‘Summer’ the new single from Lewis McLaughlin is a testament to the simple joys of being young, having few cares in the world, whatever the weather. It brings musical escapism - asking us to leave our worries in the house and enjoy a moment with others in the sun. It draws influence from traditional forms and filters them with a contemporary lens to blend alt folk and rock into something unique.

A choir of Lewis’ rich musical network gels the track; “the song has always been very strongly focused on inclusion, community and togetherness. I hope that comes across in this version and the music video.” 

It was recorded in Glasgow where he currently lives. He is 20 years old and was inspired by the likes of John Martyn and Villagers to begin writing and recording his own songs.

Summer - Single

Summer - Radio Edit

Summer (Radio Edit)

Summer

Written on the road “Whole” is an acknowledgement of difficult moments, recognising the finite highs of adrenaline which come with touring with the closely following lows and comedowns. It is a meditation for trying days. A reminder that on every path there will be a view to reassess from, nothing is forever both paths up and down will at one point become the other - “whenever you feel good, it’s just temporary”

Whole

Feel the ground that you walk upon

Moonshine (Feat. Beth Malcolm)

Go With The Flow

Still Looking

Wolf In The Woods

.wav

Hollows

You Tell Me

Overture (Feat. Matt Carmichael)

Rollin’ On comes quickly after winning the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition and follows a packed summer of festival performances across the UK. Since his spectacular debut, Feel The Ground You Walk Upon, Lewis McLaughlin has been a busy 21 year old. Monohands Records present this raw dynamic EP, widening the landscape of McLaughlin's cinematic approach to songwriting.

The new track, Rollin’ On is a reminder to us all to feel the path we’re on and acknowledge the difficulty along it, all the while singing (and whistling) when you can. For the recording he enlisted his brother Euan and school friend Steven Stark to create the off the cuff raw and dynamic version captured at 312, Andy Monaghan’s (Frightened Rabbit/Monohands) Glasgow studio. Equal parts Tom Petty, Foxwarren and Paolo Nutini the blend showcases his ability to create with a more minimal palette than is present on his debut album.

“You Tell Me” (Alternative Version) is a fresh take on the track, as direct as the version on the album, yet shining a light on another colour of the narrative. The Jupiter 4, modulated fenders and tr8 bring a contemporary flourish, setting the scene in a world of hot concrete rather than the rural quaint version from his debut record.

Summer (Acoustic) is a fabulous stripped back campfire-esque version, it feels like it’s been in our blood for generations. A vocal and acoustic accompanied by fiddle player Chloë Bryce along with Finlay Johnston on harmonies. The original version of Summer was described as “the anthem we’ve been waiting for” by BBC Scotland’s Roddy Hart. The track brought out the sun and smiles during Glastonbury performances with sing-a-longs in full swing. It highlights McLaughlin’s desire for connection and community spirit.

You Tell Me (Alternative)

Summer (Acoustic)

Rollin' On

Edinburgh-born Lewis McLaughlin was inspired by the likes of John Martyn and Villagers to begin writing and recording his own songs. He has performed across Europe in various outfits, accompanying his father at folk shows and playing with his brother in a folk duo before going solo. 

 

A life-affirming listen, ‘Feel The Ground You Walk Upon’ in one moment will have you misty-eyed, wishing you could hold a pint aloft with your dearest pals and in the next, have you contemplating your most intense personal struggles. All the while Mclaughlin’s warm timbre blazes perpetually, unifying and comforting the lost souls that gather in its glow.

Lewis McLaughlin

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