Tag: singer-songwriter

LOMENS

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInArtist InterviewsPosted onOn

What is your songwriting process?

We try to make this process as organic as possible, as we know we all have our own distinct individual styles that we like to nurture as much as we can, so that it shines through in each song and gives us a sound that is hopefully distinctly ‘Lomens’.

Generally speaking, one of us comes to rehearsal with a very loose idea, whether that be a vocal melody, a guitar riff, a chord progression on the synth or even just a groove with drums and bass

We then most of the time sit on that idea and jam it together as a band and see where it takes us. Sometimes it naturally forms itself into a song very quickly. Unplug the Earth was like this, for example! Sometimes we can spend weeks/months exploring lots of possibilities and really refine each section as much as we can.

The main thing is just trying to keep things as organic and fun as possible!

Who is your biggest influence?
Now this is always a tough one as we’re all pretty nerdy with music, ha! What we get compared to isn’t necessarily what we listen to, and we all listen to quite an eclectic mix of music!

Vocally, Chris (lead vocals) takes a lot of inspiration from bands like Everything, Everything and Kid Kapichi. Some of us are pretty big fans of Radiohead, and there’s some Muse thrown in there too, a little bit of Prog as well, Porcupine Tree, TOOL, Leprous, The Mars Volta, Deftones.

Jordan (Drums) tends to have a raw attitude towards the drums, where he can, early Nirvana and The Melvins spring to mind, but again, the eclectic taste comes into play, and there’s also some Latin and Samba influences, especially coming from Tom! (Synths & Percussion)

These are just some influences that spring to mind, but as we’re all just massive music fans in general, it tends to make for some interesting jams and songwriting; we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Do you have any pre-gig rituals?
We tend to try to run the set in our studio on the day, get ourselves nicely warmed up, a couple of pints and seeking out some cool food doesn’t go amiss! 

What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?
This is a difficult one; we’ve not played that many yet in the grand scheme of things, as we’ve only been active just over a year. There have been 16 gigs in that time, and we’ve played 3 headliners in that time (Parish, Huddersfield), Oporto, Leeds, Grass Fed 1 at Picturedrome, Holmfirth), so it would have to be one of those; they’ve all been equally fun and with some great supports! 

What’s next for you guys?
Write. Write. Write. We only have 4 singles out, and we just need to get more music out there! We’ll still be playing some shows in between, but the focus is definitely on increasing our repertoire and output. Expect an EP after our next single. We also have a Headline show at the new Parish space, Amped! on Mad Friday (December 19th) with support from Pageant Mum and Slipped Disco, that will be a big end-of-year party and a great way to see the year out! 

How would you describe your new single, ‘Kinetic Currency’?
Big! Our most out there song to date.

It’s got a punky edge to it with some proggy elements interspersed throughout. Also, a screamer of a riff at the end! We’ve recently been able to get our bassist, Josh, onto guitar as we’ve welcomed a new member on bass (Andrew Parkinson), so we’re now a 6-piece dual guitar assault on stage! 

Kinetic Currency is an observational anthem told through the lens of a working-class person in Britain in 2025. Through some vivid lyrics and striking imagery, the song captures the struggle to rise above the noise of modern life’s complexities, seeking simplicity whilst desperately trying to avoid unnecessary confrontation and stress.

We’ve kept it politically neutral, presenting observations without aligning with any cause. It’s simply what we see on a day-to-day basis, whilst most people are skint yet forever being bombarded with grandiose political movements and news cycles, whilst simultaneously struggling with the normality of everyday life. It’s not a commentary; it’s an observational piece about the everyday rat race of Modern Britain. We invite people to find their own meaning and use their own lens to establish their relationship with the song.

LOMENS is for everyone. 

Kinetic Currency, is out now on Spotify >>  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lomens/kinetic-currency/

You can find out more about Lomans via their linktree: https://linktr.ee/lomens

Rohith Sakthy – HASRAT

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Rohith Sakthy is an award winning classically trained singer, composer and sound engineer. The latter is made evident within his new song “Hasrat” which explores themes of unrequited desire and deep longing for something more. Sakathy’s music is primarily shaped by curiosity, collaboration, passion and a drive to bring Indian music to a global stage. The use of complex chord progressions in “Hasrat” generate a sense of free movement throughout the song, meanwhile classical Indian gamaka’s ground the music in its distinctive cultural heritage. Because the song isn’t reliant upon static notes/chords, it’s independent and intricate as we’re pulled along by Sakathy’s vocals which acts as its own instrument. Rohith Sakthy is successful in his ambition to create art which resonates across cultures. He produced this track for Manasamitra and “Hasrat” received a special Jury award at the Tune into Nature Awards organised by Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/rohith_sakthy

