Monday, 27 January 2025

Magana - Kaleida - Luna Morgenstern - Stergin - flipturn

Magana - Shower Song / Half To Death.

‘Bad News’ is a new EP from Magana, the solo project of acclaimed LA-based multi-instrumentalist and photographer Jeni Magaña. Best-known as the current bassist and backing vocalist for Mitski (recently performing on the “Coyote, My Little Brother” / “Buffalo Replaced” single), Magaña is also one-half of the pen pin pop duo with Emily Moore, and has previously played with Lady Lamb, amongst others.

In March, she returned to the Magana project after a three-year-absence with the critically acclaimed ‘Teeth’ LP, which reunited her with Audio Antihero Records (Frog / CIAO MALZ / Nosferatu D2) who issued her ‘Golden Tongue’ debut in 2016. Released to coincide with the peak illumination of the Worm Moon, her return was marked with a “Witchy Rock” sound that combined Acid Folk, Synth Pop, and Indie Rock. Magaña followed this in October with ‘DREAMS,’ a multimedia project released via the UK’s Hand Drawn Hand label, which combined Ambient Electronic music with a spoken word dream diary and a book of her photography.
 
The ‘Bad News’ EP is her third release in a ten month period, and is considered the final part of the 'Teeth trilogy.' Teasingly described by Magaña as “Cozy Core” and “Winter Pop,” these four songs see her return to the singer-songwriter focus of works like ‘Golden Tongue’ and ‘Teeth’ but strip away the Rock and Ambient layers, so to emphasize words, meaning, honesty, and change.

"This EP is the last of what I think of as an interconnected trio of releases. 'Teeth' was made for spring, a period of growth. It was expansive and exploring. 'DREAMS' was made for fall. It was about dusk, the dawning of the restful months. 'Bad News' is made for that period of time between the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Stillness before movement. Each song is about the period of time right before a transition: the realization that change is coming or that it needs to come. As the most lyrically driven of the releases, it is mostly about storytelling. I think of each track as a vignette of a moment in time for four different stories." – Jeni Magaña.


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Kaleida - Chalong.

Fresh off the heels of their album ‘In Arms’ and the subsequent tour through Europe and North America, Kaleida (Christina Wood and Cicely Goulder) announce ‘In Arms (Deluxe Version)’, out now via Embassy One. Alongside an unreleased track ‘Chalong’, all five bonus tracks of the upcoming deluxe album – live studio takes of ‘Don´t Turn Me Out’ and ‘Hollow’ as well as stripped down piano versions of ‘Hansaplast’ and ‘Seagull Nun’ – are a testament to the immediacy of transatlantic duo’s stage-presence and the emotional resonance of their songwriting, not to mention their ability to reinvent themselves.

“We're glad to share this one with the world... We made it on the last day in the studio during one of our writing trips... Just a spontaneous creation and it feels good to share it with you and let it be free.” – Kaleida on ‘Chalong’

The discovery of a new artistic frontier is evident on the hypnotic microhouse opener ‘Chalong’ that sees Kaleida thriving in the twilight zone between pulsating club sound and meditative electronica. Christina Wood’s lullabylike chant front and centre with a cavernous, sixteenth note dotted bassline, Cicely Goulder wraps up Wood’s sibilant vocal tone in gauzy synth chords, an intricate texture that is soon juxtaposed with a dynamic interplay between arpeggiated guitar licks and percussive patterns, which lends the track an air of mystery and allure.



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Luna Morgenstern - heartbreak hotel.

Songwriter and producer Luna Morgenstern just released her new EP 'heartbreak hotel', alongside a spellbinding new video for the EP's title track - directed by Anna van der Velde - capturing the stark, untamed beauty of Iceland's volcanoes, glaciers, and endless black beaches.

The juxtaposition of club music with raw, biographical lyrics is at the heart of Luna Morgenstern's new EP, 'heartbreak hotel'. Documenting an unraveling of a long-term relationship, each song opens the door to another room within the metaphorical ‘heartbreak hotel’, reflecting on the intricate emotional stages of two people parting ways.

