Whispering Sons power up on 'Hollow' a splendid rocker of a song, where the haunting vocals and Gothic vibes are resplendent. I have to say I am very impressed with Irina Atanasiu's two songs shared below, forget how young she is, this is gorgeous material, that's superbly produced. It was back in 2016 that we featured Pete Gardiner (I genuinely thought it was just a few months back - time flies) anyhow he is back with 'Dangerous People' and it's a rather good song, to say the least.
Whispering Sons - Hollow.
With Whispering Sons’ debut album – Image – the Brussels-based band with Limburg roots hit one out of the park. Their first major release since the EP Endless Party (2015) took fans and critics by storm, which was soon also to be reflected in the Belgian Ultratop charts.
The album came in at number six in the album top 100, and the single ‘Alone’ was voted first place by listeners for the hit list ‘De Afrekening’ [The Countdown] on Studio Brussel for five consecutive weeks and ‘Vox’ on Radio 1 for two weeks. On their own home turf in Belgium, there’s hardly a single venue that isn't obliged to hang a ‘sold out’ sign out on the front door. On stage Whispering Sons wows the crowd every time – that they’ve been named ‘the Best Belgian Band now’ is no fluke.
“This dead land…this mad land…Is this the way the world ends?” singer Fenne Kuppens’ dark, hypnotizing voice never sounded as apocalyptic as in the impressive and devastating single ‘Hollow’. The end-of-days feeling is illustrated in the remarkable video for the track. No demonic four horseman, no bloodthirsty robots or aliens to exterminate humanity, but a serene and peaceful kind of doom… We see youngsters assemble at the tree of life in a desolate desert-like setting. Their trancelike gaze aimed high at the sky that’s about to fall… Death from above… Parting ways together… determined, undaunted, unconcerned… “I’ve been afraid too long, I’ve been afraid too long...”
Irina Atanasiu - When I Was Young / A Sky of Gray.
Irina Atanasiu is an 18 year old singer-songwriter who is currently based in Brussels, Belgium. She has written over 100 original songs up to date, and seems to effortlessly be able to produce a catchy melody and relatable, thoughtful lyrics to go along with it. Irina loves combining elements of popular music with indie-rock in her songs. Her music has previously been described as “bubbly pop-rock”, “retro alternative rock” or “teen pop-rock”. Some artists that inspired Irina Atanasiu and influenced her sound are Tyler Joseph and Taylor Swift.
Her debut single “When I Was Young” received a great amount of praise since it was released in November 2018. Irina wrote this song in 20 minutes, while coping with the aftermath of a broken heart. In her debut single, she sings about feelings of betrayal and unexpected heartbreak, from a person she loved very deeply. Moreover, she also explores feelings of nostalgia, and a longing for innocence and a simpler time. Her song brought Irina Atanasiu to 1st place for alternative music in her city on ReverbNation and 2nd place nationally.
On the 15th of April 2019, her second single “A Sky of Gray” was released. This song explores a darker side of Irina’s life. “This song is very different yet similar to “When I Was Young””, she says. “It explores some struggles I have had throughout my adolescence coping with anxiety and depression and how these emotions were essentially linked to my past experiences and relationships. I’ve had a number of negative experiences in my romantic and personal life, and these are explored in great depth in my music.” says Irina.
Irina Atanasiu aims to release an EP featuring 5 songs in the summer of 2019. “Every song in my EP tells a different story, and shows a different part of who I am. I hope that by talking about my experiences and thoughts I can inspire other people and raise awareness about different topics which are very important to me such as mental illness, and bullying. That’s the reason I got into music, after all, to inspire others and give a voice to the underdog” she says.
Pete Gardiner is a rarity, a true songsmith, a poet who sets his stories to music. Pete writes about doomed, alcohol fuelled love affairs, our celebrity obsessed culture, vanity, greed, violence and lust with a style and passion inspired by his songwriting heroes Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen.
Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 90’s, there was no shortage of subject matter for Pete’s unique ability with words. New single Dangerous People (coming out May 17th) interprets the madness depicted in world news headlines into three minutes of dramatic Americana influenced folk storytelling.
Pete goes on to say that, “The song follows a man driven to the brink of madness by our current political climate coupled with his own inner turmoil and anxiety. He wants some company and he does his best to hide his darker personality traits from the woman he desires. However, with each passing chorus, his true nature becomes more evident.
I wanted to write something in the style of Leonard Cohen's “Everybody Knows” where the lyrics somehow say everything about where we are in the world without being specific about anything.”
His early demos, which gained support from local BBC radio, caught the attention of a major UK radio group, who then tipped off a record label, which resulted in Pete signing his first recording contract. Pete’s debut album, recorded with award winning Irish producer Tommy McLaughlin (The Villagers), earned great reviews and the first single ‘Idols’ was featured in ‘Record of the Day’. The follow up, All These Things, was picked up by BBC Radio 2 by presenter Janice Long. Pete plays a live show to celebrate the single’s launch on May 16th at The Bedford, Balham, London.
The self titled E.P. from The Last Bees comprises of six unashamedly Beatles influenced songs, and what's more each one is a delight to listen to. A couple of days after the music video for 'The Cracks' was put out and Another Sky are already well into the thousands of views, this is a band getting considerable attention for all the right reasons. From Finland we have Sofia and 'Heavy' the title track from her E.P due next week, this smooth and engaging song bodes well for what's to follow. 'Sardines' from Vilde is just so likable, the video adding even more, if this is weird pop, then I am all for plenty of weird pop.
The Last Bees - The Last Bees (E.P).
Countless bands have cited the Beatles as inspiration, but few have recaptured their early sound with the same attention to detail as The Last Bees.
Milwaukee-based Ian Ash grew up soaking up the sounds of Summerfest every year and it wasn’t long before he was a fixture in bands that were grabbing supporting slots in the festival. Ash was exposed to a great deal of excellent live music as he began formulating his own ideas about his vocation. Seeing modern day artists like Greta Van Fleet capturing the sound of 70’s Led Zeppelin and Pokey LaFarge making an impact with pre-1950’s ragtime, he sensed the undeniable scent of nostalgia in the air and decided to go full throttle on his love for early Beatles.
With sweet, melodic music becoming scarce, Ash dedicated himself to producing songs that tapped into a kind of youthful vulnerability that has all but vanished. Music that harks back to a time not so different from our current culture; a time when people also needed a positive, uplifting release from the vicissitudes of a world changing so quickly.
He unapologetically crafted a collection of sticky, retro, low-fi pop tunes, which might be considered sacrilege to Beatle fans, if it wasn’t so sincere and well executed.
Another Sky have unveiled their new single “The Cracks,” the second track taken from their upcoming EP Life Was Coming In Through The Blinds, due for release on June 14th via Fiction/Missing Piece Records. “The Cracks” (video directed by Steve Turvey) follows on from the band’s emotionally impacting previous single “Apple Tree.”
“The Cracks” further reveals the band’s talent and appetite for cultural and social commentary, alongside their soaring cinematic soundscapes. Vocalist Catrin Vincent describes the track as “a response to a Leonard Cohen lyric, “the cracks, that’s how the light gets in”. The song is an ode to our generation, one that is more self-aware and being forced to have the difficult conversations that lead to progress and evolution. It’s inspired by the little girl fined by the council for setting up a lemonade stall, the kids suing the US government for global warming, teenagers like Greta Thunberg. It’s about our generation’s unique position of facing extinction.”
Another Sky was recently named one of NPR Music’s "Favorite Discoveries of SXSW 2019,” and one of Paste’s “15 New British Acts You Need to Know in 2019.” Media and fans alike quickly jumped on board with the band in 2018, with The FADER premiering the video for “Chillers,” and an appearance on Later…with Jools Holland.
Following the recent release of her new single ‘Heavy’, hotly-tipped Finnish singer-songwriter Sofia announces her upcoming debut EP, ‘Heavy’, available on all digital platforms on 26thApril.
Born from a collaboration with renowned Finnish producer Matti Pitkänen, the EP clearly shows Sofia’s flair to create both a unique sound and aesthetic for herself, all deeply rooted in personal experience. Explaining what inspired her to write the songs, Sofia says “they are all confessional stories about hope, love and vulnerability. I wanted to be earnest and made the lyrics sound as I was reading from my diary.”
Anticipation has been building steadily on Sofia’s upcoming EP, since she unveiled its first single ‘Heavy’, which has seen support from the likes Nothing but Hope and Passion, Bands of Tomorrow, The Indy Review and Wonky Sensitive, among others. Whilst her first international debut ‘Domino’, a mix between Billie Eilish haunting ballads, Khalid’s pop-inflected R&B and Anne-Marie’s truth-telling, put Sofia on the right path to becoming the next Nordic-pop sensation.
Including the previously released singles‘Underwater’ and ‘Your Arms’- which earned her early support from key Spotify ‘New Music Friday’and key Nordic influencers,as well as heavy rotation from the largest Finnish taste maker radio Yle X - the EP is a well-rounded and authentic body of work, that exemplifies Sofia’s heart-warming approach to music: one that is sure to resonate with listeners on its release.
With a proclivity for delivering exhilarating slices of indie-electronica infused with weird pop sensibilities well established, Vilde returns in 2019 with his first cut from a new full length record. New single Sardines retains the Stockholm based, Melbourne raised artist’s singular style – whilst letting a little more light in to a traditionally dark sound. Falling somewhere between Thom Yorke, Tim Hecker and TV on the Radio it’s a great addition to his steadily growing stylish and sophisticated cannon.
As well as leftfield sonics Vilde, AKA Thomas Savage, offers oblique looks at serious themes through his tracks and albums. Sardines falls in line here, offering a take on views towards overfishing: “A friend of mine said to me, ‘You know, there’s a date on it. There’ll be no fish left in the sea come 2048’. It sounded like the kind of comment I’d have an initial predisposition to be sceptical of. However just a little research shows it is a well-supported claim. I’m interested in why this has had such little effect on the consumption trend. We are a species that takes action to preserve an endangered species, however only at the point of its being endangered. We exist within a fog of moral & ethical confusion. It’s fascinating. I articulated this poorly, yet as best I could, in my song, ‘Sardines’. The emotion is there, at least.”
It’s the first preview of Fidget At The Podium, the album Vilde will be releasing in the late summer. He began recording in early 2018 in Stockholm, just before being served a visa denial from the migration agency. Re-locating briefly to Düsseldorf to stay with his brother, he eventually finished the record in Melbourne through the summer. Looking to expand the instrumentation to evolve his sound, he brought in flute, saxophone and for the first time, other people’s voices. “I have had such a solo process for so long now, it’s become quite exhilarating to collaborate with other musicians” explains Savage, revelling in opening up his creativity.
There’s a reason for the hitherto insular approach the Vilde project has taken so far, explained as an overarching theme tackled across the album. “It’s largely about emotions and making sure to communicate with them. Personally I don’t find that social interactions accommodate a headspace where I can do that effectively” starts Thomas, “I get the bulk of that fix, that inner-communication, in yelling from my guts into a microphone, alone in my room. This whole music thing is largely for myself, and I guess the point of releasing this album is that if a listener gains a fraction of that gut-to-fruition emotion that I do in making it, it’ll mean something to them, I hope.”
Anna Wiebe provides her personal background for the new song 'Fortune' below. Her vocals are beautifully engaging, the musical backdrop adds power on what is a folk piece plus some fine rock vibes. Jeanines share a vibrant indie pop song with 'Either Way', it's catchy, melodic and has just enough emotional edge to make it really stand out.
Anna Wiebe - Fortune.
“Fortune” is about trying to break free of a cycle; about growing up and the feelings of frustration that come with that process.
This is the first single I’m sharing off of All I Do Is Move, my second full-length that will be out this coming July. The album focuses on cycles, and the mental growth and movement that comes with life’s lessons.
I wrote “Fortune” at when I was working at Lake O’Hara, and recorded the demo during my first week at the lodge. There was no internet or cell phone service out there, so I had a lot of time to sit with what I had written. It gave me time to process exactly what I was saying to myself with this song, and it feels so great to finally share these musings with the world.
Brooklyn's Jeanines specialize in ultra-short bursts of energetic but melancholy minor-key pop. With influences that run deep into the most crucial tributaries of DIY pop — Messthethics, the Television Personalities, Marine Girls, early Pastels, Dolly Mixture — they've crafted a style that is as individual as it is just plain pleasurable. Alicia Jeanine's pure, unaffected voice muses wistfully on the illusions of time, while My Teenage Stride/Mick Trouble mastermind Jed Smith's frantic Motown-esque drumming and inventive bass playing provide a thrilling rhythmic foundation.
"Winter In The Dark" and a lovely, jaunty cover of The Siddeleys' "Falling Off Of My Feet Again" provide great insight into what Jeanines are about. 60s-meet-80s melodies combine with timeless guitar jangle in a way that recalls everything from The Aislers Set and Saturday Looks Good To Me to more recent DIY pop groups like Parsnip and Chook Race. Album opener "Either Way," "Hits The Bone" and "Where We Go" hearken back to some of the most intriguing bands of the C86/C88 era, when bands like Jesse Garon & The Desperadoes crafted perfect pop gems enlivened by the inspiration of punk.
Gorgeous songs like "Where I Stand," "Too Late" and "In This House" are windows into Alicia's lyrical style and inspiration. She expands: "I'm kind of obsessed with mortality and how weird the passage of time is so I think my lyrics reflect that. I definitely lean into that kind of melancholy state of mind when trying to think of lyrics, while trying to avoid cliches!" The marriage of the minor-key melodies and melancholic lyrics is powerful and make Alicia's songs all the more memorable, especially so on songs like "No Home," with its echoes of girl harmony post-punk groups like Grass Widow and Household.
Clearly, with 16 great songs included, there is a lot at work here on this standout debut album. Jeanines have been compared to such cult pop icons as Dear Nora, Black Tambourine, and more recent acts like Veronica Falls and Girl Ray, but their dark, modal melodies and pensive, philosophical lyrics, along with Smith's versatile but ever-economical musicality, ensure them a place of their own in today's crowded but boisterously healthy DIY pop scene.
Mangoseed have shared a video for 'Still Believe' of which vocalist Nicholai La Barrie comments - “This video is our homage to our mothers and grandmothers, and a calling out of the Home Office for turning its back on the immigrants who built the country. The woman in the video spent all her adult life in and paid taxes in a country that is sending her away. The legacy of the Empire is that the people you ruled come to live next to you, they are you. And the video is about the importance of community, against the backdrop of a country that is actively breaking the community.”
Ben McKelvey is a notable folk rock musician with the song 'Wild Child' pushing the rock aspect to the fore with a feisty uptempo and very catchy vibe.
Mangoseed - Still Believe.
About ‘Still Believe’ - “I am pondering the world we are in and looking at the chaos and uncertainty of it all. And in America, where once Martin Luther King dreamed, it feels like that dream is lost to tyrants, racists and sexists, emboldened and loud. But it’s only love that will set us free.” Nicholai La Barrie, vocals, Mangoseed.
As a new year unfolds to an increasingly troubling socio-political backdrop, London roots-rockers Mangoseed face up to the fear and hate with a homage to love in all its forms. Celebrating the influence of song as a means of protest, empowerment and unity, frontman Nicholai La Barrie delivers his proclamations by way of a potent vocal melody atop the quartet’s heavyweight alliance of enormous bass, ethereal guitar and classic dub in the tradition of Black Uhuru, King Tubby and Mad Professor, all driven by the percussive thrust of rastafarian Nyabinghi rhythms.
Hailing from the cultural and creative melting pot that is England’s capital city, Mangoseed comprise four musicians of Trinidadian, Jamaican, Australian and Irish descent. Perhaps no surprise, then, that this multinational troupe produce an enthralling fusion of global sounds, mashing up ska and soca, dub, jungle and funk, rock and punk, all of it high-energy and unfailingly danceable. Originally formed by vocalist Nicholai La Barrie and guitarist Karlos Coleman, Mangoseed became a fully functioning act via the additions of Richard Hardy on bass and Sam Campbell on drums, configuring a pulsating punky-reggae repertoire that was captured on their self-released album, ‘Basquiat’, which earned impossible-to--nail-down comparisons ranging from Bad Brains to Massive Attack.
What everyone can agree upon, however, is the thrilling energy of Mangoseed’s live performances, regularly delighting a loyal fanbase around and beyond the band’s Brixton homes. The enthusiastically received 2017 singles, ‘Lucy’ and ‘Jah Jah’, only increased the intensity of the Mangoseed appeal, and more recent studio sessions have spawned further killer blasts of of urban-jungle skank, which will take the form of a set of singles, as well as a full-length album, as Mangoseed prepare to make a mighty impact on the soundscape of 2019.
UK-born and based one-man band Ben McKelvey will be sharing his latest folk-rock track, ‘Wild Child’ on the 26th of April via Lower Your Shoulder. ‘Wild Child’ is lifted from his 2018 album of the same name. He has been part of many tours performing across USA, UK and Europe in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, the O2 Arena and the London Palladium providing main support for Wet Wet Wet in 17 arenas, 20 dates for The Overtones, 50 shows as support for the Genesis supergroup, Mike & The Mechanics, touring with Marti Pellow, Scouting For Girls. During 2019 he will be the official support act for Bruce Springsteen Band’s Jake Clemons. His headlining shows in London and Brighton during November 2018 sold out both performances. His first and second album hit the Top 10 on iTunes’ Singer/Songwriter Chart with the latter also entering the Top 100 All Genre Chart. Ben Mckelvey has seen support from publications such as Muso Muso, Photo Groupie, Music Crowns, Female First and Press and Journal UK. He has had multiple singles played on BBC radio stations with extensive support from BBC Essex and BBC Oxford.
Growing up in Essex, Ben McKelvey currently resides in Brighton. During his formative teenage years in, he played the drums for the punk band, Fluid Lines, further shaping his love for music. After he quit the band at the age of 21, he became very ill and was completely bedridden. Putting his free time to good use, he taught himself how to play the guitar and write songs he didn’t intend for anyone to hear. A multi-instrumentalist at heart, Ben plays every single instrument in all of his tracks, albums and EPs.
Growing up listening to The Jam has lead Ben McKelvey to also be influenced by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Johnny Cash and Frank Turner. This collection of legendary inspirations is evident in his music, as Ben’s rich melodies and musical storytelling will easily find it’s home with any fan of more contemporary artists like George Ezra, Vance Joy or Mumford & Sons.
Produced by Jake Robbins (Natives), Ben McKelvey’s energetic ‘Wild Child’ is an uplifting fast-paced track about freedom, believing in your dreams and ultimately regret. The lyrical content starts out as being about the teenage dreams of aspiring musicians, but right at the end, it is tinged with a sense of sadness as regret comes creeping up; thinking about a life that could have been. Driving drums, swooping guitar solos and hypnotic bass lines all work together in perfect harmony as Ben’s vocal delivery effortlessly portrays his storytelling talent.
Speaking about ‘Wild Child’, Ben McKelvey said “‘Wild Child’ was the last song I recorded for the album. It instantly became my favourite on the record and probably is my favourite I’ve ever written. There’s a lot of emotion in this song and it’s the most personal I’ve ever written. A song based on true events about how being a musician is something you can’t choose to let go when it’s in your blood and how it can destroy personal relationships. A tough song to write but very therapeutic. It was written at a low point in my life but when we get to play it live, it’s just incredible. I guess it’s dedicated to the musicians out there giving it their all.”
Less than a month since we first featured Lenny Bull she returns with 'Somebody's Girl' a really fine song with just a hint of The Pretenders in upbeat mode, a compliment if ever there was one. Live electronic trio Saxsyndrum's brand new album is streamed in full below, their genre spanning music based on sax, drums and vocals is well worth digging into. 'Dream Merchants' from Blushing mixes shoegaze vibes, ethereal vocals and a feisty guitar rock feel that collectively work wonders.
Lenny Bull - Somebody's Girl.
The the new video for "Somebody's Girl" (the latest single) has just been released. With her debut EP “Sharp Teeth” Lenny Bull gives an honest, witty insight to her musings with timeless songwriting.
Inspired by early punk records from the 70’s and 80’s, Lenny Bull gives a vibrant twist to a vintage sound.
Her music has an innately retro feel, laced with chorusy guitar hooks, punchy drum fills, and driving bass lines. Sometimes mischievous, sometimes provocative, sometimes humorous, her songs dive into relationships, getting over yourself, and not taking any bull.
Montreal-based live electronic trio Saxsyndrum are pleased to release Second Nature, their sophomore full-length on So Sorry Records, with vinyl production supported by Record Centre Records.
Filled with sprawling dance tunes, intricate ambience, deep grooves and destructive modulation, Second Nature juxtaposes each member’s disparate creative processes to forge a rejuvenating journey through their imprinted emotions of friendship, love, life and loss. Their first album since settling into their new form with vocalist AP Bergeron, Second Nature’s nine lush tunes (mixed by Taylor Smith of Braids) present Saxsyndrum’s most mature sound yet.
Ultimately, it’s live where Saxsyndrum shines. The trio of sax, drums, and vocals puts forth a candid energy that comes from their sincere appreciation of live performance. Bringing emotion and energy to each concert, Saxsyndrum continuously push the possible realms of their instruments.
The second single "Dream Merchants" off Austin TX alterna-gaze quartet Blushing's upcoming debut LP has just been released.
Comprised
of two husband and wife teams, Blushing is an Austin TX based dream pop
/ shoegaze quartet that originated in the summer of 2015 after Michelle
Soto (guitar, vocals) shared her songs with long-time friend and
classically trained vocalist Christina Carmona (vocals, bass). Picking
up the bass, Carmona helped to fully flesh out tracks and the two
incorporated their spouses Jake Soto (drums) and Noe Carmona (guitar).
Their debut EP "Tether" was self-released in 2017, followed by their EP
"Weak" on Austin Town Hall Records in January of 2018. Gaining
infectious momentum, Blushing have since been asked to play official
SXSW showcases in 2018 and 2019, Athens Pop Fest and have shared stages
with the likes of La Luz, Snail Mail, Sunflower Bean, BRONCHO and many
more. They were recently picked by SXSW to be one of the featured artist
in the 2019 SXSW Music Preview guide.
They released the single
"The Truth" (b/w “Sunshine”) on October 26th both digitally and on 7"
pink vinyl via The Nothing Song Records. Recorded, mixed and produced by
Elliott Frazier of Ringo Deathstarr both "The Truth" and "Sunshine"
showcase a growth in the band's expansive, cascading sound laden with
ethereal vocals and fervent guitar, simultaneously capable of reining in
with emotional and melodic space. Sunshine was also selected by KEXP as
Song of the Day for January 3rd 2019.
The dual vocals weave around each other beautifully on Bloom's new song 'Ground', whilst the musical backdrop adds further depth. It's our forth feature for Wovoka Gentle as the trio continue to create gorgeous music, and their debut album 'Start Clanging Cymbals' is due in June! The Leisure Society have just released 'Arrivals & Departures' a double album (streaming in full below) that is packed with fine tunes and variety. 'A Nod In The Darkness' is a fabulous song from Insomniac Bears, where the vocals and musical arrangement compete for our attention throughout.
Bloom - Ground.
Co-fronted by telepathic, harmonising best friends Emily Cluley and Megan Clifton (both on vocals, guitars & keys) - alongside Jamie Keogh (drums) and Scott Jones (bass) - Brighton-based Bloom is a culmination of entwined passions: layered harmonies, 80’s synths, heavy dance rhythms, a touch of bubblegum pop, PC Music, love, the universe, moss, thunder, lightning and magic.
Double-A single Ground/Escape is the first single to be released from Bloom since their debut album ‘What Is Life’ (self-released in 2016) which garnered attention from tastemakers such as The Quietus, The Line of Best Fit and BBC Introducing. Both tracks deal with issues of mental health and are, as Clifton explains, “essentially a reflection of the darkest parts of ourselves”.
Releasing two singles reflects Bloom’s fascination with pairs – light/dark, masculine/feminine, yin/yang – as seen by Clifton and Cluley’s always intertwined vocals. “We can’t present ourselves in one song” Clifton explains, “It’s hard to understand one without the opposing polarity. Once you have two combining, that’s when everything starts growing and blossoming out.” This polarity is clear in the tracks, yet they complement each other. Ground’s darker pop-shades represents what the band describe as “the wordless, alien void”. Whilst Escape rushes in with a huge driving rhythm section, a childlike vulnerability and tinges of bubble-gum pop representing “the manic, chattering infinite”, with an equally upbeat message on self-love and care: “Know yourself by letting go, Love yourself by letting go.” – Escape
Ground and Escape are produced by Ed Chivers (Fujiya & Miyagi, AK/DK) who is currently working on Bloom’s debut album planned for release later in 2019. Both tracks will be self-released digitally and on a limited run of 300 violet 7” vinyl copies.
London trio Wovoka Gentle have announced the release of their debut album 'Start Clanging Cymbals' on 7th June through Nude Records.
Folowing first three singles '1,000 Opera Singers Working in Starbucks', 'Peculiar Form of Sleep' and 'Sin is Crouching At Your Door', Wovoka Gentle have shared a new track taken from their debut. Another example of their limitless sonic horizons, and of their winning way with a song title, 'Tell'em Makoto!' starts with a hint of sea shanty, goes Pure Folk, then deploys a sample of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson to devastating effect.
Will from the band explains that the song was inspired by the book ‘Culture Care’ by Makoto Fujimura. He talks about Mahalia Jackson and how people like her exist on the periphery of influence; they exert influence on people who are actual influencers, and that’s the role of art in society. And Mahalia Jackson is a good allegory for him. She was next to Martin Luther King during a speech that was flagging and she shouted to him, ‘Tell them about the dream, Martin!’ And that’s how the ‘I Have A Dream’ speech started.”
The Leisure Society release their stunning new double-album Arrivals & Departures via their own new imprint, Ego Drain Records. The new double-album has two quite distinct sides – loss and anger. "In our minds, it’s clearly a double album" the band explained. "We’ve had a sequence in mind for a while, with 8 ‘classic’ Leisure Society songs making up the first album (Arrivals) and 8 angrier, more experimental songs making up the second album (Departures)".
Going a little deeper on some of the lyrical inspiration behind the new album, Nick said: "I spent one restless night following the US election results on Christian's sofa. Before I left in the morning I scrawled on a Post-it, "Donald Trump is the American President!?!" I spent the following night drinking heavily and bashing out 'There Are No Rules Around Here'. It really seemed like anything was possible, no matter how depraved."
The album also features synth textures from Brian Eno (who championed the band from the very beginning) on 'I’ll Pay For it Now'. The band's fellow Midlander and go-to brass guy Nick Etwell leads the horn sections, with the band also enjoying a reunion with harpist Tamara who featured on The Leisure Society's second album Into The Murky Water (also joining them at The Barbican when they collaborated with The Heritage Orchestra in 2011). Heritage cellist Ben Trigg appears, alongside founding Willkommen members Marcus Hamblett, Emma Gatrill and Kristin McClement (whose debut album Christian produced a few years ago).
The album was mixed by Gareth Jones, who the band sought out based on his work on Grizzly Bear’s Veckatimest (he’s also mixed/produced Erasure, Depeche Mode, Nick Cave, Wire, These New Puritans to name a few.) Speaking on their work together the band said: "This is the first time we’ve really let go of our tight rein on mixing, and we’re incredibly pleased we did. Gareth has brought a new level of depth and energy to our music." Additional mixing work was provided by Paul Gregory - perhaps known best for his work with Lanterns On The Lake.
Arrivals & Departures is the The Leisure Society’s most ambitious and diverse record to date, charting the journey from heartbreak, to anger, to hope, in 57 lavish minutes. With their previous efforts widely praised by The Guardian, The Line Of Best Fit, Mojo, Q, The Independent and more – the band will also be touring the UK in May.
Since the release of their debut single ‘Scenic Drives’ in 2017, Insomniac Bears have continued to deliver lyrical vulnerability, sonic experimentation and honest pop-anthems. The band is a vibrant combination of established Norwegian musicians; multi-instrumentalist Marius Ergo (Lukestar, Kaospilot & Snöras), Rumble in Rhodos-singer Thomas Bratlie Haugland, Team Me-frontman Marius Drogsås Hagen and songwriter/violinist Magnus Moriarty. Since their last release they have also included Axel Skalstad (Krokofant ++) on drums as a permanent member. The shifting combination of players has motivated the group to explore new sounds and ambitious arrangements that combine ferocious guitars and gleaming melodies that pierce through psychedelic backdrops. Perfectly marrying rock elements with pop sensibility, they travel to unexplored territory with their distinctive song-writing.
Following the release of well-recevied ‘Passing Trains’ in February of this year, ‘A Nod in the Darkness’ is the second track to come out of the studio sessions with renowned producer Lars Horntveth (Susanne Sundfør, Kimbra, A-Ha ++). The song combines vintage synthesizers, addictive hooks, and flavours of psych-pop. As songwriter Marius Hagen explains, the new single was born from the tragic loss of a close family member: “Listening back to how it turned out is not easy, but it feels 100% sincere and that’s why we decided to include it on the EP. Although the song, for me, will always be a difficult reminder of its inspiration."
Full of sincerity and vitality, ‘A Nod in the Darkness’ explores how to navigate independence in the face of heartbreak, and triumphantly advocates exercising self-acceptance.
Grizzly Coast shares a personal yet resolute song that engages from the opening notes. KEYS gutsy rock and roll is to the point and wonderfully stripped back on 'Black and White'. The album 'Reality Jockey' by William Steffey is presented in full below, as he takes us on an impressive musical trip across genres and styles. '6:30' from Super Paradise is a whirlwind of instrumental garage rock interspersed with electronic moments (yep you'll have to listen). Candy Says electro pop has a moody feel on 'Gravity' as it's intricacy and hooks work wonders.
Grizzly Coast - Half-Light Boy.
My new single, “Half-Light Boy,” is about the sobering realization that not every person you encounter will have the same heart as you. Someone else’s lack of care for you is often due to something lacking in them – it is never an expression of what you deserve.
I was walking home from the grocery store one evening, lugging way too many bags for one girl to carry comfortably. Passing by a venue, I noticed that someone who once held a big place in my life was playing a show there that very night.
There was a time when I felt close to this person. Having always been one of their biggest supporters, not getting an invite to their show that was right in my neighbourhood left me feeling pretty small. I went home and wrote this new song as a confrontation that I knew I would never bother to actually have.
My friend, Taylor Lucas, produced “Half-Light Boy” in his home studio. He also produced my previous single, “Zuzu’s Petals,” and is set to produce my album. It’s always fun working with Taylor; he’s so talented and has great ideas! - Grizzly Coast.
‘There you will find them, tucked away in between The Stooges ‘Fun House’ and John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band the KEYS, the band you never knew you needed until they changed your life.
Over four Albums, Eps and countless Singles during this millennium the KEYS have become a mythical presence on the Welsh musical landscape. The timeless quality of the band’s music, touches on the wide eyed wonder and boundless possibilities of the sixties pop song, West Coast harmonies, Motown backbeat and the aggression of post 1968 proto-punk, sets them apart as true believers in the communion of Rock and Roll. KEYS are very much a band for the here and now, shaping music from the moon dust of the past into a re-imagined future that is all theirs for the taking.’ – Libertino Records
‘Black and White’ is the confident and bold return of the KEYS. The single was recorded during the productive two days session for the band’s new album in Miner’s Welfare club, lost in the Neath Valley.
Matt Evens, the band’s singer and songwriter, explains the background and the writing process of ‘Black and White’: “I wrote it while playing the drums on my own one morning. I was trying to write a modern-day nursery rhyme so it’s kept really simple. Then it went through the KEYS machine and came out all reverb guitars and maracas. It starts off Scout Niblett and ends up all Stooges with some Ron Asheton-style wah-wah thrown into the mix. It’s still a very sparse arrangement though which is the point. The lyric comes from something a photographer said to us once “Don’t worry, they’ll look alright in Black and White”; Gwion (Lead Guitar) used to quote it all the time in a jokey way so it ended up finding a melody.”
Chicago native William Steffey is a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist with an extensive background that has found him challenging his creativity with every single, EP, album and music video.
Throughout his musical journey, Steffey has explored a wide range of genres; his songs range from rock and new wave to pop and electronic music.
Steffey’s new studio album, the much-anticipated Reality Jockey, features 11 tracks, including two instrumental passages with tonal and temporal components based on the ‘Golden Section,’ a ratio that occurs frequently in nature as witnessed by the spiraling pattern of sunflowers, the proportions of the human body and the way billions of stars swirl together to form our galaxy. The songs on Reality Jockey also embrace Steffey’s trademark versatility; each track illustrates his ability to bring different influences and sounds together under one roof.
The production of the album is on par with the quality of the songwriting; the tracks have a clear, punchy and sophisticated tone. The music sounds crisp without falling into the trap of overproduction.
Ultimately, Reality Jockey is an authentic snapshot of Steffey’s artistic personality. The record channels his background as well as his ongoing passion for new musical direction. Like his previous releases, this project is about blending uncompromising creativity with appealing melodies.
Forming in Milan, Super Paradise, founded by Francesco Roma and Nicolò Spreafico, brought their self-styled dream-garage sound to London, releasing their debut album in 2016. From here it’s become a relentless live project, playing numerous scuzzy headline and support shows across the city’s buzziest venues, honing their distorted and hook-laden tunes. Joining Francesco and Nicolò for this endeavour is Anna Arfen (keys), Charlie Davis (bass) and Bradley Hillier-Smith (Drums).
Dropping infectious Lo-Fi singles and EPs over the last year or so with a sound somewhere between Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall and early Pixies demos, has nourished the live set. Tunes are often accompanied by highly stylised visuals, and their volatile new single 6:30 follows suit both sonically and aesthetically, whilst stepping things up in the energy stakes.
“The main inspiration came from “6:30” as a Caribbean dance move” explains lead vocalist Francesco, “I like that it could also mean 6:30am, dawn. End of the night, end of the dance. It’s always a bit of a weird time. You could still be out after an insane night, yet you’ll walk past people who are doing the complete opposite on their way to work. There’s a bit of uncertainty about it.”
This uncertainty is reflected in the sound. Flitting between dreamy segments and gritty riffs, tempos and rhythms shift around too to echo the confusion. It’s noise, tamed to inspire both emotion and energy in the listener.
“What we wanted to do with this track was create something which immediately jumped out and grabbed attention. The track starts with a hook that’s fast, impactful, frenetic and catchy, before taking the listener to unexpected places on a distorted journey of shifting tone and dynamics. Throughout we’re building anticipation, before unleashing a crescendo of noise, finally tying it back and returning unexpectedly to the original hook.”
Beanie Tapes is excited to announce the return of Oxford electro-pop band Candy Says with a new EP You Are Beautiful; We Are All Beautiful, to be released 7 June 2019 on cassette and digital. The band released the EP offline in November 2018, selling it exclusively on cassette at gigs as a protest against streaming culture and to reward the fans who turn up to support live music. The first two limited edition cassette runs sold out in two weeks. The new online version (and the third edition of the cassette) includes an extra track “Beautiful Feeling”, which was penned for the recent Netflix film Close, reached the Top 100 in the international Shazam charts.
The first track to be released is Gravity, a sultry pop tune whose bold beats and vintage synths have drawn comparisons to Christine & the Queens, Art School Girlfriend and The Knife. Julia Walker (singer/guitarist/songwriter) explains: “I was feeling empty and trying to find a connection with myself and my relationship. I desperately wanted to write an upbeat song but I’m coming to realise that I have a melancholy inside that I can’t seem to suppress not matter how hard I try.”
Gravity’s dream-like video was directed by frequent Beanie Tapes collaborator Siobhan Cox and features Julia returning from a night out and falling apart behind closed doors, where she can finally let her guard down. “I’m a very emotional person but I’m good at avoiding how I truly feel. I suppose we all do that to a certain extent, it’s how we survive. When we accept that we feel lonely, that we miss someone, a warmth, a feeling, that’s when we learn about who we are. Sometimes these feelings are impossible to understand, you feel like you’re drifting, empty and no matter how hard you try to find something to help you connect, you just can’t. I like reflecting that disconnect with the mechanical production feel and then my voice and lyrics being the conduit to finding the connection”
Candy Says recently recruited drummer Silke Blansjaar of Oxford indie punk favourites Self Help and are on tour with the new 3-piece line-up. Despite the melancholy lyrics, the Candy Says live show is somehow always uplifting. Nightshift again: “It’s like they’re on a mission to brighten up the entire world, one infectious slice of pop at a time.”
ROCH has released Blackbird a compelling and atmospheric song with her remarkable vocals adding so much more. 'You've Misjudged Your Jacket Again' is one grand song title and Mark Corrin's wry comedic observations remain intriguing to say the least. James Parm has a new album called 'Oh My Darling' (which you can stream in full below), it's a creative and genre spanning affair and a fine listen at that. 'Through the Woods, Pt.1' from Swiss alt rockers Cold Reading mixes melodic hooks with notable rock vocals as the band deliver an uptempo rocker. Ruthie has already gained the attention of BBC radio stations among others and 'Spirit Now Moves' pretty much explains why, this is one excellent song. Emily Jean Flack shares a live in the studio version of 'Throwing Shapes' where some Irish musical influences are present, however her creative and genre crossing delivery makes the song rather special. Finally today we have 'Turn' from Sam Valdez, where the combination of Americana influences and shoegaze are an absolute delight.
ROCH - Blackbird.
ROCH is 24 year old Kate Miller. Based in London, her spiralling pop-leaning creations to date have piqued the interest of many. During a 2 year absence from the limelight, ROCH spent time completing her degree as a sculptor artist - as well as writing the songs that will eventually form her debut album.
Now she releases 'Blackbird' - a taste of what's to come. Lyrically - the track invites the listener to challenge the norm; to not be satisfied with the status quo.
"You are more than the tale you've become / you are more than the robe you wear" ROCH sings in the throbbing, chant-like verse section. "It's something of a one-way conversation with a blackbird, encouraging it to go out and fulfil its potential." she explains.
Built around a repetitive, enchanting guitar loop and procession-like drum patterns - ROCH's vocal delivery verges on the theatrical, perhaps even operatic - to a backdrop of otherworldly electronics and glitching production motifs. Produced with Ben Christophers, known for his work with Bat For Lashes, and more recently Nakhane - 'Blackbird' is just a glimpse of what's to come from ROCH.
Mark Corrin’s early releases as “Shirokuma” were frequently broadcast on the John Peel Show on BBC Radio 1, and his more recent solo work has featured on BBC Late Junction with Nick Luscombe.
He also presents a weekly music radio show himself on Salford City Radio and has collaborated and performed with several notable artists from all over the world both live and on record.
He has previously also been a member of groups including Una Baines’ (The Fall) band Poppycock, Rose & The Diamond Hand and is currently working with a new group called Elastikbande.
“Pub Bin” a digital only release is described as a dark comedy concept album set mostly in the venues, shops, offices, pubs and bins of modern Manchester. Blending electro pop and punk with Mark's wry observational humour this is the album to lighten the mood of a distressed nation, and world! 19th April sees the release of a new album from Mark Corrin.
James Parm hails from the suburbs of Montreal, CA, and has been active in the local music scene ever since his first band began playing shows across the city when he was a teen, melding his childhood influences of 90’s garage rock with his love of jazz and hip hop.
Years of performing, writing, and challenging himself creatively led him to believe things were on track for a breakthrough in the local scene, but after a devastating breakup with his long-term girlfriend, James decided to sideline his musical ambitions and spent his savings on a 3-month trip across South East Asia. He returned to Montreal renewed, only to realize his job had been swept out from under him and his band had broken up. A lost boy, with no money and frayed connections, Parm felt the weight of reality pressing down on him hard.
Weathering the fall out, James succumbed to the life of a loner, finding work at a bar downtown while living on the outskirts of the city. The music he called to write expressed his distaste for the vapid, materialistic lifestyle he was privy to. “It seemed like everyone around me was hyper focused on satiating their ego desires. They would do drugs, party, drink, fuck, but never feel satisfied,” Parm asserts. “I feel like my music is just a process that allows me to slowly unravel what isn’t truthful about life, so I applied it to processing this feeling of being a cultural outsider.”
The resulting recordings which make up the forthcoming LP, Oh My Darling (due out this Spring), are a clear indication of Parm’s penchant for mixing downer pop rock with jazzy hip hop dynamics. Sure, he is clearly exercising his demons, but the tightly wound tracks also operate as a larger criticism of his generations vapid take on love and the cheapening of sex by a moralless and manufactured culture. And just as his early influences, like Nirvana and the Pixies, served as a pick-me-up for a generation of misfit teens, Parm’s album is a perfect companion for anyone experiencing a sense of disillusionment with their life.
After a one-year break from playing shows, Swiss Alternative Rock band Cold Reading are back with an extended line-up and a new single 'Through the Woods, Pt.1'! The band, which now operates as a quintet after the addition of guitarist Alain Schurter, has spent the past year intensively working on new material. In October 2018 the band finally hit the studio to record the new songs with producer Jan Kerscher (Mutiny On The Bounty, The Intersphere, EF among others) at Ghost City Recordings in Germany.
The result is a three-part concept album, the parts of which will first be released as digital EPs and then as a full-length album on vinyl. The first EP is called "Part 1: Past Perfect" and will be released on May 24th digitally via Berlin based label Krod Records.
The first single opens with a powerful and intense riff, next to which the following first verse seems almost fragile. With atmospheric synthesizers and subtle guitar lines, Cold Reading draw back to leave room to vocalist Michael Portmann’s lyrics. The almost apprehensive mood evoked here dissolves masterfully into a hopeful, driving chorus. 'Through the Woods, Pt. 1' manages the feat of simultaneously marking the first chapter of something bigger, as well as standing on its own as a song. Singer Michael Portmann describes the lyrical content as follows:
'Through the Woods, Pt.1' addresses the handling of unexpected life changes. After the involuntary exclusion from a familiar environment, the lyrical "I" initially remains disoriented and hopeless. After a gradual recognition of and adaptation to the new reality, a journey of self-discovery through time and space follows. Standstill becomes movement. The listener therefore observes a maturing process of the fictitious protagonist.”
After releasing just two tracks - ‘What Kind of Woman’ and ‘Spirit Now Moves’ - the Leeds-based songwriter and musician Ruthie is picking up the attention that her talents deserve. She’s already earned airplay at Radio 1, Beats 1, 6 Music, Amazing Radio, BBC Introducing and Australia’s triple j, together with numerous key playlists at Spotify and Amazon.
Now Ruthie, real name Naomi Baguley, drops her debut video for ‘Spirit Now Moves’. Filmed in East London and directed by Kamil Dymek (co-creator of FACT TV), the video opens in introspective style before the song’s uplifting conclusion is complemented by Ruthie’s infectious love of performing.
“So far Ruthie has been a project based in my flat and studios, writing and recording, so it’s been quite an insular process,” says Naomi. “The ‘Spirit Now Moves’ video is an opportunity for me to explore what Ruthie can be visually and aesthetically, in the real world...and to have a one-woman party wearing suits.”
Both of Ruthie’s singles to date reflect upon the challenges of moving on from heartache as she left Berlin for a new beginning back home in Leeds. Reconnecting with her creative collaborator Ben Lewis, her recent rise shows that the closure of one chapter in her life proved to be the impetus for an exciting new start. Channeling the Laurel Canyon tradition with psyche-rock exploration paired with a pop sentiment, Ruthie’s signature style puts a personal twist on influences such as Joni Mitchell, Angel Olsen and Jenny Lewis.
The daughter of Denise Flack, member of the ground-breaking Celtic pop band 'Leahy', Canadian, Emily Jean Flack moved to Ireland to study a masters in Traditional Irish Music at the University of Limerick. Her passion for traditional Irish music has led to her most accomplished work yet, showcasing her gorgeously pure vocals and the Celtic music she has grown up with, whilst injecting inventive electronic textures - a genre-spanning mix which defies expectation and delivers on every level.
Her latest live video for the title track of her recent EP 'Throwing Shapes' showcases Emily at her absolute best, with her stunning band in tow. Flawless vocals over genre defying music, full of emotion with perfectly arranged instrumentation, reminiscent of Bon Iver's epic 2012 live session for iTunes.
The new EP 'Throwing Shapes' produced in Belfast by Pete Wallace and mixed by three-time Grammy Award winning producer/mixer David Bottrill (Tool; Peter Gabriel), Throwing Shapes also featured guest performances by true stars in the firmament of Irish folk music - whistle and flute player Brian Finnegan from the band Flook and guitarist Marty Barry.
Sam Valdez is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter, whose music is built upon the fusion of shoegaze and vintage Americana indie folk. Embodying the best of both genres, Valdez has created dreamy, yet haunting atmospheric soundscapes that resonate with her listeners.
Valdez grew up at the edge of the Nevada desert, in Las Vegas and credits the desert as a major influence in her writing and composing. The vastness and solitude of desert life is apparent throughout her writing, with cinematic resonance and euphoric arrangements.
After performing in numerous bands, she found the essence of her solo sound and decided to run with it, indulging in her own creative process and ultimately developing a sound that is true to her own. As a classically trained violinist, Valdez has a sense of musical maturity within her songs, adding technicalities that bring her to the forefront of her genre.
Leading single ‘Turn’ narrates the feeling of not being respected by others and learning how to start representing yourself and your values. Sometimes it’s best to just leave things behind, rather than trying to band-aid every situation. Featuring resonating guitar, ethereal vocals and glistening shoegaze inflections, ‘Turn’ exudes charm with a hint of grittiness.
Ahead of her debut single Little Pale sets expectations high with an imaginative and blissful cover version of 'I Wanna Be Adored', this is very impressive! Imperial Daze have shared a live in the studio version of 'Minding The Haze' from their 'Surface Sensibles' E.P due out in June. The bands psych pop/rock is tight and polished and more importantly extremely engaging and rather pleasing.
Little Pale - I Wanna Be Adored.
Little Pale, so-called due to her stature and pallor, is a songwriter based in South East London. Like many artists, she dipped her toes into musical waters at an early age, only to be scalded by overwhelming self doubt; she retreated into her shell.
Later writing poems in her mid-20’s to ease anxieties, she started singing and learning the piano again, eventually putting her words into melodies.
Ahead of her upcoming debut single, she shares this re imagining of the Stone Roses ' I wanna be adored' as an introduction to her sound and the themes that she explores.
She says: “I came to this song quite late and found its lyrics to be especially poignant, more so now than ever, in the context of social media and its influence/rs”.
Imperial Daze - 'Minding The Haze' - Live from Electric Eel Studio.
London psych-pop band Imperial Daze will release their new EP ‘Surfaces Sensibles' on 7th June via Tip Top Recordings. It follows the release of their debut ‘Solid Fair EP’, which was produced by Rupert Jarvis from The Maccabees and recorded in their studio.
The latest track taken from the EP is ‘Minding the Haze’, a slice of sunny psychedelia which the band describe as "a melancholic picture of a fleeting hazy summer spent as a teenager, engrossed in youthful romance, wilful boredom and insouciance".
The new EP was co-produced by the band and Rupert Jarvis and was recorded between The Drugstore (The Maccabees studio) and their own studio. A studio they spent most of 2018 building themselves, thanks to a successful crowd-funding campaign and to landing the gig of scoring a big advertising campaign. Built from scratch in a disused giant commercial freezer under a railway arch near Tower Bridge in London, it is now called The Electric Eel Recording Studio, due to the fact that the space was previously used to store eels.
Indie band Team Me share a rousing electronic piece where synths, smooth vocals and a catchy melody come together in style. From Denmark we have Masasolo and 'You Got That Something' a song drenched in fuzzy guitars and a psych vibe. 'Jacks House' from Famous is wonderful, disturbing and just plain out there, that said it is massively addictive. Skye Wallace serves up a potent rocker with 'Suffering For You' her vocals adding depth and emotion.
Team Me - The Future In Your Eyes
Only a brief moment after their comeback single, Team Me reveal their second single of 2019 ‘The Future In Your Eyes’, out now via Propeller Recordings.
‘The Future In Your Eyes’ is an electronic bop ironically tinged with nostaglia, apt for reminiscing in the sunlit spring evenings. Leading man, Marius Drogås Hagen of Team Me reveals the tale of romance behind the track; "set in a distant post-apocalyptic future, ‘The Future In Your Eyes’ tells the story of two cyborgs. They‘re fighting to hold on to their love, a love they can never have.”
The romantic longing can be heard woven into the melodies and soft synths, combined with the delicate yet constant hissing of the drum’s cymbals make a sensitive and particular addition to the track - while still maintaining Team Me’s reputation of producing cinematic indie bangers.
When speaking of the band’s new chapter, Marius tells “as for the music, I really want to be more focussed on documenting this time, rather than releasing an album and touring for three years on a campaign. I want the project to just be a way to let things out of my system.”
Danish band Masasolo have been one of Copenhagens secret gems for a while now. Their last album “At Sixes and Sevens” was voted amongst the 20 best Danish albums in 2017 by Danish magazine Soundvenue. They have been heavy rotation and Danish alternative radio P6 beat, been featured on hype machines top 50, blogs like HillyDilly and Indie Shuffle and even KCRW had their song “Really Thought She Loved Me” in rotation.
Danish vocalist, guitar player and producer Morten Søgaard is the man behind Masasolo. He uses the band as an outlet for musical experimentation and as a personal diary of the joys and pains of being a dreamer entering adulthood. Masasolo has its distinct guitar-driven psych sound and many have compared them to Flaming Lips, Tame Impala or UMO. After touring Europe with their last album Masasolo is now ready to release new music.
"You Got That Something" is a mellow and groovy lovesong about falling in love with a girl on Instagram. It’s both heavily distorted with biting fuzz guitars but at the same time a straight and forward pop song - like a weird lovechild of Flaming Lips and Frank Ocean.
The song is recorded and produced by Masasolo and mixed by Masasolo and Masa Brian Batz from Sleep Party people. It’s released on Masasolo’s own label Mother Russia.
London tainted-pop six-piece Famous reveal skittish, paranoid new single Jack’s House. Wiry guitars and bass stabs lock in with a rushed drum beat, and flurries of panicked synths complete the bed on which vocalist Jack Merrett delivers manic observations. They’re not a band that waits around to be inspired. For the past few years they’ve been exploring both their own and others’ artistic presentation through carefully self-curated art parties in vast warehouses across London.
Through this the band are the central point of a multi-talented performance-arts community. They’re the group behind the Guardian 4* rated experimental theatre piece, Ubu, performed at the end of the summer at the V&A museum, also garnering acclaim from i-D.
Cult experimental pop singer/producer Jerskin Fendrix, who scored the play, plays synths for the band, and has returned recently from touring and collaborating with Black Midi. Sharing stages with PC Music’s GFOTY, Sports Team, Horsey, Cosmo Pyke and HMLTD, who headlined one of the band’s aforementioned nights, Famous are at the cutting edge of London’s vibrant music scene.
They're an electrifying live prospect - largely due to the dramatic, romantic ambitions of frontman Jack Merrett, whose twisted performances are inspired by Springsteen, or Vegas era Elvis on an off day. He is also the thematic leader of the sextet – his oblique lyrics spinning kitchen sink stories glazed by dream-state eeriness.
Skye Wallace is what happens when a trained singer with east coast roots discovers punk rock in their youth and writes music that makes you feel excited.
Hailed as a “national treasure” (Sad Mag), Skye embodies Canadiana – with family ties to the east coast, and her youth spent out west, she now calls Toronto home. But it’s not just geography that informs her sound – her lyrics are often based on Canadian history, inspired by struggles and stories of the past.
This doesn’t result in nostalgic sounding music – her songs may have roots in folk, but they branch out into so much more, sometimes moving, sometimes exciting, sometimes straight up rowdy. Her voice travels from sultry purrs to eager yelps, somber lows to raucous highs. Backed by her dynamic band, Skye’s live show is a force to be reckoned with.
About The Track: “‘Suffering For You’ was written during my time as the Dawson City Music Festival’s songwriter in residence in the Yukon. I was there for the month of January in a big (potentially haunted) heritage house by myself, with very few hours of daylight, and a wealth of history and inspiration to prompt me to write. The song was inspired by the story of a group of people who were separated from their expedition, trapped on an ice floe in the arctic for months.”
