Robyn G. Shiels’ 2005 debut LP ‘A Lifetime of Midnights’ does not suggest that he’d be a happy drunk. In broad terms, Shiels occupies the same alt-country saloon as Will Oldham and Smog. His fragile, melancholic songs are delivered over a sparse backing of guitars, piano and faint slurred drumming. Midnight music. Whiskey Music. Heartache Music.
Singles ‘We Are of Evil’ and ‘Playing Host to Ideas’, released on Belfast based No Dancing Records, claimed widespread media attention, securing sessions with Huw Stephen’s at BBC Maida Vale studios in London, and sending Robyn off as far as Venice and Prague, alongside the likes of Palace Brothers, Van Morrison, Richard Hawley, David Holmes and Cat Power.
A slot at Club NME in London’s Koko Club followed, along with a live session for LA based radio station Indie 103.1FM. Following a scheduled European tour, and a visit to New York City later this year, Robyn returns to the studio to record his eagerly anticipated second album, due for release in 2008.
‘Beautifully bleak, but absolutely full of emotion. Amazingly, this is his debut release; words fail me.’
Mike Diver, Editor, Drowned in Sound
‘Unlike countless other releases that name check the likes of Will Oldham, Low and Red House Painters as musical references, this is a record that can withstand – and I’d argue surpass – those comparisons with ease.’
Matt Dornan, Editor, Comes With a Smile
‘Our American friends are hip to the Appalachian sounds that we originally shipped out of Ulster, a few centuries back. And here’s Robyn, stealing it back.’
Stuart Bailie, Oh Yeah!
"Made on a laptop. Extra instruments: trombone, melodica, clarinet, french horn, fretless bass, plate, crisp packets, table, clay bells, radio, kaoss pad, field recordings.
Hello! my new album "Hammer & Nails" is out now! If you like to purchase a copy, feel free to get in contact with me, or visit my website www. kcmckanzie. com to find more infos about downloads and stuff! have a great day! k.c.
Even if your universe is different from mine, I like your stuff and your great hood. I hope you're well and appreciate my music too! Thanks for finding, adding me and I wish you all the best from France!
lol, antibiotics + gin + tonic = epileptic-stylee dance moves ;) it was a good night's craic... so I'm told ;) Yes, give me a shout when you're next free and we'll get a pint in. x
Thanks for the request. I really like your songs. And I love your profile pic. Hope it's not supposed to scare me, in that case I have to say you failed :-)
i've listened to your songs very closely. Not only you have a beautiful voice, make lovely melodies but you also have some great lyrics! well done colorful wooly hooded one.
cheers boss.. just threw these up to try and get some gigs so i'll give them a shout. lookin forward to hearing your new one. no skinny jeans yet but this place does make you feel like all your clothes are two sizes too big. stole the photo from a film, it's a bit dramatic but then no one likes a ginger.
