The Unsigned Guide Spotlight: April
Blog by Michelle Lloyd under Artist Managers, Creative & Branding, Finance, Law & Music Business, Live, Media, Music Publishing, Music Training & Careers, Record Labels, Recording & Production, Selling & Distributing Your Music
So you’ve all hopefully finished gnawing on your Easter eggs by now and are feeling a little Spring-like. And seeing as Spring is all about the new, what better way to get you in the mood than five tracks from 5 acts that we’ve taken a shine to. Low and behold it’s April’s Spotlight time and quite frankly this month we’ve spoilt you….
Suburban Sons – ‘Old Boots’
Manchester’s ‘Suburban Sons’ (previously known as Buffalo) are a cogent trio of guitar, bass and drums; their sound characterised by potent three part vocal harmonies. With something of a diverse mix of songs to their name, they weave in and out of genres, moving from full blown electric to delicate acoustic odes effortlessly. ‘Old Boots’ with its strident vocal and melodious strumming has a definite mirthful yet brooding edge to it and reminded us in parts of White Denim. With the band citing influences in the likes of Grizzly Bear, The Staves and Andrew Bird too, it’s not difficult to see how such acts have helped the boys hone their own dynamic sound.
With gigs across the North West in the coming weeks including a slot at Bolton’s very own Dogstock on the 26th May, we’re fairly certain Howard, Joe and David’s fanbase will be increasing rapidly. You can check out their self-titled debut EP via the Bandcamp link below.
Ofei – ‘London’
East London producer Ofei is something of a mystery; very little is known about him and that’s part of the attraction for us. What we do know though is that he writes, produces and arranges all his own music and can play a plethora of instruments. His soulful sound; passionate harmonies coupled with barbed, lean vocals make for a most interesting, refreshing change on ‘London’. Relating to time, money and emotion, the track is something of an audible rollercoaster. Heightened intensity and honesty throughout, all the while underpinned by Ofei’s rich, tender nodes.
If you’re heading to Live At Leeds or Sounds From The Other City Festival in Salford, Manchester, be sure to check him out. He also plays Cargo in London on 14th May.
Fake Major – ‘Little Researcher’
Glasgow’s Fake Major comprises Richard Ferguson and David McGinty and, in spite of it just being the two of them, their sound is all encompassing and more akin to that of a quartet. Making music since their tender teenage years, this new manifestation has allowed them to present their writing in its most inherent way. Whilst the project might still be in its infancy, it’s seen them support the likes of Frightened Rabbit and Washington Irving ahead of their debut EP release on the 20th April. Addressing the idea of mortality, ‘Little Researcher’ is sincere and sensitive without being gaudy and twee, showcasing their elegant and dynamic songcraft competently.
Their 'Have Plenty of Fun' EP will be released physically on April 20th, with the band playing live in-store sessions at record shops in Dundee (Grouchos), Edinburgh (Avalanche) and Glasgow (Love Music) that day, before digitally releasing the EP on May 1st.
Bipolar Sunshine – ‘Fire’
Bipolar Sunshine is the moniker of ex-Kid British member Adio Marchant. Having debuted his EP to a packed out Castle Hotel in Manchester last month, May sees Adio grace stages at both Salford’s Sounds From The Other City festival and at popular bank holiday mini-festival-favourite Dot To Dot.
‘Fire’, with its sincere, soaring vocal and dauntless narrative concerning the general deplorableness of people struck a chord with us immediately. Awash with reverby guitar, there’s a rough-edged sunshine over the whole track and it’s anthemic enough without being too barefaced. With every listen, a new, more intrinsic notion is unearthed.
White Bone Rattle – ‘When I Return’
Describing themselves as a “psychedelic rock”, White Bone Rattle are made up of two sets of brothers from Maidstone. Having previously supported the likes of Band Of Skulls and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, their debut album ‘Creature of Curiosity’ was released late last year.Thick bass lines and perky guitar riffs typify their sound as exemplified on our chosen track ‘When I Return’. Riff-driven and soaked in an off-kilter chilled bluesy vibe they were once described as a ‘well thought out trip’ and we can’t think of any better way of recounting it. From its chilled intro it moves into an effervescent, gloriously blissful and needling track.
Also check out:
The Unsigned Guide Spotlight: March
The Unsigned Guide Spotlight: March
How do I get featured on the Spotlight blog?
Our Spotlight blog is compiled every month from fresh new music submitted to us by our members. We want to hear from you! We select 5 of the best tracks from our members, so if you want to be in the running you’ll need to sign up to The Unsigned Guide then follow the instructions in your Welcome email to submit a track for Spotlight consideration to us. If you’re already a member and still not sure about how to submit your music for Spotlight, just give us a shout via our Contact page & we’ll help you out!
As well as being featured in our new music blog, your track will also be forwarded onto these music industry professionals including folks from Amazing Radio, Big Life Management, Club Fandango, Domino Records, The Fly, Memphis Industries, Rocksound, Skint Publishing, Sony Music, Spotify, Fake DIY, Transgressive Records and The Great Escape. View the full list of who listens to our Spotlight tracks here.
Members of The Unsigned Guide get access to our huge directory of over 8,700 UK music industry contacts. Find out more about the directory and the other services we provide to help emerging bands and artists here.
Tags
the unsigned guide spotlight, unsigned bands, unsigned artists, new music blog, music industry, suburban sons, ofei, fake major, bipolar sunshine, white bone rattle
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