music

Top Tracks: Marquis Malanga – Active Naive

/ James Fenney

Belwood Music is proud to premiere the new video from Swiss band Marquis Malanga. Formerly known as Kamikaze, ‘Active Naive’ is the band’s latest single under their new moniker. Combining tasteful electronica, futuristic soul and plenty of early 80s era David Bowie, the track is perfect for fans of Jungle, Algiers, Alabama Shakes and the new Childish Gambino. The trippy accompanying music video, from director Tatum Rush, is the perfect match for the funky bass and slick guitar tones. It’s rare to find a song so well suited for both chilling out, and getting the party atmosphere going. This track is just such a refreshing collection of sounds that refuses to be pinned down by labels and appeals to a wide selection of musical desires within your mind.

Top Tracks: Joe Innes & The Cavalcade – Moscow

/ James Fenney

When we look back at some of the most memorable and moving music, it is often something very raw and personal, or it carries a deeper message about the world we live in. It’s rare however to find an artist that can bring both aspects together. Singer/songwriter Joe Innes, and his lovingly curated band The Cavalcade, fits perfectly in the centre of that Venn diagram with his own unique brand of ‘Post-Brexit Indie’. His music interweaves his own life experiences with observations of the current state of the world. ‘Moscow’, taken from the upcoming album Foreign Domestic Policy out 26th May, juxtaposes a tale of lost love with the West’s uneasy relationship with Russia, with a sound that is equal parts indie rocker and folk troubadour.

Interview: Chronologist

/ James Fenney

chronologistI must confess that whenever I’m not listening to one of the numerous and wonderful submissions that the site receives, I’m often busy exploring the world of prog rock and prog metal. With the incomparable complexity of the music and the grandiose concepts, there is simply nothing else to rival it in terms of ambition and technical skill. Chronologist, a new band on the scene from Austin, Texas, are proving to be a promising up-and-coming addition to the genre. I spoke with their drummer Zach Sacco about their debut album Cartographer: Continue reading →

Top Tracks: Emma Ballantine – Through Your Eyes

/ James Fenney

I’m always on the lookout for music that follows interesting and moving concepts, and Emma Ballantine’s latest EP Somebody’s Story is a perfect example, bringing together true tales from people around the globe. ‘Through Your Eyes’ shares the story of a 14-year-old boy with autism named James. Aimed at capturing the way he sees the world, it even features samples of his own music. The airy, expansive soundscape, the crystal clear vocals and the arresting lyrics make for one powerful track. Joining stories of true love and chance encounters, it rounds off the EP as a profound and emotive piece of music, portraying an important part of the human condition. It’s easy to speak your own mind, but it’s something all together more challenging to portray another person’s view of the world so delicately, and so beautifully.

Top Tracks: emaé – Better

/ James Fenney

Soulful Scottish singer/songwriter emaé has returned with a brand new single. ‘Better’, taken from her debut album due later this year, is a gospel inspired, piano driven ballad. The track shares a message of reassurance, and of remaining confident and determined in the face of adversity. The song’s sparse arrangement gives room for emaé’s stunning vocals to really shine, and show that she is one of the most talented singers around right now. It’s rare to find such a powerful and moving voice these days, and rarer still for it to be blessed with a song that truly does it justice. Having already been named as “One to watch in 2017” by the MOBO Awards, I can wait to see her grow and blossom into the life-changing artist I know she can be.