Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘Lost in Translation’

Following the critical success of his ‘What Little Time We Have’ EP, folk-pop songwriter and artist, Luke Clerkin, has released his new single, ‘Lost in Translation’. It is the first of a series of songs recorded remotely with Berlin-based producer, Jaako. Luke Clerkin is a two-time SCC Song Writing competition-winning songwriter and artist. He has been playing and releasing music for the past 6 years. His music has gained international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer-Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. Clerkin has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland. After returning from finishing a scholarship in the world-renowned Popakademie in Germany, Luke released his second EP, What Little Time We Have, in July of 2020. The EP spawned 3 singles that gained critical success and airplay all over the world. 2020 also saw him complete an apprenticeship with Ed Sheeran’s mentor and Nizlopi frontman, Luke Concannon.

‘Lost in Translation’ is a beautifully arranged, cinematic tune that boasts the compelling songwriting of Luke Clerkin. Clerkin sweetly coos over an uplifting melody while ethereal electronics, pulsing beats and warm guitars adorn the backdrop. The song exudes an air of elegance that is enhanced by a lamentful yet graceful piano element and Clerkin’s earnest lyrics, “I feel lost, lost in translation but someday ill get through”. He fills the song with hope and positivity as the instrumental backdrop grows, becoming more dramatic and uplifting. The track is a comforting tune, lavished in refined production and exhilarating musicianship that displays Clerkin’s passionate and moving sound. ‘Lost In Translation’ is an exquisite return from Luke Clerkin.

Talking about the release, Luke said, ”This song was written in 2019 when I was on a college exchange in Germany and I found myself ‘lost in translation’, I was dealing with homesickness, and finding it really hard to connect with people. The one thing that was keeping me going was music and it helped me overcome the language and culture barriers that existed. When I was going through this, I met Jaako and together we wrote the song in less than an hour, and we recorded a little live take to go along with it. After this session, we never really spoke again until during the first lockdown when he sent me a demo he made of the live take. I was so blown away by the demo that I knew I had to work more with him, and after some persuading from my end, we made it happen. This song marks the beginning of what I feel is a sound that I’ve been searching years for, and it’s only a small sample of what’s to come from this project.”

Stream ‘Lost in Translation’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Ambro River ‘Electrolyte’

Liverpool based alternative-rock artist, Ambro River (aka Richard Batty), has released his debut single, ‘Electrolyte’. With elements of ’90s gunge providing an edge between sweet melodies, this driving rock track is a fantastic and ambitious debut. Batty creates an exhilarating and raw backdrop of gritty guitar riffs, rumbling bass lines and punchy drums to create one blistering gem for listeners to enjoy. The guitars exude an epic quality reminiscent of 80’s rock anthems and smoulder through the chorus while the verses tease and intensify throughout. The song boasts Batty’s musical prowess and tight songwriting as he uses expressive instrumentation to enhance his clever lyrical content. Melding playful lyricism with majestic and refined musicianship, ‘Electrolyte’ is an impressive and well-crafted tune from Ambro River.

Stream ‘Electrolyte’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music

Danny G & the Major 7ths ‘Make Me Feel (Believing)’

Make Me Feel (Believing)’ is the new single from Danny G & the Major 7ths featuring an all-star cast of Irish hip-hop artists. Breezy Ideygoke, 0phelia and King Koko provide the verses. The track is a rework of the song ‘Believing’, reimagined by producer JusMe, using samples & audio stems of the original to create something entirely new.

‘Make Me Feel (Believing)’ balances the sleek sound of Danny G & the Major 7ths with biting hip hop superbly to create a catchy raw rendition for listeners to enjoy. Breezy Ideygoke, 0phelia and King Koko provide poignant verses to the track, each showcasing their remarkable talent while re-imagining the soul-infused ‘Believing’ through a swaggered new lens. Funky vibes create the track’s rhythmic backbone enhanced by warm bass, guitar grooves and clever raps that inject vigor into the song’s atmosphere. With a sweet echoed whistle feature and lush backing vocals, ‘Make Me Feel (Believing)’ is an exciting new tune that displays the immense talent of all the artists involved. 

Stream ‘Make Me Feel (Believing)’ below


Author: Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Sion Hill and MYXE ‘No Way Back From Your Love’

Sion Hill has released his new single ‘No Way Back From Your Love’ with Norwegian DJ/Producer MYXE. ‘No Way Back From Your Love’ was originally written in London in 2020 by Sion Hill (Nate Johnston) & Louis Ryan for piano and voice and was intended for someone else to sing, but when MYXE heard Johnston’s vocal, he loved it so much that he decided to keep it in. Sion Hill has teamed up with acclaimed MYXE to build on the success of his recent singles ‘Fuel Kids’, ‘Last Minute’ and ‘Speak Up’ (which have a combined 4.5m streams on Spotify alone, not to mention his debut album, ‘Elephant’) that garnered significant success across radio and digital streaming platforms. MYXE has had several releases with well known labels in the industry, and has streamed to platinum on his release “Breaking All The Rules”. 

