Browsing Tag

Tracy Chapman

Ayla Schofield put a serenade in motion in her country pop release, In Your Car

Posted on 5 February 2024

Tracy Chapman meets Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan in Ayla Schofield’s latest country-pop anthem of affection, In Your Car. If you want to take a scenic drive through the countryside of emotions, hit play. Released just in time for Valentine’s Day, In Your Car is a testament to Schofield’s growing artistry and her ability to blend the soul of folksy country with the heartbeat of contemporary pop.

Schofield, a former contestant on The Voice of Germany, has been carving out her niche in the music world and made an ever-lasting imprint. Her collaboration with Oliver Anthony has already captivated over 1.3 million viewers, a clear sign of her rising star status, ahead of the unveiling of her upcoming debut EP, Little Big Journey, produced by the Grammy-nominated Michael Hanson.

The track opens with a gentle strumming that sets the stage for Schofield’s tenderly powerful Alison Krauss-reminiscent vocals which carry purity and resonance by the smorgasbord. The fiddle, an extension of her expression, weaves through the song, adding layers of depth and emotion against the honkytonk keys.

Lyrically, ‘In Your Car’ explores the intimacy of shared moments, the kind of silent understanding that speaks volumes. Schofield’s songwriting prowess shines as she captures the essence of love’s quiet, unspoken bonds. The chorus is a crescendo of emotion, a harmonious blend that feels like a divine intervention.

In Your Car was officially released on February 2^nd; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Armstrong & O’Donnell – Altitude: Minimalist Indie Folk Pop Perfection

Posted on 4 May 2021

‘Altitude’ is just one of the quiescently powerful folk-pop singles to come from the collaboration between Scottish guitarist and songwriter Mark O’Donnell and singer-songwriter Chris Armstrong.

The minimalist bluesy popping guitar notes create the perfect platform for Armstrong’s vocals which carry the same soul-steeped air as the likes of Tracy Chapman. That is until the single amps up the energy and makes a sonic shift in tone for the outro crescendo that is arresting enough to make an everlasting impression.

With no hint of hyperbole, the powerhouse duo has what it takes to become the Simon and Garfunkel of our generation. If Altitude doesn’t leave you mesmerised, you’re not paying attention.

Armstrong & O’Donnell’s single is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tessa Devine has released her pensively resolving single “Wild 2020”

Posted on 5 July 2020

With her recently released single “Wild 2020”, up and coming singer-songwriter Tessa Devine shared a stripped-back soulful soundscape with the airwaves which is guaranteed to sting.

From the first note in Wild 2020 the mesmeric pensive tone is set. From there on out, you follow the ambient, intricate guitar notes as they find perfect synergy with Tessa’s expressively imploring vocals.

With the lyricism poetically guiding you through the experience of a mind running wild and yearning for an anchor in a chaotic world, it’s all too easy to connect with the soundscape.

Wild 2020 has all the makings of an iconic hit given. It shares the same pensive yet resolving power as Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car. That’s not a comparison I make lightly.

There was no forgetting Tessa Devine’s Soulful Indie Pop single “Run”. After hearing Wild 2020, we have yet another testament to her simple yet striking songwriting style.

Tessa will be releasing plenty more singles in 2020. Get her on your radar.

You can check out Tessa Devine’s single via all major streaming platforms via this link.

To keep up to date with Tessa’s latest releases connect with her via Facebook or Instagram. For more information head over to her official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

New Folk Trip-Pop artist From Venus makes us all hot with beautiful ‘’Fire’’ single

Posted on 22 May 2020

Oh won’t you please come back to life. Many of us wish for this to happen but sadly it isn’t possible most of the time.

‘From Venus’ is very new in the music scene with only a few songs out. This is a very good song from this soulful artist. A solo musician, who likes being mysterious with her music story. All will be revealed soon if she carries on in this form.

This is a sad story about a friend and her spiritual journey. I look forward to finding out more about her and what inspires her music. ‘From Venus’ has a promising career, her voice is alluring and is clearly very good lyrically. 2020 hasn’t been such a bad year after all, with fantastic music like this to enjoy.

Hear more from this fantastic new act on her Spotify page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Leo Wood – My Luck: An Unfathomably Stunning Mix of DnB, Folk & Blues

Posted on 7 March 2018

I’m absolutely stumped trying to figure out a way to describe Leo Wood’s stunning sound in her debut single My Luck. Sure, it mixes DnB with Pop, Soul, Blues and Acoustic Folk, but hearing that fusion for the first time from such a strong female voice is an experience of pure aural alchemy that you definitely will want to check out for yourself. The funk of the bass contrasts against the more synthy elements of DnB, which creates a rich, perplexing sound that you can’t help slipping into. If you mixed Scroobius Pip with The Sugababes you might get somewhere close to the idea of Leo Wood’s unfathomably stunning sound.

Leo Wood is a Bristol, UK based songwriter and vocalist that uses her sound to test the boundaries of the acoustic and electronic partnership. There was clearly no rulebook in sight when Leo Wood set out to make her debut track My Luck instead, she took her own inspirations, classical training and penchant for Blues and Soul to create a truly pioneering sound.

You can check out the stunning official video to My Luck on YouTube using the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYPYcjpDBEQ

Follow Leo Wood on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LeoWoodOriginal

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Annika Brown: Amanda Palmer Meets Steampunk (Only for The Brave)

Posted on 27 November 2017

Annika Brown’s Latest track Apocalypso is a theatrical spectacular. Nothing quite could prepare me for what was about to unfold over the next three minutes as I hit play on YouTube. It’s hard to pay attention to the actual sound of the track after watching the official music video in which she embraces Kate Bush style dramatics. I certainly won’t be forgetting what I’ve just heard in a long time.

Annika’s sound Is definitely an acquired taste, I’m not sure tracks such as Apocalypso will ever fair well in the mainstream, however she’s created an eclectic mix of sound which she imparts her Emily The Strange demeanour within. Even when she’s playing an acoustic guitar in the woods her unique charm is never dampened. . But that’s just part of it’s charm. Alternative music fans are in for a treat with this act. With operatic vocals, doom riddled melodies and classic piano backing track. There’s a hint of Victorian hysteria within her music, which she reincarnates through her Gothic Soprano vocals. The Same as can be heard with acts such as a Emilie Autumn and her signature Fantasy Rock styling.

Head on over to her website where you can keep up date with her musical ventures. Her latest album The Devils Story Book featuring Apocalypso is available to download or stream now!