INTERVIEW: IIDimensionz

INTERVIEW:

 IIDimensionz

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BEFORE being a congratulator: I have to be a prevaricator and critical instigator…

of the IIDimensionz boys. I’m sure that’s a flow they can appreciate – apologies for syntax and grammar fracture - but Nathan and Jermaine have, in my mind, created something interesting and original with Closer – a summer-ready banger than samples/is influenced by Rosie Gaines’ smash, Closer than Close. The lads have a huge connection (being cousins) so I hope they put more images on their social media - and transfer them from Instagram to Facebook. One of my ball-busting demands is for musicians to become more aesthetically-minded so, luckily, they project interest and physicality in their music...

I talk to them about their latest song and what we can expect from their forthcoming E.P., Love from Above. They open up about their musician dads and their influence; the importance of East London and how they manage to mash old-school magic from the 1980s and '90s - with the modern-day sounds of Funk and Dance. They are an interesting and ambitious duo that is ready and primed for future successes...

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

Nathan: Hi. Thanks so much for having us!

We’ve just been busy promoting this single - and in the studio, as well.

Jermaine: Hi! We’ve been great, thank you.

Yeah. Just working a lot.

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourselves, please?

Nathan: I’m Nathan Williams.

Jermaine: I’m Jermaine Williams, and together, we’re IIDimensionz.

Closer is the new single. Can you tell me what it is all about?

Nathan: Well. It’s about a relationship I was previously in. Such a complicated situation where we never actually fell in love but we spent a lot of time together; enjoying each other’s company and just creating memories together.

I’m thankful that it ended on a positive note, though!

It samples Rosie Gaines’ famous song, Closer than Close. What is it about that song, and Gaines, that made you want to sample it?

Jermaine: When Nathan and I create music; the main aim is to create a sound that bridges the gap between old-school and new-school music.

Closer than Close was one of our favourite Garage songs from the '90s growing up - so we just reworked a short segment using that famous melody - it all happened so naturally.

Nathan: Yeah. As Jermaine said; we grew up listening to that track and it’s an all-time classic. We grew up in an era where Garage was quite a dominant genre in the house-party scene. With Jermaine D.J.ing at house parties; it was always a favourite to be played.

Plus, Rosie’s voice, melodies and vocal range were just phenomenal!

Has she heard Closer yet? What does she think of it?

You know what; we’re not even sure!

If she has listened to it, I think she would enjoy it and be proud of what we’ve done with our interpretation of the song. So, if you’re reading this, Rosie: take a listen if you haven’t already and shout us!

*Both laugh*

I get the sense you two love 1980s and '90s R&B/Pop. What is it about those decades and genres that appeal to you?

Yeah. So, I was brought up on '80s Motown, Funk; rare Groove – that real old-school sound – by my father.

So, that was my foundation. It also helped me to become a better and more versatile drummer.

Jermaine: I was mainly brought up around 90s' R&B by my father - so that played a heavy part in the musical side of my journey.

Nathan: We both love their musicality and truth in their songs. Plus, the music was always positive and had a vibe to it that made us bust a move!

*Laughs*

Love from Above is the upcoming E.P. What kind of songs and stories will one discover on the E.P.?

Love from Above is all about bridging the gap between old-school and new-school – so, the 80s' Funk/Motown and 90s' R&B meeting the new-school R&B, Hip-Hop and Funk sounds.

We share our experiences through our lyrics. It’s just a feel-good body of work.

Jermaine: Hopefully, you guys feel the same way about it - when you finally get your hands on it!

Mark Asari and rapper Nick Brewer appear as vocalists. How did you come to meet them and what did they bring to the EP – in terms of style and dynamics?

Nathan: Well. I knew Mark from playing as a drummer for a Gospel group - and he was their backing singer at the time. I always took a liking to his vocals so he just came to mind when thinking of a singer to feature on this record.

Jermaine: Yeah. Nathan suggested Mark when we were thinking of singers. Nick, we knew through the church/Gospel circuit.

He actually went to the same secondary school as us, as well! So, that just added extra musical chemistry between us.

Nathan: Yeah. They both brought their unique vibe to the record. You know they’re so talented but what made it even more special was the fact that we all understood what the end goal was.

Based in East London; can you tell me how you formed IIDimensionz? As cousins, have you always shared a love of music?

Jermaine: Yeah. So, obviously, we’re cousins – our fathers are brothers.

Our fathers are both musicians - as well being involved in the music business. Nathan’s dad plays bass and my dad plays guitar.

My dad had a studio at home and was constantly rehearsing for shows – so, growing up around that inspired the both of us to find a deep interest and take a serious liking to music.

Nathan: Yeah. It happened very organically. Timing was everything.

We spent a lot of sleepless nights in the studio trying to figure out how our sounds would blend. But that soon took shape and, boom, it just clicked! That was the day that direction and passion both gelled together perfectly.

How instrumental were your dads and their music tastes? They both work in music. Do they still give guidance and support?

Jermaine: They were very instrumental – to say the least!

As we mentioned earlier, they introduced us to the whole world of music and classic records. Timeless music.

To this day, we still listen to it. We do still get influenced by it and vibe with their music.

Nathan: With guidance and support, they are extremely supportive.

My dad is our manager so he’s there to guide us every step of the way – keep us in line, as well! *Laughs*.

But, yeah, both of our fathers are so supportive and push us to be the very best that we can be.

Of course, as a production duo, you take care of everything yourselves. How important is it having that control over your work?

We wouldn’t say everything: we have to give credit where it’s due - we have a good friend, Nathaniel Ledwidge. He mixed our records. The artists you hear - as vocalists on the records on the E.P. - as well; they all contributed individually in their own unique way.

But, as for production and the general consciousness of our duo; we love to have creative control to a certain extent.

Jermaine: We do love to learn and take constructive criticism as well.

At the end of the day; that’s how you progress and improve your craft.

Are there any tour dates later in the year? Where can we see you perform?

Nathan: Yeah. That’s all going to happen.

For now, we’re just focusing on rehearsing for live shows and preparing for live performances.

Jermaine: You can stay up-to-date with all of this information by following us on social media - mainly our Instagram page (@2Dimensionz) - for our latest information.

IN THIS PHOTO: Tom Misch

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

Nathan: We recently listened to a guy called Tom Misch - and his track, South by the River.

I’m not too sure if he’s up-and-coming but he’s new to us; he’s dope! Would love to collab. with him.

Jermaine: SZA, as well.

She’s real cool; great artistry!

 IN THIS PHOTO: SZA

If you each had to select the album that means the most to you, which would it be and why?

Michael Jackson – Off the Wall

M.J. has been an influential artist throughout my life growing up - and there’s just so much that I take from that album.

Nathan: I’d say Marvin Sapp – Greatest Hits

Simply because each song speaks to me. It reminds me and lets me know how God sees me and values me and who I am in him.

It’s important for us both, really.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Nathan: Remember that your WHY is far more important than WHAT you do.

Remember that you’ve been gifted with life on Earth to make a change for the better and, through your gift/skills that you’ve been blessed with, you have the greatest opportunity to succeed!

Jermaine: Never give up or take ‘no’ for an answer!

If you get knocked back; just keep a strong faith and believe that this isn’t the end.

Finally, and for being good sports, you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Jermaine: Aaliyah – Back & Forth

 Nathan: Michael Jackson – Rock with You

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INTERVIEW: Vivienne Chi

INTERVIEW: 

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 Vivienne Chi

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ARRIVING in the U.K. and laying down her mark as…

one of the most intriguing new artists on the block; I speak with Spanish-born Vivienne Chi about her move to Britain and whether, having come to a new country, there is a sense of displacement and identity struggle. Her songs deal with issues such as this and JUNK – always dislike an upper-case song-title, but there you go! – so I ask about the song and what compelled its creation.

She talks to me about her influences and how important London is to her; the music she grew up with and, with new material in her pocket, whether we can see her perform in the near-future.

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

I’m great, cheers.

Could do with some sun, sand and sea.

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

Hello. I’m Vivienne Chi.

I’ve been writing music for about ten years; working with different artists producers and musicians. It’s been an amazing, tough industry - but I’m embracing that aspect of it. 

I’m a bit of a loner: keeping the creative flow going is my constant goal. I’m really enjoying where I’m at the moment; putting songs out there and moving on to the next…

What is the story behind the single, Junk? Tell me more about it…

Junk is about the balance between freedom, happiness and madness.

As humans, we have delicate relationships with our minds, mental health and a responsibility for our own mental hygiene. I think we also put ourselves under immense pressure to earn, work; socialise, follow the rules; break the rules, be cool; be relevant - and it’s never-ending. I remember watching a homeless lady in Camden who appeared mad - but also free and happy.

Maybe a little madness is the answer? Who knows?

In terms of sound; how would you say the song differs from the single, Vivienne? Did you make any big changes in terms of style and approach?

I’m lucky enough to work with an amazing producer called Harry Tarlton. We get each other, creatively.

I wanted gypsy-liberated layered noise, pots and pans; festival sounding with big drums…to reflect the idea of the song….like theatre; a story.

Vivienne was the same in the way it has an aggy chorus and a delicate verse - to sync. with the dual -personality of the song.

Your songs talk about belonging and personal realisations. Having moved from Spain to the U.K.; do you feel you struggle with identity and your place in the world?

Absolutely.

Especially, trying to get into the music industry - where you are rejected and questioned and pick apart ALL the time. It messes with your head. When I moved back from Spain, I knew no one in London - so had to start from scratch - I grew up fast. I’m naturally a shy person, so it was tricky. 

I’m at the point now where I’ve found some amazing people to work with (and friends). I’m just doing my thing and loving it.  

What compelled the move from Spain to Britain? Is there a marked difference between the music scenes in both nations?

I moved from a small town in Spain where there was no opportunity for music for me - apart from bar gigs.

London is completely multicultural with so much to offer, music-wise. I knew I’d learn a lot and get something going much easier here.

 How important is London and its heartbeat to the rhythm and dynamic behind your music?

I keep saying I’d like to get out one day but I’m basically sucked in now!

All my work, friends (everything) is here and I travel enough for London to stay fresh. I know so many people putting on nights, making amazing stuff happen - it’s hard to leave. 

The people I work with have been conditioned, musically, by London - the standard is so high that I’ve been able to make some good music.

When you arrived in London, you had to juggle working various jobs with recording. Do you still need to do that or have things got ‘easier’ since you starting getting attention?

It’s a case of spinning plates: keeping different projects going; staying in the loop.

I’ve never had a nine-five so I’m used to being proactive. I guess things have gotten easier, yes…my time in London has given me the chance to establish myself as a performer.

How important are those plaudits and praise to your passion and determination?

It’s really amazing to hear lovely compliments. It does mean a lot to me.

I do music to feed my soul but I also want people to feel it and like it and identify with it. I’m putting parts of my life down on tape - including my struggles. If I can, in some way, help someone who’s having those same troubles then that’s amazing.

Can you give me an indication regarding the artists who you grew up with? What kind of music did you hear as a child?

Prince, Massive Attack; Leftfield, Kate Bush; Jeff Buckley, Björk; Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu; D’Angelo, ZZ Top; Portishead, Layla Hathaway and De La Soul

Is there an E.P. or album coming in the future? What does the rest of the year hold?

I’m putting out an E.P. towards the end of the year…

What tour dates do you have approaching? Where can we come and see you play?

I’m not playing live until next year…

I’m independent, so I have to manage my time really carefully. I’m going to focus on this E.P. release.

Then, next year, I'll do the festivals …

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

I’m obsessed with a band called Honeyfeet. I think they’ve been around for a while. I caught their set at Wilderness festival and then Boomtown. The front-lady is out-of-this-world-incredible. Her voice is something else.

I‘m also listening to Julia Jacklin, BADBADNOTGOOD and Methyl Ethel.

If you each had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would it be and why?

Lenny Kravitz - Mama Said

The first album I owned. My cousin bought it for me. I was so thrilled.

Prince – Diamonds and Pearls

Changed my life.

D’Angelo – Voodoo

For obvious reasons.

Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

I sang, sang (and sang) to this album. Fave track: Tell Him.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Dig deep, keep creating; don’t rush to put music out. Wait until you’re one-hundred-percent happy with it. 

Work hard. Exercise!

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Lover, You Should’ve Come Over – Jeff Buckley

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INTERVIEW: Cold Reading

INTERVIEW: 

 Cold Reading

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IF you’ve heard one Swiss Emo/Indie band…

you’ve probably been listening to Cold Reading. There might be another one but, given they have unique real estate, I was interested finding more about the boys. Books & Comfort is the latest song from the powerhouse collective – taken from their forthcoming E.P., Sojourner. They guide me through its creation and inspiration; talk about some of the music (and books) that inspire them and how the remainder of 2017 is patching out.

I talk to the chaps about their European success and, consider they have played in the U.K., there is any intention of returning anytime soon. They provide background on their latest single and the emotions and dynamics that feed into their unique blend.

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

Marc: Hey. We’re all fine, I guess.

Very exciting to release the first new music in two years, of course.

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

We are a four-piece rock band from Lucerne, Switzerland called Cold Reading.

Our sound can be placed somewhere between Emo, Indie and Alternative Rock - and we formed in 2014.

We've got Mike on Vocals/Keys, Chris on Guitar/Vocals; Arthur on Bass/Vocals and Marc on Drums.

Can you tell me how you got together in the first place and where the name ‘Cold Reading’ came from?

Chris: I’ve known Mike for years now and we’ve played together before. Arthur and I met later and played together in a band called Face the Front. Then, we met Marc at a show and formed Cold Reading - after the disbandment Face the Front.

After getting Mike on board; our current line-up was complete.

Books & Comfort is your new single. What can you tell us about the song and its meaning?

Mike: Books & Comfort was, actually, the last song we wrote for the new E.P.

We certainly meant it to be a rather fast-paced, to-the-point song and it was soon decided that it would be a fitting first taste/single. With regards its content; it’s a play of thoughts on the desire to slip into another body. There are times when you think all your problems can be solved by running away.

In the end, however, one has to learn how to deal with one’s weaknesses and try to change them into something positive.

I get a sense of battling against struggle and finding a positive outlook on life (from the song). Was there a particular occasion or moment that inspired the song? Is it a track relevant and meaningful to all of you?

Yeah, you got that right.

As with many of our songs; the lyrics are simultaneously somewhat autobiographical and abstract. There was not a specific occasion that is being dealt with in the song - it’s more a processing of thoughts that I’ve had time and time again – and (about) how I’m striving to turn them into something more optimistic.

Arthur: While Mike is the lyricist - and certainly has the deepest connection to them - we certainly ‘feel’ them as well. As we are a very democratic and collaborative band, every song is a new baby for everyone – and, I think, Books & Comfort is absolutely a ‘relevant’ song in our limited discography.

Marc: Yeah. It’s probably my favourite song of ours (until now, at least). 

Sojourner is your E.P. – coming out on 22nd September. Can you reveal any other songs that will appear on it?

Well. There will be four songs on the album.

One of them is the title track - of which you can find an acoustic version online already.

I rarely get to interview Swiss bands. What is the music scene like there and how easy it is getting your music out to the people of Switzerland?

Switzerland is a great country to play in regard to how well you are treated as a band.

It is so small, however, that there’s no point of actually touring only in Switzerland - at least not if you are a small band playing a relatively marginalized style of music (like we are). The scene is tightly-knit, though, so you can count on a loyal fan base and cool opportunities popping up - like supporting some bigger bands.

PHOTO CREDIT: Luke Bateman Photo

It seems Books & Comfort, already, has garnered attention from German, British and American sources. Is it quite surprising hearing your music being taken to heart in these nations?

It’s very flattering that the likes of New Noise Magazine, Mosh (Hit the Floor), Intro Magazine (and more) were kind enough to premiere or write features about our music.

We don’t take it for granted and are just excited about everyone who takes pleasure in listening to our tunes.

Your music, I find, has progressed and evolved over the last couple of years. How would you say it has changed?

We just like to keep challenging ourselves...

We do have a core sound and style that we want to keep playing. For example, we won’t abandon our beloved quiet-loud dynamics any time soon, I guess. However, we always try to implement out-of-the-box approaches, different synth and guitar sounds; varying song structures and the like.

Or, as is the case with Books & Comfort, we challenge ourselves to streamline a song - which is often even harder to do for us.

PHOTO CREDIT: Luke Bateman Photo

Who are the artists you all grew up listening to?

Chregi: Marilyn Manson used to be my favourite artist as an early-teen. Soon all the Emo bands - like Taking Back Sunday and Brand New - that were huge at the time took over.

Marc: I listened to terrible American radio Rock for far too long. I think La Dispute and Alexisonfire were my gateway bands to the realms of Post-Hardcore; '90s Emo and all that stuff.

Mike: When I was younger; I started listening to Punk-Rock. I was totally into NOFX, Propagandhi and all these melodic Punk bands. What I loved most about Punk-Rock was that everybody could do it. You didn’t have to be a pro. to do what you want.

Yeah, I loved this D.I.Y. ethic and it’s still part of me.

Arthur: Since my parents kept spinning The Clash and Buzzcocks records over and over again; I ended up being a big fan of Punk music - even before my teenage years.

I, then, soon got into all the classic Pop punk stuff like Blink-182, New Found Glory etc. which, somehow, led me to discover smaller Pop/Punk/Emo/Indie bands.

Have you any tour dates coming up at all? Might we see you in the U.K. at some point?

Marc: Apart from playing a few shows in Switzerland, we are heading out on a ten-day tour in October. Unfortunately, it won’t take us to the U.K. but we’re excited to be hitting France, Germany and, possibly, Austria.

We enjoyed our U.K. trip last summer and definitely plan to come back next year. It’s just difficult to handle with our jobs and university (and that kind of stuff).

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m currently digging Backwards Charm: an Austrian band we became friends with.

The new Sinai Vessel record is great (even though they aren’t really new: they’re gaining some steam this year).

IN THIS PHOTO: Backwards Charm

Mike: I really dig Portugal. The Man’s latest album, called Woodstock. It’s my favourite of this summer.

Check it out, it’s great.

Arthur: The Tiny Engine-signed band Wild Pink released an album which definitely is, for me, an A.o.T.Y. (album of the year) contender.

There’s also a German band called Leoniden - who released a hell of a debut album this year.

IN THIS PHOTO: Leoniden

If you had to select the one album that means the most to each of you; which would they be and why?

Chregi: Brand New – Deja Entendu

It’s an absolute classic of the genre and easily my most-listened-to album. It’s still so great to jam it in the van.

Marc: It’s gotta be Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlanticism

Not only is it an absolute masterpiece of melancholic Indie-Pop-Rock; it (just) holds a special place in my heart and takes me right back to the time and place when I listened to it religiously.

Mike: That’s a tough question...I mean, there are so many good records out there. But, if I had to pick one, I’d choose The Devil and God & are Raging Inside Me by Brand New

I love the whole idea behind the record. The profound lyrics still guide me through life. 

Arthur: I’ll have to say American Football’s L.P. 1 (eponymous album)

It somehow made its way to my ears during a fitting period in my life leaving a big emotional connection toward its songs.  

Also, given your literature-referencing song and band name; if each of you could only rescue one book from a burning building – bear with me on this one! – which would they be?

Chregi: City of Thieves by David Benioff

Marc: Jonathan Franzen’s The Corrections

Mike: The Dark Tower series by Stephen King

I read these seven books the fourth time in a row now - and every time I still discover new things.

For me, it’s just a masterpiece because it’s such a great mixture of genres and one of the greatest stories ever written.

What advice would you give to any new artists starting out right now?

Marc: I don’t think we are really in a position to answer this question satisfyingly.

It’s a game with so many factors in it and only one-in-a-thousand will make it big - so you might as well just do what you want to; write the songs that you want to. Stay true to yourself and have fun. On a more practical note, it certainly helps if you show up at (local) shows - or even book and promote shows on your own.

You will make new friends, discover great bands and make connections that can help your own band as well…so it’s a win-win-win.

Mike: Make music because you love it - and don’t think too much about getting famous. Write songs and have fun.

Simply stay true to yourself.

Arthur: Marc already put in words what I’d have said perfectly….

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Chregi: Manchester Orchestra – The Alien

Marc: Slowdive – Don’t Know Why

Mike: Portugal. The Man – Live in the Moment

Arthur: Leoniden – Nevermind

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INTERVIEW: The Cuckoos

INTERVIEW: 

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 The Cuckoos

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THERE is something sickeningly envy-provoking about a thirty-something…

journalist interviewing a hot band whose eldest member is twenty-one! Not that I am jealous or anything but, putting aside the stress ball, I have been talking with The Cuckoos’, Kenneth Frost. He talks to me about the coming-together of the band and how their home, Austin, is championing their music.

The band’s eponymous E.P. was released in April so I ask whether there will be singles released; the artists/sounds that helped influence their sound and the gigs they have coming up.

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

Good!

We’ve just been working on lots of new tunes.

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

I'm Kenneth Frost of The Cuckoos.

Tell me how you guys got together and the inspiration behind the name, ‘The Cuckoos’. It sounds like you share a common viewpoint when it comes to music.

We met through various mutual friends and musicians around Austin - and we share lots of love for a lot of the same artists.

The name came from me (just) watching One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest one day. I thought it had a good ring to it. 

Classic Rock christened your music as “spectacular”. Is getting that kind of kudos encouraging?

Of course.

It's always nice to be complimented on our work.

Your eponymous E.P. was released in April. What kind of themes and experiences did you channel for the E.P.’s songs?

The songs were inspired by love, growing up; heartbreak…all the usual Rock and Roll stuff.

Are you planning any future single releases from the E.P.?

Yes.

We've got tons of music we're working on and hopefully we'll drop a new single real soon!

What has the reaction been like so far? Has it gone down pretty well with people?

People seem to dig it from what I gather.

The response at shows has been really encouraging. We’ll see what happens from here.

Austin is your base. What is the scene like in the Texan city? What are the best venues for a band like yours to play?

There's lots of cool venues for Rock and Roll groups - and Psychedelic bands - to play. The Electric Church is really groovy because they've got a killer light show. I like Hotel Vegas and Swan Dive a lot, too.

Looking at you – and hearing the music – one gets the impression of the 1960s and the classic artists of that time. What kind of music were you all brought up on?

We all listen to, and grew up with, tons of music from all over the spectrum.

At the time of the recording, I think we were very much on a late-'60s kick, for sure. But, I mean, we listen to everything from the Pixies, Kate Bush and Miles Davis to Joy Division, Chic and Pink Floyd.

We just love groovy music. 

It seems you mix new artists like Tame Impala with the energy and prowess of The Doors – but have your own personality and sound. Was it quite hard getting that mix right?

I think, when we play, we really (just) try to have fun and just express ourselves. The music we like listening to definitely shows in that - and we're proud of our influences.

It's not really a mix we had to get right: we're just doing our thing because we love it and we like the way it sounds. 

How was your first-ever SXSW experience - it sounds like that is the Mecca for any U.S. artist!

Well, we live in Austin so SXSW is always in our lives to some degree each year – but this year was great. We had a ton of fun, played some groovy shows; did a lot of interviews and stuff.

It was really cool. 

 What kind of gigs do you have coming up? Any plans on coming to the U.K. this year?

We just got back from England and then had a show in New York just a little while ago.

Other than that, we've just got some gigs planned locally in Austin - but I'm sure we'll head back over to England in the not-too-distant future. 

Are there any new acts you recommend we check out?

I've been listening to Psychic Mirrors, Soft Hair and Ariel Pink a lot lately (they're new to me) but there's also a cool Psych. scene in Austin brewing up.

We just played a show with The Halfways and Sherry at The Electric Church - and those are a couple of groups with a lot of potential.

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IN THIS PHOTO: The Millbrook Estates

There's also a band called The Millbrook Estates - formerly known as Roaring Sun - that is making some killer music…so check 'em out! 

If you each had to select the one album that means most to you; which would it be and why?

I can't choose one.

I'd say it's a three-way-tie between Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures; Strange Days by The Doors and 1999 by Prince.

The first time I listened to each of those they blew my mind. The first time I heard 1999, I was visiting my mother for the holidays, and I woke up really early one morning at like five or six A.M. It was really chilly, so I put on a leather jacket and rode my bike around town as the sky went from black to a purgatory-like white; really listening to songs like Little Red Corvette and Lady Cab Driver for the first time.

It changed the way I look at music. 

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Work hard, do what you want; be respectful, have fun and don't be afraid to be a lil wild. 

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

I've been digging Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush, lately 

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INTERVIEW: The RPMs

INTERVIEW: 

 The RPMs

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CHRIS Hawkins, he of BBC Radio 6 Music, has claimed Brighton’s…

The RPMs have “more hooks than a harbour”. That is a bold and old-world claim that I had to contest with the guys – just how many hooks can one band have?! The boys discuss Brighton and why it is the perfect place to brew their unique and arresting music; the skinny on their latest track, Things I Forgot to Do - and what we can expect in the future.

The band has released a tour schedule tease (video) and are preparing for some big dates. I ask about their inception and how songs form; whether they have evolved/changed since their applauded album, Digital Disobedience, and, given the choice, the one album (each) they would cherish above all else.

(The guys completed the interview a few weeks back but only just got the answers back - so don't be confused by the timeline!)

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

Hey!

Very good, thanks. Yeah; we've had a brilliant week as we're playing ButeFest 2017 and just come off the road supporting that great bunch of guys, We Are Scientist!  

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

Jack Valero - Frontman and Guitar player

Miguel Comse - Bass and B.V.s

Callum James – Drums

Give me the lowdown on the new single, Things I Forgot to Do. What is it all about? 

This song is about that universal feeling of struggling...

As soon as you feel you have a grip on things, something comes along to knock it all down or you miss something crucial that throws everything out of whack. It's a feeling we can all relate to - but I think it's particularly prevalent in our age group. Young people slowly trying to figure out who the hell they are - and where their place is in it all.

It can be a very confusing time but also an exciting one, thwart with adventure and creativity. 

The E.P., Agents of Change, was released in April. What has the reaction been like to it? Will there be more releases from it or any new material later this year? 

The reaction's been good...

I think there's a lot of young people out there who are worried about the same things we are and want to talk about them. Especially now, when our generation is feeling more and more isolated with society: berating us so-called 'millennials' for being lazy, entitled and without purpose - when it couldn't be further from the truth.

So, there's a whole generation out there looking for something to latch onto that belongs to us - and connects us like the Internet has. 

How do songs come together for you? Do you all write together or tackle it separately? 

Well, sometimes Jack (the frontman) will come in with an idea and everyone will then add to it and build around it…but, it's becoming more and more collaborative as we go on, which is brilliant - cos you always get the absolute best stuff when working together.  

Digital Disobedience was your much-lauded debut. How do you think your latest E.P. differs? Are you more confident and different from when you started out? 

Yeh. We've made a conscious decision to change and try new things every time we've gone to record.

Like, Digital Disobedience was all loud guitars and angry teenagers: whereas Agents of Change has a slightly more mature approach - with more focus on hooks and production. We all feel it's very important creatively to step out of your comfort-zone as you can discover so much more about yourself and your ability - and keeps your creative mind fresh with new challenges.

We were very inspired by David Bowie's approach towards creativity as he would always be challenging himself (and it seemed to work pretty well for him). 

Chris Hawkins (BBC Radio 6 Music) says you have “more hooks than a harbour”. That must be pretty flattering. Can you quantify just how many hooks you do have?! 

Ha ha! Yeh. We all love that quote - we all shout it out now when we're on tour. It's our 'toppa-most-of-the-poppa-most'!

It's hard to really quantify every hook - as some of them the listener isn't even supposed to be aware of - they just love the sound or want to start moving.

What 'makes' a hook can be different for different people: it's the wonderful intangible nature of music!

But, in short, the answer is…lots. 

Brighton is where you are based. How influential is the vibe and buzz of the city when it comes to your music? 

Brighton is our home, sweet home and we absolutely love it!

There's just nowhere else like it in Britain. You can feel the creative and enthusiastic vibes oozing out the walls and through the streets. It's had quite a big influence on us as everything new comes through here and it's full of all sorts of new young upcoming artists - so our music began to take a far more contemporary style.

Also, where we've started to focus far more on beats - which Things I Forgot to Do is a particularly good example - is due to the fact there are quite a few Funk and Dance kind of bands around that people just wanna dance all night to in the clubs.

But, Brighton has such a diverse music scene that you just end up taking inspiration from everywhere.  

Are there a lot of bars and venues down there for bands to play? What is it about the city that you all love so much? 

Ha ha! Yeh; just a few.

We've got pubs, bars; clubs and theatres up the wazoo! Wherever you go, on any day: there's gonna be something happening - normally music-based. That's the beauty of it: there's always something going on.

It's just alive all day, every day.

Even if a shop closes: a brand-spanking-new one will pop up in its place a week later - selling something crazy like vegan dildos or something. It's such a forward-thinking place with one of the biggest Gay Pride parades - and they're now just finishing up one of the biggest wind farms in Britain; just off the coast.

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The people here are always so proactive and turned-on. If you see something on the news, you'll probably see people picketing about it the next day.

Music is everywhere, on every street corner: in every venue to even just drifting out of someone's window. We wouldn't wanna be anywhere else right now.    

You are all so young but have accrued plaudits and great gigs. Does it feel daunting or have you sort of got used to the popularity and acclaim? 

Ah, thank you so much. Stop it! You're making us blush!

Yeh, it can be very daunting when you get big gigs come through that you know you need to go really well; but I think we've gained enough experience now that we can handle most things that might come our way.

We all know we can rely on each other as well to deal with anything big and daunting.  

Camden Rocks and Isle of Wight Festival were two big gigs this year. What were those experiences like? 

Fantastic.

Camden Rocks is always jumpin' and we always have fun there…and Isle of Wight was a first for us - but we had a great time as it's a really well-run festival and we got to hang out with some music friends of ours, Asylums and The Strypes.

We actually had a few of The Strypes (boys) see our set and the bass player Pete O'Hanlon come over after and tell us he really enjoyed it.  

IN THIS PHOTO: The band with James Peter Hunt at Isle of Wight

What upcoming gigs can you tell us about? 

Our next lot of dates are The Big Feastival on August 26th; RivFest on September 2nd and Radar Love on September 7th! 

Looking forward to all of them - because we love getting out and playing everywhere as much as possible. So, this time, getting up to ButeFest will quite the adventure. 110 Above:  looking forward to being a part of such a brilliant lineup; Big Feastival is (a festival) run by Jamie Oliver and Alex James from Blur - so we're hoping there will be cheese and a healthy school dinner on the rider! 

Radar Love, the brilliant club night in Derby; RivFest 2017 is special to us as it was set up to honour the memory of River Reeves - and the members of Viola Beach and their manager, who tragically lost their lives last February - and we had the honour of playing their first year.

The River Reeves Foundation is already doing amazing work in Warrington to support young talent with the money raised - and we're proud to have been asked back to play again this year.

IN THIS PHOTO: Berries/PHOTO CREDIT: Michele Britton

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out? 

Black Honey: Brighton lot, too; hung out with them a few times around town.

BERRIES: great all-girl three-piece with a great combination of hooks and Punk rawness.

Rex Orange County: particularly the track, Uno - which has some amazing and really poignant lyrics.

And…Cabbage: saw them at Glastonbury; was very impressed and even got to meet them after - and they were a great bunch of guys.  

IN THIS PHOTO: BERRIES

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why? 

Jack: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie

Because it helped me get through my latter-school years and showed me a world outside (of it) filled with possibilities. 

Callum: AM by Arctic Monkeys

Because it taught me not to be afraid to mix traditional Indie with other types of music - such as Rap and Dance etc. 

Miguel: Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams

Because it inspired me to start writing my own songs.

What advice would you give to any new artists starting out right now? 

I don't know if we're in a position to really give out much advice, yet…

But, if we would say anything, it would be to be ready for the long -haul and always keep pushing - and always try new things out of your comfort-zone.

Getting stuck in one thing and one place is the biggest of killers when it comes to advancing as a musician and creative. 

Finally, and for being good sports; you can name any song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that). 

Fantastic.

Can you please play There She Goes by The La's - as it's one of our favourite songs and we wished we'd written it.

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INTERVIEW: Steve Rodgers

INTERVIEW: 

 Steve Rodgers

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QUITE a few artists have some famous ties but when it comes…

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to Steve Rodgers; he has quite a prestigious and illustrious background. His father is the legendary musician Paul Rodgers – his sister, Jasmine, one of the finest new artists in the U.K. He has seen his work praised by Jimmy Page and Roger Taylor. There is no doubt Rodgers has witnessed a busy and exciting start to his career: toured and performed alongside other artists and marked himself as one of those songwriters to watch.

I ask Rodgers about his new single, I Will Grow, and working with producer Ken Nelson; what to expect from his upcoming album and some of those artists he tips for future success...

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

It’s been great, thank you – how are you?

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

I'm a singer/songwriter from the U.K. - who has just finished a new album with producer Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Snow Patrol; Gomez, Paolo Nutini) and mixed by Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters)

I Will Grow is your new single. What can you tell us about its inspiration and what it means to you?

I was at a gig and the promoter’s girlfriend was a life-coach - and was asking for some music for her website. I felt that it had to be a piano song. I went home and wrote the song and sent it to her the next day.

It's about how 'life' can happen to all of us: no matter our background; it’s about how we pick ourselves up time after time; how we overcome our struggles. We either sink or we grow. We have to adapt and learn to succeed - even when life is being hard on us.

It’s about being triumphant in the face of adversity.

Ken Nelson produced the track. What was it like working with him?

It was great.

He is fantastic at getting the right sound. It’s exactly how I wanted to record the album: very organic, no Auto-Tune – what you hear is what we play. I love some of The Beatles' albums where every song had a different vibe - and that's what I tried to do with this album.

So, we have songs that are full-electric band: just a piano, recorded live; acoustic band or just a guitar etc. We recorded at Elevator Studio in Liverpool at a time when the city was having a celebration of music, too - which was great.

On every street corner, there was a piano left standing for passers-by to play. It was great to hear buskers, school-children; Classical, Jazz and Blues musicians; mothers and office workers creating music.

The video sees you in woodland, playing the piano. What was it like filming there and do you think the images/setting act as a metaphor for the song’s messages?

I was brought up there - so, it’s almost my back garden.

Yes; climbing a hill is a bit like life I guess: it’s enjoyable but can be hard at times – but ultimately growing and learning makes us feel alive.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jane Judd

Will the song form the basis of an E.P. or album? What is in the pipeline?

Yes, I have.

My first album, called Steve Rodgers, is being launched this October.

The likes of Jimmy Page and Roger Taylor have heaped praise on you. Is it quite scary getting that kind of kudos from legends?! Does it motivate you to keep recording?

No, it’s not scary.

It's a huge, huge compliment and icing on the cake to what I do already. To be out there doing what I love, and having an audience enjoy it, is what it’s all about.

Your dad is Free/Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers. Does your dad offer support and have you learn a lot from him, as a musician?

I've had to figure a lot out myself and I like it that way - because it means I've earned it. I have, of course, learnt a lot by just being around him - and hearing him sing and play at home; as well as on stage.

He's always been very encouraging. We recorded a charity song together called This Place Called Home - about all the steelworks shutting down in the U.K.

The money goes to Zoe's Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough - where my dad and family come from. It was great to watch him in the studio as an adult and see how focused he is on everything within the song.

I have met and reviewed Jasmine Rodgers. It seems there are a lot of very talented musicians in the family! Any plans to work with her anytime soon?

We have spent ten years in the same band, Boa; travelled and toured and recorded two albums – plus, done an acoustic tour together.

So, we have kind of done that already - but I think we would definitely do it again.

What was it like growing up in the family household? What kind of music were you listening to and did famous musicians often drop by for a cuppa?

It was how you would imagine...

Dad would be in the studio; my sister on the guitar (in her room) and me on the piano, downstairs. Earlier on, Dad had always tried to steer us both away from the 'business' as it can be tough. However, we would see him singing his heart out around the house or running upstairs with band members - and we thought: ''Hang on, he's having way too much fun here in this 'business".

I used to borrow dad's L.P.s and, so, I'd be introduced to whatever he had - like Albert King/Born Under a Bad Sign; Miles Davis/Tutu; Holst/The Planets – I remember I listened to a lot of Blues (for a thirteen-year- old: really old Blues, too) and I loved it.

Yes, we would often have famous people stop by: Jimmy Page, Peter Grant (Led Zeppelin/Bad Company’s manager); Bill Wyman and Bryan Adams - amongst the ones I can remember.

Your new work is, in my view, your most confident and memorable. How would you say you have changed and evolved since the early days – in your band, Boa, where you released two albums, for example?

Thank you very much.

I reckon, back then, I was more focused on how the music sounded – whereas, now, I feel I have something to say. I guess I felt lost for many years and wanted to find answers.

I think, like most of us, we're wondering what it’s all about - and is there a better way to live…to thrive rather than just exist.

So...it comes out in the songs along with heartbreaks and moments of real joy.

Where can we see you perform this year? Do you have any tour dates coming up?

Yes.

I'm really excited (to be) coming back over to play with my band on a U.K. tour.

OCTOBER

Friday 20th: The Bull Theatre, Barnet

21st: Cranleigh Arts Centre, Surrey

23rd: Waterfront Studio, Norwich

26th: The Diamond, Notts.

27th: The Globe, Newcastle

28th: The Salty Dog, Northwich 

29th: The Cavern Club, Liverpool

30th: The Speakeasy (at The Voodoo Rooms), Edinburgh

 IN THIS PHOTO: Jasmine Rodgers

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

No; just me! L.o.L

Yes. Obviously my sister, Jasmine Rodgers.

Scott Matthews is a favourite of mine.

If you had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would it be and why?

Any Led Zeppelin album – it always feels so warm and speaks of some other force that exists Plus...the musicianship is stellar.

What advice would you give to any new artists starting out right now?

I'd say get a great team of people behind you that love what they're doing.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name any song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Great, thank you…

Birdy – Wings

(Thanks again for the interview. Warm regards, Steve).

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INTERVIEW: FØNX

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Elizabeth

 FØNX

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THERE is a rare charisma and sense of attraction one feels when listening to…

PHOTO CREDIT: Asia Pracz Photography

the music of FØNX. I have been spinning his new track, Can’t Get Enough, for a while and find something new each time I play it. For that reason, it was interesting chatting with the East Sussex-based songwriter about the track’s origins. He discusses working alongside Grammy-winning producer Tommaso Colliva and how he managed to transition between a period of sofa-surfing and where he is now.

I get a peek into the creative mindset of someone who recommends the music of Eminem alongside Frank Ocean and Ben Howard. The enigma and contrasts of FØNX are apparent in the music – that imbued with so much nuance and allure.

FØNX is live-streaming his latest track tomorrow - via his Facebook page - so make sure you get a first-hand representation and experience of the incredible music.

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

I’m great, thanks. How are you doing?

It’s been an awesome week so far! The single came out last Friday - so there’s been a constant stream of things to do and people to talk to which is great.

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

I’m FØNX. I’m an artist/songwriter/producer - forever on the move.

Tell me a bit about your new track, Can’t Get Enough. What compelled the song?

The track, Can’t Get Enough, came about after a night out with a friend in Brighton - during The Great Escape Festival weekend. During the night, he told me how he recently had a bad trip on something funky and was tripping out for twenty-hours straight - which sounded pretty horrendous.

Forward a few days later, and I still had his story going through my head and thinking how nuts it sounded, so, I started penning some lyrics down and that’s how the initial ideas starting flowing.

Was it true you found yourself sofa-surfing and busking? How did things get to that point where you had to live like that?

When you put it like that, it sounds bad - but it wasn’t quite like that. I was moving house and it was that in-between stage where you don’t have your old home to live in anymore and you don’t have a new one to move into yet.

So, I was just sofa-surfing with friends for a couple of months, which was cool, but a bit random not knowing where you’re going to be staying the next night!

Lucky, I have some cool friends with sofas to lend! It was during this time that I started writing Can’t Get Enough and I remember turning my mate’s living-room into a little make-shift studio - while he was at work during the day - to record the demo.

IN THIS PHOTO: Tommaso Colliva

Tommaso Colliva produced. Was it quite daunting working with a Grammy-winning producer? What did Colliva bring to the process in terms of expertise and insight?

It was awesome working with Tommaso because he really wanted to get to know where my mind was at and what I liked; down to my favourite films, music I’m digging and everything else - so we could draw from that palette, if you like. It felt like we were on the same wave-length in terms of wanting to experiment with sounds; find something unique within what we were doing and not being afraid to try something outside the box. His studio is sick too. He has a lot of analogue and vintage gear, so we used some bits in our recording sessions.

The whole process just felt really exciting for me as it was the first time I had worked with a producer on my stuff. It was amazing going to the studio every day to work on these songs and ideas that were born in my room.

Tommaso won his Grammy during our initial recording sessions so it was pretty cool walking into the studio, one day, to see his Grammy had arrived. It definitely has a presence to it. Feels like you’re in good hands when you can see that in the corner of your eye!

How do songs like Can’t Get Enough come together? Do you set time aside to write or is it a more natural process?

The initial spark of an idea is usually a natural process as something will trigger an idea or story for me that I’ll want to carry on writing about. I guess, once I have that, it becomes more about setting the time aside for writing. I usually want to write about something specific or express a certain way I’m feeling before I write it - instead of forcing a thought or a song idea to then write a song out of it (if that makes sense?!).

Then there’s a point where musical ideas meet the lyrics. This process I find has to be more forced as you are trying out different musical ideas with different lyrics until something clicks - and you feel like you’re onto something.

Sometimes, I can write most of a song, produce (up) a demo for it and still be missing a verse. But I know I will eventually find what I want to say and come back to it later.

PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Nelson

What has been your most-treasured memory in terms of gigs and achievements?

I think writing the next song feels like the biggest achievement each time for me because that’s my favourite part of the process - and means the most to me as it’s something I’ve created and can treasure forever - whether it reaches a lot of other people or not.

Hearing my song being played on BBC Radio 1 for the first time was a big deal for me too. This was when I wrote music under my old name, in a slightly different vibe.

How important is London to your work and outlook on life? It seems like you vibe hard from the people and sights of the city.

London is really important.

There’s this buzz I feel when I’m London that I can feed off for inspiration. When I’m there, I feel more inspired than anywhere else. I feel I can think outside the box and look at things in a different way.

It’s definitely a good place to write for me.

Is there going to be new material or hookups in the future? What have you got brewing?

Definitely: lots of new material to come in the near-future.

I’ve been writing solidly for the past couple of years and I almost feel like the music, in terms of releasing and sharing, has now got to catch up with where I’m at now. So, yes, there’s a lot more to come and I really can’t wait to start getting it out.

It seems like you take a lot of influence from the likes of Frank Ocean and Childish Gambino. Is American R&B music you connect hardest to or are your tastes quite broad?

Yeah, I’d say you’re right.

It’s definitely one of my favourite genres of music right now. It’s the sort of stuff I stick on with friends and dance to - but I also love how artists within that genre are pushing forward and searching for something different and surprising within production and song form. It’s exciting.

My tastes are pretty broad but, at the moment, I’m loving artists like Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar; John Mayer, Mac Miller; George Benson, Tom Misch and Francis and the Lights (to name a few!).

 PHOTO CREDIT: @emelizabeth

Do you have any tour dates approaching? Where can we come and see you play?

I’m playing a few intimate Sofar Sounds shows over August - which I’m really looking forward to. These are some of my favourite shows to play right now as you can really connect with people in a way you don’t in a big music venue or festival. I’m also going to be playing a few London shows in September:

Saturday 19th August - Sofar Sounds, London

Monday 21st August - Sofar Sounds, Bath

Sunday 27th August - Sofar Sounds, Cambridge

Wednesday 30th August - Sofar Sounds, Cardiff

Friday 8th September - The Spice of Life, London

Tuesday 19th September - The Bedford, Balham

Thursday 26th October - Aloft Hotel, Excel London

Tuesday 5th December - Sofar Sounds, Southampton.

IN THIS PHOTO: Tom Misch

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

Puma Blue, WAX; Rob Araujo and Tom Misch.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would it be and why?

That’s a really difficult question…can I pick ten?!

Earth, Wind & Fire - I Am

My earliest memory of music is listening to this album in the car…you just can’t go wrong. It’s a magic record from start to finish.

Eminem – Encore

This was the first album I bought with my own money. I used to listen to it on my Walkman on the way to school. I knew all the lyrics and played it on repeat for quite some time!

PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Nelson

Ben Howard - Every Kingdom

It reminds me of a magical time when I starting studying music in London and experiencing that buzz for the first time and falling in love. Not quite the style of music I’m listening to much these days, but still, a beautiful record.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Keep writing and never think you have the song - or ‘hit’, as people like to call it.

Support other artists.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Tom Misch - South of the River

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INTERVIEW: Mari

INTERVIEW: 

 Mari

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THE stock of Italian-born, British-based artist Mari...

is rising considerably right now. She is, presently, working on her second album and has gathered fans from around the globe. I talk to her about her background and how, she feels, she has progressed as an artist. In a few weeks, she is in London performing as part of an ensemble group – a collection of musicians paying tribute to the great Jeff Buckley (and his only studio album, Grace). I ask about that night and what one might expect; collaborating with a long-time friend of Buckley, Gary Lucas, and how recording (for her new album) is going.

She discusses those artists instrumental forging her as an artist and how British music differs from that which she was raised on; advice to new artists coming through and how she came to discover music in the first place.

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

Hi, Sam.

I am very well, thanks! 

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

Hi, everyone.

I'm Mari Conti and I am a singer-songwriter – working, at the moment, on my second album (which I hope to share with you soon).

Are you working on new music at the moment? Are there ideas forming in the form of an E.P./single?

Yes, I do.

I am currently finishing my second album with producer and singer-songwriter, Mozez Wright - for Numen Records (record label). Mozez and I collaborated already in the past: we co- wrote my debut album, Gentle Beauty (Numen Records).

For this next album, we are thinking to go out first with an E.P., and then, to release the album - but we don't know as yet...

Blue Is My Favourite Colour was (the single) released last year and got a huge reaction. Were you surprised by the big reaction that got? What was it like working with Mozez on that track?

To be honest with you; I was a bit surprised mostly, because, I think that the meaning - and the lyrics - of the track are quite strong. Most of the times an emergent artist, like myself, should go out, maybe, with songs a little bit more 'Pop'. 

But, me and Mozez believe in the power of messages through the music – and, in this respect, we need to follow our desires. I’ll take this opportunity to thank the Italian songwriter Vincenzo Incenzo - with whom we co -wrote the track. He is amazing (check him out!).

Working with Mozez has been a great experience for my artistic growth. I was one of his huge fans (at the time, he was the frontman for the band, Zero 7) and still, I am! I consider myself very lucky for having met him - and for being produced by him for the second time.

Can you tell me how you got into music and the kind of songs you were playing in those early days?

I have always been immersed in music.

Since I was a teenager, I started to sing in several bands across Italy and  Europe. I have studied a bit of piano and vocals for a long time. 

I have always been curious in (knowing) different kinds of music. Initially, I used to sing other artists songs: putting together many different cover bands. It's been ten years-or-so that I have been writing my own tracks.

I came across to the Trip-Hop and Chillout music - discovering bands like Zero 7, Air; Goldfrapp, Massive Attack; Portishead... I literally fell in love with that sort of dreamy, spooky music and sound. 

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Did you grow up in a musical family? Who were the artists your parents were playing around the house?

My parents are not musicians but they love music.

When I was a little girl, my dad and mum used to play '1960s and '70s records on their jukebox; listening to all kind of artists and music (Rock, Blues; Soul...Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone; Ben E. King, The Beatles - just to name a few).

I used to listen to some Italian music as well - especially Lucio Battisti (I love him!) and Mina. 

You were born in Italy but live in London. How does the music scene differ here and what compelled you to relocate?

When I decided to move in London, I originally had an invitation from Mozez to spend some time there; trying to write an album together. I (just) accepted straight away because I thought Mozez was the perfect person to understand my inner musical universe.

I also thought I would have had more chances in England rather than in Italy - for my music to be heard from a wider crowd. That's because I think the nature of my sound is still a bit far from what the Italian musical approach is.

But, my dream is, of course, to be appreciated a little bit, everywhere!

Tell me about your involvement with the Grace/Jeff Buckley tribute that will take place on 9th September? What is the night/event all about?

I’ve known Gary (since) more than ten years.

We had other occasions in the past to perform together, and every time, it is such a powerful experience for me!

The event is a tribute to Jeff Buckley and his incredible voice and talent. For this appointment, I have been invited by Gary Lucas to perform with him at Upstairs at the Ritzy in Brixton, London (on 9th September, 2017).

We will perform some of Lucas and Buckley’s songs that they wrote together during their collaboration (between 1991 and 1992). Some of the songs we will play are actually contained in Jeff Buckley album, Songs to No One (released in 2002). 

I am honoured to give my tribute to Jeff Buckley and I am glad sharing the stage with a friend and incredible artist such as Gary Lucas. There will be also other artists and band playing on that night. I am sure it will be a great night! 

IN THIS PHOTO: Jeff Buckley

You have collaborated with Gary Lucas – who wrote and performed with Buckley. What is he like and how involved has he been involved in the organisation of the tribute event? 

Gary is a sensitive and good-hearted person; an amazing musician and composer – and, also, very generous. He gave me the chance to write together (with him) a song dedicated to Jeff Buckley - which was meant to be given to him before he left this world. It is an unreleased song that I wrote the lyrics and the melody for - and Gary Lucas composed the music. 

I wish, one day, it could be heard out there. I am not aware of how involved Gary is in the creation of this particular event. However, Gary has been - and he is - a supporter of Jeff's music for years - being (also) a collaborator of his.

You share the bill, that night, with several other performers. Do you know what you’ll be playing and what the other acts are going to sing?

We are gonna play some songs that Gary and Jeff wrote together but I don't know what the other artists are going to sing and perform.

How did you come to hear/discover Buckley’s work? Have you always been a fan of his? What does his music mean to you?

Some time ago, a dear friend of mine, Francesca, suggested I listen to the album, Grace. At that time, the debut album of Jeff Buckley had just been released. 

I never heard his music until that moment but I trusted her (she always had a great musical taste! Thank you forever, Francesca).

I remember, one day, I decided to listen to Grace for the first time. In that moment, I think I had one of the most mystical experiences ever of my life. It was a sort of blast. I remember at a point tears came out from my eyes - and I just couldn't stop them. I think that's when I couldn't be able to stop listening to his music.

I started to search everywhere for his C.D.s, bootlegs; D.V.D.s, books…Jeff's voice is such a blessing to me.

Are there any tour dates later in the year? Where can we see you perform?

I am currently working on my next album and I am a bit busy with different projects at the moment. I think I will start again to perform, hopefully, over the next few months - in winter, maybe.

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

There are two artists, Mico and Michael Arkk, who are coming out with some good and new music. They are currently working with Mozez (as well) for Numen Records record label.

I have heard already some of their unreleased music - and I think they are very interesting artists to check out.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would it be and why?

Ok…

It’s a bit difficult to reduce to three albums (my favourite ones) but I'll try.

I would say Grace (Jeff Buckley); Wings (Mozez) and Felt Mountain (Goldfrapp).

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now? 

I would suggest one be courageous in discovering as much music as possible - of all kinds. I believe that is fundamental for an artist to be passionate about other artists' music. 

It is important and it helps to discover your own musical vision and sound.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I'll play it here ( not one of yours as I'll do that).

Ok...just the first one (it came across) to my mind right now…

All I Need by Air! 

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INTERVIEW: Moxi

INTERVIEW:

 Moxi

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OVER in Los Angeles; the Indie/Dream-Pop duo Moxi…

are creating love and buzz from their music. Anna and Andy Toy provide ethereal vocals and moody keys (respectively) and source from a range of sounds and genres – including cinematic grandeur, the 1980s’ New Wave movement and dark threads. It is that darkness and sense of reflection that is brought up in the interview. I ask the duo – Anna fields most of the responses – how they got together and what they can tell me about their new single, Paclew. I find out about their E.P., Figures Bathed in Light, and why they chose to write the songs in a cabin out in Big Bear.

They explain some of the inspiration and tales that go into the E.P.; where they will be performing in the coming weeks and whether there’s any advice they would give to newcomer songwriters.

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

We are great!

Our week has been really fun because we released our new single, Paclew, last week - and we've continued to get so much love on it.

It's really exciting. 

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

We are Anna and Andy Toy of Moxi. 

Moxi is a Dream-Pop duo from Los Angeles. We write dreamy music about all sorts of weird things. 

We love our cat-child Lewis the most and spend our free time drinking wine, cooking at home; watching horror movies and listening to True Crime podcasts.  

Paclew is the new single. How did the song come together and what is the idea behind it?  

Andy writes all the tracks for Moxi and he had written this track and titled it Paclew (after our cat) - sort of as a place-holder name but we never changed it. While the song was partially inspired by the love for our cat, Mr. Lewis; I (Anna) wrote the lyrics about the depressed dark and twisty state my mind loves to go to way too often. 

The song is about overcoming that and rising above it.

It is taken from the upcoming E.P., Figures Bathed in Light. What kind of themes and songs can we expect from the E.P.?  

This E.P. is, probably, our most cohesively-themed E.P. yet. 

We wrote all of the songs on a writing retreat we took in Big Bear, CA last year. We rented a cabin in the middle of nowhere for a few days: holed ourselves up in it with a ton of wine and wrote what is now the Figures Bathed in Light E.P. 

We wanted to explore themes of light vs. dark; good and evil, spirituality; the supernatural. All of this probably sounds kind of out-there - but we've both always been fascinated by things we can't explain. 

A lot of the songs on the E.P. are also written about personal life events - navigating our way through the ups and downs of life. 

Am I right in thinking the title track stemmed from a near-fatal car crash? How did a life-threatening situation like that lead to a moment of musical brilliance?  

Yes, you are right!

We were involved in a terrible car crash a few years ago in which we both walked away with only a few scratches. It was a terrifying experience and we both felt like we survived for a reason.

Anna: I remember getting home that night and crying myself to sleep because I just felt like we had been so close to death - and I didn't really know how to process it. I always process my feelings by writing music - so we went pretty full force into creating as much art as we could after that. We wrote and recorded the demo. for Figures Bathed in Light a few weeks later.  

Andy: We both felt like we were so close to death and that nearness became a catalyst for creativity for me. I wanted to try to recreate that emotion through music.

It was produced by Emmy Award-winning songwriter Bobby Hartry; Bryan Cook mixed. What was it like working with those kinds of people? Did they add a lot to the recording process? 

We absolutely LOVE working with both of these talented guys. They both play such a big part in Moxi. 

Anna: We met Bryan at a backyard house show we played five-or-so years ago. I remember talking to him after the show and I knew instantly we were kindred spirits. He's a true artist in the way he approaches mixing and I love the way he thinks outside the box. It's so fun to give him a song and see the way he transforms it through the mix.  

Andy: Bobby is a creative genius and we love working with him. He remains our connection with reality when we get inside our heads too much. I remember sending him five versions of the same song one afternoon - because I couldn't decide what direction to take the song in. Haha!  

Is it true a lot of the E.P. came together in a desolate, remote cabin in Big Bear? What was the reason behind going up there? Was it easy to disconnect from real life, in a sense, and isolate yourselves?  

Yes, this is all true. 

Almost all the songs on the E.P. were written on this weekend getaway to Big Bear. We'd been feeling creative but wanted a change of scenery and pace to get us into the right headspace for writing. We had so much fun. We rented the cutest cabin, brought a ton of wine; cooked veggie lasagna and didn't leave the house for three days. We wrote all day and would stay up late drinking Chartreuse and working out lyrics. 

For us, writing is the fun part and it comes pretty naturally.  It's how we process things so holing up in a cabin for three days to write music was a little slice of Heaven to us.

What did you pick up from that environment that you wouldn’t if you were based in a city?  

Well, for one, we didn't have any of the normal distractions we would have had if we were home in the city. I also love cold weather, snow and forests. I (Anna) grew up in Colorado - which L.A. is nothing like - so getting away and being somewhere cold always refreshes and inspires me. 

We also took this trip knowing we wanted to write several songs - so just having focus and zero distractions really goes a long way.  

Anna and Andy. Can you tell me how you both got together and started playing music? Was it an instant and easy bond? 

Anna: I used to write and play Folk music as a solo artist. Andy was hired to play on one of my E.P.s so we met in the studio. I was going through the world’s worst breakup at the time and he always jokes that when he met me he was like: "Who is that depressed girl in the corner?” 

He started playing live with me and we became fast friends. We started recording covers at his house on the weekend for fun and everything always felt so easy and right together, creatively. I got a call to write a song for a housing development commercial and called Andy to see if he'd want to help me...

He sent over a track that afternoon and I scribbled lyrics on my drive to his house and, about three hours later, we had written the song, In my Dreams - which would later become the title-track to Moxi's first E.P. 

After we wrote our first song together, we knew we had something special. Moxi is very much an equal effort on both of our parts - and I don't think either of us would have made music like this if we hadn't found each other. 

So, I guess we were destined.

So far, you have had music played on T.V. and shared the stage with big names; earned an impressive amount of streaming figures on Spotify. Is there a memory that stands out for each of you? 

Honestly; all of it has been so fun and there’s so many things that stand out for me. Some favorites would be opening for Gungor at the El Rey. That venue is just magical and the sound is insane in there. I think most of my favorite memories, thus far, have happened this last year with this project. We just filmed our first full-fledged ‘big kid’ music video and I'm so excited about it. 

We got to create and film it with two of our best friends - who just happen to be two of the most-talented video guys out there. I've been given so much creative freedom with this project and it's been so fun this year to dream up crazy ideas in my head - and then see them come to life.  

Do you have any tour dates approaching? Where can we come and see you play? 

YES!

We have several local shows: August 19th - Echo Park Rising, Echo Park CA; September 8th - Holiday in Costa Mesa, CA; September 28th - The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa, CA. 

MORE SHOWS COMING! 

Any plans regards coming to the U.K.? 

Oh, we would absolutely LOVE to come to the U.K. Someone reading this should bring us or invite us! Haha.

IN THIS PHOTO: Maggie Rogers

 Who are new acts you recommend we check out?  

Maggie Rogers is my new girl-crush. 

I also love Sofi Tukker. They are (just) such positive lights.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sofi Tukker/PHOTO CREDIT : @luismoraphoto

If you had to select the one album that means most to you; which would it be and why? 

Anna: Ryan Adams - Demolition

I've listened to that record more than any album, probably, and it's one of those records that can speak to you in so many different ways. I think Ryan Adams is an absolute genius.  

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Always be willing to learn and to put the hard work in. 

We've learned so much since we first started and now, more than ever, I understand that keeping an open mind and being willing to learn and try new things is so key. 

Don't be afraid to take the long-road because there’s so much to be learned from that. I'd also let young female artists know that we are all on our own journey and don't compare yourself to other people - because it's not going to do anything to help push you forward. 

Creating art is a daring and brave thing to do - so we have to stick together and encourage one another on our own individual paths.  

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INTERVIEW: Camden Cox

INTERVIEW: 

 Camden Cox

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ONE looks at Camden Cox in the video for her new single, Gold, and is…

instantly mesmerised and invested. It is a video that certainly catches the imagination and gets into the mind. I talk to her about that and the origin of the song. She tells me more about future plans and the kind of artists/albums that have forged and inspired her own music. There are strong Dance and Electro. vibes with the song – and a sprinkling of Pop – so I was keen to know how the song came together and what it is was like working on the track with Jaded and Mark Ralph.

Looking ahead to the coming months; Camden Cox explains where her music might take her; she provides some wise advice to upcoming artists and reveals a few of the artists she recommends we check out.

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

Hey! Great, thank you.

It's been a crazy week: knackered after being in the studio writing every day and promoting the new single - but ready to celebrate the release!

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

So. I'm Camden (real name: after Camden Palace - which is now the legendary Koko) and I'm a singer/songwriter who loves Dance music and heavy bass!

I grew up on Club music and Drum ‘n’ Bass - so I've always wanted to create something that people can party to. 

Gold is your latest track. What can you reveal about its origins and inspirations?

Gold means anything that is taken from you - be it money, sex; freedom, favours; trust, etc.

I was inspired by experience! 

Jaded and Mark Ralph helped bring the song to life. What role did they play and how instrumental were they?

I wrote Gold with Jaded in the studio one day.

I was jamming some melodies while the boys were in between the piano and the computer cooking up a storm. I wanted to express a situation I was in at the time, into lyrics, keeping it as indirect as possible!

We were all so happy with the demo: it was gritty and so old-school; about six-minutes-long! Then, we passed it over to Mark who got me into his studio to re-record the vocals with his sparkly equipment - where he then cut it down to a sensible length and took it to the next level!

In terms of sound; Gold has a real modern Dance vibe but has a gorgeous and romantic undertone. How personal is the song and were you inspired by any particular songs/artists when writing it?

The song is extremely personal.

it sounds like a happy party-banger, but, when you listen to the lyrics carefully, you'll find that there's real and relatable meaning behind them.

“Now I'm standing here alone/now you've got the gold” expresses the stupidity you feel once you realise you've let something go - and you should have been more careful!

In terms of sound: I was inspired by Touch Me (Rui da Silva) and Robin S. - Show Me Love.

 

The video looked like it was fun to shoot. Who directed it and what was it like filming?

It was so much fun!

I came up with the initial concept. I then presented that to Daniel Spencer (Turn and Shoot Photography) who added (even more) ideas: simplified it and took my vision into reality. We directed and edited it together - but he was the genius behind the final product.

It was a messy shoot; as you can imagine. We spent hours cleaning up glitter and gold paint but it was all worth it!

Will there be any more songs coming? An E.P., perhaps?

I'll definitely be releasing another single soon - probably in a couple of months’ time...

Can you tell me how you got into music? How young were you when you first discovered it?

I was always running around the house singing from such a young age - and I still have pretend-interviews that my dad filmed for me to make me feel like a Popstar!

He was in a band and my mum was a club promoter - so I was inspired by both of them for their love of music. As I got older, I started to get my head down and write lyrics (which were initially poems)!

Then, I used to sing them over anything I could get my hands on!

I guess everyone remembers the first song they discovered. Which was the track that first got into your mind?

I will always remember this song because I was obsessed with it before I even knew what music was: Orinoco Flow (Sail Away) by Enya!

I have no idea why I liked it so much but I now have the lyrics tattooed on my arm! 

Your own music has a contemporary vibe but I wonder who are the artists you grew up listening to?

I grew up listening to a variety of genres: from the likes of The Prodigy, Sweet Female Attitude; Pendulum, Faithless…to the opposite end of the spectrum: Britney Spears and The Spice Girls  - which is where I get my poppy tone from! 

The modern Pop market is competitive and varied. Do you ever worry about the demands and pressures in the industry? How do you think you stand out from your peers?

We're all going for the same thing but that's where the comparison ends. Anybody who works hard enough will get where they need to be. 

I've been making Dance music right from the get-go and it's only in the last couple of years it's become popular - but I just keep doing my thing and believing in myself.

IN THIS PHOTO: @cameronlouiswarren and @laurenmilesyh (with Camden Cox)

Everybody has something unique: so I just need to remember that I do too. 

Do you have any tour dates approaching? Where can we come and see you play?

I do!

I'm doing a quick set at Fire on August 18th - for the L.G.B.T. crowd! It's a club-night so I'll definitely be performing Gold and a couple of others!

I, then, have a headline show coming up - which I'll be announcing VERY SOON!

IN THIS PHOTO: Disciples

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

My favourite act on the market right now has got to be Disciples. Their music is classy and has a quality Dance vibe.

Also, my boys Jaded are killing it right now with their latest tune, In the Morning. 

If you had to select the three albums that mean most to you; which would they be and why?

It would have to be Massive Attack - Collected

Because it's (just) the best ever.

Alex Clare - The Lateness of the Hour

Because I was super-inspired by him - and I referenced him a lot when I was trying to pin-down producers to work with.

Robyn - Robyn

Because I rinsed this album like you'll never know! I love her.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Believe in YOU and your vision.

Get a good team together who are passionate - and don't wait around for people to do things for you.

Only you can make this happen. 

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name any song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Opal Blue - Taking My Love Away (TUNE)

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INTERVIEW: Emma Conybeare

INTERVIEW: 

 Emma Conybeare

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THE last time (I think) I interviewed a D.J…

was when speaking with Carly Wilford last year. It is exciting to learn more about Emma Conybeare because she is a bit of a triple-threat talent. She is a prolific, respected and innovative D.J. who has worked for Hoxton Radio.

She is with Capital XTRA and is one of the most exciting talents in London at the moment. Conybeare is a sport’s brand model so I ask her about her work – including her campaigns with Puma. In addition, she is a keen collaborator and eager to promote and back fellow D.J.s and artists.

I ask the London-based D.J. about her radio and presenting work; what she has planned for the future; the new artists she recommends we take a look at – and how she transitioned from life in sleepy Tring (Hertfordshire): emerging like an ambitious butterfly into the buzz and light of London…

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

Hectic…super-hectic!

Juggling D.J. sets with live radio presenting and hosting a BT cycle event…. I wish there were more hours in the day (just so I could sleep)

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

Hello.

I’m a British T.V. presenter and Radio presenter (for Capital XTRA) – doing early-morning breakfast - D.J., model...

Recently, you worked at a MADE Festival and got to interview a range of artists. What was your highlight from the Festival?

I come from a small town in Hertfordshire (Tring) and, growing up, I was into my Drum and Bass music. At this festival, I got to interview all the D.Js. I was growing up with.

So, I had some of those star-struck moments when I got to speak to Chase & Status, Subfocus; Camo & Krooked.

Can you tell me when music first came into your life? What kind of artists did you grow up listening to?

Growing up in Tring: we didn’t really go out clubbing.i

It was a rare occasion because we were pretty far away from clubs; so, we ended up having house parties every weekend. This meant everybody was a D.J. (I mean…everybody).

The sort of music people played was Jungle and Drum and Bass. I was heavy into this until I went to university. It felt weird.

Quite literally, overnight, I was converted into a House and Deep-House Queen.

After you completed your Mathematics and Statics degree at Portsmouth University; you came to London to follow your passions. How important was the move to London and what compelled you to go from academia to something quite distinct from what you were studying?

I knew that I wasn’t going to get anywhere in Tring: It was too far away from things and, let’s face it…it was the place you go to retire. I’m a confident girl and I knew I had to knock on a few doors. I felt Tring was restricting.

London is a small city in a big place: you ended up bumping into people all the time and it is all about meeting the right people.

Many might recognise you from Capital XTRA. How did you become involved with the station and what drew you to being a D.J. in the first place?

I was working on Hoxton Radio for two years and I got head-hunted by Capital XTRA. Music is in my blood: I love creating new sounds; pleasing people with my music selection – plus, the adrenaline-buzz that you get from each set that you produce can make you happy for days.

My favourite albums of this year are from Lana Del Rey, Dizzee Rascal and Sampha. Which discs have been setting your world on fire in 2017?

Ok. So, I know this is a little weird - because I love my House music, Techno etc. - but the albums I am in love with at the moment would have to be Post Malone (Stoney), Jay-Z’s 4:44 - and I’m a massive fan of Joe Goddard (Electric Line).

I Interviewed him at Wildlife Festival…such a nice guy.

I am a big fan of your (recent) House Teck D.J. mix. Is it hard getting that mixes together and where did you get inspiration for them? How often are you out there seeing other D.J.s perform? How important are streaming sites when it comes to your discoveries?

Ok. So, when I got into D.J.-ing, I almost feel as though the music comes to you: when you’re mixing, the two songs should come together to create a magical ‘third song’ - with the two different beats.

