Manchester Orchestra - The Alien

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘The Alien’ - Manchester Orchestra

We love this song from the Manchester Orchestras 2017 album ‘A Black Mile To The Surface’. Please check them out, if you haven’t already.

Always a band to push themselves creatively with each subsequent release, Atlanta-based Manchester Orchestra have expanded their dynamic sound to peak form on the cinematic and epic ‘A Black Mile To The Surface’.

The album, featuring production from Catherine Marks (Foals, PJ Harvey, The Killers), John Congleton (St. Vincent, Explosions In The Sky, Angel Olsen), and their longtime studio partner Dan Hannon, showcases a band that rethought, deconstructed, and rebuilt their songwriting process to propel their music into a new emotional arena, drawing on singer/guitarist Andy Hull and co-writer/multi-instrumentalist Robert McDowell’s unique experience scoring the 2016 Sundance hit film Swiss Army Man (directed by The Daniels).

“We’re a band that loves to use heavy, crunchy guitars,” says Hull. “We wondered how we could limit the use of that, so that when the guitars come in they can be creative and impactful. For Swiss Army Man we had to make seventy minutes of music with our hands tied behind our backs. When you’re creating all the sounds you need just from the human voice, it allows you to rethink what is possible, and determine what is really needed. We wanted to make an album in a ‘non-Manchester’ way if there is such a thing.”

Throughout recording ‘A Black Mile to the Surface’, Hull and McDowell, along with bandmates Tim Very (drums) and Andy Prince (bass), opened up their collaborative process and pushed themselves to go against their first instincts at every turn. Lyrically, Hull found a new freedom in mirroring his personal experiences through fictional characters, examining the ultimately universal themes of family, shared history, hope, and valuing the time that we’re given. ‘A Black Mile to the Surface’ is a bold record of vision and purpose, inspired by and dwelling in a sensory and imaginative experience. It’s a reinvention of sorts, both musically and personally, and an evolution of the band, while also retaining the sweeping, melodic, and anthemic sounds for which Manchester Orchestra has become known.

Sheryl Crow and Johnny Cash - Redemption Day

LCM Song of The Day: ‘Redemption Day’ - Sheryl Crow and Johnny Cash

Our featured track today is a thought-provoking and hard hitting new duet from Sheryl Crow & the late and great Johnny Cash. It’s very timely and on point.

Sheryl comments “My hope is that, with all that is going on in our world, Johnny would be proud of this new recording of “Redemption Day.” He would feel like the song has found its moment. “

Zervas and Pepper - There Is Only Love

LCM Song Of The Day ‘There Is Only Love’ - Zervas & Pepper

Our featured track today is the latest single from Cardiff based folk rock duo Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper. We are big fans of their West Coast ‘Laurel Canyon’ sound. The single comes from their exciting forthcoming new album ‘Endless Road Restless Nomad' set for release in July 2019.

Zervas and Pepper are singer/songwriters that have been crafting songs and capturing imaginations with their previous critically acclaimed albums 'Lifebringer' and 'Abstract Heart', and 2017 brought a fresh offering in ‘Wilderland'. Touring with their six-piece band presenting the albums in clubs and theatres with a reputation for transporting the audience with wild tales, soaring harmonies, open tunings and psychedelic leanings. Zervas & Pepper have their roots firmly planted in the rich and fertile soil of the legendary sound of Laurel Canyon.

https://zervasandpepper.com

Hattie Whitehead - More Than That

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘More Than That’ - Hattie Whitehead

Our featured track today is the beautiful new single from London based singer-songwriter and LCM favourite Hattie Whitehead. It’s taken from Hattie’s excellent forthcoming second EP ‘Old Soul’.

Hattie and her band will be launching the new EP at The Servant Jazz Quarters on June 20th. Don’t miss it.

http://www.hattiewhitehead.com

Katey Brooks - Never Let Her Go

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Never Let Her Go’ - Katey Brooks

We love this new video from Bristol based singer-songwriter Katey Brooks. The song has been in her live set for a while, but we think this very powerful new version is fantastic.

Katey will be releasing her debut album ‘Revolute’ on May 31st with a launch gig at the beautiful St. Pancras Old Church in London. She will also be holding a second launch gig in her home town on the 7th June at The Redgrave Theatre. Both are highly recommended.

Katey’s musical journey releasing her debut album has been very difficult and heart breaking for various reason, so we are delighted to see it finally come to fruition.

The song was originally written a few years ago after a conversation she had with two Pentecostal Christian producers that left her struggling with a mix of emotions, she chose to write what she called "a gentle protest song" that reverberates with warmth and love rather than bitter resentment even as she openly rejects religious and societal hypocrisy.

Merging gospel and blues with an incredibly powerful and evocative voice capable of channeling the deepest of emotions, Katey sounds confident and defiant but also liberated, even openly using pronouns like "she" and "her" for the first time in a song without hesitation. For someone whose past hardships inspired her turn to music, it's refreshing to hear her simply celebrating being herself.

Photo Credit: John Morgan Photography

http://www.kateybrooks.com

Cerian - Caught In The Dark

CERIAN Single "Caught in the Dark" out 22.03.2019 Written and performed by Cerian Vocals, harp, piano - Cerian Electric Guitar - Robert Taira Wilson Drums - John Merriman Recorded, engineered and mixed by John Merriman at Crown Lane Studios Mastered by Dave Turner at 360 Mastering SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1aooKI3Cby3gNI0qYu5kLX?si=nKlazwuMRMqVW6Jw12nhMw INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/cerianmusic/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/cerianmusic TWITTER: twitter.com/CerianMusic YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/Cerian SOUNDCLOUD: @cerianmusic LYRICS - CAUGHT IN THE DARK My only constant, you are the tide that I cannot control. You draw me in and wash me out until I can't find home. And when I call, in the silence lies a reply. The echo falls again and again the burden multiplies. It’s in the stillness, it’s in our breathing in, And in the stillness, it’s in our breathing out We are without. In the cold, in the dark, in the night, my love, We learn to fight, my love, To make it light, my love. When I’m caught in the dark of your night, my love, I can’t see right, my love, Please let go. Please let go. Some are born to sweet delight, Some are born to endless night. High on a rooftop, I felt the sun rise from a darkened cry. And from my tightrope I saw the smoke rise as I felt goodbye. And no-one called: in the silence the race was won. As we unfold, it’s not in the storms that we become undone, It’s in the stillness, it’s in our breathing in, And in the stillness, it’s in our breathing out We are without. In the cold, in the dark, in the night, my love, We learn to fight, my love, To make it light, my love. When I’m caught in the dark of your night, my love, I can’t see right, my love, Please let go. In the cold, in the dark, in the night, my love, We learn to fight, my love, To make it light, my love. When I’m caught in the dark of your night, my love, I can’t see right, my love, Please let go. Please let go. Some are born to sweet delight, Some are born to endless night. High on a rooftop, I felt the sun rise from a darkened cry.

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Caught In The Dark’ - Cerian

Our featured track today is the wonderful latest single from London based singer-songwriter and LCM favourite Cerian. It’s dreamlike, ethereal and very cinematic. This is a very personal song to Cerian, themed about her own struggle with the darkness. It’s also the title track and central point around which Cerian’s high anticipated upcoming EP is based. We think Cerian is very special and one of our LCM 'Ones to watch' in 2019.

You can catch Cerian live as part of the HEARD collective at The Green Note on 17th April or in Covent Garden on 28th April. Cerian also performers solo when she joins Roxannne de Bastion for a fantastic double header at St. John’s Church, Hoxton on the 18th May.

Photo credit: Tom Leishman Photography

http://www.cerianmusic.com

Joy Williams - Front Porch

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Front Porch’ - Joy Williams

Our featured track today is the beautiful ‘Front Porch’ by Joy Williams, who you might remember was part of the Grammy award-winning duo (and one of our favourites) The Civil Wars. It’s the title track of Joy’s second solo album due for release on May 3rd. The video follows the relationship of an interracial couple in the 1960’s. While the pair navigate the harsh world of prejudice on a daily basis at the local diner, in the school yard and from their respective families, Joy’s whispered vocals provide solace.

