Music Scene Wales

Josh Hicks Releases New Single ‘Everything About You’

Oct 3, 2023 — Leave a comment

23 year old South Wales singer-songwriter Josh Hicks releases his second single, Everything About You. After attending ACM in Guildford, where he gained a First in vocal performance, Josh entered the Open Mic competition in 2021 and won the overall competition, against 15k other entries (previous winners include Birdy and Lola Young). 

Josh from Newport, working with long-time producer/writer Shatterjack, says ‘This song was written by Shatterjack, Kemi Sulola and myself. Everything About You is about having an absolute fascination for someone and feeling utterly and powerlessly bowled over by that person. It’s about not listening to what people may say about them and just trusting your own thought processes and instincts.’ 

With a contemporary, classic pop sound that embodies soulful yet subtle jazz inclinations, while Hicks’ songs are aimed at younger audiences, they’re equally able to cross the generational divide. Inspired by lyrical greats such as Cole Porter and Amy Winehouse, Hicks injects personality into his writing, drawn from personal experience. 

With its dramatic, modern melodies and soulfully expressive lyrics this second single pays testament to Josh’s powerful vocals and innate ability to write life-affirming songs. The track provides all the evidence you need that this bright young star is set to shine. 

Catch Josh playing live this autumn around various venues in Wales. Follow him on Insta, Tik Tok and Spotify for further live announcements. 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Albion Release New EP ‘The Rooms Where Songs Are Made’

Sep 29, 2023 — Leave a comment

Albion are the London based six-piece band composed of members Ben on Lead Vocals, Guitar and Harmonica, Bidz on Vocals and Lead Guitar, Hunter on Bass, Jack on Drums, Jake on Vocals and Guitar and Sophie on Keys. 

With influences ranging from The Beatles to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, from The Rolling Stones to Ludovico Einaudi, each set list and live show from this band is always an eclectic mix of music. They cite themselves as sounding like The Pogues shaken up with a bit of Oasis, with a side of The Velvet Underground!

Formed in 2021 and having released a string of singles to date to include ‘Millenial Me’  and ‘Capital’, in 2021 ‘No One Said’, ‘I Who Never Turned Back’, ‘Everything As Easy’, ‘Roundabout Ruse’ and ‘Silhouette Of Me’ in 2022 and the 2023 releases of ‘Nothing Matters’ (April), ‘Wonderfully Human’ (May) and ‘Nothing New Under The Sun’ (June) and‘Amy’ on the 8th September, the band are now gearing up for the release of their debut EP – ‘The Rooms Where Songs Are Made’.

‘The Rooms Where Songs Are Made’ is out now and comprises four original tracks, 3 previously unheard plus the recently released track of ‘Amy’.

First up ‘Amy’ is a song about love and loss, unrequited feelings and regret. The title refers to Amy Winehouse and the beauty of her music whilst also detailing the story of a love that never reached its full potential..It’s a bouncy ballad packed with instruments from guitars and keys, to harmonica and mandolin that layer with the harmonious vocals and poignant lyrics making for a rich tapestry of sound. 

Following this is ‘Tetrachromacy’ – A song about friendship, rebirth and a specific condition of the eye that allows people to see millions of extra shades and colours. Musically, it’s a carousel of layered sounds adding to the depth of the subject muse. 

Next up is ‘Lions’ – A song that tells a story and details a meeting point for two lovers, destined to reunite (the place in this story being the Lions in Nottingham’s Market Square). It’s a pure love song filled with melodic and harmonious instrumentals and vocals.

To finish, ‘Taxidermy Love’ – details the end of an indulgent, pompous relationship – the glorification of love and its inevitable downfall.

The title for the EP; ‘The Rooms Where Songs Are Made’  is actually a  lyric from the lead track on the EP  ‘Amy’; ‘It’s so fitting as you’re writing in the rooms where songs are made’, and it quite simply refers to a flat on the 13th floor of a tower block in Camden. This is where (in 2015) Albion was formed and where a lot of the initial concepts for the tracks on the EP were conceived. It’s a place very dear to the band’s hearts and so felt like the perfect name for this collection of songs.

