INTERVIEW: Just Like Fruit

INTERVIEW:

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Just Like Fruit

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I always love going down to Brighton…

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and hooking up with some tremendous talent. Today; I get to spotlight Just Like Fruit and discover more about their music. They reveal the story behind their latest song, Mama Said, and the themes that inspired their E.P., On the Door. They talk about Brighton and why it is such a pull for musicians; how they all got together – and whether there is going to be more material this year.

I ask what it is like being compared with the likes of Courtney Barnett; how they all chill away from the music scene; whether the video for Mama Said was fun to shoot; new artists we need to investigate – what touring plans they have for the coming months.

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

This week's been great, thanks. We've just released our new music video - which is very exciting. But, in general, we’ve just been cracking on with all that in-between stuff. Being a musician is a full-time job!

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

We are five long-time pals making Rock ‘n' Roll music anywhere, at any time. 

Mama Said is the new track. What can you reveal about its origin and background? 

It's a track kind of about doing something exciting and being on the move, so it was probably written whilst being bored. It all started out on rusty acoustics and, therefore, had an old, rusty Country-romp vibe, which we found was still kind of there after we took away the acoustics – so, we added a couple of extra splashes of Country into the recording for good measure. 

The video looks quite high-wire and energetic! How did you come up with the concept? How much fun was it getting it filmed?!

We initially, actually, had a very simple and innocent thought that it would be fun to spend an afternoon chasing Taran around. Eventually, we developed that thought into a concept for a music video; adding a storyboard and a setting.

Everybody wants to be a cowboy for a day. 

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What is a shoot like that like?! Does it make writing songs more appealing knowing you get to shoot a cool video (like Mama Said)?

Firstly; thank you for calling it a cool video. It's always a lot of fun imagining videos but it's usually much easier to envisage a video after the writing of the song - once everybody's played it a few times. Don't want to be prematurely telling the band that this new piano ballad has a video idea attached already cos we might (and usually would) speed it up and go and add some distorted guitar on there. 

The song is the latest release from the E.P., On the Door. What has the reaction been like to the E.P.? What sort of themes and stories inspired its creation? 

Pretty good thanks. We've sold them all - so it’s gone down as a success for us in that respect. The sort of themes that carry the E.P. through are live fast, live good and do right. 

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Will there be more material later this year?

Most certainly. On top of a few more exhilarating music videos; we also have two singles for our songs Gone Gone Gone and Harder to Breathe in the vault that we are looking forward to releasing. It’s proceeding to be a very busy, fun and forward-looking period for us. 

Brighton is where Just Like Fruit is based. How did the band get together? What is Brighton like as a centre for music and creativity?

We all kind of met at different stages…

Kieran (Rhythm Guitarist) and Dion (Lead Vocalist) have always been next door neighbours in Streatham, South London. Dion and Taran (Lead Guitarist) met at this crazy-of-all-crazies festival called Smallworld as little kids.

As for the rest of us; we met studying music at college in Twickenham - where we became a band.

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I know you guys source everyone from Courtney Barnett and The Rolling Stones as influences. Who are the artists you all grew up on?

Collectively, I think we could cite Sam Cooke, Jimi Hendrix; The Beatles and Led Zeppelin as definite-vital-vitamins whilst growing up. All 1960s influences. It kind of explains the Just Like Fruit sound when you see it on paper like this. Haha. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Octavian

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Octavian, our mate from London and Brighton, is killing the Grime scene at the moment. Definitely, he's one to watch! Stemming off from our love for Courtney Barnett; TRAAMS are a personal favourite when it comes to guitar music. They’ve been making some substantial, sensational; unforgiving Noise-Rock in the recent years. Love watching them play when they come to town.

Lastly; Noname from Chicago is also definitely one to watch that we really like. Very different from our music but, if you like a bit of smooth Rap mixed with jazzy vibes and poetic lyrics with great depth, then go check her out!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Noname

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

Our next gig is in Brighton on Friday 23rd at The Richmond alongside some great acts - under the prolific Brighton promoters, QM Records. Check our socials for further info. It's always a great event with QM Records! As for touring, keep an eye out on our socials as well for this festival season. We've already got a couple ones we're excited to announce soon...

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

Playing at Sofar Sounds a few times now has to go up there with the finest memories - simply because it’s different. You won’t see anything like it in the live music scene. That’s why it’s so special! Especially, when Peggy is your host! (Smiles).

Also; recording the video to our first single, Funfair, was a blast.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Stick at it; don’t give it a rest. If you’re anything like us, then you ain’t got much choice anyway! Ahah. But, honestly: enjoy what you’ve been graced with and drive it out of the skyline with no limitations. 

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind as a band?

The music is us chilling pretty much! Otherwise, we play a lot of cards and make questionable jokes. 

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).

Bob Dylan - The Man in Me (Dion)

The Replacements - Take Me Down to the Hospital (Kieran)

Kendrick Lamar - FEAR. (Ryan)

Steely Dan – Do It Again (Erwin)

Glenn Miller - Moonlight Sonata (Taran)

 

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INTERVIEW: AVEC

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ludwig Seidl Captures 

AVEC

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THIS is not the first time…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Gare de Lion

I have featured AVEC on my pages. She is an Austrian artist whose every move intrigues me. I speak to her about the latest single, Youth, and what the music scene is like in Austria. I ask what we can expect from the forthcoming album, What If We Never Forget, and what it was like hearing it back; how it feels getting respect from magazines and fans – if there is a new artist we should be aware of.

AVEC talks about performing with Sigrid and what touring plans she has; if we can expect to see her in the U.K. this year; some of the artists that compel her – and whether she has learnt anything from the recording process (of her new album and older work).

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

I am fine, thanks a lot - my week has been pretty good so far, thanks!

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

My name is AVEC. I am a singer/songwriter from Austria. I started writing my own songs when I was about fourteen-years-old. In 2015, I released my first E.P, Heartbeats, followed by the debut record, What If We Never Forget, in 2016.

I have been touring in Europe with my band and now I am working on the second record - which will be released in 2018.

Youth is your latest single. What is the background of that song?

The song, Youth, is a very personal song about my childhood; my young years and the struggle of growing up. On the one hand, you’re this innocent kid, staring at the moon and questioning life itself with all the love you could give and all the hate you have to cope with while, on the other hand, there’s a load of responsibility and insecurity to carry.

It is taken from the album, What If We Never Forget. Was putting the album together a good experience? Are there particular stories behind each of the songs?

Well. It was my first ever album production and my first time in a studio, so I really didn’t know what to expect at all. Plus, I was pretty young when we started the whole record and didn’t know anything about the process of ‘making a record‘. but it was a great experience - I grew a lot with this record and I’m happy with it!

Sure; every song has its own story and so does the whole record. Imagine every song tells a story and, if you put them all together, you can see how the whole record is connected within.

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Do you think you learnt anything during the recording process? How did you feel hearing the album back for the first time?

Yes, a lot - I learned what I want and what I really don’t want; how my music should sound and in which direction I wanna go with this whole thing.

Well, it was kinda weird because I actually can’t listen to my own music - but, of course, I did listen to the album once or twice.

Your music has gained a lot of respect from big sources and labels. Is it humbling knowing your music connects with so many people?

It is still crazy and sort of unreal for me to accept the fact that there are people listening to my music and diggin’ it. You know, I never ever thought that this is going to happen because for me music was a hobby and nothing more. I started writing lyrics and music just for me and myself - to get those words out of my head and now I can share it with so many other people! I am so damn grateful that I got the chance to do this; to make music, to get my stuff out into this world and to move and catch people with my music.

This is the best feeling ever!

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You have just performed alongside Sigrid at Eurosonic Noordeslag Festival. It seems there is an appetite for Scandinavian artists at the moment. Why do you think that is?

Well, let’s be honest: their music is just amazing. I don’t know who, but that doesn’t really matter, I guess. The Tallest Man on Earth, Kaleo; Asgeir, Hozier, Soak and many more… - they are all absolutely stunning!

Is there an exciting scene in Austria at the moment?

I’d say so, yes. We do have a really good music scene at the moment.

Do you recall the artists you grew up on? What music were you into as a kid?

I do. I grew up with a ton of great music: Michael Jackson, Sting; Phil Collins, Falco; Prince, Radiohead…and a lot of Blues and Country music - I still love it!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Rosie Carney/PHOTO CREDIT: Deborah Sheedy

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Rosie Carney.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up? Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. this year?

Yes. Me and the band; we’ll play a couple of gigs during the summer and then we’ll be back on the road in autumn for a whole tour!

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

Well. To release my second album; to play a ton of gigs and to have a great tour with my band.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be yourself, stay yourself - and enjoy what you’re doing

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).

Counting Sheep - Shakey Graves

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INTERVIEW: Winter Wilson

INTERVIEW:

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Winter Wilson

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I have followed many duos through the world of music…

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but few who have the same chemistry as Winter Wilson’s Kip and Dave. The fact they are married might account for that but, listen closely, and it is the simpatico and understanding they have when entranced in the throes of sound. I ask them about their celebrated album, Far Off on the Horizon, and how it feels knowing it connects with critics and fans; what they can reveal about the new single, Ghost – and what they are planning next.

The duo talk about supporting Fairport Convention and musicians they count as guides; what other gigs are coming up; if they have goals and ambitions to tick off before the end of the year; how they transitioned from Kip and Dave to ‘Winter Wilson ‘ – they end the interview with a couple of fine and soothing tunes.

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Hi, Kip and Dave. How are you? How has your week been?

We're both fine, thanks. Very busy - but that isn’t a complaint.

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

We’re a married couple based out of Sleaford, Lincolnshire - which is where Dave was born and raised. Kip is Scottish but raised in Holland, Scotland and England. We met through music and have been playing together for over twenty-five years.

As for the music...that’s a more difficult question. In the main, it’s based around acoustic instruments, but we dip in and out of the Folk/Country/Blues genre. We both share lead vocals and harmonies - as it comes naturally to us. One of the best compliments we get from live gigs is that our set has a lot of variation.

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Can I ask where that name, ‘Winter Wilson’, came from? Is there a story behind that?

‘Kip Winter’ and ‘Dave Wilson’: it's that simple. We used to go to a pub that had regular live music and Mike the landlord asked us to do a gig one night. When we turned up, he'd advertised us as ‘Kip & Dave’ - which was a little too close to Chas & Dave for our liking; so we went with the surnames from then on.

Ghost is your new track. Can you talk a moment about its origins and how it came together?

Dave wrote it after reading a story in The Big Issue (a wonderful magazine that does a lot of good) about how changes that the Government made to housing benefit had caused some youngsters to fall through the net and finish up homeless. Ghost is one girl's story - but there are, literally, thousands.

I like the way the video is shot. There is a lot of emotion conveyed throughout. What was it like filming the video?

A guy call Graham Wilsoncroft shot the video - and it was good to do. It's not easy to maintain the emotional connection when you're singing the same song over and over whilst looking at a film crew.

(But Graham did a great job and we're delighted with the result).

We wanted the video to have a sort of ‘film noir’ feel, in keeping with the subject matter, and we think Graham achieved that really well.

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Far Off on the Horizon is your latest album. A lot of the material addresses redundancy and making music for a living. Was it frightening transitioning from the world of work and embarking on a dream – or did you feel this is what you were always supposed to be doing?

What we do is a dream come true for both of us.

We’re very lucky that it's come at a time in our lives where we have no other major commitments, which has made it a lot less frightening than it could have been. We were both made redundant in our fifties and decided to take a gap year. We've played music, written and recorded albums as semi-pros for years...so we thought we'd work at building up the music for a year and then get part-time jobs to supplement what we make from our gigs and album sales. It's all gone better than we thought it would and, almost six years later, it’s still going from strength to strength...

Best gap year ever!

The record has already garnered positive reviews. Does that give you a lot of faith and drive?!

The reviews have been great and, in general, all of our previous albums have been well-received. As we promote ourselves, we tend to use other people’s words to sell ourselves - so the positive quotes help us a lot. It’s always slightly scary when you send a new album out for review, as you are obviously setting yourself up to be criticised. We make music that we enjoy performing - and it’s a bonus when other people like it too.

The two of you, obviously, have a natural connection. Do you work on songs together – or will one of you work on lyrics/music?

We are a married couple and spend our lives together by choice.

The jokes and jibes on stage are perfectly natural as that’s just how we are with each other all of the time. We're lucky that we are now able to work together as well. Dave writes all of the songs - but many come from ideas and stories that Kip has passed onto him.

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Which artists inspired you before you took up music?

Dave: Words have always been important to me. I can remember buying David Bowie and Bob Dylan albums on vinyl and reading all of the lyrics. As a youngster, I was also a big fan of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones; Free and The Who - as well as everything that came out on the Motown label.

Kip: I’m also a lyrics person but I’m also inspired by anybody who can really interpret a song with passion. I adore Bonnie Raitt - but I’m also a big fan of Jacques Brel. We must have one of the most eclectic music collections in existence!

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You are going to hit the road with Fairport Convention! How important are they in terms of their music?!

Fairport have had a tremendous influence on the U.K. music scene. You have look at what was there before they came onto the scene and compare it to what came after...

Folk-Rock didn’t exist before Fairport.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Jason Isbell

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

One of the best writers we've come across in many years is Jason Isbell. He's very much from the U.S. Country/Rock scene but, whether you like that or not, check out his lyrics. Also, there’s a band from New York state called Darlingside. Their harmonies are stunning!

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 IN THIS IMAGE: Darlingside

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

At the time of writing this, we are getting toward the end of our tour with Fairport Convention. Once that’s finished, we have a couple of weeks at home to catch up on admin etc. and then we'll be doing our own tour up and down the U.K.; over to Ireland and, then, Germany later in the year - and back to Australia and New Zealand next year.

Full details can be found on our website.

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

2018 is set up nicely for us. We have plenty of gigs and we'll be working on new songs for future albums. If we can stay healthy and carry on as we are we'll be happy. We have no plans to take over the world.

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

The current favourite is from this tour with Fairport. We played the Union Chapel in London - which is a stunning venue with an amazing atmosphere. We'd seen concerts from there on T.V. but never dreamed we play there ourselves. It clearly had an effect on Fairport also: they played a blinder that night and we joined them at the end to sing Meet on the Ledge with the audience joining in.

What a buzz that was.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Make music to please yourself and that you believe in: don’t be swayed.

Give it all you've got and get out there and enjoy it. If you can do that you've succeeded: it's not all about sales figures. Also, if you want to get gigs, get out there and be seen. In the first year after our day-jobs went, we probably did more floor-spots than gigs - and it really paid off in bookings for subsequent years.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

We like to meet up with family and friends; usually around good food and music. We have nine grandchildren - so there's always something to keep us busy. We also love going to see live music - be it in a pub or on a concert stage.

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).

Dave: Jason Isbell - Cover Me Up

Kip: Bonnie Raitt’s take on Dimming of the Day. Can’t be beaten!

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INTERVIEW: Nele Needs a Holiday

INTERVIEW:

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Nele Needs a Holiday

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HER name suggests someone who needs to take a break…

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and have a recharge. I speak to Nele Needs a Holiday about the origin of the name – and why, having worked tirelessly recently, the singer-songwriter is ready for some downtime. She talks to me about her new single, We’ll See, and growing up in Belgium. I ask what the music scene is like there and how it differs to London (where she lives now) – and which artists inspire her.

The songwriter discusses her next moves and touring; how she manages to detach and relax away from music; why this week has been a rather productive and busy one; a new(ish) artist we should all get our ears around – Nele Needs Holiday provides some useful advice to songwriters emerging on the scene.

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Hi, Nele Needs a Holiday. How are you? How has your week been?

I'm good, thanks! I'm working on a musical right now - which is the loneliest thing I've ever done. Staying in with only my piano to talk to, laughing at my own jokes. Can't wait to go gigging again!

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

I write hyper-realistic Pop songs about stuff nobody dares to talk about - songs like I Love You But I Google Other People. Some might call it funny: I call it the truth.

Can I ask where that name came from? Is there a reason for the moniker?

Don't tell anyone...but my real name is Nele Van den Broeck. Catchy, right? Sounds like I'm some kind of German princess, but it's actually a really common name in Belgium. I like the sound of Nele Needs a Holiday because it's both happy and sad…like my music. Also, cause it's true.

That name is starting to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

We’ll See is your new single. What is the origin of the track and story behind it?

I've been in so many relationships already where one or both parties are simply unable to commit. The song is about three romantic word that are all-too-often said in the relationships: not ‘I love you', but ‘we will see’ - words that signalise how hard it is to stay with one person, cause you still have the feeling there might be someone else; someone better, just around the corner. You just have to pick up your phone and swipe a few fellows on Tinder. How on earth can you connect to one person if it’s that easy to find the next one?!

I still don’t know...

I like the video! You have a Madonna-cum-Marilyn Monroe look. Do you take inspiration from icons like that? Was it fun shooting the video?!

Thanks! For once in my life, I wanted to know what it feels like to be a blonde bombshell. Quite frankly; it feels exactly the same as being myself. Whatever wig you're wearing, underneath it, it's just the same old brain driving you crazy.

Shooting videos is my favourite thing in the world. There's this whole team working for days on three minutes of beauty. Makes me feel like a princess.

I love it.

It seems you are in great form right now. Will we see some more material later this year?

I'm working on Nele Needs a Holiday: The Musical. It's the story of me moving to London and the many unfortunate encounters I had with the music industry; dating in a big city and austerity - making it impossible to live a life that is more or less that of a grown-up. It will play at Latitude and will have a run in Edinburgh under Big in Belgium. I know I'm not supposed to say I'm nervous: so I'm just saying I'm excited.

Belgium is where you hail from. Is the nation quite a productive one for new music? Was it easy getting your music heard there?

There's some fantastic music happening in Belgium but it never crossed the Channel, because of a little thing called Anglo-Saxon cultural hegemony. I knew that if I wanted to conquer the world, I had to move out of Belgium at a certain point. I think a lot of Belgian artists are too modest. Luckily, I don't have that problem.

Are you based in London full-time? What are the main differences between the music of Belgium and Britain?

I live in a flat share in Greenwich together with Bob - the mushroom in the shower. Totally glamorous. I take the Eurostar (about) every other week to play concerts in Belgium and the Netherlands - and, sometimes, I'm there for longer periods. The concept of ‘home’ is a tough one for me...anywhere I lay my head, I guess...

The music is not that different, I would say. Maybe in Belgium, it's a little bit more built around beats: whereas in Britain it's still cool to play the guitar.

Over a beat, that is.

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You have elements of Paloma Faith and Björk in your work. Is there something about these artists that compels you? Which musicians did you grow up listening to?

Thanks! I like those comparisons, they are cool.

I don't know how I would have gotten puberty without music Eels - all the times I've sung Beautiful Freak for myself, alone in my bedroom (I can't count them).

I like music by beautiful freaks.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There is a seventies songwriter called Dory Previn. Hardly anyone has ever heard of her and I wonder why: she's fantastic. To me, she's right up there with Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. She's one of the best lyricists I've ever heard.

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

Come to Latitude! It will be ace!

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

I hope I don't get pregnant...

Apart from that: I hope I write the best musical I've got in me.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Work on your banter. Honestly...so many musicians are so bad at it. If you're half-decent, you'll stick out.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I'm a bit of a science nerd. I love to watch documentaries about the universe, black holes and stuff. Helps me to put everything in perspective.

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).

Anything?

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel, please.

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INTERVIEW: Greta Jaime

INTERVIEW:

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Greta Jaime

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MY heart goes out to artists who tackle music…

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at such a young age. Greta Jaime is only seventeen and has, already, made a name for herself – as a unique songwriter and extraordinary live performer. She talks to me about her route into music and the inspiration behind the new track, Static (Exchanges). She discusses her passion for Jimi Hendrix and what music she was exposed to as a child; whether there are any gigs coming up – and how she has improved/changed since her debut single, Lost in Mexico.

Greta Jaime tells me how she relaxes away from music; how it feels to get recognition from fans; whether there is any advice she would offer songwriters coming through the ranks – whether we will see her play some Hendrix-like flaming solos on stage anytime soon!

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

I’m great, thanks! It’s been a very busy, exciting week.

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

I’m a musician and songwriter from North London.

Static (Exchanges) is your new single. What is the tale behind it?

The story behind that song is kind of a unique one: it actually stemmed from a poem I had written called Stones. A few days later; I was working on an instrumental on my laptop and I had made this sort of brooding drum beat. Then, I kept singing part of the poem over it - which was the line “I’m still throwing stones to safety”.

From there, the song came together super-quickly because I realised I wanted to write about indifference and the growing distance that I was experiencing with someone at the time.

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The single has already garnered acclaim and attention from radio and streaming sites. Is that quite pleasing to see?

Yes. It’s amazing! When releasing this song, I definitely didn’t expect it to get the response it has had.

Will there be more material to follow? What are you working on?

Yes. I have the next single that will be released in a few months – and I have an E.P. in-the-works, too!

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Do you think you have taken steps since your debut song, Lost in Mexico? Have you grown in confidence, would you say?

I definitely think, since releasing that song, I’ve been able to evolve, musically, and have just had a chance to write a lot more. When I wrote Lost in Mexico; it felt like a song that sort of (just) fell out of me and, at the time, it was so different to anything else I had written. After releasing something so honest; it makes it easier for me to be open and to write about anything I like.

You are only seventeen. Is it quite daunting stepping into music so young?! Does the fact you’re a teenager give you a unique perspective on life?

I think it is daunting, in the sense that you’re trying to figure out how you can translate the way you hear the song in your head to the finished product. I got started in music production and recording demos because I couldn’t figure out how to explain what I wanted the song to sound like - but I could play the different parts and piece it together that way. I think, as you’re growing up, you experience so many new things in a short space of time.

Writing songs can be a good outlet to capture the sentiments that come with that - and give them their own space to live.

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I know you developed a passion for Jimi Hendrix when growing up in North London. How did you first come to hear his music? What is about him that provokes a reaction?

I think, the first time I heard about him, was through my parents (who were big fans). I remember them watching a documentary about his music and just being drawn to his playing. I think, also, the way he was able to express himself so fluidly with the instrument was so appealing for me - because he made all of his playing look really intuitive. 

Will we see any Jimi Hendrix-like flaming guitar solos and histrionics in the future, do you think?

I may have a few tricks up my sleeve for the future…but, I mean; if you have any spare guitars you want me to burn - please send them my way! I love evolving the live show and adding new elements to keep it exciting. Having free reign over the set is part of what I love about playing live - because I can change and develop things over time depending on the reaction from an audience.

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Which other artists did you respond to when you were younger? Do you tend to prefer older, classic artists – or do you have a fondness for modern acts, too?

When I was younger, I listened to anything I could get my hands on really. I played guitar for a while before I started writing; so I was introduced to a lot of classic artists like Eric Clapton and David Bowie through that. At the moment, I listen to a lot of modern acts, too, because I think there are so many exciting artists pushing boundaries and merging genres in a unique way.  

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

I would love to do a tour. I’m actually finishing my A-levels at the moment so gigs are temporarily on hold. But, if everything goes to plan; there should be some more shows in the summer!

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Lots! Hopefully, I can collaborate more with other musicians and producers.

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

I only recently started playing shows but, last year, I was lucky enough to play Camden Assembly - and that was definitely a huge highlight for me. Living in North London, I’ve passed the venue so many times - so being able to play there meant a lot.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’m not sure if I should really be giving advice yet but, if I had to; I would say it’s important to constantly create and work on your craft. I think, if you’re able to keep your head down and constantly work to improve, it’s much easier to create opportunities for yourself and keep up with an industry that is evolving so quickly.

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Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Not really! If I’m not making music, I’m most probably consuming it but I like that. My sister gets paranoid my earphones will get tangled around my neck when I fall asleep - so I should probably stop doing that…

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).

Only one is so hard to pick - but a song I’ve been loving recently is Pills by St. Vincent. I got to catch her set at Green Man Festival in 2015 and she is incredible (also, yes; I am biased because she plays guitar.)

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Follow Greta Jaime

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INTERVIEW: Cloud

INTERVIEW:

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Cloud

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HE debuted with the incredible L.P., Comfort Songs…

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and has made steps and leaps since then. That is not to indicate Cloud lacked in early promise: his latest album, Plays with Fire, is a tight and evocative collection of songs that deal with nostalgia, optimism and naïveté. Cloud discusses his early life in Long Island and relocating; ideas and stories that go into his latest work; how Plays with Fire differs from Comfort Songs - what ambitions Cloud has for the rest of the year.

I learn about his musical tastes and which new artists he recommends; whether there is a central theme/mantra that defines Plays with Fire; if he is planning on playing in the U.K. soon – providing some helpful advice for upcoming artists.

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

Hello. I am well. My week has been a bit non-stop: sixteen-hour days and whatnot - but with great momentum. Finally settling down for the weekend where I plan to watch a lot of movies and, maybe, go to the park and read. 

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

Certainly. My name is Tyler Taormina and I make music as an exploration. My profession is in film-directing and my films are quite musical. I’ve been making songs with my L.I.-born collective, Practice Room Records, since 2009. With different collaborations, I’ve made over ten records with that gang of genuinely amazing people. 

I hope that my music finds those who share a similar experience and can be a tool for them as well; to explore and manage the pain and joy of growing. 

Plays with Fire, your upcoming album, is out on 9th March. What kind of stories and themes inspired the songs?

This record tracks the movement into what is called the ‘real world’; where institutional structures become less obvious and accountability runs high. I wanted to focus on this crossing-over, so to speak, from a spiritual perspective: how does the purity of youth remain with the friction of the ’real world’?

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It is a tight, nine-song album that draws upon diverse influences. Which bands and sounds influenced the music? Are there any acts that you take guidance from?

There’s a wide range of musical acts that I take from here. From Fleetwood Mac to My Bloody Valentine, Leonard Cohen; Yo La Tengo, Bedhead; Mazzy Star, Neil Young…the list is quite long. This is the first Cloud record that doesn’t have a seamless sort of narrative-like quality to it. Instead, I’d like for it to read as a collection of songs; a mixtape of stylings I’ve really appreciated over the years. 

Happer’s Laugh, the opening track, opens with the words “True strength needs love…”. Do you think that is a bit of a band mantra?

Absolutely. I like to think of that track (as though) being on rowboat in the dark, rowing steadily into a complete unknown - a darkness. The lyrics to this song are guidelines to meditate and not be forgotten - which will prove, throughout the record, to be a difficult task. 

Two Hands Bound and Wildfire have already been released. Will there be more singles out before the album’s release?

Well. There are two leading singles and one following the album. But, also, plenty of treats as well along the way. 

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How do you feel Plays with Fire differs from your 2013-debut, Comfort Songs?

My ideology has formed many iterations since those younger years. I’ve almost become a real person since then. Less naïveté, for sure. As I mentioned earlier; I wanted this record to be a sort of collection of songs: a mixtape rather than a cinematic-type album like Comfort Songs. Lastly; I find that Comfort Songs has themes that many people can latch onto, understand and relate to - whereas Plays with Fire and, even, Zen Summer - from a few years back - are a little more specific in the subject matter. 

It seems you have made an effort to do something different from your previous work. Is it hard pushing in different directions?!

Well. It’s not a very intentional or conscientious process. I’m in love with so many different types of music: that when a different chapter of my life begins; I can always attribute it to different stylings that have influenced me. A breakup album can bring out the Emo-Revival and Jazz influences in me. A spiritual ‘awakening,’ so to speak, can invoke the Dream-Pop and Krautrock side of me. Ha.

I guess, being thrust into the real world and wrestling with how to keep it cool in that context brought me to a range of new artists and sounds. 

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You are based in Long Island. In the U.K.; one of our big radio stations, BBC Radio 6 Music, has recently celebrated New York music. Is Long Island a busy and active area for great music?

I don’t live there anymore, actually: I’m in Los Angeles and have been for a little while... 

It’s a strange generational question and sort of harkens back to the movie, The Big Chill. Most of the people I know who were really killing it in L.I. years ago have moved away. In N.Y.C.; a lot of them are still making great music which you should check here. But, many of those bands have slowly been putting down their instruments for new adventures. 

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

The Needs just released their new album called Not That Fun - which is incredible. Also; Male Unbonding has this album called Gratuitous that will really rock your world. 

Lastly; Oren Pine put out his first album called Sad Tiger - which shows a lot of promise for a great artist to emerge in this world. 

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

One album…I could never…

But; one album I love is Victorialand by Cocteau Twins. It keeps me in touch with my imagination in a beautiful way. 

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up? Will you come to the U.K. this year?

We’ll see. I think I’ll have a few gigs in the L.A. area with the release of the album. I’m not sure if I’ll be heading to the U.K. - but it seems unlikely, unfortunately. 

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

I hope to finish my first feature-length film, Ham on Rye, and see it get accepted to an exciting festival so I can continue on to make the next one - which may be a Christmas movie about family and transgression. 

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

All the best memories conflate together as one - where I’m playing a show with my friends in the band and in the audience as well. Everyone sings along with much excitement for all that is and all to come. 

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Value art, not capitalism. Realize that they are antithetical and realize capitalism’s presence in the ‘art world’ - and especially the music industry. 

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).

Well, thank you so much. I appreciate this interview...

Play the song Trem de Farro (Trenzinho) by João Gilberto. That song is magic. 

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Follow Cloud

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INTERVIEW: MURDAH SRVC

INTERVIEW:

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MURDAH SRVC

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IT is exciting coming across an artist who…

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goes beyond music and creates their own universe. I have been learning about MURDAH SRVC and what the project entails – and how songwriter CHE brings elements of Asian culture and Anime into his world. I ask about the story behind Icarus – the new single – and shooting the video in London; whether there is going to be more material coming down the line – when Japanese art and culture came into his life.

MURDAH SRVC discusses influences and where he goes from here; whether there are any tour dates coming up; whether the intrepid artist has a favourite memory from music; advice he would give to new artists – ending the interview with a fantastic song.

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Hi, MURDAH SRVC. How are you? How has your week been?

Pretty good. It's been an eventful week. Working on the latest release, Icarus, and arranging the next one...

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

My name is CHE and I'm a singer/songwriter. I've been doing music for a while now. In 2017, I started my new project, MURDAH SRVC.

MURDAH SRVC is an audio-visual project inspired by Japanese culture. When did your love of Japanese art/culture begin?

I grew up watching Japanese Anime on T.V. during the 1990s.

I was so into it that I started drawing Manga myself. I wanted to do this for a living until I went to college. So; I got a Bachelor degree with a Major in Japanese Language, Literature and Culture - then moved to Japan for a while.

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Icarus is your new track. What is the inspiration behind that track?

MURDAH SRVC is music and Manga. So, every song is related to the Manga and the other way around. You can read the Manga or listen to the music separately but, when you do both, you get the whole picture. Musically, the track takes inspiration from artists like Massive Attack, SOHN; The Weeknd, Frank Ocean - and it talks about the struggle of the main character to leave his comfort zone and go the extra mile.

You worked with producer Marco ‘John Lui’ Pettinato on Icarus. What did he bring to the song?

Marco produced all the tracks for the MURDAH SRVC project. I went to his studio with demos, most of them only piano and voice, and he added his vision to the table. I wrote like, eighteen songs: we chose five. We come from different backgrounds, so I'm very glad I had the chance to work with him - because it was very exciting to compare ideas and I think the result is (pretty) unique with a distinct sound.

The video was shot in London. Was it fun to do? Do you feel London’s diverse landscape and people is the perfect place to explore your love and fascination of Asian culture?

The video for Icarus was shot in London last December by London-based director Giovanni Musumeci. It was a lotta fun to go to Chinatown and shoot in the middle of the street with people taking pictures of me. London is a melting pot of cultures and, if there's anything you might be into, you’re gonna find it there.

Is London somewhere you gravitate towards? Is the city the perfect place for an ambitious artist to create and thrive?

Definitely. London is inspiring for every artist and it's one my favourite cities in the world. The competition is crazy because there's so much talent and, every night, there is an open mic with amazing musicians. So, to me, this is very challenging...

It makes me wanna perform a better show than the night before.

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Is it true Icarus is part of an E.P. arc? Will there be more songs coming? What is the idea/narrative of the E.P.?

In a moment of time when people attention span is very low; I decided to release this E.P. one song at the time with a video along with it. The first single is Running on the Surface and the video, edited by Colla/Vinilica, is a collection of Anime frames from some of my favourite series: Cowboy Bebop, Evangelion; Akira and newer ones like Ajin and Your Name.

Icarus is the second single - and, soon, I will release the third one called Medusa (and so on).

The songs are all about the characters of the Sci-Fi Manga which I've been drawing myself and will be released later this year - in episodes of thirty-two pages each.

Can you tell me how music came into your life? Which artists did you grow up on and idolise?

I was into singing since I was a child but, in my teenage years, I heard the voices of Marvin Gaye, Al Green; Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder - that completely changed my perspective and taste. Then, when I was a little bit older, I fell for Electronic music as well; so that's why I define my genre as ‘Future Soul’: Soul music from the future.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Goldsmoke

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Lately; I discovered a duo of brothers from London, Goldsmoke. They make very good Funk/Soul with an Electronic vibe to it. Nick has an amazing voice!

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

In 2017; I had gigs in U.K., Germany and Italy. Now, I'm concentrating on new releases - but I'll start touring again soon; so make sure you check my social media to be updated.

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

As a musician, to tour as much as I can to bring this project to as many ears as possible. As a human being, to be a good father and husband…and to learn new things…always.

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

The first time a crowd of hundreds sung all the lyrics of a song I wrote. That made me understand how powerful and uniting music can be.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be well trained. Don't copy anybody else's sound. Find your own vision and stick to it: if it's something genuine, people will recognise it and follow.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

As I said before; when I was growing up, I wanted to be a professional comic writer. Now, I draw for the MURDAH SRVC project - but it's more a therapy for me. To relax. Other than that, I love to travel with my family, try new food; see art exhibitions and read.

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 Believe in Music – Donny Hathaway

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Follow MURDAH SRVC

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INTERVIEW: HEGAZY

INTERVIEW:

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HEGAZY

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I do not get many opportunities to interview…

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artists from New York. I have been talking with HEGAZY about their E.P., Young. I find out the themes and ideas that compelled the work; which song each sister favours; what it was like being raised in a multicultural household – and why Leila and Omnia decided to start recording music together.

I ask them about their influences and the lure of N.Y.C. They talk about their father’s influence on their music; why they took a break from music; if they are coming over the U.K. this year – some cool artists we should watch out for.

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

Hey! It’s been great. We just released our first E.P. as a duo - so we’re pretty ecstatic!

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

We are HEGAZY: an Indie-Soul/Pop twin-sister duo based out of N.Y.C.

Young is your debut E.P. Can you reveal the themes and inspiration points for the E.P.?

Young is a coming-of-age story...

All the songs reflect our experience(s) finding our way in the world as millennials in light of all the social and personal challenges we’re facing (economic uncertainty, falling in/out of love and the current climate of racism/xenophobia in our government). It sounds heavy - but most of the record is pretty light-hearted and hopeful.

Which songs do you each connect hardest, would you say?

Leila: Track-three (Smolder) is the most personal to me. It digs into how young love changes into adult love over the course of a long-term relationship and all the worries that come with this evolution (i.e. is it ok if the butterflies are gone? Are we just becoming boring adults?). It speaks to the record’s overarching theme of ‘growing up’ and what that means. 

Omnia: The first single off the E.P., Alive, resonates with me the most. I wrote it about quitting my day-job in the music business to pursue my own music full-time. So many people stay in situations that are unfulfilling just because it’s the safest option - and this song was about breaking free; not only of the corporate world, but of our own sense of security, which can hold us back from achieving what we really want most.

As twin-sisters; I can imagine you two shared a love for music. When was the moment you decided to form the family-named HEGAZY?

We formed HEGAZY after the death of our father, Ashraf Hegazy, in December 2015. He always wanted us to work together and, in the year before his passing, we were already heading in that direction. Once he passed away, we became a band quite, naturally. In the years leading up to his passing, we had already been living together in an apartment, writing songs in adjacent rooms and going to each other for feedback. When our songs started to sound more alike, it made less sense for us to be separate - and we both knew that we would be better received as a duo.

We named the band after our father’s/our last name, because he always insisted that we were stronger together. He was right.

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You were born to a Brooklyn-Italian mother and Egyptian father – growing up on Staten Island. How influential were your parents’ backgrounds to your own music? As first-generation Arab-American twins; was it quite confusing growing up in Staten Island – or did you feel a sense of belonging?

Our parents’ backgrounds definitely reflected the music we were exposed to at the time and we’d like to think that everything we’ve listened to has contributed to our music in some way. Our mom loved Billy Joel and Disco music and our dad played classic Egyptian music around the house as well as recitations of the Quran, which are very melodic in nature. Growing up on Staten Island, which has a large Italian-American population, was an interesting experience. We, ourselves, were half-Italian - but we didn’t quite fit in with our peers because we also Egyptian and Muslim. We looked nothing like our mom, who has blonde hair and blue eyes, but looked more like our father - he had darker skin and North African features. When 9/11 happened; we were in the sixth-grade and we experienced a lot of bullying as a result. Other kids called us ‘terrorists’; ‘Bin Laden’s daughters’, etc.

It was a pretty rough time and that experience has stayed with us.

It seems you embarked on different paths before forming HEGAZY. What did each of you learn in your respective music roles during that period?

Leila: I have always been a vocalist first and foremost and, in our time apart; I gravitated towards R&B/Soul music because of the vocal prowess needed to sing in that style. In the meantime, I played piano and learned/listened to a lot of Jazz music - all of which really helped me to grow as a musician. I went to college for music composition and songwriting, which was a difficult thing to learn in a classroom setting. My songwriting got better because I was constantly writing - that was my job as a composition student and I loved it. It was also during this time that I started performing at venues in N.Y.C. and recording my solo records.

I learned so much about writing, performing, recording and navigating the music business - and all of these experiences have laid the groundwork for HEGAZY.

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Omnia: I went to school for music production and music business (NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music) while continuing to work on being a singer-songwriter. It was there that I learned to produce myself, record and edit my own vocals…and see my own visions through from beginning to end. When I work with a producer now; it helps to have the vocabulary to be able to communicate the sound I want and to listen to mixes and masters with the ears of an engineer. I learned so much about the music business and what it takes to be a D.I.Y. artist in my four years of college.

The Arab Spring was also the backdrop of my college experience; so I found myself writing a lot of very political and socially-conscious Pop music. I used my songwriting to vent about my frustrations with the world. This has definitely followed me into HEGAZY.

Do you feel, when you reunited in 2012, you were stronger and more rounded musicians/humans?

Definitely. Had we never gone our separate ways for school as teenagers/young adults, we would never have figured out who we were as individuals and musicians separate from each other. Our band now has such a diverse pool of influences and our differences have made our music that much stronger.

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How inspiring is New York and its varied communities? Is its diversity the reason the music scene is so fresh and evolving?

New York has a million different kinds of people and it’s amazing to be a part of that diversity. At the same time, we believe that gentrification has played a big role in the music scene here in the past few years. Although our style (Soul/Pop) is pretty timeless and will always have a place: the type of music that is considered ‘cool’ has shifted to genres typically preferred by white people (Electro-Pop, Indie-Rock, etc.). This isn’t to say that there aren’t people of color engaged in these musical styles: it’s just to say that when people from outside N.Y.C. started moving here in such large numbers, this changed the scene pretty dramatically. So, truthfully; a lot of the music you’re hearing from our city these days isn’t being made by native New Yorkers.

But, this city is evolving and if there’s one thing all New Yorkers (native or transplant) have in common, it’s that we’ll all be racing to keep up! It’s both exhausting and exciting.

Leila and Omnia. You two seem very different – in terms of music and personalities. Does that difference extend to music tastes? What do you each listen to away from HEGAZY?

Leila: Sure. I will always lean towards the Soul realm; but I’ve also gotten a little more inclined towards Electronic music in the past year or so. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of music from my peers who are making waves (Gabriel Garzon-Montano, Mitski; Luna Shadows and Verite to name a few). All of these artist were classmates of mine from either high-school or college - and they’re amazingly talented songwriters/artists. Listening to new music keeps my perspective fresh, regardless of genre.

Omnia: I listen to so many different things on my own time and don’t like to classify my musical tastes - because they’re constantly changing. At the moment, I’m listening to a lot of Vulpeck (they’re so funky!) and Larkin Poe (they’re a kickass sister-duo from Atlanta). Last year, I was listening to Sia and St. Paul and the Broken Bones on repeat. The year before; it was Alabama Shakes and Emily King (though this is still my go-to when I just want to feel good).

I also listen to a lot of alternative Arab artists like Mashrou Leila and Yasmine Hamdan and try to keep up with what’s happening on the ground in Indie music around the world; especially, in the Middle East. I’m still a violinist at heart and totally dork-out on Classical music (Antonio Vivaldi is my favorite composer; he was so intense and listening to/playing his works invigorates me).

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How important is your late father with regards your music and working together? Was he an instrumental guide and voice for you both?

Our dad is our muse - and we try to remember him when if/when we experience conflict with each other in the process of building our band. He had a fascinating life and his story inspires us to go after what we want without fear. He moved to the U.S.A. at seventeen years of age knowing no English; he did every odd job to make ends meet (all while going a little too crazy with his newfound ‘American freedom’ at first); finished college and made a life for himself. We also used to argue with him constantly about religion and politics – and, even if it seemed that no one was growing at the time, we all grew because of it.

All of these lessons have shaped who are as people and artists.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Larkin Poe

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

YEBBA (Abbey Smith), Gabriel Garzón-Montano; Jacob Collier, Jaime Woods; Deva Mahal and Larkin Poe (fellow sister-duo).

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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?

Leila: The Seven EP by Emily King

This record makes my heart melt every time - and it’s my go-to whenever I need to calm down. The vocals are beautifully delicate and lush and the songs are stunning…

Omnia: Oum Kalthoum means the most to me (no particular record; because she released mostly recordings from her live performances) because it reminds me of spending time with our dad. I enjoyed listening to Arabic music with him and, when I hear Oum Kalthoum songs like Inta Omri or Alf Leila w Leila, there’s a feeling of being in his presence again.

Can we see you on tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up? Will the U.K. be among your plans?

We’re playing at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia on March 2nd and Rockwood Music Hall on March 16th (in New York City). We’d love to take our music across the U.S.A. in 2018 and plan to do so in the fall.

The U.K. would be such an ideal place for our music - so when we tour Europe it will be part of our plan.

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

Leila: As we mentioned above; I’d love to tour, see more of the U.S.A. and the world. Traveling is always helpful, on a personal level.

Omnia: I hope to be more mindful in 2018 amidst all our big dreams and professional goals, which can be a challenge. For me, this means meditating every day and pausing before responding to things. This is easier said than done and takes constant practice.

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

Leila: I opened for a sold-out Allen Stone show in N.Y.C. a few years back and the crowd’s energy was unbelievable. That was the best performance experience I’ve had - and I’d love for HEGAZY to share in that.

Omnia: I performed at Women in the World Texas a few years back and got to meet Gloria Steinem - who was speaking at the event! Her dressing room was right down the hall from mine and I still wonder if she could hear my embarrassing vocal warmups before I went onstage.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Leila: Make music that you like to listen, not music that you think people want to hear…

Omnia: You are your own boss and you need to embody that when managing your own career! Don’t wait to be discovered by someone else: work on building your base one fan at a time and making real connections with the people who dig your music. It’s not an easy path to be an artist, but there will be moments when you’re reminded of how much it’s worth 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).

Leila:  Jacob Collier – In My Room

Omnia: St. Paul and the Broken Bones - I’ll Be Your Woman

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Follow HEGAZY

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INTERVIEW: Heavyball

INTERVIEW:

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Heavyball

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THE chaps of Heavyball have been talking to me…

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about their concept album, When Can You Start? It was released last year and looks at the routine of everyday work and the need to break free. The guys chat about their treasured musical memories and the song, Top of Your Game, and whether each has a standout song from the album. I ask the band about making music in the Midlands and whether there are any tour dates – and a new artist they recommend we check out.

The band choose albums that mean a lot to them; they share their advice to new artists and what they hope to achieve, as a band, this year; whether their own experiences with work influenced their latest album – they talk about London and its influence on them.

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

Iball: Alright thanks, mate. Ducking and diving. You know how it is…

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

We are the greatest band to come out of Nottingham since Paper Lace. We are New-Tone band pulling together influences from Ska, Rock and Indie. We are a group of mates making the music we want to hear.

We just hope other people like it as well.

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When Can You Start is your new, concept album. What kind of themes and ideas can we expect from the album?

It’s about a nobody that’s everybody - stuck in a job he hates, slowly seeing his life for what it is and desperate to do something about it. It’s bleak but to an upbeat soundtrack. We are a right laugh on a night out, I can tell you. There is a lot going on in the world right now - and we wanted to capture our version of Britain today.

I know there is a tip to the drudgery of the average working week. Were you inspired by your own work experiences to write the album?

Is my old boss reading this?! No? Cool; then absolutely, 'yes'. I have rotted behind far too many desks. Working is a con.

Is there a song from the album that, to you, defines what it is all about – that one you could never get rid of?

Tricky one as they all tell different parts of the story. If I was to choose it would be No More 9 to 5. Without it, the album wouldn’t have the release it needs. Actually…it’s probably the shortest song on the album called Retail Is Detail.

If you just listened to that you would get the idea...

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Top of Your Game is already out there. What has the response been like to that track? Was it fun shooting the video for the track?

Frosty: It’s been very positive, so far, which has been great. We opened our live sets with it on the last European tour just after the album had come out and it has been going down very well. We didn’t shoot a proper video for this track. A video is available online but we don’t make an appearance. We did shoot a video for the Perils of Midweek Drinking - which is also out at the moment and doing well. That was about as good a video shoot as we could ever hope for. It was us in a pub drinking for a few hours. What more could we have asked for?!

The album itself has really done well in Germany and Austria - it’s been in top-40 in the D.J. charts in both those countries for the last four weeks.

You guys formed in Nottingham. How did you all find one another and get Heavyball rolling?

Matt and Habs are brothers - so they had no choice but to know each other. Johnny is a childhood friend of the pair of them, so they have known each other all their lives. When they all relocated to London, they found me meandering the streets of Bromley - with nothing but a guitar in my hands.

Is Nottingham a great place to make music? Was it easy getting gigs in the early days?

Bigface: We actually formed in London when we all ended up living there at the same time - so that’s a difficult one to answer. I hear it’s a good scene and Dean Jackson (BBC Introducing East Midlands) has been very kind to us. That’s particularly surprising considering he had the misfortune to teach me for two years!

Jimmy Sommerville applauded your version of Smalltown Boy! Was it humbling hearing that? Is that a song that you all love and admire?

I always loved that song. It’s a great song melodically and rhythmically but the story it tells intrigued me. I suppose everyone has felt they don’t fit in at some point and that resonated with me. Jimmy’s voice is (still) brilliant, so it was an absolute honour to hear him say that.

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Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Buster Shuffle – five young lads from Bradford. Punk-Pop, I suppose. Great.

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

Habs: It changes all the time - but albums that bring back great memories are always good…right now, it’s Power in Numbers by Jurassic 5.

Iball: For me, it would be The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths

Funny and bleak.

Bigface: The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses

No need to say any more really…

Frosty: Probably Jimi Hendrix’s Are You Experienced? or Axis: Bold as Love

They changed the way I wanted to play guitar.

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

We have a couple of acoustic gigs coming up - then we’re playing the London International Ska Festival over the Easter weekend (on 31 March) which has a great line-up. After that, we’re back in Europe; starting with Cologne (Freedom Sounds Festival) and Bochum in April.

The likes of (BBC Radio 6 Music’s) Chris Hawkins has named you as one of the best live bands around. Does that kind of praise give you a lot of drive and heart?

Habs: Absolutely. We love to play live. From the point of view of writing, you never really get a song right until you’ve played it in front of people. That might be where you think ‘we need to make more of that intro’ or maybe ‘ah, sh*t; that final chorus goes on for far too long.’ More often than that, playing live really gives you a sense of how to make a song connect with people - so you know what to push for the next time.  

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

To keep playing and recording music that I would want to listen to.

Iball: I want to get back on the oche and play some quality darts: I’ve been too busy to play.

Frosty: Just to keep on pushing forward with what we have achieved so far; more gigs and European tours - and see if we can get ourselves out to some new places.

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

Iball: After a not-so-packed gig in Essen in Germany; we shared digs above the venue with another band, The Phantoms, from Norway. Top bunch of lads - and there were about twenty of them! We bought a few crates of beer from the bar and sat up taking turns playing songs and singing all night. It was a really unexpected highlight of the tour. Music is a great leveller: two bands from two different countries getting on brilliantly over a few beers and passing a guitar around.

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Habs: We always love playing in Europe: it’s basically like being on a stag do with a sense of purpose. Travelling around and playing and staying in different places always brings a lot of interesting people and comic moments. Clambering down scaffolding outside the old SS Kaserne barracks in order to get to our next gig. On the last tour, in Nuremberg, we stayed overnight above the place we’d just played. The next day, we needed to be on the road at 8 A.M. as we had a long, long drive to our next gig. The problem was that when we got up, we realised we couldn’t get out of the building or even get downstairs because every door had been locked…

The band’s plan was to go back to bed and try and make the problem go away but our ever-resourceful tour manager saw there was some scaffolding on the side of the building. In the end, we all made our escape by clambering down three flights of scaffold with our kit, instruments and leftover beers…an excellent hangover cure.

Bigface: In Austria, a few years ago, the hosts took us for a massive Schnitzel (not a euphemism) which was so big I couldn’t finish it. The restaurant wrapped it in tin foil - which I stuck it in my guitar case backstage. Turns out, I’d accidentally stuck it in an identical guitar case belonging to one of the other bands on the bill that night - who were flying back to Canada after the show.

We haven’t spoken since.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Find a niche…Punk; Metal, E.D.M…whatever – generic Indie is a very difficult scene at the moment. If you want to make any money, get a laptop and become a D.J. Sad times.

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).

Long Shot Kick De Bucket – The Pioneers

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INTERVIEW: Waiting for Smith

INTERVIEW:

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Waiting for Smith

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THAT name alone was compelling enough for me…

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to investigate Waiting for Smith and discover the facts and figures. Harry (the man behind the moniker) explains that name and details of the new single, Monkeys in My Head. I ask whether there is more material coming; what tour dates are approaching; how he met the band he plays with on the road – which artists compelled him at a young age.

Harry shares a precious memory with me; he recommends a load of great new artists; I ask whether Oxfordshire, where he and the band play, is a good spot to create and perform; whether there are any goals in his mind for the remainder of this year – Harry ends the interview with an awesome tune suggestion.

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

Very good. Just been recording at Abbey Road Studios.

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

It’d be a pleasure. I’m Harry: A.K.A. Waiting for Smith. In terms of my own music taste; I listen to pretty much everything. Sometimes, I’ll wake up and stick on a bit of Oscar Peterson or Ray Charles; at lunch, maybe, I’ll play A Tribe Called Quest and spend the evening listening to Steely Dan or Dire Straits. I’m interested in variety and I want to reflect this in my own music.

I’m currently playing live with Carl (Bass), Tim (Drums); Molly & Rosie (Backing Vocals).

Can I ask whether there is a story behind the name, ‘Waiting for Smith’?

The first incarnation of the group was started with an old school friend, Danny, who has another band now called Self Help. We were always struggling to find a drummer. Eventually, we started rehearsing with a guy called Smith who just never seemed to show up.

We’re still waiting…

Monkeys in My Head is the new song. What is the tale behind that one?

At a very young age, I was introduced to the idea that your emotions are separate from yourself: they seemed to arrive like a storm and leave as quickly as they came. We all have a voice in our head if you think about it. It can feel like our own twenty-four-hour radio station of anger, anxiety and fear - all seemingly trying to prevent us, by any means necessary, from fulfilling our potential.

The trick I was taught (was) when negative emotions swept over me (as they do all of us) was to imagine the voice as an actual monkey that lives in my head.

The song is about not letting my monkey get a grip on me, with its endless instructions, or yelling at it to leave me alone (as I once did). Instead, I like to tuck it up in its cosy bed with some cartoons and a Manuka honey sandwich…the little bastard.

The song is taken from your forthcoming E.P. Are there particular stories and incidents that compelled the song?

Yes. I was taking some time out in Cornwall a few summers ago and spending a lot of time in my head. It sort of (just) came out nearly all once at about 10:25 in the morning…and then I had a cup of tea.

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Was the E.P. recorded at Challow Park? Is this a space you feel comfortable in?

It was, yeah - with my good friend Will, who has a background in live sound engineering. I’ve stayed at the studio - and practically been living there for the last year.

Harry. I believe you broke your back skiing – and recorded music whilst recovering. Is that how the band met? When did you guys all get together?

Yes. I used to be a ski Instructor in the French Alps until I broke my back avalanche training. It was all pretty extreme, but a part of me felt strangely relieved - it was the right time for a big change and, although the circumstances weren’t ideal; I quickly came to release that this disaster might well be an opportunity in disguise…

What is Oxfordshire like for a musician? Is it a good place for your music to grow and develop?

It’s a perfect place to begin if you’re looking to find a fan base and play a lot of little gigs. It’s produced lots of great bands like Bombay Bicycle Club, Radiohead; Supergrass and The Foals - because there is a network in place for musicians; plenty of bands and they genuinely seem to want to help each other out.

I’ve heard it’s a rubbish place to tour through, though, if you’re not local: it’s, apparently, hard to draw a crowd.

Which artists are you inspired by? Do you take more influence from older or new musicians?

Influences include J.J. Cale, The Kinks; Dire Straits, Nick Drake; Mozart, Billy Joel; A Tribe Called Quest, Leonard Cohen and Thelonious Monk.

More recently: The National, Johnny Flynn and Vulfpeck...

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Kaleo

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

At the moment, I’d say, for a nice variety of stuff:

Check out Rex Orange County - just because he’s got something very special. Kaleo for new American Rock music from Iceland; the song, Notice Me, by SPINN - if you like The Cure and miss that they’re not around. Try Set Sail (Blank Kids) by Sticky for the sheer energy of youth - you’ll find it on YouTube. Gus Dapperton, if you like a good haircut and your music with a little groove.

Hollow Coves, if you like beautiful clean acoustic harmonies; Tom Misch and Loyle Carner for some laid-back Hip-Hop. Wild Cherry for acoustic duets. JAIN (Makeba) for incredible innovation. Mia Gladstone for a seriously delicious vocal. PaulWetz’s song Moonlight for some sexy Dance music - it kicks in at 00:31. Declan McKenna for young talent with plenty of glitter and, finally, Flyte:  I know the frontman, Will, and they do some wonderful four-part harmonies.

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IN THIS PHOTO: JAIN

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

I remember, when I learnt to drive, my first car was really old and only had a tape player. No one used tapes anymore - but my dad had a large box of them in the attic. I randomly picked The Kinks (Greatest Hits) who I knew and J.J. Cale (Really) - who was new to me. I listened to it on-repeat for about a year whilst smoking cigarettes in my little Ford Fiesta with the windows rolled down.

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What gigs are forthcoming? Where can we see you play?

We’re waiting to hear back from some festivals and have a quiet next month - because we’re back in the studio but for the moment…

7th March - The Hatter, Oxford

16th March - The George Tavern, London

27th April – 93 Feet East, London

2nd June – 229 Club, London

2nd August – Wilderness Festival

But (just) check the website for more info.

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

Record an album of songs, do plenty of gigs; call my grandmother more and learn Dutch.

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

I used to do a bit of orchestral contracting work (booking players for sessions) and one of the girls I worked with was obsessed with the Lion King. We were doing a massive session at Abbey Road recording film music - a whole orchestra including string section, choir; horns, timpani; you know…the whole lot. Anyway; this girl walked into the middle of the orchestra to collect some forms from the conductor - after being instructed to do so by the boss...

They said: “Stay there, please, we’re doing a take”. So; she stood still and, to her amazement, they started playing Circle of Life – the theme from the movie. You could see her first recognise the tune, then smile and then just weep with uncontrolled joy - but still having to contain herself from making a noise so as to not ruin the take. She surrounded by about one-hundred-and-twenty players and singers - and what she didn’t know was that they were playing it just for her, as a surprise!

It was one of the most moving things I’ve ever witnessed in music.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’m still learning myself - but here are a few things that have helped me...

Sing in a range where it feels comfortable - and spend the time finding your unique voice.

Pursue the style of music that you feel is right for you - but don’t get too hung up on style.

Listen to your instinct; not what your friends are saying - and don’t talk to strangers.

Most importantly: try not to take everything so seriously.

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).

Rock Steady by Aretha Franklin

It’s such a great groove and the moves are outrageous!

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Follow Waiting for Smith

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Official:

https://www.waitingforsmith.co.uk/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/waitingforsmith/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/WaitingForSmith

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/waiting-for-smith

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/waitingforsmith/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/57oieIojgviKMyTtzG4kn2

ALL BLACK-AND-WHITE IMAGES OF WAITING FOR SMITH:

Sequoia Ziff (@oneseq)

COLOUR SHOT:

Gary Stafford Photography (@Garystaffordphoto)

INTERVIEW: Sedge

INTERVIEW:

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Sedge

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THERE is something fascinating and unique…

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bubbling inside the Sedge camp. I have been speaking with the Canadian band about their latest album, Psychochondriac, and the themes that inspired it. They talk to me about their formation and the artists they were raised on; how their latest album differs from their earliest work; if Canadian music gets the attention it warrants – whether there are any new artists we should check out.

I ask the guys what their tour plans are; if they are coming over to the U.K. this year; when music came into their lives; how the guys chill away from their music careers; if there is a treasured memory from their time in the industry – they all nominate a song to end the interview.

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

Rob: Hi. The week's been great. Thanks for asking.

Mitch: Hello. I’m good. The week has been going by quickly...

Brian: Hi. How are you?

James: Good. You?

Dean: What’s up? The week’s been movin’, boy.

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

Rob: We are a five-piece rock group from Toronto, Canada and just released our second album, Psychochondriac. Our style of Rock has been referred to as Garage/Grunge: 1990s-style Rock and Roll.

Your sophomore album, Psychochondriac, is out. What is the story behind that title?

James can answer that…!

James: The title is a combination of ‘hypochondriac’ and ‘psychosomatic’: being so afraid of life you make yourself sick.

Can you reveal what themes and ideas inspired the songwriting?

The themes are just random thoughts, fears and stories meshed together.

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How do you think the new album differs from your earliest work? Do you think you are bolder and braver as a band?

Rob: The new album definitely shows the growth of the band as a whole.

The first album had songs that James had written years before while the new album showcases songs written by the band as a whole – and it’s definitely a bolder sound because of it.

James: The new stuff is a bit heavier and a lot more collaborative. It’s a good progression...

Mitch: We have really been exploring options for parts. We would try out various arrangements and not really settle until we were all happy with a song structure. I think you can hear the growth of us as songwriters and a band as a whole.

Did you all come into music at different times? When did the band come together and gel?

Rob: Music has always been a major part of our lives. We’ve been together for a few years now and have gelled since the start.

Mitch: There’s a bit of an age gap between the five members of the band; so we would have all been raised on different music. I’m eight years younger than my brother, James. I was listening to Smash Mouth while my brother was listening to Thrush Hermit. But, as we grew older, our musical tastes started to cross paths. Then, we started playing music together.

Toronto seems a popular area for new musicians! What is it about the city that inspires creativity?

Rob: The city has a great music scene and not only for Rock - it’s probably the fact of so many styles/influences of music the city has to offer.

Mitch: The city is just so diverse that I think artists of any nature can fuse multiple influences together - and some of it is groundbreaking stuff. There are amazing artists of every genre in the city.

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Do you think Canadian music gets the respect it deserves? Is it quite hard getting your voice heard above American peers?

Brian: Canadian music is misrepresented by mainstream radio/T.V., in my opinion. I feel like popular music is in a bad spot lately… (“Am I that out of touch?! No, it’s the children who are wrong”).

Dean: I feel there is great music made in Canada: I just don’t think many people get to hear it.

Rob: I don’t think so, as Canadian music is known worldwide. Even if you look to Rap/Pop with Drake and Beiber - if you have good music, it will make it out.

Mitch: I just think that it harder for bands to tour here...

In the States, bands can go from state to state and tour their set and sell their merch. and spread their name around. In Canada, you can drive sixteen hours and still be in the same province. It’s difficult for bands to get over to get Visas to go over the border in order to play shows and sell merch. I think Canadian music itself is super-diverse in the sense that it makes me think of multiple genres all at the same time

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IN THIS PHOTO: Output

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We just played our record release-show with two awesome local bands: Honesty from Toronto and Output from St. Catherines.

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

Rob: Right now, we have shows lined up around Toronto and the rest of Ontario. It would be great to be able to tour outside of Canada - but nothing planned yet.

Mitch: Yeah. We’ve got a couple gigs lined up this spring around Ontario. Hopefully; we’ll get something going in the summer, as well, around Quebec. 

Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. this year?

Rob:  We’d love to make it to the U.K. Can we stay at your place if we do?

Mitch: I would love to convince all of our wives/girlfriends to vacation there and, somehow, we sneak in a couple of gigs during the trip. Sadly, I don’t see us visiting this year. Hopefully, we just keep doing our thing and word spreads - and we can gain some new contacts and go out by 2020.

Goals.

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What does each of you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

Rob:  To keep on playing shows and having fun; getting our name out there more and promoting the new album as much as possible.

Mitch: To keep playing shows and spreading the word. I’d love to get back into the studio soon also.

Dean: Tour the world - 2020 goals.

James: Get into the studio again...

Brian: Play as many shows as possible.

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

Rob: Our record release-show in Toronto a few weeks ago was really fun. The crowd was great and wouldn’t accept the fact we had to stop playing! They continued on until we played an encore - and almost got us to do a second one…

James: We drink beer and quote The Simpsons.

Brian: Abbey Lane and the jam space.

Mitch: I love getting together and writing songs. It’s super-fun and I look forward to it every week. We are all so accepting to trying each other’s ideas. It’s always a fun time.

Dean: The time we spent together jammed with our gear in an S.U.V. while on a mini-tour of Montreal and Ottawa was a time I relished in every way. It was one of the best times of my life.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Rob: Don’t rely on anyone but your bandmates: sometimes it seems hard to get your voice out there but keep the D.I.Y. attitude going and never stop.

Mitch: GRIND IT OUT. Put in all the work with getting shows and making contacts and messaging blogs; same regards other artists and networking - and social media and all that. It’s weird to think that all of that goes with being in a band (especially when you just wanna write and play music) - but being in a band comes along with all these other responsibilities in today's day and age.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind as a band?

Rob: Unwinding as a band usually ends up in our jam spot working on new music!

Mitch: I like to watch cop movies and taking long walks on the breach.

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).

Rob: The Kinks - Dedicated Follower of Fashion

James: Courtney Barnett - History Eraser

Brian: The Fall - Frightened

Dean Crone: It’s cold outside, so I always have an amount of Reggae and Brenda Fassie to create an Illusion of warm. Brenda Fassie - Weekend Special

Mitch Heron: This is from the solo project of the Garage-Rock band Harlem’s guitar player, Michael Coomer...Lace Curtains - Police Brutality

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INTERVIEW: Leaone

INTERVIEW:

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Leaone

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EVERY new cut from Leaone is a fantastic experience…

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and memorable moment. I have been talking with him regarding the new track, The Swans Will Sing, and whether more material will surface. He talks to me about his influences and how his music has developed; what it feels like having the ear of big radio names; what he would say to new artists of the moment – whether he feels his music would be suited for film or T.V.

I ask what gigs are coming up for Leaone; if summer festivals are tempting; if he gets any time to unwind away from music; what he hopes to achieve before the end of the year – ending the interview with a rather cool and epic song!

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

Hey man. I’m here and there, you know! I’ve had a good weekend. Caught that new Paul Thomas Anderson movie, Phantom Thread - the one with the Jonny Greenwood score. Very good! Yesterday, I was over in Southwold with friends. 

The sea air is certainly good for the mind. 

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

I’m a music artist from Suffolk. That’s about it really! I sing, produce, and engineer everything you hear on my records. Occasionally, I might record other musicians but, generally what you hear is just me. Although, I do gig with a live band consisting of good friends - whom I am so grateful for.  

The Swans Will Sing is new. What can you reveal about its story and creation? It has a mix of dark undertones and classic sounds. Did you have a distinct vision of what the song would sound like before you recorded it?

Most of my songs have been kicking around for months, if not years, in some incarnation. I had the melodies for the quieter parts for a long time but didn’t really know what to do with the chorus. Then it just came pouring out, through frustrations with life I’m currently going through.

I was nervous about sharing it with Fierce Panda as it felt like a bit of a departure to my previous E.P.s. - but they really liked it and it feels good to be able to express myself freely without constraints. Weirdly, I feel like those quiet parts and the horn sections were inspired by Chet Baker - who I had been listening to a lot.

Will there be a video for the song?

I have had ideas for a video, but who knows.

I generally produce and make my videos myself, which I love to do, but it does pull me away from getting on with writing and recording - so I’m not really sure at this stage.

Last year; you released two E.P.s (Oh, My Sweetest Sin and Wild Horse Ride On). Do you think you’ll put another E.P. out this year?

I haven’t really decided yet...

I’ve certainly got the songs for a new E.P., if not another two or three! Right now I feel like releasing songs independently, one at a time. I feel singles that have had heavier promotion have overshadowed certain songs. But, who knows; my mind on everything changes from day to day.

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You gained respect from the likes of Jo Whiley and Chris Hawkins. Did it feel pretty good finding such a broad mix of fans in the radio industry?!

I was really shocked to be picked up by the nationals, to be honest! Radio is such a massive deal to me. Every time I get played it’s such a buzz. I mean, I have so much respect for people like Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq! It’s a massive privilege to get played by them. I think it feels much more significant because they are personalities that have been a part of your upbringing: it’s not a faceless medium.

I just need Zane to spin me on Beats and I’ll be happy!

How do you feel you have progressed and developed as an artist since your earliest days? Do you think you are stronger and more confident now?

I’ve been writing and recording music for many years; way before I ever released anything properly. I think, at this point, writing music just feels engrained and a natural part of who I am. So, I feel more content and confident in just being an artist; even if no one knows me or listens to me. I know I get so much out of it personally; whereas I think when you are starting out you are so eager to ‘make it’ and get ‘signed’.  I’ve realised that I’m not going to stop making music regardless of what goes on in terms of the ‘business’ of it all.

I still get really nervous playing live; simply because it is such a rare occurrence and you’re always at the mercy of engineers that don’t know your sound - and often performing through poor systems. Like, I’ll rehearse my arse off with my band for one show and that’s it you know, until three months later. You can’t exactly get on a roll like that. But, it’s just not feasible at the moment to gig all the time. 

Which artists made an impact when you were growing up? Who do you count as idols?

Chris Cornell, Johnny Cash; Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave; Kanye West and Julian Casablancas. Oddly, none of them English! Growing up as a kid, I really liked Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine.

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Your music has a cinematic, dramatic quality. Would you like to see one of your tracks on the screen one day?

Totally! I did sign Goldtooth off for a movie sync, but the movie has yet to see the light of day. So, God knows what’s happened there! I’d love to write and score for movies - especially arty, independent cinema. That’s my bag. I’m not really into Hollywood blockbuster: films like Betty Blue, The Dreamers and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night are more my sort of thing.

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

I’ve got a couple of shows coming up. The first is at The Social in London on Little Portland Street. That’s on the 22nd March. Its free entry and Fierce Panda’s birthday party. So; no excuse not to come if you’re around the smoke. The other is at The Hunter Club in Bury St. Edmunds on the 7th April. There’s a chance I might play that one solo without my band - which would be a first!  I have made some tentative plans for a pretty awesome tour in the autumn - but it depends on a few things as to whether I can pull it off.

The summer is coming up. Do you have any festivals plans? What would be your ideal festival date?

Well, I’d love to. I mean, I’ve applied to play a tonne of them so I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. Latitude festival would probably mean the most - because I live around the corner and I’ve been almost every year since it started. But; I’d love to get out and play overseas. I went to Way Out West festival in Gothenburg last summer just for fun, which was amazing.

I’d love to play there. 

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

Just remember to live, really! Spend more time with my friends and family. Musically, I just want to write more, not procrastinate so much and try and keep away from the Devil inside my head. I want to perform more and just keep releasing music.

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

Working with Jim Lowe in the Stereophonics’ studio in Shepherd’s Bush, and hanging out with him in bars in London, is definitely my fondest memory so far.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Well. I still feel very much like an artist just starting out. But, my advice would be to trust yourself and remember that no one more than yourself carries your best intentions. Just like in any walk of life, there are arseholes and pirates out there - so hang on to your wallet.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I’m pretty bad at that! I don’t really ever stop thinking about my music. It can be a drain on personal relationships, that’s for sure. But, outside of music, I’m happiest when I’m travelling and exploring new places. I hate staying in the same place for too long.

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).

That’s a tough one: there’s much amazing music I love. But, how about this one: Let Your Eyes Wander. It’s a song I love deeply off of Chris Cornell’s last solo album, Higher Truth.

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INTERVIEW: Scenic Route to Alaska

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Johnny Carson Kuby 

Scenic Route to Alaska

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EVERY new Canadian band I am faced with…

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provides a fresh insight into a productive and curious country. I have been speaking with Scenic Route to Alaska about their latest cut, How It Feels, and its rather cool video! They tell me about the inspirations behind their forthcoming album, Tough Luck, and how they all got together; whether they’ll come to the U.K. this year – what other dates they have coming up.

I ask the guys whether their part of Canada (Edmonton) provides ‘challenging’ conditions in which to record; whether there are new artists we should get fired up about; if there is a great memory from music that has bonded them – the band choose treasured albums that have made an impression on them.

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

Not too shabby. Staying warm: coming off a couple weeks of -25C to -30C weather. Still made it out to the rink for a couple skates!

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

We are a three-piece Indie-Rock band from Edmonton (Alberta), Canada. We take a lot of influence from The Beatles, old-school R&B and Rock; the Canadian scenery, 1990s rock and modern Indie music.

How It Feels is your current single. What is the concept behind the song?

Our new single, How It Feels, is an impulsive Indie-Rock song about the challenge of finding love, or any relationship for that matter, while being caught up in the hustle and bustle of touring and life on the road. The song was written after getting home (the same night) from a European tour - where the band played thirteen shows in fourteen days across four countries.

The video looks pretty cool and funny! What was it like shooting? Did you have fun doing it?

It was a ton of fun shooting it! We were lucky enough to work with a local twenty-five-year wrestling touring pro named MASSIVE DAMAGE. He provided the ring, a training session; help with choreographing the match, a young up-and-coming wrestler (Young Blood Cody Blayde) and a badass presence to rough us up pretty good. Definitely one of the cool parts of playing music is getting to throw yourself into different experiences that most people don’t get a chance to try. We got a couple-day crash-course into the world of wrestling - and it was super-cool to be a part of something like that.

Worth all the bumps and bruises, for sure!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Johnny Carson Kuby

Tough Luck, the new album, is out on 9th March. Can you tell us the themes and inspirations behind the songs?

The overall theme of the record is longing for love and the loneliness that ensues when you don’t find it. We’ve been on the road a lot in the last few years and it’s made it difficult to build up new relationships with any significant depth to them. Although most of the songs seem fairly self-sympathetic: there are hints of optimism dispersed throughout.

It seems you have been lying low this winter. Is it the best season/weather to get an album recorded? Do the harsh conditions drive your creativity?

Winter, probably, is the best season for writing/recording up in Edmonton. We try to avoid touring heavily in the coldest months in Canada - just because of how unpredictable the roads can become. The winter can get very cold, dark and quiet; so it’s pretty ideal for hiding away in a basement or studio to jam out new ideas out. Also; very ideal for getting out to the rink and playing some hockey! Having said that; most of Tough Luck was written and recorded in the summer months this time!

Just the way our schedule worked out last year.

Tell me how Scenic Route to Alaska got together. How did the band form?

We’ve been buddies since we were kids...

Went to the same school, started learning our instruments around the same time and played in different bands together ever since. We formed Scenic Route to Alaska in the of summer 2010 after the fourth member of our 1950s/1960s Blues and R&B cover-band (we used to play in) couldn’t play shows with us anymore. We started playing Trevor’s original tunes that he had just started writing. That led to us creating, recording and touring a ton and, since then, haven’t looked back.

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Is Edmonton a great place for new music? Are you seeing a lot of promise?

Absolutely. The scene here is full of talent and creativity and is incredibly supportive. In a lot of ways, our climate is pretty conducive to spending most of your time hiding away; working on your art and creating. There’s also always a bit of an underdog vibe - which helped create a pretty awesome community of artists lifting each other up.

More recently, we’ve started to see some Edmonton musicians break out and see some massive success in the industry (Mac Demarco, Purity Ring; Peter from July Talk).

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IN THIS PHOTO: Andy Shauf/PHOTO CREDIT: Geoff Fitzgerald

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Here are a few pretty sick Canadian artists:

Andy Shauf; Wintersleep; Close Talker; Born Ruffians; Royal Canoe; Leif Vollebekk.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Close Talker/PHOTO CREDIT: Rachel Pick

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

Shea:  I’d probably have to go with Abbey Road from The Beatles

It’s just one of those things where my dad always had that C.D. in his car and I became obsessed with that album on long drives visiting family in Vancouver. It fueled my love for The Beatles - and music in general.

Murray: First Day of Spring by Noah and the Whale

This album just came out at a time of my life when the lyrics really meant a lot to me - and I was being introduced to this style of music. I think these songs made a serious impact on our early development as a band.

Trevor: (Dang; both of those records (mentioned above) would be high up on my list as well!). I guess I’ll go with Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams

I didn’t discover this record (or really listen to Ryan Adams) until 2014 - and it opened up a ton of songwriting doors in my life. He’s got such an extensive catalogue which is packed full of diversity and creativity. I really love the way his records are recorded - you can really feel/hear the analog tape when you crank it up…and it makes me feel like I’m sitting in the middle of the studio listening to it all happen!

You have a packed touring diary for this year! Do you love behind on the road? Which dates are you especially excited about?

We do. We love playing shows and getting the opportunity to play in different parts of the world. Touring is a pretty crazy beast that has pretty heavy lows and highs. You really test your body’s limits with all the playing, loading; driving and drinking. Your life becomes pretty unpredictable and unstable being away from all the comforts at home. We wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.

For this next tour, I’m not sure if there’s any specific city we’re excited to play - but we are playing our first string of shows in the States, which will be new and cool!

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Do you think you’ll be in the U.K.? Have you ever played here before?

Doesn’t look like we’ll be coming over to the U.K. this tour, but we definitely are looking for ways to make it back over there soon. Our only time over there was a couple of years ago where we played three straight shows all in London. We would love to make it over more often.

Hopefully soon!

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

I think the goal is always to keep pushing ourselves forward in our musical careers. We’re lucky to be able to play and write as much as we do for a living - and we just want to keep growing this opportunity. Playing in more countries to bigger crowds and sustaining doing what we love to do for as long as we can is what we’re working hard to accomplish.  

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

Our best memories of playing music tend to link to great or weird shows/venues we’ve played in. Maybe the weirdest was when we showed up to the venue for our first show in Berlin and the room we played in could literally hold fifteen or so people. There was a stage in the room but Trevor and Murray were the only ones that could fit on it. Shea had to set up his drums in a small closet-like hole-in-the-wall on the side of the stage. Totally invisible to the crowd - and with lasers and strobes coming out from inside the hole. It was nuts.

We CAN say, however, that our first show in Berlin ever was totally sold out…even if it was just eighteen people (or whatever the cap. actually was).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The best advice we can give is just to start playing as many shows as you can. Play all over your hometown until you run out of venues; then hit the road and do it in other cities. It’s the best way to get better at playing and to get connected in the music scene!  

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).

Shea: Phosphorescent - Song for Zulu

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Murray: Dr. Dog - Jim Song

Trevor: Angel Olsen - Shut Up Kiss Me

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Follow Scenic Route to Alaska

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INTERVIEW: Sertari

INTERVIEW:

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Sertari

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IT is a busy time for Sertari…

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as her E.P., Bright Star, is out. I speak with Sertari about the songs and influences behind the E.P. – and whether it differs from her earliest work. She speaks about her musical upbringing and charity work; what gigs she has coming up; how she spends free time away from music – some new names to investigate closely.

Sertari discusses her personal aims and experiences running a record label; what guidance she would give new artists coming through music right now; working with brands like Akai Pro – and whether she has any special memories from her time in music.

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

Hi. Yes, fine; thank you. It has been a busy, but exciting, week of radio interviews, performances; writing and more!  

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

Of course. I am Sertari - I am a singer and songwriter. I’m from Hampshire but come from a Greek-Cypriot family. I love anything to do with getting up on stage and singing (or writing) music. I have performed at some great venues around the U.K. and recently toured Cyprus - which was absolutely amazing!

I also love a good old cup of tea. 

 

Bright Star is your new E.P. What can you reveal about the stories and ideas that enforced the songwriting? 

The E.P. took a long time to put together…some of the songs I must have written years ago.

Between the time I started writing this E.P. to the time of release, there where a lot of events happening in my life. I had my first child, I moved house; I was also working in several function acts and working a day job. As you can see, there was a lot to deal with - and the way I dealt with the demands was to write songs and perform. It was a way of me releasing my emotions no matter what the subject was. What I have noticed is I build a story or idea and use that as a metaphor for how I am feeling.

On Bright Star, I talk about being lost in a city and being guided by a star to help me through; trying to escape to “somewhere we can breathe” – you could translate that as being lost in yourself, but there is a way out of your darkest days.

I am also a bit of a universe geek - so I do like to talk about stars and planets! 

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How do you feel the music on Bright Star differs from your earliest work? Can you feel yourself growing as a songwriter and performer? 

I definitely feel I am growing as a songwriter and performer. I think it's good to keep evolving and draw upon new ideas; experiment with how to write music with new sounds in the mix. I first started out as more R&B; then I moved to Rock then Pop-Rock - and now I feel I am started to find my feet and sound: a blend of different genres and styles…let me call it ‘Alternative-Pop’!  I feel I am more adventurous with my vocals.

However, I will never deny room for more growing and improvement and I am a great believer that, with every new E.P. or single released, it’s always a step forward and learning curve…

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I know you have worked with brands such as Akai Pro. Do you feel, working with various companies, it helps bring music to younger generations? Is that an important drive for you? 

Yes. I think it's important to bring music to a younger generation – although, the younger generation has it so easy these days. With the ability to find music through many platforms; I feel being involved with a company is not the only way to draw the young listener in. However, as an artist, I feel it is great to get brands backing your work - as it’s all part of growing your own brand and identity. I am pleased to announce I have just been endorsed by Vocalzone! 

Very happy about that - as I use them at almost every show!

 

I believe you started out running your own label - sourcing talent from the South Coast. Was that a good way of seeing what life was like for a new musician? Do you feel you’ll run your own label in the future? 

I ran the label with my drummer and producer, Ben. We did it with more of a view to helping other artists out - but also give us a platform to get out and perform; to showcase what we did as well as others. I'm not sure I'll run another label as (just) running myself as an unsigned artist keeps me on my toes.

However; I'm always up for collaboration.  

You were offered a record label recently. What was the reason for turning that down?!

Oh yes! It was a label in Greece. Unfortunately, the deal itself was not right at the time. I think it's easy for a young artist to get swept away when they are offered a deal. But, a deal is a contract at the end of the day and it's got to work both ways - and, unfortunately, this one didn’t.  

So, for the moment, I will stay independent!

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You do a lot of charity work and bring your music to a lot of different people. Do you feel other artists should involve themselves with worthy causes and do a bit more for others? 

I do this as the causes that I have worked with have been close to my heart.

I feel, if other artists also have things they are passionate about or want to bring more awareness to something they believe in, then, yes; I think they should do what they feel is best for them. Sometimes, bands and artists are in a position of being able to reach a lot of people - so it’s good to use this to good effect.

Which artists were you raised on? Did you grow up in a musical household?  

Yes. I grew up in a very musical household. My dad used to be in a Greek function band playing at many weddings and events. My mum used to be in Classical choirs, so I used to hear her practising around the house - and I have three older sisters who were also into all sorts of music. I used to listen to the likes of No Doubt, Tori Amos; Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses; Night Wish, Andrea Bocelli; Mariah Carey and so on.  

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IN THIS PHOTO: J. Ivy/PHOTO CREDIT: @heathertalbert

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out? 

I feel terrible as I have not got out recently to listen to the underground music scene! But; please check out J. Ivy (who I collaborate with on my E.P.). At the moment, I have been listening to Twenty One Pilots a lot - not that they need any recommendation!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Twenty One Pilots (Josh Dun)

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

Well. I have been filling up the diary: I have some great festivals coming up, including Lowde Fest on 7th July; Kitesurfing Armada festival on the 23rd June; Petersfield Hometown Festivals on 27th May. Also; I will be performing at the O2 Academy Islington on the 18th March in the SoundWaves (Final) competition.

Tickets are available through my site.  

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

Well. I have started to write my next E.P.; so it would be great to get to a point where I can take it into the studio and start the recording process. I would love to get one of my songs featured in a film or ad.

That would be amazing!  

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

I did a show in Paphos (in Cyprus) and it was an outdoor event in the mountains. My band and I went on as the sun was setting. It just felt that everything seemed to fit with the atmospheric sounds - and singing about stars under the stars felt peaceful.

It made me feel very relaxed…plus, we got to stay in a yurt - and it was beautiful! 

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through? 

I think (my advice would be) patience and determination. You have to do it because you enjoy music: not because you want quick fame. If you're doing it for the fame, you will be disappointed as, unless you’re very lucky; most really successful artist had been doing it for years before they had their major break.  

Don’t give up! You have to be your own label these days and control everything about your music - which can be quite exciting in itself, yet challenging. But; you can't wait for things to fall into your lap: you need to be productive and remember the core reason why you write and perform your music…

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind? 

Umm…that’s a tricky one as, when I'm not at work, I'm working on my artist project and, when I'm not doing that, I'm performing with the other function bands (I'm in). Also; I have a three-year-old daughter who is just beautiful. She’s full of spirit and has loads of energy!

When I do have that moment to myself, I like cuddling up in my P.J.s with a cup of tea; either watching a film or Vikings – or, sometimes, I listen to The Ricky Gervais Show.   

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). 

Coldplay - A Sky Full of Stars 

Been listening to this a lot recently  

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Follow Sertari

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INTERVIEW: Bella Barton

INTERVIEW:

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Bella Barton

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THE last time I spoke with Bella Barton…

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she had just shared Daughter with the world – her incredible single that announced a rare and stunning talent. Now, with Reflections out (23rd February is the official release date), I was keen to find out more; what the song is about and how it came together; whether her teenage years means she has a unique perspective on music – and what we can expect from her forthcoming album, Ten Songs.

I ask about her ambitions for this year and whether she has a favourite memory; if there is any chance for her to relax away from her busy career; if her time at the BRIT School – and following such alumni like Amy Winehouse – makes her feel any pressure – Barton nominates a song to end the interview.

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Hi, Bella. How are you? For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please? 

Hello. I’m great, thanks! I’m Bella Barton. I’m an eighteen-year-old Folk/Jazz musician and raging feminist. 

Reflections is your newest track. What is the inspiration behind that song? 

Reflections is actually one of the first songs I ever wrote. It’s about the impossible beauty standards set by our society that condition young girls into feeling unattractive in their own bodies. Throughout my life; I’ve subconsciously wanted to look conventionally attractive - and mainly for men.

I wrote this song because I realised that beauty is an illusion and we need to escape this conditioning! 

Daughter is the song I know you for. That dealt with sexual harassment and rather ‘tough’ subjects. It seems you like to keep your music deep and challenging. In a music world that still promotes the commercial above all – do you find it hard to remain true to your ethics and voice? 

I don’t particularly find it hard to remain true to my ethics and voice; I guess because I’m constantly writing, reading poetry and listening to music. So; I’m always being influenced by different things and writing about whatever makes me feel something. I actually write about various other subjects that affect me personally, like panic attacks and unrequited love - so it’s not all political. 

Being a young artist in the industry; do you think your age inspires the subjects you write about – and how you approach music in general? 

My age definitely inspires the subjects I write about - as I’m experiencing a lot of these topics for the first time So; if a song is about love, it’s my first time feeling love; it’s all very raw. 

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Ten Songs is out in March. Can you talk about the sort of ideas and songs that will feature? What was it like recording the album? 

I’m really happy with the whole album. I also enjoyed recording it. It made me realise how excited I am to write and record as many songs as possible!

Do you think they’ll be any more singles released from the record? 

Other than Reflections; I won’t be releasing any other singles from this album. I’m excited to release all ten songs.

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You are a BRIT School student. Is it quite daunting following alumni such as Amy Winehouse?! Has it been a formative experience for you? 

I don’t find it daunting following BRIT School alumni because all of their music is different to mine. Amy Winehouse is one of my musical influences and I love her - but I’m not intimidated by the fact that she went to BRIT: if anything, it’s just quite nice knowing we both found our interest in music in the same place. 

Which artists have you grown up on? Who are the musicians that inspire you the most? 

I completely admire The Beatles: their music, beliefs; early and experimental albums, their individual careers - to be honest, (just) anything to do with them. Like I said; Amy Winehouse is one of my musical influences, mainly because I love her unique combination of R&B and Jazz.

I love classic Jazz artists. Obviously Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin; Tony Bennett and, also, Ella Fitzgerald. Ella Fitzgerald’s Someone to Watch Over Me heavily influenced one of the songs (Serenity) from my album.

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out? 

Nadine Shah is an artist I discovered recently - and I’d definitely recommend her song, Ville Morose. It’s not usually the genre that I listen to, but it’s so beautiful. 

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

I just did a gig at the Dublin Castle in Camden, which I loved playing; so I’ll probably be playing there again sometime soon! I do a monthly gig at the Star and Garter pub in Putney Bridge which is very chill and lovely. 

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

This year; I would love to (just) play as many gigs as I can and also achieve complete spiritual peace through my Buddhist practice.

The latter might be slightly difficult

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

When I think about it…my favourite music memory was the other night at Dublin Castle! 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through? 

The advice I’d give to new musicians would be to write down anything that comes into their head - because you can turn almost any thought into a song you love. 

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Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

To unwind, I usually just turn to Buddhism, meditation; chanting, etc. It makes me feel calm again and connected to my inner-self: I forget about superficial and external worries.

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’d love it if you played The Ballad of John and Yoko by The Beatles. Thank you! 

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Follow Bella Barton

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INTERVIEW: Dom Fricot

INTERVIEW:

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Dom Fricot

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IT is to the shores of Dom Fricot…

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who discusses his latest gem, Help Is Needed. I was eager to discover the story behind the song and what we can expect from his sophomore record, Deserts (out on 23rd March). He chats about his musical development and whether songwriting is a way of translating anger; working with David Vertesi on his new album; which artists have inspired him – some new musicians he vibes to.

I ask whether the Canadian artist will come to the U.K. and see us; how he spends time away from music; what advice he would offer fresh artists; how music came into his life – what tour dates he has in the pipeline.

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

The week has been great. I’m currently living in the Netherlands, rehearsing and writing. My cousin just came to visit me from Switzerland and we had a great time biking around. It’s an absolute paradise for cyclists here.

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

My name is Dom Fricot (used to be 'Dominique Fricot', but I shortened it for this album). I’ve been releasing solo albums since 2012 and, more recently, joined an international collective of singer-songwriters called Folk Road Show. (Think C.S.N.Y.-meets-Fleet Foxes). This March 23rd, I’ll be releasing my third studio effort, Deserts. The album kind of honed in on this post-Genesis Peter Gabriel/Phil Collins sound.  

Help Is Needed, your new song, seems like a cry for help and declaration for calm. Was there a particular event that compelled you to pen the track?

I penned it shortly after the shootings at the Bataclan, while the Syrian refugee crisis was happening. I wasn’t there, but I had been in Paris a couple days before it happened - so it felt very close.

Do you feel songwriting is a way to channel frustrations and making sense of the world? Do you think things will improve before long?

I totally think that’s what songwriting is; at least for me. Songs seem to most often emerge out of emotional wounds or mental frustrations. Do I think things will improve before long? I think there are a lot of forces right now pushing society in the right direction, but there are obstacles that we have to overcome when it comes to any of the major issues: gender-inequality, gun control; racism, economic disparity etc. The list goes on.

I think the obstacles are pretty daunting - and what I’m trying to point out in my song is that it’s an all-hands-on-deck scenario.  

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Your sophomore record, Deserts, is out on 23rd March. What sort of themes and ideas go into the album?

The album is a lot about nostalgia and looking back on hard memories with a new perspective. When I first began writing songs, it was in the wake of my father’s passing at the age of sixteen. At the time, the songs were just about regret or pain and longing. I actually had a strange moment while recording this record because, all of a sudden, I had a bout of depression. It didn’t make any sense to me. The weather was great, I was healthy and I was living my dreams...

I’d taken a month off work to make this album and, all of a sudden, I was having so much trouble just getting out of bed. In the middle of it, I discovered, via Google...I’d made a conscious decision to forget when it happened: it was on exactly that day, sixteen years ago, that my father had passed away. I didn’t intend for the songs to be about my parents, but there is a lot of my mom and dad on there.

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Echoes is the memory of having my dad as a soccer (‘football’ to you, I suppose) coach and hating the pressure - but now missing those times. Measure Up is another one about him where I reflect on how I can’t really imagine comparing myself to my dad. He just always seemed like this giant of a personality; saving money for seven years to move to Canada from Mauritius and, later, building my childhood home by himself with a couple friends to help him out. The album has a lot of looking back. But, also, a bit of my mother’s social justice via Help Is Needed - and I think she would have despised it as a piece - but Meredith Clark is kind of a dark look at the issue of consent.

You worked with David Vertesi on the album. Why did you want to work with him? What qualities did he bring to the recording?

Dave really brought an ambitious approach; giving this album a focus.

In our first meeting, he was very clear that he wanted me or us to have a goal for this record. He personally wanted to make this record sound different than anything I’d done. I’d originally wanted to work with Dave because I’d really liked what he’d done with other tracks for Vancouver artists that I’d heard him produce - and I just knew he had knowledge of genre and modern music far beyond my breadth of awareness. In the end, I think he knocked it out of the park. He pushed me, vocally, in new ways that I’d never been pushed before and he made me make uncomfortable choices with the songs that I ultimately loved.

I think that’s a key role for a producer: to get the artist to see their work in different ways and take risks that they normally wouldn’t.

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How did music come into your life? Was there an artist or album that spurred you to create songs?

It seems pretty common, but I remember listening to Smells Like Teen Spirit at full-blast, on-repeat in the back of a friend’s car when I was about ten-years-old. I started playing the guitar and decided that I wanted to be a Rockstar and write songs. I immediately sat down with a pen, and the five chords I knew and gave up in an hour. A couple years later, with a bit more emotional maturity, I started listening to Dave Matthews - and it was like the clouds parted and I understood how songs were written.

It seems, to me, Canada is a better country to create music than the U.S.A. Do you feel you have a better climate to write the sort of music you want?

Mmm…I don’t know about that.  

I’ve never lived in the States - so I can’t say for certain. I just notice certain spaces or places have a little more electric charge when it comes to creativity.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Bend Sinister

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

From my hometown of Vancouver, there are a couple artists that are really making waves that I think you should hear. Bend Sinister has a sort 1970s Prog-Pop sound that is pretty fire. I’d also watch out for Youngblood or We Are the City - if you haven’t heard of them.

Both great artists.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Youngblood/PHOTO CREDIT: Kezia Nathe

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

I’ll be releasing the album with a tour across Canada in March. You can find my list of tour dates on my website. I’m pretty excited about some of the highlight shows: Mar 10 in Toronto at the Burdock; Mar 18 in Calgary at the Ironwood and Mar 30 in Vancouver at the Fox Cabaret.

Will you be playing the U.K. on your travels? Have you ever been over this way?

I currently don’t have any tour plans for the U.K. - I’m hoping to get over there in the fall, though. I’ve been to London a couple times and played a couple Sofar Sounds shows last year. I was also there in 2014 and 2015 for a couple of spot dates - on my way to tour continental Europe with the Folk Road Show.

I always really enjoy playing for U.K. audiences, actually.

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

I always have a tough time setting the goal...

As a footnote to all the music stuff; I’d like to find a more permanent place to live. I’ve been very nomadic and transient for the last three-and-a-half years (with solo tours and the Folk Road Show). I’d like to settle somewhere closer to my sister’s - and my nieces and nephews.

Musically, I think this is the best album that I’ve ever made and I (just) want to get it into the ears and hearts of the people that I think would really love it. I don’t need to play Wembley, but I’d like to use whatever modern means to get the music into their hands - whether it’s through a few different Google or Spotify playlists or playing an opening slot on a tour for an artist that would make complete sense with my vibe.  

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

Now, you mentioned the U.K...one of my favourite memories was the first time I played London. I was at a venue called The Slaughtered Lamb, I believe. It was a Sunday night and, straight after I played; this ‘chap’ came over and said: “Hey, you should really come say hi to my friends. I don’t want any of your CDs, but I’m pretty sure they do”. I went and said 'hello' and sold some discs. After the show, they all came over to ask what I was doing that night. It was already 11 P.M. or so and I thought the night was over - but they assured me it wasn’t. They packed me in an Uber with them to go for dinner at a friend’s place. We ended up in this amazing two-bedroom apartment right on the Thames in Wapping.

They pulled out my guitar and told me I had to entertain. This isn’t usually the way I liked to be forced into things, but it was all done in a very tongue-in-cheek way. We ended up drinking wine and singing songs into the wee hours of the morning. Now; we’ve all experienced campfire sing-alongs, but what stuck out most for me was how random this was to share that experience with a bunch of very friendly strangers - all because of music, really. They told me I was now part of their ‘Wapping Massive’.

I’m still in contact with a lot of those people today.  

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Bite off more than you can chew and chew it.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I like to hike or, as I mentioned; riding bikes here in the Netherlands is an absolute dream. I hadn’t taken a vacation in ever and, last year, I took myself on two four-day vacations: one to Croatia and one to Mexico. I learned it’s important to treat yourself like that every so often.

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).

Well; any song…

I think you should honestly play Wendell Walker by Andy Shauf. Another absolutely incredible Canadian artist. If you have a time restraint; try, maybe, You’re Out Wasting. But, I was a pretty good sport; so I think you can handle the eight minutes of Wendell Walker (smiles).

Besides…it’s totally worth it.   

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INTERVIEW: Bad Pop

INTERVIEW:

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Bad Pop

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I have been chatting with the dynamic…

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and sensational Bad Pop. Chris from the band talks to me about the new track, On Your Own, and what comes next. I ask him about Bad Pop's start and what they have planned regarding gigs; if the (Canadian) guys are coming to the U.K.; the music/artists that inspire them – whether Chris and the guys have favourite memories from their time in music.

Chris discusses their creative process and how his week has been; what advice he would give to new artists coming through; why Canada produces so many great artists – if the band gets the chance to chill away from their busy music lives.

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

We’re great! You’ve got Chris on the laptop...

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

We’re Bad Pop: an off-kilter Canadian Rock band. We make quite the racket, lots of loud noises - that sometimes sounds like songs. 

On Your Own is the new single. What is the background of that song?

On Your Own is a bit of different song for us. Catherine sings on it; it was largely created in the studio. I’m intrigued as to how people will respond to it. 

Previous singles Bad Pop and Same House were a big success. Did you expect them to be so acclaimed and popular?

‘Popular’ is such an abstract thing, nowadays. 

I’m glad when people like it: we certainly do. It’s funny because Bad Pop was supposed to sound like a Pop song that kind of pokes fun at popular music. I guess it worked! 

Will there be more material from you guys this year? 

There’s a ton of stuff that will be coming out soon - including our first full-length in the fall! 

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How did Bad Pop get together? Was there an instant connection there?

We had played together in other bands; so we already had chemistry going into Bad Pop. There is an excitement and danger to how we play that’s very exciting. I think that’s when we’re at our best: when the thing could fall apart and go off the tracks at any moment. 

Which artists and musicians were you inspired by growing up?

I always loved artists that were a bit subversive, and yet, had a good sense of humour to them: Devo, Talking Heads, Ween; the Coen brothers, The Kinks; The Beatles and Paul Thomas Anderson. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Brendan George Kokomo

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Weaves and The Wet Secrets. 

I interview a lot of Canadian artists. Why do you feel the country is providing so many great bands/artists? 

In my experience; the grant system we have in Canada helps develop artists. It encourages, with financial support, artists that are unique and have something interesting to say. It also helps that we look, sound and can pass as Americans - but definitely aren’t. It’s a position that allows us to thoroughly understand and be submerged in their culture - yet, also be removed from it so we can satirize and critique it from a very close, yet slightly removed, place.

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

Last year was pretty nuts for us. We spent most of it away from home playing around the world. So, for the next little while, we’re going to be at home working on a new record.

Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. this year?

There’s talk of being there in the fall. We’ll keep you posted! 

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

Aaron is going to train for a boxing match. (This isn’t a joke). I want to push myself to keep writing more ambitious, challenging music.  

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

Playing the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona was a pretty amazing experience. I vividly remember looking out at the sea of people and wondering if I’ll ever get to do something this cool again. 

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t worry if you’re talented enough, or smart enough or good enough. Nobody is. Just honestly express what makes you unique. That’s what people connect with and remember: that it’s your flaws that make you interesting. 

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind as a band?

We’re all in our thirties and have adult lives that we have to balance. 

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).

Range Life – Pavement

Baby Bitch – Ween

Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Sea of Tears) - Destroyer

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INTERVIEW: Kira May

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Adnan Khan 

Kira May

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IT is always exciting discovering colourful…

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and vibrant songwriters whose stories and personalities capture the heart. Kira May, certainly, is one of those artists who warrant massive acclaim! She talks to me about the video for her new single, Muscle Memory, and whether this will lead to more material; how she has developed and changed since her debut E.P., Health (2014). I ask about her influences and what the scene is like in Toronto – and why it is so thriving in that part of the world.

She lets me into her future plans and whether a tour of the U.K. is a possibility; the experience of working with Allison Johnston on her latest video; albums that have affected her hard – if there is a fond musical memory that lodges in Kira May’s mind.

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

Hello! It’s been busy, but exciting.

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

I am an experimental Pop artist from Toronto who works predominantly with voice. Using my voice, I make loops; pads, textures and samples to compose and perform my songs.

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Muscle Memory is your new single. Can you tell me the story behind the song and the video?

Muscle Memory is about storing overwhelming experiences in your body and unconsciously developing behavioural patterns that are intended to keep you safe. But, as you grow older and further away from the original event; those defences can sometimes cease to serve their original purpose and become misguided, even harmful - keeping you stuck in the past and preventing you from engaging with the present. This song looks, specifically, at this phenomenon within personal relationships.

What was it like working with director Allison Johnston on the video? Did she bring a new angle to the song, would you say?

Allison Johnston is THE BEST.

I explained what the song meant to me and said something like: “I want to be covered in colour” - and she brought that idea to life. We had many brainstorming sessions with Roxanne Ignatius (Artistic Director) and Megan Fraser (Makeup/Hair/FX Artist) to test all of our weird ideas - and the concept kept getting better and better. Allison captured an angelic and, simultaneously, bizarre version of me.

Will there be more music down the line do you think? What are you working on?

Muscle Memory is the lead single from a full-length album called Sense. The album will be out in the spring. Sense is a collection of ten songs that explore panic and depression – and it follows the narrator’s journey (to try and) transcend these things.

Your debut E.P., Health, was released in 2014. You stepped back from music after that. Was it a hard time coming back to music after taking time out?!

I was making music the whole time but I was slow to do anything with it because I was afraid to. I was afraid to record it; I was afraid to ask musicians to play with me…the whole process was a slow and gigantic struggle...in spite of being surrounded by amazing and supportive people.

I had to deal with my personal issues before I had the wherewithal to work on any of this properly. But, now, I feel ready and excited to release Sense - and I already have a follow-up album written and demoed…

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How did you get started in the industry? Were there particular artists that inspired you to take up music?

I have been singing since I could talk - but I’ve also had a phobia of singing in front of people since the earliest days of my conscious life. I discovered what music meant to me in the late-1990s when I fell in love with, basically, every Canadian Alternative-Rock band. Then, when I was in high-school, I heard Björk for the first time - and my whole life blew apart. But; I didn’t have the courage to play a tiny set in front of people until 2011.    

Toronto is a thriving area for new music! What is it about the city that compels such fantastic artists?!

I think that there are a lot of amazing artists in Canada, but it so happens that most of the opportunities for them are in the bigger cities like Toronto and Montreal and, so, musicians from all over the country flock to these epicentres.

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 IN THIS IMAGE: The artwork for Petra Glynt's single, Up to the People

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

It’s hard to narrow this down!

I’m a huge fan of Toronto’s Omhouse and Petra Glynt (now based in Montreal) - both of whom released albums recently. There’s Indie-Jazz artist, Tara Kannangara - who is about to put out some top-notch new music.

Delta Will is putting out new music this year...and there’s the amazing Witch Prophet.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Tara Kannangara

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

Also very hard…but I’ll try:

Björk - Homogenic

This album continually teaches me to let go of fear.

Matthew Good Band - Beautiful Midnight

This was my coming-of-age record! I’ve listened to this maybe more than any other record. It’s incredibly nostalgic!

Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

This album changed the way I think about sound-making and storytelling.

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

No confirmed dates, yet - but I will definitely be supporting the record when it comes out in the spring.

Do you think you’ll ever come to the U.K. and play?

I would love to come to the U.K. to play! No plans yet…but it’s definitely on my mind!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Olga Lipnitski

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

I want to write music with new collaborators and expand my abilities as a songwriter. I want to continue to develop courage and fearlessness; particularly in the realm of creativity. I want to learn more about the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada - and pay close attention to Truth and Reconciliation efforts. I want to speak out when I see something unjust.

I want to be kind...

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

I have a particular fan who is in touch with me from time to time to tell me how good my music makes him feel - and how excited he is for new work. I think about him on those really rough days when it’s so important to know that there’s a stranger out there who really cares about what you’re doing.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

My best advice would be to follow your gut, your intuition. Make the work that feels important and natural to you. Be yourself! Authenticity, sincerity; honesty and courage are the things I find the most moving in art.

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 choose Higher Ground by Missy Elliott (back in 2001). THOSE VOICES.

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INTERVIEW: President Street

INTERVIEW:

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President Street

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I was given the chance to speak with Pete…

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from the Australian band, President Street. He talks to me about the new single, Yeah I Know, and how the band got together. I was eager to discover whether there was more material planned and whether the band favoured a D.I.Y. approach to music-making – and what sounds/artists they count as influences.

Pete explains what gigs are coming up and new artists to get hot about; what we can expect from the forthcoming E.P., Involuntary Actions; what they all hope to accomplish this year; some helpful advice for new artists – whether a U.K. jaunt is part of President Street’s plans.

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

Hey! It’s been great, thanks!

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

Hey. I’m Pete from President Street. We’re an Aussie outfit. We recently released our debut E.P., Involuntary Actions, which we’re very humbled to say got some nice traction in the U.S. college radio scene - and, so, we’re now getting ready to let you peeps in the U.K. have a listen.

Yeah I Know is out on 6th April. Can you tell me about its origins and background?

Yeah I Know is a song about betrayal. Funny enough, I wrote this song at a time when I was hanging out with a couple of film-writer buddies of mine - and I was quite intrigued by the three-act structure that they typically use for their scripts. So, I tried to incorporate that idea into Yeah I Know by capturing the three stages of betrayal: suspicion being the first act, then moving into that quiet stage of acceptance in the second act…before changing into anger for the final act.

(Of course, we need to keep the construct of verses, chorus etc.).

I tried to capture the different emotions by focusing on different sounds in the three acts. In the first act, the focus is on the Mellotron choirs; then we strip the music back for that moment of acceptance before the energy picks up and we let the guitars get a bit dirty and angry in the final act.

It is the first track to be taken from the E.P., Involuntary Actions. What sort of stories and ideas will one find from that E.P.?

We explore a few different ideas in the E.P., both in terms of sound and stories - but, I suppose the key theme is that I’m trying to express emotions through the music. In terms of sounds, we tried to not stay in one lane too much. So, we go from high-tempo/high-energy tracks like I Gotta Move On and Looking for a Sign to the much more raw and emotional vibe of IGK - with Forward Stride sitting somewhere in between.

I Gotta Move on is a song about waking up to the realisation that you’re in a dead-end relationship - and giving yourself the kick you need to finally make the move you know you gotta make.

Forward Stride and Looking for a Sign are both really a bit of self-reflection around the internal struggles that most songwriters/musos go through. Forward Stride is a song I wrote in a late-night moment of self-doubt. As I was moping about, I realised I had one of two options: either give up or get up and move forward. So, I got up and went into the studio and came out at about 4 A.M. with Forward Stride. Looking for a Sign is a song (about the realisation) of being an artist in the world of social media and pop culture - and asks the question about what success looks like.

IGK is about the insecurity of new love - and that feeling of uncertainty about whether it’s reciprocated.

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That will be released here on 13th April. It has been getting love in the States and picking up traction. Is it quite humbling, knowing it captures so many people?!

Oh my, god Yes! We were so stoked to get the traction that we did for that E.P. - especially given that it went out over there with no support and it was all about whether people connected with it or not.

Yeah, we’re really humbled.

Do President Street take a D.I.Y./self-made approach to music? Do you feel it’s important to retain your own style and voice?

Yes, absolutely. We’re fully-independent and full-D.I.Y. We really feel that’s important for us to be able to keep the focus on what we think is important: songwriting and musicianship.

Of course, that has its challenges - but we think it’s definitely worth it.

You are based in Australia. How does the music scene differ to the U.K.’s sounds? Is there quite an active scene where you are?

We have a really great grassroots music scene in the inner cities over here - and that tends to drive a lot of the sound coming out of Oz. So, I think there’s probably less of a ‘produced’ element to much of the music coming out of Oz (versus the U.K.).

But; it’s hard to say, though; as sounds and trends in music travel around the world super-fast nowadays.

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How did you guys all get together? Do you all share the same tastes?

It was pretty random. It’s a combination of intros from friends - and also finding each other through ads and the Internet. So, we’re really diverse actually and we’ve definitely got a variety of musical influences and tastes between us.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Jakubi

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I definitely recommend Jakubi - and I also love what The Preatures are doing.

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IN THIS PHOTO: The Preatures

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

It’s an oldie…but it’s Sign o’ the Times by Prince. I love the diversity of what he does on that record and the variety of sounds. Plus, that ‘I don’t give a ----' attitude of his comes through strong, I reckon!

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

We’re hoping to do some gigs in the U.K. the second-half of 2018.

Is the U.K. going to be part of your future plans? Do you play over here quite a lot?

We definitely hope so! We haven’t been over yet - but watch this space.

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

I’m really excited about the new tracks we have ready to come out in 2018 - and that is a real focus for us. We are definitely hoping to connect with people through our music and getting over to the U.K. to do some shows in the second-half of the year is high on our list, for sure.

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

Definitely. It would be the first time hearing Yeah I Know being played on the radio. That is something that you dream of and it didn’t disappoint. It was mid-morning on a Monday - but what a great Monday morning it was!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Honestly: most of the clichés exist for a reason. I think having the strength to walk your own path and not try to replicate is crucial - but a bloody difficult thing to do. Also, it’s a D.I.Y. world out there, so you gotta get across a lot of different things these days – and writing music is just one of them!

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).

Nobody Better by Jakubi would be awesome. Thanks!

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INTERVIEW: After London

INTERVIEW:

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After London

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A lot of new bands are coming through…

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and London is hosting a fair few of them! It is hard deciding which acts are worth a shout – those that will fade out of the mind and not return. There is no doubt After London are in the first category (emphatically): a stunning and fascinating young band that is already getting people talking. I ask them about their eponymous E.P. and the songs, they feel, are highlights.

The band look ahead to gigs and plans; they tell me about their influences and new artists worth a poke; how things got started for them and how their E.P. launch gig – at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen – went; how important London and its people are to them – and whether they each have a treasured memory from their time in music.

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

Frank: We are good, thank you! It’s been busy. Last Wednesday, we had our E.P. launch party at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen and, tomorrow, we go back into the studio to add the finishing touches to our next single...

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

Of course...hello! We are After London…and it’s nice to meet you (smiles). We’re a Rock band - and you can usually find us performing at one of the city’s live music venue. Come and see us.

Your E.P., After London, is out. What has the reaction been like to it? How did the launch go at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen (7th February)?

Jake: Seeing our fans sing and jam to the songs that we have been preparing for so long made the process so worthwhile.

Frank: Yeah, it’s been great. It’s just nice to have a set of songs out there available for people to listen to. We had a great turnout at our launch party and it felt really good to finally play our full E.P. live to an audience. Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen is a wicked venue to play. Such a gem!

Is there a standout track on the E.P. for you? Which song means the most to you individually – or is there a band consensus?

I, personally, really like Bitter Man. It’s quite a big and powerful song, which I like.

Will: Agree. Bitter Man makes me wanna drive fast.

Jake: I’m a big old Dreams fan, personally: air-drummin’-guaranteed.

What were the main themes and ideas that inspired the E.P.’s songs?

Frank: These four tracks are pretty much the first songs we properly wrote together as a band.

Will: There are darker, heavier parts which were a tonne of fun to write – stuff you can break out to. There is also pretty, delicate and intricate part, too. It’s a diverse palette (like life!).

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How did After London get together? Did you all know one another before the band formed?

Frank: It feels like we’ve known each other forever. That’s sort of the truth for me, Byron and Will as we’re actually family - but Will met Alex at uni. We started writing and playing as a Folk band but then slowly realised we were writing heavier Rock songs.

Then in came Jake who instantly filled the missing hole in our heart…and here we are, talking with you!

Jake: After searching for a band that satisfied me, musically as well as emotionally; I couldn’t have got any luckier than meeting these weirdos.

It seems like a busy time for you guys. Are you already working on new material – or gigging the E.P. as much as possible?

Will: We’re going pretty hard at it! We’re in the studio this week putting the finishing touches to our next single and, for sure, we’ll be following up the E.P. launch show with a gig at The Finsbury on 24th Feb. Come!

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Your sound is fresh - but I am interesting learning your influences. Which artists have impacted you all?

Jake: We draw our inspirations from all over the place; venturing into as many genres as possible helps us really hone into our own sound. We draw influence from similar-sounding bands like Wolf Alice - but we have plenty of love for Fleetwood Mac!

How important is London itself to your music and development? Do the people inspire the music at all?

Frank: For us three; we grew up in a small town in Hampshire. There was never really that much to do - which was probably a good thing, as we ended up playing music or some of us were in bands and putting nights on. What’s wicked about London is that there is so much going on. There’s so much opportunity to be creative...which is pretty nice.

Jake: I was born and raised in London so it has definitely had an influence on my music. I think that’s because London is one of the most diverse places on Earth. I end up putting a bit of everything in there.

Alex: I’m from the sticks, too but, since moving to London, I can’t get enough of how much this amazing city has to offer - it’s like nowhere else.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Dream Wife

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Frank: Dream Wife! Haha. I think I may be their number-one fan, but I really love them. Hey Heartbreaker is such a tune. 

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

Frank: Whaaat…there are way too many...

As a band-favourite-album, I think, probably Rumours – Fleetwood Mac. It’s an all-round, eleven-song banger.

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

We’re playing The Finsbury on 24th February. I love this venue as it’s always a guaranteed good night out. More details for live shows to follow (smiles).

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

Our first U.K. tour!

Jake: Headline Reading/Leeds…

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

We once spent a solid thirty minutes writing a song dedicated to Squashies. We couldn’t stop. Best song we ever wrote.

Frank: Aha, yes! We were going through an experimental stage...

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).

Seeing as we’re close to Valentine’s Day; I’ll go for Wolf Alice – Don’t Delete the Kisses

Either that or Dream Wife – Hey Heartbreaker

Jake: Bernadette Carroll – Laughing on the Outside (I can’t get this bloody song out of my head – put on blog at own risk)

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