Wild Child - Sands

Wild Child - 1996 (E.P).

Yesterday Austin, TX's Wild Child released a surprise EP titled 1996 that includes three brand new songs. The EP arrives as the band kicks off their headline tour that will make stops in Boston, Philadelphia, New York and many more.

"We probably had 20 songs in consideration for our fourth LP Expectations and these songs didn’t seem to fit in the final sequencing but we still really liked them," said co-frontman Alexander Beggins. "'1996' was one of the first tracks we recorded for Expectations with Scott McMicken up at Mt. Slippery back in the summer of 2017. We recorded a full version of the song one day, woke up and scrapped it the next day and started working on a new version messing around with drum machines and midi toys. We now play a hybrid version live. "Best Lay" and "Hold On, Hold You" were recorded in our hometown in Austin, TX with the ever talented Adrian Quesada. We work really well and quick together and ended up recording 6 or 7 songs with him for the record. We had a really fun day in the studio trying to figure out who can sing the lowest on 'Hold On, Hold You.'"

The 1996 EP release follows the band's best-selling album to date Expectations released earlier this year on Dualtone Records. For Expectations, the band traveled across the world to work with multiple producers (and accomplished musicians in their own right) on the album, including Chris Walla (formerly Death Cab For Cutie), Chris Boosahda (Shakey Graves), Scott McMicken (Dr. Dog), Max Frost and Adrian Quesada (Brownout, Black Pumas). The album has been warmly received by fans, and has seen Wild Child achieve their strongest radio play yet, with lead single “Think It Over” reaching #15 on AAA. The band’s best selling record to date has also led to 1.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and over 75 Million aggregate streams and counting on the service for their entire catalog. Current tour dates and more on their WEBSITE.

We have the video for 'Hold On, Hold You' along with the E.P. which adds the tracks '1996' and 'Best Lay' which is useful as all three songs are very different affairs. Always melodic and full of gorgeous hooks, whether a little feisty are just plain romantic, this is a beautiful E.P.  


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sands - Burning Man.

London-local songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sands will be releasing his brand new double A-side single, ‘Tomorrow’s Gone’ / ‘Burning Man’, on November 30, via Spaghetti Sounds. Composed, produced and performed by Sands himself, the single follows on from his sophomore EP “Waves Calling”. Sands has already received extensive support from tastemaker publications.

Over the years Sands has worked with producer, engineer and mixer Brett Shaw (Florence and the Machine, Foals, Daughter); Jonas Verwijnen, who did indispensable mixing work for Moon Duo; and Martin Glover aka Youth, famed for his collaborations with Killing Joke, The Verve, Paul McCartney, The Cult, The Orb, Echo And The Bunnymen, Primal Scream and many others.

The mastermind behind the Sands project, Andrew Sands, is based in London. Sands began playing from a young age, but maintains that it was really his discovery of records that inspired him to make music, as well as his experimentation with a variety of different instruments. Starting with drums, Sands soon found, in guitar, his main songwriting tool, then at a later stage, the keyboard and synths too. With Sands’ multi-instrumentalism and skill in sound engineering, as well as his range of influences, it’s no wonder that this talented musician has worked within many different genres.   

On the double A-side single, Sands comments, “‘Burning Man’ is something I had for quite some time, basically I was just waiting for the right moment to put it out, and this seemed a good match,” and goes on to explain, "’Tomorrow's Gone’ is on my latest EP - ‘Waves Calling’ - it's a new wave/electronic track. This version was the original demo. I went more 60's psychedelic, and thought it was good enough to be mixed and put out just leaving it like that, quite bare and mantra-like till the end crescendo. I think here lies the soul of the song.” WEBSITE.

One half of the double A Side 'Burning Man' is a well crafted and expansive aural delight. Beyond the production it's also a fabulous mixture of musical ideas, where psychedelic vibes, synths and acoustic instrumentation, and hypnotic vocals (and voices) combine to create a hard to resist song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lusterlit - Erin K - The Fame - Kazyak

Lusterlit - Meat Cake.

Meat Cake is the new double-A-sided single of Lusterlit songs inspired by comic book artist and author Dame Darcy's series of the same name, and written for her Bushwick Book Club event with Brooklyn Book Festival. Lusterlit were so inspired by her renaissance-mermaid royalty that they immediately started planning a Lusterlit record.

The relentless indie drive of "Wax Wolf" and the chamber/hip-hop epic "Cutting" are now available at Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music and on blue vinyl, courtesy of Brooklynphono!

These helpings of deep hooks and vivid storytelling feature the duos dark cinematic blend of spiraling vocals over acoustic/electric landscapes of vintage beatboxes, swirling guitars, keyboards and brutal drums.

Lusterlit produces Bushwick Book Club (founded in 2009), the international performance series featuring songwriters and performers of all kinds, putting on regular shows featuring new music, art and snacks inspired by a chosen work of literature. Lusterlit formed to perform and present the songs they have written for Bushwick Book Club as fully produced recordings, alternating lead vocals and harmonies while supporting each other on guitar, bass, piano, synth, traditional Korean drum, accordion and more. WEBSITE.

The new single 'Meat Cake' comprises of 'Wax Wolf' and 'Cutting', and helps explain my attraction to the duos music (this being their fourth feature). The sharing of lead vocal duty in itself ensures a level of variety, however it goes deeper than that, their knack for enticing musical hooks, and the intrigue that the lyrics always provide are key. Add in the choice of instrumentation and the whole combination is always fresh. Enough praise, they have a book club to run...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Erin K - Happiness.

Berlin based, American born musician Erin K is excited to announce the release of new single Happiness, taken from upcoming album I Need Sound due for release early 2019. The album features a beautiful mix of IndieFolk / Retro-Pop sounds and is the follow up to successful debut album Little Torch (over 3m Spotify streams), released last year.

Happiness explores the titles theme personified in the form of a character on a journey; who tries to connect to different individuals along the way and become disheartened as each encounter cannot engage with his emotion. The video explores the themes of liberation and rebirth. Filmed in West Cork, Ireland the video is inspired by the aos sí; celtic folklore of fairies and forest spirits; and was the second time Erin K had collaborated with director Nathan Erasmus having worked together on the video for 'Assholio' previously which aired at the Oscar and Bafta recognised Animated Encounters film festival, IndieCork; 2018 Fastnet Film Festival in Schull as well as winning the audience award for best short at the Small Axe Radical Film Festival too.

With songwriting influences including Jaymay, Lily Allen and Kate Nash, Erin is known for her fearless and original lyrics. Her mainly autobiographical songs are sometimes inspired by strange and uncomfortable events; often with a lighthearted portrayal of a harmful or weighted experience. The songs on the album are delivered with light-hearted humor and wit, showcasing a vast range of songwriting topics; from heartache… to toothache!

Erin describes Happiness as a song “that explores the theme of happiness personified in the form of a character on a journey. He tries to connect with different individuals along the way and becomes disheartened as each, for different reasons, cannot engage with his emotion. A boy, for example “who you can tell loves his band, ‘cause they all look so alike”, refuses him in favour of his own darker emotions that contribute to his creativity. In another moment, he is rejected by a girl unable to let go of the sorrow around a death for fear of losing the memories attached. In a nutshell, it’s a story narrating the complexities around perceived simple emotions, like happiness, and our ability or refusal to engage with them.” FACEBOOK.

'Happiness' is intrinsically catchy and stylish from start to finish. The lyrics add more, the video is totally aligned to the songs theme, in all this suggests that the early 2019 album release will be quite something.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fame - Wide Awake.

The Fame ask the question (and go on to answer it) What do you see when you look in the mirror?  

“Wide Awake,” our debut single, focuses on the topic of self-reflection and the happenings of everyday life.

While crafting the song, we collectively drew from personal life experience  and our rock music inspirations to create something that anyone can relate to.

“Wide Awake” is the first single to be shared from our upcoming debut EP. Produced by Brian Moncarz (Our Lady Peace, Moneen, Circa Survive), the EP is set for release in early 2019. WEBSITE.

Notable alt rocker 'Wide Awake' mixes superb (and just right for rock) vocals with solid backing harmonies and a feisty and powerful musical backdrop. It's one of those songs that stands out for all the right rock and roll reasons.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kazyak - 10,000 Flowers.

10,000 Flowers is an album-closing, shoegazey mood-piece that explores the idea that one might handle things differently if given the chance. The song’s simplest message is about letting go, and the first and last line are perfect bookends for the wider story. In the first line, Frey shows angsty vulnerability and admission of fault with, ‘I may not have regrets but I might do it different.’ And the closing line, ’When are you going to let 10,000 Flowers bloom?’ can be paraphrased by asking when will you let go?

Kazyak is an indie rock band based in the Twin Cities. The band has recorded 2 EPs (1 unreleased)  and an LP (unreleased) and finds it's source in a deep pool of experimental music. The live lineup  includes: Peter Frey (guitar), Andy Wolfe (guitar), Pat Hayes (synth, piano), Tyler Safranek  (bass),  and Nick Grewe (drums).    

The band finds its source in a deep pool of midwestern music, drawing on the abstract side of Bob  Dylan's songwriting and lofty sonic architecture from the likes of 12 Rods, Fat Kid Wednesdays,  Tiki Obmar, and Halloween, Alaska. The group has shared the stage with many, including LA indie  rockers the Local Natives and Duluth-based Trampled by Turtles, and continues to collaborate  closely with Minneapolis-based engineer/drummer Brett Bullion.    

'10,000 Flowers' softly opens with a gentle melodic feel and some distinctive and pleasing vocals. Some beautiful acoustic guitar and subtle swirling synths add even more to this intimate yet atmospheric song.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silverbacks - Anna Karenina

Silverbacks - Just In The Band.

Irish art punks Silverbacks delve into themes of false idolatry and deeper connection in their latest track ‘Just In The Band’ out now on PK Miami.

Produced by Daniel Fox from fellow Dubliners Girl Band, 'Just In The Band' carries the same nagging unease as previous single 'Dunkirk' with taut drums and unrelenting bass underpinning seasick guitar arps and Daniel O’Kelly’s blunt commentary on the ‘problems down the back’. Feedback soaked and frazzled, it sees the band step further away from their indie roots and more into the groove - if the groove covered itself in petrol and dared you to light the match.

Silverbacks are a thrilling prospect, delivering their own louche take on NYC-indebted rock: slack enough for the tastemakers while also mining the gems of a pop vein, catching the ears of those with a taste for a good hook. Now a full-fledged five piece after graduating from the bedroom project of songwriting brothers Kilian and Daniel O’Kelly, they ply their trade with as much emphasis on the dry humour running through Daniel’s lyrics as the propulsive, triple guitar-led onslaught in their music. TWITTER.

Upcoming Irish shows:
December 1st: Other Voices 2018, Dingle (Hennessy Music Trail)
December 8th: Whelans, Dublin.

We shared 'Dunkirk' back in June and the new single 'Just In The Band' is another feisty rocker. The vocals have a splendid punk feel to them, the driving guitars add some melody, and collectively this is a hook fuelled beast of a song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anna Karenina - Acting and Reacting (mini album).

Anna Karenina is now releasing a mini album called Acting And Reacting, following up her debut album Brain Ghosts and Goosebumps released in 2015.This time she’s looking out towards society, away from her brain ghosts. 

Wondering how you can best fit in your role as a daughter, friend, lover, employee, “an adult” and a woman. How society makes you play your determined role, in both good and bad. The title Acting and Reacting is referring to the spectacle that is life, playing the roles that’s expected of you. These are songs about being a sensitive person in a world that’s whirling.

Co-producers to this record are Ida Lindberg (Me and Skinny Joon) and Willie Alin (Dean Allen Foyd, Music Is The Weapon). The three of them have been producing partly together and partly in pairs with the intention of getting different styles in the production. 

While Ida and Anna-Karins work is thoroughly and carefully produced, Willie is more hands-on and together they make the perfect dynamic trio, creating a sound of Kate Bush-inspired art pop cross-bred with psychedelic rock. WEBSITE.

Comprising of six tracks 'Acting and Reacting' really is a feast of high quality art pop / rock that explores different ideas with assured confidence. There are no passengers here, every song is a packed full of creativity, so much so that calling the collection a mini epic, seems like something of an understatement.     

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blue Child Collective - Roxy Rawson - Polartropica

Blue Child Collective - Eye Of The Needle feat. Sol.

4 years on and 4 records down, South West fluid groovers Blue Child Collective are set to take their newest offering, Wake Up To The Sound, around the country as a 5-piece on an 11 date national tour this summer. Out yesterday (November 23), the album's current single Eye Of The Needle (featuring Sol from Band of Frequencies) is the finest example to date of the Collective's feel-good roots with a touch of reggae.

The product of positive collaboration between frontman Dan White, Kiwi darling Emjay Angeni, sax man Lindsay Baker and many musicians from the wider Collective, Wake Up To The Sound is an album spanning countries, cultures and communities.

Featuring Bobby Alu on drums/percussion, Ken Allars (Caravana Sun) on trumpet/keys, OJ Newcomb (Band Of Frequencies/THUMP) on bass and Angela Iimura on BV’s, plus special features from Sol Carroll (Band Of Frequencies/Afro Dizzi Act) on vocals and Taro Terahara on bansuri, the album is truly a collective effort exemplifying what can be achieved through human connection.

