Elrichman has just shared his new single 'Seeking Grey Skies' and makes his second appearance here this year, the song itself quickly reminded me of his sophisticated and lovable modern pop. === We get to feature a third song from New Fries this year in the form of 'Lily' the final single from their forthcoming album 'Is The Idea Of Us', out on August 7th. Once again their unique and pleasingly original musical styling works wonders, the album is keenly awaited.
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Elrichman - Seeking Grey Skies.
Elrichman – the project of Paul Erlichman – has shared his new single, 'Seeking Grey Skies' – this is the latest in a string of Aquarium Drunkard and Line of Best Fit-supported singles to be lifted from his new album Heaven's Mayor which is out September 4 on Madrid-based label, Bobo Integral.
The new album follows 2014's Young, Healthy and Wonderful as well as Paul's more recent material as part of Goosebump (previously called Germaphobes) and Ducks Unlimited. Emerging from the same scene as Kiwi Jr, the aforementioned Ducks Unlimited and Ellis, the new record packs in a bunch of Toronto-based talent – Alex Gamble helms production duties (previously worked with Fucked Up and Alvvays) with further contributions coming from Zach Bines (Weaves) and Jon Pappo (Hooded Fang), as well as the Boston-based Anh Phung (Twisted Pine) who provides some magnificent flute work on the new track.
Heaven's Mayor touches on the sounds of 80s indie, wonky-folk and "country music for the urban environment" – there are hints of Huey Lewis & The News, Orange Juice and Roxy Music scattered throughout, as well as a nod to the recently disbanded Nova Scotia-based project, Mauno.
Thematically, Erlichman looks to delve into honesty and how we present this to ourselves in a world hell-bent on consuming – more on this idea in the press release below – with 'Seeking Grey Skies' in particular turning to the idea of finding comfort in dissatisfaction. It's certainly a highlight for me on the record with a fairly carefree meander through the sounds of the 80s picking at yacht rock and jangle-pop aesthetics.
New Fries are sharing the final single from their forthcoming album Is The Idea Of Us, out on August 7th through Telephone Explosion (Badge Epoque Ensemble, Pantayo, Chandra, Scott Hardware). The band's first new material since 2016's More (produced by Holy Fuck's Graham Walsh), "Lily" is a perfect example of New Fries' glitching and fidgeting No Wave inspired meditations.
On the new track, the band offered, "Lilydale, New York is a caged community inhabited almost exclusively by mediums--those who communicate with the spirit world. It is a community of liars and people with special spiritual gifts. People across North America travel here to connect with the deceased. Anni spent many summers in Lilydale as a kid--her grandfather was a medium."
The Toronto-based experimental legends are one of the best kept secrets in the city, and with their new album they delve deeper into their unconventional, ever-changing sound. Working closely with Carl Didur (Zacht Automaat, formerly U.S. Girls), they settled on a fresh new direction. Focusing more on space and repetition, finding the in-between and reflecting on it, examining that transition. Is The Idea Of Us is anxious in its repetitions and unsure of genre, a reflection of musicians and non-musicians making music together; New Fries insist on doing it differently.
May Have have shared their first single 'May Have (Misunderstood)' from their forthcoming E.P due August 28th.The song is a rich mixture of gorgeous vocals and harmonies surrounded by lush synths and more. === Paper Fishes brand new album 'Instant Happiness' has just been released by the UK Indie Folk and Folk Rock band, it's packed with hook filled and imaginative tracks ( and it's streaming in full below). === Girlhood have been gaining considerable attention through BBC radio and it's well deserved as the fabulous new song 'Sister' demonstrates. === Obscura Hail share 'Doomer' which is a powerful and distinctive rocker that just oozes warmth, passion and determination.
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May Have - May Have (Misunderstood).
Saturday night dance party. Gutwrenching lyrics. Perfectly placed synths. May Have’s new EP, Misunderstood, draws influences ranging from Sylvan Esso to Daft Punk.
Originating as a three piece, Maerin Hunting’s songwriting and soaring vocals are elevated by the contagious energy of the rhythm section, Sebastian Balk-Forcione (drums) and Matt Rousseau (bass/synths).
Adding Dan Rougeau (guitar) and Emily Rockarts (vocals and keys), May Have has added depth to their sonic palette.
With an impressive array of synths, samples, guitars and other goodies, May Have lights up the dancefloor. Their hook filled songs get stuck in your head all – night – long.
Recorded by the acclaimed producer Leo Abrahams (Brian Eno, Editors) at Livingston Studios in London, Instant Happiness is the debut album by UK alternative rock band Paper Fishes.
Rooted in Americana but moving easily between lo-fi rock, country, folk, blues, punk, and gypsy-folk, the album is tied together by Andre Levy’s distinctive vocals and his incisive and humorous lyrics, backed-up by the band’s precision and versatility.
The album boasts prestigious collaborations with Leo Abrahams (Florence and the Machine) on lead guitar, Mirek Salmon (Moscow Drug Club) on accordion, Rosa Conrad (Gabby Young and Other Animals) on guest and backing vocals, Jenny Glester (Liverpool Philharmonic) on violin, and Paul Cuddeford (Bob Geldof) on steel guitar.
Paper Fishes’ core lineup comprises singer & songwriter Andre Levy (lead vocal, piano, rhythm guitar), Simon Edwards (Fairground Attraction) on bass, and Aram Zarikian (Seamus Fogerty Band) on drums.
London-based BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and 6 Music-tipped duo, Girlhood have just dropped their new single, 'Sister' – it was premiered on Lauren Laverne's Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 6 Music.
