folk – Darren Johnson Music PR

New single: ‘Afraid of the Silence’ – an upbeat yet thought-provoking slice of prog folk from Dandelion Charm

Single release date: 14th July 2019

“Dandelion Charm have the songs and talent to appeal to not only prog and folk fans, but anyone who enjoys strong songwriting with blissful vocals and melodies” – Get Ready To Rock

Ahead of their much-anticipated new album this Autumn, south-coast duo Dandelion Charm release a new single on 14th July. Reflecting on the drip drip impact of a never-ending stream of modern media commentary ‘Afraid of the Silence’ delivers its message with an upbeat optimistic shuffle and overtones of Simon and Garfunkel.

Drawing from the prog, rock and folk influences of John Fowler (guitar and vocals) and Clare Fowler (vocals), Dandelion Charm’s critically-acclaimed signature sound is a luxurious blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

John Fowler: “Afraid of the Silence is a comment on Western society. So many of us just want to be told what’s worthy of our attention, what isn’t, what we should wear, what words we should use and so on. We absorb whatever the media spews out as if it’s our own thoughts, disregarding whatever was in vogue last week. So many people are terrified of not having all this stimulus and media guidance. They are afraid of the silence. People spend their time coveting whatever product is marketed to their demographic, and get a small dopamine release when it’s acquired, then they’re on to the next thing. This seems to be how many of us exist. I wonder whether such people reach old age and feel like they haven’t actually done anything – whether they feel as if they haven’t really lived.”

The release of ‘Afraid of the Silence’ will be marked with a special launch gig at Bar 42, Worthing on 14th July.

Dandelion Charm’s debut album ‘Tiny Drop’ was released in 2015. This was followed by a five-track EP ‘Riding The Flood’ in 2018. Following the success of ‘Riding The Flood’ last year and appearances at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, the Cropredy festival fringe and a support slot for prog icons Gryphon, 2019 is promising to be even more of an exhilarating ride for Dandelion Charm with an appearance at the Cambridge Rock Festival in July, a return to Cropredy in August and a string of gigs along the south coast. A second full-length album ‘Maybe Dreamers’ is scheduled for release in November 2019 in both CD and digital formats.

Media enquiries to: Darren Johnson +44 (0)7799 731 682 darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com

Website: https://www.dandelioncharm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandelioncharmmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dandelion_Charm

‘Avenue of Luck’ the new single from folk/Americana duo Duffy & Bird

Single release date: 21st June 2019

A stunning slice of folk/Americana ‘Avenue of Luck’ is the brand new single from Duffy & Bird. It follows the duo’s well-received debut album ‘5 Lines’ released in 2017 and is a first taste of new material ahead of a new five-track EP that will be released this Autumn.

Duffy & Bird are Tricia Duffy on lead vocals and Al Bird on vocals and guitar. The duo’s blend of vocals with Duffy’s warmth and clarity creates a beautiful and emotive harmonic effect that is coupled with Al’s sensitive acoustic guitar. Betraying Al’s roots in rock, their songs combine fluid vocals with cleverly precise guitar arrangements.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind ‘Avenue of Luck’ Tricia Duffy comments:

“Al and I had been chatting about the number of listeners we had on Spotify and he used the phrase Avenue of Luck – how do we get on to the Avenue of Luck? That sounds like a song, I said to him! I think we both have a shared set of values when it comes to that whole notion of luck. We consider ourselves lucky but we also both strongly believe that there isn’t really any such thing as luck – as the song says only opportunity and [hard] work. That started the theme for the song. We’ve found that Avenue of Luck is a fantastic live song for us and even though it’s still new, it’s been incredibly popular when we’ve taken it out.”

Now based in Chiswick, west London (Tricia) and Farnham, Surrey (Al) the pair hail from Portsmouth and Cardiff respectively, their paths first crossing in 2015. Originally starting out as two-fifths of a rock covers band they morphed into an acoustic duo performing covers of classic songs. However, putting a set-list together one day two years ago, Tricia confided to Al that she was getting a little tired of doing covers and wanted them to start writing their own songs. With Tricia’s natural gift for storytelling and Al’s intuitive feel for a strong melody the pair soon evolved into accomplished singer-songwriters. Tricia’s trip to Nashville for a writing workshop in 2017 with songwriter, Verlon Thompson, and others meant she came back with new inspiration and a clutch of brand new songs. Their material began earning them a reputation on the live circuit, with some of their memorable appearances including 2018’s Weyfest and the Tamesis Dock floating barge venue in London.

“It’s all about stories with Tricia,” says Al. “She’ll get an idea from something someone has said, or she’s seen on TV, and that will percolate in her head until she can write 4-5 lines of a poem. That’s how most of our songs start.”

“Al is highly logical,” adds Tricia. “His musicianship is incredible but his inspiring skill is the way he listens. He hears how things are developing before we’ve even finished writing them and adds magic touches where you least expect them.”

Duffy & Bird’s debut album ‘5 Lines’ was released in November 2017. A five-track EP is scheduled for release in Autumn 2019.

“When I listened for the first time, my very first thought was I haven’t heard anything like this, since Simon & Garfunkel. An incredible duo.” Al Yardy – KB Radio on Duffy & Bird’s debut album ‘5 Lines’

Website: https://duffyandbird.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffyandbird

Twitter: https://twitter.com/duffyandbird

Media enquiries to: Darren Johnson 07799 731 682 darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com

‘Stephanie’ the captivating new single from Dandelion Charm

Single release date: 8th April 2019

“a song about disappointment and failed expectation, loss of innocence, isolation and shame”

In a busy twelve months for prog folk outfit Dandelion Charm they’ve released a highly-acclaimed EP, extended their reach to many new fans and spent time in the studio finalising a brand new album. The single ‘Stephanie’ provides the first taste of what Dandelion Charm’s new material has in store for fans and will be released as a download on Monday 8th April 2019.

Newhaven-based Dandelion Charm is the creation of John Fowler (guitars/vocals) and Clare Fowler (vocals). They combine prog, folk and rock influences into a luxurious blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, superb musicianship and heartfelt lyrics, receiving plaudits from across a range of genres – from prog to hard-rock to folk.
The single is a captivating and dramatic slice of exquisite prog folk from the highly-rated south-coast duo.

Clare Fowler: “I started writing the melody and lyrics for Stephanie on the bus to Brighton, I was thinking about my daughter and how she had come home from London after making a ‘bad’ choice. She was so embarrassed and crippled by shame and feelings of inadequacy, which were then fuelled and exaggerated by the insta-perfect lives she saw online. As the song took shape, however, I realised that I identified with her feelings and the character of Stephanie grew in my mind into an every-woman, embodying the journey into womanhood. Stephanie is a song about disappointment and failed expectation, loss of innocence, isolation and shame. The train is a metaphor for time which moves relentlessly forward regardless of our desire to step off or go backwards to a simpler more unworldly place.”

Already familiar faces on the Brighton and Worthing music scene, Dandelion Charm have stepped up their live appearances over the past year and won many new fans, performing as a duo or trio and sometimes in an expanded full-band format. Playing Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, being part of the festival fringe line-up at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy weekend and a support slot with prog rock icons Gryphon have been among the many recent highlights for Dandelion Charm.

John Fowler: “It feels like we’ve grown wings, its great when people you don’t know get in contact and want to talk about the music. That’s been the big difference this year it really feels like we’re going somewhere. For me this year has felt like someone has opened a gate to a big field, and we’re walking around the field and experiencing all these new things. It’s been great!”

Dandelion Charm’s debut album ‘Tiny Drop’ was released in 2015. This was followed by a five-track EP ‘Riding The Flood’ in February 2018. A second full-length album ‘Maybe Dreamers’ is scheduled for release in late 2019.

The release of the single ‘Stephanie’ will be marked with a special launch gig at The Observatory, Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN on 6th April

Media enquiries to: Darren Johnson 07799 731 682
darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com

Website: https://www.dandelioncharm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandelioncharmmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dandelion_Charm

Hove: Dandelion Charm perform free-entry acoustic gig in support of music therapy charity

Venue: The Brunswick, 1 Holland Rd, Hove BN3 1JF

Date: Friday February 8th 2019 , 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Free entry.

Prog folk duo Dandelion Charm will be performing a free-entry acoustic gig as part of Fifty Gigs In A Day, which is taking place world-wide on 8th February 2019 to support the work of the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity. They will be joined by singer-songwriter duo Milton Hide.

Newhaven-based Dandelion Charm are John and Clare Fowler. They combine prog, folk and rock influences into a luxurious blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, superb musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. Dandelion Charm’s debut album ‘Tiny Drop’ was released in 2015. This was followed by a five-track EP ‘Riding The Flood’ in February 2018. The duo’s exquisite studio work has received plaudits from across a range of genres – from prog to hard-rock to folk. Clare and John will be joined on stage by guitarist/vocalist Bob Burke.

“We are absolutely passionate about the power of music and this gig is a wonderful opportunity to support the work of Nordoff Robbins. Their music therapy work can be life-changing for so many people,“ says Dandelion Charm’s Clare Fowler.

Opening the evening will be Milton Hide who are husband and wife team, Jim and Josie Tipler. Natural storytellers with material that is rooted in folk traditions, they write and perform songs that are strong in melody and full of hooks. Sometimes personal, sometimes amusing, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes making a point – but always memorable.

Fifty Gigs In A Day is the brain-child of Jason Ritchie. “The idea was to create a whole host of gigs, events and social media posts mentioning Nordoff Robbins on and around the 8 February. As it was such a success last year I thought why not make it an annual event. This year it will be hopefully 51 gigs and the focus this time will be on up-and-coming bands, artists, comedians and authors – all supporting and plugging the work of Nordoff Robbins,” says Jason.

Nordoff Robins are the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people. They support thousands of people in their own centres as well as care homes, schools and hospitals. When delivered by a trained practitioner, music therapy can be used to support people living with a wide range of needs.

Donations – for those wishing to support the work of Nordoff Robbins through Fifty Gigs In A Day a Just Giving page has been set up here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiftygigsinaday2019

Find out more here about Fifty Gigs In A Day here: https://therockinchairblog.wordpress.com/fifty-gigs-in-a-day-2019/

Find out more about Nordoff Robbins here: http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk

Media enquiries to: Darren Johnson 07799 731 682 darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com

Website: https://www.dandelioncharm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandelioncharmmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dandelion_Charm

News: Newhaven duo Dandelion Charm release brand new EP with launch gig at The Brunswick, Hove

Venue: The Brunswick, 1 Holland Rd, Hove BN3 1JF

Date: 11 February 2018, 7pm

Riding The Flood is a new five-track EP from Newhaven-based duo Dandelion Charm. John and Clare Fowler combine prog, folk and rock influences into a luxurious blend of intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, superb musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. Imagine Fleetwood Mac meets Opeth and CSN meets Yes.

The EP is released on 11th February and will be formally launched with a special gig that evening. Dandelion Charm will be performing songs from the EP with a full band at the Brunswick, Hove’s premier music and arts venue. Tickets (£8 advance/£10 door) available via http://www.wegottickets.com/event/422169

Very much a personal as well as a creative partnership, Dandelion Charm have been memorably described as ‘like Fleetwood Mac without the drama’. As one reviewer has noted, however, all the drama is to be found in the songs themselves.

Clare Fowler: “The themes we deal with in our songs are not frivolous ones. They are all about aspects of real life, things that we’ve seen or been part of. Fear and self-doubt, optimism and determination, family, relationships and addiction are some of the emotions and situations we explore on Riding The Flood.”

“I just can’t find the words to express how excited John and I are about this launch gig,“ Clare added. “We’ve been rehearsing with some incredible musicians to bring to life John’s epic production.”

With a background working in a commercial studio, John brings over twenty years of song-writing and production experience to Dandelion Charm. Clare, meanwhile, is a long-time visual artist and performer and her love of storytelling manifests itself in her heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery. There are three key elements to Dandelion Charm, however: John, Clare and ‘Olah’. The latter being John’s custom-built jumbo twelve-string guitar which is central to both the songwriting process and the duo’s live performances.

John Fowler: “We crowd-funded for Olah and I ended up with this amazing beautiful-looking instrument. With Dandelion Charm it’s the first time I’ve made music where I’m not trying to please anyone but it’s hugely rewarding seeing others who love what we’re about.”

What people are saying about Dandelion Charm:

“Dandelion Charm have the songs and talent to appeal to not only prog and folk fans, but anyone who enjoys strong songwriting with blissful vocals and melodies.” – Jason Ritchie (Get Ready To Rock)

“…the fullness of the music, the beautiful harmonies, the sheer musicianship that one moment floats out of the car hi-fi then suddenly becomes a blast of power” – FATEA

“Dandelion Charm…clearly destined for greatness” – Chris Giles (Folk Is Not A Rude Word)

“Packed with beautiful harmonies and emotional, heartfelt lyrics. Like Fleetwood Mac, they play, sing and write music with classic, soaring pop melodies that will also appeal to the serious muso.” – ROSS SIMPSON (Director – First Act Workshops)

“Bloody brilliant night at The Old Oak…Dandelion Charm – just, WOW!” – Jimbo Tipler (Folk at The Old Oak)

Media and guest-list enquiries to: Darren Johnson 07799 731 682
darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com

Website: https://www.dandelioncharm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandelioncharmmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dandelion_Charm

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