Only Real, still from video for Cadillac Girl © Virgin EMI 2014

The latest batch of HERO playlists are put together by the bands from Issue 11. Crack out the Red Stripe as Niall Galvin aka Only Real gets us rolling.

Galvin’s reverb tinged guitar work is the stuff of sun-drenched afternoons on sand, though in fact he’s a West London local. His vocals give his heritage away, lacing each tune with a grittier language that speaks of his own experiences. Don’t box him up, however, for with the digital age comes a new wave of embracism: “I don’t see a lot of differences between the genres  that other people have set up, but I’m definitely one for people interpreting my music in their own way,” he says. “Gone are the days when a person picks a style of music and that’s their vibe. People are more open-minded and it’s great.”

Ahead of a string of UK gigs spread across the summer, Galvin shares some of his favourite records. Push back the roof, roll down the windows and set to repeat.

Gods Whisper by Rauri
“This is the most exciting video I’ve seen in ages. Also, he’s from Atlanta which is somewhere I have been spending a fair bit of time recording so it’s cool to see. He’s really showing everyone what he’s about.”

Lyk U Use 2 by Moodymann
“Really hits the spot.”

Do I Make I Feel You Shy? by Connan Mockasin
“I saw him and his band play in France recently and it completely blew me away. I was loving it so intensely I didn’t know how to handle it, it was one of best gigs I’ve ever been to.”

All I Wanna Do by The Beach Boys
“My mum got me into The Beach Boys but now I probably like them more than her… Yeah just a cute, cute banger really.”

Burn Me Slow by O.C.
“Very nice beat with the twisty chorus.”

I Need You by The Beatles
:’(

Lemonade by Only Real
“Shakkkkalakalakalakalaka.”

So Now You Know by The Horrors
“I had never really listened to The Horrors properly before, but I’m really liking the stuff coming from their new album, very immersive, very anthemic, very fantastic.”

Compliments To The Chef by Action Bronson
“He kills it and Harry Fraud kills it on the production.”

High and Wild by Angel Olsen
“Been listening to her album a lot last month or so, dunno what else to say but it’s really good and this song is a real treat!”

My Heart by Smith Westerns
“One of my absolutely favey songs.”

Under The Pressure by The War On Drugs
“Such a vibey song, it’s kinda car music too like mine.”

Only Real’s new single, Cadillac Girl, is out now via Virgin EMI in the UK and Harvest Records in the US. 

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