Though the days may be getting shorter, the nights longer, and the temperature noticeably colder, Townsend Music has enough heat in this line-up of new artists to keep you warm as we move into autumn. As always, there's a flavour for every taste, from smooth jazz-tinged soul to rough and tumble indie-rock - this is TM Breakthrough Vol. 13.
Lady Blackbird - Black Acid Soul
For Fans Of: Celeste, Nina Simone
LA-based singer Marley Munroe, now better known as Lady Blackbird, began her career in 2003 singing big glossy R&B and then ventured down the path of alt. rock until she eventually found her groove in the fields of soul and jazz, which lead to her getting signed by BMG. On 27th May 2020, Lady Blackbird released her debut single - an audacious cover version of one of Nina Simone's starkest tunes, 'Blackbird'.
Her debut 11-track album Black Acid Soul, produced by Chris Seefried (Andra Day), comprises Sixties songs that were previously performed by Nina Simone and Tim Hardin. The album also features original songs, such as 'Fix It' and 'Five Feet Tall', written by Lady Blackbird and Seefried.
"I feel like I came out of the womb singing – that’s the biggest thing and the main thing that I remember of my childhood. Always singing. Always a lover of music." -Lady Blackbird
Pre-order Black Acid Soul on limited edition vinyl and CD from the Official Lady Blackbird Store.
Thyla - Thyla
For Fans Of: Zuzu, The Ninth Wave
Brighton alt-rockers Thyla have announced their highly-anticipated self-titled album arriving in early 2022. The trio, now consisting of vocalist Millie Duthie, bassist Dan Hole, and drummer Danny Southwell, have begun to push the dream-pop and shoegaze sound of their previous EPs, 2019's What's On Your Mind and 2020's Everything At Once, into a glossy, anthemic direction.
Speaking on their latest single 'Gum', lead singer Millie explains: "'Gum' is about shrugging the weight of the world off your shoulders - being stuck, knowing it, and choosing not to care. The world is weird; life is confusing."
"You're not always going to get what you want, but let's stop talking about it!" - Millie Duthie
Pre-order the album on limited edition white vinyl and CD alongside mixed merch bundles on the Official Thyla Store.
The Institutes - Colosseums
For Fans Of: Skylights, Shader
Coventry quartet The Institutes are set to release their long-awaited debut album Colosseums on rising indie-rock label 42's Records. The band has a modern-day Britpop vibe and have already generated some hype with a helping hand from the likes of Steve Lamacq (BBC Radio 6) and Huw Stevens (Radio 1).
Lead singer Reid Zappa Currie spoke on their latest single 'Something Beautiful': "Something Beautiful is a song about passionate unconditional love for something or someone, without any choice, no matter what they put you through, no matter what they think of you or what they give in return."
Order Colosseums on limited edition signed vinyl from the Official 42's Records Store.
Peter Alexander Jobson - The Piano Tuner
For Fans Of: John Bramwell, I Am Kloot
Musician, composer and former I Am Kloot member, Peter Alexander Jobson has just released his first solo debut EP The Piano Tuner, ahead of the release of his first debut album in 2022.
“I have been writing and recording my debut album for 50 years. It is now complete. When men do great things everyone knows it takes them a very long time" declared Peter.
The Piano Tuner EP is available to order from the Official Peter Alexander Jobson store now on white 12-inch vinyl.
Airways - Terrible Town
For Fans Of: The Luka State, Tigercub
Airways was born in frontman Jake Daniels' garage in Peterborough, on the outskirts of London, before adopting drummer Brian Moroney and bassist Jamie Reynolds into the fray. The three-piece have gone from performing to an audience of ten people to opening for Nothing But Thieves and playing in New York, Amsterdam, and Poland, leading to the release of their debut album, Terrible Town.
Terrible Town was produced by Dom Craik (Nothing But Thieves) and recorded mostly throughout the pandemic. Harnessing the power of modern technology, lockdown productivity prevailed and bedroom studios combined to birth Terrible Town.
Terrible Town is now available to order on limited edition signed CD alongside exclusive Airways merchandise.