Americana band Steve Bonham and the Long Road have released their latest EP ‘Moonshine Elegy’. ‘Moonshine Elegy’ is the second EP of a series of four to be released by renegade Americana band Steve Bonham and the Long Road. Steve Bonham and the Long Road consists of three musicians who blend a swampy brew of styles mixed from both sides of the ocean, taking inspiration from Americana, Folk, Country Blues, the spirit of the trail, hobos and the outlaw. Releasing music to critical acclaim in 2019, Steve Bonham and the Long Road’s last single was song of the year for National Indie Radio and was number one on UK Country Radio for two months.
‘Moonshine Elegy’ blends country elements with vibrant America and slivers of indie to create a well rounded collection of tracks. ‘Moonshine Running’ and ‘Ballad of Duane and Billy Marie’ display Steve Bonham and the Long Road’s deft musicianship. Warm guitars twang against twinkling keys and buoyant rhythms while animated vocals and lush harmonies chime in the backdrop. Swirling in a sultry mysterious atmosphere ‘Canyons in the Desert’ showcases the bands diverse and unique sound. A rumbling beat and eerie vocals entice the listener while majestic guitar work teases with the aid of chic piano embellishments. The New Orleans style ‘Silver Moon, Silver Girl’ brings the EP to a groove infested finale. With shimmy percussion, jazz hued piano and quirky vocals the band end the album on a teasing note.
‘Moonshine Elegy’ EP is retro rich and filled with wonderful jazz and country rock elements. If a classy bit of clean fun is your thing then you will love this EP.
Bio : Twin Stranger is a Welsh 5 piece power-pop project led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Alex McConnachie. Initially a bedroom recording project, McConnachie enlisted his multi-instrumentalist brother Liam as well as friends, bassist Josh Newington, Joe Tobin on keyboards and drummer Eric Karvik. Following their successful debut single ‘Tears of Joy’ which was released in February 2020, Twin Stranger have released follow up single ‘Crushed’, after being tipped by BBC Introducing and SiriusXM in the US.
Track: Crushed
Why We Like It: A sweet melody drips onto a bubbling indie backdrop. Garage-infused guitar mingles with rich instrumentation as a 90’s vibe wafts through the track while smooth vocals coo cynical lyrics over the dreamy melody. With a tightly weaved fuzzy bass and rich percussion Twin Stranger have created a well layered luminous gem. The hazy guitar riff and radiant licks slice through the buoyant soundscape as the track meanders between sweet daydream pop and moody grunge effortlessly. ‘Crushed’ is vibrant, catchy and luscious on the ears.
Speaking of the track Alex McConnachie says:“Crushed is about realising that some people you know just love listening to the sound of their own voice and other people’s troubles and feelings and life troubles only really enter their mind for a split second, then they’re gone again. On a more positive note it’s also about summer time when you’re a teenager, the days blend into one and you’re just hanging out with your friends without a care in the world, just living in the moment.”
Bio : With Kerrang! Radio’s Johnny Doom believing they are ‘poised to take over the world’ and a recent addition to the Planet Rock Radio playlist. Dublin’s Skyfever are celebrating their previous single ‘Keep Pounding’ being the anthem of the Carolina Panthers games in the NFL. They’ve already got the support of rock gods such as Chris Slade of AC/DC and Alice Cooper, who gave them their big radio break in the US.
Track: The Wait
Why We Like It: It’s another powerful and emotive rock mammoth from Skyfever. With sharp guitars shrilling and swirling with an ominous tone through a steady beat the track has an icy epic feel. Luke Lang’s strong, rasped vocals exude emotion as the track broods for the verses and explodes in true rock manner for the hair-raising chorus. The band builds intensity within the track through the use of thrilling dark synths. With guitars venturing between light twinkles and crashing raw lacerations Skyfever layer on oodles of dynamic instrumentation, slowly, creating a wonderful, rich tease of the powerful alternative rock Skyfever do so well.
Bio : Twenty Twenty are an indie band based in Liverpool, UK. The lineup consists of drummer Ethan Furey, vocalist and guitarist Patrick Joseph and keys player Niamh Mailer. The trio set out to create a very dense warm and direct sound, tipping the hat off to genres as diverse as alternative rock, indie, dreampop, psycedelic rock and managing to sound like a reverb pedal on LSD.
