Amie Lou Shaw Podcast

Born and raised in the small village of East Preston, West Sussex, Singer-Songwriter Donna Harfield always had ambitions that stretched beyond village limits. Now, this powerful and expressive singer with huge stage presence is creating a lot of interest in the industry. Her forthcoming 2024 album 'Swept Away' includes ten original songs, inspired by love, loss and the ongoing impact of the global pandemic. Recorded and produced by James Welch at Masterlink Studios, they show the depth and range of Donna's songwriting style, described as 'music to move and mend'. ​Style and InfluencesGrowing up with an eclectic mix of music, Donna’s style is a fusion of old school pop, rock, blues, soul and ballads. Favourite artists are also varied, but powerful, vocal women throughout the decades, including Annie Lennox, Cher and Stevie Nicks, to Nina Simone, Judie Tzuke, Tori Amos and Florence Welch. She has a mature and pure vocal and is a lyrical songwriter with a piano ballad bias, using real experiences to fuel her songs and lyrics. MotivationDonna worked as a jobbing actress and singer for many years, enjoying much success and acclaim on stage, and meeting many of her music idols working as a personal shopper at one of London’s most exclusive department stores. However, in her thirties, Donna returned home to the coast to reset, recharge and rediscover her passion for song-writing. Through this, she discovered her own sound. Like many others , Donna has seen love and loss; she writes from her own experiences for herself, with a defiant female voice. A resilient and talented artist, who has experienced life’s highs and lows. She stands for independence, confidence, optimism and courage. Describing her style as soulful pop with subtle electronica, Donna is on a mission to use her music to tell universal stories that people can engage with. Her forthcoming album explores different experiences in each song, delving deep into personal and universal truths to unlock shared emotions. On a personal level, Donna is a member of The Circle, a charity established by Annie Lennox with a mission to empower women in order to bring equality on a global scale and donates to the RSPCA, a UK charity set up to prevent cruelty to animals. “Some stars explode onto the scene like a meteor and then quickly fragment and disappear. Donna Harfield is different. She has paid her dues, been to drama school, gigged with cover bands, plays piano and has written songs for years. She looks good, sounds good and is a powerful performer on stage. However, what lifts her above the day-to-day is the quality of her song-writing.”Roy Stannard, Splash Radio founder and presenter.​Live performanceAside from being a talented singer/songwriter, Donna has a powerful stage presence and loves live performance. She studied drama at College and University and went to East 15 Acting school. ​Her background is extensive; ranging from musicals such as Les Misérables and Blood Brothers to plays including Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls and Sarah Kane’s Crave; not to mention plenty of live sessions for radio, regular gigs with cover bands and appearances at events around the country.​Donna’s performance style is powerful, dominant and audience responsive. She commands the stage with presence and confidence, but it’s intimate acoustic sessions where she’s most at home.​“Stripped back acoustic gigs are some of my favourites,” says Donna. “Having that level of intimacy with the crowd, where you can see the ‘whites of the eyes’, is such a responsibility; perhaps more so than big stages and stadiums where all you see is lights...”

Join me for an interview with writer, musician, film maker and comedian, Matthew Zeitoun, while he shares his wisdom on writing and his journey and creative influences. Matthew Zeitoun has extensive training in various mediums. At 19 he began a music production apprenticeship under platinum producer Ty Fyffe (Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Cam'ron) while continuing to hone his craft and sound.

Walker Tex: An alt-country and dark Americana musical project based in the UK and Ireland. Fronted by Scottish-born singer Walker and Northern Irish guitarist Wilson Lyons, the duo blends cinematic country storytelling with a modern edge.

The AzurescensThe Azurescens are a five-piece indie rock band from Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland. Formed in 2020, they are known for combining Britpop swagger with psychedelic guitar textures and anthemic British rock influences.HistoryThe band was founded in 2020 and spent its first two years developing its sound during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Oasis, The Verve, Ocean Colour Scene, and Pink Floyd, The Azurescens developed a style that blends classic British rock with modern indie sensibilities.Their name was inspired by Psilocybe azurescens, a species of psychedelic mushroom that the members discovered online.The Azurescens made their live debut at the Midnight Breakfast Club in Bathgate in June 2022, selling out the venue and quickly establishing a reputation on the Scottish live circuit. Since then, they have headlined notable venues including Edinburgh's Sneaky Pete's and shared stages with artists such as Aziz Ibrahim (formerly of the Stone Roses and Simply Red) and The Utopiates.In late 2024, the band played their largest show to date when they supported Oasis tribute act Definitely Oasis at a sold-out performance at Edinburgh's Liquid Rooms.MembersThe current lineup consists of:Gary "Gaz" Anderson – rhythm guitar, vocalsAndy Tait – lead guitar, vocalsBrian Gallacher – bass guitar, backing vocalsFrazer Brown – keyboards, guitarMatthew Hurst – drumsMusical StyleThe Azurescens' sound is characterised by soaring guitar melodies, psychedelic influences, and a strong foundation in Britpop and classic British rock. Their music reflects the influence of bands such as Oasis, The Verve, Ocean Colour Scene, and Pink Floyd while maintaining a contemporary indie-rock identity.This version reads more like a professional band biography suitable for a website, press kit, Wikipedia-style article, or media release.

Chasing Twisters are a UK-based country pop-rock band based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Formed in 2021 by songwriters Craig Chapman and Laura Holden, they are known for blending Nashville flair with Midlands grit, delivering upbeat, heartfelt original music that captures real-life storytelling

Amongst Liars is a dynamic alternative, grunge, and punk-infused modern rock band formed in the Brighton and Eastbourne areas of the UK in late 2019. Known for their chunky riffs and biting socio-political commentary, they are also celebrated for their high-energy live shows and resilience in building their fanbase.

The Far North formed in 2019 as a solo project for Lee Wylding, Lee was previously the vocalist and songwriter in the UK Americana band The Fireflys.Lee’s ethos is “To go back to a traditional way of crafting songs, where every lyric is wrought out, every drum beat and guitar line is played from the heart. In turn making the songs meaningful and of value. We wanted to make an album which can be played in full at once, rather than just cherry picking the best songs and releasing 10 singles. This approach isn’t something at the forefront of popular music in 2023”To realise this vision The Far North hired revered UK producer Nigel Stonier, who is famed for his work with such luminaries as Lindisfarne, Joan Baez, Robert Plant and Martha Wainwright. Recorded at Manchester’s Airtight Studios, their debut album “Songs For Gentle Souls” was released through Red Lantern Records on November 20th 2020 and reached #1 on the Apple Music and Amazon charts.Steeped in influences from the 1960’s and 70’s, The Far North are actively contributing to the burgeoning UK Americana scene and have already enjoyed airplay from radio stations in the UK and globally, including BBC 6 Music (Chris Hawkins), Regional BBC and Independent Local Radio. Their debut gig was at Old Trafford Stadium in March 2020.The Far North were the featured spotlight artist in Maverick Magazine June 2022 issue, and have recently been touring with The Sunbirds (fronted by ex Beautiful South co-founder Dave Hemmingway). The Far North also played at the UK Country music festival in 2022, and was rebooked as one of the headliners for 2023 as Lee came off stage!We will also be announcing The Far North as the support for a major US artist tour later this year, along with a number of other major UK festivals. The Far North returned to the studio in January and will continue through February this year, with the next release due in April 2023 on Red Lantern Records.

The Deep HourThe Deep Hour is the solo indie-rock and alternative music project of Irish musician, songwriter, and producer Brian O'Glanby, based in Cobh, County Cork.Drawing on more than three decades of experience in the music industry, O'Glanby channels a lifetime of musical influences into deeply personal, atmospheric songwriting. His work combines thoughtful lyricism, melodic indie-rock textures, and modern alternative production, creating a distinctive and emotionally resonant sound.BackgroundOver the course of a 30-year career, Brian O'Glanby has performed with and produced a wide range of musical acts across Ireland. Building on this extensive experience, he launched The Deep Hour as a creative outlet focused on original songwriting and artistic expression.Through Your EyesWritten, recorded, and produced by O'Glanby in Cobh, Through Your Eyes is the debut full-length album from The Deep Hour. The record showcases his blend of classic songwriting craftsmanship and contemporary indie-rock influences, delivering an immersive listening experience shaped by reflection, emotion, and authenticity.For the latest releases, live performances, and updates from The Deep Hour, visit the official website.

FRED MAY Albany Cree Nation has created, produced and marketed five albums thus far. A member of SOCAN since 1976, Fred presently multi-tasks as ARTS EDUCATOR, MUSICIAN, DRUMMER, COMPOSER, DIRECTOR/PRODUCER and VIDEOGRAPHER, Fred's initial success came early at age 16 when he co -wrote the theme for a humorous documentary show called "LIVE IT UP" for CTV. Well-known producer and musician DANIEL LANOIS worked with Fred, engineering and playing guitar on “LIVE IT UP.” Fred has appeared in CAN-WEST GLOBAL’S movie: “MARKED FOR DEATH.” Fred has also played drums for award-winning band, “SHERIFF,” Worked with Producer JACK RICHARDSON Fred Also worked with Steve Negus Drummer from the band Saga Fred also Mixes and masters Top Artists in the world Fred has also written music for CBC'S “THIS LAND” back in 1987-1989.Received Gold Record May24/2016 500,000+Received Platinum July 15/2016 1.5 millionFRED MAY Gold and Platinum winning Musician, Composer, and Arts Educator is offering On-Line, or Private Lessons.In House Recording Studio.Specializing in: “Multi-Genre’” and “experimental” Music Composition.Services: Mastering, and CD Creation, from start to finished product, including CD Manufacturing.Drum Lessons: beginner, intermediate and, professional level.These lessons are very informative, with a “hands-on” approach. Especially good for beginners, and, also intermediate, professional level.Email for Details @ [email protected]