Taking cues on her production from sources including Imogen Heap, Caroline Polachek, Taichu and ML Buch, Luna Morgenstern fuses alt-pop heartbreak with late '90s rave and early '00s club influences.

Speaking more on the video for the EP's stunning title track "heartbreak hotel", Luna said: "For these visuals I partnered up with Anna Van der Velde, a multidisciplinary artist, director and wonderful human being whom’s otherworldly visual handwriting fascinated me from the first time I discovered her work. We immediately connected creatively and personally and from that mutual trust we were able to build a visual world that beautifully reflects ‘heartbreak hotel’. At first, I was really stuck on recreating the ‘heartbreak hotel’ I had imagined while writing the record. But I am glad that I let go of that literal translation and trusted Anna with her vision: To travel to Iceland and let the otherworldly landscapes represent the different stages of grief on the record. So we flew all the way to Iceland, travelled the island in a rental car and shot as we went. We were shooting in freezing cold and windy conditions - it felt like a transformative experience that we went through together. In a way, I was able to relive some of the pain in a physical way and could let go of it."

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Stergin - Here And Now.

Stergin, the eclectic indie artist known for genre-bending explorations, is set to release brand new EP “Here”. Written over a reflective and wildly creative 10-day residency on the Atlantic island of Gomera, “Here" embodies the joy and curiosity of its surroundings—surf pop vibes, playful synths, and dreamy vocal choirs.

With only a laptop, microphone, mini keyboard, and beat-up guitar, Stergin has crafted songs that are fun, whimsical, and textured with sounds both intimate and psychedelic. Expect indie rock and twee pop riffs, mingling with surf and chamber psychedelic twists—a mix aptly being named “Napoleon Dynamite in band form”.

The EP’s track, “Roly Poly,” captures a memorable moment from Stergin’s island life. Each night, he encountered a troop of tiny centipedes (affectionately nicknamed Roly Polies), which he carefully escorted outside before bed. “At first, I was a bit horrified,” Stergin laughs, “but eventually, we made peace. Now they have a song!”

Each track on “Here" will launch individually on streaming platforms starting 24th January 2025, released every six weeks, alongside the full EP also available for download on Bandcamp from 24th January. Listeners can expect music to dance to, dream with, and escape into... "Here" isn’t just an EP; it’s an invitation to get lost in music inspired by wind, waves, and an artist’s journey through grief and joy. This is the beginning of Stergin’s wild quest, offering a light, quirky, and soulful sonic adventure.

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flipturn - Burnout Days.

flipturn, have unveiled their new album Burnout Days via Dualtone Records. The 12 song collection finds the indie-rock powerhouse returning as sonic architects, harnessing their impressive knack for hooks, shimmering soundscapes and “nostalgia-inducing lyrical delivery” (Uproxx). Born from years on the road together, flipturn arrives with more grit, craft and vulnerability than ever before - a clear evolution in the band’s sound, and one that reflects their growth as musicians and individuals. The album has been lauded for its “rays of optimism” (SPIN), “irresistible hooks” (Consequence) and “infectious energy” (Luna Collective) via advance tracks and videos “Rodeo Clown,” “Juno” and "Sunlight.”

Featuring some of their most intimate and cathartic songs to date, Burnout Days recounts hours spent in vans, green rooms, and onstage, all while navigating life in their mid-20s and the constant twists and turns of an industry that can be far from compassionate. As SPIN Magazine puts it, the album is “shining a light on a personal subject.” Lead singer Dillon Basse’s story – from growing up immersed in Celtic folk, by way of his mother, to supporting her through a sobriety journey – is one theme at the heart of the collection.

“‘Burnout Days’ feels like a further push into what our sound can be, whilst also staying familiar to our roots.” says Basse. “Some themes that are explored that I find new for flipturn are toxic positivity, burnout, and acceptance of constant change…It's the most honest we’ve been to our audience about what life has looked like for us the last few years.”

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Saturday, 25 January 2025

Filiah - Michele Ducci - Silva Lining - Sofia Härdig - Coley Kennedy

Filiah - Atlas.

Emerging as a deeply personal single ‘Atlas’ chronicles Filiah’s journey through creative paralysis to artistic rebirth. Following her 2022 release For Someone, Filiah found herself trapped in the exhausting cycle of self-management – from booking shows to handling her own PR. The weight of wearing every hat eventually crushed her creative spirit, leading to a complete musical shutdown. The turning point came unexpectedly on the Croatian coast, where welovemelodies, an artists' collective, invited her to a songwriting retreat. "Before writing 'Atlas' I was on a 2-year hiatus from my own music," Filiah reveals. "I felt emotionally and physically exhausted, burnt out and going through a lot of changes and challenges in my personal life."

Surrounded by fellow creators, Filiah found her voice again. The result is 'Atlas' – a masterclass in turning pain into poetry. Here, her powerful vocals float over intricate indie-folk arrangements, while she crafts a meta-narrative about the very thing that silenced her. It's a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, where writer's block becomes both subject and vanquished foe. In writing about what stopped her from writing, Filiah hasn't just broken her silence – she's transformed it into something beautiful. 'Atlas' stands as both confession and triumph, marking the moment when a promising artist finds her feet again, this time with the support she's long deserved."It was inspired by feelings of self-doubt and the struggle to meet both personal and external expectation," explains Filiah. "It explores the feeling of thinking you're never enough, wired all wrong and struggling to believe that someone will ever get you, while simultaneously wanting nothing more than just to be yourself."

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Michele Ducci - Even Before.

‘Even Before’ is the second single from the ‘live in the studio’ album ‘NUBA Live Tape’, by Michele Ducci. The album contains alternative versions of 3 tracks from his debut album, ‘SIVE’, released in June 2024, along with 4 new songs. ‘Even Before’ starts as an upbeat Samba played on a Bontempi keyboard, a sunny love song with an uplifting chorus: 

“Sunshine
Rain falling
I know what my love means
When the day rises
And I was smiling even before”

The track then slows into a dreamy waltz for the outro. Letizia Mandolesi’s bright backing vocals in the chorus and delicate sighs in the outro beautifully accentuate Ducci’s warm melodic vocals. Accompanying the single is a cosmic animated video created by Ducci and Mandolesi. About the song, Ducci says, “Even Before was born in scenes, as a movie. I had found a ten euro Bontempi keyboard and I let it do almost everything, playing it all live together with Letizia.

I have been reflecting for a long time on the absolute of change: it gives itself as an inverted perspective. It’s like a chorus in a song: coexistence of past and present, of a past that insists on a present that coexists with it and that, passing by, is the intrusion of an unpredictable novelty. You always find yourself in the middle of an act that was already in action before it was done and that, being fulfilled, becomes something that is no longer possible but fatally real. Deja: Jamais: Encore. It is an eternal return that is like a magical infinitesimal calculation, lived in the depths of what I call myself. It is the experience, the passage, that resonates in its immediate data like a chorus: an ocean of sive, of ‘that is’, that are the foundation of every ‘where’ and every ‘when’, as in the passages between verse and chorus: an incessant translation into, which is a crossing, not an impasse, but an impassage: an even before to which we must go back to probe the experience in its immediate data. It is an experience of variation that is done at the limit, near infinity.

Letizia and I drew the video by hand, and it is a sort of twin of the song: a cosmic paraeidolia…the experience that makes itself felt in the foreground like a procession of faces still in the making: a chorus. The song as a sort of paramnestic paraeidolia of creative evolution. All of my work is all about that.”

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Silva Lining - Only Today.

Silva Lining's first single of 2025, "Only Today," starts off with a bang. This Latin Rock-inspired track features snappy brass riffs, energetic percussion, and plenty of solos—just the way they love it! The upbeat nature of the song contrasts with its somber message: one person in a couple wants to end the relationship but lacks the courage to do so. This song is the second duet in the band's repertoire, with Tiago and Catarina sharing the main vocals, all accompanied by that classic Silva Lining big band sound.

Born in Lisbon, raised in London. Born in London, raised in Lisbon. Three generations, two cities, one family. Nuno, Catarina and Tiago, Portuguese roots with English charm fused to create the Silva Lining Band.