The EP was recorded at The Libertines HQ – The Albion Rooms in Margate, with award winning sound engineer Jason Stafford (The Libertines/Trampolene/Jamie T) and was mastered by Graham Waller.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Gypsy’s Kiss Release New Single ‘Better Than Me’

Sep 28, 2023 — Leave a comment

Better Than Me was originally released on their album, entitled 74, which came out in 2021.  The song has been re-recorded and re-mastered for a single-only release, out now!

Gypsy’s Kiss are proud to release a brand-new single, ‘Better Than Me’, accompanied by a music video. The visuals seamlessly blend footage from their energetic live performances in Lublin, Poland during October 2022, and June 2023, interspersed with candid shots of the band in their rehearsal haven. These glimpses authentically capture the essence and euphoria of their dynamic live shows.
  
David Smith, the founding pillar, provides insight into the song, sharing, “This song is inspired by stories from friends etc about their relationships breaking down and the anguish that can result and keeping their self-esteem by insisting that their ex-partner and ex-partner’s new beau are not better than them”
  
“We’ve been really pleased with this track from the early drafts to the finished song. We deliberately wanted to write and record something that would appeal to a wider audience including a catchy chorus, guitar harmonies as well as being true to our rock roots. It stood out to us as a track we should put out as a single. It is always in our live shows and has fast become an audience favourite”.
  
Emerging in the early months of 1974, Gypsy’s Kiss took shape within the vibrant East End of London, birthed through the collaboration of Steve Harris, the visionary founder and bassist of Iron Maiden, and David Smith. Steve and David lived close to each other and went to the same school. Their proximity and shared educational journey forged a deep bond between them.
  
This historical connection firmly establishes the band’s prominent position at the pinnacle of the Iron Maiden Family Tree. After nearly two years Gypsy’s Kiss came to its natural end in the second half of 1975. Steve then famously formed Iron Maiden in December 1975. The band still do remain good friends to this day. Decades later, David Smith, a founding GK member succumbed to pleas from dedicated maiden enthusiasts and reformed the band alongside fellow original member Bob Verschoyle and orchestrated a triumphant comeback at London’s Burrfest in March 2018. The band embarked on an extensive journey across the UK and Europe, resulting in two acclaimed albums.
  
The current line-up is David Smith (Vocals and Guitars), Jonathan Morley (Guitars and BVs), Fraser Marr (Guitars), Ross Hunter (Keys and BVs), Robin Gatcum (Bass) and Stuart Emms (Drums).
  
Although GK remain loyal to their Maiden heritage, they continue to bring their classic rock sound to a wider audience beyond their Iron Maiden roots.
 
Classic Rock Magazine applauds the “Maiden Alumni” for their musical prowess, commending their previous release for its “tuneful hard rock with prog flourishes.” Metal Talk endorses the band’s sound as “wild and soulful,” urging listeners to succumb to the spellbinding enchantment of Gypsy’s Kiss.
  
Renowned for their top-tier entertainment, Metal Planet Music rightfully acclaims, “These individuals are consummate entertainers,” solidifying Gypsy’s Kiss as an enduring powerhouse in the world of music.
  
As the journey continues, Gypsy’s Kiss stands poised to etch another remarkable chapter in their legacy, bridging the past with the present and captivating fans old and new with their unyielding passion for rock music.
 
 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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The Heavy North Release New Single ‘Give A Little Love’

Sep 27, 2023 — Leave a comment

The Heavy North reveal ‘surprise’ new single Give A Little Love ahead of second album release

Liverpool-based blues rock band The Heavy North have released their latest single ‘Give A Little Love’ on all download and streaming platforms.

‘Give A Little Love’ is the third single taken from The Heavy North’s much-anticipated second album ‘Delta Shakedown’ expected next month and follows the band’s earlier releases ‘Where Are You Now?’ and ‘Round Again’.

Earlier this year the scouse six-piece embarked on a UK headline tour before traveling to Spain and Gibraltar for their first overseas shows of the year.

More recently, the band appeared at Kendal Calling Festival in the Lake District and have picked up consecutive radio plays on BBC Radio 2’s Rock Show, Radio X, BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio.

Discussing the meaning behind the band’s new single, The Heavy North lead singer Kenny Stuart said, “Give A Little Love is a song about finding the positives in life and not focusing on the negatives all of the time”.

