Beyond The 45
Singles, EPs, Downloads
The Fatea office also serves as a home for our weekly Along The Tracks show on Folk Friday Radio and as a rule singles and Eps have generally gone in that direction whilst Fatea generally concentrates on albums and live reviews for our full length feature, but with more artists going back down the single route to keep themselves in the public eye, we thought it was time to reflect that in our offerings and as rules are made to be broken or at the very least adapted, welcome to the Singles Round Up.
Tom Hodge - Whiskey And Stoned
www.tomhodgeofficial.com
A full on traditional Country singer in the mould of George Jones or Johnny Cash, Tom Hodge is now based in the UK, and looking to move making music to his full time career. On hearing this powerful bluesy tune, he should have no trouble achieving that. This is country as it used to be and should be with just enough modern in the big drums, and old in the low-down electric guitar to keep everyone happy. As he says, "If you like husky raw vocals paired with an acoustic guitar, you're in the right place" TM
Phil Cooper - Still Holding My Breath
phil-cooper.co.uk
Phil is one third of the excellent Lost Trades, and fine singer songwriter in his own right. The song's mantra "the more you put in, the more you will get in return" is an approach Phil has used throughout his life. This has a poppy, almost Beatles vibe to it. Having seen him play live as a solo artist and with the Lost Trades,' who have just lost Tamsin from their number, I can only recommend seeking out his solo work and discovering an engaging singer and writer. TM
Emmie Lee - Semi Country Girl
www.facebook.com/SingerEmmieLee/
An Oslo based country singer, with a song about the contradictions between working life and loving the music and lifestyle of the weekend. The short sharp well observed song with Dobro adding a bit of bite to the music. Good time country without the blandness that infects so much of the music. TM
Reg Meuross - The Gypsy Singer
www.regmeuross.com
The brilliant Reg Meuross returns with a new single. The Gypsy Singer reflects on the passing of the baton between two iconic figures in American folk music-from Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan. As Reg explains, "It was because of Dylan's visits to Woody, his mimicking of his songs and singing, his hobo style, and his courage that I - and probably many more contemporary music fans - became interested in Woody." After the astoundingly good Stolen From God project this is the start of a new album which is being produced by Pete Townshend. If you already love Reg's music this is up there with the best. If you don't know him, catch up with one of our finest singers here. TM
Cole Stacey - Quiet Is Louder
colestacey.net
One half of the fine India Electric Company, this is a more pop based song. Almost CSN in the harmonies, and with an emotive delivery. This is his debut solo single from an album due in 2025. Having been a sideman for Midge Ure for some time it's great to hear him step out and produce an atmospheric 80s tinged song, with glittery guitar and a tune carried by an light but insistent bass line and chorus. Fabulous and can't wait to hear his album. TM
Matt Hawll - Heart Desires
Matt Hawll
A second single from the recently renamed Hawll. A bigger bolder song from the start with an impassioned delivery and pounding drums. As good as the recent Why Did You Have To Go Away. If you think music ahs lost its fire recently then Matt Hawll is the answer. TM
Sarah Rose And Eric Walker - Make This Real
www.facebook.com/ericwalkeruk
A combination of 2 singer songwriters on the sort of pop music that Radio 2 should play but doesn't. Tuneful, with a string chorus, well played, and sung with passion and verve. In other words, a bit too "old fashioned" to attract the industry, but which listeners still love. Acoustic guitar, keyboards and clattery drums fill the sound up a vibrant catchy song. Seek it out, you won't regret it. TM
Siobhan Miller - The Club Of Squandard Youth
www.siobhanmiller.com
Another example of great, traditional folk influenced pop music. Its nearly 4 minutes fly by on a driving drum pattern. A Scottish folk singer and the only four-time winner of Best Singer at the Scots Trad Music Awards, this is anything but traditional. It is a genuinely great song that goes way beyond genre. TM
Dick Aven - Double Down
www.dickaven.com
A minor key rock song with bits of grunge about the music with a bright breezy delivery of the words which are offer an empowering message. "What you've got to do. Being free. Free to make the big mistake. Free to lodge a new complaint. Free to be you, always" A new name to me, but one to investigate further as the contrast between the folky words and music more in the realm of Soundgarden is intriguing. TM
Eliza Delf & The Wilderness - Look At Me
elizadelf.com
After taking 3 changes of direction in the first minute the song settles into a gothic folk feel before ditching the folk for a Siouxsie And The Banshees vibe with added violin. Their press says, "songs that range from the wild and untamed, to the hauntingly beautiful - written in blood and shadows." Fascinating, epic music that goes through many changes but remains coherent all through. An album is coming, I hope. TM
Ian Roland - The Beacon
ianroland.com
The latest from Hassocks singer-songwriter Ian Roland is a delightful paean to the Adonis Blue Butterfly and the landscape of the UK's South Downs National Park. Celebrating the essential beauty of nature and the intricate, oft delicate and at-risk, web which sustains all life, and which now, more than ever needs our attention and preservation, Ian poignantly alludes to the destruction caused by the fossil-fuel industry on this delicate and gently delivered single. DP
Mauds Dog - Not Tonight
www.maudsdog.com
Mark Fisher and Jackie Pryce offer a delicate ballad with Jackie's clear voice, with touches of Kate Bush to it, over Mark's guitar and a fretless bass, which adds a Jazzy flavour to the tune. The words are more poetry than lyrics which talk about living with the devasting effects of dementia. Their second single and you should also check their first Pebble Beach, which is as good as this one. TM
Simon Scardanelli - Let's Go Dancing
songman.org/
An English singer, songwriter and composer now based in Central Brittany, France. This brings elements of traditional folk to a song which is far from trad in its delivery. Combining accordion with electronics and a Latin Jazz guitar. He says "A fun loving folk-rock waltz - get yer dancing shoes on! Guaranteed to get you moving!" Yes indeed, what he said. TM
Red Sky July - Stones And Brambles
www.facebook.com/RedSkyJuly
A lovely country folk song with soaring harmonies and strings. Having been in business for over a decade Red Sky July have turned in some great music and this as good as they have produced. Anthemic without being bombastic and intimate without getting sugary. Also a long way from Shelly Poole's start as half of Alisha's Attic. TM
Hannah Scott - Love Like I Did
www.hannahscott.co.uk
Hannah Scott says "I wrote this song about how much I love my step-children, despite not having given birth to them. I'd had the idea for the song for a while but my eldest step-son breaking his arm on my watch was what made me start writing it" And she conveys that feeling over a string filled tune quite wonderfully. TM
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry - Driving Black
www.red-lorry-yellow-lorry.com
One of the bands that created indie and alternative back in the early 80s, this is a powerful statement of their music for the second quarter of the 21st Century. When compared to somewhat limp comebacks by their peers, this is the first single form a 6 track EP with a full album to follow. If you like them, or Magazine, or similar bands back then, this is the song you've been waiting on for 40 years. TM
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Corsair is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.
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