Once again Townsend Music has rounded up some of the hottest up-and-coming artists across our platform so you can join their journeys at the source. Whether it's Irish folk-metal, exquisite vocal harmonies or psych-rock mash-ups that float your boat, prepare for these artists to provide the soundtrack to autumn 2023. And potentially, years to come.
The Scratch - Mind Yourself
For Fans Of: The Mary Wallopers, Fontaines D.C.
The Scratch, renowned for their contemporary and experimental approach to heavy metal and Irish folk music, formed in 2016 and rose to prominence following a viral performance at the annual Rory Gallagher Festival. The band released their debut album Couldn’t Give A Rats one month into Lockdown in 2020 and emerged from the pandemic triumphantly, building a loyal fanbase and selling-out venues across Ireland, including two shows in Dublin’s 3Olympia, the UK, Europe, and North America.
The highly anticipated James Vincent McMorrow-produced second album Mind Yourself has been announced with the lead single 'Trom II (A Slip In The Wind)' and a European tour accompanying Boston-Irish outfit Dropkick Murphys.
“We don’t want to just be considered a live band, or a band that people say you have to see live. You want your recordings to stand up against the test of time." - Conor “Dock” Dockery
Mind Yourself can be pre-ordered on the Official The Scratch Store, available on Deluxe Coloured Double Vinyl and CD with all album pre-orders including a Free Signed Art Print.
Skinny Living - Acoustic Soul
For Fans Of: Tom Speight, Cassia
Skinny Living's sound is defined by two acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies delivered by Wakefield natives Ryan Johnston, Will Booth and Danny Hepworth. Echoing Bill Withers, The Isley Brothers and Paolo Nutini, their songs shimmer with a timeless, gentle beauty, exquisite vocal harmonies and a lyrical wisdom that inspires optimism and reflection in equal measure.
Active since 2014, Skinny Living have amassed over 75 million streams worldwide without releasing a full studio album. The trio are now on course to release their debut album in 2024, along with their upcoming Acoustic Soul EP . This EP comprises of acoustic-rooted songs that have been a culmination of 10 years of work that nod towards sounds that will play a huge part in our debut album.
“Skinny Living is a term that describes the financial reality and lifestyle of the working class. Hard graft on a low income with a lust for life, passion for family and an optimistic attitude about the future.” - Skinny Living
Acoustic Soul is available to pre-order from the Skinny Living Official Store on Signed and Numbered CD.
Aziya - Lonely Castles
For Fans Of: The Last Dinner Party, Arlo Parks
During the pandemic, British rocker Aziya published cover songs on Instagram. With R&B Oscar-winner H.E.R. taking notice, the East London musician was swiftly signed to Warner Brothers Records. The Brit School graduate music switches in styles, drawing influence from System of A Down to Patti Smith to A Tribe Called Quest.
Her latest release Lonely Castles is a four-track project set for physical release on December 12th. The EP title stems from the metaphor for the isolation we feel in a world that on the surface is overflowing with online connection at the tip of our fingers, but in reality masks the loneliness and darkness in the real world.
"I want to be the artist that I didn’t get to see growing up."- Aziya
Visit the Official Aziya Store to pre-order the upcoming EP on Signed Pink Vinyl.
The Covasettes - Life Is Infinite
For Fans Of: Circa Waves, The Sherlocks
The Covasettes are an indie-rock four-piece, from Manchester, bursting onto the scene in late 2017. Since then, the band have enjoyed heavy rotation on national radio with their recent releases. Their live shows have included sold-out nights around the UK as well as support slots with The Sherlocks.
For the first time, their seven-track mini-album What's Lost Is Our To Find is being pressed on Pink Vinyl. Included on the record is the exclusive bonus track 'One Tear at a Time'.
"Despite not being on the UK independent scene for a long time, they have made a sparkling impression, wowing audiences up and down the country with their electric live performance" - The Independent
Pre-order What's Lost Is Ours To Find on Signed Limited Edition Pink Vinyl on the Official The Covasettes Store.
She's In Parties - End Scene
For Fans Of: Holly Humberstone, NewDad
Colchester's shoegaze band She's In Parties formed just before the start of the pandemic. Named after the Bauhaus song, the band is fronted by Irish-born Katie Dillon and references the Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, and The Cranberries as touchpoints to their music, along with contemporary artists such as Wolf Alice and Paramore.
The band's debut EP End Scene, out now on red hot indie label Submarine Cat Records, is a "coming of age" project that is influenced by the idea of a final, reflective monologue scene in a movie, and would fit nicely in an 80’s coming of age film like The Breakfast Club, but with their own generational twist.
"We’re coming of age ourselves - it’s something we relate to and, whether we like it or not, reflects itself in our music writing." - She's In Parties
Pre-order She's In Parties' End Scene EP on Limited Edition Transparent Yellow 12" Vinyl from the Submarine Cat Official Store.