‘No Way Back From Your Love’ blends Sion Hill’s bright and charming songwriting with the infectious house sound of MYXE. This catchy ditty drifts through a buoyant beat, crisp production and sun-kissed soundscapes to create a bright dance-infused banger for listeners to indulge in. Hill’s knack with earworm melodies and irresistible hooks forms the track’s backbone and highlights the songs masterful production – the tune sparks into life with a finger-clicking rhythm ready to coax you to the dance floor before ethereal synths open up to provide a lush backdrop to Hill’s unmistakable velvety vocal. With mellow guitar, whistle feature and sing-along chorus, this sun-soaked ditty is a delightful carefree tune sure to brighten your day. 

Speaking of the single Sion Hill said: “He sent me back the mix and when I heard it I was like – wow, this is a banger. It works. Let’s roll with it. The song talks about getting too deep into a relationship with someone without realising it. The song’s lyrics were inspired by the Beatles’ –  ‘All You Need Is Love,’ by playing on the idea of – if you can envision something, then it is not impossible: “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done, Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.” 

Stream ‘No Way Back From Your Love’ below 


Author : Danu

Acoustic Set, Indie, Indie Buddie Session, New Music

Indie Buddie Sessions: Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches

Colm O’Mahony and Jackie O’Mahony performed an acoustic set for Our Indie Buddie Sessions.

Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches are a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Killarney Co.Kerry, Ireland. Their self-titled debut album, featuring eight all original songs, was released on June 5, 2020. The album is an examination of life by way of rock ‘n’ roll. With eight original songs, each written by O’Mahony, it explores issues such as love, loss, betrayal & defiance. The band have recently released their new single ‘Preacher’s Daughter’, taken off that album,

Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches’ songs are filled with wonderful heartfelt melodies, rich instrumentation and emotive lyrics. This striped back performance gives us a chance to see some of the bands beautiful indie tunes through an acoustic lens that highlights the sweet infectious melodies, Colm’s warm vocals and the talent this band have to offer. It’s a real treat. 

For more from Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches Check out their website here https://www.thehottouches.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Jo-wF8cPBDIe9MN5jBUCElCmewdHNAlxDYFLesi5bYY_tW7RhE8BIFHI

 Check out the performance below. 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Slaney ‘All I Want’

Irish dance-pop artist Slaney has released her new single ‘All I Want’. Her track ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ was included on Spotify New Music Friday UK and received extensive radio and press support which led to her been snapped up by super live agent Sol Parker at Paradigm ( Billie Eilish / Take That etc ) for worldwide representation. Slaney is also a very talented actress and recently appeared in the BAFTA nominated hit TV show Normal People and a new Apple TV show Foundation.

‘All I Want’ is a shimmering dance-pop tune that continues Slaney’s run of irresistibly infectious tunes. A dreamy light melody is glazed with her smooth vocal coos and drifts sweetly into the ears while a bubbling dance-infused backdrop maintains a tantalising bounce and edge throughout. Slaney’s sweet melodies create a lulling effect on the listener’s senses as she ventures into a 90’s – esque dance soundscape that exudes soft swirling synths and luring electronic pulses. Blending a thumping bassline into the hazy backdrop, Slaney showcases a summer bop that is sure to be stuck in your head for days. Love it.

Stream ‘All I Want’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Robert O’Connor ’Save You’

Fresh off the release of his widely acclaimed EP ‘Transcendence’, Robert O’Connor presents his new single,’ Save You’.The track was produced by Gareth Shortland, who was recently recruited to remix hits for Steps and Will Young.

’Save You’ is an effervescent 90’s-infused dance anthem. Saturated in fizzing electronics, buoyant beats and chiming keys, the track swirls with infectious dance soundscapes while showcasing O’Connor’s impressive melodic prowess. A sweet melody glimmers through the shimmering backdrop while reverb vocals chime through the kinetic soundscape. ‘Save You’ is an upbeat bop that exudes an instant charm as O’Connor blends crisp production with catchy grooves to create an exciting dance floor filler. Press play and enjoy.

Watch the video for ‘Save You’ Below


Author: Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Giant Sky ‘Not Today’ Album

Born out of the existential crisis that has been Covid, and a general feeling of global turmoil, ‘Not Today’ is the massive debut album to come from UK rock band Giant Sky. Finding themselves ready to record in March 2020, the pandemic restrictions meant that they were stopped in their tracks. Still desperate to focus on their music, the band put together crude demos, which soon turned into an EP. Gradually finding their style changing and seeing that there was no end to restrictions in sight, Giant Sky headed to a studio to record this full-length album, wearing masks and testing daily to get the album completed. Formed of Olivia Bond, Toby Mcfee, Jay Amesbury and Jon Hatch, Giant Sky was born after meeting Olivia in 2019. Having been in bands together since their teens, the boys have played music together for years, with Olivia’s vocals and lyricism completing the picture. 

