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Multi-Instrumentalist

Spotlight Feature: Indie Pop Meets Folk Symphony: The Dynamic Contrasts of Woodstone’s ‘Touch of Adrenaline’

Posted on 13 December 2024
Woodstone

Woodstone, a rising indie pop singer-songwriter from New Jersey, offers an emotive glimpse into his forthcoming fourth LP with the release of ‘Touch of Adrenaline.’ The track captures the essence of early 2000s indie pop while throwing back a little further to 90s Britpop, evoking memories of Plain White T’s and stoking the nostalgia of Oasis while infusing his own raw, heartfelt style.

This intricately crafted track intertwines folk elements with chamber pop strings, allowing contrasting layers of ornate orchestration and winding folk guitar lines to showcase Woodstone’s skill in bending and blending texture and tone into affecting aural contours. Reflecting on the ephemeral nature of intense feelings, Woodstone demonstrates a sophisticated approach to scintillating the senses of his growing fanbase.

Woodstone Said:

“Touch of Adrenaline is about a relationship with an end date, with both parties knowing it will end, and the last fleeting moments being marked by intensified emotion. 

The single explores what it really means to truly feel and be present with someone you love for the last time while conveying an image of romance in the midst of a dystopian world. 

Like all songs on the upcoming concept album, it was inspired by a relationship that could have worked but wasn’t the right time, and life forced us to drift apart.”

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Touch of Adrenaline will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, from December 13th, with Woodstone’s fourth album, Glass Skin, set to follow in early 2025.

Follow Woodstone on Instagram to stay up to date with all of his latest releases and news.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ARCTISKY countered divisive propaganda with his latest slice of reggae folk pop gospel,  Let Freedom Ring

Posted on 9 August 2024

By using MLK’s famous speech which shares a vision for an egalitarian future in the intro to his latest single, Let Freedom Ring, the Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, ARCTISKY, affirmed that almost 80 years have passed since the revolutionary called for peace and equality, yet, tragically, his dream is yet to manifest.

The sublimely uplifting folk-tinged reggae rhythms counter the divisive propaganda perpetuated by the media which is playing a pivotal role in increasing hostility as ARCTISKY’s arcanely honeyed harmonies become conduits of compassion within the gospel-esque atmosphere of the cultivated single which paralyses through the purity within the crescendos.

Let Freedom Ring is an opportunity to slip into the sanctity of a conflict-free society, a reminder that we can’t stand idly by and hope that a resistance rectifies the pervasive prejudices that are destroying societies and making enemies of the innocent. The call to action which sets a tone of historical reflection and aspiration couldn’t hit closer to the bone.

Let Freedom Ring will be available to stream on all major platforms from August 9th. Find your preferred way to listen on ARCTISKY’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Andrew Bradley advocated for unity in the infectious grooves of his latest single, Everybody’s Welcome Here

Posted on 30 July 2023

Hot on the heels of his debut LP, All Things Considered, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Andrew Bradley is set to unveil his unifying funk-dripping pop-rock hit, Everybody’s Welcome Here.

After an 80s funk hop reminiscent intro, the single unravels as a kaleidoscopically groovy hit that will leave you itching to hit a dancefloor and move to the intrinsically rhythmic magnetism. With the attitude of Britpop and a perfect pinch of Beatles-esque 60s psych-pop, Everybody’s Welcome Here is a compellingly textured sonic TARDIS of a release that couldn’t be better timed.

In such a divisive era when it feels like the pot is being perpetually shaken to breed antagonism in the atmosphere, Andrew Bradley served an all too welcome reminder that acceptance is one of the highest virtues we should all find a little more time for.

Prior to releasing Everybody’s Welcome Here, Andrew Bradley has gained experience in the industry as an artist and producer. From The Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville to Abbey Road Studios, his multi-faceted talents have graced plenty of the bucket list studios.

Check out Andrew Bradley on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Fade Away: Amanthi Beam helps us remember the precious moments of innocence on Mama

Posted on 6 May 2023

Inspired by her daughter and glistening with joy on this gorgeous single which helps everyone who has felt rather low in this savage climate, Amanthi Beam transmits the purest form of music possible on the sure-fire must-listen for a lost generation on Mama.

