Last month, a music editor from a large daily newspaper (we shall not be naming names) gleefully announced that guitar music was dead. In his view, British rock was a goner and there would not be another household name like Sam Fender or Ed Sheeran anymore. I know the press can be completely out of touch with reality, but this was a new low. The man is entitled to his own (very mistaken) view of course, but let me tell you this: independent rock is thriving with so many bands making great music now, we at Indieterria are having hard time catching up. Well mister, you will be eating your words right now cause I have a single from a certain Alfie Erskine here playing on repeat, that has great chances of selling out stadiums pretty soon.
Single cover
Official bio: Alfie Erskine, known for his captivating voice and anthemic songwriting, hails from Southern Liverpool, drawing inspiration from pop, indie and just about any genre that he crosses paths with. Alfie’s sound can only be described as ‘something we’ve all been waiting for’ and his live performances are sure to be a sight to behold. With future plans to play arenas, Erskine’s tenacity and aspiration is admirable, stating, “I just want everyone to hear, and love, my tunes”.
Alfie Erskine is a 20 year singer/songwriter based in Liverpool. He recently admitted in an interview that he started playing and composing songs at a very young age and is a big fan of Tyler The Creator (good choice). His music taste is eclectic – from the local heroes (The Beatles), Frank Ocean, rap, hip hop to pop (Bruno Mars), dance and soul (Stevie Wonder). His approach is very accommodating, there is not a genre he dislikes, and frankly, this view is very refreshing, although very rare. Alfie was also a member of Strays, a sextet alongside Jacob Kenny (guitar and vocals), Max Williams (electric guitar), Nick Bratsanos (guitar), Josh Doig (bass) and Charlie Hogarth (drums).
Alfie Erskine
Alfie’s debut single as a solo artist, “Petty Girl” is being released today and it’s a real gem of a track. Alfie compares it to Paolo Nutrini, The Kooks and Catfish and The Bottlemen, but I can hear influences from The La’s, Cast and Embrace and The Verve. This is not a simple indie track, Erskine’s sensitivity and maturity is very surprising for someone so young. This is a song that sounds like it was released at the end of the 1990’s/early 2000’s, It’s an interesting mix of Brit pop, art rock, alternative rock, indie and neo-psychedelia/shoegaze infused Northern rock that can only be made at the Merseyside.
Alfie’s voice is very distinctive, once you hear him, you can’t mistake him for anybody else. It’s melodic, warm, husky and absolutely lovely to listen to. The song stands at 4 minutes and was produced by Steve Powell (Blur, Cast, The Room) at ARK studios in Liverpool. The absolutely amazing Zak Langford-Do played guitar and bass parts and Isaac Beatz is responsible for drums. Video to the song was directed by Alfie’s older brother, Archie Erskine.
“‘Petty girl’ is a commentary on miscommunication in a relationship” – says Alfie in his press release – “Loving someone despite the debates, differences and disagreements. Besides the petty arguments and sulks, the love is always ever-present”.
With its catchy melodies, infectious riffs, harmonized choruses and beautiful soulful vocals, Alfie Erskine made a big impression. With a smart team behind him, he has a chance not only to be playing stadiums in a couple of years, he will have a place in the proud British music history.
Alfie can be found online:
https://www.facebook.com/alfieerskinemusic
https://www.instagram.com/alfieerskinemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC58aYOLh8yA8c5L_dSPOANw
https://x.com/alfie_erskine
https://www.tiktok.com/@alfieerskinemusic
https://www.threads.net/@alfieerskinemusic
https://open.spotify.com/album/21vzU5Ja2LKLBxMfd9ehyL
Further read:
https://www.asbomagazine.com/2024/10/09/meet-alfie-erskine
https://whenthehornblows.com/content/2024/10/21/alfie-erskine-petty-girl
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 