Music News for Music Lovers
Montreal-based singer-songwriter Vikki Gilmore has launched her debut self-released album Mental Backroads – a magical deep-dive into the thoughts and feelings of Gilmore through indie-folk melodies. The album features themes of self-discovery, love, family, mental health challenges and grief and each is explored beautifully, with Gilmore’s lyrics reading like poetry. Her emotive lyricism pulls you…
Makenna Hope is a singer-songwriter from St. Albans, West Virginia. She grew up in a family of music lovers, listening to and falling in love with the voices and music of some of the all-time great country artists – Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn. Their influence shine through in her impressive…
London-based singer-songwriter and artist Adam Wedd has been building a name for himself touring around the UK, Europe and America and after listening to his music, it is immediately obvious why listeners love him. Wedd pours so much emotion and sincerity into every single track that he produces and every single lyric that he writes….
In 2016, Spotify included the track ‘Heart Attack‘ from the self-titled debut album by Wild Rivers in my weekly Made For You playlist and it was love at first listen! What followed has been a beautiful musical journey, falling more in love with the band with each release from their 2018 EP ‘Eighty-Eight‘ and latest…
Abbie Callahan, the Iowa-raised pop Americana songwriter, has just released her latest single, ‘Love Hangover’. A superb track which was written during the first summer she spent in Nashville. Abbie started out as an artist playing at local country fairs and busking. At fifteen she appeared on The Voice and then American Idol at seventeen….
Singer-songwriter Sven Ross has just released the moving piano ballad ‘between you and me’. It is the second single off his upcoming second EP now that i’m with you. Sven is currently touring the Netherlands as part of the itinerant music festival Popronde. He is playing over 25 shows in cities all over the country….
What is something that you are grateful for today? While you think of something, I’ll go first. I am grateful for the release of Ukubonga (Gratitude), the wonderful new album by Lorraine Klaasen and Mongezi Ntaka. South African singer Lorraine Klaasen and South African guitarist, composer, musical director and producer Mongezi Ntaka have collaborated to…
Dearly Beloved, the Orlando-based emo/pop-punk band, have just released their debut EP Nova Roads. The band consists of Gabo Seda (vocals and rhythm guitar), Jacob Rossignol (lead guitar), Chris Garcia (bass), and Trey Ayres (drums). The band released their debut single “Stuck (Again)” back in September and since then they have been playing shows across…
Litvar, the American indie-rockers from Willimantic, Connecticut, is formed of lifelong friends Rex Thurstan (he/they), Violet Falkowski (she/they) and Joe Lemieux (he/they). They have just released their latest single ‘You Should Find A New Boyfriend’, written in an Air BnB in Los Angeles whilst the band were on tour, and complete with a music video…
Following the release of her first EP, Fear of God, Lindsay Holifield has just shared her brand new single ‘Ghost’ which explores her journey of self-discovery. This track is the first to be released from her forthcoming full-length album which reflects on a new period of her life, her art and her music which centres…
Interview with Sam McLeod Sam McLeod is a songwriter and performer living in Nashville, Tennessee. Back in 2015 he released his debut EP Introduction to Dreaming, a collection of alt-rock tracks inspired by his childhood and the growing pains of life. Over the last seven years, McLeod has spent time living overseas in Melbourne, Australia,…
Interview with Mili & Bertie Mili & Bertie are an alt-pop duo from Berkshire, England that are weaving bluesy Americana and country-pop influences into their exciting and magical sound. They recently released Into The Night, their five-track stunning debut EP which is bursting with captivating country-influenced alt-pop tracks guaranteed to grab your attention with their…
After the success of their debut single ‘Jump the Gun’ which has received over 150,000 streams on Spotify and their second single ‘All I’m Missin’ which had a world exclusive release on BBC Music Introducing, the Dubin based indie rock band Sunburn decided to spend the last year honing their craft. They are now back…
Interview with Shayla McDaniel Shayla McDaniel is a singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist based in Knoxville, Tennessee who crafts guitar-driven alt pop. Growing up, McDaniel began learning bass at church where she would accompany the gospel choir. She took part in elementary school orchestral programs and also experimented with multiple instruments in her parent’s basement. In 2017, she played…
Interview with Kate Ellis Kate Ellis is an Americana/country-folk singer-songwriter who was born in Louisiana, raised in New York and now lives in London. She recently shared ‘Scars’, her tongue-in-cheek single from her highly anticipated sophomore album Spirals which is due for release February 18th! The album was produced by the legendary John Reynolds (Sinéad…
Interview with Lindsey Ferguson Lindsey Ferguson is a 26-year-old singer-songwriter, painter, and filmmaker from Pennsylvania. She has recently released her new album being a girl and it is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a deeply personal look into the past three years of the singer’s life. She explores more than one heartbreak, coming to…
Interview with Low Girl Low Girl recently released their brand new alt-pop track ‘So Cool’ which is the lead track off their upcoming EP, set to be released later this year in March. ‘So Cool’ was recorded between lockdowns with Michael Smith (Bess Atwell/Wolf Alice) and is the first of three singles that will be…
Norwich-based alt-rock band The Islas, made up of Nathan Baverstock (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ross Allen (lead guitar), Granger Wittering (bass, backing vocals) and Ed Chalu (drums), are gearing up to release their brand new EP Oblivion next week on 27th August! Oblivion is a standout EP that showcases the incredible talent of the band….
