Globetrotting: Matt Townsend - The Proper Ornaments - Kamaliza - The Insatiables

Matt Townsend - Came Down From The Mountain.

Background - The Drifter and the Dream (Part I) is the first installment of a two-part EP series. It features some of Western North Caroli-na’s finest musicians, such as Bill Berg (Drums on Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks) River Guerguerian, Kat Williams, Franklin Keel, Jackson Dulaney, Carly Taich, Charles Gately (Doc Aquatic), Ryan Burns.

With his distinctive voice, and a world weary insight, Matt Townsend delivers his original songs, formed in the wells of Folk music, 60’s rock and pop, indie rock, ambient music and the American songwriting tradition.Live, his band flows from high energy rock and roll, to quiet folk tunes and back. Bob Dylan, Neutral Milk Hotel, Neil Young are counted among some of his musical guiding lights.

The Asheville, North Carolina-based musician has been performing across the country since 2012. 2016 marks the anticipated release of Townsend’s latest work, The Drifter and the Dream (Part I), a five-track EP, which is part one of a double EP series. The songs were recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville with producer Michael Selverne (Welcome to Mars Productions), and features Bill Berg (The drummer on the Minnesota sessions for Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks, Cat Stevens, Leo Kottke). The first EP explores the personal relationship to social and political issues, spiritual connection, and humanness in a de-humanizing society. Along with recording and touring, Townsend is also the the founder of Eternal Mind Records, a new arts collective and record label in Asheville, NC. Website here. Facebook here.

The second of five songs on the EP 'Came Down From The Mountain', is a good indicator of the quality to be found on 'The Drifter and the Dream (Part I)'. Mixing lighter acoustic songs with more expansive pieces, the wonderful vocals of Matt Townsend are just a gift for this type of music. The craftsmanship of the musicians and the quality of each song, make this a must have for me.

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The Proper Ornaments - Cremated (Blown Away).

Background - The Proper Ornaments – the project of James Hoare (Ultimate Painting, Veronica Falls) and Max Oscarnold (Toy) – will release their sophomore album 'Foxhole' on January 20 via Slumberland Records (US) and Tough Love Records (ROW). This week the band shares album standout "Cremated (Blown Away)".

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’. Facebook here.

Tour Dates:
01/22 Leeds, UK - Brudenell Social Club (Games Room)
01/23 Glasgow, UK - Mono
01/24 Birmingham, UK - The Hare & Hounds
01/26 London, UK - Moth Club
01/28 Lille, FR - Le BiPlan
01/29 Lyon, FR - Sonic
01/30 Luzern, CH - Gewerbehalle
01/31 Lausanne, CH - Le Romandie
02/01 Winterthur, CH - Albani Music Club
02/02 Heidelberg, DE - Karlstorbahnhof
02/03 Berlin, DE - Marie Antoinette
02/05 Hamburg, DE - MS Stubnitz
02/07 Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso
02/08 Utrecht, NL - ACU
02/09 Rotterdam, NL - V11
02/10 Paris, FR - La Mecanique Ondulatoire.

'Cremated (Blown Away)' has a distinct sound and feel to it, one that has that timeless element. Keeping the arrangement quite simple results in each instrument standing out and the refined vocals are a really good fit. Another fine musical example of  "less is more".  

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Kamaliza - Zermatt.

Background - London-based company, Cape & Monocle do a fantastic job of creating a video that is just as mesmerising as the song. Switching between a series of complex visuals that encompass a spectacular world of beauty inspired by Kamaliza's travels through Switzerland.

The visual art of Kamaliza's "Zermatt" mesmerises, its vivid colors encompassing a spectacular world of beauty. Inspired by his travels through Switzerland, Kamaliza describes the simple joy of a holiday with a loved one, contextualised by the natural wonder of Zermatt's majestic Matterhorn. In the video, landscape transforms into abstraction, colors distorted yet thoroughly breathtaking. The music, fittingly, is a contemporary blend between electronic and alternative, as refreshing as the crisp air of the Alps. Website here, Facebook here.

The video is a spectacular collection of creative images, where vivid colours and artistic montages combine to create an intriguing series of moments for the song 'Zermatt'. All that's needed is the right music, and Kamaliza is a natural for that, with a beautifully produced track that comfortably builds around the electronic framework.

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The Insatiables - My Dear.

Background - The Insatiables launch summery new single 'My Dear' Following on from their May 2016 EP release 'Impatient Creatures', Perth three piece The Insatiables have wasted no time and are set to launch their wonderfully crafted new single 'My Dear'.

In letter writing My Dear is an opening line used for a more intimate and affectionate approach and the same can be said of the delivery of this slice of indie-pop. A penned letter to a love accompanied by rhythmic guitars, driving sixteenths and commanding vocals, The Insatiables' writing chops step up a level as they channel textural specialists The Jezabels.

Previous single 'I Know My Scars' from the EP 'Impatient Creatures' introduced audiences to The Insatiables and scored community spins Australia wide along with commercial exposure through Perth's Mix FM. As the band prepare for a 2017 EP release, 'My Dear' will be available via all digital retailers from November 24 with a live launch date of December 17 at favourite watering hole 459 Bar in North Perth. My Dear is out November 24 via all good digital retailers. Website here, Facebook here.

'My Dear' has some notable and powerful upfront chord changes that are delivered with vibrancy. The audio production is superb, and whats more the song just happens to be one very fine indie piece.

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Midweek Muse: Nice Motor - The Amazons - Lionfly Secrets - Cocoa Futures

Nice Motor - Duck And Cover.