“It’s a song for anyone who’s feeling bogged down and needs reminding of the good things, even when they’re difficult to find” added Kenny. “I suppose the message behind ‘Give A Little Love’ is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go again.”

‘Give A Little Love’ was recorded, mixed, and produced by Jose Ibanez at 3rd Planet Recording Studio, Liverpool and mastered by Martin Kuchta at Roughgrain Mastering.

To coincide with the upcoming album release in October the band have announced two intimate in-store album shows at Wax and Beans Records in Bury, Greater Manchester (Fri 20th) and Jacaranda Records in Liverpool (Sun 22nd).

The Heavy North are also gearing up for their biggest headline show to date at Liverpool’s Camp and Furnace on Friday 1st December where they will be performing as a 12-piece band, plus special guest singer-songwriter and guitarist Jay Lewis (Cast, The Zutons, The La’s, Cracatila).

‘Give A Little Love’ is OUT NOW on all download and streaming platforms.

The Heavy North’s second album ‘Delta Shakedown’ is out Friday 20th October. Visit www.theheavynorth.com for more information.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Maines Release New Album ‘Sometimes We Live’

Sep 26, 2023 — Leave a comment

Hailing from North Wales, Maines is a combination of Post-Rock, Punk, Shoe gaze and noise rock. The band have previously released two EPs and two singles.

Maines have self released their latest album ‘Sometimes We Live’, which is a reflection of their struggles over the past three years, the pandemic, losing two band members and vocalist Dave moving to Reading for 18 months and was recorded at Penmaenmawr at Orange Sound Studio.

As the band continue to develop their sound they stand poised, ready for an exciting journey ahead. On the release of their brilliant debut album they have become and exciting band on the rise.

Check out their debut album out now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Parcs Release New Single ‘Wait’

Sep 26, 2023 — Leave a comment

PARCS have been brewing on the South Wales scene for a few years now, slowly moulding their sound. Recently expanding to a four piece, husband and wife team Joe and Elly are now joined by Kristy and Liam. Built around Elly Sinnett’s dreamy vocals, PARCS craft beautiful soundscapes of punchy drum beats, washed out synths and purposeful guitar lines. With bittersweet, melancholic choruses that you can’t help but move to, PARCS create music with both groove and heart.

PARCS headlined a stage at last years 6 Music Festival Fringe in Cardiff and this year were invited to Focus Wales.

Having previously released two fantastic EPs and recent single ‘Heaven’, PARCS have now joined the Phwoar & Peace Roster. Their first single on the label will be the summer pop hit ‘Wait!’

‘Wait!’ is a song inspired by disco with four to the floor drums, melodic synths & a driving bass line. Its lyrical themes are about seeking short term highs in places you know you probably shouldn’t. It’s the first track in which both Elly and Kristy collaborated lyrically and vocally, with Liam and Joe contributing heavily to the production and songwriting. 

“The song’s origins were a simple loop drum and synth loop recorded in a rehearsal room, soon becoming an idea that we couldn’t help but add to and construct a more elaborate groove. We wanted to explore a different angle of the PARCS sound while still maintaining that core dream-like, synth heavy character but also introducing some bigger and brighter sounds.”

After finishing the writing and recording at home, vocals were then recorded with Richard Jackson (The Automatic, Future Of The Left, The Nightmares) who also mixed and mastered the track.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Celestial North Releases New Single ‘Olympic Skies’

Sep 26, 2023 — Leave a comment

Following the release of Celestial North’s wonderful debut album Otherworld in July, an ethereal world of dreamy pop escapism co-produced with Woody (formerly of Sea Power) and described by Prog Magazine as ‘An instant joy. Ethereal, haunting and with a beauty shrouded by mystery’

Celestial North returns with the beguiling ‘Olympic Skies‘ where sighing harmonies drape over stately pianos and tip toeing rhythms. Olympic Skies is one of the most accessible moments on her debut album ‘Otherworld’: described by Celestial North as ‘a breakup song between the land and modern man’, a hymn connecting humanity, deep spirituality and the history of the land sent spiraling into the sky. 

