Midweek Mix: Brutus Begins - Astari Nite

Brutus Begins - Never Fade.

Background promo - Brutus Begins is a solo project by Ricardo Temporao, a Portuguese-Canadian musician writer, and director currently based in Toronto (hailing from Kitchener, ON). Elements of folk are resampled and synthesized, blurring the lines between what is real and reconstructed and challenging notions of what is natural.   

Ricardo has fronted bands for over decade from the New Low, General Staff and Skinny Bitches (which was featured on Alan Cross's blog). In 2005, he released an album under the name “Rick Temporao & the New Low” which received radio airplay across Canada and earned critical acclaim (see below). He has also composed music for films and television (i.e. short films "Dead Wake", "The Visitor", BRAVO television’s "Bravo Playlist" theme song and currently composing for short film "Scales").

Ricardo has directed and edited music videos for award-winning musicians Lily Frost, Cedar Park, and Fast Romantics.  

Recently he has begun his latest and most personal project, Brutus Begins. With influences from Leonard Cohen to Tame Impala and Shuggie Otis to T-Rex, Brutus Begins lives on the edge of a sonic "uncanny valley". The buttons, knobs and wires twist and bleed into something almost human.  Where the copper pierces the flesh is where Brutus Begins. He will be appearing at Canadian Music Week 2016.  His first album "Uncanny Valley" will be released this year.

'Uncanny Valley' comprises of seven quite varied songs. 'Never Fade' starts the whole collection off, giving you a pretty good idea of what's in store. The overall impression I come away with is that, this is a consistently good collection of songs. It is also an example of how electronic music, mixed with natural sounds and instruments really can move in so many different styles and directions.

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Astari Nite - Always Like Yesterday.

Background promo - Post Punk, New Wave band Astari Nite unveiled the album cover for their second album titled Until the End of the Moon, due out May 13th via German Label Dance Macabre Records.

"I find Until the End of the Moon to be quite compelling. The maturity of the album resonates throughout and I personally feel that the listener will have a strong image of what in fact is being spoken upon," says lead singer Mychael Ghost.

Formed in 2008, the group consists of Mychael Ghost (lead vocals), Illia Tulloch (Drums), M. Sallons (Bass), Michael Setton (Guitar), and Howard Melnick (Guitar). Signed to (Danse Macabre Records). Astari Nite has headlined numerous shows, as well as opened up for many national acts such as Peter Murphy, The Psychedelic Furs, ColdCave, Stars, Assemblage 23, Seabound, Modern English, Andy Rourke of The Smiths, Apoptygma Berzerk and De/Vision among many others.

Since forming they have put out four releases; their self-titled Astari Nite (2010), Requiem Mass (2011) Stereo Waltz (2014) featuring the singles Pyramids and I.O. 1987, and Anonymous (2015) featuring the single The Boy Who Tried. 2015 Highlights - Headlined Wave Gotik Treffen (Leipzig Germany) Performed with The Psychedelic Furs, released the "Anonymous" EP, released a music video for the single "The Boy Who Tried".

They have performed with The Psychedelic Furs and as far as the featured song goes, there is a similarity. However I thinks that's perhaps down to the distinct (and very good) vocals of Mychael Ghost. Whatever the case 'Always Like Yesterday' is one fine song, that shows that there is still plenty of opportunities to produce high quality post punk or new wave music.


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Alternative Take: Dannika - Omodada (feat. Tik Tu)

Dannika - Next To You.

Background info - Dannika Horvat is a writer/director from Melbourne. Dannika has directed short documentaries and film clips with The Summer of ABC Burns marking her narrative directorial debut. She is drawn to telling stories that are uniquely Australian with a strong focus on women, youth and sexuality.

The Summer of ABC Burns has been nominated for a number of awards, with considerable success.

She has just released her new single 'Next To You' as part of her forthcoming EP For Peaches. The EP was recorded with the guys from Good Morning and is described by Dannika herself as "four mates making soft, feminine rock".

I do not have much background on Dannika, however rather than hang around asking for more, I just wanted to share this beautiful song. It's gentle and loose feel, conjures up images similar to the one featured, with natural and relaxed vibes, and the pleasure of just playing and singing along.

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Omodada feat. Tik Tu - All My Gods (Ummagma Remix).

Background promo - Known for their intriguing cross-genre compositions and recent collaborations with Cocteau Twins' front man Robin Guthrie and OMD's Malcolm Holmes, Canada-based dream pop duo Ummagma has made a beautiful cross-Atlantic gesture by delivering an impressive down tempo remix of 'All My Gods' by Ukrainian artist Omodada feat. Tik Tu. The remix accompanies the original track, now available as a single via U.S. label Moon Sounds Records (Texas).

