Mark Daly & The Ravens have recently released their new single ‘Gotta Run’. From performing at the MTV EMA Awards with The Voodoos, hitting #1 on the Scottish New Music charts with his Autism Awareness charity solo single ‘Your World’ to his songwriting work with Geoff Tate-led supergroup, Operation: Mindcrime; and recently performing on the Monsters of Rock Cruise 2022 alongside the likes of Alice Cooper, Buckcherry and more, Irish Rock musician Mark Daly’s career has been as varied as it has been exhilarating. His last single, ‘Don’t Look Back’, was the first with a new line-up of like-minded musicians that joined him to create Mark Daly & The Ravens. In the summer of 2021, Mark teamed up with Avantasia guitarist and world-renowned producer Sascha Paeth to begin work on a brand new Hard Rock album called ‘Peace in the Panic’ which is set for a release this year.
‘Gotta Run’ is a fiery, swagger-filled tune that boasts the colossal rock sound of Mark Daly & The Ravens. The band take a brawny drum foundation and douse kinetic guitars, riveting bass lines and blues sprinkled panache on top to create a tune that is a glorious assault on the senses. The song is well crafted as the band blend classic rock elements with earworm melodies to create that big arena rock sing-along before the song unfolds into a swirling frenzy for the manic crescendo. With rasped vocals and dynamic energy pulsing throughout ‘Gotta Run’ is a satisfying rock stomper that displays the magnificent sound of Mark Daly & The Ravens.
UK based Hard Rock Act SkyQuaker have released their first full length album, ‘1.5°’.SkyQuaker is composed of frontman Stephen Hope-Wynne, lead guitarist Ben ‘Ferdy’ Ford, drummer Josh Brown and multi-instrumentalist and producer George McFarlane. Each one of these members have been highly accredited throughout their musical careers and boast a combined client list of Prince, Gabrielle, Sham69 and the Sex Pistols. So far, SkyQuaker have released 2 rare version singles “Thank God for Rock and Roll” and “Queen Kong” with accompanying music videos through Aurora Eclipse Productions.
‘1.5°’ presents the blistering and diverse sound of SkyQuaker as the band blend an array of genres to create a thrilling listening experience. With Bhangra elements and Punjabi vocals from Bhangra composer and radio DJ, Dav Singh blended between powerhouse 80’s rock in ‘Claw’ and ballsy rock bravado surging through ‘Armistice Day’ the album showcases intriguing soundscapes within each track. The band sprinkle surprise soundbites throughout the album from earthy birds and rumbling storms to whispered vocals to create a unique aspect to their sound. This album has a theatrical element to it as well. Tracks like ‘Love Under Fire’ are a fine example of this and boast dramatic vocals, shredding guitar riffs and pummeling rhythms. SkyQuaker display their various musical talents by mixing rock, jazz, funk and stage theatrics to create an album that rushes with adrenaline from start to finish. Featuring collaborations with Paul Jordanous and Mike Garson, the career pianist for David Bowie, the album displays a unique blend of different musical tastes and styles. ‘1.5°’ is a mighty album from SkyQuaker.
Dublin based artist-songwriter Bradley Marshall has released his first official single ‘Make Believe’.The song is a cinematic tune that surges with earnest lyrics and lush textures and is anchored by an elegant piano melody that exudes tender emotion throughout. I caught up with Marshall to chat about the single, what inspired him to write it and how the artist is crafting his sound.
“It was a song that came from my own personal views and perspectives. I wanted to write something that a lot of people would relate to, and I think a lot of people have gone through something of love that was never really reciprocated back to themselves. So what I tried to do was, write that from myown perspective of my personal experiences, but also try to make it as relatable as possible for other people and yeah, it worked out really well that way”
“ The song was written on the piano. I did it with a few people because I can’t really play [piano] that well. So I didn’t do the piano part but yeah, the song was written on piano because we felt that it makes it more emotional.”
Through eloquently crafted lyrics Marshall creates a song that is moving and relatable. We discussed how he crafted the lyrics and whether they came to him in a flow of inspiration or if it was something he spent a lot of time creating.
“Yeah, it was a mix of both. It was the inspiration of what happened but with melody and with writing, it kind of just flows. I don’t really think too much about it. Just whatever I’m feeling inside, I just write down on a page.”
