INTERVIEW: Riveira

INTERVIEW:

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Riveira

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MY interviews range from those who are…

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established and well-honed to those artists starting out and making their early moves - Riveira are a case of the latter. The boys talk to me about their debut single, Remember. It is out a week today and a track that – to those who can hear its private link – worth the wait. I ask them about their formation and what comes next for them; what their base of Brighton is like for new music; the artists they vibe to – and, as the interview went out to them a while ago; how they spent last Christmas and whether any resolutions were made.

Their social media presence is a little bare but, from what I learn in the interview; they have ambitions are looking to build their base. They talk about their music and what ambitions the have; a little bit of background on their debut single – an album each that means the most to them

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

Hey, Sam!  We’re all good, thank you! Our week has been pretty busy preparing for upcoming gigs and promoting our debut single.

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

We are Riveira! A four-piece Blues-Pop band based in Brighton - who love a good groove. We met at university and have been in a band for about a year now.

How did you all spend Christmas and see in the New Year? Did you have the chance to unwind and relax a bit?

We were all back in our homes having a lovely break and chilling with friends and family. Home was France for Pol, London for Louis and Harlow for Craig and David.

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Your debut single is out on 16th February. Tell us more about it. What can expect to hear?

Yeah. We’re all really excited regards releasing our debut track, Remember! We recorded this back in October at Brighton Electric. This was one of the first tracks we wrote together. We wanted to write a simple but effective track - expect to hear some grooves, bluesy licks and a chorus you can sing along to.

It’s got a simple message: to stop living in the past and live in the now.

That first single is always tough! Have you recorded quite a lot of other material before this – or is this the first thing you have laid down?!

It was pretty tough - but lots of fun at the same time. We spent a lot of time in pre-production demoing different ideas until we thought it was ready to record. We’ve heard the track so many times now, you wouldn’t believe it! But, it’s all part of the process and, when we finally got to record it professionally, it came quite naturally to us.

Now; we are left with a finished product that we’re all proud of.

What is the next step? Do you have more songs coming this year?

We all want to get back in the studio as soon as possible. We’ve got lots of ideas and material we want to record and get out there. We’re hoping for at least two more songs by the end of the year.

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How did you all get together? Were you all friends from way back?

We all go to BIMM Brighton and it all started out by Pol and David meeting in one of their classes. They started jamming together just for fun and then Louis and I (Craig) joined shortly after. I’ve known David for a long time now we met at college back in Harlow - and have been playing in bands together for years. Louis and Pol were in the same classes together and they became good friends.

The band came together quite naturally.

Do you all share the same tastes in music? Which bands/artists did you grow up on?

Yes and no...

We all have a mutual appreciation for bluesy, funky and soulful artists. But; we all have our individual tastes. Me and David are into the heavier side of music. David get’s his influences from the Red Hot Chili Peppers - but he’s also a die-hard Metallica fan. I grew up on bands like Muse - but I’m also a massive fan of Architects. Louis’ big into his Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Pol grew up on Neil Young, James Taylor and Gorillaz.

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Brighton is where you are based. Is it a great city to make music in? Why do so many artists go down to Brighton and create?

Brighton has a great music scene. There’s so much variety: it doesn’t matter what you’re into; you’ll find it in Brighton. There are loads of great venues to play and visit.

The market is favouring solo artists a lot. Do you feel bands get a fair shake?! Is it quite daunting going into an industry that seems to put the spotlight on solo acts?

It’s true that solo artists get put in the spotlight nowadays - but that doesn’t really matter to us. We’re doing this for our shared love of making and playing music together. At the end of the day; it doesn’t matter whether or not it’s a band or a solo artist: it’s about the music.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Our mates in The Yellow Bellies are doing wonders in the local scene. They’re a Funk-based and put on a great live show. They’re well worth checking out.

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

My personal album would A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay

It’s such a well-written album - and is my guilty pleasure.

Pol’s album would be Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix

Amazingly-written Indie-Pop which represents what I aspire to achieve in music.

Louis’ album is Hunky Dory by David Bowie

An amazingly eclectic album that’s been a part of his life from an early age (and has been ever since).

David’s would have to be Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

It’s a perfect blend of all of their previous work - on a double-album - and he’s played the song Wet Sand more times than he’d like to admit.

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Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

We want to play as many shows as possible this year so, if a tour seems possible, we’ll jump on that opportunity straight away! We’re playing at The Green Door Store on 19th of February with In the Basement. It’s a great line-up of local talent and all proceeds go towards the charity, Mind. We also have our first headline show (courtesy of Scruff of the Neck) on 13th of March at The Prince Albert (which we’re all really looking forward to). 

Any New Year’s resolutions made this year? What do you all hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

Nope. We just want to make more music and play more shows.

As Riveira; do you have goals as a band? How ambitious are you?

We just want to live the typical musician’s dream: write an album, tour the world and enjoy every second of it. If, one day, we could sell out Brixton Academy we’d of known we’ve made it!

Finally, and for being good sports; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Samuel J. Lawrence – Bitter Mind

A beautiful track with lots of soul - by a local artist doing wonders in the local scene

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INTERVIEW: SHE

INTERVIEW:

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SHE

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FROM the mountains just outside of Washington DC…

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it is to the Midlands – and a chat with the up-and-coming band, SHE. I ask them about their new single, Howl, and how it differs from the debut cut, Body Talk. They reveal how they got together and whether there will be more music; the artists, new and old, they are inspired by; what they have coming in terms of gigs – whether the Midlands is a productive and inspiring landscape for them.

SHE have only been around since September. I ask whether the stage is somewhere they feel comfortable and alive; whether it is quite a formative and exciting time for them – they tell me whether (the band) get time away from music to kick-back and relax.

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

We are very well, thank you. Tired but still smiling. We’ve had a busy one. Lots of rehearsals, travelling and an awesome show at The Sebright Arms in London.

Not too shabby at all. Lots of fun!

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

We are SHE. We are an Electro/Indie/Pop outfit, fresh from the box. Bex on Vox and Keys; Robin on Guitar and Keys; Edd on Guitar and Keys; Si on Bass and Ricky on Drums. We’re just a happy little bunch, roaming around; playing music and generally having a jolly good time.

Can you tell me how SHE came to be? Did you all know each other from way back?

We’ve been good friends for a long time now. We’ve been writing together under different musical umbrellas for almost ten years - and SHE came about just at the right time for us. Just a shared enthusiasm for making music; developing our sound and having a good laugh along the way. We’re just a group of like-minded people who love making noise and so we do just that.

As often as we can.

Is there a reason for the name, ‘SHE’? Is there a meaning behind it?

It just seemed to click.

We have five people in the band, all with strong minds; throwing ideas about the place all of the time and naming your band…it’s such an important task. Mammoth, really. Not one to be taken lightly…but ‘SHE’ was always there. Popping up. Giving us a little wave and the more we thought about it the more it just felt right.

Sounds cheesy but, once we’d tried it on for size, wore it for a few weeks; stretched it out and relaxed into it a little, we knew it was our name. It just felt fresh and snappy, feminine and a bit sexy, too.

Howl is your new single. How do you think it differs from your debut, Body Talk?

Body Talk was our debut track - and it was rooted in fantasy. It was based on a movie that gave us lots of freedom and creativity when it came to exploring the lyrics, especially. Howl has a lot more sorrow attached to it. It’s personal - so it feels darker and more mysterious, I guess.

Is there a story behind the song? How did it come together?

Howl is about relationships and the damage they can sometimes do. The imprint they leave upon you; good and bad…but that, throughout the hurt and the love and the intensity, you should always listen out for your mother - or the motherly presence in your life. Your protector. Whoever she or he may be. Your guide...because they can be wiser than you think - and much more fearful than any scorned lover.

Will there be an E.P. coming later this year?

Mayyyybe…

We might have something up our sleeves for you. We’ll see what we can do (smiles). We are enjoying writing and gigging. We can’t wait to put a collection of tracks out there for everyone to grab an earful of.

Watch this space!

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You have not been on the scene long (since September) but are already turning heads. Do you think, as a band, you are ambitious? What are your plans for this year?

We’re a passionate bunch, for sure. We like to play good music and give our very best. We work hard and we love to perform so, whatever we have to do to make ourselves heard; then we are always willing to give it a go. Sounds ruthless - but we just love what we do and we love spending time together as friends and musicians. Whatever we can do to hang out and write music…that’s what really bakes our cake.

The Midlands is where you are based. Is the music scene quite active where you are? Are there a load of great local artists?

The Midlands gave us a platform to show gig-goers what we can do and there has been some great talent to come out of Birmingham and the Black Country. There will be even more continuing to creep out of the woodwork in the future, too. I think the venues on our local music scene are brilliant and they do a great job of nurturing new talent; giving newcomers the opportunity to support bigger artists.

There are some proper-quirky little jaunts about town - and we love to pull in a hometown crowd. When a local gig goes well, then that’s something really special. We travel a lot, too; so we’ve seen some great acts up and down the U.K. - and there is new music all over the place.

It’s really exciting when you stumble across new talent.

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Which artists did you all grow up on? Can you all remember the first song to lodge in the mind?

That’s a difficult one to answer - because we all have such different tastes. Some of us are into Electronic stuff and others more into heavier Rock/Pop. I think we look back at old school artists from all eras just as much as we look forward to current bands - and even those bubbling underneath the radar; yet to emerge into the mainstream. We are inspired by a lot of different stuff. It even surprises us, sometimes.

We trust each other’s opinions, though. Even when we disagree on likes and dislikes; we can always seem to pull it together and find inspiration from tracks and artists we wouldn’t usually listen to on the regular.

Has it been hard getting gigs – being a new band? Is the stage somewhere you all love?

I think, the way we see it now; is that it’s not about getting loads of gigs - but it’s about getting the right gigs. Sometimes, you can burn up all your energy playing week in week out and, with experience; we’ve learnt to pace ourselves. We are really lucky to have the support of a fantastic label - Killing Moon.

They give us the best advice and guide us along this path so well. We really appreciate that. I think it’s important to take on-board the experience of certain professionals in the industry. Any little nuggets of wisdom they have are worth taking on board - as well as trusting your own mind and heart. Live is definitely where it’s at, though. We love writing and rehearsing, so, so much - but taking it to the stage is next level.

That’s the thrill.

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

Huge question! Again…it’s difficult to just choose one.

I think we’d all need one from each era, from within each genre. This wouldn’t just be five albums here: this would be more like a hundred. One for our nights out raging; one for our tortured teenage souls, another for our sentimental, crying-in-our-bedrooms-alone moments. I think, if we could make one big, love-child album of all of our favourite artists, then that would be a start. We’ll just create one massive Spotify playlist with all of our favourite music - and we’ll ride off into the sunset listening to that, instead. Then everyone’s a winner. If that fails; then let’s go with Now! That’s What I Call Music 1995.

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Is there any advice you’d offer likeminded bands coming through right now?

Support your local music scene! Get out to gigs. Watch live. Play live. Write horrible music and show everyone. Get better. Know your sound. Develop it. Then, just go out and be awesome!

Do you all get time to chill away from music? What do you all get up to when you’re not creating music?

We love down-time with our friends and family. We all have a really supportive network around us - and it’s great to hang out with them. We relish our chill time. It’s rare when the music takes hold of you…but, even when we aren’t on the road or in the studio; we still gravitate back towards each other. These are our buddies; our bread and butter so, if we are away from each other; we do miss each other’s company. Even when we’re sick of the sight of each other; we still love the bones off one another.

That’s really lame, isn’t it?

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

London Grammar - Hell to the Liars

Clean Cut Kid - Vitamin C

Dua Lipa - Be the One

Fickle Friends – Swim

Pale Waves - Television Romance

Blossoms - Honey Sweet

Royal Blood - How Did We Get So Dark?

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INTERVIEW: Ben Mason

INTERVIEW:

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Ben Mason

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IT is not often I get to feature an artist…

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who resides away from the chaos and busy feet of a city! Those who do are usually within a short distance of a busy highway, mind. For Ben Mason; there is something idyllic and isolated that I had to explore. He tells me about his relocation from the bustle of central Washington DC and details regarding his album, Flesh and Bone. I learn about the songs and what compelled them; how his artwork – he is a talented and noted artist – blends with his music; what he thinks of President Trump’s leadership – and whether a trip to the U.K. is planned.

Mason discusses his favourite sounds and new artists; what he has planned for the rest of the year; the memories (from his time in music) that stand in his mind; what advice he would give to new artists – why relocation from the city (and noise) paid dividends regarding his creativity.

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

I’m doing well, thanks. My week has been beautifully hectic.

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

I’m Ben Mason and I reside in the foothills of Rappahannock County, Virginia, U.S.A. - about an hour west of Washington DC.   

Tell me about the album Flesh and Bone (your fourth C.D.) and the stories investigated throughout.

There are thirteen songs on the record. They track the last several years of my life - which was a journey for me of darkness to grace. Sunshine speaks to the celebration of a love I discovered and held onto for nine years. Haven’t Met You Yet confronts the reality that I have NOT met a partner yet that connects with me in a full-hearted way. Secret describes a relationship I had with a woman who was a swinger; bragged about it and wanted me to partake. (Which I never did). Not my cup of tea...but I’m not judging anyone here!

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Beautiful Mistakes is incredibly prescient in that it foretells exactly how that woman left my life. It doesn’t describe the bowl of cereal she handed me the morning: she said she’d met a guy in a dog park and had been fu*king him for over a year. 

The Only One is a song I wrote for her; when I believed in an only one. It also is shaded with my spiritual rootedness that has grown in my heart for as long as I can remember.

Born to Believe was a song I wrote for my publisher in L.A. for a movie that never came out - or has not yet come out. Again; the faith that has carried me over troubled waters appears in calm verses of encouragement. Freedom is about a soldier who kills a comrade in Vietnam while that comrade is out beyond the wire suffering hallucinations. The guilt follows him home where he finds solace in a Harley Davidson motorcycle which he names ‘Freedom’. It’s his “horse made of steel” and every year, when I play Rolling Thunder at the Lincoln Memorial in DC; about 600, 000 of these wounded warriors gather to celebrate and chant their courageous cries for recognition of the wounds of war - which cannot always be seen.

I’ve been involved in this POW/MIA cause since my first record back in 1987, River Deep in Me, and I willingly donated my time and proceeds from C.D. sales at Rolling Thunder to their cause. Sweet Satisfaction describes a soldier's dying wishes as he waits in a desert somewhere in Iraq, for a chopper and morphine, talking to his wife/girlfriend the whole time. He is alive, I hope. I met several veteran who tell this tale of chilling connection to death and the opportunity to reach through this veil to those who love them.

Carmelita is about a sweet old man who wanders out into the desert to be with his lost woman, Carmelita - and she finds him, and guides him home. My favorite line is “Beyond the mist across the sage I see the ribbons in her hair”. Hard to get through this one, sometimes. (I started it in 1997 and finished it in 2014). Complicated Stuff is about an ex- girlfriend’s bedroom and the simple truth that one doesn’t always know when love arrives. But it’s “Always simple things like this...never complicated stuff…I used to wonder what love is…but I get this”. Little Girl is about a friend whose daughter struggled with addiction to opioids and followed the lifestyle he’d enjoyed in bars. She ends up losing the child, and yet, my friends are there with at the church - as the “ashes are tossed in the sea”. Because she’s still his “little girl”. She comes to ask his forgiveness as he is on life-support - and she asks him to just “nod your head “if he wants to stay….because she’s still his “little girl…walking the fields to home.

Everything’s OK was written for my sons - one of whom has type-one diabetes and a rare brain condition. He’s brilliant, beautiful and is a body-builder. But, he could die anytime if his numbers turn the wrong way. The song is about how I sang them both to sleep every night using lyrics such as the ones in the chorus of Everything’s OK.  I also advise them that, they too, will need to comfort a “child in the dark”.

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Finally; I’m the One is about a detestable, passionate maniac who offer refuge to a woman and her children at his place in a swamp. He kills the man who comes looking for her and tells her she’s in on that murder. If she tells anyone, “There’s a place out-back where lots of birds will pick your bones”.  He does all this because he’s “the one”. At the very end, he giggles and says “Come here baby, I’m just kiddin’ around”. I’m sincerely interested in disordered minds and wish I’d become a counselor. 

Which brings me to my next answer…

What is your view on President Trump and his style of ‘leadership’?

We’ve elected a grandiose, maladaptive narcissist. The American Psychiatric Association, in their DSM-4, recognizes these disorders: borderline personality disorder; narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. What Trump has is the only disorder which is NOT treatable. He thrives on contention. He despises himself and seeks to avoid exposing this horrid inner-wound to the world and himself by constantly degrading and demeaning those around him. We are ALL his narc. supply.

I opened up for him at Rolling Thunder in 2016. I dedicated my song Heart of the Rebel to him. The crowd of 40k went wild. His people wanted to use it. I said “Talk to my lawyers.” They said: “We’ll use it if we want to…” and that was that. What nobody picked up on was that Heart of the Rebel is about three men - James Dean, John F. Kennedy and Jesus Christ - who lost their lives and left us with a sense of strength. Having the “heart of the Rebel” means being good, courageous and strong. I’d hoped Trump would take that advice. Maybe he has...

Time will tell...

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What was it like working with Steuart Smith on your album?

Working with Steuart Smith is like working alongside Rembrandt, Picasso and Mother Theresa: so pure, so giving…and we go back to 1973 - so I’ve only watched that beauty grow bigger. Steve and Nate are my soul brothers, musically. They are the soul of this record and the Loveland (my third C.D.) Nate is simply my favorite drummer in this reality. Steve is a mind-reading savant who walks my twisted path and catches me when I stumble.    

You live in a ‘unique’ and vivid setting. Tell me about that...

I live here on thirty-acres on a river that the Pawmunkey Indians made pottery from using clay and river mussels. I find their pottery and arrowheads and tools and hear the wind making the same song sounds it made for them. I moved here from the center of the DC area where noise woke me every night - and the air and the water were treated by all that shares that space. I came here for silence. I came here to create my art…without knowing what I’d find. My own Native American heritage (Wampapanoag) called me here in other ways. I live alone but I feel the embrace of what comforts all of us: that this life is a masterpiece.

The stars, the fire; the river. I could not see that masterpiece from the paved mazes I ran through in the city. This is one of the darkest counties on the East Coast of the U.S. I’ve seen unbelievable things above me. I’m a mixed media constructionist - which is just a fancy way of saying I find treasures in the bits of things people walk across every day: on the street or along the river; the burnished beauty appears and I manipulate it to tell my stories. The art in the booklet - which comes with ‘flesh and bone’ - are pieces of some of those stories.

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Do you think your art and music interconnect and are part of the same whole?

My music and my art are the same...

The mosaics I create with lyrics hold the same kinds of brilliant colors that I use to create physical art - and that physical art has a sound as it blends and calls the eyes to hear and see that harmony. I have to do both.

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Have you and your sons made any art together? Is it a lifestyle they are involved with? What are the Blue Ridge Mountains like as a home?

My sons are gone mostly now on their journeys – but, yes, we made many pieces of art together and crafted stories as we rode in the car someplace. The land here gives off such intention; it’s where Pangaea came apart and back together about a billion years ago. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the oldest from that collision. In fact; I live next to the last remaining mountain that was volcanic, Battle Mountain - where Custer got his ass kicked by the Rebels.

But, these mountains were part of the Grenville chain which belted the earth about 1.1 billion years ago. There was a five-mile crack right where I’m living, the size of Yellowstone, about 735 million years ago…so; we have some crazy minerals here: green epidote, blue quartz; red jasper, pink feldspar - and I use those rocks in my art.

Is it hard living in near-wilderness and away from the city?

It’s been challenging to live in such isolation - but it’s fed my art and music as if I’d been starving. So; it’s brought me to life. I’m only seventy-five minutes from DC - and gigs I do there.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Greta Van Fleet

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Check out Greta Van Fleet. They are the rebirth of Led Zeppelin - but apparently don’t even know there ever was a Led Zeppelin!

Do you have any gigs coming? Where can we see you play?

I’m playing at Pearl Street Warehouse on February 7th; Gadino Cellars February 10th - and Griffin Tavern on February 23rd.

Will the U.K. be among your upcoming gigs?

I’d gladly come to the U.K. I love early and current Brit-Rock.

What is your fondest memory of your time in music so far?

Too many memories…

But, one time, we were playing somewhere and a well-dressed woman and her navy captain husband stopped by our table to say their son was in a band. “What’s Jimmy’s band’s name, dear?” she asked her dour, naval officer husband.

”The Doors”, he muttered.

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Is there any advice you would give upcoming artists?

Love your gift and let it lead you…and call me up. Let’s just talk. I’ll convey what typed words always fail to be able to do (540-937-3570).

Can I tempt you to end this interview with a song?

Please play I’m a Man by The Yardbirds: the world’s greatest band

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INTERVIEW: LAOISE

INTERVIEW:

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LAOISE

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THIS is the second time I have…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Lucy Foster

included LAOISE on my blog. I spoke to her last year and, a few months on from that; she tells me about her new single, Bother – and how it differs from her previous track, Rich. I ask what we can expect from her forthcoming (second) E.P.; what the scene is like in E.I.R.E. (where she resides); why the people of Dublin are very important to her; whether we will see her play in the U.K. – the artists and albums that have inspired her.

I wanted to know what it was like working with producer Chris Bubenzer on her current number; whether she has a standout memory (memories) from her career to date; how she spends time away from music; why artists like Kate Bush and David Bowie are important to her – and why this week has been a busy one!

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

Hello! I’m so great, thank you.

My week has been crazy; exciting getting ready for my next release on 7th February!

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

I am LAOISE. I’ve just turned twenty-one - and I’m an Electropop artist from Ireland.

Bother is the new single. Can you reveal what inspired that song?

Out of all my songs; Bother was probably the hardest for me to write. I wrote it about a relationship that went horribly sour and it really messed with me. It took me a while to get myself back - and it was when I bumped into that person a while after we had ended that I realised I was me again…and that they couldn’t hurt me anymore.

Chris Bubenzer produced the track. What was it like working with him?

Yes! Myself and Seán (A Place Called Kai) were so excited to work with Chris on this track. He is so talented. I can’t get over how much he changed this song for me: it feels so much more celebratory now. Working on a track that is quite personal with someone new can feel daunting. But; Chris and I just clicked instantly - and I think you can hear that in the track.

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Bother follows the track, Rich. Your music is getting a lot of love in Ireland! How humbling is it knowing your new music is getting such love?

Ireland has been the sweetest and most open-armed community to release my music. All the support has been so humbling, definitely, and I really notice it when I play live shows; people are there for the love of music and it’s obvious.

At the end of the day; Ireland is my home - and it always feels that way.

You are getting passion from U.K. sources, too. Any plans to come here later in the year?

I’m dying to play in the U.K. again! I may have a few little plans to visit during the summer. You’ll have to keep an eye out. Hehe.

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I know an E.P. will follow this spring. What sort of themes and ideas will you be looking at? What was the creative process like?

The creative process for this E.P. has been so different to my debut. I’m still finding myself delving into deeper themes like expressing my anxiety and such but, more than anything; I feel such a sense of clarity and peace in my writing today that I’ve never experienced before. I think stepping into adulthood has really shifted my perspective on life and it’s made me see the world in a new bright light.

My songs have become more alive, energetic even, and I’m really enjoying it.

It will be your second E.P. Have you noticed a shift in terms of sound and confidence since Halfway?

Completely. When writing the Halfway E.P., I was a little timid at times: maybe worrying about how people would think of my music. But, with this new E.P., every decision I’ve made has felt very authentic to myself. I’ve really just been challenging myself to further develop my Electropop sound.

So; I guess you could say this E.P. has become a little bigger and better.

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You grew up in Galway. Was there a music scene there at all? What sort of music were you exposed to?

The music scene in Galway is great. I got to see many acts like James Vincent McMorrow and Little Green Cars there when I was younger - and they’ve always stood as my favourite live experiences. But, away from that; I grew up playing traditional Irish music and would play in small pubs with other musicians. I think, because I was exposed to other musicians at such a young age; I learned that music was something I was unquestionably going to pursue...

I hear shades of Kate Bush and David Bowie’s enigma and changeable creativity. Are these icons people you were influenced by at a young age?

I’ve always loved Kate Bush. I still remember the first time I heard Wuthering Heights’ chorus and I had never heard anything like it before: it completely transcended little seven-year-old me to a new world. With David Bowie; well, I had never seen anything like that before! I was a little older when I started listening to Bowie - maybe fourteen - but his creativity on stage truly inspired me to find my own sound and style.

They both really taught me how to express myself in my own way; be it through fashion or music…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Bülow

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Oooh…so many. I’ve been listening to German-Canadian artist bülow a lot lately. Her voice is gorgeous. Also; SHY Martin. She’s an incredible songwriter.

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PHOTO CREDIT: SHY Martin

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

Ah. I always think of this - and I always change my mind!

So; I think Lorde’s Melodrama is very important to me right now. Being the same age as Lorde: I feel so much of what she’s purging - and the album really does purge you. It’s fresh and courageous music and it’s really inspiring me to write more.

Secondly; Warpaint’s self-titled (2013) album has made a lasting impression on me because of the originality and personality in their music. Their voices are so expressive and you can feel such a vigorous sense unity in their songs.

Lastly; The Altar by Banks has massively impacted my crossover from writing Folk songs to Electropop songs. I love that she’s balanced her emotion so well with her production: every song feels so carefully thought-out and her lyrics really hit home for me.

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Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up? 

A small tour later this year is definitely on the cards. I’m announcing a very special show in Dublin super-soon and I’m SO excited for it.

Looking back on your time in music so far; are there favourite memories that come to mind?

I think playing Forbidden Fruit Festival last summer stands out the most when I think back on the past year. We arrived at the festival early to set up, and we were only a few metres away from Bon Iver soundchecking (I’m a HUGE fan, so that was crazy) but, when it came time to play our show, the tent completely packed-out.

It was the first show I played where I felt such a strong connection with an audience.

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How do you spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

There’s a small island off the west coast of Ireland called Inishbofin. I used to travel there every summer with my family. It’s pretty remote so it’s a great way to take a break from my laptop or my phone.

I haven’t been in a while - but it’s the most beautiful place to refresh my mind and relax.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Just because it’s way too much fun to say: Babooshka by Kate Bush (“BABOOSHKA")

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INTERVIEW: Whitney Rose

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jen Squire 

Whitney Rose

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THE incredible Whitney Rose chats to me about…

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her album, Rule 62, and the themes that inspired the music. It was released last October – I ask whether there will be more material this year. She discusses recording in Nashville and working with The Mavericks’ Raul Malo (on her album); why last year was especially productive; the three albums that mean the most to her – and some great new artists to investigate.

I ask whether Whitney Rose will come to the U.K. soon and what her tour dates are looking like; what advice she would give to new artists; whether she has any ambitions/resolutions for this year – what the music scene is like in Austin, Texas (where she is based).

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Hi, Whitney Rose. How are you? How has your week been?  

It's only Tuesday...but good so far! Bowled a really good game last night, which never happens; so feeling pretty damn fine.  

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

I'm a singer/songwriter based in Austin, Texas. I write songs, record them and then travel the world to play 'em live - for folks who like the above-mentioned recordings.  

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Rule 62 is your latest album (released in October). What were the themes and inspirations that compelled the album’s creation?

Rule 62 means ‘don't take yourself too damn seriously’ - and that's the major theme in the music. A number of the tunes approach shit*y situations in a light-hearted way.  

It was your second release of 2017. Was that a year you felt especially productive and driven? Was there a lot you needed to get off your mind? 

2017 was definitely an ambitious year…

We released the two albums and played almost 200 shows - but 2018 is turning out to be pretty similar. I like the hustle and I appreciate every opportunity that comes my way.  

Which songs stand as highlights from Rule 62? Is there one that stands above the rest, perhaps? 

My favorite song on the album is probably Trucker's Funeral. It's just a really fun story to tell. I never get sick of it.  

The album’s title is a rule from Alcoholics Anonymous: a pronoun-adjusted point of reflection that urges one not to take things too seriously (more-or-less!). Was there a lot of turmoil and disconnection around the time of the album’s conception? 

Nah.

What was it like recording in Nashville and working with The Mavericks’ Raul Malo? How does that setting differ from Austin (where you are from)? 

I love spending time in Nashville (and then coming home to Austin). They're both great music cities but I find that Nashville is more a city where sh*t gets done; whereas Austin is more a city where art gets made. I like taking advantage of both of those things.

Working with Raul is always great - he's a master musician and a good friend.  

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jen Squires  

Is there a productive and varied music scene in Austin? How influential are the people in regards your signwriting? 

You can't turn a corner without stumbling upon some incredible live shows. I've met and befriended some of my favorite songwriters in the world here - and they inspire me and drive me to get better every day.  

Your music and voice projects images of Nancy Sinatra and Bobbie Gentry. Who are the artists you grew up on? What kind of music was played in your house as a youngster? 

When I was a toddler; I fell in love with Hank Williams, Dolly Parton; Keith Whitley, Kitty Wells and Johnny Cash (to name a few). When I got a little older (grade-school age-ish); I discovered Doo-Wop and fell in love with that, too.  

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IN THIS PHOTO: Margo Price

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out? 

I really like Margo Price; Lindi Ortega, Nikki Lane and Aubrie Sellers.  

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IN THIS PHOTO: Lindi Ortega

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

Just three?! This answer would probably change from day to day, but three albums that I have listened to a million times and always come back to are:

Pieces of the Sky by Emmylou Harris; Heart Like a Wheel by Linda Ronstadt and Diamonds & Dirt by Rodney Crowell.

The vocal performances on all three slay me.  

Is there any advice you would give to fellow artists coming through right now? 

Don't read the comments. When you find yourself about to read the comments, go write a song instead.  

What gigs do you have coming up as we head through 2018? Will you visit the U.K.? 

So far, I've just been playing shows at home in 2018 (I have a weekly residency at the Continental Club in Austin when I'm not touring) but we leave on a West Coast run in a couple weeks for about a month. Then, we have a few weeks back in Austin before we head to Europe for a couple months.

We'll be in the U.K. in May! 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Norris

Do you have any ambitions of resolutions for this year at all? 

I've been trying to exercise more frequently and eat better. It's not easy to stay healthy on the road - so that's something I'm working on.  

Can we expect more material this year soon, perhaps? Are you working on anything new? 

I recorded a version of a song I've been covering for years - at the end of 2017 - which we'll be releasing soon. L.P. four is in its creation stage (which is always 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). 

How about How to Forget by Jason Isbell. I love that song

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Follow Whitney Rose

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INTERVIEW: Fabich

INTERVIEW:

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Fabich

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I have been speaking with Fabich and asked him…

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about London and its appeal (he was born in Germany and recently moved to the U.K.) and working with producer A-Minor on the song, Naked Lines - that track joins Fabich and Aaron Pfeiffer together. I was curious whether this is the start of a new vein of creativity and whether there are any concentre plans; the experience of recording at Bob Marley’s former house; how it felt gaining success in the U.S. – Fabich picks some great new artists worth checking out.

He discusses his tastes and whether there are any tour dates coming; if there is a standout memory from his time in music; the three albums that mean the most to him; why Fabich takes a very head-on approach to music and writing – and how he got into producing/music to begin with.

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

Hey. I'm fine, thank you! My week has been awesome. I just arrived in L.A. three days ago and I'm loving it so far! Good weather and cool people. I'm very excited about the music scene here!

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

Yes. I'm a music producer and D.J. originally from Germany - and I'm currently living in London working on new music! I released my debut single, Hold On, on Island Records last year - and I'm currently finishing my upcoming E.P. and second single...

Naked Lines is your new track. What was the inspiration behind its creation?

Before making Electronic music, I was actually producing a lot of Hip-Hop and R&B artists – so, with Naked Lines as well as my other recent work; I combined both of these styles into something that's a lot of fun to me and feels like my own.

Tell me how you hooked up with Aaron Pfeiffer. What do you think he brings to the song?

I actually met Aaron in London - and he's just an amazing talent and really fun to work with. We have a couple of new stuff in the works together - and Aaron is also singing on my upcoming track, Back to Life (as ‘PHAT’; together with the singer, Sedric) and Jafunk!

Producer A-Minor helps elevate the song. Are you going to be working together on any future material?

Yes. A-Minor is a good friend of mine and we already have a few ideas for upcoming tracks together...

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Tell me how you got into recording and producing. Did you grow up around Dance music and a house that fostered that passion? When was the moment you decided THIS is what you want to do full-time?

I got into recording and producing through D.J.-ing at local school events and parties! So, at some point, I wanted to make my own music instead of just playing other people's tracks. I bought a keyboard and tried to make my own songs. As a kid growing up; I liked all kinds of music from 1990s: Love Parade Techno to American Hip-Hop. I always knew that I wanted to have a job in the music industry because it has always been my biggest passion!

Previously; you enjoyed U.S. success and recorded at Bob Marley’s old house! How different were your experiences there and those in London (where you are now)?

I think the experiences don't differ that much, to be honest! I love exploring new cities and cultures; so, moving somewhere new is always exciting for me! London is a lot colder, though…so that’s a bit tough. Haha

Is there quite a productive and varied scene there? How easy is it to get exposure in the English capital?

Yes. The scene here in London is amazing - and there's a huge amount of talented people from all kinds of genres (and all around the world). One of my favourite places in town for live music is a Jazz club in Soho called Ronnie Scott's - the talent there is so good and I haven't really seen this anywhere else in Europe. To get exposure here is not easy - but everyone has been very welcoming so far.

I'm happy to have met a lot of humble and talented people in the scene here!

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It appears you embrace the daring and immediate. Is music a way for you to tackle the world head-on in your own style?

Yes. Self-expression is very important to me!

When making music; my main goal is to have fun and do something authentic. Of course, I hope that other people also enjoy it but I almost feel like that's out of one's control - so, I'm very happy about the positive reactions I get!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Jafunk

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

If you don’t know them yet check out Jafunk, Just Kiddin; Pat Lok, Cabu; Young Franco and Mokoa. They all make sick music and are unique, in my opinion! I also love an artist called Frits Wentink - who is probably a bit lesser known, but his stuff is amazing. 

I do a monthly mix series called 12 Tracks Tape which you can find on my SoundCloud page. I invite a guest every month, whose music I really like, to do it together with me. Check it out (smiles).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Pat Lok

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

N*E*R*D – In Search of...

This is my favourite album - and I never get tired of it.

Justin Timberlake – Justified

Partly produced by The Neptunes and Timbaland; this is a modern classic to me: a lot of great and timeless songs on there, in my opinion!

Frank Sinatra - Live at the Sands

This is my favourite live album of Sinatra's. It (just) puts me in a good mood. I especially like it during the colder days of the year

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Yes. I have two big tours planned and I'm very excited to perform more this year. I spent most of 2017 in the studio - so I can't wait to play the new music live!

