TOM JENKINS has returned with his stirring new single “Be There For You”, as he confirms the release of his second solo album ‘It Comes In The Morning, It Hangs In The Evening Sky’. Pre-save the album here.
WATCH VIDEO HERE || STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE
Blending country-tinged melodies with jangling indie-rock guitars, “Be There For You” sees Tom Jenkins reflect on the real life isolation he experienced while pursuing sheep-shearing and shepherding on a ranch in New Zealand.
Punctured by the bitter sting of loneliness and longing, but refusing to compromise on a full-bodied, catchy chorus, the new track swings from affecting to infectious in a beat. As Tom explains:
“”Be There For You” is what I’d call a Britpop-country fusion, with all the potential for a good singalong. The song reflects on my time working in the isolated New Zealand back country and being very far from loved ones in a lonesome landscape, with a landline that would only receive calls as the sole point of contact.”
With detached and gentle guitar lines, organic lyrics and emotive vocal delivery, “Be There For You” brings to mind the desolate landscape of Tom’s old ranching lifestyle — far from friends and loved ones, but also physically isolated by his rugged and rural surroundings.
The new single also lands as the singer-songwriter confirms that his new album ‘It Comes In The Morning, It Hangs In The Evening Sky’ will arrive later this year.
Set for release on 25 November via Xtra Mile Recordings, the record will feature the new track alongside Tom’s earlier string of releases including feel-good indie-rock anthem “Under The Sun”, country-tinged track “Back Roads” and “Magic Mushroom Island”, a blistering rock track that features Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell.
Tom began writing, producing and recording his second solo album during lockdown and after sitting on the record for over a year — and having a brief foray into potato farming in the process — the artist signed to independent label Xtra Mile Recordings earlier this year. Working with lifelong friend and producer Todd Campbell, the pair began to lay foundations between an old barn on Tom’s farm and Todd’s local studio.
Natalie Shay is an indie-pop artist hailing from North London. The multi-award-winning musician has established an ever-growing presence and loyal fanbase through her explosive live performances and unforgettable anthems, recognising her as one of the UK’s hottest emerging talents. With indie synth pop leanings and ferocious guitar playing, Shay’s references range from Haim and Taylor Swift to Little Comets. Her relatable lyrics touch on love, self-discovery and the everyday experiences of a twenty-something.
Combining her youthful and charismatic aura with her classical training and time spent at the prestigious BRIT School, Shay has finessed the ability to produce undeniably catchy music, whilst maintaining musical maturity. Soaring back into the scene with her highly anticipated EP MILK, Shay’s dynamic abilities continue to flourish. Inspired by the theme of growth, MILK makes reference to the lyrics “Milk Teeth” in “Good Girl Behaviour”. Shay confides, “Every track is about growth or new beginnings or reflecting on myself, in particular, heaven and outgrow. I always write from the heart and from my own experiences and stories. My whole aim with lyricism is to connect with others who are in that frame of mind now or have been there in the past to relate.”
Each track on MILK explores different key feelings and experiences sensed when writing during the lockdown. She continues, “I hope I can inspire other girls, in particular, to get into songwriting as so many female singer/ songwriters inspired me to do so and it’s saved, changed and made my life.” Collaborating with different creatives across all five tracks, there’s an overarching warmth to MILK. Shay’s melodious abilities soar with catharsis, as she strives to capture key moments of her life through her music. At her core, she’s a remarkable storyteller, one that continues to break boundaries and trailblaze into her own realm of indie pop from the soul.
Shay continues to pique the interest of audiences across the globe. Garnering attention from notable publications such as Billboard, Clash and The Line of Best Fit, to name a few, Natalie also performed “New Wave” on CBBC’s “Saturday Mash Up!” late last year, and has landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in 12 countries. She has also worked on EDM tracks with the likes of Grum and Kryder, racking up millions of streams to date. Having sold out venues across London, most recently the Camden Assembly and Oslo, tickets are now on sale for Natalie Shay’s upcoming headline show at The Omeara in London on 25th November. After a very big summer appearing at renowned festivals such as Reading, Y Not, Hyde Park BTS and 110 Above, it looks like 2022 will continue to be an explosive year.
ONE OF GLASGOWS MOST EXCITING INDIE PROSPECTS HAVE ANNOUNCE THEIR DEBUT EP. PIZZA CRUNCH HAVE SPENT THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF IN THE STUDIO CREATING A SEVEN TRACK E.P. THAT VEERS BETWEEN AMBIENT SHOEGAZE AND STOMPING POST-PUNK THAT THEY’VE TITLED ‘THAT SERENE AGE’. THE RECORD FEATURES PREVIOUS SINGLES AN SO FAR UNRELEASED SONGS WITH TRACKS PRODUCED BY THE LIKES OF CHRIS MARSHALL (GERRY CINNAMON, DECLAN WELSH), GORDON RAPHAEL (THE STROKES, THE LIBERTINES) AND JOHNATHON HUCKS (SIGRID, THE RILLS).
THE GLASGOW-BASED GROUP HAVE WELCOMED ANY AND ALL INFLUENCES WHEN PRODUCING AND RECORDING THIS EP, LIFTING INSPIRATION FROM CLIFF MARTINEZ SOUNDTRACKS CHET BAKER, WOLF ALICE AND TYLER THE CREATOR. INSTRUMENTALLY, THE EP IS MUCH MORE SONICALLY EXPLORATIVE THAN PREVIOUS RELEASES, WITH THE TRACKS INCLUDING TROMBONES, CELLOS, SYNTHESISERS, HARPS AS WELL AS AN ARRAY OF EMOTIVE BACKING VOCALS.
The EP will be released on all major streaming platforms on 30/09/22 and details of a vinyl release will be announced shortly.
Arcana, the debut album from Vancouver musician/drag artist Dust Cwaine (aka David Cutting) is out now on all digital streaming platforms. The album was produced by Josh Eastman at Helm Studios, and also features production by PLEASEBENiCE on new single ‘Hearts in Atlantis’. Listen to the album here.
Arcana is a nostalgia pop navel gaze for grown theatre kids. Boasting nine tracks, the album balances drama and sweetness in a raw modern observance of queer identity. Dust Cwaine’s lyrics tell a story that is both relatable and new, while Josh Eastman’s guitar sets the pace and tone. With catchy hooks and a mid-tempo rhythm, Arcana brings you through the fire into the river.
“Arcana is about a familiar yet uncomfortable journey,” says Dust. “It’s about digging up what was lost and removing what no longer serves. It’s about falling in love with your friends and being an absolute mess. It’s about the passage of time revealing new, wonderful, and wretched things about you. The album took two years to make, but its form didn’t really show itself until I was in the darkest of spaces. The title track was like a healing talisman for me. When we finished that song, the rest of the album snowballed out of it. I don’t want to romanticize pain because I find it problematic. I will, however, say that I am grateful for art as a great healer. I hope when you hear this album that you find a nugget of yourself in the journey.”
The single that accompanies the release of Arcana is the pop rock anthem ‘Hearts in Atlantis’. The track offers a jolt of energy on the album, with drums that create urgency and a guitar that screeches across the sands of time. Inspired by the phenomenon of déjà vu and the concept of past lives, Dust lyrically leads this catchy song to the lost continent and back. It is Dust Cwaine at their most charming.
Dust explains: “While this song reads like a love song, it’s actually a song about friend love, which I think, as an aromantic person, is a superior love to romance. I wrote this song one afternoon while sitting with a close friend. I was thinking about the idea that there are external forces at play in our minds and bodies that lead to situations and people. I wanted to write a song that played as an acknowledgement of the cycles of time and esoteric concepts we use to explain some types of love and relationships. Belief is funny, and sometimes those little feelings can’t be ignored. I like the idea that we placed our hearts together in one place so that we can find each other and love each other in infinite arrangements. I really love the idea of loving the people I love forever.”
VALÉ
“too good to be true“
• “‘too good to be true’ says everything I have been trying to express about certain aspects of my life for a while now. I have felt quite trapped in the last year and a half, it’s been tough, and this song speaks about an aspect of that feeling.” – VALÉ
• ”too good to be true” is one of VALÉ’s most personal and vulnerable songs yet.
• This song expresses that it’s normal to get lost in a fantasy, which might be seen as something negative, but it’s presented as fun and upbeat.
ROYAL PRISMATIC
“I Can’t Remember“
• “I Can’t Remember” is the second single from ROYAL PRISMATIC – musician and producer duo Nicola Wincenc and Aidan Dolan – following their debut “Get On.” Both songs were produced by Robert Carranza (Beck, The Mars Volta, Marilyn Manson, Beastie Boys).
• “When a relationship ends, you can be haunted by reminders of the person you loved everywhere you go. This song is about fighting the temptation to dwell on the past.” – ROYAL PRISMATIC
• The band’s debut performance is this Sunday at The Mercury Lounge in their hometown of New York City.
the Texas-based alt/psyche act Leon III shares their version of Jane’s Addiction’s “Summertime Rolls.” Leon III’s Andy Stepanian says the song came together on a whim during a day off in Charlotte, NC. “ I had revisited Jane’s Addiction’s first few albums a bunch in recent months,” says Stepanian, “I kept coming back to Summertime Rolls and thinking about how it could be a Leon III song. It rocks but there’s a looseness to it too that I like.” Leon III is known for its expansive musical exploration sprinkled with psychedelia and folk that offers the listener an auditory experience unlike anything else.
Leon III, sounds like a relic from another age. In a time when so much of today’s music seems as disposable and temporal as a tweet, Leon III is standing athwart the tide; and here, the band conjures the spirit and ambition of Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead. Make no mistake, Leon III has the potential for a serious shelf life.
Stela Cole reminds us of her heroine qualities with the release of her latest single, “Star,” out today via Ultra Records. Anything but a humble brag, “Star” serves as a hype track, providing an irresistible energy and charm anchored by pulsating beats and luminous harmonies as Stela speaks to finding confidence within yourself and exceeding the expectations of those around you. The track places a spotlight on the fun and playful nature of the rising singer/songwriter’s music as she continues to captivate listeners with her anthemic pop bangers.
“‘Star’ is an antidote. I’m a firm believer in the idea that the energy you pour into the world is reflected in what you get back,” shares Stela. “It’s natural we all go through phases of doubting ourselves or not feeling our best. As an artist, I’ve gone through periods of feeling turned down, rejected or judged. So with ‘Star,’ I just wanted to write something fun and confident.
She continues, “I’ve come to realize that you cannot control how the world thinks about you externally, but you can control how you treat yourself internally. Over time, that energy will resonate on the outside. No matter how far away something might feel in the moment, we owe it to ourselves to stay true to who we are, to those we love and those who love us exactly for those reasons. We owe it to ourselves to be the stars in our own movies.”
After impressing with her debut single ‘Say Something’ earlier this year, 16-year-old Ella Tiritiello has returned with her gorgeous follow up single, ‘Take it Personal’.
Take it Personal comes as a reminder that honesty is always the best policy. Sharing more Ella explained:‘The inspiration came from how you often say to people to not take it personal and “it’s not you, it’s me”, but maybe sometimes it’s better to just keep it straight.’
Despite only just turning 16, Ella Tiritiello has already put herself firmly on the map. With her debut single ‘Say Something’ already at over a quarter of a million streams and a knock-out live performance at the prestigious ‘Brilliant Minds’, this year has already been a big one for the rising teenager.
Born in Kristianstad, a small town in the south of Sweden, Ella Tiritiello was raised by music lovers on a potent diet of powerhouses including the likes of Diana Ross, Adele and Sia “I loved to sing their songs in my room, but I never wanted anyone to hear, mostly because of my stage fright. I couldn’t see myself stand in front of people and sing.”
Today Ella stands as a young artist who’s already overcome her biggest fear. In 2021 Ella was selected by the Tim Bergling Foundation (Avicii’s father) to sing, perform and release Avicii’s ‘For A Better Day’ alongside the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, she rose to the challenge and performed to 16,000 people. A huge undertaking for any artist, let alone a 14 year old with stage fright.
Her effortless vocal talents and authentic stage presence instantly won over the crowd as her confidence blossomed before their eyes.
Now releasing via Platoon and with backing from the legendary Nile Rogers, this fledgling artist could not be in safer hands.
Keep all eyes on Ella Tritiello // Instagram / TikTok
In just 18 months, London based vocalist and visual artist Willow Kayne has enjoyed a prodigious ascent to the pinnacle of pop music’s more daring corners. Her postmodern approach to songwriting was rewarded in 2021 with Willow receiving the Ivor Novello Rising Star award, setting her on a path to achieve greatness early in her career. Her riotously received debut EP Playground Antics was the catalyst for an explosion of rave reviews, while with live shows and online previews, she has shared a glimpse of the soundtrack to her ever-expanding sonic world. With recent singles “Final Notice” and “White City,” Willow shared more propulsive and surreal facets of her arsenal, while “Rat Race” allowed Willow to delve deep into introspection in her own unique way. Today, Willow takes inspiration from the uniting properties of music with a brand new track, “Mr. Universe.”
A wholehearted tribute to the sound of 90s jungle, “Mr. Universe” encapsulates the more nostalgic corners of Willow’s influences more than ever before. Bringing together three generations of ravers with a veteran of drum’n’bass in General Levy and one of the UK’s most ardent soldiers of the scene Toddla T, “Mr. Universe” combines irresistible pop songwriting with the mist-filled sounds of club and carnival. Opening to a dub-influenced hook that embeds itself in the listener’s consciousness from the outset, “Mr. Universe” then descends into break-infused madness, with General Levy unloading rapidfire flows over chest-rattling bass and triumphant horns recorded in Jamaica. “Mr Universe’” sees out the summer by taking the sunkissed sounds of carnivals and transposing them directly for the club, without sacrificing any of the postmodern touches that Willow Kayne has become known for.
On the track, Willow says:
“I’ve been wanting to make a track like Mr Universe for a hot minute, live instruments with a classic old-school bassline. I felt like we needed a feel good tune, something to dance to while the world is on fire. Originally, Toddla and I were just kind of messing around but as the track started to form I knew we had accidentally hit gold!! We were discussing feature ideas and General Levy felt perfect… someone who has been on my bucket list since I was 17, but also felt like a generational link up. A proper 360 moment. I’m heavily inspired by old school jungle such as Mbeat, EZ rollers etc – something which I think shines through in this song, with a modern twist. It’s a song about being United, saved by the music, being brought together. A proper feel good track.”
BC musician Ben Arsenault debuts his new single and video ‘Hold On To You’ out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen here.
‘Hold On To You’ is the lead single from Ben’s debut solo album set for release on December 2nd. Known for his work in Vancouver alt-country/jam band Real Ponchos (as vocalist and guitarist), Ben is now pursuing a solo career in more traditional, roots based country music which he sees as a tribute to the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Merle Haggard and all the great country music singer/songwriters. The sparse and beautiful ‘Hold On To You’ is a fitting first offering with the diaristic desert road trip video laying bare the song’s theme.
“I wrote this song on a road trip in Big Sur and some of the imagery, like the lonely rock in the ocean from the first verse, comes from that,” says Ben. “The subject of the song, what I was holding on to, was originally the wheel of the Nissan Pathfinder I was driving. Then it evolved and became about relationships and how you have to be vulnerable to be supported by love.”
In a lonesome, scraggly drawl, Ben Arsenault sings songs about the road he’s travelled and the characters he’s spent time with along the way. Drawing on experiences from relationships of which he’s had the pleasure and pain of sharing, Ben’s songwriting takes a laid-back look into the conundrum that is human existence. Inspired by the wild mountains and waters of his BC home, and all the open country from Canada to Mexico, his music makes a good driving companion as you’re going down the road.
![Ben Arsenault - Hold On To You [Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/__hr7NYs7oQ/hqdefault.jpg)
YUMI AND THE WEATHER – release their spectacular second album: ‘It’s All In My Head’ (via Miohmi Records).
The new album also arrives with the added promise to hear its songs performed live at a series of special launch shows in London, Brighton, and Portsmouth this Autumn. (Full dates and details are below).
STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE || ORDER THE VINYL HERE
Leading the way with one of its finest and most fearsome moments, the project fronted by Ruby Taylor is delighted to present the featured track “Be Your Lover”. A prowling, brooding alternative-rock majesty that slinks somewhere in the shadows between the repertoires of Jane Weaver, Nadine Shah and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, it’s a song that is oozes-with a purposeful sexual energy.
Singer-songwriter Jackson Wooten is thrilled to announce his new EP From A Warm Valley to be released on November 4th. Today, Jackson released the second single from the EP, “Slow Slow Slow”, which is out now and featured on Under The Radar. The song is accompanied by an official lyric video, which was created by Brenna Kassis.
Jackson says, “I’m so tired. I’m tired of PEOPLE. I’m tired of HATE. I’m tired of how LOUD everyone and everything is. I just want to go somewhere SLOW! I started writing this song in my tiny Nashville apartment with walls of paper – where I could often hear my neighbor’s discord through the walls – and I finished the song at my grandpa’s farm in the Shenandoah valley. It was quiet there. I felt like I had room for my head. I wrote ‘Slow Slow Slow’ about leaving the dismay and noise of my city apartment for the peace of the country.”
Wandsworth’s multi-hyphenated artist Che Lingo returns with a bang on brand new single “Vibe Check (Palo Santo).” Moving on from his critically acclaimed debut album “The Worst Generation” released back in 2020, Che has also announced more music is on its way that doubles as a window to his mind and others that might challenge what you think/feel. Vibe Check (Palo Santo) is available everywhere online via Idris Elba’s 7Wallace record label.
Watch the official video to Vibe Check (Palo Santo) now;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utXqYWG5Pfs
Those wishing to playlist the song can do so
https://bfan.link/vibe-check-palo-santo
Speaking about today’s returning single, Che said “I was chilling with a lot of homies that were burning this wood (Palo Santo) at one point. The smell reminded me of when I was young, and things were clearer in the world. In life, if you learn anything as you grow, it’s that your environment and people can change in a heartbeat, so staying vigilant amidst the chaos outside is the best chance at both survival and evolution.”
![Che Lingo - VIBE CHECK [Palo Santo] (Official Music Video)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/utXqYWG5Pfs/hqdefault.jpg)
Fast-rising London emcee Jay Bizzy delivers a brand new visualiser for his emotive rap offering “Diaries” – taken from his forthcoming EP Hoodsomnia.
Bouncing back from his debut EP Motions, Nigerian native Jay Bizzy reignites the heat surrounding his name with the infectious rap cut “Diaries”. Seamlessly blending textures of UK hip-hop, contemporary pop, R&B and soul, the multi-faceted soundscape lays the perfect bedding for the triple threat’s enriched energy and melodic musicality. His unique flows glide across atmospheric synths and sharpened trap drums while he illustrates the struggles he and affiliates around him have had to overcome to see through their goals and ambitions. Staying bright and inspiring sonically while balancing emotive undertones, Jay continues to showcase a generational talent as his naturally gifted vocals brim with confidence now flourishing in the fruits of his success.
Already on the radars of key tastemakers including GRM DAILY, MIXTAPE MADNESS, WORDPLAY MAGAZINE and 9BILLS, the London talent’s raw and rigorous lyricism emerges as a sharply unconventional breath of fresh air in a densely populated field of UK rap. Gaining well over 300K streams and national radio support with DJ Target across BBC 1XTRA all points towards an exceptional technical capability, as we approach another stand-out release for the bonafide creative on the rise.
A complete multi-instrumentalist, Jay Bizzy looks set to continue the trajectory with his latest heater “Diaries” – and with his highly-anticipated EP Hoodsomnia at our fingertips, set Jay as a serious one to watch for 2022.
LA-based rising alternative artist Ronboy, the musical moniker of Julia Laws, shares her latest ethereal single “Forget It” out everywhere now. The forthcoming poignant and atmospheric debut studio album Pity To Love is due out September 30 and available to pre-order now. Celebrate the album release with Ronboy in LA at Gold Diggers on September 30 with tickets and information available here, featuring music, merch and more. Preview the merch here.
It was during the making of “Forget It” that Ronboy knew she had a body of work taking shape. The sleek, mid-tempo production is bolstered with nostalgic, atmospheric instrumentation. Dropping into the bridge, Ronboy’s vocal mantra swirls around before rocketing into a high energy solo and final chorus, singing, “Forget it too easy / Not your problem / You get it, you get it / You do away with it.”
“‘Forget It’” was a distinctly fun song to write and record,” recalls Ronboy. “And as a bonus, has some stellar, inconspicuous personality.” Built around a demo recorded while sick, Ronboy shares,“I had an involuntary crack come out of my throat. I thought it had a vibe and dropped it throughout the chorus. Pitched a few of them around to follow the progression and coincidentally, they became the jumping off point for the syncopated rhythm and groove of the song.”
Vancouver alt-rock musician Evan Konrad is pleased to announce the release of his new album Denial out now on all digital streaming platforms via Lava/Republic Records. Listen here.
Denial is the first of the 5 Stages of Grief, a musical series handcrafted by artist/producer Evan Konrad.
“Each song on Denial takes the listener through the shadows of modern human experience and brings them to light,” says Evan. “it’s a sonic journey made with the intention to encourage us through the healing and releasing of grief from personal and global consciousness.”
Evan was signed to Lava Records by Jason Flom in 2018, prompting a whirlwind of a year in 2019, including landing festival dates at Lollapalooza, Aftershock, Bumbershoot, and Sonic Temple. He also shot and released a video with rock video legend Marc Klasfeld for the single ‘Come On Snake, Let’s Rattle’ and ‘Long Way Out’with video director Hallie Tut.
After releasing 2 singles and videos, Denial was shelved by Lava Records in late 2019 due to creative differences, only to see a miraculous resurrection of the album now in 2022 after some patience and negotiations with the label.
New Originals – the collaborative project of multi-instrumentalist/producers Dave Brandwein and Rob O’Block – have unveiled their second single (and first video), “So Sad.” Featured guests Daru Jones (Jack White) and Danke provide the beat and additional vocals, respectively.
In 2021, Brandwein had no idea that the albums he was working on with the band Turkuaz would be their last. After 10 steady years of touring as festival mainstays, the band suddenly splintered while on the road with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew, marking the 40-year anniversary of the Talking Heads’ classic Remain in Light album. Amidst a pandemic-induced shutdown, the dissolution of his marriage, and a stint in rehab, Brandwein moved from Brooklyn, NY, to Los Angeles, California, to pick up the pieces. He seized the opportunity to assess his past accomplishments with Turkuaz and the uncertain future that lay ahead, a chance to clean out his closet and start fresh. Their final albums, Apollyon and Paradiso, honor the legacy of that nine-piece funk band as well as offer listeners a taste of things to come.
O’Block was an essential part of Apollyon and Paradiso, co-producing the latter. “Paradiso was the most intense mixing process I’ve ever been a part of,” he says, made more complex by the band’s abrupt split, the overall state of the world during the pandemic, and the people involved being spread across the country. “Sometimes the best thing to do is just keep working, and I’m proud we were able to do that when so much other stuff out of our control was going on.”
The process of completing Paradiso led to the formation of New Originals. “It seemed time for a new energy that could reflect more of the edge and darkness in my lyrics, and in the state of the world,” Brandwein explains.
“I remember I was still drinking pretty heavily when we started working on ‘So Sad,’” he continues. They opted to leave some of the original demo vocals, which felt representative of the time, on the final version of the song. “It’s like sober Dave is singing a duet with drunk Dave. It’s a very odd feeling.”
Brandwein and O’Block are continuing to collaborate on new material, in addition to an array of other projects. Brandwein is also releasing music under the moniker Band For Sale, while O’Block continues to be an active producer and session player in Nashville. You’ll next be able to hear his work on releases by The Brunswick, Meg McRee, and Natalie Madigan, among others. Stay tuned for more from New Originals throughout 2022 and early 2023!
Grammy-nominated Songwriter’s Hall of Fame inductee Beth Nielsen Chapman returns with her stunning new album ‘CrazyTown’, out now via Cooking Vinyl.
Ever since the release of her first album ‘Hearing It First’ in 1980, Beth Nielsen Chapman has undoubtedly made her mark in music. Her body of work includes seven #1 hits and spans a diverse roster of legendary artists who have covered her songs including Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, Keb’ Mo and Elton John, and has often been featured in Film and T.V. The depth of her music reflects her resilience and strength, having come through many life challenges, she has survived with humour and an endless sense of wonder, as vital as ever. Her new album ‘CrazyTown’ offers further insight into the heart and soul of a hugely established artist who, 40 years into her career, continues to take risks and create something entirely new.
Produced by the celebrated 5-time Grammy Award winner Ray Kennedy (who’s worked with everyone from Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and Shania Twain, to John Mellencamp and Taylor Swift) ‘CrazyTown’ combines elements of classic rock, blues and pop to great effect. It’s a deeply personal collection, exploring themes of navigating the ups and downs of life and love, but, as with all Beth’s albums – still with plenty of light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s about navigating chaos” says Beth. “How, even despite everything being crazy, on some level one can trust that things are in divine order and that we will be OK. There’s a lot of groove and joy and fun on this album, along with a couple of deep dive ballads.”
Album highlights include the celebratory opener ‘All Around the World’ and ‘Put a Woman in Charge’ – a powerful- more humanitarian than political- declaration for female leadership, originally written with and released by Keb Mo (ft Rosanne Cash) and now recorded by Beth herself. The upcoming single, ‘With Time’ (Out July 15th) is a beautiful lament on the passing of time, illustrating all Beth has ever wanted to say about “wonder and time and love, the magic of life and the breath of our journey through it.” The retro-sounding ‘Dancin’ With the Past’ tackles a similar theme but handles it differently, finding Beth at peace with what has gone before, and preferring to look forward rather than back.
You can feel the emotion in epic ballad ‘The Edge’ written about losing her first husband to cancer in 1994. “It is about acquiescing to the absolute depths of sadness and fear and a loss of trust in how to turn things around,” says Beth. “Sometimes when we are in deep grief we have to speak about the experience because others are there in it too and writing about it and expressing it moves us through it.”
Things pick up a gear with the blistering blues rock of tracks like ‘The Universe’, which Beth calls ‘“Jumpin Jack Flash” meets Tom Petty on “The Last Train To Clarksville’ and ‘Pocket of My Past’ – a survivor’s anthem about better times ahead with the addictive chorus –“I stuck a picture of my future in the pocket of my past and when I wake up from this nightmare, I will get to live my life at last.” Something we can all relate to post Covid.
There’s also the recent single – ‘Hey Girl (We Can Deal With It)’ – a modern blues triumph written about celebrating the power of women looking out for their sisters. In the spirit of Ginger Rogers who, when asked how it felt to dance with Gene Kelly replied, “Oh it’s great. I just do everything Gene does except backwards and in high heels!” Ironically completed around the time of the beginning of the “Me Too” movement.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
