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singer

Ian Arthur – Home (Goodbye with Grace): An Indie Psych Pop Lesson in Letting Go with Love

Posted on 26 September 2024
Ian Arthur

Ian Arthur’s seminal single, Home (Goodbye with Grace), is a poignant reflection on how goodbyes can either fuel bitterness or allow space for grace and gratitude. Instead of allowing pain and resentment to caustically consume, Arthur advocates for cherishing the warmth of someone you once called home, offering a soul-stirring lesson on love, loss, and emotional resilience.

The tenderness in Arthur’s lyricism is echoed in his vocal delivery, reminiscent of Keane and Badly Drawn Boy, as he channels a vulnerability that makes every word resonate with sustained soul. Meanwhile, the psych-pop melodies work their way through the soundscape, painting rays of colour into the darker moments of grief. In finding the equilibrium between heartbreak and hope, Ian Arthur ensured the emotional complexity of the track is never one-dimensional.

With sincerity threaded through the indie psych-pop progressions, Arthur encapsulates the weight of loss without letting it overwhelm the listener. Instead, the orchestral crescendos sweep through the track with an almost seraphic lightness, offering catharsis rather than sorrow. Don’t be surprised if you end up shedding a tear over the pull of the Beatles-reminiscent orchestral strings which are powerful enough to break the dam on your emotional floodgates.

Home (Goodbye with Grace) will hit all major streaming platforms on September 26.

Find your preferred way to listen via Ian Arthur’s official website or connect with the artist on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Peace prevails in Steve Andrews’ latest folk tune, We Can Sing Together

Posted on 8 August 2024

Cardiff singer-songwriter, Steve Andrews, AKA the Bard of Ely, who has graced stages as Glasto and Green Man and TV screens via Britain’s Got Talent, can always be counted on to remedy what ails the world. His latest single, We Can Sing Together, narrowed the divides which distract from the fact that we’re all fundamentally the same and we’re stronger together than we are apart.

The orchestral crescendos in the context of the unifying underpinnings swell with evocative power, and when the choir backing vocalists project perspective-shifting harmonies, you’d be hard-pressed not to shed a tear to the tune of humanistic accordance which is becoming increasingly harder to find out in the wild and away from the airwaves.

Co-written with Stephen Friedland and contributed to by a choir of school children, We Can Sing Together is a ballad of prevailing peace, which goes a long way in rectifying the collective loss of faith in humanity.

Watch the official video for We Can Sing Together which premiered on August 1st via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Keilene: Unveiling the Multitalented Artist Behind ‘Lips’

Posted on 23 June 2024

Keilene’s artistic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her roots in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to her current status as a rising star, Keilene has continually pushed the envelope in music, dance, modelling, and acting. Her latest single ‘Lips’ is a culmination of her unique blend of cultural influences and creative passion. In this exclusive interview, she bares her inspirations, and exposes what ignites her unflinching passion for the arts. Prepare to explore the mind of a true creative powerhouse and discover what makes Keilene a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Welcome to A&R Factory, Keilene! We are thrilled to have such a multifaceted and dynamic artist join us. With your latest single Lips freshly released, we can’t wait to dive into your creative universe.  First off, can you tell us about your early life in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and how it has influenced your artistic journey?

Wow, where do I start?! Well, I was born at San Juan Municipal Hospital Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. My mom is Taino-Puerto Rican and my biological father Afro-Puerto Rican, but my dad who raised me is Jamaican. I moved to Coral Springs, Florida when I was quite young, however, my culture is invariably embedded in me through family, food, and of course, music. Music has always been at the forefront of every moment in my life, whether it be on family holidays with us dancing bachata in the living room, or turning up the volume to Alicia Keys while we clean house on a Sunday morning. At every turn, I am fascinated by how music can put color in the air.

You’ve built a diverse career spanning music, dance, modelling, and acting. What motivated you to explore so many different creative fields?

To others, it might seem overwhelming, but I see them all having the same common denominator, creating through expression. My motivation stems from my experiences of anxiety and depression during my adolescence, but throughout the years, I’ve learned to transmute those heavy emotions into divine inspiration as a result of the arts. Creating became a space for devotion.

Which of your creative endeavours do you find the most gratifying, and why?

That’s an easy answer. It’d have to be singing. I find myself reaching into the deepest depths of my soul and giving my all when my voice fills the room. It’s such a powerful feeling.

What was the inspiration behind your new single, Lips, and what message do you hope it conveys to your listeners?

I love this question! At my core, I am sentimental. I become enchanted by tender emotions in matters of love. I wanted to write an ode for that special someone in their life and embrace what it means to feel that, given the soft jazz tones. This song I hold dearly to my heart.

Working with notable artists like Beth Cohen must be an incredible experience. How has her mentorship influenced your music career?