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What do you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

I wanna keep on working hard to bring you new music - and also enjoy life while doing it… (smiles).

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

There are so many good memories…so it’s very hard to choose one…

Among my favourite moments; spending the Winter Music Conference in Miami with my whole team (is definitely one) – that's always a lot of fun!

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Let's go with my favourite one, then: Pharrell (ft. Jay-Z) – Frontin’

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Follow Fabich

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INTERVIEW: Port Cities

INTERVIEW:

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 ALL PORT CITIES PHOTOS: Mat Dunlap

Port Cities

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IT is great to have the Port Cities guys on my blog.

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They chat to me about their new single, Back to the Bottom, and what the tale behind it is. I ask whether there is new material coming and what tour dates they have coming; which U.K. dates (they are playing here in March) they are looking for; whether they are fans of British music – how they all got together in their home province of Novia Scotia.

The trio looks ahead and tell me their aims for 2018; the artists and albums that have made an impression on them; how all the myriad sounds and textures they project come together in their superb music; a new artist definitely worth checking out – how they all like to spend time away from music.

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

We’re great. Been busy working on music and video content all week - and are now en route to Ontario for some shows this weekend.

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

Our band is called Port Cities and we are Dylan Guthro, Carleton Stone and myself, Breagh MacKinnon. We're all from Cape Breton, a little island on the East Coast of Canada, and we write Pop songs in a Roots-Rock style.

Back to the Bottom is your latest single. Can you reveal its background and inspiration?

Back to the Bottom was written about five years ago when the three of us were still solo artists who collaborated together. The song describes being in a toxic relationship-cycle with someone; realizing there are serious issues but still (always) coming back to them for better or worse.

How did Port Cities come together? Did you all know one another long before you started playing together?

We all met at a co-writing camp for young songwriters in our home province of Nova Scotia. We had all heard each other's music beforehand - but that was the first time we got to meet and collaborate. From there, the three of us really hit it off personally and creatively and, over the next few years, started playing in one another's solo projects and writing together more and more frequently.

We did that until early-2015 when we decided to put a name on the project and make it our focus.

It seems your music balances Nashville (where a lot of it is recorded) and Nova Scotia (where you are based). That seems like an eclectic mix! Do you think you take a bit from your local sounds and Nashville’s brimming scene?

Nashville was an amazing city to work on our record. Our producer, Gordie Sampson, is a Grammy award-winning songwriter from our hometown - but has lived and worked in Nashville for the past decade or so. Gordie knew us so well, individually, as solo artists: he was the perfect fit to help us find the ‘Port Cities sound’ and hand-picked some of his favourite studio musicians in Nashville to be the rhythm section on the album.

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At Nova Scotia Music Week; you scooped five awards (in November). What was your reaction to winning so many awards?! Did you expect to scoop so many?!

We were definitely honored to win!

We were on the road a lot this year, so it meant a lot to be recognized by our peers and feel the love and support from home. I don't think anyone can really predict how those award things will go, so we were pleasantly surprised when the winners were being announced.

Can we expect some future material? Might there be an E.P. along the way?

Yes! Our debut album is out in the U.K. in early-March; so we really hope you like it! Meanwhile, between tours, we will probably spend every spare moment writing and recording our next album.

Your music matches Jazz-schooled timbre and R&B sounds; together with some acoustic sensibilities and calm. Does this diverse range of sounds reflect your personalities and musical upbringings?

I definitely do think our band is an interesting fusion of our musical upbringings: Dylan is a huge fan of Hip-Hop and R&B music - and has been making beats and writes in that style (his father is also a well-known Folk singer in Canada and fronts the Scottish band, Runrig). Carleton played in various Rock and Americana bands since he was a teenager - and I have a degree in Jazz Piano.

I think the common ground we all discovered when working together was our love of a well-crafted Pop song - and that "the best song wins" mantra has been our focus since we started working on this project.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Leif Vollebekk/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Leif Vollebekk is an amazing Canadian singer-songwriter. His last album, Twin Solitudes, is absolutely beautiful. We had a few of his songs on-repeat over the course of two cross-Canada tours last year.

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

Breagh: Blue by Joni Mitchell

It's the first album that made me want to write songs. I think I literally wrote my first song after listening to it top to bottom in high-school.

Carleton: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

I (just) remember discovering this record when I was about twenty-years-old and it started my long love affair with The Boss' music. So many of his songs come from this very masculine point-of-view while still revealing sensitive inner-thoughts.

I'm not sure if anyone does it better than him.

Dylan: Chronic 2001 by Dr. Dre.

I’ve never stopped being so amazed by the perfect blend of organic and electronic elements that give every song its own unique feel where you can’t stop bobbing your head. The explicit songwriting may not appeal to all but I can only respect how fearless it is and it makes the album unforgettable. It opened my mind to another style of music production that I’d never really heard - and I’ve been addicted ever since.

You are coming to the U.K. to play in March. Which dates are you most looking forward to? Do you all love being over here?

This tour will be our third time in the U.K. (and we love it there). Outside of the major cities; it has a lot of similarities to Nova Scotia - so we all feel pretty at home while we're there.

We're looking forward to playing some shows in towns we haven't been before. London and Manchester are always great crowds; so we excited to play those places again.

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You have compiled a Spotify playlist of your favourite new British music. Are you a big fan of our artists? Are there favourites from the playlist?

Some of our all-time favourite artists are from the U.K. so, for the playlist, we tried to mix some classics with some of the newer artists that we love. Jessie Ware, James Bay and Troy Sivan are three current artists that we're especially digging in the van right now.

Shura is someone we both have affection for. What is it about her music that captivates?

I came across her music when I saw her music video for Touch. I thought it was so cool and then, when I found out she filmed and edited the whole thing herself; I was super-intrigued.

I love the Jessie Ware Say You Love Me remix, too. I'm definitely a big fan (Breagh).

What has been your most treasured memory from your career so far?

We got to open for k.d. lang at a big arena show in Halifax - so that was a major highlight. I was a huge fan of her music growing up; it was such an honour to share the stage with such a legendary performer. Honestly, just getting the chance to travel to different parts of the world and sing songs for people is something we don't take for granted; so it's always a highlight when we travel somewhere new and we can share our music with people.

How do you all spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

When we’re not playing music, we love spending time with our families, friends and girlfriends: trying to compensate for all the times we are away.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Breagh: Vincent by James Blake

Carleton: John Wallace by The East Pointers

Dylan: That Far by 6lack

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INTERVIEW: Screech Bats

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Bremner 

Screech Bats

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THE mighty Screech Bats are one of…

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the most exciting and tightest bands around. I have been speaking to them about their new single, Get Better, and what the story behind the song is. The band’s lead, Esme, breaks down the songs on their forthcoming E.P., Wish You Were Her (out on 30th March), and the emotions that go into each track. The band talk about their formation and the artists/albums that inspire them – and how they are feeling about a future gig at Camden Rocks Festival.

I ask how important independent venues are in terms of their growth and exposure; what it was like recording with James Routh (of Sonic Boom Six) in a Blackpool for their E.P.; some of the new talent we need to be aware of – what Screech Bats’ ambitions/goals are for the rest of 2018.

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Hi, Screech Bats. How are you? How has your week been?

This week has been equal-parts exhausting, exciting and disorienting - as our tension and anticipation, that has been building for the last two years, waiting to release some new music climaxed and spewed into the world in the form of Get Better: the single from our newly-announced E.P., Wish You Were Her.

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

We are Screech Bats: Esme on Vocals, Lexi on Drums; Kit on Guitar and Rio on Bass. The best way to describe our sound would be ‘Melodic-Punk-Rock’ - swaying more towards the Rock side of things.

(Think Alkaline Tri-meets-Against Me! with a ladle-full of uncomfortable emotions). 

There is natural closeness and understanding in the band. How did you guys all get together? Was there a mutual attraction and mindset from those first rehearsals?

Yes, we are close. Lexi brought us all together having played in a band with Kit - another band with Rio - and then introduced Esme through a mutual friend. The first rehearsals were definitely a little nerve-racking because you have no idea whether it’s going to work; whether you’re even on the same page musically or whether you’ll have that chemistry when writing. We were lucky and we gelled quite instantly - most probably because none of us takes ourselves, or each other, too seriously.

In fact; Esme is probably the most ridiculous person you will ever meet…in the best way possible! (Esme adds the edit: ridiculous, yet charmingly witty and devilishly handsome).

 

Get Better is your new single. Can you talk about its inspiration and how it came together? Do you all pitch in with the songwriting process?

Usually, Kit will demo an idea of a song then we take it to practice; change bits here and there and adds in our own parts etc. Esme tends to take care of the lyrics and melodies – occasionally, with help from us lot. Overall, it’s a collaborative effort, no matter who brings the ideas to the table.

Get Better, put simply, is about suffering with mental-health (issues) and the road to recovery. It is based on a personal experience of Esme’s and appreciating the value of a certain doctor who, quite literally, helped save her life.

I know there is a spotlight on mental-health and recovery. Is the capriciousness of mental-health something that has affected you all? Do you think it is vital to raise these issues through music – and, hopefully, de-stigmatise a rather dark and ‘taboo’ issue?

Yes, 100% - and this is not a point we can stress enough.

Issues with mental-health have certainly affected us all, in very different ways, but it’s probably one of the reasons why we are so close. We believe it’s beyond-important to raise these issues and it needs to be de-stigmatized for sure. Lexi, in particular, is still upset over Chester Bennington’s death…because it was preventable.

Although, in light of tragedies like these; we are stoked to see more and more people with notable fame using their platform to openly discuss their own battles with mental-health - and also to see it becoming an issue much more seriously addressed in our National Health Service - and an issue employers and workplaces are beginning to take as seriously as ‘physical’ illnesses.

Still; so many people suffer in silence and these are the people whose lives are at risk. We want to destigmatise this topic and put out messages of comfort in the knowledge sufferers are not alone and, moreover, the message that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel and a happy future…even when this feels impossible.

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The E.P., Wish You Were Her, is out on 30th March. How does this E.P. differ from your debut? Do you think you’re more confident and experimental as a band this time around? 

We’ve really grown these past two years from our first E.P. and feel that we have finally established ‘our’ sound.

Our first E.P. was loads of fun: the topics we wrote about were often whimsical and the whole thing was pretty polished sounding. It was perfect for us at the time but now our boots are a bit scuffed - and that’s how we like it. We’ve tried to capture a much darker side to the band with this E.P. - and, definitely, think we’ve achieved that.

I understand the E.P.’s title refers to various women who have made an impact in your life, Esme. Are there particular figures that influenced particular tracks? Were all the experiences (with these women) positive – or were there some negative interactions/relationships that had quite a profound effect on you?

Writing the lyrics to this E.P. has been incredibly cathartic for me and, even before the idea that I was going to use these words for songs; I just wanted to get some of these words down and out of my head to help me process some big life-changing events in my life.

Get Better is a thank you to the doctor who completely rewired my brain from someone who was just waiting for the next time to be alone so she could kill herself…to someone who wants to live life to the full and enjoy every second of it. I have suffered from myriad mental-health issues for as long as I can remember and we have a history of severe mental-health issues on both sides of my family; so I don’t remember a time where depression wasn’t part of my life. I never thought I could be the person I am now: if you had shown me a snapshot of my life as it is today to me four years ago I would not have believed it.

Of course, there are other factors that helped me on this road to recovery: my family for their constant love and support - even when I felt like I didn’t deserve it - my friends who have stuck by me when my behaviour was unforgivable and utterly abhorrent and, of course, our band - having this creative outlet and the camaraderie with my band-mates has helped more than I ever thought it could - but this song is for the catalyst of the biggest change in my life; without whom I honestly believe I would not be here: my doctor. I wanted to get these words out; not only as a thank you, not only for myself; but on behalf of everyone she helped and continues to help through the course of her career - but also as a way of reaffirming to myself that I was doing better and I will continue to work at being better…

Finally; as a way of showing people that, yeah, recovery is tough but it happens…and even in the absolute depths of despair; I want to give people living proof that there is a light at the end of the tunnel – and, hopefully, that serves as a reason not to give up. 

Blood in My Hair is about the death of a friend - who died suddenly and was far too young to go. It’s hard to quantify this relationship with words like positive or negative: our friendship was immensely positive; the loss of this person was immensely negative. I was at the age where you feel invincible - late-teens, early-twenties - riddled with drink, drugs and parties: death simply wasn't part of our lives.

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The only people I had known who had died had died old…and that felt a long way off from all of us. Losing someone the same age as me with no warning made me really have to consider the reality of what death was. At the time, I was too immature to deal with it and this is why. At the stage of life I am at now; I feel strong enough to look back and think about death and grief - and really think about what it means. Of course, I have no answers. I have been on this Earth a blink of an eye, like the rest of us, but it was an oddly enriching experience to look at death from all angles. During the song, I revisit the night where we all found out - who I was the - but I also try to think about the idea of Heaven and Hell and how this girl had died so young…and as we were all such f*ck-ups, if there was a Hell, we would all be going. Alongside this; I tried to look at the idea of death just being a part of life and does anyone really want to live forever? Should we want to live forever? Perhaps the knowledge that we are finite isn’t scary and we can breathe a little easier knowing that we are just here to enjoy the ride: at some point we will return to nature, dust; the universe, nothing…or whatever we were before we were something. Despite yelling “I’ll see you in Hell” several times in the song; it is intended as another positive-message-one. Haha!

Just Like You is about a one-night stand: an entirely different interaction to the aforementioned tracks. I had a hard situation where, for me, I fell pretty hard for someone who saw me just as a bit of fun. I was enormously hurt and focused all my attention on working out what was wrong with me; why was I so unlovable. But, to get over these feelings, I tried to focus on the situation with her. Knowing this person well; I came to realise that she just needed the self-esteem boost. She was ageing…and not ageing well. She had always only relied on her looks, her party lifestyle and sexual (or romantic) attention to feel validation - and now her looks were waning; she was just clutching at vulnerable, lonely people to feel better about herself.

Realising this helped get over the rejection and, the more I look around me; the more I see other people in the same kind of situation: facing rejection and hating themselves because of it rather than seeing it as the rejecter’s loss (that they are missing out on someone rad). Although; I guess the song is a bit of a ‘f*ck-you’ to this person - and it feels good telling her that I now KNOW there are plenty more fish in the sea…and I now KNOW I’m great and worth something

In the end, the message of the song is: don’t give a damn about people who don’t treat you with respect. Just because one person doesn’t see how awesome you are doesn’t mean the next one won’t…  

What was it like recording with James Routh of Sonic Boom Six - often until the early hours in a Blackpool rehearsal room? Did that configuration progress your music and provide fresh impetus?

We absolutely LOVED it!

We had free-roam of the studio (which was inside a rehearsal room complex). There was an upstairs with a kitchen and dining area - where we could go and make ourselves proper meals, get some downtime and crack on with other work (Esme, being a tattooist, had a lot of drawing to do). It was our temporary home. There's something quite special when you take the band into a studio - especially in a completely new environment -; it's really inspiring; ideas are flowing and you're all in the zone.

We've known James for a long time so it was all pretty natural: everyone was pretty chilled and we were able to discuss and try out new ideas without anyone getting irritated or rushing us through the process. 

Your palette of subjects ranges from ageing and sex to gender-balance and relations; death and life through to depression. How much of your own relationship experiences go into the songs?

The lyrics are entirely based on our own experiences. We find the music is much deeper, more passionate and easier to perform with conviction; when we are performing work we can relate to, believe in and have lived through. Esme says that, in her personal experience, songwriting (just) can’t happen for her if she’s not sticking to the old rule of ‘write what you know’. 

Do you think it is important to keep fresh and depart from the fatigue of the mainstream – the same commercial songbooks that have appeal to Spotify punters - but not those who want to dig deep?

It's a difficult one…

In the end; I think we just write what we write, we write what pleases us; what makes us feel good and what we personally would like to listen to.  We all come from different musical backgrounds, and when different influences infuse, people tend to put you in a bracket - but I don’t think we are actively trying to kick back against the mainstream and, to be honest, we don't even think about it!

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This week is Independent Venue Week - it is an exciting time to highlight the best spaces in the U.K. How important are these venues to you guys and your music? What feeling do you all get from performing your songs to a willing and hungry crowd?

SO IMPORTANT! Independent Venue Week is frickin' awesome. It just highlights how many awesome venues are up and down the U.K. We're so lucky here. Music is rife and we have so many amazing U.K. bands. Without these venues, we wouldn't be able to play shows, tour or, probably, even be a band. We want to share our music with everyone - and these venues enable us to do so. It's always heartbreaking when you see another of your favourite venues shutting down for some twat to build flats on.

Performing is an incredible feeling; nothing beats it - especially when the crowd are into it. When people like your music you connect on a whole new level.

It's beautiful.

It seems, in the industry, female bands are seen as a novelty and genre on their own. Does it annoy you there seems to be this rather sexist and ignorant attitude?! Do you think there will be changes in attitude as fantastic new female-based/led groups come through?

It's draining that we still have to talk about this: it's 2018; who gives a fu*k what gender your band members are…either you like the music, or you don't.

We still get heckled so, unfortunately, it is a subject we still have to address. People ask us ‘who’s girlfriends we are’. If we are backstage; people book us as a novelty. One of our favourite comments to date, when we were loading our gear into a show, was: "Oh, look: the strippers have arrived!” 

 Attitudes have been changing thanks to lots of strong artists/bands of all genres and genders - particularly since the Riot Grrrl movement (God bless Kathleen Hanna). It's just a shame they haven't changed quickly enough.

Anyway…attitudes will continue to change; we have lots of hope…

I hear hints of the great Punk bands of the 1970s in your sound. That mixes, in my mind, with great Alternative/Indie U.S. bands of today. Who are the artists you are all inspired and bonded by?

We are heavily influenced by Punk-Rock bands who, in turn, have been influenced by bands in the 1970s - such as X-Ray Spex, Crass; early-Adam Ant, Bad Religion (yes, they're officially a 1970s band) etc. We have certainly taken our own influences from 1970s Punk, it would be stupid not to; but a lot of our influence has come from Against Me!, Alkaline Trio; Blink-182 and The Distillers, to name just a few.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Calva Louise/PHOTO CREDIT: John Mo Photography

Are there any exciting new artists you recommend we check out? Which hot acts should we get our ears around?

Calva Louise: easily one of the most exciting bands on the circuit right now. Excellent people, incredible music - and a mind-blowing live show.

Petrol Girls. Although they are not ‘new-new’ – still; not enough people have heard of this band -and EVERYONE should stop what they are doing and have a listen…

Youth Man. Again; they have been making waves in the Punk scene for a while but deserve a bigger audience. We have been lucky enough to support them a few times now - and they put on absolutely electrifying live shows. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Petrol Girls/PHOTO CREDIT: Isha Shah

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

Lexi: Good Mourning - Alkaline Trio

Esme: By the Throat - Eyedea & Abilities

This is a DAMN hard question - and I had to make a shortlist; but I have picked this album because it’s one I always come back to. I have never related to words like I relate to Michael Larson’s lyrics - they are life-changing and this album, his last collaboration album before his death, serves as a constant and heartbreaking reminder of the pain it can be just to live. This is an intensely philosophic album, addressing a huge range of topics with such morbidity and, still, so much wisdom and hope. It seriously affected my approach to lyric-writing - and still influences me heavily today. 

Kit: Take Off Your Pants and Jacket - Blink-182

As ridiculous as it sounds; this album really taught me to play the guitar. I spent all my teenage years in my bedroom playing along to my Blink’ records by ear. This album came out when I was thirteen - and that's when I started my first band. I really did fall in love with a girl at the rock show (a lyric from Blink-182’s Rock Show) - and married her! 

Rio: Live in Munich 1977 – Rainbow

It’s an incredible moment in musical history featuring some of my favourite musicians at their peak. It gets me every time. I’m such an anorak when it comes to live albums, especially around that era - as all my favourite bands were at the top of their game, then, it would seem. The calibre of music then was something else. 

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You have a big gig at Camden Rocks Festival on 2nd June. How excited are you about that?! Have you decided on the set-list for the date yet? What other gig dates are you looking forward to this year?

We haven't decided on the setlist yet. We'll decide nearer the time in case we've got a new tune we wanna throw in there, too.

Yes, we are extremely excited - Dublin Castle, 4 P.M.! We're putting together a tour in April, actually, so keep your eyes peeled.

Hopefully, we will confirm some more festivals later on in the year also.

What are your ambitions, as a band, this year? Do you have any goals you want to conquer?

Goals this year would be to play some of the 'bigger' festivals such as Reading, Leeds and Download, etc. We also want to complete our debut album this year. 

Is there any advice you’d offer likeminded bands coming through right now?

Be resilient and have thick skin. Remember why you're doing it in the first place and run with that. Decide on your morals, your message; what you believe in and stick to it: don’t let the bastards keep you down. 

Do you all get time to chill away from music? What do you all get up to when you’re not creating music?

Absolutely not: we never chill. Haha! Esme is the owner of a busy tattoo studio (Boileroom Tattoo) where she and Kit are both tattoo artists - and they also do regular conventions and guest spots around Europe. Rio plays in other bands and Lexi works full-time in music - as well as another band.

It's relentless!

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Lexi: Skyscraper - Bad Religion

Esme: I'm Mandy Fly Me - 10cc

Kit: Borne on the FM Waves of the Heart - Against Me! 

Rio: Anti Love Song - Betty Davis

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INTERVIEW: DEMAR

INTERVIEW:

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DEMAR

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ONE of my favourite places to visit is…

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the city of New York. I have never physically been there: I have learnt a lot about the people and place through the musicians I interview. DEMAR talks to me about her E.P., Rebels, and the stories that go into it. I ask her about the song, Not Afraid – it is a standout whose background I was keen to discover. She tells me about future gig plans and whether there will be new material – and whether we can expect to see her in the U.K. soon.

DEMAR discusses her upbringing and the music she was raised on; the albums that mean the most to her; how the scene in New York differs from that in Florida (where she started life); if she was surprised by the reaction to her cover of Kendrick Lamar’s Swimming Pools (Drank) – she provides advice for new artists emerging.

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

Hello! I’m doing great, thanks. This week has been incredible. I just finished my first tour supporting Howie Day. It was so fun meeting new people and playing for new ears.

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

Sure! I’m DEMAR; a singer-songwriter from Miami, FL. I’ve lived in N.Y.C. for about four years and play shows around the city pretty regularly. I would describe my music as Alternative-Pop: a bit moody with some R&B flavour.

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Rebels is your new E.P. Can you tell me about the subjects and inspirations that go into it?

Rebels tells the story of a relationship I experienced that was pretty intense and had a lot of ups and downs. It was really draining and definitely took a toll on me - until I finally decided to walk away. The E.P. explores the different sides of the relationship - and how messy it can be when you’re so drawn to someone but so damaged by them at the same time.

I am especially interested in the song, Not Afraid. It is one of the most emotive and touching songs on the E.P. Is there a story behind that song?

Thank you! That means a lot that you connect with the song. Not Afraid was one of the easiest songs for me to write because the lyrics kind of poured out of me - but it’s been one of the most difficult to share with people because it’s so self-reflective. The song touches on how much control this person had over my thoughts and emotions: the smallest action of his would dictate my emotional state for the next week or more.

It also talks about how in a way I feel drawn to that sadness and I’m not afraid of it. As long as living that way meant I was with him, I was ok with it. That’s a scary thing to admit to yourself, let alone other people.

Your cover of Kendrick Lamar’s Swimming Pools (Drank) went viral last year. Were you surprised by the reaction it got?

I definitely was taken aback by the reaction. When I recorded it, I wasn’t thinking about it reaching people at all: I just did it because it was fun and I love the song. But, the love people have for it is an added bonus!

New York City is your base. What is the city like for a new artist? Are there particular venues you love to play there?

I think New York City is the best place to be if you’re a new artist and trying to find your footing in the industry. There is so much opportunity here and so many great people you can meet just by being present in the scene. Some of my favorite places to play in the city are Pianos and Rockwood.

They’re both great venues.

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How does it differ from Florida – where you were raised? Is it a lot more exciting and ‘you’ in New York?

Miami and N.Y.C. are extremely different; totally different lifestyles, people and surroundings. I will always love Miami because it’s home - but New York suits my lifestyle much more. There is more opportunity here for artists and songwriters. The craziness of the city used to get to me but now I’ve become used to it.

I still escape to Miami every couple months for a weekend, though.

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You spent time in London. What was the decision for moving there – and what was it that forced you back to the States?

I moved to London because I wanted to experience something out of my comfort-zone and put myself in a place I would grow as a person and an artist. I always knew I would love London - and moving to another country by myself was scary and exciting. I absolutely loved my time there and it helped shape me as a songwriter and as a person. I eventually had to move back because my Visa expired. Otherwise, I would probably still be there! It’s still my favourite place I’ve ever been to...

It still feels surreal that I was lucky enough to have that experience.

You worked with Ben Hobbs whilst you were here – and a lot of other talented folks. Do you see yourself coming back here? Do you love the music of Britain?

I’ve been so fortunate to work with Ben Hobbs. He’s really talented - and I feel like we’re always on the same page. He gets exactly what my music is about and the sound that I’m going for. I will actually be back in London for about a week in July and can’t wait! It’s been too long. I LOVE so many British artists from Rock to Hip-Hop/R&B to the poppiest of Pop - and I’m hoping to catch some of them in concert while I’m there.

Give me a sense of the artists you were raised on. Who were your early heroes and heroines?

I was raised on a wide variety of artists - which definitely shaped the range of influences I pull from in my own music. My dad’s favourite band is Steely Dan; so I grew up on them and that’s where I formed my love of harmonies and that layered sound that they so perfectly crafted. When I was young, I also loved the Spice Girls (obviously) and artists like Aaliyah and J. Lo - which influenced the confidence and sassiness I inject in some of my songs.

Adele and Joy Williams from The Civil Wars influenced the bit of soul and emotion I put into my music.

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IN THIS PHOTO: The Aces

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Someone I can’t stop listening to right now is The Aces. They are great. I love their music, their look…everything. Their music is infectious and catchy but has a Rock feel to it - and they’re effortlessly cool. I also really love an artist called pronoun. She’s got Emo/Indie-Pop down to a science - and kills it on every song.

Also, check out Frances Cone. Their song, Unraveling, makes me cry every time I listen to it.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Frances Cone

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

This is such a tough question…

One is Phantoms by Acceptance

They were one of my favorite bands in high-school and really influenced me regards wanting to write songs. That album is still one of my all-time favorites.

Second would be Born to Die by Lana Del Rey

I listened to that album so much before I started writing my E.P. and really connected to so many of the songs.

I think the third would be 21 by Adele

Every song on that album is perfect. When I was going through the relationship I wrote the E.P. about; I listened to 21 all the time.

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

I don’t know how qualified I am to give advice…but I guess I would say you really need to know yourself; who you are as an artist and a person before you get into this - because there are people who will try to impose on you what they think you should be.

It’s easy to be influenced by that.

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

I just finished the Howie Day tour. I’m playing a show in N.Y.C. on Feb 8th and working on some other dates and possible tours. Stay tuned and follow my social media for those announcements! My Instagram and Twitter are @demarmusic and my Facebook is ‘Demar’.

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Do you have plans for 2018 already? Is there any new material in your mind?

I’m always writing and am starting to work on new songs. I don’t know yet if that will be another E.P. or a full-length but, right now, I’m just going to work on music and see where it takes me. I have a music video coming very soon and more live videos coming!

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).

Hmmmm…El Amante by Nicky Jam. One of my favorites!

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INTERVIEW: DYGL

INTERVIEW:

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 DYGL

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MY mind has been working overtime trying…

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to recall the last Japanese band featured on my blog. I am not sure there has been one! Maybe I am wrong: what I do know is DYGL, from Tokyo, have provided me a glimpse into the Japanese music scene. They discuss the single, Let It Sway, and what comes next for them. I ask how they got together and what the scene is like where they are; if there are any new artists to look out for – and whether they are coming to the U.K.

Nobuki (from the band) talks about their style and evolution; what the highlights from last year are; why British and American bands have proved instrumental to them; what they hope to achieve this year –some great albums that the band hold close to their hearts.

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

Hi. This is Nobuki from DYGL. It's been kinda-chill week. We’ve started doing pre-recordings for a new track (that's supposed to be the next single).

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

We are four-piece Indie-Rock band based in Tokyo. It's been almost five years since we formed DYGL. It might look little tricky but it comes from the actual English word ‘Day-Glo’ - meaning a fluorescent colour. Lately, it seems like fewer and fewer people are trying to do Rock music - but we are still so attracted to the sounds of the guitar along with a tight drum; the rhythm of the bass. We might be (kinda) the last Rock band in the world…

Actually; there must be thousands of "last Rock bands" in the world, though.

Tell me about the song, Let It Sway. How did that song come together?

I wrote this song by (just) singing along whilst strumming an unplugged Fender Stratocaster. Maybe it was three years ago, already. (Lyrics came later). I think it's interesting that the lead guitar phrase takes the chorus part instead of the vocal. We actually hadn't released this as the single when we recorded it - until we released the limited cassette tape including this and Let It Out when we went to London and Brighton last year.

But; we made the video for this one a little while ago - so I think people recognised this as the single...

The video looks kind of funky. Tell me about its creation and how the concept came together.

We asked our friend Mitch to make the video for us. Actually, it's a little hard to find a good video creator in Japan who can share the same tastes and vibes with us. We're lucky that we can find and work with him. We wanted to make a retro-oldies-type video; so he used Super 8 film camera for the main scenes. Actually; it's was quite a relaxed one: hanging out and filming, then done.

It was fun shooting.

Since your 2015 debut E.P., you have produced a string of fantastic tracks. Is there more material coming this year? What are you working on?

Now, we're preparing for the next single and getting warmed-up little by little for the next album as well. It’s the second album - as DYGL, of course, but, also, personally - I haven't released any ‘second album’ so far, even with the other bands that I had been in. So, I'm really excited for that. Hope we can release it around summer, I guess? We'll try our best to make one that's worth waiting for.

We wanna write more songs, more lyrics: more of something new.

You are one of Tokyo’s fastest-rising bands. What kind of music scene is there in the capital? Are there quite a lot of great bands coming through?

Tokyo is hectic. There are too many scenes - and bands are doing their own things here and there.

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But, basically, Indie-Rock music scenes are not that popular. It actually exists but even the Indie music scenes are contaminated by the commercial music market. There's worthless hype, as well - and a few good bands are ignored often. Sometimes; we're categorised in some nonsense genres that the Japanese media have made up - but we honestly felt isolated in the Japanese music scene. But, of course, we're not American nor British (band), so, sometimes, we feel really strange not being part of anywhere. But, I guess that's the good thing: for us to focus on what we wanna do. Ther are some interesting things going on as well. There's a Noise/Avant-garde scene in the city called ‘Koenji’ - and I think it's worth checking.

Koenji is the centre of Experimental music. Historically, many bands are involved with this city like Melt Banana, Boredoms; Yura Yura Teikoku (which Shitaro Sakamoto was in). But, generally, the Japanese music market is all about commercial music; even the bands who are called ‘a Rock band’ care more about business and the market too much. These domestic scenes have been really boring for more than ten years but, recently, some young lads started trying to create something new - inspired by the old Japanese legends like はっぴいえんど (Happy End) or 山下達郎 (Tatsuro Yamashita).

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The young bands seem to get bored of all the commercial bands and try to revive some authentic sounds. Still; it's hard to find the really good ones from those scenes, though. There are the other bands who are singing in English in an Indie-Rock style. Tawings are cool. They're gonna play for SXSW at Burger Records' showcase. I like Boys Age, as well. Not too many foreigners stay here to record music - but I met the guy from the U.K. who's doing music in Japan under the name of Harley and the Hummingbirds. He's cool, too.

My friend Ian Martin recently researched and analysed almost the WHOLE Japanese music Indie scenes in unbelievable detail and published a book. It's called Quit Your Band! (You might wanna check that out if you're interested in Japanese music scenes now.

How did DYGL come together and discover one another?

We were in the same university called 明治学院大学 (Meiji Gakuin University) in 2011 and found out we shared the same taste in music: Oasis, The Smiths; The Beatles, The Kinks; The Strokes, The View; The Libertines and these kinds. (Believe me; it's not that easy to find the guys who REALLY like these ones - especially The View!).

In Japan, each university has a community called ‘Circle’; in which people are doing some club activity stuffs: sports, music; volunteers etc. We were in the same Circle called 現代音楽研究会 (Gendai Ongaku Kenkyukai means ‘Contemporary Music Club’, of which the guy from Salon Music used to belong) and we formed DYGL in 2012. Actually, almost everyone was doing Hardcore, Noise; Avant-Garde or Ambient – so, Indie-Rock bands like us looked so weird in there.

It was a really interesting experience being in the club.

I hear elements of The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys in your work. Are British and American bands (like them) a big source of inspiration?

Yeah, it's huge. I've been listening to a bunch of music from overseas since I was thirteen or so - the bands you're mentioning as well. Personally, I've really been into U.K. Rock music - especially from the 2000s. Also, some of my favourite ones are from Sweden, France and Australia. But; I wanna say we're all just looking for good music: all we care about is the music itself. If it's good, it's good no matter where they come from. But, yeah, I definitely recognise that I was influenced by the music from the U.K. (all the time).

I don't know why - but I am really attracted to the British sounds.

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Which artists did you all grow up to? Did you all bond with music fairly young?

I think we all started listening to music around elementary-school or junior-high. None of us was trained at Piano School or anything. We started listening to Japanese Pop or Rock bands, first, when we were nine or ten and gradually began to find some more interesting Rock bands from Japan - or even from outside of the country. Each of us used to be in another band when we were in high-school (before we all met). We did have similar tastes by that time, already. To me, the first experience was the View's first album, Hats Off to the Buskers.

I was fourteen when I first listened to the album at an instrument shop in Jiyugaoka - which is the city between Shibuya and Yokohama. At the corner of the shop, there was C.D. section and I had been hanging out there often to check some new music. At that time, I started listening to some foreign bands and realised it's quite different from Japanese bands – but The View's first album blew my mind and I quit listening to all the bands I was listening to at that moment - and rapidly fell into this kind of music. I read the liner notes inside the C.D. and found out that the guy, James Endeacott, who found The View also found The Libertines and The Strokes - and I thought, like, ‘I really need to check these bands’.

Last year, you played so many gigs and countless new fans flock your way. What were your highlights from the year? Was it a quite a tough and challenging 2017?

Yeah. 2017 was a really busy year. It was the tour-life. The number of the shows we've played is the largest ever. We went to many countries to play gigs. Most of them were Asian countries and they are way more beautiful than we've expected - especially China. We've done seven shows there and it was a really huge experience. We spent many crazy nights hanging out. Everything is huge, audiences got so excited: it's beyond imagination. We quite enjoyed Thailand as well. I love the atmosphere there.

It seems like there are many music fans and they’ve got a cool taste for art and music. We always appreciate how Taiwan’s people are welcoming to us! I think we’ve been there over five times - but we're always happy to come back there. We could only do one show each in Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia - but can't wait to come back to all of the countries that we've been to. Playing in London and Brighton was totally epic. I've been dreaming of that for centuries - since I got really into Indie-Rock music when I was thirteen or fourteen-years-old.

Really glad that one of my dreams come true.

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LOGO DESIGN: Kieran Riddiough

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

We all are into the young Liverpool band called Trudy and the Romance these days. Shame are also cool. As I mentioned before; you can check Japanese four-piece girl band, Tawings. They are a Post-Punk band and sound tight.

The Districts from Philadelphia are really amazing as well! (Maybe you might know, though). We recently covered Buzzcocks’ Ever Fallen in Love (You Shouldn’t’ve) for the compilation album called Rhyming Slang Covers (released in Japan). There are so many local Indie bands in this - so it'd be cool if you check it out.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Tawings

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

For me; I wanna name The View's first (and best) album, Hats Off to the Buskers

This one opens my entire music world - to know a bunch of indie rock bands – and are all classics. This one is massive in my life.

Yotaro:  For me; I wanna name Atlas Sound’s Parallax

Yosuke: To me; the album that means the most is Dog Man Star by Suede

It has been my favourite since I saw them on Japanese T.V. when I was a teen.

Kohei: Figure 8 by Elliott Smith

Because this brings back memories and bums me out.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

The closest show we're playing is the Beach Fossils tour in Japan (in March). We're planning to record our album around April; so we wanna do the tour in the second half of this year! We might be going all around including Asia, Europe and North America…we're thinking Australia and Canada as well. It'd be even greater if we could come down to Brazil and South Africa, but let's see.

Will you play the U.K. anytime soon? Might we see you gig here?

We're coming to the U.K. this February to record the single - but we're be coming back for some shows and festivals soon! It's on our list to do the festivals in the U.K.; so, it's a great honour for us. Actually, we recognised there are so many good music cultures in each city in the U.K. – so, we hope we could do a U.K. tour by driving around in the tour van!

That'd be awesome.

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Any New Year’s resolutions made this year? What do you all hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

Because of the tight tour schedules; we couldn't really focus on writing new songs last year. We're gonna try to focus on songwriting this year – do it even harder than before. That's the main thing, I guess. (As much as we can). To me; maybe learning Spanish and Chinese is (still) on my list. As a band, we wanna try to find some new style of Rock music.

Also; we want to find a good label or record company who’ll understand and support our music.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Ok, sounds cool. I'll list these up down below. Enjoy!

Nobuki: Yura Yura Teikoku - Kudo Desu (Hollow Me)

Yosuke Shimonaka: Psychic TV - White Nights

Kohei Kamoto: Elliott Smith – Happiness

Yotaro Kachi: The Velvet Underground - Pale Blue Eyes  

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INTERVIEW: The Broken Islands

INTERVIEW:

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 The Broken Islands

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IT has been at least a few days since I…

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last featured a Canadian artist. I get a bit nervy being away from the country for that long, you know! Luckily, The Broken Islands are out in force to tell me about their (2017) album, Wars. The video for No One Left to Kill is out – a great opportunity to ask about the song’s creation and the themes that went into the album. I discover how the band came together and whether they are coming to the U.K. soon – and if there is a cool story behind their band-name, too.

I discover what the music scene is like in Vancouver; the new artists worth a second listen; the artists they all grew up on; if they are going to be busy this year; what it is like getting love from the critics – the guys each choose a song to end the interview.

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

We’re great, thanks for asking. So far, our week has been fantastic. We arrived on Saturday afternoon and spent the rest of the weekend drinking - it feels like home already!

In all seriousness, now that it’s Monday; hopefully the real fun begins. We’re here to, literally, pound the pavement to get our new L.P. into as many hands as possible (and book some shows). If all goes well, we’ll be back this spring/summer to play a few gigs and do some more drinking.

In all seriousness…

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

We are The Broken Islands from Vancouver B.C. (Canada).

If we’re doing roll-call, we are…

Rachelle Boily (Vocals)

Kurtis Sheldon (Guitar)

William Macdonald (Guitar)

Stephen Cameron (Bass)

Rachel Ashmore (Keyboards, Vocals)

Mitchell Williams (Drums)

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Sorry to ask but is there a special reason behind the band’s name, ‘The Broken Islands’?

You don’t have to say sorry. We’re Canadian: that’s our job. Sorry.

Initially, and for the longest time, we were called ‘The Sluts’. There are a lot of reasons behind that name - but that is for another day. Then, one of our members had a beautiful little girl and we collectively decided that the name needed to change. That decision was obvious and easy: finding a new name was not. Not at all. Being a democratic band; we were all able to passionately put forth one really shi*ty name after another. It was embarrassing, really.

We would come to the jam space three times a week and everyone would have the BEST (worst) name for the band. It went on forever. Then, one day, Stephen - who is an avid sailor - was going on and on about some trip he took up the west coast of Vancouver Island. At some point during our extended geography lesson; he mentioned ‘The Broken Islands’:  six small, uninhabited islands in the Pacific that just get thrashed all day and night.

Ding Ding!

Vancouver is where you play out of. How productive and varied is the music scene there? Is it a pretty cool place to live in?

The music scene is incredibly varied in Vancouver right now. There are some really great venues in East Van. that put on nights full of bands you’ve never heard of - that will leave it all on the stage and completely blow you away. It’s a very supportive scene full of socially-conscious, hard-working; honest gems of human beings. To be fair, from all of the over-priced condo developments; leased cars and generally shi*ty people as well in this city, the Pop scene must be doing great, too.

As for how productive is it - that’s a very broad question, isn’t it?!

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Is the music scene being productive in making a difference? Overall, no. Not at all. We’re just the ones on the left going on about all of the things you can’t fix with a fuc*ing meme, aren’t we?! But, to us and our friends, yes...it’s made a world of difference. Like in any city, the underground music scene is where anyone can feel comfortable in their own skin - and being Canadians in the new world of Trump; finding a place where you can be yourself is harder and more important than ever.

Is it a cool place to live? Outside of the ridiculous cost of living, it’s pretty fantastic.

No One Left to Kill is in the ether. Can you tell me about the song and its background?

Oh, that one! 

No One Left to Kill came about relatively quick after a lifetime of completely fuc*ing up every relationship ever.

The video looks pretty cool! Whose idea was the concept behind it?

The video really just created itself. As lame as that sounds, it’s just a stream-of-consciousness-while-exploring-the-idea-of-finding-comfort- in-being-alone.

That song is taken from the album, Wars. What are the main themes and ideas you explore on that record?

We could give a whole bunch of bullsh*t answers about wanting to go into the studio and make this album or that album - but we didn’t. We just went to our jam space, turned everything up as loud as possible and let it all go. Day after day; month after month; over and over and over until Dave ‘Rave’ Ogilvie hit record.

No master plan. Just an honest record.

It was well-received by critics! Has that given you drive to create new material? Will we see more material this year?

The kind words from critics have been great for sure - but we’ve never stopped writing. We have twenty-or-so new songs at various stages that we are working through. Some are still just colours and shapes: others are more or less ready to kick you in the teeth.

How did you all get together? Did you know, when you started jamming, you would make a load of music together?!

Like we mentioned earlier; the music scene in East Van. is a very social, very tight; very loving community. Most of us have been friends for years: the others were only one degree of separation away the whole time.

When we formed the band, it was definitely done with the intention of creating something we would be proud of: something we could share with the people closest to us at the very least - since none of us seems to communicate very well in real life.

Or so we’ve been told...

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Do you all share similar tastes? Which artists do you source from?

Hahaha! Similar tastes?! Yeah, right...

What artists do we source from? Well; we personally think we wear our influences on our sleeves. That’s not the proper answer that we’re supposed to give, of course; but one day it’ll be MC5 and another it’s Jackson 5 - and that’s for just one person!

There’s bloody six of us.

You source from a lot of genres and styles. It seems you have invented your own sound. Has it been hard crafting such a heady and eclectic sensation?

Let’s just say everyone having such different musical tastes definitely created some very ‘lively’ conversations in the beginning. Now, after countless hours of slowly letting tracks find their own way; we trust each other to just let it go. No one intentionally plays a particular style - but everyone definitely plays their own style (and it works).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Actors

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Without a doubt, check out Little Destroyer*

You have to listen to Actors*

Oh, and The Corps, for sure!*

*East Van. handshake. Xoxo

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

Rachelle: Ulrich Schnauss - A Strangely Isolated Place

Because it tells a story without words; it transports me to a fantasy world and calms me and every single time I listen to it - whether it’s my thousandth time; I hear a new instrument or sound I didn’t notice before.

Kurtis: Howlin’ Wolf – The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions

I grew up listening to Blues and Jazz. The riff for the opening track, Rockin’ Daddy, was the first riff I learned to play. Still number-one 'desert island record' for me.

William: Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures

Reminds me I’m not alone.

Stephen: Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II

My sister gave it to me when I was eleven because she hated the music I was listening to - and it changed everything, musically, for me from that point forward.

Mitch: Around the Fur by Deftones

When I started playing the drums, I was addicted to this album. I would play along with it for countless hours. I still love it.

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Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Yes, absolutely...!

No idea…!

Let us update this next week…!

Haha!

Will the U.K. be part of your touring plans?

Right now the U.K. is our main touring plan for spring and early-summer: maybe in late-summer, we’ll fly back and hit the continent.

Looking back on your time in music so far; are there favourite memories that come to mind?

Selling out our favourite club, The Cobalt, twice has to be up there but, without a doubt, recording with Dave ‘Rave’ Ogilvie takes the cake. The guy is a genius who’s worked with a hundred of our heroes – but, over and above, he’s the nicest guy in the world. You rarely meet people like that or have the pleasure to work with them. He’s on the top of our list for sure.

How do you all spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

Well…sometimes, we drink…

Oh, and Rachelle walks her dogs - while drinking.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Rachelle: Massive Attack - Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix)

Kurtis: Tom Waits - Come on Up to the House

William: DJ Shadow - Building Steam with a Grain of Salt

Stephen: The Police - Invisible Sun

Mitch: Grizzly Bear – Aquarian

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 Follow The Broken Islands

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INTERVIEW: Matthew Gordon Price

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Taylor Harford Photography

Matthew Gordon Price

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HIS E.P., Rivalry, is out on 30th March…

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and promises to be something very special. I have been speaking with Matthew Gordon Price about it and the stories that go into the tracks – and whether there is a song that stands out in his mind. He discusses the artists who have impacted him; what tour dates he has coming up; some new artists to watch carefully – how his current material differs from 2016’s The Bird & the Tree.

Price talks about idols like Damien Rice and which artists he was exposed to at a young age; what his personal aims are for this year; whether there is a favourite memory from his time in music; whether we can expect a single from the Rivalry E.P. – the talented songwriter tells me the three albums he holds dearest.

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

Hi Sam. It’s been a bit mental, not going to lie. Working hard at the moment trying to get myself ready for the new release and, as an independent artist, it’s a difficult task organising everything - but I love doing it so can’t really complain.

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

I’m Matthew. I’m originally from a small seaside town called Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset - but now based in Plymouth. My music has been labelled Indie/Alt-Folk. I’ve been compared to Damien Rice, Glenn Hansard; Marcus Mumford, Keaton Henson and others alike.

Your E.P., Rivalry, is out on 30th March. Can you reveal the themes and ideas that are investigated throughout?

Honestly, I’d like to keep that a thought for the audience...

But, overall the E.P. is about showing everyone a new sound…a new direction and a new me, I suppose? The songs, themselves, are about more recent events in my life - but I think the lyrics paint a better picture than me spilling all the goods.

Is there a standout song from the E.P. that is particularly special?

Personally, they all mean a lot to me in different ways - but Sweet as Stone, when I first wrote that, meant a lot. It hurt to write it and it still does to sing it...although Numb is close behind.

Will you release a single from the E.P.? Can we see anything arrive before the end of March?

Yes. Sweet as Stone will be available from 2nd March. (Fingers crossed).

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How does your current material differ to 2016’s The Bird & the Tree?

I still like performing the old stuff but my overall sound has changed dramatically. Vocally and band-wise I’ve gained a bigger and tighter sound - which I’m proud of – and am always striving for better, though, with recordings - as many musicians will probably agree.

You have made changes since then. You play with a full band. What was the decision behind recruiting members? How did you find them all?

I recorded my first E.P. with my drummer (Dan Johnson) and really from there it has grown. I found most of the other musicians through the local music scene or friends…

What kind of music did you grow up around? Do you have a first memory of music?

Anything my parents used to play in the house/car: mainly 1960s and 1970s music like The Beatles, The Kinks; Queen, Manfred Mann; T.Rex, The Hollies; Bob Dylan etc.

You have been compared to the likes of Damien Rice and Glenn Hansard. Are these artists important to you?

Damien Rice is a big inspiration for me - so I understand why people can sometimes say it comes across in my music. Glenn Hansard, on the other hand; people think I sound like him, vocally, which I have picked up on - and have listened to him more since.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Noah Gundersen

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Noah Gundersen, Keaton Henson and Matt Corby are up there for me...but, Jamie Yost (also in my band) is one to look up - as he has some real-good tracks he will release this year.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Jamie Jost

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

Damien Rice - O

Noah Gundersen - Carry the Ghost

Keaton Henson – Kindly Now

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PHOTO CREDIT: RYWSessions

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

I’ve got a mini-London-tour in Feb. Then, working on an August tour with the band alongside supporting tour bands.

13th Feb: The Lucky Pig, London (7 P.M.)

15th Feb: The Pack & Carriage, London (7 P.M.)

7th April:  EP LAUNCH: The Junction, Plymouth (8 P.M.)

20th April: The Spice of Life, London (7 P.M.)

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PHOTO CREDIT: RYWSessions

If someone came to one of your gigs; what could they expect in terms of the material played and the stage set-up?

I like to put on a ‘show’ - and I don’t mean entertainment with Jazz hands: I mean, musically, I like to start ambient then hit hard with a Rock-y sound. Then, I’ll bring it down after a few numbers for an intimate solo set; then bring the band back on to perform the new E.P.

I’m usually a very quiet person on stage - but that’s something I’m working on.

What do you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

Personally, I just want to gain a following that loves my music; wants to watch me perform at intimate venues and that I could do house gigs/small events with. I’m not looking for fame or fortune: give me enough money to get by and I’ll be happy doing what I’m doing.

Obviously, more festivals would be good too, though – they are always a good laugh.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Busking…no matter where, when or who with. I’ve busked with many different musicians and there is nothing like it. You get some real weirdoes, sometimes, who come up to you and chat – but, sometimes, you get really down-to-earth, lovely people.

I had a guy come up to us once, crying, saying what he heard was “so moving”. It’s those moments that you say to yourself: “This is what it’s about” - and I don’t mean making people cry. It’s about connecting with someone else and, even though they don’t know you; they don’t know the reasons you wrote the music – they connect with you.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Noah Gundersen – Cigarettes

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 Follow Matthew Gordon Price

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INTERVIEW: Bleek Noir

INTERVIEW:

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 Bleek Noir

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STEP into a rude-scented cave of…

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crepuscular sex, mystical smoke and beguiling mysticism…and meet Bleek Noir. He might be sitting sprawled by a laptop with an empty bottle of Viagra for all I know – I like to think of the fine artist as the ever-alluring musician as this intriguing and fictional figure of fascination (sitting on his sofa watching Pointless as he smokes a bedraggled, defeated cigarette!). Regardless of his current position – and consciousness!– I have been speaking with the Leeds-based warrior about his upcoming single, Lips Left Hissing. The single is out on Friday – its wonderful video is available to viewing eyes, now. I am premiering it on my site and offering its first outing!

Bleek Noir speaks about his E.P., The Garden de Sade (out on 2nd March), and the themes that go into it; which musicians have hit his heart the hardest; what we can expect in terms of future gigs; why there have been some definite ups and downs the past year – and why this year promises to be a very special one!

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Hi, Bleek Noir. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m alive, Sam (I’m smiling). I hope you’re well, sir - thanks for doing this. This week, I received the mastered record and I’m rather pleased with the results. When one project ends, it’s a freeing feeling; doubled with a strong desire to begin writing and to see where I go to next…

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

Bleek Noir is just me; some old drum machines and a Moog. I’ve always written rather lyrical songs - and the music has always had something dark and melancholic about it. I think of Bleek Noir as attentive music - in that it’s dark and distinctive, yet accessible.

Can you tell me how ‘Bleek Noir’ was born? Was there a moment where you needed to transform from ‘Christopher Fox’ to this beguiling and enticing figure?

I like those words…

Pre-Bleek Noir, I was recording and touring the country under the name 'Kindest of Thieves' - which was, previously, a guitar-drums duo just before the Royal Blood explosion. We were sniffed around by a few labels; deals were waved in front of us and it all quickly fell apart…permanently removing ‘something’ from inside me. There was a solo period of Kindest of Thieves before the birth of Bleek Noir where I explored my love of (the) 1920s and 1930s Jazz - and writing music inspired by that sound.

This carnation earned me a living and enabled me to meet many of the members of my Bleek Noir audience at an earlier time - whom I thank for so many reasons. Suddenly, I experienced a six-month viral infection; which meant I wasn’t able to sing - and it robbed me of any energy. I won’t bore you with details, but it was a horrible time for a huge host of reasons, made worse by other factors…which I’ve removed from this history. The inability to perform and work left me feeling hollow: I honestly had no idea who I was.

The first Bleek Noir E.P., Fresh Born Animal & I’m Not Sure Who I Am, was my first time trying to write music outside of the 1920s and 1930s styles of music in a number of years. When I’d finished, I couldn’t go back. I folded Kindest of Thieves which, of course, wasn’t easy…and here we are, way down the road in so little time…

Tell me about the new single, Lips Left Hissing. What is the story behind that one?

The lead guitar riff is my tribute to Rowland S. Howard in some way, I think.

(It’d be somewhat embarrassing if people heard this now and thought: “…really?!”)

Lyrically; it’s about holding a memory very close to you, unnaturally close to you - sometimes you hold many. You hold them to reassure yourself that those things happened and you’re capable of those things again. Well; the few I was holding faded, literally, and made fuzzy as though the memory has been processed - so I can no longer make out detail or time frames.

There’s a number of natural reasons for this - but that’s what the song is about: “Oh, fu*k me dead/It all fell out my head/You have joined the gaps in time/that slipped the bars that caged the mind blind/I clung to everything/but nothing clung to me”.

The video sees a female dancer, in black-and-white, dancing in a pub room. Was there a reason for that particular concept? What does the concept symbolise, in relation to the song’s messages?

That’s Smokestack in Leeds: a fine speakeasy bar and venue. The dancer is Annie Keating, a dear friend of mine (and a professional dancer/teacher). There was no grand concept; only that I knew I couldn’t convey the sentiment of the lyrics in a video. (I know my limits.) I was pleased with the Last Night I Saw Myself with the Animals Video as low-production/snuff-film-esque as it is...but I needed backup here. I wanted to keep the low light, shaky; handheld, cut-up feel…but I wanted something dramatic, powerful and beautiful happening to accompany such a complex lyrical concept. I think Annie really does that.

I wish I could give some really big elaborate and artistic response, but that’s honestly it. That, and I can’t stand three days of editing my own face: it’s enough to make me shudder for all eternity.

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It is from the E.P., The Garden de Sade. What sort of themes and ideas go into the E.P.?

De Sade; The Marquis de Sade (sadism). The Garden; the world, a sadistic world...pretentious, eh?

Themes? That’s a really good question...

Do You What I Mean? is about struggling to connect and relate - and the surprise when you do. (Lips Left Hissing, we’ve covered already). Can’t Have Her (is about) an internal conversation: me and my black dog. Ten Kinds of Love I think, in all honesty; this is a Goth-y ‘maybe’ love song. From the Bell Jar: the bell jar is England the unemployed are becoming the homeless; the post-Brexit culture is here and I don’t like it. It’s quite a misanthropic song, I guess. Last Night I Saw Myself with the Animals, which is very important to me, I’m quite proud of it.

It’s about total disconnection, confusion (hence, why it lyrically darts around); a need to feel things, depression and trying to maintain a relationship at the same time. Pleased to say LNISMWTA was written accessing older, blurrier and darker pasts.

How do you think your current work differs from your first offerings as Bleek Noir?

I think the production is much better this time - though it’s still pretty lo-fi.

It’s darker; a little more challenging, musically; a lot more lyrical; a hundred-times more dramatic and as honest as I can possibly be. I think I’m showing a fleshed, full-formed and boundary-less Bleek Noir.

Your music reminds me of dark and theatrical artists like Nick Cave. How important is he to you?

That’s flattering, thank you. Nick is very important. His music and writing changed everything for me - from The Birthday Party through to Skeleton Tree…it’s all incredible. Equally important, though, are Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen; Morrissey, Billie Holiday; Echo & the Bunnymen…

I think, over years of adoring an artist’s work and consuming everything they’ve ever made over and over again; something about their work or sound becomes engrained in you. It’s all happening behind the skull, of its own accord. I think my years of listening and playing 1920s and 1930s Jazz - and in that style - a lot of that is under my fingers and in my voice.

I want those lulling melodies vocally and in the music - via those beautiful and interesting chord voicings.

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Which artists did you grow up listening to? Did your parents instil music in you from a young age?

My first gig was Black Sabbath was I when thirteen - the original line-up at Download Festival. I begged my parents to take me to Donington. I think, at that point, my dad realised I wasn’t gonna be playing rugby, ever - and both my parents have been really supportive of me making music since I was twelve. Morrissey, when he released You Are the Quarry, was introduced at home; then, so was his earlier solo work…then, The Smiths. During this time, we’d buy tickets for multiple tour dates around the country and go and see him play everywhere from little theatres to festivals. Later; I started going alone. The Low in High School tour will be my seventeenth time: it’s a very personal thing to me now; the music was there through everything.

Echo & the Bunnymen was always my dad’s band: he went to see them religiously everywhere when he was younger; so that band, and especially those first four albums, are very much in me now. I love that band - and Will Sergeant, their guitarist, is not only one of life’s nice people but he’s a criminally-underrated guitarist.

You are based out of Leeds. What is Leeds, and Yorkshire, like for new music? Is it somewhere you can find opportunities and like-minded souls?

I’m originally from Warrington - so I tend to like anywhere outside of there. Seriously, though, I love Leeds. It’s been home for two years nearly and I have no intention of being anywhere else. Leeds and Yorkshire’s Roots and Jazz music scenes are exceptional. That was my calling here. I was welcomed by many of the musicians and promoters surrounding those styles and, in areas like Sheffield; I found I’d built a real audience of people I genuinely really admire and like as human beings.

Many of them still follow my releases as Bleek Noir - and I’m really thankful.

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IN THIS PHOTO: ist ist

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

There’s a band called ist ist. They’re the best thing to happen to new music in ages: dark, catchy and brilliant. Naked (On Drugs) are also fantastic and more experimental...I also think (Nick) Cave fans will enjoy N.O.D.

They’re both Manchester bands.

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IN THIS PHOTO: A promotional image from Naked (On Drug)'s Facebook page

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

Three? That’s not possible.

Billie Holiday - Lady in Satin

Because it’s the most beautiful album ever made - i’m certain of it. Despite her health and issues with drugs her voice, to me, during this session, is like a weathered instrument. Perfect.

The Smiths - The Smiths

Because I needed that album.

Leonard Cohen - Songs of Love and Hate

Because it’s lyrically-perfect and so beautifully melancholic that it’s hardly believable...

Tom Waits - Franks Wild Years/Rain Dogs

Tom waits at his height of genius and, of course, Marc Ribot: one of the world’s finest guitarists.

Echo & the Bunnymen - Heaven Up Here

I can’t hear this album enough - and I’ve listened to it thousands and thousands of times. One of Britain’s finest bands (and Liverpool’s finest exports).

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up? 

I’ve been offered gigs and festivals across the country and Europe as Bleek Noir - and I’m keen to begin accepting these offers and bringing Bleek Noir to the stage. So far; Bleek Noir has been a recording project: when it goes live, it’s going be different to the record…

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It seems like a live show would be a different experience to a Bleek Noir recording! Do you work with other musicians when on stage? What differences are there between your studio work and your live gigs?

Due to my history playing in a duo; I like creating big, wide (but clear) guitar sounds and I have a sampler to trigger the drum machines for the stage. I don’t want to have a backing-track situation; so I think, live, Bleek Noir will be drum machines, guitar and vocals. The arrangements will be more about ‘the song’. However I look at it; to have an honest and energetic live set-up, I’ll have to sacrifice some of the overdubs on the recorded versions.

But, raw and exciting live shows are where I’ve always lived.

What has been your most treasured memory from your career so far?

Playing with a horn section for the final Kindest of Thieves record (my previous carnation). It was recorded at Mill Hill Chapel in Leeds onto tape by James O’Connor.

A really special experience.

How do you spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

If I’m not writing, recording; mixing or producing content, I’m with a friend over dinner or in a bar (though, I rarely drink) or at my place. Otherwise; I’m rather addicted to documentaries and reading certain writers – (Milan) Kundera, (Charles) Bukowski; (Leonard) Cohen, (Haruki) Murakami etc.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

This never stops really ‘getting’ me...

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Follow Bleek Noir

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INTERVIEW: ROE

INTERVIEW:

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ROE

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I can only imagine how challenging it is…

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for a teenage artist to get a foothold in the music industry. Irish musician ROE discusses her path into music and what inspired the brilliant and arresting, Wasted.Patient.Thinking. She talks about the music scene in Derry – and how important the Irish crowds are – the artists/sounds that inspire her music; whether there are any tour dates coming up – and whether we can expect to see new material very soon.

I ask ROE how it feels having her music described as ‘grumpy’; how musical her young life was; the three albums that mean the most to her; some great new acts worth checking out – how she spends her free time (away from music).

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

Heya! It’s been pretty chill for a change!

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

My name’s ROE and I’m an Electro-Pop multi-instrumentalist.

You describe your music as ‘grumpy’. Is that a persona, to an extent – or is it a genuine manifestation of personal anxieties and mood?

I think the grumpy thing comes from my lyrics - so it’s just genuine mood! Most of my songs sound pretty happy - until you really listen to the lyrics and then people realise how dark the things I talk about really are. About a year ago, a blog described my music as ‘grumpy Electro-Pop’ and I really liked the term so, ever since, I’ve just run with it!

Wasted.Patient.Thinking. is your new single. Can you talk about the background and what the song is all about?

Wasted.Patient.Thinking. is about not putting someone else’s happiness above your own. Everybody gets into bad relationships at some point in their life: whether it’s with pals or something more and, even though it might be hard; the best thing in those situations is to get out of it and look after yourself - rather than think about someone else’s feelings.

Is there going to be more material later in the year? What are you working on right now?

Definitely! At the minute; I’m back in the studio working on a big release for this year and I’m always writing new material…

So...you can 100% expect a lot in 2018.

Derry is where you are from. Is there a big music scene there? How inspirational are the people to you?

The music scene in Derry is pretty big and there’s usually always a gig to go to - but I think the support for local artists could be way better. For some reason, I think it’s really hard to get people from Derry to head out to an original band’s gig. The people of in our music community seriously inspired me to get involved in it. The music workshops put on when I was younger were what pushed me to keep writing and playing for people.

I have been thinking about young artists and the pressure the media puts on them. At ninteen; do you feel there is a weight of expectation behind you?

Yeah. I think that, by being a young artist, there is this underlying pressure of having to accomplish all of your goals while you’re still really young - even though there are so many musicians out there that spend years working on their music to get where they want to be. In the year-and-a-half that I’ve been doing this; I’ve also realised how important your image and the way that you present yourself is (which is a bit scary) - because everything that you put up online or say in an interview is just out there in public for everyone to see.

But, there’s also something super-honest about that, though, which I love.

Last year; you played in Europe and the U.K. – some big festival appearances included! Is it quite a whirlwind looking back? Do you hope to have the same success – and busy diary – as 2017?

It’s been absolutely mental!

I never expected to be as busy as I was last year and, in no way, expected to be playing all of these big festivals less than a year into being ROE. I would love to be as busy as last year- hopefully even busier! 

Is the stage somewhere you feel your music comes to life? How exhilarating is it getting that first-hand reaction from people?

100%! Anytime I play a gig, it’s always a mad feeling looking out and watching people listen to my songs for the first time. When people cry or smile - or start dancing away - I get this feeling of gratification knowing that I’ve written something that connects to people the way I wanted it to. Even though I play these songs over and over; the crowd and the fact that these people are only hearing what I’ve written for the first time always makes me hyped to play them.

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Was your early life filled with music? Which artists were you exposed to at a young age?

I’ve always been connected to music because of my dad. When I was younger, he listened to loads of C.D.s in the house and took me to concerts. I played the cello when I was in primary school and took some piano lessons. But; it wasn’t until I was about fourteen and my brother got a guitar - which I stole - for Christmas that I really got into playing music.

There was a lot of U2, Bon Jovi and The Killers in my life as a kid.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Tom Misch/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

What are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I think you should check out Tom Misch, Sigrid and The Academic. They’re all super-cool.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: The Academic/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

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

Joni Mitchell’s Blue

Because the way that she tells stories in her songs really translated into my writing.

U2’s Songs of Innocence

Because my dad always played them around the house growing up - and he was the one that got me into music.

Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life

Because it’s an album that I always come back to and, every time, it amazes me how incredible of a songwriter he is.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

At the minute, I’m planning an Irish tour! I have a few gigs coming up soon. I’m playing the Nerve Centre on Friday (2nd February) for Independent Venue Week; Output Belfast on 8th - and I have a couple more gigs coming up down in Dublin soon!

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Looking back on your time in music so far; are there favourite memories that come to mind?

Glastonbury; because of how insane it was that I was playing at it and the Other Voices festival down in Dingle because of how incredible that weekend was. It was just the best craic - and every show was packed out! Also; Whelan’s Ones to Watch because it was my first time doing a gig there - and there was a full-house (of the best audience) for it.

How do you spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

I go to the gym a few days a week to clear my head; hang out with my friends and watch a lot of T.V. shows!

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

I Wish - Stevie Wonder

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INTERVIEW: Gizmo Varillas

INTERVIEW:

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 Gizmo Varillas

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IT has been fascinating speaking with Gizmo Varillas…

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about his new track, Losing You, and what compelled its creation. He tells me about his second album, Dreaming of Better Days, and the sort of ideas that go into the songs. I ask about his upbringing and the music that inspires him hardest; what gigs he has in the pipe; how motivating London is – and which new artists are worth digging.

He talks about his favourite memory so far and the three albums he holds dearest; how his Spanish upbringing has shaped and driven his music; how he spends his time away from music – why writing Losing You was especially emotional and upsetting.

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

Great, thank you - excited to release new music this year.

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

I am a songwriter that makes music (mainly) inspired by Latin America and Africa. I use traditional tropical rhythms and instruments from around the world to create new exciting music.

Losing You is the new single. It was written as a response to the Pulse nightclub shootings in 2016. Was it an emotional track to put together?

It was emotional. It's one of the few songs that I have written that, as I made the melody, it inflicted an emotional reaction on me...

I shed a few tears while writing it.

What was your reaction to what happened? Did you affect you in a very immediate and profound way?

I was shocked at first: what happened didn't really sink in at first. It was only when I was on the train - I was really touched by what I saw on the train that same day. I was on my way to work and I saw two men sitting opposite me, crying and holding hands. I must have internalised that and the next day the song just flew out of my mouth, word for word. I used the name ‘Maribel’ as a way of putting myself in the shoes of one of the Latin mothers who lost their child. That song is, basically, a letter to her.

The sad lyrics provide some sort of depth - and the happy music gives reassurance.

The song is taken from your second album, Dreaming of Better Days. Can you reveal any other songs and ideas on the record? What are the main topics of inspiration you explore?

Lonely Heart is an ode to companionship and friendship. Fever, Fever is an analogy of the state of the world. It's about how tensions are rising: “The heat is getting critical, fever, fever". But, it's also about empowerment and taking a stand, hence: “I'm not waiting for a miracle”. It can also be interpreted in a way that, for example, the Earth's temperature is actually rising, too - and that it's time to change our ways. So; there are several meanings that can be drawn from this song. One People is about bringing people closer together.

Camino Al Amor is about the highs and lows of finding love: the good and the bad is all part of the journey. Through the Hourglass is a song of nostalgia and finding your way back home. Before the Sun Goes Down has a carpe diem message behind it. The Truth Will Be Heard is a song of freedom and that you can't tie down the truth: one way or another, it will come out eventually. Lights Down Low is about the power of love and how it can pull us back up in our lowest of times.

Dreaming of Better Days is a song of hope - and envisioning a brighter future.

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Your music takes in rhythms from African and Latin sway - a myriad combination of colours. Are vibrancy and eclecticism important as a songwriter?

It certainly is for me. I need this vibrancy in my songs to make it interesting for me. I think it makes the album, as a whole, more colourful and distinctive.

Do you feel your music differs a lot from your earliest music in 2016? What are the main changes you have made as an artist?

I think there hasn't been a huge shift. What has happened is that my music has developed in various ways. I have incorporated new instruments; the production and sound have changed - but the feeling and emotion in the songs are the same as in 2016.

That's why I think this second album is a natural progression from the first - and I am very proud of both.

How much influence do you take from your homeland and the sounds you were exposed to young?

I was born in Spain (by the northern coastline) and I used to travel a lot in the car, listening to music while going from beach to beach. So, those moments have been engrained in me forever. I take huge influence from that time when I was young; but it's more of an inbuilt thing now.

That's something you can't erase.

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Politics and the state of the world seem to play into your thoughts. Do you think, with leaders like Trump creating division, you have become more inward-looking as a writer? What is your view of the current political climate?

In these troubled times; Trump certainly creates division. In that respect, he is one of the most destructive people in power. His decision to put a wall around Mexico certainly fuelled the writing of a song like Fever, Fever – as I wrote “I'm tearing down these walls we have between us”. His actions have made me more outward-looking, if anything, I consider the state of the world to be something important to talk about. (I could not watch atrocities and not talk about them in my songs).

I will always feel the urge to write about what is going on in the world.

London is where you are based now. Is the city somewhere that gives you creative flow and ideas?

London has a powerful energy to it that keeps you on your toes. I like that. It does give me creative ideas - because I take so much inspiration from the different cultures that live here. I have also seen so many great musicians in this city and that is also inspiring - to be the best you can be. It allows you to find yourself and find out what qualities make you different from everyone else.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Quantic/PHOTO CREDIT: Christina Jorro Studios

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I really like Quantic, Jungle Fire and Sinkane.

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

Bob Marley – Exodus

Because Bob spoke about the injustices he faced around him in this album in such a profound way.

Fela Kuti – Zombie

Because not many artists can make a political stance and make you want to dance the night away at the same time. The percussion on this album is just phenomenal.

Manu Chao – Clandestino

Because it is the soundtrack to my youth and it brings me huge nostalgia - as well as being an incredible record full of great songs and feel good music.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up? 

On 12th February, I will be supporting the amazing Mexican pop star Natalia Lafourcade at KOKO (in London). Shortly after, I will be announcing my own headline show in London - so make sure to keep an eye out. More dates will follow that takes me across the U.K. and Europe.

You will find everything on my website.

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What has been your most treasured memory from your career so far?

Creating two albums in my bedroom and seeing them being played by fans from Australia, to Russia; Turkey, Mexico and Africa...

That, for me, is my most treasured memory to date.

How do you spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

I love climbing, swimming - and I also surf when I'm in Spain or Portugal. I also like to listen to podcasts or read books on poetry and indigenous culture and music.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Natalia Lafourcade – Tú Si Sabes Quererme

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INTERVIEW: Vulpine Smile

INTERVIEW:

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Vulpine Smile

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THEIR new single is in the can - and the boys are teasing…

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it to the waiting world. I have been speaking with Cambridge’s Vulpine Smile about their new single, The Way It Flows, and what inspired it (it will be released to the waiting public soon). I find out - Josh shoulders the questions - how the band came together and what gigs they have coming up; the music that inspires them; what we can expect to hear on their forthcoming E.P. – some of the new artists we should check out.

I find out how Vulpine Smile’s music comes together and what motivates them; whether there is a trouble-maker in the ranks; how they spend their free time; the albums that mean the most to them – and if there is a special story behind that unique band-name.

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

We are good, thanks. Been busy working and making new music and artwork for the band.

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

We are a three-piece Garage-Blues-Rock band from Cambridge. Josh plays the guitar and sings; Matt plays bass and Jack’s on drums.

Can I ask where the name ‘Vulpine Smile’ comes from? Is there a special story behind it?

One day, Jack decided he wanted to become a tattoo artist; so he bought a tattoo gun online and, when it arrived, started tattooing his own body for practice. He then decided he needed to practice on someone else; so he asked me (Josh) if he could. Originally, I wanted an eagle - but it was too difficult to draw so I ended up with a little fox on my leg. 

‘Vulpine’ is another word for 'fox' and it seemed to roll off the tongue…so we went with it.

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The Way It Flows is your new track. It sounds like you are at your most confident. Do you feel at the peak of your game? What is the song about?

We’ve been gigging and making music together for over a year now, so we feel confident playing together. We feel that there is a lot we have to show people. The song is a satire on conformity…or maybe just a love song - we’re not quite sure.

Will there be a video for it? Any plans regarding a forthcoming shoot?

We are working on concepts for a video at the moment: hopefully, soon, we will have something interesting.

There will be an E.P., I understand. Can you reveal song-titles or inspirations? What can we expect from it?

You can expect a mix of dark, heavy riffs - like in Glass Machine - but also some pretty Folk songs to even things out a bit.

Cambridge is where you are based. Is there a busy and hungry music scene up there?

There is a good music scene and there are some great bands about. However, Cambridge is more suited to Folk singers and Jazz bands. Plus; it’s a small city - so we tend to play the same venues over and over (like The Corner House or The Blue Moon).

I am interested how you all found one another. Give us an insight into the formation of Vulpine Smile…

Originally, me and Jack were a two-piece playing Garage-Rock and Blues. We started writing more complicated songs and decided to start looking for a bass player to help us out. Me and Jack are twin brothers; so we have known each other since birth - but we were both friends with Matt all the way through school.

We hadn’t seen Matt in about six years - but we knew he was a musician - so we asked him if he wanted to play bass in our band. He said ‘yes’ however, at the time, he was just a guitarist and had never picked up a bass before in his life – luckily, he took to it pretty quickly and completely transformed our sound.

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Do you all share music tastes? Which artists are you each inspired by?

We do share similar music tastes but we have also introduced each other to all sorts of music. I’ve always been very inspired by old Blues and Folk music: Blind Willie Johnson in particular; Bob Dylan and Damien Rice for lyrics and Hendrix for the riffs. Oh…and Jeff Buckley (Josh).

I think Pete Trewavas from Marillion would be top of my list as an inspiration...Justin Chancellor, also (Matt)

Jack White as a songwriter and drummer: complete genius (Jack Page).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Anna Calvi

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Don’t know that many new artists - but we like Anna Calvi, The Dead Weather; Uni, Screaming Females; Lillie Mae and Black Country Communion.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Screaming Females/PHOTO CREDIT: Farrah Skeiky

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

I heard The White Stripes’ debut album (The White Stripes) in my late-teens and it just felt perfect to me. I didn’t know music could be so simple, yet so powerful and beautiful. This was the first time I thought about making my own music and being in a band (Josh).

Dream Theater – Octavarium

This album remains one of my most-listened-to on my iPod I think I was sixteen when I first heard it. The twenty-six-minute song, Octavarium, still gives me goosebumps. Every track is magical (Matt).

The first time I knew I wanted to be a drummer was when I heard Jack White playing the drums for The Dead Weather on their album, Horehound. I was so obsessed with his drumming that I would watch the same Dead Weather concert over and over again every night (Jack).

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Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

We are still adding finishing touches to the E.P. at the moment. Once that’s done; we will be getting some dates sorted. We’re always looking for gigs: we’ll play pretty much anywhere.

Looking back on your time in music so far; are there favourite memories that come to mind?

Last year, we played The Garage in London. We opened for a Chinese band Called Miserable Faith, who we’d never heard of, but, apparently, they’re massive in China - because it seemed like about two-million Chinese people turned up! They went absolutely mental when Miserable Faith came out.

It was a fun night!

Is there a standout member of the group who causes a bit of mischief – that ‘character’ that gives it an extra ounce of ‘oomph’?!

Jack is definitely one to watch...

He has a habit for spontaneous drum solos; losing his underwear and ranting on about obscure conspiracy theories involving aliens.

How do you all spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

Jack spends a lot of time holed up in his room making weird art for the band. He also plays a lot of video games (as does Matt). We watch a lot of films; go to the cinema as much as we can and are obsessed with T.V. series Peaky Blinders and Vikings.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Jack White - Respect Commander

Anna Calvi - I’ll Be Your Man

Marillion - An Accidental Man

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INTERVIEW: Carla J. Easton

INTERVIEW:

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 Carla J. Easton

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THIS ranks alongside the most fulsome interviews…

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I have ever conducted - Carla J. Easton provided deep and thoughtful answers to each question I asked her! We talked about her musical upbringing and the background to Lights in the Dark. She discussed the song and how she will follow it up; whether there are any gigs pencilled in the diary; how important her family are regarding her music tastes; performing with TeenCanteen – and what it was like recording in Vancouver.

I discovered the albums and artists who have shaped her and was told some wonderful stories and memories; learned about a few new artists worth checking out; discovered whether she gets to kick back away from music – and what this week has been like for her!

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

I'm great, thanks.

The last week has been fantastic as all my friends from Canada arrived and we hit rehearsals immediately - amidst catching up with each other. I’ve has radio sessions and (been) launching the Lights in the Dark Tour.

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

My name is Carla J. Easton and I have been writing and performing music since 2004. This started with the band, Futuristic Retro Champions (I wrote the songs and played synth), before moving onto TeenCanteen in 2012 - just after finishing my Masters of Fine Art at Glasgow School of Art. TeenCanteen was the first time I started singing what I was writing - and we released our debut album in 2016.

That year; I also brought out a solo album under the alias ‘Ette’. Now…I'm just me!

Lights in the Dark is your new single. What is the story behind it? 

I wrote Lights in the Dark during the inaugural singer-songwriter, two-week residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in March 2017. It was the first of four songs I would write during my time there. I had a studio with a grand piano in it and windows that looked out onto snowy mountains and forests. It gave me a lot of time to reflect and focus. Lights' is part of a larger story thread - what has, now, become an album's worth of fully-recorded songs delving into lucid dreaming vs. the mundanity of reality (and the blur between the two).

Ultimately, this song is about the little things that count that you lose - and the little things that happen in daily life that point out to something being wrong.

It was recorded at Hotel2Tango in Montreal. How did you find the experience? Do you split your time between Canada and Glasgow? 

When I returned from the songwriting residency at Banff; I made some big changes to my life. I had Don Henry's words ringing in my ears after a session with him where I played him some of my new material. He said: “You have to make more time to write” and he explained to me that I was maybe missing out on writing, what could be, some of my best work because my lifestyle didn't allow me the time to focus...

So; I got back to Scotland and moved back to my family home to live with my mum. She let me set up a home-studio – which, was, basically, my old upright piano that I've had since I was ten (which I got tuned!); a Korg MiniPops drum machine; a Roland-Juno Di and a Casio MT-45 - and I (just) wrote and wrote and wrote. I had GarageBand on my iPad and I just demoed up everything. I'd be up until all hours getting everything recorded. The more I did this, the easier it became and, all of a sudden, I was writing about two or three songs a week.

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The entire time; I had kept in contact with Howard (who I'd met on the residency) as well as with my new friends I had made there – Jesse Aaron Shire, Brett Nelson and Kev Corbett. I'd send them these demos. The album started at La Chunky in Glasgow with my very good friends, Ronan Breslin and Coliln McGeoch, who have been nothing but supportive of the work I do since the very early days of Futuristic Retro Champions. I started Pro Tools sessions with them - to then take over to Montreal and build on with my band and Howard.

What's now remarkable is that a lot of the guide vocals recorded at La Chunky have ended up being the ones used in the final mixes for the album! I really love how this is a collection of work recorded between Scotland and Canada.

Recording at Hotel2Tango in Montreal is one of the most fun experiences I have ever had in a studio - and the most intense. Ten ten-hour days in a row with live tracking then overdubs, choir singing; tubular bells, trumpets; strings and sitar. None of the songs had been rehearsed together as a band. Howard said: “Let's just set up and hit record and make a record that captures the moment it all clicks”. We all went with our gut instinct on a lot of songs, as a result. I like going into a studio this way: I'd say I thrive on it! You don't have time to overthink anything and you aren't attached to anything going in.

Plus; when you get the chance to listen back, it's so exciting to hear what you have just created – it's incredible to listen to something that didn't exist thirty-minutes previously.

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With that in mind; what are the main differences in the music scenes of, say, Glasgow and Montreal? 

It's hard to say!

Most of my time in Montreal was spent in the recording studio. Prior to starting the sessions, I was invited to play at Pop Montreal - which is similar to The Great Escape, though it seemed more relaxed and less of an industry event. There were so many bands playing and gigs happening - the city was positively buzzing with late-night melodies.

Montreal is an incredible city - and I feel lucky to have spent time there while the album was being made.

The remainder of your upcoming album was also recorded there. Can you reveal the subjects and inspirations that go into the record? 

Loosely; it's realisation and escapism: lucid dreaming and introspection with storytelling at its core. Howard and I talked a lot about George Harrison and All Things Must Pass during the recording sessions. I think that record and Phil Spector's Wall of Sound were always going to be huge factors in terms of sound - but translating into something new. All the musicians who recorded with me are also solo singer-songwriters in their own right so, bringing together all these different musical backgrounds and genres was always going to result in something that encompassed many different sounds - while maintaining a strong Pop feel with the synth. bang in the middle of it all.

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You have recorded one album with TeenCanteen - one solo album as Ette. How do you feel, since then, you have progressed as a songwriter? 

I'd hope I'm getting stronger and better as I'd never wanted to plateau as an artist. I'm enjoying playing about with song structure at the moment and writing without worrying about what part is a verse or what part is a chorus. I think that comes from reading poetry and attending poetry readings: thinking more about the flow of words and a song as a whole, rather than in sections. Though I know this has proved annoying for the people recording with me; when they say “Can we jump to the chorus” and I don't know what the chorus is - and everyone has a different take on what part the chorus is! Sonically, I feel like the album at Hotel2Tango is the album I have been hoping to realise for a long time. I think about arrangements a lot more when I'm writing now.

I know where a brass or string melody will go and that that will make up a large part of the final recording - so it becomes part of the songwriting. I'm not sure if that means I'm dipping my toe into co-producing or not!

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Tell me about the music you were raised on. Did you have quite eclectic tastes as a youngster? 

Very much so…and I could talk about music all day long! My eldest brother is ten years older than me; so I listened to what he was listening to. This meant that, at the age of five - when he was fifteen -, I was listening to Teenage Fanclub, BMX Bandits; The Stone Roses and The Lemonheads. The Lemonheads’ cover of Mrs. Robinson was the first 7'' record I owned. I remember the significance of Oasis bursting onto the scene as my brother was obsessed with them. There were always NME and Melody Maker’s lying about the house - and I would religiously read them and then ask my brother to buy me singles or albums based on the reviews in them. I had a huge poster of Tim Burgess on my bedroom wall by the time I was ten - facing a similar-sized poster of Bob Marley. I've always loved music. I equally adore Kylie Minogue and The Polyphonic Spree.

I think it's best not to be genre specific and dip your toe in everything.

In addition to writing a song for Belle and Sebastian’s E.P., How to Solve Our Human Problems; you are due to play on Marc Riley’s show. Do you have any other ambitions and big plans for the future? 

We'll finish the Lights in the Dark Tour and, then, I have a couple of shows in April and another single release around then. I'm at my happiest writing and recording - so I hope to continue with that this year.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out? 

Pocket Knife, Jared Celosse and West Princes.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Jared Celosse

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

All Things Must Pass – George Harrison

I used to get home from school and switch on the T.V. and watch music channels. We had Sky hooked up to a small box-T.V. in my brother’s room - which also doubled as a den for people to hang out in. I saw the VH1 documentary on the re-release of All Things Must Pass. I was fifteen at the time. I asked my brother to pick me up a copy of it when he was in Glasgow on his way home from work and bring it home to me in Carluke. He'd always do that if I asked him too. I remember the first time I stuck on C.D. two with the opening title-track. I was standing on my bed right up next to my speakers. My room was yellow and the sun was pouring in through the windows - and the opening chords and rhythm of All Things Must Pass Started. (“Sunshine doesn't last all morning...”). My dad had just passed away and George taught me how to deal with that.

I will always think of that record as a friend that got me through some difficult times. I love listening to it now as an adult and feeling like I'm home.

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Tapestry – Carole King

My eldest brother is ten years older than me – and he is a music obsessive. When he passed his driving test; he used to make mixtapes and tell me to grab my sunglasses. We would go for a drive around the Clyde Valley listening to the compilations he had made. It was one of my favourite things to do from the age of eight onwards. One day, we were driving around with the stereo volume turned way up and the opening piano riff of I Feel the Earth Move started blasting out the speakers. It was the first time I had heard a piano so up-front in the mix. When Carole started singing; I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I think I must have been about fourteen at the time. It was also the first time I had heard a woman's voice sing that way. It was soulful and scratchy and wasn't perfect like the vocal performances I had been exposed to on Pop records of the time.

(I made a mental note).

My brother had the biggest C.D. and record collection ever. It was all carefully catalogued and alphabetised. He always told me not to go near it when he wasn't in! I never listened to him and would snoop around looking for things when I got in from school and he was still working in Glasgow (he didn't move out till he was twenty-seven!). That's when I found Tapestry and I think it changed my life in ways I'll never know. I'd been having piano lessons since the age of eight. Listening to Tapestry made me want to start and bash out melodies on my upright and sing along. Carole's voice made me want to sing along with her.

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The Cookies – The Cookies

A lot of people (always) assume that all I listen to is girl-groups - which isn't true at all! I love and am fascinated by the genre and own a lot of records by them…but this stems from a wider interest in understanding their often-overlooked role in the history of popular music. The first girl-group record I got was a greatest hits compilation by a group I had never heard of before called The Cookies. I was twenty-one and living in Edinburgh at the time.

My favourite record shop was and still is Backbeat Records in Newington. It is jam-packed full of vinyl - it's so full you have to leave your bag and coat at the door just so you can get in the place. I had been visiting regularly to buy Northern Soul records and had struck up a friendship with the owner. There was a room in the back that he used to call ‘The Soul Kitch’ - as the shop was a converted old flat. He'd put a box in there and stick records in it - he thought I would like them. One day; The Cookies were peering up at me…so I bought it.

I got home and stuck it on my record player and Earl-Jean MacRae arrived into my life with a voice like an iron fist in a velvet glove - and that was me absolutely hooked. Who was she? Who were the group? Were there more out there? The swagger to the song Don't Say Nothing Bad About My Baby was incredible; the songwriting outstanding - but then it would be: it was Goffin and King

That's how I got hooked on girl-groups.

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Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Wed 31st Jan: Manchester at The Castle

Fri 2nd Feb: London at the Sebright Arms

Wed 4th April: Glasgow at Nice and Sleazy's

Wed 11th (April): Edinburgh at Sneaky Pete's

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You perform with a Canadian band. How exciting is it getting on stage with them and putting your songs to the people? 

Sadly; I won't always be performing with my Canadian band - which is why it has been so wonderful to have them over for the release of the first single we recorded together. It means a lot to me that the first time people will hear these songs played live is with the musicians who helped me shape and create it.

