Browsing Tag

songwriter

I saw him in the Mirror: James Harker modifies our view on Spinning Plates

One half of the fantastic duo Vast & Harker, James Harker shows us how love can turn our moods around and sings with pulsating passion on his catchy new release, Spinning Plates.

James Harker is a classically trained London, UK-based indie pianist, history teacher and alternative songwriter who has returned from a long break and shows us his evolution from indie folk.

Taken from the brand new 10-track album Limerence, James Harker is on fire with a soul-healing melody to be proud of for its magnetic appeal. This is soaring stuff and delights our senses with a family-friendly soundtrack.

Spinning Plates from the experienced UK-based indie pianist James Harker is a cloud-floating single to get enthusiastic about and might change perspectives. There is so much to sink our teeth into as we are reminded about the special sauce needed, to be truly happy in this ever-changing world.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Listen up on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Saw the Moonlight: Preston Scott Straus hears the vociferation booming from the distance on Storm

Feeling the light shine through for a few seconds before everything changed forever, Preston Scott Straus is in breathtakingly inspiring form via the teardrop-fueled single to huddle close with rainjackets on called Storm.

Preston Scott Straus is an emerging pop singer-songwriter, music producer and a massive example for reminding others about love and compassion in an often cold world.

Scintillating all listeners with a dynamic performance, Preston Scott Straus shows us what belief sounds like. This is must-listen stuff and deserves all the love in the world.

Storm from the young pop singer-songwriter and music producer Preston Scott Straus is a movie-like single to play on loud. Honest and beautifully haunting, this is a song to hold hands with no matter the weather.

Teaching us to come closer and to seek the support needed to survive, taking us to a much better place away from the madness.

Feel the waves crashing on Spotify.

See the vibes continue on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Death can’t touch me now: John Leckenby sings with great faith on the Christian anthem, Promise

Knowing that his life is safe now despite the traumas of the world, John Leckenby is covered by the blood of Christ and has found his purpose now on the hugely motivating new single, Promise.

John Leckenby is a Fresno, California-based indie Gospel artist who shows us that he acknowledges the resurrection and sings with such love and care.

It’s like an anthem for my life,” said Leckenby. “It’s about the one promise that can sustain us in our lives, and that is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Promise from Fresno-based worship leader and songwriter John Leckenby is a stunning song which shall help many find welcome warmth on a cold planet. There is so much drive and honesty here which is so heartening to see as we’re treated to a delightful soundtrack, by an artist who guides us into his current mindset.

Showing us the way to living a meaningful existence, this is the perfect song for anyone who wants to believe again.

If love is all that you need to live happier, surely belief helps fuse everything together.

Listen up on Spotify.

Find out more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Have We Lost Our Destiny: Tim Young sees us going round and round like a lost mouse on Divided We Cannot Stand

Wondering if we still care or if our sails are misplaced in the windy sees of life, Tim Young tells us an honest story about how fractured this planet is on the old-school feeling single to relate with, Divided We Cannot Stand.

Tim Young is an experienced 62-year-old Willimantic, Connecticut-based indie folk solo singer-songwriter and former DJ who has a traditional feel for all music creations.

Worrying about society as a whole, Tim Young is rather brilliant and honest to the bone on Divided We Cannot Stand. This is memorable. It’s made with patient quality. Each lyric has been forged with knowledge and wisdom to learn from. Please put this on maximum volume and close your eyes. It will be worth it.

Divided We Cannot Stand from Willimantic, Connecticut-based indie folk artist Tim Young wonders if we shall ever learn. He sings with wisdom and care, showing us a beacon of hope like a lighthouse to bring the ships in during those dark and moody nights.

A leader is here for us to learn from. It would be foolish to ignore him.

Listen up on Spotify.

Follow his next moves on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: MASSIVESAD keeps the Balance no matter what currents await

Sitting down with us and letting us profoundly within his brave art which illumes many to carry on despite the carnage, MASSIVESAD opens us up and tells us all about Austin, Balance, staying healthy mentally, and his upcoming full LP concept record.

Llewelyn: Hi MASSIVESAD, we are super happy you’re chatting with us today. First, when you close your eyes and imagine your ideal sound and audience, what does it sound/look like?

MASSIVESAD: When my eyes are closed, a little grin starts to creep onto my face, because I can see an audience of people who grew up loving and finding new music that they discovered in films. So much of my favorite and deepest sonic influences come from filmscores or soundtracks (especially from “Remember the Titans” or “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”) and so my music has taken on a cinematic nature of expression that makes the listener feel like each song of mine that they hear sort of tips their life (or at least the moment) over into the climax of the “film.” I imagine my songs being those that play when the plot turns and the characters start to make sense of their surroundings. I think my audience will be the kind of person who feels that they are living inside of a movie, and that my music is a soundtrack that helps them to get wherever they’re going. And … when I open my eyes, I do think that I’m starting to see that take shape !

Llewelyn: Alright. Let’s get into your new single called Balance. How did you first conceptualise this release and what is the meaning of it? Also, who was involved in the project and who do you hope this single reaches?

MASSIVESAD: “Balance” is the fifth “Chapter” in the concept record that I’ve been writing and releasing one song at a time since February 2020. The whole concept tells the story of mental breakdown and total burnout … essentially the path from what I’ve dubbed, “Breakdown to Brilliance.” “Balance” finds us in the middle of that story, well after the initial tremors of burnout have shaken everything up and set listeners (and me, as a sort of guide or narrator) on the path toward healing, and ultimately joy. “Balance” is the chapter that explores the question of, “How do we find balance when life feels uncertain and rocky? How do we pursue or engage in relationships when we feel unstable, mentally and emotionally? How do we compartmentalize (healthily) all the different “lives” we feel we live when our life feels like it’s been turned on its head? How do we seek balance as we do the hard work of travelling the road from sorrow to joy, especially when it’s difficult and uneven ground?” So, now that we have “Balance” (Chapter 5), we can begin to parse through the answers to those questions and continue to make headway toward a more sustainable mental health, lifestyle and relationships.

Llewelyn: You’re based in Austin, Texas. What’s the scene like there as we’ve heard such great things? Where are some of your favourite local spots to watch live music at?

MASSIVESAD: I’ve gotten to become embedded in a really great scene of singer-songwriters here in Austin. We call our group “Hoboglabotribin” … and also, affectionately, “The Hobo Boys.” We’re just a small handful of artists dedicated to spurring one another on as we all work as hard as possible to achieve our creative goals and visions. When one of us is feeling worn down and discouraged, there’s the rest of us to lend a shoulder and encourage us. When we need help preparing for shows or help promoting new songs, we all jump in as the frontline of the fanclub and support group. We’re all trying to be one another’s biggest fans and encouragers. Everyone needs that, no matter how independent they are. And, especially as literal, independent artists, we need that much more support. We’ve established a really solid community of comradery and it’s been a huge help to me since moving to Austin. Locally, we love Hole in the Wall and The Spiderhouse Ballroom for shows!

Llewelyn: You courageously speak about burnout and mental breakdown in your music. This is such a major issue in modern-day society. What do you feel is the cure to these issues and how can our readers make sure they’re staying healthy mentally in such a rush-filled world?

MASSIVESAD: I could write a book trying to answer this question. I think the most important thing is to be honest in recognizing how often discomfort or frustration or disappointment or bitterness or so many other emotions that accompany burnout might actually be just this small, vulnerable seed of sadness deep down inside of each one of us. When I realized that all the stressors and negative emotions were just the outpouring and expression of pure sadness within me, then I was finally able to address that sadness and choose how to move toward joy from THAT space. MASSIVESAD is that portal for me. It’s like a gate. MASSIVESAD is where I discovered that under everything, all the armor that sadness had dressed itself in, I was able to begin to understand the “why” behind my sadness and then treat it like a wound that needed protection, dressing and nurturing. For me, burnout and breakdown came from a really palpable sense of disappointment and frustration surrounding how my life was panning out, so when I got to the very core, where that sadness was fending for itself, I was able to then join in the good fight for my own joy and growth. Slowing down and taking the time and space to pinpoint that sadness can make a profound difference on how we approach and step into the future. I hope MASSIVESAD creates a safe space for people to do that work.

Llewelyn: We’re so excited to see you’re releasing a full LP concept record. One single at a time right? That sounds like life in general right now. 1 step and 1 day at a time. Please let us know all about what’s next and the energy behind this style of releasing music.

MASSIVESAD: As the concept record is released and evolves over time with each song, I think we’ll see the sonic landscape move from a very experimental and alternative soundscape to a more lighthearted and hopeful atmosphere. We’re only halfway through with “Balance” so we’re just now coming around the corner (I think you can hear that crux in the bridge), and we’ll start to hear the sound shift with coming releases! But, I can guarantee MASSIVESAD will always stay true to what I’ve coined as the “Cinematic Singer-Songwriter” sound! I think that speaks for itself!

Llewelyn: Do you have any funny gig/touring/musician or fan interaction stories you don’t mind sharing? For example, a story from an event that made you laugh or a moment when you just knew…this is why I love being a musician.

MASSIVESAD: What a great question! I’ve had plenty of silly and heartwarming interactions with friends and fans at shows, etc, but I think the most “this is why I’m doing what I’m doing” was recently at a house show at The Providence House here in Austin, TX, where my buddy and trusted photographer, Mason “Sasquatch” Mansfield hosted a fundraising event for a documentary film that he is making about the issue of wrongful convictions and plea bargaining in the American judicial system. Sasquatch and I each have personal stories of our fathers being wrongfully accused and convicted, and then also being forced into really terrible plea bargains that took them from our family and pretty severely altered all of our lives forever. So, when Sasquatch invited me to write some songs for the doc (wilcodoc.com for more information on the project), I was both honored and very challenged, because I’d never ever written a single thing about that experience in my childhood. It’s a very difficult headspace for me to enter into, just because of the way that that time affected me and my family. But, I wrote a song called “Don’t Cry for Me, I’m Already Gone” that I got to play for everyone at the fundraising event, and it was one of the most viscerally powerful performances of my entire life. I felt like I was a tsunami, (gently, somehow) crashing over the entire audience there, and I felt seen and very profoundly heard, and in that moment I knew that this is why I write, and this is why I sing, and this is why I share my art with the people I love – to help people to heal. That song, and Sasquatch’s documentary, and the songs that some of the other Hobo boys wrote for the fundraiser were a beautiful gate into a very sacred space that we all got to share in that night. I’ll never forget how powerful that whole evening was, and I can’t wait for the documentary to feature those songs as well. It’s going to change some very important things, and help a lot of people.

Llewelyn: Lastly, what do you hope for the future and what words do you have to comfort those who are struggling right now?

MASSIVESAD: This is probably the most boring answer, but I’m struggling to financially keep up with the amount of songs I write. Recording as an independent artist can get to be very expensive, and though I could “do it all myself,” it’s more fun and fulfilling to be a part of something with other artists, but for everyone to make a living and be supported, it just takes a lot of money … money that streaming doesn’t bring, and shows only help a little with. So, I’m trying to find sustainability in my craft, when and where I can. It’s a struggle, but it’s worthwhile! When people come to my shows and purchase my music, that is a huge help and encouragement!

Turn this up on Spotify.

See more news and gig info on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Be Clear: Highly rated Australian artist Any Girl moves on from Reija Lee with the quite sublime Into The Black

After over 40 million streams under her previous artist name, Any Girl reinvents herself and shows us why she is one of the best in the game on the must-listen new single to pour love deep inside despite the cracks emerging, Into The Black.

Formally known as Reija Lee, Any Girl is an exceptional Perth, Australia-based indie electronic-rock singer-songwriter who performs with a cutting edge to slice away all those previous fears.

On the surface, Into The Black is a song about the dreaded ‘situationship’. But in a deeper sense, it’s about our fear of the unknown. The lyrics portray someone who would rather be in an unfulfilling relationship, simply because it’s what they know, and it’s better than their fear of being alone. But the uplifting feeling of the chorus and the lyric ‘in the black’ being used as a metaphor for intimacy, kind of poses the question of whether giving in is always such a bad thing. Change is scary, but sometimes comfort is just what is required in the moment.” Any Girl

Wanting something intimate but going back into old habits due to her past romantic encounters, Any Girl has dropped a soul-nearing single which guides us through modern-day love. This is excellent and sung so purely, by a young woman who desires so much more than something which she knows won’t fulfil her like it should.

Into The Black from the acclaimed Perth, Australia-based indie music producer/musician Any Girl is surely one of the best singles released yet in 2023. This is dreamy stuff which will have hearts beating so much faster than before.

Packed with emotion and wonderfully electric honesty, this is special like a first kiss which will never be forgotten.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A Little Bit of Give: Houston alt-rocker Max Diaz pushes way beyond the boundaries on Dead Dog

After previously mesmerising us on the rather superb Nivana-laced-for-action release from August 2022 called lirium, Max Diaz looks deeper within for that extra self-control with his powerfully constructed new single to jump up and down with while healing from past pain, Dead Dog,

Max Diaz is a Houston, Texas-based indie alt-rock artist who is one of the most imaginative souls around who seems to evolve after each single and shall stomp all bad moods away.

All in all we’re just working for the figment.” ~ Max Diaz

Trying to let go and find himself again after so much disillusionment lately, Max Diaz shall flip all bad moods around with a stomp your-feet message to anyone who needs to get back to a happier sanctuary.

This is blockbuster stuff from a seriously talented and authentic artist who evolves after each track, appearing to push himself to greater heights like a rock climber who knows he can conquer any mountain which could however cause danger to his own life.

Dead Dog from Houston, Texas-based indie alt-rock artist Max Diaz is a rollicking wake-up call and might knock some speakers off the walls. It’s ear piercing in a good way and sizzles into our ears, as a way of inspiring us to open the door into self-enlightenment and away from those negative juices which can sour tastebuds.

If you love it reflective and loud, this day will only get better after a few listens.

You what to do. Click on the Spotify link to get the day started right.

Suss out the social movements on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Digging for a Clue: Eric Harrison conquers all on the buckle-up quickly single, Undertow

No Defenses by Eric Harrison

Taken from his brand new 15-song double album and 6th release called No Defenses, Eric Harrison’s Undertow is creatively a rather special gem to etch in the sunshine forever in this moody world.

Eric Harrison is a Fanwood, New Jersey-based indie folk singer-songwriter who opens up his book of wisdom by accepting the inevitable but still fighting for what is right.

Recorded by Kevin Salem in Woodstock between 2020 and 2022 while feeling like this is his best work ever, Eric Harrison rides like the hero we needed and guides us to a much happier place to be inspired by. Sung with a gloriously pure style and written so brilliantly, this is a victorious soundtrack to play on loud all day.

Undertow from Fanwood, New Jersey-based indie folk singer-songwriter Eric Harrison is a track that will connect souls together to keep on fighting for what is right. Delighting all ears and reminding us that ignorance is bliss sometimes, we find a peachy track to appreciate for its goodness wrapped inside for anyone who wants to brush away all hopelessness.

If you like your music with proper meaning, this is the type of song to tell your family about.

Lather ears back into calmness on Bandcamp.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Pull Me Closer: Jimmy Theo wonders why we lose ourselves sometimes on Pray for Us (feat. Matthew Clark)

Taken from his brand new 10-track album Next Step, Jimmy Theo wants to talk closer to his love on the body-swaying single about keeping things calm romantically despite the chaos amongst the windy trees of life with Pray for Us (feat. Matthew Clark).

Jimmy Theo is a UK/Australian indie singer-songwriter and music producer who makes meaningfully substantial music to make everything okay again.

After previously featuring on our platform via the memorable The End Of Time in 2020, Jimmy Theo is in top form here. Goodness me. This has real quality in droves.

Pray for Us from the multi-creative and artist-collaborating Jimmy Theo is a gem of a track made for all indie fans all over the world. Helping us forget our fears and find ourselves again after past romantic blunders, this is a stress-evaporating soundtrack to ease the anxiousness away into the wind.

Well done Jimmy. This is a special track for everyone who loves the solo singer-songwriter vibe. Turn it up okay?

Hear this single come to life on Spotify.

See more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

It’s The Last Time: Domi Contre brings us natural feeling on the beautiful Lips Go Dry

Feeling so reflective and imagining that kiss-filled romance which will end rather soon, Domi Contre tries to resist an urge which will bring back many memories to many who miss those sweetly textured moments on Lips Go Dry.

Domi Contre is a London, UK-based indie pop singer-songwriter who grew up with classical jazz in her veins and elegantly uses her experience of travelling the world to bring us a self-enlightened love letter to hold hands with.

Fused with the skilled efforts of producer Adam Hoos and Adrianos Pandis on songwriting, Domi Contre is the kind of genuinely soulful musician who will soothe all sad hearts and calm those nerves in an instant. She’s doing this for the right reasons you see. Everything is natural and never forced, just like music should be.

Lips Go Dry from London, UK-based indie pop singer-songwriter Domi Contre is a delightfully graceful single which might invoke feelings which might have been hidden for ages. Sung so purely and with honest intentions, this is the kind of track which will calm many souls and bring back a spark-packed romance from the past.

If you love your music classy, you’ve just found your new favourite underground UK musician.

Turn this up louder on Spotify.

See the vision further on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen