With crisp, soaring vocals and pleasing guitar riffs, Villain is a catchy anthem about channelling your frustration and anger into goodness.

Joe Garvey, better known by Garvie, is a songwriter whose avid playing of video games during lockdown influenced him to become trapped in the virtual world. After the cancellation and postponement of gigs due to the pandemic, Garvie instead switched on his Gameboy and learned how to produce music during 2020. Previously spending years composing for other artists and being involved in the London live scene, the past year has been a chance for Garvie to explore and create his own sound for once. Within an audibly immersive world of groovy guitars and nostalgic, video game-esque 8-bit sonics, Garvie’s lyricism embodies his deadpan sense of humour.

Following the release of his debut single Bad Person, which has been supported and played by the likes of BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, Garvie’s latest single is entitled Villain.

Combining the effortless poise of Arctic Monkeys’ AM era and Jack Garratt’s soulfulness, the production of Villain entices you in and showcases Garvie’s authentic pop sound. The lyricism in the chorus “you’re my villain, and I love to hate you so” reflects his matter-of-fact humour, and the stripped-back percussive beat and guitars enable you to hear Garvie’s flawless falsetto vocals in full force. Irresistibly blunt with its lyrical storytelling, Villain will unapologetically enthrall you and beg to be repeatedly played.

Garvie shares:

We’re always told we shouldn’t get angry. I think anger gets a bad rep – it can push you forward and motivate you more than a lot of other feelings. Whether it’s a celebrity, politician, an annoying co-worker or your ex – we’ve all got our villains. Sometimes it’s OK to embrace that.

Be sure to also check out the immersive and light-hearted music video for Villain. Featuring character drawing by Vincent Nitti, the video approaches the themes of jealousy amongst musicians and mocks the entire music industry in a refreshingly fun manner.