B-Side Guys

With the release of his highly anticipated EP “Beechwood” on June 13th, 2024, indie folk singer-songwriter Delafaye (Andrew Shockley) invites listeners on a deeply personal and introspective journey. Named after his newly established home studio in Jeffersonville, IN, where the EP was recorded and self-produced, “Beechwood” marks a return to Delafaye’s Folk-Americana roots and showcases his growth as an artist and storyteller.

Across the EP’s four tracks, Delafaye weaves a tapestry of heart-wrenching and intimate songs that explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The previously unreleased “Falling” and the lead single “City Lights,” which marked Delafaye’s re-emergence, set the tone for the EP, drawing listeners in with their raw honesty and emotional depth.

The middle two tracks, “She Don’t Love Me” and “Maria,” form the core of the EP, both laced with the same melancholy and longing that have become hallmarks of Delafaye’s most poignant songs. “She Don’t Love Me” picks up right where “Maria” left off, with its gentle acoustic guitar outro providing a seamless transition into another raw, heart-on-sleeve reflection. These songs, centered on a mysterious ongoing relationship, showcase Delafaye’s ability to translate deeply personal experiences into universally relatable narratives.

Lyrically, “Beechwood” is a testament to Delafaye’s strength as a songwriter. His words are honest and unflinching, painting vivid pictures of the joys and sorrows that come with love and loss. The lead single “Maria” is a prime example, with lines like “Maria’s been crying, she been crying like a shower for hours and hours and hours” and “Every lie that I told was the same as before, different place, different hour, same face” capturing the pain and regret of a troubled relationship.

Musically, the EP is a stunning showcase of Delafaye’s artistry. His signature blend of indie folk and Americana is on full display, with each track featuring intricate acoustic guitar work and subtle, yet effective instrumentation that perfectly complements his emotive vocals. The self-produced nature of the EP adds to its intimacy, creating a sense of closeness between the artist and the listener.

“Beechwood” serves as a testament to Delafaye’s growth and evolution as an artist since his 2017 debut EP “The Hilltop,” which garnered over 6 million streams and earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for Singer-Songwriter of the Year at the Louisville Music Awards. The EP also reflects the journey that has taken him from his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, to his current base just across the Ohio River in Indiana, and the experiences and emotions he has collected along the way.

As Delafaye continues to make his mark on the indie folk scene, “Beechwood” stands as a powerful and poignant addition to his discography. The EP’s themes and emotions are sure to resonate with listeners, while its musical depth and authenticity cement Delafaye’s position as an artist to watch in the coming years.

In a world where authenticity and vulnerability are often in short supply, Delafaye’s “Beechwood” is a refreshing and much-needed reminder of the power of music to connect us to our deepest emotions and to each other. It is an EP that demands to be heard, felt, and experienced, and one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who encounter it.