HERON logo, independent music artist and Cracked Analogue label
Heron portrait in studio, photographed in India, showcasing his work as an independent artist and producer

Welcome to the Official Site of Heron

"Thank you for visiting. I am an artist creating from my studio at Cracked Analogue. Since March 2025, I have shared a series of digital glimpses into my world, including the current single, Fell In Love Again, which you can watch below.


The final stages of this journey begin on 10 April with the release of Something Nothing. This leads to the arrival of Underground Sky on 12 June. This boutique release is the most limited edition I have ever released, featuring just 81 hand-numbered white vinyl LPs and 25 cassettes. Every record is a one-of-a-kind statement, with the vinyl edition including a unique 1/1 original art print created in my studio.


While seven tracks will be available digitally, the final chapter, Tomorrow Is Yesterday’s Today, is initially excluded from streaming. This piece is reserved as a unique experience for those who hold the physical edition, though it will also be shared with the specialist and independent radio stations that have supported this project from the start.


I rarely send correspondence. However, those on my mailing list receive priority access to the reservation process. Join below to ensure you have the first opportunity to secure a copy."

Get Early Access

The Path To Underground Sky

The journey of Underground Sky has been unfolding one song at a time since March 2025, accompanied by visual pieces for every track. I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported this process so far.

Huge thanks to Dave Monks for playing both 'Read My Mind' and 'Transcendental Meditation' on BBC Introducing. Dave was the first DJ to feature my music and interview me after the release of my first 7" single. It's always a privilege to be played on his excellent show.


Deep gratitude to John Kennedy for being the first DJ in the world to play ‘Transcendental Meditation’ on Radio X, and for doing so on the day of its release. It is an amazing show and, while John needs no introduction, my respect for him is huge. He was the first person to play my music on national radio and interview me upon the release of my debut album.

Thanks also to the amazing Lilian Smith for being the first DJ to play Dead To It on June 15th, just two days after its release. Her RTÉ Radio 1 show, Rising Time, is magnificent. To be featured on Ireland's biggest station, among so many iconic artists was such an honour. More heartfelt thanks go out to John Kennedy yet again, for giving Dead To It its UK national debut the following day on Radio X's morning X-Posure show!


Thanks also to the amazing Lilian Smith for being the first DJ to play Dead To It on 15 June, just two days after its release. Her RTÉ Radio 1 show, Rising Time, is magnificent. To be featured on Ireland's biggest station among so many iconic artists was such an honour. More heartfelt thanks go to John Kennedy yet again for giving Dead To It its UK national debut the following day on the Radio X's morning X-Posure show.


I am also incredibly grateful to the journalists who have covered and reviewed the new material. I feel blessed to have had the Transcendental Meditation video featured in Rolling Stone, an interview in SPIN, and a host of reviews from wonderfully talented writers. A full archive of articles is available on the separate reviews page, with a selection of soundbites featured in the quotes section below.


Finally, special thanks to Toby Campen for taking such great care and attention while mastering all the new material. Toby is not just outstanding at what he does: he is also a fantastic human being. I am grateful to have someone with his passion for audio alongside me. As the only other person involved in the making of Underground Sky, his contribution is greatly appreciated.


If you enjoy the music, please consider following or downloading via Spotify, YouTube and Bandcamp. Your support helps me to continue creating music independently, covering the production costs and equipment needed to bring these records to life."

Music by Heron

Playlist by Heron

This is a compilation for those who want to explore a quick introduction to my music. New songs from my forthcoming album will be added to this playlist as and when they are released.

Not For Sale - Heron

(Cracked Analogue)

"Not For Sale" is a completely improvised piano piece, recorded in The Brown Room in one take and released to stores for free independently. There are only 499 physical copies in existence, most of which were distributed by hand in the UK, and the US. A few remaining copies were made available through Cracked Analogue directly. Each CD is numbered, embossed with a bespoke stamp, and shrink-wrapped in plastic. Mastered by Steve Rooke at Abbey Road.

Heron Vs Heron - Heron

(Cracked Analogue)

My second album 'Heron Vs Heron' contains 11 songs. Co-production was shared with Grammy award winning producer Jim Abbiss (Adele, Arctic Monkeys) on 5 tracks. Iestyn Polson (Simple Kid, David Gray) provided additional production on 'Smoking In Bed', which was mixed by Hugo Nicolson (Beck, Radiohead, Bjork). Mastered by Steve Rooke at Abbey Road.

The Brown Room - Heron

(Virgin/EMI)

'The Brown Room', my debut album, contains 10 songs written, produced, performed and mixed alone at home. It was named after the room in which it was recorded, mostly using an assortment of old equipment sourced from flea markets. After releasing two 7-inch double b-sided singles, I signed to Hut Recordings (Virgin/EMI) and 'The Brown Room' was released as a limited edition CD and vinyl album shortly afterwards. Mastered by Tim Young at Metropolis.

Quotes

"Soulful downtempo UK trip-hop that feels like Lenny Kravitz fronting Portishead."

"If Prince came from a more lo-fi, indie band background rather than the big, polished rock ‘n’ soul realm, this is exactly the sort of song that he would have been known for."

“An immersive chamber of emotion, a private universe conjured with care and precision. All influences dissolve into a singular voice.”

“Fell In Love Again…is a masterclass in atmospheric R&B.”

“A Beck-style groove, before exploding into a wonderful almost Outkast-inspired chorus”.

“When Heron follows his heart, the results go straight to your chest and stick with you long after the final note.”

“One of his most direct and heartfelt expressions to date, a quiet declaration of intent that captures a moment many listeners will recognise instantly.”

"A vocal you are guaranteed to recognise among countless others. The lyrics hit right under the skin and turn the chorus into a real earworm."

"Beneath its apparent sweetness, Fell In Love Again carries an almost uncomfortable fragility. Sometimes simplicity is the most daring gesture."

"Mellow, swinging beat setting a late-night atmosphere reminiscent of the classic Prince era."

“A slow ballad of restraint and depth, unfolding calmly and naturally with warmth, subtlety, and emotional intelligence.”

“With Fell In Love Again, Heron doesn’t simply add a love song to Underground Sky. He reveals its heart.”

“A slow burning groove led ballad showcasing sonic experimentation and emotional nuance”

“One of our favourite introspective alt-pop bangers of the year. It carries the melodic grace of Rufus Wainwright and the layered ambition of Brian Wilson’s Pet Sounds, yet remains unmistakably Heron – modern, introspective, and handmade.”

“‘What If?’ feels like a philosophical daydream unfolding in real time. Nothing here feels outsourced or over-polished; even the imperfections feel intentional, adding to the song’s sense of honesty."

“Art at its most elemental, authentic, unmediated, and utterly self-possessed. Heron’s up-front vocals arrive like a hushed conversation in the dark—direct, searching, and human. ‘What If?’ is as intimately personal as it is unshakeably universal.”

"Instead of heading down the conspiracy theory rabbit holes, he looks the listener in the eye, presents the miracles of life and wonders of the natural world, and asks a simple question. Are you sure that you know how the universe works? "

“A catalytic single that transforms doubt into a driving force and gentleness into strength. Pop doesn’t need to explode to shake things up; it needs air, angles, choices. ‘What If?’ has them — and that’s precisely what makes you want to live beneath this subterranean sky a little longer.”

“A profound moment of introspection—a warm, questioning meditation that lingers long after the final chord fades.”

“Right from the opening piano chords and exposed vocals, you can tell this isn’t your typical pop track. You can hear echoes of Beck and The Beatles, but he’s not copying anyone. If the rest of the record maintains this level of craft, it’ll be worth the wait.”

“It begins small, like a single spark in the dark, then swells into something lush and infinite before receding again into stillness. Heron captures the essence of wondering itself: the ache of curiosity, the grace of not having answers, and the fleeting peace found somewhere between.”

“A surreal atmosphere that takes us on a brief journey far from reality while still radiating something tender and familiar.”

“Heron isn’t just producing music; he’s constructing emotional architecture. Cinematic, introspective, and deeply human — a reflective, emotionally charged statement that cements Heron’s place among the UK’s most compelling independent artists.”

“Heron takes a simple idea — a piano, a question, a fragile voice — and turns it into something that shimmers between intimacy and grandeur. What If? feels like a turning point — a song that makes you pause mid-listen, not because it demands attention but because it earns it.”

“Heron draws listeners into such a profoundly introspective space with What If? that it’s simultaneously fragile and fearless. With alt-pop sensibility threaded through a classic singer-songwriter core, the palette is simultaneously timeless and fresh.”

“What If? feels like the project’s beating heart — a thoughtful centrepiece that distills his most profound themes into five dreamy pop minutes.”

“A mesmerizing soundscape that connects with anyone who appreciates carefully constructed and beautifully performed music.”

“An invitation to let go of what you think you know about pop music, embrace a little weirdness, and maybe find a new lens for your own life. He’s rummaged through pop history, stolen his favorite colors, and painted something entirely new with them. If this is Heron’s new era, count me all in.”

“There’s dream-pop, synth-pop, alt-rock and psychedelic textures, but it all comes together as something undeniably fresh and original. What more is there to say than Heron just can’t miss!”

"Paradigm" doesn't just signal a new chapter for Heron, it invites you to begin one as well. Large, reflective, and unmistakably Heron, this is a statement, not just a single."

“Fiercely original and refreshingly unpredictable, Heron continues to reinvent himself with every release. Colourful indie-galactic music… packed full of twists and turns, all tied together by his unique creative thread.”

“One of the most inventive voices in contemporary music. Heron’s meticulous attention to detail and fearless creativity are evident in every beat. Paradigm is both his most accessible single and his most experimental.”

"This brilliant pop track is an absolute must-have for any indie playlist out there, instantly infectious thanks to its captivating groove and uptempo energy."

“‘Paradigm’ runs through the part of the indie/pop landscape where bands such as Flaming Lips and MGMT have left their footprints. The result is pop built anew, pop with purpose, and that purpose is to build a whole new future for the genre..”

“A masterclass in writing and composing a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Paradigm demands repeat listens to uncover its tiny nuances, details, and layers. One of the finest synth pop tracks you’ll hear in years.”

"It’s punchy and opens up like a city at midnight. all neon-lit, restless, and full of frantic beauty,

The best bits of Devo and maybe a touch of Dutch Uncles too”

“Heron is back with a new single titled ‘Paradigm’, and it’s one of his most immediate tracks yet. One of the best artists I’ve covered this month so far. Trust me when I say this, ‘Paradigm’ will stick in your head for days.”

"Paradigm itself is a psychedelic synth-pop track that leverages the angular aesthetic of post-punk, landing in a space not dissimilar to Metronomy or Hot Chip. At the same time, Heron’s inspiration is personal, rather than drawn from specific musicians."

“Paradigm is more than a synth pop single, it’s a manifesto of reinvention. Heron’s sonic palette blends retro charm with cosmic ambition, resulting in a track that feels alive with possibility and rooted in the joy of starting anew."

“Heron delivers what may be his most emotionally potent track to date. It’s a quietly stunning return that draws on the spectral beauty of acoustic indie, the swirling haze of psychedelic pop, and the honesty of a late-night confessional.“

“A quiet emotional gut punch wrapped in a sonic dreamscape. “Dead To It feels like a full arrival — more saturated, more confident, and more emotionally transparent. Exactly what alt-pop should be in 2025: honest, inventive, and deeply, unapologetically human.”

“This isn’t performance, it’s process. In a time when lyrics are expected to be authentic and introspective, Heron goes further. He shows us the present in its rawest form. It’s meta in the truest sense.”

"The stripped-down production leaves space for every instrument and every emotion to gasp for air. Dead To It is an experience — a song willing to be both vulnerable and beautiful at the same time. Heron proves that sometimes the strongest songs are the ones that capture your attention by doing less.”

“With this track, Heron takes on the spirit of some of our most meaningful songwriters, from Beck to Elliott Smith to Sufjan Stevens to Thom Yorke.”

“Dead To It positions HERON as a formidable architect of nuanced soundscapes. Fans of early Bon Iver, or those who revere the raw energy of Jeff Buckley’s performances, will find a newfound haven in Heron’s musings.”

"A slow, aching swirl of lo-fi sadness – dead to it feels like it’s falling apart in the most beautiful, stunning way. Heron’s voice is close and fragile, like someone who’s just learning to tell the truth. It moves with a quiet gravity, and a softness that kinda makes the whole thing hit harder."

"Dead To It" carries a vibe reminiscent of early Bon Iver, Jeff Buckley, and the unique sounds of Beck, as well as the delicate clarity of Elliott Smith. However, Heron isn't simply copying these influences, he mixes them in his way.

"This is a snapshot of an artist fully in command of their vision, blending past and present into something distinctively forward-thinking. While many artists find a safe space in a particular genre lane, Heron thrives on reinvention. “Read My Mind” sets the bar high."

"Capturing a sound that’s avant-garde, captivating and danceable all at once, it’s an epic jam.

Heron is ready to once again stake his claim as an exciting sonic innovator with an astonishingly creative output."

"With ‘Read My Mind’, Heron leans into a kaleidoscopic mix of psychedelic pop, folk rock, and retro flair, showcasing his knack for fusing vintage vibes with a contemporary edge. The track erupts into a lush, psychedelic chorus, where theremin wails and Hammond organ swirls evoke the cosmic grandeur of David Bowie or The Beatles’ White Album."

"Between the spectral, free-flowing soundscape and the reflective messages, ‘Read My Mind’ is the philosophical pre-summer anthem that encourages you to surrender to connection, clarity and simple existence."

"The listening experience is quite special. Heron’s tone is wrapped around a thousand harmonies and spacious effects. A thread seems to emerge, with the British troubadour exploring an eclectic musical identity that’s blissful yet hard-hitting, familiar yet boundary-pushing."

“A spiritually electrifying masterpiece—Heron delivers hypnotic vocals, lush production, and lyrical brilliance that redefines the boundaries of introspective music. His genre-fluid sound evokes comparisons to the likes of Prince, Tame Impala, and Beck, while his production sensibilities and songwriting finesse call to mind the emotional depth of artists like Frank Ocean."

“A glimpse into an album that will likely be as immersive and unpredictable as Heron himself. Ethereal soundscapes, poetic lyricism, and deeply personal themes. The release of “Transcendental Meditation” is not just the start of a new album cycle; it’s a statement of intent.” 

“A spectacular outing that puts his fierce originality and performance flair on full display while marking his return in sensational fashion. Heron is set to resume his compelling musical story with what promises to be an engaging and meaningful record which we can’t wait to hear."

“With a history marked by both groundbreaking albums and pivotal collaborations, Heron has always maintained a reputation for being a fearless and eclectic artist, and now, in 2025, he returns to the spotlight with Underground Sky.”

“An immersive, genre-blurring piece that lives somewhere between ambient soul, mellow electronica, and experimental alt-pop. Heron doesn’t need to shout to be heard—he creates space, lets emotion lead, and builds something textured and gripping in the process.”

“Having overcome several struggles and vocal issues, ‘Transcendental Meditation’ represents a powerful return for Heron. It also signals the forthcoming arrival of his new album, Underground Sky.”

“The music is rich and beautiful, yet a simplicity allows listeners to immerse themselves in the experience fully. Heron has never sounded more relaxed, and that sense of ease is infectious. Feels like stepping away from the chaos of life and into a moment of calm.”

"Heron connects and impresses as ever – Transcendental Meditation is an original work that’s impossible to pigeonhole."

“Most gloriously, The Brown Room catches an artist as yet unaffected and overawed by big-budget commercial imperatives. The mistakes are left in, and only increase the sense of a musician with a lot to say, and in a hurry to say it: What a way to begin.”

"This is a very special album indeed. Heron is a modern day Harry Nilsson with tunes and attitude aplenty. He's also one of the most exciting talents to emerge this year. Don't take my word for it. Give the album a listen and prepare to have your head expanded."

What's On Magazine

Album Of The Month 4/5

"Heron's DIY debut is about as indigenous to Liverpool as bikini car-washes to Siberia. Heron sounds increasingly like Oar-period Skip Spence. No mean feat."

Uncut Magazine ***

"The Brown Room is full of off-kilter, warped country tunes, unfocused psychedelia and lo-fi slacker rap. There is imagination at work here and the album is rarely dull."

Q Magazine ***

"The Brown Room sparkles with the wit of ‘Odelay' and the confidence of ‘Around The World In A Day."

The Fly Magazine ****

"A home-made delight where no consideration has been given to markets or boundaries."

Daily Express

“We Get High is a perfect Gorkyesque slice of acoustic psychedelica, I'll B Your Alibi felicitously introduces Loudon Wainwright III to hip hop, while closer Every Little Thing boasts a prettiness redolent of prime Scritti Politti.”

Mojo Magazine ***

"This debut album has it all."

“Heron is one of those schizo singers (à la Beck and Badly Drawn Boy) that plunders from all sources and sounds. Make sure that he doesn't pass you by.”

honestdog.com

"The repetitive piano chug of Punk Muthaf***a is pure I Am The Walrus. The determined whimsey of Jukebox Saloon is Honey Pie Macca to a T. And the line “Clear all the mind from your doubt”, on the very Lucy in the Sky-like We Get High, is quintessential Lennon."

"Heron has basically managed to cram all of his influences into one 30 minute masterpiece that still invigorates with every listen, and that's why this is one album you must own this year."

rockcity.com *****

“A pissed up son-of-Beck-possessed-by-beelzebub subterranean blues hoe-down. Look out, kids.”

Flux Magazine

"Music that is untouched and raw."

BBC Radio Stoke Online

"Proving that navel-gazing still has some life in it, the album also confirms that the new acoustic movement has been beaten senseless by the left-right of iconoclastic solo quirkiness and good old fashioned electric guitars."

The Sunday Times: Culture Magazine

“In the tradition of premier releases by artists like The The and Baby Bird, this debut is a mighty potent concoction assembled from creaking electronic beats and shuffling analogue accompaniments, while the songs themselves are funny, flirtatious and shot through with ripples of darkness.”

roughguides.com

“The world needs eccentric performers with supreme songwriting ability and there's none more eccentric and talented than Heron. Tracks like ‘Punk Muthafucka' and ‘Keyboard song' will establish him as a lo-fi mixture of Beck, Badly Drawn Boy, Syd Barratt and Brian Wilson, while the strange but beautiful ballad ‘Every Little Thing' has hit record written all over it.”

What's On Magazine

"Jukebox Saloon' is what the Bugsy Malone soundtrack might have sounded like if it'd been scored by Super Furry Animals, all collapsing breakbeats and music hall piano, while ‘Lemon Aid' is lo-fi toytown dope-hop, kind of like Gonzales with less sleaze and more wonky sound effects. Heron might be just the thing we all need."

NME Magazine

“Listening to Heron's debut, The Brown Room, is like taking a laid-back trip through a landscape of lo-fi beats and sounds, not quite knowing where you are going or where you'll find yourself at the end of the eclectic journey. An interesting example of what a perfect summer album should be.”

BBC Manchester Online

"Here's one of those bedroom debuts that appears to have been made with a beatbox, a keyboard and an old hairdryer. The plaintive ‘We Get High', ‘I'll Be Your Alibi' and Cotton Clubesque ‘Jukebox Saloon' are engaging indie gems - enough to win him funds to dispense with the hairdryer next time round."

The Observer

“A self-produced majestic effort, blending American country, '60s rock, psychedelia and electronica. Heron mixes a plethora of influences from the last four decades, whilst still conjuring up his own magical sound.”

“Endearing DIY effort from the London Money Mark. Tune splattered, idiosyncratic pop music without all the fancy shit. 'The Brown Room' is a wilfully non-league gem that's gagging for a larger audience.”

"I wish you'd cut the swearing out. I much prefer the 'Not For Sale' piano recording on Cracked Analogue."

Heron's Mum

Press & Reviews

Thank you to all the journalists and writers who’ve shared their thoughts on Underground Sky. Your support has played a large part in making my return to releasing music truly meaningful. Each review highlights the journey so far. Explore the full press archive below to see insights, perspectives, and how critics have experienced the latest releases.

Reviews Archive

Music Videos

What If?

Directed by Heron

Paradigm

Directed by Heron

Dead To It

Directed by Heron

Read My Mind

Directed by Heron

Transcendental Meditation

Directed by Heron

Collaboration

Other projects at Cracked Analogue include the collaboration between myself and the uber-talented Cathy Jain. At just 15, Cathy’s debut single 'I See Us In Heaven' was made remotely from her bedroom and my studio at Cracked Analogue. It was quickly picked up by BBC Introducing and then featured on Radio 1's Hot List. During our long-distance collaboration, Cathy recorded and released several more singles independently throughout 2020/21.

Cathy soon signed her first record deal with Yala! Records and released the blissful, slo-fi, soul-jam Cool Kid. It was awarded BBC Radio 1 Introducing's 'Track Of The Week', play-listed on NME Best New Tracks as well as Spotify's New Music Friday.

Artificial followed, with the psychedelic blues of Green Screen continuing an amazing breakthrough year for Cathy. 'Green Screen' has been repeatedly played on Radio One and 6 Music and described by Lauren Laverne as 'my favourite track at the moment.' It also featured on Amazon Music's Best Songs Of 2021 playlist.

Each of the four recordings have now been pressed on strictly limited edition lavender vinyl by YALA!, entitled Artificial EP. All tracks co-written, produced & mixed by Heron @ Cracked Analogue.

It was a real pleasure to be interviewed by musical maverick Cathy Jain. Amongst other things, we discuss our remote collaboration, Frank Ocean, Frank Zappa and her third single Green Screen.

Cracked Analogue Studio

Heron in his Liverpool Cracked Analogue Studio recording and producing music

Artwork & Visuals

Umbrella single cover from The Brown Room LP, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Cracked Analogue
Umbrella single vinyl from The Brown Room LP, photographed and designed by Heron & Mike Carney on Cracked Analogue
Punk Muthafucka record cover from The Brown Room LP, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Cracked Analogue
Heron – Punk Muthafucka vinyl from The Brown Room LP, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Cracked Analogue
Heron – Jukebox Saloon vinyle record from The Brown Room LP, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Cracked Analogue
Heron – Jukebox Saloon single cover from The Brown Room LP, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Cracked Analogue
Heron – Lemon Aid vinyl record from The Brown Room LP, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Cracked Analogue
Heron – Lemon Aid single cover from The Brown Room LP, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Cracked Analogue
Heron – Turn The Page single cover from Heron Vs Heron LP, designed at Cracked Analogue
Heron – Truth In Time single cover from Heron Vs Heron LP, photographed and designed at Cracked Analogue
Heron – 15 Speakers single cover from Heron Vs Heron LP, designed at Cracked Analogue
Heron – The Brown Room album cover, photographed by Heron and designed by Heron & Mike Carney, released on Virgin/EMI/Cracked Analogue
Heron – Not For Sale album cover, photographed by Heron, designed by Heron & Ged Doyle at Cracked Analogue/Plast-c Design
Heron – Heron Vs Heron album cover, photographed and designed at Cracked Analogue
Heron – Acetate Hustler private release single cover, designed by Heron
Heron – Transcendental Meditation single cover, designed and photographed at Cracked Analogue
Heron – Read My Mind single cover, photographed and designed at Cracked Analogue
Heron – Dead To It single cover, designed and photographed at Cracked Analogue
Heron – Paradigm single cover, photographed and designed at Cracked Analogue

Contact Heron