TRACK REVIEW: Yotam Mahler - Birthday Wishes

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Yotam Mahler

 

 

Birthday Wishes

9.5/10

Birthday Wishes is available at:

https://soundcloud.com/yotammahler/birthday-wishes-1

RELEASED: 6^th September, 2016

GENRES: Pop; R&B; Soul; Electronic

ORIGIN:

Tel Aviv, Israel

CREDITS: 

Music, Lyrics; Production, Piano; Fender and Vocals: Yotam Mahler Bass: Eyal Matri Violins: Galit Rolbin and Yoav Bar Cello: Yael Shapira Beatbox: Adi Mahler Mix: Noam Helfer and Roey Avital Master: Matt Colton

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BEFORE I come to looking at a truly unique musician…

his arrival (to my ears) has prompted a reevaluation of Israeli music and international acts; electronic music and the variations and mobility in the genre; looking at classic musical and bringing a sense of sophistication into music. I have been spending a lot of time interviewing various artists: getting to know what they do and the type of music they are playing. From sassy U.S. solo singers to British bands; all forms of life and musician – quite an eye-opening experience. It is fascinating getting to know artists and what goes into the creative process; where they come from and where they want to head. In the modern music age, everything is so disposable and quick: we never really sit down and take the time to discover a musician and what they are about. I bring this point up because I am not only getting a chance to feature a great range of artists but take my mind outside of London and the U.K. It is awesome promoting British acts but it is great getting out of the country and going somewhere else. It has been a while since I have ‘visited’ Israel – perhaps not since I reviewed ADI (Ulmansky). Many people are unaware Israel has a music culture, let alone one that is both modern and burgeoning. When one thinks of nations like Israel; you have the preconceived notions and ideas of what can be found. I guess, from an outsider’s viewpoint, there is that perception of rather localized, World-sounding music that has no commercial appeal and the chance of appeal – either that or U.S. /U.K. chart music infiltrating the radio stations and bars. That is true to an extent – the country embraces British and American sounds – but the nation has its own stars and bands emerging. Before I look at Tel Aviv on its own merits, it is worth looking at some of the best artists coming out of the country of Israel.

Many websites and publications made tips for this year – back in 2015 – but have not updated the lists in the last year-or-so. Maybe that means there are no new wave of great bands or perhaps those acts – that were tipped back then – are still making their way through. If one thinks about bands such as Orphaned Land, Mashina and Rockfour; Hadag Nahash and Monica Sex – a few examples of Israeli artists from the 1980s – present. Distorted Harmony, Garden City Movement and Hammercult are newer and more recent in terms of relevance – just showing the variation and genre-blend that one can find there. In terms of the new artists emerging from Israel – it would be foolhardy to overlook the likes of The Angelcy. The band came together in 2011 and have played festivals around Europe. Eclectic music – Folk, Reggae and Oriental among them – is backed by ukulele, flute and contrabass (among other instruments) and the ensemble are ones to watch carefully. Tamar Eisenman has already crafted a longlist of great songs. The self-produced star composes her songs in both Hebrew and English; working on a couple of albums and is a musician that has a distinct future. A Post-Rock/Electronic/Groove band: Tiny Fingers have played at festivals across the U.S. and Europe. Having just released their album MegaFauna; it is a forty-five-minute instrumental experience like no other – the four-piece band is one of the most distinct in Israel. Ethiopian looks/heritage and Israeli basing mean Ester Rada is one of the most alluring, fascinating and multi-cultural musicians around. Bits of Ethio-Jazz and Funk come with Soul-cum-R&B shades – a bright and brilliant young talent you should clear some time for. Tatran are the last Israeli act I will bring in and recommend. The three-piece instrumental guitar-bass-drum are as varied and eclectic as they come – the trio has released an album and have a very dedicated following in their home country.

Making moves and steps throughout 2016: they have the heart and talent to translate into Western markets and mainstream tastes. Before I come to my next topic – making my way to the music in question – it is worth investigating Yotam Mahler in the context of Tel Aviv. He is my featured artist and someone who takes inspiration from Classical music but the sounds and sights of Tel Aviv. It is not a surprise finding a Tel Aviv resident make such exceptional music and prosper. The city is the financial and technological hub of Israel and home to near quarter-of-a-million people. Not only a financial and technological epicenter: the city has a diverse nightlife filled with nightclubs and bars staying open to well past midnight – much more electric and exciting than a lot of British cities. A young and vibrant city:  Tel Aviv has been dubbed ‘the best gay city in the world’ by American Airlines – a hugely popular destination for L.G.B.T. tourists and community. The city hosts a famous pride parade – the biggest in Asia – and attracts over 10,000 people a year. Throw into the mix the city’s luscious beaches and promenades – Hayarkon Park is the most-visited urban park in the country – you have that balance of L.A.’s sun-kiss shores and London’s cosmopolitan, vivacious night scene.

Mahler vibes from the city’s cultures and contradictions but draws heavily from the culture and classical touches of Tel Aviv. Not only inspired by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich – two of his favourite composers – he learned a lot from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and is finding much influence and support in Tel Aviv. Electronic music is a genre that is as wide-open and varied as any out there at the moment. Perhaps in past decades, it was a more linear, less expansive genre – that is not the case in 2016. You only have to look around the find a plethora of musicians stretching Electronic music to its limits. Whether stirring it with warm Pop sounds or harsher Dance beats - maybe cinematic elements thrown in or something more omnidirectional and restrained. Given Mahler education and impressionistic leanings: his music has that age-old, traditional quality but a modern orchestral twist. The colours, textures and scenes the greats of Classical music painted have clearly resonated inside the young artist. He has been driven by their command, genius and innovation – updating that sound and teasing it with fresh and urgent strands.

Classical music is used by acts like The Cinematic Orchestra and, to a lesser extent, by a lot of modern chart acts. I hear so many musicians that employ strings and quartets in their songs: maybe something fuller and more sweeping. From Pop/Soul acts Lana Del Rey to bygone legends David Bowie: one cannot underestimate or ignore how relevant Classical sounds are in the twenty-first-century. The foundation and basis (debatably) for all music as we know it – strings and orchestral elements are hardly being employed ironically or casually. There is that inherent and unbreakable bond to eighteenth and nineteenth-century composers (especially). Following Romanticism and the period between 1800 and 1850 – where literature, art and music was defined by emotion and individualism – there was a move towards Romantic composers in the Classical genre. Although Mahler sources Tchaikovsky as influences – who had a wide stylistic emotional range and switched from salon works of little charm to tremulous symphonies – there was always a sense of tenderness and passion beneath the power – as defined in his operas and works like The Nutcracker Suite and Swan Lake. A lot of modern musicians possess elements and ideas of Tchaikovsky’s ballets and romantic work – there is a greater tendency towards more urgent, imperious string articulation. With that appropriate surname (Mahler), you get elements of centuries-old composers but there is that modern, contemporary outer skin. Not only do you get cross-pollinations of dance-floor and concert hall – you get a very personal and sophisticated musicianship. Birthday Wishes is a song very much for our time, but one that could only derive from a man like Yotam Mahler.

Birthday Wishes is the second single to be taken from (the forthcoming) What Is Your Art? E.P. It is pertinent we look back at Maher’s work to see how he has progressed. Last week I looked at Michelle O Faith and her song, Birthday Blues – questioning her achievements and taking a deep look at life. Mahler’s latest single is a more uplifted and (lyrically) hopeful song. It follows from Late Bloomer which begins its life with soothing, smooth electronics and subtle percussive clicks. A fusion of R&B and Soul: one is transported back to the 1990s with a little bit of Stevie Wonder thrown into the mix. Strings enter and yearn: swaying, graceful and curious as they rise and fall back down. When Mahler comes to the microphone; the first verse offers some revelation and curiosity: “Driving Through my attempts/I've been beaten up (you've been beaten up)/A sweet release/I can only be myself”. One gets impressions of vocal harmony groups (Boyz II Men, perhaps) but a more subtle, slowed-down version. Mahler layers his vocals and ensures his words are presented with complete commitment, passion and meaning. One feels he is referring to a sweetheart and the mistakes he’s made in the past. Being someone who has taken a long time to achieve and get where he needs to be – the song is a catharsis and explanation of the man he is today. Whether he is sending a message to a lover – or simply documenting his path in life and way things have changed – it is fascinating to get into his mind. Mahler’s voice is serene and sensual throughout; rising to a delicious falsetto before calming into a low-down, low-pitched contemplative burr. In that sense, one hears embers of early-career Prince: the way the voice can acrobatically work through the lyrics whilst never losing control. In the lyrics, the hero knows he can only be himself and can overcome the obstacles. Whether a person causes him strain or (life in general) is hard to take: he will make his way through it all and come out the other end.

Late Bloomer is a stunning and confident track from a young artist who seems fully formed and complete. Of course, Mahler has been playing music for years but few artists present something so cohesive, original and compelling the first time out. Birthday Wishes carries on from its stablemate – in terms of sounds and composition – but changes the lyrics slightly and addresses different themes. One can see some cohesion and consistency between the two songs – that distinct, cinematic sound; honeyed vocals and passion running throughout – but no shortage of confidence and presence. How the rest of What Is Your Art? will sound like will be interesting to see. Given what we know about the E.P. – the themes and stories being explored – it will be wonderful seeing what sounds and vocals go into those songs. Birthday Wishes is a worthy equal of Late Bloomer and proves Mahler is not a one-off fluke. He is a musician that brings together his Classical background but updates it with Electronic urgency and soulful sensuality. It is a busy and heady blend that one can dissect and examine: every time you hear the music, new things are revealed. This early command and quality mean future E.P.s and songs will grow and expand from this – that is quite a proposition.

I mentioned how Birthday Wishes was a more positive beast compares with Birthday Blues – perhaps there is a similar thread of doubt and self-reflection. Mahler’s once-a-year theme finds him starting in pensive and reflective mood. Before the hero comes to the microphone; there is a child’s voice – perhaps Mahler himself – that draws you back to the past and has quite a vintage, oldskool vibe. Mahler approaches and asks: “I want to receive my birthday wishes back/all these coins in the river”. Perhaps life is not going his way or things have not worked like he’d imagined. Maybe new events and unfolding have meant there is that desire to change things and get to a better place. In terms of composition, there are heartbeat-like, accelerated beats. It is quite a tense and racing coda but one that does not encroach on the song and its focus. What one notice is how meaningful and emotional the vocal presentation is. It makes one wonder whether something traumatic has occurred or a break-up, perhaps. Maybe there is just a general malaise and knowing things have not panned out like they should. Perhaps I am instantly assuming negativity. It may be the case (the song) looks at life in general and knows things are as they should be – no need to be superstitious and rely on talisman and good luck charms. It is an intriguing and deep investigation and one that compels the listener to involve themselves – rather than push them away. As the song kicks up a gear, that beat remains and keeps firm without combining with strings or electronics. By keeping things basic and sparse; it means the vocal is given a chance to shine and take central focus. The hero lets his voice glide but it almost breaks at times. Such is the emotion and themes being performed: it is quite a hard and emotional revelation. Between the first and second verse, there is little time for pause and reflection. The song keeps its energy flowing and does not drop a beat. “Hey world I have waited a while/I got more to say” suggests two possible avenues. There is that sense of mortality and a man starting to think about the end. Maybe the song looks at an older figure (or someone who feels old) and is unsure whether he has too many good years left. Maybe the song is just about a general fatigue and not wanting things to go by so fast. Mahler is a man who has seen the world and experienced a lot but is not in the mindset and place he wants to be. At the back of my mind, I am always thinking of relationships and a girl that got away. Perhaps there has been a recent collapse and that is weighing heavy on his mind.

That might be simplistic, although you can hear a very heartfelt and pure vocal. That voice is king and resonates directly with the listener. Able to present a sense of pain and loss with sexuality and something very primal and sweaty – you get a blend of urgency passion and contemplative maturity. I have mentioned artists like Prince and Michael Jackson: it is hardly an exaggeration to make comparisons between the artists. Mahler is an original and fresh musician but one who is deeply in awe of Soul and Pop greats. One hears the spirit of Prince and Jackson throughout Birthday Wishes. Our man lets it be known he has “waited a while” (a message to the world) and has much more to say. With every new line, one feels the shivers and longing emerge. It is by the second verse we get the first taste of strings. Most modern artists do not use strings effectively enough and see them as a bit of a novelty. Mahler has a definite bond and knowledge of Classical music and knows exactly how to elicit reaction and provocation. The strings have a definite grandeur and gracefulness and a real sense of class. Mahler’s voice is quite considered and never rushes. It is always slowed and calm; it does not feel the need to explode of race through the gears. This means the lyrics are easy to understand and appreciate; the meanings and expressions have better a chance of affecting and the listener does not feel harried and overwhelmed. It those newly-introduced strings that cause one to lean in and try to jump into the song. Our hero keeps the words and supplications coming: “Hey world keep my lovers around/I got more wisdom to pass them on”. After the first time through the lyrics: Mahler goes back to the start and gives the lyrics a bit more speed and intensity. Combining with Eyal Matri’s bass; the violin of Glait Rolbin and Yoav Bar; the cello of Yael Shaprira and the beatboxing of Adi Mahler – it is almost like an orchestra one is hearing. The lyrics are no less striking and meaningful when repeated. If anything, they pick up new relevance and seem to reveal more of the puzzle. It is tempting to find fatalistic ideas within the lyrics – a man that is down on his luck and defeated.

I find the song more hopeful in the sense Mahler wants to change and make things better. Perhaps this run of bad luck is what leads to a drive for betterment and fulfillment. Birthday Wishes is a track you are bonded to and appreciate the first time you hear but start to get inside the more you hear it. Not a song you can have in the background and just ignore: it demands some attention and the listener to immerse themselves in the music. It shows and unites all Mahler’s training, musical teaching and love into the one song. A delirious and stunning blend of ‘80s-‘90s Soul with Classic edges and modern Electronic elements – a wonderfully rich and compelling song. The vocals are consistently pure and sensitive but have a definite wounded heart and need for hope – you almost want to hug Mahler and let it known things will get better. There is never the sense (the hero) is wallowing and hopeless. He is always working and pressing; searching and questioning his mind and trying to get life back onto a sturdier track. You should listen to the song for the composition alone which grows and develops as the song goes on. The strings captivate and are luscious: they rise and have that cinematic grandeur. Almost like a drive through the Hollywood Hills: a blend of black-and-white film romance and symphonic rush. It is a brilliant and unforgeable instrumentation that not only has an emotional effectiveness but paints images and moves the story on. You feel the hero is driving away through the dusk and heading to a new destination – where that is will be down to the listener. By the end, you are happy for having heard Birthday Wishes and got into the mindset and world of Yotam Mahler. Another exceptional and memorable song from a fine young artist. Even stronger than Late Bloomer in terms of nuance and instantaneousness – make sure you check it out now. Credit must be given to Noam Helfer and Roey Avital who mix the track superbly and ensure all the notes and themes merge and hold naturally. Matt Colton’s mastering is exceptional too and the trio provides the song a gloss and polish that emphasises all the notes and vocals without diluting things and making the sentiments sound fake.

What is Your Art? is the forthcoming E.P. from Mahler and will arrive later this autumn. There is too much attention and focus paid to critically-approved artists and chart-friendly musicians. It might be risky embracing someone a little more ‘unique’ – a human that does not fit into conventional moulds and tries something different. Yotam Mahler is not completely separated from modern sensibilities; far from it, in fact. Late Bloomer was the lead-off single from the E.P. and laid down the foundations. Following it up with a tremendously fascinating and personal track – one that causes you to wonder and delve deeper – it is likely to be a sensational work. Mahler resides in a nineteenth-century home near the Mediterranean Sea and the wall-to-wall paintings and high ceilings are the source of inspiration and wonder – Mahler sees it like stepping into a museum. The half-Israeli half-Danish was raised in a secular community but never lived the established, traditional lifestyle – Mahler connected with Gospel music at a young age and performed at pluralistic synagogues in Jewish-Israeli communities. Feeling drawn and connected with his Jewish roots: the young musician-in-waiting brings his Classical, religious and community spirits into music that spills over with experience, pride and curiosity. Prior to Mahler completing his E.P., he had just completed a Hebrew-only album that was ready to be released.

Unfortunately, a hardware-related mishap and freak accident meant the product was destroyed – Mahler starting from scratch and producing his English-language E.P. instead.  What is Your Art? will see talents such as Noam Helfer and Roey Avital (from city-mate band Garden City Movement) come into the fold. It is not just the Classical elements that come into the work. Gospel and Soul play heavy roles and is almost uncredited characters in the story. The 1990s’ finest Soul sounds combine with lush string arrangements – all iced with wall-of-sound vocals and tense atmospherics. Late Bloomer was influenced by a daily Jewish morning prayer whereas David and Jonathan (a track that will feature on the E.P.) derives from King David’s lament for Jonathan – a new, inter-faith Romeo and Juliet-type love affair. When one looks at Mahler, you get an almost mythical figure who has a traditional, semi-religious heart and soul and the bones and blood of a young man in a modern city. Whilst working in his Tel Aviv studio – a transgender prostitute worked nearby at night – Mahler conversed with the prostitute and learned more about the life experience being discussed – that directly influenced the E.P. title track. If Birthday Wishes, Late Bloomer and David and Jonathan have more transcendent, divine and ecumenical derivations: What Is Your Art? is more lively, heretical and vivacious. The song captures the street-life in a prism of sound and love-filled vocals: a performer in awe of Tel Aviv’s multiple sides and side-alley dramas – stories and mini-dramas that unfurl during the night; dormant and tender during daylight hours. It (the title track) is not just a paen to the multitude energies of Tel Aviv: it questions contradictory chatter of society and anodyne criticisms that is levied at the pure and honest. With its street-walking, yet utterly charming, ignition: the song protects and promotes the fascinating, kind people that are often the target of subjugation, discrimination and bigoted imperiousness.

Before I bring everything down to a close; I wanted to look at the opening points about international music and Classical/Electronic seduction: artists that have depth and originality and how sophisticated, refined musical chemistry can lead to something ethereal and affirmative. I have mentioned Israel (Tel Aviv especially) and how prosperous and busy the country/city is. If you ignore and walk by Tel Aviv, then you are not only overlooked a bustling and beautiful city – you risk missing out on a whole world of wonderful music and fantastic talent. People stick to stereotypes and assume a particular country is going to have ‘national’ music and nothing that can be classed as digestible, appealing and commercial. That could not be further from the true when you think of Israel. In previous posts, I have examined nations like Sweden, Canada and Iceland: looking to subvert expectations and clichés we have about the nations; the types of music that will emanate from here. In terms of Israel, one might assume Asian music – employing traditional instruments and themes – will be all you’d hear. True, there are some Israeli acts that perform in Hebrew and have a more ‘local’ and traditional sentiment. Tel Aviv is one of the music world’s fastest-growing epicenters and is producing wonderful Pop musicians and Soul acts with African and European origins – and some terrific, tight bands. How many of these heralded artists will translate and integrate into British/American charts is hard to say. There are plenty of modern Israeli musicians that have the potential to be big stars in the future. ADI – who I name-checked at the header of this review – is a Future-Beats musician who addresses deeper themes – depression and anxieties – through kaleidoscopic electronics and soul-pounding, scuttling beats. Yotam Mahler is someone who seems at home and in love with Tel Aviv and Israel. He is provided a wonderful, rich music scene and a fantastic blend of history, faith and exciting nightlife – between the beach and the monuments, all manner of inspiration awaits!

It will be interesting seeing how Mahler progresses in the next few years and whether he choose to remain in Israel or moves out to Europe or the U.S. A lot of Israel’s best artists are touring continents but choosing to remain at home – clearly, there is a supportive and opportunity-laden music scene for young artists in the country. Perhaps not quite as prosperous and commercial as nations like Britain and America: there is something about Israel that is keeping musicians rooted and satisfied. Given the reaction and praise Mahler’s work has been given so far, one would assume he will consider a move in years to come. London is a city that seems ready-made for him – he is looked after by Brick P.R. based out of East London – and there is a Tel Aviv-esque vibe to London – albeit without the beaches and some of the glorious landscape. Perhaps the national following or clement environment will see him rooted but I would love to see Mahler perform live and spend more time in the capital – tour Europe and the U.K. and bring his music this way. In that sense, there is a big U.S. market that awaits. I mentioned (half-jokingly) how Tel Aviva brings the best of London and Los Angeles into one city. The sun and panoramic beauty of Los Angeles might tempt the young Mahler to tour and spent some time there – similarly, the energy and unpredictability of London is a seductive and alluring mistress. How that will translate and resonate with Mahler is hard to say but one feels he has a lot of places to visit.

His music is already established and known in London and one suspects there are U.S. sources that are similarly vigilante. It has been great investigating Birthday Wishes and the story of Yotam Mahler. He is a musician that perhaps embodies the new generation of Israeli artist but someone many here (U.K.) will not be familiar with – in terms of similar personalities and sounds. Mahler has that classically-trained heritage and a combination of religious/Jewish teachings and that love of Gospel and Soul. Maybe there are British artists as intriguing and interesting but I have found, over the last few months, there are not that many that distinguish themselves from the rest – all sort of looking the same with similar back-stories. Ensure Yotam Mahler is part of your new music rotation and get to understand the man behind the music. He is a fascinating human and someone whose E.P. is sure to establish him as one of the finest young musicians in Asia – a possible mainstream fixture in this country down the line. I always enjoy the opportunity to assess international acts and what is going down in their corner of the globe. Not only have I been afforded the chance to dig deep into the treasure chest that is Tel Aviv but discover an artist that prompts one to think and dig deep; gets the mind and imagination working and creates smiles, warmth and admiration. There are many English words to describe Yotam Mahler but, with regards to Hebrew, the young master…

IS simply מטריף.

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INTERVIEW: Signal

INTERVIEW:

 

Signal

______________________

MY breath has just come back from reviewing Signal’s latest…

single, Down. The combination of slick, sick vocals and exceptional production (Jay Picasso) brought the song to life. Collaborating with Eclipse (Picasso and his wife, Jamie Jooste) it is a bold and memorable declaration from one of Britain’s fastest-rising and most promising Hip-Hop/Rap stars. I have been following Signal since his last single, All Night. I am confident a wonderful future lays ahead and few deserve it more – always putting his all into music and throwing tonnes of passion into everything. After a busy last few months, I was eager to see how Signal has been; what inspired Down and what the Basingstoke (where he is based) scene is like – and a cheeky question about his football club, Liverpool.

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Hey Signal. How has your week been? What have you been getting up to?

Hi Sam. The last couple of weeks has been hectic since the Down release. It’s like music is a twenty-four-seven thing for me: if I’m not writing I’m busy promoting, doing research or updating my social media. I went to Liverpool last weekend to see some family with my dad (which was nice to have a little break). Back on it now, though: no rest for the wicked!

For those who are new to your work: can you introduce yourself to us?

It’s 'Big Sig'…. ha! I’m a rapper from Basingstoke and I’ve been making music for ten years. I studied at the Academy of Contemporary Music (in Guildford) and graduated with a degree in Music Production.

All I’ve ever wanted to do is make music and perform.

I like to think my style is unique and I have featured heavily on B.B.C. Introducing this past year. I’m a telecoms giant during the day (big-up Peter from Dragons' Den) and artist at night.

You recently launched (new single) Down at Fever & Boutique in Basingstoke (with Eclipse). What was that night like and what was the crowd’s reaction like?

The whole night was a movie! It was such a sick experience and gave me a real taste of what’s to come. The support was overwhelming: lots of people grabbed up a C.D. that I was giving away. Big-up the team for passing through and Thom from Fever for the Making it Happen hashtag!  

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51qP6nTKWYI&w=560&h=315]

Speaking on the new single: can you tell us what inspired that song?

The inspiration came from a lot of things, to be honest. I wanted to be able to dance (you should see my hip-move) to the beat and after listening to my E.P. I couldn’t really hear any of those tunes in a nightclub as such. So I guess it was kinda (sic.) stepping out of my comfort zone but probably the best decision I’ve ever made. It goes down as my favourite and best material to date that’s for sure.

The session was organic; the beat and lyrics were written there and then within a five-hour studio session.

Jamie vocalised the chorus at a later date. I have just finished recording the next single which, again, is influenced by this sound (and is featuring Eclipse).

You join with Eclipse for this single. How long have you been a fan of them (Jamie Jooste and Jay Picasso)?

Since I knew about them! It wasn’t until a couple of months after I met Jay that he mentioned that he could rap (as well as produce) and showed me his E.P. It is sick by the way. Testament E.P. - check it out!  I then discovered Jay and Jamie as Eclipse and became a fan instantly. We worked together on Leave This Girl Alone taken from the Make It Happen E.P. Jamie is ridiculously talented and her chemistry with Jay - being his wife and all - compliments any beat they work on together. 

Down finds you re-join with Jay Picasso – who produces and provides backing vocal. What is he like to work with and how influential has he been with regards moulding your music?

I’ve got the utmost respect for Jay Picasso: not only as a producer and a musician but as a good friend.

Jay has been fundamental in my development and the quality of my music has stepped up significantly since I was introduced to him. He’s a pleasure to work with: we’re always on the same page and it’s got to the point where I’m reluctant to work with anyone else - unless it has Jay’s input in terms of the production. The guy is a machine!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_rEWgbhvSk&w=560&h=315]

All Night was your previous track and gained huge feedback and praise. Were you surprised by the reaction it accrued?

Big shout-out to Ryan Samuda and Nana on the visuals! It’s a typical ‘Signal’ song: witty lyrics full of innuendos and a bad-boy production from ‘Kenan’ (Sorry Jay: you mentioned ‘Big Sig’ in your interview). The most surprising thing was the support from the B.B.C. Introducing team at the time of release. I had two radio interviews; a freestyle and live session from B.B.C. in Brighton and Reading in less than three days. It certainly makes doing what I do worth it.

Can we expect to see a Signal E.P. in the coming months?

Definitely - after releasing the Make It Happen E.P. earlier this year. The focus has been on single releases and finding a sound that best suits my style. I believe I have found that sound through Down and a collaboration E.P. might be on the cards - even talks of a new group. I’m sure you know who I’m talking about - the new N-Dubz? :)

You hail from Basingstoke. What is the music like there and how much support have you received from the home crowds?

The music scene is definitely growing.

The one thing that Basingstoke lacks is opportunities for local artists.

There used to be an event called Beats ‘n’ Bars (shouts to Patsy) which was essentially an Urban event - with local rappers/singers showcasing their talent and often opening up for a headline act. Kano and Chipmunk came down - this was like eight years ago.

Back then it was absolute madness: times of Channel U! The only thing us Urban acts have got to look forward to is Basingstoke Live every year on the Sunrise Stage - which is effectively continuing the Beats ‘n’ Bars tradition. In terms of the support, it has been amazing - especially within the last year. My social media is growing as a result and the Basingstoke Gazette has featured me in articles on numerous occasions. I’m sure you’ll get to see me perform at Fever & Boutique again with future releases.

I know you spend a lot of time performing in London. Is that a city you’d like to move to? What are your favourite venues/areas of London as a performer and music fan?

Absolutely!

The dream is to be in the studio every day: making music and performing in London on a consistent basis.

I’ve performed in Camden a few times and it’s always a sick vibe and atmosphere. I’ve seen various artists perform at the 02 Arena and Wembley; so to headline/support in one of those locations would be a dream come true - when Em. (Eminem) brought out (Dr.) Dre at Wembley!

How did you first get into music and what attracted you to the genres of Hip-Hop and Grime?

Well, I just about missed out on the Garage scene but my bro. Pete ‘Danger’ used to D.J. and ‘chat’ over Garage. There is six years between us so I think that had a major part to play in my upbringing from a young age. I was about thirteen/fourteen when some new kids moved down my street in Popley. They were from Reading and the kids were my age. Funnily enough, all the brothers could rap. It was them that got me into it properly and even thought of the name ‘Signal’. It’s kinda stuck since then although I wish I used the name ‘Amps’. It went from spitting over Grime beats with my new pals against the wall; making videos for Bebo to linking up with my best mate Onias ‘Serva’ - where we recorded my first studio song Sexy Love (at my old school, The Vyne). F.Y.I.: do not try and look for it on Google. Ha, proper cringey!

I released a mixtape called You Ain’t Ready for This which was followed by Demons in Disguise with Kamikaze - who I met at college. It was only when I got to uni. where I started experimenting with flows and styles - which created the path for my first Hip-Hop mixtape (Alive) with fellow students Jay O-K, Joe Kane and Serva. When I left university, I was signed to a management company called Titans Entertainment who introduced me to Jay Picasso. Big respect to Inspekta and KO for making the connection. The rest is history!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhjnaZmOzHc

Are there any upcoming artists you’d like to give a shout-out to?

Wayne Woodward: say no more, really. The whole Starcity movement is doing things at the moment. Exciting times ahead. Watch out for Wayne’s album.

I know you’re an ardent Liverpool F.C. fan. What have you made of their season so far? Do you get much chance to go to football?

Man like Klopp! I’ve been very impressed with Liverpool this season. We’ve finally managed to find a bit of consistency (barring the Burnley game). I truly believe Liverpool’s going to win the league under Klopp - doubt it will be this year but certainly within the next few seasons; providing we can keep hold of Coutinho! I’ve been to a couple of games in the past but tickets are so hard to get hold of. I went for my twenty-first which was the best experience - sitting next to the Kop singing Y.N.W.A. (You’ll Never Walk Alone). Goosebumps!

Which artists and albums have been most important to you – either now or when growing up?

I was brought up on nothing but Michael Jackson - he was my hero! Imagine: my dad managed to get hold of tickets when the last batch came through for the 02 Arena and Michael died a couple of weeks later - heartbreaking! Kanye West’s Late Registration was the first Hip-Hop album that I bought so that will always remain an important album as well as John Cena’s (Yes, the wrestler, haha). Believe it or not, he’s not a bad rapper.

My biggest inspiration, though, has to be Eminem. Eminem is arguably one of the greatest rappers of all time, and in my opinion, the best!

For those new artists looking to follow you into music: what advice and tips would you offer them?

Practice makes perfect! Be consistent; be prepared to make sacrifices and always take opportunities. Be as active as possible on social media and only put out material that you’re 100% happy with. Think of your music being a brand and a business. Marketing is essential!

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song (other than your own as I’ll include one) and I’ll play it here…

Emile Sande – Hurts (Radio 1 Live Lounge version). Have you heard the passion in her vocals?!

 [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QO4g5zC3xU&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Signal

 

Official:

http://signalofficial.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SignalOfficial/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/signalofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/signalofficial/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/signalofficial1 

INTERVIEW: Blayre Mic

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Blayre Mic

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YOU will not find too many in the world of music like Blayre Mic…

I can tell you that for certain. I have only know about her for a few months – I reviewed her single, Love B.M.P. quite recently – but have already fallen under her spell. The blue-haired, Oakland-born musician is in London right now and setting the city alight – getting tongues wagging and making her way under the radar of some of music’s biggest movers and shakers. Love B.M.P. has just been provided (an awesome remix) and I was eager to chat with Blayre Mic and ask her about the Oakland music scene; whether there is a gender/race imbalance in music and what she is making of London.

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Hey. How has your week been? What have you been getting up to?

My week has been awesome! I’m so happy to be out promoting the remix to my lead single, Love B.P.M. (featuring Ms. Banks). I’ve been visiting radio D.J.s and speaking with bloggers throughout London. I also found a little time to visit neighborhoods in London like Peckham, Elephant & Castle and Chelsea.

For those who are new to your work: can you introduce yourself to us?

Greetings and Salutations! My name is Blayre Mic and I’m just your average blue-haired, BAD-ASS singer/songwriter/lyricist/cheeky-chick - here in London (by way of Oakland, California) trying to make my mark on the U.K.

 

The first thing that strikes me about you is your blue hair and unique look. How does image and fashion inspire you and do you think it is important to stand out from the crowd?

I love fashion and the story you can tell with it so it's a huge inspiration for me.

Besides my voice my blue hair is something that most people remember about me - but I didn’t start going blue as a means to stand out from the crowd. I started dying my hair blue to express myself with color and blue always seemed like a happy and inviting color to me. People initially told me I shouldn’t so it made me want to do it even more.

I think it’s important to stand out from the crowd in order to express yourself freely. Standing with the crowd is too easy… standing alone behind your decisions is much more interesting and empowering.

I mentioned your blue hair and distinct fashion, but it goes deeper than that – such an intriguing look. Are there any fashion icons and people that have compelled you in that respect?

Aww thanks! Oh wow, I’m inspired by so many people but I’d say the fashion icons that inspire me the most are: Grace Jones, Andre 3000; Alexander McQueen and Gwen Stefani.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276777346" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Love B.P.M. is your current single – one that I loved reviewing – and has got some hot reviews and love. Did you expect such a reaction to it?

Thanks for the love!

I really didn’t expect such a reaction to this song. Honestly, I didn’t expect to release this song at all. When I wrote it I just wanted to hold onto it because I wasn’t sure how it would be received.

It’s so in-your-face that my initial thought was that I would just keep it for myself - or maybe a future project. When people started to react to it I was blown away by all the positive vibes. The consistent phrase everyone says when they hear it is “Let’s hear that one again!”

What inspired the song and its themes? Was there a sweetheart or particular person that influenced it?

I wrote the song in a day and walked into the studio intending to write a love song with some ‘balls’ - from a modern woman’s point of view. I feel I accomplished that. There was a particular person that influenced my need to write something like this. Let’s just say I needed to know where I stood in the relationship and wanted this particular person to know I was ready to be their ‘franchise player’ (L.o.L.)

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287520061" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

The song has been remixed by Grime producer S-X and M.C. Ms. Banks. How did you meet them and what was the reason behind remixing Love B.P.M.?

My team and I discussed different types of remixes we could do for this song and the idea  presented was to do a Grime remix. I thought it was a great idea but said the caveat was that I wanted to have a female M.C. on the track. I call this version my homage to London - I love this city! S-X was attached to the remix straight-away and then Ms. Banks’ name came up (whom I loved instantly). It was a pretty instant click for the three of us. They’re both lovely and so talented (at what they each brought to the track). It was an instant classic for me as soon as I heard the mix.

You are working with U.K. talent, evidently. Is Britain a place you feel happy in and can we expect to see you tour this year (in the U.K.)?

I’m very happy here in London. Everyone has been so warm and receptive to me - it’s really a terrific feeling.

I’m definitely planning on touring the U.K. in early-2017. I jokingly have been referring to it as the ‘Heart-Breaker Tour’ because all the guys I’ve been meeting here have heard Love B.P.M. and say they’re going to be super-nice to me because they don’t want their hearts broken. It’s such a funny thing to me!

It may be a hard question but do you think black artists do not get equal opportunities and have to fight harder for recognition in the music scene?

This controversial question but I have to be honest here and say we don’t always get equal opportunities. It’s unfortunate and I think it goes beyond just skin color. I think equal opportunities are an issue if you’re a woman as well. We all fight hard to have a place and make our mark in the music scene. This industry isn’t for the faint at heart or the weak-skinned.

We all fight for different things but as black artists and women I feel what we fight for is telling our stories the way we want them to be told - and not what major media wants us to perpetuate.

We all have different stories and backgrounds but often (times) black artists get ‘pigeon-holed’ or placed in a box and told they have to make 'black music' or they won’t be successful. But what the hell is ‘black music’ anyway?! We all make MUSIC and art. And it ALL sells. It shouldn’t have color attached to it in my opinion because anyone can relate to the themes in music. That’s what makes music such a profound means of connecting us all.

It is certainly true female artists are expected to be less talent and capable of their male counterparts. Do you think there is sexism in the industry and have you had to fight prejudice?

The music industry is very reflective of how the world is right now in terms of the dynamic between men and women. Women are demanding a place at the boardroom table selling out STADIUMS: managing empires and doing it just as big as our male counterparts. We are just as talented and capable but have to work harder and raise our voices louder just to be heard.

Things are changing for us and the industry is starting to open up more opportunities but only because we are demanding it. Yes, there’s sexism in this industry and yes, I still have to fight prejudices because I don’t have a d*ck between my legs; but that’s par for the course when you have a brain and you’re a woman.

The Pledge is your debut E.P. What can we expect to find in the E.P. and what type of themes are explored?

Yes it is :) You can expect to find the beginning of a journey I want people to take with me (especially women). It’s an empowerment E.P. that celebrates womanhood, wearing your heart on your sleeve; owning your happiness and the need to have a voice.

I have a lot of love for Oakland musicians. Do you think the city gets overlook when compared with Los Angeles, perhaps?

Yay! I’m glad you have love for us.

Oakland is a great city and has a long history of exceptional talent in so many things including music.

It usually doesn’t get compared to Los Angeles because, well, it’s Los Angeles - the entertainment capital of the world! Oakland has its own vibe and we kind of enjoy being California’s best-kept little secret ;-)

 

Are there any Oakland artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve got a whole list! But I’d say besides checking out my music until your ears bleed you should check out: Kehlani, Goapele; Keak da Sneak and G-Easy to name a few.

In terms of the coming months and into 2017: what can we expect in terms of music and developments?

You can expect another single from The Pledge and a mixtape headed into 2017. I’m planning to tour in 2017 as well as dropping the second installment to The Pledge - called The Turn. I’ve also got some really cool collaborations in the works with more U.K. artists so busy, busy, busy 2017 for yours truly.

Looking ahead to the next few months: any new material being worked on or is it going to be touring and a bit of down-time?

I don’t have an ‘off’-switch these days so not a whole lot of down-time planned for me.

I’m in the studio finishing up recording for the mixtape and The Turn whilst getting in tour rehearsals with my D.J. and choreographer. I’ve got a busy group of ladies around me :)

 

If you had to be stranded to name the three albums that have defined you as a woman and musician, which would they be and why?

Janet Jackson -  Janet (the beginning of Janet owning her sexual liberation… and that album cover! O.M.G.)

Esthero - Wikked Lil Grrrls (a Jazz album wrapped in good ‘ol Pop/R&B/Hip-Hop - doesn’t get much better than this underrated album)

Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Life-changing on so many levels and proof you can be a dope singer and M.C. simultaneously)

For those new artists looking to follow you into music: what advice and tips would you offer them?

1. Follow your gut! If it feels right, it probably is.

2. You can’t do everything great so hire people that have an expertise in the things you don’t - so that the team you’ve built around you helps support your career goals.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song (other than your own as I’ll include one) and I’ll play it here…

SPZRKT & Sango - Soon Enough (my jam right now!)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFoID2JbOco&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Blayre Mic

 

Official:

http://blayremic.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/blayremic?lang=hi

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/Blayremic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/Blayremic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BlayreMic

INTERVIEW: Amber Richmond

INTERVIEW:

 

Amber Richmond

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IT is pretty damn hard pinning your hopes on a young artist….

as the pressures of music and changing times can render their early promise immaterial. So many find the pressure unnerving and try too hard to fit into commercial moulds. One thing you can say about Surrey-based musician Amber Richmond is she has a very promising future. Having just played the first-ever Always the Sun festival this year – set-up and run by local venue, Boileroom – there is something special about the sixteen-year-old. Richmond is masterful when covering contemporary songs but has shown a real knack for original, engaging songwriting. Her E.P., Fifteen, was a collection of songs written when Richmond was thirteen/fourteen – the same teenage songwriting talent the likes of Kate Bush showed on The Kick Inside. If not the sonic equal of Bush;there is a comparable sense of beauty, intimacy and ability. Richmond is down-to-earth and honest but has definite ambitions and goals. One feels her music will not be kept local for too long. Following on from her Always the Sun appearance – new dates lined up and fresh recordings planned – Richmond afforded me some time to talk about her childhood idols and what music means to her; how important Boileroom is and what advice she would offer similar young artists coming through.

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUC-ty3JjSg&w=560&h=315]

Hey Amber. How has your week been? What have you been getting up to?

I've been practising with my drummer as we are going to record on Tuesday.

For those who are new to your work: can you introduce yourself to us, please?

I'm Amber Richmond: a sixteen-year-old singer-songwriter

You have recently played at Always the Sun festival. How did you become involved with that and what was the day like for you?

It was really enjoyable. I had the first slot.

I was asked to do it as I'm part of the Boileroom's project. The weather was horrible but didn't stop it being fun.

Has that experience (at Always the Sun) got you thinking about future festivals? Will you be touring a lot in the next few months?

I have a project gig at the Boileroom on the 25th.

You have also played Boileroom – one of the most notable live venues in Surrey. I can imagine the crowds there are something else. Is that a venue you have a particular bond with?

It's my favourite place to play new material at. All of my songs have been tried out first at the Boileroom - I did my work experience there and know the staff well and love the atmosphere.

I have been listening to cover versions uploaded on your YouTube channel. You have a talent for reinterpretation and affinity for various styles of music. Which artist/song has been the most memorable covering and can we expect any new covers in the coming months?

My favourite cover is Toxic as it’s a really well-known song yet it sounds like a very different version. I'm working on a cover of Honey by Swim Deep at the moment - should be on SoundCloud in the next few weeks.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271103361" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Fifteen is your previous E.P. and was well-received on social media. Are you surprised by the reaction in garnered and how do you think you have changed as an artist since it was released?

I was surprised as I wrote those songs when I was thirteen/fourteen. The E.P. itself is acoustic and I have definitely changed since then as my music is more Indie-Rock now that I have a drummer (Ben Keynes).

Can we expect a new E.P. this/next year from you?

I'm currently in the studio recording three of my new songs which I hope to release.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/230190822" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

You are based in Surrey but have performed further afield. What have been the most memorable gigs over the last few years? Any bad ones in there or have they been predominantly positive?

I loved doing the Guildford Lights as it was really cool to play on a balcony in front of so many. You always get some bad gigs but it's experience (in the end) and will definitely help.

Take me back to your early childhood. Who were the musicians you grew up listening to you? Was your household a particularly musical one?

My mum loved U2 and Simple Minds. I grew up listening to them and still do.

My earlier music is inspired by Daughter and Lucy Rose.

I ask this of many of my female interviews: do you think women have to work harder to gain recognition? Is there still an imbalance in music that needs redressing?

Not really. I feel like I have an equal chance to make it (as if I was) in a man’s would.

If you had to narrow down to a few albums that have been influential to you: which would they be and why?

If You Leave by Daughter - as I have always aspired to make my music as beautiful as hers. The 1975 by the 1975; Long Way Down by Tom Odell - because he manages to create such amazing music on a piano. Tell Me It’s Real by Seafret - because their music means so much to me and inspired me to write new songs.

Music means a lot of different things to different people. What does it mean to you, personally?

Being honest: I never stop listening to music. It's like a life support.

I listen when I'm sad; I listen when I'm chilling and when I want to party. It expresses the artist’s emotions and that can then be shared with the listener.

Which underground/new artists would you recommend we check out and investigate?

Sophie and the Giants. Known her for a few years now and she just keeps getting better.

For those young artists looking to follow you into music: what advice and tips would you offer them?

Just keep writing. Being able to write good songs will separate you from other musicians and make you stand out.

Also... gig as much as possible.

Finally, and for being good sports, you can select any song (other than your own as I’ll include one) and I’ll play it here…

Mumma by Spring King

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/129048829" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

BOILEROOM PHOTO CREDITS: Thomas Brooker

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Follow Amber Richmond

 

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/amberichmond

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/amberichmond

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFISfcGseUs3jy_k3g6RGhw

INTERVIEW: Lydia Baylis

INTERVIEW:

Lydia Baylis

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THINKING back at all the favourite musicians that have featured on my blog…

and Lydia Baylis will always be near the top. She is a young artist that impresses me immensely. Able to seduce and enchant crowds in a coffee-house setting or impress with cinematic, dramatic music videos – someone who is capable of drawing you in and capturing the heart. Not only are her lyrics revealing, open and intelligent: Baylis has a voice at once sensual and inviting; hurt and affected the next. Previous singles Into the Water and Mirrors rank alongside by favourite songs by any new artist. It has been exciting catching up with Baylis and asking about her future – whether we will see a new E.P. arriving. She is heading to play New York’s Pianos later this month and is excited about the coming months. Baylis talks her about the importance of her family (to her music) and how she unwinds away from music.

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpa7ABHyk_c&w=560&h=315]

For those who are new to your work: can you introduce yourself to us?

I am a singer-songwriter working and performing in London.

I see you are playing Pianos in New York (on 25th). Are you excited about this and is this your first time in New York?

It is my third time performing there - I am REALLY excited! I love New York and Pianos is a great venue!

PHOTO CREDIT: Patrick Ford and Jenni Davis

In terms of America as a future possibility: could you see yourself moving there or are you pretty settled in the U.K.?

I would love to move to America one day. I would love to live in L.A. for a bit. Any change of scene I think is good creatively for artists.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylvv0s3qsRc&w=560&h=315]

The last time I featured you on my blog, you were performing a series of gigs at coffee houses around the country. What was that experience like and can you see yourself doing it again in the future?

It was fun. Travelling is one of the best bits of this job.

I like being on the road and meeting the challenges of doing a difference venue, even two, every day.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBVyoxoJxoU&w=560&h=315]

You have a fascinating family – Lydia’s grandfathers both helped drive the Germans out of Brussels during World War II – and have strong Welsh roots. How important were you family with regards your career in music?

They were, and still are, so important.

My parents are my greatest supporters and brought us all up to follow our dreams.

Having studied at Oxford – and returned there to perform - do you get a chance to revisit your alma mater and family? I imagine the demands of music keep you pretty busy?

Music does keep me very busy but Oxford has a very special place in my heart (and I love to go back).

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86926808" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Into the Water is my favourite song of yours. Can you remember what inspired the song? I see new cuts Anyway and You Don’t Love are available. What is the inspiration behind the two songs? Have you been putting them into recent live performances?

I love Into the Water too. It was inspired in part by Virginia Woolf (who drowned herself with stones in her pockets), but more figuratively, feeling (in life) like you are drowning sometimes - and that it might be you dragging yourself down.

Anyway and You Don’t Love are about the same period in my life: being unsure about someone and how they made me feel.

Can we expect a new Lydia Baylis E.P. or album in the near future?

Yes! I have been working on it for a long time and I think that I am nearly ready.

I know Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks are big influences of yours. What is it about those singers that attract you? Which other vocalists/musicians have inspired you?

Both of those women are irreverent in some way - they might not vocally be perfect but the attitude with which they perform and write is so real and soul-baring.

In terms of the albums that have meant the most to you: which three would you rank as the most important?

Astral Weeks  by Van Morrison; Lungs by Florence and the Machine and Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

How do you spend your time away from music? Do you get time to unwind or is it hard finding moments to disengage?

I love travelling, dancing and reading - but music is a constant companion.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265848495" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Are there any new musicians/underground musicians you suggest we check out?

Equador are awesome.

What advice would you give to any upcoming musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

Do it because you love making music, not if you want to be famous.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song (other than your own as I’ll include one) and I’ll play it here…

You Only Live Once by the Strokes - there is not a problem that song cannot fix.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT68FS3YbQ4&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Lydia Baylis

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Brad Inglis (UBPICS)

Official:

https://lydiabaylis.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/lydiabaylis/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/lydiabaylis

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lydia.baylis/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/lydiabaylis

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvsl2a3LnrjN4BwenA1eHQ

INTERVIEW: MAR I AM

INTERVIEW:

 

PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goldiing

MAR I AM

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FOR a while I have been looking to interview a musician that has a real history…

and sense of originality about them. The interviewees I have covered are wonderful but MAR I AM is something special. The London-based artist combines sweet vocals with soulful allure: Pop and Alternative blends that fill the ears and sit alongside thought-provoking lyrics. A natural storyteller whose Nigerian roots go directly into her music: there are not many out there like her! Growing up to rhythmic drums and a community strong of family values: this upbringing compelled MAR I AM to enter music and share her stories with the public. Heart to Heart is an E.P. that will captivate and capture hearts; highlight a distinct and promising musician and give the music world something rather wonderful. Be There for Me has made its way into the world and being celebrated with glowing reviews and paens of affection. I got the chance to chat with MAR I AM and talk about her Nigerian upbringing; how songs come to her and what we can expect from her E.P.

