VerseChorusVerse

VerseChorusVerse is the solo project and current moniker of Tony Wright, active since 2011. Wright is best known as a former member of And So I Watch You From Afar, the band he helped form before moving in a different musical direction under this name.

Sound and style

The project centres on acoustic guitar-led songwriting, with harmonica also playing a prominent role and occasional mariachi brass appearing in the arrangements. The material is described through a strong melodic focus, with lyrics and music drawn from personal expression and an interest in positivity. The project’s sound is associated with folk, acoustic, indie and rock, and listeners have compared it to artists including Neil Young, Tom Petty, Skip James, Woody Guthrie and Joe Strummer.

Career and reception

Wright performs extensively across the UK, Ireland and Europe as a solo act. His work has attracted attention from musical peers, including Michael Kiwanuka, who praises his songs and his harmonica playing, and Daniel Johnston, who responds favourably to his appearance and performance. The project is also noted for a rebellious and sometimes politicised approach to songwriting and for musical experimentation.

Visual work

In 2013, VerseChorusVerse expands into video with VerseChorusVideo - The Inches EP, a self-performed and self-produced set of four singles that also marks Wright’s directorial and acting debut. One of the videos, “Nothing Is Easy,” receives a nomination for best short music film at the Limelight Short Film Awards in London.

Production

An album by the project is produced by Iain Archer, whose credits include work with Jake Bugg, Fionn Regan and Luke Sital-Singh.