Tag: Single Release

Dan Bettridge Releases Latest Single ‘Sign’ Ahead of EP ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’

Dan Bettridge Releases Latest Single ‘Sign’ Ahead of EP ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

With just over a month to go until the release of highly anticipated EP ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’ Dan Bettridge has gifted us with another slice of what we can expect, in the form of latest single Sign.

Following a hiatus from releasing music since 2019. The dawn of 2021 saw the appearance of initial ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’ offering, Habitat. The electro style composition was unheard of from Dan Bettridge before now. Yet, layering synths against a cool percussion provided a fresh vibrance, and the ability to add a new genre, into an already impressive repertoire. Alongside EP co-producer Minas, Dan Bettridge is embracing a bold experimental style, and we like it. 

Sign affirms what had been pre-empted from gorgeously emotive April release Love Ain’t For Everyone. Heavy in sentiment and flooded with memories. Dan Bettridge evokes a softer, more sultry sound, that certainly knows how to get pulses racing. 

Placing vocals at the forefront, the emphasis is lyrical, captivated by moody blue vocals. Stirring our senses and brooding nostalgia. With co-lyricists Hannah Grace and Martin Luke Brown at his side, it was clear that Sign was destined to swim with emotional depth. 

Having awakened a new era within his music. Dan Bettridge stands unapologetic and unafraid. Brave and bold. Words can barely emphasise the evolution we have witnessed from this musician. 

Whether it is a period of growth, or a period of reflection. Old stirring emotions or a contemporary change. What remains, is that Dan Bettridge has the ability to tap into our most inner emotions. Capturing fleeting moments of his life in sheer beauty through the medium of music. 

We await ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’ with bated breath.

Stream ‘Sign’ on all platforms now via Channel Analog Records

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Rona Mac Releases Latest Single Weapon

Rona Mac Releases Latest Single Weapon

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Rona Mac is a musical enigma nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Wind swept by the sea, and mysteriously combed by the countryside. Debut album Sheelah was nothing shy of mesmerising. Aching with earnest acoustics, laced against licks of fierce, raw lyrical honesty. Rona Mac set our souls alight with an untamed DIY approach, that resulted in the most confessional, heartfelt body of work. 

Often so bold as to go where no lyricist has gone before, Rona Mac’s charm exudes from her unwavering realness. Writing, performing, mixing and mastering initial indie-folk tracks alone. Rona relished in clattering makeshift instruments together to create song. Curating her debut in the cosy corner of a caravan. Carefully extracting each passing thought, each pang of a memory, each pestering desire to scream out how she truly felt. To capture songs that played out like snapshots of her life, in the hope of awakening and inspiring others. 

Returning in 2021 with latest single ‘Weapon’. Rona Mac is out to make her mark on the music industry, and make an impact she certainly does. Breaking boundaries, Rona soars with a newfound untamed sound, as ‘Weapon’ quickly engulfs each and every one of its listeners. Brooding over the bark of a heavy bass guitar, before bursting into the addictive fizz of an indie-pop anthem. Gone are the pots and pans as makeshift drums, and welcomed are the grazes from electric guitar strings. This meaner, moodier style adds an unexpected but gorgeous grit. Allowing Rona Mac to delve even deeper into her intoxicating lyrical honesty.

Expansive and undeniably different, ‘Weapon’ is musically miles away from debut DIY album Sheelah. Yet this intriguing switch of styles shows clear progression for Rona Mac, and will leave listeners desperately needing to hear more. 

A standout symbol for queer identity, a blazing feminist icon, bundled up in dog-eared folk tenderness. Rona Mac is the glorious hippie muse we all yearn to be, and will certainly yearn to listen to. 

Stream ‘Weapon’ on all platforms now via Rose Parade Recording Co.

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Mr Bewlay Releases Latest Single ‘Dan “The Don” Wilson’

Mr Bewlay Releases Latest Single ‘Dan “The Don” Wilson’

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Mr Bewlay is an eccentric musician, determined to re-define everything that we know about music. From the bright and bubbly Her Name is Juniper to the sombre piano ballads of Fake Yourself. Bewlay is shaking off genres and shaking up our eardrums. Yearning that we explore as many new sounds and styles as possible. Proudly breaking away from any constraints of the mainstream, Bewlay paves his own beautiful path, and it’s a road that we certainly want to join him on. 

Latest track Dan “The Don” Wilson introduces itself with a thumping 80s synth line. Pair this with marvellously kooky lyrics about central character “The Don”, and Bewlay strikes gold yet again. From music that is mind-warpingly mesmerising, to a story unusually fascinating. Bewlay makes no apologies for allowing all forms of their creativity to flow free. 

On the topic of his latest release, Mr Bewlay discusses:

“Dan “The Don” Wilson is really a deep look into opposites. I teamed up with my old friend Dai Griffiths [producer] again and together we built up this song from fragments and incomplete ideas. At one point we didn’t know where it was heading and let the song guide itself, it was very exciting! I really wanted to convey the stark difference between the commercial instrumentation and the surreal lyrics and I wanted that to be the underlying theme of the track, that of beauty and ugliness.”

Not merely content with releasing music that is any way “normal”, Bewlay shines as a charade character himself. With an ingenious, read between the lines style of song-writing. On this latest track, Bewlay pens lyrics that purposefully don’t make sense. 

Off the wall and intentionally strange. Dan “The Don” Wilson unfolds into music that we are not meant to understand. Ingulfed instead by thoughts of “Triple Decker Bacon Supremes” we allow ourselves to be transported into this artist’s colourful world. A place where the ordinary surely becomes extraordinary, Bewlay provides a musical thrill ride full of twists and turns. As a listener, you never know what to expect next, and that is what makes Mr Bewlay so bewilderingly brilliant to behold.

Produced by Dai Griffiths, Dan “The Don” Wilson is the 2nd instalment in Mr Bewlay’s ‘Synthwave Trilogy’. This independent release has incorporated multi-media assets from likeminded independent artists. Including bespoke pieces from Veronika Purplesfinx, Stephanie Gunnz, Emily Irvin and Rose Ashley. The cover art for the single was digitally created by the Irish artist Cor McGowan and fulfils the theme of contrast with the uncanny-valley burger, dripping with meat, grease and cheese.

Stream ‘Dan “The Don” Wilson’ on all platforms now

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Twin Stranger Release Latest Single ‘Early Dreamer’

Twin Stranger Release Latest Single ‘Early Dreamer’

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Expanding on their impressive indie sound. Latest single ‘Early Dreamer’ sees Cardiff-based Twin Stranger introduce a refreshing twist on the genre, with a reflective and brooding, yet melodic breakaway track. As waves of psychedelic rock and power pop burst through, creating music that is both vibrant and immersive.  

Opening lyrics battle the ever-tempting pull between saint and sinner, with lead Alex McConnachie enthralling us in the story of ‘Early Dreamer’. Interwoven among cool crisp guitars, and percussion hooks that latch onto its ever so catchy chorus. The single feels hypnotic and transportive, whilst lyrically able to explore the daily grind that everyday life can entail.

‘Early Dreamer’ really puts a spotlight on the fascinating capabilities that Twin Stranger have, to delve into such open and meaningful lyrics. Whilst maintaining a music style so uplifting, it scorches us with rays of hypothetical sunshine. This glorious contrast is often unseen at such an early stage in a band’s career, giving listeners an intriguing unique perspective, fuelling the momentum of what Twin Stranger are all about. 

Placing emphasis on strong artistic collaboration from start to finish. McConnachie describes how Twin Stranger passionately craft every aspect of their music to perfection, including its artwork: 

“The artwork for each release and visual aspect of things is very important, Joe comes up with a concept usually in the form of a little drawing or painting. It really feels like we’re building up to something.” 

Building up to something, they certainly are. With ‘Early Dreamer’ affirming Twin Stranger as the up-and-coming band that you will certainly want to keep your eyes and ears on throughout 2021. 

Hopes of an EP release are surely on the horizon, as this latest single continues on paving the road to success for Twin Stranger. Arriving off the back of a string of sublime singles, that firmly cemented their foundations in 2020. Anthemic debut ‘Tears of Joy’ was closely followed by summertime scorcher ‘Crushed’, preceded by the cathartic ‘White’ mid-year. All of which received high praise locally, and even gained the four-piece oversees exposure from US radio stations KROQ and SiriusFM. It is beyond inspiring that what initially began as a bedroom project for McConnachie, has grown to become so much more.  

