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.

Lost Blonde, The Interview Series.

Lost Blonde

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Lost Blonde, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Wide Awake’, what is the meaning?

Wide Awake is the last song off my EP, “Do You Feel The Same?”. This song is about being so enamored by the “what ifs” of a new relationship. You are anxiously waiting to see if the person you are crushing on feels the same.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Bebe Rexha, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry for sure!

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

I would say you can have success as an independent artist without a label. There are so many resources now available to indie artists and platforms to share music on, which makes it a bit easier to get your music out there!

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

I love writing at night. I feel like my best ideas come literally at midnight haha. I will usually grab my phone while I’m lying in bed and record the melody I’m humming into my voice memos so I can go to the piano the next day and start adding lyrics. Honestly any room with a piano will give me inspiration.

What is your first memory of music?

My first memory of music is listening to my grandma play the piano when she’d come and visit. She was a professional piano player, and I just remember the sound filling up the room…so many different textures and colors I couldn’t stop listening. I think that really sparked my interest, hearing how many different melodies someone could come up with or play!

Photo Credit: Lost Blonde.

Secret Wish, ‘Voodoo Nights’

Secret Wish

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

Secret Wish bring the energy with new single, ‘Voodoo Nights’. If you are feeling sluggish this November and need a pick-me-up, this is the track for you!

The duo have zeal dripping from their every move as the vocals soar above the EDM production. There are clues here that the pair are influenced by some of the greatest DJs and singers on the planet, but they still manage to carve out a new position for themselves. Moreover, the music is infectious, and the vocals are impactful!

Find out more here.

Photo Credit: Secret Wish.

Marsha Swanson, ‘Happy Ever After’

Marsha Swanson

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

Marsha Swanson is on the verge of releasing her new album, ‘Near Life Experience’, and as a lead-up to the big reveal, she has just dropped a new single, ‘Happy Ever After’.

Influenced by many progressive pop artists, Marsha takes cues while still carving out a unique position for herself. It is her vocals which glue us to the speakers, and she charms us with every note. However, the story is also thought-provoking, and the music keeps us fixated with its quirky yet refreshing feel.

Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

Julia Thomsen, ‘Journey Through The Seasons’

Julia Thomsen

Words By Joey Rochert.

‘Journey Through The Seasons’ by Julia Thomsen is a classical piece that blends my two greatest passions: nature and classical music. As a fervent admirer of the natural world and a connoisseur of classical compositions, this single is a harmonious marriage of my heart’s desires.

Thomsen’s instrumental masterpiece acts as a mellifluous bridge between the beauty of the natural world and the power of 2023 classical music. The tranquil melodies evoke the gentle sway of leaves in the wind, the soft rustling of a babbling brook, and the serenity of a sun-kissed meadow. Each note resonates with the essence of nature’s seasons, offering a profound connection to the earth’s rhythmic cycles.

The absence of lyrics allows the music to speak its own eloquent language, much like the whispering winds or the gentle murmurs of a forest. Thomsen’s piano and strings transport me to the heart of nature’s embrace, making me feel as though I’m strolling through a pristine woodland or gazing at the stars on a clear, moonlit night.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Julia Thomsen.

Lost Blonde, ‘Wide Awake’

Lost Blonde

Words By Joey Rochert.

Lost Blonde’s latest single, ‘Wide Awake’, is a dazzling display of star quality. Drawing inspiration from the legendary pop icons, including Swifty, Lost Blonde seamlessly blends into the contemporary music scene while offering a unique appeal that’s impossible to refuse!

In ‘Wide Awake’, Lost Blonde’s vocals take center stage, delivered with an exquisite level of precision, unwavering confidence, and an unmistakable passion that envelops the listener. With each note, she weaves a spellbinding narrative that creates an emotional connection that resonates deeply.

The music accompanying her vocals is equally charming. Moreover, ‘Wide Awake’ boasts a feel-good cadence that immediately sets the hips in motion.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Lost Blonde.

Minna Ora, ‘Storm’

Minna Ora

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hold onto your hats because Minna Ora is back with her latest single, ‘Storm,’ and it’s an absolute tempest of creativity and musical genius! Ora keeps the momentum going as she dives deeper into the realms of natural seasons and elements.

This track is like a bolt of lightning, striking even more fiercely than her previous. It’s a thunderstorm of imagination and innovation, and you won’t be able to resist its electrifying charm. But wait, there’s more! Alongside this auditory adventure, ‘Storm’ brings with it an official video that adds a visual narrative to the already thrilling story.

Ora’s vocals are like a gale force wind, powerful and commanding, while the lyrics ebb and flow with intensity changes that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Minna Ora.