Artist Spotlight

SAM FREEMAN ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE ‘AMSTERDAM’

Swansea-based singer-songwriter Sam Freeman is delighted to announce a brand-new single “Amsterdam”. Amsterdam is a chilled, mellow acoustic pop ballad written by Sam during the first Coronavirus lockdown in 2020. It captures that feeling of longing to leave behind a normal life and start a new adventure in a new city with that special someone. The track’s autumnal vibes and mellow feel lend themselves beautifully to any chilled acoustic pop playlist. In the song, there are references to many of Amsterdam’s most famous features such as the iconic bridges and canals which make the city so iconic.

Sam elaborates more by telling us “When I visited Amsterdam in October 2019, I just knew I would eventually write a song about the city. The architecture, boats, bridges, and canals are just perfect on an autumn day. Paris and Rome are known as the cities of love, but I can’t think of a better place to fall in love than Amsterdam…

My new single is all about being brave enough to ditch the day-to-day routine of normal life, grab that special someone, pack your bags and fly away to Amsterdam to start over again. Something which most of us will never do, but that everyone dreams of at one time or another.

He adds “I wrote this song almost a year ago during the Coronavirus lockdown. My trip to Amsterdam was my last holiday abroad and during a time where no travel was permitted, the process of writing this track allowed me to return, at least in spirit, to one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. I really hope it can take listeners on a similar sort of journey.”

Sam released the demo version of his first single, Eden, in January 2020 and later released the studio version in June 2021. Described by Andrew Locke- Scobie (Head of Music at Xpress Radio) as ‘Beautifully put together and ‘Striking a chord with so many different emotions, the demo version of Eden has amassed almost 18,000 streams on Spotify alone.

Upon hearing Eden for the first time, BBC Radio 1’s Sam MacGregor said he was ‘excited to hear more of Sam’s music, and this came in the form of his second single Rose, released in August 2021. This track epitomized Sam’s story-centered approach to songwriting, taking listeners on an emotional rollercoaster whilst following the relationship of a couple from the beginning until the very end.

Sam is immensely proud of his roots in South Wales and is a regular on the weekend gigging circuit in Neath and Swansea, playing bars, clubs, and private functions. In the past few years, he has supported Midlands-based singer-songwriter Alice Meixner and recently supported up-and-coming indie-funk band King Cerulean in their sell-out show at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach. Outside of music, Sam manages and presents his own football-based podcast, ‘Send Him Off!’.

Sam has interviewed several high-profile guests on the show, notably actor, producer, and TalkSport host Jonny Owen and S4C football reporter Sioned Dafydd. He is a passionate Swansea City supporter and regularly attends matches at the Swansea.com stadium.

Passionate about local grassroots music and always keen to lend a helping hand, Sam was social secretary and later welfare officer of the Live Music Society whilst studying law at Cardiff University. He took part in several fundraising gigs for the charity Mind Cymru and performed at sell-out gigs at notable Cardiff venues such as Ten Feet Tall, Porters, The Moon, and Gassy Jack’s.

What do you think about this song? Drop a comment below…

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Artist Spotlight

Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”

The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.

Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.

The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.

Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.

Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.

For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Chandra | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice

There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.

The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.

Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.

Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.

For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s “An Invite“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Carmen Braden | Instagram | Facebook |