INTERVIEW: Albert Man

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Albert Man

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IN my quest to discover solo musicians that have the potential to go…

all the way in this industry: sometimes I scour the desert floor without so much as a quick thirst quench. With regards Albert Man, you have rivers and oceans of potential – enough to not only quench the senses but drown the body. Not only has he recorded at Pete Townshend’s barge studio (Grand Cru Studio) but played gigs at Caffe Nero – as part of a series promoting promising artists in the country. I chat to Man about his upbringing and past music; how his forthcoming E.P., Nothing of Nothing Much, will differ from his album, Cheap Suit. He provides frank, detailed and illustrative answers: talking about his Christmas plans and working with Rews’ Collette Williams – another duo (with Shauna Tee) who will be owning large parts of 2017.

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Hi Albert. How are you? How has your week been?

Good, thanks. Just been busy promoting the new E.P. and rehearsing for my last gig of 2016: supporting HamsandwicH at The Borderline on the 6th of December. I just played a solo gig at Caffe Nero at Heathrow Terminal 2 last Sunday too - which is always fun as they have a nice grand piano there for me to play. Last night, I heading to a gig at the Bedford in Balham – Caffe Nero are presenting three emerging artists. It’s a night off for me though so I’ll just have a beer and enjoy the show!

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

I write piano-led, melodic Pop songs and am based in London. I write Classic Pop and have been likened to that of Ben Folds, Billy Joel; Adam Levine, Randy Newman and Elvis Costello (to name a few). I’m very much involved in the London Music scene having played over forty gigs in London in 2016. I released a four-track EP in 2015; an eleven-track album earlier this May and have a new six-track EP coming out on February 3^rd, 2017 - which is already available for pre-order on iTunes (www.albertman.com/preorder)

You are half-German and born in Manchester – but now reside in London. Where is the best place for music would you say? Is there a huge difference between German and British audiences, for instance?

I’ve never actually lived in Germany but have toured over there with previous bands. The German audiences are really receptive and you get the five-star treatment.

London is great for music: every night of the week you can watch live music somewhere. This also means the London music scene is oversaturated and the audiences are sometimes less receptive just because they’re spoilt for choice.

I think you can build a good local following in smaller towns around the country. Manchester is a big city too and has a strong music scene as well, though. I’ve only ever played one gig there (at Night and Day).

London must be a wonderful city for new musicians. What it like from a creative standpoint and is it a relief venues like Fabric have survived – does that give you hope in the venue scene there?

Music Venue Trust held a night at the Roundhouse called Fightback (back) in October this year - to support the live music scene to try and protect U.K. grassroots music venues. It’s really important that these venues stay open and that London remains one of the world’s most culturally-rich cities - especially for music. There are always venues and musicians to play with in London which is great. I love learning about other musicians as much as I enjoy playing my own gigs.

You have recently played #BLOGTOBER and some great gigs this year. Which stands in the mind as particularly memorable?

Some of my favourite gigs of the year would include my recent gig at The Hospital Club - for Vin’s Night In - The O2 Priority Lounge before Muse (got a free ticket to the show too!); Jimmy’s Farm for his Harvest Festival; The Verdi Room at the Royal Albert Hall; Sofar Sounds in Liverpool; the Coffee Music Project final at 229 The Venue; The Grand Social over in Dublin and Oxjam Clapham Music Festival at The Sun. I’ve recently started playing with a band so that’s always more fun. I’m hoping my next gig at The Borderline supporting HamsandwicH is going to be a highlight too!

Cheap Suit is your album (released this year). It gained huge praise and lauded by radio and critics. Were you surprised by the reaction and what has the reception been like – from the live audiences – towards the record?

It was really nice to have the record praised by radio and music blogs. It was loads of work so I’m just glad the people who heard it seemed to like it.

It means a lot and makes the late nights all the more worthwhile! :) I even got it pressed onto vinyl too which I have always wanted to do so very happy about that. People seem to like the songs when I play them live. It’s funny how you have your favourites and then someone will come up after the show and tell you the one they really liked. It’s always something different from what you think and what other people have said.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/283855999" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

 Nothing of Nothing Much is your forthcoming E.P. What can you tell us about the songs/themes on the E.P. and what was it like recording at Pete Townshend’s barge studio?

The barge studio was great. It’s such a relaxing studio with wood panelling on the walls and ceiling. You also get loads of natural light in there which isn’t always the case with a lot of studios in central London. Apparently, you could go off sailing and still record though I think it’s mostly stationary these days. There are a couple of upbeat tracks and three ballads.

I Feel Like Dancing is the first single and it’s about how music is all you really need to have a good time and take your mind off any crap that might be happening in your life. Diamond in the Rough came out of a co-write and is about a relationship where the woman in question chooses money over love. Shotgun was written during the height of summer this year - and really captures the essence of summer for me. It’s just a fun upbeat track about going for a ride in the sun with that special someone.

You Had Me at Hello is a heartfelt ballad about how time gets the better of us all and how nice it would be to go back to the first “hello” with the one you love. It’s recorded with Collette Williams on backing vocals and - who also played drums on the tracks. Her vocal is quite high in the mix, though - so it almost sounds more like a duet. I really like how it turned out: it’s always fun coming up with ideas in the studio.

Do You Think About Me? was the first song I wrote from this collection and is about the pain and regret that comes with a relationship breakup. My songs don’t tend to come from personal experience; I just like to make up a story or situation and get creative with it.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265514681" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

How would you say the E.P. differs from Cheap Suit? Is there a stylistic/sound change or can fans expect something quite similar?

I think it’s quite different. There’s different musicians playing on both and the songs from Cheap Suit spanned quite a long time - so even on the album, there are songs which feel quite different. The E.P. was all written quite quickly and recorded even quicker (in just three days). The album took about a year from recording to releasing.

I wanted to get this E.P. done faster. I think the new songs are a bit more grown up: I’ve tried to write songs that people can connect with more than with some of my earlier stuff.

Working with a producer meant the tracks perhaps sound a bit different too, the album was all self-produced.

I believe the E.P. started as a live session in Dublin with a group of local musicians. How come you were in the city and what was the first song you recorded for the E.P.?

My wife and manager, Manoja, is really good at making connections and earlier in the year we had some photos taken by Dara Munnis: a Dublin-based photographer who’s really well connected to the music scene in Dublin. I had a gig at the Grand Social in Dublin this past August and Dara helped set up a recording session at his house with a bunch of local musicians - performing my track You Had Me at Hello whilst we were there. This version is now a bonus track on the E.P. and you can watch the session on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EL2ilHAfv0. It’s one of the highlights of the year for me. It was good fun playing with those guys and enjoyed collaborating on the parts just on the same night.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EL2ilHAfv0&w=560&h=315]

 You Had Me at Hello finds you working with Rews’ Collette Williams – who I am very aware of. What was it like working with her and which other musicians can we expect on the record?

Collette is really nice and great to work with. She just got it straight away. We were recording drums with her for an entire day - having only a couple of hours for her to lay down some vocal tracks. She has an amazing voice, too (which was a bonus)!

Dara came over from Dublin and recorded piano on one track and Sarah Lynch - who was also part of that recording session out in Ireland; came over too to put some violin on the tracks. We had Joe Garvey who is another singer-songwriter on the London circuit come and join us for an evening to put vocals and guitar on a track I co-wrote with him. The producer, Rhys Downing, put guitars on all the tracks and worked solidly for three days on the E.P. It’s always great to work with a producer you trust and get on with so well.

Critics have compared you to everyone from Adam Levine to Billy Joel. Which artists were important you growing up?

David Bowie was really important to me growing up and still is now. I used to record songs from Labyrinth onto tape recorded from the T.V. I was always a fan of The Doors too - maybe because of Ray Manzarek keyboard playing. I’ve always liked a bit of Elvis - especially that ‘68 Comeback Special and I visited Graceland a few years back. I was really into my Manchester bands as well when I was younger; Joy Division and the Stone Roses. I love glossy American bands like Huey Lewis and the News, too. It’s a wide range and all of these have been influential to me.

One of the things that amazes me is how professional and full your press release is – how much information is available to the media. Do you think too few artists expend this effort and consideration?

It’s hard to know really. A lot of stuff you send out for reviews (etc.) is all done privately so I’m not really sure how other artists approach it. It really does take a lot of time though and you really have to spend a lot of time on it. If you as an artist can’t be bothered making what you have to offer as appealing and as easily accessible as possible then why should anyone take the time to try and find out what you’re all about. The social media stuff is obviously out there for everyone to see and interact with, and it is a lot of work, too.

Again, I think you need to do it and you reach more people than you think with it. You also need to know more than just how to play and sing.

Today’s D.I.Y. ethos is so necessary in order to make an impact. You need to make and edit your own videos: record and mix your own music, create your own artwork and graphics; take care of your own website as well as be your own P.R. and press agent.

It’s just impossible to pay for someone else to take care of all that and to be honest - nobody is going to care as much about it as yourself.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll40MvJp_CQ&w=560&h=315]

Who are the artists you are tipping for success in 2017?

You already mentioned Rews earlier, and in addition to them, I would say Craig Gallagher and The King's Parade. I think these guys are only going to get bigger in 2017.

It is almost Christmas time once more. Where will you be spending it this year? Any presents high on the wish-list?

I’m obsessed with wires and cables. I love having spare cables and extra XLR leads and adapters that I’ll probably never use but may need one day. I also like buying stuff for my live sound or home studio. I’m looking into a portable sixteen-track recorder at the minute to record some live gigs easily - so I’ll get Santa on the case! Amazon seems to sell everything I need these days so Amazon gift vouchers for me would be the way forward to anyone listening ;). Christmas will be spent between Manchester and London. Looking forward to seeing the family.

Is there any particular advice you’d provide new musicians coming through?

Like I said before: you need to do everything yourself. If you don’t know how to do something such as make a video: you can learn how to do it. You don’t have to be an expert in any of it so long as you know the basics.

Also, work with a manager who really believes in you and is proactive at getting you gigs and putting your name out there. Try to make everything you do as professional as you can.

I see so many badly-recorded live videos with awful sound and just think that nobody will think you’re any good. Most important of all, don’t let anyone or anything get you down. Work hard and be true to your music, people will start to notice and appreciate it.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song you like (rather than one of yours as I’ll do that) and I’ll play it here.

David Bowie - Cat People (Putting Out Fire). The original version from the movie Cat People rather than the re-recorded version on the album Let's Dance. I’d only ever heard the Let’s Dance version until I watched Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds for the first time - I was completely hooked.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P4etkexC1w&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Albert Man

PHOTO CREDIT: Arnab Ghosal Street Photography

Official:

http://www.albertman.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/albertmanmusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/albertmanmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/albertmanmusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/albertmanmusic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ39S7SVJhSWym5ilCoDpGA

INTERVIEW: SIIGHTS

INTERVIEW:

 

 

SIIGHTS

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THERE are a lot of wonderful duos coming through and it got me…

thinking about which ones will making an impact in 2017. I have a list of the ‘likely’ candidates and you can place SIIGHTS right near the top of that list. Toni and Mia (from Scotland and Ireland respectively) met last year and have already forged a sister-like bond. Dance is their latest single and an incredible, addictive and memorable track. Plans are afoot for a future E.P. – as the girls discuss in the interview – but I was keen to find out how they have reacted to the reception gained so far; how they differentiate themselves from the other duos out there and what it was like recording in L.A.

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

Yes, of course. We are SIIGHTS. We are a duo from Dublin and Scotland. Our names are Mia Fitz and Toni Etherson.

Being from two different countries (Toni from Scotland; Mia from Ireland) how was it you got together? Have you known each other for years or did you come together by chance?

We met in L.A. last year while Mia was on tour with Hozier and Toni was in the studio writing for another artist.

It may be something you have been asked before but that band name. Where did that come from?

Well. We wanted the name to represent something, and for us, SIIGHTS represents vision and looking forward - which we feel is important.

There are a lot of duos coming through right now. What distinguished SIIGHTS from the pack would you say?

Well. We write/record everything ourselves and Mia produces everything and plays all the instruments in the studio herself. We both sing lead vocals on our tracks also.

Musically, we both have very diverse tastes and backgrounds so we feel that results in us creating a really unique and fresh sound.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TcInBvPpU&w=560&h=315]

Dance is your latest video. What can you tell us about the song and the idea behind the music video?

Well. The video is centred around the importance of self-expression and having the courage to follow your dreams. We wanted to make a video that would hopefully help to inspire people to get up and try to do whatever it is that they have always wanted to do - or whatever dream they have. Life is short and it's not about having to be the best at something it's about having the courage to try.

The track was one of the first tracks we ever worked on together in the studio in L.A. so we thought it would fittingly be a nice intro to SIIGHTS.

Mia. You played all the live instruments on that track. Was it a difficult process and do you have any hard choices – with regards which guitars to use and the sound you wanted to create?

Yes, it can sometimes be hard to narrow down ideas in the studio especially when you're on a roll with a track, but usually, if a part is working you know straight away and vice versa!

The song has already received praise and great feedback. Has that been a surprise to you at all?

We have been really blown away by the response to Dance so far and are so grateful to everyone who has supported us so far.

You recorded out in L.A. What was that experience like and is it a place you’d like to record in more?

Yes, definitely; we both love L.A. and find it’s a very creative place to work. We plan on spending more time there next year and being back in the studio there again too.

Dance has that great old-skool Funk and gets the feet moving. Can we expect a future E.P. and will upcoming songs have the same sort of vibe/inspiration as Dance?

We have been working hard on lots of new music and some collaborations too. We hope to have an E.P. out 2017.

Thinking about Dance and its emphasis of self-expression: do you think it is important musicians express themselves and not hide behind labels/producers?

We definitely think it's important, for people in general, to express themselves the best way they know how. Being able to truly embrace yourself and be comfortable in your own skin is the most invaluable thing in life.

For artists, sometimes they need help to bring to life the ideas they have and collaborating with producers and labels can sometimes be a great way of achieving that.

What kind of musicians did you each grow up listening to?

Toni: As a teenager, my fave album was Brandy - Never Say Never and then I went through a phase of listening to The Rolling Stones, Oasis & Bob Dylan. I have a very diverse C.D. collection (L.O.L.)!

Mia: I grew up in a very musical family so as a child I was always around music and was exposed to a lot of different styles. My dad is a classical pianist. So, from listening to music like that to listening to artists like Stevie wonder, Michael Jackson; The Meters and The Beatles - who I think are really timeless.

If you each had to select one album that has been most important to you: which would they be and why?

Toni: Brandy - Never Say Never. I'd pick this album as I was just really discovering my voice at the time when I was introduced to this album by my big sister. I think it had a lot to do with how and why I sang.

Mia: I have a really soft spot for the album Simple Things by Zero 7. I definitely (also) loved Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder and Californication - by Red Hot Chili Peppers -growing up.

Christmas is almost here. How will you both be spending it? What is top of your Christmas present/wish-list?

We have had a very hectic year and so Christmas is going to be a well-deserved few days off for us.

I think we will eat lots of nice food and spend time with our families. We have some really exciting things happening in 2017 so we'll be getting ready for that also.

Finally, and for being good sports, you can each select any song you like (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

Toni: London Grammar - Shyer 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIt_81M_Wqk&w=560&h=315]

Mia: The Meters - Just Kissed My Baby

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoBIp817miY&w=560&h=315]

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Follow SIIGHTS

Official:

http://www.siightsofficial.com/

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/siightsofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/siights/

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: Moviestar

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Moviestar

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THERE are bands that are quite ordinary and traditional and there are…

DESIGN BY: Kyle McClenahan

those that are, well, quite unique. Norway’s Moviestar definitely fall into the latter camp. Some might call them ‘quirky’ whilst others might grope for different synonyms. You cannot deny they stand out from the crowd and bring character, colour and oddity into music. Fireball is their latest single and one that was released to coincide with International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. The guys talk about that release – and why marking that day was so important – and why eradicating domestic violence is so vital – raising awareness and stemming the torrent of abuse levied against (predominantly) women. The band also discusses their new music and future plans; an insight into their weird and wonderful world – and how they come up with song ideas.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

For us, it’s been a busy, hectic (fun and tiring) week. We have been preparing, promoting; rocking and rolling; organising the first screening and release party of our two music videos, Monroe and Fireball.

Now Infinity Vik has gone off to Los Angeles to do further research for our holy documents - which present earthlings call ‘music’.

For those unfamiliar with your music: can you introduce yourself, please?

We are future peace fighters from the planet Fenriz: sent back in time to retrieve the stone, and in doing so, we hope to avoid the devastating civil war on our planet - which destroyed all cultural heritage of our long passed home planet, Terra (Earth).

I am interested in the band member names/nicknames and how they came about. Where did those (unusual and vivid) names come from?

As we are from the future, and therefore have no need for names, everything is communicated by telepathy on unique emotional addresses - we needed to find fitting names to represent our powers and abilities. Infinity Vik is the noble guardian of time; The Octopus Goddess is the keeper of the  cosmic interval calculator and Anaconda is a man of extreme love (revered by all female earthlings).

We had to borrow bodies as we do not have physical bodies ourselves. We found a few extraordinary musicians from the band Evolution and Vik.

They were more than happy to go into this exchange program with us.

I believe the band is based in Norway at the moment. Are you all based there or do you sort of travel all around?

Yeah. We sort of came from the future through wormhole technology of The Octopus Goddess. Unfortunately, she only works for travelling back and forth in time. So, when we have to go on tour here in the present age we have to use your airplane machines.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW_2P7X9kLk&w=560&h=315]

Fireball is your latest song/video and was released to coincide with International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. How did the band become involved with that and why is that particular cause/day so important?

We see there is much suffering and primitive behaviour amongst humans today: war, racism; sexism, pollution etc. - all important causes. But this one is basic: the integration of Yin and Yan. An especially important cause as the balancing of your male and female enigma is the key to solving your other problems - therefore, crucial to the evolution of your race. This cause  is challenging to talk about since so many of you are affected by it on some level: either yourselves or by witnessing or through a friend. It is difficult to know what to do or how to help because most often violence against women happens close to home with loved ones.

This creates an extreme paradox swamped in shame where the ‘villain’ is not an easy target. You cannot blame the government, the terrorists - or some other external authority called ‘THEM’. The ‘villain’ may very well be the one you love therefore you become powerless and shameful.

Today, more women are killed by their partner or ex-partner than by anyone else. We must vocalise, we must talk; we must spread consciousness.

That is the only way to overcome the shame because there is help out there for both victims and offenders. And, if ever we are to eliminate violence against women, we must also help men who execute violence in terminating such behaviour.

Do you think enough musicians become involved in days/projects like this? Should artists be more socially involved to similar causes?

Yes, for the sake of mankind's future. The goodness is potentially stored in the holy code of your D.N.A. This is the time. The new paradigm where the course of mankind have come to a fork in the road: it could end in terrible decay or become accelerated in heightened levels of evolution at the Interstellar Academy (a fun place to hang out by the way - you would all like it!). Moviestar have come with Rock ‘n’ Roll to help you achieve the latter scenario.

Dear dudes and dudettes, the first rule is: all men and women must finally stand together. Only then can we bring an end to suffering, hatred and all kinds of evil.

By being involved and socially aware we can bring all wrongdoings to an end. We say to the other Rockers ‘n’ Rollers, our friends: do not hide your poetry but Speak Up! Loud! Turn it up to 11!

Can you tell us about the song and what it is about? Who came in with the song idea originally?

The song was not an idea or a concept. It was a direct transmission from Infinity to Viktoria. It was written in the blink of an eye as the song already existed. Viktoria Winge was the one who received it. She is now the physical vehicle of Infinity Vik.

The song came the night after Natalia Strelchenko’s death. The song is based on her story and dedicated to all that experience domestic violence. Not only was Natalia a friend of Viktoria: she was also an artist, exceptional as such, up-and-coming; living in the U.K. and playing on main stages worldwide - leaving her mark in the Classical music community. Potentially, she could have become one of the most amazing female concert pianists of our time. This was not only a crime against women but also a crime against art.

It is hard pinning down your sound and the genres you play in. How would you define the Moviestar sound or is it too varied and wild to tame?

These are the best names to describe our music and our charisma: Sci-Fi-Rock, Space-Blues; Punk-Poetry, and Twin Peaks Ballads. But, if you think that all sounds too weird and inaccessible: Electro-Pop-Rock.

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

Can we see any more music from you in the coming months? Any albums or E.P.s planned?

We have recorded a new holy document (full album recording) which is being processed through tape machines and echo chambers right as we speak. It will be extremely helpful to mankind; plus also extremely commercial as a bonus.

We promise that you will be able to sing along to all the songs, and in doing so, grow closer to the being you aspire to be.

Take us back to the start and the moment you all came together? How did the band form? Were you all friends from way back?

As we said: we are not from way back but from way ahead. We did not come together. We were chosen; based on our credentials, powers and strengths (and sent back as a team). In arriving on Terra (Earth) we found the best way to reach out to people was to form a music team - what you present people call ‘a band’.

In terms of the musicians and artists turning you on at the moment: which would you recommend to us to seek out?

Evolution and Vik, Gallowhill; Steve Reich, Van der Graaf Generator; Bob Hund, PJ Harvey; Prefab Sprout, Sergei Rachmaninov; LCD Soundsystem, King Krule; Hollywood Hillbilly Music, Maesa; Rosa Pullman, St. Vincent; Cocorosie, Joanna Newsom; Bjørk, The Stranglers; The Animals, Foals; Mum, Kaliber; Jimmy Driftwood, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins...and the list goes on (and on and on and on)...

Apologies if you have been asked the question (thousands of times) before. Given the band name I have to ask: if you could each be a movie star, which would they be and why? 

Apology accepted. The question is wrong. We do not claim to be gods but we are very good archaeologists and we  speak the Sanskrit-Amerika of the old gods - which is one of the  reasons we were sent back.  Our band name is a gesture of honour and to fit it in but we do not claim to be movie stars.

If we had to choose one then Infinity Vik would be Nikola Tesla - without whom mankind would not have accelerated into free energy and telepathy.

Octopus would have Elvis Presley: because he is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll - and her secret dream about being a man.

Finally, Anaconda would be Dolph Lundgren because of his high I.Q. and action acting skills. Anaconda could do with some I.Q.!

Is the band planning on coming to the U.K. at all? Have you ever played in the country before?

Yes! The U.K. is our kind of ‘K.’ We played before for the U.K. people with great success! U.K. people understand the gravity of our mission - therefore they clap their hands together A LOT! So we will come back for the release of our first Holy Document no.1 in the month of May. We will begin our U.K. tour at the Hope Festival - a very important location (there will be a sign in the sky sometime between your years of 2017 and 2030 ). Then, we will continue to other important locations in the U.K. We have also visited the Parisians - the City of Angels - and all the Norsks of course.  We also hope to meet the Spaniards.

Christmas is coming up. Are you spending it at home and what is top of your Christmas wish-list?

Of course. We are  kind of homeless now; refugees from the future. But we will be O.K. No border policies anywhere on future folk.  SO, The Octopus Goddess and Anaconda are having a Norwegian Christmas whilst Infinity Vik will travel to L.A. to do some kind of classified political research.

We are all very excited to experience this Christmas for the first time.

Our Christmas wish-list is to find The Stone

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song and I’ll play it here (not one of your own as I’ll include that).

Yes! As we come so far (far far) from the future we are on some level very (very very) old. We think Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem is appropriate!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xG4oFny2Pk&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Moviestar

 

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Moviestar_band

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr109nrqHFQ2sbbj-qrn7rw

INTERVIEW: Deliah

INTERVIEW:

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Tee 'JustSo' Soulful

 

Deliah

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BEFORE they have some time to recharge over the Christmas period…

Deliah will take in Bristol’s The Square Club and Manchester’s Fallow Café. The Liverpool-based duo's current single, Better the Devil is gaining impressive reviews and connecting with their fanbase. Born out of a time of tension and doubt: it is a song that shows how individual and strong they are. The guys – when I put the interview to them – were in typically witty and self-deprecating mood. They discuss their new music and whether we can expect anything more in 2017; the albums that have influenced them the most and how they came together. Their connection, playfulness and affection show through – surely a duo that will enjoy big success in the next year.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! We’re great thanks. It’s been a hectic week post release but we’re getting through it with coffee and… mince pies.

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

We (Michelle & Alex) are Deliah. Some would call us R&B; some would say Soul and some would say Pop. Jazz has been mentioned once or twice - I’m not too sure why, though. We personally would say it’s a little heavier than Soul and pulls from influences such as Nao, Shakka and Lauryn Hill.

You two met at university and have been on the rise ever since. Can you remember that first meeting and did it take long for you two to find that shared connection?

We actually met for the first time in our audition for uni. We were forced into a room with five other musicians and told to write a song in an hour.

Alex, being characteristically hangover during that period eased the tension by starting with some wonderfully lazy chords and I fumbled out some melodies over the top.

We bumped back into each other on the first day of uni. and been making music ever since.

Liverpool is where you hail from. The city has an incredible history of music. Who are the current bands/artists of Liverpool you recommend we investigate more?

SPXKEN, SPXKEN, SPXKEN. I couldn’t advise you more to check these guys out. They are doing some lovely things with Spoken Word! Another artist you may have heard about already is Halem - an Electronic duo. Those guys are on the up.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/291568470" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Better the Devil is your new single. What can you tell us about it and its origins?

We wrote this song about two years ago and it bloomed from a time filled with self-doubt. There were plenty of other pitiful songs that came out that time too but Better the Devil stuck out as a giant ‘F*ck-You’ to all of the outside factors and people who were pushing against us.

The lyric “It’s not your job to hate and suffocate what you don’t know” is aimed at that particular type of power-fuelled person who we’ve all encountered at some point in our lives - the type of person who makes it their job to judge your art.

Even today, the song still holds it’s meaning for us and I think always will. I guess it’s a sarcastic take on oppression.

What are your hopes for the single? What do you want to achieve from it as musicians?

The song has surpassed a lot of expectations we set for it already. I suppose every musician wants to further his or her career with every release; and although that is obviously very important to us, we chose this song because we hoped that we could connect with people - to share experiences with as many people as possible. It is the perfect song to introduce Deliah to new people.

When it comes to songwriting: does one of you bring the idea to the table and it’s worked on? How does the process come together?

Our process has always been pretty simple: Alex writes the music; I write the melodies and we write the lyrics together. We find that’s the best way to go about it since I can’t work Logic and Alex doesn’t have my range (haha).

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/256203947" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Marble Heart is your previous single and gained huge acclaim. Was that quite pleasing to hear – how did it come to feature on The Only Way is Essex?

We’re with an amazing Liverpool-based publishing company called Sentric and they must have pitched it out on our behalf. We had no idea until after it was aired. Alex was thrilled to sit through an episode of T.O.W.I.E., though.

Recently you have supported Maverick Sabre and played to a capacity crowd. What have been your favourite memories from this year?

Getting to watch Maverick Sabre do his thing from the side of stage - after just supporting him - was a pretty good high as was playing the main stage at Watchet Festival.

But we would both have to say that creating Better the Devil has been our favourite memory of the year.

Every person who has worked on this release has been so invested in its success. We have worked with so many talented and creative friends and that is very important to us.

PHOTO CREDIT: #SPXKENphotography

Looking forward: can we expect any new releases from Deliah?

We’re already in the process of creating the next release so you will hear more about that in the New Year…

Taking things back and I love the textures and colours that go into your music. What sort of musicians are you both influenced by? Who are the current artists making an impact on your own music?

Currently, we’re listening to a lot of lazy R&B. We’re big on The Sound You Need E.P. as well as Shakka’s new E.P. (although I prefer Lost Boys). We recently went to see Nao live so that has left a lasting impression too. But our influences are a whole different story: Alex is into heavy stuff like Deftones and I listen to a lot of Classical soundtracks; so its pretty eclectic.

I know you have performed around the country and have more dates to come. How have you found the live crowds and is there anywhere you’d love to perform but haven’t been able to?

We love performing live; it’s the best part of the job - and our live sound differs slightly from our recorded sound.

We have two incredibly talented session musicians with us so it’s a good show. Crowds always react really positively to our live set: I think it’s because it’s something they’re not used to hearing - or it could be because we open with a speech from The Network.

Looking at press shots and hearing the music; it seems like you two have a great connection. Do you hang a lot outside of music and what is the best asset/aspect of each would you say (in terms of personality traits)?

We live together (along with our bassist and drummer) so as you can imagine it’s a pretty musical household - and we spend the majority of our time together. Alex is a pessimist and I’m an optimist so when were not arguing about who’s right we have a good balance.

PHOTO CREDIT: Lee Houston

I am always curious to know which albums inspire various musicians. If you each had to select three albums – that have been most important – what would they be and why?

Alex’s:

Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine: Because it had a message: it fused genres and every song is as good as the next.

Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City: It pushed the boundaries of Hip-Hop so much that it’s hard to remember what it was like before it. Kendrick is so clever with his lyrics and satire that sometimes you forget just how strange and innovative the music is.

Electric Light Orchestra – Out of the Blue: I was brought up on E.L.O so I have always had it engrained in me that music can be as catchy as it is clever. Jeff Lyne was a genius at creating great orchestral walls-of-sound to go behind a simple hook in a chorus.

Shell’s:

The Theory of Everything Soundtrack: It just makes me calm… and I need that.  

Fleetwood Mac Tango in the Night: It makes me feel nostalgic. My mum listened to this album constantly and still does; so it’s a great way to feel connected to her.

Lauryn Hill The Miss Education of Lauryn Hill – The vocals hit you hard! It’s all about the vocals.

As you can tell, I’m more about the feelings associated with music unlike Alex who is all about the math. Maybe that’s why it works so well.

Christmas is almost here. How will you both be spending it? What is top of your Christmas present/wish-list?

Alex will be in Cambridge and I will be in little old Liverpool. We’re travelling to Vietnam in January so I think a good backpack is at the top of both our lists!

Is there any advice you’d like to offer any upcoming musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

Keep going. Persistence is everything. Make sure you’re as good as you can be at what you do and then continue to learn more.

We’re still at the start of our career so we haven’t got heaps of advice but if you stay sane you’re already winning. Oh, and don’t do drugs - it’s not cool anymore.

Finally, and for being good sports, you can each select any song you like (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

Alex: I’ll pick Earth Song by Michael Jackson because I’m not sure - but I think it might be the greatest song ever written…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAi3VTSdTxU&w=560&h=315]

Michelle: I’ll go for Mura Masa Ft. Nao – Firefly.  Because, when she played it live, I almost died!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jas6LwPPxMo&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Deliah

PHOTO CREDIT: Lee Houston

Official:

http://www.deliah.io/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Deliah.io/?fref=ts

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/DeliahMusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/deliah.io/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/deliahmusic

INTERVIEW: Sherry Jacoby

INTERVIEW:

 PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok

 

Sherry Jacoby

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I do love Canadian musicians so it is wonderful finding out...

 PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok

about Sherry Jacoby. The Toronto musician's debut E.P., My Light, was released recently and showcases a stunning talent with an original voice. Jacoby tells stories and employs metaphors to assess and define human emotions - vivid soundscapes and musical paintings; lyrics we can all relate to. From ballad-driven songs to uptempo Rock numbers - an artist that has few boundaries and huge ambitions. Jacoby talks about that E.P. and what she has coming up; the music scene in Canada and how songwriting has been therapeutic to her.

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Hi Sherry. How are you? How has your week been?

Great! I’ve been spending time rehearsing for my next show, recording new songs and songwriting. I’m feeling very grateful that I have the opportunity to pursue this dream of mine.

For those new to your music: can you give us a little introduction, please?

I'm a Pop singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada. I have a passion for telling personal stories through my songs. I’ve often heard (from people) that my voice sounds like Natalie Merchant from the band 10,000 Maniacs.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok

My Light is your debut E.P. (out now). What was the inspiration behind recording it? Have you always wanted to bring one out?

Recording my music was a dream of mine for a long time.

I’ve been songwriting since I was a teenager and I’ve always had a passion for singing. Gradually, as I gained more experience and more confidence, I wanted to take this next step of releasing my E.P.

In terms of the themes and subjects explored on the E.P.: what type of things influenced the songs?

All of the songs are based on my own experiences. The theme of love underlies the entire E.P. but each song addresses a different aspect of it. I wanted to capture the range of emotions that are felt before, during and after a romantic relationship.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289736736" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Living in a Dream is my favourite song from the album. Can you tell me a bit about the story behind that?

I wrote Living in a Dream while I was in Cuba - sitting on the beach with my ukulele. The song was inspired by that surreal feeling you get in the beginning of a new relationship. I tried to capture what it's like in the honeymoon phase where everything feels like a dream.

You use metaphor and imagery to capture human emotions through your music. Was songwriting/E.P. writing quite cathartic and did it teach you anything about people around you and the wider world?

Yes.

Songwriting has always been like therapy for me. It’s an outlet for my deepest thoughts and feelings.

The biggest compliment is when someone comes up to me and tells me that they can connect to a song that I’ve written. Songwriting has taught me that we are never alone and that so many of our most personal thoughts and feelings are also felt by other people.

PHOTO CREDIT: Open Eye Studio

You are based out of Toronto. It is one of those areas that breed terrific music. Do you think a lot of non-Canadian press sources overlook the city and ignore it to an extent?

There’s so much great talent in Toronto and I think the world is definitely starting to take notice. There are so many bands and artists from Toronto that are well-known around the world.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289736732" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

There are so many different bands and artists coming out of Toronto. Are there any you recommend we check out at all?

There are so many talented artists and bands to choose from! Common Deer and July Talk are great local bands that I’ve seen live in the past year.

I can imagine Canada is a completely different way of life – compared to living in the U.S. or U.K. What are the communities and people like? What is it like for a musician growing up there?

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world which makes it a very interesting and exciting place to live.

The music community in Toronto is so welcoming. I've met many supportive and talented musicians through open mic nights and songwriting meetups. They make the big city feels like home.

In terms of all the gigs and memories you have experienced this year: which stand out in the mind?

My E.P. release show was an incredible experience. It was my first time playing my songs live with a full band.

I also used to host an open mic. at a place called Kensington Lodge. I have fond memories of the intimate setting and the welcoming atmosphere.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok

Talk to me about your heroes and heroines. Which singers and musicians did you grow up listening to?

I grew up listening to a variety of genres but my favourite was Pop/Rock. Some of my favourite bands included Paramore, Jack’s Mannequin and Panic! at the Disco. The music festival Warped Tour was my first concert experience. I was fourteen years old and I remember being blown away by the world of live music.

If you could select a few albums that have meant the most to you – which would they be and why?

Very tough choice!

It depends on the day and my mood but I have very fond memories of listening to these three albums:

Vance Joy’s Dream Your Life Away – In this album, Vance Joy beautifully captures the complexity of emotions that are present in love and relationships. Fire and the Flood and Georgia are heartfelt songs that I can never get tired of listening to.

Of Monsters and Men’s My Head Is an Animal – I love the imagery in this album. Whenever I listen to this album, I imagine a mystical forest - it’s very soothing. And there’s just something about duets with male and female vocals and beautiful harmonies!

Paramore’s self-titled album - I’ve always admired Hayley Williams’ vocal and songwriting abilities. In this album, Paramore weren’t afraid to experiment with new sounds and genres. I love that a choir joins in at the end of the song Ain’t It Fun - and that there’s three short ukulele interludes in the album.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok

What does the coming year hold in store? Any new material or plans to tour internationally?

I’ve been working on lots of new material.

I hope to release a new single in February as well as my first music video!

Christmas is fast-approaching. You staying in with the family or have any plans? What is top of your present list?

I’ll be staying in with my family to celebrate Hanukkah and I’m also looking forward to visiting the Christmas Market in Toronto. In terms of presents, anything music-related would make me happy. I would love to get a new ukulele.

Can you offer any advice to new singers/musicians coming through?

Try new things and don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back.

It’s cliché but I think it’s true that the magic happens outside of your comfort-zone.

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

First Date by Darelle London.

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

_____________________

Follow Sherry Jacoby

 PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok

Official:

http://www.sherryjacoby.com/home

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/sherryjacobymusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/sherryjacoby

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sherryjacobymusic/

SoundCloud:

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INTERVIEW: Scott Quinn

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Scott Quinn

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BBC has just revealed its longlist of artists they are tipping for…

music success in 2017. There are notable omissions: one such name is Scott Quinn. With a song like Delicate in the music galaxy – surely that oversight will be rectified very soon. Having (recently) been tipped for success by Billie Marten – who Quinn talks about – there is a lot of excitement around his current moves. Few artists have a voice imbued with such gravitas, velvet and passion – an instrument that resounds and resonates in the soul. A busy and multi-talented Yorkshire songwriter: Quinn’s career trajectory is seeing him rub shoulders alongside some big names. I was excited to find out more: the scene in Yorkshire and (who Quinn) is inspired/moved by; what 2017 holds for him and plans for this Christmas.

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Hi Scott. How are you? How has your week been?

Very good thanks. It’s been a crazy few weeks - with the new release - but it’s all been very exciting!

For those unfamiliar with your music: can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Scott Quinn and I am a songwriter/producer. My music is probably best described at Electro.-R&B-Pop.

I wanted to start off and talk about Yorkshire. It is a county with immeasurable musical endeavour - and some of the most innovative artists in the world. Are you surprised Yorkshire does not get more attention as a county?

Yorkshire is definitely a breeding ground for incredible and diverse talent. From alt-J and Soft Cell to Corinne Bailey Rae; Zayn Malik and Kaiser Chiefs - to name some of the larger names.

There’s a huge, bubbling melting pot of talent and I feel our county is a great incubator of new talent.  I think more and more eyes and ears are focusing on Yorkshire for amazing new music - and I hope that’ll only increase!

Having reviewed artists all around Yorkshire, it seems like each town/locale has a different flavour. Being Harrogate-based, how would you say it differs to somewhere like, say, Leeds or Bradford?

I would agree that some towns/areas have a different sonic edge to others, but at the same time, I see so many diverse acts coming out from all over Yorkshire. With such easy access to a wide range of genres and styles online these days; it’s easy to see influences from far and wide affecting local music in a great way. Harrogate for a while was very ‘Indie-Pop/Rock’-orientated and I was in such a band called The Dukes of Bevington. More recently though there is a real mix of genres coming out of town: from Folk to Metal and Electro.-Pop.

Before I come to your own music, I know you are one of the co-founders of Little Less Known (a filmmaking collective). How did you get involved with that and how important is filmmaking to you as an artist/musician?

I have a passion for making things: whether that’s composing music, creating furniture from driftwood or building businesses!

Little Less Known was started as a bit of a passion project with two good friends of mine, Ben Richards and Sandy Wright. We started filming short, high-quality videos promoting some of the best independent businesses in our local area and beyond.

Bearing in mind that we’ve never had any real formal training in film etc., it was great to see that people enjoyed our style of shooting and editing. We quickly started receiving commissions for a diverse range of content and are very fortunate to say that we have worked on some great projects for a number of awesome independent businesses and charities  - and the odd video for  larger companies such as Visa!

For me, as long as I am making something and being creative in doing so, I am happy.

On Twitter, you recently put a shout-out to the people of Leeds and Harrogate to try the STAMP app. – which you co-founded; it urges users to experience their city/town and record their experiences. What has the initial response been like and, again, how did you become involved with something like that?

STAMP is an exciting new tech. start-up that spun off of Little Less Known. We (L.L.K. plus two other talented chaps) are building a discovery app. that will help people find some of the best-hidden gems and revolutionise the way we review and interact with those places. Alpha testing starts next week and once the feedback from that round has been collated and absorbed the Beta should follow not long after! Watch this space.

Delicate is your new song and (in the vocals) I hear embers of James Blake and Anthony Hegarty (Anohni). How did that voice come to be that magic and which singers/artists inspired that?

Well firstly, thank you for the compliment! I’ve always been fairly bold with exploring the higher end of my vocal range (falsetto). I think a lot of guys are pressured to ‘not sing like a girl’ (haha) but I always found it gave me a unique edge in my music and I enjoy challenging myself.

I’m definitely influenced by James Blake: I love his music. I was also recently asked after gig whether I was Sampha (genuinely).

Safe to say I was flattered: I am a huge fan of his also.

The song looks at mortality’s reality and making the most of things – not squandering precious emotions on irrelevancies and negativities. Can you remember the moment Delicate’s spark was lit? Do you think too few musicians concentrate on love/themselves and ignore such important songwriting subjects?

The writing process for Delicate is all a bit of a blur. To be honest, it kind of fell out of my head. It’s one of the first songs I’ve written that I feel completely invested in. The subject matter of ‘working to live, not living to work’ is a huge mantra of mine in my everyday life and it’s been amazing seeing so many other people connecting with the song (one person actually quit their job after listening to the track!?).  I think people in general, not just musicians, often neglect themselves and their wellbeing. I recently launched a campaign with Help Musicians U.K. called ‘M.A.D.’ (Music and Depression).

The aim of the campaign is to not only raise awareness for mental health in the music industry but also put our money where our mouth is - actually make positive change within the industry to improve mental well-being and the education around it.

Is Delicate the start of a new E.P. or album perhaps? Can we expect a new Scott Quinn record in 2017?

Delicate is the first of a number of new releases: the next will hopefully be in Jan. of 2017!

I’ve got a bunch of awesome tracks up my sleeve and I’m excited to share them.

I have been working with an incredible producer called Jamie Reddington (Sound of Fractures) who has helped me take my music and sound to the next level. He’s a very talented guy and I am very fortunate to be working with him!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG4lYxX5FQ4&w=560&h=315]

Delicate’s music video is eye-catching and accomplished. You directed it with Jason Odle. Whose concept was it and how long did it take to put the video together?

I got the idea for the video while on the tube in London. Having played with super slo-mo for my previous release (There for You) I thought it would be great to capture all the expressions and emotions of the people I was passing. I started to research the idea and discovered that there was incredible series called Stainless by Adam Magyar had  achieved the idea I had but to a much higher standard that I could ever have hoped for.

In the end, we were really pressed for time and with only a few days until deadline Jason (my manager) and I jumped in a van, strapped a super-slo-mo camera into the passenger seat and captured a bunch of footage from around Harrogate, Leeds and Manchester. I then edited the video within a few hours and released it the next morning!

Music is becoming less and less visually-orientated as an art-form. Do you fear, in an age where music videos are essential, a lot of bands/artists are not expending necessary thought and effort? Do you feel music videos are becoming too expensive, perhaps?

I think it is easier than ever to produce a high-quality video - the only thing you need now is an iPhone and a great idea.

I personally feel music videos aren’t as popular as they used to be but I do enjoy a well put together bit of visual content to accompany a kick-ass track.

At the end of the day, though: it’s all about the music.

Are there any artists – either Yorkshire-based or nationally – you recommend we check out and investigate?

I actually run a record label with my manager Jason called Ont’ Sofa Records (you may have heard of our YouTube channel for stripped back, live sessions of up-and-coming artists). We have a small but mighty roster of artists and people we work with. New music coming from these lovely folk in the New Year:

Isaac Tyler, Talmont; Laura Riganti and Ella (Denton).

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/189454752" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

I ask this of many people but (inconceivably) if you had to take three albums to a desert island with you which would they be and why?

Ooooo; that’s a tough one!

• Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits
• Fleet Foxes
• James Blake

All artists I love and I think those three albums offer a decent mix of music to listen to ...wait, do I get to take a record player too?! (What is this; Desert Island Discs?! - Sam)

Just recently, Billie Marten – when asked by BBC Music – tipped you as her ‘One to Watch’ in 2017. That is quite an honorific! How did that news make you feel?

I was so touched and chuffed when I saw that Tweet come through.

I have known Billie for a few years now and it’s been incredible to see her career soar!

It’s always great to be recognised for your music but it’s even better when it’s from friends :)

I have reviewed and interviewed Billie this year (and wrote a feature/included her as one of my 'Top Ten Albums of 2016') and was stunned by her debut album, Writing of Blues and Yellows. To me, it is the best album of this year. What are your thoughts on her album and how heartening is it seeing a fellow Yorkshire musician making such big strides so early?

Billie is such an incredible talent and her album was a stunning example of this. Her writing is stunning and her voice so captivating - just beautiful.

Us Yorkshire folk are proud enough as it is just to live in this county - never mind when one of our own makes a success of themselves! Billie is going to go so far and I’m excited to be witness to it.

She is obviously inspired by your music. Is there any chance you two might collaborate in the future perhaps?

Funnily enough, we are actually booked in to write together this week which will be a lot of fun. I love co-writes and collaborating with talented artists.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKTOgZEHiO0&w=560&h=315]

Christmas is coming up. Are you spending it at home and what is top of your Christmas wish-list?

I will be spending Christmas in the (hopefully snowwwy!) hills of Nidderdale with my parents. All I wish is for a relaxed and happy Christmas surrounded by loved one - it’s the simple things in life that are important.

For anyone looking to follow in your footsteps: what advice would you offer up to them?

Write, write, write. Be daring and listen to your instinct.

Don’t aspire to be like anyone else - they’re already doing it. Make music you love, and if it’s good, people will find it. BBC Introducing is also an amazing platform for getting your music heard. My debut solo release made it onto Radio 1 and it kick-started my music career.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song and I’ll play it here (not one of your own as I’ll include that).

I am reallllllyyy enjoying Blood on Me by Sampha at the moment. It’s a tuunne!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oM1DFL43Lk&w=560&h=315]

_____________________

Follow Scott Quinn

Official:

http://www.scottpquinn.com/

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/scottpquinn

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/scottpquinn/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/scottpquinn

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSp1xGs6WnRZz5U07z8Lqf

INTERVIEW: ADI

INTERVIEW:

  

ADI

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THERE are few musicians out there as daring, candid and innovative…

ARTWORK: Onam Yahav

as ADI. I have been following her career for years and always stunned each time she releases a track. Her latest single, Dreamin’, is another step forward and evolutionary move from one of the music world’s brightest new talents. Experimental beats and exhilarating colours; swooping electronics and electrifying vocals – an ADI song is always an aural adventure. With an E.P. (Dreamin’) out I ask the Tel Aviv-based artist what her plans for 2017 are; whether the Israeli music scene is underappreciated and whether she has plans to come to London.

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Hi ADI. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m good, thank you! My week was pretty busy: I had three shows, a rehearsal and a few sessions - but I like staying busy so it's good.

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

Sure. I am ADI: a producer-singer originally from Jerusalem - today living in Tel Aviv, Israel. I make R&B-Electronica with Hip-Hop elements and I travel quite a lot.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC_bmKZvM7M&w=560&h=315]

Dreamin’ has just been released. Can you tell us about the single and what inspired it

I wrote this song while I was going through s*it in my personal life and I was just trying to be as honest as possible and not filter anything - so it turned out pretty exposed.

It deals with my fears and my anxieties while being in a relationship. I had the pleasure to produce this one with the amazing Eric Dingus - who also produced a few Drake song - and I asked KDC to add a verse on it - cause I felt like it needs a manly touch. He totally killed it.

Eric Dingus produced the track. How did you come to meet him and what was it like working with him? What did he add to your music would you say?

The funny/amazing thing is Eric and I never actually met in real life. We Skyped once and talked via emails but it's been so great working with him. He took the song to a whole new level and added quite a few synths. and bass that made it sound dark-ish (and I love it). He totally got the vibe of the song.

 You have released various E.P.s, singles and mixtapes. Would you say what you’re recording now is your best work and how has your music evolved since the early days?

It's kinda hard to define what's good and what's not good but I can def. say that my new work is by far the thing I’m most proud of - it really tells my story; no masks and I feel like it tells my story and reveals all the different layers of my personality.

I used to be scared to talk about my weakness: today I see it as the strongest thing there is. I am ‘proud’ of my weakness: I talk about it, share it, and as a result, I create something good out of the bad.

So, I guess the main difference in the music is the fact that it's more honest and mature.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXKfEZ0hKKE&w=560&h=315]

Pink Pillz – ADI's previous single – gained a huge amount of praise and looks at taking anti-depressants and tackling depression. Was that a hard song to write or was it quite cathartic?

It felt really good to just be able to talk about this issue out loud and stop acting as if everything is perfect. It wasn't hard for me ‘cause I just felt like there was no other way for me - I couldn't keep on acting and it just got to a point where I felt like I just HAVE to be me and talk about the real s*it that bothers me. I also tried to talk about it with a bit of sarcasm and not make it super-heavy - and to approach it kinda like how rappers talk about drugs and alcohol. I think it's pretty obvious in the song.

Dreamin’ (E.P.) is going to explore tougher subjects and issues not often raised in music. Do you feel too few musicians address important, everyday topics through fear they are taboo and harsh?

