Genre Wander: Astari Nite - Sian Cross - The Blow - Tribe Royal - Eliza Mary Doyle

Astari Nite - Until the End of the Moon.

Background promo - Astari Nite is proud to bring to the world the music video to the title track of their second, and latest album, Until the End of the Moon. This is the 3rd music video for the album, following the music video for “Always Like Yesterday” and the live shot production for “Joyful Wish” which was shot at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale while the band opened for She Wants Revenge.

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 five releases; their self-titled Astari Nite (2010), Requiem Mass (2011)Stereo Waltz LP (2014) featuring the singles "Pyramids" and "I.O. 1987", Anonymous (2015) featuring the single "The Boy Who Tried" and Until the end of the Moon LP (2016)

2016 Highlights - The single "Always Like Yesterday" was included in Spotify's Fresh Finds playlist (January). Released a music video for the single "Always Like Yesterday." Released second LP titled Until the end of the Moon (May). Toured the U.S East Coast in support of the album (May). Opened for She Wants Revenge (June). Website here.

Second time feature for Astari Nite (it was back in April we first covered them) and 'Until the End of the Moon' is another fine song. Back then I described the music as "high quality post punk or new wave music", if anything the new song is a little more layered and refined, it's still terrific!

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Sian Cross - On And On.

Background - Sian Cross stunned listeners with her recent single Tell Anybody. Praised by critics and fans alike, it was made Track Of The Day on Clash, whilst reviewers praised her honest songwriting and exquisite vocals.

During On and On, her character fights for survival on the strip club stage, outwardly dominant but inwardly vulnerable. Her hypnotic vocals switch effortlessly from whisper to yell, against a sonically adventurous backdrop of startling synths and stuttering rhythms. It’s like Banks’ vocals married with FKA Twigs productions. Every listen reveals new layers. Sian will be heading out on tour in November with some talented artists, including a support slot for American artist Mishka Shubaly. Facebook here.

November Tour Dates:
3rd - Servant Jazz Quarters - London (supporting James Beau Barclay)
11th - Basingstoke Anvil - Basingstoke (supporting Sons Of Pitches)
12th - Falmouth Pavilion - Falmouth (supporting Sons Of Pitches)
14th - St Albans Arena - St Albans (supporting Sons Of Pitches)
21st - Cadogan Hall - London (supporting Sons Of Pitches)
23rd - The Rowbridge - Guilford (supporting Miska Shubaly)
25th - Gullivers - Manchester  (supporting Mishka Shubaly)
26th - Slaughtered Lamb - London (supporting Mishka Shubaly)
27th - Robin 2 - Wolverhampton (supporting China Crisis).

It was back at the end of July that Beehive Candy featured Sian Cross, describing her music as "emotional and atmospheric" on that occasion. 'On And On' has all of that, as the song builds (and builds) both with intensity and feeling. I definitely want to hear more!

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The Blow - Think About Me.

Background - The Blow’s Melissa Dyne and Khaela Maricich have spent the past handful of years deep in the studio, working out their own new way of producing electro acoustic pop. “Think About Me” is the fruit of these labors. The song consists of five tracks, using modular and analog synthesizers plus vocals to create layers of frequency. Through the recording process, the duo have developed their own instruments and processing systems for creating sounds, ending up with a mothership of gear patched together in a a web of cables. No longer employing a laptop in live shows, their songs are now performed as live production.

Dyne and Maricich started their odyssey of recording and producing their own music in the late aughts. They considered working with an outside producer but it soon became evident that the sound they were after was something they could only find together. In 2013 they emerged briefly from their recording odyssey for the release of their self-titled album, The Blow. The album was named “favorite album of the year” by NPR’s Bob Boilen and two of its songs were honored on the New York Times’ “Top Songs of 2013.”  With these encouragements they dove immediately back into the studio to continue pursuing elusive sounds.

Throughout the years of recording isolation Melissa and Khaela fantasized about building a community of other producers to draw inspiration from; they brought these fantasies to life in www.womanproducer.com.

'Think About Me' is a really good example of why there is still plenty of room for experimentation and daring to be different with music. This is a beautifully crafted song that has no hang ups on genres or format, and yet everything holds together, with the vocals giving some anchorage, whilst the sounds dance around.

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Tribe Royal - Into Golden Waves.

Background - Tribe Royal is a Canadian folk-rock band based in the nation’s capital city of Ottawa. The band was born from the partnership of Terry O’Brien and Chris Kerwin, two aspiring songwriters, and their shared interest in the musical giants of the 20th century. When their bandmates Bram Al-Najjar and Mike Giamberardino joined -- talented and inspiring musicians in their own right -- the resulting foursome created a dynamic relationship that has crafted the band’s sound into the genres it now encompasses.

Tribe Royal’s sound can be described as an alchemic blend of folk music, 60’s British Rock and 90's Alternative Rock. At the core of the Tribe are three unique singing voices that can be layered for 3-part harmony, or woven to create imaginative counterpoints. Their sound and songs have a nostalgic feeling to them, introspective yet vibrant; grounded in the honest experiences and youthful memories.

