As we move closer to the festive period, it's only right that we treat your ears to some incredible up-and-coming artists that are going to bring some light to the shorter days and longer nights this season. From indie-rock and bedroom pop to contemporary folk for a new era, this is Townsend Music Breakthrough.
Shader - Everything Is Connected
FFO: The Enemy, The Snuts
Four-piece indie rock and roll band Shader deliver an eclectic swirl of huge melodic guitar riffs and northern soul grooves added in with addictive arena-sized choruses. Their highly-anticipated debut album Everything Is Connected dropped digitally on 28th October and is available to pre-order now on physical formats.
The album is a 12-track journal through love, loss, and rock & roll. Producer Gavin Monaghan has captured the sound of a band breaking through the guitar indie-rock barriers and heading directly for the big stage.
Pre-order Everything Is Connected from the official store on limited edition signed red vinyl and signed cd alongside exclusive merchandise.
Joesef - Permanent Damage
FFO: Arlo Parks, Neil Frances
Glasgow-born, London-based singer and songwriter Joesef announces details of his debut album, Permanent Damage, which is due for release in January 2023. The singer has already made quite the name for himself, he was shortlisted for the prestigious BBC's Sounds of 2020 poll and has performed at a whole host of festivals including TRSNMT, Reading and Leeds, and Otherlands. The rising star is preparing for the release of his debut record next year, followed by a hefty tour across the UK.
The new album represents the multi-layer of the Scottish singer's character, having grown from a bedroom pop artist to co-producer of new soul, born from heartbreak. The album is filled with songs that are honest with a sense of humour. His latest single 'Joe' is about "grieving for a version of myself that I don't think I'll ever be able to get back."
"Permanent Damage is about fighting in the street on the way home, kissing in the taxi, having nothing to say in the morning, holding grief in your hands and carrying it with you indefinitely." - Joesef
Permanent Damage is available to pre-order exclusively on coloured vinyl with a limited edition signed hardback photobook alongside black vinyl, CD, and cassette.
Delights - Cool Sports EP
FFO: SPINN, The Magic Gang
Four-piece guitar band Delights formed back in 2017 and have since released a string of singles and performed across the UK at some iconic venues like The Deaf Institute and Gorilla. The band's tracks have received over 800,000 streams and they have received support from Spotify, with features on their 'Hot New Bands' and 'Fresh Finds' playlists.
The band's latest EP Cool Sports dropped back in July and is the sound of an up-and-coming band refining the sound that has seen them become one of the most talked about bands in their hometown.
Cool Sports is available to pre-order on black vinyl with a free signed print from the Modern Sky Store.
Natalie Shay - Milk EP
FFO: Haim, Taylor Swift
North London singer-songwriter and musician Natalie Shay released her highly anticipated EP, entitled Milk in September. The indie-pop artist began her musical journey with classical training at the prestigious BRIT School and has since performed at festivals like Reading, Y Not, Hyde Park BTS, and more. Now she is channelling her background into her charismatic and catchy music.
Shay wrote her debut EP during lockdown and each track touches on love, self-discovery, and the everyday experiences of a twenty-something, which she hopes will "connect with others who are in that frame of mind now or have been there in the past". The rising artist will be performing a headline show at The Omeara in London on 3rd March 2023.
"Every track is about growth or new beginnings or reflecting on myself." - Natalie Shay
The Milk EP is available now on signed CD alongside exclusive merchandise from the official store.
The Mary Wallopers - The Mary Wallopers
FFO: The Dubliners, The Pogues
Irish band The Mary Wallopers hail from Dundalk, Ireland, and are elevating traditional Irish folk for a new era and generation. Brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and their friend Sean McKenna formed the band initially as a three-piece ballad group travelling the length of Ireland, singing and collecting songs. Since the release of their 2019 EP A Mouthful of The Mary Wallopers, the band have expanded to a seven-piece for live performances.
The band's debut album arrives in January 2023 and is the product of touring all corners of Ireland, collecting traditional songs before dusting them down and reimagining them.
"We play funny songs and songs about riding but we also play political songs and sad songs." - Andrew McKenna, The Mary Wallopers
Pre-order the debut album from the official store on limited edition signed pink vinyl with signed print and CD.