Kill For Eden - So Many Wizards - Carl Louis - HOTT MT

Kill For Eden - Love You So.

Background - Kill for Eden are London-based purveyors of classic hard rock, radio ready riffs and powerful female vocals. Their music has been championed by XFM (presently Radio X) and Kerrang!, and seen the band likened to Skunk Anansie, Halestrom, The Cult and Garbage. The quartet have released two EPs and a self-titled album, that boasted “blistering riffs, hook-laden choruses, great vocals and a strong selection of tunes” (Fireworks Magazine). Their upcoming second studio album, Petty Crimes, is released in on 21st April 2017.

Based in London, but with a distinctly international flavour (two Brits, an Australian and a drummer from Siberia), Kill For Eden have been making high-octane heavy rock together since 2011. Kill for Eden is singer Lyla D’Souza - a seasoned professional hailing from Australia - Dave Garfield Bown - veteran guitarist who has toured alongside acts from Joe Cocker to Rammstein - alongside bassist Julian Palmer and drummer Wally Miroshnikov. 

To date the group have released two EP’s (2011’s Kerosene and 2013’s Living on Mars) as well as a self-titled album (also 2013). This album saw their music hit the airwaves on XFM, Kerrang! Radio, Bloodstock Radio and on numerous independent stations across Europe. They have appeared on stages including the legendary Hard Rock Cafe, Cockermouth Rock Festival, Camden Rocks and more. The band have not slowed down - despite various members starting families in the intervening time. They continued to gig throughout, and in 2016 entered the studio to begin work on their second full-length album. The result is the forthcoming Petty Crimes. Website here, Facebook here.

One of twelve tracks 'Love You So' gives a good feel for the forthcoming album 'Petty Crimes'. It would be easy just to repeat the promos description of 'classic hard rock' however there is enough variety across the album to suggest the music goes beyond that, and certainly 'hard rock' would be an over statement for some of the material. Passion, energy and hooks galore are also a hallmark of this classic meets modern collection of songs.

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So Many Wizards - Sic Boys.

Background - So Many Wizards is the dreamy, jangly dream-punk project led by Nima Kazerouni. The band have shared "Sic Boys", the first track off their upcoming album 'Heavy Vision' is due April 14 on Lolipop Records.

What began as a solo bedroom project indebted to Syd Barrett evolved into a fully-formed band that has garnered attention from Pitchfork, Stereogum, Aquarium Drunkard, and Impose Magazine; spins on BBC 1, KCRW, and SiriusXM (courtesy of Lou Reed); festival stops at SXSW and CMJ; and US and UK tours. A week after the release of their debut album, Warm Nothing, Kazerouni’s daughter was born causing his sudden move to Tucson, Arizona, taking him 500 miles away from his bandmates. Despite the distance, the band managed to release their “Night Chills”/”Daydream” 7”, a single with Converse Rubber Tracks, and shared the stage with Thee Oh Sees, No Age, Colleen Green, Audacity, Feels, Terry Malts, Lovely Bad Things, and more.

Now as a father, the delusion of adulthood began to set in. A new collection of fears and anxieties began to creep into his psyche. This was exacerbated by a series of deaths – a family member, a best friend, and the end of an 8-year long relationship. The experience left Kazerouni spiritually exhausted, culminating in a nervous breakdown, or “nervous breakthrough.” Kazerouni was finally able to lose a grip of himself and let all the problems and anxieties that he tried so hard to ignore wash over him. It was here where Kazerouni found refuge in the idea of mortality, instilling in him a new found determination to make the most of the present, because everyone’s life ultimately ends the same way. This emotional journey, from its dark hues to its liberated epiphany, is chronicled in Heavy Vision. Facebook here.

Described as dream punk 'Sic Boys' lives up to expectations. The vocals add the dreamy element, whilst the music is a mixture of punk like riffs and chord changes. it's also enormously catchy, you have been warned!

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Carl Louis - Easy (feat. Frøder).

Background - Growing up on the Nordic coastline, producer Carl Louis has spent much of his career broadening his musical horizons with a number of notable credits to his name. Originally a member of electronic duo CLMD, Louis co-produced a number of notable releases including ‘Stockholm Syndrome’, which went multi-platinum in Norway and was also premiered on Pete Tong’s Radio 1 show. Afterward, Louis left the group in 2014 to pursue his own personal ambitions.

Having spent the last few years producing singles for other artists, including ARY’s debut single ‘Higher’, as well as releasing his own mini-album in 2015, Lewis has now returned to deliver his latest full-length ‘Memory Lane’. While its title may suggest a more nostalgic sound, his latest material is a smorgasbord of contemporary influences and inspirations. With a largely classical direction, the mix of ideas and directions on his latest release are clear throughout.

Whether it is the ‘Random Access Memories’-era Daft Punk sound of ‘Human Being’ or the uplifting trip-hop style of ‘Easy’, ‘Memory Lane’ manages to gather together a whole range of sounds and is able to pull off a cohesive release. New single ‘Easy’ sees the producer create an uplifting and powerful introduction, which sees him collaborate once again with Spotify Spotlight artist and ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ vocalist Frøder, and is out now with the album to follow 26th May 2017 via Toothfairy (NOR). Facebook here.

'Easy' mixes beautiful vocals with a delightful sound track that is sometimes stripped back to allow for notable additional layers of sound to build through. Plenty of attention to detail ensures this song, stands out in the electronic music scene.

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HOTT MT - At Night In China Town.

Background - LA-based experimental pop duo HOTT MT shared their video for "At Night in Chinatown". The song is from their forthcoming new album 'AU' (Alternate Universe,) out May 4th via their own label Mutation Records.

The video was shot at their own warehouse space in Los Angeles, Non Plus Ultra, which was recently shut down. The duo says of their recent loss, "All of us at Non Plus Ultra have been together for years. Our ideals brought us together, and we built a space and a business on them. Non Plus Ultra showed us that we aren't alone in our desires. There are so many people in this town who share our values. We've made and lost spaces before, but this time we've got an incredible support system."

LA Weekly just named HOTT MT #25 on their list for "The 30 Best LA Rock Bands from the Past Decade, " and said, "They're the most ambitious psych-rock band in L.A., who stalked Flaming Lip's Wayne Coyne into a collaboration in 2012, and quietly dropped a track last year they produced for Kesha, without permission from Dr. Luke. They referred to the leak as "musical terrorism," a bold statement by the landlords of L.A.'s most interesting art space, Non Plus Ultra."

Hour Of The Time Majesty Twelve (HOTT MT) is an experimental pop group based in LA. Together, couple Spooki Tavi (guitar/vocals) and Ashi Dala (bass/vocals) create cartoon-like psychedelic fantasy in the dusty shimmer of East Hollywood. Since their formation in 2012, the group has collaborated  with: The Flaming Lips, Ariel Pink, Erykah Badu, and Ke$ha. They have also opened for: The Flaming Lips, Bat For Lashes and Galaxie 500. The duo will be releasing their 2nd full length album, titled 'AU' (Alternate Universe), in May 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

The story telling music video, gives some additional meaning to 'At Night In China Town' however this is a fine synthy and dreamy song more than capable of standing out with the audio only. HOTT MT are creative and confident, an exciting proposition, that promises more.

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Midweek Muse: Kikagaku Moyo - Nick Blaemire - MOLLYANNA - The Company Stores

Kikagaku Moyo - In a Coil.

Background - Last week, Kikagaku Moyo released "In A Coil," the lead single, from their upcoming new EP. Their 5-track record 'Stone Garden' is set to come out April 21st, via Guruguru Brain. The band has recently announced their spring North American tour, to kick off in Philadelphia on May 2nd.

'Stone Garden' started in a basement studio in Prague with a nearly continuous session over several days and nights. The original concept was influenced by the raw and seemingly endless jams of psychedelic pioneers. The freeform songs that emerged from those sessions were refined over several months at the band's home in Tokyo where each song was sculpted into an uncommon form.

Compared to their relatively song based previous LP 'House in the Tall Grass,' 'Stone Garden' is a window into Kikagaku Moyo’s experimental side.  While improvisation is essential to their songwriting process it can take on many forms. This record enabled the band to experiment not only with instrumentation but also atonality and a playful approach to mixing.  The unexpected results have become five unique songs each woven together through the same process. Website here, Facebook here, tour dates on Beehive Candys tour page.

Musical sounds swirl around the hypnotic rhythm on 'In a Coil' whilst the vocals are softer and immersed in the mix. Trippy psych music that is just so engaging.

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Nick Blaemire - She's You.

Background - New York City-based, “nerd soul“ artist, Nick Blaemire, shares his new single and music video, “She’s You” from his forthcoming release The Ampersand EP. The colorful choreography and 80s romance film inspired set is a fun look into Blaemire’s artistic mind.

Nick Blaemire’s upcoming solo release, The Ampersand EP, is a departure from his previous theater and television career. Punchland premiered the single, stating, “Every bit of this tune could easily cause one to walk the city streets and blend right in with it’s soulful bliss. Not a thing could bother a listener here. Pop and R&B merge well and the average Joe will linger on the subway just a bit more to stay in the musical dream even with that soft ending. Time to place on repeat” (Punchland). Check out the premiere here, and Punchland’s rave review of his set at Rockwood Music Hall here. With a performance at C’Mon Everybody on March 17th and an 80s teen romance inspired video on the way, Blaemire is one to keep eyes on. The Ampersand EP is due out in March 2017.

Stepping away from the Broadway stage, Blaemire is inspired by the wallflower, the underdog and that kid who doesn't yet have the guts to ask the girl out. His "nerd soul" vibe perfectly bridges classic soul with the innocence and cliche of 80s films - John Hughes, for example. Combining classic soul hooks with a pop energy, Blaemire’s collection of easily digestible tunes is not to be missed. Playing off of this character, Blaemire radiates positivity, bringing a new energy to the mainstream pop scene. Facebook here.

'She's You' is an infectious pop song with upbeat soulful vocals and a vibrant soundtrack. The music video catches and conveys the mood of the piece, it's now clear nerd soul rules, in the shape of Nick Blaemire.

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MOLLYANNA - Louder.

Background - Raw, distorted guitars meet gritty synth and powerful vocals - MOLLYANNA are dark, dramatic and uncompromising. Their heavy sound and energetic performances make for an unforgettable live show.

MOLLYANNA have supported Joseph on their UK tour, and Kate Jackson, (formerly of The Long Blondes), appeared at Tramlines and won the 2016 SYFN award for Best Song in their annual music video awards.

 “Louder,” is a flawless track which we have really high hopes for. Everything from the effortless vocals to the overall composition of the song is perfect and we are excited to see it grow. Facebook here.

Slowly the power and drama unfolds as 'Louder' unleashes it's passion. The band provide energy and momentum occasionally adding melodic refrains. Vocals are poured out with passion and angst, there's a story to be told, and you will hear it!

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The Company Stores - So Good.

Background - The Company Stores are proud to introduce "So Good", the first single from their upcoming sophomore LP, Little Lights (April 7th).  The band ventured to Echo Mountain Studios in Ashville, NC to begin the recording process with Grammy-winning Producer Julian Dwyer.  "So Good" features lead singer, Casey Litz's soulful, sultry vocals, a funky horn section, and a gritty backbeat that embodies the excitement of finding new love.  

Hailing from Charleston, WV, The Company Stores combine Appalachian folk influences with a progressive, electronic sound that isn't afraid to break boundaries and genre lines;  even delving into hip-hop and funk territory.  The band quickly made a name for themselves following their 2014 regionally acclaimed LP, Rollin' In.  The Company Stores continued to tour, grow their fanbase, and hone in the eclectic sound that would become the groundwork for their upcoming full-length, Little Lights. 

This is a band that will never lose touch with their roots.  The moniker refers to a store in Appalachian coal towns during the 19th and 20th century, where workers were paid in coal money or "scrip", leaving them with no exit from the mines. It is a metaphor for the band's mountain sound as well as a throwback to their heritage and the struggles of the common man. Little Lights will be available Friday, April 7th via independent release. Website here, Facebook here.

'So Good' is the only track I have heard from the forthcoming album and excuse this moment of weakness but so far, So Good (ouch). This one of those songs that just about covers all bases, it's musically tight and polished, the vocals are feisty and passionate, the hooks are constant and dig deep. In a word, magnificent.

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BeeVids: Kelly Lee Owens - Morganway - Midnight Vesta - Marina Maximillian

Kelly Lee Owens – Anxi.

Background - Kelly Lee Owens, the 28-year old London-based producer, is set to release her self-titled debut album, next Friday, March 24th via Smalltown Supersound. Additionally, Kelly is excited to present the music video (her first!) for “Anxi” ft. Jenny Hval. Directed by visual artist Kim Hiorthøy.

Before starting work on her self-produced, debut album, Kelly Lee Owens turned her keen ear towards dance music after working in a record store with techno producer Daniel Avery. Her voice and contributions can be heard on Avery’s Drone Logic. Since then, she self-released two white label 12”s, with last fall’s “Oleic” EP to follow.
 
Her self-titled solo album is first and foremost Owens’ vision — it bridges the gaps between cavernous techno, spectral pop, and Krautrock’s mechanical pulse, and it brims with exploratory wonder. It delves into a variety of moods - sadness, anxiety, and darkly shaded ecstasy - with a trippy-eyed clarity and confidence. Live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page, Facebook here.

Imaginative and addictive 'Anxi' mixes flowing beats alongside some creative musical ideas. Working around these are calm and smooth vocals, complemented by a song that is happy to alter speed and direction keeping the listener intrigued.

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Morganway - My Love Ain't Gonna Save You.

Background - Morganway, the Norfolk five-piece pride themselves on the high standard of their engaging live performances, and they have caught the eye of a range of festivals. Subsequently, they recently headlined The Open's prestigious OH1 festival, in their hometown of Norwich, on the Banking Hall stage. Other early 2017 shows include London gigs at The Troubadour, The Islington and The Bedford, as well as a special headline performance at Cambridge’s muchloved Portland Arms.

Morganway are working towards the release of their second EP ‘The Hurricane EP’ on April 7th, following the glowing reception of their debut EP ‘No Tomorrows’ last year. The lead single ‘My Love Ain’t Gonna Save You’ exposes the band’s diversity with a deeper, grittier sound, whilst still maintaining the familiar roots influence that fans of the band have come to know and love. With its captivating, catchy hook and electric guitar-driven chorus, the band’s sound bends into the pop terrain breaking genre boundaries to craft an irresistible fusion sound.

“Some songs are written exactly as they end up, others go on journeys. ‘My Love Ain’t Gonna Save You’ is definitely a traveler. The guitar riff and main melody came first, other parts were gradually discovered. I really like the vocals at the end, so much is happening all at once it feels like it’s going to explode. I think the song is all about that tension. The lyrics leave room for interpretation, but the idea is simple; you’re on your own. It asks questions but gets no answers… a bit like love really!” Facebook here, website here.

'My Love Ain't Gonna Save You' has something of a modern folk feel to it, with plenty of energy. Notable vocals and harmonies are supported by the bands tight and confident music.

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Midnight Vesta - Moving Day.

Background from Midnight Vesta - Life is about managing the twists and turns that you encounter day-to-day.

The date of birth, the date of death, and the “dash” in between: the loss of loved ones, failed relationships, and the prospect of new ones. It's all about transition. With that in mind, Moving Day felt like the appropriate lead single from our new album.

‘Seconds’ was recorded in an auto garage tucked deep inside Toronto's east end, and mastered by Juno award winning engineer Siegfried Meier.

The resulting album is a sonic buffet of homegrown tunes that are fresh yet familiar. Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

Melodic and crisp sounding, 'Moving Day' is a refreshing indie pop or maybe rock song, with  reflective and thoughtful lyrics. The band come across as relaxed and capable, delivering a track that hopefully will tease a good few listeners towards their forthcoming album.

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Marina Maximillian - My Boy.

Background - APE is a new kind of record label, with a new way of getting things done. Founded by Tamir Muskat (Balkan Beat Box) and Eyal Gruenberg, APE Records is a hybrid between a production house, a music label, and a branding company. The label is set to release their debut EP, APE Vol 1, a compilation of the first three singles with studio and live versions, on March 24.

The primal creative force behind all APE projects is producer Tamir Muskat, founding member and drummer of Balkan Beat Box, as well one of Israel’s leading music producers. Muskat’s production credits outside of BBB include Asaf Avidan’s last two albums, Different Pulses and Gold Shadow, J.U.F. (Gogol Bordello), Firewater, and much more. Eyal Gruenberg, co-founder of APE Records, is as business-minded as Muskat is creative. “The difference between APE and traditional labels is that we don’t release albums – only singles,” Gruenberg says. “And most songs are in English, so they have international appeal, but don’t get pigeon-holed as ‘world music’.”

When APE launched, the producer wanted to challenge himself and his collaborators to exceed what they’d created in the past. “Making beats and combining sounds from all over was already part of my DNA,” Muskat says. “But I was looking for a path to the next level.” The search took time.

“My Boy” from Mariana Maximilian was the first release by the new label. Maximilian and Muskat wanted a vintage-sounding sample for the song, so the producer recorded and re-recorded into a tape machine until he found the perfectly damaged sound. Tamir's crazy beat painted a scene in my head, some mysterious environment with lots of action and movement," Marina says. The singer was several months pregnant while working on the single. "My unborn baby was always on my mind," she says. Through the writing process, Marina discovered the theme: carrying love from the inside to the outside. "I felt the melody should be a bit childish and repetitive. I guess the song is about the adventure that is life, but also the hidden dangers."  Label site here.

The EP comprises of: Marina Maximilian – My Boy
Loco Hot Feat. A-WA – I’m A Tribe
Renno Feat. Hen & Gili – Perfect Is Dead
Marina Maximilian – My Boy (Live in The Jungle Version)
Loco Hot Feat. A-WA – I’m A Tribe (Live in The Jungle Version)
Renno Feat. Hen & Gili – Perfect Is Dead (Live in The Jungle Version)

Taken from the labels compilation EP 'My Boy' is a very good indication of the vibrant and creative sounds that APE Records have gone in search of. Mixing eclectic creativity with plenty of hooks and stylish vibes, the six songs suggest they are on to something very good here.


 Plus a little 'extra something' for our discerning and appreciative friends here. 
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Charlie Straw - People Flavor - Onesie - D'Yer Mak'er

Charlie Straw - All I Know.

Background - Originally from the Wirral and now based between Leeds and London, Charlie's music sits somewhere between Blues and Folk. Taking inspiration from artists including Justin Vernon and Jeff Buckley right through to Howlin' Wolf and Etta James, his sets consist of calming songs mixed with a dark, soulful edge.

His main objective is to connect with his audience in a way that is both intimate and epic. This is an objective he has taken to places as far as Thailand, to inmates in a prison and a school for the blind. Discovering how his music sits with these different groups of people has helped to shape him as an artist.

Alongside sessions for BBC Leeds and BBC Introducing, he has supported artists such as James Morrison, James Bay, Nathaniel Rateliffe and Marika Hackman, as well as numerous UK festivals. Charlie has an extremely exciting time ahead, with his debut UK tour in April and then a summer full of festivals such as Citadel, The Great Escape and Hit The North. Facebook here.

'All I Know' is a very fine introduction to Charlie Straw. The songs opening is gentle enough giving focus to some refined and earnest vocals. As the song builds both in layers of sound and intensity, I had one of those stop everything and listen moments. One song puts Charlie Straw firmly on my musical radar.

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People Flavor - No Vox.

Background - People Flavor share their new track "No Vox", out now on Dangerbird Records. "No Vox" follows the first single "Shake Well" from People Flavor in Dangerbird's Microdose series.

People Flavor is a four-piece rock band from Montebello, California. While new on the scene, the band can trace its genesis back to a teenaged solo project dreamt up by frontman Fernando Andrade,  along with best bro Byron Turner joining the process soon after. The pair then recruited high school cronies Giovanni Padilla and Andrew Valdez, to become the collaborative effort they are today.   Since rounding out the lineup in 2015,  People Flavor have been busy playing shows at house parties, DIY venues and some of Los Angeles’ most notable musical mainstays such as The Bootleg Theater, CIA, and Los Globos.

Continually crafted through the writing and recording process, their distinct sound incorporates jazz chords with post and dance-punk elements, delivering it all with 80’s new wave sensibility. The boys are heavily influenced by slinky Spanish rock and the refined cool of British tunes, evoking a likeness to both an Hispanic Duran Duran and early Radiohead. Contrasting with their dance-inducing grooves, the lyrics tend to focus on the more melancholic aspects of life and love, magically manipulating you into feeling good about being sad. Ultimately, People Flavor is a sonic experiment in self-expression geared towards finding yourself in others and finding the others in yourself. Dangerbird here.

We featured the last single from People Flavor and the latest offering 'No Vox' is at the very least, of equal calibre. Vocals and harmonies are delivered in a lazy, hazy style, above a beautifully loose and melodic soundtrack, although attention to detail suggests the band have developed the style to add a further element of cool. Fabulous song!

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Onesie - Ballad of the Boomerang.

Background - Onesie is the musical moniker for Brooklyn-based songwriter Ben Haberland (ex The Isles). Stitching together vivid, hooky guitar pop anthems from scraps of British pop, American punk, and Classic rock, the band deals in the currency of anthems written on the voyage toward modern adulthood. The live band, formed in 2013 with fellow scene survivor Zack Fanelli (ex Man Without Plan), wields a visceral dynamic reminiscent of the pair’s early days in the DIY punk scene. Their debut album Leos Consume is due on May 12.

The project began as a collection of power pop demos recorded solo in Haberland’s bedroom. In 2013, fellow scene survivor Zack Fanelli (ex Man Without Plan) came onboard to form a live band that would wield a visceral dynamic reminiscent of the pair’s early days in the DIY punk scene. After playing shows at Grand Victory, The Gutter, Subculture, Trash Bar, Glasslands, Matchless, The West, and Cake Shop, the group descended into Mollusk Studio in Bed-Stuy to record the songs what would become their debut album, Leos Consume.

Basic tracks were recorded over a freezing February weekend. As Winter turned to Spring, Haberland and Fanelli continued overdubbing in spontaneous bursts; adding vocals, fine tuning guitars, and layering keyboards in their practice space. After returning to Mollusk to mix the following Summer, the record was mastered by Brooklyn whiz Josh Bonati, renowned for his work with Captured Tracks. Facebook here.

Whilst the song 'Ballad of the Boomerang' has been around for some time, it is now acting as a foretaste of May's debut album. There is a refreshing feeling to the song, that sits somewhere between pop and rock, and the video helps convey the mood of the song, and for me it's a good mood.

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D'Yer Mak'er - Illicit Renegades.

Background - D'yer Mak'er was established early 2016 in the small town of Paterson, NSW. It started as a trio, with Tim Howell, Ben Youngman and Tom Turner, writing electronic reggae fused with rock. It wasn’t long until Alex Dorn and Michael Chilcott joined in late 2016, this was when D’yer Mak’er was truly born. D’yer Mak’er became Tim Howell on lead vocals, Ben Youngman on bass, Alex Dorn & Tom Turner on guitar and Michael Chilcott on drums.

Taking their individual influences from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Sticky Fingers, Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Jimi Hendrix and many many more. D'yer Mak'er honed their skills and after several months, played their first gig at the Oxford Art Factory in late 2016.

D'yer Mak'er are due to release the first single, ‘Illicit Renegades’, off their upcoming ‘Moonshine Divine’ EP. One of the first songs they’ve written ‘Illicit Renegades’ is a reggae infused rock song, drawing it’s sound from all their major influences. The bands ‘Moonshine Devine’ EP explores the whole range of elements that the band has to offer. D'yer Mak'er are currently in full swing, working on their debut album, in which they’re aiming to release later this year. ‘Illicit Renegades’ will be in Digital Stores on the 31st of March, ‘Moonshine Divine’ EP by D'yer Mak'er will be released 14th of April 2017. Facebook here.

Bright and sweeping guitars, a funky almost reggae style beat, and then a more alt rock feel as the song fully opens up, hopefully conveys the rich array 'Illicit Renegades' is awash with. With a single like this leading the way, the EP should be a good one.

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Sunday Rock: Mick Clarke - Blood Command - KNIFEY - Varvara

Mick Clarke - Smokestack Lightning.

Background - Mick began his career with Killing Floor part of the British blues boom of the late 60s. The band backed Texas blues guitar star Freddie King and toured with legends such as Howlin' Wolf and Otis Spann. In the 70s Mick co-formed SALT, a powerful four piece band which was a big hit on the UK club and college scene, opened for Muddy Waters in London and played at the Reading Festival.

The Mick Clarke Band was formed in the early 80s and Mick has become an established name on the European scene, touring regularly in every country from Finland down to Italy, plus tours in the USA and Asia. Praised for his fiery "straight from the wood" guitar sound, he has appeared on numerous festivals with artists such as Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter and Joe Bonamassa. The Southern California Blues Society called him "one of the finest blues players to come out of England". Mick is the winner of the 2014 "best international act" from artistaloud.com, India.

The new album "Diggin' Down" is released March 2017 - new European festival dates TBA.  The album features 13 tracks - ten MC originals plus versions of the Wolf classic "Smokestack Lightning", Elvis Presley's "Any Place Is Paradise" and the country evergreen "Sweet Dreams". Recorded here at Rockfold Studio, 2016 / 17. Website here, Bandcamp here.

From the brand new album we have the classic track 'Smokestack Lightning' given the Mick Clarke treatment. From the opening track (Dry Road Blues) the albums kicks in with driving and passionate blues rock, with Mick's vocals totally immersed in the moment. The pace varies across the collection of thirteen songs, the blues rock in consistently delivered with passion and skill. Guitar breaks are relevant rather than indulgent, and a robust level of emotional involvement is there throughout, which for me meant I was quickly lost in the music and loving it. Blues rock fans, this is a must have!

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Blood Command - Quitters Don't Smoke.

Background - Blood Command have released the second single from their forthcoming album 'Quitters Don't Smoke'. Speaking about the single the band said, “If you quit smoking you’re a quitter, right? And no one wants to be a quitter,” says singer Yngve Andersen. “This song is about judging others. Minding the splinter in others eye, and deny the f-ing  forrest in your own. It’s also about lost impossible love and the road it leads to destruction

After two albums, numerous EPs and four radio hits, Blood Command are hungrier for success than ever. The sound still has the distinct fingerprint of producer and songwriter Yngve Andersen: Sharp and challenging, but still so universal and seductive that you will throw your hands in the air and run into the crowd before the first chorus ends. Since the last album, Andersen has received wide recognition in Norway as a successful producer and is responsible for several local hits. But Blood Command remains his favourite pet and Cult Drugs might be the point where all of his talents finally hit their zenith.

The band's previous album, ‘Funeral Beach’ (2012) received a 5/5 in Kerrang (who also placed them at no. 8 in their end of year list), 9/10 in Rock Sound, 5/6 in most Norwegian broadsheets. Metal Hammer UK awarded the album a 9/10, saying that Blood Command is one of the best they have heard in recent years. In 2010, Blood Command was nominated for a Norwegian Grammy for their debut album ‘Ghostclocks’.

Blood Command have played numerous festivals such as Roskilde, Nova Rock in Austria (where they shared the stage with, among others, Iron Maiden) and The Great Escape in Brighton, where they won the "Best Concert of the Year" in Artrocker Magazine. New album pre-order here.

Your straight into a wall of rocking sound and energy with 'Quitters Don't Smoke'. Feisty and intense vocals hold their own against a band who clearly love to make some rock'n'roll noise, doing so with wild abandonment and style.

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KNIFEY - Tanlines.

Background from the band - Cutting through the bleak twilight of winter in Toronto, we've put together ‘Tanlines’ which is a nostalgia-fuelled chronicle of better, warmer - and more naked - times. With desperate energy, the song reaches for the not-too-distant memory of a lover’s touch made soft by seawater and tropical air. The song’s essence is certainly fantasy material for blurry late night trips on decrepit streetcars. It'll be on our upcoming LP, out this September.

Our new LP is a wash of reverb, the nostalgic longing for the ideal California lifestyle and the often dour reality of urban life are blended into a mélange of surf riff-driven chord progressions.

We're calling out for a more simple life free from the tedious complications of the modern world and we hope that you'll join us. Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

Sub two and a half minute surf punk comes in the shape and sound of 'Tanlines'. It's a short, sharp, musical assault, with hooks digging in deep and a sing along chorus, to leap about and sing along to.

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Varvara - Weatherman.

Background - Varvara from Finland celebrates their 10th anniversary with a brand new single called ”Weatherman” to be released 17th March worldwide via their own label and musicians collective Haminian Sounds. The new single follows the turbo charged triple-guitar powerpop path found on their third album ”Death Defying Tricks” released last year. The new single is the first official release captured live in the bands career and it was recorded and mixed by Lauri Eloranta (Disco Ensemble, Pää Kii!, Melrose, Damn Seagulls etc.). Single will be available in digital formats and limited edition 7” vinyl.

”We got loads of material for album 4. Theres so much of it that we decided to record an extra single. So we went to studio with Mr. Lauri Eloranta and did it - Live! It’s 10 years of rocking and 4th album coming out this year. It will be great. It will be spectacular! There will definitely be a party! We are also gonna do some gigs during the spring. We'll let you know some specific dates later. Keep your eyes and ears open!” - Mikko Kiri

The bands third full length album ”Death Defying Tricks” was released in Finland in January 2016 via the bands own Haminian Sounds imprint. Produced by the band themselves the album was mixed in Stockholm by Pelle Gunnerfeldt, who’s best known from his work with many international success stories such as The Hives and Refused. The album got great response in media with rave reviews and for the first time in the bands history the music was also released and promoted outside the Finnish borders. ”Death Defying Tricks” was released in Germany and in the UK in the end of 2016 and have got great feedback from leading rock and alternative music media such Classic Rock, SLAM!, Clash and others. During January 2017 the band also made their first shows in Germany.

Varvara is currently preparing to record their 4th full-length album for late 2017 release. During the Spring the band will play couple of live shows in Finland and abroad. The first date for the Spring was at Pintandwefall record release party at Suisto in Hämeenlinna yesterday. More dates will be announced later together with a music video for Weatherman single. Website here, Facebook here.

'Weatherman' is energised alt rock, that packs emotion and feeling alongside some slick and potent musicianship, and vocals that were seemingly just built for the music.

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The Cranberries - Outside The Academy - No Vacation - INHALT - Caravane

The Cranberries - Linger (Acoustic Version).

Background - The Cranberries are set to release Something Else, a new album featuring re-worked renditions of their major hits, as well as brand new material. The album is due out April 28 via BMG on digital and CD formats, and includes seminal Cranberries songs like "Linger," "Zombie," "Dreams," and "Ode To My Family"... re-recorded in orchestral and acoustic arrangements. Something Else celebrates the 25th anniversary of the band. Their first major U.S. hit "Linger" has been re-done acoustically.

On the album concept and choice of "Linger" as the first single, The Cranberries' singer-songwriter Dolores O’Riordan explains, "'Linger' was the first song The Cranberries ever wrote together. I was 17, and the youngest member of the band was 15 at the time. We never imagined it'd be such a big hit, but soon us teenagers found ourselves on our first flight to the United States to shoot the video in Downtown LA. That video would introduce us to American households, in the good old days of MTV! The bittersweet love song still holds all that sentimentality for us personally, which is why we had to include it on this project. Universally, I think its message remains timeless and relevant, never going out of fashion, yet never quite in fashion. It's amazing to have a song hold up 25 years later, and I hope this acoustic version allows our fans to hear a Cranberries classic in a new way."

Last year, over two weeks in the University of Limerick, at the home of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the band revisited old times; Dolores laid down vocals as small booths were created to record the instruments as if live. She was no longer a child, singing her amazing, mature songs from an inexperienced vantage point but a woman now, with the capacity to throw her life at the music, the benefit of hindsight. "I prefer them like this," she says of the new recordings of old songs, "with a little bit more experience behind them, with a new lease of life. They sound fresh again."

It’s testament to Dolores and Noel’s song-writing prowess that the new additions to the Cranberries cannon sit seamlessly next to the old. When they began finalising details for the record, they decided on Something Else, a nod to the first record’s Everybody Else…, a title neither riven with the promise of future endeavours or locked into the past. 

Tour dates on Beehive Candy Tour Page, Facebook here, pre-order here. 

Those who have been visiting Beehive Candy for some time may well be aware that I am a bit of a fan to say the least, when it comes to The Cranberries music, both recorded and performed live. 'Linger (Acoustic Version)' is the only song I have heard from the forthcoming album and it leaves me rather excited of what's due in April. Production is superb, the new arrangement mixes an acoustic lead with a delicious string arrangement. Vocals are definitely a little more mature in delivery, and if anything carry even more intensity and emotion this time around. Twenty five years on and The Cranberries continue to excite and impress.

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Outside The Academy - Salient - Solutionism.

Background - Hot on the tail of intricate lead single 'Solutionism', Outside the Academy aka Pawel Cholewa (Pa-vell Ho-li-ver) will release his new EP Second-Guessing and next single 'Salient'. Brimming with ambience, glitch, moody dance beats and melodic guitar, Second-Guessing weaves a tangled yet ultimately cathartic web. 

The irony of using technology as a method of production whilst actively criticising it is not lost on Cholewa, who admits the EP is the result of "Second-guessing this relationship, myself, others, my music, yet continuously coming back to these songs as a safety net of (mis)understanding." Entirely self-produced, with mixing from Konstantin Kerstig (The Belligerents, WAAX, Morning Harvey), Second-Guessing offers itself as a touchstone for a culture of ambivalent creatives who are only certain about one thing: creating.

'Salient', the ambient, soaring new single taken from Second-Guessing, is part "traditional break-up song", part contemplation on generational divides and the vast ocean of differing lived experiences between oneself and, for example, one's grandparents. Though Cholewa is the first to admit that the song's title is used in a slightly incorrect context, the song's narrative of frustration and angst brought on by irreparable communication breakdown is cuttingly clear. Facebook here.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to stream both single releases from Outside The Academy so here is 'Salient' and the previous single 'Solutionism'. New single 'Salient' has bright jangly guitars and a solid rock soundtrack that accompany the smooth vocals alongside a marching beat.

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No Vacation - Mind Fields.

Background - No Vacation is an Indie/Dream-Pop collective that combines the novel sounds of college nostalgia and surf-tinged bedroom pop to create an addictive feeling of weightlessness. 

What began as a sunny San Francisco dorm-room duo in early 2015 by frontwoman Sabrina Mai, quickly evolved into a band as Marisa Saunders and Nat Lee entered the fold. Eventually, Harrison Spencer joined and No Vacation migrated from their familiar garage practice spaces to the studio, where they recorded their second release Summer Break Mixtape. This would lead up to their initial break-up later that year. After a year of anticipation, shows under various names, and a few line-up changes, James Shi was added to solidify the official reunion of the 5-piece.

To jumpstart their return, No Vacation have released their new single “Mind Fields” via Topshelf Records. Heavily influenced by the break-up itself, “Mind Fields” highlights the wistful yet buoyant sounds from their upcoming collection, set for release in June 2017. Facebook here.

'Mind Fields' has a gentle surf pop soundtrack and beautiful, genuine vocals, that are delivered with feeling, in what is a melodic and dreamy song. 

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INHALT - Vehicle.

Background - On April 14, dark electronic / minimal synth outfit INHALT will be releasing their new album ‘Part Time Punks Sessions’ via Cleopatra Records, who are giving a taste of the album by presenting the lead single 'Walking on Glass'. Hard-driving, up-tempo, and propelled by German vocals, this and the other tracks offered on this release are sleek, chic and cold, formidably capturing the INHALT sound and ethos.

The 'Part Time Punks Sessions' LP features the best of the band's signature synth-driven dark analog pop. This is both a live and a studio album, having been recorded in real time in collaboration with the Part Time Punks radio show in Los Angeles. This is the band's fourth significant release and final album to be recorded at the band’s homebuilt studio, affectionately called “The Bunker”.

INHALT is German for “content”. This San Francisco-based trio is comprised of Philip Winiger, Matia Simovich, and Steven Campodonico. Winiger, born in Switzerland, visited San Francisco for a year long sabbatical but ended up forming the band with Simovich in 2009. They immediately recognized their mutual philosophy of sonic fidelity and creative integrity, rather than nostalgia.

On the concert circuit, INHALT have a reputation for bringing a tour de force wall of sound with an energetic stage presence. They have played concerts with peers old and new, including Front 242, Clock DVA, Martial Canterel, and High Functioning Flesh. They’ve condensed this raw concert experience into the John Peel-esque Part Time Punks Sessions, to be made available on April 14, both digitally and on CD, via Cleopatra Records with the vinyl release to follow. Website here, Facebook here.

The more I hear from INHALT the more I need to discover more. 'Vehicle' is but a small taste of the band, and the few songs I have heard from the forthcoming 'Part Time Punk Sessions' takes the music a whole lot further.

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Caravane - Boogie Baby.

Background - Caravane are back with a second single off their new album Fuego. Featuring Marie-Michelle Gariepy-Rusk, the music video for Boogie Baby, directed by Dragos Chiriac, shows us the daily routine of a young janitor who finds an escape in the band's music. She dances like no one's watching during an explosive performance by Caravane in an infamous bar of Quebec City, Le Dauphin.

Caravane est de retour avec un deuxième extrait sexy tiré de Fuego. Mettant en vedette Marie-Michelle Gariepy-Rusk, le vidéo pour Boogie Baby, réalisé par Dragos Chiriac, nous plonge dans le quotidien d'une jeune concierge pour qui la musique est un exutoire. Juxtaposé à ses tâches répétitives sont des images d'un spectacle explosif du groupe au mythique bar de la Vieille Capitale, Le Dauphin.

Live dates on the Beehive Candy tour page. Facebook here.

Nothing wrong with a little bit of the multi lingual detail, and 'Boogie Baby' came with a promo that ensures nothing gets lost in translation. Actually this is quite a catchy song, perhaps in English 'Boogie Baby' might sound a little disco and dated, but hey I can't do the same in French so what right do I have to complain!

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Weekend Wonders: Narrow Waves - Cajsa Siik - The Solars - Sunsquabi - Maggie McClure - Analog Monoxide - Katie Buchanan

Narrow Waves - Hear Me Out.

Background - Boston's Narrow Waves have just released their new single "Hear Me Out". All local city musicians, the sextet came together by two degrees of separation, but at times found each other’s beloved record store days separated by ten years. 

Between the metaphoric lyricism of Morrissey and the stadium-indie flush of Arcade Fire, Narrow Waves found their sound. Through listening to one another they have found their voice.

"Hear Me Out" is from the band's forthcoming debut five-track EP, Letters From Another State, due out in March. The group worked with producer Jeff Lipton on the single, whose past releases include Bon Iver, Ladytron, LCD Soundsystem, The Magnetic Fields, Sebadoh and Soul Asylum. Facebook here.

With such a fine vocal duet and harmonies on 'Hear Me Out' it's easy to forget about the music. The band are tight and drive the rhythm and disciplined enough to allow the natural and refreshing vocals to take the limelight on this song.

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Cajsa Siik - White Noise.

Background - Swedish alt-pop singer Cajsa Siik has a new single up for release next month, taken from her upcoming third album Domino set to drop early summer. Following on from her highly acclaimed 2014 sophomore album ‘Contra’, Swedish-native Cajsa Siik returns with her latest full-length ‘Domino’, due out on the 2nd June via Birds Records, and will include the new singles ‘Talk To Trees’, ‘White Noise’, and ‘Empire Mine’.

Much like her previous releases, Cajsa Siik aims to inject a pop sensibility into an avant-garde and experimental disposition. Giving her a sound that is both accessible and atmospheric in the process. Recorded in Stockholm with producer Rolf Klinth, ‘Domino’ sees the songstress embark on a much bolder direction than in her previous material that still manages to maintain her core sound.

The record’s lead single ‘Talk To Trees’ displays her new intentions perfectly as she uses her collaborations with Thomas Hedlund (Phoenix, Deportees), Rasmus Kellerman (Tiger Lou) and Carl Ekerstam to add texture and depth to the single, making it the perfect introduction to the album ahead. Describing the track as a, “colourful dreamy zone where I felt connected with reasons and beliefs. Like a subconscious talk with nature. Like a blessing or a blind spot.”

Speaking about the record, Cajsa Siik explained that, “Domino can be described in two different ways. First I wanted it to represent the fact that we’re all connected to each other and that we have a responsibility towards each other and this world. To shoulder that responsibility is easier said than done, but we must try. Be aware. Not only mind our own business. I’ve given that a lot of thought lately. Secondly, every song on this album depends and relies on the other. Together they create a unit and the unit is supposed to be diverse. I aimed for creating a dynamic album.” Website here, Facebook here.

A synthy start that develops with layers of musical warmth, provides the backdrop on 'White Noise' for the dreamy and melodic vocals of Cajsa Siik. It's a good enticement for the awaited album, and a test of our patience as it's not out until June!

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The Solars - Potter’s Field / Dockery.

Background - The Solars are thrilled to release their new single, "Potter's Field / Dockery," and announce their East Coast record release tour. "Potter's Field / Dockery" is the second single from The Solars' debut EP Retitled Remastered, available April 21st via independent release. The track is a brooding psych folk track that recognizes the humor in an existential relationship crisis. With traditional folk undertones and modern pop sensibility, "Potter's Field / Dockery" is one part Neil Young, one part The Arcs.

The Solars are Boston's latest up and coming band led by Miles Hewitt and Quetzel Herzig. In December 2016, the indie folk outfit released their debut single "Old K.B." to much local acclaim and quickly found themselves playing to packed rooms along the East Coast. The Solars will be hitting Boston, New York City, and Montreal this April in support of their Retitled Remastered release. Check below for all tour dates!

Still early on the rise, The Solars create a startlingly modern folk sound, melding elements of Brian Wilson post LSD and CSNY's luxurious harmonies with synthesizers and various digital effects. Their forthcoming EP Retitled Remastered is filled with expansive instrumentation, blossoming harmonies, and bottomless layers of old school production trickery. It's clear that The Solars obsessively sweat over every detail of a recording, highlighting their unconventional instrumentation, form, and songwriting. Retitled Remastered EP will be available on Friday, April 21, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

'Potter’s Field / Dockery' is a fascinating song and a highly likable and listenable one as well. At just under six minutes it's a musical journey of sorts, mixing pysch folk with more traditional moments. Vocals are notable and wonderfully melodic, the music fabulous, the EP a definite must have.

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Sunsquabi - Dexter (feat. Nick Gerlach).

Background - Standing at the forefront of the epicenter of the electro-funk scene, Colorado trio Sunsquabi have championed the thriving genre as one of the culture's integral live acts. In 2016, Sunsquabi took their live show across North America, to festivals from Electric Forest to Camp Bisco, or their local world renowned amphitheater- Red Rocks. Gearing up for a massive 2017, Sunsquabi are kicking off the year with their highly anticipated sophomore EP 'Deluxe' still to come via GRiZ's All Good Records.

Before the full EP drops, the band are giving us another glimpse of the record with EP cut "Dexter" feat. jam scene staple Nick Gerlach out this week Yet another laid-back funk production, "Dexter" sees Sunsquabi fuse both organic and electronic instrumentation through the use of synth, drum kits, keyboard, guitar strums, Gerlach on saxophone, and more. An ample follow up to the EP's thriving first singles "Pygmy Up" Feat. Russ Liquid, and "Cinnamon" Feat. Late Night Radio, "Dexter" will be an insta-favorite among fans of a more classic jam based Sunsquabi sound.

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2017, anticipate additional tracks from the full 'Deluxe' EP prior to the project's full release. In addition, fans will be able to catch the Sunsquabi experience live at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, a return to Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, Summer Camp Music Festival, and a series of North America tour dates outlined on Beehive Candy's tour page, website here, Facebook here.

The track 'Dexter' is getting noticed in a big way after just a couple of days and rightly so. It's a feast of funk and rumbling bass vibes. The musical arrangement and musicianship is fabulous and massively addictive, leaving me wanting more, can we do encores with words?

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Maggie McClure - Coming Home.

Background - The Norman, Okla-bred, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/pianist Maggie McClure has spent a good amount of her career placing her songs on TV shows such as Dr. Phil, Cougar Town, The Real World, The Vineyard, and The Hills, as well as in feature films like Cowgirls N’ Angels. Her smooth, confessional songwriting has made her a natural for these formats. Maggie has performed more than 1000 shows throughout her career in over 40+ states in the U.S. at iconic venues such as The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles to Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, and everywhere in between. Her original piano-driven songs empower and inspire listeners with a positive message of hope, love, and faith.

Maggie’s third and newest album, Time Moves On, produced by Justin Glasco, whose work includes Dan Wilson (songwriter of Adele’s hit “Someone Like You”), Gary Jules, Tyler Hilton, and Cary Brothers – chronicles her move from Oklahoma to L.A. and centers on the mental and physical bravery it takes to push yourself in an unknown city and make people pay attention and convince them to be part of your dream.

'Be Right Here For You' is the leading piano driven single off of Time Moves On and features Maggie McClure's infectious pop vocals and an unforgettable upbeat chorus. While ‘Coming Home’, is a beautiful, nostalgic and uplifting story of returning to a place which is close to your heart. Maggie explains how the song was written in less than half an hour, whilst visiting Oklahoma after being away for a while. “It was most definitely a scenario of a stream of consciousness writing" Maggie confesses. ‘Coming Home’ fuses driving drum beats, catchy vocals and melodic guitar rhythms, creating a happy and endearing song that we can all relate to. ‘Coming Home’ will be featured on the soundtrack to the film ‘A Cowgirl’s Story’, which will be released on April 18th. 'Do It Again'. Website here, Facebook here.

Maggie McClure has warm, melodic vocals that are just so well suited to a song like 'Coming Home'. Full of unpretentious modern folk vibes and a beautiful musical arrangement this is catchy by just about any measurement.

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Analog Monoxide - Playing Tag.

Background - Nestled along the winding west coast of Norway is the small town Ørsta, where multi-instrumentalist Stian Høyberg creates genre-bending electronica under the banner of Analog Monoxide.

​Stian has been in a constant state of creation since he was young, developing his musicality by playing whatever instrument he could get his hands on and taking music classes where ever he could find them. Upon expanding into the realm of electronica, the use of computers opened up a new sonic territory, and evolved into an essential piece of his unique writing process.

His upcoming release, Songs For the Road, is a true hybrid of Jazz improvisation, funk, experimental electronica, and tried and true blues. Falling somewhere between Portishead and Tom Waits, Analog Monoxide could never genuinely be pegged to a specific genre. Stian alone provided keyboards, guitars, drums, drum machines, synths and vocals, and if he wanted to include an instrument he wasn't familiar with, he would practice night and day until he could play it perfectly.

Songs For the Road (due out April 15th) is Analog Monoxide’s second album, but his first to include such heavy diversity. His work is based largely on personal, emotional, and human events. His upcoming single, "I Would Do It All Again" is one of his most personal, and he hopes to help heal his audience the way music has helped heal him. “It’s dark, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel” Stian remarks. “Perhaps I’m communicating from the midpoint…we’re all here sometimes” Website here, Facebook here.

Electronic musical sounds move around each other and the beat and vocals are in unison as 'Playing Tag' unfolds at it's own cool pace. The layers slowly and constantly build, adding atmosphere and a sense of mystery. Hypnotic music that oozes cool.

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Katie Buchanan - Floating.

Background - NYC-based, guitar-driven singer and songwriter, Katie Buchanan, shares "Floating" the first single from her new LP. She is gearing up to release her sophomore album, Who We Are When We're Standing, on June 9, 2017. The record is written and produced by Buchanan, mixed by Doug Schadt (Maggie Rogers, Wet, Emmy the Great) and mastered by Heba Kadry (Neon Indian, The Sea and Cake, The Mars Volta, Trust).

The Kansas-native grew up surrounded by music, having been born into a long line of musicians. With childhood memories of learning the blues around a campfire, you could say that songwriting is in Buchanan’s blood and comes almost as a second nature.

Fans of Katie Buchanan’s ability to seamlessly combine her signature blues-rock style with modern production techniques will not be disappointed by her forthcoming effort, Who We Are When We’re Standing. Her unique style of music also shines through in her live performances.

While listeners are being swept up in the album’s guitar driven pop anthems with that signature electro spin, they can find a message at the core: to stand still and stand tall, Facebook here.

'Floating' mixes upfront vocals and a rhythmic backdrop, that keeps you waiting a short while until the song explodes into a more powerful and driven piece, with some clever tail end electro flavours slipped in.

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WOMPS - Indytronics - Jade Jackson - Hnry Flwr - Nan Kolè

WOMPS - Darling.

Background - WOMPS have shared their new single "Darling". Nihilism and jaded optimism converge as Ewan Grant (guitar, vocals) and Owen Wicksted (drums, bass, synths) meet resulting in angst driven, melodic hook-heavy pop songs with garage sensibilities.

Children of the 90s, inspired by the 80s Glasgow scene, Scottish post-punk/new wave duo WOMPS are carving out a place of their own with their debut LP, "Our Fertile Forever" released on Brooklyn label, Displaced Records. The past year has seen the band playing worldwide showcases at SXSW, CMJ, T in the Park, BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and London Calling and picking up press from Brooklyn Vegan, Consequence of Sound, Fred Perry, The Guardian, KEXP and many more.

The band take influence from Scottish working class culture, the aftermath of the Thatcher reign and the disappointment of a failed independence referendum and the personal loves and losses entangled within. Website here, Facebook here. Remaining SWSX shows on our tour page.

Expansive sounding and flowing with emotion and commitment 'Darling' is a fabulous song where rock genres are mixed into a smooth and vibrant piece.

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Indytronics - Shark.

Background - The brand new single Shark has now been released. Indytronics is located in Kiev, Ukraine, and consists of four members.

Considering themselves an Indie-Rock and Post-Punk revival band, they found inspiration to start creating music when two of the band members (Danil and Denys) were touring across Europe and happened across street musicians in Stockholm playing with an interesting melodic indie vibe.

They were so impressed after hearing such great music on the streets of Stockholm and decided to create something of their own when they returned to Kiev. This was the start of Indytronics in 2012. The band are: Danil Bogdanenko (guitar, vocals), Vitaliy Koutsiuk (bass), Ruslan Dobrov (drums), Denys Rybchenko (guitar, back vocals). Facbook here.

With distinctive chord changes and a clear refined sound, Indytronics deliver a hook laden indie rock song with 'Shark'. Vocals are smooth and interact well with the music, for me a band worth checking out some more.

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Jade Jackson - Finish Line.

Background - In anticipation of her debut album Gilded, produced by Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness and out May 19th, Jade Jackson has released a new video for her song “Finish Line” The intensely personal and beautifully evocative clip, directed by Andrew Van Baal (Mark Lanegan, Eels, Sean Rowe) provides an ideal visual accompaniment for the song.

As Jade explains, “Before we shot the video for “Finish Line”, the director, Andrew Van Baal, came to visit my hometown of Santa Margarita. I was able to show him places that hold value to me, from where we rehearse in my neighbor's garage to my parents' restaurant where I've worked since I was thirteen; literally every detail in the video was directly lifted from my life. I was shocked that Andrew wanted to capture such an authentic representation of my background; from the lyrics of the song to the location of the video, this is 100% autobiographical. What an incredible experience it was to film something in a few days that was 24 years in the making.”

Gilded is unapologetically country rock, merging the heartbreak and resilience of Lucinda Williams with the melodic confidence of Emmylou Harris, yet containing the emotional presence of a young musician who cherished albums by The Gun Club and Smiths alongside the works of George Jones and Hank Williams. Website here, Facebook here.

'Finish Line' is a song that mixes top class musicianship with Jade Jackson's adorable and natural country rock vocals. Melodic and polished throughout!

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Hnry Flwr - As Above, So Below.

Background - Hnry Flwr is the creator of The Message. In 2014 Hnry Flwr began mixing different length sound waves using ancient synthesizers and a team of musical experts to create a type of music that is 100% earnest. 

Before this Method of sound control, music was an insincere endeavor solely energized by a pure form of propulsion known as Narcissism.

The Hnry Flwr B(r)and was discovered and founded by Hugh "Blaze" Boylan of Blaze B. Mgmt. To sweeten the deal, Hnry Flwr hops on the road for the next month right after SXSW with Elison Jackson & The Ferdy Mayne, starting March 21st.

A potent bass riff, swirling and layered synth driven sounds and vocals that are pretty hard to ignore (in a good way), makes 'As Above, So Below' a stunning introduction to Hnry Flwr.

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Nan Kolè - Bayefal.

Background - Nan Kolé and the new ‘Malumz’ EP (Black Acre) with a release date of 14th April 2017. Nan Kolé, producer, DJ and head of influential label on-the-rise, Gqom Oh!, returns to Black Acre for his debut proper with ‘Malumz’, after first collaborating with Nervous Horizon’s Wallwork on his ‘Facts / Fyah’ 12” at the back end of 2016.

Originally from Rome, although now a resident of London, Nan Kolé has been a major player in the expansion of Durban’s Gqom sound after discovering it in early 2015. Through his label, Gqom Oh!, he honed in on a network of South African producers operating out of Durban, unlocking the keys to a world of music largely untapped by audiences outside of Southern and Western Africa.

’Bayefal’, he explains, was made while still living in Rome and was inspired by a group he formed called PepeSoup, which consisted of an Italo-Liberian singer, Karima 2g, and Senegalese percussionist and singer, Moustapha Mbengue. Facebook here.

Fabulously original and imaginative 'Bayefal' is a fine reminder that there is still plenty of room for taking adventurous ideas and building on them. Put simply, I love this track.

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