Fishing 4 Compliments  – Hard To Please

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

‘Hard to Please’ is the latest single from long-standing indie-folk-pop band Fishing 4 Compliments. The song’s intro quickly establishes a quirky and optimistic mood for its listeners, then the vocals break through with more seemingly uplifting energy. The track does have some real depth to it when demonstrating music as a coping mechanism for facing difficult feelings towards somebody who will “chew you up behind the scenes”. It’s interesting how these troubled feelings can manifest into such catchy, quirky and bouncy music. The backing vocals throughout the song have a real The Cranberries feel to them and it’s clear how the band write and perform with live audiences in mind. This tune is a real crowd pleaser because finding somebody “hard to please” is very relatable, and now a fun sing-along too. Fishing 4 Compliments intend to share more joy along with the journey of their second upcoming album ‘Lost in Good Intentions’, and you can catch them at one of their many gigs across Yorkshire in the meantime.

Find out More: https://www.instagram.com/fishingforcomplimentsband/

Hebble – With You

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Hebble are an electric world folk band with a unique set of instruments, set upon crafting rare and beautiful folk songs from around Europe and America. Their new song “with you” reflects on the butterfly effect, how every choice and even mistake has led Sam (the lead songwriter) to his current lifestyle. “With you” has an alternative folk sound, beginning with four simple and full acoustic guitar chords, which continue to blend into Bouzouki, Bodhran and Cello. Charming vocals then relay “I’ve made some mistakes in this life but haven’t we all” which leads on to the simple refrain “I’d make them again and again as long as I ended up in the end with you”. The track expresses a very human and familiar message about getting lost but always returning to the person you love. The second chorus then intertwines with string solos, three-part harmonies and the natural, earthly desire to “take me over the hills, I’ll follow you there”. Hebble often utilise the myth and landscape of the British Isles to inspire a lasting warm feeling with classic singer-songwriter feelings. 

Hebble are an electric world folk band with a unique set of instruments, set upon crafting rare and beautiful folk songs from around Europe and America. Their new song “with you” reflects on the butterfly effect, how every choice and even mistake has led Sam (the lead songwriter) to his current lifestyle. “With you” has an alternative folk sound, beginning with four simple and full acoustic guitar chords, which continue to blend into Bouzouki, Bodhran and Cello. Charming vocals then relay “I’ve made some mistakes in this life but haven’t we all” which leads on to the simple refrain “I’d make them again and again as long as I ended up in the end with you”. The track expresses a very human and familiar message about getting lost but always returning to the person you love. The second chorus then intertwines with string solos, three-part harmonies and the natural, earthly desire to “take me over the hills, I’ll follow you there”. Hebble often utilise the myth and landscape of the British Isles to inspire a lasting warm feeling with classic singer-songwriter feelings. 

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/hebble.band/

Liam Smyth – Kinda

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Liam Smyth has endured struggle after struggle and still made his mark in the music industry. He was born with only 2 fingers on his right hand but, through great resilience became a self taught guitarist, and a fine one too! His music is an ode to this resilience and the struggle that can come along with it. Now, he “works for the local Kirklees substance misuse service helping others to reach their recovery goals.” 

His song ‘Kinda’ is written from the perspective of his wife and “what it must have been like trying to love someone in active addiction and struggling with mental health issues.” The lyricism in this track shows the paradox that comes with loving someone who is struggling themselves. It emphasises the internal battle of looking after yourself whilst also trying to love someone else. Listening to ‘Kinda’ makes you feel connected and able to emphasise whether you have experienced it personally or not. The classic indie vibes of this song gives it such a contradiction to the lyricism with the raw acoustic guitar. The song makes you feel all kinds of emotions that leave you curious to find out more and that’s exactly what Liam Smyth does so well.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/Liamsmythmusic

The Dead Poet – The Letter

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Huddersfield’s The Dead Poet, Spencer Lee Wilson, crafts poignant singer-songwriter music, exploring the depths of human experience through acoustic melodies and evocative lyrics.

Wilson’s voice, a blend of raw emotion and vulnerability, draws listeners into his world. His songwriting, rich in storytelling, delves into themes of love, loss, hope, and nostalgia, capturing the delicate balance between joy and sorrow. His “rough around the edges” acoustic guitar playing complements his vocals, adding an authentic and unfiltered layer to his music.

“The Letter” serves as a poignant reminder to seize opportunities and avoid regret. The song reflects on missed chances, with lyrics like “Did you ever realise to swim out in the ocean, was an option as you daydreamed in the shallows,” highlighting the tendency to let life drift by passively. It’s a self-reflective piece, encouraging listeners to embrace the present and avoid the “what ifs” of the future.

For more info: https://www.instagram.com/deadpoetep/

The Kirklees Most Wanted project is being delivered by The Saving Grace Collective and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 
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