Tag Archives: New Music

New Music, Singer/Songwriter

JC Stewart ‘Break My Heart’

Photo Credit : Rosie Matheson.

JC Stewart has released his new single, ‘Break My Heart’. Over the course of the last year, JC Stewart has already achieved a growing following of 3.1 million monthly listeners at Spotify, plus extensive airplay across Radio 1, Radio 2, Capital, and Kiss. The song is accompanied by an official video directed by Charlie Sarsfield (Stormzy, Dermot Kennedy), who also directed the video for JC’s previous single, ‘I Need You To Hate Me’.

‘Break My Heart’ is a passionate burst of alternative pop as JC Stewart spreads a heartfelt melody over a dynamic instrumental backdrop. This heart-racing track drives on a pulsing beat and warm guitar laments while Stewart’s velvety vocals explode with emotion. The song builds superbly simmering through the verses before the catchy sing-along chorus kicks in. There is a confidence and swaggered undertone to ‘Break My Heart,’ which tells the story of a romance that has to be all or nothing. Stewart displays his wide musical range on this song, surging adrenaline into his passionate songwriting to create a fiery anthem that is a joy to listen to. Drenched in kinetic energy, ‘Break My Heart’ is an incredibly catchy song sure to be chiming in your head for days. 

About the track, Stewart says: “‘Break My Heart’ is big, fast and fun. It’s about someone who can catch you so off guard that they can ruin a city for you and tear your life apart. But sometimes that can be addicting.”

The video features JC as one-half of a couple who share an erratic relationship. It switches between a whirlwind of ups and downs: the joy of hitting the open road and blissed-out moment home alone, juxtaposed with awkward silences and icy stares.

Watch the video below 


Author : Danu

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

Ria Rua ‘Bad Girl

Ria Rua has released her new single, ‘Bad Girl.’ Ria Rua is a modern Irish female electronic art-pop singer, songwriter, and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer and touring the world with orchestras, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and she was nominated for 2020 International Artist of the Year by a UK radio station.

Ria Rua’s first-rate musicianship soars to new heights with her latest track ‘Bad Girl.’ From the well-formed turn of phrase to rich musicianship, this bewitching track is intricately crafted. Crisp vocals swirl around infectious rhythms and dark electronic pulses, while tropical embellishments and edgy indie textures add depth and colour to a tantalizing luring soundscape. Within moments the listener is captivated and in awe of the superb display of skilful production.

Lyrically Ria pulls no punches. She exudes an empowering attitude through witty lyrics, which at times cuts deep like a knife. “Yeah, you’re nice to me now say it’s great to see ya. Where was this year’s ago when I was no senorita. I know it’s a fake, only your mistake fire in disguise, let’s go burn this f*cking snake”. Radiating swagger and sass throughout, Ria’s wonderful, pristine vocal delivery heightens the honest lyrical approach.

‘Bad Girl’ is a fantastic display of production wizardry and deft songwriting ability. I can not wait to hear more from Ria Rua. Ria is a talented artist and one to get very excited about.

About the track, Ria Rua said: “I spent three months creating this song – recording over 500 individual tracks in the process! The lyrics are about being bullied by people you once trusted when you ‘become who you are.’ So in a sense, it’s about betrayal, but more importantly, it’s about standing up to bullies and being brave enough to embrace your potential! “

Stream ‘Bad Girl’ below 


Author :Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Crayon Set ‘Moment’

The Crayon Set have released their new single ‘Moment’. The song is taken from their third upcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ due for release this Summer. The Crayon Set formed in 2010 and quickly came to prominence when they won a national competition to play the Sundae in the Park Festival in London. 

‘Moment’ is a delightful slice of indie as The Crayon Set spread their vibrant musicianship over catchy melodies and blossoming instrumental builds. Glistening synths wisp through an ethereal backdrop while lush harmonies and a pop sprinkled melody exude a sweet angelic radiance. The Crayon Set display their intricate and prismatic musicianship through subtle synth-pop elements melded between lo-fi tones, psychedelic pepperings, and indie-pop hues. The band create lush textures and upbeat explosions of positivity through the song’s instrumental backdrop, softening and cushioning the heartfelt lyrics which discuss depression and not giving up on life. ‘Moment’ is a beautifully arranged track from The Crayon Set ready to soothe the soul.

