Latest News
Sam Brockington’s new single ‘Peace of Mind’ out now!
"...remarkably endearing..."
- Gigwise
"...intricate folk-inspired melodies and a sweeping, raw emotion..."
- Gigslutz
Sam Brockington has released his new single Peace of Mind, out now via Prospect 21 and available to buy via iTunes and stream on Spotify.
The video for Piece of Mind premiered on Gigslutz and is also available to watch on Sam's YouTube channel now.
The audio for the single premiered on Folk Radio UK and is also available to stream via Sam's Soundcloud page.
The single is taken from Sam's debut EP of the same name, which draws influences from folk to blues and soul with Sam blending these genres into his own unique, fresh style. Each track on the EP is a testament to Sam’s skilled songwriting and distinctive voice that emanates range and warmth; his baritone vocal takes centre stage throughout, filled with a fantastic grit and vibrato akin to the likes of George Ezra and Paolo Nutini.
Peace of Mind references the longing for affirmation, giving your all to someone but not having that returned. Previous single Follow also features on the EP and has racked up over 150,000 Spotify plays. The single showcases Sam’s intricate guitar style and delicate vocals, which combined, create beautiful melodies and effortless harmonies.
Having moved to London at the age of 18, Sam began to explore the live circuit before eventually craving a change and moving to Melbourne. Here, he was able to develop his sound in a new environment, one filled with sunshine and good vibes.
Now based in Bristol, Sam continues to hone his individual blend of alternative indie-folk and impressing the likes of BBC 6Music, Songwriting Magazine and Fred Perry Subculture to name but a few. He is also no stranger to the festival circuit, having performed at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Y Not Festival, BBC 6Music Festival, 2000Trees and Dot to Dot.
The single Peace of Mind is out now via Prospect 21, available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify and the EP is out on 25th November 2016.
Jailbox release video for ‘Idea Jar’!
St Louis three-piece Jailbox are delighted to announce the release of the video for their beautifully introspective single Idea Jar, out now via FarmerTanz Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.
The video premiered on Gigslutz and is now available to stream on the band's YouTube channel.
Idea Jar displays a unique and ethereal quality to Jailbox’ music; dreamy, sensitive vocals are elegantly lifted by simple, yet effective, guitar pieces, affecting layers of atmospheric percussion add to an already sumptuous song, brought together expertly by beguiling strings. Stream the track from the Jailbox Soundcloud page or by clicking the embed below.
Exploring themes of loss, letting go and personal reflection, Idea Jar perfectly exhibits Jailbox’ evocative, thought provoking music, which brims with emotion, carefully crafted musicianship and easily relatable lyrical content the likes of Owen, Ry X and Sufjan Stevens would be proud of.
Comprised of Andrew Tanz (vocals, keyboards, guitar, bass, percussion), Joseph Bassa (vocals, guitars, percussion) and Aaron Essner (percussion, drums) Jailbox formed in 2009 as a moniker for their home recordings which was taking place in their home state of Missouri. After going on hiatus for two years, the 2015 writing and recording of Idea Jar marked a welcome return for the band and is the start of a creative period that will see them release two singles and two videos throughout October and November.
Having supported the likes of Vetiver, Devendra Barnhart, Still Corners, Daniel Johnston and Pines as well as playing renowned venue Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown as part of Coachella, Jailbox are aiming to end 2016 on a high with with a video for Idea Jar and release of second single Whole, which is out in November, to follow.
Idea Jar by Jailbox is out now via FarmerTanz Records and is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.
Black International’s ‘Shining Swords’ / ‘Nothing Grows Here’ free to download!
"...an epic swirl of rising and falling post-punk intensity." - The A.V. Club
"Deliciously self-aware, the record forces its fingers around the throats of our preconceptions.” - The Skinny
"...a sharply poetic mixture of visceral music and vivid lyrics..." - Clash
Following the success of last year's album release, A Lesson In Repression, Edinburgh noise-rockers Black International are giving away album track, 'Shining Swords' and b-side 'Nothing Grows Here', both available to download on Bandcamp via Good Grief Records.
The video for 'Shining Swords" premiered on The A.V. Club and is now available to stream via Black International's YouTube Channel.
The video was quickly followed by the premiere of the 'Shining Swords' and 'Nothing Grows Here' on Visions Magazine with both now available to download for free on the Black International Bandcamp page.
The Edinburgh two-piece create music that is both abrasive and discordant, yet has an unerring ability to pull you in through a magnetic rhythm section that belies their status as a two man band. Shining Swords ominously kicks off with caustic, grinding guitar, dovetailing beautifully with Craig Peebles' incessant drum beats and the raw, stripped-back vocals of Stewart Allan. The outro sees the band embracing the loud/quiet dynamic as they jump from headbanging breakdowns to a more dream-like, melodic instrumental, thus showcasing a duality to the music they create as well as an ability to explore a number of genres.
