Genre Wander: LiquidLight - Jamie Berry (ft. Octavia Rose) - SKYES

LiquidLight - You Never Remember.

Background promo - Selected as Portland Oregon’s 2015 Best Emerging Alt Rock Band, LiquidLight has momentum and they aren’t stopping any time soon. Their newly released first full length album, Uninitiated showcases a band with tremendous potential as a pop-rock powerhouse. Referencing post-punk and alternative bands such as Husker Du and The Replacements, LiquidLight has been described as “melodic, thoughtful and jingle-jangly as well as shred-crazy and powerful”. Founder Anthony Medici’s catchy song writing style and lead vocals steer the tight musicianship obvious in the band. LiquidLight has managed to produce an album that is not quite like anything else hitting your ear drums lately, pursuing balance and clarity with respect to great rock tradition and a sound uniquely their own.

In an age where popular culture pushes to “out-extreme” the latest and greatest, LiquidLight pursues balance and clarity with respect to great rock tradition. With a high standard of execution, strong melodies and elements of psychedelic and alternative influences, the music conveys a new, yet referential optimism.

Songwriters Anthony Medici and Cory West, the leading forces of LiquidLight, are each highly accomplished multi-instrumentalists backed by an explosive and versatile rhythm section - drummer Zack Rodrigues and bassist Gage Dean. Medici's lead vocals lend a cryptic yet powerful element to the sound and structure of the band, echoing the melodic sensibilities of the college/alternative era.

The songs and album have been around for a few months, however they must have passed me by first time around. Anyhow, catching up on them has been more than worthwhile. The featured song 'You Never Remember' has an addictive laid back melodic, indie rock feel to it. The band are more than able to deliver more punchy material along the way, as demonstrated on the current album 'Uninitiated' which mixes up the rock'n'roll, keeping the listener in expectation of what's to follow.

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Jamie Berry - Lost In The Rhythm ft. Octavia Rose (Original Mix).

Background words - They last recorded together back in 2012 creating the electro-swing classic Delight. Now, this year Jamie Berry (Electro-Swing producer & DJ from Leeds), teams up again with enigmatic singer Octavia Rose with their new single through Flak Records 'Lost In the Rhythm', which will feature on their upcoming debut album later on this year!

Fusing original vintage style vocals, horns, and Gypsy guitar, with contemporary analogue bass synths and energetic beats Lost In the Rhythm is Jamie’s biggest production yet, and is the start to a very exciting first album!

This is such a fine song, what's not to love about it. Octavia Rose's vocals are so well suited to this style of song, whilst Jamie Berry delivers a wonderfully rich take on swing. Vibrant throughout the song is a roller-coaster of  swirling musical vibes that non dancers will struggle to stay still to.


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SKYES - Quarks.

Background promo - SKYES releases their highly anticipated Quarks EP. The EP release follows the success of SKYES first few singles, "Quarks" "Dry" and "Give Me More." The hauntingly brilliant tracks showcase lead singer Dallin's vocal ability and range, as well as the bands overall original and unique style. The band had a massively successful SXSW run, having performed two official showcases and opening for band, X Ambassadors.

"Quarks" has achieved massive viral success as it was featured on Spotify's New Music Friday and Weekend Buzz play lists last week with over 149K listens to date. The three members of SKYES like to say that their band was born in the back of a van, somewhere in the middle of America.  More specifically, they describe, “where the drive from New York City to Los Angeles really starts to take hold, right around Joshua Tree.”  So, maybe, SKYES is a perfectly appropriate name, illustrative of an endlessly talented trio whose music the 405 has called “a mysterious, holy-like experience.”

Formed in 2010, SKYES is comprised of Dallin Knightly (vocals/piano), Dan Tirer (guitar) and Artie Fleischmann (bass). Dallin and Dan grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, while Artie’s first musical playground was about 150 miles up 1-95, in Long Island.  After playing together in bands like Funky Butter and Emanuel and the Fear, Dallin and Dan joined rocker Ryan Star’s touring band, where they met Artie.

Since their inception, SKYES has evolved from a ragtag sleepless rock and roll rebel rousers to an experimental synth-pop powerhouse, releasing several acclaimed digital singles and an eponymous EP along the way.  Drawing on influences like Tom Waits, Talking Heads and Radiohead, SKYES has perfected a sound that is as powerful as it is ethereal, highlighted by buoyant rhythms and Dallin’s seductive, silky vocals.

Title track from the EP and previous single release, 'Quarks' is a good indicator of the fine quality of material contained on this five track EP. The band can mix up the energy, moods and rhythms, and are not afraid to experiment within what is broadly synth-pop music. It's a good collection of songs, from a band who have clearly honed their skills and know how to write and produce some very good material.

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Saturday &: Juke Ross - David Ellington

Juke Ross - Not A Blade Of Grass.

Background - For over 100 years Venezuela has tried to claim that a vast swathe of Guyana, an area west of the Essequibo River that is home to indigenous villages and mining camps, abundant with deposits of gold, diamonds, bauxite and other minerals, belongs within its borders. Last year tensions escalated once again after Exxon Mobil, conducting work on behalf of the Guyanese government, discovered oil off the shores of the disputed land; Venezuela tried to stake a claim to the oil.

During another border dispute flare up in the 1970s one of Guyana's favourite musical sons - Dave Martins, was inspired by a Native American Chief's speech refusing to bow to the white man's invasion of their land and wrote a resistance song for his countrymen. It instantly connected with his people and became part of Guyanese folklore.

"The Chief spoke about his people’s love for their land," recalls Dave Martins, leader of the legendary Tradewinds. "That they would not give up one river, not one buffalo, not one valley, not even one blade of grass. In a flash, it hit me; that was the way to write the border song – it should talk about Guyanese love for Guyana and not mention Venezuela at all."

The lyrics are simply incredible. Beautifully crafted, defiant and relevant today to Guyana and just about anyone else who ain't into backing down. Guyana has also produced another musical son - Juke Ross, who possesses a voice that God took special time to pour out when he was depositing the gold, diamond and oil in the depths of Guyana. The universe will undoubtedly be hearing a lot more from Juke Ross in the future, but until such time he has, with Dave Martins' blessing, recorded a cover of Not A Blade Of Grass. The 2016 iteration sees Serani commanding the production and is being released in time for Guyana's 50th Independence Anniversary.

This is such a beautiful song, whether you know of the history behind it or not. Juke has an infectious voice, and the delicate harmonies and finely structured music that sit behind his vocals are a delight.

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David Ellington - Goin' To Church.

Background promo - Blue Canoe Records has released “Marbles From A Drawer”, from versatile keyboard player David Ellington. “Marbles From A Drawer”,produced by Coy Bowles of Zac Brown Band, features many acclaimed guests and focuses on smoky, keyboard-based blues that is contemporary while still maintaining an old school presence. David Ellington grew up in Connecticut learning in as many musical situations as possible. From garage bands to church and school bands, he viewed all of these musical experiences as  ways to learn. After high school, Mr. Ellington continued his education in Boston at Berklee College of Music. 

He moved to New Orleans,Louisiana in 1983 where he played and recorded with many local legends including Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Troi Bechet among others. Mr. Ellington also created afro cuban jazz group Chevere during his time in New Orleans. Cheer recording “Baila Mi Ritmo”was chosen by Times Picayune music critic Keith Spera as one of the Top 20 recordings of 2001. During this time, he continued learning as he studied under Ellis Marsalis.“Marbles From A Drawer” begins in sultry fashion with “Goin’ To Church”. Mr. Ellington captures the listener’s ear with an expanding groove that gets deeper and funkier as the track breathes. It fills senses while remaining simple at heart. As the keyboard foundation gives way to a sizzling guitar solo, the interplay between players gets bigger while maintaining its simplicity and catchy feel. At the end, the audience is left wanting more while their feet are still tapping.

On “98 Bottles”, Mr. Ellington features Clay Cook on vocals. Mr. Cook is famous for co writing hits with John Mayer including “No Such Thing” which won the 2003 ASCAP award for Most Performed Song. “98 Bottles” is a melancholy song about waiting remorsefully for a lost love. The haunting keyboard textures add to the wistful regret as the vocals build and fade. Ellington and Cook combine to move the listener as the track ends in a dream-like fade.

Not the whole song sadly but a flavour of what are eight fine songs on the recent album 'Marbles From A Drawer'. Worth a mention at the very least, and a style of music popular with a good number of our regular visitors.
 
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Friday Double: Penny for the Workhouse - Charlie Haley

Penny for the Workhouse - Smoker At The Window.

Background promo - Formed in 2012, the band's unique ‘Folk ‘n’ Roll’ style marries the energy of Indie rock with the captivating storytelling of Folk. With catchy lyrics and toe tapping drum beats, Penny For The Workhouse are bursting with personality, always making their audience feel part of their performance. 

Their self-released debut EP “Coins and Cards” (2012) was met with 5 star reviews on iTunes and also by Paul Weller, the Modfather himself!
In 2014, the band’s follow up EP “Jack The Gun Slinger and Other Tales” was recorded at The Animal Farm in London. Along with a sold out successful launch night at The Camden Enterprise, tracks from the EP were picked up for radio play and the band also donated the title track “Jack The Gun Slinger, Country Singer” to feature alongside the likes of Noel Gallagher on The Pete Quaife Foundation Charity CD, “Legends; Shoulder to Shoulder”. Later in 2014, the band were lucky enough to support folk legends Slim Chance at Dingwalls, Camden, celebrating the release of Ronnie Lane’s Greatest Hits Album. As well as this, the band was asked to support P.P. Arnold who was playing for the Christmas Mod Ball at The 100 club in London.

The Band have caused quite a stir on YouTube with their Punk cover of “Pick a Pocket” from the musical Oliver, by amassing nearly 10,000 views of the music video in just a couple of months thus collecting many new fans from across the globe.

2015 saw the band push forward with new material and have recorded their 3rd EP Live at SoundLab Studios, Essex and continued to gig throughout the UK showcasing their unique “Folk’n’Roll” style. Summer 2015 saw them perform at their first festival, Livestock Longdon in Gloucestershire alongside the likes of The Feeling, Scouting For Girls and The Hoosiers. The band continues to pick up new fans at every stop along the way, getting the world ready to start the Workhouse revolution!

Live Dates:

24th June - EP Launch, The Good Ship, Kilburn, London

There's something quite fun and mischievous about Penny For The Workhouse. Featured song 'Smoker At The Window' gives a good example of the energy that abounds in their music, which can be really hard to pin down into any one style. Upbeat and different a little bit punk and folk and country and rock'n'roll, the band deserves to be noticed.

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Charlie Haley - Today.

Background bio - Charlie Haley spent most of his young life playing live music, bouncing his clarion voice off the walls of college campuses, churches, coffee houses and even prisons around Illinois, long before he thought about recording his material for posterity. It is this old fashioned sense of craft that makes Haley’s sound appropriate for the times and also timeless.

Keeping his head down and focusing on his developing talent didn’t negate the opportunities that seemed to seek him out. His live performances drew invitations to play the Boone County Fair as well as the ICM awards in Nashville and after years of honing his chops on the road, Haley was ready to work his way into tracking his music. Reflecting on the steep learning curve the recording environment presented, Charlie asserts “the studio process is definitely an art form unto itself and I spent a long time capturing the emotional nuances I wanted in my vocal takes.”

His debut LP Soul Searching was released in 2013, which resulted in a groundswell of support from local fans and musicians, and Haley was soon backed by a dedicated rhythm section who began supporting him for an unmarked string of shows that stretched into the new year. In June of 2015 the whole band had a near death experience when their tour van’s cruise control shaft got stuck and the brakes froze. They flew through a construction zone going 90 miles per hour and almost crashed before Charlie flung it into neutral and pulled the key out.

After the smoke cleared from the accident, Charlie felt it was time to get off the road and back in the studio. The close call seemed to influence the new material, recorded in St. Charles at Skyblynde Studios with producer Gregory Hyde, and the resulting LP was titled Today - a call to not let life pass you by. “People are capable of so much more than we realize and we are often meant for infinitely more than we accomplish” says the songwriter.

While Haley is admittedly a bit of an introvert, he readily recognizes the strength music gives him to communicate. “I’m not the greatest orator but a switch goes on when I play music that allows me to express myself more fluidly” he notes. “I feel music is the perfect form of communication... If done right.” Today EP Release date: May 27, 2016.

Title track and one of six songs on the new EP 'Today' lets you in on Charlie Haley's music which centres around a mixture of rock and power pop. Ironically considering the road accident mentioned above, I would describe the EP as great driving music, probably because of the pace and energy. It's straight down the line sound works well, making for a fine collection of songs.

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Genre Wander: Sinderins - We Are Bandicoot - The Fontaines - TheROAMies

Sinderins - Fayre.

Background promo - The band’s name is taken from a confluence of roads in the band’s home town of Dundee.  Very appropriate this is too, since this band is truly the result of a meeting and a meshing of talents and minds. Producer Matt Lawrence allowed the band to capture the essence of what makes the music special, distilling not only the foam and the energy, but also the eeriness and otherness that sits at the heart of their sound. With hundreds of gigs already chalked up, and the schedule for 2016 filling fast–don’t doubt their commitment.

The single is energetic and cheerful, with an uplifting tone. Vocalist, David, manages to highlight the incredible ability to his vocal range and it’s clear to see the amount of talent that Sinderins have is extraordinary.

On Fayre, David Webster hits and sustains a high note across four bars. Initial attempts to record this fell short so, channelling something he had read about Thom Yorke leaping into a fjord, Webster asked his band mates to douse him in ice water before he ran to the mic.  That first take is the one that was used on the final record…

With Fayre the band have created something that draws on tradition; the tradition of the Folk scene, sure, and on their own personal histories. It is where ideas, techniques, traditions and friends – old and new – come together. Fayre is taken from Sinderins upcoming album and will be available at all the usual places from 13th May with the album to drop in June.

Tour Dates:
Tues 17th May – The Groucho Club, London
Wed 22nd June – Mad Hatters, Inverness
Thur 23rd June – Café Drummond, Aberdeen
Fri 24th June – Venue TBC, Dundee?
Sat 25th June – King Tuts, Glasgow
Sun 26th June– King Tut’s, Glasgow

'Fayre' may well be dominated by the incredible vocals of David Webster, however that is in part down to the superb musicianship, that provides such a professional and powerful backdrop. What a fantastic song, yet another must have album beckons.

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We Are Bandicoot - The Reason.

Background promo - Kent five-piece We Are Bandicoot have been topping the lists of Indie taste makers throughout 2016. The raucous new single “The Reason” out Monday 16th May shows just why the young experimental muso’s are causing such a song and dance, literally.

God only knows how many amps We Are Bandicoot must have blown up in the making of “The Reason”, the grooving, fuzz-heavy powerhouse of an indie-rock banger. The downright erotic guitars pulled straight from the top shelf of guitar tones, crashing drums and inventive vocal hooks and harmonies have secured the attention of more than just the Internet’s most revered bloggers.

Not content with invading our screens, We Are Bandicoot are now attacking the airwaves with multiple spins on BBC Introducing from Tom Robinson and plays coming from far and wide with the likes of Radio Kaos Caribou in France and The Justin Wayne Show in Montana, both champions of the band.

Following shows with Broken Records, Moullettes and Heg & The Wolf Chorus, the trendsetters from the South East will be on the road throughout May & June including a special show at The Great Escape Festival. “The Reason” is released by Blizzard Records on 16th May 2016.

19/05      Brighton, The Great Escape
20/05      Milton Keynes, The Stables - Supporting Heg & The Wolf Chorus
02/06      London, Dublin Castle
05/06      London, Slaughtered Lamb
07/06      London, Alley Cat Bar
23/06      Maidstone, Earls - Single Release Show
25/06      London, The Garage - Supporting The Phantom Sound

We Are Bandicoot have created something quite wonderful with the song 'The Reason'. Vocals and harmonies are carefree yet powerful and the band play with equal cheer and swagger, it's a good one.

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The Fontaines - Cold.

Background promo - If, after listening to The Fontaines’ debut EP, you find yourself at a loss for how to describe them, don’t worry. The brother-sister duo (Charlotte, 21, sings; Hank, 26, plays guitar) don’t want to make music that’s easy to pin down. “We call it New-Wop,” Hank says, adding that the he really wants his music to be “swoon-worthy,” to have that indescribable sense of a song taking over your heart, a feeling he’s had when listening to Miles Davis...and Beach House. For Charlotte, it was hearing The Drifters in grade school that made her realise what kind of sound she wanted to play with in her own music.

Hank moved to Los Angeles in 2008; partially for his health, but also, he adds, because he “wanted to live in a culturally important city where I could be in warm weather and still go out and hear rock n' roll at night.” Charlotte, who always knew she wanted to sing (perhaps because she shares a birthday with Frank Sinatra), followed suit after she graduated high school, determined to follow her brother into the music business.  Charlotte found herself inspired as she watched him “play every dive bar and small social gathering in town.”  Hank says of the early years, “She and I both knew that getting up on stage to perform always beats sitting around and then regretting it afterward.”  It simply made sense to join forces.

Charlotte came up with the name, chosen for reasons as eclectic as their music: she was inspired by Trip Fontaine, a gentlemanly but troubled character from Jeffrey Eugenidies’ 'The Virgin Suicides'; the French poet Jean de la Fontaine; and, finally, Johnny Fontaine, the Frank Sinatra pastiche from 'The Godfather', because she loved his “over the-top persona”.

 By 2015, The Fontaines were playing wherever and whenever they could.  “We try to make our shows as unpredictable and spontaneous as possible; we’re constantly pushing ourselves to step it up.”  They also began to write compulsively. Hank estimates they’ve written over 300 songs in two years.  'Dusty Springfield', which is set to be the group’s fourth single, was written the night before it was recorded. “We actually already had a different song with the name ‘Dusty Springfield’,” Hank explained.  “We didn't like it, but we still wanted to record a song inspired by her.  The other guys in the band were shocked when we showed up to record a new song with the same title.”  The Fontaines’ self-produced new songs were recorded in downtown L.A. and mixed by Matt Linesch (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes).

'The Fontaines EP' recently reached #121 on the CMJ college radio charts, #14 on the KKBB specialty radio charts, and #48 on the FMQB specialty radio charts.  In addition, "Paul Newman" was recently debuted as "Today's Top Tune" on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.  The band made their CMJ debut in 2015 and will be appearing at this year's Canadian Music Week and other international festivals. The Fontaines will release their second EP, 'II' on June 24th 2016.

The featured song 'Cold' showcases The Fontaines "new wop" sound pretty well. There's one softer, gentler song on the new EP the other two tracks have the positive spontaneous vibes of 'Cold' which really does come across as having a modern twist, on a timeless classic sound.

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TheROAMies - Me and My Shadow.

Background bio - The ROAMies are a refreshing listening experience and an adventure for your soul. This fun duo/band's music is a playful marriage of Alexa James' hooky melodies, upbeat lyrics and unique vocals with Rory Partin's soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics fused into a one of a kind sound. After touring together, fans continually asked them to combine their sound into one. Honoring that request, The ROAMies was formed. Deeply rooted by their passion for travel, adventure and people, they’re a duo that you will definitely want to "follow," "like," and "subscribe" to as they ROAM around the world.

Alexa James has recorded several professional studio albums, has had a #1 song and five other Top 10 songs. She was named Hot Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year with the L.A. Music Awards. Rory Partin has also garnered a #1 radio single and has performed in over 30 countries. His soulful vocals and piano-based grooves leave you wanting more! They recently won the award for Best Theme Song in a Comedy at the LA Webfest and Best Soundtrack at the Maverick Movie Awards. Once you see this duo live, you will know this is just the beginning of an enjoyable adventure.

May 7th @ Masia de la Vinya, Temecula, CA- 12:00-4:00
June 10th @Moonlight on The Mountain, Birmingham, AL
June 11th Rory Partin's Big Band plays at Centennial Park in Nashville, TN
June 12th @Chattanooga Farmers Market, Chattanooga, TN
June 13th @Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, TN  at noon!

Our official US 40-date summer tour starts June 30th- here are a few sneak peaks:
July 5th- Inside The Music Room Radio Show, Dallas, TX
July 20th- Rockwood Music Hall, New York City, NY
August 12th - Gray's on Main, Franklin, TN
August 13th- Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta Room, Atlanta, GA
August 31st- Mercury Cafe, Denver, CO

The duo say of the song 'Me and My Shadow' - "It's a fun little ditty that we covered. Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. did a great version of the song (of course) We used their version to inspire our own. ". It's a fun version and what's more it's free to download, everyone's a winner with this charming version!

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