Rhys Lewis - Waking Up Without You

Stream Waking Up Without You here (Soundcloud)

It is always exciting discovering a new artist, but when they are the calibre of singer-songwriter Rhys Lewis the thrill is all the more exquisite. In a world dominated by cookie cutter EDM beats and trend chasing rhythms, Lewis favours talent over technology and, on his debut single Waking Up Without You, eschews fads that will fade to craft a timeless classic. The song is not only fueled by the authentic instrumental that cocoons Rhys' performance in a swirling backdrop of emotion; it is also powered by the passion in his soulful voice. Surrounded by the evocative ghostly images of still vivid memories, Rhys imbues his singing with an aching yearning that brings nuanced insight into his exploration of a relationship gone wrong. The raw sentiments will be all too familiar to anyone who has gone through something similar. His angst and energy as he sings the stunning chorus show that he sings this not because it makes everything better; rather he sings because it is too painful to keep inside. This honesty in how he approaches the song gives it a melancholy poignance. It also gives the listener a slither of hope - he keeps singing and Rhys will find his own way to ease the pain. A masterclass in how to create lingering melodies and poetic words that resonate long after the song has finished. Now that you've heard it, waking up without this song in your life is unimaginable.