‘Not Today’ is a powerful alternative rock album surging with Giant Sky’s sonic onslaught of heavy riffs, crashing drums and dark melodies. The band create tense tunes that brood with moody grunge verses and anthemic choruses. From the cinematic and robust ‘Rust’ to the triumphant raw smack of ‘Elephant, the band take a resounding foundation of roaring bass and pummeling drums and scatter coarse guitar embellishments into the mix to create a lean, mean and musically tantalizing wall of sound. The songs travel at a brisk neck-snapping pace as Giant Sky layer acute instrumentation atop a jagged rhythmic pulse within tracks such as ‘Change’ to create a manic mosh ready soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. The blazing instrumental backdrops within the album creates an exhilarating contrast to the melodies’ hazy effect, which, teamed with Olivia Bond’s delicate coos, adds a softer element to the songs. We see this particularly within ‘Heroin’. The coarse sawing bass and sharp guitar refrains lacerate with aggressive force, which Bond cushions with her soothing vocal delivery.

‘Not Today’ is a fine display of the band’s musical prowess, ‘Wolf’ and ‘Elephant’ in particular are prime examples of Giant Sky’s endless talent where we see the band sprinkle moments of guitar delight throughout. However, it’s the bittersweet ‘Home’ that sits as the pinnacle moment within the album. Boasting ethereal guitar, a bright atmosphere and Bond’s pristine vocals the song builds to a hair raising cinematic crescendo filled with expressive drums, lush backing vocals and soft keys. The track is a captivating gem and a wonderful assault on the senses.

Giant Sky have poured themselves into this fantastic album to create a mature, refined and thrilling collection of tracks ready for repeat plays.

Stream ‘Not Today’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Pa Sheehy ‘I Saw You At A Funeral’

Pa Sheehy frontman of the Irish chart-conquering band Walking On Cars, has released his debut solo single ‘I Saw You At A Funeral’. 

‘I Saw You At A Funeral’ is a beautifully arranged tune wrapped in delicate instrumentation and poignant songwriting. This emotional track drifts through icy keys, soft backing vocals and delicately building soundscapes as Sheehy’s vocals express the song’s emotional lyrics. “Oh you know I still remember the day you chose to go. Mom was in the kitchen, saying, “now we’re on our own”. Sheehy takes a minimalist approach which heightens the song’s stirring message. ‘I Saw You At A Funeral’ is a thought-provoking, time-stopping piece of music and an utterly compelling debut solo single from Pa Sheehy. 

Speaking about the new single ‘I Saw You At A Funeral’ Pa Sheehy said: “This is a song I find easier to sing than talk about. I didn’t want to give this part of my life too much attention because I was doing my best to focus on the good things in my life. But every time I sat down to write a song, it was always the first thing that jumped out of me. So I knew I had to get it out of my system. After it was written, it was all about not over doing it with the production. With such a blunt song it didn’t need any bells and whistles. A little keyboard arpeggio and some atmospheric sounds was enough to glide it home. My siblings listened to it once but won’t listen to it anymore. I take that as a compliment.”

Stream ‘I Saw You At A Funeral’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Gang Of Youths ‘the angel of 8th ave’

Gang Of Youths have released their new single ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ The track represents their first new music since 2017’s ‘Go Farther In Lightness’ album. Entirely self-produced, the track was recorded in their own studio in Hackney, a place which provides them with unlimited creative freedom. It was subsequently mixed by the Grammy-winning Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, The National). Since forming in Sydney, Australia in 2011, Gang Of Youths have made a big impression with their two albums to date, ‘The Positions’ (2015) and ‘Go Farther In Lightness’ (2017), the latter of which won four prestigious ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Group. London shows have included four sold-out nights at the Islington Assembly Hall, and a show as part of BRITs Week 2020 in support of War Child. Meanwhile, international festival dates have spanned everywhere from Splendour In The Grass to Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Rock Werchter and Mad Cool.

‘the angel of 8th ave’ is an expressive rush of indie rock that showcases the dynamic musicianship of Gang Of Youths. The song ignites with a catchy rhythmic intro before Dave Le’aupepe’s deep vocals express the lyrics as a rapid progression of thought,“So we got straight to the heart, And I was a coward and worse to my shame, I fell hard upon the weightless weeks, But wasted every day”. The earnest lyrics move through a jogging backdrop of bass rumbles and resounding sprints on guitars as the band create an intense and hyper wall of sound for listeners to indulge in.

The band layer and craft the song superbly to create an invigorating listening experience. The song builds becoming more vibrant with each flourishing musical element as the dynamic chorus elevates the track with soaring sharp guitar embellishments and a driving bounce on drums. Everything pivots around the snappy rhythm within this song as warm injections on acoustic guitar, haunting reverb pines on synths and lofty guitar refrains ricochet off the snapping percussion and drum beat.

Gang Of Youths present a marvellous new tune that effortlessly displays their passion and musical prowess. With a tune this impressive, powerful and ambitious, I’m excited to hear what the band has to offer next.  

Stream ‘the angel of 8th ave’ 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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