Tom Townsend album ‘Leave It Up To Me’ creates a perfect blend of pop, soul and jazz

Blending a range of roots based genres, from jazz to acoustic, excellent songwriter Tom Townsend is ready to open 2018 with a bang, releasing new album ‘Leave It Up To Me’ throughout the UK. Proficient in a number of instruments, Townsend started with drums and guitar but expanding into piano, bass guitar and even mandolin. It makes you sick how talented he is.

It’s culminated in an album which is stuffed to the gills with excellent songs, amongst which you’d be hard pressed not to find something to fall in love with. ‘Be For Me’ is a balladic highlight, as is album closer ‘Slowly’, with its combination of piano and acoustic guitar. It’s in these slower, more contemplative moments that the album is maybe at its strongest, but that’s not to say the more upbeat toe-tappers don’t have plenty to offer.

‘Leave It Up To Me’ is out on January 15^th 2018 – offer your support at  http://www.tomtownsend.co.uk/

‘Coming Down Slow’ single out now from compelling Scottish writer Rachel Alice Johnson

Rachel Alice Johnson is a Scottish singer-songwriter enjoying a stellar year, and with new single ‘Coming Down Slow’ she has kept up her 2017 with ease.

Boasting a compellingly dark opening, the song flows effortlessly towards a lighter tone before a massive closing section where distorted guitar makes a huge impact before returning to the start of the loop. It’s effective, it’s uncomplicated, and it’s undeniably enjoyable.

So here’s to Rachel Alice Johnson’s final release of a very strong 2017 – roll on next year which promises to be even bigger.

Stunning new single ‘Much Better’ from Stephanie Sounds, album coming soon

Accompanied by a suitably hypnotic lyric video, ‘Much Better’ is the new single from promising London artist Stephanie Sounds. Taking a quick your through her YouTube channel, it’s clear to see that this is an artist with genuine talent. And with any luck, this latest offering will see her gain followers with the right people in the music industry.

The single, released on September 15th, is something of a slow burner. Opening with simple acoustic lines, it soon builds to a huge, layered chorus which is easy to get stuck in your head. It’s all  helped by the natural, smooth vocal of the talented songwriter.

The good news is, if this floats your boat, there’s plenty more on the way. The ‘Much Better’ album  follows on the 6th October.

Stunning new single ‘Lightning’ from Amilia K Spicer

‘Lightning’ is the 2nd single from Amilia K Spicer’s album ‘Wow and Flutter’, and evidence of why so many online outlets are waxing lyrical about this excellent US songwriter. Moody and methodical, the song slowly unfolds like a flower, drawing the listener in with subtlety and quiet – like a whisper you have to lean in to hear.

The result is a solid 2nd single from an artist well worth keeping an eye on. According to her biography, Spicer has made a habit of moving around to different areas of the USA over the years, creating life experiences and a free spirit which illuminates her song writing. The album is turning many heads, and with this video now available there will likely be more new fans on the way.

For more details on the single, album and what’s next for Amilia K Spicer, mosey over to http://www.amiliakspicer.com/.

Organisms preview new ‘Mollusk’ album with dark funk single ‘Games Non-People Play’

With a debut album on the way next month and an original, noirish funk sound to show off, Organisms have set the table very nicely indeed with lead single ‘Games Non-People Play’. By turns nightmare inducing but visually compelling the video clip above is the perfect accompaniment to the fuzzed up production of this toe-tapping track.

It bodes well for the album, out July 7th, which will represent the culmination (so far) of work from one of East Anglia’s more prolific songwriters. Joseph Quinn has, over several years, carved out a niche for himself as one of Norfolk’s hardest working independent musicians, a work ethic which brought him to the attention of Tontena Music chief John Vigar. It is through Tontena that Quinn’s latest project, Organisms, now find themselves looking forward to that debut LP milestone. Long may it continue.

Al this and more at www.tontenamusic.com

Nine Beats Collective – ‘Nine Beats To The Bar’

The video above is as good an introduction to a new independent release as you’re ever going to get. With a wide cast of characters, it does a top job of encapsulating a project which should be lauded for shedding a light on such a wide array of independent talent.

In short, the Nine Beats Collective is an album which showcases the talents of writers, musicians, poets and troubadours. Each contributor has a unique style, and the songs are each designed to highlight cultural and political issues in the world today.

It makes for a sprawling LP release, totalling an incredible 26 tracks. Such is the passion of the people involved that it makes for a compelling listen through out. If you can’t find something you enjoy in here, you’re not listening.

New single and third album from US country artist Amilia K Spicer

Still going strong on her third album, Amilia K Spicer is one of a cluster of US female roots artists currently plying their trade. It’s been a long time since this particular musical demographic has been so strongly represented, and excellent songwriters like Spicer are the reason why.

Heartfelt and compelling, her songs often reflect her upbringing and the various places she’s called home. New album ‘Wow and Flutter’ offers many lyrical examples of this, while the new video for single ‘Fill Me Up’ sees Spicer revisit the Pennsylvanian woodlands in which she grew up. This connection to place gives her songs real depth, and makes the album well worth getting excited for.

‘Wow and Flutter’ is out April 28th

Angie and the Deserters return with 3rd single ’17 Days’

Evocative and infectious in equal measure, ’17 Days’ is the new single from LA band on the rise Angie and the Deserters. Blending straight up rock with a pop-fuelled country sound, it’s the third single in the row which shows that this band are one to be reckoned with going forward.

 

They are already picking up steam online with their energetic and well produced songs so far, and each one seems to be stronger than the last. It’s a pattern which will be tough to retain, obviously, but even if they can just keep their batting average this high then Angie and the Deserters will be a band whose wagon is well worth riding on.

 

The single is out now on iTunes

Angie and the Deserters release ‘Forgetting to Forget’ from EP ‘You’

Quickly building a reputation for their passionate and emotional song writing, US roots outfit Angie and the Deserters have returned with another single from their latest EP (‘You’) – the excellently titled ‘Forgetting to Forget’.

Even the title is evocative, which is only enhanced once those guitars start strumming and the heart strings are tugged by the thoughtful lyrics. Specialising in thoughtful Americana country-rock, this is a band well worth paying attention to. Whether you’re already partial to a touch of roots music, or just prefer your pop music to be catchy and accessible, there’s something here for you to enjoy.

‘Clocks’ EP and single out now from Ellie Jane

Out now on iTunes, ‘Clocks’ is the brand new EP from a very promising new artist in the shape of songwriter Ellie Jane. Released on October 21st, the EP comprises six tracks of really good acoustic pop, fronted by a voice that is delicate but simultaneously powerful.

The intelligence of Jane’s lyricism shines through from beginning to end, and can be sampled in the title track above. And, having already turned heads at Radio 1, there will be plenty more new music on the way. To get on board the hype train, head over to her website.