The Locals - Pat Tierney - MIMICO - Jolene Dixon - Camp Howard - Kid Creole and The Coconuts - Dead Naked Hippies

The new album from Chicago's The Locals is 'Minutes, Seconds, Degrees'. The band waste no time, in getting into some full on alt rockers, the energy matched by impassioned vocals and slick and solid musicianship and the hooks flow constantly throughout the album.

From Australia we have Pat Tierney and 'My Sweet Love' a beautiful folk roots song where his melodic vocals simply shine.

MIMICO have shared a video for 'Common Tar', a song where the synths and vocals flow intrinsically together as the guitar and drums add further momentum.

Jolene Dixon has a video for 'Dreamer' where her fabulous vocals and instinctive Americana song-writing sensibilities are both notable to say the least.

Indie rock band Camp Howard latest song 'Swimming At Night' has a catchy nature as the melodic vocals and striking harmonies stand out as the understated musical backdrop allows them centre stage.

We have the latest single and video form Kid Creole and The Coconuts entitled 'Checkin' My Colonies'. It's something of a departure from the music of his eighties heyday nonetheless it's a really fine song and worth the share.

Dead Naked Hippies alt rock style is feisty on 'Eyes Wide' a song that exudes determined passion and some powerful rock hooks.
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The Locals - Minutes, Seconds, Degrees (Album).

The Locals have been a part of the Chicago music scene for over a decade and have toured extensively in the States and performed dates in the UK. They have played marquee stages and music fests all over the US including Summerfest (Milwaukee, WI), YouBloom (Los Angeles, CA), Dewey Beach Pop Fest (Dewey Beach, DE), MidPoint Music Fest (Cincinnati, OH), Halsted Market Days (Chicago), Chicago Pride, House of Blues Chicago, Double Door, The Metro and Schuba’s Tavern.

The band’s new album Minutes, Seconds, Degrees was recorded by Steven Gillis at Transient Sound in Chicago and follows the EPs Stereostatic Funicular (2013) and Salt (2010).

The last few years have been marked with personal tragedy for lead singer/songwriter, Yvonne Doll that has taken her out of the music scene. The death of her best friend (killed by a drunk driver) inspires many of the tunes on the new album. Yvonne was also diagnosed with Meniere's Disease, an incurable inner ear disorder that has made it difficult to play music.

She has fought her way back through tragedy and health issues and is now very excited to return to the stage and deliver this deeply personal music. The new album, Minutes, Seconds, Degrees chronicles the depths of the human experience, deep sadness, overwhelming love, fear and triumph.

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Pat Tierney - My Sweet Love.

North Coast NSW based lap slide guitarist and roots troubadour Pat Tierney embraces a tender, ruminative reflection on love and loss with his latest album Red Moon and an accompanying national tour. Dark folk overtones and a weissenborn guitar acts as the seed of the album, driving the songs to come together.

'Tierney was tight and accomplished as he brought his brand of roots to those starting their Friday night early. I’d definitely look at investing some time into discovering Pat Tierney.' The AU Review

Embodying that folk and roots space with a little bit of soul Tierney is a true songwriter and poet, bringing an old school approach with modern tales of love, loss, hope and social justice. Having recently returned from his U.S. tour through California and San Francisco Red Moon marks a turning point in Tierney's development as an artist.

“I’ve dived pretty deeply into my being to present these songs. It was just time to strip some of those shields and walls away that we all tend to put up. I got to a point where, I knew if I was going to be a genuine, real singer-songwriter with something to say, I had to lay it all out and show more of myself. The recording process really taught me a lot about who I am and where I want to take my music. It’s been a blessing.” Pat Tierney

Recorded high on a mountain top amongst the beautiful hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, the new album dives deeply into the earthy folk tones of Bob Dylan and Neil Young whilst shining a brighter light on Tierney’s signature slide guitar sound and unique voice. Produced by roots music maestro Pauli B, the album was recorded over the past 18 months at Yama-Nui Studio and will be the follow up to Tierney’s 2015 debut album, Wild World Blues.

Red Moon follows a big 12 months for Tierney, who recently embarked on his debut shows in the United States, supported the likes of Aussie rock legend Russell Morris, roots-reggae lords, The Beautiful Girls, and released the first two singles from the upcoming album to great success with features on Double J, Triple J and the 2019 Surfline film ‘The Art Of Scoring’.


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MIMICO - Common Tar.

MIMICO shares their new video "Common Tar". Their album Hi-Action is due out October 25th on Hand Drawn Dracula. Check out the video premiere here.

MIMICO is an interstellar trio formed in Toronto in 2011 comprised of Ben Oginz, Jeremiah Knight, and Nick Kervin. Named for a Toronto suburb, they traffic in an expansive brand of psychedelic, synth driven post-rock. Their forthcoming record, Hi-Action, combines the influences of film music and prog with a homegrown Sci-Fi mysticism.

Produced by Justin Small of the Juno award-winning instrumental band Do Make Say Think, Hi-Action features cameos from violinist Laura C. Bates (Volür) and vocals from Ida Maidstone (Hush Pup). Recorded partly at the legendary, countryside Bathhouse Studio during a sweltering heat wave and later, during a polar vortex in Toronto at Palace Sound, the warm analog sound of Hi-Action features heavy use of Mellotron, vintage synthesizers, and searing guitar tones. Moving from one hazy extreme to the other, Hi-Action travels the zig-zagging trajectory of the band’s sound.

The crushingly heavy space-motorik trio’s live performances have earned them direct support invitations from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Preoccupations, Do Make Say Think, Protomartyr, and Metz. Mimico’s Hi-Action will be released worldwide the fall of 2019 via Hand Drawn Dracula.


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Jolene Dixon - Dreamer.

Jolene Dixon is a genuine American Singer Songwriter talent born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee. The daughter of the Donivan Cowart the celebrated Country Songwriter and Recording Engineer who helped give us timeless music from the likes of Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell (just to name a few).

Jolene grew up in a truly musical enviorment and began singing and harmonizing with her sisters and musician parents from a very tender age. Jolene spent countless hours as a guest in her Fathers studio soaking up the sounds and magic during sessions with some of Country and Americana music's greatest legends. As one can imagine it all made a lasting impression and Jolene began expressing her own experience creatively through song.

Simply put Dixon is a natural, her songs and voice are as rare and unique as they are classic and time honored.  The combination of both traditional and modern influences both musically and geographically helps create a sound that is a well brewed cocktail of great Americana. There is a duality in Dixons voice that is equal parts innocent and seasoned. Her songs seduce the listener with beautiful vuenerablity, honesty and a genuine optimism that celebrates and soothes the broken hearted. The classic autobiographical story telling that we've all come to love and expect from Country does not dissapoint in Dixons songs but they certainly aren't limited to that framework.

As an artist who divides her time between Tennesse, New York and California it is not a surprise that this unique cultural synthesis is also reflected in the sound of the music. Currently putting the final touches on her debut LP with Producer, Songwriter, Musician extrodinare Kyle Krone at the helm, expect to hear and see great things from this promising new talent in the very near future.


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Camp Howard - Swimming At Night.

Camp Howard is an indie-rock quartet based in Richmond, Virginia fronted by songwriters Nic Perea and Wes Parker, and backed by Matt Benson and Brian Larson.

The band composes songs in both English and Spanish (courtesy of Perea - who is Mexican). The group released “Juice EP” in May of 2017 through Egghunt Records.

In May of 2018, the bands efforts were rewarded with a support tour opening for Stone Temple Pilots. Camp Howard has continued to tour and grow with an emphasis on tight musicianship and honest self-expression. The band is currently preparing to self-release a new full-length record in the fall of 2019.

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Kid Creole and The Coconuts - Checkin' My Colonies.

80s legend Kid Creole, with 4 decades of worldwide hits with his band, The Coconuts, including 'Stool Pigeon', 'Annie, I’m Not your Daddy' and 'I’m a Wonderful Thing Baby', the Sultan of Suave, the High Priest of Hip and the Prince of Pizazz is proud to announce the release of his latest single, 'Checkin’ My Colonies', on his own label 2C2C, a home for both his own music and for those who refuse to be categorised and pigeon-holed.

Having introduced Latin, Calypso and Jive to a brand-new audience, crossing genres and breaking boundaries throughout his career, his new single sees him teaming up with two of his sons, Dario (aka Youngr) and Lorne (aka Lornae), a scintillating, oozing, electronically tropical slice of Creolism which sees Kid still at the top of his game.

'Checkin’ My Colonies' sees Kid Creole with a luxury of extended time in the studio alongside Youngr and Lornae, a far cry was his days in the 80's where everything had to be 100% completed before entering the prohibitively expensive studio. Kid himself explains:

“I told them that my way of working was not to create lyrics or melodies on the spot in the studio. This was based on my training from the old days - studio time cost money. The place to write lyrics and develop melodies was at home, where time was free. But the NEW BREED didn't care about such things. It was their studio and they could care less how long it took to come up with the goods.

To make a long story longer, we worked together for 12 hours. I wrote the lyrics, despite Lorne telling me "You're better than that" every time he disagreed with a line. I contributed to the melodies against all odds. I suffered abuse heaped on top of abuse. They dissed me left and right about my choices:

"Dad, that's old school! You gotta sing it like this" or "We got to auto-tune that line, Dad, you're out of tune!"

After 12 hours, I was ready to slap one of them. But I liked the results. Lorne insisted that the track wasn't finished. He wanted to put another 12 hours into it. I refused. To this day, even after the song was mixed and prepared for release, Lorne says "It's not finished!" Luckily Dario agreed with me. Not only was it finished, it was great.

I love the song and I love the animated video that was done by Dario's friend, Emrah Tumer. Sometimes a struggle is necessary to achieve greatness. I still have the scars to prove it”.


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Dead Naked Hippies - Eyes Wide.

Relentless, punchy alt-rock outsiders Dead Naked Hippies return with exuberant new single ‘Eyes Wide’ on 20th September. A coming of age, outsider anthem, ‘Eyes Wide’ opens with stark guitar stabs before frontwoman Lucy Jowett takes centre stage with a bold, confident & striking vocal. The track builds into a huge chorus, culminating in the hook “With eyes wide, I am not blind.” It’s a huge statement of intent from the Leeds based band, showing they are ready to take arms.

‘Eyes Wide’ was produced & mixed by Grammy & BRIT Award nominated producer Tom Dalgety (Pixies, Royal Blood, Rammstein), & mastered by Grammy nominated engineer Robin Schmidt (Placebo, The Black Keys, Pale Waves). It is the follow up to visceral single ‘Young Male Rage’ which gained support from BBC 6Music & The Independent.

Frontwoman Lucy explains; "Eyes Wide is for the outsiders, the pieces that don’t quite fit the puzzle, those growing up & growing wiser but not by societal norms or expectation, instead blossoming in their own beautiful way. For those making their own shapes, decisions, perspectives, words and waves in their own time & seeing the world through their own eyes. 26 years in and I’m not the person the child or the teenage me thought I would be, or should be by expectation. No shame. Eyes Wide is a celebration of it.

I spend a lot of time trying to make sense of our modern world, so these themes always end up creeping into Dead Naked Hippies songs. So much time is spent communicating & consuming in the digital world now, it can be easy to look at what we see of people on the internet and make assumptions about their life, happiness and compare our own when what we’re looking at doesn’t even touch the sides. I’m a culprit of doing this and knowing what it’s like to be on the receiving end I would never want anyone under the impression that I or our band has it all figured out cos that is definitely not the case. Eyes Wide is an ode to imperfection in this sense, and I’m so passionate about keeping things real and opening up about mental health. The relationship we’ve built with our audience is really important for that."

It was their first time working with renowned producer Tom Dalgety & Lucy continues; “We approached the production similarly to the sentiment of the track, capturing each element at its purest & punchiest. We make a lot of noise for 3 people as a live band, which is where we feel most at home so it was very important for us to capture this on the record, & (producer) Tom was integral to that, leaving us with a track we’re extremely proud to share."


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bdrmm - Madame Psychosis - Faultress - Very Good - The Electric Arch - Kacy & Clayton - Portland

bdrmm first appeared here in October last year and the new song 'Shame' makes for a refreshing return as the mixture of lighter shoegaze and to use their expression ugly pop, works so well together.

We have previously shared a couple of songs from Madame Psychosis and the opportunity to present the new album 'Survivor' is to good to pass up on. The band mix alt pop and indie rock together with clarity and passion, they are quite open about their musical influences, yet manage to present a distinct and very fine sound.

There are a couple of songs to hear from Faultress namely 'Marilyn' and 'Beating Heart'. Both are notably different, the vocals give some continuity, however the creativity and delivery is outstandingly good.

Sean Cronin the man behind Very Good has also shared a couple of tracks recently with 'Ghost Warning' and 'Adulthood' showcasing his off the wall creativity. Genre defying and veering towards experimental at times, there is something quite likable about these songs, I just haven't figured out what it is yet.

We have the debut single from The Electric Arch entitled 'Crisps & Crackers'. What starts out as something of an alt pop piece slowly drifts into a psychedelic fusion of sounds, the slacker rhythm keeps it on track as the song becomes rather addictive listening.

Kacy & Clayton are back for a third time this year with 'That Sweet Orchestra Sound' where the psych folk duo are more country and folk orientated on this beautiful and melodic song.

Portland share 'Killers Mind' where the Belgian singer-songwriters Jente Pironet and Sarah Pepels deliver a sublime pop song with gorgeous dual vocals, it's our second feature for them, hopefully there will be more.
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bdrmm - Shame.

bdrmm combine a flair for weaving together dreamy sonic textures and introverted small-town sketches, channelling hazy adolescent disconnection into a washy synthesis of Beach House, jangly slackers DIIV and otherworldly shoegazers Slowdive. They’ve found a kindred spirit in cult shoegaze label Sonic Cathedral (Spectres, Lorelle Meets The Obsolete, Echo Ladies), to whom the Hull based quintet have signed.

