The zzips Release Their Nostalgic Debut Album ’20 Years Late’

Meet ‘The zzips’ –living proof that Rock n’ Roll is not dead, and is in fact very much alive and kicking. A diverse duo made up of frontman James Butler and writing partner Graham Cupples. Bringing you their debut, yet eagerly anticipated, album ’20 Years Late’. Within their songs, they addressissues that are prominent within British society, and question the policies of consumerism, greed and elitism after partaking in social observation. The album is both a call to armsand a cry for revolutionand change, whilst some of the songs simply follow what happens within their day-to-day lives. Finding a release in the power of song-writing helped James through some serious personal difficulties for almost four years.

With an impressive résumé, and many famous faces among their fans, The zzips have already earned themselves a well-deserved prestigious reputation. Graham has supported Gary Numan, and James has opened for bands such as Oasis, Smash and Steps. In true rock n’ roll style, and following in the footsteps of some of the greatest rock artists,The zzips have also performed at Glastonbury festival.

Between the two of them they have written and produced their entire album, which in the era of the typical pop-culture boy-band genre, gives them a chance to display and show off their many talents. Alongside the music, James is a psychotherapist, working with Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. His interest in psychology is often apparent in The zzips songs, consistently raising the question ‘Why?’

Think classic 90’s rock, with a modern Blues twist and challenging lyrics. There is a very bright future predicted for ‘The zzips’, make sure you’re a part of it! You can download their album from December 2014. Be sure to take a listen to some of the tracks on their Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thezzips

twitter.com/thezzips

facebook.com/thezzips /

 

 

Vagabond Flag Releases 2nd Single; ‘Those Old Days’

 

It has taken Vagabond Flag many years to hone his talents and perfect his song-writing craft. However, after the success of his most recent single ‘Not Afraid’, he is due to release the second, ‘Those Old Days’ on December 15^th.

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/vagabond-flag/those-old-days-radio-edit

The song addresses taking a retrospective look on your life – the benefits of being older and confident, whilst also growing more and more cynical. It speaks of the excitement and innocence of youth before it fades, and pleads with the listener not to forget the beauty of impeccability and naivety that we are all blessed with when we are young. The track has been perfectly mastered, with soaring guitar riffs and laid back vocals that possess a reminiscent quality of 90’s British rock music. The entire album has been thoughtfully written – the music and the lyrics expressing a dark and melancholy vibe which epitomises his views on life, relationships and resolving pain and loss. Even the name ‘Vagabond Flag’ has been carefully chosen for a reason – it is a direct quote from the Shakespeare play ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’, in which Octavius Caeser criticises the fickleness and shallowness of the populace. Vagabond Flag’s choice to make it his artists name represents his realistic appraisal, and ultimately, suspicion of fame.

‘Those Old Days’ is due for release on December 15^th, with the album being released on the 12^th January.

https://www.facebook.com/VagabondFlagArtist?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/VagabondFlag

http://www.vagabondflag.com

 

 

Scarlet Baxter Releases Sultry Single: ‘Stuck’

you haven’t already heard her name, then meet Scarlet Baxter – the fierce female solo artist with a killer voice, whose name is on everyone’s lips. After the imminent success of her previous single ‘Backsliding’, which currently has over 45,000 YouTube views, Scarlet is hot on the heels to release her eagerly anticipated second single; ‘Stuck’. Consisting of a smooth, soothing ballad that allows her to convey dynamic emotions, ‘Stuck’ also allows Scarlet to show off her powerful vocal diversity.

The exciting new track ‘Stuck’ is due for release on the 15^th December. You can listen to it here: https://soundcloud.com/scarletbaxter/stuck

She’s already attracted the attention of some of the top people in the music industry, like the Super Stylers who remixed her previous single, and has made a big name for herself on both her local London scene, and national media.

Drawing on the chilled out RnB influences from her childhood, Scarlet and her co-writers Dominic Ireland, John McLaughlin, Judd Mahoney & Natalie DeLucia have written an amorous track, about being ‘Stuck’ in love with someone who you don’t necessarily want to be with. All the songs are instantly relatable and likable, with aspects of Britpop with a prurient undertone.

