Tag: review

OUT TODAY: Pop-powerhouse Jess Ball drops new single ‘Nightmare’

Australian-based pop powerhouse JESS BALL is kicking off 2025 with her latest single, ‘Nightmare’, marking her second release since signing with London-based Project Melody Music (Owen Cutts, Monster Florence, The Big Pink).

A dynamic follow-up to last year’s acclaimed single ‘That Way’, Jess’s latest offering delivers an edgier pop-packed experience that delves into the struggles of finding one’s place in life and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Jess shares: “‘Nightmare’ reflects the trial and error of making life decisions, the self-doubt that comes with it, and the human tendency to desire the unattainable. It’s about feeling trapped in your ambitions while navigating the uncertainty of what lies ahead.”

Serving a strong bassline and groove-driven production, ‘Nightmare’ is a pop anthem for the modern grind, blending urgency and allure through textured distortion, siren-like soundscapes, and layers of hook-driven pop melodies. Jess’s distinctive low, honey-toned vocals glide effortlessly over the track’s pulsating rhythm, dripping with frustration and self-deprecating sarcasm.

For fans of Olivia Dean, Dua Lipa, and Tove Lo, Jess Ball is proving she’s a rising star in the global pop arena, bringing a fresh voice and dynamic energy to the scene.

Jess Ball is a Melbourne-based Australian singer-songwriter who began her love affair with music in 2009 at 11 years old. Her distinct sound blends influences from pop, indie rock, and hip-hop, drawing inspiration from artists such as Cigarettes After Sex, Olivia Dean, and Massive Attack, shaping Jess’s unique approach to indie pop.

In 2020, Jess made waves with her third release, ‘I Found You (Neptune)’ in collaboration with EDX. The track soared to Number 1 on the Future House Beatport charts and reached Number 38 on SiriusXM’s Electro top songs of the year, accumulating over 20 million streams.

Since signing with London-based Project Melody Music in 2024, Jess has continued to rise, with her first single under the label, ‘That Way’ garnering multiple Spotify and Apple Music editorial placements, including Pop Drive, Pop n’ Fresh, and New Music Daily, and expanding her reach to a global audience.

With a loyal fan base and a reputation for her captivating originals, covers and live performances Jess Ball is setting the stage for an extraordinary 2025.

‘Nightmare’ is out today (24 January) on all streaming platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Connect with Jess Ball via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessballl/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jess_ball_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessball3854
Website: https://www.jessballmusic.com/

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Song of the Day: Commuter’s Commitment/Mundane Mondays – Love, Builder Of Worlds

In response to a collective groan that could be heard amongst commuters as they return to a place of grind after a carefree weekend, multidisciplinary artist LOVE, BUILDER OF WORLDS has shared a soothing remedy, forming the single ‘Commuter’s Commitment/Mundane Mondays’, available now across various music platforms.

‘Commuter’s Commitment/Mundane Mondays’ offers itself as a reprieve from the cacophony of chaos that is the commute, and serves the listener as a friendly accompaniment of comfort on those seemingly endless mundane Mondays and the days that follow.

The lo-fi jazz instrumental is inspired by the infamous London commute the anti-binary artist grew up deeply entrenched in; acutely aware of its adornments of delays, overcrowded platforms, stuffy and sometimes sweltering heat, and of course its ear piercing symphony of screeches.

Now residing in Ireland’s vibrant capital Dublin, Love, Builder Of Worlds also prides the composition as an anti-capitalist song for the worker. Briefly interrupted by a voice, the single pull us out of the wistful daze and remind us that the shareholders of the corporations we toil for matter much more than our desperate need for work/life balance.

‘Commuter’s Commitment/Mundane Mondays’ follows Love Builder Of World’s debut single, punk rock anthem ‘Scared For The Climate’, which sits at the opposite end of the musical spectrum. While ‘Scared For The Climate’ was filled with angst and furore, ‘Commuter’s Commitment/Mundane Mondays’ conveys the weight of its sentiments wordlessly, and the listener is invited to find a soft landing against the frenzied familiar.

An avid campaigner for the voiceless Love, Builder of Worlds, is part of Olólúfè Collective, which offers a safe space for marginalised people to create, collaborate and practice collectivism. With this platform, he is able to express himself freely and unapologetically, through music – whether its punk rock, neo-funk, disco, blues, afrobeats, alté, indie-electro pop and garage music.

With two contrasting singles – a raucous anthem and a tranquil instrumental – under his musical belt, Love, Builder Of Worlds displays a natural aptitude to utilise multiple music styles to demonstrate the breadth of self-expression and concerns of the world’s biggest issues.

‘Commuter’s Commitment/Mundane Mondays’ was released on 25th November 2024 on various music platforms.

** Love, Builder Of Worlds is not on social media **
Connect via:
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lovebuilderofworlds
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveBuilderofWorlds

Olólúfè Collective:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ololufecollective/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ololufecollective

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Genevieve Miles returns with shoegaze-y broken-hearted catharsis in ‘howl’

GENEVIEVE MILES’ psychedelic indie fusion continues to take on new levels of depth with shoegaze and rock influences taking the forefront in new single ‘howl’. Inspired by the likes of Talking Heads, Slowdive and Courtney Barnett, this new single continues her evolution and maturity, as “a true artist of today’s generation” (Local and Live). This single marks the first time Genevieve has recorded with her whole band in the studio, as she finally moved back to her spiritual home of Birmingham at the start of this year. The grit of recording in Digbeth truly shines through on the track, produced by Jo Cartledge, amongst a scene of exciting upcoming bands in Birmingham such as Gingham, Jazzcat and pip.

On the single, Genevieve says: “this has always been our favourite to play live, I am beyond excited that we can all finally cry and scream together at home to this song, one I wrote at ground zero of a broken heart.”

After the triumphant release of last year’s EP, So heavy, so hard to hold, Genevieve has been busy forging new expressions within her music. The EP, which offers “a sonic embrace to all who listen” (Unrecorded) was featured in BBC Introducing’s Top Tracks of 2023, listed in Dead Good Music’s top ten EPs of 2023 and gained spots on Amazing Radio’s Indie and Easy Listening playlists. Lead single ‘Good’, was first launched on a Hyundai advert in 2022 and has since accumulated over a million views.

Following the success of this EP, Genevieve has spent the past year in the studio, as well as performing around the UK, including notable festival slots at Camp Bestival and Wychwood Festival, supporting Megan Wyn in London, and headlining a packed out show at Birmingham’s renowned Hare and Hounds. She’s also received endorsement from exciting brands such as Goose and Gander.

BBC Radio have consistently supported Genevieve since 2019, including a slot at BBC Introducing Live, their joint showcase with Birmingham Music Awards (2020), the digital BBC Airwaves Festival (2021). All this support culminated in playing their stage at Truck Festival (2023).

Overall, 2023 was an exciting year including her first UK tour, a slot at a fringe event of The Great Escape Festival and playing Big Retreat Festival. Her wide range of influences was also celebrated when Fontaines D.C. shared her acoustic cover of their song ‘I Don’t Belong’ for the online Rock the Breadline fundraiser.

On the live experience, Genevieve says: “I love throwing myself around on stage and shouting as loud as I can: it’s for all those years that I stayed quiet, didn’t get mad, people pleased. This is the time of the wild woman: we are loud, emotional, ALIVE.”

Genevieve is also celebrating the release of ‘howl’ with a gig held at The Yard, a cosy space in Moseley, Birmingham. It promises to be a stripped-back set next to a log burner, an intimate night which will mirror the raw intimacy of the new single.

Upcoming gigs:
3rd November – Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath (supporting Danny Mellin)
13th December – The Night Owl, Digbeth

Connect with Genevieve Miles via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/genevievemilesmusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genevieve_miles/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genevievemilesmusic
X: https://x.com/genevievemiles_

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Song of the Day: Never Goes Away – Amber Sauer

Powerhouse vocalist and multi-hyphenate AMBER SAUER makes her anticipated return to music with her latest single, ‘Never Goes Away’—a romantic pop-soul anthem that showcases her unmatched vocal prowess and fresh, modern sound. Known for her captivating blend of Pop, Soul, and R&B, Amber’s latest offering is a testament to her versatility as both a recording artist and performer.

