INTERVIEW: Andrea Di Giovanni

INTERVIEW:

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 Andrea Di Giovanni

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THIS young songwriter has had…

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a pretty hectic year so far! I have been speaking with Andrea Di Giovanni about his time in London and why he moved from Rome. He discusses the new single, Got to Blame, and the story behind it; whether there is anything coming in the pipeline; why modern artists like Beyoncé are influences; how inspiring London is as a city – and whether there are any upcoming gigs we can catch him at.

I learn more about the creative process of a modern-day Pop artist and what it takes to succeed. Di Giovanni offers some advice to new artists; the albums that mean the most to him – and a few cool artists we would be wise to check out.

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

Hiya! All good…you?

It’s been amazing. Released my new single and performed live with my band at Thousand Island!

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

I am a twenty-three-year-old singer-songwriter, originally from Rome (Italy). I moved to London four years ago to study at the British Institute of Modern Music - where I graduated this year in Creative Musicianship.

The main artists I’m inspired by are David Bowie, Rihanna and Sam Smith. I like to combine Pop with dark electronic elements.

Got to Blame is your new single. Can you tell me about its story and origins?

I wrote Got to Blame about a year ago when I finally chose to be myself and let go of the shame that held me back for a long time. The song talks about the struggles that you find and fight on the way to self-acceptance. Life is already hard.

We need to stop criticising ourselves so harshly and live up to who we are.

The song has a big, electronic sound. Did the composition come together gradually or was it quite an organic process?

I wrote it, originally, in an acoustic way and then created a home-made demo. I’ve, then, contacted my friend Jamie Sellers at Run Wild Music and developed, in two sessions, the final arrangement.

The epic backing vocals on the track are from Lucrezia Perletti and Nadjibá Shabieva.

Is there going to be any more material coming in the next few months/next year?

After Got to Blame; I will be taking a break - as I’ve been working nine months-consecutively and need some fresh air to get new ideas for 2018. I will then write a lot; collaborating with producers in London to create a strong portfolio - to present to labels I am working with.

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Tell me about the artists you are influenced by? What kind of music were you raised on?

I always loved Pop music since I was a little kid. My dad used to play me a lot of great music such as Queen, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston - and I fell in love with music that had soul. Artists that I look up to, now, are David Bowie, Rihanna and Sam Smith - but I always like to bring my own original twist.

I believe in artists that make music that’s different from what the world presents already - rather than copying-and-pasting the top-ten charts.

What compelled the decision to move from Italy to the U.K.?

I was pretty lost in Italy...

I didn’t feel fully understood and, therefore, wasn’t able to express completely my personality. I’ve also wanted to explore the world and make new experiences - and London seemed the place to be.

When you arrived here, you studied at the British Institute of Modern Music. What did you learn from your time there and how important was is it you?

My time at BIMM has been truly amazing. I’ve grown so much since I’ve joined; met pretty incredible musicians and industry professionals - and made connections that are still working now.

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Looking back this year; what has been your favourite memory so far?

My best memory so far has to be performing at Brighton Pride. Having that platform to speak to my kind of people has been (truly) a blessing I’ll never forget!

Is London influential when it comes to your music and getting ideas for songs?

Oh, hell, yes! The music scene is so diverse and eclectic here that you end up getting inspiration everywhere.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Native Dancer

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Indigo Face, L.E.A; Native Dancer, July Jones and Georgia Meek.

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IN THIS PHOTO: July Jones

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

I’d say: Frank by Amy Winehouse

Because that’s when I fell in love with her incredible voice.

Lemonade by Beyoncé

As it’s an incredibly eclectic album and not too ‘mainstream’ in terms of sound.

Whitney: The Greatest Hits by Whitney Houston

As it reminds me of the times I used to sit in my living-room and sing my heart out!

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

Be yourself; be resilient and have fun!

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Where can we see you play this year? What dates do you have coming up?

I will be supporting my friend, Brendan Cleary’s E.P. release at Notting Hill Arts Club on 17th November (with my full-band).

Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?

I will be back at home in Italy - enjoying some good family time!

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).

I have a Spotify playlist with all the up-and-coming artists in music.

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INTERVIEW: John Galea

INTERVIEW:

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 John Galea

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I cannot think of many artists…

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who have covered as much ground as Johh Galea. His fourth E.P., Missing Pages, was released last year and, since then, he has played the Main Stage at Sundown Festival; appeared at London Pride – the video for the single, When You Truly Love Someone, gained massive support and views on YouTube. I speak to Galea about his latest track, Honesty, and the story behind it; whether there is going to be an E.P./album arriving – and how he got into music.

He reveals when music came in his life and the evolution present in his own work; those albums/artists that have shaped who he is; what tour dates are approaching – whether there are any plans (already cemented) for next year.

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

I’m good, thanks. Yeah; busy as ever.

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

I am Independent singer/songwriter from sunny Great Yarmouth; now living in London - and my music is heavily influenced by piano and Soul music.

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Tell me more about Honesty. What is the story behind the song?

The track, Honesty, I wrote with the amazing singer/songwriter, Frankmusik. I came up with the title, Honesty, and main chorus and took it to a writing session we had - and it developed from there. It’s a very simple - but honest - track about love and what we all need in it.

How has your music evolved since your fourth E.P., Missing Pages? Have you found yourself developing and changing as an artist?

Absolutely.

I have gone from Dance-based-Pop to more of a soulful sound (and songwriting). I still have those upbeat tracks - but they are certainly deeper, message and songwriting-wise, than my earlier music.

What was it like playing at events like London Pride and Sundown Festival? How vital were they in regards your confidence?

It is all very vital and great experience.

The fact is, as an unsigned artist, I was performing on the same stage as Craig David and Rag'n'Bone Man. It was crazy. The interaction you get from the audience - e.g., singing back the words etc. - is something you can only get playing live (and I love it).

There's nothing like performing live.

The video for Honesty documents your time at Sundown. Did you feel the images naturally scored and represented the ideas expressed in the song?

Well. The idea was there’s an honesty between performing live - and performing live is a very special thing for me. The reaction, be it good or bad, is instant and you can see, as a performer, if the crowd likes your stuff or not - and the track all about asking for that honesty in a relationship; so we thought the two would work well. Also, it gives backstage footage of Sundown and getting ready and it’s great to show people the ‘behind-the-scenes’ element of performing.

It ain't all glamorous.

Your single, When You Truly Love Someone, did big business on YouTube. Were you humbled by the response that song got?! What, do you think, was the reason for it?

I am indeed...

I knew we had something special when my producer, Oscar Lo Brutto, said that’s the one to release. He knows what he likes. The fact it has done so well on VEVO and now, being considered for a Grammy, is so cool. The track is all about the conflict of the pain when it comes to loving someone.

It is something, I guess, we all can relate to.

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Music came into your life at a young age. You started writing at thirteen! Were there particular artists that compelled your spark? Why did you decide to get into the business?

I watched Mariah Carey sing once on T.V. and she blew me away - and I wanted to sing.

But, then, when my dad brought home an electric organ one day; I wanted to go deeper and see how you write songs - and write hits and write my own music – hence, the classical grades I achieved and the constant need to switch the radio on (and see what music was coming out).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Lao Ra

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I write for and with new artist all the time and I can’t wait to hear Lao Ra’s album when it drops.

Also; keep an eye out for a soul singer called Wayne Thurtell. He’s going to do well.

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

Daydream - Mariah Carey

My first C.D. that was given to me - and I played it to death I love it. Looking In, the last track, is such a personal track - so good!

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The Record - The Bee Gees

It is their greatest hits and I played it to death when it came out. I couldn’t believe how many amazing tracks they wrote for other people - as well as themselves.

Songwriting at its best!

1000 Forms of Fear - Sia

She is a musical genius and has to overcome so much to get her music out there! This album is so good and so raw - and honest and real - but commercial at the same time.

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

Never let anyone, including industry people, put you off doing what you want to do! Do your music homework and keep working to achieve your goals. You can do anything you want to - just got to work hard and keep on pushing even when times are hard.

We all get those days!

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Where can we see you play this year? Any new dates coming up?

Not at the moment - as most of the year I have been playing live, on tour and at festivals. It’s studio-time, now, for me.

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already - or will you be busy working?

Spending it with family in Norfolk and, hopefully, get out somewhere nice for New Year.

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Do you have a gameplan for 2018? What do you want to achieve next year?

I’m writing with some new artists (and myself) so will be producing, either a new E.P. or working towards my first album - and seeing how that all goes.

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).  

You Can Do Anything - Sia

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INTERVIEW: AlphaCub

INTERVIEW:

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AlphaCub

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CANADIAN songwriter AlphaCub…

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is currently working on his full-length record with acclaimed talent such as Ken Lewis (Katy Perry, Lorde). Right now; the track, Don’t Waste My Love (produced by Alex Meade) is out there and gaining a lot of respect. I ask AlphaCub about the song and the background; he tells me the reasons he's donating proceeds to Cystic Fibrosis Canada; how 1980s Canadian music resonated at an early age – and why this week has been a stressful one. 

I learn more about an artist determined to spread his music to the people. AlphaCub talks about plans regarding U.K. performance and how his parents’ music collection inspired him – and why Canada is producing so many great artists.

PHOTOS: Michael Mangov

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

Honestly, this week has been sh*t. Relationship stuff; family stuff - life stuff, ya know? That's how it goes. Overall in life; I'm happy.

I'm happy to be talking to you!

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

My name is AlphaCub. Some people like it; some don't.

What can you tell us about the new track, Don’t Waste My Love?

I wrote that song with my producer, Alex Meade. It's inspired by Canadian 1980s Light-Rock. The synthy stuff: Alfie Zappacosta, Gino Vinelli; The Box and Gowan.

I just met Gowan - nicest guy.

It has quite an energised and club-ready pump! Did you want to create a track that would get people dancing?

F*ck yeah, I did!

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The chorus has a great hum and addictiveness. Was that the lynchpin and muse that got that led to the song’s creation?

The chorus came first and the melody just popped into my head. I originally envisioned it with more horns but, as you move forward with an idea, it evolves.

Will there be an official video for the track – one with a concept and actors – in the pipeline?

No plans for a video but...who knows - I love putting my face on camera and showing it to people.

You are working with Ken Lewis on your upcoming album. What has it been like working with him and what did he bring to the music? Did you learn a lot from him?

Well. I've never met him in my life but his reputation speaks for itself. His mixes take my songs to the next level.

So; I like him and I can only hope he'd like me.

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The proceeds from your new track go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. What is your experience with the illness and have you had friends/family members affected?

My first agent, Paul Gourlie, passed away from C.F. almost five years ago. My niece was born with it. It's a nasty affliction and I want to help people with it in any way I can. I make music: it's the thing I have to offer a cause - and C.F. is the cause close to my heart.

Can you reveal when the album is out and what kind of themes you tackle on it?

All I can say is it'll be released in 2018.

The album is about how everyone is something else: everyone is something that you don't see.

I am getting a lot of requests from Canadian artists. You are in Toronto. What is the music scene like there and what is about Canada that produces so many interesting musicians?!

I love it here and the music scene is really exciting. As far as ‘the thing that makes us interesting’; I don't think it's any one thing - we're just a bad-ass group of people; each with our own unique history to draw from.

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Do you remember the first artists that got you hooked on music? What was your record collection like when you were younger?

It was my parents’ tape collection and it had a bit of everything - from The Beatles to Air Supply; from Jann Arden to Seal.

(My dad really loved Seal.)

When I was four-years-old; my mom woke me up in the middle of the night to come watch a Bengals video. I think that was the moment it happened - or maybe it was the first time I heard Shout by Tears for Fears.

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

Peter Gabriel - So

Radiohead - OK Computer

Jeff Buckley - Grace

These albums taught me how to be a songwriter and how to find my voice.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we see you play?

December 1st at The Horseshoe in Toronto.

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Are you coming to the U.K. soon?

I love the U.K. and I hope to get there in 2018.

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

Don't ever stop. You're right. People need to listen and it's your job to make them listen. Don't ever stop. Do what you love.

Nothing else matters.

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).

My fav. band right now is GUNSHIP and their song, The Mountain, is my jam!

Play it!

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INTERVIEW: ETCHES

INTERVIEW:

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ETCHES

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AFTER their single Love Is…

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captured the public imagination and gained kudos; the lads launched into a double A-side, Human Façade/My New Empire. The former concerns an ex-adult industry whistle-blower. The song examines the effect of online pornography on the mind and consciences. My New Empire drips with 1960s Motown influence and a lo-fi rhythm section. The Liverpool band talk about their craft and how the songs came together; how they got together and started playing – what the next step is for them.

I ask them about their favourite albums and songs; what gigs we can expect them to play; how their Christmases are faring – and what the music scene is like in Liverpool right now.

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

As the one member of the band without a car or a Liverpool residency - I’ve been fairly shafted by Mersey rail industrial action and the ongoing Lime St. works this week.

Business as usual for everyone else…

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

We play Alt-Pop with fat choruses.

Human Façade/My New Empire is your new double A-side (out on Friday, 3rd November). What is the origin of the songs?

We have a painfully democratic process of deciding on what ideas and half-songs are going to be fleshed out. Human Façade, at first a lazy drum and bass loop, almost didn’t make the final cut until it was welded onto another half-song that had been knocking about for years.

My New Empire appeared almost fully formed from Ross; for us then to add guitars and instrumental nuances.

Why release a double A-side? What was it about the songs that compelled you to release both?

We’ve been sitting on these songs for a while and just wanted to get them out there. At this point, the desire to have them public outweighed any release strategies.

Both songs find contrasting sounds. There is everything from Motown/Soul to Psychedelia. Would you say your current material is broader and more ambitious than your earlier stuff?

I’d say so...

In the past, our tracks began pretty far-out, and then, were gradually reigned in. We are better at telling the difference between what’s fun to play and what gets to the point more these days.

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James Bragg produces. What was it like working with him?

He had no agenda and would just listen and fiddle with things - a temperament most suited to enduring us in the studio.

Can you tell me how ETCHES came together and what those early rehearsal sessions were like?

A long time ago, under various incarnations, originating in Guildford. The band is getting progressively younger (and more northern) -which 3/5ths of us are glad about.

Do you all share a love of the same artists? Who are the musicians you all look up to?

