pop-rock Archives - WestyMusic

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Single Release #5 – Wry Smile

Westy — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 18:21:37 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Craig Westwood Releases Defiant Political Anthem “Wry Smile,” Urging Listeners to Embrace the Power of Voting

Available Now on All Streaming Platforms and Bandcamp

October 25, 2024 – UK – British singer-songwriter Craig Westwood has released “Wry Smile,” a bold and defiant new track with a resounding message: the power to instigate change lies within every individual. Available on all major streaming platforms and for purchase on Bandcamp, “Wry Smile” invites listeners to challenge political systems that seem rigged against them and to reclaim their voice in an era when democracy is at a critical juncture.

Written in 2017 against a backdrop of turbulent political climates in both the United States and the UK, “Wry Smile” was inspired by the rise of divisive, right-wing leaders who prioritized personal gain over the well-being of their people. With the now-iconic line, “If I’m just a nobody, then I can be anybody,” Westwood issues a rallying cry for voters to unite against leaders who see them as “nobodies.” In a defiant tone that underscores the power of collective action, the song speaks to the resilience of ordinary people and their ability to effect change by voting.

“Wry Smile speaks directly to leaders who misuse their position to further their own selfish interests rather than those of the people,” says Westwood. “This isn’t just about one leader or one country; it’s about holding all politicians accountable. And that means voting for people who care about the greater good, not just themselves.”

With its 70s-inspired acoustic rock sound, “Wry Smile” weaves wordplay and irony into a timeless yet urgent musical experience. Fans of KT Tunstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” or Elvis Costello’s clever lyricism will feel right at home with Westwood’s distinct blend of biting social commentary and powerful instrumentation. The track’s raw, acoustic rock energy serves as the perfect vehicle for its politically charged message, underscoring the song’s urgency and relevance to today’s listeners.

In both America and the UK, “Wry Smile”’s message strikes a timely chord. Westwood wrote the song after witnessing the early days of Donald Trump’s presidency and the United Kingdom’s move towards Brexit—two decisions he saw as reflective of a growing disconnect between the powerful and the everyday citizen. With Brexit marking Britain’s retreat from a united Europe and Trump’s administration prioritizing division over unity, “Wry Smile” challenges listeners to be proactive in preventing history from repeating itself.

Wry Smile’s release comes at a pivotal moment, as the U.S. approaches its 2024 presidential election. Westwood hopes that the track not only resonates with listeners but also inspires action. “My hope is that this song encourages people to pay more attention to politics, especially in the United States where the stakes are so high,” Westwood shares. “We have the power to choose who represents us—leaders who genuinely care about the people, rather than those looking to line their own pockets. Our vote is our voice.”

With the urgency of “Wry Smile,” Westwood has created a song for today’s world—one that calls for engagement, unity, and accountability. Listeners are invited to join him in using their voices, especially as many countries face crucial elections and decisions. “Democracy only works if we’re all a part of it,” says Westwood. “I want this song to remind people that they’re not powerless.”

About Craig Westwood

Craig Westwood is a UK-born singer-songwriter known for his powerful lyrics, socially conscious themes, and unique acoustic rock sound. With influences spanning from the raw energy of the 1970s to the biting wordplay of artists like Elvis Costello, Westwood crafts music that resonates deeply with audiences around the world. “Wry Smile” joins a lineup of songs that reflect his commitment to speaking truth to power, calling for change, and inspiring listeners to think critically about the world around them.

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Website: https://westymusic.co.uk

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4fQpSw5p6uSkOhGJhCAsWn

Bandcamp: https://craigwestwood1.bandcamp.com/track/wry-smile

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Single Release #3 – On the Rise

Westy — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:02:45 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

Craig Westwood Releases Single ‘On the Rise’ on December 8th 2023

Craig Westwood is excited to announce the release of his third single: ‘On the Rise’ on December 8th 2023. The song is in Craig’s distinctive pop-rock style featuring acoustic guitars, and a rousing string and brass section.

