Ben Walker ‘Busy Smiling’
Ben Walker has shared new single ‘Busy Smiling’ via Scruff of the Neck Singles Club. Co-written with Prentice Robertson (Vistas) and Kyle Falconer (The View), the young singer-songwriter channels the pair’s propensity for catchy hooks and soaring anthems in the track – delivering a powerful anthem of resilience and self-assurance. Inspired by his own personal experiences, it’s all about overcoming adversity and staying true to yourself in the face of negativity. He says: “From when I was bullied in school, it was always laughed at to be different, I desperately wanted to fit in. When I started singing & playing guitar I’d get told that I wasn’t good enough. The song is a nod to my feelings at that time and how I just carried on while ignoring their opinions.”
Sam Girling, Theo Bleak ‘Wait Right Here’
TTV favourite Theo Bleak has teamed up with Bedford-born producer and DJ Sam Girling for a new track called ‘Wait Right Here’. Set to feature on a longer collaborative EP, it’s a far cry from anything we’ve heard from Theo Bleak before as Girling manipulates her malleable vocals to great effect – creating a fun, sun-kissed slice of electronica that’s made for the dancefloor.
Kirsteen Harvey ‘Place To Be’
Kirsteen Harvey has today unveiled a new EP called ‘Wee Tunes From Home’ – featuring a couple of covers and a new original track called ‘Place To Be’. A lilting folk ballad inspired by a small village outside of Oban, it’s a gentle, heart-warming listen – her melodies elevated by an uplifting string section.
PG Ciarletta ‘Start a Revolution’
Already building a reputation for his anthemic melodies and storytelling flair, PG Ciarletta is set to bolster his growing momentum with the release of ‘Start a Revolution’. Co-written with the prolific Johnny Madden, the track is an instantly catchy guitar-driven number – all about overcoming adversity and grabbing life by the hands.
Sean R McLaughlin & The Wind-Up Crows ‘Wishing Well’
Informed by a love of rurality and traditional music, Sean R McLaughlin is today launching the first single from his upcoming debut album with his band The Wind-up Crows – ‘Goodnight, Lad’. Out on 3rd May via Stitch Records, the new record was produced by Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit and Jeremy Backofen of The Felice Brothers – and is said to be inspired by his upbringing on the island of Bressay in the Shetland islands. There’s a real Scottishness imbued to his songwriting – from the rural lyrical imagery to the warm alt-folk sound. Meanwhile, the record is set to feature contributions from internationally renowned and award-winning musicians such as Ragini Shankar, Lewis McLaughlin, and Joe Montague, alongside celebrated Shetland folk artists such as, Vicky Gray, Alex Johnson, and J. J. Jamieson. Check out the lead single ‘Wishing Well’ below.
Arcade State ‘Life Is Not Linear’
Arcade State today release their debut album ‘Life Is Not Linear’ – an ambitious, deeply personal album dedicated to the memory of the members Ciaran and Jordan’s sister who tragically passed away in the summer of 2023. With passion imbued in every facet of its being, it’s an intense listen filled with emotional vulnerability and intense introspection. The title track is perhaps the heartbeat of the record – an impassioned slice of alt-rock full of surging guitars and emotive lyrics. The band launch the album with a headline show at Oran Mor on 12th April.
Joshua Grant ‘The Last Time’
Emerging singer-songwriter Joshua Grant has shared another new single called ‘The Last Time’ – continuing his prolific start to the year. Building a reputation for his driving pop-punk anthems, Grant’s knack for big melodies and emotive storytelling shines bright once again – but this time he shows a more personal, vulnerable side of his artistry as reflect on the loss of a loved one.
Tune into the full playlist below:
