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Louisa Rowley Explains What It Feels ‘To Be Me’

rightchord — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 08:39:22 +0000

In her latest release for 2024, blues and soul artist Louisa Rowley delves into her personal struggles with anxiety and autism through her emotive new track, To Be Me.

Louisa Rowley – To Be Me

Based in Southeast England, 24-year-old singer-songwriter Louisa Rowley skillfully blends traditional blues, soul, and jazz with contemporary arrangements. This unique fusion creates a sound that resonates with both seasoned and new fans alike. Rowley’s influences are diverse, drawing inspiration from icons such as Amy Winehouse, Elvis Presley, Stephen Sanchez, and Bonnie Raitt.

Following the success of her previous single, A Peaceful Retirement, which garnered over 7,000 streams since its February release, Rowley presents To Be Me. This track stands out for its heartfelt and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of her emotional journey.

In To Be Me, Louisa Rowley delves into a deeply personal theme that many can relate to. Written just months before her autism diagnosis at age 23, the song highlights the challenges faced by individuals, particularly women, living with autism. Rowley uses this track to share her own experiences and shed light on the broader difficulties of navigating life with this condition.

Produced by Richard Marc, To Be Me seamlessly blends classic and modern elements, featuring Marc’s bluesy chords alongside Louisa Rowley’s ukulele. The track’s slow tempo and captivating guitar hook create a mesmerizing ambience, enhanced by jazzy instrumentation and Rowley’s enchanting vocals. It’s the perfect song to close your eyes and immerse yourself in its rich, absorbing sound.

“To Be Me is a compelling musical gem, marked by gifted vocals and a profound message“.

As the second single from Louisa Rowley’s upcoming debut EP, To Be Me highlights her exceptional talent and emotional depth. With these two impressive releases, anticipation for the full EP is already building.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Dimitri Loizos Breaks No Sweat On ‘Make Up Your Mind’

rightchord — Fri, 17 May 2024 06:56:32 +0000

Discover Dimitri Loizos old-school blues jam

Dimitri Loizos – ‘Make Up Your Mind’

‘I wonder how you can treat a man so rough…’ opens Dimitri Loizos on ‘Make Up Your Mind’. We’re in classic blues territory, and as tradition goes, the root of the trouble is a lover. It’s never quite explained exactly what went wrong in this relationship, but it’s more of a sit-back and soak-in-the-vibes kind of track.

Dimitri Loizos is a guitarist, composer and songwriter with Greek heritage, currently based in London. This latest tune comes ahead of his next EP ‘Back To The Blues’, due for release this summer.

‘Make Up Your Mind’ is a late-night classic blues track, light on the words and heavy on the solos, but drenched in ambience.

‘Honey, all you do is cause me trouble’ sing Loizo’s vintage-influenced lyrics as he exhorts his love to ‘make up your mind’. He begs through the song, promising to ‘sing his heart out for you’, but there’s a suspicion he might be better off alone – at least his ‘guitar won’t tell no lies’. Listeners looking for a richer narrative may be left wanting here, but it’s all delivered with Loizos’s deliciously soulful melodies and assured, silky lead vocals.

The production focuses, naturally, on the sultry, bluesy guitar. Solid bass and chugging drums glue the track together, with some dreamy strummed chords and skittering piano lines to flesh it out. There are plenty of instrumental breaks, to give you that late-night, jam session feel. At over 6 minutes, this might be too long for some, but fans of classic artists like B.B King will find something to enjoy here.

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Words Eden Tredwell

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Ella Joy Brings The Blues On ‘Beat You at Your Own Game’

rightchord — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:43:38 +0000

Bringing back the blues: Ella Joy releases a sizzling new single, “Beat You at Your Own Game”.

Ella Joy – Beat You at Your Own Game

Showcasing exceptional talent at only nineteen years of age, Australian mixed-rock artist Ella Joy is set to be a very prominent name in the country’s alternative and blues rock scene.

Playing regular gigs around the southeast, Ella Joy is building a loyal fanbase through her bold songwriting and exploration into various genres. Writing and producing all of her own work, she tackles rich universal experiences testament to her youth. A student at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where faculty members include Dr. Andy Ward (Gold Record Winning) and Lachlan Gould (producer for Powderfinger and two-time ARIA award winner), Ella is completely immersing herself in music personally, academically and professionally.

