Following on from their debut show in Glasgow at the beginning of May, Oran Ra have a new song – The Horses. First heard as part of their Wilderness Sessions in 2021, the relentless and foreboding track will be their third single, out now.
Like their previous singles, Call of the West and Thunder & Lightning, The Horses was written, recorded and produced all in the comfort of the duo’s home studios – with the drums being recorded at Loch Fyne. The new single builds on the Big-Folk sound that Oran Ra have established over the past few years, while introducing another dynamic to what people might have come to expect from the group.
Brother duo of Michael and Daniel Marra are keeping their cards close to their chest on any plans for future releases, but with the addition of Cameron Hamilton on guitar and Kyle Duffy on the drums, people can anticipate more live dates with which to mark their calendars in the coming months.
The genre-defying Passive Fix return with their new single ‘I’ll Take It All’ which follows up the band’s acclaimed previous release, ‘Red Lights’.
‘I’ll Take It All’ sees the midlands-based band explore their creativity further as the track features on the soundtrack to their upcoming short film, ‘A Divine Descent’ continues the story behind ‘I’ll Take It All’.
‘I’ll Take It All’ was recorded at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the song was produced, mixed and mastered by themselves. Dealing with the cycle of grief, it was written by songwriter, vocalist and saxophonist Alex McCarthy who took the song to the rest of the band who then developed the final structure of the track and added further production elements.
On ‘I’ll Take It All, Alex said: “..the protagonist is experiencing loss and as a result he wants to escape into the wilderness..he starts to question his faith and blames others for his loss, pushing them away. The song’s change in tone represents the protagonist’s journey through the cycles of grief.”
Passive Fix are the previously mentioned Alex McCarthy (vocals and saxophone), Alex Collett-Sinfield (guitar and saxophone), David Kirkham (drums) and Sam Stringer (bass guitar and backing vocals). They have been making waves on the live scene with several well attended headline shows under their belts and successful support slots, including a show at Birmingham’s 02 Academy.
The band strives to blur genres and this new single is no different. With a growing fanbase which is demonstrated by their thousands of streams on Spotify, popular Youtube shorts and a regular vlog named ‘Passive Vlogs’, Passive Fix really have created their own music universe that fans are encouraged to engage with. This is reflected in their live shows which are high octane, unpredictable and thrilling. On stage the band uses a variety of technology and instruments which sets them apart from their contemporaries. Take a look at their live show reel here.
Passive Fix have been described as “a brilliant rising talent“, a “stand out” band who “redefine genres and bring something new to the table”, creating their “own musical universe”. They have been featured on national and international radio stations and podcasts including Amazing Radio, Hive Radio, BBC Introducing in the West Midlands, East Midlands and Northamptonshire.
Formed in 2019, Edinburgh Band Orchid Fox Release their latest single WWIII. The band are a fusion of grunge, soul, and rock with songs of intimacy and anti-establishment ideologies. Check out their latest single on all streaming platforms now!
1 week until we bring Grandmaster Flash to Wales! Celebrating 50 years of hip hop!
⚡’Don’t push me cause I’m close to the edge’⚡
We’re bringing the legend Grandmaster Flash to William Aston Hall, Wrexham on Saturday 22nd July, with support from some of the best new Welsh talent (each selected by Grandmaster Flash), including Juice Menace | SageTodz | Niques | Lizzi£ Squad | Larynx Entertainment | and Skunkadelic MC, presented by FOCUS Wales & Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda. Grab your tickets while you can at the link below.
Hailing from Liverpool, 22 year old indie rock artist Paul Askew released his fantastic new single earlier this year ‘When the Sun Came Up’, it’s captivating with pure nostalgia.
As heard on BBC Radio London, Paul Askew is a solo artist who writes, performs, arranges, and produces his own songs. Since starting to write from the age of 16 in 2017, he has managed to build up a vast collection of songs and counting.
As a result of his primary influences including the likes of The Strokes, The Beach Boys, Oasis, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and The La’s, he focuses on generating captivating melodies, artistic lyricism, and maintaining the traditional pop-rock sensibilities of the 60s. Nonetheless, his other inspirations -which range from the Sex Pistols to Clairo- mean his songs can range in a variety of styles, moods, and structures, all the while maintaining a gripping pop veneer which any listener can tune into easily.
Mike Kennedy started Welsh Connections over a decade ago when independent music from Wales didn’t have a voice – much has changed since then, including his show which now features interviews with some of the biggest names in Welsh music and beyond. We caught up with him to see who’s been on the show recently. Mike lives in Swansea, is a director of TIWN media and co-owns a record shop, The Second 45, in Llanelli.
Mora Borowska, the daughter of ‘guitar George’ from the Dire Straits classic Sultans Of Swing, talked to Mike about carrying on the family music-making when her father moves abroad later this year in a forthcoming show. This candid and emotional interview features original music from George and Mora’s band.
Al Lewis, the Cardiff-based bilingual artist spoke to Mike ahead of his Glastonbury appearance about his new album and what the Welsh language in music means to him in an often funny show featuring Al’s tunes.
Suzi Quatro will be featured soon to talk about her new album collaboration with KT Tunstall. Mike takes her back to Michigan where she started playing in bands with her sisters, the first UK No.1, starring in Happy Days opposite The Fonz and West End stardom with Annie Get Your Gun.