Interview with Kylie Rothfield Kylie Rothfield is a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Los Angeles, California whose love of song-writing began in her hometown of Danville, CA, eventually leading her to Boston when she was accepted into the Berklee College of Music. She has recently released the pop track ‘Ghost’ which was co-written with…
Interview with Kaylyn Marie Kaylyn Marie is a multi-genre music maker and performer. Her work has led to becoming an alumna of Joe’s Pub’s WG, an Amish witch on Lifetime TV, a protest singer in Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Post’, and a finalist on American Idol. She has recently released her sophomore EP Forget Me Not…
Here are the five up and coming rock artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! Edward Sansom Born and raised in Brighton, alternative rock songwriter Edward Sansom creates music that explores the darker side of modern society, drawing inspiration from the likes of The Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie and Foals His latest track…
Interview with Tom Vevers Scottish singer song-writer Tom Vevers takes a ‘heart on his sleeve’ approach to song-writing, dealing with topics such as love, life, loss, growing up and mental health. His vulnerable and honest lyrics lie at the very heart of his work and combined with stunning and emotive melodies and raw vocals, Tom…
Interview with Dan Bettridge Hailing from the coastal town of Ogmore-by-Sea in Wales, singer-songwriter Dan Bettridge grew up listening to James Taylor, Cat Stephens and Bob Dylan. Over the years Bettridge has toured with Jack Savoretti and Band Of Horses, performed at Maida Vale twice, once as Bob Harris’ ‘Favourite New Artist’ and played festivals…
Here are the four up and coming indie artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! Ellajay Ellajay (stage name of Stephanie Schecter) is an indie singer/songwriter based in Brooklyn, New York. She is a familiar face at the likes of Rockwood Music Hall and The Bitter End where listeners are drawn in by…
Here are four emerging folk artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! Matthew Thomas Hope Nashville-based singer-songwriter Matthew Thomas Hope took some time to focus on writing and re-working songs from the vault after the release of his debut single ‘I’d Go Anywhere’. The first track he has released is ‘Cora’ which was…
Here are the seven up and coming rock artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! HCK9 Alt-rock/electronica project HCK9 have released their new single ‘PRETTY THING’ which deals with a Jackal and Hyde-like tale. It is told from the perspective of the antagonist and full of mental health references. The new single talks…
Here are the seven up and coming indie artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! Props Props is a London-based artist/producer who began making upbeat electro-indie-pop tunes from his South London bedroom during lockdown in 2020. Quickly, his music received support from the likes of BBC Introducing, Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Amazing Radio’s…
Interview with Sleep Walking Animals Sleep Walking Animals are an indie folk/rock quintet from Manchester, UK. The band is made up of Tom Glynn-Carney (vocals), Joe Etherington (guitar), Jack Brett (bass), Alex Harford (guitar) and Nuwan Hugh Perera (percussion). Their brand new track ‘Dance Laura Dance’ is a compelling and uplifting anthem. Jack wrote this…
Interview with Barbara Teresa Barbara Teresa is an up and coming and independent singer-songwriter, self-taught producer and multi-instrumentalist from Caracas, Venezuela and she is currently based in LA. Her genre-blending pop sound draws inspiration from the indie-pop/folk/alternative music of Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift’s folklore as do her emotive lyrics which chronicles relatable…
Interview with Sven Ross Dutchman Sven Ross was on track to become a primary school teacher when he decided to leave his studies behind and move to London in order to immerse himself in the song-writing scene and develop his musical craft. Now two years on, the Amsterdam-based singer-songwriter has just released ‘Blue Birthday’, the…
Interview with Liza Weald Liza Weald is the indie folk-project of the 20-year-old Dutch singer-songwriter Lisa de Bruijn. After releasing a number of singles, she has brought them together to create her debut EP Shape Of The Dunes and the title song is her new single ‘Shape Of The Dunes’. The track is about wanting…
Here are the three up and coming rock artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! Catching Mangoes Catching Mangoes are a three-piece rock band, based in Brighton, UK. They formed in 2016 and since then they have played relentlessly around the UK and have recently recorded their debut album ‘Kevin’s Town’ in Brighton….
Discover the brand new track ‘White Water’ by Alex Lleo, the fourth single from his upcoming EP Morning Heights.
Here are the eight up and coming indie artists that we can’t stop listening to right now!
Discover and listen to the best folk tracks from up and coming and independent artists from around the world!
Interview with Young Decades Following their debut EP release which received notable support from BBC Introducing and reached 100k streams on Spotify in a matter of months, Young Decades are back with their new track ‘Sinner’. It is a song to help celebrate the pending return of live music. It is ideal for live performances…
Interview with ALMA Often compared to artists like Sylvan Esso, Tune Yards, The Staves, and Dirty Projectors, ALMA are a dream-pop trio whose quirky music is immersive, full of stunning harmonies and infused with a DIY-spirit. The trio have collaborated with Elliot Moss to release their first album, Mosaic, as a series of singles over…
Interview with N Kelsey N Kelsey, a folk singer-songwriter based in L.A, has recently released his first full project, delta. The EP was written as an attempt to process a period of profound personal growth and pain in Kelsey’s life. He describes delta as “an ode to changing, losing and finding peace in chaos” and…
Interview with Muca & La Marquise After releasing four singles and having received notable attention from the likes of Will Gompertz from BBC, Roberto Menescal and Amazing Radio, Muca & La Marquise have unveiled their latest track ‘Cheap Red Wine’. The song was written and produced by Muca while La Marquise provides the vocals to…
Here are the eight up and coming rock artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! Jane N’ The Jungle ‘Trouble’ is the new in-your-face rock single by Jane N’ The Jungle. The track was produced by Chuck Alkazian (Pop Evil, Soundgarden, Tantric) at the legendary Pearl Sound Studios (Asking Alexandria, Eminem, Filter). The…
Interview with Paola Bennet After years of honing her musical skills at venues including New York’s Mercury Lounge and SoHo House and LA’s Hotel Cafe, American singer-songwriter Paola Bennet is beginning 2021 by rolling out a number of new releases. She has just shared her new folk-rock single ‘My Mother Says’ which is the second…
Interview with Daniel Blake Born in Arizona, singer-songwriter Daniel Blake grew up listening to Van Morrison, Carole King, The Beatles and James Taylor – his parent’s favourite musicians and artists who have had a profound influence on his own sound. Music was always on Daniel’s mind but after a number of failed attempts to form…
Interview with Danny Addison Danny Addison is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Manchester who writes alternative folk music. He has just released ‘Lady’, the second single to be released from his upcoming four-track EP which has been produced, mixed and mastered by his brother and collaborator, Tom Addison. The track draws on the wealth of…
Interview with Savannah Jaine Savannah Jaine, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has just released her new single ‘Return’ in collaboration with her partner, British guitarist Lee Meadows. Last year, Savannah was working with Lee as a Country Duo aboard the cruise ship, the Carnival Dream. Whilst they were stuck in quarantine outside of Houston for weeks,…
Here are the eight up and coming indie artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! Y The Ghost Colorado-based singer/songwriter Y the Ghost has just released the single ‘Is That Too Deep?’, making it his first new release in over two years. The combination of swirling vocals, expansive synths and hypnotic beats is…
Here are the eight emerging folk artists that we can’t stop listening to right now! DREUW ‘Nothing’, the latest track by alt-folk artist DREUW, explores how we can turn to broken and failed relationships to try to find our self-worth and in doing so, find our sense of identity slipping away. This is a narrative…
Announcing The Indie Collective Up&Coming is pleased to announce that we have joined Right Chord Music’s The Indie Collective. Our blog is dedicated to celebrating up and coming and independent artists from around the world so we are very excited to be part of The Indie Collective. What is The Indie Collective? Top 10 ranked…
Interview with Games We Play Games We Play, the Nashville-based pop-punk band, started creating music together back in 2015. After taking some time away from releasing music, the band are back with a brand new track ‘Story of a Love Song‘. The track was written by the band’s frontman Emmyn Calleiro who was inspired by…
Interview with Tulliah Singer, songwriter Tulliah has just released her stunning debut six-track EP, Fre$h Hugs. It is an intimate and personal account of some of the most pivotal moments in her life. Recorded throughout mid-2020 while her hometown in Victoria, Australia moved in and out of lockdown, the EP is proof of Tulliah’s gift for song-writing that…
Emma Moore, the British country artist, has just released ‘Husbands Or Kids’, the first single release from Moore’s long-awaited EP.
Album Review with Kid Kapichi Kid Kapichi’s debut album ‘This Time Next Year’ is a relentless and thrilling listen which is rooted in a DIY spirit. The Hastings post-punk four-piece Kid Kapichi stormed the UK rock scene back in 2018 after the release of their single ‘Puppet Strings’ and EP ‘Lucozade Dreams’. The excitement surrounding…
Track Review with Sunflower Thieves Sunflower Thieves, the Leeds-based pop-folk duo, have just released their brand new track ‘Don’t Mind The Weather’ which was written in collaboration with Mehalah Ray, a fellow-Leeds artist and friend of the duo. The track is all about feeling completely safe when you are around the people that you love,…
Interview with Zoe Zobrist Zoe Zobrist, the LA-based singer/songwriter, has just released a personal and poignant track about self-forgiveness and the acceptance of unresolved trauma. ‘Fade Away’ is a stripped-back acoustic track whose delicate vocals, vulnerable intimacy and innate empathy instantly draws the listener into Zobrist’s world as she opens up about what she’s going through….
Track Review with Julian Skiboat Julian Skiboat, the 24 year-old multi instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from San Antonio, began writing music at the age of 18 whilst playing as the drummer for local pop-punk bands in his hometown. In 2020, he released his debut EP nice to meet u which has amassed over one million streams…
Competing on American Idol in 2019, Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon’s emotive performances captured the hearts of the nation and he made it to the show’s final six contestants. He sang alongside Katy Perry and Broadway star Cynthia Erivo, and even received praise from Elton John, who described Jeremiah” as “taking his breath away”. Jeremiah’s time in…
Interview with The Islas Out of the challenges of the lockdown, The Islas, the indie four-piece from Norwich, found musical inspiration. They created a beautiful track ‘Last Time Forever’, their final release for 2020. Written in April, the track is an emotive ballad which marks a change from their typical brand of energetic and punchy…
Review of 5am by Amber Run In 2015, Amber Run released their debut album 5am. Now, five years on, with two more albums under their belt, the band have released a limited edition gold and amber swirl vinyl of their debut album to celebrate its success. The album was beautifully produced by Mike Crossey (an…
Read our review of Nothing But Thieves’ latest album Moral Panic.
Read our review of BBC 4’s Black Classical Music: The Forgotten History.
“It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts” – Ella Fitzgerald The ninety-minute film-documentary Just One Of Those Things, directed by Leslie Woodhead, traces the story of Ella Fitzgerald’s life and career and illustrates her transformation from a teenager living on the streets of Harlem to one of the greatest jazz…
“In a world that is so fast paced I think people really need the opportunity to disconnect and engage with something that feels real” Sofar Sounds is the beautiful creation of three friends – Rafe Offer, Rocky Start and Dave J. Alexander – who wanted to restore and rejuvenate the magic of live music. They…
“What we love most is the positive community of dedicated people who have been working hard behind the scenes for the past few years” Myriad, the Southampton based indie pop-rock group, launched a campaign last month to celebrate 12 individuals who play an important role in Southampton’s growing music community. They have shared a photograph…
“The process has been long, insightful, claustrophobic, traumatic, beautiful” My Octopus Mind, the experimental rock band from Bristol, released their debut single ‘Elska’ earlier this month. The five and a half minute track includes swirling strings, moody vocals and atmospheric percussion. It is brooding and dramatic and highlights the band’s unique, cinematic aesthetic that has…
Rusty Clanton, the Nashville based singer-songwriter, first gained attention through his covers on YouTube back in 2011. Since then his powerful original tracks have captured the hearts of fans worldwide (mine included!). His voice is like a sunset – it has the magical ability of slowing everything down and completely transfixing you. He has a…
“It’s about pure honesty, your raw truth and spilling out your soul” British singer/songwriter Caggie Dunlop, one of the original starlets of Made in Chelsea, recently released her much anticipated debut single ‘Here We Are Again’. It is about a painful heartbreak and the moment when you realise that you aren’t truly over someone….
For Fickle Friends, the alternative pop band with an 80s edge, 2017 has been a packed year from touring with The Kooks to performing at major festivals to recording their debut studio album. Their imaginative, happy-go-lucky, synth pop sound has enraptured fans worldwide and ahead of starting their UK tour in October, the lead singer…
“All we have ever done is be ourselves” The Hunna are a four-piece alternative rock band from Hertfordshire whose combination of heartfelt, genuine and infectious anthems and enigmatic live shows have caught the attention of fans worldwide. The band is made up of singer/guitarist Ryan Potter, lead guitarist Dan Dorney, bassist Jermaine Angin, and drummer…