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Hey MAR I AM. How has your week been? What have you been getting up to?

Hey! It’s been good thank you: very busy with work and preparing for my E.P. launch in just a few weeks. I’m very excited but there is a lot to be done.

For those who are new to your work: can you introduce yourself to us?

Well. I’m a singer-songwriter and self-taught guitarist. I am a south Londoner who loves to tell stories through music.

You are based in London. What is life like there for a musician and how does it inspire you as a writer?

London is great for musicians: there is so much music happening here; there is always a great music night and amazing artists; very easy to get inspired by the different sounds you hear and art being made.

I am also inspired by life and people: so much happens in London that it is nice to sit back and take it all in. A lot of my songs come from just watching life.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278255185" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Be There for Me is your debut single. What was the inspiration behind it and are you excited now that it is completed and done?

Very excited! It’s so good to be able to see work finished and be able to share it. It was inspired by difficult friendships and life changes. I wrote it together with the producer I worked with on the E.P. (Feranmi Oguns) and it’s about those hard moments with people when you feel like there is no reciprocity. You feel like you’re giving a lot but not getting anything in return  and expressing how you really feel when that happens. You feel hurt, and in your heart, you want that person to know it. Songwriting is a difficult task at times. It’s a skill to be able to divulge the matters of the heart in only three minutes but working with such an amazing team at OL Music (Fez and Rohan) made it easier and fun.

The E.P. Heart to Heart is out on 4^th November. What can you tell us about the themes and songs that will be included?

Yes it is and I can’t wait to share it! Again, the title is called Heart to Heart and that is the theme: a conversation of love, growth and those defining moments in life where the emotion is real and there is no hiding. There is a song called Without You which is about feeling the pressure of life and realising you need help. There is a song like Grow where you are feeling on top of the world and ready to grow. The last song, Running, is an unfolding story and ends the E.P. very raw and dramatic but there is something for everyone - they are themes that everyone can relate to so you’re in for a real treat and I hope you enjoy it.

Your lyrics are insightful and you effortlessly blend catchy melodies into your music. Who were the artists and musicians that influenced that?

Ah, well, thank you. There are so many: I just love music. Ones I can think of now are Stevie wonder. He is so amazing to me both his musicianship and writing; his play on words have always inspired me. Lauryn Hill is incredible. Asa, Joni Mitchell; Bill Withers, Gospel music as a whole… the list goes on.

 

Having Nigerian roots; do you think that is important with regards your unique sound? Do you have many opportunities to visit Nigeria?

Yes, it is definitely important because it is a part of who I am and that is what makes my sound. I love my culture and it is what first introduced me to music - especially live musicianship and the art of storytelling.

I was there just last year enjoying the sun so hopefully, I’ll be back there soon - especially as it’s getting cold here.

Were you into music and poetry at a young age and was there a figure/person that sparked your love of words and music?

Yes, as young as I can remember I started writing poetry and stories (when I was like seven-years-old). I would draw a picture and write a story to it. It’s hard to say one person:

I (just) always loved reading stories in school at story time; seeing live music and dancing away to Michael Jackson. As a young girl, I (just) sat back and took it all in and just continued to write as a way of expressing myself.

It was 2011 you decided to go into music – joining the London Community Gospel Choir. What compelled that decision at the time?

Well, I joined the London Community Gospel Choir last year. In 2011, I was just playing my guitar and a song began to come to me. When I finished, it I just felt like I wanted to share it so I did: I was so nervous but it was something I always wanted to do (but was afraid to do). That year, I felt like life hit a brick wall, but out of that hard time, I began to dream again. I had friends who were singing already and I started supporting them - through backing vocals - and when I felt ready to do it full-time I joined the choir who are amazingly talented and professional.

 [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/192162764" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

It might seem like a cliché question but how do songs come together? Do you need to get into a headspace or set time aside for writing?

It’s always a good question because no-one really knows. It varies. Some days, songs just fall from Heaven; other days you get a lyric stirring or a melody and you got to sit with it and fish it out. There are times when you need to be in a headspace - especially when it takes a while to come together. Other days, you have to just let it go and wait for it to come when it is ready. It is such an interesting process and very exciting when you feel something brewing.

Music is quite a challenging industry and demands hard work and perseverance. Have you had many obstacles to overcome so far and how do you disconnect from music and detach from it?

Loads! Too many to name. I think that the biggest obstacles are from yourself: believing in your craft and songs is the first obstacle. You can’t keep going if you are not content with you because it is hard; you are vulnerable so you have to be ok with the rejections - with people not liking your music or not supporting at times. You have to keep going. I take myself away to just refresh so mini-breaks are good to just process and enjoy life. It helps me to get back to doing what I love: singing and writing. If not, it will always feel like work, and it is a lot of work. You have to persevere but enjoy it too.

You have already – before your debut single came out – achieved and seen a lot. As a young musician; what have been your proudest memories to date?

One of my proudest moments was putting on a music-night for a charity I was working with called United for Change (that was raising money for a school in Nairobi, Kenya).

I was commissioned to write songs for it and perform them with a fellow artist - it was my first time organising an event and it was such a successful night (we raised over £800 for charity work in Kenya). I was happy to make music for such a special cause and get the chance to go to Kenya and see it - a fond memory of mine.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goldiing

Being in London, you must play a lot of gigs and see a lot of new talent come through. Any other names we should check out and follow?

Yes, there is so many I know. Some fantastic artists off the top of my head: I would say check out Lánre, Bianca Rose; Kacey Chambers, Abimaro; Santino, Alice Watts; Mike Kayihura and the amazing Samm Henshaw. There are loads more and these artists are awesome.

What are your plans heading into 2017? What do you hope to achieve in the year coming?

Lots of plans.

I’ve already starting planning for after my E.P. launch so keep an eye out for more music.

Of course, live performances (will follow) as it’s been a while and a music video or two. Very excited about the plans I have to share.

For those young bands looking to follow you into music: what advice and tips would you offer them?

Don’t stop. It is all in the process: you learn as you go, and as you go, you grow (that’s a good Tweet!).

Enjoy your journey and know that you have what it takes and you have a story to be told.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song (other than your own as I’ll include one) and I’ll play it here…

Well, thank you, loads. It will have to be a song I’m loving at the moment: Cranes in the Sky by Solange. Thank you so much!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0qrinhNnOM&w=560&h=315]

________________________

Follow MAR I AM

 PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goldiing

Official:

http://www.marisongs.org/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MariSongs

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MariSongs

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/mari_songs

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ma.r.i.am/

FEATURE: 1979

FEATURE:

 

 

1979

_______________________

COMPELLED by a recent celebration/day of 1979-based music…

across B.B.C. radio – it got me thinking about all the terrific music that emanated from that three-hundred-and-sixty-five days. I feel we all have that one year that stands in the mind as being exemplary and fine. As someone born in the 1980s; I was growing up in the ‘90s (I was born in 1983) and the terrific music that emerged then. I feel 1994 is the finest year for music – if you look at all the albums that came out then – but 1991 is also incredibly full and wonderful. I had forgotten about the range and variation of albums that was brought to the music world in 1979. In honour of that: I choose a track from the twenty-five best albums of the year.

_________________________

Talking Heads - I Zimbra (Fear of Music, 3^rd August)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-RDJ4Z4XrQ&w=560&h=315]

Joy Division – Shadowplay (Unknown Pleasures, 15^th June)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juD4ayBbHdY&w=560&h=315]

Public Image Ltd. – Swan Lake (Metal Box, 23^rd November)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GwrRGxYmY8&w=560&h=315]

Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Oliver’s Army (Armed Forces, 5^th January)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrjHz5hrupA&w=560&h=315]

XTC – Making Plans for Nigel (Drums and Wires, 17^th August)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s29RKnB7l7o&w=560&h=315]

The Jam – The Eton Riffles (Setting Sons, 16^th November)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJRmrlkYdsQ&w=560&h=315]

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Here Comes My Girl (Damn the Torpedoes, 19^th October)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4nPa35CZPI&w=560&h=315]

Fleetwood Mac – Tusk (Tusk, 12^th October)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InjF8xj93LU&w=560&h=315]

Gang of Four – Damaged Goods (Entertainment!, 25^th September)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byCqOvRMOvo&w=560&h=315]

The Clash – Spanish Bombs (London Calling, 14^th December)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ertt3o1x65c&w=560&h=315]

The Specials –  A Message to You Rudy (The Specials, 19^th October)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cntvEDbagAw&w=560&h=315]

Chic – Good Times (Risqué, 30^th July)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKl6EZShaaw&w=560&h=315]

Pink Floyd – Another Brick in the Wall (Part II) (The Wall, 30^th November)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrxX9TBj2zY&w=560&h=315]

Led Zeppelin – In the Evening (In Through the Out Door, 15^th August)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afEipftwkn4&w=560&h=315]

Donna Summer – Hot Stuff (Bad Girls, 25^th April)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IdEhvuNxV8&w=560&h=315]

The Undertones – Here Comes the Summer (The Undertones, 13^th May)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31Dza1L8daA&w=560&h=315]

The Slits – Shoplifting (Cut, 7^th September)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz6EZlGMxXY&w=560&h=315]

The B-52’s – Rock Lobster  (The B-52’s, 6^th July)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aepSPpU4S2o&w=560&h=315]

Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) (Singles Going Steady, 25^th September)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPG6Ak5FASk&w=560&h=315]

Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Off the Wall, 10^th August)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yURRmWtbTbo&w=560&h=315]

ABBA – As Good as New (Voulez-Vous, 23^rd April)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxv2vF9S0bY&w=560&h=315]

AC/DC – Highway to Hell (Highway to Hell, 27^th July)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_jCu_u28Ig&w=560&h=315]

David Bowie – Boys Keep Swinging (Lodger, 18^th May)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMhFyWEMlD4&w=560&h=315]

Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) (Rust Never Sleeps, 27^th August)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQhEvfeJocM&w=560&h=315]

Earth, Wind & Fire – Boogie Wonderland (I Am, 9^th June)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=god7hAPv8f0&w=560&h=315]

Standout Album:

Talking Heads - Fear of Music

TRACK REVIEW: We Are the Catalyst - Open Door

TRACK REVIEW:

 

We Are the Catalyst

 

 

Open Door

9.2/10

Open Door is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYGef7am2Ig

RELEASED: 14^th April, 2016

GENRES: Alternative-Metal

ORIGIN:

Varberg/Gothenburg, Sweden

The album, Elevation, is available here:

https://watcofficial.bandcamp.com/album/elevation

____________________________

BREAKING out of London for a day: it is nice going back to...

Sweden and a band that are picking up a lot of acclaim and celebration. Thinking about them compels me to look at Swedish music; the themes and ideals behind Alternative-Metal and themes and compositions in music. Before introducing the band themselves; it is worth looking at Sweden as a centre for musical excellence. It was only yesterday – the band might cringe at this – I was extolling the virtues of ABBA’s knack for harmonies and insatiable chorus lines. The legendary band were derided by some – too cheesy and slight to appeal or gain credibility – but you cannot deny some of their songs are quite masterful. That thought has prompted me to dig deeper into Sweden and the musicians that have emerged from there. When we think of nations like Sweden (and Scandinavian countries) we all have ideas of what the local bands will sound like. Iceland and Norway are seen as quite gentle and atmospheric with regards their landscape – if you consider the Black-Metal bands from the latter and the Experimental-Pop/Björk-type musicians of Iceland, then you have a clear juxtaposition. It has been a while since I last reviewed a Swedish band – cannot remember the last I came across – so it is wonderful being back in the country. Last year, local sources in Sweden were tipping the bands they thought were going to be a big proposition this year. Among the acts tipped were Stockholm’s very own Pinemen. Pop and Surf-Rock define their sound and have captured the imagination of the nation’s press. Throw in Tussilago – widescreen, atmospheric Indie-Pop sounds define who they are – and you have a band that are capable of gaining recognition in the U.K. and U.S. Maja Francis is a glitter-filled, colourful star who pens spacey, sugar-sweet Pop songs with enough directness and relatability to hook people in – songs that address serious subjects and personal insights. Toxe is as promising as her female counterpart but her music puts hard beats and juddering snatches together with ice-cool Electronic sway.

Maybe a contradiction to Maja Francis: someone who is making headway and another star of the future, one feels. Female duo Pale Honey were tipped – this list came from Ja Ja Ja – and, although not reinventing the wheel with their music, have a strong set of songs and a chemistry that has seen them getting into the thoughts of critics and tastemakers in Sweden. I wanted to bring this point in because it dispels clichés and stereotypes we have of Sweden. You have seen, with that list of five acts, that there is as much variation and variegation as there is in Britain. We all get hooked in our own expectations and what a nation’s musicians will sound like. Sweden is a country that has so many fantastic artists around and we should not assume they are limited to certain centres and themes. Maybe we associate Sweden with the heavier side of the spectrum – Black-Metal, Alternative and various forms of Metal and Hardcore – but the same could be said of Norway. That is another country that has rafts of wonderful Pop acts and Indie players; wonderful solo artists and a full, busy scene. Sweden is a nation that has given fantastic acts like The Cardigans – one of the most innovative acts to emerge in the ‘90s – and current artists Lykke Li and Say Lou Lou (half-Australian, half-Swedish) are just two examples. If you dig deeper, there is so much potential and richness waiting to be discovered. It is worth taking time away from nations like the U.S. and U.K. – when it comes to music – and giving countries like Sweden more consideration.

I was keen to review We Are the Catalyst – and the standout song from their latest album – as they, in a way, fall into stereotypes we have of ‘Swedish sounds’ but are much deeper and impressive than many would give them credit. Before I come to that point, let me introduce the band to you:

Cat Fey (vocals)

Kenny Boufadene (guitar / vocals)

Håkan Strind (drums)

Joni Kaartinen (bass)

Swedish Alternative Metal band 'We Are The Catalyst' and their new album 'Elevation' are most definitely set to stun the industry on the 2nd of September. The most striking elements of the album are, first and foremost, Cat Fey's immense voice that is supported by one of the thickest and heaviest guitar sounds you will ever hear. The combination of these and the overall mixing across the album creates a hugely empowering aura with a gravitas paralleled by none. It is clearly a fitting follow up to the bands first album Monuments; released in 2014.

'Elevation' covers themes ranging from depression, personal strife, world conflict and helping to see the glimmer of light in the dark, perfectly in support of their name: "'We Are The Catalyst' is meant as encouragement to overcome and challenge the darker parts of ourselves and others, to invite the listeners to keep fighting in a rough and dark world, and try to encourage them to be their best self, even when it might seem hopeless."

The first single “Open Door” is a worthy and powerful successor to the bands previous chart success which they scored with a cover of Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child” which the band released in aid of The Fostering Network.

 

Everything about We Are The Catalyst screams uniqueness. How many bands are so driven that their second ever show ends up being performed on the other side of the planet in Beijing China. Everything from their album production to video direction is done by the bands members themselves. The pinnacle of their combined love for music has to be that lead singer Cat and guitarist Kenny have a daughter together called Decibelle, who they raise in their hometown of Varberg, Sweden. 

The bands amazing rise and critical acclaim in the last 12 months alone have seen the stunning 4 piece We Are The Catalyst complete a 10 day tour of china playing various shows and festivals, playing Bloodstock alongside bands such as Trivium, Sabaton and Within Temptation. The band also had their first UK headline tour following a support slot for Delain. Adding to their early and extremely impressive accolades they performed at Planet Rockstock as well as The Darkness and FM and Rival Sons where WATC headlined the second stage on the Saturday evening.

I mention Sweden is synonymous for bands that play tougher, accelerated music. I am not a huge fan of Thrash-Metal and find (it is a genre) that is reserved for dedicated fans and the patient. We Are the Catalyst are a group that has plenty of accessibility, melody and maturity to their music. Alternative-Metal and Rock seem to go hand-in-hand and explore many of the same themes. I have been impressed by the rise and proffering of We Are the Catalyst as they continue to climb and impress. You might see them on paper and think they are quite a scary and snarling band – one that might be all noise and no sense of depth and likeability. That would be short-sighted and something many might be doing. The fact their second-ever show was performed in China – and they have supported some true heavyweights – lets yu know they are no average band. The guys have released Elevation and the album is gaining a lot of headway and applause from music critics. It is no surprise when you consider the components and chemistry that runs right through it. Astonishing, passionate vocals and tight songs that get straight into the head; consistently memorable compositions and songs that motivate you to get up and move – small wonder they are gaining respect from countries around the world. Before I move on, it is worth noting, with regards bands like We Are the Catalyst, those wall-of-sound guitars and scintillating vocals are two elements that, in lesser hands, could be put together clumsily and with little harmony. This is just one side of the Swedish band and there is so much to recommend about them. The instrumentation alone gets so much attention from reviewers who note the band’s exceptional, tight performances and inventive riffs give their songs plenty of meat, emotion and drama. Throw in consistently gripping vocals and lyrics that prompt the listener to think and reflect – a solid band that addresses every facet and side with aplomb and attack. There are not many bands that cover the spread like that and really dig deep. I have been looking at a range of bands the last few weeks and there are few that have the solidity and nuance of the Swedish Alternative-Metal band. We do not often – when looking at Swedish music – go beyond Stockholm and the musicians coming from there. Let’s hope the likes of We Are the Catalyst we redress that imbalance and find curious fans areas like Varberg. The music world is huge and frightening but, if we become more adventurous and brave, the rewards are out there.

Elevation is the band’s latest album and one that has been widely celebrated. It has been two years since their L.P., Monuments, which led many to fear the band was on hiatus or perhaps struggling to muster new material. Monuments was a fourteen-track album that showed We Are the Catalyst were one of the most exciting propositions in new music and they proved this in every track. The ensuring touring demands and need for breath means Elevation came to the public attention a couple of years down the line. It is understandable the Swedish band took a bit of time with their new album and was not just going to rush-release a new record. Having toured extensively and honed their skills: one sees development and change in Elevation. The album is a bit tighter (fewer tracks) and the guys seem tighter and more focused on this effort. Whereas I feel Monuments has its moments and is consistently strong: there are some loose edges and some of the songs pass by without sticking in the memory. Everything si sharper and more defined on Elevation. The songs are more consistent and nuanced whereas the compositions more dramatic, tough and varied. Rather than repeat themselves – which many bands would do after a successful album – they have regrouped and bring new elements into their current work. Throughout Elevation, you get a sense of a band that is never willing to stand still and just replicate what they have already done. The album shows the band in top form and at their most inspired and together. This rings true of the lyrics that are more repeatable, quotable and deep – more intelligent and accomplished – than ever. Open Door is a song that perfectly emphasises this new talent and growth: from the opening bars to the dying seconds; one feels the sense of a band that are really creating their finest material and discovering new areas to explore.

The opening seconds of Open Door see the band come together and whip of a furious, if tempered, sense of impending force and explosion. There is plenty of flurry and rain-storm in the guitars which mix lighter strings with toothy undertones. The percussion rolls and rumbles: not only forming an animalistic sense of attack but creating melody and story into the bargain – the bass keeps everything sturdy but has enough bounce and cut to add its own elements into the fore. All of this together gets the listener primed early and eager to hear what is to come. We Are the Catalyst are experts at creating these instant, tight introductions that get you ready and hungry. Never too forceful or intense in these early moments: it is the perfect canvas the band works from; where the vocals come in. Fey’s voice comes in and adds some emotion and heartache to proceedings. I use the word ‘emotion’ quite a bit with regards the band but never in a florid or wussy sense. They are always authoritative and steely but are wise enough to open themselves up and reveal some truth. The heroine has heard it say that a way will be found – forgive my clumsy syntax. It seems like there a passion and bond being assessed and distance between lovers. Maybe the story – as the song title suggests – finds the two distant but hopeful; there is always a chance things can be rekindled and get back to what they were. Fey elongates her vocals and creates something quite dramatic and semi-operatic in the opening stages. She does not go for an easy option and go in hard and spiteful – ensuring there is plenty of humanity, heart and soulfulness in her voice. Before you get settled and start to predict the story arc: the band sharpens and the strings and percussion come into focus. Edgier, lunging and pressing: it beckons a new phase and the chorus comes to reign. The fast-paced, exhilarating chorus finds the boys turn the volume up and perfectly conjure a storm – something they are masterful at. Fey lets it be known she is falling down; there is something afoot and a desperation that cannot be overlooked.

One is never completely sure whether it is just a single romance that is suffering or a message to the world. The song has such a widescreen sound and cinematic range that you could be looking at a universal sentiment – maybe addressing the state of the world and a political message put in there. Whilst keeping the lyrics oblique but focused: one feels that is a deliberate move by the band; ensuring the listener arrives at their own conclusion. What Open Door does is stretches the vocals and gives them room to breathe. In terms of lyrics, there is that balance of romantic possibilities and wider concerns. I get the impression the sweethearts are divided by more than geography. It seems, emotionally, they are in different places and perhaps too distinct and different to ever come back. The door is open but one feels it might be slammed shut. The emotion and hurt in Fey’s voice suggest someone that has overcome challenges and is fatigued by the pressures and struggles of love. In that same sense, you can also nod to political and social events unfolding – the lyrics can apply to the Government and their inadequacy; violence and hatred that have dominated the front pages. What Open Door does is perfectly balance a sharp and racing composition against a constantly romantic and impassioned vocal delivery. That is the We Are the Catalyst quiet-loud dynamic coming back in and at its finest. Comparisons have been made to Paramore and you can hear a little of that here – not as commercial and samey as them. I always find Paramore lack the variety and creative nimbleness their music deserves – always too primed for the charts and a little tame at times. We Are the Catalyst are an insatiable band that put memorability and singalong chorus together with beefy riffs and some incredible moments. Some of the riffs snake and howl from the speaker: arpeggios and fret-heavy work that gives the song oomph and blood-rush. The bass is always fluid, hard-working and leading – keeping the song together and pushing all the other elements on. Percussion-wise, you have enough smack, tremendous fills and energy to satisfy anyone.

Perhaps the chorus is the shining star and one that will get fans singing along and chorusing when performed live. One of the only detractions is the lyrics are a little sparse and repeated – it would have been nice hearing more verse and revelation. The song leaves mystery and questions (which can be good) but perhaps not quite as many original lines and plot progression as one would hope. In spite of this, it is the band’s cores and trademarks that see the song through and get it inside the head. A typically bold and impressive composition that is duplicated across Elevation – the Swedish Alternative-Metal band growing and pushing their sound to the limit. Things are never too ambushing and pouncing; always imbued with a sense of composure and sweetness. Fey’s voice is typically beautiful and strong and ensures the lyrics get into the heart and get you thinking. I have come to my own conclusions but one feels there is no overall truth or definition to the lyrics – perhaps a general song for lovers or a message to the world. Open Door finishes with softness and composure and brings things down. In every stage of the song, there is a lot to recommend and you are always hooked and involved. The band is masterful when it comes to crafting songs that draw you in and take you into their world. The highlight and most memorable song from Elevation: it is the fourth track of the album and ensures the first-half of the record impresses and resonates. Few will be able to listen to Open Door and not be affected by it. In sheer terms of power and prowess, it is one of the standout tracks of the year and perfectly defines the album as a whole. Let’s hope the band come to the U.K. and bring the song to the masses as it is sure to gain a lot of love and new support. One of the most promising and unique bands in Metal/Rock have shown just what a consistent and reliable force they are. Open Door not only brings all Elevation’s themes and sounds into one but is shows how they have evolved and developed since their earliest work – a group that is ready and able to take the mainstream by storm and put their marker down.

When it comes to reviewing Elevation – the album Open Door is taken from – reviewers have had the hardest job doing so. With regards to defining the band - labeling them (genre-wise) - there is a blend of Hardcore and Alternative-Metal; a bit of Rock and Metalcore. Delusion is the perfect opener and one that blows away cobwebs of expectation and doubt. Following a Morse Code red herring – perhaps a coded message to the enemy – the percussive thunder that sweeps in gets the feet moving and the body involuntarily involved. The band is all together and ensure there are layered guitars, cutting bass and precise, emotive vocals to cut through the mist. Hearing all the tough and granite instrumentation together and the effect is quite profound. It is the perfect representation of the album and a perfect opening salvo. The group nail the loud-quiet dynamic in song and ensure one moment is calm and restrained – before bursting out the gates and bucking like a rabid bull the next. Songs address dark themes and mortality – the state of the world and corruption – but never come off too suffocating and repressive. You are always involved with the music and embrace everything it has to offer. Since the band’s earliest work and previous cuts: they have come on a long way and become sharper, more ambitious and more exceptional as a band. Whilst never average of naïve on any of their early work: what we have now is the sound of a group that are ready for the arena stages and have that professional, inspirational sound. Many have claimed We Are the Catalyst are pioneering new Metal sounds and will inspire legions of bands in their wake. That is true as one does not hear too many Metal bands being highlighted in the media. Maybe that is because (many bands) possess little melodic hook and range – that all changes with We Are the Catalyst. The guys have plenty of terrific hooks and these run rampant throughout Elevation. For purists and those that like their Metal hard and sweaty – they are catered for and get ounces of fighting bass, volcanic guitars and ballistic percussive smash.

I will end things but assessing the album (briefly) and where the band might be headed – just recapping my earlier point. Elevation might have a simple and obvious title – used by a lot of bands including U2 – but that is where the simplicity ends. When you dig into the L.P., one finds Fey’s voice scratchy and intense right from the blocks in A Million Claws; Without Fear blends the sounds of Paramore with something a lot more intense and dirty. That is what you get with the album (and band). The twelve album tracks whizz by in a blur of force, intensity and passion but you are hooked enough to listen back and repeat the experience. When you do return, the nuance of the songs comes through and you discover new things. If it is not the powerhouse vocals that strike then the inventive compositions and tight riffs that will get you. If not that then the melodic sensibilities and vivid lyrics are sure to resonate. There is so much for everyone: the album is not for those who only listen to Metal; there are Pop, Rock and Indie strands one hears throughout Elevation. You cannot really distil the album into a single genre and sound. I would like to see We Are the Catalyst coming to the U.K. in 2017. I know there are venues and clubs throughout Britain that would house and welcome them. Whether Brighton’s Green Door Store or some of the more intimate spots in London – enough ammunition and appeal lies here. There are fans and new followers that would love to see them live and that is something to think about. They are a group that has a hefty reputation in Sweden and plenty of international fans. I know they have representation and P.R. bodies working and promoting them – one imagines a flurry of tour dates will unfold. I know there will be follow-up albums and E.P.s and it will be interesting seeing whether the band can translate into the mainstream.

I opened my mentioning how we are keen to label nations and assume we have their national music all nailed and figured out. If we come to Sweden then there is that assumption it is all going to be Death-Metal and harrowing noise. That is a discrimination that should be overturned as it is costing the nation a lot of appreciation and focus. The music press is still too keen to concentrate on U.S. and U.K. artists which mean a lot of other nations are not getting a look in. I have seen Swedish acts flee to London because they are not getting enough respect and column inches at home. I feel we should all be more open and investigative with regards other nations. If you are a fan of Metal (or not) then you cannot go wrong with We Are the Catalyst. The band is an exciting proposition and put Rock and Pop melody into their sounds without dampening the purity and intensity of their compositions. A lot of kudos has been paid to Fey’s vocals and that is quite right. She is one of the most exciting and electric performers around and has that wide-ranging voice that means the band can write whatever they damn well please – knowing she will own it and make it sound transcendent. Boufadene, Strind and Kaartinen are not half-bad either. An incredible backing and tremendous musical force – do not overlook their contributions. The entire band gel superbly and have been playing together long enough to really hit their stride – which they do throughout Elevation. It has been great coming back to Sweden and discovering a band that has a big and busy future ahead of them. ‘Catalyst’ is a word that means change; the band themselves want to change expectations and shake the scene up. As Open Door and Elevation has shown they can do this…

WITH ease and intensity.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYGef7am2Ig&w=560&h=315]

________________________________

Follow We Are the Catalyst

 

Official:

http://www.wearethecatalystofficial.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/WATCofficial

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/officialWATC

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/watcofficial

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/WATCofficial

FEATURE: The October Playlist: Vol. 3

FEATURE:

 

The October Playlist: Vol. 3

______________________

I was overjoyed hearing the news of Bob Dylan’s (long-overdue)…

Nobel Prize win for his work and contribution to music. It has been an award he’s deserved for decades and shows just how vital his lyrics and poems are to the world. In honour of that, I have included a live performance of his. In addition, 1979 was being celebrated across the B.B.C. so I have put in a cut from The Clash’s London Calling and an ABBA classic; a collection of new videos and the best new music from the world of Pop; a track to mark the remastered version of Oasis' 1997 album, Be Here Now, into the bargain. On top of that, a collation of songs from albums out this week or the weeks coming; fresh and newborn songs and some of the finest sounds around. Take a pew and enjoy another edition of The October Playlist…

__________________

Nimmo – Dancing Makes Us Brave

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1QABVsEjYw&w=560&h=315]

Oasis – Stand By Me

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maTP315XZCQ&w=560&h=315]

Sleaford Mods – I Can Tell

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suK5iqVxmTE&w=560&h=315]

Toy – Clouds that Cover the Sun

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286171616" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Death Cab for Cutie - Million Dollar Loan

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE0nOfTA3pY&w=560&h=315]

Louise Lemón – Thirst

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287359748" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Franz Ferdinand – Demagogue

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niJtpcgtUQs&w=560&h=315]

Radiohead – Down Is the New Up

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tnz9sSGprc&w=560&h=315]

The Clash – Guns of Brixton

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqcizZebcaU&w=560&h=315]

ABBA - Voulez-Vous

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za05HBtGsgU&w=560&h=315]

Tove Lo – True Disaster

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFwIsrzDqMI&w=560&h=315]

Bob Dylan – Mr.Tambourine Man (Live at the Newport Folk Festival)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeP4FFr88SQ&w=560&h=315]

Bryson Tiller – Let Me Explain

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vCdTFusX24&w=560&h=315]

Weezer – I Love the U.S.A.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amy-4jDlYgo&w=560&h=315]

Anna Pancaldi - Keep On Keeping On

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWCuT-or7d8&w=560&h=315]

Glass Animals – Season 2 Episode 3

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Kwos_oWSc&w=560&h=315]

Danny Brown – Pneumonia

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs-Dc3_eiV8&w=560&h=315]

Sian Cross – Tell Anybody

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uy3LDl0Bmw&w=560&h=315]

Daughter – The End

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tnUx4d9QAI&w=560&h=315]

Alice Olivia – Shot You Down

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286549388" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Devyn Rose – Mood Killah

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY7eR872-yc&w=560&h=315]

Maroon 5 (feat. Kendrick Lamar) - Don't Wanna Know

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxPv8mSTv9U&w=560&h=315]

Lisa Mitchell – Warhol

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUq0hb7NkiE&w=560&h=315]

Riff Raff (feat. Skepta) – Back from the Dead

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_zme8Pj7KA&w=560&h=315]

Sweet California – Good Life

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-dIZA-y8q0&w=560&h=315]

The Veronicas – On Your Side

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_zeHNOy5Vk&w=560&h=315]

Conor Oberst – Counting Sheep

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXjFOmoyQq4&w=560&h=315]

 

The Lemon Twigs – As Long As We’re Together

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ4nqnVOfMo&w=560&h=315]

Derek Minor – Look at me Now

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibgRbSZaIJc&w=560&h=315]

Jamie Lidell – Building a Beginning

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkNdHL3eXGc&w=560&h=315]

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Limerent Death

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p4tQUBtsBw&w=560&h=315]

Dr. John Cooper Clarke and Hugh Cornwell - Johnny Remember Me

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKYQypWSfUE&w=560&h=315]

JoJo (ft. Alessia Cara) - I Can Only

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snvnnNB--BA&w=560&h=315]

Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation - Rushing Through My Mind

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spf9TcoavUo&w=560&h=315]

Katie Melua – Dreams on Fire

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuLVfWjREBM&w=560&h=315]

Two Door Cinema Club - Are We Ready? (Wreck)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrJZJtY6u7o&w=560&h=315]

Nessi Gomes – These Walls

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lWnxxADdLY&w=560&h=315]

Rebecca Ferguson – Bones

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkMOfRYYwJI&w=560&h=315]

Sabrina Carpenter - All We Have Is Love

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUotEgzKmG8&w=560&h=315]

Tessa Violet – Not Over You

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg4setI1nMk&w=560&h=315]

Jenny Hval – Period Piece

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EcVd-iorbY&w=560&h=315]

There are plans for some great albums and some stunning music is due to arrive before the month is complete. I will try and keep on top of it and bring you the best out there. In the meantime, there is a wealth of October songs (above) to keep the appetite fed and satisfy the pickiest music listener. It has been a great one for legends like Bob Dylan but we cannot overlook all the great new talent emerging right now. 2016 is a year that has already given so much to music and continues to do so without taking breath.

TRACK REVIEW: Michelle O Faith - Birthday Blues

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Michelle O Faith

  

Birthday Blues

9.6/10

 

Birthday Blues is available at:

https://soundcloud.com/michelleofaith/birthday-blues

RELEASED: 12^th September, 2016

GENRES: Cinematic Pop; Soul; R&B

ORIGIN:

London, U.K.

____________________________

I am pretty pleased Michelle O Faith has come to my attention...

as it gives me the chance to explore a number of different themes: the finest female singer-songwriters emerging; bold and beautiful personalities emerging right now; artists that have the ammunition and attitude to succeed and remain in music – a little bit about cinematic, hard-hitting compositions too. I have focused on the boys a lot over the last couple of weeks – in the form of interviews and reviews – and, whilst it has been great discovering new talent, I have neglected the female artists emerging and their music. I always find something different with female artists (as opposed to the guys): it might be the general quality of originality – I just get left with a stronger aftertaste and a bigger smile. That might be an over-generalisation, but when it comes to the young singer-songwriters, the girls are edging ahead of their male peers. Neither sexist (reverse-sexist, technically) nor discriminatory: it is a point that warrants greater discussion. There is still an imbalance in the music industry which is seeing many female artists have to work harder (than men) to gain attention and respect – there is a need for progressiveness and equal opportunities. As is being proved by the raft of fine talent breaking through the underground: the girls are a lot more agile, talented and colourful than the guys. You can argue against that assumption, but the evidence is there to back me up. Don’t get me wrong: I love the guys and the various genres, wonderful acts and future-legends that are playing with aplomb. One thing I find is there are too many musicians – the boys in this case – that stick to the same themes and sounds (love and relationships through Pop and Soul) that are not distinguishing themselves and playing too closely to their contemporaries. If you look at the girls – there are quite a few equally culpable – a lot more bombast, richness and variegation can be found.

This is true of Michelle O Faith who not only subsumes expectations of a young musician – someone who will solely focus on love in narrow terms – but has the adventurousness, confidence and songwriting finesse of the idols who have inspired her. Before I carry on this topic, and invariably raise a few more, I shall let Michelle introduce herself (from her Facebook bio.):

“I am Michelle O Faith, a singer, songwriter, composer and producer from South London. In September of 2013, I signed a publishing deal with Peer UK in a joint venture. I graduated 2013 with BA Music (Hons) from The University of Southampton and I am currently studying for Masters Music, Composition at The University of Leeds Welcome to my Facebook music page. Have a little gander, and if you like what you see/hear then do feel free to Like, Comment, Share and..most importantly..HIT UP YOUR FRIENDS. (I.e. get them to hit that Like button, also). Thank you for joining me on my journey... No bio section would be complete without at least one slightly pretentious comment.

There is not just one artist but a long time favourite / greatest inspiration and perhaps the single greatest entertainer to have ever lived, Mr Michael Jackson. Janet. Mariah. Whitney. Gaga. Britney. Destiny's Child. BEYONCE. Christina. Yadi (Google her - she's gonna be BIG). Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. Stargate. Dr Luke. Max Martin. Ester Dean. Teddy Riley. Jermaine Dupri. Ellie Goulding. Florence & the Machine. Florrie. Sky Ferreira. Jessie J. The Script, Coldplay. Classical composers - (a LOT of them inc., Mozart, Beethoven, Handel, Tschaicokvsky, Bach, Debussy, Rachmaninov. Life. Beautiful Boys. Space. Loneliness. Dark souls. The dark part of my soul. God. Blue eyes. Brown eyes. People. What makes people tick. Relationships. Tears. Laughter, (though not so much). Fallouts. My mum, (whom I LIVE for). X”

You can tell from the biography alone that O Faith is someone that vibes from the legends of old but has a contemporary edge. Admiring of Classic composers and Pop queens; the chart-friendly acts of the moment and the most impressive musicians of days gone by – you get a little bit of everything with her music. What impresses me most is how unique she sounds. Never beholden to her favourite musician or lazily copycatting them – like so many new artists do – her lyrical template and musical palette is very much her own creation. Michelle O Faith is a singer that captures you with her sensual, passionate voice and braces you with her powerful delivery and soulful tones. Chocolate-smooth at once; transforming into something honeyed and alluring – mutating into sassy, brassed tones when the music calls for it. A South London girl born and bred: you can hear that accent come out; she never distils it or Americanises her vowels/lyrics. You know she is going to go far and establish herself as a great of the future. One (other) thing that seduces me with regards O Faith is the personality and accessibility that radiates from her. Whether promoting her music or reaching out to her fans: that warmth and love come through; the desire to touch everyone and bring them into her world. Just looking through her social media pages and you get a constant stream of uplift and special D.N.A. She is not someone that deals in soundbites and clichéd statements: sweeping, un-distilled purity and affection emerge. This is not cynical or designed to hook people in – this is who Michelle O Faith is. I mention this point – regarding vivacious personalities – because we are seeing few genuine idols come into music. Maybe the pressure and fatigue of music blunt the senses, which raises its own concerns. I am not suggesting every new musician needs to jump off the page and attack the senses with smiles and effusive videos. Too many bands tend to (see their members) blend into one another and lack the same edge and personality you used to get in the past – too cagey and cautious, perhaps. The same can be said of solo musicians: many of whom are far too guarded and stilted to get inside the heart. That can never be said of O Faith whose beauty and humanity defines who she is. Not only incredibly striking and beautiful: she is someone who has a deep love of her fans and the music she is making. It is easier bonding with a musician, and the songs themselves, if you feel a genuine connection to them. Michelle O Faith has accrued a legion of fans (in part) because of her attitude to fans and the need to resonate with people. Of course, the music itself has done some shouting and should not be overlooked.

Birthday Blues, in addition to her debut E.P., is a self-written, self-produced track that not only emphasises a keen talent and sensational voice – someone who can put her soul and innermost feelings onto the page. She may rank artists like Beyoncé as role models but I feel O Faith is a superior songwriter and talent – not someone who requires a brigade of producers, tastemakers and scribes to create her music. Birthday Blues collates the sounds and divergence of London and elements of U.S. artists such as Lana Del Rey. The exhaust-fire beats and quasi-symphonic rushes seem to, whilst perhaps not intended, as emotional markers and the sounds of the streets. You get a touch of cosmopolitan rush and the diversity of the capital: a perfect blend of colour and black-and-white – all you could possibly ask for. I have been longing to find a homegrown musician that incorporates many of Lana Del Rey’s qualities. Of course, the U.S. singer is not the vanguard and sole example of cinematic strings and huge sounds in Pop. There are a number of like-minded acts that go beyond the familiar and put proper grit and excitement into the compositions. One imagines – when hearing Birthday Blues – an excursion down a desert road or a romantic waltz through the Hollywood Hills. Not only do you get bold and heart-pounding cocktail measures but spine-tingling, blood-rushing romanticism and something quite alluring. Not only are O Faith’s influences key – with regards this heady blend of sounds – but the extension of her personality. She does not do anything by halves and puts her heart and mind into everything. That fortitude and dedication will pay dividends and all highlighted in Birthday Blues – a teasing and tasty cut from her forthcoming E.P.

Birthday Blues is the latest cut from Michelle O Faith but she is a musician that has an illustrious and spectacular last year – creating some fantastic music along the way. Sleep Through Fire was released a year ago but is a song I return to. O Faith’s sultry and revealing vocal and a composition that blends together classic Pop, Trip-Hop and Soul. The accentuation and delivery in unique: words are stuttered and stretched; rushed and slowed to ensure every line is given maximum emotional consideration. vulnerable lyrics sees the heroine walk through fire and encounter struggles. It seems like two lovers and being separated by life or different ideals. Wondering whether (they both) will reclaim their bond in time to come: questions are posed and the future seems uncertain. Beats are kept fresh and sparse but add distinct heartbeat and urgency to the track. In a lot of ways (the song) has elements of Pop artists like Lady Gaga and Rhianna – something that could easily fit into the mainstream and gain huge international appeal. If anything, I find Sleep Through Fire deeper and more compelling than a lot of U.S. chart fare. O Faith is a commanding vocal whose pure tones and distinct passion makes the song a cut above her peers. Looking back, No Romance in China (the E.P. where Sleep Through Fire sits) is a collection that emphasises a huge talent. White Lies Red Wine differs from Sleep Through Fire and offers another side through. Smokier and tenderer than its stablemate: the song boasts hummed backing vocals and a beautiful lead performance – without instrumentation; left there to seduce and amaze.

Michelle O Faith is a singer that can hold attention and focus without processing and huge compositions. The song sees agile beats come to play, but by and large, it is a song that exists on a solid and entrancing vocal turn. Again, the way the lyrics are twisted and turned makes the song what it is. Never plainly sung or obvious: the delivery is constantly surprising, mobile and nuanced. The song looks at the heroine a relationship that had its problems and seems to be on the rocks (“Never meant to be your victim”). Drowning in the lover’s lies (and red wine that is dulling the pain); it is a song whose choral, ethereal backing adds poignancy and heartache. Subtle strings emerge in the background and give it more chill and beauty. Despite the hurt, there is a sense of catchiness and memorability about the song – a number that could be sung by live crowds and get big reception. If I was to offer any review between No Romance in China and Birthday Blues, that would be the confidence and composition changes. The performance (on Birthday Blues) is the finest yet and O Faith is at her very peak. Not only does she bring more shades, sides and attack to the voice but she sounds more complete, solid and rounded as a performer. Existing at its side is the composition which heightens that blend of cinematic and atmospheric and augments the beats and compositional elements. The vocal is still queen but Birthday Blues is a busy and intoxicating song that gets into the head and elicits instant response. This leap and evolution will go into the sophomore E.P. and is the defiant sound of a young woman more comfortable than ever and showing huge ambition. She – on Birthday Blues – edges away from stars like Rhianna and the mainstream charts to show more of her own voice and, if anything, inject elements of Pop and Soul greats. She has mentioned singers like Michael Jackson – an idol that has moulded her sound and direction – and more of his inflections, tics and components can be found in the song.

A recent B.B.C. article wondered whether songs could ever be poetry – in response to Bob Dylan winning the Nobel Prize. In terms of modern music, that would be a debate with no easy answer. There are songs that have poetic elements but there is nobody like Dylan – nobody since him has shown that intelligence, genius and huge influence. Maybe the changing nature of music and passing of time has meant there are fewer writers like him. Despite nobody eclipsing Dylan: that is not to say modern writers cannot amaze and create something poetic. Michelle O Faith, in her previous songs, has addressed love and life, but here, she looks at herself and mortality – achieving dreams and something unique. In terms of the lyrics and themes one hears: there is definite poetry and stunning prose; an artist that addresses something quite affecting and sad but does so in a beautiful way – helped by the wonderful composition. Birthday Blues is a song that gets underway instantly. “Half a girl” is lying on the kitchen floor: she is only half the woman she wants to be. Right from the very start, there is that blend of raw and profound. The imagine of the heroine sprawled on the kitchen floor – perhaps inebriated or just contemplating life whilst staring at the ceiling – you can hear the emotion and heavy heart come out. Backed by tripping, sprite strings – sounding like classical strings with some bass – there is a rumble of percussion but things are kept relatively light in the early moments. Letting her voice dance and sway in the breeze – the way she pronounces and delivers the lines is still unlike anyone else – and O Faith addresses twenty-one and that milestone age – a year for death and ill fate to some; a young woman feeling very old. Many would think someone that young has nothing to worry about but the heroine is feeling strain and perhaps looking back at life. Whether feeling incomplete, empty and not as far along as she hoped – someone who wants love, success and direction but is not getting it.

I feel Birthday Blues is Michelle O Faith’s acknowledgment time is passing but growing older is not something to be celebrated. The birthday songs and jubilant chorusing is almost dagger-like in her heart. Maybe precious relationships and a hard year have meant the birthday is an unwelcome trespasser. Unlike her peers and colleagues: Michelle O Faith is a singer and writer that does not copy the crowd and fit into any preconceived moulds. Her words are more thought-provoking, image-heavy and emotive than most; the singing more human, cutting and emotive than anyone out there. I use words like ‘emotive’ and ‘emotional’ yet Birthday Blues is not a completely sombre and exhausted song. The point behind it is to talk about ageing and personal growth and make others think deeply. One gets drawn into a rather hypnotic combination of vocals and composition – the song motivates you to get involved and assess it whilst giving it repeated plays. As things continue, O Faith is sleeping with the enemy and finding it hard to dream. Whether the nemesis is a human being or just a general way of life, one is not instantly sure. I get the impression the heroine is trying to find real connection and a lover but is more concerned with her place in life and where she is. Maybe the past year has been a hard one and she has overcome obstacles. As a musician, maybe she is not as far ahead as she wants or is making big dreams – all of this comes to fruition in the notes and revealing vocal. “Tell them to keep the candles and cake this time” as O Faith lies with regret and is awash with doubts. It is a vivid song and you see yourself sat alongside her; by the bed and watching a woman wrestling with turmoil and contradictions. Whilst successful and inspiring others: one feels she wants a lot more and there are hidden pains. Perhaps friends and ex-loves have let her down and, from a creative perspective, she has been hindered or maybe not hit the big leagues – that is all sure to change in coming years. The chorus comes back around and one finds themselves half-singing and nodding to it. Birthday Blues has that backing beat and mixes edginess and lush without blunting either element. The music is beautiful and aching but definitely has spike and bite to it. Michelle O Faith lets her voice swim and dive; ensure the words get into the heart and the listener is hooked.

By the final seconds, the voice is echoed and repeated – wordless, energised but with a hint of weariness. Repeating that idea of feeling haunted, affected and weighed down by the passing birthdays – your heart goes out to the heroine and what she has to endure. Birthday Blues is a deep and personal song but one we can all connect with. Every time a birthday arrives; one feels the need to look back and see if we have achieved anything (that year) but look forward – hoping for better things and whether we are past our best days. It may sound heavy and defeatist but it is a fascinating topic I have not seen brought up in music before. As a young woman; O Faith might not have to worry about such concerns, but in a way, she does. No matter how old we are, there is always going to be a sense of regret and falling short of our ideals. Birthday Blues is another terrific and stunning song from a musician and singer that continues to grow and expand her sound. More memorable and compelling than anything she has created before: the lead from an E.P. that is sure to gain a lot of attention and huge affection from fans. There are still touches of her Pop idols but there is nobody like Michelle O Faith. She is a very special singer and artist that distinguishes herself from her contemporaries and has created a hugely impressive song.