Joy co-wrote “Front Porch” with Liz Rose and Emily Shackleton. The video was directed by brother and sister team Stephen and Alexa Kinigopoulos.

Photo credit: Andy Barron

http://www.joywilliams.com/

Pre-order your copy below >>>

James Smith - Hailey

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Hailey’ - James Smith

Our featured track today ‘Hailey’ is the brand new single from very fast rising Essex singer-songwriter James Smith. We have been very impressed with James’ music since we first featured him in LCM after his debut single and this wonderful single will only add to his growing reputation.

James will headline with his band at Omeara, London Bridge on June 20th. Catch him if you can.

Paper Wings - The Woods and Fields

LCM Song of the Day: ‘The Woods and Fields’ - Paper Wings

We head to the West Coast today to meet the up and coming old-time bluegrass and folk duo of Emily Mann and Wilhelmina Frankzerda better known as Paper Wings. Our LCM featured track today is an original song ‘The Wood and Fields’ taken from their forthcoming second album ‘Clementine’ due for release on May 14th.

Paper Wings captivates their listeners with a sound that is delicate, powerful, and refreshingly intimate. The stunning vocal blend of Emily Mann and Wilhelmina Frankzerda soars over a rotating cast of banjo, guitar, and fiddles. These two blossoming songwriters have a distinctive way of weaving traditional Appalachian music in to their thoughtfully crafted songs leaving you feeling nostalgic and exhilarated. They are both exceptionally accomplished multi-instrumentalists, and walk the line between vibrant originality and a deep care for traditional music and its history. They are the 2018 recipients of "A Good Idea" fund from Australian Folk-Pop duo Oh Pep! to sponsor a week dedicated to songwriting. Paper Wings released their self-titled debut album in 2017.

https://www.paperwingsmusic.com

Eddie Berman - Easy Rider

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Easy Rider’ - Eddie Berman

Our LCM featured track today is a great live version of ‘Easy Rider’ by LA based singer-songwriter Eddie Berman. It’s taken from Eddie’s 2017 album ‘Before The Bridge’.

“Easy Rider” is a toe-tapping, steady strum through some of Berman’s most assured vocals to date. Piano rolls trickle throughout and as Berman’s smoky voice is joined by his backing crowd in the “Come on, you easy rider” refrain, it’s easy to imagine the song filling some lamplit cabin in deep woods or floating out of your car stereo as you drive up the coast.

Eddie Berman has been writing songs since he was a California teenager. His bedroom demos have earned substantial play on vanguard public radio station KCRW 89.9 FM, he’s recorded and played throughout North America and Europe, and he performed for several thousand people over dozens of sold-out London residency shows in partnership with the singer Laura Marling. In fact, while recording a live EP with Marling in 2013, he realized that the way to make a record was to strip the process down, to get at the essence of the song.

The title of singer-songwriter Eddie Berman’s new album, ‘Before the Bridge’, refers to the period of time in the LA-based musician’s life between getting married and the birth of his first child. It was that span, spent mulling the decision (and consequences) of creating a life, that also inspired this crowning musical work. The album was written and recorded during that one-year interim, as Berman was coming down from the crest of his lauded 2014 self-released debut album ‘Polyhymnia’. The songs on Before the Bridge draw, more than ever before, from Berman’s own life experiences, resulting in a rich, evocative, and moving collection.

“My wife and I were being confronted with the somewhat unknowable complexities of trying to bring a life into the world—and specifically into the little sphere of our lives, living in Los Angeles in 2016,” Berman says. “My writing falls between being autobiographical, narrative, and a bit obtuse—but each of these songs were certainly informed by my own life.”

Berman grew up in Southern California and taught himself guitar and piano. He fell in love with the troubadour styles of Bob Dylan and Dave Van Ronk as a teenager and learned to fingerpick on his father’s 1950s Martin guitar, first writing his own songs as a college student at Berkeley. He made waves in the acoustic music world half a decade ago when his bedroom demos were given significant airplay on influential LA radio station KCRW. In 2013 his EP ‘Blood & Rust’, featuring duets with British artist Laura Marling, along with his subsequent international tours, connected him to an even bigger audience. All the while, Berman steadily developed his craft while staying true to a familiar formula.

Photo credit: Linda Arrendondo Photography

https://eddiebermanmusic.com

James Riley - Lightning Strikes

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Lightning Strikes’ - James Riley

Our featured track today ‘Lightning Strikes’ is by fast rising London based singer-songwriter James Riley. It’s taken from his debut album ’Transatlantica’ released in 2018 and produced by Grammy-winning Matthew Odmark. James will be headlining with his band on May 16th at the intimate and multi-award winning Green Note in Camden. Also watch out for his new single ‘New York Minute’.

Born of a transatlantic partnership, James grew up in South East London listening to the folk and soul sound of 70s America and wrote his first melody at the age of four. His first guitar, acquired at the age of nine, became the tool for surviving the tumult of a nowhere place, and helped James find somewhere he felt he belonged. In his early twenties, he took off, alone once again, hitchhiking and busking through Europe from Amsterdam to Istanbul, writing songs along the way. Back in the UK, these songs became a band, but eventually James had to shed another skin, and disembarked in Nashville, Tennessee. Here he found his producer and they set about making the album which had traveled with him to his maternal homeland, where it could finally get free.

https://www.jamesrileymusic.com

The Avett Brothers - February Seven

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘February Seven’ - The Avett Brothers

We are big fans of North Carolina based The Avett Brothers here at LCM HQ. Our featured track today is a gem from their back catalogue, the wonderful ‘February Seven’ taken from their 2012 ‘The Carpenter’ album. We love the very memorable chorus to this one.

If you are also a fan of The Avett Brothers please leave us a comment below

https://www.theavettbrothers.com

Amit Dattani - Hummingbird

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Hummingbird’ - Amit Dattani

We take a trip to Birmingham today to meet our next featured artist singer-songwriter Amit Dattani. Amit is known for his unique brand of roots-driven guitar and striking lyrical originality. Behind his raconteur spirit lies superb musicianship, nimble finger-picking and a versatility which has garnered a strong reputation on the live circuit, with over ten years performing across the UK and Europe under his belt. Our featured track today is a live version of ‘Hummingbird’ taken from his debut solo album ‘Santiago’ released on the 17th February.. The video was recorded by our good friend Rob Bridge at Redwood Photography.
​
Amit has played guitar, banjo and lap slide guitar in a number of roots bands across the Midlands, but is now embarked on a solo career. He has shared the stage with the likes of Charlie Parr, John Smith, Blind Boy Paxton, Willy Vlautin, Kathryn Williams and Mark Morris.

https://www.amitdattanimusic.com

Jennifer Nettles - I Can Do Hard Things

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘I Can Do Hard Things’ - Jennifer Nettles

Our LCM featured track today is the empowering and hard hitting new single by Jennifer Nettles. A video full of inspiration, resilience and hope..

Jennifer comments “This song for me is a truth telling, a bloodletting, a real-life heart opening to what it means to be a grown woman. It is my offering to honor the reality that, as I like to say, everything is everything. I hope when you listen to “I Can Do Hard Things,” you feel inspired.

Hollie Rogers - Trouble

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Trouble’ - Hollie Rogers

Our featured track today is a great live version of a Ray LaMontagne classic from the very fast rising Hollie Rogers. It’s taken from a recent live ‘Under The Apple Tree’ session at the home of legendary broadcaster Bob Harris. She is joined on the track by the very talented Maya McCourt on cello and Thomas Holder on double bass

Producer/sound engineer/editor: Miles Myerscough-Harris

If you are in London you can catch Hollie and her band at an intimate performance at The Camden Chapel on March 28th hosted by our friends at Talentbanq..

https://www.hollierogers.com

Passenger - Restless Winds

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Restless Wind’ - Passenger

Our featured track today is Mike’s wonderful latest single ‘Restless Wind’ taken from his ‘Runaway’ album released in August last year. We love the sentiments in the lyrics, Let us know what you think?

“Well hello there restless wind Its been a long time since you’ve blown through these streets, I really don’t mind If you pick me up off my feet just one last time and take me where you’ve gotta go. See I’ve been tied to a mast. Anchored to a shore. Buried in the earth and rooted to the floor. As long as you’re willing then I’ll be sure to go with you where you’ve gotta go…and I don’t mind where it is we go”

Photo credit: Jarrad Seng

https://passengermusic.com

Darrell Scott - Love is The Reason

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Love Is The Reason’ - Darrell Scott.

If you haven’t discovered Bob Harris’ ‘Under The Apple Tree’ live sessions then they come very highly recommended by all of us at LCM, Our featured song today is an acoustic live performance by Nashville based mutli award winning singer-songwriter Darrell Scott. The session was produced and edited by Bob’s son Miles Myerscough-Harris.

Scott has collaborated with Steve Earle, Sam Bush, Emmylou Harris, John Cowan, Verlon Thompson, Guy Clark, Tim O'Brien, Kate Rusby, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Mary Gauthier, Dan Tyminski, and many others. His music has attracted a growing fanbase, and he tours regularly with his own band. His album, Crooked Road, was released May 25, 2010. In early 2005, Scott's Theatre Of The Unheard won in The 4th Annual Independent Music Awards for Album of the Year.

He won the 2007 Song of the Year award from the Americana Music Association for his song "Hank William's Ghost" which appears on his album The Invisible Man released in 2006.

In 2010, he was announced as part of the Band of Joy, alongside Robert Plant, credited as performing vocals, mandolin, guitar, accordion, pedal, lap steel and banjo.

In 2010, Brad Paisley's cover of the song "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" was the closing song played on the TV drama ‘Justified’ during the final scene of the final episode of the first season. It was used again in the final episode of the second season. In January 2011, his album ‘A Crooked Road’ won the award for the Country Album category from The 10th Annual Independent Music Awards.

For all Dixie Chicks fans Darrell also wrote ‘Long Time Gone’ and ‘Heartbreak Town’.

Photo credit: Rodney Bursiel Photography

http://www.darrellscott.com

Matt Owens - Too Far Gone

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Too Far Gone’ - Matt Owens

Matt Owens is a British singer-songwriter and musician, who came to prominence as one of the founder members of indie-folk band Noah and the Whale, and for fronting Rock’n’Roll band Little Mammoths. Our featured track is taken from his debut solo album ‘Whiskey and Orchids’ released on January 11th

If you would like to see Matt live in London he will be supporting Thea Gilmore at The Union Chapel on the 21st May.

The album was recorded by Nigel Stonier (Thea Gilmore/Joan Baez/ Waterboys). Matt's is joined on the record by Michael Blair (Tom Waits/ Elvis Costello), Thea Gilmore, Carleigh Aikins (Bahamas), Adrian Gautrey, Boss Caine and Robert Vincent.

https://www.mattowensmusic.com/

The Cactus Blossoms - Desperado

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Desperado’ - The Cactus Blossoms

We head to Minneapolis today to meet Jack Torrey and Page Burkum better know as The Cactus Blossoms. With Everly Brothers-style harmonies and vintage country influenced rock’n’roll ballads, what’s not to love! Our featured track is a live version of the retro sounding ‘Desperado’ recorded at a Current radio session. It’s taken from their self-produced third studio album ‘Easy Way’ released on March 1st through Walkie Talkie Records.

http://www.thecactusblossoms.com

Buy your copy from the link below >>>

Sarah Darling - Fire

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Fire’ - Sarah Darling

Our next featured artist Sarah Darling is always a big favourite here at LCM. It’s exciting times ahead as Sarah has a fantastic new album called ‘Wonderland’ set for release on June 7th. We were lucky to catch Sarah and her band at Bush Hall in London last night and we can honestly say that you are going to love the new tracks. As a preview our LCM featured track today is the first single ‘Fire’, which really reminds us of Stevie Nicks.

Sarah and the band are currently on a UK and mainland Europe tour (Germany and Austria) and we highly recommend going along to see them. You can pre-save and pre-order the new album below or directly from Sarah’s website. Sarah has been caught up in all the problems with Pledge Music in funding her new album, so any support would be very much appreciated.

https://www.sarahdarling.com