Showing posts with label Bri Fletcher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bri Fletcher. Show all posts

Sunday, 26 July 2026

Josaleigh Pollett - Bywater Call - Lynn Hollyfield - Rusty Shackle - Black Bordello - Bri Fletcher

Josaleigh Pollett - If I Let It Quiet (Album).

Salt Lake City-based singer-songwriter Josaleigh Pollett has issued their fourth full-length album, ‘If I Let It Quiet.’ Produced by long-time collaborator Jordan Watko (Crowd Shy), the record is released via Audio Antihero (Frog / Tiberius / Avery Friedman / CIAO MALZ / Darren Hayman) and Lavender Vinyl on digital and vinyl. A tour of the Pacific Northwest and West Coast accompany the album's release. The work of Pollett and Watko has received a slow burn of recognition over the years, reaching a broader audience with 2023’s electronics-infused ‘In the Garden, By the Weeds,’ thanks to support from notable outlets, including NPR Music’s All Songs Considered, as well as awards and end-of-year lists.

Pollett went on to share bills with St. Vincent, Torres, Deep Sea Diver, DeVotchKa, Mini Trees, and Hibou, as well as performing at Kilby Block Party. Outside of their work with Watko, Pollett’s output included a prolific run of collaborations that included Ekko Astral in 2024 and 2025, in addition to writing a song a day in January 2025 (released as ‘bro’s bad january’). 

“This album is an exploration of what it takes to quiet the noise of geographical and emotional distance in order to hear ourselves and the ones who see us. In true independent DIY fashion and similar to 2023's In The Garden, By The Weeds, If I Let It Quiet is recorded mostly at home between my Salt Lake City makeshift home studio and Jordan's apartment in Japan. The difference this time is that we're bringing in more collaborations. In particular, Andrew Goldring, who in addition to mixing and mastering, brought deeper instrumentation to If I Let It Quiet.” – Josaleigh Pollett. 

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Bywater Call - Broken Souvenirs (Album).

A powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock outfit from Toronto, Canada; Bywater Call was nominated for the 2025 UK Blues Award for International Blues Artist of the year for the second straight year, alongside artists such as Beth Hart and Walter Trout.

The band has also received multiple Independent Blues and Canadian Maple Blues Award nominations including Entertainer, Electric Act and Best Female Vocalist for the 2024 Awards Season.

Bywater Call’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through human experience, featuring influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, and many more.

Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members. And now, on the heels of a highly successful European tour and in the middle of their American tour here is their new album. 


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Lynn Hollyfield - Diving In (Album).

We have the new folk album Diving In from award-winning singer-songwriter Lynn Hollyfield. The album was produced by Grammy-nominated Seth Glier and 
is a stunning collection of songs that reveal the twists and turns in life, our humanness, loss, love, the times we are in, and the path we choose to go through. The range of styles on the album can mostly be called contemporary folk, with a few having a traditional feel and a timeless vibe.

Blend a beautiful alto voice, crisp acoustic guitar, and a heartfelt perspective on the world, and you have Lynn Hollyfield. Known for her warm stage presence and emotionally rich songs, she connects effortlessly with audiences. Writing in a contemporary folk style, Lynn weaves in jazz-influenced chords and bluesy guitar alongside passionate vocals, think Mary Chapin Carpenter meets Bonnie Raitt with a touch of George Gershwin. The result is her own distinctive voice, witty, soulful, and reflective.

Lynn has been writing songs since her teenage years, growing up on Staten Island, NY, surrounded by a wide range of musical influences, from jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to artists like The Beatles and Neil Young. She began performing locally at a young age and later gained recognition as part of the duo Hollyfield & Spruill, appearing at festivals such as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

After launching her solo career, Lynn released several acclaimed albums, including LAYERS (2010), IN THE BALANCE (2014), and LOOK UP (2024), earning national and international airplay along with multiple songwriting awards including being listed in the Top Artists/ Top Albums for the International Folk Alliance. During the pandemic, she also published a children’s book, The Tree, The Ship and Me, with its accompanying song recognized as a finalist in the Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest.


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Rusty Shackle - Stand Up Tall.

Welsh Folk / Rock band 'Rusty Shackle' new single 'Stand Up Tall' was released Friday 24th July. Taken from their forthcoming Album 'Mayfield' which is set for release at the end of August. A raw, heartfelt reflection on friendship, self-confidence andperseverance when times are hard. The universal message inviteslisteners to find their own meaning within the song, but at its heart,it serves as a mantra of encouragement for anyone who feels lost oroverlooked in life.Musically, the track embraces a stripped-back folk sound inspired bythe poetic storytelling of Neil Young, the pastoral textures of The Decemberists and Fleet Foxes, and the understated warmth of Wilco.The unvarnished arrangement allows the song's message to takecentre stage, creating an intimate and timeless atmosphere thatreflects its themes of resilience, compassion, and hope

Rusty Shackle are a hard-gigging folk-rock band from South Wales, known for their infectious energy, anthemic songs, and genre-blurring sound drawn from folk, rock, and indie roots. Since forming in 2010, they’ve built a loyal following through relentless touring and a reputation for exhilarating live shows that get crowds on their feet.

The band have released five studio albums to date, each one expanding their sonic palette while staying rooted in rich melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a love of storytelling. Their 2022 release, Under a Bloodshot Moon, reached number 2 in the UK Folk Albums Chart and was praised as “a winner” by Get Ready to Rock and “their finest album yet” by Liverpool Sound and Vision.


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Black Bordello - Fugue.

Art-rock provocateurs Black Bordello announce their new EP, Midheaven Tempest, due 18th September 2026 via AWAL, and unveil its first offering with the new single 'Fugue' (24th July 2026), a Fitzgeraldian world of sepia-tinted nostalgia. 'Fugue' offers the first glimpse into the immersive world of Midheaven Tempest, a collection that sees Black Bordello deepen their singular dialogue between art-rock, post-punk and cinematic atmosphere. Expansive yet intimate, the EP embraces contrast, where ornate arrangements meet raw immediacy, and gothic romanticism collides with moments of striking clarity.

With 'Fugue', the band continue to blur the boundaries of artistic, gothic and experimental rock, while drawing more openly from the dramatic sweep and melodic ambition of 1970s rock music. Threaded with baroque flourishes and taut post-punk tension, the single unfolds as a richly layered introduction to the conceptual landscape of Midheaven Tempest, hinting at an EP that is both emotionally resonant and sonically adventurous.

The romantic Hammond-organ introduction to ‘Fugue’ evokes 1920s picture houses and travelling carnival calliopes, hinting at a Fitzgeraldian world of sepia-tinted nostalgia. But any promise of reverie is quickly upended by the verse’s psychedelic, buoyant theatricality. Dripping with the weary, eye-rolling detachment of Peggy Lee’s Is That All There Is?, the track instead unfolds in a haze of Velvet Underground fuzz, Black Heart Procession gloom, and Nick Cave–esque refrains. It moves through jarring shifts in tempo and melody, each one underscoring the band’s restless drive to experiment rather than settle into nostalgia.

Speaking on the single, vocalist and songwriter Sienna Bordello says: “Fugue is a joyful stab into the cardboard cutouts on the set of society's stage. It's our gift to music nerds, inspired by Bach.” 


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Bri Fletcher - Salt Water.

Nashville country artist Bri Fletcher releases new single "Salt Water." Bri Fletcher is crying good tears on her new single, “Salt Water,” an R&B-leaning country anthem that cleverly uses the healing properties of salt water as a remedy for heartbreak. While the production embraces a smoother, more soulful sound, Fletcher’s signature storytelling remains at the heart of the track, blending emotional honesty with undeniable vulnerability.

The song explores the idea that sometimes the first step toward moving on isn’t pretending you’re okay — it’s allowing yourself to feel everything. Fletcher transforms tears into a symbol of hope with the lyric, “Thought I’d never be the one to cry online / But WebMD just said I’ll be alright.”

Its memorable chorus reinforces the song’s central message: “Salt water, it’s good for my skin / I ain’t bothered, it’s got healing benefits / It’ll clean my wounds, rid me right of you / When these tears are running down my face / Salt water, yeah I’ll be okay.”

