Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
Bruno Mars’ music seems authentic back to old school. I find modern music not to be so inspiring, but Bruno Mars takes it to another level when you listen to Bruno Mars, you never get bored of that music, just about every song is memorable.
Photo Credit: Ricki Erik
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?
It’s almost like a new start, and the love of music never dies. It’s constantly in my head day and day out.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
It could happen at any given time while driving in the car taking a shower taking a walk lifting weights. Inspiration comes at any given time and when it hits you it’s like a ton of bricks falling on top of your head.
What is your first memory of music?
As a young boy in the family home my mother and father and my siblings they would have house parties even though I was young I would always gravitate to the music as soon as the stereo came on.
Hello, Brightwell and Moran, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Bare Boards’, what is the meaning?
(K) We originally wrote the song about an old house, and the decision about whether to tear it down or to take time to renovate it and make it new again. It was inspired in part by the rapid gentrification of some neighborhoods where we live in Portland, Oregon, USA. But the song is also a metaphor for the self, or a relationship. Sometimes you don’t know what to do until you see the “bare boards” underneath, whether you can restore the structure with a lot of love and careful work, or whether you need to start from scratch.
Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
(K) I am really inspired by Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires. To me, Isbell is the finest songwriter out there right now, and he tells difficult and important stories in the simplest, most elegant language. Shires has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and female stereotypes in country music, on top of being a great fiddle player and singer/songwriter herself. Together they’re unstoppable!
(W) I find the story of John Mayer’s scare with his vocal cords so inspirational. Here is a guy who has released a ton of songs, won Grammy awards and then starts losing his voice. So, he stops performing, stops talking except in a whisper. He accepts his situation and starts practicing his already amazing guitar chops with the attitude, I can still be a really good session guitar player even if I don’t get my voice back. But gratefully, his voice returned!
Photo Credit: Brightwell And Moran
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?
(K) There is absolutely no lack of inspiration or subject material! And the means of production is very much in the artist’s hands now, along with platforms that allow you direct access to your fan base. That means as a musician, you can create songs about the vital issues of our time, record them and get them into the hands of listeners.
(W) I agree with Kelly that technology plays an exciting role in music today. A great example is that we mixed our latest EP and our new single “Bare Boards” remotely. Our producer for the EP was in Dallas, Texas with the two of us in Portland, Oregon. Our producer for the single was in Poland with us once more in Portland.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
(K) I’m not writing too much solo these days… I need a lot of solitude and space to do that, and it’s not often compatible with my current family situation. Writing with Woody is easier in that way — we usually hang out at his house to write.
(W) I think all of our Brightwell & Moran songs have either been written in my living room or my little covered backyard patio.
What is your first memory of music?
(K) I remember being completely enthralled by Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” when I was maybe 3 or 4 years old. I’m not sure what about it grabbed me — it’s very energetic and happy, with a lot going on. I think it just overwhelmed me with a good feeling.
(W) I was also pretty young. I got a little record player for Christmas one year and the first 45 (called a single these days) I purchased was “Stop In The Name of Love” by the Supremes. My first album was by Peter, Paul & Mary and I worked very hard at hearing each vocal harmony.
Talent Is Timeless, the platform for composers over 50, is thrilled to work with Universal Audio, a prominent professional audio recording gear and software vendor. Three Universal Audio Volt 2 Studio Packages will support the 2023 Talent Is Timeless songwriting competition, giving successful artists cutting-edge technology to realise their creative vision.
The 2023 competition will have the most judges ever, including Ian Matthews of Kasabian, the British rock band known for their dynamic live shows and smash albums including “Empire” and “West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum.” Judy Collins, Ralph McTell, and other industry leaders will also judge.
The Talent Is Timeless campaign was formed in 2020 to promote musicians beyond 50 who are still making a difference. The organisation has around 10,000 members and hosts songwriting competitions and other events to encourage adult musicians.
We’re happy to join with Universal Audio for the 2023 Talent Is Timeless songwriting competition,” stated Talent Is Timeless Founder & CEO Saskia Griffiths-Moore. “Their support and knowledge will enhance the competition and give our members important learning opportunities. We appreciate their support of mature artists and look forward to this partnership’s benefits.”