Co-produced by her father, Scott Mathison, Ella Joy gave us an insight into being raised in such a musical household:

“Growing up, I was always the kid who had no idea who any of the popular music artists were, or which song was number one. Dad always had artists like Dire Straits, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix playing throughout the house, we never listened to the radio but rather picked our music from an overfilled CD case. Everyone in my family played an instrument, even my grandfather who as an 83-year old still gigs to this day. I started on violin and flute in school, and it didn’t take long for me to find guitar, seeing as my dad played it religiously”.

“Beat You at Your Own Game” takes a different shape than her previous single, “Never Fascinated”. Moving away from a folk-driven style, the song combines a sultry blues atmosphere and a candid lyrical approach to create a contemporary style still authentic to the blues. Featuring drums by Brett Newman, Ella Joy delves into the age-old experience of being a young person thrown into the real world. Also tackling the topic of narcissism, Ella Joy sings for a whole generation through this revenge-style track.

“An absolute treat for fans of Larkin Poe, Gráinne Duffy and Elles Bailey. Ella Joy is an exciting contemporary rock artist who is not afraid to explore music. Each new release tells us that there is something for everyone in her sound!”

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Words by Rhí McPhelim

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Francesca Luker Releases Genre Fluid Track ‘Nobody Seems’

rightchord — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:09:44 +0000

Francesca Luker, who gained recognition after appearing on The Voice Kids UK in 2017, is now set to elevate her music to greater heights with her latest single, ‘Nobody Seems.’

Francesca Luker – Nobody Seems

Francesca, a Bristol-based artist, began her musical journey at a young age. In 2017, she successfully enchanted the three judges on The Voice Kids UK, causing them to turn their chairs, and has since continued to leave a mark on people with her ethereal voice. Following the triumph of her debut EP ‘Take Me Down’ and her 2022 hit ‘Some Things Don’t Change’, Francesca Luker is ready to unveil more of her exceptional talent in 2023.

She was deeply involved in the sounds of soul, jazz, and blues legends since she was little, as well as the funk and R&B beats of the 1990s, including Mary J Blige, The Brand New Heavies, and Lauryn Hill. With her newest single, she takes inspiration from the likes of Willow Smith, H.E.R, and London Grammar.

‘Nobody Seems’ is a fusion of genres, featuring Francesca’s commanding vocals, a grooving bassline, expressive piano, and dynamic drumming reminiscent of live performance, all powered by distorted electric guitars. At a certain point in the song, the plucking of an acoustic guitar can be heard, and it gives off a bit of a Latin vibe. It also features a plethora of musical inputs, which add to its unique and distinctive sound.

“Breaking the boundaries of traditional genres, ‘Nobody Seems,’ is a sound that defies classification whilst creating a new and exciting musical experience.”

This eclectic music aims to articulate the singer’s challenges in seeking a peaceful mental state amidst a chaotic world while navigating healthy relationships as a neurodivergent woman. Undoubtedly, Francesca was able to match her evocative lyrics with her powerful and rich timbre. Her captivating delivery and belting during the chorus were utterly spellbinding, and as the track drew to a close, a searing guitar riff elevated the song into a thrilling rock anthem.

Francesca Luker is more than just the girl who wowed audiences on The Voice Kids UK. She has a string of new singles set for release in 2023, building up to an eagerly anticipated EP. Her incredible talent is not to be missed, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

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Words Abby Teodosio

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Marcus Valance Declares The Whole World’s Gone Mad

rightchord — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 06:11:15 +0000

A brave and courageous response to the villainy in the World, discover ‘The Whole World’s Gone Mad’ by Marcus Valance.

Marcus Valance – The Whole World’s Gone Mad

Have you ever heard the proverb “A talented person is talented in everything?” This applies to Marcus Valance. Travelling around the world and being a professional photographer, he captures feelings, emotions and vitality in his pictures. His photos from poor provincial streets and rich industrial areas carry the same feeling – the joy and beauty of life, the perfection of its moment, even if they are not the best living conditions. The same applies to his music which showcases his talent with warm indie folk tinged with blues and country influences that signals hope for a brighter future.

