Tag Archives: Michael-James

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks Featuring -HVNTER, Michael-James, HAVVK, crush and Emma Hynes

HVNTER

Genre : Electronic pop

Bio : HVNTER is an electronic singer-songwriter from Pontypridd, South Wales who found his love for music uploading self-taught acoustic covers to YouTube at 16, where he began to craft his songwriting skills. He soon found his feet and after just 3 years had surpassed over 250,000 views. His debut track “Blood” quickly racked up over 30,000 plays on Soundcloud within the first few weeks of release. Catching the attention of Alex Thompson, Managing Director of Clash Magazine and radio support from BBC Introducing.Over the years HVNTER bloomed as a live performer. Having performed with and supported touring artists Bright Light Bright Light, Into The Ark (BBC The Voice), Let’s Eat Grandma, Gabriel Garzon Montano, Tinchy Stryder and Chris Stark (BBC Radio 1), to name a few alongside landing slots at Young Peoples Village and Truck Festival.

Track: Care For You

Why We Like It: This luscious tune simmers with electronic pop soundscapes to create one infectious summer bop. Hip hop beats weave into the track’s bouncy backdrop alongside ethereal keys that flutter between subtle rhythmic shuffles and catchy refrains. ‘Care For You’ exudes a balmy laid back charm enhanced by HVNTER’s smooth vocals which caress the irresistible dreamy melody. This tune is one enjoyable polished gem for listeners to enjoy.

You can follow HVNTER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/iamhvnter

Stream ‘Care For You’ below 

Michael-James

Genre : Singer songwriter 

Bio : Michael-James is an Indie Folk artist from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. At just 23, Michael has his listeners seeking more and eager to share. On the back of four singles and an E.P released in 2020, Michael is back and ready for more. His latest release ‘golden’ is a short and sweet sing-along summer song. It’s about no matter how far you may travel, how much money you may have in the bank, it’s all about enjoying the little things in life with the person you hold closest to your heart

Track: golden

Why We Like It: It’s a cosy melodic ditty doused in the heartfelt songwriting of Michael-James. The artist drifts mellow guitar twinkles over a steady rhythmic foundation and bright catchy melody to create an easy listening soundscape for his listeners to indulge in. This song glows with a hazy warmth that is magnified by velvety vocals, elegant piano, and foot-tapping beats. Michael-James has a wonderful ability to create bright and soothing tunes that sparkle with subtle charm and beauty.

You can follow Michael-James on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljamesofficial

Stream ‘golden’ below

HAVVK

Photo Credit : James Byrne

Genre : Alt-grunge

Bio : HAVVK have announced the date for their upcoming album ‘Levelling’ with the release of their new single ‘Automatic’. ‘Automatic’ follows the success of previous album tracks ‘Home’ and ‘No Patience’, which have received excellent radioplay worldwide on stations such as RTÉ 2fm, Today FM, BBC Radio Ulster, NewsTalk, 98fm and Beat 102103 (Ireland), Radio X, Amazing Radio (UK) and KEXP (USA). DSP support has been excellent with album tracks being added to Spotify editorial playlists like ‘Fresh Finds: Rock’, ‘Melomania / Alt. Rocked’ and ‘Whatevs’.

Track: Automatic

Why We Like It: HAVVK present the perfect balance between heavy alternative rock, sweet atmospheric post-rock and lush shoegaze with their latest release. Boasting brooding verses, ethereal soundscapes that build continuously, and the wonderful vocal delivery of Julie Hough the trio’s musical mastery is on full display within ‘Automatic’. The track is simply divine and proves HAVVK are in a league of their own. Press play and enjoy.

You can follow HAVVK on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/HAVVKmusic

Stream ‘Automatic’ below

crush

Genre : Grunge pop

Bio : Formed in 2018 whilst studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, crush have spent a number of years refining their distinctive sound. During the pandemic, an abundance of free time allowed the band to find their musical feet, leaning into a spacier and darker shoegaze style, far removed from their dream-pop tendencies heard on previous singles such as ‘Glue’ and ‘All My Plants Are Dead’.

Track: Chewed

Why We Like It: It’s a richly textured shoegaze tune that floats upon dreamy melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. Sweet reverb vocals caress a soft melody while chiming guitars and supple beats adorn the backdrop in a soothing ethereal atmosphere. The track is an exciting display of musical prowess from crush – the dense layering and prismatic melodies create a woozy pacifying tone that is utterly blissful and a joy to the ears.

You can follow crush on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/crushbanduk

Watch the video for ‘Chewed’ below

Emma Hynes

Genre : Singer songwriter 

Bio : Dublin singer songwriter Emma Hynes has released her debut single, Don’t Forget. Emma Hynes is an independent artist who brings her lifelong passion for music and writing to everything she creates. As a published and performing writer, and a graduate of literature, drama and film with a love of art and photography, Emma’s work derives from her exposure and openness to multiple forms. This combination makes her an interesting and unique artist. Her solo act gathered momentum in 2019 with opening slots for Brew in The Workman’s Club, and folk rock two-piece Native Harrow in The Underground Venue. In January 2020, she was the sole support to HAIL THE GHOST on the Whelan’s main stage.

