As suggested by the name of this blog, the independent music scene is full of hopeful, talented people who want their music to take them to a career of touring, seeing the world and playing tunes. In some cases though, independent musicians simply write because they want to, safe in the knowledge that their day job will sustain their creativity.
Joe Rhinewine, a clinical psychologist from Portland, Oregon is a case in point. His music clearly isn’t looking for a wide audience, just perhaps a small band of like-minded individuals who appreciate his skill and sense of humour. As shown by his new track ‘In the Box (Put It)’, his is a sound not destined for radio. However, there’s enough quality here to pique the interest for his new EP.
Blending together the best bits of rock music with the accessibility of the pop genre, ‘Wonder’ is the new streaming single made available by Wiltshire trio The Kite Collectors. The track is taken from the recently released album ‘Clockface’ which is available now through Paisley Records.
Beyond the subtle blues opening, ‘Wonder’ turns into a stonker of a track, showcasing a band with real talent. The members of the trio each has their own solid musical background to fall back on, and the experience shows with what is a very catchy and well structures rock/pop song. If the rest of the album follows this pattern, it’s a fine investment for a full 14 tracks.
A trio of men after our own hearts, Sam Burnett, Chris Ames and Stuart Mizon are three musicians who have been working hard to avoid a ‘proper job’ ever since the late seventies. Having found success with bands such as Department S, Rubella Ballet and Marabou, they have now come together under the banner Strangers Know More.
Their music is brash, fun rock – a million miles from the staid indie you often hear in the charts today. New track ‘Shoot The Witness’ is proof of this, and a strong indication that their upcoming live dates and new music is worth looking out for.
Jeremy? are a four piece rock band from Bulgaria whose new single ‘Two Weeks To The Great Escape’ is out now. Accompanied by the moody black and white video above, the track does a great job of showing why the band are being invited to play all over Europe, including the festival to which the song owes its name.
Working very much in the melodic rock vein, the band make an impact with strong lyrics and full-on rhythms. It all grows from a place of unity, with the band having made it through many highs and lows to come out the other side stronger. Perhaps 2016 will be their year to progress even further.
With a single and an upcoming unplugged UK tour, 2016 is starting quickly for UK songwriter Patrick McCallion. Matching lyrical wit to indie-rock cred, 2015 proved to be a consistent year of progress for the young songwriter and now it looks likely that this year will continue that trend.
For hunters of new music, bookmark his website to keep up to date – there will be more singles and further releases to come this year, and you can catch him on the road soon too.
Mixing progressive rock and grunge styles, The Late Yetis are a five piece band from the UK who certainly know how to make an impact. If you don’t believe us, perhaps you should watch the video above once more time..
The single, ‘Blood Driven’, is out now and shows a dark sensibility to a band who aren’t backward in coming forward. And with a new EP coming out at the beginning of March too, now is the perfect time to discover this burgeoning band.
Bought up with a great love of the great soul vocalists of the Motown era, it’s little surprise that once Kelly Moneymaker discovered she possessed a powerful vocal she pursued a career in music.
Now, having honed her natural talent into a hurricane of a voice, she is stamping her own mark on the genre she grew up on. Her previous work as member of top female vocal group ‘Exposé’ (recently named as one of Billboard Magazine’s Top 10 girl groups of all time) no doubt also helped along the way.
Now going solo, Kelly Moneymaker is celebrating the holiday season with a pair of singles. ‘Home for the Holidays‘ and a unique version of ‘Jingle Bells‘ are both out now, and can be heard below.
There aren’t many things better when it comes to new music than when an artist emerges with a killer debut track. Well, in the case of the London singer-songwriter Baron Goodlove, you can consider that box ticked.
Fresh out of the box with a kid of indie-soul blend, Baron Goodlove is leading up to a debut EP which is on the way soon. So, best of all, you can download the single for free.
Take a listen above, and if you like what you’re hearing, head over to Facebook for all the info on how to get the track and what’s next for the band.
The track above, ‘North Sea Fret’, is a fantastic introduction to the sounds and styles of highly unusual duo MetaQuorum. A pair of veteran musicians with a ‘sense of mischief’, their new album ‘Midnight Sun’ is out now.
Usually instrumental, their music blasts down barriers between genres and styles, moulding plentiful ideas into their sprawling tracks. The musicianship and skill in constructing these compositions must be huge, and their style certainly makes for an intriguing alternative to the pop music we’re spoon-fed on the radio.
If something different is what you seek, then look no further….
The national singing competition TeenStar has found its latest winner! Joining a long line of prestigious Future Music competition winners, Rachel Ann from Bournemouth, Dorset has been crowned the champion of the national TeenStar competition at The NEC in Birmingham!
Singing Competition Winner
Rachel Ann was crowned champion in front of a capacity crowd and a prestigious music industry judging panel at The NEC in Birmingham on Saturday night. Her unique performance of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” won over the competition industry judges making her the overall winner of TeenStar. She will now be offered a recording and development deal including a £5,000 advance to spend on the development of her music.
The national singing competition is brought to you by Future Music – the company behind the discovery of artists such as such as Luke Friend and Karen Hardy both of which have had chart success this year, Jacob Banks, Warner Music’s Birdy, Columbia Record’s Lucy Spraggan, Union J’s Jaymi Hensley and Jahmene Douglas, both of which are now signed to Sony Music.
Music industry judges at the National Singing Competition Grand Final
After impressing the judging panel at the auditions, Rachel Ann battled against more than 9,000 acts who entered for TeenStar this year across the UK. She went on to perform in the TeenStar live showcases, battling through both Regional and Area Final heats to make it to the national Grand Final.
The judging panel for the Grand Final included record label representatives from Universal, as well representatives from music management companies, recording studios, professional musicians, national press representatives and the examination board, Rock School.
Rachel Ann has now won a comprehensive consultation package with Future Music, an extensive winner’s publicity package, and an amazing £5,000 advance to spend on the development of her music. On winning the prizes Rachel said, “I’m literally speechless, overjoyed with happiness. Thank you to everyone for all the support!”
Chris Grayston, Head Judge and Director of Future Music has said, “Rachel Ann has been a stand out act throughout the TeenStar competition. Her unique vocal range and emotive performances make her a clear winner!” Check out more information about the TeenStar Champion on the website here.
Future Music is also about to start singing auditions for Open Mic UK, find more information and enter music competition Open Mic UK now. Also check out the Future Music Songwriting Contest, which is specifically for songwriters of any age and genre.
Because playing the guitar isn't really work, is it?
We Don't Want a Proper Job 