fsol Archives | Right Chord Music Blog

First Signs of Love No 232. waltzerr

rightchord — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 07:59:00 +0000

waltzerr are our latest First Signs of Love (FSOL) featured artist. FSOL is about those moments when you find a new artist to love, and you can’t get enough! Discover more from our archive.

Introducing waltzerr

We discovered waltzerr from our Musician’s Census, the band won a free managed press campaign from our friends at Musosoup. This means we can guarantee the music Blogosphere will soon be buzzing with the dreamy sounds of waltzerr. Here is the first of many glowing blog features.

This Seattle-based band masterfully blend dream pop and guitar-driven indie rock. They effortlessly soundtrack the lives of 20-somethings navigating themes of love, heartbreak, and self-doubt. The lyrics sound like they could be lifted directly from a personal journal which makes them immediately relatable. This is a new band, their first demo Blurry Eyes was only shared last year and it perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Since then waltzerr have shared four singles which neatly built anticipation of their debut 7-track mini album / EP ‘Small Talk’.

Released in August 2024, Small Talk takes listeners on an emotionally charged journey through unresolved adolescent feelings and pivotal life decisions. Dreamy, guitar-driven instrumentation complements waltzerr’s powerful vocal performances, creating a soundscape both immersive and comforting. The album captures the essence of longing and the struggle to move past regret.

Track one ‘Highway Star’ deserves its place at the front of the queue. Jangling guitars nod to The Smiths while dreamy lyrics offer the promise of escape and solace. “It doesn’t matter to me.”

Catch waltzerr live

12 Oct Bellingham Exit 2024 Bellingham, WA RSVP Tickets
13 Oct Barboza Seattle, WA RSVP Tickets
09 Nov Blue Moon Tavern Seattle, WA

Discover more from waltzerr

Discover more on Right Chord Music

Words Mark Knight

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FSOL. No 218. Borderline Toxic ‘Blood Sucking Beauty Queen’

rightchord — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 05:16:18 +0000

London alt-rock band Borderline Toxic rage against judgement and beauty stereotypes on new single ‘Blood Sucking Beauty Queen’ and they become our next First Signs of Love featured band.

RCM First Signs of Love

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.

Borderline Toxic – Blood Sucking Beauty Queen

Blood Sucking Beauty Queen is a playful poke in the eye of beauty industry stereotypes. It’s all empowerment, no filter.

Borderline Toxic were born in lockdown after British drummer Pete RayBiggin (Level 42, Amy Winehouse, Chaka Khan) introduced Kerry Glass to Norwegian drummer/producer Henrik Fossum (Brand New Heavies, Level 42, James Arthur) and the seeds of the band were sewn.

Scottish-born lead singer Kerry Glass grew up on a diet of Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice in Chains and KoRn. Despite her obvious attraction to rock, she only started writing her own songs in lockdown, initially just to escape the boredom.

“I never thought I could write songs to be honest, and then I sent my boyfriend one of those big, scripted messages. The first thing he said was, you’re a songwriter! I said no I’m not, I’m annoyed. No, you’re a songwriter…” [Kerry Glass]

The name ‘Borderline Toxic’ came to Glass in a moment of serendipity following a particularly passionate row with her partner, which Glass recalls was ‘borderline toxic’.

While writing the song, Kerry drew on her frustrations of conforming to stereotypes. Released to coincide with the start of Pride Month BSBQ sticks a middle finger up to society’s obsession with judging people on their looks. It’s a powerful call to arms.

This angst is released to glorious effect in the accompanying music video which gives the floor to a vast array of alternative performers, dancers and actors provoking viewers to ask “What is sexy?”.

Crunching riffs are offset with an infectious pop-inspired chorus enhanced by Glass’ Scottish accent. This is an exhilarating celebration of real beauty!

Kerry Glass revels in her role as the rebel-rousing ring-leader, pitched somewhere between the grunge cool of Courtney Love and the sassy pop princess of Gwen Stefani.

She was born to do this!

Discover more from Borderline Toxic

Discover more on RCM

Words Mark Knight

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First Signs of Love No 213. Maren Davidsen ‘Damage Done’

rightchord — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 07:37:13 +0000

Our First Signs of Love feature is about the moment you find a new artist to love, and you simply can’t get enough. This week we shine the spotlight on Norwegian singer-songwriter Maren Davidsen and her debut single ‘Damage Done’

Maren Davidsen – Damage Done

‘Damage Done’ is equal parts haunting and hypnotic, it tells the story of a fragile relationship where the two protagonists try to let go and forgive each other’s mistakes. Tudor Monroe’s production surfs the wave between funky pop and cool deep house, while Maren Davidsen’s vocals simmer tantalizingly throughout.

Talking about ‘Damage Done’ Maren explains

“For me personally, I’ve always been a true believer of coming clean whenever forgiveness is due. I learned that it usually comes with a price, you know you’ve done the right thing, but you are left with a loved one wondering if they can trust you. The song represents how hopeless I was feeling at the time, unable to let go, yet knowing the agony of staying”

About Maren Davidsen

Norwegian singer, songwriter draws from styles ranging from acoustic, soul, r&B to blues and electronic pop music. While she cites her life as a wild, but hopeless romantic Londoner as the source of her creative inspiration.

