Up and coming Derry/Londonderry based artist Gooside teams up with English rapper Torin for his latest single ‘Offline’. The track utilizes spacious lonely soundscapes teamed with punchy vocals to create an emotive and infectious R&B hued number. With sticky dark beats bubbling through icy keys, the track has a haunting melancholic tone which is subtly broken by the hypnotic warm guitar refrain. Gooside creates pockets of space within the track to provide that isolating vibe while Torin adds an edgy quality with his tight rapid rhymes. ‘Offline’ is a well crafted and emotive new single from Gooside that boasts his refined and majestic musicianship.
Oregon native and Pop R&B singer Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Empty’, the third release from his debut album ‘Songs For The Optimist’.His previous releases already have over 500k Spotify listens from a growing fanbase of loyal music lovers and this is just the beginning.
Honest and infectious ‘Empty’ displays Noah Elliott’s ability to blend intricate electronic pop with emotion to create a wholly consuming number. The track simmers with buoyant subtle grooves while warm guitars lament between a dark R&B backdrop. Elliott’s lyrics are earnest and raw “ I was brain dead, close to the edge” while haunting backing vocals and spacious soundscapes flutter about the track’s expansive wall of sound accompanied by earthy twinkles on xylophone. ‘Empty’ is a sublime engaging song from Noah Elliot.
Singer/songwriter Elina Filice and spoken word artist/rapper Claudia Crampton have teamed up to release a new single ‘Lying’. This laid black alternative R&B tune drifts upon a mellow guitar hook and warm bass while the intricate hip-hop beats provide texture and buoyancy. Jazz laced guitar delicately weaves between the dreamy sweet melody, catchy chorus and lush vocal harmonies creating a soothing tone. The brisk raps roll over the verses with a sleek fluid flow while charming keys and the relaxing instrumental backdrop provide a breezy chilled contrast. ‘Lying’ is a well crafted tune which boasts the talent, sleek musicianship and deft songwriting of both Elina Filice and Claudia Crampton.
About the track Elina says, “Fascination with the concept of Lying inspired the song. So much of our lives, on a small and large scale, with how we relate to ourselves and each other, is based on lies. The lies we tell ourselves to get by, the lies we tell to either harm or protect each other.”
Claudia says, “My verses narrate the story of a relationship that has had its many ups and downs but has ultimately reached its end. The verses reflect the turmoil and hardship that come with an unfaithful partner and the difficulties in coping with the heartache.”
Dublin-based trap-pop singer/songwriter/ producer Mac Rose has released his new single ‘I Need This’. The beat was made by Hill Kidd, with further production, vocal recording, mixing, and mastering by Mac Rose.Born in England and raised in Ireland, Mac Rose spent his teen years listening to grunge, rock, and learning to play a variety of instruments. His releases have amassed over 65k streams on spotify, and he has a growing and loyal social media fan base.
With clean production hazy soundscapes and hip hop flavours ‘I Need This’ displays Mac Rose’s modern pop charm and musical versatility. ‘I Need This’ is a sweet ditty exuding delicate dreamy melodies mixed with smooth R&B to create quite the easy listening experience. Mac Rose tells a story of being vulnerable in love through melancholic beats and superb musicianship. The intricate beats slap between warm bass lines and twinkling guitars. The track travels into an ethereal soundscape while his rasp filled vocals ooze a rock tone and soothing warmth.
Mac Rose is quite the songwriter. The chorus is just immaculate, evoking images of stadium crowds swaying and singing back the lyrics with a watery, cheery glint in their eye. He is building his sound superbly. At present he is walking the intriguing line where hip hop and alternative rock combine and the result is pretty impressive. Mac Rose certainly is an artist to keep an eye on.
About the track Mac Rose said “Hill Kidd sent me the bones of a sombre, hopeful beat. I remember listening to it and replying to him saying “I need this!” and right away started writing lyrics. The song is about relying on someone, needing someone. Even though there’s shit involved and things aren’t always good, you still need everything they give you. At the end of the day it’s worth it, and you would do anything for the other person.”
Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their new single ‘D.A.R.L.I.N.G.’ feat. Tolü Makay & Jamel Franklin with all proceeds on Bandcamp (Pay what you like) going to MASI. This song was written and recorded in isolation.
D.A.R.L.I.N.G. is a smooth slice of R&B soul. Rooted in a deep funky groove this sultry track drifts over a hip tantalizing beat while the elastic bass wriggles in the backdrop with a warm bounce. Tolü Makay’s vocals melt on top the velvety melody with soulful tones while Danny Groenland’s coos float through the slinky chorus. It’s a clean polished and steamy number filled with rich instrumentation. Lyrically the song evokes the complex feelings of love and longing that are both strained and strengthened by distance. Jazz-infused piano sprinkles a classy chilled tone over the sticky R&B pop elements while Jamel Franklin’s fluid raps roll into the tracks crescendo with an effortless ease. The entire track is a mellow night time schmooze presented with chic class and relaxed swagger.
About the track Danny said : “The genesis of this collaboration came from my group playing gigs with both Jamel and Tolü, I was already a huge fan of both artists. I had the song’s chorus and beat – it gave me an early 2000’s Neosoul vibe. Tolü and Jamel wrote their verses, the Major 7ths added their parts and the song came together really organically.”
The music video was recorded by friends of the artists and represents their different reactions on a video call to a loved one in isolation. See if you can spot some familiar faces* among the 50 people (and 1 cat). Stream it below
Multi/instrumentalist, singer, producer, journeyman Euan Lindsay has released his debut E.P ‘You, Boy’. Hailing from Cork, Lindsay’s music pulls heavily from a wide reach of genres. Elements of disco, house, soul and hip-hop can all be heard throughout the artist’s first work.The E.P was recorded over a 6 month period by the artist through a turbulent time.
‘You, Boy’ combines Euan Lindsay’s earnest lyrics with modern pop production to create a distinctive body of work. From darker evening tunes like ‘Lost my head’ to the Spanish toned ‘Easy’ and R&B hued ‘Sing about me when the craic is done’ each track has a lightness and mellow soundscape. Lindsay embellishes his tracks with tight instrumentation and lush textures transforming songs like ‘Ur Smile’ into a vibrant funk pop song laced in tropical tones and rich rhythms.
The tracks are clean and refined as Lindsay shows off his production prowess. He knows when not to overdo things and keeps the intricacies on guitar and synths within delicate and subtle levels maintaining the easy going atmosphere throughout. Distinctive vocals meander between coos and soulful tones with a Cork twang shining brightly throughout as Lindsay provides a fresh listening experience with a proudly Irish undertone.
Each track grooves and pivots around the meticulously placed guitar melodies. These golden melodies lace the songs in sun-kissed tropical and funk/soul elements creating a balmy hue to indulge in. Although the songs float with a dreamy laid back upbeat vibe, Lindsay discusses themes of loss, illness and self-uncertainty throughout the EP, albeit with a sense of Irish irony and self-mockery
With dazzling electronics and flashing beats on the lofi ‘All I Know’ and the mellow lounge soul elements on closing track ‘I don’t belong’ Lindsay proves his deft ability to create stunning pieces of music while bending genres harmoniously. ‘You, Boy’ is an impressive debut from Euan Lindsay.
After releasing three successful back to back singles in April and the single ‘Family’ on May 26th, 21-year-old rapper RUNOFFBROKE (Jordan Wilson) has released yet another catchy, slick track entitled ‘Wish you Knew’. RUNOFFBROKE started writing music at 11, and by 13 was playing gigs and signed to underground label Mic-A-Blaze Records. Jordan worked with multiple Irish groups before making his way to Germany to work with Citizen Soldier Entertainment. He has toured in the US and Germany, supporting artists like Infidelix alongside Papke. After two years in Berlin, Jordan returned to Ireland in 2019 and has since been working on new music, gigging, and building his team. Known for his dark humour and haunting music videos, he has released an EP and several singles.
‘Wish you Knew’ is a chill and precise dancehall/house track that displays RUNOFFBROKE’s slinky rich sound through well thought out grooves and melodies. With spacey synths glimmering between afrobeats and deep rhythmic flows it’s a liquid smooth tune that merges house and R&B pop with wispy crisp electronics. RUNOFFBROKE flexes his signature quick rhymes and clever lyrics which explore the cyclical nature of toxicity in relationships. The track ferments bubbles and pivots around catchy body grooving hooks and ethereal cold soundscapes. The vocals coo over a rich tapestry of beats by FEEL.FACTORY (aka NINETY7HERTZ) creating an enticing backdrop for the listener to indulge in. ‘Wish you Knew’ is an interesting and fresh listening experience by RUNOFFBROKE
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Post Romantics
The Post Romantics have released their new single ‘bad friend’ via DEADBOY$CLUB. Self-produced under lockdown at the band’s home in Liverpool, the track showcases the band in their purest form. The Post Romantics is formed of brothers Connor Cockbain, Cameron Cockbain and Liam Cockbain along with their childhood friend, Sam Barton. Championed by BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Introducing, last year saw the band cut their teeth supporting the likes of Wolf Alice and Larkins, selling out headline shows in Liverpool and London. 2020 sees the band follow up this release, embark on their now rescheduled UK tour and perform at Liverpool Sound City and Hit The North Festival.