Amber, whose credits include The Voice, I Can See Your Voice, Dancing with the Stars, and Smashing Glass, is a musical staple across genres and platforms. Her performances have earned her a loyal following, and after a brief departure focusing on her modelling career, she is back to her first love with a track that promises to leave a real mark on the pop-soul scene.

Co-written with a close friend and produced by Grammy Winner Printz Board, ‘Never Goes Away’ channels Amber’s deepest musical inspirations, from Whitney Houston to Kelly Clarkson, blending her signature vocal strength with crisp, polished production. The result is an intoxicating sound that’s both fun and flirty—pop with a gritty R&B edge, wrapped in soul.

The single was born from a personal collaboration, as a close friend originally wrote the track. After recording the demo, Amber couldn’t shake the song’s connection and knew she had to release it. The result is a flirty, feel-good anthem perfect for anyone who’s experienced the exhilarating highs of falling in love. “A lingering, unshakeable connection – good or bad. Falling in love is like a beautiful moment of temporary insanity…”

Amber’s vocals soar above the track’s crisp beats and catchy melodies, bringing to life a song that’s both relatable and addictive. The track’s infectious melody, singalong chorus, and danceable rhythm capture that irresistible feeling of being swept away by romance.

Amber Sauer’s return is a treat for fans of Pop, Soul, and R&B alike, offering something for everyone with her authentic, yet contemporary sound. Have a listen to ‘Never Goes Away’ below…

Connect with Amber Saucer via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ambersauermusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ambersauer/
X:https://x.com/ambersauer

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Song of the Day: I Was There – The Grand Cru

International award-winning songwriting team, THE GRAND CRU (comprising of Welsh and American talent) have shared a brand new album, entitled ‘September 11th – Music To Heal Your Soul’.

The Grand Cru includes ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead, Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard) and ex member of The Story’s and Balsamo/Deighton. Also on ‘The Cru’ is multi-award winning Welsh singer/songwriter Darren Parry who’s a former UK Songwriting Contest winner, Billboard, Unisong, ISSA and USA Song Of The Year award winner (who’s co-written with The Korgis, Dan and Laura Curtis and others).

The third Welshman is Rhondda’s multi-talented Lee Gilbert who is an acclaimed singer /actor. His 25 yr career has spanned from Theatre, Radio and TV work which runs alongside his very busy music career. The fourth member and brainchild of ‘The Cru’ is Florida based Bonnie Skop, who’s family has a long history in music; including her Dad managing Ted Nugent and Bob Seger in their early days! The Grand Cru get their name from the French words… meaning “a wine of the most superior grade”. These songwriters are certainly that!

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the album go to support the Enlisted Association Of The National Guard of The United States (EANGUS). EANGUS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the status, welfare and professionalism of Enlisted members of the National Guard and has a constituency base of over 450,000 soldiers and airmen, their families, as well as over 350,000
retired members/veterans.

Darren says… “Steve, Lee, Bonnie and I have written the album predominantly on Zoom over the last two years or so having been approached by The National Guard via a contact of Bonnie’s in the US. We have donated six of our songs to the cause but have written bespoke songs including “I Was There””.

Steve says…‘I Was There’ is a very emotional song about the morning of 9/11 in New York. The song focuses on three different characters… one female character is going to work in New York that morning, another character is a guy taking a flight from New Jersey to San Francisco”. Lee continues… “the third character is a child who fortunately sleeps late so he’s not on time for school. You’ve gotta listen to it, it’s a real emotional rollercoaster of a song”!

‘I Was There’ was performed by The Cru for the EANGUS 9/11 Remembrance Gala at The One World Trade Centre building in New York on 11th September this year for a star-studded event, hosted by Kelsey Grammer (of hit show Frasier).

‘I Was There’ and ‘September 11th – Music To Heal Your Soul’ album are out now. Why not watch the video for the emotive single, featuring the three Welsh talent.

Connect with The Grand Gru:
http://www.darrenparry.com
http://www.stevebalsamomusic.com
http://www.leegilbertmusic.co.uk

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