Browsing Tag

songwriter

Kate Thomas – Stone Pillow – A Driven Single Where The Energy Of Rock Blends In With The Intimacy Of Folk

Posted on 20 October 2017

Kate Thomas is an artist with a unique approach to rock and folk music. Her sound is laced with powerful guitar melodies and energetic vocal performances that feel fierce and spontaneous. There are many layers to the artist’s sound and vision: Amazingly, Kate set out to combine a simple songwriting approach with a very personal and unique twist to bring her music to life. Her recent release, “Stone Pillow”, is a perfect example of how the artist goes about building an intricate plot of sonic textures and atmosphere, upon which she is able to lay down a compelling flow of expertly written lyrics with an emotional overtone.

This release is a remarkable sign of growth and accomplishment from an artist who has really progressed, one song at a time, showcasing a lot of passion and commitment to her art.

“Stone Pillow” is certainly one of those songs that would immediately get classed for heavy rotation in your personal playlist, and we’re certain you won’t be getting tired of it anytime soon!

Check Out Chris Avetta’s Haunting Indie-Folk Track “Sway”

Posted on 15 October 2017

Chris Avetta is a singer and songwriter with a passion for haunting indie-folk melodies. Her recent track, Sway, makes me think of artists such as Fleet Foxes or First Aid Kit, just to mention a few. Her sound is versatile, direct and forward-thinking, often showcasing a really unique personality and an ability to create outstanding arrangements starting from the sheer simplicity of the core elements in a song.

Sway is a perfect example of that: the arrangement is relatively sparse, but there are many incredible production characteristics that really add space and texture to the mix. For instance, the stunning reverb tones really do a great job at adding textures and depth to the track.

 

Singer-Songwriter Mitchell Mirande Releases “Hold On”

Posted on 12 October 2017

One of the challenges facing the singer-songwriter, voice and guitar driven song is how to sound big. Not big in the bombastic, U2 stadium rock sense but in knowing how to take these simple elements and lift them off the musical page, make them sound robust and accessible, set them apart from the pack. Some do it by deft and intricate guitar work, layering vocals, production tricks and other gimmickry. Mitchell Mirande does it simply by writing great songs, delivering them with competence and confidence and then adding just the most perfect touches of texture and wash.

It seems pretty obvious really, why dress a song up to create some sort of pretend elegance when you can strip it back to actual eloquence? And Hold On is eloquent, in that same way which makes the transient nature of watercolours  more powerful than the vibrant nature of oil paintings, a combination of keeping things musically simple, though far from simplistic, musically ethereal and that fantastic voice of his. Letting the music breath and the vocals soar, a vocal which seems to blend romance and honesty and a soulfulness with a delivery that most rock singers would kill for.

Get the basics right and sometimes the rest will just naturally fall into line.

Pop Singer-Songwriter Lence George Releases Newest Single ‘Coming Home’

Posted on 10 October 2017
https://youtu.be/TVGiOzAFGSw

Lance George immediately strikes for his unique personality. His recent music video for single, Coming Home, is almost like a short movie. The visuals are extremely professionals and Lence showcases his ability as an actor and performer, as well as his outstanding musical chops.

Lance’s vocals are extremely soothing and soft, yet powerful and energetic. Think of a blend between timeless soul singers such as Marvin Gaye or Seal, combined with a more modern twist. The minimalistic arrangement also really help the emotion of the song come through. The bright acoustic guitars are a particularly amazing addition to the song, because they complement Lence’s voice with melodies and rhythms. The sparse drum arrangement also helps the song keep moving, adding groove to the mix. The vocal harmonies are amazing as well, complementing the lead vocals beautifuly.

“Coming Home” is a very positive song, with lyrics such as “It is a new dawn, a new day for me to change my way”, sharing a beautiful message with the world.

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Isobel Frances Releases Intimate Track “Come Back To Me”

Posted on 9 October 2017

With “Come Back To Me”, singer and songwriter Isobel Frances reveals her most intimate and spontaneous side. The song has a really beautiful vulnerability to it, aided by a simple, yet rich arrangement based on the stunning textures of the lush piano chords. Isobel’s vocals are masterfully produced: they are bright and upfront, with a clarity that projects them atop of the mix. Yet, they are also extremely intimate and personal, making for an interesting contrast.

This song has a very interesting production, because it combines a lush and modern approach with a very laid-back and intimate twist, combining the best of both worlds into a truly astonishing release.

 

The Warningz Release Uplifting Track ‘No Stress’

Posted on 14 September 2017

In a world saturated with overly compressed mumblings passing as expression, it’s always a pleasure to hear a song with a dynamic beat and passionate artists pushing themselves to make something genuinely uplifting. No Stress is produced by the Warningz, who understand that even the simplest of melodies deserve rich harmonic content in order to resonate through a mix in a truly organic way. This song doesn’t feel like it was made at a desk in a studio. It feels like it’s a part of the world around you. You can breathe the summer air from the first snare.

Performed by Maine Gwap and Farees, No Stress is a song that can recognize struggle and confront it with confidence and pride. No Stress is a mission statement as much as a title, and if you bump this song when you’re at a low point, you just might be able to find the hope you need to move through. This song is moving both emotionally and physically. The beat is great and the humanity is greater. The Warningz definitely have more to come and with such talented collaborators, we’re certainly in for a treat.

-Paul Weyer

Adam Duffill Releases Lyric Video For ‘I’ll Be Waiting’

Posted on 6 September 2017

If the term singer-songwriter seems to conjure images of an overly earnest, stubble-chinned troubadour in a wide brimmed hat churning out songs about the state of the world in a hipster coffee bar, then Adam Duffill is here to set things straight. Yes, he is a singer and a songwriter but he has something that such would-be-Dylans don’t…drama and passion.

I’ll Be Waiting may be based around his acoustic guitar but the sonic palette he employs has more in common with that of a rock band than an acoustic pop player. As such his music is big, sweeping, widescreen, honest and heartfelt. Not bad for a guy with an acoustic guitar. Walking that line between rock and pop is clever move, get the balance right and you can appeal to large sectors of both markets, the Goo Goo Dolls used it skilfully to become alt-pop-rock royalty, all Adam has to do no is write his own Iris and you can bet that moment isn’t far away.

Kal Madsen Tells Us A Story With ‘Charlottesville Survived 1945’

Posted on 2 September 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Pov9AIsp0

Kal Madsen is a singer and songwriter with a passion for highly emotional storytelling, told (or better yet, sung) in an intimate and personal way. His recent release, “Charlottesville Survived 1945”, is a spontaneous, charismatic and memorable songs with clever lyrics at the heart of Kal’s artistic vision.

The songwriting is really on point and the lyrics are certainly a very, very important part of this experience, but make no mistake: Kal can also write music that will make an impact. This song is all about phenomenal hooks, driven energy and tuneful melodies that are thought-provoking, yet catchy, timeless and appealing. “Charlottesville Survived 1945” is a great example of socially conscious songwriting with a catchy edge.

MARK’s ‘Lost Perspective’ explores five unique love stories expressed in five different ways.

Posted on 29 August 2017

There is nothing that screams summer like a good hook and a crisp beat. On “Glassheart”, MARK set out to showcase his vocal skills and his great approach to songwriting, with a song that feels catchy and creative. The tune has strong ties with modern EDM, with awesome side-chained synth bursts, deep beats, and punchy melodies.

I particularly love the edgy pitch-shifting effects, adding something unique to the textures of this driven track.
The lyrics to the song are romantic and introspective, yet MARK is able to truly bring some energy to the table. This is one of the tracks that begs to be listened to at loud volumes.

His vocal skills are truly spot on, not only because of his ability to reach a broad dynamic range with his lead vocals but also because of how he can complement his main vocal hooks with some truly great harmonies with an open feel.

English Singer-Songwriter James Walker Releases New Single ‘Weathered’

Posted on 14 August 2017

It’s always fascinating that ambient music focuses so much on the sonic landscapes surrounding voices and instruments, and yet it tends to evoke more vulnerability and introspection than an outward focus. James Walker paints a beautiful picture and sings strongly through it with his track Weathered.

Weathered is a name that invokes torn, faded fragments of something once whole. Walker’s music comes together as a remarkably more colorful version of contemporaries like Bon Iver. This is the strength of the track; the ability to see a familiar perspective through a bolder lens than we’re accustomed to.

This isn’t just contemplation surrounded by wintry winds. This is a voice that is powerful if hesitant floating through lights and modulated atmospheres that feel lively more than they feel dreary. It’s an interesting way to approach a song that we’re all familiar with. Themes that we know very well are turned on an angle that we’ve never considered. Isn’t that what introspection is about though? Weathered finds the layers hidden beneath sadness, numbness and longing. It finds an immaculate reality that gives a palpable sense of just what James Walker is longing for.

James Walker’s album ‘English Bones’ is available to pre-order now and will be available from November 10th on all major media providers. More information and tour tickets can be found on James Walker’s official website.

 

2017 UK & European Tour

08/08 -> 15/08 – Horizontoer (NL)

17/08 – Sofar Sounds, Oxford (UK)

18/08 – House Concert, Hemel Hempstead (UK)

19/08 – House Concert, Reading (UK)

20/08 – Unplugged by the Sea, Sheringham  (UK)

21/08 – Three Minute Theatre, Manchester (UK)

23/08 – The Tasting House, Reading (UK)

24/08 – Caffeine & Cocktails, Reading (UK)

25/08 – House Concert, Goring Heath (UK)

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29/08 – House Concert, Reading (UK)

30/08 – Latest Music Bar, Brighton (UK)

31/08 – The Library, Oxford (UK)

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01/09 – Schenkers, Apeldoorn (NL)

02/09 – House Concert, Hoofddorp (NL)

03/09 – Werk aan het Spoel, Culemborg (NL)

04/09 – House Concert, Haarlem (NL)

05/09 – De Nieuwe Anita PM, Amsterdam (NL)

07/09 – Club Move, Barneveld (NL)

08/09 – Tee de Cologne, Köln (DE)

09/09 – Cowhide House Concert, Frankfurt (DE)

10/09 – Xinix, Nieuwendijk (NL)

15/09 – House Concert, Dobl (AT)

16/09 – House Concert, Linz (AT)

18/09 – Tunnel, Vienna (AT)

19/09 – KaffeeWerk, Passau (DE)

20/09 – Frankfurt International School Auditorium, Frankfurt (DE)

21/09 – House Concert, Oberursel (DE)

22/09 – Proberaum B13, Leipzig (DE)

23/09 – House Concert, Berlin (DE)

26/09 – House Concert, Hamburg (DE)

27/09 – Tonfink, Lübeck (DE)

29/09 – Villa Basta, Hasselt (BE)

30/09 – House Concert, Wantage (UK)

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-Paul Weyer