Warped in a deadly concoction of haunting electronics and mysterious production, ‘bad friend’ sees The Post Romantics continue their sublime dark aesthetic where contemporary R&B rubs elbows with moody twisted emo pop. The track is an anti-love letter to the liars, users and other fake friends. Following the tale of two people who got too close for their own good, ‘Bad Friend’ offers an honest insight into the world of toxic relationships.
With heavy sticky beats slapping between an asphyxiating soundscape the track swirls in a mysterious and ominous atmosphere while the emotive smooth vocals melt over the punchy bubbling backdrop and vaporous electronics. The reverb laced backing vocals create an ethereal breezy tone to the track that provides a breath of air between the tracks muggy compression. With elements of The Weeknd within the songs production ‘bad friend’ has a crisp and polished coating with coiling and twisting undertones creating the tracks underbelly.
With labyrinthine hooks nourished between sultry production and gritty heavy beats, The Post Romantics are harnessing their sound, becoming bigger and better with each release.
About the track lead singer, Connor says : “I wrote this song after I realised that people are snakes.Relationships are complicated and people catch feelings and shit, I get it, but, be honest about it at least. Don’t play games. People say one thing but mean another and, eventually, when they don’t get what they want, they’ll turn around and bite you. Maybe I’m just a sucker for people who want to f*ck my life up…”
London-based singer/songwriter Izzy Eze has released her long awaited first single, titled ‘Woman’. It’s an upbeat catchy track filled with attitude and sass. Izzy’s powerful vocals saturate the song with confidence and soul while the snappy beat and infectious melody glide into your ears with sweetness and pop goodness. With R&B flavours adding a dash of spice through the dynamic soundscapes this anthmic powerful track stomps its way into your head until you are singing along. It’s a richly crafted vibrant declaration of confidence, self-love and authenticity and a sublime debut from Izzy Eze.
About the single Izzy says: “ I wrote Woman mainly because I wanted people, especially women, to know that they are strong, powerful and that they can do anything. As women, we tend to apologise for being who we are but this song does the exact opposite. It says, ‘hey, look at me! I am a woman, I am unapologetic about it and I am ready to conquer the world! Writing this song actually flowed quite naturally. I think I was tired of frequently being asked to get my eyebrows threaded… and then Woman happened.”
Contemporary R&B three piece Little Grace have recently released their third single ‘My Bed’. Taking inspiration from Tracey Emin’s art installation, the single proves how connected all art forms are whilst also exploring themes of mental health. With a percentage of all earnings from the single going towards men’s mental health charity CALM, the boys become transparent through their music and hope to encourage the removal of the stigma. Based in North West England, Little Grace have worked with some notable names, including Bristol based drum & bass producer TC, German producer and DJ Robin Schulz (James Blunt, Nick Jonas) and Liverpool based XamVolo. My Bed was written in a day after a surge of inspiration after visiting The Tate Museum, written about the peril of getting lost in your own worries and struggles the track explores daily battles. The accompanying video, created by Spanish animators Eira Ramos and Guillem Guarro, reverses half way through, representing the vicious cycle sufferers of mental health can get caught up in.
‘My Bed’ is a rich full bodied number that sweetly blends electronic and R&B through gripping soundscapes and moving lyrics. Smooth vocals caress the catchy riveting melody with a delicate tenderness while swirling electronics whirl and sweep in the background churning with hair raising emotion and subtle little burst of adrenaline throughout. A sticky gloopy beat slaps and crawls its way around delicate twinkling synths for the verses building the track to its infectious magnetic chorus. This richly produced track glides and simmers around dark tones and eerie soundscapes while the synth pop flavours and velvety vocals sweeten the track and make for a captivating listen.
Watch the video for ‘My Bed’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
