INTERVIEW: Rosko

INTERVIEW:

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Rosko

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I have cranked the Geez-ometer up to eleven…

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to accommodate Rosko! We are getting a bit Spinal Tap here but it is unlikely you will find the red-hot band getting lost on their way to the stage! They are a focused and funny crew that bring laughs and character to this interview. Bruce (the man with long blonde locks) from the band talks about their new banger, Snifter, and its martial arts-themed video; what themes compelled their new E.P., White Stilettos – and whether there are any gigs or plans for the remainder of this year.

I find out what is making Bruce lose his nuts; how the boys all came together; the various music tastes of the members – the lads select an album that means most to them; a choice song they feel will make our day a bit brighter.

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

Bruce: This past week's been quality.

We had our E.P. launch - which went down a treat. Everyone's in a really good place.

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

We're Rosko. Bruce on the mic; Simon on the guitar; Perry on the bass and Snake on the drums. We make the sound of the R&Geez - a blend of Punk, Hip-Hop and Ska...often accompanied by very beautiful dance moves. 

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Where did that band-name, ‘Rosko’, come from? Is it a Dizzee Rascal nod – or does it come from somewhere else?

Epxcs, from Mini Kingz, said the same thing about the Dizzee reference - but it actually comes from a character in a book I read (when I was in Benidorm) called The Choirboys. The geezer is called Roscoe Rules; which I thought sounded cool...and it has other connotations in my head, too - like that American chicken shop, Roscoes…or when they used to call a gun 'the rosko' in old movies. We dropped the 'rules' and changed the spelling to make it sound a bit more European - like our very own Simonas from Lithuania.

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Snifter is hot-off-the-blocks! What is the story behind the single?

The story of the song and the video are actually quite different.

The song is about a night out we had a while back where we ended up getting ourselves in a bit of a moody situation with these blokes...one of those ones where you sit down and the songs done in ten minutes.

For the video; we wanted to do something more interesting, though. Our boy, Sej, came up with the Kung-Fu movie theme; then Simon sorted out the storyboard. 

The video was directed by Victor Kovachev. It looks like a blast to film – almost like a modern-day Beastie Boys track! What was the shoot like?

Shout out Victor: he's a G; he made the vision happen.

The shoot was quite ambitious as we had to do everything in one day but, once Snake transformed into Dean-Claude-Can-Damme; it was smooth sailing. We got quite a lot of strange looks walking around East London - but no one wants it with a group of boys with plastic weapons.

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What are the themes and origins that kick-started the E.P., White Stilettos?

The main theme of the E.P. is about doing exactly what you want to do; being who you want to be - and not listening to what other people tell you. It didn't come about in some Genesis concept album-way: it just sort of happened that the theme ran throughout every song. We wanted to flip the whole 'white stilettos' thing from a bit of a stereotype/mug-off to something more relevant to today because, as far as I can tell, not even many Essex girls wear those shoes anymore...

Let's put on our classics and we'll have a little dance, shall we?!

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The E.P. was launched in Hackney (on 16th). What was that gig like? 

That gig was a proper tear-up. Loads of our people came down and got involved - which we love them for. The fact we put on our own night off our own backs and actually made it work is pretty crazy.

Luckily, we have a lot of talented pals who helped us out massively.

How did you guys all get together? What was it that attracted you to one another? 

We all just met through mates…

I think the best thing about us as a band is that we're all similar in some ways like we're working-class boys: like going for a drink, going to the chippy but, also, we're very much our own people - and that's what makes us work. We all come at things from very different angles and end up meeting in the middle, somehow.

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You have been compared to the likes of The Streets. Is Mike Skinner an influence? How do you feel about him doing more touring?!

Mike Skinner is my idol, mate.

I've got his lyrics on my skin. I said in a conversation, if I could see anyone perform dead or alive, it would be The Streets – but, from reading his book, I thought it would never happen. So, when I heard he was touring again, I lost my nut! Hold tight, Hazza for copping us the tickets - as none of my boys managed to get one! But this reiterates my earlier point about us being different: none of the other boys are as into him as me. Perry loves the Arctic Monkeys: without The Streets, you wouldn't have them…

It all meets in the middle.

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It seems few bands project humour and reality. Apart from Jamie T, The Streets; Sleaford Mods, perhaps – has music got too serious and predictable?! 

Music is definitely serious right now...

People are too focused on being cool and moody in their leather jackets and that; so you don't see any of their genuine character - it's just all grey. I hate hearing a song that sounds like it's been written because you think you should be writing a certain style or sound. It gets on my nerves - if I have no idea where you're from as well. If you're from Bolton: why are you singing like you're from Boston?!

I didn't realise how much this actually got on my nerves until answering this question…

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It seems like classic British music, and the sounds of the 1990s, compel you most. Would that be fair to say?!

We are 1990s kids from England (other than Simon – but, obviously he's a cockney geezer now, too) so the whole Oasis/Blur era is definitely a massive influence - as well as older stuff like the Clash and Madness. But, we have a lot of different influences, too. Snake loves his Funk and Dance; so he often goes a lot more groovy and skippy with the drums - than you might expect when we start writing a new song. Simon might shuffle from Action Bronson to Leonard Cohen

It’s a big old melting-pot.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Oscar #worldpeace

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Definitely Oscar #worldpeace; slowthai and Epxcs. I've been listening to a lot of Mist - and Hak Baker is cool, too.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Epxcs

Our boy, Murkage Dave, has got some new stuff bubbling - but he's, obviously, not a new kid on the block. 

Anyone really (just) doing their own thing gets my vote...

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IN THIS PHOTO: Murkage Dave/PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Jordan

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

N.E.R.D - In Search of... (Mixes)

So many different styles - and it still manages to sound cohesive and well influential. 

Simon: The Libertines - Up the Bracket

Rowdy mosh-pit-music at its best - but with really poetic lyrics. 

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Perry: Arctic Monkeys - Suck It and See

Old-school-vibes-made-modern.

Snake: Michael Jackson - Thriller

The best album ever made. Fact.

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

Bruce: Don't take advice from idiots: just do your thing and have fun with it.

What is your touring schedule looking like? Where can we see you play?

Our next gig is 21st December at The Monarch in Camden. Everybody get-down let's get loose.

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

Christmas is family time, mate. I dunno about the other boys - but I'm gonna be seeing mine and eating all the gravy dinners I 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).

Kano - Brown Eyes

 

Simon: Tricky (ft. Martina Topley-Bird) - When We Die 

Perry: Nirvana - Serve the Servants

Snake: Wham! - Club Tropicana

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INTERVIEW: Richard Hadfield

INTERVIEW:

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Richard Hadfield

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IT is pretty rare for me to step out of my usual remit…

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and speak with an artist like Richard Hadfield. That is not a sign of lacking talent: he is one of the strongest Jazz artists coming through right now. I mean I do not usually pursue artists who have appeared on talent shows – I avoid them and do not find them beneficial to modern music. Luckily; Hadfield has broken away from those days and establishing himself as a fine young artist – even though he has fond memories of the time he spent on Britain's Got Talent. He talks to me about his former band, Callabro; details about his current song, Shape of You/Fever (a mash-up of the two tracks); the gigs he has coming – and the music, past and present, he adores.

Hadfield talks about his upcoming plans and new material; where we can catch him perform; how his music career has developed and changed – his views on the current market and the mainstream.

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

Great thanks. Lots of gigs - so, can’t complain! 

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

Yes, of course…

Recently, I’ve returned to my true love of Jazz music. Back in 2014; I won Britain’s Got Talent as part of a vocal-harmony group called Collabro. As much as it provided me with incredible accolades - such as a number-one album, world tours and a great fan-base - it became too political and I stopped enjoying singing. It stripped away the reasons why I loved performing.

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About a year-and-a-half ago, I decided that regardless of money, fame etc...it was more important to work towards something I truly enjoyed - rather than just cruising by, miserably. It was then I decided to leave the group and go back to a genre I have always been inspired by - and was pursuing before joining Collabro.

Since leaving the band, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to craft my own audience and sound; performing at historic Jazz clubs like Ronnie Scott’s; NYC’s Smalls and the Blue Note Tokyo. It’s been a steep learning-curve, as it’s a totally different music scene, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the challenge - and feel like me and my team have made great headway.

Shape of You/Fever is your new mash-up. What is it about those songs that meant you had to tackle them?

Yes. I’ve been performing Shape of You since the song originally came out...but it’s been fantastic to finally visualise the song with my band on YouTube. As we all know: videos are king, these days, for displaying content.

I really enjoyed the song when it initially came out but I immediately heard Fever in the chord-structure and thought the lyrics of the two songs fitted perfectly. With a little reworking, the band and I not only incorporated Fever but managed to squeeze in the bass-line from Hit the Road Jack - and some melody from Just the Two of Us. Nothing beats the old classics - but it’s always great to catch the audience off their guard with something that’s familiar (but in a different setting). 

I always like to bring my own story to a track; whether it is through writing an original or simply changing the phrasing of a song. One song can provoke so many emotions - and I like to explore them deeper rather than listening to just the surface-lyrics. 

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What do you think of modern artists like Ed Sheeran? I am a little torn, myself! Do you think his style of music is the way forward?!

I think Ed Sheeran has his place.

There was clearly a gap and he took it. Now, every man and his guitar/loop-pedal is on YouTube - and I’m sure there are just as talented people out as Ed…but he was one who set off the acoustic loop-pedal trend. I don’t think we need more of it right now.

Music is like fashion: things come back around.

Do you think the modern mainstream is in a strong state? What kind of music do you listen to at the moment?

The music industry is forever changing.

I feel like it’s more a numbers-game - since most have access to statistics on almost every platform; be it socials or music players. That’s not necessarily a terrible thing. I think it makes a musician look and be more well-rounded as a businessman/woman, rather than being shrugged off by the corporate world as ‘a creative’. I think there’s plenty wrong with parts of the industry - but when has there not been?! We have to remember that major labels are in the same boat as the little guys at the moment: everyone is trying to grasp what the best scenario is for streaming.

It’s affected how much money is put into instrumentation and production costs. Live performance is currently where the margins are being made - and that’s meant people (equally) have to be able to sing and play live more than ten years ago - and have the social media reach to sell out a gig. I’m interested to see how the industry evolves sound-wise once streaming becomes a more viable source of income…

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Is there going to be new material coming from you?

Indeed, there is...

I’m currently working on my first E.P. that will consist of a mixture of Jazz standards and originals. I’ve been out in N.Y.C. working with Jerry Wonda (the producer of Hips Don’t Lie and the Fugees’ Killing Me Softly) on a few tracks - and have been offered a couple of interesting concepts from Don Black (the writer of Diamonds are Forever and Michael Jackson’s Ben).

Do you remember what compelled the decision to come into music? Were you always interested in it?

I’ve always loved singing - but I guess it was being thrown into the spotlight so quickly that’s compelled me to carry on with my music career.

I have a great fan-base - and now I can grow upon that. I feel that’s something that can make musicians disheartened sometimes - as it’s very difficult to get that initial break. I feel very lucky and I’m incredibly grateful for opportunities I’ve been offered. However; I’ve learnt lots more in the last year then I did during my two years in Collabro.

There is no one there to hold your hand in the music industry; I’ve been really lucky to receive incredible support from my creative partner Roxy (of Roxlene Creative). 

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What sort of sounds did you grow up listening to? Who are the musicians you idolise? Which artists did you grow up listening to?

I enjoyed a lot of musical theatre when I was younger. I’m not a massive fan of new musicals and that modern M.T. vocal: more interested in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classics. Then; I started to explore the music of Cole Porter. This is when my love of Jazz began to blossom and I started learning Jazz-piano. I didn’t actually learn much of the piano, though, as my teacher and I used to just jam the American Songbook instead. My teacher was an incredible pianist and really enjoyed my voice. From there, I began exploring the vocal qualities of Nat King Cole and Johnny Hartman.

I’m forever finding new Jazz artists though to study and learn from. 

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Rebecca Lauren is a fantastic singer-songwriter who I have recently met; we’re going to get a date in the diary to write something together. Her lyrics relate to everyone who hears them - and her voice is awesome.

IVY MAE is another new artist I’ve been collaborating with. Her voice is ethereal and very versatile.

Philly K supported me on a recent gig in Brighton. When I played her track; I thought her voice was really emotional - and I think that is a quality often lacking (in other in artists). She moved the audience with her break-up songs.

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

Stars - Collabro

I will always feel proud, blessed and humbled by my debut album.

Les Misérables – Original Broadway Cast Recording

 It was my first role on stage as a child and the last before joining Collabro years later - where I got to play the iconic Jean Val Jean. Les Mis is also the soundtrack where Stars is from - and was a large inspiration for Collabro’s sound. So, the musical has been with me at several stages of my career so far.

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Louis Prima and Keely Smith – Louis and Keely!

Their chemistry on stage, in early footage, is amazing. They have humour and fun in their characters - and Louis’ sound is influencing the way I’m writing a lot at the moment.

Can we see you perform anywhere soon? 

3rd December: The Cavern Club, Liverpool 

16th December: Holborn Pizza Express, London 

26th January, 2018: Pizza Express Music Room, Maidstone

27th January: Pizza Express Live, Birmingham 

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

Whatever genre you’re working in: find your community...

Go to gigs, make friends and keep peoples memory of you fresh. As a Jazz artist who gigs almost week-in-week-out; I still go to jam sessions all across London. Equally, I go to networking events and parties. You never know who you’ll meet. From a photographer who’s keen to use you in his portfolio (think of the Instagram content) to a potential fan who’ll enjoy your music.

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

I’m currently working on a Christmas YouTube video.

Christmas is a hugely busy time of year for me. I’ll be going back to my hometown of Brighton once everyone’s off work. Being on the road gigging means I don’t often get to return home - but I’m incredibly excited to stick on a bit of Bublé and open some prezzies. 

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Do you have anything lined up for next year? What are your plans?

Apart from writing new music and concentrating on the E.P., I’ll be gigging. There’s talk of going out to China early-2018 and I’ll be heading back to New York to do a few performances and write a few songs. 

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here.

Death of a Bachelor by Panic! at the Disco

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INTERVIEW: Royal Bravada

INTERVIEW:

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Royal Bravada

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THIS is a busy time for the chaps of Royal Bravada.

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Luke and Albi talk to me about their latest track, Lullaby, and what we can expect from a new E.P. I learn more about their Italian roots and the music that inspires the band. They chat about touring plans and all the stuff they have planned for next year; whether there will be some new videos released down the line – and what it was like filming the shoot for Lullaby.

I find out about their start and what they have planned for Christmas; what advice they would give to new songwriters – and how their recent music has altered and shifted from their earliest days.

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

Albi: Hey! We’re pumped up. This is quite of a special week for us: we release our first-ever UK video premiere for our new single, Lullaby - from the Peace E.P., which will be released song-by-song in the next few months.

SO, yeah; it’s going pretty fuc*ing well.

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

We’re Royal Bravada. We are four Italians, walking a thin line between being badass vicious rascals and gentle lovers. We do what we love most which is music. One of our favourite bands would probably say that we “ain’t nothing to fuck with”…

But we can also be very sweet at times.

Luke: I am Luke. Where’s the bar?

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Lullaby is the new track from the band. What is the tale behind it?

Albi: When you first listen to the song; it’s a love song. But is it really?! Truth is; it’s an emotional ode to happiness in the small things. No matter what happens to you, what really matters is living the moment; right here and now.

If you have that wider view, things will start falling into their right place and your focus will clear up. That feeling of accomplishment (call it love?) will come to you like a sweet lullaby.

Luke: Lullaby talks about a beautiful love - which is also a complete mess. Love can hurt you so bad - but it’s also the only way you can redeem yourself.

Humans are complicated, after all.

The video looks like it was fun to film! What was the experience like?!

I adore when you shoot a video-clip - there’s always that pervasive sense of ‘this is going bananas!’ and ‘We’ll never gonna make it!’ That night, the gods were also sending messages to us in the form of unexpected showers and cold wind. Three times we had to stop; cover all the gear and wait for the storms to pass…

Albi: It was intense. With any low-budget video, you have to make; it work and be ready to improvise or you’re lost! All the fire you see is real: no post-production or digital stuff. Sometimes people don’t realise how much time, planning and effort there is behind video-clips.

When we finished it was past 4 A.M. - and we opened a crate of the best beer. It was actually s*it Italian beer, but it tasted good.

My god, it was good.

Can we expect more material from the band down the line?

Lullaby is the first single extracted from our new E.P., Peace. We have at least three more releases from this E.P. that will crowd our schedule for the next few months. Then we are pretty much constantly producing new songs. At the moment; we are working on two new thunderous tracks - as well as tweaking the acoustic showcase of Peace.

You’ll hear from us, soon.

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How did you guys get together? Did you know one another before 2012’s Black Bones E.P.?

Luke: Let’s say we could recognize each other in a crowd. We use to go to the same venues in Milan and Monza (our hometown). We were first-row at the same gigs…stuff like that.

Albi: Yeah - and going after the same girls at times. Then one day we came together in the rehearsal-room and after a couple of hours playing; we knew we were meant to spend a looong time together.

We are like brothers now. We love and hate each other so much.

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How has your music changed since the earliest days? Do you think you have grown and strengthened?

Albi: I think that, with Peace and Lullaby, we reached our best so far in terms of composition and sound. We are always open to exploring new stuff but one thing we never did is closing ourselves into one genre.

We go with the flow a lot.

Luke: It’s always been very spontaneous and intuitive. It still is - but the emotions behind the songs are more matured now. Deeper and more complex...

What kind of music did you all grow up surrounded by? Do you all have similar tastes?

Some names are paramount for all of us (Nirvana, David Bowie; Pink Floyd, Queens of the Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand and AM) but, then again, in general; we all have our own taste. I like Biffy Clyro and hearing children’s choirs in songs for example…that’s normal, no?!

Albi: I like Psychedelic music in general but, also, Stoner-Rock; Blues, Hip-Hop; Grime and Techno. The good thing is that we never fight about music genres or influences.

I guess we’re a democracy...

Your music has got a great response from radio and the media. Does that give you drive and the determination to keep rising and aiming high?

I’d like to be high.

Luke: Where’s the bar again?

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

At this moment; I am listening to UGO from Dead Pirates. I don’t know them but this track is a bomb.

Albi: The best emerging bands I have seen lately are Swedish Death Candy, BO NINGEN and 10,000 Russos.

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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?

Luke: Space Oddity by David Bowie

Because that’s the only record you can play and completely detach from the outside world: It’s just you and nothing else.

"Ground Control to Major Tom…"

Albi: The one album that changed my mind is Song for the Deaf by Q.o.t.S.A.

I went to their latest London gig on 21/11 (me too - Sam) and I almost cried when they ended the show with Song for the Dead. Listen to it right now!

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

It will sound cheesy but please don’t try to be cool: just be yourself and be true.

Luke: Just have as much fun as you can!

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

We are planning a U.K. tour and another Italian tour - both for early-2018. Hopefully, we will go and play in Japan again next summer.

Albi: We have put a little bit of Milan/London/Tokyo in every song from the Peace E.P. These are the cities where our hearts hang.

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

You mean: busy eating! Yes; we will be busy…

Luke: …yet busy recording our new pre-productions of two/three new songs. Never stops!

What are your ambitions for the coming year? World domination among

Albi: To be completely frank; we just want to travel the world with our music. We want to do it and do things our way - and, hopefully, work with amazing people for our next record. Then, we will produce and release at least two/three more videos, I reckon.

Luke: Let’s go to the bar, already…!

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).

Luke: Arcade Fire – No Cars Go

Albi: Caught a Ghost: No Sugar in My Coffee

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INTERVIEW: Lavender Child

INTERVIEW:

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Lavender Child

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MY quest to discover great and fascinating female artists…

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finds me at the feet of Lavender Child. The Canadian musician has presented Happy Illusions to the world. It has a vivid and interesting story – one that has its roots in ecology and the environment; disillusionment and the contrast between empty passion and disassociation with perception and expectation. I discover what the talented songwriter has planned and what she can reveal about her E.P., Reflections; why there is such a strong scene in Canada – and whether a tour of the U.K. is a possibility of the future.

Lavender Child tells me about her music tastes and working with Dylan Mitro on her new video; the interaction and affiliation she has with the natural world; plans for the Christmas period – some new musicians that are worth pursuit and affection

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Hi, Lavender Child. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi, Sam. Doing well, thanks! It’s been a little hectic but also an incredibly uplifting week - seeing the project finally come to life.

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

Of course! Hi, I’m Lavender Child. I’m a singer/composer from Toronto that writes dreamy/ethereal Alt-Pop. My debut single and music video recently released - and I’ve got much more content coming for ya soon!

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Happy Illusions is your new single. How demanding was the creation and recording of the song? Was it quite an informative and rewarding experience?

A lot of time, money; work, love and collaborations have gone into this project - Happy Illusions being the first glimpse into it! It’s definitely been a huge learning experience being my first time writing, recording; mixing, mastering and taking on video production. It’s been both exhilarating and exhausting, but overall, a pretty surreal experience - that I’ve been dreaming of for a very long time.

I believe its origins stem from your time at an outdoor music festival. Tell me more about that…

You got it!

The single, Happy Illusions, was inspired from a weekend at an outdoor Electronic music festival four years back. The environment alone was stunning: lush forests with enchanting art installations throughout the trails. But, once the music began, I felt this disillusionment from the serene surroundings. The chaos of the eager crowds - and loud music - had you feeling like you were in the middle of a club rather than a forest. Trash littered the ground and people dressed in flower-crowns were crashing through the bushes - creating their own shortcut to the next musical act.

My head was spinning from the irony: both in relationships to nature and each other. I heard so many strangers say “I love you” that weekend but the words felt empty: it really had me questioning the authenticity of a community when it’s under the influence.

It was one of those moments where you feel a little alien to the people around you: an observer rather than a participant. I couldn’t shake the feeling when I got home...so I wrote about it.

The video is quite impactful and vivid – almost like a scene from a 1960s gathering. Was it quite instinctive in terms of concept/composition?

Dylan is a really special artist and human. he has a very sharp eye for aesthetics and a gentleness that truly captures the beauty of the people around him. He put a lot of work into preproduction, planning every second of the video; allowing the filming days to feel seamless and organic.

I really feel like the whole crew contributed so much to the vibe that was captured: the grace and beauty from the dancers, the careful attention-to-detail from the make-up artists and cinematographers - and the general positivity and calmness that each person emanated.

There were lots of smiles and special moments out on the Bruce Peninsula that I will forever hold in my heart.

Dylan Mitro directed the video. How involved did you get with storyboarding and discussions? Did he bond with the song quite quickly?

Dylan actually approached me to create this video.

Initially, I had no plans for a music video - so he really took the reigns of the project. In our first meeting, I shared the overall concept of the album and the inspiration for the track. We listened to the song together and then had some great chats about the festival experience and life in general. The next time we got together; he had the entire storyboard completed along with a presentation of his vision for locations, fashion; colour themes etc.

I was completely blown away by his professionalism and his deep understanding of what the song was trying to convey.

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Listening to the song’s connections between nature and humanity; the simple, yet timeless, affiliation with the outside world – do you think more artists should address themes such as nature and the natural world?!

I think that nature is incredible but an artist should address whatever themes/topics they feel inspired to write about. The diversity in passions, and inspiration that they draw from, is what makes each artist so special.

Happy Illusions is taken from the forthcoming E.P., Reflections. It sounds like there might be more nature and serenity on the record. What themes do you tackle on it?

Absolutely!

I feel pretty passionately about the environment, community and self-exploration. The E.P., Reflections, is a manifestation of these thoughts.

How did you get into music way back? Was music something you always connected with at a young age?

I was definitely that kid who hogged the karaoke machine daydreaming of being onstage performing. My mom always said that I was singing and humming before I could form proper words. I started private singing lessons when I was in grade-one; joined a choir before I could read; sang in talent competitions, performed in musical theatre; sang on the bandstand with the Hamilton Rising Star Jazz Band and eventually went on to study Music at Humber College for five years. Safe to say that I’ve been nerding-out on music since day one…

It’s a pretty integral part of my life.

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You are a talented Canadian musician. Is the country somewhere that naturally breeds and supports great artists? Are there are a lot of supportive local musicians?

Toronto has some really incredible talent.

I’ve connected with so many inspiring musicians throughout the music program at Humber College and I feel so blessed to be part of such a supportive musical community. I’m not the best with grant-writing (haha) so I don’t personally have experience with funding - but I know it’s out there, which is great  (smiles).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Daniel Caesar/PHOTO CREDIT: Keavan J. Yazdani

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Two Toronto gems I’d recommend would be: Daniel Caesar - for some sultry jams and Babygirl - for your moody night-in.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Babygirl/PHOTO CREDIT: L-Spex

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

Norah Jones- Come Away with Me

Come Away With Me had a permanent residence in my mom’s car growing up so, from an early age, my favourite song to sing was Don’t Know Why. The whole album is nostalgic for me - and always makes me think of my mom (smiles).

Feist – Metals

Metals was the first album that I listened to and thought: ‘This is the kind of music I want to create’. I played it on-repeat for months; adoring and studying every piece of it. I was really moved by it all: the stunning orchestrations supporting her voice, the emotional lyric along with the natural imagery…there’s just something about her music that feels very honest. Feist has, and always will be, one of my biggest inspirations.

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Julianna Barwick – Nepenthe

Nepenthe is this meditative wash of angelic vocals and, about halfway through listening for the first time, I suddenly felt more love for myself than I ever had before. It was this earth-shattering realization where I finally understood how important it was to love myself to truly have the capability to give love to another partner. It was a pretty epic moment. Haha. I hugged myself for the rest of the album and really started to get involved with self-care after that night. I’ll be forever grateful to Julianna for sparking that moment of self-love!

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

Work with people who inspire you/the ones that make you smile!

What tour dates do you have approaching? Are you heading to the U.K. soon?

No tour dates (yet) but I would love to eventually make it to the U.K. – and, really, anywhere else in the world! I’ll keep ya updated.

Right now, I’m focusing on the E.P. premiere. and then. a local private screening of the remaining music videos – that I will, hopefully, begin releasing in January!

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

I’ll be busy working - but I’m sure there will also be some yummy food and time with loved ones happening somewhere in there too.

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).

Braids - Miniskirt

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INTERVIEW: Anna Winkin

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Skay 

Anna Winkin

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IT has been fascinating stepping into Anna Winkin’s world…

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and learning more about the young singer-songwriter. She tells me about her current single, The Most Important, and the E.P., Space for Love. I ask about the themes and stories that compelled both; the artists and sounds she grew up listening to; whether there are going to be more releases from the E.P. – and whether there are gigs coming before the close of the year.

Winkin discusses her background and what the music is like where she was born (in Belgium). I ask about her favourite albums and what is coming in 2018 – she gives advice to new songwriters; some thoughts that might help them in their careers.

SINGLE AND E.P. PHOTO CREDITS: Muphovi

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

I am good! My week has been exciting, busy and uplifting! I have just come back from Belgium - where I did my E.P. launch. It went very well. The venue was packed and we all had a great time!

I am very happy about the night!

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

My real name is Anne-Laure Winkin and I am from Belgium. I came to London six years ago for music. I did a degree in Popular Music Performance at BIMM (London) and just finished my Masters in Jazz at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Throughout my studies; I learned a lot about who I am as an artist and it came out as an E.P. - which was released last week (Thursday, 16th November).

I (mainly) find my inspiration in nature and spirituality - and am willing to use music to help people reconnect with themselves; have more compassion and to help create a better world.

Space for Love is your E.P. What sort of themes and ideas compelled its creation?

I am passionate about self-development. Creating this E.P .has been a process of self-discovery.

I like to use music to uplift myself and to transcend my doubt, worries and fears. It is a sort of meditation; an adjustment inside. I also have this will, through my music, to bring peace of mind, self-awareness and love to the people I am reaching. The title, Space for Love, really represents the idea of making space in our mind and our hearts; to clean up our thoughts in order to have room to receive love in all areas of our lives.

I strongly believe that our thoughts have a massive influence on our lives. Sometimes, we complain; saying that we have all sorts of problems but, if we have a closer look at our thoughts in our daily actions, we might discover that we were putting out the wrong intentions and that we had the wrong way of thinking. That’s the reason it caused a problem in the end. So, if we clean up our thoughts, we make space for better situations to come our way...

In order to create this E.P.; I had to create space for love and inspiration in myself. In each tune of the E.P., I bring up a topic that has to do with being calm and listening - in order to act with awareness, daily.

The Most Important is its current single. What is the story behind that one?

This is actually the first song I wrote from beginning-to-end!

Before that, I started to write a few songs - but never really finished them because I didn’t trust myself. I remember, on that day, I was playing the piano next to the T.V. at my parents’ in the living-room in Belgium (not a very good place for a piano, I know!) and I was arguing with my brother, who was watching T.V. - an argument about who was allowed to put the volume louder. I won - because I arrived first at the piano. It first came with the piano-lick and then the melody of the chorus came. It felt surprisingly good - and even my brother (who is not a singer at all) started to sing with me (and we were laughing about it).

After that, a verse came and then a pre-chorus. I could hear all the harmonies in my head and I was feeling very excited! When writing the lyrics, I was thinking: ‘What is my intention? What do I want to say/do to the world?!’ That’s how I started the verse: “I will pray for this world to be better etc.”.’ That was in the summer of 2013: it took me a very long time to have the guts to reveal it to my friends/musicians -  and have the courage to make this vision a reality. I had the time to grow since that year and, with time, my ideas became clearer and stronger - and this will of bringing up some type of awareness around me grew inside.

With this song, I really want to bring more compassion, love and awareness in the world.

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Is it quite satisfying seeing your work out there? Has it been quite a tough creative process?

It is! It has been a journey.

When I decided to make an E.P. - two years ago - I didn’t realise all the work that it would involve. Creating the video was also another challenge - as I wanted it to reflect my ideas in a way that people can access and relate to. I wanted to make the information and the message reachable because, with this type of message, it is easy for it to become cheesy or to be taken as visionary.

Do you know what comes next in terms of recording? Are you working on stuff for 2018?

I already have new songs that I wrote over the last couple of months - and am planning to go back to the studio around January. At the moment, I am mostly looking for a bit of exposure and to gig (both in Belgium and London).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Muphovi

Tell me about the musicians you grew up on. Who are the artists you look up to?

It is when I saw the music video of Janet Jackson All for You that I knew I wanted to become a singer. She was my first role-model.

