Weekend Supplement ~ 15th January 2011: Self Made Men (& The Music That Drives Them)

I was listening to some new music this weekend and it struck me that all the songs were by artists who has eschewed the current music business model (for whatever reason) and managed to produce music that marches to the beat of their own drum (so to speak). In doing so, I'm amazed on what they achieve on a probably limited budget, constantly stunned by the high quality of the tunes released & glad that they have enough of a following to make it all worthwhile. That's not to say that they have enough people purchasing their songs - far from it. So here are updates & the latest tunes from some of my fave self made musicians...

Luke Leighfield ~ One Thing: Another week, another Luke Leighfield song. While I'm still more than smitten with Garde Te Foy, this new track serves as the first single proper from his forthcoming album New Season. It may have the same title as the new One Direction single, but the similarities end there. It may not have been purposely written as a track to listen to in the new year when a person is naturally reminiscent and reflective, but it works well in that context. Part of the lyrical content of the song deals with the things in the world that seem to continue to spiral out of control (despite all the reasons they should be under control, e.g. famine, etc) while linking that to that one person in your life that is your constant, your love, your soul mate. The one person who helps you cope with the day to day rigours of every day life. It's all set to a crashing backdrop of gorgeous piano, gentle harmonies, layered guitars and a stirring chorus that sends your soul soaring. Bring on that brilliant chanted rousing finale because it's genuinely showstopping and awe-inspiring. Essential music for any time of the year...(and even more amazingly, the only way to buy this song is to order a nice mug, a fairtrade tea bag & the receive a download code. IMMENSE!)

Dave Patten ~ Just For Me: I don't really know when Dave Patten sleeps. He writes, sings, produces and does all the videos for all his music, in addition to having produced 7 albums in about 5 years and do some great collaborations with other artists. 2012 sees Dave preparing for a new album entitled Gone and this is the first single from that upcoming opus. Seeing as Dave's last video saw him being bound, gagged and witnessing a murder, this is a far more joyous, celebratory, optimistic affair that dazzles & entertains from the first note. It's set over jangly guitars, a groove laden beat, stacatto horn blasts and an engaging vocal from Dave that sees him switch between soulful singing & rapidfire lyric delivery. A sweetly delivered, stripped back middle 8 really allows the song to breathe before it fires back for another round of exuberant singalong chorus. It's encapsulated the sound of spring and it's impossible not to feel good while listening to this. Brilliant way to launch the new album - can't wait to hear it. (Oh and apparently a video for this song should be with us soon!) Now grab the one you love and shimmy...

Escort Knights ~ Heartstrings: The last time I saw Escort Knights they were busy space hopping around Leeds in one of 2011's most entertaining videos. They are now back with a brand new single Heartstrings, which is an absolute corker of a track and guaranteed to demolish those wintry blues that may be lingering after the holiday period. One of the best bands I know for fusing together indie-cool with dancefloor beats, Heartstrings is no exception and is a blistering assault on the senses. Amidst the swirling and somewhat hypnotic Daft Punk-esque synths, there is an insistent (and persistent) beat, combined with some gorgeous 90s house-piano chords and intoxicating sound effects. Add to this distinctive vocals and a chorus that worms it's way into your synapses and refuses to leave and you've got an audio thrill from start to finish. As if this wasn't enough, they've only gone and put a dance cover of Seal's Kiss For A Rose on the flip side. It completely reinvents the song as a rave-esque anthem and completely works. It's all out on valentine's day, so mark your calendars because trust me - you won't want to miss out on this!

Top 21 songs of the week:

21 ~ Shona White & Daniel Boys, As Long As You're Mine
20 ~ The Feeling, Leave Me Out Of It
19 ~ Eric Saade, Hotter Than Fire
18 ~ Leona Lewis, Hurt
17 ~ Neo, Fighting The Dark (NE)
16 ~ Darren Hayes, Black Out The Sun
15 ~ Kelly Clarkson, Stronger
14 ~ One Direction, One Thing
13 ~ Scissor Sisters, Shady Love (NE)
12 ~ Little Mix, Cannonball
11 ~ JLS, Do You Feel What I Feel?
10 ~ Olly Murs, Dance With Me Tonight
09 ~ Le Kid, Human Behaviour (NE)
08 ~ Jason Mraz, I Won't Give Up
07 ~ The Overtones, Say What I Feel
06 ~ Simon Curtis, How To Start A War
05 ~ Auryn, Favourite Guy
04 ~ Madonna, Masterpiece
03 ~ Nicola Roberts, Yo Yo (Video)
02 ~ Little Jackie, 31 Flavours
01 ~ fun, We Are YOung (2 Weeks)