Twin Stranger are Alex McConnachie (Vocals), Joe Tobin (Synth/Guitar), Eric Karvik (Drums) and Josh Newington (Bass).  

Stream ‘Early Dreamer’ on all platforms now via Rose Parade Record Co.

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Trampolene Release Powerful Poetic New Track ‘Come Join Me In Life’

Trampolene Release Powerful Poetic New Track ‘Come Join Me In Life’

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After a hiatus from releasing music, Swansea favourites Trampolene return with rousing spoken-word track ‘Come Join Me In Life’. 

Fronted by Jack Jones, Trampolene are certainly not a band to shy away from. Boasting music that is unapologetically loud, outspoken, and bold. This 3-piece have garnered a reputation for packed-out, reckless, and brilliant live shows. 

Quickly becoming infamous for their ability to combine raucous indie rock music and spoken word poetry, capable of intoxicating any chaos-hungry audience. Future crowd pleaser ‘Come Join Me In Life’ elevates Trampolene even further, as it delights with a no holds barred, gorgeously untamed approach. Definitely one that Jones will have fans reeling back to him at every upcoming Trampolene gig. 

Stirring, and at times intentionally and purposefully unsettling. The singer-songwriter addresses us as though we are a boisterous crowd pouring down a flooded street. Jones at the forefront, demanding justice for each and every one of our lives.

A modern-day wordsmith, delivering poignantly punchy points and fiercely frank truths. ‘Come Join Me In Life’ is poetry that invades your mind and overtakes your voice. Etching itself upon your memory, with an eerily divine presence. “I belong in this poem and I belong in this pen. I belong in your head every now and then.” Through gloriously unrefined and powerful words, Jones has made clear impact, as the phrase “working-class hero” surely springs to mind. Aiming to empower and encourage, walking the line between rebellion and redemption, with glorious reckless abandon.

Heightening emotions, challenging thought processes, and demanding us to firmly grasp what we want out of life with both hands. ‘Come Join Me In Life’ fuels political fires and breaks from convention, as the track roars in solidarity with recent cultural and historical movements. Jones taking centre stage as that pillar so desperately needed, to prop up every single underrepresented voice. Giving much needed encouragement and support at a time where we must stand united to survive.  

‘Come Join Me In Life’ is out now via Strap Originals

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Feature: Get To Know Folk Musician Alcie Bela and Latest Single ‘Forest’

Feature: Get To Know Folk Musician Alcie Bela and Latest Single ‘Forest’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A fresh face in South Wales’ indie music scene, singer-songwriter Alcie Bela is mystifying. Perfectly pairing dark witted lyrics, to a delicate acoustic folk sound. The musician is currently recording her upcoming EP at a studio deep within the heart of Welsh woodland. Ensuring the seeds of her kindled earthy spirit are sown. As debut single ‘Don’t Leave Me Hanging’ arrived in August of 2020. We gazed in awe, upon music that was refreshingly different. Without doubt leaving many of us eager to hear more. 

Vocals sharp to the tongue, Alcie Bela is able to pierce through any softened music backdrop. Usually comprising a flurry of acoustic strums and the patter of drums. Allowing us to envisage Bela as the burning flames themselves, rather than those who gather around the campfire. A musician that draws influence from the powerfully soft Aldous Harding, Daughter and Sia, entwined with poetic notions from Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Bela swiftly meanders between melancholy musings and a gorgeously rousing rage. Exuding a sound so rich and vibrant, yet fascinatingly thought-provoking.

Latest single ‘Forest’ strengthens Bela further again. First to be released from her forthcoming EP, the track delves into a soundscape even more expansive than her previous debut ‘Can’t Leave Me Hanging’. We feel the singer take on an up-tempo, almost cool country approach to her style. Shaking off any past preconceptions of “soft” and presenting a confident musician, firmly comfortable in her own footsteps. Bela struts through her sophomore single, as waves of empowerment and fierce feminism shine from her music. While bold and unconstrained lyrics call for something more meaningful, than a string of bad one-night stands. 

We ponder whether Alcie Bela looks inward for her bitter-sweet vocal vengeance, or if her words are instead outspoken projections towards society at large? One thing is for certain, this fiery and captivating musician is surely expected to set the music scene alight. As fractious yet gentle folk music fuels the fires of her enigmatic creativity. 

Stream ‘Forest’ on all platforms now:

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