If It's Too Loud...

Upon listening to the latest single from Rianne Downey, the last two things you'll guess are that she's from Glasgow and she's only twenty-two years old. "Devil's Gonna Get You" is pure Americana. It's a glorious mix of old fashioned country and soul with just enough of a modern twist to not be old timey. And then there's Downey's voice. It might not have that world weary sound we associate with classic artists, but she also doesn't sound as young as she is. This is the textbook sound of "honey-voiced," and she has that kind of voice that reveals someone that's lived a life. Not that "Devil's Gonna Get You" is a downbeat song. It's refreshingly upbeat and quite fun sounding. Rianne Downey is going to be an artist we'll be watching closely from here on out. Rianne Downey says of her new single: “The song was born out of a hangover for the ages! It’s a song about over indulgence and facing the consequences of y...

Glasgow's Rianne Downey has one of the most unique styles you've heard in a long time. Her latest single, "Do or Die," is a straight out pop song. It may sound more like the more organic indie pop/folkish sound that Taylor Swift has been dabbling in of late, but there's no denying that it's pop. But her voice is what sets it apart. She has the voice of a classic country crooner, as if Dolly Parton or Patsy Cline was singing a 50's torch song. It's a gorgeous combination that elevates the song to a level that even anti-pop snobs (aka: Me) aren't going to be able to deny loving. And not secretly loving, either.  Rianne Downey says of the new song: “Why wait for tomorrow? There’s been times when I have really wanted to do this, but not wanted to fail. At the end of the day, there’s no option but to. ‘Do Or Die’ is about getting to the point of trying. Now is always the right time.” You can watch the video for "Do or Die" below. The single is...

Photo via Maximillian Kinghorn-Mills When you hear the latest from Holly Macve, the last place you're going to assume she's from is Brighton, England. "Daddy's Gone" sounds like a modern take on American country and Americana. It sounds like the kind of song you'd hear from Lucinda Williams or Margo Price, not like anything out of England. Even English country doesn't sound as American country as "Daddy's Gone" does. The real appeal of "Daddy's Gone" is Macve's voice. She has just this ever so slight twang to it, and it just drags you in like a tractor beam. It's impossible to resist it, so just let it wash over you and draw you in. Not that you'd want to resist. The track blends alt-country with soul and early R&B in this way that's warm and comfortably familiar, but in a way you haven't quite heard before. Holly Macve explains the new song: "It was a few years back when I was on tour in Austin, Tex...

Photo by Maximillian Kinghorn-Mills "Be My Friend," the latest song from Brighton based Holly Macve, crams in so many musical styles that it should be a complete disaster. But her now song is simply gorgeous, with each style gracefully complementing the next. The first thing you're going to notice is a country/Americana twang to the guitar. As Macve starts singing, you get a huge 60's girl group vibe. Somehow those two sounds merge together, in a way that with some slight morphs to the guitars, it brings out a shoegaze/dream pop sound that will remind you of Mazzy Star. "Be My Friend" should be a trainwreck, but Holly Macve pulls off a brilliant song masterfully. You can watch the video for "Be My Friend" below. Not the Girl will be out April 16 on Modern Sky. You can pre-order a copy here . For more on Holly Macve, check out her website .