Tag Archives: singer songwriter

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Alfie Indra ‘Red Lights’

Alfie Indra has released his second track ‘Red Lights’ on Keep Me Young. Hailing from Suffolk (living in Manchester) the track comes after the success of Indra’s debut signed release ‘Hard To Cope’. The 21 year old has been releasing music unsigned for a number of years and his music has evolved from stripped back folk/acoustic to a more upbeat feel while still retaining the lyrical essence from his roots. ‘Red Lights’ has been released on all online platforms including Spotify and iTunes, along with a music video filmed in a night club in Manchester capturing those blurry nights, teamed with some bright red performance shots.

 ‘Red Lights’ fleshes out a sublime woozy example of Alfie Indra’s electronic pop with a mushy pliable beat giving a blissful sense of excitement and anticipation as it playfully slaps against hazy swirling electronic soundscapes. The melodies ooze heavenly ecstasy from every note while sonic flecks daydreamingly flash dazzling neon lights as if showing glimpses of a memory of a fun night out. This chilled laid-back track soothes with an unhurried sense of elation and wonder as Indra’s vocals whisper with sweet delicacy and passion. The guitars warmly glow through the hazy electronics giving a subtle glimpse of the thrilling solo to come for the magical joyous crescendo. It’s just a sublime subtle burst of heavenly mellowness that fills you with anticipation and youthful elation.

Watch the video for ‘Red Lights’ below

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Woodward ‘Higher’ EP

North-West singer-songwriter Jack Woodward has released his second EP ‘Higher’.  With his lead single ‘Higher’ receiving confident support from tastemaker radio stations such as Amazing Radio & BBC Introducing he follows through with his full EP demonstrating his electrifying sound to establish himself as one of the UK’s most promising new singer-songwriters. Like many great singer-songwriters, Woodward has been brought up on a strong musical diet. His musical palette has since developed to the likes of Newton Faulkner, Tom Odell, John Mayer and Foo Fighters, igniting his great passion for song writing.

‘Higher’ is a triple strike of what Woodward does so well. Title track ‘Higher’ is a strong example of his fine pop musicianship. The catchy chorus swooshes in with a surge of emotion exuding through Woodward’s passionate vocals and lush backing vocals. It’s a delicately paced track that spends time gently trickling emotion throughout the verses before building into the gushing chorus. Elegant piano accompaniment introduces the track while strong chords add stability. With stinging melancholic guitars lifting the crescendo, it’s an uplifting powerful piece that sets this EP off to a great start. Woodward is intent on showcasing his wide scope and multi genre style as each track shifts subtly between genres. ‘Pray’ displays the pop electronic flavour to this delicious Neapolitan ice cream -like EP. With a lighter bouncier feel, this snappy little ditty is fresh and crisp. Flashing electronics teamed with a sticky beat and luscious melody create a summer ready anthem. Woodward maintains his dark deeply emotional undertones; however, he wraps it in a pretty energetic little bow that charms and sparkles delicate bursts of luminosity. ‘Seven Seas’ is a little more alternative and definitely takes the darkest tone of the three tracks. This track marries the themes of both its predecessors and takes a fiery anthemic fist pump approach. Woodward’s vocals are deeper and dynamic as the shadowy instrumentation of bubbling basslines and jagged guitars add a conflicting vibe like a storm of uncertainty and agitation. It’s haunting and a little eerie but a mighty end to the EP.

Woodward has built a strong three point attack that displays his flexibility and versatility as an artist. His impressive depth and maturity teamed with refined prudent musicianship makes this singer songwriter stand out.

Stream ‘Higher’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, doo-Wop, Dream Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Zach Leon ‘Sail Away Heart’ Album

23-year-old pop-indie singer Zach Leon has recently released his full-length album entitled ‘Sail Away Heart’. Leon is an alternative artist originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years. Leon released his first solo EP ‘The Great And Terrible’ in  2016 which lead to music videos, local recognition and a growing fan base.

‘Sail Away Heart’ devotes itself to gloriously triumphant anthems like the richly textured ‘California (Girls Don’t Sing)’ with its lush rhythm, snappy catchy melody and superb sing along chorus. ‘The Villain’ follows this pattern with a jazzy vintage piano feature introducing the track before it blasts into a fiery anthem of crashing instrumentation and mighty vocals. Leon uses every weapon in his arsenal to offer up a wide assortment of genres from heavy alternative tunes to the sweet doo wop 50’s- esque romantic elegance of ‘A + K’ and the tipsy swayable ‘Drunk Eggs’ .The first half of the album glides and flows with delicacy and warmth with ‘Sad Tonight’ acting as the acoustic little charmer which displays Leon’s ability to hold your attention with a simple arrangement, beautiful melody and captivating lyrics. The sweet little jingle of ’Sailawayheart pt. 1’ marks the end of that delicate tone as ‘Pretentious Love’ shakes up the album with an alternative rock heaviness. Shouty vocals swear and scream with attitude while guitars crash and drums pound throughout. ‘Fight Me’ smashes through with punk attitude demanding attention with its infectious mosh ready bounce. These particular tracks add a rough and tumble edge to the album making for an invigorating listen. I love the short little interludes in the album ‘Sailawayheart Pt. 2’ and closing track ‘Sailawayheart pt. 3’ are just sweet little dittys you could put on a loop, they are peppy and refreshing.

‘Sailawayheart’ is a refreshing array of beautiful romantic tunes covered in a warm glow and tenderness with some feisty rock and punk whacks thrown in. Leon blends his multi genres well slipping and sliding between genres showing the highs and lows of life and the magical glimpses between. An impressive collection from this young singer songwriter.

Stream ‘Sailawayheart’ below


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Olly Flavell ‘Paint the Sky’

Olly Flavell is an innovative singer songwriter whose originality captivates with ease. With wisdom beyond his years and a youthful flair, carefully crafted material naturally flows from this talented 20-year-old making him stand out from the crowd. In combining influences from the realms of Pop, Country and Rock Flavell creates an unseen contemporary sound with nuances of classic melodies and traditional lyricism. Flavell who is currently recording his new EP ‘My Heart In My Hand’ is set to  release his new single ‘Paint the Sky’ on Christmas day.

‘Paint the Sky’ is a beautiful melodic track that bleeds soulful passion and romance. It’s delicately swayable with a luscious melody and warm soaked heartfelt instrumentation to whisk you away into a sweet tender lovely bubble. With gentle guitar strums, a soft tapping beat and some steamy guitar injections it’s one for a romantic slow dance and perfect for the idealistic Christmas scene- soft snow fall and romance. Flavell’s soulful vocals exude a beautiful sense of love and devotion and pull at your heartstrings while a sultry guitar solo adds a nice hint of passion. It’s fireside, dreamy warmth perfect at this time of the year. Flavell has a knack with elegant melty melodies and refined arrangements and this treasurable wispy ballad is another example of his charming, polished evolving craft.

Watch the lyric video for ‘Paint the Sky’ below

 


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

FREEMAN ‘Good Times’

West London based singer-songwriter and abstract artist, FREEMAN has released his new single ‘Good Times’ on Catapult Records.’Good Times’ is the follow up to the recent and acclaimed debut ‘Lay On’ and was recorded over the Summer at Eastcote Studios in Kensal Rise with Jamie Brown and engineer Andy Hughes. ‘Lay On’, which picked up widespread support from the likes of The Huffington Post and BBC Radio London, came with a video featuring footage from the Oscar winning French short ‘The Red Balloon’ and had 180k views and over 1.5k shares on its first week online.  The new single is another indication of what to expect from the singer’s forthcoming album ‘Truth’ which is scheduled for release early next year.

‘Good Times’ is a heartfelt warm number that oozes fireside glowing wholesomeness. It’s soft with gentle percussion tapping playfully along the tender beautiful melody. Cosy guitar strums twinkle between FREEMANS warm soothing vocals. It’s sing along ready and instantly swayable and charming. Its delicate and feathery light with an infectious buoyancy and positive atmosphere that will put a nostalgic smile on your face. A lovable track that will warm you up on a cold winters day. It is a pure snuggly delight that is so easy to listen to.

Watch the video for ‘Good Times’ below


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Isaac Gracie ‘Terrified’

Isaac Gracie has released his new single, ‘Terrified’. It’s release quickly follows his recent ‘Death of You & I’ EP, and was recorded in London. The 23-year-old London-raised singer-songwriter who sent the music industry into a fever with his debut track ‘Last Words’ has spent the last days of Autumn nestled neatly on the Radio 1 playlist (with the EP’s title track) and captivating audiences out on the roads of Europe and the UK. We are fans of Gracie here at Indie Buddie so were chuffed to hear he has released ‘Terrified’. You’ll perhaps already recognise ‘Terrified’ as a self-produced demo right back where it all started, on an EP of rough but hugely promising acoustic solo tracks and now Gracie has added a few new elements and polished it off a little. With pulses and a tender acoustic guitar accompaniment to start ‘Terrified’ pulls you into the center of its heartbroken story. The addition of the gentle elegant piano glides and sways with grandeur and innocence while guitar whines add a heart wrenching pull. The track flows fluidly and delicately into a passionate soaring chorus that surges with emotion and agonizing pain. Gracie’s vocals are immaculate as always- the depth and maturity exposing the wound within as he expresses this perfectly with every quiver, rasp and delicate coo. The lyrics are so heartfelt, lamenting and honest it’s a gripping heart wrenching performance. It’s raw, heart on your sleeve, naked emotion presented beautifully. The track has taken a new lease of life becoming explosive without sounding busy or even loud. I personally loved the rawness of the demo, but this polished little gem is one to hold dear.

With a debut album currently being finished and expected in the Spring of 2018 via Virgin EMI, and further live dates across the globe being added to almost weekly, Isaac Gracie is one not to be missed.

Watch the video for ‘Terrified’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Twat’

Following a string of big dance bangers during summer 2017 and the BBC 6 Music plays of “Massif Anthem”, Drogheda-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Twat’ which was recorded in Hackney, London with top producer Tom McFall (Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party). With its shuffle slow jam verses and sway ready radio friendly chorus ‘Twat’ is a sing along anthem (well until you pay particular attention to the words). Smothered in soft velvety tones, it’s a sweet melancholic drown your sorrows tune with a few cheeky lyric jabs. Featuring a sombre strong piano chord progression, soft beat and lush melody it has everything you need to create a wistful ear worm. This ditty even comes packed with a steamy sorrowful guitar solo. Its damn catchy and smooth on the ears. Keep an eye out for Donal Quinn.

Stream ‘Twat’ below


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Nigel Phillip Davies ‘How Wrong Can a Man Be’

Swansea Born Nigel Phillip Davies has released his new single ‘How Wrong Can a Man Be’. Nigel has  been on the bill with some very notable artists in the past, including Amy Wadge and the Strawbs and ‘How Wrong Can a Man Be’ is the latest single from the classically trained pianist. The single see’s Nigel return to an Acoustic/Folk style after years of playing Prog Rock and Jazz. It’s a gentle emotional little ditty with elegant piano wandering through a melancholic melody steeped in heart wrenching nostalgia. It’s a meaningful tender track that evokes images of a sombre Christmas scene. It reminds me a little of David Essex’s ‘A Winter’s Tale’ – just as sweet, dainty, immensely emotional and passionate. The lyrics are honest and pure expressing the rawness of heartbreak so simply and beautifully it will bring a tear to your eye. The feathery light piano wistfully twinkles and floats with a soft innocence and fragility creating a tender delicate emotional scene.

The inspiration for ‘How Wrong Can a Man Be’ came from Nigel’s experiences throughout his life. It is about dealing with love and the loss of that love, but as Nigel says “most songs do” address that. What separates ‘How Wrong Can a Man Be’ from the other songs about losing love is that it is skilfully lyrically driven. The poignant song stemmed from the title and slowly grew to contain various phrases of misdirection, naivety and double meaning.

Stream ‘How Wrong Can a Man Be’


Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Walker ‘English Bones’ Album

English singer-songwriter James Walker is set to release his debut album ‘English Bones’ on Wild Native Records on the 17th November.’English Bones’ was produced by Sam Winfield (Amber Run, Dry the River, Supergrass) and features ten tracks including ‘Lullaby’, ‘Weathered’ and the current single ‘2009’. Available at all the major outlets, the album is a brilliant collection of songs that Walker has created over the past eighteen months and the songs cover issues of identity, nostalgia & celebrity stalkers.Having extensively toured Europe as a pianist, co-writer and collaborator for Adam Barnes, Walker set his sights on creating his own work informed by his experiences of love and heartbreak, to finding identity within the LGBT+ community, to recovery and rehabilitation from a rare heart condition. Inspired by artists such as Conor Oberst, The Weepies and Damien Rice and drawing on the influences of Foxing, Pavement and Tigers Jaw, Walker has performed over 200 shows in the past year over the UK, EU and USA.

‘English Bones’ is the sweetest most beautiful collection of tracks. Walker takes the listener on a tender emotional journey soothed by his luscious melodies and gentle vocals he cushions you for the hard-hitting melancholic tunes like opener ‘Weathered’ and warms your soul with the vibrant peppy tracks such as ‘2009’. Walker touches your soul with his passionate vocals and sparkling soundscapes. ‘Next To Me’ warms the cockles of your heart with tender tones and warm mellow twinkling guitar between a melty sublime melody. His vocals shield you from the sombre tone while lush backing vocals and delicate glowing soundscapes add a laid back hazy vibe. ’Landslide’ is a lushly arranged love song that exudes delicate tones and a nostalgic wispy atmosphere. ‘Lullaby (feat. Judy Blank)’ is a blissful slice of heaven. So quiet and peaceful yet seeped in a luscious melody. This track is simply beautiful and my favourite on the album. Judy Blanks’ vocals harmonise and blend magnificently with Walkers. It glides with a soft feathery grandeur and elegance lulling you into a sway-like dreamy state of bliss. Utterly breath-taking and graceful. The album continues with the wispy, light and airy tender tones of ‘Casanovas’, ‘Waiting’ and ‘Casualty’ while ‘Abyss’ adds a few sonic flecks, jittery sticky beats and an exquisite piano feature into the supple mix. ‘Kreuzberg’ closes the album with soft accompaniment, it’s breezy and a touch eerie to start. Light piano glistens through guitar strums while echoed vocals add a cold icy vibe.

‘English Bones’ is an album that displays Walkers strongly emotive, heart-warmingly tender and passionate musicianship. With mostly warm toasty glowing vibes he injects little mood shifters throughout adding some lively peppy tunes and some chilling breezy tunes in there to keep things refreshing. It’s an emotional journey for sure but a lovely listen. Walker has the ability to grab raw tender emotion and portray it so beautifully and sweetly creating a tear jerking, majestic and ethereal experience.

Walker, who has just completed an extensive two-month tour of Europe with Matt Phillips and Judy Blank, will be heading out once again for dates with Adam Barnes this November. James will also be returning to the USA to tour the East Coast in support of the launch of Matt Phillips new album next Spring.

Stream ‘Lullaby’ (feat. Judy Blank) below

https://soundcloud.com/james_walker_music/lullaby

 


Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Michael Jablonka

Michael Jablonka is a musician from London. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock. The 27-year-old has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those who have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid. Jablonka’s intense yet universal alt-rock’n’soul tunes scream for wider appreciation and ‘Peacefully’ is the first of a dynamite double-A to be released by Jablonka on Lost In The Manor Records.

‘Peacefully’ erupts with a blistering guitar riff that sizzles and scorches into a whip crack slapping rhythm. Jablonka’s vocals, raspy and soul infused bleed over the melty infectious melody. It’s so satisfyingly heavy and fuzzed with sharp enthralling guitar exuding red hot fiery swagger. Jablonka is cool and majestic while the massive anthemic chorus explodes with a combustible rawness. Edgy and refined it’s an electric soul belter that will leave you gobsmacked. This guy has so much talent it seeps from every note, every lyric, glowing like divinity, it’s a track to gather the masses and consume them in its celestial sound. It’s a slap in the face announcing a true musician in all his glory. Put it on repeat ‘Peacefully’ is your doorway to escapism, consume and absorb this divine track. Keep an eye out for this guy.

“Peacefully is about separating yourself from a rough situation,” says Jablonka of the track produced by Ben ‘BJ’ Jackson at NXNE Studios in London. “Everyone is constantly in need of escapism.”

Stream ‘Peacefully’ below

https://soundcloud.com/jablonka-music/peacefully-2/s-pmUw3