From under the dark ever-present gaze of Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill, Bury, Near Manchester UK, comes alt-folk singer songwriter Michael R Shaw.
Like the people from Bury, the town of his youth, his music is unashamedly accessible and direct. His words are an engaging mix of northern English humour and the sometimes dark emotion associated with those of his self-confessed heroes, Morrissey and Jake Thackray.
Introducing the sublime debut album,
“How is this helping?”
Michael’s album is compelling fusion of indie, rock and alt-folk, marked by introspective lyrics and a raw, authentic sound. Shaw’s skills as a songwriter and musician shine though, offering listeners a deeply personal and emotional journey. Here you will find passionate arrangements, haunting melodies and poignant lyrics.
A Romanian man’s journey is just beginning
“Deeply atmospheric. Beautifully put together and a wonderfully crafted debut offering”
RGM Magazine
The album comes with beautiful original artwork designed by James Youngjohns. It pairs authentic copies of Michael’s own handwritten lyrics with stunning black and white vintage images from Manchester photographer John Booth.
“I fell in love immediately. A beautiful and sincere piece of art that sounds like coming home”
RGM
The download of “How is this helping?” is only available at this price (£5.00) from this website. The normal price is £10
If you prefer a hard copy then you can still buy the CD.
“The gentle melodies, the unsugared unmistakably Northern vocals, and the image-conjuring lyrics all contribute to making this a resonantly magnetic album”.
“Each track feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, creating a cohesive listening experience”.
Music on the Moon
On his new album HOW IS THIS HELPING? Michael collaborates for the first time with James Youngjohns (Anna Kashfi/Last Harbour). James has more recently co- produced and played guitar on Matt Hill’s latest album Return of the Idle Drones. Here with Michael, James produces, mixes and plays strings, keyboards, percussion and other instruments. There are also contributions from Phil Popplewell (High Bias, Olivia Twist, Glitter Band) on backing vocals.
Album Credits
Words and music by Michael Shaw
Vocal and guitar: Michael Shaw
All other instruments: James Youngjohns
Additional Vocals: Phil Popplewell
Produced by: James Youngjohns
Mastered by: Peter Martin
Photography: John Booth
Cover Design: James Youngjohns
Free Download
Download a free mp3 of Michael’s critically acclaimed single Sinner’s Charter together with exclusive, specially designed lyric sheet and artwork.
Please note that this offer is not available anywhere else.
“Melancholic, affirming and sublime, 9/10”
Alt77 on ‘How is this helping?’
“Such strong melodies….. tense, immersive, intriguing”
Alpas Records on ‘Sinner’s Charter‘
Fill out the form here to get your free mp3.
A message from Michael
“This track was almost six months in the recording with James and I. Lyrically, it’s a personal trot through the shabby world of media, be it social, main stream or what have you. It’s a rejection of it’s transience and a call to arms for those of us who would just like a little bit more substance to our existence.
Sometimes I feel like there is just too much out there to see and experience in one human lifetime.
Less content would make me more content.
Unless that content is this content obviously!!
Thank you so much for your interest.
It means everything“.
