The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Yajna

January 15, 2020 — Leave a comment

Hailing from the small village of Vittangi in the northernmost part of Sweden, is Yajna. A singer, sportsperson, and businesswoman, who has tried her hand at many careers, but always gone back to her ultimate passion – music.

Having grown up surrounded by music, her mother being a composer and organist in the local church, Yajna starting writing songs of her own from a young age, as well as becoming a star soloist for the local choir. However, in her teenage years, her talents saw her embark on a snowboarding career, going as far as to start her own company INACTION.

But in 2018, Yajna finally decided to follow her heart, to become a music artist. Her debut single, Natten Lång, was a storm of success across Swedish radio, but London was the place she found her true sound. It was there she recorded her recent trilogy, The Rising Phoenix, an epic and dreamy mix of soul and RnB.

The trilogy features singles ‘You Are Beatiful‘, ‘Femenomenal‘, and title-track ‘The Rising Phoenix‘. The songs take you on a journey through Yajna‘s life, from the ashes of her lowest moments, to her emergence from the fire. Ultimately, wishing to spread a message of hope, love and power.

The Rising Phoenix trilogy is out now:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yajnamusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yajnamusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yajnamusic/

Website: www.yajnamusic.com

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/yajnamusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vRcQwJni6XQcoQFeYlPu6?si=i95YLbUeTv6Lv44IFMu7YA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDjn4ac4V9o4OMNv9kXfPVA?view_as=subscriber

Songwriting Spotlight’s Ones to Watch in 2020

December 20, 2019 — Leave a comment

2019 has been a great year for innovative songwriters and inspiring lyrics. Songwriting Spotlist’s have put together a Top 3 Artists to watch out for in 2020 specifically relating to artistry in songwriting.

PRIME SINISTER

Prime Sinister is an innovative hip-hop artist from West London, who is combining the styles and sounds from rap and grime music that inspired him throughout his childhood with his own creative method of lyrical rhyming. Prime Sinister is breaking new ground with his own rap style creation: ‘syllablism’, which can be defined simply as the consecutive use of rhyming syllable patterns. The lyrical style constructs a symmetrical sequence, taking on a life of its own it encapsulates perfectly the themes of a new world that run throughout the album. Prime Sinister’s ‘syllablism’ is demonstrated in new single ‘Prime Time’. Speaking about the meaning and lyrics of ‘Prime Time’ he says: ‘Prime Time’ is the fifth track on the album. It’s produced by Muckaniks, who’s someone I’ve wanted to work with for years. I love his production work, especially on ‘Face The World’ by Rye Shabby, so I told him I needed a beat like that, as opposed to a beat like ‘Revvin’ by Ocean Wisdom and Dizzee Rascal, which is one of his more grime-sounding beats. There are multiple stories told in the song, but I mostly used my imagination. If there was a part that I felt particularly resonated with me, it would be this section in the second verse: “He spewed a bluish green, fluid like his truant schemes, clueless, he, moved upon the cupids that the jewelers clean/ So like the jewellers plea to drool upon the ghoulish sea of rudeness, he would use his prudish cruelness to imbue and please/ He’s on a looting spree of fruitlessness and prudency, shooting me, and brewing my pursuers into bluish tea’.

Listen to Prime Sinister on Spotify

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOfPerception/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrimeSinister24

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primesinistermusic/?hl=en

AMAHLA

Image may contain: 1 person, on stage — Amahla

Singer, songwriter and musician Amahla taps into an era before her time to create contemporary soul music. After releasing her debut single ‘Old Soul’ in June 2018 Amahla was awarded the PRS Lynsey De Paul Prize for outstanding emerging female songwriters, and the MOBO Awards/Help Musicians fund for her exceptional voice. In February 2019 Amahla’s released her EP ‘Consider This’ which explores issues of Domestic Violence, Race, Class and inner city life to critical acclaim for its addressing of social issues, songwriting and vocal delivery.
This summer Amahla wrote and featured on a soulful track with Drum and Bass duo Brookes Brothers. ‘In The Moment’ received support on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK and currently sits just below one million streams.
Over the course of the year Amahla’s distinctive voice and songwriting has gained tremendous support from music press and tastemakers with impressive features and reviews from Clash Magazine, The Line of Best Fit, Complex UK, Bandcamp, Earmilk, and more.
Amahla is unafraid to explore uncomfortable societal issues and puts classic songwriting at the core. Amahla’s goal: to be one of the best vocalists, songwriters and entertainers of her generation.

