WATCH: Bess Atwell - 'Nobody' (Live)

I've been a little quiet here... I had some awful news last week and haven't really had the mental space or time to sit and write blog posts. Grief is intense. Dipping my toes into the water and I'm ~back~ slightly (if temporarily) to share a video that brought me some real comfort this week. Bess Atwell shares her new record Already, Always on September 24th via Real Kind Records - I had a lil blog perk yesterday and listened to the record early... it's a stunner, just as I expected. Last week, Bess shared a live performance video for Nobody, directed by James Hough and featuring Marcus Hamblett and Jools Owen on horns. 

Speaking on the video, Bess shares "this is one of my favourite tracks on the record so I wanted to highlight it by doing something that felt a bit more special. I've always wanted to perform with a brass section so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so. The video was done by the brilliant James Hough. It's rare to find someone capable of capturing high quality audio and visual all on their own so I felt very lucky to get to work with him on this. It's important to me that the whole record is connected through the same visual world so we filmed in the garden that the artwork for 'Times Comes in Roses' was shot - even using the same chair that's on that cover." 

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LISTEN: Clara Mann - 'Thoughtless'

Monday, again?! Hope you've all had a lovely (snowy?) weekend... I've been really getting into a spot of birdwatching and rediscovering my love for photography through wildlife recently, and spent much of the weekend staring at birds at my local nature reserve and through my window. Snowy weather guides me towards the sort of music that gives that same warm feeling you get sitting by a fire, and this new Clara Mann tune does just that. 

Thoughtless follows debut Spotify release (after some lo-fi Bandcamp demos) I Didn't Know You Were Leaving Today - in both we are utterly transported by Clara's intimate and unique vocals. For me, they offer up something that feels at once new while harking back to more traditional folk music. The track is taken from her upcoming debut EP, entitled Consolations, which is due on Feb 24th. The EP was recorded remotely in Clara's bedroom, with producer Benjamin Spike-Saunders mixing in his. It's hard not to make that connection with the homely, heartwarming feeling that the tracks bring. 

Clara Mann · Thoughtless

Speaking about the new track, Clara explains "I wrote this over a summer where I was totally adrift - it was quite a lonely time, and I felt that, in a bid for some kind of connection, I was making myself vulnerable to the wrong people. Thoughtless is a recognition of that unhealthy tendency in myself, as well as being about the way people can take too much of someone, without even realising." 

On the influence of water through the track, she writes "there's a lot about water in the song, about the sea, the waves. I grew up by a river in France, and I think have always felt most at home in landscapes with water nearby. It's a mixture of finding it comforting and familiar, but also being aware of he power of the current, the tide, or the swell, and feeling helpless and fragile next to them. The guitar part in Thoughtless unintentionally mimics the rise and fall of waves, and I like the way the melody floats above it. I remember finding it quite painful to write - it felt very raw. I was very into Sorolla's paintings at the time, and the way he paints light - I wanted to do that with music, with my words." 

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WATCH: Flyte - 'Never Get To Heaven' (Acoustic)

Aren't Flyte just really really special human beings?! I should be used to them stopping me in my tracks with their beautiful tunes by now and yet, every new song brings with it an element of surprise. Their latest tune was released last week, and they've shared a gorgeous 'campfire rendition' for you to sink your teeth (and eyes and ears) into. Go go go! Never Get To Heaven was written by Will when he was just 14 (!) "in an attempt to be post modern and rewrite an old scout chant of the same name", the band share. - "hence, here we are, so many years later, bringing it back to the campfire." 

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WATCH: White Tail Falls - Fake News (#5YearsOfCMAT)

It's been a bit of a crazy (but good) week.... since my post about the blog turning five, the love has been pouring in. Blogging can be quite solitary, as I sit typing away at posts about the music I love, unsure if anybody will actually read them (and I think, importantly, not really minding if they don't) so to have so much love reflected back at the blog - and by extension, my writing - is the best kind of overwhelming.

Since sharing the idea I'd had to share session style home-recorded videos from some of the blog's favourite artists a week ago, I've shared the first three videos from MF Tomlinson, Christof van der Ven and China Bears on YouTube. All three are superb - watch them!! You can check out the channel and subscribe here.

Some of that love for the blog has come from Irwin Sparkes, an artist that I admire, one of my absolute favourite musical beings. About to surely blow the world away with his debut solo album, Age Of Entitlement, due out two weeks today (!!) under the moniker White Tail Falls, you might know Irwin from a couple of other bands... The Sea & I and The Hoosiers. (Me? I've never heard of them.) Between those projects, he's the artist I've seen live on stage most, and has given me so much music to enjoy over the years. When I asked if he wanted to be involved, he agreed (needing very little persuasion) and somehow found time amidst album promotion, a busy streaming schedule and baby raising duties. He's been genuinely supportive of the blog since the beginning and that - and this video - means more than I can properly express here without becoming *too* soppy.

Without more rambling.... here's the video:

The White Tail Falls track that he's performing here is Fake News, from the upcoming record. In his words it "was written about four years ago and was inspired by shock and awe at how people draw their conclusions; betting the farm on such little evidence. All the while I'm reminded of how cripplingly indecisive I can be." It's on the Fake News EP which you can listen to here.

The upcoming record is hugely personal and the process of creating it acted as a kind of complimentary therapy for Irwin, and I can't wait to hear it in full. He shared a long social media post/open letter about the record and the process recently which is worth a read.

You can (and most certainly should) pre-order the record here in all its clear vinyl, CD and download glory. There's also some copies on Rough Trade. 

I've been sharing the videos as I'd wanted to organise a gig to celebrate the blog's birthday. I was moved by seeing lots of grassroots venues campaigning for help on the back of the Music Venue Trust #SaveOurVenues campaign. With a barely existent local musical scene in my hometown, I've 'adopted' OMEARA and shown them some love, and I'm encouraging people to do the same, to OMEARA or their own local venue, if they're asking for support.

P.S. As I wrote this post, the blog has just passed 150000 all-time page views, which is another very crazy thing. Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!  

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WATCH: MarthaGunn - 'Heaven' (acoustic)

You don't need me to tell you that everything is a bit of an apocalyptic nightmare at the moment - I hope you're all staying safe and keeping your heads. All I can say is thank goodness for music. No matter how dark times get, it's always a great relief to know that music will be here to bring joy through those times. On that note, as gigs get cancelled (understandably) around the world, lots of artists, including many of those who I write about here, are placed into difficult situations, as in an age of streaming, they often rely on income from live shows. If you're in a position where you are able to, be sure to support your favourite artists at the moment - buy their CD, buy their merchandise, support their online pages if they're on Patreon or similar, and stream them to your heart's content.

Back to the new (ish) music! MarthaGunn, the total stars, recently shared a gorgeous acoustic performance of Heaven. It was the first track they released a few years back, and they've recently released a new version of the track. I'm adoring this live version. Abi's vocals are, as ever, sublime, as are those 5-way harmonies. Also - if ever a band screamed 'hair goals' - just saying.

As currently stands, MarthaGunn head out on a UK tour this month with a bunch of brilliant support acts across the tour, tickets here. Be sure to follow the band on their socials below in case of cancellations.

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LISTEN: Mosa Wild - 'Acoustic Sessions' EP

Bringing together my love for indie and acoustic music, one of my favourite musical discoveries of the year have released an acoustic EP with reworkings of two of their tracks and a Sharon Van Etten cover. Mosa Wild have had a crazy year, with a couple of sold out London shows, their EP release, festival appearances and an arena tour with Tame Impala to name just a few highlights. The acoustic EP, which you can listen to in full here is a lovely introduction to the band for new listeners. I completely adore this version of Honey, which you can listen to below. 

If you'd like to hear the band away from the acoustic side of things, they're heading out on tour very soon across the UK as main support for Glassnote Records label mate Jade Bird (who has a track record of brilliant support acts, with Flyte currently on the road with her in the US and Canada.) Those dates run through November, and the band headline Scala in London on 11th March. Full list of shows here.

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LISTEN: Charlie Cunningham - 'Bite'

With a new record on the way in just a couple of weeks, Charlie Cunningham recently shared Bite, the fourth track to be taken from the album. Sink In, Don't Go Far and the album's title track Permanent Way have already racked up over 5 million streams in the last couple of months. The new track was recorded during sessions in LA with producer Rodaidh McDonald (The XX, King Krule) and it showcases what audiences have come to love from Charlie - gorgeously vulnerable vocals sit across slightly Nick Mulvey-esque guitar playing to create something that is quite magical. Mesmerising, even.

Charlie is an incredible live act, you should most definitely get yourself along to one of his upcoming live dates. Full list of shows and tickets available here, with some UK shows in November.

2nd Nov:  Redgrave Theatre, Bristol

3rd Nov:  City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds

4th Nov: Sage Gateshead (Hall 2), Gateshead

6th Nov: RNCM Concert Hall (Hall 2), Manchester

7th Nov: Holywell Music Room, Oxford

8th Nov: The Old Market, Brighton

10th Nov: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 2, Liverpool

11th Nov: Oran Mor, Glasgow

12th Nov: Button Factory, Dublin

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ALBUM NEWS: Charlie Cunningham - 'Permanent Way'

I'm really excited to share this news... following the recent release of the two brilliant tracks Sink In and Permanent Way, Charlie Cunningham has announced the follow up to his 2017 record Lines. New album Permanent Way is set for release via Infectious and BMG on June 7th (pre-order here) and the announcement has been marked with the release of new single Don't Go Far. It's a signature track from Charlie with heartbreaking lyrics like "we should try and let go even though it's hard" - combined, the three tracks released so far paint a really promising picture of the album.