Scarlet Baxter Online:

WEB: www.ScarletBaxter.co.uk

TWITTER – @scarletbaxter

FACEBOOK –  www.facebook.com/scarletbaxtermusic

INSTAGRAM – scarletbaxter

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

http://www.vevo.com/watch/scarlet-baxter/backsliding/GBLFP0306904

 

 

Bristol Folk band ‘Apple of My Eye’ are set to sail folk scene with new album ‘Seven Tides’

Exciting and energetic contemporary folk band, ‘Apple Of My Eye’ announce release of new album ‘Seven Tides’, due out 1^st December.  Beautifully arranged epic songs in a unique twist on classic folk themes.

Now living in London, the majority of the band hail from the historic maritime city of Bristol and their songs draw inspiration from both cities and from the sea, a theme that runs throughout their second album. Their engaging storytelling style and four part harmonies explore tales of love, loss, adventure and ruin.

The album was recorded at Cowshed Studios and engineered by the hugely respected folk and jazz engineer Joe Leach. They decided to record the entire thing on 2 inch, 24 track analogue recording tape to give a warmer and richer sound than digital techniques.

Having spent the summer performing at some of the most exciting festivals in the UK, including, Tall Ships Festival Greenwich, Secret Garden Party, Wilderness and headlining Exile festival in Sheffield, the band are flourishing into an exciting folk force, not to be missed.

The band describe their music as “brand new old songs” and collectively generate all their own material drawing on personal experiences and carefully arranging the music on the guitar, bouzouki, violin, double bass, mandolin and harmonica.

Band member Chris Rusbridge lives on a narrow boat on the waterways of London, where often a rehearsal will turn in to a performance as passers by become a listening crowd. No London public house is safe from the spontaneous band. They are well known for bursting into song and entertaining the drinkers of London pubs.

Catch the guys live in action here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsyM68eQux4

The band boasts an impressive hoard of musical talent:

Kit Massey (Violin) and Phil Cornwell (Bass) are both full time professional musicians. Cornwell is the musical director of West End musical “The Scotsboro Boys’’ and Massey  was formally a violinist with the Santiago Philamonia in Chile and has worked as a session musician with artists such as Emile Sande, Dizzie Rascal, Muse and Jamie Cullum. Arran Glass (Vocals and Guitar) and Alex Scott (Mandolin) are both professional Actor-Musicians and Puppeteers who perform and compose the music for a variety of theatre and television. Chris (Bouzouki), Dan (Harmonica) and Ellie Rusbridge (Vocals) are all siblings and come from a rich folk music heritage as their parents met in a folk club and still perform in their own folk band Thornbridge

‘Seven Tides’ is due for release December 1^st.

Links:

www.applesinlondon.com

https://www.facebook.com/applesinlondon

https://twitter.com/applesinlondon

https://soundcloud.com/apple-of-my-eye

Richard Rhys O’Brien is Back with New Single ‘Listenin To You Whistlin’ Off Latest Album ‘Anguneau Sunset’

Newest album from Richard Rhys O’Brien is out now

Singer songwriter Richard Rhys O’Brien has released his second album ‘Anguneau Sunset’ which is available online for all music lovers everywhere. After a successful debut album last year, the new album packs a punch with its entertaining themes of love, life, liberty and contemporary issues.

Out of the blue Richard Rhys O’Brien started songwriting back in 2009, after a career as a global economist and futurist where he also had the privilege of visiting more than 80 countries during this career, but in five years he has released two albums and now working on the third and fourth, his raw talent has quickly progressed into his confident and clean music we hear today. The ‘future folk’ artist’s background as an economist has taught him many things about how the world revolves, inspiring him to write his songs of love and life. Richard’s signature musical style is drawn from legends such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits.

One of his popular tracks from the album is ‘Listenin to you Whistlin’ that reflects the mystery and compulsion of love. This new single has a great relaxing, chilled out tones combined with slight funk vibes; Richard has given us something different in this new song, compared to his last album that was more upbeat.

Get a taste of his new captivating sound now, with its fantastic new video ‘Listenin to you Whistlin’ is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP-C2lvS_nY

Talented professionals joined Richard in the new single; guitarist, Bruce Knapp, bassist, Richard Sadler and drummer, Tony Shepherd and shining vocals of Callie Howard all help create the spectacularly unique sound.

