Tamzene ‘In Any Weather’
Cromarty singer-songwriter Tamzene shared her fourth EP ‘In Any Weather’ – featuring previously heard tracks like ‘What Sundays Are For’, ‘sleeptalking’ and ‘Best of Me’. The singer recently parted ways with EMI and paired up with independent label Young Poet for the project – a move that has been freeing and creatively liberating for the artist, allowing her to expand her horizons and create music entirely on her own terms. As such, ‘In Any Weather’ is easily her most authentic and accomplished piece of work to date – exploring relatable themes like joy, youth and heartbreak while tapping into her Jamaican and Irish heritage through an eclectic and varied mix of genres. All tied together by her rich, incredibly soulful vocals, the songwriting on ‘In Any Weather’ is exquisite at times and we can see a bright future ahead.
Hamish Hawk ‘A Firmer Hand’
Hamish Hawk shared his brilliant third album ‘A Firmer Hand’ last week. His best and boldest work to date examines the complexities of the relationships with men in his life (‘friends, lovers, family, colleagues’) and, by extension, the complexities within himself. The results are heartfelt, honest, powerful, direct and irresistible. Currently number 8 in the album midweek charts, it’s his most well-received record to date – so make sure to tune into the lead single below.
GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH ‘Is there any space on the moon?’
Glasgow band and TENEMENT TRAIL alumni GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH have shared their second single of the year in ‘Is there any space on the moon?’. It’s a catchy slice of indie-rock – complete with rousing guitar work, pulsing rhythms and festival anthem vibes. Capturing the vibrant, infectious energy of youthful nights on the town and blossoming romance, it’s a punchy and relentlessly upbeat return.
mokusla ‘ghost’
For those not yet acquainted, mokusla is the musical alter ego of the Donegal-born and Glasgow-based visual artist Lou Rowland. Crafting a careful blend of ambient dream-pop, electronic music and traditional folk, the singer and producer has unveiled ‘ghost’ – a new song taken from upcoming EP ‘lovely people here, but it’s just not the same’ out 23rd October. The track taps into the power of long-distance friendships, nostalgia and the difficulty of finding your place in the world while maintaining a connection with the place you call home.
Like the title suggests, it’s a haunting track that expands from a simple synth line – the first half all airy vocals and gentle instrumentation with a ethereal kind of poignancy hanging in the air , before it opens up into a more upbeat and vibrant finale.
She says: “The song is for a strong and brilliant friend. It was written from a place of deep frustration, listening, helping and feeling helpless beyond words as a friend journeys through a difficult time,” explains mokusla. “I wanted this track to be a celebration of her inner strength, beginning in a vulnerable place and journeying through as she remembers her own brilliance. It’s the strength of my friends that keeps me going.”
Sara Rae ‘Meet Me There’
Sara Rae has followed up recent single ‘Wish You Well’ with a new indie banger called ‘Meet Me There’. The Glasgow singer shared two singles in 2023, but this year has emerged with a rockier sound that channels the likes of Paramore, Blondshell and Soccer Mommy. All jangly guitars, hooky melodies and anthemic choruses, the lyrical content belies the breezy nature of the track.
She says: “It’s a song that represents having your head in the clouds. Yet, at the same time, having that niggling doubt in the back of your mind which you choose to ignore,” explains Sara. “The production of the track which is inspired by pop/modern/alt rock, immediately takes me back to summer 2015 when I was a camp leader for the ULBGC [a civic and social club aimed at helping the youth of Chicago]. Having an amazing summer, meeting people and creating special relationships but knowing it’ll be over as soon as you leave and hoping to just feel that level of ecstasy again.”
Sara Rae headlines King Tuts on 18th August.
remote ‘Souvenir’
Manchester duo remote have shared a poignant new single called ‘Souvenir’. The pair formed in March 2020, and began recording music remotely over lockdown; hence the name. Their bedroom indie-pop has an intimate feel to it – all gentle, delicate melodies and tender arrangements. ‘Souvenir’ continues down this route as the explore the loss and abandonment felt at the end of a relationship – how memories become a souvenir of better times. With the lush instrumentation and a strong hook, it’s set to feature on their debut EP out soon.
