Author: The A&R Guru

Kristi, founder and creator of The A&R Guru, graduated from Belmont University in April of 2021. She earned her BBA in Music Business and a minor in Production. She's passionate about A&R, digital marketing, production, and touring. One of the most important things she wants her audience to know is that talent is everywhere, and as a music industry professional, she is determined to find it.

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Music Industry

Manchester Based Quartet, Peacock Method, Releases New Single, “I Provide”

Today, Manchester based quartet, Peacock Method, released their brand new single, “I Provide”, encompassing the energy of post-punk, indie disco, and synth pop.

Peacock Method was formed during the United Kingdom’s lockdown and one of their goals was to bring energy and optimism back into Manchester’s music scene.

They have gained a dedicated following through their live performances across Manchester and the North-West and continue to captivate audiences with their sound and high-energy.

Their most recent singles, “Your Faith” and “Love is Blue” have amassed over 60,000 streams on Spotify which has only contributed more towards their rise in the music industry.

Peacock Method consists of Adam Kenny, vocals/keyboard; Lucas Berry, bass; Richard Newton, guitar/background vocals; and Chris Storer, drums.

Check out “I Provide” and connect with them on their socials below!

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Music Industry

Alt-pop Band, Valley, Releases New Single “Have A Good Summer (Without Me)”

Following being announced as support for Dermot Kennedy’s latest Canadian tour, Valley releases their latest single, “Have A Good Summer (Without Me)”!

“Have A Good Summer (Without Me)” is the fourth single off Valley’s upcoming sophomore album, Lost In Translation.

This single was released only a week ago and has already amassed over 440,000 streams on Spotify.

“Have A Good Summer (Without Me)” follows three previously released tracks including, “Throwback Tears,” “Good, but not together,” and “Break For You” which have already accumulated 10 million streams globally.

Valley wrapped up their headlining North American tour ‘Lost In Translation’ and will be back touring in Southeast Asia and Australia this summer adding new songs to their setlist.

Valley consists of Rob Laska (lead vocals), Mickey Brandolino (guitar, synths), Alex Dimauro (bass), and Karah James (drums, vocals).

Valley was formed by accident back in 2016 when a local studio double-booked them; Karah and Mickey played in one band while Rob and Alex played in another.

2023 is already starting to be an explosive year for this amazing band.

The summer in our minds is a romanticized version of life. Love and its adventures are heightened with the heat and the water and the sunshine. The blow of losing someone before those precious few months of the year is devastating to say the least. ‘Have A Good Summer (Without Me)’ is loving them so much, you will let them go.

Karah James

If this isn’t the song of the summer for heartbreak, then I don’t know what is.

Their sophomore album, Lost In Translation, is out June 23rd!

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Photo of Valley Credited to Becca Hamel.

Connect with Valley below and pre-save their new album out 6/23!

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Music Industry

BENTLE Releases New Single “Darkest Blue”

New York-based Australian artist, BENTLE, releases a new hypnotic pop single, “Darkest Blue”!

BENTLE is a project of Josh McVey originally hailing from Brisbane, Australia who now lives in the Big Apple.

With only five releases under his belt, BENTLE gives off all the indie-pop vibes through his music.

Josh McVey is a singer, songwriter, and producer. He produces and writes all of his own material.

There’s multiple reasons why BENTLE needs to be on your radar.

His 2021 single, “MONDO” was a hit and has surpassed 435,000 streams on Spotify.

It looks likes BENTLE is preparing to reveal his debut EP so be on the lookout.

‘Darkest Blue’ is very much about the connection between color, texture and circumstance. There’s been a few times over the past year where it feels like I’m not able to stop myself from sinking or falling into a certain state of mind or state of being. ‘Darkest Blue’ is kind of an exploration of that falling sinking feeling and what it would feel like if I explored it…the visual I had when writing the song was that I fell into the night sky (which was scary and unknown) but I woke up in this ethereal new environment where, though it was still unknown, it was equally intriguing and enlightening.

BENTLE

Connect with BENTLE below and stream “Darkest Blue”!

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Music Industry

Shaina Hayes Releases Debut Album “To Coax A Waltz”

Image Credited to Noemie Sylvestre.

Back in April of this year, Canadian folk artist, Shaina Hayes released her debut album, “To Coax A Waltz”!

The singer-songwriter was born in a small farming and fishing village in Shigawake, Quebec.

Hayes’ music takes shape as she ties her homeland and distinctive heritage through her songwriting.

Hayes built a musical career performing and recording with multiple groups after she studied jazz voice at Vanier College in Montreal.

Back in February of 2021, Shaina brought a small team of Montreal-based artists to Shigawake to arrange and record “To Coax A Waltz”.

One of the singles within the album that needs to be listened to is “Honey Friend”.

Shaina has such a beautiful folky voice and we can’t wait to see where she goes!

Image of Shaina Hayes Credited to Lawrence Fafard.

Connect with Shaina below and stream her album!

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Music Industry

Alt-Pop Artist, Fior, Releases Bewitching Ballad, “Serotonin”

Back in August of this year, alt-pop artist, Fior released a seductive new ballad, “Serotonin”!

Based in Miami, Fior started her musical journey playing songs by ear on a toy piano around 8 years old.

As a rising artist, her latest single has surpassed 100,000 streams on Spotify.

Along the way, she’s developed her own style; she began to write her own lyrics and make original beats.

Fior was influenced by a range of artists like Amy Winehouse, Billy Joel, and No Doubt.

She blends alternative rock with pop, R&B, and soul.

Like many artists, Fior wants to be able to connect with her audience.

Her lyrics are inspired by real life and celebrate the kind of vulnerability that leads to strength.

This has not only inspired listeners to accept their emotions, but it also has encouraged and embraced the importance of speaking your mind.

Her previous three singles were all released in 2022 and have surpassed 1.5 million streams altogether.

“Serotonin” was released in August so we’re looking forward to what Fior has in store for us!

There’s been a theme in the four singles I’ve released this year about breaking free from the cycle of a toxic relationship. Young love is confusing and challenging. “Serotonin” is the final nail in the coffin of that relationship. I’m
alright and don’t want to try again, which was my feeling that I was finally over it.“

FIOR

Connect with Fior below and stream, “Serotonin”!