Links

http://richardrhysobrien.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Richard-Rhys-OBrien/128587320578684

https://twitter.com/RROBrien

http://www.youtube.com/user/RichardRhysObrien

Adam Protz Releases Intangible EP – ‘Movements’

 

Pensive four-track EP epitomises meditation and relaxation

Hailing from St Albans after a period of studying in Sheffield, Adam Protz has had several years to perfect his craft of composing. Using delicate piano melodies and intricate instrumentals, Adam Protz has created his beautiful EP ‘Movements’, consisting of four alluring and exquisite tracks. In the past, Adam has written music for films, animated shorts, a dance show, an educational DVD and even a brewery documentary!

Watch his latest video for ‘Movements’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS41YT2sxZ8

Protz has been writing music since the tender age of fifteen and began his journey into music writing heavy rock songs with soft orchestral bridge sections as a contrast, this developed into a desire to write for Hollywood movies. However, after listening to minimalistic meditative piano music, written by the likes of Ludovico Einaudi, Adam soon discovered that he was much more suited to creating emotive music in which he could incorporate his own personality and spirituality.

The lack of lyrics in the music leaves it up to the listener to interpret the piece as they wish. It provokes an emotional reaction and is also incredibly relaxing. The ‘Movements’ EP is proof that lyrics aren’t a necessity to provoke powerful sentimental thoughts.

Protz aims to inspire relaxation and offers the perfect setting for escaping to through his music. A firm believer that the world is over-obsessed with Smart-phones and social networks, Protz encourages listeners, from all walks of life, to return to the roots and escape with him into his musical world of beautiful, elegant minimalism.

‘Movements’ is due for release on the 30^th November.

http://www.adamprotz.com/

www.youtube.com/adamprotzmusic

www.facebook.com/adamprotzmusic

www.soundcloud.com/adam-protz

Twitter – @AdmProtz

 

‘Only One’ the new single from sincere singer-songwriter Jessie Lowes

 

One of Northumberland’s most talented emerging artists, acoustic singer-songwriter, Jessie Lowes is set to release her new single ‘Only One’ November 28^th. Following the success of her last single ‘Stars’, Lowes popularity  has soared as she gains national recognition for her beautiful,  emotive music.

 

True to Lowes style of raw and emotive lyrics, the new track explores the heartbreak of losing someone you love, in an honest and heartfelt manner.

 

Lowes life has not been an easy journey and she has been through a series of testing and turbulent times. Spending some of her early life in foster care, music has always been the one constant in Lowes’ life.

 

Recent years have also been tough on Lowes as she lost her mother of whom she was very close with and has suffered the agony of a marital breakup. The talented Lowes transforms the pain of these torturing times into beautifully moving music that speaks directly from her heart to the audience.

 

An ex-cage fighter and club level rugby player, Lowes’ masculine background contrasts her delicate lyrics and soulful delivery. Lowes music delves into the depths of human emotion and beautifully expresses the pain and beauty of life.

 

Lowes has recently released the video for ‘Only One’. The video aptly captures Lowes heartache, delivering a powerful and moving visual of the raw emotion Lowes emits.

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

 

 

Website: http://jessielowes.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessie-Lowes/166706493351429

Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/jessie-lowes83

‘Good Guy Dies’ Vocalise a Protest against Domestic Abuse with Their Brand New Single ‘Hit Me Back’

Rock/Pop-punk duo ‘Good Guy Dies’ are a fresh new act on the UK music scene, powerfully protesting against injustice and discrimination. Made up of Latvian vocalist Cherry Makej, and guitarist Joe Hodgson from Northern Ireland, the pair have spent the past two years perfecting their sound and style; their album was produced by none other than George De Angelis (Seal, Rod Stewart, LeAnn Rimes).

Listen to ‘Hit Me Back’ here (Video to follow soon!): 

The listening experience can only be described as an eclectic fusion of sounds and genres – think classic rock and punk pop, synthesized with elements of electronica, underpinned by thunderous driving beats. Cherry’s powerful yet sultry vocals are complemented by Joe’s punchy guitar playing with a profusion of razor-sharp riffs. They deliver compelling and electrifying live performances and their stage persona oozes charisma and attitude.