The new single from the pair, Christian Pinchbeck and Tessa Cavanna comes in line with the announcement of their debut LP – Girlhood out October 23 on Team Talk Records – and follows previous tracks that have earned support at Loud & Quiet, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit, Complex and more. More recently, the band earned success with their single 'The Love I Need' that was tipped at R1 and 6Music and found comparisons to The Avalanches, Moby and Fugees, as well as scoring BBC Radio 1's Introducing Track of the Week with 'Bad Decisions' – in a time of live shows, they also opened for Poliça and performed at Visions, Iceland Airwaves and Latitude.
’Sister’ is another sunkissed cut from the pair, welding together tar thick grooves and Screamadelica-esque choruses – as with previous singles, this new one focuses on womanhood and what it means the group’s lyricist, Cavanna. Speaking about the track, Tess says: "For me, 'Sister' is about celebrating love in all her shapes, colours and sounds! These beautiful people throw their loving arms around us! I am thankful for Love and for ALL my sisters!"
Obscura Hail is helmed by songwriter Sean Conran. After releasing a prolific amount of music online via Patreon over a number of years as a way to document his life, Obscura Hail released the Zero EP via Dot Dash Recordings last year. They've supported the lovely Soaked Oats over in Melbourne.
Balanced out by Tamara Issa (bass, vocals) and Kaelan Edmond (drums), Obscura Hail combines biting guitars, beautiful harmonies, atmospheric acoustic percussion, loops and drum machines to deliver something dynamic and existentially curated.
About Doomer from Sean: The instrumentation is our heaviest yet, to give a voice to the guilt, shame, anger and frustration that comes with feeling powerless. It's rhetoric is about the purpose of power in the presence of crisis and its roots are in the motivation and awareness given to me by punk songs growing up. I wanted the narrative to express the discovery of this voice breaking through blissful ignorance, in favour of real change extending beyond experience.
We wanted the lyrics to stand on their own as a sea shanty or lullaby, to allow the song to exist in multiple forms without losing the impact. Tamara and I were binge watching the news around Greta Thunberg and the support she was receiving, and so the song emerged from the restlessness. Born in the age of information, the Doomer is fatalistic, apathetic, a symptom of the overwhelming awareness of suffering outside of their control.
Francesca Louise has just released a beautiful E.P entitled 'Melancholic Antidote'. Comprising of six songs, the collection moves from gentle and personal tracks to more powerful arrangements as the singer-songwriter delivers a memorable mixture of folk and folk pop tracks. === Immaterial Possession share the new track and video 'Tropical Still Life', we featured 'Midnight Wander' in May and this gorgeous psychedelic song ups the stakes even further for their forthcoming album.
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Francesca Louise - Melancholic Antidote (E.P).
Francesca Louise is a London based singer-songwriter originally from the North West of England. Combining stunning folk/pop songwriting, sparkling with Joni Mitchell influence and Carol King inspired vocals which tell a thousand secrets, Louise’s sound reaps authenticity and pure honesty. Bleeding with meditative melodies opening a door to escapism, her music acts as a melancholic medicine to people's lives. Inspired by the likes of Billie Marten and Lucy Rose, as well as Fleetwood Mac and strong piano players such as Tom Odell and Rae Morris, Louise’s music channels emotion and intimacy through her use of conversational instrumentation and poignant lyricism.
Louise’s upcoming debut EP entitled Melancholic Antidote is a collection of personal experiences, life lessons, emotions and growth. Detailing topics such as love, career, family, goals and themes which resonate with the general listener on a more personal, intimate level, with the hope to create music which is of comfort, enjoyment and reassurance. Louise confides, "The release of Melancholic Antidote is a nerve-wrecking concept to me, but I anticipate a feeling of self-release and acceptance of all the events/moments I have written about to create what is now my first official EP release. I am giving my whole self to the listener with this record, and though some may appreciate that and enjoy the music, I really hope that this extends to them finding solace and comfort in all that I have created. I hope that my music stays with people and finds its way within everyone else’s lives, as well as my own."
A standout track on the EP is "Seasons Change" holds strong inspiration from Joni Mitchell's Ladies of the Canyon and The Staves' Dead & Born & Grown. Highlighting on the challenges and life decisions that we all inevitably make at many moments as we grow up and old, "Seasons Change" gives us the reassurance that we aren’t alone, that things can be better than they are perceived and that maybe, just maybe, someone somewhere craves your life’s catalogue of experiences rather than their own. The songwriter shares, "It’s a song of SILVER LININGs and LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDEs and WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHERs. Take your pick, there’s an uplifting catchphrase hidden in this song if you look hard enough."
Louise has seen success having supported the likes of ANashville based indie folk-rock duo The Harmaleighs, brit-pop band Echobelly at St Pancras Old Church in London and Juanita Stein, the former singer of Howling Bells. With radio plays and live sessions with BBC Introducing and independent radios alike, as well as taking festival slots in 2020, Francesca Louise is making her way up the musical ladder and is showcasing her capabilities across the UK.
Immaterial Possession have Released a new psychedelic track and music video for ''Tropical Still Life." Exploration of the power in finding animation in an object, or a still-life, and using that insight to shake the self from the stillness in a void. Traversing self-preservation in a relentlessly defeating world. Directed by Jason Thibodeaux of the Nightshade art-troupe out of Portland, OR. The band's self titled debut is out July 31st on on Secretly Canadian distributed Cloud Recordings.
Immaterial Possession was conceived by Atlanta natives, Cooper Holmes and Madeline Polites, whom share a history of the underground DIY Atlanta music, theater, and arts scene. The duo moved to Athens and was soon granted the seasoned drummer, John Spiegel, and eventually fulfilled with Kiran Jeremy Fernandes (keyboards, clarinets, flutes)- descendant of Elephant 6's beloved John Fernandes (Circulatory System, Olivia Tremor Control, Cloud Recordings).
