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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!’.

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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.

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

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Artist Spotlight

“All in Time” by Olivia Reid stirs a serenade and lullaby for the soul

Olivia Reid

There’s something magical about how Olivia Reid uniquely creates an intimate yet expansive song that captures the quiet poetry inherent in everyday life. Her beautiful newest winter single, “All in Time,” paints a sonorous landscape as tranquil as fresh snowfall, inviting listeners into a winter’s dreamscape where the rhythmic warmth melts the chill. The composition reflects the natural cycles of existence, encompassing both seasons of movement and stillness while encouraging audiences to embrace both states without resistance.

All in Time” establishes an intentional, meditative pace from the initial pluck of the light acoustic guitar. Each crunching step feels grounding and ethereal, like a slow walk through frost-covered trees. Reid’s voice, delicate yet brimming with emotion, glides effortlessly over the instrumentals, evoking the reflective indie-folk spirit of Maggie Rogers’ Alaska and the hushed intimacy of Norah Jones. There’s wisdom in her delivery and an understanding that not every moment needs to be rushed, but certain seasons call for rest just as much as they are periods of activity.

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The production, meticulously co-crafted in collaboration with indie luminary Tim Atlas, is distinguished by its clarity and crispness, reminiscent of winter air. It is subtly layered to foster an environment conducive to peaceful reflection, with mixing completed by Daniel Neiman and mastering executed by Grammy award-winner Jett Galindo. Amara Jaeger’s expertise in vocal engineering ensures Reid’s voice remains the heart of the song: pure, emotive, and comforting.

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As the song progresses into its heartfelt crescendo, “All in Time” emerges as a profound source of reassurance. In an era that demands constant acceleration, Olivia Reid underscores the significance of cyclical dormancy, highlighting the necessity of periods where moving slowly and rest are not only permissible but essential. Winter should not be conceptualized solely as an endpoint; instead, it serves as a vital interlude that precedes rejuvenation. Ultimately, “All in Time” is a winter lullaby for the restless spirit, offering a nuanced analysis of key themes such as patience, healing, and the understated yet transformative power of simply existing.

 

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For more information about Olivia Reid, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Olivia Reid’s All in Time on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Olivia Reid | Instagram

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Artist Spotlight

Nate Vickers unveils an electrifying soul-stirring rock brilliance with his debut EP “A Little Too Late”

Nate Vickers

Houston-born singer-songwriter Nate Vickers established himself as a compelling force in the rock genre, setting the airwaves ablaze with his debut EP, “A Little Too Late.” This seven-track sonic odyssey presents a nuanced exploration of emotional landscapes characterized by striking melodies, masterful storytelling, and a polished sonic aesthetic rooted in rock tradition. Inspired by the unrestrained energy of iconic bands such as Linkin Park, Seether, and Nirvana, Vickers crafts an evocative soundscape that fuses classic rock sensibilities with contemporary influences, resulting in a listening experience that feels both nostalgically timeless and refreshingly innovative.

Opening with the title track, A Little Too Late,” Vickers immediately sets the sonic bar for the EP. This powerful, euphoric anthem enriched with poetic melody is distinguished by soaring vocal harmonies and dynamic instrumentation, providing an unforgettable introduction to his artistry.

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The intensity further escalates with I’d Rather D*e,” written by Nate Vickers, Robby Joyner, Philip Strand, and Emelie Eriksson, a soul-bearing track that shimmers with a strikingly introspective ballad imbued with therapeutic warmth. Vickers’s emotive delivery underscores poignant lyricism, and the expressive sound invites listeners on a transformative exploration of resilience and self-discovery. Over & Over introduces a shift in energy through its rock-driven dynamics, emphasizing the unrelenting cyclical nature of life’s vigor. The gripping melodies and emotionally charged performances render it a keystone moment on the EP.

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Vickers further exhibits a vulnerable yet bold turn with I’m Fine,” an introspective rock ballad featuring hypnotic beats and rhythmic guitar work. The track’s uplifting energy and emotionally driven lyrics exemplify his ability to fuse deep meaning with compelling soundscapes. The emotional gravitas persists in Bury Me,” a hauntingly evocative piece with a substantial sonic imprint. Subsequently, the EP strips things back with “Over & Over—Acoustic,” transitioning into an acoustic rendition that allows Vickers to demonstrate his capacity to transform his sound into an intimate, heart-tugging auditory experience.

Concluding with “Bury Me—Acoustic,” Vickers delivers an indelible impression to listeners through his subtly trembling voice. The track, produced, mixed, and mastered by Robby Joyner, features an acoustic instrumental version that accentuates the song’s haunting sensibilities, culminating in a profound emotional resonance.

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A Little Too Late” is a striking testament to Nate Vickers’s artistic vision and commitment to advancing rock music’s boundaries while respecting its core roots. Through meticulous production, intricate instrumentals collide, and emotionally resonant vocals, this EP represents essential listening for connoisseurs of the rock genre and those who appreciate introspective music alike. As Vickers carves out his niche in the revitalizing rock landscape, he emerges as a notable artist poised to significantly impact the genre’s future.

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For more information about Nate Vickers, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Nate Vickers’s EPA Little Too Late on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Nate Vickers | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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