Bayview Sounds

Paul And The Meanie are a 3 piece indie funk act from Co. Armagh. The band is comprised of Daragh McSloy, Cormac Daly and Jack Leeman. Having won 1st place at The Great Belfast Busk Off in 2018 and Best Performance at Banbridge Buskfest 2018, the three lads self produced their Yellow Bedroom Demo EP which was recorded in Daragh's bedroom. Now they have begun working with Half Bap Studio in Belfast and have just released their first single "Red Girl". "Red Girl" is both slow and fast in equal measures. It's a funky indie track which descends into some superb heavy rock. The vocals are top notch, the guitar is heavy, the drums are sublime and the bass is Fleaesque (or Flea ridden?). It reminds me very much of The Hives as well. The song is full of energy and style. Follow Paul And The Meanie at: Instagram Facebook

Sonja Sleator returns with "Runaway", her first new song since the release of her EP "Violent Strawberry". The single is a departure from the somber sound that Sonja is known for as this one is more upbeat and as Sonja herself says "...it feels like a great Summer song". She's not wrong either. It definitely has a Summer vibe to it and the beach themed video really compliments that. The video was produced by Sonja herself who said "I just wanted something simple and effective. It was more of an experiment than anything else..." Sonja Sleator will be playing at the following live shows: July 20th - Beanstalk Music Festival, Lisburn August 1st - Ghostlight Sessions, Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, Donegal August 9th - East Side Arts Festival supporting Kitt Philippa and Beauty Sleep Keep up to date with Sonja: Twitter Instagram Facebook Official Website Youtube Spotify

Sam Wickens is no stranger as I've covered both of his previous singles this year. However, this time, Sam has just gone and released his debut album "All I've Seen". The album begins with the first single "Falling" which is a hauntingly beautiful track with a very nostalgic 80's vibe mixed with The National.  Up next is the brilliant "ICE". It starts very minimalist with Sam's incredible voice with some a spattering of dreaminess. This is easily my favourite song on the whole album. It's simple perfection. "Cliffside" is what I would imagine a collaboration between Paolo Nutini and Bon Iver would sound like. That sound turns out to be pretty damn good. "Forest" is another technically exceptional track from Sam Wickens. There's literally nothing out of place and the production is spot on. The following song "Eden" misses the mark for me. I'm not entirely sure why but I think it'

Francis Watters or Future West as he's better known has returned to his native Dundalk after spending 18 months living in London. After his superb single "Human" which was released at the end of February, he now treats us to his latest single "See What I See". "See What I See" was written on a day when Francis was longing to be back in Dundalk. It was written and recorded in the same week and is yet another fantastic tune from the new sound of Future West. It's upbeat, it's funky and it's damn addictive. Future West will be appearing in Spirit Store, Dundalk on 21st June, Arcadian Field Festival, Bellurgan on August 2nd-4th and at Electric Picnic's Flying Machine Cafe Stage, Stradbally on 20th August-2nd September. To keep up to date with Future West, follow on these links: Facebook Twitter YouTube Bandcamp Spotify

Soda Blonde are a 4 piece from Dublin comprised of former Little Green Cars members Faye O'Rourke, Adam O'Regan, Donagh Seaver O'Leary and Dylan Lynch. This new venture is an artistic collaboration with the four musicians self producing all aspects of the work and all songs written by Faye when she was in her twenties. "Swimming Through The Night" is a complete departure from Little Green Cars with a more 80's synth sound which creates a really cool atmosphere throughout the track. This coupled with Faye's dreamy vocals make for a truly exceptional debut single from Soda Blonde. Follow Soda Blonde on: Facebook Instagram