INTERVIEW: Bessie Turner

INTERVIEW:

 ALL PHOTOS: Chris Driver Photography 

Bessie Turner

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I have been learning more about…

Bessie Turner and her debut E.P., 22:22. It is out on 20th April and is a sign she is primed for big things! I talk to her about her upbringing and musical tastes; how she feels about touring with Baxter Dury; the artists she connects with most; what it felt like playing for Steve Lamacq – what tour dates she has coming up in the diary.

Turner talks about how she has progressed in the past year; which new artists we need to check out; the three albums that mean the most to her; if songwriting has been a cathartic and emotional release – she provides some helpful advice for new artists.

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

Heyyyy! I’m writing this on a Monday afternoon after work, but last week was just swell…and the week before - and the one before and on, and on, and on...

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

My name is Bessie Turner. I’m twenty-four and I’m a singer-songwriter from Suffolk.

Your debut E.P., 22:22, is out soon. What are the main themes and ideas you explore on the E.P.? I believe your sister is the ‘inspiration’ behind the title?

22:22 was a really obvious name for me to choose: I didn’t even think about it, really.

My sister Ruby and I are two years and two weeks apart. She was born at 22:22 hours; being the age of twenty-two was incredibly significant to whatever version of myself I am now. I look at the time, when it’s 22:22, about five days a week; lots of significant things in my life are associated with that number.

I could babble on about it for ages…

I guess the main themes are all very personal ones: feelings of being low, feeling brave; feeling nothing, feeling love; feeling rage…

What was it like recording with George Perks at The Crypt Studios?

A joy; what a guy. An instant friend to anyone he meets and a spot-on-wonderful producer. He really gets to know the vibe and feel you want to something before any sound even comes into it. I would urge anybody to record with George if you ever get the opportunity. I was petrified and had never been in a studio before and he made it the most fun thing in the world. It’s a beautiful studio.

It seems like you explore several genres and styles. Does that reflect a broad music taste? Which artists, current or past, are your main idols?

My music taste is really long and far and wide. I love Classic FM when I’m driving in the dark and screamy Punk madness when I’m trying to chill out. I will always love Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed; the first album by Jose Gonzales - I paid a weird old man from the estate £3 to burn for me. At the moment, I have Kala by M.I.A. in my car - and I get most of my new music loves from having BBC Radio 6 Music on, whenever I have an internet connection.

I get the impression the songs explore mortality and personal fears. How cathartic and revealing was it putting the material together?

The songs are all very confessional. To a listener observing the lyrics, you might not know what’s going on but every sentence has an indirect reference to something for me, personally. It’s great to have them recorded; kind of lets me move on.

2017 was when you released your debut single, Big Sleep. You have come a long way in a short time! Can you believe everything you have achieved since then?!

Not at all: It’s wild. Sometimes, I’m sat in my pants, worrying about money and work - and then a wave of reality washes over me and I realise life is fu*king wicked.

You have played for the likes of Steve Lamacq; your music is a regular fixture on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music. Are there any other ambitions and goals you want to tick off and accomplish?

I’ve always dreamed of being on Jools Holland but that’s a really big one. That would make me feel insane, I’d probably pass out. Glastonbury is an obvious one but I bet that feels incredible…I just want to have a nice and full life; make opportunities to travel and, maybe, have a whippet and babies one day. I like growing vegetables and going to gigs…

I have no expectation of life, really: I just want to make sure it’s all as good as it possibly can be.

What dates do you have coming up? Are there particular gigs you are really looking forward to?

I’m really looking forward to the shows we (Don’t Try Records) are putting on ourselves in London at the Servant Jazz Quarters on 16th April and the Manor Social Club in Ipswich on 27th April. I find it really exciting being more of a part of it and promoting and organising events. The Ipswich show sold out six weeks before it was due, so we’ve moved to a bigger room. It will be full of friends and the supports I’ve booked are really wicked. I can’t wait to have a boogie.

You will be supporting Baxter Dury. Are you looking forward to that? What did you think of his album, Prince of Tears?

I AM SO PUMPED; I CAN’T BELIEVE IT.

I’m usually really chilled out before gigs but I think I’ll be all jittery and weird. My old housemate showed me Baxter Dury a few years ago and I’ve been a fan ever since. I was so happy to be invited to play a couple of shows with him.

I think Prince of Tears is a marvellous creation. I haven’t listened to it as much as some of his previous albums but I love the way he writes. I think it comes from his darkest and most opaque places, blotted with a bit of colloquial London pitter-patter. I really relate to it. Loads of people write happy lyrics about love or thongs or other beige things. I can only write when I’m feeling a bit crazy. Maybe he’s a bit the same…maybe I’m mad and overthinking it, as it’s the first time I’ve ever been asked….

Soz, guyz...

If you had to select three albums that stand out to you; which would they be and why?

Blue by Joni Mitchell

It’s just perfect, night or day; happy or sad. I struggle to comprehend why people worship Rihanna or Little Mix (who are all probably really brilliant people) while her music is around. It’s totally timeless and totally moving.

Moon Safari by Air

Was played loads and loads by my mumma when I was a child. I remember it really moving me from a tiny one - me and my friends still pop it on now when we’re chilling out or fighting over who controls Spotify.

Ooohhh…this is really hard…erm…

Parquet Courts - Light Up Gold

Really fun start-of-the-day bouncy music. Kind of moody and all-round-great.

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

Playing at Latitude for BBC Introducing was really special. The crowd was nuts and my best people in the world were all there supporting me and helping me kill it. I’d been attending for many years and always secretly dreamt of getting to play.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be as brave as you can mentally and physically muster up. I have the confidence of a shrivelled-up prune sometimes, but I’ve learnt that you just have to give things a good go. Accept any help, skills and love that is offered your way. The small team around me keep me going 100%: friends, boyfriends; creative friends…I owe them so much.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I heard a band called Sorry on the radio a few months ago and I really, really love them loads. I came across a band called Omni, too, that are super-rad. Dingus Khan will always be one of my all-time favourite bands.

IN THIS PHOTO: Omni/PHOTO CREDIT: Kayla Thornton

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

Not as much time as I used to…

Being this present version of myself, there’s always something to do or complete or reply to - and I can get really overwhelmed by that. I try and spend as much time as I can with friends: I think it’s really important to talk and laugh and cry to stay grounded. I’m really lucky to have such a good bunch.

To unwind, I love going for massive walks, putting a bottle of wine and some marmite sandwiches into a backpack and just setting off. Music is my downtime - listening to other people, though, not my own…or watching bands too…

I was watching a duo called Sealion Woman the other week in a tiny venue called The Smokehouse in Ipswich and I just started crying. I had no idea where it came from but it was so real and honest. The music just really touched me. So; I took a deep breath and went to find some more whiskey…

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).

Ahh thanks; errmmmm…

I played a song called No Destination by The Garden three times in a row yesterday while I was getting ready to go out. I love the synthy vibes, the drums; the melody. Really spacy and fun

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Follow Bessie Turner

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/bessie_turner

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bessieturnermusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bessieturnermusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-585735472

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WZfCTpqwLC3MTIGmLrzaJ

INTERVIEW: You Want Fox

INTERVIEW:

You Want Fox

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THE Nottingham-based duo…

You Want Fox have been talking about their development and what goes into their new album, Reverse the Curse. Natalie and Colette discuss being compared with some modern Rock greats; whether they have made leaps since their debut in 2016 – if there are any new artists worth a shout.

I ask whether they have tour dates cemented and what the scene is like in Nottingham; if they feel female duos/acts are on the rise; whether they have a golden memory of music – they end the interview with a couple of great tracks.

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Hi, You Want Fox. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi! We’re very well, thanks. It’s been an awesome Bank Holiday weekend. 

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

We are Natalie (Bass/Vocals) and Colette (Drums/Vocals) and we are from Nottingham. 

 

Reverse the Curse is your latest album. What is the story behind the record? What themes do you address?

When we first started out, lots of things kept going wrong. Once we started to look more closely, we realised what was happening and since addressing it: it’s no longer been a problem. So, we ‘reversed the curse’. It’s kind of superstitious, I guess. 

The songs are about all kinds of things, from calling people out for being underhand right through to the odd cheeky love song - and everything in between. 

The debut, You Can’t Sit With Us, was released in 2016. Have you noticed big differences between the albums?

Definitely. We have been more uniform in recording this release. We have our sound nailed now. We’ve spent a lot of time honing our sound and finding what works for us. 

The reaction to your music has been impressive. How important is it getting kudos form big names?

It’s always awesome to get recognition from big names as it helps to project your name out there a little bit further. It can be hard to get noticed when you’re a D.I.Y. band. 

How did You Want Fox get together? How did you find one another?

We have known each other for years and played in various projects together.  We’d always talked about writing grungy pop songs and one day we just decided to give it a go and see what happened. I’m so glad we did! 

Your sound has been compared to the likes of Royal Blood. Which artists do you take influence from?

Everything from Skindre, to Deftones to Sleigh Bells...we draw influence from all over though; not just from music. 

Being a female duo; do you think acts like yourself and Rews signal female-based Rock music is on the rise?

I think female-based Rock has been on the rise for a very long time. You don’t have to look very far to find some amazing female acts. REWS are a great example. 

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

It’s great! It’s so diverse and there are a LOT of great bands. The D.I.Y. scene here is amazing, too - lots of great little venues where you can get right in and mosh your heart out. 

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

We do indeed and we are currently booking more for the rest of the year. So, if you are a booking agent, please get in touch with us! 

We have gigs lined up for Derby, Staleybridge; Cheltenham, Bristol and London as well as our album launch-party on 27th April at The Chameleon in Nottingham. 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We’d love to have played Download Festival! But, honestly; we just want our album out there for people to enjoy and to be able to play gigs off the back of the release - and have people singing and dancing along to the new tunes. 

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

We recently had a stage invasion during our last song of a live set whilst we were playing a festival. That was pretty special! 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep going! Sometimes it can be frustrating when you get writers block or you feel like you’re struggling to be heard but the rewards far outweigh the struggles. 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There are loads of great Nottingham bands. We have Desensitised and Marty, both female bands, who will be supporting us at our album launch. 

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

We don’t get much time but when we play gigs, we make sure to grab a nice meal and try and chill out a bit before we play if we can.  

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).

Ooh! We’d like to hear Led Zeppelin, Immigrant Song and Skindred, Kill the Power please (smiles).

Thanks! 

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Follow You Want Fox

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/youwantfox

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/youwantfox/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/youwantf0x

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9It034p8GinvQUiQeA4wuw

INTERVIEW: Johny Dar

INTERVIEW:

Johny Dar

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I listen to Johny Dar…

and hear the words he says and, in many ways, he puts me in mind of musical innovators like David Bowie – inventing a new language and taking the listener somewhere intergalactic. Dar reveals the story behind his single, Gigi, and what ‘Alien-Rap’ entails – which musicians have made a big impact on his life.

I learn what we can expect from the album, Dardelica, and when the songwriter will be touring; if he has some favourite albums; why a relocation to L.A. was so pivotal to him; if he has the chance to relax away from music – he ends the interview with a rather stunning track!

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

It’s been great, actually. I’m working on a new body-art campaign and had some shoots in California this week. It’s a very intimate series that I’m photographing myself, in nature; without a crew - highlighting the strength, beauty; fragility and tenderness of the earth, the feminine and their connection to each other.

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

I’m an alien - coming to Earth to deliver a new experience in sound (smiles).

Gigi is your new single. What is the story behind the song?

Gigi is, basically, about that feeling when your body overtakes you and you let go into the sensation of what you are experiencing and lose yourself in it with no inhibitions.

It operates in the ‘Alien-Rap’ realm. Can you talk more about that genre/style and what it entails?

'Alien-Rap' is a new sonic language that I have developed - which I’m now fusing with Electronic Dance music, thanks to my producer, Dan Vinci. It doesn’t really fit into any existing genres except the one we are creating - 'Dardelica'!

Gigi is from the album, Dardelica. What sort of themes and ideas inspired the songs?

I start with the sound - the Alien-Rap – and, from there, the vision for the song unfolds and the theme develops as we write it. I can be quite unpredictable with my process so we don’t have a fixed methodology - that’s how I have learned to create pieces of art that are timeless and not based on any existing formula.

But, Dardelica plays with an alien theme - exploring outer space and journeying into the depths of the universe and parts of the body we don’t usually explore consciously.

You moved to L.A. to study Fashion and then moved into music I believe? Was there an artist/moment that influenced that choice?

I actually moved to L.A. to study Film, but then I got into a motorcycle accident, so I couldn’t go to film-school on my football scholarship - and I ended up going to fashion-school instead. But, now, I am making films anyway! My novel, Darya, is the first part of a trilogy movie that I’m working on...

In terms of influences, I guess you could say that Star Wars is a benchmark for me because I want to bring people the new Star Wars - that is truly futuristic in its conception and production.

How, do you think, fashion and music integrate? Is there a close association?

For me, they are both mediums through which it’s possible to rediscover the potential of our bodies and our experience as human beings - I aim to create fashion and music that empowers the super-self in everybody.

You have collaborated with a series of great artists. What has that taught you about the music industry and, maybe, your own self?

To stay focused on what I am doing and then, when the collaboration is right, it just feels natural. I was never one to imitate but always one to initiate. Then, the rest of the pieces just fall into place.

Did music come into your life early? Which artists caught your ear at a young age?

I was always a big fan of Michael Jackson...

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

We have some gigs lined up - mainly in London and also in Europe, but those are still to be announced, so I can’t share too many details just now. The main thing is that we are working on a live show that incorporates art; technology, costume design and performance to bring people a new evolution of entertainment and sensory experience.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

A lot! I like to aim high...so, in the immediate, to deliver Dardelica live to the people of Earth; to release my new art book, DAR the BOOK 4, and my first novel, Darya.

Those, but there are so many more projects in the pipeline - I had to invent my own time just to keep track!

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

I have a few - I used to go to a lot of festivals in California and all over the world. You can’t beat that sublime feeling of dancing to great music at sunrise. Although, having said that, that’s exactly what I want to do with Dardelica - top my own and everyone else’s previous peak experiences...

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never give up.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Other than me? That’s a tough question...can I say Dardelica (smiles)? Honestly, there are a lot of amazing artists out there. But, I try to stay focused on my own thing. That’s the only way to keep breaking through my own limitations to deliver the next groundbreaking expression.