Since the band’s formation in January 2014, Tribe Royal has earned a reputation as a professional, hardworking and ambitious group. They have released one LP, “Samadhi”, with a second ‘Colours of the Sun’ to be released later in 2016. In just over two years as a group, they have played more than 150 shows in 20 different cities and are currently booking dates throughout the remainder of 2016. Their love for music has connected them with thousands of people of all ages, through small private benefit performances, to large-scale rock venues in some of Canada’s largest cities. With the release of ‘Colours of The Sun’ , 2016 is set to be a pivotal year for the emerging rock group. Website here.

I have to say the new 'Colours Of The Sun' album is consistently refined and enjoyable across all thirteen tracks. 'Into Golden Waves' gives an idea of what is in store for the listener, which I would describe as a mix of folk rock, alt rock and even a hint of Americana. It's all delivered with great vocals and a band who can play.

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Eliza Mary Doyle - Nothin' To Lose.

Background - When Eliza Doyle’s car broke down in Nashville in 2015, she found herself happily stuck in Music City.  The venerable banjo player and singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan had stopped in to see a festival and ended up enjoying an extended stay, playing in bars and meeting all manner of talented musicians.  Having been on sabbatical to follow her muse anyway, it seemed like fate urging her to keep on the well-worn path to musical fulfilment.

Doyle has had a fifteen-year career in groups, as a solo artist, and as a professional session musician, playing banjo, singing, with not only the banjo, but with guitar, dobro and mandolin. She has released nine full-length albums, won numerous awards, and toured North America and Europe.  Doyle has been a regional finalist in CBC’s Searchlight Canada competition and past winner of Bell Media’s contest, The Next Big Thing.

On her new album It Ain’t What It Seems Doyle’s strong, but wonderfully frayed voice belts out captivating tunes and harmonies. She has the versatility to go from beautiful and melodious songs, to a full on boot stompin’ party scene. With her charismatic high energy performance, combined with outstanding claw hammer banjo, everything about Eliza Doyle’s music rings of an authenticity that takes you straight to the beating heart of folk and bluegrass music. Website here.

Eliza Doyle – It Ain’t What It Seems Tour:
20th- Edmonton, AB. Sewing Machine Factory
21st- Williams Lake, BC. Arts Centre, Arts on The Fly with C.R Avery
22nd- Prince George, BC The Legion, with C.R Avery
23rd- Vancouver, BC. Cafe Deux Soleil with guests Jayne Trimble
25th- Vancouver, BC. The Heatley with guests Jayne Trimble and Bob Sumner
26th- Duncan, BC. Duncan Showroom
27th- Victoria, BC. Wheelies
28th- Victoria, BC, Private House Concert
30th- Parksville, BC, The Realm
November
2nd- Nelson, BC, Bigby Place
3rd- Kaslo, BC, The Bluebelle Bistro
4th- Nelson, BC, The Royal
18th- Winnipeg, MB, The Times Change(d) with The Osmond-Davis Band
December
10th- The Root Emporium, Lloydminister, AB.
13th- The Ironwood, Calgary, AB.
16th- The Bassment, Saskatoon, SK.
17th- The Church Series, Brock, SK.

'Nothin' To Lose' is one of eleven varied tracks on the album 'It Ain't What It Seems'. Eliza has a distinctive voice that just lends itself to these types of songs, and beyond her fine vocals is some superb musicianship. Sometimes soft and slow, other times foot stomping and upbeat the melodies are always there, it's a really good collection of songs.

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Tuesdays Treasure: Annie & The Make Believe - FYR - The Favorite Things - Saux and The Septembers

Annie & The Make Believe - Let's Get Together Again.

Background promo - London folk-pop band Annie & The Make Believe have announced the release of brand new single 'Let's Get Together Again' taken from their upcoming debut EP of the same title, due for release on October 31st. Fronted by Australian Annie, the debut EP 'Lets Get Together Again' from the five-piece is a collection of sweet songs, with foot tapping catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Annie left the Aussie surf for the big smoke armed with only her ukulele, song writing book and her imaginary 'make believe' journey. This dreamlike quality is reflected throughout the EP, with her endearing vocal weaving in and out of the light playful music. Annie's songwriting is influenced by real life events and title track 'Let's Get Together Again' was written for a marriage proposal for two friends who met at her Halloween party (p.s. it was a Yes!!)

The band have been out on the festival circuit this year and gigging at established London venues including Proud (Camden), 93ft East and The Bedroom Bar where they supported Swiss pop rockers 'Pegasus'. Website here.

Catch them live in London at the gig dates below:
23rd October - Paper Dress In-store - Hackney, London
3rd November - *EP launch party* - The Finsbury, London.

'Let's Get Together Again' is one enchanting song. It has a story, bright pleasing vocals, matched in style by the very good musicianship. Not bad for a debut (and some!).

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FYR - Submissia (feat. Linnea Sundemo).

Background - FYR (Martin Grådal) is a Swedish musician, composer and producer based in Gothenburg. FYR creates electronic music with suggestive melodies and a touch of Scandinavian melancholy.

FYR’s first release, Submissia, explores the balance between control and total surrender. Inspiration for the song came from reading the article ‘Breathless’, by Chris Jones for ESPN the Magazine. A portrait of the free diving record holder Herbert Nitsch and how he defies the limits of the human body.

The featured artist, Linnea Sundemo, may be found in many different musical contexts, including in collaborations with her sister Frida Sundemo. Linnea has a crystalline voice that will draw you in deeper and deeper. Facebook here.

I have to say the vocals of Linnea Sundemo are something quite special. However it takes a fine composition and quality soundtrack to bring everything together and FYA certainly achieves that with 'Submissia'. As electronic music goes, this is one of the best I've received in a while.

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The Favorite Things - Coming Clean.

Background - In 2014, four long time Minneapolis musicians joined forces to form The Favorite Things, playing original garage pop with a bit of alt country influence thrown in. Their name is taken from one of their biggest song writing and musical influences - The Replacements and their song, “Favorite Thing” (from their album, Let it Be).

The band formed from their common interest in making original music – after a few line-up changes, practice spot changes, and band name changes, they found a formula and a combination that worked – straight ahead songs, catchy hooks, and heart-felt lyrics.

The combination was working at the their live shows, so the band decided to team up with engineer/producer extraordinaire Jacques Wait at Terrarium studio to record their first album, called Coming Clean. The band is very excited to share these studio recordings, to continue writing songs and play high energy live shows. Website here.

Title track and the first of nine really fine songs 'Coming Clean' typifies the mixture of energised and upbeat straight rock, and well written songs. The band are totally unpretentious, and clearly enjoy their music, something the listener can easily join in with.

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Saux and The Septembers - Work.

Background - Australian duo The Septembers and Amsterdam based producer Saux teamed up to produce woozy single Work, last year. The product of a spontaneous jam session on a rainy day in Amsterdam, they recently performed the sultry track for Berlin based, multi-genre platform Colors, who have hosted the likes of Sevdaliza, Wafia & Ta-Ku, Honne, Dillon Cooper and more over the past year.

With a prominent beat, the multi-layered, warm soulful vocals weave in and out of the sparse instrumentation, played live in one take.

The Septembers: The Septembers are a uniquely soulful duo from Australia. Having just relocated to Berlin, the duo have been honing their sound, and creating music with both local Australian, and international acts. The Septembers is produced by James Chatburn, who has had a slew of impressive releases over the past year.

Saux: Fully devoted to soulful sounds and sultry voices, producer Saux has a flair for swift transitions from warm electronic music to underground pop to tropical melodies. He combines soulful sounds with electronic precision and warmth, and has received recognition from BBC,Majestic Casual, Fact Mag and more. The Septembers Facebook here, Saux here.

This live take of 'Work' is just so good! Watch the video by all means, however I recommend just shutting your eyes and drifting away with this soulful and blissful song.

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Six Of The Best: James Edge And The Mindstep - Holly Elle - SHEL - Clem Snide - Alexis & the Samurai - Dia

James Edge And The Mindstep - Widdershins.

Background promo - James Edge is already a studious musical maestro and a top drawer composer. The Kent-raised musician studied composition to master’s degree level under Joe Duddell - arranger for the likes of Elbow and New Order. After moving to London and starting to gig in 2006, he formed James Edge and the Mindstep to record 2010 debut album ‘In The Hills, The Cities’. The working relationships he built around this time would provide him with some dependable collaborators, including regular engineer and occasional co-producer Tom Aitkenhead, best known for his work with Laura Marling and Bloc Party. A core jazz-folk trio of Edge, double bassist Andy Waterworth and drummer Avvon Chambers materialised. Together the trio started recording second album ‘Machines He Made’ over a five day period tracking everything live and only overdubbing the backing vocals. The songs were largely unrehearsed, with band members and additional session players mostly having not heard the pieces before. This spontaneous hodgepodge has resulted in some of the most whimsical and deeply experimental music to come out of the capital in a while. The eerie acoustics of Nick Drake inform the atmospherics of much of James’s songwriting, but his sheer compositional nous - which draws on aspects of jazz, modern classical music and punk rock and roll - elevates songs like ‘On A Red Horse’ and 'Four Two Four' to a place far above any glib and generic categorisation.

This year has seen the praise surrounding Edge get more fervent. ‘Where We’re Going To’, released by Folkstock in February, has been played by Alex Lester on Radio 2 and Tom Robinson on 6Music., while ‘Becoming’, the flipside on that AA single release, was premiered and made song of the day on Folk Radio UK. The ‘On A Red Horse’ EP also received glowing reviews from R2 and Fresh On The Net amongst others. Any praise Edge gets is well given. He is a modern day Zappa, channelling his eccentric art through folk arrangements to create something deeply surprising, raw, and unnerving. Website here.

From the forthcoming December 9th album release ‘Machines He Made’ the song 'Widdershins' exudes a mixture of acoustic energy and lively vocals that interplay with each other seemingly spontaneously. This is an exceptional folk based album, which mixes in hints of jazz, chamber and more modern styles. It's no surprise that we have featured two songs already this year from James Edge And The Mindstep, and with a date now set for the album, I would recommend checking out the other features, ahead of the release.

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Holly Elle - I'm Scared.

Background - An electrifying bond of authenticity links modern chanteuse Holly Elle’s radiant voice to lyrics, melodies and beats. With soul infused pop as a point of reference – and the mantra “No labels, no rules, no limits” – Holly arrives with verve, vision and vibe. 

While the press might portray Holly as a “Pop Powerhouse” there are far more complex dimensions to her ever-evolving artistry. Whether fronting a full throttle band, commanding a concert stage with electronic tracks or in an intimate venue accompanied by only an acoustic guitarist, she is equally enthralling. “The whole point of making music is for me to connect,” she confirms.

Originally from Chestermere, a small community just outside of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Holly’s earliest musical influences were nurtured by her parents’ house parties as a community of European immigrants shared the sounds of their respective musical heritages. Extended car trips with the family introduced her to a soundtrack of Sixties and Seventies classics and the Brit-pop brought back from England by her brothers who were studying abroad provided a modern melodic counterpoint. Classically trained with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and with inclusion on two Canadian albums: Things You Never Thought I’d Say by Freddy and Around the Universe in 80 Minutes – A Tribute to Klaatu, Holly was ready to launch a career in the U.S. – home to her favourite pop divas.

Holly appreciates both her career as an independent artist and her adopted city. “I love the feel of Nashville,” she says. “It helps me to take a breath and to slow down.” From song to stage to video and beyond, Holly celebrates all of the elements in her escalating career. As a complex Gemini with a treasure of talents and corresponding business acumen, her goals remain simple and sincere. “Loving music, continuing to make it, and finding an outlet,” she concludes. Website here.

Holly Elle's melodic and powerful vocals drive 'I'm Scared' along, with a complementing piano based soundtrack. It's a classic and contemporary pop song, with passionate vocals standing out.

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SHEL - You Could Be My Baby.

Background - The billowing curtains of sound on Just Crazy Enough, the second full length album from virtuoso indie-folk band SHEL, will be both familiar and far-out to fans of the exciting sister quartet. The classically inspired mandolin, violin and piano are there, along with the band's glowing vocal harmonies. But we also hear dense, ethereal textures that hover between the digital and the analog. Grooves are deeper, emboldened with electronic ambiance and beat-boxing. The overall effect sheds light on their broad collection of influences, from the daring rock bands of the 60s to the contemplative composers of the 18th Century, and even the waves of modern electronica. Because or in spite of this effervescent mashup, Just Crazy Enough is a masterful move for SHEL. It's the integral, front-to-back album statement the band has been preparing to make since they began making music.

Dynamic change and self-searching was inevitably going to be a big part of SHEL's story in these early career years. Sisters Eva, Hannah, Sarah and Liza Holbrook are, after all, twenty-something women, born in a five-year span and raised in a bohemian, art-loving family in Fort Collins, CO. Each found an instrument to master early on, studying classical music while composing and arranging unique works for their anomalous instrumentation, violin, mandolin, piano and drums. They gained performing experience working with their songwriter father, and soon had festival promoters and media figures championing their fresh, intricately drawn sound.

SHEL is now touring and creating relentlessly in the hothouse environment of the 21st century music business. "We've always made our living playing music,' says Sarah Holbrook, "I dropped out of two different colleges, before it finally sank in that I was supposed to be playing music with my sisters full time. We signed with Republic Records early on, but escaped the 'artist protection program' and we're prouder than ever to be waving our indie banner." Website here.

The video for 'You Could Be My Baby' stands out in a crowded world, with something a little unsettling in the emotionless faces, that really works with the song. Indie folk is perhaps the roots of the song, it's hooks dig deep, leaving me now needing to check the album out.

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Clem Snide - Better (2016 Remaster).

Background - Clem Snide's debut album "You Were A Diamond" issued on vinyl for first time with bonus digital download tracks. (HHBTM Records), Release Date: November 18th, 2016.

Excerpt from interview conducted a few years back w/ HHBTM founder & CEO Mike Turner for article about the label called HHBTM Records: 10 Years Of Angst & Regret.

Q: So given that you were already hanging out in Athens a lot, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea must have been a big deal for you when it came out.

A: Not really. At the time, I was just completely obsessed with this record by Clem Snide called You Were a Diamond that to me just did everything Neutral Milk did, but did it so much better. More heartfelt, more raw. In fact I actually kind of slammed the Neutral Milk record in my zine because there seemed to be all this hype behind it while this other record that I loved so much was just getting brushed aside. But of course I kept hearing Aeroplane everywhere I went and eventually yeah it clicked with me and I realised it was brilliant and everything people say it is. So yeah, I guess I felt a little embarrassed about that.

Q: Embarrassed because you’d said Clem Snide’s record was better?
A: No. I’ve never been embarrassed about that. That record’s amazing. It still kills me that nobody seems to know about it. Some records you put out because you like them, some records because you love them, and some records you put out because it’s an obsession and you want the whole world to hear this thing that has so much to offer.

You Were A Diamond is a record that is both haunting and haunted (that cello, the way it mimics the scraping of fragmented skull against fragmented brain). Like paintings done on glass instead of canvas, fragile and yet somehow more luminous. Clem Snide’s music is impossible to reduce to a literal description—can’t call it alt-country when there’s a cello, call it lo-fi even though you’re able to hear every note, call it folk, even though there is a predominant electric guitar. All of this adds up to the most unlikely of sonics. Call it Clem Snide. USA Vinyl pre-order here.

From what is for me a fabulous album 'Better' gives but a flavour of what's in store on the reissued 'You Were A Diamond' album. Mixing alt rock with Americana and even indie folk styling, it really is a fine collection of songs and the six accompanying bonus tracks just add to the story. Definitely one for vinyl fans to consider, or for those of us who missed out on the album first time around, then come and feast your ears on this.

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Alexis & the Samurai - Dogs.

Background - The duo of songwriters Alexis Marceaux and Sam Craft, the group brings to life a bold, Folk-Pop sound for the masses. The group creates a diverse spectrum of sounds, in which the duo learned how to multi-task and play several instruments for the release.

Performing everything as a duo has pushed Marceaux and Craft in new directions as songwriters. Both are classically trained musicians (voice for her; composition and violin for him) who have channelled their training into a catchy indie-pop sound. They build songs from scratch in the studio, each bringing in ideas that they work on together. The songs are born of the musicians’ own experiences.

Exiled after having lost everything in hurricane Katrina, Alexis Marceaux has spent the last decade returning home and building up a career from scratch. The meantime has been hard-fought but fruitful, with appearances at The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Voodoo Music Experience, SXSW, and several tours of the US and Europe. Alexis and bandmate Sam Craft met in 2009 and initially teamed up for Alexis' sophomore effort Orange Moon (2011). Under the tutelage and engineering of The Polyphonic Spree’s Rick Nelson, the duo drew an all-star cast, 25 of NOLA’s finest musicians of every genre for a big, lush, indie-pop opus with a distinct Louisiana flavor.

Marceaux put out her solo release Dandelion in '09, and its songs were picked up by various television shows (MTV's The Real World, E!'s Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and others), but with Orange Moon, she’s elevated herself into a "songwriting force to be reckoned with" (No Depression), securing more media placements, as well as rotation in Starbucks cafés and other stores. The duo latest LP is Move Into View. Bandcamp here.

'Dogs' is delightful. The same can be said of the latest album (Move Into View). Folk pop with energised moments, competing with beautiful vocals and harmonies, the duo deserve to be noticed.

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Dia - Covered In Light

Background - Dia is the stunning project of composer and performer, Danielle Birrittella. Her debut EP, Tiny Ocean, released with Manimal Records, features songs produced by Joey Waronker (Beck, REM, Atoms for Peace), Tim Carr (The Americans, HAIM) and Frankie Siragusa (theLAB).

Raised on a Hindu ashram, she sang ceremonial ragas as a child, which led to training and performing as an opera singer throughout the U.S. and Europe. Along these travels, she began experimenting with music and writing song fragments on a ukulele, which was gifted to her by her brother. Dia reminisces how she "would literally sit on the floor of my bathroom and come up with melodies". Encouraging reactions from those close to her, reinforced her musical path. Tiny Ocean showcases Dia's lush baroque-pop sound, which incorporates etherial vocal textures abstracted by organic percussion, electric guitars, ukulele, tiple, cellos, and drones. Her breathtaking debut is inspired by a 12th century poem in which Kafiristan confesses "since you love me and I love you the rest matters not”. This message is so awakening to Dia, she admits "the idea of just total surrender to love, martyrdom for love is power". Tiny Ocean is Dia’s version of that, "tie a knot around my tiny ocean, hammer me to every wall you build... burn me with your brightness…"

Dia’s practise as a classically trained opera singer induced an incredibly critical ear. Her influences of classical music, such as Baroque and French Romantics are beautifully infused with modern experimental cinematic folk on her debut EP. She imagines the ideal time and place to listen to Tiny Ocean is on a long drive in the car, "The grandness and the movement of being on the road supports the grandness and the movement of the songs".

A native of New England, and graduate of New York University (BA) and California Institute of the Arts (MFA), she has lived and worked as an artist in New York, France, and Italy. Highlighted performances have included Disney Hall's REDCAT - Los Angeles, La Musica Lirica - Italy, The Chautauqua Institute - New York, La Main d'Or - Paris, and The Ludwig Foundation - Cuba. Tiny Ocean is currently available worldwide. Facebook here.

First of three songs on the Tiny Ocean EP 'Covered In Light' is aptly described as experimental indie folk/Baroque pop. The theme continues throughout the EP, which has a distinct and quite unique and pleasing feel, love it!

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Genre Wander: The Orb - Blondfire - Escapists - Muuy Biien

The Orb - First, Consider The Lillys.

Background promo - The duo known for their genre-bending curiosity and surprising sonic detours, that explore experimental soundscapes as well as club-friendly beats, legendary and celebrated ambient kingpins, The Orb, premiere their 16th album, "COW / Chill Out, World!" this week via The Vinyl Factory, and on Kompakt from Friday, October 14.

In support of the LP release, The Orb kick off the first leg of their North American tour on October 19, which sees them bringing their critically aclaimed live shows to both the east and west coasts. A performance The Times gives a four star review saying, "Less a 'gig', more of a happening with a sense of vast sonic irreverence."

The duo comprised of accomplished soundsmiths Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann are also celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their seiminal debut album 'Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld." US audiences are in for a rare treat as they'll perform their greatest hits and select songs from the forthcoming "Chill Out, World!'

Featuring only the occasional presence of buoyant, gently rhythmic pulses and loops, Alex Paterson describes COW as “Our most ambient album yet”. Sounds bubble, flutter and float through various atmospheres and moods, from bucolic and picturesque, childlike wonderment, the texture of bygone memories, to the universe’s infinite depth. Facebook here.

The Orb North American Tour Dates (More Dates TBA):
Dates     State     Venue    
10/19     ALLSTON, MA     BRIGHTON MUSIC HALL    
10/20     NEW YORK, NY     WEBSTER HALL    
10/21     CARRBORO, NC     CAT'S CRADLE    
10/22     ATLANTA, GA     VARIETY PLAYHOUSE    
10/23     ASHEVILLE, NC     MOUNTAIN THEATRE    
10/26     SEATTLE, WA     NEUMOS    
10/27     PORTLAND, OR     STAR THEATER    
10/28     DENVER, CO     CERVANTES' OTHER SIDE    

Our second featured track from the brand new album (and what an album it is!). 'First, Consider The Lillys' is a lush ambient piece of gorgeous musical textures. Orb fans are in for a massive treat, everyone else should check it out, and maybe join the party..

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Blondfire - Heathens.

Background - blondfire is pure emotion. blondfire is confidence. Truth. Fantasy. It’s a sense of coming into one’s own, a freedom to explore, to break free from the constraints of the day-to-day world.

blondfire is Erica Driscoll. Her ethereal yet confident vocals and ineffable style brought the band great acclaim and a worldwide fan base with the 2014 breakout album “Young Heart” (featuring the alternative hit “Where the Kids Are”).  blondfire’s more recent music bursts forth with a potent sense of purpose, more guitars, and more bite, both sonically and lyrically.  The single “Pleasure” was “inspired by the crazy Manchester drug scene aftermath and how seeking that ultimate euphoria and pleasure can come with a dark side,” Erica says. “It was fun while it lasted.” 

The lyrics – “Set fire to the house, burning through the pleasure with you. Get up, get up, get out of your head. Get up, get up, get up, feel alive” – reflect that hedonistic duality.  Plus, it’s just relentlessly catchy. “Pleasure” – produced and co-written by Wally Gagel (Best Coast, Zella Day, Family of the Year, Escondido). Expect more brand new material anytime now. Facebook here.

It was good to hear from Erica who simply asked, I’d love for you to check out my dark, dreamy cover of the Twenty One Pilot's song 'Heathens'. So I did, and if anything her description understates what a fine song this is, add, atmospheric and gorgeous to dark and dreamy.

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Escapists - Silence.

Background - About 'Silence’ Lyrically it’s about the familiar pockets of silence that build in modern relationships when someone stares unflinchingly into a phone screen. By employing a wall of sound and some noise rock dynamics, the group shatter the very thing they write about and assert themselves and their desire to connect with people with stunning audacity. ‘Silence’ sees the group move away from the jagged dance rock sound of before and into something closer to adult contemporary music. With a unique ear for texture Escapists employ tinkling piano lines and searing synths before concluding with a mesmerising psych wig-out.

About Escapists When Escapists’ vocalist Simon Glancy moved to London to concentrate on his songwriting, he asked the only musical friend he knew to help record his ideas. Enter Oli Court, future Escapists guitarist. Oli drafted in his friend, composer Max Perryment, to play bass and the trio spent a week of intensive sessions finalising Glancy’s ideas before deciding their musical camaraderie was worth pursuing. Oli’s former schoolmate Andy Walsh was enlisted to round off the lineup on drums and before long they were recording indie rock inspired by Simon and Oli’s university listening habits: Arcade Fire, The National and Broken Social Scene.

Escapists’ debut single was picked up and broadcast by XFM’s John Kennedy and within the year they toured with Imagine Dragons and made their festival debut at Reading and Leeds. Their debut album ‘Only Bodies’ was written in the first half of 2013 and released in 2014 to general appraisal from the blogosphere. Towards the end of last year they followed it up with the standalone single ‘Faraday Cage’, packaged with a striking update of the Talking Heads classic ‘This Must Be The Place’ – it was a fitting homage to a band who, like Escapists, were bent on pushing the parameters of new wave. After releasing the all-killer five track EP ‘Eat You Alive’ last year, Escapists shed their jagged post punk skins, went back to the drawing board and re-emerged with their new AA single ‘Silence/Animals’. Ostensibly it’s Escapists at their most pop: the melodies are immediate and the structures are exhilarating. The truth is, like the bands that brought them together, they’re now making pop music for the thinking person. This year sees Escapists arrive at their most thought-provoking work yet: ‘Silence/Animals’ is the sound of bigger things still to come. Website here.

'Silence' is an expansive and extremely well produced song. The power is there, however it's so well layered that everything has it's place in the mix, without dominating or crowding out the rest, its melodic, rocky and bristling with hooks.

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Muuy Biien - Bitter Blessings.

Background - Muuy Biien is a band from Athens Georgia. Originally an ambient project of singer Joshua Evans, the inclusion of a full band has allowed the project to evolve into an intense and raucous live act. In four years, they have released 2 albums and 3 EPs containing punk, post-punk, darkwave, ambient and krautrock influences. On October 28th 2016, the band will release their first true studio album (and third album overall) on Autumn Tone. The new full length, recorded by David Barbe at Chase Park Transduction, finds the band continuing to experiment with new sounds and territories. Muuy Biien are poised to spend most of 2016 and 2017 on the road supporting the record.

Tour Dates:
10/13 – New York, NY – Rough Trade (Aquarium Drunkard Party)
10/19 – Augusta, GA – Soul Bar
10/20 – Asheville, NC – House Show
11/02 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre (album release show)
11/03 – Atlanta, GA – Drunken Unicorn (album release show)
11/30 – Jackson, MS – Martin’s
12/01 – Houston, TX – The Nightingale Room
12/02 – San Antonio, TX – The Mix
12/03 – Austin, TX – The Sidewinder
12/04 – Fort Worth, TX – Lola’s
12/06 – Tucson, AZ – The Flycatcher
12/07 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
12/08 – Los Angeles, CA – Satellite
12/09 – San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern
12/11 – Portland, OR – Bunk Bar
12/12 – Seattle, WA – The Vera Project
12/13 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
12/15 – Denver, CO – Lost Lake Lounge
12/17 – St. Louis, MO – Firebird

Forth track out of twelve on the new album and 'Bitter Blessings' gives a flavour of whats in store, on this uncompromising collection. Sometimes the experimentation is at the fore, the edgy rock'n'roll is never far off, and overall the bands individual identity keeps the whole thing together.

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Weekend Wonders: Saint Marilyn - Lori Cullen - Navy Gangs - Matt Stillert - Winter

Saint Marilyn - Frustrate Me.

Background promo - Brooklyn-based synth-pop duo Saint Marilyn released their track "Frustrate Me". The single marries hazy psych-pop synths, dub scattered drumbeats and spine-chilling vocals.

Vocalist/drummer Che Houston opened up to them about the track: “We wanted there to be an indecisive aspect to the way the synthesizers bend and move, to emulate the fluctuations of emotion in a personal conflict."

After releasing their EP 'Shoshone' last year, the band flourished with a dancy high-energy live-show, integrating live drums and bass into their sound, and making rounds at popular New York venues. "Frustate Me" comes ahead of a full-length release, set to come out in 2017, which will see them experimenting with elements of house and psych-pop.

They'll play two New York dates this month, at C'mon Everybody on October 18th, and at Bowery Electric on October 25th. Facebook here.

'Frustrate Me' is a synth pop song with expansive and delightful vocals, and a sensitive synthy soundtrack. Put together you have a smooth gliding and melodic song that's foundations are solid quality musical vibes.

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Lori Cullen - Then There Were Three.

Background from Lori - Having two of my favourite people who also happen to be my favourite songwriters write an album of material for ME to sing is beyond exciting.

Like so many songs on this record Ron Sexsmith has written lyrics so personal but also so universal. Making babies is nothing new or original but when you have your own the world is forever changed. The joy and love is infinite and you'll never sleep the same again.

This song, as well as the upcoming album, was recorded at Canterbury Sound by veteran engineer Jeremy Darby (FOG, Pixies, Lou Reed) and produced by Maury Lafoy, who also played bass along with the core band of drummer Mark Mariash, keyboardist Robbie Grunwald, and guitarist Swinghammer.

I'm set to release "Sexsmith Swinghammer Songs" on October 28, 2016 via True North Records, Oct 29 - Toronto, ON - Hugh’s Room (Album Launch). Pre-order here.

With the background above I was expecting quality and 'Then There Were Three' is that, and a whole lot more. It's one of those songs where I almost feel the need to plead, that you give it a listen. I cannot wait for the album!

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Navy Gangs - Mondays.

Background - Navy Gangs is a pop quintet currently residing in the washed out and overly demanding area of New York City. Singer/Guitarist Matthew Tillwick, Guitarist Noah Kohll, and Drummer Gavin Cordaro began orchestrating music together in 2012 at Central High School in the red light district of Omaha where they failed their junior years miserably.

For 2 months they took jobs working in the desert dome at the Henry Doorly zoo until they saved enough of their dismal wages for one way bus passes to New York City, where they moved in temporarily with Kohll's grandmother Estelle.

After making some new friends in Washington Square park, the 3 boys found themselves in a basement scene in little Italy. It was there that they met their bassist, Wilson Keithline from Providence, Rhode Island. Together they became Navy Gangs, a troupe who's songs grab influence from dark rooms, hopeless romanticism, table wine, and back page humor.

The EP was recorded in Noah Kohll’s grandmother Estelle’s home by Joey Kimono straight to 2 inch tape and was mixed and mastered by Steve Marion of Delicate Steve.  It features vocals and percussion from long-time friend Coley Gold, a nomadic vixen who plays shows with the band often but never rings ahead of time (just shows up).

Derived from heartbreak, endless internet streaming, and the pain that is being social, Navy Gangs debut EP is a pop miracle. EP released this Friday October 14th via No Roads. The boys will take the stage every week of October for a month-long residency at Berlin NYC. They'll share the stage with Beth Israel, Jennifer Vanilla, and Rubber this Friday October 14th. Jonny Couch will celebrate his own EP release on October 20th, with Navy Gangs, Plain Dog, and Bodega. The final date will include Hotline, Grooms, and Vivienne Eastwood, on October 29th. Facebook here.

The video has a curiously surreal and engaging start to it, the song 'Mondays' follows and lives up to expectations set. It's a confident indie rock anthem of sorts, that hooks into me, and insists on another listen (and another).

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Matt Stillert - K.I. Honey.

Background - The boycotter of the metaphorical shoe, poet, protester, grower of veggies and facial hair, Matt Stillert, says he's just getting warmed up. In the Adelaide winter just gone, after a three year musical journey spent on the road, the solo barefoot wanderer reunited with his band ‘Madclassic’ (Tim Foster, Dave Phillips) and recorded his most refined studio work to date in the form of new single ‘K.I. Honey’.

The hypnotic rhythm and seamless guitar play in ‘K.I. Honey’ provides a platform for a subtle yet powerful message that carries an air of protest and activism. Stillert says of the track, "K.I. Honey is about unity, power in numbers and sticking it to the man. “The bitch took my money" is not about an ex-girlfriend, the bitch represents ‘the man’ and the oppressive powers that be who are keeping us all financially enslaved in order to maintain their positions of power."

Though at its heart, ‘K.I. Honey’ is a celebration of the tribal love and healing power of musical harmony. It's named after the Ligurian Honey Bees residing on Kangaroo Island that make some of the best honey in the world and that are known for their friendly nature.

Matt explains,“I draw the analogy of the hive and the human tribe; we could take some wisdom from the co-operation of many lives for a higher purpose. Considering the bees on K.I. are possibly the last of their kind, the message extends to illuminate the precariousness of our global human situation, adding an air of desperation to save what's left and to maintain an inhabitable earth with a peaceful future for life on the planet." Matt is kicking off the ‘K.I.Honey’ tour in Victoria this October and heading north, making his way up to Queensland by the new year, playing over 40 shows along the way with even broader touring plans set for 2017.

With the ‘K.I. Honey’ video capturing the grass roots essence that is integral to everything Matt Stillert, the clip was filmed in the heart of Adelaide during the middle of a bitingly cold winter and is testimony to the struggling, yet surviving and passionate local music scenes across Australia. Stillert hopes ‘K.I. Honey’ will be a source of imagination, empowerment and positivity for all who hear it. More here.

The music is refined and skillfully delivered, whilst the vocals have character and resonate wonderfully. 'K.I. Honey' has a message, the song delivers that, and some smooth feeling vibes.

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Winter - Dreaming.

Background - LA-based (by way of Brazil) dream-pop band Winter shares their latest single "Dreaming." Originally written in 2013, the song was almost lost when the band's laptop was stolen on tour. This summer a version of the song was miraculously recovered on a backup hard drive, and a music video for the single will be released soon.

Winter is a dreamy indie rock band whose sound was conceived in Boston. Beginning as a collaborative effort between Samira Winter and Nolan Eley, their first recordings culminated into the 2012 EP entitled Daydreaming. Following the release, Samira’s relocation to Los Angeles brought on the recruit of additional members Matt Hogan (guitar), Justine Brown (bass), and Garren Orr (drums) to create a band that would manifest her ultimate dreams.

The quartet released their first full-length album, Supreme Blue Dream, via Lolipop Records in 2015. The aptly titled album floats on with a youthful sense of nostalgia and romanticized segues into adulthood. Touching on not one, but two languages (English and Portuguese), this bi-lingual group of dreamers do their part to lay us down softly while keeping listeners eager for each tune. Winter aspires to connect others with their inner child by making blissful, beautiful and ethereal pop music.

Winter is now working on their upcoming record Ethereality. The band supported Broncho on their 2016 North America Tour and recently performed at Animal Collective’s Camping Weekend in Big Sur in September. Facebook here.

Tour Dates:
October 18 Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Theater w/ Ducktails, Ablebody (Record Release), Wyatt Blair
October 21 San Francisco, CA - Slims w/ Picture Atlantic
November 5 San Diego, CA - Blonde Bar w/ So Many Wizards
November 6 Fullerton, CA - Continental Room w/ So Many Wizards.

'Dreaming' is dream pop with a little indie rock slant. Even the guitars have something of a hazy distant feel, whilst the vocals glide smoothly above, it's a breath of fresh air, on a warm sunny day.

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