I caught up with Bobbi Arlo to chat about her new single ‘Signs’, how she writes her songs, being trained as a soprano and what she has planned for the coming months.
Watch the interview below
Author : Danu
Tag Archives: singer songwriter
Drew Thomas ‘Early Hours’ EP
Drew Thomas has released his debut EP ‘Early Hours’. Drew Thomas is a singer/songwriter raised in Nottingham and living in London. He has spent the past few years playing shows around the country including slots at Reading & Leeds festival, Y Not festival and Shepherds Bush Empire. Drew’s previous offerings have been heavily tipped and featured by the likes of BBC Introducing, Sofar Sounds, Atwood, God is in the TV and numerous other online tastemakers.
‘Early Hours’ is a moving collection of tracks as Drew Thomas uses his heartfelt songwriting and gripping soundscapes to create an emotional rollercoaster. With elegant keys, punchy drums and cinematic crescendo’s ‘Lying On The Concrete’ and ‘Running Reds’ kick start the EP with a multitude of emotions and rich textures.
The EP holds the listeners heart in suspense. Through the lyrics Drew tells uplifting, coming of age tales about finding yourself and the vices we hold that others don’t see. Using dark undertones, ethereal keys and indie pop melodies he balances themes of melancholy and feelings of loneliness with themes of hope to create a charming and compelling collection of tracks.
Drew displays his knack with beautiful emotive melodies through ‘Somebody You Needed’, the bittersweet melody drifts into an airy soundscape creating a tender tear-jerker. Soft keys wisps through pulsing electronics and steady beat, allowing the track to venture into darker territory while Drew’s clear warm vocals ooze soul and passion.
As ‘Early Hours’ progresses each song shows a different aspect to Drew’s musicianship. He simmers his emotive pop with subtle electronic elements to create a powerful and enthralling listening experience. This is shown most effectively in ‘High (On Our Own)’, the track which brings the EP to a gripping end. The song builds with power pop and indie elements as intense guitars blend with dramatic synths and snappy drums to create a hair-raising evocative finale.
‘Early Hours’ boasts the passionate and striking musicianship of Drew Thomas as he builds cinematic and powerful instrumentation around his gripping songwriting and velvety vocals to create a mature, earnest and uplifting collection of tracks.
Stream ‘Early Hours’ below
Author : Danu
Lucy Gaffney ‘Send Me Away’
Hailing from Belfast, the now Liverpool based, Irish songwriter Lucy Gaffney has released her new single ‘Send Me Away’,via Frictionless Music. The track was produced by The Coral’s James Skelly and featuring on the track alongside Lucy is Thom Southern (Electric Guitar, Bass) and Jim Sharrock(Drums).Previously, Lucy was part of Marathon signed band Southern, alongside her brother and consistent collaborator Thom. Her short solo career – with just the one single out so far – has already seen acclaim from the iconic Liam Gallagher (who called her music ‘celestial’), a collaboration with DMA’s and tours with Bill Ryder Jones and She Drew The Gun. Big supporters at radio have come in the form of BBC Radio 1, as well as BBC Introducing Merseyside and BBC Introducing Ulster.
‘Send Me Away’ is a dreamy slice of psychedelic shoegaze as Lucy Gaffney’s delicate vocals drift over an expanding swirling soundscape. The effervescent instrumental backdrop fizzes and swells to create an intoxicating wall of sound. With sweet guitar refrains piercing the thick euphoric bass ripples and driving beat, the track instantly lifts you into an ethereal state of bliss. The melody is saturated in irresistible hooks and syrupy textures. As the song progresses distorted guitars superbly build creating pockets of piercing scintillation through the dazing synths while Gaffney innocently coos over the tense edgy soundscape. Lucy Gaffney is a compelling artist and talented songwriter, showing strong personal musical growth from her days in Southern and MMode. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Lucy Gaffney in the future.
About the track Gaffney explains: “For me the track really encapsulates the dreamy element in the idea of love, getting lost in intoxicating moments and the electric excitement of the unknown. With the recording I wanted to capture the garage band rawness from when I wrote it in the rehearsal studio. There’s an honest naivety to it that fizzes with electric quirks and kinks from start to finish, igniting an in the moment carefree edge.”