Their first release is the ‘If Not, When?’ EP on October 11th – a tying together of their acclaimed slacker-shoegaze gems thus far, led by brand new single ‘Shame’. Retaining most elements of their signature sound, ‘Shame’ also introduces some post-punk components – staccato vocals, and hypnotic rhythms giving the track a purposeful drive. It relays a relatable theme, as vocalist and songwriter Ryan Smith explains:

“’Shame’ is about the heartache of having to tell someone you care about the most that being together can’t work, for whatever reason - having to be the person who takes it upon themselves to do the right thing, even though it feels so wrong.”

Releases from the band so far have caught not just the attention of Sonic Cathedral, but of numerous tastemakers in The Line of Best Fit, MTV, So Young, and DORK. As well as this, Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq & Jon Hillcock are big fans, and John Kennedy invited them on for a Radio X live session, with pedigree coming in too from Andy Bell of Ride on his Boogaloo Radio show and Simone Marie of Primal Scream on Soho Radio.

Live invitations have become bigger and bolder, supports with Trudy & The Romance, Her’s, Gengahr and Horsey, as well as capacity sets at Tramlines, Gold Sounds and especially a chaotic, raucous homecoming show at Hull’s Humber Street Sesh making bdrmm exciting stalwarts on the live indie scene.

The band worked with Alex Greaves (Working Men’s Club, The Orielles, Heavy Lungs) to bring their self-styled ‘gross dreamy noise’ to life.

Joining lead singer and guitarist Ryan Smith in the line-up is brother Jordan Smith (Bass), Joe Vickers (Guitar), Daniel Hull (Synth & Backing Vocals) and Luke Irvin (Drums).

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Madame Psychosis - Survivor (Album).

Madame Psychosis is a five-piece alt pop and indie rock band from Toronto. Members include singer Michelle Mondesir, guitar players Bret McCaffrey and Rene Ip, drummer Jaina Tharakan, and bass player Giovanni Paola.

The quintet came together in late 2014 after a conversation at a wedding, where a mutual friend of some of the eventual band members suggested a jam session. This very unlikely jam session resulted in what became Madame Psychosis. Five years later, the band continues to write and perform original music. Though their sound is often compared to Metric or a cross between the Black Keys and Alabama Shakes, the band cites a number of musical influences from an array of genres. These artists include Whitney Houston, Freddie Mercury, The Smiths, Arctic Monkeys, Spoon, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins and War on Drugs.

The band first made waves with their self-titled debut album, released in June of 2017. Alan Cross, the internationally syndicated host of The Ongoing History of New Music, selected the single "Space Motorcycle" for his weekly Top 11 Playlist in August of 2017. The album was also featured on 94.9 The Rock FM's emerging artist spotlight, Generation Next, in May of 2018. Four songs from the debut album were showcased, including "Space Motorcycle", "Run", "On Top of the Game", and "Mellow". The band supported the album by performing at venues across Toronto, including at the legendary Opera House and the iconic Horseshoe Tavern.

Coming off the heels of this positive reception, Madame Psychosis was invited to perform on the nationally televised segment of Global’s The Morning Show in January 2019. They were also selected to perform at Canadian Music Week in May 2019 and cracked Dropout Entertainment’s Top Picks for CMW 2019. The band also released two music videos in 2019 for “Just Wanna Be Myself” and “Crashing Down”. A third music video for “Kapow” is currently in progress.

Madame Psychosis is now turning their attention to the release of their forthcoming sophomore album, Survivor. They have released three singles from the record. A Journal of Musical Things calls the aforementioned lead single, “Just Wanna Be Myself”, “a fun, upbeat song with sweet yet edgy female vocals”. They followed with “Crashing Down”, which was called “mellifluous magic wrapped in a grungy garage rock exterior” by Odd Nugget. Most recently, “Kapow” drew the attention and acclaim of several writers and playlist curators from around the world. Buzz Music calls it a “heart-dropping anthem”. Lefuturewave refers to it as “a brilliant piece of music”.

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Faultress - Marilyn / Beating Heart.

About ‘Marilyn’/‘Beating Heart’ - The seductive crawl of 'Marilyn' sets a fantastic pace for Faultress's 5 Myths EP. Its dark and minimal tone and stacked vocals underpin an emotionally dynamic vocal performance. But the nature of its seduction is quickly revealed to be a snare. Faultress offers us a different kind of femme fatale, one whose vulnerabilities are centre stage, deconstructing the masculine idea of femininity by showing it as an air-brushed performance for the male gaze:

"Would you love me on a bad day? Would you love me every state I'm in / I am not performing today / No it's not that kind of day. / And I would rather hide me away / Where I can't be your Marilyn." 'Beating Heart' explores the role of the human bonding hormone oxytocin in making us feel closer to each other than we really are. It resists easy-reach hooks, favouring sharp and stylised grooves in its vocal loops and synth bass. An ode to post-coital bliss, 'Beating Heart' is instrumentally as carnal and as naked as its subject matter. 'Marilyn' was named one of the moderators' songs of the year by Fresh Faves.

Faultress is an extinct word for a female criminal, and this musical project is about wearing your unpolished faults and imperfections on your very female sleeve. As an artist, Faultress embodies the challenge to heterodoxy implied in her name, which she wields as a firebrand to write incisive and psychological songs that offer us a look into the complex fragmentation of feminine power, desire and mental health in a rapidly changing musical and cultural world. Faultress's prime influence is Kate Bush, a soul she shares a love of theatricality with - Faultress has a playwriting MA from RADA - alongside a diverse set of influences that includes the likes of James Blake, Aldous Harding, FKA Twigs and Joni Mitchell. Her full banshee show is a six-part girl choir replete with synths and drums. In her solo shows Faultress plays piano and loop stations. With the release of her 5 Myths EP, she reveals herself something of a polymath: lyricist, musician, singer and storyteller employing the full spectrum of her skillset to make unforgettably charged music.

See Faultress live:
26th October - Union Chapel supporting Eska and London Contemporary Voices
8th November -  Headline show at The Laylow, Ladbroke Grove, London.


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Very Good - Ghost Warning / Adulthood.

Adulthood is the third album from Sean Cronin and his project Very Good. A multi-instrumentalist and formally-trained double bassist who is both a composer in the traditional sense and a songwriter in the popular sense, Sean Cronin has worked primarily in the realm of jazz (bebop, swing, New Orleans, modern, etc.) over the last 20 years. But that only tells part of a story that spills forth from Adulthood in rich, naked — and often bitingly funny — detail. In many ways, it's a universal story: You freak out, you drift, you lose your way and you chafe against the pressures imposed upon you by the outside world.

Then, as Cronin discovered, the real challenge begins once you come to realize that the biggest obstacles are actually internal. The age itself may vary, but sooner or later the truth hits. "I got to, like, 28-29," Cronin says, "and it was like 'Oh. I actually know what I'm capable of, but now it's just a matter of what I do with those abilities.' By that point, you know what they are. So then it's about putting them forward in the world."

Therein lies the conflict at the heart of Adulthood.

