Tag Archives: music

CloudwatcherUno™ Live Sessions

Out today are two live recordings from the CloudwatcherUno™ Live Sessions at The Camden Chapel in London in October 2022. Showcasing the very best of independent artists we feature Afreine and Blue Violet. Singing in her first sold out London show Afreine captures the hearts of the audience with her stunning vocals.

The main act of the evening were Blue Violet a phenomenal duo who bring a stripped back acoustic performance that focuses on their harmonies, guitar skills and killer lyrics.

So let yourself be transported to a front row listening experience as you hear these amazing artists sing live on stage in London. These incredible recordings are available on Spotify, Apple and all streaming platforms.

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S3 Ep6 ~ Third Way

Xander Edwards and Paul Vilas are Third Way.

Third Way combine the best of synth pop and indie electronic music with an alternative spirituality in their sound. Their music is highly addictive, danceable and has mega melodramatic outpouring of emotion in their songs. They have been gigging for about a year at open mic evenings amongst the people and communicating their emotions and making the audience feel each and every track.

Paul and Xander from Third Way.

In this podcast host CloudwatcherUno sits down with Paul and Xander. Paul handles the synth and Xander handles all the vocals, combined they make dance floor heaven. They have played at The Finsbury in February 2020 (practically a club night), Cafe 1001 and Northcote records before the pandemic stopped them in their tracks. Everyone the musicians and the fans get to benefit on an atomic level from the sounds that emanate from the band.

In this podcast we get to hear two tracks, an acoustic version of their enormous hit ‘Guru’ and studio version of Tides. In 2020 they haven’t been able to be in the same physical space so they have concentrated on producing and evolving their music. ‘Tides’ was released just as the first lockdown came into force so they could only communicate remotely.

There’s a possibility of releasing a fun track called ‘Baby Jesus’ which was composed in a light hearted way but according to friends of the band is the best thing they have have ever produced. There is an originality and honesty to their music. Paul and Xander have been together for the last 7 years and as partners in music their relationship has blossomed. Having played together in previous bands such as ‘The Next De Niro,

‘Guru’ by Third Way

Music is a fabulous outlet for these two musicians and helps them to connect on a metaphysical level with themselves and making the best of an isolating situation where luckily they can make music from their home studio. There is a lot of positives on being able to concentrate just on their music and the result will be a release in the form of a new EP later in the year. Watch this space!

Paul and Xander from Third Way looking forward to their musical future.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Third Way. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S2 Ep6 ~ Will Purdue

Will Purdue in his refurbished VW van which he has used to travel across the UK and will use to travel beyond these shores of Britannia.

Will Purdue is a man of many talents, singer, songwriter, fashion icon (check out the fantastic ensemble he wore on the podcast) and renovator of tour vans (go to @tourbustravels on Instagram for all the detail).

Positivity simply oozes out of every pore from this fantastic artist. Will’s voice is the richest baritone that amazes and spellbinds his audience. Will is a true connoisseur of fashion and heartfelt lyrics enhanced with stunning vocals. His performance on stage comes from a confidence that he wants to show his true self to his fans rather than a persona. Influenced and inspired by Leonard Cohen and Neil Young in his approach to song writing Will has a body of work that just keeps better and better.

In this podcast we get to hear acoustic versions of ‘I Don’t Think We Should Rush In’ and the the new single ‘Heart On Fire’ A Song for Riona & Keith from the band released on 19th October 2020.

‘Heart On Fire (A Song for Riona & Keith) from Will Purdue

This song is both a celebration of the love story of Riona and Keith and their journey together. Aged 34, Riona Kelly fell down the stairs, suffered a rare spinal stroke, and was left paralysed. Her husband then left her whilst she was in the hospital, and she became a disabled single mother of four children. However, not only can she walk, she can jump (and even scoot!). She found love with ex rugby player, Keith Mason, who began helping with her physical recovery, and they kept in touch, and the rest is history. With an incredible amount of perseverance and support, Riona is now walking, and planning to walk 100 miles to raise money for her further rehab.

All of the record sale proceeds will go directly to Riona’s recovery, and any extra will go into a foundation. Will was chosen for the project for his ability to convey both sides of a story within a song, and the track features both the darkness ‘To see the fear in all I hold dear’ and the incredible light of their journey ‘Here we stand, I’ve never been so proud’ The song was recorded on a stunning riverboat studio in London.

The song is out on iTunes and available as purchase only (no streaming, as they need to raise funds).

Will Purdue, an artist of taste and style. Photo: ClodwatcherUno ©2020

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Will Purdue. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and many other platforms.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S1 Ep7 ~ Tareq

Tareq ~ Photograph by @georgeraniosphotography

Tareq. Remember his name it’s going to be all over the cosmos. A true musical genius. His latest album “Prints” was released on 18th July 2020 and it showcases Tareq’s unique musical gifts, sounds and production. A masterpiece of harmonies, orchestral notes, collaborations and birdsong. All conceived in the mind of an artist who has produced the most mature, emotional, raw and honest album in his career.

Tareq from the Podcast ~ Photograph ©CloudwatcherUno 2020

In this podcast we talk about producing an album from demos to the finished article in lockdown and how artists such as Tareq have had to adapt to this new reality and have come out the other side by producing music that is genuinely thrilling and hooks it’s audience with it’s beats and bass lines.

We get to hear the title single ‘Upside Down’ and his last single ‘One’ ~ remixed by Silverhook. Tareq talks about how the ideas for this song and others that have been built on the foundation of lyrics that are metaphors for the human condition. Love, life, bittersweet optimism and upbeat instrumentals combine to produce beautifully crafted songs.

Tareq’s new single ‘Upside Down’ from the album ‘Prints’ available on all streaming platforms. Artwork by @milky_crafts

I was lucky enough to listen to the album before general release and I quickly became obsessed with all the tracks. From the opening ‘Vertigo’s Effect’ which is a true cinematic soundtrack and feels like the marriage of ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Escape From New York’ through to his collaborations with artists such as Sarah P on Cross Bones, Natasha Bofiliou on ‘Lift Me Up’ and Sam Rag Da on ‘Five More Minutes’ this is an artist at the top of his game and producing music that is equal parts lightness and darkness.

Tareq ~ Photograph by @jannis_tomic

The album strives for a balance between sadness and happiness in each track. There are many tracks that are my favourite on this album. One especially is ‘OK’ with lines such as ‘How could I forget your face when you have so many?’ The craft of songwriting is alive and well in this digital age.

Tareq ~ Photograph by @georgeraniosphotography

Four tracks on the album were written during lockdown and Tareq produced all of it within a month. The result is a an album that you will be playing over and over again. Hypnotic songs like ‘Road To Somewhere’ and ‘No Time Land’ and will have permeated your consciousness and you’ll need to hear to get another fix of those vibrant melodies and haunting lyrics.

Tareq’s – last single ‘One’ ~ Silverhook Remix

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Tareq. Also available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S1 Ep6 ~ Lady Nade

Lady Nade photograph by Paul Issac

Lady Nade is a singer-songstress par excellence. With a smooth velveteen voice she creates audio magic. Pouring heart and soul into her lyrics, ever the perfectionist she has been known to take weeks to craft the perfect song. Lady Nade feels a responsibility to be a voice to those who’ve experienced lifes battles and have come out the other side.

‘Heart Beats Strong’ by Lady Nade

In this podcast we talk about using her voice to send a message to the audience to pay attention and respect the artist and their craft. You would never speak through a movie or the theatre then why do some ticket paying ‘fans’ feel the urge to talk over the live music experience and ruin it for those who are there to listen to these beautifully crafted songs?

Lady Nade with her custom made CloudwatcherUno Sign ~ Photograph © CloudwatcherUno 2020

Lady Nade performs an exclusive unreleased performance of her song ‘Josette’ which is being played acoustically for this podcast. It forms part of three albums that Lady Nade is working on during these pandemic times. Yes you read that right three albums one of which is an EP another with Ivor Novello songwriter. It seems that Lady Nade is thriving in these strangest of times.

Lady Nade photograph by Josette Bush

Lady Nade gives thanks to the essential work of The Musicians Union which have been supporting artists through these Covid-19 times and feeding body and soul so that the music we love can still be made. On Saturday 18th July 2020 Lady Nade will be giving back by performing in Sheffield for The Musicians Union – Summer Of Live Online Festival.

Always time for a selfie with Lady Nade. Taken at The Lexington ~ Photograph © CloudwatcherUno 2019

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Lady Nade. Also available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S1 Ep5 ~ Audriix

Audriix in her studio.

Audriix is a musical whirlwind, an extrordinary combination of raw talent honed to perfection to produce pop music with an edge and hypnotic melodies. Her anthem is her song ‘Stampede’ which has 73,580 plays on Spotify alone. The song comes from her 2019 album release Status Change which was produced in LA.

In this podcast we talk about her journey from the age of three playing it seems every known instrument to mankind and mastering piano, viola, guitar and drums alongside training that stunning voice giving her the foundation to sing those epic choruses. As Audriix says her self when she sings in front of audiences who may not know her music by the end of her songs she will have hooked you in so that you’ll be able to sing along to her songs. Audriix performs two of her songs acoustically in this podcast ‘Stampede’ and ‘Ace of Spades’.

Audriix in her studio for this podcast. Photograph ©CloudwatcherUno 2020

In this podcast we speak about how it’s been nearly a year since we met when Audriix opened for the pop duo sisters Aly & AJ on their European tour. And what an amazing journey she’s been on since then, releasing her album and a whole lot of instrumental and acoustic singles from their notably ‘Red Flag’ and ‘Bandit’.

