Songwriting Spotlight

Preyah Lays it ‘On The Line’ in New Single

Harry Fenn

With pulsating synths, a beat you can’t help but move to and an effortlessly funky bass line to underpin the whole thing, Preyah’s new single ‘On The Line’ is irresistible. Preyah’s vocal talent and, most notably her control, is evident throughout the track as she sends out the message that no-one should feel held back by someone else’s indecision.

Preyah battled through a difficult childhood growing up in Sofia, one of the toughest areas in Bulgaria, facing prejudice and racism from an early age. She also found herself living alone at the age of just 16. But the adversity she’s faced has been harnessed and ultimately has made her stronger. She has become one of the most recognisable faces in Bulgaria, appearing on The Masked Singer and Your Face Sounds Familiar.

‘On The Line’ is upbeat and perfectly produced. The songwriting is well-thought through with some surprising rhythmic elements that will keep the listener engaged throughout. And that’s all before you get to the break-down; an epic saxophone solo will rattle your bones and leave your mouth agape – it is as incredible as it is unexpected. But I suppose, now that you’ve read this it’s not quite so unexpected… sorry.

‘On The Line’ is the lead track from her forthcoming EP and comes with a glamorous new video, which you can watch below. With her sights firmly set on Eurovision selection, we’ll be hearing much more of Preyah in the years to come.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preyah_yeah/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/preyah-114912188/preyah-on-the-line/s-U4tIkKbXH0u
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JrtHrH28JpMPS6CmWcOku
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/preyah/1061548923
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC29ziSFefQTKjOMFSWr8zA/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preyah_?

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Six Nights Wows with Debut Album ’21’

Harry Fenn

When someone talks about classical artists, you are unlikely to think of someone like Six Nights. Claiming he is more likely to be found in a tracksuit than a tux, Six Nights flips the trend in bursting onto the classical music scene.

His new highly emotive album, 21, is inspired by the COVID lockdowns and the hardships we’ve all faced this last year. He takes inspiration not just from classical pieces but from R&B, hip-hop and film scores. This is most evident in tracks such as ‘Moving Tiles’ where muted percussion, sweeping synths and strings are expertly utilised, adding to the drama of the piece.

With no formal training, the pieces are impressive, with complex articulations and ornaments; the harmonies and melodies are reminiscent of Einaudi or Nils Frahm. Six Nights has always used music as an outlet in times of hardship such as when his parents split up when he was just eight years old – he found solace at the piano and continues to play the same instrument to this day. He was dedicated in his practice and would run home from school every lunchtime to play – his goal was always to release an album of his own compositions.

All of the tracks were recorded during lockdown but initially were stored on Six Nights’ iPhone. As his mental health began to suffer in lockdown, Six Nights called a producer and had the pieces recorded professionally. And just like that, his dream is achieved. The stunning album will be released on the 28th of May this year. If you want an album to get lost in then 21, with its flowing melodies, thoughtful production and evocative harmonies, is the album for you.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Six-Nights-104363975083858
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixnightsmusic/
Website: https://www.sixnightsmusic.com/

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Anderson .Paaks Up and Moves to Warner Chappell

Featured Image by Israel Ramos

Before you ask… yes, I’ve chosen to write about this pretty much just to make that awful joke in the title. But anyway… I remember in a lecture at university, we were shown Anderson .Paak’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert and I was utterly blown away. This was the first time I’d heard his music and although his music isn’t necessarily the kind of thing I choose to listen to, he’s one of those artists who’s musicianship and artistry is totally undeniable. In this video, Anderson sits at a pared down drum kit, a microphone aimed at his mouth as he is surrounded by his effortlessly cool band. What follows is fifteen minutes of pure genius – you will not regret watching it and forever you can weigh in on the Anderson Paak conversation and tell everyone how amazing you’ve always thought he was.

Ahead of the release of a project with Bruno Mars entitled Silk Sonic, Anderson has signed an administration agreement with Warner Chappell. The company’s president of US A&R, Ryan Press commented that Anderson is ‘already at the top of his game, and yet he continues to reach higher and higher. He effortlessly brings optimistic and feel-good vibes to every song he releases…’ I have to agree and Silk Sonic is surely going to be huge – Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars together… something funky has got to come of that.

