Zinnia Delivers Stunning Single ‘Requiem’ For Her Father

Frontwoman Rachael Cardiello – from five-piece pop art rock group ZINNIA –  spent most of her twenties processing her dad’s death, an experience which emotionally toughen her up.

She explains: “In some ways, I feel like I processed it so fully that I grew a thick callus around the part of the loss that was very raw and fragile. At times I’ve resented the tough skin which was necessary to get through that hard time.”

To mark the ten year anniversary of his death, the Toronto-based singer/songwriter wrote ‘Requiem’ on the plane ride home to Montana. Described as a significant milestone, the single also serves as the singer’s curiosity to see how her grief would change.

‘Requiem’ is taken from the group’s debut full-length, ‘Sensations in Two Dot’, set for release on 22nd November. The nine-track project focuses on moments of doubt and probes into the complex, unsettling similarities found in the human experience.

Check out ‘Requiem’ below…

EP Review: Probably Crying – Girl Wilde

When I first hit the play button on GIRL WILDE‘s latest EP, ‘Probably Crying’, I wasn’t only instantly hit by the explosive combo of electro pop and 90’s inspired grunge rock, but her alluring vocals that could rival the likes of Gwen Stefani.

Don’t get caught up in the fluffy frills with a slight rebellious streak, if you’re planning to listen to this EP. Beyond the fun-packed arrangements, the LA artist bravely taps into her vulnerability and covers personal and deep-rooted subjects such as depression (in ‘I Don’t Wanna Die,’ ‘Probably Crying’), female sexual desire (‘WeT’), and anger management (‘BATSHiT’).

Although the above subjects are often swept under the carpet, the message in this EP is clear and simple: it’s OK to experience those feelings, so embrace them!

‘Probably Crying’ is one pretty neat package – why not check it out below…

Must Listens: Probably Crying, Killing Time

Song of the Day: Under The Influence – Mike Dignam

MIKE DIGNAM‘s latest single, ‘Under The Influence’, marks a soulful turn for the British songwriter, as well as his new role as producer. His soulful, gritty pop comes through the slick self-production, and further portrays the musician’s raw vulnerability and stellar vocal.

Speaking about the track, Mike says:

“Under The Influence” was entirely self-produced so I’m unbelievably proud of it. It’s the first record I’ve ever produced and I’ve since gone on to produce my entire album, which will be out early 2020.

Having been away for nearly 3 years now, it feels more important to me than anything I’ve put out so far, and definitely my best works to date. The song is about the idea of heartbreak having control over you, like alcohol or substance abuse, a drug and asking to be excused for out of character actions because this feeling has completely taken over.”

His hiatus didn’t do anything to dampen his fans love for the music, as demonstrated by the artist’s most recent gig in Manchester back in August, which sold out in less than two hours. Through this performance, he introduced his whole next album from start to finish for a captivated audience, and even treated them to a preview of a song from his third album. With such a show of support, a UK tour has since been announced culminated at Manchester’s Gorilla (500 capacity) on 30th November (see details below).


Upcoming November headline tour:

05/11 – Komedia Studio, Brighton

07/11 – Headrow House, Leeds

08/11 – The Cuban Embassy, Birmingham

27/11- Thousand Island, London

30/11 – Gorilla, Manchester

Ticket Link: https://lnkfi.re/mikedignamtour

Have a listen to ‘Under The Influence’ below…

Song of the Day: Linger – Fred Lessore

London-based songwriter and musician FRED LESSORE – of Anglo – French and Malagasy descent – has released his stunning record ‘Linger’.

‘Linger’ is written from the perspective of a woman facing doubt. Produced by Pete Boxsta Martin (James Arthur, Jessie J), the stirring ballad pulls on the shadows of a past love, confronting the burning question many of us have to ask ourselves: Am I ready to try again?

Speaking on the release Fred says “It took me less than 20 minutes to write and record the demo for ‘Linger’. It was easy to pull inspiration from the strong women in my family; I’ve seen each of them carry their battle scars with grace, dignity and acceptance. At the crossroads of love and loss, ‘Linger’ is a drop in the ocean of what it might take to build a strong woman, and I only hope that I’ve done them justice.”

Whilst recording new music, Fred has been emerging through London’s live circuit, including bookings at Proud Camden & Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.

Have a Listen to ‘Linger’ below…

EP Review: The Contender – Bülow

BÜLOW‘s brand new EP, ‘The Contender’, starts off with her trademark – that infectious urban drive with ‘Own Me’, which carries on with tracks such as ‘Boy Will Be Boys’ and the spine-tingling ‘Upside Down’. Although I’m always pleased to hear her perfectly balanced combo of pop sensibilities with an urban kick, her latest collection sees this promising artist do something a little different..

For instance, ‘Puppy Love’ mainly possess a melodic and almost airy tones that’s more simplistic compared to her other releases.

Concluding track, ‘Sundress’ adds another dimension to the EP with its intimate setting, fronted by compellingly light vocals coupled with the crisp, folkore plucks of the acoustic guitar.

Overall, ‘The Contender’ is just as pleasing as her previous work, even though the lick of the urban pop package – to my frustration – was shortly interrupted. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Boy Will Be Boys, Upside Down