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Classic songwriting meets contemporary cultivation in Col Gerrard’s debut, Sun & Sky

The heat of 90s Britpop summers shimmer through the debut single, Sun & Sky, by Col Gerrard, who is already well on his way to becoming synonymous with seraphic soul-imbued sonics.

Nostalgia-filtered warmth radiates through the magnetic melodies which cast away shadows to invite a spectrum of sepia-tinged colour into your senses as the guitar-driven rhythms in Sun & Sky reverberate in the middle ground between Springsteen, Bryan Adams and the Manics.

The scintillatingly lush synths perfectly round out and modernise the euphoric atmosphere of the classically written single which was produced by the GRAMMY-nominated producer and Brit Award winner, Chris Potter, best known for his work with Blur, Kean, U2, The Rolling Stones, and The Verve.

Inspired by the way Bowie affected his fans, Gerrard has imbued the same soul-affirming stardust into his own work. Yet, when the tonal bliss of Sun & Sky washes over you and the tenderly compassionate lyricism that consoles the lost and pensive starts to resonate, there’s no mistaking that the alchemy within the promising debut is originated to its core.

Sun & Sky was officially released on July 12th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jayne Sugg – Belief is Hard: A Soulful 60s Sojourn Through Secular Spirituality

With her standout single, Belief is Hard, the NYC Indie singer-songwriter, Jayne Sugg, unveiled a strikingly soulful testament to the tribulations that transpire from spiritual metamorphosis. The title track of her forthcoming LP unspools a rich kaleidoscope of introspection, filtered through the soulful echoes of the ‘60s, creating a profound space for Sugg to narrate her wrestle with the ethereal and material reality.

The refraining lyric, “Why should I bring myself to pray if I can’t even find faith”, speaks volumes of her transformation following a deeply religious upbringing in which she was constantly brushing against the billboard legends of her parent’s generation.

Initially confined within the walls of religious music, Sugg deconstructed the constraints to unleash herself from creative stagnation. This transformation is the soul of her crowdfunded album, Belief is Hard, a collection that traverses her shifting perspectives, resonating with a love for soulful, nostalgic sounds that nod respectfully towards icons like Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell. The instrumental backdrop in the title single, a subtle homage to the 60s soul, envelops her lyrics in a cocoon of warmth and organic richness, ensuring the listener feels every vibration of her vocal tremors.

The Good Shepherd Music Collective, a sanctuary for artists exploring deconstructed spiritual themes, finds its spirit woven into the album’s fabric. This collective, and by extension the album, sings of peace, love, and acceptance, echoing Sugg’s liberated spiritual and creative stance.

Recorded in the hallowed halls of Sonic Ranch and Dreamland Studios, featuring the performances of musicians like Tim Lefebvre and Terrence Clark, the lush and layered single is a gateway to catharsis.

Stream Belief is Hard on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Caitlin Lavagna prescribed an artfully amplified pop punk antidepressant with her latest single, Pretty Alright

As you crank up the volume in Caitlin Lavagna’s latest synthesis of art-pop and pop punk, Pretty Alright, the absolution amplifies to the nth degree as the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist fervently strives to let loose the black dog and awaken her listener’s inner power.

The infectiously fiery reprise of “It will take time to feel pretty alright” in the electrifying riff-raw anthem attests to how patience is the ultimate virtue in the process of healing, yet everyone has an active role to play in the reclamation of their serotonin and self-esteem.

With a vocal presence that could rival any of the chart toppers, there’s no denying Caitlin Lavagna’s charisma which acts as a catalyst of resolution and salvation in Pretty Alright.

You just can’t help but succumb to enamourment when your senses are being stirred by her larger-than-material-reality energy and her songwriting stripes which are sliced with more hooks than a butcher’s shop.

Pretty Alright was officially released on July 11; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Seraphic Soulstress, Cati Landry, Struck Again with Her Sophomore Single, Riptide

Cati Landry defied the confines of material reality with the rush of euphonic etherealism in her sophomore single, Riptide, inspired by an equilibrium of the timeless music she grew up on and the rugged beauty of her coastal Canadian upbringing.