Do you get to kick-back and detach from music much – is so; how do you spend your spare time? 

I read a lot: especially poetry books and philosophy. I like to have a stack by my bed to dip in and out of. Sometimes, I draw. I actually hate being idle. It really freaks me out if I find myself with nothing to do. Outside of music; I've been working on a documentary with Blair Young for about eighteen months now - and I've been continuing to write and record with Stephen Watkins, too. I'd say solo album number-three is halfway done…before solo album number-two has even been released!

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Always SO HARD to do this!

Right now, how about the Lambchop cover of Prince's When You Were Mine. It's absolutely tremendous!

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INTERVIEW: Late TV

INTERVIEW:

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 Late TV

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I am already a fan of Late TV...

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I was, therefore, excited when they announced the single, Losin’ It – so I jumped at the chance to catch up with them. Luke Novak (from the band) talks about the new single and whether there will be more material; how the track differs from their previous track, Citizen; why they have adopted a Bowie-esque sound to their latest cut – and what touring dates they have coming.

I learn why London is so important to the guys; what music the band are inspired by (and Luke grew up around); what the best Late TV memories have been so far; whether there are any resolutions in Luke’s/the band’s camp – some new artists are offered up for us to seek out.

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Hi, Late TV. How are you? How has your week been?

Pretty sweet. We’re back in the saddle after the festivities - and looking forward to our single launch gig on 24th February.

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

We consist of: Luke J. Novak on Vocals, Lyrics and Guitars; Martin Coxall on Keys; Ryan Szanyi on Bass; Richard ‘Beu’ Bowman on Drums - and a brass section featuring Evesham Nicholas on Sax and Matthew Halsall on Trumpet.

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Losin’ It is your new single. What can you reveal about its story and conception?

Lyrically; it came together as an abstract meditation on that element of the human condition that’s always searching for something unattainable: possibly because it doesn’t exist. We are all playing a big game and are, by definition, destined to lose it. Musically; it’s built around the rhythm section’s groove.

We want it to take you into kind of neon dream-world: a lurid Post-Pop-culture dystopia that you can shimmy your way through….

It follows last year’s triumphant single, Citizen. Did the great reception that track was afforded pump you all to create Losin’ It?

We definitely felt more confident that there’s a place out there for our vibe. It always good to get some praise but, that said, we’d make these tunes anyway. You’ve just got to do what you do.

Can you tell me about the video’s concept and how that all came together?

I (Luke) work as a photographer - when I’m not writing a Rock masterpiece. My friend in that world, Vladimir Studenic, and I wanted to collaborate on a project outside of our work. Vlad makes these beautiful stop-motion videos. We felt like the grinding rhythm and lyrical narrative of Losin’ It would lend itself well to a photographic animation. It grew from there; I think we successfully illustrate the song and conjure up the atmosphere while leaving it open for the viewer’s interpretation.  

There are David Bowie-esque ‘Plastic-Soul’ touches on your new track. Is he someone you are compelled by – and what is it about that period that resonates?

Oh, yeah. We love funky-era Dave.

As a group; we enjoy all kind of things: from Indie to Hip-Hop; but we are definitely unified by a fetish for that 1970s/1980s period. Personally; I love how you could create your own mythology and dress up like a spaceman. Mainstream Pop culture (it seems) at that time was open in that way. In my lifetime; it appears to have branched onto separate tracks. Maybe it was easier for marketing - and they refined the process into more labelled compartments.

I like to f*ck with that by slamming things together that shouldn’t work.   

Will there be more material coming? What do you guys have planned?

Hopefully, your fine readers will get behind Losin’ It and we’ll be spurred onto more recording! I’d love to do an E.P. or maybe even an album (if we could find the funding).

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How important is London, and its myriad styles and culture, to your music and lyrical perspective? Do you take a lot from the people?

Well. We were all drawn to London from the outside. That’s because that it’s the kind of place where you can find like-minded people for whatever you want to do. That’s a special thing: you can’t put a price on it…even if your landlord definitely does. There’s so much humanity rubbing shoulders that you can’t help but be inspired. I think about looking through photographs; the minute I come across one with a person…it’s instantly more captivating for me.

That’s why urban spaces are interesting: they have that in spades.   

You have French and American D.N.A. in the band. How much U.S. Jazz and Parisian smooth do you throw into the music?!

Ryan is a true American jazzman. He had his own trio back in Chicago playing standards - but he also loves Rock and Pop stuff. It definitely affects the groove - having someone who straddles schools like that. Martin definitely brings a French touch: Sébastien Tellier; Daft Punk, Phoenix etc.

I can hear that tone in his playing. 

Was it hard getting the band together? It seems like you all come from various walks of life! How did that initiation start?

It developed over time…

Beu (Drums) and I have played in bands together since school: it’s intuitive between us really. Since then, people have come and gone around us. However; we felt like something really clicked with this group. A lot of our ideas, that felt awkward before, suddenly started making sense when we formed Late TV.

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Looking back at last year; what are your impressions and best memories from that time?

We loved unleashing Citizen into the world but, really, it was playing live: it felt like we really hit our stride as a live band.

Which artists did you all grow up to? Did you all bond with music fairly young?

I (Luke) first remember music from my mum’s car. I’m talking pop like Queen, Tina Turner; Stevie Nicks, Eurythmics; Paul Simon - things like that. Then, when different branches of my family upgraded their ‘hi-fi systems'; they donated their redundant old vinyl records to me; probably to play with...but I used to listen to them. I heard Roxy Music, David Bowie - right back to my eldest uncle’s Shadows stuff and my grandad’s Louis Armstrong.

I was a weird kid - but it saved me from just liking Shaggy.

Mathew says he first remembers his dad's Ry Cooder collection - and Ryan went extra-deep and was into Cannonball Adderley and Thelonious Monk. Beu has an elder brother who got him to drum in a childhood Rock 'n' Roll covers duo when he was really young - and that got him into it. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Khruangbin

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Khruangbin just released a great album. They are playing in the U.K. in February. Locally; check out Sarah Tandy Trio for Jazz; Natalie Bouloudis for bluesy noir-ish Folk and Outer Lines (featuring the Jazz-composing skills of our man, Martin). Swipht are a band that we have played with (that I rate).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Natalie Bouloudis

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

We are playing a charity gig for BACE (Building and Assisting Communities with Education) at The Antelope in Tooting on 9th February. We are Launching Losin’ It on the 24th Feb at The Finsbury (in Manor House). It’s going to be a party!

The sound there is always great.

Any New Year’s resolutions made this year? What do you all hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

To make that E.P. happen, and to play outside of London, would be cool. You know…spread our wings a bit.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Luke: Low Cut Connie - Controversy (Prince cover)

I found this band's version the other day - and it kicks ass

Evesham: The Bombay Royale – Bunty Bunty (Give Me Back My)

Ryan:  Cannonball Adderley - Walk Tall

Martin: P Diddy - Bad Boy for Life

Beu:  Al Wilson - The Snake

Matt: CCS - Sunrise

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INTERVIEW: DYLYN

INTERVIEW:

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DYLYN

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THE wealth of Canadian talent means, today…

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I get to feature the wonderful DYLYN. She talks about the inspiration behind her latest single, Wolf, and why relationship failures/experiences have compelled her work – and why she is in a happier, more settled position now. I ask whether we can expect to see DYLYN in Britain; what kind of music influences her; whether there is more material later this year – and whether music is therapeutic to her.

She tells me more about the upcoming E.P., Sauvignon and a Kimono, and what we can expect from it; the albums that mean the most to her; the musical memories that stand in the mind; whether the Toronto music scene is productive right now – some advice she would give to new artists emerging.

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

So happy I got to release this record. I’m sure you can relate to the fact that the weather’s been so up and down (in Canada). I’ve slipped ‘banana peel-style’ twice already: just waiting for the third time (smiles).

For those new to your music; can you introduce yoursel, please?

Heyyy everyone. My name is DYLYN - short for ‘Gwendolyn’. I was born in Toronto, raised in the 'burbs. I fell in love with Led Zeppelin at fourteen and realized music was going to be my future; did the whole Garage band scene; played, played, played shows. I started my solo career and, up until recently, I’ve truly found a sound I can call my own. I’ve always idolized Debbie Harry and Joan Jett - to name a few. I like to pull Punk-y drums and synth - and, mixing it with new sounds blends perfectly with my deep vocals.

Being you is the most important thing in the music world - it’s real and it resonates. 

Wolf is your new single. Can you tell me about the origins and how it came to mind?

The past few years have been a bit of a battle. On the upside: you never run out of stuff to write about. Post break-up blues lit the fire - and out came Wolf.

It’s the nature of not giving a f*ck that led to this tune.

It seems a guy - a hot one at that - led the heart into making a bad choice. Did you learn a lot after recording the song?

Isn’t it always about a guy?! I learn a lot about myself when I write these songs. You have to narrow down your real, raw emotions in two-three minutes. Regrets? Never. Things happen for a reason. If we can become stronger from the situation, then we’re in a good place…

Do you feel music has been therapeutic and personally enriching? Has it been a tough last few years to work through?

Wow; it’s as if you knew what I was thinking. Yes! It’s been incredible. I’m happier than ever. I’ve found an incredible guy and I’m a much more positive person. I used to always let negative thoughts get the best of me - but I’ve consciously made an effort to flip that switch.

Good, good; good, good vibrations.

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Sauvignon and a Kimono is a great title for an E.P.! What kind of stories and ideas can we expect to hear in the E.P.?

Sauvignon and kimono was my lifestyle while recording the record.

I love a kimono. I’d wake up, go to the studio; come home, put my kimono on and either have a few glasses of Jack (Daniels) or some nice red wine - and repeat. Every song is a stage, emotion or event that transpired in the past few years: breaking down, losing it; losing it again and, mainly, growing.

What music did you grow up listening to? How early did music come into your life?

I probably performed my first song at four-years-old - but it was just a natural instinct. I remember growing up listening to the Beach Boys, The Beatles; then transitioned into Classic-Rock at around fourteen. I have an extensive record collection - and my house is covered in Rock and Roll memorabilia.

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It seems you throw a lot of genres and sounds into the mix. Do you think that variability and diversity lends richer emotional weight to your music?

Definitely: I love mixing old with new.

The eras that have influenced my music changed the industry in ways we don’t understand. Taking those seeds and dropping them into new stuff makes it all come together nicely. I love listening to current songs and thinking: ‘Wow; this reminds me of something from the 1970s but I can’t put my finger on it’ – nostalgia; even when it’s hot-off-the-press.

You hail from Toronto. What is the scene like for new musicians? Is it an inspiring city?

I live in the suburbs and rarely get downtown. I’ve written most of my music with producers in L.A. but, funny enough; most of them are Canadian. I can definitely say some incredible acts have broken out from here…definitely something special in our water.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Greta Van Fleet/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

All the artists I’d recommend are dead or not playing anymore...

In terms of new stuff; there’s an incredible band, Greta Van Fleet - the singer sounds like Robert Plant!

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

Such a good question…it changes all the time!

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac

The songs never get old - and I always seem to find another lyric that relates to my life.

Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin

They are just Rock and Roll gods (“We’re not worthy”).

Michael Jackson – Off the Wall

He changed everything in music. I always go back to this album because it’s timeless.

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Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

I am going on tour! I'm going to Germany in May. I will definitely be announcing dates soon.

Will you come to the U.K. at some point?

Trying to set that up right now! I’m dying to go there and play…

Any New Year’s resolutions made this year? What do you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

Just to be more of a positive thinker. It seems like such a simple task – but, sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy.

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Looking back on your time in music so far; are there favourite memories that come to mind?

I love touring...

Put me on a tour for eight months straight and I’ll enjoy every second of it…or finishing a song and sitting on the couch at 6 A.M. in the studio thinking: ‘Wow, I did this’.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Ramble On by Led Zeppelin

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INTERVIEW: Milo Gore

INTERVIEW:

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Milo Gore

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SPEAKING with Milo Gore is always…

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a bit of an experience. It is interesting revisiting the musician’s work – as I ask about the latest track, Towel on the Door. I learn about its story and whether there is new material coming soon; how Milo Gore found his band; the artists/albums that have inspired his music; what kind of tour dates are coming up - and where we can catch the guys play.

I ask about Milo Gore whether there is enough variation in music and, in terms of his material, it has varied and evolved; which new artists are worth checking out and getting behind; if he has any resolutions and ambitions sorted for this year – how the fantastic Milo Gore sounds come together and conspire.

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

It’s been tip-top, thank you.

The band and I have just been getting ready for some upcoming gigs we have - so, we’ve just been practising. We’re all back at uni now; so it’s much easier to organise everything.

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

I’m Milo Gore. I’m twenty-two and I live in Falmouth, Cornwall. I play with a bunch of my mates in an Alternative-Rock band - and that’s pretty neat. I released my first E.P. in July 2017 - and that’s out on Spotify and all that - it’s called Watch the Tide. I guess we’re just rough undiscovered sound at the moment but we going strong - especially with this New Year.

Towel on the Door is the new single. What is the story behind the song?

It’s another soppy romantic song!

It’s about another breakup I had. It’s almost a lead-on track to Coco (from the first E.P.) as it’s the same girl, different breakup; different breakdown. Towel on the Door has two funny reasons why it’s a funny song title: one of them being the fact that, when I first showed it to my drummer, Luke; there was simply just a towel hanging on the door!

How, would you say, it differs from previous releases?

It’s an all-acoustic track...

I never really enjoy just releasing a fully-acoustic track as I feel a band adds so much more in terms of mood and dynamics – but, in this case, I didn’t think there was really much to add; it spoke for itself. Stanley Box, my friend and producer, did such a good job and kept it warm and lo-fi…just how I wanted it.

He was instrumental.

Will there be more material later in the year? Can we expect an E.P. or album at all?

Yes, yes, yes! There will, hopefully, be our two-track E.P., Too Much Too Soon, out at the end of February. Very excited for these two. One is an absolute banger, co-written with Jay Beale (look him up if you don’t know him; he is a genius). But, yes; very excited to get that out for y’all.

Stay tuned; because I think it could be a big record for us...

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How did you come to meet your band? Is there quite a close relationship between you guys?

We all just met at uni and we all (just) clicked automatically. Such a great dynamic in our band: everyone has their own genuine personality. The best thing is everyone can be as loud as each other!

I couldn’t do anything without them. They have been amazing to me and my music.

Your music has quite a fresh and unexpected sound. How much of your childhood musical heroes do you put into your own stuff?

I guess. I don’t know any covers - so I couldn’t say I got their guitar parts and put them in my songs. However, vocally and melody-wise; I guess I do take a lot of inspiration from the people I listen to - even if I don’t know I’m doing it. But; people like Bon Iver and Ben Howard do inspire me greatly.

The genius songwriting really captures me.

Do you think there is enough variation in the music scene right now? What trends do you expect to see popping up this year?

Ooh god. I’m awful with trends and all that.

My music knowledge is the size of a fish. Ahah. I just do my own thing. I would say there is plenty of variation. The middle and core consisting of the ‘Pop sensations’ etc. may be a bit saturated - but I defo think a lot of the youth have recognised that and are starting to create really inventive sounds…even if we are a bit commercial ourselves.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Rex Orange County/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Rex Orange County. I f*cking love the music so much. The lyrics are genius. Urm...Nai Harvest are sick. Their drums are so good - and the fact that it’s a two-man band is insane when they make that much noise. Then I say it in every interview…listen to Bon Iver’s new album if you haven‘t. He is stupid-good. It’s beautiful; everything about it.

Maybe not all new - but two are new to me! That’s the beautiful thing: maybe the market isn’t saturated after all...and there is a lot of diversity!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Nai Harvest/PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Cuadros

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

Ben Howard - I Forgot Where We Were

It got me through a really dark time. Lyrically amazing.

Bear’s Den – Islands

Harmonies, the hooks; song structure and writing = class.

Bon Iver - 22, A Million

Beautiful the whole way through. It takes you somewhere else - which is a very powerful thing.

Is there any advice you would give to fellow artists coming through right now?

Urm…just keep going... I dunno: we ain’t anywhere ourselves! But; I would say maybe we are going in the right direction. So, I guess…just keep making contacts, gigging and making demos. Keep growing your trade and practising it - as it only gets harder the longer the journey goes on.

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What other gigs do you have coming up as we head through 2018?

We are playing Newquay at Whiskers Bar on the 21st Feb, and then, a few Sofar Sound dates and Balconytv dates - that we are in the process of sorting out.

We also have a few more gigs lined up with dates to be decided, too.

A fresh year is here. What do you have planned in terms of personal goals and ambitions? How did you and the guys see in the New Year?

I gotta get fit: I’m so out of shape. It’s embarrassing.

So; I’m going to get back to my footie, for sure. I’m actually going sober as well. I’m thirteen-days clean at the moment - long way to go. Musically, big plans. We want to keep growing as we are.

In our last interview; you mentioned you were getting a new tattoo (with ‘Forever, Whatever’ inscribed). Any plans for new tattoos this year? What was the reason behind your current one?

The tattoos are all off the back of my Watch the Tide E.P. They are just symbols to me that each has a special meaning; often connected to my depression and all that jazz. But, to be honest, I like to let people decide what they mean…”Forever Whatever”, as I say.

I guess that’s what it means.

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

Wicked, thank you. Urm; ok. I’ll go for Ben Howard - Time Is Dancing.

Cheers! Thanks for having me. Milo

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