Trans-Genre Music for the cultured ear
An Outlaw's sins are rewarded
Seven Sins gets Seal of Excellence
Listen here folks! Crime doesn't pay. You reap what you sow. Your sins will come back and haunt you! But if you just write and sing about them, you may just gain some approval.
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The World Songwriting Awards (WSA), held each seasonal quarter, has just announced its Summer 2024 winners and Sun-Pinned Leaves' title track from their current album Seven Sins Aren't Enough has been awarded the "Seal of Excellence" for being a finalist in 'Best Outlaw Song'.
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The Outlaw music scene was established by artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. The term 'Outlaw' refers to artists who wished to be free from the 'Nashville establishment'. The 1970s Texan Outlaw scene was a particular influence for the music of the Seven Sins album especially with artists like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. ​
So it was an honour to appear in this category along with some very talented peers and fellow ISSA members. Another big 'thank-you' to all who help the Leaves receive these accolades.
Mayflower sails into top spot
Museboat.com listeners vote Voyage of the Mayflower "Best Country Song of 2023"
Another big thank you to Museboat.com and its wonderful listeners for voting Voyage of the Mayflower as "Best Country Song 2023". The digital station's annual poll was announced on Sunday 10th December where the opening track from the band's 5th album 'Altered States' had been nominated for this prestigious award. Neil commented recently that "although we don't set out to win awards it is a reassuring
consequence of our endeavours to get our music heard by the world. The prestige of being a Museboat.com award winner only adds to the cause. We are deeply thankful that Museboat.com has been so supportive of our work over the past few years".
... and a Top 5 finish for Best Song of 2023
In addition to hitting the top spot in the Country category, Voyage of the Mayflower also achieved number five overall for the best Museboat.com song of 2023. This is indeed an honour when appreciating the high standard of music played on this station. So once again, thank you to everyone involved in supporting the Sun-Pinned Leaves' sound. The band did not expect to achieve the highs of last year's number ten with the track 'Bodie' so surpassing this is a wonderful Christmas bonus.
Leaves open up for a worthy cause
Sun-Pinned Leaves were honoured and blessed to appear at the excellent MUSICIANS DEFEND UKRAINE benefit gig at the HOPE & ANCHOR in Islington last Sunday (5th Nov 23).
The event organised by our good friend Pete Saxer of Unknown Sounds was a successful fund raiser supported by a good number of music fans and quality bands. The Leaves shared the billing with
Say Yes Do Nothing, Unorfadox and Plague UK.
A huge thank you to Pete, the bands, the fans and everyone who contributed to such a great evening.
SPL with Unknown Sounds' Pete Saxer
New Music From A Different Kitchen
After recording and producing six Sun-Pinned Leaves albums and another five releases from different artists at Orchard House Studios, Neil and his wife Judith have moved from the north banks of the River Stour to the south side near Harwich where a new studio has been built.
Mayflower Studio was installed in two months and features hybrid analogue mixing and summing with 'in the box' recording and mastering.
A number of projects are already scheduled for the coming months including the writing and production of Sun-Pinned Leaves' seventh studio album.
Neil commented "Orchard House Studios grew organically over a period of ten years and morphed into its final set up as a result of ever-changing ideas, demands and requirements. Mayflower, therefore had to be born as an immediate upgrade to Orchard House and was created with change & flexibility in mind". With more space to swing a guitar (and any other instrument lying around) and with more utensils available to the chef, Mayflower is very much geared to meet the appetite of Sun-Pinned Leaves so expect some fresh dishes to be served soon.
(June 2023)
Atlanta, Georgia calls!
Sun-Pinned Leaves attending the 2023
International Singer Songwriters Association Awards as Finalists
Chris and Neil of Sun-Pinned Leaves are looking forward to the show this summer and saying hi to Tamanie and all the wonderful people in Atlanta.
Should be a great event.
Top Music reviews the new Sun-Pinned Leaves album
24 July 2023
SUN-PINNED LEAVES, a captivating independent artist hailing from the United Kingdom, Deal has just released their latest album, Tales From The Great Lakes. Their music transcends genres, blending elements of Americana, country, and folk to create a captivating sound that is uniquely their own. With mesmerizing storytelling and heartfelt lyrics, SUN-PINNED LEAVES captures the essence of the singer-songwriter tradition, while incorporating influences from classic rock.
From the moment you press play on Tales From The Great Lakes, you’ll be transported to a world of rich melodies and evocative storytelling. Each track is a masterclass in songwriting, showcasing the undeniable talent of SUN-PINNED LEAVES. As one listener noted, “Their music is a breath of fresh air, perfectly blending raw emotion and poetic lyrics. This album is a testament to their incredible talent and creativity.”
SUN-PINNED LEAVES has drawn inspiration from some of the greats in the music industry. Fans of artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell will find familiarity in the introspective nature of their lyrics and the beautifully crafted melodies. It’s clear that SUN-PINNED LEAVES has studied and honed its craft, resulting in a sound that is both authentic and captivating.
Check out SUN-PINNED LEAVES and their album, Tales From The Great Lakes. Be sure to visit their website, follow them on Spotify, and listen to their music on our playlist. You won’t be disappointed by this talented singer-songwriter band whose music seamlessly weaves together elements of Americana, country, and folk, with a touch of classic rock.
Festival season is here and SPL rock the Main Stage at Sandwich Folk and Ale
A big thank you to the organisers of this wonderful event and to everyone who turned out early on July 1 to see Sun-Pinned Leaves. What a superb event this festival is with so much diverse music and art. Hope to see you all there again some day.
Sun-Pinned Leaves return to Dublin Castle 31/3/2023
Sun-Pinned Leaves have been a staple on Unknown Sounds since the beginning so when they announced their first gig in over a year, I knew where I would be on 31 March. I could not wait to hear them perform their original songs in their unique style covering various genres including Americana, alt-folk, country, blues, pop with a fabulous crooner touch.
The Dublin Castle, not only is it the birthplace of Madness, it has hosted bands such as Blur, Coldplay, Supergrass, The Killers, The Arctic Monkeys and Billy Bragg.
With five Sun-Pinned Leaves albums under their belts in just three years, they had plenty of material to choose from, I was hoping for a few of my favourites and they certainly did not let me down. The first song, “Pensacola’s Calling” from their Rock ‘N’ Road album, is an upbeat tale of sun and fun, complete with American slang and a beat & guitar solo that gets you up dancing.
“Bodie” is up next, from their latest album “Altered States”, a collection of tunes celebrating landmarks of American history from the Pilgrim Fathers to 20th century events that still resonate today - including their next tune “After the Big One” about a survivor of the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco- a personal favourite of mine.
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Then they declare their love for Arizona’s beautiful town with “Sweet Sedona” from Rock ‘N’ Road. A simple, beautiful song about wanting to return home, in this case to the most beautiful Sedona.
Next, they played their tune in honour of John Denver, “Monterey Bay” from their album Eclipse. When I was in Monterey, I remember looking out on the bay listening to this song… it transported me to a place I’d never been but one I will never forget.
Next was “Summer of Love” from Altered States. A beautiful song about that famous summer, peppered with allusions to historical events that changed the world, but also a plea to get back to those values of peace and love.
They finished their set with “Nothing Better Than Rain” from the excellent Altered States. It’s a song about the warm winds of El Niño, expanded to include climate change. Yes, it makes you think, but it also makes you dance and sing. The beat and rhythm are good old rock and roll, fantastic!
I love Sun-Pinned Leaves and I loved their performance. Their musical talents and love of music were on full display. With knowing glances and smiles, Chris and Neil’s on-stage presence spotlighted their long, creative relationship. They were a pleasure to watch and listen to.
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Pete Saxer - Unknown Sounds - 1 April 2023
Edited by Jopov Management
ANOTHER SONGWRITING AWARDS ACHIEVEMENT
Sun-Pinned Leaves made the Finals of Blues and Roots Radio International Song Contest 2022 with ‘Monterey Bay’. Blues & Roots Radio is ISSA International Radio Station of the Year 2021 broadcasting shows from Canada, US, UK, Australia, Ireland and beyond. We are over the moon!
ALTERED STATES #2 in EATEN ALIVE MAGAZINE TOP ALBUMS OF 2022
It's always an honour to appear in awards and chart-listings with legends such as The Damned, Ruts DC, Anthrax, The Godfathers, UK Subs, Hugh Cornwell, Cockney Rejects, Buzzcocks and Spear of Destiny. To appear at number two in a top fifty with these guys is truly head-spinning.
Thank You Eaten Alive!
BODIE HITS TOP TEN IN MUSEBOAT LIVE'S 2022 GALA CHART
Brilliant Jewel at 56 in the
Official World Indie Music Charts
Brilliant Jewel - the second single from the band's fifth album - Altered States has climbed to 56 in the Official World Indie Music Charts in December 2022.
This chart is powered by Digital Radio Tracker and is comprised of hundreds of radio stations around the world, from Melbourne to Madrid, from Moscow to Maine and from Toronto to Toledo. Each week all artist spins are collected and tabulated to compile the Top 100 World Indie Music Charts showcasing some of the world's best indie artists.
A big "thank you" to the stations and listeners all around our Brilliant Jewel in the black velvet sky.
UK Country Radio
Album of the Week (16 08 2022)
UK CountryRadio.com has selected Sun-Pinned Leaves' 5th album "Altered States" as its album of the week so listeners can experience tracks all week starting with Allan Watkiss on air from 10am.
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THANK YOU UK COUNTRY RADIO!
Previous Shows
The Lighthouse - Deal - Kent
Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival - Kent
ISSA Music Awards - Wild Wing Cafe - Alpharetta - Atlanta, Georgia
February 11th 2024
July 7th 2024
August 24th 2024
Musicians Defend Ukraine - Hope & Anchor - London
November 5th 2023
Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival - Kent
July 1st 2023
Dublin Castle - Camden Town - London
March 31st 2023
New Music Night - Reigate, Surrey
Dublin Castle - Camden Town - London
Rock 4 Remembrance Festival (Ashford, Kent)
February 1st 2022
October 29th 2021
November 6th 2021
The Lighthouse - Deal - Kent
August 19th 2019