RHODES: The Soulful Voice of British Indie Folk
RHODES is the stage name of David Rhodes, a singer-songwriter from Hertfordshire, England known for his soaring, emotive vocals and atmospheric indie folk sound. His debut album, Wishes, charted in the UK upon its release in 2015, establishing him as a compelling voice within the British alternative scene.
Early career
David Rhodes began his musical journey in the late 2000s, initially playing in bands before forging a solo path under his surname. His early demos, characterized by sparse piano or guitar and his distinctive falsetto, caught the attention of the music industry. This led to a signing with the independent label Nettwerk in 2013, which set the stage for his first official releases.
Breakthrough
The year 2014 marked a significant turning point for RHODES. His debut EP, Raise Your Love, garnered critical acclaim and radio play, particularly for its lead single. The momentum built throughout 2014 and 2015 with subsequent EPs, culminating in the release of his first full-length album, Wishes, in September 2015 on Nettwerk.
Key tracks
Raise Your Love — This powerful debut single introduced his dramatic vocal style and became a staple on UK alternative radio.
Your Soul — A haunting ballad that showcased the minimalist, emotionally raw side of his songwriting and expanded his audience.
Close Your Eyes — Featured in the 2016 film *Me Before You*, this track brought his music to a global cinematic audience.
Let It All Go — A notable 2015 collaboration with Norwegian producer Birdy, which blended their vocal styles for a successful duet.
Wishes — The title track from his debut album encapsulates his signature blend of folk intimacy and widescreen, ambient production.
Following his debut album cycle, RHODES took time to develop his songwriting, leading to his second album, Friends Like These, in 2021. This record presented a more direct and personal lyrical perspective while retaining his atmospheric sound. He has also collaborated with artists like JP Cooper and toured extensively, supporting acts such as Sam Smith and London Grammar.
Fans of RHODES's heartfelt, vocal-driven style may also appreciate the work of similar UK-based artists. James Bay shares a knack for soulful, guitar-led anthems. Ben Howard explores similarly intricate and atmospheric folk landscapes. Birdy offers a complementary ethereal and piano-based vocal approach. Tom Odell delivers comparable piano balladry with intense emotional resonance.
RHODES's catalog receives regular rotation across a variety of stations, particularly on alternative rock radio stations and online indie music streams that champion singer-songwriter talent. His songs are fixtures on playlists dedicated to modern folk and atmospheric pop, ensuring his voice reaches listeners seeking depth and melody.
The music of RHODES, from his early EPs to his album Wishes, can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his evolving indie folk sound by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com.