“Salt Water” marks another step in Fletcher’s evolving artistry, pairing contemporary R&B influences with the heartfelt lyricism that first established her as a country songwriter. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from hiding your emotions — sometimes it comes from embracing them. With “Salt Water,” Bri Fletcher continues to carve out a lane entirely her own, proving that authentic storytelling can transcend genre while resonating with anyone who has ever cried, healed, and found strength on the other side of heartbreak.


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Sunday, 12 April 2026

Violent Vickie - Eugene McGuinness - Kelli Blanchett - Scustin - Bri Fletcher

Violent Vickie - Skin and Bones.

It's pretty obvious that we are fans of Violent Vickie here on Beehive Candy by virtue of the number of times we have featured her. The reality for us is that, so far she has never failed to impress us and that's quite a statement considering how many other artists there are creating music in the genres she consistently develops within.

Violent Vickie’s “Skin and Bones” is the third track from her upcoming album Conjure, a darkwave/synthpop release built on atmospheric synths, pulsing drum machines, and melancholic, reverb-heavy vocals. Inspired by a neighbor and friend who passed away after struggling with anorexia, the song reflects on the painful experience of watching someone slowly disappear—and the deep sense of helplessness that comes with it.

Violent Vickie’s influences range from Crystal Castles and Grimes to Bjork and Bikini Kill to Siouxsie and The Banshees and Aphex Twin. Violent Vickie’s songs have been remixed by Fragrance, Kontravoid  and she recently shared the stage with Stabbing Westward, Forever Grey, Assemblage 23, and Aurelio Voltaire and played Absolution Fest along with Glass Spells. Violent Vickie has also toured with Hanin Elias of Atari Teenage Riot and shared the stage with Pastel Ghost, Trans X, and Missing Persons.

Upcoming Violent Vickie shows:
5/23: Lake Worth, FL 
8/1: Atlanta
8/22 Spokane TBA
8/28: Seattle 
8/29: PDX 
9/26: Austin TBA
12/11 or 12/12: Las Vegas (TBA). 

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Eugene McGuinness - Eastend Requiem.

Following his recent single ‘Icarus’, Eugene McGuinness returns with the next track from his highly anticipated forthcoming new record ‘Eugene McGuinness Versus The Universe’, which is scheduled for release on April 24th. ‘Eastend Requiem’ is a soothing introspective gem that sparkles and sashays with a pop melancholy and a nod to bands like The Divine Comedy and Tindersticks. Eugene’s own trademark lyrical wit and flair is woven between glistening synths, syncopated percussion and bittersweet Parisian orchestral flourishes, as the track grows into a stunning, harmony-laden lament for London’s East End, which is both candid and gritty, yet beautiful in its reflection.

Eugene McGuinness had accepted his career in music was over when his deal with Domino Records ended over a decade ago. A difficult self-released album, fatherhood, and just life generally, saw his personal dreams and ambitions slowly slip towards the horizon. A period of great change, McGuinness had embraced his new work and family life, happy to leave the ugliness of the ‘music biz’ behind him. However, the absence of making music - and the joy the process brings - left a noticeable hole.

Now, an evolved McGuinness is back. His brand-new album, ‘Eugene McGuinness Versus the Universe’, was recorded at Liverpool’s Docklands Speed Shop with friend and producer Gajo Paco. Encouraging spontaneity, Eugene, Gajo and a host of old friends and acquaintances were ‘feeling it out’ along the way, trusting the process and welcoming a series of ‘happy accidents’ to contribute to the record’s warm and organic sound. ‘Eastend Requiem’ was one of these glorious ‘in the present moment’ spontaneous creations.

On the track, Eugene says, "I wrote it as I walked to the studio. It's a song that I wrote with my daughter in mind. I was trying to write something that if it came on in the car, she'd like it! ‘Eastend Requiem’ might be actually my favourite track on the album".

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Photo - Niamh Bennett
Kelli Blanchett - Casual Dining (EP).

Kelli Blanchett is a rising alt-folk singer-songwriter hailing from Corby and now based in London. Her music dives deep into personal narratives, exploring the disabled experience, friendship, love and the emotional ebbs and flows of life. Known for her long-time collaboration with pop artist Self Esteem, Kelli is forging her own path with her raw and heartfelt storytelling.