Great question! First off, Beth is a phenomenal coach! Her teachings have brought confidence and vigor to my vocals like no other. She is a distinct means that has honed my instrument as well as the guide for me to navigate the music industry.

You recently landed a role in the horror/thriller, Bloodline Killer; how does acting compare to your experiences in music and dance? 

Being part of a great crew on set for Bloodline Killer allowed me the insight to see variations of me in the world of acting. It was such a fun experience diving into an all-ears and tenacious character like “Sergeant Keily”. Though acting is new territory for me, the opportunity to convey through diverse outlets has expanded the possibilities within my career.

What drives you to continually push the boundaries in your artistic career?

Interesting question! I’ve come to realize I’m not the same me I was five years ago, or three months ago. Sure, my values and soul are the drivers of this vehicle, but I continue to amaze myself with how I unravel greater versions of who I am meant to be. That will be the fuel to my success.

How do you want to make your mark on the music industry, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?

This is beautiful. I’ve thought about this a lot. I aim to empower women to spark a flame within their spirits and realize the power they hold. Any opposition you face is a step towards your greatest achievements!

Stream Lips on Spotify now.

Discover more about Keilene via her official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Grable Howie cinematised folk in his sophomore release, Don’t Walk Away

Posted on 19 June 2024

Grable Howie’s sophomore single, Don’t Walk Away, is as panoramically expansive as the landscapes he draws his inspiration from. This stellar release showcases Howie’s determination to propel his career forward and do justice to his talents that are as naturalistic as his hometown scenes in Longmont, Colorado.

The lush production elevates folk-pop into cinematic territory, inviting listeners to vicariously live within the environments that shaped his sound. Don’t Walk Away wouldn’t sound out of place on the soundtrack of a Hollywood blockbuster which explores the tender trappings of yearning during a waxing and waning love story.

The rugged timbre of the banjos provides a striking contrast to the rest of the polished classically caressed production which efficaciously highlights Howie’s seraphic vocal timbre; this juxtaposition puts a modern filmic lens on traditional folk storytelling and firmly establishes Grable Howie as a peerless entity within the contemporary music industry.

Don’t Walk Away was officially released on May 31; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Claire Marante unveiled the depths of trauma in her trip-hop-tinted art-pop installation, ‘You Want Me’

Posted on 30 May 2024

Maltese singer-songwriter, Claire Marante reached the crowning point of her career with the release of her trip-hop-tinted pensive titan of an art-pop installation, You Want Me, which gives a voice to the female protagonist in the lust-fuelled story portrayed in Elvis Costello’s single, I Want You.

The imagination that went into the concept of the single in itself is a triumph, but that scarcely scratches the surface of the depth within this heart-wrenching downtempo release that anyone who has suffered sexual abuse will find consolation within. If you’re nefarious enough to be a perpetrator, prepare to witness the ugly truth of your lascivious actions.

The three chapters within the deeply conceptual single, You Want Me, Hold Me Down, and I Can’t Breathe, create a heart-rending narrative as Claire Marante tentatively moves through the harrowing three-part chronicle, reflecting how hard it can be to voice the agony of sexual abuse, which ripples through our identity with a force strong enough to tear at the seams of our soul.

You Want Me is the precursor to Claire Marante’s upcoming EP which is being primed for a September 2024 release. Expect more intersections of pained introspection to be explored by the artist who never shies away from sonically confronting visceral emotion.

Stream Claire Marante’s single, You Want Me on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Meg Scane broke free from the shackles of throwaway culture in her folk pop single, Bottoms Up

Posted on 29 April 2024

Meg Scane’s latest single, Bottoms Up, is a striking testament to her unique ability to intertwine confessional candour with melodic ingenuity, ensuring that the rawness of heartache is as palatable as it is poignant. Wrapped in the artful echoes of chamber pop and infused with the intimacy of folk elements, Scane’s sound bears a thematic intensity reminiscent of Florence and the Machine, yet it thrives on a more personal scale.

This track breaks free from the shackles of today’s throwaway culture, challenging the transient nature of contemporary hits and relationships with its enduring message about the sweetness of lasting love. The fervent declaration that deep, abiding affections still hold a revered place in both music and life couldn’t be more convincing.

Scane’s journey from her debut album, Blind Trial, at just sixteen to her performances from The Midlands to Puglia, Italy, paints her as a dedicated artist fuelled by passion—a passion that also sustains her through the arduous hours spent mucking out horses to fund her studio time. Between her determination and her talent, she has everything it takes to become one of the most seminal indie pop artists of her generation.

Better Sides of You was officially released on March 8th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Simon Ewing serenaded through the eras in his acoustic indie folk triumph LULLABY

Posted on 23 April 2024

Simon Ewing’s latest single, LULLABY, artfully blends a spectrum of musical epochs with a mastery of guitar play that fans of folk and beyond will find irresistibly compelling. The track is a confluence of lo-fi charm and intricate guitar work that nods to The Maccabees’ Toothpaste Kisses while embedding a distinctly Americana vibe interlaced with blues’ soulful essence.