The record is said to document life's uncertainties, "the need for intimacy and love, but also space and independence". Charlie explains that "I'm quite a private person outside of performing. There is some autobiographical stuff in the lyrics, but it flits in an out quite a lot; it's much more about people generally and their interactions." 

With a one-off London show coming up in June, Charlie has announced an extensive list of tour dates across the UK, Europe, America and Canada. UK dates are below - for full listings and ticket info head to his website here.

12th June - Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
2nd Nov - Redgrave Theatre, Bristol
3rd Nov - City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds
4th Nov - Sage Gateshead (Hall 2), Gateshead
6th Nov - RNCM Concert Hall (Hall 2), Manchester
7th Nov - Holywell Music Room, Oxford
8th Nov - The Old Market, Brighton
10th Nov - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 2, Liverpool
11th Nov - Oran Mor, Glasgow
12th Nov - Button Factory, Dublin

Follow Charlie Cunningham - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

LISTEN: Rhys Lewis - 'End Like This'

One of my favourite discoveries of recent years, Rhys Lewis has consistently shared some of the most simultaneously beautiful and heartbreaking music I've heard recently. Writing in an incredibly honest way about his experience of relationships, the listener is presented with lyrics which are incredibly personal but usually relatable too. His soulful vocals and production which gives them the forefront offers a fairly emotional listen (if you're a fan of sad songs - you'll probably love Rhys as much as I do.) He's back with new single End Like This, the third single to be taken from his upcoming 5-track In Between Minds EP alongside Hold On To Happiness and Better Than Today.

Speaking about the new track, Rhys shares:“Putting too much faith in love is the only way to feel it in its strongest incarnation. When you do feel it powerfully for someone you put all your trust in it, you start thinking 10 years ahead and picture what your lives might look like together. When a relationship breaks down, you not only have to let go of the person you were with, but every single one of those visions too. So, for a while at least, you have to live with a different image of the future.”

Check out this exclusive live version of the track for VEVO!

Rhys heads out on a headline tour this May with a sold out show at London's Omeara on 1st May - if you missed out on tickets he is also playing at Bushstock Festival on 15th June alongside a brilliant line-up! Full tour dates here.

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LISTEN: Roman Lewis - 'Just A Woman'

When I found this new Roman Lewis track in my inbox I really liked what I was hearing, though the name was entirely new to me. Fast forward a week to sitting down to write this post and I've noticed his name popping up in various places... he's been played in the Communion show in Radio X this weekend as their Making Waves artist, supported the total heroes Blaenavon on their Omeara show earlier this week and has promo shots taken by the legend Hollie Fernando (genuinely one of the best photographers out there and a lovely person to boot!) Pretty impressive, I think... then I discover he's just 17 years old (and naturally, feel old myself at the ripe old age of 22.)

Following the release of a number of well-received singles in 2018, Roman is releasing debut EP Heartbreak (for now) today, a 7-track compilation confidently placing him as a new songwriter to watch out for. Latest single Just A Woman is the most reserved of the tracks, with his voice set against the quiet sounds of an acoustic guitar. Utterly composed throughout, it's a romantic ode to a woman that shows us love is complex, with the protagonist declaring "it's been a year, but I'd spend a million more with you my dear" and receiving the response "you're not thinking clear, you know how feelings disappear." 

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LISTEN: Maggie Rogers releases 'Heard It In A Past Life'

So I've had a week to reflect on what I'm pretty sure will be one of my favourite records of 2019 (you heard it here...) and I am desperate to recommend it to as many people who will listen. I have very rapidly fallen pretty hard for Maggie Rogers. From her energetic, carefree performances to her beautiful lyrics and catchy hooks, there's a lot going on and a whole lot to enjoy.

It took me a couple of years of hearing her name on various line-ups and playlists and adding a couple of her tracks to my own playlists to take a proper listen to Maggie, once she was announced as opening act for Mumford & Sons on their recent UK arena tour. I was hooked pretty quickly. Her set at the Nottingham show presented a humble young artist at a relatively early stage in her career exuding the confidence and stage presence of a rockstar. She looked completely at ease in front of the arena crowd, but was clearly not taking any of it for granted.



Maggie's early track Alaska went viral after a video of her impressing none other than Pharell Williams with the track at a masterclass at her university surfaced online. She's been building momentum since that, performing on various America TV shows (most recently an incredible performance of Burning for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Light On for The Ellen Show), touring around the world and releasing the hugely acclaimed Now That The Light Is Fading EP.

Finally, for both Maggie and her thousands of adoring fans, her debut album Heard It In A Past Life was released last Friday. After a few (OK, several) listens I can confirm that it is 45 minutes of solid joy, a pop masterpiece as it were. The likes of already well loved singles Alaska, Give A Little and Light On all feature, alongside new tunes such as the almost-title-track Past Life, a raw and honest piano-led ballad which really showcases her gorgeous vocals. Elsewhere, Burning has become a new favourite of mine while closing track Back In My Body is an empowering tune that I can't get enough of - and then, without realising, the album has restarted and I'm enjoying it all over again.

In the run up to the release of the album, Maggie shared this live session video she performed last year in Paris for La Blogothèque. It's a glorious, heartwarming version of Light On which made me feel all fuzzy inside and I hope it makes you feel the same! I truly can't implore you to listen to her record enough - check it out on Spotify here and grab your copy from your local independent store.

Follow Maggie Rogers - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

WATCH: Banfi - 'If Not For You' (acoustic)

Looking for some live acoustic kitchen session goodness on your Thursday morning? A very specific request, but you're in luck... Banfi have shared this session of their latest single If Not For You and it's all kinds of lovely. Complete with a melodica, tight harmonies and even a cat, its worth a watch! They're out on tour in Europe at the moment, with a run of UK shows coming up this month, including London's Moth Club on 18th November. Check out the full dates and grab tickets on their website here!

Follow Banfi - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

LISTEN: Hazey Jane - 'Lifeboat' EP

Tigmus and Sofar Sounds alum Hazey Jane shared their Lifeboat EP a few weeks back - it pools together recent singles from the last year or so, including the title track Lifeboat, Mirror View and Mother's Lie, for which I was really proud to premiere the video last year (check out that post here.) Taking influence from the likes of Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, the tracks showcase a passion for songwriting and some beautiful harmonies, and are a perfect acoustic accompaniment for the Summer evenings!

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WATCH: Dan Croll - 'Tokyo' (two ways...)

The ever charming and incredibly talented Dan Croll released his second album Emerging Adulthood over the Summer. It's a wonderful follow up to his superb debut album Sweet Disarray and features a bunch of cracking tunes including the singles One Of Us, Bad Boy, Swim and Away From Today. My favourite tune from the record is the closing track Tokyo - so I'm chuffed that it's recently been given an EP release with remixes from the likes of Anna Of The North and Paul Frith alongside an official video created by animator Simon Landrein. Dan himself described the video as one of his favourites that he's released - get watching below!

If, like me, you're partial to a stripped back session then look no further as Dan and his band rearranged the tune for a three-piece performance in his hometown of Liverpool earlier in the year and it's brilliant! It's been several months since I last caught Dan live at a Communion showcase at Omeara and at The Great Escape Festival - watching this video over and over has made me pretty keen to get along to a show soon!

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LISTEN: Ferris & Sylvester - 'Berlin'

I'm a little late to the party and this track has been out for a couple of weeks now, but checking back through the PR emails I've missed over the last few weeks I knew I had to share this. It's from Ferris & Sylvester, the project of Londoners Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester who met as solo musicians in the busy London music scene and started to make music together. The track Berlin is taken from their upcoming EP The Yellow Line, due next Friday (23rd), and combines some beautifully soft vocals, strings (always beautiful) and finger-picked guitar. About the single the pair say "Berlin' tells the story of a love coming to an end. The song doesn’t romanticise the situation or shy away from the stark reality of it; it shows the confusing, awkward and lonely journey of leaving someone and where that can leave you."

Be sure to keep an eye out next Friday for the full EP, also featuring their first single Save Yourself.

WATCH: Leo Stannard - 'I Need Time'

I feel like I've started posting about him quite a bit but that certainly isn't a bad thing... Leo Stannard has today shared a picture of a photoshoot in London which, hopefully, means that artwork/promo for the record is being shot - so there's got to be an album announcement in the pipeline! For now, here's an acoustic performance of I Need Time, showing that beyond being a pretty skilled guitarist, Leo is pretty handy on the keyboard...

WATCH: King Charles 'Tomorrow's Fool' acoustic

Amidst a flurry of uni deadlines and catching a cold/sore throat from a flatmate I've been feeling rubbish for a few days but something which brought a little cheer was this new acoustic video from King Charles, performing his track Tomorrow's Fool. It's one of my favourite tracks from Charles' January release Gamble For A Rose, and although the cracking guitar solo is my favourite bit, I love this stripped back version! It's also 4 years ago today since I saw Charles live for the first time back in 2012...