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Blog Showcasing Singer Songwriter Talent

Laura Mustard extended a folk-pop invitation into the wild with ‘Will You Go Walking?’

Posted on 6 December 2023

As the days get darker and the chill in the air compels us to stay indoors, the folk singer-songwriter, Laura Mustard, provided an opportunity to rekindle your affection for the outdoors with her latest single, Will You Go Walking?

The captivating arrangement beautifully intertwines Irish musical roots with a contemporary folk-pop sensibility as the track blossoms under Musgrave’s artful composition, where sun-soaked progressions and warm melodies create an inviting and heart-warming atmosphere.

Musgrave’s Nashville-based background, combined with her rich and diverse musical influences, shines through in this enchanting piece. Her love for rhythm and syncopation, rooted in her classical piano and percussion training, adds a unique depth to the song’s structure.

Will You Go Walking? is more than just a melody; it’s a reflection of Musgrave’s personal journey and her deep relationship with introspection. Her experiences with learning how to embody body positivity and live with a chronic illness imbue her songs with a profound authenticity and emotional resonance.

Musgrave’s storytelling prowess, influenced by the poetry of Walt Whitman and Mary Oliver, is evident in the song’s lyrical depth. The lyrics take the listener on a journey, evoking images of nature and emotional landscapes that are both vivid and poignant. Take the invitation into the wild; you won’t regret it.

Will You Go Walking was officially released on November 10; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Issara can make any house a ‘Home’ with the soul in her latest single

Posted on 3 December 2023

With all the grace and beguile of a chanteuse fused with a retro soul aesthetic, the up-and-coming singer-songwriter Issara can make any house a ‘Home’ with her latest single, which offers a sanctuary of sound for anyone in search of solace.

By lyrically painting a protagonist who tends to the universal yet unseen needs that we all silently crave, Issara burned bright in the consoling warmth of the vignette of unconditional affection, which spins a narrative with threads of deep-rooted connection and understanding.

Home is a homage to the concept that home transcends physical spaces, echoing Issara’s journey across continents, and encapsulating the essence that home is indeed where the heart resides.

The production is steeped in a lush retro aesthetic, where the luminous timbres of the organ interlace with Issara’s vocals to create an ambience that is both comforting and soul-stirring. The hues of gospel spilling from the arrangement are a nod to her American church roots, bringing forth a nostalgic yet timeless quality that grips the listener’s soul. This track is not just heard; it’s felt, ensuring that by the outro, one’s soul is thoroughly sated.

With an ability to blend soul, pop, rock, gospel, French yéyé, and Thai funk, Issara has created a sound that is as diverse as her heritage. The song is a promise of what is to come from her upcoming debut album ‘222’, set for release on the befitting date of February 22, 2024.

As a mother of two and a beacon for late bloomers in the arts, Issara’s voice transcends mere melody to become a vessel of inspiration, encouraging others to find their place of belonging, their ‘home’, in whatever form it may take.

Home was officially released on November 17; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Leah J Jones captured the grace of grief in her latest single, Saints and Stars

Posted on 30 November 2023

As tenderly compelling as I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie, with all the ethereal iconography and tonality to boot, the latest stripped-back and sonorous score, Saints and Stars, from Leah J Jones strikes all the right evocative chords while establishing the singer-songwriter as the Joni Mitchell of our generation.

With a perfect touch of baroque melancholic malady to tinge the magnetic release with a mournful resonance, it’s impossible not to be affected by this attest to grief which captures the interplay between sorrow and gratitude for what a loved and lost figure granted us with their life. It’s a stunning testament to how influence is one of the few things in this life that isn’t ephemeral. We can’t wait to hear what is in the pipeline from the celestial song crafter.

Saints and Stars was officially released on November 5th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Karyn Ann released the most affecting Americana single of the year with her latest single, 8 Hours

Posted on 30 November 2023
8 Hours by Karyn Ann

Instead of reinventing the wheel, Karyn Ann spun it in a brand-new direction with her latest timelessly enrapturing single, 8 Hours; a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the essence of Southern gothic magnetism, wrapped in a production that’s swallowed by arcane reverb.

The song is a masterful blend of timeless melodies and a stylistic distortion on the guitars that gracefully wrap around the vocal lines. These elements collectively weave a sonically cavernous landscape that seductively entices listeners into the depths of melancholy that the song explores.

The release, which is sure to resonate with fans of artists as diverse as Chelsea Wolfe to Brandi Carlile, elucidates the disassociation of losing your grip with the latter half of the space-time continuum, a theme that is both esoteric and deeply human.

The emotive lyricism of 8 Hours showcases Ann’s raw vulnerability, a trait that has seen the American songwriter praised and performing at notable festivals and venues. The narrative behind 8 Hours is as darkly compelling as its composition, delving into the hours that went missing when Ann awoke in a stranger’s van, with only a dim recollection of the preceding events. This raw and exposed nerve of a song not only reveals Ann’s prowess as a singer-songwriter but also demonstrates her ability to turn personal tribulation into profound artistic expression. She’s a phenomenon in her own right.

Stream or purchase 8 hours on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lose yourself in the snappy, sleek, and hypnotically seductive hit Angel Dust by Peech. and Nevi

Posted on 30 November 2023

In collaboration with Nevi, Peech. released another viral-worthy hit with the drop of Angel Dust. The striking exploration of modern rock’s potential is a bold statement of Peech.’s artistic evolution, which is especially significant as he reembraces his status as an independent artist.

The song’s intricate blend of old-school groove, funk-infused basslines, guitar lines that reverberate through the attitude of rock and a solid pseudo-trap backbeat creates an absorbing juxtaposition that pulls you right into the cutting-edge core of Angel Dust.

Peech.’s snappy vocal delivery, characterised by a razor-sharp cadence, perfectly complements the song’s rhythmic foundation. This element not only showcases his vocal versatility but also adds a dynamic layer to the hypnotically seductive hit which exhibits the artist’s flair with weaving complexity into an accessible format.

The production of “Angel Dust” is sleek and polished, elevating Peech’s unique instrumental style to new heights. The result is a sound that is as distinctive as it is captivating, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of awe and addiction to the rhythmically flawless alchemy.

The influence of bands like Highly Suspect and Royal Blood is evident in Peech’s approach to evolving rock music. Peech. takes these inspirations and pushes them further, infusing his tracks with a stylistic ingenuity that sets him leagues apart from the rest.

Angel Dust hit the airwaves on November 24; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Matt Brown will etch his way into your consciousness with his latest soul pop serenade, Everyday

Posted on 30 November 2023

Matt Brown’s neo-pop single Everyday is a soulful serenade that lingers long after the last note has faded. This contemporary crooner’s offering etches upon the listener’s consciousness with a calligraphic eloquence scarcely seen in the internet era of music as the euphonic depth of the production swells with oceanic propensities; each wave of sound carrying with it a quiescent surge of sweet beguile.

Everyday stands as a testament to the potency of razor-sharp songwriting chops as Brown’s musicality and craftsmanship are undeniably exhibited to showcase a command of sonic storytelling which captures the complexities of passion and how it can weigh heavy on the soul.

As the founder of the Soulfam Collective and a full-time musician, Matt Brown’s fluency across various instruments and styles imbues his music with an uninhibited expression; rather than marring his sound with loyalty to one genre, he teases a smorgasbord of style into his sound.

Everyday confirms Matt Brown’s place in the pantheon of artists who are not just creating music but are also moulding experiences for their listeners. With each release, including this latest gem, Brown continues to grow his presence and influence, becoming a staple in the spaces where soul and contemporary pop converge.

Everyday hit the airwaves on November 17: stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ZOĒ conjured indietronica alchemy within the dreamily hued layers in her latest release, TELL ME

Posted on 26 November 2023

ZOĒ’s latest seminal single, TELL ME, is an intricately constructed track that weaves a tapestry of sound, skilfully balancing indie pop roots with a bold foray into progressive electronica. ZOĒ’s vocal prowess is the linchpin of the composition, providing a soulful constancy that enriches the dreamy, layered soundscape. Her voice, both innocent and imbued with the gravity of truth, serves as a beacon guiding the listener through the philosophical musings of the lyrics. The song’s thematic exploration of autonomy resonates deeply, posing introspective questions about self-reliance and the solitary nature of personal answers.

Since her debut with “Long Time Sun” in 2020, ZOĒ has accumulated a loyal following, captivated by her unique sound that refuses to be eclipsed by its commercial sheen. The distinct layers in TELL ME underscore this signature style. There’s a richness and depth that hints at her evolved artistry, stemming from her spiritual journey and commitment to authenticity.

The backdrop of ZOĒ’s life—her role as a mother and her connection to nature through her cat, chickens, and bees—adds a personal dimension to her music. These elements of her world seem to inform her art, allowing her to create music that is not only a salve for her soul but also for those who seek solace in her sound.

Heading into 2023, ZOĒ stands out as an artist to watch, promising a journey into the heart of music that is as transformative as it is melodic.

TELL ME was officially released on November 10th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Every Glazer refused to be silent on the needless extensively-voyeured bloodshed in ‘Silver Screen’

Posted on 25 November 2023

With a more frantic tempo to match the urgency of the message in the intro and opening verse which scathes over what society has become in light of the bloodshed, which is only pouring harder the further we get into 2023, The Every Glazer veered into nu-metal territory with his latest single, Silver Screen, before bringing in the grungy melodicism in the chorus. If Linkin Park ever saw sense and collaborated with Deftones and Soundgarden, the result would be as alchemic as Silver Screen, which captures the singer-songwriter’s compulsion to ensure this fucked up segment of history will be never forgotten by the music industry.

As The Every Glazer has had a vice-like grip on his muse throughout 2023, there’s plenty of traction picking up around him; now close to 20k listeners are finding solace within his discography, which never shies away from reflecting the most heart-wrenching stitches in our social tapestry. If you want a virtuosic hand to help you through this slither of dystopia, hit play.

Stream Silver Screen on Spotify and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ross Flora grappled with the melancholy of unfulfilled potential in ‘As the Crow Flies’

Posted on 25 November 2023
Ross Flora

Ross Flora’s EP, As the Crow Flies, is a poignant and reflective journey through the heart of country folk. Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Flora’s upbringing in a milieu rich with R&B and Bluegrass influences is palpably reflected in the acoustically adorned, stripped-back title single. His gruff, resonant timbres weave through the wistful yearning harmonies, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever grappled with the melancholy of unfulfilled potential.

The lyrical tempo of As the Crow Flies is akin to a melodied spoken word sermon, imbued with regretful poetry. Flora’s background as an English major shines through in his lyrical craftsmanship, as he skilfully interweaves themes reminiscent of literary greats like Dickinson, Thoreau, and Whitman. The result is a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable; Someone hand him a Grammy for the line “I’d be half the man I’d ought to be less than half the time”.

Ross Flora’s journey from the family farm to Nashville, performing over 4,000 shows and collaborating with acts like “Johnny T” Band and “Smoke n’ Guns,” has clearly honed his ability to capture the essence of southern rock and outlaw country. If you want to hear a heart poured out in melody, hit play on As the Crow Flies.

Stream the As the Crow Flies EP, which debuted on October 27 on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Visit ‘Valencia’ Via the Neo-Jazz Pop Grooves in George Bone’s Evocative Masterpiece of a Solo Release

Posted on 24 November 2023

George Bone stripped everything back but the soul in his latest single, Valencia, which encompasses the 00s indie pop aesthetic while pushing it forward with the ardency in the wistful yearning, the colour in the neo-jazz pop grooves, and the instrumental sparsity which ensures every instrumental works with a singular agenda to amplify the disarming effect of the emotionally raw ballad.

Valencia is the first single released by the Essex-based evocateur after stepping off his tour with The Voice UK 2019 winner Molly Hocking. If Bruno Major and Conor Albert heavily feature on your playlists, you’ll easily find space for George Bone’s sonic signature, which scribes itself through emotionally provoking lyricism and easy-listening melodies.

George Bone Said:

“Eponymously named after the city it takes inspiration from, Valencia transports listeners on a Mediterranean journey of both loving and longing. It encapsulates the joys of travelling with ‘The One’ – summoning wonder, happiness, and the connections you feel rarely in a lifetime – and yet the wishful thinking of those who know that ‘drinking wine and [hearing] the breaking of the tide’ is only a feeling experienced in imagination. The song represents a bond in a relationship, where memories – both good and bad – are intertwined; where hopes and dreams are dashed and made; and where love is lost and found.”

Valencia will hit the airwaves on November 24; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast