Author: Joey Rochert

Tanya Walker, ‘Good Days, Bad Days’

Tanya Walker

Words By Joey Rochert.

Tanya Walker, triumphantly emerging as the victor of Talent Is Timeless’ prestigious songwriting competition, leaves a strong mark with her latest offering, “Good Days, Bad Days”.

Recorded amidst the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios, this track serves as a refreshing gust of wind in the folk music scene, capturing our attention with its magnetic allure. Walker’s vocal performance isn’t just noteworthy; it’s compelling, blending tales of life’s complexities.

With each lyric, she unearths the depths of human experience, speaking with a candor that is both refreshing and profound. So much so, with “Good Days, Bad Days,” Tanya Walker invites us on all on a voyage of introspection.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Tanya Walker.

Julia Thomsen, ‘Travelling Through Wonders (Rework)’

Julia Thomsen

Words By Joey Rochert.

Julia Thomsen’s latest rendition of “Travelling Through Wonders” is a mesmerizing exploration of celestial realms and emotional depth. Collaborating with Marie, Thomsen presents a reimagined version of this classical piece that enchants and evokes deep reflection.

The charm of this interpretation lies in its ability to carry listeners to ethereal dimensions where time seems suspended and reality melds with imagination. Thomsen’s delicate craftsmanship, combined with Marie’s harmonious contributions, imbues the composition with layers of depth and complexity, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its melodic embrace.

Throughout “Travelling Through Wonders,” Thomsen and Marie conjure a vivid experience, rich with emotion and nuance. From the graceful piano melodies to the celestial synth harmonies, each element is meticulously crafted to evoke a specific mood or sentiment, creating a profound connection with the listener.

What distinguishes this rendition is the sheer elegance and refinement of Thomsen’s composition. There is a graceful poise in her approach that resonates deeply, as if each note carries a whisper of her soul, stirring the hearts and minds of those who listen.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Julia Thomsen.

Julia Thomsen, ‘Serenity’

Julia Thomsen

Words By Joey Rochert.

‘Serenity’ by Julia Thomsen is the perfect escape this January. With calming textures and plenty of emotion, this new piece from Julia radiates stress-free vibes and it is impossible not to fall in love with the soundscape!

Arguably one of the most striking composers to grace the air in recent times, Julia Thomsen bolsters her name with this new delivery. She provides serene joy through her work, and she takes us to a place where calm belongs. Her piano work rivals some of the best players in the game right now and she proves why she is becoming a leading force in neo-classical.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Julia Thomsen.

Ervin Munir, ‘Broken Compass’

Ervin Munir

Words By Joey Rochert.

Ervin Munir’s latest album, “Broken Compass,” marks the pinnacle of his year in the folk scene. This album mirrors Ervin’s unwavering dedication, as he wholeheartedly pours his passion into every note and lyric. The result is a ten-track collection that glues heartwarming tales with irresistible indie-folk backdrops.

Ervin’s approach to songwriting and storytelling is distinctive, shattering conventions with tracks like ‘Fall Apart’ and ‘The Busker.’ Each song on the album possesses a unique charm, making it impossible to ignore the emotional depth and weight embedded in every piece. Listening to “Broken Compass” on a full stereo setup elevates the experience and it leaves us excited for what may come from the Norfolk singer-songwriter in 2024.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Ervin Munir.

Secret Wish, The Interview Series.

Secret Wish

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Secret Wish, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Voodoo Nights’, what is the meaning? 

We wanted to make a song that is a bit in the dark underworld. It is likely that the way each listener experiences this will be different. ‘Voodoo Nights’ has a seductive atmosphere that evokes the mysticism of voodoo spirits and the enigmatic world they live in. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an enchanting and mysterious nightlife experience. Moreover, it is a journey to a realm where anything can happen.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Kurt has a musical taste which stems from his background as a DJ in his younger years. From that point of view, he is mainly inspired by the Dance/EDM scene such as Avicii, Eric Prydz, Faithless, Swedish House Maffia, David Guetta plus more.

Heidi started singing at a very young age, was part of a number of groups, and was also active as a singer in cover bands. It goes without saying that she also has an extensive musical history and is inspired by Lost Frequencies, Armin Van Buuren, Koven, Netsky, Alan Walker and so on.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

Anything is possible as long as you’re passionate.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g. a certain room, or environment?

Ideas can come alive everywhere. Often, lyrics find their shape on the road. Simple things you see when you’re driving somewhere can be a source of inspiration. The musical part requires more structure in a settled environment.

What is your first memory of music?

Like all teenagers, we loved listening to music. We didn’t pay much attention to the lyrics, or what they sang. But as non-native English speakers, it encouraged us to learn English.

Photo Credit: Secret Wish.

North Ship, ‘Scent’

North Ship

Words By Joey Rochert.

