music

What’s The Point Of Music Journalism?

/ James Fenney

It’s been said that writing about music is like dancing about architecture – flawed, futile, even downright ridiculous. People have been criticising the place and purpose of music journalism for as long as journalists themselves have been critiquing music, but its relevancy is getting called into question now more than ever. What authority does a journalist have; what gives their opinion any more weight or validity than anyone else’s? With sales of physical media making up a small percentage of how the public engages with music, reviews don’t provide the consumer friendly role they once did. There’s no money on the line anymore, nothing to lose, you can just press play and decide for yourself. In fact, there’s all the music in the world at your fingertips, available to be listened to anywhere, at any time, at the mere push of a button. So, what role does music journalism actually serve in the age of streaming? Continue reading →

Top Tracks: Del Roscoe – Black Hats

/ James Fenney

The best folk songs are those that feel like they’re telling a story that’s been retold a thousand times. Words of wisdom that get passed down through generations, scary stories flitting from one fireside to another, tales warning about the horrors that lurk just beyond the woods. With ‘Black Hats’, Atlanta based Americana outfit Del Roscoe give voice to a cautionary tale that feels especially apt and timely for the world we find ourselves in. It sees the same old vicious cycle of hatred personified as some skeletal spectre heralding the end times; describing those that peddle fear and lies, stoking mistrust and division, all in order to sate their own greed and desire for control. Nestled within this twisted tale lay sage advice about how best to stand firm against the rising tide of darkness – shoulder to shoulder, in solidarity with one another, and refusing to give an inch. Pairing this prescient message with a wonderfully handcrafted video, with a pop-up book storytelling style and the band sporting uncanny paper mache masks, does wonders to add to the spooky campfire atmosphere. Breathing new life into an old warning that sadly oft needs repeating, ‘Black Hats’ is a story that deserves to be shared far and wide.

Top Tracks: Elina – Scars

/ James Fenney

The way a vinyl record crackles away in the background like white noise. When an artist hits a duff note, or snaps a string. Recordings that capture a singer taking in a breath, or doing their best to choke back tears during an especially emotional ballad. Nothing endears me to a piece of music more than moments of humanity like these. There’s just something so raw, so real, about having those flaws on full display, rather than trying to polish over them and hide them away from the world. If only we could embrace that same mentality when looking at ourselves in the mirror. Swedish singer/songwriter Elina celebrates the beauty in imperfection with her charming new single ‘Scars’. How every scar tells a story, every odd little quirk adds up to make us unique, and to the right person every fault we’d otherwise try our best to hide is what drew them to us in the first place. Teaming up with British singer James TW for this gorgeous duet, their voices intertwine beautifully to deliver a tender message of love and acceptance: “All of your flaws, You make them yours, Has it ever crossed your mind that they are what I love you for“.

Top Tracks: St. Paul & The Broken Bones – Sitting In The Corner

/ James Fenney

There’s such a vast library of music out there that it could take a hundred lifetimes to hear it all. While part of me wishes I had all the time in the world to listen to every single artist who would otherwise slip past my radar, I feel like that would somewhat diminish the joy of discovery. Half the fun of finding something special is knowing that it could have easily slipped through your fingers. Though most of my time is spent championing up and coming artists, often my most thrilling discoveries come from hearing an established act for the first time. Up until now, powerhouse soul ensemble St. Paul & The Broken Bones have managed to pass me by like a ship in the night, but upon hearing ‘Sitting In The Corner’ it feels like I’m just now stumbling upon a band that I was always destined to meet. Those soaring soulful vocals, the rich brass arrangement and sumptuous strings, the boundless energy of the drum beats – it’s just divine. Where has this band been all my life? You’re telling me I have half a dozen records of this splendour to dive into? Marvellous!

Top Tracks: Amelie Lucille – Polar

/ James Fenney

There’s nothing like hearing a voice that just stops you in your tracks. The world grinds to a halt, there is nothing else in that moment. That’s how I felt hearing ‘Polar’ for the first time – and every time since. It doesn’t dazzle me with intricate runs, or by belting out big notes; I’m instead utterly entranced by how assured and effortless it feels. There’s a deep soulful melancholy as dark and rich as a fine wine, coexisting alongside moments as airy and delicate as a dandelion seed carried by the faintest breeze to pastures new. It follows every mournful cry and elegant uplifting swell of the gorgeous string accompaniment as easily as breathing. Everywhere it wanders there’s a comforting warmth to be found. Amelie Lucille’s voice feels like the golden glow of sunset. How it’s able to seep into every leaf, cascade down every roof tile, permeate every crack in the pavement, and in that one moment make the world feel like a more beautiful place. That in itself is something special, but to then emerge from my reverie, and discover that this spellbinding singer is only seventeen, just left me even more awestruck. To have such expressiveness, confidence and emotion in her vocals this early in her musical journey is simply astonishing, and I can’t wait to hear what’s next.