Hazel English releases debut album Wake UP! on Marathon Artists, including the new single also titled ‘Wake UP!’ – stream here.
Wake UP! has thus far been met with critical acclaim, with Metro praising its “light-touch 1960s psych and hazy, echoing vocals” and CLASH stating, “With an ephemeral dewy breezy richness, English has cultivated a beautiful intersection of sound that lingers between folk, indie and dream pop.” It is preceded by the singles ‘Five and Dime’, ‘Off My Mind’ and ‘Shaking’ which have garnered support from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders and Radio X’s John Kennedy.
Title track and new single ‘Wake UP!’ is a perfect example of the album’s transfixing charm. Driven by a jangly, psychedelic riff, the track assertively commands the listener’s attention and exudes a vibrant energy that makes it an exciting listen from start to finish. Speaking about the title track and album, Hazel says: “Wake UP! is about confronting difficult truths in order to step into a more mindful reality. It’s a reminder to wake up and be present in a time where we are used to switching off and looking for constant entertainment. The album is an exploration of my revelations and some of my most vulnerable moments. I poured my heart and soul into this record so it means a lot to be able to share it with the world. I hope that it brings people comfort during these uncertain times.”
Wake UP! was produced by Justin Raisen (Angel Olsen, Charli XCX) in LA and Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Glass Animals, The Big Moon) in Atlanta. It’s a record that Hazel serves as a timely klaxon to give us all a meaningful shake and become more present in our own lives. “Sometimes I feel like we’re just sleepwalking through our lives,” Hazel explains, hoping that Wake UP! helps “make people become more aware and mindful.” Confronting issues with capitalism, Wake UP! also explores power struggles, looking at how shifting dynamics affect relationships, be it in the music industry or in romantic life. It’s a multi-faceted, multi-layered record, kissed by Hazel’s own unique poetic verse.
Wake UP! is out now via Marathon Artists, including the below tracks. Stream here.
- Born Like
- Shaking
- Wake UP!
- Off My Mind
- Combat
- Five and Dime
- Like A Drug
- Waiting
- Milk and Honey
- Work It Out