No release date for Silk Sonic has yet been announced but the first single, ‘Leave The Door Open’ is out now. I must say, I think it’s one of the coolest tracks I’ve ever heard. It’s like the best of all of the last few decades with shades of Boys II Men and the classic ballads of the 80s. It’s something special and no doubt will be the soundtrack to this summer and perhaps the next few.

You can watch the video for ‘Leave The Door Open’ below:

Harry Fenn

In Signs marks a new era with the release of new single ‘Bloom’

Harry Fenn

Last week, Kyiv-based rock band In Signs released their new single ‘Bloom’. It’s dark, it’s tense and it’s brilliant. Evolving synths and heavy guitars beneath a delicate vocal performance brilliantly contrasts the darker soundtrack. Frontman Arsen explains that he wrote the song years ago but decided that now is the right time to release it:

“This song was written a long time ago, before quarantine, but it now feels like ‘Bloom’ is about COVID.”

The song is emotional and relatable. Arsen expresses that the track was written at a bad time in his life when he felt alone; the anger comes through in the wistful chorus and sweeping synths.

‘Bloom’ marks a change in artistic direction for the band, which will likely see darker, edgier music. After the success of their previous single ‘Knock Knock’, they are looking to explore the new sound. They have moved to a new studio and ‘Bloom’ is a good indication of what lies ahead for In Signs.

You can watch the new lyric video here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insignsband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/insignsband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insignsband/
Website: https://www.insignsband.com/
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/in-signs/1340508600
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lbOAXU3IC5HuZhykxWCkD?si=ajHsPXe-SmyPNgYv2zD8-A&nd=1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/InSignsBand

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Pentral Set Sights High With New Epic Single ‘Aiming for the Sun’

Harry Fenn

Hot on the heels of the success with their first single ‘Silent Trees’, Pentral have today released ‘Aiming for the Sun’: a six-minute epic filled with ferocious guitars and a persistent beat to bang your head to. This track is a fitting preview to their album, which is set to be released on the 7^th of May and, if this new single is anything to go by, the album entitled What Lies Ahead is going to be quite something; look out for the jittery riffs in ‘The Shell I’m Living In’ and the skull-rattling ‘All My Wounds’ – they will not disappoint.

“What Lies Ahead is a concept album exploring the fractious relationship between people from different backgrounds and cultures”

Pentral have always been passionate about environmental protection as well as social issues such as racism and equality and they make sure their lyrics reflect this. Track 6 of the album, ‘No Real Colour in Souls’, reflects the anger and frustration at the issue of racism in its ferocious drum and bass intro. Songs such as this cement Pentral as a prog rock band of the future and ones to watch.

As if the promise of such a powerful album isn’t enough. A video to accompany the new single premieres today. This is the second chapter in the story followed by the upcoming album. A young family is lost in an angry and hateful world. What Lies Ahead is the story of their battle against an oppressive and tyrannical regime.

You can watch the new video here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pentralmusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/pentral
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pentralmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pentralmusic
Website: https://www.pentralmusic.com/

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From Streaming in Private to Singing on the Rooftops: The Story of Taylor Swift Fans

Last week, Taylor showcased her enviable productivity by releasing her third album in a year. After a dispute regarding the masters of her recordings, Taylor kicked off her campaign to re-release her entire back catalogue of music, denying some bloke called Scooter the opportunity to profit from her work for all eternity. And I have to say, I unashamedly love it. And in truth, I always have – but not always unashamedly. For years, a public admission that you might be a fan of Taylor was met with scoffs and derision. But in a matter of just a few years, I’ve gone from listening to ‘Love Story’ on private mode on Spotify to proudly blaring her new hit ‘Mr Perfectly Fine’ in the car on the way to walk the dog.

So what is the cause of this change? What’s happened? The shift started, I think, with her album 1989. The ears of Swift sceptics pricked up as she released an absolute belter of an album, which spoofed the image of her that the media had created over the years and was honest and confessional throughout. With high production value music videos and collaborations with some of the world’s best songwriters meant this was a turning point.

I am briefly going to mention the album that followed because I think we can all agree it was quite funny, if slightly disastrous. For all those How I Met Your Mother fans out there, Tay Tay’s 2017 album, Reputation was a genuine, real-life Robin Daggers moment and I love that we’ve made the collective decision to just not talk about it. After this album, which failed to garner any attention during awards season, was followed by a brief stint in the world of bubble-gum pop – which if I’m honest, I wasn’t on board with. But the real moment when all closeted Swifties could reveal themselves was last year when she surprised us all with Folklore. I’m sure some people would inexplicably rather listen to Soundcloud rappers rambling in triplets all day but surely even they can agree that every song on Folklore was triumph of song writing and storytelling. The album reflected her experiences of the last few years, the production was simple and effective; it just felt like an album from a singer/songwriter who made an album for herself. After that, the last thing we all expected was another cracking album; but that’s what we got. And it was just as good.

On top of some incredible output over the years, Taylor has built empire and has quite rightly been named one of the world’s most powerful women. She almost single-handedly secured fair (ish) payment for artists of streaming platforms and reportedly caused a huge spike in voter registration in 2018 whens he strenuously opposed Marsha Blackburn’s bid for congress. She’s a truly impressive and iconic figure but most importantly, she’s an incredible songwriter; and I am very pleased to be able to express that opinion openly and have everyone around me agree.

May God grant you Tay Tay’s productivity.

Harry Fenn

Victoria Hoffmann Releases Third Single ‘Hopeless Love’

Harry Fenn

On the 5^th of April, Victoria Hoffmann released her single ‘Hopeless Love’. Although Victoria has only been writing songs since 2018, in the tradition of indie-folk music, the song tells a vivid and emotional story.

Despite a diverse and storied background, Victoria is ever determined to make the music she wants to make. She has formed her own style despite criticism online, where she was targeted for not making music seen to be more fitting for a black musician. Taking pride in her individuality, the harmonies and chords throughout the track remind me somewhat of artists such as Amy McDonald with its bouncy rhythm, flowing melodies and confessional lyrics.

Though her whole family work in medicine, Victoria overcame the pressures placed on her to follow suit and through hard work and determination became a singer-songwriter, proving that she’s had to endure a host of constraints to get to where she is now – the added online criticism only firing her up and fuelling her music further.

‘Hopeless Love’ is a good sign of things to come, as Victoria is due to release her debut album in the summer of this year. For an artist who has not been writing songs for long, this – her third single – shows promise with well-balanced production and excellent story telling.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriaamao/
Website: www.victoriahoffmann.co.uk
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/victoria-amao
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TfPpSprI2zdLNEO5euA2g?si=1u79nfzyTfifxSkJ2E897A

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InHibit Releases Long Awaited Debut EP ‘Blinded’

Harry Fenn

After finding success with his radio hits ‘The Quest’, ‘Shadows of Fire’ and ‘Settings’, InHibit’s debut EP is out now. With hints of the electronic sounds of the 80s, InHibit’s new project incorporates guitar riffs and vocals reminiscent of the late 90s alt-rock scene.

Brussels-based singer and composer InHibit, describes himself first and foremost as a poet. It is no surprise, then, that his music deals with complex issues and challenging themes. What struck me most about the opening track entitled ‘Shame on Humans’ was the rhythmic lyricism. InHibit uses his voice as an instrument, following interesting rhythmic elements or cleverly creating polyrhythms. The driving rhythm and clashing guitar riffs, combined with the ever-shifting harmony, only enhances the feeling of rage throughout this track.

In direct contrast, ‘The Quest’ feels very different initially. The song is a melting pot of genres as the intro sounds like it belongs in the underground hip-hop scene with a bulging bass and synth melody. But it almost immediately moves to a different era of acoustic guitars and lyrical melodies, which will be swimming in your ear for hours to come. All of this comes before the track explodes into a chorus laden with electric guitars, a heavy beat and relentless vocals. The song culminates in a bringing together of all three, as the opening synth melody is ingeniously re-harmonised. ‘The Quest’ is packed full of musical goodness that exhibits InHibit’s immense musical prowess in the clever merging of seemingly incongruous sections.