Captured at Yama-Nui Studio on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast by PaulieB (The Beautiful Girls/Bobby Alu/George), Wake Up To The Sound is a sonic journey in which the magic of the location can be heard - from thunderstorms to singing tropical birdlife - yet will transport listeners far beyond their own backyard.

With singles Wattle Tree Corroboree, Dive and the title track Wake Up To The Sound attracting widespread airplay through 2018, including spins on triple j’s Roots N All, the Collective received a well-earned nomination for West Australian Music’s Best Regional Act. WEBSITE.

'Eye Of The Needle' mixes a funky musical backdrop which includes something of a reggae vibe to it, with some distinct and fabulous vocals. It's polished, upbeat and oozes charm.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roxy Rawson - The Good Shepherd.

Roxy Rawson is set to release her full-length debut album ‘Quenching the Kill’ - out 30th November. Gamboling somewhere close to the ‘Anti-Folk’ category by way of a manipulated punk-y violin and plush multi-layered constructions, leftfield chanteuse Roxy Rawson has enjoyed a cult presence on the Parisian and London music scenes. Now based in San Francisco Bay and ready to release her full length debut, Roxy is an artist whose flair for the unconventional demands the World’s attention.

A period of ill health forced Roxy to take an extended musical hiatus over the past few years, ‘Quenching the Kill’ is Roxy’s triumphant reintroduction to the music scene and an endearing aperture into an ascending artist losing life as she knew it, transitioning into recovery and ultimately regaining hope. The “strives for authenticity in the face of muted creativity” says Roxy “in an industry where emotional vulnerability is often supplanted by commercialized sentiment”.

Quenching the Kill hits striking form with its apt synthesis of rawness and sophistication. Behind mild unexpected arrangements often lurks rampant urgency, enrapturing the listener with Roxy’s PreRaphaelite vocals habitually blending with sudden Spektor-esque snap-along oscillations. 

From the lonely rustic loops of ‘Black Eyed Soup’ to the percussively plucky delivery of ‘Rounded Sound’ , even seemingly downbeat ballads like ‘Iron Shoes’ take an unforeseen uplifting twist - all showcasing Roxy’s playground of musical creation, painting wistful melodies which often provide a veil to solemn subject matters. Roxy teamed up with producer and friend Ben Lamdin whose characteristic analogue production has also seen him produce for the likes of Lizzy Parks, Alice Russell, Josa Peit and Jamie Cullum. FACEBOOK.

'The Good Shepherd' is one of ten tracks on the new 'Quenching To Kill' album. Such is the variety found on the new album the featured song highlights only part of Roxy Rawson's musical sophistication. Sometimes a little quirky, other times sincere and moving or mischievous or even mysterious, Roxy explores musical styles, with so many ideas, that this really is a fabulous albeit musical roller coaster of an album.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Polartropica - Wild Lyfe.

The new video from whimsical space pop/psych artist Polartropica is entitled ‘Wild Lyfe’. The single features dreamesque soundscapes, playful instrumentation and ethereal vocals. The eccentric visuals narrate how we are all the same underneath our facade and that we need to treat all creatures with kindness and respect.

Polartropica is the music endeavor of Los Angeles based, whimsical space-pop artist, Ihui (eeway) Cherise Wu. Born in Taiwan yet raised in California, Wu successfully combines quirky pop melodies, futuristic synths and classical string arrangements, creating a genre of bubblegum psychedelia that you’ve never heard before.

Polartropica derived after Wu heard a song which couldn’t be defined by a genre - ‘Polartropic’ by Mark Foster. Admiring  the contrast between both ‘polar’ and ‘tropical’, Wu decided to formulate a place where things can exist where they don’t belong. Polartropica fuses elements of complete opposites together with the outcome resulting in a unique, ethereal sound that defies all sonic worlds. Using both organic and synthetic instruments, Wu conceived a visionary dream world for listeners to escape to. Wu professes, “I wanted to create a healing, inspiring and empowering space with just the right amount of disco-party!"

Integrating 90's pop, classical arrangements and intergalactic space-pop, Polartropica is guaranteed to feed your imagination, with their eccentric and distinguished sound. WEBSITE.

The music is sublimely gorgeous as layers of crystal clear synths and an intriguing rhythmic arrangement support the lush enticing vocals making 'Wild Lyfe' a joy to listen to.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------