The indie scene never fails to astonish, and North Ship continues this trend with their latest single, ‘Scent.’ Infused with a delightful crunch and a soothing warmth, this track stands out like a radiant beacon, effortlessly claiming its place at the forefront of the game with a timeless style.

Fueled by room-filling guitar riffs, ‘Scent’ unfolds gradually, unveiling a potent vocal delivery that seems to emerge from the very fabric of the ether. The track reaches its zenith in the chorus, where an irresistible hook cements itself, adhering like glue to the robust mix that provides a weighty backdrop.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: North Ship.

North Ship, The Interview Series.

North Ship

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, North Ship, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Scent’, what is the meaning? 

I was a pallbearer at the funeral of one of my Guy Bailey, who was the co-founder of The Quireboys and one of my oldest friends. “Scent” is a positive message about how we can choose to remember people we lose. 

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Gosh, that’s a tricky one. I don’t think there’s a single artist who inspires me the most but I do like music that does something new with a genre. I love Wet Leg for example, although them being from the Isle of Wight definitely contributes to that! I like French The Kid as well.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

The democratization of recording and releasing music. 

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g. a certain room, or environment?

Not really, to be honest. I try to keep within arm’s reach of a pen and paper, and I’ve always got my phone on me to record an idea.

What is your first memory of music?

I have a vague recollection of hearing “Substitute” by The Who on the radio but I could be wrong!

Photo Credit: North Ship.

LostOfficial, ‘Do Me Dirty’

LostsOfficial

Words By Joey Rochert.

LostsOfficial knocks it out of the park with his new single, ‘Do Me Dirty’. This latest offering from the Canadian singer joins a long list of pop favourites over here, and he reminds us of singers at the top of pop.

‘Do Me Dirty’ closely resembles many tracks on the Billboard Top 100, but one thing, in particular, makes it sound out: LostOfficial’s ability to make us relate to his story. Moreover, his lyrics speak about wanting to love again but being stuck due to the hurt caused by a previous relationship.

At only 19 years of age, LostsOfficial stands tall with this release, and it is a sign of what to expect from him in 2024.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: LostsOfficial.

Ray Thompson, ‘Snow Filled Fields’

Ray Thompson

Words By Joey Rochert.

Once again, it is that time of the year when we are greeted by new festive releases for the season, and ‘Snow Filled Field’ by Ray Thompson has been keeping us glued to our seats like gum on the bottom of a boot!

Ray Thompson, casts his spell here alongside a group of choir singers, and together they all rise to the occasion with vigour, filling us with the joy of the holiday season. This song is the ideal complement to our extensive collection of holiday favourites, and the feeling that Ray provides is so irresistible that it is really difficult to say no to it. This song has a rhythm that makes us feel great, and we find ourselves tapping our feet in time with the rhythm. In addition to this, the guitars explode forth with wintery bite, while the vocals smash through the speakers with confidence!

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Ray Thompson.

Ray Thompson, The Interview Series.

Ray Thompson

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Ray, Let’s talk about your new single. “Snow Filled Fields”, what is the meaning?

In 2004, along with my then wife and our four children, we emigrated to Australia. My two boys and girls all found Christmas strange in the sun and longed to see snow in the fields. This stuck in my mind. Whisk forward to 2009 and I was back in the UK supporting my eldest of the 4 children through breast cancer. She was only 20 and had returned to the UK to go to college. But that is a whole other story. Anyway, whilst back in the UK. I saw an advert on the internet for a Christmas song hosted by someone from Nashville. So, I thought I would give it a go. Surprising thing was it came second. Took me a while though to get around to recording it. It was nearly ready for release Christmas 2022, but I wanted children to sing backing vocals and when better to record this than Christmas time. So, we recorded the Children in Christmas 2022 and waited a whole year to release.

What is your favourite Christmas song of all time?

‘Fairytale of New York’ is probably my favourite Christmas song.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

For me being a musician in 2023 is great. This was the year I released a lot of new music and really started taking myself seriously. It marked the beginning of my rise to better things.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g. a certain room, or environment?

I have a summerhouse that I converted into a little practice studio. This is where I go to play my piano and adding tracks to an App on my I-phone. But to be honest most of my songs have been wrote while sitting on my bed or at the kitchen table. I use voice notes a lot on my phone then convert the vocal and acoustic track to MP3, then I use an App to add more tracks on my phone. The metronome in my head is so good I have often used the MP3 as guide tracks in the studio. The engineer has been able to put a click to it without much editing.

What is your first memory of music?

This would be of my mum dancing and singing to Rod Stewart song’s. Usually after she had been out drinking and was in the party mood. Much to my dad’s disgust. Who was never a big music fan and a real killjoy.

Photo Credit: Ray Thompson.