Trancescapes - Anima (from the album 'Gaia Sadhana').
Background - The members of ‘new age’ musical group Trancescapes view free and open improvisation as an authentic connection to the holistic nature of music for meditation. Like great jazz or blues, free improv is best recorded 'live off the floor'. Capturing the essence and magic that is brought forth spontaneously moment by moment, coloured by the musical influences and the unexpected developments of open-minded musicians, the music is as stimulating for the listener as it was while being performed live by the musicians.
Welcome to the world of Trancescapes, whose debut album, ‘Gaia Sadhana,’ (loosely translated from Hindi and Greek words meaning ‘earth’ and ‘instrument’) - is being released September 4th world-wide via Spring Hill Records. Recorded live off the floor on a magical evening in early 2015, the album is a collaboration with multiple Juno award winning singer - songwriter Bill Bourne leading a diverse group of Edmonton based Canadian musicians including Miguel Ferrer, Shannon Hambler, Izumi Kurybayashi, Bria Lizotte, Dr. Kevin Sisk, and Lisi Sommer, performing all organic instrumentation including guitars, percussion, violin, Tibetan singing bowl, vocalisations, and a variety of drones. The open improvisational musical group began creating music together in the summer of 2013, and will be performing select concerts in North America in 2015 – 2016.
Now this is different even for our 'Alternative Take' feature. The presented track is slower than most of the others however gives a flavour. Rhythms, textures, instruments and ideas come together and in the main really work well. For those who crave something fresh and different, this is well worth further investigation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Vincent McMorrow - How To Waste A Moment.
Background - James Vincent McMorrow shared the track “How to Waste a Moment” via Soundcloud. The new song hints at a continued evolution for James adding more beats to his layered, production and soulful vocals. McMorrow has been hard at work on the follow up to 2014’s Post Tropical and the track is a pivot from the ethereal moods of the previous album to something more direct R&B based.
US Tour:
8/17 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory - w/Blake Mills
8/18 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot - w/Dawes
8/19 - Fort Collins, CO - Mishawaka Amphitheater - w/Dawes
8/20 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater - w/Blake Mills
8/22 - Salida, CO - Gentlemen of the Road Stopover - w/Mumford and Sons, Flaming Lips tUnEyArDs, Jenny Lewis
8/24 - Apple Valley, MN - Weesner Amphitheater - w/Kevin Garrett
8/25 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theater - w/Kevin Garrett
8/26 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall - w/Kevin Garrett
James has a voice created for soulful renderings. Add a soundtrack like this and you have a superb song.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Express Rising - Spirit Darts.
Background - Express Rising is the long-running project of musician and polymath Dante Carfagna, whose abilities as a composer have yielded an expansive discography of meditative instrumentals. Express Rising's latest collection, Fixed Rope, is set for an October 2 release via an exclusive distribution deal with Numero Group.
The album is comprised of twelve single-take ambient instrumental excursions, composed in strict committee by the trio of Kevin Blagg, William Suran, and Carfagna. Recorded spontaneously in rural Arkansas, bulging sub-woofers lope through fissures of skeletal banjo and pitched down pedal steel, while delicately arranged basins of synth and guitar reverberate, providing a steady stream of granular epiphanies. Utterly faded, yet still possessing crystalline clarity, these twelve songs continually attain summits rarely reached within the span of four-minute transmissions.
Well I have only heard this track so far, so making me wait until October for more is a real tease. This is both cool, expansive and relaxing and I love it!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NERVO - Rainham Road.
Background - Amsterdam Music Festival has another big name in store for all the fans with NERVO being added to the line-up for Amsterdam Music Festival 2015. On Friday the 16th of October, NERVO will make their long awaited debut at Amsterdam ArenA for the first day of Amsterdam Music Festival, the biggest event during Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE).
In demand and loved across the globe, NERVO’s non-stop schedule takes them from the magical island of Ibiza, to their studio in their home-away-from-hometown of London, to every major Festival in the World. Everywhere the girls go, their infectious energy, fearless personal style, deep love and understanding for music precedes them.
This summer, NERVO released their new album ‘Collateral’, performed at Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival and have up-coming shows at Creamfields and ElectricZoo. It is with great excitement that we welcome the talented and stunning ladies to Amsterdam during ADE to perform at Amsterdam Music Festival.
Pulsating rhythm and beats are the bedrock of the highly talented and popular NERVO. Their attention to detail and an instinct to know what to put in and what to leave out, makes each song exciting, as you wait to discover, what's around the next corner.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 16 August 2015
Saturday, 15 August 2015
2015 - Out Of Our Inbox - August - One
Moke Hill - Doing It Wrong.Background words - With the stark contrast between their home bases in Detroit and LA informing the laid-back melancholy of the music, Moke Hill’s smoothly polished rock reverberates with both the blue-collar work ethic of their Midwestern roots and the sunny optimism of the West Coast.
Their collaboration unfolded organically through the cloud, which sounds oxymoronic, but such are the times in which musicians now connect, both with each other and with fans. There is an undeniable craftsmanship to these melodies, coupled with a probing lyrical earnestness that speaks to the virtues of suiting up, working hard and sticking with it until you touch people with something beautiful.
Ben Berry and Drew Phillips first began writing and recording together as Moke Hill in 2013. Despite a friendship that dates back to their Detroit grade school days, they didn’t get serious about making music together until Berry was in Chicago and Phillips in Mokelumne Hill – a northern California gold country town, from which the band took it’s name.
.
The self-release of Moke Hill’s debut EP and its sparkling single “Detroit” coincided with the dawning of the streaming era, enabling Berry and Phillips to access digital tools for sharing their music that were as intuitive as the tools for making the music had been. They set about being proactive in the streaming space in a natural yet industrious way and were able to connect with fans, resulting in “Detroit” garnering over half a million plays on Spotify.
In 2015, with Berry settled back in a freshly energized Detroit and Phillips in Los Angeles, the pair again worked remotely to write the material for Time Stops Moving. After teaming up with Phillips’ former Eulogies band mates Peter Walker, Tim Hutton and Chris Reynolds, along with long time friends Dash Hutton (HAIM) and Ben Roche, Time Stops Moving became a sort of homecoming for far-flung friends. Beneath upbeat melodies, gorgeous guitar textures and choruses that reach for the skies, Time Stops Moving explores dark themes in turbulent times.
Slick and professional Ben Berry and Drew Phillips are also notable for the songs they pen and record. Easy enough on the ear, I can hear the competing background influences. It's tight and polished music that thankfully also has plenty of heart and real personality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August Eve - Ghost.Minimalist background info - "Ghost," a new track from 17 year old August Eve from LA - we were sold off of the first listen to this song. She's got an incredible voice, some early buzz and she's unsigned. She's an old soul with great style and wrote this herself.
With that limited info and a link to her web-place (here) it was just a case of listen to the song. And wow, what a beautiful song, what an incredible voice and the production is superb. I highly recommend you listen to this, if no other song today! It's an old saying and a cliche to, but August Eve really is 'one to watch out for'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Klee Shade - Beg For Rain.
Them there promo words - Klee Shade is some music from a guy with stuff. An ever curious fan of rock, hiphop, the loud, the soft, the angry, the happy, the constructive and the destructive. A self taught multi-instrumentalist, a poor audio production ex- student and an avid studier of all things that lie between a song being written and a song being enjoyed on an international scale. Out to bring the smiles! Just happy to be here.
‘Beg For Rain’ is a simple song about gratitude, endeavour and release. Being thankful for what you have, but wanting something more and having the strength to push on forward until you find that you've pushed the weight of the journey off your shoulders all together - and you've arrived.
This slow jammer of a song sits upon primitive, pounding drums and bass, and is headed by rich, articulate guitar harmonies and melodies. The down-played vocals course through the gaps to act as the spinal structure of the composition, allowing the rhythm section to pulse in the chest and the intertwining guitar harmonies to play about within the ear canals. This all culminates into a show stopper of a finale section, which is sincerely unlike any arrangement of guitar parts I know of - it is to be heard to be understood for its full uniqueness and scale. Klee shade's first single. Turn it up, tune out. 'Take it slow, settle in for the ride.'
Well fair dues to the writer above, which summarises this fine song so very well. All I will add is I found myself listening a few times to take everything in, it's a little bit like a wall of sound with intricate details peppered throughout.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Persian Leaps - Dottie, Queen Of The West.Background info - "The Persian Leaps" began as a phrase singer/guitarist Drew Forsberg doodled in a notebook margin during a college Greek Archaeology course. He wrote music independently under that name for years, until finally assembling a full band in 2012 to perform and record driving, chiming music influenced by My Bloody Valentine, The Smiths, Guided by Voices and Teenage Fanclub.
In 2013, the Persian Leaps released debut EP Praise Elephants, which the NME described as a “celestial guitar jangle”. The band completed a follow-up EP Drive Drive Delay in 2014, praised by XS Noize for its “instantly catchy melodic harmonies layered on top of droning guitar.”
The band recently completed their 3rd EP, High & Vibrate. The EP features five short, infectious songs dripping with divine guitar noise underpinning gorgeous vocal harmonies. Land Ski Records releases High & Vibrate on September 25, 2015.
Energised indie rock and five fine tracks - 'High and Vibrate' is a smart EP. There is variety between the songs, however guitars and harmonies reign supreme.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 14 August 2015
Fridays Refreshing Rock Double
No waffle, short sharp details and a couple of songs to 'knock your socks off'. If you remember the 'air guitar' craze, then feel free to strap yours on and play along, it's not only cheesy DJ's who can say "the weekend starts here".....
Jacuzzi Boys - Sun.
Some details - Miami's own Jacuzzi Boys have announced the release date to their forthcoming Happy Damage EP and reveal their new song "Sun". The track is the second single from the EP recorded at Torche Studios in Miami and slated to drop on September 18th via their recently launched MAG MAG label. The Jacuzzi Boys' (Gabriel on guitar, Diego on drums, Danny on vocals) signature Miami party sound is unmistakable on "Sun" where they provide the theme music to the Summer blues.
A hypnotic rhythm and beat drive both guitars and vocals in this 'semi-surf' rock blast, what's more it's a free download. Website (Here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zurich - Alone.
And the details - 'Zurich' are an English Rock Band from Oxford who play widescreen post-punk rock with a nod to the darker side of eighties electronic pop. Earning an impressive live reputation in a competitive Oxford music scene, the band comprise of Adrian Banks (Bass & Vocals), Chris Gillett (Guitar & Vocals) and Leigh Taylor (Drums & Samples).
Zurich have just finished working on their highly anticipated debut EP 'Small Wars' with award winning producer Gary Stevenson.
Another feisty rock song that sets standards high for this emerging band. Real energy and a sound that begs for more. Website (Here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacuzzi Boys - Sun.
Some details - Miami's own Jacuzzi Boys have announced the release date to their forthcoming Happy Damage EP and reveal their new song "Sun". The track is the second single from the EP recorded at Torche Studios in Miami and slated to drop on September 18th via their recently launched MAG MAG label. The Jacuzzi Boys' (Gabriel on guitar, Diego on drums, Danny on vocals) signature Miami party sound is unmistakable on "Sun" where they provide the theme music to the Summer blues.
A hypnotic rhythm and beat drive both guitars and vocals in this 'semi-surf' rock blast, what's more it's a free download. Website (Here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zurich - Alone.
And the details - 'Zurich' are an English Rock Band from Oxford who play widescreen post-punk rock with a nod to the darker side of eighties electronic pop. Earning an impressive live reputation in a competitive Oxford music scene, the band comprise of Adrian Banks (Bass & Vocals), Chris Gillett (Guitar & Vocals) and Leigh Taylor (Drums & Samples).
Zurich have just finished working on their highly anticipated debut EP 'Small Wars' with award winning producer Gary Stevenson.
Another feisty rock song that sets standards high for this emerging band. Real energy and a sound that begs for more. Website (Here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 13 August 2015
Thursdays Perfect Pair
Private Island - Bear Hands.
Background - Southern California based six-piece Private Island released their debut EP 'A Good Look' in the fall of 2014, and is set to premiere their first studio single later this year. Blending an alt-rock vibe with a hint of retro and funk, Private Island has drawn comparisons to acts such as The Kings of Leon and Young the Giant. Private Island is Christian Lum, Tommy Nickerson, Cameron Anderson, Michelle Guerrero, Tim Barbour and Roger Mawer.
Missed them first time around and Bear Hands is from the EP and is also free to download. Anyway sorry for being so late but this is to good not to feature. New music from them later this year according to another music blog!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The High Learys - Letters To Alice.
Background - The High Learys are an Australian rock band formed in Perth Western Australia in 2011 by lead singer and bassist Jamie Turner, keyboardist and vocalist Michael NuA, Guitarist, MaA Williams and drummer Mitchell Benson. They have released one album, and a number of singles. Their single Clear My Mind charted at no. 1 in the AMRAP charts in 2014. They have toured internationally as well as around Australia.
The band was formed by cousins Jamie Turner and MaA Williams in late 2011, not long after the band recruited Michael NuA and former drummer Adrian MacMillan. The band started playing shows around Perth in 2011 and became well regarded for their cover versions of songs from the 50's and 60's as well as their original compositions.
In December 2012 the band recorded their debut LP Here Come The High Learys at Poons Head Studios in Fremantle, Western Australia with award winning producer Rob Grant, who has worked with the likes of Tame Impala, Miley Cyrus and Lenny Kravitz. The album was released on May 22nd on 12" vinyl through German label Soundflat Records and by December that year it had reached the highest selling album on the label for the year 2013.
In August 2014 the band went back into Poons Head Studios to record their next single Clear My Mind with producer Rob Grant. It was then released on 7" vinyl through Soundflat Records in late October. Shortly after it's release the single was used in both a Bose Headphones and Sportscraft commercial.
Oh this just has an incredible sixties 'far out' feel to it. Timothy Leary meets 'Alice' on a trip... Solid modern production and both the song and the musicians are so spot on. Fill the charts with this type of music and we can all enjoy a new 'summer of love'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background - Southern California based six-piece Private Island released their debut EP 'A Good Look' in the fall of 2014, and is set to premiere their first studio single later this year. Blending an alt-rock vibe with a hint of retro and funk, Private Island has drawn comparisons to acts such as The Kings of Leon and Young the Giant. Private Island is Christian Lum, Tommy Nickerson, Cameron Anderson, Michelle Guerrero, Tim Barbour and Roger Mawer.
Missed them first time around and Bear Hands is from the EP and is also free to download. Anyway sorry for being so late but this is to good not to feature. New music from them later this year according to another music blog!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The High Learys - Letters To Alice.
Background - The High Learys are an Australian rock band formed in Perth Western Australia in 2011 by lead singer and bassist Jamie Turner, keyboardist and vocalist Michael NuA, Guitarist, MaA Williams and drummer Mitchell Benson. They have released one album, and a number of singles. Their single Clear My Mind charted at no. 1 in the AMRAP charts in 2014. They have toured internationally as well as around Australia.
The band was formed by cousins Jamie Turner and MaA Williams in late 2011, not long after the band recruited Michael NuA and former drummer Adrian MacMillan. The band started playing shows around Perth in 2011 and became well regarded for their cover versions of songs from the 50's and 60's as well as their original compositions.
In December 2012 the band recorded their debut LP Here Come The High Learys at Poons Head Studios in Fremantle, Western Australia with award winning producer Rob Grant, who has worked with the likes of Tame Impala, Miley Cyrus and Lenny Kravitz. The album was released on May 22nd on 12" vinyl through German label Soundflat Records and by December that year it had reached the highest selling album on the label for the year 2013.
In August 2014 the band went back into Poons Head Studios to record their next single Clear My Mind with producer Rob Grant. It was then released on 7" vinyl through Soundflat Records in late October. Shortly after it's release the single was used in both a Bose Headphones and Sportscraft commercial.
Oh this just has an incredible sixties 'far out' feel to it. Timothy Leary meets 'Alice' on a trip... Solid modern production and both the song and the musicians are so spot on. Fill the charts with this type of music and we can all enjoy a new 'summer of love'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Wednesdays Subtle Twist of Genres
CJ Hooper - By My Side.
Promo words - CJ Hooper is more than just an independent singer-songwriter blessed with oodles of talent, he’s also possibly Australia’s most unknown and understated. By My Side is the first official independent release from the acoustic based Sydney solo artist who plays multiple instruments and delivers distinctive vocal harmonies and falsetto. By My Side was recorded in Sydney at Stereo Missile Recordings with the help of well renowned producer and engineer Steve Peach.
“By My Side is a smokey, atmospheric journey that I loved working on. The acoustic guitars are hypnotic, the vocals are smooth, and the songwriting is top notch. Highly recommended!" – Steve Peach, Missile Recordings, Sydney.
‘It’s an uncomplicated love ballad in appreciation of having someone really special to share life’s journey. Not everyday is perfect, but sharing it with your soul mate is pretty close to it”, says CJ Hooper
Currently recording a new album set to be released in 2016, you may see CJ Hooper playing in a corner at your local bar over the next 12 months as he unleashes his repertoire of songs. Expect to hear more from this solo independent artist who’s inspiring and personal music is destined to connect with audiences.
Calm, collected and yes perhaps understated. For those in need of something a little more gentle and with distinctive vocals, I would suggest CJ Hooper and this tender song.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Main Squeeze - Angelus.
Promo words - Chicago-based rock n’ roll-funk band, The Main Squeeze, who just dropped their new single "Angelus.", the track is from their upcoming sophomore album, Mind Your Head which was produced by former American Idol judge, Randy Jackson.
The five-piece, consisting of Corey Frye (vocals), Max Newman (guitar), Ben “Smiley” Silverstein (keyboards), Reuben Gingrich (drums) and Jeremiah Hunt (bass), found its roots in Bloomington, Indiana’s live music scene back in 2010. The band refined their sound with local shows before touring over 160 dates nationally in 2014. They’ve performed at some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, Summer camp and Gathering of The Vibes. In addition, they were hand selected to play the Rolling Stone Super Bowl XLVI Pre-Party and won the Venetian Macau international battle of the bands in China in 2012.
Vintage soul fans will love this. Everything about this song is classic soul at it's finest and what's more, it's happening now! A modern classic and no less.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mieke - Sleeping Alone.
Mieke tells us - I needed to make something honest and raw. Something strange and vulnerable. Something thoughtful and free. Something that was authentic to where I'm at. For this EP I worked with Don Kerr and Howie Beck (Feist, Hayden, Bahamas), people I trust. Don records out of his house so we did the vocals in his dining room and the instruments in his basement. That let me fully connect with the feeling I had wherever I wrote the songs- in Toronto, in Tokyo, in my small town high school, or in London- and to go back to that moment.
I grew up in a forest in Ontario and spent much of my childhood wandering around out there recording songs on my little tape player. I’d mail them to radio stations with my autographed school picture and then listen eagerly to the radio expecting to hear them.
I've played shows for many years, but when I finished university I needed to make money somehow to focus on music. When I found out modelling could be a decent part time job, I started modelling and acting part time. Whenever I travel to make music or model, I learn more about myself as an artist. These songs were largely written on these travels- in Tokyo, London, New York, and LA. Everywhere I go changes me and helps me grow as an artist and a human. :)
Oh this is a really charming song. Making a song that is personal and yet not indulgent is a craft within itself. Excellent vocals and really fine production make it quite special.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instanika - Vroom Vroom.
What they say - We are a band that hales out of Toronto Ontario: Carlo Rubino lead vocals, Joe Porier guitar, Gordemsons drums, Micheal Kendel keyboard, produced at Micheal Kendel Studio, in Toronto.
Carlo and Joe got together with Gord to put together the 10-song album. Carlo Rubino had the lyrics and put the music melodies with guitar players Joe and Gord. Mike added his keyboard and Procussion experties after went into their studio to start recording the album Moonrain.
Carlo met Joe Porier at Joes job giving guitar lessons, Carlo approached him with his songs and Joe thought they are worth recording and we started to get together with writing sessions the really worked well, this song came easily to Joe to write the guitar parts and structure.
We played a couple gigs at the velvet underground looking for more gigs to perform around the city and eventually get tour someday. We are currently recording another 10 album, which will be completed next year, and getting distribution starting in America through Zoran distribution looking forward to it.
Well this new music round up has been far to gentle. Fixing that are Instanika and the gritty Vroom Vroom. It's a little rough around the edges, has a live feel and just grooves along fine. An antidote for tedium.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promo words - CJ Hooper is more than just an independent singer-songwriter blessed with oodles of talent, he’s also possibly Australia’s most unknown and understated. By My Side is the first official independent release from the acoustic based Sydney solo artist who plays multiple instruments and delivers distinctive vocal harmonies and falsetto. By My Side was recorded in Sydney at Stereo Missile Recordings with the help of well renowned producer and engineer Steve Peach.
“By My Side is a smokey, atmospheric journey that I loved working on. The acoustic guitars are hypnotic, the vocals are smooth, and the songwriting is top notch. Highly recommended!" – Steve Peach, Missile Recordings, Sydney.
‘It’s an uncomplicated love ballad in appreciation of having someone really special to share life’s journey. Not everyday is perfect, but sharing it with your soul mate is pretty close to it”, says CJ Hooper
Currently recording a new album set to be released in 2016, you may see CJ Hooper playing in a corner at your local bar over the next 12 months as he unleashes his repertoire of songs. Expect to hear more from this solo independent artist who’s inspiring and personal music is destined to connect with audiences.
Calm, collected and yes perhaps understated. For those in need of something a little more gentle and with distinctive vocals, I would suggest CJ Hooper and this tender song.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Main Squeeze - Angelus.
Promo words - Chicago-based rock n’ roll-funk band, The Main Squeeze, who just dropped their new single "Angelus.", the track is from their upcoming sophomore album, Mind Your Head which was produced by former American Idol judge, Randy Jackson.
The five-piece, consisting of Corey Frye (vocals), Max Newman (guitar), Ben “Smiley” Silverstein (keyboards), Reuben Gingrich (drums) and Jeremiah Hunt (bass), found its roots in Bloomington, Indiana’s live music scene back in 2010. The band refined their sound with local shows before touring over 160 dates nationally in 2014. They’ve performed at some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, Summer camp and Gathering of The Vibes. In addition, they were hand selected to play the Rolling Stone Super Bowl XLVI Pre-Party and won the Venetian Macau international battle of the bands in China in 2012.
Vintage soul fans will love this. Everything about this song is classic soul at it's finest and what's more, it's happening now! A modern classic and no less.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mieke - Sleeping Alone.
Mieke tells us - I needed to make something honest and raw. Something strange and vulnerable. Something thoughtful and free. Something that was authentic to where I'm at. For this EP I worked with Don Kerr and Howie Beck (Feist, Hayden, Bahamas), people I trust. Don records out of his house so we did the vocals in his dining room and the instruments in his basement. That let me fully connect with the feeling I had wherever I wrote the songs- in Toronto, in Tokyo, in my small town high school, or in London- and to go back to that moment.
I grew up in a forest in Ontario and spent much of my childhood wandering around out there recording songs on my little tape player. I’d mail them to radio stations with my autographed school picture and then listen eagerly to the radio expecting to hear them.
I've played shows for many years, but when I finished university I needed to make money somehow to focus on music. When I found out modelling could be a decent part time job, I started modelling and acting part time. Whenever I travel to make music or model, I learn more about myself as an artist. These songs were largely written on these travels- in Tokyo, London, New York, and LA. Everywhere I go changes me and helps me grow as an artist and a human. :)
Oh this is a really charming song. Making a song that is personal and yet not indulgent is a craft within itself. Excellent vocals and really fine production make it quite special.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instanika - Vroom Vroom.
What they say - We are a band that hales out of Toronto Ontario: Carlo Rubino lead vocals, Joe Porier guitar, Gordemsons drums, Micheal Kendel keyboard, produced at Micheal Kendel Studio, in Toronto.
Carlo and Joe got together with Gord to put together the 10-song album. Carlo Rubino had the lyrics and put the music melodies with guitar players Joe and Gord. Mike added his keyboard and Procussion experties after went into their studio to start recording the album Moonrain.
Carlo met Joe Porier at Joes job giving guitar lessons, Carlo approached him with his songs and Joe thought they are worth recording and we started to get together with writing sessions the really worked well, this song came easily to Joe to write the guitar parts and structure.
We played a couple gigs at the velvet underground looking for more gigs to perform around the city and eventually get tour someday. We are currently recording another 10 album, which will be completed next year, and getting distribution starting in America through Zoran distribution looking forward to it.
Well this new music round up has been far to gentle. Fixing that are Instanika and the gritty Vroom Vroom. It's a little rough around the edges, has a live feel and just grooves along fine. An antidote for tedium.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 11 August 2015
Dub Is A Weapon - Charlottesville 2005 (Internet Archive)
Describing the formation of Dub Is A Weapon we quote the following - “It can’t be done, man!” That’s what Dave Hahn, mastermind behind Dub Is A Weapon, heard when he first floated the idea of a live dub group, as he and his mates listened to some prime 1960s King Tubby cuts in the band van. “Everyone seemed to think you could only do dub in the studio,” Hahn recalls.
Hahn set out to prove them wrong, with skills learned live and on the road, and with help from a Jamaican beatnik percussionist, an old high school friend, and young upstarts from the Brooklyn scene. Together they’ve honed their live take on the genre’s spaced-out grooves.
Concise Background - Founded in 2001, Dub Is A Weapon has set out on a mission to curate the history of dub reggae by offering their unique perspective of dub studio techniques live on stage.The band has spent the last 10 years honing their craft on stage through headlining club tours across the country, supporting the likes of Antibalas, John Brown’s Body, Easy Star All Stars, as well as providing the backing music for the legend of the scene Mr. Lee “Scratch” Perry on his tours throughout North America.
Dub Is A Weapon’s national debut record titled Vaporized (released on April 26, 2011 by Harmonized Records) has managed to bring all those experiences together in a studio effort that was recorded in the tradition of old jazz records: live in studio. “From the Black Ark days of Lee Perry to Tubby's Waterhouse dubs and discipleship of King Jammy, it's good to see that DIAW are carrying on the torch for dub fans worldwide. Vaporized not only exemplifies the evolution of dub but pays tribute to its history by retaining key characteristics that make quality dub music what it is.” (Chuck Reinemann).
Recording Details: Source mk4 > kc5 > cmc6 > m248 > mme > d8 (48k), Lineage R500 > SRC2000 > DATport > Wavelab 5 > SHNtool > FLAC (lvl 6).
Sound Quality: Very Good - A clear well produced stereo recording, that does this genre proud.
Set List:
Set 1.
01 - Intro/Tuning
02 - Etymology
03 - Insurrection
04 - Rip Van Winkle
05 - Armed and Dangerous
06 - Fever
07 - Han Fei Tzu
08 - Undefeated
Set 2.
01 - Intro/Tuning
02 - Dub is a Weapon
03 - Asheville
04 - Codename
05 - Sadr City
06 - Infinity
07 - Bruce Lee
Encore.
08 - Indestructible
Comments: There are FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and mp3 files along with the streaming material over at the Internet Archive (here).
Stream Below:
Monday, 10 August 2015
Forget The Superlatives - Just Listen!
Their Bio - This is how the world ends: with deafening indifference and retread of age-old strife. How we choose ride to out this wave varies, but still falls into the principle camps of acceptance and denial. Science and the Beat choose the latter, wanting to live moderately in their impact but decadent within themselves; feeling and loving in productive ways that give meaning to their lives. Science is the means to try and make sense of it all. The beat informs the rhythm and the approach. Nothing else matters.
Multi-instrumentalists Tasha Katrine and Rob Zilla have been carving out their creative vision since being introduced in their teens. The approach has been dexterous, mixing live shows with elaborate video and lighting installations – most notably as More Machine Than Man. As a fixture in the Goth Industrial scene, the pair was conscious of the expectations and rigid identity that develops with a long-term project. To keep those limitations from becoming self-imposed, the mission became letting creativity have free reign.
Future Blue, then, sounds like actualisation: two people growing into their cynicism and finding it to be just as potent as their youthful yearnings. Produced by Wade Alin (Christ Analogue, The Atomica Project) Future Blue pulsates with clean, taut synths that create something like a strop for the sharp and decisive use of guitar. Katrine’s voice has an inherent dewy quality that belies her on-going struggle with Sjogren’s syndrome: an immune disorder that affects the salivary glands responsible for producing moisture in the throat. Their relocation to Seattle from Boston was in search of a more favourable living climate: mild and humid. Extreme cases have resulted in a complete loss of voice and it is pushing Katrine to not only make the most of her voice but to also utilise instruments as well.
The song 'Mean Streak' really does conjure up an element of meanness, the almost stalking vocals will follow you around, warning us not to take any chances. Oh just listen, see if you get my drift.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background - Marielle Allschwang (Group of Altos, Death Blues, Hello Death) warps and distorts traditional folk music to conjure monsters, angels, and sinister pastures on debut solo album, “Dead Not Done,” to be released Aug. 11 on Gloss Records.
Channelling her first-generation American ancestors as inspiration, Allschwang revels in the sadness and strength of exile, poverty, and identity. Though not overtly political, Allschwang explores feelings of distance, separation, and being a stranger in the world. Intimate tales emerge from minimalist soundscapes.
Milwaukee born and raised by a memoir-writing grandmother, poet father, and singing mother who learned guitar from a nun in the Philippines, Allschwang is now a frequent collaborator in the city’s burgeoning experimental and folk scenes—contributing vocals (and gong) to Jon Mueller’s multi-disciplinary project, Death Blues, violin and vocals in the 16-piece post-rock super group, Group of the Altos, and guitar and vocals to dark-folk outfit Hello Death. All the while, Allschwang has been exploring her musical identity as a solo artist.
Allschwang credits her involvement in Altos as a turning point in her artistic path. Here she had a fertile arena for collaboration and exploration, and formed a close artistic relationship with fellow band mate Adam Krause, who nudged her to compose songs together for the audio-visual zine, Lemon o Books, in 2012. That collaboration introduced more experimental elements into Allschwang’s music, many of which appear on “Dead Not Done.”
Delicate guitar melodies and tape loop murmurs are now familiar friends, but “Dead Not Done” also features numerous contributions by members of Altos. Bowed metal chair legs and sounding barn wall tremors marry Allschwang’s storytelling with tactile mystery. Generations old, the narratives are animated and revived by a daughter, a granddaughter, and her guitar.
There is a certain beauty here that reminds me in part of Kate and Anna McGarrigle at their most intimate and traditional. Add to that a more electric and heavier sound on some songs and I think, I am as close as I ever will be, in describing this album. In summary a brilliant surprise and an album to play over and over.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background and Bio - The Rightovers' ten song LP Blue Blood was released on July 31, 2015, (on aquamarine vinyl via the band's Trebleplane imprint, and on CD and digital via Seattle's Jigsaw Records. Both the vinyl and CD will be distributed worldwide by Darla).
The Rightovers began under the name Conceptus in the mid-2000s as an outlet for Chris Holmes’ first crudely-recorded songs. Taking inspiration from lo-fi forbears like Pavement, Ween, the Television Personalities and the Clean and combining it with the peerless pop of The Records and The Raspberries, Holmes spent his nights and weekends recording modest odes to fun, fear and failure in his L.A. apartment.
After relocating to San Diego, Chris found a group of like-minded collaborators, and first group Conceptus took shape as a fully-functioning band. The lineup remained together for three years, performing frequently and recording a debut full-length, Trebly Feelings. After growing weary of the crowded Southern California indie scene, Holmes pulled up stakes and relocated to Hawaii to pursue a Master's degree (and further indulge his surfing obsession). The isolation of island living turned out to be a musical blessing, allowing him to refocus his songwriting. Holmes spent his first summer off back at his parents’ house in Sun Valley, Idaho, where he set about tracking a second record, the new Blue Blood.
Holmes recorded instruments and vocals for the chiming, charming collection of songs in his basement over the course of three months before calling in pals Mike Kamoo (The Loons) to play drums, and Sarah O’Brien to add backing vocals. Holmes mixed the record upon returning to Oahu’s North Shore. The release of Blue Blood is already drawing close interest from pop devotees from around the world, and Seattle’s indie pop-centric Jigsaw Records is helping get the word out about The Rightovers’ new record as well.
Keeping it upbeat, straight down the line and thoroughly enjoyable, The Rightovers have a natural flare for jangle come indie pop and rock. What's more important they don't follow a 'safe' format and can mix it up without losing their core style.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 9 August 2015
Sundays Alternative Take - Someone Stole The Genre
Basecamp - Watch My Back.
Intro words - Nashville trio Basecamp announce their new EP, Greater Than out August 21st via OWSLA. The EP is a fully realized collection of R&B-tinged dance tracks inspired by the group’s admiration for art and the more technical aspects of electronic music.
Cool vocals over a sparkling soundtrack that pauses and shifts along, their delight in the art of electronic music is clearly defined.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pure Phase Ensemble 4 - Morning Rise - (from the album).
The details - Pure Phase Ensemble 4 feat. Mark Gardener (RIDE) to release 'Live at SpaceFest' LP - Pure Phase Ensemble is an international music collective, created especially for the SpaceFest festival in Gdansk, which takes place annually in December and is organised by the Nasiono Association. The city of Gdansk plays host to this blossoming music festival each year in the first week of December, at which time numerous select musicians from Poland and abroad gather to take part in a special workshop series. They collectively compose a concert's worth of music, which they then present live to the festival-goers. Each year, this unique performance is recorded live and subsequently released as an LP.
The programme for each workshop is jointly curated by Ray Dickaty, a British saxophonist improviser and former member of Spiritualized (1997-2002), and Karol Schwarz (KSAS), who also manages Nasiono Records. Along with these two key figures, every festival involves a new musical director - a legendary, internationally recognised musician, who is invited to co-curate the workshop.
During the latest SpaceFest, Mark Gardener, the frontman of celebrated shoegaze pioneers RIDE who also recently released an LP with Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins), occupied this seat of honour. Past participants include Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab), Chris Olley (Six By Seven), Steve Hewitt (ex Placebo), and Jaime Harding (Marion).
This is a fascinating album and the genres delved in to include - shoegaze, space rock, indie rock, alternative rock, post-rock, dreampop, and ambient. Therefore the featured track is just part of the story, one that has so much to offer and in my opinion, something quite special.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wallace - Beauty (Ft. Sampa The Great).
Background - Australian based future-soul singer Wallace has followed up her stunning debut with another stellar track. Beauty is song is about finding beauty wherever you are and finding strength and inspiration internally.
"This is essentially me talking to myself (which I do a little too often). The chorus is me reminding myself that I create my own success: "Caught ya, caught ya, caught ya sewing new starts into my sky" and for lack of a better metaphor every cloud has a silver lining: "Caught ya, caught ya, caught ya re-arranging my clouds", says Wallace.
Inspired by Electric Wire Hustle, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Muhsinah, each verse explores different concepts. The first, stumbling across beauty in a place you didn't expect to find it. The second, realising it's ok to pursue something you're passionate about, and the third learning from a bad experience and growing despite it. Sampa The Great lends a rap to the track, with her strong, sincere lyrics adding an even more "girl power" element to the music. Be sure to check out Wallace's debut Vinyl Skip, released earlier this year.
Future soul singer and songwriter Wallace Gollan’s music is an exciting mosaic combination of blues, soul, and jazz. She creates music in spaces unfamiliar, addresses silences with harmonies so detailed it is simple and expressive that words are not needed to understand her message. She possesses a type of sound others have labeled in the vein of Erykah Badu, Little Dragon or Carmen McRae. With a contagious smile, a humble personality and a rare name to begin with, Wallace Gollan is set to make some serious heads turn in the music industry.
Soul grooves over a modern soundtrack, Sampa The Great provides a 'pause' that works and the whole thing has that timeless soul feel through Wallace's stunning vocals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silvertron Youth Choir - Spaceship Sunlight (from debt album).
Biography - Doubling down on the zany, beer-battered inflorescence of past projects such as Mongoose Thompson and Nodding Tree Remedies, Thomas Mudrick and the Silvertron Youth Choir take the more hilariously warped happenstances of previous projects and turn them up to 11 with Our God Is A Possum God, the newest release from Mudrick and his Oregon based crew of merry pranksters. As with the aforementioned projects, as well as the prodigious and ever-expanding back-catalogue of Thomas Mudrick’s own solo records (most recently 2013’s (((boing))) and 2014’s Abiqua), Our God Is A Possum God draws listeners into a web of sprightly, imaginative musical vortices that follow none but their own internal piper. With the Silvertron Youth Choir, Mudrick and long time co-conspirator and drum whiz Ian Hartley (The Shivas) cobble together a gem of a record that’s both hilarious and strange, often at once.
Silvertron Youth Choir isn’t short on inanity, assembling what could at times be described as children’s music made for (and seemingly by) mightily stoned adults; a pin wheeling, day- tripping, hipping and hopping, skipping and jumping ramble through the worm hole into a range of delightfully visual and guffaw-inducing ditties tackling all manner of subjects, such as: pies made of whiskey and bacon, soda pop downloading computer programs for red necks, water spider birds on the tundra, philosophical mayonnaise, peanut butter trains, cosmic hybrid creatures riding forklifts, pamplemooses, and, as a lyrical coup-de-grace of sorts, Justin Beiber mounted triumphantly atop a giant rodent.
If all that sounds like an earful of nonsense, it is, and that’s the point. The crux of Silvertron Youth Choir’s tune-wrangling is in their ability to spool out numbers that make liberal use of deft musicianship and pop/folk song craft while remaining ridiculously irreverent and often wickedly funny, eliciting a sense not unlike those uncontrollable belly laughs one gets after too many bong rips. As with so much of Thomas Mudrick’s past work, Our God Is A Possum God is firmly indebted to the Old Masters’ use of dada-inspired non-sequitur as a way to contort the quotidian nature of mainstream pop and rock: early Beck, Zappa, Ween, the Residents, They Might Be Giants, etc..
Weirdly wonderful and the vision of Justin Beiber mounted atop a giant rodent is reason enough to include. Featured track is one dimension of a genre undefinable album, hence the Zappa & They Might Be Giants references above.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intro words - Nashville trio Basecamp announce their new EP, Greater Than out August 21st via OWSLA. The EP is a fully realized collection of R&B-tinged dance tracks inspired by the group’s admiration for art and the more technical aspects of electronic music.
Cool vocals over a sparkling soundtrack that pauses and shifts along, their delight in the art of electronic music is clearly defined.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pure Phase Ensemble 4 - Morning Rise - (from the album).
The details - Pure Phase Ensemble 4 feat. Mark Gardener (RIDE) to release 'Live at SpaceFest' LP - Pure Phase Ensemble is an international music collective, created especially for the SpaceFest festival in Gdansk, which takes place annually in December and is organised by the Nasiono Association. The city of Gdansk plays host to this blossoming music festival each year in the first week of December, at which time numerous select musicians from Poland and abroad gather to take part in a special workshop series. They collectively compose a concert's worth of music, which they then present live to the festival-goers. Each year, this unique performance is recorded live and subsequently released as an LP.
The programme for each workshop is jointly curated by Ray Dickaty, a British saxophonist improviser and former member of Spiritualized (1997-2002), and Karol Schwarz (KSAS), who also manages Nasiono Records. Along with these two key figures, every festival involves a new musical director - a legendary, internationally recognised musician, who is invited to co-curate the workshop.
During the latest SpaceFest, Mark Gardener, the frontman of celebrated shoegaze pioneers RIDE who also recently released an LP with Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins), occupied this seat of honour. Past participants include Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab), Chris Olley (Six By Seven), Steve Hewitt (ex Placebo), and Jaime Harding (Marion).
This is a fascinating album and the genres delved in to include - shoegaze, space rock, indie rock, alternative rock, post-rock, dreampop, and ambient. Therefore the featured track is just part of the story, one that has so much to offer and in my opinion, something quite special.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wallace - Beauty (Ft. Sampa The Great).
Background - Australian based future-soul singer Wallace has followed up her stunning debut with another stellar track. Beauty is song is about finding beauty wherever you are and finding strength and inspiration internally.
"This is essentially me talking to myself (which I do a little too often). The chorus is me reminding myself that I create my own success: "Caught ya, caught ya, caught ya sewing new starts into my sky" and for lack of a better metaphor every cloud has a silver lining: "Caught ya, caught ya, caught ya re-arranging my clouds", says Wallace.
Inspired by Electric Wire Hustle, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Muhsinah, each verse explores different concepts. The first, stumbling across beauty in a place you didn't expect to find it. The second, realising it's ok to pursue something you're passionate about, and the third learning from a bad experience and growing despite it. Sampa The Great lends a rap to the track, with her strong, sincere lyrics adding an even more "girl power" element to the music. Be sure to check out Wallace's debut Vinyl Skip, released earlier this year.
Future soul singer and songwriter Wallace Gollan’s music is an exciting mosaic combination of blues, soul, and jazz. She creates music in spaces unfamiliar, addresses silences with harmonies so detailed it is simple and expressive that words are not needed to understand her message. She possesses a type of sound others have labeled in the vein of Erykah Badu, Little Dragon or Carmen McRae. With a contagious smile, a humble personality and a rare name to begin with, Wallace Gollan is set to make some serious heads turn in the music industry.
Soul grooves over a modern soundtrack, Sampa The Great provides a 'pause' that works and the whole thing has that timeless soul feel through Wallace's stunning vocals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Silvertron Youth Choir - Spaceship Sunlight (from debt album).
Biography - Doubling down on the zany, beer-battered inflorescence of past projects such as Mongoose Thompson and Nodding Tree Remedies, Thomas Mudrick and the Silvertron Youth Choir take the more hilariously warped happenstances of previous projects and turn them up to 11 with Our God Is A Possum God, the newest release from Mudrick and his Oregon based crew of merry pranksters. As with the aforementioned projects, as well as the prodigious and ever-expanding back-catalogue of Thomas Mudrick’s own solo records (most recently 2013’s (((boing))) and 2014’s Abiqua), Our God Is A Possum God draws listeners into a web of sprightly, imaginative musical vortices that follow none but their own internal piper. With the Silvertron Youth Choir, Mudrick and long time co-conspirator and drum whiz Ian Hartley (The Shivas) cobble together a gem of a record that’s both hilarious and strange, often at once.
Silvertron Youth Choir isn’t short on inanity, assembling what could at times be described as children’s music made for (and seemingly by) mightily stoned adults; a pin wheeling, day- tripping, hipping and hopping, skipping and jumping ramble through the worm hole into a range of delightfully visual and guffaw-inducing ditties tackling all manner of subjects, such as: pies made of whiskey and bacon, soda pop downloading computer programs for red necks, water spider birds on the tundra, philosophical mayonnaise, peanut butter trains, cosmic hybrid creatures riding forklifts, pamplemooses, and, as a lyrical coup-de-grace of sorts, Justin Beiber mounted triumphantly atop a giant rodent.
If all that sounds like an earful of nonsense, it is, and that’s the point. The crux of Silvertron Youth Choir’s tune-wrangling is in their ability to spool out numbers that make liberal use of deft musicianship and pop/folk song craft while remaining ridiculously irreverent and often wickedly funny, eliciting a sense not unlike those uncontrollable belly laughs one gets after too many bong rips. As with so much of Thomas Mudrick’s past work, Our God Is A Possum God is firmly indebted to the Old Masters’ use of dada-inspired non-sequitur as a way to contort the quotidian nature of mainstream pop and rock: early Beck, Zappa, Ween, the Residents, They Might Be Giants, etc..
Weirdly wonderful and the vision of Justin Beiber mounted atop a giant rodent is reason enough to include. Featured track is one dimension of a genre undefinable album, hence the Zappa & They Might Be Giants references above.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 8 August 2015
Three More Saturday Songs
Background - Parkview is the debut full length album by Stephen Caulfield. Written, performed and produced entirely by Stephen, Parkview was recorded over a number of years in a self-built studio that looks out over the local park.
Parkview is an album of 11 songs that showcases Stephen’s ability as a singer-songwriter on piano and guitar, whilst also demonstrating his love of fusing strict electronic music with organic natural sounds using many weird and wonderful instruments and effects that he has collected over the years.
Stephen loves playing with, and altering sounds to create a unique palette of noise, he alters the computer recorded sounds by changing their speed, pitch, timing or dynamics to make new sounds that are then used to make rhythms and melodies. Beneath the production trickery and instrumentation lies a solid foundation of good song writing and Stephen’s solid abilities as a singer. The core component of each song is Stephen’s voice which ranges from lush arrangements of multi tracked harmonies to simple, tender vocals rich with emotion.
The resulting music is a mixture of sounds that include sparse ambient, acoustic guitar and piano, pulsating synthesizers, power driven rock guitar and lush instrumentation. On Parkview, these sounds are brought together to create a diverse album that has a dream like atmosphere from beginning to end. Stephen’s influences include Elbow, Imogen Heap, The Beatles, Thomas Dolby, Kirsty MacColl, Radiohead, Bon Iver, The Blue Nile, Talk Talk, Doves, John Grant, Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service, Bombay Bicycle Club, Snow Patrol, New Order and Peter Gabriel.
Considering the time and effort that has gone into this album my expectations were set quite high. I am not disappointed. The quality of the songs and the attention to detail in the production are really good. The featured track is the first on the album and seems a logical starting point.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background - The band - Sydney three piece comprised of singer Huck Hastings, guitarist Joel Woolf and keyboardist Hayden Woolf - craft songs that are both heartfelt and intelligent; equal parts haunting and jangly. 'Damage I've Done', which even from the title is emotionally weighted, typifies this approach, offering irresistibly catchy pop hooks wrapped up in darker musical tones. Unmistakable within this sound is Huck's effortless and emotive voice.
When debut EP 'Darkness Is Laughing' was released in January, it was met with favourable reviews that praised the band for their elegant simplicity and their strangely melancholic stirring. Its lead single, 'If I Have To Grow Up', showed an honest lyrical expressiveness, and introduced the band's sound of hypnotic rhythms, almost eerie pop guitars and bitter-sweet melodic hooks.
Recorded and mixed by Tim Carr (Matt Corby, Urthboy), 'Damage I've Done' is a beautifully-produced slice of indie rock that marries catchy pop smarts with honest, relatable human emotion. Hastings bears his soul on the song, with lyrics like “If I could have ten thousand lovers I would / I'd be understood / I'd never let them down and I'd make them all feel good / I'd give out my love to you” adding sparkles of sunlight to cloudy skies. Openly embracing of their home town scene, Hollow States are set to get busier on the live front in support of Damage I've Done with touring planned for the warmer months ahead.
A fine jangly, indie rock song, Hollow States can clearly cut a track that begs for airplay on any mainstream music radio station. Come on programme controllers, cut the bilge and put bands like this on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background - Damien J Brennan was born and raised in County Down, Northern Ireland. He learned to play the guitar and began busking whilst backpacking through Italy and Australia. Shortly after his return home he began song writing and on a limited budget recorded some garage demos. These initial recordings received positive feedback and a glowing review from critically acclaimed mastering engineer Pete Maher (U2, Snow Patrol, Katy Perry, Hudson Taylor).
Damien recorded his first professional tracks in Zero Hour Studios and these songs led to gigs locally and in London. They were also picked up for radio play on Tom Robinson's BBC Radio 6 show and Baylen Leonard and Aaron Philips on Amazing Radio, together with a number of regional UK stations. Tony Moore of Soho Radio invited Damien to sing live on his show and to appear live at London's Bedford this August. The future is looking very promising for this up and coming Irish talent.
Some artists teach themselves how to play an instrument and then cut their teeth busking, travelling and producing their own demos. Its no guarantee of further success, but when artists who have worked hard to be heard, have this amount of natural talent, it's no surprise they are being picked up on. After all it is all about the music.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 6 August 2015
Thursday - Cutting To The Chase
Sunshine and The Blue Moon - Buffalo Child.
What they say - I think it's safe to say we're a nostalgic bunch. We get our music on vinyl or tape, we take our photos and shoot home videos on film, we drive around in my big old boat of a car, anything that brings us a little farther away from the pervasive technologies that dog all of our daily lives.
Our new video "Lucy" was directed and shot on super8 film by our best friend and honorary band member Laura-Lynn Petrick (....Mac Demarco, Calvin Love, Michael Rault...) in the heart of winter. We're releasing it now since it seems completely inappropriate. We signed with The Hand Recordings and will be releasing our debut LP this fall.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berlin Blue - Used To Know.
And the promo says - Berlin Blue is a Sydney-based indie rock band consisting of front man and guitarist Alex Toh, bassist Thomas McGreevy and drummer Gerardo Flores Torres. The band’s music can best be described as indie rock mixing Britpop and alternative rock elements, with The Jam, The Libertines and The Mars Volta being among their key influences. Their frenetic yet polished live performances are matched with an onstage charm and wit that has seen Berlin Blue garner a steady following and turn heads at key Sydney venues such as Oxford Art Factory and The Annandale Hotel.
The recent release of their eponymous debut EP showcases the band’s lead single “Used to Know” - a guitar-oriented track that revels in its sing-a-long hooks and pulsating rhythms, the perfect way to introduce one of the newest bands on the scene. At first listen the song shows its true indie-rock heritage, thanks in no small part to its upbeat tempo and crunchy tone. Any thoughts of imitation are quickly abandoned, with the song’s ear- burningly catchy guitar riff demanding immediate attention and carrying through with the band’s pounding rhythms. Along with all this, Berlin Blue also manage to instil their sense of sarcasm and refined irreverence in the track, a rare accomplishment for any band.
And we say - It's a feisty song reminiscent of new wave first time around. No pretentious indulgence here, just indie rock done well, maybe music wise, that's enough for some of us?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Vernons - Snap My Fingers.
The story so far - Gold Coast blues-rockers The Vernons are back with an in-your-face hip shakin' number titled Snap My Fingers. The first single from an as yet untitled but soon to be released EP, 'Snap' visits the darker side of the human psyche while belting out a punchy, rockin’ and rollin’ ear-fest. The track's infectious vibe is built on the foundation of a tight riff, great groove and Jonny Nyst's dazzling vocal acrobatics. The super production of the new sessions come courtesy of Brisbane guru engineer Konstantin Kersting (Moses Gunn, Belligerents, Junkyard Diamonds).
Sculpting their sound from long nights out, hung-over days in and their parents’ old vinyl records, The Vernons distil a distinct modern blues-rock sound and have been compared to the classic sounds of The Black Keys, Jack White and Kings of Leon. The band’s recordings so far spread across two EP releases and have been critically applauded around Australia and the United States, where Esquire Magazine insisted to its readers: “Remember, you heard 'em here first.” Quickly becoming renown for their 110% give-it-all live attitude, The Vernons have been headlining tours in support of their releases, while supporting the likes of Hoodoo Gurus, Wolfmother, Seasick Steve, The Rubens, Wolf & Cub, Stonefield, Ash Grunwald and more. The band also have the Big Day Out festival under their belt.
Snap My Fingers is out this Friday August 7 with upcoming EP release and tour details TBA, but in the short term the band will be headlining the Food and Fire Festival in Roma, Queensland on September 12.
Our little story - Almost rockabilly in part, this song is a little bit like The Stray Cats turning the amp up to eleven. Attitude in abundance, your hips never had it so good....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What they say - I think it's safe to say we're a nostalgic bunch. We get our music on vinyl or tape, we take our photos and shoot home videos on film, we drive around in my big old boat of a car, anything that brings us a little farther away from the pervasive technologies that dog all of our daily lives.
Our new video "Lucy" was directed and shot on super8 film by our best friend and honorary band member Laura-Lynn Petrick (....Mac Demarco, Calvin Love, Michael Rault...) in the heart of winter. We're releasing it now since it seems completely inappropriate. We signed with The Hand Recordings and will be releasing our debut LP this fall.
We had no intention of using this footage for a music video, but it just looked so great we thought might as well use it for something. We put it over a demo recording of an old song that people seem to enjoy, we hope you enjoy it too!
What we say - Keeping on the inappropriate theme, Beehive Candy will feature a different demo and just provide a link to the video (here). Actually it's just a feeble way of featuring two numbers from them, easily spotted eh?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berlin Blue - Used To Know.
And the promo says - Berlin Blue is a Sydney-based indie rock band consisting of front man and guitarist Alex Toh, bassist Thomas McGreevy and drummer Gerardo Flores Torres. The band’s music can best be described as indie rock mixing Britpop and alternative rock elements, with The Jam, The Libertines and The Mars Volta being among their key influences. Their frenetic yet polished live performances are matched with an onstage charm and wit that has seen Berlin Blue garner a steady following and turn heads at key Sydney venues such as Oxford Art Factory and The Annandale Hotel.
The recent release of their eponymous debut EP showcases the band’s lead single “Used to Know” - a guitar-oriented track that revels in its sing-a-long hooks and pulsating rhythms, the perfect way to introduce one of the newest bands on the scene. At first listen the song shows its true indie-rock heritage, thanks in no small part to its upbeat tempo and crunchy tone. Any thoughts of imitation are quickly abandoned, with the song’s ear- burningly catchy guitar riff demanding immediate attention and carrying through with the band’s pounding rhythms. Along with all this, Berlin Blue also manage to instil their sense of sarcasm and refined irreverence in the track, a rare accomplishment for any band.
And we say - It's a feisty song reminiscent of new wave first time around. No pretentious indulgence here, just indie rock done well, maybe music wise, that's enough for some of us?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Vernons - Snap My Fingers.
The story so far - Gold Coast blues-rockers The Vernons are back with an in-your-face hip shakin' number titled Snap My Fingers. The first single from an as yet untitled but soon to be released EP, 'Snap' visits the darker side of the human psyche while belting out a punchy, rockin’ and rollin’ ear-fest. The track's infectious vibe is built on the foundation of a tight riff, great groove and Jonny Nyst's dazzling vocal acrobatics. The super production of the new sessions come courtesy of Brisbane guru engineer Konstantin Kersting (Moses Gunn, Belligerents, Junkyard Diamonds).
Sculpting their sound from long nights out, hung-over days in and their parents’ old vinyl records, The Vernons distil a distinct modern blues-rock sound and have been compared to the classic sounds of The Black Keys, Jack White and Kings of Leon. The band’s recordings so far spread across two EP releases and have been critically applauded around Australia and the United States, where Esquire Magazine insisted to its readers: “Remember, you heard 'em here first.” Quickly becoming renown for their 110% give-it-all live attitude, The Vernons have been headlining tours in support of their releases, while supporting the likes of Hoodoo Gurus, Wolfmother, Seasick Steve, The Rubens, Wolf & Cub, Stonefield, Ash Grunwald and more. The band also have the Big Day Out festival under their belt.
Snap My Fingers is out this Friday August 7 with upcoming EP release and tour details TBA, but in the short term the band will be headlining the Food and Fire Festival in Roma, Queensland on September 12.
Our little story - Almost rockabilly in part, this song is a little bit like The Stray Cats turning the amp up to eleven. Attitude in abundance, your hips never had it so good....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 5 August 2015
Wednesdays Triple Play
Fresh Snow - Proper Burial feat. DIANA's Carmen Elle.
Background - Toronto instrumental four-piece Fresh Snow announces their sophomore album 'Won,' out September 11 via Hand Drawn Dracula on vinyl/digital and on limited cassette edition via Reel Cod Records. The album's first single "Proper Burial" features vocals from DIANA's Carmen Elle.
Born in a dive bar on Toronto's Bloor Street in 2010, four friends gathered to make improvisational music based on their love of drones, noise and-less obviously-strongly melodic pop music. Since their first show in 2011, Andy Lloyd (bass, keys) , Brad Davis (guitars, keys), Jon Maki (drums), and Tim Condon (keys, etc) have released a split 7" single with METZ, a full-length album, "I" (Reel Cod Records), and a cover of 'Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle', featuring vocals by Julie Fader on the Nirvana tribute album, Milkin' It (Hand Drawn Dracula).
They have been invited to perform at NXNE, Wavelength, Long Winter, Electric Eclectics, and Arboretum Festival, along with venues throughout Ontario and in Montreal putting on their live show that's featured them in red hoods, wooden masks, and playing inside a pod full of projectors. Primarily an instrumental band with a core line-up augmented by guest horn and string players (including Trent Severn's Laura C. Bates), Fresh Snow is not easy to pigeon hole.
Considering the background info provided, the featured song is a straight forward piece, that keeps things simple and the vocals round out the song, making the forthcoming album of real interest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Color Collage - Shareholder.
Color Collage's album 'Pieced Together' is out this Friday (August 7th) on Paper Garden Records. We featured them a few weeks back, however with another song to share and a Brooklyn residency starting tonight, how could I resist another mention. Facebook page (here).
8/5 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/7 - New York, NY @ Fulton Stall Market (207A Front St in South Street Seaport) - Record Release Show with New Myths & Strange Names.
8/12 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/26 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
Described as 'electronic doo wop' all tends to become clearer with this fine song.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valdaway - Beautiful View.
Background - Recorded with acclaimed engineer Dave Parkin (Jebediah, Abbe May), 'Beautiful View' is the stellar first single taken from the forthcoming album 'Boom Shake Heartbreak'. The track is a shining example of the band's take on Alt-anthemic rock with a modern sonic palette.
The story of Valdaway begins some ten years ago in an isolated small town in the scenic South West of WA, when three young brothers and a best mate started jamming in the garage of their family home. Honing their craft and developing their chops throughout virtually all of WA's best known pubs, an earlier incarnation of the group saw the release of debut material, but it it wasn't until 2013 that it really felt right to brand the emerging outfit as Valdaway. 'Beautiful View' is out August 7 through all good digital retailers.
Well if this is what Alt-anthemic rock sounds like, then the odd song now and then will do no harm. Seriously, this is well honed no nonsense rock, simple as that really. Facebook (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background - Toronto instrumental four-piece Fresh Snow announces their sophomore album 'Won,' out September 11 via Hand Drawn Dracula on vinyl/digital and on limited cassette edition via Reel Cod Records. The album's first single "Proper Burial" features vocals from DIANA's Carmen Elle.
Born in a dive bar on Toronto's Bloor Street in 2010, four friends gathered to make improvisational music based on their love of drones, noise and-less obviously-strongly melodic pop music. Since their first show in 2011, Andy Lloyd (bass, keys) , Brad Davis (guitars, keys), Jon Maki (drums), and Tim Condon (keys, etc) have released a split 7" single with METZ, a full-length album, "I" (Reel Cod Records), and a cover of 'Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle', featuring vocals by Julie Fader on the Nirvana tribute album, Milkin' It (Hand Drawn Dracula).
They have been invited to perform at NXNE, Wavelength, Long Winter, Electric Eclectics, and Arboretum Festival, along with venues throughout Ontario and in Montreal putting on their live show that's featured them in red hoods, wooden masks, and playing inside a pod full of projectors. Primarily an instrumental band with a core line-up augmented by guest horn and string players (including Trent Severn's Laura C. Bates), Fresh Snow is not easy to pigeon hole.
Considering the background info provided, the featured song is a straight forward piece, that keeps things simple and the vocals round out the song, making the forthcoming album of real interest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Color Collage - Shareholder.
Color Collage's album 'Pieced Together' is out this Friday (August 7th) on Paper Garden Records. We featured them a few weeks back, however with another song to share and a Brooklyn residency starting tonight, how could I resist another mention. Facebook page (here).
8/5 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/7 - New York, NY @ Fulton Stall Market (207A Front St in South Street Seaport) - Record Release Show with New Myths & Strange Names.
8/12 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/26 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
Described as 'electronic doo wop' all tends to become clearer with this fine song.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valdaway - Beautiful View.
Background - Recorded with acclaimed engineer Dave Parkin (Jebediah, Abbe May), 'Beautiful View' is the stellar first single taken from the forthcoming album 'Boom Shake Heartbreak'. The track is a shining example of the band's take on Alt-anthemic rock with a modern sonic palette.
The story of Valdaway begins some ten years ago in an isolated small town in the scenic South West of WA, when three young brothers and a best mate started jamming in the garage of their family home. Honing their craft and developing their chops throughout virtually all of WA's best known pubs, an earlier incarnation of the group saw the release of debut material, but it it wasn't until 2013 that it really felt right to brand the emerging outfit as Valdaway. 'Beautiful View' is out August 7 through all good digital retailers.
Well if this is what Alt-anthemic rock sounds like, then the odd song now and then will do no harm. Seriously, this is well honed no nonsense rock, simple as that really. Facebook (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
Genre Wandering Tuesday
FLORALS - Becalm.
What we are told - Based out of Los Angeles, CA. FLORALS uses a mixture of live instruments, synthesizers, and organic textures to create their own take on electronic music. FLORALS are Ryan Koch (producer), Stephanie Marie Rick (vocals) and Joey Singleton (guitar). They've been covered by outlets like The Grey Estates, Darling Magazine and Buzzbands LA who praised "the band's gloomy atmospherics" and "Rick's bright, feathery vocals."
I love the expression 'Trio Of Doom' on their Soundcloud page, it's a little melodramatic and yet does give a hint to the sounds they produce. On that basis I guess 'Becalm' is fairly upbeat, whatever it's a really good song. Facebook (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Zanders - Until My Body Breaks.
Background words - The Zanders is a project born from the creative mind of Heath Petzold, with the assistance of many friends he has accumulated in the Sydney music scene over his years playing gigs, rock and rolling, and enthusiastically participating in whatever debauchery he could find. Heath is best known for The Cadres a band for which he was the founder and songwriter, and the persona that made their live act unquestionably amazing. The Band first hit the Sydney music scene at the famous Annandale Hotels Uprising competition and finished Runners up in 2009.
Until My Body Breaks is produced by Paul Conrad, who’s most recent single “Records” is achieving great success. Heaths old band mates, Jack Maher and Tim Watt are also very involved in making this project. Their own music knowledge has been invaluable to the creation of “The Zanders” sound.
Passionate vocals guide this anthem of a song, mixing power and refrains to great effect. In other words I like it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mazde - Pitch Black (feat. LissA).
The story so far - Mazde (pron. Maz-Dih) is the brainchild of 21-year old beautiful Bonn born electronic producer Matthias Dierkes. Now based in Berlin, the young gun, who trained in both classical and jazz composition from the age of six, first gained attention with his melodic and bass thumping remix of Disclosure's 'Help Me Lose My Mind'.
Now recently back from a six-date Australian tour and with regular shows across Europe, Mazde is readying himself for the release of his debut EP, with fellow German musician LissA featuring on every track. The singer/songwriter's emotional, sincere lyrics and naturally soft and honest vocals perfectly compliment Mazde's beats and impassioned piano chords. Mazde x LissA EP will be released on 28th August on Stoney Roads Records (the label imprint from the leading Australian electronic music site). With over 20 million plays on his Soundcloud from his originals and remixes and his recent Mix Up Exclusive for Triple J (alongside What So Not, Claude Vonstroke, RL Grime & more), Mazde has forged a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative electronic artists breaking through right now.
This would comfortably fit into one of our 'Sunday Alternative Take' round ups, however I really don't want to sit on it until the next one. Musically this is just so cool and the vocals wonderful, I think this will be getting a lot of attention.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hippo Campus - South.
Background - Hippo Campus return with brand new EP 'South' (produced by Low’s Alan Sparhawk) available 2nd October on Transgressive Records. The EP's title track was premiered by Huw Stephen’s on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show. Hippo Campus are four Minnesotan boys, yet to hit legal drinking age making music that is infectious, joyful, and thematically soaked with the sense of cynicism accompanying the youthful search of self-meaning. On ‘South’ Hippo Campus delve deeper into their transcending journey into adulthood and the playful elasticity of singer Jake Luppen's voice amplifies the bands bright, optimistic, and emotionally resonant sound.
Anyone who spends to much time hanging around Beehive Candy may recall we featured Hippo Campus back in June. Well it's a case of another song, another feature, because this is such an impressive band and superb song, simple as that. Website (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What we are told - Based out of Los Angeles, CA. FLORALS uses a mixture of live instruments, synthesizers, and organic textures to create their own take on electronic music. FLORALS are Ryan Koch (producer), Stephanie Marie Rick (vocals) and Joey Singleton (guitar). They've been covered by outlets like The Grey Estates, Darling Magazine and Buzzbands LA who praised "the band's gloomy atmospherics" and "Rick's bright, feathery vocals."
I love the expression 'Trio Of Doom' on their Soundcloud page, it's a little melodramatic and yet does give a hint to the sounds they produce. On that basis I guess 'Becalm' is fairly upbeat, whatever it's a really good song. Facebook (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Zanders - Until My Body Breaks.
Background words - The Zanders is a project born from the creative mind of Heath Petzold, with the assistance of many friends he has accumulated in the Sydney music scene over his years playing gigs, rock and rolling, and enthusiastically participating in whatever debauchery he could find. Heath is best known for The Cadres a band for which he was the founder and songwriter, and the persona that made their live act unquestionably amazing. The Band first hit the Sydney music scene at the famous Annandale Hotels Uprising competition and finished Runners up in 2009.
Until My Body Breaks is produced by Paul Conrad, who’s most recent single “Records” is achieving great success. Heaths old band mates, Jack Maher and Tim Watt are also very involved in making this project. Their own music knowledge has been invaluable to the creation of “The Zanders” sound.
Passionate vocals guide this anthem of a song, mixing power and refrains to great effect. In other words I like it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mazde - Pitch Black (feat. LissA).
The story so far - Mazde (pron. Maz-Dih) is the brainchild of 21-year old beautiful Bonn born electronic producer Matthias Dierkes. Now based in Berlin, the young gun, who trained in both classical and jazz composition from the age of six, first gained attention with his melodic and bass thumping remix of Disclosure's 'Help Me Lose My Mind'.
Now recently back from a six-date Australian tour and with regular shows across Europe, Mazde is readying himself for the release of his debut EP, with fellow German musician LissA featuring on every track. The singer/songwriter's emotional, sincere lyrics and naturally soft and honest vocals perfectly compliment Mazde's beats and impassioned piano chords. Mazde x LissA EP will be released on 28th August on Stoney Roads Records (the label imprint from the leading Australian electronic music site). With over 20 million plays on his Soundcloud from his originals and remixes and his recent Mix Up Exclusive for Triple J (alongside What So Not, Claude Vonstroke, RL Grime & more), Mazde has forged a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative electronic artists breaking through right now.
This would comfortably fit into one of our 'Sunday Alternative Take' round ups, however I really don't want to sit on it until the next one. Musically this is just so cool and the vocals wonderful, I think this will be getting a lot of attention.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hippo Campus - South.
Background - Hippo Campus return with brand new EP 'South' (produced by Low’s Alan Sparhawk) available 2nd October on Transgressive Records. The EP's title track was premiered by Huw Stephen’s on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show. Hippo Campus are four Minnesotan boys, yet to hit legal drinking age making music that is infectious, joyful, and thematically soaked with the sense of cynicism accompanying the youthful search of self-meaning. On ‘South’ Hippo Campus delve deeper into their transcending journey into adulthood and the playful elasticity of singer Jake Luppen's voice amplifies the bands bright, optimistic, and emotionally resonant sound.
Anyone who spends to much time hanging around Beehive Candy may recall we featured Hippo Campus back in June. Well it's a case of another song, another feature, because this is such an impressive band and superb song, simple as that. Website (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 3 August 2015
Robyn Hitchcock - Sgt. Pepper - London 2007 (Internet Archive)
For those not familiar with Robyn, this is the introduction from Wikipedia - Robyn Rowan Hitchcock (born 3 March 1953) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. While primarily a vocalist and guitarist, he also plays harmonica, piano and bass guitar. Coming to prominence in the late 1970s with The Soft Boys, Hitchcock afterward launched a prolific solo career. His musical and lyrical styles have been influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Syd Barrett. Hitchcock's lyrics tend to include surrealism, comedic elements, characterisations of English eccentrics, and melancholy depictions of everyday life.
He was signed to two major American labels (A&M Records, then Warner Bros.) over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, but mainstream success has been limited. He has earned strong critical reviews over a steady stream of album releases and live performances, and a "cult following" for his songs. More details (here).
Robyn is accompanied by some superb musicians and the approach to the music is both in good humour and yet with a real attempt to make something special with the material. Perhaps it helped performing in a well respected pub, (with a strong tradition for excellent beers) and clearly the audience are loving this performance in what is a small club style environment. I think Robyn's voice just lends itself to the material, the band nail it and morphing into 'The Midnight Hour' during 'Good Morning Good Morning' really is something else.
Recording Details: Source AUD -> Edirol R09 Lineage SP-CMC-2 -> Edirol R09 -> Audition 2.0 -> FLAC.
Sound Quality: Excellent quality audience source, this is clean and crisp throughout.
Set List:
01 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
02 With a Little Help from My Friends
03 Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
04 Getting Better
05 Fixing a Hole
06 She's Leaving Home
07 Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
08 Within You Without You
09 When I'm Sixty-Four
10 Lovely Rita
11 Good Morning Good Morning
12 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
13 A Day in the Life
14 Strawberry Fields Forever
15 Penny Lane
16 Sunny Afternoon
17 Waterloo Sunset
18 Are You Experienced
19 Hey Bulldog
20 Kingdom of Love
21 All You Need Is Love
Comments: This can be obtained in MP3, Flac, and Ogg Vorbis formats over at the Internet Archive (here).
Website: Official (here).
Stream Full Concert Below:
Sunday, 2 August 2015
Sundays Alternative Take - Variety & Class
Tongues - Religion.
Background - Meet Tongues, the budding electronic artist out of Glasgow, Scotland. New track, ’Religion’ is his latest slice of storming synthetic pop, full of driving rhythm and modulated vocals, and is a taste of his fantastic debut EP, due September.
Tongues sets the standards very high in this new music round up. Tongues is a class act, sometimes it's just easy to say - "let the music speak for itself". Find out more (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharer - Body Tonight
Background - Alongside Nick and JD, the vocals on "Body Tonight" are by Jo Lampert (Tune-Yards, AVAN LAVA) and Xavier Smith. The single will come out on August 21st, with remixes from Midnight Magic and LEFTI.
Here’s what Nick and JD have to say in their own words:
"I used to go see JD simply as a fan while living in London. Her live shows were always absolutely fantastic, leaving me a sweaty mess. When the opportunity arose for me to work with her, I jumped at it. A few months later, here is the beginning of our new friendship. I couldn’t be more excited to share it." - Nick van Hofwegen
"Nick and I were matched up to write songs for other people, but after about two seconds of sharing, we knew what we had was something completely and utterly ours. Love and respect for your collaborators is so important, and working with Nick is such a beautiful expression of our mutual admiration. I love our process and can’t wait until the world gets to share the joy." - JD Samson.
Funky, soulful and lively. It's a little like a highly electrified Chic, old soul and funk modernised for today's ears.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jereco - Too Slow.
Background - Jeremiah Maslin, also known by his stage name Jereco, is a Pop/Electronic music instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer. Born in Wagga Wagga NSW, Jeremiah grew up on a farm outside of a small town called Ardlethan where he still resides.
After being heavily influenced by Punk and Metal music throughout his teenage years, 2015 saw Jeremiah make an unexpected transition from being the drummer in a Punk band, to a producer and vocalist of Pop/Electronic music. The stylistic switch resulted in his first ever original songs being produced that showcase skills far exceeding that of his experience in the genre. His debut single ‘Too Slow’ featuring his own vocals accompanied with his sister’s, was written on guitar before being interpreted using electronic sounds. The single was recorded at home with his father Rod Maslin producing vocals as well as mastering the track.
Massively catchy song, with hooks that get under my skin. Electro Pop debut's of this quality are rare. Love the vocals as well. Facebook (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flush - Come Back Baby.
Background - From Aeroplane: "Flush is a new project I started in order to release all edits and reworks I do on planes and in airport lounges. It will be focused on House Music from the early days. Often sample-based but not always, it's a mixture of Chicago House and French Touch a la Crydamoure. Initially the plan was to just put these out on the Internet, but the people at Strictly Rhythm thought the first song “Come Back Baby" was good enough to release.
Old school house perhaps, this is full of summer vibes and if you were around in the early days has an element of nostalgia. It's a good one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jodie Aysha - Turn Me Out (Ass Up) Ft. BVRZZ.
Background - We've got big news here from one of the most iconic voices in the Garage & Bassline world as 'Heartbroken' legend Jodie Aysha lets out the first word of her upcoming House release 'Turn Me Out'. Switching up her unforgettable vocals to fit the 2015 sound of House - she's nailed a brilliant single which is coming out 22nd August.
The UK was lit up in 2007 when Jodie Aysha’s unforgettable vocal on ‘Heartbroken’ broke
through the underground after years of circulation on the UK Garage and Bassline circuits. Already one of the benchmark releases for a long spell before commercial release – the early hearings blew up in the Garage world and put Jodie in front of a global audience once the rest of the world caught up. 1.5 million UK sales and a U.S Billboard Dance Chart top 10 slot later and the release was cemented into electronic music history forever. Regarded as one of the definitive breakthrough tracks of an era – Jodie’s name was etched amongst the legends that launched the sound of the streets into a global phenomenon.
Another song that has that summer anthem feel to it, those inclined to dance will just love this, those inclined to just listen will be pretty happy as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beca - Hit To The Head - and Bayonet.
Background - Electro pop artist Beca reveals a fresh, dark, fearless sound that is all her own. Musically gifted at a young age, she graduated from the Juilliard School and traveled the world, performing with an array of artists while developing her own path and voice. Bursting onto the indie pop scene in 2012, her first two EP’s “Let’s Run Wild” and “Born To Fly” were released via UK label, This Is Music Ltd. (Little Boots, Charli XCX).
The breakthrough hits earned praise from Filter Magazine that said “her talent for whimsical sounds and a breezy voice is worth listening to over and over again” and from Stereogum that described her music as “wispy, ethereal electro pop.” Included on the EPs are a number of remixes by notable names, such as Ashley Beedle, Klic, and Madeaux.
Beca has made appearances at CMJ, SXSW, Miami Fashion Week, and NXNE (Red Bull Sound Select Showcase opening for Sleigh Bells). Her song "Enabler" was a Finalist in the 2014 ISC International Songwriting Competition, Electronica/Dance Category. Most recently, Beca finished recording her debut full-length album with producer Morgan Wiley of Midnight Magic, to be released Autumn 2015.
Lot's to like about Beca's music, there are two songs featured below, 'Bayonet' also has a video which you can find on her website (here). 'Hit To The Head' is an intriguing remix that really does have an ethereal feel to it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zenith Myth - Shadow Fortune.
Background - After the crushingly cathartic eponymous debut, Zenith Myth’s sophomore effort "Eclipsed V” has seen the project shift into electronic experimentation mode. With a metronomic pulse, the record manages to mesh mid tempo arpeggiated synths with intricate drum programming and real drums to bend genres and analog sounds. The guitars are all still in there (6 different guitarists played on the record), but they give way to drones and modulated synthesisers that capture a subtler, more nuanced instrumental dreamscapes this time out. Think eighties synth progressions with classic rock drum fills, alongside waved out guitar loops woven together just enough to bring you in but disorient simultaneously, and you pretty much get the idea of what "Eclipsed V" sounds like.
Deconstructionist from the start, the record transports you to uncharted territory melding mesmerising bass lines, sampled sounds with dark droned out guitars and synths.There are also acoustic guitar flourishes at times hinting at the rock sounds of a young Fleetwood Mac, with the ambiance of Boards of Canada and some early Cure melancholy thrown in for good measure.
As with the last record, I reached out to old friend and collaborator Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker The Star), to help capture the feeling and spirit of the sounds that were in my head.
When a promo states that the artist's genres are - Electro, Wave, Synth, Drone Rock, I expect a lot of varying styles and that is what you get with this album. The first track from the album is featured below and if you like it, the album is definitely worth checking out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background - Meet Tongues, the budding electronic artist out of Glasgow, Scotland. New track, ’Religion’ is his latest slice of storming synthetic pop, full of driving rhythm and modulated vocals, and is a taste of his fantastic debut EP, due September.
Tongues sets the standards very high in this new music round up. Tongues is a class act, sometimes it's just easy to say - "let the music speak for itself". Find out more (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharer - Body Tonight
Background - Alongside Nick and JD, the vocals on "Body Tonight" are by Jo Lampert (Tune-Yards, AVAN LAVA) and Xavier Smith. The single will come out on August 21st, with remixes from Midnight Magic and LEFTI.
Here’s what Nick and JD have to say in their own words:
"I used to go see JD simply as a fan while living in London. Her live shows were always absolutely fantastic, leaving me a sweaty mess. When the opportunity arose for me to work with her, I jumped at it. A few months later, here is the beginning of our new friendship. I couldn’t be more excited to share it." - Nick van Hofwegen
"Nick and I were matched up to write songs for other people, but after about two seconds of sharing, we knew what we had was something completely and utterly ours. Love and respect for your collaborators is so important, and working with Nick is such a beautiful expression of our mutual admiration. I love our process and can’t wait until the world gets to share the joy." - JD Samson.
Funky, soulful and lively. It's a little like a highly electrified Chic, old soul and funk modernised for today's ears.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jereco - Too Slow.
Background - Jeremiah Maslin, also known by his stage name Jereco, is a Pop/Electronic music instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer. Born in Wagga Wagga NSW, Jeremiah grew up on a farm outside of a small town called Ardlethan where he still resides.
After being heavily influenced by Punk and Metal music throughout his teenage years, 2015 saw Jeremiah make an unexpected transition from being the drummer in a Punk band, to a producer and vocalist of Pop/Electronic music. The stylistic switch resulted in his first ever original songs being produced that showcase skills far exceeding that of his experience in the genre. His debut single ‘Too Slow’ featuring his own vocals accompanied with his sister’s, was written on guitar before being interpreted using electronic sounds. The single was recorded at home with his father Rod Maslin producing vocals as well as mastering the track.
Massively catchy song, with hooks that get under my skin. Electro Pop debut's of this quality are rare. Love the vocals as well. Facebook (here).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flush - Come Back Baby.
Background - From Aeroplane: "Flush is a new project I started in order to release all edits and reworks I do on planes and in airport lounges. It will be focused on House Music from the early days. Often sample-based but not always, it's a mixture of Chicago House and French Touch a la Crydamoure. Initially the plan was to just put these out on the Internet, but the people at Strictly Rhythm thought the first song “Come Back Baby" was good enough to release.
Old school house perhaps, this is full of summer vibes and if you were around in the early days has an element of nostalgia. It's a good one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jodie Aysha - Turn Me Out (Ass Up) Ft. BVRZZ.
Background - We've got big news here from one of the most iconic voices in the Garage & Bassline world as 'Heartbroken' legend Jodie Aysha lets out the first word of her upcoming House release 'Turn Me Out'. Switching up her unforgettable vocals to fit the 2015 sound of House - she's nailed a brilliant single which is coming out 22nd August.
The UK was lit up in 2007 when Jodie Aysha’s unforgettable vocal on ‘Heartbroken’ broke
through the underground after years of circulation on the UK Garage and Bassline circuits. Already one of the benchmark releases for a long spell before commercial release – the early hearings blew up in the Garage world and put Jodie in front of a global audience once the rest of the world caught up. 1.5 million UK sales and a U.S Billboard Dance Chart top 10 slot later and the release was cemented into electronic music history forever. Regarded as one of the definitive breakthrough tracks of an era – Jodie’s name was etched amongst the legends that launched the sound of the streets into a global phenomenon.
Another song that has that summer anthem feel to it, those inclined to dance will just love this, those inclined to just listen will be pretty happy as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beca - Hit To The Head - and Bayonet.
Background - Electro pop artist Beca reveals a fresh, dark, fearless sound that is all her own. Musically gifted at a young age, she graduated from the Juilliard School and traveled the world, performing with an array of artists while developing her own path and voice. Bursting onto the indie pop scene in 2012, her first two EP’s “Let’s Run Wild” and “Born To Fly” were released via UK label, This Is Music Ltd. (Little Boots, Charli XCX).
The breakthrough hits earned praise from Filter Magazine that said “her talent for whimsical sounds and a breezy voice is worth listening to over and over again” and from Stereogum that described her music as “wispy, ethereal electro pop.” Included on the EPs are a number of remixes by notable names, such as Ashley Beedle, Klic, and Madeaux.
Beca has made appearances at CMJ, SXSW, Miami Fashion Week, and NXNE (Red Bull Sound Select Showcase opening for Sleigh Bells). Her song "Enabler" was a Finalist in the 2014 ISC International Songwriting Competition, Electronica/Dance Category. Most recently, Beca finished recording her debut full-length album with producer Morgan Wiley of Midnight Magic, to be released Autumn 2015.
Lot's to like about Beca's music, there are two songs featured below, 'Bayonet' also has a video which you can find on her website (here). 'Hit To The Head' is an intriguing remix that really does have an ethereal feel to it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zenith Myth - Shadow Fortune.
Background - After the crushingly cathartic eponymous debut, Zenith Myth’s sophomore effort "Eclipsed V” has seen the project shift into electronic experimentation mode. With a metronomic pulse, the record manages to mesh mid tempo arpeggiated synths with intricate drum programming and real drums to bend genres and analog sounds. The guitars are all still in there (6 different guitarists played on the record), but they give way to drones and modulated synthesisers that capture a subtler, more nuanced instrumental dreamscapes this time out. Think eighties synth progressions with classic rock drum fills, alongside waved out guitar loops woven together just enough to bring you in but disorient simultaneously, and you pretty much get the idea of what "Eclipsed V" sounds like.
Deconstructionist from the start, the record transports you to uncharted territory melding mesmerising bass lines, sampled sounds with dark droned out guitars and synths.There are also acoustic guitar flourishes at times hinting at the rock sounds of a young Fleetwood Mac, with the ambiance of Boards of Canada and some early Cure melancholy thrown in for good measure.
As with the last record, I reached out to old friend and collaborator Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker The Star), to help capture the feeling and spirit of the sounds that were in my head.
When a promo states that the artist's genres are - Electro, Wave, Synth, Drone Rock, I expect a lot of varying styles and that is what you get with this album. The first track from the album is featured below and if you like it, the album is definitely worth checking out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
I do not intend to write about Nick Drake here, except to echo the common view held by so many, who have come across his music down the yea... -
The Hello Darlins - Don't You Fall. After making one of the biggest breakthroughs on the international Americana scene with their debut... -
Helven - u my homie. Emerging Norwegian alt-pop artist Helven has announced that she will release her debut EP volume 1 via Jansen Records ... -
Sister Wives - O Dŷ i Dŷ / Streets At Night. Sister Wives have shared two more tracks from their forthcoming debut album. The Double A sing... -
Chimes - Pile of Parts. With deep roots in the Gainesville, Florida's music scene, Chimes borrows just the smallest bits from their pre...
Dance Lessons - Worn Through - MK Naomi
Dance Lessons - Hurricane. London’s jazz-pop futurists Dance Lessons have announced the release of their hotly anticipated debut album Begi...
