Track of the Day: Sam Lyon – Altered (2023)
Known for her confident stage presence and enthusiastic performances, singer-songwriter Sam Lyon has supported several established artists, headlined festivals and renowned music venues in the UK, has completed three UK tours, and continues to average approximately 250 shows per year. Yet, it is not only her emotive performances that make her prolific.
In 2013, aged only 18 years, she won her first award as ‘Performer of the Year’. Skip ahead to 2019 and she was placed in the ‘Best In Music Awards’, and in 2020 named one of the ‘Most Inspirational Women’ by The Guardian. Touching hearts and turning heads, Lyon reaches far beyond her UK borders with coverage from radio stations, playlists and blogs across the globe. This is my introduction to Lyon, so come with me as I delve into her critically acclaimed repertoire.
Following her singles ‘Calm Within The Storm (Demi’s Song)’ and ‘Faster Than Our Footsteps’, Sam Lyon enters 2023 with her single ‘Altered’. One of the tracks from her upcoming album, ‘Altered’ is filled with orchestral harmonies captured in a hard-hitting melodic darkness. Combining her distinctive classical piano with orchestral strings, she builds a haunting soundscape to chill your soul. Just as there is a symphonic sincerity slithering through the song making it light and gentle, the crash of guitars brings a sense of ferocity and rage to ‘Altered’. Interestingly, while the bold blast of guitars can be distinguished as a contrary sound, it also weaves effortlessly into the softer orchestral soundtrack – simultaneously brash and mellifluous.
Penned as a way of dealing with the grieving process, ‘Altered’ is a tribute to Lyon’s father. The first song created after losing her dad, it is a rush of complexity, fragility, vulnerability and strength. It is her way of saying “I know you’re trying to help, but I just need to figure out how to accept it.”
In addition to the single, Sam Lyon released an official music video for ‘Altered’. The video can be viewed below or on her YouTube channel. Please note: this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
For more from Sam Lyon, check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
For more alternative pop masterpieces, check out The Other Side Reviews – Alternative Pop playlist:
