TANDM - T.G. Shand - Jay Wood - Cara Hammond - Moving Into Tucson

TANDM - Sirens (Album).

On the surface, they’re charming in their sweet simplicity – effortlessly compelling thanks to graceful melodies, heartfelt lyricism, and syncopated synergy. But the deeper you dig, the more Toronto duo TANDM’s songs seem to transcend time, place, and even stylistic categorization. The core duo of vocalist/guitarist Maxine Beck-Sinderby and drummer Thomas Franklin first met in their mid-teens and quickly united over a unique creative chemistry.

Their new collection, Sirens, finds the duo teeing up their most engaging and enveloping output to date – a potent distillation of the magical individual components that comprise TANDM’s masterful take on alternative pop but with a newfound polish and elevated production style. The rhythms are entrancing and engaging, drawing the listener into a warm, dreamlike world of stirring melodic dynamism and delicate-but-dauntless vocals.

The title track, “Sirens,” blasts the hopefulness and excitement of youth, with lyrics referencing the Greek myths of Odysseus and Icarus. TANDM describe the painful truths of growing up, independence and severing the connection from family.

“I have always tried to tell a lesson or a story in our music,” says Maxine. “With our first two EPs, the majority of our songs were about teenagehood, with many of the themes touching on negative experiences of growing up. With this upcoming EP Sirens, the music is much more about the transition, post teenage angst. The upcoming songs are about the progress and the ‘moving on’ of past troubles, and how we overcame them. Consider it a sequel to our previous chapter.”

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T.G. Shand - Cinnamon (E.P).

New Zealand based dream pop artist, T. G. Shand, known for her ethereal soundscapes, is announcing the release of her highly anticipated sophomore EP, ‘Cinnamon’. The EP is set to captivate listeners with its meticulously crafted tracks and mesmerizing sonic landscapes.

Released on Friday 28th July, ‘Cinnamon’ showcases T. G. Shand's evolution as an artist. Written and produced by Annemarie Duff (Miniatures), the EP features five tracks that have been developed over the past three years. Building on the success of her previous releases, T. G. Shand's ‘Cinnamon’ EP elevates her signature dreamy sound to new heights. Mastered by Bevan Smith, the EP takes listeners on a journey filled with unforgettable melodies and evocative lyrics.

Lead track, ‘Cinnamon’, stands out as a quirky and driving tune that showcases T. G. Shand's sugary vocals, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. With the rest of the EP featuring a range of musical experiences, from the intro track that evokes a floating sensation to some heavier shoegaze numbers and a captivating electronic closing track.


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Jay Wood - Initial Pulse.

West Australian alt-indie acoustic singer-songwriter, Jay Wood unleashed her eagerly awaited single, 'Initial Pulse' on Friday, July 28th, 2023. This release marks the second single from her upcoming EP, 'Respire,' scheduled for release on 1st September. Jay Wood's latest single promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt lyrics, soothing melodies, and profound messaging.

Produced, mixed, and mastered by the talented team at Norman Solander Studios, 'Initial Pulse' holds a special place in Jay Wood's heart as it represents her personal journey of rediscovering life and falling in love. “This song was the first song I painstakingly managed to write after a long-time re-learning how to play my instruments post-accident” – Jay Wood

After a long period of re-learning to play her instruments following a life-altering accident and a Catastrophic Traumatic Brain Injury, Jay Wood poured her emotions into this song, depicting the joy and excitement of new love, with ‘love’ representing a deeper meaning of life itself. The title 'Initial Pulse' symbolises those first beats of the heart when encountering someone who sparks a newfound love and rejuvenates life—a fresh start filled with hope and anticipation.

Jay Wood's music is an embodiment of her life experiences and her unique ability to connect with listeners on an intimate level. Her skilful lyricism, passionate vocals, and humble demeanour allow her to effortlessly tug on heartstrings - offering insight into her own soul as well as encouraging reflection upon one's own life experiences. Jay's unique thoughts about love, life and everything in-between come alive through honest yet unconventional and at times "in your face" lyrics which touch audiences deeply.

With 'Initial Pulse' and her 1st September forthcoming EP, ‘Respire’, Jay Wood invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Her music serves as a reminder that we each possess the power to shape our own destinies and find fulfilment no matter the obstacles life presents us with.

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Cara Hammond - America.

'America' is Cara Hammond's second self produced single of 2023. Influenced by Lana Del Reyand Fleetwood Mac, America is a summer anthem about what happens after theAmerican dream. Country guitar slides, gospel organ and 60s girl group harmoniesblend together in creating a classic Americana sound that slowly disintegrates viaharmonic shifts.

I wrote America after returning from showcasing at SXSW 2022. At the beginning of 2022 I’d been dropped by my label & left my management, so when I was invited to play this huge festival in Austin, Texas, I couldn’t have been happier.

I spent all my time practicing, planning and emailing industry in the lead up that I didn’t give anything else much thought. SXSW was a dream so when it ended, I landed home with a bump. The weeks after that I felt very lost and unsure what my next step was. Luckily songwriting held the answer and America was born on a rainy day in Dolgellau, North Wales.

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Moving Into Tucson - Moving Into Tucson.

Hey, come along. We are Moving Into Tucson. There is no stopping us, so join us on our trip. All we wanna do is bring joy, happiness and good music to this world. Now, who can argue with that? No-one can! Not even your most bitter critic.

And here it is. Single number 3. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old. Anyone will dig the message. This tune is just to cool to ignore. The beat is wild, the harmonies are high. Mr. Tambourine Man is going to get ya. Just think of the Byrd that wouldn’t fly and it all makes sense to you. So, if you ever thought about Moving Into Tucson, this is your chance!

Moving Into Tucson is for fans of: REM, Lemonheads, Sugar, The Posies, Buffalo Tom, Teenage Fanclub and the Counting Crows but also reminiscent to bands as U2 or The Police. Contemporary indie pop rock with an early 90s sound, sometimes dark, sometimes mysterious, or vague, but with depth in the music and certainly in the lyrics.

TCBYML · Moving Into Tucson - Moving Into Tucson

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Jay Wood - Bekah Bossard - bdrmm - Sparkle*Jets U.K. - Tilia

Jay Wood - Oh Well.

West Australian alt-indie acoustic singer-songwriter, Jay Wood releases her highly anticipated single, ‘Oh Well’ today June 30th, 2023. This captivating single – A prelude to the 1st September release of EP, ‘Respire’ - serves as a testament to Jay's resilience and determination following a life-altering car accident that left her with a Catastrophic Traumatic Brain Injury, and embodies her unwavering spirit, inspiring listeners with its uplifting message. 

“[The song] began as a cute upbeat song professing heartfelt intentions toward her but morphed into more of an optimistic song with a lament of the love gone by, hence the weaving of the phrase “oh well” throughout.” – Jay Wood

Through her lyricism, reminiscent of the meaning injected through the songs of Phoebe Bridges and Missy Higgins, Jay expresses herself with raw honesty, quirkiness, and a "no holds barred" approach. Her songs fill listeners with unique and enlightened thoughts about love, life, and the human experience. By sharing her own challenges and triumphs, she creates a profound connection with her audience, encouraging them to find strength within themselves.

Jay Wood’s upcoming EP, 'Respire,' is the culmination of years of perseverance and resilience. Relearning the melodies and tunes from her lost memories was a painstaking process that required daily Functional Neuroscientific Therapy. Overcoming multiple health setbacks pertaining to her Brain Injury, Jay defied the odds to craft an EP that embodies her triumphant spirit. 'Respire' symbolises the power of choosing to embrace life, cherishing every breath and living with love and gratitude.

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Bekah Bossard - Venus.

Bekah Bossard shares “Venus,” a song that couldn’t get more personal to her, where she asks all the questions she wishes she could have asked her mother, who unfortunately lives with MS  (multiple sclerosis).  Bekah will be hosting an awareness night called “Venus” for the MS Society - the UK's largest charity for people affected by MS – on July 1st at The Old Library in New Cross where she’s invited several important guests.

Speaking about the song, Bekah said “I grew up hearing wild stories about her life in London in her 20s, falling in love with my dad and moving to LA with him, and their years traveling the world with the charities they worked for. As she deteriorated and became almost non-verbal, I relied on those stories to feel closer to her. The song came out of longing to be able to have those conversations with her. i hope anyone who hears this can sense how dynamic and loving she is. and that through this release, awareness is raised for the MS Society who offer support to those with MS & are researching an ultimate cure.”

Ed Tait, Executive Director of Engagement and Income Generation at the MS Society, says: “We’re so grateful to Bekah for using her talent to share such personal experiences and raise much-needed awareness about MS. Over 130,000 people live with MS in the UK. It’s relentless, painful and unpredictable, and can also have a huge impact on family and loved ones.

“Our vision is a world where no one has to worry about their MS getting worse. And money raised from events, like Bekah’s, help to bring us one step closer to achieving this. Bekah’s “Venus” event on July 1st will bring together an amazing line-up of talent who have all volunteered to come together to perform alongside artists and makers volunteering to sell their work on the night for a donation to the cause as well. Performing live alongside Bekah include poets Savannah Brown and Ella Monnerat plus fellow musicians Kitty Fitz and Amelia Lawn. Market stalls come from Doomsday Press, Ellie Redfern, Engelspark Bags, Hopeworld, Shut Up Shay and Knightsill.

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bdrmm - I Don't Know (Album).

While the world became socially distanced in 2020, Hull’s post-shoegaze, dream pop, heavy guitar effects quartet bdrmm made the kind of impact with their debut album any young band would dream about. Released on the small Sonic Cathedral label in July that year, Bedroom was hailed as “a heady, forward-thinking shoe gaze distillation” by Clash magazine. Mojo said that the band tread the “queasy tightrope of prime Cure, Ride etc. with real dexterity.” The Guardian proclaimed “one of the underground hits of lockdown,”, while NME awarded the album five solid stars and called Bedroom nothing less than “a modern day shoe gaze classic.”

The stunning debut was championed by the likes of Huw Stephens, Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, entered the Official UK chart three times, ended up in Rough Trade’s Top 10 albums of 2020 and turbo-boosted the band’s Spotify following, which now reaches just short of 300,000 listeners each month.

Three years on, the band’s new album I Don’t Know takes the adventure somewhere else. It’s contemporary shoegaze in a way but much, much more. Again recorded at The Nave studio in Leeds with producer Alex Greaves (Working Men’s Club, Bo Ningen), the band’s trademark effects-laden guitars and motorik Neu! grooves have now been augmented by piano, strings, electronica, sampling and even occasional dance beats. Fragile ambient pieces line up against pulverising guitar chords, sometimes within the same song. There are ambient washes and delicate piano pieces, while influences or reference points veer from Radiohead to My Bloody Valentine to the Cure to Brian Eno - perhaps - the minimalist classical of the likes of Erik Satie. Whatever has produced it, it’s a bigger-sounding, more tuneful, really rather fantastic second statement by four young men who are rightly sure about what they’re doing and loving every minute of it.

“We’re still coming from the same place, but the influences have got much broader,” confirms singer-guitarist Ryan Smith. His younger brother Jordan (bass, now also keyboards) has been checking out Steve Reich and Boards Of Canada and says, “A lot of it is just us gaining confidence, and also not wanting to retread old ground. We’d made the guitar record. So we were thinking, ‘What else can we do?’”

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Sparkle*Jets U.K. - Best Of Friends (Album).

Sparkle*Jets U.K., beloved icons of the Turn-of-the-Century Southern California guitar pop scene, are most assuredly back. BIG STIR RECORDS is proud to announce not only the June 30 release of the band's first album in over 20 years, Best Of Friends, on 2-LP Vinyl and CD in record stores everywhere and streaming worldwide, but a veritable multimedia renaissance for the band throughout 2023. Bringing back not just the vibes of the scene that birthed them but the songs as well, SJUK's jaw-dropping new double album is both a love letter of a tribute to the artists with whom they shared stages, and a thrilling revelation of those lost sounds to those who missed them the first time around.

Already heralded by the lead single, a cover of THE Masticators' “He's Coming Out”, Best Of Friends boasts 21 sparkling, punchy, hook-filled tracks across its four sides of wax, all originally recorded by the band's sterling peers on the late '90s LA pop scene. Each track is lovingly served up in the inimitable SJUK style, and the full album is almost dizzying in its rush of pure power pop delight.

It's a full-circle return for the Long Beach-based trio, consisting now as then of vocalist-guitarist SUSAN WEST, bassist JAMIE KNIGHT, and singer/multi-instrumentalist MICHAEL SIMMONS who also takes most drumming duties for the current edition of Sparkle*Jets U.K. (with Joel Valder sitting in on three tracks). The band has hardly been dormant for the decades since releasing their two widely admired albums In, Through And Beyond in 1998 and 2001's Bamboo Lounge, nor have they ever gone their separate ways. In addition to Simmons' continuing output as a solo artist (the acclaimed 2018 album First Days Of Sumer) and with Popdudes, SJUK joined the Big Stir Records family in 2019 for a special 7” tribute to Big Star recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis with Jody Stephens on board. And all three 'jets have been a part of creating the extraordinary (and very much pop-rock oriented) music program at Huntington Beach High School. The band's 2023 renaissance, though, is something altogether bigger, and this new collection is just the start, with a full album of SJUK originals already completed for release next year.

But we're here to talk about Best Of Friends, whose mission is right there in the double meaning of its title: it consists of songs by the band's true friends from the late '90s and early 2000s LA pop scene, and it serves as a veritable “Best Of” collection for those unfamiliar with that era's delights. Destined to have a reach beyond its impact as a superb pop rock record, Best Of Friends is more of a multi-media event than a simple album release. Along with the singles and their inevitable companion music videos, the album's publicity campaign incorporates a weekly podcast (also entitled Best Of Friends) which captures Sparkle*Jets U.K. in candid conversation with the artists covered on the album, bridging the gap between the fondly remembered adventures and recordings of yesteryear and the fresh, bracing versions on the new LP.

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Tilia - Peaceful Warning.

Escape and uprooting, the hope to find the courage to become happy elsewhere. Tilia packs all this on her current single 'Peaceful Warning' to the ethereal appeal of Dream Pop, dissecting her emotional world in catchy melodies.

In the fall, the experienced songwriter from Zurich will release her new EP. 'Peaceful Warning' is already the second foretaste of it after 'Ever Ever'. 

After two albums and tours in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, Tilia took time off four years ago to devote herself to other artistic projects.

So long, until the distance to the music hurt and space for new music arose.

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