LULLABY won’t sing you to sleep; instead, it vibrates with life, signifying the Bristol-based troubadour’s knack for weaving narratives that affirm the sensibility of the soul. The song’s architectural simplicity in structure belies a complex, layered emotional resonance that hooks the listener from the first chord.

Ewing’s ability to synthesise swathes of genres into a seamless, flowing piece shows not just versatility but a deep reverence for the roots of each genre. Each note reflects a rhythmic exploration that feels both classic and innovative, making LULLABY a testament to Ewing’s ability to transcend traditional storytelling through music.

If Elliott Smith’s songs had veered away from melancholy towards this vein of succinct sweetness, they might have touched the same bright corners of the soul that Ewing reaches with this track.

Stream LULLABY on SoundCloud and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nick Cody and the Heartache – Covering These Tracks Vol II: An Americana Tribute to the Art of Song Interpretation

Posted on 19 April 2024
https://soundcloud.com/nickcodymusic/sets/covering-these-tracks-vol-ii-preview/s-o5yN7tRluhx?si=173aa4067474481db2518db607bd2b84&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Nick Cody and the Heartache’s latest album, “Covering These Tracks Vol II,” is a masterful reinterpretation of eight beloved singles through an Americana folk rock lens. This Leeds-based artist, along with his band has created a collection that resonates with warmth and soul.

The album features a diverse range of covers, including Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City,” Nick Cave’s “Nobody’s Baby Now,” and Ray Wylie Hubbard’s “Name Droppin’.” Each track is meticulously reworked, maintaining the original’s spirit while infusing it with a unique folk-rock essence. The result is a cohesive collection that showcases the band’s ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly.

What sets this album apart is the way Nick Cody and his band have deconstructed these classics, stripping them down to their core before rebuilding them with his band’s distinctive sound. The quivering violin strings, the acoustic guitar’s steady timbres, and the spells of vocal alchemy, especially Towse’s crystalline harmonies, create an enchanting experience.

“Covering These Tracks Vol II” is more than a cover album, it is a tribute to the art of song interpretation. This album is a testament to their musical prowess and a gift to fans of Americana folk. It’s a journey through familiar melodies, reborn and revitalised, proving that great music can always find new life in the hands of talented artists.

Stream Covering These Tracks Vol II on SoundCloud from April 19th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Weather the storm with Chris Chism’s indie Americana folk exposition of introspection, When It Rains Down on School Street

Posted on 9 April 2024

Chris Chism’s single ‘When It Rains Down on School Street’ is a folk offering steeped in Americana and visceral emotion, reminiscent of a melancholic gaze through a rain-glazed window. This consolingly evocative release spills into the soul, embodying the essence of introspective folk music.

The gentle, finger-picked guitars in the track carry an alt-country flair, intricately woven and effortlessly carrying Chism’s vocal notes. His voice, a shot to the heart, resonates in the celestially timbered vein of Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Ray LaMontagne. It’s this combination of delicate guitar work and soul-stirring vocals that elevates the single to the epitome of pensive solace.

‘When It Rains Down on School Street’ aches for both literal and metaphorical brighter days; Chism’s ability to capture this longing, coupled with a sense of cynicism that often accompanies life’s storms, makes the track a poignant reflection of the human condition.

Raised on a diet of bluegrass and classic country, Chism’s roots are evident in his music. His journey from metal and punk to the folk and country scenes has culminated in a sound that will see him go far. Now a fixture in North Carolina’s folk scene, his music reflects the stories and struggles of working-class people, infused with raw honesty and deep personal connections.

When It Rains Down on School Street was officially released on March 25; stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Show Goes On in Jesse Agan’s Broadway-Esque Pop-Rock Debut, Home

Posted on 24 March 2024

Jesse Agan’s debut single, Home, arrests with the same intensity of a Broadway tune, all of the lyrical affection of naturalism you would expect from a Vermont native, and guitar riffs that cut through the timelines to take you back to the rock-licked eras of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

The sense of soul in the release is effortless to surrender to, exhibiting a sure sign of Agan’s charisma and command; you instantly feel safe in his aural presence, knowing that whichever avenue his progressive revelation of a debut single leads you down, you’ll be enveloped in the sanctifying alchemy of the retro arrangements filtered through modern production. Ironically, with Home, he delivered all the sanctuary of home, whatever that means for you.

Agan’s ethos of creating hook-centric and vocally forward releases after finding a scintillatingly stirring and passionate formula for his releases is sure to see him go far in the music industry that is crying out for authentic talent and artists unafraid to take audaciously vulnerable leaps with their music.

Home was officially released on March 14th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast