Glass Forest - Chris Emmert - Special Friend
Vancouver-based Glass Forest is an indie-pop group composed of Nick Owen (vocals/keys), Stephen Clarke (bass/beats) and Abby Wale (vocals). They have gained a reputation for euphoric live shows that blend electronic dance elements with atmospheric soundscapes. Their debut EP is anticipated in May 2023.
"Can't Just Walk Away" was written about the emotional hardships following the fallout of a previous relationship; specifically, between band members Nick and Abby.
It was a uniquely honest process writing and recording the single as they directly confronted the traumas. Oddly healing, it gave space to address and work through past issues, broaching subjects rarely discussed by ex romantic partners.
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Nashville Americana singer-songwriter Chris Emmert has officially released his latest single, "Say My Love", on all streaming platforms this weekend. The track marks Emmert's second release of 2023, following his debut single "Lets Go Out Tonight". Both tracks will appear on Emmert's June 23rd debut EP Introducing Chris Emmert.
Emmert, on the single: This is one of the last songs I decided to put on the EP. It was a staple in my set for about the last year or so, and was a song audience members would often cite as a favorite after my performances. It’s a simple song with a honest message and an upbeat swing about it. I think everybody likes when a tune is easy to understand and feels good. One of my heroes, Hank Cochran, always said, “make it short, make it sweet, and make it rhyme.” So, I think for those reasons this song works and vibes with folks.
We recorded this song live, only going back to overdub my guitar and vocals. All of the arrangements were developed organically in the studio. I told the players to simply play what they were feeling. I think that fostered a really unique and original sound for all the songs, which was my ultimate goal in producing this EP.
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Special Friend (American Erica Ashleson and French Guillaume Siracusa) are a duo with a sound that’s somehow minimal and epic. She drums, he plays guitar, their voices harmonise, a bontempi organ slips in almost unnoticed - and suddenly you find yourself lost in the huge landscape of a song.
Bête is one of many great tracks on the album – insistent, catchy, yet mysterious and elusive. Erica and Guillaume switch effortlessly from English to French in their songs but the melodies are so entrancing you often don’t notice the change. The lyrics lie in wait for you, and they are powerful (Bête is about the self-destructiveness of our species), but the music will seduce you first.
You may be reminded of Yo La Tengo, the Delgados or, when the volume goes up, Quasi and Galaxie 500. But Special Friend bring something new, something special!
Based in Paris, they’ve built a strong following in France, and the new album looks set to introduce them to the wider audience they deserve. The video for Bête is a good introduction to the band; it was filmed in the summer at Studio Heat in Montreuil, where the album was recorded.
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