nicha has released her new single, ‘saltwater song’. nicha (also known as Lucy Robinson) is a 23-year-old Northern Irish native, born and raised in Holywood, Co. Down. In July 2020, nicha took the scene by storm with her debut single ‘Devices’ – a song about our society being addicted to our phones. She has already been critically acclaimed by some big names, drawing attention from BBC Radio Ulster’s Stephen McCauley, RTE 2 FM’s Dan Hegarty, RTE 2XM, and more.
Cascading with delicate electronics, supple melodies and soothing vocals, nicha presents her deft songwriting and musical talent within ‘saltwater song’. nicha’s ability to layer and enrich her songs with unique sounds never ceases to impress. Within ‘saltwater song’, she unfolds lush melodies and ethereal soundscapes into a bedding of earthy elements and Asian influence to create a soothing and compelling tune. With eerie harmonies contrasting the pacifying warmth of her soulful vocals, the track ventures from a mellow lounge tune to a psychedelic mind melter with ease. This rich and diverse sound is why nicha has become a mesmerising artist to admire. There are no boundaries, no confines or genre rule she won’t bend to create a beautifully lush and captivating tune to indulge in. nicha is a talent to treasure.
About the song, nicha says…“saltwater song is liberating and empowering. It tells the story of someone who is struggling to overcome personal issues such as a bad relationship, addiction or an unhealthy habit. Weighted by these issues, they are unable to become their best self or reach their full potential. The lyrics of saltwater song express the passing of time and the fear of being swept up in distraction and forgetting where you are meant to be going. The music reflects this as well through a wash of melodies and dreamy instrumentals.”
Bio : Following on from her debut release ‘Devices’ that drew attention from Stephen McAuley and Across The Line at BBC Ulster, as well as Dan Hegarty at 2FM, nicha (aka Lucy Robinson) is releasing her new single ‘Little Bird’ Oct 2nd.The song is a call to those who are subject to mental and physical abuse in any relationship. nicha hopes to let her listeners know that you have the strength to make yourself happy, let that be through making a difficult decision in escaping a toxic relationship. nicha hopes to spread hope and awareness to all genders and whoever may be facing both mental and physical abuse. “I feel there is a taboo around talking about domestic abuse, mental and physical. Women are suffering, men are suffering, there are so many victims even in this day and age. We need to raise awareness and remind people to talk more.”
Track: Little Bird
Why We Like It: This emotive track captures nicha’s powerful songwriting through an easy listening yet haunting number. With wisping electronics swirling eerie soundscapes into the jazz-like keys and buoyant guitar melodies the song melds warm soothing tones with biting icy tones to create quite the compelling track. nicha’s soulful velvety vocals comfort while distant wails and ghostly backing vocals chill the song’s atmosphere. This diverse and moving track is a sublime example of the expressive and mature songwriting of nicha.
Bio : Dublin-based singer/songwriter Graham O’Hara has released his second single, ‘If Only’. ‘If Only’ was recorded in Wavefarm Studios under the direction of producer Kevin Brennan. It is the latest release from Graham after his debut single ‘Unless I Say.’ Graham spent the last decade in different bands and projects before going solo a few years ago. He is building up a repertoire of songs to share with the world for when the time comes that gigging is part of normality again in Ireland.
Track: If Only
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate indie number drizzled in blues guitars and dynamic instrumentation. The track’s pulses with suspenseful beats teamed with intricate slick bass grooves. The song is both soothing and empowering with guitar refrains peppering Graham’s deep warm vocals in rock nuances. Exuding an energetic chorus and a refined balance of light soothing tones and uplifting elements, ‘If Only’ is quite the power anthem.
Bio : Alt pop wizards FLING have released their new single ‘Best Friend’, with a video to debut on their YouTube channel on Friday 9th October.This comes after last year’s debut album ‘FLING OR DIE’, the March standalone release ‘Windmill’, and the woozy lockdown single ‘Let’s Stay In’. The boys from Bradford have been acclaimed by the likes of Abbie McCarthy and Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Zane Lowe (Beats 1), Steve Lamacq, Gideon Coe and Tom Robinson (6Music).
Track: Best Friend
Why We Like It: It’s a melodic track surging with rich instrumentation. FLING blend raw rock swagger with heartfelt emotion seamlessly to create a wonderful, passionate track. The song begins with soft guitar twinkles, sweet backing vocals coos and nostalgia-filled lyrics. The track builds, becoming more anthemic with shredding guitar embellishments, dynamic drums and lush vocals while the dreamy, nostalgic melody coats the track in sweet tenderness. With warm harmonica blasts and an epic rock n roll crescendo ‘Best Friend’ is another first rate tune from FLING.
Bio :Bedside Manners are a five piece from The Wirral. After releasing their debut EP ‘(I Can Take A While To Heat Up) Please Be Patient’ in 2018, the band gained over 200,000 Spotify streams and multiple plays on BBC Introducing Merseyside & Lancashire. This success was capitalized on in 2019 as they began to sell out shows in the UK. Their second EP, ‘Powers That Be’, released in 2019, gained 10,000 streams on the day of release. Tracks on this EP once again garnered plays from BBC Introducing Merseyside & Lancashire and was featured on Spotify’s ‘Hot New Bands’ and ‘All New Rock’ editorial playlists.
