In bigger industry news items – The UK Government launched Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music, a new national strategy to strengthen the music sector through 2026 – 2029. They also announced the Music in Libraries Programme, which aims to transform the UK’s libraries into creative music hubs with recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces.
Rebecca Cullen
Something completely different to kick off the August collection of indie gems. On the surface, a passionate and colourful chaos of genre-fusing originality, but underneath this, a multitude of slick riffs, funky grooves, vocal refrains, and distinct moments that are vast and fearlessly eclectic.
We hereby embark upon a journey that confronts the unrelenting passage of time, but does so with an inspiring twist of hope, gratitude, and a reminder to appreciate the present moment while you can; ‘watch the grain, watch it fall – it’s not a tragedy at all.’
You need to see this through to its finish, which doesn’t take long, and which satisfies intensely, as it sweeps you off on its energy and its raw, poignant emotion. The story and the sentiments, the delivery, the rising passion, the contrast of musical brightness and vocal sadness, all delivers a kind of modern emo folk tale and burst of realism that’s euphoric to listen through, from start to finish.
Softly shifting the landscape of modern country pop with something evocative, hopeful, and led by sublime vocals – Angela Inkson delivers a smooth and soulful original song, for the timeless charm of Lioness Heart. Built upon a classic country pop set-up of acoustic and electric guitars naturally intertwined atop a subtle jazz-pop groove, Lioness Heart … Continued
Honouring the charm and escapism of great songwriting, Thom Bishop blends six originals with six creative reworkings of classic songs, for the acoustic warmth of his new album Train Leaving Dallas.
To coincide with the launch of one of this year’s most creatively consuming electronic albums, we caught up with the distinct and skilful artistic corner of phase trois, to talk all about the sound and concept of The Magic Maze II. We dig into his journey as an electronic music producer, the importance of feeling … Continued
Having released one of this summer’s most engaging, memorable and popular folk pop singles, we were blessed with the chance to interview the songwriter and artist Al Sam, to find out more about his collaborative song Together, with Natasha Liard. We talk about the making of the song, the pros and cons of collaboration, live … Continued
Putting every ounce of energy and confidence into the performance, cmon3tta showcases the very best of a growing catalogue of original songs, with the timeless positivity and charm of checkm8 (Poptastic! Demo Version).
Intensity of soundscape and vocal conviction perfectly mixed for impact. A fresh take on modern hip hop and rap, with a loaded backdrop that’s intoxicating yet brief, and a vocal rhythm that’s simple but gritty and lustful at the same time. L0ckedinjayy takes a carefree formula for creativity and roles with it, for the brand new single before.
Nineties acoustic riffs and high-energy pop-rock arrangements blend with reverb-kissed, Beatles-esque vocals, as The Goods recaptures the greatly missed sound of eras past, for Summer’s Almost Gone. Countering a high-energy tempo with dreamy beachside vocals and harmonies, Summer’s Almost Gone is both uplifting and beautiful. Cascading layers of guitar present a lightness that’s aptly summer … Continued
Pushing the boundaries of creative songwriting, whilst paying tribute and respect to those who paved the way, Ferdinand Rennie celebrates the stories that made the iconic songs of a generation, with the acoustic to gospel-kissed brightness and boldly evocative melody of You Wrote Hallelujah.