Tag: solo artist

Top Brighton-Based Solo Artists & bands You Should Be Listening To Right Now

Posted on by Stevebake

Brighton has long been known for its vibrant music scene, a hub for creativity and innovation that has produced some of the UK’s most exciting solo artists. From indie pop to electronic beats, the city’s diverse talent offers something for everyone. As a freelance music producer based in Brighton, I’ve had the privilege of working within this inspiring community for over 20 years and witnessing its growth firsthand. Here are some of the top Brighton-based solo artists you should have on your radar right now.

1. Holly Macve

https://www.instagram.com/hollymacve/

Holly Macve’s haunting voice and poetic songwriting have captivated audiences worldwide. With influences ranging from Americana to folk, her music is both timeless and deeply emotive.

  • Why Listen? Holly’s ability to transport listeners with her storytelling and ethereal sound is unparalleled.
  • Top Tracks to Start With: “No One Has The Answers” and “Heartbreak Blues.”

2. Sock Drawer

https://www.instagram.com/sockdrawerband/

Sock Drawer’s lo-fi indie style blends intimate storytelling with raw, minimalistic production. Their music feels personal and relatable, making them a standout act in Brighton’s solo artist scene. Lead vocalist Ebony Grace is also a fantastic solo artist in her own right but this partnership with guitarist / Producer & songwriter Michael Baker produces some fine music with layers that neither could achieve in their own solo work.

  • Why Listen? Sock Drawer’s heartfelt lyrics and stripped-down sound are perfect for fans of lo-fi and indie music.
  • Top Tracks to Start With: “Bedroom Serenade” and “Lost in the Sheets.”

3. Frankie Knight

https://www.instagram.com/missfknight/

Frankie Knight’s ethereal, electronic-infused music creates a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after listening. Her unique blend of ambient sounds and haunting vocals sets her apart.

  • Why Listen? Frankie’s music offers a mesmerizing escape, perfect for fans of experimental electronica.
  • Top Tracks to Start With: “Xenon” and “Saviour Complex.”

4. Fruity Water

https://www.instagram.com/fruitywaterband/

Fruity Water combines quirky, introspective lyrics with dreamy, electronic-tinged indie pop. Their distinctive sound and captivating performances have made them a staple in Brighton’s music scene. They run a quarterly electronic music party at which I’ll be performing later this month with my solo project Champion Fever.

  • Why Listen? Fruity Water’s unique blend of electronic and indie elements creates a refreshing and memorable listening experience.
  • Top Tracks to Start With: “Uvula” and “Big Wow.”

5. Michael Baker

https://www.instagram.com/michaelbakermusic/

No relation; Michael Baker’s heartfelt acoustic music and introspective lyrics have earned him a loyal following. His stripped-back style allows his emotive storytelling to shine.

  • Why Listen? Michael’s raw, honest performances are a reminder of the power of simplicity in music.
  • Top Tracks to Start With: “Dust & Bone” and “Hastings.”

6. Plantoid

https://www.instagram.com/plantoidworld/

Plantoid crafts experimental electronic soundscapes that push the boundaries of conventional music. Combining organic textures with cutting-edge production, their work is both innovative and deeply atmospheric. Having seen them live several times over the last few years, most recently at Mutations Festival, it feels like they’re peaking!

  • Why Listen? Plantoid’s ability to blend natural and synthetic sounds creates a truly immersive listening experience.
  • Top Tracks to Start With: “Photosynthèse” and “Rooted.”

Why Brighton’s Music Scene Matters

Brighton’s music scene thrives on its sense of community and collaboration. As a Producer, I’ve seen how this environment fosters creativity and helps artists push boundaries. Whether you’re a fan, a musician, or both, supporting local talent ensures the scene continues to flourish.

If you’re a solo artist in Brighton looking to develop your sound, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s collaborate and create something that goes beyond what you can you imagine!

Who’s on Your Radar?

These are just a few of the incredible solo artists coming out of Brighton. Who are your favourite Brighton-based musicians? Let me know in the comments or get in touch—I’m always on the lookout for new talent to feature and collaborate with!

The Pitfalls of Releasing Unprofessionally Produced Music

Posted on by Stevebake

Written by ChatGPT from my prompt.

Introduction:

In today’s digital age, aspiring musicians and bands have greater accessibility to recording tools and platforms, making it easier than ever to self-produce and release their music. While this newfound freedom offers opportunities for creative expression, it also comes with its share of disadvantages and negative consequences. In this blog post, we will explore the pitfalls of releasing music without getting it professionally produced and mixed.

Record Producer Recording Studio

1. Poor Sound Quality:

One of the most apparent downsides of skipping professional production and mixing is the risk of poor sound quality. Amateur recordings often lack the refined audio engineering skills needed to create a polished and balanced sound. Subpar audio quality can deter listeners and leave a negative impression, hindering the music’s potential success.

2. Lack of Professionalism:

Professional production elevates a track by adding depth, dimension, and sonic coherence. When music lacks this professional touch, it may come across as amateurish and unrefined, leading to diminished credibility in the eyes of listeners, critics, and potential industry collaborators.

3. Inconsistent Sound:

Without professional production and mixing, the sound of individual tracks may vary significantly. Inconsistent audio levels, tonal imbalances, and varying reverb levels can create a disjointed listening experience, preventing the music from reaching its full potential.

4. Weakened Emotional Impact:

An unpolished production can fail to capture the intended emotional impact of the music. Elements like dynamics, effects, and arrangement play a crucial role in conveying emotions effectively. When these aspects are not skillfully handled, the message of the music may be lost on the audience.

5. Missed Opportunities for Exposure:

The music industry is competitive, and first impressions matter. Unprofessionally produced music may not stand out amidst the sea of high-quality productions, limiting opportunities for radio airplay, playlist features, and media coverage. A lack of exposure can hinder the artist’s growth and potential success.

6. Potential Copyright and Legal Issues:

Amateur production might inadvertently infringe upon copyright laws. Without proper knowledge of licensing and sample clearance, artists risk facing legal challenges that could result in the removal of their music from distribution platforms or even lawsuits.

7. Wasted Time and Resources:

Releasing music without professional production and mixing may require multiple attempts, leading to wasted time, effort, and resources. In contrast, hiring experienced producers and mixers streamlines the process, allowing artists to focus on their creativity and save time.

Conclusion:

While self-producing and releasing music has its appeal, artists should be aware of the disadvantages and negative consequences that come with skipping professional production and mixing. Poor sound quality, lack of professionalism, and missed opportunities for exposure can hamper an artist’s chances of making a lasting impact on their audience. To achieve their full potential, musicians should consider investing in professional production and mixing, ensuring their music receives the attention and recognition it deserves.

ONE NEW MIXING TRICK…

Posted on by Stevebake
Getting multi-layered vocals to work together can be challenging. Hopefully this video can provide some ideas. I certainly enjoyed being creative with it and finding new ways to achieve separation and clarity which works well in the song.