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Jesse Lynn Madera – Make It Out
In a world often clouded with uncertainty, Americana singer-songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera brings a beacon of hope with her new single, “Make It Out.” Scheduled to release on October 25, this compelling track marks a significant return for Madera since her heartfelt sophomore album, Speed of Sound. Co-written with Rob McCulloch, “Make It Out” synthesizes Acoustic Americana with elements of Country-Folk, intertwining insightful lyrics with an earnest indie folk melody.
The single stands out not just for its harmonic charm but for its potent political resonance, as it encourages listeners to confront the choices faced in their personal and collective lives. “In ‘Make It Out,’ we explore the kinetic energy of hope and the human spirit’s resilience,” says Madera. She aspires to galvanize her audience into action, to strive for a kinder, better world. With this release, Jesse Lynn Madera reaffirms her unique place in the music landscape, beautifully bridging the spheres of heartfelt storytelling and universal activism.
Pegasuses – My Friend the Moon
Pegasuses, the British-based acoustic alt-country and indie folk duo, are set to unveil their much-anticipated single, “My Friend the Moon,” on 25th October 2024. This enchanting release is a dreamy and introspective waltz that captures the serene essence of wandering through the midnight hours beneath a mystical moonlit sky. The duo, composed of husband and wife Dave Miatt and Laura Lamb, weaves dual harmonies with a rich tapestry of folk pop, laden with a classic sound that transcends the everyday.
Produced by the talented Russell Marsden at Snook Studio, the track is a prelude to their debut album, “Sea of Joy,” which will feature a remarkable array of instrumentation including pedal steel guitar, synth, and percussion, elevating their acoustic-driven melodies to new horizons. Fans of Americana and alt-folk can look forward to this beautifully crafted single, promising a deeply immersive experience that resonates long after the night’s end.
Katie Nicholas – You Kill Me
Katie Nicholas, Liverpool’s Americana-acoustic sensation, releases her anticipated single, “You Kill Me,” alongside the charismatic Robert Vincent. A tune reminiscent of classic alt-country style with a fresh twist, it strikes the romantic cynic’s chords with melodic grace. Nicholas’ deft touch and Vincent’s harmonies create a blend “enough to make your stomach churn,” setting the stage for a musical alchemy that listeners crave.
Supported by renowned AMA-UK musicians, such as Anna Corcoran and C J Hillman, Nicholas’ offerings call forth a new era in her genre-bending catalog. Nestled within the folk-pop spectrum, her country roots sparkle amid the modern, self-produced backdrop. Already beloved for her viral hits from the “Songwriter Diaries” series, Nicholas steps boldly into a vibrant future, championed as always by BBC Radio’s iconic Whispering Bob Harris.
With “You Kill Me,” Katie Nicholas doesn’t just remind us of her extraordinary talent; she reaffirms her standing as a luminary on the Americana scene, setting anticipation ablaze for her forthcoming EP.
Ollie Cook – Dog & Gun
In “Dog & Gun,” Ollie Cook charts new territories in the ever-evolving landscape of alternative rock and alt-country. This album serves as a testament to Cook’s resilience, navigating a two-year labyrinth of writer’s block and burgeoning self-doubt to emerge with a suite of songs that bristle with intimate introspection and sonic maturity. Drawing inspiration from the alt-country sensibilities of Jason Molina and the tender narratives of MJ Lenderman and Florry, Cook crafts a soundscape that oscillates between raw, confessional alt-country ballads and introspective soft rock anthems.
With “Dog & Gun,” Cook leans into a DIY ethos that enhances the gravity of his lyrical exploration, painting vivid narratives of the mundane British band-culture landscape. This effort signifies a level up from his debut, embodying both sonic richness and a deeper lyrical resonance. The album’s release, much anticipated by the alt-rock and folk community, marks an artist on the rise, one committed to maintaining a homegrown authenticity at the heart of his craft.
Ryland Moranz – The Hell Of This Town
Canadian folk and bluegrass troubadour Ryland Moranz untangles the complexities of love and longing in his latest single, “The Hell Of This Town,” now streaming on all digital platforms via Tonic Records. As an accomplished multi-instrumentalist from Lethbridge, Alberta, Moranz weaves traditional Alt-Country with a modern Americana twist, creating an evocative narrative tapestry that resonates with classic sounds and easy listening sensibilities.
Rooted deeply in the genre-blurring traditions of Country and Folk, “The Hell Of This Town” is a poignant ode disguised as a rebellious anthem. Despite its seemingly harsh title, Moranz reveals the track is a heartfelt serenade to his wife—a reflection of his eternal wanderlust and the tethering force of love. “The immediacy of longing and the entropy of the cosmos,” Moranz muses, encapsulates the duality of his life on the road and the solace of home. With his album, Better/Worse, on the horizon, Moranz is poised to take hearts by storm, proving his artistry is a forward-looking homage to timeless classics.
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