Comprised of Stewart Allan (vocals, guitar, keyboard) and Craig Peebles (drums, percussion), Black International released their sophomore album, A Lesson In Repression, in October 2015 having recorded with sound engineer Andrew Bush (The Twilight Sad). The record gained a well of support from many tastemakers within the industry, with coverage coming from the likes of Exclaim! Magazine, The Skinny, Clash Magazine, Visions, Big Cheese, Never Mind The Hype and BBC Radio Scotland.
Black International have also played a number of festivals having appeared at Wickerman, GoNorth, Oxjam, Shetfest and Tramlines as well as supporting the likes of Speedy Ortiz and Die! Die! Die!
'Shining Swords' and b-side 'Nothing Grows Here' are available to download on Bandcamp via Good Grief Records.
Melissa Bel’s new album ‘In The Light’ out now!
"...an undeniably catchy iridescent pop anthem." - Gigslutz
After a fateful night in Vegas, Toronto-bred Melissa Bel followed her heart and took the leap to move to the UK with her new found love. Her latest album In The Light is out now via Belhop Records and tells the story of this journey. The album is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify now.
To celebrate the release, title track In The Light premiered on Talk About Pop Music and is also available to stream on Melissa's Soundcloud page now.
You can also stream previous singles Dirty Word and Big Boys Don't Cry via Melissa's Soundcloud page now.
Melissa also recently shared a stunning live video for Big Boys Don't Cry, which you can watch via Melissa's YouTube channel.
In The Light charts the journey of how a girl from Canada met the love of her life in Las Vegas whilst attending a friend’s wedding. Little did she know, this meeting would change her life forever and she’d be relocating to the rural coasts of Devon as a result. Each track on the album showcases a different side to Bel, filled with the killer combination of infectious pop beats, powerful soul vocals and heartwarming ballads. Opening track ‘Real Tonight’ is an upbeat, funky rendition of ‘that’ night in Vegas, highlighting Melissa’s incredible ability to write an impressive pop hook akin to the likes of Meghan Trainor and Taylor Swift. Previous single Stay Gone along with tracks such as ‘Dirty Word’ captivate instantly with their contagious pop-infused melodies. Whereas title track ‘In The Light’ is a vulnerable ballad encapsulating the naked hope and fear of finding profound, visceral love.
Melissa grew up listening to soul, classic rock and draws inspiration from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Christina Aguilera amongst others. She also regularly receives creative support from producer/songwriter Justin Gray who has worked with artists such as Joss Stone, John Legend and Amy Winehouse and also produced Melissa’s album.
Melissa is certainly not afraid of hard work, having already released three albums over six years and played numerous live shows including Montreal’s Festiblues and supporting Juno Award winning Canadian artist Matthew Good. She has received praise from numerous well-regarded publications including Gigslutz, Ultimate Music and Fortitude Magazine to name but a few, as well as performing a live session for BBC Introducing in Devon. With In The Light, Melissa has truly found her voice, promising her most vulnerable and electrifying album yet.
Melissa's album In The Light is out now via Belhop Records and is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.
We Came From Wolves release ‘Places Unfamiliar’!
“…bold, emotive rock…” - Clash
“Feels, hooks and more feels...”- Rock Sound
We Came From Wolves boldly return with their new single Places Unfamiliar, out now via Vadana Records and is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.
The video for the single premiered on Upset Magazine and is also available to stream via the band's YouTube channel.
The audio for Places Unfamiliar premiered on Clash and you can also stream it now on the band's Soundcloud page.
The single marks a year since the band’s line-up change and now We Came From Wolves are stronger, more cohesive and vibrant than ever before. Places Unfamiliar is a high octane kick in the teeth. The frenetic energy heard on the single feels like the ultimate release as the track explores front man Kyle Burgess’ struggle with depression and juggling the mundane realities of daily life with the band, where his heart and soul lies. For We Came From Wolves, the music is wild, fun and free but the lyrics hide a deeper meaning as Burgess is a songwriter that wears his heart on his sleeve.
The single is an answer to those around him who consider music a hobby but for Kyle and the rest of the band it’s much more than that. “Places Unfamiliar is a frank account and admission that this is who I am, I'm not going to grow out of it and for the sake of my mental and physical health,” Burgess says. “I have to be honest with those around me and confess that I have no desire to bring about an end to this lifestyle.This isn’t a choice, it’s almost an addiction, but the other side of the coin is a dark place for me, with nothing to focus my energy and creativity towards I spiral into a deep sadness and it took me a long time to realise just how much this means to me…this song was the realisation. This song saved me.”
Listing their influences from Reuben to the Smiths, We Came From Wolves write music that is honest, powerful and emotional. They’re known for their dynamic live performances, having toured relentlessly up and down the country and around Europe, amassing a dedicated following. In Scotland, The Skinny, The List, The Daily Record and The Herald are amongst the band’s supporters, whilst elsewhere Rock Sound, Kerrang!, Team Rock and Amazing Radio have previously covered the band.
The band will hit the road from late October to support the release of the single, with a second album due in 2017. We Came From Wolves continue to go from strength to strength with a burning fiery passion that refuses to be quenched.
Places Unfamiliar is out now via Vadana Records and is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.