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Cat Cork – Simple Song – Acoustic Version
A Journey Through Life’s Stages, One Acoustic Strum at a Time
Cat Cork‘s “Simple Song – Acoustic Version” is a poignant journey through the stages of life, wrapped in a tapestry of delicate strings and heartfelt vocals. Emerging from Woy Woy, Australia, Cork crafts a narrative where each chord conveys the innocence of childhood, the fervor of youth, and the serene contentment of age. As a multi-instrumentalist, his soundscapes are both diverse and meticulously woven, rooted in a rich family history of musicianship.
The song’s production, a collaborative effort with Cameron Taylor, elevates its storytelling with a seamless blend of textures that echo Cork’s depth. Verses unfold like chapters, each with “effortless lyrics and tranquil vocals,” resonating universally. His approach is marked by simplicity yet layered with meaning—qualities that have seen him lauded in international songwriting circles. Living amidst the natural beauty of New South Wales, Cork’s artistic voice captures life’s cycle with a rare authenticity, making “Simple Song” a reflection of his boundless creative spirit.
Andy Crowe & The Eisen Family – Hold Me Close
Andy Crowe & The Eisen Family’s Soulful Sound Deepens Its Roots
Andy Crowe & The Eisen Family return with “Hold Me Close,” a captivating single blending soul, blues, and rock with an emotional punch. Inspired by the spirit of Bill Withers and the edge of The Black Crowes, Crowe creates a sound that’s warmly familiar yet leaps toward a new horizon. In “Hold Me Close,” the band explores vulnerability, inviting listeners to let their guard down and truly be seen. Crowe describes it as “one of the most soulful songs we’ve recorded yet.”
The track showcases Andy’s lush vocals set against a backdrop of the band’s signature grooves, achieving a balance that resonates with fans of Michael Kiwanuka and Anderson East. With a career studded with remarkable moments—headlining the Tower Stage at Sonic Boom Festival and supporting Ariel Posen—Andy and his seven-member ensemble prove they are a growing force in the UK’s music scene. As Crowe delves deeper into his soulful roots, this release marks a significant step in their dynamic evolution.
Christophe Elie – The Ride
Christophe Elie’s “The Ride” Invites Us to Savour the Journey
In an age where every moment feels urgent, Christophe Elie‘s single “The Ride” offers a reminder to pause and relish the journey. With its roots planted firmly in the political folk tradition, the track draws inspiration from the likes of Neil Young and Tom Petty, echoing a bygone era of peace and love—a time Elie wistfully wishes he could have grown up in. “The Ride” unfurls like an open highway, encouraging listeners to keep searching for meaning while savouring the nuances along the way.
Currently immersed in crafting a new album, Elie’s focus remains local, bridging music, art, and activism. His commitment to community shines through his CKCU (Carleton University) radio show “Songs for the Revolution” and the Ottawa songwriters’ group, Writers’ Bloc. As Elie navigates this creative path, “The Ride” stands as both a beacon of reflection and a celebration of life’s winding roads.
Lewis Stubbs Junior – Back Home to You
Lewis Stubbs Junior Captures Americana’s Soul with “Back Home to You”
Lewis Stubbs Junior’s single, “Back Home to You,” emerges as a soul-stirring testament to his personal journey and artistic growth. Hailing from Fairview, TN, Lewis lays bare his path to sobriety and inner peace, weaving his narrative into striking Americana sound. Echoing influences like Townes Van Zandt and Ry Cooder, the song features hauntingly honest lyrics paired with evocative guitar melodies that echo a deep emotional resonance.
In collaboration with Brad Clark and Chris Long, who ground the track with a robust rhythmic foundation, Lewis paints an intimate portrait of redemption and resilience. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Casey Wood at Nashville’s The Insanery, the single showcases Stubbs’ ability to channel his struggles into transformative art. He shares, “The blues can only come from a place of suffering and pain but can be a tool to help one climb out of the dark.” This release is poised to strike a chord with listeners seeking solace in music’s healing power.
Latchkey – Where We Come From
The Evolution of Latchkey: Where Northern California Meets Soulful Rock
Latchkey’s Where We Come From marks a vibrant evolution for this Mendocino quintet, crafting a sound that’s as expansive as the Northern California coast itself. With Nicholas Petti at the songwriting helm, the band leans into a richer, soul-infused rock palette. New drummer Sam Arintok bolsters this journey with rhythms that echo the soul of the region, skillfully merging his punk and bluegrass roots.
Imagine The Band’s legendary Winterland performances with a modern twist—pure, countrified soul through a punk rock filter. Jen Martell, with her smoky alto, is the soul-stirring force, the rhythm goddess whose musical roots stretch from campfire drum circles to West African dance. Meanwhile, John Taylor, Latchkey’s “special sauce,” layers in his guitar magic, and Peter Temple’s bass lines solidify the foundation.
With Where We Come From, Latchkey delivers an homage to a place, a sound, a feeling.
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