Kiwi based songwriter, Michael Llewellyn, releases debut heart slapping album 'Oh My Darling'. "Raspy & Poetic", the ten tracks take us on a journey that is honest and raw.
Re-telling personal stories of love and loss, Llewellyn invites us into his heart. "I was influenced a lot by Leonard Cohen and the Velvet Underground" he tells us. With tracks such as 'Mikaela' & 'Whangamatā' sitting upon an infectious rhythm section, crunchy guitars and intimate vocals.
'A break up album in its purest', 'Oh My Darling' - out OCT 15. Followed by a North Island Tour Oct 30 - Nov 13.
‘Oh My Darling', set to be released in October this year, encapsulates heartache, tenderness and grit. Llewellyn portrays the very personal world of his time spent etched into the ribs of Te Maunga O Taranaki. Longing for quietude following a tumultuous break up and a debilitating neck injury, a mad deluge of writing found its roots; “I probably stitched about sixteen songs that month.” Flavours of native bush on tracks such as ‘Time it ain’t easy’ and ‘Lady bug’ evoke the healing qualities of our western coastline.
"His songs have a timelessness about them." Earnest and mature. Though we never lose sight of his humour and playfulness. “It's half comedy, and the songs make me feel something” said one sweet listener earlier this year as Llewellyn played alongside his five-piece backing band at a festival in Havelock North.
Recorded in his shoebox bedroom – carpet drenched in guitar leads and off cuts – his voice pours out, rough and relatable. Setting itself apart from the Aotearoa indie scene, ‘Oh My Darling’ will tug at your mind and soul. Whether it be intimate and seated or sweaty and loud, Llewellyn will leave you feeling touched on his North Island tour later this year.
Key dates:
Album Release ............................... Oct 15
Tour dates:
Meow - Pōneke ............................... Oct 30
Leigh Sawmill ............................... Nov 5
Whammy - Tāmaki Makaurau .................... Nov 6
Ahu Ahu beach Villas - Oākura ............... Nov 11
Commonroom - Heretaunga ..................... Nov 12
The Dome Cinema - Tūranganui-a-Kiwa ......... Nov 13
