From the depths of North London, comes the debut single, Flat 15 (Step Up), from singer-songwriter Joseph Bell. Released January 31st, this tune brings us suitably into a post-Brexit landscape; with lyrics focussing on twenty first century life, dealing with the pressures of modern society and disappointing nights out.
Co-produced and mixed by Charlie Rolfe (Dean Street Studios), the track emanates blends of hip-hop and pop production, focusing on themes of social pressure and life as a millennial trying to conform.
Of his new single, Bell writes;
“I wrote the song last year at the end of my university degree, when I was stressing about the future - Boris, climate change, getting a job, pressure to conform and infinite millennial doom all rolled into one. Recorded in my grimy north London student basement flat for extra effect.”.
Bell previously released music under Joe Bell in 2015, bringing us two tracks Way Back Home and Lightspeed, which gained multiple plays on BBC Introducing Shropshire. However, although Bell gained popularity through these releases, he’s spent the past three years working on new themes within his music; hoping for a departure from his previous guitar-centric melodies.
Clean cut vocals welcome you within the first second of the track; a dark and almost urgent tone encompasses the accompanying instrumentation — a classic yet powerful kick and snare combo paired with a single-note synth makes for a dominant introduction to this electronic dark-pop piece.
The vocals are probably the most prevalent fragment of the whole track; with hints of falsetto dotted here and there, and robotic harmonies complimenting Bell’s well-established vocal melodies.
Towards the end of the track, this is all then augmented by threatening, booming bass; along with a contrasting arpeggio on guitar — persistent yet tender.
Overall, Flat 15 (Step Up) is an admirable admission of our generations weaknesses, and the struggle of modernity. Joseph Bell puts these relatable and somewhat uncomfortable feelings into a three-minute segment, without diluting the validity of the matter.
Flat 15 (Step Up) is available on all streaming platforms, so you can take your pick here, and you can follow Joseph Bell on his subsequent adventures on Facebook and Instagram.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
February 4th— The Bedford Balham, LondonMarch 12th— ‘Bright Nights’ at the Old George, Bethnal Green