Be absorbed by the video premiere of UK singer-songwriter Ian Roland’s first single of 2026, ‘Virtually Free’. At the heart of the song are the rich, warm tones of Roland’s twelve-string guitar. Roland’s band contribute excellent musicianship, with flourishes of keys from Mishkin Fitzgerald and swaying rhythms from Dave Coomber’s bass and James Chapman’s drums. The full-band sound adds real depth to Roland’s classic songwriting and, over the top, his smooth, clear vocal is earnest and heartfelt.
Partially filmed on a houseboat in Shoreham Harbour that has been converted into a rehearsal and recording space, and where the band and Roland rehearse, the video is an artfully shot accompaniment to the single. We get to see the band at work and socialising together, an insight into their camaraderie and connection.
Roland says of the song’s theme: “‘Virtually Free’ touches upon what might be real, what might be fake, and definitions of freedom in between. At its heart is the importance of human connection, community and ultimately love.” Roland sings of love with authenticity and sensitivity, and his lyrics always have a certain poetry: “Electric surface of your skin // From the periphery visions begin // Out of the corner of your eye // Digging deep, the hunger for why… And we can’t look away // I love you more and more each day // Driving in harder, horizontal rain // Pushing us over.” Enjoy.
