[ad_1]
Newcastle-based singer-songwriter Darren Burdis releases his new single, Vessels. “It’s a track about the feeling of isolation and loneliness, brought on by your own actions or the harsh treatment of others,” says Darren, “and how there’s always that hope for redemption and not to give up.” Here, he talks about some of the independent artists who provide inspiration for his music…
It simply wouldn’t be right if I didn’t include Nev in this list. Nev is something of a living legend in the North East music scene. I first met him many years ago, when we worked together in an office. He’s a genuinely humble and kind bloke, and I don’t think he realises how much of an impact he’s had with his music, but ask anyone involved or interested in music of the North East over the last couple of decades and they’ll all tell you about Nev, with his subtle vocals and impressive finger picked guitars, all pulled together with some very clever and witty lyricism. The man is a proper story teller and should definitely be heard by everyone. So with that in mind, Nev makes it to the top of my list easily. Look him up on Bandcamp, my personal recommendations are the tracks Pear Shaped and So Little Happened For So Long.
For fans of a heavy, at times grungier sound, then look no further than your new favourite band, Shock Out Bandage, hailing from Russia. I first encountered this band in the New Artist Spotlight online music community, when I heard their single Acid Lemon Sun, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since. They’re a great bunch of guys, influenced by the likes of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains, which shines through in their music, but with their own unique elements baked in and with and with some nice, distinct vocals. Look them up on Spotify, my own personal recommendations are Acid Lemon Sun, Blades and Roses and Drowning in the Abyss.
In the last few months, June Holland seems to have gone from strength to strength. She has a great story, after recently quitting her job to pursue a career in music, which was the subject of her single What I Told My Boss last year. Since then, she seems to be everywhere, regularly being interviewed and played on the radio and churning out fantastic singles. June has an impressive, rich, powerful voice and a varied musical background with influences coming from a wide range of genres that shine through effortlessly in her music. You can hear June’s music on Spotify, a personal highlight for me was her outstanding cover of The Night by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, which she released as a birthday present for her Father and really showcases her vocal talent.
The Thinkers are a band based in Manila, over in the Philippines. I encountered their music recently on Instagram and thought they had a really cool, raw sound and are lovely people too. There’s a slight 90’s rock vibe to their music with some great guitar parts that really stand out and some very nice, melodic vocals. They have a handful of singles available on Spotify right now, with my favourites being Let’s Go! and their latest release Coffee Song.
Mal Fantome have easily become one of, if not my favourite independent band in the last couple of years. Hailing from Quebec, Canada, they are an awesome indie rock band who have seemingly, effortlessly cultivated their own distinct sound and released a string of stellar tracks. They’re slick and polished and musically very tight with an almost Interpol-esque feel to their music. With tracks like Burning, Broken to Pieces and Missed You, they have an amazing back catalogue to delve into, so I’d definitely recommend that everyone goes and checks them out.
[ad_2]
Source link