All four tracks on this EP are expertly crafted and thought through. Even in moments of chaos and heavily distorted guitars, it feels that everything is where it’s supposed to be. The sparse arrangement of the verses in ‘Shadows of Fire’ only enhances the release of the chorus. Each track has something different to offer with a wide variety of styles and genres incorporated across the board, with the final song ‘Settings’ inspired by iconic alt-rock bands through the ages, with its screaming electric guitar and rhythmic melodies.

InHibit’s Blinded is a throwback to the sounds of the last few decades, expertly melded into one cohesive EP. It’s thought provoking, head banging and catchy from the first moment of track one to the final chord of track four. InHibit is one of the most exciting artists emerging from Europe at the moment so we can expect to hear much more from him in the future.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inhibitofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inhibitofficial/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-665546627
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1zMBGodzGcfxVJfDND3q1d?si=g5AzjlAuT8OVCtHr2_evHw
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIHadk3BW40&feature=youtu.be

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Kavanagh’s Dizzying New Single ‘Citizen 202’, Out this Friday!

Harry Fenn

The release of new single ‘Citizen 202’ from Brighton based, alternative rock band Kavanagh, is fast approaching. Since the band’s inception in 2016, Kavanagh have gone from strength to strength, winning two national Battle of the Bands competitions and touring across the UK with multiple radio appearances.

Citizen 202 is a dizzying flurry of distorted guitars and grungy vocals which have you hooked from the intro. Clocking in at less than 2 minutes, the new single somehow manages to be both a head-banger and a sing-a-long. You’ll be singing at the top of your lungs only to have the track end and you’ll want to play it again to have another crack at it. It’s a whirlwind of sound carefully balanced and thought out which makes for exciting listening.

‘Citizen 202 is about escaping the idiosyncrasies of humanity and being a member of the universe instead, simply a part of creation. More than human’.

Citizen 202 will be widely released this Friday (26^th March). Keep an eye out for the rest of the year also, as this is just the first of many to come in 2021. The track hasn’t even been released yet but already features in the upcoming film Vegan Vampires from Zorg with members of The Sex Pistols and New York Dolls. The band are looking forward to supporting Fat White Family in the near future, having worked with their producer Mike Bennett on this single. This is certainly the beginning of something big for Kavanagh.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KavanaghBand
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5RXVyxqiuyYF6PoTNYbpdr

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Judith Haustein Effortlessly Wows with New Single ‘Freeze’

Harry Fenn

With moody chord progressions and ethereal vocals, Judith Haustein’s ‘Freeze’ is irresistible. The influence of Judith’s interest in jazz harmony is clear in the delicate verses with crisp and flawless vocal delivery; it’s the chorus where this seamless blend of jazz and mainstream harmonies shines. The melody will stick in your head as Judith sings directly to you and the incredible production creates a soundscape to envelope you in her sound.

Judith’s interest in jazz improvisation began in her early twenties, which set her on a path to complete a BA in Jazz studies in London under Stuart Hall, Eddie Parker and Nikki Iles. During this time, Judith really honed her skills and intensively engaged with modal harmony and Brazilian music.

Judith released her first album Fire and Sleep, which she produced as part of her MA thesis, in 2008; after a stint touring on London’s underground scene with her six piece band ‘Judith Haustein & the Peanutbutterflies’, Judith has settled for now in Stuttgart. Here, she free-lances as a composer for film and media while she’s also an arranger, choir conductor and singing teacher. With Judith’s new single, she has managed to effortlessly incorporate elements of her recent work on the strong base layer of her jazz roots.

Judith is an undeniable talent. With her impeccable vocals and immaculate song writing, ‘Freeze’ is not to be overlooked.

WEBSITE: www.judithhaustein.com
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/judith_haustein
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/judithhaustein
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/c/juwiththeredshoe
REVERB NATION: www.reverbnation.com/judithhaustein
CREW UNITED: crew-united.com/de/Judith-Elena-
Haustein_607925.html#!searchterm=judith%20haustein

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