Omodada is the solo project of Lesik Drachuk, a multi-instrumental artist and producer, based in Ternopil, western Ukraine. In 2015, he debuted with his neo-psychedelic "Kimnaty" EP, widely considered as one of the year's Ukraine's best releases.

All My Gods (feat. Tik Tu) is an epic song about bringing humanity to another planet. "We wanted to create an atmospheric picture with a view on eternal space, envisioning ourselves singing this song in a spaceship leading us to the red planet. We consider 'All My Gods' as a perfect soundtrack for the Discovery Science channel," explains Lesik Drachuk of Omodada.

"It was cool remixing this track and our vision for this was to move from the outer space view that Omodada originally had for this track to ones inner space," explains Alexander Kretov of Ummagma. "I'm originally from Ukraine and I really enjoyed working with this band from my home region"

We featured Ummagma not that long ago, and this remix they have come up with for 'All My Gods' is totally hypnotic and absorbing. The original version is quite stunning and this just builds on the collaboration between Omodada and Tik Tu. It's a melting pot of styles and genres, wonderfully delivered.

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Monday Double Up: George Guy - Jacob Moore

George Guy - Just Memories.

Background from George - Hi, my name is George Guy and I am a music producer / songwriter /dreamer based out of New York City. I have been involved in music for a long time - honing my creative skill set over the last eight years.

Music plays a very important role in my life; it is not just a form of entertainment for me. My connection with music is somewhat spiritual; it provides me with a medium to transport myself to places and times I envision. It is my own form of meditation. Music is the soundtrack of my life.

I have big dreams of where music can take me and I am confident that music will continue to play a key role in my life. As those dreams unfold, I want to continue to write/produce songs that are timeless and memorable. I spend inordinate amounts of time and effort, writing and producing songs that can stand above all the clutter of songs that constantly bombard the airwaves.

I hope my passion and dedication to my craft is evident in the quality of songs I create. There's always room for me to grow as an artist but I am confident that at any point in time, I am at my best as a producer/songwriter. I am also humbled because I know my best work as an artist is always ahead of me.

OK so a little bit of poetic licence, the above words are actually from the bio on George Guy's website. However we did receive something along these lines from George, it's just that the above goes a little deeper. 'Just Memories' is a finely crafted song, with great production and a whole load of catchy hooks. With an attitude that the best work is still ahead of you, high standards have already been set!

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Jacob Moore - Something In The Water.

Background promo - Lifting the lid on his debut solo project in February this year, Sydney artist Jacob Moore takes another huge step into the light with his new track ‘Something in the Water’.

After years of writing, performing and producing for a myriad of acts Jacob has developed a unique knack for crafting classic pop tunes with a modern twist. Building from a bed of 50s-60s inspired soul and blues, JM uses his creative prowess and stunning vocal delivery to teleport his music into the now, holding his own as a throwback artist and as a contemporary.

Produced by Jack Prest (Flume, The Preatures, Action Bronson) ‘Something in the Water’ may deceive as it introduces itself with articulate vocal harmonies like that of a barber shop quartet. As the song grows however, new elements are introduced, from RnB to psych and subtle hints of electro-pop. The result is a powerful anthem of soaring energy, with massive dynamic swells all held in place by Jacob's unique vocal timbre.

This is a cool refreshing song. With solid foundations set decades ago, 'Something In The Water' manages to travel through varying styles and ideas, indeed the expression that it 'teleports' as mentioned above, is a far better description than anything I have been able to come up with. For me a sign of a good song, is when it finishes before you are expecting it, that's the trouble with teleporters I guess.

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Quality Not Quantity: The Gray Havens - Neighbourhood Youth - Basement Revolver

The Gray Havens - . Ghost Of A King.

Background promo - Three words. That’s how it started. Three words that teased the start of a story, a story that became a song and a title track for an album that was originally only supposed to be an EP. Three words that hint at a bit of mystery: “Met a ghost….”

There’s already a touch of mystery in the name of Dave and Licia Radford’s band, The Gray Havens. It provides a moment of recognition and camaraderie for Tolkien fans who know the reference to the mythical seaport where ships sail away to a far country. Beyond the reference, the name helps the listener learn what to expect: this is music meant to take us somewhere.

The Gray Havens’ third studio release, Ghost of a King, finds the husband-wife duo in fine form, stretching musical boundaries and writing some of their most personal and powerful lyrics yet. Dave notes an important difference this time around: “The last two records both have songs on them I wrote in college, so I feel like I've been making records with both myself and my college self. These songs are all very new, just recently written, so they feel very current and representative of where we're at in life.” That present station in life has changed quite a bit with a move to Nashville and the arrival of Simon, a beautiful baby who’s already seen more time in a recording studio than most aspiring musicians.

Not only does the album surround the listener with immersive soundscapes and lyrical imagination, it shows off the couple’s vocal prowess. Dave’s voice was first heard on a national stage when, as a high school student, he made the top twenty on American Idol Season Five. It’s probably better now that more people know him for The Gray Havens than for Idol, since the band’s music is so far removed from the standards he crooned a decade ago.

Today, The Gray Havens are making the most well-crafted music of their career. The partnership with Shive seems especially propitious; the band and producer have crafted music that deserves the finest speakers or headphones. If Tolkien’s seaport (the Grey Havens) is a launching point from which the traveller sails toward a distant holy shore, then Ghost of a King is travelling music. This collection of expressive songs speak wisdom into the here and now even while they cast a watchful eye toward the holy shore.

The lead track from the album 'Ghost Of A King' is a wonderfully crafted song, that gives the listener a good feel for this ten track album, released just a couple of days ago. The songs all have a precious and personal feel, with the listener allowed to sit in on, and be part of the story. Music and vocals are crisp and quite engaging, and the songs vary in tempo and power, with a fine mixture of instruments and sounds adding to the variety.

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Neighbourhood Youth - Atlantic.

Background promo - It‘s hard to anchor indie rock collective, Neighbourhood Youth, to a particular time or place. After bursting back onto the scene in 2015 with the highly driven ‘Feel Our Cold’ and ‘For Nothing’, the Melbourne quartet today unveil ‘Atlantic’, the final single off their upcoming, sophomore EP.

‘Atlantic’ sheds light on the raw life cycle of the Atlantic salmon, who ultimately meet their demise after laying their eggs, so that their offspring can feed off them and survive. The tale carries an underlining appreciation for the sacrifices our loved ones make for us, while also revealing a new found confidence in the band’s lyricism.

In true Neighbourhood Youth fashion, ‘Atlantic’ carries a ton of grit and power, but it is the way the boys comfortably steer the track that truly highlights their progress as not only musicians, but songwriters. Recorded at Tender Trap Studios with long time producer, Greg Rietwyk (Tully On Tully), the latest offering from Neighbourhood Youth is their boldest, most composed work to date, sparking what is sure to be an exciting 2016.

This is a pleasing song. Musically the band pack a punch, however they also know when to soften things and allow the raw, passionate vocals stand out. It's my introduction the band who clearly have already established a level of maturity and direction within their music.


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Basement Revolver - Johnny.

Words from the band - 'Johnny' is the debut from our new band Basement Revolver. Nimal and I grew up together, we have known each other since we were about eightish, and even dated for a brief two months in High School. Somehow we both ended up going to different schools in the same city where we both fell in love with the city and it's people. Nimal met Brandon our drummer at college in their music program they both attended.  We're now all out of school and wanting to get this project out to world!  'Johnny' is my attempt to rationalise difficulties with my past partner and all the heartache and angst that comes from having a really bad time.

I've noticed we work really well as a band in the writing process, it never happens the same way, but somehow our best work comes together when we are all in the same room.  We are very excited to release our first EP this July 2016. In the meanwhile we'd love to hear what you think of our debut single. - Chrisy, Nimal & Brandon of Basement Revolver. 

It's a case of finish the weekend, or if you prefer, start the week, with something good. I say that because 'Johnny' ticks an awful lot of good boxes for me. There is a powerful 'classic' pop come rock timelessness, that matches so well, the genuine and really beautiful vocals, complete with story and the emotions of heartache. Actually on reflection this is more than 'good' - it's superb.

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Music The American Way: Silas Hite - Ben de la Cour - Vaudeville Etiquette

The Satin Cowboy & The Seven Deadly Sins (Silas Hite) - Fools Paradise.

Background bio - The Satin Cowboy is Emmy winning film and television composer Silas Hite. Silas has music in his DNA. He began his career co-scoring blockbuster and independent films such as Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs with his uncle, noted composer Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo.  Now Silas’s music plays in television shows around the world, from kids shows like Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get A Clue! and Disney’s Dance-A-Lot Robot, to adult shows such as Blue Mountain State, Eureka, Duck Dynasty, and Chef's Table.  He has scored hundreds of commercials earning him an Emmy, a Cannes Gold Lion, a Grand Effie and Adweek's Campaign of the Decade.  He’s contributed memorable music to some of the top selling video games such as The Sims 4, Skate 3, and The Simpsons. His music has played in such venerable institutions as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, the New York Museum of Modern Art, and The Whitney Museum.

Silas was raised in the remote mountain town of Crown King, Arizona.  He attended a one room school with a handful of other children and was able to run free in woods after school.  He grew up listening to the rock and roll and old country music wafting through the air from the local 100 year old swinging door saloon.  His father, also a musician, was often in the bands playing the music.  This is the environment that informed the Satin Cowboy. "Duel" is a celebration of the golden intersection of rock n' roll & roots country. 

