Tell Me That You Love Me - James Smith

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Tell Me That You Love Me’ - James Smith

We first featured the fast rising Upminster based singer-songwriter James Smith after he released his excellent debut single ‘Little Love back in May. We love his brand new single, the classy and soulful piano ballad ‘Tell Me That Love Me’.

The 19-year-old James signed this year to Virgin EMI Records, We think James has a very bright future and he is one of our ‘LCM ones to watch in 2019’. Watch out for new music from James next year.

River - Cara Dillon

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘River’ - Cara Dillon

Our featured track today is a beautiful cover version of Joni Mitchell’s ‘River’ by the multi-award winning Cara Dillon, which also features John Smith on acoustic guitar and John Garrison on keys

Cara is currently on her ‘Upon A Winter’s Night’ UK tour featuring songs from her new Christmas album which was released in mid-November. Catch her if you can.

My Mistake - Gabrielle Aplin

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘My Mistake’ - Gabrielle Aplin

‘My Mistake’ is the beautiful, reflective and heartfelt new single by London based singer-songwriter Gabrielle Aplin, Gabrielle describes the song as the ‘most personal, honest song she has ever written’.

Gabrielle along with Hannah Grace has just recently released a new EP of Christmas songs called ‘December’, which is well worth checking out.

Diamonds - Sarah Darling

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

Our next LCM featured artist US indie singer-songwriter Sarah Darling has a real talent for writing beautiful songs, coupled with a fabulous pure vocal which can give you goosebumps live. ‘Diamonds’ is themed around the fact that ‘time and pressure gives you diamonds’ both in a physical and on a personal level.

Sarah is currently running a pre-sale for her new album ‘Wonderland’ via Pledge music, which is set for release on March 1st. Based on Sarah’s previous releases it’s one we highly recommend here at LCM.

If you are based in the US please watch out for Sarah’s Christmas shows.

https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/sarah-darling-wonderland

Broken Wheel - Isaac Gracie

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Broken Wheel’ - Isaac Gracie

Currently on a European tour with the wonderful First Aid Kit, our next LCM featured artist is the very talented London based singer-songwriter Isaac Gracie. We love the retro CSNY sound of Isaac’s latest single ‘Broken Wheel’ taken from his self titled debut album.

Also check out Isaac’s new EP ‘Close Up - Looking Down’ released back in October.

Purchase Isaac’s debut album below >>>

https://www.isaacgraciemusic.com

Ups and Downs - Hattie Whitehead

Ups and Downs is the first single from Hattie's second EP 'Old Soul'.

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Ups and Downs’ - Hattie Whitehead

Released on Friday the beautiful ‘Ups and Downs’ is the personal and reflective first single from Hattie’s forthcoming second EP ‘Old Soul’. We are big fans of Hattie’s music here at LCM HQ, so it’s wonderfully to see her creating and releasing new music again after a difficult and sad period of her life. The new song explores Hattie’s constantly changing feelings during this time.

We will share the EP pre-order links with you as soon as they are available.

Photo Credit: Ida Hollis

http://www.hattiewhitehead.com

Straw In The Wind - The Steel Woods

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Straw In The Wind’ - The Steel Woods

We love this title track taken from their 2017 debut album. Nashville based Country and Southern rock band The Steel Woods reminds us of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Balancing heavy blues-rock with Southern poetry and a dash of plain spoken outlaw country.

The Steel Woods were co-founded by Wes Bayliss and Jason "Rowdy" Cope. The two Southern musicians met while performing the same bill in Nashville, and after a variety of fishing trips in Tennessee together, they began writing music. Their debut album ‘Straw in the Wind’ was released on May 19, 2017, with a guest vocal appearance by Lindi Ortega. It also has drummer Jay Tooke and bassist Johnny Stanton. Influences on the album range from Led Zeppelin and Metallica to Darrell Scott and Jason Isbell. Brent Cobb also contributed as a songwriter.

The band are releasing their forthcoming sophomore album ‘Old News’ in January, which we think is well worth exploring further.

https://thesteelwoods.com

Natchez - Katy Hurt

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Natchez’ - Katy Hurt

Just released the tender and reflective ‘Natchez’ is the brand new single by London based Country singer-songwriter Katy Hurt. We like this one a lot here at LCM HQ. It also features the very talented Gab Zsapka from Katy’s band The Healers on acoustic guitar. The video was directed by Ryan Say, with Dillon Osborne the Assistant Director & Cameraman.

‘Natchez’ is taken from Katy’s brand new upcoming EP ‘Unfinished Business’ out tomorrow.

Dust and Doubt - Hannah Scott

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Dust & Doubt’ - Hannah Scott

Our featured track today is a wonderful ‘Dust and Doubt’ from London based singer-songwriter Hannah Scott which is taken from her debut album ‘Pieces Of The Night’ released in June via HSDC Music.

Hannah Scott draws much of the inspiration for her music from her affinity with Italy. A year living and working on an olive press in rural Tuscany in her late teens provided the backdrop to her early work and she has found her musical home with creative partner Stefano Della Casa who she met in London but may well have met years earlier when regularly passing through the train station he was working in!

When they began making music together, they realised they had an amazing connection, despite very different backgrounds: Stefano had a difficult upbringing and a troubled early adult life, while Hannah was lucky to have a supportive, happy childhood. Hannah has had her own difficulties following the recent diagnosis of a form of arthritis which causes severe joint pain and fatigue. Both artists firmly believe that their musical collaboration has provided an outlet to support each other through difficult times. Their musical journey has also proved fruitful with previous releases supported by Bob Harris and Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2. They’ve also been featured by MOJO and as ‘New Band of The Day’ in The Guardian. Hannah has opened for artists including Seth Lakeman and 10cc.

The pair are now working between London and Italy and the result is a new album, “Pieces Of The Night”. It’s a collection of songs that combines organic, live elements with classy electronica and stunning production. Lyrically, they’re honest songs about the human condition and human connection in an increasingly hectic world. Hannah and Stefano draw on their own experiences, lyrically exploring the need to push on through the hard times, no matter how dark they may seem.

Photo credit: Simone Lezzi

http://www.hannahscott.co.uk

Demons - Jacob Lee

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Demons’ - Jacob Lee

We head to the Gold Coast today to meet Australian singer-songwriter Jacob Lee. We really like this live looped version of ‘Demons’ taken from a Philosophical Session.

Jacob Lee is rapidly becoming known as the most diverse discovery in Australian Music.
Swiftly reaching over 5 million streams on Spotify, Jacob Lee has gathered international attention from the likes of Warner Music, 300 & Sony through his debut EP, 'Sine Qua Non' & 'Clarity'.

Jacob Lee is now spending his time touring uncharted territories, recording his next single & managing his successful bullying awareness cause, 'Ghost Campaign'. At 22 years of age, Jacob Lee has secured collaborations with a myriad of established artists, writing & recording for chart topping DJ duo, Social Hooliganz, Tom Enzy, Trifo, E.C.S Ferrer & Swede Dreams. Jacob is no stranger to achievement & has been regarded as Australia's answer to Ed Sheeran. With his captivating onstage aura, he is known to absorb audiences, reeling them into his stories with his clever, yet ambiguous lyrics.

Jacob is leaving his mark, with a loyal fanbase growing by the hour, his optimistic message is creating a positive impact worldwide, only strengthening his desire to motivate others & create music that makes a difference.

https://www.jacobleeofficial.com

Wildfire - Emily Mae Winters

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Wildfire’ - Emily Mae Winters

Our next featured artist Emily Mae Winters is one of the fast rising stars of UK Folk and Americana. Her highly anticipated forthcoming second album ‘High Romance’ is set for release next year and Emily is currently running a pre-sale through Pledge Music. We love this live version of one of the first tracks ‘Wildfire’, which was recently recorded at The Urchin Studios in London. Emily is joined on the song by Ben Walker (Electric Guitar), John Parker (Double Bass) and CJ Jones (Drums).

Photo credit: Elly Lucas

https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/high-romance

All My Friends - The Revivalists

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘All My Friends’ - The Revivalists

Our featured track today is the rocky and soulful ‘All My Friends’ from New Orleans based The Revivalists. It’s one of the lead tracks from their recently released album ‘Take Good Care’ and the song which gives the album its title.

Recognized as an extraordinary live band The Revivalists feature acclaimed musicians David Shaw [lead vocals/guitar], Zack Feinberg [guitar], Andrew Campanelli [drums], George Gekas [bass], Ed Williams [pedal steel guitar], Rob Ingraham [saxophone], Michael Girardot [keyboard & trumpet].

The band has sold-out headlining tours in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and performed sets at such marquee festivals as Bonnaroo, Governor’s Ball, Outside Lands, and Austin City Limits. This past year they were invited to perform on the main stage at New Orleans’ Jazz Fest (after six years playing the second stage) for 40,000 people, attracted 5,000 fans to their show at Central Park’s Summer Stage in New York City, and visited cities like Toronto for the first time playing to packed houses. 

Lucky Ones - Israel Nash

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Lucky Ones’ - Israel Nash

One of our favourite music discoveries of 2013 was US singer-songwriter Israel Nash and his band. Israel has released his latest album ‘Lifted’ at the end of July and is currently on tour. He is headlining in London tonight with a date at The Scala in Kings Cross. Support comes from the excellent Treetop Flyers. If you are going, I’ll see you there.

My Type - Saint Motel

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘My Type’ - Saint Motel

I can almost guarantee that you have already heard the brass section hook on this 2014 hit by the very innovative LA band Saint Motel, who go full earworm on ‘My Type’. The song reminds me of a funky disco version of The Divine Comedy. Saint Motel feature A/J Jackson (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Aaron Sharp (lead guitar), Dak Lerdamornpong (bass) and Greg Erwin (drums). The band has a range of styles from "dream pop" to "indie prog” rock..

On July 11 2016, Saint Motel announced their second album, ‘Saintmotelevision’, released on October 21, 2016. The band embarked on a North American tour in support of the album, with Hippo Campus and JR JR as supporting acts. On August 12, Saint Motel released the album's first single, "Move," with an accompanying 360-degree video. In September, in an exclusive with Billboard, they released another song from the album, "You Can Be You.". Saint Motel has released 10 virtual reality components, one for each song on the album. This makes Saint Motel the first band to release an entire album with a virtual reality VR experience to accompany every track. One year after releasing the first-ever virtual reality album, Saint Motel has continued to experiment with new technologies, releasing the first-ever augmented reality version of Saintmotelevision, as well as offering the option to purchase the albums ‘ForPlay’ and ‘Voyeur’ with Bitcoin

Photo credit: Jim Donnelly Photography

Sturgill Simpson - Brace For Impact (Live A Little)

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Brace For Impact (Live A Little)’ - Sturgill Simpson

There is a note on the back of Sturgill Simpson’s album ‘A Sailor’s Guide To Earth’ which states very clearly ‘To be played at maximum volume’….and who are we to argue. The excellent ‘Brace For Impact’, where Country Rock meets Pink Floyd. This one will blow the cobwebs away.

Alessia Cara - Growing Pains

LCM Song of the Day: ‘Growing Pains’ - Alessia Cara

We travel to Toronto today to meet our next LCM featured artist Grammy award winning Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Caracciolo, better known by her stage name Alessia Cara, We love this stripped back live acoustic version of her hit ‘Growing Pains’ filmed recently at a Vevo X session at Brooklyn's famed Grand Prospect Hall. Alessia releases her wonderful sophomore album 'The Pains of Growing' on November 30th. Alessia has four Grammy nominations including a win for ‘Best New Artist’ earlier this year.

When you generate as much fan love as Alessia has in the last few years, it's little wonder than your ever-growing audience can't wait for your new album. That's what's happening with Alessia’s latest and the first to arrive since she won the "Best New Artist" award at the Grammys earlier this year. The Canadian singer with the deep love of family and the unique way of blending pop with R&B touches, has brought the world a handful of hits, including "Wild Things," "Seventeen" and "Scars To Your Beautiful" as well as a cool collab with Zedd and other stars.

http://www.alessiacara.com

I Can't Go On Without You - Kaleo

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘I Can’t Go On Without You’ - Kaleo

Icelandic born but now US based Kaleo are always a firm favourite here at LCM HQ. We love this live version of ‘I Can’t Go On Without You’ taken from a 89.3 The Current radio session. The song is from their debut album A/B.

Every story has two sides, and that adage is certainly true for Kaleo, the four-piece band from Iceland who now call the US home. Call it a split upbringing: the isolated heritage that results from coming of age in Iceland has paired with the fresh inspiration of moving to America, and the band has built a sound to match the disparate landscapes.

A gorgeous and raucous blend of rock, folk and blues, Kaleo’s debut album embodies that very spirit of duality: titled A/B, the album showcases the band’s multi-layered dynamics and ability to play different genres with equal skill.

Best friends since attending elementary school outside of Reykjavik, bandleader JJ Julius Son, drummer David Antonsson, and bassist Daniel Kristjansson began playing together at the age of 17 before adding guitarist Rubin Pollock to the mix in 2012. They named the band Kaleo, which means “the sound” in Hawaiian, and started their career in with a handful of well-received shows at the 2012 Iceland Airwaves music festival.

The band signed to Elektra/Atlantic and moved to the States in early 2015, choosing Austin as their new base. “It has obviously been a big change coming from a small country of 300 thousand people in Iceland to the USA with over 300 million people,” says JJ Julius Son. “We’ve learned a lot, and we are more experienced now than when we first came. Overall it’s been a great adventure.” The past year has been a busy one for the band, as they’ve played nearly nonstop—including over 45 US states—as well as notching a spot on the soundtrack to HBO’s hit show Vinyl and recording a full length album with the producer Jacquire King in Nashville.

The concept behind A/B comes from Julius Son’s love of the split sides of vinyl records and their ability to showcase an artist’s different sides. “I write very different songs that many would like to label into different genres,” he says. “The idea of A/B is to show the diversity and the two sides of the band.” The “A” side is more rock and roll and blues (opener “No Good,” “Way Down We Go,” “Hot Blood”), while the “B” side is a bit softer with more ballads (“All the Pretty Girls,” “Vor I Vaglaskogi,” and closer “I Can’t Go On Without You”). But no matter which side you’re on and which song is playing, the sound can only be that of Kaleo.

Don't Waste Your Heart on Me - Worry Dolls

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Don’t Waste Your Heart On Me’ - Worry Dolls

Taken from their wonderful latest album ‘Go Get Gone’ our featured track today is the beautiful and reflective ‘Don’t Waste Your Heart On Me’ by the lovely London based duo the Worry Dolls. The song is written by Zoe, Rosie and Doak Turner and produced by Neilson Hubbard in Nashville .

With new music promised in the new year the future is looking very bright for these two very talented ladies. They are currently on a UK tour catch them if you can.

“Don’t Waste Your Heart On Me was one of the few songs we wrote to the banjo instead of guitar, giving it a different feel to the others on the record. It’s got a darkness to it because it’s about leaving someone you love, knowing you can’t ever be what they need. Knowing that continuing any longer would only result in more pain down the line.

“We got to perform the song at the U.K. Americana Awards back in February at Hackney Empire with Ethan Johns and his incredible band. Ethan specifically chose this song as his favourite on our record, and it gave it a new lease of life for us.

“The video purely focuses on the reaction of the partner in this song. We wanted long shots that didn’t cut, to really connect with the emotions he’s going through. It stars Sid Phoenix, who’s an award winning actor from the USA. We fell in love with a video he sent us which was a performance of Julia Stiles’ emotional monologue from 10 Things I Hate About You. Not only was he capable of making us feel raw, authentic emotion but we loved that it was a gender flipped performance. That echoed what we wanted to achieve with this video. You rarely see men cry on screen and we really wanted to make space for that. We want guys to watch this and know that it’s ok to cry, it isn’t a sign of weakness. Sometimes life is too much. Sometimes you get dumped.”

Legendary - Welshly Arms

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Legendary’ - Welshly Arms

We travel today to Cleveland, Ohio meet the excellent US six-piece Rock band ‘Welshly Arms’. The band lacing daring alternative rock with gospel-size scope and rich bluesy heart. The band feature Sam Getz [lead vocals, guitar], Brett Lindemann [keys], Jimmy Weaver [bass], Mikey Gould [drums], Bri Bryant [vocals] and Jon Bryant [vocals] Our featured track today is the powerful ‘Legendary’ taken from their 2018 debut album ‘No Place Is Home’ released via Republic Records in May. If you like Kaleo and Hozier, you could really like this one too.

Since 2013, Welshly Arms have canvased nearly every corner of the globe spurned along by a bevy of seismic and show-stopping songs. Their 2017 EP, ‘Legendary’, boasted the ubiquitous title track, “Legendary.” To date, it has earned gold certifications in Germany and Switzerland, cracked over 47 million Spotify streams in under two years, received 1.5 million Shazams, and soared to Top 15 at Alternative Radio. Meanwhile, the group’s tracks have piped through campaigns for Miller, Hulu, NFL, Indian Motorcycles, and Beck’s Beer, while “Hold On I’m Coming” roared over the trailer for Quentin Tarantino’s Academy Award-winning ‘The Hateful Eight’ ‘Legendary was also included on the soundtrack of the Emmy Award winning US TV series ‘The Blacklist’.

Real Life - The Deep Hollow

LCM Song Of The Day: ‘Real Life’ - The Deep Hollow

Described as ‘stripped down harmony-laden classic Folk and Americana’ our next LCM featured artists are the great Illinois based acoustic trio of Micah Walk, Elizabeth Eckert and Dave Littrell better known collectively as The Deep Hollow. ‘Real Life’ is new single taken from their recently released album ‘Weary Traveler’.

Beginning with a win in the American Songwriter magazine songwriting contest in 2014 to a well-produced Kickstarter-launched album in 2015 that reached number three on the Folk DJ charts in early 2016, the terrific threesome continues to move forward. September saw the release of their second album ‘Weary Traveler’.

http://thedeephollow.com