Brad Stank just shared 'She Was A Tease' ahead of this Fridays 'Kinky Om' album release, the new song showcases Brad's cool enticing vocals against Gal Go's superb saxophone performance. === We have featured Bokito a couple of times in recent years and they are back with 'okok' a song that simply demands attention from the opening moments, both vocally and with the wonderfully tight musical arrangement. === We have a new song from Kaylin Roberson entitled 'Out Of My Town' and it's a modern country piece packing plenty of feeling whilst it exudes quality.
Brad Stank shares "She Was a Tease", the final single from his forthcoming debut album Kinky Om to be released via Heist or Hit (Her's, Pizzagirl, Guest Singer).
“My new teasy offering is perfect for pulling out your garden chair and basking in the glorious rays of the sun, or even a hot steamy bath", Brad notes. "Or maybe laying in bed readying yourself for some astral projection..."
For the track Brad solicited the help of new friend Gal Go whose musicianship is widely celebrated on King Krule records among others. Having met the elusive saxophonist at one of his London gigs in 2018, the pair stayed in touch with the intention of collaborating.
“Gal Go showed up to our show at SET in Dalston with his friend and photographer Daniel Ventura, who also ended up taking some lovely photos of me back in September,” Brad explains. “He came on stage with us to jam my song Maithuna at the Redon in October; we hung out in the chicken shop nearby before the show and kept in touch afterwards which led to him providing his sultry screeching sexaphone for the record. Hopefully there’ll be more to work on together some day!”
The first opportunity they got was on his album Kinky Om, out this Friday, which sees Brad team up with producer Saam Jafarzadeh (Her’s). The record pays homage to pioneers such as Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo, George Harrison and John Lennon and delves into his learning of Eastern philosophy and the teachings of Jack Kerouac, Paramahansa Yogananda, Jiddu Krishnamurti and more.
“Ok ok I feel you today / But know that those feelings are fading away” go the cutting lyrics in Bokito’s new single. ‘Okok’ hones in on the uglier part of human relations: their severance, with a fierce musicality that makes for one of the year’s most poignant and cathartic indie singles. Opening with a palpitating kick drum beat and bright chiming guitars, the melancholia of frontman Moses’ stacked vocals evokes bittersweet wordless partings, and he goes the full range throughout the middle eight, which culminates in an exhilarating falsetto display.
Ben Jackson’s immersive production floats the intricate busyness of the instrumental atop a soundscape of swirling ambience to make for a record that sounds restless and assured. It’s business as usual from a group reinvigorating the indie genre one release at a time.
Bokito’s music beckons us into impulsive and unfettered behaviour, both through recordings and in the flesh at their remarkable live shows. It’s a tight and uproarious blend of indie, rock and pop that reels listeners in with hooks so infectious we’d need to be quarantined in a cell made of penicillin to get them out of our system. Enigmatic frontman Moses is a creature of instinct, radiating a soulful, primordial energy that baits listeners into following him into the uninhibited.
His scorching vocal range leaves aural burns reverberating in your ears as they direct your fingers to the reload button. Guitars and keys merge kaleidoscopically, giving Bokito the range to go from hook-led numbers like ‘Love Gotten’ to the shimmering pop of ‘Freckle Leather’ via the grooves of ‘Colleen Bawn’. Drawing inspiration from diverse artists like J Dilla, Jeff Buckley, Fela Kuti, Justin Timberlake and Queens of the Stone Age, the group’s high-octane songwriting always stays deftly and dynamically under their control. Paired with Moses’ honest introspective lyrics, the five-piece channel a wide spectrum of emotions to leave plenty more for listeners to discover at each play; of which there will be many.
Ever since I’ve moved to Nashville, my love for my hometown has grown stronger and stronger, and I wanted to capture the feeling of going back home and seeing things change.
I never used to understand why we had to drive by the house my dad grew up in every time we went to South Carolina, but now I get it.
It doesn’t matter how much time changes a town, the feeling of going back home will always be there.
Marin Patenaude returns just four weeks after we shared 'Gone Blind' with another single 'The Build', which is a refined folk piece that's also taken from her beautiful new album 'Sight Unseen'. === Tommaso Varisco shares 'Big Sleep' a folk rock song with the emphasis on rock, the vocals are a little deep in the mix however they remain a gritty focal point.
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Marin Patenaude - The Build.
Marin Patenaude’s confessional folk is deeply honest, inspired by the wildness of nature, the messiness of human connection, and the overwhelming desire to run away from it all. Emotional lyrics paired with softly powerful instrumentals craft stories that explore loving and losing, the fragility of the human condition, and stories of a rural upbringing.
The daughter of musical parents and the younger sister of Juno-award winning Pharis Romero, she was raised on folk and country harmonies. While it was a huge part of her upbringing, Marin didn’t initially look to music as a viable career. From landscaping for the rich to running through the woods with her dog, a backpack, and a surveyors map, scrubbing toilets to training horses, she collected many random and interesting skills and experiences to use as songwriting fodder. When travels through other disciplines and passions didn’t last, she made a record; a heavy collection of songs about heartbreak and displacement. A surprising first release, it’s full of gut punching beauty.
Following the release of her self-titled debut in 2016, Marin extensively toured BC’s festival circuit as a solo act, across Canada with Kenton Loewen as part of Dan Mangan’s house concert series Side Door, through Germany and Switzerland as a duo with Cole Schmidt, and worked as a session harmony singer in Vancouver for artists including Khari Wendell McClelland, Sam Tudor, Real Ponchos, CR Avery, Ora Cogan, The Crackling and many more. She opened for Sarah McLachlan at the 2016 Vancouver International Jazz festival at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, a personal career highlight.
In support of her second album, Marin joined Dallas Green’s Toronto based label Still Records. Sight Unseen was produced at Afterlife Studios in Vancouver, mixed by Karl Bareham, and mastered by Jaoa Carvalho. Marin took the reins on production, and enlisted the help of dedicated players she feels very connected to, musically and emotionally. They kept their hearts and the doors open for magical studio surprises, and the finished album reflects that open minded approach to sound.
Sight Unseen shows a louder, grittier side of Marin’s indie folk sensibility. Citing the influence of artists like Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, Sarah McLachlan, and Neil Young, there’s an underlying darkness beneath the clear, free spirited melodies. For Marin, her songs are an extension of self–an opportunity to be as honest and real as she feels, something she has difficulty doing in the so-called real world. It’s big and it’s not always light. Though she’s a bright personality by nature, she often uses her music as a way to process grief. Her vocals are strong and technically trained, and she’s outspoken about the complexities of relationships and the uncertainty of our current political times.
"Big Sleep" is the second single taken from "All the Seasons of the Day" the album that Tommaso Varisco released late 2019 on Seahorse Recordings.
Gradisca Productions helped the musician in turning into images a vision he had through these pandemic times. With all his touring plans halted, and his professional and family life disrupted, Tommaso saw the human race through a macro lens, as ants going through a Big Sleep, while awaiting for the end of the Storm.
The song, a guitar folk rock ballad tinged with americana strumming, is about the desire of giving up with everything to live as an outsider. Tommaso Varisco is a songwriter based in Veneto, Italy, near Chioggia. He released his first album "This Is How I Feel" back in 2006, receiving appreciation from music press.
In 2011 he teamed up with Mike 3rd, guitar player for Ex KGB and Tunatones.
The collaboration gave birth to the album “Always”, which mastering was in charge of Ronan Chris Murphy, well known for his works with King Crimson, Steve Morse and Tony Levin, amongst many others.
"All the Seasons of the Day" is a kind of new start for Varisco, showing a disillusioned approach to life and relationships, but also his aim to discover new and unknown places, travelling in body and spirit, always in search of his musical roots.
Sweater Curse are from Brisbane, Australia and they have just released a fabulous, catchy new indie song called 'Close' accompanied by a Zoom filmed video. === Moo Malika shares 'Aziza' which is a personal song regarding racism, the musical backdrop has some lovable Arabic vibes and the song itself instantly crosses borders with it's charm. === And from one musical style to a very different another, as Goldray serve up 'How Do You Know' a track immersed in psych rock sensations with a video that adds a mixture of Siouxsie and the Banshees versus Grace Slick imagery. === Shantell Ogden released 'On A Haystack' over the weekend and it's a sophisticated modern country song with plenty of heart and feeling.
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Sweater Curse - Close.
Brisbane's loveable indie outfit sweater curse grace us today with powerful new single 'Close', and news of a second EP. Written during a turbulent time with the help of their friend, Alex Lahey, the song premiered via triple j's Home & Hosed last night, and already receiving multiple five-star reviews on their unearthed page. Leading with crisp guitar riffs for melodic texture from guitarist Chris Langenberg, the track immediately follows with hazy vocal harmonies of lead singer and bassist, Monica Sottile and driving percussion accompaniment from Rei Bingham.
Taking on similar notes of their previous work, 'Close' is a poignant and introspective indie-rock track inspired by the human condition as well as another step towards the band's ever-evolving sound. "I think our work will continue to explore those kinds of topics, with more precision as our sound matures," says Monica. Lyrically, the song explores the dynamic of relationships through miscommunication and the apprehension of feeling disconnected as a result. Chris continues: "It talks of the struggles within a relationship (friendship, general or romantic) and at times it explores themes and emotions of self-deprecating."
Co-written with Alex Lahey in a small studio in Marrickville, the band also recruited the production skills of Ball Park Music's Sam Cromack to create a piece that has allowed the band to lean into and experiment with a pop sound. The video also arrives today, filmed entirely via Zoom and thematically compliments the track and relevance in the current COVID-19 climate. "My favourite part of making this video was being able to see all of our friends from other cities that we would usually hang out with when we are on tour. The idea of the video ties in with the concept of feeling close to our friends even when we can’t see them or hang out with them physically," says Rei. The video clip features appearances from a large cast of fellow musicians who all take part in singing 'Close'; notable cameos include Julia Jacklin, Maz Devita & James Gatling (WAAX), Alex Lahey, Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music), Patience Hodgson (The Grates), Phil Jamieson (Grinspoon), Andrew Dooris (The Jungle Giants), Connor Brooker (Bugs), Kieran Lama & Peppa Lane (Spacey Jane) and more.
The band have had an exciting career to date; previously dubbed as a triple j Unearthed feature artistas well as receiving airplay across triple j and unearthed radio. They've been seen gracing stages nationally at music festivals such as St. Jerome's Laneway, Falls Festival, Farmer & The Owl and playing with bands The Jungle Giants, Grinspoon, Violent Soho, Middle Kids, Ball Park Music, WAAX, Bugs and Polish Club.
'Close' marks the beginning of a new chapter for this Brisbane trio with more exciting news, and second EP later this year. Dial-in, bless up and get close (while practising responsible social distancing) with sweater curse.
“Aziza” is Moo Malika’s most personal song to date and is about the discrimination of women in the Maghreb states and the problems faced by refugees. The Swiss woman with Tunisian roots only just escaped such a fate. Because Moo’s mother is Swiss and she and her father decided to live in Switzerland, she was born here. Despite this and although she perfectly speaks Swiss German, she sometimes has to face racism because she looks like she is “not from here”.
If Moo is only discriminated against because of her appearance and surname, how hard does it have to hit those who flee in panic, don’t know the language yet and have to start all over again? Moo: “I have the luck to be born here and feel committed to help.” Since Moo Malika speaks Arabic, she volunteers to support a Syrian refugee and helps her to gain a professional foothold and familiarize herself with the culture of Switzerland. In addition, she provides direct aid to Fatima and her two children in Tunisia, who were left on the street by her husband and the police (because the man was “in the right” according to Tunisian law despite his crimes).
Thanks to this direct aid, the children can continue to go to school and therefore have a perspective. “Sometimes I ask myself why I was so lucky and others not. The place of birth can influence so many things. Many have to flee, although they do not want to. Are welcomed in the new country by some with closed arms and hostility and are directly stamped as “foreigners”. I have had conversations where many only make judgments, hearing the saddest, most heartbreaking and unjust stories from a few women. Aziza is inspired by these women. They are so strong, so militant and yet so hurt. That touched me incredibly.”
Aziza means “darling” in Arabic and is the story of a young woman who had to flee alone and often thinks of her mother, who had always called her Aziza and is now no longer with her. The song was written by Moo Malika and Daniel Volpe in Germany.
We have a psych-rock release for Goldray (from Kenwyn of Reef)'s new singles 'How Do You Know' and 'Oz' out now and accompanied by a mesmerising music video, with an album to follow on 31st July! Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Rising’ in 2017, Kenwyn House (Reef) and Leah Rasmussen (EMI, Bedrock, Renaissance) AKA Goldray, return with a psych-rock fuelled second album ‘Feel The Change’, released on July 31.
Written and produced by House and Rasmussen. Mixed by Pedro Ferreira (The Darkness, Therapy?, Enter Shikari, Meatloaf, David Gray) at Spinroad Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden. This eight-track album is a development in the duos sound giving a heavier edge but at the same time sounding more accessible than their debut ‘Rising’ whilst still remaining deeply bedded in their psych roots
Their new music exudes their inspiration and passion. They release a new double a-side single on May 29th - ‘How do you know’ which builds through the entirety of its four-minutes demonstrating Rasmussen’s huge range and power vocally, ending with a massive crescendo. And ‘Oz’, a monster seven-minute-plus track driven through House’s incredible guitar playing, the song is an ambitious journey of rock and psych, building with power, then dropping into a feeling of surreal psychedelia only to be slapped back in the face with the thunderous riff!
Sharing a song writing vision blending psych and prog experimental arrangements with etheric yet powerful female vocals, House and Rasmussen first started working together as an experimental side project for the pair that soon grew into an all consuming passion. With a clear identity both musically and visually, Goldray pulls huge inspiration from the late 1960s and early 1970s and are very much at the centre of the emerging psych-rock scene.
The band have garnered a formidable reputation live with performances at Glastonbury, Bestival, Download, Ramblin’ Man, HRH, Camden Rocks Festival and various headline shows over the past three years in the UK and Europe. Live, the band (who tour as a four-piece) ensure the ethos and feel of the show emanates the same feeling as the music. Visually striking with vocalist Rasmussen looking resplendent (described in a live review by Prog magazine in 2018 as “... the high priestess of hard rock”), and House’s playing still powerful and irresistibly hooky but somehow sliding into psychedelic hypnosis that ensures the live shows are a sensory overload!
Nashville-based Shantell Ogden's highly anticipated sixth studio album,Song Sampler vol. 1 & 2, is available for pre-order beginning today, May 29. The album will be released June 19th. It’s a seven-song collection that follows on the heels of the highly successful Road That Drives Me, which was named Americana Album of the Year by the International Music and Entertainment Association (IMEA).
“The women in my family grew up creating needlepoint samplers with vibrant threads and homespun wisdom,” says Ogden. “This album is my version of a sampler - and I hope everyone will enjoy the different musical colors.” The album is already receiving early rave reviews:"As a true artist and major star in the making, this sampler showcases Shantell’s songwriting talents and her ability to capture ears instantly. The theme that runs through all five songs is the same: be open about life’s difficulties, but optimistic about what the future holds. An incredibly honest and beautiful recording." - Alan Cackett, British Music Country Hall of Fame.
"A strong confident feminine voice overlaid on some heartfelt personal songs. It’s mostly a mainstream country vibe with some Stones-y rock in the mix. Highlight for me is “Love On The Fast Track.” - Calvin Powers, Americana Music Show. The album release celebration will be streamed lived on Saturday, June 20, on the Center Stage Magazine Facebook page at 3:00 p.m. CDT (https://www.facebook.com/centerstagemag/). Center Stage Magazine is a Nashville-based magazine covering music, comedy, movies, and a variety of entertainers with a unique focus on new, up-and-coming talent.
Melody was raised in a musical family and at sixteen years of age her new song 'Room 111' clearly demonstrates the fruit-age of that environment, with this gorgeous singer songwriter song. === Amaroun makes her third appearance on Beehive Candy with 'Rise' and once again this talented artist develops a unique and rich musical piece. === It's been a year since we last shared some music from Cat Princess however they are back with a cover version of 'These Boots Are Made For Walkin' where they notably put their own stamp on it. === Grace Gillespie returns with her latest single 'HUH' and again she is consistently creative and just wonderful to listen too.
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Melody - Room 111.
Melody recently announced she will release a new EP called Teachers Pet on June 12th via Lauren Records, and she's back with a new track.
Melody Caudill is a 16 year old singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. Coming from a musical family, and learning how to play piano at the ripe age of four, she’s been immersed in the creative world of songwriting since before she was in kindergarten. After picking up the ukulele at 13, learning guitar became the natural next step. With inspirations from artists like Priscilla Ahn, Phoebe Bridgers, and Elliott Smith, Caudill writes with a certain sense of vulnerability and confidence.
”Room 111” is about Melody's 8th grade English class/teacher who saw herself in Melody and made her realize the feelings she was experiencing were totally normal and actually really special. Or as Melody puts it, the song is about "the longing for familiarity, but also the desire to move on and not be that awkward, sweaty middle schooler anymore."
Ever since she could remember, Melody was always making up new songs. “It was never a question, I always did that.” Caudill shared about writing her own music. At the age of 12, she became enamored with music in a new way. She decided to record some of the songs she had written at 13 to keep as a makeshift time capsule for herself. After the producer told her she should consider releasing the music she had created, Melody did just that.
At 13, she recorded and released her first EP, Thirteen. Thirteen chronicles the life of a pre-teen navigating new life changes. Now 16, Melody has written her second EP, Teachers Pet. Teachers Pet captures the essence of what it’s like to be in high school dealing with issues of self-confidence and finding a sense of belonging. However, Melody isn’t to be boiled down to another angst-driven teen. Her songwriting touches the core of the emotional turmoil we all go through. Whether that’s feeling smaller than your peers or being afraid to show your true self, there are just some inner-struggles we never grow out of.
Amaroun is back with new single ‘Rise’. It follows last months release of ‘Alive’, a collaboration with Mansa and produced by Boris Labant, and the March release of the Charles Watson (Slowclub) co-written and Charlie Andrews (Alt J/ Matt Corby/ Maricka Hackman) produced single ’Talk’.
Once again co written with Boris Labant, ‘Rise’ tells the story of a woman who is in doubt and in deep self hate but her inner positive voice breaks through telling her to rise, Jay (Amaroun) explains that "When you fall or get knocked down, do not stay down, do not let them hold you down, rise up, rise up against oppression. If you are marginalised, if you are queer, it’s hard out there! Tell your story proudly, see yourself, your change and your journey as beautiful and as growth. You are an ever changing authentic being so just be exactly that".
Amaroun has appeared at The Great Escape, Standon Calling, Liverpool Sound City, Dot To Dot, Hit The North, Live At Leeds, Deer Shed Festival, and Curious Arts Festival, and been played by Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Chris Hawkins (BBC 6 Music), Lal Mattock (BBC Introducing), Amazing Radio and Radio X.
Uppsala quintet Cat Princess formed at a New Year's party and debuted only days after playing at guitarist Robin's birthday party. Singer Nils joined the gang after the band heard him sing that same night. Just as spontaneous as the band's birth are their music. Last year Cat Princess' long-awaited debut album Forbidden Items was released on all platforms and limited vinyl. The album contained singles Rocko's Theme, Silver Socks and Sweet which have all received praise from as well Swedish media and international blogs.
The band is now back with a cover of Nancy Sinatra classic These Boots Are Made for Walkin’. A version that embodies the spirit of Cat Princess perfectly. Intense changes in tempo, aggressive guitar riffs and the unique voice of Nils Krång. When performed live the audience have quickly embraced the stomping beat and danced themselves sweaty.
The band tells the story behind the cover: “For every Rama Lama party we play we usually do a special cover. So just by tradition we did a surf version of this track for their third birthday party. We immediately felt that our version took this iconic track to a new level and simply felt we just had to record it ”.
Cat Princess' sound have been crafted since their 2016 debut EP Please Me which received positive reviews from Swedish magazines GAFFA and HYMN, stating that their explosive combination of modern indie pop and 80's art-pop channeled the spirit of David Bowie and Talking Heads. The band later signed to Rama Lama Records which re-released the EP on cassette. The quintet has since the EP shared stage with acts like OMD, Pale Honey, Magic Potion and Cloud Nothings as well as playing frequently on the Stockholm indie scene and a international appearance in Copenhagen and London.
Fly on Your Wall and b-side Marxist with a Twist followed in 2017, two fine representations of the band's live intensity and a powerful showcase of their uniquely flavoured indie pop which have been compared to the energetic early days of Franz Ferdinand. Front man Nils Krång's thrilling, almost psychotic, vocal performance adds something even more special to the band's unique sound. A sound which during the band's young career already has developed from the more standard indie pop-ish early singles to a fusion of 80's art rock and modern indie influences resulting in the danceable chaotic sound that's shown on the debut album.
Forbidden Items showed every side and aspect of the always renewing Cat Princess. From instant sing-a-long live favourite Silver Socks through mysterious Rockefeller Phoneline to dance-friendly and summery Sweet. The album took a majority of 2018 and a lot of obstacles had to be overcame to make it. The result is an eclectic art rock mix consisting, equally put together by the bands' influences spanning from 80s new wave to contemporary greats.
These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ is out now on all platforms via Rama Lama Records (Melby, Steve Buscemi’s Dreamy Eyes, Kluster B, Chez Ali etc.).
Grace Gillespie is a London-based artist and producer originally from Devon, who spent much of 2017 touring as part of the live line-up for 4AD’s Pixx. In 2019 Grace received PRS’s WMM funding and consequently released her debut EP ‘Pretending,’ which garnered support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, Clash and Earmilk.
This year she has received support from the ‘Help Musicians’ ‘Do it Differently’ award, and is using this to release an EP in the autumn. Some of her notable live shows include supporting James Morrison at Dingwalls, Camden and headlining a stage the folk stage at Tipping Point festival in Newcastle. Her first two singles found their way onto Spotify’s ‘Fresh Folk’ playlist and received extensive support from Apple Music, appearing on their ‘A-List’ and ‘Best of the Week’ playlists, as well as backing from NME, Crack In The Road and The Wild Honey Pie.
She has received radio plays from BBC 6 music as well as being a featured artist on BBC Introducing London. Her early demo of ‘Restoration’ saw her tipped to Q Magazine by Newton Faulkner and brought her to the attention of Kaleidoscope, who worked with her to produce her first solo releases in 2018. Her sound takes influences from the folk, psych and dream-pop traditions, providing a backdrop to her intriguing vocal melodies, shifting harmonies and introspective lyricism.