After that, I discovered Alicia Keys (who is still one of my main influences). Destiny’s Child have also really been present in my musical evolution. My parents used to listen to a lot of African music and, as a therapist, my mother also listens to relaxation and spiritual music (Deva Premal, for example) and Celtic music such as Enya - from who I also got a bit influenced. The artists I look up to at the moment are Lianne La Havas - who I became a big fan of when she released her first E.P. in 2011! Other artists I listen to a lot at the moment are: Amel Larrieux, Sona Jobarteh; Jhené Aiko, Deva Premal; Emeli Sandé, Agnes Obel; Saint Savior, Corinne Bailey Rae etc.

Are there going to be any more songs released from that E.P.?

All the songs of the E.P. have been released (on 16th November). New music will come - either in 2018 or 2019.

You are from Godinne, Belgium. What compelled your move to the U.K.? Was there a bit music scene there?

I have been attracted by the diversity of London...

There is a music scene in Belgium but it is much wider in London - with many more opportunities in the field. I also wanted to be in a city where I could learn English and meet people from different cultures.

London is your base. What is the city like for you? Is it an inspiring place?

It is very inspiring and very rich on many levels.

I like this city because it is a place where people from all over the world come to pursue their dreams. So many people are open-minded and are ready to take risks; to follow their heart - because they know you have to make the most of your life. I really like that. I believe it is important when you have dreams and want to make them a reality; to surround yourself with people who do the same...

I also now have many friends I can call if I need musicians or advice for anything regarding the music industry etc. Even though I like it for this aspect, I really like to go back to Belgium from time to time in order to slow down - as I feel that in London everything is always going fast and people never really take breaks (shops are even open on Sundays!).

I also love going back home for its nature. Godinne is a small village near the river Meuse - and there is a lot of nature over there. I find it very relaxing and peaceful.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Ibeyi

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Ibeyi, Judi Jackson and Alice Phoebe Lou.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Alice Phoebe Lou

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

The Diary of Alicia Keys – Alicia Keys

Discovering Alicia Keys when I was a kid wasParadise! These songs are the songs of child/teenagehood. I could actually say that through her music: Alicia Keys taught me how to sing my heart out!

Aventine - Agnes Obel

During my degree at BIMM; I had a tendency to think that, to be a successful artist/singer, I had to be a loud singer. Thinking this way was not good for me because I am naturally shy and have a smooth tone. That yea; I discovered Agnes Obel in more depth and that made me realise that, if I want to, I can only use piano and strings and sing very silently - and still give an amazing and powerful performance.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sophie Lex

…But Seriously - Phil Collins

This album reminds me so much of my childhood - because my parents used to listen to him a lot.

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

I am not sure I am in the right place to say anything - as I’ve only just started my own career. I would say to stay true to yourself and make sure you only do choices that are aligned with your heart.

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

28th November: London E.P. launch upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club (the second E.P. launch).

30th November at 229 the venue (London).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sophie Lex

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

I think I will take a time for myself and my family...

These last few months have been a bit crazy - with the preparation of the release and the gigs. Now, I need to take the time to sit, be calm; read and spend quality-time with my relatives. I also want to take the time to let the inspiration come so I can write new songs.

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 Wanna Be Like You - Ibeyi

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INTERVIEW: Jimmy Sweet

INTERVIEW:

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 Jimmy Sweet

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THE U.S. musician Jimmy Sweet…

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gives me some time to discuss his latest cut, You Say You Don't Love Me - in fact; it is his debut release! It is brave, in the sense that the song was originally recorded by Buzzcocks. I ask Sweet whether the band is big to him and when he first encountered them. He talks about his next moves and the music he was raised on; whether there are gigs coming up – and playing with his covers-band, The Goodtime Boys.

I learn more about Jimmy Sweet’s musical tastes and why he is a fan of Glam/British music; what he has planned for Christmas; if a U.K. tour is a reality – and why, this week especially, he is need of relaxation and a break.

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

Not bad. Taking a vacation this weekend to Santa Barbara, California. I’m looking forward to some relaxation…

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

My name is Jimmy Sweet. I was born in San Jose, California - but I have been living in Los Angeles for nearly eighteen years.

I guess I can call it home, now...

You Say You Don't Love Me is your debut single. What was the reason for picking that song for your introduction?

I wanted to do a cover song to hopefully grab people’s attention, and being a Buzzcocks fan, it seemed like the way to go?!

It was originally performed by the British band, Buzzcocks. As an L.A. artist; how did you come to discover the band? Why did that song stand out?!

I’ve been a Buzzcocks fan since I was a teenager...

I remember seeing them live in Santa Cruz when I was sixteen-years-old. I also had the chance to open for them in Los Angeles about ten years ago - while I was playing in Hot Hot Heat at a festival. I’ve always loved the lyrics to this song.

It’s such a great love song - so it inspired me to slow it down and try sending the message in a different way.

Your take brings new aspects to the song! Can you see yourself tackling other artists’ tracks further down the line?

Absolutely! I’d love to eventually make a 1970s Punk cover album of all my favorite songs - and give them the melancholy treatment.

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Is there any more material coming soon? What are you working on right now?

I’m actually working with producer Mark Rains (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club); finishing a string of original tunes to be put out every couple months in 2018. We just finished a song called Burning Like a Fever (that’ll be released on Valentine’s Day).

You perform with your covers-band, The Goodtime Boys – which contains members of Fleet Foxes, Hot Hot Heat and The Growlers. How did you come to meet those players – and is there any possibility of an album from the band?!

We were all friends previously. A club in Hollywood, called Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, asked me if I’d put a cover-band together - and I asked them to join.

That’s where the name came from...

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L.A. is your base. What is the city like for an artist who favours the exciting and ambitious? Do you feel fulfilled there?

There are so many places to play here: it’s definitely worth living here if you’re a musician or an actor.

It never feels like you can’t fulfil your dream.

I'm interesting discovering the musicians you grew up on. What are your earliest recollections of music?

I used to sneak into my older sister’s room and steal her Misfits albums. But, I remember when she left a V.H.S. tape with no label - and I popped it on and it was a New York Dolls concert. I was thirteen-years-old and my life changed at that moment. The world was no longer a safe place...

I fuck*ng thrived on that.

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You have played on the circuit with Roland Bolan (son of T. Rex legend, Marc). Is 1970s Glam a genre/time you are inspired by?

100%! I absolutely love the British 1970s Glam movement. It only lasted from about 1970 – 1975 - but so many great songs.

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

 My wife’s band, The Wednesday Addams.

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IN THIS PHOTO: The Wednesday Addams

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

The Stooges – Fun House

It’s gotta be one of the nastiest-sounding records I’ve ever heard (in a good way).

Pulp - Different Class

Every song is a hit! I’m a huge Jarvis Cocker fan.

The Velvet Underground - Loaded

I’m always trying to recreate that album. Perfection.

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

Being in a band is just a very expensive hobby. Hahahaha. 

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

I’m doing a residency, in March, at Harvard & Stone in Hollywood. I got some incredible bands that agreed to play as well. We have U.K.-based BONES; Love Zombies, Jesse Jo Stark and more.

It’s gonna be a fun month.

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

I’m working, unfortunately - but, it never feels like Christmas in L.A. It’s sunny and warm all 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).

Lemming - Lucifera 

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INTERVIEW: 1971

INTERVIEW:

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1971

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THESE are emotional and changeable times…

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for the guys of 1971. Following the death (earlier this year) of their bassist/founding member, Cameron Cranston – future plans have been revised and scrapped. I ask 1971’s Jory about the way the guys are progressing and what they have in mind. I get the lowdown on their current single, Anxiety (In the Depths of Northwestern Ontario) and how things got started for them – and whether writing/releasing their new track was a difficult process.

Jory talks about the band’s start and the music that has guided his/their progress; what the remainder of the year holds in store; the music vibe where he is – and some new artists for us to investigate.

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Hi, Jory! How are you guys? How has your week been?

It’s been pretty alright.

I was a little anxious about the music video premiere - which happened this morning - but, so far, it’s going really well. Garrett and my other band, Rust Owl, played a show last weekend - and got to see a lot of friends from out of Winnipeg.

We don’t get to see very often, so that was really great.

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

I’m Jory. I play the drums and sing here and there. Garrett is our guitarist and singer - and Tanner is our other guitarist.

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Can I ask about the band-name (sorry to ask an obvious one!). Is that year especially important for you all?

Haha. Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question.

We used to make up a different story every time someone would ask - but the true meaning is still between us. 

Can I also ask about February this year – when your bassist/founding member, Cameron Cranston, died? He was only twenty-five. What impact did that have on the band? Did it take a while for you to regroup and continue?

Well. We’re actually not continuing as a band.

Once he passed it wasn’t a question: we knew we couldn’t continue without Cran. This E.P. coming out is the last release for us - with the last recorded material before Cran passed away.

It’s like our final tribute to him (and to the time together as a band).

Anxiety (In the Depths of Northwestern Ontario) is your new track. It, obviously, is tinged with a sense of emotion. What is the tale behind it?

Garrett wrote it a while back for Cran while he was going through a really difficult time. We can’t really get into specifics - but it was dedicated to him well before he passed.

We’d been playing it for about a year and toured it a couple times.

A new E.P., No Matter Where You Go, There You Are is forthcoming. Does the title allude to Cameron? What kind of themes run through the E.P.?

Absolutely. No Matter Where You Go, There You Are is one of his ubiquitous sayings. They’ve all resonated with us and we still quote him all the time - but that one stood out the most and always meant to us; especially now.

I think the saying speaks for itself...

I know you’ll be releasing the E.P. – via Art of the Uncarved Block – on 7” vinyl and cassette. I am impressed bands like yourself are keen to preserve traditional formats! A lot of Canadian acts are releasing material on cassettes. Is there a link between Canada and music’s heritage do you think?!

I couldn’t tell ya if I think there’s a link there...

We’ve always found cassettes to be the most popular format we’ve released on. I, personally, like cassettes quite a lot. I think their popularity has a lot to do with their convenience; since they’re easy to store; they’re cheap and not too much commitment for fans when buying them. Vinyl is expensive as hell and not always the best investment. But, for albums that I feel really committed to; vinyl is where I go.

We’re releasing the vinyl ourselves - Art of the Uncarved Block is releasing the cassettes.

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What is the music scene like around Winnipeg? It seems like Canada is among the most productive music nations around. Why do you think this is so?!

Winnipeg has a pretty recognizable scene in Canada.

There’s a lot of bands and musicians here if you compare it to our population - and even more small and large festivals in the summer…one almost every weekend.

I think there was more going on for us in the East - but there are some really great bands in Winnipeg and there’s always a show to go to. The scene is pretty tightly-knit here.

I personally love touring Canada despite the low-population density and long-ass drives. We’re pretty big hosers and more Canadian than we might like to admit - coming from a fairly isolated town in the dead-center of the Canadian shield. Driving through the landscapes, regardless of which province you're in, is always special to us. Being in the middle of nowhere is a pretty special feeling that I understand not everyone gets to experience. For that, we’re fortunate.

There is so much great music in Canada and audiences really appreciate music I think; even with the highly-saturated music market (so to speak). There’s a lot of really creative stuff coming out of here and we were extremely fortunate to have met so many like-minded individuals and amazing creators along our journey.

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Can you tell me how you all met? Was the bond instant and brotherly for you? Why did you decide to all make music together?

Yeah. It was pretty instant. We all knew each other in high-school and were friends - but playing music together really solidified our relationship. Tanner and Cran had been best friends since they were in Kindergarten.

This band was, kind of, more than a band to us. We are really like family. We spent the majority of our formative years together - and this extended family of friends sort of grew out of it in a way.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Triples

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Damn. Where to start?!

I really think everyone should listen to everyone Art of the Uncarved Block is working with; especially Worst Gift, Low Sun; Shaman and Triples. Trying not to be biased here but we’re fans of everything on that label and feel real fortunate to be working with them now.

I also think people should check out Albatros; a seven-piece (I think now. They used to be a nine-piece) Punk band with a brass section from Quebec city. Dead Soft put out a killer single last summer and are always a fav.

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Other great Vancouver bands are Sightlines, Togetherness; Dad Thighs and Cheap High. Our pal Suz, from Worst Gift, writes amazing and amazingly sad songs under SVBRIII.

For Montreal; I’ve really been digging yoo doo right and Bécyk Fantôme. I saw this band from Saint John’s, NL the other week called Incredible Woman - which was the best show I’ve seen in 2017.

My pal Cassia (of Wares) put out one of my favourite albums of the year about a month ago.

As well some of the bands here in Winnipeg; Satanic Rights are some bad ass-rockers; Mmars are some bad-ass fuzz boys, Homeward Bound are great hooky Dog-Rock; M&M Meats bad-ass Meat-Wave, Permanent Mistake bad-ass mistake punk. I like Slow Leaves’ latest album, Jensen Fridfinnson, is going to have some great stuff coming out soon. Slow Spirit are great - and Pleasure Dens is a pretty good band. Roger Roger is great if you’re into really sweet Folk music. I would also say Lucas Roger - if I didn’t play in his band (because I was a fan first).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Slow Spirit

Also; everyone should listen to Missy Jacobson and Mike Procyshyn: two great songwriters from Kenora.

Lastly; my favourite album of the year was Protomartyr’s Relatives in Decent. Highly recommend.

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IN THIS IMAGE: Protomartyr

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

Also very tough but, instead of listing almost everyone like the last question, I’ll have to say Tournament of Hearts by the Constantines (for every reason).

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

Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Learn everything you can about the way the music scene works early as possible. Even if you’re fiercely D.I.Y., like we used to be; learn how the industry works. Don’t procrastinate and shy away like we did early on.

You’ll thank yourself later...

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

We won’t be touring this release but we will be playing December 23rd at the Good Will Social Club in Winnipeg; December 29th at the Kenora Curling Club.

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Are there plans to come to the U.K. down the line? Have you ever been here before?

Yes, I’m hoping to take Rust Owl to Europe in a couple years (if all works out). We have yet to tour Europe - but all our friends have had great experiences.

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

We’ll be rehearsing with our friends - that are filling in on bass - for the release shows, mostly. We’ll be in Kenora; so we’ll be visiting with a lot of family and catching up with close friends.

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).

Well. I’m currently listening to Housepanther as I write this…so let’s play Housepanther’s track, Train Station Floors

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INTERVIEW: Featurette

INTERVIEW:

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 Featurette

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THERE is a political and social message behind…

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their new track, Upside Down. I ask Canadian duo Featurette about the song and whether President Trump’s governance is causing more problems than it is worth – they have clear opinions on that point! Lexie and Jon talk about their formation and the music scene where they are; the artists they respond to and admire – and whether we can see them in the U.K. next year.

They talk about their backgrounds and whether protest, given the subject of their new song, ever creates change; what new music they have planned; some great new artists we should all get involved with – and whether they will have any time to chill over the Christmas period.

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

We’re great!

We’ve just finished a fun tour this weekend - so we’re coming down from that (smiles).

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

We’re an Electro-Pop duo from Toronto - made up of Lexie Jay (Vocals, Keys) and Jon Fedorsen (Drums, Synths). We write our own tracks that are punchy and bass-forward - and love music that’s heavy-hitting and a little bit dark at times.

If you’re into Phantogram, Broods; K.Flay, or Tove Lo - you’ll probably like the sounds we make.

Upside Down is your new single. What can you tell me about its background?

Of course!

We started writing that track last year - we were inspired by the concept of the ‘Upside Down’ in Stranger Things - another world that’s not all as it seems, parallel to ours, but much darker. Over the next year, in the changing political climate we’ve been witnessing with our neighbours to the South, in many ways; we find ourselves in that parallel world right now.

The headlines are darker than ever before: things are changing, and slowly, people are waking up to realize that it’s our responsibility to do something about it - not just place blame. This summer, we revisited the track, chopped it up and resampled it - we basically flipped it on its head.

Everything’s upside-down - but it’s not just ‘them:’ it’s all of us.

It seems, actually, liberty and the devaluation of American principles are at the core. Do you think true values and ethics are being eroded by President Trump? Are his skewed views on proletariat rulership leading American into the abyss?

You got it.

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We think that the devaluation of our principles, and the skewed morality of our collective consciousness, has led us into a place where we’re extremely vulnerable. Trump, in many ways, seems to be the manifestation of society’s worst qualities and, somehow, he’s in the most powerful position in the world. But, it’s not just Trump: I don’t think we’re alone in believing that he’s not even sure of what he stands for.

Trump is more of a figurehead that a large portion of the American people are using as a platform to forget their own humanity - and wreak havoc on all those that don’t align with their views. They’re angry. They want to make up for all the wrongs that they felt have been done to them - no matter the consequences or the hypocrisy. Somehow; it’s becoming just that: it’s Us vs. Them.

It’s a dangerous time to live in...

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How effective can music and protest be when it comes to raising awareness and shaking complacency? Do you think Trump’s days are under serious threat?!

I mean; it’s a difficult thing...

How many people are going to hear this song and really listen - look past the hooks and dissect the poetry? Further still: how many of those are going to care?! I think that, since Jon and I have a platform – hopefully, a growing one - it’s important to do what we can to raise awareness for what we believe in. More than that perhaps: this is a real issue that’s affecting so many right now; we’re writing from such a real place when there’s a crisis like this.

I don’t think that Trump’s days are under serious threat…and that’s what scares me. He’s been caught in a lie; in wrongdoings and the mistreatment of women - and people so many different times - and yet…he’s still in office. There’s nothing you or I can do to change that for the moment, but it’s important to us that people aren’t scared to talk about it - so that we never make a mistake like this again.

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The track is punchy and angry. Did it lay onto tape pretty quick? I imagine it was a natural and pleasing track to capture?

It really was…

The original version - we wrote a year ago - was mostly music: a lot of the lyrics came later. It was a lot less angry. It was more beautiful and a little more organic-feeling (fewer synthetic drum machines and the like). When we saw what was happening in the political climate; it inspired us further and we took the track we had and totally ripped it apart. We kept the music but infused-in energy - and an anger that we hadn’t drawn on in such a way. Our single just prior, Bang, had some anger too; but it was a personal blow - this song is so much bigger than that. There are a lot of angry people now (angry on both sides).

Performing this track live has been like therapy for me - getting all out, you know?!

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What comes next in terms of material? Will an E.P. form part of your 2018?

We’ve been writing all summer, actually. We’ve got a lot of new tracks up our sleeves and, although we haven’t fully realized our plan yet; an E.P. might just be coming your way.

Some serious ear-worms for sure…

Can you take me back to the start and reveal how you guys got together?

This one time, at band-camp…we started a band! (*Pause for laughter*)

But, seriously, we were both teaching music at a summer-camp - which is how we met.
Jon’s brother had just won the Lottery - and he moved across the world to New Zealand; leaving behind a guitar that Jon picked up. He brought it with him to camp and wanted to play some tunes for the kids - to show them that you can always learn something new and pick up a new instrument. Great message but, unfortunately, he was a pretty terrible guitar player! He recruited me to join him to strengthen his band a little for the faculty show, and then, we just kept playing after that. We actually recorded an acoustic demo, and no, you can’t hear it!

We soon after traded-up for synths and an electric kit…and we never looked back!

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Which musicians did you both grow up idolising? How varied were your childhood homes in terms of the sounds experienced?

Oh man. So different.

Jon: I grew up listening to a huge array of music. My dad was into The Rolling Stones, Supertramp and Phil Collins; my Mom was into Simon & Garfunkel, Enya; lots of Mozart. My older brother went backwards: big into classic 1960s and 1970s Rock; 1980s Rock and Metal. Growing up, there was so much music in the house, that all that was left to take for my own was the Grunge of Nirvana, and then, the cooler fusions of Radiohead; Björk; Portishead and Lamb.

Those led me into Electronic music like Squarepusher, Four Tet and Amon Tobin - before getting into Jazz for school. I guess, during Jazz-school, I was into drummers Bill Stewart, Tony Williams; Jack DeJohnette, Trilok Gurtu - basically, anything that was super-complicated and hard to listen to passively! L.o.L! Now, I think I’ve levelled-off and can listen to music again without focusing only on the drums and the bass.

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Lexie: I went to high-school as a Music Theatre major and then followed that with a Classical Voice degree at the University of Toronto - so my music library was nerdy as hell. I got into popular music much later - and I’m still learning so many new bands these days. It’s crazy how much cool stuff is out there! I grew up idolizing Idina Menzel after I heard her in Wicked – wow; what a Voice. When I got into Opera in University; it was Diana Damrau for sure. Not what you wanted to hear probably…but that’s what got me going!

Outside of vocalists, Jason Robert Brown’s writing, especially his work The Last Five Years, was a huge influence on me. Then; I found out about song cycles and art songs in University (Benjamin Britten, Hugo Wolf and Debussy) - and that was a huge reason why our first album, CRAVE, was put together the way it was. It was actually written as a song cycle: one girl’s journey through a relationship - and how it changed her.

It seems Toronto is producing great music the same way a rabbit would produce…you know what! What would you put this down to?

What…more rabbits?!

Haha. Yeah, you’re totally right. There are so many great bands and great players - and new genres and fusion emerging - we can hardly keep up! For us, it’s really important to find those new sounds; stay ahead of the curve - and not (so much) throwback to that ‘1980s sound’, just because we’re using synths. I think that’s what keeps us sounding different

I think it’s a pretty competitive industry as well. The more great musicians there are out there, in a close proximity, the more there will be in a way.

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IN THIS PHOTO: K.Flay

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

K. Flay is one of my new faves - and she’s really getting her stuff out there (which is great). She speaks to the political level as well.

On a local level: For Esmé is a band that really inspired me at the beginning of our synth journey (I believe she’s coming out with some new material in 2018) and, more recently, we toured with Monowhales (also female-fronted) - who have a raw power you’re totally going to love if you’re into us.

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IN THIS IMAGE: Die Antwoord

Some old international favourites would be Moderat from Germany - a huge influence of ours actually - and Die Antwoord from South Africa.

Jon’s also into Future Bass and  San Holo – which I think you can definitely hear in our upcoming tracks.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Monowhales

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

Jon: I remember waiting for my brother (who skipped a whole day of high-school) to bring back a copy of Radiohead’s Kid A. We listened to it as soon as we got home and our minds were blown. How could a band do such an about-face?! When it was over, we look at each other; nodded and played it again from start to finish. I think it gave me permission to think outside the box once I started doing music on my own.

Lexie: For me; I really gravitated to Passion Pit’s Manners - that was something that really stood out for me. The sounds, especially on the vocals, were so different from the other stuff I was listening to: I thought it was really playful and unique. I think that’s in part why I use a live harmony pedal on stage now and come up with all my vocal patches for each song - so that I have the same control a guitar player would over their instrument. I want that control to shape and change my vocals to match the song perfectly, just like Passion Pit does.

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

Be brave and say what you’ve gotta say. I think that honesty goes a really long way in this business.

Honest music with an honest message that you actually believe in is going to hit harder than any ‘trending’ sound or vibe. Don’t copy or chase sounds: let then influence you and then make your own way - so that you’re creating something that’s your own.

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What tour dates do you have approaching? Are you heading to the U.K. soon?

I wish! Lemme call my agent (smiles).

Tour dates are top secret at the moment but we’re hella overdue for a Toronto show - so you know we’re going to be hitting that next – then, hopefully we can jump on a plane! From what we’ve heard; you get one first impression when it comes to the U.K. market. We don’t want to blow it but we’ve got some new stuff coming - that, we think, will push this project over the top - and get us over the pond.

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

Writing, always writing: you can’t stop that process.

We might take a few days for the family but, when the creative juices are flowing, you have to track that stuff in!

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).

Lexie: Kill J - Propaganda

Jon: Moderat - A New Error

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Follow Featurette

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INTERVIEW: Sands

INTERVIEW:

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Sands

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SANDS is quite to the point and brief when…

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it comes to his answers, it seems! That enigma is something that makes one want to investigate the music and discover more about the man behind it. Sands talks about the new double A-side, Let’s Run/Echoes, and tackling a Gene Clark classic. I ask whether the double A-side is coming back into fashion and what the next move is from him; whether there are going to be any tour dates – and whether Sands expected his eponymous E.P. to get such a positive reaction.

I find out about the music that Sands responds to and what he thinks about the digital takeover – whether it is preferable to physical formats – a new artist we should check out; whether he is in the Christmas spirit – and a few words (not even that!) to new musicians coming through.

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

Hi. All good. I’m busy mixing.

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

I put out the Sands EP in April and a single a couple of weeks ago. More to come in 2018.

Check stuff out http://www.s-a-n-d-s.net/.  

Let’s Run/Echoes is your double A-side. What was the decision behind releasing a double A-side?

I thought both tracks had kind of the same relevance to me - as well a common musical thread. Plus; I liked the fact it reminded me of artists of the 1960s (that I love).

It seems the double A-side is coming back into fashion. Why do you think this is? Do you miss the days of physical releases – and a time when artists released double A-sides more frequently?!

Dunno. Maybe could be a sort of revival thing…

I don't want to sound like I’m looking too much at the past - as much as I love it; we must always move forward - but I definitely miss that. There was a different magic in it. I mean, you had two options to listen to music: turn on the radio and be lucky your favourite is on; go to a record shop and buy it.

If it's not in stock; order it and come back later on – don’t rely on the free Internet binge.

Echoes is your take on Gene Clark’s classic. How did you come to discover the song originally? What is it about the track that spoke to you?

I love The Byrds but, when I heard his solo stuff, I was completely blown away. 

I got into his catalogue and so much fell in love with the songwriter, singer and musician - as well as the character. There’s an incredible depth to him - truly touching and inspiring. He can have some swing, too. Echoes is the case. It clicked with me lyrically and I wish I’d written the music. 

It’s like a beautiful picture or painting. It takes you in a world of his own.

The video for Let’s Run is out. What was that experience like? Do you like the processes involved in a music video?

I wasn't involved in the making of it, honestly. I think it's a great visual that my friend did. I think it's a nice match for the track and I love the tone of it.

I'll tell you next time, then…

Your Sands EP was backed by some big names and publications. Did you expect it to receive such praise?

No, I didn't! Well...“thanks”…

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Is there going to be more music next year do you think? What do you have planned?

Another E.P. is currently being mixed - and is coming out in spring.

Who are the musicians you idolise? Which artists did you grow up listening to?

So many I love…

Lately; I've been a lot into Nick Cave and Iggy Pop.

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It seems instruments are as important to you as any other aspect of music. Which instrument did you take up first? What was it about composition and performance that resonated with you at a young age? 

My first was the drums but, with the guitar and those harmonies, I discovered the chance to write a tune.

Playing along with records made it clearer.

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

An Australian band called Surfing. I love them.

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

It's impossible to name three that mean the most for me, but I'll give it a go - leaving a blank space would be rude.

Screaming Trees - Sweet Oblivion

Kraftwerk – The Man-Machine

David Bowie - Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)

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Can we see you perform anywhere soon? 

I’ll take the chance to say I don't have any gigs booked. I'm looking for musicians at the moment - because I need to set up some performances.

Get in touch…

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

Have stamina.

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

Honestly; I don't give a sh*t about it!

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).

Heaven - The Rolling Stones

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Follow Sands

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INTERVIEW: Phalcons

INTERVIEW:

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Phalcons

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ONE imagines there are few artists based…

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in rural Wales! You’d probably be right but one treasure you’ll find there is Phalcons. I speak to the band about their new single, Idle Ways, and how that came together. Ben from the band talks about the formation of Phalcons and where the guys go from here. I find out about his/the band’s tastes and the music they vibe to; what they have planned in terms of touring – some advice for new artists coming through.

Ben talks about the music scene in their part of Wales and how it feels knowing their music is striking a chord; how each member’s experiences in other bands has helped Phalcons – what they have planned for the coming year…

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

Ben: Hi there!  We’re good, thanks. It’s been a productive week! 

Loads of radio-play, promoting the single; doing the whole social media thing. Sorting out some gigs for the next couple of months.  

Exciting stuff!

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

My name is Ben: I sing and play guitar.

I’m Tom: I play bass and sing backing vocals.

I’m Alex: I play drums and back them vocals!

Hi, I’m Naomi - and I play synthesisers and also sing backing.

What can you tell me about the new song, Idle Ways? What’s the story behind it?

Ben: It’s quite a personal song. I wrote it after moving back from Cardiff towards the end of 2015. At the time, I was living a party lifestyle: sleep all day, up all night. I’d work part-time at a nightclub to keep me in money but, overall, 2015 was a bit of a blur. 

I was living with my then-girlfriend, who also enjoyed living fast-and-loose but, unlike me; she was also trying to complete a university course - and I was a terrible influence. So; it’s a song about two people slowly drifting apart, emotionally and physically - because of one’s ‘idle ways’.

Is there going to be more material from you guys next year? Are you working on an E.P.?

Yes, definitely! We’re always writing new material. We have another single coming out in the New Year - maybe a couple. That will eventually lead up to a bigger release for the summer - but we’ll see what happens once we have more material out there.

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The band is from North Wales - but I am interested how you all got together. How did ‘Phalcons’ come to be?

I think it was around the start of 2016…

We were all in a bit of a quiet period - or had just left our previous bands. I had a few songs that needed some instrumentation; so I got in touch with Alex and Tom and started jamming. We were tight, but we needed another layer, so we got in touch with Naomi; threw her into the mix…and here we are!  

We’ve all known each other for years, though. We’ve played in each other’s bands, toured together in separate bands; lived together and worked together. As friends go; we’re a pretty close-knit group: it’s just a bonus that we all like the same music and can play instruments!

Tom: I met the guys separately over the years…

I first spoke to Alex after watching him play guitar at a festival in Bethesda; I met Naims through a mutual friend - when we were both in school - and met Ben, properly, when I was living down in Cardiff.

Fun fact: before we knew each other; Ben referred to me as ‘Mullet Guy’.

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What is the music scene like where you are? Are there opportunities available?

Ben: We all live in rural North Wales; so there isn’t a lot going on here, really - especially at this time of the year.  There are regular gigs, local festivals and seasonal events - but not a lot of opportunities to expand your horizons. The Welsh music scene is a very small one. 

After a few years; you end up playing to the same faces, which is great, because you eventually get a very loyal fan base. But, if you limit yourself to one language, you tend to limit yourself to one country. It’s why we sing in English, rather than our native Welsh - as there are so many more opportunities and it’s easier to branch out.

I know you all come from different bands? Have you all learned a lot from those experiences – and do you think your skills and at their peak as part of Phalcons?

Yes, of course! As musicians, we’re always learning. 

Playing different music with other people always helps. But, as far as reaching our peak, I hope not!  Reaching your peak means you’ve done the best you’ll ever do right?! We have a long way to go before that! 

Watch this space!

Who are the artists you all grew up listening to?

My family has a pretty good music taste, actually! Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison; Norah Jones, Tom Waits; Willie Nelson and Bert Jansch. My dad got me into Country music, Bluegrass and Folk early on; loads of traditional Irish music and Americana Grassroots. My mum is more into the 1970s and 1980s anthems: Prince, George Michael; Brian Adams…that kind of thing.   

My parents took me to a lot of festivals as a kid, too; so I listened to a lot of World music from quite a young age. 

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It seems you are already getting attention and fans! Is it important to have that support? Does that give you direction and drive?

Absolutely! As a band; you rely on the support of the listeners to grow as musicians. The aim is to just keep writing, keep playing; keep promoting until you get where you want to be. 

Without the fans, that would be impossible. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Serol Serol

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve been listening to a lot of music that’s close to home recently... 

Serol Serol is a band to look out for in the coming months! Dreamy, psychedelic; synth-driven Space-Pop.

We’ve played a few gigs with the ARGRPH guys, too - they’re also signed to Libertino Records. I managed to see them play in Cardiff not long ago and they were f*cking amazing. Twangy, bluesy; Psyche-Rock - with a heavy dose of Shoegaze thrown in.

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IN THIS PHOTO: ARGRPH

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

Crosby, Stills and Nash – Crosby, Stills and Nash

That album was my first real experience of original 1960s Psychedelia. I was sixteen-years-old; had just joined a band and was finding my feet, musically. A close friend recommended it to me. So; I sat down and listened to it in its entirety. Then, when it finished, I listened to it again. It absolutely blew my mind. Every single track on that album is genius. The harmonies are on point and the musicianship is next level. 

It makes me want to make music...

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

We have a gig in Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on 8th December. We’ve also got a gig on 28th December in Llanrwst - a town in our neck of the woods up in Snowdonia. We’re working on getting some gigs together for the New Year too…so, keep yer eyes peeled!

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How have you found performing so far? Has it been quite natural performing together – is the stage somewhere you all feel at home?

We’ve all been playing in bands for years now; so being on stage feels natural these days. It’s always good to play with new people too: keeps the energy fresh on and off stage.

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

Make the music you want to hear. Get an online presence. Promote yourselves shamelessly.

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

Probably working in the days around Christmas: Christmas Day is off limits. That’s family-time. I’m going to drink lots of alcohol; eat lots of turkey - and listen to Christmas songs until my ears bleed. 

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).

Ben: Andy Shauf – The Magician

Tom: Forth Wanderers – Slop

Alex: The Only Ones – Another Girl, Another Planet

Naomi:  Alvvays – Dreams Tonight

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Follow Phalcons

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INTERVIEW: Monti

INTERVIEW:

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Monti

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THERE are few who have the background…

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and life of Monti. She speaks to me about her transition from the streets - and how she has turned that experience into something positive. I find out about her new track, Echo, and the story behind that; what she has planned in terms of new material; the music scene where she is in L.A. – and some of the projects she has been involved in.

Monti discusses the artists who have influenced her; the albums that have affected her (as a human and musician) and what she has planned regards touring – and whether we can see her in the U.K. anytime.

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

Hi! It has been incredible! Thank you!

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

Hey, everyone! My name is Monti. I’m a recording artist, songwriter and philanthropist.

I am interested in the single, Echo. What is the tale behind the song?

Thank you! I wanted to create something deeper with my music…

I really wanted to tell my own story and the stories of the youth that I am around daily and mentor. I wanted to talk about the struggles I had, and that they still have with growing up - and are dealing with various unfortunate circumstances, including homelessness; being in foster care, abuse; addictions etc. I wanted to speak out to them and for them and, to next generation in general, let them know that I've been there - and I made it out...and so can they. 

The single, Echo, refers to our voices and the next generation’s voices - and the need to be heard. I found that I not only wanted the voices and message to be ‘heard’; but to be a heard loudly as a declaration and ‘echo’ - so it may continue on to be heard by the next person as well; so they can, hopefully, be inspired (and so on)... 

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You wrote the track with Josh Stevens. What was that experience like? Did you know each other before working on the song?

I met Josh Stevens through another project.

I was brought in the studio to work with him on that project and, later, approached him regarding my vision for my next solo artist project. He saw the potential and believed in it. This started my incredible musical relationship with him and his company, Stadium Music Enterprise - where we worked on bringing this vision to life.

When we went in for the first writing session, we were definitely in-sync. As the song progressed over time, he also found his own voice in the single, as he did the feature on it - that was also an experience shared from his own story. He’s become one of my favorites to co-write with, for sure - and I can’t wait to see what we do next!

Do you think there will be more material coming next year?

Oh yes...

I am continuing to work with Josh Stevens and Stadium Music Enterprise on an E.P. - which we are planning to release by early-2018!

Whoop whoop!

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Your lyrics address harder subjects and provoke thought. Is it quite tough being so revealing and open in your music?!

Not at all: I feel like it’s the opposite, actually.

It’s easy for me to be so open because it’s part of my purpose (of) being a music artist - in spreading my message – therefore, it comes naturally. I’ve found it’s actually tougher writing songs that have no depth or real message.

How did you manage to go from a runaway – dodging foster care systems – to a young woman releasing music? How hard has it been transitioning from that situation?

I like to say I have had guardian angels here on Earth.

During the time, I was still on and off the streets and hanging out in gang life; I ended up singing hooks for several rappers in home recording studios - and that lead me to meet artist/producer, Lamar Lacañgan. He and his family took me under their wings and mentored me. Soon enough, he started his Independent record label, O.Y.I.E. Records, and offered me a record deal; where we immediately started working on my first album - where I wrote my first songs ever. That was the start of my career as a recording artist but, more importantly, that was the start of my transformation.

I got so much more than just a record deal - but a sense of unconditional love, community and new possibilities. Lamar and his team clearly had a heart for inner city/at-risk youth - and, so, they later started the non-profit, O.Y.I.E. Music - where I became their first success story.

I always say that they and that whole experience saved my life. It definitely was not an easy transition but, for the first time, I was introduced to the power of choice and to a whole new world; one that I could be in and could accomplish greatness in - if I chose to - and, since then, I continuously keep striving, persevering and working to become better as a human being - for myself and for others to make a difference (like it was for me).

Do you feel more settled and safe at the moment? Are there plans afoot for 2018?

Yes, absolutely.

I have been so blessed surrounded by amazing people and continue to create my world with my choices one moment at a time. 2018 is going to be incredible! So many great things in the works.

We are planning to release an E.P by the middle of next year.

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What was your music upbringing life like? Which artists stood out to you when you were younger?

My mom had a very eclectic vinyl collection; made up of a wide variety of music of the roaring 1920s; Broadway show-tunes, Pop tunes from different eras - ranging from the 1960s – 1980s. As a child, I listened to all of it and then some - but mainly her Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson; Lionel Richie and Motown records (the most). Throughout my troubled childhood, I remember music becoming a bit of a refuge for me as a way to escape, I think. I always gravitated to the kind of music that had soul, passion; depth; told stories and/or just felt good to listen to.

As a teenager, specifically, I listened to a lot of Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul - mainly 2Pac, Ice Cube; Too Short, Fugees; Lauryn Hill, R Kelly; Brian McKnight, Dru Hill; Lil' Kim - and then there was Nirvana, too, of course (smiles).

How important is Los Angeles and its people to your stability and music inspiration?

I love living in L.A.!

Being around the variety of different cultures, food and art really helps build my creativity - and gives me new ideas daily. The fast lifestyle and constant drive of the people here also keep me inspired - to keep moving and creating. I only surround myself with people who motivate me to become better - and are the ‘doers’ of the world. This also plays an important role in my overall balance. I definitely need the quiet and slower times as well, which I've also found here through other activities that L.A. provides - with the beach and hikes and beautiful scenery.

So; I mostly love how L.A. can provide me with that balance as well.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

They’re not really new - as they’ve been doing this a while - but definitely check out Damien Horne and John Splithoff; then Clay Campania - who’s also one of the baddest guitar players of our generation.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Damien Horne

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

During my younger childhood; I would say Janet Jackson’s Control (on cassette-tape!)

HAHA. This stands out for sure because this music inspired me to put on dance concerts in my neighborhood with my best friend - which gave me happiness and a positive outlet to escape the chaotic home environment I was surrounded in at the time.

Growing up in adolescent years; I would say HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (double-disc) by Michael Jackson. I remember when this first came out; I became glued to it because it spoke to a lot of my life that had already happened - and helped me get through a lot of trauma in my life up to that point.

Then, later in early adult years, it was Lauryn Hill’s MTV Unplugged (double-disc). This changed my life, because it was the first time I had heard an artist be so raw and vulnerable and then, from that moment on, I knew I always needed to just be authentic with everything - as a person; by telling my life stories and sharing them with the world.

Can we see you perform anywhere soon? Will you be coming to the U.K. next year?

Yes! I’ll be performing at L.A.’s historical venue, Dresden, on November 20th at 9 P.M.! You can find out more on my website.

I definitely hope to be coming to the U.K. next year - if I get booked out there!

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

Find and focus on what it is you really want to say; be known as and stay committed to that - as you can only do what you do...

Also, to think about ‘legacy’; as we're only here for a short time - and have been given a gift that has the power to impact people and the world immensely. So; make sure you're really doing what you want to be doing - as you're the only one who can do what you do.

No matter where you come from, or what you've been through, you can make it; if you choose to...

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

I will definitely be busy working and getting ready for 2018.

We have lots of great things in-the-works! I will also be spending the holiday month with my family in Hawaii.

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 Try by Clay Campania

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Follow Monti

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INTERVIEW: Dark Horses

INTERVIEW:

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Dark Horses

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A new track from Dark Horses is always a good thing…

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in a music world where quality and consistency are not interlinked or reliable. XIII is out and, with that numerical indicator; is bad luck and superstition at its base?! Dark Horses have an album on the way and have, in their career, supported Beck. I talk to them about their latest work and its spark; what we can expect in the coming months; how they came together in the first place – and what they will be doing with the remainder of this year.

They are heading out to support Black Rebel Motorcycle so I quiz them about their gig plans and what we can expect; any new artists we should keep our eyes open for – and the music that means the most to them.

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

Hi. It’s been a week of Black Rebel (Motorcycle Club) at Brixton, blind dates; losing house keys and releasing our single

All-in-all…not too bad, thanks.

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

We are Dark Horses: a five-piece band of talented chancers; a soulfully obstinate sonic family

XIII is your new single. What is the story behind it? What is the significance of the number thirteen?

13…

Some believe it to be unlucky - but we consider it to be a karmic number. It is the number of upheaval...so that new ground can be broken. We were also challenging ourselves, musically - you should have seen the concentrated looks on our faces while writing this song; trying to stay in the same time signature!

It seems, as you look at people being broken into numbers, there is a fear around the modern ways – and the digitisation of humanity. Is it conflicting having these feelings whilst having to rely on social media/streaming services for publicity?

We are not against digitalization: it is interesting, scary and exciting to witness the evolving marriage between humanity and technology.

We have faith in the warmth and unpredictability of human nature - let’s see how that all plays out! (if we live that long!)

I believe an album will follow. Can you reveal any songs that will appear? In terms of themes; what will you be investigating on the record?

Yes. Themes include:

Collective attitudes, runaways; authenticity at the risk of ridicule, hype machines; personal space and identity, fluid perspectives; learning from history, mathematics and silliness.

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How did the band get together at the very beginning?

As a band, we had an exceptional beginning...

Everything was done upside-down, so maybe what is important now is to recognise and value the most simple aspects of being in a band together; having fun making a racket!

In some respects, I think we can be overawed by our own history….

You have, already, supported Beck and been backed by big sources/radio stations. Is it quite hard to take in all you have achieved so far?! What have been your favourite memories from your music careers so far?

I recall checking myself out of the hospital after suspected appendicitis - in order to perform at the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust…standing on that stage to honour all those brave young people and their families and friends was an emotional moment I shall never forget. The hall is built in such a way that I did not have to make any effort to project my voice and, with limited physical strength, that was definitely a bonus.

I felt at ease and very lucky to be part of such a magical evening.

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Which musicians did you all grow up listening to? What might we have heard in your childhood homes?

The Beatles, Pink Floyd; Swedish Folk music, Janis Joplin; Carole King, The Who; Prince - and plenty of Classical and Jazz.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Baby in Vain

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Baby in Vain - a Danish group we saw not long ago. Really great.... 

Spring King. HAAi-

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IN THIS PHOTO: Spring King/PHOTO CREDIT: Henry Muller

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

Gosh. Not an easy question:

Anastasia: Carole King - Tapestry

I recall really connecting with her lyrics. She seemed to be singing to me.

Lisa Elle: Björk- Debut

When I heard this for the first time as a kid; I remember thinking: ‘That's what I want to do… sing and write stories like that.

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David: Radiohead - OK Computer

What melodies! Got me really hooked on my Telecaster.

Bobby: ABBA - Greatest Hits

Not cool - but I used to love it as a child.

Stevie: Bob Marley and the Wailers – Legend

What can I say - it sounded extra-good when I was stoned.

I believe you are heading out with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. You guys pumped about that? What other dates do you have approaching?

We have opened for them when we first formed so it’s going to be fun to do it again now.

We are also doing a headline show on our way back in Budapest - a city we have fond memories of playing in before. We have another release lined up for the end of Jan and we shall return to the stage in the spring.

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I know Milan is part of the tour. Have the band ever been to Italy? Have you boned up on your Italian for the trip?!

Well; Anastasia, on bass, is from Molise - in the centre-south of Italy! We performed at Zanne Festival, in Catania, which was great; especially as the line-up was comprised of some of our favourite artists: Toy, Blond Red-Head; Clinic and B.R.M.C.!

Needless to say; we are most excited about returning - not least, for the food (smiles).

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

Just make music that you enjoy and excites you and, as much as you can, find a way to share it on your own terms. A lot can be done D.I.Y. nowadays: if you can create a scene for yourself and your music, it will only be more appealing to an industry who might want to work with you down the line.

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

Hibernating and generally warming up after gallivanting across Europe, in a van, on tour!

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As you are called ‘Dark Horses’, I have to ask: is there a member of the band with a secret – something nobody knows? Who is the biggest dark horse in the band?!

Ahh…good question! Probably, Bobby. It involves a Tinder date - and no more can be said about that!

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).

Anastasia: Mass Datura - Fantasy Friction

David: PINS (ft. Iggy Pop) - Aggrophobe

Bobby: Donny Hathaway - Jealous Guy

Stevie: Camera – Synchron

Lisa Elle: Ariel Pink - Put Your Number in My Phone

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INTERVIEW: Natali Felicia

INTERVIEW:

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Natali Felicia

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THE excited and physical sounds of Natali Felicia are all over…

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her latest single, Say It. I ask the artist about the song and the story behind it. I discover more about Natali Felicia’s songwriting process and the artists who inspire her; the music she was raised on and why she moved from Sweden to the U.K. – she has recently relocated here and spending more time in Britain.

Natali Felicia talks about working with Andreas Grube and the albums that mean most to her; whether there is going to be new music approaching; how the rest of this year will pan out – and why this week has been a particularly good one for her.

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

Hey! I’m alright, thanks! It’s been a quite good week.

The peak of the week was seeing Father John Misty’s show at Hammersmith Apollo in London. The first time I have seen him live. Wow; what a show and what a man!

So brilliant! Loved it. 

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

I’m Nat; a twenty-three-year-old Dark-Pop singer-songwriter from Sthlm, Sweden. I release music under my name ‘Natali Felicia’. I’ve released some songs so far and will be releasing my debut album in the New Year - which I’m very excited about!

Say It is the new single. What is the story behind it?

Me and my producer/writer companion, Andreas Grube, wanted to paint a vision of the beautiful act of people joining forces to be stronger together; to speak up and fight together for their rights. How cliché it might sound: we are and will always be stronger TOGETHER. I think that’s worth reminding people of every now and then. It speaks strongly about not silencing oneself; to dare to speak up and make your voice heard - especially as a woman - which is something I need to learn more… 

There is that need to fight repression and sing loud. Have you faced these issues in your career/life? How much of your personal life do you take?

It’s a bit funny actually thinking about it…continuing on the point I started on in the last question...

In private, I’m actually a quite a quiet person and afraid of conflict. I’m a big observer and thinker and I’ve got a lot of reflection going on in my head. I’m quite of a drama-queen on the inside and I guess it comes out in my music. Yes, I have - and, yes, I do - take inspiration from personal life but, also, a lot from what’s going on around us in the world.

I think I tend to write about things that revolve around challenging myself and facing my fears...if that makes sense…

Is there going to be an E.P. coming next year? What are you working on?

There’s an album coming out in the spring (next year!) It’s finally complete - after some years of hard work.

I’m very excited to finally share it. 

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You have produced music alongside Andreas Grube. Will he be co-producing your future work?

Yes! Andreas is my partner-in-crime.

We started building the world of Natali Felicia in 2011 together - and we’ve written my upcoming album together.

Kjell Bergqvist, arguably Sweden's most famous actor, and the fashionista and T.V. personality Yvonne Ryding - who as Miss Sweden won the Miss Universe crown in 1984 – are your parents. How artistic and creative was your household when you were growing up?!

Not so creative and artistic as you might think, really. Haha.

Both my parents have been quite good at leaving work outside of the household growing up. However; I did spend quite a lot of time with my dad at the theatre growing up. I grew (very fascinated) about that world and I’ve always been quite of a theatre buff - and I love performing.

Did your parents pass on any of their traits and talents? Did they expose you to a lot of great music? 

They are not at all musical my parents, actually...

My beloved grandmother and my sister are very musical, though. If anything, I believe I got that bit from them. Not really. Haha. My strongest memory is my dad always playing Mungo Jerry’s In The Summertime pretty much on-repeat in the car. 

What is the music scene like in Sweden, where you are based? Is it quite contemporary and inspiring?

It’s cool!

The past six years, I’ve been based on Södermalm in Sthlm. It is a very artistic and creative part of town. It’s been very inspiring, indeed. But, I needed a change of scene and recently moved to London, actually - where I’m now building my new base.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

You should check out my friend, Nadia Nair’s, music. She’s an amazing songwriter and artist. She’s got a beautiful album out called Beautiful Poetry - and I believe more music is coming from her soon.

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

Horses - Patti Smith

She’s was a huge inspiration to me when I started writing songs.

Hounds of Love - Kate Bush

THIS WOMAN. What an artist. Also; a huge inspiration to me. One of the best albums ever, if you ask me.

For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver

I never get tired of this album. Such a beautiful collection of songs. 

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

I’m putting a band together in London right now. You will definitely see me perform - early next year - in the U.K.

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Will you be coming to the U.K.? Have you been here before?

I've been coming to London a lot the past two years (for writing) and kinda been on my way over here for a while. Very excited to now live here full-time and work with my music. I love this city - in a love-hate kinda way.

Very inspiring. Haha…

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

Hold on to YOUR personality: it’s the strongest thing you have as an artist. Always surround yourself/work with people who love what you’re doing and supports you 100%.

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

I’m going back to Sthlm for Christmas to spend time with my family. It’s been a very hectic year for me - so I’m going to try and have a much needed quite Xmas.

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 the Summertime by Mungo Jerry!

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INTERVIEW: The Blackheart Orchestra

INTERVIEW:

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The Blackheart Orchestra

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THE award-winning songwriters, composers and multi-instrumentalists…

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Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington are The Blackheart Orchestra. The guys are currently touring in Germany and have a load more dates coming - as we, slowly, head into 2018. They talk about their upcoming dates and what we can expect from them next year. I ask about their latest single, Born to Live, and how they manage to fuse Classical elements with sounds of the 1980s. The guys explain how they manage to create a fulsome sound on stage; the music they grew up listening to – and whether they have time to rest this Christmas!

I discover the magic and sound that goes into The Blackheart Orchestra’s immense and symphonic sound; how they got together; how their home-city, Manchester, affects their drive and creativity – a few new artists we need to investigate.

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

Hi, we are great, thanks.

Our week has been great. We are currently on tour in Germany - so every city, every venue and every day is an adventure at the moment.

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

We are a multi-instrumentalist duo from Manchester. People say we are quite unique because we fuse acoustic and electric instrumentation with vintage synth sounds and percussion - and mix 1980s Pop textures with Classical.

Artists that we most often get compared to are Kate Bush, Pink Floyd; Florence and The Machine and the Cocteau Twins.

Born to Live is out now. What can you reveal about the track and its origins?

The track was written after going through a pretty emotional time: it is all about fighting back.

There are Classical influences and a nod to the 1980s. Did you grow up around quite a varied array of music? 

Very much so...

Between the two of us, we have vastly different musical backgrounds and tastes - there probably isn’t one artist or one album that we both share. It could have ended in the biggest crash and the shortest-lived band of all time - but, actually, our diversity has enriched everything we do and, by putting such odd ingredients together, we try to create new never-tasted musical flavours (which people seem to like).

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I am interested learning how The Blackheart Orchestra got together. When was that moment the band formed?

We actually met in a rehearsal space in Manchester.

Something just seemed to click instantly and, before we knew it, our first album had written itself - and we had a tour lined up.

You are mistaken for an eight-piece act (when people hear you)! You change instruments and have a range of sounds at your disposal. Is it hard keeping a track and producing such a big sound?!

We both play over six instruments each and really enjoy having so many instruments and sounds at our fingertips on stage. It feels like second-nature to us now but I guess, when you stop and think about what we are doing, our performance is like a huge choreographed dance. Every single sound is played live and we move from one instrument to another mid-song; sometimes with each of us playing two instruments at the same time. 

Louder than War recently reviewed a concert and described our stage as “An Aladdin’s Cave of a laboratory for the evening for them to conduct their sound experimentation” – but, to us, it’s just the norm to chop-and-change throughout the set. It would feel incredibly odd now to just play a guitar or piano throughout a whole set.

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Your music has, already, gained plaudit and fond focus. How does that make you feel?!

We are incredibly proud to have so many people all over the world listening to, and writing, great words about what we do.

To have our own musical heroes, who we grew up listening to and are learning from, contact us calling our music “inspiring” is just mind-blowing.

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Manchester is where you are based. What is the city like when it comes to fostering new artists?

To be honest; it doesn’t feel like we are based anywhere: we have spent most of our time together touring in many countries. But, Manchester has always been a vibrant city full of music with no shortage of places to play - and new talent blooming everywhere.

Is there going to be some more material coming in 2018? 

We have spent most of 2017 touring to promote our new album, Diving for Roses, which was released back in May - but we find being on the road is our most fertile writing environment. We have somehow managed to write the next album so, as soon as we get some downtime, we plan to get into the studio.

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IN THIS PHOTO: This Is the Kit

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Oh; there’s just so many - but artists that we are enjoying listening to on tour are This Is the Kit, Eivør, Kiasmos and The Great Park.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Kiasmos

Are there any tour dates coming up?

When we come to the end of our tour of Germany, we are almost done for 2017. We have a few remaining dates in the U.K. in early-December.

Nov 20: BERLIN - Oblomov (Germany)

Nov 23: BERLIN - Culture Container

Nov 24: BERLIN - UnterRock

Nov 25: HOYERSWERDA Speicher No 1

Nov 26: DRESDEN - Wulbert's

Dec 2: SLEAFORD - Pickworth Hall (U.K.)

Dec 7:  MANCHESTER - The Cedar Room

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Then, we have a full U.K. tour planned for Feb/March, 2018 dates. So far, the dates are...

Feb 5: HAWICK - String Theory

Feb 15: CAMBRIDGE - CB2

Feb 18: BIRMINGHAM - Kitchen Garden Cafe

Feb 23: WIGAN - The Old Courts

Feb 24: STROUD - Under the Edge Arts Centre

Mar 2: MANCHESTER - 3 Minute Theatre

Mar 17: SOUTHAMPTON - The Art House

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

Chrissy: This is such a difficult question! I think mine would have to be Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette

The album is just so raw with emotion…from rage to fragility; it’s such a perfect depiction of how creating music can be so cathartic.

Rick: Disraeli Gears by Cream

I bought it by accident when I was eleven-years-old (I bought it for the cover I had no idea who Cream were). It started my musical journey and taught me how to play guitar.

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

“Be yourself: everyone else is taken..."

I can’t remember who said that - but it is so true. I guess we can’t help but take influence from everything that we hear/see/experience, but it is expressing your own unique voice or view in your own way that makes it your own personal property (and your Art).

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

Christmas is our downtime - so we plan to be still! 

What is The Blackheart Orchestra planning for 2018? What do you hope to achieve by this time next year?

We seem to have gained a lot of momentum with Diving for Roses so I think the aim is to continue to build and get our music to as many ears and hearts as possible. We hope to have a new record ready next year, too - so it’s all exciting times ahead. 

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).

Chrissy: Petrichor by Keaton Henson

Rick: Silver Blue by JD Souther

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INTERVIEW: Rachael Yamagata

INTERVIEW:

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Rachael Yamagata

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SINCE unveiling her album, Tightrope Walker, it has been…

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pretty hectic and busy for Rachael Yamagata. I speak to the U.S.-based artist about plans for new material and what we can expect. Yamagata is from Virginia but based in Woodstock, New York. She discusses the music scenes there and the artists she is influenced by; what she has planned for next year – and how her music has developed and progressed through the years.

Yamagata is in the U.K. and bringing her music to the British audiences. She played Salford last night and prepares to captivate Edinburgh tonight. If you have the chance to see the incredible American in the flesh – there is time to catch her as she makes her way through the country (hitting the Islington Assembly Hall on Tuesday).

PHOTOS: Laura Crosta

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

Hi, there. Very good, thanks.

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

I’m a Woodstock, N.Y.-based artist who has been writing and performing songs for seventeen years. I began my music career in Chicago and have spent time on RCA Records, Warner Bros. Records - and now an independent artist working with Thirty Tigers. 

My songs are heartache and tonic for a weary, yet inspired, soul. I love cats.

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Tightrope Walker was released earlier in the year. How has the reaction been? What was it like recording the album?

Folks have been really enjoying this record...

It’s new territory for me: more blatantly optimistic, but with a darker, more radical production sense. It’s the first record I’ve truly produced and we went to town with unique sounds – drumming on metal ladders; tracking rain and Moogs, horns and strings; French spoken-word etc. 

We recorded nearly everything in my house - so the vibe was very organic and experimental.

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You worked with a few other artists on the record. Who was the most memorable to record with?

We created a bit of a hive among us and had many nights filled with group dinners and fires in the backyard. Many of the musicians have come out on tour with me previously - so it felt like we were on the road again.

My sound engineer, Pete Hanlon, engineered the record and is a genius with lush soundscapes; Zach Djanikian, Owen Biddle and Kevin Salem are also long-time collaborators that brought unique flavors to the album. John Alagia co-produced with me and we have a long history of working together.

I remember him fondly as wearing his winter hat and overcoat inside when our heat went out. We made it through!

Tightrope Walker followed (2011’s) Chesapeake. How do you think the two albums differ?

Chesapeake was an emotional release – a spastic celebration really of going independent. It was very collaborative with many of my previous producers involved. We holed up in a house on the Chesapeake Bay during the summer and made our own summer camp. Most songs were tracked together - and it was very in the moment. 

Tightrope Walker had a bit more of a preconceived vision of mine intertwined in it. A lot of the demos I tracked had parts already mapped-out – but, mostly, I had a different idea of sonics that I wanted to integrate into each track.

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Is there going to be new material coming up?

Yes.

This winter I plan to do more recording. I’ve written a slew of new songs and am just wrapping up my tours to give myself time to record.

Tell me about the artists you grew up with. How influential were your parents and their tastes?

My parents introduced me to a lot of the singer-songwriters of the 1970s... 

I was really drawn to a great storyteller who could paint a picture and evoke emotion with words and melody. I loved Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens; Elton John, Ricki Lee Jones and Paul Simon…in college, I sang in a band (Bumpus) and those guys introduced me to Nina Simone, Tom Waits; Sly and the Family Stone…

Later on, I would discover Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin and Rufus Wainwright. I think I’m influenced by artists all over the map - but it always comes back to a good story.

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Virginia is where you are based. What is the scene like there? What is the music like?

I’m actually based in Woodstock, N.Y. - but I was born in VA. Woodstock is a wealth of great artists with a lot of history to the town of course. It was the home of The Band, Bob Dylan and so many others. I think the community is a great hotspot for creativity and new music. 

A lot of artists recognize the magic of area - and come up and stow away to write and create.

You have Japanese and German roots. How does your heritage and background inspire your music?

I think growing up with a multitude of cultural influences opened me to the connectivity of humans across differences. I’m fascinated by what connects us through our human struggles - and how it defies any preconceived notions of how we are separate.

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You are in the U.K. to do a series of gigs. What was the reason for coming here? Have you played in the country before?

Yes. I’ve done several tours of the U.K. before, but they’ve been spread out over many years. I’m trying to return as much as I can to really serve the fans here. Live performance is such a special thing - and it offers a unique connection to the audience that I love.

Do you plan on seeing sights and having a wander when you are travelling around Britain?

I hope so...

A lot of tours involve travel during the day and full schedules - but we fit in as much as we can.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Diane Birch

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I love Emily King, Lucas Nelson; Emily Kimble, Keren Ann; Diane Birch, The Milk Carton Kids…

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

Joni Mitchell – Blue

Her melodies are so expansive that I always think there is some huge production behind her - and am mystified that it’s often only one instrument and her voice. It reminds me how much space can be filled with a great song.

Rufus Wainwright – Poses

Magical chord progressions; insane harmonies (and just) more magic (magic, magic).

Carole King – Classic

To-the-point. Concise, gorgeous simplicity.

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

Think out of the box. Connect. Follow your crazy ideas - and be true to yourself.

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

Family-time, for sure.

I’ve been on the road consistently for three years straight, and it’s time…

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

Ballad of the Sad Young Men – Roberta Flack

It’s insanely long - but will rip the heart to shreds (in a good way).

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INTERVIEW: Lisabel

INTERVIEW:

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Lisabel

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IT has been good getting to know the Italian-born…

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musician, Lisabel. She talks about her upbringing and coming to the U.K.; the sounds/artists that sparked her love of music; what she has planned for the future; a few new artists we should check out – and whether there are going to be any gigs before the end of the year.

I was keen to know more about her two singles, My Mister K and No More Blues I'm Free, and why she decided to release live versions of them Lisabel speaks about her styles and mix of genres; whether she is going to release any new music down the line – and the three albums that mean the most to her.

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

Hi, Sam. I'm very good - and my week was great, thanks! How about you?

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

I'm a singer-songwriter based in London. I'm influenced by a mixture of styles like Jazz, R&B; Soul, Pop…I wouldn't know how to label my songwriting with one word, though - which, to me, is a good thing. Ahah!

Freedom...

My Mister K and No More Blues I'm Free are your two recent singles. What is the tale behind each?

I wrote those songs a few years ago - but I was waiting for the right moment to share them, publicly. They talk about new beginnings through the encounter of love.

What was the reason behind releasing the tracks as live videos? Was it a more natural and expressive mode of performance?

I guess so. I just wanted to showcase the songwriting more than the final arrangement. I decided to do it in my home to give an additional piece of my personality.

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How much of your creative focus and inspiration is taken from love and the subject of relationships?

A lot of it, I have to say.

People's relationships and nature are so powerful in the well-being of one's life. It's important to be grateful to those who make you feel stronger and more confident. I tend to write songs to let people know my feelings of gratefulness, joy or, sometimes, confusion (and so on...).

Is there going to be new material next year?

Yes. A lot of music is on its way...

I'm enjoying the ride of creating it, though. It's the most exciting time!

You are based in London. How important is the city? Is it somewhere that gives you motivation and influence?

Living in the city is great. There's a lot going on every day. Meeting people that are walking the same path as me is also very motivational, but I come from a small town next to the sea and the mountains called Arenzano (in Liguria, Italy).

I often miss that feeling of peacefulness that only nature can give. I do love the British countryside, though!

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DESIGN CREDIT: Francesca Maggiore

It seems, as your surname is ‘Biscaldi’, you have European roots? Tell me a little about your upbringing and coming to the U.K.

As I just mentioned, yes: I'm originally from Italy. I moved to the U.K. to study Music because I grew up listening to international music - and I've always sung in English! London is an incredible and productive hub for musicians, so it seemed like a good idea to explore music here.

Did you experience a lot of diverse music during your childhood? What sort of music were you raised on?

My parents listened to everything that was mainstream. I have vivid memories of Motown compilations in the car; numerous R&B and Pop artists. I went through a Rap, Hip-Hop and Rock phase with my brother, too!

Fun times!

What, would you say, has been your highlight so far in music?

When I was at university; I got the chance to perform a cover of a Jill Scott song called You Don't Know at the O2 Academy in Islington - as part of a students’ showcase night.

That was something!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Becca Stevens

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I couldn't stop listening to Noname when her album Telefone came out last year. She's amazing - and her band is, too.

Becca Stevens' new album, Regina, is also incredible. She's not new in the industry, though!

I recommend my friend Milena. Her album, Everyday, is a mixture of Electronic-Soul and Pop. I'm featured on one of the songs and recorded some B.V.s on the album.

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Also, an instrumental band called EMANATA are worth seeking out. They play fusion-Jazz - and the music is so unique and fresh.

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

Black Radio and Black Radio 2 by Robert Glasper. Also; The Lost and Found by Gretchen Parlato.

They are soundtracks of specials times!

Can we see you perform anywhere soon?

I don't have any show coming up at the moment, as I'm working on my album. I'd love to start gigging with my original music once it's all in place and ready to go!

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

I'm one of them, so I would say...

Write the music YOU want to listen to and never stop soul searching. Honest music can heal!

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

I'll actually be here in London with family. I'm looking forward to it!

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).

Becca Stevens - Lean On

Thanks for this interview! Lis.

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INTERVIEW: Avante Black

INTERVIEW:

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 Avante Black

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THE gorgeous and fascinating…

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Avante Black is someone everyone needs in their life! The talented musician talks tome about her new single, Acid Love. I ask about its story and whether it was based on real events. She talks about future plans and the differences between the music in Sweden and the U.K. – Avante Black has Swedish roots. I discover what she has planned for Christmas and how her music comes together.

I learn more about her future plans and artists that inspire her; the sounds she was growing up with; where we can see her perform  - and what she would say to any musicians emerging at the moment.

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

Hi, I’m very well, thank you! My week’s been alright, so far - the weather has been a beaut! 

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

I’m from a town called Uppsala in Sweden. I have been living in London for a few years. My work is a changing reflection of how it is to be young in love/out of love in this city…

…and about life here in general.

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

I had just found new love and, this time, it was a feeling I had never experienced before.

There are, so often, so many insecurities when you give yourself to someone; however, this time, I felt confident - and I felt like laying it all out there completely. 

It has already gained love from BBC – and many people online. Is it quite humbling and pleasing knowing the song has resonated so readily?!

Most definitely!

It’s so scary exposing your feelings so widely but, when people respond to it positively, there is no greater award. 

Do you have plans for an E.P. next year? What are you working on at the moment?

I have this group of songs that will form the E.P. At the moment, I’m looking back at a lot of experiences for inspiration.

I’m getting ready to open myself up even more...

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Mathew Jones

This year has been a busy and memorable one for you! Is there a single memory that stands aside from the rest?

I remember, up in Nottingham in May, when I sang a song that has not yet been released; there were three people in the front just singing along to it - and I was like: ‘How do you guys know the words?!’.

It was amazing!

You have Swedish roots – but are based in London. What is the music scene like in Sweden – compared to the U.K. – and how much of your family/background do you bring to your musical ethos?

The music scene in Sweden is so different and so amazing...

I feel like genres are less significant: people just write and combine anything and end up with these amazing creations. It continues to surprise and amaze me. My dad used to be in a band called LSD in the 1960s. 'The L’ was a brutish pound. Sometimes, they’d play a reunion in our living-room, playing John Lee Hooker covers etc. My mum was more into lyrics and I grew up to Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Marianne Faithful.

However, I didn’t get into playing until I was fifteen/sixteen years of age. Before then, I was already aiming to learn Arabic and study Law. After a year in London; that goal changed drastically. 

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Can you recall the first time music came into your life? Was there a single/artist that struck your heart at an early age?

I think there are so many artists that struck me at the same time.

I think my first obsession was Tupac - when I was nine. I remember getting a T-shirt for Christmas. A few years later, it was Black Sabbath, and then, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen – they were always there from early age.

Sorry for the blurry answer: I find it hard to pick one! 

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I am interesting learning about an artist’s songwriting process. How do songs come together for you? Do you sit down and write songs – or do you rely on the muse of spontaneity?!

I rely on the instant feeling.

I might have gathered words, sentences or a melody - but most of my songs come along in the moment. I’m just practising my piano skills at the moment. As soon as I learnt a few chords from Same Drugs by Chance the Rapper; I started singing my own words and melodies over the same chords - and ended up with something new.

Sometimes; it’s like the songs write themselves. 

I feel female artists are stronger and more interesting than their male peers – yet, most of my requests come from male acts! Do you think female artists still have to struggle for equality and attention?

I think we’re all as interesting…

Being a woman is harder in so many ways – though, that doesn't mean male artist don’t struggle, too.  We’re in an amazing time with so, so many strong, talented and interesting female artists. To be honest, I hate having to divide the genders at all: an artist is an artist. If you write good songs and work hard it will show! The one problem might be not getting the right support.

Yet again, with the right motivation; you can create your own miracles. 

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

I will play a very intimate show at the Servant Jazz Quarters (in Dalston) on 11th December. 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Sälen

Who are the new artists you recommend we investigate?

My friends Sälen are a must-check-out! They continue to amaze me.

Also…Average Sex! 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Average Sex/PHOTO CREDIT: Agnė Papievytė

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

Oh…I hate this question - because I’ll change my mind as soon as I’ve sent this; but, I guess...

All Eyez on Me - Tupac

It was just such a big impact on me from early-on - and gave my young self a lot of confidence back in those days

Hung at Heart - The Growlers

I listened to it in-and-out over six months - and still am. Beach Rats will always be one of the best songs ever made.

Songs of Love and Hate - Leonard Cohen

I grew up on this album - and I think it defines me in so many ways. 

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

Listen to advice but trust your guts. Keep working hard. Remember, as an artist, any backlash can be turned into something beautiful.

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

I’m going to the South of Wales on Christmas Eve - and will spend a few days drinking cask ales and eating my body-weight in Christmas food. 

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

Well. My friends always end on this one when they D.J. - so I might steal it. Sorry, Max!

Macy Gray - I Try

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INTERVIEW: S.O.S

INTERVIEW:

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S.O.S

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THAT name might seem like a cry for help…

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but, when it comes to S.O.S, there is no such peril – I shall forgive the missing full-stop after the second ‘S’ in the name, too. Sophie is the woman behind the acronym. I ask her about the new single, Bloodline, and what the story is behind that; why she moved from her native Malta to London – and the artists/albums that have compelled her.

She regularly performs on the London Underground and reveals why London, and its people, are important to her drive and desires. I ask about future recordings and gig plans; whether she will ever gig in Malta again; a new artist we should keep our eyes peeled for – and how she will be spending this Christmas.

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

Hi! I’m good, thanks. My week’s been busy - but fun and productive! Bloodline has just been dropped and the feedback so far has all been really positive; so, yes - a great week so far!

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

Sure! My name is Sophie - but, on stage, I’m known as 'S.O.S'.

I’m a twenty-three-year-old singer-songwriter; originally born in Malta. At the age of eighteen, I followed my roots to the U.K. and was awarded a scholarship to study songwriting at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. Since then, I’ve been writing and releasing my music independently - whilst gigging around the U.K. and busking on the London Underground network.

Bloodline is your latest song. Can you tell me about its story and creation?

The idea for Bloodline came to me after someone disabled became part of my life...

I  had never spent much time around someone with a disability before so I found myself feeling a bit odd about the situation - and unintentionally ended up treated this person differently to everyone else I knew. I also began to feel sorry for them because of how different their life had to be (due to their disability).

The more I spoke to people about these thoughts, the more I realised how universal this mentality is - and how it could be applied to any category of society that doesn’t form part of what we consider to be the ‘norm’.

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Bloodline is my way of saying that at, at the end of the day; we’re all the same and shouldn’t be judged or defined by the way we look. I think this is quite an important message to get out into the world - especially given the troubled global situation we currently find ourselves in; where it seems like cultural differences divide us rather than unite us.

Do you think we are living in a time where we’re divided and troubled? Is Bloodline a need for people to come together and react?

Yes! Although the concept for Bloodline stemmed from a more personal experience, the song has developed into a universal reminder that we are all uniquely individual and should encourage and embrace people’s differences. I also strongly believe that in the face of the terror and sadness we are currently witnessing throughout the world, we should react by showing compassion and kindness towards the people around us.

At the end of the day; love and unity will always win!

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Edges of the Mind is your upcoming E.P. What are the themes and ideas you look at throughout?

Edges of the Mind is my very first E.P. and is a collection of work that I’m very excited to share with everyone.

It explores a whole load of controversial themes that are rarely highlighted inPop music. I enjoy writing about various unspoken, and sometimes awkward, topics and situations that have either effected myself or the people around me. I think that (especially) given that some of my listeners are quite young, it’s really important to be discussing topics like these - so that everyone knows that we all go through similar problems throughout our lives and it’s ok to talk about them.

How important has your gigging around London regards your honed musical skills and new ambitions?

I love gigging around London and I think over the years it’s played a major role in helping me find my confidence as a performer. If I think back to the beginning of my journey as an artist doing music and performing live in the U.K.; I was so inexperienced and nervous on stage especially since I had only just started playing the guitar. I remember my first gig was in Hammersmith and I could not have been more scared.

Since then, I practiced loads and every time I had a gig I gained little more confidence and gradually began to actually enjoy myself with a guitar on stage - instead of being a total bag of nerves. On top of the gigs, I do a lot of busking around London now, too, which is a lot of fun - and I think it’s also been a really great way of honing my skills and growing some thick skin…trying to entertain a few hard-to-please commuters.

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Your sound is contemporary and recalls acts like Lorde. What do you think of modern music and artists like Lorde and Halsey?

Ah. I love them both so much!

They both have such individual sounds which are so unique and distinct. They’re definitely trendsetters in the music industry that don’t copy anyone else. I think their music speaks volumes to the younger generations whilst still having a timeless feel to them. They inspire me constantly and I will forever look up to them.

I definitely think the world need to see more strong female artists like them right now!

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Speaking of ‘bloodlines’; you have Maltese heritage. Do you ever play in Malta and what are the differences between the music scenes there and the U.K.?

Yes! I do have Maltese blood - which I am very proud of - and which I like to shout about wherever I go. Although I’ve taken on the U.K. as my new home; I’ll never forget where I came from and I’m humbled by the amount of talent that keeps coming out of the little Maltese Islands.

The music scene in Malta is very different to the U.K. and I think that’s probably one of the main reasons why I made the move six years ago. Although I love Malta, and I can’t say enough good things about the place, I felt that the music opportunities were slightly limited and since I wanted to have a career in music; rather than just do it as a hobby.

I felt the need to be in London - where the opportunities are endless.

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Give me an impression of the artists you grew up listening to. Which artists did you discover as a youngster?

Ok; so this is going to be totally cringey...BUT I was a lot younger at the time, so please forgive me…

I’d love to give you a really cool answer here like The Beatles or Michael Jackson but, no, I (luckily) came across those brilliant artists a little later on in my life. The artists, or should I say, bands that I literally grew up listening to were Steps, S Club 7 and the Spice Girls. Yes, I admit it: I was definitely a fan of the Pop bands back in the day. My sister and I used to learn all the words and choreography from video-cassettes of their tours. Luckily, since then, I have discovered a lot more interesting and significant musicians and artist.

But I guess being a fan of those cringey bands, when I was a kid, is all part of my story!

You have performed warm-up for the likes of Take That; been celebrated by radio stations and fans – some big achievements, there! What has been your proudest moment so far in music?

Looking back I think that, although it’s hard to choose, I would have to say that my most memorable moment would have to be the time I played one of my original songs to thousands of people on the Main Stage at London Pride in Trafalgar Square - and having them all sing it back at me!

Definitely; one that I’ll share with my grandkids one day.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sarah Close

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

You definitely need to check out Sarah Close and Jazz Mino!

They’re both good friends of mine and are both doing amazing things with their music right now!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Jazz Mino

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

To be honest, I’m more of a singles kind of girl but, if I had to pick three albums, they’d have to be:

 + by Ed Sheeran

Because this was the album I literally had on-repeat when I first moved to London. Whenever I listen back to it now, I instantly go back to all those feelings I had as a young eighteen-year-old girl - moving away from home into scary London to try and begin a career in music.

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Pure Heroine by Lorde

Simply because it’s timeless to me. I still listen to it on a regular basis and it’s a constant form of inspiration to my music. I feel like I hear new elements in her tracks every time I have another listen - she’s so clever like that, keeping her listener hooked!

The last one would have to be a mash-up of three Michael Jackson albums: Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad

I mean…who can deny the brilliance of those albums?! Yes, I can easily say I am a massive M.J. fan! In particular, these three albums really shaped me both as an artist and as a person. I’m also a keen dancer, so I’ve always been massively inspired by the complete package this amazingly talented human being had to offer.

I (just) massively regret never seeing him live!

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

I’ve actually got quite a few private gigs coming up - which are all hush-hush - but people can regularly finding me busking on the London Underground (usually at Kings Cross station).

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

Just keep doing what you’re doing: the world can never have too many artists and, if you believe in yourself, other people will believe in you too! The best advice I’ve ever been given in my career is to never copy what anyone else is doing - because trends come and go but the artists who will really shine through and stick around are the ones who create their own individual trend and style.

Be the trendsetter and let others copy you!

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

I love Christmas and always look forward to it every year!

Christmas is all about family for me so, as usual, we’re planning a massive family gathering full of food, presents and booze! I always like to try and squeeze in a visit to Winter Wonderland at some point, too; so I’ll have to save a date for that.

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

Yes. Sure thing!

I’d love it if you could play my friend’s new single Crush! Her name is Jazz Mino and she’s doing big things with her music right now - so everyone should keep an eye out for her!

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Follow S.O.S

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INTERVIEW: Happy Abandon

INTERVIEW:

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Happy Abandon

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THE boys of Happy Abandon set time aside to talk about…

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their new music. Justin and Peter talk about the latest single, Heavy Lines, and their superb album, Facepaint. Jake - their drummer when they perform live - tells me how he came to be part of the fold. I find out about the inspiration and stories that drove them; how studies in North Carolina played an important role in the formation of Happy Abandon; the artists of the current-day they recommend – and the classic albums/acts they hold dear.

The duo/trio talk Christmas plans and the music scene where they are; challenges they faced when making their album; what touring dates they have approaching – what advice they would offer new songwriters, too.

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

Peter: My week has been a mixture of feelings: re-acclimatising to default life, spending time with my girlfriend; catching up with friends - but mostly trying to recharge after being on the road for about two months. It’s always an odd feeling coming home after a tour - but this time, it has been exceptionally jarring.

Jake: I feel like I’ve finally recovered after about ten days of being home – I’m getting back into a semblance of a routine. I made it to Brett’s surprise birthday-party and saw a lot of great local singers take turns doing celebratory karaoke.

It’s great to be back and see familiar faces and places...

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

Justin: Happy Abandon is what I like to call an Orchestral-Indie-Rock band. In a live setting, that manifests as a power-trio along with our drummer Jake Waits; with three-part vocal harmonies and various effects pedals, vocal processors - and various percussion flavors to help make the sound more textured. On our recordings; we have a close collaborator named Alex Thompson who provides keyboards, piano and string arrangements; which allows us to incorporate violins, cello; timpani, loads of orchestral percussion - and loads of vocals. 

What makes us different, I think, is that, though we all have studied music in some capacity - and most of us have been in choirs, marching bands; orchestras and other Rock bands over the years - the shared experience that all four of us have is theater.  I think this background helps with our work ethic when it comes to rehearsals and getting to the gigs but also in the way we value performance, dynamics and the audience’s role in a show. 

We’ve all lived in Chapel Hill, N.C. since we met as students here in 2010.

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‘Happy Abandon’ strikes me as an interesting name for the band. What is the derivation of that choice?

Peter: To me, the name ‘Happy Abandon' is a very good representation of what music, and art in general, can do to people. A state of ‘happy abandon' is somewhat, literally, blissfully disassociated; or at least that’s how I think of it. A well-written song that strikes me emotionally can take me out of my surroundings and into a place I associate with that song. Whether that emotion is positive, negative - or anything in-between - it is a choice we make every time we put on a song.

So; the choice to name the band ‘Happy Abandon’ seemed very appropriate. 

How did you guys meet in the first place? Did you all bond easily and naturally?

The three of us were students at the University of North Carolina (at Chapel Hill) at one point. We all contributed to the college music scene as well as the scene that expanded into the more major cities that surrounded our college town. The chemistry between me and Jake was unquestionable from the first time we played through, what would become, a Happy Abandon song. I respected Jake’s drumming from a band we had both previously been members of - and I was curious to see what he could do with the music I was writing at the time.

Justin was not the first bassist for the band – but, at a certain point in the band’s career, we knew we needed a committed member. Jake and I knew Justin from U.N.C. as well. I knew him as one of the most hardworking and committed musicians in the area. He seemed like the right fit.

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Jake: I was inspired by Peter’s work in Morning Brigade and, from the very beginning of Happy Abandon, I was excited to work alongside him. He had all these ideas pouring out: ideas for ways the percussion might fit into the guitar parts. It became a conversation of developing these ideas until they grew other parts and sort of had lives of their own - that was within the first year or so. When Justin joined, it was like something existential clicked into place (along with his sweet bass-lines) and I feel like the band, all of a sudden, was ready to plan tours and hit the road.

Heavy Lines is the latest single from you guys. What is the story behind it?

Peter: Heavy Lines was one of the first songs Jake and I started working on. I wrote that song before Happy Abandon was even an idea. I was writing it during a time when the relationship I was in at the time was coming to its inevitable end. The thought came to me during the scenario I describe in the song - as well as the scenario I describe in Severed Seams.

I think of those two songs as sibling songs.

Facepaint is your album. It has received a lot of praise and support. What was it like hearing it gain so much kudos?

It feels great...

I think anyone getting praise for their work would be happy about it. It’s very encouraging in this unforgiving field. I’m extremely proud of the album; each song coming from a place of significance. When I hear that others are affected by the music in a positive way, it’s very affirming.

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Was it an emotionally challenging and difficult album to put together? Did you face hurdles along the way?

The songwriting process was definitely emotionally challenging - but that’s expected.

These are songs that I’ve been working on for years: each one representing an event in my life that took some sort of emotional toll on me. Working on the album was actually an extremely pleasant experience. It was smooth, fun and eye-opening. Hearing the songs develop, instrumentally, was very trippy for me - because I had been playing these songs a certain simple way for so long; with just the ideas of other instruments.

 But, actually hearing the strings and timpani and whatnot completely changed the game. 

There are soundscapes and lush arrangements in the record. Is Facepaint, to you, part of a single narrative - or a collection of stories that represent different stages of your lives/experiences?

I had no intention of creating an album as fluid as Facepaint.

The songs we chose for the record all came from different stages of my life - but there is still a uniformity between them all. I didn’t realize this entirely until the album was finished. I found that each song was about loss and how loss can manifest itself in so many different ways.

I was happy to find a natural flow to the album.

Who are the musicians you are all inspired by?

My number-one is Sufjan Stevens.

I love his ability to bridge an individual unique sound with accessibility. His lyrics are brilliant and his compositions are very engaging. He doesn’t stick to one model. I’ve also been inspired by Sigur Rós, Andrew Bird; Belle and Sebastian, Gregory Alan Isakov; Björk, Joanna Newsom (and so many more).

Justin: As a bass player; my favorite musicians are John Entwistle of The Who and Ira Wolf Tuton of Yeasayer.  As far as bands that inspire me; I absolutely adore Radiohead, R.E.M.; St. Vincent, Grizzly Bear; Local Natives, Alt-j…I could go on forever.

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What comes next for the band? Do you have more material in mind? How are plans for 2018 going?

After touring three of the last four months, basically, non-stop; we’re taking time to be home with family and friends for the holidays - and working our survival jobs. We’ll be playing a pair of shows in Washington D.C. and New York City next month before Christmas. Then, we’ll be flying out to Holland in mid-January for a string of dates supporting Bettie Serveert - and a few other shows scattered around Western Europe. We have started messing around with some new songs and ideas - and will probably spend some more time refining and fine-tuning them. 

We have no immediate plans following our return from Holland.

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IN THIS PHOTO: And the Kids/PHOTO CREDIT: Courtney Chavanell 

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Peter: Hop Along; And the Kids, Adult Jazz; Big Thief, Bully; Diet Cig, Half Waif; Petal, Mothers; Alex G, Weaves and Alvvays.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Half Waif/PHOTO CREDIT: Tonje Thilesen

Justin: Japanese Breakfast, Sunjacket; Pinegrove - the new Perfume Genius album - Birds of Avalon and Jenny Besetzt. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Birds of Avalon

Those last two aren’t particularly new but they are bands from our neck of the woods that just put out new records - and they are so good.

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

Honestly, the most important record to me might very well be Live at Leeds by The Who

It’s certainly not my favorite album - and as a live record, I don’t think it really ‘counts’ for the purposes of this question - but that’s the record that changed everything for me.  Prior to hearing this album, I was learning how to play bass and I liked listening to loads of music; but I didn’t think of it as something I could pursue beyond a hobby. 

But, hearing three instruments and three voices filling up all that space live - in the moment, warts-and-all - totally gave me a new perspective on what a band was. I probably played along to that record every day after school for two months - and I almost never go on a road trip without it.

Jake: (The untitled album by) Sigur Rós - ()

I’m fascinated by the percussion. The compositional, dynamic and emotional range of it inspire me. It is slow-moving; filled with some magic resonance or power - and the second-half, towards the end of the record, gets HUGE. It’s a masterwork in my opinion. I always find some new instrumental or vocal line that fixates me in a way that hadn’t before.

T.L.D.R.: I just sink into it. Nothing can follow me in….

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

Peter: Be kind, be you; don’t put on a front, ask questions about others - rather than constantly waiting for an excuse to talk about yourself - and your achievements. Be open to opportunities, suggestions; don’t get defensive - but don’t let people push you around.

Justin: Play with people who make you feel like you can always be a better musician and person. Don’t take any opportunities for granted and always listen to your body - especially when you’re traveling for months at a time.

Jake: Be confident, stubborn and polite (not necessarily in that order).

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

Justin: We have upcoming shows booked in Washington D.C., New York City; Raleigh, North Carolina. Then; we’re playing shows in Oss, Goes; Ensched, Amsterdam and Arnhem - all in the Netherlands.

We are hoping to figure out a show or two in the U.K. between dates in Holland - but having ‘just’ played a couple of shows in London and Milton Keynes this past July: returning to the U.K. might be in the cards for later. We’ll see!

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

Peter: My girlfriend and I are going up to D.C. to spend Christmas with my family - and I’m too excited.

Justin: It’s looking like I’ll be staying in N.Y.C. for a few days after our show spending time with my brother; then travel back to North Carolina with him for Christmas at our parents’.  I’ll probably work a bunch between Boxing Day and New Year’s.

Jake: Time to see all my family! I am fortunate to have a big extended family that gathers around the holidays. There’s always good conversation, goofing-around and love. I do have a N.Y.E. gig and, even though it’s work; there’s no way I’d rather bring in the New Year!

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).

Peter: No Below by Speedy Ortiz

Justin: Slip Away by Perfume Genius

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INTERVIEW: NADINE

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goldiing

NADINE

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SHE was born in Switzerland but…

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resides in London. I have been talking to NADINE about her new track, Rise - and working on the eye-catching video with Gareth Kay. She tells me about her move from Switzerland and working with producer Dave Holden. Rise, the E.P., will follow and is something NADINE is excited to share with the world. I ask about her upbringing and whether she was raised in a musical household; how her third E.P. (Rise) differs from her previous offerings – and whether recording the new material has been a personal experience.

NADINE offers me a window into her music and the inspiration behind it; what she has planned for Christmas; recommends a few new artists worth our consideration – and why this week has been pretty non-stop.

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

Hi, Sam! I’m good, thanks.

My week has been pretty full-on - but in a good way. Lots of preparing for the E.P. launch; my first radio interview and, amongst all that celebrating, my birthday!

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

Yes. I’m an independent singer-songwriter, originally from Switzerland; I moved to London six years ago - and have been working on my music since.

It’s great to have found a network of creatives in London!

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Rise is your new single. What is the story behind the song?

It took me a long time to write it…

I was inspired by many different events and I kept working on it during the course of almost two years. The story around this song is quite hard to put in words as it has got lots of layers to it. It’s about the vulnerable feeling in the hope of new love. It’s about having found something incredible that requires letting go of what I was used to. It’s about my experience of faith and how it challenges me beyond anything else.

I first thought it might be too personal or too mysterious but, the more badass and empowering it became, the more I wanted to share it with people!

Its video sees you working with Gareth Kay. What was it like shooting the video?

It was great.

I’m so glad I found out about Gareth’s videos online. I knew he was the right person to work with when I told him about my crazy plan of putting a trampoline in a church - and he thought it was a great idea. When on the trampoline, I thought to myself: ‘Wow. This is actually happening. It’s so much fun!’. Gareth was so kind and hilarious - and also made sure we didn’t compromise on quality amongst the madness.

The E.P., Rise, is out on 23rd November. Has it been quite a personal experience putting it together? Which songs stand out to you – and have particular meaning and impact?

The process of writing my own songs is usually a highly personal one.

It’s often interesting to then start collaborating with a producer and other musicians: that’s when it feels like a personal thing becomes a (more) common-good - which is sometimes scary, but rewarding. The opening song of the E.P. is called Pocahontas; it’s a song that means a lot to me - because the true story of Pocahontas has always inspired me (from) when I was a kid.

I’m looking forward to sharing it with people.

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PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goldiing

Dave Holden assists in production. You have worked together before. What is it about him that brings the music to life?

I always enjoy working with Dave because, next to being incredibly talented and professional, he’s also (just) one of the nicest humans to talk to - and to be creative with. His compositions are cinematic, gritty and powerful…which had a transformative effect on my ballads.

Dave also encouraged me to worry less about perfection when it comes to vocal performance - which I found empowering.

This will be your third E.P. Have you grown in confidence and ability, would you say, since your debut?

Yes, absolutely!

It’s a continuous learning-process - and I wouldn’t want to go back.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Rodycloud Photography

You are based in the U.K. Switzerland is where you hail from. What was the reason for locating to the U.K.? Are there big differences between the music scenes?

I always had an interest in the international music scene and London felt like the perfect place to connect and grow my English - and my craft as a songwriter. I love the creative atmosphere in London: it’s very inspiring and it feels more natural to be a professional songwriter here than in Switzerland...

Yet; I always love performing in Switzerland because artists are treated very nicely and there’s less a feeling of being part of an oversaturated market.

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PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goldiing

Did you grow up in a musical household? How influential were your parent regarding your music?

Yes. My parents both enjoy playing music.

My mum used to write songs and perform in a band - that’s why it always felt natural for me to want to be a performing artist. My parents have always been incredibly supportive of my endeavours - which I’m very grateful for.

Which artists are most inspiring to you? Who were the names you loved when you were younger?

I used to listen to classic 1980s/1990s Pop; for example, Whitney Houston, NSYNC and Destiny’s Child. Nowadays, I enjoy songs with lots of lyrical depth; for example, that of (the maybe lesser-known) Josh Garrels or Sleeping at Last.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Polly Money/PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Louise Bennett - Photographer

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve got an almost endless list for you - but there are some highly skilled songwriters out there…

For example: Polly Money, Beth Keeping; Shane Beales and Jules Rendell…

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

It’s quite hard to pick whole albums nowadays: so I’m gonna have to go back in time a bit!

Brooke Fraser – Flags

The album I listened to while I started writing songs more regularly (before I moved to London).

Kye Kye – Fantasize

This album heavily inspired the sound of my second E.P. when I was working with producer JJ Mitchell.

Stromae – Racine Carrée

I hope adding an album in French is allowed? (Indeed – Sam).

I can’t even begin to say how much I admire Stromae as an artist. There’s something (incredibly) unique about him - and he writes with such skill and integrity (and his music videos are incredible!).

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

I think I’m probably the one needing advice, to be honest.

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

I’m going to visit my family in Switzerland.

I’m also going to play a gig on 31st and am going to bring a few of my British friends with me…which should be fun!

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).

Sleeping at Last – Anger

Ryan O’Neal writes the most gorgeous lyrics and releases singles on a very regular basis. This is one of his Atlas: Emotion-series releases!

I hope you enjoy it too (smiles).

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