Ensuing from the ring of acoustic guitar chords which tinge the intro with 90s nostalgia, the single quickly oscillates into a diaphanous, quasi-hymnal ballad which reminisces on the most tender and mystifying-on-the-heartstrings facets of a relationship while conjuring a seraphic sense of serenity.

Landry’s crystalline vocal lines take the dreamy indie pop meets alt-country soundscape to a whole other celestial level; you can’t help but surrender to her otherworldly command when immersed in Riptide, which doesn’t stop at washing over your rhythmic senses; the single permeates the soul to implant the reverie rendered into the release.

Cati Landry set the bar high with her 2023 debut single, Mind’s Eye, but she reached nirvana with Riptide and sits alongside Beach House, Mazzy Star, and Chayr in the dream-pop pantheon.

Prior to focusing on her solo career, the Vancouver Island-born-and-raised artist lent her talents to various bands and performed in jazz clubs, bars & theatres. After studying Literature at the University, she pursued a Master’s in Songwriting at Berklee, where she wrote her debut single, which was brought to life in an LA recording room and polished by producer Neil Wogensen.

The dream-folk daytime lullaby arrived on the airwaves on July 11, distributed via Foundation Media, stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

An In-Depth Interview with Georgina White on Her Unique Sonic Journey and Artistic Versatility

Georgina White took time away from her versatile artistic career to share how she discovered and refined her unique sonic identity, one that beautifully melds old-school soul with a diverse range of influences—from classical to folk and jazz. The conversation reveals the eclectic nature of Georgina’s music but also her profound connection to her artistic roots and the personal evolution that shapes her craft. From early influences watching her mother perform opera, to her own experiences on the West End stage and her explorations during the pandemic, Georgina’s career is a testament to perseverance and artistic amalgamation. Her narrative offers a fascinating glimpse into how her multifaceted career in music and acting intertwines and influences her creative output and performance style.

Georgina White, welcome to A&R Factory! Your artistic identity appears as fascinating as your eclectic imbued with old-school soul discography. Your sonic signature resonates with a rare authenticity; did finding your characteristic tone come easily to you? 

Hi Amelia! That’s a great question and thank you, that’s a huge compliment… I spent a long time searching for my authenticity and sonic sound; I now believe I always had it within me but it’s taken years of playing various roles, singing in so many different styles throughout my career and using all this experience to create my own authentic sound.

As you said, my style is certainly eclectic – I’ve always sang from the soul but with classical influences from my opera singing mum and folk playing grandparents. Add some sultry jazz/blues, theatrical playfulness and a powerful belt and there’s my signature tone!

You clearly thrive in the spotlight, when did your creative desires start to shape your reality? 

I spent a lot of my childhood watching mum on stage being an absolute vocal powerhouse. I was mesmerised; it was vibrant, exciting and empowering. I knew I had to follow suit – not in opera but performing in many different ways. I was cast in a West End show when I was 15 and it all took off from there.  I started writing a lot of my own material during the pandemic when I escaped to my home studio for peace of mind.

You’ve succeeded in your acting and music career; how do you find these disciplines and talents influence each other? 

They’ve always been incredibly intertwined; I’ve worked consistently as an actor/ musician in theatre since graduating from RADA so it’s influenced the way I think. Words come to me easier over music. I can understand what’s going on in my life a lot more when there’s background music playing!

When acting, I will always do a vocal warm-up before a performance to ensure my voice has its true range and sometimes I’ll sing my lines in practice to find colour and flavour.

Does your ability to embody a wide range of characters as an actress help you to bring your lyrical characters to life more vividly?

Definitely. Each song I now release feels like it’s performed by a different character; a contrasting layer. But they all add together to create something whole. Me.

You’re well on your way to becoming revered in London’s live music scene after performing at Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club and the Moustache Bar in Dalston, what can your fans expect from your live performances? 

