AJ Whyte grabs the spotlight with the release of his new single, ‘Run’. The latest release from the Rutland-based performer is out now, and it follows the highly-praised ‘You Won’t Hear Me’ which AJ dropped in October.
‘Run’ continues in the same vein as AJ’s previous work, with the guitar playing an essential part in the whole experience. In addition, the song starts with a strumming guitar pattern; then AJ quickly enters the mix with a powerful vocal lead. His vocal is even more engaging than it was in his previous performance, and he tells a story about war, even though this may just be a metaphor for the difficulties that many people encounter in life.
The Chewgs are a band on the ascent, and with the release of their newest single, ‘Let It Out,’ they are not holding anything back.
Combining aspects of folk music and pop, the duo are not holding anything back, and we are delighted by the infectious style that they have developed. In the beginning of the song, a guitar strumming its way forward can be heard, then shortly thereafter, a vocal can be heard emerging from the mix.
The words reverberate with stories that prove to be thought-provoking, and as the song progresses, the intensity builds as the chorus burrows deeper and deeper into the heart.
Ervin Munir takes control of New Music Friday by releasing his new folk gem, ‘She Never Made Old Bones’.
Carrying on from where he left off with his previous single, ‘Why Did I Keep Moving On’, Ervin bolsters his name in the modern songbook even further. His style is getting better and better with each new arrival, and this one proves that he is here to stay.
Vocally, Ervin sings with genuine passion and narrates a story about life, hardship, and a woman who will never make old bones.
Hello, Ervin, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Why Did I Keep Moving On’, what is the meaning?
It tells the story of a man who is beginning to regret going from town-to-town and woman-to-woman breaking hearts. I think he’s getting older and wondering why his life is the way it is. In many ways the main character is my alter-ego.
Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
I suppose I am most influenced by Paul Simon and The Eagles, but if I had to pick someone more current it would be Ed Sheeren.
Photo Credit: Ervin.
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?
I found music to be a way of keeping people together during the pandemic, and bringing people together following the pandemic. People missed live performances. So, we are in demand.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
I don’t have a place I go to write. In fact, sometimes I write a song at the most inopportune moment, like when driving to the supermarket, or in the bath. So, I must hold on to what has popped into my head, until I can write it down somewhere, or sing it into my phone. An idea can crop up at any time, and usually I have the energy and motivation to pursue it and create. That said, sometimes I set out to write a song without already “receiving” a creative spark. When I do this, I am usually in a room with my guitar or piano.
Melanie MacLaren and Lorkin O’Reilly leave us on the edge of our seats in anticipation of their new EP, ‘Tadpole Emporium’, due out on the 27th of October.
The two artists have already released two new singles, and judging by their audience’s positive response; it appears like they have a hit on their hands with this collaboration. Mel, from the United States, and Lorkin, from Scotland, shine from the beginning by infusing a folky-pop texture into their creations. Additionally, they infuse the scene with newfound charisma, bringing a captivating spark to the stage.
The duo will be performing live in the United Kingdom in November. If you haven’t already purchased your ticket, you should do so as soon as possible because there is a high likelihood that tickets will sell out quickly as the performance dates draw nearer.
When folk and pop combine, undisputed magic compels, as exemplified in Ervin’s new single, ‘Why Did I Keep Moving On’.
The new release by the singer-songwriter, born in London, is captivating at every turn. The emotive texture of the acoustic guitar and Ervin’s vocals cut through to the listener’s emotions. Ervin’s vocal is strong and engaging as he opens up honestly about his life while reflecting on a wide range of feelings throughout the song.
There is a newfound energy that arises in the concluding section of ‘Why Did I Keep Moving On’ with a beat tap and an echoing whistle that stands out with vigour!
With his brand new single, ‘Here And Now’, Michael Lukes has left us in awe. Savine is also featured on the track. The two of them are a match made in heaven, and their collaboration has resulted in the creation of a folk-pop treasure that exudes an air that is everlasting!
Michael, who is influenced by some of the most successful folk bands of the past few decades, combines the aspects of the genre that he enjoys the most into a concoction that is uniquely his own, and we cannot get enough of it! The zeal is contagious, and the sincerity of the words makes this song one that you’ll want to listen to over and over again.
Hello, Michael, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Here And Now’, what is the meaning?
The single came to me at the moment I realised I was not living my life consciously: I was simply living another life, according to all the rules, in which I did not understand the full meaning of my existence. Everything was a bit standardised.
It was a moment of ‘rupture’ between past and present, perceived when I became aware that I was living someone else’s life only to please today’s society. Here and now marks the beginning of a more conscious life: it is a constant dialogue in which I speak to the old Michael and the new me, in which the old thinking of the past speaks to the spiritual present.
Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
Definitely The Lumineers! After releasing my EP, during Lockdown, I worked hard to shape my own definitive sound identity and they have been my main source of inspiration. With Stevepad, my producer, we meticulously studied every one of their songs from the sounds to the lyrics; it was through them that we came up with the idea and story for the new album.
Photo Credit: Michael Lukes.
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?
Definitely having the opportunity to relate closely with your fans. Social media can sometimes be very dangerous if we overuse them, they can really distort your reality! But if we used them sparingly they are that direct connection with the people who support us. To have that direct contact with them, to hear that one of your songs helped them out of a sad time, giving them a smile or an emotion, that’s priceless. At the end of the day, they are the fuel that drives us to be music.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
I don’t actually have a specific place, I learned that you never know when an idea might hit you. Many have come to me while I was cooking and others while I was walking.
For example, the idea for Here and Now came to me while I was on a plane. I assure you that my cell phone is the one that has saved me many times. Before I forget, I immediately mark it in my notes or record an idea on the fly. Today I have more than 1,300 notes, definitely a lot of material for the next two or three more records.
Hello, Abi, What is the meaning of the two new singles?
“Tipping Point” is all about the environmental crisis that we are living through. It points out the issues- deserts growing, forests burning, species decline, and mass migration of people as a result of desertification.
I hope to emotively move people’s hearts towards caring, considered action in their worlds of work and influence so we can work together before it is too late. There is a need for us not to stand alone but work together with wisdom in the biggest collective crisis we all face. Together we can make a difference- actions are taken from concern, care and joined-up thinking. This is the meaning of Tipping Point.
“Shape of Water” is about the inner qualities we need to develop as humans to thrive through this crisis, not just survive. For this crisis to shape us into something more evolved than what we are. We need to take on the flexibility of water, and develop the powers of listening, watching and loving at a deeper “meta” level. We need to be innovative in our thinking and above all consider each other and other species as worthy of care and fairness. If we develop these qualities even a little bit then we can make everything around us a little bit better and the world a more beautiful, healthy place.
Which artist in the current industry inspires you the most?
All kinds of people for very different reasons! Amongst them: Alt J, because they push the envelope musically and combine unusual musical ideas, Lau because they push folk music into new areas, Dakha Braka – a Ukrainian band, because they are wonderfully creative and inventive and have such wonderful close harmonies, Sam Lee, folk musician, for his conscious use of his art to make a positive difference in the world.
Abigail Rooley-Towle.
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?
This is a tricky one! I think musicians have the opportunity to be conscience questioners and light-bringers! There is so much in the world that can be looked at in this way, that there is no end of material to write/sing about. The world needs change and music and art can be used as a gentle catalyst to encourage this.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
This is very prosaic- my kitchen! I often start the songwriting process when I am making family suppers. I take a kernel of an idea that has caught my attention during the day and then play with it in an improvised way whilst I am chopping the vegetables. Then I write it down and let it grow from there.
What is your first memory of music?
This is a very hard one as I grew up in a family of early music musicians, so music was around me all the time. We didn’t have a tv and rarely listened to the radio, so music was a totally live experience. I remember colouring in pictures whilst listening to my dad practice his lute fantasias. The sound of early music has become absorbed in my work as a result.
Karuna are back and stronger than ever with two new tracks, ‘Tipping Point’ and ‘Shape Of Water.’
@ Karuna
Both singles stand out and hit home with their relevancy to the world around us right now, each conveying their own distinct storey. Furthermore, Abi, the group’s singer, speaks frankly about the amount of harm we are doing to the globe and the urgent need to do something; she uses the song ‘Tipping Point’ as a metaphor for humanity driving the planet over the edge of no return. ‘Shape Of Water’ carries the message, as both tracks emerge with an early music texture and a spectacular vocal performance from Abi.
