INTERVIEW: K Anderson

INTERVIEW:

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K Anderson

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ALTHOUGH he is battling through a cold right now…

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K Anderson was keen to talk to me about his latest single, Cluttered. He discusses the complexities of love and why casual ‘dating’ is something he is not on-board with. I ask the Australian-raised, London-based songwriter about his plans for future music; which albums/artists have made the biggest impression on his heart – if there is a new artist we should all go looking for.

Anderson reveals why Cluttered departs, in terms of sound, from Bitter Wind and 14 Year Old Me; how the end of this year will be spent; what advice he would give to new songwriters – and why Cluttered was quite tough to pull together.

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

I’ve come down with the same cold the rest of London seems to be afflicted with!

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

Sure. Although, bear with me, as I’m notoriously bad at this kind of thing! I am a Scotland-born, Australia-raised; London-based, singer-songwriter - and I lean on the side of oversharing and melodrama…

What can you tell us about the new single, Cluttered? What is the story behind it?

I’m never very good at casual dating…

I don’t understand how people can be fuc*-buddies and not develop complicated and weird feelings for each other. Cluttered is a song about this: about being certain that you don’t want to be with someone at the same time as obsessively checking their Instagram feed - and wondering how your two surnames would sound together if you decided to go double-barrelled (not that I’ve ever done that, obviously).

You have described the song as falling between Michael Stipe and Toni Basil. That sounds like quite a brew! How did you arrive at the song’s sound and dynamic?

This one took a while to come together and there are actually a few different versions I tried before starting on this path. I knew that I wanted it to be brash and a little frantic and, for me, the bass is so important in this song. Getting that sound right really helped it come together.

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The song looks at messy relationships and a brief fling turning into something more substantial. How much of the song’s core stems from your own experiences of love?

I used to fall into relationships all the time. I mean, not all the time, but I was always so shocked if someone fancied me that I didn’t want to risk losing my chance! I think, as the years have gone on, I’ve made a concerted effort to cultivate this cynical old-man vibe - which makes me far warier (and also means fewer songs about the first stages of lust!).

Cluttered is a departure from Bitter Wind and 14 Year Old Me. Was that a conscious decision – tackling new ground?

No. It never is…

I don’t want to sound cliché, but I love so many different types of music - and don’t like to limit myself to how I think other people think I should sound. For me, it’s most important to serve the song and this is the sound that Cluttered wanted to take - so, I just followed it along that path.

Can we expect any new material in 2018?

In a word: yes.

I’m working on something at the moment that I think is very exciting - but I want to keep it a secret a little bit longer, so…you’ll have to make do with a simple ‘yes’ for now.

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Which artists did you grow up listening? What kind of sounds were you experiencing when young?

My family aren’t musical, so I mostly listened to whatever was on the radio growing up (which was a lot of Easy Listening!).

When I started to listen to music ‘seriously’ (I kind of hate this term, because I always took music seriously - even when it was supposedly throw-away Pop), I was really taken by strong female singer-songwriters (and it’s only been, very recently, that I’ve enjoyed listening to men) - think Ani DiFranco, Jill Sobule and Joni Mitchell.

I am interesting finding out how songs come to you. Do you have an idea of a track or do they arrive in a flash? How long would a track lie Cluttered take to get right and fully-formed?

There’s no one way…

Sometimes, a song is very quick to form and other times…not so much…

The general thing tends to be lots of re-writing; lots of time away to view it with fresh eyes - and additions of bridges and pre-choruses six-months after I thought the thing was finished!

You have had a busy career already and must be thinking ahead. Do you have any dreams/ambitions you hope to fulfil in 2018?

You’re trying to get this secret out of me, aren’t you?

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IN THIS PHOTO: Hanne Hukkelberg

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Not a new artist - but I’m really enjoying the new Hanne Hukkelberg album at the moment.

Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

Yes! I’m doing a short acoustic set at The Reverse’s single-launch party on 25 November in London town.

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

Oh, hell! That’s a tough one and depends entirely on the day you ask me….how about:

Living in Clip - Ani DiFranco

People told me about how amazing Ani was for ages - but I could never properly get into her music. Then I heard this record, which is a live album, and it all suddenly made sense. Her ease and charm come through on this record so clearly.

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Blue - Joni Mitchell

I know that people criticise this one as being too Pop and straightforward, but I don’t care. Give me this every day!

Spice – The Spice Girls

So many memories and weird feelings wrapped up in this one!

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

Hustle. Create and share often.

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

No plans yet. I tend to ignore Christmas until I have no other choice – so, I figure I’ve still got a good month before I need to panic!

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).

Since I’ve already mentioned her:

Hanne Hukkelberg (ft. Emilie Nicolas) - Embroidery

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INTERVIEW: Galaxians

INTERVIEW:

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 Galaxians

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THEIR name might provoke images of outer-space…

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or classic arcade games but, as is explained; the name has a different origin. Matt, from Galaxians, discusses the new album, Let the Rhythm In, and the colours and genres they include in their music – among them, lashes of Pop and Funk. He tells me how they met their newest recruit, Em, and the great music coming out of Leeds.

I find out about Ghost Town Recording Studio in Leeds and performing there; the themes that go into the album; the artists the band/Matt was raised on – and some valuable advice for new musicians of the minute.

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

Matt: Hi, I am/we are A-OKAY, I think! Last week was one of extreme post-tour blues, but we had a rehearsal tonight - so it's nice to get back on it.

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

We are Galaxians; a trio from Leeds (U.K.) comprised of Emma Mason (Voice), Jed Skinner (Synthesisers and Programming) and Matt Woodward (Drums and Programming).

The band started in 2012 - and Em joined us in 2016.

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Can you tell me where that name, ‘Galaxians’, comes from? Is there a tale behind it?

We chose it just because it had a ring to it we both liked...

There's a common misconception that we are named after a computer-game - but neither of us has ever been into them; so we didn't know there was one (it’s called ‘Galaxian’, I believe).

It was just among a bunch of names we suggested - and was the one we both liked at the time.

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How did you all get together in the first place - and what was it about one another that led to the formation of the band?

Jed and I met in Leeds as a result of an email that Jed sent to my old band, Cissy.

Our synth player had recently left the band and Jed was interested in joining - but we'd actually already decided to form a new band (Azores) and didn't want a synth player as such. But, during the email exchange, I suggested Jed and I meet up and maybe jam - which we did and it was fun. I think the thing that really dawned on both of us was that we shared a common love for music - that none of our other friends were into.

From my point-of-view, I was just really into the way Jed played, too. I'd never been in a band with a synth player who played so funky - so it was a fresh and exciting thing - I was looking for a new way to approach the drums, too. A different angle. I wanted to learn a new discipline. 

Em joined us in 2016, but we've lived on the same street and known each other for over ten years. After we initially decided to collaborate on some ideas for the album; it just became obvious once we got into the studio and started working together that Em should be a permanent member of the band. 

Let the Rhythm In is your new record. What was the biggest inspiration-point in terms of themes and subject matter? 

There isn't ever a single or central inspiration-point for us, really, because we have a lot of different ideas - born out of both musical and non-musical influences and experiences.

The record didn't really stem from a singular concept or idea, but some of the themes we touch on in the lyrics are – for Emma and me particularly - a reflection of where we live and how the urban environment makes us feel.

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There are classic Disco/Boogie/1980s/R&B themes in there - romance, money; city-living, nightlife etc - but my feeling is that it's not always rooted in some of the more aspirational themes of Disco…but more along the lines of ‘ye; it's hard living in a dirty, sometimes scary, noisy city - but it's also inspiring’. In terms of creating art in a city environment; there is always inspiration amongst the decay and the noise. It's not pretty but the urban degradation, close proximity to others and the harsh realities of inner-city life can produce a certain rawness in music (that we really like).

I think that's one of the reasons I've always had an obsession with 1970s/1980s New York. 

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In terms of musical influences, there are many: Leroy Burgess, Gwen Guthrie; Jocelyn Brown, West End Records etc. It’s fair to say that we love the N.Y.C. sound, in particular, but not just the players. The way we composed and arranged the album version of How Do U Feel? was heavily influenced by John Morales and his original M&M session remixes. We really love his arrangements.

He’s one of those people whose remixes sometimes improve on the originals. His version of Lay It on the Line by Logg is a prime example. The original is great but John’s version is just something else..pun-intended (there’s also a Logg song called Something Else).

It was recorded at Ghost Town Recording Studio (Leeds) with Ross Halden. How much fun was it?! Was it pretty cool working with Halden?!

Ross is great to work with.

He doesn't have as high a profile as some other Leeds producers but, for us, he's the only person we want to work with here; partly because he understands where our sound comes from. He knows something of the history of the sound and the instruments used and gets as excited as us about reflecting on how, why and where some obscure; lo-fi, early-1980s Boogie-Funk record was made.

That's the kind of nerdiness and attention-to-detail we like… 

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A big part of working with Ross is that he's very flexible, eager to experiment; happy to try new things, encouraging and easy-going. What we've found is that as our working relationship with Ross has developed: he's taken on that fourth band member role, sometimes, and really helped us get the best out of everything - ourselves, the instruments and the songs. We feel that he actually digs what we’re doing and cares about it...

He puts up with our bullsh*t and weirdness pretty well, too.

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Leeds is your hometown. How much of the honesty and diversity of the people/landscape goes into your music?

It's a definite influence and a constant inspiration for us.

We’re all northerners - and I think it’s fair to say that northerners tend to be viewed as no-nonsense, no-bullsh*t people. There’s definitely some truth in that and I hope our music does come across as both honest and representative of where we live. I do love Leeds, but I’m not territorial about it because I love the North in general. North Yorkshire is where I grew up.

I really like West Yorkshire in general, too - and South Yorkshire is also good. In recent times I’ve grown to love places like Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool more and more.

 

There is great diversity in the North of England. I think that diverse, multi-cultural communities are beneficial to everyone and only enrich our lives - and the cultural landscape in general. Leeds is definitely good for that. The community I live in is great. Obviously, it has its problems like any other inner-city area but, on the whole, everybody gets along well - which is all the more positive when you see how tightly the streets are packed in; how small the houses are - and how close people live to each other. 

Do you think that area of the country gets as much focus as it deserves?

No...but Leeds gets a lot more focus than some of the other towns and cities around it (Bradford, for example). Leeds is a popular, young city and it’s a consumer mecca in the North - so it does okay. Plus, it’s always had a huge student population. There's a much wider debate on the distribution of wealth and resources in England - and how it affects parts of the country that are a long way from London. Successive governments and institutions have repeatedly shown an open sense of contempt for people in the North, too. Spend a week or two visiting deprived areas of the North East and you’ll see what I mean. People from working-class communities - in the North - do feel ignored and like they don't have a voice.

It's been like that for generations…

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Referring directly to the arts; Leeds doesn’t receive as much focus as, say, Manchester or Liverpool - because its musical heritage isn’t as well known or highly trumpeted by the media. I guess one of the things I’ve always liked about Leeds is that there are really great bands (a huge number of them since pioneers like Gang of Four and Delta 5) that have always existed underground or on the fringes. It’s always had a really prolific, varied; high-quality D.I.Y. music community and a great club culture, too…but people just like it underground here!

I sometimes wonder if new bands from cities, that have a more famous music culture, find it hard to break off the shackles of that heritage - or get tired of people in the press referencing it or comparing them to it.

 

I get a sense classic Disco is quite a draw for you guys. What music did you all grow up listening to?

Classic Disco is definitely a huge passion for us, but, equally, the post-Disco, pre-House era perhaps more so, actually. I think it’s the combination of live instrumentation – acoustic drums, bass guitars etc. – blended with the early synthesisers and drum-machines that really produced some incredible music - and a lot of experimentation. (All those sub-genres that appeared – Boogie, Garage; Proto-House etc.).

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Growing up; the first records I heard were albums my parents had: Changes by David Bowie; Revolver by The Beatles - stuff like that. I first heard Kraftwerk when I was in my early-teens and that made a big impression on me; as did Hip-Hop and Electro acts from N.Y.C. like Rock Steady Crew and Break Machine. I was also really into 2 Tone Records, The Jam; early U2, The Damned; X-Ray Spex, Kate Bush; Blondie, Prince....but, by the time I started playing drums, I was into Rockabilly; The Smiths and U.K. Indie stuff - and then, Hardcore stuff. My first few bands were Hardcore or Punk bands. I was exposed to lots of really amazing music at college - because the community there was really diverse and everyone liked music a lot. 

I didn’t really get into Disco and Dance music until much later on. The really exciting thing for me was that, when I did discover Dance music, a huge world opened up. I really got into it. It was a feeling and a vibe that spoke to me and I got it. I felt at home there and started going to Techno raves and parties - and meeting a lot of different people who really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I loved it then and still do. It speaks to the hedonist in me, for sure; but it’s the sense of community and a shared feeling or moment that you really feel.

It’s about liberation, discovery and giving in to the music.    

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Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play? 

We’ve actually just completed a U.K. and European tour off the back of the album release: playing in Leeds, Bristol; Amsterdam, Jeumont; Cologne, Brussels; Lille, and London. I had a great time and met so many ace people. The hospitality you receive once you get across the English Channel, sometimes, puts us to shame. Our next gigs should be fun. We’re playing with The Moonlandingz at Church in Leeds on 19th November; then a party in The Old Angel in Nottingham on 2nd December, hosted by Pete Woosh - who is/was a member of the legendary DiY Sound System collective, there. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kelela

Who are the new artists you recommend we investigate?

That depends on how you define ‘new’...

I can list a few records I’m listening to right now - but they’re not new artists, as such. I’ve been listening to Kelela a lot recently and the Golden Teacher (Glasgow) album which just came out; plus, stuff by Jessy Lanza, Silver Linings (Melbourne); AMOR (Glasgow) and Talamanca System - amongst other things. My girlfriend, Reb, recently played me the new Jane Weaver record and an album by Kate Tempest; both of which I really liked. I buy tons of music regularly - but more older stuff than new...

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IN THIS PHOTO: Golden Teacher

I go through periods where I feel a little out-of-touch with new stuff. I don't tend to follow trends or focus on hyped bands that much. I still find out about a lot of music by going to gigs, but that also depends on how busy I am and how much money I have. I don’t use streaming sites or listen to a lot of stuff online; so, it sometimes takes me longer to discover stuff everyone else is already into. I like records and don’t like listening to music through a laptop - even through my hi-fi. It still sounds crappy to me…so, I’d rather listen to vinyl.

I like music on a tactile format - and vinyl is the only format for me.  

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IN THIS IMAGE: Jane Weaver/IMAGE CREDIT: Ethem Onur Bilgiç/Bant Mag

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

I couldn’t: it’s just impossible.

The music is the meaning - and my love for it is ongoing. There are too many albums I love and music itself is too vast to pick a single album. Different albums produce different feelings connected to different things - and you can’t always compare them. It’s an art-form; so there’s subjectivity and relativity inherent in it, too. Our tastes often change throughout our lives don’t they? I still love some of the bands and artists I loved as a teenager - but there’s always music to discover now and in the future and, as I get older, my musical palette widens - and I become more open to stuff I might have hated ten years ago. 

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

I’m not really a person who should be giving advice…but here goes (not in order of importance, by the way!):

1) Do what comes naturally

2) Enjoy the process as much as the finished result

3) Don’t be a dick (like I’ve been at times)

4) Be humble (arrogance is unattractive)...

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5) Show support and solidarity with people who might be in a less privileged position than yourself

6) Speak out about things that matter

7) Don’t get too sucked in by bullsh*t. Worrying about how many likes you have on Twitter is a slippery slope

8) Respect people

9) Manage yourselves - maintain control over what you do...

10) Go on tour and visit other countries as often as possible.

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

I'm going to visit my mum by the sea...

It's beautiful there and I always enjoy Christmas with my mum. We're not religious, by any means, so we don't go mad for Christmas...but I'll take any excuse to feast on my mother's home-cooking.

I'm back at work on the 27th December for a few days. 

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Are there any plans for next year? What goals do you hope to fulfil in the coming year?

Well. We're always thinking about new songs and the next record. Ideally, we'll have enough material for album two towards the end of next year. We're always playing shows; so that never really stops - unless one of us goes on holiday or whatever...

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).

Confess to U by Omar S (ft. Nite Jewel)

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INTERVIEW: Luke Elliot

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Thaddeus Rombauer

Luke Elliot

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A lot of attention has been paid the way…

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Thaddeus Rombauer

of U.S. singer-songwriter Luke Elliot. I speak to him about his acclaimed album, Dressed for the Occasion, and the stories that go into it. I ask what it was like to work with producer John Agnello and how he came to meet Christa Shaub – former manager of the Pop superstar, Rihanna. Elliot talks about his plans for the coming months and the artists who have inspired him.

He also speaks about the music scene in New Jersey and what it was like taking on a whirlwind tour of Europe; what the music industry was like when he started out; a new artist that is worthy of more focus – and how his Christmas plans are panning out.

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

I'm ok. I've been in a studio (in Harlem) working on new material all week.  

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

My name is Luke Elliot. I'm from New Jersey and just finished a U.S. tour - after playing extensively in Europe for two-and-a-half years. Go buy Dressed for the Occasion.

Dressed for the Occasion is your current album. What kind of themes and stories go into the album?

It's made up of a lot of personal experiences - and a lot of other people's, too. I tend to take on characters here a lot more than I expected to. 

It just kind of happened organically.

Is there a particular song that strikes a chord with you? A personal favourite that stands aside?

Well. I have a feeling about all of them in one way or another...but I think People Like You really stands out. 

It hits a visceral part of me that the others don't.

 

Tell me more about Get ‘Em While They’re Hot and the inspiration behind that…

It has a lot to do with superstition...

I've always been a rather obsessive person and I think this song has something to do with trying to differentiate between an obsession and what's actually happening. 

It can get rather confusing.

What was it like working with producer John Agnello on the L.P.?

John is a force in the studio. He gets things done I couldn't have imagined. He has an unnatural way of taking my ideas and turning them into something that stretched far beyond their original horizon. 

(He's a good kisser, too). 

You signed with former Rihanna manager Christa Shaub and had a chance meeting with a European journalist – that seemed to set your career on the right path. Tell me more about that series of events…

I practically stalked Christa until she started managing me. 

We met through a mutual friend, years back, and I knew right away I needed someone like her to help me further my career. I called her until she picked up and when she wouldn't, I wrote her emails and messages on social media. I sent her new material and then would follow up a few hours later to ask her (her) thoughts. I was very pro-active. 

She finally took me on and we continued working the N.Y. circuit. Randomly, we met a Norwegian journalist who happened to write on me in the latest newspaper in the country. We got asked over for a tour - and things took off from there in Europe.

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Thaddeus Rombauer

Can you tell me how you got into music and what the early days were like? Was it hard starting out in the industry?

This industry sucks.

It’s a nightmare. People are awful to young musicians trying new things - at least in the United States. ‘Professionals’ won't speak to you; club owners make you grovel for your money - and sound engineers are ill-equip and hate their jobs. Once you find a fanbase, though, it changes. All of a sudden, there are people coming to your shows. If you keep working, it just happens. 

But the industry, as a whole, is an unguarded snake-pit.

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Thaddeus Rombauer

Which artists are most influential with regards your sound would you say?

Lots...

A lot of directors and authors have influenced me as well. It really ranges. There are too many to list.

I believe, before you embarked on a whirlwind tour of Europe, you never owned a passport or left the U.S.! What was it like stepping into a new world and embracing new countries?

It was a relief. I couldn't wait to travel. I think that excitement really translated to the people there. 

New Jersey is where you are based. What is it like there for a young and ambitious musician? 

I'm fortunate that I grew up near major metropolitan cities. I was always able to get away from the suburbs and see what else was going on. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Shilpa Ray

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I really like Shilpa Ray. She's great.

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

I couldn't pick just three: I'm not great at answering 'all-time-favorites' questions. Right now, I've been listening to a lot of Kurt Weill.

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

Do what you want to do, not what other people tell you. 

Pay attention to trusted sources and new ideas - but stick with your gut. Develop and always be willing to change - but learn the difference between compromising and losing yourself. At the end of the day, your ideas are what started the whole thing.   

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Where can we see you play this year? Any plans regarding coming to the U.K.?

We are looking forward to coming back to the U.K. soon but no dates have been set yet. Right now, we are setting up tours for Greece, Turkey; Sweden, Australia and the U.S., of course.

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

I don't know yet. My schedule changes at the drop of a hat. I hope I'll get to see my family for a bit.

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).

Groom Still Waiting at the Altar - Bob Dylan 

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INTERVIEW: Chris Pellnat

INTERVIEW:

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Chris Pellnat

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THIS is not the first time the name ‘Pellnat’…

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has made its way onto my blog! I reviewed Erin Pellnat last year: right now, I have been speaking with her father, Chris. I learn more about his path into music and how he got started; details about his awesome album, Honey Venom Wings – some of the choice cuts and stories that go into the record.

Chris Pellnat talks about his favourite sounds and the music scene around Hudson, N.Y.; why the area is so special to him; whether there is more to come; if we can expect arrival in the U.K. anytime soon – and whether he feels he has grown as a songwriter (whilst recording his latest album).

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

I’m doing pretty great. Life can be hard - but life is beautiful, too.

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

I am a singer-songwriter from just outside of Hudson, New York (U.S.A.). I have played in numerous bands - and am currently the electric guitar player in the (Poughkeepsie) New York-based band, The Warp/The Weft.

I have done the solo singer-songwriter thing - as well as collaborations with other musicians.

Honey Venom Wings is your new album. What sort of ideas do you investigate on the record? What is the history of that title?

Honey Venom Wings is the album title and also the name of one of the songs. I named the album after this song because I felt this song best encapsulates the essence of the album - which is to say I was striving for a certain ‘elevated’ feeling that I think I came closest to achieving in the song, Honey Venom Wings.

There are several very light, fun songs on this record – even a silly novelty song called Vegetarian Blues (I am a vegetarian).

But, Honey Venom Wings is rather dark. It’s about being in a fever in a hospital and perhaps (being) near-death. But, it’s also strangely uplifting in some kind of subtle way - I think because it’s very spiritual.

The first song on the album is On the Ground, which is a dulcimer-driven Folk spiritual - it’s all about rising up to become more than we are.

Has it been a fun and illuminating process – recording and constructing the songs? Do you think you have grown a lot as a songwriter whilst making the L.P.?

Yes. I have done several recording with bands and with other singers and have dabbled a bit in recording - but this album is really the first time I focused solely on bringing some of my songs to life in a recorded form. It is very much a learning experience.

The final form/structure of a song, sometimes, isn’t worked out until it comes time to make decisions about how it’s going to come together in a recording. The recording process and tools influence the way you perceive your own songs - and the possibilities for what directions you can take them in.

It’s liberating in some ways: limiting in others.

The record veers in directions and embraces different sounds! Is that consistent with your music tastes and upbringing? Which artists did you grow up listening to?

I grew up listening to every possible thing I could...

I went through the obligatory Beatles, The Rolling Stones; Bob Dylan, and Bowie phases; then, Talking Heads and a lengthy Indie-Rock/Alt.-Folk phase; a Jazz phase (John Coltrane!); a Classical music phase (Beethoven, Mozart especially) - as well as being really into old Country music for a while (Hank Williams, Johnny Cash etc.)...but, the truth is, I’ve never really escaped from any of those phases: I still love it all and it lives within me. But, I don’t live in the past. 

My ears are always open to new sounds.

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Do you know what is coming next year? Are you working on any new material?

I am always writing and working on new ideas.

About 80% of it ends up in the garbage almost immediately: the other 20% are songs that I keep alive – to shape and fine-tune. Some of these will end up discarded, too, as my thoughts about them evolve. 

So...maybe 10% end up being songs I perform and record.

Hudson is where you are based. What is that area of New York like for music?

The entire Hudson Valley has a very vibrant music scene.

All of the cities (such as Kingston, Hudson and Poughkeepsie) are home to amazing musicians - and there are a good number of venues that welcome original music.

In addition to your own music; you collaborate with others – and perform with different musicians. Is it hard balancing those projects? Do you take a little from each area and incorporate that into your music?

I love collaborating...

My work with singers has been especially helpful to me. I do not think my voice is anything special - I am more of a songwriter than singer. But, when a super-talented vocalist sings my songs, my music really comes to life in a wonderful way. It’s magical.

I’ve also done some production for singers doing their own music – also a great learning experience in terms of internalizing and striving to really understand their work on a deep level…and act on that to hopefully convey their musical essence.

All of that influences what I do with my own music.

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Does the rise of Donald Trump impact your music? Is he someone who ‘inspires’ creativity in you?!

Politics is not a major focus for me but this presidency really has made non-political people like me focus on what is going on. I think the importance of creative pursuits and the arts is paramount now; when the nation is so divided and angry on both sides. Not that art can fix conflict - but it can show us something higher and more universal that transcends politics and goes to the heart of human existence.

We need that perspective to keep from being dragged into the partisan battles and division. That said; I did do one overtly political song. Shortly after the election of Donald Trump; Mercy Weiss and I made an anti-Trump music video for a song I previously wrote called Evil Baby.

The song didn’t start off being about Trump but, since he became President, we both saw that the song could easily be about him. Mercy sings the song and appears in the video.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Aside from Mercy Weiss, whom I just mentioned, of course, I would recommend The Warp/The Weft (the band I play in).

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IN THIS IMAGE: Mercy Weiss

Another Hudson Valley band I really like a lot is The Sweet Clementines.

At the risk of nepotism; I would strongly recommend the Brooklyn band Caretaker - fronted by my daughter, Erin. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Caretaker/PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Joseph

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

(This is an impossible question - I could name one-hundred such albums!  But, if you insist; here are three that are very special..):

Transition - John Coltrane

Especially on this album; Coltrane shows any musician with open ears and an open mind how to navigate music and make it do your bidding. In his case, it was incredible, imaginative; visionary improvisational music - but that same kind of exploratory curiosity and intelligence are needed to move one’s music forward, regardless of the genre.

Talking Heads: 77 – Talking Heads

Forty years later; this record still sounds bizarre, brilliant - and unlike any other Rock album before or since.

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Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles

Yes, I know this is too obvious a choice to make - but I make it anyway. An uneven, in some places, muddled - but overall brilliant - record that changed everything.

Can we see you perform anywhere soon? Where can we catch you play?

I plan to do some more gigs in early-2018 (in the Hudson Valley).

Will you be coming to the U.K.? What do you think of the music over here?

No immediate plans -  but I would jump at the opportunity, should it arise!

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

Be yourself - or be who you want to be - or be an elaborate persona you invent. Whatever…just don’t be what you think others want you to be.

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

No immediate plans – just looking forward to hanging out with family. I get a couple days off from work.

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’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive - Hank Williams

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Follow Chris Pellnat

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INTERVIEW: Jennings Couch

INTERVIEW:

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Jennings Couch

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IN the raging and jam-packed sea of musicians…

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few manage to cling to the critical liferaft and make it to the tropical island of popular acclaim. It seems Jennings Couch has a fighting chance of safety and success! I speak with him about the new single, Serotonin, and a unique approach to relationships. There is a love of science and antiques in the bones of Jennings Couch – an angle I was keen to explore. He discusses his love of the sciences and some of his quirkiest possessions; the musicians who fuel his passions – and when new material is coming.

He divulges information about influence and the creative process; what he has in store regarding gigs; moving from the U.S. to the U.K. – and a new artist we should all be familiar with.

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

I’ve been well, thanks!

This week has been quite busy preparing for a couple gigs next week and future single releases. I’ve got music videos, photo-shoots and rehearsals to do - and not enough me!

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

I was born in New York  City, in 1995, and moved to London when I was nine-years-old. I think the move really influenced the music I listened to growing up and, thus, influenced my songwriting.

I would say I’ve developed a strange mix of Alternative, Indie-Rock and Pop.

Serotonin is your new single. What can you reveal about its background and concept?

I’ve always loved philosophy and science - and I’ve always been interested in trying to take an abstract concept and turning it into a relatable song.

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for moods, particularly happiness, and I thought it would be really cool to create a love song using serotonin as the main idea; hence the chorus-line: “You’re playing havoc with my serotonin”.       

It seems you have had quite an itinerant life so far. What was the reason for moving from New York to England? Do you get a chance to go back to the U.S.?    

I came to England with my parents for their work. I would say my formative years were spent in the U.K and that’s why I adapted to this culture so well; so much so that I don’t feel American anymore and, whenever I go back to the U.S - which is only about twice a  year - it feels like I’m just a visitor...                 

Who are the artists you grew up listening to and were inspired by?       

I grew up listening to a wide range of music - from Heavy Metal to Folk.

Through every phase I went through, I believe I took any things that I enjoyed about each genre and put them into my own songwriting. For instance, I love a good Heavy Metal breakdown but I also love a beautiful Folk guitar riff. Finding a balance between what inspires me and what I am influenced by is a tricky (but satisfying) thing to do in songwriting.                

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You have spent time in bustling cities and the rural quiet. Do you source from your surroundings when it comes to music? 

I would say I don’t source ideas directly from my surroundings - but being in a new environment is always creatively stimulating for me. I actually find it quite difficult to write at home.

I often end up having my best ideas when I’m in a new place or on holiday.                        

A chance meeting with Kevin Malpass started you on the path you are on. How important was that meeting? Tell me more about it…               

Kevin and I clicked straight away…

We both enjoyed each other’s writing style and could really relate, musically. It was so important for me to meet someone who understands what I am trying to convey in my music - and he did it perfectly through his production of my tracks.                  

A new L.P. is coming soon. What themes and stories do you tackle on the record?         

The tracks that are going on the new L.P. are quite varied in their themes.

I cover subjects such as human equality and the future of our society. Again; I’m always interested in taking big ideas and consolidating them into a song or two.                  

I know a lot of scientific and philosophical subjects will be included. Do you consider yourself a bit of a science geek?! What is it about science and the world around us that compels you?    

I suppose I am a bit of a geek when it comes to science and philosophy! I’m just so interested in how the world works and how we form the reality in which we live in. I think it’s so important to question everything and remain open-minded.

There is no such thing as too much knowledge.                  

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One imagines there are collectables and rare items in your household! What are your prized possessions? What is the most unusual thing you own?           

I’ve got a real passion for antiques!

It’s just one of those strange hobbies I’ve developed over the years. My favourite era is the Victorian period; so I tend to collect items dating from 1830 to 1900. My most-prized possession is a silver Victorian pocket-watch from 1886.

It still works and I often wear it on a gold chain on my waistcoat.

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        IN THIS PHOTO: grandson       

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?  

Recently, I’ve been listening to an artist called grandson. He’s got such a unique sound that I’ve not heard before!

Definitely worth a listen.             

Are there any tour dates coming up?    

I’ve got some gigs coming up in Bristol, Cheshire and London - but I’ve also got a small tour in China the first week of December!      

I’m so excited and really hoping they like my sound over there!  

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

In my teens, I listened to a band called Lydia from Arizona in the U.S. They had an album called Illuminate - which captivated me and very much inspired the way I write today.                  

Another album that I love is Absolutes by Barcelona

It’s beautifully ethereal and always reminds me of hazy summers spent in the U.S when I was a kid.

Thirdly; I would say Parachutes by Coldplay

I love Chris Martin’s writing style and his use of big, complex chords both on the guitar and piano. Even to this day, I love every song on that album.                          

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

I was given a great piece of advice a while ago...

It was to (just) put your blinders on; keep your head down and keep doing what you’re doing - there will be a million NOs before there is one YES. There is also no ‘right’ way to be successful in music...

As long as you are prepared to have all the bases covered (i.e. social media, radio; T.V., sync,     writing for commission etc.) and you are patient; I believe it will work out.       

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

For Christmas, I will be visiting my relatives in my parent’s home-state of Indiana (in the U.S.).

It’s tradition that we do every year. However, before I can relax I’ve got a lot to do! From shooting music videos, rehearsing; getting ready for China - as well as preparing for the new releases in the New Year!               

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).  

In that case, as I mentioned before; I’m really enjoying grandson at the moment.

His song, Best Friends, is wicked and should be heard! I’d love to know what people think about it

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Follow Jennings Couch

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INTERVIEW: Radio Coma

INTERVIEW:

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 Radio Coma

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MAYBE this is the first time I have featured…

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a New Zealand-based artist/band this year! That might sound reasonable but, as I discover, there is a wealth of great talent coming from the country! I talk to Radio Coma about the scene there and their hot new track, Too Young to Die. I know Jo Kelsey (the band's lead) and have featured her music before. It was good to catch up with her and the guys and ask what they will be doing next; how the Radio Coma came together; whether they are writing anything new – and if a U.K. visit is in order.

I discover the members’ musical tastes and why they gel so well; why more eyes need to point in the direction of New Zealand – and a few new acts we should investigate.

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

Hey! We’re good - just recovering from our last few shows and planning next moves; lots of exciting stuff is happening this summer!

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

Radio Coma is a Rock ‘n’ Roll band based in Auckland, New Zealand. We’re Johann (Bass), LJ (Drums); Ozan (Guitars) and Jo (Vocals).

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Can I ask where the name ‘Radio Coma’ comes from? Is there a personal origin or story behind it?

Ozan: I had this mixed, mainly Chinese-speaking radio-noise coming from my guitar amp during a recording session - where I was using some vintage fuzz pedals. I kept it rolling because I thought it fit that dark song nicely - and we kept it in the mix. At the beginning, it became the name of that song but that was an earlier, never-released work - when the four of us weren’t even together.

Later on, when we were struggling with a band name, we also discovered that ‘Coma’ also means the nebulous envelope around the nucleus of a comet; formed when the comet passes close to the Sun -  which gives the comet a ‘fuzzy’ appearance when viewed by a telescope - distinguishes it from stars.

It all clicked together. We all loved both ideas and kept the name...

Jo. I know you are from the U.K. How did you all find one another in New Zealand?!

Jo: I got tired of London and the concrete jungle and was feeling totally uninspired. One day, I’d had enough so went out and bought myself a plane ticket to India; sold all of my stuff and ended up travelling the world and having some amazing adventures for a year or two. Eventually, I started (wanting to) settling down and found myself in New Zealand - which seemed like the perfect combination of sunshine, nature and city life.

Ozan had moved from Istanbul and Johann from France to work here. LJ had moved from South Africa for similar reasons to me. I’d been struggling to find musicians - and found Ozan and Johann while looking through endless ‘musician wanted’ ads. We had a few jams, started writing together; were joined soon after by LJ and haven’t looked back!