Stream ‘Moment’ below


Author : Danu

Cinamatic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

World’s First Cinema ‘Cold Sets In’

Having amassed more than a million streams from singles ‘Can’t Feel Anything’ and ‘Red Run Cold’ since their release in late 2020, and topping the billing on Spotify’s Pop Rock Shot playlist with ‘Red Run Cold’ fast-rising duo World’s First Cinema look to continue the support for their debut EP with new offering ‘Cold Sets In’. World’s First Cinema is comprised of Fil Thorpe ( Neck Deep ) and John Sinclair ( Saint Claire ).

‘Cold Sets In’ is a tender track which displays the mesmerising music and clean cinematic production of World’s First Cinema. The duo create a soundscape filled with contrasting themes of loneliness and hopefulness as warm cello drifts over elegant piano in a playful yet at times sombre manner. Soft electronics twinkle through the tracks ethereal atmosphere while smooth passionate vocals caress a dreamy easy on the ears melody. Wonderfully evocative; ‘Cold Sets In’ is a moving and well crafted track from World’s First Cinema. Keep an eye on these guys.

Speaking about the track, the band said, “The song continues on to lyrically explore how pain and strife can bring you closer to loved ones. But even when that pain causes you to step away, we learn that starting over can be the most important part of the journey. This track is the first ballad esq offering the band has released and acts as a clear indicator that we can expect a more emotional side of this project in the future.”

Stream ‘Cold Sets In’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Wild Youth ‘Champagne Butterflies’

Irish indie band Wild Youth kick off 2021 with their new single ‘Champagne Butterflies’.The band’s kaleidoscopic ‘Next to You’ video received key support from WONDERLAND and huge hype across the blogosphere, alongside a performance slot on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show. Racking up over 1.2 million streams on Spotify alone, “Next to You” also received vital playlist additions from Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, The Pop List and New Pop Revolution while also making the cover of New Pop UK and Apple Music’s A-List Pop.

Encased in ethereal synths and funky rhythms, ‘Champagne Butterflies’ is an exhilarating delight from Wild Youth.The track is saturated in chic panache as the band display their musical prowess through the songs lavish attention to detail and crisp 80’s-hued production. David Whelan’s warm vocals slip effortlessly in and out of falsetto while the synth embellishments create a vibrant and colourful backdrop.The track is utterly infectious as Wild Youth use their knack for hook laden melodies to create a prismatic soundscape filled with glistening guitars, funky basslines and lush buoyant beats. Press play, indulge and enjoy.

Watch the video for ‘Champagne Butterflies’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

MYTH ‘Oh, La’

Dublin band MYTH have released their new single ‘Oh, La’. Enclosed within a powerful alternative rock wrapping ‘Oh, La’ presents the expansive and blossoming sound of MYTH. Exuding innocence and emotion; delicate guitars and fluttering taps on drums expand from the tracks beginning; slowly layering until the expressive chorus kicks in. The chorus gives way to a sinister soundscape of crashing guitars, surging bass lines and rumbling drums briefly broken by a lamenting violin melody. This contrast within the songs rich, ominous and flourishing sound is a marvel to behold and creates biting suspense and a cinematic ambiance that is spine-chilling and simply wonderful. Alex Webb’s powerful vocals add to this effect as she haunts the song’s dark and eerie soundscape. Not overwhelmed by the swirling instrumental backdrop, she holds her own, as if commanding the musical maelstrom to surround her voice in a complimentary display of grandeur. ‘Oh, La’ is a wonderfully expressive and enthralling track from MYTH. There is something bewitching about this band’s sound and ‘Oh, La’ highlights this superbly.

Stream ‘Oh,La’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Static Vision ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’

Limerick band Static Vision have recently released their new single ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’. A punchy, catchy track ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’ is doused in Static Vision’s punk flavoured indie rock as the band use an energetic wall of sound to discuss how Covid-19 has changed their lives and the world around them. Utilizing sharp guitar lines which soar and slice through elastic bass grooves and vibrant drums the track has a buoyant and upbeat soundscape while exuding a zesty edge. The band inject lightness into the tune through perky guitars while the expressive vocals and quirky falsetto teamed with backing vocals create an animated sing along infectiousness. The track is well crafted and balances the angst of the band’s punk elements with bright, fun indie flavours to provide a rich and satisfying listening experience destined for live audience sing alongs. ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’ is the perfect example of Static Vision’s full bodied and dynamic sound. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Mechner ‘Silence in my Wake’

Irish Artist Mechner has recently released his new single ‘Silence in my Wake’.2020 was a tough year for everyone worldwide, financially, physically and mentally. On looking back over the years events Mechner decided to mark the end of the year with an ode and tribute to those who have lost anyone.

A tender lo-fi track ‘Silence in my Wake’ displays the emotive and haunting music of Mechner. The complimenting and contrasting elements within this mellow track is both melancholic and soothing all at once. Showcasing stripped back production the song floats upon a folk tone. Acoustic guitar gently accompanies the warmth of Mechner’s vocals while soft glimmers on synths drift through the tracks spacious soundscape and bittersweet melody. As reverb distorts the songs soothing tone the tune ends on a ghostly outro…fading into stillness. ‘Silence in my Wake’ is a wonderful display of emotion and comfort from Mechner and a beautiful addition to his collection of compelling tracks. 

Stream ‘Silence in my Wake’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, Hard Rock, New Music

Day. Is. Near ‘After the End. Desert Train’ Album

Hardcore band Day. Is. Near have released their new album ‘After the End. Desert Train’. Recorded in three different studios over a period of 15 months, this album has touched the walls of the notable Rebel’s Lair Studio in Maidstone, Mustache Ministry in Warsaw and Tall Pine Studios in Gdansk with mastering achieved by Andy Baldwin at Metropolis Studios in London. Day. Is. Near. is completely self-founded and consists of various individuals based between London and Warsaw. 

‘After the End. Desert Train’ is a raw and dark collection of tracks from Day. Is. Near. Not for the faint hearted, the album is shrouded in ominous soundscapes while growling vocals create a chilling sinister atmosphere. The band flicker moments of lightness through the thick muggy backdrop with sweet guitar refrains in tracks ‘Horizon Is My Home’ and ‘Just Another Journey’. These lamenting guitar melodies slice through the eerie backdrop adding moments of relief between the thumping beat and haunting backing vocals while also displaying another aspect of the band’s hardcore rock sound. Through the bloodthirsty powerful backdrop Day. Is. Near layer their songs in jabbing riffage and vocal screams which creates a harrowing wall of death effect that is sure to be epic in a mosh pit. Boasting a hardcore rock stance mangled beneath manic outbursts and a relentless rhythmic battering ‘After the End. Desert Train’ is a bewitching thrill ride. 

Stream ‘After the End. Desert Train’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Siimon ‘Cuts & Bruises’ Album

Former Coldplay tribute singer Siimon is finding his own voice with his debut album ‘Cuts & Bruises’. Using the time spent in lockdown to write and record, ‘Cuts and Bruises’ evolved from demos of songs written at various song writing workshops over the years.

‘Cuts & Bruises’ is an enjoyable collection of easy listening rock as Siimon uses his passionate songwriting to create emotive anthemic tunes. His warm vocals caress the delicate sweet melodies radiating tenderness and affection in tracks such as ‘Cuts & Bruises’. This track is a surging display of affection and emotive songwriting filled with elegant keys and ethereal soundscapes. Siimon’s gripping mellow rock encompasses ‘Misread’, ‘Ordinary’ and ‘Last Stop On The Line’; biting guitars flurry across an uplifting and bittersweet wall of sound as soft beats build between icy keys and moving melodies to create a satisfying listening experience. Siimon injects wonderful sparkle into ‘Break Together’. Subtle eruptions on keys flourish through a swirling soundscape of buoyant beats allowing the emotion and sweetness of the melody make your heart skip a beat. Showcasing clean production and rich instrumentation ‘Cuts & Bruises’ is a sublime album from Siimon. 

 “‘Cuts and Bruises’ became the perfect title for the album as it seemed to encompass many of the unhealed scars, unseen wounds, memories, thoughts, feelings and emotions emanating from the other tracks.” explains Siimon who enlisted Paddy Byrne (Paloma Faith, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs) to produce this project.

Stream ‘Cuts & Bruises’ below


Author : Danu