They can expect a very eclectic set! Originals from the heart accompanied by a live band or me on keys. Cover mash-ups going from blues to rock that will make you want to bop and (depending on the show) a variety of musical theatre characters that will make you laugh and cry. I also play sax and bassoon!

You’ve also been quite a hit on the airwaves since releasing your debut single in 2021. In your opinion, what is it about your sound which speaks to a wide audience? 

I sing from the soul and I say it as it is, so hopefully that. I’ve also been around a while, faced a lot of rejection and really worked my ass off. I’ve had 2 number 1s in the UK Chart of Gold with my soul covers which has been a dream come true.

I’ve been told I’m good at atmospheric storytelling and I like to play with vocal styles and tones so hopefully the audience is kept engaged. My more peaceful music has been described as therapeutic too.

I think, perhaps, they don’t know what I’ll do next… Nor do I sometimes! I work with my talented and experienced producers at Creative and Dreams Music Network to figure out what the next step is.

Looking forward, how do you envision the next chapter of your artistic journey? 

I’m so incredibly grateful for everything I’ve achieved and experienced so far. I’m looking forward to more growth as an artist; more writing, experimenting and understanding myself and what I want to say. Being brave. Oh, and an album is on its way!

I’ve been playing at festivals this Summer (Old Town Live is next on 27th July) and I have more theatre coming up later this year too (that I can’t talk about yet!). I’ll be working towards a solo tour of the UK and hopefully internationally too.

Can your fans look forward to more new music from you this year?

Absolutely. I’ve got ready recorded singles up my sleeve, it’s now all about timing. I’ve been on the road for 9 months with theatre productions so having a little rest before it all takes off again! Thank you so much for listening!

Listen to Georgina White’s latest single, LOVE, on Spotify now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

London’s introspective indie pop icon, Gemma Felicity, struck again in ‘10 Million Dates’

Our adoration for Gemma Felicity remains unflinching after the release of her intimate indie pop single, 10 Million Dates. With her latest right-on-the-euphonic money release, the London-hailing singer-songwriter captured the collective frustration within the modern dating scene, detrimented by the illusion of endless choice.

The sense of disillusion in the lack of real, raw, and pure connection resounds throughout the artistically profound, poetically bitter-sweet lament which acts as the ultimate consolation to anyone who is losing the motivation to keep searching.

By delicately touching on themes of people pleasing, loneliness, fear of the future, emotional baggage, and the ennui which follows pinning hopes on a transient character in our lives before they disappear within the folky dream pop reverie of the polished production, Gemma Felicity delivered one of the most affecting singles of 2024.

As the introspectively candid icon gears towards the release of her 5-track EP, Baggage, there’s no doubt that she’s inching towards the zenith of her career.

10 Million Dates was officially released on July 5th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergas

London’s fret prodigy BlueMelt twined tribute with originality in ‘Running with the Fool’

BlueMelt’s latest single, Running with the Fool, showcases the criminally underrated guitar savant Vito Tardia at his finest. In the smooth tempo of the hard rock track, hard-hitting percussion and solid rhythm guitars elevate an intense melody that testifies to the permeability of the soul; the solos sink right in and kindle a searing white-hot fire.

Tardia may have unashamedly worn his influences (Eric Johnson, John Petrucci, Marty Friedman) on his strings in Running with the Fool, yet the single stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to blend tribute with originality. His impassioned and flawless style, marked by technical precision is a sonic spit in the face to anyone who declares they don’t make them like they used to. Vito Tardia’s timelessly expressive guitar style stands as the ultimate attestation to the enduring power of guitar music.

Many would think it hyperbolic to say an independent artist can rival the work of legends like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, yet the simple act of hitting play on Running with the Fool proves otherwise. The pantheon of the guitar gods will undoubtedly be waiting to open its gates to BlueMelt.

Running with the Fool was officially released on June 28th and is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Every Glazer echoed the agony of retrospective reflection in his alt-rock shot through the heart,  Betty Johnson’s House

The Every Glazer carved a melodic indie rock edge into his emotionally guttural arsenal of grungy evocations with the release of his latest single, Betty Johnson’s House.

The solo artist’s ability to convey aching emotion through his passionate cadences and affecting delivery projects intense resonance into his vignettes of a mind tormented by the trappings of material reality and Betty Johnson’s House may be his most visceral release to date.

By infusing layers of 90s and 00s nostalgia in this heart-wrenching sepia-tinged reflection of formative memories forged in the confines of a small town, Betty Johnson’s House will walk you down the memories of your own youth; whether you like it or not. As no one gets out of childhood or adolescence unscathed, the instrumentally consoling, vocally piercing single is set to pierce hearts by the smorgasbord.

With one of the most pensively ornate guitar solos that you’ll ever hear, Betty Johnson’s House is a tender triumph which visualises the inescapably bitter-sweet nature of retrospective reflection.

Betty Johnson’s House was officially released on July 1st; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Georgina White became Trip-Hop’s most arresting chanteuse in ‘LOVE’

Georgina White’s recently re-released single, LOVE, is an aching reflection on the darker shades of affection. As the PJ Harvey-esque trip-hop aesthetics mirror the turbulence of a mind gaslit into accepting abuse by nefarious actions running under the guise of passion, the indie alt-pop framework ensures that White is doing far more than simply following in the footsteps of trip-hop pioneers, she’s synthesising a sound that is irreplicably her own.

The sepia-tinged production by the hand of Dan Myers brings an aura of old-school spectral soul to the soundscape which harnesses the haunting vocal delivery. Delicate yet commanding, White’s voice embodies the complexities of maleficent love, delivering each verse with a chanteuse’s grace and an insurgence of empowerment. Angel Olsen herself couldn’t have performed LOVE better.

Penned after drawing inspiration from the Cruel Intentions soundtrack, LOVE lends from the melancholic depths of the OST; despair pulsates throughout the progressions in the luxuriantly arcane production that melds gritty guitars with syncopated beats that mimic the frenetic rhythms of a heart beating out of sync.

Whatever the Brit-Austrian artist and actress turns her talents to next, it is going to be the epitome of iconic.

Stream LOVE on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: London’s Princess Wonda continues to hold dominion over Afro-Fusion with the sensuously soul-awakening rhythms in Shooby Doo’

London’s Princess Wonda reached the pinnacle of luxuriant radiance with her latest installation of Afro-Fusion, Shooby Doo. With melodies which wash over you with sublime elegance, harmonious harmonies and rhythmically kinetic grooves, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more elevated release than this.

The sensuous, sun-kissed, and sublime on the senses single fuses traditional African instrumentation with elements of modern dancehall and an aura of lush transcendence to envelop the listener in a sense of soul-awakening serenity. The UK-born Nigerian Afro-Fusion icon’s radiant presence shines through, making it an emotionally euphonious experience that surpasses sound.

Recorded at Pirate Studio, with engineering by Dami Bones and production by Mofizzay and Mr Marz, Shooby Doo is set to be the rhapsodic sound of the summer. It’s a testament to Princess Wonda’s artistry, celebrating Afrobeat’s rich cultural heritage while inviting listeners to rekindle their zest for life.

Princess Wonda, known as the “Queen of Afro-Fusion,” continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat with this release, shattering stereotypes and championing the role of women in African music. With multiple UK chart entries, including two number ones on the UK World Music Chart and a sold-out headline show in London, she has established herself as a formidable force.

Following her successful debut album, Fantasy Fair, and her hit singles, Bust My Mind, and My Body, Shooby Doo adds another sublime layer to her impressive repertoire. As we look forward to her upcoming EP in 2024, Princess Wonda’s journey remains as promising as ever.

Princess Wonda Said

“The inspiration behind ‘Shooby Doo’ stems from a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Afrobeat and the dynamic energy of contemporary music. The lyrics resonate with themes of love, passion, and pleasure, inviting listeners to embrace the positive energy as the pulsating beats and sultry vocals capture the aura of joy and celebration.” 

Shooby Doo was officially released on July 5th, stream the single on Spotify and Soundcloud now.

To ensure you never miss a release, follow Princess Wonda on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast