Sometimes even the fastest of us need to slow down…

As we grow we tend to shrink back into the shadows of our former selves, shedding new light in past stories, holding a candle up to who we used to be, tales of misspent youth, underage drinking, to passing exams we were sure we’d fail and final kisses. Still reliving the rivalries, reminiscing over schoolboy errors and mischievous pranks, resisting dreams we were sure we would have achieved by now, looking within to see where we need to go next.

Detailing his second ever release ‘Hold Yr Horses’ explores small town narratives, being 16/17 and getting into drunken scrapes. Bottles filled with blurs, fists reddened and voices raised these were the nights that flooded the days. Ernie describes the song as being a bit “tongue in cheek, I’m kind of poking fun at some of the weird toxic masculinity that was present in the town at the time, but ultimately the song is about a tense and unnerving time of my life.”

Anger and resentment, two complex emotions full of layers the ultimately peel back to reveal fear and vulnerability, the harmonies and instrumentals weaved through Hold Yr horses reflect this, two voices in the fog, an internal conversation, which emotion is guiding you through the darkness? Ernie, a part-time chef, full-time singer-songwriter touches on themes of identity, family, relationships and the trappings of being the “odd one out” in a small northern town within his music.

A cacophony of what could, be this song showcases Ernie’s artistic innovation, exploring the depths of his songwriting capabilities, demonstrating his strength as a singer. The music morphs, the patient tone of the message, encouraging the listener to slow down offers a reassuring hand against the fast paced and suspenseful guitar riff that propels the narrative.

The change in tone effortlessly illustrating the minefield of emotions we once felt as an adolescent, life becomes a stuck lift, limboeing between change and opportunity or face falling back to ground floor but never knowing which buttons to press to calculate success. But with communication and self awareness, those buttons can be pushed into the place, sometimes it just takes the help of a friend, a family member or even courage within ourselves to find the right sequence. 

And Ernie has done, from supporting Sam Fender at St. James’ Park to receiving plaudits from the likes of NME, The independent, Dork and his debut ‘Pink Headaches’ receiving airplay from BBC 6 music, Ernie has recently signed too Gravity Records (EMI imprint), and landed himself an upcoming headline onNovember 3rd at Star & Shadow Cinema, the alt-rocker’s impressive rise is certainly gathering pace.