We Speak Music

DD Allen Set to Captivate with Poignant Single ‘Holborn Avenue’ Ahead of Debut EP Release

Published

5 months ago

December 10, 2024

From a rebellious schoolboy in Bournemouth to a rising indie-folk sensation, DD Allen is making waves with his heartfelt artistry. His new single Holborn Avenue, serves as the final chapter from his eagerly anticipated debut EP, Rebel Hero. Following standout singles like the title track, Born To Love You, and Green Room, Allen’s latest release cements his place as a compelling voice in the indie music scene.

Holborn Avenue is a stirring exploration of first love and its enduring emotional echoes. Built around Allen’s evocative falsetto vocals, textured guitars, harmonica, and subtle synth layers, the song evolves into a soaring indie-folk anthem. Allen’s emotive songwriting and commanding voice evoke comparisons to Neil Young, Noah Kahan, and Michael Marcagi, crafting a sound that is as timeless as it is contemporary.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, DD Allen shares, “I think how you handle the weight of your memories defines who you become. Even though Holborn Avenue sounds like a heartbreak song, that whole story and chapter of my life makes me smile. It’s probably the purest song I’ve written. She always had a gift for turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary. It was a special journey, and we were young. But fate tore us apart in the end.”

The song captures the bittersweet essence of youthful love, evolving from an intimate ballad to a rousing indie-folk anthem as it builds to the emotive refrain, “away from Holborn Avenue.”

DD Allen’s Rebel Hero EP, also releasing January 24, promises to be a deeply personal collection of songs that resonate with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The EP will be available as a limited-edition deluxe CD, featuring five previously unreleased bonus tracks, offering fans a tangible keepsake of this heartfelt project.

With his distinctive voice and intimate songwriting, DD Allen has built a growing audience eagerly awaiting his debut record. His ability to balance nostalgia with hope has made him an artist to watch, and Holborn Avenue is set to further solidify his place in the indie-folk world.

Stream Holborn Avenue and join DD Allen on an emotional journey through love, loss, and transformation. Experience the full Rebel Hero EP on January 24, 2025, and embrace the artistry of a rising star who is redefining indie folk.

We Speak Music

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.

Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’

‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.

Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.