Category Archives: Singer/Songwriter

Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sive ‘The Roaring Girl’ Album

Songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Sive first began to delve into songwriting when she was 15. She released her first album of original material, ‘We Are Moving’, to critical acclaim in 2012.She has toured extensively in Ireland, The UK, Europe and New Zealand, sharing stages with the likes of Kila, John Spillane and Gemma Hayes. She was voted viewer’s choice to appear on RTE’s Other Voices in 2014 and has also performed on TG4’s Róisín, TV3’s Ireland AM, ARTE’s Metropolis (Germany/France) and ETV’s Terevisioon (Estonia). Sive has now released her second studio album ‘The Roaring Girl’.
‘The Roaring Girl’ is a stunning unique venture, rich with complex subtle instrumentation and warm melodies mixed with conflicting explosive emotions that create an album to get lost in. From the warm deep melancholic string intro of ‘Turn Down The Silence’ you are instantly made aware of the intensity and depth of the album. The track lightens becoming a little more peppy and bouncy yet underneath this is the menacing strings niggling like a lingering worry. Sive pulls in theatrical elements in all the tracks which makes each track more meaningful and important. ‘Swallow Me’ has a jazzy piano and brighter atmosphere with a bubbly rippling warm guitar feature which playfully flickers in and out of the jittery percussion and jazz like piano.The track leads you down a dreamy path as the music subtly wanders into a hazy state.‘Wingless Bird’ hooks with lush sweet backing vocals as Sive’s main vocals soothe with charming warmth and luxurious texture. The track is a simple little gem with tropical African-fused pop rhythm and blissful honeyed melody, it’s perfect, rich and delightful. ‘If I Had A Home To Go To’ has an eerie waltz-like sway and glide. Full of grandeur and elegant string accompaniment with haunting backing vocals. Its a hair-raising yet sombre drizzled fairy tale. ‘Maude’ glimpses at Sive’s folk tinged style while ‘Humans’ takes a dainty simple approach. Sive’s sweet powerful vocals shine, packed with passion and emotion. Slowly building into a mightier crescendo with darker bewitching tones and rumbling beats teamed with luscious tantalising backing vocals this track again is chilling and goosebump inducing. It’s perfectly breezy and eerie with easy gently sway-like glides that build into an enchanting wind swept flow. ‘Hoverfly’ brings us to the end of our beautiful musical journey with gentle tones, warm acoustic guitar and stunning vocals.
‘The Roaring Girl’ showcases Sive’s ability to gracefully pirouette between genres, effortlessly blending jazz with hints of indie and funk elements wrapped in cloaks of classical whims while creating cinematic images and striking emotions within the listener. The album is mature well crafted and deeply moving.A solid body of work. Refined elegance oozes from every track while you witness the turmoil and emotions flooding through the album without becoming overwhelmed, its satisfying and soul fulfilling. A sublime album from Sive.
Stream ‘The Roaring Girl’ below


Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Indie Buddie Introducing : Harry Strange

London based singer-songwriter, Harry Strange has released his debut single ‘Back Around’.Its gripping and intensely emotional pulling at your soul with every subtle beat. Gentle and delicate piano adds a beautiful elegant glide and sway while Harry’s soulful vocals packs a tender passionate punch. Chill smooth electronics create a breezy ethereal atmosphere that is just sublime. Expressing raw fragile emotions in such a sweet touching way, Harry delivers a pure and flawless performance for his debut single. Its simple yet striking with crisp clean production, almost immaculate.
Stream ‘Back Around’ below


EP Review, Singer/Songwriter

Emma O’Reilly ‘FRACTURES’ EP

Songwriter Emma O’Reilly from Ballinasloe in Co. Galway, has released ‘FRACTURES’ her second independently produced studio EP, recorded by mixing live and multi-track processes in Arad Studios with Les Keye (Squarehead, Kevin “Herm” Connolly, My Sweet Beloved).
‘FRACTURES’ is a collection of Emma’s unique brand of peppy dramatic pop rock tightly bound in a beautifully polished bow. The snazzy ‘Shake’ kicks off the EP with a theatrical lively approach. Jazzy piano and stabbing beats dramatise the track. Complete with melodramatic vocals it seems like a tap number from a musical. ‘Count’ takes a sweet acoustically backed approach. Delicate vocals and warm sun kissed vibes teamed with “do do do” lyrics its simple, syrupy and joyful. With wistful tones this track bops along light and floaty coated in a toothache sugary dreamland. ‘Cervantes’ is a sorrow-filled emotional track cold and icy with sharp lull on vocals and rich twinkles on piano.The track flows with grace and elegance. Brush tap beats on drums create a soft silky texture to this delicate song. ‘Codladh Sámh’ is again a gentle little soulful track. Emma’s whisper like vocals are teamed with beautiful accompaniment and a fairy like vibe. Sung in Irish its intensely emotional. The track builds with a mighty punch and takes a darker turn. Once again this track displays Emma’s dramatic cinematic style. ‘Geneva’ closes the EP with Emma’s vocals taking the lime light to start. It sounds like a Sean-nós song. A superb piano feature takes over from the vocals leaving a peaceful tranquil atmosphere to just relax into as the track winds out.

‘FRACTURES’ is a  strong  EP displaying Emma O’Reilly’s unique diverse sound as she glides from dramatic to pop, folk  with rock flavours drizzled on top. It is proficient as Emma has clearly created a little niche for herself to create music that is beautiful and bursting with colourful fragments of wonderful art.

Emma will be celebrating the launch with an intimate gig in her hometown on May 25th and full band performance in The Grand Social in Dublin on July 20th. She’ll also be touring with the EP.
Stream the ‘FRACTURES’ EP below


Indie, Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music, Pop Punk, Singer/Songwriter

Indie Quick Picks

Jamie Martin

 

Genre: blues/soul/rock singer-songwriter

Bio: The young artist and producer from Glasgow fuses indie and soul songwriting with modern blues rock guitar heroics. Influenced by John Mayer, Ben Howard and John Martyn and known for his combination of honest and intimate live shows, Jamie offers a unique, multi-layered interpretation of the traditional solo singer-songwriter. His introduction to a music career began with production and engineering, experience which he is now utilising with his own sonically diverse and innovative recordings which recall Bon Iver and recent City & Colour albums. Following the release of his debut self-titled EP last year, Jamie played high profile shows at prestigious Glasgow venues King Tut’s, ABC and The Garage and blew away audiences at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Jamie will be playing more live dates with his backing band this Spring and Summer.

Track: What’s The Use

When asked about the track Jamie said :
“I originally wrote this song about being divided from someone at the end of a failing relationship, but it since took on a more generalised meaning – that basing your views and definitions of right and wrong without a contrasting viewpoint splits us all into our own little self-curated social circles. Sonically, I wanted the song to follow the bleak sentiment of the lyrics with distortion on just about everything.”

Why we Like It: Its a heart wrenching passionate bluesy piece of melancholy alt. soul. With gripping yearning vocals and emotion stirring sharp guitar. Its an eloquent piece of musicianship that drips heavy doses of passion and longing from every note.

You can follow Jamie Martin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/jamiemartinmusic/
Stream ‘What’s The Use’ below

 

The Indigo Project

Genre: indie-punk

Bio: In the two years since forming, the young 5-piece have played Leeds & Reading Festival, wowed an 8000-strong Millennium Square crowd, supported The DMAs, Ocean Colour Scene and The Sherlocks and built a fervent local fanbase with a string of sold out, exuberant headline shows.
Track: Taste It

When asked about the track frontman Joe Spink said :
“Taste It is a song about wanting someone desperately, despite the fact that you know it’s a bad idea, That person could be almost within arm’s length, but also just out of reach – so close you can almost taste it.”
Why we Like It: Is a blistering catchy piece of indie punk. Soaked in luscious bright vibes and blazing guitar hooks this anthemic track is perfect for festival singalongs. With a sultry pre- chorus followed by a massive infectious sun soaked chorus, its instantly likeable. These guys are ones I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more of.
You can follow The Indigo Project on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/indigoprojectuk/
Watch the video for ‘Taste It’ below

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here 

 


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Kev Minney ‘Just Another Day’

Northampton’s Kev Minney has released his new single ‘Just Another Day’. Late in 2015, funded by his fans, Minney travelled to New York, where he recorded his debut EP ‘All You Need’, with Kenny Siegal and Jesse Lauter at Old Soul Studios and now, working closely with Mercury-nominated producer Jag Jago, he has created an album which combines his superlative guitar playing and distinctive vocals with a modern electronic sensibility and orchestral serenity. Minney is about to release his much-anticipated second album and ‘Just Another Day’ is the first glimpse of this.

‘Just Another Day’ is a delicate melodic track laced in haunting eerie tones and spine tingling soundscapes. With swirling instrumentation wisping like a chilly breeze against a steady sticky beat and twinkling warm guitar, Minney creates a chilling ghostly experience. His vocals are emotional yet soft and gentle while the strings add a mysterious flicker of urgency and danger to the track. Soft lull on backing vocals soothe and coo with a calming effect. ‘Just Another Day’ is a sublime chilling ghostly track that is well crafted displaying Minney’s own unique style.
Watch the video for ‘Just Another Day’ below


Indie Folk, Indie Quick Picks, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Indie Quick Picks

 Bandini

Genre: singer -songwriter, indie-folk

Bio: UK singer-songwriter Bandini is becoming known for his timeless songs which arrive fully formed and without unnecessary embellishment. With a yearning, vulnerable voice accompanied only by sparse acoustic guitar, these deceptively direct melodies soon burrow into the gaps between nostalgia and memory, between child-like innocence and painful life experience. Little is known of the reclusive singer-songwriter’s background and personality, other than his love of analogue recording.Sometimes, especially in our age of information overload, it’s better to let the songs speak for themselves.

Track: Little Room

Why we Like It: Its a haunting emotionally raw track soaked in nostalgia. With light accompaniment on guitar Bandini’s passionate vocals resound throughout with an eerie mysterious yet soothing quality. It takes you into a dimly lit room of solitude with nothing but the track to comfort you. Its oddly consoling yet skin crawling-ly haunting.

Follow Bandini on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/whoisbandini/

Stream ‘Little Room’ below

Penny

Genre: Indie-folk singer-songwriter

Bio: Penny’s Anglo-American heritage and upbringing is a prime influence within her music.The new single ‘Misery Gut’ is lifted from the new ‘If, Buts & Maybes’ EP. ‘If, Buts & Maybes’ comes after several years hiatus since her 2011 self-titled release.With her earlier singles gaining airplay support on BBC Introducing, this new collection of timeless songs will see her music gaining wider recognition and acclaim.

Track: Misery Gut

When asked about the track Penny said:
“I wrote this song when I was surrounded by those who seemed to relish being negative about everything, I’m an upbeat and optimistic person, so I sing Misery Guts to myself when I start to drift into pessimistic thoughts or if my mood gets dragged down by something. It reminds me to just go with the flow, and not let whatever it is ruin the day”.
Why we Like It: Its a bright peppy earthy folk-pop song displaying lyrical wit and an infectious foot tapping beat. Driven by Penny’s strong vocals and hints of country twang its a snappy ball of quirky fun.

Follow Penny on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/officialpenny/

Stream ‘Misery Guts’ below

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Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sarah Munro ‘Say Hello To You’

Sarah Munro is a 20 year old singer-songwriter and guitarist from Hertfordshire who writes jazz-pop songs with a strong emphasis on lyrics and storytelling. She has just released her debut album ‘Say Hello To You’, featuring 10 original songs and a stunning interpretation of the jazz classic ‘Autumn Leaves’. Munro’s music has been championed by Jamie Cullum and Michael Ball, both of whom have played her single ‘For Eternity’ on their BBC Radio 2 shows. She has also received radio airplay on Jazz FM, BBC 6 Music, France Musique, as well as radio stations worldwide and recently supported Paul Carrack on his 24 date UK 2017 tour, playing in prestigious venues including Birmingham Symphony Hall and the London Palladium. She has also supported legendary American songwriter Jimmy Webb, and in January performed a sold-out headline show at The Pheasantry in Chelsea.
‘Say Hello To You’ is the title track on the album and showcases Munro’s beautiful talented knack for charming simple story telling. Displaying her crisp stunning vocal Munro narrates a sweet tender tale of acceptance of ones self. Feathery light guitar accompaniment and twinkling keys lift the track into a flurry of weightless beauty. Its innocent and charming while bringing a tear to your eye. Coated in positive motivational and assuring tones its the track you put on for your sister, daughter, friend etc to tell them be yourself and love yourself. Munro displays a mature voice for her age with control and expression that assures her destiny as a budding star. Whether this is your genre of music or not just Monro’s vocals alone will have you mesmerised and captivated.
Sarah Munro will return to perform at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, on May 1st, performing in the 600-seat PizzaExpress Live Arena. She will also be playing at the Cornbury Festival on July 9th.
Watch the video for ‘Say Hello To You’ below

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Justin Lacy ‘Sealed’

Justin Lacy has recently released his new single ‘Sealed’ from his upcoming record ‘Control Burn’ out on April 13. Lacy is not your typical singer-songwriter, he is equal parts lyricist, arranger, composer and performer.  His oddball vocal delivery of image-heavy lines, steeped in sweeping orchestral arrangements creates his own little pocket of unique yet captivating indie guitar folk.

‘Sealed’ is a prime example of Lacy’s bright quirky approach to song writing that twists your ears to a blissfully unique blend of sweet melodies and subtle bursts of joy. Featuring a  bouncy and optimistic array of inventive instrumentation. With child-like warm toned flickering on guitar, honeyed lull on backing vocals and luscious ear worm melody, ‘Sealed’ fast warms its way into you mind and heart. The use of the glockenspiel adds a darker bittersweet tone while also creating a rich contrast. The song is almost cinematic and theatrical at times adding a little tension and drama to the fluffy candy coated track. For me Lacy’s nylon-string guitar creates a beautiful delicate sound with a warmth and tone that I cannot stop listening to. Lacy’s quirky vocals adds a dramatic almost striking quality however its perfect for this track and completes the songs blossom into the delightful peculiar track that will put a smile  on your face.

Stream ‘Sealed’ below

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Charlotte Eriksson ‘Black Rose’

Charlotte Eriksson, is a singer, songwriter and author from Sweden. When she was 17 she moved to London to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her music. Since then she has started her own record label ‘Broken Glass Records’, released 3 LPs, 5 EPs, had her single ‘I Will Lead You Home’ reach #2 on the Swedish iTunes chart and toured all over Europe. Eriksson has been played on major radios such as BBC6 (UK), Sveriges Radio (Sweden) and 3FM (Netherlands). She’s published three books, telling stories about her wandering ways, life as an artist and travel essays about love and loss. Following the release of her 3rd full-length album ‘Under Northern Skies’ last year she has now released a new single called ‘Black Rose’. This is the second single released from her forthcoming new EP ‘This Silence Now’, which is due out April 21st.
‘Black Rose’ is sublime smokey poetry set to delicate refined music. Emotionally charged this track bleeds tender tones and raw emotion. Light piano accompanies with elegance and beautiful fragile twinkles. Eriksson’s passionate vocals are moving and expressive teamed with heavenly harmony on backing vocals its tear wrenching yet graceful and eloquent. Building with warm tones on acoustic guitar the track is extremely expressive yet simple. With a melancholic sweet melody its compelling. A stunning treasure.
Stream ‘Black Rose’ below