Tom Petty passes away

/ James Fenney

Shortly after concluding the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour, Americana icon Tom Petty died aged 66 after suffering cardiac arrest. With his band The Heartbreakers he penned such hits as ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’, ‘Free Fallin’ and ‘Learning To Fly’, which helped him become arguably the quintessential Americana artist and inspire generations of songwriters. He also played a vital role as part of The Travelling Wilburys, quite possibly the greatest “supergroup” ever assembled. His work is so deeply ingrained in American culture that it’s difficult to say just how far-reaching his influence was. This much-loved bastion of heartland rock will be sorely missed.

Top Tracks: Glen Hansard – Time Will Be The Healer

/ James Fenney

Few people live and breathe music the way that Glen Hansard does. He pours every last ounce of his heart and soul into his music, and the reassuring rise and fall of ‘Time Will Be The Healer’ is no exception. This lead single from his third solo album Between Two Shores, out 19th January, is some of his most arresting and heartwarming work yet, and also marks the first time Glen has produced an album himself. Glen is one of those artists that will always win your heart; it’s inevitable. Whether you’re a fan eagerly awaiting more wondrous music from the man himself, or you’re looking for a starting point to delve into one of the most underrated singer/songwriters going, Between Two Shores looks to be one of the early highlights of next year. Till then, this track will be in heavy rotation!

Spotlight!: Lots Holloway

/ James Fenney

lots hollowayFollowing on from her bewitching single ‘Stay A Little Longer‘ earlier in the year, multi-instumentalist Lots Holloway is back to delight with her debut EP. Raised in a small town in Cornwall, before moving to London to hone her work, she has meticulously crafted these songs in her own unique style and carefully controlled every single aspect of her creations. The sweet expanse of ‘Slow Down’ shares a moral of savouring every moment of this fleeting life, while the superb bass tones of ‘Berry Bones’ are reminiscent of Bowie’s ‘Ashes To Ashes’. ‘Love Me’ sees Lots at her most infectious and accessible, while the stripped back ‘Between You And Me’ shows a whole new side to her, vulnerable and pleading. It’s a stark contrast to the venom infused vocals and experimental soundscapes of her previous single, and really shows Lots’ adaptability as an artist and as a songwriter. This self-taught and single-minded singer/songwriter showcases her talents with passion and purpose. Determined to carve out her own path, Lots is one to watch.

Fans of Lorde, PJ Harvey, Angel Olsen and Halsey should check out her debut EP Slow Down out 4th October.

Top Tracks: Maggie Szabo – Don’t Give Up

/ James Fenney

Canadian singer/songwriter Maggie Szabo is back with perhaps her most soulful and moving effort yet. ‘Don’t Give Up’, the first single from her upcoming EP Worthy, shares a  heartfelt message of understanding and compassion. Penned as an anthem for the LGBT community and those struggling to understand their place in the world, its video shares a poignant story of a transgender student attending prom. It’s the kind of track that offers a voice to those unable to raise their own, acceptance to those feeling lost and alone, and an empowering spark to those battling conformity. Maggie has outdone herself here; finding exactly the right words to say and wrapping them up in such a sweeping soulful package, to provide an uplifting opus for the forgotten and downtrodden who just want to be themselves.