Beth Ray Writes

It’s been a while since i’ve written what i’m listening to. I’ve been taking the time to listen to new music and booking more gigs to discover new music which is always exciting.
This week there are some great tracks i’ve been listening to, featuring Abbie Ozard, Royel Otis, Blossoms and Billie Eilish. Please give my brief introductions a read and let me know which ones you like!

First up is Abbie Ozard whose album “Everything Still Worries Me” is out on 26th July. I’m really excited for this release as i’ve been taking a deep dive on her discography and I love her musical style. She delivers fun indie pop vibes mixed with synths and lyrics that remind you of the anxieties of growing up in your 20s. Her lyrics really hit the mark with the track “Anything For You” with the following lines:

“It’s always anything for you/
And my mascara’s washed off/
And I’m crying on the tube/
I’d give away all my spare parts/
If it means that I can lie on your heart“

She’s playing at Manchester tonight at YES and you can buy last minute tickets to the gig here . If you’re unable to attend you can pre-order her album here at my local record shop Applestump Records where you can get first hand information about an upcoming album signing!
Anyway here’s my favourite track “Anything For You” so let me know what you think!

My next track i’m listening to is Royel Otis “Sofa King”. The Australian band recently went viral after covering Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s track “Murder On The Dancefloor” with the Youtube video on over 4 million views. They released their debut album “PRATTS & PAIN” in February and i’m really enjoying it. “Sofa King” is my favourite at the moment as it reminds me of the summer, it has a catchy hook “You’re so fucking gorgeous” and it’s got a great acoustic guitar sound. I’m seeing them play live later this year and I can’t wait! If you want tickets you can see where they are touring on their website here.

Next up is Blossoms with “What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?”. Now I am a BIG Blossoms fan, I’m going to have to do a deep dive on them soon just so I can share why they are JUST SO BLOODY GOOD. Anyway in the meantime enjoy this brand new bop from them, featuring Sean Dyche in the music video (yes the Everton football manager). I recommend watching their social media videos and listening to their podcast “Blossoms Pubcast” to hear all about how they made the track and why Sean Dyche has made an appearance. It is such a good song I don’t really need to go into it (wait for the deep dive for me to bleat on about them), just put it on at full blast on a bright summer day with a beer and enjoy. They’re playing Wythenshawe Park August Bank Holidays so make sure to grab tickets here before they go.

Last up as it’s Billie Eilish’s new album release day with “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” (why the capitals?) i’ve given it a listen already and there are some really good songs. My favourite so far is “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”. Give it a listen below and make sure to tell me which is your favourite from her thirds album. It’s already receiving great reception from critics, with the Guardian and NME both giving it 4* out of 5.

Have a great weekend and make sure to send me your music recommendations my way!

Beth x