A lot of ‘self’ goes into Birthday Blues and an author putting her fears and doubts into the music. O Faith has been sitting on the song for month but is excited to get it out there. The delay has not only built momentum and eagerness but coincides with her E.P. release – not long until that is revealed to the world. In terms of the themes and stories that will be revealed in the E.P., one’s guess is as good as mine. I know there will be personalisation and mature revelation. O Faith is a young and hungry artist but one that is willing to confess anxieties and let you into her world. The origination of this is Birthday Blues. The song addresses the everyday fears and common doubts – growing older and feeling mortality creep in. Of course, those of a certain age, have less to fear when it comes to their lifespan but the song’s message is one we can all relate to. Every passing year is going to get us looking forward and back: how much (if anything) we achieved that year and how far short we are of goals and desires. The fans and followers have spoken and showing the song lots of love and respect. It is worth keeping your eyes on Michelle O Faith as, in addition to her E.P., she has some live gigs coming up – including a date at Lost in the Manor’s Blogtober festival (on twenty-second) – playing at The Finsbury in London. Not only will she share the stage with some fine artists – see the official page for more details – but a chance to get her latest single to new ears. Looking at the feedback Birthday Blues has already accrued: it is a song that has resonated with people for a number of different reasons. Not only do the lyrics highlight some vulnerability and fears inside O Faith: there is a common sentiment that causes the listener to address their own life and purposefulness.

Once the dust has settled on Birthday Blues and the excitement being generated; fresh eyes and ears will want more from Michelle O Faith and what she has to offer. Since her debut E.P., she has been busy promoting and performing: connecting with her fan-base and recruiting new supporters. I feel she’s an artist that has a bright future and someone who has many more E.P.s in her. In terms of the coming year: more music and dates; fresh confidence and ambitions for sure. I would not bet against O Faith being a mainstream fixture in a few years; it is exciting watching her take these steps and impress so early on. Before I conclude things, I wanted to look back at the original points – great female singer-songwriters; new, big sounds and personalities – and look forward to 2017. Over the past few weeks, I have discovered some tremendous young artists and great female musicians. In terms of the mainstream acts popping up: the likes of Julia Jacklin have really excited me. I listen to the chart-approved music and feel it is not as deep, compelling and mature as it should be. There is still a raft of teen-aimed Pop stars that might have energy and fervency but possess no emotion, nuance or anything a proper music fan requires. I hope, one day in the future, there is a revolution that sees the mainstream Pop charts defined by absolute quality and innovation. Whether consumers desire or require the sort of machine-fed, committee-penned clichés is an argument for another day. The artists that deserve attention most – and, sadly, are often overlooked – are those we should be proffering. Michelle O Faith is one such example and someone who is making some impressive footprints. I opened with the opinion that the female songwriters emerging are stronger than their male equivalents. Whilst that may be an opinion many argue against: few can deny the fascinating young musicians in our midst. I have extolled the virtues of Billie Marten many times over – someone who is ready-made and fated for the big leagues. She is not an anomaly: instead, the personification of 2016’s female talent.

Not only someone who is consistently stunning and breath-taking but has a mature and wise head on her shoulders. O Faith, polemic in terms of her music, has a lot of Marten-esque strands and personality traits. Both are instantly loveable and intoxicating: O Faith is one of the hardest-working and active musicians you’ll find. As I stated earlier: her social media feed is filled with positive feedback; she often connects with fans and keeps everyone informed as to her going-ons and activity. Having comprehensively studied Birthday Blues – I hope my review does it the service it deserves – I am excited about the forthcoming E.P. I know, from brief exchanges with O Faith, how excited and pumped she is for the release. She lacks pretention and ego and is as pure and real as artists come. This honesty and unfettered personality comes through in the music and, as a result, has seen her fan numbers rise significantly. There are not many artists (British at least) that are combining intelligent, original lyrics with symphonic, atmospheric sounds and topping it all off with a blend of innate beauty and lusciousness. Michelle O Faith has that enticing combination of sensitivity and confidence and a singular songwriter who requires few other bodies ensuring her music is heard. That is deeply impressive – in a time where too many new musicians rely on other writers/producers – so we should provide her full support and backing. Birthday Blues is a stunning cut from a soon-to-be-awesome E.P. Not only one that announces a tremendous young talent but will provide inspiration, guidance and wisdom to (younger, upcoming) musicians that will hear it. Few higher compliments can be paid to a musician, so with that considered, ensure…

YOU bring this wonderful talent into your life.

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Follow Michelle O Faith

 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/michelleofaithofficial/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/michelleofaith1

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/michelleofaith

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/michelleofaith/

INTERVIEW: Dexter Krenal of Meat Loving Vegans

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Dexter Krenal of Meat Loving Vegans

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THIS is the second time I have interviewed Meat Loving Vegans’…

PHOTO CREDIT: Lou Smith

lead Dexter Krenal. The London-based band are one of my favourite ‘finds’ of the last couple of years and their album, Lost in Fiction, is a joy of deep songwriting and honest, punk-influenced vocals. The band are coming towards the end of their time together, so before the (sad and heartbreaking) final days: I was keen to catch up with Krenal and ask him about what the future holds and how it came into music. He – and the boys in the band – have great futures ahead and Meat Loving Vegans will play at my curated night (for Blogtober) at The Finsbury on the thirtieth of this month - they have their sophomore album to unleash in addition! Krenal is always loveable, honest and real when interviewing, so sit down and have a look – parental guidance advised in places!

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Hey Dexter. How are you? How has your week been?

Good cheers, mate! Weirdly enough, I’ve got man-flu though - which I bloody had last time you interviewed me. You ain’t sending me lurgies through with these questions somehow are ya? (Maybe – Sam).

For those new to your music: can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Dex: a slightly nutty, rough-around-the-edges twenty-five-year-old. The front-man of the London-formed, up-in-the-air jazzy Alternative-Rock band, Meat Loving Vegans. ‘ELLO!

Can you tell us about how Meat Loving Vegans came together? Did you guys bond instantly or was it a bit of a chore getting things gelled

It started by me writing and recording an album mostly on my tod (in a bedsit) in Lewisham, South London. I wanted a band to do it live - so put a feeler out to me mates and, voilà, M.L.V. was born.

Originally, you are from down Portsmouth way. The city gets a bad reputation. Do you think that is deserved and what was it like for an inspiring musician living down there?

Back down here now at the moment (‘coz my London life went down the swanny somewhat). Yeah, it’s a fuck*** shithole but it’s home.

Portsmouth is no stranger to lager louts; lairy sods wanting a ruck for no good reason; football hooligans and what have ya. They’re rough people, but good people.

If it were all flowers and beauty 'round here it’d be full of the likes (of that on) Hampstead Heath - AND WE DON’T WANT THAT! I actually think it’s banging for a musician down here to write/discover who they are – you don’t have the distractions or brutal price tag of London to pull you away from what ya really want to be doing.

What was the moment you realised you wanted to get into music? Was there a gig or band you saw that lit the spark?

I was brought up on council estates and all everyone did when I was a teenager was skive off, get into trouble; get pissed and what have ya which don’t get me wrong, I was no stranger to - but I wanted more than that. A mate of mine joined a band and did a local gig in a parish centre - which was hands-down the most exciting thing that happened to anyone ever. They only did one or two original songs but it didn’t matter. The lead singer could have been farting down the microphone for all I cared: it was loud and it was fun. It was definitely better than a slap on the botty for being a little sh*t and I wanted in!

A few years ago, you moved up Camden way. What was it like in comparison – I can imagine it is a part of London that suits you very well?

Fuck*** loved it mate. I moved up there four years ago and I was like a kid in a sweet shop.

My first place was a room on an estate across the road from Amy Winehouse’s gaff. Mates would see Pete Doherty strolling around or on the market stall he owned selling celebs’ fag butts and sh*t on the Chalk Farm Stables.

I met Noel Gallagher in a pub called Dublin Castle off the high street - live music 'round every corner.

I often ask people (who play and live in London) how important the city is with regards inspiration and subject matter. What does London mean to you, personally?

Its energy is undeniable and the city is an endless source of incredible inspiration and goings-on. London will always be close to my heart: it’s a place like no other. I’m also a bit bitter grapes about it at the moment – its other side is that of careerists, two-faced arseholes and insane living costs which is making it hard for decent art to survive. In my opinion, the best stuff comes from the gutter up and at the moment, unless you’re one of the yuppie, Portobello Road, my-dad-pays-for-my-rent-and-funded-my-E.P. type of thing, it’s a no-go. Let’s hope it’s saved before it’s too late.

 [bandcamp width=350 height=470 album=1798334013 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false track=1845806847]

Lost in Fiction was the debut album from Meat Loving Vegans – an album I loved. Looking back at the album: what was the reaction like to it and any particular songs that stick in your heart?

Goodbye Granda will always stick with me – no way that’d ever get on radio 'cos it’s too full-on but it weren’t (sic.) made for that.

That is a goodbye note to my beloved grandad: right from the heart that is and I’m insanely proud of it.

In terms of reception, it took a while but getting there! You Ain’t No Dog  – a political song I wrote with my mate Ben Toon - got played on the radio a little while back and they liked it enough to let us do a live show on Express F.M. (on the twenty-ninth of this month off the back of it).

Can we expect a second album from you guys or any new songs this year?

Yup. Another full L.P. in the works right now. God knows when it’ll be done but it’ll get finished, even if it kills me. Too much has happened in the making of it for it to sit on the shelf - it looks like it’ll be the end of the year. It’s intense.

I know you (like me) have a love for real and gritty artists like Oasis and Jamie T. You seen the Oasis documentary yet? What was your opinion of Jamie T’s latest record?

Nah. Missed the Oasis doc. so I’ll have to catch that on D.V.D. (which I was fuck*** livid about!). Didn’t realise it was just for one day! Can’t wait to see it, though: them sods from Burnage in Manchester gave a generation of working-class young’uns hope and that’s fuck*** special; I don’t care what anyone says about them. And, as with Jamie T’s new album, I went to see him play it live on tour at the Portsmouth Guildhall the other week - was a banging gig (what I can remember of it).

[bandcamp width=350 height=470 album=1798334013 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false track=1304917266]

In terms of your own songwriting and creations: do you write from experience or fiction when penning a new track? What kind of thins motivate you to put pen to paper?

Always experience. ALWAYS. I can’t write about make believe bulls*it and don’t see why I’d ever want to.

“I DON’T BELIEVE ILLUSION 'COS TOO MUCH IS REAL!” in the words of John Lydon - and damn right he is.

Anything that gets me in the gut - good, bad or otherwise - is what makes me put the pen to paper. Music’s all about communicating with people, so you’d better have something worth saying.

Even though Meat Loving Vegans have had to cancel a few gigs lately: you guys have any plans to perform any more dates this year?

Yeah, the day after the Express F.M. radio show on the twenty-ninth we’re doing this festival called Blogtober at The Finsbury in London (the day after).

The way it’s looking, that may or may not be the last thing we do as Meat Loving Vegans (so don’t miss it!).

PHOTO CREDIT: Lou Smith

It has been a big year for you and the band. Any especially fond memories and moments that will live on for you?

Yeah. I’m living on my keyboard player and old drummer’s floor and writing music working on this album like a fuck*** madmen. All got a bit nutty though and the memories of lugging amps on the tube can suck a fart right out of my fuck*** bumhole.

One thing that impresses me about you is how down-to-earth and D.I.Y. you are. The music seems home-made and you have a cheeky personality. Do you think too much of today’s music is fake and personality-free? What are your opinions on today’s crop?

Couldn’t agree with that statement more! Even so-called ‘rough-around-the-edges’ artists like Jake Bugg don’t write their own fuck*** songs nowadays. He’s got a co-writer. It’s all so sanitised; it’s criminal. Saying that: forming in the gutters late at night are labels like Trashmouth (in South London) releasing real raucous shit. Out of darkness comes light.

Any new or particularly great bands or artists you think we should check out right now?

Fat White Family, Phobophobes; Misty Miller, Bad Parents; Meatraffle, Madonnatron; Mac DeMarco, VEDA BLACK; Slaves, Black Honey; Mummy and Sex Cells.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPlPsyr_aKE&w=560&h=315]

I know the last few months have been quite turbulent and you’ve overcome some obstacles. What are your hopes and aims for the next few years with regards music and your personal aims?

Soul search; find my voice and get back out there big-time.

I’m gonna keep my head down and focus until the time is right - but when I’m ready, it’s gonna be full-on.

Until then, I’m gonna re-master an album’s worth of songs from my old Alt./Hip-Hop/Rock band Urban Disturbance - that’ll be done real soon. Then, finish off this album with the Meat Loving Vegans by the end of the year.

Finally, and for being a good egg, you can name any song you like; I’ll play it here…

Heard this the other day and it blew me away. Only just got into Radiohead after my mate Ben has hounded me with ‘em for years

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti6qhk3tX2s&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Meat Loving Vegans

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MeatLovingVegans/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MeatLovinVegans

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/meatlovingvegans

BandCamp:

https://meatlovingvegans.bandcamp.com/releases

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/meatlovingvegansofficial%20

INTERVIEW: Lewis Fieldhouse

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Lewis Fieldhouse

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‘THEY don’t make them like they used to’ is an adage that cannot be applied to London-based Lewis Fieldhouse - he is a human that seems to embody quality, originality and hopes for modern music. I often hear that phrase levied at older musicians – those that have laid down a biblical marker – but not to new acts, as such. Fieldhouse is a musician that seems to be from another time yet very much a part of 2016. His album, Theodore Washington and the Central Valley, is launched on 2^nd December and is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign. In 2013, Fieldhouse embarked on a tour of the U.S. to help discover himself. I ask about that trip – and the things learned from that time – and what we can expect from his forthcoming album.

HEADER PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Roberts

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-25dslZUwtc&w=560&h=315]

Hey Lewis. How are you? How has your week been?

Well, my mum just got married so it’s been really wonderful! And at the beginning of the week I was recording a music video for one of the singles off the album in Barcelona; so that was really intense but super-fun. All in all, a big week really.

For those new to your music: can you introduce yourself, please?

Think Eagles-meets-the Mystery Jets with songs that tell stories. My whole album is about a trip to California in 2013 and goes through a lot of emotions. It’s lyrically quite intense.

Naked Psychopathic Blues one of your newest releases (interesting title!). Can you tell us what inspired that song/title?

The song is about a sociopathic narcissist. The last verse was the one I wrote first: “Darling I think you should leave me where I lay/before your mother comes and we really make her day/If she saw me OD, that bitch would put me on display/and I couldn’t stand to see here smiling”.

I had the vision of this maniac running through his house on drugs; deep in the latter stages of an abusive relationship with his wife; trying desperately to hang onto what semblance of control he has over his life.

It’s all about control, that song.

“She said I loved you in the worst kind of way/with a hunter’s pride she thinks you’re my trophy wife” is a lyric (from the song) that shows a writer influenced by literature and classic novels. Would you say you draw inspiration from literary greats?

I’d be the first to admit I'm not very well read although fantasy literature is something I love. I try to be as descriptive as I can when I write without laying it on too thick. My lyrical mantra is ‘Make every word count, baby’ which is a problematic sentence in itself! But from a literary perspective: I am always aware of the great characters and their struggles. Dr. Jekyll, Holden Caulfield; the Old Man from The Old Man and the Sea. Their stories are useful to frame a narrative in a song. They provide a guide of what might or might not be essential in writing a four-minute song.

PHOTO CREDIT: Juliette Carton

Was the song – and the heroine’s ambivalent, twisted personality – drawn from past romances or taken from a fictitious point-of-view?

The song isn’t about a relationship I was in but involved my family.

Write what you know is also a big mantra.

He Hath Made You Rich is another, more romantic side to your craft. The vocals are especially striking and luscious. What can you tell us about the song’s origins?

Thanks! I literally sat down one day and just wrote it. I wasn’t in a relationship at the time but I had just gotten through some personal barriers that were keeping me out of relationships for a good while (out of choice). I needed to figure myself out. I had decided who I was, who I wanted to be in a relationship and who I wanted to be in a relationship with. So, maybe this song was a bit like a letter to the universe saying “I want this relationship”. There’s defiantly a purity in the song that I'm very happy about. It gets straight to the point without obfuscation or bullshit. I like that.

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In terms of vocal comparisons: some have noted a hint of Jeff Buckley to the tones. He is my musical hero. Is he an artist you have been inspired by?

Again, thanks!

To be compared to Jeff isn’t something to take for granted and it’s certainly unexpected. That wasn’t my intention.

But he is defiantly one of those musical talents that permeate popular culture and to all budding songwriters. I think Grace is an album that’s a must-listen. The texture of his voice is astounding. His skill on guitar is something I’ll never be able to touch. He’s incredibly inspiring. Another person with an interesting and emotional story.

In 2013, you embarked on a trip to the U.S. to follow your heroes and discover yourself. What motivated this decision?

I was partly going out there to go to a YouTube conference but that was only three days of a six-week trip. I wanted to explore California and myself. I told myself I wanted to network and make a few connections in the music industry but there was defiantly an element of escape there as well. I wanted to get out of the U.K. and swim in a different pond for a while, you know. Meet different people with different ideas. The U.K. can be quite harshly realistic at times when all you want to do is dream a bit and be ambitious.

Californians won’t hold you back. They’ll have a party for you and send you on your way!

I also wanted to escape my home life. Personal tragedy had been quite heavy on the agenda along with those turbulent characters. California called and I went. I really wish I’d seen a bit more of the West Coast because I had the offers but something about san Francisco felt quite immediate; like I needed to be there.

PHOTO CREDIT: Juliette Carton

Instead of self-enlightenment and fulfillment; it seems like the darker side of the soul was exploited; the seedier side of America uncovered. What was the experience like and, in hindsight, do you think it has benefited your music and growth?

It was absolutely vital to the person and the artist I am today. I discovered more about myself in those six weeks than I may ever discover again; certainly in such a short time. I had to face issues of mortality, abuse, gender and loss. It defiantly revealed parts of California that I didn’t like and of myself as well. It’s taken quite a long time to process the whole experience and I’ve written a lot of songs about it. I do certainly feel more fulfilled and enlightened now, but at the time, it was very different. My music has been changed for the better, for sure. It’s more realistic. My writing style is music more experimental. I’m less afraid to make mistakes. I want to write what I want to say. I don't think I’ll ever be that straight Pop songwriter chasing the number ones.

Whilst you were in the U.S.; did you write a lot of material and what form did that take?

I didn’t write an awful lot. I was quite preoccupied. But one song I did write was No More (the ninth track on the album). It’s about my mother and how I wish her life could have been very different. She’s in an amazing place now though, so maybe that wish was set in that time period. That song became a prayer for her: to take back her life and to be strong again. It was quite folky - just written on acoustic guitar. It’s still a very emotional song for me, but maybe now for happy reasons.

Theodor Washington and the Central Valley is your album (out in December). I get the album looks at corruptions and depression are the major themes. Can you reveal a bit about the album’s subject matter and what it will explore?

Yeah, it’s a lot about that soul-searching I did, but it’s not too metaphorical about it. I look at the issues I came up against right in the eye.

That’s my style. I look a lot at gender and how I see women and how women in my life have been mistreated by people they love; how I’ve mistreated women I love, in fact. Part of Naked Psychopathic Blues is recognising the psychopath that could dwell within me. The potential that everyone has to go down the wrong path and to hurt people. That terrifies me because I know how easily it can happen.

What are your views on what is happening in America in terms of the political rise of Trump and the gun-related violence against the black population?

Wow, got another article I can write?! I think Trump is a nutcase. What’s revealing and scary is how many people are backing him seriously. But that’s a very simplified look at the issue, which is, of course, nuanced and delicate.

People have seen their livelihoods destroyed since 2008 and the State become more and more apart from people experience and less efficient at dealing with people problems.

In the U.K., the rise of the right-wing has been pretty shocking with nationalism seemingly rearing its ugly head again in mainstream life. U.K.I.P. (nationalist and anti-establishment) won two-million votes in the last election.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Roberts

People who have been disenfranchised by the system are now fighting back through votes. Neoliberalism has become a farce. People aren't equal and we need to be NOW. Black people need to be protected from institutional racism of the establishment police forces across America. Trump won’t solve that issue. I think Dr. Dre said it best: “The people are hungry, and next time it won’t be a few protests or a blockade of city blocks. People will consume the rich” (which also isn’t the answer because we need wealth in society. But we need control over that wealth to do the most good, all the time).

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l__qFGeq-Nc&w=560&h=315]

Some blogs and reviews have dubbed you as one of the most exciting artists around London. What does that feel like to see those words printed on the page/screen?

It’s nice to read those things, of course! Do I agree? Well, I think I have a very (very) long way to go yet. I hold myself to very high standards and I’m not there right now. Ask again next year!

As a musician; how do you think you have changed and grown in the last few years? How has your songwriting changed over that time?

One of my issues has always been to stick to a genre of songwriting for more than a couple of songs. Ask me to write you a Pop E.P.? Done. Dance single? Easy. A couple of Folk tunes for a few singers? No problem. For myself? I really love the variety. So finding and sticking to Americana for a whole record was surprising and pretty pleasing to be honest! My early stuff is quite Indie. Now it’s very different. I still love Americana and feel it a genre I can grow into! I’ve gotten a lot better as a musician by just listening more. I listen to so much music from all different genres. R’n’B makes me so happy right now. Some guys in London are killing it!

I feel literature and writing are passions you indulge away from music. How do you unwind as an artist and what does a Lewis Fieldhouse day off consist?

Funnily enough, I have a fantasy novel on the go, but I wouldn’t call it ‘relaxing’! More like a sprawling, untamable monster that I have to reign in!

I feel most at ease in nature. I love to walk, ride my bike. I love the autumn weather we’re having right now: so crisp and still warm after it rains. The colours really make me happy.

If you had to define and narrow down your favourite three albums; which would they be and why?

Wow! Only three? OK…

Parachutes - Coldplay. I love this record: the way it’s recorded, the intimacy; the performances, the sounds -from the guitars and drums and the feel of Berryman’s bass. That album made me want to write songs.

OK Computer - Radiohead. Just perfect. From first note to last. The brilliance of the songwriting: Yorke’s vocals in Let Down; soaring and diving. Nigel Godrich’s production; the innovation of O’Brien and Greenwood’s guitar. Everything on that record is flawless.

Fear Fun - Father John Misty. This record redefined how I wrote songs. I first heard him in Echo Park (in L.A.) just before I went to San Francisco in 2013. The songs blew me away. Honesty, lyrical direction more like narrative; lush vocals. It was a record that will stay with me forever. I go to his shows and I scream at him like a teenage girl. He laps it up too: I'm not the only one doing it!

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Roberts

What advice would you give to new musicians that might want to follow in your footsteps?

Keep going. The only way you stop being a musician is by stopping. If you keep riding the bus then you’re always on that adventure.

Listen to everything and then listen to everyone else. Go with your instincts and don't be afraid to toil. Creativity isn’t pretty sometimes.

Finally, and for being a good egg, you can name any song you like (not one of yours as I’ll include them); I’ll play it here…

You HAVE to spin this track from Sampha - a London R’n’B singer - called Timmy’s Prayer. Pure fire my friends. YEESH!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQXDVZf3akg&w=560&h=315]

________________________

Follow Lewis Fieldhouse

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Roberts

Official:

http://www.lewisfieldhouse.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/lewisfieldhousemusic/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/lewisfieldhouse

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/lewisfieldhouse/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/lewisfieldhouse

INTERVIEW: Ben Rockwood of EastDear Park

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Ben Rockwood of EastDear Park

________________________

MARYLAND Metal warriors EastDear Park are representing the state right now…

and doing a damn good job. There is traditional focus on the sounds coming out the big cities: we forget there is a world of music away from there – EastDear Park represent that with aplomb. As they say on their Facebook page: “We are five down to earth guys from Gaithersburg, Maryland dedicated to a life of playing music. Music is what we each fall back on during good and bad times. We go all out at performances and love getting the crowd involved. No matter where we go, we will always remain humble and will always hold open arms to whoever wants to get to know us”.  Their E.P., M, was released this year and showed what a force and proposition they are. Following an exciting, incident-packed year: I caught up with the band’s bass player Ben Rockwood to discuss the E.P. and the highlights of the year; what albums have inspired him and the ultimate Snog, Marry, Avoid? question…

HEADER/BAND SOLO PICTURES CREDIT: Hannah Scarlet Goeller

_________________________

Hey Ben. How has your week been? What have you been getting up to?

It’s been busy! We’re trying to get our new E.D.P. tie-dye shirts and tour bus ready to go! We’re also gearing up for a big show at The Canal Club on October 28th with Ghost Key, Sirens & Sailors and The Plot in You!

For those who are new to your work: can you introduce yourself to us, please?

We are EastDear Park from Gaitherbug, Maryland: trying to put the 3-0-1 on the Metal map! E.D.P. consists Daniel Shields (Vocals), Kevin Petley (Drums); Ryan DeOliveira (Guitar), Colin Fraser (Guitar) and Ben Rockwood (Bass). We love drinking beer and playing shows! BRING THE HEADBANG!

M is your latest E.P. and it seems like it was a labour of love and really important work. How does it feel looking back on the recording process and any songs (from the E.P.) particularly standout for you?

The tough thing about the recording process was that we were all super-broke so we had to ration what little food we had to last us the whole trip.

We literally ate canned beans, ramen and easy mac every day while we were there. It also forced us to grow a lot closer since we all had to stay in the same room together that whole week.

We had been through a lot of ups and downs together since our last release (two years before) and the rollercoaster of emotions was definitely funneled into every note and lyric on this E.P. This E.P. definitely contains some of the most personal lyrics I’ve ever written for sure - especially Malice and Marsiglia. The whole E.P. goes from dark to light: starting off with a very depressed, morbid tone to one of complete optimism and gratefulness.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZlACp8iwvE&w=560&h=315]

The E.P. is available to stream on YouTube. In an age where musicians struggle to earn money to survive: do you feel more needs to be done to support artists and ensure they can earn a living from music?

The best advice I can give to anybody that calls themselves a fan of music is to go to your local music store and buy CDs from all your favorite bands. Go to all your nearest local shows to buy up all their CDs and merch. too. If you want your favorite artists to keep making the music they love: put money in their pockets by buying their merchandise and supporting them whenever they have a show. Every one of your favorite bands started off as a shitty local band playing in front of ten people at some shitty local venue. Help these people chase their dreams and they’ll return the favor by making that music you love so much.

You hail from Maryland (Gaithersburg). Is there a big local scene and which Maryland artists would you recommend?

It’s a real hit-or-miss scene but in the places where there’s any scene at all you can find a real sense of brotherhood and comradery.

Every MD band is in it to help every band around them. We know we’re all in it together. We all show swap; share each other’s music; buy each other’s music and support each other any other way we can. The scenes in Frederick, Baltimore and D.C. are all pretty sick. The list of talented Maryland bands goes on and on: Hydra Kyll, In Dying Arms; Animals As Leaders, Periphery; Silent on Fifth Street, The New Reign; Heijeira, Black Matter DeviceBlack Matter Device; Existential, Silence the Requiem; Mirrors, Phantoms; Delenda, Sharptooth, Subvert; Kalevra - and the list just keeps going...

As a Metal band; which other bands – older or new – have you drawn inspiration from?

Oh man, this is a long list...

Killswitch Engage; Lamb of God; August Burns Red, The Contortionist; Fallujah, Periphery, The Ghost Inside; Architects, Letlive; Whitechapel, Erra; This or the Apocalypse; Volumes, Underoath; Parkway Drive, Born of Osiris; Attilla, etc.

For those who find Metal a niche genre and not universal enough to be accepted into the mainstream, what would you say?

I’d have to say that isn’t true mainly because there’s just so many sub genres of Metal - it’s almost impossible not to find something that makes your head move. Also, it’s becoming more and more accepted by the general public due to the majority of Metal’s content becoming more uplifting and positive - with a life’s-tough-but-power-through-it type of mentality. The music is just so much more passionate than any other type of music and with the substance of rap in the decline thanks to all these mumble rappers now a days its music that is a lot more relatable for the more emotional kids.

You have started touring to support your E.P. Which towns and crowds have been memorable and do you enjoy the touring lifestyle?

Well, unfortunately, our bus broke down recently so we’ve been saving up and keeping it to short runs (until we can fix our bus).

Our best crowd will always be in our hometown of course.

We were born for the touring lifestyle. We love exploring places we’ve never been too before and playing in front of new faces every night. We love meeting people at our merch. table every night and gaining new friends.

Do you have any wild anecdotes or behind-the-scenes secrets from your touring? Which band member is most likely to stir up a bit of trouble on the road?

A lot of partying. If you’re ever at an E.D.P. show, come out to the van if you want to turn up - that’s an E.D.P. fact. If you ever want to buy us drinks or blaze us up we will love you forever! We always gotta have our mind right for our set! Out of all the members, I’d have to say Shields, Ryan and I are the trouble-makers. Whenever we get drunk our fuc***-up sense of humor comes out and we like to mess with people until they hate us. Messin’ with people in public is always the best. Honestly, it depends on whoever is the drunkest that night.

[bandcamp width=350 height=470 album=397822287 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false track=2017621763]

Looking ahead to the next few months: any new material being worked on or is it going to be touring and a bit of downtime?

Right now we’re working on getting our bus fixed so we can get back on the road!

The U.K. would certainty love to see you. Does the band have any desire to come perform in Europe?

That is our #1 dream! We would love nothing more than to tour Europe! The Metal scene is SICK there!

It seems possible (frightening as it is) Donald Trump could be the U.S. President soon. How does that make you feel as citizens and as musicians, do you have a political side to you?

I hate both candidates with extreme passion. Trump is just a racist moron who grew up with his daddy’s money while Clinton is a crooked criminal that has exploited our system for forty+ years. Politics definitely interest me but I use music to escape politic not voice it.

A sort of Snog, Marry or Avoid? kind of question. Metallica, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest: which would you perform with; which would you go on a drinking binge with and which would you want to be for the day?

Damn, this is tough.

Perform with Judas Priest because their shredding is incredible; drink with Metallica because those dudes were wild back in the day (and definitely know how to party) and then be Iron Maiden because they’re fuck*** Iron Maiden.

If you could be stranded on a desert island with one record each, what would that be and why?

Ashes of the Wake by Lamb of God. I literally listen to that album at least once a day. It’s just so groovy and badass.

For those young bands looking to follow you into music: what advice and tips would you offer them?

Be ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. You’re gonna have good days and then you’ll have bad days.

Sometimes it will seem like your band can do no wrong and other times you’ll wonder how you’re gonna make it one more day without quitting. Just never give up and grind your ass off. Make music and play as many shows as you can.

Finally, and for being good sports, you can select any song (other than your own as I’ll include one) and I’ll play it here…

Burn - Usher

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5XNWFw5HVw&w=560&h=315]

________________________

Follow EastDear Park

 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/EDPMD/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/eastdearpark

BandCamp:

http://eastdearpark.bandcamp.com/album/m

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVi7lOXmHZ8&feature=youtu.be

INTERVIEW: Chaos Jigsaw

INTERVIEW:

  

Chaos Jigsaw

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ONE of the most lamentable and sad days of my blogging career…

was hearing Bi:Lingual had split. The group, led by the hard-headed spits and slick-as-you-like rhymes of Dylan Cartlidge, seemed primed for the big leagues and had a passionate fanbase behind them. The details of their disbanding are shrouded in mystery but the shockwaves are evident. A unique band that mixed Rage Against the Machine and Beastie Boys: a cauldron of Metal aggression and political elements with experimental Hip-Hop tossed in. Now, Cartlidge has stepped into the solo arena as Chaos Jigsaw and is showing huge promise – the singles dropped so far emphasise his songwriting talents and, if anything, the music being made now (by Cartlidge) is his strongest so far. An E.P. is coming about and I was excited to grill Chaos Jigsaw on his new material and his inspirations; what subjects go into his music and his views about Manchester City’s recent good form.

________________________________

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/266184020" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Hey Dylan. How has your week been? What have you been getting up to?

It’s been good week thank you. My birthday has just gone by so I’m still feeling the after-effect of that but we’re putting the cogs in motion for a short horror movie that we’re going to use as a music video - so that’s really what I’ve been doing this week.

Being a Manchester City fan you must be pretty chuffed right now. Is the new manager the reason for their success or is the squad gelling more effectively?

Yeah pretty much in dreamland though getting bashed 2-0 by Spurs in the last game wasn’t fun. Ten wins a draw and a loss: I think any team would take that, and yes, I think it has to be largely down to Pep Guardiola.

Can you tell us a bit about what you do?

I rap, sing; play bass and keys along with other bits and bobs (to best try and express myself).

Chaos Jigsaw is your musician moniker. Where did that name come from?

Ha.

It’s back from when I first decided I was going to be a rapper - when I was thirteen (fourteen maybe) and I just trying to come up with names that best described me and my objectives as an artist.

It also became my Xbox gamer tag for the following four, five years or something, aha ha ha! Oh dear.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/275647460" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Love Spoons is your most-recent single and one I love. What was the inspiration behind the song and was it an easy song to record?

Thank you!

Love Spoons was something that came about when I heard about the Orlando attack and I just couldn’t believe people: like humans beings were being targeted and killed for being themselves.

Being a bit of a self-proclaimed loner back in the day; feeling like an outcast at times because I didn’t feel and look like everybody else for one reason or another. This became my biggest strength when I accepted that I was different and that I was ok with that - so it’s really just about being yourself and not being afraid of what people might think. In any circumstance, whether it be love, friendship; dress sense, personality; hell even how you talk; hell if it’s you…do it. Yeah, once I’d figured out the basis of the song it was easy to record due to my producer Brendan Portues. He’s amazing and makes what I do seem so much easier as we have a great relationship and tend to be on the same page when it comes to recording.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269730897" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Strawberry Blonde’s Snip and The World Outside are another couple of tracks you have put into the world. Can you reveal a bit about those tracks and what they represent?

These songs were written quite close together but one was self-produced and the other with Brendan (as it was the first of the E.P. tracks). Strawberry Blonde’s Snip was my first track released after I re-booted Chaos Jigsaw and was really a song about my first sort of feelings around relationship and being close to somebody but not quite knowing what to do. The World Outside was a song (really about) my feelings and experiences towards people I knew growing in the types of environments I grew up in. Knowing how abysmal it can be at the time - especially when maybe outside your house nobody knows what truly goes on inside but you and how it can feel - like literally a whole other world; hence The World Outside. Just really trying to offer a form of hope or encouragement to anybody dealing with anything like that really.

With singles and samples in the ether: is there an E.P. or album in the pipeline?

Yes. I’m releasing the third song on the E.P. (You Make It) in due course and the E.P. (entitled Six Weeks) will follow.

Your music has some rather groovy basslines and fast-flowing raps. Few other artists have that same combination. Was it a conscious decision on your part or is it the best way to deliver your music?

Erm. A bit of both really.

I think I’ve always wanted to play bass as I just love the way the notes sound in that lower register (on a bass) so I did and (just) really everything for me starts with the bass.

The progression or the groove; I always  think of how the bass might sound. Then, naturally after that - as first of all a rapper - you know it’s my domain from there. But yes; it’s definitely something I make myself aware of when writing and find works for me.

Many have made comparisons between you and Beastie Boys and other stellar acts. Which musicians did you grow up listening to and which albums are your personal favourites?

It’s a strange one really because I guess I’ve had like two musical births if you like. I grew up listening to (mainly the) chart music at the time you know and Hip-Hop artists like Kid Cudi, Jay-Z; Kanye West, Perfect Disaster and Stomrae. Disregarding anything that remotely resembled Rock and a lot of Indie music really with my mindset at the time as hating this ‘mosher’ music, aha! Then, I moved away from where I was from; everything I knew really. I started over and I joined a band with some really cool Rock ’n’ Roll dudes who totally changed my musical life. Firstly introducing me to The Black Keys, The White Stripes and Cage the Elephant; from there, I just fell in love with so many bands - really too many to name; it was just all so alien to me, aha!

You were the front-man of (sadly departed) Bi:Lingual. Is it sad to no longer be in a band and what have you learn from your days touring with the guys?

Yes. It was sad to bring it to a halt with Bi:Lingual as they were great guys that taught, gave and made me experience so much than I ever would have otherwise.

I have profited greatly from the knowledge gathered over the course of the band days but we still keep in contact - they are all doing very well and are all involved in new projects which is really cool as well.

Is it very different being a solo artist and is it easier or harder getting music together would you say?

Yes, I would say it’s worlds apart really, you know: from the creative control to gigs and rehearsals. They both have their own unique, challenging and exciting feel - and a rewarding musical experience overall.

A lot of musicians write about personal struggles and anxieties. Are these subjects that go into your music and how important do you think it is addressing these topics through music?

I think any music that is personal can always be great music as it presents authenticity, genuine warmth and honesty to your audience and (I) think it’s very important as it’s something that I use as a way to cope with my own issues. I and my younger brother both have P.T.S.D. and my music’s my way (I guess) of showing that it won’t stop us from doing anything.

What have been the highlights of your music career so far – either with Bi:Lingual or your current work?

I think with both Chaos Jigsaw and Bi:Lingual: there’s just nothing like hearing your music on the radio.

Can you tell us what the rest of the year holds for you and what plans you have?

Some exciting things happening with Sunbird Records.

My E.P. will be coming out as well as my first-ever short film/music video (I’ve been involved in like this).

Are there any new musicians or artists you’d recommend we check out?

I’m loving The Amazons at the moment; The Family Rain are great; my boy King Lion; my boy Mattu and Crazer Beam for sure.

For any musicians wanting to follow you into music; what advice would you give them?

Teamwork makes the dream work. Don’t be scared to get people you trust onboard even if it’s not musically; set small realistic goals on your treasure map.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song (other than one of yours as I’ll include one) and I’ll play it here…

Mr. AJAD - Living the Dream

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYxASUPkPJU&w=560&h=315]

________________________

Follow Chaos Jigsaw

 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chaosjigsaw/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/dylancartlidge

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/dylan-cartlidge 

TRACK REVIEW: Leaone - Goldtooth

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Leaone

 

 

Goldtooth

9.4/10

Goldtooth is available at:

https://soundcloud.com/hisnameisleaone/goldtooth/s-yiJ8w

OFFICIAL RELEASE: 16^th September, 2016

GENRES: Pop

ORIGIN:

London, U.K.

PRODUCER:

Jim Lowe

____________________________________

NOTHING provides greater excitement and ease when confronted with...

a musician that seems to have everything figured out and sussed. Before I come to my featured artist; it is worth looking closely at Pop acts and the different types around right now; the hard backstories that some musicians have and the importance music plays to the individuality. I have been looking at Pop acts on these pages for years now and always surprised at the sheer variation and range you can get. I think we all assume – a point I have raised before – that Pop music is going to be chart-made and that same old sound. Maybe we get images of committee-designed stars and the ego-driven, faceless type that is not worth a second look. I, for one, have that sort of image and have long assumed a lot of new Pop stars have the ambition to hit the charts and follow that lead. There is a raft of people out there (playing Pop) that have depth and genuine talent is surprising. Perhaps it shouldn’t be such a shock but you forget that genre term is a little misleading. Perhaps we need to rebrand it and reevaluate exactly what it means. I am a little angry when I see some reviewers and stations turn their noses up at Pop because they assume the sounds are going to be a bit Capital F.M. Pop music is not just Autotune and processed vocals; bland lyrics and artists that are all scandal and shallowness. Cast the net wider and there is a whole world of new Pop stars that have the potential to give the charts credibility and maturity. Leaone is one such artist and a young man who has a serious team behind him. If you pull apart his music: you will not just get a disposable and radio-ready three-minute song. There is depth and nuance to be discovered; fascinating insights and soulful revelations. Maybe he should be labeled Indie/Country as his heroes and idols certainly would not be found named alongside most modern Pop artists. What fascinated me about Leaone is how he names Johnny Cash, Elliot Smith and Soundgarden as influences. It might seem a little naïve, but I have not seen too many new artists name-check Johnny Cash as someone they are compelled by.

That might seem like a generational thing, but maybe it is to do with musical tastes – a point I shall cover in more depth soon. Before I come to that point, and talk about new subjects, it is worth looking at my featured act:

“Leaone continues his rise with the sublime new single ‘Goldtooth’, released this September, and another stunning track that marks out this hugely promising new talent.

Self-produced and mixed by Jim Lowe (Stereophonics), Leaone began writing in his parent’s attic after a series of events (losing his girlfriend, job, and getting mugged) led him back home to his native Suffolk. Following a meeting with Jim at his Shepherds Bush studio the pair started working together, with Jim mixing and performing on some of Leaone’s material.

‘Young Green Eyes’ was the first track from those sessions to be released earlier this year, and an astonishing start for a promising contemporary artist. Written about his ex-girlfriend, the song is a haunting, reflective piece that reflects Leaone’s influences of both Johnny Cash and Elliott Smith.

‘Goldtooth’ picks up where ‘Young Green Eyes’ left off, with Leaone’s distinctive vocals pulling at the emotive heartstrings with superb delivery and melody, all swept along by an undercurrent of haunting and sparse instrumentation.

Since releasing his last single release and performing with Emmy The Great, Leaone has finished work on his debut EP, set to be released this autumn, and from what we’ve heard so far, it’s looking set to be something very, very special. Leaone is also already back in the studio, writing and recording his second EP after securing Arts Council funding for the release.

‘Goldtooth’ will be released on September 16^th 2016, and will be available from all good digital stores. More live dates and details of Leaone’s debut EP are set to follow in the coming weeks”.

When a musician is putting together their material and starting to write their songs; there are a lot of different avenues they can take. Many look at love and heartache – in a rather one-dimensional way – whereas many will recall harder times and try to make sense of them. That is true of Leaone who has arrived in London following some hard times. Not many people would be able to find strength to record music following a job and relationship loss; no less being mugged into the process. That is a hard lot in life and a spate of incidences that would knock many down for good. Living with his parents back in Suffolk – taking stock and thinking about life – the decision to come to London and make music was made. That meeting with producer Jim Lowe has changed his life and given new purpose. Instead of being angry and venting his spleen through music: what we get is music that tackles the past but does so in a calmed and mature way. That word ‘mature’ is one I keep bandying about but it is a very important one. When you look at Pop; many do not put that word into the mix and rightfully so. As Leaone blends other genres together, it would be unfair to see him as purely Pop-based. Too many musicians, those that go through similar trauma and horror, feed it into music that is juvenile, generic and muddled. I am not being voyeuristic and tabloid-esque delving into Leaone’s backstory but feel it is amazing he has found the resilience and inner-strength to press on and focus on his career. Many would be shattered and retreat into mundane work. The fact he is embarking on a career in music makes it all the more impressive. Music is an industry that is renowned for its instability and challenges. Making money and guaranteeing future success is by no means a safe bet. I still see a lot of acts having to break-up or stop making music. Although Leaone is starting out; there is evidence to suggest he will be carrying on and succeeding down the track. There have been positive reviews sent his way and the fans are starting to flock to his pages. As I said with yesterday’s review subjects, Life Aquatic Band: he will want to look at his social media pages and a possible E.P. At present, there are scant photos on his Facebook page – hence the repetition in this review of the images – and little background information. Leaone is represented by a P.R. company so a photoshoot or some promotional images would be helpful. At present, there is mystery and one has to use the music to get insights into the London-based artist.

I have mentioned how Johnny Cash and Soundgarden are influences for Leaone but that brings up a wider point. I feel my generation (the late-20s/early-30s) have quite good taste in music by and large. Maybe it is because our parents were brought up in the ‘50s and ‘60s and were exposed to greats like Bob Dylan and The Beatles. Passing that legacy and tastes on leads the child to discover contemporaries and dig into the best music of the ‘60s. I was brought up with a blend of T-Rex, Steely Dan and The Beatles; The Rolling Stones, Kate Bush and Led Zeppelin. As such, I was fascinated by that music and have (if I do say so myself) keep the quality control high and have pretty fine tastes in music. That is not to say everyone whose parents were born during this time would be exposed to some great music. I am just saying a lot of the younger generation are not looking back and feel that music peaks around the beginning of this year. The attention spans (or lack thereof) of many young people is quite profound. I hear so many young – in their teens – whose favourite songs and albums were taken from the last few years. Maybe they will mention bands such as Oasis and The Libertines but that only takes you back to the 1990s. Too often you name artists like Johnny Cash and Steely Dan and you are greeted with moronic blank stares and the invariable reply: “That was before my time”. The Battle of Hastings was before my time as was Glenn Miller – the fact I am aware of both of these is down to the fact we have the Internet and history; we can talk to our relatives and discover these things ourselves. It sounds like I am heading on a rant but looking at Leaone and his musical influences has raised an interesting point. One of the problems of new music is perhaps it lacks the variegation, quality and consistency we enjoyed a couple of decades back. I celebrate the 1990s like the winning of a world war: a triumphant time when everything seemed safe and wonderful. Looking back, it seems like those days are a distant memory. Part of the issue is the musicians and artists we have do not take time to discover bygone acts and take influence from the here and now. Music is becoming quite homogenised and restricted. There are so many different avenues (the new musician) can take but it is going begging for no reason. Leaone is someone you knew grew up in a musical house and was treated to a cavalcade of music legends. That love and passion for great music has followed him throughout tumultuous times and goes directly into his own songs. The importance of music means something different to many, but for Leaone, it seems like a lifeline and a purpose. We assume music is just a soundtrack and an inalienable right that we all have. Few of us consider just how meaningful music is with regards healing us and keeping us company during tough times; giving up impetus and the desire to keep going and be better people. Looking at artists like Leaone and his background should compel us to think more deeply about our own lives and what role music plays.

It is hard looking at how Goldtooth defines and breaks away from Leaone’s previous material as he is on his second single so far. That said, the two songs do differ and there is a lot of variety between the songs. If one looks at Young Green Eyes and we find a song that documents a relationship split. Just before coming into music; Leaone split from his girlfriend and found himself jobless and a little rootless. With that harsh origin and some painful memories to carry with him – many would create a song that spat with vitriol and rage. The song opens with swaying, moody strings and cinematic promise. The hero’s voice is booming and deep – a little bit of Eddie Vedder mixed with George Ezra – and looks at the silence and wanting it to take him. There is no morbidity and fatalism in the song and, instead, you get a young man that is trying to make sense of it all. His former love (and him) wanted what was best and it seems like the relationship ended because they were on different pages and had different objectives and aims for the future. It is a sad situation but one that is made beautiful and spectral through the swooning strings and affecting vocalisations. The hero yearns for the embrace of his girl and confesses to the pain he is feeling. The hurt one experiences when losing someone is evident and you get a sense of longing and torment. At the same time, there is never any explosion or lose of focus: at every point, the voice remains dignified and instilled with a certain gracefulness. As the final moments come in; Leaone wants to go back to the past when his girl craved his touch and the two were happy. The song was written (or most of it) at his parent’s attic after the relationship ended and you can hear that urgency and hurt surface. Young Green Eyes has plenty to recommend and was a stunning debut single. Goldtooth keeps that emotion strong and has familiar strands to Young Green Eyes. Goldtooth is a little lighter and breezier than Young Green Eyes and has more electronic elements to it. You get a sense of an artist looking to keep nimble and not repeat himself. Not quite going straight to Electro.-Pop; you get cinematic strings but impressions of other genres. As such, the vocal sounds less heartbroken and weighty but still tackles serious themes. Both songs have the same producer and sound and sit together wonderfully well and naturally. The difference is the subject matter and the compositions which differ from one another and show a talent that has plenty to talk about an inspiration. Both songs have their own merits but you can hear confidence and someone that is keen to get back in the studio. I hear there is an E.P. almost finished and that is not a surprise. Given his past and the events that have unfolded: an E.P. is sure to contain a lot of personal insights and documentation of painful times; plenty of wonderful music and rich vocals.

Goldtooth is a likely follow-up to the storyline of Young Green Eyes. One feels they could be a one-two on an E.P. and part of a concept. Like Lana Del Rey and her work – where she brings a narrative and concept to the songs – this seems to be the follow-up chapter or the morning after. That sense of the sun breaking over is sonically presented by calm strings and Country vibes. You get a little impression of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen. One hears something more serene and gentle but still packing shadows and hurt in the same breath. When the hero steps to the microphone, you hear about a girl who wanted what was best for her. Like her mother (like everyone) and many out there: perhaps there was a desire to find something different and more appropriate. It is hard saying whether Goldtooth is about a direct break-up but seems to deal with those issues. Some of the vocals do get lost in the mix about and lack decipherability. It is an issue with those possessed of deeper voices. If the lyrics are sung quite fast then it can mean lines and syllables get distorted and collapse into one another. That is not to say it is a big issue for Leaone but just one of those unavoidable problems. That being said, one hears enough of the song and gets an impression of what is being sung. The hero seems to be in his room blowing smoke from the window. Johnny Cash is playing on the stereo and there is a glimmering gold tooth shining. One casts themselves to a lonesome desert road and a troubadour packing his bags and pounding the road. That sense of Lana Del Rey comes through in the lyrics and story. She is wonderful when it comes to Americana and something vintage and fresh. Her songs tend to look at 1950s America and are filmic in their scope and sound. Likewise, you get an impression of that with Leaone. He is someone who has affection for artists like Cash and is capable of taking the listener into a strange and beautiful world. One cannot ignore the heartache that is being assessed and the feelings that are being kept down. Maybe looking back at the relationship break-down and his eyes are not lying. Asking questions of the girl – why didn’t she treat him like she promised? – there is that confusion and bafflement in the lyrics.

The sweetheart has perhaps been dishonest and telling Leaone one thing and not keeping promises. Maybe the love burned bright but there has been deceit and deception. In terms of the vocal and lyrics: you hear something tender and haunted but the words provoke big images and something tangible. A lot of artists deal with clichés and basic language but Leaone is a storyteller and poet and ensures his songs differ from the pack. The “world gets rough” and the hero is being taught how to punch – maybe not prepared for the sudden split and hurt that has come his way. The girl is almost patronising in his words and break-up speech; not treating him with deserved consideration and setting him up for a huge fall. Heavy beats and elements of Trip-Hop – not as overtly pummeling but definite slam and strike – give the song plenty of authority and instantaneousness. In fact, the vocal has a catchiness and rhythm that gets you singing along and, by the time the chorus arrives a second time, is already ingrained in the memory and catchy. At no point do you feel oppressed and depressed by the song; it evokes nuance and has plenty to enjoy. Leaone is one of those vocalists that is original but still puts you in mind of people like Johnny Cash to an extent. The aforementioned legend seems a focal point and someone that is perhaps offering guidance and solace. Goldtooth looks at a young man who has been tormented and let down hard and is trying to make sense of it. Perhaps there is nothing that can be said and it is one of those things that happen in life. Not having down anything wrong and had put money away (“to dress you night and day”). A nest-egg was being built and it seems like plans were made. Perhaps the two sat up at night discussing plans and where they would go: you feel there was a future for them both and it looked safe and secure. Now that the relationship has ended, there is that mourning and not knowing how to move on. How do you readjust in life having made plans and seen the future calling? Perhaps she seeks fast cars and money: a boy that is all cash and no substance; somebody that can keep her wealthy without providing any soul or tenderness. It is a possibility and one that is tearing Leaone apart. In the final stages, you feel the battle is lost but the song keeps affecting and evoking reaction. The fact Goldtooth has a definite sway and swagger to it means it will be a live standout and sure to keep people singing along and entranced. It differs from Young Green Eyes and is the finest song he has released. Perhaps less suffocated and dark than its predecessor: Goldtooth has commercial appeal but is a lot more credible and stunning than most of the music out there at the moment. I can see Goldtooth being the second track on an E.P. and leading on from Young Green Eyes. A fantastic song from a young artist that continues to grow and impress.

I have talked a lot about Leaone and how different he seems to his peers. Maybe his hard road to success and tough times has given him a resilience and strength that few people will have. A lot of young artists face petty relationship fights and have not really experienced real world problems and anything that challenging. Leaone has had his heart broken and been dislocated but has bounced back and is channeling himself through music. Goldtooth is another fantastic track from a young man who has plenty of life left and more to say. I speculated as to the possibility of an E.P. and feel that is an avenue worth exploring. Bonding with producer Jim Lowe it seems like a natural partnership and something that will carry on for many years. I hear an E.P. is already being worked on and Leaone has secured Art Council funding for a new release. Leaone has some great music in his locker and has been performing a series of gigs over the last few months. Not only has he played London but has also gone back to Suffolk to gig and ensuring his music gets out to as many people as possible. When one thinks of the hero, he is an interesting example and a young man that differs to so many of his peers. He was raised on Grunge bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden and inspired by their live performances and the raw energy that emanated from them. Primal and instant; emotional and naked: that flame was lit in his heart and pushed him into a career in music. Music means everything to Leaone and the way he can get his pain onto the page and handle the past. Wanting to collaborate with Swann – he revealed in a recent interview with M Magazine – the young musician sees music as a calling a life preserver. It might not be an exaggeration to say without music he would be struggling and barely able to hold things together. That takes me back to my original thesis and the way music can be medicinal and affirmative. We take music for granted and often have it play in the background: part of our daily soundtrack and something we assume does not go that deep. You only need to read interviews with the more credible acts coming through and they will tell you just how meaningful and important music is. It is not just sounds and words that can put us in a better mood; songs that make us dance and evoke fond memories – much more powerful and intense than you can imagine. If you are a songwriter than perusing that desire is not only focus away from troubles but a way to unpiece things and find sense. In a way, music is a therapy session and prescription all rolled into one.

It is going to be promising seeing just where Leaone heads and what he has in mind. I know the E.P. is coming along nicely and previous single Young Green Eyes is still making its mark. Goldtooth is the latest revelation from an artist that seems to be doing his own things and not concerned with easy comparison. I guess, if you had to put together a Frankenstein’s monster together, you would see him as a splicing of Lana Del Rey etherealness and French Riviera drive; the haunting and affecting vocal of Johnny Cash and the heartbreaking songbooks of Leonard Cohen. That description might cause many to balk but do not be put off. You do not get depressive and heavy songs that are hard to enjoy and endure many times. I love Lana Del Rey’s music but find it can be too dramatic and grand for the themes that are being addressed – a lot of the lyrics tend not to stray beyond boys-in-cars-with-Lane-driving-down-highways-being-rebels. Although her most recent work has stepped things up (Born to Die), Leaone is his own man and infuses a little of each into his music. A final point I wanted to raise is how originality is important to long-term success. It may sound like an obvious truth but one many musicians are overlooking. If you look at Leaone’s official website you will see a short (cycled) clip of a young woman who looks like she is longingly gazing across a pond/river – maybe in France; a tourist spot and scene that looks like it was taken from an old film. I am not sure where that clip is from by the black-haired, sunglass-wearing heroine seems to be shot in Super 8 film and part of a music video. That pretty much describes Leaone as an artist. There is something cinematic and romantic to the music. You get impressions of a man who yearns to live that French Riviera life and drive through a 1950s road film and pack up all his cares. One feels little shades of Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen and some shades of Lana Del Rey. Such an intriguing and alluring blend that mixes with some deeply personal songs that address some hard times. Young Green Eyes – the opposite of Frank Sinatra’s Ol’ Blue Eyes, it seems – is an original and fantastic talent. There are no upcoming gigs at the moment but you know spots in London will be forthcoming. Backed by a good P.R. company and social media attention starting to build: all this is going to lead to some important gigs and plenty of changes. I would love to see Leaone perform in London and know there are venues and bars he could bring his music to. It is worth ending things by stating the rest of this year will find the build-up to his debut E.P. The as-yet-untitled collection will unite his previous singles together with fresh material and plenty of touring. You wonder just how far Leaone can go when his E.P. does arrive. I know he has a base in Suffolk and London but that could well extend around the U.K. and internationally too. It might seem unlikely a young, fresh-off-the-blocks artist could accrue international dates but Goldtooth is no ordinary song and Leaone is no ordinary artist. That is all to come, but for now, enjoy the sound of a young man making his first steps and already impressing fans and critics. There is no doubt that Leaone will be continuing to make music…

FOR a very long time to come.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278524648" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

__________________________________

Follow Leaone

 

Official

http://www.leaone.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/hisnameisleaone

Twitter

https://twitter.com/hisnameisleaone

SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/hisnameisleaone

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hisnameisleaone/

FEATURE: The October Playlist: Vol. 2

FEATURE:

 

The October Playlist: Vol. 2

______________________

OCTOBER has started off pretty intense and shows no signs...

of slowing down and relenting. New cuts from Kate Tempest and The Rolling Stones should be enough. If not, there are videos from Pixies and Justice; new songs from BANKS and Thurston Moore to wet the appetite. I am not sure what unexpected delights await: I only know October is going to be another fantastic year for music. Take a listen to the second instalment of The October Playlist.

__________________

 

Kate Tempest – Ketamine for Breakfast

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym3iGD7uNn8&w=560&h=315]

The Rolling Stones – Just Your Fool

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJZA1TbTBbI&w=560&h=315]

Bruno Mars – 24K Magic

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqyT8IEBkvY&w=560&h=315]

Hannah Diamond – Fade Away

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmgp7MHzmBM&w=560&h=315]

C Duncan – On Course

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ankXJUfB30&w=560&h=315]

Weezer- Fake Smiles and Nervous Laughter

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbw5_vSzsA4&w=560&h=315]

Tough Love (ft. Karen Harding) – Like I Can

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udMZ08QOD3Y&w=560&h=315]

Honeyblood – Babes Never Die

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286166636" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Clean Cut Kid – Make Believe

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0tc7Orr_sc&w=560&h=315]

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats – Out on the Weekend

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V5_vrZMEYQ&w=560&h=315]

Thurston Moore – Chelsea’s Kiss

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNSMAuQieuc&w=560&h=315]

Alicia Keys (ft. A$AP Rocky) - Blended Family (What You Do For Love)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWACsH1f2So&w=560&h=315]

Baauer x CZ - How Can You Tell When It's Done?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMbi65XibvE&w=560&h=315]

Basic Tape (ft. Danny Shah) – So Good

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUHrLENzT-w&w=560&h=315]

The Killers – Peace of Mind

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n81rOHM4Ayc&w=560&h=315]

Deorro (ft. DyCy) - Goin Up

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cameV3mPd8&w=560&h=315]

Becky G – Mangu

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AWHoW5_kQQ&w=560&h=315]

Kings of Leon – Reverend

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zxzHuSi5ng&w=560&h=315]

John Legend – Love Me Now

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL_NP1mD0UQ&w=560&h=315]

Tinie Tempah – Bounce

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyzZ-SlmE3E&w=560&h=315]

Benoît Pioulard - Anchor as the Muse

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEZlNE2b8D0&w=560&h=315]

Gucci Mane (ft. Rick Ross) – Money Machine

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RWvkRCXOQ&w=560&h=315]

French Montana – Brick Road

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34LqXA8p6S8&w=560&h=315]

MØ – Drum

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37qvCrbilUk&w=560&h=315]

Joyce Manor – Fake I.D.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoXCARbHggE&w=560&h=315]

Goat - Union of Mind and Soul

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDRB19_3DRk&w=560&h=315]

Placebo – Every You Every Me

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGnhYZh6IUc&w=560&h=315]

BANKS – Weaker Girl

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOwPcAhBVSk&w=560&h=315]

Emma Ruth Rundle – Real Big Sky

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDlJ7BBPJw0&w=560&h=315]

Kaiser Chiefs – Parachute

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3svLcAkcw1U&w=560&h=315]

Pixies – Um Chagga Lagga

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCFPpnHFTts&w=560&h=315]

Justice – Randy

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLOyUQxIsj8&w=560&h=315]

Another wonderful bag of assorted tunes, I'm sure you'll agree. It is going to be exciting discovering what is to come and which big artists are preparing new songs. Make sure you investigate Kate Tempest's new album, Let Them Eat Chaos. Hers is one of the strongest from 2016. Aside from that, Green Day have released a return-to-form in Revolution Radio. To be honest, that is just the tip of things - have a look at all the quality albums that are coming up and have just been dropped.

TRACK REVIEW: Life Aquatic Band - The Fault

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Life Aquatic Band

The Fault

 

9.6/10

The Fault is available at:

https://soundcloud.com/lifeaquaticband/the-fault

RELEASE DATE:

August 2016

GENRE:

Indie; Folk

ORIGIN:

Sheffield/Leicester, U.K.

____________________

OCTOBER is now upon us and I have been thinking about...

the bands and artists that will make an impact in 2017. It has been an eventful and prosperous (musical) year: one where some heroic albums have come about; artists that could well last many years to come. Over the last nine months; I have been delighted by the variation and courage coming across. Maybe this year has not quite seen some future stars pop through – those acts you know will be around for the long-term – but I have seen plenty of artists that will be making music (I am sure) for a very long time. Success and critical acclaim is something I want to mention first; looking at the bands up the country that are showing originality and ways the music industry can support the finest acts emerging. Before I come to Ben Allen’s Life Aquatic Band; it would be shrewd to start by investigating what we (myself to a degree: journalists and the media) can do to support musicians better. I am still finding too many disgruntled and angry artists that are being spat out by promoters and critics – having to fight in the trenches without necessary support. I am not suggesting every single act should be lauded and promulgated by critics and P.R. bodies – that would be impossible, unfair and unrealistic to the say the least. What I mean is so many terrific musicians are getting bum deals and being overlooked. Whether reviewers are overlooking their music or promoters are being rather deceitful. I am naming no name – of the musicians involved – but it is troubling finding so many unhappy people in the industry. I guess it is challenging ensuring everyone is given a fair shake: music is such a busy, crowded and undisciplined industry; things like this are bound to happen. Going forward, one begs the question: is there a way to encourage new musicians in but ensure (those that arrive) are cared-for more astutely and there is a great sense of fairness? It might seem like an unconnected point – like so many of my ‘tangents’ are – but it applies to every musician I review. With regards Ben Allen and his band, Life Aquatic Band: one knows some warranty and guardianship is going to be needed. They are a fine young act that although led by Allen, are a collective that has been together for a little while now.

Life Aquatic Band are one of many young acts around Sheffield and the Midlands that make me feel there are some areas that need more exploration. I was thinking the same thing during my recent review of Sheffield-based band FloodHounds – a group that ensures many eyes are cast to Yorkshire. Life Aquatic Band is split – in terms of lineage and heritage – between Sheffield and Leicester and, once more, shows there is more to music than that which emanates from London. I know I am guilty of keeping my sights honed to London but I’m discovering there are some agile and wonderful artists playing all around the U.K. Perhaps the lack of opportunities and quietness – a subject I have raised so shall not go into too much detail – is forcing artists to abandon their hometowns and flock to the city. The knock-on effect of that is the over-crowding and suffocation. I am finding a lot of London-based acts struggling to get gigs and earn money due to the sheer weight of competition. To my mind, there is still more quality and variation to be discovered in bigger cities (as opposed to the towns) but Life Aquatic are a band who seem to be settled where they are. It is not something I will beat around much, only to say there is plenty of activity happening around the U.K. Not too much is known about the Midlands band except an intriguing name – not to be confused with the 2004 Wes Anderson-directed film. If the guys omit the ‘the’ that is not to say they do not boast a comparative blend of eccentricity, quixotic and richness. I am not sure whether their name was directly inspired by the film but it gets one thinking. In terms of the social media output and transparency – there is a definite sense of secrecy or lack of backstory. The music sings loudest and tells you a little but it would be savvy were the band to put a bit more of themselves on the page. I often bring this up with regards musicians that keep it bare on social media. Given the competition, usefulness of social media and short attention spans of listeners – not many excuses for musicians to be a little remiss with regards biography and detail. I suppose Life Aquatic are fairly new off the block so the flesh will arrive in the coming months. The bones are awfully sturdy and exciting (negating some of the shortfall) but it would be good were they to campaign for interviews. Getting some blogs/journalists pressing them and probing will not only promote them/the music but provide that all-important revelation and personalisation. That should be present in their intentions and I am sure many would love to quiz Allen and how he got things started.

Part of what distinguishes Life Aquatic Band and sets them up is that original sound and eagerness. It is incredibly tough ranking new bands as there are so many out there – many of whom are playing the same sounds. While Life Aquatic Band have some like-minded peers: what one gets from my featured artists is the unwillingness to replicate other groups. You hear so many bands/musicians that mention their influences without bringing their own personalities into music. It can be depressing suffering through so many acts knowing just what they are trying to do – copycat their heroes – and that is a problem that needs to be tackled. Happily, Life Aquatic Band are not a group that makes you think about artists. They have their influences (I shall touch on this in the main review) but, for the most part, the freshness and originality overcome. They play Indie and Alternative but imbued with more melody and character than so many out there. Although Life Aquatic Band are, in their Facebook words, an experimentation between university students – it is Ben Allen who is up-front and the centre. Jonny Poole is producer (on The Fault) and is a long-term collaborator with the band. It will be fascinating finding out how Allen and the band progress and what they come up with next. The Fault is a song born out of a creative need for expression and a fine vein of inspiration. Few can deny there is a lack of energy and originality in the camp of Life Aquatic Band; that will lead to some wonderful things in the coming year. The Fault has garnered a handful of effusive comments but deserves wider exposure and spotlight.

The Fault is the latest cut from Life Aquatic Band and the finest statement so far. Some fans will prefer the slightly earlier work but I think The Fault captures because of its stunning production and nuance – a song that you will come back to and manages to get straight into the head. I will go into more depth but it is worth taking a closer look at the past work from Allen. What I Did was released a few years ago and is a sparse and atmospheric song that features dual vocals (Chloe Hayward; one assumes)- then, The Native consisted Chloe Hayward and Ben Allen. Part of the What I Did Sessions; the raw and sensual Blues licks and interplay shines through. Both voices have time in the spotlight but are at their strongest when united and blended together. Our hero is slowing down and finding the pace of life a little tough. His actions are not speaking louder than words and one can hear that confusion and anger – not knowing where things went wrong in life. The musicianship throughout is superb and so many emotions and colours come out of the guitars. Lyrically, it is personal but has a universal side to it. Allen has a whiskey-soaked croon and carries the song with that gravitas and emotion. Allen looks around and seeks answers: why he is being treated this way and why life is spitting him out. It is quite a harsh and emotive subject but one that never feels too heavy and intense. Guitar licks give What I Did a sense of movement and groove; the dueted segments are passionate, rich and graceful. I’m Alright is even more tender and evocative than its counterpart. Yearning strings and spine-tingling notes reign from the speakers and get into the heart. Of course, these recordings were made during the incarnation of The Native. Even though the songs were recorded a few years back: one can hear some nods to the current work and the themes being explored. Perhaps more personal and insular than tracks like The Fault; bringing more Folk elements into the music. I Met Myself Today, Political Song #1 and What I’ll Be are the most recent songs from Life Aquatic Band and show different inspirations and sounds. I Met Myself Today is a gentle and touching song that finds Allen musing about life with a hole in his head – looking out the window and is a contemplative mood. Acoustic strings are spirited and riparian; the interplay of voices creates a depth and touching beauty to the song.

Political Song #1 finds Allen evoke memories of early-days Bob Dylan to an extent – certainly in terms of guitar playing. The themes are similar but have a modern edge. Challenging racism and the types the champagne-guzzling types – it is a song with a clear conscience and anger. Maybe motivated by recent political events – the song was released a year ago – it seems to have predicted Brexit dislocation and the rise of Trump. Among the racists and voting public: Allen seems aghast at the elements in society that are either disproportionally wealthy or struggle to get their voices heard. It is a song that deserves fonder unpicking and one that seems to be ever-relevant and speaks for so many people. What I’ll Be sees Allen go more into Dylan-esque realms (released about six months ago) and expose a real talent for pronunciation and delivery. Words are emphasised and elongated; precise at times and stretched the next. The blasé and ignorant are assessed in the song. Those that do not take medication and have a casual attitude to life and wisdom. It is another interesting song whose lyrics go beyond the ordinary and highlights a talent with an original voice and special take on life. You get drawn into the song and get lost in the gripping narrative and wonderful characters being assessed. It is here you get the biggest impression of a full-band sound. Gone are the male-female vocal bond and slighter Folk sound. Now, on What’ll Be, is a deeper and fuller sound with percussion and accompanying strings. It retains the Folk basis but steps into Indie without compromising the established sound of Life Aquatic Band. You can hear the development and growth throughout those three songs and an act growing stronger and more assured. Allen is a prolific and strong songwriter who seems able to take his lyrics in all sorts of directions and speak to people directly. This is true of The Fault which takes off from where What’ll Be finishes and shows Life Aquatic Band at their absolute peak.

The aforementioned song has been shared across Facebook and one feels would be a great inclusion on a future E.P. It is the strings combination that intrigues and first noticed on the song. Scuffed and racing acoustic/electric notes blend with yearning Classical sounds to provide a mixture of emotions and possibilities. You are intrigued by the more seductive and restrained half but wonder if the accelerated sound will overtake and define the track. Despite the balance and difference of the two parts: it hangs together beautifully and gives The Fault a terrific start. The hero races and gets his words out with urgency. He lies awake in bed and feels a sense of suffocation and self-doubt. Maybe motivated by a general weight – issues in life and doubts about his role – or a particular person – the lyrics strike straight away and get into the mind. Looking out the window in a state of ecstasy: he has another body next to his; perhaps ignoring those out the window. “Don’t medicate my mind” Allen sings: it is not his time and he seems to be shrugging off the hands of those trying to control him. Perhaps the most oblique and inscrutable song from Life Aquatic Band so far – it is also one of the most realised and adventurous, too. The strings jump and dance and give the song a fluidity, unexpectedness and spirit. Not quite pure Folk or fully embracing Alternative sounds: a track that is hard to pin down but one that will fascinate you in every moment. Not sure what is up with constant grieving – “I’m only leaving” – you get investigations of mortality and, one suspects, love. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has someone with them but perhaps things have just ended. The Fault gives impressions of earthquakes and fault lines; caught between tectonic plates and experiencing a natural disaster. If you delve more into the lyrics; one gets flickers of a man who needs to run and escape but is trying to reconcile with the here and now. It is hard to define and explain but everyone will have their own interpretation of events. What fascinates me most is how the words are delivered and accompanied. Allen’s inflections and change-of-speed-and-direction style mean every line sounds different and resonates.

Few singers and musicians take the time to differentiate and distinguish their words but Allen is keen every sentiment hits the mark. Backed by constantly engaging strings – one wonders how many other musicians went into the mix – it is a song that continues to grip with every second. “You can’t fear what you cannot know” is one of the deeper lines: arriving after a machine-gun roll of ecumenical asides and tangles with self-investigation and social philosophy. Allen is a songwriter who portrays love and life scenarios but avoids tropes and clichés. In fact, it is not until several listens down the line one starts to get a better understanding of what is being said. It is a song that will always see various people speculate and question where it originates. On the one hand, there is a potential relationship quandary and conversation between two lovers. Perhaps they are on different pages and each trying to explain their sides. On the other, one feels there are more general and personal themes being addressed. The hero clearly has a desire to change life and discover something purer – oblique lyrics and some intelligent wordplay always keep true origins a little clouded. That not only makes the song one you feel compelled to revisit but showcases a songwriter who wants to keep some his cards close to the chest. Woozy electronic guitars (just after the chorus) have little smatters of The Coral whilst the chorus itself is hard to compare with anyone. One of the great things about Life Aquatic Band is how they remain beyond comparison and seem to be doing their own thing. The Fault is constantly spirited and energetic. The guitars rouse whilst the vocal delivery is impassioned and determined throughout. If it is hard to truly crack the enigma that is Allen’s mind; you have a blast diving into the song and speculating.

The Fault is a song that has a live sound to it and one that will go across very well in the live setting. I would love to see the song performance and how crowds react to it. The Fault is not restricted to a certain audience and genre and, as such, could find appreciation on many different radio stations. I have heard similar songs premiered on ‘6 Music and that would be something I could see happening – The Fault played on one of their shows. By the final notes; you want the song to continue. If mortality is inane and pointless; if our hero is only being who he is – you are thankful he remains one of the most original and fresh songwriters around. Like I said a bit earlier: I can imagine an E.P. coming and would love to hear The Fault on it. I am not sure how Life Aquatic Band is set-up with regards its membership. Clearly, at various junctures, there are other musicians and collaborators that come into the fold, but for the most part, it is Allen who shines through. Jonny Poole’s production should not be overlooked. He manages to bring all the disparate threads and ambitions together cohesively and give the song a polish (so you can understand what is being sung) but ensures its beating heart is quite raw and open. That is a hard trick to pull off so congratulations should be delivered his way. A stunning song from an artist (and band) that continues to impress and grow.

Life Aquatic Band changed their name from The Native to L.A.B. The name might have changed but the music and talent have remained firm and impressive. The Fault has lo-fi charm and a homemade feel but a song that could easily seduce across a number of radio stations. I have mooted the possibility of more material and it would be good to hear an E.P. from the collective in 2017. Ben Allen is a prolific and standalone songwriter and not someone who rigidly sticks to the tried-and-worn subjects of love and relationship perils. The music world is flooded by those kinds of acts and we need to embrace those who are more striking and thoughtful. From penning politically-motivated numbers to those that cast a net on societal imbalances – an intelligent and sage songwriter who pens songs with meaning and food for thought. Against this serious penmanship is an accessible and engaging set of compositions that is sure to catch the ear of outlets bigger than I. Most bands are quite obvious and have a clear-cut history and straight lineage. There is a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to Life Aquatic Band. Allen has been writing for a long time but there is a bit of mystique when it comes to other members and bandmates. Essentially, the partnership of Allen and producer Jonny Poole defines the music and is a bond I hope to see continue for a long time to come. It is challenging remaining in music and managing to get the focus of labels and venues. I have speculated before – ways to make it easier for artists to get their just dues – and it is something that has no easy answer. As with any profession – those who want to succeed and climb – you just need to persevere and keep your head held high. So many have called it time and found the lack of attention too much to handle; money stresses and little gig opportunity has meant some fantastic acts have ended way before their time. The ones that endure and transition into the mainstream are those that keep the soul strong and find ways to overcome hurdles. Similar in tone and nature to the earlier incarnation of Life Aquatic Band – that gentility and stunning beauty reigns through. Among the heart-stopping notes and wonderful Folk strings – there are some heavy subjects and weighty issues being address. Allen is looking into himself and comes with an air of inscrutability. You get a sense of a man carrying on and persevering but not sure if life in general or love’s perils are causing heartache.

It is quite sad and angering there is no more in place to safeguard and secure great music. I feel we are in an age where music-making is easier and affordable as ever. D.I.Y. productions and sounds are starting to overtake studio-made music – the sheer cost of stepping into a studio is putting so many off. I am rather split about the debate and find advantages in both camps. Studios need to survive and continue as they are the natural house of music. If you did not have studios then music would suffer and be less rich; you would not have the variation and quality that we have at the moment. It is axiomatic to say inflation will always exist and mean costs are going to keep rising. Studio bosses and chiefs have to make a living but, to my mind, the prices are higher than they should be. How many bands have to work second jobs and busk endlessly just to be able to get into a studio and record a single track? It is a depressing statistic and realisation we are facing. In terms of overriding and controlling the issue; what can we do about it? D.I.Y. recordings, as I said, are favoured by many as they provide a less expensive option for new musicians. If you can afford a microphone, basic recording equipment and whatever instruments you need: a world of music awaits and the chance to put together a song/E.P./album. Technologies like iPads and tablets are providing musicians with an array of sounds and effects; gadgets and a one-click connect to the wider world. This is an option for many but not a realistic, long-term solution. Luckily, there are artists that manage to balance the expense of the studio with the honesty of home-made recordings and ensure their career continues. Ben Allen’s Life Aquatic Band is mainly homely and small-scale but someone who has seen time in the studio. Perhaps finances will dictate and limit his scope going forward but one hopes he manages to get a few days in a studio and lay down a three/four-track E.P. The past year has been eventful and seen the band/project develop and strengthen. The Fault is the most confident and instant song from the band so far and warrants airplay across national radio for sure. Whether that will arrive and how long it will take; it is hard to ignore the quality and talent that runs throughout The Fault.

I will sign-off by recapping and summarising the earlier points about artists outside the capital and what artists can do to aid themselves. Sheffield-based Life Aquatic Band are making sure Yorkshire is in the mindset and getting focus. I have extolled the virtues of Leeds in past posts – a city that is more varied and unique than any others – and what a variation they have. That is the thing with Yorkshire: a county that mixes genres and time periods and is not as rigid and commercial than London. I find Yorkshire’s musicians are contemporary and fresh but there are those who evoke past times and bring together oft-forgotten musical styles and give it a retro. gleam. From the ‘30/’40s-Swing movements-via-Electro. of Little Violet (who return soon) to a cavalcade of Doo-Wop/Bluegrass artists – a colourful and wonderful world of music. London musicians are capable of this kind of quirkiness and wonder but not to the same scale. Ben Allen is a musician who has one foot in the future and one eye to the past. His lyrics address the modern world and concerns but the compositions and sounds tie together strands of other genres and ideas. I have rambled enough so shall end it by recommending Allen and Life Aquatic Band keep going strong and make a lot more music. Get the social media pages fuller – a few more photos and some biography perhaps – and update the Twitter account – it has not been used or utilised for a long time. One of the ways of getting the music to new ears is to gain new fans. If social media pages are sparse and there is less self-promotion then it is going to be hard getting people engaged and discovering what you do. The Fault is a great song and there is a world on Twitter that would love to share it. The song needs more pushing and if the Twitter account is not properly maintained then that can mean a lot of fans will pass by. Allen is a great songwriter and someone who can attract legions if he wants. Hopefully, he will get onto that and show confidence in his music. On Facebook, there is more movement and followers but one feels more people are out there. I guess full recognition and popularity will come with more music and one feels 2017 is the year Life Aquatic Band get that nod. More stable and defined than ever before: keep your eyes firmly on a wonderful musical force. The Fault is a brilliant song that shows Life Aquatic Band are one of Britain’s standalone acts and have ammunition to keep playing for many years to come. Put the song on and turn it up loud…

AND get carried away.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276527017" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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Follow Life Aquatic Band

 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/lifeaquaticbandLAB/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/lifeaquaticband

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/lifeaquaticband

INTERVIEW: Michael Jablonka

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Michael Jablonka

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HAVING just played alongside the Mercury Prize-nominated…

Michael Kiwanuka: Michael Jablonka has just unveiled the sensational single, Mantra. The song is slick and awash with Hendrix-influenced harmonics. Mantra depicts a relationship’s dying flickers and sees a desperate, yet resigned, lover accept his fate. Little bits of Jeff Buckley and Bob Dylan can be heard in the narrative; there are elements of Blues masters and a huge dollop of a twenty-six-year-old with an immense amount of confidence. Jablonka has been gigging since he was fourteen and is a go-to musician-for-hire for artists as lofty as Charlie Brown and Stooshe. As he embarks upon his much-anticipated solo career: I got to talk to Jablonka about the legends he has played with; his hopes for the next few months and how he came to bond with (and conquer) the guitar.

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Hey Michael. How has your week been? What have you been getting up to?

The past week has been fun and chilled. Been catching up with friends: went to the cinema as it’s been a while and saw the new Tim Burton Movie (weird and wonderful as always) and had a fair few gigs with either my band or other people. Generally keeping happy!

For those new to your music, can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Michael Jablonka: twenty-six and I’m a musician trying to succeed in this business in London.

You were born and bred in London. What is it about the capital that fascinates you and keeps you there as a musician?

London is home for me. I’m very fortunate to live in a place where so much culture and activity exists, and as a musician, it’s constantly influencing me.

Your guitar skills are hugely impressive. Were you self-taught and which guitars (brand) do you favour?

Pretty much self-taught. I had a couple lessons at school but told I was better off left to my own devices.

I’m a Strat. man personally but I do like a good Gibson every now and again too.

 

Having gigged since the age of fourteen (being twenty-six): when was the moment you decided music was your calling? Did you balance music and studies or was it a challenge doing that?

I suppose the first couple of gigs I ever played in front of a crowd sort of confirmed that for me: the freedom of performing music gives you a feeling that is indescribable. I wasn’t a very academic kid, so when sixth form came around, I could put all my energy into making music and art which was perfect.

Charlie Brown, Stooshe and Delta Maid are just a list of names you have worked with; either as a collaborator or guitar-for-hire. Who has been the most memorable to play with and what did you learn from your time playing with them?

That’s a tough one. I’ve loved my time spent with every artist I’ve been involved with.

Playing alongside Delta Maid will always remain a particularly memorable one though as that was my first true introduction to big crowds, festivals (the lot).

We’d be a two, maybe three-piece act, so it could be pretty nerve racking at times - but watching Delta absolutely own it on stage definitely helped me to disconnect from what was out in the crowd to being within the music.

At the moment, or very recently, you have toured with Michael Kiwanuka. What is Michael like away from music and do you think he should have won the Mercury Prize?

He’s awesome; Mike and the boys. He’s very calm and collected. It’s great fun to be part of the pack. It would have been amazing to see Michael win but to be honest, we were all just loving our time on stage wearing suits.

Now, you are stepping out as a bandleader and making your own music. What compelled that decision?

The last few of years were proving to be pretty difficult as a band and I feel now that there’s not so much pressure now. If the boys are unavailable there’s nothing stopping me from going out and playing an acoustic show.

Can we expect an E.P. or album in the coming year and can you tell us a bit about some of the musicians you are working with?

I’d like a lot of things to happen within the year, but for now, I do have songs to share and a new single I’ll be putting out very soon that I am itching to reveal.

I’m very fortunate to have my band. Chris Webb (bass) is an incredibly accomplished player and we’ve been playing together for about seven years now. Ed Broad (drums) joined us about a year ago and we share a lot in common musically - so it makes expressing ideas very easy.

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Mantra is your debut track and one that looks at the dying embers of a relationship. Is it a song based or personal experience or a collection of observations over the years?

It’s a bit of both really. I’ve gone through it myself and observed friends go through that too.

The chorus is raw and huge; powerful and catchy. Was the chorus the first thing you wrote (for the song) or did it just naturally flow with the rest of the song?

I had the chorus melody in my head but with very different chords. It sounded too depressing and instead I wanted the song to represent something brighter. Usually, when a chorus comes everything is dictated by that.

I imagine Jimi Hendrix is an idol of yours. Which other guitarists did you idolise growing up and do you think we have the same calibre of guitar heroes in modern music?

Hendrix is God. John Frusciante was a huge influence in the early years and still continues to be. I was  really into showman guitarists like Marc Bolan, B.B. King; Buddy Guy, Kurt Cobain - there’s so many…

Today, the guys I feel that are making a real impression are guys like Derek Trucks, Charlie Hunter; Doyle Bramhall II to name a few. They all have a voice that is truly theirs.

What does the rest of this year hold for you? Any plans for more tour dates or music?

I’m constantly trying to write so I hope to be (releasing even more) music and keep growing as an artist. Next couple of months are gonna be on the road with other guitarin’ duties - but I have a couple of gigs in the pipeline when I’m back and getting ready for an exciting year ahead.

Having already achieved so much already: what do you hope to achieve in your career? What dreams and ambitions do you hold?

It’s early days for my career at the moment but I’d really love to be travelling with my band: making more of a living with my own music.

Having the time to experiment and create with different artists and genres... A Mercury Award would be pretty sweet too!

If you had to choose five albums to take away on a desert island – getting a bit Desert Island Discs! – which would you bring and why?

Kind of Blue by Miles Davis - simply because it is probably the greatest moment caught in modern day music.

Since I Left You by The Avalanches - I discover something completely new every time I listen to this record. They are geniuses!

Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers - this was my grail when first starting out

Nirvana’s best of - I love Nevermind too, but all the hits on this record reminds me of school with the very small group of people into Nirvana and feeling like we were the only ones in the world that knew about them.

A HENDRIX RECORD - I literally can’t decide because this opened up my whole world to discovering every Blues hero known to man. There probably should be a lot more Blues in my choices but I can hear all of my heroes in Hendrix

For musicians and other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps: what advice would you offer them?

I’d say just stay true to what you really love and do what feels right for yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song (other than one of yours as I’ll put that in) and I’ll play it here…

Jeff Buckley - So Real

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcaxrqhUJ4c&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Michael Jablonka

 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/michaeljablonkaofficial/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jablonka01

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/michael_jablonka/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jablonka-music

INTERVIEW: Matt Gresham

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Matt Gresham

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IT is not often I get to feature Australian talent…

on these pages (something I lament) but Matt Gresham (A.K.A. Gresham) is a young artist with a serious following behind him. His latest single, Survive on Love, is out now (released on his own Trigger Records label). Rolling Stone have claimed the single is equal parts anthemic and reflective. No doubt Matt’s soulful vocal and the minimal basslines help: the electronic flourishes and soul-speaking compositional notes go a long way to causing shivers. Recorded in London with Scott Horscroft (Birds of Tokyo; Silverchair) and co-written by Jaymes Young (London Grammar; David Guetta) there is a lot of excitement and spotlight on the young master. Having graduated and evolved from his appearance on 2013’s X Factor (in Australia): a string of shows at SXSW and award wins are just the tip of the iceberg. I got time to question Matt Gresham on his rise and highlights; an insight into Survive on Love and his musical plans for the future.

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7G5dS3c45M&w=560&h=315]

Hey Matt Gresham. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey hey! Very well thank you. It's been incredible. Just spent three days on a songwriters’ camp creating music with people from all over the world; played an acoustic show unplugged in a super-old Hamburg museum - it had the best acoustic ever.

For those new to your music: can you introduce yourself, please?

Certainly.

My name is Matt Gresham: I'm a singer-songwriter from Perth, Western Australia. I'm currently living in Berlin after recently signing with Warner Germany.

I'm a huge fan of storytelling through music: I grew up in a house where words were very important; my mother being a poet and my brother an acoustic guitar player, I naturally inherited the gift of sound.

Your first real exposure in music was Australian X Factor in 2013. You left to pursue your own music. Was it a hard decision leaving the show and what was the moment you released you had to leave and go it alone?

The decision was very hard. The show really helped me develop confidence and a strong work ethic but, in the end, it just wasn’t the direction I wanted to go.

But I don't regret it at all: it was a great experience and I learnt a lot.

Your track Whiskey followed in 2014. What inspired the song and how did it feel when it won Song of the Year at Western Australian Music Awards?

Yes, wow that was an honour.

The song is a reflection of a very dark time in my life.

My partner had recently left me - we were married actually - and I was having trouble accepting that it was over - so the song, for me, was a healing song; getting out all the heavy emotions that come along with a break-up.

Having been born and raised in Australia; what is the music scene like there? Being based in Berlin, I am curious which Australian acts you would recommend to the readers?

Well, Western Australia is a very isolated place so the music that comes from there can be a little less influenced by the rest of the mainstream world (which I feel is great).

There are tonnes of amazing artists you should check out: Jaryd Jaymes and Guy Sebastian for sure.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k6fRs2aRIg&w=560&h=315]

Small Voices was the previous single on the label. Can you tell us about the song and what the inspiration was for writing it?

Small Voices is a song I wrote with an amazing writer/producer from L.A., Jaymes Young.

The original concept for the song was about my mother being forced to live a city life and how she missed Mother Nature - which was When Jaymes and I got together. The song evolved into a story about a man missing his daughter from a prison cell - and all the emotions that come from losing someone. It’s funny how songs evolve and the same emotion thread, though a song can work with so many concepts.

Small Voices was recorded by Scott Horscroft and co-written by James Young. What was it like working with those guys?

Scott Horscroft is an amazing human. We got along really well sharing a lot of interests musically (and also) outside of music.

When he gets in the zone he has amazing ideas, which I loved instantly. The same goes for Jaymes - it was like a natural brotherhood.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXEBrLjTQLc&w=560&h=315]

Tell us about your new single.

My new track, Survive on Love, in my opinion, is the most important song I have created. It's simple but beautiful message can resonate with all people instantly and I really feel the track can help people smile and break down walls in society.

We filmed the clip here in Berlin it really shows the culture and art throughout berlin. I love this city.

Many critics, in Australia and worldwide, have complimented your voice and highlighted the balance of emotions and layers that go into it. Which singers have been most important to you with regards your own voice? 

That's very nice to hear. I’m flattered.

I grew up listening to my mother sing, so she was the first voice I heard - my favourite and forever will be.

She also played a lot of Cat Stevens and Paul Simon in the house when I was growing up and I was constantly singing along. I think my biggest inspiration - not necessarily someone I sound like but for the amount of emotion and soul in his vocal - would have to be Ben Harper.

You’ve relocated to Berlin and signed with Warner Germany. How does Berlin differ to Australia and are you excited by this new venture?

From what I have seen so far I think Berlin as a city is a lot more open and accepting of all kinds of people. It's beautiful.  You see crews of people all dressed totally different; hanging out and getting along. To me, that says a lot. The music scene here is very open and you feel more self-expressive and not afraid to truly be yourself. The downside is there's no surf so I have to fly to France every now and then.

Being located in Germany will give you a chance to tour Europe more easily. Are there any new dates coming up and how is the rest of the year shaping up?

Yeah. I'm playing a show in Austria in a few days and have a few writing sessions set up in Norway with some pretty cool cats.

Just played my first show in Berlin at this really great music night - some amazing writers and performers on the bill. Was a great night.

Can we expect new material before the end of this year?

I’m looking more at the beginning of next year. Really only just put Survive on Love out into the world and I’m enjoying watching it spread like wildfire. It seems to really be connecting with people across the globe which is exciting.

Looking back at 2016: which moments have stood in your mind?

I had the opportunity to work with my favourite Hip-Hop artist, Talib Kwelli. That was my dream as a young kid growing up watching 411 skate videos on tape; hearing D.J. Premier and Talib on some of the skate sections was rad. Was honestly a dream come true and can’t wait to share the track.

A lot of singers and musicians will be inspired to follow you into music. What advice would you offer them?

Always speak up if something doesn't feel right; don't rush; be yourself; spread love.

And trust the universe: there always a bigger picture than what you can see right now. Finally, and for being a good egg, you can name any song you like; I’ll play it here… 

Pharoahe Monch - Let My People Go.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iTxU_Zwi2c&w=560&h=315]

______________________

Follow Matt Gresham

 

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FEATURE: The October Playlist: Vol. 1

FEATURE:

 

The October Playlist: Vol. 1

___________________

JUST five days into the month of October…

and there are already some rather tasty songs surfacing. From Solange and Pixies to Empire of the Sun and Bon Iver: fantastic and memory-lodged music that is ensuring the colder, shorter days are given some necessary fire and invigoration. It is with that, the first edition of October’s Playlist beckons and a run-down of the freshest and finest songs around. The coming days are likely to put some fantastic tunes into the ether; so I shall be prepared to catch them all and put them here.

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Mura Masa  (feat A$AP Rocky) - Love$ick

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSPnFklojpI&w=560&h=315]

Robbie Williams - Party Like a Russian

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdYGQ7B0Vew&w=560&h=315]

Hooton Tennis Club - Katy-Anne Bellis

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w95AhKZOQxA&w=560&h=315]

Pixies – Bel Esprit

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc6GyNerkHg&w=560&h=315]

The Weeknd – False Alarm (Starboy)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0zZr3zgFM&w=560&h=315]

Cashmere Cat (ft. Selena Gomez and Tony Lanez) - Trust Nobody

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9kCz5ew1hE&w=560&h=315]

Seasick Steve - Gentle on My Mind

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GnfdiS5paU&w=560&h=315]

Julia Jacklin – Hay Plain

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r4-dcMoiTo&w=560&h=315]

On-The-Go – In the Morning

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Cf6ZM1iU4&w=560&h=315]

Metallica – Moth into Flame

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tdKl-gTpZg&w=560&h=315]

Meghan Trainor (ft. Yo Gotti)- Better 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l82D-qmp4LE&w=560&h=315]

Tigertown – Papernote

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLV2O34_9pc&w=560&h=315]

DNCE – Body Moves

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALZWQGU9JE0&w=560&h=315]

Empire of the Sun – To Her Door

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiNX0BYeQT4&w=560&h=315]

Shura – 311215

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGPDKjrG9jw&w=560&h=315]

Bastille – Send Them Off!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn-6fiVkAcA&w=560&h=315]

The Chainsmokers (ft. Phoebe Ryan) – All We Know

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEi_XBg2Fpk&w=560&h=315]

Fifth Harmony - That's My Girl

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY3rIlrTTh8&w=560&h=315]

Luke Haines - Smash the System

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW_ath9-Y0E&w=560&h=315]

Zeds Dead  (ft. Twin Shadow) – Stardust

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSmYRfKOtg&w=560&h=315]

Van Morrison – Share Your Love with Me

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGHc5XuEKbg&w=560&h=315]

Solange – Don’t Touch My Hair

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTtrnDbOQAU&w=560&h=315]

JoJo (ft. Remy Ma) – Fab

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwrADhFIkSU&w=560&h=315]

XYLØ - Dead End Love

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEGKHPwIMUM&w=560&h=315]

Bon Iver - 666 ʇ

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96t0rlPmn2E&w=560&h=315]

Two Door Cinema Club – Bad Decisions

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ8_alfIHYI&w=560&h=315]

Anne-Marie - Breathing Fire

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdXqGQsIgE4&w=560&h=315]

Kero Kero Bonito - Trampoline

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01pIo37feKw&w=560&h=315]

The Well – Drug from the Banks

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBfR3hCqB94&w=560&h=315]

Joanne Shaw Taylor – Dyin’ to Know

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijXB2z-Y04Y&w=560&h=315]

Skinny Lister – Devil In Me

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNXnrpZIKa0&w=560&h=315]

Toothless (ft. The Staves) - The Sirens

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCk-DZxiAVM&w=560&h=315]

Ms. Henrik - Like Lovers Do

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngUyh6QYg_Q&w=560&h=315]

Kings of Leon – WALLS

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdF41Ne2cnQ&w=560&h=315]

Swet Shop Boys - T5

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Yb8AWXgLI&w=560&h=315]

Nils Bech – Waiting

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP7Lajn1Bn4&w=560&h=315]

Liv Dawson - Reflection 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-a1o4KzWWc&w=560&h=315]

October is kicking off with plenty of intention and fantastic sounds. The likes of Green Day and Hooton Tennis Club release albums in the coming days/weeks and will give the music world a serious injection of energy and excitement. Keep the eyes peeled for upcoming songs and the best of early-October.