Most people would say less is more… but not when it comes to the Silva family. The more the merrier is the family motto and Silva Lining is no exception with the band’s debut album “Lisboa” including over 12 musicians spanning various genres ranging from Funk to Swing Jazz to Rock.

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Sofia Härdig - Pale Fire.

Multi-instrumentalist and genre-defying artist Sofia Härdig continues to push boundaries with her latest single 'Pale Fire,' a mesmerising collaboration with renowned musician Bebe Risenfors (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello)

The track emerged from an intense period of creative isolation during which Härdig wrote hundreds of songs. "I wrote on my own in solitude for almost two years. I read a lot, wrote a lot, and recorded more than hundred of songs," Härdig recalls. "I was in this cave of writing.” The magic of 'Pale Fire' crystallised when Risenfors, who spontaneously joined Härdig for a performance in Malmö, added his distinctive touch to her original demo. "I remember opening the song on my phone and listening on headphones while sitting in a park. I started crying and listened on repeat. The best birthday gift ever," says Härdig of first hearing Risenfors' contributions.

'Pale Fire' showcases Härdig's signature sound, which draws influence from alternative rock, post-punk, and New Wave, while maintaining her distinct artistic voice. The track is part of a larger body of work that represents what Härdig describes as "the tip of the iceberg of a long cycle of lyrics, often a novel/short story that I have built in solitude." Anchored by brooding piano work and haunting chord progressions, 'Pale Fire' unleashes the full force of Härdig's commanding vocals while highlighting her masterful touch as both producer and songwriter. The single is accompanied by striking visuals created in collaboration with a close friend and photographer Jessica Nettelblatt, who was so moved by the demo that she immediately envisioned the cover art, listening to the track on repeat during the photoshoot. For fans of Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Anna Calvi, 'Pale Fire' further cements Sofia Härdig's position as one of Sweden's most compelling alternative artists.

Her upcoming album Lighthouse of Glass, self-produced by Härdig, represents a bold step forward in her artistic evolution. Recorded between her home studio and a three-week residency at Visby Center for Composers, the album features an impressive roster of collaborators. The recording process became a unique blend of creativity and community, with Härdig's kitchen and tin roof serving as unconventional meeting points for the musicians. "Working with Bebe was such a treat - he really got what I was after," Härdig explains. The album also features contributions from two of Sweden's finest guitarists, Robert Johnsson (Robert Johnson and the Punchdrunks) and long-time collaborator John Essing (Bob Hud), with Grammy-awarded Nille Perned handling the mixing duties.

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Coley Kennedy - Neptune Blue (Album).

Coley Kennedy (known for his work with the bands Welcome to Ashley and Black Vincent), who is currently based in Jackson, Michigan, released his solo debut Neptune Blue just a week ago.
 
Neptune Blue collects seven Coley originals and a cover of "Don't Let Your Hunger Die" by Justin Collins (Justin and the Cosmics) and continues his path of producing stylish post-punk, this time with an emphasis on 80's synth pop and new wave. 

The album features contributions from Welcome to Ashley's Pete Javier, Scott Collins (The Smoking Flowers), Marie Vavro, Larry Roy Sumner Jr., and Jennifer Kennedy.


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Friday, 24 January 2025

Shilpa Ray - Heather Maloney - The Delines - DownTown Mystic - Adwaith

Shilpa Ray - Portrait Of A Cat Lady.

"Portrait of a Cat Lady" is a reflection on aging, and a refusal to be invisible. "My body trashed by time / Do you like my story? / Am I captivating?" Ray says the song was influenced by Lucinda Williams, ABBA, Dick Dale, Big Star, and The Byrds. It's genuine, infectious, and fierce. Fans of  Ray's rich catalogue will not be disappointed.

"Portrait of a Cat Lady" is the first single from a collection of post-pandemic / post-hysterectomy songs from iconoclastic singer-songwriter, Shilpa Ray.

The lyrics tell a coming of middle age story from a writer who refuses to disappear and is set against a musical backdrop of what Americana could sound like from a second generation immigrant perspective.


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Heather Maloney - Exploding Star.

Exploding Star was never intended to be released. Written after the death of her father, the songs were the most vulnerable body of work ever created by Maloney- meant and written only for her. The idea of releasing and then promoting an album went against her instincts to keep this art near and dear. Luckily for us, her closest friends and family convinced her otherwise.

Maloney was able to track for 2 days in her childhood home- recording songs, backing vocals, the crickets in the yard and even percussion played directly on the walls and floors of the house itself. The result is raw and exquisitely personal. 

“That house is the backdrop to so many moments with my father that became song lyrics on the record, so having *the house itself* be a part of a few songs was such a beautiful and intense experience for me,” Maloney reflects. “I will never forget what it felt like to return to the place those memories were made, and sing them with such grief and gratitude. At times I felt that my dad was still somewhere in the house, and I was singing directly to him. At other times it felt like I was surrounded by all of our young and distant ghosts.”

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The Delines - The Haunting Thoughts.

The Delines just shared their new single “The Haunting Thoughts,” the next offering from their upcoming album Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom, out February 14 via El Cortez Records. Led by tender piano and sauntering instrumentation, the poignant song tells the story of a woman who’s reeling from an existential crisis, with Magnet Magazine praising its “film-noir feel.”

“‘The Haunting Thoughts’ is about a woman who can’t shake the fear that the world she’s in is going to collapse,” says Willy Vlautin, songwriter and guitarist for the band. “She sees all this desperation around her on the streets of Portland, Oregon, and she’s worried it’ll catch her, too – that she’ll end up on the streets. We wanted that uncertainty and vulnerability inside the fabric of the song. It’s one of those rare tunes that worked from the get-go. It just played itself. Cory's piano is so great on this one and it's my favorite Amy vocal to date. Amy has this pure way of getting inside the world of the lyrics. She just kills me on this one.”

Vlautin on the video: “We’ve been really lucky to get Greg Schmitt and Efrem Peters to film these videos. And Zach Jones who edits them. They’re all so cool and so good. They filmed the band stuff at The Showdown in Portland and the rest was shot driving around the city. Portland has such an edge to it right now, with so many people living on the streets, in broken-down RVs, in cars, and in tents. I’m endlessly heartbroken by it and also I’m scared hitless that it could be me one day. The song has that edge to it and I think the video carries the same edge.”



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DownTown Mystic - One More Chance.

With 7 releases in 2024, US roots rocker DownTown Mystic isn’t skipping a beat to start 2025. The artist has been building momentum with airplay on over 100 Non-com Radio stations with each release.

Following the successful Better Day Digital 45 in October, the new One More Chance single sets the stage for DownTown Mystic’s next album project, The Wish, which shows DTM’s unique RnR style & sound evolving.

The One More Chance single features co-writer and longtime DTM musical Ally Bruce Engler on Lead Guitar. It also features one of the last sessions by drummer Tommy Mastro, with PJ Farley (Trixter, Fozzy) adding tasty bass lines. The single is a mini opus of sorts. Besides a musical interlude in the breakdown section, One More Chance also features the band recorded jamming live as the track fades out, making for a unique musical statement. Check out the One More Chance AI Video.

As with Better Day, DTM offers up another positive message with One More Chance. DownTown Mystic Writer/Producer Robert Allen comments, "I want to put out positive vibes in the world with my music. It's why I make music. One More Chance is a song of hope and light."


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Adwaith - Heddiw/Yfory, Purdan, Y Diwedd, Ni.

Critically acclaimed Welsh trio Adwaith continue to captivate with the release of four new tracks from their forthcoming album, Solas: ‘Heddiw / Yfory’, ‘Purdan’, ‘Y Diwedd’, and ‘Ni’. Meaning “light of being” or “enlightenment” in Celtic, Solas (out Feb 7th via Libertino Records) marks a significant milestone in the band’s journey. Recorded across diverse locations—including the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, Lisbon in Portugal, and multiple studios in Wales—Solas reflects Adwaith’s growth and evolution as artists. Overflowing with romance and magic, this 23-track double album completes a coming-of-age trilogy chronicling their transformation from teenagers into empowered women, exploring themes of self-discovery, escape, and resilience.

Of the new tracks, the band shares: "'Heddiw / Yfory' is a deeply nostalgic song that captures the intense bond we have with places that shaped us. It reflects on the comfort and familiarity of returning home, where even the simplest things—like gazing out a bedroom window or walking familiar paths—can evoke a powerful sense of belonging.

'Purdan' was written and recorded during our time in Lisbon. The song explores the complexity of being lured into a false sense of security by someone or something, feeling drawn to them despite knowing they might not have your best interests at heart.

‘Y Diwedd’ is a breakup song that delves into the poignant moments of knowing a relationship is nearing its end, yet fearing to acknowledge it. It captures the bittersweet tension of those final moments together, where both parties are reluctant to let go, even though the inevitable looms.

'Ni’ is a song about unity, love, and the importance of finding your tribe—the people who truly understand, love, and support you. It’s a reminder that, even in a world of 8 billion people, there are those out there who will love, embrace, and accept you for who you are."

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Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Carrying On Catching Up With: Phoebe Green - Paris Paloma - Hailey Whitters - Boreal - Flora Hibberd - Run Remedy

Phoebe Green - What Are You Doing. 

Manchester's Phoebe Green announces her new EP 'The Container' and presents new single "What Are You Doing". New five-track EP 'The Container' will be released on 21st March ahead of Phoebe's recently announced April UK headline tour. Marking a significant evolution in her artistry, new EP 'The Container' was written and produced by Phoebe within the intimate settings of her flat in Manchester and her parents' house in the coastal town of Lytham St Annes.

"‘The Container’ feels so right for me at this point in time, I just think that these songs represent where I’m at in terms of taste, ability and emotional state. It’s been so freeing to be able to go back to recording in my bedroom and writing out of a sheer need to express myself, to document my growth and allow others into that," Phoebe offers.

New song "What Are You Doing" is released today and provides another enticing glimpse into the project, following first taste "Precious Things" released late 2024. Blending shadowy synth-pop with introspective lyrics, "What Are You Doing" grapples with the lingering anxieties and self-doubt ("Do you watch me from a distance?") that can surface after navigating a challenging and emotionally draining relationship.

Speaking more on the inspiration behind her new single, Phoebe said: "‘What Are You Doing’ explores the mourning of a pretty toxic relationship, coming to terms with how damaging it was in hindsight, but how thrilling and all-consuming it felt at the time. Now that it feels so far in the past it’s impossible not to be curious about what this person is doing, how they’re going about their day to-day-life and wondering if I still take up space in their mind."


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Paris Paloma - HUNTER (the cacophony).

Paris Paloma releases the re-imagined version of ‘HUNTER (the cacophony)’, reprising the idea behind 'LABOUR (the cacophony)', where over 250 fans lend their voices to the empowering track.  
 
A fan favourite both live and on record, originally featuring on her 2024 debut album ‘Cacophony’, Paris says, “once again, it’s been so emotional to hear the voices of hundreds of fans coming together to join me on a new Cacophony version of this song. ‘Hunter’ is one of the most personal songs on the album, it’s a story of the internal triumph over darkness and pain at one of the most mentally turbulent times in my life. Seeing people relate to this song, to come out in force to sing it with me feels so powerful, and a testament to the strength of so many people who find my music resonates with them, it makes me feel so empowered and proud.”
 
Paris returns to North America this March for her anticipated 15-city sold out headline tour, starting March 4th in Atlanta and wrapping March 27th in Los Angeles. She will follow this with further UK & Ireland dates, including a sold out show at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire in June. The dates follow her previously sold out UK, EU and US runs, where she has cultivated a dedicated fan community who have made her live shows a magical experience, from trading fairy messages to swapping books to impromptu fae circles.


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Hailey Whitters - Cassaroles.

The Iowa-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Hailey Whitters released “Casseroles,” her first major release in nearly two years out now via Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters. Written by Whitters’ close collaborators Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas and James Slater, the moving song threads the needle between the raw grief of a tragic loss and the hope that can follow.

About the new single, Whitters explains: “I was sent this record from three of my favorite collaborators who've written many songs that have defined the foundation of my appreciation for modern country music — Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas and James Slater. During my first listen, I was absolutely floored. I lost my brother suddenly thirteen years ago, and from that moment on, my life was changed forever. 

I particularly remember everyone bringing loads of food and casseroles over and how I couldn't eat for days because I was so distraught. Remembering that moment was what made this song hit so heavy for me. What happens when the casseroles stop coming and everyone has moved on, but it feels like you never will? As heavy and somber as the lyric and melody is, I also think there's hope in the message and pray that it lands between ears that need to hear it.”

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Boreal - Winterbirds.

Canadian folk trio Boreal shares "Winterbirds," the title track from their sophomore album that will be officially released on all digital platforms March 7. Singer/songwriters Tannis Slimmon, Katherine Wheatley and Angie Nussey began making Winterbirds in 2023 as the long-overdue follow-up to Boreal's 2014 debut album Winter’s Welcome. While a chilly theme is still predominant on much of Winterbirds, it’s a collection intended to bring joy year-round, with the music presenting a balance of soulful intensity with moments of lightness and celebration.

Among the album's other standout tracks are Angie's "Shepherd Of The Road," inspired by a conscientious truck driver who helped guide her home during a blizzard, Tannis's "Weathervane," co-written with Guelph, Ontario music scene fixture Lewis Melville, Katherine's haunting "Beautiful Blue," and a cover of the Gordon Lightfoot perennial favourite, "Song For A Winter's Night."

“Collaborating with Tannis and Katherine feels like working with a dream team,” Angie says. “We admire each other’s strengths, which inspires us to continually elevate our efforts for one another. The whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. And to top it all off, we share a ton of laughter along the way.”

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Flora Hibberd – Lucky You.

Indie-folk artist Flora Hibberd has just released her highly anticipated debut LP Swirl via 22TWENTY (Oracle Sisters, Cornelia Murr). Made in collaboration with producer Shane Leonard (Foy Vance, Mipso, Field Report) during a sweltering summer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, this illuminating body of work explores the weight of words, their different meanings for different people, their evocative power, their problems, and their possibility.

Along with the album comes a lyric video for release day focus track, "Lucky You." Made by band member Victor Claass with font hand-drawn by Flora Hibberd herself, the video collages fascinating archival footage and scientific diagrams of plant growth cycles. About it Claass says:

Watching the video for Lucky You is supposed to feel like flipping through a book about mosses and lichens. These soft and fragile organic forms appear in the lyrics, which reveal themselves across the screen until they crowd each other out and saturate. The effect is an instability, a sense of disturbance, reflecting the song, holding all its tension until the last.

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Run Remedy - Kerosene.

Run Remedy, the project of New Jersey-born, Manchester-based artist Robin Koob, unveils her new single, Kerosene. Known for blending intimate storytelling with experimental textures and folk influences, Koob's latest offering is a hauntingly beautiful meditation on love, loss, and resilience. The track also serves as a preview of Run Remedy’s highly anticipated debut album, which is set to be released in June.

Kerosene recounts the tragic loss of Koob’s first “puppy love”, Lily, when the pair were involved in a tragic car accident during her teenage years. Raised in a strict Evangelical Christian household, with two preacher parents, Koob spent her adolescence lost and closeted, struggling to understand her identity within the confines of a conservative community. On Kerosene, she reflects on how the tragedy reshaped her life and pushed her toward self-discovery and a broader world beyond the confines of her upbringing.

On her new single, Koob shared: “Losing Lily so young is a big part of what gave me the courage to really live. It was a face-slap way to learn how short and precious life is. Kerosene is about that bright flame of being young, filled with the promise of life. It’s about the destruction and terror of that day, as well as the brightness and life that come afterward.I don't know if I ever would have been brave enough to leave the comfort of my world or risk being my true self without that experience.

I have a tattoo for Lily now. We used to talk about what we wanted to get, and after her death, when I finally got my cliché violin back tattoo, I got hers on my hand too—so I wouldn't ever forget that lesson.”

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The Hengles - Books of Moods

The Hengles - Cover Up (Album). Experience a trip down memory lane with The Hengles' latest album, Cover Up. This Dutch indie band revi...