www.amahlamusic.com

KELSEY

Get ready for Valentines Day with this anti-valentines day track set to be released on the 14th of February by up and coming American pop starlet Kelsey. Lyrically, the track Nobody alludes to the haunting experience of being lost to the memory of a loved one and feeling like a stranger to someone you once knew so well. It is a ghost story, speaking of the power that haunting memories of a lost lover can have. Kelsey has always been inspired by music from a young age and has expressed how the music that could instantly take hold of her mood and emotions were the songs that stuck with her the most. The captivating words of such songs are what motivates Kelsey with her songwriting today. So far Kelsey hasn’t got any music released, but for a teaser into the behind the scenes and what to expect from Kelsey can be seen in a short documentary released on YouTube:

Kelsey documentary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyvibesss

Neo-Classical Sensation, Gavin Luke, Discusses Production of ‘In Search of Home’

December 16, 2019 — Leave a comment

Gavin Luke is a pianist and composer, whose works caused a viral explosion on social media. In 2016, he totaled over 25 million plays on Spotify, after releasing four albums and two singles. Followed by further releases in 2017 and 2018, his music has now been heard several billion times on YouTube. The writer has split his time between composing his own pieces and composing music for visual media since 2010.

In Search of Home, Gavin’s latest track, was recorded in a very particular way. His piano’s own felt, used to soften the sound, was too thick to create desired effect. So, Gavin bought his own, thinner custom felt, which was placed between the hammers and the keys to create a softer, more intimate and delicate sound. This was said to reflect “a longing or a sense of wanting to belong, to feel loved, or to feel at peace”.

Follow Gavin Luke:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gavinlukemusic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Gavinlukemusic/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gavin-luke

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2bqAlaRiT91dCQ7KMGnP8i/about

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmGwcys2eGLToWk-UCZ_0xg

Kelsey: The Young Pop Artist With Hauntingly Beautiful Lyrics

November 21, 2019 — Leave a comment

Kelsey is the up-and-coming pop singer from New Jersey that is bound to grab the attention of listeners with her captivating and intimate lyrics. Kelsey has always been inspired by music from a young age and has expressed how the music that could instantly take hold of her mood and emotions were the songs that stuck with her the most. The captivating words of such songs are what motivates Kelsey with her songwriting today.

Leading up the release of her debut track ‘Nobody’, Kelsey has posted pictures on her Instagram @kelseyvibesss of her sat down on the floor, handwriting ideas for lyrics and captioning the post with teasers of the lyrics for the track. Opening her world up to fans for them to see everything that goes into the songwriting process is something that Kelsey is passionate about, she has done this also by releasing part of a documentary about her music-making on YouTube. You can watch part 1 of the documentary now for a sneak-peak and insight into what Kelsey is all about!

Lyrically, the track Nobody alludes to the haunting experience of being lost to the memory of a loved one and feeling like a stranger to someone you once knew so well. It is a ghost story, speaking of the power that haunting memories of a lost lover can have.

Social Links for Kelsey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyvibesss

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kelsey-vibess

Out With The Old and In With The New

November 20, 2019 — Leave a comment

After losing their singer to a top West End production, it could have all been over, but Jody and the Jerms have emerged better than ever, and with a new vocalist taking center stage. Their new single, He Doesn’t Know Me Much At All, is a collaboration between guitarist Liam Jeger, drummer Alex Bridge, and newcomer Jody on vocals – who between them have performed alongside the likes of Radiohead and Supergrass.

Already having seen success overseas, receiving significant play on one of Spain’s largest radio stations, RTVE, Jody and the Jerms looking to announce their first 2020 live dates in the very near future.

The group previously saw much success as The Anydays, and are now broadening their musical horizons from the indie genre, infusing their sound with power-pop and new wave. With a fresh new look, and a fresh new sound, this is sure to only be the beginning for Jody and the Jerms.

Follow Jody and the Jerms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodyandthejerms/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-727099785/jerm-ngh-mstr1-441/s-Iiqxf

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4tgKs3XHY55tBPR4QTuDKe

Estelle California Releases Her Love Song To The Nation

November 11, 2019 — Leave a comment

Rising from a life that is nothing short of remarkable, Estelle California is a new soul singer who literally puts a piece of her soul into every song. Hailing from France, following the trauma of her fractured and abusive childhood, Estelle suppressed many memories to try and move on.

Estelle had found that she had lost her identity. The only thing she felt gave her freedom singing and creating music. Estelle felt herself drawn further and further away from Paris, the place that held so many dark memories for her. She travelled Africa and found herself fascinated, she was connected to the people and culture there.

The black community became something extremely important to Estelle, especially considering that she grew up in a family and a community that was profoundly racist – something that Estelle condemns and is now a passionate advocate for black rights, which is something that inspires a lot of her music!

Releasing her new single ‘Black Is The True Light’, the song is a tribute to the African American and African communities around the world who have constantly battled against division and hatred. Estelle;

“This song is the biggest love song I could have ever dreamed to have,” Estelle says. “It is my love, purpose and my duty to shine the black glory and the light of resilience that comes out of the darkness”.

Estelle’s forthcoming EP, My Name is Freedom, sees her backed by legendary producer and drummer Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston; Mariah Carey; Lionel Richie); ace guitarist Vernon “Ice” Black (Diana Ross, Anastacia; Babyface); James Henry and veteran vocalists Larry Batiste, Cornell Carter and Tony Lindsay.

Follow Estelle:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estellecalifornia/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/estellecaliforn?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estellecalifornia/

Website: estellecalifornia.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4g53nwot4egpNrxyIhFLXU

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCguX8bajz65pWoTak_toA-Q

Singing Soldiers: Fighting the Effects and Stigma of Mental Illness

October 21, 2019 — Leave a comment

The Singing Soldiers defy expectation at every juncture – their musical skill is undeniable, their spine-chilling harmonies and contemporary, outlaw country style as well as their infectious personalities are undeniable but are at odds with the trauma they have lived through and continue to battle against. Both Graham Trude and Chris Earl have been directly affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition which impacts immeasurably on not only the sufferer but the family and friends around them. Determined to quash the stigma and misconceptions of the condition and to give hope and inspirations to others around the world, Frontline Soldiers is a single which will resonate with people from all backgrounds – touching, moving, profound yet uplifting, it’s a song which begs to be heard.

This is not a charity single made up of assembled supporters, nor a twee cover version by overly auto-tuned amateurs. This is the real deal, two music professionals and members of the Canadian armed forces who have joined together to put across a message of hope to those affected by PTSD – a number which according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, exceeds 354 million people world-wide. Graham Trude is an Afghanistan Veteran and First Responder diagnosed with complex PTSD from his experiences and Chris Earl is a current serving military member who has family members struggling with PTSD. Chris and Graham are both signed Nashville Recording Artists and professional musicians who found each other and dedicated themselves to healing trauma through music therapy.

Already selling out large venues in their home country, The Singing Soldiers deliver an experience that can only be born out of experience. It is an evening of laughing and crying and relatable REAL-LIFE material that help our listeners know we truly understand.

WOUNDED WARRIORS CANADA

“We are extremely proud to join forces with the Singing Soldiers. Chris and Graham are true ambassadors for the cause we serve and we thank them for their willingness to pay it forward to help us help our ill and injured Veterans, First Responders and their families.” – Scott Maxwell, Executive Director, Wounded Warriors Canada

Secret songwriter steps into the spotlight

September 13, 2019 — Leave a comment

For many years, Nick Battle has been working behind-the-scenes within the music industry. His songwriting ability has gained him over 30 gold and platinum discs, and though he is far from a household name, his songs and collaborators most certainly are. Working with the likes of Sir Cliff Richard, Michael Ball and Gary Barlow (as well as kick-starting The Spice Girls), he boasts an impressive list of contacts. But that’s not enough for Nick.

Now is his time to take the glory, rather than giving his tracks away – he kept this collection for himself. ‘Love is a Long Road’ looks back on Battle’s life and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Inspired by the singers and songwriters who have influenced him most, this album continues from where 2016 album ‘Big Heart’ left off.

