THE debut single from Basingstoke-based musician KING CASTLE launched this month, and is now available to stream.

Chris Holden has been performing live as a solo acoustic artist - on vocals, guitar and piano - for 10 years now.

“I have been blessed with some great opportunities that have taught me some really valuable lessons,” he said.

“My ability as a writer has increased and my stage performance now packs the energy it needs to keep a crowd engaged.

“I am excited to team up with my good friend Luke Burywood who helps produce my music. We have created a sound that we are finally happy with and excited to share with everyone.”

Chris says his main influences are Easy Life, Jamie-T, The Streets, Loyle Carner, Rex Orange County, and Plan B.

Under the name Chris Holden, he has have supported The Pigeon Detectives, Ocean Colour Scene, Mungo Jerry, Top Loader, The Futureheads, Faithless, Eliza & The Bear, OPM and a few more. He has also appeared regularly on BBC Oxford & Berkshire.

KING CASTLE is his brand new identity.

“I am excited to see how far this new venture can take me,” he said.

“KING CASTLE is completely fresh but with the memories of Chris Holden’s crazy experiences. I am sure that, as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, there will be many, new and wild stories to tell.

Chris’s music was described as “upbeat, infectious and told from the heart” by Michelle Jordan, BBC/Heart FM Radio Presenter.

His brand new single, “Dracula”, was recorded during the 2020 lockdown using all home recording equipment.

“Nothing majorly fancy either,” said Chris.

He is urging other musicians to grasp the lockdown as an opportunity to continue creating: “Hopefully it can inspire people to keep their heads held high and know that just because we are locked down, it doesn’t mean we need to stop creating and producing new music.”

He added: “My debut single is written to relate to people trapped in narcissistic relationships that are completely draining them of their energy. Whether this is a loved one, a friend or a colleague. We all experience it, I feel that during lockdown restrictions, people have spent more time at home and due to this a lot more domestic issues have occurred. I feel like this song will ring true to a lot of people and hopefully provide a voice of support and reason to let them know that they are not struggling in this alone.

“This song is based on a modern love story between two individuals that are dragging each other down. The name Dracula is an analogy for someone sucking the life out of you and bleeding you dry.

“I wrote this song, not only to vent my own emotions at the time having experienced a narcissistic relationship, but to help others find comfort in the fact they are not struggling alone and by using a song that screams the message “I AM GOOD ENOUGH, I AM STRONG ENOUGH TO BE BETTER ON MY OWN”.

“Hopefully this will kick some people into action to make the tough decisions required to begin living a better life for themselves, by removing their “Dracula”.

Speaking of the challenges of recording during lockdown, Chris said: “We spent a while trying to get the drums sounding realistic as I do not have a drum kit at home, but I hope the release of this song can inspire other upcoming artists to continue writing and producing music during the lockdown and not to give up just because studios are currently closed.

“It’s time to say it how it is, no holding back, brutal truths about my past and present. I’ve well and truly swallowed my pride on this one and let my guard down. I hope that my new music relates to you and helps you through anything you may be struggling with, even if it’s just to have a good time and a wiggle”