All members bring forth a spectral hue unique to the ear- with Holmes' dark and driving punk-rooted base interwoven with Spiegel's vast repertoire of drumming artistry and sacral ardor. Polites, inspired by the musical scales of the Greeks and Spanish, weaves from her haunting bedroom classical guitar and transposes to a grittier electric. Fernandes' hands dance fearlessly along the keyboard as well as clarinet, offering windows into far away eastern lands as a light in the looming darkness.
The group's vocal charm is shared by both Holmes and Polites, tying the dynamic of the band into an intricate bow- sometimes in relatable rawness, other times by billowing operatic impulses. All together they create a sort of entrancement exclaimed as distinctly rare. "Immaterial Possession", the debut LP to be released on Cloud Recordings, is as much a visual journey as auditory. With Holmes, Polites, and Fernandes all sharing ties to surreal and abstract theater, each song on the album creates a distinct 'world' of impression and mystery. The album commences with the apocalyptic fury of "Midnight Wander" to "See Through Stares"- the catching pop tale of altering the past through the present. It takes you through the psychedelic landscapes of "In the Loom", the hallucinatory darkness of "Accidental Summoning", towards the final 'Night Cap'- a soft, but inescapable ushering into the depths of the ancestral dream state. Cover tin-type by Salvage Sparrow.
The Gina Furtado Project latest single 'The Things I Saw' has a new video, the song is described as a "unique blend of driving contemporary bluegrass and acoustic pop influences" which is spot on for this fabulous track. === Nicky William just released 'I Fell In Love With Her' along with a video that adds to the story, it's a superb song and what can I say, the vocals are simply stunning. === It's been a while since we last featured Juanita Stein so we welcome her back with the new song and title track from her next album 'Snapshot' a reminder of why we got more than a little excited about her music in 2018. === Speaker Face have just shared 'Phosphorescence' and it's a beautiful electronic song with notable vocals and a refined musical arrangement.
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The Gina Furtado Project - The Things I Saw.
The Gina Furtado Project has released a video for "The Things I Saw" the group's latest single. “The Things I Saw” — produced by Thomm Jutz is a unique blend of driving contemporary bluegrass and acoustic pop influences, and of personal memories with a universal spirit, exemplifying the evolution of today’s acoustic music scene through Furtado’s fresh, distinctive approach.
The song describes a personal, literal journey to a sacred and well-loved place in order to seek — and find — solace and redemption from a hectic world. "'The Things I Saw’ was inspired by my experiences growing up on the Shenandoah River,” Furtado says. “All throughout my childhood, I went to the river when I needed comfort of any kind. No matter what happened in my life, good or bad, the river was always the same. The plants and critters and smells and sounds became like old friends; always welcoming and beautiful in every way, and always more powerful than whatever it was that could possibly bring me down.”
“I imagined a secret society whose mission was to fight Hatred with Love,” she continues. “I've taken that little vision into my adult life, and enjoy trying to spot members of this secret society (and trying to be one myself!)....they can be flowers, animals, sunsets, people you pass on the street...anyone or thing who refuses to let darkness and negativity take over and instead chooses to exude pure and unstoppable love.”
Formed by innovative artist Gina Furtado, The Gina Furtado Project brings unique musicianship and songwriting that breaks free from the assumed constructs of traditional music modalities and makes a new musical statement influenced by emotion, played with the highest skill, and expressing an enormous verve and vitality.
Furtado, known for her work as the banjo player for Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, she has a long history with her banjo. Born and raised in Front Royal, Virginia, Gina began touring up and down the east coast in her tween years with her siblings, earning countless ribbons from fiddlers conventions, a strong reputation in the regional bluegrass scene, and a stamp from Bluegrass Today as “absurdly talented.” She later played in a number of regional acts before making her international touring debut with Chris Jones and the Night Drivers soon after joining the group in 2016. While touring, she is joined by Drew Matulich on guitar and Malia Furtado, her sister, on violin, who each bring experience and energy to the band.
Now based in Asheville, NC, Matulich grew up in Georgia and began playing guitar at 8. While studying music in college he performed with several bands of various styles in and around Georgia and Florida before immersing himself in the Bluegrass scene of Western North Carolina. He has toured and recorded with Billy Strings, made a guest appearance on Roland White's album and shared the stage with the likes of David Grisman, Bryan Sutton, Sam Bush, Cody Kilby, and Sierra Hull.
Malia’s musical journey began at the age of 3 with classical violin lessons and took a turn, when she attended her first festival, Galax Old Fiddlers Convention, a few years later. Since then, she has performed with a number of different groups, taken home a range of prizes, graced the stage of numerous venues up and down the East Coast and given private lessons in both bluegrass and classical playing. Malia is the Director of Education at the Front Porch Music School in Charlottesville, VA, and currently teaches adult continued education courses in bluegrass fiddle at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, VA.
Raised in a musical household, singer-songwriter Nicky William took inspiration from the likes of Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith and Nick Cave. Usingold Americana, to the itchy and edgy outsiders to mould his alternative-folk sound, the Swedish artist is set to drop his new offering ‘I Fell in Love with Her’ via Icons Creating Evil Art.
Since the release of his debut album ‘Set You Loved Ones Free, We Have You Surrounded’ in 2017, Nicky has perfected his craft by maturing his sound capabilities. As a result of experimenting with idiosyncratic alternative-folk and complex song-writing, the artist has since secured a signing with Stockholm-based label Icons Creating Evil Art.
