Once again it's time for us to spill the tea on some seriously good music from some seriously great new artists that have recently launched stores here at Townsend Music. Serving styles from psychedelic blues-infused indie to hard-hitting drill and fabulous drag queen pop, this is TM Breakthrough.
This Rebel - This Rebel
For Fans Of: The Twang, The Streets
Forged in the depths of the Black Country, during a time when the world was stuck indoors, This Rebel, a chemically-propelled, loose-lipped collective formed with Phil Etheridge (The Twang) and Jon 'Simmo' Simcox (Liam Gallagher, The Kills, FKA Twigs, Bring Me The Horizon) at the helm. Inspired by a love of Murder Ballads and free noise, armed with a Space Echo, Eventide H910 and a story to tell, the self-titled album will be released on 8th March 2024.
Although the soulful, blues-tinged indie rock began in recent years, the starting point happened back in 2008 when Simmo met The Twang frontman Phil Etheridge while touring as the band's monitor engineer. Since then Simmo went on to produce multiple Twang albums and worked as a monitor engineer for the likes of Liam Gallagher, The Kills, FKA Twigs and Bring Me The Horizon. You can now listen to two tracks from the self-titled album with the single releases of 'Heartstopper' and 'Same Every Time'. release.
“Wherever it goes and whatever happens we’re both super proud of it; its documented the last few years of our lives so it’s a beautiful thing." - Phil Etheridge
This Rebel can be pre-ordered on the Official This Rebel Store, available on Signed Heavyweight Vinyl, Signed CD and Digital Download.
Booter Bee - True Stories
For Fans Of: Central Cee, Tunde
Huddersfield's own Booter Bee will drop his debut drill album titled True Stories on the 16th of February. Known for his engaging style, he combines raw rap authenticity with emotive and melodic instrumentals.
With his anonymous appearance, Booter Bee has released numerous tracks before his debut album with collaborations with the likes of Kwengface, Headie One and M1llionz. His latest release is the single 'Drive by' which brings a high-energy anthem with razor-sharp lyricism all accompanied by a gritty video that follows the track's narrative.
True Stories is available to pre-order from the Booter Bee Official Store on CD plus Bally And Glove merchandise.
Vince Freeman - Scars, Ghosts & Glory
For Fans Of: Bryan Adams, Kings Of Leon
Singer-songwriter Vince Freeman has risen through the ranks to make his debut album, Scars, Ghosts & Glory. From relentless live shows to working as a promoter for artists such as Ed Sheeran and Paolo Nutini, Vince presents a collection of songs that he has poured everything of himself into.
The 12-track album is produced by Paul Visser (aka GoldCrush) and is brimming with powerful earworms like fist-punching rocker 'Imposter'; the gnarly ode to a night full of tequila and regret that is 'Won’t Remember Heaven'; and 'Blame Myself', another sure-fire single and another song that speaks to the singer’s journey through his artistry.
"I think in places the songs are brutally honest. That can be uncomfortable, like looking at your soul in the mirror. I’m ok with my scars and ghosts these days and it feels amazing to share my story to whoever might want to listen."- Vince Freeman on Spindle
Visit the Official Vince Freeman Store to pre-order the upcoming debut album on Signed White and Signed Gold Vinyl plus Signed CD, Cassette and merch bundles.
Tia Kofi - Read My Lips
For Fans Of: Kim Petras, RuPaul
LGBTQ+ music artist Tia Kofi releases their debut album Read My Lips. The album is a collection of 11 stellar pop songs and sees Tia collaborate with a variety of A-List writers and producers including Parx, Poppy Baskcomb, Little Boots, Kisch, Tom Aspaul, Gil Lewis, Kennen and Bright Light Bright Light.
Best known for competing on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Tia Kofi released their debut single, 'Outside In', co-written by Little Boots, Tom Aspaul and Gil Lewis, in February 2021. Alongside Tia's music, they will compete in the new series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Versus The World and a headline performance at the 2024 Gaydio Radio Pride Awards.
"I just want to have that moment of being recognised as an artist beyond being a drag queen that was on a reality show." - Tia Kofi on Absolute
Pre-order Read My Lips on Signed Red Vinyl on the Official Tia Kofi Store.
Solar Eyes- Solar Eyes
For Fans Of: Kasabian, Chemical Brothers
Solar Eyes is the psychedelic pop/rock project of Birmingham duo Glenn Smyth and Sebastian Maynard Francis. Formed in 2021, the band have released numerous singles and EP's and received praise from the likes of Steve Lamacq (BBC6 Music) and John Kennedy (Radio X).
Solar Eyes, under the production of Tom Ford and themselves, infuse Spaghetti Western aesthetics with Sci-Fi influences in their music. Their tracks have been showcased on football TV programs like Match Of The Day and Football Focus. The band has graced the stage at prominent showcase festivals, including The Great Escape and SXSW. Notably, during their time at the SXSW festival in Texas, they crafted one of their album singles titled 'Let's Run Away'.
"Swooping and captivating soundscapes and haunting vocals that pull you in with twanging guitars, and haunting strings that pulls the big sky of the wild west into the mystery of the midlands." - Louder Than War
Pre-order Solar Eyes on Cyan Blue Vinyl from the Solar Eyes Official Store.