Tag Archives: singer songwriter

Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Soul

Leon Bridges ‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ and ‘Bad Bad News’

Leon Bridges, the double Grammy Award nominated R&B artist, has announced details of his second album, ‘Good Thing’. The album will be available both digitally and physically on the 4th May. ‘Good Thing’, the follow up to Leon’s critically acclaimed, award winning, Certified Gold debut album ‘Coming Home’, was Executive Produced by Ricky Reed and Niles City Sound, and produced by Ricky Reed. Leon and his long-time collaborators and ‘Coming Home’ producers, Niles City Sound, headed out west to work with Reed with the goal of taking Leon’s music in a more modern R&B direction while staying true to his signature style. Leon has released two tracks from the album ‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ and ‘Bad Bad News’.

‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ is your tender soulful slow burner. Leon’s falsetto vocals cruise and sweetly coo through this delicately passionate track. With swoony strings and twinkling piano its a candle lit romantically smooth charmer that oozes emotion. With a soft orchestral arrangement flickering around his warm vocals- it’s evening chill time bliss.

‘Bad Bad News’ is the funkier number. Its swagger soaked and peppy with a groovy bassline that is strut ready. Leon’s vocals exude sass and an effortlessly cool panache. It’s a swish fluid track that seeps swanky chicness with flickers of slick glossy guitar while holding an air of laid back flamboyance. It’s an alluring track that swoops in with charisma and a slicked back funky style.

Both tracks display Leon’s sophisticated richly passionate musicianship and deeply soulful sound with a funky twist thrown in.

When asked about the album Leon said, “I loved my experience with Coming Home. Good Thing however allows me to showcase more of my influences and artistry. I’m excited for the world to hear it and perform this diverse group of songs live.”

Stream ‘Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand’ and ‘Bad Bad News’ Below

 

 


Album Review, Folk, Folk and Soul, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brendan McMahon ‘On This Fine Occasion’

Singer/ songwriter and guitarist Brendan McMahon has released his newest album ‘On This Fine Occasion’. His incisive and insightful song writing combined with his eclectic vibe blends a variety of genres. Ranging from rock, pop, country, celtic, folk and blues he says he is not trying to fit to one particular genre; his new album is a fusion of them all. Hailing from Melbourne, Brendan McMahon discovered his love for music at the early age of ten. With the intentions of starting a band, he released his first album ‘Falling To Earth’ under the moniker ‘Satellite Gods’. Discovering his creative nature and natural flare for recording, a second release immediately followed before completing his recent third album ‘On This Fine Occasion’. With influences like Harry Manx, Richard Thompson, Queensryche and John Mellencamp, his style offers an uplifting blend of rock through to folk. The lyricism of the tracks portray a narrative with inspirations taken from simple objects through to his extensive travel experiences. So far in his career, the Aussie musician has worked with artists such as Bob Spencer (Angels), Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), Wilbur Wilde (Ol’55), Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes), Brett Kingman (James Reyne) and more.

 ‘On This Fine Occasion’ is a collection of tracks which blends a variety of multi genres seamlessly to create a sublime absorbing listen. From the anthemic folky tinged tracks like ‘Alive’ with its soaring powerful arena ready choruses and the whistle friendly cheery ‘Hotel Hemmingway’ with its warm vibrant instrumentation to the rock and roll doused darkly hued ‘Doctor’ McMahon keeps each track fresh and enjoyable.The jingly tunes bounce along with a good wholesome feel and a purity which the folk elements provide. ‘Marker 7-58’ is an utterly beautiful track packing oodles of emotion while guitar twangs lament over a sweet delicate melody and subtle percussion.It’s stripped back and tender. The story telling and lyrical development in the album is superb and thought provoking. The tender moments in tracks such as ‘Mother’ are passionate and embracing and the vibrant peppy moments in tracks like ‘Esmeralda’s Eyes‘ are warm motivating and mighty. ‘Gentleman Joe’ is another tender little gem. It’s raw and intimate with spaced out components that make each fragment an emotional moment you feel and experience as the track progresses into a powerful anthem. However it’s ‘Beat’ that really stands out for me. This track marks a shift in the album with a steamy guitar whine and funky groove. It’s  ready for the strutters  with its dance floor swag. The guitar solos shred with a glossy sleekness while funky keys add a jazzy element to this panache soaked track. ‘Home’ is a glorious way to finish the album. Lush backing vocals introduce this elegant number with a choir like soothing quality. When the main vocals kick in this track just calms and soothes the soul with its comforting wholesome melody and light bright instrumentation. A soft beat taps behind zesty sprinkles of guitar and velvety vocals creating the perfect summers evening backdrop. The sharp guitar injections add a sun speckled positivity through the sweet lamenting of the melody. It’s a beautiful cosy end to an album which takes you on a journey of genres in the most charming heartwarming way.

Stream ‘On This Fine Occasion’ below


Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Goldkey ‘Faster’

Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn. Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert. He will play summer 2018 festival dates and select North east dates in support of his upcoming single ‘Faster’, to be released March 2.

‘Faster’ oozes a beautiful dreamy glow with tender heart-warming emotion. With delicate instrumentation of twinkling guitar and richly soft vibrant drum rumble this track is true, pure, wholesome and just sublimely charming. With a sweet melody caressed by Horns’ luscious velvety vocals and honeyed guitar twangs it just warms your bones and soothes the soul. It’s passionate, fragile and a cosy track to hold dear. There is something very special about this little gem.

Stream ‘Faster’ below


Electronic, Singer/Songwriter

Sertari ‘Flying High’

Following a busy couple of years which saw UK singer and songwriter Sertari chart in Europe and win the Akademia “Singer/Songwriter” Award for her Unplugged EP, she has now finished her new EP – “Bright Star” which features Grammy award winner J- Ivy. After returning from a tour of Cyprus, she is now filling up her diary with festival performances and has reached the final of the Soundwaves competition and will be performing at the O2 academy. She started off by setting up her own label, and running her own live music nights on the South Coast to promote independent talent, as well as promote her own music. As a result of her drive, she has already achieved much self-propelled success, with worldwide releases, press, TV and radio exposure behind her – including recently being played out on BBC Introducing. She was also recently offered a record deal with a Major European Label – but for the time being, she is staying Independent. Sertari has been lucky enough to have worked and performed with a variety of producers and artists, and further to her Akademia Award she was also a previous nominee for “Best Live Act” and “Best Song” at the Exposure Music Awards, and Winner of the Extreme Exposure Award in the UK Open Mic Finals. She has released her new single ‘Flying High’ from her EP ‘Bright Star’.

‘Flying High’ is an ambitious electronic pop track that shimmers with soaring synths and hefty snappy beats to create an atmospheric tune that is larger than life. The emotive electronic soundscapes flicker and flash with dazzling scintillation to create a thrilling lusciously rich experience. Driving guitars teamed with powerful vocals and an attitude-soaked rap feature provided by J Ivy make this track a mighty electronic pop banger that is adrenaline rushing and sublimely elevated.

Stream ‘Flying High’ below


Singer/Songwriter

Kev Minney ‘Can you feel it too?’

Brighton based acoustic guitar player, singer and songwriter Kev Minney has released his new single ‘Can you feel it too?’ along with a live video of the track. The track follows his recent release ‘Chances’ and continues his delicate deeply emotive style seamlessly. Acoustic guitar twinkles between a strong almost eerie beat. Haunting backing vocals coo throughout adding a frosty chill to the track as subtle cello flickers increase the harrowing atmosphere. It’s a cold ghostly number that is hair- raisingly mysterious.

Watch the video for ‘Can You Feel it too?’ below


Electronic, Indie Electro, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Falling Ghost ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’

Manchester based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Falling Ghost has released his debut single ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ which was self-produced in Manchester and then mastered by John Davies (The XX, Lana Del Rey, Gorillaz), through Regent Street Records. Falling Ghost, AKA Daniel Sweeney was formerly the singer-songwriter with Manchester band Sylvia. Before splitting a year ago, Sylvia recorded two albums and toured extensively across the UK and Europe and achieved national radio play from the BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music.  Since going solo, Sweeney has spent the last twelve months writing, recording and producing the first Falling Ghost album which is entitled ‘Pure O’ and is set for release later next year.

‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ is a crisp clean-cut display with velvety vocals and hypnotic electronic slapping beats. It’s a dreamy, floating emotionally charged track that is honest pure and gripping. The haunting breezy soundscapes wisp about the track giving a coldness while the beautiful delicate melody floats on top soothing from the biting chill. It’s somewhat eerie yet sublimely melodic with twinkling keys and sway-able tempo it’s a captivating debut from Falling Ghost.

Stream ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ below

 


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Kev Minney ‘Chances’

Kev Minney is a Brighton based acoustic guitar player, singer and songwriter. Using open tunings and catchy melodic vocal lines he creates a dexterous and unique sound. He has now released a live video for his single ‘Chances’ which is taken from his debut album ‘Stories of the Sky’. ‘Chances’ is a sweet delicate track with twinkling piano accompaniment flooding heart-warming emotion and tenderness into the song. The cello glides through adding an overwhelming warmth and fireside glow. Lush backing vocals embrace the main vocals with a swoony sweet delicacy. The live video removes the piano and replaces it with soft acoustic guitar accompaniment however the backing vocals are just as crisp and immaculate perhaps even more so. It’s a little more stripped back but still remains beautiful and gripping.

Watch the live video for ‘Chances’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Martha Ffion

Irish-born, and now Glasgow based singer-songwriter Martha Ffion has announced her eagerly anticipated debut LP entitled ‘Sunday Best’ which is released 9th March 2018 on Turnstile Music.’Take Your Name’ is the first single to be announced from the album and has an accompanying video which was directed and edited by Beth Chalmers & Claire M F McKay.Initially breaking through with a ‘postcard single’ on Scotland’s flourishing Lost Map label, Ffion’s reputation soared with last year’s ‘Trip’ EP, a swooning five-track collection that was released by Turnstile Music (Cate Le Bon, Gruff Rhys, Charlotte Church, Emmy the Great etc.) and championed by Gold Flake Paint for its “beautifully melodic sway”.

‘Take Your Name’ follows the swoony lusciousness of her EP. A 50’s, 60’s- esque melty melody unfolds upon delicate sweet instrumentation. With its sway-like tempo and heavenly backing vocals teamed with light guitar twinkles and a soft dragged laid back drum beat it’s a timeless little gem that soothes the soul and fills you with an innocent sense of longing and wistfulness. Ffion’s flawless crisp vocals smoothly caress this delicate dreamy track and adds a contemporary hazy filter over this picturesque delight. Filled with heartfelt tenderness and pristine sweetness it’s a soft centered utterly beautiful elegant composition.

Watch the video for ‘Take Your Name’ below

 


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Joshua KYEOT ‘Playground Sweethearts’

Joshua KYEOT (pronounced kye-oh-tee) is a British-Ghanaian singer/ songwriter from South London who writes soul songs with a timeless quality and has a tone that is instantly recognisable. He has recently released his new single ‘Playground Sweethearts’. Taking jazz, pop, classical and rock as inspiration, he cites Stevie Wonder, Sisqo, and Michael Jackson among his top influences. Driven by music as a primary means of expression Joshua KYEOT is steadfast in his pursuit of becoming an all-around entertainer. Joshua has spent the past few years earning his stripes by playing various stages including ILUVLIVE hotlist and Sofar London. Generating some buzz within the industry he has opened for acts such as Izzy Bizu off the strength of his live sets.

‘Playground Sweethearts’ is a delicate passionate track filled with pure wholesomeness and oodles of soul. Twinkling guitars and soft drums create a timeless classy sound that is so sweet and luscious to the ears. The plucked guitar creates a simple start to the track and floods the track with an elegant tender warmth that is beautiful. A creamy honey coated melody caresses the graceful subtle instrumentation as Joshua’s vocals exude passion and emotion. Sublimely crafted the track builds into a steamy sharp guitar solo and fiery affectionate crescendo. Filled with romance it’s a beautiful refined track from Joshua KYEOT.

Stream ‘Playground Sweethearts’ below


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

JayElbid ‘Rise and Fall’

Portraitshooting

Based in Germany singer-songwriter JayElbid has recently released her debut single ‘Rise and Fall’, a melancholic ballad about the ups and downs of life and the resistance to surrender to negativity. Coming from a classical background and showing an interest in piano and violin before primary school, JayElbid has always had a strong passion for music and turned to song writing after an illness left her unable to follow some of her past hobbies.

Impressively, ‘Rise and Fall’ was written in one sitting and hasn’t been changed since, as it captured exactly the feeling and mood JayElbid wanted to portray. Recorded in the legendary Funkhaus Berlin, JayElbid’s vocals are reminiscent of Florence Welch and Enya and the single offers atmospheric and endearing simplicity. This deeply touching track is raw unadulterated emotion expressed simply and beautifully through JayElbids exquisite vocals which glide seamlessly from her deep low range to sweet falsetto. She expresses so much raw emotion through her vocals alone- it’s a magical heart wrenching and tender experience. The elegant piano accompaniment gently flutters behind with tear jerking delicacy. This track is crisp and sweet yet flooded with sombre emotions. It’s one that will leave a crowded room silent, consumed within the song’s lyrics and powerful vocal display from JayElbid.

Stream ‘Rise and Fall’ below