Belwood Music Awards 2017

belwood awardsSo here we are, another year over and a chance to look back on all that 2017 has brought us. Thank you to all of you that have supported Belwood this past year; our readers, industry colleagues and all the wonderfully talented bands and artists that have shared their music. Before we look forward to all that 2018 has to offer, lets take a moment to cherish some of the most memorable music from the past twelve months: Continue reading

Top Ten Albums of 2017

top ten albumsIt’s that time of year again where we look back on all the amazing music the past twelve months have given us and gather together the ten highest rated albums on the site in 2017. This has been the closest year yet for albums, and with some Belwood favourites like Algiers and Wolf Alice missing out on the top ten, it’s also been a year that has offered its fair share of surprises.  Continue reading

Top Ten EPs of 2017

top ten epsWe’ve had top lists of singles and albums since the site started, but we’ve neglected an increasingly important part of the music industry: EPs. They are a chance for new artists to show the world what they are all about, and hence by looking at EPs we can see where music is headed and who might just be the next big thing. They also offer an opportunity for established artists to take a chance and explore something new without dedicating all their effort to a full album. Simply put, EPs are the lifeblood of the music industry, and here are the ones that impressed most in the past year:  Continue reading

Top Ten Videos of 2017

top ten videosI have a bit of a love-hate relationship with music videos. Sometimes they feel like a relic of the MTV days that we cling to because everyone else is doing them. Other times however, you find such a well conceived and brilliantly executed video that reminds you how they sometimes still have the power to make a band or artist a household name. There’s been a fair few great videos in 2017, and here’s a run-down of some of the best: Continue reading

Top Ten Songs of 2017

top ten songsHope you all had a lovely Christmas! It’s that time of year again; as 2017 draws to a close we’ll be talking about Belwood’s highlights of the year gone by, starting with our favourite songs. It’s been no easy task to whittle it down to just ten tracks, there’s been a lot of outstanding music released this past year. With a healthy mix of acts both old and new, large and small, it’s our strongest list yet. Hopefully you can find a few hidden gems here that you missed first time around, or just jam along all over again!  Continue reading

Top Tracks: Will Varley – Statues

If you need a heartwarming track to help you snuggle up on these cold winter nights, then the latest single from singer/songwriter Will Varley is just what the doctor ordered. Taken from his upcoming album Spirit Of Minnie, out 9th February, ‘Statues’ is a laid back slice of Americana boasting a rich musical palette of airy slide guitar, quiet contemplative folk and Will’s gritty vocals. Lyrically it talks about feeling stuck in a particular place and time, longing for change, but should you find yourself stuck with this sublime song on repeat I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the perfect song to get lost in and forget about life for a while, and there’s sure to be more great tracks just like it on the way in the new year.

Interview: Mark Stoermer

mark stoermerIt’s truly been a stand-out year for stunning solo albums from members of big established bands. One of the main highlights was the surreal psychedelic soundscapes and theatrical lyricism of Filthy Apes and Lions from The Killers bassist Mark Stoermer. Creating colourful worlds and spinning sinister stories, it was one of the most surprising releases of the year. Belwood Music was lucky enough to catch up with Mark over the phone and ask a few quick questions about his new solo record, as well as talk about The Killer’s new album Wonderful Wonderful: Continue reading

Top Tracks: Winter Mountain – Platinum and Gold

If some celestial visitor with no experience of humanity and it’s art asked for some examples what would you give them? If you had sum up what folk, in particular that indefinable Americana sound, was all about in one song, you’d present a damn good case with the new single from Winter Mountain. It has all the musical elements you’d expect; resplendent guitar tones, a warm welcoming atmosphere, and vocals that find the perfect mid-point between gritty and uplifting. More than that however, the music reflects part of the human spirit. The video is a perfect fit with its crashing waves and roaring campfire, as if you just close your eyes you naturally imagine just such a scene. Music says a lot about an artist, but sometimes it’s nice to find a song that lets you sit back and see the bigger picture, and think of the art that’s in all of us.