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

Michael Jackson - Thriller

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland

The Doors - The Doors

Because they are all timeless, breakthrough albums that introduced people to new ways of being and seeing the world...

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

I like to go to the beach whenever I can - and otherwise - sleeping on the plane!

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).

Nirvana – The Man Who Sold the World

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Follow Johny Dar

Official:

https://johnydar.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JohnyDar

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/johnydarcreations/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/johny.dar.5/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3mTekwi2ewzlxAdih6IAjA

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/johnydar

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCETMTHu3unObULKFYI96XxA

INTERVIEW: Fuzzwalker

INTERVIEW:

Fuzzwalker

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THEY are a fun and fiery band…

who are preparing to release their new single, Energy. I ask the group about the song and the inspiration behind it; how they all got together; whether they have a favourite memory from their time in music – what gigs they have coming up in the coming weeks.

Fuzzwalker reveal the music that inspired them; a new artist we should all get involved with; where that unique name comes from; how songs come together for them; what they all get up to when they are not playing and recording – what they hope to achieve in the remainder of the year.

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

Hello, Sam. Excellent, cheers! We had a big old Easter weekend - ‘Good Fuzzday’ occurred on the Friday with a gig in Staines, which was smashing - barring Matt powering through of a chest infection! Easter Sunday shall now forever be known as ‘Easter Ed’, as our lead guitarist Ed played host to us all and whipped us all up a succulent roasto.

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

We are Fuzzwalker – hard-cut Indie-Rock riffs, Britpop sensibilities; a bit of fuzzy magic. There’s four of us: Matt on vocals and guitar, Ed on lead guitar and backing vocals; Donna on drums and Billy on bass. We love to get Fuzzy with the people of the world.

Can I ask where the name ‘Fuzzwalker’ comes from?!

Nobody really knows for sure - it came from somewhere deep within the workings of Matt’s mind. It was originally a working title for a song and we all liked the sound of it as a word, and it stuck. Not only for the song, which is on our debut E.P., but also for us as a band name...

The single, Energy, is out on 4th May. What can you tell us about the song’s background – and, will there be any cheeky Star Wars nods?!

We are constantly writing new songs and Energy is one that came to us all at once a few months ago now. Matt liked it so much, he insisted we give it the studio recording treatment the very next day. The title makes reference to something people always tell us after a gig (usually along the lines of: “Wow; you guys have so much energy!”).

It got to the point where it was getting a bit weird; people saying that exact line to us every time. I suppose you could also say we are using our energy in much the same way a Jedi would - to move people's body parts in all manner of ways.

Are you guys working on any other material for later in the year?

Absolutely. In fact, Energy is the first single from our second E.P. (which will be out in the summer). There'll be another single before the E.P. - and then, one final single to coincide with its actual release.

How do songs come together? Will one/two of you work on one part and bring it into the room? Give me an insight…

We tend to write songs together mainly.

One of us will bring an idea to a rehearsal, and we'll jam on it; see where that takes us. Usually, once a song is fleshed out, then Matt will develop a melody for it and get some lyrics together. Sometimes he already has an idea.

What sort of artists did you all grow up around? It seems like 1970s Punk and 1990s’ best feature highly!

There are loads of various influences between us. Matt traversed his adolescence during the height of '00s Indie and, as a result, is a massive fan of bands like Hard-Fi, but also took to '90s Britpop - bands like Oasis, Blur etc. and their influences like The Stone Roses. Similarly, Billy grew up listening to bands like the Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party and the Foo Fighters, whilst also having an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Led Zeppelin.

Ed is a huge fan of bands like Guns N’ Roses and Halestorm - which is probably how he got the nickname ‘Shred-win’. Donna is a Bon Jovi and Thunder nut and even has the nickname ‘Don Bonham’ - in reference to Zeppelin’s drummer.

Take me back to the very start. How did Fuzzwalker get started?

It was a bit of a chance meeting - Donna and Billy were looking to get something new off the ground, having played together as a rhythm section for a few years in a previous band. After putting an advert out to find a guitarist/singer, Matt answered the call by proxy of a different man called Matt who found our Matt on a different website. Eventually, after a few meetings and chats here and there, the Donna, Matt and Billy combo that exists today got together and formed Fuzzwalker.

For the first year, we were joined by Carlos on lead guitar, who held the position brilliantly until he could no longer. It was at this point Ed joined our ranks - and our current lineup was solidified.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

We sure do!

Thur, 12th April – The Facebar, Reading

Sat, 14th April – Nambucca, London

Sat, 21st April – York Uni

Fri, 27th April – The Star, Staines

Fri, 4th May – Boileroom, Guildford

If you had to choose a ‘dream line-up’ – three acts to play with – and any rider you could get; what would that entail?

The dream line-up would be Fuzzwalker, Hard-Fi; Arctic Monkeys and Muse. On our rider, we would demand only yellow and green Skittles, as well as plenty of beer and toast (with Marmite).

What do you all hope to achieve in 2018?

We're ready to reach more people's ears and faces this year with our music, building our fanbase and bringing the fuzz. All of our releases are available to stream on Spotify and for download from our Bandcamp.

Just striving to put on the fuzziest show possible with each and every gig we do.

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

There are so many weird and wonderful Fuzzwalker moments; the fuzziest being a time when we busked in Guildford - an incredibly drunk man decided to tell us he was fifty-three and “full of sh*t” whilst clutching a bottle of stolen red wine. He proceeded to dance in a slightly intimidating way whilst we busked on the high-street. He was also keen for us to play anything by The Doors.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Take your music seriously - but never take yourself too seriously (smiles).

IN THIS PHOTO: Rews

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Definitely worth checking out Rews! They're an awesome duo we've all discovered independently, and absolutely love. We've even had the pleasure of supporting them recently!

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

Music is, essentially, our lives; our way to unwind from the stresses of the real world. When Billy's not music-ing, he likes to chain-cook roasts. Ed drives his van in circles around Milford when he can. Donna's been learning Spanish and Russian recently and Matt wanders around different ASDA stores to look at all the things.

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).

Rews – Shake Shake

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Follow Fuzzwalker

Official:

http://www.newdivisionmusic.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/fuzzwalkerband

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/fuzzwalkerband/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/FuzzwalkerBand/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/70x7C8JrmDBq6oK5yv2Mky

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/fuzzwalkerband

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDBLedzsQeCQeXu9JP_mthw

Bandcamp:

https://fuzzwalker.bandcamp.com/

INTERVIEW: The New Division

INTERVIEW:

The New Division

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I have been speaking with The New Division…

about the incredible new track, Jealous. The project is the moniker of L.A. songwriter John Kunkel – he reveals his path into music and what inspires him. With an impressive body of work under his belt; I ask what comes next and how his latest work differs from his previous stuff – he talks about touring and his start.

I was curious to discover what we can expect from the upcoming E.P., FADER, and what the scene is like in L.A.; how Kunkel met the band he plays with on the road; how he spends any time away from music – he ends the interview with a great song choice.

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

Great. Thanks for asking!

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

Sure thing. I’m John Kunkel and I’m the lead singer, songwriter and producer for The New Division.

 

Jealous is your new track. Can you tell me how it all came together? Is there a story behind it?

I don’t remember the exact moment of when I wrote it, but I recall wanting to write a Pop-driven song and had sketched out some early ideas for it around 2016. Over the course of the past year or so, I worked on it gradually and had my co-producer, F.J. DeSanto, come in and help with the arrangement. As with all the songs on this record, he was pivotal in bringing them to life!

It is taken from the upcoming E.P., FADER. What sort of themes and songs can we expect from it?

FADER touches on several experiences - but also deals with some more narrative-driven topics. I like to write my songs as stories, meaning they’re a mix of the personal and fictional.

You have released several E.P.s so far. How do you think you have evolved as a songwriter through those releases?

I feel like I’ve evolved into a more self-conscious songwriter, for better or worse. When I started New Division all those years back, it was a lot easier to write whatever I felt as there was no ‘standard’ - and it was almost natural in a way.

Nowadays, everything feels overly-calculated. In some sense, it’s not as fun as it once was - which is a sign I might need to take a break and work on some other projects. That’s not to say however I don’t like writing songs as The New Division; it just means there’s more pressure to write better songs and that pressure isn’t necessarily conducive towards that goal.

L.A. is where you are based. Is it the best place in the world to make and release music, do you feel?

I think it’s a great place for both.

I’ve, personally, never really recorded much in L.A.-based studios; I do everything from home. As far as releasing music, unless you’re signed to a label based out of L.A.; I don’t see there being much of a difference where you’re located. Since I self-release everything, it doesn’t affect what I do either way. However; L.A. is very inspirational and the weather beats anywhere I've been.

Give me an impression regarding the artists you hold dear. What sort of music do you listen to away from your own? 

Depeche Mode has always been the Holy Grail of lyrics and songwriting for me, while New Order has been what I’ve strived for as far as musical energy, rawness and Pop-songwriting goes. Their arrangements are (really) unique and their care-free attitude translate incredibly into their body of work...

As far as music I listen to outside of my own, I spend a lot of time playing ambient and down-tempo stuff such as Billow Observatory, Steve Hauschildt; Emeralds, Tangerine Dream; Terry Riley, Leandro Fresco; The KLF, The Orb and loads more. I also really have a love for Trance, House, and Techno when it comes to Dance music.

Vaporwave has also been a huge inspiration for me as of the past couple of years. As far as a few honorable mentions: Com Truise, Jon Hopkins; Brian Reitzell, Disasterpiece; Underworld, Vangelis; Massive Attack, Gus Gus; The Jesus & Mary Chain, Röyksopp, Air; Future Unlimited, Gustavo Cerati; Oasis, The Chameleons; Black Swan Lake…and the list goes on and on.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

We’re planning an East Coast tour and a couple of dates in Germany this year, which I’m excited about.

Will you come and play the U.K.? Have you ever been over here?

We’d love to come to the U.K. It’s on our bucket-list for sure so, hopefully, we can make it out soon. I’m a huge fan of the U.K., so it’s a must.

I believe you have a band you play with on the road. How did you come to meet them?

I met everyone at different times, but Janzie (Keys/Synths), I met in college back in 2005 and have remained friends ever since. Alex (Drums) came to one of our shows in Santa Monica probably in 2012 and, at the time, we didn’t have a drummer, so he joined right away.

Danny (Bass) grew up with Alex and had played in bands together before ours. He joined shortly after Alex. James (Guitars) and I met through his solo project, Missing Words. I produced his first E.P. and we became friends during that whole process.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

On an artistic level, I hope to write more and complete more tunes. It’s been hard finishing songs lately due to a hectic schedule. I want to be more focused, creatively, which can be hard when you’re working on several productions for any number of people or companies. So, yeah; I just want to write better songs and feel like I’m contributing something to the wider Indie/Electronic community.

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

We played a show back in Houston, TX a few years back. We played on my birthday and I got to celebrate that during the show with our fans who were there. That was a really special moment for me. One I’ll never forget.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’ve given this advice to a lot of people but no one seems to take it (for whatever reason)…but, I think it’s pretty important when you’re starting out: if you can write, produce and sing your own music, then don’t involve others into that project until you are ready to finalize it.

I think collaboration is great when you’re working on a ‘collaborative’ project where everyone’s involved from day one but, when it's your own, be the sole creator of it from start to finish.

If I hadn’t done that when I started New Division, the project would’ve likely died out very fast and I wouldn’t have been able to make a living off of the songs I’d written. Just imagine trying to split a record five or six ways with your bandmates when your total royalties are under $800 a month. Good luck trying to make rent…

That’s not to say you shouldn’t get advice, feedback or have a producer work on your record. It just means, if you’re going to put all of your time into a project and you can do it all on your own, why involve anyone else? If you want to collaborate with your buddies, set up a side-project where everyone does their fair share of work.

Just my two cents on the matters...

IN THIS PHOTO: George Clanton/PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Hamelman 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes. I’d highly recommend George Clanton, Dark Dark Dark; I love Parallels, MUNA - and there’s a few more I can’t remember but, yes, there’s loads of good music coming out this year!

IN THIS PHOTO: MUNA

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

Oasis – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

This record propelled me to form my first band at thirteen; so that one’s easy.

Lost in Translation (O.S.T.)

If it weren’t for this film, I would’ve never discovered The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine; Sébastien Tellier and Death in Vegas.

New Order – International

This was my first introduction to New Order; a greatest-hits collection. Without this compilation, I probably would’ve gotten a bad introduction to them.

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

When at home, I have to make a concerted effort but, when I do, I like to play Fallout 4 (or any other similar game). As far as traveling goes, camping is a great way to unwind. It’s relaxing and one of the best ways to disconnect from the outer world.

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).

Sure thing. This song has been on-repeat for years now, so figured I’d share it with you: Arnej - People Come People Go (Original Mix)

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Follow The New Division

Official:

http://www.newdivisionmusic.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TheNewDivision

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thenewdivision/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thenewdivision/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Cb9Edoxp02mgY0VWVlwQo

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/thenewdivision

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCboaQiuakgLsaHfkchx8pnQ

INTERVIEW: Bahari

INTERVIEW:

Bahari

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A fantastic song that ranks…

among my absolute favourites; I have been looking to speak with Bahari about their cover of Buffalo Springfield’s For What It’s Worth. They bring a special and personal take to the song. I have been asking the American group about their foundations and what they have planned; whether they are playing the U.K. later this year – what sort of music drives and moulds them.

I ask about their advocacy of gun control and whether, they feel, the U.S. is in a state of trouble. They discuss their formation and give advice for new artists – recommending a song to end the interview with!

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

Amazing! Thank you

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

Hi. We a Bahari. I’m Sidney; I play guitar and sing. I’m Natalia; I play bass and sing. I’m Ruby; I play keys and sing as well.

I am interested why you chose to cover the Buffalo Springfield classic, For What It’s Worth. Is this a song you all grew up around?

We grew up listening to this song because all of our parents were into Classic-Rock. We definitely think the world could use it right now.

Your version is touching but powerful. Did it take a while to get the studio version down? What do you think of the final mix?

Making the track took a bit of time to perfect but singing it came so natural to us. We LOVE how it came out.

Will there be more material coming from Bahari? What are you working on?

YES! We have been in the process of writing an E.P. We have almost all of the songs done and we can’t wait to share!

How did you all find one another? Take me back to the start…

We all had our own connections with our producers, Rock Mafia. We met each other there and immediately clicked. We started writing together and the rest is historyyyyyy.

You are advocates of gun control and non-profits such as March for our Lives. Do you think now, more than ever, America needs to tighten its gun control?

Absolutely.

How do you feel Trump and his people are dealing with gun-related atrocities?! Is it quite worrying living in America right now?!

It’s disappointing that children and peoples lives have been taken and affected so greatly by gun violence - and things are yet to change.

I feel music brings people together. Do you feel you can make sense of the world, and bad situations, through performance and songwriting?

Yes. Music is universal and so important in bringing people together.

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

We hope to be touring once the E.P. is out! As of now, we are going to be playing around in L.A. We have a show scheduled for April 24 at The Moroccan Lounge.

Will you come to the U.K. and play this year?

If you’ll have us! Haha!

What do you each hope to achieve in 2018?

To get our music out and to play as much as possible! We can’t wait!

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

All of our favorite moments were playing live on tour.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in and use your music to touch people - because it really makes a difference in the world.

IN THIS PHOTO: Elohim

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yoshi Flower and Elohim!

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

Our chill time is music! We all live together, so we basically always are playing or listening to music.

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

Natalia: Gone by Harry Hudson

Sidney: Saviour by George Ezra (ft. First Aid Kit)

Ruby: Panic Attacks by Elohim (ft. Yoshi Flower)

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Follow Bahari

Official:

https://www.bahari-music.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Bahari

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bahari/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/baharimusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fs8oBR1rx7JIXZi75h7Uu?si=bb_9Ma0bSYiTcGcAotENag

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/bahariofficial

INTERVIEW: Bokito

INTERVIEW:

Bokito

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THE lads are always up for a laugh…

and give a great interview! I have been speaking with Bokito about their latest smash, Love Gotten, and whether any more material is brewing. They discuss how their music has evolved and all the sounds they put together; if they have a treasured memory from their time in music; what they do to unwind – if there are some new artists we need to spend time with.

The guys tell me about their plans regarding gigs; whether they feel the mainstream, and big festivals, is getting a bit too predictable; what they hope to achieve before the end of the year – some of the artists and sounds they all grew up on.

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

Moses: How’ya! It’s been a busy-mad week!  

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

Moses Moorhouse: We are Bokito. We’ve been described as 'Tropical-Indie' or 'Alternative-Pop'. Both, I can reluctantly agree with! We are best known for our lively gigs. I’m Moses, the vocalist.

Tom Houghton: I’m Tom. I play drums.

Sam Cahilan: Hello. I’m Sam. I play keys (I’m the DJ Lethal of the group).

Joe Mashitter: I’m Joe - guitarist.

Jody Lahart: I’m Jody - bassist.

Love Gotten is your new offering. Tell us the story behind this song…

Moses: It’s a song about a big ol’ bout of selfishness and desperation; how leaving one relationship and then diving straight into another, without really learning lessons or spending the time to grow, can leave a world of hurt around…

Bar that, musically, it’s our most fun song yet!

It mixes Afrobeat and Irish sounds together. That seems like a rare concoction in music. Does that reflect your heritage and musical tastes?

I don’t know if that is that rare back home! Irish music (specifically modern) to me isn’t so much ‘diddly-di-di’ and Lord of the Dance as much as it is what the Irish do best, which is to bastardise. You have bands like Republic of Loose or Messiah J and The Expert – or, even more popularly, U2 - who have taken all these influences and meshed them together to create their own sound, mainly because we don’t have the influences and music scenes to grow up around initially. I think that's why we are drawn to a lot of African music so much, because their interpretation of Funk, Disco and Blues is just so charming and distinct from American.

So; I do think it reflects our heritage, but not necessarily in the traditional way.

I get the impression you have a blast in the studio! Is there an infectious mood when a song like Love Gotten is being laid down?!

Joe: Definitely. We’ve been getting more and more comfortable in the studio and now we feel very much at home there. We really feed off each other’s energy and, as soon as the drum and bass tracks are down, the groove grabs us and the ideas flow. Our producer, Ben, is a calming influence and seems to know how to harness that energy into the track – so, we have a nice working relationship there.

Moses: There’s never a boring moment in the studio, which is surprising when you listen to the same song about 300 times in one sitting! But; we all are on the same wave creatively and it’s an addictive feeling.

Will there be more material from Bokito this year?

Oh lord, yes.

IMAGE CREDIT: Julie Moorhouse

Do you think you have made leaps since your first couple of songs? How do you think you have evolved as a band?

I feel so. We have developed, essentially, a whole new set since recording the first song, Better At Getting Worse, and the biggest difference is that we have all made these songs together and not just myself having something written before coming in. The evolution seems to be the defining style, but the diversity of the lads’ individual sounds working in each song.

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

Agh. We get this the whole time! No tour yet but it’s coming, I promise! Once we have a couple more tracks released, we can justify visiting a few cities around the U.K. and Ireland.

In the meantime, we do have a few gigs coming up...

Most likely the one you’ll be able to see by the time this is released is in Strongroom Bar & Kitchen on 27th May.

What can one expect from a typical Bokito gig? I can imagine it is quite a riot!

Joe: Our gigs very much depend on where in the line-up we play. If we are the support, then it tends to be a mostly listening audience, with a few people moving a bit (they’re still sober at this point!).

If we headline or go on later, then we are determined to get the whole crowd bouncing and, by the time we play our closer (Hoochie), it can be outright carnage on the dancefloor - which is fun for us, especially when they try to imitate Mo’s dance moves!

Moses: Oh, you betcha! Expect swinging hips, lively music; lots of ginger-haired men and a (usually) drunk audience. If there is one thing we can brag, is that we are a lot of craic live.

Is it quite hard, given the styles of music you fuse, to get gig attention from mainstream events?! Do you think mainstream festivals need to open their ears and minds when it comes to the headliners they book?!

Jody: We're still in our infancy as a band and aren't really on major festivals radar just yet. We'll be releasing lots of music this year so, hopefully, next year we'll be right up there.

I do think mainstream festivals lack imagination when it comes to headline acts: Coldplay/Muse/Metallica/Foo Fighters seem to have been headlining all U.K. festivals for the last ten years

What do you hope to achieve, as a band, in 2018?

Tom: In 2018, we hope to get on some of the major festivals. We want to start performing our music to a wider audience in an environment we think we are well suited for - due to the energy at our shows.

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

Tom: I was celebrating my 30th birthday and we played a stonking set at Whelans in Dublin and all the fun that came after that show…it was immense.

Jody: I'll have to go with Tom. The gig we played in Whelans was special. It was the first time my family and friends from home got to see us. A great night was had afterwards.

Moses: Dammit guys, that’s mine, too! That, or the second time we visited Ireland for the Hard Working Class Heroes festival. It was incredible because of that unique feeling you get from an Irish crowd. I felt I met my match.

Joe: Playing live is the pinnacle of playing music for me, so I’d have to say our set at The Great Escape festival in Brighton. It was an early slot but the venue was packed and there was a great vibe in the room. We were really on our game and got a great response from the audience. Awesome feeling.

Sam: For me, it's when we played at Tooting Tram and Social. I hadn't been with the band for too long and it was probably the first time I heard a crowd proper belting out our lyrics back to us. To hear that was pretty special.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Moses: Leave the ego at the door in rehearsals and the studio and then take that ego in full force when you play live. It makes both experiences a whole lot more enjoyable.

IN THIS PHOTO: Good Guy Clarence

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Jody: We gigged with Good Guy Clarence recently - they were class.

Moses: Oh ya, they were CLASS.

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

Tom: I like Sci-Fi movies and taking the pooch out for a walk in the forest.

Sam: I teach, so I get school holidays to chill. So, for me, that's sitting down with a big cup of Earl Grey tea and eating a whole pack of biscuits.

Moses: I’m a filthy Playstation fiend, but find solace in jogging.

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).

Jody: Metronomy - Mick Slow

Joe: Sylvia Says - Charlotte Gainsbourg

Sam: Tayutafu - Susumu Yokota

Tom: Lines -The Hics

Moses: Rejjie Snow (ft. Caroline Smith) - 23

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Follow Bokito

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Bokitoband

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bokitoband/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bokitoband

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HttgOXydeewsSHPPF22tb

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/bokitoband

INTERVIEW: Alba Plano

INTERVIEW:

Alba Plano

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SHE is an artist whose music, once heard, fills the soul…

and gets right into the heart. I have been speaking with Alba Plano about her new track, Out There, and what one can expect from her forthcoming E.P., White Lotus. The Sciliy-born musician talks about relocating to London and how she spends time away from music – I ask whether we can see her tour this year.

Plano tells me about her path into music and which new artists are interesting her; the three albums that mean the most to her; how she linked with Amy Winehouse’s bass player, Dale Davis – what advice she would give to artists coming through.

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

Hi, there. I am well, thanks. I'm also excited about this amazing experience of having the opportunity to share my music.

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

I am a Jazz and Neo-Soul singer; Sicily-born-and-bred, now living in London. I'm working on my project and am about to release my first E.P. called White Lotus.

What is your new single, Out There, all about?

My new single, Out There, it's about fear, about the limit we put on ourselves because it makes us feel safe; because, at least 'we know who we are', but that's not helping when you want to grow and expand your soul. It takes a big amount of love and respect for ourselves to allow us to see things in a different perspective.

This song is about the difficulty in finding beauty around us, in nature; in a smile, in very simple things we struggle to appreciate - especially when you live in a place like London that forces you to focus on yourself; that teaches you to count only on yourself, that pushes your ego and, sometimes, makes you blind.

Did you know, when you heard Out There back for the first time, something special had been created?

Because my background is Jazz and Soul; when I heard the song back for the first time, it was clear to me that I had created something that connected my influences with something personal. I hope that comes across.

Your E.P., White Lotus, is out later this year. What are the themes that inspire the songwriting?

What made me write the lyrics of this E.P. was a strong desire to overcome my fears, my experiences and to move forward. Whatever decisions I made in life, even the ones that made me suffer, contributed to the person that I am now.

There’s beauty in the fact that we heal and get stronger if we stay pure to our soul.

Tell me how you came to be involved with Amy Winehouse’s bassist, Dale Davis.

I met Dale Davis at a gig. He was impressed with my interpretation of her songs. A year later, the producers of the project, Forever Amy, contacted me and I started this beautiful and exciting experience with Amy’s original band members. I am truly honoured to be part of this because Amy is a huge inspiration; the one who combined in the most natural way the power of Soul music with the depth and refinement of Jazz.

What is London like for a young artist? How does it affect you?

I feel cold most of the time. I am trying to be real and, yes, this city is vibrant, has a lot of opportunities to offer. But, what makes this town special, is the people I’ve met from all over the world. They are open, ready to help without asking anything in return, simply because they know how difficult London can be. So, I ended up feeling part of their family.

On a human level; London is really something else; something that gives you a lot of hope - even when you have none.

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

I discovered, at the age of twelve, that music was certainly a way to discover myself; a way to connect with my sensibilities and personality, always an incredible source of joy. Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Whitney Huston were the first influences…then Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Bill Evans: the ones I still listen to now.

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

Kind of Blue - Miles Davis

There’s magic, freedom; truth, pain. There’s everything I want to listen to. A masterpiece. You can’t say you love Jazz if you’ve never listened to Kind of Blue.

You Must Believe in Spring - Bill Evans

Although the album is about grief, it is sweet and comforting because of the way Bill plays; the close harmonies. To me, it’s a real experience and gives me lots of peace every time I listen to it.

Off the Wall - Michael Jackson

Lots of memories; an example of how a Pop song should be written. Great arrangements; everyone at the top of their game. The one thing that always gets me dancing at home alone.

Can we see you on tour this year at all?

I will be touring from June. I am taking some time off to dedicate myself to writing new material for the next album.

What does the stage mean to you? How does it feel performing in front of people?

Every time I go on stage, I know it’s the only place I wanna be. It’s always an opportunity to transcend. I am open with the audience and I think they can feel my passion and joy.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Getting out there playing my music with the musicians I love the most is very important to me - I get lots of inspiration from them.

What is your favourite memory of your time in music?

I feel lucky to already have many memories of my time in music. One I will never forget is when I saw Stevie Wonder live, probably because I had so many childhood memories of his music - and he is one of the first artists that inspired me.

What advice would you give new artists coming through?

The only advice I can give to new artist like me is to make music that really means something to you and enjoy what you’re doing, without asking yourself if everyone is going to like it. Nowadays, we see so many examples of fake music realities pushed by T.V., programs like X Factor etc.

Teenagers are dreaming of getting on to those shows because they think it’s the only way you can become an artist. But, it takes much more then jumping on stage and singing on backing tracks in front of millions of people to be able to be ready to write your own music, to play with others musicians and to sing in front of many people.

It’s a journey that you cannot skip - but should enjoy instead.

IN THIS PHOTO: Tawiah

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

London is full of new artists. The ones I love are Moses Sumney, Mr Jukes; Tawiah, Native Dancer and Thandii.

What do you like to do in order to unwind from music?

I love painting, travelling and cooking. On my last trip to Bali, I had the chance to learn Asian cooking from an amazing chef. I believe that food tells you a lot about a culture and its people.

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

Tawo - Jordan Rakei

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Follow Alba Plano

Official:

https://www.albaplano.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/albaplano

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/albaplano

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/albaplanomusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yBixiJKuSRl1gPwJWPVi5

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/albaplano

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/albaplano

INTERVIEW: Brandy Zdan

INTERVIEW:

Brandy Zdan

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I have been checking out…

I Want Your Trouble and speaking with its performer, Brandy Zdan. She reveals the background to the song and working with Tom Blakenship and Carl Broemel; what comes next for her; what we can expect from her album, Secretear – what it was like recording in Nashville.

Zdan tells me about the gigs coming up; whether she will play any dates outside the U.S.; how she spends her time away from music – recommending some new artists to look out for.

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

Hi, there! My week has been wonderful. Just got off the road from some fantastic tours opening for Buddy Guy and Doyle Bramhall II. It’s been a whirlwind couple months. Glad to be home for a minute.

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

I’m a Rock ‘n’ Roll artist living in Nashville, TN - but originally from Winnipeg, MB (Canada).  I’ve had a couple of ‘past lives’ in my music career as a sidewoman in a TX band called The Trishas and, before that, as half of Canadian Folk/Gothic duo, Twilight Hotel.

I live and breathe music: it’s all I’ve known. I’ve been doing this a long time but I’m most excited to be out in the world on my own with this new music. I love steel guitar, a fine scotch or fine tequila…and I’m an avid birder.

 

I Want Your Trouble is new. Can you tell me what inspired the song?

This song was inspired by a text message that my husband Aaron sent to me while we were courting. It simply said: ‘I want your trouble’. I knew it had to be a song, so I took it and ran and, of course, gave him 50% of the writing credit.

My husband Aaron Haynes plays the drums on this record and this really is his shining drums moment on the record. We had to track this at night and I came back in with a flask of whiskey to nail the vocal.

Needed to be a little loose for this one…

It features Tom Blakenship (My Morning Jacket) on bass and Carl Broemel on guitar. What was it like working with them?

They are incredible musicians and a pleasure to work with. This is the second record they have played on with me. Teddy Morgan, the producer, makes music with both of them and he knew they were the guys to call to round out the band. They really serve the songs in the best way.

The song is taken from the album, Secretear – out on 11th May. What are the themes and stories that we can expect from the record?

Thematically, this is kind of an unconventional love-song album. There are a lot of messages/reminders within the songs to myself, especially in the song, Secret Tears. It’s an album about self-love and, generally, just coming to terms with who you are which we all have to do.

It’s about the journey, not the destination.

It seems, with each release, you are assimilating new elements in your voice/music. Do you think you learn something new with each recording?

Of course, you do. You have to or you’re doing something wrong. Record-making has always fascinated me. There's a fine balance of knowing and not-knowing that must be achieved; a mystery that must be present, followed and honored - as well as a confidence to not second-guess the magic.  There is no one right way and, as an artist, you can only learn by doing observing and listening

With every record made, you come out knowing so much more than you did before, but you also realize how much more there is to learn.

What is Nashville like for a recording artist? How important are the city and its people?

Nashville is a great place for a recording artist. I’m sure wherever you are standing in the city there are a dozen studios a stone’s throw from where you stand. Some of the most incredible musicians live here and, whatever kind of record you are trying to make; you can find someone to help you make it. I get called in to go do backup vocals on records all the time.

The city is full of the music business as well. Everyone is hustling. I love that vibe: people that work on their craft and where music is genuinely their career. Of course, there is a dark side to that: people get caught up in the game, the ‘hit-game’; there are slime-balls but, generally in my genre, it’s about making art and not about how many Facebook likes one has.

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

The Beatles - ‘The White Album’

The Beatles were my way into Rock ‘n’ Roll - and this record lets you know you could try anything you want, experiment; challenge the listener. I love how this record broke the mould in many ways. I reference many drums sounds on this record and my favourite Beatles song, Happiness Is a Warm Gun, is on it.

Daniel Lanois - Belladonna

Lanois is my favorite guitar player and one of my favorite producers. This is my way into Instrumental music, which I love. Words can be limiting - while one’s not limited on a steel guitar; it can limitlessly emote.

Patti Smith – Easter

Patti is a goddess. She is the ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll poet. Everything she does is the most inspiring. This was the first album I heard of hers and it knocked me out - and it continues to. Whenever I get down about the business or can’t find the muse, I think: ‘What would Patti do?’

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

Just got off a two-month cross-country U.S. tour with Buddy Guy and Doyle Bramhall II. Gonna be home for a while - but many shows are getting lined up.

Will you come to the U.K. and play this year?

I sure hope so! Just need the right person to bring us over. I came over many times with my old band, Twilight Hotel, and toured ALL over the U.K. I can’t wait!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I hope to write the next album. Get better at guitar and stay on the road and play many, many shows.

It’s really quite simple for me. I also hope to record some cover songs and release them on 45s.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @chrisphelps

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

My current favorite memory only happened a couple of weeks ago…

Drinking fine Cognac with Buddy Guy in his dressing room while we listened to him telling stories about all the people he’s worked with. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Do your own thing and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. 

Find what sets you apart and embrace it.

PATIENCE is necessary.

No two people have the same path.

The work is the reward.

If you want to do something else and can, go do it. Art as a career is ugly, unforgiving and the hardest. BUT; if it’s all you can do, do it.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Deap Vally

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m really into Jonathan Wilson, HAIM; Link Wray and Deap Vally currently - but they aren’t new.

Carl Anderson, Erin Rae and The Texas Gentlemen are some fine musician peers.

IN THIS PHOTO: Erin Rae

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

I get some, but not much. My husband and I love to venture out to a couple of our favorite and chill for a couple of days. Those being the Belmont Hotel in Dallas, TX and the El Rey in Sante Fe, New Mexico. There’s something about the right hotel vibe that gives me permission to really chill.

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

This tune has been on repeat a lot lately…

The War on Drugs - Pain

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 Follow Brandy Zdan

 Official:

http://website-www.brandyzdan.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/brandyzdan

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/brandyzdan/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/brandyzdanmusic

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IbpBuf1QrkXMYmAyfhepe

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/brandyzdan

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/brandyzdan

COLOUR PHOTOS:

Alysse Gafkjen Photography

INTERVIEW: Siv Jakobsen

INTERVIEW:

 PHOTO CREDIT: Jørgen Nordby 

Siv Jakobsen

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HER debut album…

The Nordic Mellow was released last year and picked up award nominations and success. I have been talking to Siv Jakobsen about her upcoming live album (out on 27th April) that was recorded in Rockefeller in Oslo – her beautiful hometown. She discusses what songs were included; why she decided to cover Dolly Parton’s Jolene and what comes next for her – she reveals what her touring plans are.

I ask Jakobsen how she has progressed as an artist and what music compels her; new artists that inspire her right now; the advice she would give to new artists of the moment – and, what the scene is like in Oslo right now.

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

Great, thanks! Just getting out of a short Easter holiday and preparing to release the live album soon.

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

My name is Siv Jakobsen and I write, release and perform songs that are often said to be melancholic and acoustic.

Your debut album, The Nordic Mellow, was released last It has been nominated for Best International Record at this year’s Unsigned Music Awards. How does that make you feel?

Great! It’s a lovely thing to have it be recognised and I love that there is a platform like that for self-released/independent releases.

The album has gained positive reviews and lots of love. Were you expecting it to get such a big response?!

I did hope people would like it of course, but it’s hard to know what to expect - I just hoped it wouldn’t just quietly fade away without anyone noticing. The response has, thankfully, been lovely, so I am very grateful.

I know you’ll be releasing a live album very soon. It was recorded at Rockefeller in Oslo. What was the reason for choosing that location? What compelled you to record a live album?

The Rockefeller show was the only hometown show for The Nordic Mellow release tour, so it felt like a good chance to capture my live show in a (to me) very familiar and lovely atmosphere. I had my whole band with me (string quartet and all) so I couldn’t pass up the chance to have it recorded. It was originally thought to become a short E.P., but the recordings were too good not to release.

Is there a mix of older and newer songs included? Was it hard putting a set-list together?

Yes! There’s a bit of both The Lingering and The Nordic Mellow on there; some familiar arrangements, some with brand new arrangements. It was a lot of fun. As for set-lists; I find them very difficult as I use a lot of different tunings and have to not only think of the flow of the show but, also, what will work, tuning-wise.

So, it’s always a bit hard. Haha.

I know Jolene, your version of it, is included. What is it about Dolly Parton and that song that speaks to you?

Jolene is the sort of song, for me, that really resonates on a deep level. I think a lot of people have had a Jolene in their life, so it feels universal in some way. I love the imagery of the lyric and the pleading tone of the chorus. It’s a masterpiece of a song and I really felt when I created my little version of it; that I was singing about myself.

I only hope I was able to do the song justice.

How important is Oslo to you? Is it a great city to record and write music in?

Oslo is my home so it’s, of course, very important. This is where I live, where I rest and where I write a lot of my songs. I’ve actually never recorded a studio album here, though - only the live-record. But, I assume it would be a great experience to do that here as well...

What sort of music captured you at a young age? Can you recall the first album you ever bought?

At a younger age, my favourite band was the Spice Girls – so, that was probably the first album I bought. Hehe. I was also big into Classical music when I was very, very little. Apparently, I would sit in front of the stereo in our living-room and be totally mesmerised if mom put on Vivaldi or Debussy. I also loved Boney M, as it was my father’s favourite band.

A pretty interesting mix of music, I guess.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up? Will you come to the U.K. and play at any point?

I don’t have any longer tours planned at the moment, as I’m trying to write a new record - but I do have a few shows in the U.K. this summer. I’m playing at St. Pancras Old Church in London on June 4th with a string quartet and at Timber Festival in June.

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

The Rockefeller show was a big one for me as a headline gig. Another incredible memory is when I was touring with Bear’s Den. The guys brought me and the other support, Matthew & the Atlas, out at the end of the performances and we all sang Leonard Cohen’s So Long, Marianne together in front of one little mic. It was pure magic every night.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be yourself! Seriously: sincerity is beautiful.

IN THIS PHOTO: Fay Wildhagen

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m usually quite late to ‘discover’ new artists, but here are a few artists that I think are incredible:

Fay Wildhagen; Julien Baker (not sure if she’s new or small, but incredible either way); Liza Anne; Adrianne Lenker (of Big Thief. Her solo stuff is incredible); WILSEN; Bryde.

IN THIS PHOTO: Liza Anne/PHOTO CREDIT: Brett Warren

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

I love cooking, running and yoga. I read a lot and have a weakness for crime shows.

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

Fay Wildhagen - Carry You 

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Follow Siv Jakobsen

 Official:

http://www.sivmusic.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/sivmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sivjakobsen/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/listentosiv/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vWslArrZa7drINEUobJZl

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZSrNgVGvwynCVJ5Z6sLCQ

INTERVIEW: BBXO

INTERVIEW:

BBXO

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BASED over in Berlin…

I have been chatting to BBXO about the scene there and why the city has a pulse like nothing else. Krisz and Musa discuss their track, Hard Road to Travel, and what arrives next for them; how they came together and started making music; whether there will be gigs approaching – they talk about artists and sounds that inspire them.

The guys look at their favourite memories and what they hope to achieve this year; Musa reacts to being compared to The Streets; they talk to me about getting kudos from the likes of Kate Tempest – a fascinating window into a close and electric duo.

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

Krisz: Great. Working on a new track/editing our new video for Firestorm.

Musa: Good, thanks. A lot colder and wetter than the one Krisz has had; he has been working in Cancun while I have been stuck in Berlin. But I’m not bitter...honest.

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

Krisz: We call the music we are doing ‘Future Blues’: a blend of poetry, spoken word; Rap, Soul; Dancehall, Trap; Grime and Pop.

Musa: I write and perform (most of) the lyrics, with help on the choruses from Krisz and a couple of other excellent writers. I’m also a journalist writing about politics, society and football - and that comes through in many of my lyrics (we haven’t done a song about football yet, though). Krisz; he makes the beats.

How did you come to form BBXO? Musa. Did you know about Krisz Kreuzer from the Brixtonboogie movement?

I actually got to know his work through listening to a range of projects on his site and I remember thinking: ‘Damn; this guy can produce anything’. He could make any range of sounds and that’s what I first found most appealing about his work - the open-mindedness of his work. To me, that’s a true artist.

I believe Berlin is where the meeting happened? How long were you in Berlin before BBXO sprung to life? What is the ethos and philosophy you both carry?

I had been in Berlin about a year-and-a-half by then and, so, I think I had adjusted to life in Germany and, more particularly, to the city. At the risk of sounding cheesy - I can almost imagine my friends beginning to tease me when they read this - I would say that my ethos is: make the boldest and most passionate work you can and, somehow, just keep going; because your best work and your best moments are still ahead of you…

What is Berlin like to record and work in? How important is the city and its people?

It’s an incredible city.

Berlin isn’t like New York or Shanghai: those cities are immediately overwhelming. Berlin creeps up on you. It goes from slow and sleepy to full-on hedonism in a split-second. That’s what makes Berlin unique, I think: it has a change in tempo unlike anywhere else. That’s great for an artist, because it means you have both the peacefulness in which to create and the endless nights into which you can escape.

Berliners are a tough people - and proudly so. But, if you can get past their initial wariness; you’ll find them to be among the most loyal and open-hearted people you’ve ever met. That’s if you meet the nice ones. Haha.

Hard Road to Travel is your new release. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

Musa: The song is about two things, really. First; it’s about persevering through struggle, which is something to which we can all relate. Secondly; it’s the story of my family, who fled Uganda in the 1970s and 1980s when the country was in a state of conflict. It’s a song that might seem topical now, with the exodus of refugees from places like Syria and Myanmar; but, in truth and tragically, the story of refugees is as old as time - so, the song tries to put that journey in a positive light.

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

Krisz: First; we are aiming to get our E.P. done and released by end of May, with an album ready at end of this year. Secondly; we will work with a live promoter to play live.

Continuing writing and producing more tracks.

Musa: Right now, I am working on the lyrics for two new songs, which are both about half-done, and thinking of ideas for a couple of others. Looking at the world at the moment, we are not exactly short of topics.

Kate Tempest and Ed Sheeran are among the artists who have shown love for Musa and BBXO. What is it like having that sort of kudos and backing?!

It means a huge amount because the respect of your fellow artists is something really special.

We actually came through the poetry and music scenes at a similar time and, even then, the work they were doing was astonishing. I have seen Ed perform a cappella and without a mic to Madison Square Garden - and his voice travelled all the way to the back of the arena. I have seen Kate reduce huge crowds to a state of silent awe with the power of her words.

For people like that to tell you that you are on the right track is very affirming.

Which artists did you both grow up listening to? How early did music arrive in your lives?

Krisz:  I grew up with Blues, Reggae and Dub; Hip-Hop and Electro. To name a few from all genres:

- Blues artists like John Lee Hooker, the Chess artists like Muddy Waters or Howlin` Wolf.

- Reggae: Roots artists from Studio One; Burning Spear, Lee Perry and, of course, Bob Marley.

- Dancehall: Shabba Ranks, Capleton; Bounty Killer and Super Cat.

- Hip-Hop artists from the beginning like Curtis Blow or Grandmaster Flash; EPMD, Eric B. & Rakim; Beastie Boys, Common; Jay-Z, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar,

Musa: Confession...when Prince died, I burst into tears and then I realised why: because my aunt had played Sign O’ the Times whenever I was at her house out of her incredible Bang and Olufsen sound-system (this was in the early-to-mid-eighties and she still has it, in great condition). Then, I got into Young MC, Positive K; Tracy Chapman and Arrested Development in my early-teens; then, it was Wu-Tang, Curtis Mayfield; Nirvana, U2; Outkast, The Fugees; Jay-Z, Biggie; Lauryn Hill, Daft Punk and The Roots; along with some Eminem (eek, given some of the stuff he said) and, from my early-twenties onwards; I have been listening to everything. I mean…everything...

Björk, Bloc Party; Metronomy, The Kooks; The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys; Seu Jorge, Janis Joplin; Mount Kimbie, Martyn; NoLay, Kendrick Lamar; JME, Flying Lotus; Aretha Franklin, Daedelus; Janelle Monáe; Ryuichi Sakamoto; Eska, Tawiah; Skrillex, Herbie Hancock...I mean, I could go on for hours…I love music; all of it.

PHOTO CREDIT: Eduardo Mattos

Musa. You have been compared to the likes of The Streets. The world needs a street-poet like that! Do you think there is a big gap in the market for poets who can reflect the needs of the people – and articulate the sounds of the streets?!

Ha, well; it’s to know people think there’s a need for more poets: we often divide opinion. (Maybe that’s our job.) I think that poets, whoever they are - be that Salena Godden or Kendrick Lamar, Inua Ellams; Saul Williams, Bridget Minamore or Awate - have a particular skill, if they are good enough: they can distil a range of emotions into just a few words.

I think that has tremendous power - just look at the amazing advocacy that young people are doing for Black Lives Matter and after the Parkland shootings. I think there is always, always room for people like that - and I want to make my own contribution to social progress too. I would love to be able to look back and say: “We captured the mood for some people, and we did it in an uplifting way”.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Krisz: To reach a good coverage of people who like what we are doing; to play more live. I’m looking forward to collaborating with an artist we'd like to work with.

Musa: To do some incredible gigs in different parts of Europe, to have people write to us and say that we made work that moved them and inspired them.

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

Krisz: A mind-blowing event was the Love Parade in Berlin beginning of the ‘90s when 500k people were dancing in the streets to Electro and Techno music. This music was new at that time.

Musa: Playing a gig at CAMP in 2011, with a previous group of mine. We performed a song called Love Against Homophobia at a time when the Ugandan government was being especially hateful towards gay people - and the response to the tune when we finished it was amazing. We sent the live recording to John Kennedy, who was guest-hosting Mary Anne Hobbs’ show that week and he played it and made it his tune of the day.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Krisz: You mean, us? (Smiles). Ok - just kidding. I would say just do what you want. No boundaries. Doesn’t matter what people might say and think. Give a f**k. Just do it.

Musa: What Krisz said, a thousand times…

IN THIS PHOTO: Otis Mensah

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Musa: Otis Mensah. Imagine a rapper who is half-Speech from Arrested Development, half-Homeboy Sandman and that’s Otis.

Krisz: Neo-Classical pianist by the name of Gunnarsson.

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

We do get away from music doing other things. If not doing our own music, we produce music for ads and films.

Chilling away from music with football/travelling/being in nature/enjoying good food.

Musa: Ha. I’m pretty much the same as Krisz: watching football, making my way slowly through the restaurants in Berlin; travelling through Europe (Lisbon and Brussels were great recently and, Copenhagen, we have unfinished business).

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).

Krisz: Young Fathers - In My View

Musa: Sir Spyro x Ghetts x London Grammar x Jaykae - Hell to the Liars

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Follow BBXO

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/bbxoofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bbxoofficial/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/BBXOofficial/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4pFqpGmsePkCsOjhuDvRa7?si=7zc-Kg5HTqq08fKyCqfieg

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXu3tIA75flXZKpk3Htckog

INTERVIEW: Katie Coleman

INTERVIEW:

Katie Coleman

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HER debut single…

looks at sexism and the way women are perceived in modern society. Katie Coleman discusses her new track, Not Your Pin Up Girl, and what we can expect from her next. I learn when music came into her life and an album that is especially important; what dates she has coming up – what it was like shooting her new music video in the streets of Manchester.

Coleman discusses her hometown of Darlington; what advice she would give to new artists; what she hopes to achieve this year; whether she gets time to relax away from the music industry – she ends the piece with a rather good song suggestion.

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

Hey! I’ve been great, thank you! 

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

In-your-face, energetic and honest...

Tell me about Not Your Pin Up Girl and the story behind the song… 

The idea sprung to mind after I saw a silly quote or a meme on Instagram, actually. I was on my way to a writing session and, for some reason, it stuck with me. It was along the lines of: ‘When someone asks you what are you getting so dressed up for…’. Like; do I need a reason?! I’ve had that said to me many times! As if I’m doing it for anyone else. I just needed to write how that made me feel - and tha represented me and other girls like me. It just stands up to that way of thinking.

You should be able to dress, act and be whoever you want to be without anyone judging you! Man or woman.

Given the rise of sexism and the campaigns battling it – was it vital, for the debut single, to come in with something meaningful and urgent?!

Honestly; it all kind of came at the right time - and I couldn’t be happier. I’m all for the women’s rights movements and the campaigns. 2018 is women’s year, and so, why not get in on that! It’s all for the right cause and, I think, Not Your Pin Up Girl really represents exactly what us girls should be standing up for. 

Have you faced any hurdles and sexism so far in music? What do you think of the situation out there?

No question about it, of course.

I’m a young woman in an absolutely male-dominated industry. I would think all women have faced some situations they just deal with. It’s a huge shame, but the best way to tackle is as women to pull each other up together. Literally, us girls should have each other in sessions, plus it would be so much more fun!

I’ve, literally, only worked with less than a handful of female producers and that’s the worst thing - is that there are so many women doing what the men are doing; its just they are not getting heard. 

The song also addresses expectations placed on young women. I know a lot of people will relate to the song and take strength from it. Does that possibility give you heart?

Yes, because it’s about time young women feel encouraged and they should feel strong in this day and age! Hopefully, they can relate and take away whatever they need to get through the daily struggles. 

I believe the video was shot in the streets surrounded by Manchester’s G.A.Y. What was that like to shoot?!

It was, honestly, one of the best days! I worked with the amazing Sitcom Soldiers. They really just got it straight away what I was going for. Strong and simple. So, when they suggested we shoot in Manchester, I was so down for that (being a northerner myself). I had my friends involved and my mum was there - and I just wanted it to be fun and for everyone to feel included.

I’d like for everyone who sees the video to get the feelgood vibes. That’s, essentially, what inspired the video: my friends, family and my gay friends; young girls and guys to feel like they can relate and be fearless after watching it too!

It was a great day - and ended with lots of Prosecco!

Will there be more material coming soon?

Yes, of course. But, honestly; I just want to get back to writing some more, brand-new material…and work with some new writers and producers! 

Darlington is where you were raised. What is the area like for music and new sounds? 

Darlington is only a small town, so there’s not a massive variety of genres. But, it does have a great live scene: you can always count on a great live music night!

How important is the area to you rereads your songwriting? 

It’s where I grew up and it’s my hometown. It’s what you would call a ‘typical northern town’. You know; a close community, and I think that makes you more down-to-earth - not big egos - and that relatable attitude is what I take to my writing. 

Which artists did you grow up listening to? Did music arrive in your life early?

I grew up listening to a lot of my dad’s old collection of Northern Soul, Blues and stuff. So; I loved the big female singers like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight. But, the album I got into as a young girl was actually Stripped by Christina Aguilera I loved it. All of this started when I first realised I wanted to sing. I was seven when I performed in front of my school and, from that, I knew that’s all I wanted to do. I even joined the orchestra playing the flute! Ha. Then the guitar came and that was it. I wrote my first song at nine. It’s cringe-worthy now.

At fourteen, I was already gigging around little pubs and clubs around the North East and, even from that, I knew I’d do this for a very long time! 

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

Eventually, yes! Can’t wait to go on a tour. But, right now, my next gig will be The Great Escape festival. 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’d love for a lot more people to hear my music and to enjoy it - and, really just be happy and live in every single moment of the day!

PHOTO CREDIT: @gwardxo

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Always be honest with yourself when working on the music. Work out exactly what it is you’re going for and run with it! Don’t hold back. I have to say to myself all the time!

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

Yes. I might not be amazing at it but, I love dancing! I know it’s not the usual way to unwind but I love to go to Brazilian Samba classes! It’s so fun and you think about nothing else…just the beat and the dance and, then after that, a cheeky glass of red wine!  

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).

Hurtin’ Me - Stefflon Don (ft. French Montana)! Still can’t get enough of this. I love her at the moment! 

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Follow Katie Coleman

 Official:

http://www.katiecolemanofficial.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Katie_Coleman

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/KatieColemanOfficial/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/KatieColemanOfficial/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/55oQc2N7Exqb9w9Ya0HhIT

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/KatieColemanOfficial

INTERVIEW: Alex Lleo

INTERVIEW:

Alex Lleo

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HE is one of those songwriters…

who is pure and determined. Alex Lleo puts his all into the music and follows its every move. I have been speaking with him about touring the South West; what the tale behind the song, No Way Back, is – he provides details about his upcoming E.P.

Lleo tells me about his plans going forward; why he recorded his latest E.P. in a unique way; what he does when he is not recording music; a new artist we need to keep a watch out for – ending the interview with a song I am now a big fan of!

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

Hey! Busy, but good, thanks! Trying to squeeze in some rehearsal time for my tour next week whilst tracking for the next E.P.

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

Well. I guess, fundamentally, I write songs and sing them. Haha!

But; I think a lot of artists are hesitant to put themselves in that ‘singer-songwriter’ bracket. I like to incorporate various sounds and melodies throughout a song’s duration. I’d like to think that the music allows the listener to delve into a deeper state of mind; whether that be a happy or more reflective place. 

No Way Back is your current single. Can you tell me the origin of the song and what inspired it?

Haha. Well I wrote the song with a kinda tongue-in-cheek feel whilst working merch. at Isle of Wight Festival a few years back. At its core; it’s a song about chance encounters and the kinda things people do when their daily routines are on hold for a few days.

It is the second single from your debut E.P., Park Studios, JQ. What was the reason behind recording the music in a single take?! Did you want the music to have that live sound?

Yeah. That was exactly the intention with this project. I knew we’d have to sacrifice a few elements you come to expect with a full production but, I think we made up for it within the charm of spontaneity.

Which artists would you count as influences? Did you experience music a lot when growing up?

Yeah, loads. My parents were never musical but made up for it by having great ears. Dad was big on Motown and all the '70s Folk-Rock stuff such as Paul Simon and Fleetwood Mac: all you’d need to know about great songs construction!

How important are Worcestershire’s Lickey Hills and its diverse scenery to your songwriting? Does that vista give you a closer affection for the natural world?

I think, because I grew up here, I do take it for granted sometimes. It’s only when I think about the years spent exploring as kids that I realise the importance it’s had on my character. Nature, for however cliché it is, will always be a huge influence on me. It’s the biggest grounder to us all.

I know you are playing gigs in the South West. Is that a part of the country you have an affection for? Which dates are you most looking forward to?

I think anyone that’s ever visited the S.W. struggles not to fall in love with the place. What’s not to love about those coastlines?! I’m looking forward to every single one. Tours are usually filled with service station sarnies and rainy drives around the M25.

Let’s just say, I’ve got my wetsuit packed!

You are playing St Pancras Old Church on 2nd May. You looking forward to that one?!

Can’t wait! It’s such an historic venue. Really looking forward to the rare chance of playing with this six-piece!

How did you meet the band you play with? What is it like working on the road with them?

Well. At the core there’s myself, James (Bass) and Tom (drums). James and I go way back to college; he’s my producer and the guy I flesh the sounds out with once the song is there. Tom and I met through a friend on the gigging scene and I’ve known Lydia for many years. The string and horn guys were recommendations from Ali - Park Studios’ owner. 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

New songs that, we hope, will be our vehicle to new places; so that we can play to new faces (smiles).

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

I did love the early days. Playing with my high-school mates; we’d offer to play people’s house-parties which, as you can imagine, was a lot of fun. Oh…and waaay loud! Good times.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t rush. It takes a lot of time and dedication to achieve a product that’ll please more than just your gran. (Even if she has an incredible ear!). Seriously, though; if you’re hunting for a career, your attention has to be on material and you need a good understanding of how the industry now discovers new music. Don’t just post to Facebook: learn how to utilise these tools to cut through the noise. 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

If you want something to hit the feels, you can’t go wrong with Leif Vollebekk’s new album, Twin Solitude. It’s a late-nigh-stroll-kinda-album.

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

Anything outdoors-related. The cities are great and they serve a real purpose for the music world but, when I get the chance; it’s so good to get off the beaten track and do something that forces you to focus on the moment. It’s good for the soul.

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).

No Wrong - Bahamas

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Follow Alex Lleo 

Official:

http://alexlleo.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/alexlleomusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alexlleo/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/alexlleomusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6TlDdiCdFHSD3BAA7xKoFN

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVgCxpyuNdPGlWsFsUeSsJg

INTERVIEW: Bumpus

INTERVIEW:

Bumpus

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THIS seems like a great day…

to push Bumpus out into the world! With their awesome E.P., Way Down Deep, unshackled; I have been talking with the Chicago-based band about the songs and how it came together; if there is a cut from the E.P. that stands out – I wondered how the band got together.

I ask the guys about Chicago’s music scene and what they have planned regarding touring; if they will shoot over to the U.K.; which new artists they recommend we check out; what music they grew up around – they provide useful advice to new songwriters coming through.

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

Great. Shooting music videos in an old church with a secret bowling alley in the basement.

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

We’re Bumpus. Nine people. One with accompanying tiny humans. Some with dogs. Lots of Funk.

Way Down Deep, your new E.P., is out. Can you reveal the themes/inspirations that go into the songs?

We started writing work for this album as a side project called Dance Floor Plans. But, in the middle of the writing process, James (bandleader and lead singer at the time) got nodes and the band took a break. When we got back together, we started shifting the focus to Tina and things just took off from there.

What was it like recording the songs? Is the studio somewhere you all like being?

It was pretty spread out, time-wise. Half of the songs were done in a studio that specializes in vintage recording techniques so, for those; everything was done live with no overdubs and no studio magic. The sounds we heard recording is exactly what we heard at the mix.

We spent more time on the other half of the songs in a more traditional studio situation. I think our favourite time in the studio is the editing phase. Pulling things in and out. Trying something in a tiny section of a song.

Is there a cut from the E.P. that, you think, stands out from the pack?

We really like Anything (which Tina wrote).

Tina: I taught myself how to play guitar. I am not great, yet, but I have a great ear. I was teaching myself to play Dear Mr. Fantasy by Traffic and I had one too many notes (laughs). I wound up writing this hypnotic little ditty which is about a woman's affirmation after looking back on her life at that point and realizing that she didn’t have to be like everyone else - that being herself is just fine.

How did Bumpus get together? How has the band changed over time?

Bumpus has really been three bands, but our origins are as early as the mid-nineties. We had a seven-year run with our original line-up, which featured singer-songwriter, Rachael Yamagata. We were all completely self-taught, but that worked out because we played about four shows a week for five years straight.

At that time, we had three singers, including an M.C. The music was super-diverse, but you probably wouldn’t know it was the same band from one song to the next. Our middle period kept most of our original members, but added a keyboardist, three horns and a cavalcade of backup singers.

The end result was our most ‘studio’ (studio) album, All the People. Probably 500-1000 shows played in that era. Our current group features extremely talented musicians from DePaul and Berkley and, of course, Ms. Tina Howell.

Chicago plays an important role in your music. How much of the city and its history do you bring to your material?!

I think we just bring the history of our experiences more than the city. There’s a grit to Chicago that comes through in our music. However, I think we have a love/hate relationship with Chicago...

It’s an amazing city, but it’s not generally supportive of artists. Gentrification is a huge thing. The clubs are fewer than they used to be. Most of the neighbourhood festivals have moved away from original music in favor of cover bands.

What sort of music did you all grow up around?

We all grew up around tons of music, of course…

James: My dad was a D.J. and program director for WBBM FM in the '70s, when they played Joni Mitchell next to James Brown next to Led Zeppelin. As a result, we had stacks and stacks of promo records - and my dad was smart enough to put them right down on the ground where I could discover them.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

All over the Midwest for now. Maybe a little farther in the fall.

Can we expect to see you guys play over in the U.K. this year?

Possibly the fall. Working on it!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

More awareness for our group and really just bringing good times to people through our performances. We set our shows up for people to dance.

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

Favorite memory…

Being on stage with Maceo Parker (James Brown’s sax player) singing Gimmie Some More and Shake Everything You Got.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Practice, practice, practice your craft. All the time. Your bands and situations may change, but you must always rely on your core skills. Luck favors the prepared.

IN THIS PHOTO: Bonzo Squad

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Well. Bonzo Squad, PJ Morton; Naughty Professor...

and Anderson .Paak - if you don’t know him already.

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).

PJ Morton – Sticking to My Guns

Vulfpeck – Daddy, He Got a Tesla

Am I Wrong – Anderson.Paak (ft. ScHoolboy)

Warrior – Chloe x Halle

My Song 5 – HAIM

Woman’s Gotta Have It – Bobby Womack

One Mo’ Gin – D’Angelo

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Follow Bumpus

Official:

https://www.bumpusweb.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/bumpusmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bumpusmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bumpusmusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4e1og7UROxzSrxTgyQPR4l

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/bumpus-music

INTERVIEW: Hildur

INTERVIEW:

Hildur

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THOSE who truly love their music…

like to go deeper and seek out artists who do things differently. Hildur talks about her home of Iceland and her latest track, Water (FAMILY_TIME Remix). I ask her whether there is more music; the artists who have inspired her – and, whether the talented songwriter is coming over to the U.K. to perform.

I was curious to learn about Hildur’s path into music and how her career has developed; what she does away from music; what she hopes to get out of the rest of this year; a new artist we need to keep our eyes open for – completing the interview with a rather good song choice...

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

Hey there! I'm super. I'm actually sitting on a plane back to Iceland. I just spent the last five days in Norway writing and recording new music - so life feels good right now.

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

Yeah, so. I'm Hildur. I’m a songwriter, singer and a producer from Iceland. I started out as a cellist doing Classical stuff, but singing and songwriting have always been a big part of me - and I am fascinated with Pop music in general and what makes a melody catchy, so, I started making pop a few years ago. I do Electronic-Pop with quirky vibes. I have a bit of an Icelandic accent, maybe; I don't know. But; my songs are, mostly, pure fun or sad.

Because; that's how life is.

Water (FAMILY_TIME Remix) is your latest track. What can you tell me about the song? How did that remix come about?

Yeah. So. I have a special connection to this song. It's one of my favorite songs (that I have written) so I thought it deserved a little special something. So, I teamed up with this cool Swedish producer, FAMILY_TIME, and got him to do his spin on it. It's a totally different vibe: more upbeat but it's like double the fun now. So, you can basically listen to either a happy version of this song or the melancholic original. No need to change your mood!

Is there going to be a video or promotional event for the song?

Yes. I'm releasing an acoustic, live version for Water that we filmed for this. It's a special and emotional performance and it's got a cello. Everyone loves cellos.

The original version if from the E.P., Heart to Heart. What was the reason for singling the song for treatment? Have you been pleased by the album’s reception?

I feel like it was like a hidden gem on the E.P. - as it was the last song and I thought it deserved something extra. People really react to that song when I perform it live. I've often had people shed tears and come tell me how this song touched them. That's the most powerful feedback a musician can get. It makes you humble to know your art can affect people in that way.

I'm very happy with the E.P. as a whole and the feedback has been great - so, that makes me even more eager to release new songs. 

What have you got planned in terms of future material? Are you working on other stuff at the moment?

Yeah. The last few weeks have been all about new stuff. I'm still figuring out if there will be an E.P. or an L.P. or bunch of singles - but they are coming soon, no matter which form it will be.

Which musicians influenced you to take up music? Who are your childhood heroes?

My fellow Icelander, Björk, has to be the biggest one.

She is such a great role model as a powerful female force that is ‘everything’ in her own music and artistic direction. She was the musical hero in our country and I just remember being so intrigued by her songs. I think I was around eight when I heard Homogenic - and Jóga was a song that immediately grabbed me.

I remember being so struck with how many feelings music could have - and, then, I tried to create my own emotional dance to it. It involved a lot of rolling around on the floor. Must have been a sight!

You are an Icelandic artist. Is there a big music scene in Iceland right now?! What is the country like in terms of styles and promising artists?

I absolutely love the Icelandic music scene. It's unreal how much amazing music we've got coming out of our small country. Right now, Icelandic Hip-Hop is all the rage there and, though I do love it, I think we also have a lot of great artists in many different genres. People are not afraid to stand out. If you are an Icelandic person, you are used to standing out because we are so few and everywhere we go people are interested in our country and think we are ‘different’.

Also, to some extent, it's fairly easier to get heard in Iceland and get chances to play and share your music. I guess that gives more people the confidence to just try. So: do an hour of listening to Icelandic music on Spotify.

You will be surprised.

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

I haven't planned a tour yet as I'm pretty busy with writing these days, but next gig is in Tallinn Music Week in Estonia and then Secret Solstice Festival in Iceland.

Do you get to play in the U.K. at all? Are you a fan of the artists over here?

It's still on my bucket list! I have a huge crush on Brighton, so I want to play there!

Yeah. James Blake and London Grammar are two of my favorite artists. I do love strong Pop ladies like Dua Lipa and Anne-Marie and I'm also really into Stormzy and Years & Years. I do love some of the Pop prince songs from Ed Sheeran.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Release some of my new songs that I'm dying to share with the world. Music is already taking me to so many cool places and I hope there will be more of them in 2018. I hope for some good surprises. I love surprises.

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

I have a lot, but one thing that always sticks to me is when I met a couple (from Germany, I think) who told me they had decided to listen to my music when she was giving birth to their baby. That was a surreal compliment.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be yourself, like – really yourself! Trust your gut feeling. It took me quite some time to figure out what kind of music I wanted to make, but I'm happy I waited with releasing stuff until I had found my sound and knew how to portray it. Then, have fun. This experience is too precious to spend on stressing and worrying…

IN THIS PHOTO: Lxandra/PHOTO CREDIT: Iiris Heikka/COVER ART: Fredrika Lindeberg

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yeah. Powerhouse and cool-cat Lxandra from Finland. We met in Hamburg at a writing camp and I was amazed by her voice. She just released a bangin’ single called Dig Deep.

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

Depends on the days. I'm trying to have at least one ‘music-free’ day a week just to keep my head straight. I go to the swimming pools. Icelandic swimming pools are something else - and a long soak in the hot tub, sauna and cold bath just regenerates you.

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

Jon Hopkins' new song, Emerald Rush. Recommend blasting this. Feels heavenly

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Follow Hildur

Official:

http://hihildur.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/hihildur

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hihildur/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/hihildur/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ySCnJCaqVYSeZSELbdx7k

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/hihildur

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIIeswF530FjU0kytkrvUrA

INTERVIEW: Alex Highton

INTERVIEW:

Alex Highton

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HIS third album is out…

and already picking up acclaim and attention! Alex Highton talks about his new L.P. and the song, Love Is Enough. I ask the Liverpudlian songwriter what the city is like right now; how important its legacy is to him; what he has coming up in terms of gig dates – the artists and sounds that have inspired him as a musician and person.

Highton tells me how the changing world impacts him as a songwriter; if there is a treasured memory from music; if there are any new artists we should be investigating – he ends the interview with a rare and brilliant song.

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

I'm great, thanks. I've been writing and making demos in my little studio - that's where I'm happiest. So, all in all, it's been a good week. 

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

I'm a Liverpudlian singer-songwriter with a soft spot for Harry Nilsson.

Love Is Enough is a track that interests me. What, would you say, is the inspiration behind the song?

Well. I was sitting there, staring out the window with a guitar in my hands not thinking about anything much when the words "It's a sea lion, it's the sea..." came into my head. I liked the way the words sounded, but I thought: 'they don't mean anything'...which started me off on this train of thought about how we give our lives meaning.

This all made my head spin a bit; so, I went away, had a cup of tea and then, when I went back into the studio, the words all just tumbled out.

I believe there is footage from Darkest Hour by director Thomas Ralph. The video, in a way, seems to offer guidance and strength in a post-Brexit Britain. Do you think now, more than ever, we need to hold on to one another and find unity?

Yeah. You're probably right. Brexit is the stupidest thing we've done in a long time – and, as a country, we've done some stupid things...

PHOTO CREDIT: Graeme Wilmot

How do you feel the way the world is changing impacts you as a songwriter? Do these uncertain times make you more insular – or do they compel strength and defiance?!

Everything impacts in some way or another. I'm not sure I'm fully conscious of it. I just write what I want; talk about what I want to talk about and see what comes out. On different days, I feel different ways. 

The way the world is going, though; it does feel like everything is turning to sh*t a bit...

Welcome to Happiness, your third album, is out. What sort of themes provoked the songs? How do you think it differs from your previous records?

The album, as a whole, is about searching for happiness I suppose. Years ago, just before I got together with my wife, I remember sitting alone in my flat and wondering whether I was happy. (I wasn't). I decided I was going to stop making stupid decisions and allow myself to be happy. (I am now).

But, in the end, you know; they're just songs. Hopefully, people will enjoy them. This record is different to the others. There's acoustic guitar for a start. I just got bored of writing on it. I could easily have made the same record again but really what would be the point.

The sound is more expansive and, even if, at times, it seems simple; it was proper-complicated to put together. There's a hell of a lot of work gone into it - from me, Jonners Czerwik (who produced it and played on all the tracks); Bear (who had to mix songs that sometimes had one-hundred-plus tracks on them); all the players who gave up their skills and time...it was a massive collaboration really. Much more so than the other albums. 

Woodditton Wives Club was recorded in two weeks, Nobody Knows Anything took two months: this album took TWO YEARS...

​​​​​​​

It seems like you have grown in confidence as a songwriter. Would that be a fair assumption?

Yeah. I think so, maybe. I don't know really. Some days, I think we've made something great and then, the next day, I think it's the worst song ever written and I may as well give up. To be honest; I like being in a place where I don't feel 100% confident about what I'm doing. It's more interesting.

(I just listened to the album for the first time in ages, though, and I'm really happy with the way it turned out...).

I love being in the studio and that feeling of creating something. I just love that. Once it's done, I'm onto the next thing.

Tell me about the artists you count as idols. Which musicians were you raised on?

My dad moved to Italy when I was little and I used to and visit him over the holidays. He had (still has) this incredible collection of vinyl and I would pore over that, finding all kinds of weird and wonderful stuff. On any given day, I could be listening to Talking Heads, The Stooges; Steely Dan, Jimi Hendrix; David Ackles, Laurie Anderson; Penguin Cafe Orchestra, The Police; Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Pink Floyd; The Incredible String Band, Mahavishnu Orchestra; Getz/Gilberto, Stevie Wonder... It was quite a musical education.

As for my idols...well, there's an awful lot. You can't escape your heritage; so, I'd have to say The Beatles. But, if I think about the stuff that's always on my turntable, I'd have to say Steely Dan, Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson too.

How important is your home of Liverpool? Is the scene as active there as it has ever been? What is it like working and being there?

It is important. There's something in the water I think...

Only the other day, I went to a family party and, after a few drinks, a guitar appeared and everyone was singing. I actually did my first live performance at St Peter's Church in Woolton (where I was born), which is where John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time. I was five, it was a school choir but, you know; you take what you can.

I don't live there anymore - but it's a big part of who I am.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

If I'm able to continue making music, I'm happy. I'd also like Everton to win the Premier League. There’s a good chance of the former - and no chance of the latter.

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

There was a gig I played at Norderzon Festival in the Netherlands. I'd decided I wasn't playing live anymore and this was to be my last show. The stage was way off to the side and I was the only act playing on it that night. Two minutes before I got onstage, there were about three people in the audience.

I looked over at my wife and said "Let's get this over with" but, as I got on the stage, all these people starting appearing. I ended up playing to a few hundred and they were singing along to the songs. That was nice.  

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Do it because you love it - and don't worry about what anyone thinks.

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

Probably nowhere...unless someone offers me an insane amount of money.

IN THIS PHOTO: The Last Dinosaur/PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Goldberg

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yeah. The Last Dinosaur who has just brought out a very highly acclaimed album called The Nothing; Mattis Nikolai Myrland, who is a fantastic songwriter from Norway, and Tall Tree 6ft Man (Jonathan Czerwik, who produced my album) has an album coming out that I've heard some of and it's incredible.

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

Football (what I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm) and alcohol. Mainly, though, it's music, music, music...

PHOTO CREDIT: Richard Lahuis

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).

How about Rotifer's I Just Couldn't Eat As Much (As I'd Like To Throw Up). He's one of the best lyricists writing in English today (and he's Austrian!)......

____________

Follow Alex Highton

Official:

https://bbislandmusic.com/alex-highton

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/alexhighton

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alexhightonmusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/alexhightonmusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dWMj3ujp1Y7bg2tTb7nNq

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/alexhightonmusic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/alexhighton

INTERVIEW: Emma Taylor

INTERVIEW:

Emma Taylor

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I have been getting to know…

Emma Taylor and what influenced her current track, My Dear. The New York-based songwriter discusses her plans for new music and why she labels her sounds as ‘sad girl music’; how she has developed in her career; what tour dates are coming up – whether she will come to the U.K.

Taylor talks about her influences and the music she grew up around; how she spends time away from music; what advice she would give to new songwriters – Taylor recommends a great new artist we should know more about.

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

Hey! I’m great, thanks. My week has been pretty good - just been praying for some sunshine here in N.Y.C.

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

I’m Emma Taylor. I’m a twenty-year-old singer-songwriter from L.A., currently living in N.Y. I write sad songs that make people feel things - and I try to create a blend of melodic and lyrical unification to create a musical journey - while paying homage to the great singer-songwriters of the '70s and '80s. I hope you’ll take this journey with me!

My Dear is your new track. What is the story behind it?

I was in London this past year for a few months and was in a very transitional period in all aspects of my life, particularly in my relationship. It led me to become very vulnerable and put me in quite an emotional state, which is perfect for songwriting. The song’s written from the perspective of someone wanting, so badly, for the relationship to work out even though promises had been constantly broken before. It’s about hoping that, maybe, this time things would be different and that, maybe, this would be the time that things change for the better.

I think most people can relate to the topic that love can be greater than struggles if you can find a way to make it work. However, there’s always that worry that things might not ever change, which is discussed throughout the song. I like to call it a heartbreak, motivational song because it really does touch on both pushing through and pulling back. My Dear helped me push past the tough times to get to the great times in my relationship; so I think it has the power to show others that things can turn around.

You label your music ‘sad girl music’. What is the reason behind that?

For a long time, I never knew how to really describe what kind of music I make. I didn’t want to put a label on it - but I also knew I had to give people some sense of my musical identification. I had heard someone use the term ‘sad girl’ and it really stuck with me. I’m not a sad person during my day-to-day life, but writing and playing sad girl music is a deep form of self-expression and acknowledgement of emotions, good or bad.

Do you think there is ignorance and offence aimed at women regards emotion – that they are too emotional, perhaps?!

Totally. I think that, more often than not, women are scrutinized for being overly-emotional or dramatic about feelings, which is not okay. By flipping the coin and making 'sad girl' a positive, empowering thing, I think, is very beautiful and can show everyone that it’s okay to be expressive and honest - and can show the power of music that is universally relatable.

Your E.P., Hazy, and track, New Found Sound, gained huge streaming figures. How did that make you feel?

When I first found out, I hadn’t checked my streams for over a month because I started to go a little crazy constantly checking and wanting more reactions. I got a text congratulating me on the play count and I was so confused - until I checked my streams and saw the massive increase! It was unreal. It’s still so crazy to me waking up every morning and seeing that there’s still so much growth daily on the song.

Having the song do so well overnight was validation more than anything else; that, what I’m doing is attractive to people worldwide and that my music can resonate with a larger audience than what I had expected. It’s been so incredible, especially because I’m an Indie, completely independent artist - and it has given me even more confidence to continue to create the music that moves me the most.

You have an original sound, but I am curious whether there are particular songwriters you take inspiration from...

Thanks! My biggest musical inspiration is, first and foremost, Joni Mitchell.

Growing up; my parents had this singer-songwriter playlist that they played on-repeat, and so, many of her songs from Blue were on that rotation. She’s everything I aspire to be as a songwriter and as an artist: vulnerable, unique with her melodies; a brilliant poet and storyteller. Her talent is unlike anyone else’s I’ve ever heard. Her, along with fellow Laurel Canyon songwriters James Taylor and Carole King, have been inspirational to me because of their exceptional talent in both songwriting and vocals.

There’s a certain sound and writing ability that those '70s singer-songwriters had that made them stand out amongst the crowd. It’s one of my missions to bring that style back and pay homage to those who paved the way for the current singer-songwriter genre.

You are based in New York. How much do you take from the people and sights around you? Why did you relocate from L.A.?

My experiences and surroundings are a huge source of inspiration for me when I’m writing. I’m a pretty observant person, so I like to focus in on aspects of my environment and the people around me - to help me learn more about the area that I’m in. Because of this, moving to New York was a very crucial step in my artistic discovery, because I learned so much about how to handle myself and become more independent. What made me move to New York in the first place was because I began college at NYU. I knew that I was, eventually, going to end up in L.A. - but wanted to experience New York living before I settled into L.A. for good.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

I do! I’m playing doing a short set for Vans at their Soho store in New York on April 17. I get back to L.A. in May and am working on setting up some shows there. Keep updated by following my socials and checking my website.

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

I just got back from the U.K. and it was amazing!

The music culture is incredible and I would love to come back and play. I don’t have any plans quite yet - but it’s something I will definitely work on.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I plan on releasing new music, for sure. I’m working on a few singles and will probably just stagger some single releases throughout the year. I’m also exploring music video options and ideas to explore the visual aspect of my music which, I think, could be a very great outlet for further self-expression.

On top of that; I want to gig way more and hopefully tour! Just keep checking back for updates!

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

My favorite moment to date is definitely my E.P. release-party last year. I created the E.P. with my producer and did everything completely independent while entirely funding the whole project; so, spending over a year working on it was a wild experience. The release-show was just the culmination of all the time and effort that I and everyone else who worked on it had put in. It was at a really cool bar in L.A. the night of the actual release date and I filled the space with friends and family. There was, honestly, nothing but love and amazing energy in the room - and I felt completely overjoyed and at peace.

It was kind of like my inauguration into the public music scene, which was exhilarating. I played the entire E.P. live with a band and it was so incredible to have all those who I cared about most hear the songs for the first time. It’s a night for the books and it will always stick in my mind.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

My best advice would be to, just, be your best self and focus on you! It takes time to feel confident in your artistry and you’ll always be building who you are and will constantly be getting better; so, it’s important to follow your path and not let anyone or anything tear you down. It’s so easy to compare yourself or focus on the wrong things but, at the end of the day, if the music’s good and you believe in yourself, everything will fall into place.

IN THIS PHOTO: YEBBA

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m obsessed with YEBBA - and I’ve listened to her for so long. She was just featured on the new Sam Smith record and I’m so happy to see her get the recognition she deserves. I saw her live and she is truly magical.

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

I really try to find a good balance between music and time to unwind.

It’s so crucial to not let the music overpower my thoughts and life - so that I can still appreciate it and let it have a positive effect on me. I try to take at least one day a week to walk around the city or binge Netflix and just have normal ‘me’ time. I’ve also gotten into photography recently, which I find to be a very incredible form of self-expression.

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).

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now (the original version, not the remake)

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Follow Emma Taylor

Official:

https://www.emmataylormusic.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/emmataylor

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/emmataylormusic/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/emmataylormusic

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XmOQJ18YO669d9S7jxPP0?si=eiXjm63GQ0KPjUPXC5DacA

PHOTOS:

Tia Elisabeth Glista

INTERVIEW: Tamtam

INTERVIEW:

Tamtam

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IT has been really interesting…

discovering the details behind Tamtam’s new single, Blue. The Saudi Arabia-raised songwriter talks about moving to the U.S. and how her life changed; whether she has plans to release more material; whether she has some tour plans booked – if the U.K. is going to be part of the agenda.

I discover how important gender-equality is to her and whether more needs to be done in the industry; if Tamtam has a choice memory from her time in music; a few new artists we need to study closely – she ends the interview with a classic Jacko track!

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

I’m great! My week has been really exciting with the release of my new single, Blue, and I was also invited to perform at a music festival in Kuwait called Kuwait Rising. I can’t wait!

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

I’m a singer and songwriter; born and raised in Saudi Arabia. I moved to California for boarding-school when I was fifteen because my parents wanted me to see the world through a different lens, and learn about other people’s ways of life so that I could understand that respecting other beliefs and perspectives of the world is so important.

I’m thankful to have learned that lesson at an early age - and I really love to write about acceptance and humanity in my music.

Tell me more about the song, Blue. What is the tale behind it?

My song, Blue, is about wallowing in the blues of a dissolved relationship, while the other person seems so ‘cool’ about it. I wrote it at a time when I was in a sad place and I felt alone in that place.

I know expression, equality and gender empowerment are important to you and your music. Do you think movements like Me Too and Time’s Up signal a reversal and hopeful future?

Definitely! It’s so important for people to come together to spread positive messages in the world and shed light on the darkness that exists so that they don’t happen again - and so that people are more aware and cautious. It’s an amazing example for others to follow and to see that we can come together for good. I do hope that we always stand up for each other in the good times as well - and that we don’t take those times for granted.

How much of that passion to tackle societal injustices stemmed from your time growing up in Saudi Arabia? What was it like living in the country?

I definitely would not be talking about gender equality and identity if I didn’t experience living on two opposite sides of the world with completely different cultures. Growing up in Saudi Arabia was my ‘normal’ and, if I had grown up in California, that would’ve been my ‘normal’ too.

I would say that is, what I learned the most, that everyone has a different ‘normal’; so we are not here to judge other people’s way of life: we are here to embrace our own way of life and respect the different opinions that exist in the world around us, so that we can co-exist…because we can.

What compelled the move to the U.S.? Was it hard getting a platform and spotlight in Saudi Arabia?!

I came to the U.S. to finish high-school; then I stayed for college, and then, to pursue my music. Actually, a lot of my fan base is from Saudi and the Middle East. I get a lot of comments on my YouTube videos: of girls thanking me for showing them that they can follow their dreams too. That is the biggest gift I can give. If I’m making a difference to one person in the world, then I’m doing my job here - and I’m so thankful and humbled for this opportunity.

Will there be more material coming later this year?

Yes! This year I am focusing on singles - and I’m excited to put out my other tracks soon!

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

Yes! I am heading to Kuwait on April 27 to perform at Kuwait Rising music festival! Then, I’m heading to London to do a couple of shows at the beginning of May.

Will you come and play the U.K.? Have you ever been over here?

I love London! I want to visit the rest of the U.K. (smiles).

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I want my music to reach more people so that I can go on a world tour soon! I want to keep collaborating with amazing artists and keep recording more tunes - because it’s my favorite thing to do.

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

Yes! I will never forget the first time I ever performed with a microphone in front of an audience. I was thirteen-years-old and I sang Thriller by Michael Jackson. It was a school talent show and I had the best time performing. That night, I decided I was going to pursue music no matter what.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be positive, keep creating no matter what and listen to your gut...ALWAYS!

IN THIS PHOTO: grandson/PHOTO CREDIT: @ashleyosborn 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes. Some of my favourite new artists are: grandson, Goody Grace; Makk Mikkael, MorMor - and I’m sure, many more that I can’t remember off the top of my head!

IN THIS PHOTO: MorMor

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

Michael Jackson - Bad

Because it was the first time I ever really felt music - and I got chills listening to the lyrics, the melodies; the production. Everything about this album is amazing.

Britney Spears - …Baby One More Time

Because it was my first cassette tape! I think I was ten-years-old (smiles).

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication

Because I can listen to the whole album over and over. I never get bored!

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

Yes. I love going to the movies when I have the time! I love eating yummy food too (smiles). It’s nice to treat yourself to some good sushi from time to time, and finally, I love being outdoors and going on long hikes.

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: They Don’t Care About Us by Michael Jackson. One of my faves forever!

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Follow Tamtam

Official:

http://tamtamsound.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/tamtam_sound

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tamtamsound/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/tamtammusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/tamtamsound

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoMxi0h7K5WQIVRyxh2TZXg

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0L8dLj3QGxHctqkzapPfio

INTERVIEW: Mauro

INTERVIEW:

Mauro

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ON the interviewing block today…

is the talented songwriter Mauro. He chats with me about his current track, Dubstep Heart, and why it holds personal weight – and can be appreciated by everyone who listens. The U.S. star discusses his plans for new music and whether we will catch him in the U.K.

I learn how Mauro came into music and how important it is connecting with fans; Mauro tells me how he spends time away from music; whether he takes a lot of inspiration from mainstream arbutus – and, exactly when music came into his life.

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

Sam! I’m excited! I’ve been traveling, composing new music and enjoying life!

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

World! I’m Mauro; the proud owner of the most colorful guitar on the planet, where heartbreaking and hip-shaking songs were born. I’ve had the delight of performing in a tuxedo with sneakers, lying down; in a white bow tie, like an animal, under the rain and, maybe, in a dream you had - all for over sixteen years (so far) and in front of the biggest stars I know: the people.

Dubstep Heart is out. What inspired the song? Is there a story behind it?

The legend tells the story of a broken heart that keeps beating during the darkest times. It’s one of my homages to resilience dedicated to all the survivors of adversity. I had produced different records at that time which were going to be released instead but, suddenly, an interesting series of events took place that deserved an anthem.

I started writing the chorus on a plane after promoting my previous work. Here, we have a heart that is strong yet miserable, poetically embodied in the syncopated beat of Dubstep. Hidden messages are painted within the song as well.

Is there more material coming up? Can you reveal what is coming next?

I recently finished two-hundred new songs. I’m working on this serious selecting because releasing new music is obviously in my plans. So…there’s a lot of music going on and a couple surprises to look forward to. Stay tuned!

Your music has gained support from sources all over the U.S. How important is that backing and kudos?

Fundamental. It’s gratifying to be appreciated by people who value your work objectively. To me, music is a connection and, by connecting with others, I fulfil my purpose in this life.

Do you take a lot of inspiration from the modern mainstream? Which artists strike a chord?

I inspire myself according to my inner revolutions. Last night, I wrote an R&B song all of a sudden and, last week, I started an Alternative composition which ended up as a Rock explosion (and that’s just me). Music comes to me naturally - without having to be influenced by it.

How did music come into your life? Did you grow up around music?

Destiny-meets-work. Music was love at first sight. I’ve been an artist my whole life, permanently creating. At the age of four, I started working in fields such as painting, drawing; acting and writing - and it was a matter of time that I began creating my own music. I wrote my first album when I was ten - and have been performing ever since.

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

Actually, I’m back from tour. I had a wild time! I even had a sick photoshoot at the beach and all. Upcoming dates will be posted soon. I’m happy on the road.

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

I’m crossing my fingers; it would be such a pleasure. I love the U.K.! Shout-out to my U.K. fans!

How important is it connecting with an audience and getting on stage? Is it somewhere you feel ‘free’ and uninhibited?

Essential. I work to tell a story on stage wherever the circumstance may be - and that’s one of the keys towards connecting with people. In my case, it’s a whole mind-soul-body experience to convey the collective of memories attached to the song that live through me. I’m only myself when I’m performing. To me, it’s like being born again. Someone once told me I transform when I’m on stage…I agree.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

In 2018, I’m celebrating sixteen years of music - and this is a year of transition for me. I hope the message in Dubstep Heart continues to resonate within more people. All is leading towards a new era in my career…so; we will definitely meet again at the end of the rainbow!

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

Wow. I’ve got a list! Part of me is stuck in my childhood years where I started my music career. It is fascinating for me to realize I was hired at that age to perform music that I wrote and loved. If I had a time machine, I’d go back and perform with that kid.

He seems cooler than me.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be fearless. If your love of music is the reason leading your journey, then nothing and nobody will stop you from doing what you love.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Not at the moment...

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

I’m married to my music; in sickness and in health and till death do us part. I do get caught up in writing poetry, painting/drawing; photography and any other artistic activity that reinforces, amplifies or refreshes my view of music from a multitude of innovative perspectives.

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).

Barbra Streisand - Where Is It Written?

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Follow Mauro

 Official:

http://www.mauromuzik.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MAUROMUZIK

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MAUROMUZIC/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/mauro-mu-sic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MAUROMUZIC

INTERVIEW: Cable Street Collective

INTERVIEW:

 PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel McMahon 

Cable Street Collective

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I love it when an artist puts their everything…

into an interview! Cable Street Collective give me an authoritative and comprehensive look into their world and past; where they plan on heading – I discover the story behind their latest song, Wonderland.

The band talks to me about their upcoming (out on 4th May) E.P., Where Now from Here?, and how they have changed since their inception; the sort of music the members all enjoy; why African sounds are so important; what the choice memories from their careers are – they end the interview with some cracking song selections!

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

Great! We just finished shooting the music video for the second single off the upcoming E.P., So We Go (song). It involved having industrial-strength leaf-blowers fired at our faces, so that they get all distorted and pulled out of shape - and filming the results in slow motion.

Watching your cheeks ripple in the wind at 240-frames-per-second is quite a surreal experience...

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

We’re a London-based Indie band who plays upbeat music with a strong African influence. Tristan (Guitar, Keys) spent his childhood in Swaziland and Malawi and Aaron (Bass) is the son of Greg Kofi Brown - who played bass for the legendary Afrobeat band, Osibisa. So; they both grew up surrounded by those sounds. The rest of the band are big fans of Congolese Soukous and African music more generally; so, that’s one of the biggest influences that creep in when we write.

What can you reveal about Wonderland? What is the song all about?

The song is about relationships and how they can make you feel like you’ve lost control of yourself or your emotions. Not just during that initial honeymoon period but, also, after the relationship fails - when the dream turns nightmarish. It’s quite a bouncy, upbeat tune but Fiona’s lyrics are actually pretty sad; channelling that weary resignation you feel looking back after it’s over.

It is from your upcoming E.P., Where Now from Here? Have the songs – that will appear on the E.P. – been in your minds for a while? Are there common themes that link the songs?

We were playing a version of one of them, Anyway, as early as 2015 but the version we now play sounds quite different. The others are all more recent. They were written between the end of 2016 and last August, when we started recording them. They weren’t necessarily written to be a collection of songs but, when we listened back to them all together, we realised there are definitely common themes.

They deal with the stresses of modern life, the pressures that come with getting older and the ways in which people deal with the increasing realisation that the world isn’t as shiny and wonderful as it might once have seemed.

Despite the fact that the music is generally pretty upbeat, the lyrics touch on some pretty dark topics - emotional breakdowns, the ways in which people self-medicate and the strains that social media puts on people and relationships…

Hence the title, Where Now from Here?

 PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel McMahon

How do you think you have grown and developed since your debut E.P.?

Despite the last answer, we’re not actually old and embittered. Haha. We’d like to think our songwriting has matured, though, and our sound has definitely evolved. The first E.P. was recorded with live drums and more live instruments generally.

Where Now from Here? features programmed beats (admittedly, augmented with live percussion) and far more synths. This is partly as a result of line-up changes, but also, as a result of changing tastes. We were listening to stuff like Sinkane, Rostam Batmanglij and William Onyeabor when recording this - and some of that definitely snuck into the songwriting.

When did Cable Street Collective come together? Did you all have that instant spark when you met?

Ash and Tristan went to secondary-school together and first started making music there (although ‘making music’ is, perhaps, generous - there were some pretty terrible Punk-Rock covers). They met Fiona at university and the three of them used to play open mics – although, she didn’t join the band until later, after a stint living in Australia.

The first iteration of Cable Street Collective featured Tristan’s brother on bass (who helped push the African sounds they had grown up with) and a different vocalist. But, when Fi moved back to the U.K., it was obvious that we’d ask her to join.

Dan Cat (responsible for the drum programming) was a long-standing friend who’d actually produced our first demos. He, Sam and Aaron (both friends-of-friends who we’d met through open mic nights) all came on board in 2016 when we decided to change-up the sound after the departure of our drummer and bassist.

I know your numbers have increased since the start. Why did you decide to expand the ranks?!

We had previously played as a six-piece - but, with live drums rather than electronic beats. The line-up changes were because of changing priorities, really - the bassist and drummer, who we’re still very good mates with, weren’t as up for it as they once were.

Rather than try and replace them in a straight swap; we saw it as an opportunity to switch things up a bit sonically and experiment with new ways of making and playing music.

Do you share musical tastes? Which artists have inspired the music you make?

There are, obviously, a lot of shared musical reference points but everyone has their own influences that they bring to the mix as well. We definitely don’t agree on everything all of the time and sometimes we definitely disagree. Haha.

I guess, inspirations we share, are things like a love of 1970s and 1980s Soukous guitar (Diblo Diabala, who played with Kanda Bongo Man and Loketo, in particular), bands like The Very Best (a Malawian-Swedish duo) and artists like Songhoy Blues and Mbongwana Star.

Then there are points where we differ a bit. Fi’s into Funk and Soul; Sam (who grew up on Shetland and played the fiddle as a kid) likes Celtic Trad-Folk, Ash is a far too into Radiohead; Tristan loves Rancid (who, Ash thinks are rubbish); Dan Cat mixes questionable Disco and Aaron loves Metal and Post-Rock. That’s not to say any of those are bad things but, yeah; we all enjoy an impassioned discussion of different artists’ musical merits.

Thankfully, when we disagree, it never gets too heated.

How important is African music to the band? Do you take a lot of guidance from the sounds of Africa?!

It’s definitely a touchstone and an influence we all share. But, as much as we borrow sounds from that part of the world (the tinkly guitars, an emphasis on rhythm; driving basslines and the love of beats and percussion); we’re still an Indie band channelling those influences into western-style songs. We are (we’d like to think) far too aware of the inappropriateness of cultural appropriation to ever claim to be something that we’re not.

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

We’ll be doing a big E.P. launch-show in London on 18th May, followed by a couple of shows in Sheffield and Leeds - details of which are on our website. We’ll, then, be hitting the festival circuit again this summer. So, yes; we hope to see you in a sunny field or a sweaty venue very soon!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

This release is our main focus for now...

Beyond that, we’d love to spend some time writing new music and just jamming the ideas that have been kicking around, half-formed, for the past few months while we’ve focused on this.

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

Tristan: There’s loads...but one of my favourites was turning up to this little festival in East Anglia, only to find the backline didn’t include a drum kit. It was a proper hippy-fest; the kind where half the campsite is vans, everyone has a dog on a rope - and the Psytrance Stage and the Main Stage were the same thing...

The sound-man told us to go out the back of the stage, knock on a caravan door and ask for a ‘Dr. Damage’ who, apparently, had a home-made kit he could lend us. Turns out the drums weren’t up to much - but he did have a flask of mushroom tea which he insisted we partake in...

Fiona: It’s either Dave, our old drummer, realising about five minutes before our first set at Secret Garden Party that he’d left his cymbal case propping open a door in London, or me realising about thirty minutes before another set at S.G.P. that we’d left all my gig outfits in Ash’s flat. In both cases, so many people helped out; arriving mid-gig with a borrowed cymbal stand, or piling into my tent with all their festival gear and dressing me far better than I could dress myself!

Ash: We have had some belting gigs at Secret Garden Party. Arguably, my favourite was on an incredibly wet weekend a few years ago. The whole festival was a total mud bath and our bassist (at the time) was on crutches, so dropped out of the gig. Our mate, Alex, was playing a kind of multi-instrumentalist vibe for us at the time, but happens to be more than a little handy on the bass. So, the show went on! We had to practice the songs in half an hour backstage - and on we went.

It was heaving down with rain outside and the Rhumba Rum Bar was packed to the rafters. The place went off and everyone was having a blast. To cap it all off, a guy who had played trumpet with us a couple of times previously turned up (off his bonce I might add) and jammed a track.

There was a kind of spontaneity to the thing. From the ashes of adversity grew one of my favourite-ever gigs.

PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel McMahon

Dan Cat: While I was touring in the Cheshire Catz D.J. duo, we were flown to Avignon in France to play in club carved out of the bottom of a quarry called ‘Le Prive’; which is where Daft Punk first played outside of Paris. A truly humbling experience. After rocking the club, feeling like superstars and storming the decks at the after-party; we were kicked off after fifteen minutes for playing minimal Techno. The after-party crowd wanted Disco. We would have gotten away with if a journalist from DJ Mag hadn’t been with us covering the tour.

Sam: Playing the Royal Concert Hall with Nordic Tone in 2010 was very special. It was a big group project spread across five countries and the near-impossible logistics of getting us all together meant that we knew it would probably be our last gig. It felt as though we really rose to the occasion on the night - and a five-star review in the Scotsman was the perfect end to the story.

Aaron: I’ve got a couple: both relating to Osibisa, actually. As a kid in the early-nineties, I was playing percussion on-stage with Osibisa at an event that that was live on T.V. and Pat Cash (the tennis player) joined in on guitar. Then, later in that decade, Finlay Quaye became good mates with the band. I was always the little kid he'd kick the ball around with. Then, many moons later, he called me up to come play guitar for him.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’m not sure we’re really in the position to be doling out advice to anyone but I guess, if there’s one thing we’d suggest, it’s to make sure you’re doing it because you enjoy it – ‘it’, being writing, playing live; even the promotional stuff that goes with being in a band. Unless you’re a massive act, the financial rewards aren’t great; so, it’s all about making the experience its own reward.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Too many to mention really, but there’s one band we’ve played alongside since fairly early days that we reckon are always worth checking out, especially live. They’re called Tankus the Henge and they sound very different to us - but they’re great craic. If you ever see them on a festival bill, go watch them. You won’t regret it.

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

Oh, yep. Aside from Aaron, who’s written for Big Narstie and played with Finlay Quaye and Rita Ora (and a whole bunch of others); none of us are full-time musicians. Ash and Dan both work in tech; Fi is an English tutor (who’s also just co-written her first play - one of the Evening Standard’s ‘must-see shows’ at VAULT Festival no less!); Sam plays in a couple of other originals bands and tutors undergraduate maths and physics on the side (as well as being a s*it-hot percussionist, he’s also a Cambridge-educated astrophysicist!) and Tristan is a journalist at Vice Media.

The good thing about working other jobs is it removes a bit of financial pressure from the band. It also means that, while we work hard at it, music and making it is part of unwinding for all of us. If this turned into a full-time job, I guess we’d probably have to turn to astrophysics, tech; play-writing and journalism to unwind? Haha.

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).

Tristan: I’m loving Rostam’s Bike Dream at the minute. I love the way he’s taken a really poppy melody and subverted it with jarringly loud drums, wonky production and a weird vocal effect.

Ash: My jam of the week has been Sorceress by Jordan Rakei - my favourite album of 2017 and a tune I recently came back to!

Fiona: I still have Hey Now (When I Give You All My Lovin’) by Romare on-repeat. I love it when the brass kicks in.

Dan Cat: I’m digging Soft Hair’s A Goood Sign at the moment - and I found Soft Hair via LA Priest. LA Priest is the Prince of Electronica.

Sam: I Asked by Snarky Puppy (feat. Becca Stevens & Väsen). It’s a live collaboration between three of my all-time favourite acts: Becca Stevens’ unmistakable vocal is perfectly framed by Michael League’s incredible arrangement and touches of otherworldly class from Swedish Folk kings Väsen; culminating with André Ferrari’s towering percussion breakdown over a fifteen-beat cycle.

Aaron: I’ve been listening to Express My Mind by Sharna Bass a lot.

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Follow Cable Street Collective

PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel McMahon 

Official:

http://www.cablestreetcollective.co.uk/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cscollective

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/cablestreetcollective

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cablestreetcollective/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/cablestreetcollective/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddQIVCW7fyvxT2Ww4KHe3g

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UUEHDzvnBUFJgIzR7maTp