This new album is a chance for people to hear Battle’s music as it was meant to be heard, no artist interpretations, tweaks or re-writes, but the writers pure vision and authentic sound.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nick.battle.7161

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickBattle14

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbattleofficial/

Website: www.starstreetmusic.com

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nickbattleofficial

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0c1nEm82KWIkvMpUYPVx2G

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0TUnetFN3M

Rocketsmith roll out feelgood-rock forged in friendship

July 12, 2019 — Leave a comment

When you consider that Rocketsmith’s roots trace back to the rural town of Pickering – which, per head, probably has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the UK – the formation of a band of this ilk makes perfect sense. In a place where there’s little else to do other than go to the pub, play music and be in bands (in this case, all three!), they embody the very nature of reet-good rock’n’roll. A fact that is reflected in the title of the EP ‘Balancing Act‘, which nods to balancing their hectic work lives with their desire to perform.

Collectively they are consummate performers both live and in the studio but strip away the rock’n’roll and you’ll find that Andy is an egg farmer, Hank is a painter and decorator, Anth is a tiler and Matt is an electrical engineer. Between them, they’ve played in countless bands over the years, but have always known of their desire to step out of the shadows with their own original material. A family friendly bunch, led with the track ‘Give Love‘, which stands as a resounding proclamation of all people really need to give to one another – Be it a smile, a laugh, a hug or any simple gesture that can change someone’s life for the better.

Andy has commented how, on a personal level, Rocketsmith helped him through a trough of depression and elevated his sense of self-worth and confidence. In the true essence of what forming a band is all about, that love for meeting new people and that feeling of winning over a crowd are in equal parts overwhelming.

The EP ‘Balancing Act‘ (Out Now) was written over the autumn of 2018 and early 2019, incorporating two previously recorded tracks ‘Hope in the Beat‘ and Give Love backing up Jenny, Chasing Ghosts, Beautiful Soul and Real Life – six songs that the band feel are the strongest material they’ve recorded to date.

See Rocketsmith Live

July 13^th – Rocking All Over the Wold, Easingwold

August 18^th – Rocketsmith live at Tribfest! Tribfest, Driffield

September 13^th – Apollo Bar, Scarborough

September 15^th – The Little Angel, Whitby

September 22^nd – Sun Inn Beer Festival, Pickering

November 23^rd – The Little Angel, Whitby

December 7^th – The Lettered Board, Pickering

December 20^th – Market Hall, Scarborough

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocketsmithuk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rocketsmithuk1

Website: https://www.reverbnation.com/rocketsmith

Family values light up songwriter’s path to stardom

July 11, 2019 — Leave a comment

After being wrongfully expelled from Bolton School until the age of 16, it was at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn where songwriter Joel Rothwell nurtured his ability and pursued his dream of a career in music. Following on from the acclaimed released of single ‘Just Don’t Know‘, it’s apparent that the stars have never seemed too far out of reach, and with roots forged very close to home. A childhood spent with his eldest sister Rebecca imitating their musical heroes has led to formulating a creative partnership which has seen them writing together for a number of years.

With a stylishly crafted formula of honest story-telling accompanying his guitar-driven electro-pop sound, the first of 4 inspired songs recorded with Brighton producer Toby Scott – ‘Just Don’t Know’ tells the story of a chance encounter, forbidden attraction and the inherent dilemma faced from within.

It was recording and preparing to release his debut album under the Steelworks Studio label, under the support of songwriter and producer Eliot Kennedy (famed for working with the likes of the Spice Girls, Bryan Adams, Lulu and Take That), that led to Joel taking part in his biggest gig to date. The Vulcan Experience aircraft hanger at Robin Hood airport in Doncaster was host to a sell-out charity event that raised over £65,000 for Help for Heroes, in which he shared the stage in following none other than Gary Barlow.

Joel is now based at a studio in the vibrant Spinningfields area of Manchester, while also having spent time writing and recording at Tileyard Music in London alongside chart musicians such as Sigala, Mark Ronson and Ella Eyre. Through a blend of passion, talent and determination, Joel firmly believes he has what it takes to stand out in such a competitive industry and match the ambition of his dreams.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatjoelrothwell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatjoelrothwell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joelrothwell

Website: http://joelrothwell.com