This "fan-edition" is only available via Bandcamp and features four alternative mixes of songs from the debut Seasurfer album "Dive In" with singer Dorian E. The album brought Seasurfer worldwide attention in the dreampop and shoegaze scene, and was released by the cult label Saint Marie Records from the US/Texas.
The "Winterblume keen K-Mix" was done back in 2014 by producer keen K in Berlin, where Dorian recorded the vocals for Dive In. The other mixes are based on the last Seasurfer live shows with more electronic drums and sounds. In particular, the scene hit "Stay" gets a new, thrilling face here with its new beat machine drums and more electronics.
Dirk: "I'm still in love with Dorian's vocals and the wall of sound of Dive In. The album opened a lot of doors and it felt good to play these songs live, also with other singers. But they work better with drums more in the front, the whole sound is different and more powerful. The keen K mix is back from 2014 and has a different, more pop sound. It doesn't fit with the album, but again Dorian's voice works so well. I think fans of Dorian and of Seasurfer will like the tracks." Active since 2013, Seasurfer is the Hamburg-based band around songwriter & fuzz-reverb-lover Dirk Knight, forgoing the way of the conventional band by working together with a collective of singers & musicians to assist in building his idea of sound.
Back in the Nineties Dirk was in the so-called "Heavenly Voices" scene with his former band Dark Orange on the German cult-label HYPERIUM, collaborating with the likes of Robin Guthrie from Cocteau Twins and John Fryer (4AD, Mute Records, This Mortal Coil). As Seasurfer, he released four albums and some EPs and singles working with singers Dorian E. from Berlin, Julia from dream pop band Chandeen, Elena Alice Fossi from Kirlian Camera, Krissy Vanderwoude from US shoegaze band Whimsical, Apolonia and Ricardo Veloso from Porto.
Chris Williams and Kid Reverie’s new album began with an inquisitive search for a simple sound. Having heard Steve Varney’s (Kid Reverie) open-back banjo accompanying fellow songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov on a YouTube video, Williams began tracking down something similar for his own personal collection. “That banjo sounded so amazing on one condenser mike, and I wanted to find one like it,” says Williams. After a long search, he landed on Varney’s website. Williams noticed that he offered lessons and decided to sign up for one or two. “I was so taken with his work and his instrument that I’d pay to talk to him,” Williams chuckles. Kid Reverie recalls, “Chris always came to our lessons with a solid idea. I routinely found myself saying something like, ‘This is great, now let’s make it a song.’”
The pair have just announced the upcoming album Something from Nothing—due out March 3rd, 2023. Born from their initial collaboration, the pair eventually c0-wrote the twelve songs that became Something from Nothing. C0-produced by Williams and Varney and mastered by Varney, the two played every instrument on the album—with the exception of Michael McKee who joins in on drums for five songs and Ayda Varney who plays cat toy sounds on a tune. “This process was very cathartic. It took a trying time for both of us and allowed us to open ourselves to a writing partnership that neither of us expected. I am grateful for this amazing musical experience and hope everyone enjoys these songs as much as we loved creating them!” Kid Reverie affirms that he’s “rarely had such deep collaboration with another songwriter. For so long it felt like we were just doing lessons. I think it took both of us quite a while to realize we were co-writing songs and making an album.”
This week, Chris Williams and Kid Reverie shared the first listen from Something from Nothing, the ebbing and flowing “Half a Mile.” Written a few tunes into Williams’ and Varney’s time writing songs together, “Half a Mile” was a marked point of exploration for the pair, entering a mix of time signatures and tempo changes. “Every writing session we had, I was blown away by Steve’s in-depth knowledge of theory, song structure and catalog of hundreds of songs and examples within each at his fingertips,” remembers Williams. “Very useful when reaching for ideas and inspiration.”
This song is about the concept that life is going to happen so you can either be an observer or a participant. Action is more important than words, so since participating will ultimately make you happier, get off your duff and take charge of your life.
"'Sh*t happens' and you can’t always rely on other people that you think are in your corner and when they do let you down, their remorse is fleeting, reflecting the immediate gratification that this social media world delivers in almost faster than real time," shares Eric Selby. "So what do you do? Well, hope is not a strategy so you must plan and execute your life your way because the promises and intent of others are often thrown around without care."
When not being a single Dad to four awesome daughters and spoiling his cat (who thinks he's a dog), Eric is a sought-after artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist. After many years behind both the drumkit and mixing board, Eric has stepped out front, releasing his first solo, original music in 2020, including the Do, Baby EP, as well as two singles: “Anxious Zen” and “Another Page.”
Julian Never have released "Grassharp," the second single from their debut LP, Pious Fiction. The song is clearly inspired by the Flying Nun catalog, Prefab Sprout and other odd underground pop hits by Chris Spedding and Dwight Twilley.
Pious Fiction sees release via Mt.St.Mtn. (100 copies on Natural vinyl, 200 copies on Black vinyl, very limited “Meyyer Lemon” for Monorail Music in Glasgow) on January 13, 2023.
Julian Never is the latest vehicle for former Mayyors drummer Julian Elorduy’s jangle pop alter-ego. An evolution in songwriting that produced the short-lived, but much loved Fine Steps. Pious Fiction is 15 tracks of bittersweet, sun-warped jangle self-recorded off and on over the last four years in a variety of Sacramento homes and warehouses with the help of former Mayyors bandmate Mark Kaiser (also of Castle Face goth punks Male Gaze), a Tascam half-inch reel-to-reel and a borrowed mixer.
The album is built upon a solid base of guitar-centric pop that is richly layered with ethereal synths and piano, and intertwined with themes of love, loss and the ghosts of Elorduy’s Catholic upbringing, all delivered with his captivating tenor.
The Trouble Notes - Never Dream Alone (featuring Carola Zerega & Freddy Dubois).
The Trouble Notes’ “Never Dream Alone” is a fantastical folk-pop ode to dreamers inspired by the cosplay community. Sitting between traditional folk, modern classical, and tribal dance music, The Trouble Notes have released their new fantasy-tinged folk-pop anthem “Never Dream Alone”
Written for and filmed at the 2022 Summer edition of Elfia, Europe's largest outdoor Cosplay festival, the video showcases the energy of the song with vibrant visuals and eclectic costumes - inspiring listeners to embrace their dreams and imagination
A call to embrace the fantastic, wonderful and weird, “Never Dream Alone” showcases the band’s quintessential classical-cross-over style, holding elements of an epic film score within the structure of a modern Folk Pop song. The fantasy-tinged violin melodies and string arrangements are a nod to the epic scores of the genre, while the operatic vocals of Carola Zerega and Bennet Cerven carry the message of unity in diversity. On full display is the energetic rhythms of the mind-blowing percussionist Oliver Maguire, whose unique hand drumming techniques elevates the listener to new heights.
Florian Eisenschmidt’s rock inspired riffs on guitar are the backbone on which pianist Frederic Dubois creates the harmonic soundscapes that shape “Never Dream Alone” and bring the listener into a fairytale realm with unity at its core. “‘Never Dream Alone’ is an epic ode to the dreamer,” says Bennet Cerven, Violinist for The Trouble Notes. “It was an easy song for us to write because we have always identified ourselves as such. We wanted to create a piece of music that captures the fantastic spirit of our favorite films and stories while being inclusive and easy to sing along to!” Overall, this track will take you on an auditory journey through realms unknown - so be sure not to miss it!
Things have certainly come full circle for Jake Thistle. The rising singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist knew he wanted to be a musician at three years old, when he saw Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Now, Thistle is 18 years old; and yet, his resume boasts performances with – you guessed it – the Heartbreakers. Not to mention a performance slot at Tom Petty’s posthumous (and virtual) 70th birthday celebration.
Thistle has just released his newest single, “Ghosted Road,” along with the accompanying video. Both the track and the video are available via all streaming platforms now. "Ghosted Road began less out of story and more from trying to paint a scene,” shares Thistle.
“I actually wrote the song under a blinking traffic light outside a house I was staying at, so the song came from wanting to convey how lonely that atmosphere seemed at that time of night. The song is a continuation of my love of writing about roads, traveling, and the overall mystery of going to new places."
The video for “Ghosted Road” was shot live, as Thistle recorded the track at Lakehouse Studios in New Jersey. The video captures the process of crafting the song as well as a particular moment in Thistle’s career.
The Legendary Ten Seconds - Jolly Summer Scarecrows / Jack Rattenbury.
The Legendary Ten Seconds started off as the solo music project of Ian Churchward during the time when he was the lead guitar player of The Morrisons who were featured on John Peel's radio one show back in 1987.
In 2013 Lord Zarquon joined Ian's music project and since then the line up has gradually expanded and various guest musician's and vocalists have helped out in the recording studio.
Jolly Summer Scarecrows is a song about the annual summer scarecrow competition in Torquay. The song is taken from the new Sagas of the South West album.
All about St Marychurch And down along Babbacombe way Jolly summer scarecrows Put on a bright display Jolly summer scarecrows Put on a bright display.
We also have the story of the smuggler Jack Rattenbury who was born in Beer in 1778.
Jack Rattenbury the smuggler Was born in the village of Beer Where his family lived in poverty With no comfort throughout the year Jack Rattenbury the smuggler Was born in the village of Beer.
Catholic School - Suicide at Sun Studio (Sessions Mixtape).
Memphis' Catholic School uploaded four more songs from the previously unreleased Suicide at Sun Studio session to Soundcloud.
When Catholic School has released all the music from the session is released, the band plans to upload the release to Bandcamp as a "pay what you wish" download. The effort, which was recorded at the famous Memphis studio, follows the "Needle In The Storm" single released earlier this year, and which Brooklyn Vegan called, "dark-hued, post-punk-inspired rock."
After undergoing many musical shapes and forms over the decades, West Tennessee multi-instrumentalist John Christie started making solo material in 2019. These songs caught the ear of other better-known artists, one of whom urged him to come up with a new name for his project. Christie chose Catholic School as a new moniker and took to the studio in 2020, reaching deep into his past as a recovering drug addict.
He constructed a debut, self-titled EP built on the memory of lost loved ones, incarceration and undying friendship. With the help of local Memphis artist Ben Ricketts, the album was completed over a year later and was released on Cercle Social Records as a cassette and digitally by Christie’s Maudlin Jerk Records.
Gary Sohmers & Various Artists - Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera Act One - Impulse.
“Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera Act One - Impulse” has been released across all digital services this week, soon to be followed by CD and Vinyl releases in early 2023. Act Two is being mixed and will be released in April 2023.
Following along the path paved by other cult classics, this cast concept album is just the beginning of a pop culture work of art aimed at saving the planet and humanity from climate destruction and societal corporate corruption.. Gary Sohmers crafted a story around these songs in early 2017, having written several of the songs over the course of his life, he wrote 9 new ones, along with 3 novels from the perspectives of 3 of the main characters. Having a 50+ year career in pop culture and showbiz, Sohmers releases his first record since his initial release in 1980.
Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera On the brink of planetary climate destruction, an otherworldly impulse rallies humans and their out-of-control beasties to save terra firma from corporate corruption in the midst of a concert in Central Park.
"Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera" is a story about a rock band that finally has a hit record after years of touring, performing a free concert in Central Park that attracts a huge crowd. But, without telling the band, the promoter sold a sponsorship to a corrupt politician, Dick T.Raitor, who interrupts the concert in an attempt to hijack the audience's attention. The hero, Grā (pronounced: Gray), currently a stagehand and a retired singer, is affected by an alien intervention from an otherworldly impulse—which infuses within him a schizophrenic identity with special powers—to make humanity aware of their inner Beasties. Two intertwined rock and roll love stories, one between humans and one between the universe and the sci-fi rock known as earth, to save the planet from climate destruction by societal corruption.
The cast concept recording to be released Dec. 14, 2022 features singers Dave Bickler (Oscar nominated, Grammy winning vocalist of "Eye of The Tiger") as Grā (an alien impulse from the cosmic universe); British rock star Chris Farlowe (1966 hit "Out of Time" with Mick & Keith, also sings with Jimmy Page, Van Morrison, among others) as the villain Dick T.Raitor; rock n soul singer Barrence Whitfield (of The Savages) as the "star" of the concert, Voice; and new-comer Liz Proteau as the female lead Terra. Orchestrated, arranged and co-written by Bill Holloman (Nile Rodgers, Bruce Springsteen, others). Record mixed by Paul David Hager (Miley Cyrus, Katie Perry, Jonas Bros., Devo).
Rama Lama Records 2022 - A compilation with the best from 2022.
2022 is coming to an end! As usual, we’ve put together a compilation with some of our favourite releases from the year, this time a year which we were awarded the "Indie Label of the Year" award at the Swedish Indie Awards Manifestgalan.
In 2022, we released a great album called "Swedish Punk" by a Danish act called Kindsight who doesn't play punk, either way there's no doubt that the album is an instant classic in the Rama Lama catalogue and the band is set to play SXSW 2023.
Talking about classics, Melby returned with their second album packed with psych/indie/folk-pop/rock bangers and six years in you're probably tired of hearing us declare our endless love for the band. Fun fact - Melby are the only ones who's managed to release something every Rama Lama year so far.
NOVA BLAST's melodic, dynamic and LOUD debut album showed how rowdy we can be. The EP game was strong with Guds Pengar's long lost debut EP getting an official release and Wy treating us with three beautiful songs once again showcasing why they are one of Sweden's best songwriters (probably parents to). Gula Blend's Jesper charmed us once again with his JERKA project and Per och Olof's hits were gathered on one incredibly strong and handy album.
On the singles side, we released everything from slow jams to experimental hypnotic rock from both newcomers such as Mary Anne's Polar Rig (more on them early next year...) to familiar faces such as E. Björklund, Jo Yonderly, Meet Me At The Quarry and Hippopotamus, with the two last being a part of the brand new Rama Lama Family Club.
There’s already a lot to look forward to in 2023 with some of these acts and some secret ones we can’t wait to share it with you. Huge thanks to everyone who’s supported us and the acts we work with this year, we hope you will enjoy this compilation and see you in 2023!
1. Mary Anne's Polar Rig (Malmö) - "Summer Girl" - single 2. Guds Pengar (Malmö) - "Innehåll" from "Solens uppgång och fall" EP 3. Melby (Stockholm) - "Waiting Game" from "Looks like a map" LP 4. Kindsight (Köpenhamn) - "Hi Life" from "Swedish Punk" LP 5. Per och Olof (Malmö) - "Jag drömde om dig inatt" from "Rädd häst" LP 6. NOVA BLAST (Stockholm) - "IndoorSong" from "Eccolalia" LP 7. Wy (Malmö) - "High Score" from "Something Amazing" EP 8. Meet Me At The Quarry (Lund) - "Daydreaming" - Rama Lama Family Club #2 9. E. Björklund (Stockholm) - "Jag ser bara fel" - single 10. Jo Yonderly (Malmö) - "I think I've got it, alright?" - single 11. Kindsight (Köpenhamn) - "Love You Baby All the Time" - single 12. Per och Olof (Malmö) - "Jag ska göra allt för dig" from "Rädd häst" LP 13. Melby (Stockholm) - "Other Nations" from "Looks like a map" LP 14. Hippopotamus (Uppsala) - "Horse Race" - Rama Lama Family Club #1 15. NOVA BLAST (Stockholm) - "Lurad" from "Eccolalia" LP 16. JERKA (Malmö) - "Annika" from "JERKA" LP
The Toronto-based cosmic country band Honey Harper has released the official video for “Heaven Knows I Won’t Be There” from their new album Honey Harper & The Infinite Sky out now ATO Records. The video was directed by Angus Borsos and was filmed in Golden, British Columbia.
“I found the original version of this song on my friend Matthew Deloach’s Soundcloud in 2016,” explains frontman William Fussell. “We fell in love with the track and immediately asked if we could cover it for Starmaker. We made multiple versions of it but felt we couldn’t get it just right so we held on to it. When we were recording in LA, we decided to give it another shot with The Infinite Sky. This version was originally inspired by Harry Nilsson’s ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ but ended up somewhere in between that and ‘Tuesday’s Gone’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd. When we were listening back home in Toronto before finishing the vocals, Alana decided to add a new chorus that gave a Lou Reed ‘Perfect Day’ dynamic to the song.
The video was filmed exactly a year ago to this day in Golden, BC by our dear friend Angus Borsos. We convinced someone to forklift a piano to an abandoned helipad on the side of the mountain, so we could pretend we were John and Yoko for a day. A very cold day.”
Honey Harper & The Infinite Sky emerged from a deliberate revamping of the band’s creative approach with Honey Harper co-founder and keyboardist Alana Pagnutti taking on a far greater role in the songwriting process alongside Fussell. The 12-song collection marks their first time recording with their stacked band The Infinite Sky, featuring their longtime bassist and contributing writer Mick Mayer, pianist John Carroll Kirby (Solange, Steve Lacy), Spoon keyboardist Alex Fischel, guitarist Jackson MacIntosh (Drugdealer, Jessica Pratt), pedal-steel player Connor Gallaher (Black Lips, Calexico), and TOPS drummer Riley Fleck. The album was mixed at Wowcat Studios in Los Angeles by Joel Ford (yes/and, Ford & Lopatin).
