Top Tracks: Parmy Dhillon – Friend or Foe

The latest single from this Melbourne based singer/songwriter may follow a well-trodden path, but Parmy Dhillon still leaves his own unique footprint. The acoustic driven Americana of ‘Friend or Foe’, recalling the late Tom Petty in his road-weary vocals, has plenty of heart. This track is like a place of comfort and dependability that you can take with you wherever you go. When we need reassurance in life we return to the familiar; we treat ourselves to lunch at our favourite cafe, we curl up and watch an old film for the hundredth time. That’s what this track is, it’s an everyman song; sometimes you don’t need something big and clever, all you need is a song offering warmth, familiarity and a little piece of home.

Top Tracks: Will Varley – Seven Days

It still seems like 2018 has barely started, and yet January is already half over… where does the time go? That’s exactly the sentiment captured by the new song from acclaimed singer/songwriter Will Varley. ‘Seven Days’, taken from his forthcoming album Spirit Of Minnie out 9th February, speaks of all the wonderful moments that we let slip by when we get too absorbed in living and don’t put enough thought into thriving, into enjoying every step of the journey while we can. The song’s video takes the theme even further, as we follow along on an 8-bit adventure, sharing in  the landmark memories that make life remarkable. While the video may be in black and white, this vibrant folk favourite is sure to inject some colour in your life. Savour this song, before proceeding to savour each new day that life brings you.

Top Tracks: Chiara Berardelli – Deep Space Hibernation

If like me you are drawn to tracks that think outside the box and deal with unique themes then this little gem from Glasgow based artist Chiara Berardelli is just what you need. We all wish sometimes that we could just drift away to escape our problems, but ‘Deep Space Hibernation’ takes that feeling a step further as Chiara seeks to escape the heartache around not being able to have children by fading into unconsciousness in orbit of some distant world. Taken from her upcoming album Seamonster, out 2nd March, the track boasts sublime and elegant orchestration, rich imagery, Chiara’s hushed vocals and tiny subtle hints of psychedelica that recall early Bowie and the Flaming Lips. It’s a wonderfully bittersweet song that I’m sure you’ll love.

Top Tracks: Natalie Shay – This Feeling

Do you ever hear a song that just sets you up in a good mood for the day? ‘This Feeling’ does that and so much more, leaving me with a sense of pride at the new talent emerging in this country and an eager excitement to see what else Natalie Shay has to offer. Natalie has gifted us with an indie pop gem that is as close to perfect as you’re likely to find, capturing the hectic bliss of falling in love and inspiring it within you at the same time as it works its magic on you. The bright riffs, expressive drums and relentless positive energy make this perfect for fans of James Bay, Clean Cut Kid and Sundara Karma… just so long as you don’t mind your favourites being thoroughly beaten at their own game. Even from just this single, I get the impression that Natalie will be the one to watch in 2018.

Top Tracks: Raina Bee and the Hive – Queen of the South

The latest video from soulful New York based singer Raina Bee, and her band the Hive, is certainly not for the faint of heart. Taken from the Stung EP (liking the ongoing theme here), ‘Queen of the South’ offers wild west mariachi vibes and jazzy vintage vocals perfect for fans of Amy Winehouse and Imelda May. If that somehow isn’t enough to win you over, then the video’s bloodthirsty quest for revenge certainly will. As well as taking girl power to whole new levels, Raina’s gory big-game hunting makes The Revenant look like a Disney film as she toys with her bandmates in the woods before brutally murdering them. Not something I’d usually condone, no matter how much they may snore on the tour bus, but you can’t deny it makes for one hell of a music video!

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