Jessica Lynn - Fos - Lo Tom - the Good Graces - Tamino

Jessica Lynn - Crazy Idea.

Background - Being hailed as “the New Woman in Country,” and “Shania's Successor,” Jessica Lynn is fast on her way to becoming a household name.  

In the last two years, the New York singer/songwriter has completed three highly successful nationwide tours of the United States and has seen her first two full length concert television specials, “This Much Fun – Live from the Winery at St. George,” and "Jessica Lynn - Takin' Over - Live from The Paramount " be met with rave reviews and seen by millions of viewers nationwide across America.

She has sung her country’s National Anthem twice in New York’s famed Madison Square Garden by special invite, signed a major publishing deal with publishing giant Round Hill Music that had her in Nashville writing with today’s top hit writers, and wrapped up three national summer tours sharing stages with Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Hank Williams Jr., The Band Perry, Thompson Square, Jake Owen, Sammy Kershaw, Clint Black, Montgomery Gentry, Phil Vassar and others. 

Last year, Jessica hit the road with country legend Jo Dee Messina for a west coast tour and recently had the honor of opening for the “Queen of Country Music” herself, Loretta Lynn.  

Her high-energy and dynamic live show has garnered rave reviews from critics worldwide with the CBS Evening National News calling her a "Rocket Force."  

2016 saw Jessica on her first international tour in Canada and Europe and she released her debut self-titled EP.  The first official music video and single from that EP, "Not Your Woman," hit #1 for four weeks in a row on "The Iceman's Top 40 New Country Chart." The Iceman’s chart is the only New Country Countdown show listed and recognized in the 2016 Country Music Association’s Industry Guide.

2017 will take Jessica and the band around the world once again with a busy schedule that includes a summer long European/UK tour in support of her brand new EP, “Look At Me That Way,”. The new EP produced and co-written in Belgium by acclaimed Producer Patrick Hamilton (Katherine Jenkins, David Garrett), includes three new cuts that will be making their way to UK and European radio this summer. Website here, Facebook here, UK live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.

'Crazy Idea' merges modern country and pop styles together, in an upbeat and vibrant manner. Jessica's melodic & cheerful vocals are well up in the mix, supported by some top quality musicianship, no wonder the attention she is receiving.

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Fos - Captain Free.

Background - London based Greek born artist Katerina Koutouzi, aka Fos, is releasing her third album “Captain Free” on the artist's own label, Near The Exit Music. The captivating melody of the main song from which the album takes its title, dominates this record. Captain Free takes you on a journey from Dalston neon market stalls reflected in kerbside puddles to the silvery darting fish swimming in the clear Greek island waters. Squidgy beats and airy synth complemented by a gentle voice full of promise, blow over the listener like a familiar summer breeze. 

Katerina has recorded, produced and mastered this record herself and you can feel that this is a song that has been lovingly nurtured into being. When she was a girl, Katerina grew up on a small Greek island and her island memories paint a sort of glorious technicolor-nostalgia over this beautifully formed, catchy electro pop song conceived in the bustling city.

The rest of the album takes the listener on a sailing trip through varied musical waters. The whole album evolves around the theme of sailing on one's sailboat in the vast blue as a symbolic metaphor on the meaning of life and being alive. Following in the footsteps of her second album “Rock”, “Captain Free” is a well crafted assortment of all the different elements that Koutouzi likes to play with. 

Fos brings together traditional acoustic instruments like the daouli Greek drum, ancient instruments like the conch-shell, other acoustic instruments including the piano and the accordion, an electronica style of programming beats using pebbles, shells and bells. Katerina often sings in different languages, using the sound of a language as another sound tool but also using voice as an instrument. This contemporary approach blends styles such as dance music, song structures using simple archetypal melodies, ambient soundscapes using her own field recordings of natural sounds like the sound of waves and minimal instrumental explorations. The pieces sometimes sound like a sound collage of different instruments and natural sounds, but with an overarching aim of creating a certain atmosphere and an emotional reaction. Website here, Facebook here. 

Not so much one of nine songs but four of nine as 'Captain Free' takes us on a musical journey through four parts, alongside five other fabulous tracks. The whole album is an imaginative breath of fresh air, with an eclectic mixture of musical sounds, intricate beats and more. If you like the featured song, the album is a must.

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Lo Tom - Covered Wagon.

Background - Lo Tom is made up of David Bazan (Pedro the Lion), Trey Many (Velour 100, Starflyer 59), TW Walsh (Pedro the Lion, The Soft Drugs), and Jason Martin (Starflyer 59), friends who started playing music together when they were still pretty much kids. The band will release its self-titled debut LP on July 14 on Barsuk. The band has shared its second single, "Covered Wagon".  

While many bands are a collaboration between artists with a message, a shared vision for a record, or an idea of a sound they want to create, Lo Tom is a group of friends who missed making noise together and wanted to hang out. The off-hand -- almost dismissive -- way they talk about the experience of making their self-titled debut masks the excellence of the music they’ve written and produced together as Lo Tom, but perhaps their casual approach to the whole endeavor is part of why it came out so great.

Recorded over two different sessions when they could find the time to spare, the four friends gathered with half-formed riffs and beats to see what would come out of it. The album’s thematic direction is loose and conceptual. The melodies recall Pedro the Lion and TW Walsh, the guitars sparkle with hints of Starflyer 59, and the songs hurtle through the major keystones of guitar rock - tight conversation between percussion and guitar, heavy fuzz, and some genuinely joyful breakdowns that give way to catharsis. Lyrics were mostly written by Bazan, who would take a melody and make up words quickly, then finish them over time.  

What makes this record special is not just how it’s built on melodies and riffs and songs with the looseness and ease of four friends who have been making music together for decades, but how vibrant and energetic and smart and funny and fun it is. For fans of a particular brand of indie-rock founded in the seventies and eighties and honed in the nineties and oughts, Lo Tom is one of the best things to arrive in a very long time. Website here, Facebook here.

Our second feature for Lo Tom this month following on from 'Overboard' a couple of weeks ago we now have 'Covered Wagon'. We have already remarked on the experience and quality of Lo Tom, hopefully this second share confirms our high regard for the new album is indeed well deserved.

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the Good Graces - Remember the Old School.

Background - Mining the same rich vein as ’90s alt-country favorites like Freakwater and Whiskeytown, the Good Graces unspool delicate, warbling indie-folk and jangling roots pop. The project originated in 2007 but really started gaining momentum when it was handpicked by the Indigo Girls to open their 2015 summer tour. More of a community musical collaboration than a band, the Good Graces are the brainchild of singer, songwriter and guitarist Kim Ware and include a rotating cast of a dozen musicians playing the typical four-piece accouterments, as well as piano, harmonica, mandolin, wind chimes, cello, violin and more.

