INTERVIEW: Olivia Belli

INTERVIEW:

Olivia Belli

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IT has been great finding out more about Olivia Belli…

and her latest album, Where Night Never Comes. The composer discusses her musical path and what themes have inspired her latest work; if she has a favourite song from the record and whether there is anything more planned for the rest of the year.

I ask which musicians have inspired her and when she took to the piano; if there are tour dates coming up and whether there are any rising artists we need to get behind – Belli ends the interview by selecting a beautiful song.

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

Hi, Sam. Today, unfortunately, I have just a little cold but I hope to recover soon. My weeks are always busy and I fell really privileged to dedicate so much time to my music. As you know, I have just released my debut album as a composer (Where Night Never Comes); I’m touring right now to present it and, meanwhile, I’m working on ideas for the remix of it and for a new album too! Very busy indeed.

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

I’m a pianist and composer. I have been releasing albums since 2016 - so just few years. I love to try new ways to make music so I recorded my album Max Richter and Philip Glass: Piano Works using the amazing sound of the contemporary piano (UNA CORDA). Even if I’m still very involved as a performer of the music of great maestros from the past and the present, now I’m concentrating on my own music. I have been composing since I was a child but, for a long time, it was just a personal activity. I felt I had to study and learn from the works of other composer and, in my opinion, the best way is to perform their music and, alas, find another perspective.

Now, I feel ready to share my original music with all the people that love my genre: a Neoclassical style, inspirational with influences by Satie, Einaudi; Glass and Richter. For my album, Where Night Never Comes, I had to build a special soft pedal to use in a Yamaha U3 upright piano: it was the only way to find the intimate sound I was looking for. And now I’m trying to manipulate the sound with the lives electronics.

Your new album, Where Night Never Comes, is out. What is the story behind the album? How do you think it varies from your previous efforts?

This is my debut full album as a composer, so it’s completely different from all my previous releases where I performed the music of the composers I admire. I did an E.P. but only four songs as a tribute for the Piano Day 2018.

​Where Night Never Comes is a place of memory. It is my life, my passions; my interests and tells about my dears, my land and my surroundings. It’s the soundtrack of my daily life: a collection of big and small things that moved me, impressed me; left a trace on me. All together they symbolize my ideal day. A day that all of us sometimes experience, a day we wish it never finishes.

Do you have a favourite song/moment from the record?

All of them give me a strong feeling because now, after so much time, they make me remember the moment I had the need to write them. But, if I must choose one, I would say The Secret Vein - dedicated to my mother and to her sweetness that always accompany me.

When did you first take to the piano and fall for it? Was there someone who inspired you?

In my family, everybody play and love music. We had a piano at home and I used to touch the keys from just few years old - but I began my first lessons around seven/eight-years-old. I immediately understood I would never stop! Many musicians I met along my way inspired me, but the real mentor I had the (good) luck to find was and still is my husband Enrico, who now is my sound producer.

In terms of influences; which musicians did you grow up around?

My first love was and still is Bach: I can’t imagine my life without his music. Then, I must mention Chopin, Ravel and Satie - they influence my compositions. From the contemporary composers, the ones I admire most are Philip Glass and Max Richter; Ludovico Einaudi for how he can make the piano sing; Ólafur Arnalds for the way he mixes all the genres.

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

Hard question! Actually; the main goal would be to reach - with my music - the heart of as many people as possible through the concerts, the streaming platforms or videos.

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

All the moments in which, while playing, I find a promising idea and I chase it, losing track of time. That’s the place I would love to live in.

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

Bach: The Goldberg Variations by Glenn Gould (1955); Bach: The Goldberg Variations by Glenn Gould (1982). It is amazing to feel, in these two versions, the two completely different interpretations of the same work and both are so convincing. Of course; I have many more albums than one to mention but, if I have to say one, I would say Recomposed by Max Richter- Vivaldi - The Four Seasons. For me, it represents the beginning of my time as a performer and a composer.

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

Jakub Ciupinski: a visionary musician who, in my opinion, should deserve much more attention. I discovered him through his work, Morning Tale: i. Nocturne. I would like him to write more for piano solos.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never give up! It’s hard to find our way in the new music market but keep updated; do your best and, at the end, something will happen.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Now, I’m touring in Italy and I’m dealing for dates in Europe. On my site, you can find all the news.

IN THIS PHOTO: Douglas Dare/PHOTO CREDIT: @ozgecone

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Douglas Dare - because his songs are strong, like a punch in the stomach 

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

When I get some free time, I love walking around the woods near my house (in 2012, I moved to the countryside); reading books and taking care of my garden!

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).

From the E.P. Bach Reworks by Víkingur Ólafsson, the track For Jóhann

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Follow Olivia Belli

Official:

http://www.oliviabelli.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/oliviabelliofficial

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/belli_olivia

 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/oliviabelliofficial/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWunx82dNTwrDECU-LNAL1w

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JU9NLB27wyGhbwbApR9uy?si=tPx_ZKKwSvqMd6Be0RrN_g

INTERVIEW: Poor Nameless Boy

INTERVIEW:

Poor Nameless Boy

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THE terrific Poor Nameless Boy…

has been telling me about his latest single, Catch Up and Slow Down, and how it came together; what the story behind his moniker is; whether there is going to be more material coming along soon – I was keen to know whether he has musical idols and influences.

The Canadian songwriter talks about his father’s influence on his music and reveals whether he might come to the U.K.; what advice he would give to artists coming through; if he ever gets time to unwind away from music – he ends the interview by selecting a great song.

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Hi, Poor Nameless Boy. How are you? How has your week been?

Not so bad! Just got home after a weekend of five plane rides, so some coffee and songwriting will do me just fine.

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

My name is Joel. I’m from the prairies of Saskatchewan in Canada and I’m a songwriter at heart. I tend to find myself in genre discussions of Singer-Songwriter, Americana and Folk among others. Last time I was here people compared the writing style to Conor Oberst, so I’ll take that. This track is certainly a bit different.

Catch Up and Slow Down is your new track. Is there a story behind it?

I love truly asking people how they are doing and it seemed that lately the same answer of “Good, busy” came up more and more. We are all busy. We are all somewhat ‘ok’. Getting together for coffee with old friends or truly connecting with someone new should be something special though; something that slows time down; allows you to love those who are most important in life; a desire for intimacy.

Might there be more material coming next year do you think?

Oh, you betcha. This is the first single from an E.P. which will be released early-2019 and there will thankfully be other videos and singles from it.

Can I ask where the moniker ‘Poor Nameless Boy’ stems from?

Sitting at the kitchen table with my father...

My family has a long history in the music scene, including him, uncles and my older brother. I wanted a stage moniker but couldn’t decide on anything. He poked fun by saying: “Oh, poor nameless boy”. I surprisingly loved it. In a world where music is often about riches and fame, I certainly don’t mind being poor and nameless.

In terms of influences; which musicians did you grow up around?

My father was an entertainer in the ’60s and ’70s primarily. I grew up with Pop, Rock; Motown and really fell in love with the vocal harmonies of that era. I went through a distinct Emo phase by falling in love with Jimmy Eat World as a teenager.

But, lately, I have been very much influenced by songwriters such as Noah Gundersen, Phoebe Bridgers and Canadian storytellers like Del Barber, William Prince and Donovan Woods. I fell in love with the songwriting craft and discussing ‘why a song works’ is one of my favorite things.

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

I hope to get my Christmas shopping done earlier so I’m not being frantic. I also would love to do more co-writing during the start of the winter season. It’s going to be a lot of preparation work with the E.P. coming out soon into 2019 but I’m just trying to enjoy the fact that people are giving Catch Up and Slow Down a chance. It’s a beautiful thing.

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

I played Reeperbahn Festival in Germany a couple years ago. It was after my first performance where I signed a publishing deal. I love writing songs and having someone invest in my creativity to do that means the world to me. I also played a stacked Canadian line-up in London which is a show highlight for me. William Prince, Port Cities and Blonde Diamond (Formally Youngblood) made up the rest of the line-up.

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

They each hold a special place for me. The first E.P., I barely wanted to make. The first full album was basically just a buddy and me making it work. A lot of the songs were my personal healing. Bravery felt like the truest form of what kind of music I wanted to make. Lots of emotional songs.

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

Lots of candy and coffee. Lots of fresh fruit and soup. I think it would be very humbling to perform with Phoebe Bridgers. The songs off Stranger in the Alps have influenced my writing.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Hang in there. Be unforgettable. Aspire to write unforgettable songs. Be kind to people.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I’ll be touring quite a lot in 2019, beginning with plenty of Canadian dates. The plan is to have both U.K. and European dates but…nothing to announce quite yet.

Might you come to the U.K. and perform?

I love the U.K. and I’ll for sure be back.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Luca Fogale

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Hmm. I just finished seeing an artist named Luca Fogale for the first time in an intimate show. He was terrific.

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

I watch a lot of cartoons and hockey to relax. I’m Canadian, after all. I think with music I go through very busy seasons and more relaxing seasons where I can write a bit more.

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

Give a spin to William Prince - Breathless. He’s a good soul

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Follow Poor Nameless Boy

Official:

http://www.poornamelessboy.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/poornamelessboy

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/poornamelessboy

 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/poornamelessboy/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/poornamelessboy

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKAlxNq1ogNii4Jwuss5wng

INTERVIEW: J. Bruno

INTERVIEW:

J. Bruno

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THIS interview finds me talking with J. Bruno…

as he discusses his latest single, Lose Yourself. The Danish artist tells me about his musical upbringing and what he has planned going forward; a new act we should get behind – I ask whether he will come to threw U.K. and play at some point.

J. Bruno reveals what he does away from music and a few albums that mean a lot to him; how his work has developed since the very start; what he wants to achieve by the end of the year – he selects a great song to end the interview with.

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Hi, J. Bruno. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi there! My week has been good. Got back from N.Y.C. on Friday. I was there to play three shows. Then, I was offered a support gig in Denmark for Yellow Days (from the U.K.) on Monday.

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

My music is all about love and everything that comes with it.

Lose Yourself is your new song. What is the inspiration behind the song?

Lose Yourself is a song that I wrote on an electric organ that I have in my living room. It has a drum machine built in it so I was kind of just playing around with that.

I believe an E.P. is coming up. Are there particular stories and personal experiences that inspired the music?

Well. All the things that I write are, on some level, based on personal experience. I’m not through selecting the songs for the E.P. so I can’t exactly say what they are about yet. But, stuff that happens to me, things I feel an urge to express - or just things I find funny to say out loud.

Which artists did you grow up around? Were you raised in a musical family?

My mother’s side of the family introduced me to Classical music. Her brother and sisters are all Opera singers, pianists and such. So, I have attended a fair share of operas and symphonies. My father was a Ragtime pianist and he loved the rhythm and soul of the ’80s. 

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

Hopefully, I will have made enough money to buy my mother and sister a decent Christmas present.

How do you think your work has developed and progressed since the start?

There was a time when I didn’t think about what I was doing: I just did it. Then, all of a sudden, I became aware of this, that and the other. The past couple of years, I have practiced getting back to that state in which I just let things flow. That was the main reason why I went to play in N.Y.C. I wanted to improvise the whole thing, which I did. So, before I went there, I bought a lot of new equipment I didn’t know how to work. So, I had to do stuff intuitively. I learned a lot from that experience.

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

When I was five, I remember hiding a C.D. from my drum teacher because we always had to play stuff from it. I don’t know why I didn’t just tell him that I wanted to play something else. I was always a shy kid.

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

That always changes. But, three albums I always enjoy listening to are Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan; A Night in Tunisia by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and H’art Songs by Moondog.

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

If I could support any musician? I’m not sure I understand the question (smiles). My dream rider includes hot sauce, Danish pastries; blood from a bat and sparkling water.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’m not sure that I am in a position to give anyone advice on how to built a career. But, the best things that have happened to me have always come from surrounding myself with good people and keeping an open mind to new creative ideas. 

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I do have one show that I’m really looking forward to be playing. But, I’m not allowed to reveal the date or the venue as of yet. Keep a look out. I’ll post about it first thing when I get a go from the promoter.

Might you come to the U.K. and play at some point?

Definitely. I have played a bunch in the U.K. with John Hassall of The Libertines and I always enjoy it. Love the country, the food and, of course, its graceful ladies.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I get a kick out of listening to the debut album by Danish duo Kogekunst. But, I’m really bad at finding out about new artists. You really should ask my sister Julie about that.

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

No. I don’t lately. I do boxing with my homeboy Benni when I have the time. He used to box at a really high level, so I learn a lot from him.

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).

Thanks! I will probably go with Pigmy Pig by Moondog

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Follow J. Bruno

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jbrunomusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jbrunolovesu

 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jbrunomusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jbrunomusic

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: Fil Bo Riva

INTERVIEW:

Fil Bo Riva

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I have been spending time with Fil Bo Riva…

as he tells me about the brand-new single, Go Rilla, and the strange inspiration behind it. I ask when more material might come and when music came into his life; which albums are most important to him and whether there are gigs coming up.

The songwriter tells me what he wants to achieve by the end of the year; which artist he’d support given the chance; if he gets time to chill away from his busy schedule – he ends the interview with a great song choice.

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Hi, Fil Bo Riva. How are you? How has your week been?

All great, man!

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

I'm a solo musician but also a band. I would describe our music as a mix of Folk, Soul and Indie. The music plays with strong dynamics and big vocal parts. Hard to describe it but I'd be best to just listen to the songs.

Go Rilla is your latest single. What is the story behind the song?

I first came up with the idea to the song in Manchester in 2016 while supporting Joan As Police Woman through Europe that winter. It was raining outside and I was in the bathroom just before soundcheck.

Somehow, I started staring at this poster of the club we were playing called Gorilla. I don’t know why but I just got a flash inspiration; took my phone out and immediately started singing the chorus, melody and words. Everything else developed some time after when I found other lyrics I had written down after a dream - most of these words suited what I had in mind and so it just ended up being what it is now: a song about unbridled passion and the rapturous idea of escaping the real world.

How do you feel your work has evolved since the start? Do you feel more adventurous and confident as a songwriter?

I noticed a bigger interest in experimenting with other instruments and sounds, but also in the way I write. Sometimes, songs come out longer and maybe a bit too complex. But, that's something that you can adjust while writing. It's good to try different things.

Might we see more material in 2019?

Of course. Our debut album will come out in early-2019. Very excited about it.

Give me a sense of when music came into your life. Did you grow up around a lot of different sounds?

I was around ten…that's when I got my first guitar. I didn't really listen to music but I started playing. We weren't a very musical family but my parents used to listen to good music - stuff like ABBA, Queen or The Bee Gees. Sometime after getting my first guitar, I discovered The Beatles through my neighbours and fell in love immediately.

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

Well. We're still finishing off the last songs for the album, so we'll have it mixed and mastered by the end of the year.

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

Playing in front of 3,000 people in Cologne in 2016 was mad. We played a handful of gigs before that as a duo and we were opening for Matt Corby. I've never been so scared before! 

 PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Brill

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

Very hard. That's a question where I never know what to answer cos it's always Beatles albums. Haha. So, I would say: ‘The Red Album’, ‘The Blue Album’ and the ‘1’ album.

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

Today, I'd choose Bon Iver cos the music somehow suites me and the audiences (at his shows) were always very quiet and respectful.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Focus on your songwriting and on your person. Stay yourself but try and find something that makes you stand out from others. Make everything with love and try to share your work; don't try and do everything your own.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Brill

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Tour dates will be announced this Friday… 

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

Of course!

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

That's something I had to get used to. I didn't like it at the start but I had to get used to it and finally I started finding a way to love it.

  PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Brill

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

Not really - but I'm constantly thinking about finding something

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).

Aretha Franklin - Think

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Follow Fil Bo Riva

Official:

http://www.filboriva.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/filboriva/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/filboriva

 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/filboriva/

INTERVIEW: KIDSØ

INTERVIEW:

KIDSØ

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THANKS to KIDSØ…

for talking about their single, Apart, and how it came together. I was keen to know how the duo got together and the music that inspires their sound – I learn about their upcoming tour plans and which rising artist we need to look out for.

KIDSØ discuss their path into music and what the music scene is like in Germany; what advice they would give to artists coming through; how they unwind away from music; what their favourite memory from their time in music is – they end the interview by selecting a cool song.

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

The last few months we were quite busy working on our E.P. We both decided to take a few days off to from music producing. We just came back from last weekend at the lake Schliersee in Bavaria. That was quite relaxing and we had time to think of 2019 and to create a road map for us.

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

We are Moritz and Martin and play some kind of down-tempo, organic Electronica. We both started playing drums and like to focus on beats and rhythms. Moritz is more responsible for harmonies and melodies; Martin plays the beats and percussion.

How did KIDSØ get together? When did you all form?

Martin moved to Munich six years ago. At that time, he was looking for some other musicians to play some music. At that time, we both met for the first time and we immediately started to play in our first band together. KIDSØ was formed years later based on the music we played since we met.

Your new single, Apart, is out. It is from the E.P. of the same name. Are there particular themes and stories that inspired its creation?

We produced almost all songs of the entire E.P. close to a Bavaria lake in a small and quiet house. We took all our equipment from the studio and moved for several weekends and days to that place. That was quite motivating. We tried to combine the environment we had there with our music. Some of the rhythms and sounds you hear on the E.P. are based on elements from that lake. For example, the sample of that whale you hear in the song actually was a bird we took from there.

Which artists did you all grow up around? Do you have any personal musical idols?

The artists we grew up with inspired us to start learning and playing our instruments. As we started with KIDSØ, we also listed a lot to artists like Christian Löffler, Parra for Cuva or Ólafur Arnalds. They pretty much influenced us and the music we create today.

As a German duo, what do you think of the scene there? Is there a big market for Electro artists?

Most artists and labels in of Electronic music in Germany are located in Berlin. Compared to Munich, the city we both live in, the scene is not that strong here but definitely evolving. We are proud to be part of that process here in Bavaria. 

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

We will release our debut E.P. on 26th October this year. We put all our efforts into that release and will promote our release and music from then on. But, we will see. A few gigs are still in the pipe for the next months.

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

That was definitely a concert we both played together in 2014. We played a show in the Muffathall in Munich. All 2,800 tickets were sold and the venue was fully packed. That was impressive and still motivates us.

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

We both share playlists on Spotify - it is hard to say that there is this one album. But, we can say that there are some songs and artists which means the most to us. For example, tracks like Window from HVOB or Blurred from Kiasmos.

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

We love the current tour of Ólafur Arnalds. He has incredible stage equipment with him on all concerts. We would definitely want to have a full piano with us on stage at some point in time. That would be that key element in our stage rider.

Can we see you on the road this year at all after your album launch?

We are touring in Germany end of this year and beginning of next year. You should check our channels as we will announce some shows for spring 2019 in a few days.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Stick to that music you like and not what others want you to do.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Owen Ross/PHOTO CREDIT: Felix Strosetzki //Photography

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Our label, Finest Ego, is pretty well known for discovering some new evolving artists. You should check out their artists like Owen Ross.

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

We would love to, but do not find enough time to do so yet. We sometimes just take our boat and paddle on the lake Starnberg or Ammersee. That gives us the opportunity to unwind from daily 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).

As we spoke about one of our most preferred artists, we would suggest Ólafur Arnalds’ Near Light

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Follow KIDSØ

Official:

https://finestego.com/artist/kidso/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kidsomusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/kidso_official

 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kidso.official/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/kidso

INTERVIEW: Tiger Lion

INTERVIEW:

Tiger Lion

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THE excellent Tiger Lion…

has been talking about the new single, Black Sea, and what its inspiration is. I ask how her music comes together and when music arrived in her life; if there are tour dates coming up and how important it is being on the stage and delivering music to the people.

Tiger Lion reveals a few albums that are especially important and recommends some rising artists – I ask whether there are plans for 2019 and what advice she would offer to artists coming through right now.

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Hi, Tiger Lion. How are you? How has your week been?

Bonjour! I’m good. My week has been quite full-on with two gigs, the release of our new song; work and life in general!

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

My name is Clémentine. I am a music-maker under the name ‘Tiger Lion’ and the project comes to life with two wonderful humans - Geoffrey (guitar) and Dan (drums). We are mainly French but based in North London.

I would say we’re making a kind of experimental Pop with a big love for Shoegaze, analog synths and World music.

Black Sea is your latest single. Is there a story behind the song?

This song was inspired by a ‘voyage’ in Scotland and some of the Hebrides islands. The darkness of the sea and its texture were fascinating. I suddenly had to go back to London, travelling from the Isle of Skye to Euston in just a day. It was a strange situation. More generally, it is a song about feeling disconnected from your essence - it could be a land, a loved one; your family…

The physical release of Black Sea is actually limited edition prints from this trip.

How did you get into music? Was it something you were always around?

My parents are very musical. I can remember myself singing from a very young age; humming melodies at the back of the car, daydreaming all the time. But, I didn’t play any instruments until quite late.

When I was small, I was more into horse riding because music was ‘my parents’ thing’ but, slowly, around the age of sixteen I picked up a bass. My dad showed me how to play the basic notes and I started playing in bands.

I love how your music sounds and comes together. Do you play with a band and work on tracks together?

These days, I write and record demos on my own, then we work on additional production with Geoffrey and Dan. After that, we adapt the song for the live show (sometimes, I get carried away and add lots of sitar sounds and Iranian flutes and I forget I don’t have a sitar or a flute player with me!).

Can we expect any more material in 2019? Are you looking that far ahead?

I am writing an album! It is inspired by different places, but more specifically Japan. I’m hoping to release it sometime in 2019. 

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

Hopefully, I will have a full album written and recorded (smiles).

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

That time where we played in Exeter Cathedral was magical. There was actually a mini, five-minute documentary made about this performance.

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

‘The White Album’ from The Beatles

Because it means everything.

A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead

It just encapsulates everything that I love - unexpected textures, beautiful melodies. Everything touches the soul so deeply.

Kelly Lee Owens released a first self-titled album last year and it felt extremely timeless. She represents something really current to me - fresh and inspiring, creative and humble. Her album means a lot to me.

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

If I could open for PJ Harvey with a full-on raclette party in my dressing room that would be perfect.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t think about the top of the mountain but think about the progression.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Yesss. I am playing in France and U.K. in the next few weeks:

24.10: Angers/Le Joker's Pub (FR.)

26.10: Brest/UBO (FR.)

27.10: Rennes/Le Bar’Hic (FR.)

27.10: Nantes/Le Bras De Fer (FR.)

11.11: Brighton/Rialto Theatre (U.K.).

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

I love touring! It’s such a different approach from the studio and the songs are sounding so different. I think it’s important to have this feeling of sharing your melodies with people. Sometimes, when I sense that the audience likes the music, it makes me feel really emotional.

IN THIS PHOTO: indi

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I really like indi; a New Zealand artist. Halo Maud is a French artist and really capturing an amazing Neo-Psychedelia sound.

I also recently worked on a film project for an artist called Beverly Glenn Copeland. I feel he is new because people are just starting to discover his music. He is a seventy-four-year-old trans man who is embarking his first ever E.U. tour this November to promote an album made in the ’80s called Keyboard Fantasies.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Halo Maud/PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Montano

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

I like taking long breaks to travel (if I can); preferably surrounded by nature. I try to nourish myself on new cultures and landscapes. I also go back to my parents’ place in the middle of nowhere in France to recharge.

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).

Can you play this song by amazing French artist Flavien Berger – Brutalisme

Merci.

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Follow Tiger Lion

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/eyeoftheTigerLion/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Clem_TigerLion

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eyeofthetigerlion

Bandcamp:

https://tigerlion.bandcamp.com/

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: One-Way Song

INTERVIEW:

One-Way Song

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IT has been great speaking with One-Way Song…

about their formation and what we might expect from their forthcoming E.P., Passionate Leave. I was keen to know what inspired the E.P. and how the band got together; what Manchester is like as a base and which rising artists we need to get involved with.

The guys discuss their music tastes and reveal whether they will hit the road; if they have a particular album they all love and what their plans are for 2019 – they end the interview by selecting a rather good song.

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

We’re good, thank you. We’ve been preparing for our album release so a busy week!

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

We formed out of a theatre group named Finn Youth Productions that we set up after turning down university a few years ago to start it. In early-2017, we’d written some songs for a future production but decided they’d be good to record and release in their own right - this soon snowballed into live gigs and then into a fully-fledged project, hence ‘One-Way Song’. Now, our debut E.P. Passionate Leave, is coming out this November.

How did One-Way Song find one another? Was it an instant bond?

The initial members met through working together on theatre, so it was seamless going on to start One-Way Song. I should say, though, that we operate more as a collective than a traditional band now: we don’t have fixed members, so to speak. Mat and Keiron at Hilltown Studios completely transformed the songs in production and Jay Stansfield, the lead singer from All Hail Hyena, does vocals on Billy Fisher Fitzgerald. It is the idea of One-Way Song that is the main thing; more than who is involved at any given moment.

You are based in Manchester. Is there a varied and busy scene there now?!

We’re based in Manchester but have actually been in Budapest a lot of this year, so it’s a bit disorientating. The stuff in Manchester that’s not being pushed is quite cool; The White Hotel seems a good venue (though that’s Salford really) and the Imperial War Museums had this exhibition about Wyndham Lewis - which we mention later on - that was great, so that’s very varied. You go to the stuff that is self-consciously the ‘Manchester scene’, though, and it’s like the Apathetics from that film, Zardoz. Ultimately…it depends what you are looking for.

Passionate Leave is your upcoming E.P. Are there particular themes that inspired the E.P.?

As the title might suggest; a lot of it is inspired by travel. Mark Twain said something like Napoleon was once the only man in Europe who could really be called a traveller; he was the only man who had devoted his attention to it, but now everybody goes everywhere - this rings even truer today with everlasting gap-years and Airbnb and so on. It’s like a democracy of vitality: everyone is in love with too many things. It’s something we wanted to examine a bit.

One track is about Marseille, one is about Germany; one is about the travelling through the U.K. class system, but all from different perspectives.

Which artists did you all grow up around? Do you have any personal musical idols?

A lot of film soundtracks, like the Bond music from John Barry and the Dollars trilogy music by Ennio Morricone. And things like Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash. We can’t really say we have any idols, so to speak; just people like the above whose work we really respect.

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

Right now, we are dedicated to the release of Passionate Leave. Then, our next aim is to get even newer songs recorded before the end 2019. We’ve written a follow-up album entitled Dark God’s Latter Holidays, with two new singles ready to record and release.

In that same vein; do you have plans for 2019 in terms of what you want to accomplish?

It’s ambitious, but we’re doing a play about Wilhelm Reich that involves original tracks by One-Way Song and we hope to stage it in 2019. Reich invented the orgone box and the cloudbuster (which Hawkwind and Kate Bush sang about, respectively) but it will be a historical play also covering events around his life from the assassination in Sarajevo to MI6 and Rasputin. It’ll be rewarding and we hope to bring together both our music and theatre work.  

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

Probably, for each of us, it’s our Imperial War Museums showcase. Our group is named after a poem by Wyndham Lewis, so to do our debut performance at the first major exhibit of his work in sixty years was a good memory. We got to see the whole exhibition afterwards and there was this portrait there donated from the private collection of Bryan Ferry, which was cool. Lewis is still ahead of his time, even minor books like Doom of Youth, which is nearly ninety years old. Says more about what is going on today than most contemporary works.

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

By unanimous choice it’s Lulu by Lou Reed and Metallica. It’s like Metal Machine Music: it will take years for everyone to catch on (if they ever do). The opening lines to Brandenburg Gate alone are enough to make this a masterpiece.

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

Ennio Morricone, I guess! He’s still making great music. As for the rider; a sole glass of Caveman True Paleo Formula.

Can we see you on the road this year at all?

We’re working on it is all I can say right now. News will be coming very soon, though, so stay tuned.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Get good people around you; read books that aren’t on the syllabus; stick to art as opposed to ‘the arts’.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Boothroyd (his album this year, Pure Country, is great. Poland’s Stara Rzeka are also great. Check out The Common Cold too. And Sateliti - their track, Audi, is genius (you have to watch the video, though).

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

This is a tough question.

I guess we don’t really see music as something to relax from! We enjoy working on new stuff all the time. The only problem we have is finding time to fit it in. We agree with that Bernard Shaw quote: “A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell”. Must be the Catholic work ethic.

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).

We’re going to choose unanimously again! Laibach - Opus Dei (Life Is Life)

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Follow One-Way Song

Official:

https://medium.com/one-way-song-central

 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/onewaysong/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/OneWaySong

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/onewaysong

PHOTOS:

Tom Gradwell

INTERVIEW: AyseDeniz Gokcin

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino  

AyseDeniz Gokcin 

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THE terrific AyseDeniz Gokcin…

 PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino

has been talking with me about her path into Classical music and how that passion developed. She tells me about her track, Watches, and what we can expect from the upcoming E.P. of the same name. I ask Gokcin what her earliest musical memories are and why she started composing her own music.

The composer/songwriter recommends some rising artists to watch and reveals whether she is touring soon; what she hopes to achieve before the end of the year and whether she gets time to chill away from music – she ends the interview by selecting a cool Beatles song!

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

Hi. Thanks so much for having me! It’s been crazy-busy. I had a concert in Istanbul last week and this week I’ll be performing in London. Then, I fly to Italy to play for the Turkish Consulate in Milan and then on to Cyprus!

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

Sure! I am a musician – and I turn my experiences into notes on a piano to make people feel alive. I was raised in a non-musical but music-loving family, so we listened to all styles (especially Rock ‘n’ Roll, golden oldie; musicals, Classical and Rock music). It was part of my everyday life at home. However, I went to a strictly Classical school and I had finished my Bachelor’s (and almost my Master’s degree) before I began to mix genres I love to represent my own personality. I have arranged Rock songs for piano, worked with a D.J.; composed for a contemporary dance company and it’s been a unique journey so far with all its rollercoaster ups and downs!

I have two Beethoven albums coming out and an album of original compositions as well as covers. I am now happier and more satisfied on stage and I can connect to people much more easily as I know that what they’re listening to comes straight from my heart and soul to their ears and then, hopefully, to their souls as well. 

Watches is your latest song. Can you reveal how it came together and whether there is a story behind it?

Absolutely! For many years, I went to school and studied the genius scores of Bach, Mozart; Beethoven, Chopin; Debussy…they were so great that I wouldn’t dare to make anyone else listen to my compositions, let alone take myself seriously - even though I had been composing since middle-school for fun. It was never my plan to become a composer, as the education system also divided performers from composers. However, after arranging so many Rock songs and performing so much Classical music I thought, finally, that I am there. While the urge in me to release my own music grew bigger, I also wanted to stop playing other people’s music. This was also thanks to my followers, who kept asking for original music.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino

From my home, I shared with them video excerpts of my new musical ideas, asking for their opinions; possible titles and what it made them feel - and the reactions I got were absolutely amazing. I remember the first time I told them about Watches. I had just composed it and while my friends were waiting for me to join them for dinner I told them “I’ll be right there” and recorded a small video of me playing it on my upright piano in a pink sweatshirt. It got 40K views in a day, which was quite a surprise to me and gave me the courage to compose more. 

This was a time when I went to concerts and discovered many different contemporary and minimalist styles that inspired me. Somehow, when I went to concerts, all the pieces I listened to that were minimalist were also very easy to perform - and I wanted to create something simple yet virtuosic to play. Watches is, indeed, very difficult - from raging arpeggios to crossed hands playing softly; it requires a very careful balance of power and a caring touch. You caress the keys, creating the right pressure in the fast moving notes. It should look easy… 

Now; the score is on Musicnotes.com and I am very excited that it is going to be in my upcoming album of original compositions!

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

Watches is taken from the E.P. of the same name. Are there particular personal stories and ideas that go into the songs?

Yes, indeed. Each piece has a meaning that came from my heart:

Plastic Prelude is an elegy I composed after seeing the plastic waste swimming in the Caribbean ocean for miles and I wanted to create my own way of calling for awareness and action to save our planet. We are messing up our natural environment and need to change the general attitude our societies have towards waste, over-consumption; meat and dairy factories and climate change. Thank goodness for social media – so many of us now see what is happening behind closed doors.

I would love to ask the listeners to write their own comments about what my music represents to them, so I will leave the rest up to them!  They can share their thoughts with me on Instagram or Facebook – I love hearing those!

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

Do you recall your earliest musical memory? Which artist or song first struck your mind?

This will sound so weird but, somehow, I was so scared of the Triumphal March from Aida! I remember having nightmares hearing that (smiles). No idea why but it still gives me a dark feeling! Other than that, my first two C.D.s were Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and The Simpsons soundtrack. I loved those! 

Was there a reason you decided to play and compose music? Is it a passion you had in you as a child?!

I would spend so many hours on the piano as a baby that it happened naturally. With my mother, I would go many times to piano teachers to see if my hands were big enough to start lessons.  I would play it when I woke up, right away without going to the toilet or brushing my teeth or having any breakfast. I would forget to do anything else. I still forget to eat when I begin working. Time flies.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

Composing was always for fun for me and I would do it to escape the stress of the academia (in which you play the same pieces hundreds of times and your creativity wants to go beyond all that). Becoming a composer was not part of my career ambition as music schools have completely separate degrees for that. Without having any boundaries, I would compose Pop songs, fugues and oriental pieces to just have fun and a break from all the repetition and discipline.

Finally, after some years out of academia, in an experiment playing around with the chord progression of a Rock song, I composed Watches and asked my fans online what they thought. The reactions I got were so incredible that I decided to record an album of all originals - which is coming out on 23rd November!

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

I would like to establish my name as a composer and I want my fans to get to know me as a composer and not only a pianist. 

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

Yes. The moment I learned how to read music notes like words when I was six. It was an incredible feeling - like when you start a new language and, after many efforts, you can finally start reading a book. Even if you don’t understand all the words, you know what it’s trying to say. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

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

Nirvana Project: It was very difficult to mix Electronics with an acoustic piano sound and it worked brilliantly. I am so happy with it as it conveys so many emotions based on Kurt Cobain’s life. It is almost like a musical documentary: you listen and understand the story without needing images or words.

A Chopin Affair: This album was very important as it shows my abilities as a Classical pianist.

Pink Floyd Classical Concept: It is obviously very important as well – because it was the starting point of my career and provided me with a hopeful path full of new and ever-loyal fans!

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

I would love to work with Ólafur Arnalds and/or Joep Beving to perform and compose together. I love their music. I would also love to perform with some of the artists whose music I have arranged for piano such as Roger Waters or Coldplay. It’s crazy as those examples have nothing to do with each other but that’s who I am – I just love so many genres!

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

You should focus on what makes you artistically different from others and should emphasise that. Once you are disciplined with achieving your dreams through your best qualities, success will follow.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

October 19th- London (U.K.); November 7th - Nicosia (Cyprus); December 14th - Vigo (Spain).

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

For me, it is the most meaningful time I spend in life. It is more about a dialogue within me that is represented to other people. You share with the world who you are and what you feel through music. Somehow, this transfers to other people and becomes their own unique experience. Mind-blowing! 

 IN THIS PHOTO: Poppy Ackroyd

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes. I like Poppy Ackroyd and Lambert! Also; there is a ton of young talents around.  I love Benjamin Grosvenor – who is already an established genius.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Benjamin Grosvener

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

I actually spend too much time on my phone for work: I need to update everyone all the time and this gets too much. I also had some physical pain due to practicing piano for many years without any proper physical training, so I ended up with three slipped disks. I have recently started Pilates and am hoping to turn my lifestyle into one that is more balanced with sports and nature. I want to go on hikes and swim more often - and go to places with more clean air and sunlight!

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).

Roll Over Beethoven (smiles) by The Beatles!

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Follow AyseDeniz Gokcin

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino

Official:

https://www.aysedenizgokcin.com/

 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ADPianist/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ADPianist

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/adpianist/

YouTube:

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

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MhNojJNQsaW1KXqKTX2Y0?si=LVRkmqgPQHKwrCw0xIibug

INTERVIEW: Alice Rose

INTERVIEW:

Alice Rose

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I am kicking off today by speaking with Alice Rose…

who has been talking about her new single, Berlin Is for Dreamers, and what its story is. She discusses her upcoming E.P. and explains what the scene is like in Berlin right now – and why the Government are forcing musicians off of the streets.

Alice Rose tells me about her musical influences and albums that strike hard; what she hopes to achieve by the end of this year and whether there are any tour dates coming – she ends the interview by selecting a real good song.  

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

My week was exciting! I was in the studio making a remix for my Berlin Is for Dreamers song - coming out next year.

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

Well. I am Alice Rose. I am a cosmopolitan, Danish singer-songwriter, autoharp and viola player. I was a one-woman-performer with sample and drum machine for many years and I spend most of my life living in different countries, sharing my music. I love unusual instruments and sounds. I was attracted early on to Electronic music, so I have done a fair amount of songs and music with Electronic production.

I spend hours in the studio producing new material and honing my craft. I also have a love for acoustic and minimal music and my roots in Classical music. On this new album, which is Dream-Folk; I have chosen to work very old-fashioned, I guess: no computer instruments or sequencer; recording all instruments live in two months last summer…a handmade album. It was a great process. I was writing so many poetic lyrics and this album just came pouring out of me.

Or…

(I am Alice Rose. I am singer-songwriter from Copenhagen, originally, in a musical home. I played violin and piano, sang in choirs; then I started with bands and theatre practice. This slowly took me into my own songwriting. Now, I live in Berlin. And, before that, I lived in Prague, Amsterdam and Cologne. I have made a few albums, mainly as a songwriter avant-garde Pop with Electronic production. I have been a featured vocalist with House and Techno music and have produced Tech, House and D.J. sets under the name ‘Tiger Rose’.

Now, at the moment, I am working mainly with an instrument called the autoharp and my new album is working without computer-generated sounds. I still love to play the viola and my loop station and am constantly working on new songs).

Berlin Is for Dreamers is your new single. What is it about Berlin that struck your imagination?

The freedom, the people; the energy. From all over the world, people travel here to live out their artistic dreams and creativity is everywhere. At least this is how it has been. Affordable rents and space has given artists a chance to immerse themselves in their work. I like this about the city and I hope it stays this way, although rents are rising and forcing people to work jobs - and therefore having less time for their art.

Would you recommend people visit Berlin? Is it a very creative city?

Yes. Berlin is a big creative hub; there is a lot to explore here. You can come as you are and just be open - and doors will open for you. There are a lot of heavy things past here: war, poverty; Nazi buildings and past. But, there is also the equal amount of old traditions of freedom, exploration and unlimited options. It is a very facetted place with many highs and lows - just like I write about in my song, Berlin Is for Dreamers.

Might we see more material coming next year?

Yes. I am doing an E.P. of remixes of Berlin Is for Dreamers. More dancey and upbeat - also, the songs What to Do in the Rain and Heart High. At the same time, I am writing my next album which is also Singer-Songwriter but I cannot say when it will be finished. Writing, recording and producing is a process and releasing takes time and planning, especially in these D.I.Y. musician days...so, let's see.

Which artists did you grow up around? Were you raised in a musical family?

I was raised in a very musical family. We sang a lot and my mom is a pianist as well as my grandfather who was also a Classical singer. He worked as an organ player and music teacher and we spend a lot of time in his place in the countryside. I used to climb up and secretly play the strings inside the grand piano a bit like the strings on an autoharp. I also grew up playing with a tape recorder that my uncle gave us; my sister and I would do our own music show. My first job, from age seven, was singing in choir in church and I got to play piano and then the violin. Violin was my dream instrument.

My dad would listen to a lot of Beat music like The Beatles or Jazz. But, we also heard a ton of Classical music like Bach, Mozart and Peter and the Wolf by Tchaikovsky. So, a great mix. My older sister was a Whitney Houston and WHAM fan, so I was sort of ‘forced’ to listen to that when we did the dishes after dinner. I was more into Pink Floyd and Eurythmics, but when I hear a good Pop song today, I bless my sister for that influence as well. Some amazing pop songs in the '80s.

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

To have released my album to my satisfaction, shared the music with the world; reached some people and have hopefully inspired the audiences near and far. I also would like to finish my remixes and have set up my home studio for new recording adventures.

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

When I lived in Amsterdam in 2015, I started playing street music as a live producer with a loop station, a small Hip-Hop drum machine, voice and my viola. I soon found out that they didn't tolerate amplified music in Amsterdam and got stopped by the police. Didn't wanna give up!

I had the strong urge to play impromptu concerts for myself and the world and so I bought four sets of headphones, some camping chairs and set up a silent concert where people could listen to my music on the street. A bit like a silent disco. It was amazing! So many encounters with people; met a lot of curious children; the music sounded fantastic on the headphones - like diving into a magical world – so, yeah; so many beautiful moments! It was an unforgettable feeling and experience. I may repeat it here in Berlin in 2019.

At the moment, the city is changing so much! They are kicking musicians off the streets, to ‘clean up’ the city, which I think is terrible! They should rather get rid of the many cars! I may start my silent concerts again; also as a sort of protest and to keep on living my art...

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

It is hard to say. SO many beautiful albums.

I do like the soundtrack of (Out of Rosenheim) Bagdad Cafe - a movie about a German lady who goes to live in a small cafe in the desert. I was so inspired by the movie that I wanted the L.P. for my birthday. It was my first record. That and a Eurythmics tape. I love Eurythmics. Uh…and Pink Floyd! Wow. Too many to choose.

An important record to me was Homegenic by Björk. It really touched me in deep ways. I remember I sat in a dark room listening to it the first time. Music can touch us in a way no words can describe. And, such a modern production! Great lyrics and a creative way to use instruments. Just a beautiful piece of work.

One more record I like to listen to (is the L.P.): Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come. Jamaican vibes. Also, it’s a soundtrack record. I remember watching the movie with my parents and loving the groove! One of the first old vinyl records I bought when I was a teenager.

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

Well. I think it would be amazing to go on tour with Joni Mitchell, but I am not sure she tours anymore. If he was still alive, it would be Leonard Cohen but he passed, as we know.

Well. My dream scenario on stage would be with the autoharp accompanied by a string quartet, banjo; a grand piano, a real harp; guitar, hang drum and percussions so I could play my album the way it actually sounds with all the instruments.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Meditate, travel; dance, do yoga or tai chi - so many practices to learn to be in the present moment. And, to relax in between. It’s so easy to get carried away so you need strategies to be grounded. Get to know yourself. Don't try to live up to some ideal or standard set by the music industry, business or other people. Find your own voice and write the song that it is living in you. Write from a pure heart!

Sounds easy, and maybe it’s a cliché, but actually coming from a place of true meaning is an ongoing journey. Again and again, we have to catch ourselves and ask: ‘Am I doing this for the right reasons?!’ A mantra I keep repeating to myself is “Always for the love, never for the money”, which is, of course, not easy because as musicians we also have to live and pay rent and all that. I think, in order to do something in an authentic way, you have to come home to yourself, repeatedly. I practice that, which is sometimes not so easy in this crazy, busy world full of input from everywhere.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Only in Germany at the moment:

25.10: Kaffee Burger - Berlin

26.11: Aether Bar - Berlin

02.11: Wulberts - Dresden

04.11: Kindle Stuben - Berlin

07.11: Ä-Bar - Berlin

08.11: Prachtwerk - Berlin

09.11: T.B.A.

15.11: Musikmachine - Mainz

16.11: Ladezone – Leichlingen

17.11: Cologne – T.B.A.

21.11: Komm Du - Hamburg

22.11: Hamburg – T.B.A.

24.11: Prinz Willy - Kiel

28.11: Oblomov - Berlin

06.12: Artliners - Berli

Might you come to the U.K. and play at some point?

That would be wonderful, but I have nothing planned so far. Maybe next summer some festivals will pick me up, but it is beyond my control.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

In Berlin, there are so many exciting, young artists. That is mainly what I listen to, but often I do not know the names.

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

Yoga, meditation - and I love to dance. Also, I have an inflatable boat in the summer. It's fun to paddle around Berlin in that. Being on the water makes me very relaxed and happy. In the winter, I go to Asia and play music and do yoga. It is nice to be away from city life.

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

This Side of the Blue - Joanna Newsom

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Follow Alice Rose

Official:

http://www.alicerosemusic.com/

 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AliceRoseMusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/alicerosemusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/alice-rose

YouTube:

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKbKpvhNAY0pbJO0uObCplA

INTERVIEW: Victory Chimes

INTERVIEW:

Victory Chimes

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MY final interview of the day…

is a talk with Jeff (Keys and Vox) of Victory Chimes who tells me about the new single, Halos. I ask him what sort of themes are addressed on the forthcoming album, Spinning Wheel, and if there are particular albums that are especially important to him – I discover how the Victory Chimes lead spends time away from music.

Jeff recommends a rising artist to have a look out for and reveals what tour dates are coming up; which artist he’d support given the chance; how the music has evolved since the early days and whether there are any goals to achieve before the year is through.

__________

Hi, Victory Chimes. How are you? How has your week been?

Doing great, thanks! Busy rolling out this record.

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

After playing in a long list of bands in Montréal, I started Victory Chimes in 2008. It’s my outlet for some more creative and experimental ideas in songwriting. It’s been my platform to investigate long-forms, synth soundscape texture; new vocal styles, drones and general hypnosis.

Halos is out. Can you reveal how it came together and what its background is?

The seed of the song, the original inspiration and core can come from different places. A lyric, a bassline; a drum loop etc. In Halos; it started with a piano bassline. It was eventually replaced by two sub bass synth lines working against and with each other. This part became the hook of the tune as it came to represent the message of the song which developed later when lyrics were written.

The song is about the daily contradictions we live by, changing hats and wearing different faces to get by and get ahead. The interesting thing is that, through the tension of these contradictions, something new, unique and beautiful can be created. These two battling subs are literally playing out this phenomena during the song.

Spinning Wheel is your new album. What sort of themes and experiences inspired the music on the record?

There is a general theme on this record of growing up and getting yourself together. Hopefully, rising out of some of the confusion of youth and coming to a deeper understanding of the self and learning how to express that honestly. Still craving a good time, though - for better or worse.

How do you think your music has evolved and changed since the early days?

I think I’m getting closer to finding my sound and voice. In the early days, I was determined to be original and may have even written some inaccessible music in my efforts to get there. I’ve learned that true originality rather comes from a lot of self-investigating, experimenting and practicing.

Can you tell me what sort of music you grew up around? Which artists struck your ear?

I grew up listening to a bit of everything. I learned about sonic textures from Radiohead, groove from Led Zeppelin and beats from Beastie Boys.

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

We just want to get this album to as many people as possible and get on the road and bring the live show everywhere we can.

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

I remember hearing OK Computer by Radiohead for the first time when I was hitchhiking around Australia in ‘97. Heard sounds I had never heard before and had no idea where they came from. Really opened my ears up. Turns out most of the sounds were made by electric guitars. 

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

The Beatles – ‘The White Album’

For pushing the limits of songwriting.

Radiohead - OK Computer 

For sonic textures and production.

Nick Cave - Push the Sky Away

For vibe and space. He’s a dark preacher; no one can do his thing.

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

That last couple Nick Cave shows I’ve been to have been insane. He gets such a vibe at his shows and his audiences are total pyschos. I was asked to move four times in a standing room venue because I was obstructing people’s view of Nick. Would be fun to be a part of that as the opening act for sure.

For rider…just natural orange wine.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Being an artist is like being an athlete: you have to work at it every day. You have to build your creative muscles. You have to enjoy this as well because like a lot things it’s really about the journey rather than the end goal.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Next show is the album launch at the Bar De Ritz PDB in Montréal. We’re working of a Toronto and N.Y.C. release shows now.

Will you come to the U.K. and play at some point?

Would love to. No set plans yet but we are talking to European bookers.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Check out Parker Shper. He’s the other synth player in the band and he’s doing a solo synth instrumental project that’s pretty cool.

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

Not really. I play Jazz piano in clubs every night of the week to pay the bills. Love it, though. I run to unwind. We live near the Jacque Cartiers Bridge in Montréal, so I run over that and around parc Jean-Drapeau every other day. Good for body and mind.

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

How about Get Real Paid (on Midnite Vultures) by Beck. It’s pretty awesome, right!?

___________

Follow Victory Chimes

Official:

http://www.victorychimes.ca/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/victory-chimes-269620829163/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/victorychimes/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/victorychimes-743557669

PHOTOS:

Faustino Balvé 

INTERVIEW: Ivy Mairi

INTERVIEW:

Ivy Mairi

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THIS interview finds me talking with Ivy Mairi…

about her latest song, Strange Love, and what its background is. I learn what we can expect from her upcoming E.P., Polarity, and what else she has coming up; if there are particular albums that mean a lot to her and which approaching artist we need to look out for.

The songwriter tells me about her musical progression and why Pop appeals to her; if there are tour dates coming up and if she has any words of advice for new musicians – she selects a great song to end the interview with.

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

It’s been a good one. I’ve been enjoying all the lovely words coming in about Strange Love - it’s always a good feeling to put out new music.

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

I’m a singer and songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Born and raised here, too. I’ve been singing professionally for ten years as a Folk singer and a backup singer in Indie-Rock bands but this is my first real dive into Pop music. Feels good so far!

Is there a story behind your latest track, Strange Love? How did it come to life?

Songs tend to come to me in pieces - and once the foundational piece is there, the rest gets built around it. The chorus to Strange Love came to me during a bike ride (I ride my bike everywhere and use the idle time to tinker with songs in my head!). I thought it was a great hook but that it was way too Pop for me, so it seemed like something I should pitch to someone else to sing. But, as the song came together, I just liked it so much that I decided I had to sing it myself.

Your forthcoming E.P., Polarity, sounds exciting. What might we expect in terms of themes and song ideas?

I am very excited to share the full E.P. It is a collection of five songs that explore the highs and lows of love and personal growth - and getting older and seeing life as the complex thing that it is. Over the period that I wrote these songs, I went through some really incredible times and also some very hard ones. The songs reflect both.

Do you recall your earliest musical memory? Which artist or song first struck your mind?

I have many early musical memories. My mother is a musician and was always playing instruments and singing with me and my sister. As a kid, I was fairly Type-A and I was really good at memorizing song lyrics - it used to annoy me when my friends and I would try to re-enact a Spice Girls or Alanis Morrisette music video at school and I would be the only one who actually knew the lyrics. I taught myself how to harmonize in middle-school by singing along with the radio and just harmonizing every note.

It seems Pop music and the freedom it offers is important. Would that be fair to say?

I think Pop music is free in the sense that it allows people to be unabashedly enthusiastic or sassy - to take up space and be yourself, unapologetically. As a songwriter, though, I enjoy the constraints of Pop music as opposed to the freedom. Pop song-forms are very specific - and writing a good Pop song is all about figuring out ways that you can make your song weird and different, while still working within the Pop boundaries. 

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

To build some good momentum in the lead-up to the release of Polarity in early-2019. And to put together an amazing live show to celebrate the release.

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

There are so many; it would be hard to pick. Mostly, I am just grateful for all the amazing people I’ve been able to collaborate with over the years. One of the best things about making music is getting to create and have fun with people you love and respect.

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

I’ve never been much for having ‘favourites’ when it comes to music - there is always so much to discover and also so much to return to. That being said, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a very important album for me as a young person. It is such an amazing mix of styles and such a singular piece. The last couple of years, I have really connected with Hejira by Joni Mitchell as well. It gives a beautiful look into the mind of a woman entering her thirties. And, in terms of Pop music that I love right now, I am a huge fan of Charli XCX.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

It takes a long time to find your voice and get your chops! I am always learning new things by exploring other music and watching other singers - I am always working to get better. Also, just being out in the world and in your community of peers is so important - a chance run-in can lead to a meaningful collaboration or an important opportunity.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I am planning a big release show for my E.P. in Toronto in the New Year. Until then, I’m laying low!

 IN THIS PHOTO: IDER/PHOTO CREDIT: Lottie Turner

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

They are definitely already on the rise but I love the new music that IDER is putting out. I’m excited to hear what comes next from them.

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

I love time spent in nature. I go out on canoe trips and hikes; long bike rides. I love the movement through each Canadian season.

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).

The song Messages (Garden Edition) by my good friend Isla Craig has been buoying me up during moments of doubt the last little while. That’s my choice!

___________

Follow Ivy Mairi

Official:

https://www.ivymairi.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ivymairi/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ivymairi

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ivymairi/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/ivy-mairi

Bandcamp:

https://ivymairi.bandcamp.com/

INTERVIEW: Jerrica Alyssa

INTERVIEW:

Jerrica Alyssa

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I am starting the day by speaking with Jerrica Alyssa…

as she tells me about her track, Those Cherry Lips, and what inspired it. I ask when music came into her life and who she is inspired by; whether there might be more material arriving down the line; if the Nashville-based artist has plans to come to the U.K. at all – she reveals three albums that mean a lot to her.

Alyssa tells me about the scene in her home of Vancouver and explains when music arrived in her life; which rising artists we need to get involved with; if there are going to be any gigs coming along – she ends the interview by selecting a rather good song.

__________

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

Awesome. My new single dropped today!

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

I’m Jerrica Alyssa; born and raised Vancouver, B.C. I just moved to Nashville! I must admit, the musical community here totally feels like home!

Three things you might find interesting about me: I started as a Polynesian touring dancer at a very young age; I’m a conservatory-trained pianist and as a singer/songwriter I feel most comfortable straddling the worlds of Pop/R&B/Soul.

Can you reveal the story behind your latest single, Those Cherry Lips?

The story behind Those Cherry Lips is about the beautiful, gentle and sensuous connection between two lovers. More than a love song, it comes from a feminine sensitivity about two lovers meeting with passion. The lush color of those cherry lips describes the mesmerizing nature of someone’s beautiful lips when they speak and kiss. 

Do you think there will be more material coming next year? Are you always working on new ideas?

Absolutely! I’m so excited to share many of my new songs - the next one drops in November.  We are also putting the finishing touches on a new live performance video and a lyric video for Those Cherry Lips coming in the next two weeks.    

Can you recall when music arrived in your life? Were there particular artists who inspired you?

As a young child, I remember my home being filled with music playing all the time. When my parents would play classic Pop & R&B records by legends like Michael Jackson, I’d always put on a show to sing and dance for my family. This was the beginning of my musical journey: exhausting my family with my singing, piano and dance. Music has always been the center of my life, now expressed through my own music. 

Some of my biggest inspirations include my musical idols Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga. In my eyes, they are fierce, passionate and dedicated. I’ve grown up listening to their powerful music and watched them take on the world non-apologetically and with purpose. As an artist, I am in awe of their achievements in songwriting; playing the keys, singing and performing. Their work has inspired me from a young age to work my ass off; to push myself to better my craft every day. They give me confidence and love to strive to be the best version of myself as a woman. 

As a Vancouver native; how do the people inspire you? Is there a strong scene there at the moment?

I still intend to travel back and forth doing co-writes with my musical friends there. I already miss the seafood and the ocean of my hometown

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

I hope my next few songs and videos help people to get to know me better!

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

This last year, my first recording session in a Nashville studio with incredible players blew my mind!

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

Songs in A Minor by Alicia Keys

Off the Wall by Michael Jackson

Raise! by Earth, Wind & Fire

Each one of these albums represents a turning point for me, as a kid, in my musical journey.

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

I can’t lie: I support artists that write, live and breathe their own music. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just get out of your own way and do you. With love and confidence, be exactly who you need to be. Always remember your self-worth. 

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Right now; I’m finishing my new songs so I will be not be touring the rest of 2018. However, before year’s end, I will be playing a few dates in Nashville to test new songs. I’ll keep you posted. 

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

I would love to! 

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

I live to perform. I’ve been a performer since I was a kid. The interaction with the audience means everything to me. The thing is; I’m so excited because I will now get to connect with the audience with my own music. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: The New Respects

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

The New Respects. I’ve just recently found their music and really love it! And, Sampha - are you guys a fan?

IN THIS PHOTO: Sampha

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

You’ll find me in dance class getting physical! 

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

(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano by Sampha

___________

Follow Jerrica Alyssa

Official:

https://www.jerricaalyssa.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJerrica

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jerricaalyssa

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jerricaalyssa/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jerricaalyssa

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: The High Points

INTERVIEW:

The High Points

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I have been speaking with Ethan and Matt of The High Points…

who discuss the latest track, Need Your Love, and what we can expect from their upcoming E.P. I ask how The High Points formed and they reveal which artists they grew up around; whether there is any rising talent we need to get behind – I was keen to know whether the guys are on the road soon and whether we can catch them play.

The Norwich-formed group are making strides to I ask what they hope to achieve before the end of the year; what advice they would give to artists coming through; if they get chance to unwind away from music – Matt and Ethan each pick a song to end the interview with.

__________

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

Matt: Hey! We’re great, thanks! The sun's been shining and this week has been fine and dandy.

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

We sure can! We’re The High Points; an Indie-Funk trio from Norwich blending the sweet sounds of the '70s with more modern-sounding Indie; formed by songwriters Ethan Keens-Soper and Matt Cranswick

 

Need Your Love is your latest single. What is the story behind it?

So. Need Your Love is a track about someone instantly falling for someone else in a second and them both having no regrets. It’s a true, upbeat and happy song which we hope warms people's hearts when they hear it.

Your E.P. is coming up. Can you reveal the stories and themes behind the E.P. at all?

We can give you an insight...

The theme of the E.P., Instant Love, is all about times when you’re certain of something and want to seize it straight away (instantly, if you will). The tracks all tell a story and have themes of summer, happiness; love and also times of struggle and sadness. It’s definitely something we’re very proud of and hearing it together really tells you a story.

Do you each have a favourite song from the E.P.?

Definitely. I, myself, absolutely love the track Summer's Day. For me, it’s the perfect blend of our sound. It’s got a constant groove showing off our more funky side but also has this amazingly clean tone and feel to the song. It’s so happy and it’s one of them tracks that just sound great to drive to on a lovely day.

Ethan: For myself; although I agree with Matt’s choice, I would have to choose Coast to Coast; purely for the lyrical content and the dynamics within the music and between the instruments.

I believe The High Points emerged from Norwich last year. How did you connect with each other and realised you shared the same tastes in music?

Matt: So. Myself and Ethan have actually known each other since we were seventeen. We met at 6th form and actually formed our previous and first band back then. We never did anything Funk or Indie-based in that band though which was something we both realised that we loved doing. So. After stopping the first band, we formed The High Points and started writing completely different things to what we had done before.

Which artists did you all grow up around? Do you have any personal musical idols?

We’re both lucky enough to have been brought up with musical families, so we both have a huge selection of bands and artists that we were introduced to at a young age. I was always hearing my dad’s records such as Queen and ELO, as well as music from my brother and my mum like Green Day, the Red Hot Chili Peppers; CHIC and other Disco tracks.  The blend of these, for me, was perfect when I was first learning bass. A personal idol for me and Ethan would definitely be Nile Rodgers.

Ethan: For my musical inspiration, as a young guitarist, it was most definitely Jimmy Hendrix. I just couldn’t get enough of his unique style. I then got heavily into John Mayer, which started my love and Interest in singing but then I found myself being a true Kings of Leon fan and idolised the lead singer Caleb a lot. I learnt to admire the licks and melodies of Nile Rodgers at later age with Matt.

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

Matt: We hope to achieve a bigger status - we’re still relatively small in the huge pool of bands so we’d like to grow our fan base and have more people enjoying our music.

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

One that sticks in our mind a lot is actually the first time we played a gig back in 6th form. We’d both never done a live gig before so it was really one of them moments where we were either going to absolutely love it or be too nervous and end up hating it! Thankfully, we both loved the buzz of playing live in front of an audience. Although it wasn’t a huge gig, it’s always meant a lot to both of us because it gave us confirmation that is what we want to do.

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

This is a hard one…

So many albums mean a lot to each of us. For myself; I would say Rubber Soul by The Beatles (means a lot to me). It’s just got that perfect blend of everything I love and there isn’t a single song on that album that I don’t love.

Ethan: For myself; I quickly fell in love with Aha Shake Heartbreak by the Kings of Leon. It was an album which helped me out a lot in a tricky part of my life and love It. I still have it playing in my favourite playlist.

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

We both would jump at the chance of supporting the great Nile Rodgers. Not just because we love him but also feel like we would be a great warm-up and support as we like to bring the funk to all of our live shows.

We definitely wouldn’t be picky when it came to our rider. Maybe a candlelit McDonald’s on arrival - a bit of comfort food always breaks the ice.

Can we see you on the road this year at all?

You sure can! We’re doing a tour in November and the dates will be available via our Facebook page and on our Spotify gig list!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Try be unique as possible; have your own image and your own style both online and in person. It really goes a long way if you’ve got something special about you that makes it clear to your fans that there’s only one of you and not several bands or artists that sound and look the same. Also, it’s a bit obvious, but always be nice to everyone: try not to have an attitude as being friendly will always get you further and you’ll make new contacts etc. much easier.

 IN THIS PHOTO: The Renadeans

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There’s a great band in our area called The Renadeans. Like us, they’re a three-piece band with a Punk/Rock sound but they’re absolutely fantastic when they play live. They really give a good show and their music is brilliant and unique for that genre!

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

Yeah. We both like spending times with our girlfriends and we’ve got a great group of friends as well, so we always manage to spend time to go out for a drink or even just play on some games online to relax.

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).

Matt: Girl - The Beatles

Ethan: Peg - Steely Dan

___________

Follow The High Points

Official:

https://www.thehighpointsofficial.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheHighPointsOfficial/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thehighpoints

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thehighpointsband/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yURbVqY8o5XJ2YqTuen6B?si=kmuuqZhfQ7-XbXSTTkOSTg

INTERVIEW: Novul

INTERVIEW:

Novul

___________

MY last interview of the day…

is with Novul as she talks to me about her single, Boys Like You, and the story behind it. I ask her whether more material is coming and ask why she moved from Canada to L.A. – she talks about that relocation, the music she is inspired by and a rising artist we need to get behind and spend some time with.

Novul discusses her plans going forward and how important it is getting attention from press and radio; what she does when she is not making music; what advice she would give to musicians coming through – she ends the interview by selecting a great song.

__________

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

Hi. Thanks so much for having me! My week has been amazing. I released my new single as well as my music video for Boys Like You.

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

I’m Novul - check out my story. 

Boys Like You is your new single. What is the story behind it?

The story behind it is basically asking yourself ‘Why do girls like me love boys like you?’ (Bad boys).

Do you recall when music came into your life? Was there a moment you knew it was the career for you?

I always knew I wanted to do music. I remember walking home from elementary-school and I would always come up with these melodies and freestyle lyrics singing to myself. Haha! I then started dancing, doing musical theater and vocal lessons. From my first live television performance at age ten, for Gloria Lorin, I knew I wanted to do this as my career.

You started life in Canada but moved to L.A. Did you always know you wanted to move to the U.S.? How quickly did you settle in?!

I didn’t always want to move to the U.S. but, in high-school, I realized that’s where I had to be to do this. I started flying to L.A. once a month for vocal training. After high-school graduation, I officially moved. I settled in pretty quick and easy. People would always tell me that I never looked like I belonged in a small farm town. Looking back, I would have to agree!

Which artists do you consider to be role models and inspirations?

Lady Gaga is my role model, 100%. She’s so talented and smart! Also, Cher is a big influence on me. 

Your music has gained a lot of support from radio and the press. How important and motivational is that support?!

So important! Getting support from radio and press just makes it clear to me that I’m doing the right thing, especially being independent. It confirms that I am connecting with people and I can be that voice. 