Not necessarily; although, we find common ground in Jazz, Hip-Hop; classic Pop as well as modern weirdos like Ariel Pink, UMO and King Krule.

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Will your new singles lead to an album or E.P.?

It’s possible: we certainly have an album's worth of material good to go.

The band is based in Liverpool. How vibrant and busy is the city when it comes to new music? Do you think the city gets the credit it deserves?

Actually, three of us are in Liverpool: one in Manchester and one in Wigan. Admittedly, we are out-of-the-loop, almost completely, in Liverpool.

What tour dates do you chaps have coming up?

Manchester – The Castle (02/11).

London - The Islington (04/11).

Liverpool – East Village Arts Club (26/11; supporting Echobelly).

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Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

Not necessarily new artists - but this year I’ve enjoyed new albums by Richard Dawson, Xiu Xiu; OXBOW and Show Me the Body.

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

595 by Karate

It has everything I love in equal measure: Jazz, Post-Rock and Emo. It evokes fond memories of sitting around listening to music with friends in university halls - where I first heard it.

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

Paul: Decide immediately whether you want to make it a career or whether you are in a band to have fun and play a few shows. If you want a career, you need to work harder than you ever have before; push yourself, your relationships and your finances further than you sometimes even feel comfortable with - and always strive towards acceptance of the fact that even then, that probably won't be enough. ‘The music industry’. That phrase is a misnomer, to say the least. Trying to be a professional musician is a kind of insanity.

But there are fun bits.

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Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Quality time with loved ones all around, I think. I, however, will be working on Christmas Day; earning triple-pay…reflecting on life choices.

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).

Paul: Somewhere Safe by Elevant as my song - and suggest people check out the labels Deathly Records and Loner Noise for new artists in the city

Ducktails – Letter of Intent

If You’re Here – Cornelius

Carolina Bela – Jorge Ben e Toquinho

Richard Dawson – Black Dog in the Sky

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Follow ETCHES

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INTERVIEW: Larry Gordon

INTERVIEW:

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 Larry Gordon

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I was eager to find out more concerning…

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Larry Gordon’s new single, Running Away. It is also his debut and a tremendous offering that promises future brilliance. Gordon discusses working with Curb Records and whether we can see any new material before 2018; how he got started in the music business – and how it feels being compared to the likes of Justin Timberlake.

Gordon tells me about his tour with Akon – and icon he is looking forward to hitting the road with – and how it feels seeing his music used on T.V. and film; the artists/sounds he was raised on – and whether the U.S. artist is looking forward to visiting the U.K. for the first time.

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

My week has been good - and very hectic at the same time. I have been super-excited about experiencing the U.K. for the first time.

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

My name is Larry Gordon. I am a Pop artist who loves music. I write, perform and produce songs that allow you to zone-out and let the music consume you...

I call it ‘feel-good’ music.

Running Away is your debut single. Has it been a long process putting the song together – or has it gelled quite easily?

Running Away actually came together in a unique way. The chorus of the song came first and everything else just fell in line from there.

Curb Records is who you are signed to. What is it like working alongside them?

Curb Records is a very supportive company with an amazing staff. They always push you to be better. With the new Pop division at Curb Records; I’m at the right place at the right time. All the hard work I’ve done over the years is making the dream a reality as a songwriter and artist at the label.

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What comes next in terms of music? Is there an E.P. afoot?

I’ll continue to perform, produce and write for myself and co-write with other artists.

Yes, an E.P. is scheduled for release late-2017 or early-2018.

What compelled your decision to come into music? Was it something you have wanted since you were small?

I’ve been in and around music since I can remember. So, I guess you can say that I’ve wanted this since childhood. Also, seeing my father and mother entertain/perform nationally and abroad compelled me to be in the music business.

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You have garnered comparisons to the likes of Justin Timberlake. Is it quite daunting being linked to an artist like that?

To be honest, I am extremely humbled to be compared to someone of his magnitude. He is an amazing musician and writer.

I believe your music has already been featured in film and T.V. How did you get involved in that side of the business and what is it like hearing your song on the screen?

Yes. The songs End of the World and MV were featured on Love & Hip Hop New York and Los Angeles. The same songs were also featured in two movies: Yoga Hosier (ft. Johnny Deep) and Hoovey - which is an inspirational sports story. Film and television are two areas that I have always been interested in.

Any time that I am writing, it is (with) the intention that the song will be used in multiple areas of the industry. 

Tell me about some of the artists you were raised on…

Well. My parents had an eighteen-piece orchestra/show-band that I grew up performing in. So, I was exposed to a variety of music genres such as Big Band, Country; Rock, Gospel; Jazz, R&B; Rap and so on.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kehlani

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Kehlani, Demi Lovato; Migos and Bryson Tiller.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Migos

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

Michael Jackson – Bad

Because it has so many classic records on this album. He opened the gateway for you to get lost in the ‘moments’ of each song.

He definitely gave you an experience. 

Usher – Confessions

This is definitely an album you let play from beginning to end. To me, it is, hands-down, one of the best-crafted albums of all time. Each song had its own individual story or situation that you could relate to.

Lil' Larry – Lybeatrics

This was the first album I ever wrote - and I did it all by myself. The reason it is so close to me, when I listen to each song, it takes me back to the place where it all started - and the main reason why I wanted to become a songwriter, artist/entertainer and producer.

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

Don’t put yourself in a box: have a vision and stick to it. Understand that everyone will not always agree with or see your vision – so, being ‘CONSISTENT’ is key. 

You are coming to the U.K. for the first time. Are you excited about heading here? What else will you be doing when over here?

Yes, this is my first time in the U.K.

I am extremely excited and it is an honor to be here. I remember being in history class saying to myself: “I hope I can go there one day!” I want to visit Bath, Stonehenge; Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace etc.

I can’t wait to try some of the local cuisine like fish and chips, jellied eel; meat pies and so on. I want the full experience! (L.O.L.)

You’ll be supporting Akon. Is that something you are looking forward to? Are you a bit fan of his music?

Most definitely!

Akon is an ‘icon’ in the industry. He embodies the true definition of a ‘Pop’ superstar. I am really eager to meet, watch; listen and learn from him.

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Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?

My plans at the moment are to be with my family and friends. I am really big on family and everyone getting together for the holidays.

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).

Yes, of course!

I would like to hear from Sam Smith - Too Good at Goodbyes

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INTERVIEW: SIIGHTS

INTERVIEW: 

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 SIIGHTS

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THIS is not the first time I have featured…

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SIIGHTS on these pages. Toni and Mia talk about their current single, Alive, and what the story behind it is. They tell me how they got together and why Alive, with its anti-bullying message, is especially personal and relevant to them. The girls have had a busy week so I ask what come next and whether they have plans for later this year; the albums and artists that have inspired them most – and whether there will be tour dates upcoming.

I learn more about a fantastic and close duo who give me a view into their world and music life. They talk about a couple of artists we should check out; whether there is an E.P. approaching – and how their music has developed over the last few months.

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Hi, Toni and Mia. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey, Sam. We’re really well, thank you. It’s been a hectic week; we just released a new track and have just got back from the U.S - so, it’s been a really busy one (which is great). 

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

Sure. We are new duo, SIIGHTS; made up of Toni Etherson from Glasgow, Scotland - and Mia Fitz from Dublin, Ireland. 

Alive is your new track. It has already gained applause and positivity. Is it exciting knowing your music connects with people?

Yes, definitely.

It means a lot to us to get that feedback from people. We try to write about stuff that has happened to us personally - that we know might be relatable for others, too. It’s always going to be a scary process when you create something and then put it out there. At the moment, we’re doing everything ourselves - from the songwriting/recording and producing the record.

We’re so close to everything, creatively; it really is amazing to get such a positive reaction from people.

I believe there is an anti-bullying message and a need for positivity that runs through the song. Were there any other sources of inspiration and was it quite tough writing it?

Yes! we really wanted to share a message of hope and understanding to show people who’ve gone through any kind of struggle in life that they’re not alone. The video touches on some visual examples of personal struggle; the lyrics in the song explain the journey through reflecting on the situation – It’s about finding your inner-strength and realising you’re stronger than you think. 

“I won’t speak your words” is a lyric in a song but, for us, it’s a statement for anyone who’s deciding they won’t be made feel less than they are - or made to feel like they don’t fit in. It’s about saying that you won’t conform to other people’s ideals of what or how they should live their life: you won’t believe any negative things other people may say about you; that you’ll think for yourself and just be yourself.

Most of all we just wanted to make a positive, uplifting song that empowers anyone who’s felt a bit low at any point in their life.

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It has a different vibe to songs like Nobody Like U. Do you make sure each song has its own skin and identity?

I guess, with every new song we write, we’re trying to portray how we’re feeling in that moment as honestly and openly as we can. Production-wise, we have so many influences - and Alive was a new side of our coin that we haven’t really shown before.

So, it’s a great to be able to share that with everyone.

Do you think there will be an E.P. or album next year?

We have so much music. We’re currently in the studio at the moment, too. L.O.L.! So, we plan on getting as much of it out there as possible; whether in the form of an E.P. or album - both are definitely things we would like to do.

Take me back to the start and how you met? How did SIIGHTS come to be?

We met in L.A. Mia was on tour with Hozier and writing on her days off. I was out there writing for other people and we were introduced. We started out writing together for other people. It's crazy what’s happened since then. L.O.L.! 

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It seems like you have a sisterly bond! Is that one of the reasons the music sounds as tight and together, would you say?

I definitely think it helps...

When you’re creating music with someone, you definitely have to be on the same page and get each other’s vision. I think that’s the main reason we decided to start a project together in the first place - because we worked so well together writing in the studio...

It’s been such an amazing journey so far. 

There are more all-female duos/bands emerging. Do you feel it is important more light is shone on female acts and why do you think there is a rise at the moment?

It definitely feels like there are more female acts around lately - which we think is amazing! In an industry that has always been very male-dominated: I think it’s great that young girls are able to identify with and have strong female role models in the industry - and not just as artists but as producers, recording engineers and musicians, also.

We think It’s important that equal light is shone on females in the industry (as it is on the men).

Are there particular artists that have inspired your sound? Who did you both grow up listening to?

Mia: Definitely. I find I’m constantly being inspired by different music and things around me. Growing up, I listened to a lot of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson; Fleetwood Mac and quite a bit of Folk music, also.

Toni: I would listen to Brandy and Christina Aguilera; Oasis - a real mix of stuff, to be honest. I really love Soul music but, once I learned to play the guitar, Oasis and The Verve took my interest for most of my teens. L.O.L.! 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kllo

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

We’re loving Kllo’s new track, Predicament. They’re  Australian and killing it right now. 

Also; Jaz Karis. Their Into the Wilderness E.P. is SO GOOD! The single, Sugar Don’t Be Sweet, is a vibe. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Jaz Karis

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we catch you play?

We’ve just got back from L.A. and are back in the studio at the moment. We’re making plans over the next few months (for 2018) - as we’re excited to come play for everyone who’s supported us online from all around the world.

We can’t wait. 

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

Mia: Great question - and it’s a hard one. I’d have to say I really love the album Simple Things by Zero 7.

I think it’s quite timeless.

Toni: I was going to say Brandy - Never Say Never (but I know I’ve said that before). L.O.L.! So, I’m going with London Grammar - If You Wait

This is the soundtrack to my 2015 - 2016 travels; it’s what I listened to on every long-haul flight in and out of L.A on my first few trips there - and my life really changed then. Musically, it’s just brilliant and timeless. 

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

Don’t give up, always believe in yourself; find influence in everything around you; don’t be scared to truly express yourself - and forget about what anyone else might think about you.

Christmas is not too far away. Do you both have plans already or will you be busy working?

We love Christmas.

We generally spend that time in the studio - and then we head home to spend time with our families, too. 

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).

Mia: X- Ambassadors – Gorgeous (Upstate Sessions)

Toni : Billie Eilish - Ocean Eyes

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INTERVIEW: Akiva

INTERVIEW:

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 Akiva

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WITH so much tension emerging in the…

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political arenas of the U.K. and U.S.; it is only natural musicians would want their say. Akiva are based in Bedfordshire - and are one of the most intriguing and engaged bands around. I ask them about their new single, M.O.D., and the connection it has to the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Be the Best’ slogan – and how they feel about that. The guys discuss their feelings about President Trump and recruitment of military personnel; whether the world is in stable hands – and why they have been compelled to react.

They chat about their musical idols and how Akiva formed; the story behind M.O.D’s awesome animated video; what comes next for them – whether there will be more material surfacing very soon.

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

All good, thanks. Been a good week. 

Our new single, M.O.D’s been getting some good feedback - so we’re all pretty happy.

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

Yep. We’re Akiva; a four-piece Electro-Indie outfit from Bedfordshire. We’re into analogue synth. loops; drum-beats with a groove; rolling basslines; Stones-y guitar sounds and big choruses. Our sound was probably originally inspired by all that Electro-Indie crossover stuff that came out of the nineties: The Charlatans, Primal Scream; Unkle; Black Grape; Doves, Stereo MC’s etc. – and, also more recently, the likes of The Horrors, Jamie T and Beyond The Wizards Sleeve. We’re also big fans of trying to use music to get a message across - particularly in the volatile climate we currently live in. 

We were recently described as ‘George Orwell-meets-The Killers’ - which is not far off.

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Tell me about M.O.D. and the inspiration behind the song?

M.O.D. was originally written when we had that massive spate of soldiers being sent back from Afghanistan in coffins and paraded through Wooten Basset. At the time, it felt like it was happening almost every other day. There was a massive amount of respect shown for them by the public - and it was pretty emotional stuff to watch on the news every night. The tragedy of it was that it felt like all of those deaths were completely avoidable and unnecessary - particularly, in light of the fact that that war doesn’t seem to have achieved anything...

Talk to me about the video and the animations employed. Was that quite tough to put together?

Yes, but we don’t get to take any of the credit for that part!

We hooked up with an animator called Wayne McCauslin to put the video together. We put an early release of the track out to a load of music video-makers and animators - and Wayne came back with a really powerful pitch that we instantly loved. He completely understood the song, the message; our taste in music and what we’re generally about. We loved some of the stuff he’d done before, too. We’d play his other videos with the sound turned down and stick our tracks over the top - and it just felt like whatever he did would fit with our music.

