For fans and musicians of Folk, Americana, Country, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, Rock, Roots & Acoustic and music from the Laurel Canyon late 60’s/early 70’s era.
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LCM Song Of The Day: ‘This Time’ - Gone West
This wonderful live version of ‘This Time’ was filmed in Malibu, California. Gone West feature Colbie Caillat, Justin Young, Nelly Joy, & Jason Reeves. The song is taken from their debut EP ‘Tides’. This new group's intricate four-part vocal harmonies create a refreshing Californian West Coast vibe. Please also check out their latest single ‘What Could’ve Been’.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘In A Dreamlike State’ - Chris Cleverley
Our featured track today is the latest single from Birmingham based singer-songwriter Chris Cleverley. It’s the first single from his brand new second studio album ‘We Sat Back and Watched it Unfold ‘ set for release on November 11th. The single features a host of LCM favorites including Evan Carson, Lukas Drinkwater & Jamie Francis and it was produced by Sam Kelly. The video was produced by another talented friend Rob Bridge at Redwood Photography.
Chris will be launching his new album with his trio (Kim and Kathy) at The Green Note in Camden on November 4th.
Maybe it is Chris Cleverley’s eternally restless, whirring chasm of a mind that leads him to constantly innovate and re-imagine his unique interpretation of 21st Century Alt-folk music. With a visceral lyrical style, inspired by the American Greats Elliott Smith and Paul Simon, Chris shines a light on diverse, arresting themes from deteriorating anxious minds, via damaging gender constructs, to mystical tales of the occult. Possessing a guitar fingerstyle steeped in the lore of the UK Folk Revival, the essence of John Martyn and Nic Jones pulses through his veins. With a blistering yet delicate technique, described as ‘Impressive’ by The Telegraph, Chris is fast becoming one of the standout players on the UK Songwriting circuit.
Photo credit: Rob Bridge
You can pre-order Chris’ new album and find out more details of his UK tour on his website >>>
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Glorious’ - Ella Henderson
We love this wonderful and reflective live version of ‘Glorious’ by the award-winning London based singer-songwriter Ella. The video was filmed at the Asylum Chapel. It’s the title track of Ella’s new EP set for release on November 8th.
Ella will be launching the EP with her band at a special gig at Hoxton Hall in #London on November 8th.
Gabriella Michelle Henderson in 2012 was a contestant in the ninth series of The X Factor and finished in sixth place, despite being a strong favourite to win.
Ella was born and raised in Tetney, Lincolnshire on 12 January 1996, the daughter of a Scottish father, Sean, and an English mother of Swedish ancestry, Michelle. She has two brothers named Patrick and Fraser, and a sister named Holly. Ella developed a keen interest in fashion in her youth, notably vintage fashion, which she retains.
Ella began singing around the age of three and taught herself to play the piano a few years later. She began to put on shows for her family at Christmas and developed a special bond with her grandfather Bill, who encouraged her to pursue her love of music and songwriting. Her interest developed further at primary school, Humberston C of E Primary School in Grimsby, and she subsequently decided to audition for a scholarship place at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Hollow’ - James Smith
Our LCM featured track today is the excellent ‘Hollow’ from Essex singer-songwriter James Smith. We think James has a wonderful pure vocal and very strong songwriting. We have really enjoyed following his music and career so far and we think he has a very bright future ahead. LCM ‘One To Watch’ in 2019. Signed to Virgin EMI Records, 20-year-old fast-rising James is one of our top tips to break into the UK charts. Please check out his music. Highly recommended.
If you would like to see James live in #London, he will be headlining at Dingwalls on November 14th,
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Rot and Ruin’ - Tilly Moses
‘Rot and Ruin’ is the wonderful Celtic flavoured latest single from UK singer-songwriter Tilly Moses, released today via Ginger Dog Records. With a very mature performance, Tilly’s vocal and feel of the track really reminds us of Ange Hardy.
Tilly will be on tour with her band in November with her #London date at The Slaughtered Lamb on November 24th.
Tilly has been writing and performing since the age of 13. She has spent her youth supporting some of the most loved performers on the UK folk scene, such as Bridget St John, Dave Swarbrick, Ashley Hutchings & Ken Nicol, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, The Unthanks, and Gilmore & Roberts. Her poignant songwriting and love of performance make her a captivating artist to watch live.
In June 2017 she released her debut album 'Alight & Adrift' to tremendous critical acclaim:
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Ocean Eyes’ - Billie Eilish
The wonderful and ethereal ‘Ocean Eyes’ is taken from Billie’s debut album ‘‘Don’t Smile At Me’ released in 2017. It’s also the debut song from then 14-year-old Billie Eilish. She posted the song on SoundCloud, where it organically went viral, generating over a million plays.
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell, known professionally as Billie Eilish, is an American singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Highland Park, Los Angeles, she began singing at a young age.
With an appetite for the gliding, glassy indie-pop of artists like Aurora and Lana Del Rey and the Distorted Menace of Tyler the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt, Billie listens to music the way that most watch movies, entirely undefined by genre. This bleeds through into her own unique style of music, calling out lyrics with a mix of heartbreak and damaged indifference. Raised by two actor/musician parents, Billie grew up surrounded by Art. She began singing in the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus when she was 8 years old. Now at the "seasoned" age of 14, Billie has begun releasing her own original material, Produced and Co-written by her Older brother Finneas O’Connell (Of The Slightlys). With songs like “Fingers Crossed”, telling an apocalyptic tale of a virus outbreak and the Song “Ocean Eyes” calling out to a lost love, Billie’s voice and perspective roams far beyond her years in it’s emotion and power.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ - Megan Louise
Our LCM featured track today is from one of the fast-rising young stars of the recent British Country Music Festival in Blackpool.. 17-year-old Country-Pop crossover singer-songwriter, Megan Louise is from the Wirral on Merseyside. ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ is taken from her wonderful debut EP ‘Train Song’.
Megan Louise released her debut single called ‘Train Song’ (on MLB Records) in August 2018 to great success and critical acclaim. Going straight into the new UK iTunes Country Chart at number 3 and also in the top 40 overall iTunes UK Country Chart, ‘Train Song’ has been a resounding success as a debut for the young artist. With over a million listeners reached with radio play in her first 3 weeks, Megan has performed live sets and been interviewed on many of the biggest National/Regional radio stations in the UK, including BBC Radio 2, Under the Apple Tree Sessions with “Whispering Bob Harris” and Chris Country. Megan Louise is soon to release two new singles and will be showcasing these alongside more original material at the British Country Music Festival & Millport Country Music Festivals in September, amongst many other National and European live dates. The video for ‘Train Song’ has also been featured on several shows on Europe’s only Country TV station, ‘Keep it Country’. Most recently Megan Louise has been featured on regional TV channel Granada TV, performing live and being interviewed for “Granada Introducing”.
With comparisons to Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes and Britney Spears, following her last two sold-out gigs in Germany in April and December 2018 the newspapers were hailing her as ‘the UK’s answer to Taylor Swift. Vocally, Megan Louise has also been compared to LeAnn Rimes and the similarities don’t end there, both girls went to vocal and dance classes from a very young age and both started their careers in Musical Theatre. Megan Louise at the age of seven performing in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ in her hometown of Liverpool at the Liverpool Empire.
Between the ages of 11-13 Meg grabbed every opportunity at performing in front of a ‘live’ audience and continued to write songs. It was during this time many people mentioned the country tone in her voice. This encouraged her to start listening to other Country Artists and she was hooked – major influences include, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, The Shires, Maddie & Tae, Kelsea Ballerini, Dolly Parton and Rascal Flatts.
When she performed on the ‘Voice Kids’ at the age of 14 – Will.i.am said she reminded him of “a younger Britney Spears”. Her appearance on ‘Voice Kids’ made her even more determined to make music her life.
Megan Louise has been fortunate to have recorded in many studios, sung on albums for other artists and performing ‘live’ in the UK and Europe. Not forgetting the importance of education Megan has been balancing her music and education, as she is currently studying for her A-Levels in the UK. She dreams of songwriting in Nashville and making music her life. She certainly looks to be making this a very likely reality so far.
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LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Baby Boomers’ - Luke Jackson
‘Baby Boomers’ is the brand new single from one of our favourite singer-songwriters Luke Jackson. It’s taken from Luke’s forthcoming fifth studio album ‘Journals’ set for release on November 8th We have an advanced copy and it’s excellent. Luke is currently touring the USA, but will be back in the UK in October with his album launch show in Canterbury on November 3rd. The album is also our LCM ‘Album Of The Month’ for November.
You can pre-order Luke’s new album below or directly through his website >>>
Luke is a Singer-Songwriter from Canterbury, Kent, who in 2013 was nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for both the Horizon Award for Best Emerging Talent and The Young Folk Category. He was also winner of Fatea’s “Male Artist of the Year 2014” and 2016 and his live album ‘Solo:Duo:Trio’ was voted 2018 Album of the Year by Laurel Canyon Music.
Over the past few years he has steadily developed a reputation for himself in the Folk, Roots, Americana & Acoustic circuits, either through his solo shows, many festival appearances or when opening for such luminaries as Fairport Convention, Show of Hands, Steve Knightley, Martyn Joseph, Seth Lakeman, Karine Polwart, Oysterband, Paul Brady, Glen Tilbrook and Sarah Jarosz . As well as playing solo, Luke also performs as a Duo or Trio. In addition to the UK, he regularly tours across Europe playing in France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. In 2016 and 2017 he visited the USA to play at the International Folk Alliance conference in Kansas and again in early 2019 when the conference was held in Ontario, Canada. Luke has completed several joint headline tours with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Amy Wadge, with Folk Award-winning duo Greg Russel and Ciaran Algar and American singer-songwriter Rebecca Loebe.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ - Teddy Swims
Our featured track today is a great cover of a Bonnie Raitt classic. We love Teddy’s vocals and it reminds us of Chris Stapleton at times. The song was originally written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin
Jaten Dimsdale, known by his moniker, Teddy Swims, is an American singer and songwriter from Atlanta, GA. Teddy grew up navigating different worlds: he was a football player, a musical theater student and the grandson of a Pentecostal pastor.
Photo credit: Christian Zajicek
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Since I Left You’ - Joy Crookes
Joy is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from South London with a big future ahead of her.. This reflective and heartfelt single comes from her latest EP ‘Perception’ released at the end of May via Speakerbox Recordings.
Joy will be performing in London at EarTH on November 5th.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Fallen Angel’ - The Kondoors
Our LCM featured track today is the latest single and title track from powerhouse singer-songwriters Jessica Greenfield and Gavin Conder, better known as The Kondoors. We love their perfect blend of Soul, RnB and Pop. They will be launching their latest EP ‘Fallen Angel’ at St.Pancas Old Church on the 25th September and there are a few tickets left if you would like to come along. Their special guests are the excellent Joe Slater and Ross Harris.
Jess Greenfield and Gavin Conder, The Kondoors, became a couple well before they became a duo. Indeed it wasn’t until they joined forces with producer Steve Brown (Rumer- Seasons of my Soul/Laura Mvula- Sing to the Moon) that their unique sound began to take shape.
The pair had long been writing and recording their own material drawing on a host of influences from Sam Cooke, Paolo Nutini and Marvin Gaye to Dusty Springfield and Tina Turner, but it was only when they decided to record Jess’ song, 'Forgiveness', that they discovered the spine-tingling effect of their voices combined. Inspired by the ups and downs of their own relationship, it takes their raw, organic feel to the next level.
Both Jess and Gavin have already established themselves as must-see live performers, with Jess being a member of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, they have supported and worked with a roll call of big names including Paul Weller, Bryan Adams, E Street band’s Steve Van Zandt, Dire Straits’ John Illsley, Sam Smith, Rod Stewart, Rudimental, Imelda May and Take That. They have been heard on Radio 2, Radio 6 Music and across local radio and in 2015 aced it at Andy Murray's wedding. Their social media profile has seen them rack up over 100,000 views in only three days of their UK garage/acoustic video while similarly impressive figures have accompanied their Sky TV appearance and other songs.
Although a crowdfunding campaign is about to be launched for the vinyl release, the costs of the EP were supplied from their own wedding gifts. Having recently married they decided to use the money given to them to invest in both the EP and the forthcoming recording of their debut album at Monnow Valley studios in Monmouthshire.
Photo credit: Sharon Latham
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘In-Between’ - Lily Moore ft Maverick Sabre
Our featured track today is the latest single from 21 year old Brighton based singer-songwriter Lily Moore. Her vocal reminds us of a cross between Amy Winehouse, Adele and Duffy. She is joined on the track by the excellent Maverick Sabre.
Lily will be headlining at XOYO, London on November 29th.
Lily has come a long way from her beginnings busking on the streets of Brighton to playing across Europe and The UK. Taking inspiration at an early age from legends such as Etta James, Lauryn Hill, Sam Cooke and all points in between, Lily’s song writing has developed into a, disarmingly honest, stripped back style. Initially playing the open-mic circuit in Brighton (Lily is London born but moved there at an early age) her wonderful talent was recognised when she won a competition to be the first act on at The Great Escape 2015.
Since then she’s been writing and recording, started her own club night/residency called More Moore at Mau Mau (the first night included Tom Grennan as special guest on the bill), played festivals including Barn on the Farm, The Great Escape, 110 Above. she’s more recently completed sold out tours supporting Vance Joy, George Ezra and James Bay, as well as selling out headline shows of her own at the Slaughtered Lamb, The Lexington and 100 Club.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Doin’ Time’ - Lana Del Rey
We love the retro feel of Lana’s new single ‘Doin’ Time’ from her brand new album ‘Norman F*cking Rockwell’ recently released on August 29th. The track is a cover of ‘Doin’ Time’ a 1997 hit for ska punk band Sublime and includes the George Gershwin classic ‘Summertime’.
The song themes two distinctly-different topics. The chorus centers on the singer and her bandmates trying to make the ‘party jump’ in LBC (Long Beach, California) during the hot summer. While the verses center on the unfaithfulness of the singer’s girlfriend. She depicts her girlfriend as someone who is “evil…… most definitely”.
“Doin’ Time”, is a phrase associated with serving a prison sentence. She is in love with a partner whose cheating ways are driving her crazy.. She therefore feels stuck in prison because of her unfaithful, cold partner. However, despite all that, she still finds a reason to party.
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LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Papillon’ - Blanco White
Our featured track today is the wonderful new single from London based singer-songwriter Blanco White. Josh is releasing his debut album ‘On The Other Side’ on 3rd April 2020 and it’s now available to pre-order from his website. If you would like to see Blanco White in London he will be headlining with his band at Earth, Hackney on November 11th.
Blanco White started as the solo project of Londoner Josh Edwards in 2014. After studying guitar in Cádiz (Spain), and later the Andean instrument the charango in Sucre (Bolivia), Edwards’ aim was to begin bringing together elements of Andalusian and Latin American music alongside influences closer to home.
In early 2016 Blanco White released 'The Wind Rose' via Yucatan Records, a self-produced debut EP. A second EP 'Colder Heavens' was later recorded in the Autumn, this time with producer Ian Grimble (Bear's Den, Matt Corby, Daughter). The third EP ‘Nocturne’ was then released in 2018.
Josh and his band embark on a worldwide tour across the Autumn of this year..
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LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Sunday Afternoon’ - Katie Kittermaster
Our featured track today is the wonderful first single from Katie’s forthcoming debut EP ‘Coming Home At Dawn’ which is set for digital release on November 1st. But as a special offer it is now available directly from Katie’s website complete with a signed photo. ‘Sunday Afternoon’ is themed about being with the one you love on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Katie is a 17 year old singer-songwriter based in Kent. She has sung for Ricky Martin and 50Cent. Most recently she has done a set at The Bedford in Bahlam as well as a set at The Big Day Out with Diversity and Louisa Johnson. Katie also opened our LCM 5th anniversary show.
Katie’s tracks 'Kaleidoscope' and 'T-Shirt' have been recognised in international and national song writing competitions and both have enjoyed significant National and International radio play. With some excellent support slots already under her belt this year, we see a very bright future ahead for Katie.
LCM Song of The Day: ‘Muscle Shoals’ - Amanda St. John
'Muscle Shoals' is the powerful lead single from Amanda St John's upcoming album 'The Muscle Shoals Sessions' which was recorded in the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Ever since she first set foot on stage at the tender age of 14 it was obvious to anyone in attendance that blues and folk-informed, soul-infused, Belfast-based songstress Amanda St John had a voice that could charm the stars from the sky. After learning her trade performing in cover bands for a number of years, the chanteuse, who has collaborated with some of Northern Ireland's best and brightest talents (such as Duke Special, Gareth Dunlop, Ben Glover, ex-INXS frontman Ciaran Gribbin and Simon McBride), reinvented herself in 2012 as a singer/songwriter and, a year later, released her debut EP of original material 'Where Is The Man' to much critical acclaim.
Born out of a near death experience which prompted her to re-evaluate her life, the collection of torch songs saw St John put her apprenticeship to good use and it captured the hearts of many music lovers. Buoyed by extensive radio play and a sold-out show at the Black Box in Belfast, the singer, who was born and raised in the rural village of Glenariffe, then released the rockabilly and jazz-tinged 'Big Strong Man' on March 2014 and the infectious number firmly established her as a versatile artist with a keen ear for a hook.
Now a much-loved and sought after regular on the festival circuit, Amanda St John has performed at Sunflower Festival, the Maiden City Festival, Hilden Beer Festival, the East Belfast Arts Festival, the Lammas Fair, the Atlantic Sessions Festival, Tanglewood Music Festival and Belfast Music Week. Other gig highlights for St John have included sharing a stage with US Grammy Nominee Tift Merritt, being invited to sing backing vocals for Duke Special, performing a two night support slot for Brian Kennedy and playing support for Eddi Reader (of Fairground Attraction) and Mary Coughlan.
Photo credit: Glen Norwood
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Hummingbird’ - John Smith
We are big fans of John’s music here at LCM HQ, so it’s always a great pleasure to feature him. ‘Hummingbird’ is the wonderful title track of his latest album released last year via Commoner Records/Thirty Tigers. Enjoy!
John will be on a UK & Ireland tour in September and October, with his #London date is at the Islington Assembly Hall on October 19th.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Rock Bottom’ - Sasha McVeigh
Our LCM featured track today is the reflective latest single from UK born but now Nashville based Sasha McVeigh. It’s great to hear new music from Sasha and the good news is more is on the way with a forthcoming new EP. The wonderful ‘Rock Bottom’ is one of the lead tracks
If ever a female voice could convey heartache and empowerment in her songs, Sasha’s can and does. She writes from the heart and she sings with genuinely soul-wrenching emotion. The singer-songwriter, who is the only British act to ever perform on numerous prominent main stages at US festivals.
Sasha’s drive, savvy and talent have landed her on stages across the globe. The country newcomer composed her first song at the tender age of twelve which launched a trajectory that would eventually land her in Music City six years later. In November 2012, Sashah recorded her first acoustic EP, earning her a spot on the local BBC radio station that garnered more ground for the burgeoning artist. All of this transpired just as she was graduating from high school…and she hasn’t looked back since.
She exudes confidence and vulnerability all at the same time. Her fans see this in her, champion her and confirmed their allegiance to her voice by helping her finance the upcoming EP. Recorded in Nashville and produced by Mark Lambert, the first track from the global rising star is “Rock Bottom.” Sasha comments, “‘Rock Bottom’ isn't strictly a song about heartbreak, it's about understanding that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in life to realize what you have and that it's those moments of utter despair that can shape us into the people we are. We all hit rock bottom, it's nothing to be ashamed of, if anything it's empowering to know you survived it.” She lives it, she writes it and she delivers it. The listener will feel her heart and be drawn in. The EP will make you feel like you are peeking into her daily journal entries as she grows and creates a place for herself on the country music scene.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Out Of The Woods’ - Smoke Fairies
The atmospheric dark and bluesy ‘Out Of The Woods’ is an early taster from the forthcoming new album from London based duo Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies, better know as the Smoke Fairies.
It’s directed by the Luxembourgian artist/photographer Annick Wolfers and shot on location in Epping Forrest and the Docklands of London.
LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Without Him’ - Lucy May Walker
We really like this powerful new single from London based singer-songwriter Lucy May Walker. The song deals with the difficult and heart-breaking problem of domestic violence and emotionally abusive relationships.
If you are affected or are suffering in an emotionally abusive relationship- please get in touch with Women's Aid. Working together until women and children are safe. http://womensaid.org
If you would like to see Lucy live in London, she will be playing at Thousand Islands (The Garage) in Highbury on the 5th October as part of her UK tour.