Track: Don’t Forget

Why We Like It: ‘Don’t Forget’ is a wonderfully emotive tune steeped in warm melodies and well-placed instrumentation. From steady strums on guitars to driving rhythms, the track glides with subtle yet expressive musicianship. Hynes’ vocals haunt and croon throughout as she injects a soulful tone into this mesmerising tune. There is something hypnotic and thought-provoking about the melancholy within the song that captures the listener’s attention from the first play and lingers for days. Well crafted and showcasing poetic lyrics, ‘Don’t Forget’ is a strong debut single from the singer-songwriter.

You can follow Emma Hynes on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsEmmaHynes/

Stream ‘Don’t Forget’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring Sapphire Blues,Courtney Jacobs, Michael-James and Turfboy

Sapphire Blues

Genre : Post Punk

Bio : Bristol post-punk outfit, Sapphire Blues comprised of Sam Lance Jones (vocals, guitar),Harry Beaver (bass) and Chris Thompson (percussion) have released their new single 119.

Track: 119

Why We Like It: It’s an abrasive dark number that pivots around a rumbling bass and percussion combination. These guys smudge chilling guitar squeals over pounding drums and eerie vocals to create a mysterious and ominous atmosphere between lighter moments of release. The track builds superbly as the guitars swirl with psychedelic tones through the heavy drums while the grimy bass wriggles and squirms in the tracks murky undercurrent. 119 is quite the thrilling roller coaster ride.

You can Follow Sapphire Blues on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sapphirebluesuk/

Stream ‘119’ below

Courtney Jacobs

Genre : Singer songwriter

Bio : Courtney Jacobs is a 21-year old synth-pop singer-songwriter who has recently released her new single ‘Canary’. Courtney plans to release several more singles this year, and her release of ‘Canary’ follows the Valley Days EP with her band, Silver Retriever, of which she is the lead singer. Silver Retriever is based in Charlottesville, VA,

Track: Canary

Why We Like It: It’s a laid back synth pop number that drifts effortlessly upon a driving bass line and pulsing drums while Courtney’s smoky vocals coo over the velvety melody. The track exudes a steamy atmosphere and teasing tone as it glissades effortlessly into the ears with a charming appeal.The lyrics describe a disturbing power dynamic in a relationship marred by control and trust issues as Courtney sings condescendingly at the listener. Well crafted and beautifully presented ‘Canary’ is a mesmerising listen.

You can follow Courtney Jacobs on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/courtneyjacobsmusic/

Stream ‘Canary’ below

Michael-James

Genre : Indie Folk

Bio : Michael-James is an Indie Folk artist from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. A music student who received a scholarship from the same university as George Ezra, James Bay and Tom Odell. Michael James came out of college eager to make his mark in the local music scene. Becoming part of Forestside Shopping Centres, ‘Artist Development Programme,’ Michael got the opportunity to play with and be mentored by Anthony Toner. As well as also play many festivals across the country such as Sunflower, Dalriada, Eastside Arts, Belfast Nashville Songwriters and many more, this lead on to becoming support act for Skinny Living on their UK tour

Track: Solicitous

Why We Like It: This warm comforting number surges with Michael’s soothing musicianship. The lush harmonies add a folky hue to the song while the twinkling guitar provides a simple but effective accompaniment. A track about being at the lowest point of your life and opening your arms for someone to come carry that weight with you, ‘Solicitous’ is a pure and wholesome ray of sunshine delicately presented for easy-listening pleasure. 

You can follow Michael-James on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljamesofficial/

Stream ‘Solicitous’ below 

Turfboy

Genre : Alternative

Bio : Following the release of the first two in a trilogy of singles “(L)earn” and “Holly Daye”, comes “Attendance”, the final single before the release of Turfboy’s debut album “At Tension”, which will be released on August 8th 2020 through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester. The album was completed late last year with Michael Richards at Trackmix Studio Dublin.

Track: Attendance

Why We Like It: This grunge/alternative track begins with brooding vocals and light guitars before Turfboy explodes into their gritty gnarly chorus. The band present a thrilling blend of polished and edgy rock as they drift mindlessly into the blazing chorus. With intricacies of picked guitar and wandering bass peeking between the mania the band flesh out their all consuming sound with a majestic sense of fuzz-filled chaos. The vocals in particular begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream. With strong strides on guitar slicing relentlessly through a gritty wall of sound this track is a fierce explosion of 90’s alternative rock.

You can follow Turfboy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/yobfrut

Stream ‘Attendance’ below 

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Author : Danu