INTERVIEW: Son of William

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Dan Wiebe

Son of William

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THERE is something quite low-key…

and under the radar when it comes to Son of William. Whilst their social media profile is a little limited; the music they are creating is turning heads and standing out! I have been speaking with the Manchester duo about their E.P., Colour of Love, and what influenced the music.

Hayley and Ben discuss Manchester and reveal how they got together; what gigs they have in the pipeline; some new acts to look out for; what advice they would give to upcoming artists – they each pick Folk classics to end the interview with.

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Hi, Son of William. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello. We are well; thank you for asking - we have had a busy week preparing for our E.P. launch.  

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

We are a Folk duo hailing from Manchester - comprising of Hayley Williams (Vocals) and Ben Williams (Vocals and Guitar).

 

Your new E.P. is out. Can you talk about it and what influenced the songs?

Our new E.P. is called Colour of Love. It’s a stripped-back acoustic affair, pretty much as we perform live - with the addition of cello and piano on a couple of tracks. The Civil Wars have been a big influence when writing the E.P., as well as a more traditional Folk and Blues music.

Is there a cut from the E.P. you each gravitate forwards?

Dear Old Acquaintance was a cathartic process. The song is an open letter to someone one of us couldn’t speak to again. Colour of Love is probably our other favourite song from the E.P. That song came together relatively quickly and we found ourselves in an extremely lucid writing process.

 

Are you already working on more material – or do you want the E.P. to bed-in first?

We are currently writing more material and hope to perform some of them at our launch next week. 

How did you get together? When did you start to jam?

We started playing music about five years ago. I was getting guitar lessons from Ben and he was getting vocal lessons from me. There was a natural gravitation into writing music from the off. 

Being based in Manchester; how important are the city and its personality regarding your musical ethos?

The city is extremely important to us - both in its musical heritage and its influence. After living here for a number of years, we both have found the gigging scene to be wholly accepting and versatile for many different styles and genres which, in turn, has allowed us to grow as musicians and hone our craft. We have been able to be musically authentic and have found that we have been able to find our own feet and not had to adhere to certain musical trends. 

You have supported the likes of Simply Red and Chic. How important have those moment been to you?

Ben supported those acts while working as a session guitarist. It was great to experience playing arenas and playing to large crowds - and also have the opportunity to learn from the amazing musicianship in both bands.  

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We have dates coming up in Manchester, Coventry; London, The Lake District and Hamburg at the end of the year. 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We are currently writing for a follow up for 2019 and will hopefully have some festivals booked in by the end of the year. 

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

We have both had many experiences, musically, that have been notable to us in many different ways. One of the most memorable musical experiences was singing for Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Jägermeister, Shetland ponies; chewing gum and hot sauce: we would like to support Joni Mitchell.  

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t compare yourself to others in a negative way. Don’t give up too easily. Remain authentic. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Janileigh Cohen

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Janileigh Cohen, Jon Kenzie; Alina Ly, Shunya and Buffalo Brothers.

IN THIS PHOTO: Alina Ly

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

Music tends to be our hobby as well as our livelihood. We like to cook, do yoga; run, meditate and play Scrabble with alcohol. 

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).

Hayley: Pink Moon - Nick Drake

Ben: A Case of You - Joni Mitchell

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Follow Son of William

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SonofWilliamMusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sonofwilliammusic/

INTERVIEW: DeanKelly

INTERVIEW:

DeanKelly

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I have been chilling with DeanKelly…

as he talks about his new work, The MissTape - EP. The Nigerian songwriter discusses some of the ideas/themes on the E.P. and the song that stands out to him; why genres like Afrobeat are so important to him – I ask whether his Nigerian heritage and D.N.A. affects the way he writes and performs.

DeanKelly talks about some of the artists who have impacted him and what he wants to achieve going forward; a few albums that mean a lot to him; what advice he would give upcoming artists – he ends the interview by selecting a great Afrobeat-inspired cut.

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

I’m swell, fam. It’s been great. Thank you.

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

I’m DeanKelly; a singer-songwriter based in Lagos, Nigeria.

What can you reveal about The MissTape - EP? What are the themes that inspired it?

The MissTape, my debut E.P., is something I’ve been working on for some time now and I’m really ecstatic about the reviews...like, a lot of people love the E.P. The E.P. is, basically, about my quest for love (not necessarily true love); love for ‘the now’ (laughs).

While I was composing the E.P., I pictured myself in different scenarios (a club, a street…) where I saw a beautiful girl and making her mine was the only thing on my mind...well, one of the things (laughs). So, these scenarios helped shape the foundation of the E.P. 

It has an Afrobeat heart. Is it a style of music you react to? Does it have a great spiritual importance to you?

Yeah, it is because of where I spent most of my life (Nigeria) I grew fond of Afrobeats and it’s really amazing cus the Afrobeat scene is starting to gain recognition and I’m happy to be a part of it. 

Well; so far, I don’t think I’m spiritually attached to it. I guess time will tell…

You are of Nigerian origin. Do you take anything from the country’s people and spirit for your own music?

Hell, yeah. I infuse my Nigerian origins into my music a lot; from my words to the way I jump on a beat to the instruments used on a beat. The possibilities are endless, especially with Afro-Fusion - when you fuse Afrobeat to foreign sounds.

Was there a moment recording the E.P. that stuck in the heart? Is there a song that stands from the rest?

There are many moments. From the hardship I faced during the period when I was making the E.P.; sleepless nights spent in the studio (laughs) etc. But, the moment that really got stuck in my head was when I was making MonaLisa. The song was inspired by a female friend of mine in an abusive relationship and she wouldn’t leave the guy and it was so sad cus I knew she deserved better. So, yeah, I did a song about it.

There’s a story behind every song on the E.P. To be honest, I don’t have like a favourite song off the E.P. cus I love all the songs - but I noticed I’ve been listening to MonaLisa a lot lately.

What sort of music were you raised on? Were your parents responsible for your love of sound?

It’s funny cus, growing up, I listened to a lot of Céline Dion, yeah (laughs). I remember waking up listening to the likes of Céline Dion, Don Moen; Plantashun Boiz and a lot of music. I’m like this vocabulary of sounds cus I listened to a lot of people growing up (laughs). I can’t list all of them but a few artists that actually inspired me were Chris Brown, T-Pain; 2face Idibia, Wande Coal etc.

Nope, my parents weren’t. I mean, my mom loves singing in the house but she wasn’t responsible for my love for sound. Or maybe she was (laughs). Subconsciously.

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

Yeah, sure, pretty soon. Just make sure y’all check my site and follow me on social media platforms for more info on that.

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Yeah. I believe one should set goals; it’s kind of a marker for measuring success. With these goals, one can plan and, with strategic planning, results are as achieved...you feel me?! Before the year ends, I want an increase in the number of people listening to my music. I want to perform at events and have fans singing my song along with me out loud (laughs; *exhales*) - one of the greatest feelings ever. 

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

Oh, yeah. A couple but, right now, the one that’s in my head is (one time) when I was performing and people were bringing out their phones to takes pictures and videos. Crazy.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Jay-Z – The Blueprint III

Wande Coal - Mushin 2 Mohits 

T-Pain – Three Ringz 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep recording, keep working; work hard, work smart and please be humble (laughs). 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Errr, I don’t (laughs). Just go on SoundCloud: there’s tons of talent on there.

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

I watch T.V. shows, movies and listen to more music (laughs). There’s no chill for me right now - I’m always working (smiles).

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).

Wande Coal, DJ Tunez – Iskaba. Now, that record is some classic Afrobeat stuff (laughs).

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Follow DeanKelly

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/deankelly_4eva

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Deankelly4eva/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/deankelly_4eva/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/deankelly_4eva

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mwmgPO6Lc564a0xULcsTr

INTERVIEW: UHURU

INTERVIEW:

UHURU

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THE guys of UHURU have been telling me…

about their single, Thirsty, and what its origins are. Connor and Rob talk about their formation and whether there is a story behind that moniker; whether there is an E.P./more material coming along – they tell me what it feels like getting backing from the BBC.

I ask them what sort of music influenced them growing up and the new artists we need to check out; if they feel they are hitting a creative peak right now; what advice they’d give upcoming artists – the chaps talk with me about their upcoming gigs.

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

Rob: Yeah, really good. We’ve just come back from the Isle of Wight Festival so we’re both a little tired. But, it’s been really good...

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

We are Connor Daniel and Rob Jones; we go by the name ‘UHURU’ and we’re an Electronic duo based in Southampton!

How did UHURU get together? Is there a meaning behind the name?

We met at college in Southampton. We were on a Music Technology course and we got talking. Connor had been making music for a while and wanted to start a band, so that’s what we went about doing. There have been a few different line-ups over the years but it’s been us two for almost three years now.

Connor: UHURU means ‘freedom’ in Swahili. I’m half-Kenyan and moved to England when I was six, so that’s the connection. It’s turned out to be a pretty fitting name as we’ve flirted with a lot of genres through the years.

Can you tell me how Thirsty came to be? Was it a quick song to record?

Thirsty is about a situation I’m sure a lot of people find themselves in. For me, personally, it’s about that girl who can treat you however she likes…yet, you’ll still run back to her no matter what. The recording process can vary: I write and produce all our songs in my home studio and once there’s a decent quality demo ready, we then take it to our pals at Numen Studios to wrap up the single in terms of a re-vocal, mix and master.

You seem like you’re hitting a creative peak at the moment! Where do you get the energy and inspiration from?!

I’m in my studio pretty much every day producing beats. A lot of the time a vocal melody will hit me in the middle of the process and straight away I’ll be humming away into my phone’s ‘Voice Notes’ app. I also have like a million song concept ideas on my phone so, if I’m ever struggling for lyric ideas, I can start from there.

Is an E.P. or album on the cards later this year?

Rob: We’re currently wrapping up our E.P. We’ve got a few more tracks to (just) record Connor’s vocals and mix and then we’re ready to go with that. We’re both super-excited for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on. We still need to figure out a title for the E.P., though. It always takes us ages with that sort of thing. 

Connor: We’d love an album in the next few years, for sure. We’ve finally released new music after two years and plan on releasing more frequently from now on. Yes, it has taken a while but I’m now super-proud of the material I’ve written and produced (that’ll be hitting your ears very soon).

UHURU have gained focus from the likes of BBC Introducing. Is that sort of support and faith important to you?

Rob: It’s everything to us. We’ve always wanted to hear our tracks on the radio, so to have that support from BBC Introducing is really important to us.

Connor: You never quite get used to hearing yourself on the radio! When Thirsty was given ‘Record of the Week’ by BBC Introducing that really meant a lot.

What sort of music did you all grow up around? Do you share tastes?

I was raised on Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire and Chic. As soon as I was old enough to consciously choose what music I listened to, it was all Hip-Hop - and I’ve been listening to Kanye West for as long as I can remember.

Rob: Our musical backgrounds are pretty different, actually. I was raised on a lot more guitar music: The Killers, Arctic Monkeys; that kind of thing. When I started to discover my own music, though, I was listening to Nile Rodgers and Parliament - some more funky stuff.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We’re playing in Oxford next month which is new for us, so we’re excited for that. Then, after that, our agent at UTA has a few exciting options for us that we’re looking into - so, you guys will hear more towards the end of the year. Touring is pretty much all I think about and all I talk about; it’s the big one for me.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Connor: Is world domination too much to ask?

Rob: Agreed. But, if that’s slightly ambitious, a tour would be amazing - and our first Radio 1 play would be a real achievement for us.

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

I think when we played at a Holi One Colour Festival at Wembley Park (London) to around 17,000 people. It was a ridiculously big show, the biggest we’ve played by far, and it was just a really good day.

Connor: That was the only show I’ve gotten hideously nervous for…I’m normally pretty calm before gigs but that one got me.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Kendrick Lamar for me…I saw him live at the O2 a couple of months back and he had James Blake supporting him. Kendrick’s live show blew me away and the crowd's energy was mental.

The rider would entail champagne and lobster (the champs for after our set of course!). 

Rob: Jungle for me. I’ve never seen them live but I’ve watched hours of live performances from them and they just look incredible on stage.

A rider is not normally a luxury we get but, if we could have one, I think I’d have to go for a bit of gin and tonic for after and maybe a doner kebab for before - just because they’re Heaven on Earth.   

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Rob: Just keep going. I think that’s what we’ve learnt, I think. We’ve been going for a few years now and it’s had ups and downs but, yeah; just keep going and you can’t really go wrong.

Connor: Practice your craft, whatever it is: singing, songwriting; producing, guitar or triangle...whatever it is, practice really hard.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Zach Said

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m a huge fan of Zach Said’s music at the moment. I feel like he’s way too underrated and needs to be madly famous A.S.A.P. I love his writing style: it’s super-blunt and honest and his producers are ridiculously good.

Rob: There's this guy from Tame Impala, Jay Watson. He's got a side project called GUM I'm really into that at the moment. Just really big-synth-'80s vibes.

