One of our Spotlight artists Hannah Grace is on a fast track to the top with her latest single. This wonderful Welsh singer/songwriter gives an electrifying performance with the furious blues anthem ‘Mustang’ which carries a message of being yourself and breaking free of the expectations that weigh you down. ‘Mustang’ is the title track of her latest EP which has been released ahead of her first ever headline UK tour. The music video features Irish actor Ferdia Walsh-Peelo who starred in the standout music movie of the year ‘Sing Street’, and needless to say these two rising talents are a perfect match. Hannah’s stunning and addictive vocals make this one of the best tracks of the year and it marks the next step of her meteoric rise.
top tracks
Top Tracks: SAHARA – Scratch
Ahead of the release of their eponymous debut EP on 29th July, Dundee based band SAHARA have delivered a top class hit single to lure in prospective new fans. Boasting some Johnny Marr-esque guitar work, it ranks amongst the best and most upbeat indie releases of the year and is sure to appeal to fans of Peace, Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club. Beneath it’s exterior awash with pop mentality beats a jangly yet intricate instrumental heart with some bright vocals to boot. Already one of Scotland most exciting new bands their influence and fanbase are all set to expand and I can see a long career ahead of them.
Top Tracks: Happy Diving – Holy Ground
Hailing from the suburbs of San Francisco, Happy Diving deliver a visceral injection of no-holds-barred garage rock. Their latest single ‘Holy Ground’ captures so much in just an intense couple of minutes. Brimming with both passion and aggression it takes a deep and melodic song and drenches it in the warm fuzz of feedback to create a tempestuous track that is equal parts primal aggression and artful grace. This viciously addictive high-octane hit is one of the most gutsy and glorious songs of the year thus far. The band’s latest album Electric Soul Unity is out 19th August via Topshelf Records.
Top Tracks: Keaton Henson – Alright
One of Britain’s best kept musical secrets has new music on the way. Championed by Zane Lowe and rightly considered in the same light as folk genius Nick Drake, Keaton Henson has released the lead single from his upcoming album Kindly Now which is released 16th September. It is a glorious return to his roots after dabbling in classical music on Romantic Works and with electronica on his side project Behaving. It is another example of the transcendent beauty that we have come to expect from one of the most underrated songwriters in the world.
Top Tracks: Shenna – So Low
New York based indie pop and alternative R&B singer/songwriter Shenna has brought together a diverse range of styles on her latest single from her upcoming album Made of Gold. Starting with a simple guitar intro it soon builds into a hypnotic mix of electronica and undulating synths. Even dabbling with Eastern influences, this deceptively simple pop hit is more complex than it first appears. Carrying a message of strength and independence, and sinfully addictive as all good hits should be, ‘So Low’ could easily be the first step towards Shenna’s chart topping future.
Top Tracks: Nicky Davey – Oxygen
Soulful duo Nick Green and Dave Rosser have certainly made a good first impression with the lead single from their upcoming debut album XXX. The slow and sensual R&B of ‘Oxygen’ has an irresistible appeal. The silky smooth soul and the layered electronics come together to create something both soothing and passionate. Depending on your mood it works perfectly as both ambient easy listening and for something a bit more hot-blooded and impassioned. These L.A. lads have a track that is immaculately produced and have emerged into the limelight with a hit in the making. If it’s single is anything to go by then this double act’s debut is definitely something to look forward to.
Top Tracks: Samm Henshaw – Our Love
The winner of Belwood Music’s inaugural Spotlight! award for best new artist is back with his latest single. The minimal rhythm and blues of ‘Our Love’ is another infectious feel good hit for Britain’s best new up and coming soul man. Paired with the video which shows off his energy and enthusiasm as he performs with his band, Samm is on to another winner. ‘Our Love’ is the first track from his upcoming EP The Sound Experiment 2 which is out 15th July. If the first experiment is anything to go by then it is a date worth jotting down.
Top Tracks: Joshua Luke Smith – Carry Me
This young wordsmith carries a message that transcends borders and genres. A passionate poet, accomplished producer and philosophy graduate, Joshua has battled through adversity but has refused to let anything hold him back. His story is reflected in his latest single ‘Carry Me’, that no matter how hard things get there is always a way back home. That the people who care about you are the pillars that hold you up above the darkness, and we each have more strength within ourselves that we realise. With such striking lines as “I didn’t come to preach I came to release cages” Joshua has wisdom far beyond his years and his way with words has made him an increasingly inspirational voice. His music is moving and heartfelt and definitely something that the world needs more of.
Top Tracks: Radiohead – Burn The Witch
The most hotly anticipated album of the year is another step closer as Radiohead have released the first single off their as yet untitled ninth album. ‘Burn The Witch’ opts for a mesmerising yet sinister orchestral sound which is a marked departure from the electronica of their previous album The King of Limbs. The music video features a stop-motion retelling of The Wicker Man. Prior to it’s release the band teased fans with snippets of the video, leaflets in the post, and by deleting content from their social media. Only time will tell if the album lives up to expectations.
Top Tracks: Mumford & Sons, Baaba Maal, The Very Best and Beatenberg – There Will Be Time
Having already broken away from their folk origins and ventured into indie rock for their latest album Wilder Mind, Mumford & Sons are continuing their search for new sounds. Conceived on their sell-out tour of South Africa the band have collaborated with Senegalese singer/songwriter Baaba Maal, London based DJ duo The Very Best and South African pop group Beatenberg. The coming together of artists from such different backgrounds to work together unreservedly is really heart warming. The different styles integrate perfectly and evoke an unbridled sense of energy, unity and joy in what they have created. The collaboration’s EP Johannesburg, which was recorded in just two days, is released 17th June.
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