Top class single ‘Coming Down Slow’ closes excellent year for Rachel Alice Johnson

Rachel Alice Johnson, a songwriter from north of the border in Scotland, has had quite the year. A strong of singles have got the attention of many people, and now she’s closing out 2017 with new single ‘Coming Down Slow’.

It’s a song that starts as one animal then transforms into another, as a deceptive opening grows slowly to a spectacular crescendo. Rarely is one chord used to such great effect, and the metamorphosis from one kind of song to another is something to behold. Take a listen to see what I mean.

‘Coming Down Slow’ is out now.

Ed Accura releases new rap single ‘New Age of Thingz’

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, gather round to the new sound of songwriter Ed Accura – he has a tale to tell. Doesn anyone remember when music and entertainment was something to be enjoyed live, and music was swapped on cassettes, CDs an other physical formats? Before the touch of a button or the swipe of a screen gave you access to everything, all at once?

Ed Accura certainly remembers, and takes a fond look back at those times with new single ‘New Age of Thingz’. It’s the latest in a string of pointed recent singles from the veteran musician, and you can find more at https://www.edaccura.com/

London rapper Stash Peso, new single ‘Glow’ out now

One of the hottest names on the London rap scene right now, Stash Peso is a talented writer getting all the attention he deserves. It’s a crowded genre on the independent market, particularly in London, but when GRM Daily, SBTV, Link Up TV and Clash are among those pointing people in your direction you must be doing something right.

The latest single, ‘Glow’, gives a good indication as to what all the fuss is about. Understated but effective, it’s a track that doesn’t need pace or trickery to hit the spot. There are no bells or whistles here, just a swaggering stream of lyrics that has the guts to take its time.

The single is taken from the ‘Shine’ EP, which is also out now.

Norfolk’s Organisms impress with ‘Games Non People Play’ single

Organisms are a group who are new to the wider world but already picking up a head of steam in their native Norfolk. Slots on BBC Introducing and at high profile venues in the area have come as a result of their reputation for classy and unusual indie style songs.

A prime example is single ‘Games Non-People Play’. Opening with a slick funk sound, the song spirals out into an expansive, hypnotic treat. Those who fall victim to nightmares may also want to limit how much they watch the creepy, intense video.

The single will also be found on an upcoming album, titled ‘Mollusk’. It will be released in July, and with tracks like this on the playlist it should be one to look forward to.

New UK indie-pop: Colour Colour EP ‘Do Something Beautiful’ out April 10th, single out now

‘Do Something Beautiful’ is one of those unmistakeable British rock tracks. Complete with anthemic, singalong chorus, flowing guitar riffs and a solid rhythm section to back it up, it has elements of rock back as far as the 70s right the way up to the present day. Whether it’s the classic chord progression, or the jangling guitars, or the excellent vocal, it all ties together lovely.

The track comes from a trio of musicians who have come together from separate bands to form a new group called Colour Colour. It’s clear from this song that something is working, and more proof may come this week in the shape of their new EP – also called ‘Do Something Beautiful’.

colourcolour.co.uk is the place to be for all things Colour Colour.

‘Something More’ pop single from Luke Potter

Fast becoming one of my favourite emerging artists of the year, Luke Potter is a UK singer songwriter whose lyrics seem to come from someone much older than his youthful looks would suggest. His latest single is ‘Something More’, a slow-build, fast-catch treat in the mould of contemporaries such as Ed Sheeran.

 Inspired by many groups, including the Goo Goo Dolls whose track ‘Iris’ first caused him to pick up a guitar at age 17, Potter is clearly a student of the game and a fast learner. His songs are structurally sound and well-produced. Meanwhile, the compelling video is as well thought out a promo clip as you’re likely to see from any independent song writer.

 

‘Something More’ is out now on iTunes.

‘No’ single out now from Max Restaino, LP ‘The Time It Takes’ also released

It’s not an easy task for any aspiring new artist to break through into the public consciousness these days, but Max Restaino has an excellent chance of doing just that. Not only is he gaining a reputation for excellent, original pop songs, but he’s also worked alongside many top names in the pop industry, including Gary Barlow and Olly Murs.

And now, alongside a massive UK tour with Rebecca Ferguson, he is ready to unveil his new album ‘The Time It Takes’. The album is available from here, and has also been teased by a number of singles – the latest of which is the excellent ‘No’ (above).

‘Clocks’ EP out now – Ellie Jane

A very welcome addition to the UK independent music scene, Ellie Jane is a female singer-songwriter who writes excellent pop music with a twist. Heavily influenced by hip-hop and rap, her new EP ‘Clocks’ is out now (here) and does an excellent job of demonstrating just why her sound is so fresh.

The lead single might be a bit more straightforward in terms of pop, but rest assured there’s plenty more on the EP. There’s a reason why she made it to the 2015 final of the national UK Open Mic competition, and before long Ellie Jane could become a name on mainstream lips.

Free download: ‘Body Language’ from pop-funk specialists Magazine Gap

Every now and again a new song comes along that has you drawn in from the very first note, and in the case of ‘Body Language’ (above), funk-pop fans will no doubt have this experience. A new single and free download from the excellent Magazine Gap, the song opens strong into its mid-tempo pop groove and doesn’t fail to impress from there.

 Instantly toe-tapping and with solid production and layering, it’s a deceptively simple song in terms of structure and instrumentation, but adds up to more than the sum of its parts thanks to the cool feel. The languid pace works very well on the verses and chorus, but comes into its own during the half-tempo interludes towards the end. Lovely stuff, and an EP to look forward to soon as well. Find more on the website.

Free download from here:

Tom Jarvis serves up classy double A single – ‘Ordinary Lie’ and ‘Wonder of Time’

Tom Jarvis is a smart pop singer-songwriter who is already building an impressive CV. His previous releases have had the tastemakers at BBC Introducing waxing lyrical about his well-produced, accessible sound, and his support stints for artists like Scouting For Girls, Example and John Newman have won him many new admirers.

Now, with his new double A side single, he’s looking to further expand on that success. ‘Wonder of Time’, the track above, is available now on iTunes and other digital stores, alongside the equally catchy ‘Ordinary Lie’.