Browsing Tag

José González

Gaze into the introspective kaleidoscope of leo hc’s seminal indie folk release, the shades EP

leo hc’s debut release, ‘the shades EP’, elegantly strips music back to its most elemental form, serving as a pure conduit for emotion which resonates through the instrumental textures and the lyrical narratives.

The opening track, the aptly named ‘the shades’, introduces us to a semi-lucid reverie where the angular, fingerpicked guitar notes intertwine with leo’s reticent, whispered vocals. Each motif transcends sound to become experiences shaded in deep introspection, allowing listeners to immerse their own melancholic emotions into the abstract depths of the production.

The subsequent track, ‘two wrongs’, transitions into a more indie folk aura, with vocals that echo Elliott Smith, soaring within a seraphically toned lo-fi backdrop. This piece epitomises intimacy, transforming the listening space into a personal enclave of reflective peace.

Track three, ‘i’m the man’, continues the narrative with a progressively gratifying indie lullaby. It allows for a dynamic interplay of intensity, with artful flourishes that let emotional currents ebb and flow, underscoring leo’s mastery in balancing sonic peaks and valleys.

The EP rounds off with ‘lovers hilltop’, a stunning demonstration of acoustic indie songwriting. Here, the poignant strains of coming-of-age yearning are captured through evocative fingerpicked guitars, drawing influences from classical Spanish guitarists while paying homage to artists like Jose Gonzalez and Hot Left Pole.

Overall, ‘the shades EP’ by leo hc is a pacifying synthesis of introspection and musicality, offering a sanctuary where each track invites personal reflection amidst evocatively crafted soundscapes.

Stream the shades EP on Spotify now. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A&R Factory Present: Gabriel Kelley

Gabriel Kelley from Nashville, TN covers the hit Swedish song “Shoreline”.

Gabriel Kelley has a unique music story to tell. It all begins in earnest when he as a professional songwriter in Nashville got tired of the industry behind it all. He moved to Guatemala and started a music school for children and then return to Nashville. At the same time, he kicked off a solo career as a singer-songwriter, appeared twice in the hit Swedish TV Show, Jill’s Veranda, wrote songs Jill Johnson and toured around Sweden. But the story of Gabriel Kelley actually has its beginnings somewhere else:

“The first time I left the United States was when I lived for a year myself in Gothenburg. I was 16 and it was an era of exploration and to grow up. During that year came Broder Daniel to be a big part of my life.”

It was especially Shoreline (Broder Daniel cover song) that got stuck.

“It’s a song that gave me comfort and courage ever since the first time I heard it. As I have expressed song in Sweden, I think it surprises people that I as an American feel to it. There are probably more things that I know and love with Sweden than people realize.”

The video was filmed at Gabriel Kelley Farm Six Boots Collective located in Tennessee. The little boy Reuben is our neighbor and I have always seen a light in his eyes and had a hunch that he would portray me as eight / nine year old perfectly. “We wanted to show a perspective of a more traditional American South childhood when I was growing up in the South, says Gabriel Kelley”.

Gabriel Kelley, along with Jill Johnson nominated for a Swedish Grammy for the song For You I’ll Wait, they composed together.

gabrielkelley.com | Instagram.com/gabrielkelley  |  facebook.com/gabrielkelley

A&R Factory Present: Jake Herring

Jake Herring is a singer, songwriter, and producer from c, Florida. He has worked with multiple artist around the globe including RÆVE, DJ Paige, Bowie, Part Native, Allegory, Christian Alexander, and CLN. Jake has been playing guitar since he was 8, singing & songwriting since he was 14, and producing since he was 16.

Jake had his break in the music industry through a single off of his first EP titled “Little Mess.” Little Mess generated just over 810,000 views on Spotify in the first 7 months of being released. Following the release of Little Mess EP, Jake worked to find a remixer for the track which in turn led him to meet !KE and creating Little Mess (!KE Remix). In just around 42 days the track generated over 190,000 views on Soundcloud with the average view count sitting at just around 4,500 views a day.

Jake Herring plans to drop his next single “Miami” on November 18th, 2016. After this release, Jake will have started his transition into the R&B/Electro Pop genre further pushing his efforts in creating his first self-produced album titled “Somewhere Down The Road.” The drop date for this album is still unsure but is aimed for early-to-mid 2017.

Jake’s future plans include receiving a publishing deal, leading on to receiving a record label deal. Jake also plans to begin touring the U.S after the release of his first album “Somewhere Down The Road.” Jake believes that by mixing his folk, singer/songwriter voice with deep R&B/Electro Pop he will be able to create a genre of his own, incorporating such sounds as Majid Jordan and Alt-J together in one track with one mood.