Genre Wander: Avakhan - Firebug - MV & EE - Terence Jack

Avakhan - Just Let Go.

Background promo - Swedish female fronted indie-pop Avakhan share latest single 'Just Let Go' + Album coming 2017. Written and produced by the band, their latest single Just Let Go is an upbeat, feel-good pop tune. An outrageously addictive chorus paired with Tegan And Sara - esque vibrant vocals is the perfect combination for what feels like a summery hit. The piece is taken from their upcoming album to be released in 2017.

It all began when Ava, Kristoffer and Joakim met in Stockholm and started a band touring clubs and festivals. After many celebrated concerts it was not long until they were the labeled as “Sweden’s best unsigned live band” by a Swedish Idol Judge on Channel Four. After they released their debut album it’s not what you believe in which one of Sweden’s greatest jazz musicians Magnus Lindgren collaborated on it. Website here.

'Just Let Go' has all the right ingredients for a fine, melodic indie pop song. It's good to here a Swedish band, where the vocalist does not adopt a mid Atlantic accent, for me, it feels more from the heart.

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Firebug - For The Love.

Background - At a time when society seems hellbent on working itself to death just to get a paycheck, New Orleans psychedelic indie rockers Firebug are committed to pursuing their passions, no matter the cost. Frontwoman Juliette Tworsey calls Firebug’s soulful new single, “For the Love,” an ode to “doing what you love, no matter how difficult, simply because you love it.”

“For the Love” is the first single from Firebug’s upcoming full-length album, Homeostasis. Co-produced by Chris Goss (Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys), Homeostasis is set for a 2016 release. More information on Homeostasis and Firebug is available on the band’s official website.

Fueled by Tworsey and multi-instrumentalist Jules Shapiro, Firebug embrace a variety of musical genres, including soul, ’60s/’70s rock, ’90s alternative, and modern rock. Tworsey’s charismatic presence helps the outspoken singer stand out, earning her comparisons to rock icons Chrissie Hynde and Grace Slick.

Based in New Orleans, Tworsey and Shapiro are inspired by the city itself and its rich musical history. Upon their arrival in New Orleans from Los Angeles, the duo performed as street musicians in the French Quarter. “We met so many talented musicians on the street,” Shapiro remembers. “It was a real awakening for us. New Orleans has inspired new ideas that we’ve incorporated into our sound and our songwriting.” Bandcamp here.

Juliette Tworsey really can deliver rootsy soulful vocals as 'For The Love' demonstrates. This is a passionate and powerful song, with both vocals and an equally superb musical performance pumping things up, something akin to The Black Crowes with a female vocalist! (now there's a thought - followed by a swift apology to Chris Robinson).

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MV & EE - Feel Alright.

Background - "MV & EE take their homespun hypnotics and cosmic country sounds to new levels on Root/Void. I love this album - it trips hard and hauntingly - a gift for languid golden afternoons or late night moonlight powwows. 

Anthem-worthy tape edits on some cuts crack open surreal and cinematic vistas. While joined by fellow travelers here and there, this LP remains in essence a fecund duet from two entwined souls, updating and re-defining their unique pool of sound. Intrepid audio bathers: get thee immersed!" - Lee Ranaldo Italy, July 2016

MV & EE - LP / digital - pre-order here. Release Date: Oct. 7, 2016.

I like the description "cosmic country" and for 'Feel Alright' it's just so right. The video paints a picture of just what that means, so more cosmic country please.

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Terence Jack - Errors.

Background - Choral swells and cascading guitar riffs envelope the triumphant new single 'Errors. 

As with the previous single, Eastern Rise, Jack partnered with producer and fellow Vancouverite, Daniel Klenner (We Are the City, Tourist Company, Hey Ocean), to write and co-produce the song.

Errors was conceived during a wine jam-session and evolved from a punchy riff to the full-bodied song in The Space studio with Daniel. Errors details the bitter-sweetness of leaving someone, or being left, in favour of chasing dreams. The departure, the return, and the ride reflect that concept.

"We just succumbed to the poppiness of the song and served the song. The bridge was added last and turned out to be my favourite part of the whole record."

Summer engulfed Terence in a 45-day tour and a ton of festivals. He'll be heading back to the studio to work on his next full-length album soon, due for release in 2017. Facebook here.

Second time this year on Beehive Candy for Terence Jack and the brand new song 'Errors'. Once again we are treated to his distinct and pleasing vocals, against a solid alt rock background. Next years full length is likely to create considerable interest, if this years material is anything to go by.  

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Tuesday Two: Terence Jack - Mira Aasma

Terence Jack - Eastern Rise.

Background words from Terence Jack - I've partnered with former band mate and fellow Vancouverite Daniel Klenner (We Are the City, Tourist Company, Hey Ocean) to co-produce my new EP. We have always had a dynamic synergy and chemistry which can be heard in the song’s triumphant verses and serene chorus.

We started messing around with piano sounds when we came up with the staccato piano line that helped carry the song. We both jumped out of our chairs and knew that it was perfect for the song.

After touring Canada by way of train and a South East Asia tour this previous winter, I'm looking at touring the new record “Never Get Back” coast-to-coast across Canada accompanied by a full band this Spring.

One of six quite individual and varied songs on 'Never Get Back' the featured single 'Eastern Rise' gives a really good feel for the music of Terence Jack. Musically the collection is hard to put in any one genre, sometimes it's a little folk orientated, then maybe alt rock, or even indie. Whatever, this is a really fine collection of songs. 'Eastern Rise' is but a flavour of what's in store, if you are in Canada, keep an eye out for tour dates.


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Mira Aasma - Whale Song.

Background promo words - It’s hard to believe that at the age of just nineteen, Gothenburg born vocalist Mira Aasma’s music is filled with such maturity and grace. The compelling sound of her voice has made her comparable to other celebrated artists including Florence and the Machine. Mira’s previous single Ghost started getting her music noticed in her home country, Sweden. Additionally, in the UK she began receiving more attention-with multiple plays on Amazing Radio. Mira continues to demonstrate her talent as she not only written but also arranged and produced all of the songs on her upcoming EP, Stereoscope.

During Whale Song, the electronic beats combined with the soothing vocals produce a unique track that can be compared to music by notable artists including Daughter and London Grammar. The pace quickens towards the end of the song whilst the drumbeat accelerates, very MS MR-esque, which leaves the listener captivated and engaged throughout.

Mira Aasma is an artist worth watching out for, as 2016 already looks promising for her. Whale Song will be released on the 8th April 2016 on Birds Records.

'Whale Song' has a moody deep vibe as it opens, allowing Mira Aasma to quickly stamp her vocal accreditation on the song. With powerful vocals and an ever developing soundtrack and electronic beats, the song makes for an excellent introduction to the music of Mira, to the point that the song ends quite triumphantly, almost as if to say "see? I told you this was good".

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