“I’ve never really called it a band,” Ware says. “I'm kind of weird about that term, which is a little silly, but I’ve always liked to mix it up depending on what I'm doing at the moment. I'm super fortunate to have a lot of really talented friends, but many of them have their own thing going on, and it's hard to expect the same group to be available all the time. I’ve always called on different people."

But Ware’s attitude has evolved on this point recently, given her deepening connection with the core members of the Good Graces’ latest iteration—pedal-steel and electric-guitar player Jonny Daly, and Uncle Green drummer Pete McDade, who were a key part of the sound and creative process on new record Set Your Sights (out July 7 via Pretty New Songs / Potluck Foundation). “Making this record did help me settle on a solid lineup that I'm going to at least be using for shows—Jonny, Pete, Lee Kennedy, Chad Mason and John McNicholas. I can’t overstate the importance of their contributions to the Good Graces.”

True to form, Set Your Sights was written on Ware's front porch on acoustic guitar. Touting such influences as Neko Case, Laura Veirs, K.D. Lang and Lydia Loveless, Ware's Southern drawl and straightforward, confessional lyrical style are at the forefront of the songs, while the production is atmospheric and exquisitely layered, showcasing a menagerie of styles. 

Exploring themes such as getting older, past relationships and coming to terms with your place in the universe, this album is Ware's attempt to examine past missteps. "People so rarely learn from their mistakes,” she says. “Everyone talks about it, and it's easy to throw that out there, but we so rarely focus on why we made a mistake in the first place. It's important to not just treat the symptom but the underlying cause. I think that should be the bigger focus."

In the past, Ware has been described as a less surly Lucinda Williams or a country-fried Liz Phair. This time around, she also channels Beth Orton's spaced-out Trailer Park soundscapes, especially on album opener "Out There," which asks the age-old question, "Are we alone in the universe?” Website here, Facebook here.

'Remember the Old School' is catchy from the opening riffs. Packing a sprightly, powerful, rhythm alongside some fine rock guitar work and vocals that are organically just right for high spirited rock songs, such as this one.

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Tamino - Habibi.

Background - The first born son of a Flemish, anthropologist mother and an Egyptian, salesman father who met in the West-African republic of Guinee, 20 year old Tamino Moharam Fouad's first artistic love was theatre. ‘It must’ve been the first bite of the performance bug’, he explains. ‘I always had an interest in translating feelings, emotions and ideas into something else, something beyond the casual state of affairs’. Intuitively, his mother named him after the hero and prince in Mozart’s opera ‘The Magic Flute’.

The search for ‘alternative worlds’, as Tamino describes it, also guided him towards literature – ‘there’s seldom a quiet moment where you won’t find me reading a book’ – and, eventually, music. While in high school Tamino was your typical fourteen year old punk rocker, playing in bands inspired by bands like Billy Talent. An adolescent phase, looking back, because at home his mom’s record collection opened up his ears and mind to other, alternative worlds. The pop genius of The Beatles and Serge Gainsbourg, for instance, or the smoky, blues bar ballads of Tom Waits’ ‘Closing Time’, and the heartfelt, empowering music of Malian songbird Oumou Sangaré. 

‘According to my uncle, as a youngster, I was always scanning the car stereo for oriental flavoured tunes’, Tamino says. This is where the bloodline comes in. Some of the music he was exposed to at home were the albums of his late grandfather Moharam Fouad, a renowned actor and singer in the Arab world, from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. ‘My mother played his music around the house, and I remember being particularly taken by his live recordings with orchestra. There’s a certain kind of raw emotion in his singing, and in Arab music in general, that is mostly absent from Western music. Even when the tunes are kind of cheesy, there’s always something real, something sincere embedded in the voice. Complete surrender, much less calculated than most Western music. Oum Kalthoum, one of the most famous Egyptian singers, also had it; that intense kind of testimony about a past, scarred life of hardship and poverty. Just like Edith Piaf, someone else I very much admire’.  

When, near the end of high school, Tamino added Radiohead and Jeff Buckley – ‘ever since I was singing in punk rock bands, people kept dropping his name’ – to his roster of artists to be inspired by, it become obvious: ‘I wanted to pursue music. I could either do it by myself in my bed room, or I could broaden my horizons, meet and work with new people, learn new things’. He left his Antwerp suburb, moved to Amsterdam and enrolled in its music academy.   

Tamino’s debut EP for Unday Records is not only a showcase of his impressive vocal range, but also an impressionistic tableaux of his many moods and talents. Introspective yet bold. Otherworldly yet firmly grounded in tradition, electrifying yet embalmed in finesse. Unday Records Facebook here.

'Habibi' is a beautiful song. Tamino is upfront about his musical influences, and with ones of the calibre mentioned above, I personally expected to feel let down by the track. Rather the vocals and music exceeded my expectations, this is natural talent, and I am now impatient to hear more.

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House Hounds - Crooked Teeth - Salt Cathedral - BERRIES

House Hounds - Karamel.

Background - Forming in late 2013 through a musician classified ad, the boys set out working on material after connecting on the love of shared influences. After a couple of years of gigging and rehearsing, a few singles, radio interviews and airplay, the band started working on their debut EP Saturate. 

Written, recorded and self produced over the course of 6 months, the EP was handed to multi-award winning producer Magoo for mixing duties and mastered by Matthew Gray.

"The EP was recorded over the course of 6 months after long nights and days of pre-production and demoing. All songs were written around the same time frame except the first track ‘Bird' which was written two years prior,” says member Keelan Callaghan on the process of writing the EP.

On display on the EP are 70s influenced vintage synths, overdriven guitar layers and creamy fuzz leads, reminiscent of 90s era alt-rock records and a modern take on a vintage compressed drum sound, are all features of the new release.

Lead single ‘Karamel’, layers 70s influenced vintage synth sounds with a mono recorded drum track. The song’s uniquely structured arrangement is standout.

“The EP was named "Saturate" as an adjective to describe the overall sound of the EP. Having multiple layers of guitars and the use of effects and atmosphere... to me the songs sounded "saturated" in colour, tying them together. Lyrically the songs are about life events that I have experienced over the past 2 years,” says Keelan. The Saturate EP by House Hounds is released today, 23rd of June 2017. Facebook here.

The debut EP 'Saturate' comprises of five distinct and high quality songs. Lead single and the third track on the EP is 'Karamel' a piece that typifies the overall quality of the bands indie pop/rock style. Very assessable and refined music.

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Crooked Teeth - Mirrors.

Background - The seeds of Crooked Teeth germinated in Glasgow where Rob and Jo met having played the circuit in their own bands For Abel and Evol. A couple of years later they moved to London separately where a chance re-encounter on the streets would lead to the formation of Crooked Teeth. Originally Rob suggested Jo play drums or guitar with him in the new band, Jo suggested synths. Despite Rob’s initial wariness of the setup, they went into studio with his friend Sam on guitars. After a three hour synth-propelled noise pop wig-out the lineup was set in stone. Two years and numerous gigs later and their sound has evolved. 