Audriix performing live at La Scala – London ~ Photograph ©CloudwatcherUno 2019

We talk about her love for musical theatre of the drama and powerful songs from musicals such as ‘Phantom of The Opera’ and ‘Wicked’ through to the Disney films ‘Frozen’ and ‘Frozen 2’ and how the lyrics and songs have inspired her to produce monumental pieces of music to capture audience hearts and minds.

Audriix performing live at La Scala – London ~ Photograph ©CloudwatcherUno 2019

We also talk about the #metoo movement and what you have to do to be taken seriously as a female artist within the industry. And how to inspire the generations that are growing up now and showing them a positive and fiercely independent role model that they can look up to. For all the latest news about Audriix go follow her website Audriix.com

Speaking with Audriix after the show at La Scala – London ~ Photograph ©CloudwatcherUno 2019

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Audriix. Also available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.

Black Pumas ~ Kings of Soul

Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Photograph by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

Once in a while, a voice stops you dead in your tracks. The voice goes deep into your musical should and stops you cold. You look around to see if you have left this reality or have gone into another realm. I heard Eric Burton’s voice coupled with Adrian Quesada’s guitar on ‘Colors’ last year on Spotify and I must have played that track multiple, multiple times. It brought me immense pleasure and happiness to be moved by this deep, rich totally immersive sound. It was as if I had discovered an unknown treasure from the seventies one that had escaped the notice of all the music that has since passed.

‘Colors’ performed live by Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Video by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

There is an urgency in Eric’s voice a message that needs to be delivered to your heart bypassing your mind. It needs to open up that part of you that has become worn down by the relentless grey that is modern existence.

Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Photograph by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

On 7th February 2020 at Islington Assembly Hall, London the Black Pumas continued with their Black Moon Rising tour they came and performed their music onto an audience who had travelled across the globe to hear them play. As far as Venezuela to Spain fans had travelled to experience in person the music of this incredible band.

‘OCT 33’ performed live by Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Video by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

From the first opening chords of ‘Old Man’ the Black Pumas gripped the audience and a wave of positivity, warmth and electricity flowing through the concert venue which went through each and every fan. We knew this was special that this was a night to say afterwards that we had seen the Black Pumas live. Lets not forget that the Black Pumas are a duo and the other half of that duo is Adrian Quesada and without his guitar and the almighty power he wields with that instrument there would not be those delicious hooks and riffs to thrill and excite your senses.

Adrian Quesada from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Using my photograph on his Instagram page. ©CloudwatcherUno™ 2020

Hearing the album the self titled ‘Black Pumas’ you are transported to a world full of funkadelic soul, pulsing electronic heartbeats of bass with hypnotic beats. When you hear this music live in concert the effect is magnified a thousand fold sending shivers down your spine. Your feet can’t help but move along to the rhythms of the music.

‘Black Moon Rising’ performed live by Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Video by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

The whole atmosphere at the audience was electric, sending positive energy back to the band by singing the words to each and every song. And then Eric stepped it up another level by singing ‘Fire’ into the crowd itself. Surrounded by fans the whole audience went estactic.

Eric Burton from Black Pumas surrounded by fans as he sings ‘Fire’ at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Photograph by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

Then Eric vaulted the security barrier and lept back on stage leaving the crowd hungry for more music and for the night not to end.

‘Stay Gold’ performed live by Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Video by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

What a show, a performance from the band that easily rates as being in the top ten live experiences I’ve been to. Well worth the wait of all these past months to a glimpse of the mercurial talents of these exceptional musicians. It’s no wondered Black Pumas were nominated for a Grammy this year for Best New Artist.

Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Photograph by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

Then as the last song came over a silence came over the crowd. Surely it couldn’t end, not this evening of pure soul?

‘Old Man’ performed live by Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Video by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

Of course it didn’t as the band came back to an uproarious encore when Eric asked the crowd if they wanted to hear another song? The crowd erupted with a almighty ‘YESSSSSS’ and so Eric sang an acoustic version of the Beatles classic ‘Eleanor Rigby’.

‘Eleanor Rigby’ perfomed by Black Pumas.

Then this evening of supreme came to an end. We had witnessed music in it’s purest form connecting us not only with the artists but with each of us who were in the venue.

Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Photograph by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020

As if the night couldn’t get any better Eric then launched into a cover of Tracey Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’ a sublime mix of soulful vocals and words to connect with the audiences souls.

‘Fast Car’ performed live by Eric Burton from Black Pumas at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 7th February 2020. Video by Renato Ramone.

What next for the Black Pumas? They are currently on a path that is leading them to be interstellar. For now I can say that I was there at ground zero seeing them lift off on career that will take them into the stars.

Signed vinyl album by Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada from Black Pumas.
Photograph by CloudwatcherUno™ ©2020