His new release ‘The Whole World`s Gone Mad’ is a guilty verdict to the entire world for its weakness to succumb to aggression, destroying human lives for the sake of personal gain. Yet even in the thickest and most distant darkness a ray of light will appear for those who seek help. It starts very distantly and modestly, like a bard’s desperate song near a campfire in a post-apocalyptic world.

However, then, over time, it grows with branches upwards, filled with a symphony orchestra, percussion and climaxes. The song is not only very emotional and polished but also very skillfully varied, ranging from quiet and low landscapes to high plains and flower fields.

Marcus’ voice – thoughtful, deep and relatively low – is somewhat reminiscent of Tom Waits, but he is not as street and barefoot. The severity in his voice and intonation emphasizes the condemnation and unacceptability of any violence in the world and his hostility to this savagery yet with the determination to fight and move on, despite any obstacles ahead.

The Whole World`s Gone Mad is a truly powerful song that has absorbed the energy of its creator and directed it to the fight against evil. Those eyes and glances that Marcus Valance captured in his photos are the symbol of this song. All of them are waiting for peace and tranquillity, longing for better times and hungry for goodness and solidarity.

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Words Otis Cohan Mone

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Lewis Ross-Robson Everything’s Gone ‘Black Again’

rightchord — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:59:32 +0000

Everything’s gone ‘Black Again’ with Lewis Ross-Robson. Strange jazz-folk fusion, with a side of depression it’s not as bleak as it sounds honest.

Lewis Ross-Robson ‘Black Again’

Emotionally, ‘Black Again’ resembles nothing so much as the ramblings of a lost man – the slumped stranger on the bar, the friend-of-a-friend who suddenly lets you in on their darkest secrets. It is uncomfortable, and a little heartbreaking, but certainly true to life.

Lewis Ross-Robson is a Manchester-based artist who cites his main influences as Stephen Fretwell, Michael Nau and Adrianne Lenker. This latest single marks a return to releasing after a three-year musical hiatus.

‘Black Again’ is a hypnotic, stream-of-consciousness ode to melancholy, wrapped up in a fusion of folk, jazz and blues.

‘I can still hear them walking around me’, sing the haunting, troubled lyrics. The narrator seems to be begging for release from his own dreams and demons – ‘Dreams coming back again, where I fall and I’m stuck…make me go black again.’ All of this is combined with tumbling melodies and raw vocals smashed together with a strange reverb – the effect is compelling, if disturbing.

The production begins comfortably with folk-singer-songwriting a thrumming guitar, yet takes an unexpected turn when a moody, bluesy bass and a brush drumkit enter – suddenly we’re in late-night jazz territory. Add to that some surprisingly colourful keyboard chords, and it builds to a trance-like effect. Lewis Ross-Robson has definitely created a track worth checking out for its unique identity and eclectic combination of influences – though perhaps it is best saved for when you’re not feeling too angsty.

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Words Eden Tredwell

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First Signs of Love No 222 – wht.rbbt.obj

rightchord — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 08:46:37 +0000

Discover Chicago’s wht.rbbt.obj our latest First Signs of Love featured artist. Our First Signs of Love feature is about the moment you find a new artist to love, and you simply can’t get enough. Discover more from our archive.

wht.rbbt.obj – Once More Dow The Rabbit Hole

The style of the Chicago married couple Francis & River, who work under the name wht.rbbt.obj, has been developed bit by bit since 2019, with the outstanding ‘Jolene’s Reply’ worthy of further exploration. (see video below).

‘Once More Down The Rabbit Hole’ was formed under the influence of blues, sharp hard rock and dramatic gangster films, the mixture presses on the listener with its impudence, pretentiousness, the smell of fumes, frowns from under cowboy hats, the steel sound of a revolver drum and hopelessness. Oh, poor Alice, who by great misfortune wandered into this dark forest…

Their heroes are unfriendly and mentally broken, life makes them hold on to the smallest glimpses of light in their souls stained with cinder and blood. All the associations and memories in the head are mixed together into an annoying picture of life, the images are surreal and evil. From the very beginning, the song creeps up to the listener little by little from behind, in order to grab him by the neck at the very end and drag him down the rabbit hole. And this endless fall, the climax of this brutal noir novel is emphasized by the adrenaline howl of the guitars, vocals breaking on the last breath and the constant raising of the stakes.