Utilising analogue electronics and guitar-driven psych pop in equal measure, Crooked Teeth’s unique sound has seen them draw much praise, with radio play from Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly and Artrocker Magazine. Their debut release, Mirrors, marks their most sophisticated songwriting yet. Recorded, mixed and produced by Jo in his warehouse studio in Manor House, the track captures the uniquely fragmented and cacophonous nature of modern life with its multitudinous anxieties, but Crooked Teeth go one step further than that. In their studiously well-crafted noise pop experiments they’ve found something infectiously listenable and free too.

Taking inspiration from their beloved hometown of London, ‘Mirrors’ is a celebration of individuality in a metropolis that’s becoming increasingly homogenised. Giorgio Moroder style propulsive synth bass and crisp guitar lines give the song a driving groove while the beatific synth leads lend an uplifting poignancy. This is Crooked Teeth at their most life-affirming yet. “You’ll be like no one else” Rob chants as the song crescendos to its heady climax. 

A bold assertion of individuality both musically and lyrically, ‘Mirrors’ is a snapshot of Crooked Teeth at this moment in time - thoughtful, unique and playfully experimental. In many ways it’s reminiscent of A Weekend In The City era Bloc Party, both in its brow-beaten cynicism towards modernity, but also in the rapturous optimism that positively thrums within its beguiling freeform outro. Facebook here.

Stylish and rhythmic 'Mirrors' has that classic electro vibe, with enough of a modern twist to keep it fresh. Vocals and guitars add a further dimension, to what is a quite hypnotic song, that gently progresses into something more memorable.

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Salt Cathedral - Always There When I Need You.

Background - 'Always There When I Need You,' the first track to be released from rising Colombian duo Salt Cathedral's forthcoming debut album Big Waves // Small Waves. The new album is set for release this autumn.

Big Waves // Small Waves was written and recorded over the course of 2016 at the band’s Brooklyn studio. The self-produced record began with sampling sessions in an effort to bring folkloric sounds into the band’s pop writing. After sketching out their song ideas, the band fleshed out and recorded, keeping most of the original demo vocals. The Jamaican rapper Assassin, reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry and longtime friend and collaborator Matisyahu each lend vocals to tracks on the album.

Salt Cathedral’s first full-length follows their 2014 EP Oom Velt, released to critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, The Guardian, The Fader and Consequence of Sound. The band has toured extensively in North and South America as well as Asia, and has shared stages with the likes of Mitski, Christine & The Queens, Hundred Waters, Cibo Matto, Tei Shi and many more.

Salt Cathedral is the duo of Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada, born in Colombia and now based in Brooklyn, New York. Their name is taken from the fabled Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a church built inside a salt mine in their native country. Formerly members of Il Albanico, Ronderos and Losada formed Salt Cathedral to experiment with their Caribbean and various world music influences and inspirations, as well as to explore their more existential songwriting leanings. Salt Cathedral traffics in concepts and ideas like individuality, identity and experience.

Following some US & Colombian live dates, the band will announce some UK shows shortly. Website here, Facebook here.

'Always There When I Need You' has fabulous vocals and a bright and beautiful musical arrangement. Totally addictive and genre crossing, this is just right for hot summer days.

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BERRIES - Wild Vow.

Background - BERRIES have announced the release of their new single 'Wild Vow' - the first track taken from their second EP which sees the band further explore their unique take on riff-driven rock with even more grit and confidence. 'Wild Vow' boasts big riffs and chorus's and further highlights the clever musicianship, weaving guitar and bass lines and well thought out drum patterns that this exciting three-piece are becoming known for.

BERRIES have had an infectious buzz around them ever since they dropped their first release 'Lights' last year, followed by singles 'Waiting' and 'Siren'. Their tracks immediately caught the attention of BBC London Introducing and they were hastily invited into the studio for an interview with Gary Crowley who openly showed his support for the band urging listeners to “keep an ear and an eye out for them as they have a lot of promise!” The bands tracks have also received regular air play by Jim Gellatly and Shell Zenner on Amazing Radio and John Kennedy on Radio X.  

Following the release of their debut EP 'Those Funny Things' the band were approached by a member of Fender’s A&R team who expressed his interest in their unique and energetic playing style. They were endorsed with new gear and included in a playlist of Fender's 'Top 10 favourite new acts' alongside Bryde and featured on Richer Unsigned. Their song 'Siren' was then added to nationwide playlists in Richer Sounds stores, Samsung and Barclays. The band’s EP has been championed by Fred Perry Subculture, Gigslutz, Even the Stars and The Revue along with several other influential taste makers and blogs. ‘Wild Vow’ is their anticipated follow-up single. Facebook here.

Natural and feisty alt rock comes in the shape of 'Wild Vow'. BERRIES just get on play, with passion, power and a fine sense of what makes for a good blast of rock'n'roll.

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Emma Charleston - Majken - Sluka - Sally Caitlin

Emma Charleston - Volcano.

Background - Inspired by the mesmerizing sights and sounds of Hawaii’s fiery coastline, folk singer-songwriter and talented actress Emma Charlestontakes listeners on a magical journey on her new single “Volcano.”

Featuring a track produced by Olly Liu and Taylor Pollock, “Volcano” is a pulsating and dreamy piece of electronic folk that describes the view from high above Hawaii’s ever-flowing lava. “Volcano” is the fourth single from Charleston’s forthcoming EP Enjoy the Ride (June 23). More information on Charleston is available on her official website.

According to Charleston, “Volcano” is the product of an exhilarating experience in the heart of the Pacific: “I was inspired to write it after taking a helicopter trip to see Hawaii’s active volcanoes. The feeling of being so high and floating right over one of the largest lava sites was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I sat in the front with the pilot, so I had a 360 view of this giant mass of lava as it bubbled over and made new patterns in the rock.” Says Atwood Magazine: “Charleston captures that transcendent feeling of leaving one’s body and experiencing life from a cloud. No, you’re not high: This is a different, very mortal and visceral experience.” Facebook here.

'Volcano' is a first rate modern folk song. The understated soundtrack is delicate and refined and allows Emma Charlestons vocals to carry the melody, alongside a feeling of passionate commitment.

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Majken - Fainted Love.

Background - LA-based, Nordic indie pop artist Majken announces her debut album, Dancing Mountains, due out August 2017. The LP was produced by Jesse Nolan in LA (Caught a Ghost) and Maxime Sokolinski in Paris (Hologram, Sweaters, Soko). The forthcoming album follows her debut EP, Deronda Hotel, and features five remastered versions of previous EP tracks, in addition to the unheard material. 

Majken wrote and recorded Dancing Mountains on a journey between gritty Los Angeles, romantic Paris and the simple, laid back feel of the Nordic Fjord, where she spent her childhood. Influenced by experimental rock legends such as The Velvet Underground and the sensibilities of master songwriters like Leonard Cohen, Majken creates experimental pop with accessible themes and song structure. Her collection of dreamy songs contain raw, emotive lyrics, cushioned by indie beach rock and a vintage Europop vibe. She's inspired by wild nature, breakfast in bed, the various cities she's visited and called home and the people in those places.

Dancing Mountains reflects on vivid dreams, fond memories and restless nights. Majken's sultry vocal melodies, intoxicating layers of sound and surf rock guitar come together to create an ideal soundtrack for a summer daydream. Album track "Everything's Wild" encapsulates this feeling, inspired by floating wild in a bizarre dream state - not alive and not awake. "A Little More Time," produced by Cody Crump, is about a hazy heartbreak while "Fainted Love" reflects on a summer fling, through rose colored glasses and introspection. All songs were written by Majken, with the majority produced in collaboration with Jesse Nolan and Maxime Sokolinski. "You And I" was produced by Fingazz. Website here, Facebook here.

There is a coming together of indie pop and rock with 'Fainted Love'. It's catchy and pleasing, with just a little rhythmic edge that bolsters the song. Actually make that very catchy!


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Sluka - Number One.

Background -  Christopher Sluka – singer, songwriter, musician, and performer – has recorded eleven studio albums and has a fan base that spans across continents. His new album is "Colorful Radiation". All ten songs will be part of a visual album shot in 3D and to be released as a combo 3D, 4K, and Blu-ray package on Amazon late Summer 2017.

Born near Seattle, Christopher enjoyed a multinational upbringing as he was raised all around the world, with his family never spending more than a couple of years in any one location – a life experience that is evident in his cosmopolitan musical compositions.

Over the years, Christopher’s visionary style has developed and matured – always remaining enigmatic, yet keeping a focus on creative songwriting, while cultivating an international reputation for his enthralling "live" performances.

In addition to his uniquely accessible music, Christopher is also a globally renowned visual artist and his surrealistic oil paintings have graced wall space in galleries from New York to San Diego, and Tokyo to Milan. Away from the arts, Christopher is an avid distance runner. And when he doesn’t have his feet on terra firma, Christopher is an accomplished aircraft pilot (Jet type-rated) who is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Bruce Dickinson, the legendary aviator who fronts the world’s biggest heavy rock act, Iron Maiden.

Late 2016 sees Christopher Sluka back in the recording studio, working on new music that will become the backdrop to his two-year aspiration to yet again tour Europe and the rest of the world. That plan will involve the release of a Blu Ray video album of Introversions on November 1st, coinciding when Christopher will be performing in clubs throughout Europe. That will be followed in June 2017 with the release of his eleventh studio album, ahead of a projected festival tour in Summer 2017. Website here.

Sluka is one of those artists that is hard to define or provide a cohesive example of, with just one song. 'Number One' is an indicator of his sound, and an admirable one at that, however this is an artist that deserves to have your curiosity ensure, a little deeper digging takes place. 'Colorful Radiation' is a collection of ten highly individual tracks, that for me pretty much ensures his other eleven releases, need to be explored.


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Sally Caitlin - Poison.

Background - Sally Caitlin is a 23 year old singer-songwriter from Manchester, UK, who makes electro-synth pop with heartfelt, autobiographical lyrics.  She began songwriting at the piano at the age of 15 and released her first single, Stuck In Limbo, in November 2015 after completing a degree in Chemistry at The University of Nottingham.

Sally Caitlin’s debut single, Stuck In Limbo, was featured on numerous blogs including Female First, Jesse Hazen Media and the Popshock, with the UKG mix also being featured on Certified’s Soundcloud account.  Sally recorded live sessions for Reload Sessions, which were received very positively.  The deep house remix of her second single, Falling Back Together, was featured on Deep Sounds’ Soundcloud account and received over 68K plays and almost 1.1K likes.  In April 2016, Sally Caitlin performed a set at the iluvlive Manchester showcase, promoting her first three singles and debut EP.  The EP, Not Stupid Anymore, was released in June, with the lead single of the same name being supported by radio stations such as London FM, East Midlands Beats and Heatseeker FM.  Sally is hoping to build on this success with her second EP ‘Experiements’. 

Sally released Take It All, the first single from her the Experiments EP, in November and is currently promoting the release of her new single, Lead Me Down.  The EP is a collaboration with Mansfield-based production duo ‘Electric Bear Productions’ and whilst rooted in pop, ‘Experiments’ takes influences from numerous different genres, such as drum & bass and tropical house.  The result is a varied and mature selection of electro-pop songs with a bit an edge.  Whilst promoting the release of Take It All and Lead Me Down, Sally recorded live acoustic sessions on Unity Radio Manchester, Cat Radio Chester, as well as being featured on Ritetrax music show on Reform Radio.  She has also been played on Redroad Unsigned, interviewed on Chat and Spin Radio and has upcoming live sessions with Fuse Radio Manchester.

Sally can be found performing around the Manchester and Cheshire areas and debuting new material at showcases and open mic nights.  She is currently studying at music college in Manchester and has just completed recording her first full album, which is expected in late 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

'Poison' is my introduction to Sally Caitlin, it's clear that plenty of those who live around Manchester, have already discovered what a talented singer and musician she is. Outstanding vocals are accompanied by a rambunctious rhythm driven musical arrangement, that collectively makes for a superb song.

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Gringa - Anna of the North - Serial Chiller - Bradley Wik & The Charlatans

Gringa - I'ma Build a Home.

Background - It’s easy to fall in love with Brazilian music, and that passion sparked Gringa, the Bay Area quintet of non-Brazilian women who can’t resist experimenting with rhythms and instruments from the overwhelmingly musical country. Cheekily riffing off the Brazilian Portuguese term for a non-Brazilian gal for their name, the band takes everything from samba to forró, and crafts original songs that chronicle their lives.

“I grew up in the US but I fell in love with Brazil. I write songs and hear Brazilian elements in them, but I don’t want to bastardize the source inspirations,” muses Maya Finlay, Gringa’s founder and frontwoman. “You can play with something, but you’ve got to start with the roots. What’s the rhythm? I try to study it and know the traditional ways to play, but after that, you have a lot of influences. You weave them in”

On Letters from A. Broad, they capture the bittersweet exuberance, the seemingly effortless musicianship that’s second nature to Brazilian artists, all while finding their own distinct pop and funk-inspired voices.

The driving force behind the band, sound engineer, singer, and guitar/cavaco player Finlay, never intended to start a Brazilian-esque girl band. The group springs from a lively Brazilian music scene, one where men far outnumber women, and most female instrumentalists tend not to be Brazilian. Website here, Facebook here.

'I'ma Build a Home' is the first of five delicious songs on 'Letters from A.Broad'. It's a mixture of feel good music and rhythmic & melodic pieces, where a mash of genres and styles develop with a Brazilian theme running throughout.

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Anna of the North - Lovers.

Background - Following the announcement of their debut album Anna Of The North reveal the video for new single ‘Lovers’, directed by Alexander Darby. Speaking of the video, Anna describes:

“On a literal level, the video is about being lost at a house party and surrounded by couples when your own relationship has fallen apart. Digging deeper, it’s set in the same place as the song, that point when you feel so alone and you're reaching out but they're not reaching back. It’s desperate"

‘Lovers’, the debut album from Anna Of The North, will see its worldwide release on Friday 8th September. An album deeply rooted in heartbreak, it’s a subject that courses through the veins of all ten tracks – through the turmoil, the guilt and the tentative joy of finally letting yourself move on.

In three years since the release of debut single ‘Sway’, the Norwegian-Kiwi duo of Anna Lotterud and Brady Daniell-Smith have paved the way for their full-length debut with a run of singles which have notched up over 60 million streams, multiple No.1 spot’s on the Hype Machine charts and rotation on Radio 1, Triple J and Beats 1.

Now they offer up an emphatically assured debut LP, its clean, springy beats and shimmering synths underpinned by the rich, emotive clarity of Anna’s voice. Recorded in Oslo and mixed in Copenhagen and London by Luke Smith (Foals, Petite Noir, Depeche Mode), the album is a coherent but endlessly varied beast. Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.

Third time on Beehive Candy for Anna of the North this time with the new single and music video for 'Lovers'. Beautiful pop sensibilities, are at the heart of this mixture of danceable beats and rich synths, that ensure the ever attractive vocals have such a fine backdrop.


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Serial Chiller - Bed Mood.

Background - Take a bunch of talented musicians from Hull currently making waves with their own releases at Radio 1, 6Music and Radio X, then hook them up with the young people in the area who’ve been incredibly brave in expressing their feelings in both moving and insightful lyrics, and what do you get? An album of amazing music called Three Minute Heroes #HearMeOut. If ever there was an example of the healing power of music Three Minute Heroes is it.

Featuring much loved bands from the area like La Bête Blooms, who’s collaboration with EMBRS on the track Stingray likens feelings of frustration to that of swimming in the deepest ocean - The Might And the Moon who sing about escaping the pressures around you as a child in Home – Serial Chiller and their cry for calm and solitude on Bed Mood - False Advertising and their “Pumpkins-esque” track It’s Been A While (excellent vocals from lead singer Jen Hingley btw) - The Froot of ’67 with their Hendrix influenced funk-rock on Egg - the folk flavours of the Hillbilly Troupe song Dead Langer - The Quicksliver Kings and their teacher/student conversation in I Want To Be Human and not to forget Crooked Weather’s dark and mysterious Skeletons.

The CD version of the album comes with a full colour booklet featuring lyrics to all the songs. It is a true insight into the thoughts, feelings, fears and excitement felt by young people throughout East Yorkshire, during Hull’s year as the UK City of Culture - a socially relevant and inspiring body of work that is on point in this time of heightened awareness around mental health. 'Bed Mood' is taken from the 'Three Minute Heroes' project - a campaign from The Warren Youth Project that supports young people to use creative writing and music to talk openly, confidently and safely about what’s on their mind. Facebook here.

The background and cause, that sits behind songs such as 'Bed Mood', is noble and responsible enough to twist my arm into featuring a track. No arm twisting is required however, this is one fine track & the video is a fabulous accompaniment.


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Bradley Wik & The Charlatans - Some Girls (Still Love Rock N' Roll).

Background - Bradley Wik & The Charlatans are proud to release their first single, "Some Girls (Still Love Rock N Roll)."  For those thirsting for a fresh rock n roll sound, Bradley Wik is the answer.  Raw and unpretentious, the sound harkens back to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and the Replacements. No gimmicks, no frills.  Just pure passion.

Just like Odysseus, Bradley Wik has always been too far from home, a Midwest boy searching for the music that once was and that could be once again.  On this new record, Bradley takes a line from the Thin Lizzy song, "Got to Give it Up."  He has lived a lot more life than his age would let on.  Battling with drugs and alcohol, failed relationships, and personal struggle, this new record is a way for the singer-songwriter to come to terms with his rambling lifestyle.

Clinging closely to the belief that raw, organic music has the power to penetrate the airwaves again, Bradley has broken the mold of modern trends and gone back to its roots, recording as a band, together, in one room, to tape; and without social media.

Wise beyond his years, Bradley draws on themes of redemption. There’s an unmatched vitality that he brings to his music; it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be worth it. What makes music great? The stories. And the moment where someone listening says, “that’s me.”

Bradley Wik & The Charlatans "In My Youth, I'm Getting Old..." will be available September 15th, 2017. Website here.

'Some Girls (Still Love Rock N' Roll)' dispenses with all non essentials and focuses on being a rock'n'roll song that relies purely on it's hooks and edge to get noticed. Looking forward to noticing the album as well!

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Flawes - Chuck Berry - Fruit & Flowers

Flawes - Forever.

Background - London via Yorkshire band Flawes return with their first new recorded material since 2016’s ‘CTRL’ and ‘UNSPKN’ EPs created a feverish buzz around the trio. ‘Forever’, released last Friday (16th June) via Red Bull Records, is the first track from their upcoming EP, due for official release this Autumn.

‘Forever’ - produced by young, London producer Lostboy (Ella Eyre / Anne-Marie) - is a luxurious, electronic arrangement, brimming with the band’s uplifting synth lines, guitar motifs and underpinned by frontman Josh Carruther’s smooth, captivating vocals.

“The song is about when you rush into a relationship and everything is ‘perfect’, the other person seemingly has no flaws whatsoever and you find yourself love blind” comments frontman JC. “It goes through the different stages of a battle in your head when realising that they aren't as perfect as you perhaps once thought. In the end, you finally pluck up the courage to set things straight. As a producer Lostboy definitely got our vision for this track and it's been great to work with him”.

With only 2 EPs under their belt, the trio’s gift for dark, alt-electronica and huge soulful, pop choruses didn’t go unnoticed and Flawes were picked up by Red Bull Records who signed them to a worldwide deal at the back of last year’s achievements. The band have since spent the last six months writing and recording between LA and London, with ‘Forever’ being the first track from the studio sessions to showcase material from the next EP. Website here, Facebook here.

Alt rock with a soulful twist ensures 'Forever' soon stands out from the crowd. A top class musical arrangement and equally fine productions adds technical quality, however the passion and feeling makes the song!

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Chuck Berry - Darlin'

Background - Chuck Berry’s new and final record, CHUCK, has entered the Official Albums Chart at No. 9 – his first UK Top 10 album in 40 years. Released last week on Dualtone/Decca Records, it fought off competition from the likes of Dua Lipa, Hank Marvin and Harry Styles. It is his first UK Top 10 since 1977’s Motorvatin’. A moving new music video to Darlin’ – a duet with his daughter Ingrid – which features family stills and footage, was also unveiled.

Comprised of 10 new recordings, eight of which were written by Berry, CHUCK is his first new album since 1979’s Rock It’. It was recorded and produced by Berry in various studios around St. Louis and features his longtime hometown backing group - including his children Charles Berry Jr. (guitar) and Ingrid Berry (harmonica, vocals), plus Jimmy Marsala (Berry’s bassist for 40 years), Robert Lohr (piano), and Keith Robinson (drums) – which supported him for nearly two decades on over 200 residency shows at the famed Blueberry Hill club. The album also includes guest performances from Gary Clark Jr., Tom Morello, Nathaniel Rateliff and Chuck’s grandson Charles Berry III.  Acclaimed author and historian Douglas Brinkley contributes liner notes.

They were originally conceived as far back as the 1980s, with Berry developing them in his home studio in St. Louis over many years. Some of the songs on down time between tours.  He worked on the album through 2014.  When health concerns forced him to stop touring and recording in 2015, Berry continued to oversee production and planning for CHUCK, enlisting his family and close friend Joe Edwards, the owner of Blueberry Hill, to fulfill his wishes that the album be completed and released. And from album highlight ‘Lady B. Goode,’ a spiritual sequel to the iconic ‘Johnny B. Goode’ featuring ripping solos from three generations of Berry guitarists, to the poignant country balladry of ‘Darlin’, CHUCK truly is a family affair.

“Working on my Dad's record has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said Charles Berry Jr. “I will forever treasure the musical conversations we had, and the time we spent together completing it.” Website here, Facebook here.

I could not let the opportunity to mention Chuck Berry's final album release pass us by, especially as one of the new songs 'Darlin' is available to feature. A sentimental country ballad seems a fitting song to share, and the reflective video is beautiful.


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Fruit & Flowers – Subway Surfer.

Background - Brooklyn-based "surf noir" garage psych band Fruit & Flowers share their second single, "Subway Surfer," from their forthcoming, debut EP, Drug Tax, due out June 30th via Little Dickman Records. The single comes along with a video, debuted today on She Shreds, who say, "The video gives us a peek into their stellar live shows, which are a lot more than a good-time punk rock party. FxF’s dead perfect vocal harmonies and guitar interplay clearly displays a band operating with a fully formed idea and a love for their respective instruments."

Fruit & Flowers are one of the most active bands in the NYC area, and have been deemed one of "NYC's Hardest Working Bands" by Oh My Rockness. The band embarks on its third tour of 2017 in July to Canada and the Midwest in support of Drug Tax. Fruit & Flowers' exuberant, electric performances draw a local following. Ana Becker's angular, expressive guitar style and Lyzi Wakefield's gritty rhythmic backbone merge a post-punk heaviness with psychedelic warmth. Committed and charismatic front woman Caroline Yoder summons a fervent energy, surrounded by distinct, warm and refreshing three part harmonies, the bedrock of Fruit and Flowers' sound.

Conceived in a Bushwick loft with broken AC during the summer of 2015 by Caroline on bass and Shaw Walters on drums, the band was soon joined by Lyzi Wakefield and Ana Becker on guitars and vocals. The band agreed to play its first show at Northside festival just weeks after formation and wrote the record in a furious fit of hot nights and inspired mornings. The band became fully realized when Shaw handed the role of drummer to Jose Berrio (drummer-cum-art director), whose inimitable style elevates the strong rhythmic character of the band.

Drug Tax was born out of necessity, capturing the grit and rush of New York City summer and the newfound chemistry between the bandmates. Weaving together the perspectives and expressions of the band's multiple songwriters, Drug Tax unfolds to present the unique and varied voice of Fruit & Flowers. Lead single "Out Of Touch" is about the ennui of a missed love opportunity, with soaring, sultry vocals, beachy surf rock riffs and fuzzy bass. Album tracks range from the sultry moody and beautiful "Dark Surf" to the post-gothic title track "Drug Tax." 

Drug Tax was recorded at Thump Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The EP was engineered and co-produced by John Thayer, and mixed and mastered by George Harris. Jose Berrio designed the band's logo and album art. Website here, Facebook here. Live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.

When we featured 'Out Of Touch last month we described the song as having "sultry vocals, beach surf rock riffs and fuzzy bass". The new single release 'Subway Surfer' is a little more feisty, however the bands surf rock instincts are there, alongside a raft of hooks throughout.


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Amelie No - Katey Morley - Cody & Danz - The National Parks

Amelie No - Stranger Body.

Background - Stranger Body (released Friday June 16th) is a song about resilience and adaptation. Recognising internal change is at once beautiful and terrifying; and although peace of mind may take time to obtain, acceptance of one’s own condition is the first step.

Amelie No has been a part of Quebec City’s music scene for many years now. It all started when she was teenager, playing bass and singing in several punk rock bands in the provincial capital. She eventually turned to a more soulful sound and her voice started making waves across Canada, the U.S. and Europe with folk-rock band I.No back in 2008. 

She became a household name last year after she sang her way into the semi-finals on the Quebec version of the hit TV show, The Voice. Her jazzy vocals are now set on new indie-pop music with R&B and soul accents. Facebook here, website here.

'Stranger Body' has a luscious musical arrangement that provides Amelie No, with a perfect backdrop for some soulful and bluesy vocals. Combined they produce a smooth and increasingly powerful genre crossing song.

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Katey Morley - Good Little Girls.

Background - Katey Morley’s music follows few rules, weaving together singable yet unexpected melodies, and effortlessly fusing her lifelong loves of country, jazz, folk and pop music.

Self-taught composer and eclectic multi-instrumentalist, Katey plays dulcimer, autoharp, piano and percussion, but it is her voice that captivates listeners and has earned her a loyal following. 

Soft and vulnerable for a moment, and then suddenly unleashed, it is a powerfully dynamic instrument, drawing comparisons to the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Sia, and K.D. Lang. 

“Good Little Girls” is the second single from Katey Morley’s forthcoming EP Then. Website here, Facebook here.

It's the engaging, melodic vocals that stand out first on 'Good Little Girls'. As the song unfolds, the musical arrangement develops, both in instrumentation and presence, creating an eloquent and very catchy song.

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Cody & Danz - If I Only Had $ome Money.

Background - Cody & Danz are teaming up to release their debut EP, Only The Hits, on July 14th via Channel 9 Records in the USA and Tugboat Records in Japan. The two artists both have burgeoning solo projects: Cody Crump and Computer Magic. Cody lives in LA and Danz lives in NYC.

After playing many of LA’s staple venues - from Soho House to The Roxy to The Standard, Cody Crump has plans to tour in the very near future. His music will be featured in the upcoming film “The List.” He has had music featured on HBO's "Leftovers," Showtime's "Penny Dreadful, and most recently his song "Burn" was in ABC's "How To Get Away With Murder."

Danz has toured North America multiple times with acts such as Neon Indian, Ladyhawke and Chad Valley. She’s played the Primavera Festival in Spain, Martini Art Love Festival in Moscow,  and has toured Japan multiple times. She has many shows locally in LA and New York City, so stay tuned for upcoming dates for Computer Magic, Cody Crump and Cody & Danz.

Danz lives in New York. Cody lives in LA. They met one day to write a song. They both liked writing that song so much - that they decided to write more. They became great friends and wrote many more songs. These songs are what you hear on Only The Hits. Facebook here.

'If I Only Had $ome Money' is chock-full of hooks. The synths and rhythm are vigorous, and are accompanied by in sync vocals that add atmosphere and double up on the catchy nature of this song.

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The National Parks - Places.

Background - Utah-based alt-folk band, The National Parks, have just released "Places,” the title track off of their much anticipated new studio album. “This a song I’ve been trying to write for a long time,” shares Brady Parks, the band’s multi-talented front man. “In the last four years we’ve toured a lot and, early on, that mostly meant crashing in people’s homes. And a lot of times these were people we didn’t even know - they were friends of friends or people we’d connected with online somehow - but we’d be sleeping on their couches and floors and using their bathrooms and all that. It’s a strangely intimate way to experience the country and it sort of got the wheels turning on this notion of certain relationships that are tied to distinct places.”

“Places” will be released via Rock Love Magic Records, a Los Angeles-based boutique record label that was founded by music veteran, Tyler Barth in 2017. The label’s focus is to release single tracks primarily through digital distribution from an array of artists across the indie, alternative, rock, pop and folk genres. The label is excited to celebrate its first release with The National Parks latest track.

Barth has become intimate with the band’s spectacular growth over the past couple years, and has featured them in several successful Los Angeles-based showcases. “The National Parks is the winning combination of frontman Brady Park’s songwriting and a band that consistently delivers unforgettable live performances,” shares Barth. “I’m overjoyed to be releasing ‘Places’ as the label’s first single. It may just signify that both The National Parks and Rock Love Magic Records are going ‘Places.’” Website here, Facebook here.

Upbeat and with that sing along anthem feel to it, 'Places' is a fabulous and mightily catchy song. Alt folk meets alt rock with this spectacular song, ensuring the forthcoming album really is keenly anticipated!



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Low Dive - Slowcoaching - Honeymilk - Mise en Scene

Low Dive - Common People.

Background - Brisbane dream pop duo, Low Dive release their music video for debut single, 'Common People'.

Featuring pals, pups and sun-drenched streets, the video is an ode to Brisbane's West End and it's beloved local haunts.

Low Dive launch 'Common People' at The Foundry in Brisbane on Thursday 29th June with support from Pool Shop and McKisko. Facebook here.

'Common People' is a lush and dreamy song, with a laid back vibe and gentle melodic vocals, which together make for an enchanting musical piece.


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Slowcoaching - Pillars Of Salt.

Background - From his computer chair to the live stage, Slowcoaching, the solo moniker for Dean Valentino, has expanded his dream-pop vision to something far more audacious and vivid. Taking euphoria head on, Slowcoaching creates a focussed aura of hazy nostalgia through his musical stylings.

'Pillars of Salt' is the first product of true collaboration from Slowcoaching–hitting the studio with his live band for the first time. Through the virtue of his live group, Valentino's music has never appeared so present.

The power of 'Pillars of Salt' comes from the way Slowcoaching communications urgency through such patient music. Cataloguing his own self-assessment and the mundane, the track explores Valentino's own world having been engulfed by nature documentaries.

With support performances with Harts, Philadelphia Grand Jury and Fountaineer under his belt, Slowcoaching, now with 'Pillars of Salt', his most resolute single to date, is making increasingly bigger and more intelligent steps toward his debut album coming later this year. 'Pillars of Salt' is a wide net to capture a memory–Slowcoaching's approximation of the bigger world, helped by Valentino's soaring vocals, reneges a feeling of escapism and dream-pop serenity. Facebook here.

The musical arrangement is refined and beautifully performed. It's the perfect backdrop for some fabulous vocals, and on 'Pillars Of Salt' that's precisely what you hear. This is a stunning indie/dream pop song!

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Honeymilk - Trip.

Background - “Trip”, by Stockholm, Sweden based indie rockers Honeymilk, was created when singer Marcus Admun brought some chords to guitarist Nikki Nyberg. Some Thin Lizzy meets Mac DeMarco meets TOPS-guitars later the track was finished. The song is typical Honeymilk stuff – lyrics discussing the fact that life seldom reaches higher that a 2 out of 5 grade in general, but with melodies and arrangements that believes you into thinking the opposite.

Honeymilk, who went from a four-piece to a two-piece a year ago, are in the studio working on a sophomore studio album to be released fall 2017. First track out from the album was “Time Will Kill You” which was released last summer, soon reaching 200 000 streams on Spotify, followed by “The Nothing New” which was instantly hailed as the best track the band’s released by media outlets such as Clash Magazine, BBC Fresh On The Net and Jajaja Music. Airplay followed on renowned stations such as Amazing Radio, German Flux FM, Norwegian NRK P13 and Finnish YLE Soumi. Facebook here.

The vibrant music and melodic vocal delivery, might be at odds with the lyrics on 'Trip' however it remains a catchy and hook filled song. With words firmly set in reality, the added bonus is the ability to relate to the artists thoughts and feelings.

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Mise en Scene - Waster.

Background - Stefanie Blondal Johnson and Jodi Dunlop of Winnipeg, Canada based indie rock outfit Mise en Scene have overseen slow, steady changes in their group since forming in 2012, but the gradual metamorphosis has been well worth the wait. Their second album, ‘Still Life On Fire’, is a set of excellent guitar based songs that takes rock, new wave, post-punk and 90’s indie/alt.rock influences and stamps the band’s personality all over them via Johnson’s powerful vocals and some inventive arrangements.    

Album highlights include the first UK single ‘Closer’, a burning holler that channels the Riot grlll aesthetic, the post-punk pop of ‘Waster’, the strident ‘Guts/Glory’, the epic ‘I'm Ok’, the reflective title track and the hard  hitting ‘Young Leo’. Recorded in Winnipeg and produced by Montréal-based Mike Nash (The Dears, Blue Rodeo, Ladies of the Canyon), the record captures a full portrayal of the band’s musical journey to date.

Waster is from new album ‘Still Life On Fire’ out 30.06.17 [UK release via Membran]. It was while playing at the annual Canadian Music Week festival in Toronto that the band were signed by  the Vancouver based Light Organ Records, a label that represents artists with an independent mindset 
such as The Zolas and Mounties (a group featuring Hawksley Workman and members of Hot Hot Heat). ‘Still Life On Fire’ is licensed to indie powerhouse Membran for its UK release. Website here.

'Waster' is a lively and determined track, that mixes raw, new wave styled rock'n'roll, with some genuine and natural vocals. Mise En Scene can certainly claim to have made their mark on genres of days gone by, with a modern and vibrant style.

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2 by bukowski feat: Kid Moxie - J.D. King - Stag - Evan Klar

2 by bukowski feat. Kid Moxie - Hot Summer.

Background - Let's go back in a time for a bit, before 2 by bukowski had a name, before the Wire Nightmare, before even the infamous “Practice Session 0” at Studio N between George, John and Nik.  

It was sometime in 1996 and a band called Tiger had released a single called "My Puppet Pal". George had just bought the record and brought it over to John's place to listen to. The single came with a sticker of its cover which George gave to John who stuck it on his white Aria bass. For that reason that bass has since been and is still known as The Tiger. At some point, after having used it on several 2bb recordings, John upgraded his bass and gave The Tiger to Achilles who was cheap and would take whatever you gave him.  

A few years down the line Achilles passed The Tiger on to his cousin. The cousin eventually moved to L.A. and became the very keen musician Kid Moxie, all thanks to The Tiger's magical powers. It's Kid Moxie's voice you hear on "Hot Summer". So it goes with full circles and so it goes with magical musical instrument folklore. 

The single “Hot Summer / Beast’s Breath” will be released on 7inch vinyl and digital format via Inner Ear. 2 By Bukowski current members are Achilles Charmpilas and George Malamidis. Hot Summer is performed and produced by 2 by bukowski. Written by 2 by bukowski and April Walz. with vocals by Kid Moxie. Facebook here.

'Hot Summer' is a gorgeous mix of melodic vocals and a multi-layered electronic & guitar soundtrack, the latter adding depth and a level of  fascinating disquiet. Very addictive!


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J.D. King - Midnight Rendezvous.

Background - Essence is what JD King seems to hold in the highest regard as it pertains to the way he interacts with everything. The Los Angeles based musician, songwriter, producer and artist is hypersensitive to aesthetics that surround him from his performances, to his recording techniques, down to the way he dresses. King creates his own world to share with his audiences. This eye for detail also shows up in his highly sought after paintings and illustrations, which are a perfect accompaniment to his music and style. Treat yourself and enter the world of JD King, one of the most original artists to come from this time. 

Starting from an early age, King’s musical background began by learning piano, which would ultimately ignite his music writing. Later, he would transfer this knowledge and skill to a multitude of instruments including saxophone, flute, cello and eventually guitar, where he would ultimately gain his notoriety. As a member of many Southern California bands in his youth, he would discover and cultivate his writing ability during this time. Finally striking out on his own, his first solo album, Here’s JD King, showcased the breadth of his musicianship pairing his ear for classic and beautiful melodies with his virtuosic guitar ability. An avid record collector since he was in grade school, King’s extensive knowledge, and library, of 78, 45 and 33rpm recordings dates back to the turn of the century. This encyclopedic knowledge of analog music shows in his production taste and compositional style.

Following his critically acclaimed project, The Olms, with friend Pete Yorn, King is preparing to release his new highly anticipated solo album titled Moon Gardens. He describes this latest work as a “three year experiment to find the highest level analog sonics, totally original songwriting methods and the most fulfilling creative experience using only biological electromagnetic vibration.” King brought together some of the top musicians in the city to perform with 4-track tape machines, utilizing his collection of extremely high-quality vintage microphones and gear. The album was mixed entirely on a beautiful custom built tube console at his home studio in the Hollywood Hills and delivered to the listener at the highest professional quality. The result is an artistic and original album lovingly written, performed and produced by King. Website here, Facebook here.

A tight rhythm arrangement with some catchy chord changes helps 'Midnight Rendezvous' get noticed from the word go. A subtle melody and engaging vocals does the rest song wise, the video adds additional charm to a fine alt rock track.


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Stag - Pharaoh.

Background - Stag has a riff-centered sound that’s both nostalgic and contemporaneous; equal parts romantic angst and sexual tension; vibrantly commercial yet comfortably in the red.

Most of their new eight song Midtown Sizzler was recorded with John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Hold Steady, Kurt Vile) at Water Studios in Hoboken, NJ. As Mr. Agnello says, “They contacted me and I checked out their music and I loved it! 

They have all these wonderful influences of music I love. They write great melodies and they know hooks. It’s a pleasure working with strong characters with strong opinions who are also open to outside ideas.” 

Two songs (pre-single “The Bedazzler” and “Runner”) were recorded with Jack Endino at Soundhouse in Seattle, and mixed by Martin Feveyear on Vashon Island. 

Cover photo by Meryl Meisler from her book Purgatory & Paradise SASSY '70s Suburbia & The City. Official release date is Friday August 4th. All songs written by Ben London, and performed by Stag. Website here, Facebook here.

The first track of eight on 'Midtown Sizzler' is the robust and powerful 'Pharaoh'. This is a slick collection of natural and down to earth rock'n'roll songs. For me it's the sort that, could just play in the background all day, and demand your attention for a proper listen later. Highly recommended.

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Evan Klar - Barefoot.

Background - Trekking into tour mode, Evan Klar today announces new headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne to celebrate the release of his latest single 'Barefoot'. Klar will head line Sydney's Rare Finds on Friday June 30 and perform just over a week later at Yah Yah's in Melbourne. 

There's a percussive grounding which serves as the driving force for Evan Klar's music. It's this uniqueness and almost tribal sonic sphere that has a steady legion of fans crossing his path. Named as one of GQ Magazine's 'Ones to Watch in 2017', the Melbourne based musician's 'Barefoot' premiered on 2017 with Richard Kingsmill, was added to triple j spot rotation and has amassed almost 500,000 plays on Spotify in just two months. He's now well on the way to cracking a million plays online this month with just two tracks released. 

A visual and aural feast, Evan Klar's live show is a high energy, sensory experience. Performing with a double drum kit and bongo drums, Klar's "commanding live vocals lure the listener into his undeniably likeable structure of musical compositions." (The Music). 

Not tip-toeing about on the live front, the half Australian, half German musician has been leaving plenty of footprints on stages in 2017 with performances at festivals The Blurst of Times, The Mountain Goat Valley Crawl and support for Confidence Man at three sold out shows. As he prepares to release his debut album compiled with producer Ash Workman (Metronomy and Christine and The Queens) fans can expect to hear debut offerings 'Barefoot' and 'Sleep' as well as a selection of yet unreleased tracks. Facebook here. 

'Barefoot' is the first song I have heard by Evan Klar. The musical arrangement is both highly professional and contains some original and intriguing ideas. Without getting carried away, this is one of those "breath of fresh air" songs, reminding me that creativity and enjoyment can still work well together.


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