Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue have returned with their scorching new single ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. Steamrolling in, swagger drenched and rearing to go, the band present one hell of a belter with ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. With sharp blistering guitar riffs ricocheting off the battering drum and steamy bass grooves the track is a hefty onslaught of rock. The song has a strutting yet raucous quality as bluesy licks weave between a raw alternative wall of sound. With clever lyrics, slick vocals and infectious melody teamed with crashing chorus explosions and dynamic crescendo, there is no denying the talent and kinetic energy this band possess. ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’ is a glorious alternative rock mammoth ready to blow your mind.
Bristol indie folk singer songwriter Joe T. Johnson has released his new single ‘English Elegance’. This sweet retro hued ditty drifts upon Johnson’s 60’s melodies while he subtly builds a psychedelic hued backdrop. The song weaves between eerie moments with light pop elements glimmering throughout while a dreamy melody, upbeat rhythm and sweet vocals contrast the sinister, lamenting spaghetti western-esque guitar whines throughout. With harmonica moments and march-like drum elements Johnson wonderfully layers ‘English Elegance’ to create a fantastic pop delight to listen to.
After the storming success of their recently released studio album ‘One Day At A Time’, which has now been streamed more than 60 millions times and seen them garner another 100 million YouTube views, Kodaline have announced the release of the deluxe edition of their latest full-length, which will feature a collaboration with Gabrielle Aplin on their track ‘Everyone Changes’, another as yet unreleased song, two covers – ‘Teenage Kicks’ and ‘The Rare Auld Times’ and of course the previously released singles ‘Wherever You Are’, ‘Sometimes’, ‘Saving Grace’ and ‘Say Something’.With the original version of ‘Everyone Changes’ already racking up more than 750,000 streams alone, this new collaborative version sees the band break out in a whole new light. The band will be releasing the deluxe version of ‘One Day At A Time’ on 20th November both physically and digitally, making it the first opportunity for fans to own the record in a physical format.
Gabrielle Aplin’s vocals add a delicate and celestial quality to ‘Everyone Changes’. This graceful and emotive song takes a new lease of life with this collaboration. Aplin’s vocals almost stop time between the songs tender building soundscapes. With lush harmonies and the passionate songwriting and musicianship of Kodaline this beautiful rendition of ‘Everyone Changes’ is a sublime treat for listeners to indulge in.
Speaking on the collaboration, the band added, “When we wrote ‘Everyone changes’ for our new album we always felt the song would work better as a duet, so with the help of Gabrielle Aplin and her beautiful vocals, here’s the result. We hope you guys like it x”
Watch the lyric video for ‘Everyone Changes’ below
Bob Baker has released his debut EP ‘The Bob Baker Sound’. His debut single ‘The Way It Is’ got its first radio play as a featured track on BBC Introducing in the East Midlands as well as becoming Track of the Week on BBC Radio Derby.
‘The Bob Baker Sound’ is a jaunty cohesive collection of tracks doused in Bob Baker’s heartfelt, light and utterly enjoyable musicianship. With driving rhythms, chugging guitars and quick lyrics ‘The Way It Is’ and ‘I Know You Did It’ kick starts the EP with a hearty full bodied sound. There are elements reminiscent of Jake Bugg within the songs which exudes a brisk youthful adrenaline.
Baker laces each track in catchy melodies, irresistible hooks and a bright fun atmosphere that will put a smile on your face.However ‘I’m Not The Same As You’, takes a darker tone as Baker sprinkles sharp guitar and power rock gusto into an airy more sombre melody. With light keys and a mighty chorus build the track is quite the passionate mature gem.
Baker takes his time fleshing out the instrumental backdrops, adding new layers and textures within each song. From the vigorous indie in ‘The Way It Is’ with dynamic guitars and punching drums to the soft twinkling on keys for the sweeter ‘Chase The Wind’ each song has its own identity on the EP. Baker’s smooth warm vocals tie all the tracks together oozing confidence, emotion and effortless charm.
Baker is a talented songwriter. His witty lyrics elevate his vibrant tunes to a fun and quirky level. The tracks on ‘The Bob Baker Sound’ are satisfying, foot tapping gems which mark Baker as an artist to keep an eye on.
About the EP, Bob Baker sent us a track by track breakdown to give us insight into what inspired the songs
The Way It Is
” ‘The Way It Is’ is a song about sudden rejection I suppose. One minute everything’s going smoothly the next minute the rug gets pulled from under your feet and you’re forced to change direction very quickly. When something like that happens you’re given no choice but to accept it, crack on with things and do what you’re good at. That’s just the way it is. “
I’m Not The Same As You
” ‘I’m not the same as you’ is a song about being close to someone but realising certain differences between you and them. A situation that I’m sure many people can empathise with. “
Don’t Chase the Wind
” It’s one of those songs that the listener can apply to their own situation. For me this was all about watching someone throwing away a great situation when all I could do was stand at the side and watch “
I know You Did It
” I know you did it is a bit of everything, humour, anger & honesty. It’s the irony of the plain truth amidst flat denial, woven into a tune that I hope won’t get out of your head “
Folk troubadour John Hynes has returned with his new single, ‘The Glory’ which is inspired by the death of his father, “a man for whom a life well lived meant a humble life of independence.”, as John puts it. Hailing from Co. Kildare John’s songs are a storyboard for hopeless romantics and hopeless romances. His songwriting explores the grey areas of life and love, where the good and bad reside uncomfortably side-by-side.Produced by Gavin Glass (David Keenan, Lisa Hannigan) and featuring string arrangements by Cormac Curran (Hozier, Villagers), John has expanded and grown from his previous singles and is releasing his most autobiographical song yet. With John’s previous singles reaching No.1 on the RTE Radio 1 airplay chart and receiving plays on Today FM, Lyric FM, 4FM, Radio Nova, and a host of regionals, he is eager to keep the momentum going with a busy year of releases.John is also announcing his forthcoming debut album due out in May 2021. “A Man In Love” will expand on these themes of love and loss; the death of a father, the birth of a child, lost loves, marriage and modern manhood and will be released in May 2021.
‘The Glory’ is a heartwarming emotive track as John Hynes wraps tender lyrics in passionate melodies and beautiful musicianship. Graceful strings swoon with elegance and grandeur while the warm guitar strums and steady beat provide a cosy and wholesome atmosphere within the track. Hynes’ emotive vocals exudes a country tone as the track beautifully blossoms between pop and folk- rock. As the song progresses it becomes more powerful and anthemic with lush backing harmonies and a captivating crescendo. There are elements of Father John Misty sprinkled throughout the track as Hynes showcases his poetic and moving songwriting to create a delicate and utterly moving tune.
Dublin-based singer/ songwriter Honas has released his new single ‘I Can Get You Out Of This’. Honas has written and produced with several artists, as well as being a key part of Irish indie-outfit Orchid Collective playing bass and songwriting. The band was the outlet for his music for many years, though he was still writing on his own. He ended up with a group of songs he was happy with, and came across producer Adam Redmond. In 2019 he turned his attention to his own debut album. His first three singles have amassed over 1.7 million streams on Spotify, landed on several Spotify editorial playlists, and gained acclaim from several major blogs and publications.
‘I Can Get You Out Of This’ is an earthy number filled with ethereal synths, sweet melodies and warm layered guitar. The song builds superbly with buoyant beats providing a dynamic edge as the song progresses to its cimamcaitc crescendo. The soothing and tender lyrics are a warm glimmer of hope between the bubbling and coiling soundscapes, creating a soothing sense of comfort and relief. With flickering, slapping beats weaving intensely between the swirling and stormy soundscapes the song packs a powerful sonic punch. Exuding emotive vocals and gripping production ‘I Can Get You Out Of This’ is a majestic and compelling new tune from Honas.
TYG returns with his new single ‘One More Time’. ‘One More Time’ is accompanied by TYG’s debut video, directed by actor/director Ruaidhri Conroy and starring TYG, rising star Peter Newington (Walking On Cars’ Don’t Mind Me, Calm With Horses) and stunning dancer Ghaliah. Shot by Patrick Jordan(The Young Offenders) on location in Dublin it visually and narratively explores the song’s themes of desire and longing.
‘One More Time’ is a powerful and ambitious tune as TYG uses his exceptionally passionate vocals and moving songwriting to create quite the hair-raising experience. The song builds superbly with a country rock element which ignites the songs emotive core while the twinkling guitar and brooding melody express the songs moving lyrical content. The steady beat progresses becoming more dynamic taking the song to cinematic heights for the soaring chorus. ‘One More Time’ is a brilliant and timeless example of TYG’s refined musicianship. ‘One More Time’ is sleek and grand in nature but musically loose and ethereal enough to keep it fresh. TYG is immensely talented.
About the track TYG said : “Longing for what was and what could have been is something I think we all experience from time to time,That potent feeling I myself have experienced at times is what inspired this song”.
Today, Yorkshire born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist YUNGBLUD announces his huge Autumn 2021 ‘Life on Mars’ tour, including a headline show at 3Arena, Dublin, 20th November 2021. Tickets go on general sale at 9am, Wednesday 4th November 2020. Ticket link. Proudly presented by Singular Artists.
Indie Buddie is excited to share this news as YUNGBLUD has a vibrant catchy sound brimming with lush instrumentation, rich rhythms and passionate melodies. His charismatic songs are infectious and hook laden making this a show not to be missed.
YUNGBLUD’s sophomore album ”Weird!” (Locomotion/Polydor Records), described as a coming-of-age album, is available for pre-order now. New merchandise is now available at YUNGBLUD’s website, where fans can pre-order the album in CD, vinyl and cassette formats.
About the tour YUNGBLUD said :
“I’m so excited to get back on the road, it’s been too long now! These shows are going to be double the energy, double the emotion, double the passion. These are the biggest rooms I’ve ever played so be expecting a spectacle. I’ve had a year trapped in a room and my ADHD needs to have some gasoline put on it and set me on fire…let’s get it!”
YUNGBLUD (aka Dominic Harrison) is a multi-instrumentalist who first picked up a guitar at age two and began writing his own songs at age 10. The 23-year-old artist is known for voicing what he feels are major concerns for his generation, using his music to unite and empower the youth of today. Bound by a love for his brilliantly outspoken breed of rock-and-roll music, that community has witnessed YUNGBLUD’s rise from a struggling musician living in a Northern England council flat to a global superstar hailed by Rolling Stone as a “pop-punk rebel on a mission” following the release of his self-titled EP and his full-length 2018 debut, 21st Century Liability. In 2019, YUNGBLUD released Live in Atlanta and the underrated youth EP, which debuted in the top 10 on the UK Official Albums chart and contained the hit single “original me” feat. Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons. YUNGLBUD has garnered over 1.4B streams worldwide and has over 8.6M monthly listeners on Spotify. Over the years, YUNGBLUD has performed to sold-out crowds in over 20 countries and played some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Austin City Limits, Life Is Beautiful, Lollapalooza, Reading and Leeds Festivals, and Vans Warped Tour.
Tickets €37.00 go on sale 9 AM Wednesday, 4th November 2020
Lav has released her new single ‘Reds’ which is the first single from her yet-to-be-titled debut EP due in February 2021 on Color Study.The release follows a succession of buzzy singles, “From Me, The Moon”, “Wavvy” and “The Girls Before Me”, which has positioned the LA based artist as one of this year’s hot tips.
There is a slow groove and dreamy quality to ‘Reds’ as Lav coos over a delicately lush instrumental backdrop. Synths fizzle in and out of swirling soundscapes and jazzy warm keys while rippling beats add an R&B element to the tune. The track is a well crafted expression of adolescent romance. Lavs sultry vocals echo and lull over the nostalgic melody, her sweet vocals seduce and draw the listener further into the songs brooding sense of euphoria. ‘Reds’ is another enchanting track from Lav.
Lav calls the track “a seductive and melancholy tune I whipped up after reflecting on romance in my adolescence. Dreamy and idealistic, without acknowledging the reality of an eventual expiration on the relationship”.
Bio : Eighty Ninety are a NYC based alt-pop project of brothers Abner (vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production) James. Eighty Ninety first broke out with their hit 2016 single, “Three Thirty,” which climbed to #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral Charts and was closely followed by their debut EP Elizabeth. Since then, the duo’s music has garnered over 26 million streams and featured on numerous Spotify playlists (New Music Friday, Pop Rising, Indie Pop, Chill Vibes, Viral Hits, and many more)
Track: Better as Friends
Why We Like It: It’s a luscious alternative pop number saturated in melty melodies, swirling electronics and sharp guitar lines. The melody and smooth vocals provide a tender emotive quality to the track while the bubbling beats and catchy chorus exude an effervescent ambience. With crisp production and cinematic progressions the track is a charming chilled tune ready for repeat plays.
Bio : Dublin native Stephen Cooper started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands before starting solo project Fly the Nest, a name inspired by moving on from a previous musical journey and the adventures music has led him on. As well as writing and releasing his own music, Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. Stephen now spends his time between Ireland and Denmark, and gigs regularly across Scandinavia. During lockdown, Stephen busked in apartment courtyards, setting up a busking system with some fellow musicians. He has also been focused on songwriting and recording.
Track: Be Mine
Why We Like It: It’s a delicate romantic tune with emotive lyrics, beautiful melody and simple accompaniment allowing the lyrical content take the limelight. With elegant piano gracefully gliding around the smooth vocals the song is a sweet and tender gem and a joy to listen to.
Bio : Scarlet are a four piece female led Grunge/Pop Alt/Rock band.The Bands profile has been building with their last single gaining a huge amount of attention from the likes of BBC introducing, 6 Music, XS Manchester and Radio 1. Scarlet have played festivals such as Zandari Festa (Seoul), Tbilisi Open Air Festival (Georgia), Liverpool Sound City, Kendal Calling, Hanwell Hootie, The Great Escape, and Cotton Clouds Festival. Pre Covid, the bands last two tours saw a majority of sell out shows, selling out venues in Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Liverpool, and their next tour will see more of the same.
Track: Bring Me Down
Why We Like It: This blistering swarm of alternative rock is emotive, passionate and powerful as Scarlet embellish their music with sharp riffs, battering drums and raw bass rumbles. This tight track is well crafted and brimming with vigor. The raw blazing backdrop provides the right amount of edge while the smooth vocals and pop sprinkled melody make this earworm one impressive power pop anthem.
About the track front woman, Jessie Robinson says “Bring Me Down is about constantly being treated like a mug. Being underestimated and held back by people that should be working with you. It’s about not being taken seriously, realising it, and setting yourself free. It’s about an escape and gaining the ability to say NO MORE and promise yourself that you’ll NEVER be brought down or made to feel worthless and insignificant again.”
Bio : London based rock duo Leontas have released their new single ‘Darkened Heart’. The band revolves around singer and guitarist Alex Munteanu and drummer Scott Collier who met at an audition for a separate band in Camden. After the two bonded, realising their musical styles fitted perfectly together LEONTAS was born in Camden’s Creation Studios.
Track: Darkened Heart
Why We Like It: This dark brooding track oozes emotion and rock gusto as icy guitars lament through a pounding drums backdrop. As the track progresses the song exudes a bluesy irresistible tone. With a lamenting melody and polished production the track is a impressive new tune from Leontas.
