Judged solely on her gorgeous, silky smooth vocals Mariam is a phenomenally talented artist and certainly one to watch. However look beyond her fantastic voice and you’ll find that this South London based singer/songwriter has a lot more to offer. Songs such as her debut single ‘Be There For Me’ has all the hooks you could want for a big hit alongside meaningful lyricism and heartfelt storytelling. On tracks like the folk inspired ‘Running’ it becomes apparent that she has a way with weaving her innermost thoughts and emotions into a rich musical tapestry, creating a profoundly passionate yet accessible work of art. Musically a diverse and expansive backdrop takes the songs to new heights with all the hints of pop, folk and soul building up to create an inviting and addictive atmosphere. Here we find an artist that can create something truly beautiful that speaks to some deep down part within all of us. I doubt it will be long until Mariam is selling out venues across the country and has Jools Holland rushing to call.
Fans of Belwood favourites Samm Henshaw, Eryn Allen Kane and Rationale should check out Mariam’s debut EP Heart to Heart, which is out 4th November.
Legendary songwriter Bob Dylan has been announced as the surprise recipient of the 2016 Nobel prize in literature. The longstanding Swedish institution awarded the folk icon with the prestigious prize “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. Widely considered the greatest living songwriter, his selection has been met with divided opinion with some praising the choice and others questioning the bold move to award the prize to a songwriter for the first time in the institution’s history. Regardless of what it means for the Nobel prize there is no doubting Bob Dylan’s incredible impact to the world of music and there can surely be no other songsmith more worthy of such praise.
Seasick Steve – Keepin’ The Horse Between Me And The Ground
One of the best ways to become a truly influential and captivating band is to master a wide range of styles and genres and flick between them with the greatest of ease. As you can imagine that is a lot easier said than done, but Banana High are certainly on the right track. Their music is the curious lovechild of ska and post-hardcore, combining two very different genres to create something truly unique. The reggae infused tracks like ‘Little Time Away’ and ‘People Make Money (Make The World Go Round)’ have an irresistibly danceable groove and the band’s aesthetic is full of carefree fun. Songs like ‘Still In Disguise’ with it’s gritty yet slick harmonies and ‘All That We Are’ with it’s complex rhythms showcase the band’s darker side. On paper this combination shouldn’t work but yet here we are! It certainly helps matters that the band show a very high standard of musicianship, particularly the virtuoso guitar work that in places has subtle hints of flamenco. With a second EP on the way later this year we can all look forward to more of Banana High’s fascinating musical fusion.
Alter Bridge – The Last Hero
Belwood Music 