Hey everyone, if you're anything like me, you've probably been craving something real amid all the polished pop dominating playlists lately. Something that feels lived-in, a little raw around the edges, but still lifts you up with a massive chorus. Enter John Blaylock's latest single "Violets" – a beautiful blend of folk pop, indie rock, and indie pop that hits right in the feels, especially with that standout acoustic guitar part and anthemic chorus he mentioned in his note.
John calls it a track for those who've been worn out by love and finally chose themselves – and man, does it land. The acoustic guitar takes center stage here, weaving through the song with that Paul Simon-inspired finesse, building into something truly uplifting and communal. It's got that perfect mix of introspection and release, the kind of sound that makes you want to throw open the windows on a crisp day and just breathe it in.
John Blaylock is the real deal – a Manchester homegrown talent who's been making waves for years. He picked up the guitar at 12, formed a band in his teens, and quickly caught the ears of big names like Zane Lowe on Radio 1, Steve Lamacq on Radio 2, and Clint Boon who gave them single of the week on XFM. That's no small feat for a young act coming out of the North.
His story gets even more impressive from there. He received a commission from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to write a song celebrating Nelson Mandela's life – "Inyaniso" (The Truth) – which Tutu personally approved and delivered as a gift on Mandela's 90th birthday. After his band split, John hit the road with his guitar, traveling from LA to Tokyo, Europe to South America, soaking up experiences that clearly feed into his songwriting now.
Fast forward to today, and John's channeling all that into his forthcoming debut solo album. Recorded at the legendary Konk Studios (the Kinks' old spot) in North London, with production from double Grammy-winning mix engineer Guy Massey and hit songwriter/producer Helen Boulding. They even brought in Freddie Sheed (Lewis Capaldi’s drummer) for that extra weight and feel on the low end. Influences like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Crosby Stills & Nash, James Taylor, The Byrds, and The Stone Roses shine through – think heartfelt craftsmanship meets gritty, edge-of-your-seat moments.
"Violets" feels like a perfect teaser for what's coming. In a year where indie folk and folk pop are having a serious moment – with fresh releases and playlists popping up everywhere highlighting acoustic-driven, emotionally honest tracks – John's sound fits right in. 2026 is shaping up to be huge for this blend of genres, with artists leaning into melody, honesty, and community vibes that connect on a deeper level. It's the kind of music that sticks with you, becomes part of your story.
John's gearing up to tour the UK soon, promoting this and other singles from the album, backed by a solid team including WMA, Hart Media, Catapult National Radio, and Absolute Distribution. If you're into singer-songwriters who can tear you open and put you back together with melody and meaning, keep an eye on this guy.
What do you think of "Violets"? Does that anthemic chorus hit you the way it does me? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if it's landing for you too!
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