Background - Nice Motor is a Rock n' Soul band from Chicago, forming in late 2014. With Brian Webb on Vocals and Guitar, Seth Webb on Drums, Dave Swick on Guitar, and Neil Krajenta on bass, the band began recording music during the summer of 2015. Their first releases, "All the Neighbors" and "Turn to Stone" were made available for free on Soundcloud in the fall of that same year.

Nice Motor formed after the break-up of Chicago veteran band "Jonny Rumble", freeing up Brian and Seth for new adventures, and Dave's departure from another Chicago band, "Super Happy Fun Club". Neil was waiting in the wings, bought a bass, and off they went. Beginning with acoustic writing sessions on a balcony, and impromptu electric noise-making, the band quickly began to write tunes as a well-orchestrated unit. After pocketing a hand or two full of songs, the band began recording in May with their good friend Chris Mason manning the controls of a make-shift home-studio. The month of May also saw Nice Motor play their first show, selling out Alive One in Chicago, to benefit Team High-Life and bring awareness to suicide prevention. They quickly followed up by selling out a show at Tonic Room in June.

The band’s next show is on NYE at Double Door in Chicago. They will be opening for Lucky Boy’s Confusion. Facebook here.

I cannot help but love the vintage sounds that introduce 'Duck And Cover'. However rather than be the highlight it simply helps the refined, beautiful music and vocals that follow to stand out even further. Alt rock of sorts Nice Motor have a something pretty special going on here.

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The Amazons - Little Something.

Background - Following their recent Q Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Act, The Amazons’ upwards momentum continues with the news that their brand new track ‘Little Something’ has been chosen as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World. Now available to download and stream, ‘Little Something’ impacts on January 20th.

Produced by Catherine Marks (Wolf Alice, Foals, The Vaccines), ‘Little Something’ elevates the clash of melody and aggression that simmered in The Amazons’ previous single ‘In My Mind’. It starts with an ominous air of moody atmospherics before erupting into a fiery ball of energy following a dynamic breakdown that inspires chaos when the band performs it live.

“‘Little Something’ represents the darkest and heaviest place we’ve pushed our music to,” says frontman Matt Thomson. “It’s a predatory lyric based around the hunt for an obsession that’s out of reach, and then in the darkness and failure of reaching it, finding yourself becoming something you’re not.”

‘Little Something’ will also feature on the band’s debut album which has been recorded with Catherine Marks in Flood and Alan Moulder’s famous Assault and Battery studio in London. Facebook here. Website here.

The Amazons recently played their biggest London headline show to date at Oslo and are currently finishing a run of dates as guests to Jimmy Eat World. They conclude 2016 – and preview an even bigger 2017 – with the following shows:

December:
1st - St. Albans, The Horn
8th - Bath, Moles
9th - Bedford, Bedford Esquires
10th - London, Nambucca (This Feeling club night)
15th - Newcastle, Think Tank Underground
16th - Sunderland, Independent
17th - Manchester, When In Manchester Festival

A nice thumping bass and drums combination bring 'Little Something' into play and the darker vocals and haunting guitar add additional atmosphere and urgency. This is one meaty and powerful track, a short reprise halfway through is the calm before the band storm into a full on finale.

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Lionfly Secrets - Epiphany Spinnup.

Background - Lionfly Secrets released their new single “Epiphany” on Friday 18th November. “Epiphany ” is a bombastic, energetic electro-pop symphony. It is four minutes of hook-filled melody with striking synths, crashing guitars and a female vocal that thunders boldly through the progressiveness of the track.  The production is rich, colourful and steady.  Erica’s vocals reverb through the track and sit perfectly with the electro style of their music. Fellow bandmate Nikolai Hemmingsson is the Producer charged with the warmth and power of the production and serves up a track full of oomph and dynamism.  Erica describes the song as a moment of diversion from reality “We wanted to create a soundtrack for escapism. Walking around in headphones and dream away that you are in a dreamworld and a better place, but then you have to take the earphones out and get back to reality where nothing is as good as you hoped it was”.

Lionfly Secrets are a 5-piece from Sweden.  Vocalist Erica Zandelin hooked up with Sebastian Fernstedt whilst in High School and he produced her first single. An ongoing working relationship continued over the years, until 2015 the pair officially unified and created Lionfly Secrets and added 3 band members to the family. The band have achieved a great deal since their incarnation, including reaching the finals of “Stream Your Dream” competition in Stockholm, part of an acoustic tour in Sweden and had the opportunity to play the “Live At Heart” festival in Orebro.  As with all working bands, day jobs have to be sustained to fulfil the dream – in the case for Erica that is operating  a forklift truck – but it is the means to an end.

Release plans for 2017 for Lionfly Secrets are scheduled. Writing and recording over the winter for an EP release in Spring and touring and festivals in the summer and further releases in the autumn. Facebook here.

With something of a swirling sound 'Epiphany Spinnup' introduces itself before developing into a very catchy song that drifts between indie pop and rock. Erica Zandelin has distinct and very fine vocals and the band have a depth of sound that adds something a little extra!

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Cocoa Futures - The Grey.

Background - Perhaps Cocoa Futures’ most direct offering of sparkling, upbeat indie pop, 'The Grey' is all driven groove, sonorous dancefloor bounce and soaring vocal hooks. Such pull-no-punches positivity stems straight from the tune's lyrical subject matter, as Futures frontman Greg explains. “‘The Grey’ is about someone facing life and all of its normality after something really bad happening. It talks about how difficult that can be and the things that you can do to get through it. It's also a reminder that they will.” ‘The Grey’ is taken from Cocoa Futures’ forthcoming ‘Blue’ EP – produced by Marc Withasee (Micachu & the Shapes) – out on Lost In The Manor Records on 2 December.

“Our ethos is pretty simple – to be ambitious about making music we’re proud of. And to have a nice time.” Greg, Cocoa Futures

Scotland-bred and London-based, Cocoa Futures are the brainchild of frontman Greg (vocals/bass). They specialise in pristine pop harmonics crossed with a taste for the unexpected. Greg assembled a band including Dave (drums), Zoe (keys) and Jack (guitar) and first came to prominence in 2014 through the self-released upbeat singles ‘Do Something’ and ‘Scotland’, while commanding distinguished reviews for their select live shows, which included the Great Escape and Camden Crawl festivals. This early promise served as a staging post for the band to determine their musical direction and decamp to the studio to write. And write. 

Crafting and developing manifold demos became a daily pastime for Greg and when he sent a batch of these over to producer Marc Withasee (Micachu & the Shapes), the pair bonded over a love of ‘messed up’ pop and the producer was instrumental in setting tempos, tweaking arrangements and bringing out the band’s penchant for building tracks around loops and effects as they collaborated on the ‘Blue’ EP, completed in early 2016. When Greg shared the results with Lost In The Manor Records, the label wasted no time in offering the band a contract. ‘Blue’, mixed by Max Taylor and mastered by Jason Mitchell, is immediate yet intriguing, a collection of fantastic pop moments wrapped up in music of great depth, and its release seems set to propel Cocoa Futures to the frontline of UK pop’s key innovators. Website here. Facebook here.

It was back in August that we featured the first single 'The Blue' from next weeks EP release. 'The Grey' is another fabulously alternative pop song, where the melodic creativity is delivered in style. The EP is just so, so good!

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Genre Wander: Happyness - Country Lips - Teen Daze - Juliana LaChance

Happyness - Falling Down.

Background - When Happyness first burst into the public conscience with 2013’s debut single It’s On You, their spirited take on US college rock was as big a surprise as it was an instant hit. The resulting full length, Weird Little Birthday, went on to feature in many of 2014’s End of Year album lists. Worldwide tours, an NME Award, a re-issue on the much-loved labels Moshi Moshi Recordings (Bar/None in US), and millions of Spotify plays later, it is with some anticipation that news of album number two begins to surface. Currently only two things remain certain: Spring 2017 will see the release of Weird Little Birthday’s successor, and today they share the first taste of what the album will sound like in the form of new single Falling Down.

Following news that their YALA club night headline show for The Maccabees’ Felix White sold out within two hours, the band also announce today their biggest London headline show to date: 28th April, The Dome, Tufnell Park. Tickets for the show will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 23rd November, and be available from Rock Feedback.

Singer and guitarist Jon EE Allan shares a little about where the band are coming from with Falling Down, and it’s epic two-minute introduction. “One of many anti-overthinking songs. I think we thought it would be funny to trick people into thinking we’d turned into Interpol or something for about 15 seconds at the beginning of the record. I remember we were talking at the beginning of the recording sessions about Wizzard and Roxy Music and us maybe taking a leaf out of the whole glam rock thing, but getting it a bit wrong. Like children dressing up in their parents’ clothes or something - completely silly but very serious about it. I don’t think we ended up pushing that line of thought for the whole of this song, or even for THAT much of the album, but maybe a bit of it made it into the outro synths.” Facebook here.

'Falling Down' is the second song feature for Happyness on Beehive Candy, and once again I am impressed. I love the two minute layered intro that just builds into what is, a really fine, lazy feeling, alt rock number.

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Country Lips - Grizzly Bear Billboard.

Background - Country Lips are pleased to share the video for 'Grizzly Bear Billboard', taken from their forthcoming album 'Till The Daylight Comes' out January 6th.

The band say: "'Grizzly Bear Billboard' is the kind of song that, without sadness or regret, remembers the Summer for the beauty that only comes from things that must, at some time, come to an end. In the video -- filmed at the Cowlitz County Fair in southwestern Washington -- director Coco Foto captures our trusty E350 touring shuttle and the genuine friendship and joy that has kept Country Lips together for the last seven years. Set among carnival rides, fun houses, midway lights, and the Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo, we do what we do best and manage to stay out of trouble long enough to make a few lasting Summer memories."

Merging Backwoods-style blues with honky-tonk, boot-stomping rhythms, the 8-piece powerhouse known as Country Lips deliver a sound more associated with the wild, raucous West than the grit and grunge of America’s Emerald city. The spirit of unadulterated, whiskey-fuelled country rings true however, via a rollicking sonic presence and ramshackle charm – and they take their chances siding with musical outlaws like George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, and the Louvin Brothers over the homogenous sparkle of more chart-friendly players.

New album Till The Daylight Comes, recorded in Seattle and produced by Randall Dunn (Master Musicians Of Bukkake, Sunn O))), Cave Singers) is an ode to alcohol-ravaged, small-town romance, bringing to mind the destruction and debauchery that bopped and swirled around country-heavyweights like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. When playing live, it’s worth noting too, they have an absolute blast with the friendly warning that "in one set you’re likely to see five different lead singers, swapping soloists, all manner of hoots and harmonies, and (at least) one spilled beer." Facebook here.

With 'Grizzly Bear Billboard' Country Lips put a few genres in a blender and come up with a wonderful mix of country, blues and Americana vibes. Catchy, dance or stomp along music, with a timeless feel.

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Teen Daze - Cycle.

Background - Themes For Dying Earth is the fifth LP from British Columbia-based artist Teen Daze (Jamison Isaak), and the first to be released through his new label, FLORA. Themes For Dying Earth is due February 10, 2017.

After last year’s foray into vibrant indie-pop, Themes finds Teen Daze returning to more ambient, electronic production with new insight: “I learned so much from the experience making Morning World, it would be a step backwards if I didn’t apply it.”  This comes through in songs like “Lost”, “Rising” and the first single, “Cycle”, which fuse the synthesized sound of early Teen Daze records with the live energy of his more recent works. Themes is also distinct in its collaborative nature. Jamison has worked with other artists in the past, but never to this degree and expanse: “Making the last record alongside other people helped me realize that inviting additional minds to the creative process brings out the best in me.“  Themes For Dying Earth also features collaborations with Sean Carey, Dustin Wong, Sound Of Ceres, Nadia Hulett, and Jon Anderson.

Conceptually and thematically, this album is one of Jamison’s most personal, navigating topics both intimate and broad: “Much of my work is inspired by nature, and it’s scary to think that future generations may not have that same relationship. The album starts with Cycle, a song about my personal experience dealing with anxiety and depression, and it slowly zooms out to cover some of the external forces, like climate change, that are affecting those experiences.  After touring last fall, I came home so cynical and worn out, I decided take all the nervous energy I had about the world, and filter it through more optimistic, positive sounds.“  Website here, Facebook here.

'Cycle' is a beautifully ambient and dreamy song, where melody and smooth vocals seemingly intertwine. If this is typical of the forthcoming album, then we are in for a good one.

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Juliana LaChance - Thunder Dragon.

Background from Juliana - I'm a full time visual artist and I've constructed my own world for this project. Including the album art, music videos, and merchandise in addition to the music itself. I've created a new album called 'Thunder Dragon' and I wanted to share with you the title track and first single today.

Dragon' is a metaphor for my creative spirit animal. It's where I get all my inspiration and creative force from that hits me like thunder. It is a song honoring and paying tribute to the gods of creativity that flow through me. The song contains the essence of the album the creative driving force that inspires every aspect of my life. The album of 15 songs features the bandura - a folk harp that lends bass, and harmony to the warm dreamy melodies...used in a modern way.

The 'Thunder Dragon' video (my 40th video), was created on an island in the sun in Ontario. I directed it myself, It captures the essence of summer, and the feelings of the era of folk music that is still alive. Website here, Bandcamp here, & Facebook here.

The video for 'Thunder Dragon' is both a visual delight, and a terrific match for the song. The crisp sound and technical production gives away the fact this is a new song, however the artistic side really could be from way back, with a dreamy folk infused song. As a note of caution, don't nibble unidentified wild mushrooms...

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Triple Treasure: Satellite Mode - Taylor Noelle - Oparu

Satellite Mode - Warm Fire Lightning.

Background - Continuing their momentum of clock-work single releases throughout 2016, "Warm Fire Lightening" is Satellite Mode’s most gritty, rock influenced track to date. The song’s production is based around a loosely tuned Rickenbacker guitar riff, coupled with psychedelic synth loops and naked, one take, vocal melodies.

With a soundscape inspired by the NYC noise pollution relentlessly carrying on outside producer Alex Marko’s home studio, the track’s lyrics recount the all familiar tale of the ambiguous dating scene in a busy city where games are played and truth, love and serendipity all come into play.

The track was written and recorded in Alex’s closet sized NYC apartment and mixed in Berlin by the talented Damian Press. Founded in New York City, Satellite Mode is composed of artists Jess Carvo (Vocals) and Alex Marko (Production / Instrumentation).  The duo has become most known for their blend of haunting vocals with electronic textures and pop-inspired melodies.

The duo began the project as ghostwriters for various recording artists, but months into their new project, life changed drastically with a sudden tragedy in Jess’ family. The band’s work began to reflect these life-altering developments, as did their songwriting dynamic, intensity and purpose.  During this season of immense change, their collaboration was now personal and their songs were no longer targeted to other artists, but released under their current moniker. 

Throughout their short history, Satellite Mode’s songs have been featured in top music publications and have charted on Spotify’s Viral charts (including U.S. top 10) and have over 1.5 million listens across global streaming platforms. Facebook here.

Live Date: 12/02 - Mercury Lounge - NYC.

'Warm Fire Lightning' combines addictive vocals and some highly defined alt rock sounds. The play again hooks dig deep with this one.

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Taylor Noelle - I Fall.

Background - Taylor Noelle is a 20-year-old pop singer/songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles. She moved to Nashville a few years ago for her senior year of high school. She immediately loved the city so much that she decided to stay in the area for college, and began school at Belmont University to study music business. Taylor counts a range of artists among her inspirations, including Fleetwood Mac, Tori Kelly, HAIM, Alabama Shakes, Sara Bareilles, and Adele -- all influencing Taylor's unique brand of pop music rooted in emotional honesty, with ear-catching hooks and soulful delivery.

Shortly after joining Nashville's vibrant music community, Taylor started connecting with local artists and began honing her craft. In her time in Nashville, she has had the opportunity to play at esteemed local venues such as The Listening Room, 3rd & Lindsley, The Country, Café Coco and at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. Taylor decided to follow her own path and worked on original material, eager to release something that would feel authentic to her and her listeners.

Produced by Andrew Conner, her debut EP Out of My System is set to release on November 25th. She explains, "The EP's title reflects how it even came about -- I had all these songs that meant a whole lot to me that I just needed to get 'out of my system' and into the world. My vision is that there are people out there who can hear these songs about my pain and my joy and connect them to their own lives. I use songwriting to process my feelings, and I hope that my songs can help other people to do the same."

She will celebrate the launch of her debut EP on December 4th at The End in Nashville. Next spring, Taylor will then take off for London to explore new horizons and hopefully conquer new hearts with her distinctive sound. Facebook here.

'I Fall' is one of four songs on the new EP. It's a little more laid back than the other songs, however it's equally melodic and refined. Taylor delivers quality pop songs with Nashville influences and has a natural and pleasing voice for the style.

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Oparu - Remember Me.

Background - Oparu is the musical endeavor of Los Angeles based songwriter, singer and actress Dianna St. Hilaire. Oparu’s music can be described as future electro with a dark ethereal undertone. Combined with dream-like operatic vocals, Oparu’s work creates a unique depiction of modern pop culture.

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, St. Hilaire started to write and perform music at a very young age in choir and musicals. Self taught, her first instrument was the piano and she worked tirelessly at the craft of reading and writing music. When St. Hilaire was in her late teens she began performing with punk bands and for producers as a back up/ studio vocalist in New Mexico, where she took on her first musical alias, the highly successful group Versailles. Partnering with the infamous Kim Fowley (The Runaways, Kiss, Joan Jett, Alice Cooper), she has toured the US extensively, been featured on the official Grammy ballots, as well as charting on Billboard. Versailles’s music was also on rotation with popular stations across the U.S. including KROQ and NPR tastemaker KCRW.

St. Hilaire reinvented herself in late 2015 with the new project Oparu, deriving from the Japanese name of the birthstone opal. Oparu’s roots stem from experimental electronic, 80s synth pop, and alternative rock.  “The music represents pure animalistic human emotion”, St. Hilaire confesses, “It epitomises what it is like to be human by transcending the human experience with self discovery and acceptance of who we are on an emotional level.”  Influences can be found throughout the record including the likes of Mt. Eden, Lindsey Stirling, director David Lynch, American Horror Story, and Zola Jesus.

Oparu’s debut single ‘Remember Me’ is a stunning fusion of haunting pop, paired with operatic vocals and dark experimental electro. The theme of her music is raw emotion, "everything leads back to this in life. It is our human nature. People can’t handle coming face to face with their emotions and insecurities and therefor have a polarising experience with my music.” she reveals. The next chapter in Oparu’s musical journey, is the highly anticipated debut single ‘Remember Me’ set for a November 2016 release. Facebook here.

There's something a little anthem like about 'Remember Me'. Add to that the mixture of Dianna's pure vocals and a superbly produced soundtrack and in my opinion you have one really special song.

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Alternative Take: Yeomans - Spencer Arbuckle - Yassassin - OhBoy!

Yeomans - My Fish Got Drunk.

Background - Garage rock bands always tend to weigh heavily on the retro vibe and Toronto’s Yeomans are no exception, naming themselves after the hardworking farmers of colonial America. However, their music isn’t quite that ancient. Glimmers of 60s fuzz pedals, melodic surf, psych grooves and reverb soaked vocals haunt the Yeomans’ sound.

The band formed in 2013, during the height of the Rob Ford crack scandal. Guitarist Kieran Heilbron met then Yeomans’ drummer Jocelyn while selling “Rob Ford Smokes Crack” t-shirts to raise money for the Gawker "Crackstarter" campaign. Realizing they were both into psych and both looking for a new project they started jamming and Yeomans was born, joined by Calgarian Ian Kilburn on vocals & guitar.

They do their heroes proud, throwing nods to The Chocolate Watchband, The 13th Floor Elevators and The Masters Apprentices.

Yeomans released their first EP in 2014, recorded in a ghostly church in a small town called Little Britain (not to be confused with the highly entertaining TV show). It has a powerful sound with remnants to an earlier time. Soulful lyrics and reverb-drenched grooves fill the listeners ears with tales of prophets, greek gods and revolutionaries.

“My Fish Got Drunk” is their follow up single, filled with sunshine soaked haze, and the band’s second splash at an instrumental surf ditty, accompanied by an equally playful music video directed by Kieran Heilbron and Dan Lee. Facebook here.

Tour Dates: December 15 - The Piston, Toronto (Record Release Show) w/ Planet Creature & The Lord Almightys.

If the video doesn't leave a little smile on your face, take a well needed holiday. 'My Fish Got Drunk' is a delightful instrumental, with sunny good time vibes embedded deep.

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Spencer Arbuckle - Shelf.

Background - 19 year-old Perth musician, Jack Arbuckle (aka Spencer Arbuckle), is excited to release his debut single ‘Shelf’ through The A&R Department on the 25th of November.

Born to two prominent West Australian musicians, Jack was taken on many of the orchestral tours that his father, violinist Ashley Arbuckle, was involved with. Travelling around Europe as well as at home in Perth as a toddler sitting on his Mother's lap during ballets, operas etc. This upbringing was obviously vital in forming Spencer Arbuckle as a musician himself. This classical upbringing was contrasted alternative, rock, grunge and punk influences resulting from older brothers who were both 90’s kids and grew up listening to the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Motley Crue, Beastie Boys, Genesis and Eurythmics. With other major influence coming from his mother, who lived through the 70’s flower child period, and was always listening to Fleetwood Mac, B-52’s, B.B. King, U2, Simon & Garfunkel, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and David Bowie.

Throughout a rather up and down year for Spencer, 2016 saw him write some of his most unique material, including his upcoming single ‘Shelf’, catching the ears of many of his peers.

“I wrote this song during an extremely tough time early 2016 in which I was losing the most influential person in my life. ‘Shelf’ is an insight into how many different emotions people can experience towards themselves and others when going through tragedy. Love, hate, fear, shock and the insecurity of a possible future without someone that you never envisioned not being there. While at the same time holding onto that slither of hope,” says Jack on writing his debut single. Facebook here.

'Shelf' oozes richness musically with perfectly matched vocals. Gently paced the expansive sound provides a fine background for Spencer's splendid vocals, and with a subtle melody throughout, this is play again material if ever there was.

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Yassassin - Pretty Face.

Background - After coming out swinging with debut dweller ‘Social Politics’, Yassassin spit right through with down-to-the-bone anthem ‘Pretty Face’. The new single from the London via Stockholm/Tuscany/Cambridge/Malmö/Brisbane five-piece explodes with a raw and straight forward message to the conformist and superficial pressures of ‘fitting in’. The foundations of ‘Pretty Face’, built from its murmuring bass line beginnings to the chants of its chorus, allow us to take a step back from our, at times, completely distorted society and embrace ourselves within our own skin. The accompanying video directed by No Tape Inside/T.K (Buzzcocks, Demob Happy, Blaenavon), runs parallel alongside the kaleidoscopic unruliness of Yassassin. Amongst hypnotically choppy editing, Yassassin howl, shriek and scream everything we’re thinking but too scared to say.

“We’re expected to look, dress and act in a certain way which has been forced into us through society’”, Yassassin explain.“ ’Pretty Face’ talks about the kinds of sexual harassment that a lot of women face every day , there’s still a lot of macho culture lingering on, which is so archaic and frankly unacceptable . The track is inspired about different types of manipulation too - how people can be blindingly manipulative in life, going from abusing someone emotionally and physically behind closed doors to then acting like the nicest person in town in front of a wider group.”
 
“ …What we’re basically trying to say is that if you don't have anything nice to say or do, then just don’t bother because you’re not helping to make the world any better. I may look one way or another, but that's not the whole of me, no one has the right to be so quick to judge.” Facebook here.

Live Dates:
Thursday 1st December - Headline Show, The Lock Tavern
Saturday 31st December - Heavenly Records NYE: The Parrots + Yassassin, The Social.

Passionate, down to earth, primal rock'n'roll, comes our way in the form of  'Pretty Face'. With a message and plenty of attitude to support it, Yassassin deliver a sonic blast of punk/garage orientated sounds, and they do it with great effect!

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OhBoy! - Hey Princess.

Background - “Hey Princess,” is the new single from Northampton 5-piece OhBoy!. Says lead singer Jay Brook: “The song was inspired by the disillusionment I've sometimes felt in certain crowds. It's about the people who put a lot time and energy into cultivating a version of themselves that they project through their clothes, their image, their Instagram feeds, which turns out to be disappointingly false once you attempt to scratch the surface.” The track is out now via Canvasclub (US) and Alcopop (UK), with B-side “Dirt” set to premiere on December 1st.

Hailing from "a town that was once known the world over for being the home of British shoe manufacturing (the local football team is still know as The Cobblers),” OhBoy spent much of summer '16 on the road, playing Truck Festival Camden Rocks, The Great Escape, and the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury. Fans include Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and John Kennedy.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm no chef, but if OhBoy! were a dessert, the recipe would probably be something like this: 1 x carton of Teenage Fanclub; 2 x large spoonfuls of The Pixies; Just a squeeze of The Lemonheads; Whisk with a fuzz pedal until thick, then sandwich between Pavement and Yo La Tengo. Pop it in the fridge overnight, and serve with just a sprinkle of Britpop." Website here, Facebook here.

'Hey Princess' has a nice edgy rock sound throughout, where the band blast along, and vocals and guitars vie for position. Under all of that is a constant energy level that hooks and re hooks the listener in.

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Genre Mix: Silver Rose - Leitvox - King Washington - Polly Baker

Silver Rose - Take Me Home.

Background - The genesis of Carla Sariñana’s Silver Rose project originates in Los Angeles in the spring and summer months of 2015. In thrall to shoegaze and dream pop and the iconography of the 1970s, Carla set to work rendering her unique take on these influences through Silver Rose. No veteran to the indie scene, Carla has been playing bass and writing songs for successful all-female Mexican rock band Ruido Rosa since 2005. By playing every battle of the bands competition they could find and every venue that would have them, they grew a loyal fanbase through their raw and energetic live shows. Silver Rose is a way for Carla to express her more vulnerable and romantic side; her songs wear their heart on their sleeve. Birthed out of a love for glamour and melancholy and nostalgia, Silver Rose is an empowering and vital project that resonates with and inspires anyone who laments the faded glamour of rock and roll. Her new material was refined in live performance in various bars around Los Angeles and in Mexico City where she has played El Imperial, and Caradura at Festival Marvin. With Ruido Rosa, she has played the Harvard and Stone, SXSW, ViveLatino, and supported KISS, Maroon 5 and Queens of the Stone Age. Carla’s songwriting is affirmatively old school, and in a pop landscape which often feels lustreless and tacky like cheap perfume, Silver Rose is a fragrant blast of fresh air.

With its swirling ambience, larger than life production and a reverb-heavy wall of sound, ‘Take Me Home’ is a monolithic testament to the gothic pop of yesteryear. The lead track from Silver Rose’s new self-titled EP out now, it’s a disarming showcase of Carla Sariñana’s stupefying abilities as both a singer and a songwriter. Like listening to the doomed romance of The Jesus and Mary Chain filtered through contemporary production values, Sariñana manages a sound that’s both thrillingly immediate and artfully idiosyncratic. With enchanting melodies that Cocteau Twins would doff a hat to, and feral feedback-oriented noise rock dynamics, ‘Take Me Home’ proves to be an irresistibly raw offering from a beguiling new talent. Facebook here.

One of six tracks on the new EP, 'Take Me Home' is fairly representative of the power and energy felt throughout the collection. The songs vary from almost wall of sound shoegaze through to more alt rock tones, the constant fine vocals and passion give a consistent flavour across the EP.

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Leitvox - Two Tribes (Ft Emma Fox & Gavin Clark).

Background - Leitvox presents “Two Tribes”, the latest single from his acclaimed album Floating Promises fetauring the vocals of Emma Fox and Gavin Clark (UNKLE) and the great Ilian Rubin (Nine Inch Nails) on drumms.

With bass laden synths and and lots of cymbals, "Two Tribes" will transport you to another world where trip hop, chillout and electronica meet to create a magical world of sound. The vocals of Emma Fox swirl around creating beautiful melodies and are complemented by Gavin Clark’s melancholic tones.

The track stands out for it’s pristine sound, all elements composing the sound blending seamlessly to create an almost immersive experience for 4 minutes. Bright like the dawn and equally as beautiful, “Two Tribes” is a great example of Leitvox’s skill at pairing and  melding different styles and voices.

Leitvox is a Mexican producer and composer that recently moved to Miami to open his own studio in Wynwood and start promoting his music in the U.S. His first EP, Fall From You, released in 2012, was acclaimed by the press in his country and served as a foundation for its successor Floating Promises, release this year in the US. The album features collaborations with Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails), Gavin Clark and James Griffith (Unkle) Nina Miranda (Smoke City) and Ana Karla Escobar. In addition to the 9 tracks of the album, Floating Promises  has 4 bonus tracks with remixes by Ladytron, GusGus, Son Lux and Nortec. Facebook here. Website here.

Commencing with a rich swirling synth, and quickly followed by defined drums and melodic vocals ensures 'Two Tribes' stands out from the crowd.

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King Washington - My Reflection.

Background - King Washington beautifully blends vocal harmonies, surprising progressions and blues tinted indie rock. Taking influence of 60’s and 70’s California folk, the band successfully adds a modern new rock edge, crafting a flavor all of their own.

King Washington is Tyson Kelly (vocals, guitar, keys), George Krikes (guitar, vocals), Billy Lee (bass, vocals) and David Contreras (drums). United they have a natural grace for connecting with each other, with their deep vocal harmonies, soaring guitars and driving drumbeats. The musical collective delivers an exceptionally polished yet intimate live experience, with LA Weekly voting them as one of the top ten live bands. Audiences continue to laud their tight and dynamic live show.

King Washington’s latest album entitled “Potential”, found inspiration from pain, growth and acceptance. Principle songwriter Kelly confesses how he drew inspiration from “getting caught in something so deep that you shut everything else out and forget how life should be. There is so much beauty missed…you can observe every day without realising that it’s this never ending movie. That you can make any decisions you want at any given time- it’s exciting when you think of it that way”

The band’s highly anticipated new album is the result of their ever evolving sound, Kelly admits "I think we’ve done a good job of simplifying the structures a bit and focusing more on stronger melodies and clearer messages, while still staying true to our signature King Washington sound”. This unique blend of folk, indie rock and 60’s soul, has been described as “The New California Sound”. Their leading single ‘My Reflection’ is evident of this, in it’s cinematic vibes, layered sampled beats and textured soaring harmonies, resulting in flurry of quiet intensity.

’Superman’ showcases the group’s strong influence of the 60’s/70’s, with powerful leading guitar melodies accompanied with building drum rhythms, heightening into a climatic resolution.  While ‘Evelyn’ demonstrates the band’s signature sound of harmonic indie folk rock with a hint of Americana.

King Washington’s successes include notable radio adds, opening slots for Arctic Monkeys, Ambrosia and Collective Soul. Potential will be released January 27 worldwide with an accompanied national tour. Facebook here.

It's the vocals and harmonies that initially stand out on 'My Reflection. That said they have firm musical foundations beneath them and the song all comes together thanks to some well refined production.

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Polly Baker - Wild.

Background -  Rising country pop singer Polly Baker promises a captivating love filled adventure in her stunning sun-splashed video for "Wild". Baker has performed throughout the United States, generating a social media buzz that has garnered her radio airplay, interviews, and showcases. She has been the opening act for Chanel West Coast, W!ldcard, The Afters, and Melissa Manchester. More information on Baker is available on her official website.

The video for “Wild” is a fun and flirty ode to the thrills of young love. Baker’s adopted city of Los Angeles is front and center, as Baker and her beloved stroll the city’s shores and streets. The visuals are warm, vivid, and inviting. According to Baker, the aesthetically pleasing quality of “Wild” is purposely artistic in nature:

“I loved the idea of writing a song that allowed the listener to paint the story within their imagination. From driving along Laurel Canyon with my co-writer and penning the purple skies we saw that sunset as the first lyric of the hook to the red dress I had worn on a rainy day outing to Manhattan Beach...the melody and lyrics are a visual memory for me and I wanted to make sure that the music video captured those moments." Baker recently graduated from Berklee College of Music. She released her self-titled debut EP, produced by Grammy-winner Dave Darling, on June 3, 2016. Facebook here.

'Wild' is a melodic unpretentious country pop song. The music video makes a perfect accompaniment, sometimes that's all that is required!

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Weekend Wonders: Mick Clarke - Deltawerk - Andrew Johnston - Slothrust - Wild Domestic

Mick Clarke - Tailgater.

Background -  Two new digital singles from Mick Clarke are now available. Begging Bowl - From the Shake It Up album this  a funkier remix which was done for the 3 CD re-issue, coming soon on BGO Records. Tailgater - Also originally recorded for the Shake It Up album but not included on the final track list - now available as a digital single iTunes etc.

Mick began his career with Killing Floor part of the British blues boom of the late 60s. The band backed Texas blues guitar star Freddie King and toured with legends such as Howlin' Wolf and Otis Spann. In the 70s Mick co-formed Salt, a powerful four piece band which was a big hit on the UK club and college scene, opened for Muddy Waters in London and played at the Reading Festival.

The Mick Clarke Band was formed in the early 80s and Mick has become an established name on the European scene, touring regularly in every country from Finland down to Italy, plus tours in the USA and Asia. Praised for his fiery "straight from the wood" guitar sound, he has appeared on numerous festivals with artists such as Robert Cray, Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher. The Southern California Blues Society called him "one of the finest blues players to come out of England". Mick is the winner of the 2014 "best international act" from artistaloud.com, India.

The album "Ruff'n'Roar - Live at Scratchers" was released in January 2016, and in February 2017 the full trilogy of Ramdango / Crazy Blues / Shake It Up will be released on a double CD by BGO Records. Website here, Facebook here.

If you like some unpretentious blues rock then 'Tailgater' may well tick all your boxes. Mick Clarke is a blues natural. The music may span generations, but tracks like this for me, mean it never grows old.

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Deltawerk - Sample.

Background - Deltawerk is a new collaborative project by Pascal Terstappen (Applescal) & Hessel Stuut (Polynation). The Amsterdam based artists created an audio/visual live set, titled 'Passages', that takes you on a journey through surreal worlds and sounds. Until summer 2017, eight tracks will be released on four different EP’s: Passages EP.1,EP.2, EP.3 & EP.4.

The Deltawerk live performance is projected to three big screens on stage. The side screens are diagonally placed which gives the impression you fly past all kinds of worlds, through passages.

Hessel Stuut is mainly known for his work as Polynation, a music act he's producing together with Stijn Hosman that became #03 'Best New Act' on XLR8R in 2015. He’s also played drums/keys in theater shows, collaborating with musicians from all over the world. Graduated from the University of the Arts (2009) and with a couple of award winning exhibitions under his belt, Hessel is also responsible for lots of Atomnation cover art and visuals for all kinds of commercial purposes.

Pascal Terstappen has been releasing as Applescal for quite a while and is the founding figure of Atomnation, the label responsible for releasing music by Sau Poler, David Douglas, Weval, Gidge, Polynation and Olaf Stuut. With a label nearing 50 releases and an impressive solo discography, Pascal is without doubt one of the most dedicated curators of the electronic music scene. As Deltawerk, Terstappen & Stuut fuse their love for club music and visual art. More here.

Just short of ten minutes the track 'Sample' envelops the listener with spacious melodic synths and a crisp flowing rhythm. The production is superb and despite it's length this has a play it again quality throughout.

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Andrew Johnston - Dictator.

Background from Andrew Johnston - When I first started to work on "Dictator" it was much more of an on-the-nose political type song. That’s a really hard thing to pull off well, and Murray really encouraged me to go back to the drawing board with the lyrics and make them more personal and from the heart. 

As it stands now the track may have been inspired by political stuff but seems to be more about how we can all be our own worst critics. I guess it’s about being your own worst enemy, and trying to free yourself from that.

It's an uptempo track that falls within the tradition of songs that manage to pair dark subject matter within the trappings of a catchy song. It was selected from the Murray Lightburn (The Dears) produced sessions for my next record “The New Great Game”. Facebook here.

Live Dates:
Nov 25th – Toronto – The Central
Nov 26th Wakefield – Kafe 1870
Nov 27st – Ottawa – Shanghai Restaurant

Full of gentle alt rock vibes 'Dictator' is a melodic and addictive song. Musicianship is first class and Andrews vocals are equally pleasing. Looking forward to 'The New Great Game'.

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Slothrust - Rotten Pumpkin.

Background - Slothrust has debuted the video for their most recent single "Rotten Pumpkin". The video channels Britney Spears, includes circus tricks, choreography, a gold lamè onesie, tracks suits and of course, jazz hands! "Rotten Pumpkin" along with their two previous singles "Like A Child..." and "Horseshoe Crab" are all on their recently released album 'Everyone Else' out now on Dangerbird Records.

With their long-awaited third album Everyone Else, Slothrust deliver ten riveting anthems that reward repeated listens. The songs grab the ear and pierce the psyche with complex arrangements and lyrical depth intensified by guitarist/vocalist Leah Wellbaum’s penetrating vocal delivery. 

Slothrust is Wellbaum, Kyle Bann (bass), and Will Gorin (drums). The trio first staked out their unique strain of jazz- and blues-afflicted rock as students at Sarah Lawrence College. The band’s 2012 debut Feels Your Pain, and its successor 2014’s Of Course You Do, established the band as a breed apart, serving up deceptively clever epics that veer satisfyingly between incandescent riffing and pop hooks, winsome anxiety and powerful heft. Facebook here.

We featured Slothrust back in early October and the new video for their recent single 'Rotten Pumkin' is well worth a feature. Musically the band deliver another ear pleasing rocker, and the video is very 'out there' and likable.

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Wild Domestic - Author.

Background - Indie/ alt-rock band, Wild Domestic is the brainchild of Matt Carlson. Born in Paraguay, Carlson moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when he was six months old, and it is where he resides to this day. According to Carlson, he knew from a young age that music was his true calling, and according to his family, he has been singing since before he could talk.

 As a teenager, Carlson began playing an assortment of instruments including guitar, bass, drums and keys, most of which were self-taught. Completely immersed in the arts as a teen, Carlson was involved as an actor in a number of plays and commercials. While attending college, Carlson simultaneously continued his music career. Following stints in several different Charlotte area bands, he made the decision to pursue a solo career and took on the moniker Wild Domestic.

After spending the last few years writing and performing both locally and nationally, Carlson released his self-titled debut EP, Wild Domestic in 2015. The follow up EP, Singular is slated to be released in early 2017. Wild Domestic’s writing, production and performance is a reflection of Carlson’s personal views and voice. His soulful, honest, and sometimes quirky lyrics are underscored by his strong alternative rock background, which is influenced by bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Talking Heads and Arcade Fire. Wild Domestic connects in a fresh way with a broad and progressive audience. Facebook here.

'Author' is a fresh feeling, alt rocker. Matt Carlson's vocals fit the bill and are immersed in good old full tilt rock'n'roll guitar lead music. It's a punchy honest song and it works.

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