bio : Together Animals are a rock band from Dublin who have recently released their second single ‘Kings and Queens’
Track: Kings and Queens
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate rock track that hits hard and stirs the soul. This band pour everything they have into this 90’s rock-splashed melancholic gem. Warm rasped vocals drift over a lamenting melody while the ethereal breezy soundscape soothes the background. The band have crafted this song superbly to create a track that is catchy, mosh worthy and hair-raising all at once.
Bio : MONOWHALES is a three-piece, alt-rock band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Track: All or Nothing
Why We Like It: It’s a ballsy alt pop power anthem saturated in beefy drums, shredding guitars and a dynamic stadium worthy chorus. These guys present an invigorating wall of sound ready to knock your socks off as kinetic soundscapes and gritty guitar riffs pound behind Sally Shaar’s striking authoritative rock-infused vocals. This robust belter is that attitude soaked, energizing boost we all need sometimes.
Bio : Blue Skies is the brand new single from Manchester based Singer-Songwriter Andrew Farrell
Track: Blue Skies
Why We Like It: This beautiful track exudes Farrell’s warm and soothing songwriting. With delicate guitar twinkling between light piano and soft strings the song creates a cosy heartwarming fluttery feeling. His velvety, rasped vocals ooze calming tones for the listener to indulge in as the luxurious acoustic soundscapes wisp and flow with rich sonic flourishes around the sweet uplifting melody. A joy to listen to.
Bio : After a breakthrough year in 2019 with live appearances at Eurosonic, Iceland Airwaves, Reading & Leeds and Electric Picnic, Æ MAK was deservedly named one of NPR Music’s International Breakthrough Artists for 2020. ‘Forevermorereplay’ is taken from her forthcoming ‘how to: make a kitsch pop song to show the world’ EP which will be released on 18/09/20 with one track a week being released in advance. The EP was fully written, recorded and produced by Aoife during lockdown.
Track: forevermorereplay
Why We Like It: It’s an intricately layered pop number which oozes rich rhythms and colourful soundscapes over a bubbling backdrop. This expressive number is layered with subtle percussion, tropical and intriguing sounds along with a catchy whistle refrain. The pristine retro vocals surge character into the song while the dreamy melody, lush backing vocals and inventive musicianship makes Æ MAK an artist to get excited about. Her outside the box approach and unique indie pop is utterly charming and a joy to the ears.
Bio : Nashville-based band, Nightly, have released their single, ‘summer’, with the band’s debut album, ‘Night, Love You’, set for release on October 16th via BMG Recordings. The album, comprised of 14 tracks mostly written during quarantine, will also feature tracks like ‘The Movies’ and ‘Not Like You’ as well as the break-up anthem, ‘You Should Probably Just Hang Up’.Nightly was originally formed by cousins, Jonathan Capeci and Joey Beretta, and drummer Nick Sainato. In 2010, they released their first EP, Honest, and their song “XO” earned over 10 million streams.
Track: summer
Why We Like It: It’s a sweet nostalgic alternative pop tune doused in effervescent electronics, warm guitars and sticky beats. The swirling synths create a chilled ethereal atmosphere while the bubbling and well blended elements of synth pop and indie rock create quite the consuming listening experience. With a bittersweet hazy melody caressed by velvety vocals the track captures a sense of youthful innocence and yearning while Nightly spreads lush instrumentation onto a sunkissed airy backdrop to create a glistening summer bop. ‘summer’ is a catchy gem sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Bio : Liverpool indie rock band Circa Waves have released a new single ‘Lemonade’ with Alfie Templeman.The song comes after the band released their latest album Sad Happy in March.
Track: Lemonade
Why We Like It: It’s a light indie delight as the band drizzle zesty guitar lines over a buoyant beat and warm bass groove to create a hazy summers day ditty. Kieran Shuddall and Alfie Templeman’s vocals blend smoothly as the laid back track strolls with an effortless charm and infectious melody. The vocals have a nonchalant tone as the band sing “and we’re all drinking lemonade, we thought we’d be doing something great by now”. The track builds into a charming infectious number with choir backing vocals singing lush harmonies. The sheer mellowness and honeyed tone mixed with the theme of not knowing where you want to be in life makes ‘Lemonade’ a bittersweet delight.