Now several years (though not quite comfortably) removed from the conflict, Cronin has essentially lived several musical lifetimes in one. From classical piano training as a young child to his first real gig at age 12 playing country music in bars with his father, it was on to punk bands, then the orchestra pit for musicals followed by touring with bluegrass acts, theatrical scoring work, indie rock, collaborations in modern dance, etc.

Musically speaking, Adulthood comprises all of those things. We can readily identify the influences Cronin drew from to create the pastoral folk balladry of "Tree Dreams," the magnificent, opera-esque buildup of indie epic "Without You Around," the funked-up Band-style Americana of the title track, the choral transcendence of "Light's Refrain," etc, etc. with a little bit of influence from both absurdist and classical literature thrown-in for good measure.


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The Electric Arch - Crisps & Crackers.

The Electric Arch shares their debut single "Crisps & Crackers" and announces their debut record Out of Range.

“Crisps & Crackers” immediately sinks into a nodding groove that never lets up, as Marler adds reverbed guitar shimmers, streaky distorted riffs, and a mouthwatering bass solo over a steady, plunky piano lick.  His lethargic, stoned delivery grounds the psychedelic instrumentals to keep things from drifting too far of into the ether, and each respective part is leveled perfectly within the mix. It sounds positively gorgeous and Marler finds just the right balance between exercising his obvious virtuosity and doing justice to the song’s sturdy melodic structure. It’s psych-pop par excellence.

The Electric Arch is based out of Chateau St. Philippe in Bayou St. John, New Orleans. The live version of the band includes James Marler, T-Rey Cloutier and Sir Alex Smudge Smith. Drummer and surf guru Ron Bocian plays with the band on the West Coast while Mr. Binkles the Spider Monkey covers Deep South gigs.

Out of Range features Marler’s compositions, translated, recorded, and produced by vaping enthusiast Matthew Cloutier. Recording sessions took place in the attic of a 1908 double shotgun mansion, with the humble sounds of the past captured through classic gear from the 1960’s and 70’s. These sessions, fueled by fish sticks, beans, beer, and tequila, typically began in the late afternoon and ended just before sunrise. Various friends would drop in to offer philosophical insights around the “cocktail plank”. All sessions were attended by a Hungarian scent hound and a cat of unknown origin.

The 11 songs on Out of Range are short films about disconnection and disentanglement (éloignement et liberté), shot up close or from a distance. Inspired by 60’s French pop, surf music, garage rock, and the wobbly sounds of troubling times, Out of Range goes high, low, and far away…

“Crisps & Crackers” speaks of depression and the universal consolation of comfort food. “Postcard to Celeste” stars a lush artist appealing to his estranged lover to join him in his seaside redoubt. The figure in “Las Ramblas” struts through an urban promenade of feminine beauty, drawn ever forward toward “the little death.” A romantic wanderer dives deep inside a vintage travel poster in “Granada.” “Porcelain Hole” enters the dark forest of a nativist cult, shield in one hand, sword in the other. “Saturday Night into Sunday Morning” celebrates the temporary escape of late night bars and after hours culture. In “Moving to the Islands,” the cynical and affluent flee the mainland in the face of impending disaster. The early morning haiku of “Lullaby (for Donostia)” savors the calm before the world wakes up. Modern war machines pulverize classical architecture in “Lost City.” An adolescent musician aches for his popular ex- girlfriend in “Can’t Stand It.” Finally, “Western Civ” launches a new backwards dance craze.

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Kacy & Clayton - That Sweet Orchestra Sound.

"That Sweet Orchestra Sound" is the new single by Canadian psych-folk second-cousins Kacy & Clayton. The track is taken from the new album Carrying On, which out via New West Records on 4 October 2019. The 10-song album was produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and recorded by Tom Schick at The Loft, Wilco’s recording studio and rehearsal space in Chicago. The band have announced a UK and EU tour for Jan/Feb 2020.

"That Sweet Orchestra Sound" was written as a tribute to the rural dance bands of the area where Kacy Anderson and Clayton Linthicum's grew up, Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan (population very few). These dance bands referred to themselves as ‘orchestras.’ One such band, the Romansky Orchestra from Fir Mountain, featured Kacy’s Grandpa Carl in their line-up when he was in his teens.

The track was premiered by Clash who said; "Kacy & Clayton are able to reach towards the timeless while delivering something highly individual."

Carrying On follows the international acclaim for their previous records Strange Country (which Q Magazine called “A beautiful album that nudges a classic past into a brave future”) and 2017’s The Siren’s Song (described by Uncut as “Ageless and beguiling. A classic record for this or any other time.”)

Kacy & Clayton's sound is equal parts homespun, coming from a family and community where playing music is an ever present part of social gatherings, and the rare country, blues, and English folk rock they obsess over and collect.  It’s an arresting amalgamation of psychedelic folk, English folk revival and the ancestral music of Southern Appalachia. For Carrying On, Clayton cites as influences: Bobbie Gentry’s Delta Sweete, Hoyt Axton’s My Griffin Is Gone, Cajun fiddle music, and the steel guitar of Ralph Mooney, who played on many of the records that defined the Bakersfield country music scene of the 1950s. Sixties psych has also woven its way into these new songs; Kacy enjoys telling people that they live 250km from the mental hospital that coined the term “psychedelic.”


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Portland - Killers Mind.

Belgian upcoming talent Portland had an amazing summer. The band helmed by singer-songwriters Jente Pironet and Sarah Pepels played Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop and in between they finished their debut album with producer David Poltrock (Triggerfinger, Hooverphonic).

“Your Colours Will Stain”, mixed by Grammy Award winning producer/mixer Eduardo De La Paz (Local Natives, Frightened Rabbit), is set for release on October 18 through [PIAS].

This week they release the brand new single ‘Killer’s Mind’. A story about getting hurt, dealing with it and eventually moving on to better experiences is set against pure pop brilliance.

An ominous synth follows a commanding beat, Jente and Sarah trading verses and finding angelic harmony in a sneaky chorus that’ll warm up your auricle for the remains of the day. It’s dark versus light with some killer hooks. Highly addictive stuff!


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The Hengles - Tim Holehouse - Miriam Clancy - Beija Flo - Richard James Simpson

The Hengles first appeared here just three months back when we described their music as melodic and refined pop. The new song entitled 'Those Who Stay Behind' is cut from the same cloth, this band clearly know how to create gorgeous pop.

Tim Holehouse shares 'Aveiro' accompanied by a video. His vocals are wonderfully distinct and the musical arrangement and harmonies make this an outstanding alt country song.

It's a month to the day since we first featured Miriam Clancy with the song 'The Bells' from her keenly awaited 'Astronomy' album. The follow up track 'The Sound' is a lush hook filled piece with synths, a distinct drum beat and smooth melodic vocals collectively working wonders.

Genre defying and beautiful, the new song 'Nudes' by Beija Flo really does up the creative stakes. Personal and passionate, I could easily play this song to often, but it's one to make last, until she surprises us again, something I feel Beija is rather good at.

If your looking for a song to "follow that" in terms of creativity then Richard James Simpson has given us 'The Giver' which mixes a computerised voice with a storm of background sounds, as the conventions of AI are rightly challenged and all in just over a couple of minutes.
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The Hengles - Those Who Stay Behind.

The Hengles do it again! The beat won’t stop for The Hengles! On their fourth single Those Who Stay Behind they show their reflective side. We’ve all been there and always will be.

Let yourself be overwhelmed by the rich, melodic Hengle sound on this fine recording, carefully crafted for you in their own Hok-P Recording Studio near Amsterdam. So, tune in, have a listen and hear for yourself!

Their first three singles Wintertime, So I Say No and (I Dream Of) Jeannie immediately landed on the Dutch Spotify New Music Friday playlist and Apple Music Best Of The Week, and got airplay in The Netherlands (13 weeks on the national radio playlist already), Germany, US and The Phillippines.

Those Who Stay Behind is released 20 September 2019. Composers: Maarten Heijblok, Dirk Portegies, Paul van Rijswijk, Erwin Wolters.

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Tim Holehouse - Aveiro.

Making a real departure from Tim Holehouse's normal material of mutant delta blues, Come is a more alternative country feeling album.

Recorded with a string trio, pedal steel guitar and various instruments at Silent City Studio with Robert Hobson - who is known for producing more harsh albums including those of black metal band A Forest of Stars (two of whom appear on this record) - over August 2017. It's a real departure and adventure into new sonic territories for all parties involved.

The album was written over a 5 year period, initial demos started when Tim was writing previous albums Odd/Even and Hail. These were then sculpted over the next 5 years with arrangements and further demos. It was a real labour of love to make this album as perfect as possible, with maybe a little look back to earlier album From The Dawn Chorus to make sure it was not rushed. Patience paid off.

Those who have heard the album in early play backs have drawn comparisons to The National, Leonard Cohen, Smog, Lambchop, Bonnie Prince Billy (who the song Prince of the Palace is tribute to) and, perhaps rather unusually, Tony Bennett. Almost narrated stories unravel through string-laden and various sounding pieces.

Come was recorded during two weeks by Tim Holehouse and Robert Hobson. Tim lived in the studio, sleeping on the studio's couch or floor when his brain would allow him to sleep. The album features Katie Stone (violin and backing vocals) and Rick Blakelock (drums) from A Forest of Stars, Tim Loud (double bass) from Bootscraper and also a former solo touring tour mate, virtuoso violin player Kieran O’Malley from Spirit of John. Florence Fawcette provided some lovely cello lines, James William Boston played some wonderful piano on it and last but not least the amazing Benjamin William Pike provided pedal steel guitar.

Tim Holehouse was born in Dorchester and raised in Portsmouth. Having graduated from the University of Plymouth with an honours degree in music (despite not actually being able to read score) Tim has spent the last 13 years pretty much full time on the road playing 250-300 shows a year touring not only in Europe but all round the world. Drawing inspiration from many sources and styles of music he never likes to be typecast.


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Miriam Clancy - The Sound.

New Zealand-bred, NY and PA-based singer/songwriter Miriam Clancy released a video for "The Sound," the second single from her upcoming LP, Astronomy.

"You might feel transported elsewhere," American Pancake writer Robb Donker exclaimed about the single. "Miriam Clancy's delicious and emotional aesthetic married with deep cut bass and drum grooves and dreamy synths will most certainly move you."

Astronomy is Clancy's first official full-length album stateside, but serves as a reintroduction and a reinvention to her predominantly New Zealander fanbase, who last heard Miriam on her 2009 LP, Magnetic. Astronomy's ten songs represent a cathartic fork in the road borne out of existential crisis, including her and her four children's move to the US earlier this decade.

Crafted over several years of sessions in New York City with producer Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), the album brings massive changes to Clancy's sound, specifically swooning electric guitars, wurlitzers, early 90’s drum machines and analogue synths. Astronomy is out on September 27th.


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Beija Flo - Nudes.

Beija Flo returns with thoughtful and provocative new single ‘Nudes’ on 17th September. She plays The Waiting Room in London on 4th October.

A true polymath, Beija Flo, has crafted her own universe, pulling together elements of activism, performance art and education. Impossible to pin down, her sound is one that encompasses everything from open hearted balladry to acerbic punk. Tackling everything from love and relationships through to mental and sexual health, she is truly an artist for our times, juxtaposing her darkest moments against those of enduring hope.

Telling her story through her songs, she lets us into her world and teaches us not to be fearless, but to wear our insecurities as warpaint: to accept our differences, embrace our similarities and to live our lives as true and as vibrant as possible. To witness Beija Flo live is an unforgettable experience. Songs, performance and costumes aside she provokes a conversation that many would shy away from. Having discovered she was born with MRKH Syndrome when she was in her late teens, and as a young woman, coming to terms with the fact that there was little in the way of support or even relevant information to help her come to terms with how the condition would affect her: Beija Flo’s reality is weaved through music and the narrative she shares with an ever growing audience.

“Life is a series of shifts. People visit. Some leave gifts behind. Some litter. Some decimate. The brain and the body has become a personal jungle; dangerous and eerie at night-time. Nudes is loneliness in limbo. Nudes is anguish. Nudes is trust. Nudes is doubt. Nudes is fear. Nudes is exhaustion. Nudes is therapy. Nudes is mine.” - Beija Flo

‘Nudes’ is the third song to be released by Beija Flo. It follows previous singles ‘One of Those Things’ and ‘Mary’, two polar-opposite sides of the artist. This new offering strips back the stage paint and leotards, allowing Beija Flo to explore the relationship she has with her body. Despite how we feel about ourselves, ‘Nudes’ serves as a reminder that when everyone leaves, our body is still there, even if we feel let down by it, it is still our constant companion.

An Essex-native, Beija Flo now calls Liverpool her home. Involved in lots of happenings  in the burgeoning arts scene, she is a regular life-model, part of the Eggy Records fold of exciting bands and artists, a member of performing arts collective The Secret Circus and recently did her first spoken word performance at the Everyman Theatre as part of Violette’s ‘Word’ (Previous performers include Selena Godden and Emma Warren) Spontaneous and with an undying lust for creative output, it’s impossible to say what she’ll turn her hand to next.

Accompanied by poetry along with self-portrait photography and illustrations, ‘Nudes’ allows Beija Flo to showcase her artistry in different ways. No one-trick-pony: this new single can only whet our appetites for what is to come.

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Richard James Simpson - The Giver.

Richard James Simpson is the brother of the late Rock Halsey from the infamous L.A. punk band Rock Bottom and The Spys (which included Ygarr Ygarrist of Zolar X); and son of actress Renate Huy. Former member of alternative band Teardrain, Simpson released his debut solo album 'Sweet Birds of Youth' in 2017, getting excellent feedback on international music press.

"The Giver" is the eleventh song off of Richard James Simpson's album "Deep Dream." It begins with a computer speaking to a docile public the words,"Your child needs rest. Your child needs you to rise," as if educating them on the obvious. It continues to exhort human beings to re-examine their current path.

 We have become deluged by A.I. and apathy, cut off from nature and the divine  - and hence one another. In this hyper-surveilled society of wire tapping, voice-sniffing technology, and bio-metrics, the public takes its marching orders from the almighty technocracy. The song reveals philanthropy as more of an an inanimate object than action, in a world in which the suffering of others is seen as something to be viewed in the abstract.

We are faced with individuals who congratulate themselves for just thinking about suffering, instead of actually working to eradicate it. The computer continues with its surreal soliloquy about televised wrong pearls, heatwaves and vulture vanity shows. In the end, it mentions an unknown entity called The Giver. We are told that this world is not ready for The Giver, that they seem to want can't instead of can, and they are not ready for The Giver... they are not ready for the diamonds to turn into dust. In this parable, truth is the hardest pill to swallow. Mala tempora currunt, these are wicked times


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Millington - Kid Bear - Paul Mosley and The Red Meat Orchestra

Millington just released 'I Am That' a fabulous indie pop song where his vocals are simply wonderful and the songs positive and catchy nature just so likable.

With six fine songs we have Kid Bear and 'Ep2'. The collection drifts between rock genres (from roots to alt rock) with a refined feel throughout and the vocals are passionate giving the E.P extra traction.

Back in late 2017 I was mightily impressed by Paul Mosley and The Red Meat Orchestra so their return is more than welcome. Our first taste of the forthcoming album is 'People Are Idiots' and Mr Mosley with his varied companions are already promising something good to savour is on its way.
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Millington - I Am That.

Back from being right there, Millington releases life-affirming single I am that. Like closing your eyes and travelling inward, I am that is an uplifting escape with a soul tingling soundscape, driving pulse and conscious lyrics.

The Melbourne based artist spent 2018 recording his debut album, which is still in production, before relocating back to his home soils of the UK, reconnecting to his music roots. It was recorded in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, Millington's hometown, at the Riff factory, engineered and mastered by Tom Carter, and produced by them both.

The two have known each other since they were digging for worms and hanging upside down from climbing frames. Like a double helix of creativity their chemistry in I am that is clear to hear. It was in these early years that the young Tom Millington developed a pronounced stammer. Through music and speech therapies, he created a unique relationship with rhythm and song.

‘Music gave me the opportunity to communicate and express myself deeply, work things through whilst telling myself to sort my shit out when things got/get challenging and difficult. I have been speaking and thinking in rhythms for as long as I can remember’

This September and October will see Millington supporting the Melbourne duo, Pierce Brothers, on their 2019 European headline tour; playing at well-known and respected venues in France, Germany, UK, Belgium, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands - with a tour of Australia very much on his mind for the near future. This return to Australia will also mean continuing work towards his evolving debut album.

His previous accolades at SXSW, CLIPPED and SOUNDkilda (St Kilda film fest) include 'People’s Choice' and 'Best Australian music video' for his debut single Being, back in 2017. Being and the EP of the same name went onto rack up streams across all platforms and praise across the globe. He has supported JJJ favourites such as Tash Sultana and Tones and I, effortlessly complimenting their individual command on channeling the spirit of song and amplifying the dynamism.

Stimulated by a pronounced heartbeat and the awakening strum of his guitar, I am that is propelled by compassion and self-confidence. Millington’s underlying magnetism generated by his worldly sympathies and his heartland rock sensibilities.

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Kid Bear - Ep2.

A chance encounter with country legend Steve Earle changed everything for guitarist and songwriter, Matt Neuroth. As Matt tells it, “I was sitting in Matt Umanov Guitars in Greenwich Village and in walks Steve Earle. He picked up an acoustic guitar and just started strumming some chords. And…I don’t know how to put it except to say that, when he played G and C, it was every country song ever written.

When I played G and C, it was just a couple of chords. But, when he did it, it was deep; it had soul and groove and power. It really blew my mind. I’d been touring with all these loud rock bands (including Oh My God) and had all  these chops, but he had the song in every strum. I’ve been chasing that ever since.”

Under the name Kid Bear, Matt continues to pursue that powerful simplicity, both as a full band and as a solo singer-songwriter. The resulting music is somewhere on the rock and roll side of Americana with simple chord changes and melodies married to heartfelt emotions and old-fashioned storytelling.

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Paul Mosley and The Red Meat Orchestra - People Are Idiots.

Riding high after his ground breaking folk opera ‘The Butcher’ (**** The Quietus, **** R2, ‘Album Of The Year’ Resonance.fm) Mosley’s plans for the follow up faltered when his personal life unexpectedly had to take priority for a year. Now he returns with his most personal and striking album to date - and what could have been a dour and contemplative album is a life affirming kaleidoscope of beauty and joy!

‘You’re Going To Die!’ is about grief and what comes after that. 11 songs, 40 minutes, no bullshit. All urgent, vital and full of life. The songs you write once in a lifetime when only the truth will do.

Check out ‘People Are Idiots’. Mosley’s composer credentials (and - let’s be honest - love of Nina Simone) marry with his gift for snappy hooks to keep the 11/8 time signature swinging as the junk percussion, sci-fi synths and pizzicato strings buoy up the all-star singers of the Red Meat Orchestra’s call-and-response backing vocals. It should be a weird mess but it’s an absolute banger.

Mosley utilizes his Red Meat Orchestra (a 16 piece mixture of bluesy bar band, baroque strings ’n’ woodwinds and found junk percussion) with a sparing intelligence reflecting his development as an in demand theatre composer. (He is currently creating the score for Little Angel Theatre’s new adaptation of Julia ‘The Gruffalo’ Donaldson’s ‘The Owl and The Pussycat’ opening November 2019)

He gives the guest singers room to shine too. SXSW New Folk Award winner Jack Harris testifies on bike-wheel led groove ‘Judge Mosley Presiding’, while Rough Trade’s BBC Radio 2 Award winner Josienne Clarke and ex Mediaeval Baebe Esther Dee add celestial harmonies to the retro synths of night-driving nostalgia anthem ‘The 1970s’.

They are joined by Red Meat regulars Catherine Earnshaw and Darren Allford for gang vocal duties on the title track’s twisted tango which Mosley says he wrote after a previous theatre review described him as ‘The Muppets meet Tom Waits’ adding ‘I didn’t think it was quite true before and I really wanted to live up to that!’

The full Red Meat Orchestra launch the album at The Slaughtered Lamb, Farringdon, London on Tuesday October 15th.

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deux furieuses - Walrus - Mieko Shimizu - The Naked Sun

deux furieuses are back for a third time this year with 'My War Is Your War'. Once again the duo are impressive, the subject matter is conveyed with suitable darkness and a sense of brooding passion.

Garage psych band Walrus have just released 'Half Smoke' where the video matches the song, and the unpretentious rock vibes are just right.

Mieko Shimizu shares a highly creative and imaginative song entitled 'Me My Ghost'. Described as avante-garde electronica, it's all of that and gently but most definitely addictive. 

The Naked Sun new single 'Secret We Don't Know' exudes roots rock beauty, the band describe their music as honest rock, a definition that makes honest sense, they are also honestly talented in their craft.
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deux furieuses - My War Is Your War.

deux furieuses return with ‘My War is Your War’, the third single to be released from their forthcoming album of the same name which follows on 18 October via Xtra Mile Recordings.

deux furieuses describe ‘My War is Your War’ as “Three stories of different worlds colliding, from Gaza Beach to Ukraine to Yemen. The song was written as a way of not normalising the shocking events that stun the world and then are yesterday's news”, with the message that “we can no longer just occupy our own safe space and turn a collective blind eye” reinforced by the song's empathetic refrain of ‘Your war is my war, my war is your war.’

The wide-screen story of ‘My War is Your’ is powered by a driving loop that carries the at first sparse instrumentation to a devastating conclusion. Present are elements of the duo’s darker post-punk inspired shades (which has garnered comparisons to PJ Harvey and Savages), but layered with subtle texture. The foreboding drumming and emotive vocal oscillate between brooding menace and impassioned determination, before the song culminates in a big rock sound that runs through the veins of the new long-player from which it’s taken.

‘My War is Your War’ follows the #MeToo inspired ‘Year of Rage’ (July 2019) which premiered on John Kennedy’s Radio X show as his X-Posure Big One and was accompanied by a visual featuring art direction and a cameo from Alannah Currie (ex-Thompson Twins aka Miss Pokeno). Then more recently Instant Grat track ‘Civilians’ (August 2019) where brutalised riffs tackled our post-truth society.

deux furieuses are Scottish vocalist and guitarist Ros Cairney and London Greek drummer Vas Antoniadou. Since their beginnings in 2013 they have earned a reputation for uncompromising politically charged rock which has seen them championed by the likes of Q Magazine, Classic Rock, Louder Than War, aforementioned Radio X DJ John Kennedy and Frank Turner,  with the latter inviting the duo to perform at his Lost Evenings Festival at the Roundhouse, London in 2017.

Raised on a fiery blend of Irish and Greek music, 80’s post-punk and 90’s alt rock, and bonding over a love of early PJ Harvey and Kate Bush, their music is a visceral and impassioned call to arms against the world’s inequalities and rising storms.

‘My War is Your War’ is produced by Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey) and mixed by Mark Freegard (The Breeders), it was released digitally on 13 September. deux furieuses' album My War is Your War follows on 18 October (CD, vinyl and digitally), both released via Xtra Mile Recordings.


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Walrus - Half Smoke.

The Halifax, Nova Scotia-based garage-psych quartet, Walrus, are today sharing the video for their new single, ‘Half-Smoke’, the latest to be taken from their forthcoming second album ‘Cool To Who’, set for release on October 18, 2019 via Outside Music. Directed by the Prism Prize-winning Canadian musician and illustrator, Chad VanGaalen, the new clip trails festival dates alongside Dead Meadow, A Place To Bury Strangers and Orville Peck with UK dates set to follow the new album - to be confirmed shortly.

Drawing on lysergic animations which find neon-tinted aliens warping into diamonds, and goblins contorting into melting castles, the new clip seeks to visually mimic the psychedelic throb of ‘Half-Smoke’, a track that pulls on sinewy guitar lines and a propelling rhythm. Speaking about the track that lyrically documents a time the band were falling into the shambolic throes of a tour, vocalist Justin Murphy, says: “We had been robbed in San Fran after our window was smashed in the van, then after a show in San Diego we had a day and a half to make it to Chicago. We did it. Then we had to play Moline, Illinois after and we had run out of money. I had run out of money, and we had the best band blow-up to date. I was sure it was done. My clothes had been stolen, I was bumming cigarettes. But it could always have been worse.”

“The ‘Half-Smoke’ video started out as a story about life on the road,” says VanGaalen, whose previous clients include Timber Timbre and Daniel Romano. “It then quickly derailed into synchronised psychedelic abstractions. I love it when this happens.” The band adds by saying: “We have been big fans of Chad's work for a long time and had been interested in doing an animated video for a while now, so it seemed like a perfect fit. You could watch it 100 times and you'd probably see something new each time.

Formed in 2012 by two brothers, Justin (vocalist and guitarist) and Jordan (drummer) Murphy, alongside two friends in Truro, Nova Scotia, the band cut their teeth in music via the traditional route of heavy touring. Intense bouts of gigging saw the quartet earn a reputation, not only for their live shows but also for the way they treat the process - on one occasion managing to get banned from Avis Rental Car. Walrus, have been the recipients of some great tutelage along the way, they were signed to Dan Mangan’s Madic Records for their first album which garnered them some immediate attention and most recently, they supported The Sadies across their North American tour.


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Mieko Shimizu - Me My Ghost.

With a career that has seen her as an acclaimed Japanese electronic artist and producer, a trailblazing female drum’n’bass DJ (signed to Haruomi Hosono’s personal label), a collaborator with the likes of MC RIZ (Riz Ahmed) and Mick Karn (JAPAN), and having her own residency at the Southbank, it’s safe to say that Mieko Shimizu is sui generis.

Mieko has just released 'Me My Ghost' - a brooding piece of avante-garde electronica, which opens with a sinister yet simple Koto (Japanese harp) ostinato that builds through the track, as deep electronic pops and glitches begin to take over.

‘Me my ghost was an attempt to explore ways of inhabiting the dark forest beyond my window and talk to the ghosts of the night, to understand their irrational fears, like the dread of the unknown other and so to come closer to accepting the skeletons in my own wardrobe.’

Mieko’s next project ‘I Bloom’, slated for release in early 2020, is a return to Mieko’s now signature avante-garde electronica. Amalgamating haunting melodies with challenging modular-synth-laden landscapes, the record has equal moments of sparsely instrumented beauty and musical entropy, as layers and rhythms clash and collide in polyphony.

In 1993 Mieko arrived in London with her brother (and fellow critically acclaimed musician) Yasuaki Shimizu with a singular goal in mind – to subvert all expectations of her as an artist. A statement of intent, she put out her first record on Chris Cutler (of cult avant-rock group Henry Cow)’s label. In 1998, Mieko broke into the drum’n’bass scene under the moniker of Apache 61, quickly building a name for herself in an underground scene dominated by male contemporaries. DJ Magazine, reviewing one of her shows, said that she was “deconstructing the form so much that the beginning of her set slipped into pure searing, tearing audio art territory.” This press attention saw Mieko sign to Haruomi Hosono’s (Yellow Magic Orchestra) label and led to Mieko remixing a number of YMO tracks in her career.

The turn of the century saw Mieko balance her Apache 61 work with her own brand of electronica, seeing her support the likes of Goldfrapp and in 2008, Massive Attack with Riz MC at Meltdown Festival. She has also worked extensively with dance including scores for contemporary dance company Phoenix Dance Theatre, the Ballet ‘The Red Balloon’ at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre and performing at the London Olympics in 2012.

In every aspect of her career, Mieko has refused to be restrained or placed in a box artistically, and new record I Bloom sees a continuation of that ethos.


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The Naked Sun - Secret We Don't Know.

Philadephia's self-proclaimed "honest rock" band The Naked Sun follows up their 2018 LP War With Shadows with the moody and mysterious new single "Secret We Don't Know." They also announce a new EP titled Avec la Verite', Vous Avez le Droit d'Aimer (With the Truth you Have the Right to Love) out this October.

The Naked Sun is a 6-piece roots-rock band from Philadelphia, PA. After releasing their debut album War With Shadows with the band's most moody sonic palette to date they continue in the spirit of their self-branded style of "honest-rock."

The band will release their latest EP, Avec la Verite', Vous Avez le Droit d'Aimer (With the Truth you Have the Right to Love) - in October  2019. Throughout, they explore love’s darker side - betrayal, heartbreak, secrets, lies and the aftermath.

Songwriter Drew Harris was inspired to write these group of songs after witnessing the relationships of some of his closest friends suffer from the effects of secrets and lies. The second single, "Secret We Both Know," begs the question: What’s a secret if we both know? The EP is an authentic examination of romance and -- as the title suggests--honesty in the age of lies.


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Sofia Härdig - Hazel Mei - Anna Farrow - B.Knox

Sofia Härdig has shared a new song entitled 'Infatuation'. We've had the pleasure of featuring Sofia a few times since 2016, her feisty and passionate rock always stands out, and with a new album on the way (The Big Hush) it's a welcome return for this energised rocker.

From Hazel Mei we have 'It Is(n't) Real' a highly desirable indie folk song. There is a little hint of jazz and indie rock in the mix which gives the piece some real edge as do the musical hooks.

Franco-Brittanic (that's French-English - but you know that) artist Anna Farrow has just released a video for 'Boys & Girls'. It's a vibrant pop song and charming video, I am guessing the original promo was written in "Franco" and even with a little spell checking by us, it still brings a smile to my face.

B.Knox has a new single 'Corners' which includes the B side 'Stars and Burnt Bridges'. His vocals are just perfect for old time roots music right through to modern Americana, and the musical backdrop really does him justice.
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Sofia Härdig - Infatuation.

Swedish-born multi-instrumentalist and producer Sofia Härdig returns with her latest album ‘THIS BIG HUSH’. With squalling guitars and vivid colours Härdig creates a cinematic vignette delivered through the poet’s eccentric palette of rock & roll, playing and producing the entirety of the album. Sofia brings chugging energy, intense lyricism and a chaotic presence; she’s heading for a higher status amongst rock’s elite, and comments on the moment she met Patti Smith; “We met backstage at her gig in Stockholm and she gave me tickets to her show. We spoke about art, music and what it means to be an artist. She was generally very supportive and attentive; it was a beautiful moment sharing poetry and words.”

Talking about her fourth full-length, Sofia said “I recorded this album with the band in less than three days live in Tambourine Studios in Malmö. The vocals were all done in one day, a lot of them are even kept from the original live take. Part of the process is that my electronic demo making has become so thorough and time-consuming that they have been good enough to be released. Since they are out in the world and out of my system, I can break free and do something different with the band, and not the same thing all over again. We never play the same tempo, same length, they follow me where I lead them… this is THIS BIG HUSH”

With heart-pounding guitar riffs, rock & roll sensibilities and Siouxsie and the Banshees-esque vocals, her latest single ‘Infatuation’ pays homage to post-punk pioneers. Sofia tells us “I built this song on a riff that I really loved, building up a groove and then adding backing vocals and playing percussion with whatever I found lying around in the studio and studio kitchen. I used film reels, a serving bowl from IKEA, egg, yar, a knife and fork, to creating an overall feeling of skating down Sunset Boulevard in a Mohikan with a ghetto blaster on your shoulder”.

Having worked with the likes of Stevie Jackson (Belle & Sebastian), a few members of Free Kitten, Sofia is no stranger to the live circuit and previously shared the stage with many other experimental musicians such as Ikue Mori, Yoshimi of The Boredoms, John Tilbury as well as Swedish Grammy Winners bob hund and The Hellacopters, among others.

At the age of nine, Sofia began playing in bands and shortly started touring, even playing a solo performance in New York’s iconic CBGB’s music club.  Hailed ‘the rocktronica queen of experimental music’ in her native country, Sofia remains truthful to her artistic sound, explaining "I find beauty in flaws and that which is not perfect is what excites me, I love the unusual, the unexpected, untrained and unplanned… I hope my music portrays that in its sound"

New album ‘THIS BIG HUSH’ will be available on all platforms, digital and physical, from the 5th November 2019.

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Hazel Mei - It Is(n't) Real.

Floating down in a breath of fresh air, Hazel Mei's angelic blend of indie folk and alternative shines bright on her new single 'It Is(n't) Real'.

Beautifully eclectic, cozy, and quaint, 'It Is(n't) Real' eases listeners into an introspective depiction of  Hazel's inner struggles. Contrasting the soothing, jazz-tinted underlay, Hazel harnesses a raw expression of vulnerability, lamenting on freeing her mind from the insecurity which affects her ability to admire the beauty of her surroundings.

"The lyrics are written from the hopeful side of myself as I prepared to take on the next chapter with more confidence, whilst romanticising the new relationships and experiences that awaited me," Hazel describes.

It seems Hazel was always destined to become a singer/songwriter; from an early age, she was glued to the piano with The Beatles and Norah Jones for inspiration. Now looking to the likes of Thelma Plum and Gretta Ray, her captivating storytelling is a stunning bi-product,  with the maturity of her sound proving to be particularly stirring considering this is only her second release.

Captivating audiences with complex instrumentals, commanding stage presence and a clearly defined sound, listen to this modern songstress' charming new release.


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Anna Farrow - Boys & Girls.

We can now share the latest music video "Boys and Girls" by the French-English singer Anna Farrow.

"In her ambitious new venture with a pristine repertoire the Franco-Brittanic Anna Farrow cares little for convention.

Her natural approach to this heart felt music allows her to choose not to choose : blending exotic perfumes with swaying rhythms, instinctive jazz/folk, neo nude. Anna is smoothly accompanied by the perfectly synchronised trio. The young lady lavishes in vibrant light for her moving after hours presentation."


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B.Knox - Corners / Stars and Burnt Bridges.

B.Knox didn’t just have a hidden talent; he was a hidden talent, until now. A school teacher, who wrote songs for himself, only in 2019 did he consider a career switch to music.

His first single Deep Dark Love gained international attention with airplay on SiriusXM, CBC Radio, placement on top streaming playlists and future in-store airplay in stores like Starbucks (worldwide). He returns this summer with his new single ‘Corners’, a reflection on life and the choices we make. The B-side, ‘Stars and Burnt Bridges’ continues on the thematic and poetic themes of love, loss, and life.

With his debut album Heartbreak & Landscape, a rootsy, imagistic, alt-country masterpiece set for release later this year— a new Canadian storyteller has emerged.


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B.C.M.R. - Beehive Candy Music Radio.

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Currently streaming 24/7 everywhere with all the music featured on Beehive Candy from the last twelve months and the occasional eclectic oldie!
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