Heralding the imminent release of their new album ‘Become What You Are’, SWND is pleased and proud to announce the release by MADCAP Global SWND Music of a triple hit of The Daisycutters’ backcatalogue. Darlings our partner label, MADCAP Global Music, the ‘cutters come straight from the surf and sand of the sunny Gold Coast. Aussie indie darlings and Triple J Unearthed winners, The Daisycutters, sometimes considered one of the most underrated Australian bands of the ‘90s, quickly solidified a loyal following, due in no small amount to their feverish brand of pop-rock spliced with punk attitude and unforgettable lyrics. Still a formidable live act today, their performances became synonymous with organised chaos as crowds swelled and bellowed along to hit favourites such as ‘Sick Day’ and ‘Kiss Me Stupid’. Fronted by vocalist, guitarist and prolific singer-songwriter, Cameron Wilson, The Daisycutters cut a swathe through mundane suburban pop of the day, offering up heartfelt stories that resonate deeply with their adoring fans. To this day, the Daisycutters remain some of the finest noise to come out of the Australian indie rock scene. The simultaneous release via SWND features three fantastic Daisycutters albums, ‘Awake Among the Sleepers’, ‘Come Sweet Bullets’, and ‘Lines and Sinkers: The E.P. Years’, the latter compiling the band’s fledgling E.P.’s.
‘You Shine Bright’, is a self-released EP from Bettie J Williams, released on 26th February 2022, available on all streaming platforms now to listen/download. Passionate about people, humanity and truth, Bettie is a Singer-Songwriter from Cardiff, Wales. Ever amazed by the power of storytelling and the ability of words (in both a pure and embellished musical form) to empower, emphasize, and enrich, she notes the power of music to unite when words fail, to spark solidarity when it doesn’t seem possible and, always promote hope. Everybody has a story and music often tells a story when words fail or when we are not yet sure where to start. Having performed in various settings (and countries) big and small- from St David’s Hall Cardiff, Festivals, Outreach events in Harare, Zimbabwe and, once upon a time, busked in Nashville, Bettie has been writing and playing live gigs with her acoustic guitar and bowler hat and performing in bands since her early teens. An accomplished songwriter, now in her twenties, Bettie has crafted a unique ability to arrange words that document, inspire and encourage reflection. She has a profound way of telling a story and her personable approach means audiences feel her warmth as she captivates any room with ease. Placing a strong emphasis on connection and collaboration, Bettie doesn’t see her music or sound as something ‘static’ but ever-changing and ever-absorbing new influences and inspiration and sees much beauty in the process. Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettiejwilliamsofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettiejwilliams/ Website: www.bettiejwilliams.com Email: contact@bettiejwilliams.com
Having established himself as one of the most exciting new prog rock artists following the release of the 5 track debut EP ‘Ronin’, Indian-American heavy progressive-rock solo artist Saahil Bhargava is back once again with the new single ‘Blood-Starved Beast’. Produced alongside Eric Emery with additional production from Keshav Dhar (both of renowned progressive metal band Skyharbor), the new single once again showcases Saahil’s ability to create explosive cinematic rock soundscapes as well as his talent as a songwriter and performer. Opening with an eerie, reverb tinted piano riff, Blood-Starved Beast quickly sets the scene for the haunting metal tinted progressive rock track which is about to ensue. Bursting to life with thick layers of heavily distorted guitars, punching drums and driving bass, Saahil’s charismatic, pinpoint vocal delivery soon enters, taking centre stage before introducing the infectious earworm chorus. The single is both a demonstration of Saahil’s ability as a musician as well as his ability to tell stories through his music. An avid gamer, the track thematically revolves around what it’s like to be a gamer: the trials and tribulations of being stuck on a level and using this to compare to real life experiences. Using this synopsis, Saahil has created a track that is theatrical, catchy and striking in performance and production akin to the likes of Dream Theater. Speaking about the single Saahil said: “My latest song, “Blood-Starved Beast,” embraces my gamer side. Inspired by the horror game Bloodborne, Blood-Starved Beast is about the obsession and drive that gamers experience, with the thrill of the battle only beaten by the crushing anger of defeat. The music and lyrics of this song explore the “horror” elements of the dark nightmarish environment, as the main protagonist struggles to fight his way through a never-ending loop, much like a gamer stuck on a level. Blood-Starved Beast has been brewing for a long time, so I’m excited to finally release it. And I’m even more excited to see how gamers respond to a song that should be extremely relatable, in both nostalgic and sigh-inducing ways. Raise a glass to all the broken controllers, cracked TVs and tears shed over games like Bloodborne.” Having received widespread acclaim for his debut five track EP from the likes of Rolling Stone India, Telegraph India, Indian Express, GQ India and many others, Saahil Bhargava has built a growing fanbase including among the gaming community after being championed by a number of gaming influencers. With appearances on the likes of the Mike Wagner show (KFYR AM 550, KFYR.COM, 99.7 FM and iHeart Radio) and two award nominations alongside the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and Paul McCartney at the prestigious Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival, his career has already shown immense promise as Saahil prepares to release yet more new music. The new single ‘Blood-Starved Beast’ is release February 4th via The Orchard.
Led by the enigmatic Rev Rabb, the genre-breaking Revolution Rabbit Deluxe are a three-piece alternative rock band with punky overtones. Revolution Rabbit Deluxe (RRD) began as a solo project but soon evolved into a working band based around Blackwood, in the heart of the South Wales valleys. Their brand of melody driven innovative indie / alt rock has gathered excellent reviews, along with regular airplay. They’ve recently been played on the BBC and are poised to conquer mainstream radio. In January 2021, RRD were named the runner up in Brecon Indie Reviews ‘Band of the Year’ category saying, “these dudes have masterful talent; are wonderfully bizarre and have no imagination ceiling.” At the end of 2021, RRD signed to SWND Records. Revolution Rabbit Deluxe consists of Rev Rabb who plays guitars and sings lead vocals. Ben Davies who plays bass and sings with the help of large amounts of black coffee. Dave H plays trains and drives drums, but he can’t remember which way around it is. Rev Rabb on Resolving in E “Resolving in E examines the obstacles and sacrifices made by the struggling independent artist. The relationships and time that they give up for music writing and all for the potential futility of a few listeners. It is a rather personal song because I’ve long considered myself a fool and a failure to find an audience but, despite that, the song ends optimistically, “I’m still sending code into the dark sky,” because one day a response will come. “The song began as a simple riff built around the unusual combining of the major chords of A-C-E. The high strike-off octave notes came later in the process and, to me, represent radar pings echoing ever outward from composer to listener. The single is the first release from Revolution Rabbit Deluxe’s fourth album, ‘The Great Divide’, and represents a whole new change in direction: more mature; more thoughtful; and more reflective. We hope Resolving in E inspires even just one artist to keep plodding on.”
HEAVY is to be the first release from a forthcoming album from virtuoso guitarist JON SUDBURY, perhaps best known from years playing lead guitar for Stacie Collins and the Al Mighty 3. Jon has signed to SWND Records to release his debut album with big tour plans for 2022. Jon has written, played, and sung almost everything on this album, except for a few surprise appearances from local talent and a couple from rather further afield. For live performances the band will also feature Steve Mackrill on drums, Ben Govier on bass and David Bryan on extra vocals. All are career musicians, know their talents and know exactly what to do with them. To the tune in question then, ‘Heavy’ is a soul infused, weighty number with a heavy blues kick to it, and right from the into you can’t help but immerse yourself in its lazy, sexy depths. Hard, precision drums introduce us to a languid blues riff, comfortably cool, along with soulful and compelling vocals with just enough of a touch of grit. Extra colour is added by one of the guest appearances, Joe Orban, on Hammond organ, one of the vintage building blocks of so much of the best rock and blues. Since Jon is a guitarist by trade, it’s a given that this track includes a couple of killer guitar solos. Jon’s playing creates a song of its own, technical skill evident in his passion for his craft. Clean definition in the tone, soaring dynamics and an effortless vibe, he makes every note pop. It’s a true joy to listen to.
SWND Records is proud to announce the release of acoustic folk, smart-pop collective 3 Bucket Jones’ fifth album ‘Catch My Breath’. 3 Bucket Jones is a songwriting collective centred around the musical talents of Gitika Partington and Andy McCrorie-Shand.‘ Catch My Breath’ started evolving at the beginning of 2019. It has taken some time to come to fruition as life took a turn for the sad and unusual. The new album has been written and recorded remotely by Andy and Gitika and produced by Gitika. It is a mixture of melancholic, thoughtful, nostalgic pieces including a new reimagining of ‘Love My Way’ by the Psychedelic Furs produced by Matt Glaseby. The vocoder lurks in many a track under layers of Gitika’s vocals (how can anyone hate the vocoder?) and the album features a generous helping of Andy’s beautiful lyrical piano. It has been mixed virtually by some incredible mixing and mastering engineers – Matt Glasbey https://www.mattglasbey.com/ Lukas Drinkwater https://www.lukasdrinkwater.com/ Katie Tavini https://www.katietavini.co.uk/
Formed during the Covid lockdowns by bored teenagers, Zac and The New Men have taken the Swansea (UK) music scene by storm since their first gig in July 2021. Released on 4th February ‘Deeper’ is the 4th single from the band and is already receiving critical acclaim. With blueslaidened riffs and a vocal performance reminiscent of the greats that have come before them this track showcases talent beyond their years and is sure to be a hit with festival audiences. ‘Deeper was written as a commentary on society today, about being judged by outward appearances and expressing anger at feeling held back by others perceptions of who you are. The song empowers and encourages you to get on, keep moving forwards to achieve your goals. Don’t be put off by others, do it for yourself, aim high and you will succeed.
Written, recorded and produced by 17-year-olds there’s a rawness and energy that’s relevant to young people today. The whole song was recorded “off the floor” giving it a great dynamic feel with changes of tempo adding punch and huge guitar riffs providing the energy to push you onwards.
SWND Records is pleased and proud to announce the label debut of its first American signing, The BuGs, formed in 2012, are based out of Salem, Massachusetts, and have in their nearly ten years active established a strong presence, with extensive radio support for their albums.
Members include brothers Mark Anthony Celani (vocals, piano, drums, guitar) Barry Celani (bass) and life-long friend Paul Susi (lead, rhythm guitars). They’re debut record “The BuGs” was released in 2013. After numerous shows around the Northeast, the band hit a bump with the exit of original drummer Jonathan Karas. The band took the opportunity to work on side projects and studio session work with various artists.
The BuGs re-emerged with M.A.C behind the drum kit and produced the album “Taste of White” released in 2021. The record features the singles “Anything Goes” and “One So Sweet” both of which can be heard on various radio stations across the globe.
From Hard Rock to Pop with notes of R&B and hints of World Music, The BuGs are extremely versatile and cast a huge net to catch listeners.
The Crawling Eye is the side project of Ten No.6 guitarist and songwriter Matthew Witherstone. Matthew was a member of 90’s indie band Interzone who recorded the EP ‘Stay A While’ for Double Dragon Records. After this band folded, he took a long break from music before forming Ten No.6 in 2018. During rehearsals for this band, it became apparent that he had several songs that weren’t particularly suited to that project, so decided to record them with various collaborators. Out of these sessions the ideas for ‘Wax Lyrical’ were formed. Not wanting to particularly conform to any genre (although undoubtedly influenced by 60s, 70s, and 80s singer songwriter, guitar bands, folk rock, and punk) the basic concept was to write and develop anything that felt genuine, drawing on varied influences and recounting real experiences. The line-up for this project consists of Simon Thomas on vocals, Matthew Witherstone giving guitars, bass, harmonica, melodica and backing vocals, with drums and keyboards provided by producer Frank Naughton, and Sean Davies on board to provide extra bass and backing vocals. The album was recorded in Ty Drwg studios, Grangetown, UK. Produced and mixed by Frank Naughton.
Award winning singer/songwriter Barrie Dempsey plays more than just electric and acoustic guitar. His musical talents also include flute, harmonica, piano, lead and harmony vocals. Barrie grew up in New Jersey. After high school he enrolled in School of Visual Arts, New York City to study fine art. Actively pursuing music through high school and art school, he was lead singer, harmonica and flute player in many rock and blues style bands. Big songwriting influences were John Prine, J.J. Cale, Jackson Browne and James Taylor among others. Barrie learned to play blues harmonica listening and playing along with John Lee Hooker and John Mayall records for hours on end. Barrie Dempsey eventually moved to California and was a member of the Amber Band. Working with songwriter Eddie Cunningham, they did covers and originals and recorded a documentary of the band with all original works for San Diego State University-PBS that won an award in 1980. Amber Band was the house band at the Bull and Bear in ElCajon, Ca. for more than a year with a strong following. In 2005 Barrie started writing his own songs. Currently Barrie has put together a collection of originals on his EP’s titled “Barrie Dempsey” and “Line In The Sand”, which has been awarded Best Album Folk/Singer-Songwriter at The Akademia. Produced by Track Star Studios in La Mesa, CA. In 2017 he won the Bose Sound Professional & Music Connection Magazine, Best of Las Vegas: Solo Artist”. In Fall of 2021 he released two new EP’s “When We Were Young” and “Kiss Me For Christmas”. He is currently working on his next CD.
