DEMOS

WORDS: JAY MOUSSA-MANN

DEMO OF THE MONTH

Katie Grace – From The Wildflowers EP

Thunder blends acoustic with 80s pop, layers of guitars and synths under gorgeous delicate vocals, with a really catchy chorus. Fly Away is a stand out track for me, with its emotive percussion, lifted by ethereal synth lines and haunting vocals; Katie’s voice is arresting on every track. This EP is very obviously a true labour of love and Katie Grace is certainly a musician to take note of. www.soundcloud.com/katiegracemusic

The April Bird – Sunlight and Snowfall

The April Bird describes itself as a messy, home-made project with songs informed by smaller aspects of life, and this delightfully quirky track is wonderfully refreshing. With echoey group vocals behind a vintage lead voice, the music feels like a folk rock campfire. It’s a tiny song, bursting with oodles of energy. According to Dylan Wake, the musician behind The April Bird, this song was “an attempt to make the warmest possible sounds I could in a freezing house with no light while using wine and the music of Teenage Fanclub to keep spirits high.” www.facebook.com/theaprilbird

Bedsit Manor – Burning Now

Ex-Deltasound singer Jonjo McNeill delivers a powerful, driving rock track in Burning Now, which has a 90s vibe designed to lift the spirits. A groovy little bass line runs under charismatic, arresting vocals against interesting guitar riffs and all-out drums. It could be easy to miss the hard-hitting lyrics on first listen but passionate poetry fitting well into world turmoil elevates this song. “The noxious scent of burning dread / Can’t get my clothes over my head”. Burning Now feels like a protest song, with a catchy, head-nodding chorus, the track gets into your bloodstream. And the more you really look at those lyrics… “When all your neighbours lock their doors / No more of their boats on our shores”. The chorus becomes a poignant cry: “Can you feel the love that’s burning now?” www.bedsit-manor.bandcamp.com

Sam Shields – Penny’s Daughter

This is a beautiful tale, delicately sitting somewhere between folk and Americana, I was instantly intrigued by the music and the story. Sam’s easy, gentle voice starts with the words “Penny’s daughter bought Penny’s mother’s house.” Beautiful, sparse guitar picking coupled with rich, husky vocals make this song one of those rare, pure tracks that instantly wins you over. Sam is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Northumberland, and he’s been on the music scene for a few years now. With a voice that is not only lovely to listen to but manages to convey drama in every lilt, he’s an artist to keep an eye out for. www.samshieldsmusic.com

Lizzie, Singer of the Lakes – What Is The Word

What Is The Word has an immediate classic feel to it, reminiscent of a 1960s crime drama soundtrack. It combines jazz with indie pop, and a slightly rocky feel. It is a whimsical song, haunting and uplifting. With strong elements of classical composition, the track features bassy percussion, piano and whispering voices over Lizzie’s soprano vocals. Already celebrated for her career as a classical act and lover of vintage music, Lizzie’s new track is full of catchy hooks and cleverly integrated vocal harmonies. www.singerofthelakes.com