Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Laura Elizabeth Hughes ‘Days’

Dublin songwriter Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her new single ‘Days’. ‘Days’ is taken from Laura’s upcoming EP ‘We, Myself I’, due for release on 5th March. Laura’s last single, “Pandemonium”, reached over 80,000 streams since its release in May and was featured on major playlists such as Spotify’s “New Music Friday UK” and “A Breath of Fresh Éire”, Amazon Music’s “Acoustic Chill” and Deezers “Chill Out” as well as airplay on RTE Radio 1 and BBC Radio Ulster. The build-up to the release saw Hughes perform an intimate live show across her Instagram account as part of Culture Ireland’s #IrelandPerforms series.

With just nimble plucked guitar accompaniment and lush backing vocals, ‘Days’ is a beautiful piece of music that showcases Laura Elizabeth Hughes’ mesmerising ability to convey emotion through unembellished instrumentation and deft songwriting. Without overpowering the listener’s ears Hughes’ ethereal soundscapes lie within the spacious elements of the song; the pauses for breath, the sweet tone of Hughes’ voice, and soft, almost haunting backing vocals all create an expansive wispy atmosphere. The song discusses the nothingness and mundane moments when Hughes was out of work. She gracefully translates those feelings into intimate moments of personal emotion through the spectacular use of guitar which mindlessly roams throughout the track as if searching for an elusive meaning, purpose, or distraction. Composed, elegant and precise, Hughes’ vocals hold a steady pace. Her sterling voice conveys the emotion buried deep within the crevices of the song through a few short yet powerfully evocative words, “Breathless, lost it to the distance”. 

Laura Elizabeth Hughes is a songwriter to treasure. She is a master of her craft. There is a richness, depth and maturity to her work that is simply awe-inspiring and exceptional to behold. I’m looking forward to the ‘We, Myself I’ EP.

Speaking about the record ‘Days’, Laura explains: “Days was a step at confronting the nothingness routine that hit when I was out of work for 4 months. It’s repetitious, a choral of my own voice, my own thoughts, day in and day out. It’s the losing sense of time. It’s that limbo between Christmas and before New Year’s but in the middle of May. It’s all work and no play freneticism.”

Stream ‘’Days’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Gavin Fox ‘Make Me Believe’

Irish singer-songwriter Gavin Fox has released his new single ‘Make Me Believe’, ahead of his debut EP ‘On Second Thoughts’ due March 26th.

‘Make Me Believe’ is a moving indie-folk number announcing Gavin Fox’s powerfully emotive songwriting. Driven by a foot-tapping beat the track exudes a cosy and soothing tone as Fox spreads uplifting guitar melodies over soft lamenting keys while soulful rasped vocals coo the lyrics with incredible warmth. Within the lyrics, Fox deals with themes of freedom and empowering oneself. Fox certainly has a way with words. His poetic lyrics soothe and inspire all at once while displaying depth and a thought-provoking perspective “You find the courage from deep within to feel so alive under your skin“. Showcasing earnest songwriting and warm, passionate musicianship, ‘Make Me Believe’ is a stirring track from Gavin Fox. Looking forward to the EP.

Stream ‘Make Me believe’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music

L.T.P Duo ‘Escape’

‘Escape’ is the brand new track to come from singer-songwriters L.T.P Duo. Wanting to leave us with a sense of fulfillment, L.T.P Duo teamed up with JG Mind Doodles to create the emotive and moving video, featuring a cute little character, named Splodge by their Instagram fans.The video serves to bring out the emotion of the track and reminds us of the strength and comfort that we can all find in music. Standing for Less Than Perfect, L.T.P Duo is formed of Nik (guitarist, songwriter, producer) and Naomi (singer, lyricist). Following the success of their debut EP ‘The Voices in Our Head’ last year, L.T.P Duo are pushing their music further in their new single, seeking to connect with people’s emotions. They have received radio play from BBC Upload and their single ‘Rain’ was played on BBC Introducing. 

‘Escape’ is an emotional number laced in delicate instrumentation and soothing melodies. Filled with ethereal keys and warm guitars, the tune floats on a supple bed of tender soundscapes and soft beats. The track builds softly with bubbling electronics fluttering through sweet vocals coos which creates an enchanting and relaxing atmosphere for the listener to indulge in. Radiating a smooth, uplifting and hopeful melody, ‘Escape’ is a delicate and well-crafted number from L.T.P Duo

Watch the video for ‘Escape’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Lost Boys ‘Honey Mustard’ EP

Limerick indie-Pop band Lost Boys have released their debut EP ‘Honey Mustard.’ Starting initially as an indie band back in 2018 – Lost Boys have consistently looked at new ways to create more meaningful and modern music, most recently with the introduction of Hip-Hop/New Wave instrumentation into their songs.

