JESSE LYNN MADERA

DanNavarroproducedversionofJohnnyCash’s“Unchained”by JesseLynnMadera,“…aforcetobereckonedwithintheworldofmodernAmericana.”

California singer-songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera, will release her version of “Unchained,” the haunting, yet gripping, song originally recorded by Johnny Cash in 1996. The track was produced by powerhouse artist, songwriter, and producer, Dan Navarro (Lowen & Navarro), and engineered by multi GRAMMY award-winning producer/engineer Jim Scott, whose credits include Tom Petty, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and The Chicks (and Dan Navarro).

With Madera’s soulful and powerfully vulnerable vocals at the forefront, it is a striking track with warm electrics, lilting accordion, and a gorgeous acoustic guitar solo performed by Navarro. The single was recorded at Plyrz Studios in Santa Clarita, CA with additional vocals by Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakum), Taras Prodaniuk (The Richard Thompson Trio), Jimmy Paxson (Lindsay Buckingham), Scott, and Navarro. Madera has been drawn to the song for over a decade and long dreamed of recording it. “I connected with this song probably because of my family’s history with depression and anxiety,” she shares. “This song is a prayer, and I feel every word of it.

This character knows who she is and what could be. It’s really a hopeful and truthful song.” It’s really a hopeful and truthful song, and I wish I’d written it! I do believe that Jude’s penning of “Unchained” was a gift and a heroic act.”

This was the first time, Navarro, has worked with Madera. “Jesse Lynn Madera possesses a voice and vision that burrows deep into the heart of things,” he praises. “She owns it, and, in short order, owns you. It was a rare gift to work with her.” “It takes a lot of courage to go after a tune made famous by Johnny Cash,” Scott believes. “The classic Jude Johnstone song ‘Unchained’ is now artistically Jesse Lynn Madera’s.”

“Unchained” is being serviced to Americana, Non-Comm and Folk radio and available on all streaming platforms. It is the first official offering from her forthcoming album Belle Sent Me, a tribute to her grandmother and poet Belle Clayton, which will be released in 2023 Interview requests should be directed to Kate Richardson at The Richlynn Group.

Vice Killer

The County Durham based alternative indie fourpiece Vice Killer release their new single 'The Red Sky' on April the 7th. This is their first release of the new year and follows last year's acclaimed single 'Past Life'.

With a sublime lead guitar sound that serves as a vehicle for the track along with a solid, captivating beat and yearning vocals from frontman Thomas Gilling, 'The Red Sky' is Vice Killer's most thought provoking and engrossing release to date. This new single sets Vice Killer apart from their contemporaries and demonstrates the north-east band's diverse songwriting style to the full.

'The Red Sky' was recorded in Liverpool's Motor Museum with Al Groves (Oasis, The 1975, Jake Bugg). On recording with Groves, Thomas Gilling said "This was the first time we'd ventured out of Newcastle to record, we'd spoken to a lot of producers but Al stood out as one of the best. We learnt how to make the most out of a song, not to just go into the studio and hit record. Al wasn't shy of telling us when we weren't up to scratch...he really put his own stamp on the track. especially in the bridge, using dreamy synths and giving it a somewhat spacey sound."

Vice Killer released their debut EP in 2021 and they quickly gained momentum, headlining sold-out shows in Sunderland and Newcastle in 2022 and they were also featured on BBC Introducing. Their growth is impressive and 'The Red Sky' is sure to add fuel to the fire.

Vice KIller are Thomas Gilling (lead vocals/guitar), James Langan (lead guitar), Jack Langan (bass)and Lewis Muir(drums). The band play a sold out show at Castle Eden cricket club in early April, HMV Newcastle (free entry) on the 15th and finally a headline show at Hartlepool's IDOLS on Friday the 12th of May.