“Talent is Timeless is a terrific effort, and Universal Audio is happy to sponsor the platform,” says Roland Rauch, Universal Audio. Music, creativity, and skill are ageless.”
The electropop and hyper Pop musician Gary Mictian is the artist whose music we simply cannot get enough of right now. His newest single, titled ‘I Die Every Night’, is a release that challenges the conventions of the industry while staying up to date with the other tracks emerging in the game.
The new delivery confirms that Gary is onto something with his music, and he kicks it out of the park from the get-go! So much so there is no reason why he cannot climb the echelon of the industry in the coming months. So, do you feel like getting pumped up with some hyper pop today?
Kingdumb is firing on all cylinders with the release of ‘The One’. The fresh arrival from the producer also comes with ‘Hero’, a b-side which is just as strong!
Yet another stride for the producer, ‘The One’, picks up where the producer left off and introduces a new edge for the creator from Swindom. Furthermore, there is a newfound style here while still incorporating elements from Kingdumb’s past work. The determination to craft a big hit is present here, and Kingdumb holds nothing back!
Ricki Erik hits home with the release of his new album, ‘Genreality’. The fresh release from the multitalented singer is a breath of fresh air, and we cannot get enough of it!
Consisting of 12 tracks, ‘Genreality’ takes a massive leap out of the box, and Ricki proves his high-class instantly! His vocals grip us to the speakers, and we cannot help but move to the infectious beats and grooves on display. Each track welcomes us with open arms, and there is no dull moment here, with the energy flowing from start to finish.
Brightwell & Moran’s track ‘Bare Boards’ has piqued our interest these last few days. We originally heard the new song through the duo’s publicist, and we’ve been coming back to hear more of it ever since!
The song has an old-school country-folk vibe to it, but there are plenty of modern flavours to make it relevant in 2023. The songwriting is excellent, which comes as no surprise given that the couple won the Talent Is Timeless songwriting competition in 2022, which is how this release came about in the first place!
‘Bare Boards’ is one which you need to hear for yourself; you can take a listen below.
ily tbg smashes it with the release of his new single, ‘Meet Me In London’. The fresh track from the London-based artist is a major stride forward for the genre, and we cannot get enough of it!
Fusing infectious Afropop grooves with nostalgic flavours, ily tbg keeps us on the edge of our seats. His energy is tangible, and we can feel his passion flowing from the speakers rim. Also, it is not only the vocals that stand out with vigour, but the music is equally as influential, and we are back for more once it concludes.
Tomorrow, February 10th, is the day that Rutland singer-songwriter AJ Whyte is going to release his newest track, ‘Back To The Water’, which is another gem from the artist.
AJ demonstrates his versatility as a modern day musician by departing from the stripped down acoustic style and including the addition of drums, bass, and a variety of other instruments. Also, two different versions will be available: one will be a studio recording, and the other will be a live studio version.
The track is full of sentiment and brimming with passion, you can check out a preview below.
Hello, Gez and Kev, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Let It Out’, what is the meaning?
People’s experiences during the pandemic seemed quite polarised. Some thrived on the more isolated environment, which was good for song writing by the way. Other however struggled a lot which impacted upon their mental health. This song was about them.
Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
I love The Decemberists. Songs such as Legionnaires Lament or Mariner’s Revenge are so lyrically complex and interesting. Also Colin Melloy who fronts the band sings in a similar range so it helps to enjoy those songs even more.
Photo Credit: The Chewgs.
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?
At one level the best thing in any era is creating something new where there wasn’t anything before. And when after a period of time this is still a song you enjoy playing and the audience responds to than that’s extra special. In 2023 the technology to support this process helps enormously, especially when experimenting.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
Nowhere specific but a quiet space. When the weather is nicer this seems to be the conservatory.
What is your first memory of music?
My mum would have the radio on constantly at home in the kitchen growing up. She’s a big fan of 60s music which I would have grown up listening to. It’s probably why I still love that era of music so much.