Olympic skies follows the lead single ‘Otherworld’ as premiered by Chris Hawkins on BBC 6 Music which, alongside previous singles ‘When The Gods Dance’ and ‘The Nature of Light’, received airplay from the BBC, Amazing Radio, and various BBC Introducing shows and featured in various online and in-print magazines and blogs receiving glowing reviews from Prog Magazine, The Skinny, God Is in The TV,  Under The Radar and Snack Magazine. The instrumental lushness of ‘Yarrow’ is described by Prog Magazine as ‘sharing a sensibility with Yann Tiersen’ through ‘twinkling pianos, sweeping vocals and a comforting sense of weirdness.’  A reworking of R.E.M.’s ‘Nightswimming‘ received national radio play with BBC Scotland’s Roddy Hart proclaiming it “Majestic”. The release was included in Bandcamp’s Essential Releases with Nightswimming chosen as the Editorial Director’s personal highpoint.

Deeply influenced by her natural surroundings and wild Scottish upbringing, the album was co-recorded and produced with Woody (Sea Power) in the Lake District, creating a stunning tapestry of work that adds a human heart and touch to elements of dream pop, electro-pop, folktronica, gaze, and techno, offering an escape to new realms, adventurous and futuristic, yet with its roots in ancient civilisations of the past. Weaving her self-proclaimed ‘Pagan euphoria’ across eleven startling songs, Otherworld is another marvelous step forward in her artistry and is the product of years of honing and refining her songwriting and sound. Describing the process of writing Otherworld, Celestial North reveals “I imagined that I was time-traveling through different and exciting worlds. Wandering through the ancient, sacred stone circles at Machrie Moor and then jumping straight into an underground rave in the forest.”

Emily Marsden – Editor
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The Twilight Years Release New Single ‘All Contact Lost’

Sep 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

The Twilight Years are the alternative alt indie music duo comprising vocalist Dale Dawson and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Cowling. 

First formed in 2022, the duo divide their time between Spain’s Costa Blanca and the English Midlands. Together they bring us what they would  describe as  their own brand of “classy pop”.

The pair have performed extensively across Europe, both together and independently, and alongside a host of well-known artists including Mumford & Sons, Ryan Needham (Yard Act), José González, Fanfarlo and Jake Bugg.

Previous releases from the band have been their debut single of  ‘Wander’ in November 2022, ‘Fading Like The Summer’ from January 2023 and ‘Scavenger Type’ in March 2023, such releases which have seen them attain airplay on the likes of BBC Radio. 

‘All Contact Lost’ is a driving and melodic piece of indie pop that belies its dark atmosphere and poignant lyrics.

Drawing on an array of indie and alternative influences, ‘All Contact Lost’ is an example of The Twilight Years’ mature brand of indie pop. With its opening appeal, “Planet Earth, come in,” the lyrics tell of isolation and addiction. Yet, with its driving beats, searing guitars and haunting melodies, it’s a high-energy track that’s sure to become a global dancefloor favourite.

The band have said of the track:

“We’re from an indie background and this is definitely the most dynamic, upbeat song we’ve recorded to date,” says producer and songwriter Bobby Cowling. 

“All Contact Lost has a strange, space-age atmosphere,” adds vocalist Dale Dawson. 

“It’s like nothing else we’ve recorded, but it’s definitely a direction we intend to explore.”

The fantastic ‘All Contact Lost’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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Eddie & The Wolves Release New Single ‘The Coming Storm’

Sep 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

Established in 2018 Edd & Char Saffell, a married couple, united by their shared fondness for attending festivals like Download, found their connection through their mutual adoration for music and their fervour for live performances.
 
Eddie’s fascination with envisioning himself performing songs live dates back to his youth, while Char, hindered by stage fright, refrained from taking to the stage. This journey has led them to cultivate a profound and exhilarating musical synergy, supporting, and inspiring each other in the process of crafting something they firmly believe will one day grace the stage at Download.
 
Taking inspiration from Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac, Eddie & The Wolves update the classic genre with their potent stage show, oozing sexual chemistry between Char and Edd with an electrically charged band not far behind.
 