‘Honey Mustard’ is a beautiful EP. Lost Boys display their exquisite musicianship by putting together a satisfying and cohesive collection of tracks that are sensitive and carefree while richly displaying the band’s musical prowess. They showcase their ability to find the sweet spot between genres to create luscious tunes for the listener to indulge in. Each track is saturated in lovable heartfelt melodies and peppered in reggae rhythms, 90’s rock embellishments, and sweet indie-pop with hip hop and new wave blending everything together. Even though the band move through different genres, it’s a seamless transition each time.

Slick R&B and hip hop elements create a smooth glossy soundscape in ‘Hindsight’ and the groove-infested ‘Best Friend’ which keeps the EP’s atmosphere light to begin with. However ‘Karma Girl’ kicks things up a notch. Thick electronics flurry around a hypnotic guitar refrain throughout the song while sticky pulsing beats create a suspenseful and intense backdrop. With reverb vocals, a cinematic chorus, and gripping instrumental builds, ‘Karma Girl’ is a magnificent track and a pinnacle moment in the EP. 

The beautiful ballad-esque ‘Sadie’ brings the EP to a wonderful finale. A warm acoustic guitar strums atop elegant strings and delicate picks on electric guitar. The mellow soundscape is tender, evocative, and simply divine. Oozing lush harmonies and a subtle country tone, it’s an emotive end to a magnificent EP.

Lost Boys have outdone themselves with ‘Honey Mustard.’ Boasting rich soundscapes, skillful use of instrumentation, and lush harmonies, teamed with earnest lyrics, ‘Honey Mustard’ marks Lost Boys as a band to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Honey Mustard’ Below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘Flawed Design’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Flawed Design’. ‘Flawed Design’ is an absolute groove fest coated in shimmering disco vibes and funky basslines. With melty infectious melodies gliding between shimmering synths, jaunty guitars, and intricate percussive shimmies, this sparkling gem is infectious and irresistible to the ears. Thrillhouse surge a chic strutting quality into the track through smooth vocals that ooze panache and charm while lush harmonies and catchy melodies will have you bopping in no time. Boasting sleek production, witty lyrics, and the musical mastery of Thrillhouse, ‘Flawed Design’ is a dance-inducing earworm ready for repeat plays.

Stream ‘Flawed Design’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, indie rock, New Music

Dr. Craves ‘Free It’

‘Free It’ is the anthemic new track from Mexican artist Dr. Craves. Created in the full spirit of DIY recording, ‘Free It’ was recorded on a laptop with bathroom reverb and cheap microphones. After years of experimenting with music and playing in punk bands, Dr. Craves is stepping out on her own with her slick new sound. Creator of electronic music with slick audio production, Dr. Craves refuses to be boxed into one genre and consistently pushes the boundaries of her creativity. 

‘Free It’ is a raw piece of experimental electronic rock. With an intricate sticky beat slapping between acute swirling electronics, the track has an edgy wall of sound. Dr. Craves’ rasped vocals provide a rock vibe to this attitude driven track while dark guitars rumble through the reverb laced soundscape. Written as a “way to confront her demons”, the track exudes 90’s dance elements soaked in electronic rock with unique wobbly and distorted synths interspersed throughout. Pushing through to a crazed crescendo ‘Free It’ is an engaging and energetic debut from Dr. Craves. 

Stream ‘Free It’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Etaoin ‘Bedroom Walls’

Etaoin makes her stunning introduction with her new single, ‘Bedroom Walls’. Written by Etaoin, the song is the first to appear from a debut EP, due out later in the year.

Etaoin displays her knack with emotive pop melodies and tender expressive musicianship in her debut single ‘Bedroom Walls’. Etaoin takes a simple approach to create a sweet and earnest single. Warm rasped vocals coo over a tender bittersweet melody while supple picked guitar and delicate folk elements blend between pop to create a unique and engaging listening experience. The song builds softly as Etaoin’s vocals become more expressive while a soft wisping soundscape and suspenseful strums on guitar create an ethereal uplifting atmosphere for the crescendo. ‘Bedroom Walls’ is a moving and beautiful debut that marks Etaoin as an artist to keep an eye on. Looking forward to hearing more from Etaoin.

Stream ‘Bedroom Walls’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

N.O.A.H ‘Darkest Hour’

N.O.A.H have released their eagerly awaited second single ‘Darkest Hour’, featuring Booka Brass. The single follows their first release “Shine” which received extensive airplay across both national and regional radio and was featured as 2FM’s Breakfast with Doireann & Eoghan’s Track of the Week. The band made their international debut with a featured live performance on Laura Whitmore’s BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast show. N.O.A.H is comprised of three lifelong friends, Ryan Hill,Adam Rooney and Ronan Hynes. The band was formed in January 2020, after the band decided to reform a previous musical endeavour. The band have taken inspiration in its naming, from the biblical story of ‘Noah and the Ark’, which is centralised around the theme of new beginnings. This idea is fundamental to the band’s vision and core values.

Filled with catchy hooks, a sing-along ready chorus and energetic instrumentation, ‘Darkest Hour’ is a sleek, edgy, and fantastic new single from N.O.A.H. The band create an eerie and tantalizing wall of sound while warm vocals coo in the backdrop. A driving rumble on bass and drums seduce through a muggy soundscape while luring guitar licks exude a dark indie tone. The triumphant rich elements provided by Booka Brass fill out the song’s backdrop with massive brass blasts while N.O.A.H injects psychedelic-hued distortion on guitars to create a confused and harrowing soundscape to match the vast brass sound. With shredding guitar embellishment and kick-ass rock bravado, ‘Darkest Night’ is a magnificent new single from N.OA.H.

Speaking about the track, N.O.A.H said: “Once you emerge from this mind spinning rock tune, its meaning is left starring you in the face. Broadly speaking it is about mental health, and how a sane mind quickly begins to deteriorate, we experience a person’s descent into their “darkest hour.”

Stream ‘Darkest Hour’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Blue Fish Diamond ‘Sunshine In My Brain’

Photo Credit : Ruth Medjber

Dublin indie folk rock band, Blue Fish Diamond have released their new single ‘Sunshine In My Brain’. Produced by Gavin Glass in Orphan Recording studios, ‘Sunshine In My Brain’ uses vivid imagery to speak of the desperation that many people experience and the hope that each new day will bring some sunshine to their lives.Formed in 2016 by Jim Murphy, Blue Fish Diamond released their debut album From Dark to Light in 2018.Their music has been played on radio stations across Ireland, including on RTE Radio 1, Radio Nova, Cork’s Red FM, KCLR and Shannonside/Northern Sound. They’re also a staple of the Irish live scene having played Electric Picnic, Whelans, The Workmans and The Grand Social to name a few.

‘Sunshine In My Brain’ is a delicate and soothing number saturated in the heartfelt and beautifully expressive musicianship of Blue Fish Diamond. The song broods at the start with the use of lamenting ethereal instrumentation while elegant piano meanders between a steady beat and soft vocals. The track builds superbly. As the song progresses the melancholic atmosphere lightens with the introduction of a warm cello and glittering guitar melodies to create an uplifting atmosphere. Haunting backing vocals change to soothing coos as the song lifts into its vibrant crescendo. The attention to detail in this track is stunning. Blue Fish Diamond have knocked it out of the park again with this mesmerising track. ‘Sunshine In My Brain’ is a captivating, expressive and utterly moving piece of music.

About the song, Jim Murphy says….”We live in a time where anxiety and despair are increasingly commonplace but also a time where there is greater openness about mental health issues and where hope exists through communal support. A song for today’s world, I hope listening to Sunshine In My Brain has a cathartic effect against the challenges that we all face whether ongoing or from time to time.”

Stream ‘Sunshine In My Brain’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News, Live Music, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Event News : Rowlette to host private, online gig, with all unheard tracks

Rowlette will be hosting a private, online gig with all previously unheard tracks. This will take place at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17th.

To sign up, simply email info@rowlettemusic.com with the subject line “I’m in”.

Rowlette is an indie-pop artist. As a solo performer with an acoustic guitar, she is recognised for her powerful vocals, inspirational lyrics and captivating performances. Hailing from Co. Mayo, she has a distinctive yet gripping writing style. Somehow not falling into the typical romance genre, you’re more likely to catch Rowlette singing about topics such as breaking the mould, friendship, embracing ambition and living in the present.

Before the pandemic struck, Rowlette was well known on the live scene, including Rowlette performing a packed-out headliner in Crowbar and joining Jack L on his latest tour, impressing audiences across the country in venues such Cork Opera House, Theatre Royal and the Pavillion.

Rowlette is a passionate performer. Her catchy indie-pop songs are sure to have you singing along in no time. Last year Rowlette took over our Indie Buddie Facebook and Instagram for a wonderful and engaging livestream that put a smile on everyone’s faces. Her charming and fun personality teamed with her mesmerising vocals is sure to make this event one not to miss.

About the event, Rowlette said:“I’m hosting it privately, as I want it to be an intimate experience. Attendees don’t have to take part, but all feedback will be welcomed and encouraged. It’s a chance to put on the kettle or pour a glass of wine, relax and hear some original and unheard music.” 

Check it out at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17th.

To sign up, simply email info@rowlettemusic.com with the subject line “I’m in”.  

Stream Rowlette’s single ‘Cucumber & Ice’ 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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