Words by Will Lloyd // @wjjlloyd
- On the scene since 2016, ASTLES is a Liverpool-based ambient songwriter from Southport
- Dan Astles aka ASTLES was the winner of the 2016 Merseyrail Sound Station prize
- ‘Live at The Nordic’ is his debut EP recorded and produced by Michael Johnson (Joy Division, New Order)
- For fans of alt-J, Bombay Bicycle Club (circa Flaws era) + Cattle & Cane
At the tender age of just 18 years old, Liverpool-based ambient songwriter ASTLES (Daniel Astles) is about as promising as it gets as far as upcoming solo artists are concerned.
Having recently released his debut EP ‘Live at The Nordic’ at a sold out launch at Liverpool Small Cinema, ASTLES is set for a busy summer of festival appearances, collaboration and god knows what else!
Having wowed industry experts at the annual Merseyrail Sound Station final back in November, ASTLES looks to be in a very strong position indeed, bagging the help of some of Liverpool’s finest assets in the local music scene: producer Michael Johnson (Joy Division, New Order et al), Bido Lito! magazine and LIMF academy.
With a voice as conventional as a Pound Land meal deal, it’s pretty hard to put this guy in a box of any kind, which is what makes ASTLES such a quality find for any keen muso. Lilting between a maturing Jack Steadman (Bombay Bicycle Club) and alt-J‘s Joe Newman, Daniel handles his vocal style with confidence beyond his age; we’re just gutted his debut EP isn’t longer!
For sure, ASTLES is absolutely one to keep an eye on, particularly with him chatting about putting together a bigger live show with a full band – cor!