Browsing Tag

country

The Grammy-balloted artist, Luanne Hunt, has released her ornately picturesque 21st studio album, Portraits in Song

Posted on 7 February 2022

During her 27-year career, Luanne Hunt has released 21 studio albums and picked up three Grammy nominations along the way for her refreshingly authentic take on modern country. With her love of folk-rock feeding into her sonic signature, her music is as diverse as it is nostalgically comfortable. Her latest album, Portraits in Song, captures her talent at its finest. It is a testament to her determination to strive for excellence and hit emotional chords along the way; you’d be hard-pressed to find a more elegant soul in country-folk-rock.

The album starts on the instantly arresting single, “It Was Always You”; the ardently visceral single is brimming with shimmering soul through the orchestral scoring and Hunt’s ethereally ornate vocals that cherish the notion of perpetuation affection. Her 70s folk-rock influence comes to the forefront in Midnight Rain & Roses, which will undoubtedly be a hit with any Stevie Nicks fans. The arcane production paired with the warmly overdriven guitars and Luanne Hunt’s vocals that become the epitome of beguiling is matchlessly stunning.

Here’s what Luanne Hunt had to say about her 21st album:

“I consider ‘Portraits in Song’ to be my crowning achievement thus far; it reflects my love of folk-rock artists in the same vein as America, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Van Morrison. I can’t get enough of the songs from the 60s and 70s era, they truly are the bar I always set for myself.”

The album also features the Latin Grammy Award-Winning drummer, Heitor Lima, the world-renowned piano player, Hal Ratliff (Righteous Brothers, Grass Roots), and the acclaimed Canadian composer/conductor Jordan Grigg.

Portraits in Song is now available to stream on Spotify. Or you can head over to her official website to purchase the album.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Marc Hess lets patience be his guide on his intelligent new single, ‘The Book of Life’

Posted on 7 February 2022

As he encourages us to read between the lines before assuming anything is this rather strange world, Marc Hess gives us the facts on the enlightened single that shall have you feeling in a mightily thoughtful mood with ‘The Book of Life‘.

Marc Hess is an Austrian indie country singer-songwriter. pianist, vocal teacher, producer, musical director, and actor who is well-respected by his peers worldwide.

”Marc loves telling stories but also packing sociocritical statements into songs.” ~ Marc Hess

With a truly genuine style that shows his love for the inventive process, Marc Hess is quite brilliant on this soulful track all about making sure that you keep the decisions in your hands forever and never let anyone take your priceless superpowers no matter what.

‘The Book of Life‘ from the Austria-based indie country singer-songwriter and multi-talented creative Marc Hess, is a joyful track that sheds light on keeping your eyes open and not letting anything get in the way of your vision for success. With so many distractions at every corner if you look hard enough and people trying to take a piece of you – taking your time and doing what you feel is right – is the message here that is so candid and the truth that we all needed to hear.

Listen to this new single on Spotify and see more via his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Montana’s Amanda Stewart is overwhelmed by the different options on ‘Feeding Frenzy’

Posted on 6 February 2022

With her 9-track multi-genre inspired album set for release in March 2022, Amanda Stewart knows that she needs to be careful as her heart is at risk of being hurt again as she leads us into her saucy new single, ‘Feeding Frenzy‘.

Amanda Stewart is a Bozeman, Montana-based indie country/pop/folk solo singer-songwriter who performs with a natural vocal ability that makes you feel like you are witnessing someone rather special.

With heartfelt songs about dealing with postpartum depression, love and struggling to make the right choices in life, this is a genuine artist who isn’t afraid to show us her true feelings in this often-confusing world.

Ushering us into her kind soul who has just had her heart shattered by her former lover, Amanda Stewart brings us into a world filled with vicious sharks that could bite at any moment – as she paddles away smartly – to find her true soulmate who is hidden under the waves that are waiting for her warm embrace.

‘Feeding Frenzy‘ from Bozeman, Montana-based indie country/pop/folk solo singer-songwriter Amanda Stewart, is a catchy single that has us wrapped up in this story about seeing so many people trying to impress you after you move into the single life. Sung with a loveable style and featuring sweetly-toned vocals, this is a lovely release that you will find easy to like if you have ever experienced heightened attention from those who just want a piece of you.

Listen to this enjoyable new single on Spotify and see more of her life via the IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Country hooks up with 70s cosmic pop in Marcus Liuzzi’s latest single, 2 Night Stand

Posted on 4 February 2022

Country meets 70s cosmic pop in the Massachusetts-hailing singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marcus Liuzzi’s latest single, 2 Night Stand.

The deeply candid and narrative track spins the whiskey-soaked tale of a hook-up that left the hook firmly embedded itself far beyond the hungover sunrise. If there is any definitive proof that the loss of the object of our lust is as crushing as the loss of love, it is this humbly honest track. It wears its heart on the shimmering guitar progressions, Americana-influenced basslines, psychedelically warm keys, and the occasional orchestral sing motif.

There are hints of R.E.M. in the vocals that rest atop the country twang and influence from ELO, Bowie and the Beatles. Only an insanely talented artist could pull that off in such an endearing fashion. It is safe to say that we are pretty hooked.

You can get down with a 2 Night Stand for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

St. Louis-based artist and producer Nikol Star shares her ultimate ‘Payback’

Posted on 2 February 2022

Directing us into her tired heart that has had enough as these impulsive emotions have taken over to remedy revenge, Nikol Star shows us what happens when you mess with an honest heart who just wanted to feel that love and affection she deserved on ‘Payback‘.

St. Louis, Missouri-based indie Country, Rock and Hip hop artist and music producer Nikol Star has that inner sense that she is ahead of her time as her music transcends genres.

”I literally create for you guys. The feedback I get and the support I get from my fans is love. I just want people to know that anything is possible”. ~ Nikol

There is much to sink your teeth into on a single which is like nothing else being made at the moment – as Nikol manages to morph so many genres into one – as you might be sweating from all the speaker-shaking goodness dripping all over your intrigued body.

With an honest edge that shows us her annoyance at being left in the cold when she showed her cards, Nikol Star manages to create a riveting cinematic story about a scorned woman who loved so intently and got shown a distance she didn’t appreciate on her latest single ‘Payback‘.

Hear this intricate sound transcend your previous perspective on what is actually possible via Spotify and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Country duo Homeland Hope are at their entertaining best with latest single, ‘Why’s a City Babe Wearin’ Cowgirl Boots?’

Posted on 2 February 2022

After thrilling us all with their catchy previous single ‘Life Is Tough (But I’m a Whole Lot Tougher)‘ from earlier on this month, Homeland Hope take us for a ride to remember with ‘Why’s a City Babe Wearin’ Cowgirl Boots?‘.

Homeland Hope is a compelling American indie-country duo with genuine Christian values who have just released their soul-fulfilling 25-track album that has left us amazed by their prodigious output.

”Growing up in North Carolina, Kathryn Bryant has always had country music in her blood. Michael Justin Lee, on the other hand, might seem to be a very unlikely person to become a country music creator, having been born in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, powered by a burning passion for country music, Lee perfectly complements Bryant, crafting spell-binding compositions and creating joyful music together as Homeland Hope.” ~ Homeland Hope

Showing us once again that they are one of the most exciting underground acts around currently, Homeland Hope deliver us a true story about taking charge of your life and being around a more down-to-earth environment that warms your heart.

‘Why’s a City Babe Wearin’ Cowgirl Boots?‘ from the USA-based indie-country duo Homeland Hope, is a fun story about how it’s time to leave those city lights and trade it all in for a tough truck to roll in. Sung with signature charm, smooth lyrics, and guitar-playing that will have you in awe, this is a superb single about getting far away from the toxic sludge of the pollution-filled atmosphere. After all, getting back to nature and staying there is the best way to live.

Hear this new audio on YouTube to hear this real gem about going back to where you feel most comfortable in the world.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Luanne Hunt speaks to the love-sick in her latest New Country single, The Butterfly Effect.

Posted on 1 February 2022

For anyone that bemoans “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”, Luanne Hunt’s latest new country single, The Butterfly Effect, will show you just how wrong you are. The timelessly classic and instantly beguiling love song, which was written by Greg Matthews and Bill O’Hanlon, allowed the country singer’s vocal timbre to flourish next to the quiescent pulls of the acoustic guitar strings and bright yet subtle piano keys. The instrumentals build momentum in synergy with the Grammy-nominated vocals and lyrics that get more ardent and urgent as this powerfully sentimental single unfolds.

The emotions we contend with when we are at the butterfly stage of affection aren’t the easiest feelings to understand. It is songs like The Butterfly Effect that captures those emotions in the rawest form and help us to navigate them. After all, there is a reason why the term love-sick exists.

The Butterfly Effect is now available to stream Via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Brandon Bing loves how her love makes him feel on ‘Locked Down’

Posted on 31 January 2022

As she soaks him kindly with so much love that has him feeling that life can’t ever get any better, Brandon Bing is in a happy world that just makes him smile broadly and truly appreciate that special human in his life with ‘Locked Down‘.

Brandon Bing is a Port Orange, Florida-born indie country solo singer-songwriter who is now based in prosperous Nashville, Tennessee.

”Brandon is a serial entrepreneur and entertainment brand encompassing his music, a solar company, and a Whiskey Brand, Bangtail Whiskey.” ~ Brandon Bing

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a musician evolve right in front of you. Brandon Bing is that ever-improving artist who seems to flourish after each release, as his voice grows more memorable and his genuine nature shines so brightly like the glowing sun after a heavy rainstorm.

‘Locked Down‘ from Nashville, Tennessee-based indie country singer-songwriter Brandon Bing is one of those happy moments that strike through any current sadness that you might be feeling. He sings with real joy and contentment, as he senses that this is what he has been waiting for his whole life. The love that he has found is so pure rather hard to find, and he is making sure that this is going to be extra special each and every day.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see his socials on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ludwik Konopko has released the ultimate bohemian alt-country playlist staple with his latest single, Chickee Chick

Posted on 23 January 2022

Ludwik Konopko’s latest single, Chickee Chick, is the ultimate playlist staple for any alt-country fans that aren’t looking to get the blues. The jazzy and progressive single has warm tones by the smorgasbord between the walking basslines, shimmering acoustic guitar chords and arresting infusion of slide guitars.

Even when the vocals kick in, they are sitting low enough in the mix to bring a touch of the human element but not detract away from the organic alchemy that is blossoming from Ludwik Konopko’s Avant-Garde flair.

The Lviv-born guitarist, composer, and arranger has been performing publicly since the age of 19. Just some of the notable ensembles that he’s been involved with include the Lviv National Philharmonic, Tea Fan Club, popular travelling bands and flamenco fusion groups. Notably, he poured every ounce of his creative life experience into the composition of Chikee Chick. It drips with bohemian cool and doesn’t fail to enamour along the way.

Chickee Chick is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Holding Your Hand: Virginia-based country artist Noel Williams sends us incredible debut track ‘Never Letting Go’

Posted on 18 January 2022

As she gently closes her eyes and recollects when they were apart for a while and she didn’t like the feeling at all, Noel Williams knows that she is in such a happier place now and is ‘Never Letting Go’.

Noel Williams is a small town Amherst County, Virginia-based indie country artist who was formally in the Army and performs with a respectful nod to the ’90s.

”She is a country artist through and through and been singing since she could speak-singing in churches and with various musical groups throughout her life.” ~ Noel Williams

With such a transfixing vocal ability that has you feeling so nostalgic as you remember holding hands with someone who makes your whole body glow with joy, Noel Williams is quite tremendously exquisite on her highly memorable debut single. As the air of contentment takes over rather quickly as she found her true love again, you feel that Noel will make use of this second chance to be with someone who was there the whole time.

‘Never Letting Go‘ from the Amherst County, Virginia-based indie country solo singer-songwriter Noel Williams, is one of those sweetly-made singles that you can’t help but turn all the way up to full volume. You sense that she is making up for a lost time in her music career but is in no rush – as she is self-aware enough to realize – that to be truly happy you need to be living in the moment, not the past.

Life is all about letting things flow anyway, as everything happens for a reason.

Listen to this truly special song on Spotify and see her socials on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen