INTERVIEW: Ghost Caravan

INTERVIEW:

6.jpg

Ghost Caravan

___________

THE fantastic Ghost Caravan….

88.jpg

has been talking with me about her latest track, Shine On, and what its story is. I ask the songwriter which artists she grew up around and how her work has developed since the start – she recommends a few rising artists we should get behind.

Ghost Caravan selects a few albums that are important to her; what she wants to achieve before the end of the year; whether there is time for her to chill outside of music – she reveals if there will be tour dates coming up.

__________

Hi, Ghost Caravan. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi! It’s been great. The Toronto International Film Festival just closed in Toronto so that’s been keeping me pretty busy. Between events, playing a gig and seeing films while keeping the rest of my life going, it’s been a whirlwind.

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

I’m Shaina Silver-Baird and I am the lead artist on Ghost Caravan. However, there are a whole group of amazing musicians, producers and songwriters that have all contributed to the project. The Ghost Caravan sound is Orchestral Soultronica. G.C. strikes a fine balance between electronic tracks and live, organic instruments creating a sound that is cinematic and invigorating. Think Electronic-Pop with a soulful vibe.

Shine On is your new single. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

Shine On is an explosion of self-celebration. What started as a break up song became an upbeat, feelgood discovery of what it means to truly let your light shine against all odds. Shine On is the re-birth after loss; the dance party in your underwear; the uncontrollable laughter with friends. It’s a call to action. As it says in the lyrics: “Keep yourself moving into the sound, shine on!”

How do you think your work has developed since you started out? As a songwriter; are you always searching for fresh inspiration and adding new elements into your work?

When I started the project, I was so focused on being dark, showing my heartbreak and pain in order to be a ‘real artist’. But, I started to realize we don’t actually need more of that in the world. We need to be uplifted. We need to be able to access our murky depths, but we don’t need to stew in them. I want to empower people. I want to make them dance and make them smile.

So, my music is still about those dark places, but I focus on finding the light in them and celebrating the magic in the world. I’m focused not on the moment of despair, but the moment right after; the realization of your own strength and beauty and ability to move forward. Loving when it is hard… that’s heroic. That’s what I want to represent in my music.

8.jpg

What sort of sounds did you grow up around? When did music come into your life?

My parents loved music, so music was always playing when I was growing up. We listened to a lot of Jazz, Blues; Soul, Pop and Traditional Folk music from the Balkans (my parents taught traditional Balkan Folk Dance…talk about niche!), which I think is where my love for unusual rhythms comes from. Generally, if music makes me feel something or if it makes me want to dance, I love it.

Might we see more material next year at some point?

Yes! The next single and music video, Damn You, will be out by the end of September and the full eight-song E.P. will be available soon after. It’ll also be available on limited edition vinyl at the album release party in Toronto on Oct. 6 (or if you live abroad we can ship it to you!)

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I want thousands of people across the globe to be listening to the songs on the T.O. Confidential E.P. I am so proud of this album and all the work my whole team has put into it and I want as many people to hear it as possible. The response to Shine On has been so positive and so many people have told me the song just makes them feel good. I hope the rest of the songs have the same effect.

7.jpg

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

What comes to mind is not a specific memory, but a specific moment that occurs whenever I’m co-writing a song. It’s that moment when you first hear the full thing all the way through - once you’ve finished writing the lyrics and the skeleton of the instrumentation is there and you can HEAR that it’s going to be great. I’m in love with hearing that potential and imagining where a song can go.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

The answer to this question changes depending on the year and what I’m going through. But, right now:

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

It’s classic. It’s amazing. The end.

Bishop Briggs - Church of Scars

This was the soundtrack to my life this year. So much soul. If this album were a colour it would be deep, deep purple and I want to dive into it.

Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer

Because it is unabashedly female, feminist and it celebrates female sexuality from a female, not a male, perspective. Beyond being catchy as hell, I think it’s a really important album.

54.JPEG

Will there be some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

There will be some more coming up but, right now, we’re prepping for the Vinyl Release Show in Toronto on Saturday Oct. 6 at The Supermarket.

Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. and play at some point?

Yes! It’s definitely a goal.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Create your own opportunities. If you’re writing and singing and playing all the time, even if it’s open mics and small time gigs, eventually you’ll grow and someone will hear you. Get out and play in front of people as much as possible.

MIR.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: MIRIAN

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

MIRIAN – she’s an amazing R&B singer who I sang with in my Folk band for five years and she’s doing some very cool stuff.

Laura Tremblay – also a Toronto staple I’ve played with a bunch. Super-fun, soulful Folk/Rock.

Grand Analog – amazing live Hip-Hop. Odario Williams guests on my next single, Damn You, and he is one of the most engaging live performers I’ve ever seen.

Hill Kourkoutis – she’s a producer working with some of the best in Toronto. She produced Shine On and she’s fire. Look out for anything she’s had a hand in.

lau.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Laura Tremblay

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

This summer, getting out of the city to a cottage or the wilderness has been key for me…that and reading. I’ve rediscovered the library this year and I pretty much always have a book on the go. I love losing myself in stories. I was an only child so books are my happy place.

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).

Body by MIRIAN

___________

Follow Ghost Caravan

87.jpg

INTERVIEW: Marlon Chaplin

INTERVIEW:

1.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Greggain

Marlon Chaplin

___________

IT has been great speaking with Marlon Chaplin…

2.png

ARTWORK: Karly McCloskey/PHOTO: Michael Greggain and Marlon Chaplin/CONCEPT: Marlon Chaplin

about his debut album, The Circle. He talks with me about the album’s themes and whether Toronto and its people/sensations feed into The Circle; when music came into his life – Chaplin recommends some rising artists we should be aware of.

I ask the Canadian musician whether there are tour dates coming and if he has favoured memories from his career so far; what he does to unwind away from music; the three albums that mean the most to him; what he hopes to accomplish before the close of the year – Chaplin chooses a rare gem to end the interview with.

__________

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

It’s a bit of a whirlwind right now. I’m still coming down off a wonderful C.D. release party - packed house, one of Toronto’s finest venues (The Piston). It was a real raver. Two nights ago I shot part of a new music video for one of the album’s songs; I’m in the process of working on a concept for another and just got through booking a slew of new dates with my management. 

So, when I catch my breath, I’ll let you know.

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

Hi world. I’m Marlon Chaplin. I’m a musician, songwriter and producer from Toronto currently in the process of rolling out the album I have a sneaking suspicion we’re about to talk about…

The Circle is your debut album. What are the main themes that define the album?

It’s a piece that deals with ideas of a cyclical nature. It’s life, death and everything in between. I don’t feel a lot of things are black-and-white and a lot of looking at life and your surroundings comes down to perspective: one man’s trash etc. That kind of thing. From the album art, to the lyrics and music itself there’s a healthy amount of Easter eggs for those that want to go digging.

What has it been like recording the songs? Is it cool to be releasing through Möbius Recordings?

The recording process was a fruitful one. Eric Duquette, who plays guitar on the record, recommended the studio/engineer. We cut the bed tracks at Lincoln County Social Club with John Dinsmore in four days as a five piece having rehearsed it for months. Later, horns, strings and various other overdubs were added. It eventually made its way into the hands of Chris Shaw, who’s done brilliant work with Weezer and Bob Dylan. The making of this album was, overall, a carnival of delight.

The record simply wouldn’t exist without Möbius Recordings, so I think the gravitas speaks for itself. 

3.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: JP Kelly

There are personal offerings on the album but I feel the sights and sounds of Toronto, in a way, play a role. How important is the city to you?

Hmm, that’s interesting. I’d be interested to know in what sense you got that impression. You’re right. There are nods here and there, mainly in the artwork but I’ve lived here my whole life so whatever the sound of Toronto is - and that’s impossible to pin down - I’m sure it bleeds through in some way. 

I’ve never been that songwriter that name-checks locations and whatnot. Some of my favourite songwriters are, but it’s just never come naturally to me. So, my roots/heritage probably leak through more conceptually.

When did music come into your life? Which artists did you obsess over?

Music came into my life, basically, from day one. I remember being very small and wondering who exactly Jo Jo was and what a loner is. The full-on obsession started with The Who. That was my scour-the-earth-for-original-magazines-cut-out-the-pictures-of-Townshend-mid-leap-and-plaster-them-on-my-wall fixation. My influences run the gamut though. Since my teens, it’s been a case of if it moves me then it stays. Genre doesn’t matter to me one iota. 

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I want this record to reach a lot of ears because it deserves it. It’s my personal best and it’s what’s needed at the moment. Alternative, Rock; Pop - whatever you want to call it - needs a jolt of electricity and realness and, above all, songwriting. There are a million bands that look the part, sound the part but don’t have the tunes. The tunes are here. It's the recipe for longevity. By the end of this year, I want to turn on as many people as possible. 

It’s always getting a little bigger each day which is much, much better than the other way around. 

4.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Raquel Simoes

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

Impossible to pin one down. In many ways, I feel like I’m still just beginning. But, for today? My first club gig ever. The Rockit (long-since gone). That first hit, you know? It’s always the most powerful. You always remember your first time. 

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)? 

‘The White Album’ (The Beatles) – The Beatles

Because it told me you can do anything.

Another Side of Bob Dylan – Bob Dylan

Because it told me you can say anything.

Songs for the Deaf – Queens of the Stone Age

Because it told me you can be beautiful and brutal at the same time. 

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

Mai Tais. Hyperbolic chamber; Wayne Newton. 

3334.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: JP Kelly

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

All Ontario dates until November at the moment. Oct. 5th, we’re at the Atria in Oshawa; Oct. 6th at the Foxx in Barrie; Oct. 12th at The Brownstone in Orillia and then it’s homecoming at the Horseshoe on Nov. 21st. 

How important is it being on stage and performing? Is it the place you feel most comfortable? 

It’s hugely important. It’s one of the places I feel most comfortable - that and the studio. My goal in all of this is basic at the end of the day: make people feel how my favourite artists make me feel when I listen to their records and see them live, which is the highest high.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

That would depend on what this hypothetical artist wants. Some people just want to make music for their cat. Some want to be Lady Gaga. It’s all good. Just keep your aim true and remember that critics, parents; teachers, whoever are just people with opinions. 

na.jpg

IN THIS PHOTO: THE NAIVE

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

You might catch me on a couple technicalities if we’re talkin’ new. But, relatively unknown? THE NAIVE, Jerry Leger and Ada Dahli.

2.jpg

IN THIS PHOTO: Ada Dahli/PHOTO CREDIT: Gárate Photography

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

The short answer is ‘no’, I don’t get much time away from music. I can’t afford any time away from it. I’m not cut from the 9-to-5er cloth: I don’t work for the weekend. I don’t save up for a vacation in Punta Cana or wherever. It’s just not in my blood. I just make music. 

I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey last night at something called the Cinesphere on 70mm. That unwound 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).

Yes. No Man’s Land by Syd Barret. It’s a murky, dirty and twisted little dirge I just adore

___________

Follow Marlon Chaplin

6.jpeg

INTERVIEW: Tiger Mimic

INTERVIEW:

Tiger Mimic II.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jo Martin-Kelly/JMK Productions

Tiger Mimic

___________

I have had fun chatting with Bram and Jess of Tiger Mimic….

Elephant Skeleton 17.jpg

who have been discussing their upcoming work, Elephant Skeleton EP. With tracks Don’t Cover Up My Eyes and Elephant Skeleton out; the guys chat about their creations and what they want to achieve going forward – I ask how they got together and whether there are any gigs due.

Bram and Jess talk about their favourite memories from their careers to date and how they unwind away from music; how that special chemistry comes together; which rising artists we need to get behind – they each select a great song to end things with.

__________

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

Bram: Hi, Sam! Doing well, thanks. It's been a good week. We just rolled out our first music video on Friday, which is also my first animation project since I was a kid, so it's been nice to have some new stuff to share. 

Jess: Hey, hey! Doing great, thanks. It’s been a busy week, but the good kind of busy! Didn’t sleep much last night because my heater decided to make the craziest sounds at 4 A.M. - but it’s nice and sunny today, so can’t complain!

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

Bram: Sure! I'm Bram, originally from the States and I play guitar and sing for Tiger Mimic.

Jess: Woot woot! I’m Jess. I sing and play the synth. We’re an Indie-Rock band based in London and the other two members are Ben on bass and George on drums…but they couldn’t be here today.

How did Tiger Mimic get together? Is there a story behind that name, too?!

Bram: I had been writing and performing for a solo project I had going in N.Y.C. when I met Jess and she had her own thing too. Except for a couple joke songs in school, I had never really had any luck writing with other people, so I was surprised to find that co-writing came very naturally with her. After I discovered the joy of co-writing, I basically just dropped the solo stuff. Completely.

Jess: Ha, well. it just sort of happened. We met and started hanging out and, one day, Bram picked up his guitar and started noodling and I just started singing. It started that day and never stopped. Finding a name wasn’t easy at all - I’m sure other bands understand the struggle! A tiger mimic is a butterfly that has evolved to look like a poisonous butterfly (although, it isn’t) so that predators leave it alone. Also, I’m slightly obsessed with my cat (like full-on-crazy-cat-lady-obsessed) and he’s a little tiger mimic. 

You have an E.P. coming out next year. What can you reveal about the songs included and themes addressed?

Bram: There are five songs on the E.P., two of which have been released so far: Don't Cover Up My Eyes and Elephant Skeleton. The other three are titled I Took Off My Body, Salt Woman and In the Distance. Thematically, we have pretty different writing styles. The two songs on the E.P. that I wrote the verses for, Elephant Skeleton and Salt Woman, address very simple, personal things in indirect ways. Sort of bittersweet themes of transition and change just attacked from different angles; a garden falling into neglect or someone just carried away on the wind. There are a lot of nature elements in my writing. 

Jess: Like Bram said, there are five songs and In the Distance, which is the last song on the E.P., is the slowest, moodiest and saddest one - and perhaps my favourite one to sing. In the Distance, Don’t Cover Up My Eyes and I Took Off My Body were started as complete improvisations. Bram started Elephant Skeleton and Salt Woman and I liked them so much I wanted in on them, so I wrote the choruses.

I think people will be able to tell who wrote what at some point! I make up a story in my head and then write from the perspective of a character in the story. My songs may sound very personal, but they aren’t. Bram is a much more poetic writer than I am.

You have already released the singles, Don’t Cover Up My Eyes and Elephant Skeleton. How has the reaction been so far? What is it about those songs that marked them out as early singles?

Jess: Don't Cover Up My Eyes has been out for a couple months now and people have been really supportive. It’s been really nice getting people’s feedback and encouraging words, especially when they’re strangers. We like the way the song starts with just bass and voice and then builds up. We have so much fun playing it we just thought it could be a good introduction to our style. 

Bram: Elephant Skeleton is pretty fresh out the door, but the initial reaction has been good so far and we've been hearing positive things about the video, which is really nice. It's hard to predict whether an 8-bit adventure story about an elephant losing his bones will resonate with your audience but some people have already told us that they're expecting a sequel now, so that's nice to hear. That song always felt like a good mix of what defines Tiger Mimic's sound for me: trading vocal parts, harmonies; narrative lyrics and a lot of different layers as the song progresses.

Jess sm.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jo Martin-Kelly/JMK Productions

If I were to travel back to your childhoods; what sort of music would I find in your collections?

Bram: The first records that I would seek out were Beatles records - Magical Mystery Tour was the first non-children's record I really got into. My dad had a lot of really great '60s/'70s vinyls: Hendrix, Doors; Neil Young, Joni Mitchell; Leonard Cohen, Zeppelin - so those were all in heavy rotation when I was growing up. When I branched out on my own, I got into a lot of different things, though. My first concert was Nine Inch Nails, but my second was probably something like Weezer, so I was all over the place. 

Jess: Oh man, I think I liked a little bit of everything. My family and I moved so much when I was a kid that it kind of depended on the countries we were in. In Lebanon, the only music playing on T.V. and on the radio was basically either Arabic music, which I disliked as a kid, or basically just the ‘hit’ Pop songs. There wasn’t much else, really.

My dad had Classical music albums and my mom loved The Beatles so I listened to those quite a bit. I loved discovering new music. I remember, sometimes, we’d buy something from the store and it came with an included C.D. and I just couldn’t wait to listen to it. When we moved to France, my first album was a Bob Marley C.D. and my favourite band for many years was Nirvana.

ARoof small.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Luis Guillén

There more are and more mixed-gender/unisex bands coming through. I think you get more depth than an all-male band. Do you think having Jess in the band, and providing a female perspective, gives you extra contours and layers?!

Bram: I can say, for me, the music immediately got a lot more interesting when I started writing with Jess. I enjoyed the stuff I did before but there was something homogenous about it, like something was missing. She has a completely different approach to melodies and writing lyrics and it really brings a different energy to the songs.

Elephant Skeleton is a good example of a song where I had a melody and a couple verses and no idea where to go. Jess just immediately had this great melody and that totally made the song for me. Apart from gender differences, though, she also grew up in different places in Europe; lived around different cultures, speaks more than one language and I’m from a little rural town in the U.S. in a state that is known for having a lot of rocks (seriously) - so our perspectives come from almost cartoonishly different sources. 

Jess: Aw. I wouldn’t dream of being in a different band. I love playing with those guys so much and initially I was hoping there could be another female band member so we could be two girls and two guys. But, we all clicked immediately and I love the way it turned out!

Bram sm.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jo Martin-Kelly/JMK Productions

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Bram: We're pretty new in town, so I think getting out on stage as much as possible and putting on some good shows is the best thing we can do in terms of building an audience right now. We'd also love to connect with other like-minded bands around town who might want to join forces for some cool showcases.   

Jess: Yes!

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

Bram: A lot of my music career has been really D.I.Y.; recording in friend’s closets and things like that, so getting into a real studio this year was pretty much fulfilling a lifelong dream for me. Working with an awesome band, an awesome producer and just spending twelve hours a day in a windowless room working on music, it was really incredible.

Jess: I share that same memory. It was really even better than what I had hoped for and imagined. Another favourite memory of mine is several years ago when I was living in N.Y.C. I posted a song on Facebook and sort of forgot about it. Then, a couple of years later, I saw my friend Pauline who lived in Europe and she started singing my song. I realised she knew the lyrics. It made me really happy. I sang the song at our first show in London and she was dancing and mouthing the chorus with me. 

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)? 

Bram: Oof, tough. Maybe a tossup between Songs of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen or Zuma by Neil Young

Both have really strong childhood memories attached to them; hearing my dad singing around the house - and then later playing them together when I learned how to play guitar too. 

Jess: Blue by Joni Mitchell

I’m most comfortable when I sing high so, whenever I wanted to cover a song, I had to change the key. I grew up thinking ‘Oh great, I’ll just have to sing Opera I guess (which I did for a while) because I can’t sing any Rock or Pop songs; my voice is just too high’. Then, I discovered Blue and, for once, I was so comfortable singing someone else’s songs, it was in my range! That album helped me not give up wanting to be a singer: it made me feel more comfortable with my voice. 

Hair small.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jo Martin-Kelly/JMK Productions

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

Bram: Tom Waits, I think. He's such a distinctive artist and I think a tour with him would be a completely unique experience. He always seems to pick these really atmospheric, classic venues too which I find appealing. Almost all of the most memorable shows I saw in N.Y.C. were at places like The Apollo or The Beacon. it really feels like an experience in those smaller venues. 

As for a rider...I can probably only think of food things. In a perfect world, there would be amazing Thai or Mexican food along the whole trip. If someone really twisted my arm I could drum up a few other demands, but I'll never be the 'no brown M&Ms' kind of guy. 

Jess: I’d love to open for Björk. She’s awesome. When we eventually go on tour, all I’ll really need is a daily shower. Actually, being the only girl on a tour bus, I’ll especially wish for a daily shower for each of the guys. 

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

Bram: We'd love to get a tour lined up but, right now, we're just focusing on London. We're pretty new in town, so we're still getting our name out there; trying to connect with other bands, meeting promoters etc…so that's going to be our focus for the time being. Next show, though, is on September 26th at the Dublin Castle in Camden, we'll be playing at 8:30 that night. 

Jess: Yay. Hope some of you guys can make it that night! We’ll be announcing some other show dates soon too. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Bram: Just figure out what makes you different and use it. There are a lot of bands doing the same thing really well but I’d rather hear someone who is a little rough around the edges and trying something new. That’s what moves music forward for me. 

Jess: Do not compare yourself to anyone else. You are who you are and you do what you do. And, be patient: it really takes time to build a loyal fanbase. A lot of new singers that pop up and are immediately extremely famous have a whole P.R. team; managers and a label that is investing a lot of money in them and, of course, that’s really great for them! But, if you’re D.I.Y. then it will take time and it’s okay that it takes time.

sal.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Saltwater Sun/PHOTO CREDIT: Rosie Mackay

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Bram: I've been enjoying Saltwater Sun from Reading. They're on tour right now and will be in town the night after our gig, so I'm hoping to make it to that. I don't know how long they've been around exactly but there's also this London band, Weird Milk. I've only heard a few songs so far but they're doing some really interesting work.

Jess: Yeah, cool bands. I like what I’ve heard from Shanghai Blues and the London band Oshens have some really nice songs also! 

sh.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Shanghai Blues/PHOTO CREDIT: Ant Adams Photo 

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

Bram: There's a lot of Sci-Fi love in the band, so we've done a few movie marathons together at our flat. The Alien series; Predator, things like that. I also read quite a bit, paint a little and just wandering around getting to know London has been great. I was in N.Y.C. for fourteen years so it's fun having a new city to explore. 

Jess: I cuddle my cat; I like to draw; I hang out with family and friends. I love watching movies, so that’s definitely my go-to unwinding thing. The film marathons with the band are great – we watch too many movies, eat too much food and then we lay on the couch like beached whales and complain that we ate too much and, also, when’s the next film marathon? It’s all very, very sexy and Rock’n’Roll. 

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).

Bram: Oh. I’ve been loving what Elza Soares has done with her last couple album. Her song, Banho, is so rad. That’s my pick

Jess: Angel Olsen - Shut Up Kiss Me! Love that song

___________

Follow Tiger Mimic

IMG_7018.JPG

INTERVIEW: Future Jr.

INTERVIEW:

ft.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jackson Todd

Future Jr.

___________

I been speaking with Future Jr.…

2.jpeg

about his new track, Forget About Me, and what its story is. The Brisbane-born artist discusses his start in music and what he grew up listening to; whether there are going to be plans and tour dates coming up – he recommends a rising artist to watch.

I ask which albums are most important to him and why he decided to move to Austria; which artist he would support if he had the chance; whether he gets time to chill away from music – Future Jr. ends the interview by selecting a cool song.

__________

Hi, Future Jr. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! I’m doing really good thanks! How are you guys? 

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

Of course! My name is Matt. I’m twenty-four-years-old, from Brisbane, Australia and I make music under the name Future Jr. 

What is the story behind the new single, Forget About Me? Was it exciting hearing it premiered on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show?!

It’s really just a little glimpse into my life. I recently had a period of my life where I had (wrongly) convinced myself I had to choose between my dreams of success and love. I’m a really driven person and it’s not often that you find yourself surrounded by people who understand that drive and the sacrifices that you have to make in music. So, it’s really just an open letter; a P.S.A. to say ‘I hope you know what you’re signing up for’. 

You were born in Brisbane and raised around music. How important was your family home regarding your choice of career?

It’s been super-important for me. I grew up in a really creative household. From a very young age, in order to keep me and my siblings entertained, my mum would gather us together and play some simple chords on guitar and encourage us to write our own songs and melodies to match the chords. It was little things like that - it happened all the time. I was lucky enough to have parents that encouraged me to chase what I was passionate about.

Which artists struck your ear at a young age?

I probably had less of the typical music education than most kids. I never really remember listening to the radio very much as a kid. I grew up in church, so Gospel and inspirational Pop artists like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith were always playing in the background. The first C.D. that I bought myself though was a Hip-Hop group called DC Talk. I latched onto it, because they used these huge, loud drums samples typical of '90s Hip-Hop. It was the first album I just absolutely rinsed. 

4.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jackson Todd

How important was it moving to Vienna and spending time there? Was it an eye-opening move for you?

I think, without me knowing, it was super-foundational. My whole family moved over when I was seven. It gave me a taste for adventure. I grew up in an environment where my whole family were experiencing new things together. It’s also a city that’s drenched with so much quiet beauty and history - the birthplace of some incredibly important historical musical figures, like Mozart for example.

It’s a city that understands art and encourages the pursuit of it. Looking back, it was invaluable. Vienna never yells at you like a city such as New York would. It just quietly whispers and encourages you to create something. I think that’s the part of Vienna that will always stick with me.

Might we see more material next year at some point?

DEFINITELY. Lots of it. 

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I’m actually about to head off on a big trip to L.A., N.Y.C. and London for a few months. It’s going to be a lot of songwriting and making art! I’m just so excited to start creating the next era of Future Jr. and write the next part of the story. 

3.jpeg

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

I remember when I got the final masters back for my first E.P. It was late, I had just got back to my car after getting dinner with some friends and the email came through. I immediately plugged in my phone and sat there listening. It was the most surreal experience for me. Sitting there in an empty carpark, I was listening to the soundtracks of one of the worst years of life. After I finished listening, I sat there in silence for a bit then finally drove out of the carpark. It was one of the most still and quiet moments of my life. I left all the troubles of that year in that carpark. 

Which two albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)? 

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

I had discovered Bon Iver in my last year of high-school - and the year after he dropped Bon Iver. It was the soundtrack to my coming-of-age and continued to be a pillar for years to come. The themes in that album about finding your identity had a huge impact on me. 

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

This was the soundtrack of high-school for me. This was the album my friends and I would blast with the windows down on our way to the beach. I still remember hanging out with window of my friend’s beat-up Ford Lazer screaming out the lyrics to Lisztomania as loud as I could.

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

Haha, oh man! That’s a huge question. Right now, I would say probably someone like Lorde. I love what she’s doing and what she’s done from day one. She creates this music that’s authentic and uniquely her but still has these anthemic Pop hooks. I feel like the crowds there would also probably be willing to have more of a heartfelt experience at those shows. In saying that, maybe a bit of a guilty pleasure; supporting someone like Bieber would be pretty amazing as well. Haha.

I don’t even know what I’d ask for my rider. Haha! I’m not the most extravagant kind of person. I’d be content if there was just fresh pizza every night of tour. 

5.jpeg

Will there be some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

There are some tasty things in the pipeline at the moment. It’s a bit of a surprise. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Figure out early why you want success. Figure out why you’re making music. If you’re in this game for riches and fame then you’re in the wrong biz, kid. Fall in love with creating art for the sake of creating art, not for the sake of making money. 

No.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: No Mono

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Wow, that’s so hard. There’s so many at the moment! My top new recommendation would be No Mono. They’re some local lads from Australia. They’re creating some incredibly intricate and soulful music. Picture James Blake crossed with Jamie xx.

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

I love the beach. It’s my way to switch off my brain; lying in the sand with the only sound being the waves crashing. That is my sweet-spot. It also always fills up my inspiration tank. If I’m ever feeling dry, I always head to the beach. 

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’ve been slamming this track since it dropped. Some serious early-2000s R&B/Pop vibes: Girls Don’t Cry (ft. Maribelle) - Young Franco

___________

Follow Future Jr.

6.jpeg

INTERVIEW: At Pavillon

INTERVIEW:

1.png

At Pavillon

___________

THE Austrian band At Pavillon…

l.png

have been discussing their new single, Lions, and what we can expect from them going forward. The band reveal how they got together and what sort of music they are inspired by; an album each that means a lot to them – I ask whether there are any tour dates coming up.

The guys talk about the scene in Austria and when music came into their lives; if they have favourite memories from music; what they want to achieve by the end of the year – they pick a great song to end the interview with.

__________

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

Very exciting. The last couple of weeks, we have focused on the international release of our energy-boosting single, Lions. The reactions so far have been great!

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

We are an Indie-Rock/Pop quartet based in Vienna, Austria. Tobi (Bass) and Paul (Drums) are our rhythm section - they keep the whole thing together. Berni (Lead Guitar) and Mwita (Guitar and Singing) represent the melody and entertainment section.

 

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

There are those moments in life where we do not truly believe in ourselves. In such moments, it’s easy to follow empty promises of success but, in the end, you are caught by the power and will of everyone else but you. But, if we are aware of our inner-lion, we can achieve something great!

Lions EP is upcoming. Are there particular themes that inspire the work?

To us, diaspora artists like Freddy Mercury or Bob Marley are really inspiring as they had to face lots of challenges based on their social, ethnical; cultural or migrational backgrounds. To us, they are lions or, as Freddie Mercury would have called it: We Are the Champions!

How did At Pavillon get together? When did you start playing together?

Mwita and Berni have already been friends since their high-school years. They decided to play together when Berni was proving to Mwita that he could play the Harry Potter theme with his guitar on the back which, indeed, is astonishing! It took up until 2014 when Paul and Tobi joined. Paul was pretty shy and introverted at the beginning but, when he was playing during the rehearsal breaks, we knew what he was capable of.

Tobi came into rehearsal room as a Jazz guitar player who wanted to play bass as a musical compensation. Turned out that he is as phenomenal on the bass as he is on the guitar. With Berni’s sense for melodies and Mwita’s incredible voice, we knew we could write some good music. But, most important for us, was the fact that we felt like brothers from the moment we met!

3.jpg

You are based out of Austria. Is there a strong music scene there right now?

Definitely! Especially in the recent years, the scene got way more professional which is also appreciated by the international music business and media. From our perspective, we are really happy to see that more and more guitar-based bands make their way onto the global market!

When did music arrive in your lives? Which artists are you inspired by?

For Tobi, by the time he was in kindergarten, he was listening to his father’s old records: Led Zeppelin, Cream; The Monkees, Jefferson Airplane; The Beach Boys, The Animals, etc. This music fascinated and shapes him to this day. Berni started playing guitar at fifteen because he was obligated to do so in school. When he bought his first classical guitar, he just got addicted and couldn’t stop playing for himself at home. Paul, like Tobi, grew up on the record collection of his parents. It was (especially) Jimi Hendrix and his father’s hairstyle that got him closer to Rock music. The decision to study an instrument was done with the help of his parents, as his childhood wish was simply to play music on a stage.

Music arrived in Mwita’s life when he first started covering songs with his friends and they made up their own stories to existing songs. This was also the time when they went busking on streets. He is inspired by Benjamin Clementine - because he is one of the few who writes their music in an unconventional lyrical and musical way. This helps him to rethink his own songwriting.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

We hope that our upcoming album, Believe Us, enables us to play our first world tour!

6.jpg

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

Well. There is this one memory that is quite important for all of us. At the very beginning, we were invited to play at a small festival in Italy. After an eight-hour drive, we arrived there and suddenly it started raining pretty heavily. So, when we entered the stage, there was literally no-one upfront. We looked at each other and decided to play this show as if it was our last. After a few minutes more, more people started to come closer to the stage despite the heavy rain!

At the end of our set, there was indeed a crowd who were applauding. Since this moment, we have decided to play every show as if it was our last! Because, if you believe in yourself and give everything, then you will be rewarded!

5.jpg

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Mwita: Tokio Hotel – Schrei

I was fourteen when I bought this album. I could totally relate music and lyrics-wise to their music. This was my theme for a year. This album gave me strength, hope and energy at times where I felt down.

Paul: By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers

I was around twelve when it got released and my understanding of Rock music was still based on my parents’ vinyl collection. So, in 2002, I was at a drum weekend workshop which was in a really beautiful castle. While I was making my way through these huge corridors, I suddenly heard this crazy beat. I was following the rhythm and found myself in front of a drummer who was in his mid-twenties.

I was asking him which beat he was playing and he told me it was (the one of) By the Way by the R.H.C.P.  As soon as I was home I went to the record store; I bought the album and couldn’t stop listening to it up until today. It was my entrance into Rock music - and I am so grateful for that.

Tobi: In fact, it was a ‘best of’ album from Led Zeppelin

Because of Jimmy Page, I wanted to learn to play electric guitar. Later; John Paul Jones taught me bass. I was totally thrilled by these musicians.

Berni: One of the most inspiring albums I ever heard is the album In the Woods from Francis International Airport

I love every track because it’s extremely atmospheric and dynamic. I still get many ideas for At Pavillon’s riffs and sounds from this record.

4.jpg

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

Mwita would love to support Phoenix. Ideally, we would be allowed to use this huge mirror they were touring with in 2017!

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

Our next show will be on Wednesday, 19th September at Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg. The venue is called Indra. It is the first place The Beatles ever played in Hamburg.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Believe in yourself and love what you do. If you don’t do it, nobody will! 

ps.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Parcels

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Parcels, LISS; Lo Moon; Her, Leyya…

Lo.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Lo Moon

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

If there is any ‘off-time’, then we love to meet friends that we haven’t seen for a long time, go out for dinner; read a good book or convince our parents being a musician doesn’t imply we are junkies (smiles).

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

Her - 5 minutes

___________

Follow At Pavillon

7.jpg

INTERVIEW: Ishani

INTERVIEW:

MAIN.png

Ishani

___________

I have been speaking with Ishani…

Ishani_DarkAngel_SingleCover.jpg

about her latest single, Dark Angel, and its very personal story. She reveals why she wrote the song and what comes next for her; when music arrived in her life; the artists that are inspiring to her – Ishani chooses three albums that are especially important.

I ask her what advice she would give to artists coming through and whether she gets time to chill away from music; what she wants to achieve before the year is through – she ends the interview by selecting a rather emotional song.

__________

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

Thanks, man. It’s been pretty chaotic. I’m working in a studio in Brighton so lots of travelling back and forth to London. Hope you’re well too!

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

Hi! I’m Ishani. I’m a third-culture kid who is now based in East London. I’m a singer-songwriter who produces moody, down-tempo tracks with Trip-Hop and Alt-Pop influences. My latest songs are socially aware offerings dealing with mental health and the human condition.

Dark Angel is your new single. What is the story behind the song?

Dark Angel was my response to the deaths of two my friends to suicide. It combines sadness and anger woven together in a world that has been turned upside down.

It is designed to highlight Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Why did you decide to look at suicide and raise awareness in that area?

Too many idols - Chester Bennington, Chris Cornell; Avicii, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain to name a few - have left us recently. It seems to be getting worse and worse and mental-health is so important. I wrote this song as an empath, because reading about so many successful, talented people taking their own lives affects me. I take all this negativity and turn it into something productive like a song. It helps me cope and understand.

Your music is getting stronger and more confident. Do you feel like you are growing as an artist?

Thank you so much! Yes, I definitely feel I’m maturing with my sound. In fact, I can’t wait for you to hear my next release. Working with Zaflon on these tracks has helped me to become more confident. He believes in my work and my sound and is an incredibly talented producer!

mg5113ba (1).jpg

Might we expect material next year such as an E.P.?

My first E.P., Stormy Emotions, is coming this winter. I’m also working on a top-secret project on the side that I can’t wait to tell you about. Hopefully, I will be able to announce it soon!

When did music come into your life? Which artists did you follow when you were young?

I’m deeply influenced by artists such as Massive Attack, Portishead; Morcheeba and Hooverphonic. When I was young, I listened to Michael Jackson all day and all night! I like that his music had social messages and I like to bring that element into my music too. Eminem helped me get through my teen years and I listened to a lot of Alternative-Rock and Pop too. Growing up in India in the '90s, I’m also influenced by the Indian Pop music I listened to on the radio.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

My main goal is to release my E.P., Stormy Emotions, and its title-track with a really cool music video that I am currently editing! I work with a great director, with an amazing eye, so I think it’s going to awesome.

mg5141.jpg

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

I think watching my first music video on T.V. was the biggest rush ever! I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was a dream come true.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Garbage - Garbage

Because it was a present from my dad and he thought it would be funny to give me a C.D. that had Stupid Girl on the cover (ha ha). I actually fell in love with the band and still love them!

DJ Shadow - Endtroducing…..

One of my favourite DJ Shadow albums. I was so happy watching him live last October at the Roundhouse on the twentieth anniversary of the album.

Portishead – Dummy

This Portishead album introduced me to Trip-Hop, which has been my main musical crush to this day and still inspires the music I make. It is just the perfect album and feels completely timeless.

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

Kindness, A.K.A Adam Bainbridge. Lately, he’s been doing some soul-searching about his identity and being half-Indian. I watched a seminar he did recently talking about gender and identity in music and would be cool to work on some stuff with him!

mg5172-1.jpg

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep putting new stuff out there. Make music that you like and not what you think other people will like. Hang out with people who nourish your soul. Enjoy the process. Push yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Don’t let social media bring you down and don’t compare your art to others. Support your favourite artists too. And always keep believing in yourself.

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

They say if you do something you love you'll never work a day in your life - it’s more like you never stop working in my case! I do find the time to do some yoga and chill. I love living in London. There is so much to do and see. I love getting out to exhibitions and shows or sitting in a dark cinema and losing myself in a movie.

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).

We lost a great soul last week - Mac Miller. I’d like to listen to Best Day Ever (bonus track version; I prefer it way more than the original). R.I.P. Mac. Gone too soon. Thank you so much! I really enjoyed this interview…

___________

Follow Ishani

mg5123ba.jpg

INTERVIEW: Kramies

INTERVIEW:

1.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Ellie Nonemacher  

Kramies

___________

THE splendid Kramies has been letting me into his world…

HILL.jpg

and talking about the new single, The Hill Dweller. I learn how the song came together and what it was like working with producer Jerry Becker; what themes go into the E.P., Of All the Places Been & Everything the End (out on 19th October); which albums and artist are most important to him - I ask how he got into music.

Kramies discusses his upcoming plans and how he relaxes away from music; which artist he’d support if he has the chance; whether there are any tour dates booked in the diary – the songwriter ends the interview with a great song choice.

__________

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

I’m in a happier place these days. Its Sunday here in Colorado and I’m planning a few trips for the end of the year. Especially excited for one adventure where I’ll be holed up in a little cabin, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to start writing again.  

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

This has always been the hardest question for me. I always try to answer it with humor, but I’m sitting here with someone struggling to find the perfect answer and we’re laughing so hard at the weird things I say…

The simplest introduction is I’m an artist living in the mountains of Colorado and, for some reason, I seem to create dreamy, dark - yet optimistic – fairytales-laden music. Also, I laugh…a lot…and loud. So, we are creating quite a scene here. I’d say people mostly recognize me by my witch cackle - that can echo throughout an entire building I'm told.

The Hill Dweller is your new single. Is there a story behind the song? What was it like working with Jerry Becker on the song?

I only seem to write when a story starts to develop in my mind and they always seem to develop really fast. This particular story came to me while walking through the landscapes of Ireland. It’s a small piece to an entire tale. The whole E.P. is actually a story that came to me while residing that castle. The Hill Dweller was originally supposed to be the end of another song but it actually became the ending of the entire E.P.

I wrote it in the farmhouse of Shankill Castle in Ireland where I recorded the acoustic and vocals of the song. I then sent the project over to Jerry Becker. And, roughly 1 year later, Jerry sent back The Hill Dweller. He completely arranged it beautifully with deep layers and I fell in love with it. He’s a huge part of that simple song and I was pretty lucky to get to work with him - and it’s extra-special to work with a long-time friend.

Of All the Places Been & Everything the End is your new E.P. Is it true it was written in an Irish castle?! Did you find it a particularly inspiring place to be?

Absolutely. Ireland has always been a close place to my heart - the history, culture; landscape and architecture. I don’t even know where it comes from but when you’re given that setting to create, there are two things that happen. It either transports you to a different time frame, which helps you create, or it completely enamours your mental vision so you create something that is all your own. I have to say it was one of the hardest times to write because it was a struggle to push myself a little further. Further than what I have been doing. And, in the end, that experience has become the biggest part of the story.

3.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Ellie Nonemacher  

Is there a song/collaboration from the set that stands in the mind?

Yes. There are two, actually first: Everything the End. I originally wrote that song as a terrible Christmas song… I've always wanted to write an eerie Christmas time song...but that’s a story for another time. After I put it aside for some time, I finally sat back down with it and changed a few things. I just started piecing it together again, rearranging it and then sent it to Jason Lytle. When he returned it, I realized that this collaboration marked the first moment that the E.P. started to take shape. It all finally started to come together.

The second was The Hill Dweller. Hearing the ending of the E.P. really helped create a place to work backwards from and Jerry produced such an amazing ending.

When did you get into music? Which artists influenced you growing up?

As a kid, I grew up very shy. I always found myself putting on my dad’s headphones and listening to old Christmas and a Halloween records, to the point where my dad had to take the records away from me and tell me to go play outside. Those records had a huge impact on me. Then, I got to the age of where whatever was put in front of me that’s what I wanted to do or wanted to become. One Christmas, all I really wanted was a keyboard...but my parents decided to buy me a guitar instead. So, I would make up my own tunings and pretend it was a keyboard.

I think my self-isolation and youthful nervousness projected me into music further and I taught myself how to play the guitar. I never tried to learn others’ songs and I never really fit into playing in a band. It was a combination of this and old holiday music that, I believe, shaped my sound. As I got older though, I fell in love with David Bowie’s album, Hunky Dory, Simon & Garfunkel and Led Zeppelin III. These all helped as well to mold my strange de-tuned songwriting style.

4.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jérôme Sevrette

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

That’s a hard question to think about. Well; I would hope to find more comfort in the writing process and I hope to live enough experiences for another story to come to me...since I never know when it’s going to hit.

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

Unfortunately, most of my time in the early-’90s was fueled by drug addiction. It wasn’t until I got sober in 2004 that my music and life started to shape a beautiful chemistry. Since then, I have a lot of great memories - especially opening for really cool bands like Yo La Tengo, Granddaddy and Spiritualized. Playing some really unique sold out shows in Europe is always very memorable. But, just the fact that I still get to do this and create new E.P.s makes me so thankful.

6.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Jérôme Sevrette

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Well, first: I have the tendency to listen to songs over and over, not a particular album. But, as far as the albums go…

The second side of Led Zeppelin II - Led Zeppelin

It is perfect by being imperfect. It has this depth of heaviness and intention that I find beautiful.

Hunky Dory by David Bowie

I cherish it because that’s how I taught myself to sing. The melody and emotion behind the vocals entranced me as a young kid. Being able to hear studio noise (the phone ringing in the background) is something that stuck with me my entire life.

Nothing Shocking by Jane’s Addiction

This is the first time I experienced heaviness on an album without it being considered straight-forward Rock ’n’ Roll.

And, one more, because today I’m enamoured with Joanna Newsom’s songs -’81 and Divers - because she is one of the most talented songwriters and has the most beautiful voice. I have listened to the song ‘81 a thousand times and still get choked-up.

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

As for a musician, without a question, it’d be Joanna Newsom. And, for rider: having a place to pass-out from nerves would be ideal too.

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

In the spring of 2019, I will happily be roaming through the Netherlands and France (and a few more other days are being booked and released soon too).

2.png

PHOTO CREDIT: Ellie Nonemacher

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

As cliché as it sounds, don’t follow a trend or be try to be anyone else. There are million artists out there and everyone has a purpose. But, there is only one you. Be genuinely you and create from your personal emotions, heart and vision. That's where strength is - the rest will fall into place

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

It’s funny, because most of my inspiration comes from architecture and landscape so I never really listen or search out the new. New work typically falls in my lap, or I hear it in a movie; or maybe even heard it in passing.

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

This last E.P. was the hardest to unwind from. It’s just now, after a year-and-a-half, all starting to subside. I’m not sure why I’ve struggled the most with this one or what the result will be but the most I can do is spend time in nature and try to get away from the thought process that comes from creating.

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).

Divers by Joanna Newsom (or ’81). I’m slightly obsessed!

___________

Follow Kramies

5.jpeg

INTERVIEW: Basement Revolver

INTERVIEW:

Basement 01.jpg

Basement Revolver

___________

IT is an exciting time for Basement Revolver…

eyes.jpg

what with an album out and tour dates coming. Chrisy from the Canadian band discusses Heavy Eyes and what sort of themes influence the album; how the band got together and what sort of artists/tones inspire her.

The band each select a song to end the interview with whilst Chrisy highlights upcoming artists to watch; how it feels getting big love from the press; the one album that means the most to her – she provides some useful advice for artists coming through.

__________

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

We are good! The week has been a little bit hectic - getting ready for Supercrawl and our upcoming dates but that is a good kind of hectic!

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

Hi! I’m Chrisy. I sing and play guitar in Basement Revolver alongside my pals Brandon on Drums and Nimal on Bass.

How did Basement Revolver form? When did you all meet?

I met Nimal when I was about eight-years-old when his family moved to Canada. Brandon and Nimal met at college - and then I met Brandon through music things! Basement Revolver started when I decided to experiment with guitar pedals and effects instead of making Folk music and Nim helped out for a battle of the bands. After that, Brandon joined and we’ve been going hard ever since.

Heavy Eyes is your debut album. Are there particular themes that have gone into the record?

I guess the general theme is tiredness? I don’t know that I have a word for it, but that feeling that you have after a long year; the calm after the storm.

The press and fans have really reacted to your music. How humbling is it to know they love what you do?!

It is very weird and kinda cool? I don’t think that we ever expected B.R. do go as well as it has and I am so, so thankful that it has. I really wouldn’t want to do anything else!

Basement 03.jpg

Do you remember the artists you followed growing up? Who do you rank as idols?

Aaron Weiss from mewithoutYou. One day I *dream* of playing a show with them. They were a very foundational band for me.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Hopefully, just to keep some momentum going into the New Year and to keep writing songs!

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

Brandon sleeping in the car. He always falls asleep. It’s a classic move.

Basement 09.jpg

Which one album means the most to you would you say (and why)? 

I think that Pale Horses by mewithoutYou is the best album I’ve ever heard. It is just all around the perfect record for me.

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

Here is my list of top people I dream of supporting one day: mewithoutYou, Japanese Breakfast and Jay Som. I think those are all the bands I would undoubtedly fan-girl over.

We have watermelon candies on our rider! That’s what’s important (smiles).

poster.jpg

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

We are supporting Amber Arcades for a bunch of dates in October.

Will you come to the U.K. and play? Do you like British music?

How could you not like British music?! Ahah! We are supporting Amber Arcades around the U.K. in October.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just keep going! It can be a bit of a rollercoaster: don’t let the quiet times get you down. There is always gonna be quiet times - it doesn’t mean that you’re a failure!

ell.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Ellevator

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

My fave coming out of Ontario right now: Ellevator, Ellis and Tallies

ellis.jpg

IN THIS PHOTO: Ellis/PHOTO CREDIT: Ariel Bader-Shamai 

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

Not really. Haha. I have three jobs to support my music endeavours. Hopefully, someday soon, I can pull back on some of that but you gotta do what you gotta do.

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

I’m gonna choose The Drain by Ellis - and I’m gonna choose for the boys too!

Nim is gonna choose Walkaway by Weaves  

Brandon is gonna choose Blue Boy by Mac DeMarco

___________

Follow Basement Revolver

Basement 02.jpg

INTERVIEW: Dancing on Tables

INTERVIEW:

1.jpg

Dancing on Tables

___________

WITH Colour Me Good out in the world…

33.jpeg

I have been chatting with Dancing on Tables about the song and what comes next for them; what the story is behind that band name; how the Scottish crew came together – they tell me about their touring plans and where we can catch them.

Dancing on Tables reveal a favoured memory from music and whether increased live exposure have made them stronger performances; if there are rising artists we should check out – they end the interview by choosing a great song.

__________

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

Hey! We are good, thanks. It’s been busy getting ready to release Colour Me Good on Friday. We did get to go to the AIM awards on Tuesday which was a fun one.

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

We are a five-piece from near Edinburgh (…nobody knows where Dunfermline is). Each of us have quite varied musical influences that we draw on when writing, but we are best described as Indie-Pop - somewhere between Circa Waves and Metronomy I would say.

Colour Me Good is your new single. What is the story behind the song?

It was a really fun song to write and a favourite one to play in the set. It’s a perfect song to encapsulate the feeling of summer. Our Space Race E.P. focused on the idea of missing someone, so we feel that Colour Me Good shows a much lighter and happier side of us that we haven’t put across yet.    

Do you think there will be more material coming next year? What are you working on?

We have lots of material recorded that we will be releasing over the coming months. E.P.-three will be released at some point in 2019 - then we will decide where to go from there.

How did Dancing on Tables get together? Is there a story behind that name?

We were friends at school and started a band as we found it we could use it as an excuse to get out of some classes and are still here five years later. We actually played our first show without having decided on a name. We saw people dancing on tables during the night and decided that it was a better name than any we had thought of before.

3.jpeg

When did music arrive in your lives? Which artists are you inspired by?

We have all loved music from early on. Growing up in Scotland means that you are surrounded by the history and stories of acts that have gone on to play around the world. From a young age, I would be given old Orange Juice and Primal Scream albums, so I have them to thank for getting me into music. As we have two main singers, the songwriting of similar bands such as The Libertines or The Beatles (obviously) have been a big influence to us.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I think the main thing is that people like the music we release and enjoy the shows that we play in the next few months. I try not to focus too far in the future - so will just see what happens.

5.jpeg

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

When we played smaller venues, we would do a thing at the end of the set where we invited people onto the stage to dance with us for the last song. The first time we sold out a venue in Dunfermline we did it and the stage was too packed to move…but it meant that I played the last song whilst watching my best friend attempt to dance for three minutes while right beside me. A strange one but memorable.

Which one album means the most to you would you say (and why)?

I remember the first time listening to Babyshambles’ Down in Albion album after being given it by a friend aged ten and being absolutely amazed by what I was listening to. It was the first time I got the urge to start discovering music for myself and gave me a taste of what else was out there to find. Who knows what I would be listening to now without it.

4.jpeg

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

I would support The Killers and (because I wasn’t allowed to say this in my last interview). I would have lots of hummus and some Red Stripe. It’s a winning combination. I saw The Killers at TRNSMT this year and their live show is up there with the best I’ve ever seen. Also, Brandon Flowers just seems like a very interesting guy to talk to.

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

We are doing our own headline dates in England, as well as touring with Cassia over the next few months. You can catch us here:

13th October: Leicester - The Cookie (supporting Cassia)

14th October: Bristol - Hy-Brasil Music Club

15th October: Birmingham - Subside

16th October: Manchester - The Castle Hotel

24th October: Aberdeen - Drummonds (supporting Cassia)

25th October: Glasgow - King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (supporting Cassia)

26th October: Newcastle upon Tyne - The Cluny (supporting Cassia).

6.jpeg

You have played some great gigs and festivals. Has this exposure and experience made you stronger live performers?

I think the more often you play the more you want to see new places and play new, bigger venues. I think we have quite a strong live performance because we enjoy it so much and that comes across. It really is a hobby that we are lucky enough to do as a job.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The best advice I ever received was don’t be a dick. You will get nowhere in music if nobody likes you, so be a genuinely nice person to everyone you meet because you never know who they might be. Also…have fun.

cass.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Cassia

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Cassia are one of the most exciting acts around just now and we are really excited to tour with them. In Scotland, Retro Video Club and Declan Welsh & the Decadent West are two bands that seem on the verge of something big. The new album by Bad Sounds is one of my favourite of this year.

DE.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Declan Welsh & the Decadent West

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

It’s quite full-on all-year-round. As soon as one song is out, there is always more material to write or practice or people to meet etc. Most of the time, if I have a free night, I’ll spend it playing FIFA. What a wild life.

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

Thank you very much. I will pick my favourite song just now: You Don’t Walk Away from Love by Peace

___________

Follow Death Machine

7.jpeg

INTERVIEW: Death Machine

INTERVIEW:

2.jpg

Death Machine

___________

I have been spending time with Death Machine…

1.jpg

as they talk with me about their new track, Isle of Mine. I ask what the story behind the song is and what we will get from their upcoming album. The band discusses their musical tastes and how Death Machine found one another.

The Danish band recommend rising artists to watch and reveal what their touring plans are; if there is any time to chill away from music; what advice they would give to artists coming through right now – they end the interview by selecting a song I have not heard before.

__________

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

Jesper: Besides being a musician, I also work as a graphic designer and the last week has been really busy. Too much work! (And surrounded by people who don’t recognise all my efforts). Quite a crappy week, actually. But, I’ve also, with great excitement. Been looking forward to releasing our new single.

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

Morten​: Hi. We are a lo-fi Folk band called Death Machine. The band consists of Jesper Mogensen on Vocal and Guitar, Simon Christensen on Keys; Sven Andersen on Drums and Morten Ørberg on Bass. Death Machine's musical expression is based on American lo-fi Folk and likes to mix traditional songwriting with more abstract chanting elements. We play music that mixes spherical and earthy elements.

Isle of Mine​ is your new single. What is the story behind it?

Jesper: When I write songs, I start out playing around on the guitar while singing complete nonsense. In this case, I kept singing the words "isle of mine". When I began writing the lyrics for the song, my first intention was to delete that phrase but, as the words got down, it suddenly made sense. My subconscious is always one step ahead I guess.

I write about stuff from my own life and Isle of Mine is about finding a way back to yourself at the end of a relationship. A sort of defence mechanism where you try to detach yourself from your partner. I believe a relationship is dead a many years before the actual breakup. In this state, we tend to live in mentally solitude. Living on separate islands.

It is from your upcoming third record. Can you tell us what sort of themes and ideas influenced the material?

Yes. Isle of Mine is from our forthcoming album. We are still in middle of recording it and are still experimenting a lot, but I guess we tend to seek a more tribal kind of feeling on this album. More heavy beats than on our previous two albums.

5.jpg

How did Death Machine get together? When did you start playing together?

Morten​: In 2013, Sven and I played in another band. Jesper had been to a couple of our concerts, but we never really spoke a lot after these concerts. But, when Jesper suddenly did not have musicians for a band for a Death Machine showcase, he contacted us. We only played one concert and then went to each side.

Several months later, we met randomly at a bar where we decided that Death Machine should be a trio and immediately started writing songs together. The first song that came out of it was the song Loans. Not long after we got Simon on the keys because we had difficulty creating the spherical sound on the stage. Simon was the perfect match; the starting point for our collaboration is and always has been that the music is central and not the single band member's ego.

3.jpg

You are based out of Denmark. Is there a healthy and promising music scene there?

Jesper: In my experience, the Danish music scene has never been better. There are so many talented people and new bands all sounding like professionals. I think it has to do with the new technological opportunities. You can record an album in your bedroom and it sounds great. You don't need expensive studio time anymore.

Do you each remember the artists you followed growing up? Who do you rank as idols?

The most important artist is difficult to say. You keep evolving as a person and your taste in music changes. But, the first musician who inspired me was Michael Jackson. I wanted to learn to dance like him. Then, later, I started listening to techno. But, the Grunge wave made me want to play music. The Danish band Psyched Up Janis got me into playing drums. I don't listen to any of them anymore though. Recently, I've been listening a lot to Bonnie Prince Billy. Kind of my idol at the moment.

4.jpg

Simon:​ I still remember the kind of breakfast I had when I heard on the radio that Freddie Mercury had died. Queen were my childhood idols. Live at Wembley was a very worn V.H.S. Since then, Mogwai, Sonic Youth; Radiohead, Grandaddy and Arab Strap…my idols are still Thom Yorke, Thurston Moore and Freddie Mercury. The best concert in a while was Florence + the Machine at Roskilde.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Jesper: By the end of 2018, I hope the new album is ready to be released. That is my focus at the moment.

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

My favourite memory has to be our concert at SPOT Music Festival. The venue was perfect for our music and, before the concert, we were very nervous as to whether anyone would come to see our show – but, luckily a lot did and we got really nice feedback. A lot of good stuff has happened since then.

6.jpg

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Morten​: It's hard to answer. I have many favourite albums, but I especially like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Fleetwood Mac's Rumours and The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds - because these three masterpieces cause both memories and big feelings and I never get tired of hearing them.

Simon​: It’s difficult to say, but maybe Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois album. That album got me into the Folk genre. I kind of found my place as a musician: what I wanted to do and could do. But, there are many good albums out there. All of them inspiring.

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

Don't know about the rider, but I could be cool to support Bonnie Prince Billy or Radiohead. Hopefully, chat a bit with them too.

8.jpg

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

Jesper: Unfortunately, we don't have any U.K. dates but we have a lot dates around Germany, Austria; Switzerland and Denmark this autumn. Just check our Facebook.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don't have that much advice because we still in the middle of coming through. But, I guess a general piece of advice would be to remember to be true to yourself and the music you make.

pal.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Palace Winter/PHOTO CREDIT: @PalaceWinterDK

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There is a new band called Palace Winter. They write really good songs! Also, Marie-Louise Munck. She is, in my opinion, one of the best singers in Denmark.

ma.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Marie-Louise Munck

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

Jesper: Don't have that much spare time - but I like Netflix.

Simon: Not much time, but watching the Premier League; playing with my girls and drinking coffee are some of the ways I relax.

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

Jesper: Chad VanGaalen - City of Electric Light

___________

Follow Death Machine

7.jpg

INTERVIEW: Terry Emm

INTERVIEW:

3.jpeg

Terry Emm

___________

THE excellent Terry Emm has been talking with me…

8.jpg

 IMAGE CREDIT: Alban Low

about his latest single, The Leaving, and looking ahead to his E.P., Ornate (out on 21st September). I ask whether there are themes and stories that inspired those works and, after a six-year gap, he is coming back into the music – he reveals his favourite artists and some albums that are especially important.

Emm talks about a favourite musical memory and tells me a rising artist we should check out; if touring is a future possibility; the advice emerging artists should absorb and consider – he ends the interview by selecting a ‘90s classic.

__________

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

Hi, Sam. Busy but I’m starting to thrive off of it.

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

I’m a singer-songwriter, originally from Bedfordshire but I recently relocated to Hertfordshire to get into a denser countryside. I now live opposite the former residence of English nobleman, writer and Quaker legend William Penn. My first album, White Butterflies, came out in 2009 and I’ve steadily followed it up with regular releases when I’m feeling the music. Styles on my albums have varied from Acoustic to Indie-Pop to Rock and Electronic - wherever the wind takes me.

What can you tell me about the track, The Leaving, and its story?

The Leaving was originally titled Love Is a Fear and was always one of my favourite songs to sit and play by myself for years but, for some mad reason, I never recorded or released it. It’s about the fear of getting into new relationships, change and the fleeting yet beautiful interactions we have in life.

It is from your E.P., Ornate. What sort of themes and stories define the E.P. would you say?

The E.P. feels like a brand-new chapter to me but is quite rooted in the past and nostalgia with most of the songs being around for quite a while. Now, I feel like they have the production style that I always wanted for them. I was aiming for understated beauty; the kind of thing you’d want to listen to on headphones by yourself or could disappear into on a long night-time countryside drive. I’ve tried to keep things simple yet underpin certain moments and move into different styles where a sort of timelessness can hopefully be created.

This is your first work in six years. Is there a reason for the hiatus?

I actually quit music after a long stint of gigs that took a lot of energy and soul out of music for me. The industry changes so rapidly and I feel like I’ve never been fully able to capitalise on good achievements I’ve attained through it. I like to think of it as casting pearls before swine but it may be that being a musician is just as tough as everyone says. I realised I had never had a long period of not pursuing music goals and it was really good to switch it off for an extended period of time and see what else life had to offer.

That may always be my problem with trying to do music as a living. It’s so much heartache being an artist and also having goals to achieve something with it. You do some tracks and play some gigs and people say it’s good so you think ‘how far can this go?’ and then the goal posts move back and the industry evades you.

5.jpeg

So, I forgot about music for a long while and figured it’d come back to me when it needs to; did some travelling without the guitar for once; visited a lot of temples and magical places in South America, which was amazing, and wrote a book on past life regressions - that type of thing. All of that turned out to be equally important in my life than my previous music dreams. Eventually, when moving house, I did the cliché thing of trying to ‘get back to my roots’ by unearthing and looking through old demo tapes, minidiscs and C.D.s I’d recorded when I was younger. I liked the purity and innocence of them and how I’d just record things ‘for me’. Songs like Sun and Moon and The Leaving from the E.P. were then re-ignited. It was then an invitation by my friend Jonathan McMillan to record at his studio, The Smokehouse in London, that prompted making the E.P.

Listening to your work; I get the sense you are more attached with old-school recording and an analogue sound. Do you think you are more enamoured with the music and recording processes of the past?!

On this E.P., I loved having a lot more space in the studio. The Smokehouse Studios, where it was recorded, made things feel like I was recording a live set. They have a wicked analogue desk that everything went through and I respect and love that kind of thing. But, also, digital is so flexible and easy that it made things easy to create original atmospheres on the tracks and edit out me constantly saying ‘are we rolling?’ at the beginning of tracks quickly. The E.P. is a combination of both: looking backwards and forwards.

7.jpeg

In terms of musicians; what sort of stuff are you into? Who were you raised on?

I was raised on Oasis, The Kinks; The Beatles, ‘80s Pop and Northern Soul but quickly developed my own tastes and moved into all kinds of territories. Red House Painters are a big influence on me and other acts of that ilk but recently I’ve been listening to D Double E, Bleachers; Grand Drive, Harry Shotta; Barenaked Ladies and I loved the comeback album from Busted for some strange reason! I also have a list of music from films I’ve watched recently that I must get into more…

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

To tell you the truth, I’m a bit wired for a T.V. or film music sync right now. I’ve always loved when I discover new music through T.V. or films and feel like I’ve got a lot of material that could suit that type of thing in many ways; so more writing and working on that side of things could be good. Of course, if any musicians reading this like my stuff and fancy taking me on as tour support, I may be persuaded to emerge from my current meditative river-side-hidey-hole to do it too.

4.jpeg

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

Wow; hard to pick! Maybe driving around in my friend and fellow musician Craig Currie’s (of The Nimblewits) car on the way to open mics with the windows fully open and turning up Nick Cave’s The Mercy Seat to full volume or re-recording all the jingles at the studio on his radio show. There’re so many funny moments from my first two albums recorded with Richard Durrant.

His kids rolling me up in their front room carpet; being a ‘silhouette oarsman’ at his old Ropetackle ‘Airport Club’ and going to the Adur Beer Festival during recording sessions. Also; gigs I did in Germany were fun in a glass, cube cafe in Mainz - which turned into a late-night smoking session - and a house concert where most of the audience had dyed blue hair.

8.jpeg

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Johnny Coppin - Songs of Gloucestershire

It’s the most beautiful album you’ll ever hear and reminds me of my time at uni in Gloucestershire and of Folk clubs. Also, there’s a song on there, Piper’s Wood, which I can’t listen to without welling up.

F.S. Blumm - Summer Kling

Every year, when summer kicks in, I have to dig out this quirky experimental gem. It’s rich in odd, improvised music which comes together into stunningly pretty pastel arrangements.

Brent J Dickey - Overblind (E.P.)

I’ve no idea if it’s available anywhere still but I love this wacky, sparkling Indie-Pop E.P. and listened to it solidly for a whole two weeks whilst driving around America for the first time, taking in the culture.

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

Would love to open up for Billy Bragg. I think it’d be a raw show and my mother’s maiden name is also ‘Bragg’, so maybe he owes me one by default.

Rider-wise: Jaffa Cakes and rum are a rider for real singer-songwriters (to slightly quote Kano)…hold tight James Chadwick; that’s a real O.G.

6.jpeg

Can we see you tour soon? Where are you playing?

I have no plans to get back touring as of yet - unless someone comes up with an awesome tour schedule for me.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be yourself and make sure the music is as good as it can be before you put it out. Don’t get hung up on milestones like touring, press; radio etc - just keep going with as much creativity as possible. Get friends and other artists involved as much as possible. If it works out, great - if not; just be proud of the music you’ve made and the fun times.

josh.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Josh Wheatley

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Josh Wheatley from Nottingham is a fine young singer-songwriter, writing far better songs than I could ever dream of coming up with…

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

I’ve been watching a lot of good films recommended by my girlfriend recently and love escaping on country walks, plus getting into historical and philosophical interests. I recently went to Italy to check out the birthplace of Giordano Bruno.

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).

Mark Morrison – Return of the Mack

___________

Follow Terry Emm

2.jpeg

INTERVIEW: Carys Calling

INTERVIEW:

DSC_8245.jpg

Carys Calling

___________

I have been settling with Carys Calling…

sing.jpg

as she tells me about the new single, Honest. The songwriter talks about the track’s story and which artists inspired her to get into music; relocating and moving to a new city; which three albums are especially dear to her – I was keen to know whether there are gigs coming up.

Carys Calling discusses the importance of being on stage and connecting with people; what upcoming artists should remember; whether she gets time to chill and unwind; which rising talent we need to get behind – I discover which recent musical moment is most ‘memorable’ to the songwriter.

__________

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

Hey, Sam. I’m great, thank you! Are you well? I’m in the middle of moving from Bath to Bristol which is keeping me busy, alongside promoting the new single and working on a university deadline before heading back to Newcastle for a few days. Can’t complain!

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

Of course. I’m a Dark-Alternative-Pop artist, originally from Newcastle; singing/writing haunting raw songs. I always write lyrics first: I don’t play an instrument (YET), so the bare bones of every song starts with the words. I’m also obsessed with visuals to music, so I’m equally as involved with the artwork/videos.

I think a song can be transcended in different ways when you hear it and when you see the video/visuals. I had an accidental break from releasing/performing music when I moved to Bath, so expect more releases, videos and live gigs from the end of September!

Tell me about your new single, Honest, and how it came together. When did it start life?

Honest began one rainy November afternoon a few years ago when I still lived in Newcastle. I was living alone and in a new relationship that was quickly fading. The late-night talks blurred into silence, while the noise between the sheets continued. I was feeling emptiness and fireworks at the same time, clinging onto that feeling.

The sparks burned out and careless words were pouring out. I never released it but always hoped to. The production on it by my producer Tom Cory has just brought it to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’m so proud of what it has become.

DSC_8049-2.jpg

How did ‘Carys Calling’ start life? When did you get into music?

I’ve been singing since I was young and constantly wrote lyrics from eight-years-old, that were more like poems, throughout school. I wrote my first vocal melody when I was twenty-one; then Carys Calling took shape in 2015 when I released Soaked My Skin. I grew up listening to ABBA. My mum would play it when we baked together and my brothers would blast Eminem. Quite a mixture!

We didn’t have a T.V. until I was twelve but we had videos so I would watch Friends. I remember the scene where Rachel is looking out the window when it’s pouring with raining and she’s upset with Ross; With or Without You by U2 is playing. I got the biggest lump in my throat and remember what an impact it had on me. I have always had such a crush on music with visuals.

DSC_8129.jpg

You are from Newcastle but moved to Bath. How important was that move to your career?

I had been itching to move from Newcastle for a year before I moved but I needed to finish my degree. I LOVE Newcastle but I’m always craving new people and new places. I love the challenge of starting afresh; not knowing anyone and shaping a life somewhere new. Every place I have lived has inspired writing, brought me close to new best friends and helped me grow through tough times.

The main reason for moving to Bath was to study my Masters. I feel like I’ve really found my true sound and image here. I don’t know if that would have happened if I stayed in Newcastle. If I feel too comfortable, I know I need a change. I feel very settled and happiest down South. I always think moving somewhere new and meeting new friends can never be a mistake and Newcastle will always be in my bones. As they say: you’ve gotta live life to write about it.

Which artists did you grow up around? Were you hooked on music from a young age?

I grew up around ABBA, The Bangles; Elton John, Eminem; Norah Jones and Dido. A mixture of what my mum and brothers listened to. I grew up in the Northumberland. I used to actually find the silence calming and writing poems was my escape. I became hooked on music when I saw Fame in the theatre and Grease on video. I joined dancing and acting clubs - all centred around music - and I loved it. In my teens, I started watching shows like One Tree Hill, Friends and Grey’s Anatomy. It got me through some chaos.

I’ll always remember the episode of Hollyoaks I saw at a friend’s house: when Hannah was in hospital with anorexia and My Skin by Natalie Merchant was played; the visuals and script with music sent shivers right through me. That’s when I knew I wanted to give people that feeling through the music I would maybe one day write.

DSC_8065.jpg

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

By the end of 2018, I hope to be settled in Bristol - having performed a handful of shows with a full band - and to have released my next song, Friday Night Out, with a video too. Really excited to be releasing more music and playing more live shows.

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

This may sound random, but I played a gig a few weeks ago at the St James Wine Vaults in Bath. I played a song I haven’t performed in years and I forgot the lyrics; I just completely blanked. I brushed it off on stage and blamed the Strongbow I’d had two sips of. Haha....

Afterwards, I was so hard on myself and was so frustrated that I slipped up. It turned out to be the song that the audience liked the most, so it’s made me consider releasing it properly.  We’re all just human in the end.

DSC_8299.jpg

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Norah Jones - Come Away with Me

I listened to this album for two-weeks-straight when I was doing work experience during high-school at a beauty salon. I was practicing nail art in the back and singing my heart out. That’s one of the moments I realised I wanted to be a singer and to write songs. I used Don’t Know Why for auditions into college and university. Something feels like home when I play this album. Beautifully familiar. She’s an effortless talent. She made me want to sing.

Phoebe Bridgers - Stranger in the Alps

I found Phoebe a few years back. The somewhat morbid darkness and honesty in her lyrics knocked me for six. I remember when I first heard Smoke Signals, Funeral and Motion Sickness. I was just absolutely frozen in awe. Her voice and stories are so pur:, I feel like she’s not censoring anything which is so fuc*ing refreshing. Almost like she’s just saying what we’re all afraid to say/admit? I’ve seen her live and every time I hear her songs it feels like the first time. I also cried out a brea-up while listening to this album. She’s a rare gem of an artist.

The 1975 - The 1975 (Deluxe)

I have been besotted with these lads since I saw them in Newcastle in the S.U. bar a few weeks after they released Chocolate. His lyrics move me so much. They’re brutal, heartbreaking; hilarious, awkward; clever and the truth. It’s not the obvious Pop I was used to. Obviously, there are some killer hooks, some absolute bangers; some slow heart-wrenchers and some depressing-as-hell ones…but you can NEVER guess what they are going to do. They are unpredictable; his writing and their songs are refreshingly surprising.

There isn’t always a huge chorus and I like that. They don’t always do what people expect. I feel like some songs can be better when they are simple and undone. They aren’t trying hard to impress, they are just being authentic. I could go on and on but when I first heard Robbers, Girls; Pressure, Is Somebody Watching You; Menswear, Sex and Falling for You; I just felt like I connected and related to the lyrics more than I ever had before with other artists. I listen to at least one song of theirs every day. They make me want to be better.

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

Phoebe Bridgers, without a doubt. Gluten-free donuts, Yorkshire Tea and Hobnobs. Oh, and tangerines! Gotta have vitamin C!

DSC_8038-2.jpg

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

Definitely. I will be playing in Bristol, Bath; London and hopefully Newcastle too. Aiming to have some dates in the book for this winter. I’ll be updating my website/socials as soon as they’re sorted!

How important is it being on stage and seeing your music connecting with people?

It’s as important as the writing. If I’m not able to perform it, I don’t know what I’d do with myself. I’ve always felt a comfort on stage, unlike anywhere else. There’s something so special about singing songs I once penned at 3 A.M. in bed while having a brew, to an audience that choose to come and watch me play and hear what I have to say.

If I ease someone’s troubles or make their day or make them feel like they aren’t alone through my lyrics and songs then I’m doing something right. There’s no feeling like when people come and talk to me after I play and tell me how they felt or which song moved them. I am happy to be vulnerable and spilling out all my stories and I feel so lucky to be able to do this.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Take it one step at a time and try your damned hardest not to compare yourself to another artist negatively. You could be comparing your step-three to their step-twelve. We all have our own pace and path. Believe in your art and try to tell the truth: people can see through the fake stuff in seconds. And it feels better if you’re honest.

sa.jpg

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Sasha Sloan is my new favourite writer. You will not be disappointed. She’s not really new but she’s new to me and possibly to some others.

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

I try to make sure I do but I always end up getting distracted with music or writing in the end. My ultimate way to unwind is to go back to Newcastle and see my friends and family, get back to the countryside; have a few pints with my old school friends and reconnect. I find that music can sometimes make you disconnect; whether that’s forgetting to reply to texts, shutting off so I can write something; being busy gigging, rehearsing; working and at uni or feeling a little like I just wanna be on my own for a bit.

I have phases of it all but that’s my me-time: shutting off and putting my phone on airplane mode. That and a brew with a couple of biscuits. I think, nowadays, we all find it hard to unwind. We’re all so accessible and busy. I also ADORE going to live local gigs. There’s nothing like being in the moment in your own world while someone’s performing. Everyone’s having a shared but different experience and I really like that (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).

Sasha Sloan – The Only

___________

Follow Carys Calling

DSC_8048-2.jpg

INTERVIEW: Adam Giles Levy

INTERVIEW:

4.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Gemma Martz 

Adam Giles Levy

___________

THE terrific Adam Giles Levy…

9.jpeg

 PHOTO CREDIT: Lorena Lucenilla-Lavapies

has been talking with me about his latest single, The Ghosts, and his brand-new E.P., Peninsula. I ask the songwriter what sort of themes influenced the E.P. and which artists he is inspired by; when music came into his life; if he has any precious memories from his career so far – he recommends a rising act worth a shout.

I ask him what he has planned regarding tour dates; which albums are especially important to him; if he has any advice for artists coming through; which musician he’d support if he has the chance – Levy ends the interview by selecting a great song.

__________

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

I’m well, thanks. This last week has been pretty full-on. I played three shows at the Live at Heart festival in Sweden; flew to Barcelona for a show and, as I write, I’m on the road to Rome for the start of six-date Italian tour.

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

Of course. My name is Adam Giles Levy. I’m an Alternative-Rock, Blues artist originally from Frimley Green in Surrey, England. My second E.P., Peninsula, is out on 13th September, 2018! I released my debut E.P., Unravelled, in 2016 and have spent most of the time on the road since then. I cut my teeth in music playing and recording in Vancouver, Canada. Before committing full-time to music I was a lawyer, believe it or not.

The Ghosts is your new track. Can you talk about the song and its inspiration?

I wrote this one during a tour of Spain. It was inspired by the story of a people’s struggle to save their town from a major infrastructure project - a struggle which they lost leading to their relocation. The reservoir that resulted from this project is a beautiful place but with undeniably shady beginnings.

The video is really interesting! Where was it shot and who came up with the concept?

I’m glad you’re into it. The video was filmed on location in a small village called Collbato in Catalonia, Spain with the spectacular Montserrat mountain as a backdrop. The video was directed by my friend and collaborator Diego Urruchi from Media Attack, Bilbao. He also directed the video for Unravelled.

We recorded the video straight after finishing the new album before my band headed back to the U.K. and Madrid respectively. We recorded through a strange weather front which gave us all four seasons in the space of twenty-four hours. There are even some scenes with snow in them!

The Ghosts is from your new E.P., Peninsula. What sort of themes inspired the songs on the E.P.?

The struggle between humans and nature; John Paul White’s reminder not to forget our roots; a book called The Good Father; confronting bureaucracy and a dream involving horses. In that order.

10.png

Which musicians do you count as influences? Did you grow up around a lot of music?

Right now, the bands I have most present in my day to day are Rival Sons, Fink; Deap Vally and The Picture Books. My most-recent download was a remastered album of John Lee Hooker’s material. I don’t recall a time when music wasn’t present in my life. The two albums which I remember most from my childhood are Rumours by Fleetwood Mac and the Les Misérables soundtrack.

Do you recall the moment you got into music? Was there a day when you knew this is what you had to do?

There have been a couple of key moments. The first one was seeing trumpet extraordinaire Wynton Marsalis at the Royal Albert Hall when I was a kid. My mum took me to see him. I think he’s still the only musician to win a Grammy for both Classical and Jazz music. I was blown away by that experience.

The second was seeing John Mayer at the Hammersmith Apollo when he was touring Room for Squares. Seeing a performer as gifted as he is, close up; I knew that I wanted to strive for that too.

6.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Gemma Martz

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I have dates confirmed in Europe all the way up to the middle of December. So, I’d like to reach as many new people as I can in that time.

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

Right now, I’d say recording the new album. My band and I tracked the new album over five days in a studio north of Barcelona, Spain. Alex Gamble, who produced my previous work, came over from Toronto to produce and engineer. Jack Usher (drums) and Joseph Rideout (bass) came over from the U.K. and Laura Solla (guitars) came to join us from Madrid. The studio was residential so we were literally together twenty-four-hours-a-day for five days! It was an intense and hugely satisfying experience. I’m excited about releasing the new album.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

I Forget Where We Were - Ben Howard

This is one of very few albums I can listen to front to back and want to put it on again as soon as it’s finished. Wicked melodies and tracks with dark undertones.

Head Down - Rival Sons

I bought this on vinyl the first time I saw Rival Sons live in Barcelona. Best live show I’ve seen to date.

Santogold – Santigold

I used to live in Bristol and loved it there. This album reminds me of that period. Good times.

7.jpeg

PHOTO CREDIT: Candela Paos

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

Hands down, Robert Plant. What an epic music life he’s lead! Massive respect for an artist who seems to have kept himself firmly in the present when it would have been easy to have leant on the music which brought him fame.

For the rider, I’ll take The Henry from Budgies Burritos in Vancouver and a bottle of Tripel Karmeliet (Belgian beer). Although, I might not make it out on stage after one of those…

Can we see you tour soon? Where are you playing?

Yes. It’d be great to see you at a show! All my dates are published on my website. I’ll be back playing in the U.K. in January 2019.

1.jpeg

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

If you want to gig, invest in getting a decent recording done to showcase your best songs - even if it’s just a couple of tracks done acoustically. It’s competitive out there so try and always put your best foot forward when you’re marketing yourself.

dea.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Deap Vally/PHOTO CREDIT: Shane Lopes

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Deap Vally, a Rock duo from California. I played Sofar Sounds Barcelona with them and absolutely loved their energy. Their live show seriously rocks.

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

Yoga…and I like to read. I’m working my way through No Is Not Enough by Naomi Klein. I hang out with my cats; try and see the family and friends that I don’t see very often. I ride my road bike when I can.

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

I’d like Electric Man by Rival Sons

___________

Follow Adam Giles Levy

8.jpeg

INTERVIEW: gv.grace

INTERVIEW:

1.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Elise Mesner

gv.grace

___________

MY last interview of the day is with gv.grace…

GVgrace - 6 a (1).jpg

who have been telling me about their new single, F**k Golf, and its amusing video. I learn how Genevieve and Griffith got together and whether there will be more material coming next year – they tell me what sort of music influences them.

The duo reveal which albums mean the most to them each and if there are tour dates coming up; if they have a favourite memory from their careers so far; which approaching artists we need to keep an ear out for – Genevieve and Griffith each pick a song to end the interview with.

__________

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

We’ve had a busy week peddling this grass crotch far and wide.

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

My name is Genevieve and my partner/producer is Griffith, A.K.A. Inner Oceans. 

GVgrace - 2 a.jpg

How did gv.grace get together? When did you start performing together?

We’ve been collaborating musically for the last ten years and finally began a project just the two of us. Our first night in the studio we wrote two songs in about two hours - both of which appear on our first E.P., Heaven Mouth.

Talk to me about F**k Golf. Can you reveal the inspiration behind the song and how it came to mind?

F**K Golf came about after we listened to Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History podcast. The specific episode is A Good Walk Spoiled. We wanted to write a protest song but from the perspective of the privileged perpetrator. It’s an absurd parody but the character in this song is what’s behind the classism that is creating harmful disparities in our society. We also wanted to reveal ‘her’ fragility as one who is also oppressed by playing into that role.

I like the video a lot! How did the concept come together? Was it cool working on it?

It was amazing. Elise Mesner was our dream director for this. We thought her aesthetic matched perfectly for the song. Needless to say, we were thrilled when she loved the track.

After we saw her treatment, we knew we had to do whatever it took to make it a reality. Somehow, everything came together. We met D.O.P. Michael Attalah whose eye and energy made this video world-class. We met James Joyner on a shoot and he offered to build us a full-sized diorama!

By chance, we were also able to pull in the legendary Hollywood snake handler, Jules Sylvester, and his beautiful albino Texas rat snake. There were more than twenty models, dancers; actors and assistants that volunteered their time to bring life to this video! It was the highlight of our year so far!

DSCF4358.jpg

Heaven Mouth EP was released earlier this year. Do you think there will be another E.P. coming next year?

YES! We are deep in the writing process. At this point, we are focusing on a string of singles but we imagine another E.P. release early next spring.

If I were to travel back to your childhoods; what sort of music would I find in your collections?

Genevieve: I was raised on a lot of ’60s/’70s Soul. Memphis Soul was my favorite (Al Green, Otis Redding; The Staple Singers…) and lots of Prince.

Griffith: Smashing Pumpkins and Enya. But, more than anything, I loved the classic SNES composers like Yasunori Mitsuda and Koji Kondo.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

We want to introduce the character, gv.grace, to the world! We also hope F**K Golf can contribute to the social/political dialogue as we approach our midterms this fall.

DSCF4122.jpg

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

Last year, we decided to go to FYF Fest in Los Angeles. We jumped into the sweat and grime of the festival and it just felt so good to be a music fan again! Nothing beats the feeling of having an almost teenage obsession over your favorite artists like being willing to stand in the heat - packed in from all sides - to listen to your favorite songs.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Genevieve: Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

I hear an artist transcending their own talent and making something effortless. Looking through Marvin Gaye’s eyes at the insanity and brutality and seeing the beauty beyond all of it. He made something to help all of us through it.

Griffith: My Bloody Valentine - Loveless

It’s catastrophic, like a star. The sounds are unbelievably violent if you are too close. But, from afar, it’s breathtaking and absolutely beautiful…almost angelic.

GVgrace - 5.jpg

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

We both love Little Dragon. The daily catharsis of playing with them would be incredible. Our rider? Cat butlers? Yeah; we want cat butlers…

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

We will be focusing regionally on the West Coast through the year. But, we hope to begin more extensive tours through the U.S. in 2019. Definitely, we dream of playing in U.K. and Europe as well. Our next show is in L.A. at the Hi Hat on October 10th - Playing with N.Y.C. band Plastic Picnic and L.A. locals Laureline.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The best advice we ever got was from esteemed music lawyer, Richard Grabel, and it seems pertinent to more than just music. He said: “The ones that make it are the ones that stick to their guns”. People can feel when something is made from a genuine place.

boy.jpg

IN THIS PHOTO: Boy Dude

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Boy Dude. Sincerely kitchy love-jams from the forgotten vinyl multiverse. Your Smith works so hard and has the tracks to prove it. Check out The Spot. Pure Pop candy. Kitty Crimes. Producer/rapper phenom. Also, your future spirit animal.

kitt.jpg

IN THIS PHOTO: Kitty Crimes

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

We love nothing more than to go on long drives while listening to our favorite records. We love to explore and we love finding the soundtrack for those times.

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

Caribou - Silver

___________

Follow gv.grace

GVgrace - 14.jpg

INTERVIEW: TGC

INTERVIEW:

1.jpg

TGC

____________

MILLA from TGC has been speaking with me…

8.jpg

about the new single, ECG, and what its story is. I ask how TGC came together and how they craft and have that particular, unique sound – she talks about future plans and what it feels like getting kudos and acclaim from some big sources.

I was interested discovering how they became involved with the fundraising D.V.D./C.D. project, Hear Me Now, and whether there are tour dates coming up; if there are any rising artists we need to keep an eye out for – Milla ends the interview by selecting a great tune.

__________

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

We’ve had a great week, thanks! It’s been a long time since we’ve released new music, so it has been wonderful to reconnect with our audience. So far, the response has been lovely.

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

We are TGC - short for ‘The Green Children’. It’s just me (Milla) and Marlow writing and producing songs from the ground up. We are deeply inspired by story-telling, fantasy/sci-fi films and beautiful nature, like you can find in Norway where I’m from.

How did TGC come to be? When did you find one another?

We met at a school established by the great Beatle Paul McCartney – actually, in our very first songwriting class. I arrived late and Marlow was left without a partner. A moment of fate from which we never looked back after penning our first tune together.

ECG is your new single. Is there a story behind the song?

A lot of our songs stem from flowing improvisation in the studio and the music we create often dictates the lyrical content and mood of the song. So, with ECG, Marlow came up with most of the production and then I went immediately on the mic and sang my initial lyrical thoughts straight on the record. We have found that we make the purest music when we don’t spend too much time thinking over lyrics and subject matters before we get our initial impulses out.

You have very particular sound that is hard to compare to anyone. Do you take influence from other artists? What sort of music did you both grow up around?

We have a very broad taste in music but have always loved dreamy music that takes you away. These include classic artists like Fleetwood Mac, Eurythmics and Electronic artists like Røyksopp.

5.jpg

Big names in music journalism have backed your music and spread it far! How does it feel to get kudos from the likes of Rolling Stone?!

It is obviously very flattering. Our biggest joy has been finding an audience out there that genuinely seem to connect with our music. They often describe it in ways that are so accurate to our original intentions whilst making it. It goes to show how music contains a hidden depth that humans pick up on. It has been magical to see how people relate to us.

Tell me about the fundraising C.D./D.V.D., Hear Me Now, you released throughout Norway. How did that venture start and inspire you to raise money – from that work – for one of the first eye hospitals in Bangladesh?

We travelled to Bangladesh to visit the work of Grameen Bank, who are pioneers in micro-finance. This is the lending of small sums of money to women for the purpose of starting businesses. What we saw was incredibly powerful. Because of the work of the bank and its founder Prof. Muhammad Yunus, millions of women had become empowered and escaped severe poverty. It felt very natural for us to write a song in honour of their journey which then turned into subsequent trips and a music video shoot.

To our surprise, Prof. Yunus went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize and, with the video in place, we used it to raise as much money as possible for a new eye care hospital he was working on. The hospital helps people who have lost their sight due to cataracts and, because of its sustainable approach, two more hospitals have spawned from it. The credit is certainly not ours but it feels great that we could contribute.

6.jpg

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Our biggest focus is just to make the greatest music and art we can; pushing ourselves and not accepting anything that we don’t absolutely love. What comes from it is a lesser focus at this point and not a major motivator for our creative flow.

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

I think meeting fans in person is always incredible. We have found people to be so loving and supportive, it is almost overwhelming. In a world where we always connect digitally, a personal interaction after a show makes music feel powerful and real again.

4.jpg

Which one album means the most to you would you say (and why)?

Every album and song is special in its own way because they reflect where you were as a person when they were written. I suppose our first album will always have a special place as it was the first time we produced everything ourselves, so were going out on a limb. It led to our direction ever since.

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

That is a tough question. We would say Enya but she never tours! Sure would be magical though.

2.jpg

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

Absolutely. We are working on that now and we will be touring in 2019 in Europe and the U.S. Hoping to announce show dates soon.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

To focus on the music and enjoying being creative. I am not sure focusing too much on success is a very complimentary component of a truly artistic life.

ILL.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Illenium

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Discovered Illenium recently through our mutual P.R. Very cool stuff.

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

We spend a lot of time in nature with no phones and no social media. It is so important to get into the body, since music can get quite heavy mentally. Lots of hikes and fresh air!

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

Just heard this song; don’t know if it is new or old but it is very nice! Promises Ltd. - American Eyes

___________

Follow TGC

TGC3.jpg

INTERVIEW: Mira of Schmieds Puls

INTERVIEW:

Schmieds Puls 3 (c) Ina Aydogan_.jpg

Mira of Schmieds Puls

___________

WITH the album Manic Acid Love out…

Schmieds Puls 1 (c) Ina Aydogan.jpg

I have been speaking with Mira of Schmieds Puls about the record and what the story is behind the latest single, Don’t Love Me Like That – she reveals her favourite three albums and talks about how the band got together.

I was keen to discover whether there are tour dates coming and, as an Austrian band, what the music scene is like there; if she has plans before the end of the year – Mira talks about a special memory from her time in music.

__________

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

Hi! Thank you. I’m very tired - but it’s the kind of tired that feels good because you know you’ve given your all and now you can finally rest.

The week’s been really busy. I finished filming another music video on sunday, released my homemade one for Don’t Love Me Like That; played three shows at three very different places (the very west of Austria; the very east and Vilnius, Lithuania) and celebrated the release of the new album.

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

My name is Mira Lu Kovacs. I am a singer, guitarist; lyricist and composer from Vienna, Austria. I like to play in various bands but Schmieds Puls is the one that is all mine. And I live for it. I like to think that my music is a new mixture of whatever you think ‘Singer Songwriter’ means; Jazz (if you must) and Grunge.

How did Schmieds Puls get together? When did you all meet?

I met Christian Grobauer (Drums) and Walter Singer (Double Bass) through a friend who asked us to play with him at his piano recital. I fell in love with their kindness and  the finesse they put in every single note, so I invited them to a jam. Shortly after that we had our first gig - that was five years ago.

Don’t Love Me Like That is your latest single. Is there a story behind it?

What I tried to express was my undecidedness when it comes to relationships. Nothing is ever only one thing. I am so easily driven away, so it is a constant back and forth with me in relationships (of all sorts). I guess it is the hardest thing for me to trust somebody. I can’t have my heart broken all the time and I feel like I have to protect it constantly. I have no other protection shield than simply turning away soon enough or maybe never really letting myself fall too deep…

Manic Acid Love is your new album. What is the inspiration behind the title? Are there particular themes that inspired the music?

Yes. Although, ‘manic’ is really the main emotion on this album. I can be really obsessive over things that are important to me - like music, the language I use and create to express myself. I feel a strong need to be understood so I need to make myself really clear. But, if I’m not careful it overwhelms me and that initially positive and strong energy (1., the ‘mania’) somehow turns against me (that’s 2., 'acid’). With this album I tried to get closer to my  'zen' me (and 3., ’love’) by pushing out the bad energy and setting boundaries for people who overstep them. 

I’m not there yet, obviously. I’m still easily distracted and irritated. Mostly by men who want to correct me or tell me that I am crazy.

Is there a song from the album that stands out as your favourite?

I am really happy about the whole piece, to be honest, so it’s hard to pick a favourite. But, of course, Superior (Fuck You) is very therapeutic and healing for me and it makes me laugh while performing it.

Do you remember the artists you followed growing up? Who do you rank as idols?

Blondie, Ani DiFranco; Whitney Houston; Lauryn Hill; Radiohead, Tanita Tikaram; Tom Waits and Paula Cole. All very important artists that I still adore!

Schmieds Puls 7 (c) Ina Aydogan.jpg

Schmieds Puls are based in Austria. Is there a good music scene in Austria right now?

Yes!  There is massive-good stuff happening in Austria, actually. Not only is the German-speaking field thriving but also the Hip-Hop scene is finally getting some attention. I think people started to think big again, which manifested in big ideas on and off stage…

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

To be able to breath in and out three times in a row and think of absolutely nothing. To be okay with my shortcomings and actually maybe even love them…? I know it’s a big dream. Zen for thirty-five seconds.

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

There are many. Each release so far was a big deal for me because I feel like a part of me is being set free at the same time - as if you’re sending off a message in a bottle or something…

There was a beautiful and intense performance this year I did in front of fifty-thousand people. To my surprise, I got really calm when I entered the stage. For the first time ever I wasn’t nervous at all at a gig. The crowd seemed so unreal and I just went somewhere else during these minutes.

Schmieds Puls 12(c) Ingo Pertramer.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Ingo Pertramer

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Paula Cole - This Fire

I got into her music when my English skills were non-existent so I didn't understand the lyrics. But, the phrasing in Paula Cole’s singing is just (so) unique. Also, I don’t know anybody who writes songs like Mississippi or Hush Hush Hush or Nietzsche’s Eyes… a masterpiece!

Radiohead - Hail to the Thief

I am picking this album because it’s the one that got me into the Radiohead madness. After that, I listened to the rest. Of course, I think all Radiohead albums are some of the best pieces of all the music that was ever made. But, Hail to the Thief understood my teenage self the best! So dark, so dee; so intense! We Suck Young  Blood, I Will; 2+2=5 etc.

Ani DiFranco - Evolve

Unique style in every way. Can’t compare it to anything…plus, her guitar playing influenced me tremendously!

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

I don’t dare to dream. I’d love to play with Jack White or Feist. But honestly, they don’t need anybody!

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

October 23rd at Sebright Arms, London. I’ll perform a solo set and I’ll bring my favourite Wander guitar.

Schmieds Puls 2 (c) Ina Aydogan.jpg

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t rush with releasing albums. Play play play until you get to know yourself better and have a fanbase that can make an album really go places. There’s no need to rush it and your ideas will only get better!

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Well. I think the scene probably knows about Moses Sumney by now. Sevdaliza was also a big discovery for me this year.

sex.jpg

IN THIS PHOTO: Sevdaliza

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

No. I don’t often, especially these past months. But, I have my rituals. I need my breakfast time and, if possible, I just stay in bed and have breakfast all day. I like to be alone and get my things in order.

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).

Because a one-song/one-album kinda person - meaning I can spend months and years with only a few songs or albums that fascinate me and I won’t ask for anything else - I don’t know much music, especially the classics. I am only slowly discovering them. But, I won’t ask for Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water - it’s too embarrassing that I haven’t known it for my whole life until last month. So, I suggest Changes by Black Sabbath. If that’s a no-go, I choose Broken Boy Soldier by The Raconteurs, pleeeease.

Thank you!  - best, Mira.

___________

Follow Scmieds Puls

Schmieds Puls 9 (c) Ina Aydogan.jpg

INTERVIEW: Will Bowes

INTERVIEW:

1.jpeg

Will Bowes

___________

I have been speaking with Will Bowes…

7.jpeg

about his single, Mad at the World, and the inspiration behind it. The actor/musician discusses how the disciplines weave and what it was like working alongside Jennifer Lawrence; if there is more coming up from him; which albums are important to him – the Canadian tells me when music came into his life.

I ask Bowes if he is hitting the road and which new artists we need to get behind; whether he gets time to chill when he is not making music – the songwriter ends the interview by selecting a rather good tune.

__________

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

Hi, guys! My week has been very great, thank you. I’m talking with you fine people and about to go to the premiere of a film I’m in at TIFF, so I have nothing to complain about right now!

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

Of course. My name is Will Bowes and I’m a singer/songwriter, actor and filmmaker from Toronto.

Mad at the World is your new single. What is the story behind the song?

Yes. Mad at the World is basically how I, as well as I’m sure a lot of other people, are feeling right now. It’s a song about feeling frustrated, dissatisfied and helpless surrounded by the negative energy we’ve been subjected to lately. But, it’s also a song about hope and optimism - and a belief that things will get better. Toronto, where I live, suffered two extreme attacks this year and it was those attacks that made me feel like I had to write this song.

Do you think there might be more material coming next year? Are you working on other stuff?

Ye. I am always working on new material and I can’t wait to share it when it’s ready. I am also the lead singer in a band called GOLD COMPLEX and we have a record coming out this fall! It’s a Soul/Pop band with a horn section and it’s music that makes you want to move your body!

You are an actor who has worked alongside, among other people, Jennifer Lawrence! Do you think disciplines you have learned as an actor feed into your music – or might the reverse be true?

Yes! I worked with Jennifer right before she got crazy-famous; she is really cool and down-to-earth. I think the two feed into each other for sure. From a performative standpoint, of course, but also both fields are about conveying emotion. About opening yourself up and letting people into your soul, to a degree.

4.jpeg

Do you recall the moment you got into music? Was there a day when you knew this is what you had to do?

I guess this applies to everyone but I just remember noticing how much music could have an impact on the way I felt as a kid. I remember one time my dad was cooking dinner and playing Bob Marley and he said to me: “Listen to this music, it’s supposed to make you happy and feel at peace” and that was the first moment I think I realized how significant music can be for people as a cathartic experience. I first wanted to be a singer and then I become obsessed with film and I’ve been chipping away at the two for years now.

In terms of musicians; what sort of stuff are you into? Who were you raised on?

Definitely, Neil Young.

Fisher Price used to make these brilliant little toys for kids and it was a cassette player, attached to a microphone that you could carry around and sing along to. I used to do that with Neil Young’s Decade album. I was raised on an assortment of music for sure; definitely Neil Young, The Beatles and Joni Mitchell are stand-outs.

3.jpeg

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I think I just really want to feel completely comfortable expressing myself with creative projects and not worrying about how they’ll be perceived. I’ve spent too much time analyzing and maybe not enough time just living and doing.

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

I think just the feeling of playing a great show and knowing that the audience is vibing with you one hundred percent is the best feeling you can have in music.

5.jpeg

Which three albums mean the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Ok, well; as I mentioned: Neil Young’s Decade.

The Beatles’ ‘The White Album’

Because it was just the soundtrack to my childhood.

And, no word of a lie, I really enjoyed Christina Aguilera’s album Stripped as a kid

She’s such an incredible vocalist and was twenty-one when she released that album. It’s underrated in terms of being brilliant music. I’m dead-serious.

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

Probably a cliché answer but I think it would have to be John Mayer. I’ve always loved his music and feel that our two sounds would probably work together. And, exclusively red M&Ms in my rider, thank you.

6.jpeg

Can we see you tour soon? Where are you playing?

I plan to tour with my band, Gold Complex, and also play some solo shows. Sorry I don’t have a more definitive answer but I will soon!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

To actually DO things. Create things. Make music. Play shows - even if they are to empty rooms and you feel like a complete idiot afterwards. Just do it. Don’t talk about wanting to do it. Do it.

ap.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Aphrose/PHOTO CREDIT: Jen Squires - Photographer

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes. There is a local artist who I love in Toronto called Aphrose. She’s an amazing Soul singer and you would love her stuff!

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

I like to stay extremely active. I think that’s just a part of my personality but I love watching movies. I love the feeling of turning my phone off and going to sit in a movie theatre and immersing myself in an experience like that.

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

I’m honoured! Ok! My friend just played this amazing song for me called Tadow by Masego and FKJ and I promise you’ll like it! Thanks for having me

___________

Follow Will Bowes

2.jpeg

INTERVIEW: Lo Lo

INTERVIEW:

top.jpg

Lo Lo

___________

IT is good to catch up with Lo Lo…

6.jpg

and talk about her new single, Convenient - it follows on from Yours and is the next step in the story. The songwriter reveals what she wants to achieve moving forward and tells me which three albums mean the most to her – she recommends some rising artists we should investigate.

I ask how music came into her life and, given the choice, which artist she’d like to support on tour; if she gets any time to chill away from making music; what advice she would give to artists emerging – Lo Lo ends the interview by selecting a great track.

__________

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

Hi Sam! I am doing great, thank you. The week has been hectic, but good! 

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

Hey guys! I’m Lo Lo and I’m a singer/songwriter from Toronto!

Convenient is your current track. What is the story behind the song?

If you’ve been following, Convenient is actually the follow-up to my first debut single, Yours. It’s also what comes next in the story. After my breakup, I had a really hard time making a connection with someone. I got in touch with an old friend who had moved away and also just gotten out of a long-term relationship.

We ended up being each other’s rebounds - we had a summer fling. But, that’s all it was: a rebound. This song underlines that fact. Afterwards, I heard he said some pretty mean things about me and I wasn’t happy. I came home after finding this out and I wrote Convenient.

How do you think it differs to a track like Yours? Do you find you are changing and evolving as a songwriter?

I definitely think I am always changing and evolving as a songwriter and an artist. It differs to Yours because it’s a little more intense. It’s darker. Yours came from a sad place but Convenient came from an angry place, so it has a slightly different vibe.

Might we see more material next year? How far ahead do you look?

Yes, sir! I’m actually hoping to release another single this year and hopefully three or four songs in the New Year as part of a package. I can’t wait.

2.jpg

How did music come into your life? Which artists did you follow as a child?

As a child, I watched Shirley Temple movies religiously. I think my grandfather was the first to show me them. She was definitely my inspiration for wanting to be a performer. I made my mom put me in acting classes, singing lessons and tap dancing classes. Growing up, I was your typical ‘90s kid - a few of my favourites that I followed were the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boy; NSYNC and Hilary Duff.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I hope to put out more music! It’s seriously killing me. I really want to show the world what I’m all about.

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

Right now, I don't know if I have one in particular. After releasing my first single, Yours, I got so much positive feedback. So many people I knew, or didn't know, reaching out. Hearing my song playing in my favourite clothing stores. Man, it was all epic.

3.JPG

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)? 

Taylor Swift - Fearless

I’ve said it many times, but Taylor Swift is one of the reasons that I’m never afraid to write about real people and true sh*t. Every song on this album was once my anthem. She didn’t care what anyone would think when she wrote about real things in her life and that helped me realize that…neither do I.

John Mayer - Battles Studies

This album came out right when I was first learning to play guitar, which is the first instrument I ever learned. That’s really special to me. I can confidentially say I once knew how to play every song on this album. 

Gavin DeGraw - Sweeter

If you know me, you know my love for this man. This album came out right when I started writing songs of my own. This album influenced me a lot. Even though we obviously have different styles, I take a lot from him. I strive for my songs to have the authenticity and soul that these ones do. Sign me up.

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

I’d love to support Billie Eilish. That girl is so dope it’s insane.

Dream rider would consist of lots of red wine and lots of puppies around at all times. Also, iced Caramel Macchiatos and Pillsbury cookies. 

1.jpg

Will there be some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

I’m still figuring out exact tour dates but I’d love to make it out to the U.K. obviously (smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep pushing, keep grinding; don’t give up. Put out music that is genuine and that you love - someone else will love it too.

sas.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Sasha Sloan

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Relatively new - Sasha Sloan. Her song, Normal, is fuc*ed-up good. Another good one is LeRiche. Check out Under Covers.

le.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: LeRiche

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

I try to make chill time for myself. It’s funny because, a lot of times, I unwind from real life by playing guitar or writing a song about how I’m feeling. Non-music-related, I usually unwind by going on long walks with my mom or by watching T.V. My guilty pleasure is The Bachelor.

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).

Since we were just on the topic of favourite albums, here’s one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite albums: Run Every Time by Gavin DeGraw

___________

Follow Lo Lo

5.jpg

INTERVIEW: Midnight Mschief

INTERVIEW:

top.jpg

Midnight Mschief

___________

I have been speaking with Midnight Mschief…

6.jpg

about their beginnings and how they found one another. The guys tell me about their new single, Ride, and filming its video. I ask how music arrived in their lives and what they have planned going forward – they each pick a song to end the interview with.

I was interested to know what they all hope to achieve before the end of the year and whether they had favourite memories from their careers so far; which rising artists we need to get behind and follow – they provide advice for artists coming through.

__________

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

Firas Viirgo: Amazing as always! Moved into a new place and setting up my room and studio…its all in one room. Haha.

Reem: It's been busy. Been working on some new music for you guys.

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

Firas Viirgo: What’s good; it’s yo boy Jermaine from the 305…just messing. My name is Firas. I go by ‘Viirgo’ as my producer name. I’m a Haitian-Omani dude who films most of our band’s music videos and watches a lot of foreign movies.

WNDRSS: My name is Fatma Mirza. I go by WNDRSS or, as my friends call me, ‘Tutu’.

Reem: My name is Reem from Midnight Mschief. I'm the color red on our logo.

Ride is your latest single. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

WNDRSS: Ride was the first song written by the two singers in the group - Reem and I. The song is a light-hearted Hip-Hop track about meeting someone who makes you careless about your surrounding; it’s about that feeling you get when you meet someone and find them interesting.

Reem: It's one of our personal songs. My bandmate and I wrote it together while video chatting as she was in a whole different continent. We wrote it in one all-nighter.

Firas Viirgo: What’s funny about Ride is, when WNDRSS and Reem wrote it, it was kind of based on a true story from a person I personally know that the band members haven’t met. She was in love with him, he got the signs but didn’t want to move forward ‘cause he valued their friendship a lot…and just like that...boom…you’re in the friend-zone.

The video looks like it was interesting to film. Where did you shoot that?

Firas Viirgo: Kris directed the first half in New York and, when she travelled to Dubai to see her family, I directed the second half of it with her.

Reem: It was shot by a photographer and a model whom are acquaintances of Viirgo in the U.S.

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

WNDRSS: Definitely. We are currently working on an album - we want to provide music that is undeniably great and has its own unique sound.

Firas Viirgo: Most definitely! We are working on our first album called Remember Everyone’s Damaged. The story behind the album reflects on the first color off our logo (R.E.D.). It will showcase how society have this ‘mask’ on; to prove that everything going about in their life is fine no matter how successful or happy they are. We are all fragile. We are human.

How did Midnight Mschief form? When did you all get together?

WNDRSS: We met in March while we were in different countries – U.A.E., Oman and the U.K. We found that we have a common love and passion for music and have been making music since.

Reem: I was first introduced to Firas through his cousin. She took a video of me singing in a parking lot and she took my number and told me about her having a producer cousin who's been looking for a female singer. Soon after Firas contacted and, as soon as we started working, he told me about him wanting to form a girl’s band and mentioned Tutu and sent me some of her work. I agreed on the spot as they are both talented artists. We've been working since starting with us being in three different countries then, finally, united a few months later.

Firas Viirgo: I met WNDRSS online and we’ve been speaking back and forth a couple times; just short talk. I was creating an online band at the time through a Reddit forum and asked her to join. She agreed…but the band didn’t last a week. Haha. Although, she was the only member then who kept sending my vocal demos consistently. She told me: “Firas, fu*k ‘em; let’s go make our own small band”. She’s straightforward so I liked that and followed her since.

When did music arrive in your lives? Which artists are you inspired by?

Firas Viirgo: Man…for as long as I could remember. I could tell you that the two artists that inspired me to start producing at nineteen was Maya Jane Coles and Detroit producer/singer JMSN

Reem: I was introduced to music at a very young age as I come from a musical family/background. My mother used to sing in college and my father is a poet - getting it from my grandfather who is a national singer and poet. I was first introduced to the piano and then went on to singing and songwriting. One of my favourite artists is Jordan Rakei! His music is beautiful, inspiring and very soulful.

3.jpg

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

WNDRSS: A full album release and listening party - and at least two music videos.

Reem: We'd have dropped our new album hopefully by then. We'd have a few gigs locally and internationally also with the hope of expanding our fan base.

Firas Viirgo: Having a successful album listening party and starting a solid foundation by establishing our band’s brand in the Middle East and gain recognition from dope sources. Whether it be an known artist or a popular Spotify playlist

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

WNDRSS: I started writing Rap music from a very young age. When I was twelve, I spoke to my music teacher at school and asked him if I could do a live performance at the assembly and he said ‘yes’. I was very excited and a friend of mine who also enjoyed writing rhymes joined me on stage. Although the management at school was shocked (and not in a good way), the whole school cheered once we were done. I don’t remember what I had written for that anymore, but I know it was great.

Firas Viirgo: My favourite memory has to be being grateful that I have met two very driven and committed artists in my band.

Reem: Well, it's a very recent one as I performed in an open mic, mostly improvised with some amazing local musicians. It was spontaneous and beautiful. It was an amazing experience.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Firas Viirgo: Priscilla by JMSN

That got me into producing and the level of production in that album was and is insane. This was 2013…

2.jpg

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

Firas Viirgo: RICK JAMES, BIIITCH! Haha. I think I’d literally die in the first week of touring with him. But, on a real note, it would either be Russ or BROCKHAMPTON. I would have a bunch of medications available (for minor sh*t like a flu or cough) ‘cause I get mad-sick when I travel to another country for some reason.

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

Firas Viirgo: We are gonna throw a private listening party on Nov 11. It’s hard touring around the Middle East as there are hella load of rules and regulations. But, we will find a loophole.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Firas Viirgo: Be consistent and have a plan. Don’t try to freestyle your way ‘cause you’ll end up in a limbo…you don’t want to end up like DiCaprio in Inception.

ada.jpg

IN THIS PHOTO: Adam Nabeel

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Firas Viirgo: Any of the Omani artists making noise in the city. We got Adam Nabeel, Wassup Nile and Emaan Zadjali. Oh; you should definitely check out Saffron. She’s based in Dubai and we’re doing a collab. album.

Reem: I’m much more of an old music type of person unfortunately: I don't keep up with new music that much but there are some amazing upcoming raw local musicians here in Muscat.

emaan.jpg

IMAGE CREDIT: Emaan Zadjali

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

WNDRSS: Going on nature trips is my favourite way to unwind. Sometimes, the music gets too loud and I need some silence to refresh. It also helps whenever I have a writer’s block

Firas Viirgo: I’m always surrounded my music whether I like it or not. If I’m not producing, I’m listening to some other artist’s production or watching a film (and the soundtrack being so amazing that I have to dig deep into it).

Reem: To me, I don't feel the need to chill away from music as it is my escape I tend to turn to music to unwind; it's relaxing and accompanying.

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).

WNDRSS: Arin Ray (ft. DRAM) - Communication

Reem: Kaiit - 2000 n Somethin

Firas Viirgo: The Blaze – Queens

Their music video is the best storytelling I’ve ever seen

___________

Follow Midnight Mschief

66.jpg

INTERVIEW: Fiona Harte

INTERVIEW:

9.jpg

Fiona Harte

___________

THE superb Fiona Harte has been telling me…

si.jpg

about her debut single, White Picket Fence, and the story behind it. The Northern Irish artist resides in New York and I ask what compelled that move; whether she is looking ahead to future material and what sort of music she grew up around.

Harte reveals some rising artists worth a look; if there are any gigs booked; whether we might see her back in the U.K. soon, playing; the advice she would give to artists coming through – she ends the interview by selecting a great song.

__________

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

Hey, Sam. It’s been great! My first-ever single just came out today so it’s been busy but exciting.

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

Sure. I am from Ireland but currently based in New York. I moved over here to pursue music and have been trying to play as many shows as possible. I play guitar and my music is quite stripped back – ‘Acoustic singer-songwriter-style’ I would say.

White Picket Fence is your debut single. What can you reveal about the song’s story and how it came together?

I wrote the song after listening to a friend talk about a really crappy relationship she was in. I could sympathize with her from my own experience and the song was written within about an hour after she left my apartment. I wrote it on the balcony of the apartment I lived in in Dublin at the time. The song focuses on how your desired person can control your emotions by doing so little. Even though the song portrays as sad, it refers to having hope; perhaps for that love or another.

How does it feel knowing the song is out? Are you already looking ahead to new material?

It feels great – I can finally say I am an artist! I’ve taken my time recording a lot of stuff and waiting for the right time. This feels really right now. I am absolutely looking into my next release. I have started planning it already – it should be out before Christmas (smiles).

2.jpg

In terms of musicians; what sort of stuff are you into? Who were you raised on?

I love poetic lyrics, so a lot of Joni Mitchell and Carole King. I currently listen to a range of stuff. More recently, I have been listening to Jorja Smith, Daniel Ceaser; August Greene, stuff like that. An artist I love at the moment is Bruno Major. 

You are from Northern Ireland but based in New York. How inspiring is New York regarding your songwriting and creativity?

New York is incredibly inspiring to me and always has been. I love it here. The only thing I find, sometimes, is it gives me so much to write about but so little time to write! I feel like I am always running somewhere in this city.

4.jpg

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I would love to have another single released and play as many shows as possible.

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

Yea. I think it was playing The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. I have never been so nervous. The guys (in) In the Round were insanely talented and the audience really does not make a sound! It was a really magical night for me.

3.jpg

Which three albums mean the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Joni Mitchell – Blue

It reminds me of when I first fell in love with music and writing. It’s an album I compare everything I do to, in order to get the best out of my own work. It will never be near that level (laughs) but I do always think of it after I complete something. I don’t know why.

David Gray – White Ladder

I just think it’s one of the most beautiful albums ever written. The production is incredible and I have always been a fan.

Dolly Parton – Here You Come Again

My mum always played it and it always reminds me of her. Great songs, too!

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

I would love love, love to support Frank Ocean. He’s one of my favourite writers! Rider. Haha. Maybe Milanos and Cab Sav (laughs).

8.jpg

Can we see you tour soon? Where are you playing?

I just played The Bitter End last night and have a Sofar Sounds on 27th September. After that, I will be doing a few shows in Ireland. Tour is on the cards; possibly 2019.

Do you think you’ll be back in the U.K. to perform at some point?

Yes. Sooner rather than later. I have a trip planned there for November.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I am still learning a lot but what I really became aware of recently is how I should always stick to my gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. And, always be in control of the creative/release process as much as you can. It’s so important to be happy with what you put out.

mar.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Maria Kelly/PHOTO CREDIT: Ruthless Imagery

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes. I love an Irish singer called Maria Kelly – her songs are amazing. And, also, a New York-based band called the Newcomers Club.

NEW.jpg

 IN THIS PHOTO: Newcomers Club

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

I do. I kind of go through phases of writing a lot and then not very much. I was trying to write a song every day for the past while. Right now, I am going through recordings of all my songs and re-writing which is fun. I just meet up with my Irish friends and go to the pub to unwind!

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).

Thank you for doing this!

Joey Landreth - Still Feel Gone

___________

Follow Fiona Harte

6.jpg