Rae Sam – The Great Escape

There is something incredibly uplifting about Rae Sam’s debut album The Great Escape. The Welsh singer-songwriter has found a winning combination of positive lyrics, upbeat sounds and pleasant vocals. All contribute to a feel-good sound that makes you want to get up and dance for the most part, with only a couple of tracks winding down the tempo to give space for a more reflective tone. This sees Rae drawing on her Celtic roots to bring a taste of Welsh folk to a record that is otherwise laden with modern Country sounds.

The first couple of tracks on The Great Escape are all packed with plenty of punchy pop production, resulting in a toe-tapping beginning to an album that is recognisably Country in the modern sense of the word. ‘Keep Running’ has almost certainly been influenced by Rae’s time in Nashville whilst ‘Shot Down’ contains ample overtones of Maren Morris’ musical style. It is when track four is reached that the Celtic connection begins to emerge. ‘Still Breathing’ is filled with some lovely electric guitar riffs and a steady drumbeat which accompany a soft, clear vocal that infuses the song to give it a real folk feel. It is in complete contrast to the moodiness of ‘Mr Hollywood’, and even the party atmosphere created on ‘Feel This Good’, a song that instils a deep longing for a time when we can all meet up with friends again and dance the night away.

‘Honey’ is a very sensuous track that is ideal preparation for what comes next. Having largely spent time in the company of some very funky beats so far, the second half of the album really begins to lean in on the Celtic influence. This is especially true on ‘Coming Home’, the most interesting song on The Great Escape. In many ways, it is pure folk, with a really haunting and ethereal atmosphere established immediately. But as the track builds so the music diversifies until an extraordinary cacophony of sound produces a crescendo that is utterly captivating. The song ends on a truly mystical note which rounds off the previous six minutes of fascinating sound perfectly. It is an excellent piece of music. Only ‘Wildly Me’ could follow such an arrangement with lyrics that are so inspiring as to be an anthem for anyone struggling with identity and self-esteem. It calls us to be the best version of ourselves via an autobiographical account of Rae Sam’s own experience where “Slowly I let go of what you think of me/ throw caution into the air and finally breathe/ Then I can be truly me”.

The album ends with a rather sultry ‘Other Woman’, featuring some lovely pedal steel and bluesy organ, and a light touch of sadness in the form of ‘Same About You’. This final number is a deft expression of the gentleness found in many a Welsh folk tune, completing a journey that feels like it started in Music City and has ended on the Green, Green Grass of Home. In truth, The Great Escape represents the interchange where Nashville meets Wales, as Rae Sam brings the best of both these worlds to bear on an album that mixes a very personal sound with some mainstream pop vibes. Add to that her uplifting lyrics and it is a very solid debut from this talented Welsh artist.

Click here to listen or download the album.

Originally published on Belles & Gals on 10th March 2021.

Featured Image (C) Rae Sam

Megan O’Neill – Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty

Two years ago, Megan O’Neill gave a spellbinding performance of her song ‘Ireland’ at C2C. It was one of those spine-tingling moments that live long in the memory, and has meant the release of her second album has been highly anticipated. The wait has been longer than expected, but the moment has finally arrived. Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty comes out on March 12th and features the very track that first made its mark at London’s O2 Arena, and has since gone on to receive 400,000 views as a single. ‘Ireland’ sits nicely among an array of self-penned songs that capture a myriad of emotions, on a deeply autobiographical record that certainly lives up to expectations.

One of the most estimable qualities of Megan O’Neill is her storytelling, so it is no surprise to find the lyrics taking centre stage throughout. This is true even on the alt-rock songs, with album opener ‘Should’ve Known Better’ being a great introduction to this overall intention. The choice of style and instrumentation always take their lead from the subject matter, creating a record of real variety. Country, soul, pop and folk all feature, sometimes within the same song, with second track ‘Devil You Know’ being an interesting blend of country-rock and classic soul with a bluesy edge. Meanwhile, ‘Sometimes I Learn’ is a fabulous country-pop song with an inspiring, positive take on failure, and ‘Underrated’ is a smooth power ballad that punches home a confident message on resilience. In each case, the music underlines the theme and feeling expressed in the words, which always take precedent, and rightly so.

It is in the more stripped-back songs on the album that we get a real taste of Megan O’Neill’s ability to convey such rich imagery and depth of emotion through her writing and music. ‘Ireland’ continues to transfix even after countless repeats; and is accompanied here by ‘London City’, another ode to place whose piano offers much in the way of poignancy and reflection. Alongside these two inestimable tracks sit others which contain their own sense of wonder. ‘Strangers Before We Met’ is beautifully touching, each line falling like dew to rest gently on the ear. ‘Winter Sun’ is wonderfully uplifting and full of hope. And ‘Head Under Water’ is incredibly challenging, acknowledging the need for vulnerability in order to grow. It is profound without being preachy, with the line “I’m drowning in fear, at least I’m here” a wonderful surmising of what real strength looks like. It is but one of many gems contained within the lyrics of her songs that require yet further acknowledgement of Megan O’Neill’s immense songwriting craft.

It must not go unmentioned that The Dunwells have had an influential hand in the making of Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty. The indie-band not only provide backing vocals which help set the tone and atmosphere on many of the songs, but they worked closely with Megan throughout the writing and recording process. It is testament to their humble support that the finished article really accentuates the particular strengths and qualities of Megan O’Neill. In doing so, her creativity and vision appear to have been realised on a record that is deeply personal and very relatable. It deserves both the hype that has preceded its arrival and the acclaim that will surely come with its release.

Click here to purchase the album or stream it here.

Originally published on Belles & Gals on 12th March 2021.

Featured Image (C) Megan O'Neill

Megan Lee – Humble Your Heart

Welsh singer-songwriter Megan Lee is a wise head on young shoulders. After spending the past few years as part of her family band Blue Genes, she is now ready to embark on a solo career, beginning with debut single ‘Humble Your Heart’. It is a song that demonstrates a maturity far beyond her years, both in its message and in its sound. In the lyrics, a kindly ultimatum, filled with prayer, hope and forgiveness for someone whose heart will “feel the hurt that you caused to mine”. It is a call to humbleness that is delivered with such a soft, sensitive vocal that one fully believes in the grace-filled words that pour out over a gorgeous musical arrangement. Megan draws on elements of bluegrass, country and roots to give us something that honours the traditional whilst imprinting it with a distinctly-modern touch. It is a well-crafted sound that gives the listener a real flavour of the kind of artists (Emmylou Harris and Margo Price among them) that Megan has drawn inspiration from. Ashley Monroe and Alison Krauss are two further names that come to mind if comparisons were to be made. But I don’t think Megan Lee will need such an introduction. ‘Humble Your Heart’ is evidence enough that she deserves to be known as an artist in her own right.

Click here to download the single.

Originally published on Belles & Gals on 7th March 2021.

Featured Image (C) Megan Lee

Introducing Rae Sam

Ahead of the release of her debut album on March 5th, we* asked Welsh country-pop artist Rae Sam to tell us a little about herself and her music, and what we can expect from her forthcoming record.

Hi Rae! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers by telling us a bit about yourself and where you’re from?

I would love to! Hi everyone, I am Rae Sam, a Country-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. Although, I am currently living across the border.

When did you first become interested in music, and who were your musical influences growing up?

My earliest memory was singing in my grandparents back garden to anyone that was passing by! Music was a huge part of my family. My grandparents were singers and on my mum’s side, my great grandfather had a choir. So, you could say that I was destined to fall in love with music! 

Growing up, my dad introduced me to a variety of music – The Police, Chic, Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, Paul Weller! I loved pop, Country and rock. Particularly Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Natasha Bedingfield and Kelly Clarkson. When I was 16, I discovered John Mayer and he has remained a main influence on my music.

Could you tell us a bit about your journey as a musician so far

As soon as I was old enough I started piano lessons and learnt the guitar. I wrote my first song at 9 years old and loved learning new instruments. But I was never confident enough to go for it. When I went to University, I could only fit my guitar in the tiny room! But it was meant to be, because it inspired me to take my writing seriously. I began doing Open Mic Nights and everyone was so encouraging!

A few years later, I had the opportunity to do a mini tour in the USA with incredible musicians. It was a mix of Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Country sounds. A lot was spontaneous and I loved how wild it was! That was when Chester Thompson played drums for us one evening and then a few days later, I went to his studio to record a few songs! That month was a turning point for my music – I knew that I needed to stop doubting myself and made the decision to go for it! Not long after, I met a violinist and we started playing together. People would always ask where they could find my music and so last year I headed to the studio!

What is it about country music in particular that attracted you to the genre?

I’ve always loved the southern sound. But when I played with Country musicians, it was exciting – they brought the music to life! At the time, I felt so detached from current chart music in the UK but was loving Carrie Underwood’s stuff. Being Welsh, I love music where the person is feeling it, so I started delving into soul and blues (BB King, Aretha Franklin) and eventually came across this pocket of artists like Needtobreathe and Chris Stapleton. I was going through a really low time in my life and Country music became the only remedy. I felt safe, understood and as though I belonged. It offers something for every occasion because on the other hand, Country pop fits this feel good, upbeat mood! Suddenly, my style of writing seemed to find its place!

Your latest single, ‘Wildly Me’, was very well received on its release. Could you tell us a bit about the story behind the song, and why you think it struck such a chord with listeners?

Yes, the response has been incredible! I am so grateful to everyone who has bought and listened to it!

We can all connect to some element of the song. Personally, I’ve always struggled with feeling afraid to step out, too worried about what people think. So I strived to become a version of what I thought they wanted me to be. In the process, I lost myself. ‘Wildly Me’ is the moment where I take back ownership of who I really am. But it’s a journey and I think that’s what connects with people. We all have something that we’re holding back from and no matter where you are in the storyline, there’s always a longing within us to feel the freedom of being ourselves. Not a perfect version that we present to the world, but a wild, carefree version. The person that we are when no one’s watching – there’s real beauty in that.

You have a debut album on the way (released 5th March 2021). Could you tell us about what we can expect from ‘The Great Escape’, and how you’re feeling ahead of its release?

I am beyond excited, as well as a little nervous! Recording an album has been a lifelong dream and a few years ago, I had lost hope that it would ever happen! But it has and it’s exactly the type of music that I want to create. Huge credit to the producers, because they brought my vision to life!

On ‘The Great Escape’ you can expect a bit of everything! Catchy Country pop songs that will have you singing along, funky dance tunes, Country and blues with a bit of sass, a full on Celtic journey to my homeland, and a heart-breaking ballad! This album is a story of the journey that I’ve been on in the past few years. Escaping everything that has held me back, rebuilding my life, healing from hurts, thanking those that helped me through the tough times and boldly going for my dreams. I really hope that it helps and encourages others to do the same!

With current lockdown restrictions, it won’t be possible to tour anytime soon. How has the past year been for you and what are your hopes for the next twelve months?

The past year has been a rollercoaster! I went into the studio just before lockdown and then the news hit a month later. It did delay the process, but it also gave me time to enjoy the moment. Waiting to get back into the studio was tough, as well as not being able to launch the album as I’d hoped. But, it has honestly been a year that I will never forget! Co-writing with incredible writers from the UK and Nashville, having amazing musicians say yes to playing on the album (including one who tours with a favourite artist of mine!), having an award-winning Country singer feature on one of the tracks and then huge support from radio stations! It’s been so good that I honestly wonder what could top it!

In the next year I hope to be able to gig in person and not just virtually! I will be releasing three more tracks from the album, and then I’ll get some more writing done ready to head back into the studio!

Finally, if you could pick one female country artist to write a song with, who would it be and why?

Maren Morris – I just love her music and songwriting. She was a huge influence for my debut album and she is taking modern Country music into such an exciting direction!

Thanks for your time, Rae, and good luck with the new album.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with me and to anyone that is reading this! I hope that you love the album as much as I loved making it!

To find out more about Rae Sam, visit her website here.

*Interview conducted for Belles & Gals (originally published 4th March 2021) 

Featured Image (C) Rae Sam

Tennessee Twin – When We Move

Tennessee Twin have pulled off a bit of coup with their latest single. For joining the Cambridge-based duo on ‘When We Move’ is renowned pedal steel guitar player Sarah Jory. Jory brings an added layer of authenticity to a song that is already saturated with a classic country sound, thanks to the tender harmonies of Victoria Mills’ vocal and partner Geoff’s gentle playing of the acoustic guitar. Fans will be overjoyed to know that there is no departure from the sound that made their debut EP, ‘Tips in a Jar’, such a captivating listen. Instead, the same mellow tones can be found, this time accompanying a story of reconciliation. And what a beautiful story it is, told with lyrics that are at once simple yet profoundly impactful.

It begins with a couple who have been separated by “the river of our words”, both equally as stubborn so as “we’d rather stand our ground than start to fall”. But then there is this realisation in the chorus that “When we move/ we move in closer”. The second verse picks this theme up nicely, particularly in the bridge, as they reflect on how there’s been “too many corners we’ve turned/ to lose it all”. It is how strength is drawn from the depth of a relationship in light of disagreement that strikes me as the important message here; with the sentiment that precedes it – “Don’t let anger be bigger than love” – also one that speaks not just of the couple in the song but to each one of us as listeners too.

I think this is the reason that ‘When We Move’ strikes me as an inspiring song, because it contains the kind of love that is hard; that requires us to swallow our pride in an act of self-sacrifice for the well-being of another. It is why the tender musicality that accompanies the lyrics works so well. The pedal steel, acoustic guitar, and Victoria’s vocal meld so well, reflecting the “heartbeats that are blending” in the words of the song. It is also why the fairy dust sprinkled right at the end feels deeply ironic, the happy ending being hard-won through humility rather than magically resolved into a neatly packaged epilogue.

Overall then, ‘When We Move’ continues Tennessee Twin’s penchant for thoughtful storytelling, with Sarah Jory adding not so much a sprinkling of magic as being a well-chosen collaborator, helping to give this particular story the kind of realism that country music delivers so well.

Click here to find out how to listen.

Originally published on Belles & Gals on March 6th 2021.

Featured Image (C) Tennessee Twin

Lucy Blu – All This Time

The new single from Lucy Blu is not in the least bit downhearted even as its slow tempo, bluesy refrain may suggest otherwise. ‘All This Time’ is a reflection on a long-term relationship that both continues and plays with the lovesong tradition in country music. Throughout the song, Lucy acknowledges the potential for clichés and standard tropes even as she sets out to write her own. The irony is explicit but by no means does it undermine her own sentiment as she reflects honestly on the staying power of love. Patience, grace, and forgiveness all feature as central tenets in a relationship that remains eternally fresh – ‘I still fall every night for those sky-blue eyes’ – and enduringly strong – ‘I can call you mine even after all this time’. It harbours none of the pain or regret inherent in the two songs whose titles she weaves cleverly into the lyrics, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘Always on My Mind’. Instead, present within it is a deep commitment that helps overcome any clashes in personality, character and temperament which could so easily cause the relationship to turn sour. Some may find this soppy or oversentimental as a result but, in my opinion, ‘All This Time’ contains an image of the kind of love that society needs more of, particularly in these oft-divisive times.

You can listen to the single on Spotify here.

Originally published on Belles & Gals 27th January 2021.

Charlotte Young ft. Georgia Nevada – On the Loose

Here at Belles & Gals, we’ve been mightily impressed by the latest single from Charlotte Young ft. Georgia Nevada. These two female Brits have produced a fabulous crossover of traditional and modern country sounds to make ‘On the Loose’ a real earworm. The single begins with the crackling of an old-fashioned record player before bursting into life with some great, early rock ‘n’ roll instrumentation. Throw in some modern rock and a thick slice of honky-tonk and we have ourselves a record that is fun, catchy, and very sassy. The subversive lyrics add to the sassiness as they tell the story of the heartbreaker rather than the heartbroken – and a female heartbreaker at that! It is this kind of fresh perspective that gives ‘On the Loose’ that extra edge, making this a very successful collaboration between two of UK country music’s rising stars.

Click here to stream the single on Spotify.

Originally written for Belles & Gals on 19th February 2021.

Featured Image (C) Charlotte Young

Jodie Marie – The Answer

Muscle Shoals comes to Pembrokeshire as singer-songwriter Jodie Marie releases her latest genre-defying album The Answer.

Welsh singer-songwriter Jodie Marie is an artist who refuses to play by the music industry rules. Her latest album The Answer is an exemplary response to those who would wish to classify her sound under a single heading. For though there is a blues thread that runs soulfully through this 12-track collection, the genre-blending that goes on both within and between each song makes this a musical tapestry of the highest quality. It is rich with meaning, drawing on inspiration from the past and mixing it with a contemporary sound to create something that is both reminiscent yet highly original. The result is a sublime record that makes for a captivating listen.

The Answer opens with the smooth funk and soul of ‘You are my Life’. It is characteristic of much of the album insofar as it transports you back some fifty years whilst remaining firmly rooted in the present. ‘Ain’t No Doubt about It’ echoes this same feeling, with a gorgeous arrangement that soaks you in the sounds of Motown whilst being resonant of the music of people as eclectic as Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini and CeeLo Green. It demonstrates an altogether playful approach to music making as Jodie mixes and matches various flavours to compose songs that are replete with nods to the past. In doing so, she does not just pay homage to the music she grew up listening to but, on songs such as ‘A Whole Lot of Loving’, she breathes new life into these timeless sounds. Nowhere is this more evident than on ‘Don’t Go Telling Me (That It’s Over)’, a ludicrously enjoyable song that combines classic doo-wop with electric guitar blues to create an incredibly moreish track.

Even when she strips things back to produce moments of acoustic tenderness, Jodie’s sound remains impossible to clinically define. ‘Carageen’ washes over you like the gentle crashing of waves on a shore. Its central metaphor seems to represent a kind of spiritual grounding for Jodie: a place that centres her and from which her music, in all its eclectic glory, therapeutically flows. ‘Saving Grace’ offers up a beautifully intimate picture of love that requires deep listening. It is storytelling in the vein of a Nashville Songwriter’s Round yet one cannot claim it as pure country. Just as ‘Kiss These Tears Away’ cannot simply be a ballad of the blues. Instead, Jodie manages to weave enough elements into each track so as they become wonderfully ambiguous. This is most true in the title track. ‘The Answer’ contains hints of modern country, ‘60s rock, and Welsh electro-pop, undercut with a blues vibe and layered with pure soul. The result is a raw and rousing sound of real emotion and depth.

‘Hanging by a String’ is like an audio illustration of the kind of building blocks that go into making Jodie Marie’s overall sound. From its humble intro, Jodie stacks brick upon brick of musical instrumentation to construct a track that is perfectly-formed and insulated with solid soul. ‘This House’ is built on the blues and is kitted out with the best of classic rock. Such rock is infused with pop to create a catchy refrain on ‘Curse the Day’ that sparks with electricity. The Answer is brought to life by such commingling of genres which, one cannot help but feel, reflects the beating heart of Jodie herself. This is what makes the album so special. She has not compromised or standardised on anything. Instead, she has made a record that is truly her. And that authenticity shines through. Jodie Marie is a champion of artistic vision over and above what the industry demands. The Answer is the answer to anyone who thinks otherwise.

Click here to listen to the album on Spotify.

To find out more about Jodie Marie and/or purchase the album, visit her website here.

Originally published on Get the Chance on 12th February 2021.

Featured Image (C) Jodie Marie

An Interview with Jodie Marie

Throughout the past week, BBC Horizons have been touring the nation, stopping off at some of Wales’ most treasured independent music venues to bring us a series of live sessions from some of the country’s top, upcoming musicians. From the mountain top venue of Neuadd Ogwen in Bethesda, to the Queen’s Hall in Narberth on the west coast, to the inner city hub of Le Pub in Newport, across seven days we have seen and heard the crucial role that Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs) play both in their local communities and in fostering the next generation of musical talent.

Artists who have performed across the week have included emerging artists from a wide range of genres: from hip-hop artist Mace the Great to rock band Those Damn Crows; stripped-back sessions from Ifan Pritchard and Rona Mac; and alt-pop from female duo Body Water and solo artist Malan. You can check out all the sessions here.

Here at Get the Chance, we caught up with singer-songwriter Jodie Marie, another of the artists who performed as part of this special project in association with Independent Venues Week. She chatted to us about the importance of the Queen’s Hall both as a music venue and community hub, the vital role that Horizons and BBC Radio Wales play in supporting home-grown talent, and the artists that have influenced her unique sound. She also reveals what we can expect from her upcoming new album, as well as what she’s been up to in lockdown.

To find out more about Jodie Marie and/or to pre-order her new album The Answer, released February 12th, click here.

To check out the full week of sessions, visit the Horizons website, or follow them on social media, where the team would love to hear your stories and experiences of GMVs, especially those in Wales.

The ‘Tour of Wales’ has been supported by Creative Wales and BBC Introducing, and is championed by the likes of BBC Radio Wales’ Adam Walton and Bethan Elfyn.

Originally published on Get the Chance on 1st February 2021.

Megan O’Neill – Time in a Bottle

If ‘Time in a Bottle’ is anything to go by, then the new album from Megan O’Neill will be something to savour. The Irish singer-songwriter has just released a cover of Jim Croce’s timeless classic to wet our appetites for ‘Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty’, the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2018’s ‘Ghost of You’, due in March. And whilst Croce’s original is a whimsical walk through the sun-drenched ranch of his family home, the haunting piano and pure vocal performance on O’Neill’s version makes this an altogether different kind of journey. It is the perfect backdrop to the kind of stories told in the John Lewis Christmas advert: bleakly heart-warming stuff that grabs the attention and soothes the soul. Megan digs deep into the lyrics, and draws out a sadness in the lines “There never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them” that is easily missed by Croce’s faster pace. As such, it has the potential to stir up a whole range of emotions, calling the listener to reflect on the precious time we have with those we hold most dear. And the meditative atmosphere that O’Neill and her collaborator Mark Caplice create makes it easy for us to do just that. ‘Time in a Bottle’ is a first-class production. An utterly transfixing, boldly cinematic sound.

You can listen to the single on Spotify here.

Originally published on Belles & Gals on 31st January 2021.