Craig was winner of the social media platform Vero’s ‘Great Guitar Contest’ in 2019. His prize: a Taylor 717 Grand Pacific guitar, signed by many well-know artists, was presented at the famous ‘Norman’s Rare Guitars’ store in Los Angeles. and the video for ‘On the Rise’ was filmed in and around L.A. after the presentation.

“On the Rise started as a song about manifesting a successful future,” he says. “I got interested in just how changing your mindset from negativity to one of positivity can bring about the things that you want to happen. I thought… wouldn’t that be amazing! Then I went and won a guitar contest!”

‘On the Rise’ is self-recorded and produced. The guitars and keyboards for the single were recorded in Craig’s home studio in Yorkshire, and the song features his favourite session drummer, Emily Dolan Davies, who recently toured with Kim Wilde, and who plays frequently on Craig’s songs.

‘On the Rise’ is available from December 8th on all streaming platforms.

Craig is currently promoting the single online and is available for interviews and features. For more information, please visit https://linktr.ee/westymusic for all useful links.

Website: http://westymusic.co.uk

Hyperfollow link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/craigwestwood/on-the-rise

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Single Release #2 – Watching the Rain

Westy — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:35:40 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

Craig Westwood Releases Single ‘Watching the Rain’ on October 13th 2023

Following the release of his debut single: ‘Only the Good Ones Go First’, Craig Westwood and WestyMusic are excited now to announce his second release: ‘Watching the Rain’ on Friday October 13th 2023. The single showcases Westwood’s strong vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar finger-picking style, together with a lush use of strings and percussion that he plays himself.

Craig won social media platform Vero’s ‘Great Guitar Contest’ in 2019, and during his visit to Los Angeles to collect his prize: a Taylor 717 Builder’s Edition guitar, he previewed a live version of ‘Watching the Rain’ in LA’s famous Norman’s Rare Guitars store.

“I often announce this song live as a song about the English Summer”, he says. “But actually it’s a song about the struggle to communicate, and the weather reference is just a way of setting the mood.”

‘Watching the Rain’ is available on October 13th on all streaming platforms.

‘Watching the Rain’ is self-produced. The final mix was completed in Craig’s new studio in Central France.

Available on all streaming platforms, on or after 13th October 2023.

Craig is currently promoting the single online and is available for interviews and features. For more information, please visit https://linktr.ee/westymusic for all useful links.

Website: http://westymusic.co.uk

Hyperfollow link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/craigwestwood/on-the-rise

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Single Release #1 – Only the Good Ones Go First

Westy — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:48:07 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

Craig Westwood Releases Single ‘Only the Good Ones Go First’ on August 18th 2023

Craig Westwood is excited to announce the release of his debut single: ‘Only the Good Ones Go First’ on August 18th 2023. The single is a powerful and bouncy song that showcases Westwood’s signature sound and acoustic pop-rock style.

It’s Craig’s first solo single, since winning the social media platform Vero’s ‘Great Guitar Contest’ in 2019, and releasing his first self-written single ‘Thinking On Your Own’ with the band P.ii (pronounced “Pie”), formed during the covid pandemic in 2020.

‘Only the Good Ones Go First’ is self-recorded and produced. The guitars for the single were recorded at Chapel Street Studios in Leeds, UK, and the rest of the instruments mixed in Craig’s home studio.

“It’s a song about life. It’s a strange phrase, very British, that you often hear people say at funerals. But I didn’t want it to be a funeral dirge, it needed to be powerful, and upbeat, and also not to be taken too seriously. More like Eric Idle’s ‘Always Look On the Bright Side of Life’, but done a bit like ELO.”

‘Only the Good Ones Go First’ is available on August 18th on all streaming platforms.

Craig is currently promoting the single online and is available for interviews and features. For more information, please visit https://linktr.ee/westymusic for all useful links.

Hyperfollow link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/craigwestwood/only-the-good-ones-go-first