With song, harmony, melody and rhythm being the main focus of Aquilina, it’s very difficult not to focus on anything else. The group started when Joseph Aquilina met double bass player Paul Baker outside the Royal College of music and asked Paul to have a jam. After many phone calls, failed attempts at meeting each other, they finally met, jammed and decided to work on Joseph’s material. Egyptian Violinist Samy Bishai answered an advert in the Loot newspaper and joined the group.  Joseph’s old friend from his anarchic teens, Chilean drummer Lenin Alegria, now plays drums after an invitation from the band to complete the quartet.

Joseph was born in South London hailing from Brixton. With his Maltese genealogy and its Semitic language, his interest in all things Arabic and other cultures was sparked from growing up in this multicultural town. Also listening to such artists like Davey Grayham, Jane’s Addiction, Soundgarden, Nick Drake and funk is reflected in Aquilina’s music, through the grooves, harmonies and melodies spanning the world local and afar. Even though the band has adopted Joseph’s surname, it is very much a band. The members are influenced by Jazz, Classical, Latin, Rock, Electronica, Pop, Folk and World music which all filters in to what is produced and performed.

Aquilina’s music has always been tricky to describe or put into a category, but one thing the remains certain, is that the majority of listeners with whatever fad they may be into: they like what they hear. Joseph’s voice producing powerful emotive tones fits perfectly with the skilfully played acoustic instruments, creating sonorous arrangements anchored by Lenin’s drumming. Comparisons have been made with Arcade Fire, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Chris Cornell, Seal, Sting and the Dave Mathews Band with a North African and Eastern European flavour making their sound a little bit more open to “Worldy” influences as some may describe.
Aquilina has had several members join and leave the band including cellist/singer-songwriter Jeni Saint, Percussionist Martin Pyne and Drummer Nikolaj Bjerre (session drummer and formerly from the 90s trip-hop band Lamb). Other musicians that have worked and will feature on future recordings include: Zoe Rahman (2006 Mercury music nominee) on Piano, Oli Savil (Basement Jaxx) Percussion, Idris Rahman (The Soothsayers and producer of Mercury Nominees Basquiat Strings & Mercury Nominee Zoe Rahman) and Calum Cook (BSO, ECO, LPO) on Cello.

I am, therefore I sing. 
Maker of music.
Writer of words. 


Dale Cullen is an unsigned British singer-songwriter. His self-recorded debut album 'Night Talk' was released in 2019, followed by the E.P 'A Tear That Grew into a River' in 2022. Listen to the album here >>> https://open.spotify.com/album/40TdeRHD6D10TIedFmrvwQ…

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/night-talk/1473221998

South London Folk. Urban infused  melody. All round loveable rogue. Honest music, good vibes. 

Kirby Howarth is a talented singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque city of York in the United Kingdom. With a captivating blend of folk, indie, and blues influences, Kirby's music weaves together heartfelt storytelling, soulful melodies, and raw emotions.

Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the world around him, Kirby creates songs that resonate deeply with listeners. His lyrics are poignant and introspective, offering a glimpse into the human condition and the complexities of life. Accompanied by his soul-stirring acoustic guitar, Kirby's warm and emotive voice carries his melodies with a graceful authenticity that leaves a lasting impression.

Kirby's talent has garnered recognition beyond the local scene, with his music being featured on esteemed platforms such as BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6, as well as receiving widespread airplay on various local radio stations. His performances are characterised by an intimate and genuine connection with the audience, where each song becomes a shared experience that touches hearts and lingers in the memory.

“Acoustic laid back new wave punk indie folk with a sprinkle of deep meaningful day to day observations on how the world goes round and round and round and sometimes I actually notice this happening and decide it’s worthy enough to write a song about.”
- Kirby Howarth

"In the years I’ve been tracking the progress of York singer songwriter Kirby Howarth it’s been fascinating to hear him refining his approach and zeroing in on the sound he’s been hearing inside his head all these years.
As a result, his songs grow ever more focussed and appealing"
- Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6

" A strong collection of songs, well written and delivered. The vocal styling is distinctive and appealing - you connect emotionally with the listener."
- Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6

" That's another fantastic song everyone's a gem from you, you write really really nice songs Kirby."
- Alan Raw, BBC Radio Leeds Introducing

Acoustic Singer/Songwriter from South London playing a blend of Folk, Blues, Rock'n'Roll and Soul. 

New recording coming in April 2015! 

@samplayingmusic
www.facebook.com/samwilsonmusicuk

// singer-songwriter | London //
thisbillieblack@gmail.com

Dale Cullen is following