I actually think it started changing lately - Kid Cudi is an amazing example of being to talk about these issues and I think he did an amazing thing by saying to his fans “Listen, I’m going through shit; I got mental issues but I’m gonna help myself for a change”. This is such a big deal; especially in the Hip-Hop scene where everyone is trying to act like everything is perfect. So many people said that his music and his honesty have saved their lives. This is amazing. I really hope that my by talking about those issues in my music my fans will really be able to understand that it's ok. And that they don't have to be perfect ‘cause perfect is boring.

 Your new material is your first for a couple of years. As you say, it was a necessary hibernation. What compelled the career-break and was the ‘time off’ helpful personally and creatively?

I just really needed some time off to understand how I’m going to create something that really represents who I am.

I felt like I was stuck in a loop: making things that didn't really feel right and when I met people they were always telling me that I’m so different in real life than how I portray myself in my music - and it just drove me crazy (L.O.L.). So, I had to take some time to be in the studio; play with my machines and computer; experiment and create things that are a bit more experimental (like the track Chinatown for instance) and push my boundaries in general. It was extremely helpful - both personally and creatively.

You are based out of Tel Aviv. It has a stunning and rich music scene. Do you think it gets overlooked by the media in favour of areas like London and L.A.?

I think most people are just not aware enough of the things that happen here and I can understand why. It's pretty far away from everything.

But once they start digging in they realise that there's so many amazing musicians and artists around here.

Who are the Tel Aviv/Israeli artists you recommend we investigate?

There are quite a few: Ben Blackwell, Atar Mayner; Mo Rayon, Michael Swissa and a few more.

I hear shades of M.I.A. and Radiohead in your music. Who were the musicians you grew up listening to? Which artists are currently listening to?

I grew up listening to Radiohead, Björk; M.I.A., Mum; Sigur Rós (and more) but it totally changed (L.O.L.). Today, I listen to Travis Scott, Kid Cudi; Kanye West, Skepta; Migos, Lil Uzi Vert; ASAP Mob and those type of artists. Kinda different, huh?

Given your work rate and the commitment you give to music: what do you do to unwind and decompress from the demands of music?

I go dancing with friends mainly - and just hang out and have fun.

Have you got any plans – personal or musical – for the coming year? Can we expect more material perhaps?

After the release of the E.P. I'm gonna release my debut album! I’ve been working on it for quite a while now and it's still in the making but I’m extremely excited about it.

Hopefully it will be out in the middle of next year.

I know you have a great fan base here in London (and the U.K.). Have you any plans to come play over here in the future?

I love London and my fans over there are dope A.F. - I can't wait to be back and play some shows/festivals over there (hopefully after the release of the E.P.).

PHOTO CREDIT: Noam Maoz

If you had to select three albums – the ones that have meant most to you – what would they be and why?

Keith Jarrett - The Köln Concert: never heard anything that moved me like this album.

Travis Scott - Days Before Rodeo: the most innovative Hip-Hop production in my opinion; so unique and inspiring.

Radiohead - Kid A: that's the album that made me wanna become a producer.

Christmas is almost upon us. How will you be spending it and what is top of your Christmas wish-list?

Haha. Thing is I’m Jewish – we don't celebrate Christmas (L.O.L.). But i wouldn't mind getting some presents to be honest..

Is there any advice you’d like to offer any upcoming musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

As cliché as it may sound: don't try to fit in - stand out!

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song you like (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

Travis Scott - Biebs in the Trap

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6glBTh6Yc6I&w=560&h=315]

___________________

Follow ADI

Official:

http://www.adiulmansky.com/

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/adiulmansky

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/adiulmansky/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/adiulmansky

YouTube:

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

FEATURE: The Ones to Watch 2017: Part Two

FEATURE:

 

The Ones to Watch 2017: Part Two

________________

AFTER yesterday’s list of wonderful musical talent...

I have been compelled to come back and compile another list – I still have one more left to go! From Canadian, U.S. and Australian talent; wonderful acts across the U.K. – a thorough run-down of the artists who will be making sensational music in 2017. This year has been full and surprising: that is going to increase and augment in the coming months. With so many new musicians coming through it can be hard deciphering the good from the bad – I have given it a pretty good shot! I have followed the artists (below) and seen them grow: put my thoughts on paper and fallen for the music and been seduced. Have a look and listen to the fifty-or-so artists below and keep your eyes on them – talent that will light up 2017.

________________

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Patrick Ford & Jenni Davis

Lydia Baylis – Pop/Alternative, London

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

https://lydiabaylis.com/

Laura Oakes – Country/Pop, Liverpool

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8cFoABvD9s&w=560&h=315]

http://lauraoakesmusic.com/

Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam – Alternative/Indie, New York, U.S.A.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9FILAkKinQ&w=560&h=315]

https://www.hamiltonrostam.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: Joel Rivera

Ellene Masri – Jazz, Nevada, U.S.A.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ablYaElmvV0&w=560&h=315]

http://www.ellenemasri.com/

Ingrid Witt – Electronic/Pop, Stockholm, Sweden

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290202353" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://www.facebook.com/Ingrid-Witt-1463054370670093/

Nightwolf – Electronic/Alternative, Bedfordshire, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/284538570" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://www.facebook.com/nightwolfuk/

Them & Us – Synth.-Pop/Electronic/Dance, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/277080257" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.themandusofficial.com/

The Vim Dicta – Psychogroove, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

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

http://www.thevimdicta.com/

Katie London – Pop/Soul, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/213494597" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.katielondon.co/

Echo Arcadia – Indie-Pop/Rock, Edinburgh, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbc9mL7SoTk&w=560&h=315]

http://echoarcadia.com/

NYNA – Pop, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/234003271" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

This Modern Hope – Indie, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6meVmqk8p8&w=560&h=315]

http://www.thismodernhope.com/

NINA – Synth.-Pop/Synth.-Wave, London, U.K.

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

http://www.ninasounduk.com/

Bear Feathers – Alternative, Brighton, U.K.

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

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

MissDefiant – Electro.-Pop, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUKCDX_tJF0&w=560&h=315]

http://www.missdefiant.com/

Bird – Alternative-Pop, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/208755754" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.birdofficial.com/

SALT – Alternative-Rock, London, U.K.

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

https://www.facebook.com/saltukband/

Dana McKeon – Beatbox/Electronic-Pop, Malta

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265682204" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.danamckeon.com/

Gemma Louise Doyle – Opera/Classical/Pop, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIzasI3pyWI&w=560&h=315]

http://www.gemma-doyle.com/

Emmecosta – Post-Club, Göteborg, Sweden

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290952112" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://www.facebook.com/emmecosta.music/

Bree Taylor – Pop, Toronto, Canada.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSPk-mW3l2k&w=560&h=315]

http://breetaylor.com/

Taylor Noelle – Pop, Nashville, U.S.A.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293593847" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://www.facebook.com/taylornoellemusic/

PHOTO CREDIT: Tourmaline Berg

Van T – Indie-Folk, Cape Town, South Africa

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVIGtlqL3ss&w=560&h=315]

https://www.facebook.com/ChantelVanT/

PHOTO CREDIT: Sean Strong

Three Kings High – Indie-Rock, Bristol, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270303138" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://threekingshigh.com/

I.V – Alt.-Rock, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294259517" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://www.facebook.com/ivmusicuk/

PHOTO CREDIT: Linda James Parrott

Katie Buxton – Nashville, U.S.A.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL6NVR7Nj8A&w=560&h=315]

http://www.katiebuxton.com/

Amy & the Engine – Pop/Indie, New York, U.S.A.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jDDmOXrzs8&w=560&h=315]

http://www.amyandtheengine.com/

Oh Malô – Indie-Rock, Boston, U.S.A.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZu7vqCxlaw&w=560&h=315]

http://www.ohmalo.com/

The Franklys – London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290030647" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.thefranklys.com/

Bull Funk Zoo – Funk/Indie/Blues, Dubai, U.A.E.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isi64V-XYPQ&w=560&h=315]

http://www.bullfunkzoo.com/

ISSIMO – Pop/Ska/Jazz, Bradford, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/216892740" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.issimomusic.net/

Matt Gresham – Pop, Rockingham, Australia

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

http://mattgreshammusic.net/

Baby Queens – R&B/Soul/Pop, Cardiff, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBpkEY4aKtg&w=560&h=315]

https://www.facebook.com/Baby-Queens-523170581048847/

IV Rox  – Pop, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/283042147" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.ivrox.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: Without a Landmine

Megana – Pop, Surrey, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqEGp7YGc_8&w=560&h=315]

http://megbirchy.wixsite.com/megana

Liz Loughrey – Power-Soul, Toronto, Canada

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENpRXass0_M&w=560&h=315]

http://www.lizloughrey.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goulding

Bianca Rose – Soul/Folk, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/216013992" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.biancarose.co.uk/

Knuckle – Blues/Punk, Huddersfield, U.K.

[bandcamp width=350 height=470 album=3571764508 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false track=4100988869]

https://www.facebook.com/weareknuckle

Scott Quinn – Alternative-Pop/Electronic, Harrogate, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG4lYxX5FQ4&w=560&h=315]

http://www.scottpquinn.com/

Joshua Luke Smith – Hip-Hop, Bath, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiZX3qpfL7Q&w=560&h=315]

http://www.joshualukesmith.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: Anne Campbell

Jasmine Rogers – Acoustic/Rock, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5pjj2qPc5c&w=560&h=315]

http://www.jasminerodgers.com/

Allusondrugs– Rock/Alternative, Castleford, U.K.

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

http://www.allusondrugs.com/

Alexandra Amor – Pop/Soul, Florida, U.S.A.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUdmkNA89H8&w=560&h=315]

http://www.alexandraamormusic.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goulding

Vanessa Forero – Indie-Folk, Brighton, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9oBVceDU0&w=560&h=315]

http://www.vanessaforero.com/

Kirbanu – Pop/Alternative, Adelaide, Australia

[bandcamp width=350 height=470 album=2944878308 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false track=19104524]

http://kirbanumusic.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: Victor De Jesus

Billie Marten – Folk, Rippon, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTWz-zy3re4&w=560&h=315]

http://www.billiemarten.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: Aimee Catt

FloodHounds – Rock/Indie, Sheffield, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnZb675v6Vw&w=560&h=315]

http://www.floodhounds.com/

Tom Bem – R&B/Electronica, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSC_pCFp9LU&w=560&h=315]

http://www.tombem.co.uk/

Natalie Gray – Pop/Rock, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlPmVKXzW60&w=560&h=315]

http://nataliegray.co.uk/

PHOTO CREDIT: Shay Rowan

Little Sparrow – Alt.-Folk, Manchester, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ySlNAO4XKA&w=560&h=315]

http://www.littlesparrow.org/

MYRNA – Pop/Soul/Alternative, Mons, Norway

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5iySP7wm4c&w=560&h=315]

https://twitter.com/myrnabraza

PHOTO CREDIT: Jay Wennington

Chapter and Verse – Alt.-Rock, London, U.K.

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

http://www.chapterandverseuk.com/

TRACK REVIEW: Ruben - Sad Face

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Ruben

 

 

Sad Face

9.4/10

Sade Face is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aZB7T8_7J8

RELEASED: 12^th November, 2016

GENRES: Pop

ORIGIN:

Surrey/London, U.K.

The E.P., Only the Young, is available at:

https://soundcloud.com/user-560953367/sets/only-the-young-ep

______________________

ONE of the things that grinds my gears is how many genuinely new and…

innovative musicians struggle hard to get their voices noticed. I will start with that point as it is something that really gets to me. I hear a lot of bands and solo artists emerge who offer nothing fresh and worth talking about. Too often, these artists get raised to giddy heights and elevated above their peers. It may sound like a personal rant but it is meant to get people thinking and changing their attitudes. I know we all have our personal tastes but there are artists who are struggling to get the acclaim they deserve. My featured artist is one such musician who has a solid following but should be getting more people into his tent. It is not just his attitude and organisation skills that make me think that - the music itself is finer and more stunning than a lot out there. Going back to the original point and I have seen so many different acts get to the mainstream only to fade away. It seems those who work hardest – and take longest to get to the critical precipice – are the best music has on show. The reason I raise this point is because many musicians are quitting before they get their dues. Waiting for someone to give them a break – or get their crack at the big leagues – it is disheartening seeing wonderful musicians have to call time. If you think about it; how many great artists do you know have ended their career because they are struggling for recognition. This is not meant to be a morbid foreshadowing for Ruben but he is someone who will continue to strike and impress. Deserving of serious acclaim and proper respect: I know he will keep pressing and transcend to the mainstream in years to come. Before I raise a couple of new topics, let me introduce Ruben to you:

“Ruben is a London based singer songwriter creating his own electronic pop music.

He has a degree in Film Production and it is his love of cinema that influences his music, taking on a cinematic tone that is often whimsical and also haunting.

He released his debut EP "Only The Young" in November 2016 and gained radio play with the lead single (of the same name) from Eagle3 radio.

Ruben has performed his songs live in numerous venues including Cafe 1001 in Brick Lane, Trinity Bar in Harrow and The Island Queen in Islington.

He notes artists such as Lana Del Rey, The Killers, The Pet Shop Boys and The Smiths as his influences”.

Looking at Ruben and he is already making big strides to ensuring survival and growth. Before I come to look at Pop and the music he plays, it is worth applauding the attitude and approach he has to music. There are few new artists as disciplined and hard-working as him. If you look at his official website (link at the bottom of this review) it is informative, easy to navigate and impressive. I have lambasted some musicians who feel it unnecessary to have an official website – often relying on the listener to scrape together the social media pages (of the artists) and only get a little insight into them. Ruben keeps his biography clear and concise: providing some reveal into his heroes and the music he plays; where he has come from and where he might be headed. That is what you need from a musician in this day and age. There is no needless loquaciousness and filler; you get all the information you need and his links. Also, and if by serendipitous magic, you get photos and images of Ruben. I still see too many artists throwing together some (rather poor) live shots and the odd Smartphone-generated images and that is about it. If you want to succeed and get people invested you have to do better than that. I am not suggesting each new act have a shiny and dazzling website with lots of photos and music – just something that gives the new fan what they want and keeps them hooked. In Ruben’s case, there are some fantastic images and all his social media links on the site; his social media pages are updated regularly and full; he keeps his fans informed and updated. This might sound like an uninteresting topic but essential for any musician reading. With Ruben, here is someone who knows what it takes to succeed and is making big strides. I, as a reviewer, have all I need at my fingertips and do not struggle for information. As 2017 approaches, we are looking to the future and the artists that will start making moves. Given Ruben’s organisation and assured social media pages: it gives him a great chance of catching prominent ears; getting his music to the hands of some big labels. I am not sure what his plans are for the coming year but he is capable of creating lasting impressions.

I shall come to Ruben’s current (and past) sounds in a minute, but for now, it is worth looking at Pop as a genre. Again, this is a path I have trodden before but felt sage to revisit. I know ‘Pop’ has a reputation as being somewhat inferior and predictable. The same way Rock music cannot be easily defined and predicted: Pop is even harder to narrow and get a sense of. Many people (quite wrongly) assume Pop is what we hear in the charts and on the lesser radio stations – because it is ‘popular music’. That is a rather subjective definition of music: just because a lot of people listen to stations like Capital’ and Radio 1 does not mean it is any good – I shall leave my argument and personal tastes aside. I feel Ruben could get played on those stations but is much more suited to the suave and cool side of the dial – making his way to ‘6 Music, perhaps. I know a lot of artists that make it onto that station and will reach a much broader and discerning demographic – those who know their music and have finer tastes. Whether he favours the sounds and route of local radio – again, something I detest – or has a love of the likes of ‘6 Music; that will be interesting to see. What I mean, and circling it back, is his music has that adaptable nature and quality inherent. Pop gets a bad rap because of cheesy artists and mass-produced bands. If you listen to Ruben’s music you get cinema and widescreen beauty; sweeping scenes and something emotive and grand. If you listen to the likes of Lana Del Rey then you get a sense of what Ruben is about. Whilst not exactly the same; Del Rey’s music has that quality and class that her peers lack – able to cross boundaries and appeal to a huge number of people. I feel Rock has become stagnated whereas Pop continues to evolve and mutate.

I am not sure what it is but Pop artists are a lot more agile than we give credit for. It seems like there is more room to work and campaign compared with other genres. If you throw in Electronic shades or fancy something more Folk: Pop allows you that freedom and opportunity. Looking at Ruben and you get romanticism and honesty; there are electronic elements but a leaning towards something immediate and honest – an artist that puts his soul out there and wraps I in some of the most affecting sounds I have heard in a while. It is challenging sticking with a musician who is going to go the whole way, but with Ruben, the first steps are very promising. I opened by complaining about those who get undeserved attention – this applies to Ruben indirectly. Is social media numbers are not as high as you’d like and he should have more people in his camp. Such is the quality and originality of his music you feel many people are missing out. Ruben himself is campaigning and working hard but the media/stations should be doing more to assist. I know next year will see the bigger stations pay attention and his stock will rise considerably. Were he performing run-of-the-mill Pop and addressing the same old themes – broken hearts and cheating exs – then I would not pay such mind to his work. As it stands, Ruben is one of the mist mature and intelligent Pop acts I have heard in a long while and bringing a sense of occasion and innovation to the genre. This all comes out in new work like Sad Face and Only the Young. His new E.P. (Only the Young) is catching attention and being lauded by his fans. You never get a sense of a man primed for the charts and making music for committees and labels. There’s that individuality and personality that is very much his own; songs that appeal to wide sectors and the lasting impression is of someone that knows where he wants to head.

Only the Young is a four-track E.P. that brings together a range of different themes and subjects. I have investigated the title track previously and its themes – something serious, thought-provoking and deep. In the remainder of the E.P. one gets insights into love and young regret; you have loneliness and sallow countenance – a human looking for answers and affected by the harshness of the world. That is not to say the E.P. is negative and dark: there is a mixture of emotions and plenty of light to be found. Even in the most introspective numbers you get rousing instrumentation and sounds; a voice that continues to seduce and buckle the knees. I usually spend this section comparing an artist’s current work against their older stuff. Only the Young is the debut E.P. from Ruben and the first taste of the young Pop artist. I cannot compare Ruben’s old and new stuff but, on the basis of the E.P., can already hear immense confidence and assuredness. You get no nerves and rough edges: every song races and explodes with authority and professionalism. It sounds like Ruben has been recording for years and this is his third or fourth E.P. The production is quite polished - but never overly so - and you get so many nuances across the four tracks. The title track is, perhaps, the most memorable and accomplished but Valentina and Lonely City ensure the E.P. finishes with two fantastic songs. It (Only the Young) is tight and focused but leaves you wanting more. Throughout, you hear a young artist in his element and inspiring throughout. The songs are not your average heartbroken-moan-and-made-for-the-charts song that once heard is instantly forgotten. Instead, one received a song that channels deep and compels you to keep coming back and listening. A full, stunning and memorable E.P. from an artist that has a long future ahead.

Sad Face is the current single from the E.P. and a song I was keen to jump on. The opening notes have a lullaby/music box charm to them. You get plinking, balletic notes that pirouette and dance gracefully around the stage. Gentle and pure; you get caught in the beauty and tenderness that unfolds. I was not expecting such a slight and mesmeric sound to open the song – maybe something more rousing and bracing. That is a wonderful thing: being subverted and hearing something really unexpected. So many other Pop artists would go for hard and hitting electronics and phat beats – negating subtlety and shoving the song down your throat. Rather than go to fourth base and overlook seduction: Ruben flirts with the listener and does not go racing straight in – I’ll drop that analogy now! In essence, Sad Face perfectly ascribes and defines itself without a word being sung. There is a somberness and tear-stained sound to the introduction but you get romance and immense beauty. Ruben comes to the microphone with little composition adornment and layering. His voice is sonorous and serious but has a smoothness and purity to it. Our hero wonders whether (his sweetheart) misses him and what went wrong. You wonder who is being ascribed and the reasons behind the break-up. It is another unexpected turn and something that keeps the song fresh and mobile. The E.P. (Only the Young) has promotional shots of Ruben throwing Polaroids into a canyon – dispensing with past memories and eradicating the past. This is something that runs throughout Sad Face. You have a young man that is bravely asking questions; perhaps afraid of what the answer might be. Asking his lover if he’s missed and thought about – maybe answers will never come. Rather than succumb to cliché and trope, you have a song much more bespoke and personal than the predictable fare of his peers. In the opening stages, you can almost hear and see the backstory and relationship - where the two came from and the machinations of the love.

Maybe the truth is not straight-forward but the questions very much are. I was intrigued whether there was another person responsible for the break-up or whether things just ran their course. Perhaps that is the meaning of the song: never revealing the full truth and allowing the listener a chance to interpret. As beats start to chomp and canter into the song; the hero investigates his naivety and wonders whether he was foolhardy. Walking crowds he is always imagining his former love – faces that look the same but aren’t; always shocking and upsetting. It is a feeling many heartbroken people get after a relationship ends: they always see their former lover in other people or want to see them; yearning for reconciliation and missing them hugely. That comes through in the song and your heart goes out to the hero. As the lyrics progress, Ruben asks whether he has been naïve and a little short-sighted. Thinking the relationship would last; there is that aftershock now it has ended. Many musicians attest broken love but do so without necessary gravitas and originality. Not only are the lyrics more interesting and personal than you’d expect: the vocal is out front and has a candour and emotional nakedness you do not get from a lot of artists. The chorus is the most immediate part of the song and will get you singing along instantly. “This is what a sad face looks like” it is said. Ruben is picking the pieces from the broken bond and trying to piece the puzzle back together again. Almost mocking and taunting his former lover: getting them to look at his face and the emotions you can see.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jacek Davis

Despite the near-jokiness of the words – jabbing at the former partner and the result of the heartlessness – the sentiment and delivery comes directly from the heart. You never sense a man making light of his lot: always hitting hard and letting the listener into his heart. Despite weighted words and serious subject matter; the composition is rousing, light and delicate. The percussion continues to pound but you get tender notes and elliptical sides – keeping the song uplifted and energised. That is what Ruben does so well: he can balance dark and light but keeps the song concise and focused. Sad Face has charm and memorability but is one of the most affecting and personal songs from Ruben. The hero wants to give things another chance but that might not be possible. They are off in the city and making moves; perhaps hooking up with other guys and not thinking twice about things. Ruben is sitting at home and wondering how to make things right: whether his former love is thinking of him and thinking of reconciliation. It is that sense of mediation and solution that makes the song so appealing. Ruben never casts blame and goes on the attack: he is looking for repair and wants things back how they were. That is quite a refreshing attitude to a post-break-up song – not being accusatory and showing some maturity about things. It is heartbreaking and open; tragic but hopeful – you feel like they could get back together. The chorus comes back in and seems more relevant and revealing the second time around. It is never rush-delivered and fast; paced so the words can be heard and resonate. You let the words wash over you as you picture the scenes unfolding. Ruben is at home thinking things over whilst his love, in a city undisclosed, is going about their life and living their day. It is agonising to think they might not be paying as much mind to the break-up as Ruben – just going through their day without a care. That seems unlikely but it is worth mentioning. That chorus comes back and keeps riding: the mantra and business statement that becomes heavier and more relevant each time. By the end, you wonder whether the duo ever got back together or at least affected some sort of conversation – opened the channels of communication at least. If Sad Face is a break-up song that sifts through the ashes; there is hope things can go back to how they were – Ruben always imbues light into his songs. Sad Face is a stunning song – and one of the highlights of the E.P. – that is hard to forget and compels you to listen to over again.

There are not many artists out there like Ruben. I have been following his music for a little while now and watching him grow and strengthen. Sad Face is his latest song and one that you know will capture many hearts. I mentioned radio stations like ‘6 Music and how Ruben could get some airplay there. Sad Face has a sound that will not only appeal to their listenership but get into the hearts of the Pop purists. You get energy, youthfulness and vibrancy with Ruben but, as the song shows, plenty of maturity, insight and soulfulness. I know he has just released an E.P. but one wonders how 2017 will unfold. I could imagine Ruben bringing an album out and something full-length. Such is the momentum and inspiration he has now it will be interesting to see. In terms of gigs, he is performing across London at the moment and making sure the capital knows what he is about. Playing smaller venues and open mic. nights: more of the same for the coming years. With the likes of Fabric reopening; there are chances for Ruben to play and there is more hope and faith in the London music scene – more than there was when Fabric was closed. As we stagger into the New Year, many will want positivity and happiness to reign – given the crappy year we have just gone through. In that respect, musicians will be stepping up and ensuring the listener is given something nourishing and comforting. Ruben has made big strides this year and improved from his earliest days. A confident young man who has a well-stocked social media portfolio and a professional website. He knows music is as much about business and image as it is music and personality. If you have a professional-looking website and seem serious then more people will come to you.