Track: What It Seems
Why We Like It: It’s a swarm of blistering alternative rock as the band spread sharp guitars over a fiery rhythmic backdrop. This feisty assault is laced in gritty riffs and boasts a swaggering sleek guitar display. Punk elements ricochet off an alternate rock backbone while the raw vocals drive the catchy melody forward with vigor and power. ‘What It Seems’ is a fine example of the explosive musicianship of Bedside Manners.
Bio : Emerging from the steamy shadows of their debut single ‘Badlands’, pop-noir duo, Dark Tropics are back with their brand-new single/video, ‘Moroccan Sun’
Track: ‘Moroccan Sun’
Why We Like It: It’s a sweet upbeat gem that meanders around pop and retro 60’s elements. With elegant strings, supple buoyant beats and warm guitar refrains the song wisps and flutters through a dreamy melody caressed by soft vocal coos. This track is a refreshing venture from the duo’s usual dark aesthetic. It’s a climatic timeless track which flows with grace, elegance and charm. With soulful melodies and light indie elements this intricately crafted delight is a refreshing track and fine example of the precise and radiant musicianship of Dark Tropics.
Nicha has released her new single ‘Devices’.Nicha is a 22 year old singer/songwriter from Holywood, Northern Ireland. Having grown up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley her music and writing is heavily influenced by these legends but more recently inspiration stems from hip hop, pop and electronic influences drawing on artists such as Loyle Carner, Jack Johnson, Tash Sultana, Moloko and Bonobo.
‘Devices’ is a vibrant bop, laced in the charming and mellow musicianship of Nicha. The track is sonically laid-back and easy going as Nicha douses a smooth melody over tropical beats and ethereal wisps on electronics with reggae elements and glimpses of R&B flickering throughout. Her warm rasped and soulful vocals melt elegantly upon the tracks bubbling backdrop with a sweet lulling tone as the song drifts between the balmy chorus and dazed verses. There are psychedelic hues rebounding off the warm guitar melodies and fluctuant rhythmic foundation while Nicha lilts through the chorus with a catchy vocal refrain.
The song reflects the feeling and freedom of detaching ourselves from the chaos of social media. Nicha expresses this perfectly through this breezy, pacifying sun kissed gem. A fine debut, ‘Devices’ escapes the tethers of genre as Nicha blends pop, folk, reggae, indie and electronic to create a satisfying and musically rich track.
AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create an opportunity on the Zoom platform for artists to perform. They have called it Virtual and this week’s event hosted the amazing talents of Lucy Robinson.
I sit with many others (who are in their kitchen and various rooms in their houses) ready to watch Lucy Robinson live on Virtual. The last gig she will do as Lucy Robinson as she has changed her moniker to Nicha. It’s becoming a regular gathering on a Wednesday night and livestreams becoming the “norm” as members of the audience watch while doing the dishes, preparing their dinner, chilling on the beach or just sitting down relaxing.
Lucy Robinson is an outstanding performer. Her warm rich and rasped tone has a deeper more resounding depth than most of her singer songwriter counterparts and her songs are fun nuggets of delight. Sitting in her room adorned with green foliage, a lava lamp and soft tropical colour scheme the setting is perfect for a sunny summer’s evening. Lucy takes time to say hello to the viewers and banter with them showing her fun humour and charming bubbly persona.
Lucy didn’t disappoint. She served up a live performance interspersing raw musical talent with thought-provoking lyrics and beautiful vocals. She manages to mesmerise even within this acoustic setting. Her melodies wrap around the intricate strums and picks on guitar with ease adding to the golden radiance she emits. ‘Mustard’, ‘Poison’ and ‘Chess’ have the viewers bopping and swaying with cheery smiles on their faces. A little girl watching dances with her kitten teddy while the muted clapping and thumbs up manage to create a cosy and warm setting.
Lucy took the crowd away from the stress of the world outside to indulge in an evening of storytelling and song-craft. Her tunes are intimate and melodious as each song made the platform feel personal and comfortable. She treats the viewers to a few new songs – ‘Red and Blue’ is quite the sultry delight. With jaunty guitar striking between the smoky rich tones of her voice, it’s definitely a track to look forward to. Gearing up to release a new single ‘Devices’ on the 9th July Lucy gives us a glimpse of what we can look forward to. This golden ditty drifts upon a sweet as honey melody while the lilts through the chorus are earworm worthy. I actually woke up the next morning singing it in my head and I only heard it once. Lucy has quite the knack for crafting simple vocal hooks and her equally sweet personality is so warm and inviting it’s difficult not to be charmed by her.
A brief Q&A brings the session to an end as viewers ask Lucy questions about her influences, who she would like to collaborate with and how she deals with pre-show anxiety – I think she gave the best advice I’ve ever heard, don’t picture the crowd naked!.
Lucy Robinson is a unique artist and a wonderful singer. I’m certain the livesteam experience is nerve-racking for an artist however all the behind the scenes work with sound checks etc paid off. The end result was an entertaining, emotive show boasting an abundance of musical precision, originality and the enticing talent of Lucy Robinson.