While her original lyrics depict familiar and traditional themes of pain and lost love it’s fused with her 24-year-old Millenial relevancy which adds an added poignancy. With a debut EP scheduled in early 2022, we can look forward to hearing more heartfelt Nordic soul very soon.

Discover more from Maren Davidsen

If you like Maren Davidsen you might also enjoy some of our other previous FSOL featured artists

Words Mark Knight

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First Signs of Love No 150. False Advertising

rightchord — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 07:25:13 +0000

Back in February 2012, we started a new feature called First Signs of Love #FSOL. This week we hit somewhat of a milestone, it’s our 150 First Signs of Love featured artist. FSOL is about those moments when a track grabs us, shakes us, and truly commands our attention. It’s for those few minutes when you think you may have discovered a new band or artist to love. There is a sense of excitement, optimism and your faith in music is restored. You want to shout it from the roof-tops and bore your friends by playing it to death. Who knows if these first signs of love with grow to become a lifetime love, frankly who cares! This is about celebrating the spark, the initial moment of attraction. Close your eyes, cross your fingers and just enjoy it.

Many of our former FSOL featured artists have gone on to become firm RCM favourites, with features on the RCM blog and repeated plays on our Lost On Radio show. Look out for a feature on the best of the first 150 FSOL artists coming soon. In the meantime check out all previously selections here.

That brings us to this week’s FSOL, they are False Advertising a Manchester based three-piece, influenced by grunge and early 90s American rock think Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies & Pavement. Their music offers a fresh, British take on that attitude. Jen Hingley and Chris Warr front the band and also share drumming duties. The pair bring a song-writing style full of fuzzy chaos. Last year the pair roped in bass player Josh Sellers after months of writing to add weight to their heady sound. They immediately holed themselves up in a studio to begin DIY recording their début record, which is set for release towards the end of the summer. For now there are two tracks teasing us on SoundCloud.

This week’s FSOL is ‘Wasted Away’ by False Advertising a track so good it will reawaken your love of guitar bands, from Sleater Kinney to Elastica it’s time to dig out those CDs. Wasted Away with its sing-a-long chorus is like a fizzing Berocca – it stimulates, invigorates and lifts your mood. The musical equivalent of you, but on a really good day.

[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFGHQQH4S8I[/youtube]

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First Signs Of Love No 121. Mammals ‘Wolf’

rightchord — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 05:37:33 +0000

Since 2011, Guy Brown has been writing and performing under the name Mammals. Hailing from Sydney’s Northern Beaches (think Home & Away) he blends folk, electronic and indie rock, and leaves the listener with little doubt that this is an artist who spends a lot of time by the ocean. Lyrically personal, Mammals’ debut Animalia is melodic and intense, whilst giving a sense of space. It is also fantastic.

An immediately enchanting EP, the latest single Wolf is a standout. Opening with fingerpicking guitar and heartfelt vocals, you are drawn in from the outset. Inspired by a close friend who passed away, the song was written in between hospital visits, and you can hear the aching melancholy of loss in the vocals. There is a quietly beautiful, but sad, vocal bridge, before the song takes an indie rock turn in the outro, perhaps an expression of anger at the inability to come to terms with the loss.

The EP is diverse in sound, whilst maintaining consistency. Depraved is the darkest moment, drawing inspiration from Browns’ anxiety and insomnia. Move Slower is based around an electro beat and some chopped up guitar lines, catchy in its repetitiveness. First single Circles is probably most representative of Mammals¸ Brown stating he hopes ‘people can feel the ocean in this one.’

[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]http://youtu.be/QPh5G5VlYFo[/youtube]

Whilst likely to be bundled in with the current crop of falsetto heavy Bon Iver inspired ‘Folktronica’ it perhaps undersells Mammals’ range. There are similarities to fellow Australians’ Hayden Calnin, or perhaps even Chet Faker, however there is more to remind the listener of the likes of Foals, Brisbane’s amazing The Medics, or perhaps even Melbourne’s Blackchords before they lost their way.

Whilst not breaking any musical boundaries, the blend of folk, electronica and indie rock gives this EP a sense of individuality in an increasingly cloned genre.

Mammals will be performing at Septembers’ sold out Bigsound Festival (Australia’s Great Escape). Animalia is out now; you can buy it through iTunes.

Nicholas Cheek

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First Signs Of Love No. 108 Young Night – Picasso

rightchord — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 06:58:02 +0000

Sounding like the Australian love child of Vampire Weekend, Young Night burst on to scene with Picasso, a bouncy, harmonious and highly infectious pop tune, that once in your head won’t be easily shifted. It’s certainly a statement of intent, and although it’s unclear what Pablo ever did to them, the message is clear. “Hey there Picasso I don’t need you at all.”