Layered with a sensational blend of deep mellifluous strings and Nicky’s husky vocals, upcoming single ‘I Fell in Love With Her’ dwells deep into a love interest who not only captivates the singer-songwriters heart, but everybody else’s too. With others fascinated by her, the song highlights the feeling of self-doubt and not being good enough for that person.
Talking to us about the inspiration behind the track, Nicky tells us: “Fell in love is a song where the idea behind it is quite childish and naive, the feeling of not being desirable is probably pretty universal but this idea of a romantic interest that everyone is condemned to pine for in hopelessness may not be so realistic, but I still felt that it was the feeling I had felt many times and I wanted to convey that feeling in the song.”
Accompanying the new track is a sombre music video featuring Nicky and his desired flame. Directed by Claudio Marino, the visuals portray a rollercoaster of empty emotions and longingness. In the visuals, viewers see Nicky who metaphorically appears to be a ghostlike figure, who fails to be recognised by his love interest. No matter how close he tries to get to her, nothing is ever good enough as her attention is diverted elsewhere.
Juanita Stein has announced her third album 'Snapshot' will be released via Nude Records on 2nd October in all formats. Juanita has now shared the album's title track, a wonderful introduction to the themes and the sounds of the record. According to Mojo the song " whoops and devastates about how grief unhinges memories like the harshest magic".
“It feels fundamental to understanding the devastation and eerie silence thrust upon us after his sudden death,” begins the Brighton-based, Australian songwriter Juanita Stein, discussing the moment of great sadness that inspired her new record. “It was a daunting task to sum up the life of one man such as my father. He was endlessly inspiring, charming, deeply talented and passionately spiritual. He admirably, and at times frustratingly, carried the torch for his own musical career until the very end.”
It’s within this processing of a life well-lived and attempting to wrestle with the tides of her own grief, that what would become the album began to ebb and flow out of Stein, who first became known for her work as singer and guitarist in Howling Bells. “After I felt I had enough songs,” Juanita explains, “I was moved to reach out to producer Ben Hillier, who I’d been a fan of since hearing records he made with Clinic, Elbow ad Doves to see if he might be interested in making this album with me.”
Unlike her first two solo albums, “America” (2017) and “Until The Lights Fade” (2018), which were made in just a few weeks and both at studios in the US, ‘Snapshot’ was recorded over the course of eight months at Agricultural Audio, not far from Juanita’s home. As she says, “This allowed me the time and distance I so craved. Ben was deeply concerned with allowing the songs to breathe and to take the right shape. We laid down all the defining guitar parts and vocals which were then beds for the band to come in and lay their parts on.”
As the record began to take shape, Juanita “called on my brother, Joel Stein, (guitarist in Howling Bells) to play lead guitar, I knew only he could harness the exact frenzied energy needed for the songs. Both he and I were both going through something pretty momentous and I wanted to shift that energy into the music. Evan Jenkins on drums alternated between freeform and thunderous on some tracks, light and barely-there on others. Jimi Wheelwright on bass held it all together beautifully.”
The result is a record that feels crafted from a life lived as much as it was clearly excavated from loss. It’s a record that strives to capture more than a passing moment and succeeds in laying its hands on something bigger than most of us will ever fully understand.
"Phosphorescence" is a complicated love song for the west coast of Canada: British Columbia.
We feel so welcomed by the land and connected to the nature where Trent grew up, but recognize that many people were displaced to allow our presence.
"Phosphorescence" is a thank you letter to those who were here long before us, specifically the Coast Salish, and the early 1900s Japanese settlers, who were interned during WWII. We hope to see this beautiful place through their eyes.
We love the tactile hammer sounds of the rhodes, and the fingers plucking the violin, like a cascade of drips to help paint the west coast landscape. Ruby's voice was recorded three different times in unison and mixed all around your head, so it feels like you’re swimming in the ocean of her voice.
Tourists are from Torquay, England and with a new record contract they have shared 'Lego Man' a refined dream pop piece with some shoegaze vibes adding depth. ===Just a month ago we featured 'Fell In Love With The City' by Another Sky they are back with 'All Ends' which is another sophisticated and beautiful track. === Lilikoi are a Psychedelic Dream Pop band from London whose latest release is 'SOS' and it's a dreamy, relaxed and melodic piece. === From Wigan, England we haveAre We Static and the first taste of their sophomore LP, 'Accepting The Universe' which is 'The Godfather' a distinct and impressive indie rocker. === We have the full album from Linda Campbell which is entitled 'My Geography' comprising of twelve original songs, it's a feast of fabulous music, the write up below gives an idea of the class and quality you can expect.
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Tourists - Lego Man.
Torquay five-piece Tourists emerge from lockdown with a record deal with Modern Sky, and an enveloping new digital single Lego Man, released this week, and accompanied by a hazy psychedelic visual.
Lego Man is a slice of dark, melodic dream-pop fusing shoegaze and synth-pop with a deep-rooted post-punk influence, laced with producer Daniel Schlett’s (The War on Drugs, DIIV, Here We Go Magic) distinctive dream-scape magic. It is taken from Tourists’ forthcoming debut album Another State, which is to follow later in 2020 via Modern Sky.
Lego Man was inspired by personal experiences, frontman Jamie Giles describes Lego Man as “a song about love turning sour.” It explores the darker areas of manipulation and control within a relationship through a conversation between the song’s fictional characters, a woman and her abusive partner. As Giles expands : “It fascinates me how love can turn into something dark, cruel and possessive in its nature.”
Lego Man follows the release of the singles Align and Smokescreen, released in late 2019-early 2020 respectively, both taken from their debut Another State. Prior to theses singles, Tourists self-released a string of early introductory tracks to the word with their single Cut and Run (2016) garnering coverage on DIY and Clash, a place on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 playlist, and the band a slot on BBC Introducing stage, Glastonbury in 2017.
Tourists spent 2018 in their hometown Torquay then in Brooklyn (at producer Daniel Schlett’s studio) working on forthcoming debut album Another State which follows late 2020 on Modern Sky.
Another Sky have released “All Ends,” taken from their upcoming debut album I Slept On The Floor, out August 7th via Missing Piece Records / Fiction. Having confidently stepped into the spotlight with their performance on Later… with Jools Holland, Another Sky has earned praise from Paste, The FADER, FLOOD Magazine, and NPR, who invited them in for a Tiny Desk Concert earlier this year to perform I Slept On The Floor album tracks “Brave Face,” “Avalanche,” and “All Ends.”
“We wrote ‘All Ends’ in a dark place” vocalist and lyricist Catrin Vincent had to say on the track. “As a kid, I was bullied, so I moved to London to try and prove everyone wrong. In London, I saw a mural on a wall that said ‘we are only individuals in the context of each other’ and realised my whole worldview had to change.”
Since the release of their debut single in 2018, Another Sky have flawlessly merged hard-hitting, difficult topics with unparalleled cinematic sounds. Catrin Vincent’s poetic rage has been titular in Another Sky’s story, grappling with the topics of toxic relationships, childhood trauma, systematic elitism, Brexit Britain, the rise of Donald Trump, and much more. However, the band’s debut album is never didactic; it’s more of a personal diary, with a tentatively hopeful outlook.
Lilikoi is a Psychedelic Dream Pop band from London. Mostly created from DIY recording after long workdays working in the city. Lilikoi is the perfect blend of melancholy, warmth and sweetness.
The lead songwriter and vocalist Rohin made this album just after finishing university and considered all the fragility of a twenty something male trying to make something of themselves. With laid back casual vibes inspired by the Psychedelic Rock of the '60s, it's perfect for an after-party.
SOS is about trying to become a better person and constantly not being able to achieve what expectations are set on yourself. The constant want for an SOS package to come and save us from the constant need for self-betterment. It's during your twenties you feel the need to be a better version of yourself, but forget you are perfect the way you are.
Wigan, England’s Are We Static return with “The Godfather”, the first taster from their sophomore LP, Accepting The Universe, out this fall on their new home, Vibrant Sky Records.
Recorded over the past year, but prior to the worldwide lockdown, Accepting The Universe explores themes of love and loss, of elation and depression, and of rebirth and hope.
Further drawing on their influences of Longview, Death Cab For Cutie, Embrace, and Idlewild, Are We Static are now sharing “The Godfather” ahead of the album’s release.
“My Geography” is Linda’s new album consisting of twelve new original songs. Utilising modern technology, the album has musical contributions spanning three continents from guitar legends Albert Lee and Jerry Donahue, Merseybeat veteran Brian Saxophone Jones and renowned Bansuri flute player Baqir Abbas who joined many of Linda’s musician friends in putting their time, faith and talent into the creation of this album.
This album project started life in Linda’s small attic studio in Preston, then moved to a converted shed in Padiham, was then sent across three continents to have world class musicians add their parts to it before finally returning home to be mixed by Allan Crookes at Hound Dog Studios in Liverpool. Its final journey was to Nashville to be mastered by Tommy Wiggins who was recommended by Linda's friend Christopher Huston, a man who has 80+ gold discs for his production and engineering career, working for the likes of James Brown, Led Zeppelin and The Who.
Quite an impressive collaboration of people for an unsigned, unpublished artist. But when you add that Linda is a working mother of two boys with a pitiful budget and no management, it’s a major achievement and a testament to the wonderful people who have pulled out all the stops to get these songs out into the world. It’s about the spirit of musicians, the talent, the generosity, modern technology and what people can achieve when they’re all working towards one common goal.
Linda Campbell has been working as a vocalist since the age of sixteen. Subsequently adding song writing, guitar playing and sound production by the time she reached eighteen. Since then Linda has developed into a formidable force, both live and in the studio, writing potent songs with lyrical mastery and using her 3 octave range to full advantage. Her unmistakable voice combined with her heartfelt, vulnerable and deeply personal song writing mean that no audience is left unmoved.
Most recently Linda has been the support artist for American rocker Dan Reed, Francis Dunnery of 'It Bites', has played the last four years at the Mold Festival in Wales and has performed regularly on BBC Radio Lancashire as the featured artist. Linda also worked for four years at the 'Charter Theatre' in Preston in varying capacities including sound technician/operator, have worked with many cool people such as country star Kenny Rodgers, Belinda Carlisle, Elkie Brookes, Bill Bailey, Jim Tavare, Lee Mac and the wonderful Ken Dodd.
Jess Locke has shared 'Fool' and it's a hook filled indie pop song with some grittier rock attitude alongside. === Sandtimer return just a month after we featured 'Different Seas' with another new track entitled 'Three Cars' a stunning indie folk piece. === Certain Animals make their seventh appearance here in less than a year such is the calibre of the music and the newest alt rock song 'Too Long' keeps the momentum going. === Eleni Drake has released 'Melbourne Blues' ahead of her E.P ‘Vanilla Sky’ and it's a beautiful example of what to expect. === Crawford Mack shares 'Depends On Where You Stand' which is a striking singer songwriter track with refined vocals and a fabulous musical arrangement. === Godcaster cut to the chase with 'All the Feral Girls In The Universe' a feisty track and if the video and title doesn't grab your attention the song is just as amazing.
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Jess Locke - Fool.
Melbourne artist Jess Locke is known for penning indie pop tracks that are at times subtle and full of melancholy, at times delivered with an acerbic tongue, but always steeped heavily in narrative. As premiered by triple j's Home & Hosed, new offering in ‘Fool’ is simple and raw, seeking to partner dirty grunge guitars, a fuzzy lead, gritty vocals and a punchy rhythm section. With the new track comes the announcement that Locke has inked a deal with cherished Melbourne label Dot Dash, of which artists such as Gena Rose Bruce, Methyl Ethel and Donny Benét call home.
Revealed by The Music, Jess Locke shares "I'm so excited to be signing with Dot Dash. I'm a big fan of the artists on the label and I couldn't be happier about becoming part of the family.'"
Dot Dash Recordings & Remote Control Records' Head of Label & Promotions, Sweetie Zamora adds "It’s an absolute joy to officially welcome Jess to the Dot Dash Recordings family. She’s been part of the extended Remote Control family since 2017 and we’ve long admired her dedication to songwriting, art and gluten-free vegan baked goods. The forthcoming music from Jess, Chris and Jim floored us and we’re immensely proud that they’ve trusted us to share it with the world."
“Is this the best you can do? You look like a fool” by Locke’s own admission this is as acid as her tongue gets. Delivered with irony, ‘Fool’, gives voice to real feelings of disappointment in people and in the way they treat each other, the way some set about to divide and exploit when threatened.
Of the track Locke asserts: “I originally imagined the chorus being sung by the Earth, or some other omniscient entity, to humans, like a loving parent to a wayward teenager - not angry, just disappointed. Although I wrote the song more than a year ago, I feel like it could have been written as a soundtrack to 2020”.
‘Did he sell his soul so he could buy it back somewhere down the track?’
Three Cars is the next single from indie-folk group Sandtimer. Featuring on their upcoming album, Running In Sunlight, it is a stripped back reflection on materialism and the illusions it can create. With warm three part harmonies, intricately woven guitars and an ambient brass accompaniment, this song draws on classic and contemporary folk elements.
Regarding Three Cars, vocalist and guitarist Rob Sword said: “Some time ago I saw three sports cars in someone’s drive. They had personalised number plates and were parked in ascending numerical order. Seeing this made me think about what the owner might have sacrificed of their own freedom and happiness to acquire these status symbols.”
The album Running in Sunlight, which will be released this October, sees the band take a loose and immediate approach to the creative process, with the songs being written and recorded over a short timeframe, with sparser instrumentation than their previous music.
“This album isn’t about anthems,” says Simon Thomas, vocalist and guitarist. “It’s our attempt at exploring the raw edges of the climate we live in- the uncomfortable parts as well as the beauty. We wanted to give ourselves space to do this intimately and honestly.”
Without warning, new Certain Animals single Too Long takes you along a torrent of scraps of memories. Carried on a Chicago shuffle, the song roars past topics such as politics, religion, alienation and domestic disputes at the speed of a steam train. With abrasive vocal cords and an expanding lung capacity you will be swept away on an inner adventure, with Dylan-esque poetry as a backdrop. When the distorted guitar parts seem to glow like coal in that steam train, it suddenly stops. And whispering and almost vulnerable the band muses about the freedom that life as a musician brings, only to stoke the fire even more to end the journey with three-part vocals!
Dutch band Certain Animals serves you melodic rock filled with vocal harmonies. The members aren't afraid to show which records they've been listening to. Musical titans from the '60s and '70s are spinning on their turntable on a daily basis. The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Electric Light Orchestra are regular companions in their musical life, but also the fuzzy and phasey sounds of contemporary bands like Tame Impala influence the music of Certain Animals.
Without being stuck in the past and with a critical view on the present, the band brings you their intriguing sound which makes for an energetic live show filled with intimate moments and explosive bursts of energy.
In less then three years, the band managed to build a strong live reputation by playing shows on major Dutch festivals in famous venues all over the country, and they also performed across the border in Belgium and Germany.
Eleni recently signed to Ninja Tune and is set to make her latest release with her delicately crafted new EP ‘Vanilla Sky’. The first single ‘Melbourne Blues’ is out today 24th July.
Written by Eleni and produced by Frank Colucci (Tom Grennan, Rose Gray, Dan Caplen), 'Melbourne Blues' is the first single from the rising Eleni Drake's upcoming EP (due this Sept).
Coming on like The War on Drugs played by Crazy Horse, with music direction by Yo La Tengo and fronted by Lana Del Rey, 'Melbourne Blues' is a raw and empowered ballad, influenced as much by Laurel Canyon as it is Lauren Hill. Previous support from Spotify UK, US and JP (Soultronic, Fresh Finds, Monday Spin, Cintra.net).
"I never really know whether I want to gravitate more towards melancholy jazz ballads, or stick to that "demo-esque" rock influenced indie music... so i thought, fuck it, why not completely offend both genres”.
Crawford Mack is not your average new artist. His fellow Glaswegians would argue that he is not particularly new for starters, given his regular live performances across the city. With his debut solo album set to drop in the fall, the singer-songwriter teases listeners with new offering ‘Depends On Where You Stand.'
Crawford’s music and lyrics are drawn from a voracious appetite for reading as wide a variety of literature - from pulp to classics. Intimately involved in all aspects of his art; Crawford is not just a composer and lyricist, but a video and art director, the whole focused on the perfect expression of his musical vision.
Upcoming single ‘Depends On Where You Stand’ was recorded during sessions for his debut album in Antwerp. An exercise in powerful subtlety, the gracious track weaves a string led melody of guitars and violins around the tale of two former lovers struggling to find a middle ground of communication. It is simple, effective and affecting.
Elaborating on his interpretation of the track, Crawford tells us: “Two former lovers meet together in an art gallery and they’re out of awkward pleasantries to exchange. No amount of hastily formed opinions on the artwork displayed can drown out what they are neglecting to discuss. They play-out a Hollywood-esq sequence of trying not to be caught sneaking a glance, whilst attempting to give each other enough space by dancing around each other at a pace that is as excruciating as it is conspicuous.”
Rising from the underground river of primordial goo that runs between New York City and Philadelphia and ascending toward some unknown ethereal plane beyond our comprehension, comes to us the revelatory debut of music and mythos from Godcaster, Long Haired Locusts.
The venerated and shining troupe of David McFaul (keys), Von Lee (flute, vox), Lindsay Dobbs (trombone, vox), Bruce Ebersole (bass guitar), Sam Pickard (drums), and Judson Kolk (vox, guitar) transmit a brand of devout, sassy rock and pop that thrashes through stages of blissful, comforting highs and devastating lows, preaching the convergence of the holy and the heretical.
Songs like “All the Feral Girls in the Universe” naturally builds upon an undeniably danceable composition until it reaches, like the album as a whole reaches, a phenomenally euphoric peak.
Grizzly Coast makes her seventh appearance on Beehive Candy with a new video for 'Lonely Planet', we've said many positive things about her superb indie rock, this song makes for a solid reminder why. === Sera is another artist who has impressed us on a number of occasions before and the new song 'Switch' continues that trend as the singer songwriter's distinctive style really pleases. === Priestgate recently shared 'Now' and the five piece Yorkshire, England band sound so good, refreshing and powerful that this is a fabulous song to be heard far and wide. === Hannah Georgas new song 'Just A Phase' sees the artist continue to release refined new music, her vocals shining above a sophisticated musical arrangement.
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Grizzly Coast - Lonely Planet.
Late last summer, Alannah Kavanaugh (Grizzly Coast) and her partner bought a Volvo, named it Ducky, and headed west. On their month-long trip, the couple spent time in Badlands National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Oregon, Washington, The Cowichan Valley, Tofino, Vancouver, Banff + more. The footage from this trip was used for the "Lonely Planet" video.
Formerly performing as an acoustic singer-songwriter, the Toronto-based indie rock project (fronted by Alannah Kavanaugh) wears her expansion into full-band territory well. Written in 2018 when Kavanaugh was living alone, not very social, and being tossed about by her mental health, each track investigates solitude from different perspectives.
She never imagined that Party of One would drop during a time where others felt the same way on a mass scale. People need other people, and Kavanaugh hopes that these songs bring anyone who feels like she did a moment of comfort in an otherwise challenging period of disconnection.
'SWITCH' - The brand new single by Welsh singer-songwriter SERA (Sera Zyborska).
Once again working with acclaimed producer Andi Crutwell-Jones, plus the notable contribution of Nico CJ on violin and Len Whitehead on Electric guitar makes a full-sounding, statement of a song that again blends all SERA's favourite parts of Americana, folk and pop with her storytelling and folklore album theme.
'SWITCH' is a bolt out of the dark, a harsh awakening. Empowerment.
Her album songs are all drawn from folklore and SWITCH is no different, drawing inspiration from Steam-punk, Frankenstein and the 'Freak Lab-accident' trope of the comic superhero. SERA's music is rooted in folk, Americana, singer-songwriter, with this track taking a further leap into energetic pop.
SERA 'When I Wake Up' Album. The brand new album by SERA is out on CD July 31st (pre-orders from July 17th) and on digital and streaming platforms from August 14th. The album is a collection of 11 tracks, all inspired by folklore. This album takes a little bit of folk, Americana, singer-songwriter and pop and mixes it in a musical cauldron!
Priestgate are a 5 piece indie band from Driffield, East Yorkshire consisting of Rob Schofield (vocals), Connor Bingham (lead), Cameron Sampson (bass), Bridie Stagg (drums) and Isaac Ellis (rhythm).
After a stellar year of experimentation, abstraction and performing to ever more enlivened crowds, they are now constructing something new in their psychoactive soundscape. Keep your ears free of protection, and your eyes covered with your favourite goggles in anticipation for the next time you encounter Priestgate beaming; bright sonics advance your way.
Discussing ‘NOW’, Priestgate explain: ‘NOW’ is our ode to understanding life the way it really stands. As a band and group of friends, we all know we have made our fair share of mistakes. We also know that everyone listening has made their fair share too, and will continue to mess up inevitably along the way in their individual journeys, just as equally as we will too.
Our collective perception of the experiences in our youth have been distilled and refined into ‘NOW’. We have taken inspiration from RIDE, The Cure and Slowdive, curdling them together into a sonic tonic ready for fresh digestion and growth into our styles. The result is pulsing, rhythmic and breathing with young life.
Last month, Toronto's Hannah Georgas announced her new LP All That Emotion (out September 4th on Brassland and Arts & Crafts) with the mesmeric lead single "Dreams." Produced by The National's Aaron Dessner, the album has already attracted an enthusiastic critical response with "Dreams" — along with a pair of pre-announce singles "That Emotion" and "Same Mistakes.
Hannah Georgas is sharing a new offering from the LP, a track called "Just A Phase," a warm, enveloping track that seamlessly melds propulsive electronics with Georgas' measured tones. With lyrics that focus on change, resiliency and anxiety the song finds an encompassing calm while presenting a buzzing hive of sonic ideas.
The accompanying video shares an insider’s view of the album's recording sessions and what came after. Primarily, it’s a tour of Dessner’s iconic Long Pond studio—which is recognizable from its portrayal on the cover art of The National’s Best Alternative Grammy winning album Sleep Well Beast, but also features footage from the year Georgas spent on the road singing in The National's touring band around the release of their 2019 LP I Am Easy To Find.
“We recorded All That Emotion in concentrated periods of time with breaks in between," says Georgas. "I had never made an album this way before. It was also the first time making an album outside of Canada which was a really unique experience. It was nice to make solo road trips to Upstate NY from Toronto knowing that the stretch of time recording will solely be dedicated to being as creative and as open as possible. Then last year, I had the opportunity to join The National on the road singing back ups for them and opening up in a few cities in Europe and North America.”
The video acts as a travelogue and journal of those before times, including footage of her long drives across the Canadian border — glimpses of tour life with the band — and ending with her listening to a test pressing of the forthcoming album.
The Sea The Sea have shared 'Fall Before The Climb' and it's a soothing, atmospheric modern folk piece with delicate melodic vocals and a flowing musical backdrop. === Making her third appearance here this year Jenny Banai returns with the new song 'Gold' and her lush modern pop sensibilities continue to really impress. === Ramiro Fauve first single from 'Where Rivers Cross Vols. 1 & 2', due October 6th, 2020 is 'I Give You All I Have' and as a foretaste of what's to come this is a powerful modern country rock song that packs feeling.
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The Sea The Sea - Fall Before The Climb.
Frequently lauded for their otherworldly vocal harmonies, heart-piercing lyrics, and unconventional song arrangements, The Sea The Sea – comprised of Chuck and Mira Costa - continue to make waves in the music industry.
The New York-based indie folk-pop duo is releasing “Fall Before the Climb,” the third single from their forthcoming album, Stumbling Home, that the band co-produced with Grammy and Tony award winner Todd Sickafoose (Hadestown, Anais Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird).
“This song feels like a song we needed to hear when we wrote it,” shares Mira Costa.
“ It can be surprisingly easy as writers to forget that sometimes—that you can write a song you need to hear. Most of our songs tend to have a positive spin on things—I think that’s just the way we are drawn to see things—and this song feels to us, like what it feels like to dig yourself out of a difficult moment. To feel the weight of something lift. To understand something in a way that brings everything else into focus. To embrace the parts of life that are a struggle as part of the human condition — to lean in — find the beauty there, and let it be something that ultimately allows you to evolve.
Having recently signed with AntiFragile Music, The Sea and Sea is eager to release their new album, Stumbling Home, which officially drops on August 28.
“Fall Before The Climb” follows previous album singles, “Parachute” and “A Thousand Years.”
“This new album is the work we are most proud of to date,” shares Mira. “We are proud of the way we grew the arrangements in our new creative space. Making music fills us, and we also believe that it matters in the world. Our mission statement as a band is to remind people they aren’t alone — in their pains or their joys, and everything in-between.”
Jenny states - “I want this song to remind us all that we are broken to be formed. That there is hope. Perhaps that is wholly unseen at the moment, but I pray that in some way, the pieces we embody, would reflect the wholeness we hope for.”
Jenny Banai is an old soul and a child of the nineties, and as such, has inherited both the contemplative wonder and the wardrobe of her parents. She is a fresh and authentic voice who pairs powerhouse vocal abilities with unique and clever pop arrangements and whose live show commands attention.
Often garnering comparison to vocalists such as Feist and Jeff Buckley, Jenny Banai’s creative influences range from Andy Shauf to Patrick Watson to The Cranberries. Armed with classical training on both voice and violin, Jenny performs live on electric guitar and brings a unique vision to the creation of powerful progressive pop music.
Following her self-released debut album, Flowering Head (2015), Jenny independently undertook several Canadian tours, collaborated on the documentary Where We Come Home, and early in 2017, her song Boars was featured on the TV and web series The Drive. In 2018, Jenny received Fraser Valley Music Awards, “Folk Artist of The Year”.
Jenny’s new album entitled, couchwalker was recorded at Afterlife Studios in Vancouver with co-producer, Scott Currie and engineer, John Raham (Frazey Ford, Destroyer, We Are The City).
Multifaceted artist Ramiro Fauve has released his first single, “I Give You All I Have”. The new track is the first release off Ramiro Fauve’s twenty-six track double album, Where Rivers Cross Vols. 1 & 2, out on OCTOBER 6TH, 2020. The album seamlessly fuses his traditional country roots with a modern contemporary spin, tapping into Fauve’s musical inspirations as well as his vulnerable side.
With the help of LA-based composer Sam Glaser, Ramiro Fauve reminds listeners to give love their all, despite past experiences and broken hearts. Featuring poetic lyrics and familiar sounds of Bluegrass through guitar and drum, “I Give You All I Have” is an ode to those who feel petrified in the face of love. Ramiro Fauve sings that for the sake of your heart, you have to take a chance in love; you have to “lay it on the line.”
Son of the award-winning folk singer/songwriter Suni Paz (Smithsonian Folkways artist, NEA National Heritage Fellowship Award, CMN Magic Penny Award), Fauve sees himself simply as a storyteller. He is also known for his creative direction in the unique 1920’s themed lounge, The Edison, as well as in the renovation of the historic cafe, Clifton’s in Downtown, Los Angeles. Fauve has painted countless mega-murals such as the “LA Marathon Year 2026” mural and album cover “Tupac Starry Night”, for Tupac Shakur's commemorative album, “R U Still Down?".
Follow Ramiro Fauve on social media for exclusives and updates on his new double album, Where Rivers Cross Vols. 1 & 2, on October 6th, 2020.