‘Once More Down The Rabbit Hole’ by wht.rbbt.obj is brutal and a tragic-noir, full of desperate images and Stockholm Syndrome, which somehow manages to also be both stylish and seductive.

The skill of the musicians to build a gradual development of the story in front of the listener should be admired. The song starts with ambient dirty guitar structures, groovy basslines, romantically pathetic Janis Joplin vocals, and later it all grows step by step into a whole explosion of flying petals, bullets, and curses. ‘Once More Down The Rabbit Hole’ is cruel and unforgivable, but also damn stylish. She seems to beckon you to her, like a mermaid in a delusional dream, to steal with her to the bottom and no one will hear your call for help.

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Words Otis Cohan Mone

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Jed Potts & The Hillman Hunters Keep The Blues Alive On ‘Swashbucklin’

rightchord — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 08:33:51 +0000

Since 2008, the Scottish project known as Jed Potts & The Hillman Hunters has entertained audiences with their traditional Blues sound, keeping alive one of the most fundamental music genres with a fresh and young twist.

Jed Potts & The Hillman Hunters

Their newest LP Swashbucklin is a work where this trio has surpassed expectations, bringing some of their most solid and cohesive performances to date.

This triplet of performers from Edinburgh, Scotland, is comprised of Jed Potts (guitar/vocals), Jonny Christie (bass), and Charlie Wild (drums). Over the last 10+ years, they have mastered their craft, performing at many festivals and opening for acts such as Ian Siegal, Nimmo Brothers, and The Hoax, to name a few.

Their sound is a well-rounded homage to classic American Blues, standing out due to their flawless performances.

These young lads take a lot of pride in the recording process of their music, which differs a lot from the modern standards, as Jed himself explains:

“Most blues music these days, or even music in general, is recorded in a pretty sterile way. In other words, every instrument is recorded separately, with vocals and solos added on top. Our music was recorded almost entirely live (including vocals and solos) with everyone playing together. There’s a lot of mic spillage and roughness, which adds to the excitement.”

And is that rawness and peculiar way to develop their style what makes this nine-track album such an enjoyable experience being an absolute gem of this genre.

This record opens with the second official single and self-titled track Swashbucklin, which embodies what The Hillman Hunters are all about, sonically speaking. If there is a song that works perfectly at Introducing this band to new listeners, it would be this one. With its syncopated patterns, addictive riffs, and mind-blowing solos, this piece classifies as Blues excellence.

This formidable instrumentation and dexterity repeat itself in tracks like It Won’t Be Long and The Fastest Outlaw, displaying Jed’s jaw-dropping guitar shredding, as well as his creative songwriting, capable of depicting engaging stories through his music, complemented by a sublime rhythm section courtesy of Charlie and Jonny.

Splash-Down! Take us through a more refreshing route (get it? Splash? Refreshing? Ok, never mind…), functioning as a fun instrumental piece with a more dynamic pacing that almost feels like a proto surf rock melody, tailor-made for a sunny day at the beach.

Won’t Be No Use is perhaps one of the most versatile chapters on this auditive journey, taking a slightly different approach, having a slower tempo at the beginning, gradually increasing the speed as the song progresses, and ending in a calm and extremely satisfying way.

Swashbucklin is a fantastic throwback to the golden era of Blues, fun, captivating, and highly appealing thanks to its astonishing musicianship.

This album is a success in many aspects. Not only it’s a gratifying addition to the already brilliant discography of this band, but it also represents a new achievement in terms of composition, taking the skills of this outfit to new exciting grounds. This act has proved they know how to do Blues the right way.

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Words Javier Rodriguez

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Alaska Blue Embrace The Melancholy On ‘Blue Shelter’

rightchord — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:10:46 +0000

Tactile senses of introverted uncertainty inside the Blue Shelter by Alaska Blue.

Alaska Blue – Blue Shelter

In their new song, Italian duo Alaska Blue embody the melancholy and sadness of those people we always pass by.

This world is not designed for introverts. The one who screams the loudest will be heard and the opinion that was proved with foam at the mouth and the most sweeping gestures will be accepted as the truth. It’s a cruel truth, but that’s the way it is, that’s the kind of world we’ve built.

And after all, we never think about what these same introverts have to do when no one wants to listen to them? After all, the most valuable and balanced thoughts are never spoken loudly and are addressed only to those who have won the trust of such people through hard work. I feel a certain pleasure in this when the person who is closed to everyone else opens up to you. You definitely do know these persons, with a treasure chest in their souls and the key to it in their hearts. But for me personally, the most interesting question is what happens inside such people? What do they think about, how do they think and what colours do their souls play?

The protagonist of the song “Blue Shelter” is just such a person. They drown in torture and obsessive thoughts, their words have no meaning for anyone, even for themselves. They try to find suitable excuses and phrases to be heard, but nothing comes of them. And when despondency and depression once again fall on them, they are mysteriously transported to a modest place where no one speaks, but everyone understands each other. This is probably precisely the very “Blue Shelter”, which is the song’s name.

I wonder, how it would be if words were all we need?

At least, these are the associations that this song evoked in me. Although who knows, perhaps it was precisely such an atmosphere that the Italian duo «Alaska Blue» built for the listener. In any case, we can definitely say that these two skillfully know how to design interiors in your ears, and very few musicians can do this. «Blue Shelter» – a very tactile song that gropes you, tries to smell danger in you, and only after it is convinced that you are unarmed – it will let you in, in the very place where you can be understood without words and facial expressions.

This song was nurtured on the streets of noisy, passionate and joyful Italy, then grew stronger during travels and street performances at narrow intersections, near bakeries and jewellers, but all this grew into the completely opposite side of human souls in it – not into a thirst for happiness, but into a state when you want to be silent and say much more with this silence than any words could. And combined with minimalist, acoustic and bedroom lo-fi sound, together with the warm and tight-fitting voice of Elisabetta Giordano and guitar guru Davide Casi, Blue Shelter. This is a really introverted song that is ready to reveal its fine fibres to you if you show a little spiritual predisposition and human kindness to it.

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Words Otis Cohan Mone

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Minerva Daisy Fuses Blues & Indie On New Single ‘Wildfire’

rightchord — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:13:39 +0000

Minerva Daisy fuses classic blues and modern indie pop in her new hedonistic song Wildfire.

Minerva Daisy – Wildfire

Bold and talented Mancunian bombshell Minerva Daisy is back with her signature youthful hedonism, backed up by a style that masterfully juxtaposes old and new. New single Wildfire more than lives up to its blazing title.

This time, our Olympian-named muse holds back on the belting and instead takes her time savouring the sensual lyrics. By no means does this meeker approach drain out the song’s sonic power.

Her delivery is as refreshing and compelling as ever and it is always a sign of maturity to know when to rein in a little and let the words lead the way. And, boy, do they! The lyrics are as enticing as it gets, all sprinkled with proclamations of freedom

“Take this confusion from my head/And set me free”

And celebrations of satisfying one’s most basic desires

“Holding the warmth of my skin against yours”

Indeed, this savviness as to when is the right time to unleash one’s raw vocal power or to handle matters more softly is wisdom many seasoned vocalists have yet to master.

Furthermore, this allows the lush nu-retro instrumental more room to shine. Minerva cites Nina Simone as a major influence and it shows, as the track is led by the classiest blues piano spiced up by horns that add to the exhilarating atmosphere. This is a modernised take on classic big band numbers and exudes all the chutzpah demanded by the subject matter. “And I’m feeling good…” undoubtedly!

Minerva’s previous releases Substitute and Euphoria have both been featured on BBC Introducing and Amazing radio. The latter was even crowned Track of the Week on BBC Derby and reached the top 40 in the UK iTunes Pop chart.

“The track is led by the classiest blues piano spiced up by horns that add to the exhilarating atmosphere.”

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Fernando de Oliveira Lúcio

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