Listen Up - DowntownRoundabout
A look at some of the emerging artists of the acoustic roots & folk circuit
This month's Listen Up feature put's the spotlight on Downtown Roundabout frontman Briggs who perform Country/ Americana and is currently promoting their latest single and video 'Secrets'.
About Downtown Roundabout
Briggs is a singer songwriter from Chelmsford, Essex who has an intriguingly diverse background. Picking up the guitar at end of his teens, Briggs began penning songs after attending his first open mic at Rose Bruford College. Though he came late into music quite late Briggs has always been a performer. Notable highlights include being a stunt diver on ITV's Tom Daley's Splash, is a national cheerleading champion, performed in the Olympic opening Ceremony (dancer) & has been set on fire a couple of times. After living & travelling across the US, New Zealand & Australia Briggs got accepted into ACM College in Guildford to pursue music where Downtown Roundabout were formed.
How would you describe your music?
Downtown Roundabout are an Americana Pop/Rock band. Drawing influence from Country, Folk and American roots music, their sound is familiar, with nostalgic undertones. Think George Ezra meets the Eagles blended with some Northern Soul; with a hint of Bruce Springsteen thrown in for good measure.Their lyrics are inclusive, catchy & at times very tongue and cheek.
What has been your highlight so far?
As an individual, busking in Queenstown, New Zealand was the tipping point for me to pursue my music further. I cut my teeth playing & writing almost every day at every chance I could building a community of musicians and pushing myself do improve my skills. As a band, having the opportunity to play at the Nottinghill Arts club was pretty special as some of my favourite artists such as Bobby Womack and James Bay have played on the stage. It was quite validating as we won a competition which also helped to record and produce our first single 'Trance".
What plans regarding recordings, video, tours etc do you have for the future?
We are currently recording a 4 track EP with Joe Wright from Hillside studios & musicians I have met from living in Guildford. Starting at the tail end of lockdown, most of the tracks have been recorded remotely and will feature a mixture upbeat and rocky numbers, including our newest release 'Secrets'. This is essentially a 'coming out' song about the worries and questions I had about my own bi-sexually. The next step is getting a band together to perform the tracks in their full glory as well as finishing the final scenes for the 'Secrets' music video.
Is there anything else you would like to say or any message to our readers?
If you want to be taken on a rollercoaster ride, need something to brighten your day or need something fun and upbeat to listen too, Downtown Roundabout is waiting for you. A big thank you to all those who have encourages, listened, heckled, sung along, and have supported Downtown Roundabout. My long-suffering parents, my amazing girlfriend, Graham Steel and FATEA Music Magazine for publishing this column. Love is life.
For more details:
https://www.downtownroundabout.com
Secrets
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.