The track was produced and mixed by ARIA award winner Steven Schram (San Cisco, Loon Lake). Young Night are Will McConchie (Lead Vox, Bass), Jack Nielsen (BVox, Guitar, Keys), Jean-Marc Wicht (Lead Guitar) and Nick Wellauer (Drums), formed in Brisbane, Australia they have now relocated to Brighton and are no-doubt hatching a plan for world domination.

Expect the charms of pop, the quirkiness of psychedelia and the raw power of indie rock Young Night are this week’s First Signs Of Love featured artist and we await their next move with considerable interest.

Download Picasso by Young Night for free via their SoundCloud page and add it to your summer mixtape.

Listen out for Picasso on episode 85 of Lost On Radio (out tomorrow) via Right Chord Music and iTunes.

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First Signs Of Love No. 94 Sheila Lord – Animals

rightchord — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 07:06:31 +0000

Sheila Lord‘s artist bio paints a vague, yet specific picture. First impressions are important, and this one was certainly intriguing after describing a bizarre tea party with her influences.

“Sheila likes to imagine a tea party with her musical influences: Joni Mitchell and John Lennon would sing about the 60’s, Jeff Buckley and Newton Faulkner would guitar riff in the corner, all the while Sheila would pour a green tea for Imogen Heap while Tori Amos sang wistfully about winter.”

Expecting to hear agitated acoustic break-up songs it was with great surprise to discover the smooth, melodic and soulful sound that is Sheila Lord. It’s easy to imagine her standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Lorde, Foxes and Charlotte OC to name but a few.

Sheila Lord has received vocal coaching from Mary Hammond (who has worked with Coldplay, Katherine Jenkins and more) and this shines through in her latest track Animals in which Lord’s vocal performance is a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics strike a chord with a youth culture in need of inspiration – which Lord confidently delivers. “Here we are, wild, left alone to find ourselves, invincible and young. The night is our home.” Expect to hear gentle piano melodies morphed in unison with driving, fast tempo beats.

After hearing Animals, it’s easy to understand how Essex-based Sheila Lord has bagged the support of BBC Introducing. She has a busy few weeks ahead with gigs in and around the London area throughout March and April. With live shows, and a debut EP on the horizon, guided by good company, Sheila Lord is on a collision course for success in 2014. This is the First Signs Of Love.

Mark Nichols

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First Signs Of Love No 88 Jakil – Look Like Gold

rightchord — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 07:09:14 +0000

Leading with a soulful voice that couldn’t be more relevant to the current musical climate in the UK come Jakil with their track ‘Look Like Gold‘ A strong social media presence is already in place and their stunningly shot accompanying video is racking up views by the thousands; Jakil manage to deliver intimacy and groove in their latest work. Released on December 16th, 2013 and available as a free download on soundcloud,‘Look Like Gold’ ensured a strong start to the year for this Scottish 5-piece. Combining stunning harmonies and rhythmic drums to create a simple yet meaningful sound is a style upheld by the most prestigious of acts, and Jakil don’t fail with their interpretation. Coming to a climactic end,‘Look Like Gold‘ most definitely warrants a second listen as singer Kieran displays his diversity. With the support of Radio 1 secured, and a début album on the cards for 2014, keep an ear to the ground for Jakil as they take the pop/soul genre by storm.

[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZrn42RpqTk[/youtube]

Mark Nichols

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First Signs Of Love No 87 Robert Bearsby – I’ll Adore You, For Tonight

rightchord — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 07:09:36 +0000

It was just a year ago that Robert Bearsby played his first show in his home town of Royal Tonbridge Wells. Since then, the momentum has continued to grow around this talented young singer songwriter. In June he supported Nizlopi at The Borderline and a local live residency demonstrated his ability to draw a loyal local crowd. Robert’s songs are an insight into the way he views the world around him, “I’ll think of something in particular, and the way it makes me feel, and I just try to reflect that… To express something I’m trying to say is most important to me”

‘I’ll Adore You, For Tonight’ is Robert’s second single and is out now, released through indie label Twin Pines. It’s a song about both love and loss, and enjoying those tender moments while they last. Robert’s light guitar work is backed by piano and strings that bring a classic quality to proceedings. The track is supported by a simple, but classy video, all signs point to an accomplished and talented performer. Expect to hear more great things from Robert Bearbsy as the year unfolds.

Buy this single and his debut single Late Nights and Traffic Lights at Bandcamp

[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aKmew8SYwY[/youtube]

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First Signs Of Love No. 78 Beartown Zodiac – Karaoke Bites

rightchord — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 05:58:16 +0000

From South Coast England come Beartown Zodiac with their anthemic track Karaoke Bites.

Led by songwriter David Bird-Hawkins, Karaoke Bites is lyrically a compilation of David’s personal travel experiences while taking a career break. Originally written on the Ukulele, the song now takes on the form of guitar based indie-folk. It’s upbeat, catchy and refreshing to hear a song born from genuine life experience. The chorus will have you singing and nodding along in no time. Karaoke Bites flows its way through 4 minutes of seamless, talented musicianship. The track is accompanied by this delightful stop motion video.

[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVrliPUp6_0[/youtube]

Get your hands on Karaoke Bites and the rest of the EP here

Mark Nichols

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