Robyn Sherwell

Robyn Sherwell lives in London, but she grew up on a tiny island called Guernsey off the coast of Normandy. I like to imagine her walking on an empty beach, casting her impeccable voice over the waves. She is the kind of singer whose every tiny breath is deliberate. Last year she released a string of R&B-inflected pop songs, but "Tightropes" is a different creature. It may be quieter than her previous songs, but it packs an even heavier emotional punch; underneath all that softness is an unshakable confidence. - The Fader

Winter’s upon us and while nothing can slow incoming snow and dark days, Robyn Sherwell’s new single is an excellent pick-me-up. The London-based singer packs rumbling percussion, lush, irresistible vocals, and a head-bobbing pop melody into “Islander.” Inspired by her days growing up in Guernsey—an island located in the English Channel—the groovy three-minute track sounds like a tribal dance party that lasts til sunrise (most likely on the beach). In other words, exactly what you need to get through the winter, because, hate to go all Game of Thrones on everyone, but it’s only the beginning. Just take it from Sherwell:

"The song was written in 2013 and recorded in David Kosten's studio in West London that year. I've always been a bit fixated on the idea of home and belonging. My family moved around a far bit when I was small and eventually settled in Guernsey which is a pretty unique place to grow up. The song references the island's past and explores that feeling of knowing a place well, knowing it is part of you, but also the conflict of needing to get away from what you know so well too. It was written in minutes, almost—it was a quick one! Just banging drums and vocals in the first instance, and that's still the basic vibe. I wasn't sure if it was really anything special until David heard my rough demo and insisted it should go on the record."

Good thing it did too. - Noisey

Robyn Sherwell is a new London artist bridging the gap between traditional, old-school songwriting that production that points headfirst towards the future. New track ‘Love Somebody’ crackles under the surface. Faint guitar notes dip in and out of focus.

Aspects of this have been done before, but on this take from Sherwell’s debut EP, she makes herself the absolute focus of attention. Vocals aren’t hiding under fancy production tricks. It’s honest, expressive pop songwriting directed forward by its own gutsiness. This is more than just a pleasing aesthetic.

Sherwell’s debut EP is out 7th September via new label Birdland Records. It’s backed by an EP launch show at London’s The Islington on 11th September. See her live before at Hoxton Bar and Kitch (5th August) and Dorset’s Smoked and Uncut Festival (7th September).

Listen to the DIY premiere of ‘Love Somebody’ below. - DIY