Before I wrap things up, I will look at the initial points and why Ruben is someone we should all look out for. Not only is Sad Face a stunning new cut but it results from months of preparation and hard work. I have seen few artists that put the grind in and are constantly on the move. Modern music is defined by tireless campaigning and long hours; getting your name out across the nation and really having to graft. Ruben is someone ready for the task and challenge: he has that passion and love for music. Nobody can deny him of resting on his laurels as he continues to record and perform. I mentioned how many musicians do not have a great set of websites and are ignorant to that side of things. If you are trying to discover a musician then you instantly go to the Internet. If you rock up on someone’s Facebook page and there is nothing there – how likely are you to stick around and be impressed? Many bands/artists have a couple of snaps and the odd link – that is pretty much it. It is disheartening and something that puts me off investigating further. I am not saying this is the reason artists fail but it is part of the reason at least. Ruben knows he has to be visible in order to attract and has created accessible and informative sites – his official page is one of the best out there. Couple this with music that gets inside the soul and compels you to listen more and you have a modern-day artist that has what it takes to go all the way. Pop is a genre that is always subject to discrimination and snobbiness: something that is starting to be redressed this year to an extent. Depending on your tastes and preferences; you have so many different options in modern Pop. It is not all chart music and generic-sounding fluff. Pop is becoming much more serious and provided with huge options and range. Ruben straddles other genres and splices Electro. candour with the gentleness and purity of Soul; cinematic energy and something quite exciting – mix this into the pot and you have a very spicy and exciting recipe.

I know the young man will have his own goals but I would like to see Ruben take his music across the country. London is a vital market – and given his proximity to the capital that is understandable – but there are towns and cities that would welcome Ruben in. I know the larger areas – Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool – would take him to heart and opportunities even further north. Maybe financial constraints are a factor but one cannot deny the popularity Ruben could achieve. So far, London is falling under his spell but there are lands and markets yet to conquer. Sad Face – and the Only the Young E.P. – bursts with quality, excitement and passion. You have a musician that has the ammunition and personality to challenge the standing order and make his name heard loud. I have grown weary of many of the so-called ‘future’ of Pop music. Too many rely on Auto-Tune and armies of writers to pen their music. If you look at who is top of the album charts – Little Mix at the moment – and you have a band that has little musical skill and hordes of writers behind them – not the most gifted in terms of vocals. I love girl bands – the legends like Destiny’s Child and En Vogue – but feel too many of today’s crop lack the bite, talent and appeal of the 1990s’ giants. Little Mix are indicative of so many Pop artists making their way through. You get those that are more edgy, interesting and appealing but they are becoming fewer. Ruben is a breath of fresh air against this tide. A unique talent who takes control of his material and does not need ranks of producers/writers to make him sound like him. In an X Factor world, he is providing sober spotlight to those who lack talent – Ruben is showing how it should be done and how good he is.

Before I close, let’s consider his current sounds and where Ruben could head. I mentioned the possibility of touring but I could see Ruben being celebrated in nations like the U.S. I know I say it about so many review subjects but it holds true here. The U.S. is sending their musicians here – a cultural exchange programme in a way – but they have a love and affection for our finest talent. Ruben could get a few dates over there and really carve out a name for himself. Maybe finance is a factor but demand surely won’t be. There are those out there that would love to see him: if that is fulfilled, who knows how far Ruben can go? The U.K. is taking Ruben to heart and he is reciprocating with fantastic music. The coming year will be an exciting and busy one for the young talent and a chance for him to ascend to the giddy heights of the mainstream. If he does get there – or takes a couple more years – Ruben can be an ambassador for Pop and just what can be achieved; the importance of taking control and not shelling out music to other writers and producers. Sad Face is invariably a personal song that comes from a young man both open and intriguing. There is enigma and mystery with Ruben but a man who opens his soul and wants to bring the listener in. I implore people to immerse themselves in the Only the Young E.P. – it is available on SoundCloud – and one of the best E.P.s I have heard in the last few months. Solid, refined and expert; loose, exciting and multi-layered – so many different strands and themes; a singular artist that you are damned to ignore. Congratulations to Ruben and his fantastic year: let’s hope this continues into 2017. Sad Face is the latest revelation from a sensational artist that has a great future ahead. Many artists have a very uncertain future but Ruben has a bright and prosperous one ahead…

THAT is for sure.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aZB7T8_7J8&w=560&h=315]

___________________

Follow Ruben

 

Official:

http://www.ruben-music.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/rubenofficialmusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Ruben_Official_

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ruben_official_music/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-560953367

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXwmo4Df69SyJfr46aUs0oA

FEATURE: The Ones to Watch 2017: Part One

FEATURE:

 

The Ones to Watch 2017: Part One

_____________________

WE are heading into the New Year with a candid mix of…

hopefulness and anxiety. There has been some music-related heartache and loss; we have witnessed some incredible albums and truly awesome moments – quite a balance from one of the most memorable years in recent memory. New musicians and talent are exciting and showing just what the future holds in store. With other publications and sites collating their ‘Ones to Watch 2017’ I thought I’d pitch in. In this first part, I put together some of the bands, artists and D.J.s I feel will be having a productive and accomplished next year – those we should all be keeping an eye out for.

__________________

D.J.s and Producers

 

Carly Wilford – D.J./Entrepreneur, London

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/284758455" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://carlywilford.com/

Roxi Yung – Singer/Musician/D.J., London

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290786246" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

PHOTO CREDIT: @nathalietheryphotog

Siggy Smalls – D.J.

[mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/MEATtransMISSION/full-swing-with-siggy-smalls-081115/ width=100% height=120 hide_cover=1 light=1]

https://www.facebook.com/siggysmalls0/?fref=ts

Musicians

PHOTO CREDIT: Zoe Etter

Elena Ramona – Pop/Dance/EDM, Surrey, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264076178" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

CASSI – Dance/House/E.D.M./Trance, Surrey, U.K.

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

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

INDIYA – Pop/Soul, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3MBgv1Q3UM&w=560&h=315]

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

Michelle O Faith – Soul/Pop/Alternative, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD9G9TUObgk&w=560&h=315]

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

King No-One – Indie-Rock, York, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLnIaG3VI-Q&w=560&h=315]

http://www.kingno-one.com/

Next State – E.D.M./House/Electronic, Surrey, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1wJ57_efK8&w=560&h=315]

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

Boston Building – Pop/Alternative, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4FSnFUwC6s&w=560&h=315]

https://www.facebook.com/bostonbuilding/

SIIGHTS – Pop, Ireland/Scotland, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2TcInBvPpU&w=560&h=315]

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

 

Signal – Rap/Hip-Hop, Basingstoke, U.K.

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

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

Saints Patience – Classic-Rock, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/253140605" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.saintspatience.co.uk/

Ellie Rose – Pop, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/291809288" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.ellierose.co.uk/

Chess Galea – Pop/Soul, Surrey/London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257937959" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.chessgalea.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: Emilia Buggins

Catherine Okada – Pop/Alternative, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276466060" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://www.facebook.com/catherineokadamusic/

Chenai Zinyuku – Soul/Pop/Electronic, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/176390087" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.chenaimusic.com/

Majik – Electronic/Chill, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289686554" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.majiklondon.com/

Emily Mac – Blues-Rock, Toronto, Canada

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHaQA-_O0_A&w=560&h=315]

http://www.emilymacmusic.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: @aaron_f_arteaga

Snoh Aalegra – Romantic-Soul, L.A., U.S.A.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294032931" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

Lola Coca – Hip-Hop/Ska/Pop, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R65e8TD1KQ&w=560&h=315]

http://www.lolacoca.com/

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Clewley

XamVolo – Soul, Liverpool/London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292437144" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

https://www.facebook.com/Xamvolo/

Bee – Pop, Indie, London/Surrey, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/173303068" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Timothy Ward

Jen Armstrong – Pop/Soul – London/Leeds, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/257485565" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://jenarmstrong.tv/official/Home.html

PHOTO CREDIT: @boringlandscapes

Miles Glyphers – Rap/Hip-Hop, Sydney, Australia

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293611167" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

PHOTO CREDIT: www.nickkentphtography.com

Rews – Alternative-Rock/Pop, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSkBS8J_qhk&w=560&h=315]

https://rewsmusic1.wordpress.com/

Ruben – Pop, Surrey/London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289707904" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.ruben-music.com/

IDLES – Post-Punk/New Wave, Bristol, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oxqf_15k0w&w=560&h=315]

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

Lulu James – Soul, South Shields, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw4l0NOOWTA&w=560&h=315]

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

PHOTO CREDIT: You Magazine

Earl – Soul/Blues, Alaska, U.S.A., London, U.K.

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

https://www.facebook.com/earlmusic.official/?fref=ts

Diamond White Riots – Indie/Alternative, Doncaster, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5m-41KNg1A&w=560&h=315]

https://www.facebook.com/diamondwhiteriotsDWR/

Duke of Wolves – Rock/Alternative, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293996381" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

 

Laura Saggers – Buckinghamshire, U.K. /Los Angeles, U.S.A.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/288730525" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.laurasaggers.com/

Words & Noises – Alternative-Rock, London/Manchester, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282245514" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.wordsandnoises.com/

Lewis Fieldhouse – Americana-Pop, London, U.K.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfUpihwnH6w&w=560&h=315]

http://www.lewisfieldhouse.com/

Lánre – African-Folk/Soul/Root, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259183267" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.lanreworld.com/

I Am Willow – Pop/Cinematic, Valetta, Malta/London, U.K.

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

https://www.facebook.com/iamwillowmusic/

Yotam Mahler – Pop/R&B/Soul, Tel Aviv, Israel

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/281605400" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

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

Toothless – Indie/Alternative, London, U.K.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292479333" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.toothlessband.com/

PHOTO CREDIT: Guy Haviv

ADI – Tel Aviv, Israel

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293650169" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

http://www.adiulmansky.com/

FEATURE: The November Playlist: Vol. 3

FEATURE:

 

The November Playlist: Vol. 3

__________________

IT is inevitable more Christmas songs will start to creep into…

these pages as we close in on ‘the big day’. I have dispensed with them near the top of this edition but included plenty of non-festive music. In addition to new singles and album tracks; I have collated some of the songs of 2016; some of my favourite album tracks of the year and some gems that need to be heard – including a classic Queen cut (Freddie Mercury died twenty-five years ago his week). It is a quieter week for new music but let’s hope that picks up in the next few weeks. There are some goodies to be found and plenty to satisfy the hungry music listener. Unravel an early Christmas present in another edition of The November Playlist.

__________________

The Killers – I’ll be Home for Christmas

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR3cG3C2g0Y&w=560&h=315]

Jim James – Here in Spirit

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-5JUqv8LcY&w=560&h=315]

Toothless – Sisyphis

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292479333" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Clouds Nothing – Internal World

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qfSDdegMpg&w=560&h=315]

Michelle O Faith – Lemonade

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD9G9TUObgk&w=560&h=315]

Tasseomancy – Missoula

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGFeZY8Fkzk&w=560&h=315]

Hannah Georgas - Evelyn

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRE5qlvlFVs&w=560&h=315]

Kadhja Bonet – Miss You

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE-GhXS0xfQ&w=560&h=315]

Leonard Cohen – Steer You Way

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM71N3TchfQ&w=560&h=315]

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds –Skeleton Tree

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7tfTBtpR0E&w=560&h=315]

Beyoncé – Formation

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMea1UNtdI8&w=560&h=315]

David Bowie – Dollar Days

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqW-kvU5cLg&w=560&h=315]

Wild Beasts – Celestial Creatures

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNy54uzxR2I&w=560&h=315]

Yellow Days – People

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293467036" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Lola Coca – Ego

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R65e8TD1KQ&w=560&h=315]

Anne-Marie – Peak (Stripped)

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

Happyness – Falling Down

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6sONfnMWfE&w=560&h=315]

Formation – Powerful People

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRadZghXBz8&w=560&h=315]

Raf Rundell – Carried Away

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJHG3m_d2Fo&w=560&h=315]

Angel Haze – Resurrection

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RrTxr5wyVg&w=560&h=315]

Father John Misty – Holy Hell

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkBHBsSf4qA&w=560&h=315]

Queen – One Vision

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_1IMZmJe-U&w=560&h=315]

Solange – Cranes in the Sky

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

Kate Tempest – Ketamine for Breakfast

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

Justice (ft. Ollie King) – The Concept of Fire

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRc9EU8eLMA&w=560&h=315]

Best Coast – Christmas and Everyday

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/291446929" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Alexandra Savior – Mystery Girl

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPjUeu7ugf4&w=560&h=315]

Emmy the Great – Rapids

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

ALA.NI – One Heart

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpdl6_iEXec&w=560&h=315]

Kate Bush – And Dream of Sheep (Live)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_256xd9N27o&w=560&h=315]

Jorja Smith – Something in the Way

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293116291" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Bibi Bourelly - Flowers

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86JkzImGs34&w=560&h=315]

Blvck Delorean - Time Waves

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9rOvMTwtrA&w=560&h=315]

Rich Homie Quan (ft. Angel) - Her

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdk3Lkh_4lc&w=560&h=315]

Hare Squead - Herside Story

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

Elephant Stone – Love is Like a Spinning Wheel

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0k-AO5bBJ8&w=560&h=315]

Babes in Toyland – Vomit Heart

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRa3CWi5UaM&w=560&h=315]

The Rolling Stones – Hate to See You Go

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

Noah Cyrus (ft. Labrinth) - Make Me (Cry)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwX4wrYLwfU&w=560&h=315]

Sean Paul (ft. Tory Lanez) - Tek Weh Yuh Heart

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyH5Jji6ou4&w=560&h=315]

The Weeknd – Party Animal

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr6rGfumZJI&w=560&h=315]

G-Eazy ft. (Danny Seth) - Bone Marrow

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFuq-8Wf9NE&w=560&h=315]

John Legend – Love Me Now

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmCFY1oYDeM&w=560&h=315]

Rhianna – Work

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL1UzIK-flA&w=560&h=315]

Chance the Rapper – All Night

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkIUnRRH6l4&w=560&h=315]

The 1975 – Somebody Else

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bimd2nZirT4&w=560&h=315]

Iggy Pop – Gardenia

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m8TmlS20ZA&w=560&h=315]

Christine and the Queens – Titled

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RBzsjga73s&w=560&h=315]

As we go into December, there will be some Christmas songs (sorry!) and plenty more music – artists having a final throw of the 2016 dice. It is interesting looking back at the year and the fantastic songs/albums that have come – reflecting on a wonderful year for music. Who knows what next week’s instalment brings, but one thing is certain, it will be bumper-full of interesting songs from some fantastic artists.

TRACK REVIEW: King No-One - Alcatraz

TRACK REVIEW:

 

King No-One

 

 

Alcatraz

9.5/10

Alcatraz is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLnIaG3VI-Q

RELEASED: 

4^th November, 2016

GENRES: Indie-Rock

ORIGIN:

York, U.K.

_________________________

EACH time I encounter a new band, one of the first things I do...

is give them a good going-over. The clothes are ruffled and the hair inspected; the boots investigated and a quick interview conducted – checking whether the group is genuine and worth further regard. That might sound like I’m part of the judging panel at Crufts: I mean it metaphorically, you’ll appreciate. I have revealed my scepticism with regards bands in recent posts. I feel too many are proffered to Messiah-like heights after a song or two – critics vacillating and drooling without any good reason to. It is no coincidence the finest albums of this year – bar a couple here and there – have been created by solo artists – many of them already established and proven. I adore bands and feel they are the bedrock of the music industry. The trouble with the modern age is the pressure and expectation put on young shoulders. It is the fault of the media – myself to an extent – we celebrate and give acclaim to bands – hoping they will keep the quality high and provide originality and longevity. Before I go on to look at – common themes for me – original and different shades of Rock; Yorkshire coming back into prominence and the way to gain acclaim – it is worth continuing my point. I am not sure what has happened with the modern scene but the public see-saw has tipped the way of solo artists. Whether the band seat is too emaciated and slight; the solo side fatted and succulently full – I am not really sure. What I DO know is new bands are struggling harder to gain less acclaim. There was a time, after the explosion of Britpop and bands like Oasis, where you heard nothing but new bands come through. Right up until a couple of years ago, there was a heavy prevalence and focus on groups. Sorry to resurrect this discussion point but is an equation that has yet to be allocated a solution. I guess the mainstream directly correlates to, and inherently influences, the underground. If there is a bumper crop of mainstream groups flexing their muscles: new bands will find confidence and motivation; critics and the press will be more receptive and attune to the latest bands emerging? The last couple of years has been a bit slow for great band-made albums. It has been a while since mainstays like Foo Fighters have released material and answer me this: how many albums of this year – that were created by bands – spring to mind? Hmmm. It is a difficult one and I can only really name a couple, to be brutally honest.

I feel solo artists and duos are becoming more prominent and, as a direct result, attention is focusing their ways. The-next-big-thing-type bands like Blossoms fell short of the mark; Hooton Tennis Club’s latest album did not get the celebration it deserves – the solo star has been enjoying the choice picks from the critical banquet table. Against the (seeming) tsunami and slagheap of glass-half-empty philosophy and cloudy optimism – I am actually quite hopeful of the underground. The reason I bring up this point, about bands being under-valued, is not because of numbers but quality. There are hordes of groups out there but so many merge into one another – an indeterminate, beige sludge of copycat anti-rebels; the sort of lemonade variety that creates a short-term buzz but leaves little to no aftertaste. Those groups that dare to be different – to put their own personalities and vision into music – and those that succeed and rectify the imbalance we are seeing. Maybe the answer is as simple as that: bands are struggling because there are not that many standing out front. It is a rather cynical world-view but some truth remains. Fortunately – otherwise this review would be hyper-awkward – my featured artists are not only pretty special but have a sound that is all theirs. Sure, there are some influences embroidered onto the sleeves, but, on the whole, there is native energy and inspiration from boys who owe a debt to nobody. Before I carry on my point, and invariably raise a few new, let me bring the band to your attention:

“The energetic four-piece has been blowing away audiences the length and breadth of the UK playing multiple O2 Academy tours, headlining Club NME at KOKO in London and performing at a multitude of festivals including both Reading and Leeds, Dot to Dot, Live at Leeds, The Great Escape (BBC Introducing Stage) amongst others.

The band has also received previous support from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Dermot O'Leary (BBC Radio 2), Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music), Radio X, Gigslutz, Indie Current and got to Nr. 1 on the Hype Machine Twitter Charts”

Before I look at keys to success, the variations within Rock and the future for King No-One – it is back to the distinct and varied landscapes of Yorkshire. Last time out, when looking at a Yorkshire-based band, I was crestfallen and scarlet at the lack of search engine information. Not on the band for themselves but contemporaries emerging from Leeds – one of music’s most fertile locales and a veritable carnival of colourful and exceptional musicians. It has left me a bit jaded but, luckily, when it comes to the city of York, there is more information and support online. The King No-One boys, like fellow Yorkshire bands, prove what a huge and vital county it is. If one considers York’s bygone/established bands, there are plenty of options. Shed Seven and The Seahorses call/called York home – as do relative newcomers like Glamour of the Kill and Asking Alexandria. It is the new and hopeful crop of York bands that are getting critics excited – King No-One sit right near the top. If one evaluates their local peers: there are so many different types of bands to get the teeth into. Louder than War - http://louderthanwar.com/top-ten-york-bands/ - gave their review of the York-based bands that will be making waves this/next year. Whilst there are so many wonderful musicians coming out of York; there are so few magazines and websites collating the best and brightest (I wonder why this is?!). The Carnival Rejects are a Hardcore-Punk outfit of immense magnitude and magnetic allure – a live act that has overwhelmed and exhausted plenty of people. Naked Six, by contrasting virtue, provide a more settled, sentient sound – Blues-cum-Rock blends that have been compared to Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. If that is enough to get the mouth watering; consider the noisy clatter of long-time York legends, Soma Crew. Drone-laden and hypnotic: the band are rightfully considered one of the finest bands playing around York. Surf Sluts – one does not envisage a Jazz-rock trio when reading that name – combines Surf-Rock sunshine with the pint-of-beer-down-the-pants kick of Proto-Punk. That California-meets-Castleford paramour would seem inorganic and ill-fitting in lesser hands – the fact Surfer Sluts have been playing since 1999 shows just how masterful and assured they are. Fat Spatula – again: can’t fault that name! – effortlessly splice Post-Punk and Garage shades; laid-back but urgency and embracing. They are another live fixture around the city and have been tipped as mainstays of the future. Sam Forrest Band, with his Silverchair-sounding charm and skill, has melancholia but plenty of hopefulness and beauty. One of those slow-release bombs of music that has already impressed York locals – someone who has the ammunition and musicianship to resonate with a much wider thoroughfare.

York is a city that is synonymous with its musical diversity: King No-One have the energy and raw vibrancy of their Punk comrades but offers spades of light, space and flavour – teasing sweetness and kick together with love and world-weariness. Previous cuts have looked at the realities of relationships and bonds; the power play that occurs behind bedroom walls – they have familiarity to add unique insight into well-worn subjects. Not only have King No-One created excitement in York: they have managed to make their way to the privileged earlobes of radio’s biggest tastemakers. I’ll come to looking at Indie-Rock and its true meaning but, with the King No-One band in the spotlight, it is worth applauding their success. The regal anonymity of the name seems ironic juxtaposed against the popularity accrued so far. As you can see from the band’s scant biography: they have caught the ear of national radio and lauded by some of this country’s most influential publications. Not only are they familiar with O2 Academy tours and played across the capital’s finest venues – B.B.C. D.J.s like Huw Stephens, Dermott O’Leary and Steve Lamacq have nodded to the boys  covering the wide-ranging demographics of Radios 1, 2 and ‘6 (Music). The grand young dukes of York have climbed the musical ladder not because of good looks (they are fine-looking chaps, mind), hype machines and chart-fodder sounds – they have got there because of a diligent, smart work ethic; brain-buzzing, heart-nourishing sounds and a chemistry that feeds into their studio and live performances.

I have, in the last few reviews, lambasted acts that neglect their social media pages and provide scant information for the new follower – I shall overlook King No-One on this occasion. While they have a few good photos up: it would be nice learning more about the individual members and how they formed; where they are heading and who influences them. It is a malady of many new acts: they are unwilling to reveal too much and overlook areas such as personal facts and fleshy biography. It is rather naïve in an industry where many musicians enjoy such short and stagnated careers. I hope they get their acts together and not only put more thought into this side of things – they are at the stage where they should have a more informative and information-heavy official website up. I know the band have their hands full and already done sterling work so far – they can find many more fans were they to expend some time towards these demands. If one were to explain the reason King No-One have got into the mindset of the nation’s radio mega-titans – it is because of their songs and how fresh they sound. In a year where there has been music tragedy and a cessation of fine (mainstream) bands – no wonder the York clan have such a following.

The guys call themselves ‘Indie-Rock’ but I feel that is more to do with tradition than truth. Many would assume - when faced with a band like King No-One - they are an Indie-Rock group. The trouble is, when we hear those words, there is a clear viewpoint of what sounds one can expect. Too many new Indie-Rock bands are stale, generic and stadium-lusting. Too many needlessly big choruses and little in the way of subtlety, depth and intelligence. I shall not name particular bands but there have been plenty of culpable participants – not just in the mainstream but new acts emerging. I feel King No-One bring genres like Alternative, Pop and Blues into their work. I feel we need to stop freely labelling musicians and pigeon-holing them. The risks run are tantamount to career homicide. If you define artists like King No-One as purely Indie-Rock, then many will have clear-set opinions and may pass them by. Whether this transgression is down to their label/the band themselves, I am not too sure. It would do them a disservice by narrowing their sound. King No-One, like some of their city-mate bands I mentioned earlier, combine myriad elements into something bursting with emotion, excitement and nuance. The boys have that instantaneousness and vibrancy but are equipped with maturity and experienced hearts; imaginative songbooks and a brotherly bond. I am unsure how you would define their music: it is exceptional and authoritative, however you look at it. Serendipity and fluke are not the reasons King No-One have reached the W1A postcode and the discerning ears of Lamacq.

PHOTO CREDIT: SODIUM

It has been an interesting career for King No-One over the past few months. If one looks at previous tracks from the band: you will see a development and rise from their earliest work to now. Alcatraz is the finest and most immediate song from the group. They are hitting their stride and really creating mainstream-worthy music. Say My Name – not the Destiny’s Child song – is a Reggae-influenced track that swaggers and moves about. It is a loose and nimble jam that bounces with energy and glee. The chorus is big and gets inside the brain. The hero’s vocals are stylish, emotional and memorable: hovering and holding words and delivering them with maximum consideration and skill. You get little hints of The Libertines’ Carl Barat. There is a bit of drool and that rasp but one hears a singer truly unique and determined; resonating in the senses. The origins and truth of the song leave you speculating: maybe regarding relationships and imbalance or something less personal. Say My Name will have each listener with their own views and taking something new away. Halo is one of their most recent songs and begins with rush and freshness. Like Say My Name, the song has a blend of Indie, Alternative and Reggae but is lighter than and not as bold as its predecessor. It is a track clearer and more decipherable than Say My Name. The vocals are more intelligible and the hero sees a girl wandering from the block; gun in hand, his feelings are being kept in. At the very first stages, you are curious and start to imagine the scenes unfolding. It is the energy and fun the band brings to the song that stays with you. The high-pitched, chorused backing vocals add to the foreground and elicit summer and sunshine. The lyrics look at regret and mess being made; fun had along the way and curious players. You wonder whether it is two lovers going through the motions and succumbing to the moment and being reckless. It is a fascinating song and one you immerse yourself in. Such is the strength of performance and shine of the song it is impossible to ignore. Halo improves from the band’s earliest work and is the most accessible and nuanced track they have come up with. Alcatraz adds to that and shows a band that are really creating original music and proving they are ready for the big leagues.

Those unfamiliar with King No-One are led in rather wonderfully. You do not need to familiar with their back catalogue to get a grip of what they are about. The hero is watching seasons pass “on the floor” and determined to be at the girl’s door – five years down the time he will be there. The opening notes of the song are funky, divine and spirited. If the band calls themselves Alternative-Rock or Indie, they are doing themselves a disservice. King No-One creates another exhilarating, exceptional and memorable. The bass bounces, springs and pirouettes whilst the band comes into the frame with alacrity and commitment. The percussion, subtle at this point, adds needed crackle and kick whereas the guitars shimmer and skim with lustrousness and adore. Like other songs from the Bristol band; you are never 100% sure what the song refers to and its true origins. The lyrics are more original and literary than most and do not go for easy clichés and stereotyped expressions. In the initial verse, I feel a love story is unfolding and being documented. The boy is pining for the girl and knows he will be thinking of her years down the line. The hero’s heart is in Alcatraz and he is feeling imprisoned and repressed by a feeling. Whether it is as simple as heartache and not being able to keep the girl – you start to speculate and conspire. The bass continues to pine and appeal; it does a lot of the work and projects an audible tension and heartbeat.

The rest of the band create something colourful and detailed around the vocals – different tones and pitches give the song a rounded and deep sound; one that brings different things from the lyrics. It is those lyrics that provoke the strongest reaction. Once again, the vocal performance mixes theatricality and heartfelt supplication. The words, at times, are held and elongated; others they are studied and precise. At every stage, the maximum degree of emotion is wrung from the song. It might be a ‘harsh’ thing to say – depending on your T.V. viewing decisions – but Alcatraz is a song that could score a scene from Made in Chelsea. I am culpable of watching the show – it has that addictive, voyeuristic pull – and I can see the song sound-tracking a scene from the show. Not only does it have commercial appeal but it is resolutely the sound of a group unlike any other. As the lines and song unfold, there is more clarity and direction. The hero’s heart is in a penitentiary and desirous of liberation. Maybe the girl has cast her spell and caused a lot of love to stir – that has been revoked and the fall-out is causing pain and regret. Maybe I am short-sighted, but I feel a man who is in turmoil and holding back his true emotions. Perhaps too painful to unleash the myriad anger in his soul – keeping it all down in case the breaking dam breaks him.

The track never relents its compositional bonhomie and perseverance. The electric notes have a child-like lack of discipline and lace the song with high-pitched fuses and delirious twirling. King No-One are a band who do not create sombre and black-velvet expressions; they always keep things light and above the water. They could easily fit alongside many of their finest contemporaries – you get embers of The 1975 and their latest album – and can make heartache and loss sound fresh and exciting. I was trying to dig to the core of the song and just what surrounds its inspiration. Maybe there has been a fight or the two have broken up years ago. There is that sense of being held back and not being able to reclaim that pure love. The listener is always committed to investigating the words and drawing their own mind to the meaning. Maybe I am off the mark but don’t want to be corrected: every great song begs for a unique take. The composition is not straight-forward and has such detail and enigma. Even if the sound comes across simplistic and optimistic; you have to give it time and it will evoke different reactions and feelings the more you hear it. Bands that overlook the necessary for complexity will never have long-term regard. I was invested in the song throughout and fell for Alcatraz. Every element and layer of the song works wonderfully and gets into the head. Broken fairytales are being reviewed – our man’s heart is in Alcatraz – and it seems like his soul has been claimed – “You got me good”. Our lead is “slowly dying” and going through some perilous times. You never get the sense of someone who is giving up and looking back. There is that steely determination to get back what is his and not surrender the fight.

One-half of yourself is dancing and merry against the composition whilst the other stands still and unravels the words. You picture two lovers in different places and the scenes unfurling – again, there is a ‘Chelsea-esque sentiment and feel to the lyrics. Not to undermine and cheapen the quality and sincerity of the story: it has a very modern feel and will be relatable to many people. Those who prefer their music a little more intelligent and soulful will be able to enjoy a lot. Alcatraz has maturity and never succumbs to infantile blame and immaturity. You have a song that puts its heart out there and looks for answers – perhaps knowing that is never wholly possible. That desire to be set free is paramount of evident: you want to see the lead escape the rhapsody of pain and cast the shackles of hurt. The most emotive and striking moment comes with a late repeat of the chorus: the vocal holds and rises to the ceiling with huge force and passion. It is enough to catch you off guard and really hit the heart. That is followed by explosions of colour and energy as the band is not keen to settle too long in dark and murky waters. By the end, you have witnessed so much and heard a lot. It takes a while to settle in but (Alcatraz) is a song you keep coming back to for many different reasons – always hunting for the truth and obsessed by the true meaning of it.

I was due to review (previous single) Halo. The fact I am reviewing Alcatraz is because, A) I had other reviews to do first; making Halo a bit outdated and, B) Alcatraz is a sharper and more immediate song. I know the chaps are busy promoting their music and getting out there. They hail from York but are perfectly familiar with London and the venues down this way. Not only have their got their foot in the door but have strode in and making themselves at home. It is encouraging seeing a young band make in-roads so soon. The tight performances and everyman songs have struck a chord across the capital and ensured the band have a permanent home here. That bring me to a new point – before I circle back to my original discussions – concerning their next year and futures. I have reviewed a lot of artists that have enjoyed the same accolades – the B.B.C. C.V.s and rarified acclaim – but few have quite the same dynamic and artistry as King No-One. It is the sheer confidence and majesty the boys expend that put them above the hustling throng of modern bands. They have an enduring lack of pretension and the sort of band you can find down the pub – perhaps buy them a pint and swap stories and banter with. Alcatraz takes no prisoners but, rather appropriately, is very difficult to escape from. Nominal authenticity means the single imprisons you and bolts the door shut; puts barbed wire on the walls and German police dogs patrolling the parameters. Unlike the former high-security San Francisco jail: The British band incarcerate you in a perfectly focused and economical song that sets out to seduce and strike and does so ably. It follows on from Halo but does not repeat that song. Halo looks at the realities and daily commonality of relationships and the tribulations that are faced. Alcatraz does not repeat that theme, but instead, sticks to relationship parameters but explores different territory. Put those two songs back-to-back and you see consistency and evolution. Over the course of a short period of time – there are only a couple of months between the releases of both – King No-One have crafted too essential, if different, songs that burrow into the hindbrain and evoke all manner of positive expressions and passionate smiles.

It gets me thinking about 2017 and how King No-One slot into the agenda. It would be great to hear an E.P. from them – no sure whether one has been mooted for next year – but one imagines it will not be too long. Such is the momentum and backing behind them: many will yearn to get a hold of a new E.P. from the lads. I can see Halo and Alcatraz being a swift one-two that kicks proceedings off with recognisable songs and plenty of energy – maybe mutating to two numbers more level-headed and emotional. The exact details and musical specifications will be known to the band but I am excited to see where they go. Alcatraz proves the band can live up to expectations and deliver a song of the highest order. Ignoring my gallows humour and pun-laden (attempts at) wit: the song is a solid and impressive release that stands above the multitude of rather average songs heard this year. What King No-One do is provide music one can escape to but immersive themselves in. I have speculated where the band might head and how they will grow into 2017. I predict they will have a successful next year and build their fanbase in this country. Take that further and the guys have the potential to cross into Europe and claim some territory there; maybe a stint in the U.S. and a chance to get their name heard there – that will be a big coup if they can get out there. In terms of the music they are making now: it is their most impressive and tight; sounds that have won the hearts of D.J.s and stations (and the wider world).

Before I close things down, I want to circle back to York-based music and band resurgence/state – a little bit of an ass-kicking repeat – and a bit about Rock/Indie-Rock. The venture capitalists of Indie-Rock: the York boys are providing hope and energy in a market that is lacking in consistent quality and sustainability. I know media eyes are predominantly focused towards London but York is an area that cannot be overlooked. If you think about the bands making waves in the city (above) it is clear there are some big acts playing there – just waiting to get their break and ascend to the mainstream. The city is among the country’s most upcoming and fascinating (in terms of new music) and should be heralded. Yorkshire is a county that continues to provide wonderful, interesting and original music. The creative juices flowing through York are starting to capture the imaginations of the press and King No-One are a band emphasising just what York is capable of. Not all cities/towns of Britain have active music scenes but York is an exception.

I am not sure whether King No-One are going to remain in York or whether they are moving down to London – they seem to have the best of both worlds at the moment. I have been a little critical – over the course of some reviews – about the Indie-Rock market and what is out there. If you look hard enough there are plenty of acts providing credibility and depth to the genre – still enough bands really not hitting the standard required. Sure, the overall quality has dipped over the past few years – solo artists coming up strong – but that is not to say Rock/Indie is dead – far from it. What we have are bands/acts mutating and evolving what we consider to be ‘Indie-Rock’. More Pop/Electronic elements are being introduced and the subject matters are changing – less about defiance and celebration; more concerned with relations and love. There was a time (in the 1990s and early-‘00s) when a more jubilant, optimistic mood pervaded – that is not quite as evident in 2016. Given the way things have changed, many have simply written off Indie-Rock and some bands are being irrelevant and weak. King No-One are ensuring such easy prejudices are left where they should be: their music elevates and motivates; gets people involved and happy. I hope the lads work on their official website and get their social media in order - more information and photos for journalists; a better range of options for new fans. Their music does a lot of the talking but it would be good to hear them do some, too. I’ll leave them be but end by congratulating the band on a solid and sharp song: another typically assured and insightful song that is impossible to throw off. Let King No-One into your life and…

WATCH them soar throughout 2017.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLnIaG3VI-Q&w=560&h=315]

_____________________

Follow King No-One

 

Official:

http://www.kingno-one.com/

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/knomusicuk

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/knomusicuk

SoundCloud:

www.soundcloud.com/knomusicuk

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: Miles Glyphers

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Miles Glyphers

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WHEN one discovers new musicians their backstory and ambitions are…

hardly the stuff of originality and wonder. That is very different when you consider Miles Glyphers. Born in the Ivory Coast; Glyphers was lucky to get out of the country alive – escaping a torn and divided nation ravaged by conflict. Making his way to Australia, the Sydney-based Hip-Hop star still holds the scars and is feeling the effects of a turbulent and tumultuous childhood. Luckily, in some way, that vivid and unique story is filtered into his music – rich with story, candour and emotion. Dollar and a Dream is a song that espouses hopefulness one can get from having very little: having to battle and overcome obstacles and hard situations. It has been interesting talking to Glyphers about the new single and forthcoming record, Third World Child. There are few artists are fresh, unexpected and honest: that raw, humble and dogged determination comes through hard. Glyphers talks about his upbringing and idols; the musicians he feels strongly about and an insight into his current creativity.

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Hi Miles. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey hey. I’m tired but doing well. My week’s been a little wild with late nights and things. But now the songs out, it's all worth it.

For those unfamiliar with your music: can you introduce yourself, please?

Well. My name is Miles Glyphers. I am from Down Under - trying to come up right now.

I am unlike Hip-Hop artists - if there’s anything such as that. I dropped my debut mixtape - Twisted Youth - a year and a bit ago but I been doing music for a while now and things got serious (I’ll say) three years ago.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293611167" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Dollar and a Dream is your latest single. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?

Yeah. Dollar and a Dream is a real personal one - especially the first verse. When I was growing up, I didn’t have anybody around to look after me properly so I was always in the streets. When I came to Australia it was the same issue. In high school, my rap was pretty much a joke to everybody around me. I grew up in a real poor family we never had anything. I left home when I was like fourteen - trying to make something out of life. It gets deep but I guess that sums my inspiration behind Dollar and a Dream.

The track addresses alienation and lack of identity. It seems to, in a wider sense, address the state of the modern world. Were events like Trump’s election and ongoing issues in the world part of the song’s influence?

‘Alienation’ is definitely the key word. Since I was like eight years old I was always on my own: I was really that kid sitting quietly in the corner or somewhere in the dark over-thinking - so I can relate to other young people in the same position. Dollar and a Dream was really about me telling you that no matter the problem or issue you’re going through, you can make it and become whatever you want to be - so it’s not so much influenced by America; more the state of the world for all young people. We are all connected now and are sharing our experiences through the internet. I think whatever you put your mind to you can become with hard work and dedication. No matter what others think of you, you’re actually a somebody.

You were born in the Ivory Coast but live in Sydney. What compelled the move and do you ever get a chance to return to the Ivory Coast?

I remember Ivory Coast was really crazy in terms of struggle and our living condition wasn’t great. Life was real and yet again the streets were where I found myself around the wrong crowds. To be honest, I am lucky to be alive right now. We had to leave because of war we ended up and a nearby country called Guinea - where we stayed at a refugee camp. And, somehow, we were lucky enough to come to Australia. I honestly don’t want to go back with nothing: I want to go back like "Look what I’ve become!"

Sydney has a huge and varied music scene. What is life like there for a musician and who are the local artists you are tipping for success?

Sydney is really on some serious stuff right now. I reckon this city is next.

Diffusely, my good friend Sampa the Great - she is special and does her own thing – is all about empowering people through poetry and music. Ones to watch are also my good friends of Veeno and Maverick.

Listening to your music, it seems you have a definite niche and unique sound. Is it hard to get opportunities in Australia or is the music community there quite supportive? 

Yeah. I am really trying to be myself and have my own vibe going. Right now, It’s something that’s a bit hard for Australians to get their head around as they are not used to it. Some are starting to accept it, though. As for opportunities, you have to make them yourself here: the Hip-Hop scene is still growing, but its early days. As long as I am getting support from you guys, and whoever else feeling the music, then I am good. That’s all that matters: the love and support from the ones that feel it.

Third World Child is where Dollar and a Dream will feature. What can you reveal about the E.P.’s themes and what we can expect from it?

Third World Child is based on life and experiences. Expect anything and everything as there are no restrictions. I don’t really want to say much about it at this point - I really want to show people, A: what I am about and B: this is what I live for and am out here doing whatever it takes.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMUQ38G6HW8&w=560&h=315]

It has been over a year since you released your debut mixtape, Twisted Youth. How would you say you’ve developed as an artist since then? What changes and new elements have you incorporated into your music?

Yeah, it’s been a crazy period where I had to stay strong; put my head in and stay focus despite everything going on around me.

I worked and focused more on my melodies because that’s my favourite thing right now. I am just trying to get better and better every day as I feel like I am ready for the world and what it has to offer in terms of music.

You have been supported by the likes of Complex, Sampa the Great and i-D. How does that acclaim feel and is it quite daunting at such an early stage?

Not really, no. It’s what I’ve always wanted so it’s just been a great start to what is just the beginning of my story. I really appreciate the love and support from them and everyone. Sampa' is mad-cool and complex and i-D are just too awesome to not be happy when they say something good about you.

Big thanks to all of them.

I know many here in the U.K. would love to see you play. Any plans to come over here and experience our wonderful (translate: cold and wet) winter?

Coming to the U.K. has been in my plans for some time now. It will happen but when the timing is right - so maybe early next year.

I can’t wait to do something over there: as long as you guys out there keep giving me support. I don’t think we’re far off from something coming to the U.K.

I can imagine your upbringing saw you exposed to a wide range of sounds and artists. Who were the musicians you idolised growing up?

When I was a bit younger we used to go to church where we would sing all the time. Growing up, I was mainly used to the African drum sounds and music. I actually got into Hip-Hop music late because I only heard them on the radio back home and I didn’t know what the genre was, ahaha. But, yeah, when I came to Australia that started changing. Discovered Snoop Dog and Ice Cube through a magazine from a local newsagent - I found the fashion and style real interesting; started digging into the whole West Coast culture thing - and that was it for me.

Are you quite an ambitious musician? Are there places you have yet to perform in and goals as-yet-unachieved? 

Ambitious is me all day, every day - even when I perform at bigger venues; I feel like that isn’t enough.

I am always thinking there’s more we can do better and I don’t think my mindset will ever change.

Looking ahead to 2017: what plans do you have and can we expect to see you tour in the coming months?

Well. I have a new project in Third World Child. I might drop some singles and other things in-between. A tour is definitely something I am looking forward to - and one is in the process.

Christmas is coming up. Are you spending it at home and what is top of your Christmas wish-list?

I am not so excited for Christmas right now because last year I spent all my Christmas and New Year in the studio finishing off Twisted Youth. By the looks of things, I am about to be stuck in the same situation with what I am trying to do with Third World Child. Hopefully, I can get some chill and travel somewhere nice to take my mind off it for a bit. But right now I have no major plans for the break other than making music.

For anyone looking to follow in your footsteps: what advice would you offer up to them?

My best advice is that nothing is impossible. the way I see it you can do anything you put your mind too. Never give up and also keep pushing and when things get tough as life does - take it as a motivation.

Stay humble and also give anything and everything your best. Most important thing is to know why you’re doing what you do in the first place.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song and I’ll play it here (not one of your own as I’ll include that).

Run by Baby Veeno and Maverick.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0CHJbbHT5E&w=560&h=315]

____________________

Follow Miles Glypher 

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MilesGlyphers

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/milesglyphers/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/milesglyphers

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Qo8hJuY_B5FCEVFf2zpeA

INTERVIEW: Silver Rose

INTERVIEW:

 

Silver Rose

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HOW often do we really castigate any limitations and false expectations we have…

PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Rubio

HEADER PHOTO CREDIT: Fernando Omede

of music and succumb to curiosity, common sense and wanderlust? Carla Sariñana is not just one of Mexico’s most prominent and hard-working musicians: her alter ego, Silver Rose, is someone you will want to affiliate yourself with. Not just a purveyor of mind-nourishing, fantastic music – an intelligent and inspirational human who is aiming to put Mexican musician on the map. When we think of nations like Mexico, we have perceptions and misconceptions. The fact is this: allow that to cloud your senses and you miss out on a world of great music. In that spirit, my interview with Silver Rose touches on the Mexican music scene and reappropriation measures; how her career got started and what we can expect from her new E.P. We also look at the new single, Take Me Home and what the coming year holds for Silver Rose’s Sariñana.

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Hi Silver Rose. How are you? How has your week been?

Great thank you! How are you?

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

I´m Carla Sariñana: a singer/bass player from Mexico City. I just released my first solo E.P. as Silver Rose - my new Shoegaze/Dream-Pop band mainly influenced by The Jesus and Mary Chain, Tamaryn; The Black Ryder and Mazzy Star.

I´m also co-founder and bass player of an all-girl Rock band here in Mexico called Ruido Rosa. We´ve been around in the Independent Rock scene for about ten years: touring around Mexico, California and opening for bands such as Kiss, Maroon 5 and Queens of the Stone Age.

I do not often come across Mexican musicians. What is the music scene like there and how do you think it differs to that in other parts of the world?

The music scene here is small but very important to the whole Latin Rock scene. I love it. We are one big, big family; bands really come together over here.

The scene has changed and grown so much in the last 10 years. There are really great and interesting bands right now; so many new and different proposals that make the Mexican scene extremely important in Latin America - and the whole world should start listening to more Mexican bands.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rolling Stone

Do you think we assume Mexican music is going to be quite stereotyped? Do you feel people are unaware of the depth and variety of music in the country?

Yes, of course. I think even Mexicans are like that.

Everyone is used to hearing Folk and traditional Mexican music: musicians use their heritage and traditional sounds to inspire themselves musically and that’s beautiful. But for me, and many others around the world, it came differently: I was way more into Rock and Roll and that whole scene. I guess I identified with that type of music and what it said a little bit more - but that happens everywhere in the world.

I think it’s wrong to think that Mexico only has certain types of music. There is such a variety of sounds around the world that nobody should really be surprised that different sounds come out of certain countries.

We live in a digital era where all types of music can influence anyone no matter where they come from.

Take Me Home is your new single. It has a great Rock sound and lush, atmospheric vocals. What inspired the song and did it take a long time to come together?

It actually came together really quickly. I was listening to a band I love called The Black Ryder. They have big loud songs that are extremely epic and beautiful.

I started with really just two notes and a bass groove and was focusing on having a sweet but seductive melody on top of it. It came together really quickly. I remember starting to compose it and how incredibly happy and excited I was about it.

I later worked on it with The Wallburds which is a band with whom I played bass for a while in L.A. and then with Javier Blake and Steve Mungarro - we took it to a whole bigger thing which we all fell in love with. I especially remember recording the last part and putting the bass line behind the outro; we were so excited with the final result. It’s a song that will always bring back great memories.

The song is seen as a soundtrack to a love affair and quite doom-laden. Was it quite cathartic recording it and was there a particular man/person in mind when you wrote it?

I wrote it all by myself at home but later worked on it with The Wallburds, Javier Blake and Steve Mungarro. I don´t think I could´ve had the same final result without them: they were so important to the whole recording process. It’s for anyone who’s ever spent time on their own or gone on an adventure into the unknown. It’s a journey to the sunny side of hope.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84SnhePoOY0&w=560&h=315]

The video is quite grainy and vintage; it sees you in various shots around L.A. What was it like shooting the video and how was Los Angeles to film in?

It was the first video I recorded as Silver Rose: me being by myself for the first time, so I was nervous during the whole process. L.A. is great to film in. There are soooo many places to film at; it's so beautiful you end up with way too much great material.

Reviewers have compared to you a host of legendary names. Has it been quite humbling hearing the feedback or is it quite intimidating?

Humbling? I never really thought anybody would like my music or even pay attention to it.

It makes me extremely happy to read good or even bad reviews from anybody.

If people take the time to talk about you and what you are doing; maybe you are doing something right. It motivates me to keep going, work harder and make more and better music, so… thank you!

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290311620" 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 have been writing songs and playing bass with Ruido Rosa for eleven years now. How do you become involved with the group and do you still perform regularly?

We perform every once in a while but its funny: more and more people come to every show. I love playing with Ruido Rosa - it’s my baby; I started and worked all my life around that band, in many ways it made me who I am, I think. We´re currently finishing the new E.P. to release next year so I´m going to be very busy musically which I am incredibly happy about.  I just learned how to balance the two projects… it's not easy, but it can be done and I’m doing it.

I know you have performed in bars and venues around L.A. and Mexico City. What have been the most memorable performances and what are the biggest lessons you have learned from those gigs?

I think the first show of Silver Rose in L.A. was extremely memorable for me. The first time I sang in front of an audience. I´ve had many memorable shows with Ruido Rosa as well and all I know from both projects is to pour your heart out on stage and try not to think too hard about what is happening - just feel it and enjoy it.  The shows where I´ve been able to do that are the most memorable and (obviously) experiences opening for bands like KISS and Queens of the Stone Age.

Your music is evocative and recalls the 1970s a great deal. Which artists did you grow up listening to? Do you feel few artists nod to the past and are too stuck in the present?

I grew up listening to a bit of everything but my dad showed me bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath; The Who, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; The Beatles, Queen and stuff like that - but I always listened to everything that was happening then musically as well.

I feel every artist nods to the past in some way because every band in the present has to be influenced by the past; it’s just the way it is, there is no way to avoid it.

The sounds of today are because of the sounds of the past. Many are probably not aware they are doing it, but they are. I just love to be very aware of it because people forget how incredible those sounds were and are.

Your eponymous E.P. is out. Was it exciting recording it and what kind of themes and songs can we expect?

It was very exciting to record: a completely new process for me: one of the best challenges of my life. The songs are about love, falling in and out of it and sound extremely colourful and dark at the same time.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Cope Photography

On that, you worked alongside Javier Blake (from Mexican Punk-Pop band División Minúscula). How do you think the musicians you worked with elevated the music and how important was their role in the E.P.’s creation?

Javier has always been an extremely important person in this E.P. He helped me know which idea was worthwhile and which were still in the process of being something. I guess thanks to him I learned how to make a real song by myself. Everyone who helped in recording the E.P. was extremely important. There is not one single person who didn´t make a difference to making this E.P. the best it could be for me.

The six-track E.P. is sung in Spanish and English. Was it important to you to retain your native tongue and how important was it not to abandon your Mexican roots?

It was extremely important to me since I´ve always spoken both languages at home. My mum´s family is from the British community here in Mexico City and so it all came naturally.

I never really fought the language in which I felt the song in; I feel some in English and the others just sound in Spanish in my head. I don´t know how to explain it.

Spanish is such a romantic language to sing in. You can fall for a song without understanding what is being said. What are the main differences – when it comes to music and sound – between the two languages?

English is easier to write in without sounding too corny; Spanish has many words that can take you to something that sounds not as natural. It was harder for me to finish the songs in Spanish than in English because of that. I really took care of the phrases and words I used.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Rubio

What can we expect going into 2017? What plan do you have as a musician?

Play as many shows and festivals as I can around Mexico, Latin America. I’d love to get to the U.S. and Europe. I´m also going to release another single and start focusing on new material for the next album.

Christmas is almost here. How will you both be spending it? What is top of your Christmas present/wish-list?

I´ll be spending it with my family here in Mexico - my husband and new baby girl.

My top wish list is work, work, work; shows, shows, shows. That´s what I want.

Is there any advice you’d like to offer any upcoming musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

Work hard; know your business; care about every single aspect of your music and band and to not give up. If this makes you happy and you´re professional and passionate about it - something good will always come out of it.  Always remember to enjoy the process.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can each select any song you like (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

That´s a hard one. I love New Song from Warpaint´s new album, Heads Up.

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

___________________

Follow Silver Rose

Official:

http://www.silverrose.mx/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/silverrosemusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/silverrosemusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/silverrosemusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/silverrosemusic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5USnF267k-4FCa7DW7GFqQ

INTERVIEW: Ivy Mode

INTERVIEW:

  

Ivy Mode

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GENUINE spirit and personality are not as common as…

one would imagine. Music has its fair share of fakes and posers: finding an artist that is The Real Deal is a very pleasant surprise. Ivy Mode is a twenty-one-year-old singer inspired by the likes of Chet Faker, James Blake and Flume – providing hard-hitting music with emotional undercurrents. Based in Belgium, she has appeared on the country’s version of The Voice – where she released a cover of Jeff Buckley’s Everybody Here Wants You – and found her way to the attentions of W!G Music. Money Can’t Buy is her new single and signals good times ahead. I ask her about the song and the music scene in Belgium; whether modern music is defined by a lack of fun and how her heritage – she has Filipino roots – has influenced her as a musician and woman.

___________________

Hi Ivy. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi. My week has been pretty fun so far. It was the release of my first debut single so I was really excited about sharing it with the world - and I was also excited about what the reactions would be. But I'm happy with all the responses I got!

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

My name IVY MODE. I’m a twenty-one-year-old singer living in Antwerp. My passions are music and fashion hence the name ‘MODE’ which is the Dutch translation for ‘fashion’. The music I make is Indie-Electronic Pop. I try to make music with an edge but also try to make it catchy.

Money Can’t Buy is your debut single. What compelled you to come into music and release a song?

It’s always been my dream to become a singer. I always wanted to perform on stage and make my own music.

I’m just so happy and excited to be able to set it as my main goal now.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293443270" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Can you tell us what the song is about and the sort of themes explored?

It’s about putting your career first and neglecting a relationship. You put all your efforts into becoming as successful as you can, and during this process, you lose the one you love. When you get to that point of success you realise you have no one to share it with. You regret giving up this relationship and would do anything to get this back.

James Lowland is the single's producer. What was it like working with him?

It was really easy-going and fun! What I love about working with James is that he translates the music I try to describe in words and turns it into sounds. James listens to all types of music but when he works with an artist he really tries to have the same mindset as the artist he’s working with. This is really important to be happy with the result.

Your music is catchy, Indie-Pop and fun. Do you think too many modern musicians are too serious and lack necessary uplift and energy?

I think that a lot of musicians focus a bit too much on being extremely successful which makes it more serious because you have a goal in mind.

Yet, I believe that if you just make music you like and would like others to hear you’ll enjoy the process a lot more. I also believe it to be a more sincere way of making music.

You were a contestant on The Voice (Belgium) in 2013. What was the experience like and what was the reaction like from the judges when you performed?

I had a lot of positive reactions after my blind audition and even heard a lot of people saying I was one of the favourites to win. This, unfortunately, gave me a lot of stress because I felt too much pressure. I kind of forgot to enjoy the adventure. The Voice is for a singer who is used to only sing in the shower or when she’s alone at home.

Cover songs have been part of your repertoire until now. You have covered everyone from Ed Sheeran to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Is there a song/artist that has been especially meaningful to cover?

I think it would definitely be the cover I sang during my blind audition. It was the song A-Team by Ed Sheeran. It’s just the feeling I get every time I hear it: it reminds me of those days. It was the first time I actually shared my voice with a larger group of people. I felt extremely fragile about the responses I’d get. That’s why this cover is very meaningful to me.

There are not many Belgian artists making their voices heard – or ascending to the attention of many British ears. How does the Belgian music scene differ to that over here?

The Belgian music scene is a lot smaller here in Belgium, I think. Even in Belgium, it’s hard to get heard.

So for me, as a Belgian artist, it’s difficult to dream bigger than the borders around Belgium.  I think a lot of Belgians try to get heard, but it’s just a hard struggle to reach that goal.

Are there any Belgian artists we should be checking out?

Tsar B is a new female Belgian singer who’s doing really well outside of Belgium. She has a dark Electronic sound to her which is pretty cool. Also, I totally love Oscar  and the Wolf - they are really popular here in Belgium and I love their unique sound and sense of fashion.

With your Filipino roots and Belgian upbringing: how influential were your parents and the music they played with regards your decision to take up music? What kind of artists did you hear growing up?

Well, my mom is from the Philippines and I’m pretty sure you already know (but) Asians loooooooove their karaoke. So, every gathering I’d go to where there were Filipinos there would be a karaoke machine and my mom would not stop nagging until I’d sing a song for everybody. So, singing was a part of my life from an early age.

I grew up listening to the typical hit songs sung by the best singers such as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey; Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson….

W!G Music is the label you are with. Do they allow you a lot of creative freedom or is there a sense of being directed to an extent? How much freedom of expression do you have?

What I love about W!G Music is that this label gives you all the freedom you want in making music. If they believe in you as an artist they support your music, vision and style. So, even if it’s a little weird or extraordinary who cares? It could be pretty cool as well!

A lot of artists are inspired by love and relationships when it comes writing songs. How important and relevant have past relationships and current love been with regards your songwriting?

Well. When you want to write a song about love it’s easier to describe it in a song when you’ve experienced love yourself.

Sure, you can get your inspiration from romantic movies but it’s different when you’ve experienced it yourself. So, for me, I get a lot of inspiration out of my previous relationships.

Looking into 2017: can we expect to see an E.P. or more singles perhaps?

We are currently planning to release my second single (probably in February), Body Next to You. Depending on how fast the writing process goes we hope to have an E.P. ready for the end of 2017. I’ve been working a lot in the studio to make new music so there is definitely more to come!

It would be great to see you perform in London soon. Are there plans to come play in the U.K.?

Yes. We are actually working on performing abroad as well but there’s no exact date yet - but we’ll definitely keep you posted!

Christmas is coming up. How will you be spending it and what is top of your present list?

I will be spending it with family just like every year.

I’m pretty sure this sounds corny but I just want to enjoy everybody’s company with a great meal (as a big plus).

It’s not easy getting a big family all together during the year so I’m happy it’s possible during Christmas. I don’t really have a list of presents I’d like to have but I’m a sucker for terrible funny gifts – like, for example, an ugly Christmas sweater or ugly socks or such.

Is there any advice you’d like to offer any upcoming musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

Just to make music they love to perform and hear themselves.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song you like (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

I discovered a new song a couple of days ago and I must say I love the chorus a lot. Great sound - This Girl by Muto (Ft. M. Maggie)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hum1STb21fU&w=560&h=315]

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INTERVIEW: Taylor Noelle

INTERVIEW:

 

Taylor Noelle

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TAKING that leap and moving from somewhere quite romantic and idyllic…

to a different, polemic part of a country has been much-documented in films and literature. In terms of music, the emigration from Los Angeles to Nashville is not as rare as one would imagine – becoming more popular with hopeful, ambitious artists. The sense of community and opportunity Nashville offers is attracting so many musicians. Taylor Noelle is one such musician who has been seduced by the lure and familial vibe of the Tennessee city. Inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, HAIM and Michel Jackson; I ask her about her idols and growing up; the benefits of a Nashville lifestyle and the thoughts and impressions about her forthcoming E.P., Out of My System.

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Hi Taylor. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello! I’m doing great. I’m so excited to share my music with the world soon. My week has been busy and fantastic!  Thank you for asking.

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

Hey! My name is Taylor. I write music to deal with what my brain and my heart - can’t really keep a hold of by themselves. Sonically, I think I fall in the realm of organic-sounding Pop.

I’m really inspired by the sounds of artists like Fleetwood Mac, Adele; Tori Kelly, Sara Bareilles; HAIM and Alabama Shakes.

I also love to dance to Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson.

There are a lot of young, hopeful musicians coming through at the moment. How would you say you differentiate from the rest of the crowd?

That’s the question, isn’t it? I think I write very honest lyrics. They’re extremely personal, but I think that they are related to emotions and experiences that everyone goes through. So, my aim is that my songs can connect to people very deeply and sincerely. I want someone to hear a song of mine and think: ‘How does she know what’s in my head right now? How does this song describe what I’m feeling?’ Because that’s the feeling I get about my favorite music.

You were born and raised in L.A. What is it like in the city for an inspiring musician?

Well, I was raised in the San Fernando Valley which is more in the suburbs. And yes, that is ‘the valley’, so I suppose you could say that I’m a ‘valley girl’. But, honestly, I didn’t do much to actively pursue a career while I lived there. I was just growing up. But I did develop my love of music there.

My dad taught me chords on piano when I was in elementary school and I was a part of choir in middle school. I started truly writing my own music when I was around fourteen or fifteen.

I would perform in school talent shows and the like. But I never pursued anything professionally. And I’m very happy to have had a normal childhood there.

Now you have moved to Nashville. What are the differences you have noticed and which area do you prefer – which provides most opportunities?

I absolutely love Nashville. It’s a really amazing place to grow as a musician. I think the biggest difference that I immediately recognised was how strong the community is here. It’s very tightly knit. Everyone knows someone who knows someone - and so on. So, finding a network of very talented and creative people happened very quickly - especially once I started attending Belmont University. The concentration of talent in this little town is really unbelievable. On top of that, there’s so much collaboration and support going on that to a certain extent it really feels like everyone is rooting for each other to be their absolute best. It’s awesome. Being here, I’ve gotten to write and play and record with some of the best musicians I’ve ever met. I would love to go back to Los Angeles one day, but right now, Nashville is the place for me.

It seems like you have naturally bonded with Nashville. Can you distill what it is that makes it so special in terms of music? What are your favourite places to place in Nashville?

As I said before, I really think the community here is what makes Nashville so special.

Musical collaboration can be so amazing and wonderful. Here in Nashville, I’ve had the chance to play at some really awesome venues – Café Coco, The Country; 3^rd and Lindsley; The High Watt, The Listening Room…but the most special was probably the world-famous Bluebird Café. It’s such an intimate, beautiful little space with so much history. I actually spent most of last summer working there waitressing which gave me the opportunity to get to listen to so much incredible music while working. So, playing there was very special for me because I really understood the level of talent that plays there on a normal basis.  In the future, my absolute dream would be to headline a show at The Ryman. It’s right in the centre of downtown Nashville and again is imbued with such a history of talent that every show there feels utterly magical.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293593847" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]

Out of My System is out on 25^th. Are you excited about the release and how long have you been ruminating/recording the material?

I AM SO EXCITED! WOW! So, I started officially working on recording the E.P. in late-September after connecting with my incredible producer Andrew Conner - who I cannot say enough nice things about. He is truly the best. The songs were written very separately – one as recent as this past summer, a couple over the course of last year and one almost four years ago. The recording process was so much fun. It was so incredible to get to hear my songs brought to life by some of the best musicians I know.

I believe the E.P.’s title refers to a need to get the songs out – those that have been building for a while. Can you tell us about the songs’ themes and what we can expect?

Yes! I’ve had these songs – some for a very long time – that I’ve been able to play out for people with just me on my guitar but have never been able to give their full due. They’re all very special to me in their own ways and I hope and think that there are people out there that will be able to relate to things that I have felt or have gone through.

I think a range of emotions is represented on the E.P. The songs range from self-confident and sassy to desperate and longing; to warm and content and in love.

No one is ever stagnantly living in one emotion: everyone goes through different experiences and has different reactions to those experiences. I think that the E.P. really explores that truth. I may not be in a sad or angry place anymore but the songs carrying those emotions preserve how I processed those emotions in that moment. And I think that’s valuable! So, yes, I am extremely happy to get these songs ‘out of my system’.

After you showcase the E.P. in Nashville (4^th December) you have plans to come to London. Will this be your first time in the city?

First off, I am SO excited for my release show! It’s going to be a great time. And, actually, the last time I was in London I was just a tiny little toddler! So, I guess you could say that I’m excited to be back in the country with full cognitive development! But, seriously, I’m so thrilled to be able to come live in London for the spring.

Have you got any plans to do more dates in the U.K. and stay here longer?

I don’t have any specific plans right now but I would love the chance to get to play for some new audiences!

I suppose we’ll just see what happens.

Tell me about your childhood and musical influences. Which artists were playing on your parents’ stereo and caught your ear?

I remember that when I was very young, my parents gave me this compilation C.D. called Ultimate Divas. It was 100% total girl power: Diana Ross and the Supremes, Whitney Houston; Mariah Carey, Gladys Knight and so on. So, I was walking around the house yelling power ballads throughout elementary school. I also grew up on classics like The Beach Boys and The Beatles - and other amazing songwriters like Carole King and Ben Folds. I also really loved Classic musicals. I really didn’t listen to much Top 40 (music) until I was around fourteen or so.

Are there any musicians, locally or nationally, you think we should check out?

YES! One of my really close friends is an artist called estef (yes, that’s all lowercase). She is unlike any other artist I know right now. Her songs are so utterly soulful. We also wrote Too Good off of the E.P. together! Another awesome artist is my friend Ashley Leone. She’s a fantastic Pop artist who writes some of the catchiest hooks I’ve heard. We also wrote Covers Me off the E.P. together!

PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Wilson

2016 has been a busy one for you but 2017 is not far away. What plans have you got for the year ahead?

As I said, I am so excited to come spend the spring in London and hopefully do a fair bit of traveling around Europe during my time there!

Music-wise, I want to do my best to share my E.P. with as many listeners and I can as well as continue writing! I would love to possibly collaborate with writers and musicians in London while I’m there. Other than that, I am very happy to just let life happen and do my very best at everything I do along the way.

Music can be a challenging and exhausting career. How do you like to spend your downtime or does music tend to consume most of your time?

Well, I am a full-time student at Belmont University in Nashville right now. So, I take classes and everything that comes along with being a student. But, really, I am so thankful to be here. Majoring in Music Business, I have learned so much about the music industry and I feel very prepared to face a career. I’ve also met so many wonderful and talented and kind people here and made some of my very best friends. Outside of school and music, I love going on hikes (my favourite around here is Radnor Lake), I love watching The Office (the American one, sorry…); I adore thrift shopping and I have the best time going to concerts around town. The most recent concert I went to was LANY at Mercy Lounge. They were unreal.

Is there any advice you’d like to offer any upcoming musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

Well, first off, I would be completely honoured if anyone thought that I was worth following.

I suppose the biggest piece of advice I would give is to always, always be authentic - people can smell insincerity from a mile away.

The best songs come from moments of utter truth and honesty.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song you like (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

Any time is a great time for some Stevie Nicks. Let’s listen to Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ9EDUClEyo&w=560&h=315]

_____________________

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TRACK REVIEW: Next State - This Kind of Love

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Next State

 

 

This Kind of Love

9.6/10

This Kind of Love is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1wJ57_efK8

RELEASED: 15^th November, 2016

GENRES: Electronic; Dance; EDM; House

ORIGIN:

Surrey, U.K.

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IT is not often I get to review music that has its heart in...

House and Dance avenues. Most of my reviews (with some exceptions) revolve around artists who make sounds for the mainstream - aiming to get their music featured on this country’s most popular stations. That might be an over-simplification; it is just nice to focus on an artist who is making his first moves; creating songs destined for (the nation’s) clubs and dancefloors - someone who brings together elements of modern Dance/House with old-skool R&B/Hip-Hop flavours. The dominion and confidence he gives the music (more on that later) is impressive from someone this young. Before I get to my featured artist, it is worth at the realities/construction of music today; how producers/studio owners are helping young artists - the evolving and changing face of Dance/House music. Those who do not make music - consumers and the public in general - often scoff at the complaints of musicians. Disbelieving how hard it is and the sheer effort required to make a song. I think we assume musicians have an endless flow of cash and resources: simply rock up into a studio and slam the money down; a few hours later: their latest smash is born. The reality and truth is a lot more detailed, harsh and eye-opening. One of the reasons so many musicians call time, or are overcome with doubts and anxieties, is the sheer effort and cost required to record music. Those who have passion and determination will plug regardless: finding ways to fulfil their dreams and fund their music. More and more people are both embracing technology and shunning it - finding a balance to ensure their creations are cost-effective and obtainable. In previous reviews, I have lauded D.I.Y. artists who produce music via iPads (other tablets are available!) and other such forms of technology. Purists might call it ‘cheating’ (forsaking real instruments) but technology is making music more accessible and affordable. Whether seeking a true beat; looking for compositional inspiration: modern technology is a very useful asset for new musicians. I am always fascinated dissecting music and learning how songs are created: de-compartmentalising its organism and rebuilding it, piece-by-piece. Knowing Next State’s creator, and how he coalesces and builds his music, it is a pertinent case study. Whether lyrical or musical: that initial germ of creative arrives; the spark that sets the song in motion. New-born, whether named or as-yet-untitled, the wheels start rolling. Getting the composition built, whatever genre you play in, tablets and laptops are an invaluable tool for sound effects and instruments; helping build an aural collage and offering the songwriter near-limitless possibilities and options. Whether using technology or keeping it pure: the artist can tinker and modify the score as they go along. Before long, the lyrics start to flow. It might start as a concept (a passionate love song or a hard-hitting put-down; whatever is in mind) and gets bigger and more life-like - eventually fusing with the composition. After that, the vocal is built on top: thus, a song is born.

It might seem like an axiomatic description: the sheer effort and reality of producing each layer of a song can be arduous and challenging. Next State is someone to watch very closely. Whether recording a sound effect for a track, often involving traditional, lo-fi forms of resonance; he is a musician that is always working and pushing himself; ensuring his music is the best it can be. I have followed his career and gained a closer, more direct insight into the songwriting process - something that has helped and educated me as a reviewer. The sheer dedication and talent required to make a song - some might (foolhardily) think basic and elemental - is astonishing. Before I carry on this point, and, invariably, raise a fresh one, let me introduce Next State to you:

“DJ, Producer and Artist originally from East Sussex now living and working in the Guildford area. Currently studying Electronic Music Production and building on my music career.

Inspirations for my music come from my time living abroad within the Spanish Islands and gaining my love for House music in Ibiza”.

On paper, it may seem like Next State has been living the dream. The envy of many: he has lived in Spain and ensconced himself in the club culture and 18-30 lifestyle; mingling with contemporaries and basking in the clement, sun-soaked atmosphere. Having studied at the Academy of Contemporary Music - after moving from East Sussex - he has put his all into the pursuit of music and songwriting. Someone who is deeply passionate about Electronic/House music, Next State is studying to gain a better insight the genres. Out of this drive and study comes new music in the form of This Kind of Love. Although he is in the infancy - laying down his first tracks; getting a feel for the market - his experience and intuition are making impressions. This Kind of Love is a song that will take Next State to the masses: destined to collect radio-play and focus; translate to the club floors and busy bars. A utilitarian, across-the-borders song, it is representative of the modern-day Dance/House artist. Before getting to Next State’s latest track, having a look at the back catalogue, too, I wanted to touch on House and Dance: how it has changed and developed through the years.

Being born in the ’80s - I won’t reveal the year; lest I reveal my true fuddy-duddy-ness - I grew up listening to the forerunners of the ‘90s Dance scene. When I was hitting school; Soul II Soul’s peerless Club Classics Vol. One was released (in 1988). At a time American Urban bands were cloning predictable sources: Soul II Soul provided a creative, cross-genre alternative. Blending Soul, African influences and Hip-Hop together: the likes of Chic can be heard in the album. Backed by Caron Wheeler’s expressive, soulful voice: tracks like Keep on Movin’ and Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) - featured on the re-release rather than the original - brought British Dance to the forefront. In Europe, early-‘90s acts like Deee-Lite made their mark. 1990’s World Clique remains one of the most kaleidoscopic, fun and influential albums of that period. Even from the late-‘80s/early-‘90s, Europe was not only leading Dance/House direction - they were fusing styles and vocalists to create a rich and multi-cultural sound. Next State is an ancestor of the earliest incarnations: the music (of Next State) nods to Hip-Hop/House of the ‘80s/’90s; evokes shades of those masters. As the ‘90s swung into view, Dance music hit its zenith - a Parnassus that has yet to be bested. Spin-Gods Fatboy Slim came into music with a bang. The Big-Beats majesty of You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby boasted turns, imagination and huge beats - catchy bangers and modern anthems. Rivalling the best of the genre, The Chemical Brothers’ Dig Your Own Hole was a like-minded, seminal album, Big Beats-Dance-House crossovers were becoming more popularised and defined - without becoming gentrified and distilled. In the swirl of 1990s productivity, when music hit is peak, The Prodigy offered a sweatier, sharper and more acid-laced (psychotropic and dark) form of music. Music for the Jilted Generation, the band’s 1994 masterpiece, slammed hard and heavier. Helmed by super-producer Liam Howlett, the L.P. was a terrorist-bomb of Rave/Acid-House attack. Break-Beat magic and viper-bite slams (songs that rattled around the head for weeks). All of this D.N.A. and heritage can be heard in Next State’s lineage - music that would evolve into the late-‘90s/today.

One-off/lesser-heard purveyors Darude (and their epic hit, Sandstorm), Spiller (Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) and Kinobe (Slip into Something More Comfortable) - in very different ways - showed the flexibility and malleability of House/Dance music. ATB (9 PM- Till I Come especially), Groove Armada and Orbital (among others) made their mark. Throw it ahead to today: acts like Flume, Disclosure; Sigala and Rudimental have updated and enhanced the genres; giving the music juvenile abandon with plenty of focus and nuance. Whilst it lacks the across-the-generations genius and timelessness: it is more urgent and edgy- aimed at a generation who demand (club music) with consumable ease and instantaneousness. Next State is an act who have grown up listening and House and Dance; how it started and progressed; utilising other genres- how progressive and diverse the genres are becoming. He is someone who dips into Hip-Hop/R&B - the smoothness and sensuality of the later; the raw edges of the former - transforming into something multi-layered, uplifting and intelligent. Given the way House, Dance and Deep-House have changed, I am surprised there is such focus, consistency and quality among its makers. Next State has plenty more coming and will have one eye on the clubs of Ibiza; but he is not rushing - making sure the music he puts out is of the highest order.

In order to get an assessment of Next State’s development; it is pertinent investigating the chronology- seeing how the new music (For You) stacks up against older recordings. A year ago; Next State released his first couple of singles. Collaborating with Alec Mugnaini, You Make Me has desire and passion on its sleeve: sentiments and intentions that leave little room for imagination. Right from the offset you get cutting vocals: snippety and fragmented to create a nervy, juddering energy and pulsating percussion. The vocal refrain hovers and echoes: like a thought that keeps nagging the mind; an obsession that gets into the brain and will not desist. Befitting of the song’s subject matter: that chorus/coda prods; hunts and questions; seeks a sense of closure (if that is even a possibility in any situation) and satisfaction. The purging, curious electronic core - when fused with the hissing percussion - soon opens up and kicks up a stage. When the piano comes in; one gets the first taste of the classical-contemporary seduction. A proprietary blend that seems to take your mind to the club floors of the ‘90s - I was instantly transported to a time when Black Box ruled the scene. That evocative piano line is replaced with a rambunctious and swaggering electronic shout: it lifts the track up and brings the composition to the ceiling. The chorus is instant and effective.

It is kept simple to ensure it can be easily extrapolated by the club masses. A song that is comfortable in the local nightclubs and beach-side tavernas - able to unite the late-night revellers and sunshine-seeking sea-dwellers. The insightful music listener detects so many details, colours and emotions. Next State expended a lot of time (clearly) making sure the composition is not too one-minded and basic - yet never too cluttered and busy to speak to everyone. Upon first listen, You Make Me has anthemic stature and gets the body moving. Keeping the vocal simple (if heady); it is a hugely effective and galvanising song. Sophisticated, luminous pianos have romantic tenderness; juxtaposed against the raw and sweaty foreground, it is a song that is deeper and more complex than one would imagine. It is the dichotomies, contradictions and imbalances that make the song a triumph: an accomplished and peremptory release from someone making their first moves into music.

My Love solidifies Next State’s inimitable concoction of classic Dance/House with of-the-minute effects. Once more, and perhaps a subconscious nod, there are elements of Ride on Time - Black Box’s peerless club filler. Backed by air raid siren swirl and a distinct tightness: anxiety and accelerating heartbeats rule the early stages. That close-to-total-explosion suffocation demure, briefly before pummeling forward - a noble charge that is impervious to sanity and discipline. The need for satisfaction - giving into temptation - is palpable and undeniable. Another huge, effective chorus: a hallmark of Next State’s first two singles means it is another for-the-masses banger. It appears, as the song’s heroine lets her voice rise, there’s imbalance and injustices in love; the need for détente and resolution. The heart is going through the game; it needs to escape: obliqueness and mystery sitswith (one first imagines) simple confession. Bringing ‘80s/’90s House alongside 2010s Deep-House/Trance: R&B-cum-Soul sprinklings give My Love a rich flavor and sumptuous bouquet. Staunch, imperious electronics do not stifle the vocals. It is a perfect canvas to allow the lyrics to spring to life; paint wonderful, big-as-life pictures. Keeping the beat intense and focused: the vocal’s fluidity and lustrousness beings the instrumentation strands together; giving My Love fresh nuance and depth. Familiar, critically-approved lyrical themes - romance and desire are staples that have made music what it is - make My Love’s distinct personality and sound ubiquitous and impossible to dislike. There is no insouciance or disregard: just passion, urgency and spine-tingling moments a-plenty.

Over the first two singles, when you link it to This Kind of Love, you can see consistency in addition to progression. Exceptional producing and values mean the songs burst and explode with life. They are never too intense or lacking focus: a perfect balance that makes every note and line essential and addictive. This Kind of Love is (in my view) Next State’s finest release. A song that builds from the first singles - and that exceptional gauntlet laid down - and ups the confidence and quality to new highs. Given how indelible and thrilling the songs are; there is a lot of control, focus and attention to detail; heuristic guidance and poise. You Make Me, My Love and This Kind of Love can be seen as a trilogy, in essence. The songs’ titles are economical: they let you know exactly what the song contains; what its mission statement is. You Make Me and My Love, when sitting together, look at impassioned pleas and inner turmoil; a blend of emotions that (in lesser hands) would be clumsy and pedestrian. Next State’s expertise and talents make each song sound exceptional. Given the rise and steps forward - each new song showcasing an artist really hitting its stride - it all bodes well for the future. Three singles are under the belt: they would make a wonderful; winter-ready E.P. Whether Next State has plans for a quick release, or is thinking about an E.P. further down the tracks, he has three stunning songs at his disposal. This Kind of Love is his latest, and most astonishing, release to date.

Knowing Next State’s previous work, and having expectations already cemented, I was pleasantly subverted and surprised. The initial seconds of the track find the music come in hard and passionate. Fuzzed, vibrating electronic pulses give the song vintage charm but keep it in the present. I have opinioned Next State tying ‘90s Dance classics with current energy – that is all firm and present within the first few seconds. Never too hard and aggressive; never slight and generic – just the right mixture to get the voice primed and the body involved. The female vocalist – not sure who performs on the track – has a perfect voice to back the composition. Again, you get embers of bygone club classics: a song that is rooted in 2016 but harks back to the finer days of Dance and Trance. There is a romanticism and subtlety but plenty of power coming through in the voice. Rather than gravitate to the crotch and loins: there more tenderness; imbued with fire and panache. The power vocal mandates the sweetheart give her his love. I am not sure what has propelled this demand to the fore – perhaps a general hunger or inattentive lover. One imagines a sweaty, enraptured couple working on the dancefloor; powerless and empowered by rare love. The song’s title implies something singular and special: an unbroken love that is causing all manner of trembling and lust. The heroine rides the electronic wave with aplomb: navigating its complexities and style with a performance that blends class with an unfettered desire for satisfaction. This romance is heating and inflamed. You get a real sense of physicality and directness with the composition and vocal. In the back, the temperature rises and more emotions come into play. Next State keeps things energised and exciting but weaves some complex shades and strands into the song. Nuance and depth linger within a raw coda – one that supports a beautiful and sweeping vocal. Most vocal collaborators that work on songs like this are either too overpowering or samey. Here, you get a range of different colours and possibilities. Such an interesting and wide-ranging voice that has the potential to work across other genres and with other artists.

As the song progresses, the rhythm kicks up and you feel something pressing working in the undergrowth. Vocally, there is the repetition of the song’s title. It seems like this kind of love – both unique and relatable – doesn’t come for free. Maybe the guy has to work for things and not just assume it will come to him. Showing determination, resolve and dignity: the heroine keeps her mindset and will not surrender easily. In the opening lines, there was that need (for the man) to succumb and give in to the passion – the opinion and motivation might have changed. Whilst it is important this love keeps burning: it cannot be achieved cheaply and is not something that is short-term. The girl wants this thing to last – despite the allure and electricity in the voice – and wants respect paid. Before you get too engrossed in the track: the composition ramps right up before unveiling its full spectrum of colours and ideas. Like a spring uncoiled: you witness explosion, dance and hypnotic sway. It is hard to define and decompose the sounds and possibilities of that moment – something very primal, exciting and pure. Sometimes the vocal does lose a little decipherability – a few of the lyrics get weighed under the composition – and might have favoured being placed higher in the mix. It is hard balancing the two elements and ensuring both get a proper airing. I find, if the the vocal were a little higher and clear it would not distill the composition but add to the emotion and energy. That said, and by having the voice placed where it is, you get a sense of desperation and hurt – a voice that is fighting to be heard and determined to make it prescience know. Whether a deliberate decision by Next State; it works well and you are always gripped by the words and the song’s progression. Like a lot of memorable Dance songs: This Kind of Love is built around simplicity and repetition. Whilst the composition has detail and the vocal multi-layered – the words are repeated and ensure they burrow into the brain. It is the simplicity of the directive – wanting love and succumbing to the moment – that drives the song and will resonate with people. Not just reserved to 18-30 club-goers or acolytes of the genres – a mandate that will cross boundaries and strike a chord with many.

The composition gets sturdier and edgier; the electronics sharpen and plink; the voice starts to rise and float in the atmosphere. There is a funkiness that comes into This Kind of Love. As the chorus rises and you feel yourself enveloped in the song’s heat and lust – you pay attention and notice all the little details unfolding. If the lyrics are pragmatic, dogmatic and forthright: the vocal twists and mutates the words; providing so much atmosphere, hope and desire. Captivating as the vocals are; you are always hooked into the composition and what is happening there. Some jumpy, funky hops sit with fizzing, Molotov electronics and groove-laden, sweet-leaf undercurrent. The compositional representation of love and sexuality – Next State has created a song that fuses clear passion with something more complicated and deep. The song could easily have ranked alongside the prices of the 1990s: those classics that got the floors jumping and remain classics to this day. What you do notice – between the ‘90s gems and This Kind of Love – is modern production and newer technology. Never polished or too precise – you can hear the accomplished producing and the technological elements that make the song as epic and layered as it is. Towards the final stages, that chorus keeps coming back while the background grows more heady and immersive.

Blending the warp and precise electronic elements of songs like Don’t Give Me Your Life (Alex Party Classic Mix) by Alex Party; the shady and city-lights rush of the current titans of House/Dance – one gets a generational commingling that works wonderfully. Kudos has to go to the vocal performance – I shall find the name out! – and what it delivers. Not just a female voice to score a track (as you get with many tracks) it adds so much and almost steals the show. It is impossible to refute the sensuality, power and desire that drips from every syllable – a veritable tongue-tying voice that ensures the words explode with desire and heat. Next State, as opposed to his earlier cuts, has really grown into his own skin and is beholden to nobody. Perhaps earlier songs had some influences on sleeves but here he has really blossomed out of his chrysalis. Perhaps it is his studies and musical education; working with the likes of Mania – or something else – but it is clear Next State is making some impressive steps. This Kind of Love is not just a fantastic track but surely gives its creator the confidence to get back into the studio. I hear the song as an opening track: maybe a three/four-track E.P. that explores different sides and stories of love in the modern age? Love and relations are key themes for Next State but he gives (the tired and over-represented) subject fresh insight and distinct personality. Let’s hope he can exploit this in a forthcoming release. I, for one, would love to see Next State more from the young talent.

I have waxed lyrical about Next State and This Kind of Love. The first real and personal statement from the Surrey-based artist – it is one that is ready-made for radio but universal enough to introduce new listeners to the genres (Deep-House and House). That is the mark of a great song/artist: someone who does not make music for a distinct sect; casts their horizons to a larger audience - involves everyone and brings people together. This Kind of Love is a glimpse into Next State’s future machinations. There are likely to be more songs but Next State has worked hard and overcome a lot. Despite some setbacks and creative delays: he is very much here now and establishing himself as one of the freshest and most distinct producers/writers around. Adding new zest, energy and emotion to House/Electronic genres – he is someone you need to keep your eyes on. Here is an artist on the cusp of his potential: growing, learning and searching as he makes his creations known. I know there are plans for an E.P. down the line. Next State wants to release singles first: gauge the mood and prepare his next move. He enters the market at a perfect time. There is a lot of fatigue and shoulder-shrugging towards the mainstream. Fairly recently, artists like Jake Bugg - a self-proclaimed originator and generational voice - produced a rather lacklustre album. Negating co-writers/producers: his self-tuned album, On My One, was met with derisory feedback and below-par reviews. Bugg claims anyone can get a number one album these days: such is the nature of modern music. A few thousand sales can get an album to the top spot. Among the jewels of 2016 - I have mentioned them enough not to reintroduce them - there are plenty of rough diamonds and dodgy forgeries. Away from the stolid and dull sounds of Pop - Adele and Coldplay’s current albums were hardly the most fascinating - listeners are going elsewhere; exploring new genres - something harder, bigger and bolder. I mentioned the likes of Sigala and Disclosure: there are plenty of club-filling, arms-in-the-air merchants- providing an interesting alternative to the drudge of Pop.

As Next State proves, with This Kind of Love a perfect example, technology and old-fashioned inspiration can come together in new, beautiful ways. Even those who do not know/love the genres will be able to bond and connect with the music. It brings optimism, fever and electricity: anyone in a bad mood can be lifted; imbued with such energy, drama and depth. It is not a straight-ahead, bare-knuckled House track- from artists that lack real quality and egalitarian consideration - but something deep, detailed and emotional. You can hear and feel the conviction coming through - that will resound with crowds and get inside the veins; ensure bodies and jumping and voices are singing. On that subject, where Next State will take the music, there exists a real opportunity. His knowledge of club demands - enforced by his time in Spain - together with his music education and expertise sets him in good stead. Music-making is not the only thing on Next State’s agenda. Right now, and available on Kane 103.7F.M., he is working alongside Mania - bringing their knowledge and passion for Dance/House music together; well worth some investigation and time. I am not sure whether self-promotion is allowed - sneak a bit of Next State in there on the odd occasion - but that D.J. experience will only drive and enforce his creativity and determination. Seeing where he can go - playing established artists who are making waves - gives that surge of inspiration and clarity.

This Kind of Love is a big step from a young artist who shows bags of heart, promise and ability. It is an assured statement from Next State. So much music today lacks the necessary components to linger in the mind: compel the listener and change their views on music. I have been a slight dilettante when it comes to genres (and sub-genres) like Deep-House and R&B - not really pushing beyond my comfort zone; reluctant to dip my toes in the water. Next State has compelled me to dig deep: not only check his music out; look at like-minded peers and what they are producing. He should be ordering business cards and getting photos lined-up; keep busy with radio and look to the future. He is someone who has definite goals; a musician that wants to remain on the scene for a lot long. As musical aftertastes go, This Kind of Love is a pretty heady one. The nights are closing in and the (typically capricious) British weather is anything but pleasant. Anyone want their spirits raised and the blood boiling; the soul invigorated and the smile put on their face? Let me tell you, I know a man…

WHO has the solution.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1wJ57_efK8&w=560&h=315]

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Follow Next State

 

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/NextState_

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/nextstateofficial

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR3POaaA67vLc9J2bBA9fPg 

INTERVIEW: Boston Building

INTERVIEW:

  

Boston Building

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TONIGHT, the world of music rejoices following the news of…

Fabric reopening its doors – after a last-minute appeal saved the much-adored venue. It is a major step forward and relief for London’s (dwindling) live scene. I have been worried about the country's musicians since Fabric’s ‘closure’ – luckily, the party can be begin and lessons can be learned. Boston Building is a tantilising, stunning artist based in the capital and someone who has released two fantastic songs in the past couple of weeks – Rule the World and Feels Like Gold. The former has been highlighted and celebrated by Metro and gaining a lot of love. Boston Building’s latest E.P., Feels Like Gold, was written quickly and captures the emotions and intensities in life; covering so many different emotions and possibilities. I talk to James – the man behind Boston Building – about his new material and the inspiration for Rule the World; what the E.P. recording process was like and the main differences between Glasgow (where he was raised) and London.

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Hello. How are you? How has your week been?

Great, thanks.

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

My name is James. Boston Building is an alter-ego under which I’ve released some songs; co-written with some amazing friends and collaborators.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4FSnFUwC6s&w=560&h=315]

Rule the World is your latest single. What can you tell us about the sounds and inspirations?

It’s an uplifting sort of track. I was inspired by some good weather, but it’s cold now.

The title gets me thinking about the recent victory of Donald Trump and the happenings across the U.S. What are your views on what has been unfolding there?

I suppose all sorts of people want to rule the world. It’s not just Donald Trump. I hope he’ll calm down a bit now.

Rule the World mixes Dance and Electronic music; it pairs untraditional sounds with abstract noises. Your music is very flexible and diverse. Do you think Dance music has become too predictable and rigid or is it a genre still capable of surprising and confounding?

It’s absolutely capable of surprising and confusing. It has so many diverse subgenres and original stuff comes out all the time.

But it’s good to remember Dance music’s original purpose which is the background to dancing and having a great time. On one level, that’s all it needs to do.

Some tunes can get people up on the dancefloor predictably every single time - which is the best sort of predictable.

Can you tell me about your influences and upbringing? What types of music were you raised on and influenced by as a youngster?

As a teenager, all I listened to was Classic Rock: Beatles, Bowie; Hendrix, Zeppelin and Queen. My tastes have now expanded massively but it was a great starting-point.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292368870" 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 artists that have particularly caught your ear?

There’s a lady called Chiara Hunter coming out of London who I definitely rate as one for the future.

The incredible vocalists I’m working with on Boston Building as well – Captain Backfire, Iago; Craig Webb, Charlotte Austen and Lux Lisbon.

Feels Like Gold is the latest E.P. Can you give me a little insight into the subjects that influenced the songs and what it was like writing?

I wrote it quickly. I’m trying to do things more quickly at the moment as it can keep things fresh and not overwrought. Two of the songs are lighthearted and one deals with adversity. I guess that gives you an idea of how I was feeling at the time.

Iago collaborates on vocal duties throughout the E.P. How did you two meet and what was the working relationship like?

We met through his girlfriend, Lorin - who is also an up-and-coming vocalist. Great working relationship; very easy sessions.

When he talks he’s got a full-on Welsh accent: then he sings and it sounds like Michael Jackson.

ARTWORK: Sprankenstein PHOTOGRAPHY: Maximilian Hetherington Photography

You are collaborating with a few different people on the E.P. Can you tell us about the artists you have worked with and who was the most memorable?

Most memorable is this guy Captain Backfire. Every session he’s up in my grill the whole time trying to throw me off with his rubbish jokes - he’s like an annoying little brother.  It’s just his nature. It’s funny, though; we have a good laugh.

Feels Like Gold follows from your debut (in March) and you have already been lauded by some of the biggest tastemakers in the country. How has this year been and what have been your highlights?

Incredible year. This project started off in a modest way: just to put down some songs that I had in my head along with some songs that others brought to the table. The reaction has been massive and pretty instant so I’m focusing more attention on it now.

You draw inspiration from producers like Mark Ronson and Paul Epworth. What is it about those guys that really speak to you?

Mostly that they are strong songwriters first and great producers second. They write in several genres but their songs hang together as a body of work. I really respect that.

ARTWORK: Sprankenstei PHOTOGRAPHY: Maximilian Hetherington Photography

I know you were raised in Glasgow but reside in Deptford. What is the main difference between the two places in terms of the music scene?

London is the centre of music in the U.K. so it’s got everything. Glasgow’s scene is pretty vibrant for a few types of music.

It certainly punches above its weight - so there were plenty of gigs to go to as a teenager.

London seems like a city readymade for you. What has it been like living in the city and, with the closure of so many music venues, do you feel like there are fewer opportunities to be heard?

I know venues have been closed, but actually, you can put on a gig anywhere if you organise it yourself - so there’s still opportunities. I think bands should do that more and not rely on promoters.  It’s a lot of work but not as hard as people make out.

If you had to select the three albums that have meant the most to you: what would they be and why do they resonate so?

Too hard – there’s about twenty albums I’d have to put.

Looking into 2017: what are your plans and aims as a musician?

Just write and release as many songs as possible.

Christmas is coming up shortly. Are you having some downtime? What are your plans for this Christmas?

Yeah. I’ll take a week back in Glasgow. It’ll be freezing.

Could you provide any inspiration or advice for new musicians coming through?

Concentrate on writing songs rather than other distractions.

If you have a decent song people will like your act.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song you wish (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

Diana Ross – I’m Still Waiting

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

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Follow Boston Building

 

ARTWORK: Sprankenstei PHOTOGRAPHY: Maximilian Hetherington Photography

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/bostonbuilding

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/bostonbuilding

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWoxqX5t6U40ISqLPRU4cbg

INTERVIEW: Bree Taylor

INTERVIEW:

 

 

Bree Taylor

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IT is an established fact – by me at least – that Canada is one of the most…

undervalued and underappreciated areas for music in the world. One hardly hears the nation promoted and heralded as much as the U.S. and U.K. That is a shame because Canada is teeming with sensational, bright musicians who have that sound and personality nobody else possesses. In the course of the last few years, I have featured many Canadian artists so was excited to know more about Bree Taylor. She is recording her debut E.P. in L.A. (but was born in Canada). Broken Dreams is the new single and documents a relationship break-up – one where she did nothing wrong. In addition to learning more of that song; Taylor talks about Canadian music and hopes for 2017; artists we should check out and the importance of YouTube to her – and many artists out there.

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Hi Bree. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m great! My week has been busy - as it usually is. I like to keep myself busy with projects. I am always working on something music or YouTube-related and this week is no different -  but I love it!

For those fresh to your work: can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m a Pop singer from Toronto, Canada. Songwriting is my passion, my therapy - without it, I don’t know where I’d be. Music keeps me breathing. I write honest, real lyrics and about things that are close to my heart and I think that’s what makes my music so relatable.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSPk-mW3l2k&w=560&h=315]

Broken Dreams is your latest single. What can you tell us about the inspirations and influences behind the lyrics?

Broken Dreams was inspired by a breakup I went through where a guy I dated; didn’t know what he wanted so he broke up with me in a text message.

Nothing was wrong in the relationship: it just ended suddenly and abruptly and resulted in heartbreak - as all broken relationships do. As an artist, I turned to music and writing and poured all my emotions into a song; that’s how Broken Dreams came to be. The lyrics came from my heart and the raw emotions I was going through during the healing process of the breakup - which is why I think the song is so relatable. He just let what we had go with no real reason or explanation: all his promises were broken; everything he said turned into lies and all I was left with were memories and broken dreams of a relationship - that ended before it really got started (which I think came across really well visually in the music video).

The video is quite steamy and memorable. Are videos something that better help visualise your music? How important are they to you as an artist?

Thank you! YES! I am an extremely visual person and I love powerful imagery, especially lyrically and video is such a great form of expression. Visualisation is so powerful in all areas of life; musically I turn to visualisation to create music. I usually get inspired and close my eyes and visualise and hear the song in my head and it all starts to flow. I have always been obsessed with music videos because it combined my two favourite things - music and acting. I think music videos are such great entertainment and you get to see the songs come to life!

You are a Canadian-based musician. Canada is a nation that gets overlooked – it has a huge amount of wonderful artists. What is it like performing in Canada? Are there a lot of chances for young artists to get exposure?

Canada is such an amazing country. We have so much incredible talent here and hopefully the world gets to hear and experience more of us!

Live music in Canada is awesome - there are so many places to catch live music and for artists to get the opportunity to perform - whether it’s local pubs/bars or club venues. There are a lot of Open Mic nights in cities all over the GTA that are great ways for artists to practise and be heard and reach new audiences.

Which Canadian artists do you think we should keep our eyes out for?

I recently found Olivia Penalva on ReverbNation and love her sound! Her song, Skyline, is very catchy and I think she is definitely someone to look out for. I also love the Canadian Country music scene and think Madeline Merlo is incredibly talented. I love her honest lyrics and powerful voice - her song, War Paint, is my jam!

Your lyrics are very powerful and honest. Which musicians were you brought up listening to? Which songwriters are you currently inspired by?

Thank you so much. I am so glad you hear that in my lyrics - I try to be open and honest in all areas of my life, especially in my music. I think my music is the most personal I get and I definitely relate that to growing up listening to such a diverse group of artists/bands. I would listen to my dad’s old albums: Stevie Nicks, Eagles; Elton John, Aerosmith; Fleetwood Mac etc. I also grew up listening to the following: Bryan Adams, Shania Twain; Amanda Marshall, Michelle Branch; Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera; Alanis Morissette…the list goes on! I listened to everything from Classic Rock, Pop; Punk, Country - I even had a Hard Rock/Metal phase.

My musical tastes haven’t changed much. I still love all those same artists and listen to various genres. Some artists I am loving and am inspired by right now: Jonas Blue, Daya; Birdy, Charlie Puth; Zara Larsson, Tove Lo; I LOVE Halsey - she is so talented.

Away from music, you have a YouTube beauty channel and have a popular book review series (Books with Bree). What is it like balancing those disparate interests? What compelled you to start both projects and what has the reaction been like online?

I have always been a singer-songwriter - and that has been my dream since I was a little girl - but I have also had a passion for literature and beauty. I got involved in YouTube several years ago: started posting videos about things I loved or was inspired by and things just took off from there. It’s kind of been the opposite in that my viewers were used to me posting about beauty/books and have over the past couple years become insanely supportive of my music - as I have begun pursuing it full-time.

YouTube has been a great outlet for me creatively but balancing it with everything else has definitely been a challenge. I try to post a new video every week if I can and would love to do more - but balancing everything in my life makes that difficult.

I love what I do though so it’s always fun interacting and connecting with my viewers on a more personal level (is a huge highlight).

How do literature and beauty connect with your music? Does great literature and self-expression feature prominently in your music?

I think literature has always inspired me musically in that it’s helped me find my voice in being able to tell a story with my music. I always had my head in books growing up and loved writing so it’s helped me grow lyrically with my music for sure! I am a huge lyric person - I connect emotionally through the written word and lyrics can be so powerful.

Looking at your biography, you come across very accessible and charming - a little klutzy at times (dropping the mic. After a performance) with your partner-in-crime (the dog), Aria. A lot of modern artists are rather stale, P.R.-driven and fake. Do you think the fact you are so down-to-earth and fascinating helps people connect with what you do?

O.M.G. yes! (I don’t actually drop the mic after performing - that’s an inside joke with a friend who wrote my facts on my website). However, I do believe that my down-to-earth personality shows that I am very real and relatable and definitely helps people connect with me and what I am doing as an entertainer.

I’m just me. What you see is what you get. I have always been very open and honest with my viewers on YouTube and with people in my daily life - which is what makes me very approachable and trustworthy.

I think that comes across in my music and performances and definitely in my content on my YouTube channel. I love sharing my experiences with people in order to not only express myself but to connect with other people. My goal has always been to reach as many people as possible through my music and to be able to help someone through whatever they may be going through in their lives.

I see you have a diploma in P.R/social media – that is quite fascinating. Does that help you with regards to your various videos and music? Do you take care of your own P.R or would be interested in representing others?

I did go to school and graduated three years ago. I got a Degree (B.A.) in Media Studies and Diploma in Media Communications - specialising in P.R. It has definitely helped a lot in terms of managing my own career and publicity for my music and my YouTube channel - which was my motivating factor in choosing my program and specialisation in university. The skills I learned have helped me better understand the industry and the tools/skills needed/necessary in order to succeed and thrive in this digital age - which has been a valuable asset to me as an entertainer and social media influencer. In terms of representing others, I honestly don’t have the time.

Covering my own career is a full-time job in itself and I don’t dedicate or have as much time as I would like to get as much as I want done. Representing anyone else would just cause me to neglect my own career. I do give advice to friends who are aspiring artists and make YouTube advice videos on occasion as well. I highly recommend other artists educate themselves as much as possible in order to help themselves manage their careers and understand the industry they are getting into.

Back to your music . Broken Dreams feels like it could be the start of an E.P. are there plans for more music next year?

YES! I spent last year recording/producing the start of my E.P. (including Broken Dreams) out in Los Angeles, California and plan on releasing more music in 2017. I will definitely have my E.P. out in the New Year - date to be announced.

I am hoping to get a couple more tracks done to add to my repertoire so I have been writing a lot and trying to decide on what will best suit the E.P. - to go with what I already have done.

I will be posting updates on my website and social media pages. I am obsessed with Snapchat so that’s my daily method of connecting with/updating everyone on the goings on.

I can imagine you’d go over a storm in the U.K. Have you ever played here or have plans to do so in the future?

Thank you! That is so great to hear! I would LOVE to perform in the U.K. I currently don’t have any plans to visit or perform out there but if the opportunity came up I wouldn’t hesitate, that’s for sure.

Looking ahead to the coming year: what do you hope to achieve as a musician and YouTuber?

Well...

So far I am really happy with how well Broken Dreams has been received and am glad everyone is loving it.

In the upcoming year, I definitely want to release my E.P. and start performing my new music. I would love to start hearing my songs on local radio too - Broken Dreams just played on a radio station in a town called Peterborough recently; that was so exciting!

I also LOVE writing and recording/producing so I plan to work on new music this upcoming year as well. I also want to film another music video for one of my songs that will be on my E.P. - I love being in front of the camera; acting and working with a team. I would love to grow my audience on my YouTube channel and post more exciting content (to connect and interact with my viewers). I pretty much just want to continue doing what I love and be able to do more of it full-time and dedicate more time to everything.

Christmas is coming up. How will you be spending it and what is top of your present list?

I will be spending Christmas with my family. Family is so important and mine has been so incredibly supportive of me and my dreams. I have a big family and we are all very close so I spread my time out between everyone - especially during the holidays.

I don’t really have anything I want for Christmas. I currently have everything I could wish and hope for - my health, my family and friends; my music. All I want is for everyone I love’s health and happiness and to continue to have the opportunity do what I love - which is to make music, entertain and create content people love to watch on my YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/c/breetaylor. If I HAD to pick something I guess it would be to get everyone reading this to subscribe to my channel ;)

Is there any advice you’d like to offer any upcoming musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

My advice is to believe in yourself and keep going no matter what anyone thinks or tells you - or what that voice of doubt in the back of your head might say. If this is truly your dream and you want it more than anything - don’t give up.

Perseverance and a positive attitude are key. Don’t let anyone deter you from your dream, not even yourself.

This is a long and hard journey but it is worth it if you love what you do and keep a positive attitude no matter what challenges life throws your way.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song you like (not yours as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.

I am OBSESSED (like most of the world) with Closer by the Chainsmokers (ft. Halsey) and am even more obsessed with the music video.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT2_F-1esPk&w=560&h=315]

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TRACK REVIEW: Diamond White Riots - Wall Part One

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Diamond White Riots

 

 

Wall Part One

9.4/10

Wall Part One is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5m-41KNg1A

RELEASED: 8^th October, 2016

GENRES: Alternative

ORIGIN: Doncaster, U.K.

The E.P., Diamond White Riots, is available at:

https://play.spotify.com/album/5AbeFPqsnHPlyW2o5smlKC _______________________

BEFORE I come to say a lot of positive things about my featured band…

I wanted to (ever-so-slightly) kick their arses in the opening stage – got it to rhyme and everything! James Bull, Dan Sweed; Brandon Clark and Harry Phillipson are among the tightest and most interesting musicians around – they form the mighty Diamond White Riots. I shall come on to looking at Doncaster bands (and Yorkshire); the themes groups address and the ‘classic formation’ for bands – but I wanted to get back to my original ‘threat’. I have seen so many bands pack a meaty punch and come into music armed with some scintillating songs. It is all good and well arriving with plenty of confidence and talent: if you are not visible enough that is going to cause a problem. Diamond White Riots have plenty of coverage across social media but no central hub. They would benefit a homepage and a place to put all their music, links and photos in one spot. Their Facebook page is solid enough but has no biography and background for the band. I typed in ‘Diamond White Riots’ into a search engine and thought there was a Wikipedia entry – when clicking on it seemed to be blank.

What I could glean – from the search result – is the guys were formed last year and are based out of Doncaster. It is always good knowing how a band ticks and what their influences are; where they have played and all they have achieved. Diamond White Riots have a record label behind them and have produced a wonderful E.P. so far. These may be the baby steps but you have to go in hard and fierce. This is something I mention when reviewing new acts: getting your face out there and being as exposed as you can. It is never a bad thing being open and transparent – so long as you do not take all the mystery out. Diamond White Riots would suit a professional and full homepage: put all their social media links together; a few photoshoots and a biography about the group. That way, potential venues, bookers and fans have all the information they need and are more likely to book the band. That said, the lads have their name across all social media platforms and the main music-sharing websites – that is the most important thing. The trouble is, you have to search for them one-by-one – stick them all in Facebook (at least) and it makes my job easier anyway. The final point – shall go easy on them after this – is the photos and images. There are a few on Facebook but the boys are pretty dapper and handsome; they have cool fashion and are a genuine group. It would be nice to see more images and get a little more visual representing. Maybe finances are tightening the photoshoot budget but I’d like to think that is on their ‘2017 list’: getting some snaps taken and being a bit more outward. The music is, as I always state, the king and his majesty is sitting proud and safe – a band that are certainly not slacking; getting their name to the forefront. Their social media ranks might still be growing but they are making big strides and crafting instant, universal songs for the masses.

I have brought Yorkshire back into the forefront the last few weeks. Not only have I been expounding the virtues and beauty of Ripon songbird Billie Marten – one or two rather tasty bands emanating from the county. Yorkshire is, as it is said, God’s County: the nature, landscapes and people all seem to be a league ahead of their local rivals. There is something instantly assured, prosperous and fascinating about Yorkshire. It is a county that is not about rolling fields and yawning, epic scenery. It is such a diverse and characterful county. You cannot easily compare Leeds with Ripon; Sheffield with Doncaster. The Diamond White Riots boys come from Doncaster and one of the most fascinating bands from the town. In terms of the local competition, there is not a lot of visibility across social media and search engines. I have said this when looking at bands across Sheffield and Leeds – not enough polls and sites dedicated to unearthing the best of the bunch. Doncaster is a bit of enigma but it does have a crop of agile and nimble bands that are capable of transcending to the mainstream. There are cover/party bands like Warning Tones, Pop Revolution and Street Cardinals – who are around Doncaster/Sheffield. It is annoying when you try and look for the best bands around Yorkshire and how little there is out there. I know for a fact Doncaster is a fertile and hot spot for new talent. In the course of my reviews, I get to listen to a range of artists from Doncaster and just what is coming out. Vibing from the energy and variation of the county: it is hard to overlook all the strength and variegation coming through. Diamond White Riots are certainly one of the finest groups from Doncaster – possibly the best – but sit in a county that is, in my view, ahead of the U.K.’s rest.

London leads the way when it comes to solo artists but for bands: I feel Yorkshire is leading the way. Historically, the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Pulled Apart by Horses hail from here. If you look at cities/areas that have fostered the best bands you might naturally spring to Manchester. Given the titans that have emerged here – The Smiths, Oasis and Joy Division are three examples – it is a safe bet. Yorkshire and Doncaster are exceptional with regards new bands. I feel Manchester and London have fine examples of the moment but is not as strong and diverse as Yorkshire. The county has always defined what it is to be original, fresh and unexpected. Polishing and proffering bygone genres – Swing being shone and fused with Electronica – you get Hokum, classic Pop and Neo-Soul; Indie, Alternative and Jazz sitting side-by-side without a care in the world. Diamond White Riots will do something rather important. Not only are they one of Yorkshire’s best and brightest new bands; they will provide greater weight to the argument that Yorkshire’s musicians cannot be beaten. Let’s hope (the county) gets more exposure and attention in the next few years. My point remains about Doncaster’s validity and merits. It is an area that has always provided exceptional music but deserves more acclaim and backing.

I shall get to the boys’ new single (and E.P.) soon but wanted to talk about lyrical themes and the formation of bands. Starting with the latter and you get a sense of history and tradition with Diamond White Riots. Since the dawn of musical time, the all-male quartet has been a backbone of the musical landscape. Everyone from Arctic Monkeys and The Beatles has stuck with this tried-and-tested formation. It keeps a group tight and has the perfect number of bodies in the mix. Sure; the likes of Pulp (five) and Oasis (five) have that extra member and benefit from it – one feels they would not have suffered were they to drop the weakest link. The quartet seems like the perfect balance of security and numbers; it is never too crowded and allows vocal-drum-guitar-bass formations to solidify and come together. If you had three members, you could get away with – the lead would need to play guitar and the sound would not be as full and rich. A fifth member risks putting too much in and being slightly expendable. It is not random I raise this point. I have seen a lot of bands emerging that are sticking with that quartet line-up. I am not sure whether it is the perfect chemical balance or whether it is tradition – it seems to be working wonders. Duos like Royal Blood prove you can make a holy noise with a couple of people but, for my money, you cannot deny the legacy and strengths of the four-piece. The subjects the Diamond White Riots boys investigate revolve around their life and what is happening around them. You get plenty of sex, drugs, Rock ‘n’ Roll; there are spade-loads of break-ups and romance quandaries – just what the modern consumer can relate to. I raise this too because so many new bands are getting fixated with insular concerns and heartache. Love and relationships are important to assess but they are not the only thing you should be talking about. The same goes for introspection and self-analysis: that is valid and relevant but only when contrasted against other subjects. Diamond White Riots – in their cider-named chaos – create classic Rock and Indie mayhem; they have composure and discipline bit drag you into an after-hours world of shut-ins and rowdy boozing; exciting, near-the-knuckle revelry and evading the alluring kick of the law. It is a shame there is not more known about bands around Doncaster because, as my featured band show, there is some fantastic music coming out of the area. I know many groups look at youth and modern life but few as naturally as the Doncaster-formed band. They have that zeal, spirit and effectiveness that is not faked at all – it is exactly who they are and where they want to be.

Diamond White Riots have a lot of pages across social media and music-sharing websites so you can find what you need from them. In terms of their past moves, there are not many other examples out there. I feel they should put their E.P. on SoundCloud as it would provide a chance for users to find them there. Spotify can be problematic - and has denied me the chance to review the whole E.P. – and every band/musician should put music across SoundCloud. It is the most accessible and popular music-sharing platform and one that should be utilised. I know the boys will want to generate profits from their music so should ensure they keep going with iTunes and platforms like that. They can get money for their work but need to make it as accessible to those who do not want to pay. For me, SoundCloud is the most important site and one they will use a lot more in the future. The guys have a couple of demo tracks on there and have put their first E.P. single (Lady in Blood) on there. On YouTube, you can find their latest video (for Wall Part One) and their Pink Floyd-truncated nod is causing a lot of excitement and acclaim. I know the band will be making more music so it will give a better view of how they progress and change. The early steps are the most important (and nervous) and can make-or-break a band, but Diamond White Riots should fear not. Their first two songs show they are not only consistent but varied. The tracks – Lady in Blood and Wall Part One – have that distinct core and band sound but cannot be easily compared. It shows originality and endeavor from a group that is impossible to tie down and easily define. Wall Part One, for me, is a stronger cut than Lady in Blood but both songs are really solid, driving and exciting. They form the basis of the eponymous E.P. and show the bands has plenty of motivation, ambition and passion for what they do.

The opening licks of Wall Part One have that concrete, Garage-Rock sound that is all grit and smoke with some sexual swagger and bones protruding. Saucy and explicit; calm and swaggering – most bands do not come out of the gates as firm and appealing. The early riff puts you in mind of bands like The White Stripes but has heavier overtones and is as cool as Jack White’s most assured riffs. The guys play on a basis of Rock ‘n’ Roll themes – sex and booze – but have plenty of command and discipline to their work. They do not lazily throw some strings together and hope for the best – always authoritative and mature in everything they do. The introduction puts you in a bar or down an alley as people spoil and scrap in the darkness. It is a dangerous and teeth-baring sound that has alcohol-drenched boots and a cigarette dangling from the lips. Not just a one-dimensional beast: it bonds with percussion and has plenty of mobility and adventure to it. Dipping and diving; swaying and pounding – quite an intoxicating and bracing opening. When the lyrics and vocals come in, they are delivered with a syncopated, original dynamic. Our hero’s nose is bleeding but he is not leading; he is being fed a poisonous sentiment and has been in this situation before. Diamond White Riots do not go for traditional couplets and cliché lyrics; a standard presentation and follow the herd. On Wall Part One, you get a stunning and new delivery that gets the lyrics into the head straight away. I have mooted Diamond White Riots looks at sex and booze – and that is suggested and tipped in both their E.P. songs released so far – but Wall Part One looks more at a rotten bond and a toxic partnership. The guys have all been around the block and have seen plenty of relationships dissolve – not saying they are useless in that regard but it is the way of the world. The hero is with the girl who is remiss and worried; her man is on the brink and about to implode, it seems. The initial words see the lead spitting blood and veiled in a familiar feeling – suffocated and poisoned by something rather unsettling and unwelcomed. Whether a relationship has hit the bricks or there are arguments unfolding: it is not something that is being promoted and celebrated. The band provide some interesting lyrics but do not cast blame and reveal truths this early. If the music and spirit cast its tongue firmly between legs; its lyrics and story put the tongue firmly in cheek.

There is a sense of the hero holding words back and the lead not letting out his emotions. The same familiar feelings are being felt; the same fate and situations are presenting themselves. I get the sense of sweethearts who have not been on firm footing for a while and are going through a series of civil wars and spats. The composition remains intense and bold and gets your mind conspiring. I mentioned it is a rather lewd and sexual affair: the guy that prowls the bars and picks up the girls; flashing the cash and getting his end away by the night’s end. It has Blues at heart but is a good, raw Rock sound that adds weight and impetus to the song. You always feel involved and gripped; unwilling to walk away from the song and put your focus anywhere else. Keeping a sense of familiarity to the song – the lyrics repeat themselves and build a mantra – you are always wondering just what is being referenced. What Diamond White Riots do so well is give that live sound a real airing. The song has lo-fi charm and is not over-produced – like so many of their peers and their music. It is as though you are in the room with them and listening to them that close and personal. Once or twice the vocal is outweighed by guitar but it is a minor lapse in the production.

The composition is always relevant and strong but never intrudes or gets too carried away. Commanding and brash throughout; a perfect accompaniment to a song that deals with heavy blows and bitter battles. At one point, guitar steps forward and creates a scintillating, lightning-strike riff. It not only showcases some impressive chops but is the punctuation point at the end of a lengthy sentence. Firm, fiery and crackling: adding story to the drama and providing plenty of emotion. The bass and percussion are always involved and strong and add huge amounts of force and colour to the music. Our lead’s voice has that cockiness and coolness but there is pain lingering beneath the surface. Some might note some comparisons with Arctic Monkeys – not too far down the road from Diamond White Riots – but that is the result of natural accent rather than an attempt to replicate the Sheffield band. The hero lets it be known he was not the one who had the “key to heartbreak”. It is clear there is a tussle in a relationship and the rubble is being climbed over. I know this is a staple of many bands/songs but Diamond White Riots make their mandates of blame and guilt a lot sexier and elemental than most. Gone are the stereotyped lines and predictable exchanges: replaced with something a lot more original and exciting. The composition is one of the most exciting and appealing facets; something that twists and turns like a viper.

The strange and tense romantic domesticity is going through the motions and the newly-split pair is finding common ground on which to attack and castigate. What distinguishes the Doncaster bands from the slew of like-minded peers is their intelligence and compositional originality. You are always moved and surprised by the sound and how it evolves and subverts – always keeping you on your toes and intrigued. The vocal remains firm and passionate but does not descend into sarcasm, laziness and the routine. Always angry, appealing and, strangely, alluring – you get enraptured by the sense of casualness that comes through in some of the notes. It is clear the girl is at fault and causing damage and scars.  Before the foursome gets into head-banging, body-rocking mode: the lyrics paint more pictures and reveal more of the story. The heroine has a strange way of being unfaithful – gets the mind working – and whether sexually unique or not quite traditional – you do wonder what that refers to. At every stage, you imagine sexual indiscretion but it seems something more bizarre is unfolding. It is interesting but not something you dwell on as the band unveil a concrete, boot-stomping riff that adds more pummel and emotion to the song – underlining the lyrics that went before in the process. The hero is battling an unhappy heart and is trying to deal with everything going on. By the end, you wonder whether there is any chance of salvation for the two and just what has caused the split. I guess there is another man involved but that is never fully captured. Oblique and mysterious at times; you can guess and interpret the song whatever way you like but get that abiding sense of two lovers who are not entirely through. There are lingering feelings but it seems like a very hard time is ahead of them. Wall Part One is a fascinating and accomplished song that is full of confidence and power. Few new bands can create something as instant and professional this early and resonate so hard. It is a stunning song whose composition, vocal and lyrics each play their part and have their own strengths. The final seconds of the track are dedicated to fully exploiting the band’s composition and instrumental talents – exceptional performances and some rather delicious sounds unveiled. Not just the star and standout from their eponymous debut E.P. – the guys have crafted a song that has the ability to get airplay across the biggest national radio stations and be taken to heart by hundreds of new fans.

Let’s hope those who overlook great bands/areas will get their acts in order and rectify things in the next year. I opened by looking at Doncaster and how many great bands are coming from this part of the world. Yorkshire, as has always been the case, is at the very summit of wonderful, original music. You cannot overlook the depth of variety and quality that comes from the county. This is something I’m keen to investigate more in the coming months, but for the moment, getting back Diamond White Riots. The boys put together topics of indiscretion, lack of judgement and a certain recklessness but never in an immature or cliché way. What you get from their eponymous E.P. is something mature, considered and intelligent. The themes switch and the songs each have their own character and skin. It is a collection I urge you to seek out – issues with Spotify mean I cannot look at the entire work – but have heard enough to know the boys will go a long way. Lady in Blood was the first taster of the E.P. and showed just what Diamond White Riots contained. Wall Part One, if anything, is a stronger and more assured cut that pushes their sound and proves just what a tasty prospect they are. Many reviewers have looked at the E.P. and laid their opinions down. I have been listening to the first two singles from it and know just what a sensational sound the band makes. Before I assess the band and distill their essence into a few sentences; it is worth getting back to my original themes on Yorkshire, lyric topics and social media.

I do hope the band think more about their catalogue and image and look at expanding and augmenting it as much as they can. If they can get an official website together: that would bring more people in and showcase everything they are about. Their fanbase is climbing – but could be even bigger – and it is only a matter of time before they translate across counties and countries – get more people in and starting going places. They have the ammunition and desire to exceed so some photoshoots and organisation will benefit them a lot. As it is, you can find everything Diamond White Riots if you search and they make sure they get their name across all the necessary platforms. I have, rather pleasingly, come back to Yorkshire to discover a band that are going to have a few years ahead of them and show just what quality comes from the county. There was a time – a year or so back – where I could not shift Yorkshire and its musicians. Its allure and scent bring me back and it is rather hard to ignore. I opinioned you cannot define Yorkshire as it is so different and large. Sheffield and Leeds have their own sound whereas Doncaster does too. It is rather worrying more ears and eyes are not focused on Yorkshire as it is the country’s strongest county and fostering some future stars. That is for another day and something that might not have an easy fix. I am fascinated by Diamond White Riots as they have that traditional, classic line-up. I am always eager for bands to bring mixes of gender and race into their ranks – music needs more equality and less homogenisation – but you cannot argue against the male four-piece. It is a solid unit and one that has formed the basis of some of the world’s greatest bands.

It is nice hearing a band strip away the doe-eyed and moody façade so many tend to favour now. There are some times of revelation and sensitivity but the boys are masterful when it comes to something less discrete and more exciting. You transpose yourself into their world and get taken into their minds and imagination. Such is the power and honesty of their music you get carried away and immerse the body and brain in the songs. It is going to be interesting seeing where the boys head and what they have in mind for next year. Their self-titled E.P. is a confident and rounded effort that has a perfect blend of rawness and professionalism; a cavalcade of fascinating sights and consistently tight and stunning performances from the four. You find yourself exhausted by the end but always willing to come back and reinvestigate the songs. There is that all-important nuance: few Rock/Alternative bands have enough subtlety and depth to provoke multiple listens and long-term appeal. You can judge Diamond White Riots on your own terms but it is a very dependable and assured E.P. from a new band. It gives me hope the guys will push on and build on this promise. The next year is going to be one of the most exciting and relevant one for music. After a tragedy-filled and eventful 2016: many will react to this and ensure 2017 is full of love, wonderful music and positivity. That provides a platform for music’s best to get involved and create sounds of the highest order. Where Diamond White Riots fit in is yet to be seen but they are forceful and memorable enough to etch their names into the ledger. I feel the band will look to perform across the country and get their names heard down London and the south.

The capital is suited for their type of music and there are venues and spots they could thrive. Pull that out further and there are plenty of other areas of the U.K. the band have chances. I am not sure how familiar they are with Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol – big places they could get their work heard and appreciated. Yorkshire is a huge county and they have made in-roads and impressions with their native crowds. The trouble is, as my opening statements mooted, there is little focus paid to Yorkshire and regions that deserve acclaim and love. When reviewing and featuring Billie Marten, one of her quotes stood out: “(London) is where everything is”. Even if you live somewhere with a strong music scene, there are no guarantees and many will gravitate towards the capital. That is something for the guys to think about – in terms of performance – but they are situated in one of the finest parts of the country. I’ll wrap things up by recommending you seek out their new E.P. and let is charms and edges get into the blood; the tight and exciting performances move the body – get seduced by the amazing songs and fine details. It is going to be an exciting next few months as the quartet get the E.P. into live settings and cast their attentions to the year coming. They are capable of gaining huge numbers and making themselves know to vital tastemakers and radio stations. Their eponymous E.P. is a bold call and focused work that puts Alternative/Indie bands back into the fore and shows the band market/genres are not spent and irrelevant. Get involved with the quartet and let their music do its work. This year has been busy and productive, and if momentum is to be believed, the boys will have…

AN even busier 2017.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5m-41KNg1A&w=560&h=315]

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