Check out the latest blog from Townsend Music, where we're bringing you the freshest sounds for your summer playlists. From the hottest new summer beats and rap tracks to timeless psychedelic and indie rock, we've got the perfect tunes to keep your summer vibe going strong.
The Rills - Don't Be A Stranger
For Fans Of: The Royston Club, Sports Team
Three-piece rockers The Rills have announced their debut album Don’t Be A Stranger, out on 1st November. Along with the announcement the trio released lead single ‘Your Dad’s Car’, a tenderly bittersweet song inspired by the band’s first tour van that vocalist Mitch Spencer bought off an ex-partner’s father. The accompanying video, directed by Ace Bowerman, features Mitch submerged in a sinking car, visually echoing the powerful lyrics of the ballad.
Don’t Be A Stranger was produced by Dave McCracken, the indie mastermind behind many Ian Brown solo records and key works by dEUS and The Rifles. He has also contributed to albums by artists such as Depeche Mode, Sports Team, The Snuts, and Beyoncé. This eleven-track debut sees The Rills channelling the raw energy that made them viral sensations and grassroots darlings into a more polished, complete, and heartfelt sound.
"Obviously we had these dreams, but then lockdown happened and we were forced into doing TikTok and all that stuff because we didn’t have a way to play or release music." - Mitch Spencer
Don't Be A Stranger can be pre-ordered from The Rills Store on Transparent Red Vinyl and CD, free signed print included with any format or merch bundle.
SamRecks - Balance
For Fans Of: D-Block Europe, Morrisson
UK rapper SamRecks is set to release his debut album, Balance. The album includes the already-released singles "Embellishments," "HIT or MISS," and "BACK BONE." For the Nigerian-born, South-East London rapper, Balance represents a new level in his discography.
Produced by T.O, the album is filled with energetic beats that provide the perfect backdrop for SamRecks' distinctive style, blending nostalgia with personal experiences. In addition to his music, SamRecks has also been involved in the visual aspects of his work, including the summer-themed album cover and past collaborations with fashion brands Broken Planet, BAPE, Daily Paper, and Lacoste.
This is not even the main course, this is still part of the appetizer. There is so much more to come this year. It is all about BALANCE!” - SamRecks
Balance can be pre-ordered on the SamRecks Official Store, available on Signed Vinyl along with a T-Shirt bundle.
Overpass - Dependent (EP)
For Fans Of: Inhaler, Corella
Overpass will release their new EP Dependent in November 2024. Produced by Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Rachel Chinouriri, The Wombats), the EP features five new tracks that fans may have caught live over the past year.
Emerging from the Midlands, overpass formed through a series of serendipitous connections and a shared appreciation of arena-sized indie rock, leading them to sell out increasingly large shows in Birmingham.
"When you see loads of people in front of you singing your songs back - thats real ... thats what overpass is all about" - Max from overpass
Dependent can be pre-ordered on the overpass Official Store, available on Signed Vinyl, Limited Edition CD, and T-Shirt bundles.
Eli Smart - No Summer
For Fans Of: Cassia, Alfie Templeman
From Hawaii via Liverpool and finally London, Eli is set to make waves with his debut album; a collection of songs that are destined to become the soundtrack to summer. Originally hailing from Kaua’i (Hawaii), where he was raised by a family of musicians and grew up on a diet of soul legends such as Gladys Knight, Jimi Hendrix, Prince and The Beatles, Eli fittingly moved to Liverpool when he was 18 to study music, ahead of moving to London last year.
At the start of 2023 he was included on the prestigious NME 100 list and Dork Magazine’s 2023 ‘Hype List’ hot off the release of his EP Aloha Soul. Written and recorded between his bedroom studio on Kaua’i and in London, Eli made a lot of the album on his own; playing all instruments, recording and producing it himself, in a very DIY style.
"No Summer, is a personal dive into those worlds. I make music for my own aesthetic pleasure, it’s a lot of fun that way and I’m deeply satisfied to have these songs all flow together." -Eli Smart
No Summer can be pre-ordered on the Eli Smart Official Store, available on Translucent Yellow Vinyl.
Everyone Says Hi
For Fans Of: Ed Cosens, REM
Nick Hodgson, formerly the drummer for Kaiser Chiefs, has formed a new band called Everyone Says Hi, and they are set to release their self-titled debut album. The lead single, 'Brain-Freeze', introduces their unique sound, blending psychedelic lounge rock with influences from contemporary artists like Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala.
Since leaving Kaiser Chiefs in 2012, Hodgson has worked as a songwriter for artists such as Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, and Shirley Bassey. Everybody Says Hi, named after the David Bowie song, features an impressive lineup: Pete Denton, formerly of The Kooks; Ben Gordon from The Dead 60s; Glenn Moule of Howling Bells; and Leeds guitarist Tom Dawson.
"This album was inspired by vinyl. I love listening to records late at night and I wanted to make an album that would fit into my record collection. I hope that we’ve achieved that, see what you think."- Nick Hodgson
Everyone Says Hi can be pre-ordered on the Everyone Says Hi Official Store, available on Signed White Vinyl, Signed CD and merch bundles.
Comments