Amanthi Beam is an emerging multi-instrumentalist and electronic music producer who is on a mission to do what she loves and stay in a healthy mindset despite the worries of the world.

”I’ve struggled a lot with depression and suicide as a teen. I consider myself very lucky to be alive still.” ~ Amanthi Beam

Taking us on a majestic voyage and illuminating through the darkness, Amanthi Beam is quite extraordinary inside this excellent song which will make many sad hearts smile again. Delighting throughout, this is a tremendous song to praise for its core beauty.

Mama from multi-instrumentalist and electronic music producer Amanthi Beam is a total gem which deserves as much love as possible. Hurtling us through the galaxy and sending us a massive lift into a happier place, we find a tremendously precise single to play on loud.

Listen up on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Piano and Vocals with Orchestral Energy: Laura Loh Takes Off!

Posted on 29 April 2023

Laura Loh is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer hailing from Hampshire, UK. Her background in classical and jazz music, combined with her inclination towards pop and alt-folk, has resulted in a unique and versatile sound. Loh began her musical journey at a young age, classically trained in singing, piano, and violin. At 13, she picked up a guitar and started writing songs. She has since released her debut EP “Sunrise” in 2020, which featured two BBC Introducing Tracks of the Day. Loh has also performed at prestigious music festivals such as Weyfest, Westival, and ValeFest, and even recorded vocals at Abbey Road Studios.

Loh’s latest single, “Cold Morning,” co-produced with MUNBOI, is a lovely piano-centered ballad that showcases her captivating vocals. From the first note, her voice draws you in with its sweet and genuine tone, displaying impressive range and control. The simple yet beautiful piano melody serves as a perfect foundation for Loh’s lyrics, which depict a heart-wrenching story of longing and loss.

As the song progresses, the addition of drums and backup vocals build in intensity, leading to a climactic finale that will leave listeners moved and inspired. The backing vocals, in particular, add an extra layer of depth and emotion to the song, perfectly complementing Loh’s vocals and the overall sound.

“Cold Morning” is a prime example of Loh’s ability to blend different genres seamlessly. The song captures the essence of alt-folk while incorporating elements of pop and classical music. The result is a track that feels both fresh and nostalgic at the same time, showcasing Loh’s mastery of melody and lyrics.

NY’s JShell teamed up with rock royalty for his post-punk spliced hit, Haunted

Posted on 25 January 2023

To kick off 2023, rock-inclined NY multi-instrumentalist, JShell, will be releasing 15 music videos in 30 days from his hotly anticipated audio and visual album, IN MY HEAD, featuring members of rock royalty, including Steve Hackett (Genesis) and Katie Jacoby (The Who).

We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Haunted, featuring Karen Abrams, Fernando Chirinos, and Sofie Jane. The single starts with a dramatically suspenseful horror score before giving way to the gravelly post-punk basslines and vocals that flow in the same biting vein of PIL and Magazine to bring in a nuclear explosion of rock.

The female vocals bring a shot to the heart of Joan Jett glamour before the maniacal riffs extend the progressive nature of the hit that throws curveball after curveball. It’s not rock n roll as you have known it before, but anyone with an affinity for experimental rock will want to get acquainted with this riotous feat of ingenuity.

The official video for Haunted will premiere on January 25th. Catch it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

I’ll Take You Out: Incredible Indiana singer-songwriter Jacob Dircksen wants to make it last on Sixteen

Posted on 20 December 2022

Inspiring us to take charge of each day, Jacob Dircksen waits for those dreams to come true on one of the most uplifting singles to hear today and it’s called Sixteen.

Jacob Dircksen is an Indiana-based indie singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who grew up in the music world and hasn’t stopped since.

”Jacobs writing style seems to reflect his life struggles and successes, and his music speaks clearly on his own personal experiences about life, loss, and love.” ~ Jacob Dircksen

A proud member of the United States Marine Reserve, Jacob Dircksen performs with so much passion and desire to be happy with a special human. Taking us through a few years and guiding us through what it takes to make a relationship work out, we find a glorious soundtrack to young love.

