Indie Quick Picks Featuring -HVNTER, Michael-James, HAVVK, crush and Emma Hynes

HVNTER

Genre : Electronic pop

Bio : HVNTER is an electronic singer-songwriter from Pontypridd, South Wales who found his love for music uploading self-taught acoustic covers to YouTube at 16, where he began to craft his songwriting skills. He soon found his feet and after just 3 years had surpassed over 250,000 views. His debut track “Blood” quickly racked up over 30,000 plays on Soundcloud within the first few weeks of release. Catching the attention of Alex Thompson, Managing Director of Clash Magazine and radio support from BBC Introducing.Over the years HVNTER bloomed as a live performer. Having performed with and supported touring artists Bright Light Bright Light, Into The Ark (BBC The Voice), Let’s Eat Grandma, Gabriel Garzon Montano, Tinchy Stryder and Chris Stark (BBC Radio 1), to name a few alongside landing slots at Young Peoples Village and Truck Festival.

Track: Care For You

Why We Like It: This luscious tune simmers with electronic pop soundscapes to create one infectious summer bop. Hip hop beats weave into the track’s bouncy backdrop alongside ethereal keys that flutter between subtle rhythmic shuffles and catchy refrains. ‘Care For You’ exudes a balmy laid back charm enhanced by HVNTER’s smooth vocals which caress the irresistible dreamy melody. This tune is one enjoyable polished gem for listeners to enjoy.

You can follow HVNTER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/iamhvnter

Stream ‘Care For You’ below 

Michael-James

Genre : Singer songwriter 

Bio : Michael-James is an Indie Folk artist from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. At just 23, Michael has his listeners seeking more and eager to share. On the back of four singles and an E.P released in 2020, Michael is back and ready for more. His latest release ‘golden’ is a short and sweet sing-along summer song. It’s about no matter how far you may travel, how much money you may have in the bank, it’s all about enjoying the little things in life with the person you hold closest to your heart

Track: golden

Why We Like It: It’s a cosy melodic ditty doused in the heartfelt songwriting of Michael-James. The artist drifts mellow guitar twinkles over a steady rhythmic foundation and bright catchy melody to create an easy listening soundscape for his listeners to indulge in. This song glows with a hazy warmth that is magnified by velvety vocals, elegant piano, and foot-tapping beats. Michael-James has a wonderful ability to create bright and soothing tunes that sparkle with subtle charm and beauty.

You can follow Michael-James on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljamesofficial

Stream ‘golden’ below

HAVVK

Photo Credit : James Byrne

Genre : Alt-grunge

Bio : HAVVK have announced the date for their upcoming album ‘Levelling’ with the release of their new single ‘Automatic’. ‘Automatic’ follows the success of previous album tracks ‘Home’ and ‘No Patience’, which have received excellent radioplay worldwide on stations such as RTÉ 2fm, Today FM, BBC Radio Ulster, NewsTalk, 98fm and Beat 102103 (Ireland), Radio X, Amazing Radio (UK) and KEXP (USA). DSP support has been excellent with album tracks being added to Spotify editorial playlists like ‘Fresh Finds: Rock’, ‘Melomania / Alt. Rocked’ and ‘Whatevs’.

Track: Automatic

Why We Like It: HAVVK present the perfect balance between heavy alternative rock, sweet atmospheric post-rock and lush shoegaze with their latest release. Boasting brooding verses, ethereal soundscapes that build continuously, and the wonderful vocal delivery of Julie Hough the trio’s musical mastery is on full display within ‘Automatic’. The track is simply divine and proves HAVVK are in a league of their own. Press play and enjoy.

You can follow HAVVK on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/HAVVKmusic

Stream ‘Automatic’ below

crush

Genre : Grunge pop

Bio : Formed in 2018 whilst studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, crush have spent a number of years refining their distinctive sound. During the pandemic, an abundance of free time allowed the band to find their musical feet, leaning into a spacier and darker shoegaze style, far removed from their dream-pop tendencies heard on previous singles such as ‘Glue’ and ‘All My Plants Are Dead’.

Track: Chewed

Why We Like It: It’s a richly textured shoegaze tune that floats upon dreamy melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. Sweet reverb vocals caress a soft melody while chiming guitars and supple beats adorn the backdrop in a soothing ethereal atmosphere. The track is an exciting display of musical prowess from crush – the dense layering and prismatic melodies create a woozy pacifying tone that is utterly blissful and a joy to the ears.

You can follow crush on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/crushbanduk

Watch the video for ‘Chewed’ below

Emma Hynes

Genre : Singer songwriter 

Bio : Dublin singer songwriter Emma Hynes has released her debut single, Don’t Forget. Emma Hynes is an independent artist who brings her lifelong passion for music and writing to everything she creates. As a published and performing writer, and a graduate of literature, drama and film with a love of art and photography, Emma’s work derives from her exposure and openness to multiple forms. This combination makes her an interesting and unique artist. Her solo act gathered momentum in 2019 with opening slots for Brew in The Workman’s Club, and folk rock two-piece Native Harrow in The Underground Venue. In January 2020, she was the sole support to HAIL THE GHOST on the Whelan’s main stage.

Track: Don’t Forget

Why We Like It: ‘Don’t Forget’ is a wonderfully emotive tune steeped in warm melodies and well-placed instrumentation. From steady strums on guitars to driving rhythms, the track glides with subtle yet expressive musicianship. Hynes’ vocals haunt and croon throughout as she injects a soulful tone into this mesmerising tune. There is something hypnotic and thought-provoking about the melancholy within the song that captures the listener’s attention from the first play and lingers for days. Well crafted and showcasing poetic lyrics, ‘Don’t Forget’ is a strong debut single from the singer-songwriter.

You can follow Emma Hynes on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsEmmaHynes/

Stream ‘Don’t Forget’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here 


Author : Danu

Brí ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’

Photo Credit :Constance Vance

Irish indie-pop artist, Brí has released her new single, ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’.Hailing from Offaly, Brí has previously released four singles, debut track, ‘Low Supply’, ‘Polite’, ‘Burying’ and ‘More Than’. From the success gained from these releases, she sold out her own Whelan’s headline show, received high praise from a multitude of blogs and radio and was selected to perform at Beatvyne’s Music X Tech Experience. While 2020 saw performances from Brí at the esteemed Whelan’s Ones to Watch, The Ruby Sessions, headliners in The Sound House, Spirit Store and festival line-up announcements such as Vantastival, 2021 sees Brí building momentum for her anticipated debut album ‘Hide’, which is due for release in October.

Brí blends indie-folk tones with mystical earthy elements to create a melodic and bewitching tune in ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’. The song elegantly flows upon a light backdrop of swooping strings, mellow guitar embellishments and wispy soundscapes as Brí soothingly coos throughout. Brí has an incredible ability to craft emotional and moving tunes that display potent songwriting and rich musicianship, and ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’ is a triumphant example of this. The soft rhythmic pulses and lamenting cello exudes a dark undertone through the soft twinkling guitars and subtle instrumental builds as Brí creates an ethereal and musically poignant tune for listeners to indulge in. This track is a joy to listen to. Looking forward to the release of the debut album.

About the song, Brí says ”If I Wasn’t Scared’ assumes a man’s perspective of a relationship as he struggles to balance his feelings with a ‘tough guy’ image, particularly among ‘the boys’. It is a toxic masculinity tale that strips back cold layers of indifference and questions the fear that it uncovers. “

Stream ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’ below 


Author : Danu

Nothing But Thieves ‘Futureproof’

Following the release of their #3 acclaimed third album Moral Panic last year, Southend five-piece Nothing But Thieves have released their dark and explorative new single and video ‘Futureproof’ via RCA Records, which was premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World. The track was produced by Rich Costey (Biffy Clyro, Haim, Foo Fighters) and recorded between London’s RAK Studios and guitarist/keyboardist Dom’s home studio.The video, directed by Jake Jelicich, sees the band bathed in an auburn glow giving an intense performance that is filmed chaotically, matching the energy and uneasiness of the song.

Raw, unbridled and saturated in a thrilling concoction of guitar rock and hip hop, ‘Futureproof’ is a spectacular single from Nothing But Thieves. The band creates a muggy wall of sound filled with heavy beats, biting bass lines and intense keys for listeners to indulge in and boy it doesn’t disappoint. The five-piece have turned their impressive sound up notch to create an immersive, blazing new tune that boasts refined production and exemplary instrumentation. The track spirals through dark tones and explosive outbursts while Conor Mason’s vocals expel the striking lyrics “Why do you wanna do good when you can feel good?”. ‘Futureproof’ is a gripping, and utterly fantastic display of musicianship from Nothing But Thieves that is ready for repeat plays and sure to have a live audience going wild. 

About the song the band says; “‘Futureproof’ is about self-preservation; what that means to different people and the lengths that those people would go to achieve it. It’s designed to be a guitar rock and hip hop hybrid. That can be a bit of an eye roller and it’s easy to get wrong, but there’s a parallel between some of our heavier songs and the more aggressive side of hip hop, which we wanted to try and get at. It’s dark and chromatic and then it’s mixed like a hip hop track with loud drums and vocals. The idea was to try and explore that territory in the most authentic and fresh way.”

Stream ‘Futureproof’ below. 


Author : Danu

Elina Filice ‘Let’s Get Lost’

Singer-songwriter, spoken word artist Elina Filice has released a new single in celebration of Pride Month (June), ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The dance-pop anthem celebrates the coming out experience and getting lost to find yourself. Elina hopes the song can help those struggling to come to terms with who they are, as well as all of those on the lifelong journey away from shame and into love and pride. The single was recorded in Elina’s home studio and produced by Viscose.

Doused in sunkissed melodies and bright instrumentation, Elina Filice presents a shimmering pop anthem with ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The song continues Filice’s collection of irresistible earworms as the artist ventures into a more synth-pop sound for this new tune. This track is a fresh, and glittering gem with warm guitars creating a balmy hue over rich rhythms and disco grooves. Filice coos, “let’s get lost a little, cos I wanna be yours a little” over jaunty guitars and soaring synths as the compelling lyrics mirror the song’s energetic and liberating backdrop – perfectly enhanced by the bubbling verses bursting at the seams with vigor and adrenaline. ‘Let’s Get Lost’ is a sublime display of musicianship from Elina Filice. Press play and enjoy.

About the track, Filice says, “This song was written while reflecting on my own coming out experience. It’s such a unique and painful time, and those first feelings of queer love are so transformative. After dating the wrong gender you’re finally feeling something that feels right to you, things you’ve never felt for another person. At the exact same time you’re realizing who you are. It really is finding yourself through loving someone else, which is why for the queer identity, who we love and who we are are inextricably intertwined.” 

Stream ‘Let’s Get Lost’ below 


Author : Danu

AJ Wander ‘Time Out – The Works’

Following huge signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic, AJ Wander has just released ‘Time Out – The Works’ a three-song set of the stunning original version of “Time Out” – which has racked up over 3 million streams –  alongside two beautiful alternative reimaginings of the track. The song was written soon after an explosive breakup and offers an intimate take on a universally relatable topic – relationships. Produced by Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo, Twin Atlantic), ‘Time Out’ is a prime example of London-based AJ Wander’s type of emotive, substantive pop songwriting.

‘Time Out – The Works’ showcases the diverse nature of AJ Wander’s songwriting.Stripped back from the cinematic production of the original, the unplugged version and piano version highlight the earnest lyrical content and beautiful melodic arrangement within this timeless gem. Furthermore, the alternate versions allow Wander to display the warmth, depth and velvety tone in his voice which is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Time Out – The Works’ is a fantastic way to experience the multi-faceted musicianship of AJ Wander. Love it.

Stream ‘Time Out – The Works’ below 


Author : Danu

Kevin Casey ‘The Whole World Is Watching’

Dubliner Kevin Casey has released his new single ‘The Whole World Is Watching’. A long-standing regular in the Irish music scene, Kevin Casey has released several singles, two EPs, and a full-length album since 2014. He has done two European tours and gigged extensively across the country and Germany, the U.K, and the USA, including two consecutive years at Electric Picnic.‘The Whole World Is Watching’ was inspired by the tragic events that led to the Death of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020.

Filled with striking lyrical content, ‘The Whole World Is Watching’ is a passionate and powerful tune from Kevin Casey. With haunting harmonica pines which open up to chilling audio samples, the song hits hard right from the start as the track drifts atop a heartfelt power ballad-esque backdrop filled with lamenting guitars and sparse country elements. Casey’s rasped vocals exude emotion as he questions how our protectors can be those who harm us “A sentence without a crime is how it seems to me…“. With an off-beat drum sample reminiscent of a fading heartbeat and chants panning out the song, Casey presents his most compelling and moving tune yet. 

Stream ‘The Whole World Is Watching’ below


Author : Danu

A Chat With :Jack McLeod of The Rah’s

Scottish band, The Rah’s, have released a new double single ‘Our Design’ / ‘If You Never Try (You’ll Never Know). This comes hot off the heels of the band’s fantastic debut album ‘When Does It Become Real?’. The Rah’s create intoxicating tunes bursting from the seams with alternative rock bravado. Blood, sweat, and tears go into every song to make the powerful sound we have come to love from the band and watching them blossom over the years up to the release of their fantastic debut album has been a joy.

I caught up with singer Jack McLeod to talk about the new release, touring and how Jordan McIntrye’s incredible guitar playing elevates the band’s songs.

“It was always our intention to release ‘Our Design’ as one of the final singles from that album but PR thought we’d be a bit cheeky and release a double A-side. The benefit of a double A-side is basically, if a radio station doesn’t fancy side A then they can go to side A two. So, it’s a cheeky way we can get either or played. If they don’t like the heavier one then they could go for the more majestic and melodic one, that’s the thought behind that, so hopefully, it pays off.”

The Rah’s have become known for their arena-sized rock and these new singles pack a serious punch. Not only can the five-piece provide sleek melodious tunes that pivot around a gritty alternative rock sound the tracks also boast lyrical depth and have an emotional aspect to them aswell.

“I think it is probably just who we were influenced by. We’ve got quite a wide variety of influences and genres that we listen to collectively as a band. We’ve all got personal tastes, I can be listening to disco one day and then pop the next day it’s just sporadic really, and it’s the same for everybody in the band. But the majority of the songs that we listen to are all from rock, alternative rock, indie that kind of bands. It’s just been created over a number of years. Started off way back playing covers of Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes. So we’ve always had that channel to go down and that’s the music we like playing. That’s the main reason, it’s because we enjoy playing it.”

The instrumentation within The Rah’s tracks is breathtaking. ‘Our Design’ in particular is a fine example of this. The soundscape boasts shredding guitars and a punchy rhythmic backbone, it is an impressive display of musicianship. The band teamed with the sublime talent of James Darkin to help craft the impactful sound the band had envisioned for the song.

“The swagger is listening to too much Oasis. The song was one of the last created for the record. It was in the last batch of songs, and when our guitarist Jordan [McIntrye], was playing the riff in the band room, just a kind of acoustic intro riff, instantly we thought there is something there. So we worked away on it. As I say it was one of the last songs written, so I thought it’d be a good idea to write the song, based on our journey throughout the time being in the band – the ups and downs of being a band, basically, it’s a song for the band lyrically. As soon as we heard Jordan playing it, we knew there was something there. Then we took it into the studio with James Darkin and he just took it to a whole different level. He’s got an outside point of view which really helps. Once you take it into the studio and actually get it into audio form and listen back to it, you realise what kind of track it is. That’s pretty much the process of the creation of that track. I think it finished off at the tail end of 2019. So yeah, it’s been a long time coming.”

One reliable aspect of The Rah’s sound is the awe-inspiring guitar solos. They are proper air guitar worthy moments created through the genius that is Jordan McIntrye.

“Jordan was brought up with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and stuff playing, and he’s played guitar since he was about seven years old. When we first started the band we used to dare him to play like a full Red Hot Chili Peppers song behind his neck. So he’d have the guitar behind his head and that like, no word of a lie that’s how good he is on guitar. So with the inspiration of Jimi Hendrix, John Frusciante and people like that, that’s exactly what brings it out in him. It’s phenomenal. The solo in ‘Our Design’, he [Jordan] was tinkering about a bit and we all knew in the studio that there was more that he could offer and then there’s this pedal, it’s like a fat fuzz pedal. You can hear it in the track, it’s absolutely incredible and as soon as he hit that, it’s like he unleashes a new beast in him.It was music to our ears when he was playing it. Instantly again we’re just like that is definitely the take, he didn’t actually like the last part yet, but we were all just standing in awe listening to him bend these strings on the neck of the guitar so yeah it worked really well.”

‘If You Never Try (You’ll Never Know)’ is my favourite track on the album. The buzzing intensity and euphoric melodies within the track are just spectacular. I was excited to see it as part of this double single and McLeod told me how the band crafted the song.

‘That’s one of the older songs on the album, we actually released an early version of that in like 2015 so that song has been about for a while. Once again, it was picking it to bits after all those years of playing it and when the album came around to recording sessions we had that track already prepared, but taking it into the studio with James Darkin again just took it to another level. Originally, I was listening to a lot of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the time and they covered a song by The Call, ‘Let The Day Begin’ which is an incredible song and it was inspired by that song because I was listening to a lot of that at the time. The original version [of ‘If You Never Try (You’ll Never Know)’] was actually played a couple of notes slower. So, again, us bringing it back matured and taking it up two notes just gave it a whole new lease of life, it was quite hard on my vocals but we worked it out.”

Seen as ‘When Does It Become Real?’ is The Rah’s debut album. I wondered if the band had been refining the songs for a long time and if there were multiple versions of each track.

“Yeah there are versions that I’ll probably never want to listen to again. There’s really early versions, ‘The Time Is Now’ is the oldest song that was written, probably in 2012/ 2013. That’s incredible to say that it has been that long. We’ve been playing that song first or last in the set ever since. But again that track has just got a whole new lease of life, every single time we have revisited it, and honestly, we’d never thought that it gained enough traction, the first time of the release. Then the second time and then the third time was, within the first, like 48, hours, of it being released into the PR world which just shows you don’t give up hope. If you believe in the track, which we did, you need the right people behind you to get the track where it needs to be. We were lucky that we’re in that position last year when we released it and it got instant Radio 1 [BBC] plays and Radio X plays”

The Rah’s highly anticipated debut album has been a long-time coming. It’s already racked up tens of thousands of plays and the band have received heavy support from Huw Stephens, Gemma Bradley, Gordon Smart and Jack Saunders. 

“Yeah because of the hard work that you’ve put in, like the names that you have just said there, even to hear them say The Rah’s from Prestonpans is just surreal. We’re just boys from a wee town in Scotland, we never ever thought of being played on Radio 1. But yeah, amazing, absolutely incredible and Jack Saunders, rather than just play the song, mention the band, say good song, next track – he actually got his producer to extend the outro of the track, and kept on talking over it. Honestly it was so surreal. It was an amazing experience”.

Their debut album ‘When Does It Become Real?’ was released this year. I’m sure the conditions they expected for the debut album never included a pandemic and McLeod told me how the pandemic helped them plan for a successful release.

“I guess it took our foot off the gas a little bit. We did benefit but at the same time, we had these tracks prepared for, some of them have been prepared for years. The final, ‘The Time Is Now’ recording was actually recorded in 2017, so that’s how long that audio has been ready. Obviously, we mastered it and did chops and changes but that’s how long that track has been there…. to be fair the pandemic in a weird way probably helped us get the album released in the way that we wanted to, because we’ve done our Kickstarter campaign, that was in October and it ran to December and we managed to get the 5000-pound rewards within two weeks of the final day. So yeah that was really good and the reason we wanted to do that was to release it on vinyl. That was our main aim when we first ever talked about an album. So, yeah, thank God for the fans for that one.

“We made ours extra special as well for all the people that pledged to our campaign, basically in a pre-order form. We put their name on the back of the LP as well. So everybody that bought the album or CD or bought a t-shirt album deal, and it was like over 20 pound, I think , then you got your name on the back of the record which was amazing so everybody was like jumping on that.”

Although the band’s sound is high energy rock they manage to pack in some potent lyrical content within their songs. Lines such as “We proceed to kill ourselves.. To become divine” in Our design is a striking opening line and very impactful. 

“That’s in relation to all the hard slogs that we’ve done up in the country, just to literally get some money together, well not even that just to get some fans. Literally years and years of doing that “

The Rah’s have a tour lined up in October, including a sold-out show at Sneaky Petes. It’s an exciting time but the nerves are high for what to expect from a show and what the limits are.

“Yes, actually we are doing a session tomorrow. It’s our first session out of our homes or our rehearsal room, so that’s exciting. It’s like being let free again. It’ll be a bit surreal to be around people with an instrument, I’ll probably get all shy and forget all my words. So, I’m looking forward to that but yeah live events need to happen, ASAP we are desperate to play this album live for the fans”

“I hope everybody feels relaxed and stuff. I hope there is no tension in the crowd and obviously, the virus is a thing but I hope that we can actually engage with people without having to think about all blah blah blah, he’s touched or whatever. I hope there comes a time in the next hopefully couple of months where there is some sense of freedom, and I hate to say a cliche but some sense of normality – that’s the thing I’m actually most nervous about. Obviously forgetting my lyrics is part of it but I just hope that everybody enjoys it and to be fair, everybody’s been starved so long, of live events and basic socialising, so I think everybody will be like greyhounds at the tracks”.

The Rah’s have been building their sound and reputation as a dynamic and powerful live band not to be missed. I wondered if McLeod had any advice for anyone thinking of starting a band

“If you’re looking for money, go elsewhere. No I’m kidding, it’s the best experience of your life, the enemies you make will last a lifetime, some that you’ll never really speak to again but that’s fine. They’ll stay in your memory forever. Honestly,  one thing I will say is, if you believe in it, just crack at it. One day it will shine,100%, yeah, that’s pretty much it “

With the release of ‘Our Design’ / ‘If You Never Try (You’ll Never Know)’ and the upcoming tour The Rah’s have an exciting few months ahead.

“There are a few things lined up for the summer that will hopefully go ahead, We’ve got the October tour as we said. We’ve got an alternate version of ‘Our Design’, sitting there that we kind of forgot about in planning the single release, but I think we’re gonna go chuck that on an EP so there’s more content.  We’ll probably see a lot more live sessions and get the behind the scenes footage in rehearsal rooms and that, now that we’ve got a bit of time on our hands, now the album is out. It’s been a bit chaotic. I think we’ve done about 100 deliveries within three or four days so you can imagine the chaos that was on the run up to the album. But yeah, we’ve managed to get hold of some new equipment and stuff, treated ourselves to some new equipment in the band room, so yeah, there’ll be a lot more live footage from the practice studios. Maybe talk about album two soon or maybe we’ll just chill out and enjoy album one. But looking forward to what lies ahead. I think there’s a decent wave of guitar bands coming through, a lot of great upcoming artists out there so everybody should be listening to upcoming music rather than mainstream radio in my honest opinion.”

The Rah’s alternative rock tunes blister with earnest emotion and the shredding instrumentation the band have been crafting throughout the years. They pour every fibre of their beings into their riveting grooves, majestic guitar solos and fiery melodies to create songs that ooze passion and rock-infused swagger. The new double single ‘Our Design’ / ‘If You Never Try (You’ll Never Know) displays this perfectly. This band has immense talent and are locked and loaded ready to rock our socks off in the live setting. 

Stream ‘Our Design’ / ‘If You Never Try (You’ll Never Know)’ below 


Author : Danu

Mustafa Sal ‘johnnysixteen’

Alternative pop artist Mustafa Sal has released his new single ‘johnnysixteen’. Under his old pseudonym, Sal the Musician, Mustafa released four singles in 2019/20 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. Mustafa also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists, including Australian alt-rock legends ‘You Am I’. Thus far, he has released two singles in 2021 under his new artist name ‘Mustafa Sal’ and garnered Spotify Editorial playlist support for his most recent track ‘Spaceship Boy’.

‘johnnysixteen’ is a buoyant alternative pop number that showcases the emotive songwriting of Mustafa Sal. This catchy bop rides on a bubbling beat while soft electronics wisp in the backdrop creating a bright soundscape filled with warm guitars and shimmering synths that weave between a catchy chorus and luscious arrangements. Mustafa Sal’s warm vocal coo’s melt into a dreamy melody while his sweet tender lyrics convey emotions of loneliness “we are the stimulation generation. We don’t know how to make real friends, so we fake real friends”. The bittersweet lyrics of isolation are wonderfully contrasted by the energetic instrumentation and crisp production in the track. Mustafa has crafted a meaningful and charming tune ready for repeat plays.

About the track, Mustafa says: “The track itself discusses loneliness in the digital age under this cloud of technology. We are so connected yet so distant from one another- a crippling factor in the development of Generation Z as a whole.

Stream ‘Johnnysixteen’ below 


Author : Danu

Polly Barrett ‘Thinking About You’

Irish folk-pop artist Polly Barrett has released her new single ‘Thinking About You’. Polly Barrett began her music career 15 years ago, writing songs while training to be an actor in London. Her return to Ireland in 2007 brought Barrett into the bosom of the Irish music scene, seeing her release two albums, ‘Mr. Bookshop’ in 2011 and ‘Probably Me’ in 2014, and tour Ireland and the UK extensively. This included touring with artists like Agnes Obel, Julie Felix, Roddy Woomble, Cara Luft, founding member of the Wailin’ Jennys and Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge who wrote ‘Thinking Out Loud’ with Ed Sheeran.’Thinking About You’ is the first of a series of releases planned for the rest of 2021 as Barrett returns to writing and recording new music from her home on the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork.

‘Thinking About You’ is a wholesome folk-pop tune that oozes the rich, emotive sound of Polly Barrett. Softly plucked guitar and minimalist instrumentation drifts over an earnest, earthy melody to create a soothing and engaging listening experience. As the song ventures from lulling verses to the catchy chorus, delicate harmonies and rhythmic guitar strums inject lush undertones and foot-tapping moments into the mix. Barrett’s vocals hold their own within ‘Thinking About You’. The artist’s voice is simply a joy to listen to. Her delicate lilts and charming folk tones aptly express the emotion within the lyrics “You might not think it but I’m crying on the inside”. ‘Thinking About You’ is a catchy and well-crafted gem from Polly Barrett. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘Thinking About You’ below. 


Author : Danu

Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.

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