NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Abbie Ozard ‘i don’t know happiness without you.’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Abbie Ozard ‘i don’t know happiness without you.’ 17.09.23 Words by Teguan Harris Abbie Ozard sings, ‘You don’t need to have your life figured out’: Singing through the most difficult times in her life, Abbie Ozard releases ‘i don’t know happiness without you’ under House Anxiety Records. Manchester alternative indie artist Abbie Ozard releases ‘I don’t know happiness without you,’ a song about letting important people around you know how meaningful they are during a difficult and chaotic time of growing up in your twenties with your life supposed to be all ‘figured out’. In this alternative melody about meaningful moments and the most difficult time of growing older, Abbie sings about how confusing and chaotic life can be in your twenties with the pressure of having your life figured out. With a single like ‘I don’t know happiness without you,’ young adults could resonate with every single lyric because the simple truth is that not everyone needs to have their life figured out just yet. ‘I don’t know happiness without you’ was released after her Water Based Lillies EP in 2022, making it her first release of 2023. Ozard is open and honest about letting people know how valuable and meaningful they are while holding a tight grip on her youth during her confusing and chaotic twenties, living a “shelf life”. ‘I don’t know happiness without you’ isn’t just a simple love song; it’s a love letter to friendship, to friendships, and to meaningful bonds that stay strong and firm. Every young adult should stream a song like ‘I don’t know happiness without you.’ Your twenties are a confusing and chaotic time, but despite that, letting loose, having fun, and saying screw it to the pressures of having your life figured out before your thirties would help you find more meaningful moments in your life and in your friendships. Everyone should hold their heads up high and not wait “till crunch time” to grow older. By letting go and enjoying valuable moments with your friends, you will be fine forever. Stream ‘I don’t know happiness without you’ by Abbie Ozard on all streaming platforms. You Might Also Like Abbie Ozard, Britpop, Indie, Manchester, New Releases, On the Rise, Single
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Pixey ‘Daisy Chain (Lullaby Version)’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Pixey ‘Daisy Chain (Lullaby Version)’ 18.09.23 Words by Ella Porteous Pixey’s stripped-back take on ‘Daisy Chain ’will have you transcending into another dimension The Liverpool-based singer-songwriter and producer has stripped back her summer anthem ‘Daisy Chain ’into a mellow lullaby full of soft harmonies and stunning instrumentation. A swift departure from the original song, the lullaby version perfectly demonstrates Pixey’s delicate yet powerful vocals. Self-professed “indie Britney Spears”, Pixey made her debut in 2019 with her self-released EP ‘Colours’. In 2020 she signed with Chess Club, a London-based independent record label and quickly released her debut professional single ‘Just Move’. A year later she was included in NME’s list of “essential emerging artists for 2021”. Pixey released the original version of ‘Daisy Chain ’in June which featured Nigerian-Scottish singer-songwriter Tayo Sound. Tayo’s alt-pop and hazy late-summer soul was a perfect fit for the song. Sampling ‘Steal My Sunshine ’by Canadian alternative group LEN gave the track an irresistible 90s-style summertime nostalgia that made it the ultimate bop of the summer. ‘Daisy Chain ’was a huge success for Pixey; recently hit one million streams on Spotify and marked her first music release since her album Dreams, Planes, and Paper Planes last September. On making the lullaby version, Pixey told DIY Mag that “Everyone just seemed to enjoy the tune so much; I was chatting to the label and they asked if I fancied doing a stripped-back version, and because I’m a producer I can just sit down and do that – I don’t have to go into a studio. That came out nicely, so we just thought ‘Let’s release it and see if anyone listens to it’. And people have been, which is so nice!” If ‘Daisy Chain ’is summer, the lullaby version is its autumnal little sister. The soft yet somewhat eerie folk and whistles that sound like birdsong transport you to an early autumn morning, when the leaves are slowly beginning to fall and there’s a crispness to the air that’s still warm from summer. It’s the perfect transition into autumn time, perhaps transitioning Pixey into her next music venture. Pixey will be one of the support acts for Crawlers this autumn, and will also be playing Live At Leeds Festival in October. We can’t wait for more music announcements from the queen of bedroom pop. You Might Also Like Folk-Rock, Indie, Industry Breakthrough, Liverpool, New Releases, Single
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Alex Amor ‘Like The First Time’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Alex Amor ‘Like The First Time’ 17.09.23 Words by Iole Dexter In anticipation of her latest EP dropping November 3rd this year, Glasgow born singer, Alex Amor has teased us with three new singles. Her latest release, Like The First Time is a gorgeous anthem that goes out to anyone reminiscing how intense their love for someone used to be. The desperation to “go back to the beginning” of a relationship is longingly sung in the first verse before escalating to a “crawl back to the first stages” in the second. In her own words, the single is about “not giving up on a long-term love and recreating the magic [of] when you first met”. The song was born out of a day long period of writer’s block where Amor didn’t do much recording of her own in the studio, but instead spent the day blasting some of her favourite tracks, particularly HAIM’s first album, Days Are Gone – a massive influence for her new direction in music. Amor’s dreamy vocals mixed with an alt-pop beat that crescendos on the chorus solidifies this track as a hopeful and hearty ballad that really feels like home. There’s something about this one that feels nostalgic – the song itself garners a familiar feeling of falling in love for the first time, of staring into the eyes of another and realising how much you care about them. But in addition to the dream-like, main character energy that this track generates, the lyrics are what make this song. There is a beautiful sense of hope among most of Amor’s discography, a reason I find myself coming back to her work a lot. She starts off guns blazing with this one: “I want you to face it and tell me we’ll fight”. Her direct address confronts the listener but sets a positive tone, shedding light on the beauty of wanting to fight for what you have, and desperately wanting to be fought for. A more delicate tone permeates the rest of the track, with lyrics that stay true to Amor’s form using a conversational tone. As the song moves forward, the lyrics too mature. Her words begin to reflect the kind of non-confrontational, gentle way we should all strive to approach difficult conversations with those we love. Perhaps most of all, Amor’s word play makes me want to hit repeat and repeat. Cleverly curated, her pre chorus goes: “When do we stop trying, I’m trying to show you that I’m not ready to give up, so give us another chance? I’ve been realising that reasons don’t mean a thing so why don’t we go back to the beginning?” Amor’s repetition of words and alliteration feels empowering, both to listen to and to sing yourself. Not to mention the rolling rhythm is addictive to listen to. If you’re looking to be cheered up, whether going through heartbreak having lost love; have found yourself falling out of love; want to remember the feeling of your first love; or find yourself falling more deeply in love every day, give Like The First Time a listen – I assure you it won’t be your last. You Might Also Like Uncategorised
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lime Garden ‘Love Song’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Lime Garden ‘Love Song’ 17.09.23 Words by Georgina Shine Brighton-based quartet Lime Garden is here to prove the doubters wrong with their recent release – Love Song. With the release of so many new tracks in the modern day comes the usual comments of everything sounds the same and oh not another love song, but Brighton-based quartet Lime Garden is here to prove the doubters wrong with their recent release – Love Song. The track has been an eagerly anticipated release for existing Garden fans as it has been a much-loved setlist track for a while at the group’s live shows. Love Song is not only a new single for the group but it has also been announced as one of the tracks on their newly announced debut album ‘One More Thing’ so it can be assumed that this release will give a little insight into what sort of sound fans can expect to hear from the album. This is indeed not another love song as the piece is an alternate take on the age-old declaration of love with the lyrics themselves stating ‘this ain’t a love song’ and in the most basic sense it’s completely right in that this isn’t a romantic ballad playing in the background of a movie. This song about love is a funky, upbeat, groove-filled dedication to the one you love that shows the raw side of love that is sometimes avoided. This is all about taking an alternative look at love and focusing on the areas of love that get overlooked by focusing on the smaller details of adoration and affection for someone you care about. Rather than over-the-top poetic descriptions of a partner and how the world is all sunshine and rainbows because of them; this piece focuses on the fact that even in the darkest of times we go through in life, the object of your affection is the one person you want navigating those times with you. There is something beautiful in the composition choices made for Love Song because it isn’t what you would expect, the lyrics look into the unexplored side of love and the melody is a vibrant pulsation of sonic energy. This is a love song for the alternatives, the misfits, the people who don’t want mushy, lovey-dovey bubblegum ballads. This is a sonic romance for the people who can’t put into words how they feel, this is a new-age love song that will live on forever. Love Song is a modern hit and Lime Garden’s take on a musical concept that has been around for ages but with the iconic ‘wonk pop’ twist that the group emit with their uniquely crafted sound. This female four-piece are a force to be reckoned with and we can’t wait to watch this Lime Garden continue to bloom and grow as their career blossoms. https://youtu.be/36FF-R8EwyU You Might Also Like Brighton and Hove, Britpop, Dream pop, Indie, Lime Garden, New Releases, On the Rise, Single
SEPT SINGLE FLASHBACK – Cori Nora ‘Fake Flowers’
SEPT SINGLE FLASHBACK – Cori Nora ‘Fake Flowers’ 15.09.23 Words by Zoe McGarrick The forest-fairy-floats-through-space vibe of a song is one of Cori Nora’s five singles this year to be released. With ‘Flowers and Fences’ out the same month, previous singles in August and July have been ‘Force Quit and ‘Junio’ as well as the February release ‘Easy Way Out.” All part of her upcoming album Flowers and Fences from Irascible Records. The new artist seems to perform in every part of song-making when it comes to her art. Multi-instrumentalist, singer, writer, recorder and producer. She will surely hit the charts by storm, especially with the Enya-sounding background to her latest track ‘Fake Flowers.’ Cori Nora has seemed to find a unique genre on her own; you cannot pin this artist to jazz, indie pop, or funk. The textured layers to the song are bewitching as Cori Nora lulls you to relax, with perplexing stops to keep the listener in suspense at the beginning. An artist who is not afraid to experiment when it comes to her art and without fear of expressing herself abstractly. This is very true when it comes to the music video for ‘Fake Flowers’, images played with a kaleidoscope structure flit across the scene as Cori Nora sings to us in a desert location among the rocks adorned in bright red. She has been described as a “huge talent on the verge of something spectacular, we’ve had an early listen to Cori Nora’s debut album and it is an embarrassment of riches. Esoteric, but infinitely listenable, she reminds us a little of PJ Harvey, her music distant and yet so, so personal” (Folkroom Records, 2023). Lonely eyes falling in love with fake flowers Neatly arranged to sweeten the hours Cori Nora is currently performing across Europe, her next stop is Switzerland before heading off to Germany. More information on tickets for her tour can be found on the TNAM Gig Guide. You Might Also Like Uncategorised
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Jasmine Jethwa ‘Dream of Running’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Jasmine Jethwa ‘Dream of Running’ 04.09.23 Words by Federica Purcaro Jasmine Jethwa lays bare a song of intimacy and personal thought before her sold out UK tour Jasmine Jethwa, 21, is back with another song titled ‘Dream of Running, right as her first sold-out UK headline tour is about to kick off in Wales. This track is the perfect example of how Jethwa is solidifying a career in the music industry by flawlessly incorporating intimate and moving songwriting into earnest and soulful alternative/indie pop sounds. Dream of Running was written by Jethwa herself, King Ed (Baby Queen, Years & Years, Birdy) and Benjamin Francis Leftwich. The production, constructed by King Ed, captures the raw and vulnerable significance of wanting to leave a relationship that has withered with time and space. The guitar chords and faded drums heard throughout the whole progression of the song draw the listeners in, daring them to completely immerse themselves into the story being told, nearly feeling like an intrusion into such a delicate yet cathartic moment of someone’s relationship. The absence of elaborate instrumentation allows the song’s authenticity to shine through and Jasmine Jethwa marvellously captured those feelings and emotions with her soulful and longing tone. She talks about a relationship fading right before her eyes, of how she now looks back with regret at all the times she believed her significant other, only to end up hurting more: “ I don’t believe you, Not anymore, Cause whenever I believed you it hurt me more” The faded drums in the production provide a subtle, rhythmic backdrop, almost resembling a heartbeat, slowly receding in the back of her mind as well as her memory: “ Oh if I could escape I’d be out of this town, Before you’d even, knew I’d gone But it’s easy to say, And it’s harder to do, Like a bird in a cage with a beautiful view” The music video for the song perfectly captures the feeling conveyed through the lyrics, of looking at someone who once held the world in their eyes and now wishing nothing more than to fearlessly run away from such a faded and lifeless land. Definitely worth watching while we patiently wait for what is more to come from Jasmine during the rest of the year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90YpWl6uQKw You Might Also Like Alternative, Indie, Jasmine Jethuwa, New Releases, On the Rise, Pop, South-East London
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Rat-Tails ‘Coke in the 70s’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Rat-Tails ‘Coke in the 70s’ 13.09.23 Words by Jack Tyrrell Cocaine, Anyone? Evoking a near-epic sense of nostalgia with an instrumental seemingly DIY crafted (which sounds strikingly like an homage to the psychedelic music that defined the sound of Aphrodite’s Child and Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s and 1970s), emerges Rat-Tails a dream rock collective hailing from South London. Initially founded by singer-songwriter Courtney and guitarist Chris, the group of self-described ‘rodents’ expanded to include bassist Sam and the clarinettist Frankie D and have released second single ‘Coke in the 70s’. An experiment with a 70s psychedelic sound, Folk, and shoegaze the track is layered with droned-out guitar, slow heavy drums, and Courtney’s siren performance, justifying this band’s psychedelia style. This single follows Rat-Tail’s debut release ‘Spines,’ and much like its predecessor, Courtney, vocal folky telling tales of madness. ‘Coke in the 70s’ might have started as a love song but now it’s a more confusing hallucinatory tale talking about patterns, TV licences, Kanye West and of course, Cocaine. As I had hoped the song debuts with a music video seemingly straight from an old VHS you’d find in your grandparents’ home, scribbled with ‘top of the pops – 1974’, only it is ‘Rock Today’ hosted by RATTV, and directed by David Lynch…not quite as it’s remembered but beautifully crafted all the same. Catch Rat-Tail Live: 02/09/23: Paper Dress Vintage, ticket link: https://link.dice.fm/FJYNsWRErCb06/09/23: Cotoba U.K. Tour, London Date, The New Cross Inn, ticket link: https://newcrosslive.com/events/cotoba19/09/23, 6pm-8pm: The BabaAli Radio Show, Rats-Tails Special Guests (Via Boogaloo Radio) Radio link: https://boogalooradio.com14/10/23: Rats-Tails Single Launch Party, The George Tavern. For guest list, please contact ratstails2112@gmail.com ticket link: https://link.dice.fm/ITQQJOOErCb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xosRHapcQ0 You Might Also Like New Releases, Psychedelic, Psychedelic Rock, Rat-Tails, Shoegaze, South London
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Jockstrap ‘Red Eye’ (feat. IAN STARR)
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Jockstrap ‘Red Eye’ (feat. IAN STARR) 13.09.23 Words by Scott Rudd Talk about striking when the irons hot. London-based experimental/art/glitch/noise/electro-pop duo Jockstrap has just announced the remix album for their Mercury Prize-nominated debut, “I Love You Jennifer B” (Rough Trade Records). The album is titled “I<3UQTINVU” (I love you cutie I envy you). The lead single from the record, “Red Eye,” featuring Atlanta-based artist IAN STARR, has just been released. If it’s representative of the rest of the project, we are in for quite a ride. Sampling Jennifer B’s opening song, “Neon,” which begins with Georgia Ellery singing the lyrics “Red eye after the dawn,” “Red Eye” takes a departure from the original’s slow, brooding, and moody atmosphere. Instead, it transforms into an explosive expression of rage set against a candy-coated electrical storm of an instrumental backdrop. In this remix, Ellery’s singing is replaced by the furious rap delivery of Atlanta-based trap artist IAN STARR. His style can be likened to a blend of Yeat, Playboi Carti (although one could draw parallels to any artist from the Opium label), and elements reminiscent of 100 Gecs. Taylor Skye chops and modifies STARR’s vocals and lyrics in such a relentless manner that, for most of the song, it becomes challenging to decipher the words he’s uttering. However, considering the influx of music within the hyper-pop scene in recent years, this doesn’t necessarily detract from the energy that the music exudes. Ultimately, that’s what counts most. Once your ears adapt to the sheer chaos assaulting them, you can discern the swagger in STARR’s lyrics, with lines like “IAN STARR on top, lil bitch, Jockstrap on top, lil bitch.” Additionally, there are numerous references to Rick Owens and Margiela sprinkled throughout, interspersed with his bursts of what the music video captions as “RAW ENERGY.” As intense as the song is – and my god, it’s absolutely wild – the fact that Skye can embed so many catchy melodies within the layers of electronic madness is truly impressive. It leaves you in awe. It’s uncertain whether the rest of the project will maintain the same breakneck pace and insanity as this brief sprint, but one thing is certain: Jockstrap will continue to keep me on my toes for what is bound to be a long and triumphant time. https://youtu.be/MNMIFU1zogY You Might Also Like Alternative, Greater London, Industry Breakthrough, Jockstrap, New Releases, Noise, Pop