Sixteen from Indiana-based indie singer-songwriter Jacob Dircksen is an absolute anthem to millions of lost souls. Showing us deep inside and showing us self-aware lyrics with romance in abundance, this one of the most electrifying releases so far in 2022.

When you know it’s special, never let it go without a fight.

Hear this fine single on Spotify and see more on the IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Mind Likes To Trick You: Joshua Woo will always remember that special smile on Goodbye

Posted on 14 December 2022

Reminiscing back to the past and walking that path back to a special moment, Joshua Woo knows that it’s time to wave Goodbye to something that has to move on for two hearts to fully heal.

Joshua Woo is a UK-based indie alt-electro artist, music producer and multi-instrumentalist who formulates splendidly calming music to heal the world.

”’This song has been around for a while. Going through many different permutations. It feels appropriate it should all come together now. As this song feels like saying goodbye to the year that is leaving us and hello to the new one incoming.’ ~ Joshua Woo

Compelling to the core and never letting go of its authentic atmosphere, Joshua Woo sends our roots into a reflective state of affairs on this underrated gem. This is a song which will surely be timeless as it is packed with so much vocal quality to savour like fine wine.

Goodbye from the multi-instrumentalist and music producer Joshua Woo is a stunning soundtrack which will be entrenched in the souls of millions. This is an honest story which so many shall find rather familiar, in a world where relationships seem to end quicker than before.

When you feel like its time for closure, it’s probably time.

Listen up on Spotify. See more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Pinwheel Valley culminates a sense of hope in a disparate world with his Indie Psych Folk two-track release, Willow

Posted on 6 December 2022

With every new release from the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Pinwheel Valley, we know we are in store for two things, deeply intellectual yet accessibly resonant contexts, and a glimpse into a brand-new facet of his creativity. His latest two-track release, Willow, was no exception.

The opening single, Willow, is a defeatism-traversing intrinsically melancholic work, which utilises solemnly angular art-rock lead guitar lines to completely submerge you in the cold tones that exemplify the isolation and frustration over deceit. Regardless of the inspiration of the lyricism, Willow extends sentiments that will viscerally resonate with anyone feeling adrift by the contemporary times, which all too often leave silver linings out of sight.

The second single, On to Land, uses an extended prelude of ardently raw acoustic guitar strings, rhythmically hammering zealous emotion before the first word is spoken. After cavernous shimmering reverb crawls across the folky, sparse soundscape, there’s an interlude of silence before the melody picks up under Pinwheel Valley’ vocals, which are fervid in their urgency to culminate a sense of hope in a disparate world. Closing on a turbulently psychedelic outro, you’re only human if you delve in for a repeat experience of the awakeningly affirming release.

Listen to Willow on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gone Crazy: Marlon Bianco drops groovy new single We Once Knew

Posted on 19 October 2022
https://soundcloud.com/user-277095369/we-once-knew/s-vhBiQY0Ssry?si=a5f9d226526d407182900d316fb54648&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Knowing deeply that he needs to dive away from the trauma and madness to enter a new galaxy with so much excitement, Marlon Bianco senses that his mind has already drifted away into a happier place on We Once Knew.

Marlon Bianco is a North London, UK-based indie alternative singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who formulates anthem-like creations to stir the soul awake.

”He started writing songs on his Roland keyboard toy, using just few simple chords and experimenting with electronic sounds. His first dark jazzy tunes were inspired by the long walks wondering the streets of an empty London. He is kind of a melancholic cyberpunk, who loves to live at night and to be surrounded by the city lights.” ~ Marlon Bianco

Displaying such class and poise when others are acting like somebody else, Marlon Bianco is in assertive form and is rather dynamic on this fine new release.

”The album, “Life in Low-fi”, which mixes elements of psychedelic ballads, jazzy and electronic sounds, was recorded over 5 days at the Ovo Studio in Margate (October 2020), where Marlon had the freedom to play and explore different instruments, drumbeats and moogs.” ~ Marlon Bianco

We Once Knew from North London, UK-based indie alternative singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marlon Bianco is a true story all about staying sane in this rather odd time. Sung with so much meaning and mysterious elegance, this is a track to play loud when you need to be inspired again.

Knowing when you need help and doing something about it is always the wise path.

Listen to this new single on SoundCloud or follow more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen