The IMC Magazine Issue 18 / August 2016 | Page 99

Republic had to decide whether to continue on their existing musical path or change direction and take their music to the next level.

In the beginning of 2016 they were approached by Sean Crossey of Blue Soap Music in Manchester, who was a fan of their music, and has worked with many respected and established artists including Elbow, Sinead O’Conner, Jesus and the Mary Chain, The Farm, The Christians and Hip Hop legends such as Sugahill Gang and Grand Master Melle Mel. With the support of Blue Soap Music, Stage Republic decided to evolve their sound from Electro Pop/Rock to a more organic Pop/Rock that fits better with their vision for their musical future.

Though they have enough material for several albums, Stage Republic decided to release four singles in 2016, in part because they have realized that listeners tend to purchase individual songs that resonate with them. The first of their four songs to be released this year was ‘Big Blue River’, which was nominated in 2015 at the IMEA Awards for Best Pop Song.

The song starts with Bart playing a catchy guitar riff which sets up the listener for Raven’s unique voice as he begins the song with the lyrics: “Close the door, Don’t Look Back”. Knowing that within each of us there comes a time when we wish we could start over, leaving the past behind.

I found myself listening to the song over and over in order to fully absorb the emotional depth of the lyrics, and the description of the place where we could let go and: “Meet me down by the big blue river…wash it down in the Big Blue River…..wash it all away…to change our fate”.

Officially released in May, ‘Big Blue River’ quickly gained airplay in two dozen countries, on over a hundred internet and terrestrial radio stations, including BBC Radio.

Following the success and critical acclaim for their song ‘Big Blue River’, Stage Republic recently released their new single ‘I Got Your Back’. Which follows in the footsteps of ‘Big Blue River’ and is quickly becoming a hit with their fans, receiving considerable airplay and multiple positive reviews.

I read the reviews that described the song as a breath of fresh air with easy listening beats and hooks entwined with Raven’s distinctive voice that delivers insightful and uplifting lyrics filled with emotion setting Stage Republic apart from other artists within the genre.

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