The fact I have always been brought up with D’n’B, Dubstep; House and Techno, means you have to almost feel the beats of the music - rather than sing along to the lyrics of the song….

I have my go to D.J.s who always produce great tunes after tunes - then, tend to send me their new songs.

But, I always recommend compilation albums: it is good to be introduced to new D.J.s and their style of music. 

You spent, what I presume, two happy years at Hoxton Radio – where you produced and presented shows there. What did you learn from your time there and how important was that experience to you?

When I was at Hoxton Radio; it was a great training ground.

Each show was two-hours-long but the preparation time must have been four hours. I had to find all my music; I did all roles - from presenting, producing and editing my shows. It was fun but was also hard work.

It wasn’t paid so I was working full-time as a waitress - as wells other jobs – so, on top of everything, I had to sacrifice a lot of time to my radio shows.

Sport and fitness, alongside music, is obviously very important. I believe you work with/model for Puma. How did that association come about and is it easy to disconnect from D.J. work and getting into a different headspace?

I’ve always been a model for sports. I’ve done many campaigns of Adidas. Puma kind of fell into my lap (who you know). They invite me to events and try out their product: it’s super-fun.

Sport has been my life from the age of six - where I swam competitively and I represented Hertfordshire for cross-country. Exercise gets rid of my tension because, let’s face it: London can be quite suffocating sometimes.

I know I can go out for an hour’s run and, by the time I get back, whatever upset me before the run will have been forgotten.

You are very busy on social media and get a lot of love from your followers. How important are the vibes you get from your fans? What message would you give them?

Social media is key to success.

I know it's fickle to say that but you need to interact with people that like your work. if someone off the street stops you and says “I like your shoes you”;  don’t carry on walking: you say “thank you”.

How is it any different on Twitter or Instagram?!

We are all same. I don’t think I’m above anybody and I’m very friendly - so I will always say hello.

Summer is (apparently) coming up. Are you remaining in London or are you doing any performances/sets abroad?

What?! Summer is coming up?! I thought it had finished, already?!

My August is really busy at the moment. I have a couple of T.V. gigs on top of radio  - which will take up a lot of my time. Plus, a couple more festivals have been lined up - to cover with DJ Mag TV.

But, if I’m being honest, I can’t wait to be going away on holiday. I haven’t had a break since Easter. I’m heading off to Cornwall with the family…walking, surfing; fish and chips… bliss!

Who are new acts/D.J.s you recommend we check out?

Ok, So, I’ve been a massive fan of Solardo since interviewing them last December with DJ Mag TV - and this year, they have blown up (going to sooo many festivals). They also did a mash-up of DJ Will Clarke (Techno)... 

Will Clarke - also a D.J. to look out for. He has some cool different vibes to his music!

PHOTO CREDIT: Adrian Lee

If you had to select the three albums that mean most to you; which would they be and why?

Ok. So…

Camo & Krooked - Cross the Line (2011).

Turning point of my life: finishing university and making the decision to leave friends and family in Tring and move to London on my own.

Sting - Mercury Falling

This reminds me when I was a little girl. Our family used to drive to Spain and this album was played on repeat!

Rihanna - Anti

I can’t help it: I have such a girl-crush on ‘RiRi’ - and this album is incredible.

What advice would you give to artists/D.J.s coming through right now?

Practice makes perfect, and…find music that you enjoy and that inspires you. Also...watch and listen to other D.Js/people that play in clubs.

We all make mistakes sometimes - so no-one's perfect.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Highly addicted to this song…

It’s the Solardo and Will Clarke (and BOT) remix of Techno (Not Techno)…. the beat is insane.

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INTERVIEW: Bang Bang Romeo

INTERVIEW: 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Bentley

 Bang Bang Romeo

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ONE of the first things I wanted to discuss with Bang Bang Romeo…

PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Bentley

is how they came to work with Ralph Ineson in the video for Chemical – their awesome and much-lauded new track. It seems the trio have a great eye for visuals and filmic aspects. I probe them (Anastasia fields most of the questions) about the new track and the inspiration that goes into it. With festivals still ahead; I was curious to know where the guys were heading; how they all came together in the first place; what the origin of that unique name (‘Bang Bang Romeo’) is.

Bang Bang Romeo choose the albums that mean most to them; the new artists that have made an impact on their minds – and how, when they get the chance, they unwind away from music…

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Hi, guys how are you? How have your weeks been?

We're great, thanks!

Had a mental summer so far; so we've got a couple days’ breather!

I'm saying that, but we're back in the studio this week putting the finishing touches to our debut album.

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourselves, please?

We're a three-piece from Doncaster called Bang Bang Romeo: made up of Anastasia Walker, Ross Cameron and Richard Gartland.

Heyup!

PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Bentley

Can you just explain the origins of the band name – I have omitted research because I had my own idea. Is there a Shakespeare link or is that a rather simplistic deduction?!

We were in a tapas bar in Sheffield at the time, a little bit intoxicated...

We wanted the band name to encapsulate the lyrics and the vibe of our music. The 'Bang Bang' signifies the music: hard-hitting and a little dramatic!

And, yes, you got the Shakespeare link with 'Romeo' just right. Our lyrics tend to be about love, death; life and hate - so that's the connection there.

Chemical is the new song. What is the track about and how easily did it come together for you?

Ross wrote Chemical when he was seventeen-years-old!

The song is about love being the most powerful thing of all - more than just a chemical reaction. It's actually the first song we ever worked on together - so it holds a special place in all our hearts!

You filmed the video in Rossington Hall. Considering it is an epic and, at times, messy video; how much freedom did they give you to do what you needed?

Thank you!

We wrote the script, chose the actors; chose the venue and the theme, so, in terms of 'control', we really had our stamp on all of it. David Dutton (the Director) brought our dreams to life.

We'd been conjuring up ideas for the shoot for a long time - and for us to finally see on screen, what had been taking over our dreams/nightmares for so long, was a very special moment for us. David is an artist and we can't wait to work with him again. Watch this space.

Rossington Hall is local to us and was the 'go-to' place in our minds when writing the script. The staff and the team there were brilliant and we can't thank them enough for letting us use their beautiful, and very haunting, building!

Haha.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Bentley

Of course; one cannot help notice the presence of Ralph Ineson. How did you connect with him and what was he like in person?

Ralph has been a supporter of ours for a number of years now.

He's been attending our shows since day one and has never stopped the support. Again, when dreaming up the video, his was the only face we saw as the Evil Lord of the Manor character. We're still pinching ourselves now that he actually said 'YES!'.

Watching him work was so special. We all had goosebumps the whole time. Thank you, sir.

It seems Bang Bang Romeo has an eye for visuals and theatrics. Is video-making a side of the industry you all enjoy?

Films and visuals are so important for us.

Even in our writing process, we don't tend to think of a song, as just a song - more of a soundtrack for a film - with a proper script or storyline. We'll be in the studio and one of us will end up saying: "This song feels like Bond" - or a Tarantino picture, Spielberg: anything like that.

We like our songs to paint a picture and a landscape. I think after putting out a couple of albums we'll (maybe) get together and write a film.

Haha. We'll see.

You’ve just put an isolated vocal (of Anastasia’s) online. It is a clip, I presume, from your upcoming debut album. What can you tell us about the themes and songs that will appear? Can you reveal any titles yet?

Yes, it is a clip from a track that will feature on the debut called Unstoppable.

I think the key is to expect the unexpected. We've thrown our hearts into making this! Don't be surprised if you open the packaging and there's blood, sweat and tears on the record. Haha.

We don't hold back and this album is our best and biggest creation yet. The front cover is designed, by us; the name has been chosen - it's all there; but we're not revealing it yet, haha.

Ideas for album-two are already underway, too - purely inspired by what we've already been doing in the studio.

When the vibe is as good as it is, it's best to just keep working. If a thirty-track album was logical, we'd go with it.

Haha.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ellen Offredy

I am interested in how you all got together? Did you all arrive from different backgrounds or did you have mutual friends? What was it about one another that formed that attraction?

Myself (Stars) and Ross were both playing at a festival in Doncaster, separately, at the time when a mutual friend introduced us. We hit it off straight away!

Ross played me his catalogue of songwriting he'd built up and that was it. I was sucked in and, 'till this day, it's still an honour to sing his songs - they're like presents! He's helped me work on my songwriting too - which has been priceless for me.

We were recommended Rich. He's from Leeds and, twenty mins into our first jam, we just knew we had what we needed - "This is it".

We've been inseparable ever since.

I saw your live video from Pirate Studios. What was that experience like? Are you going to be putting more live videos online in the future?

The Pirate Studios sessions have always been wonderful for us.

We've got two under our belts now: the Sheffield session and the London one. Their live recordings really are second to none. We love playing them and we'll always be up for doing more - the team are great there and really support what we're doing.

We also use Pirate Studios as our rehearsal space, too – so, if you're in a band, go check 'em out!

Great spaces.

Doncaster Pride is an upcoming gig of yours. How pumped are you about that one? I guess Reading and Leeds is a huge one, too?

We can't wait for Doncaster Pride!

They've always been so kind to us and we'll never stop supporting them. Growing up in Doncaster, a lesbian myself, it's been wonderful to have a strong community around you that is so accessible and willing to listen. We love 'em.

Reading, of course, is another exciting one for us. We played Leeds Festival last year: so it's only right we go for Reading this year!

Looks like you are busy right through until the end of autumn. Which gigs are you most looking forward to? Is touring and live performances something you all love to do?

The October This Feeling Alive tour - with The Shimmer Band, Black Waters and The Blinders - is going to be pretty fuc*ing crazy. This Feeling are leading the way when it comes to bringing new, up-and-coming guitar music to the people – so, when Mikey Jonns gave us the nod for this tour, we were beside ourselves.

Travelling the country with a bunch of talented, handsome; up-and-coming men? Yes please. (This is 100% Stars, by the way).

PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Bentley

Do you guys get to hang outside of music? How much downtime do you get, realistically? Do you have any hobbies or perfect ways to relax?

At the moment, we're living in each other’s pockets!

We have an awesome place we stay near Birmingham when we're recording. It's kind of like a log cabin in the middle of nowhere - with a swimming pool and a pool table surrounded by bats and pheasants. Haha

So, when we're not in the van or on stage or in the studio, we're there. Down-time we spend with our family and friends - as it comes far-and-few-between. In saying that, me and Rich went to a pub quiz last night and got totally robbed. Bastards.

We all enjoy art; whether it be drawing, painting or graphics. Ross also owns a designer menswear store in Doncaster calls Revolver - so he proper fashionable and that.

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

If you're looking for fresh, inspiring, new guitar music; you don't really have to look any further than the This Feeling catalogue.

We love Paves, The Wholls; Hello Operator, The Sundowners, The Elephant Trees - to name a tiny, tiny few.

The list goes on!

PHOTO CREDIT: Tarquin Clark 

If you each had to select the album that means most to you; which would they be and why?

For me, it's Radiohead's OK Computer. It gives me happiness and nightmares, all in one. My dad brought me up on it. It was the first album to really make me want to create music myself.

Thom Yorke is a genius.

Ross: Ok Computer is my fave too, but, because you chose that, I'll go with The White Album. It's so varied. There's classic Beatles songwriting like While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Happiness Is a Warm Gun - but then there's plenty of humour, fun and weirdness on there, too. 

Cry Baby Cry is on there too - and it's an absolute masterpiece!

Rich: Yeah, I was going to go OK Computer too, but maybe something a bit more obscure…

Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King by Dave Matthews Band: amazing songwriting - and I was going through a tough time when it was released. It was the first time I sat and learned an album from back to front. Carter Beauford is a massive inspiration on my playing. He's ambidextrous too - I'm sure you were wondering. Haha.

Suffice to say: many hours were spent pouring over the album in a rehearsal room on my own.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Don't succumb to the pressures of modern-day music: don't try and make yourself into something you're not. The whole ‘we need to be edgy’, ‘weird’ or ‘cool’ questions may pop up from time to time - and take away the focus from what's important…but fu*k all that. Stay totally true to yourselves and work hard.

Respect each other and don't forget why you picked up your instrument. You're all on the same team!

Finally, and for being good sports, you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

I'll go for The Shimmer Bands’ What Is Mine (please, Mr. D.J., sir)

Ross: Baby - Paves

Rich: Brave New World - The Blinders (top new tune from our Doncaster brothers)

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INTERVIEW: January

INTERVIEW: 

  January

________

SOMETIMES she is known as ‘January Thompson’ but…

on a warm and bright day (had to get the corny weather/time-of-year joke done); I get to connect with January. She was born in the U.S. but is based in Britain – recording at her studio in Brighton. I ask about her album, Whelmed, and shooting the video for Too Soon.

She talks to me about the themes explored in her songs and some of the albums/artists that guide her work; what she has planned for the coming months and whether her musical upbringing – listening to Classical and Electronic sounds – has impacted her now.

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

Heloo! Great, thanks.

I’ve started writing again: recording at my studio in Brighton. 

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

Yes, of course, it would be my pleasure:

My name is January Thompson. I grew up in a household saturated with music - as my mother is a Classical pianist. I’ve always loved and wanted to be a part of the world of sound and one way was through singing - which has led me on the road less travelled: collaborating and working with different Electronic producers and D.J.s – and now, in releasing my first album, it has quite a bit of Classical influence mixed with subtle Electronic overtones.

PHOTO CREDIT: Hugh Fox and Lou Petty

The nominations for our very own Mercury Prize have been revealed. Did you catch the list and what is your view on the nominations?

I did.

Happy to see Kate Tempest getting some proper acknowledgement – also, love The XX and alt-J.

These are people that wouldn't normally get nominated for anything big in the States so happy to see that they are. 

Before addressing your album; can you tell me about the song, Too Soon, and shooting its video?

The inspiration came from the feeling of a relationship coming but having to wait for it - because it’s too soon - “What’s too soon for us, too soon to find we’re not alone/we echo in time/I’ve questioned why It’s later/isn’t this our time and place?”

So it’s a so-close-but-so-far-away kind of scenario.

The video was shot in Ojai, California - sort of giving the lost-and-waiting-in-the-wilderness feel. 

Whelmed is your latest album. What kind of stories and events compelled the songs on the album?

The title is an old sea term for when a ship would capsize. In this sense, the album is very much about being immersed in feelings.

Each song has a very distinct emotional correlation to an event or person in my life.

My world is built on my relationships with other people. Every time I start writing, it is with someone in mind: not always romantic, but mostly, of course (it is).

Romantic love always has highs and lows and twists and turns that need to be expressed; to better understand. Music and writing songs have always been cathartic for me in dealing with the good, and yes, some bad – or I’d like to say, ‘challenging relationships’.

Romantic love is never easy.

Is there a song on the album that is especially meaningful and personal?

I’d say Whelmed - the second single. It really sets the tone for the whole album, being immersed in feeling for the other person. 

How would you say this album differs from your earliest work in terms of sounds and the song subjects one can discover?

I’d say it’s much more developed: mainly because of the calibre of musicians and the producers that worked on it. I also had co-writes on a few of the songs - which was a first for me. I quite enjoyed the process. 

I believe you grew up listening to a lot of Classical music. Your music has elements of Electronic and Alternative. Who are the artists you take inspiration from? 

Enya.

I love her layering of vocals and the synths and, of course, Björk and Chopin (to name a few). 

In a lot of ways, you remind me of innovators like Björk. Is she someone you take guidance from?

Absolutely.

She’s groundbreaking and bold; her voice and how she emotes are incredible. She’s a hero for sure.  

How important was your time collaborating with British D.J.s when it comes to your music? What did you take from them?

Incredibly important.

From finding my actual ‘sound’ to recording vocals and learning how to record - and produce myself and use Pro Tools and Logic.

I was really lucky with my teachers. 

Any plans for later in the year? Do you already have more music in your head?

I do, actually, yes.

I’ve started writing again after a year-long hiatus. Feels lovely and am starting to work with some new musicians - which is always a source of inspiration, collaboration. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Adeline Sumney 

What sort of tour dates do you have approaching?

Nothing set, yet. T.B.A.

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

Anything released on Erase Tapes, really: Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm (to name a few). 

If you had to select the three albums that mean most to you; which would it be and why?

Arthur Rubinstein – Chopin: Nocturnes

I grew up listening to my mother play Nocturnes (and this album). They really express the sentiment of my heart and inspired me learning the piano.

Björk – Homogenic

The Electronic elements blew my mind and she managed to mix in Classical instrumentation with great songs - in a way no one had before that. Groundbreaking. Set the musical bar for me.

Linda Ronstadt – Greatest Hits

Another one my mother would play all of the time when I was a little girl – through her split with my father. We would sing it at the top of our lungs. I think it’s safe to say Linda taught me to sing: “Love is a rose but you never can pick it, only grows when it’s on the vine/Handful of thorns and you know you’ve missed it/Lose your love when you say the word mine.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Adeline Sumne

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now? 

Just keep writing what’s in your heart.

It’s good to learn and borrow sometimes from the giants before us – but try to stay as true as you can to your vision and your sound.

Never give up…ever.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Hyperballard by Björk

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JANN3.jpg

INTERVIEW: Anthony Touma

INTERVIEW: 

  Anthony Touma

________

HE made it to the semi-finals of The Voice….

in France (Season Two) and won Dancing with the Stars in the Middle East. The Lebanon-based sensation Anthony Touma is, in addition to all that, an incredible artist who is a triple/quadruple-threat – few can boast the same range of talents and achievements! Toumas was born on the Western edge of Paris’ 16th arrondissement and grew up listening to the masters of Soul and Pop. I ask Touma about his idols and how important they are in regards his music.

I find out about Touma's new single, Walk Away, and what it was like shooting the video on the streets of Lebanon. There is an English-language album arriving and plenty of important gigs for Touma. He selects the three most-important albums in his life and words he would offer his (mass of adoring) fans.

________

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

Hello!

My week has been hectic but great! Hope you’ve had a nice week as well?

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

My name is Anthony Touma. I’m twenty-five and I’m a singer-songwriter from a small, but beautiful, country in the Middle East called Lebanon.

Just a guy with a dream - led by a couple of words and melodies.

Walk Away is your new single. What can you tell me about the inspiration behind the song?

Walk Away is a feel-good song: it’s full of positivity and it’s all about surrounding ourselves with positive things and people - and asking any negative person around us to simply ‘walk away’ - because we’re in a good mood and nobody’s taking that away from us.

I was first inspired by people who didn’t initially believe in me but then walked up to me, years later, showing “Fake Love”, as Drake would say. We can all tell when someone actually has good intentions towards us and when they don’t.

That’s where the idea for the lyrics of Walk Away first came from.

 Its video looks like it was insane fun. Where was that shot and what was the experience like?

It was crazy-fun, indeed!

We shot the music video in my home country, Lebanon. We shot in many different places and regions including Tripoli and some of Beirut’s suburbs. We had two cameras filming the whole time so that we don’t miss any reaction. We took the risk of going out there without really knowing what kind of reaction we would get.

Every person we met on these two days of filming was extremely nice and cooperative.

We could tell they just wanted to have some fun and I’m really happy the song was so positively welcomed. It was truly an experience: I had never done anything like that before and I had never had this much fun shooting a music a video before, either. Thumbs-up to Ingrid Bawab who directed the Walk Away music video.

Slemian Damien and Tarek Marjdalani helped produce and put the track together. What did they bring to the song in terms of expertise and insight?

Geniuses.

After I wrote the lyrics and the melody for Walk Away; Tarek and Sleiman took the song to a whole new level. They first came up with the idea of having the bass guitar line lead the whole song and we started having fun with that idea.

Once we had that riff; Sleiman and Tarek started producing all the percussive elements of the track - and that’s when the song took a turn towards the African theme that we have today on Walk Away. They sent me the track and it inspired me to come up with all the African vocals.

The result of all that was a track I’m very proud of.

I believe there is an English-language album arriving. What can you reveal about that?

The album is being produced as we speak. It’s a Pop album, in English.

So far, I’ve written all the songs on the album but I’m always open to the idea of someone writing for me. It just hasn’t happened yet. Most songs are inspired by personal experience: some happy; some not.

Wouldn’t want to reveal more than that but I’m as excited as one can be.

What kind of sounds and themes will be included? Is it quite a broad album or can one expect a similar flavour to Walk Away?

It’s definitely a modern Pop sound that the album will have. I would say it’s broad while remaining in the Pop spectrum.

The themes vary from heartbreaks to ‘sexy time’; to love songs, to self-reflection songs - just the regular stuff we go through on a daily basis!

In the past; you have been a semi-finalist on France’s The Voice; winner on Dancing with the Stars Middle East and, outside of that, you've had a great deal of success. How important were these experiences getting your name and music to more people?

I definitely wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these shows I was a part of.

I would still be working as hard as I am today but fewer people would know about it. I’ve learned a lot from these experiences: I went through good times and tough times and they all taught me a lot about today’s world and about myself.

Born in France; you moved between there, Jordan; Dubai and Lebanon – before settling here. Did this itinerant childhood influence your music? Did you pick up from the cultures of each nation or was it quite an unsettling and confusing time?

I was three-years-old when my parents moved back from Paris to Lebanon. I spent most of my childhood in Lebanon and moved around Dubai and Jordan (when my father worked there). After The Voice, I lived in Paris for three years and, after that, I lived in London for a little less than a year - to study music production and songwriting. I definitely picked up a lot from the different cultures I was exposed to. It’s both a blessing and a curse.

A blessing because of it’s extremely enriching aspect but a curse because of the confusion it could lead to. The feeling of not knowing where you belong is a very unpleasant and difficult one.

I’ve come to believe that what matters more than where you are is who and what you surround yourself with - and the way you treat yourself.

How early did music come into your life? Do you remember the kind of artists you grew up listening to?

My mom having a beautiful voice and a guitarist; music was a part of my life from the day I was born. I would say I really fell in love with music around the age of seven - which is when I went on-stage to sing for the first time during a school concert.

I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder; Ray Charles, Scorpions, Whitesnake - and whatever albums my father left lying around the house.

Your fan numbers on Twitter, Facebook; Instagram and YouTube are incredible. How important is your fans’ support? What message would you give to them?

My fans’ support is everything.

They got me here and they keep me going. I love interacting with them and trying to get to know them better - and social media allows me to do that. I try to be as honest as possible with them. I always hope to inspire some of them or simply encourage them to go after their dreams.

I would thank them for always being there and tell them to stay tuned - because some great things are coming next!

PHOTO CREDIT: @venusvania

What kind of gigs do you have coming up? Where can we come see you play?

I’m performing at a couple of summer festivals here in Lebanon during this season: the next one is happening on the 5th August in a city called Aley.

For those outside of Lebanon, I make sure to give a little intimate concert every now and then live on my Instagram!

Are there any new acts you recommend we check out?

Check out a band called Safar - it means 'travel' in Arabic. It’s a two-member Lebanese band based in New York, North Carolina and Beirut. They’re awesome.

Elie Abdelnour, one of the members, used to be my bandmate in Homemade: the High School Rock band I was in (yes, I was in a Rock band: long hair and all).

If you had to select the three albums that mean most to you; which would they be and why?

1. Bad by Michael Jackson.

This album was on-repeat in the house, car: anywhere I could play it. I knew every song and in the right order! It was, probably, the album that made M.J. an idol in my eyes. I might have been struck by… “a smooth criminal”.

2. FutureSex/LoveSounds by Justin Timberlake

Such an awesome album. J.T. is an inspiration to me in so many ways. He just keeps getting better and he always takes the music to (yet) another level. He takes risks and I love that about him. That album was my most played album for 2006 - and all the years after that. My personal favorite from the album is Until the End of Time. That was later on recorded as a duet with Beyoncé. What a song.

3. Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars

I mean; how I can I not include that album in my list?! The first time my mother heard When I Was Your Man; she called me and asked me if I had released a new song without telling her. That album is fire! Every single song takes you to a different place - and Treasure is (just) that song that I can’t listen to without dancing and singing along.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Being an artist is not easy.

It’s a lot of hard work with no guaranteed recognition; no guaranteed success and a million different ways to achieve the same objectives. It’s a lot of trial-and-error and you have to want it really bad - or else, you’re gonna end up quitting. It never gets easier!

That being said; my advice to any artist is to take all the time in the world to really figure out what they want to do, what they want to sing; who they really are as an artist and what are they willing to do or not do to make it.

Be true to yourself, basically, and take the time to figure things out...patience is key.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Following this interview, I really feel like going back to 2006 and listening to Lovestoned by Justin Timberlake.

________

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INTERVIEW: Milo Gore

INTERVIEW:

 Milo Gore

________

IN the ever-increasing sea of musicians…

PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Bramston

one struggles to get their head above the water. Every example proffers their goods like an opportunistic stallholder at a foreign market – seeing a tourist approach from afar. I always love it because, in this line of work, it is good to be as busy as possible. There is something almost off-the-radar and elusive about Milo Gore. I talk to the talented songwriter about his lo-fi, D.I.Y. sound and some exposition regarding the new E.P., Watch the Tide.

He talks to me about the band members and producers that help put the music together; his influences and what role music played during childhood; how the rest of his year is shaping up and the kind of themes addressed through his music.

________

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

Hello, hello. I’m good, thanks.

It’s been a mad week actually. Me and my drummer, Luke Parkinson, just got back from a week-long busking tour of Cornwall. We stayed in my little red Piaggio Porter for the week - staying on cliff-tops and beaches. Then (just) hitting-up cool locations like St. Ives and Porthleven to do some music.

It’s been sweet-A.-F. - but we are knackered now.

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

I’m twenty-one; a student living in Falmouth, Cornwall - and I’ve just released my first E.P., Watch the Tide.

I’ll throw in that I’m a Chelsea fan, too.

Watch the Tide is your debut E.P. What can you reveal about the kind of stories and ideas represented in E.P.?

That’s a question I like.

I think, in today’s music industry, there is too much, as Trump would say, ‘fake’ music. I (just) don’t think enough artists back up their music with a thought, an idea or concept that would enhance their message.

Justin Vernon is a massive influence on me and, if you’ve listened to his latest album, you’d understand why. The thought that has gone into, not only the music but the album cover, artwork and music videos of Bon Iver, are so clever.

It allows the music to draw you in further as it adds the important visuals. For Watch The Tide, I tried to do the same. The record is a very personal one: each song explores a significant point in my life.

A big thing I write about is mental health and depression. The title of the E.P. and the artwork of the faces that represent the moon phases are meant to represent the ups and downs of a mind/mood. For me, depression is something that needs to be voiced a lot more – so I hope, through my music, I am doing that in some way.

I have a bunch of symbols on the back artwork that all have a relevant meaning - and each definitely has its own underlying message.

Max Waymark produced Watch the Tide. How did you come to meet him and what did he bring to the recordings?

I had already met Max in the first year of university - as he lived next-door to our guitarist, Jay Beale. Then, in the second year, I put a message out of Facebook as we needed a bassist - and Max was the first to respond.

That’s it I guess. We just all clicked with him, and even better: he is a dope bassist!

There is a range of sounds and instruments played on the E.P. It has a rough-around-the-edges charm. Did all the music come together quite quickly or do you like to experiment with sound/genres?

I think we already knew the sound we wanted so there wasn’t much experimenting.

We first set out to get the foundation down for all the songs, i.e. Bass, Drums; Guitars and then, from there, we started to add in the little bits of magic.

Next time, I think I will definitely take more time during the writing period to think about new ways to evolve our sound. It’s certainly rough-around-the-edges as it was recorded in my small shoebox of a room (haha).

I think it adds that something to our D.I.Y. sound - written and recorded in its natural location.

Tell me about the musicians you play with. How did you come to meet and perform alongside them?

The band is made up of all my musical friends I have made at uni. They are such awesome people and, without them, my music would not be the same - so much love for them I can’t explain.

-          Luke Parkinson: a rad guy; is my unbelievable drummer.

-          Max Waymark: a glorious bassist and the producer of the E.P.

-          Jay Beale: sexy guitarist (who also has his own stuff up Spotify - and all and it’s so sick.)

-          Kieran Clark: another sexy guitarist (who will have his own stuff up online soon - he goes by the name, Luke Moss.)

-          Christina Smith and her lovely vocals (she is recording her E.P. at moment under the name of FARE).

Your band mantra, ‘Forever Whatever’ seems very apt in these times. What does it represent and symbolise to you?

Luke and I actually (just) got matching ‘Forever Whatever’ tattoos while on tour recently!

I can’t really remember when it came about, to be honest: it just happened naturally. It’s not meant to portray a meaning of ‘do whatever you want’ but more a kinda-saying to help let go of the past and bad things you may be holding on to.

Take whatever feels right from it – forever, whatever!

Who are the artists you (and the band) grew up listening to – give me an insight into your idols and influences.

Straight-up, I have to say, Ben Howard as my biggest influence. Without him, I just wouldn’t be songwriting at all.

Listening to his music taught me a lot and I really connected with his lyrics. Justin Vernon is a genius, too. I also listen to a lot of Catfish (and the Bottlemen), The 1975 and another favourite, Bears Den.

I guess they all really pushed me to the sound we have now. I wanted to create records that were anthemic, climactic sing-alongs - as well as being intricate, meaningful and delicate. I think I’ve done that in places?

Music seems like an industry where it is becoming harder to make money and endure. Do you ever worry you have to gig harder to get recognition or does the passion and drive for music overcome all of that?

Definitely not in it for any of the money.

I mean, money is great - I would absolutely love to earn a decent living off my music but, as you said in this industry, it is harder to make a good wage.

I am happy as long as I get to keep making music and keep making records. Gigging, in my opinion, is also the best part - the band and I love it; no better experience.

What does the rest of the year hold in terms of material? Are you working on more songs?

I’ve actually just finished a song that Luke and I were writing on tour. It’s my fave so far.

We’re gonna release that alongside another single and a tour vid. -so stay tuned!

Do you have any tour dates approaching? Where can we come and see you play?

We are playing on the 5th August at Langaland Festival - as well as playing the Hurly Burly Stage at Boardmasters this year.

I’m also putting on the music every day from 12-3 P.M. at the Hurly Burly – so, if you're around, come on down and see some mad artists from Red Van Records.

IN THIS PHOTO: Jay Beale/PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Bramston

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

Jay Beale, absolutely. He is a genius.

A Blaze of Feather and Matt Maltese.

Again...genius.

 IN THIS PHOTO: A Blaze of Feathers

If you had to select the three albums that mean most to you; which would they be and why?

I Forgot Where We Were – Ben Howard

Taught me a lot about myself.

Islands – Bears Den

Writing-style; the way they build each track with layers and harmonies.

How to Save a Life – The Fray

Golden Oldie. A bit more Pop-y but I just think they are bangers from when I was younger - I still know every word!

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Get confident; understand your band and practise…then gig, gig, gig.

Just write as much as you can - you develop further every time.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Ooh, amazing!

Urm...Jay Beale – Retiro

(Jay is my housemate and guitarist - and he is making some unbelievable music right now).

Cheers, thanks very much.

Milo Gore x

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INTERVIEW: Rising Appalachia

INTERVIEW: 

 Rising Appalachia

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IT has been a real joy getting to know…

the sisters of Rising Appalachia. Their music has been lauded by the likes of NPR, Paste and No Depression. They are household names among festival-goers and played alongside Damien Rice. I talk to them about the new live album, Alive, and what we can expect from its lead-off single, Lean In.

They talk about the earth and their surroundings; how inspiring the land is to them and the ethos behind their music. I learn about the sound and cultures that go into their music; the West Coast tour dates they have coming up – including a series of gigs around California – and whether there is new music coming next year…

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

Good. Long.  

Lots of planes… lots of naps (L.o.L.).

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

We are sisters Leah and Chloe Smith: born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia by some incredible Appalachian Folk music parents and extended community.

Rising Appalachia is also Biko Casini on Global Percussion and David Brown on Stand-Up Bass; Baritone Guitar and Banjo. We play a melting-pot of Folk music that is simplistic and textured with both Southern-American lineages as well as global roots. The band has songwriting that highlights vocal harmonies and incorporates elements of clawhammer banjo, fiddle; double bass, and acoustic guitar - along with World percussions such as the djembe, barra and bodhran.

We also like to feature a lot of Spoken-Word. Our goal is for Rising Appalachia to be both genre-bending and familiar at the same time. We also work to utilize our platform as musicians to help promote social and environmental justice causes - with the aim of educating and inspire positive change.

We wanted to form our own business standards as well as break out of the formal stage barriers…bring music back to the streets and creating space for different artistic collaborations along the way (poets, dancers; painters, non-profits, speakers; education initiatives, farmers; youth groups, etc.).

We ask the question: “How can we make music that reaches further than the edge of the stage…further than the Sat night dance party?” - one that has lyrics that speak to a human experience and a concert-model that asks the audience to come ready to participate - it is not just a passive entertainment.

We are asking our ‘fans’ to help us shape this work: to bring us their stories, their songs; their local beacons, artists; environmentalists, justice worker; local medicine, wild foods; regional lore…so that we can showcase all the collective efforts it takes to move towards that “more beautiful world our hearts know is possible” - as author Charles Einstein calls it.

Can you tell me the inspiration behind the name, ‘Rising Appalachia’? Is there a particular significance behind it?

We were urban kids: born and raised in Atlanta (near North Georgia) and the beginning of the Appalachian Mountains. But, our mother was involved in the traditions of Southern Appalachian Folk music. We aren’t trying to retell Appalachian traditions or re-live urban traditions, but, instead we are trying to take all of our influences between our exposure to Southern Appalachian Folk music and our relationship with the deep urban South and Jazz - and create a sound that is rising out of Appalachia; a new tradition rising out of all of these old traditions.  

Leah had a dream that specifically held the name ‘Rising Appalachia’.  

As sisters, you share a love of music - but can you remember when you decided to go into music together?

Leah: Because we are sisters; there were very natural and unstructured beginnings to this project that formed a different sort of foundation than your standard band approach. We grew up with music so we’ve sung together ever since we were babies. I am three-and-a-half-years older than Chloe and, ever since we were both little kids, we were in music circles.

Our mother used to sing us harmony parts to various songs in our ears at a young age - so that we could hear how the sounds stacked up and complemented one another - and how some notes would bounce or create tension with other notes.

It was always a big part of our lives but we were both doing outreach, education and activism in college and beyond. We made an album as a holiday gift to our family. We recorded it in a day. It was just a fun thing that we did - mostly takes of old songs. That was the beginning. This was about nine-and-a-half-years ago: way before the name Rising Appalachia even existed. We would play tunes with our family and at the farmers market sometimes and it got picked up by a community of music appreciators - and we started getting asked to perform.

Without fully realizing it; we forged our own music management concepts - and basically learned how to run a business as well as an expansive art project. Art makes industry: industry does not make art. Industry helps art but can’t create it. We felt that the standard way that musicians worked was not the structure we wanted to pursue. The fact that we are sisters has helped us stay true to our vision...

I think our sisterhood has kept this project alive and breathing for the most part. When one of us is just about to collapse the other one can step in and take the touch. We know that about each other so well. We also know every button to push, but mostly, we are allies to each other. We try to take time off to just hang out together and keep our friendship strong - and there is never any doubt about where the loyalists lie. So, perhaps sometimes we might crave a little more space than we get - but we keep a strong balance.

What kind of music did you grow up listening to?

We grew up in downtown Atlanta, GA - rather immersed and happily-steeped in both traditional music - Appalachian, Irish; Jazz - and World harmony - singing from our parents and their musical community - as well as (in) the urban pulse of underground Hip-Hop, Soul and the Spoken-Word movement.

Although that might seem an unusual combination of influences, we had fun navigating the cultural melting-pot and bouncing from fiddle festivals in the Appalachian Mountains - on the weekends - to our downtown high-school and underground Dance clubs in the city. We have found the overlap to be a huge creative inspiration in our work as musicians, performers; story-tellers, and bridge-builders.

Lean In is the lead-off single from the live album, Alive. What is the tale behind that song?

Written in the streets of New Orleans in homage to Etta James - and the deep Soul traditions of the South - Lean In is a song of giving love a softer second try.

It seems you have a real passion for conservationism, environmentalism and positive change. Do you feel few artists project spirituality and a sense of responsibility through their music?

We believe that the role of the artist should be to question social norms; the walk of the underserved, poverty; racism, land loss and other deep seeded injustices that have followed the story of humanity. Music is a tool and a catalyst for betterment in our communities. It’s always available to be a resource for social change and a platform for dialog around justice issues in our world. We work to utilize our platform as musicians to help promote social and environmental justice causes with the aim of educating and inspire positive change.

We wanted to bring the music to places where it wasn’t and offer it as a collaboration. We want to see a return of music as a community experience and a tool where musicians are held accountable to be carrying the stories and the dialogues - and the messages of their communities. We believe it’s a bigger responsibility than just entertainment— that the role of the musicians is a public service and an important fabric to the folklore of a society. We wanted to be storytellers: not just drink sales at the bar.

Music-making should lend itself to the whole community: the struggles, pains; celebrations, and spiritual paths of us all.

Alive is your first live album. What was the decision behind releasing a live album and what was the experience like?  

Our past two years of touring Wider Circles has been an incredible amalgamation of creativity, cross-pollination; spiritual and musical growth; dog-tired days on the road - and all sorts of other bits and pieces of the story. Our band really solidified our sound as well as our voice as activists and storytellers in this process – and, so, we wanted to release some music from those journeys that was Alive (in the way that only live shows are).  

Will there be any new music coming later this year?

Yes.

We have lots of other collaborations with other artists in the cooker - as well as some new material of our own.  

We are, however, in no rush.

Your music, Roots-based, is very different from many acts. What is it about this style of music that attracted you?

Folk music has always been By and For the people.

There is a real, true grit and honesty to that - that which we have always found enticing as well as familiar.

The ego can run away with itself in this line of work - and Roots music has a way of keeping the artist close to the ground and on the right track.  

You have been in the industry for over a decade – recorded several albums and amassed a huge number of fans. What has been the highlight of your career so far, would you say?

Oh, there have been many…

Performing at Red Rocks; playing at some of our friends’ weddings; our most-recent Sea to Seed sailboat tour off the coast of British Columbia; performing at a circus festival on the island of Stromboli; playing in a haunted fourteenth-century castle in Southern Ireland; playing our song Medicine at the central fire of Standing Rock - after being invited to the land by the Indigenous Youth Council…

Having our mother and godparents join us on stage in Atlanta; some deep harmony singing… the list goes on and on!

You have a few U.S. dates on the horizons. It seems California, where you will be largely based, is an ideal setting for your music. Do you perform their often and what was the reason for embarking on a tour of the West Coast?

Being born and raised in the South; there is certainly a dichotomy between the Coasts that is a beautiful balance. We have always sought the open air and open minds of the West Coast in our travels - and have been inspired to rub elbows with some of that innovation and bring it back home.

Our West Coast tours are always fully-packed and very abundant - and we give great gratitude to that region for holding us so dear.  

Can we see you in the U.K. at any point?

We were just there this past month and hope to return perhaps next year!

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

Arouna Diarra, Dustin Thomas; Femina musica, Leyla McCalla and Aurora Nealand.  

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Put your boots on and know the business side of things - so that no one can take advantage of you!

Hire a good team. Find musical collaborators who are both talented AND healthy - so that your life on the road can be uplifted and sustainable.  

Work hard every damn day… and yet… take calculated time off to slow down and disappear from the rush.  

Finally, and for being good sports, you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

A song we like?  

Ok…

Chloe: Xavier Rudd - The Letter

Leah: Ibeyi - River

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INTERVIEW: Bella McKendree

INTERVIEW: 

PHOTO CREDIT: Joe Lindsay Photography  

Bella McKendree

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THERE is something wonderfully tangible and relatable…

about songwriter Bella McKendree. Not only is she an artist who writes from the heart: she is going to perform in a Jeff Buckley tribute event – and will meet one of his collaborators, Gary Lucas! I ask about Buckley and how his music came into her life; the musicians and albums that influenced her young – and the sounds/genres she employs in her own music.

I get to learn about her new song, Grieve, and more about the E.P., Waiting. In a city like London; there are hundreds of agile and promising artists all vying for attention. There is an edge and luminosity (surrounding a mystique and soul) that has a vulnerability, compassion and intrigue. McKendree discusses her process and how songs formulate; the revelatory and fortuitous musical discovery following a painful break-up – and how it feels knowing Waiting is about to be unveiled to the world (18th August).

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

Hi. I’m great.

Yeah, it’s been pretty awesome. I’ve got this uncontainable excitement since the record’s been out...so, I’ve been songwriting a lot!

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

I am a singer-songwriter from the countryside - now living in London. I write within a range of genres, including Indie-Dream and Alt-Folk - with my roots in Blues, Gospel and Classical music.

My songs are introspective and honest. I often comment and pose questions to society.

Grieve is your latest single. What can you tell me about the song and its inspiration?

When I wrote it, I thought: can I be this honest or is this a song just for myself? I decided to go for it and I’ve seen how people find a connection through my vulnerability.

It is taken from the E.P., Waiting. I have heard the tracks and am struck by the emotion and rawness of some – especially songs like Don’t You Wanna Be Loved. How much of your own relationships and experiences go into the E.P.?

To be honest: I’ve been very transparent.

My songwriting stems from my heart so, whatever I’m feeling, flows out of me.

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Was it quite difficult to record, emotionally? It seems like you put your heart out on every track!

I’ve found a huge strength and confidence in not holding back: plus, it’s pretty cool that every time I sing a song I can relive that experience...like time travelling.

Waiting was produced by Brett Shaw (Florence & The Machine, Roisin Murphy, Daughter). What was it like working with him and what did he add to your music/sound, would you say?

Ah, it was so great!

I loved his studio with bird-origami on the ceilings. There was a calm atmosphere thanks to his easy-going nature. I had an open mind and no fixed sound in my head – so, we literally just went for it and saw what happened.

Brett added a fullness and ethereal quality.

 I hear shades of London Grammar in your music. Are they a group you look up to?

YES.

I would always play their album to and from college in Brighton. I love the colours in Hannah’s voice. Their whole vibe is grounded but epic!

You are one of five siblings. Is music your way of finding your own identity and, in a way, feeling less alone?

Through music, I find a deeper, grounded place.

When I play, I feel like I’m somewhere else where time and reality disappears. It’s always been like that for me. It’s highly addictive and soothing.

There’s such an ecstatic level of freedom when I write that I feel fearless and that empowers me. It’s how I process, reflect and see the world.

Recently, you have moved to London and started to gig in the city – working with some top names. How important is London and how much of a difference has it made moving there – in terms of opportunities etc.?

A lot changed when I moved here...

The music scene and charisma of the city is so exciting - with lots of incredible artists to bounce ideas off.

It’s a springboard for living out my dream.

Sofar Sounds is a gig-series you have been involved in. What it like playing those intimate shows and where will you be playing more this year?

It feels like stepping back in time and exploring more of what music was before the emphasis on production. I love how it brings people together.

In a culture which always uses as much as possible: it’s really beautiful to see music stripped back - there’s a power in breaking off the layers. I’m playing Southampton on the 22nd and Sheffield on the 29th August.

Jeff Buckley is my music idol so I am interested in the fact you are playing in a tribute show on 9th September! What is your connection to Buckley’s music and, without getting nerdy, which songs of his touch your heart?

Ah, same!

My sister introduced me to his music. I remember it was a dark December day and I had just ended a relationship. Then, Lover, You Should’ve Come Over came on. I literally was like: “DID THAT JUST HAPPEN!?”.

It was incredible because I could tell Buckley was not afraid to show his emotions and that’s where his strength lay. He shaped my early music and musical expression.

IN THIS PHOTO: Jeff Buckley/PHOTO CREDIT: Anton Corbijn

My favourites are Grace, Last Goodbye and Lover, You Should’ve Come Over.

Gary Lucas, who co-wrote a couple of tracks on Grace and played with Buckley in the early years, is there. Are you excited about meeting him?!

Yes!

Absolutely: it’s surreal. Excited is an understatement!

 Can you tell me the artists you grew up listening to and what sparked that passion for music?

My siblings were always swapping songs around.

The Fugees, Radiohead and Rod Stewart spring to mind. My dad was always playing Blues-guitar and my mum singing Classical and Opera songs. I remember very clearly, when I was eleven, watching Alicia Keys sing Fallin’ on Top of the Pops - and feeling so empowered by her performance. Being a woman too, it unlocked something within me and triggered a desire to perform. 

I remember telling my whole family to get out the sitting room so I could play the piano. I knew then I wanted to be a singer. I think even though I didn’t have a name for it I could feel some kind of restraint on being a girl growing up. So watching women like Kate Bush, Shania Twain and Tori Amos on stage affected me even more so than male musicians. 

What do you have planned for the rest of the year? Touring and recording or will you get a chance to unwind?

On the 7th September, I have my E.P. Launch at St. Luke’s Church, Kentish Town – and that's a couple of days before the Jeff Buckley Tribute.

We’re playing the following festivals: Sunrise Celebration (Bristol), Camper Calling (Birmingham); Gorjys Secrets festival (Wales). In December, I’m playing a Streets of London charity gig.

I’d like to record another E.P. before Christmas. At the moment, I’m enjoying the buzz and loving performing. 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I saw this band, Concrete Caverns, play the other night.

The frontman was very charismatic.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

1. Cat Stevens – Matthew and Son

 It reminds me of my childhood and walking around school singing: “Don’t be shy/Just let your feelings roll on by”.

Each song is perfectly carved.

2. Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes

I love the intense level of engagement you get in her voice - and the movement in the takes.

3. Jeff Buckley – Grace

Timeless.

It helped navigate and let out the emotional rollercoaster of my teens.

What advice would you give to any new artists starting out right now?

Have a clear vision of what you want to do but, more importantly… why.

Have integrity, drive and resilience.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name any song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

The 1975 - Somebody Else

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INTERVIEW: Louise Jordan

INTERVIEW: 

 Louise Jordan

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MOST of the interviews I conduct are designed to promote…

a song/album/E.P. - but that is where I will leave it. There is, rarely, a sociological or political importance to the release. We are seeing a lot of reports on the news about wars around the world: the turmoil and daily horror many people face. We, here, cannot get a tangible sense of what that would be like. World War 1 was, in full flight, one of the most harrowing and destructive events to happen to our people. We often assume it was a man-made and fought affair: neglecting the role of women and the importance they played. Louise Jordan is preparing an autumn tour of the U.K. for her album, No Petticoats Here – in the form of a one-woman show.

The album is a collection of songs that concentrate on characters - real-life characters – from the War and what they contributed. Jordan talks about her research process and getting funding from Arts Council England; some of the songs and stories behind it and what her one-woman show of the album/concept possess – it has been performed in over fifty venues so far and is building up a lot of attention and acclaim.

Ensure you check out the No Petticoats Here website and keep up-to-date through Twitter - as it is an extraordinary show/album from a talented young performer/songwriter keen to highlight the fantastic and invaluable contribution women made in the War effort.

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

Hello, Sam. I am feeling creative!

It’s been an incredibly busy couple of weeks bringing everything together ready to start rehearsals for No Petticoats Here stage two – in-between gigs and workshops!

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

Of course – hello, lovely to meet you!

I am a singer, musician and composer whose writing focuses on storytelling and forging connections between people.

No Petticoats Here is your portrayal and representation of real-life women from the First World War. What compelled you to get the project started?

On a visit to the Somme area in France during November 2014, I saw few references to the ways that women experienced this remarkable period of history. I returned determined to find out more about the women whose images I had seen in museums and chapels and to explore the experiences of those I had not yet learned about.

What kind of things can one expect? Is it a series of songs or is there dialogue and theatre-type acts?

No Petticoats Here started with one song which I hoped to place alongside my other material at gigs.

It quickly developed into an album which I released in September 2016 and toured during the autumn 2016 and spring 2017. I have always been keen to talk about songs when I perform and to give some context about where the songs come from – for example, why they were written. No Petticoats Here is a concept album and it comes with an illustrated booklet containing images of the women whose stories are shared - and some explanation of their connection to the First World War.

When performing the songs from No Petticoats Here live, I have always taken time to give the context of the women’s’ remarkable achievements – in what way were they involved in the conflict? How did they come to find themselves in that situation and what happened to them afterwards?

No Petticoats Here gained Arts Council England funding after an album in September 2016. How important was that funding and did it allow you to explore more ground than you would ordinarily?

I am now at a really exciting stage of developing No Petticoats Here.

Throughout the two previous tours, I have been speaking with members of the audience as well as promoters and venue managers - to identify ways in which the performance could be brought more to life. I personally want to find ways to connect people more deeply with the extraordinary lives of these women who lived during the First World War. The development of No Petticoats Here is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

This has given me the opportunity to work with innovative theatre professionals so that we can re-create the sound worlds which the women themselves experienced. With the addition of a soundscape of recorded actors and sound effects (and images of the women on stage), I hope the audience will become much closer to imagining for themselves how these women lived and experienced the war.

How much research went into the project? Did you talk to relatives of anyone involved in World War I?

The research began when I returned from my visit to the Somme in November 2014 - and is ongoing.

It stems from a personal interest and determination to keep learning about the events of the First World War and their ongoing impact and resonance. I have been in touch with a number of relatives of the women whose stories are shared by No Petticoats Here - and these have been amongst the most moving experiences whilst developing the project. Finding out information through a family’s oral history – passed down through generations – and through relatives’ memories is precious and can also reveal details which aren’t available in books, journals; museums, history centres and cemeteries.

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I have also benefited from speaking with biographers such as Patrick Vanleene and Gail Newsham who have collected extensive material over years of research in their respective fields: Patrick with regards women who worked in Belgium on the Western Front and Gail with regards women footballers - and the Dick, Kerr’s Ladies football team, in particular.

There are songs about women football players (Shoulder to Shoulder) and women workers (Toil, Women, Toil). Is there a particular song that was tough to write? Is there one that stands out in your mind?

The final song, Who Will Remember, was, perhaps, the most difficult to write as it deals with issues of mental health, unpublished records and touches on issues of sexual abuse.

I had originally intended to focus on the strength of the women’s characters - and yet, there is extraordinary strength and resilience in all of these women’s experiences; whether these are classified as positive of negative. I was entirely driven by a passion to preserve these women’s experiences and make them better known a- nd this helped me to overcome any perception of difficulty along the way.

Given sexism in society today – and the music industry – was there a personal desire to put this project out there – to celebrate how inspirational and pioneering women have always been?

I have drawn strength from these women’s experiences and I continue to be grateful for the experience of writing and performing No Petticoats Here.

I believe there is great relevance in sharing these stories now; not least because we are commemorating the one-hundred-year-anniversary of the First World War. It was an extraordinary set of circumstances and a time when women not only experienced change but pursued it too.

That recourse to action and the taking of power for oneself is something I believe and hope anyone who seeks equality can identify with.

You worked with producer Lizzie Crarer and sound designer Jules Bushell. What did they bring to the project and how important were people like Ellie Rogers (videographer) to visualising your music?

Lizzie and Jules both possess wide-ranging skills in bringing stories to life - and both were on board with my vision for No Petticoats Here from the start.

Lizzie has extensive experience of developing pieces of theatre around female perspectives (through her theatre company, The Heroine Project Presents, and, also, of interpreting the First World War (she worked on the critically-acclaimed project, We’re Here Because We’re Here and produced a piece called Over the Top: The True-Life Tale of Dorothy Lawrence). 

Lizzie and I have gone back to my research of the women’s stories in order to devise ways through script and dialogue of invigorating the performance. Jules is a maestro and understands the world of sound like no other! - a musician, sound designer and noise manipulator.

Jules specialises in creating sound for theatre and events – from atmospheric underscoring to layered effects. From simple to conceptual; Jules captures a range of scenes and emotions - which help to immerse the audience in the piece.

A trailer video is out now. What can you reveal what the trailer is designed for and how it came together?

Film-maker Ellie Rogers is putting the trailer together using footage from the development and rehearsals process - as well as interviews with the creative artists involved.

I am confident the trailer will offer an insight showing the audience what to expect at a live performance on this autumn’s tour.

I believe there is an autumn tour. Where will you be heading and how can one book tickets?

The tour will take me from Falmouth to Farnham on the South Coast; from Sale to Stirling further north. There’s a mixture of rural village venues and cities and the tour takes in libraries, museums; arts centres, theatres and house concerts.

You can find a full list of tour dates my website - with links to venues and box office details.

No Petticoats Here has already been shared with dozens of audiences. What has the reaction been like and do a lot of people come up to you after the show to express praise/feedback?

I have been fortunate to enjoy some really interesting conversations with audience members after performances of No Petticoats Here. It is fascinating to hear the many and varied ways that the themes and songs resonate with other people – from self-styled ‘sod-it spinsters’ to people who have written their own songs about relatives who served in The Great War.

After No Petticoats Here’s completion, what comes next? Can we expect a new album in the future?

No Petticoats Here will tour throughout 2018 as we continue to commemorate the centenary of the First World War - and as we celebrate one hundred years since the Representation of the People Act brought the vote to a number of women in the U.K.

In addition, I have received a commission from Vote100 to write about the impact of women’s experiences of the First World War on suffrage.

There will almost certainly be a release in 2018 as I have had a number of requests to record First World War-related material which is not part of No Petticoats Here - such as What Will You Leave Behind (about a kilt I saw in a museum in France).

Do stay in touch on facebook and twitter for latest news - and I have a mailing list which you can sign up to on my website.

How easy has it been transitioning from your normal song themes and focusing on something unique like this? Was it a challenge getting into a different headspace?

No Petticoats Here has drawn on a number of song themes which I have visited before; however, the project has focused on how these human themes – such as resilience, determination and using the resources you have to make the best of a situation; presented themselves within women’s experiences of the First World War.

The writing period was certainly intense. The project involved inhabiting the worlds of these extraordinary women to understand as best I could how they experienced barriers and obstacles: it was a constant reminder of the experiences I have found difficult and yet it was worth it. I felt a connection with the women through the fact of these barriers.

What advice would you give to people who want to create a similar project?

Thorough research is very rewarding; be prepared to persist and persevere.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

I read about two brilliant musicians this week who have written a song about a veteran of the Great War. I was truly moved to hear about their research...

The song, Home, Lads, Home (words Cecily Fox Smith: adapted by Sarah Morgan) also has great meaning to me. If you can’t find a version of Sarah singing this; Belshazzar’s Feast do a great version.

Thank you for your time!

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INTERVIEW: Jessica Rotter

INTERVIEW: 

 Jessica Rotter

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IT has been a long time since I have featured Jessica Rotter…

on my blog. It has been a while since her track, Porch Song, came to my attention – I have never stopped following her music. She is a terrific solo artist but is part of the trio, JEMS. I talk about those twin responsibilities and whether there is new material afoot. She discusses life in L.A. and how it is for a young artist there.

Plains, Rotter’s terrific album, was released last year so I was eager to know what the rest of the year has in store - and whether there are tour dates; if we can see her in the U.K. and the artists that have driven and influenced her.

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

Hi, Sam! I’m doing well!

Things are busy right now - so I’m taking a minute to respond to emails and relax!

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

Of course.

I am a singer and a songwriter. I released my first album last year, Plains, along with a dance film for it – and, I also have a career as a vocalist for a variety of projects (movies, T.V. shows; albums, live performances etc.)

I am currently working on my next album and taking my Folk sound up a notch - with a little Rock/throwback air.

PHOTO CREDIT: @abby_shoot

It seems you have wrapped up a new single. What can you reveal about that and the kind of things we can expect from it?

I have a new single out August 18 called Other Side of the Sun.

It is an upbeat vintage sounding song complete with soulful backup vocals. I wanted to release the song with the Total Solar Eclipse that is happening on August 21 (which just so happens to be my birthday.)

The song is about a relationship with bad timing (I’m sure we’ve all had one of those) where the desire flips from one person to the other constantly. Not too close, not too far - as if orbiting on opposite ends of the universe - but still controlled by the same force.

I believe you perform as part of a trio, JEMS. Can you tell me about the girls you play alongside and how you came to meet? How important is their friendship and music to you – not only as a fellow musician but a human?

So. JEMS was formed VERY recently out of a common desire to get out and play more...

Emily Colombier and I have been friends since we were babies and she was the person who encouraged me to play my music in the first place. She and I found viral success with a mashup we did of the song Stay, by Rihanna, and (the song) Animal, by Miike Snow. She’s been singing backup for me at all of my shows since the very beginning - and I would sing backup for her.

Sarah Margaret Huff was a new friend who moved to L.A. from Nashville and, in an attempt to help her find her footing in L.A., we started playing together and hit it off. She came on tour with me as a backup singer and the three of us bonded like crazy! A lot of people were talking about how our voices sounded together and how our personalities filled the stage in such complementary ways.

So, we decided we should team up and play out. We are excited to be playing a series of shows in late-August and September!

Will you be working on an E.P. or album – either as a trio or solo artist?

I am working on an album as a solo artist.

Our trio will hopefully be recording some songs soon! Our cover of Dolly Parton’s Wildflowers has gotten a lot of praise so I hope we can get that out soon.

For now; you can see our video on YouTube.

You describe yourself as a ‘musical storyteller’. How important is it making your music honest, personal and relatable? It seems like your music really connects with people. How vital is that in terms of inspiring your creativity?

I think every opportunity a singer has is an opportunity to take other souls on a journey.

Musical moments shared are powerful, so whether the story is a narrative or a sensory journey, I like creating moments. For my own music, I really do write honestly and from experience – so, I try to find the universal truth or the common thread that a listener will be able to connect with. It’s not even something I overthink though. I don’t know if it’s from writing poetry or directing theatre...but I feel like finding the common thread in emotional experiences is second nature to me.

I still hope people take the time to get to the bottom of a metaphor in a song and let it sink in for a minute. It can’t all be face value.

Was music big in your childhood? What kind of musicians do you fall for at a young age?

My parents are both musicians and so were my grandparents - so music was definitely huge. I listened to a lot of The Beatles and Motown - a lot of ‘oldies’ and a ton of Classical music.

I appreciated that kind of musical foundation because I think it trained my ear from early on to hear harmonies and count beats.

Music you have written has been heard on T.V., film and around the world. How humbling is that and what is your reaction when you hear one of your pieces on the screen?

Hearing my music alongside other art forms is INCREDIBLY satisfying.

I love seeing how different artists can merge crafts so effectively! It’s always an honor to be entrusted to share someone else’s creative moment.

I have heard your latest live performance, Porch Song, which was captured in Woodland Hills – playing as part of JEMS. What was that experience like? Will you be recording any more intimate videos like that?

I’m sure we will.

We have one more video like that to roll out as JEMS along with a few concert videos. JEMS is fun because we all feel like we can take more risks with it - and I kind of wonder if we will put ourselves out there more because there seems to be less to lose.

I haven’t even released a live performance video of myself - and JEMS has three!

The first exposure I had to you was when I reviewed Porch Song – when it first came out. I love that song and never asked where it came from. What is the inspiration behind that?

Strangely enough; that song was written before Emily Colombier’s step-dad (Geoffrey Lewis’) memorial.

I was driving there and thinking through these words and when I parked my car; I turned on my iPhone Voice Memos app. and recorded the song start-to-finish. It was almost like Geoff brought those words to me. Geoff was an actor/author/artist. Their whole family is creative: so there’s a very strong powerful energy around their house and everyone Geoff touched.

You probably know at least one of his children.

Based in California; how important and influential is the area and its people? What is the music scene like where you are?

Living in Los Angeles is crazy.

The stakes are always higher. You never know who's going to show up. It’s good because you get comfortable performing for influential people - I get much less nervous performing in any other city. The music scene in L.A. is very split, geographically. Certain venues are known for certain things and I find the acts that start Indie - and break out of L.A. - are usually East-side, Indie-Rock bands - and everyone else (are) usually Pop artists on labels.

There’s a small singer-songwriter community that does a little Pop-writing, too. It is cool to live here, though, because you can kind of conquer your hometown - and it means a little bit more than if I lived in a city with a population of 100k - or something similar.

Are there any new musicians you recommend we investigate?

I’ve been really digging Phoebe Bridgers, Waxahatchee and Sweet Spirit.

You should check out the band LEAN, too. They are also a production team and they produced my new single. They have a new song out called Come Back. It’s a fun, summer jam.

Have you any tour dates coming up? When can we see you in the U.K., perhaps?

We are playing in Nashville and the Californian West Coast in August - and I’ll do a proper slew of Jessica Rotter shows once I finish my album.

I am planning on mastering the album in London so I would hope to play a few shows there! 2018?

If you could name three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire

Because it was my first album that made me feel like the darkness inside of us wasn’t weakness - and was a shared human experience.

Carole King - Tapestry

 It is so obvious but it really is the best. Those songs kill me and she has the best heart and soul. I have, like, thirty more albums I could put in this meaningful album list…but…

I will say I most often put on Bon Iver - Bon Iver when I’m looking for a record to listen to.

I listened to it tonight. Holocene and Michicant are two of my favorite songs, ever. They’re perfectly melancholic.

What advice would you give to musicians coming onto the scene right now?

Find a way to make money that doesn’t suck out your soul and it will all be a lot more fun.

I have so many artist friends that are trying to make ends meet in the silliest jobs - that are not paying enough and take up too much time. By singing and writing for other people’s projects, and even teaching a few students, I have the freedom to work on my own art.

So, I guess my advice is do everything you can to not let your soul die and spend as much time as possible creating.

Finally, and for being a good sport, you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Halfway Home by Broken Social Scene (this song made me feel EUPHORIC when I saw them play last month.)

Thank you!

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INTERVIEW: Bella Barton

INTERVIEW: 

 Bella Barton

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DAUGHTER is a sensational and unique song…

I urge one to stream and investigate - Buy/Stream: https://bellabarton.lnk.to/Daughter; Listen on Spotify: http://sptfy.com/1q7N. Not only it is a confident and original song from seventeen-year-old Bella Barton but it is so different to anything out there. One would think, looking at a singer of Barton’s age, she would be producing commercial Pop or machine-suffocated Electronic jams – designed for the meat-and-sweat of the club floors. Perhaps I am being terribly stereotyping and prejudicial: Bella Barton is, refreshingly, a musician who mixes soulful Jazz of, say, Tony Bennett - with sumptuous, romantic Pop elements of (1965/'66-era) The Beatles.

Barton talks about Daughter’s story and what one can discover from her upcoming album, 10 Songs – and which of the tracks hit her the hardest. She talks about the BRIT School – where she is studying – and the three albums that mean the most to her; where she will be performing and (sage) words of advice for any artists coming through at the moment.

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

Hi.

I'm about to go to France for a couple of intimate gigs which will be nice - so I’m feeling great, thanks!

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

Well.

I’m a seventeen-year-old singer-songwriter - and I go to the BRIT School; where I studied music for two years. I'm continuing to study there for another year.

I'm releasing my first album very soon - which I'm really looking forward to. My music is mainly acoustic with Jazz/Blues themes throughout.

Daughter is your new single. Can you tell me about what compelled the song and what the track is all about?

Ironically, Daughter is the most-recent song I wrote for the album - but one that I've wanted to write for, probably, two years. When I was fourteen, I realised how often it was: that men would cat-call and hit on me in the street. It was, basically, every day – middle-aged men would follow me and harass me etc.

So, about a year later, I went on Radio 4's The Listening Project to discuss the effects this had on me - and all of my female friends - and how vulnerable it makes young girls feel. Then, I was invited to Parliament to a select-committee to talk about this topic - and I remember realising that we are never taught how to cope with it or how to get out of the situation.

My passion (in this) compelled me to write a song from my own perspective.

Listening to the song, and it has Jazz elements and, oddly, reminds one of a smoke-hued, mystica night-time walk through Paris. It is classic-sounding and has a coolness and suave swagger. Was it quite easy putting the song together or did it go through various versions?

Thank you!

I knew that I wanted a fast-paced Motown beat with a Jazz feel, and so, from there, I found it quite easy to write lyrics to the groove of it. I played around with the conversational outro for a while - because I didn't know how much scatting I wanted.

Who are the musicians you grew up listening to and inspired your career in music?

I remember seeing Ed Sheeran at a festival - when + had just been released - and it definitely inspired me to learn how to play the guitar and start writing my own songs.

Amy Winehouse, on the other hand, got me into Jazz and I've always aspired to create music as distinct and beautiful as hers.

I also saw Tony Bennett in concert recently: he's a massive icon of mine…I loved it!

10 Songs is your upcoming album. How does it feel having it completed and are you excited seeing what reaction it gets?

It feels great to have it done as I spent almost a year on it - so it's nice to be able to finally put it out there.

My friends are definitely getting me hyped-up about it because they're all very supportive and excited to hear it...so I can't wait!

Which of the ten songs, would you say, is dearest to your heart?

I Want You is very dear to me because I feel that it depicts the pain I was feeling a while ago and, when I sing it, even now, it brings back the emotions I felt then.

Serenity, on the other hand, is my favourite - I love the trumpet solo!

I believe the record tackles issues like misogyny and sexual advances. Is this approach been motivated by personal experiences and was it important, to you, distancing from predictable love songs and obvious themes?

As I was saying before: it was definitely motivated by personal experiences - but also from many of my friends who have also been verbally harassed. I did feel that it was an interesting topic for a song: especially the contrast between such a fast-paced and happy tone with quite dark lyrics.

But, most of my album has other, more emotional songs about relationships and emotions.

As a young new artist, you could have created something commercial and chart-based – Daughter is the opposite of it. Do you feel having your own sound is more important and inspiring than penning something generic and mass-produced?

Having my own sound is important to me because I would love to have a very distinct style - so that my music is noticeable.

I write from the heart and I feel like I have to write honestly.

You are, hard to believe, still in your teens. How do you balance academia and growing up with the demands of music?! Are there times when you want to disconnect and have some ‘me-time’?

Well, for the past two years or so I have been practising Mahayana Buddhism - which definitely helps me to feel at peace with myself and not get too stressed out with exams; also, creating an album at the same time.

The actual act of writing and playing comforts me, too.

The BRIT School is somewhere you have cut your teeth and won awards at. How important is what you learned there (and still do) to your own music and creative process?

BRIT has been great.

I've had help with my singing techniques and just learned a lot about creating music. The main thing for me, though, is that the people there are so supportive and lovely. The laid-back atmosphere at BRIT has really helped me to come out of my shell over the last few years – and actually record these songs.

What sort of gigs do you have coming up? Where can we see you come and play?

I'm doing some gigs in the South of France and (doing a gig) next month at The Star and Garter pub in Putney Bridge on 25th August.

I'm hoping to also perform at the Lost Rivers Elephant, soon.

IN THIS PHOTO: Frankie Cosmos

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Frankie Cosmos is an act who I've just started listening to - and I love her raw acoustic vibes. My favourite song of hers is Outside with the Cuties.

My backing singer and oldest friend, Sylvie Holder - who also goes to BRIT - is really talented, too.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

+ by Ed Sheeran

It means a lot to me because of his influence on me at a very early age. His lyric-writing in this album, for me, is so personal and distinct that it doesn't seem cliché at all.

It's so hard for me to pick only one album by The Beatle but I would have to say Revolver

It is one of my favourites because it was at a period in their career where they still had a live gigging vibe - before it became very studio-based and experimental (which I love, too).

The last one would have to be Frank by Amy Winehouse

Because it is what made me fall in love with her - as well as Jazz.

What advice would you give to any new artists starting out right now?

I'd say to have confidence in themselves and just go for it because, for years, I was embarrassed to share my music with people.

But, once I grew in confidence and began doing gigs, I realised how important this was...

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name any song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

I Left My Heart in San Francisco by Tony Bennett

Because it's my favourite Jazz standard.

Thanks!

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