Join us for another edition of Townsend Music Breakthrough, highlighting a host of up-and-coming acts on our platform. From sublime spoken-word electronica to delicately dazzling dreampop, this is TM Breakthrough 37.
Antony Szmierek - Service Station At The End Of The Universe
For Fans Of: Mike Skinner, John Cooper Clark
Manchester-based poet, writer and producer Antony Szmierek has announced the release of his debut album, Service Station At The End Of The Universe. The past few years have been a wild ride for the artist. Cutting his teeth on the Manchester spoken word scene, Antony has gained notoriety for his seamless flow skewering everything from the hardships of contemporary British life to finding the unexpected beauty in the everyday.
It was the 2023 release of his single ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Fallacy’ that kicked off his meteoric ascent. The track found its way onto the BBC 6 Music airwaves and led Szmierek to be named an Artist of the Year 2023 by the station. There followed appearances on Later… with Jools Holland, a BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session and multiple triumphant Glastonbury sets.
Now, with his banger-filled, dancefloor-focussed debut album, Szmierek cements his sound as one that is distinctly his own; a cohesive and infectious journey through pop melodic hooks and thumping orchestrations.
Service Station At The End Of The Universe can be pre-ordered from the Official Antony Szmierek Store on Clear Vinyl and CD, both with signed prints and merch bundles.
Winona Fighter - My Apologies To The Chef
For Fans Of: Hot Milk, Tonight Alive
Rising punk rock act Winona Fighter has announced their highly anticipated debut album, My Apologies To The Chef. Fronted by the electric Coco Kinnon, the Nashville-based band breathes new life into the resurgent punk scene, on a mission to create punk music that is accessible and accepting to all music lovers willing to listen.
Moving to Nashville from her native Boston gave Kinnon a task to expose all music lovers to the power of thrashable tunes. After recruiting lead guitarist Dan Fuson, they set off to do the Boston punk scene Coco had left behind justice. Eventually the two of them added Austin Luther (bass/producer) to the family. In recent times, they have opened for the bands Incubus, Motion City Soundtrack and Something Corporate, in addition to playing multiple sets at Bonnaroo 2023.
"I couldn't think of a better introduction to the band. 14 hard hitting tracks straight from a guest bedroom or garage." - Coco Kinnon
My Apologies To The Chef can be pre-ordered from the Winona Fighters Store on Exclusive Ruby Black Smush Vinyl White Vinyl and CD plus merch bundles.
Johnny Lloyd - Punchlines
For Fans Of: Tribes, Frank Turner
The fourth studio album under his own name, Punchlines is Johnny Lloyd's first solo album since 2021's La La La and follows a prolific period of songwriting for TV and film (where he won the RTS Best Original Music Award for I Hate Suzie Too) as well as a new album and tour with his band Tribes.
Produced by musician and producer Max Clilverd (Tom Odell, Holly Humberstone) the ten-track album showcases Lloyd's expansive songwriting talents, tackling themes of love loss and letting go. Throughout October, Johnny will be supporting Everyone Says Hi - (featuring members from Kaiser Chiefs, and The Kooks.)
Punchlines will be released on 31st January 2025 on Xtra Mile Recordings and is available on White Vinyl LP, CD and digital.
Jo Hill - girlhood.
For Fans Of: Haim, Brooke Combe
Jo Hill’s upcoming debut album, girlhood. is a celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, and unapologetic self-expression. Jo’s intimate gatherings in London, where she jams with fellow female artists, have become beloved events, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
Jo has spent the last few months putting the finishing touches to her debut album, a true labour of love that reflects her artistic evolution. Despite being signed and dropped by a major label, she persevered, crafting a collection of songs that tell her story.
“girlhood. is about wearing your vulnerability on your sleeve and being a badass bitch while doing so.” - Jo Hill
girlhood. can be pre-ordered from the Official Jo Hill Store on Black Vinyl along with exclusive merchandise.
Alas De Liona - Gravity Of Gold
For Fans Of: Tori Amost, Emeli Sande
Alas De Liona hails from a small town in the Mojave Desert. Her final year at University of California, Santa Barbara saw her head to Scotland in Autumn 2019, to complete her course at University of Edinburgh. During her stay in the city, she began to make a name for herself performing in pubs.
After graduation she took her first steps toward fulfilling her musical aspirations, returning to Edinburgh late in 2020 to record the Radio Astronomy EP, a collection of space lullabies and cosmic folktales. The EP was championed by BBC Radio Scotland's Roddy Hart, BBC Introducing with Phoebe I-H & Shereen Cutkelvin and picked up by a diverse range of over 400 Spotify Playlists. With a dreamlike songwriting sensibility, Alas weaves unique lyrical and melodic experiences. Now comes the new album for release in the autumn of 2024.
“…you are bound to find yourselves completely enchanted by Alas de Liona’s craft” – UpToHear
Gravity Of Gold can be pre-ordered from the Official Alas De Liona Store on Ice Silver Vinyl and CD.
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