Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘North Star’ exclusively to Band Camp, three weeks before it will be made available on streaming services. Hegan is doing this in order to raise funds for The Samaritans, a charity that aims to reduce the amount of lives lost through suicide in the UK. The price of the single will be £1 and all earnings will be donated to the charity. Following this, ‘North Star’ will be officially released on streaming services 28/5/20.
With ethereal soundscapes, delicate piano twinkles and warm vocal embraces, ‘North Star’ is a sublime example of Mark Hegan’s tender songwriting. The soft subtle electronics pulse and flutter behind pristine piano while Hegan’s emotive vocals caress the soft sweet melody.The song builds superbly creating an uplifting and heart racing crescendo as the beat intensifies and Hegan rushes passionate adrenaline through his atmospheric and heart felt soundscapes. This wonderfully crafted track is packed with oodles of passion and wispy touching melodies that are sure to ignite bittersweet emotions and memories of nostalgia, joy and melancholia.
About the track Hegan said: ‘‘North Star is a stripped back song about separation from those you love. The song was penned during this period of lockdown and inspired by the new world we are all reluctantly living in.”
Easy Tide have released their new single ‘Carpet Grave’ which was recorded by the band in Fennor Lane Studios. Easy Tide are a DIY Garage band hailing from Navan Co Meath. Members include Aaron Dunphy on Bass and Vocals , Steven Rafferty on Guitar and Vocals and Mark Carolan on Drums and Vocals.
‘Carpet Grave’ presents Easy Tide’s punchy alternative rock through a hazy laid back garage rock filter. The band cruise through light ethereal guitar melodies and warm rumble on bass with a sluggish lazy day attitude. The track bops with an airy texture as the buoyant drums create both a spongy cushion for the verses and a punchy bite for the chorus. Glistening guitars ricochet off the heavy drum progression as the track drifts effortlessly from moody verses into the dynamic chorus and crescendo. Well crafted and exuding shoegaze elements, ‘Carpet Crave’ is a sun speckled sulky number that is just as sharp and punchy as it is melodic and dreamy.
Isaac Butler has just released his new single ‘Paranoid’, today. ‘Paranoid’ follows Isaac Butler’s previous singles ‘Moon Song’, ‘Rescue Me’ and ‘Young Forever’ which have together racked up an amazing 1 million streams on Spotify so far.Isaac Butler’s show at The Sound House is now rescheduled to 9 October 2020, with all original tickets valid for the new date. It is his second headline show, having sold out his debut in Whelan’s last November and follows a jam-packed festival season in 2019, which saw Isaac Butler play a host of festival dates around the country including Electric Picnic and Kaleidoscope.
‘Paranoid‘ is a bubbly sprinkle of the infectious, honest and wonderfully melodic songwriting of Isaac Butler. Doused in summer vibes the track drifts effortlessly along Butler’s smooth passionate vocals and light breezy melody while glossy guitar-licks radiate warm golden sunshine. It’s an upbeat number with an ethereal scorching soundscape while the lyrics, which candidly detail the breakdown of a romantic relationship provide a wonderful contrast. Butler has provided an enjoyable, buoyant radio ready track with depth and substance.The catchy vocal hooks teamed with crisp production and lustrous musicianship make ‘Paranoid’ one satisfying summer tune.
Speaking of ‘Paranoid’ Isaac Butler said: “It’s about a relationship I was in and totally had the feeling I was getting messed around but constantly being told that nothing was going on. The music is happy and upbeat but ironically it’s quite a cynical song. I wrote it as a reflection on something that was a bad situation at the time but that doesn’t bother me anymore.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Academic
The Academic have released their new single ‘Anything Could Happen’.The single is the first new release from the band since signing a global record deal with Capitol Records. The band were hand-picked by Mick Jagger to support The Stones here in Ireland and with a number 1 album to their name and sold out shows all over the country, the band’s music is already finding very willing ears much further afied. They are heavily pencilled for more international tour dates when this lockdown lifts.
‘Anything Could Happen’ is a seamless perky indie-pop hit. The Academic display their knack for infectious melodies with this bright sharp track which is bursting with cool chic energy. With inspirational glimmers of Prince and Thin Lizzy the track ricochets off an elastic bass and irresistible guitar hook.The Academic have created one heck of a joyous bop. It’s cool and crisp with tasty little elements in between to keep it refreshing and intriguing. From sweet guitar licks, lush backing vocal coos, 80’s pop sheen and a driving infectious groove, the band weave wonderful intricate elements to keep this track subtly explosive. It’s a vibrant, upbeat and oh so catchy musical gem of euphoric bliss.
‘Anything Could Happen’, produced by Nick Hodgson, was released simultaneously with the accompanying video premiere on Youtube. Directed by Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp, the video is a real reflection of the current times we’re living in under lockdown, giving a brief insight in the lives of quarantined couples around the world
About the track the band said :.” Anything Could Happen’ is a rallying cry to the people in our lives who find themselves stuck in cycles of mundanity and monotony. We hope it inspires people to be kind to themselves and take control of their futures.”
Kodaline have just shared news that their new album ‘One Day At A Time’ will be released on June 12th. Its launch is accompanied by the release of the new single and video ‘Saving Grace.’ Kodaline’s recent tracks ‘Wherever You Are’ and ‘Sometimes’ have shown that the band’s huge following is as strong as ever. The two songs have quickly amassed 15 million streams at Spotify alongside 7.5 million video views at YouTube. ‘One Day At A Time’ is the band’s fourth album, and adds a new chapter to a career that has already encompassed three #1 albums in Ireland, two Top 5 albums in the UK, and more than a billion streams at Spotify.
Once again Kodaline provide a heart warming, catchy and utterly emotive track with ‘Saving Grace’. They wrap us in a cosy melodious blanket of refined musicianship with powerful uplifting harmonies, arena ready sing along choruses and plenty of anthemic gusto. The band have an impressive ability to use warm sweet melodies and twinkling progressive instrumentation to create tracks that warm the cockles of your heart. From the glistening keys, chiming guitars and steady spongy beat the band create a ray of sunlit sweetness and uplifting charisma. Steve Garrigan’s soulful vocals take the helm of this passionate number, surging and exuding emotion throughout. There are impressions of angelic glows within the harmonies and light perfectly placed sprinkling on keys. Within ‘Saving Grace’ Kodaline show the might of optimism with glimmers of vulnerability – an inspiring track to listen to.
About the track Kodaline commented, “‘Saving Grace’ is a song about that special person in your life that is there for you no matter what. It’s a song that means a lot to all of us, as we all rely on people in our personal lives to be there and support us though the high and lows of our career.”
Limerick Alt/Electronic/Indie duo Pity of the Sea have released their new single ‘A Swarming’ which was taken from the forthcoming debut album.Pity Of the Sea are comprised of Ger Cremins (Vox/Bass Synth) and Tony Monahan (Producer, Guitars, Synths, Bass and drum programming). The track follows the band’s last release ‘Headscarf’ which received plays on both national and local radio and was very well received.
Fizzing and swirling through dizzying synths and a crashing wall of sound ‘A Swarming’ is an energetic punk slapped track from Pity of the Sea. The duo consume your ears with an onslaught of shrilling guitars that churn through a groove-filled rumble on bass. The band use acid soaked psychedelia to create a track brimming with organised chaos while a punchy drum machine loop surrounds the backdrop. The band blend a raw post punk soundscape with sharp alternative rock to create an invigorating listening experience. The shimmering ethereal synths rush with adrenaline while the dynamic spoken vocals pound out the catchy chorus of respetitive lyrics. ‘A Swarming’ is a fantastic assault on the senses.
Bio : Driven by Italian brothers Matteo and Marco, on guitar and drums respectively, and completed by Liverpool artist Jasmin Nash, Violetear melds together elements of 60’s pop, 70’s progressive rock, and modern indie, with some jazz and psychedelia thrown in for good measure.The band have released their new single ‘Head Over Heels’.While technically 2 tracks, the single is meant to be considered as 1.
Track: Head Over Heels
Why We Like It: This slinky groovy gem drifts sweetly on a candied melody and lush soundscape as Violetear splurge warm jazz elements over shimmying 60’s pop. With balmy glistens on guitar melting over the soft beat the track slides in on a swanky charm and soothing bliss. The lush harmonies, velvety vocals and sunshine atmosphere create a delightful quality and dreamy texture to this cheery number.
Bio : Plastic Cowboys are a three piece indie punk band made up by members, Ciaran McGann (vocals, guitar), Joe Monaghan (drums) and Darren McCarthy (Bass).‘Not as Cool live at Station Studios’ is the second video of the bands ‘Live in Station Studios’ performances. This live track was recorded at Station Studios, produced by Kevin Brennan, and the video was shot by George Hooker.
Track: Not as Cool
Why We Like It: It’s an energetic fiery display as Plastic Cowboys present their bright indie punk with humorous lyrics and oodles of hooks. The jaunty guitar runs rampant through the track with intense vigor while the buoyant bass and punchy drums pound the foundation with beefy laced might. With rasp filled vocals and light indie weaved between dynamic punk slaps and quirky lyrics this explosive, catchy number is a fine belter from Plastic Cowboys.
Bio : Former Future Kings of Spain members guitarist Karl Hussey and drummer Bryan McMahon join ex-Bambi bassist Dan Barry to bring you Badself. Finally finding time in ‘Lockdown’, Badself released ‘Stay Down’, the opening track and first single from the band’s debut album ‘The Three Daughters of Mara’ which was recorded with producer Ronan McHugh (Def Leppard).
Track: Stay Down
Why We Like It: With a demon summoning dirty bass rumbling through the tracks underbelly Badself present a lean mean rock track set to revolve in your head for days. The track slithers its way into your head as bright guitars glisten with a swagger dipped slinky texture while the pounding drums maintain a solid raw foundation.This track is a powerful beast laced in sensual dark bluesy tones as its acute wallop of rock drives the songs backbone. With powerful vocals and no nonsense attitude ‘Stay Down’ is an old school sweat and leather rock anthem.
Bio : LA-based artist Lav shares her new single, ‘Wavvy’.
Track: Wavvy
Why We Like It: It’s a wispy sweet number that floats on a vapour of tenderness while a steady beat pulses in the darkened smoky backdrop. With lamentful electronics subtly building in the background between twinkling keys the song maintains an airy texture throughout. It’s Lav’s sultry sombre lulls that take the limelight. Her delicate yet pristine vocals caress the velvety dreamy melody with a mystical and enticing manner that is utterly compelling. This soft, brooding track is well crafted, rich in its delicacy yet simplistic in approach. Its just sublime.
Bio : After time spent in Nashville and LA as a songwriter and session guitarist, London-based GRAAW has released new single ‘Self-Sabotage’ which was produced by Fred Abbott (Noah and The Whale) and mastered at the legendary Abbey Road by Christian Wright,
Track: Self-Sabotage
Why We Like It: It’s an exhilarating rock-n-roll number doused in powerful positive musicianship and oodles of energy. With punchy drums, shredding guitars and glorious harmonies the track builds superbly to create a heart racing, blood pumping anthem. With warm rasp filled croons that progress into power filled blasts for the explosive chorus the song is crafted to fill your body with get up and go adrenaline.The cosy heart warming melody soothes with a sweet sense of compassion while the sharp pines on guitar flood the track with character as the track builds to its erupting crescendo. It’s an emotive classic rock gem exuding heartfelt vigor.
The Irish singer-songwriter Miles Graham has been establishing his reputation, first hittingBBC Radio 2’s playlist with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and then with high profile Billboard Dance hits withDon Diablo and L’Tric. During that time, Graham has focused upon honing his deeply affected songcraft, the first release of which comes with his brand new single ‘Don’t Change’.
Grahams velvety, soulful vocals and infectious tunes are going to make for one heck of a live stream.
Miles Graham has just released the live performance video to accompany his brand new single‘Don’t Change’ check it out below
Props has released his new single ‘wired’ taken for his upcoming EP of the same name. Props is the brainchild of Mark Gilyead, a multi-instrumentalist/producer living in south london, UK.The whole ‘wired’ EP drops on May 15th but until then Gilyead is putting out a song from it each week on Soundcloud. Props has had play on BBC, Amazing Radio and a spot in Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves
Intricately layered, the chilled complexity of ‘wired’ showcases Props quirky and astute musicianship. The heavy beat burrows deep into the track wriggling a deft groove into its very core while the swirling electronics create an effervescent ethereal atmosphere. The sticky beat provides a gooey slap between the pop punk guitar chords and exhilarating electronic bursts. The track bubbles and ferments for the verses while the smooth lo fi vocals drift with a nonchalant tone over the catchy velvety melody. The song maintains an easygoing pace all the way through as Props builds and embellishes the backdrop in lush textures and prismatic colours of scintillation to create a rich, invigorating, refreshing track. With rich percussive builds and infectious vocal hooks teamed with intoxicating layering and kinetic production ‘wired’ is one vivacious track wrapped in a breezy laid back psych pop blanket.
whenyoung have released a powerful single as a show of empathy and support to people around the world that are experiencing so many different emotions right now. ‘The Prayer’, a brand-new song written and recorded by the band at their flat in Ramsgate where they’re currently all in lockdown, came as a response to the daily news reports filtering in and the overwhelming feelings evoked by the ways coronavirus is affecting everyone’s life.
A delicate and emotive ballad ‘The Prayer’ flows with whenyoung’s powerful, striking and pure songwriting. Aoife Power’s immaculate vocals coo and lament over gentle piano accompaniment while light percussion adorns the backdrop with a mystical and soothing tone. Power’s vocals carry the ethereal sweet melody with a clean and mesmerising grace while the airy guitars chime and echo with a wistful yearn.’The Prayer’ is a tranquil lullaby exuding melancholic tones of loneliness and soothing tones of comfort all at once. It is a calming, time stopping gem from the Irish trio.
About the track the band explain “We wanted to create something meditative to soothe the anxiety and fear we are feeling. Reading through the news every day and hearing stories of grief and sadness filtered into the writing. It’s a song about our immediate reactions to being quarantined, imagining the pain of others and our own being unable to see loved ones. To coincide with the release of ‘The Prayer’ we will be raising money for Women’s Aid Ireland and U.K. with the sale of a limited-edition t-shirt and other events on our social media.”
As well the proceeds from the limited edition t-shirt the band will be making a donation from the money raised from the release to Women’s Aid UK and Ireland.