The single ‘Hit Me Back’ is based on a story of a relationship which spirals into domestic violence and confronts the idea that love can be expressed in a relationship through violence. This has been drawn from Cherry’s background, as that particular belief is rife through many Eastern European relationships – a saying in Russia being “if he hits me, he loves me”. This song encourages women all over the world to stop hiding their abuse.

George De Angelis, Ivor Novello award winning songwriter and producer talking of Good Guy Dies:
“I really enjoyed producing the Good Guy Dies album. They have some really great songs and what I like is that they’re not scared to tackle subject matter that other bands either wouldn’t think of, or would be too scared to talk about. I’m thinking particularly of “Hit Me Back” and “Whether She Wants It Or Not”. I also love the fact that they’re always up for experimentation and are always seeking a unique direction; something which gives me great latitude on the production side of things.”

‘Hit Me Back’ is due for release on Friday 14th November.

www.facebook/goodguydies
www.twitter/goodguydies
www.soundcloud.com/good-guy-dies

The Four Fours

New single… Go!

Following the success of their debut single ‘Count to Ten/Messing With History’, the masked trio from Derbyshire are ready to ‘Go’ with their new single due out 27th October.

‘Go’ showcases the band’s melodic side and songwriting ability. The track has an alternative rock edge as well as being infectious and accessible, in keeping with the band’s sound.

The band previously performed in math rock outfit ‘You Slut!’ receiving a host of positive reviews from the likes of Kerrang and Rock Sound. Highlights include performing a session at Maida Vale studios for Huw Stevens on Radio 1.

The Four Fours formed out of an impulse to create direct rock songs, although they also love a bit of mystery. An album is due out in early 2014.

At the time of writing The Four Fours are Alternative Tracks’ artist of the week. The band has received radio play across the UK and US and are gaining popularity across the rock scene. Their first release ‘Count to Ten/Messing With History’ was played by Aaron Phillips on Amazing Radio who continues to support the band with recent airplay.

“The Four Fours pen songs raw and well-crafted, infections and impressive” – Rock Britain

“Fusing heavy rock attitude with ballsy riffs and infectious hook-fuelled supercharged melodies.” – Alternative Tracks

“They know exactly the sound they’re after, and while it is raw and punk-y, it is polished and refined and makes me want to hear more” – Mistree Magazine

thefourfours.com

twitter.com/thefourfours

facebook.com/thefourfours

soundcloud.com/thefourfours

youtube.com/watch?v=EmlbdfezEs4

Irishman Carl Finlay due to release new single ‘So Hard to Be Happy’ 1st December

Irish born singer/songwriter Carl Finlay’s music is guaranteed to be the most unique and infectious thing you are likely to hear this year. An unusual and fresh blend of Folk, Rock and Reggae delivered with a beautiful Irish accent. Citing an eclectic spread of influences from Bob Dylan and James Blake to obscure Reggae and Folk artists, his music manages to be at once strikingly individual while remaining intimate and captivating.

Set for release on the 1st of December, Finlay’s debut single ‘So Hard to Be Happy’, explores the struggle of finding happiness and sincerity amongst the chaos of 21^st century life. His vocal delivery on the track is truly something special, blending a clear influence of modern Jamaican Dancehall M.C’s with subtle echoes of some of the great Irish folk singers. There is also the presence of a Zimbabwean instrument called an Mbira which brings a haunting, earthy and unique flavour to the song.

Born in the countryside of Co. Meath, Ireland, Finlay hasn’t been shy to spread his wings and explore some of the most exciting corners of the world, he has recently returned from the Caribbean and has spent time living in Mexico and Slovakia. His worldly experiences transpire beautifully through his thoughtful and emotive story-telling lyrics.

Watch the music video for ‘So Hard to Be Happy’, an electrifying live performance, here:

Carl Finlay is poised to set the music world alight.  His debut single is due out 1^st December with a full length album set for release in the New Year. The album is crammed full of catchy and infectious songs that speak directly to the heart and soul of the human condition. It’s certainly something not to be missed. The talented Rupert Cobb has been involved with the album’s mastering. Some of Cobb’s previous work includes projects with The Killers, Muse, Massive Attack, Primal Scream and Paul Simon.

Links

Website https://www.facebook.com/carlfinlaymusic

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/carlfinlaymusic

Twitter https://twitter.com/CarlFinlayMusic

Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/carl-finlay