Track: Lies
Why We Like It: With a catchy rooted guitar hook weaving through a punchy drum foundation this song shows Twenty Twenty’s ability to meticulously layer and refine their tracks. The band blend alternative rock with smooth indie melodies while groove-infected prismatic keys create a psychedelic wobble throughout the track. With a vibrant chorus eruption, sparkling soundscapes entwined between raw guitar and ominous glimmers on keys the track has an instant rich texture and appeal. ‘Lies’ is an atmospheric number with a catchy refrain that won’t leave your head anytime soon.
Bio : Bad Love make Sad-Boy Pop. They combine the cinematic allure of new-romantic icons with heartfelt and anthemic pop-hooks. Frontman, songwriter and producer Andy Gannon says that Bad Love has an obsession with creating art and music that feels real and sincere.
Track: Hurricane
Why We Like It: Hurricane is an effervescent slice of indie pop. Bad Love douse a sweet candy coated melody in heart gripping swirls of adrenaline-inducing indie while shimmering synths, glistening guitars and a groovy bass line create a dramatic and romantic atmosphere. Brimming with youthful heart-felt musicianship the track glitters with a lustrous pop sheen.The slapping and pulsing beats ripple in the backdrop in a flutter of suspense while the smooth vocals and toothsome melody glide with ease through the ethereal soundscapes. ‘Hurricane’ is another passionate number from Bad Love.
About the track frontman Andy Gannon said “When you’re so intoxicated by someone new, you’re so acutely aware of every nuance of your relationship. You can’t get them out of your head. It’s about how that hurricane of feelings is like a montage in your head.”
Bio : Hollow Doors are a 4-piece band from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. Since forming in 2017 the band have built strong ties with fans in their community performing at almost every music venue in their hometown. Believing that live music should sound as good as the studio recording, their high energy performances have caught the attention of supporters, quickly becoming a local favourite.
Track: Some Other Me
Why We Like It: Driven by a rumbling elastic bass groove, slick guitar lines and anthemic rock power ‘Some Other Me’ is a firecracker of alternative rock. The shrilling guitar frills, licks and embellishments ooze swagger and sensual enticement as the band create a vaporous mysterious number laced in epic moments, refined musicianship and heart-racing intensity. With warm vocals caressing a passionate melody while being consumed by a dark ethereal soundscape Hollow Doors create one thrilling rock number.
Bio : After reintroducing himself to the world with the highly acclaimed and long awaited sophomore album ‘portraits’ last year, Greyson Chance is currently preparing the release of his follow up record ‘Trophies’ for later this year.
Track: Honeysuckle
Why We Like It: This track oozes summer vibes as Chance splashes sugary fresh soundscapes over a hip seducing beat. A smooth melody seeps like honey from his velvety vocals as Chance experiments with a more electronic soundscape. He distorts his vocals in places while the pulsing beat, twinkling sounds and infectious instrumental-builds create a subtle surge of humidity and euphoria throughout. With a catchy chorus, pop sensibilities and meticulous layering Honeysuckle is one sizzling gem.
Mullingar native Sion Hill (Nate Johnston) represented Ireland on Saturday night performing his new single ‘Speak Up’ in the Free European Song Contest in front of a TV audience of 4 million viewers, finishing in the Top 10. ‘Speak Up’ has already broken into the Billboard Top 100 songs in Germany and the Shazam Top 200 charts following its release last Friday. The music video for ‘Speak Up’ was shot in Berlin where Johnston was quarantining for the last few weeks in order to be able to compete in the competition, which took place in Cologne. Sion Hill is signed to German record label Clouds Hill GMBH and has recently released two other singles, ‘Fuel Kids’ and ‘Last Minute’ with Warner Music Germany.
Johnston’s rasped warm vocals and soulful tone translate superbly in a live setting. His tracks are melodious and honey to the ears. This is one not to be missed.
Sion Hill has just released his new single ‘Speak Up’ check out the video below
I had a chat with Jon Wilkes about his new musical revolution KOU and his new single ‘Burn’ which is set for release this Friday.
Wilkes was a key member of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, recording albums with hit producers such as David Bendeth (Paramore, Papa Roach, Underoath), Howard Benson (Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, The All American Rejects) and John Feldman (Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, The Used). He told me what sparked his decision to begin KOU.
“ So I started this at the back of a tour bus when I was still touring with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in 2009. We would travel from city to city and I would just be writing songs and I never really did anything with it. I continued my career as a drummer all the way up until 2015. I was with Red Jumpsuit until about 2012 and then I started touring with other bands and I went out with Monster Jam and did their halftime show. I did all this fun stuff as a drummer and I always had these songs just sitting on a back burner since 2009 and I have constantly been writing songs since then and finally I woke up one day and thought what am I doing, I need to transform and come out as a frontman. So now we have KOU”.
Wilkes is known for his energetic drumming style and larger than life persona however he found the frontman role of his new project daunting at first.
“Absolutely, because I was a very charismatic, crazy drummer that would spit water in the air, jump up and down and jump over things and you know it’s weird to not have drumsticks in my hand. It’s a lot of fun. “
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus released 3 full-length records: Don’t You Fake It (2006), Lonely Road (2008) and Am I The Enemy (2011).Don’t You Fake It featured the hit single “Face Down” and was certified gold in November 2006 by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies and in June 2016 was certified platinum for selling over 1,000,000 copies. But Wilkes didn’t feel a lot of pressure following up on the success of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. He took it in his stride in true rock ‘n’ roll style
“ I feel like it’s just another chapter. Because Red Jumpsuit is still a band and still doing really well and I feel like this is another path for the fans to go check out.”
Wilkes released his single ‘Time Is The Enemy’ in 2018. It’s a unique track with immersive layers of mysterious synth-driven elements and genuine lyrics. He described to Indie Buddie his song writing process and how he created the lush intricate and passionate explosions within his tracks
“I do a lot of programming myself in Ableton. I will make the entire skeleton and then add the real instruments afterwards.It kinda creates a soundscape and I demo everything out and I write all the lyrics and melodies and then I always team up with another up and coming young producer.So it’s me and one other guy, because I believe in collaboration. So I would team up with them and that person will bring it all together with me musically. I’m always down for the collaboration. All of these KOU songs, the ones that are out and the ones that are coming later this year, all of them just started as ideas but none of them sound exactly like the demo because of collaboration.”
Wilkes is gearing up to release his new single ‘Burn’ which is set for release this friday 22nd May. It’s a powerful song that has intense mosh ready moments that are kinetic and engaging through wonderful emotive genre blending soundscapes.
“ Oh man that track. When I wrote that track there was so much hatred going on in the world. It felt like there was a shooting every other week. There was an arcade that got shot up in my home town in Jacksonville Florida and I just felt like the world was going almost evil. There was so much bad going on, we had this shooting thing in Vegas and all these people just hating on each other and I wrote ‘Burn’.The idea is that as humans we have lost our way and we need to find love again, we need to find each other again. The passion in the track was the way that I felt about the world at the time, because day to day you feel so much love, you see people caring for each other, you see people stopping if a kid falls off his bike to help him up and get back onto his bike, but then also its like the media has pumped fear into us and has exaggerated the bad things and they don’t feel the good things.Its kinda like standing up to the media but then also unifying us to love each other again”
There are many ways for artists to break through and reach their desired audience through social media. Wilkes has experienced the music industry before the rise and influence of social media, when it was perhaps more tricky for an artist to get their name out there and recognised. However there is a slight paradox in the present world. It’s easier to reach people but now it can be more difficult to stand out.
“Now there are ten thousand doors that you can open really easily .But yes it’s hard to stand out because when I first started I was with Red Jumpsuit and all of that, we had a marketing campaign, our CD was sold in stores so yes its very very different but its great. The reason it’s great is because not only can an artist like me be independent right now and release a single world wide but any young artist can do exactly what i’m doing. The doors are wide open now for all musicians and that’s what makes it great. Thank you, the internet. It’s a great time for music now. Even though there is a pandemic people are still passionate if not more passionate about music than ever before.”
KOU plan to bring their energetic and sonically rich tour to Europe when everything settles down. I asked will they come to Ireland
“Absolutely once the pandemic situation calms down Europe is definitely where I need to go properly first, because we have such a pull there right now. I love Ireland by the way when I toured over there it was one of my fondest memories.I was in ireland in 2009 or 2010 and it was amazing.Im really looking forward to going back to Ireland because ‘Time Is The Enemy’ the first single when it came out last year did very well in that market.”
Wilkes’ emotive vocal ability is impressive.This to my surprise was not a gradual learning process or training of his voice but more like giving in to the moment and his emotions and allowing his passion to pour forth.
“I think it’s the project KOU that brought it out. I sang backup in The Red Jumpsuit, I would play drums and sing harmonies here and there but KOU definitely brought out my voice. I woke up one day and I was like, this is the moment. I need to transform into this and actually the first recording I did was a remix – a Björk song and I released the video of it on Youtube. I put it up for free on soundcloud, that was nerve-racking because that was the first time I actually heard my voice recorded and it wasn’t that long ago it was in 2016. I was surprised when I heard my voice for the first time. I kinda stopped and the engineer and I looked at each other and we thought ‘’we have something here’’. He was like there is something going on, you should definitely continue writing songs and that’s what I did.There wasn’t a whole lot of experimentation either. It was just going in and letting myself be consumed by the emotion of what was being said and really giving into it. If that means crying in the studio,or screaming that’s what happens.”
Wilkes has toured all over the world I wondered had he experienced anything bizarre or extraordinary in his time on the road
“There have been so many amazing experiences. It was pretty intense when we were in Indonesia. I think it was 2008 or 2009.We were playing inside of a mall. That was insane because there was not a whole lot of security and there were probably,18,000 people there and they hid us in a tiny room that was probably 12 ft by 12ft and we just sat there for hours until we went on to play. We also went over and played for the troops for the USO and that was an experience. That was in Afghanistan and Iraq and that was during the war so there were bombs going off.I also went to Stockholm Sweden in 2014 I think and I did the halftime show for Monster Jam. So this was after Red Jumpsuit and that was probably one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had.It was about 30 to 40 thousand people and I did a halftime show where I was dressed up like a power ranger, I had a light up suit on and it was for kids and we did EDM dance music and I drum soloed for seven and a half minutes and that was the half time show.It was amazing!”
A lot of people dream of living the life of a musician and playing their tracks to an audience. Wilkes has some words of wisdom
“My advice for up and coming musicians is to never give up on your dream. If you can finish your song go and find the closest studio to you to finish the song and give it out to the world.You never know what’s going to happen. Artist’s like Macklemore, you know he had a song called ‘Thrift Shop’ that came out, now 10 years ago.But when he released that song he just put it up on the internet and he didn’t promote it, he didn’t do anything and that song was out for almost a decade before it went to radio and became a huge single.So you never know what’s going to happen, especially in the world that we live in now and the industry that we are in now.So release your music be passionate about it and don’t ever give up on your dreams.”
Wilkes has an exciting year planned ahead with KOU and is gearing up tour next year
“The plan is to release singles the rest of the year.Right now we are releasing ‘Burn’ this week and then we will have another one that drops soon with some special guests. There are some things that we are lining up now and the plan is to release singles for the rest of this year and then start touring in 2021.”
Wilkes is an ambitious artist. His passion for music radiates from him through his animated and energetic persona.Exciting times lay ahead for him and all who are blessed to hear his music.
Alternative rocker and songwriter Chris Birdsall has released his latest single ‘Deaf, Dumb and Blind’. Coming from a string of bands in his youth, Chris Birdsall struck out on his own and released his debut solo album ’13 Songs’ in 2015. With his sound influenced by Eric Clapton and John Martyn, he continues to explore the bounds of his musical talent, pushing it further each time. ‘Deaf, Dumb and Blind’ is the first single to come from his upcoming album.
‘Deaf, Dumb and Blind’ is a slick rock track that thrives on a bluesy refrain and Chris Birdsall’s raw musicianship. With a stomping beat, swagger drenched guitar and powerful vocals the track is brimming with oodles of brawn.Birdsall builds the track from a groove infested sultry number into a ballsy power anthem. With a twanging western-esque guitar creating scorching fragments of delight between the muggy humid beat the song’s simplistic approach is quite versatile and striking. The mighty crescendo and sheer swagger dripping from this track is impressive. ‘Deaf, Dumb and Blind’ is catchy, fine blues rock tune sure to be stuck in your head for days.
I had a chat with Dublin multi instrumentalist Sam Ludlow best known as the drummer in grungy disco band Munky a few weeks ago. We talked about his debut single ‘Antwerp’, the inspiration behind the track and what his plans are for upcoming releases all while Sam showed some interesting culinary skills.
Presse bilder til det nye Dagny albumet / januar 2020
Dagny is set to release the first installment of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’. Released via Universal / Ingrooves the album will be split into two parts, with the first 6 tracks ‘Side A’ available for streaming on May 22nd and the full album (Side B) to arrive in September later this year. Dagny [Norvoll Sandvik] has officially solidified herself in recent years as one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters: yielding over 450 million streams, as well as selling out international headline tours along with critical acclaim from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harper’s BAZAAR. Debut EP ‘Ultraviolet’ received unanimous praise from critics with features such as Billboard’s 10 Pop Stars To Watch In 2017, and VEVO’s Ones To Watch 2017.
Coated in vivid and shimmering pop side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ presents Dagny’s sound through lush instrumentation and wonderfully infectious songwriting. Her ability to create sunny pop bangers is wondrous This is shown in tracks ‘Come Over’, ‘Somebody’ and ‘Coulda Shoulda Woulda’ whichpresent buoyant instrumentation over sparkling synths, sticky slapping beats and light guitar strides. With Dagny’s light footed sweet vocals melting atop the smooth melodies she puts a sugary glaze on already shiny pop tunes.There are some sublime funky moments, warm guitar flourishes and twinkling keys adorning the album in rich and vibrant textures.
Through the glossy pop soundscapes and radiant dance hued bops, Dagny wisps delicate slow burners into the mix. The affectionate and dreamy ‘Paris’, honest ‘Let Me Cry’ and the catchy blooping beat of ‘Tension’ highlights Dagny’s ability to swirl delicate emotion and earnest song writing into her tracks. This first half of the album is brimming with exhilarating anticipation and excitement as Dagny playfully expresses themes of meeting someone for the first time and enjoying the exciting beginnings of a relationship.
Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a full flavoured richly layered collection of tracks. Dagny has an impressive ability to create sophisticated fun pop which has depth and emotion. Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is an enjoyable listen.
Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is set for release on 22nd May for more you can follow Dagny on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dagnymusic/
The White Lakes are set to release their new single ‘Summer (She Won’t Wait)’ on May 18th. The White Lakes are a four-piece Indie Rock Band, based near London. The band members, Matt Ellacott (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals), Finlay Carson (Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals), Logan McQuirk (Bass) and Kyle Oliveira (Drums) are all under the age of 21, they originally formed in Oxford and have been together just over two years. Over the last 2 years the band have grown from small clubs to headline shows and festivals stages. Performances include: The Wedgewood Rooms (Portsmouth), Truckfest, Carfest, Summer Live, SOMA Festival, The Boiler Room (Guildford), Live Wyre Festival and The Camden Assembly. The White Lakes were recently invited to support Razorlight at a sold out O2 Indigo, in London.
‘Summer (She Won’t Wait)’ is fun, fresh and full of exuberance as The White Lakes take their explosive indie sound and douse it in sun-kissed summer radiance. The band have created a dynamic number with a driving bass line weaving elastic rumbles into its punchy foundation. With massive arena worthy sing along lyrics and an infectious melody it’s a sparkling indie fire cracker.The jubilant jangling guitars chime and glisten throughout the track with a blazing intensity for the chorus while gliding through the verses with sweet glossy refrains. The White Lakes sprint through the song at a rapid pace sprinkling their buoyant peppy backdrop with raw indie fragments of delight before injecting vibrant pop elements into the track to keep the sugar rush alive. With warm vocals and crisp production ‘Summer (She Won’t Wait)’ is an infectious, youthful shot of adrenaline sure to have you dancing around the room in no time.
Well known as the drummer from Munky, Dublin’s multi instrumentalist Sam Ludlow has released his debut solo single ‘Antwerp’. Sam’s debut is quite the auspicious ditty as he announces his solo material with a delicate number presented through a rosy romantic haze.
With soft guitar tenderly weaving through a steady shuffle beat this mellow track is a creamy angel delight to the ears. It’s picturesque and vivid as the velvety vocal croons caress the candy-floss pop melody with soulful tones and classic charm. The “la la la la” lyrics wisp the track into a cinematic swoon while light piano flutters in the background. The balmy, nimble guitar embellishments and lush backing vocals set a beautiful sun-kissed haze of daydream bliss. ‘Antwerp’ is well layered and beautifully crafted with a laid back lounging vibe that is so soothing, sweet and irresistible. A sublime debut from Sam Ludlow.
About the track Sam says “This is the bridge between a creative prison and an unknown future. This track was written at a really happy time in my life, but the song was recorded at a sad point in my life, so it blends this carefree instrumentation with melancholic melodies.”
Derry indie pop singer songwriter Stayne (pronounced like stain) has released his new single ‘Who’s Dead, How’s The Weather?’ ahead of his EP which is due for release later this year.This beautiful and tender track is an impeccable example of Stayne’s clean, honest and pure songwriting. With ethereal soundscapes wisping around elegant twinkles on piano it’s a heartwarming emotive gem. Stayne’s warm vocals have a rich depth and velvety tone as he glides over the melancholic smooth melody with ease. The track surges with uplifting tones as the buoyant beat and building backdrop lift the song to new heights for the crescendo. It’s a well crafted, beautiful number that flurries lightly around the earnest lyrics which speak of how we are only here for a short while and during our time on earth you should ‘be someone you’re proud of’. With a bubbling melodically rich chorus teamed with wonderful glistens on guitar ‘Who’s Dead, How’s The Weather? is a sublime track brimming with emotion, passion and refined musicianship.
Stream ‘Who’s Dead, How’s The Weather? below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