 ‘With his rocking stage presence and his energy getting every crowd going, it’s easy to see why Eddie and his Wolves are exploding onto the scene.’ Martyn Williams – BBC Radio Derby. 
 
Eddie & The Wolves has had a fantastic previous 2 years seeing the band supporting the likes of Reef, Blackwater Conspiracy, Doctor & The Medics, and Arielle. Along with touring the UK with Alexa De Strange and playing to huge crowds at Silverstone, YNOT Festival, Donington Park and local festivals.
 
Their releases to date have gained over 100k streams on Spotify alone alongside 10k followers over our social media platforms, all of which was achieved independently. 

At the age of 18, Eddie faced a devastating loss when his brother, who had bravely served in the army, was tragically killed. Just days before his brother’s untimely passing, he had been proudly presented in front of his platoon, hailed as the exemplary soldier to look up to. This profound event had a lasting impact on Eddie.
 
Despite the heartache, Eddie channelled his emotions into his musical journey. Through the ups and downs, he persevered, drawing strength from the memory of his brother’s unwavering dedication. Now, as you dive into the immersive soundscapes of ‘The Coming Storm’ by Eddie & The Wolves, you’ll experience the resonance of its seismic riff that strikes deep within. The song’s empowering lyrics stand as a poignant reminder that strength emerges from turmoil, much like a relentless storm that refuses to be subdued.

Their new single is out now across all streaming platforms.
 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Lewca Releases New Single ‘Monday Morning’

Sep 19, 2023 — Leave a comment

LEWCA is an English singer/songwriter/musician now resident  in France, never having been one for convention, LEWCA started life being born in a squat in Brixton, and by the time he was aged nineteen, he was living in a squat in Paris… After studying fine art and dabbling in film, LEWCA started making music just before, in his own words, he was “too old to die young”. Influences for LEWCA range from decadence to debauchery and musically from the likes of  The Clash, The Streets, Ian Dury, ASAP Rocky, the Sleaford Mods, LCD Soundsystem, Bob Dylan, Eminem, Tom Waits, & more… 

After being in a few bands that fell apart for various reasons, LEWCA decided to go it alone in 2018, his seriousness for a desire to succeed crept in, in around 2019, but then the pandemic hit in 2020 putting laid to his plans for a while. 

Not being deterred, however,  LEWCA’s first EP was released in Dec 2020, with two more being released in 2021, then followed by a remix EP, a charity EP, and the Album; ‘Friday Night Rockstar’. 

Previous releases have seen LEWCA being championed on the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and featured in official Apple iTunes music charts. 

Although LEWCA collaborates with various different musicians on his projects (most often ex band members) his main partner in crime is S.O.A.P.(aka DJ Sonofapitch – Chinese man, Taiwan MC) who is a Parisian drum & bass DJ & Beatmaker whom LEWCA first met when they shared a billing at a gig together in 2013.  Their partnership has grown from a shared love of wonky beats, UK soundscapes & a healthy dose of humour!

Since 2018 the duo have released 3 EP’s, & have been working together on two albums : “Friday Night Rockstar” which was released at the very end of 2022, & “Boombap for Boomers” which is out now.

LEWCA composes and sings all of the lyrics and toplines on the tracks and is also a  sometimes kazoo player! While S.O.A.P is more on the instrumentals playing keys, saxophone and doing “wicked DJ stuff”!

LEWCA is now gearing up for the release of the ‘Boombap For Boomers’ album by releasing a couple of the featured tracks, one such track being the tongue in cheek, yet astonishingly accurate and perfectly timed track of ‘Monday Morning’

It will probably come as no surprise that ‘Monday Morning’ is a track that’s all about that Monday Morning panic we all have and at no time is this more prevalent than the back to school Monday Morning especially after the long, long 6 week summer holidays. This is a track that will resonate with parents everywhere! 

Musically the track is heavily influenced with reggae beats and trumpet notes throughout.. It’s a very happy go lucky soundtrack interspersed with very relatable story telling lyricism about the trials and tribulations of getting the kids off to school. 

‘Boombap For Boomers’ from which the single ‘Monday Morning’ is taken was recorded in S.O.A.P.’ s basement studio over the  period of a year and all tracks were all mixed by S.O.A.P. and have been Mastered by Blanka.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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