NEW RELEASE – Eva Gadd and Blue Lab Beats ‘Get It’
NEW RELEASE – Eva Gadd and Blue Lab Beats ‘Get It’ 12.09.23 Words by Zoe McGarrick Eva Gadd has collaborated with Blue Lab Beats, a Neo-Jazz duo made up of NK-OK and MR. DM, on her new release Get It. Described in her bio as a “distinctive neo-soul jazz singer”, Eva Gadd has already steam-rolled into the industry at 23 years old with her melodious voice. Gadd joined Blue Adventure Records not long after leaving Falmouth University behind, to work on her debut single Breathing, which was released in February 2022. Get It, and Breathing were both a collaboration between Gadd and Blue Lab Beats, and a part of an upcoming EP. The collaboration between the two brings a mesmerising single, that seems to flow over the soul, with Gadd’s voice to guide you. Blue Lab Beats describes themselves, from their website, as “jazztronica duo” where they combine influences of funk, soul, hip-hop, jazz, and mix them all together to create their own unique sound. Get It was released by Blue Adventure Records on 1st September 2023. Gadd’s ability to convey emotion through her singing is clear and skilful. The smooth and relaxing tone of her music and voice is reminiscent of Corrine Bailey Rae’s Girl, Put Your Records On. Gadd wrote the lyrics to the demo that Blue Lab Beats gave to her when they started their collaborations: “I was excited to start working on Get It straight after I heard the demo. The words flowed so easily and I loved the relaxed groove and guitar riff. I envisioned adding stacks of vocal harmonies which are now a prominent feature of the finished song.” But what is Get It about? Gadd explained that the song was meant to convey the emotional differences between men and women, and the complexities of how they are viewed, men seem to be more able to walk away. Gadd stated that “the lyrics in Get It describe a common difference I’d noticed between men and women when it comes to emotional attachment. I wanted to write about how easy it seems for some men to walk away from situations involving feelings – and how sometimes I’ve envied them for that. I think women would be judged more harshly for doing the same.” (Eva Gadd.co.uk, 2023). But I’m sorry if it’s ’cause of something you’ve been through But why’d you men always feel you have something to prove? Since beginning her journey in Cornwall and Falmouth, Gadd now lives close to Oxfordshire and is currently performing around London and Oxfordshire, her new releases, as well as a few song covers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCb7C-1okAM You Might Also Like Eva Gadd, Neo Soul, New Releases, On the Rise, Oxfordshire, Pop, RnB
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Skarlett Riot – ‘Chemicals’
NEW SINGLE RELEASE – Skarlett Riot – ‘Chemicals’ 06.09.23 Words by Liv Winter Skarlett Riot’s newest single: a commentary on mental health with metal’s help Heavy Metal foursome Skarlett Riot, fronted by singer-turned guitarist Chloe Drinkwater, have just dropped a crushing track from their upcoming 2024 album. The new album will be Skarlett Riot’s fourth, whereas the new single joins the band’s impressive sixteen singles roster. Released as a single on August 25th, Chemicals is a barrage of booming bass, ruthless drumming, tight riffs and huge, severe vocals. Chemicals is a savage yet alluring song that delves into the struggles of mental health; a crucial conversation, with the band using the hashtag ‘Mental Health Matters’ on social media when promoting the new single. The vulnerability, honesty and emotion in Chloe’s vocal performance is a stand-out, with the topic being close to the singer’s heart. Chloe told Rock Regeneration that‘Chemicals is about the struggles day to day with anxiety and how it can take over your whole mind if you’re not careful. Sometimes day to day life can feel overwhelming and I’ve learnt to take some time out for myself and be kind to myself. It’s what we all forget to do and we all need sometimes just a moment to breathe.’ The track boasts signature performances from each instrument, powerful and gritty with an infectious chorus and memorable hooks, allowing Skarlett Riot to stay true to their heavy metal roots with those melodic overtunes so reminiscent of the early 2000s metal scene, against headbanging flurries that keep up with the extremities the genre is currently displaying. Skarlett Riot’s standing within the genre of Heavy Metal is already renowned, but with each new release we see from this group, the further they are going to shoot into stardom and legacy. Forever staying active in the scene, Skarlett Riot will be touring the country again in late October, coming to Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, London and Bournemouth, with an exciting appearance at the Winter Rocks Festival taking place at Sheffield’s famous rock and metal club, Corporation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUW_g0HJK84 You Might Also Like Classic Rock, Edinburgh, New Releases, Next Big Thing, Rock, Skarlett Riot