Stream ‘Send Me Away’ below
Author : Danu
Jack Joyce ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’
Up and coming, unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’. Jack first embarked on his music career at the age of sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. He released his debut demo EP, ‘Get Down’, in October 2018 and spent the summer of 2019 busking through Europe. Following his return he sold out The Vintage Room in the Workman’s Club and the Whale Theatre. He followed this by opening for Cassia in Whelan’s and playing a slot at the New Year’s Festival in Dublin.
Once again Jack Joyce presents another sleek and breezy indie rock number that exudes charm while maintaining the irresistible infectiousness of his previous single ‘56 Roadster’. Boasting warm jaunty guitar, steady drums and a sun kissed soundscape ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ is a quirky, lyrically witty and upbeat bop. With a balmy smooth melody draped over nimble guitar refrains and elastic bass groove it’s a buoyant gem sure to brighten anyone’s day. In fact, it’s the effortless laid back swagger and light flirtations on guitar that makes this track so enticing. Jack weaves sweet and nimble guitar lines into the songs foundation to create bright moments and zesty stings to delight the listeners ears with. His unique, cheeky vocals ooze character into the song while the irresistible bubbling backdrop makes ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ quite the ear worm. Showcasing refined tunes, sharp storytelling, and strong musical growth, Jack Joyce is becoming an impressive songwriter. He has limitless talent and ambition, keep an eye on Jack Joyce.
Stream ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ below
Author : Danu
A Chat With : Thom Southern
Dagny ‘Strangers / Lovers’ Album
Norwegian singer Dagny has released the second half of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ via Little Daggers Records. The first half of the album was released earlier this year and documented the blossoming early stages of a new love, while the second half examines the fall out of that relationship.
Dagny’s knack with luscious melodies continues into the second half of the album as she creates beautiful earworms that flourish within the clean dynamic production. There is something more tantalizing and darker about the second half as it subtly slips into a more mysterious and brooding aspect of her infectious pop.
‘Moment’ kick-starts the second half of the album with a buoyant disco vibe as Dagny spreads a sweet pop melody over a breezy electronic backdrop while zesty guitar refrains add a dash of bite between the sugar sweet soundscapes. ‘Please Look At Me’ strides on a more enticing electronic wall of sound filled with bouncy beats and rich percussive elements which flesh out the songs charm. Dagny brings the intoxicating synths and energetic soundscapes to a halt for the emotive ‘Bad At Love (Interlude)’ and beautiful ballad ‘Coast To Coast’. These earnest tunes display Dagny’s emotive songwriting, deft musicianship and striking vocal capabilities. Her ability to express heartfelt, heavy-hitting, and emotional lyrics through a delicate musical arrangement is mesmerising.
In this second half Dagny displays the post breakup emotions through an intriguing lens. These infectious pop tunes slip into the head with ease allowing the second half of the album become just as upbeat, catchy and danceable as the first half while her songwriting prowess meanders through the conflicting, complex, and sombre themes. Propelled by jittery percussion, pulsing synths and dreamy melodies, ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak ’and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ display this superbly. The flashing disco synths in ‘Bye Bye Baby’ reinforce the strength of finally leaving the relationship behind.
‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a cohesive album and a journey of the heart, expressed through passionate, bubbling and dynamic musicianship. Dagny is a wonderful songwriter and her ability to provide a completely satisfying, emotional and refined album is impressive. Her smooth unforced tunes have a glitzy swagger and shimmer about them but dig beneath the catchy hooks and danceable beats and there is a pool of depth and poetic prowess within. ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a sublime album of electronic pop and a fantastic display of expressive musicianship from Dagny.
You can check out our review of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ part one here https://www.indiebuddie.com/dagny-side-a-of-strangers-lovers-album/
Stream ‘Strangers / Lovers’ below
Author : Danu
Mark Hegan ‘Another Kind of Blood’
Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘Another Kind of Blood’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.
‘Another Kind of Blood’ is a driving infectious indie number locked and loaded with Mark Hegan’s polished, feel good songwriting. His passion flourishes through the track with a relentless upbeat radiance while the heart pounding drum beat, dynamic guitar and powerful chorus are an instant shot of adrenaline. This stirring anthem has a moving velvety melody. Hegan’s wholesome vocals add warmth and tenderness to the track as it builds to its compelling crescendo. With a sax solo and foot-tapping beat on drums this kinetic tune showcases Hegan’s earnest musicianship while turning it into something quite anthemic and powerful.
