The epic, five-minute journey serves as a wake-up call for the younger generations to stand united and fight against pressing issues like climate change and terrorism. More generally, an allegory for the scale of the very real problems the future generations will inherit if we continue to ignore the warning signs: a reminder we are only visitors on this planet. In fact, Oliver Spalding and Ed Tullett wrote “Epoch” because the world needs one, drawing inspiration from the period of unity the world experienced after the Paris attacks.

The gripping, heart-rending video was shot in Kuala Lumpur and directed by Jorik Dozy and Sil van de Woerd who have already worked for the likes of Novo Amor and Ed Tullett. The Dutch duo succesfully picture the song’s message. Indeed, to portray the afflicted theme that “Epoch” explores, a group of children wake up to a world falling apart around them while the adults remain sound asleep…

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Follow Oliver Spalding on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In January 2015, Oliver Spalding met the songwriter-producer Ed Tullett after spending years writing. In December of the same year, the pair began to work on his first release, “Unfurl”. 3 years later, his debut EP of the same name is out via Monotreme Records. Ed Tullet‘s signature work can be heard throughout the EP delivering an understated yet epic, rich yet minimal soundscape. His expansive production straddles both old and new, using a blend of organic and electronic instrumentation.

Prior to his solo work, Oliver Spalding was a drummer in a band (Bess Atwell) while studying music in the creative bubble of BIMM Brighton, teaching himself the basics of guitar and piano to compose his own songs. Drawing inspiration from artists as diverse as The National, Ryan Adams and Bon Iver the 21-year-old, undeniably, inhabits the same liminal space as the latter (except you can make out the words). Overflowing with feeling, his powerful yet hushed voice champions such ethereality that it would make Justin Vernon blush.

Spalding‘s rare soul-appeasing voice is soul-lit yet intimate privileging an unhurried pace, drawing the listener easily into his haunting falsetto-driven performances. On the EP’s latest single, “Reverse Hurt” the Brighton songwriter takes his time pairing his falsetto to sparse percussive elements and varied minimal electronic textures that are subtle enough to miss at first glance.

Conjuring as much magic as darkness to mind, the track is described by the Brighton songwriter as “a full-on daydream bathed in subtle euphoria and underlying heartache”. Indeed, as the song grows fueled by a menacing web of synthesisers, glistening peaks unveil atop of heartfelt lyrics desiring a relationship would start at the worst point and, eventually crescendo with the best. “I just want you in reverse” he despairs, drifting into some quite personal space.

We implore you to follow the man on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Produced by Ed Tullett, the singer-songwriter showcases her undoubtful sincere vocals with an endeniable understanding of pop music. She took some time to answer our questions about her debut, inspirations and the meaning of her name.

Highclouds: Can you introduce yourself to our readers who don’t know you yet?

I’m Ellie James, but I play as Little Rêd. I’m originally from Cardiff, but I’m currently based in Bath.

How did you start making music?

My dad used to play guitar, so I grew up around music. I decided I wanted to learn too and I kind of taught myself, with a few lessons here and there. I got introduced to music by Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell by my parents and was also largely obsessed with the charts. It wasn’t long until I started trying to write, though those early songs were pretty awful!

What can you tell us about your debut song “Hell”?

“Hell” was co-written with and produced by the extremely talented Ed Tullett, who collaborates with Novo Amor alongside releasing solo material too. We wrote the song together in a matter of hours on the first day we met. It’s about love-worn relationships, trying to push through hard times and ignoring the anxieties that come with it.

How did you pick your artist name?

I’d been trying to think of a moniker for a really long time and eventually came to Little Rêd, focused on the pretty simple facts that I’m quite short and have red hair! I really liked that, to me, there’s an innocence and a strength in the name. I’m also originally from Wales, so the accent above the e in red is an homage to where I grew up.

Where do you find your inspirations?

I’m really open to a lot of music. I grew up listening to the charts – a lot of Spice Girls, S Club 7 and Busted! Now that I’m older, I listen to a range of things, from folk to pop to rock. For the music I’m creating as my alter ego, I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from people like Kate Bush and The Japanese House.

“There’s an innocence and a strength in Little Rêd“

What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m currently working on more music to release. I’ve got a few more singles in the pipe line, due out over the next few months. Other than that, I’m working on getting my live show together to reflect the nature of the recorded material. I can’t wait to get out and play some shows soon, so watch this space!

Do you have any song to recommend us right now?

I’m a really big fan of a local Bristol band called Two Day Coma. They just released their debut EP called “A Few Days That We Don’t Speak Of”. Definitely check them out. “If I Wasn’t” has been circling around my mind for months.

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You can follow Little Rêd over Facebook, Soundcloud, Twitter and Instagram.