Balsamo Collins Riley stars, Steve Balsamo & Andy Collins have recently featured on a Badfinger tribute album and Mike caught up with them ahead of the album’s release to talk about the project and the impact that Pete Ham still has on music to this day. Pete Riley was unavailable to chat as he’s currently on tour in the US with Edward McCain.
Egg founding member – plus Hatfield & The North – Dave Stewart chatted with Phil Little about his forthcoming tour with partner Barbara Gaskin and his prog rock beginnings featuring some classic tracks from the keyboard pioneer.
Nia Fisher, star of the West-End’s Mama Mia chatted with Mike about her new single plus working with Sonic One’s Tim Hamill on her forthcoming EP in a very personal interview.
Mwnci Studios’ Jethro Chaplin opened up about the trials and tribulations of running the iconic Welsh recording studio in this often amusing anecdote filled show featuring many acts that he’s produced.
To listen to these and over 500 more just follow Welsh Connections here :
Yn syth o Eryri, nid oes angen cyflwyniad ar Phormula, gan gynrychioli rap dwyieithog ers y 2000au. Hefyd yn ymuno â Mr Phormula ar “A.W.D.L” mae nifer o artistiaid chwedlonol, gan cynnwys 3hree8ight” o Harlech, “Guilty Simpson” o Detroit, “Akil The Mc” o Jurassic 5, heb sôn am waedd gan “Chuck D” o Public Enemy.
Mae “A.W.D.L” allan ym mhobman rwan ar “Mr Phormula Records” ac yn sicr o roi unrhyw system sain ar dân. Gallwch hefyd ddal Mr Phormula yn perfformio mewn nifer o ddigwyddiadau byw eleni gan gynnwys Gŵyl Cariad Mawr, Sesiwn Fawr a’r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol.
—————————————————————————————————————
Straight from Snowdonia, Phormula needs no introduction, championing bilingual rap since the early 2000s Joining Mr Phormula on “A.W.D.L” are Hip-hop heavyweights Guilty Simpson from Detroit, Akil The Mc from world-renowned Jurassic 5 and not to mention a shoutout from the legendary Chuck D of Public Enemy.
“A.W.D.L” is out everywhere now on Mr Phormula Records and is sure to set any sound system alight. You can also catch Mr Phormula performing at a number of live events this year including Big Love Festival, Sessiwn fawr and the National Eisteddfod.
Cardiff duo release well anticipated album Dos Bebés. Quirky and eccentric, full of fantastic songs crafted by excellent musicians who have invented a great concept, an album full of charm.
The new album began it’s creation during a five year period when Bethan and Ynyr were expecting their first child and ended just before the birth of their second. the album is exploring life in all it’s messy glory.
Dos Bebés is out now across all streaming platforms.
The Dragonflies are an indie trio from the Welsh Valleys. They began playing music together since the age of fifteen, drawing influences from the likes of Mumford and Sons, Streophonics and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The trio, consisting of bass, cajon, acoustic and electric guitar, have developed a powerful, harmonic pop sound, full of angst and encouragement to defy adversity.
The Dragonflies have formed a solid fan base whom all relate to the struggles and pain, that the average millennial has suffered. This is what sets them apart and connects them to their fans, melodic songs with thought provoking lyrics.
‘Wont Go Down’ is their new fantastic single. Available now across all streaming platforms.
Abz is based between Rugby and Coventry and will be moving to Bristol to study music in the summer of 2023. Having already applied herself as an exciting new talent in the pop world at just 20, her name is one to watch.
Not one to follow the crowd she has her own Pop-Rock style combined with her rich, powerful voice full of attitude.
She’s been named ‘Best New Artist In Coventry’, Artist of the Month BBC Introducing CWR, she has been nominated for ‘Best New Female’ for Radio Wigwam, the NMG Music Awards and ‘Best Pop Act’ for the Birmingham Music Awards. She has been a BRUM Radio A-lister on many occasions and won the title ‘Over 18’s Winner for Undiscovered Talent UK’.
Abz has performed on some great stages: ITV’s Walk The Line, BBC Music Introducing, Ricoh Arena, Resorts World Unsigned, The Coventry City Christmas light switch on with an audience of 9000 people, her festivals Include Godiva – on the NEXT Stage, Heal Festival, Shoot Festival, Solihull Summerfest.
She is currently busy working on new music with her London producer and the outcome is very exciting.
“My aims are to keep pushing with my music, my end goal is to sell out stadiums, which is becoming more & more possible due to social media” – Abz.
About Wasted Energy:
“The song is about me and my disastrous relationships…. of which there are lots! Life is so difficult, but at the same time, can be so enchanting – which is really confusing and just adds to the pressures of growing up. I’m not necessarily set on wanting a relationship as I am starting to get comfortable in my own skin, but at this moment, boy I am sick of always getting it wrong and wasting my time & energy! As a 20-year-old singleton, I can do what I want when I want! This track was written in one session in the studio, and it just sort of flowed.” – Abz
Live gigs:
Sunday 16th July – The House 130 The Parade, Leamington Spa Friday 21st July – Somar Arena, Birmingham Sat & Sun August 12th/13th East Beach Festival, Shoeburyness (date TBC)
Indie Revolution 