‘Make Believe’ is Marshall’s first official single. The song introduces Marshall as a heartfelt songwriter with an ear for melody and rich compositional arrangements. He explained to me his decision on releasing this song as his first release and how the song is only a glimpse into his diverse sound.
“Yeah, definitely. I have a good few that I could have brought out but I felt ‘Make Believe’ was the most powerful, and emotionally [the] one to start with because it’s probably the most relatable to a lot of people too. “
“Make Believe gives a lot of what I’m about but I’m also very versatile in what I do so I have a lot of more upbeat [songs].. but yeah, I’m definitely going to change it up. When people hear that [Make Believe] they probably think that’s what I’m about, but I’ll probably bring out something completely different next time. So we don’t know yet.”
Marshall has recently released a black and white live performance video for the song. How a performance is presented can make all the difference to an audience and his visually minimal approach is beautiful and wonderfully impactful.
“Yeah, we wanted it to be as real as possible. So we actually decided with the video to do just a live vocal. So that was actually a live vocal performance. I just felt it’d be more powerful and more real. I didn’t want to mime it or anything like that because I know the song is so powerful to me, so I wanted to sing it and yeah, we found a setting that’s really nice. We decided to put it black and white because we think it matches the theme of the song so yeah, that was our decision to do that.”
Marshall has a warm, confident, easy on the ears voice. It appears effortless when he sings. I wondered if he was always a confident singer.
“Yeah since I was a kid, I’ve always been a confident singer. I reckon in the late teens, you know, sixteen/ seventeen I stopped for a while, I cared too much what people think. But, I definitely don’t anymore. I’m glad that I got back at it”
“Even in school and stuff, it was difficult [singing] you know, I don’t know some people just think different of it but you’ll never get anywhere in life if you care [what] people think”
Marshall has garnered a big following across social media by posting heartfelt, soulful videos singing a mix of both covers and self-penned songs. Navigating through social media channels and keeping up with creating content can be a daunting task for artists but Marshall appears to have the ability to not become overwhelmed with the task.
“To be honest, lately, I haven’t really been posting as much on TiKTok and stuff but I don’t stress about it, you know….I don’t think people should really feel stressed to post things. It’s not easy to keep posting things every day because you have to come up with things and songs to sing and things to cover and all that kind of stuff. So it’s not as easy as it looks.”
Having recently performed in the Academy to his biggest audience to date. Marshall is making a name for himself as an artist to keep an eye on. He explained to me how surreal and exciting the experience was.
“Yeah, that was amazing. I went on the Tuesday and it was basically sold out. I think there was only like 30 tickets left. I haven’t done a proper gig like that. Ever. So it’s my first time in front of five/ six hundred people or whatever it was there. It was just an amazing feeling – people singing back to you and holding flashlights up and some people crying and stuff like that. It was a really surreal experience.”
Bradley Marshall has been honing his songwriting skills to create tunes that are earnest and irresistible and ‘Make Believe’ is the perfect example of this. It’s a well crafted musical gem filled with beautiful melodies, heart rushing emotion and moving vocals. There are plenty of exciting times ahead for this budding artist and Marshall intends to work hard to ensure he has diverse and enjoyable tunes ready for listeners to indulge in for the coming months.
“I’m just gonna put my head down and keep writing songs. I have a few already that we’re planning to release maybe one song in June or something around that time and it’s going to be a different song to ‘Make Believe’, but I really love the song that we’re going to bring out. So yeah, I’m just going to keep working hard, keep writing, keep getting in with people and keep socializing and all that stuff. “
Sheena Stormer has released her new EP ‘Groupie Goes Rockstar’. Stormer balances elements of alternative rock, blues and 80’s pop to create a blistering EP filled to the brim with gusto and slick instrumentation. Boasting shredding guitar, elastic bass grooves and pounding drums the EP exudes a dynamic wall of sound throughout. From the powerful rock ballad ‘Not Enough’ to the bluesy guitar swaggered ‘Don’t Cheat On A Serial Killer’, and catchy ‘Groupie’ the EP surges with attitude, witty lyrics and earworm melodies that will revolve in your head for days. However, Stormer leaves the best to last with her heartfelt final track ‘Crushing On You’. This song is the gem of the EP – a brooding, tender tune wrapped in glittering guitar elements and soft drums as Stormer’s charming vocals yearn with longing. This tune provides a glimpse into a new exciting facet to Stormer’s sound and is the perfect end to a riveting EP.
Teaming witty lyrics with vibrant musicianship, ‘Groupie Goes Rockstar’ showcases the promising sound of Sheena Stormer.
Abrasive Trees are back with their latest release ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’. The track was recorded at Penquit Mill Studios in Devon by producers Lucy and Matthew Board (Pale Blue Eyes) and written by the Scottish-born guitarist Matthew Rochford.
‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ is an intense instrumental piece that boasts Abrasive Trees’ expansive and immersive sound. The band weave sweet-toned guitar between heavy drums to create a thick intricate wall of sound that builds into an intoxicating grunge infused crescendo enhanced by dark eerie atmospheres and raw alternative elements. Showcasing evocative soundscapes and a poetic spoken work opening ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ is an impressive display of Abrasive Trees’ musical talent.
RIA RUA has released her new single ‘Boss’. The song is the first single off RIA’s debut EP, ‘chaos/control’ which is being released and promoted by the German indie label MPM. RIA RUA is a modern Irish female electro-grunge singer, songwriter and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and won her the 2021 International Artist of the Year from Nova Radio in the UK. Her last two releases were playlisted on Irish, UK US and German national radio.
It is difficult not to be enthralled by RIA RUA’s music.‘Boss’ is a fine example of this. The artist’s masterful production skills are on full display within the song and highlights just how talented RIA RUA is as a musician. RIA RUA’s mesmerising vocals ooze attitude atop a wonderful concoction of electronic pulses, grunge undertones and alternative embellishments creating an evocative soundscape that is a joy to listen to again and again. RIA RUA’s talent is boundless. The artist creates wholly consuming tunes filled with gloriously emotive soundscapes that showcase a deep understanding of music production even a seasoned musician would be enviable of. ‘Boss’ is an absolute gem.
Following the release of their title track ‘Heart Of A Nation’, Columbia Mills return with their new single ‘Addiction’. The track is taken off the band’s upcoming third album and to celebrate the band has announced an Irish and UK headline tour for October / November 2022. The tour includes a headline show at The Academy, Dublin on 25th November 2022. Columbia Mills are regulars at festivals such as Indiependence, Longitude, and Electric Picnic and have supported world-class acts like Ride, Public Service Broadcasting, and Palace. On top of this, they have also toured Ireland & the UK with a string of headline shows at venues such as Whelans, King Tuts, and Sebright Arms.
Doused in a haze of delicate guitar refrains and ethereal soundscapes, ‘Addiction’ is a glorious new single from Colombia Mills. The song pivots around a driving rhythmic pulse that rushes with adrenaline while a chugging bassline groove’s alongside a chiming guitar to create a light and airy atmosphere. Each subsequent listen reveals the deft musical prowess this band possesses – from catchy refrains to psychedelic undertones the track is a musical treat to the ears and becomes more intricate and layered as it progresses. ‘Addiction’ is a beautifully crafted tune that showcases the emotive songwriting and musical talent of Columbia Mills in all its glory. Enjoy.
Speaking about ‘Addiction’ lead singer Fiachra Treacy said: “In society, there seems to be a lack of sympathy towards addicts, particularly those on the margins of society. The song tells the story of the hopeless cyclical nature of addiction. We have framed the song with a euphoric upbeat sound to try and disguise it as a love song. There is an effort to highlight the strength of addiction and compare it with the helpless feeling of falling in love and losing control- something everyone can sympathise with.”
Corner Boy have returned with their highly anticipated new single ‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’. It’s an energetic song brimming with vibrant passionate musicianship while boasting the emotive songwriting of the band. I spoke to frontman Mick D’Arcy about the new single, what we can expect from the band’s upcoming debut album and how they found working with producer Gavin Glass.
“Yeah, so the song was written very differently than any previous song we’d done before because it was during the lockdown. We were writing music separately in different counties, in different locations in Ireland. So, automatically, it was a different kind of writing process that we never really explored before and as a result, the song itself is different from any other songs that we’ve written previously. It was exciting to be working in that way. It was the first result of two years of lockdown. So we felt like it was the right song that would represent us as a first single from the album.”
‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’ builds beautifully with freeing soundscapes and evolving instrumentation and D’Arcy explained to me how that captured a sense of freedom in the song.
“Yeah, what we would have done is, when we were working remotely we’d be sending each other back and forth different sound beds relating to the lyrics of the song as well. We wanted to capture the idea of place and different locations of origin that are actually name-dropped as it were, in the song. We wanted to capture that sonically as well. So we would have sent different sound beds, be it either with more kind of rootsy instruments or with different layers of synth and that’s how we explored and how we found our way in the song. Then we wanted to really let the song grow organically as well. So the addition of different instruments on top of it really drove home the message and the feeling behind the song as well. The intent behind the song was to capture an essence of place with that, that’s how the song kind of formed itself, very naturally in that way.”
Though lockdown and the pandemic brought difficult times to many it did aid the band’s sound and gave them the space, time and ability to create the theme of escapism so beautifully captured in the song.
“Yeah, absolutely. I guess when you’re writing in a room together with musicians, there’s six of us in the band, you know, the process in itself can sometimes be very immediate. So something is decided upon and you might tease it out here and there but it’s copper fast and there in the moment. Initially, we were challenged in that way because it was something that we hadn’t done or explored before. But for us, we just became so happy with the song and how it was progressing and the feeling that we were capturing. So yeah, I guess it was really a testament to the times that we were able to write it in that way and as a result write a new piece of work that’s different from anything that we’d released previously. “
Corner Boy have a wonderful knack for emotive melodies. Their songs are laced in sweet earworm melodies and rich intricate refrains that perfectly capture feelings of joy, passion and sadness.
“We wouldn’t be prodigious writers by any means. A lot of the time what wedo is we bring different ideas to the practice room and different pieces of music that we would write would capture various emotions or different range of emotions. So I think melodically with ‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’ a lot of it was the combination of a few different musical ideas that we felt were able to capture that feeling that we were trying to get across in the message of the song. So I actually think I’m right by saying that the chorus of the song, the melody for it was written maybe three years ago, the verses were written across 2021/ 2022. So we were taking old ideas, old themes, old feelings and matching them with themes that we were writing there and then in the moment. So it was no real A to Z in the moment writing of the song, we very much are a band that kind of move around. We go back and forth. We revisit different ideas, different soundscapes that we’ve had previously that may have worked in some ways, and then just try to find a marriage between them all. So yeah the song itself, for the most part, about 80% of it would have been written in 2020/2021 but we did revisit old themes that can try to drive home the message and the feeling of the song.”
‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’ is an anthemic track that oozes rich musical tones and lush textures. It is the first single to be released from the band’s upcoming debut album. We discussed how the song provides a taste of what is to come from the album.
“Yeah, I would very much say so. I think we were very blessed, we’re all from Wexford. I guess a very notable Irish producer Gavin Glass recently moveddown to Wexford in the last couple of years and lives quite local to us as well. So we’re getting to know him and the way he works and those interesting synergies between both of us and how we see music and the process of songwriting as well. We would have sat with Gavin on a number of pre-production sessions before we even, recorded the first note of the album and through that, we were able to for once in our lives, really sit in a room, sit in a studio space, get to know every instrument in the place and from that create a record that had this collective identity from start to finish. Blackstairs Winter Snow is definitely something that’s indicative of the next singles that are due to come from the album and the album as a whole as well. So having that opportunity to work with somebody like Gavin as well he’s had so much experience across different genres and he’s a wonderful way of being able to filter all of that for us to arrive at that finish point of what we wanted. So it was a long process, but it was something that was just so beneficial for us to have, that unified sound for the album. So we’re super excited.”
Corner Boy have been around releasing music for nearly 10 years, However only now have the band decided to release their debut album. I wondered if this was due to the band finding the right message, songs or just finding time to craft an album.
“We were actually pretty much ready to record the album in 2019. We were putting everything in place and then of course, you know, an extra two years lapsed. In that time, we were able to find moments where we could get in and work with Gavin, like I said we were working remotely. But at the same time we said look, we can’t wait around any longer but for us, I mean, we were lucky enough to be in a position where we toured extensively in Ireland, UK, Europe and elsewhere. Asia ,North America, I guess it was really just years and years of that experience building it up and being on the road and being more comfortable with this sound that we eventually arrived at, that we felt was completely representative of us as a band. But for us, it was really just finding the right collection of songs and from that process of working with Gavin then as well, being able to solidify your sound as a starting point was really important. I guess now that we all understand that now and we understand the expectation and the intention behind how we want to write and release music and all those years of experience being on the road we’re really confident about the record and we really do love the music that we’re going to be releasing “
The band worked with Producer Gavin Glass in Orphan Studios on the album and D’Arcy explained to me the importance of working with Glass and how his approach helped the band refine their sound.
“Yeah we’d worked with producers previously and every producer is different but the biggest compliment that I could probably pay to somebody like Gavin is that he has this unique ability of being your worst enemy and your best friend at the same time. He will sit with you he will tease through different opinions about sometimes even the slightest of things and it’s something that we’ve learned over the years sometimes it’s those slightest of things that really make a record. Gavin will give you his time, his energy, his thoughts to look at something very specific from a couple of different angles. It was really, really important to us and I guess unlike maybe other producers that we worked with in the past, Gavin’s way of working he essentially becomes a member of your band for the time that you work with him and that’s great. Yeah, he just does it in such a seamless way as well, it really makes you enjoy the entire experience of recording also.”
Corner Boy have also released a video for ‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’. The video sees D’Arcy travelling the length and breadth of the country for his loved one and the band use clever camera angles and crisp edited shots to narrate the message of the song in a touching manner.
“It was something that we would have all come together as a band about, the feeling we’re trying to capture with the song. We did sit down and talk about the song, what it means and what it represents. The song itself is about exploring the idea that you would go to any lengths for the people that you love. All of the band are from Wexford. So the Blackstairs mountains are kind of the border of Wexford. It’s where, when you’re entering Wexford, from a lot of different counties it’s once you get there, you’re home and it’s the idea of being with the people that you love in your home in a place that feels natural to you. In the song we’ve just been able to traverse different landscapes and different environments and different challenges overcoming them to really capture the essence of what that feeling is. We shot it over two days earlier this year and we had great fun doing that. So that’s obviously an integral part to capture in the song correctly as well. “
“We’re really happy with it. It was all self-produced by the band as well. So all of the editing, all of the shooting, the storyboarding everything was done by us. It was great to just have that sense of control over it and being able to sometimes execute with a creative vision on something is one of the hardest things that you can do. But when you get there in the end and when you’re happy it’s so rewarding.”
Like all musicians, Corner Boy have had to become familiar with social media and do live streams, TikTok videos etc to help promote themselves and reach their fans. We discussed the challenges and advantages of using social media.
“Yeah, as a band we’ve been around for 10 years. So we’ve seen the full spectrum. When we first started out it was very much the occasional, online posts here and there across a few different channels and now it’s a case where most artists really have to be this kind of provider of content, this kind of entertainment channel. So we’re trying to embrace it as much as we can like we’ve done with the video. It’s just trying to have really strong and evocative visuals as well that represent the music well but also showing off the character of the band, we have the bit of craic that you would have on the road and the fun. We’re all really, really close. We’re all really really good friends. So it’s just trying to capture that feeling in the band as well. Camaraderie is a large part of why we’re in a band together and why we pursue it. So you can look at it one or two ways I guess, you can look at it [ social media ] as a challenge or something that takes up a lot of your time or you can also look at it, as a way to explain the narrative and the story of the band and more than anything demonstrate who you are as people because at the end of the day people are really going to connect to your music that bit more when they understand you as people and who you are.“
Corner Boy’s sound surges with hearty melodies and a rich array of instruments that subtly build to create an immense soundscape that rushes with passion. They are a band who have been cultivating their sound to its purest most invigorating form. ‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’ is a fine example of this and an exciting glimpse of what we can expect from their upcoming debut album. Corner Boy have some exciting announcements coming up so keep an eye on their social media to keep up to date with new music and live dates.
“Yeah, so we do have some dates booked in for later in the year. Nothing that we can announce officially yet but we will be announcing details on the release of our album later this year so we definitely have a few Irish dates in mind and some dates abroad as well. I would say details of that will definitely be released sometime before the summer in the next month or two so we’re really looking forward to getting back out on the road. We’ve been in the rehearsal room for the last couple of weeks. I guess like many acts we’re just excited to get back into a venue, into a live setting and just feel the buzz off the crowd. It’s going to be a great moment for us. So we’re really excited for it”
Watch the video for ‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’ below
London singer/songwriter AJ Wander has released his new single ‘When You Say I Love You’. I caught up with him to discuss the new single, what we can expect from his upcoming EP as well as the anxiety that comes with releasing new music.
“I don’t think I do. There’s a little bit of nervous excitement, I’d say, more of a relief to finally get them out in the world because I’ve heard them so many times. By the time they get released it’s a relief to finally not be the only one that’s listening to them. Because I have to listen to them so much in the process of creating them and getting them to the point where I feel I’m happy for them to be released and shown to the world that I’m mildly sick of them by the time they come out. So it’s definitely a bit of selfish relief, in that sense. ButI mean, in terms of nervousness, in terms of how they’re going to be received, it’s so hard to put yourself in other people’s minds and work out what other people are gonna like.So I just find what’s right for myself and if it clicks with people, great if it doesn’t, then Que Será, Será, I’ll move on to the next one [song] .”
‘When You Say I Love You’ is an honest song with a heartfelt melody at it’s core. Wander explained to me how he crafted the song and what sparked him to write it.
“It was witnessing a friend’s relationship and them confiding in me about what’s going on in their situation that his girlfriend had fallen for him too fast. He’s like, Oh, shit, what’s going on? I didn’t quite expect things to move so quickly. He’d been pretending to sort of have the same level of feelings towards her as she did to him and that went on for a little while. Ultimately, he realized it wasn’t healthy. So then its him realizing that he has to be honest about his reservations and wanting to slow things down and speculating about how things are gonna go when he does actually tell her that he in fact, isn’t in love with her yet, but just wants to put the brakes on a little bit.”
At times the lyrics of the song are quite harsh “I could try to pretend but it hurts me to use you/ I’m having a ball and your having a blast I didn’t expect you to fall”. Wander’s warm vocal delivery shelters the listener from the full impact of these lyrics, perfectly highlighting the confusion and oftentimes panic that can occur when someone is honest in how they feel. I wondered if he found it difficult to decide how he would deliver this message in order to be respectful and tender lyrically.
“I didn’t really consider it to be honest. I guess it is a bit harsh. I wrote it pretty late at night and we were just sort of selfish about my friend’s perspective and not considering how she might have actually felt about fessing up that he’d been sort of pretending to feel something when he hadn’t, which obviously, it’s not a very good thing to do. So it wasn’t a conscious consideration, but I’m relieved to hear that you don’t think it’s too harsh. I think it’s a cliche, but the truth hurts sometimes, and I guess sometimes you just got to rip the band-aid off and say it. That’s the whole sentiment of the song, that even though it’s hard for you personally, you can’t just hide the truth from someone because you selfishly are going to find the conversation hard to have. So the song wears its heart on its sleeve and it doesn’t want to hide what it’s trying to say behind anything, that’s the whole point of the song is finally being completely transparent and honest.”
The song is one of several tracks recorded in London and Barcelona with producer Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo). Mair is such a diverse producer and seems to bring out the best in the artists he works with and Wander explained to me how important working with a producer is for an artist.
“100% and it goes the same with writing as well. It’s always good to haveoutside influence. It jogs your mind into thinking in a different way or looking at things with a different perspective. I think it’s very much a collaborative process and we bounce off of each other to be honest in the room, and we also had Gethin [Williams] the guy that I wrote it with, sort of weighed in on the prod as well. So it was a three-way creative process. We will bounce off of each other and add our own little flavours to the track.”
Wander released a live video of him performing his previous single ‘Take It All’ in an old paper mill in Wembley. It’s a passionate performance that highlights the range and warmth of Wander’s voice while also giving a glimpse into the live full-band style of Wander.
“It’s great fun. There are lots of creepy mannequins dotted around, a few of them had some pretty tasty looking outfits, to be fair, I was a bit jealous. It was like walking through a horror-themed vintage store. It was great fun. It’s was just a quick sort of in and out. Those days go so quickly, filming days are just pretty relentless. People prodding you and seeing if your hair looks the least crap it could be. The band were great. I was very lucky to work with a bunch of great friends that happen to be great musicians. Yeah, it’s all good fun. I just recorded a live stripped version for ‘When You Say I Love You’ and there’s more video graphic content being made as well for some upcoming singles which is very exciting and I feel very lucky to be able to do because it’s expensive. It is crazy how much money you can spend on lights and stuff and smoke machines”
‘When You Say I Love You’ is a taster of Wander’s first EP due in late 2022 and the singer told me what we can expect from the upcoming EP.
“That is a very good question. If I was to sum up the lyrical topics of the EP it’s ‘intoxicated love’. Not necessarily all self-reflective but yeah, that seems to be the theme and it’s definitely a stepping stone from the sound that I have now into what’s coming next. I mean, the EP, beyond the next EP that’s coming out is already ready to go. So it definitely feels like a stepping stone towards where I’m headed sonically as an artist.”
Wander has an ability to write songs about other people’s life experiences giving him more scope to venture into themes and topics that are not necessarily about him and his life. This limitless songwriting inspiration gives Wander’s writing more diversity and relatability.
“Yeah, well, the thing is, my life is just a bit too boring to only write about my own life. I wish it wasn’t. I ran out of things to write about my own life when I was about 22. So I’ve been forced to improvise since then sort of seeking out other people’s drama. I’ve just been a massive gossip. Basically. I just hang out in hair salons, reading OK Magazine, Hello. OK, you know, all the classics, just seeking out song topics.”
Wander has been back performing live shows and we discussed how thrilling it feels to perform on stage. I also asked if there is the potential for a show in Ireland.
“It feels bloody good. I just wish I was doing more. I really want to go on the road that’s why I do it I think. I just want to be out in front of people, connecting with strangers through the songs I’ve written and seeing how people react in real-time. Touring the world, not even the world just touring the UK, touring London, touring even just my street. Just pop into my neighbour’s houses would suffice, but yeah, just to get on the road of some description would be great.
“There aren’t yet, there are conversations happening is what I’ll say. I’ve had Irish sort of touring slash Irish trips, planned a few times over the past few years, and they’ve all been cancelled because of COVID. So I’m really hoping to get over there as soon as possible. Fingers crossed it happens before the years out. That’s my aim.”
AJ Wander is an artist who is developing and refining his sound beautifully and his new single ‘When You Say I Love You’ is a delight to the ears. His piano anchored sound is flourishing as he adds catchy pop elements and cinematic undertones into the mix to create a compelling and moving listening experience. Each of his releases have been vibrant earworms and his knack for sweet melodies make his tracks dangerously addictive. If his velvety tone and earnest songwriting alone doesn’t pique your interest then his rich musicianship and irresistible melodies will get you for sure.
Breakout Irish rockers N.O.A.H have released their new single ‘The Way We Are Told’.This new single follows the highly regarded debut EP Echoes of the Night, which features collaborations with the likes of the Irish hip hop duo, Hare Squead as well as New Orleans style brass band Booka Brass. The EP was produced by the Grammy-Winning Ruadhri Cushnan in Camden Studios and mastered by John Davis of Metropolis studios London. With word spreading fast and the ever-growing press, N.O.A.H signed with Natasha Bents’ newly founded Mother Artists Live Agency (Foster The People, Idles, CMAT). The band even made their first TV appearance on RTÉ Six One News to talk about their story and quick rise within the industry.
Laced in passionate melodies and cinematic instrumentation, ‘The Way We Are Told’ boasts the mesmerising sound of N.O.A.H. The band surge warm Americana rock over a bubbling indie backdrop of sharp guitars, rippling drums and 80’s – esque synths to create a gripping listening experience. N.O.A.H’s sonically lush sound is boundless and boasts an array of genres and tantalizing textures for listeners to indulge in. On each subsequent listen the track’s lush soundscape reveals little musical gems throughout from emotive musicianship to compelling songwriting. ‘The Way We Are Told’ is an excellent example of fine musicianship; the production, arrangement, lyrics and vocals all blend together spectacularly. N.O.A.H is an exciting and immensely talented band to keep an eye on.
Stream ‘The Way We Are Told’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