After taking most of 2024 out while her chronic illness took its toll, Kelli channeled that experience into her new five-track EP, Casual Dining. “I had to start living life in a completely different way, and this record is a break-up with the old version of me,” she shares. The EP is thematically rich, grappling with isolation, being stuck both physically and mentally, and navigating the memories of what once was. “I became really ill, and my life changed dramatically. I felt embarrassed about not doing the same things as everyone else, about possibly being left behind,” Kelli reflects. Ultimately, Casual Dining is a break-up record, not with a partner, but with her old self, embracing acceptance and the messy road to self-discovery.

Reflecting on its sonic direction, Kelli notes, “I love 70s singer-songwriters like Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, and Gram Parsons, and I knew that’s the world I wanted these songs to live in.” Minimalist yet powerful, the EP blends organic, plucky guitars, spine-tingling string arrangements, Wurlitzers, and flute organs. “I wanted plush, mournful strings, punchy organs, and vocals that feel raw and close. I also wanted it pared back and unfussy, just honest and direct,” she says. The result is a soulful blend of alt-folk and Americana, where Kelli’s vocals ooze with emotion, filling each lyric with genuine soul and heart.


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Scustin - Scustinism.

Irish post-punk quartet Scustin share the new single ‘Scustinism’ taken from the anticipated upcoming EP The Lock In (May 8th). Following the bombastic satire of ‘Dodgy Box Pyramid Scheme’, new single ‘Scustinism’ stands as the band’s self-proclaimed manifesto. Where its predecessor lashed out, ‘Scustinism’ looks inward and outward at once, a commentary on Irish identity that feels equally at home in a packed basement or echoing across a festival main stage.

Inspired by cultural voices such as Blindboy Boatclub and the introspective tone of Meditations of the Anxious Mind, the track rejects plastic paddyism and “gift shop” Irishness, dismantling inherited ideas of identity through satire, surrealism and defiance. Mythological and cultural symbols are twisted and reimagined, leprechauns reduced to absurdity, and Fionn mac Cumhaill recast in a modern tech landscape, “harvesting data” amid a new kind of famine. It’s a deliberate unpicking of the romanticised and commodified image of Ireland, replacing it with something more chaotic, honest and self-defined.

“Irishness, it seems, has never been more popular, but with that comes the risk of it becoming commodified and turned into cultural capital,” the band explain. “Identity is an interesting thing to play with, and for us, we wanted to bring it back to what actually feels true, both to Irish people and to us as a band. It’s not about splitting the ‘G’ or Aran sweaters, it’s about humour, honesty, defiance and sincerity.

That’s what we wanted to explore in ‘Scustinism,’ and it’s what became our manifesto. ‘I wanna laugh till I die, I won’t let life pass me by’, that’s the heart of it. In a world where cultural and moral values are constantly being distorted, it felt important to land on something simple, sincere and unifying amidst the chaos.”


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Bri Fletcher - New Her.

Nashville country artist Bri Fletcher this weekend releases a new music video for the single "New Her." “New Her” is a deeply emotional reflection on growth, gratitude, and learning to embrace every version of yourself. The music video brings that idea to life in a clear, intentional timeline — beginning with Bri coming face-to-face with her younger self, then later stepping in to care for and comfort her early-20s self.

Set inside a house that mirrors her past, the video moves between timelines as memory and present-day emotion exist side by side. We first see her with her childhood self — observing, connecting, and honoring those innocent beginnings — before the story shifts to a more vulnerable chapter. As her 20s self appears, overwhelmed and hurting, Bri doesn’t turn away. Instead, she holds her, gently reassuring her through the pain.

At its core, “New Her” is about appreciating the moments that shaped you — the innocent, the painful, and everything in between. By the end, it becomes less about looking back and more about offering yourself grace, capturing the quiet but powerful realization: every version of you mattered in becoming who you are now. Fletcher shares, “'New Her' was written about visiting older versions of yourself and being thankful for the growth that got you to where you are today. So in the music video, I really wanted to capture that visual and feeling by visiting past versions of myself and appreciating them from afar. For me, it was about accepting the innocent moments, painful moments, and moments that led to immense growth in my life. It’s a very emotional video that I hope makes you thank your younger self for everything!"


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Agnes Obel - Rachel Bochner - Willem James Cowan - Oh Louise

Photo - Alex Brüel Flagstad Agnes Obel - Laymelli. Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Agnes Obel announces her new studi...