We Speak Music

HELEN TOWNSEND enthrals with evocative new single ‘Battlefield’

Published

1 year ago

November 29, 2023

Don Reed

Walyalup / Perth, renowned Americana artist, Helen Townsend, is set to enthral music enthusiasts with her latest single, ‘Battlefield,’ the second release from her highly anticipated forthcoming album. Following in the footsteps of ‘Is This Love,’ a track praised as “irresistible honky-tonk blues” by an anonymous critic, ‘Battlefield’ showcases a completely distinct musical proposition.

With a commitment to exploring the spectrum of mortal love, Townsend embarks on a journey of highs and lows in her upcoming collection of songs. If ‘Is This Love’ represents the high point of this emotional journey, ‘Battlefield’ delves into the tumultuous cobblestones of despair that often pave the way to the transcendence of unconditional love.

In ‘Battlefield,’ Townsend’s evocative lyrics, “Words are like poison / Sharp and unkind,” extend her ability to bare her soul and create a universal connection through her personal experiences. This candid self-expression is a driving force for musicians, and Townsend excels in making her personal life and words resonate with all of us.

The single ‘Battlefield’ delivers a slow and restrained melody, with Townsend’s passion and intensity simmering just below the surface. Her unique voice, rooted in Nashville and spanning the Pacific, is accentuated by the instrumentation. Townsend pays homage to the legacy of country-rock artists who preceded her, yet her songs remain uniquely her own.

‘Battlefield’ promises to be a slow-burning sensation that offers a delicately nuanced counterpoint to ‘Is This Love.’ Listeners are encouraged to savour this musical masterpiece before Townsend’s next release, allowing ‘Battlefield’ to become a timeless accompaniment to their own peaks and troughs of true romance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience ‘Battlefield’ and join us in celebrating Helen Townsend’s outstanding contribution to the world of Americana music.

We Speak Music

Stephan Folkes Shines on Reflective New Single ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’

Published

13 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Philomena Marie

Stephan Folkes returns with a transcendent new release, ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’, and it’s clear the London-based artist is charting his own course through the cosmos of contemporary music. Following the critical success of his debut single ‘Say It Like You Mean It’, Stephan’s latest offering is a richly layered, genre-defying meditation on time, adversity, and personal growth.

A self-described “Visionist” and “King of Fantasy,” Folkes approaches music with a rare kind of fearlessness. His newest single doesn’t chase trends—it questions them. From the very first note, Stephan draws listeners into a reflective space, encouraging them to consider the lessons learned from life’s most difficult moments.

“Music should be a space for self-reflection,” Stephan says, and ‘It’s All Within Time’ lives up to that mission. Carried by his velvety vocals—reminiscent of George Michael at his most heartfelt—Stephan weaves a soundscape that blends soft rock, R&B, jazz, funk, and ambient pop with effortless finesse. The result is a sound that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking, dreamy yet grounded.

Lyrically, the track urges listeners to embrace their journey in its entirety. It’s not just about where you’re going—it’s about how you’ve grown through the fire. There’s something deeply empowering in that message, and Stephan delivers it with authenticity and grace.

Born and raised in Leytonstone, East London, Stephan’s music is deeply rooted in personal experience. Surviving a life-threatening hospitalization at five and a near-drowning in his youth, he emerged with a profound sense of purpose—one that pulses through every word and every chord. Since beginning his journey in music at just 11, he’s grown into a full-fledged artist, working alongside industry talents like Nick Michaels (Bethnal) and producer Phil Curran.

With a strong presence online and plans to bring his message to the stage across the UK, ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’ marks a powerful new chapter for Stephan Folkes. It’s not just a song—it’s a reminder to honour your past, trust the timing of your life, and never be afraid to walk your own path.