Photo by Serdar Genç
One of the best things about running a music blog is that feeling of finding something special. When you find a new artist that you love, when you hear a song or album that just blows you away, that’s one of the best feelings in the world and one that I’m lucky enough to experience on a regular basis. Turkish band Skysketch are the latest such discovery, with their stunning concept album Fox Wedding securing a place as one of the standout releases of the year. I chatted with the band to find out more about their brilliant debut record: Continue reading
It seems there’s no rest for the wicked… wickedly talented that is. Following the success of her debut album What If We Never Forget earlier this year, Austrian singer/songwriter AVEC is already gearing up to release a new record this autumn. Heaven / Hell promises to expand on the ethereal folk soundscapes and therapeutic lyricism that made the debut so spellbinding, as well as secure her place as one of the best new acts to emerge in 2018. I caught her ahead of her first UK appearance at The Great Escape to ask about the new record. 
It’s always a delight to see artists that you admire grow and achieve great things. Sheffield based duo Ophelia have quickly become firm Belwood favourites, and their eagerly anticipated debut has set the year off in fine form and is sure to stand as one of the most memorable releases of 2018. Heartwarming Americana, folk as delicate as some flickering candle flame, and haunting gothic rock are all to be found within Blackbox Memories. I’ve been looking forward to interviewing Ophelia for some time now, and it struck me as the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into their new record: 
It’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: 
During their debut headline tour, I managed to pinch a few minutes of London-based rising stars ISLAND’s time, to ask them some questions. I very nearly missed the pleasure of getting to interview them though, as when I arrived they were seconds from leaving the venue in order to get some food. Instead of going hungry, the boys very kindly invited me along. After a long dispute on what food to order, the band members finally decided on what appeared to be a “small feast”. Once the food was all ordered, the boys were in good spirits and ready to answer my questions (although I think they were just excited to finally eat!) 
Belwood favourites Amber Run have had one hell of a year. Their new album For A Moment, I Was Lost somehow surpassed their stunning debut with the greatest of ease, and secured them a place in my mind as the touchstone of gold standard indie rock. It saw them explore a more mature sound, and showcased the band firing on all cylinders. Following on from their incredible record, and in between their busy tour schedule, they’ve somehow found time to record a new acoustic EP. I had a quick chat to frontman Joe Keogh about the band’s whirlwind year: 
Blending solid musicality with enormous stage personality, Bearstronaut are the answer to the demand for better dance music. Hailing from Boston, the four members of Bearstronaut have been working hard; not to set a place for themselves within a current genre precedent, but rather to set their own standard, as well as invite listeners to be a part of the celebration. Sometimes jubilant and exclamatory, other times soulful and expressive, the band’s first album Telecoast, has delivered the brilliant introduction to what promises to be an exciting body of work. After having experienced Bearstronaut at a recent show in Los Angeles, I was excited to speak more with charismatic frontman, Dave Martineau, about the album, the band’s recent successes, and about what comes next: 
Boston’s Bent Knee have to be the most remarkable and unparalleled band to emerge this past decade. Their genre bending music defies all expectations and classifications like no other act I know, and their new record Land Animal takes their inventive art rock to new heights. Already set to be one of the finest albums of the year, I just had to talk to the band about their latest creation. I was lucky enough to chat to astonishing frontwoman Courtney Swain about the record: 
2017 is turning out to be a spectacular year for music, and it’s getting to the point where it’s hard to pick out favourites. I have no doubt in my mind however that Brighton band Common Tongues have released one of the strongest debuts of the year. Their eclectic album Divisions shifts with the greatest of ease between genres, providing a whistle-stop tour of everything from folk to electronica, indie to prog. Naturally I just had to chat to them about their fantastic new record: 
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