Too Young to Die is the new track. Can you reveal how the song came together and what lit the spark?

Ozan: The main guitar riff was there when I was trying to form the band and working with a drummer friend. We kind of put the basic riff together - but didn’t know what to do with it. Then Jo took it and came up with the melody and the lyrics. We kept jamming on it when LJ joined the band. That was actually the first-ever song we played all together. I looked Jo in the eye at the first chorus and we knew LJ was the one (one groovy man!). LJ and Johann both had their own take on the groove...

It was there, in a couple of jam sessions, with the full lyrics  - it became our first song.

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Is there going to be a music video for the song? Any plans for future singles?

No music video plans yet!

Right now; we’re gigging as much as we can and getting our live performances better and better - whilst gaining exposure (as we’re a fairly new band). We have an E.P./album in-the-works for next year, too.

New Zealand is where you are based. I do not encounter a lot of artists from there! Is there quite an active music scene in the country?

New Zealand has a very small but a very active scene.

Currently, there are some great bands we admire and some great bands/musicians came out from New Zealand in the past - especially in the early-1980s, when there was this famous 'Dunedin' sound: an Indie/Pop formation which can be traced back to the emergence of Punk-Rock as a musical influence (in the country) in the late-1970s.

Some great bands active now (who we love) are The Datsuns, His Master’s Voice and Skinny Hobos - you guys should definitely have a listen...

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What is it like in terms of venues and labels? Do you feel the band will grow and be able to flourish in the country?

We feel like we’re growing with every gig.

Starting with our first release (in May this year); we’ve been playing shows consistently and we feel like people really appreciate and see the hard work behind every tune and every groove. We’d like to tour New Zealand soon, too. It’s the same as being in any country: I think it’s natural to want to grow and venture out internationally when the time is right.

We haven’t had much experience as a band with the N.Z. labels yet. What we did, so far, was completely independent and our own work - including recording and mixing. However, we are looking for help in order to concentrate more on songwriting and be on the (more) creative side - rather than dealing with all the technicalities.  

There is a bit of a venue crisis, to be honest. There are also some good old ones we really love. Auckland and Wellington have a few really active places with great, supportive communities and owners around them. It’s all about the battle between the arts and property developments - pretty similar to what’s been happening in London over the last few years, sadly. Our hometown, Auckland, has been accepted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Music, very recently. We hope this will improve the scene, add more festivals and venues to the table - where they are needed more than ever...

Coming from London - where the music industry is so saturated - it’s awesome to be in a place where it feels like people really listen to your music; appreciate and fight hard to keep the scene alive.

We’re excited to see what we can do here...

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Tell me about the artists you all grew up on. What kind of albums did you all experience and fall for in the family household?!

This is a very interesting question for us to answer - as we all grew up in different parts of the world and were exposed to different kinds of traditional music; as well as western music. The answer would be very long!

Jo: I grew up as a Classical singer in Birmingham (U.K.), the hometown of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, so had a strange amalgamation of days spent singing Italian arias; nights in Rock bars - and parents who loved The Beatles. I remember dancing around the house to everything from Sgt. Pepper’s to Aretha Franklin and Etta James.

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Ozan has some Turkish influence. Raised in a musical family; he grew up listening to both Eastern/Western Folk music a lot; fell in love with Blues - when he picked up a guitar as a kid and found himself listening to all the Classic Rock, Blues and Funk greats - from the 1960s/1970s - every day.  

LJ grew up in church and played (mostly) Gospel and contemporary Christian music - until he started working as a session drummer in his twenties and he had exposure to various other styles and genres…he has no specific musical preference but has strong musical roots in Soul, Gospel and Rock - and can appreciate most genres: from Classical and Jazz to Metal.

Johann (mostly) grew up with French and Spanish music influence until he moved to U.K. - when he was twenty - where he was more exposed to Rock ‘n’ Roll and joined his first local band.

I guess our common ground is Blues and Soul and, of course, we all have  Rock ‘n’ Roll in our blood! Sol putting all these influences together and playing them louder and dirtier is kind of what we do really. We just get into our studio, start jamming - and it comes out!

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Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

There are some great Kiwi bands playing right now - check out His Master’s Voice and Skinny Hobos...

Of course; we also love bands like Rival Sons and The Delta Saints!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Rival Sons

Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

We’re really excited to put on a show with His Master’s Voice on 2nd December at Backbeat, Auckland - and have a few more planned early next year (check out www.radiocomaband.com for more dates). We’re also currently in the finals of the national NZ Battle of the Bands competition - which has given us a lot of shows recently. The final show is in late-December - so more shows and big plans will be announced after that!

Are there any plans regarding playing in the U.K.?

Right now, we’re working hard on N.Z. shows, an album and festivals for next year. As we’re a band of ¾ Europeans, we will definitely be there in the not-too-distant future!

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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?

Ozan: I can never answer this with one album. On the classic side: it’s definitely Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti

That album means a lot to me. The story, the production; the lyrics, the Blues; the Hard-Rock, the instrumentation in it - there is a hurdy-gurdy in it!  

More recently, in terms of sonic structure and the whole Rock ‘n’ Roll spirit, Rival Sons’ Great Western Valkyrie has had a big impact on me.   

Jo: That’s hard! Whatever’s happening in life; I always come back to Led Zeppelin IV

Every single day and state of mind: there’s a song that just makes sense. I’ve also been carrying around this amazing Janis Joplin 1972 live album (In Concert) for years and years. Her energy on stage blows me away. It just seems so raw and real - and I think that kind of honesty is missing from a lot of music these days.

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LJ: Mate! That’s like asking me to choose between my mom and dad! Haha. That changes, based on my moods and my musical journey at that time…this last while it had been Them Crooked Vultures (Them Crooked Vultures) on-repeat.

Johann: I am not a big fan of picking favourites but, since Zeppelin is taken, my first thought would be Black Sabbath – Paranoid

Not only because of Geezer’s killer bass lines and tone - but it is also a milestone in the story of Rock albums: so many classics packed into eight songs. I hope we can be as efficient!

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

Ozan: Make friends….and then make more friends. Keep doing what you love and what you believe in - no matter what. People on the street, at a bar: they hear the honesty in the music...so be yourself and be authentic.

Jo: Make something you believe in and will put your heart and soul into: a project you’re not fully committed to will fall apart pretty quickly. There is a lot of soul missing from the music industry recently - let’s bring it back!

Also; remember that it’s called the ‘music business’ for a reason - you have to be prepared to treat it that way for a sustainable career doing what you love.  

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

We’ll probably take some downtime to see family and friends. We’re all ready to start writing more - so lots of time for jamming too, hopefully.

The best thing about New Zealand is Christmas at the beach!

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Are there any plans for next year? What goals do you hope to fulfil in the coming year?

We’re working now on an E.P./album that we hope to release next year - and have a few other things in the pipeline. (Just) more gigs, festivals and tours; some more writing - and making as much noise as we can!

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).

Ozan: Yavuz Çetin - Oyuncak Dünya

Johann: Platero y tu – Cigarrito

LJ: Them Crooked Vultures – Elephants

Jo: Where I’ve Been - Rival Sons

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Follow Radio Coma

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INTERVIEW: Rothwell

INTERVIEW: 

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Rothwell

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DUE out on 8th December through Bright Star Records (via Universal)…

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Freedom will be emancipated and available to the world! It will be accompanied by an arty and memorable video – one I ask Rothwell about. The bright young songwriter explains the story behind the song - and how it feels gaining kudos from the likes of Annie Mac and Justin Bieber. Rothwell has already provided guest vocals for Metrik (on the track, We Got It) and has cut her teeth at some big festivals.

Next year will see the Bristol singer-songwriter embark on new challenges and goals. I ask what she has planned and how she got into music; the musicians and sounds that have taken her this far; what it feels like gaining respect from big names – and how the remainder of this year will be spent.

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

I’m very well, thanks. My week has been busy, but fabulous!      

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

Hi. I’m Rothwell. I’m singer-songwriter from Bristol. I’ve written with the likes of Metrik - and I’m now releasing my own Alt-Pop-Feel music.

Freedom is your upcoming single. Can you tell me more about it?

Freedom is a track I wrote with my friend, Kideko, about the destruction of youth and self-helplessness.

It’s a new direction for my music - and I can’t wait for everybody to hear it.

The video (coming soon) is quite arty and seductive. How did you feel seeing it back for the first time? What does the visual represent to you?

When I first watched it back; I was very excited as it fits perfectly with the artwork and the new sound. The ideas behind the visual are the juxtaposition between the beautiful colours – clashed against the subtle destruction of smoking.

Do you think, being so young, there are responsibilities and pressures that make you panic? Are too many people seek gratification from the wrong places?!

I absolutely agree and, sadly, I feel that our generation has been exposed to and brought up in an era of judgement within social media and social stereotypes.

Is there going to be more music coming down the line?

Absolutely. I am working on two more singles which will be with you all soon. I’m writing my debut album...

So; there is loads more coming!

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Justin Bieber and Annie Mac are two – of several big names – who have picked up on your music. How does that make you feel?!

I’m always so happy when anyone listens to my music...

It’s something I work really hard at - and getting recognition is amazing! When Annie played the track I danced around my living room like a kid on Christmas morning!

Many might recognise you as a guest vocalist on the Metrik track, We Got It. Was it hard transitioning from the background – now stepping into the light?

I really enjoyed the whole process with Metrik.

It actually started as a piano ballad I wrote with our friend Alex and then Metrik took it from that into his world - so I kind of feel like it was our joint musical baby! I loved performing with him at Reading Festival this year and he always lets me do my thing - so I am very, very excited releasing my own work.

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You have had a busy year playing big dates and supporting some notable stars – including Bieber. What have been your fondest times of 2017?

Playing at British Summer Time was definitely a highlight - and travelling across Europe supporting Ryan Adams was amazing!

How did you get into music? Were there particular artists you adored growing up?

I have always been into music and have studied it since I remember. I grew up listening to the likes of Julie London, Paul Simon; Nina Simone and Eagle-Eye Cherry.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Billie Eilish, Sigrid; Grace Mitchell; Elli Ingram and CuckooLander. These are the artists I’m listening to at the moment - and I’m absolutely obsessed!

There seems to be a real ‘Girl Power’ theme running through!

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

Graceland – Paul Simon

Because it’s my all-time favourite. I actually have tattoos of his lyrics!    

For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver

Because it reminds me of discovering my own passions in music as a teenager.

Stripped – Christina Aguilera

I listened to this album from start-to-finish growing up - and can definitely recite every word!

Can we see you perform anywhere soon? Where can we catch you play?

I’ll be performing at the Gibson Rooms in November. I’ll be supporting Louise at Scala in the New Year.  

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

Keep going, be true to yourself: things take time and if this was easy, everybody would do it!

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

Find me in Bristol with a litre of Baileys surrounded by my family! But, yes; knowing my calendar, I will probably be in the studio on Christmas Eve or something!

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).

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes – Paul Simon

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Follow Rothwell

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INTERVIEW: Shenna

INTERVIEW:

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 Shenna

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TAKE a glance at Shenna and one will experience…

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smiles, colour and fascination! I have been speaking with the New York-based songwriter about her new song, MAGENTA - and how it differs from her previous offering, Made of Gold. I find out about Shenna’s favourite music and how of New York’s (five) boroughs differ, music-wise; whether we can expect to see her in the U.K. – the new artist that stands above the rest.

I discover what Shenna is doing this Christmas; how she came into music; what it was like working with Austin Bello; if an L.P. is forthcoming – and the musicians that compelled her step into music.

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

Hey! It’s been cool - just been organizing some shows to end out the year!

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

Hey guys!

My name is Shenna (Shay-nuh) and I am an Indie-Pop artist from Virginia - but currently live in N.Y.C. I am a singer-songwriter and am known for my quirky fashion, red hair - and writing songs about life experiences others can relate to.

I’m all about embracing individuality!

MAGENTA is fresh from you. What does the song represent and what influenced its creation?

MAGENTA is definitely a different vibe compared with some of my past music!

The song represents feeling sexy, confident and having all eyes on you in that moment. I picked the color ‘magenta’ as the feeling because it is such a unique color. Seriously; when you Google ‘magenta’ a lot of different colors of pink and purple tints pop up - and it’s vibrant. I was honestly influenced by Bruno Mars’ last album - and wanted to create a female type of track (in that same feel).

Austin Bello is a name I recognise! What was it like working with him?

Yes! Austin is a member of an awesome band, Forever the Sickest Kids. Austin is one of the best writers and producers I have ever met. He is very passionate about music and honest with me when working together. We go through tons of ideas and he’s like: “That’s not it, let’s think bigger: let’s get weird on this track!” (laughs).

I totally love working with him I am such a stronger writer now studying and working with him.

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MAGENTA is your first material since the album, Made of Gold. Do you think you have developed a lot in that short time? What have you learnt from your time in music so far?

I feel I have developed, for sure!

Most artists want to create music that is relevant for the radio and trending in the moment - but may be afraid of losing who they are. I feel I have learned to make music that is for today but is still true to me! I have a lot of new tunes that are so much different and some that have a similar vibe to Made of Gold. I have learned that not everyone is going to like everything you do, release; write etc. but, at the end of the day, if you put something out you have to own it - and rock it to the fullest!

It’s just like an outfit. It is all about perception and how you own it and embrace your brand.

Is a new L.P. part of your 2018 plans?

I am working on a collection of songs and, who knows…maybe an L.P. will come of it!

Tell me about the artists who inspired you to get into music…

O.M.G.…

I love Corinne Bailey Rae and Sia because of their songwriting; Rihanna, because she is a brand - from makeup to fashion to her music; Bruno Mars...because he is the ultimate performer!

If you put all these artists into one...the world would not be ready! 

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From Woodbridge, VA; you moved to New York City. How important is the city and its people regarding your music and drive?

Being in New York; there is always something to do, somewhere to go network; some show to play, etc. I lived in a suburb area in Virginia which I do miss - because it really was a great space to clear my head, write and create. Sometimes, I go back to visit for a few days and write some of my best songs - like So Low and MAGENTA.

Each of the boroughs must have a different flavour and music scene. What is your favourite part of New York State?

Yes! Each borough has its own cool vibe and scene!

Harlem is very Jazz-oriented; the Bronx is more Rap-based; Brooklyn is actually very open to a lot of genres - but is the home for some of the greatest unsigned and signed Rap acts. Manhattan is, of course, very hip and mainstream! My favorite part has to be Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The music scene there is so cool - and a lot of people look like they belong NYLON magazine!

Your music has amassed a lot of love and support! How important are the fans and the loyalty they offer?

Without support, my career would still be ground-level.

I honestly see my support system as my team because they spread the word; purchase merchandise and keep me motivated! No matter how many releases I may have, it is always nerve-racking putting out my art to the public - and, seeing I have my dreamers to back me up and support, means the world to me, honestly.

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Do you have a favourite album and/or song from 2017? What have you been vibing with this year?

Hmm…that is a tough one.

I really like SZA. I have been vibing to Love Galore. I also really love I Feel It Coming by The Weeknd and Daft Punk - they are an amazing collab. Oh; I also love (basically) anything Chainsmokers-related.

I saw them live and, ever since, I have been hooked!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Dua Lipa/PHOTO CREDIT: Luc Coiffait

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Dua Lipa has a crazy following - but she is a newer artist. I suggest anyone reading this blast her on Spotify or Apple Music right now!

Are there any tour dates coming up? Will you be coming to the U.K.?

Yes! I actually just came back from London, which was amazing - but I plan to come back to the U.K. again very soon maybe (in the spring-time!).

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

That is tough!

I would have to say Off the Wall - Michael Jackson; The Emancipation of Mimi - Mariah Carey and last, but certainly not least, Corinne Bailey Rae  - Corinne Bailey Rae

Each of these albums I grew up with as a kid and played for hours; days, months – and up until this day. They made me feel the emotion behind every song - that I would lock myself in my room for hours and just listen…

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

My advice would be: there are very high moments in a rising artist's career - and, also, some very low. Despite what happens, keep your faith alive; make sure you focus on your priorities because there is always someone else outworking you - so you may have to sacrifice some of your free time.

At the end of the day; never quit on something you can’t go a day without thinking about it.

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

Yes! I actually am planning on releasing Christmas covers and, for the holiday, I am partnering with a huge brand for a toy drive. I am very excited for that. (As for) vacation-wise; I am going to go home to see my family and friends in Virginia for a little.

I am so excited to see everyone.

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).

Raury - Mama

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INTERVIEW: The Coolness

INTERVIEW: 

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PHOTO CREDIT: @aldeperez 

The Coolness

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WITH a name like ‘The Coolness’; I could not…

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PHOTO CREDIT: @aldeperez

let it slip without asking just HOW cool the guys are! They talk to me about arranging and shooting the video for Chicken Leg Girl – and the fascinating story behind it! I learn more about the band’s formation and what the future holds; why this week has been a bit of a hazy one – and how important London is to The Coolness.

I hear more about gentrification and fried chicken; the music that inspires the band; working with Gsus Lopez – and some words of advice for new songwriters.

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

We have been touring Wetherspoon pubs: not in a musical sense, but sampling the new menu (two desserts for £5). We went to see B.R.M.C. (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) at Brixton and drank a few overpriced ales from plastic cups - so we are recovering from a slight hangover!

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

We live in London. We’ve been doing this for a while (making records) - so we should be fairly good at it. We haven’t put out an album yet; however, we do have ten E.P.s and you can download them for free HERE…

We certainly don’t fit into one specific genre of modern music. The Coolness is a well-balanced mix of Electronic-Pop, Dance; Rock and Funk. Most of the songs start out in GarageBand once we have the riff, basic chords or melody - we will then we finish them off in Logic or Pro Tools. On Chicken Leg Girl; Chaz wrote the synth bass line and sings; Dave plays the oriental-sounding lead-line (on a £20 Casio keyboard) and Eddie plays the drums. We used electronic drum-pads: that’s why it doesn’t sound entirely like a band playing in a room.

Although; we did record it live. No guitars or bass guitar on this track!

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PHOTO CREDIT: @aldeperez  

I want to know more about Chicken Leg Girl. What was the reasoning for focusing on the fast-food culture of today?

The lyrics and musical idea originally came from a vague description of a fine young lady our singer was trying (and failing) to date. The lady in question is of a physical stature that some might consider slim.  She could, however, eat more food than the entire band put together.

We put this unique feat down to good genetics...

Are you all partial to a bit of fried chicken? Do you think we have become too dependent on the fast and greasy?

‘The Fast and Greasy?’ That sounds like the best movie Robert Rodriguez never made!

We actually filmed the video for our track Semen in his studio in Texas, U.S.A. Anyway; enough with name-dropping! I put the rise in the popularity of fried chicken (in London at least) down to economic disparity and ongoing gentrification. Fried chicken shops are not really so different in calories or taste to the current wave of (rip-off) £14 gastro burger chains (Dirty Burger et al).

The difference is; the burger places are marketed to the suit the tastes of careerists: the kind of people that have moved to London to focus on a job or tourists. Fried chicken shops are basically catering for indigenous Londoners, the poor - or those who simply don’t care about trends or fashion. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: @aldeperez  

However, there is also a new ‘chicken trend’: places such as Strut & Cluck, Chic ‘n’ Sours; Wingman, Bird; Temple of Seitan and Chicken Town. This, basically, is fried chicken marketed to more middle-class types (at three-times the cost). It’s probably just as unhealthy! We are all originally from the island, Portsmouth - where it’s all about fish and chips. The only independent chains of fast-food we had growing up was Ken’s Kebabs and Uncle Sam’s - chicken was a rarity.

When we moved to London, it is was like ‘WHOAH’!

The video looked like it was ‘interesting’! Dressed as women, accompanied by a human in a chicken suit, did you get a few odd looks?! What was it like shooting the video?

We filmed the video on ‘Murder Mile’: Chatsworth Road, Hackney. A chicken shop on a corner-street called Chicken Lickin’ gave us a great deal to film one sunny Sunday. We are very grateful to them and they also do lovely pizza. No-one was harmed or abused during the video. A few young kids on BMXs gave us funny looks - but that is expected when filming on-location.

Again; Clapton is a part of London that has been heavily gentrified. Ten years ago, this road had little or no cafes, restaurants; organic shops or craft beer bars (all with black shop-fronts). That’s all changed now. Chicken Lickin’ suddenly feels like a hidden gem within a sea of pop-up, conformist; organic homogenisation.

Crystal Fighters also filmed the music video for their biggest-ever hit, Follow, on Chatsworth Road. Unfortunately, we do not think Chicken Leg Girl will sell as many records as that song - but we can only hope! L.o.L.

Gsus Lopez directed. He is in no short supply of talent! What was it like joining forces?

We have always respected Gsus’ work. We think it’s very challenging.

Anyone young and old can identify with it - and you don’t have to come from a queer or L.G.B.T. disposition or stand-point to understand its full message. We met at a Club Cool warehouse party and we were speaking about the idea for filming a video for more than one year. Originally, we were meant to have a female playing the part of the Chicken Leg Girl - but that didn’t happen last-minute. If Chaz didn’t drag up, then the video would have never of been made. Gsus and his team were a joy to work with - and we will collaborate with them in the future.

Chicken Leg Girl was Gsus’ first attempt at a music video…we hope other great artists hit him up!

Is there more material coming in 2018?

Yes. We have at least ten great songs that we need to finish recording.

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You guys are ‘The Coolness’. On a scale of Theresa May (0) to The Fonz (11) – how cool are you?! Have you any proof to back up any claims?!

While none of us identifies with her politics; in comparison to the political leaders of the past, Theresa May’s dress sense is half-decent. She has some mad jewellry and eye-shadow - it’s almost Rocky Horror Show. I could imagine The Coolness rocking a Theresa May look onstage one day! In fact; at our last few gigs, we have worn the left-over outfits from the Chicken Leg Girl video. Aprons and visors etc.

So, for now, we’d actually have to score ourselves in the minuses.

It seems your songs – and memorable song-titles – have a sense of fun and tongue-in-cheek wink. Do you think music lacks a certain humour?

Unless you have a marketable brand - or you can sell an idea - then there’s very little money left to be made from doing music these days. It’s as simple as that.

The knock-on-effect of this scenario is that, nowadays, every new or young artist is trying to write a song or develop a sound that will get played by F.M. radio or have some social media coverage. This is the only way they will ever get heard; so that cuts out swearing, nudity; drug references, radical political beliefs and profanity - all of the elements that used to make artists of interest develop a following back in the day. I guess we are just lucky and/or old enough to remember the glory days - or we simply care little about being an industry-friendly band.

Saying that...there’s still great new music out there: the only difference is people nowadays would rather meet on a dating app than at a local or new band gig. Many gig environments these days can be quite asexual places - which is a great thing, but also different from how it generally used to be in the past!

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IMAGE CREDIT: Caio Locke

It has been said you are solely responsible for finding Charli XCX! Did you guys really launch her – or did you discover her wandering the street in need of a lift after a late-night out?!

She was only fifteen at the time, so no, we did not ‘find her’ on the streets on a night out! We came across her page on Myspace. We listened and instantly we, undoubtedly, thought she was going to be the next Madonna or Kate Bush. So, obviously, we immeditely sent her a message; her dad called me up to discuss business and she played her first ten-plus shows supporting us.

It took her a while (about two years) to get signed - and all the time she was playing these crazy guerrilla gigs and warehouse raves with us...

Crazy, considering her parents had to accompany her to these semi-legal places full of sex, drugs and ear-splitting sound-systems.

You play on keyboards discovered in junk shops. What has been your finest find? What is the reason for this budget-priced musicianship?

The keyboards never differ too much in price or attributes. The best one we found is the Yamaha PSS 470. I got it from a second-hand shop, ran by Lou Winwood and Pete Voss, in 2008 called I Dream of Wires. You can edit the sounds and waveforms individually - which is rare. Funnily enough, Saul from Fat White Family uses this very keyboard for his new project, Insecure Men (including his main press photo).

Is Tropical used it a fair bit on their first album, too. It’s nice to know the trend is catching on: it’s an original sound to be able to achieve in this day and age of Ableton, perfection and soft synths.

Call it lo-fi for the 2010s…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nadia Lee

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Geneva Jacuzzi. Chloe Black. INSECURE MEN. KYLYPSO. Creeping Sharia.

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IN THIS PHOTO: KYLYPSO

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

We would probably all choose Appetite for Destruction by Guns N’ Roses

It’s an obvious choice but it’s a great balance of songwriting, craftsmanship and performance captured onto tape. Add this to the fact that the band had a sleazy story behind them, combined with arguably the perfect amount of production and overdubbing that a record needs.

There’s a reason they are the highest-earning touring entity of 2017 - it probably boils down to honesty, humility and notoriety.

Can we see you perform anywhere soon? Where can we catch you play?

We are currently working on some new music videos ideas and recordings. We are not one to rush: we are called The Coolness for a reason.

We will make an announcement about shows before the New Year via social media.

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London is a city you seem suited to be, surely, a band this cool cannot be satisfied by London alone. Any plans on touring internationally? Anywhere you have always wanted to perform?

It’s true!

The London night-life and music scene is full of 1990s' sportswear, poseurs and bowl haircuts. We have toured abroad in the past and this is our next objective after releasing a few new singles. South America seems to have the best crowds and fans. Also, East Asia seems up-and-coming. We have a part-time member called Geki who hails from Japan. We seemed to do well in Eastern Europe in the past.

We would also love to go back there.

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

Image is everything. Treat your fans well. Put on your own shows. Get a good producer. Concentrate on the tools you already have - even if it’s only a Casio. Write and produce songs standing up; don’t labour behind a computer screen.

You only need one good song to get noticed.

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

We have written a Christmas song in the past called Cool Christmas. We might write another.

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

Deadly Valentine by Charlotte Gainsbourg. Solely for the sound of the backwards piano...

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INTERVIEW: Bree Taylor

INTERVIEW:

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Bree Taylor

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I have been a fan of Bree Taylor’s music…

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since her debut single. I was keen to catch up and see how she was doing. Taylor reveals the story behind her latest track, What You’re Looking For, and the influences that go into her music. I ask how anxiety/depression and music connect with her – whether the former is helped by the latter. She tells me about the artists that have inspired her sound and what comes next.

I ask Taylor about the music scene in Canada (where she is based) and why there is such a proliferation of great acts from there; whether there are plans regards a U.K. jaunt – and how she will be spending this Christmas.

PHOTOS: Devyn Hill

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

It’s been great!

I’ve just been working my day-job and promoting the new single and music video for What You’re Looking For.

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

My name is Bree Taylor and I am a singer-songwriter from Toronto, Ontario (in Canada). I have been writing since I was a little girl and have always had a passion for music. What You’re Looking For is my third single that I have released - and I am so excited that everyone is loving it. I also love acting, reading; spending time with my friends/family and dog; working out/yoga.

I also post weekly YouTube videos.

What You’re Looking For is your new single. Can you tell me the origins behind it?

Well. This song is based off a specific experience with a guy that I have a history with…

We had an intense connection from the moment we met but the timing was never on our side. However, this song has become about so much more than that experience. It is about how so many guys, nowadays, don’t know what they want when it comes to a relationship or dating - and end up wasting great girl’s time playing games.

With all the dating apps. now; guys find it so easy to meet girls and are so often just looking for a quick ‘hook-up’ - and want to use girls for their bodies instead of spending time getting to know them and letting things just happen. Unfortunately, I have encountered many of these guys in my years dating and have so many friends who have had similar experiences and struggles in the dating scene.

This song is about having the self-respect to walk away from a situation that does not serve you (or fulfil you). We all deserve to feel loved and wanted and to be someone's number-one - and that’s what I want people to take away from the song.

It seems to carry personal weight and relevance. Would you say love – and the conflicts and complexities of love – form a basis for your creative drive?

Yes. I have always been a hopeless romantic and relationships - and love/dating have been huge influences on my songwriting.

I find writing, especially songwriting, to be so therapeutic and a lot of my emotional struggles flow through into my songs. A lot of what fuels me creatively are things myself or my friends go through - and love/dating tend to be a large part of our lives and struggles. I am a storyteller and I write about anything that my heart needs to say so, whatever topic that may be...I let it flow out of me.

For now; my heart seems to want to write about love…

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I know you have an impressive body of work under your belt. Will this translate into an E.P. or album soon?

Thank you (smiles) and, yes - I will have an E.P out in the spring.

I am also working on writing new music - so lots of exciting new things in the future.

It seems, from the video of your latest single, you have a natural flair in front of the camera. Do you think you will do more acting – and continue with music – as we head into 2018?

THANK YOU! That means a lot to me - and I have actually been pursuing acting as well for the past year. I do love being in front of the camera and have found a passion for acting in recent years.

Acting is something I have had a secret passion for growing up - but was always too scared to pursue as a kid. However, over the past few years, I have been training here and there and decided to really start pursuing it after filming my first music video for Broken Dreams (a little over a year ago). I have really been working on my acting this past year - and am so glad you noticed the work I have been putting in through this new video.

I definitely have plans to continue with acting into 2018...

It seems you were born to be in music. Is it right music was in your life as early as your delivery? Do you have an entertainment/musical background and family?

It was!

I was delivered to a mix-tape my dad made for my mom when she was pregnant with me. There isn’t a lot of musical background in my family, actually. My papa, on my mom’s side, plays violin; my grandma, on my dad’s side, can sing and had been in choirs - but that is about it for musical talent in my family history. In terms of entertainment, though; my grandpa, John Badham, had an amazing career in sports radio broadcast here in Canada.

However; I am really the first person to pursue a career in music/acting in my family. 

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Can you remember the artists you grew up with?

I grew up listening to so many amazing artists.

I listened to EVERYTHING growing up...from Country, Punk; Pop - even Metal. Some bands/artists are: Blink-182, Sum 41, Avril Lavigne; ABBA, Shania Twain; Amanda Marshall, Michelle Branch; Elton John; the Eagles, AC/DC; Red Jumpsuit Apparatus; Christina Aguilera…the list goes on and on…

Some write music to normalise and rationalise anxieties and deeper feelings. What does music mean to you - and how important is it regards your happiness and spirit?

Music saved me...

I am the exact same, in that music and writing is therapy for me and, 100%, helps me deal with my anxieties and emotions. Music and creating/writing is so essential to my very existence and happiness that I can’t see myself doing anything else.

Music was there for me when I had no one; when I was struggling; when I have been at my highs – and, especially, my lows - when my faith was wavering and I want to create music that does the same for someone else. When I am singing or writing or performing, I feel like I am doing what I was meant to do and I am my happiest, best self. I thrive when I create and there is nothing better than seeing something you created come to life and people connecting with it.

Music is SO essential to my spirit and every fibre of my being.

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Canada is a breeding ground for great music. What is it about the country that leads to such excellent sounds?

I have no idea!

I think we just have incredible talent here. I know myself and many artists I know from Canada have been through a lot in our lives and have a lot to say - so that might have something to do with it. Lots of passion comes through in our music. Canada does have so much incredible talent and I think that isn’t necessarily credited to where we are from - but how we are brought up; how music has influenced and shaped us as artists - and the experiences we have to share through our music.

Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

Well. I am performing at a corporate Christmas party in a couple weeks - but that is a private show. I will be booking a lot more shows/festivals in the New Year; though, so be sure to check my website for show dates.

Will you be heading to the U.K. next year, do you think?

I might be!

No solid plans yet - but I would love to come out to the U.K. at some point.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Meghan Patrick

Who are the new artists you recommend we investigate?

I highly recommend my good friend Nicole Rayy. She is an incredibly talented songwriter and performer!

I also am in love with Meghan Patrick’s music. She is a Canadian Country singer who is killing it right now.

I also LOVE Phoebe Ryan. She has such a unique voice and sound.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Phoebe Ryan

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

Such a tough question! There are so many!

Shania Twain - Up!

Because I grew up a huge fan of Shania’s music - and that was one of my favourite albums of hers. It really helped me get through a lot as a kid. It holds a special place in my heart - and pretty much any Shania song brings back wonderful and happy memories for me.

Paramore - Riot!

Because it represents my Punk-Rock phase - in my teen years - that really helped influence me musically - and helped me through a lot of tough times battling depression/anxiety and dealing with being bullied in school. I listened to a lot of Punk-Rock and Metal at that time. Paramore are one of my favourite bands. There isn’t a single song on this album I don’t love and it just takes me back.

Misery Business and Crushcrushcrush are two of my all-time-favourite Paramore songs.

Taylor Swift – 1989

Because there isn’t a single song on that album that I don’t love - and I can listen to it over and over again. Lyrically, all her music just speaks to me - but there is a song for every mood on that album.

It is just such a well-produced and well-written album.

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

Surround yourself with a great team of people who can help you make your dream come true. It is a lot of work and effort to make it in this industry and every bit of wisdom and assistance helps.

Keep your circle small and filled with positive and supportive people - and be aware of negative people who will drain you of your energy or try to take advantage of your and any success you start to have.

Also...family is everything!

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

I don’t have any plans yet - probably will spend a lot of time with friends and family and catching up on some of my favourite shows (that I don’t get to watch often with my busy schedule).

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 am OBSESSED with Taylor Swift’s new song, Gorgeous

It is so FUN and catchy; fresh and flirty - I love it! I think it is a song that all girls can relate to when they are crushing on someone. She just slays with lyrics

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Follow Bree Taylor

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INTERVIEW: LAMIA

INTERVIEW:

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LAMIA

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TODAY is dedicated to female artists…

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and the finest in music today. I have been speaking with LAMIA - who is a Berlin-based artist impressing fans and striking curiosity. Her latest single, Falling Apart, is around and I wanted to know more about it. I query whether there is more material afoot and what the coming months hold; what the Berlin music scene is like – and whether its fabric and environment is why so many are locating to the German city.

LAMIA tells me about her past and musical tastes; some new artists she would recommend to us; how her touring plans are shaping up – and whether she will be in the U.K. anytime soon.

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

Hey! Yeah, I’m good, thank you. My week’s been very busy.

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

I am a twenty-two-year-old female producer and vocalist from London - based in Berlin.

Falling Apart is your new single. Can you tell me the story behind it…?

Falling Apart is about creating illusions to hide weaknesses and living in two minds.

It’s about the separation of your inner-thoughts from what you present to others. I wrote the track when I was on a really intense creative high: staying up until 7 A.M. writing, gigging; going into university; being signed to a label and going out a lot. It was really thrilling, but I knew that it was slightly out of control.

I got really good at separating my thoughts and feelings to keep up appearances - so, all the stress came out in my music.

It is mixed by James Kenosha. What is it like working with him?

James is an absolute wizard at mixing and producing...

Working with him is very inspiring because he is very efficient - but also relaxed and patient.

There are Hip-Hop, Pop and Jazz elements in the song, Is it fair to say you grew up on a range of different sounds/artists?

I’ve always listened to a broad range of different genres and styles.

My opinion is that, as a creative person, the only way you can really tap into your gift is by being open and allowing small moments of inspiration to accumulate into big ideas…but, in order to do this, you must keep open-minded - listening and digesting everything in equal stature.   

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I like the Jazz aspects of Falling Apart. Is it a genre, in your view, that does not get the respect it warrants?

Jazz as a genre is really interesting because I find the culture surrounding it has strong connotations with ‘high-culture’ - and is generally perceived, by people within that field, as a style that is above Pop music in terms of its authenticity and technicality.

Having gone to a conservatoire; I’ve spent time with Jazz musicians and really respect their values of achieving an exceptionally high standard of musicianship - but think that - at the same, this can stifle the appreciation of styles that are, perhaps, not as complex (but still highly creative). 

In addition to songwriting; you are a skilled producer. What was the reason for getting into production?

I initially started producing my own music as an act of defiance - after being told that, as a vocalist and songwriter, production was not my role - and should be left to a formal producer. Following this, I single-mindedly taught myself. When everyone went home for summer at music college; I stayed in the empty flat working during the day - and producing six-eight hours at night. I did this for around four months and, six months later, I was signed to a label.

I found it completely fascinating and thrilling because it opened up a new world of opportunity: I could make any sound that I heard in my head and didn’t have to wait for anyone to help me.

Is it important for you to have that control of your music?

Yes.

I believe that, if you can’t control your music, you can’t control your own path. I am a very ambitious person - so this is very important to me.

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Do you remember when music came into your life? Who were the first artists who took your heart?

I think my first musical experiences started when my mum used to play C.D.s in the car. We had loads of them because we used to drive to London to see my dad - and buy them from the bargain buckets at petrol stations.

I would always sing along to the C.D.s - especially Billie Holliday and The Carpenters. 

Berlin is where you are based. You were raised in London. What was the reason for reallocating? What are the differences between the music in both nations, would you say?

Berlin is a very exciting place because it has an atmosphere of optimism and interest in anything that pushes boundaries and tries new things. Berlin attracted me because I think this openness allows really exciting things to develop.

I wanted to be inspired by the music scene here - and implement the sounds into my own production.

Your music has gained attention and love from the likes of BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens and CLASH. How does that make you feel?

It makes me feel great.

My music is very personal and is an outlet for my thoughts - and it really excites me when people connect with what I’m doing.

Can we expect any new material in 2018?

Yes. There are lots of very exciting things in the pipeline.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Smerz

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

I think Smerz are fantastic. They are a new two-piece Techno/Pop duo from Copenhagen and have just signed to XL Recordings. They are just themselves - and I really respect that.

Also; A/T/O/S - although they are not so new - always blow my mind. They are signed to Deep Medi and combine really cool bass music-influenced beats with R&B vocals.

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IN THIS PHOTO: A/T/O/S

Are there any tour dates coming up? Is the U.K. going to be part of your future plans regarding gigs?

I would love to perform in the U.K.; although my focus right now is moving forwards within the Berlin music scene. I am looking for management at the moment, as I think it’s key to work with someone that can speak German.

I am planning on doing a string of shows next year following the E.P. release.

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

Tame Impala - Currents

It is probably going to be the soundtrack of my early-twenties. Somehow; I always go back to (listening to) it - even when I think I’m sick of it.

Burial - Untrue

It changed my perception of production - and got me into Future-Garage.

Life of Pablo - Kanye West

This opened my mind to erraticism and the idea of going against the listener’s expectations. 

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

Get enough sleep and exercise…

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

Christmas is nice because it gives you downtime to reflect.

I usually write a lot of music around that time, because it allows me to process the year that’s past; where I am now - and where I want to be in the future.

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).

A/T/O/S - Variations

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INTERVIEW: Ryan Hassan

INTERVIEW:

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Ryan Hassan

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IT is rare I get to chat with a drummer…

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Especially one who has worked with some of the biggest names in new music. Ryan Hassan has teamed with white-hot rapper Kofi Stone and, between them, created something incendiary and hypnotic – in the mighty and memorable Bomb Squad. I speak to Hassan about the track and how he came to meet Stone; some of those big names he has worked with – whether there is more material coming along.

On the subject of drumming: I ask if that is the place he feels safest – as he steps up-front on Bomb Squad – and the heroes of the form that inspired him growing up. Hassan tells me about the countries he has toured and what is the next piece of the puzzle...

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

Great. I just released Bomb Squad, my first single, last week -  so it’s been full on as well. Been working on the next tracks as well as practicing for collaborations I've got coming up.

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

I’m Ryan Hassan. I’m a drummer and producer from Glasgow, Scotland. Right now, I play drums for Fatman Scoop, The Logans; Brian McCafferty - and a few other artists. I’ve previously worked with the Bay City Rollers, Clean Bandit; Kloe, Lucia, November Lights; That Drummer That DJ (and many more).

I’ve toured everywhere from the U.S.A. to Russia and with everyone from McFly to Kid Ink. I’ve also just released my first solo record, Bomb Squad, with Birmingham rapper Kofi Stone.

Bomb Squad is your new song – it is as explosive as the title suggests! What compelled its creation?

I was doing a live show called That Drummer That DJ where I took the biggest records across every musical genre and remixed them live - and re-drummed them live with different D.J.s. From that, I had the idea of producing my own beats; that kind of grew into producing tracks and asking guests to feature on them - and working them into the live set.

It just naturally progressed to releasing these tracks.

The song bridges the bombast and fury of Rage Against the Machine with sounds of Danny Brown and Grime. How did you come to meet Kofi Stone – and how closely did you work together on the track?

We met doing a festival together in Greece with Tinie Tempah. He was being managed by a friend of mine, Chris, who also manages Scoop - and he introduced us. Kofi came up to Glasgow twice after that (after two missed flights and a train). He laid down all his parts for what became Bomb Squad.

It came together quickly: the vibe just felt right from the beginning.

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Will you two work together on more songs? Are there other tracks in your thoughts right now?

I hope so.

We’re both busy doing our own thing at the moment - and I've got some guest vocalists lined up for new material. I’m working on finishing them right now: maybe even a collab with Scoop would be great.

I'm really excited about the new material.

It is unusual for a drummer to steal the spotlight and, at the same time, allow another light to shine at the front! Do you see yourself on the microphone at some point – or are you happy creating those hectic beats?

Definitely not! (Laughing).

I prefer to always be behind the drums. I’ve always wanted to push the boundaries of what is possible as a drummer in terms of recognition and creativity. For me, playing varied styles of music; working with different artists and being out there doing live shows is the driving force.

I’m happy as long as I’m creating and playing drums.

Tell me about your relationships with the drums and how you got started? Who were the drummers you idolised growing up?

I started playing when I was eleven-years-old. I had a drum lesson that day in school; just playing a really basic beat - and I was terrible. I didn’t have the coordination or anything, but I absolutely loved it. A little while later, me and my friends started sneaking into school after it closed to get extra time playing the drum set…and that’s where I started to develop: from being pushed in that group to keep up.

We eventually got caught when one of my friends used a floor-polishing machine on a carpet - and burnt a hole through it and we all got kicked out of school. The school got a real drum teacher shortly after that and I never looked back.

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I went to my first concert around that same time to see the punk band The Offspring and Ron Welty was playing drums. I was blown away hearing drums through a system that size - and I knew there and then that’s all I wanted to do.  From taking lessons, I was really influenced by guys like Dennis Chambers and Steve Gadd - and my parents had already introduced me to people like Max Weinberg, Stewart Copeland and Pick Withers; who were great for me in terms of technique and diversity.

But, my poster-on-the-wall-drumming-heroes growing up were Travis Barker, Jose Pasillas; Chad Smith - guys like that.

You hail from Glasgow. How vibrant and varied is the scene in the city? Do you think Glasgow gets the respect it deserves?

I think the scene in Glasgow gets a lot of credit.

Such a small city has produced so many major artists and many more have been discovered there - like the famous Oasis story, as an example. I'm also very inspired by the New York scene; where you can find a really bustling jazz scene or Hip-Hop scene - as well as all the mainstream.

In addition to opening for Rod Stewart; you have toured worldwide and performed at big festivals. How instrumental and formative have these experiences been?!

Massive.

Having the experience of playing huge stages and learning what it’s like to tour; right down to things like how to respect crew and engineers - and not getting in their way whilst trying to do their jobs. There’s a big difference going from doing six shows in a van with your friends to doing four months on an international tour; flying every day and having to build relationships with people around you (that you didn’t know before).

Just seeing the level of musicianship needed to cut it at that level; the discipline and everything else that comes with it. Watching Beyoncé’s band warming up, for example, was an awesome experience. It’s definitely pushed me in terms of my practise schedule and knowing how good a track has to be to appeal to audiences that size.

I think the days of touring musicians brushing their teeth with Jack Daniels are long gone! (Laughs).

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Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

I’ve got a busy November and December with The Logans and Brian McCafferty - with shows all over Scotland. In the New Year, I’m going to be on the road with Fatman Scoop (dates to be announced) - and I’ll be doing some solo drum and D.J. shows starting in February in Boston, MA. 

I’m hoping to be doing more with November Lights as well - but there’s nothing confirmed there so far.

Can you see yourself touring internationally as we head into 2018? What ambitions do you have for the year ahead?

Yes. As soon as Scoops' dates come out; we will be all over and with my own material. I’m going to be doing a bunch of shows in the U.S.A. - starting off: February 18th in Boston.

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IN THIS PHOTO: November Lights/PHOTO CREDIT: Cameron James Brisbane

Who are the new artists you recommend we investigate?

November Lights are a band from Scotland who deserves major recognition. They really have some amazing songs - I love their sound.

I’m also listening to Jared & The Mill constantly. They have a song called Song for a Girl that breaks my heart in a good way….and PARTYNEXTDOOR. Not quite as new as the others - but his Seven Days record is a killer.

Devon Taylor is playing drums on tour (with him) and opening for Halsey right now - so he’s also worth checking out.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Devon Taylor

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

Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms

That’s a record that connects me to my family. It’s one of the first I ever heard - and it’s one I still listen to regularly.

Blink-182 – Blink-182

This is the album that really gave me the push to be a professional drummer. I doubt I’d be doing what I’m doing now if I hadn’t heard this album.

Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism

Probably my most listened-to album of all time. I love the chilled vibe of their music and it’s a record that taught me the most about playing grooves and playing for the music - but still doing it in a creative way.

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

Be willing to suffer for your craft...

It could take a long time for anything to happen; there will be times when you have no money; there could be times when everything you’re working on falls apart but, if you love what you’re doing, then you push through - and every good thing that comes of it is worth it. Don’t always trust social media: no one sees the bad days behind the good photos.  

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

No plan.

I will be home for Christmas watching Christmas Vacation; playing the PS4 - and eating way too many chocolates (as usual).

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).

Demi Lovato - Tell Me You Love Me

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INTERVIEW: Loraine James

INTERVIEW:

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Loraine James

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I know a few artists who mix disparate genres…

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and make it hang together – few do it with the same skill and beauty as Loraine James. She tells me about her new album, Detail, and what themes/stories went into the songs. I find out about her influences and how the London-based artist has progressed. She reveals her road into music and whether there is more material afoot; what her songwriting process involves – and the new artists she recommends.

James talks about her background and upbringing; the great venues/locations she has played in already – and what she has planned for the remainder of the year.

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

I’m good thanks.

Just chilly for the most of it. Haha. Job-hunting: that lovely kind of thing

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

I always hate introducing myself. Haha. So, I’ll try...I’m a producer/musician from London who makes sometimes glitch; sometimes ambient - and sometimes in-between Electronic music.

Detail, your latest L.P., was released back in May. What was it like putting the album together? What were the kind of things that inspired the songs?

It was really fun and stressful.

I started producing the album at the end of December 2016; around the time of finishing my dissertation - and starting fully focusing on it in the New Year. It was really cool making this album as I’d always work on my own when it came to my own work – so, to collaborate with people on the record was fun and I’m really happy with the turnout... 

Artists such as Aoki Takamasa inspired me because I was just listening to all the intricate details in his drum-work - and that really was an inspiration to really focus more on every single section of my songs.

Are there going to be new releases from Detail? Any more singles arriving?

There’s a new single out this week called Silver (featuring Sadie Sinner and Le3 bLack).

This song was an idea (idea-number-nineteen, to be precise) for the album I did late last year - and came back to mind only recently (like a few days ago). So; I made it into a song and here it is. Haha. Yeah, this is going to be the last song for a while from me because of creative/mind-block when making music under ‘Loraine James’; so, I’m going to be doing other things like more gigs, workshops; collaborative music projects and my other music project with my mate Will Primett (called Hydra).

It seems like you source from genres such as Math-Rock and Ambient. Is your record collection more attached to modern sounds – or do you dip into the archives and source from the classics?

Erm. I’d say most of my record collection is from the 1990s-onwards; with early Aphex Twin albums etc. - but I also do love listening to Steve Reich’s work.

Who are the artists most influential and important to you?

Telefon Tel Aviv, Aoki Takamasa; Circa Survive, Deftones…the list goes on.

I love the attention-to-detail on quiet sounds in tracks - to the spacey calm and somewhat soothing vocals from Chino from Deftones. I don’t sing that often but, when I do, I definitely draw inspiration from him.

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Do you remember when you got into music? Was there a moment where you knew you had to pursue this passion?!

I started learning the keyboard when I was six - but I think I was around fifteen when I wanted to pursue music for a living. I think what triggered it for me was when I performed a piano piece that I had made the night before for assembly - and the response I got was great.

I am interested learning about artists’ songwriting process. Do you consciously set time aside to write – or do you react to immediate inspiration and creative spark?

My brain, sometimes, does this annoying thing where I set myself time to do something and, when it comes to it, I don’t do it – so, I’m definitely more inspired immediately and spontaneously.

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London, and its eclectic spirit, seems to impact your music. Are you influenced by the city and the people around you?!

Definitely. The diversity of people, music tastes and weather. Haha. There’s a lot that can get you inspired but, sometimes, it’s also nice to get away from it.

Already; you have performed at some great venues and made impressions in the music world. What has been your proudest memory so far?

Being a part of The Cocoa Butter Club has been one of my highlights because there’s always so much love - and I’m about everything they stand for! (….check them out).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Yaeji

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Yaeji is an artist I randomly came across on YouTube. She does amazing straight-to-the-point Electronic music - and she’s also just released her second E.P…so check that out.

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IN THIS PHOTO: La Leif

La Leif is an awesome Electronic musician/producer who I saw live when we were playing the same bill at Rye Wax recently. She performs her music analogue and has a great E.P. out called Nest.

Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

The only live date I got at the minute is in Leicester on 25th November at The Shed.

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

Telefon Tel Aviv - Fahrenheit Fair Enough

Lusine - Serial Hodgepodge

The Mercury Program - A Data Learn the Language

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

Might be cheesy as a biscuit but try not to be like anyone else: just be yourself.

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

Well; when it’s Christmas, it’s also more-or-less my birthday…so, I don’t know. Haha.

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).

Lapalux – Essex Is Burning

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INTERVIEW: The Ghibertins

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Olivo

 The Ghibertins

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WHEN speaking with a band from another nation…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Olivo

I am always interested discovering their tastes and musical ambitions. Italian group The Ghibertins give me insight into their latest movements and the stories behind their L.P., The Less I Know the Better; working at MOB Sound Studio - what their new single, I’m War, is all about.

I learn more about the guys’ tastes and music that drives them; where they are performing next; how they are spending this Christmas – the words of advice for new artists coming through.

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

We are feeling great; finally, our album is close to its release and we feel tired and full of energy at the same time.

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

Sure!

We are The Ghibertins: a Folk-Rock band from Milan, Italy! We have been around since 2012. We released an E.P., Square the Circle, in 2015 - and now our new album is coming out.

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The Less I Know the Better is your new album. Can you tell me about the themes and ideas that inspired the record?

The album started with an idea that was changed all of a sudden.

The first-written tracks talked about love and hate! We like to talk about those feelings and undercover the thin line that sometimes divides them; at some point during the writing of the tracks Alessio (Singer-Songwriter) saw images of children playing in Aleppo, Syria inside a bomb crater-pool. That image was so shocking that three songs came out in (just) one day (The Less I Know the Better, Where Are We Now? and I’m War). We thought of all the rage of the 1960s during the Vietnam War - and how this generation is so quiet about what is happening right now.

We simply tried to say something - just hoping that someone would listen...

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PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Olivo

Is there significance behind the title? Which song from the record do you each highlight?

Yes. This album wants all the people who seek comfort in daily routines and who ignore the global geopolitical situation; to awaken from the numbness - in the hope that the bill will never be presented.

The title of the album is born out of the following reflection: that which I cannot see, cannot occur. That which I cannot hear, cannot be communicated to me.

Where Are We Now? is our favourite.

What was it like working out of MOB Sound Studio?

We had a great time.

Alessandro Caneva, the owner of MOB Sound Studios, and Alberto Turra, our musical arranger, are straightforward, practical; talented souls. We worked in an environment full of enthusiasm. Actually, we really had a lot of fun.

 

I’m War is the new single. Can you tell me about the song’s creation and the idea behind its video?

I’m War is inspired by two songs by The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter, for how the theme of war gets dealt with - and Sympathy for the Devil for the decision made to let the concerned individual speak. If war was actually a God; what would it think of us? In I’m War; a war made happy and stronger and more secure than ever, thanks to us for the ‘excellent work’ we are doing - and provocatively - suggests new alibies to start a new conflict. To these ‘fools’ who we are employing to bring peace, he says ‘go ahead’; I’m here regardless and I’m closer than what you think (the citation suggests “I’m just a kiss away”).

Seeing the heavy history that humanity has, from afar, as if it were, doing him an injustice. War doesn’t look at age: nor does it make any racial or social distinctions. In his eyes, just like God’s, we are all equals. We are all victims and executioners of what happens today. Choosing Carrara’s marble cave was a perfect idea: you feel both at the top of the world but (also) so tiny and meaningless.

That’s the feeling you want to feel when you play this song.

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It seems you are embracing a fuller sound on your new material. What was the decision behind that?

We wanted to bend and play around with Folk music. It’s easier to do that if you go ‘electric’. That’s why we (definitely) introduced drums and keyboards.

Are there any bands/artists you are influenced by? How important are acts like Manic Street Preachers to you?

We have three names: Paul Simon, John Mayer and Pearl Jam.

If You Tolerate This Your Children Will be Next has been such an inspirational song for this album. Alessio felt that the ‘children’ were his generation. As a child, it was naive and too easy for him to think that, in twenty years’ time, his generation would be living in a truly different world.

Now, though, that we’ve passed over to the other side of the barricade; this song is sadly more relevant today and does not sound like a warning any longer – but, rather, a condemnation.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Olivo

How did the band get together in the first place? How did you find one another?

Alessio and Alessandro (Bass) met Lorenzo (Guitar) during one musical contest more than eight years ago. In truth, Alessio and Alessandro kicked out of the contest in Lorenzo’s previous band (sorry, Lorenzo…)

We were fans of John Mayer and, as soon as we had the chance to do something together, ‘The Ghibertins’ were born.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Perfume Genius

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

They are already quite famous - but we would like to recommend two artists. They released two of the best album of 2017: Perfume Genius and Brand New.

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Are there any tour dates coming up?

We are working on it....

To be honest; being an emerging local band it’s not easy - but I guess it’s a problem of every band in every corner of the word.

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

Graceland by Paul Simon

It’s very hard to explain why: it’s what you feel when you listen to it and feelings are not always easy to describe. It’s a powerful, emotional album with so many musical influences.

Looking back at the year so far: what have been the fondest memories for The Ghibertins?

We organised a small gig for twenty people/friends back in 2015 at Alessio’s place. It was the first time that we played our songs in front of an audience.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Mascioletti

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

To do whatever it takes to have enough money to sustain your project…

We are in 2017 and the music industry changed dramatically. If you really want to do this you have to invest time, resources and money. The ugly truth is that if you want to ‘emerge’ you have to spend more time in front of socials - rather than playing your own instrument.

That’s insane - but that’s music nowadays.

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

Guys...Christmas in Italy…it’s a big thing and, by ‘big’, we mean HUGE. It is that magical time of the year where the dinner-table becomes a battlefield with grandparents and parents preparing ambushes - made of all sort of appetizers; first courses, second courses; sides, desserts; coffee and ‘liquor’.  

We will take the chance to stay close to the ones we love - that most of the year we have to leave apart.

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).

Bon Iver - 29 #Strafford APTS

Brand New – Lit Me Up

Father John Misty - Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings

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The War on Drugs – Pain

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INTERVIEW: James Walker

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Ian Wallman 

James Walker

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I have been chatting with James Walker…

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about his new single, 2009. He tells me more about the new album, English Bones, and the times that inspired its creation; some of the issues faced along the way; how his sexuality plays into his music; some of the artists he grew up on – and what we can expect next from him.

Walker tells me more about his idols and the sounds he was exposed to; what he is planning for next year; working with producer Sam Winfield – and what he would tell new artists of the moment.

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

Hey! I’m really great, thank you.

My week’s been a little manic, actually. I released a record last Friday; turned twenty-five on Monday and have spent the first few days of my year locked away in my bedroom writing new songs - and rehearsing for next week’s tour.

I feel like I haven’t seen the light of day for a while…

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

Sure. I’m James Walker; a singer/songwriter from rainy Reading (in the U.K.). I primarily write Indie/folky - and slightly melancholy - songs inspired by artists such as Leif Vollebekk, Jeff Buckley; Turnover and Tigers Jaw.

I’ve spent the last two years writing and touring my debut record, English Bones - which came out last Friday!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ian Wallman

English Bones is your new album. What sort of ideas and themes are investigated within the album?

The record is a collection of songs that were written over an eighteen month period of my life. Eighteen months is a long time and, in that time, I occupied many headspaces. A lot of events - both in my personal and professional life - transpired that gave way to the creation of these tracks; though, primarily, there is an overarching theme of identity and belonging - that takes place in the narrative throughout the record.

Retrospectively, I look back at the lyrical content of the record and can recognise that there is a great amount of internal tension and struggle I felt at many points over the writing process. At the beginning of creating this album, I had just fallen out of a long-term relationship and it crushed my ability to feel like I was enough. Unfortunately, at the same time, I had just released a mediocre debut E.P.; been out on some remarkably unsuccessful tours and generally just felt as though I couldn’t achieve what I wanted to. A great deal of that negativity was channelled and embellished in the text within this record.

Thematically, though, there are many stories that are tackled and presented in the album; although, if I were to give a general gist, would be love, loss; recovery, identity and celebrity stalkers.

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PHOTO CREDIT: @uppekkha

Sam Winfield produced – he has worked with Supergrass and Dry the River. What was it like working with him?

Working with Sam is always a dream...

I met him a few years ago when I was recording piano on Adam Barnes’ record - and he runs a great ship over at Studio 91 in Newbury. His experience in production and open-mindedness to new ideas really allowed me to shape the record in the direction that I wanted it to go. In an ideal world, I would have spent a little more time on a few of the songs you find on English Bones - but budgets are low when you’re just starting out.

There was one dreary Wednesday afternoon - where I was recording vocals - and just couldn’t get the take I wanted - and he suggested we switched focus to something else. We changed tracks to Weathered and he asked me to just sing some ad-libs over the introduction: no real focus on what you’re saying, what you’re pitching - just make some noises. After six or seven takes of feeling entirely weird, he called me back into the control room and said: “Give me a second”. Ten minutes later or so; he took off his headphones and played back some wonderfully ethereal choir-pad-sounding layers - which we incorporated throughout the final mix of the song. I know that Weathered specifically wouldn’t have been anywhere near as sonically interesting without Sam’s input. He’s a wizard and worth his weight in gold.

Studio 91 is actually (just) having a massive overhaul and expansion - and I’m so excited to see what happens next (for Sam and the team). Hopefully, I can squeeze some time in there next year.

2009 is the latest track from you. Can you tell me more about it and what compelled its creation?

2009 is the song that almost never was...

It was one of the first songs I ever wrote for myself - and was written back when I was living and studying in Brighton. I was conflicted living there as I loved the city but was having a terrible time. I was living in a student house - complete with the stereotypical housemates coming home at 6 A.M. on coke - kitchen filled with mould; no personal space and no money.

I couldn’t deal with it and moved in with a friend of mine and his folks. It was such a strange demographic to be around - as I’d moved away from home a few years ago and felt as though I had parents to answer to once again. It definitely limited my freedom; no matter how liberal and open they were.

A friend of mine from home, then, also moved to Brighton - and the three of us started a little American Football/twinkly emo band called Cityview (that never launched). We had written a collection of songs together - 2009 being one of them - but never had the time to get in the studio and release anything. We wanted the song to tackle vague ideas of nostalgia; being in bands back in the day; past relationships. Nothing too deep - but it was a lot of fun to write and produce.

When it came to recording English Bones, this song was always in the back of mind. It felt a little bit like closure to get this song tracked and out there and I knew that I wanted to play a little guitar solo somewhere on the record! I wish that Oscar or Zak were the people playing on the record alongside me - but life got in the way.

Oscar moved to Wales and Zak started working in a different industry - and playing with another band on the side. I still miss those boys and that city, though.

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How much of your experience of the L.G.B.T.Q. community enforces your music? How interwoven is your sexuality and music, would you say?

Music is a catalyst for self-expression. Over the years, I’ve seen an increase in artists who embrace their sexualities and met many unashamedly forward-thinking people in the industry. The openness of some of today’s larger figures - like Frank Ocean, Sam Smith and Troye Sivan - seems to be informing a more ‘gay-OK’ attitude in the popular music consumer population - which is wonderful. There is still a long way to go, though, and constant need to reaffirm everybody’s acceptance.

My shows are always safe spaces and everyone is welcome. I have seen an increase in the amount of gender-fluid/non-binary people at my shows - and in my Spotify demographics recently. I’m not sure why or where that has come from but it is incredibly welcomed and appreciated. I struggled a lot growing up and coming to terms with being gay: creating and listening to music really was a lifeline. The thought that my songs are helpful to others in any way is an honour and a privilege.

I wouldn’t say that there’s a great deal of L.G.B.T.-specific tracks on this record: I think that my experience of love and heartbreak is akin to anyone else’s but there are definitely issues present on the record. For years, I felt ashamed of who I was and a lot of the darker material on this record is focused on that feeling. The song, Waiting, particularly, is about a very specific feeling of being with someone in a sexual relationship - but feeling like it’s wrong; feeling like you’re dating the wrong person (and repressing that).

My personal life is definitely informed by the L.G.B.T. community. I have only felt proud of who I am for the past few years and I wish that I had come to terms with it earlier on. It’s my prerogative to make sure that everyone knows they are loved and appreciated - and made to feel welcome whenever I meet them. I feel so proud and warmhearted when I see younger people at my shows who are embracing themselves more than I did at that age…hell; I still feel conscious wearing nail polish.

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I believe you have a rare heart condition. Is that something that dictates how active you are in music?! What impact and effect does that have on your daily life?

I did! I was born with a blood-clotting disorder that, over the past thirteen years, has resulted in me needing two lots of open-heart surgery. I had multiple pulmonary embolisms that resulted in pulmonary hypertension - requiring a complicated surgery called a pulmonary endarterectomy in 2013. It’s a rare procedure in which they put you in hypothermia and take the blood out of your body (!) in order to operate on the lower bronchi of the lungs, via the pulmonary artery. In a way, you are in some form of suspended animation; there is no brain activity, blood in your body; respiratory effort. Nothing. The One Show did a wonderful piece on it, which you can find on YouTube, and they interviewed my surgeon, David Jenkins. 

It’s a wonderful thing to be able to type this down but the last surgery I had was curative and I no longer have pulmonary hypertension. On the basis that I remain treated with blood-thinning medication, there is no reason that the clots should return - and I should be able to live a normally-active life with no limit on exercise tolerance or life expectancy.

I would be lying if I said it didn’t impact my daily life, though. It’s not that I’m not well but just that I get incredibly anxious. There are times I find myself obsessed with my health - especially at times in which I’m home or in-between tours. I find myself thinking too much about death or that I’m getting ill. I’ve convinced myself many times that I’ve got lung cancer or I’m having a stroke - or falling ill - and I’m not noticing it. I guess that it’s natural given the experience of trauma I’ve had, especially as a kid, but it’s something that’s definitely present and something that I’m learning to work on…

I feel a million times better when I’m out and on the road, though, as I’m distracted by all of the beautiful new cities, people and experiences I’m having. When I get home, I feel as though I’ve got too much time to think - my brain catches up with me and gives me two months’ worth of worries all at once! I’m working on teaching myself C.B.T. techniques and have been attempting some guided meditations in the last few months.

I feel like I’m getting better and accepting that I’m okay - but it’s a process that will take a while...

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Which artists have been most impactful in your life? Who do you look up to?

Music has had such a big impact on my life. I honestly don’t think that I would be the same person I am today if I hadn’t have listened to what I did growing up – and if I had a different set of artists as the soundtrack to pivotal moments in my life.

I vividly remember listening to Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlanticism and William Fitzsimmons’ The Sparrow and the Crow when I was in the I.C.U. - after my surgery when I was fourteen. I also recall being a huge fan of bands like Brand New, The Manchester Orchestra and Lydia as a late-teen. I once played in a Metal outfit and still find myself putting on Opeth or Lamb of God in the car from time to time. Bright Eyes have been a huge influence on me over the years.

I think the music I create today is a culmination of all of the influences I’ve had over the years and, with each new song I write, I feel as though I’m finding out more about who I am - and who I want to be as an artist.

At the moment, though, I very much look up to Noah Gundersen and Leif Vollebekk. They are just stellar examples of artists who, over the course of a few albums, really honed and developed their sound. Within both of their latest records; there is such a strong sense of individuality. They aren’t writing to a brief; they’re not creating music in order to be radio playlisted - and they’re certainly not creating for anyone other than themselves. I like their fearless sense of ‘I’m creating what I want’ and it’s a mantra I want to embrace the further I get down the line.

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Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

I’ve actually just wrapped up a two-month tour of Europe with Matt Phillips and Judy Blank (who co-wrote and features on a couple of the tracks on English Bones). We were out on the Horizontoer, in the Netherlands, and performed a series of dates after that all over mainland Europe. For the past few weeks, I’ve been at home organising the next steps.

I’ll be out on the road with Adam Barnes from next Monday, as an opening act for half of the shows - and as his pianist for all of the dates. He’s a good friend of mine and I’ve been touring and performing with him for around seven years now. It’s been a great experience to see him grow and I’ve learned a whole bunch about how to do things from watching him at arm’s length. It’s an honour to be able to open some shows for him and have him involved in my sets, too. He’s even going to playing piano on one of my songs on this tour - so; it’s really like my years of touring as his piano player has come around full circle!

So; I’m out with Adam for November and the first part of December. When I come home, I’m looking into a few local U.K. shows - in the London area - with my friend Josephine Zwaan. After that, I am heading out on a Germany/Netherlands tour in January (for three weeks) with Josephine Zwaan and Youri Lentjes - then heading out once again with Adam Barnes in February. Following that, I’m off to America to record a bunch of new songs in March/April and possibly look at performing at a few shows over on the East Coast. There is also another month-long tour in the pipeline for July/August, 2018.

Yes; we’re already looking that far ahead. It’s scary.

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You have just completed a two-month two with Matt Phillips and Judy Blank. What was that like?

It was incredible. I can honestly say it was the most fulfilling, rewarding and reaffirming tour I’ve ever been on. The audiences were wonderful (in thanks to Judy having been a contestant on Dutch national T.V. show, De Beste Singer Songwriter); the songs were well received, the money was decent but, more importantly than all of that, it was a fantastic opportunity to network. I met so many wonderful people on this run - thanks to all of the effort that Judy put in on the Dutch side of the dates. She really pulled out all the stops in making sure that I was playing some lovely venues and, in return, I offered her what I could in the U.K. and Germany. She truly is a wonderful woman who deserves a whole bunch of credit. She’s currently over in Nashville recording her sophomore album - and it’s sounding so wonderful. Definitely; one to keep an eye out for!

I also have to give a huge amount of credit to Matt Phillips for being the kindest man on planet Earth. Being cooped up in the car with me for two months must have been a challenge and I learned so much from his approaches to life; his attitudes towards touring/being an industry professional - and I’ve come to respect him, his companies and everything he does so much. He is a true advocate that good people do live in Southern states - and a man who stands up for what is right. He runs a collective over in N.C. and curates a whole bunch of great stuff in Chapel Hill - and, one of his aims for 2018, is to have every show of theirs featuring one non-cis or non-white (or non-straight act). I think it’s wonderful. There are many great things to be said about that man.

I can’t wait to see him again.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Matt Phillips

Who are the new artists you recommend we investigate?

I have to represent my friends here!

I met some wonderful people over the past year who all make such wonderful tunes. Honestly; they are all worth listening to…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Judy Blank

Here’s a brief list of some of my pals, peers and recent favourites I’ve come across in real life: Matt Phillips, Judy Blank; Josephine Zwaan, Youri Lentjes; Adam Barnes, Loud Mountains; Joe Hicks, Chris Ayer; The Brazen Youth, Nick Urb; Kira Dekker; Joseph & Maia, Front & Turner.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Adam Barnes

Some favourite artists from outside my friendship circles at the moment are: YEBBA, Tedeschi Trucks Band (I think Midnight in Harlem will forever be a favourite); Hiss Golden Messenger, The Wood Brothers; Phil Cook, Mogwai; Anderson.Paak, Tigers Jaw; Turnover, David Bazan and Kevin Devine.

Man…there’s so many.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: The Wood Brothers

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

Only three?! That’s tough!

I think that William Fitzsimmons’ The Sparrow and the Crow will always have to be in my top-three…

It’s a record that really helped me through recovery from open-heart surgery and something that never fails to move me. I spent most days in hospital listening to that record - as there were themes in the lyrics that just resonated with me - and Fitzsimmons’ whispery delivery just touches my soul.

It’s a beautiful record.

Shearwater’s Rook

It is the record that really introduced me into the slightly left-of-centre side of contemporary Folk music - and informed a lot of the choices I made when I was learning piano and arrangement. It’s a really great record and accompanied my later teenage years alongside bands like Okkervil River and Pedro the Lion.

Not sure if it belongs in my top-three but it came to mind first – so, it’s got to have some significance!

Jeff Buckley’s Grace

It has to be in there too; just because of how much of an impact it’s had on the music I listen to today - and the music I aspire to create.

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

Be the best you possible.

Don’t waste time on trying to emulate another artist - because there’s already someone doing that. I often see band-bios in which artists say that they sound like someone else, which I don’t really understand. Sure; you might sound like Coldplay…but Coldplay already sounds like Coldplay and, chances are, they do a much better job at sounding like Coldplay than you will!

For me, it’s about staying genuine to who you are and creating art that you are content with. If other people can listen to what you create and find a meaning of their own within it, great: if they can’t, then there’s a million other artists out there who they will enjoy and will listen to…

I think it’s important to realise that, if you’re making music to impress people or to win people over - or to get playlisted or make the radio - then you’re probably not going to make the best and most satisfying art that you can.

Take your time: there’s no rush to get anywhere. I’ve seen people pick up the guitar and start learning at twenty-four; only to get signed at thirty-two. This is album one for me…literally the first step. I’m not expecting any major breakthroughs, or anything too different from the small shows I’m playing now, for a good few years yet - and that’s fine. I’m willing to constantly work on finding the next opportunity but I’m not counting on life to give me a big break. There’s fun in the graft. There’s joy in the small successes.

Take your time and enjoy everything today.

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

I’m home for Christmas!

Really excited to see my family - my little sister has just gone off to university and I haven’t seen her in a few months. I miss her sassy sense of humour and her stories. I’m excited to see her. We are heading to my grandpa’s house - who is eighty-six this year (and still in wonderful shape!) - and we’ll be having a family afternoon with aunts and uncles (and far too much food).

It’s going to be a wonderful time and, just before December kicks in, I’ll be in Switzerland - which means a whole bunch of Swiss chocolate-themed gifts will be brought home with me.

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PHOTO CREDIT: @bscholz_photography

Are there any plans for next year? What goals do you hope to fulfil in the coming year?

As I mentioned before; the first six months are pretty much filled with touring! During this time, I hope that I can focus on eating well, staying healthy; toning up a little bit and just treating myself with a little more care.

I’m looking forward to recording the next set of tracks. In the spring, I’ll be Ashlawn Recording Studios in Old Lyme, CT (U.S.A.). It’s an old farm that’s run by my friends in The Brazen Youth - who are the most switched-on bunch of twenty-year-olds I’ve ever come across. Charlie inherited the land from his family and has converted it into an ‘arts farm’ - and lives there now with his band-mates and friends; creating art and videos every day. It’s pretty off the grid and on 300 acres of farmland. I’m hoping to head over there and co-exist/create for three weeks or so in April. I’d love to rework some of my songs from English Bones and, also, start tracking a few new ones, too.

I’m hoping to record new music in many different places next year: a few of my friends are wonderful producers and I’d love to release a record that is a collection of songs that I wrote, recorded and produced with different people over the year. Alongside Ashlawn and Studio 91; in Amsterdam, my friend Josephine Zwaan runs a studio that is owned by her dad - who is a famous Ghanaian singer. I’d love to record there and get her influence on a track or two. Also, Matt Phillips knows some wonderful people in North Carolina who I’d love to record with, too. There’s (just) a whole world of opportunity and people out there - and I can’t wait to experience the next few years and see where they take me.

It’s a wonderful thing to be alive.

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).

Slip into this pool of calm….

Midnight in Harlem by Tedeschi Trucks Band. What a voice, what a guitar player…what a band.

Thank you so much for having me - and for the insightful questions. See you soon!

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Follow James Walker

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INTERVIEW: Sera EKE

INTERVIEW:

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Sera EKE

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I am seeing a lot of journalists getting excited…

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over Sera EKE right now! She has introduced the title-track from her debut E.P., Coup! Coup! Coup! The E.P. is out tomorrow and showcases a skilled and unique songwriter whose multi-genre attack will remain in the mind for weeks. I ask the songwriter about her new material and how it came together; how she manages to fuse so many sounds together; the artists that have guided and moulded her – what it was like working with Leo Abrahams on the E.P.

She reveals the three albums that have impacted her hardest; what she would say to new artists coming through; what gigs are on the horizon - letting us into her entrancing and alluring world!

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Hi, Sera EKE. How are you? How has your week been?

Been really busy!

Rehearsing, editing the video; making beats, dance class; yoga, Buddhism meeting; craft workshop - seeing my friends etc.

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

I am a solo artist who self-produces, pretty much, everything - including music, video; photos, artwork; performance etc.

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Coup! Coup! Coup! is your new track. Can you tell me about its origins and background?

About two years ago, I saw this YouTube video when Krept & Konan collaborated with an orchestra at the BBC Proms.

As soon as I heard the contrabassoon on the intro, I just opened a new project on my computer and started to make the rest of the beat…

Your song mixes so many genres and sounds together. Was it hard getting it together and making the track sound natural, yet varied?

To be honest; I really don't know much about genres.

I’ve never ever tried to produce music thinking about what the genre is. If there’s a catchy melody or some memorable lyrics – or, perhaps, a good guitar riff - it’s just Pop to me! Somebody actually told me that Coup!' sounded like Grime and Garage - so I thought it was just that.

Didn’t know there were elements of Dancehall, Reggae; Ska, Hip-Hop; indie, K-Pop - whatever.  The first I knew of it was when I saw a review of my track recently.

  

The video for Coup! Coup! Coup! looks pretty fun and odd! Whose concept was it – and what was it like filming it?

When I wrote the lyrics; I was thinking about pigeons as you might have gathered. We always see them on the streets. One day, I thought, maybe they are saying ‘Coup’- not ‘Coo’ (I will write, in more detail, about the story behind it on my website soon). Anyway...that was the basis for the song and the video itself. I wanted to mix it up with social issues but I didn’t want to ignore the humour in it all.

Luckily James Williams, the director of the video, came along and, after I explained the general meaning of the song, he came up with this idea of me and the pigeon chasing around.

It was fun to shoot, let me tell you…

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The song was mixed be Leo Abrahams. What was it like working with him and what did it bring to the song, would you say?

We mixed quite a few more tracks together as well - including the other E.P. tracks and the first single, The Space Between Us. What was so good about the process was that he tried to change as little as possible from my original rough mixes - as he wanted to retain the energy and rawness of the originals. I really appreciated that. So; we focused mostly on the balances of those tracks we mixed.

As you will be able to hear at a later stage; each track has a different style but we always held up the Coup! Coup! Coup! mix as the example for all the other tracks.

Coup! Coup! Coup! is also the name of your upcoming E.P. Can you reveal the types of themes and songs we can expect to hear from it?

Every track reflects society...

I hope people can relate easily - especially to the other two tracks called I Wanna Forget and The Others. The Others, I wanted to release now, because we often feel lonely and down when we get close to the end of the year.

I sort of wanted to make this song as an end-of-year present.  

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Can you tell me how you got into music and what the decision behind that was?

About four years ago; I sold my soul to The Devil (just kidding).

Really; I just started to develop my sound. I didn’t know I could do it and I didn’t really know what I was doing - I, basically, didn’t know I had the ability to make music like this. I thought I was limited to making up some melodies on top of some other guys’ beats.

But, well…here I am. 

Who were the artists you followed and adored growing up?

Eminem.

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Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Yaeji - I saw her video on this Facebook page called 88rising and I thought she was a (very) unique artist.

Not sure if she’s particularly new - but she was very new to me.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Yaeji/PHOTO CREDIT: Lydo Le

Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

I’m having my E.P. launch-show in an exciting venue called DIY Space for London - in South Bermondsey - this coming Saturday. I will have another London show next January - which is due to be announced officially very shortly.

For more information, always check my website - or the various social media platforms.

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

I’d definitely say Eminem’s Curtain Call; Elliott Smith’s From a Basement on the Hill; Tokyo Jihen’s Adult.

Those are my kindred spirits.

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

If you want to say something and express yourself to the world - there are so many ways to do it...through music, painting; dance, spoken-word, poetry; tweeting (like Trump) etc. It doesn’t matter how you do it: what matters is what you’re saying. To me; it is really difficult as I have many, many questions that I’m trying to figure out. My constant dilemma is that I don’t want to say anything unless I know something. If I say stuff too quickly; I feel ashamed of my ignorance...

So, today’s questions are: "What is Art?", "Why are we doing this?" - and "Am I right to be called an artist?".

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

I haven’t decided yet, but I really want to volunteer on the day - or have a chilled girl’s night in with my friend (or do both). I will be off to France around that time to retreat and shoot a video….

Are there any plans for next year? What goals do you hope to fulfil in the coming year?

I will focus on producing more tracks, developing my show; releasing another E.P. early next year. I will do what Sera EKE should be doing when me and my fans think back on this moment in ten years’ time.

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

Pretty Mary K (Other Version) - Elliott Smith

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Follow Sera EKE

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INTERVIEW: The Eskies

INTERVIEW:

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The Eskies

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THERE is fun and personality overload…

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when one chats with The Eskies. The Irish band tells me about their new album, And Don’t Spare the Horses, and the ideas that go into it. They talk about their formation and the sounds that drive their music; what the scene is like in Dublin; how their touring commitments are looking for this year – and the new artists we should all be aware of.

I find out about The Eskies’ influences and how their music comes together; whether they are coming to the U.K. very soon; how spirited their live performances are – what we can expect next from the charming clan - thanks to Ian Bermingham for providing some great answers.

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Hi, Ian, how are you? How has your week been?

Hello, there! All good here, thanks. Grand, yeah. Keeping out of trouble for the most part, at least...

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

Yes, certainly! First of all: where the bloody hell have you BEEN!? We've been worried sick! Anyway…you're here now - and that's the main thing.

We are a five-piece band from Ireland who makes a genre-hopping kind of music that draws inspiration from lots of Folk, Gypsy; Klezmar, Yiddish; Balkan, Swing; Big-Band, Rag-Time; Dixieland, Rock and Blues music. We generally like music with a lot of energy and our live shows are very often quite raucous affairs - with lots of lovely singing and dancing people.

Thematically, we generally like to go for the darker stuff and try to find the humour in it - and are very much advocates of the idea that if something is worth doing, it's worth overdoing.

And Don’t Spare the Horses is out on 1st December. What inspired the album’s title and the songs within?

I can think of four good reasons as to why And Don't Spare The Horses is an appropriate name: there is a track of the same name that closes the album and it's a perfect name for what it was written about; we do have quite a 'gung-ho' approach to things in general; musically, there are some quite charge-of-the-cavalry-sounding moments but, as well as all of that, we booked the studio time to record this album before we had even finished writing it – so, there was a certain sense of ‘Ok; let's get this thing written now, post-haste. Get it done - and don't spare the horses, so to speak’.

The songs within are a vast and varied bunch: you can expect a tongue-in-cheek approach to things like anger, sadness; frustration, anxiety - as well as love, loss; fear, upheaval; conflict, rebellion and (just) bloody good heartache!

There are some eclectic and traditional genres mixing in the album – alongside some rare sounds. What was the reason for adopting the sound you did – and incorporating the instruments/genres?

It's just been a bit of a journey, really; pushing ourselves and each other in directions that excited us. More often than not; we say things like: "Let's make it sound like a New Orleans funeral" or "The Charge Of The Light Brigade"; or "A Hellish imitation of Louis Prima playing the Annual Ball in a haunted mansion". None of its taken too seriously - but we are absolutely serious about keeping it that way.

When we started off, there was a feeling that we wanted to listen to a certain type of music but couldn't find exactly what we were after, anywhere – so, we decided we would try and write it. It's all just developed from there, really.

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Many highlights can be found within the L.P. Do you have a favourite song?

Thank you very much! 

I think we all do - but it changes as time goes on. We, probably, all had a song that we were most excited about as we wrote them: that will have changed by the time we recorded them and, even now, it changes as we play them live. I'd imagine it's like if you have kids or something: you probably do have a favourite but you wouldn't admit it.

It seems The Eskies, on And Don’t Spare the Horses, have returned to their earlier dynamic/sound. Was there a conscious decision to bring it back to the start and how you first sounded?

I'm not sure how comfortable any of us would be laying claim to any sort of conscious decision. The whole thing has just been a meandering path; doing things that we enjoy, trying to make ourselves and each other excited or laugh or whatever. The whole thing is a natural evolution - even if you do occasionally have a moment where one of you says to the other "I'd like to have a go at this kind of thing”.

It’s never a contrived kind of ‘let's do this now’ type of affair...

Dublin is where the band is based out of. How key is the city with regards your lyrics and songs? Do you take a lot from the people?

Dublin people are a beautiful, infectious; warm and honest open group of people: you couldn't possibly spend any amount of time in Dublin and not want to be like the best of them. The city is renowned for its character and, maybe even more so, for its characters: Google Bang Bang or The Bird Flanagan; Forty Coats or The Hairy Lemon.

A good Irish funeral is infinitely more fun than an Irish wedding: that's how we want our music to be.

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Who are the artists you all grew up listening to?

You'd be better off asking the lads about their own but, for me, the big, influential ones were Queen, and then, Bob Dylan. There was pretty much everything else in between from Punk, Metal; Rock, Indie - and even a little bit of Hip-Hop and Rap (but they were the big ones).

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Oh, Jesus…that's a hard one, now:

There really are too many to mention - and we are absolutely cursed to leave some people out here - but here's a crash-course to get you started…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Mongoose

Some of our favourites that you may or may not have heard of are The Cujo Family, The Hot Sprockets; Mongoose, Wyvern Lingo, GRAND; Mongrel State, Mad Dog Mcrea and Black Water County.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Wyvern Lingo/PHOTO CREDIT: Ruthless Imagery

Are there any tour dates coming up?

Always. Absolutely always…

We've just finished up a big, long U.K. tour through October and are about to embark on an Irish tour in December. After that, we've a short stint in the U.K. - in February - before heading off to Australia in March - and who knows what else along the way.

We keep our website up to date so check them there: it knows more than we do; even if it is us that updates it.

Can we expect to see you our side of the water in the coming year?

Yeah, definitely. We're not quite going 'full-Wogan' - but we do spend an inordinate amount of time over in the U.K. The summer is already filling up with U.K. festivals and we've the few dates in February, too - with a load more to follow, no doubt.

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I can imagine the touring and shows are quite raucous! Is there a trouble-maker in the band or do you have a pretty Rock and Roll rider, perhaps?!

I think we all have our moments...

Generally; try to practice at least some degree of restraint - but it's not always easy when you're having fun. Our rider is full of terrible debauchery inducing things like crisps and chocolate; to fruit and sandwiches. Towels (preferably black) and, of course...Guinness.

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

Again; I can't answer for all of the lads but, for me, it's probably Queen's A Night at the Opera. That was a game-changer for me...

I didn't know sound could sound like that until I heard it. All of those layers; the sound of their voices together, the dynamics; the way it shifts from stadium-filling anthem to a whisper in your ear - and all that without even mentioning the bloody songwriting!

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

Make sure you actually love the people in your band to the point that you can envision spending every waking moment with them for weeks on end in the future.

Avoid 'Rock Stars'. Write as much - and as often - as you possibly can. Find a happy-medium between being honest and objective - and not being too critical of yourself. Try not to do anything else that's too time-consuming like, if you're locked into a job that won't let you put the time into music; you're not going to be able to keep it up. Get out and meet all the people who are doing what you're doing and making it possible.

Don't suffer dickheads and never, ever, be one

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

We finish off this mad year of intensive travelling and gigging - appropriately enough, in Dublin on 16th December.

After that, there's talk of travelling over to England to see a gig towards the end of the year - and just having a bit of a blowout.

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).

Going all Ian and - all Irish - for this one:

Bullseye - Mongoose

Right Spots - The Hot Sprockets

Poisonous Love - The Mighty Stef

Burn – GRAND

Napoleon Complex - The Divine Comedy

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INTERVIEW: Anavae

INTERVIEW:

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Anavae

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THE stunning duo Anavae…

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introduce their new E.P., Are You Dreaming? It mixes emotions, sounds and suggestions into a stunning quintet of songs. I ask Jamie and Becca which track from the E.P. they favour most; some of the ideas they channel /9in Are You Dreaming?) – and what the reaction has been like so far.

They tell me how they came together and the artists that have motivated/inspired them to this point; the new acts they recommend we check out; where we can catch them play before the end of this year – and what their treasured memories of 2017 have been…

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

Hey! Not too bad, thanks.

Our weeks are always so varied - which keeps things interesting. 

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

We're a Sout East London dark Pop/Rock two-piece. We like fusing synths with guitar sounds to create a sort of... hybrid?

Hopefully, people think it's cool. 

Are You Dreaming? is your new E.P. What has the reception been like so far? What kind of themes inspired the songwriting?

Becca: We're just so glad to, finally, be able to unleash it upon the Internet - after so long of sitting on it. It's, obviously, been such a pleasant relief to see people comment and message us saying that it's been ‘worth the wait’. 

Jamie: Yeah, seeing the words ‘worth the wait’ choked me up for days. It's actually been really amazing...beyond anything I expected, anyway. I was a little nervous on release-day as people have been waiting (very patiently) for so long.

But people seem to really like it - which feels great. 

Is there a favourite song on the E.P. from each of you? Which one stands out above the rest?

Jamie: Forever Dancing is my favourite at the moment; mainly because not many people around us thought it worked when we first pushed the demo to them.

I feel like we've sufficiently proved them wrong. 

Becca: Lose Your Love.

Putting the lyrical content to one side: this is the song where I really found a new layer of my voice. Pete, our producer for this, really helped me find a different place - and one I think I'd been looking for, for a while (“Get weirder with it...Even weirder...Get weirder”).

I am interested in your titles. Is there a story behind the E.P. name? How about the band-name, ‘Anavae’?

The E.P.-title is taken from a book on Lucid Dreaming (by the same title).

During the writing-cycle, I was feeling particularly motivated to learn how and would read as much as I could whilst on the underground. I remember having this particularly surreal out-of-body-experience whilst contemplating what it means to dream and to be awake - what's to be considered real and does any of it matter anyway?!

I realised that if you treat life as a waking dream then you're free to live without fear. 

I suppose, for me, the E.P. represents that hyper-depersonalised state where you're stuck within yourself; accompanied by your tangled thoughts. Be that good or bad: I suppose it depends on the day. 

As for 'Anavae' ... if anyone really wants to find out I'm sure they can find it hiding in a nook onlin...SOMEWHERE. 

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Tell me how you got together at the beginning? How did Anavae start life?

Jamie: My friend auditioned for a rubbish bedroom band with a girl singer and hated it. He told me I’d love it though - that's how I met Becca.

Becca: You fu*king love telling that story. We eventually broke away and formed Anavae (flash-cut). 

Who are the artists you look up to and idolise?

Mutemath never fail to amaze us with everything they do.

This year, you have played shows in London and Canada. Are there particular shows that stand in the memory?

Jamie: Our first headline show was something really special. It was the first time we'd played with our new minimal line-up - and we brought along a bunch of toys that we'd been playing with in our caves for months leading up to it…as well as it being the first show we had played in almost a year...

I'll never forget the reception we got from everybody there.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Youth Killed It/PHOTO CREDIT: Rebecca Need-Menear

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Jamie: Youth Killed It. Black Foxxes (though I’m not sure how ‘new’ they are these days). 

Becca: I'm not so sure what 'new' means either but, in terms of underrated, you must check out From Indian Lakes. Vibe central. 

Go listen to Amber Run and Half Moon Run whilst you're at it. 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Half Moon Run/PHOTO CREDIT: Yani Clarke

Are there any tour dates coming up?

No tours lined up but we're playing two shows with Area 11 on 11th and 12th of December at Boston Music Rooms, London. 

I think one of the dates has already sold out - so it should be a good'un. 

(Grab tickets here). ‪

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Is the stage somewhere you feel comfortable and secure? Do you prefer the studio or the stage, would you say?

Jamie: I prefer studio by far. I'd rather spend a day getting a guitar/synth part sounding just right than thirty minutes on stage struggling to hear what sounds you're making...haha. 

Becca: I crave being on the stage but, once I'm there - and once it's over - I'm left feeling like I didn't make the most of being there. I'd compare it to being invited to a party you've been looking forward to for weeks but, once you're there, you black-out and internalise. Wait…that's just like most events in my life…

I'd say we definitely thrive most in a studio setting. We like locking ourselves away. But, then; when we lock ourselves away, we crave adventure (and vice versa) - and so on and so forth. 

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

Jamie: The Verge - There for Tomorrow

After hearing that album for the first time, I knew I wanted to be in a band like Anavae.

Becca: Woven Materials - Evaline

Just listen. It's a cinematic experience. 

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

Jamie: Enjoy every fun moment you have - you don't know how long it's going to last.

Becca: Know that patience won't kill you: it'll almost kill you...but it won't. 

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

Jamie: I usually look forward to Christmas as a time to write, to be honest. It's too cold to go outside - everyone is away with their families. So, I like to put on lots of layers and make sounds in my room...

Becca: Holiday-season means long train journeys and long spouts of uninterrupted thinking – which, hopefully, results in pages of fresh writing. 

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).

Jamie: Youth Killed It - Islands

Becca: Lights - Skydiving

(It has all of the ingredients for the (most) perfect Pop song)

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Follow Anavae

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INTERVIEW: Howie Payne

INTERVIEW:

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 Howie Payne

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WITH its fascinating backstory and intriguing sound…

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I had to ask Howie Payne about his new track, Hold Steady the Wire. He talks about its origins and how he got started in music; details about his new album, Mountain (it was released on 27th October). I ask about influences and favourite albums; what his tour schedule looks like; experiences of recording in State of the Ark Studios – and how his solo music differs from that of his band, The Stands.

I learn more about Payne’s process and why a red-hot climate lent a favourable air to his new track – recording in the studio when the weather was stifling. Payne talks about his start and what he would say to anyone coming through in music at the moment.

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

Very good, thanks.

My new album, Mountain, just came out and is going great - and I just played the final show of my U.K. tour in London. It was a cool show and we had a bit of a party after so, yeah...very good.

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

My name is Howie Payne. I’m a songwriter, guitar player; music producer from Liverpool, England.

Hold Steady the Wire is your new song. Can you tell me about the story behind that?

I wrote it late at night on an old Spanish-style guitar. It was a hot, close night; there’d been a thunderstorm, so I had the windows open. I could hear the noise from the city in the distance and I was playing this chord sequence over and over - very hypnotic. When the song arrived, it came pretty quick. I can’t recall what I was thinking - it just came together - like there was a moment when there was no song...then there was.

Mountain, the album, is out now. What are the themes and subjects you explore on the record?

The songs are quite melodic and acoustic...

I very much wanted to keep that element to it - but then I also wanted really thick, solid grooves underneath. People are picking up on that aspect of it quite a bit, and that’s very cool. Lyrically, I didn’t set out with a subject or a theme in mind and there’s no real rule I stick to. A lot of these songs were written as collections of thought fragments where I would use stream-of-consciousness to get ideas - and then build those thoughts into patterns that sounded good or had something interesting about them - not quite cut-ups, but like it in a lot of ways.

State of The Ark Studios is where it was laid down. Was that a great space to record in?

Yes, it’s an amazing place. They have an old EMI desk down there that belonged to The Rolling Stones (in the 1970s).

It’s got all their names scratched into it and all that - very cool.

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I believe the album was recorded in a few days during a boiling-hot week. That must have been a challenge?!

Yeah; four days in State of The Ark and a couple of days in Bath. I wanted to record it live, anyway - so that was plenty of time. The heat is cool: I really like it. I don’t know why but everything sounds better in the heat.

I won’t have the air-con on cause I’m just not into it - so, we just had all the doors open and the fans blowing.

Did that process/weather provide urgency and a new dynamic to the music? Was it liberating recording that way?

We were going live onto tape, so we had to make very quick decisions and, if something wasn’t cool, we all had to do it again - singing and everything - so that adds a bit of pressure. But, creation should have a certain amount of pressure involved. It adds a certain kind of energy.

Yeah, recording like that is so quick; you can hear the song as you’re doing it so you feel connected to it.

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Mountain is your first L.P. since 2009’s Bright Light Ballads. How come there was quite a gap between releases?

I had some songs demoed for the follow-up to Bright Light Ballads and I was ready to go in and record them - when someone called up and asked me if they could record some of them for a new singer called Ren Harvieu - who was making an album for Universal. I’d never really thought about it before but I liked the idea of it so I said ‘yes’ (and she had a big hit with it).

After that, a lot of people wanted me to write for them; so I moved down to London; got a studio and did that for a while. I had a fair bit of success with it, too, but I didn’t really dig the system - it doesn’t prioritise creativity if you know what I mean; it can be very cookie-cutter. Around that time, I came across Neon Waltz - and they were just great. They didn’t really have it together yet so I helped them out with getting their music together; arrangements and all that. Really, it was about giving them space to be themselves, musically-speaking. I introduced them to Ignition - who I thought would be good management for them - and I stayed involved in a kind of musical and creative visionary role - which led to me producing tracks on their debut album, Strange Hymns.

During 2016, I started writing a lot of songs and got back into the idea of playing live - and did a solo acoustic tour that autumn. That was really cool and a lot of fun; so I started thinking about making a new L.P. - and here we are.

You are from the band, The Stands. How does your solo material differ and do you miss the band days?

Well. The Stands wasn’t really a band, in the traditional sense: I was a solo artist that put a band around what I was doing – and gave it a name.

So, I don’t miss it like a band - but I miss some of the guys, of course. I think my newer music has more layers; the Soul influence is a bit more obvious.

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Who are the musicians that have been most influential to you through your career? What kind of music did you grow up on?

In our house, when I was growing up, Benny Goodman; Count Basie, Frank Sinatra; you know, a lot of Great American Songbook music. Rock and Roll, too: Elvis (Presley), Carl Perkins etc. My big sister got me into great Pop music, New Wave and Northern Soul when I was small. Then, I got into The Beatles, Pink Floyd and early Hip-Hop in school. When I moved to New York, I got into Jimi Hendrix, The Velvets and The Byrds; The Pixies, Nirvana; Love, The Stone Roses and all that. As I started playing the guitar, I got into Folk and Blues - especially the Chicago stuff – then, later, the more rural stuff through the Alan Lomax records.

It’s all been influential but, if I had to pick a few that come to mind, I’d say Frank Sinatra, Neil Young; John Lennon, Woody Guthrie and Miles Davis.

You are releasing an album where the quality and longevity of artists is being questioned. Do you feel the mainstream is taking over too much and the best artists are being overlooked?

I don’t see it that way...

I hear loads of great new artists around. Who’s capable of longevity? Who knows - but I see now as a very musically rich time. I don’t know about that: I’ve never really paid that much attention to it.

What tour dates do you have coming up?

I just finished a U.K. tour in London last week with a show at The Borderline - it was my first full-band tour in a while and I really dug it (and the audiences were fantastic). I’ll be doing something, soon. That’ll be really cool - that I’m pretty excited about - but it’s still a secret - so I can’t tell you about it yet...

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

Love – Forever Changes

Possibly the best album ever made.

Revolver – The Beatles

On top of the world, at their highest energy peak - making it sound so easy.

Miles Davis – Kind of Blue

It’s incredible on every level: pretty much every lick could be the hook in its own tune. 

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

Do what you do; do it good.

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

Not sure yet…

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).

Whitney – No Woman

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Follow Howie Payne

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INTERVIEW: Sam & The Spacemen

INTERVIEW:

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 Sam & The Spacemen

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IT has been rewarding speaking with…

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Sam & The Spacemen about the awesome debut track, I Don’t Wanna Be Alone Forever. It is about moving to London (as Sam did) and being made aware of, and shocked by, the lack of connection and community – when there was hope of love and friendship. Sam discusses his sexuality and coming out; what the next step is for his musical venture; the way he mixes intergalactic sounds with more traditional measures – and what 2018 holds in store.

Sam talks about Kate Bush’s The Kick Inside and why – like myself – this album holds great weight; the music that inspired the young man – and a couple of new names worth a bit of our time.

PHOTOS: ZoZo ZH Luna

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

Hey. It's been a busy one.

I've been working a lot to promote my music; it's been keeping me on the go - but have been loving every minute of it.

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

Sure. My name is Sam & The Spacemen. I am a solo artist who writes and produces my own Synthpop music. The songs I make sound big with luscious strings and echoey pianos - and they often take on a big cinematic vibe to them.

I love adding layers of production that sound enchanting - but also haunting.

I Don’t Wanna Be Alone Forever is the debut single. What is the story behind the song?

I wrote this song about living in London for the last year...

I moved from the countryside and I think a part of me expected it to be easier here - to find friends and make new connections. But, I've found that there are more people but less of them are willing to open up and connect with you. So, I decided to write a personal song about how I felt. I didn't wanna be alone forever but as the lyrics say: "It's hard to settle down, the city keeps you going until you are all worn out". I'm saying, I'm finding it hard to build genuine relationships - when I'm struggling as it is to keep up with a city that demands you move a-million-miles-an-hour all the time.

It looks at the difficulty establishing relations and connections in a rushing city! Has that situation improved – or do you still struggle to find gravity?

I think I'm always looking for a connection - even if it's just smiling at a stranger for no reason. It's something I struggle with daily I'd say; that a lot of people are in their own zone; getting from A-to-B -  and they just don't have time for much else. I'm still single and it saddens me a bit to see the way in which my age group date now. It feels like it's 'let's try you…ok, done that now; onto the next' type of thing.

It's like we have so much choice with dating apps and social media that it's becoming harder to actually stick anything out and build a relationship.

Is there going to be a music video for it and what could we expect from it?

Yes. I'm so excited!

The lyric-video is out now - but I have already filmed the main video across three days. I'm currently editing it and it's looking great! Very colourful, very cinematic; lots of flashing lights and rich overlays. I wanted to create a visual that lends itself to the message of the song - and I think I'm close to achieving that.

We will see...

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How far ahead are you looking? Will there be more material coming down the line?

For sure. I have three more songs I can't wait to put out. They all have a similar theme and vibe: melancholic but slightly uplifting. They'll all be coming out as singles. I prefer to do it that way for now - and leave an E.P. or album for later.

Tell me about your early music tastes and the artists you grew up on…

Well. I grew up with my mum as a huge influence on me so, whenever she was cleaning, she would put on Duran Duran and Cyndi Lauper. I grew up loving all the 1980s New Romantic era. I loved the bright clothes; the flamboyant singers. I wanted to be Adam & The Ants and Simon Le Bon. I loved how confident they were.

It inspired me as a nine-year-old.

I know Kate Bush’s The Kick Inside holds a special place – it is my favourite album ever. What is it about that record that resonates?

You have excellent taste, Sam. Haha.

I remember being young and watching her on a retro version of Top of the Pops. She was in a white dress singing Wuthering Heights. I remember the moment she opened her mouth: I fell completely in love with her. As a closet gay kid; I was always searching for strong icons to help me push through - and she was that and more. Her words, the way she used her body to illustrate the songs - it was perfect. She had such a mature way of writing and she's so mysterious, and yet, so truthful: a fantastic juxtaposition.

That whole record makes me feel like I've fallen down a rabbit-hole into a magical surreal world that Dahli could have painted.

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I hear some intergalactic sounds and personal lyrics mixing together. It seems someone like David Bowie is pretty key. Is he someone you idolise? Which albums of his do you take inspiration from – if any at all?

Yeah. The whole intergalactic sounds have been coming for a while - and now I'm embracing them. With Bowie; it's more of a state of mine I loved about him: his fearlessness to be who he was and to keep transforming and growing. I love that.

I try and take from that in my own way.

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IN THIS PHOTO: ZoZo/PHOTO CREDIT: Timothy Ward

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

ZoZo (Luna), for sure! She's one of my best friends and her new single, I Won't Leave Your Bed Tonight, is stunning! I have it on-repeat.

Little Boots is also continuing to make some really interesting songs. She always has a fresh perspective on subject matters I connect with - so I love hearing what she has to say. I'm also obsessed with Motorway.

Listen to it if you haven't.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Little Boots

Are there any tour dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

Yeah, I can't wait! I'll be performing at Blueberry Bar – Shoreditch; Monday 27th November at 8:30 P.M. All-new songs with my own lighting production - it's gonna be epic.

Come if you can. It would be lovely to have you there.

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

Ok. So; first up I have to say Years & Years – Communion

That whole album has gotten me through some really dark times. Olly has a phenomenal way of writing: it's like he knows what's going on in my head. He's also a prominent gay male musician and it's so refreshing to have someone like that in mainstream media: it gives artists like me, who are way down the ladder, hope that you can break through that glass ceiling.

The whole album oozes this cool slick vibe that Mikey and Emre do so well - and Olly's voice and words are the icing on the cake.

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Second; I'd have to say either of London Grammar's records...I mean, there isn't much to say other then they are gloriously emotive. I can't listen to a single one of their songs without feeling complete emotion be it happy, be it sad; be it somewhere in-between where I don't even know what I'm feeling.

Their work is phenomenal. Someone give them a Grammy, already.

Last, but not least: Lana Del Rey - Born to Die (The Paradise Edition)

Like the other two albums; Lana puts me in this headspace where I feel like I'm in a movie, living life to its fullest. Her imagery and sound combine to create this landscape that is intoxicating. She is an outstanding songwriter that makes me feel sassy and troubled - and like a glorious deviant child sipping on Pepsi Cola. She also tends to write from a damaged ‘on the back-foot’ perspective, which I tend to do - so that resonates with me.

Adore Lana and this record.

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

I'd say: don’t let ANYONE tell you that you can’t make it.

Write as often as you can and KEEP everything you do. I currently am on hard-drive five - as I never delete a single song I've made. Go back and listen to those tracks - after some time has passed - and see what you can learn from them. Keep hustling and get out there playing live and networking. Everyone has to take their first step: don't be afraid...we've all been there.

Know that I believe in you.

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

I'm going to be spending Christmas in the countryside with my family - and New Year in Rome with my Italian side. But, knowing me, I'll be working on my next release - because I love making things and can never switch off. Haha.

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. I choose Real by Years and Years - because it makes me feel a lot.

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Follow Sam & The Spacemen

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