Richard Green – Holey Shoes (2026)
There are times when you just need to listen to a song that blends genres while diving into societal concepts that many avoid. This is exactly what Richard Green has given us with this single ‘Holey Shoes’, which combines indie, rock and funk to highlight poverty and homelessness. Carrying an important message of not taking things for granted and not turning away from those in need, the single is poignant not only in its heart, but in its sound as well.
Composed in his home studio over a year and a half, the single draws on the issues that Green witnessed during the 11 years he spent in London. The single also showcases his versatility, which has been a highlight of previous releases as he moves through musical styles from electronic to neoclassical and everything in between.
The electronic tones that fill the opening of the track twang against your ears before a deeper beat warbles its way into your senses. There is a build-up of tones that create fantastic layers to the melody that, at first, seems to be very synth rock, but slowly transforms into a more alternative sound. Between all of this is a trip-hop vibe resting in the lower levels that makes itself known before fleeing.
At times, you do get the feeling that the soundscape is very experimental, as the swings between the genres can take a second to adjust. As the single progresses, you start to realise that these swings and adjustments are actually the story of the track at work. Since this is an instrumental track, the music does all the heavy lifting to highlight the story of the song.
The heavier guitar tones bring the darker side of the track with the weight of the issues bearing down on you. The lighter synth tones bring relief, but when they meet, you are filled with the sense that everything is connected and you should perhaps not take anything for granted. It is a very emotive soundscape that slowly works its way into your senses and understanding, which is a great way to unleash such an important message. The slow and darker ending to the track is a perfect round-off to everything as it mimics the movement away from the issues. This is like walking past the poverty and homelessness in the city to go about your day, but there is something that lingers that you can’t ignore.
Find out more about Richard Green on his Instagram, SoundCloud, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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