We Speak Music
Loic J. Tuckey Delivers Masterful Debut Album
Loic J. Tuckey’s artistic odyssey is resonating with new fervour as his debut album, Beyond The Sun Road, and his novella, Cowboy Butchers, capture the rugged, untamed essence of the American West. This multi-talented artist melds diverse genres—including Americana, alternative rock, blues, folk, and ambient lounge jazz—into a mesmerizing 12-track album that harks back to the golden age of American road trips. Tuckey’s evocative guitar work and versatile vocals, ranging from bluesy grit to gentle melodies, create a rich auditory landscape that bridges mid-20th century rock, surf, swampy blues, and psychedelia.
The album’s creation was a deeply immersive experience for Tuckey, who crafted much of the music and lyrics during real-life road trips across America. The titular track, “Beyond The Sun Road,” embodies this journey with its driving drums and gritty guitar lines, mirroring the endless road and the fleeting moments captured in Tuckey’s lyrics. His songwriting reflects vivid scenes and emotions collected from the open highways, diners, and motels, making the album not just a musical work but a true testament to the spirit of American exploration.
Recorded at Sheffield’s Hatch Studio with contributions from local talents such as Jim Ghedi and Zebedee Budworth, and mastered at Candyland Studios in Kentucky by Mike Montgomery, the album stands as a polished yet authentic reflection of Tuckey’s artistic vision. The collaborative effort has resulted in a cohesive piece that combines technical skill with genuine expression, encapsulating the essence of Tuckey’s journey across America.
In addition to his musical achievements, Tuckey’s debut novella, Cowboy Butchers, further showcases his versatility and depth as an artist. Drawing from classic Italian westerns and the culinary traditions of the Lincolnshire banger, the novella echoes the rich cultural influences present in his music. With over 15 years of experience in Sheffield’s vibrant music scene, Tuckey’s novel and album together present a powerful narrative and sonic experience that deeply connects with the rugged allure of the American West, making Beyond The Sun Road a compelling and innovative debut in both literature and music.
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.
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