"Duel" is the second full-length album from The Satin Cowboy & The Seven Deadly Sins, AKA Emmy winning film & television composer Silas Hite.

Silas Hite really does take us on a musical journey with his album 'Duel'. The featured song 'Fool Paradise' has been described as Californian Americana, an apt and highly descriptive expression that really does sum up this wonderful song. There's southern rock, through to more gentle indie folk type music on the album, the one constant is the quality, these are all classy songs.

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Ben de la Cour - Down to the Water's Edge.

Background promo - The fine line between love and obsession is carefully toed by rising singer/songwriter Ben de la Cour on his haunting new single “Down to the Water’s Edge.” Credited by Red Line Roots with offering “subtle hints of Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt, and Leonard Cohen,” de la Cour’s hauntingly dark and sometimes humorous style is rapidly making the well-travelled singer the face of the increasingly popular Americanoir sound. Described by de la Cour as a “creepshow manifesto” in which the narrator obsesses over his unknowing victim, “Down to the Water’s Edge” is the first single from de la Cour’s forthcoming Midnight in Havana album. Midnight in Havana will be released via Nashville’s Flour Sack Cape Records, a label that “aims to document the constantly evolving sound of one city.”

De la Cour has lived a different kind of life. After growing up in Brooklyn, he set out to see the world as an amateur boxer, bartender, and agricultural worker. He lived in Havana, Paris, London, Los Angeles, and New Orleans before finally settling in Nashville. It was at Nashville’s Greenland Sound that de la Cour recorded the eleven songs of perfectly crafted Americanoir that make up Midnight in Havana.

De la Cour’s extensive travels have taken him to some strange and sometimes dark and desperate places, places he documents so eloquently on Midnight in Havana. Tales of substance abuse, murder, and mental illness sit in perfect juxtaposition with playful lightheartedness and an ever-present glimmer of hope. However, upon closer inspection, darkness almost always wins. An unlikely hero, but one that suits de la Cour.

'Down to the Water's Edge' showcases Ben's vocals beautifully. It also gives his song writing skills a pretty good showing off. I'm still trying to figure out, quite what the 'Americanoir sound' really is, however if this is an example I'm definitely up for more. New album lands in May.

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Vaudeville Etiquette - Tipping Point.

Background promo - When we last saw Vaudeville Etiquette, the Seattle band was touring in support of critically acclaimed debut album Debutantes & Dealers, an album that No Depression said was “in the same vein as Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers. Their seamless harmonies and sense of spontaneity makes them a good candidate for mainstream success.” The Seattle Times called the band “one of the bright new faces of Seattle music,” American Songwriter gave the album 3 stars and compared lead vocalist Tayler Lynn to Neko Case,” USA Today praised their ability to “mix folk, jazz and country with free wheeling abandon.”

The new album gets its name from the motel that once occupied an infamous stretch of Highway 99 in Seattle. In its heyday, here was a motorist’s utopia, filled with a thriving middle class that was ready to explore America, traversed by the likes of Kerouac and Salinger, and full of romantic intrigue and possibility. Today, it’s a forgotten relic, a notoriously seedy stretch of road that attracts violence, drugs, prostitution, and one 5-piece folk-rock band that relentlessly believes in its spirit and potential.

What used to be the Aura Vista Motel is now where the band writes, rehearses, celebrates, argues, hones their music, and shoot their videos. It’s the Vaudeville Etiquette headquarters, it’s haunted, and it’s the catalyst behind all that they do. You can hear it on this record, as each song plays like a guest in a different room; separate but united by our wayfaring desires and sordid expectations. They recorded the album with producer Shawn Simmons Studio Litho in Seattle, WA. “His knack for honing an intrinsic Seattle sound in the work he’s done with bands like The Head and The Heart and Lemolo was exactly what this record needed,” says Lynn. “He pushed us to create unique arrangements and employ unconventional recording and burrito-eating techniques that take the sounds on this album and gracefully elevate them to a psychedelic whirlwind, then down to an intimate lullaby and back around again. He’s a joy to work with and a hero at the helm.” Play Aura Vista Motel on late nights, behind the wheel of your car, volume up, windows down, and drive somewhere dark that makes you feel like you’ve got the whole world ahead of you.

'Tipping Point' is another new track from their upcoming album, Aura Vista Motel, having already received positive feedback for a couple of other preview songs. There are eleven tracks on the new album due out on May 6th and each one is a solid engaging song. The band have a refined natural sound and the production on the new album is exceptional. If you like 'Tipping Point' I think you should seriously consider an album purchase next month!

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