Weekend Wonders: Joan As Police Woman & Benjamin Lazar Davis - Mat Hunsley - Cassie and Maggie MacDonald - The Proper Ornaments - Deep Sea Diver - The Lovely Days

Joan As Police Woman & Benjamin Lazar Davis - Satellite.

Background promo - Brooklyn based Joan As Police Woman and Benjamin Lazar Davis today release Let It Be You, via Reveal Records/BFD*/RED Distribution. The band will celebrate the album's release at Good Room in Greenpoint on 10/26. Also on the bill is another of Ben's projects, Cuddle Magic.

Initially announced under the moniker ‘2001’ the duo released a pair of partner videos directed by Benjamin Gregory featuring Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia); one for the song “Overloaded” with Ben on lead vocals and “Broke Me In Two” featuring Joan on lead.

A deeply soulful artist, Joan As Police Woman (Joan Wasser) has famously worked with Antony (Anohni), Rufus Wainwright, Lou Reed and David Sylvian. Benjamin is a talented multi-instrumentalist who currently performs with his band Cuddle Magic, Okkervil River, and Bridget Kearney (Lake Street Dive). Joan and Ben met each other after separate trips to Africa; Ethiopia for Joan as part of Damon Albarn’s Africa Express,  and West Africa for Lazar to study traditional music. They initially bonded over Central African Republic Pygmy musical patterns and wrote this album together loosely inspired by this music. The band recently performed at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival.

The band will be touring Europe in November and December. Performing with a full band, Joan As Police Woman and Benjamin Lazar Davis will showcase songs from the new album and re-imagine recordings from the four previous Joan As Police Woman albums (Real Life, To Survive, The Deep Field, The Classic). More here.

This is our second track feature (following on from 'Magic Lamp' three weeks ago), from todays album release, this time we have the song 'Satellite'. It's another highly original and unique piece, where the duo again focus on creating and performing their eclectic music, it's different however quite accessible.

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Mat Hunsley - Fires.

Background - ‘Fires’ is the lead single from Mat Hunsley’s debut EP, which is available to pre-order from iTunes here.

Produced by Mick Ross (Ajimal, Tessera Skies, The Lake Poets) and mastered by Tom Woodward (The Cribs, Fidlar, Frankie & The Heartstrings), the ‘To Being Free’ EP is released on 18th November. It represents another personal step forward for Mat, who has had to overcome numerous frustrations – not least his own self-doubt – just to get to this stage.

Those experiences have fed into Hunsley’s unique brand of storytelling, which is laid bare on ‘Fires’, his most personal song yet. Nods to contemporaries including Bon Iver, Nathaniel Rateliff and James Vincent Mcmorrow are evident in the track and provide the perfect backdrop to his poignant lyricism and ethereal vocals.

Just last month the Newcastle-based artist premiered his debut song ‘Dropping’, which has led to a who’s who of music industry taste makers talking about Mat.

‘Fires’ is sure to propel him to even greater heights, culminating in the release of his debut EP, a body of work that perfectly represents what this outstanding young talent is all about. A passionate and intelligent documentation of the world as it revolves around him, it’s the first chapter in a colourful songbook that Mat appears to be compiling as he attempts to move past previous insecurities and reconnect with the human being inside worn and weathered 21st century skin.

'Fires' demonstrates just what a distinct and melodic voice Mat Hunsley has. Add to that a thoughtful and well structured song, and for me, your onto a winner.

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Cassie and Maggie MacDonald - F# Minor Set.

Background - Inventive Young Canadian Duo Cassie and Maggie MacDonald Bend the Beloved Folk Symbol in New Directions on The Willow Collection

Back in the day, people would lay willow wands beneath their pillow when they struggled to cope with strong feelings. “They would dream through it in the night and be better in the morning,” explains Maggie MacDonald. “That’s why it’s associated with grief.”

The willow’s powerfully emotional, innately flexible role as folk symbol inspired Nova Scotia-born duo Cassie and Maggie MacDonald’s latest, most exploratory album yet, The Willow Collection (release: November 4, 2016). The young player’s piano, guitar, fiddle, and flying footwork reveal the many facets of tying together songs that feature the tree. The MacDonalds have branched out from their deep Celtic roots into new, related regions, ranging from Appalachian and Ozark ballads to country classics.

We really wanted to explore the different genres that came from the same origins,” Cassie notes. “The Scottish people in Appalachia, for example. We wanted to trace those roots and really get a feel for how they took on a life of their own here in North America.” Website here.

The Willow Collection Tour:
11/7 Calais, ME: Calais Celtic Concert Series, Wash. Co. Community College
11/9: Mexico, ME: Green Church ;
11/10: Farmington, ME: North Church Concerts
11/11: Harvard, MA: Harvard Public Library
11/13: Harrisburg, PA: Susquehana Folk Song Society, Appalachian Brewery Company
11/17: New York, NY: Silvana
11/18: Oxford, NY: Six on the Square
11/19: Oswego, NY: Oswego Music Hall, McCrobie Building
11/20: Woods Hole, MA: Woods Hole Folk Society, Woods Hole Community Hall
11/22: Portland, ME: One Longfellow Square  

Unfortunately at present there is nothing to share from 'The Willow Collection', however as it's such a fine album, I just wanted to give it a mention along with the duo's forthcoming tour dates. Hopefully 'F# Minor Set' will raise some interest, if this please your ears then check out the soon to be released album.

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The Proper Ornaments - Memories.

Background - The Proper Ornaments – the project of James Hoare (Ultimate Painting, Veronica Falls) and Max Oscarnold (Toy) – announce the release of their second album. Foxhole will be released through Slumberland Records (US) and Tough Love Records (EU) on January 20, 2017.

James and Max started out writing Foxhole, the follow up to the bands 2014 released debut album ‘Wooden Head’, in January 2015. On ‘Foxhole’ they’ve sliced away a whole stratum of their sound, removing some distortion and lowering the frequency of plectrum strokes to allow more nuanced, piano-led ideas to emerge. The title isn’t a reference to Television’s jaunty proto-punk record but seems to be more of a dark, protective interior, a head space sketched out on ‘Jeremy’s Song’. While their particularly recognisable production style remains, three things stand out as likely reasons for the shift in mood. By the time they got around to recording again in James’ bedroom in Finsbury Park that Summer, the instability around the recording of ‘Wooden Head’ (and the five years before) had slid into a deep and seething acrimony. Second, they both bought pianos. Third, when the band, with Daniel Nellis and Bobby Syme joining on bass and drums went to record at Tin Room in Hackney in June, the pinch wheel on the 8 track machine was broken and somehow no one noticed. All but one recording, ‘The Frozen Stare,’ was hopelessly warped, so they went and did it all again from scratch back at James’.

Proper Ornaments hold the attraction of seeming to not try very hard at all and achieve something outstanding nonetheless. Quite apart from our attachment to laziness and chance which make this seductive, textures of dappled drums, softened-out guitars and vocal harmonies that slide along as effortlessly as this, any evidence of conscious construction spirited away, are in themselves totally ecstatic to listen to. Facebook here.

'Memories' is a gentler paced song, where the vocals and understated music complement each other superbly. Melodic and natural, the laid back vibes are just so quick to calm and please me.

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Deep Sea Diver - Wide Awake.

Background - Seattle-based indie-pop band Deep Sea Diver have shared "Wide Awake," the second music video from their recent sophomore album Secrets. The video is a beautifully shot live performance of the song, spotlighting the band's high energy live shows - they have a couple tour dates coming up (see below).

"Wide awake, and I'm chasing after you" - exclaims a breathless Jessica Dobson, singer and multi-instrumentalist of Seattle's Deep Sea Diver. The lyric is one that best encapsulates the front woman's bravado and fearlessness which dominates Deep Sea Diver's forthcoming sophomore LP, Secrets --Out February 19th on their own High Beam records. In their desire to explore dualities, Deep Sea Diver urgently and deliberately move you from rock experimentation to dreamy soundscapes, Kraut-esque drum and bass grooves to angular danci-ness, and full fledged orchestration to bare bones simplicity. Dobson has the voice and authority to tie it all together, and turn it into a cohesive unit that soars yet remains beautifully delicate and intimate. Live, the band has received acclaim for their festival-ready power and presence, Jessica's larger than life guitar hooks, and their cascading layers that build upon each other until they reach their explosive peak.

In late 2013, Dobson put in her notice to former Shins boss, James Mercer, in order to give full attention to her own musical vision. Mercer agreed, saying "I'll miss you, but I give you my full support. You've gotta pursue Deep Sea Diver." While much was gleaned from the experiences in her many years spent playing with top tier musical outfits (Beck, the Shins, Spoon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs,) something was brewing that demanded a sort of dedication and alertness that couldn't be fully engaged while moonlighting as a side-woman for those greats. Facebook here.

10.29.16 - Disjecta Portland, OR
11.07.16 - Paramount Seattle, WA w/ The Head and The Heart

'Wide Awake' is a hypnotic rocker, where the vocals of Jessica Dobson gradually take the song to a more dreamy and smoother place. As an intro to the recent album, it's gotta hook a few more ears.

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The Lovely Days - Lordness.

Background -  Hailing from Byron Bay, via Melbourne Australia comes four piece Australian indie band The Lovely Days who are set to release their self-titled debut EP on October 7th. The Lovely Days features brothers Tennyson Nobel, 23 [keys, vocals] Holden Nobel, 25 [bass, vocals] along with Stephen Dickie, 22 [guitar, b/vs] and Jackson McIvor, 21 [drums].

Scratch beneath the surface of The Lovely Days song-craft and you’ll discover trace elements from four young lads from Liverpool some 50 years ago, through to the classic songwriting that defined the prolific songs of the 70's and 80's. Featuring feel-good harmonies delivered by the Nobel brothers who seamlessly share the lead vocal across different tracks, The Lovely Days are indeed a rare breath of fresh air in today’s music scene with the EP being self-penned and self-produced.

The Lovely Days began recording their debut EP in different locations; starting in a big fancy studio, then mid stream finishing it off in a beach house and a mate’s bedroom at his grandmothers house. Lead singer Tennyson explains; “Studios are cool, but for us we really dig the DIY dynamic of recording in a lush space where you can cook together and go to the beach.”

Two brothers and a high school friend travelled from Byron Bay to Melbourne to kickstart their careers where they met their drummer to form a brotherly partnership that is The Lovely Days. If you’re vitamin D deficient and usually take supplements in the morning with your juice, stop…from now on just listen to The Lovely Days instead. Website here.

Bright and breezy indie rockers The Lovely Days know how to lift the mood as 'Lordness' ably demonstrates. Coming in at just over two minutes, it's like an energised shot in the arm, and an excellent taster for the fine new EP.

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Sweden Calling: Mother Mink - Louise Lemon

Mother Mink - Doobie Doobie.

Background promo - Mother Mink is a music duo based in Stockholm created the autumn of 2016. The band plays experimental indie pop with both electronic and acoustic elements. A big part of the music has been created by distorted saxophones, clarinets and dirty beats.

Mother Mink’s music can be described as a cross between punk, pop and indie. The music is theatrical, humoristic and has many interesting melodies. The musical references of the band comes from everything from jazz to punk. Their aesthetics is described by themselves as a ”kitchy, dirty and glamorous plastic world”.

On the stage Mother Mink wants to convey musical chaos where a qualitative freak show is their artistic goal. To achieve this Mother Mink often invites other crazy musicians to join them. They themselves describe their music as an explosion of art.

The original source of inspiration of the band comes from the plastic in all the seas of the world and several songs treat themes around the artificial and exaggerated world we live in. Their first single ”Monkeys” is about the mass death of bees caused by mankind.

Their second single ”Doobie Doobie” is a catchy song with references to Quentin Tarantino’s films. The song contains everything from horn arrangements, opera, Fanny’s singing and cut up electric guitars that sound like a machine gun. Website here.

For me 'Doobie Doobie' rips apart the awful, plastic Euro pop fodder, with a touch of madness, plenty of humour, and an annoyingly catchy song. The video is the icing on the cake.

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Louise Lemon - Thirst.

Background - Hailing from Sweden, the place that has graced us with some of the best and most interesting contemporary musicians comes female artist Louise Lemón. Following live performances, critics raved about Louise- including one of the biggest Swedish national newspapers Dagens Nyheter, who called her the answer to future music.

Louise Lemón joins the ultra-growing power of females with attitude; sounding sonically similar to PJ Harvey, whilst also hints of The Dead Weather appear. Interestingly, Louise actually recorded her upcoming EP, Purge, in a cabin deep in the woods of Dalarna, and the presence of the eerie place is undeniably audible in her latest single, Thirst. The track, which was produced by Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Thurston Moore), gets sent into darker territory, giving it that hypnotic edge when a scuzzy blend of guitars take over, reminding us of Dolores Haze. Whilst distorted, reverbed vocals have left comparisons to artists like Chelsea Wolfe. Thirst was released on the 14th October 2016 through Icons Creating Evil Art. Website here.

There is a brooding feel running right through 'Thirst'. The lofi vibes erupt into chorus, the distant edgy guitar comes and goes and the vocals drift through the sonic soundscape. Superb!

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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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