Tag Archives: Soul

Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Soul

Gold Complex ‘Backbone’

Toronto-based Soul/Pop band Gold Complex have released a video for their single ‘Backbone’alongside a deluxe edition of their debut, self-titled EP. Gold Complex fuse classic soul with pop and R&B into a fresh sound that is all their own. This dynamic octet has built a strong fanbase in Canada, headlining renowned venues such as Lee’s Palace, The Rivoli, Mod Club and the Horseshoe Tavern. Their debut self-titled EP was released in April last year and their first two singles ‘Tread On Me’ and ‘Backbone’ received regular rotation on radio nationwide and were featured on the Nickelodeon television series, Open Heart, now on Netflix.
‘Backbone’ is a smooth sensual, funky tune about the conviction of “saying what you mean and meaning what you say, especially when it comes to a relationship”. Velvety warm vocals kicks off the track in a soulful passionate manner. With steamy jazzy brass and gentle supple beat teamed with flexible coaxing bass this track lays the smooth talk on thick. Its agile easy -moving sleekness can sweep you into a stupor as you are sweet talked and wooed by the suave vocals and nifty slick piano. This track is a saucy cheeky track exuding sass with classy swagger.
Gold Complex are currently in the studio recording their debut full length album “New Soul”, set for release in April 2017.
Watch the video for ‘Backbone’ below

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Smooth Rock, Soul

Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band ‘Barely Holding On’

paul-dunbar-the-black-winter-band-8629

Paul Dunbar, formerly of Liverpool 6-piece soul/rock/blues act The Midnight Ramble, has self released his debut single ‘Barely Holding On’. The single was created with producers Marc Joy (Oasis, Primal Scream) and Paul Thompson (Ellen & The Escapades). Dunbar is recording with the newly formed Black Winter Band, Tom Cowley (Drums,Percussion,Vocals) and Callum Williams (Bass,Keys,Vocals) complete the lineup.
‘Barely Holding On’ is a warm melodic track wrapped in charming country tones and drizzled with rock elements. The passionate raspy soulful vocals and catchy sway along melody teamed with soothing mellow guitar and a steady spongy beat gives the track a bright cosy yet nostalgic and emotional tone. This track is a sweet sounding tuneful bundle of passion with tender lyrics and a sweet reminiscent tone on guitar that is thought provoking like a fond distant memory that twinkles around your mind but to far to recall fully.
Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band have a London launch show on Fri 28 Oct at The Century Club, Soho with promoter Success Express Music.

Stream ‘Barely Holding On’ below

Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Marga Lane ‘Thinking About You’

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marga Lane has released the first single ‘Thinking About You’ off her upcoming EP, ‘Undressed’. When New Yorker Marga Lane graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston she moved to Los Angeles to further pursue a career as a professional recording artist and songwriter. In 2015 she began compiling what would be her most ambitious and personal project to date, a five-track story of love and loss. Lane has found success touring throughout the US including performing at fashion weeks and singing the national anthem at over 10 NBA and MLB games. She has enjoyed the support from popular recording stars and industry veterans including Lance Bass who featured her on his SiriusXM radio show “Dirty Pop”.
‘Thinking About You’ “is a celebration of love in its truest form, a new relationship and the hope and bliss that accompany it”. Its a sweet romantic delicate track that is bursting with warm bright tones and blissfulness, Simply portrayed with an upbeat jazz style guitar that will warm your very soul and brighten any day. Its a light daydream track that is floating on a fluffy cloud of joy. Lane’s vocals glow in a Motown style as she perfectly displays her cheery emotions in a voice that is immaculate and captivating. The candied luscious backing vocals blend effortlessly with the main vocals and give this track a flawless beautiful charm. With a bounce guitar pluck this track is uplifting and oh so heavenly to listen to.
Looking forward to hearing the EP ‘Undressed’ which is set for release December 2nd, 2016 worldwide.
Stream ‘Thinking About You’ below

Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Sensational Earl

Earl

Alaska born singer and songwriter Earl has released the video for her new single ‘I Love You’. The video ’ was shot in our very own beautiful surroundings of Careville Castle, in Tullamore. Born in the remote town of Anchorage, Earl grew up singing gospel in her local church choir and then moved to Los Angeles aged 18 to develop her sound, Earl currently resides in London pursuing her musical ambitions. She has already been championed by the BBC Introducing and her first independent release has been playlisted at Radio 2. Earl has signed a record deal with BMG record label and is now currently working on her debut album which is set for release in early 2017. We have chosen ‘I Love You’ to be our Worth A Listen Track this week.
‘I Love You’ glows with a sweet smooth melody and sway – like quality that is uplifting and radiant. This track is beaming with glittering guitar and a bouncing bubbly beat that you can’t help but groove to. Earl’s vocals are warm and soulful with a slight rasp at times adding depth and texture to the track. With its infectious chorus and feel good vibes this song wraps you in a marshmallow of sweet honest goodness that is just blissful. ‘I Love You’ gives a summers evening “al fresco” feel, glass of wine in hand laid back and relaxed while also giving a 60’s slow swing atmosphere that will give you the urge to grab someone and dance. Earl exudes charm and swagger with a  charisma that is gentle and magnetic. The light percussion adds bounce while the guitar illuminates the track before finishing with a “cha cha cha”
Watch the video for ‘I Love You’ below

Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Harbouring Oceans ‘Enso’

Harbouring Oceans are an alternative Pop, Art Rock band from Kilkenny. The band consist of Dan Pearson (Guitar/Lead Vocals), Geoff Warner-Clayton (Keys/Vocals), Benedict Warner-Clayton (Drums), Ken Farrell (Bass) and Thomas Donoghue (Lead Guitar). The five-piece released their debut single, ‘Enso’ in May this year. It is the first release from a band who’s members have been playing together in different projects for over a decade and finally after years of experimenting with their sound across Ireland in some of the country’s biggest venues and festivals, Harbouring Oceans was born in December 2015.
‘Enso’ is a tender emotive track tightly packed in a soulful stirring melody and bound with deep rhythmic grooves. Pearson’s vocals are clear and exude raw passionate emotion with lush close harmony in backing vocals that adds a delicate and dainty quality to the track. ‘Enso’ begins in a soft ambient manner that builds as the song progresses. The light piano feature adds  grace and elegance to this beautiful track. The guitars interweave through the music and teamed with the groove of the bass give elasticity to track which adds a flexible sway -like quality. Harbouring Oceans have found a blend of soulful, sensual, raw emotional music that evokes your senses and touches your soul.
Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Enso’ below

Cinamatic, Indie, New Music, Theatrical

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes In The Form Of Áine Cahill’s ‘Black Dahlia’

Cavan singer-songwriter Áine Cahill has received fantastic exposure recently for having taken part in the 2fm/Oxfam ‘Play The Picnic’ competition. She managed to reach the top 10 for the national contest, which secured her a slot on the Oxjam Stage at this year’s Electric Picnic. Cahill has already released a 5-track EP called ‘Paper Crown,’ which came out shortly before Christmas 2014 and was named the #1 unsigned Irish EP of 2014 by Unsigned and Independent Magazine. She’s also hugely influenced by the jazz of the ’40s and ’50s, and has only recently started working with a band, made up of four musicians, Louise Johnston (piano), Paul McCann (double bass), Sam Geraghty (guitar) and Paul ‘Foxy’ Cox (drums).
‘Black Dahlia’ is the start of a new project Cahill is currently working on with producer Martin Quinn from Jam Studios. The song tells the tragic true story of an unsolved murder in 1940s Hollywood. Cahill portrays this theme to us perfectly, she creates an eerie mysterious atmosphere that calls you as a witness to  a tragic scene. With touching imagery conveyed through the lyrics teamed with crisp melancholy vocals that add to this nostalgic haunting tone. The track is narrated to us in a sway -like theatrical manner that touches your soul and pulls you in to this painful grievous tale. The light instrumentation to start adds a delicate quality to the track with the soft beats and gentle piano conveying the soft, innocent and hopeful young star. While the guitar seems to lament the death of this young woman the strings add a sense of danger lurking in the back ready to pounce. The backing vocals lull the listener as if trying to ease their mind of the harrowing scene and give comfort to a distressed soul.
A fantastic track from Áine Cahill look forward to hearing more.
You can catch Áine Cahill live at The Grand Social – Friday September 9th
Stream ‘Black Dahlia’ below

A Chat With, Indie Soul, Interviews, New Music, Soul

A Chat With : Tameca Jones

Photo by Dan Winters

We Caught up with the the “Queen of Austin Soul,”  Tameca Jones  to chat about  her highly anticipated debut EP and to get to know her a little better and see what makes her tick.

What was it like growing up in Austin, TX and how did Austin influence you in your pursuit of a music career?

Growing up in Austin made me a colorful and eccentric person who embraces all genres of music. I like country, rock, alternative, blues, etc. I can usually find the groove and goodness of most songs. There was so much music going on when I grew up that you couldn’t help becoming a sponge.

What inspired you to make music?
I always sang around the house and wrote quirky songs when I was young. I didn’t start taking it seriously until I had my twins. My twins inspired me to launch a career in music.

What can you tell me about the process of making your new EP?
The process was very frustrating and time consuming. It was my first solo project so I made a lot of mistakes that cost me time and money. It has to feel right for me to be able to sell it. If I can’t feel it, I damn sure can’t put my name on it.

Your single ‘Hot and Bothered’ is full of sass and swagger and is confidence building and fun for the listener was this your intention when you were writing the track and was this song fun to write?
Absolutely. I’m a very sassy and assertive person when it comes to getting what I want. I intimidate most men so I’m usually the one making the moves. This track was a blast to write because it came so quickly and easily.

 Your track ‘Head over Heals’ is a raw emotional track that has the ability to make the listener feel every word and emotion, you portray the heartbreak beautifully through your vocals, was that an effect you intended to have or did it come organically?

I usually want effects to come as organically as possible. I can’t fake anything. This song was written about my kids growing up and pulling away from me, which was a very sad time in my life. So every note I sang was organically sentimental.
 What has been your biggest challenge as an artist so far? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Biggest challenge has been trying to hold down the business side of music. My mind is not wired for wheels and deals. It just sucks to have to wear a million hats just because you don’t have the capital to have people helping you manage your career. I’ve overcome this challenge by seeking counsel of other successful artists and organizing my time better. The business side is like seeing a dirty sink full of dishes. You know you don’t want to do them, but eventually you have to or you aren’t going to eat.
 You have opened for stars such as Gary Clark Jr., Max Frost and Bob Schneider. You have also performed at the 2015 Austin Music Awards, but what do you feel has been your most defining moment as an artist so far ?
I had a show at a venue called The Parish once. I opened there for Max a few months before I headlined. It was just a great feeling to go from opener to headliner and have people come out to support my art.

You got the opportunity to work with Gary Clark Jr on one of his tracks how did this come about and what was it like?
Gary and I are old friends. We would go to each other’s shows around town before he got famous. We always planned to work together, but couldn’t ever connect. He came by my show one night and asked me if I could could record the hook on one of his new songs. I jumped at the invitation of course. I love me some Gare Bear.

Which of your songs are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of Head Over Heels because it is the best song I’ve written, melodically and lyrically.
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Boy that would be awesome. I haven’t toured very much, but I would love to see that beautiful luscious country. I LOVE Irish accents. Oh my goodness. I’d probably fall in love with someone with an accent and red hair and never return to America.

What advice do you have for people who want to pursue a career in music?
The business model has changed so much. My advice is to write with as many people as you can and make as much content as you can so you can sell your work to other artists, TV shows, and movies. You have to diversify your income stream to survive as an artist.
Whats next for Tameca Jones?
I plan on touring and collaborating with other writers so I can diversify MY income stream and take my own advice. ?

An Irish accent and red hair …… yeah that would be enough to keep anyone from returning to America.

Stream Tameca Jones new single ‘Sandman’ below

Blues, Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Hannah Grace ‘Mustang’

Welsh soul , blues singer/songwriter Hannah Grace released her new single ‘Mustang’ a few days ago. ‘Mustang’ is a sassy bluesy track full of attitude. With its sway like beat this track has a strut effect with slick gritty guitars that give an edgy rock element. Graces’ vocals are soulful and powerful without being over powering. She exudes swagger and confidence while maintaining a tempting seductive tone, teamed with an “i don’t give a damn ” attitude. With catchy chorus and easy to sing along “whoo whoo” bridge this track is an infectious anthem. Graces’ vocals are impressively captivating and draw you in while you listen intently to her amazing vocal capability as she gives us a powerful strong performance that will have you singing along and clapping to this fantastic track.
Stream ‘ Mustang’ below

Funk and Soul, Indie Soul, New Music

Tameca Jones

Tameca Jones is a soul starlet from Austin, TX. She has made a name for herself as the “Queen of Austin Soul,” for her amazing ability to go from soulful wailing to silky coos effortlessly. This has won her devoted fans, accolades, and some high profile situations . She has opened for Austin super stars Gary Clark Jr., Max Frost, Bob Schneider and other big touring acts. Jones has received major love from Billboard Magazine for her white hot performance at the 2015 Austin Music Awards, where she paid tribute to late beloved musician Ian McLagan alongside legends like Steven Van Zandt, Charlie Sexton, Alejandro Escovedo, and Patty Griffin. Even Gary Clark Jr., asked her to sing on the song “Wings” for his latest album. With Jones set to release her highly anticipated debut EP this year there is no stopping her.
Jones has released her new singles ‘Hot and Bothered’ and ‘Head Over Heels’ from her forthcoming EP and they are bursting with infectious funky soul pop and smooth catchy melodies. ‘Hot and Bothered,’ is a Motown inspired track produced by Josh Moore (Max Frost). This track exudes swagger and confidence and cool strutting attitude. Jones’ vocals are smooth like honey and bursting with sass. This track stands out, grabs your attention and makes you groove. Everything about it is natural its not forced it flows fluently with its cheeky soul that knocks you back. Its a “strut down the street with confidence” feel good track. With soft bouncy percussion that has an impulsive dancing effect and sensual bass that holds the provocative vibe yet is still subtle and tasteful, full of class and beaming with energy.
‘Head Over Heels’ is a soulful and emotional track. Jones’ vocals again shine in this track. She has the ability to pull your heart as she conveys the pain and raw emotion with every note, while still holding a strong feminine independent persona that you get from her vocals. She exposes a heartbreaking passionate and longing tone that knocks you for six. The soft instrumentation lets Jones’ amazing vocals take the main focus while the gentle lull of the backing vocals reinforce the wistful tone. You feel every emotion in this beautiful heartfelt track.

Tameca Jones is a rare gem with incredible vocal abilities that tell a story and can bring you on an emotional journey but can also boost you up, give you confidence and strength and get those hips gyrating. Looking forward to the EP!
Stream ‘Hot and Bothered’ and ‘Head Over Heels’ below