Marland Barsby (vocals), Joe Branch (bass), Lucas Rigauts (guitar), Joe Gutteridge (drums) and Ben Porteous (keys) are Artfair. This rising London band has only three singles to its name so far. Bittersweet is their latest, and arguably their best. Produced by Dax Liniere, the song has a cinematic sound, not in the least because of the incorporation of a string section.

Opening with only drums and soft piano tones, it quickly introduces Barsby’s rich vocals. After the first verse, Rigauts throws in a The Edge-like guitar part, which leads the build-up to a soaring crescendo. The song’s chorus begs to be sung along to by stadium-sized crowds.

Speaking about the lyric, Barsby says: “This is the most honest song we’ve ever written. Looking back through a difficult set of photographs, I realised that they inflicted upon me an  emotional duality; the sweet reminder of the joy of the memories sealed within, but also the bitter sadness that the moment is gone and that person is forever consigned to the past”.

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.