South London’s Alice MC returns this Spring with an affecting and joyously unique new EP ‘Storyteller’. It’s a project that points to the artist’s formidable musical background and influences across Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul and folk.
Lead single ‘My Love’, readily showcases her breadth of influences and provides indelible evidence of this young singer songwriter’s raw depth of talent and a remarkable voice which could sound just as striking unaccompanied, something we get an idea of during the stripped back outro. However, when she sings the cascading lyrics “haunted by the shadows of a life that we could lead together” it’s impossible not to be moved by that voice. This is one of the most achingly beautiful and warming singles I’ve heard this year. Naturally, it’s also our Song of the Day.
Watch the accompanying (and very brilliant) video for ‘My Love’ below on which Alice tells us:
“‘My Love’ was inspired by being surrounded by people who mean the most to me in my life, set to the landscape and peace of the Isle of Wight, a place on earth that I love more than anywhere to be and write songs. I had great fun producing the music video thanks to friends and family who sent me clips of what they have enjoyed doing during lockdown. So here’s to coming together and spreading a little positivity!”
Music seemed like the only path for Alice McCarthy (21), born in London but raised in South-West France by her teacher Father and composer Mother. Fortunate to have a creatively driven family, her first experience performing was at her Grandmother’s funeral, aged 11.
“It was a deeply profound experience but ultimately had a very positive impact on everyone who was there listening, I knew then that this is what I wanted to do with my life…”
Later, she was accepted into the Guildhall School in London to study Opera, where her unique talent was noticed from the start. Learning from her peers and working with talented musicians helped shape her sound today, but it was clear her creative path lay elsewhere. With the blessing of her tutors, she left the school to help craft her own sound.
She’s since surrounded herself with musicians from her creative circle in London and across Europe. The result of all this collaboration and creative exploration is her debut EP ‘Storyteller’. Since releasing the first two singles ‘Colours’ and ‘Far From Heaven’, she’s picked up support from Tom Robinson on BBC 6Music and Spotify on their Jazz UK playlist. It’s a release that ebbs and flows between her soulful and uplifting. Alt-jazz sensibilities and her haunting, emotive compositions. The lead single ‘My Love’ showcases the raw power and beauty of her songwriting ability.
Alice MC is a name to keep on your radar. A striking new talent that will brighten any day.
https://soundcloud.com/itsalicemc/my-love-master
Photo Credit: Ace Behaviour