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

I work as well so I don’t get that much free time but, when I do, I like to spend it with family and friends. I spend a lot of time in New Forest, which is a lovely place, but music always seems to creep in. I’ve always got my acoustic guitar with me.

Connor: My parents mean the world to me and will genuinely complain if they can’t hear music blaring out my studio so, sometimes, I have to fight them to turn the volume down and unwind! I have a great squad of mates too that I’ve known since secondary school. None of them are in the same industry as me so it’s really refreshing after a busy week to go to the pub and not talk music for a couple of hours…

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).

Since it’s the day after we played Isle of Wight Festival, I’m feeling pretty lethargic and chilled. So, I’m going to say Daniel Caesar (ft. H.E.R.) – Best Part. The guy has got the most incredible tone and the songwriting is phenomenal

Rob: I think, following the Isle of Wight theme (I think) I might have to go with The Man by The Killers. They headlined and were incredible last night - and this track is a solid-gold tune

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Follow UHURU

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/UhuruMusicUK

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Uhuru/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/uhuru/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/uhurumusic

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC3_QLX2C1cd7CBrfoMTKVQ

INTERVIEW: Barbudo

INTERVIEW:

Barbudo

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THERE are few who can resist…

a good bit of Funk – just as well Barbudo are here to provide a perfect weekend gem in the form of Secret Admirer! I ask how the band got together and what the story behind their latest song is; whether there is a good music scene where they are in Havant – I ask what it feels like being celebrated by some big sources.

I discover what sort of artists they grew up around and what comes next; if there are any gigs booked in the diary; what advice they would offer new artists – the guys reveal what ambitions they have left to fulfil this year.

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

Our weeks have been great. We released our new music vid on the 8th and we’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from it!

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

Barbudo is a Nu-Eyed Funk project consisting of songwriter brothers Harry and Ben Stanworth and best friend Elliott Salter. We write fun easy-going Funk music with a modern twist. 

How did Barbudo get together? Is there a story behind that name?

It started as a working title for the band when it was just Ben in the band and we decided to keep it as it had a certain ring to it. It is a translation of 'beard one' in Spanish but we are also big fans of Twin Peaks and owls too. There is an owl called a beard screen owl (autillo barbudo in Spanish) 

Secret Admirer is your new cut. How did that song come to life? What inspired its birth?

The song has gone through many incarnations - but the one we settled on was when we were listening to a lot of Michael Jackson and late-seventies Funk and Disco.

You guys are based out of Havant. Is there an active music scene down there? 

There’s a bit of a music scene in Portsmouth but Havant is fairly quiet. There is only one other band in Havant (to my knowledge) who are called Flowvers. It’s great to hear a group of young people from Havant making good music! 

Your last E.P., Pleasures, gained a big reaction. How do you think you have developed since then?

Pleasures was our first endeavour into a Funk and Soul kinda vibe so we were just working out exactly how we wanted to sound. Since then, we’ve perfected our sound a bit more and have more direction to the sound.

A lot of big sources have picked up and celebrated your music. Does it give you a confidence boost knowing sources like The Line of Best Fit are reacting to what you are putting out?!

Yeah, definitely. It’s really hard to get your music out there and get noticed - and publications like The Line of Best Fit writing about you really help with that exposure!

I hear Funk and Soul in your sounds. Which artists did you all grow up around?

We grew up surrounded by all kind of music from our parents. Both our mum and dad were really into the Disco scene and would play those records a lot. They both have an amazing taste in music and still buy records today! Chic, Bee Gees and Prince are just a few of the classics I can remember hearing as a kid.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We currently don’t have any shows booked but we might be playing at the Shacklewell Arms on 3rd July. We should have more shows/maybe even a tour booked in the next month or so! 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We’ve got our vinyl coming out at the beginning of 2019, so we’ll be working towards that but we are planning on releasing a new track in the meantime.

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

Our first ever gig was in a dingy old pub in a Portsmouth. Halfway through our set, a lady who was fairly inebriated came and stole our microphones and was wailing some random words into the mics. We were fairly young at the time and didn’t really know what to do!

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

It would be a tossup between Anderson. Paak and Parliament-Funkadelic. Anderson is making great music and he’s a really talented musician. P-Funk is such a prestigious group that changed Funk music; it would be an honour to play with them. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep on working at it; never let anyone put you down and believe in yourself.

IN THIS PHOTO: La-Z-Eye

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Our brother has a cool project everyone should check out called La-Z-Eye. Kinda similar to us in a way but he is more Electro and he looks amazing on stage! Another person you should check out is Ellie Bleach. She’s a great songwriter and has a beautiful voice

IN THIS PHOTO: Ellie Bleach

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

We spend most of our time making music if we’re honest…we love it that much. Aside from that, we spend time with friends and hanging at the beach when it’s nice weather!

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).

Holger Czukay - Cool in the Pool

Prefab Sprout - Wild Horses

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Follow Barbudo

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/barbudoband

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/barbudoband/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/barbudoband

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWMOqGpNtBgO3CXGJsYKXxg

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/autillobarbudo

Bandcamp:

https://autillobarbudo.bandcamp.com/releases

INTERVIEW: Courtney Cooper

INTERVIEW:

Courtney Cooper

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IT has been amazing speaking with Courtney Cooper…

as she prepares to launch her album, W A V E S, on 24th August. I ask about the new single, Damn, and whether there is a story behind it; what we can expect going forward; what sort of records she bought when she was younger – Cooper talks about the Berklee College of Music and what she learnt there.

I ask whether there are gigs booked and which newer acts we need to back; some albums that mean a lot to her; what she gets up to away from music – she ends the interview by selecting a rather awesome song.

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

I'm great! Thanks so much for the opportunity to talk about my new music!

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

Hey. I’m Courtney Cooper! I’m a Soul-infused Indie-Pop artist from Brooklyn, N.Y. with a new album called W A V E S releasing on August 24th!

How did your new single, Damn, come about? What inspired this song?

Damn is my personal favorite on the album. The song plays on the similarities between our emotions, relationships and the ocean. Even in the opening line, you get a sense of this: “Emotional undertow – it’s got a hold and I can’t control my feelings”.

It’s kind of playing on the idea of being caught in an undertow, being pulled under and drowning in your own emotions, if that makes sense. I’m also completely in awe of the ocean and it’s beauty…it’s so breathtaking, sometimes you can’t help but stare in awe and think: ‘Damn…that’s incredible’ which, of course, also happens in relationships.

What can you tell me about the single, Vibes? Is there a story behind it?

Vibes is a super-chill summery song. When I was writing it, I just envisioned it was a perfect summer day - and I think you hear that when you listen to it...

The album, W A V E S, is out soon. What sort of themes and ideas compelled the songwriting?

I’ve always been extremely drawn to the ocean. There’s something so magical about the rise and fall of the tide - and the mystery of the unknown beneath the surface. All of the songs from the album are, in a way, inspired by the ocean and its beauty. I wrote the album during a really brutal winter in Brooklyn, N.Y. where I live on the waterfront.

As I was writing the album, staring out my window looking at snow, I daydreamed of tropical paradise; those reveries became the songs that make up the album. The title is also a play-on-words as well - as audio ‘waves’ are the vibrations of sound that are heard as music.

How important was attending Berklee College of Music at the age of seventeen? Did you learn a lot whilst there?

My time at Berklee was incredible. I was so young; I really grew up with my fellow classmates. Being constantly surrounded by some of the most amazingly talented teachers and students was magical. I learned so much, musically, it built such an incredible drive and fire within me. It was definitely not your ‘typical’ college experience but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

If we imagined your childhood record collection; what might we discover in there?

You would find stacks of cassettes! Does anyone remember those?! As a child, I had tons of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson; Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men; Green Day, No Doubt…

More into my teens (and C.D.s), I got really into Aaliyah, Missy Elliott; Timbaland and Lauryn Hill.

How important are Brooklyn and its people regarding your sound? What is it like recording there?

I’ve lived in New York for over a decade but a few years ago, I took a break and moved to L.A. for three years. L.A. is, essentially, the polar opposite of N.Y.C. in every way: the lifestyle, pace; weather, people…

When I moved back to N.Y., it never occurred to me I would have any sort of culture shock since I’d lived in N.Y.C. for many years prior - but I couldn’t have been more wrong. My first winter back was really difficult adjusting to the negative energy that N.Y.C. sometimes holds. I felt such a longing for what I left behind and, basically, created my own mini-universe when I was writing the album and got lost in my own daydreams.

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

Yes, absolutely! I will be kicking off with my first show in Brooklyn to support the release and traveling from there. You can follow me on Instagram to keep up with future tour dates.

 Will you come to the U.K. and play there?

Nothing lined up quite yet but I would love to come to the U.K. and play!

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Ha – sooo many! I’m one of those people who set the bar of goals really high each year and I am constantly reaching trying to accomplish new things. Major performances and festivals are high up on the list.

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

One of my funniest memories looking back, when I was really young, I lived with my grandma for a few years when my parents were divorcing. My grandma was the most amazing woman but she was also very strict and we didn’t have much money. I was completely obsessed with all things Michael Jackson but I didn’t have any money to buy his records back then.

I used to wake up in the middle of the night, sneak into the living room and sit in front of the T.V. watching MTV (I wasn’t allowed to watch MTV) when they used to play Michael Jackson music video marathons - with my two–tape-deck boom-box and record the sound (remember when you had to press play and record together?!).

For years, I would play those awfully-sonically-recorded tapes back in my room but I loved Michael Jackson so much it didn’t even matter. Another funny one looking back is when I was in fourth-grade; I had my first solo in the school choir. When the concert rolled around I was on crutches from an injury and had to limp out to the front of the stage to where the microphone was. I was SO mortified! All the kids in school called me ‘gimpy’ after that.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Michael Jackson- Dangerous; Fiona Apple – Tidal and Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Always stay true to yourself! I struggled with this for many years as industry executives would tell me what I should look or sound like. Looking back, I wish I would never have listened to them and just created the music I felt inside myself.

IN THIS PHOTO: Sinead Harnett

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

So many! I’m currently listening to a lot of SG Lewis, H.E.R.; Gallant, BANKS, Sinead Harnett; Bishop Briggs, Michl; Leo Kalyan, RY X; Alina Baraz, Jessie Ware and Charlotte OC.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Bishop Briggs

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

I try and find a nice balance but, to be honest, my favorite way to unwind is working on music. I’m also a big fan of super low-key Netflix nights with wine and popcorn. I do a lot of yoga to center myself, too.

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).

Gallant – Weight in Gold

_____________

Follow Courtney Cooper

Official:

https://www.courtneycoopermusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyCooperMusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/courtney_cooper/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xA4nu3XMPlIdbbSyuQ6yu

YouTube:

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

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/courtneycooper/

INTERVIEW: Matilda Eyre

INTERVIEW:

Matilda Eyre

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I am starting my Friday…

PHOTO CREDIT: Lindsay Melbourne

introducing you to Matilda Eyre. She has been telling me about her debut single, FYA, and what its story is. I ask how songs come together and whether we will see new material coming later this year – Eyre discusses moving from Germany to London and what gigs are coming up.

I was eager to know which albums are important to her and which artists she responds to her; what advice she would give to new artists – she ends the interview by selecting an amazing song.

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

Great, thank you! Lots of writing and recording.

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

Hi, I'm Matilda Eyre. I'm into Indie-Pop, Electronica and eerie vocals. I love intricate stories of fall and rise.

FYA is your debut song. What is the story behind it?

FYA is a really personal song. It's about self-worth and, with the title, FYA - For Your Approval - it is sharing my own story and reflecting on the deceiving illusion of external validation. It's an intimate song about childhood and the stories we make up about ourselves early on.

Do you think there will be other material coming later in the year?

FYA is leading as the debut because it's about my heritage and about where I started out from. There are more singles coming up.

How do songs come together for you? Do they sort of layer themselves or will you attack a track all at once?

Mostly, they come when it's just me and the piano; playing chords and humming melodies. But, sometimes, a beat really grabs me and the song unfolds from there. At any given time, I work on a few different songs on rotation.

You work with soundscapes and create drama and atmosphere. Is music, to you, an extension of yourself and a way of conveying your inner emotions?

Music and stories have always been an outlet for me - feeling an emotion or working through a challenging situation and turning that into an atmosphere framed by lyrics and hooks. It started early on at school where I would sneak into our empty auditorium to play songs on the grand piano.

You started life in Germany but are based in London. Is London somewhere you feel settled and inspired by?

I love London. It has given me so much; pulling me from being a singer-songwriter into the eerie Electronica spectrum. It all started out because of a conversation I had with Daughter after a concert in Frankfurt (she was supporting Ben Howard) which inspired me to fly out to London the following week. That was 2012.

Which artists are most important to you? Who do you recognise as idols?

Ben Howard, Florence Welch; Sylvan Esso - but also poets and writers such as Kahlil Gibran, Paulo Coelho and Elizabeth Gilbert.

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

Absolutely. There will be a couple of shows announced soon.

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Finishing my first E.P. I’m in the process spending as much time as possible by the ocean.

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

My favourite memory so far was being out in L.A.; constantly writing, filming; making music with friends and playing a show out there with everyone dancing to my beats.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Ben Howard – Every Kingdom

Just because I love his music more than anything I'll add I Forget Where We Were, too.

Florence and the Machine - Lungs

Sylvan Esso – Sylvan Esso

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Go, make your music. Don't hold out for perfection, especially not other people's perception of perfection. Don't let it delay you.

 IN THIS PHOTO: sir Was

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I'm obsessed with sir Was; especially his debut E.P., Says Hi. It caught me completely off guard. I haven't been able to stop listening to it: in the shower, in the car; any place, you name it.

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

Time seems to be running so fast these days. Any moment I get I'm in the studio. Right now, I love crafting and embroidery though; it keeps me calm.

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).  

sir Was – Falcon

_____________

Follow Matilda Eyre

Official:

https://www.matildaeyre.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/matildaeyre

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/matildaeyre/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/matildaeyre/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZBv7Rjn4ZoEt2YOfki2Nw

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/matildaeyre

INTERVIEW: Northern Quarter

INTERVIEW:

Northern Quarter

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A cracking band based out of the Rocky Mountains…

is not something you hear a lot of people say! That all changes when you encounter Northern Quarter and dig deep into their music. I have been speaking with the guys about their latest E.P., Cold Dark Night, and the kind of themes that influenced it – they select their favourite cuts.

I discover how the band got together and whether there are any tour dates booked in the diary; if there might be further material this year; what their favourite memories from music are – the guys each select a song to end the interview with.

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Hi, Northern Quarter. How are you? How has your week been?

We’ve had an amazing week! The band has only just started to dip its toes into the wonderful world of original music after playing mostly covers for about a year. It is opening doors for us that we didn’t even dream of, like radio sessions and newspaper interviews; plus, the E.P. is going to be launched on Friday and we couldn’t be more excited or proud!

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

We’re a one-year-old half-Canadian, half-British band based in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta in a gorgeous town called Canmore. It’s probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth and we are lucky enough to call it home. There are four of us: Kerry Hunter on vocals, Carlos Nadeau on guitar; Wendy Crewe on bass and Dave Crewe on drums and samples. Dave is also the producer of the E.P. and manager of the band.

Cold Dark Night is your E.P. What sort of themes and stories inspired the songwriting?

Two of the songs (Fort Mac Anthem and Boomtown Blues) are written about Kerry’s hometown, Fort McMurray in Northern Alberta…basically, the lyrics are about growing up in a boomtown and having little to do but drink, laugh and sing with friends.

There’s also the usual themes of love lost (particularly in Dave’s songs, Here We Go and Don’t Leave My Side) but, also, there are bright spots of optimism about travel (Searching for Freedom) and making life-changing decisions (Every Second Counts).

Is there a cut from the E.P. you would select as a highlight?

Searching for Freedom is likely the band favourite. It was the first song that Kerry ever wrote and was a straightforward acoustic song but ended up totally transformed into an altogether different beast by the band.

How did Northern Quarter get together? As a half-British, half-Canadian band; are there a lot of cultural differences in the ranks?

Dave, Carlos and Wendy had already been in cover bands together for about three years. In the search for a new singer, they spotted Kerry at an open mic and, by happy chance, got an excellent songwriter and vocalist wrapped up in one. Culturally, things are interesting but the Brits have been in Canada for nine years now so they’re pretty much Canadian - apart from the accents.

They go back every year, though, because there’s still a love for the homeland. The biggest thing that looks like a cultural clash is when the Brits suggest a song to the Canucks who are all like: ‘Over and Over?! Hot Chip?! What the hell is this?!’ We cover it, anyway.

Will there be more music from you guys down the line?

Definitely! We’ve already got another three or four songs ready to play live and we are writing new ones all the time.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We’re mostly spending the summer moving around the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia (tough life, eh?). Expect to see us in Panorama, Revelstoke; Waterton, Banff and, of course, Canmore.

Are British dates a possibility at all? Can we see you over here?

We’d love that! We’d need a lot more money than we have now though…I wouldn’t rule it out, but we haven’t planned anything yet.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Write more songs, play live more - because that is the BEST thing – and, hopefully, get as many people to hear us as possible. We’ve got a supremely unique gig coming up playing the top deck of a converted London bus on Canada Day, so we’re extremely excited about that.

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

Dave: For me, it was Kerry’s face lighting up the first time all of us played one of her songs. She’d never been in a band before and had only played her own songs on an acoustic guitar, so seeing her experience that was heart-warming.

Kerry: We played a venue called The Drake a couple months ago…the dancefloor was totally full and everyone was singing along the with last few songs looking incredibly stoked!

Carlos: About two years ago, I played at the Bighorn Symposium right here in Canmore…it was a stunning sunny day; we were on the wonderful Stan Rodgers Stage; my family and all my friends were there…it was just the best time.

Wendy: In a former band, our saxophonist punched a member of the audience for (accidentally) knocking a microphone stand into his sax. Good times.

As you are half-Canadian and half-British; if you could create a mythical beast of a celebrity, half-British and half-Canadian; who would be part of it (you can choose politicians and literary figures, too)?

Probably Michael Buble/Shaun Ryder. I have no idea why but it sounds like an amazing gig.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Fleetwood Mac. We’d want Perrier water with all the bubbles taken out.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never stop. Never stop writing, never stop gigging; never stop making your sound and presentation the best it can possibly be.

 IMAGE CREDIT: St. Paul and The Broken Bones

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We’re loving St. Paul and The Broken Bones at the moment as well as a French band called Teacup Monster whose singer is just fantastic. Also, The Teskey Brothers…

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

None of us is full-time at music (yet) so most time is spent working, unfortunately. Dave and Carlos are gamers; Kerry likes growing things. All of us are snowboarders in the winter: it’s virtually compulsory here.

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).

Kerry: Pain and Misery by The Teskey Brothers

Dave: Great Expectations by Elbow

Carlos: Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Wendy: I Wanna Be Adored by The Stone Roses

____________

Follow Northern Quarter

Official:

http://www.northernquarterband.ca/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/NrthernQuarter

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/northernquarterband/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/northernquartercanada/

YouTube:

https://www.instagram.com/northernquartercanada/

INTERVIEW: Stray Monroe

INTERVIEW:

Stray Monroe

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THE cool and charming chaps of Stray Monroe…

have been spending time with me and discussing the video for their single, Seaside. The band tell me how they came together and what the vibe is like in San Diego – they recommend some new artists to check out.

I ask them whether they’ll come to the U.K. and play; whether they all share musical tastes; what plans they have for the rest of the year; their favourite memories from music – they end the interview by selecting some excellent tunes.

___________

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

Hey. It’s been a busy week! We just got done playing a packed show at the House of Blues Anaheim with Weathers. Our singer, Blake, had a really bad case of laryngitis so we had to do some very last-minute adjustments to the set to the set. The show was killer, though, and the crowd was phenomenal. We love Orange County; it’s like our home away from home. We can’t wait to come back soon.

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

Sure. Blake Imperl (Vocals/Guitar), Brett Kelly (Bass) and Colin Croft (Drums).

The video for Seaside is out. Can you talk about the song and how it came together?

Seaside was actually one of the easiest writing processes we’ve been through. The song started as a demo on Blake’s iPhone before he brought it to the rest of the band. Once we started playing it as a band, the song came together in only a few hours. We wanted to make a song that was upbeat and that people could dance to. We weren’t sure if it was going to make the cut for our E.P., Momentary Vertigo.

It was only after playing it at a house-party and seeing the crowd’s reaction that we decided it was worth including on the E.P. We like the song because it has a relatable message and reminds us of our home in San Diego.

What was it like putting the video together? Will there be more material coming soon?

The process was really fun for all of us. We filmed it with Nolan Woodward and Keeyan Irvjie, two up-and-coming college film directors. They pitched us the idea for a V.H.S.-style video and we immediately loved the direction they wanted to take it. We filmed it over the course of three days around various locations in San Diego. It was a very fun environment in which we were able to showcase our personalities. We wanted to make a video that was unique and that you wanted to watch over and over again.

Yes, there will be new material out within the next few months. We’re always writing and are excited to get back into the studio shortly.

How did Stray Monroe find one another? When did you all meet?

We all met at San Diego State University. Colin and Blake had been in a previous band before but it wasn’t until Brett came into the picture that we started Stray Monroe.

San Diego is your base. What sort of music vibe and scene is there?

San Diego has a lot of people who are supportive of the local music scene. That being said, there are many small music niches within San Diego that make it tough to have one unified scene. We’ve always felt like we never fit into any niche which caused us to develop a chip on our shoulder and aspire to more than just ‘San Diego-famous’. We love San Diego but always had our sights on hitting the road and playing in as many cities as we can.

Do you all share musical tastes? Did you all grow up around a lot of music?

We all share common threads in our musical tastes. One of our favorite things to do is to introduce each other to new artists/songs. It’s sort of like a game of one-upping each other by seeing who can discover the coolest songs. That’s how a lot of our influences for new songs start. We all grew up around music in different facets but it was only in our teens that we discovered music as more than just a hobby.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Perez

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We just got back from Mexico a few weeks ago and have been busy promoting the E.P. here in Southern California. Right now, we’re focusing on making a name in the L.A. music scene. The second we get the chance, we plan to tour the United States, U.K. and anywhere else that will have us. We have a big fan base in Brazil and would love the opportunity to go play there.

Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. and gig here?

Absolutely. A lot of our favorite artists are from the U.K. and we’ve always believed that our music would be well-received there.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We hope to get our new E.P. into as many ears as possible. We think we put out a great record and we’re excited to continue to share our music around the world. We’re also continuing to write new music and play shows. Our ultimate goal is to find the right record label and then get back in the studio and make an even better follow-up to Momentary Vertigo.

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

Blake: I think my favorite moment was when we got played on local radio for the first time. If you were to tell my younger self that one day I’d hear a song we wrote played on the radio, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. We all sat in my car and waited for the song to come on. It was a pretty special moment that we’ll never forget. 

Brett: My favorite moment was writing our song Hold the Line. At the time, we were all going through rough patches in our lives and used this song as an outlet to release our frustrations. Our goal was to write a song that was unlike anything we had ever done before and challenged us as musicians. We utilized a variety of new instruments such as the glockenspiel and the Mellotron in an effort to be like The Beatles. I’m not lying when I say that hearing the end product made each of us tear up!

Colin: My favorite moment was when we played our first show in Mexico. The venue was packed; it felt like the whole town came out. The craziest thing was that very few people spoke English, but our music served as a medium to communicate and bond over. We love Mexico and it’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

We’re all huge fans of Portugal. the Man and take a lot of influence from their live show; so that’d be a dream come true.

Our rider would consist of sushi platters, blue Jolly Ranchers and a personal masseuse...AND tequila!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep on doing what you’re doing; don’t compare yourselves to other artists who are having success. Be involved in your community, respect and give back to your fans and never stop writing and practising. Success doesn’t happen overnight but through persistence and hard work.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Twin Peaks

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We love Twin Peaks and The Academic. We think they’re probably the best young bands around. We opened up for the Academic in March and they were some of the most genuine guys we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with.

IN THIS PHOTO: The Academic

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

Our lives pretty much revolve around music. There’s always something we’re working on so, on the rare chance we do get breaks, we always try to enjoy those moments. We like trying new restaurants, exploring San Diego and watching sports.

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).

Blake: I Am the Resurrection - The Stone Roses

Brett: Band on the Run - Paul McCartney & Wings

Colin: Houdini - Foster the People

_____________

Follow Stray Monroe

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/straymonroe

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/straymonroe

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/straymonroe/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0pfz6hvgWeXZcLBmjIqaDP

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/straymonroe

INTERVIEW: Natalie Holmes

INTERVIEW:

Natalie Holmes

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IT has been exciting speaking with…

the Bristol-based songwriter Natalie Holmes about her latest single, Hideout. She reveals its background and reveals where she gets the energy to keep putting out material – she has released four successful E.P.s and shows no signs of slowing!

Holmes chats about Bristol and which musicians she is influenced by; what is coming up in terms of gigs; which upcoming artists we need to look out for; the advice she would give to musicians emerging – she ends the interview by selecting a rather underrated gem.

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

Hey! It’s been a bit of a mad one, actually. I’ve been working on a few top lines for some D.J.s; trying to get them all finished, recorded and sent over from the ‘studio’ (bedroom) whilst having a messy insomnia stint and working at the coffee job! But, the plan was to get it all out of the way and allow headspace for the release this week; so, mission accomplished!

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

Of course! My name is Natalie Holmes; I live in Bristol (U.K.) and am a singer/songwriter/musician/food nerd.

Hideout is your new single. What is the story behind it?

Hideout represents quite a small window in my life. I was battling with a relationship trying to make it work on and off for over a year. There was always something that pulled us together despite all the things that were clearly very wrong and I felt like my true self had to hide away.  On one of the occasions, when we started over, I had an overwhelming sensation that everything was OK now and I wanted to combine this with my increased detachment with material objects.

So, Hideout is about realising you don’t need any of the temporary things you think make you happy. At that moment, all you need is the universe and the person that makes you happiest. You lose the walls around you.

Might we see more new material a bit later in the year?

Definitely. I have a feeling Hideout is just the beginning of a new wave of love for what I do and the boundaries I can push with it! There’s so much more to come.

IN THIS IMAGE: Natalie Holmes' E.P., Calm Places, was released last year

You have already released four successful E.P.s. Where do you get the energy to keep putting out amazing material?!

Well, ‘amazing’ is a generous word to label everything I’ve released, but thank you! I’ll be honest: I can’t reign in the amount I write; I’d have twenty E.P.s out if it was that easy! But, I suppose, as a songwriter, you really want to get your best songs heard so releasing anything and everything would drown them out. It took a long time to pin down the songs that ended up on my E.P.s, but I don’t regret any of them. I think energy is something that comes instinctively with a song you’ve written and love - you can feel when it’s right...and the excitement and adrenaline push you through everything that comes with it.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Greenwell Media

How do songs come to you? Will you sit and write or let inspiration strike?

Inspiration, nearly always.

It doesn’t take much for something to hit me hard and I’ll be scribbling down words and phrases or singing into my phone wherever I am. However, on the occasion that I’ve had a quiet few weeks in my head, I’ll just sit and play the piano and see what comes. Sometimes, that’s inspiration enough! If I had a real acoustic piano, I swear I would write two songs a day - the feel and sound of it make my whole being melt.

Which musicians did you tune into from a young age? Was there a single artist/moment that inspired you to get into music?

This question always makes me nervous as I don’t have the typical answer of being inspired by ‘classics’ that I was brought up on as a baby. My family aren’t particularly musical at all, but I am so grateful they put me in piano lessons when I was tiny. But, yes, I’m afraid to say I definitely grew up on S Club 7, Paramore and Avril Lavigne and only found out who Joni Mitchell was when I was in my twenties. It’s shameful. I was simply inspired by snippets of everything. I still listen to Let Go by Avril Lavigne now and am like: ‘Damn; these are great songs!’ The first couple of artists I began to idolise were Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding (first album) and Bon Iver.

However, in the last two years, I’ve been hit with a wave of artists that have really touched and inspired me on a whole new level; notably, Laura Mvula, whose music I fell in love with just before I wrote Hideout.

How important are Bristol and its people regarding your music?

I’ve never thought about that! I’m determined to stay in this absolutely glorious city for its positive, creative and earthy vibe. I feel grounded here, despite having moved house three times in the past year. However; I like to focus on the feeling that I could be OK anywhere, that my happiness isn’t because of the place I exist; or else I’d be leaving it behind extremely often! I feel lucky to have this beautiful place around me but feel like it’s more for the non-musician in me: it’s my escape when I need to get out and breathe, see friends; eat amazing food and visit all the wonderful independent business owners. It’s an unusually magical city community that I avoid tying in too much with work.

Saying that; I have incredible support here from friends and family as well as from the local radio and BBC Introducing. I never fully realise how many people in this city are supporting my music.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We are booking a band tour for the end of October! Dates aren’t set in stone yet but I know we are; starting at The Globe in Hay-on-Wye on 19th October, followed by dates in Bristol, Winchester; Birmingham, London; Leeds and more.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’d love for Hideout to be the song that really gets out there and is heard. It feels like the right time and the right song as I’m so happy with the balance of commercial and musical traits in it. It would be so amazing to tour in October and sell out some venues: I really can’t wait for the day I can play a gig and feel a room completely full of people who are there fully to support me! There’s nothing quite like that chemistry.

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

There are so many! The one that is going to stick with me forever is getting the opportunity to tour with Above & Beyond, as their vocalist, on their world tour. It was singing in front of a sold-out Hollywood Bowl and Royal Albert Hall that showed me the enormity of what you can feel on stage; when there are THAT many beaming smiles in the audience and everyone is so together.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I would LOVE to tour with Sara Bareilles, Laura Mvula; Aurora...all artists that I truly believe in and admire. I imagine these girls are all insanely wonderful human beings too.

My rider would have to include some kind of creative salad box buffet and healthy sweet treats to get me through like banana bread, dried fruit and nuts. OH…and always, always Lindt Excellence 90%. The odd bottle of high-quality Italian red would also be on the cards…

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

This takes time. I started uploading videos of me singing on YouTube in 2010. It’s taken me eight years to get to this point and I still haven’t ‘made it’. It’s really tough seeing other artists around you get their lucky break and you feel like you must be doing something wrong or you’re not good enough.

But; the way I think of it is the longer it takes, the longer you’ve got to grow in your own person and really appreciate being young whilst carving your music into something you’re truly proud of.  Then, when the world finally hears you, you know you did your best and you can be truly proud.

IN THIS PHOTO: LP/PHOTO CREDIT: British Vogue

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m not sure about ‘new’ in the general sense, but artists that I’ve been really into lately that are slightly less in the limelight would be: Francis and the Lights, LP; Martin Luke Brown and Balmorhea.

IN THIS PHOTO: Martin Luke Brown

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

Time for other things has become increasingly less since I moved out of my parents and have been tackling the R-word. However, I make sure I always make time for myself as it’s just so crucial. I love food, a lot, so either cooking or exploring the Bristol food and drink scene! Lately, I’ve been really struggling with insomnia and time away from music has been diminished as I’m finding less and less time where I’m actually functioning to get things done. I can’t count the days of no sleep as healthy downtime as it’s the one thing in my life that my brain can’t battle and it definitely isn’t refuelling.

Then, when I have a night of sleep, I’m like: ‘I must get everything done today whilst I have the mental capacity, just in case!’ But, on a whole, mental and physical wellbeing is hugely important to me and I make sure I get out and about on my bike whenever I can to break up the hours spent inside recording, writing or doing admin.

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).

Ooh, yay! As I mentioned her before; can you play Tokyo Sunrise by LP? Thank you!

_____________

Follow Natalie Holmes

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Potter Creative 

Official:

https://natalieholmesmusic.tumblr.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/_natalieholmes

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/natalieholmesmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/_natalieholmes/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuA8thhuxHBCzbgXaMK0M9g

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/31dQ6lbXKJp9yLgUhb8qkJ?si=vLc2im5vQTqc-N3TTcTjFw

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/natalieholmesmusic

INTERVIEW: InAbell

INTERVIEW:

InAbell

___________

THINGS are getting pretty busy and hectic…

for InAbell right now. The Israel-based artist talks to me about her single, Break Your Fall, and the inspiration behind the song. I ask what sort of themes and ideas we will get from her E.P., Humble Wishes – she discusses inspiration and artists that have compelled her.

I was excited to know whether any gigs were approaching and what InAbell gets up to away from music; if there are any new acts we need to look out for – she reveals her ambitions for the coming months.

___________

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

Hi (smiles). Things are pretty intense. I'm working on a second album while the first E.P. is still not fully-released - so my days are filled with music creating and sharing. It's interesting.

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

Gladly. Music was always a major part of my life but, to a certain point, I was more a consumer of music than a creator. I was introduced to music at an early age, even though my parents don't work in the field. My taste has varied through the years between different genres. I always loved singing and I find it beautiful that its part of our natural built-in system.

Us human beings like chocolate; the attraction of sex and that love of music. Singing means sharing my voice and offering the listener the chance to connect with me. I always feel a sort of intimacy with people who tell me that they have heard me singing.

Tell me about the track, Break Your Fall. How did it start life? Is there a story behind it?

Break Your Fall started out instrumental. I wrote the simple line of octaves and mostly liked the sound of the instrument and the warm feeling when the bass comes in. I added lyrics and came with that to my brilliant producer, Roy Avital. Together, we elaborated the song to a more interesting level. The idea to include the harmoniser on the vocals came from Roy and I loved it immediately. That was the turning point in the song’s becoming. 

It's, basically, a song about supporting someone in a complex situation. It speaks about a person who is troubled in a twisted way and is going through a dark and obsessive issue. The track’s dynamic flow goes from a stable and collected to a point of losing control and feeling overwhelmed with emotion. 

It is from the E.P., Humble Wishes. Are there themes and life experiences that impacted the songs? Which song do you count as a highlight?

The whole E.P. is a product of a search. Every song has its story and is different in a way but I'm (overall) pretty pleased with the general flow of the whole thing. The first single that was released was Fresh Honey. I think it was an easier song to digest, while Break Your Fall is more minimalistic and artistic. The third and final single I'm about to release, before the full E.P., is called Nightgown - and I think that it's sort of a blend between the sweetness of Fresh Honey and the darkness of Break Your Fall.

How do songs come together and form? Do you set time to write – or do you let inspiration strike and piece together work gradually?

The songwriting process has changed for me in the past few years. The essence of the song usually comes up - sometimes it is unexpected - and when that happens I write down a few words and keep them for later editing. With my producer Roy, I found that it works out the best when I have a deadline in which I bring sketches of already composed and partially-produced songs. It takes me about a month and a half to bring enough material to that stage. After that, we ‘separate the boys from the men’ and pick out the good songs to continue with.

Humble Wishes took a long time to get together because Roy and I were still getting to know each other. These days, we are working on a second album and I think the process is coming together in a more effective way.

Will there be more material coming later in the year?

Sure. Nightgown, the third single, will be released around late-July and the full E.P. will be out around August/September. When I perform, I also play a few new songs from the album which is being worked on.

Which artists did you grow up listening to? Who do you rank as musical idols?

Joni Mitchell, Neil Young; Paul Simon and Sting on one hand: Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and D'Angelo on the other. James Blake, Radiohead; Moses Sumney, Fever Ray and other musicians active these days are also a major influence. 

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

Sure. I have a double-single release concert on 5th July in Israel and, hopefully, my band and I will take a trip to perform in London around January if all goes as planned.

If we came and saw you play; what sort of songs/setup would we see?

It’s very interesting to transform these songs from studio to live since there's so much sound involved. We put a lot of effort into maintaining the high sound quality to the stage. My drummer uses S.P.D. pads that have different sounds for every song and I have a set of vocal effects - also changing from one track to the other. Some of them I play live during the show and others are triggered to turn on and off when planned.

We are a trio and the third player is one of my closest friends - who is also an amazing guitar player. You should totally come and check us out!

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

To take over the world with a storm, of course. Or, at least keep creating and performing to different ears all over.

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

I remember my first vocal effect gadget. It was the Boss VE-20 and I used to enjoy playing and performing with it. One of its features is creating a robot-style voice. I once performed with the pedal and accidentally turned on the robot sound. It happened while I was singing a soft emotional song and, needless to say, destroyed the atmosphere (smiles).

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Blue - Joni Mitchell; Mama’s Gun - Erykah Badu and In Rainbows – Radiohead.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

To keep in mind that there's a long-distant run ahead - so it's a good idea to take a deep breath every now and then.

IN THIS PHOTO: Agnes Obel

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I've recently discovered Agnes Obel and love her; highly recommended.

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

Well, yes; I also illustrate and design. I make all the graphics for my music myself and also work for other musicians and customers. I also practice jiu-jitsu as a major hobby for around six years. In fact, in the video clip for Break Your Fall; you can see me doing some moves...

The other male actor is my actual trainer from the dojo where I work out. 

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! Kimbra – Everybody Knows

_____________

Follow InAbell

Official:

https://www.inabellmusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/inabell.music/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inabell_music/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7mST3kQ7nO7i94aZnEromT

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL8-7DGNi-hE8YxugcAU-8Q?view_as=subscriber

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/inbaloop

INTERVIEW: WOLVES

INTERVIEW:

WOLVES

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THE Los Angeles boys of WOLVES…

talk with me about their latest single, Freaky, and the story behind it. I ask them about the songs mix of Rock and Pop and whether that was a natural unity; how the band got together and what Los Angeles is like in terms of sound/feel.

The guys look ahead at ambitions this year and discuss touring plans; I ask about influences and which artists are important to them; they recommend some new artists and tell me how they chill away from music.

___________

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

Hey! Doing well, thank you! This week’s been really good to us so far. Freaky is already at #90 on the Mediabase Activator Charts and it just went live on Spotify/Apple Music/etc. yesterday!

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

We’re WOLVES and we’re made up of three guys: Marc Avery, Sean Carney and Rocky Sands. Marc is our lead vocalist, Sean plays guitar/keyboards/sings background vocals and Rocky plays drums/guitar/keyboards.

Tell me about the new song, Freaky. Is there a story behind it?

Freaky is all about embracing who you are and letting that freak flag fly! Like we sing in the chorus: “If you freak/ let it show!” Like 99% of our songs; Freaky was written and produced by the three of us. One day, we were in the studio and I came across this crazy vocal chop sample and started playing what became the song’s lead melody line. Sean laid down the chords underneath it and we knew we had a little piece of magic on our hands. The song came together pretty fast…I think the whole track and topline were done by the next time we got together.

It was kind of like lightning in a bottle because most WOLVES songs never happen that quickly. 

The song matches Pop, Urban and Rock sounds. Does that triple-threat approach reflect a curious musical approach in the band? Are restlessness and experimentation the key to everything you do?!

We kind of just tend to make the music we want to hear and we can’t help how our influences come through in the creative process. I think we’ve come across a (really) unique sound in WOLVES that’s entirely reflective of our three diverse musical backgrounds. We definitely do love experimenting in the studio - I guess you could say we are a bit restless. We try to hit a new creative level with each song that we do, and we strive to be different every time.

How did WOLVES get together? When did you meet one another?

All three of us actually met a while ago. We were all writing and producing songs for other people and had been trying to crack into the Pop songwriting world for a long time. Sean and I met at the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO back in 2014 and stayed friends ever since. I met Marc during a friend’s birthday party at Dave & Buster’s in Hollywood. I was pretty drunk at the time and he and I randomly got to talking about how we were both songwriters. I don’t know how I remembered but I texted him the next day and we started writing songs together shortly thereafter.

At some point, when we were working, he looked at me and said: “Dude…I’ve always wanted to be in a band more than anything.” I confessed to him that I did too and we decided on the spot to form a band with each other. I knew we needed a third person who could bring the ‘weird’ into the mix, so I called my buddy Sean and the rest, as they say, is history.

Does that name reflect a hunger and sense of attack? Are you a pretty ambitious band?

It definitely does. We’re all pretty chill guys, but we’re absolutely an ambitious band. We set our goals on the highest level of success. We want to have songs that hit the top of the charts because we know we can compete with the best of them out there right now - and we want to take our show on the road and play in front of as many people as we possibly can. There, I said it; we’re officially putting it out in the universe in hopes that it comes true! (Smiles).

What is L.A. like for the creative mind? Is it a brilliant place to be?

Los Angeles is a beautiful beast of dichotomy. It’s absolutely brilliant and bustling with energy but that energy is bipolar. L.A. is stuck in the past in some parts and catapulting towards the future in others. This city is simultaneously inspirational and disheartening; it’s inclusive on a familial level, yet as cutthroat as corporate America. It’s got its ups and its downs, but I think most of the creative minds here can agree that the highs outweigh the lows and our collective pursuit of passion makes the juice worth the squeeze.

Will there be more music from you guys down the line?

1000% yes. Stay tuned; we’ve got a lot more coming!

Give me a sense of the music you grew up around. What would have been in your record collections?

I (Rocky) grew up listening to anything from The Beach Boys to Guns N’ Roses to Shania Twain. The Pop was strong in me from very early on. Marc grew up listening to a ton of Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye and Sean was a big fan of anything from Jazz to old-school Hip-Hop. When you listen to our music, you can definitely hear all of those influences seeping through from time to time.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We’re pretty much staying put in L.A. for the time being, focusing on finishing up enough material to roll out our first full-length album. But, hopefully, after that, we’ll be hitting the road everywhere and anywhere!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Honestly, we’d love to see Freaky blow up and become a hit! We think there’s something magical about that song and we hope the world agrees. Hopefully, then we’ll have the opportunity to go on tour and play our music for a whole lot of people.

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

Hearing our debut single, Animal, on the radio for the first time was a pretty insane experience that none of us will ever forget.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

It would be a total dream come true for us to either open for Coldplay or Kanye West. Those guys are playing the kind of shows that we have always aspired to play and we are obviously huge fans of their music.

As far as riders go, we’re pretty simple guys - we’d be stoked to split a pepperoni pizza.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

BE UNIQUE! Everybody is making stuff that sounds like everybody else right now and music never moves forward that way. Don’t play it safe: dare to be different.

IN THIS PHOTO: Evalyn

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There’s a ton of artists in our circle who we really love. Our good friend Evalyn is about to drop an awesome second E.P. and I guarantee you’ll be hearing it all over Spotify and Apple Music in the next few months. She collaborated on the entire thing with our buddy nicopop. another fantastically talented writer/producer. I also have to give a major shout out to my good buddy Evan Blum, the hardest-working songwriter in Hollywood. Look out for him shopping for discounted avocados at any given Whole Foods in West Los Angeles.

IN THIS PHOTO: Evan Blum/PHOTO CREDIT: @bgcinemahouse

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

We’re all pretty big fans of video games and going out for the occasional whiskey. Working out is important to all of us, too - gotta stay fit for the ladies! Music is never really far from our minds, though, no matter what we’re doing.

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).

Marc: Better Now by Post Malone

Sean: Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Rocky: Home Is Such a Lonely Place by Blink-182

_____________

Follow WOLVES

Official:

https://www.thebandwolves.com/home/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thebandwolves

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thebandwolves/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thebandwolves/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa_XBa6VQVcP91KynnWgPbQ

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3HiDLtNn2b6jPv8mPwNPVa

INTERVIEW: Rachael Sage

INTERVIEW:

Rachael Sage

___________

IT is hard to find where Rachael Sage…

gets her energy from but, as she says in this interview, the work and passion she has for it drive her forward! I ask the New York-based songwriter if there’s a story behind her latest track, Spark, and what inspired her album, Myopia – she recommends some new artists and talks about N.Y.C.’s contrasts.

Sage tells me what it was like recording her album and whether she gets time to relax away from music; which three albums mean the most to her; if we can see her in the U.K. soon – she gives some great advice for songwriters emerging right now.

___________

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

My name is Rachael Sage and I’m a touring addict! What that means is I am incredibly lucky to be able to create my own original work and am perpetually grateful to listeners around the world - especially in the U.K. - who have graciously embraced my eclectic, Alt-Pop music; allowing me to get up on stage regularly and forge meaningful relationships through music. 

To anyone brand new to my songs, I hope what you will discover by listening is a lexicon of poetry and melody that encourages positivity by making what’s extremely personal, universal. I am always aiming to break barriers and mitigate loneliness because I believe with all of my being that we are all inextricably connected by our humanity. 

Spark is your new track. It seems like the boldest and most ambitious you have created! What inspired its creation?

I was inspired to write Spark by the moment of absolute possibility and hope that arises during a first kiss with someone you already know you have a deep connection with; you don’t know each other that well yet but the chemistry feels magical and meaningful because it is genuine and undeniable. It’s not a song only about passion, but about a kind of purity that exists early on between two soon-to-be-lovers before too many expectations have taken hold - and when everything feels absolutely authentic, exciting; vulnerable and inevitable. 

It is from the album, Myopia. Like the single; what sort of ideas and stories compelled the music on the L.P.?

The title track, Myopia, is very much about the relationship between what we think: the thoughts we allow to take root and grow in our minds’ eye and how that actually colors our view of the world around us. It’s an empowering song about recognizing that the resources you already have are exactly what you need to create the life you want; if you let go of past pain, negative energy and/or current stress.  The concept of vision, including aspects of blindness or narrowmindedness as well as positive visualization and fruition, run through other songs on the album including This Darkness, which is about truly trying to see injustice or suffering through the eyes of someone else and how that kind of vision essentially comprises empathy.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Bernstein

Alive is a very upbeat, positive song about truly recognizing the gifts of vitality, passion; love and even how one may grow from one’s from one’s mistakes. Another song, Haunted by Objects, looks at the issue of hoarding and hopefully destigmatizes a very common urge many people have to cling to too many things they believe they need; that are actually weighing them down, literally. There are a dozen new songs on the album and they’re all very eclectic - but the thread running through them all is this concept of examining myopia i.e. nearsightedness from every angle: romantically, socio-politically and, certainly, in terms of what we deem important in our everyday lives.

What was it like recording the album? Did you bring any new disciplines and structures to the plate? What makes this album different in your mind?

I played a lot more electric guitar on this album and a couple new axes were in my arsenal!  Sadly, a renowned and beloved guitar store in N.Y.C.’s East Village called Matt Umanov closed while I was recording and I ended up adopting a gorgeous Gretsch guitar that helped me channel a bit more of a Rock ‘n’ Rock attitude on songs like Snowed In, Olivia and my punk version of the Yiddish classic, Umru Meine.

There are also some very luminary singers I respect enormously who popped by the studio to add their harmony magic to the mix; including rising Irish singer-songwriter Fiona Harte, Pop-Rock twins Nalani & Sarina and Americana songstress Gabrielle Louise. It felt really great to be able to include some of my fierce, vibrant female musician friends on the record - and certainly added a lot of laughter to the sessions!

You have created a whole lot of music in your career so far! How did you keep that creative energy going?! Do you notice an evolution as a songwriter?

A lot of people have asked me how I’ve maintained my energy through the years and it’s really very simple: I love my work. Since I’ve been a little girl, I embraced music with all of my being and it’s given me so much back. It’s enabled me to work eighteen-hour days and be reluctant to go to bed because I was so into what I was doing; so fully captured by the creative process.

Touring has also been a huge gift and given me the opportunity to meet amazing people from all walks of life, in cities and small towns all over the world. I think if anything my evolution has been from being a young songwriter working out my own ‘issues’ (gratefully) through song to a mature woman as eager to write impressionistic, poetic material as to share details about my own story.

I find equal value and inspiration in other peoples’ stories now and do my best to incorporate a balance between fact, fiction and imagination - and toward crafting something that’s hopefully universal and inspiring in some way to others.

New York is your base. How important are the city and its people to your music?

I adore N.Y.C. and will probably live here forever…but, at the same time, the cliché is definitely true that absence makes the heart grow fonder when it comes to such a bustling, intense place. I know that having lived here most of my life is extremely defining, but I also mourn for a time a few years back when more music clubs and artists were able to thrive because it wasn’t so prohibitive to live here.

Nonetheless, what I love about N.Y.C., as whole absolutely remains: the passion, intensity and determination of people who are able to survive here and contribute to the diversity (of N.Y.C.). People are very focused and ambition here to be sure which energizes me; and yet they are also very down to earth and open, in my experience. I feel exactly the same about London and consider it to be my ‘home away from home’ for those reasons!  

Have you got any musical heroes that made you want to follow music? Who do you rank as idols?

Among a few of my early, as well as later musical inspirations, are Carole King, Elvis; Buddy Holly, Elton John; David Bowie, Elvis Costello; Sinead O’Connor, Maria McKee; Sarah McLachlan and of course, The Beatles. In terms of creative inspiration, I’ve always tried to avoid the word ‘idol’ because I think it’s dangerous for an artist to aspire to be too much like anyone else; but two brilliant, insightful and musicians have absolutely made a huge impact on me in recent years and those are Folk icon Judy Collins and Synth-Pop legend Howard Jones! The kindness and encouragement both have shown me while touring together has taught me so much, artistically and personally. 

Can we expect a little stopover in the U.K. at all?

I’m really hoping to be back next year! I love touring the U.K. so much and look forward to sharing all these new songs live as soon as possible!

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I would love to write a bunch of new songs! This past year has been so busy - with recording the new album, touring the U.S. with Howard Jones and playing festivals internationally - that I simply haven’t had much of a chance to reflect on all of my adventures or process everything creatively, through music.

Being off the road a bit enables me to warm up all those muscles again and to, hopefully, do some extra practising as I’d liked to keep getting better as a guitarist as well! On a non-musical note, I’ve been on a huge spring cleaning kick lately and am basically going through every closet and shelf and purging any piece of clothing, paper, knick-knack or whatever the case may be if I haven’t used it in the last five years. It feels great and, hopefully, it’s a cleansing that will allow new energy to flow into my home and my life! 

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

Playing Union Chapel with the brilliant Howard Jones last year in London was one of the highlights of my musical life. Being able to share such a wonderful experience with an artist I admire so deeply was a huge gift - and the acoustics in that venue are pretty much unparalleled!

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Carole King /Tapestry; Elvis Costello/Spike and Glen Hansard/Rhythm and Repose.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Find a safe local venue where you can perform live as often as possible; figure out what feels authentically you as a performer and don’t be afraid to make mistakes - because you’ll only grow from taking chances!

IN THIS PHOTO: Seth Glier

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Of course; as label-owner of MPress Records, I’m partial to my own artists! I highly encourage everyone to check out singer-songwriter Seth Glier who has been steadily building his career in the U.S. as a touring artist and whose new album, Birds, is absolutely brilliant! I’ve also been really enjoying rising Irish artist Fiona Harte whose new E.P. will be released very soon. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Fiona Harte

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

I do my best to balance work with play but, as they say, if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life! That being said, I love watching movies, crafting; designing my own stage clothes and painting.

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 Want You – Elvis Costello & the Attractions

_____________

Follow Rachael Sage

Official:

http://rachaelsage.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/rachaelsage

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/rachaelsagepage

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rachael_sage/

YouTube:

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

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/rachaelsage

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EedWEoxpzbiPNkqkDp3Vw

INTERVIEW: I Am Karate

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Julia Stjernlöf

I Am Karate

___________

I have been given the chance to chat…

with the awesome Swedish duo, I Am Karate. Marta and Erika talk about their new single, Expectations, and what its story is; what they hope people get from the song; whether they’ll be more material this year – they tell me how they got together.

I ask them whether there are new artists we need to look out for; what the scene is like in Sweden right now; whether we might see them on tour this year; if they will come to the U.K. – they reach select a song to end the interview with.

___________

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

Erika: Great! We’ve just been on this songwriting camp arranged by Flow Sessions in this magical outdoor concert venue in Dalhalla, Sweden; pretty close to where we’re originally from. We met a lot of great people there!

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

Marta: We’re Marta and Erika and we have a band together called I Am Karate. It has been our baby project and love since we started it in 2014. We make Electronic-Pop and have written and produced our own music for a long time but for our latest release, Expectations, we worked with the really talented Norwegian producer called Eirik Røland.

Expectations is out. How did it start life? Is there a tale behind it?

To be honest; Expectations is one of our most personal songs ever. It was both hard and liberating to write and record the song because it means so much to us. There’s a tale behind it that’s a little too private to get into but we think a lot of people can relate to the message of the song. It’s about a relationship that’s falling apart, because of different priorities, but you’re too in love to let go yet.

Did you have a lot of say regarding the lyric video? Whose concept was it?

Erika: The video is actually an I Am Karate Production, so we’ve made it ourselves. It was a bit frustrating directing balloons because they do whatever they want but, in the end, it worked out fine! We’ve had this balloon theme for Expectations because it’s such a great metaphor for the word itself. 

The track is a bold and summer-ready song. What do you hope people get from the song?

Marta: We hope we can be a company heading home through the night; a comfort for those who feel what we’ve felt. It’s a true heart-on-your-sleeve song.

Is there more material coming later this year?

Erika: Yes! Next up is a new single later this summer! We’re super-excited!

PHOTO CREDIT: Julia Stjernlöf

How did I Am Karate get together? When did you meet?

We first met in 2012 but we both had other bands back then. In 2014, Marta got a gig at a library in Stockholm that her bandmates couldn’t take and she asked me if I wanted to do something with her instead. It just clicked right away - like musical symbiosis, kind of! We played some covers and things we’d written for our other bands. After that, we knew we had to start a band together!

Sweden is where you are based. Is it a great country to make and record music in? What is the local scene like?

Marta: Yeah. It’s a great country to make and record music in. We have a studio in a studio collective near Slussen, the south part of Stockholm, and we’re really happy to be a part of that. Stockholm is a musically vibrant city to live in and Swedish music export is magnificent. Just to mention some awesome people: Robyn, Tove Lo; Icona Pop, Fever Ray; Tove Styrke, Miriam Bryant; Skott and so on!

PHOTO CREDIT: Ninja Hanna

 Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

We’ll do some promotional concerts here in Sweden this summer but we’re planning to put together a proper tour after the summer.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Erika: We’ve just started collaborating with an organisation called Dala Pop and they’ve been really supportive - and we have some cool stuff planned with them both concerts and releases. We’ve been focusing a lot on writing and producing lately but now we’re hoping to do more concerts abroad and connect with our Karate-Kids outside of Sweden.

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

Marta: Two years ago, we went to New York and got to play with the one and only Benny Andersson (ABBA) at the Guggenheim Museum. That was mind-blowing. 

Erika: Yes. What she said. But, also like the little things…like when our song, Bitter, came to life; it was just so easy like a puzzle that just laid itself. That state of (just) total flow and being in the music.

Marta: Okay; now I wish I said what she said. No offence, Benny (Erika smiles).

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Björkegren

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

We’d go crazy if we got to support Post Malone. His melodies and flow have been such an inspiration for us. In terms of riders, we’re not that picky. We just want only red M&Ms, thirteen trained white-headed capuchins and ten bottles of your best locally-brewed beer.

Erika: … and a batch of Swedish snuff: Lundgrens Skåne Vit.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Marta: Do you. Always go with your gut. Sounds cliché but, if you’re not 100 % in it, you will not be able to hold on to what’s so great about making music.

Erika: Also; don’t rush it! Be prepared; write A LOT of songs so that you can pick the absolute best ones to release.

IN THIS PHOTO: Claudia Jonas

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Erika: Yes these two crazy-creative sisters who are friends of ours:

Claudia Jonas: https://open.spotify.com/track/6By5IjUiQHNeSsFXLmCHEk

Julia Jonas: https://open.spotify.com/track/7zZuzU6Wr8H4Nvcj6ciCDw

IN THIS PHOTO: Julia Jonas

Also, a friend Thea (called Becky and the Birds):

https://open.spotify.com/artist/52MMXmgPC7kDNIYUxCeh8d?si=qpkocNz1QDOV_SphXbpLmQ

Marta: These three girls write and produce everything themselves which is so just inspiring and awesome!

IN THIS PHOTO: Becky and the Birds

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

Erika: I try not to listen to too much music when we’re in a writing phase: I listen to a lot of podcasts and YouTube channels. My favourite one is the H3 podcast with Ethan and Hila. Just love them.

Marta: I have a hard time to chill away from music. But, I need breaks and then I usually read a book or bake to unwind. 

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).

Marta: Nights by Frank Ocean

Erika: Stay Off My Mind by Skott

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Follow I Am Karate

Official:

http://iamkarate.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/iamkaratemusic

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/iamkaratemusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/iamkaratemusic/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsmdd_Z4oRqUuwukjdoSmkA

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/i-am-karate

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iJ1u9JKtY7pIixJ21AeFK?si=vjZhas0ZQI6Ty4Kkv1SmQA

INTERVIEW: Reuben Alexander

INTERVIEW:

Reuben Alexander

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THE excellent Reuben Alexander…

has been talking about his new single, Always There (with Livin Out Loud), and what sort of thing we will find from the record, In Reality (out later in the year) – he reveals which albums and artists have been important to him.

Alexander tells me whether we’ll see him in the U.K. soon; what it is like being seen as one of America’s best-kept secrets; some newer artists that are worth a look; how he spends time away from music – he provides some great advice for ambitious artists emerging.

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

I am Reuben Alexander. I consider myself to be an artistic entrepreneur in the new music industry model (artist, producer; entrepreneur and speaker). I use passion and a sense of humor to express who I am through life experiences. I truly believe family comes first. I originally started out as the creative producer for the group Livin Out Loud, creating and producing with my brother and sister. Now, as Reuben Alexander, I’m putting a new spin on my life - continuing to create and connect with others.

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Always There is your new single. Can you reveal the story and how it came into your mind?

The lyrics "always there" is nowhere to be found in the song: it is a sentiment to the feeling tone I had in my relationship. The music represents a self-empowerment I had moving forward in life. The song is a reflection that I was always there. Also; I will continue to be always there and not lose myself.

In Reality is out later this year. What themes and stories did you collate for the record?

The themes and stories that come to mind are love, self-empowerment and being introspective. The videos that we’ve released take on an almost sequential order of different stages of love. It starts from beginning to end and back to new beginnings. The self-empowerment and introspective part is really a tone that is a constant throughout the record. You hear it right away in the lyrics for the single, Always There: “As I wake up in this reality...”.  This is a way to express that life is always changing and to be present when you feel the shift in your next evolution. Hold on to who you are.

There are other artists on the album. Who can we expect to hear on the record?

It was great working with all of the talented artists that came together on this record. There is a feature with the group, Pleasure, as well as Mikki Free on the song, Gotta Give It. Thurz is doing his thing on Trouble; bringing his perspective to the story with a nice contrast. I have a duet with Jennifer Phillips on the single, Put Some Love on It. She brings her amazing vocals, passion and spirit to the record. She gets putting some love on it.

You are seen as one of American’s greatest-kept secrets. Is it flattering knowing that so many people love your music?!

It’s great being able to touch so many people’s lives just being who I am. I find satisfaction knowing people are connecting with me on that level. I’m flattered that I’m a ‘kept secret’ but I really like that the music is being heard. The fact that it’s moving people is the most exciting part of the whole thing. I definitely want to continue to connect.

Tell me about the artists that influenced you growing up. Do you take a lot from the Soul legends in terms of sound and passion?

Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles are three of the main Soul legends I am influenced by most. I am influenced by many other artists and groups but those are the ones that change how I express music. I identify with their passion, storytelling and interpretation of life. They don’t sound the same on every song. Each song has its own life. I see myself trying to emulate those traits.

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

See Kin Productions.

Might we see you in the U.K. this year? Do you like the music coming out of Britain?

We’re looking to coming back to the U.K. in August. We had an exciting tour in April launching the first single, I Can’t Stop. We want to continue to keep it going.

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I’m excited about the podcast talking about the new way of doing music in the industry; finishing up writing a book with my mom. Touring and performing will be amazing. I’ll continue to connect and create with new artists.

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

Driving into Arkansas at 1 A.M. on the highway with my brother hearing I Can’t Stop on the radio. We drive all over the South and that was the payoff. It sounded so different.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Marvin Gaye - I Want You

Stevie Wonder – Innervisions, Songs in the Key of Life

These albums really got me understanding the purpose of music. I listen to the stories over and over again.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Know who you are, what you want to say and how you want to be seen. The old model of being discovered and getting on the radio is not there: you are your own brand. Do things outside of music to bring in more interest. Be clear on your message beyond the songs you put out. Know your audience and connect with them; someone will relate to your story. Build your team. It will take time but it’s necessary.

IN THIS PHOTO: Mahalia

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Daniel Caesar, H.E.R.; Mahalia, Elli Ingram and Moss Kena.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Elli Ingram

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

I like to chill spending time with my kids (being dad). I also like being at home watching movies. Hanging with my bunny. Yes; an actual bunny. She’s my spirit animal and pet. Don’t know how that happened but it’s cool. Taking a good long walk is good, too.

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).

H.E.R. – Focus

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Follow Rueben Alexander

Official:

https://www.iamreubenalexander.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/reubnalexander

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/iamreubenalexander/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/iamreubenalexander/

INTERVIEW: Old Cities

INTERVIEW:

Old Cities

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THE brilliant Jordi White…

of Old Cities talks to me about that unique moniker and relocating from Israel to Australia. I was keen to know about the new single, Again, and what we will get from the Old Cities I E.P.

White tells me about his musical upbringing and what life is like in Australia; if there are going to be any Old Cities dates; which artist he’d support if he could choose any – he recommends some new acts to follow.

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

Hey, Sam!

I’m doing really well, thanks - hope you are too. My week has been crazy; just played a gig Friday night here in Sydney and then releasing a new tune; super-excited for it! But, I’m sure we’ll get into that more later…

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

For sure! My name is Jordi, A.K.A. ‘Old Cities’; hailing from the North Side of Sydney, Australia. Old Cities is my band and creative outlet, and I’d describe it as Indie-Pop-Rock. When I’m not writing or recording for my own stuff, I’m writing and producing with a whole bunch of other artists.

How did that name, Old Cities, come to be? Is there a reason for that moniker?

Great question. So, it stems from a few things…

When I was initially looking for a band name, my wife threw the idea of Old Cities at me. She had been looking at a map of Nazareth, Israel (where I was born) and had found a suburb called The Old City. This struck a chord with me and made me reflect on the concept of an old city. If you think about all the old cities around the world we either restore, preserve and show them off; or we let them lie in ruins and hope that no one finds them.

This can be thought of as a parallel to moments in our lives; some stories and moments we share and show off to the world while others we hide away and hope no one ever finds out about. The songs born from Old Cities expresses both these moments of love, beauty; hurt and shame.

Talk to me about the single, Again. What is the story behind that one?

This track is one of my personal favourites. It’s a ‘close to your heart’ kind of song. I wrote it sitting down at the piano and it was one of those rare gems that just came together right there in the studio that afternoon. It’s a song about the journey, about moments in life where you find yourself inevitably back in the same familiar places you thought you’d left behind. It embodies the nostalgic joy found in familiarity, but also the frustration of stagnation.

It is from the E.P., Old Cities I. What might we expect in terms of themes and songs on that E.P.?

The E.P. is a collection of six tunes - of which three are concerning Again – and is out now (you can check them out on Spotify, Apple Music etc. etc.). This E.P. is actually the first side or half of this body of work. In the same way that a record has two sides; I decided to release it in two sections, in an effort to give people time and space to enjoy both sets of songs. The themes on Old Cities I are fairly diverse: love, loss; humanity, hope and hopeless romanticism.

Jordi. What was it like being raised in Israel and growing up around the beaches of Sydney? How did you come to meet the band you play with?

Well…I would love to say I remember Israel as a kid but we were back in Sydney before I could walk so, needless to say, I don’t remember anything of any value from that time in my life. I’ve been back though and it’s a cool country; very diverse in both climate and culture. It is crazy to see all its historical significance and visit the places that you might have heard about in Sunday school.

Growing up in Sydney, though, was a dream! Sunshine, some of the world’s best beaches and plenty to do. I grew up a stone’s throw from what some people may know as ‘Summer Bay’ from an Australian show (Home and Away).

The boys I play with all happen to be good friends of mine. We’ve known each other since early-high-school. It is seriously incredible to have best friends that are amazing musicians. They’ve really helped bring this project to life!

Is Sydney thriving in terms of music and sounds? What are the advantages of working there?

Sydney’s music scene is pretty good; reasonably small on a world stage, but big enough to get some pretty decent acts coming through town too! I feel like it is definitely building at the moment: there seems to be new talent popping up all over the place!

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

At this stage, there is nothing concrete in the calendar as yet but we are in the midst of organising some dates in Sydney and surrounds so stay tuned on our social media to keep up to date.

Do you record music in the studio with the band or only on the road? How does the music you make in the studio differ to that of the live gigs – do you have a different set-up and style in each setting?

I basically live in the studio! I love it! I write and produce both for myself and other artists. Having said that, I’m always creating so, when I am out and about, I definitely have my travel rig that allows me to keep on working where ever I find myself. Sometimes, the challenge of not having all your usual tricks and equipment can help you find new approaches to making music! I love that too! 

Might you head to the U.K. at any point?

I hope so! I’d love to get some shows in the U.K. It’s just a long way to go…

If you know anyone wanting an Aussie band to support a tour up there then reach out and let us know. Haha. We’d be keen, for sure! I also have a few friends up there so might make a trip and see if we can slot in a couple little shows on the side (smiles).

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

2018 has already been a massive year for us: we’ve put out two singles, including Again, and two videos with preparations already in motion for the third single - and the Old Cities I E.P.  There is also a plan to have Old Cities II out by the end of the year - or January next year at the latest! We’d love for as many people to hear these tunes as possible.

The most rewarding thing for me is seeing people resonate with your songs and finding some kind of hope or meaning through the tunes that I make.

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

There has been so many cool things that I’ve been able to do through music: traveling, writing and producing etc. But, I think the one thing that really sticks with me is the ability that music has to bring people together. There is a certain vulnerability that comes with music collaboration and I love the way that it can make friends out of complete strangers.

As far as a specific moment goes; playing the Metro Theatre in Sydney was pretty cool.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

That is a tough question…I’m torn between Coldplay, One Republic; Beyoncé and so many others…but, I think I’d have to go with Coldplay just for the chance to meet the guys who I have looked up to for so many years.

I’ll assume you mean the backstage snacks/drinks?! Anything in the world?! Probably an epic Japanese BBQ with a few good Japanese beers and, definitely, some top-shelf Japanese whisky…can you tell I’m in a bit of a Japanese appreciation phase?!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Stick at it and be prepared to do the hard yards. Also; just keep making music, pushing the boundaries of your own thoughts and honing your craft.

IN THIS PHOTO: Middle Kids

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Not really up-and-comers any more, but if you haven’t yet checked them out get into Middle Kids. I just saw them play a show at the Sydney Opera House and it was all time! Also, check out a couple of local acts down here in Aus: LANKS, Glades, Holy Holy and London artist Lucy Mason.

IN THIS PHOTO: Glades

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

I love a good bonfire, a good drink and some banter with some good friends. I actually also unwind on aeroplanes (I love them) and travelling; experiencing new places and different cultures. Give me a snowboard or even a great book, too!

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).

Give Mistake from Middle Kids a spin…you won’t regret it!

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Follow Old Cities

Official:

https://oldcitiesmusic.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/oldcitiesmusic

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/oldcitiesmusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/oldcitiesmusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/oldcitiesmusic

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nLgwDHaapTa9mAho85nuu?si=IDH4BsDkQ1CfdZW6TV7yXw

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1nUaO9dqTg

INTERVIEW: The Worst Humans

INTERVIEW:

 The Worst Humans

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YOU certainly get ample rawness and honesty…

when it comes to The Worst Humans! I have been speaking with Ian from the band about their new single, What I’m All About, and whether they’ll be more material; how the guys got together and whether he ranks Brooklyn as a creative and essential hub.

Ian tells me how he chills away from music and which artists he’d like to support; which newer artists are worth a bit of exploration – a bit of a ‘brief’ and ‘interesting’ interview, to say the least!

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

Interesting…

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

Well. My name is Ian and I play guitar and sing. There’s also Steve who plays bass and Chris who’s on drums.

What I’m All About is your latest single. Is there a story behind the track?

Not really; not a specific story. I’m overcome with boredom most of the time and I find it insufferable. Usually, I contemplate my own death or get high - and I figure there are some people who feel the same. I was able to put it into words one day with my friend Chris McLaughlin (not in the band) and he made it come to life. So the story goes, I suppose…

How did The Worst Humans find one another? When did you begin making music together?

Through a long-time friend, Sam Tall (not pictured).

Is there going to be more material from the band in the coming months?

Probably, ya.

Give me a sense of the artists you were all raised on. What sort of music did you all grow up around?

Everything from, like, Megadeth and GG Allin to Joy Division through to The New Lost City Ramblers.

What is Brooklyn like for a modern band? Is it a great place to study and play?

Most of us haven’t studied Brooklyn but I’m sure it’s fascinating. To be honest, there’s not much of a music scene to speak of. Everyone’s packed up and moved West. I’m thinking we’re trying to make a new one if we can.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

Seriously?  

Is a small tour of the U.K. a future possibility?

Abso-fuc*ing-lutely.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Something with purple.

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

I played Red Rocks one time. That was neat.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Iceage. alt-J; Arctic Monkeys and Meg Myers. TAKE US ON TOUR!

As your band’s name is ‘The Worst Humans’; if you could put any three people on a raft and float them into the ocean forever, who would you select?

Hahaha, finally; not a boilerplate question. If we’re speaking for real, probably Jimmy Buffet, Pentatonix and White Boy Funk (if we can personify it).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Pick anything else…

IN THIS PHOTO: The Tallest Man on Earth

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

The Tallest Man on Earth and Lord Huron. These two are tremendously important to me and it’s important to me that you listen to them.

IN THIS PHOTO: Lord Huron

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

I’m an unsigned musician barely making it in New York. Every waking moment is chilling.

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).

Secret of Life by Lord Huron. Please and thank you

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Follow The Worst Humans

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/worsthumanssuck

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/theworsthumans/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/theworsthumans/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/theworsthumans

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wT3NNdIBjusLCuIDAyzLX

INTERVIEW: STEELE

INTERVIEW:

STEELE

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I was determined to speak with STEELE…

about her track, Knots, and how it came together. The Swedish artist talks about making music/living with epilepsy and how health issues have affected her career; what inspired her album, PAROXYSM, and whether there will be any tour dates – I ask if she will come to the U.K.

STEELE talks about her musical muses and whether she gets a chance to unwind away from music; which musical memory sticks in her mind; some new acts worth a look in – she ends the interview by selecting a rather good track!  

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

Hey! I’m good, thank you! My week has been eventful – but fun! I just released my first album, PAROXYSM!

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

Hi, everyone! My name is STEELE and I’m a half-Swede, half-Brit based in Stockholm. I’ve been a musician all my life, starting off with Classical piano which then emerged into Soul, Funk; Jazz, Rock; Pop and eventually became my ‘own genre’. My music is quite melancholic, bittersweet and progressive - ‘Cinematic Pop/Trip-Hop’.

 

Knots is your new song. What is the story behind it?

Knots was the final song that I wrote for the album and it was is the midst of me being very sick and hospitalised. My loved ones were obviously distressed as I nearly didn’t make it and some of the people close to me couldn’t handle the apprehension and vanished from my life. Of course, I don’t judge anyone for it as it was an extremely uncomfortable situation for everyone but the track is sort of the anthem to that person who left. 

You also have an album, PAROXYSM, out. What sort of themes inspired the songs we hear? What was it like recording the record?

As mentioned above, a big part of the album is permeated by me being sick, and not just recently – but, actually, also right before my first E.P., Opium, was released. Back then, I had to have a severe neck surgery that actually affected my voice afterwards, which you can probably hear on the second E.P., Hiraeth. Other than that, relationships and love are, of course, major factors to my inspiration.

Recording the album has been a roller-coaster, mentally; emotionally and physically. I’ve loved it. I’ve hated it. I’ve felt indifferent. But, in the end, I’m happy to say that the result is a very honest and intimate record that I’m proud of.

How do you think you have grown as a songwriter the past few months? Are you more confident, would you say?

I would say I’ve grown for sure. I don’t feel as restricted or keen to follow rules - or sound perfect or like someone else. I know I’m no Beyoncé - but she’s no STEELE either. Jokes (I love you, Beyoncé!)

How did music come into your life? Which artists sparked your imagination?

I began playing the piano at a very young age; most likely inspired by a bunch of my family members being very musical and introduced me early on. I’d say Björk, Portishead; Massive Attack, Radiohead and a lot of Swedish artists paved the way for me.

You were struck by meningitis and suffer from epilepsy. How has this changed your approach to music?

I think it’s changed my whole perspective in general. Making better choices, being more appreciative; pursuing the right things, cutting myself some slack (for once) and embracing flaws rather than banishing them. All of that I can apply when it comes to music as well.

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

At the moment, we are regrouping both from my recovery and from the release and will let the album live a little on its own. But, we are of course planning to do live gigs in the near future.

What is the live scene like in Sweden? Will you come to the U.K. and play?

The live scene here is pretty good, I think! A lot of people are interested in music and are open to discovering new things, which is great! My plan is definitely to come to the U.K .and play.

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I want to go up to the north of Sweden and do a hike in the mountains. Also, I want to be able to do at least (!) one chin-up. Haha.

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

I’d say when I had the release party for Hiraeth and I was singing 8 A.M. I looked out in the audience and many people had tears in their eyes or even cried. It wasn’t an ego-trip, but I felt touched myself. Music can feel so exposing but at that moment I felt content and connected. 

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Homogenic by Björk, A Rush of Blood to The Head by Coldplay and Above by Mad Season.

They’re all from the '90s and have this wonderfully fulfilling teenage anguish about them.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Remember why you do it, not who you do it for. It’s easy to lose sight when you’re in the midst of the business and most likely people will tell you what to do; point out things you should change about yourself; reject you and tell you they don’t like what they here. Those people aren’t meant to be your audience anyway. It’s really not worth losing your love and passion for music because of some people’s opinion.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Ramsey, Lilla Vargen; Sabrina Claudio and Inude.

IN THIS PHOTO: Sabrina Claudio/PHOTO CREDIT: Nikko Lamere

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

I try to get out of the city whenever the opportunity is given. I love nature and plan to move to the countryside as soon as possible. Also, I love creating - painting, sculpturing; just anything with my hands!

 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).

Downtown by Majical Cloudz

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Follow STEELE

Official:

https://www.iamsteele.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/IAmSteeleOfficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/steelemusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/i_am_steele

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: MAAD

INTERVIEW:

MAAD

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IT has been delightful speaking with MAAD…

about her music and the story behind the latest single, New Religion. I ask her whether there is more material coming and if her experience as a model feeds into music itself – she recommends new artists to watch and talks about touring.

I was excited to learn which artists influence her and what L.A. is like as a base; if we will see her in the U.K. at all; the three albums that mean a lot to her; if she gets time to unwind at all – MAAD gives some handy advice for fellow songwriters coming through.

___________

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

I’m good! This week has been tied up with promoting the video for my recent release, New Religion. Also, I had the opportunity to D.J. for the Instagram launch of IGTV; so it’s been an eventful week, to say the least. 

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

Yes. Of course! My name is MAAD. I’m a singer-songwriter, D.J. and model. 

What is the story behind the song, New Religion? How did that song come together?

New Religion started off in London. I had a session with Grades and Chiara Hunter. I was hype for this session as I had been a fan of Grades’ work prior to me meeting him and would frequently spin his music at my sets. So, it’s always mind-blowing when you get to work with people you admire. 

In the session, I remember Grades playing these chords and Chiara had a few melodies and lyrics that came to mind, so we just bounced ideas off of each other. After the song was written, I recorded a reference vocal of it and took it back home to the States with me to recut it. I enjoy recording myself as I can really take the time I need to tighten my vocals up. I then linked up with my engineer/vocal producer Raleigh to finalize everything. 

Do you see more material coming along before the end of the year?

100 per cent! I’m preparing to release my next E.P. later this summer. 

Ever since I saw the video for 90s Love (2016); it seems like music videos are an important part of your art. Are visuals and representing your music through visual mediums vital to convey the power of the message?

Yes, for sure. I think we live in a very visual time, so it helps connect the listener to the song even more. I personally love the process of shooting videos as well! 

L.A. is where you are based. How important are the city and its people regards your sound and sense of ambition?

Cali is a very recent move for me: a lot of the music that I created for this project came out of N.Y. and London. I am excited to see what sounds I can explore in L.A.! 

You are also a model (as well as a songwriter). Do the disciplines and skills acquired in that field come into music? Are there attributes of the modelling world you bring to music?

Honestly; modelling has taught me so much about the entertainment business. I’ve learned a lot about how to work with a ton of different people and how to build a brand.

Give me a flavour of the artists who have inspired you. Who do you rank as idols?

Some of my favorites are Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson, to name a few. I appreciate their craft as musicians and entertainers. 

You have gained plaudits from radio stations, fashion magazines and big sites. Is this backing and sense of respect something that drives you and makes you more determined?

I definitely appreciate the sites showing love to my music: it’s always important for me to be able to reach new listeners, so I never take any of that for granted. As far as my determination; it comes from wanting to continue to inspire people that they can do whatever they put their minds too. I’m indie and very much still trying to figure things out myself - but it’s nothing like growing into what it is you have in your mind to become.

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

As of now, my team and I are planning a few shows so will definitely be announced in the near-future. 

Will you come to the U.K. and play this year? Do you like the music coming from over here?

I come to the U.K. at least twice a year. I was recently there in May to perform at The Great Escape Festival. The U.K. always shows so much love, so I enjoy coming out there whenever I can. 

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Touring is on the top of my list. It’s nothing like performing and connecting with people through my music. 

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

A recent memory would be performing at Selfridge’s Music Matters series. I broke down in tears on stage as I was just overwhelmed with joy. I had just released a new single and it premiered on Billboard and Apple Music. That moment really meant so much to me. 

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Amerie - All I Have; Glenn Lewis - World Outside My Window and Aaliyah’s self-titled album.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

For starters; make sure you have a solid direction on what it is you want to accomplish. Make goals and go after them. 

For me, I always had an idea of what sound I wanted to create but had a hard time articulating that to everyone in the beginning. Music is all about trial and error: I have older songs that I cringe listening to but you need that to grow. It’s like that saying: ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight’. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Ravyn Lenae

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m really into Steve Lacy, Ravyn Lenae; NAO and Ruby Francis.  

IN THIS PHOTO: NAO

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

To be honest, even when I’m relaxing I’m still thinking about work. I don’t feel like I’m in a place to fully unwind but I have picked up skateboarding as of recently. It forces me to solely focus on what I’m doing because I don’t wanna fall (laughs).

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).

GoldLink (ft. April George) - Rough Soul 

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Follow MAAD

 Official:

https://shesmaad.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/shesMAAD

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/shesMAAD/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shesmaad/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/01XujQ0Nax028Ufr2jl7vd

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/shesmaad

INTERVIEW: Jessie Munro

INTERVIEW:

Jessie Munro

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THERE is so much life and fascination…

running through the blood of Jessie Munro. The stunning songwriter talks to me about her new song, Under Fire, and its personal relevance; what we will get from her upcoming E.P., On My Own – she reveals which artists and albums have been instrumental to her.

I ask Munro whether we will see her in the U.K. and whether there are any artists we need to seek out; what she learnt from Berklee College of Music; how important Los Angeles is as a musical city – Munro ends the interview by selecting a cool song.

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

Hi. I'm great, thanks! My week has been great. How about you?

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

My name is Jessie Munro. I'm a twenty-three-year-old artist from Toronto, Canada and I'm gearing up to release my first E.P., On My Own!

Under Fire is your new one. What story started this song? Was it easy to put together?

At the time, I was kind of mid-breakup at the stage where everyone is trying to weigh in on what they think is best for you. It amazing to have so much support and I am so grateful to have the friends and family that I do, but I started feeling like there were too many people to please. I was feeling like everyone around me wanted something different but I wasn't asking myself what I wanted and, when I finally figured that out and acted on it, everyone had something to say.

As much as this song was written about a specific time in my life, it still applies to my life today. People will always have an opinion but, at the end of the day, I need to fall asleep happy with who I am and the decisions I've made. 

I love your vocals and blending old sleek and modern with vintage and cool. Do you like to splice from the treasure chest of music and mix in some current vibes?

Thank you! Absolutely. I think that is one of the most important things to me. I grew up listening to artists like Carole King and truly admire her storytelling and classic melodies. When it came to developing this sound, one of the main focuses was trying to blend that classic fee good sound with more current sounds. Melodies like that are also so much fun to sing; feels kinda like butter. Haha. 

On My Own, your upcoming E.P., seems to hold emotional weight. Were breakups and heartaches at the centre of your mind? Was it quite cathartic exploring these feelings through song?!

Definitely. This may sound a little strange but my producer and co-writer for this project was my ex. He's my best friend and, when we broke up, a way for us to both kinda cope with it was to write about it. Because we were the only two people who knew and understood exactly what happened and what went wrong; it was really easy for us to communicate how we were feeling and what kind of music we wanted to write to let it go. A very unconventional situation, but, for us, it worked.

There were definitely moments where we'd have to say: "Ok now don't get mad but...I wanna write a f***-you song...about you". It brought humor and emotional release to a shit*y situation; it's probably the reason we are still so close today. 

Is Los Angeles a city you feel free and liberated in? How inspiring is the music and people from the area?

Los Angeles is really growing on me as a city. When I first moved here, there was an element of fear attached to it: this is the first time I've lived on the West Coast, so it has been a transition. But, I really love L.A. It's such a creative and motivating city to be in and I really love that about it. The music scene in L.A. is amazing - I'm a big fan of L.A.-based band HAIM!

Was your time at Berklee College of Music a big reason you are writing your own stuff and looking ahead?

Yeah, for sure; that was always the plan. I studied Musical Theatre prior to going to Berklee so, when I decided that what I really wanted was a career as an artist, it made a lot of sense to go to a school where I would have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with so many talented people in the same industry. I'm so fortunate to have had the chance to study there: a majority of my network out in L.A. is from Berklee. 

If you could pick any musician to have a party with; one to date and another to go to the movies with...who would they be?

Impossible question but here goes nothin'….

Rihanna to party with because, duh, it's Rihanna! I think it would be fun to date Harry Styles (if I didn't say that fifteen-year-old me would be mad) and I would die to go to the movies with or just hang out with John Mayer - I live for his Instagram and I feel like he'd have some great movie commentary. 

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we catch you perform?

I will be playing my first show in Toronto on October 4th at the Revival! Super-excited to be playing at home. I will have more dates soon so keep a look out (smiles).

Might we see you in the U.K. at all? Do you like British music?

100%. My producer is from London and I've been a handful of times. One of my favourite cities! I’m a big fan of British music: I love Lianne La Havas, Jorja Smith and Cosha. I'll be over to play as soon as possible!

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

Loads. Haha. I'm working on some singles – post-release of my E.P. I'm-super excited to share the E.P. but I'm also really pumped about what will come after! I would just love to get as much of my music out as possible!

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

I do, actually. When I was eighteen, I was on a show called Over the Rainbow - it was a show started by the BBC with Andrew Lloyd Webber that they brought to CBC in Canada. I was fortunate enough to be cast in the show and I remember the first live show we did. All ten of us girls were lined up on the stage waiting for the show to air and for us to do our first number. I remember standing on the stairs with our backs to the audience in our Dorothy dresses.

We each had mics on us and in-ear monitors so we could hear each other but the audience couldn't hear us. We were all equally so nervous but excited to turn around for the first time and perform to a studio audience on live T.V. - and to our families, who we hadn't seen for over a month. It was a lot of "Love you all", "Let’s do this!"; "Here we go ladies". It was a really exciting moment kind of this big reveal which, in a way, is how I feel now about releasing my first E.P. All the work and hours…and now its time to share it! 

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Great question…

Tapestry - Carole King 

The first album I fell in love with. 

Blood - Lianne La Havas

This album is a story start to finish for me. I recommend listening to it somewhere quiet with some candles or just in the dark (Ha. A little dark but it’s perfect).

Sound & Color - Alabama Shakes

Sonically, one of the best things I have heard. 

I'm not a huge Country fan but, at the moment, I am addicted to Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour - summer jams. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just do you and let's hang. Haha. I feel like I'm still a new artist coming through and I think one of the things that give me some piece of mind is surrounding myself with artists and creators who are driven and passionate about what they're doing! 

IN THIS PHOTO: Charlotte Day Wilson

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There's a girl from Toronto that is killllin' it named Charlotte Day Wilson. Big fan, check her out!

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

Not as much recently but I'm a sucker for some wine and hanging with friends. If I have more time, I really love being around my family - we are really close - and skiing. I grew up racing and there's something so freeing about it for me. 

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 would love to hear Bladerunnin’ by Cosha!

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Follow Jessica Munro

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jessieleith

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jessieleithmunro/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jessieleithmunro/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1NEf3r0zMf7aOOwAsWWdsP

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jessie-leith-munro

INTERVIEW: Alluri

INTERVIEW:

Alluri

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IT has been amazing speaking with Alluri…

about his new single, Don’t Lose Touch, and how he came to work with Glen Matlock. He explains how the former Sex Pistol found his work and whether they will work together again; what sort of gigs are coming up – Alluri tells me about a cool Spotify playlist that has come to mind.

I ask when music came into his life and what sort of material might come in the future; how he spends his moments away from music; whether there are any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year – he talks about his Indian heritage and bringing that into his music.

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

Been good. Thanks for asking. My week has been less busy than the last one. Perhaps some songwriting is in order

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

I am bloke from Hyderabad in South India who fell in love with Rock ‘n’ Roll music. After my first album, Man of Truth, I had a crisis of identity and ended up recording my second album in Telugu, my native language, which is due to be released in its entirety in August of this year.

Don’t Lose Touch is your new single. What is the tale behind it?

I wrote this song in December 2016 with a friend. I was out of love with songwriting and I had to force myself to write this song. I am happy with what turned out.

Glen Matlock produces the song. How did you come to meet him?! Was it intimidating having a Sex Pistol in the studio?!

I was at home with my niece and nephew in November last year. I was playing the guitar one morning. On stopping my practice, my sister forced me to continue as my nephew had just woken up. I wasn’t too keen on playing so I thought I would scare him away by playing an acoustic version of Anarchy in the U.K. To my surprise, he started dancing instead. So, I decided to cover that for my gig at Transmusicales in Rennes.

A YouTube link to this half-Telugu, half-English cover of the song was sent to him via Twitter by my manager. Glen loved it and retweeted it. After this, he was sent a demo to Don’t Lose Touch which he liked so he ended up producing the song. We recorded it in Milan with Tommaso Colliva who had worked with me on my Telugu album. It was a fun process. It wasn’t intimidating.  He was very cordial and easy to work with. In fact, after the first day in the studio, he asked me if he was too bossy. I said: “You are alright, Glen! If anybody can be bossy, you certainly have earned the right to be so”.

Do you two have plans to work together again? What did Matlock bring to your music?

We will be playing a gig in India on 1st August. He is coming over to India for the first time. Should be fun. In regards my music; he got a great bassline and a harder edge to the song by making the most subtle of changes. Perhaps we will record an album together. Who the hell knows!

What plans are there for more material? Are you working on stuff at the moment?

My identity crisis is done so I am back to writing songs in English. I have just finished recording three new songs with producer Adrian Hall in Surrey. These are new songs that I had finished writing in Jan this year. Essentially, I am working towards my third album so there will be some E.P.s on the way before that.

Do you recall when music came into your life? Were you raised around a lot of musical stimuli?

My father in his youth in the '80s in India used to be an ardent listener of BBC Worldwide radio. So, by the time I was born, he ended up buying C.D.s of Classical music, John Lennon; Tears for Fears and Elton John. He, in fact, forced me into learning Western classical violin and piano at age four, which I didn’t take to very well.

Having been raised in India; do you take any elements from the music and people into your current music?

Musically, the sense of rhythm, at times, can be influenced by Indian music. Apart from that, the lyrics are written from the perspective of a well-travelled Indian man.

Will there be any live dates coming up? Where can we see you play?

I will be playing a gig in August in Mumbai and Hyderabad to promote my Telugu album. Of course, Glen Matlock is coming over for the Mumbai gig. Apart from this, if things go as planned, there will be gigs later in the year in England and Europe

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

To write about thirty more songs and do demos for them. Essentially, focus on songwriting for the third album.

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

Nothing really comes to mind - played a gig last week in London which Glen Matlock came to. So, watching him bob his head to my half-Telugu, half-English cover of Anarchy in the U.K. was pretty special.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

I am the proudest of my Telugu album. But, currently, the third album is what means most to me as I am in the process of writing it.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Focus on the songwriting.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

The music used on this documentary called Wild Wild Country has been a revelation to me. There is a Spotify playlist. I have been listening to that incessantly over the last few months. Great music and great new artists I found there.

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

Cricket and cooking.

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

Green Point Reprise by Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind. Came out a couple of months ago. Cheers!

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Follow Alluri

Official:

https://allurimusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/allurimusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/allurimusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MJd59IWbIWtj6CdlJhWG8

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBg10OrI7hcGuyOSotZrNWg

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/alluri-2