Stream ‘Another Kind of Blood’ below
Author : Danu
Sinead McConville ‘Running from You’
Sinead McConville has released her second release; a self-empowerment & fierce pop track ‘Running from You’. Sinead McConville released her debut single ‘Doorstep’ in May 2020 which received nationwide praise. The song was played on national radio stations such as Totally Irish with John Barker, 8Radio and Dublin City FM.Her first headline show was one of the first live gigs back in Dublin on July 4th in The Wild Duck in association with Ex Oh Promotions. The gig was a huge success and ended with a standing ovation & encore. Furthermore, she performs as a session musician with upcoming Irish artists and has performed on The Late Late Show with D. Cullen, Irish Music Week & The X Collective Showcase with ELKAE and TiLT in The Button Factory with Munky. Radio performances include RTE Radio 1 (Today with Sean O’Rourke and The Ray D’Arcy Show), BBC Radio Ulster (Gerry Kelly), SPIN 1038 (Plan B with Sarina Bellissimo) and East Coast FM (The Morning Show with Declan Meehan).
‘Running from You’ is a power pop anthem doused in dark-hued electronics, suspenseful beats and the dynamic songwriting of Sinead McConville. Haunting synths wisp about the dance-infused beats which thump and pulse throughout building tension as the track progresses. With a smooth vocal delivery contrasting the fermenting, curdling instrumental backdrop and honest lyrics ‘Running from You’ is an intoxicating new single from Sinead McConville
About the track Sinead McConville said : “A past relationship just kept being brought up in conversations and it came to the stage where I felt like I was constantly running from everyone bringing him up. Writing this song felt like I was finally laying all my cards on the table and expressing that no more did I depend on someone to bring me happiness. Instead I truly found my own happiness and ‘picture perfect land’ within myself”
Stream ‘Running from You’ below
Author : Danu
Someya ‘Da da da da’
Someya is set to release her new single ‘Da da da da’ on October 2nd. Also known as ‘The Sassy Song’, Someya’s ‘Da da da da’ is a brand new track fresh off her upcoming EP ‘Bottle Full of Dreams’. Depicting a brutally honest moment of being tired of someone, Someya brings forward the confidence in acknowledging that really, ‘it’s not me, it’s you’. Someya brought in Nova Noir Productions to work on the song as well as Flipsyde’s guitarist Dave Lopez.Constantly writing and expanding her artistry, Someya grew up in California and became involved with music from an early age. Having several summer programme’s at Berklee College of Music under her belt, a debut EP release at age 16, a UK tour, and after spending the past three years pursuing her music career, Someya is proving to be quite the dedicated pop artist.
‘Da da da da’ is a dark noir rock/pop track as Someya spreads a haunting melody over chilling guitars and ominous soundscapes to create an eerie lulling tune. A melancholic melody soothes while Someya coos with a mysterious undertone. The track travels at a steady, creeping pace as it builds to its intense crescendo. With a shredding guitar solo breaking the song’s hazy state, ‘Da da da da’ is an intriguing well crafted single from Someya.
You can pre save ‘Da da da da’ here https://ditto.fm/da-da-da-da
Author : Danu
Dagny Has Just Released The New Video For Her Latest Single “It’s Only A Heartbreak” Alongside Announcing An Irish Headline Show At The Academy, Dublin
Norwegian singer Dagny has just released the new video for her latest single “It’s Only A Heartbreak” alongside announcing an Irish headline show at The Academy, Dublin on the 10 April 2021. Her long-awaited debut album Strangers / Lovers is also out this Friday the 2nd October 2020 via Little Daggers Records.
‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’ is a catchy pop gem. Dagny uses relatable themes and shimmering musicianship to create an upbeat bittersweet post breakup anthem. In the video Dagny is supported by two women who encourage the singer not to text or think about her ex. With shots in a beautiful hotel and its grounds, Dagny shows off her ability to dance with fun choreography which includes a number of fancy moves geared towards stopping Dagny from picking up the phone and reconnecting with her ex.
Speaking on the new single release, Dagny commented: “It’s Only A Heartbreak is actually partly inspired by the classic movie “Casablanca” from 1942, and Humphrey Bogart’s famous quote: “Here’s looking at you, kid”. Like the movie, the song is about knowing that you will never get someone back, but you can secretly still look at, and admire, that certain someone. The song carries a nonchalant expression, but the undertone makes it pretty obvious that you’re not over that person yet.”
The full Strangers / Lovers album is out on October 2nd until then check out the video for “It’s Only A Heartbreak” below
Author : Danu
