Swedish Artist ‘Fredrik Ekblad’ Unveils ‘Gimme’: A Contagious, Melodic and Catchy Track with a Latin Twist

“Gimme,” a truly contagious song, is the first single from Swedish artist Fredrik Ekblad’s forthcoming EP “Ekblad,” set to release under the legendary Tambourine Studios label, Sousafon. The song carries a Latin vibe inspired by the salty and sunny surroundings of the Gothenburg archipelago in Sweden, where Fredrik resides. Fredrik himself describes the song’s theme as straightforward, conveying that it’s about that intense, almost delusional feeling when you can’t get enough of something and you struggle to maintain your sanity. Fredrik Ekblad, originally from the south of Sweden, has devoted most of his life to creating music. In 2014, his critically acclaimed English debut album, “Confused Confessions,” was released under the prestigious Tambourine Studios label, Sousafon, which has hosted several internationally successful acts. For the past few years, Fredrik has made his home in the Gothenburg archipelago on the western coast of Sweden. It’s here, on the island of Öckerö, that he writes and records his music in his very own recording studio. The music he creates is infused with the unique atmosphere of the salt-laden air, sunny landscapes, and brisk sea breezes that surround him. Fredrik’s lifelong ambition has always been to reach the hearts and souls of his […]

South African Folk Virtuoso Luke Beling Set to Release Debut Album: ‘A Stone in the Mouth of the Ocean'”

Distinguished folk artisan Luke Beling, originating from South Africa, stands on the brink of introducing his inaugural album titled “A Stone in the Mouth of the Ocean.” The excitement is palpable as the release date in October 2023 approaches, following the unveiling of four distinct singles. Leading the pack is the eponymous title track, which not only shares the album’s evocative name but also serves as a thematic prelude. This initial single delves profoundly into the journey of reconciling our inherent human vulnerability while embarking on a quest for significance within the expansive realm of our cosmic abode. Beling’s creative expedition has been deeply influenced by the vibrant musical milieu of the 1960s and 1970s. As a singer-songwriter, he draws inspiration from the melodies that reverberate from his father’s vintage records and the profound struggles of his homeland. Krister Axel, a notable voice from CHILLFILTR, eloquently depicts Beling’s musical creations as a splendid fusion of acoustic folk with a pop-friendly sensibility. These compositions intricately interlace threads of spirituality and profound insight, resulting in a harmonious fusion that strikes a profound chord. At the heart of Beling’s artistic vision lies a longing to infuse his music with the entire spectrum of […]

A Folklore Revival: Keili Fernando’s ‘The Seedling Song’ Cultivates Time-Honored Melodies

Indie-Folk Artist Keili Fernando Blossoms with “The Seedling Song,” a Melodic Tribute to Generations Past and Future. Indie-folk singer-songwriter Keili Fernando has unveiled her latest musical creation, “The Seedling Song,” a heartfelt homage to the folk era of the 60s and 70s. This enchanting track weaves together nostalgic melodies, soulful storytelling, and timeless wisdom, showcasing Keili’s signature style and her deep connection to the roots of folk music. “The Seedling Song” is more than just a melody; it is a sincere love letter from Keili to her niece, the future generation, and even to her younger self. Inspired by the lessons passed down through the ages, Keili captures the essence of empowerment, perseverance, and the importance of cherishing the knowledge imparted by previous generations. In her own words, Keili explains, “As we all know though, we get older and that innocence fades into wisdom, and wisdom is often passed down from generation to generation. To me, this song is a love letter to my niece, the future generation, and even to my younger self. It’s about empowerment, perseverance, and not forgetting about what we’ve learned from those who came before us.” “The Seedling Song” showcases Keili Fernando’s profound songwriting abilities, […]

‘Royce DeZorzi’ pays homage to his hometown ‘Denver’ on stunning new acoustic folk album.

‘Denver’ is the incredible new folk acoustic guitar album from ‘Royce DeZorzi’. The full length album ‘Denver’ was recorded and produced over the summer at Royce DeZorzi’s home studio in Denver. The beautiful and relaxing album features 16 new acoustic guitar tracks that are very melodic and chilled, taking you on a meandering acoustic guitar journey of beautiful soundscapes with a dreamy and lush production. On his new full length album, Denver, Royce DeZorzi nods to the mountain city where he shaped his sound while also paying homage in parting, as he soon relocates to Nashville, TN. Denver is a snapshot of the city he’s called home, weaving threads of his own experience into the tapestry of the plains, mountains, and sunsets that dance across the Front Range.  Online: Soundcloud Bandcamp linktr.ee roycedezorzi.com Instagram Facebook

Amai Kuda et Les Bois’ new single Ecouché is channeled and sung entirely in a language of ancestral communication, and can never be performed the same way twice

Described by NOW magazine as a “tantalizing Afro-soul combo of folk, roots, desert blues and African continental music,” AfroSoul Volume Volume III: Re’ is the new EP from Amai Kuda et Les Bois. It is the follow-up to their full length release, AfroSoul Volume II: MaZai, hailed as “earthy and rootsy and good for your ears” by CBC’s Errol Nazareth. Amai Kuda’s debut album, Sand from the Sea, was considered “one of the year’s most exciting discoveries” in 2012 (Nicholas Jennings – Canada’s foremost music journalist and historian). Amai Kuda et Les Bois have been featured in NOW magazine and on CBC’s Canada Live and Big City Small World, as well as performed at venues like the Jane Mallett Theatre, Harbourfront, The Rivoli, and festivals such as Luminato, Kultrun, and Small World Music Festival. They’ve give workshops on music, decolonization, and African cultural knowledge at schools, universities, and community centres internationally. Selected as one of the ‘101 Standout Artists’ during the nationwide CBC Searchlight competition (2015), they have opened for Joel Plaskett,Kellylee Evans and Sarah Slean, and collaborated with M1 of Dead Prez. Most recently the group won the Best Folk/Roots award and also placed 2nd for the Best Song […]

Inspired in the Valley of the Gods, ‘Santo and the People’ takes us on a brand ‘New Ride’

A new ride is a new way. When your heart feels pulled in every direction, looking in + making new choices. A new ride is changing what you can + letting go of what you can’t. A new ride is being better to yourself + (thus!) to others. New Ride is an old beat I found on my computer that turned into a spontaneous collaboration with my brother, Julian. A new ride is shining your(!) light + loving all this precious time we have together. Every day. Make your way. In the Valley of the Gods, Utah, SANTO was born. 25-year-old songwriter, producer, artist Jacob Klein rambled from one side of the United States to the other and back again on a journey of self-discovery. While driving back, 200 miles into the Utah-desert, Jacob pulled over to set up camp in the Valley of the Gods. That night, with midnight-howling-winds and stars piercing the sky, risen from the ashes, Jacob died and SANTO emerged. In his various projects, Jacob had performed with the likes of Maroon 5 and Selena Gomez, worked with Elliot Smith-producer Larry Crane, received guidance from Kanye West and Beyonce-collaborator Malik Yusef, and mentored in song writing […]

Music Mirror reflects on Amy Lerie’s new folk pop EP

Amy Lerie is a French singer songwriter who is based in London and delivers a catchy melodic pop folk sound. She has been writing songs for seven years, since was given a guitar and played it for three hours every day. Although born in France, Amy’s roots are from Madagascar, from where people have singing, music and rhythm in their veins. Amy says: “Malagasy music is really rousing, using a djembe (an African percussion instrument), with lots of guitars, some maracas etc.” Amy met her guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Arias when he listened to her songwriting via a link Amy posted to Facebook. Alex and Amy embarked on live gigs including her first appearance at a Malagasy event at currently popular venue, Proud Camden. Recordings At Westfield Presents in White City, Amy played for an hour with her EP producer Maxime, who performs all the instruments except the lead guitar on her recordings. Next, Amy and Alex will be live at the Troubadour on 6 May 2015. Amy’s real name is Valerie and she describes how she put together her artist name: “My first name is Valerie and my middle name is a Malagasy name which means lovely or […]

Very British Folk Pop Musician gives Prince some Competition with his band’s musical arrangements

Until 2008, Boz Hayward was a punk musician who once rehearsed in rooms next door to the Happy Mondays and Oasis in the basement of Manchester’s famous Boardwalk nightclub, back in its heyday. When his bassist and close friend died, Boz turned to folk and acoustic pop to focus on his songwriting. The Bozchestra is the affectionate name for Boz’s band who accompany him on an array of instruments combining guitar, mariachi bass, violins, trumpets, keyboards, glockenspiel, the Russian domra, mandolin, dulcimer and slide guitar with percussion and drums. Frequent line-up The most frequent Bozchestra line-up are Phil Robinson on ‘guitarron’ bass, Mark Greer on slide guitar, Rick Burrows on brass, Dan Bridgwood-Hill on strings and keys and Rob Haynes on percussion and drums. Born in Hereford, Boz’s family moved around with his father’s RAF work. Boz went to Manchester Poly and based his musical operations from Manchester’s thriving Boardwalk basement rehearsal studios. Not one to refuse a “crooner” set with a piano, Boz also composes instrumentals and film music, which lead to his Shortscores album in 2013. Boz composes for himself with the Bozchestra, although his creative output is constant and he has song material to spare for other performers. […]