This week's Local Spotlight Artist is London, Ontario's, Warren Hargraves, and his brand new single "Cold One"!
"Warren has a very unique style, a smooth yet raspy voice, with a blend of Country Rock and R&B. Born in London, Ontario he has shaped his music with a vintage-meets-modern charm. Although his musical journey started out with him playing the drums at 14, it wasn't until age 16, that he discovered the acoustic guitar and singing. Surrounded by a musical family certainly helped. After flunking out on a song & experiencing the boos of a crowd, he channeled his efforts into something more tangible, playing his dad's guitar on a mission to disprove the virtual crowd. With guidance, he began to strum chords and craft vocal lines.
He continued to hone his craft independently until he began collaborating with classmate Josh Try. They formed Five Oceans, a country/rock group featuring Warren's songwriting and Try’s guitar work. He's shared the stage with Gord Bamford, Dierks Bentley, & Genevieve Fisher, playing shows across Ontario & captured the top spot in the contest 'London Covers'.
Over time, the band gradually got into more rock and pop which led him to return to his country roots, with singles in 'Entwined', and 'When You Go' tackling one's struggle with the circle of life. His songs are about real life which makes his songs relatable.
During covid pandemic, Hargraves and Try made the decision to reset themselves, more firmly in the country realm returning to Warren's roots, as a country singer-songwriter. His music is influenced by some old-school greats like the Eagles and the Allman Brothers, as well as Chris Stapleton and Brothers Osborne.
His most recent release is called “Cold One” produced by Jordan Honsinger and co-written with Josh Try and Mark Swan. Make sure you check it out, wherever you choose to buy, stream your music. This may be the first time hearing of Warren, but it won’t be the last! He’s got a great future ahead of him in the music industry, so hop on and join the ride!"