We spent a couple of months going back and forwards with Wayne’s ideas and our feedback - but we didn’t really ask him to change anything he came up with. He got it right from the beginning, so we just went completely with his vision. We think he did an amazing job. It’s funny: it feels like we’ve known him for ages now, although we’ve never actually met or even spoken on the phone as everything was done by email (he lives in Germany and we’re in England).

It’ll be funny when we do finally meet up (I haven’t even got any idea what his accent is…).

Does that Ministry of Defence ‘Be the Best’ slogan, juxtaposed against the funeral parades we saw in Wootton Bassett, rile and disgust you as a band?!

We have to be careful not to get too high and mighty about this. It’s easy to have a pop at politicians - and we understand you need an army and people to protect the country. What our armed forces did in World War II, for example, was incredible; brave and inspirational - and we all owe them a massive debt. However, in the last fifteen years or so, it’s all just felt so pointless. Very few people think the wars we’ve been engaged in have actually protected us against anything. Yeah, that ‘Be the Best’ slogan did rile - that’s why it’s referenced in the song.

‘Be the Best’ was a marketing slogan trying to persuade very young lads - who didn’t know what to do with their lives - to go and stand in front of bullets for no obvious reason. In the '00s, the average age of a new army recruit was nineteen. I understand that all organisations have to do a bit of advertising to get people interested. It’s one thing using that sort of emotive language to sell someone a car: quite another to ask a kid to put their life on the line, for no apparent cause.

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Politics and polemics of war play heavy in your aesthetic and mindset. What is your view regarding the way Britain is changing and the divides you see around you?

Yeah, massively so... 

I remember talking to my granddad as a kid about World War II; he was in the Navy. At that time, almost everyone had a living link in their family to someone who had fought, died or been involved at some level. We all lived in a very peaceful time but the memory and awareness of just how devastating and destructive conflict could be (was) very apparent and it affected how people thought and behaved. That living link has all but gone now and as this has disappeared: it feels like that awareness of the consequences of war has evaporated as well.

People don’t take anywhere near as much care in what they say. Highly divisive and threatening rhetoric gets flung around now in such a casual manner: it’s pretty scary where it might lead.  I don’t think it’s just Britain, either – this seems to be happening everywhere at the moment.

The same goes for the U.S. Do you feel Trump is a man who needs to be stopped? Why do you think he is someone who, apparently, speaks to a lot of Americans?!

Trump is obviously a disaster-zone.

He’s a complete imbecile with a lot of power and extremely divisive opinions - which makes him very dangerous. However, I do also think he’s a symptom of a wider problem at the moment, rather than the cause. If he gets ousted, there could equally be another populist lunatic taking the reins. Growing inequality over the last few decades has played a big part in that. There are a lot of people who are stuck in a rut with no obvious way of getting out and chancers with intellectually lazy, flawed populist ideas are now starting to appeal to them. Trump is the aristocratic, son of multi-millionaire; whose vast wealth is purely a result of his huge inheritance. 

Despite this, he managed to win the votes of millions of broke, working-class Americans. He has no idea what their experience of life is like and he certainly won’t make their lives any better – yet, they still all voted for him. Something, somewhere, must have gone very wrong with our political system for that to be able to happen.

Bedfordshire is where you are all based. How did Akiva come to be and what is the inspiration behind the name?

We all went to school together. Rob and Dave are brothers and were at junior-school with Malc. I moved down from the North and met the others at secondary-school. We started out by messing around with guitar riffs and trying to learn the odd cover - that we could play to our mates in the school talent shows and stuff. In the sixth-form, we started to take it a bit more seriously and set up camp in Dave and Rob’s foam-plastered garage - much to the disappointment of their neighbours. That’s when we formed the band properly. 

We were originally called ‘Hush’ but changed our name to Akiva in 2004 - when we released our first album. Akiva is the name of a character in an old Second World War film called Kelly’s Heroes.

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Your music mixes in classics, Rave suggestion and Grunge undertones – packed inside intense and to-the-point lyrics. Who were the artists you all grew up with and source as influences?

The Grunge thing comes mainly from Nirvana - who were the first band we all got into. We were very young, then. We loved Kurt Cobain, the energy and those noisy guitars - but we didn’t really identify with the whole ‘I-hate-myself-and-want-to-die’ thing. That’s why bands like Oasis, Primal Scream; The Charlatans and the Prodigy appealed to us so much more. They had the same energy and Punk spirit - but it was all so much more uplifting. The Rave scene had that energy, too. Malc used to go to a lot of raves and my brother started D.J-ing old-skool, Drum & Bass and breakbeat - so I got a lot of those influences passed down to me.

We loved the feel and sound of a lot of Rave and old Dance tunes; however, for us, guitar music was always the first love; mainly because of its powerful ability to send a message. People like James Dean Bradfield, Ian Brown and Thom Yorke were big inspirations as they always had something important to say. 

Also, and probably most significantly, it was going back and discovering The Who and The Rolling Stones that made the biggest difference for us. That late-1960s combination of swaggering, upbeat guitar tunes with powerful, politically-tinged messages in the lyrics – incredible! Sympathy for the Devil and Won’t Get Fooled Again became our blueprints for what a song should be...

It seems your music is as influenced by the cornerstones of legendary music and Question Time/BBC Radio 4 alike. Would that be a fair assessment?!

Yeah. It seems weird for a band to say they’re influenced by Radio 4 , but I think if you going to write about something, you have to do your research and you have to understand what it is you’re talking about. We read a lot and listen to and watch a lot of programmes about news, politics; economics and history - because we want to understand things. We want to know what’s going on in the world and why. Songs with personal themes (love, loss; pain, regret and aspiration) have always been those that appeal to people the most; however, for us, it’s combining the personal and the political that makes the most powerful music. It doesn’t work with the political on its own (no-one wants to hear a song about the Government’s fiscal policy!) but, when you combine love and class-conflict..you get A Design for Life. When you mix anxiety and the Vietnam War...you get Gimme Shelter.

This was very much at the back of our minds when we wrote M.O.D. - and framed what we were trying to achieve.

George Orwell is a hero for all of you. What is it about him and his writing that connects with the band?

George Orwell was a visionary and a genius. Nothing short.

1984, in particular, is a bit of Bible for us. It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that he wrote this nearly seventy years ago - yet it couldn’t be more relevant today. The stuff about Big Brother and surveillance was prescient: look at the Edward Snowden revelations. I also remember when George W. Bush first declared the ‘War on Terror’, thinking: “Who is he actually waging war on?! Terror isn’t a country or a person it’s a concept. How can you win a war against an idea?!”. George Orwell had this nailed in the 1984 plotline: the state constantly declares itself at war with unknown and intangible enemies to create fear and uncertainty in the population. This allows them to maintain control and stay in power.

This is exactly what Bush did. Despite being one of the most incompetent presidents America has ever seen; in 2004, he managed to get re-elected - largely, in part, to this everlasting ‘War on Terror’ he’d created.

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What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we catch you play?

We’ve not got many live dates in the diary over the next few months, unfortunately. We’re focusing on writing some new songs - which we’re planning to record early next year. We’re also teaming up with Wayne again. Next week, we start work on another video for our next single - which will be called Ammunition. 

You can probably guess what the themes of this one are about, too…

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

Me (Dave MacK - Vocals):  Mine would probably be Tellin' Stories by The Charlatans

I had this on-repeat permanently as a teenager and still never tire of it. It’s the combination of that Stones-y, Dylan-esque swagger; Burgess’ heady, optimistic vocal drawl and those pounding drums, basslines and piano riffs - it just makes you feel so alive! I used to feel like I could do anything when I listened to this. 

I still do, now! 

Malc (Guitar): The Stone Roses’ debut album (The Stone Roses)

It has everything I adore in music swirled into a perfect package - and twinned with the coolest original artwork, personal to the band. Grooving basslines; the funkiest breakbeat drumming; an arrogant swagger; dark, cutting and topical lyrics disguised in familiar, uplifting melodic harmonies… and then; the sparkling, absorbing guitar that binds and lifts these tracks to magical perfection. If I’m happy, I want to hear this record: in my deepest despair, I reached for this album - a night out on the town is improved by hearing a track from this album.

When I pick up my Les Paul it’s this album I think of - and I fall in love with music over and over again.

Dave Merc (Drums): I’d go for Ill Communication by the Beastie Boys 

Layered; new; aged; aggressive and blissfully chilled - all in one album. It encapsulated the confusion of my late-teens, but it had a culture about it and a resilience that helped see me through those days with focus and persistence.

Rob (Bass): David Bowie – Hunky Dory would get my vote

There’s not much I can say about this album that hasn’t already said. It’s just a masterpiece and I can’t help but be moved by it every time. Bowie was a true genius. I felt like I’d lost a close friend when he died last year.

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

Work hard, practice loads and don't expect to make any money! You really do have to do it for the love of it - now that all music is pretty much free. That's always been our biggest motivation: trying to become as good as we can at playing and writing and trying to create something we can really be proud of. 

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

We haven't made any Christmas plans yet. It gets a bit annoying seeing Christmas ads when we haven't even had Halloween yet.

There are still two months to go…

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).

(With pleasure):

Propellerheads - Bang On!

Black Grape - Reverend Black Grape

Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy

David Bowie - Life on Mars?

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INTERVIEW: The Americans

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Concepción Studios 

The Americans

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FEW bands would be harder to locate on Google…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Garnell

than The Americans. Combine it with most search-terms and you'd come up with a mass of irrelevant results! I ask the guys about the name and where it derives from; how they all got together in the start; the music/sounds that mould who they are - and whether there are any Christmas plans formed.

The boys talk about their new album, I'll Be Yours, and the themes that inspire it; their favourite tracks from the record - and why they are compelled by the old Rock and Roll masters such as Chuck Berry.

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

Patrick: So kind of you to ask…

Zac: It's been a good week. The Dodgers are going to the World Series. We've got a record coming out in a couple weeks.

Jake: As Zac said - and it’s my birthday on Oct. 21st.

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

Patrick: I sing and play the guitar.

Zac: I play guitar and banjo.

Jake: I play the upright and electric bass. I also repair the pump organs.

Your band-name must be the least-Google-friendly ever! What is the relevance of the name and do you worry it might put some off?!

Zac: We got the idea from a collection of photographs called The Americans by a photographer named Robert Frank. Our first drummer, Cody Edison, was a photographer who introduced us to his work. These days, he is a full-time photographer - and took the photo on the cover of our upcoming record, I'll Be Yours.

Right now, being American in general, might put some people off - regardless of our band-name. I think that having the opportunity to travel around the world representing a side of America that embraces all the culture we have in this country, and our great music, is a privilege.

Jake: America is grander than its current state. From my view, we have the name after the Robert Frank photography series - because he showed a complex America both beautiful and ugly; rich and poor.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sari Thayer

Is it true you all got together through a shared love of busking?

Patrick: That's true: I started busking in high-school.

Zac: I have often thought of busking as more of a necessity than something I love. We all used to busk - but I think our connection was more in the music we were playing than busking itself.

Jake: Patrick and I used to busk in San Francisco over on Broadway and Kearny. I remember strippers coming out and giving us some of their one-dollar bills. We made friends with the homeless community in North Beach and even did a recording project with several of the local homeless musicians. One of the guys, Deforrest Wiggins, claims he used the C.D. we made to get himself off the street.

But, truth be told, it was just his desire to get off of it.

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I’ll Be Yours is your forthcoming album. Can you tell us about the themes and ideas you explore in it?

Patrick: Devotion and solitude.

Is there a song from the album you all hold dear?

Gone at Last

Zac: I really like Long Way from Home

Jake: I was really happy with the way I’ll Be Yours came out

Your sound is Roots with Rock and Roll thrown in. It seems to hark back to pre-War Country and legends like Chuck Berry. What is it about the time period that appeals to you?

Patrick: I don't know if you could put your finger on it exactly. It was a renaissance that began soon after the invention of recorded music - and lasted over half-a-century. The phonograph record gave voices to all different musical cultures, styles and textures that had spent an eternity sequestered. Then they all started combining...

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PHOTO CREDIT: Broadway Photography

It's an event that could only happen once.

Zac: I don't think there is a lot about that time period that appeals to me. I think, for most people, things were as hard then as they are now, if not harder. I guess, in general, music was better. We've all argued a lot about different ideas for why that could be. I think musicians probably just use to devote more time and effort into making music. Most musicians drew on solid traditions from the past a lot more - instead of making originality a top priority.

That being said, I think we all love Hip-Hop - which is always trying to be really progressive.

Jake: As Zac was saying, living now is quantifiably better in so many regards - it seems strange to seem sentimental. With that said, I’d say the things that appeal to me about another era would be to really ask what I like about how another era handled the human condition. People have always wanted to dance and I like the way the 1950s embraced the rumba rhythm for much of its music.

People have always had a black market and I like the bravado that came out of the '20s bootlegging and gambling songs. When there was a high mortality amongst women and children, they wrote murder ballads and used the ballad as a form of information.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Brendan Pattengale

It seems like you are trying to create something new. Do you think music lacks invention, in a way?!

Patrick: No. I think all creative work necessarily involves invention. It's less like creation and more like discovery: if you discover a lode of silver that someone is already mining, you didn't discover anything.

Jake: No. I wouldn’t say that. I would never say that. I would say that musical innovation is an American trait that we hold dearly.

Zac: I would like to see more people focus on making good music, instead of trying to invent things. Invention happens naturally when people pursue whatever moves them in music as diligently as possible.

The Right Stuff is the current single from the album. What is the song all about?

Patrick: It's about failure and coming to terms with it. Creative work also necessitates failure; even becoming comfortable with it.

Los Angeles is your base. How hospitable is the city when it comes to accommodating your love of older music?

Basically, everyone I know, besides my parents, who like music that I like I met down here.

Jake: There’s a thriving scene for old American music in Los Angeles.  

Zac: There is a long history of really good music in this city. There is a train station in East L.A. called Mariachi Plaza - where Norteño musicians hang out all day and night, waiting to be picked up for parties.

A lot of the songs they play are over a-hundred-years-old.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Christian Lee Hutson

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Patrick: Christian Lee Hutson.

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

Time Out of Mine - Bob Dylan

Zac:  I'll Be Yours (comes out Nov. 3rd)

Jake: The Anthology of American Folk Music compiled by Harry Smith

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

Patrick: If you can develop a couple of sets' worth of songs – covers, if you have to - some bars will pay you a decent wage; no matter how small or new you are. Book some of those along with a tour - and you'll actually make money.

Jake: Coming through what?! Puberty?!

Zac: I'm not sure if I feel qualified to give anyone advice on that matter.

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Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already - or will you be busy working?

Patrick: I'll be up in San Francisco with my folks. My brother and sister and nieces and nephews always come over Christmas morning.

Jake: We’ll be writing new material.

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).

Patrick: 'Cross the Green Mountain - Bob Dylan

Jake: The Creole Love Call - Rahsaan Roland Kirk

Zac: Ma Blonde Est Partie - Breaux Freres

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INTERVIEW: St. Bishop

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel Foxton

 St. Bishop

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HIS family know him as Stephen Bishop but, to us…

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ARTWORK CREDIT: Ethan Hart

he is known as St. Bishop. I ask the Irish songwriter about his current song, Porcelain, and why it has such emotional resonance; how he started out in music - and whether coming out to his family was a tough experience. St. Bishop talks about his style and music and the artists that have been instrumental; what the music scene is like where he is - and whether there will be more material in the future.

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

Thanks for asking. I’m good.

It’s been a pretty busy week doing the last bit of prep. for the single release - but it’s been good. I have been living in Dublin full-time for over four years now and rarely get to go home to Monaghan to my parents’ house - but this week, I had a few days off and went back home and spent time with my family; so that was really nice.

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

Yeah, so, I’m St. Bishop. I am an Alt-R&B artist based in Dublin. I have spent the last year-and-a-half writing, recording and developing my sound with producer Sean Behan from A Place Called Kai.

Talk to me about the name, ‘St. Bishop’. Is there a story behind that?

When I first started gigging my own material, I used the name 'BISHOP’ (which is my surname). I started working with a band when I was in my second year of college. But, after a few months, we parted ways and then I began working with Sean Behan - and joined his independent label A Place Called Kai. I then changed the name to St. Bishop.

There is not much of story to the name except that it’s my own name - just without a few of the letters – and, also, 'St. Bishop' makes me sound way cooler than just 'Stephen Bishop'.

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ARTWORK CREDIT: Ethan Hart

I am interested in the new single, Porcelain. Is there an inspiration that led to its creation?

I wrote Porcelain, not long after coming out to my family and friends. For me, it’s the boldest statement I could make about my sexuality. Its lyrical content and emotion is inspired by my struggle with self-acceptance issues. I found the shift from adolescence to adult life quite difficult; so, I guess calling myself 'porcelain white’ is a reference to my youth and innocence - which can’t last forever and is tainted in the chorus with the unreserved expression of my sexual desire.

It was the marriage of these two ideas that created this song.

How instrumental has your coming-out been to your songwriting and writing the material you do at the moment? Was it an emotional time – revealing your homosexuality to your family?

For me, songwriting is an incredibly therapeutic process: there is nothing better than down at the piano and pouring out all of the mess that’s inside your head; it not only helps my own mental health but also has the potential to help others when they hear the song. That’s pretty cool, if you ask me. Before I came out, I tended to not write songs that were about my own life: I would shy away from being honest in my songwriting as I knew I wasn’t being honest with myself.

Like, before I came out, I would write songs where the counterpart was female - knowing fine well that I was gay.  After coming out, I was more comfortable with myself and began to write about personal experiences. This enabled me to come to terms with a lot of self-acceptance issues I’ve had.

Coming out to my family was a really lovely experience. I was really nervous but it was actually great. I’m incredibly lucky as I have such a loving and caring family. Everyone was just really happy for me. When I look back I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner but, then, I guess I just wasn’t ready to do it when I was younger.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Samul Foxton

It seems you have taken a positive approach to your sexuality – celebrating it rather than shying away. Do you feel, in society and music, there is still a lack of compassion and understanding?

For the majority of my life, I have shied away from my sexuality but, since coming out, I have just embraced it. To me, it’s only one part of my life and is just a fact about me. The same way I have brown hair or have blue eyes – it’s just thing that makes me who I am. I feel that a large part of society embrace individuality and are really open-minded when it comes to sexuality. Obviously, there are those who don’t - but I try to not focus on that. It was the passing of the marriage equality referendum in Ireland that made me realise how many people don’t actually care - and just want people to be happy and live their own lives.

So, that’s pretty awesome.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel Foxton

Are you inspired by modern R&B/Electro artists? What artists can we find on your playlist right now?

Yes. I am incredibly inspired by R&B/Electronic artists. It’s my favourite kind of music to listen to, which is good, because it’s the kind of music I write. Currently, I have been listening to a lot of Will Heard, NAO and Daniel Caesar. I also have been listening to a lot of Irish artists such as Jafaris, Wyvern Lingo; LAOISE and Rosie Carney (to name a few).

Did you grow up in a musical household? How early did music come into your life?

My first memory of music coming into my life was when I was about nine or ten when I sang a solo in a school play. I have one brother and one sister who both are very musical. Growing up we all sang and were involved with music, especially in secondary-school. They are both incredible singers and musicians.

Mam and Dad claim responsibility for our musical talents but I’m not sure where they came from to be honest - as neither of my parents are musicians. Having said this, music was always playing in my house when growing up. My parents both have great taste in music.

Leonard Cohen, Tracey Chapman and Norah Jones were the soundtracks to most car journeys as a child.
 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Samul Foxton

Being based in Ireland; how much exposure to great venues and local artists do you have? Do you get the opportunity to bring your material to a variety of audiences?

The Irish music scene is thriving at the moment. It’s incredibly inspiring. I debuted at Electric Picnic this year, which was deadly. It was so cool to see my name on the same bill as so many awesome Irish artists. I have only begun gigging but I am so excited to take my music to different parts of the country/world and share it a variety of audiences.

Can we expect an E.P. at any point? What are you working on right now?

Yeah, so, as I said; I have worked with Sean for about a year-and-a-half and, in that time, we have recorded a good few songs, I have plans for future releases but am unsure if I will release them as a collection of songs or just as singles. I guess time will tell.

But, for now, my first single is finally out and I am really excited to share more songs/stories with people.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Farah Ellie/PHOTO CREDIT: Tara Thomas Photography

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

From studying in BIMM, you’re exposed to so much music and become friends with so many artists. My current favourites are:

Rosie Carney, Ailbhe Reddy; Maria Kelly, LAOISE and Farah Elle (ladies; y’all are killing it).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Ailbhe Reddy/PHOTO CREDIT: @keithoreillly

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

That’s a tough one but I’d say NAO – For All We Know; Adele – 21 and Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit

When I find an album I like, I tend to listen to it every day for weeks/months on end. I honestly couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve played these records. Each of these artists has massively influenced my songwriting/vocals.

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

I think the most important thing is to just work really hard. Don’t do things by halves: take risks and believe in yourself. It’s a scary career path but, if it’s something you want to do, just do it and don’t be apologetic.

Where can we see you play this year? What dates do you have coming up?

I’m playing some really nice shows this year. I have two stripped back gigs coming up: Sin É – 25th October and Crow Club 9th November. I have started planning a really special gig in the New Year - and I am so excited for it.

It’s gonna be sweet.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Samul Foxton

Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?

I have no definite plans for Christmas, except spending time with family and friends and eating loads of food. That’s what Christmas is all about. I will also be working over Christmas and prepping for 2018.

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).

Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae (it’s an absolute tune)

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INTERVIEW: We Are Wolves

INTERVIEW:

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 We Are Wolves

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I won't even mention the fact We Are Wolves...

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are from Canada - as a lot of my current time is being taken up by artists from that part of the world! The guys recommend some great Canadain acts to watch; why each member is an integral part of the machine - and how they channel the darkness of David Lynch with the Disco funkiness of the Bee Gees!

The guys talk about their new song, I Don't Mind, and how its (dramatic and filmic) video came together; what comes next for them; what tour dates are coming up - and how they will be spending this Christmas...

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

Great week! We’ve been working on some new stuff...a bit colder and darker but still Raw/Mutant-Pop. 

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

Hummmm…ok.

We are: WE ARE WOLVES…

A Montreal band with a stand-up drummer, a Weird-Pop-cold Electronics dude - and a Latino guy; playing dark Dance bass-lines with Punk fingers…and a kind-of-Garage-guitar. You could call it ‘Mutant-Pop’.

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I Don’t Mind is out there. What was the inspiration behind the song? 

We have always been fans of Disco and dark soundtracks (think, Carpenter-Moroder) but, in a strange way, we could never do a full-on weird Disco song. On our last album, we just told ourselves that we would do what we wanted and not what people expect...so we went full-on druggy-Disco…kinda.

It has been called a cross between the Bee Gees and David Lynch. It seems you embrace light and darkness in equal measures…  

I loooove light!

I really love the sun and dream of moving to Barcelona or Colombia - but only really feel alive at night..in the darkness (hahaha! Whatever that means...but still true). So, yes, I guess we do “embrace light and darkness in equal measures.”

The video for I Don’t Mind looks dramatic! What was it like seeing it back and what was the shoot like?

We have been working with that dude for a couple of videos and it seems like we share the same interest of the occult and the mystical. So, that video, mixed up with that Disco song, makes a lot of sense.

The song/video is the soundtrack for the New Age occult, as imagined by Jérémie Saindon. Is Saindon someone who brings the best out of your music in a visual form?

Yes!

We never really understand where he wants to go with his vision, his videos. But, then again, I’m not sure he understands, also...

That is exactly the reason why we work with him.

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WRONG is the new album. What kind of themes and stories go into the record? 

Hummmmm…same as always. 

Love; death, but this time, it’s more psychoanalytical and less philosophical.

Can you tell me how you all met - and what it was about one another that formed We Are Wolves.

Art students bored of being art students: I always wanted to be a professional skateboarder and ended up learning to play an instrument (still learning).

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Montréal is home. What is the city like for music and vibes at the moment?

Amazing! Sooo many different scenes, bands; music venues and people making it happen. 

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

My god! That’s hard. There are so many...

VICTIME. Choses Sauvages. Chocolat. Avec le Soleil Sortant de sa Bouche. Paul Jacobs. Incredible Woman. I.D.A.L.G. No Negative. Paupière

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IN THIS PHOTO: Avec le Soleil Sortant de sa Bouche/PHOTO CREDIT: Minelly Kah

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

Could not say anything; it’s too complex. We would need to invite the person or band for dinner and get drunk.

Do you all get the chance to detach from music? What do you all get up to when not making music? 

Hmmm…make more music.

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Where can we see you play this year? What dates do you have coming up?

South America and, hopefully, Europe and Asia.

Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?

Going to see my family in Medellin, Colombia and, hopefully, learn some cumbia - and bring back some influences for the new album.

I love cumbia!

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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).

1: Bernardino Femminielli  - Plaisirs Américains

2: CO/NTRY  - Cash Out

3: No Negative - Cellophane

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INTERVIEW: Binky

INTERVIEW:

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Binky

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HER move into Country music was not instant...

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so I ask Binky about her transition and development. The Essex-born artist unveils her new track, Fireflies, and talks about the music/artists that have inspired her. I learn how Binky came to acquire her raspy and stunning voice; how she moved from T.V. presenting to music - what plans she has for the next few months.

Binky talks about the albums that define who she is; why the U.S. is an important market for her; the relevance of London and its heartbeat - the advice she would offer young songwriters of the moment.

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

Hi. I am very well, thank you.

This week - and the last couple of weeks - have been absolutely amazing! I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful and supportive people around me. I am so overwhelmed with the love and support for Fireflies.

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

I’m Binky and I am a Country-Pop artist from Essex. I started to write and sing Country music about six-seven years ago, now. But, before then, I used to attend many open mic nights around my local area in Essex - and many of the singers from an older generation mentioned that I had a Country twang. For me, as a young girl from Essex, I didn’t know too much about Country. However, more people continued to mention this ‘twang'; so I become intrigued to find out what they meant.

As I grew as a singer - over the years and found my feet - I spent a lot of time with Stevie Lange, and she helped me develop my sound. She, too, agreed that there was something about my tone - that had a strong Country presence. I then decide to focus my core attention to Country music. I fell in love with the stories and the emotions expressed throughout each song...

I then knew that this was the route I was destined to take.

 

Fireflies is your new song. Tell me what the idea behind it is and how it came to you?

My new single, Fireflies, is my interpretation of a Country sound mixed with the Pop sounds of London. Every Country song has a story behind it - which I wanted to portray in my new sound.  The track has a deep relation to the struggles of young people today. We all have daily battles with our own demons and the pressure’s that they can apply to everyday life.

I wanted to merge two sounds together that would really impact on the listener - but in a positive and encouraging way. I don’t really know where the idea came from as such: it kind of just fell into place as we were writing the track.

Sometimes, when you don’t overthink it too much…that’s when the best songs come to life.

It has an addictive sound and sticks in the head. It sounds like it came to you in a flash of inspiration? Would that be fair or did it take a while to formulate?

The first line (written) was the first line of the chorus - “I fly with fireflies” - and my producer played it on the guitar and it just sprung to life from there. We didn’t have a formula for it: we just took it section-by-section and made a story. It was, probably, the best studio session I’ve done. It was so fun bringing it all together and I remember hearing it for the first time - once Michael had finished the production.

It gave me butterflies - and I just knew this was the song I wanted to release as my debut single.

There is a rasp to your voice but elements of Urban sounds and Country in your locker. Who are the artists and singers you idolise when you were younger?

The industry has been home to so many amazing artists over the years and so many of them have inspired me in different ways. I would definitely say (one is) Tina Turner. Her strong vocals and presence on stage always blew me away. She truly is one-of-a-kind. The raspy sounds I think came from the likes of Stevie Nicks, along with the Dolly Parton (and her wonderful vibrato).

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You used to be T.V. presenter. Why did you decide to move into music?

I actually moved into presenting after I started to write and sing Country music. The opportunity to work on The Smith & Rogers Show came up and I thought it was such a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Country culture - including the fans and what they loved so much about the music. I gathered so much inspiration that has been moulded into my new sound. I had a wonderful time filming The Smith & Rogers Country Show with all the team.

I would love to get back to T.V. at some point.

Are there any skills you learned, whilst a presenter, you bring into your music?

Yes, definitely.

The show enabled me to work with a full, live band on a regular basis. This was an amazing experience on its own. But I, of course, learnt a lot about presenting: it was a lot harder than I’d expected - but this has really helped me for when I film my music videos.

It is a similar process. You need to know where the camera is at all times and how to connect with the camera.

It seems the U.S. is very important to you and your sound. Will you get a chance to play over there and how much of the American Country scene do you bring into your music?

The U.S. is home to some of the most incredible Country songs and artists - so it’s very important to my sound as I would like to share Country music with a wider market within the U.K. I started this new sound after visiting Nashville for a while and taking in all the inspiration from artists there - then, merging this with a U.K. Pop sound.

My songs are very diverse and some tracks will portray an American country sound more so than others. I am hoping to go back to the U.S. early next year to share my music over there, too - but, we still have many more new things in the pipeline for my U.K. market as well.

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London is where you’re based. How important is the city and do the people inspire your music?

London is my home and its where it all began so many years ago now.

The city is my biggest inspiration: we have so many diverse cultures and musical influences here; I know there is a big market waiting to be broken in the U.K. If I could share a Country-sound-mainstream within the U.K., that would exceed my dreams. I’ve always wanted to push for a Country sound here - and I think I am getting close to doing so. People are playing my single, Fireflies, who wouldn’t even know what a Country song is (and they are loving it).

This shows that the people want more and something new - and I really hope that I can share it with them.

Can we expect more music in the coming months?

Yes, definitely!

There’s is so much more to come: Fireflies is just the start! I have so many songs that I cannot wait to share with you all.

What other tour dates do you have coming up?

I don’t have any released tour dates yet, but these will be coming very soon, and they can all be found on my social media or website. I have spent so much time creating my new sound, and now, I am so excited to get back on stage and share it with you all.

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

It is so difficult to pick just three: there have been so many wonderful, breathtaking albums over the years - and many, before my time, that continues to inspire new artists like myself.

Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn, I think, must be in my top-three, just for their stories. They are so heartfelt and very inspirational for someone like myself - when I was learning a lot about Country music. I couldn’t pinpoint albums for these artists - as there are singles which have inspired me the most. But, also, artist such as Amy Winehouse (Back to Black) and Adele (21 & 25).

These albums really inspired me to bring the British and Country sounds together.

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

A piece of advice to all artist don’t hold back: just go out and do it. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Worse-case, you’re back to Square One. The release of Fireflies has been the most amazing experience of my life.

Just put your music out there and share it with the world. It’s the only way you will know what your creating is right - and it will give you the strength to become an even better artist.

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Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already - or will you be busy working?

I don’t know where has this year gone!

Christmas is my favourite time of year! I have a lot of work to finish on the lead-up to Christmas - as I want to share something very special with you all in the New Year.

So, I think it’s going to be a busy one for me...

What are your hopes and aspirations for the next year? Do you have any big ambitions you want to tick off the list?

Yes. I would like to go back on tour next year, as well as release a lot more music to share with you all. So, keep tuned into my social media and make sure you don’t miss out - it’s going to be a very exciting year.

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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. It’s not a new song, but I cannot get enough of it: it’s H.O.L.Y. by Florida Georgia Line

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INTERVIEW: All the Luck in the World

INTERVIEW:

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  All the Luck in the World

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OVER the past few months…

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I have interviewed a lot of artists who have chosen to move to/reside in different countries. All the Luck in the World began life in Ireland but are, now, settled in Berlin. I ask them about the German capital and how life differs there; how their diaries are looking for this year/next; if there will be new material coming soon – and whether the guys are returning to Ireland for Christmas.

I find out more about their new single, Golden October, and how it came together; what we can expect from the forthcoming album – a glimpse inside a passionate and talented young band.

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

All good, thanks! It’s been a long time since we released anything - so there is this natural buzz that we almost forgot about.

It’s a good feeling...

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

All the Luck in the World are made up of Neil, Kelvin and Ben - along with an evil camel mascot. We’re from Ireland but currently residing in Berlin most of the time.

Golden October is the name of your new track. Tell me a bit about its inception…

The track, itself, was one of the first songs we worked on after releasing our previous album. It came from a kind of ‘forgive-and-forget’ concept: wanting to accept shortcomings and move forward, positively. The title, while being a nod to the seasons, is a reference to a particularly creative autumn that we had as a band - in which we began to form a bunch of new songs.

It is the first single from your forthcoming new album. It has been a few years since the debut album. Was recording the second album quite an intense experience, would you say?

It was intense!

We put a lot of time into it; learning as we went. Overall, this yielded results that we can be proud of – ultimately, making all that time worth it. To be honest, that’s what we love to do - so there is no real question of it being worth it or not. We racked up a lot of hours in a little home-studio that we built in an old shed; with a fold-out couch and a tiny heater that only caught fire once (I think!).

It was fun.

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What can we expect from the record in terms of themes and subjects examined?

We were very particular throughout the writing and recording process: constantly looking for points of interest or things that excited us. We refused to rush anything. The songs range from personal experiences to stories of friends; to entirely conceptual characters and situations.

Aspects of nature also come to the fore - with particular reference to our environment back in Ireland.

How did All the Luck in the World get together? What was it that bonded you all?

Neil and Kelvin met in school, playing music together from, probably, fifteen years of age. Neil formed the band in 2011, playing mostly by himself - until both Kelvin and Ben joined in 2013. Our taste in music and similar interests are probably the things that bonded us.

Since then, we have grown up together a bit in terms of music and learning - so we’ve impacted each other in that sense immensely.

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You are in Berlin but passed through County Wicklow. Is Berlin somewhere you always wanted to get to? Was moving to Berlin what finally led to the album being completed?

We’ve done a lot of recording in Berlin over the last few years. I guess the plan was to eventually get over here. It didn’t feel like a risk or anything. Having spent so much time here before: it just felt very normal. It definitely helped us get the ball rolling on releasing new material, but that also coincided with finishing college and other personal issues that were, perhaps, slowing down the release of a new album.

Is Berlin quite a captivating place for a young band? Would you recommend others go over there to live?

I think so. Whenever we had spent time in Berlin the past, we were very productive and creative. This is probably a cliché, but something about the nature of the city is conducive to creativity. But who knows; we can’t speak for everyone - perhaps Berlin bands are craving an old woodshed in rural Ireland!

They each have their value to us.

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Do you all remember the artists you all listened to as children? Were there particular acts that stick in your mind?

Some of it is unmentionable, I'm sure, but ones that stuck might include Bob Dylan; The Frames, Damien Rice; The Strokes, Bloc Party; Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes; American Football and (Sting and) The Police.

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IN THIS PHOTO: The Japanese House

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Phoebe Bridgers just put out her first record - which is beautiful. Loney Dear has a new album on the way; as does Jonas David, I believe.

The new Alex G album is brilliant - and we’re all loving The Japanese House at the moment.

Oh, and Andy Shauf has become an absolute favourite in the last year or so.

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

Fionn Regan’s The End of History

Another Wicklow native that has soundtracked some of our most significant developments, as people, in the last seven or eight years.

Folk at its best, in our opinion.

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

It is an album we’ve bonded over for as long as we’ve known each other: the soundtrack to many car journeys and collective goosebumps.

Youth Lagoon’s The Year of Hibernation

It is also a favourite. Simple and perfectly melancholic.

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

Do as much as you can on your own. Learn how to use at least a basic recording set-up and utilise all the advances in technology and social media. It seems pretty obvious and it’s, of course, not that easy - but we are much better off having learned some of these things. We still have a lot to learn - but you have to start somewhere. 

The main thing is writing and producing work that you’re proud of.

Where can we see you play this year? What dates do you have coming up?

We are currently planning our touring for the year. Nothing to be revealed just yet...

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How much fun do you have on the road? Is it somewhere you all feel ‘at home’, as it were?

Well, we haven’t done any overly-lengthy tours. The longest was eight or nine days, so I guess we haven’t truly tested our stamina.

We have had some really great times on our travels for sure. Very much looking forward to getting back out there soon.

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already - or will you be busy working?

We’re looking forward to heading back to Ireland for a couple of weeks and spending some quality time with friends and family. We will be preparing some stuff and, no doubt, rehearsing a bit - but nothing major planned.

Maybe some carolling, if the mood strikes…

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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).

Bobby by (Sandy) Alex G

Content as a Cog by Comfy Coffin

Fortunate Child by Villagers & Nico Muhly

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INTERVIEW: Argyl Singh

INTERVIEW:

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Argyl Singh

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IT is hard to ignore the stunning…

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voice of Argyl Singh! It is evident the Swiss-based musician is unlike anyone out there! He talks to me about the new/debut single, Another Loss, and what the song is all about; whether there will be any more material this year – and how long music has been in his life. I ask why he relocated from Scotland to Switzerland; what the music scene is like over there – and whether we can see him in the U.K. soon.

Singh discusses his influences and time spent busking; what it has been like touring Europe – a few great albums that have made an impression on the young songwriter.

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

My week has been busy, but good!

Between moving house, working two jobs and planning an E.P. release - I have had my hands full!

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

So. My name is, of course, Argyle Singh, I am a twenty-three-year-old from Ayr, Scotland. I left Britain at nineteen and started my travels in Amsterdam. Since then, I have been all over Europe, busking away. My hobbies are, pretty much, traveling, playing music; art, watching M.M.A.; generally being social and, of course, a good old bevy!

Another Loss is your debut single. Talk to me about the song and how it came together?

It was actually among the first couple of songs I wrote - which were all on the same night, believe it or not. I'm surprised they were even decent enough to (still) play today, to be honest with you. It's a song about change: everybody has grown apart from someone that they thought they would know forever. Although it is an everyday thing, in my teen-years; my relationship with my family was not at its best. Let’s just say so: my friends were my family, in my eyes.

Maybe I was just sentimental that night - but they do mean a lot to me.

Its vocal will be remembered for a long time! How long did it take to get the voice THAT good?

I hope so, thank you! I never really took any singing lessons apart from, maybe, a wee choir in primary-school, I suppose. I tried a singing teacher about a year ago and it was not really for me. I guess I got my practice in while singing along to the radio as a kid; doing my dad's nut in. I'm always singing under my breath while doing anything, anyway.

To be honest; there’s always a melody stuck in my head, somehow.

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Who are your idols and musical heroes that helped shape your sound?

That’s a hard one to answer, really, because my taste through the years has varied so much but, for my sound now, I would have to say it stretches all the way from old artists like Otis Redding; Ray Charles and Bob Dylan; to newer artists like Paolo Nutini, Ben Howard and, even more recently, Kaleo. But, don't be fooled: I love a bit of 1990s Hip-Hop and Deep House etc.

Oh, and my favourite band of all time has to be Arctic Monkeys.

You were born in Scotland but live in Zurich. What was the reason behind the move and is there a better music scene where you are?

The reason is really simple: I moved here because I fell in love - my girlfriend is from here. The music scene though is definitely not better than in Britain, I have to say. Don't get me wrong: it would still surprise you. There are a lot of cool bands going around here that we may or may not ever see in Britain.

Some of my favourites are Ellas, Frank Powers and Pedestrians CH.

When in Amsterdam, at aged nineteen, you had little more than a bag of clothes and a guitar. Was that a hard time or did it help shape you into the musician you are?!

Not as bad as most people imagine.

It was the best six months of my life, so far. There were certainly stressful times, as my daily routine was to get up and go busking to earn enough for a bed for the night - plus food and other substances...but the stressful part was never getting the money: it was getting back to the hostel in time before it was booked out! Maybe I was lucky but I was never left hungry or homeless. After a month or two, I found a roommate, thankfully, which took all that stress away - and I just had time to enjoy the summer. It definitely shaped my outlook on life as a person and as an artist. I would encourage anybody to do it.

The world is not this big, bad place everybody seems to think it is if: you just open your eyes and your mind.

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Since then; you have toured Europe and got great reaction ns. What has the experience been like and what does it feel like bringing music to the people?

It is the best feeling in the world!

Some people say they get nervous when the spotlight is on them but, when it comes to playing music, I thrive under the pressure - it makes me more nervous when people are not listening. That’s why busking and traveling go so well together: because any given day hundreds - or even thousands - of people can hear your music!

It's attractive to people and, believe me, it attracts the best kind of people, also. 

Long Time Coming is your debut E.P. Give me a window into the sort of songs that will be on the E.P. - and the subjects that influenced the writing…

Well. There are two more intimate songs about heartbreak on the E.P. (Another Loss is, of course, one of them) and the other three are more upbeat and happy. I only just realised now that - apart from another loss; all the other songs are about women, actually...

Shoot me now...

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kaleo

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

I am loving the Kaleo album at the moment (think it came out last year, right enough)!.

Also; check out Ron Gallo. He is a new artist from the States who came out this year (especially the song, Young Lady, You're Scaring Me).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Ron Gallo/PHOTO CREDIT: Alysse Gafkjen Photography

Do you have gigs coming up? Where can we come and catch you play?

Just the 28th for the E.P. release in Zurich! You guys can find the details on my Facebook page events. Otherwise, I just have a few smaller living-room concerts and private events booked – but, I am working on some cool stuff!

Also; I will be hitting Holland and Italy at the end of January for some gigs (dates coming soon).

Are you coming back to the U.K. before the end of this year? Do you miss living over here or are you quite comfortable where you are?

I am actually coming over at the beginning of November to see/meet my new nephew!

I also have tickets to see Kaleo on the 3rd. Aye, there are a lot of things I miss about home but there are also a lot of things I don't miss. I am comfortable enough for the time being here, but my plan is to make the move to London for the music in around a-year-and-a-half. The money is good in this country so I might as well take advantage of that and save as much as possible before I go.

The reason being that I'm not a big city guy - so I need to be able to jet off any given break I can get.

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

Again, that's really too hard to answer since it changes every day but, today, I would say Arctic Monkeys Fluorescent Adolescent; Paolo Nutini Sunny Side Up and, maybe, something like Damien Rice's first album (I think it was called O).

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

Work hard, plain and simple!

There are no shortcuts - which I am just realising now, if I am honest. I really wish I had the courage to pursue my career in music earlier…but such is life. Most of all, (just) keep your eye on the prize; remember what you’re doing it for…and enjoy yourself! Most of the behind-the-scenes action in the music industry is still a mystery to me - but you just have to dive in.

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Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

I'm really not sure, yet. I will have to see how work is looking: I’m not a full-time musician yet, unfortunately.

Maybe I can get a short trip up to the mountains, at least.

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 Had a Real Good Lover from the Shouting Matches. It's actually one of Bon Iver’s old bands. It’s a shame they broke up - I love the music they played. 

Thanks again, folks. I can't wait to get to Britain to start gigging for you lot again!

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Follow Argyl Singh

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INTERVIEW: Jasper Sloan Yip

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouellic

Jasper Sloan Yip

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I am excited…

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because, in three days, Jasper Sloan Yip unleashes the new album, Post Meridiem. It is the third album from the Vancouver-based artist - who is now part of a seven-piece band - and is an extraordinary work! In the Living Room is the new single: it follows the awesome The Day Passed and the Sun Went Down - and announces the Canadian musician as a force to watch. I ask about the latest album and the themes tackled throughout; how the music has progressed through time – and what Vancouver is like when it comes to new, ambitious artists.

He talks about his band – and how they all found each other – and whether there are tour dates coming before the end of the year; the single album the Jasper Sloan Yip counts as most important – and the new artists we should all keep our ears open for.

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

I’m exhausted - but no complaints.

Last night, I wrapped up two weeks of shows and promo for Post Meridiem in Eastern Canada. I attended a conference in Toronto this weekend - put on by Folk Music Ontario - which was a lot of fun but it wiped me out. I never really got to bed last night: just went to the airport at the crack of dawn and came home...

Pretty good week, overall.

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

Sure thing...

Hey everyone. I’m Jasper and I’ve been recording and performing my evolving brand of music since 2009. I began my career as a solo artist - playing what most people would call ‘folk’ music - in and around Vancouver, Canada. Over the years, I gradually put a band together and now we’re a seven-piece Art-Pop band - set to release our third L.P., Post Meridiem, this month.

In the Living Room is the new single. What is the story behind the song? Can you reveal the themes and inspirations that go into the record?

This song, like the entire album, does not have a story behind it - so much as it is a small piece of the larger narrative of Post Meridiem. The songs are a series of intimate vignettes about a young couple at home.

In the Living Room comes right after a song called Put Up Your Hair; in which our couple is contemplating their future. That song ends with this exchange: “What should we do honey? Where should we go?”...“Baby, let’s go out. Put up your hair while I put on our song.” (Clearly, the question is referring to the larger picture of their relationship). The responder chooses to avoid this potentially painful subject and opts for short-term gratification - by suggesting they go party; instead of actually dealing with their situation. In the Living Room picks up the narrative, a few hours later, as they begin to crash (“Oh, nevermind, let’s just get out of here. I’m getting tired and we’ve had a lot to drink.”).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouellic

The rest of the song follows their long, sleepless night spent coming-down from their party together in the living-room. Vice, substance abuse; isolation and escape very prevalent themes on this record - and they all come to a head on this song. The upbeat, happy sound of this song masks the difficult and uncomfortable feelings it contains; much in the same way that our couple deflect and avoid confrontation throughout the narrative.

I’ve tried very hard to put together a vivid depiction of two people struggling with themselves and their relationship - and I’ve tried to do this all through suggestion and implication. My hope is that people can listen and see some part of themselves in this world I’ve put together. If you say things to explicitly, you alienate people who cannot relate to the exact context you put forth.

The track is already getting a lot of love from British sources. How does that make you feel?

I’m thrilled.

I make music to connect with people and I am so grateful to be alive and making music - at a time where sharing it with the rest of the world has never been easier.

This will be your third album. How has your music developed and changed since the 2010-debut? Have you noticed yourself changing as a songwriter?

Absolutely. To be frank, I have a hard time relating to the songs on my first record. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, either: quite the opposite, actually: it’s healthy to outgrow our younger selves. Every Day and All at Once is not a bad album - and I’m proud of it. But, I know that the music that has followed it is - for lack of a better word - better. I write exclusively about myself. I can’t help it. So, in that sense, no…I have not changed all that much.

But, I’m doing my best to find better ways of telling these stories with every song.

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You are a self-taught musician. Why did you take a one-way trip to Paris before your debut album? That sounds like a risky move!

I went to Europe just for the sake of going.

I had spent two unfulfilling years at university and I needed an adventure. Prior to that trip, I had not travelled - aside from a few small trips around Canada and the United States. I was hungry for independence and new experiences and, thankfully, Europe was where I decided to start making it seriously.

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Tell me how you came to meet your band. Let me hear a little bit about each member?

I met my band very organically...

I knew our drummer, Graham, a bit growing up but I serendipitously ran into him at a gas station about a month before I was set to record Every Day and All at Once - and I asked him then and there if he wanted to join…and he’s been with us ever since. I met Stephanie at an open mic (night) where I got my start. She started joining me on violin at the mic - and then joined full-time. I met Marcus (Bass) and Alex (Cello) through bands we shared bills with. I met Owen (Keyboards) when I was trying to find an old Wurlitzer 200a - and he happened to have one to sell.

Lastly, Devon joined up during the Foxtrot tour. We were touring with our good friend Skye Wallace with whom Devon was playing the violin. Skye’s run on the tour ended about halfway but Devon stayed on to play with us - and has been a member ever since.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouellic

What is it like performing together on the road? How much fun is it being on the same stage together?

Playing music with these people is a dream-come-true. These people are my family and I feel so lucky to get to make music with them. They are all wonderful people and tremendously talented musicians. I am, far and away, the least capable musician in the band (and I like it that way).

Vancouver is your base. What is the city like for a musician? How inspiring is it to you?

Vancouver is tough: the cost of living makes it tough for artists of all kinds.

The other major issue is the lack of venues. Our mid-sized rooms and small clubs are all shutting down and new ones aren’t opening: the city just isn’t very venue-friendly. We have some very dated liquor laws and other bylaws that make opening new venues difficult. That said, I’ve lived here my whole life and it will always be a part of me. This city has informed everything I’ve ever written - even when I was away. When I was in Europe, I wrote about Vancouver quite a bit.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sam Tudor/PHOTO CREDIT: Pat Valade (for Discorder Magazine)

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Check out Sam Tudor’s new album Quotidian Dream. He just released it: fantastic work. Signature voice, great lyrics.

Also, check out Peach Pit. Great Indie -Rock band from Vancouver and pretty great people, too. Their new album, Being So Normal, just came out - and it’s terrific.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Peach Pit/PHOTO CREDIT: Lester Lyons-Hookham

Oh… and Real Ponchos. Their most recent record, To the Dusty World, is the only album I listen to in my car….

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouellic

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

My ‘desert island record’ has been Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot for a long time. I referenced it heavily on my last record, Foxtrot. I could talk about this album forever; it’s almost too much to tackle! Suffice to say, I’ve studied it extensively and, what makes it so special to me, is that I always find new depths to it with every listen.

Even after listening to it all these years, it still affects my emotions ins new ways - and I don’t know what that is exactly… but that’s what makes it so powerful.

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

Make art for yourself. It’s really that simple.

I didn’t always make music for the right reasons but I do now - and it changed everything.

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Where can we see you play this year? What dates do you have coming up?

This has been a big year for me already.

I spent all of May touring Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands and, like I said earlier, I just got back from two weeks of shows in Canada. At the moment, my books are pretty open but I’m aiming to be back in Europe for early-2018 with my band.

We’ll definitely be booking shows in Germany, the U.K.; the Netherlands and, potentially, Italy, as well.

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Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already - or will you be busy working?

This year has been nuts; so I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas in Vancouver with my family - and getting started writing our next record.

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).

How about Quotidian Boy by Sam Tudor!

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Follow Japser Sloan Yip

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INTERVIEW: Secret Rendezvous

INTERVIEW:

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 Secret Rendezvous

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THE duo has already been championed by…

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Pharrell Williams, Coldplay and MTV. It was only natural I’d be interested and seeing what the guys are all about! Secret Rendezvous consist Sietske Morsch and Remi Lauw. I ask the Amsterdam twosome about their new album, For Real, and the themes that go into it. I learn why artists such as D’Angelo are so important to Secret Rendezvous and what the music scene is like in Amsterdam.

They tell me about their future plans and how their music careers got started; whether their new album is a development from their debut; the advice they would offer new artists – and records that mean a lot to them.

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

Hi! It’s been a great week. We’re having the last sunny days here in Amsterdam...

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

Sure. I’m Sisi; singer and writer. Together with my boyfriend, Remi (who plays guitars and synths); we produce music for our indie R&B band, Secret Rendezvous.

Is there a reason behind the name, ‘Secret Rendezvous’?

Yeah. We chose the name, Secret Rendezvous, because when we make music we lock ourselves up in the studio for months on end without letting anyone hear anything - so it feels like we’re having a secret meeting in the studio; like some kind of secret society…

But we wanted a smooth, sultry name…so we chose Secret Rendezvous.

 

For Real is your new album. What are the themes and stories that go into the record?

For Real is about the cycle of life and love, the ups and the downs. In the beginning of the cycle (we are) determined; full of confidence, followed by moments of doubt and sorrow - to end up, falling in love again with life.

Was it quite easy and quick to put together? How do you think your latest record compares to your earliest stuff?

No. It was not easy at all: that’s why it took us four years to make.

We started with a lot of demos - but they were all in different genres - so it took us a while to find the sound and songs we wanted. Through that process, we grew a lot as a songwriter and producer - so you can hear that we evolved on this new album.

Can you tell me how you met and when you decided you wanted to record music together?

We met at the Conservatory in Rotterdam, where we studied Pop Music.

There were not that many people at that time that liked our music; so, we started jamming together to our favourite D’Angelo and Erykah Badu tunes. At school, we had to do music projects – so, our first band came out of one of those projects...

We dropped an E.P. on MySpace and did some shows but, looking back on it, we weren’t fully committed because we also played for a lot of other bands as session musicians - and didn’t put enough time in our own music. When we wanted to make a full-album, we decided to start a new band - and that’s when Secret Rendezvous was born.

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Pharrell Williams and Coldplay have championed your music. What is it like having them compliment your music?

It’s pretty surreal! We admire them both a lot, so, for them to like our music is awesome!

Do you both share musical tastes? Who are the artists you look up to?

Yeah, definitely.

Remi also listens to more experimental stuff - but we like a lot of the same artists. We’re both big fans of Prince but also Frank Ocean, Little Dragon; BANKS - and we still love D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, by the way.

Amsterdam is where you are based. What is the city like for new music and are you ever tempted to relocate?

It’s a city where there is always something going on.

Right now, it’s Amsterdam Dance Event, for instance: five days of mini Dance festivals throughout Amsterdam. Really cool. The music scene is pretty small, though, so we know a lot of musicians. That’s fun. People are pretty open-minded and into new music here - but Amsterdammers can also be a tough crowd to new bands they don’t know yet - when you play here.

I wouldn’t wanna live in any other city in NL, but we are very into London; so it could be fun to live there for a while!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Kelela

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Kelela, Moses Sumney and SZA.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Unfortunately, not in the U.K. yet, but we’re doing the after-show for Zara Larsson in Amsterdam on 31st October; we’re playing Rec. Festival (in Rotterdam) on 3rd November.

Is the U.K. going to be part of your future plans regarding gigs?

We have played in the U.K. two times - and we really liked it there - so we would love to come back!

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

Just one?! Oh man!

I’m gonna go with a pretty obscure one: Lewis Taylor – Lewis II

It’s the last album that I know by heart and it has inspired me so much, vocally and musically. He’s so underrated and I wish he would make some more albums like that again!

Remi: That’s a really hard one: Voodoo from D’Angelo

I never was really deep into R&B music but, after seeing his live show on his Voodoo tour, all music styles I listened to before came together and the energy was crazy. Then, I had to do my homework - and that was Voodoo.

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

Don’t go with trends; they come and go. Find your own style and keep striving to be better.

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Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Most of the time, we work around Christmas. There’s something very melancholic and inspiring about the December days - so we tend to write more in that period.

We always take two days off with Christmas, though, to hang out with our families!

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).

Sisi: Kelela – Rewind

Remi: Moses Sumney – Lonely World

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Follow Secret Rendezvous

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INTERVIEW: Masasolo

INTERVIEW:

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 Masasolo

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FROM a duo based out of Belfast…

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it is to a band from Copenhagen. I speak with Masasolo about their upcoming album, At Sixes and Sevens (out on 27th October) and what we can expect from it – and the reason for choosing that title. I wanted to know how the band started out and what the music scene is like in the Danish capital; the artists that have inspired Masasolo; why the past week-or-so has been a rather good one - that has involved some fortuitous surf weather!

I learn more about the band’s tour schedule and whether they are coming to the U.K.; a few new names to check out – and how their album differs from their E.P., Breakup.

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

Hi, Music Musings and Such. My week has been great, thank you.

I had a surf and, yesterday. The big Hurricane Ophelia from Ireland got to Denmark. Instead of being devastating - as in Ireland - it turned out to be some pretty good surf when it got to us.

I am still high on this (smiles).

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

We are a band from Copenhagen, Denmark that started in February 2016 when I (Morten) put out the debut single, Really Thought She Loved Me. That song kickstarted us and turned us into a band - and we have been playing and making music as 'Masasolo' since then.

With Masasolo; we try to create gloomy and transcending music that still have a core of catchy Pop melodies.

At Sixes and Sevens is your new album. Can you explain the title and the stories that go into the record?

’To be at sixes and sevens’ means to be in a state of confusion or disarray - and is a phrase I use in the first song of the album, Just as Real. The funny thing about the phrase is that it properly originates from an old game of dice where, if you would bet on ‘sixes and sevens’, you were betting on your entire fortune.

I felt that the phrase corresponded really well with the ongoing theme of the record - which is the mixed feelings of getting older. When I was younger I felt confident about where my life was going. I took a Masters degree in Sociology; had relations I thought would last forever and knew my own morals and values. But, without noticing the direction I had taken, all of a sudden found myself in a place I would never have predicted. It wasn’t better or worse: just not really what I’d expected.

This left me in a sought of groundbreaking existential confusion, which I was really surprised about…the fear of not finding your place in life

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How do you think it differs from the E.P., Breakup? Did you take in a lot of new sounds and inspirations for At Sixes and Sevens?

Hopefully, you’ll recognize our sound from Breakup... but I think it differs in a lot of ways.

The obvious thing is that it doesn’t deal with a break-up - but this album is also way more ambitious in many ways. We’ve spent ages in the studios trying to balance (the relation) between doing original and experimenting music but, at the same time, not losing ourselves in the experiment - and keep the music concerned with the fact that people should like listening to it.

This has been the most exciting exercise ever...

Was it a natural process putting the band together? How did you all find one another?

Most of us actually grew up together and played together as kids - so we’ve always been on each other's radars.

We all come from the countryside of Denmark and, I guess, there is some identity to that - even though we now all live in Copenhagen. In any case, when we formed Masasolo; it was pretty easy and obvious that we should play together. Now, one-and-a-half-years later; we’ve added a new synth player, Peter, to the group.

He’s awesome and a fantastic musician - and he’ll be joining our concerts from now on...

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Tell me how music came into all of your lives? Was there a single moment you realised music was what you wanted to pursue?

It’s more the other way around...

I have tried, most of my adult life, to stop pursuing music and get a normal job. When I grew up, everyone in my family played music and, therefore, it has always been such a natural part of my life. I have played, toured and recorded music all of my life but, when I ended my education in social science and started working, I suddenly realized how precious my life with music was - and that is was slipping through my fingers.

This was when I started writing songs for Masasolo...

I am interested in Copenhagen. What is the city like for a young musician at the moment?

Copenhagen is great - both as a city and when it comes to music. There’s a lot of things going on and there is, like, a pretty good eco-system of venues where you can go and test your music to an audience. On the other hand; Copenhagen is expensive (just like most capitals in Europe) and this puts pressure on the Alternative scene. I have friends living and playing out of Liverpool and they can rent studio space for no money - which I quite envy, sometimes.

Is there quite an active scene for musicians? What kind of genres are popular in the Danish capital?

The most recent thing that has happened in Copenhagen is the rise of a new Post-Punk scene with bands like Iceage, Lower; Less Win, etc. Masasolo isn’t part of that thing but I’ve really enjoyed following them and listening to their music. That whole thing was pretty exciting.

Our band is like a mash-up of really good friends that play in different constitutions, such as Palace Winter; Sleep Party People, Luster and more.

That’s, like, our circle (smiles).

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How does it make you feel getting attention from sites in the U.K.? Is it quite humbling getting recognition from international sources?

Yes, of course.

It’s really hard to describe how fortunate you feel when people take an interest in your music. It’s one thing when your friends and family like it...but, then, when people from far-away start writing; you become humbled and full of confidence at the same time.

It really fuels the fire.

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

You should check out our bass player, Jake, and his band, Luster. This is the coolest new thing around right now....

Or, if you haven’t heard Mikhael Paskalev, yet; you should check out his new album, Heavy – it’s heavy stuff!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Mikhael Paskalev

What tour dates do you have coming up?

We just played in Norway and, afterwards, we have a short tour in Denmark this fall. We are working on a longer tour in spring 2018 - where we, hopefully, would come by the U.K. again.

We haven’t played there since late-2016 - and we miss you guys.

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

This answer you get way too often but.... The Beatles with Revolver

Nothing compares to it! In this album, they find the perfect relation between musical experimentation and Pop music. I can always return to this album.

Another, and not that over-used answer, is Angel with Pure X

When I started writing for Masasolo I was listening to them all the time - and that album is just sublime.

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

It’s really hard not to sound like a cliche - but climbing the ladder in this business you’ll find that the cliches are there for a reason. One cliche I find useful is that, as long as you stay true to yourself, it gets so much easier dealing with the people (and the ups and downs you are gonna meet along the way).

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

We take every holiday chance we’ve got to work; so, yeah - Christmas is already booked with studio-time.

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).

Niki & The Dove - Play It on My Radio

Mikhael Paskalev - Needles in Our Hearts

Luster - You've Got the Heat

Shanghai - Mine, Mine, Mine

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INTERVIEW: New Portals

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: BigBad Llama 

New Portals

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ONE needs very few reasons to listen to…

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the music of New Portals. The Belfast husband-and-wife duo (consisting of Mike and Ruth) has unveiled the single, Sober. Proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support’s Go Sober for October campaign. I ask them about their involvement and experimenting with an uncommon 4/4 signature on Sober. New Portals discuss getting acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and how they got together in the first place.

Ruth - who takes the lead with the answers - chats about the duo’s music and whether there will be new music in 2018; what the Belfast music scene is like at the moment – and a few new artists worth a bit of investigation…

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

Hey. We are good.

Mike ran the Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday and got stuck there because of (storm) Aphelia for three extra days - so, it was a bit dramatic!

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

Yea. We’re a husband-and-wife-fronted band that started out playing Folk-Pop - and have recently changed our name and gone all Dark-Electronic-Pop.

Tell me about Sober and what the track is all about…

Sober is about thinking outside of the box and learning to do life in a different way.

In this instance, we are talking about the amazing relationships where your connection is so strong when you meet; that partying comes easy without the need of alcohol.

Another strange theme from us in our songwriting!

There are delicate percussions/sounds set against a 4/4 signature. It is not a conventional pattern. Was there quite a lot of experimentation before the song came together?

Not really. We actually just ran with it a lot with this one and didn’t get our knickers in a twist.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Killing Moon

Proceeds from the track go to Macmillan Cancer Support’s Go Sober for October campaign. What was the reason for backing the cause?

For a day-job, Mike is a doctor and gets to see the amazing work of Macmillan nurses in Belfast.

That, and the fact that a song called Sober just came to us, creatively, and was ready just in time for October, meant that the stars had aligned - we had to go with that!

How did you get together as a duo? Were you friends from a long time ago?

Yea. We were actually childhood sweethearts and, now, are married and have two kids. We have been playing music together all this time.

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 PHOTO CREDIT: BigBad Llama 

New Portals have gained adulation from The Guardian and BBC Radio 1. Does that give you a drive and sense of pride?

Yea, it’s great. We appreciate all support from the smallest of companies, retweets; plays in small-to-big radio stations; Spotify. We appreciate it all.

We’re really thankful that we get to make music.

Will there be more music in 2018, do you think?

Yea. We are hitting the studio again next week!

Belfast is where you play out of. What is the city like in terms of music? Is it quite a hotbed for new talent?

There are a lot of musicians. A lot of talented acts, yea.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out? 

Ella Vox. She writes great feminist songs.

Also; Wet are cool - we actually covered one of their tracks recently on BBC radio.

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What tour dates do you have coming up? 

We’re trying to put a tour together- we’re playing in Camden, on 10th November, at The Crowndale with Palomino Party and All the People:

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PHOTO CREDIT: EQ Music Blog

It seems like the U.S. is reacting to your music. Is that somewhere you are keen to perform?

Yea. We played at SXSW last year and had an N.Y.C. tour. Oh, yea; any excuse to play in U.S.A. and we are there.

Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?

No plans yet, apart from getting a week’s skiing squeezed in somewhere, hopefully…. 

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

Mike: For me, it’s Radiohead - although I can’t choose between The Bends and OK Computer

Ruth: Same as Mike on this one!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Killing Moon

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

I could say the usual “focus on your songwriting” and “play from the heart” but, really, I think the best advice is to learn everything about contraception (*smiles*) - and try to have good vibes because the industry is tough (and good energy will seep through).

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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).

We are enjoying Kllo and their new track, Dissolve

Also…Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl by Wet

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INTERVIEW: Francois Klark

INTERVIEW:

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 Francois Klark

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THE intrepid and stunning Francois Klark…

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is a South African-born, Canadian singer-songwriter and producer. I speak to the Toronto artist about his latest track, Spaceman, and what it feels like being compared to John Legend and Coldplay. He tells me about his upcoming and moving from South Africa to Canada; whether we can expect more music this year – and if there are plans cemented for next year.

Klark talks about being Universal Music Award winner and the artists that inspire him; when music first came into his life – and why every note and sentiment of his music resonates with emotion and meaning.

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

Hey, Music Musings and Such! Pleasure chatting with you guys...

Things are pretty happening on this end. It feels a bit like I’m back in high-school: pulling all-nighters, left-right-and-centre - but things surrounding the release have been very exciting.

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

Sure thing. I’m a small-town South African choirboy; graphic design drop-out; music graduate, now living in Toronto, Canada. I spend most of my time on mountains; anywhere that is close to trees and large bodies of water - and behind my baby grand piano writing songs. I’m a massive science fiction fan - which might explain my love for using big synths and vocoders. I’m also a romantic, so - recording music with just raw vocals, piano and a string section makes me very happy.

Growing up In South Africa instilled in me a deep love for World music and, as a result, I find that music from different cultures often bleed into my music production choices.

Spaceman is out now. Can you tell me about the song and the story behind it?

Some people believe that there is only one perfect person for you: others believe that a person could fall in love with anyone, and then, that person becomes the perfect person for you. Regardless of what you believe, odds are, if you're single, the person you'll, one day - choose to spend the rest of your life with - is somewhere out there right now at this very moment.

Spaceman explores this idea. The narrative in the song follows a space traveller who embarks on an almost dream-like journey covering extreme distances - and overcoming great obstacles in search of his one person.

In a sense, this song became a metaphor for my journey as I search for, and discover, my muse: music.

The song has been compared, in terms of sound, to John Legend and Coldplay. Are these artists you admire and are proud to be named alongside?

Very proud and humbled - I look up to them as artists quite a bit. I am deeply motivated and inspired by Coldplay. I very much admire how creative and imaginative they are. I once, briefly, met John Legend as he passed by me backstage at a gig. He was doing a few last-minute warm-ups before going on stage and I remember thinking: ‘Wow - his voice is even richer and bigger in real life’.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Merzetti

It seems like you explore every note and make every line count! Is music a place where you can channel all your emotions and pour your heart out?

Songwriting has definitely given me the chance to explore - and better understand - the things that I think about; that bother me or feel passionate about. It is during the writing process when I sit all alone behind the piano that I feel most like myself: alive and happy.

Recording and performing these songs are incredibly liberating and freeing - and something that I am very thankful for.

Can we expect to see any more music this/next year?

Absolutely.

Keep an eye on the digital music stores and streaming platforms this coming Monday, October 23rd. The acoustic version of Spaceman, recorded live at Harris Institute (Toronto) - featuring Kibwe Thomas on the grand piano - will be available to stream and download. There are also two Spaceman remixes, courtesy of Bus Up Shop and Giordash, coming your way in January (pretty stoked with what these guys did with Spaceman). The album is also ready and slated for release in early-2018.

I picked a couple more songs off of the album that will be released as singles prior to the release of the full album.

Were you always interested in music? When did it come into your life, would you say?

Yes. I’ve always been interested in music...

Maybe not always on a very conscious level. Music is so closely tied to family for me. I remember music being part of our household for as long as I can remember - it was just another way of living everyday life. It was light-hearted, silly; beautiful - it was something we did together in our house. We could jump behind the piano anytime. Music was in the church pews as we would harmonize with mom; it was at school in the choir; it was at barbecues with friends…it was everywhere.

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Did your parents’ tastes influence you or did you explore your own avenues as a child?

My parents listened to a lot of ABBA (I still know the lyrics to most of their songs), BZN and Classical music well…at least those are the ones burnt into my mind...FOREVER. It was, more so, when my sister went to high-school and came home with all kinds of artist and song suggestions that my world of music expanded exponentially. I have my sister to thank for my unquenchable thirst for new songs and artists I’ve never heard of.

Beyond that, our city’s local university radio station - and the cover band that played at the local pub we used to sneak into - were largely responsible for my early music education.

You are a Universal Music Award winner and collected a number of awards. You have shared the stage with some great artists. What has been your proudest moment from your time in music?

A really big turning point for me came during my second year of Graphic Design studies at the university in my home-town, Potchefstroom. I entered a song into the university’s songwriting competition. The winner got the opportunity to perform their song in the Sanlam Auditorium in front of nearly one-thousand people. My song was selected as that year’s best original composition which, in turn, meant that, well…somewhere I had to get the courage to play that big venue.

Up until that point, I have never sung in front of such a large audience - and only ever played piano in front of my parents and siblings. I suffered from a fair bit of stage-fright for most of my life but, somehow, had the courage to step out on the stage by myself and play the song that night - definitely the most formative and proudest moment of my life.

The performance went well and I believe that that was the pivotal moment that changed the course of my life - and that has led me to where I am today.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Merzetti

Born in South Africa; you are now in Toronto. Why did you move from South Africa and is there a bigger music scene in Canada?

My dad moved to Canada for work during my first year at uni in South Africa. He heard good things about a music school, Humber College, in Toronto. Well aware that music plays such a major role in my life; he asked whether I wanted to come check out the school. Up until that point, I only ever thought of music as something that I enjoyed doing for myself - and not as a career. At the time, in South Africa, it also didn't quite seem like a viable option. I jumped at the chance not only to make music my life - but also to travel and live in a place from which the rest of the world could be more easily accessed.

The music scene in S.A. is very much alive, booming and producing incredible artists at the present time. I don't know whether the music scene in Canada is bigger than in S.A. but, in my experience, the music scene here in Canada is more connected to the music industry in Europe, the U.S.; Central and South America - something that excites me very much - as a musician that loves traveling and collaborating with artists from different cultural backgrounds. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Merzetti

It seems like a part of the world with more than its fair share of great artists! Is there a reason for this, do you reckon?!

Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area is bursting with incredible talent.

It might be because Canada has a reputation of being very inclusive and accepting of all people regardless of their cultural background, religion; beliefs etc. This is likely one of the reasons why people from all over the world move to Canada. Since Toronto is considered the most attractive city in Canada for music, all the creatives flock here once they get to Canada - the result: a high concentration of very motivated and talented musicians in one city.

We are also very lucky to have a government and organizations like FACTOR - that invest in sustaining and developing a vibrant music scene in Canada.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Joshua Luke Smith

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Amber Mark, A P H R O S E, Celia Palli, Joshua Luke Smith; Refentse, Monark; Matthew Mole; A Tribe Called Red.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Celia Palli

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

Crash - Dave Matthews Band

D.M.B. made me fall in love with painting pictures with words and telling stories with songs. I have a high-school buddy to thank for passing this album on to me and introducing me to D.M.B. (thanks, Dirk!).

This album is, pretty much, the soundtrack to some of my favourite memories.

Cloudburst and Other Choral Works - Eric Whitacre, Polyphony and Stephen Layton

This is, hands-down my favourite album of all time. Turn off all the lights; lie down in your favourite place; put on some really good headphones and have your mind blown.

If we could hear the universe sing, this is what I think it would sound like.

Phase (Deluxe) - Jack Garratt

From the first to the last song - a masterpiece of songwriting, musicianship and the most imaginative and creative production

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

Write all the time.

Surround yourself with truly genuine and good people. 

Make true friends, not contacts.

Don't follow trends - trends will pass by the time you're ready to release your music.

Be true to what comes naturally to you.

Find a purpose for your music - it wasn't given to you to serve you.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Merzetti

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

My siblings are coming to Canada for a white Christmas. We'll set up the barbecue in the garage and have a traditional South African 'Braai' in -30*C weather.

So stoked!

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).

Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchel 

I’m in awe of how beautifully this song is written. Just a true gem!

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Follow Francois Klark

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INTERVIEW: Firewoodisland

INTERVIEW:

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Firewoodisland

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IT has been a riot speaking with…

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Firewoodisland about their past work and the stunning new single, Dearest Brother. Their current single is among their finest work so I was eager to learn about their progression and how they have come on as a band. They talk about the musicians that have helped shape their own talent; I hear more about their future plans. Dearest Brother was recently played by D.J. Mark Radcliffe – I ask the band what that felt like.

Firewoodisland have been making music for a bit but are preparing their debut album - so I ask what we can expect from the record. They tell me about what Bristol is like as a base; whether they will get any time to chill before the year is through - each member picks a treasured song to spin at the end…

BAND PHOTOS: Matt Gutteridge  

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

Hello. We are good!

Feeling alive..if you can imagine what it's like to run a marathon at the same time as eating the best cake in the world - that's a bit how we all feel. We're all super-pumped, but super busy, and sleep is a sweet, sweet thing - but so is being awake…because it's crazy!

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

We are Firewoodisland. We play Mountain-Pop. If you're into Indie-Pop music with an epic, mountain-grandeur feel; that is what we aim to accomplish! To compare to other bands, we are often likened to Imagine Dragons; Of Monsters and Men; Fleet Foxes etc.

We are a four-piece, comprised of wacky Norway-boy Stian Vedøy; crazy Snowdonian Abi Eleri; naked pike-bait Dylan Jones and Steve (A.K.A. ‘Steeva the Diva’).

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Before I go on; what is the background to the band-name, ‘Firewoodisland’?

Firewoodisland is actually Stian's surname: ‘Vedøy’ translated to English.

We liked the sound of It; it's got a nice ring and we thought: "Hey, that would make a cool band name!" It was a natural choice because Stian actually started out playing and writing music by himself - and he acquired the rest of us on his journey.

He's always gone under ‘Firewoodisland’ - so none of the rest of us really got a say. HA!

Dearest Brother is the new single. Tell me about its origins and how it came together…

This is actually a funny story!

The song was inspired by a certain band member...we won't be mean and say who... but they went through a period of many, many mishaps - and it inspired Stian to write about watching a friend getting hurt by life choices; wanting to reach out and help - but needing that person to help themselves back.

The whole situation is totally fine, now, though! Nobody is hurt, anymore - and we are all happy as Larry!

It was played by Mark Radcliffe on his BBC Radio 6 Music show. How did that make you feel hearing that?!

It was quite surreal...

Twitter made some noise, so we naturally looked to see what was going on - and next thing; we're tuning in to hear ourselves on the radio at prime-time, Monday. If our friend wasn't around, we would have burnt the bacon! I think we're all still very excited about it and looking forward to what's next for us.

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Dearest Brother has already collected a lot of love and buzz. Does that give you encouragement and reward?

Of course, it does. We are all very encouraged.

Band practice has been really good fun the last couple of weeks; full of buzz and banter...as well as working hard for our shows in London, Bristol and Bath later this month, of course! It's great to see hard work paying off.

We have had this song in the pipeline for a long time and been itching to release it. Keeping secrets is hard!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Dearest Brother/Soldier Hahnemuhle Archival art prints by Firewoodisland'sAbi Eleri

There are embers of Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver in your music. Who are the artists that have inspired you? What kind of music were you all raised on?

Collectively, when we started out we were really inspired by Mumford & Sons - and we have always been inspired by Justin Vernon as a songwriter and producer. OMAM have been an inspiration and, in particular, their journey as a band. We also have big love for Jónsi.

More recently, we are digging Aurora, Oh Wonder; Ásgeir and Amber Run.

Stian was brought up on the hip beats of Michael Jackson and the soaring sounds of the Electric Light Orchestra. Unfortunately, he stopped listening to Michael Jackson because he heard a rumour Michael loved all the women on the planet - and he thought he'd fall in love with his mum! But, his biggest inspiration through his whole life has been Norwegian singer-songwriter Thomas Dybdahl - who he's seen in concert many times.

Abi grew up convinced that Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel's song, Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), was all about her. Queen and Bowie filled the car on long journeys as a family. Bat for Lashes was a favourite when she found her own feet.

Steve was brought up listening to the haunting sounds of Simon and Garfunkel. From a musical family; many nights were spent jamming out the tunes of The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Dylan grew up with the Eagles and listened to Jack Johnson. His first album was Kasabian by Kasabian!

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Bristol is your home. Is it a great city to make music in? What is the local scene like?

Bristol is awesome. There is always something going on; friends and fans want to come out and hear live music; there are loads of musicians and artists in the city as well as some great places to play. For Dylan, it's always been home: for the rest of us, it quickly became home.

We really enjoy being here…

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Stian Vedøy. You moved to Cardiff and started Firewoodisland as a solo venture. How did you meet the other guys and get the band fused?

I moved to Cardiff for university back in 2010 - and I actually met Abi because, on my first night in Cardiff, I broke her guitar; playing it too enthusiastically in the Common Room at Halls! We met Steve a few months later, but we were never really a band…we occasionally played together. After a year in Cardiff, my mum was nagging me to put one of my songs up on this Norwegian website daily; so I did it to shut her up...

Life went on as normal and I forgot about the website, until four months later, I get an email saying: “Congrats, you are a regional finalist". That is how we ended up playing at Bandwagon Norge and coming runner-up for a record deal with Warner Music Norway.

Firewoodisland became a band after that - and Dylan joined that journey when we moved to Bristol a couple of years ago.

That was back in late-2013. How has the music changed and what have been the biggest changes since then would you say?

We would say the sound has definitely developed...

We started off down a more Acoustic-Folk-y road and moved to the multi-instrumental-synth-infused-Mountain-Pop. Everything has gotten bigger: the sound is more atmospheric. We moved our lives to Bristol, where we met Dylan - which was also a big game-changer.

Stian grew a beard, finally!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Highasakite/PHOTO CREDIT: Stian Andersen

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

If you don't know Norway's Highasakite, you are missing out in life. We would totally recommend them.

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IN THIS PHOTO: ARY/PHOTO CREDIT: Ida Bjørvik

We are loving the sweet sounds of ARY; Bears Den and our friends Axel Flóvent…and Long for the Coast.

Make sure you also check out our buddies from over the pond, Cold Weather Company.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Cold Weather Company

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

Stian's most influential album would be Thomas Dybdahl's Stray Dogs

It was a huge inspiration during his teens when there was a lot of terrible Pop around in Norway. It was the first album he saved up and bought with his own money - and was the album that made him plunge into writing his own songs.

For Abi; it would be The Corrs’ In Blue

Although it is not her favourite Corrs album; it was the first Corrs album she heard and lead her to her first-ever concert: The Corrs in Liverpool (in 2003). These guys were one of her favourites growing up - and have seen her through adolescence.

For Steve, it would be Eagles - When Hell Freezes Over

Because he discovered them in Africa. It was his sound backdrop to a life-shaping, epic-adventure year.

Dylan's album-biggie would be I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose by Bombay Bicycle Club

It's got some bangers - and it helped him survive flying the nest.

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

Keep fighting the fight…and pushing.

Don't compare yourselves to other bands because everyone's journey is unique. Get yourselves a great manager who knows their stuff. Take advantage of all the online platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Get on BBC Introducing because they are a bunch of massive dudes: there are so many opportunities out there...

You've never been able to do more for yourself, before. Connect with other musicians and bands - and play shows together. Work with people; not against them. Always be polite and friendly to everyone.

Make sure you love what you are doing.

Do you have gigs coming up? Where can we come catch you play?

Yes, we do, as a matter of fact! We are in London's Servant Jazz Quarters on Monday, 16th October; in Bristol's Exchange on Saturday, 21st October - and in Bath's The Nest on Saturday, 28th October.

These are our ‘Dearest Brother release shows’ - so we are very excited about these.

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Probably a bit of both: definitely some relaxing and lots of eating. We have a band Christmas do each year... a bit of a tradition with a Secret Santa. This is in the pipeline and is always a blast. Our manager Nick, always receives either something Star Wars-related (or Lego)…

If the present is both - double brownie points!

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).

Stian: Rain Down on Me - Thomas Dybdahl

Abi: Breathless by The Corrs

Steve: Your Body Is a Wonderland by John Mayer

Dylan: Turn & Leave by Samantha Lindo

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INTERVIEW: Four Dead Crows

INTERVIEW:

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 Four Dead Crows

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THEY were described as a cross between The Black Keys…

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and Royal Blood by Classic Rock. The Gloucestershire-based boys tell me about their latest single, That’s What You Get, and how it differs from previous numbers like Destitute Blues and No Great Shakes. I wanted to know more about their formation and how Four Dead Crows got their name; why the 1960s inspire their music – and whether they have a plan of attack for 2018.

The guys each select a song that means a lot to them; the albums that inspire their music; why this week has been especially busy – and what live gigs they have approaching.

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

Hey. Good, thanks!

We`ve just been practicing hard for some upcoming gigs – and we’re getting new material together. We’re playing the 100 Club (in London) on 20th October which we`re super excited about. To be playing on a stage where some of our biggest influences have played is awesome.

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

Well. Classic Rock recently described us as the Black Keys-meets-Royal Blood - which is awesome and really flattering.

For us, that’s the best introduction!

That’s What You Get is your new single. Can you tell me about its origins and story?

Well. The idea for the main riff came from a Doors song that Danny changed around. He showed us at practice and we really liked it - and just jammed it for hours. Danny had some lyrics he`d written previously that suited the theme of the song. So, we actually finished the song pretty quickly; which is unusual for us as a band as, when we usually start a song, we never end up finishing it!

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The single follows Destitute Blues. Would you say you made big changes since then – or have you felt the need to radically alter your music?

No, not really. Our music is quite big in terms of the spectrum: at one end, we have songs like Destitute Blues - which is more on the slower, softer side - then, on the other; we have heavy stuff like Broken Bones or No Great Shakes.

We are currently experimenting more with synths and organs but we`ve never really limited our sound or felt we need to alter it - as we have such a large area we can fit into.

Will we see an E.P. this or next year? What do you chaps have in mind?

We’re currently touring and promoting our latest record and we have another single - which is coming out at the end of the year. We`ve got a few ideas we`d like to record so, maybe, next year we will get back into the studio...

As a band, we’d love to record an album.

Can you tell me how Four Dead Crows got together? How did you all find one another?

Paul and Rob were in a covers band covering Red Hot Chili Peppers and Creedence Clearwater Revival songs for a while and, when that fell through, Paul contacted Dan (our bassist) - who he knew through friends at college - and we jammed for a bit. We put an advertisement out for a singer online and Danny responded.

He came to a few practices and everything clicked from the go.

I wanted to ask about the band’s name. Is there a particular inspiration behind it?

Well. A lot of people believe that seeing a dead crow is some sort of harbinger of death, but It can also symbolise the end of bad things and the beginning of all things new and good. We felt this reflected where we all were, personally, at the time - and suited the theme of the band.

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Gloucestershire is where you are based. Is there a strong music scene there?

Gloucestershire has a great local music scene with some really great venues.

Places like the Guildhall where they hold the Underground Festival - which supports up-and-coming acts.

Also…Café Rene. They organise the annual Blues festival.

There are so many cool places to check out great live music. We have some really great local bands that all look after and support each other.

It seems the 1960s and good-old-fashioned Rock/Blues is vital to your sound? Who are the artists you all grew up to? What is it about the decade/genres that speak to you all?

Yeah. It’s had a profound effect on how we approach playing. I think it’s a time when music was being revolutionised; new sounds were being made and the yard-stick was constantly being shifted. We try to adopt this ethos within the band. We don’t want to take the easy option on writing: we are always pushing ourselves, musically, to do something different.

It’s the reason we`re all influenced by bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Doors; The Beatles: bands who weren’t afraid to try something that little different.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Creeper

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Rob and Paul are currently listening to Creeper - who are a Horror-Punk band. Danny is listening to Shakey Graves.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we catch you play?

We’re Playing the 100 Club (in London) on the 20th October; The Firefly (in Worcester) on 26th October - and the Cleeve Sports and Arts Centre on 5th November.

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

Paul’s would be Origin of Symmetry – Muse

It’s such a massive, grandiose-sounding album. It feels like an event listening to it in its entirety.

Rob: Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin

Every song on that album is a masterpiece; all of the songs are crafted so well.

Danny: Tom Waits - Mule Variations

The beats and the opening riff to Big in Japan is fu*king great. Come on Up to the House is a masterpiece.

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

Network!

As a band; we`ve been to gigs where some younger bands are perhaps too shy to speak to the other bands on the same bill. The best advice we can give is to speak to the other bands. That way, you can organise gigs with each other; promote one another's releases etc.

Also; get out and gig. Gig as much as you can!

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

I don’t think any of us have even though about Christmas just yet. I’d imagine it will be spent celebrating with family, though! We are going out for Hallowe’en dressed as The Rocky Horror Show with Rob (our bearded drummer) in drag - so there is that to look forward to…I guess...

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).

Paul:  New Kind of Kick – The Cramps

Danny: Big in Japan – Tom Waits

Rob: Blossoms – At Most a Kiss

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