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

I’m going to be releasing another single and video in November, so I will end the year with that. My end goal for this year is to be performing locally in L.A.

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

I would say one of my performances that I have done in L.A. because will.i.am came to support me!

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

That’s so hard because it depends on my mood and my feelings. They all touch me in a special way! 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never change your artistry. Stay true to yourself because that’s what makes you different. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: NF

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I would have to say this upcoming rapper named NF. His art is amazing and he spits the truth. I love that about him. My dream would be to collaborate with him. Shout-out NF!

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

At the moment, I’m pretty good at balancing myself. Every morning, I take my dog Diana to the beach. That alone time really grounds me. By the way, Diana is in my music video for Boys Like You and she was featured in Rich the Kids’ music video for Dead Friends. 

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).

Everything Is Embarrassing - Sky Ferreira 

___________

Follow Novul

Official:

https://itsnovul.com/

Facebook:

https://twitter.com/itsnovul

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/itsnovul/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/76Fb7JUGndMfrfLCX697Gs?si=OIaLrGh2TEaPMXflOXSJ0A

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/novul

INTERVIEW: Chloëbeth

INTERVIEW:

Chloëbeth

___________

THE wonderful Chloëbeth…

has been chatting about her new song, Take Control, and what its story is. I ask whether we will see any new material next year and if there are tour plans ahead. Chloëbeth discusses her favourite music and albums that hit her hardest – she recommends a rising artist we need to follow closely.

I was eager to learn whether her Classical training/background aids her current music and what she wants to accomplish by the end of the year; how she spends her time away from music and the advice she would give to artists coming through – she ends the interview by selecting a great current track.

__________

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

Helloooo. I'm not bad, thanks. Ups and downs ya know - how it goes! Hope you're all good.

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

Yeah. Well. I'm Chloëbeth - a singer and songwriter from West Yorkshire. If you've never listened to my music before, I guess you can expect relatable lyrics and catchy melodies…with deep meaning behind the sometimes 'mainstream' sound. But, all my songs differ quite a lot in the genre. I'm full of surprises.

 

Take Control is your new track. What is the tale behind it?

The tale behind my new track Take Control is about certain lads who feel threatened by a girl's independence, confidence or success. The message is about being yourself and not letting a lad use and abuse you or put you down.

I mean; I'm not particularly a mad feminist at all: I'm a laid-back gal but just seeing some guys in the club or on Instagram stood there posing made me wanna write a song about how pathetic some guys are (as well as some girls of course!). It's not a bitter song, though. It's just about embracing your true self and beauty inside and out and not letting anyone put ya down!

Might we see more material in 2019? How far ahead are you looking?

Oh, yeah. Definitely more stuff coming in 2018, never mind 2019! This is just the beginning.

Can you reveal what sort of music you grew up around? Who did you idolise?

I grew up around all sorts. I remember, as a proper-young kid, my dad used to listen to dance and Trance in the car...and The Clash - whereas my mum was into musicals. But, like; I sang on my first bassline song when I was sixteen. I used to like chavvy music too as a young teen - when I was fourteen – but, at the same time, I loved Rock music! Pretty, juxtaposing genres floated my boat to be honest. As well as chavvy beats, I was also really into Nirvana as a young kid. I loved them.

Also; I idolised Mariah Carey as a kid. Her voice is outstanding. I used to look on her website all the time at high-school instead of doing work. Haha.

How did your Classical training prepare you? Do you incorporate any of that teaching into your current work?

My Classical training has prepared me in so many good ways as it trains your voice to really reach new heights: I can sing any genre well now and can sing in seven different languages as, during my Classical training, a lot of the Classical songs I was practicing and singing in competitions and exams etc. were in Italian, Latin; German, Spanish etc. I think my Classical training has helped me have the range/purity of vocals and control that I have today.

Yeah. I guess you'll hear glimpses of my Classical high voice in the odd note here and there. Kind of like the tone in Hannah Reid’s voice (lead singer of London Grammar).

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

By the end of 2018, I hope to achieve recognition as a singer and songwriter on a much larger scale.

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

Being invited in to do a Live Lounge to premiere a couple of my songs for BBC Radio is a good memory. Also; I love the way I can just sit down unexpectedly when I’m all alone and write a song so effortlessly that I feel could really make it.

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

Visions of a Life by Wolf Alice

Amazing album. A few songs on there really touch me deeply when I listen to them - to the point where this sensation comes over my mind and body like, just, pure dept. I don’t know how to describe it but I feel like I’m different and I go into this numb sort of state where I feel that something is going to happen in my life that’s going to be really unique.

Blink-182 – Blink-182

That will always mean a lot to me as I grew up listening to that on my C.D. Walkman (Discman) and it just reminds me of being so young and boys at the time. (Just) nearly every song on there touches me massively.

Nevermind by Nirvana

Love that album too.

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

I’d love to support The xx and my rider would be, hmmmmm. I was gonna say a big ass bottle of apple-flavoured vodka but I’m in recovery sooo that, probs, wouldn’t be a good idea. Haha. A more sensible rider would be loadsa fruity Haribo sweets and Chinese food. Ha.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Advice to new artists coming through would be: stay true to yourself; don’t copy anyone; have faith and keep going! Try not to give too many f***s about what people think of you.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

No tour as of yet but, hopefully, someday soon!

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

It’s very important being on stage and playing my music to people as, if people connect with the songs I’ve written, it’s just that feeling of like, yeah man, they’re diggin’ this! I just want people to connect and enjoy the words and music that enters their ears - and make them relate or, like I said, feel connected and good/opened up about sh*t.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yeah. I recommend you check out Kennedy Power. She’s my good friend and an amazing songwriter.

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

Yeah. I do get time to chill. I used to unwind by getting absolutely off my head far too much and dangerously but that ain’t healthy for my mental state and never progressed me in any way shape or form. In fact; it strips me of everything good in my life. Sooo…I’m trying to avoid that if I can. I love watching cooking programmes (haha) and spending time going on scenic walks outside embracing nature - or spending time with animals like dogs.

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).

A song. Hmmmm. Play Silk by Wolf Alice. The beginning guitar and opening verse gets me every time, wow! Thank you xxx

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Follow Chloëbeth

Official:

http://www.chloebethsinger.co.uk/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ChloebethH1

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chlowi999/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2566l8qZgVuP2qqJti6KDm?si=OrcX_XxOQRGNj3OYfgxJDA

INTERVIEW: Machine Age

INTERVIEW:

Machine Age

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IT has been good to chat with Adrian from Machine Age…

IN THIS PHOTO: Adrian with SLUMBERJACK

about their collaboration with SLUMBERJACK. I ask how the song, Daggers, came together and whether the two artists are working together again. Adrian discusses his musical upbringing and whether he has a favourite memory from his time in music – he recommends an approaching artist we need to get behind and support.

Adrian talks about plans going forward and which artist, given the chance, he would support; whether he gets chance to chill outside of music; what he and Machine Age want to accomplish by the end of 2018 – he ends the interview by selecting a cool song.

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

Hello, there. Super-well. It’s been a great couple of days - having dropped the new tune on Friday.

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

Adrian here from Machine Age. We’re based in Brisbane, Australia

How did the unity of Machine Age and SLUMBERJACK happen?! Have you known each other for a while?

I’ve been a big fan of SLUMBERJACK for a while. A great friend introduced us and we got together the day before they played Splendour in the Grass (Australia’s Glastonbury).

Daggers is your collaboration. What is the story behind the song? Can you describe how the song came together? Who came in with the idea?

At the time of our first writing session, the boys were living somewhere between Perth and L.A. and we only had a small window of time before they had to prep for their massive Splendour set. So, rather than working on a song from scratch I showed them a super-rough piano demo of Daggers as something we could work on.

They loved it and we got the bones of the track together that day. The rest of the production was a lot of back and forth sharing parts and arrangements ideas as they toured overseas until it was done.

Will there be more work between you guys?

I’d love to work with them again one day for sure. It would be great to play Daggers live together.

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

I’m the youngest of four boys and inherited my music taste from my three older brothers. One was into ’60s/’70s Psych-Rock; another Blues and Jazz and the other (into) Pop and Electronica. It wasn’t till I was fifteen or so that I started to distil that down into my own influences.

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

We have a stack of shows planed in the coming months around Australia and are planning to hit the U.K. and Europe early next year. But, before we get there, we’re also finishing a bunch of new material for our upcoming debut.

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

The first song I ever released a couple of years back got a spin and five-star review by the head of Australia’s national radio station, triple J. It’s pretty hard to go past that feeling.

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

That’s a super-tough question...

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

I would happily accept a solitary beer if I could support Radiohead. Maybe two beers.

Can we see you on the road this year at all?

Yep. In Oz. We’re aiming to hit the U.K. next year.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Make the music you want to listen to.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Willaris. K

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Willaris. K

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

When I’m home, I love walking my dogs and listening to music or podcasts.

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).

Ólafur Arnalds - re:member

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Follow Machine Age

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/machineagemusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/machineage_twit

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/machineage/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/adrian-mauro-2

INTERVIEW: The Higher Planes

INTERVIEW:

The Higher Planes

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I have been speaking with Adam and Jon…

of The Higher Planes about their double A-side, Keep Your Lamplight Burning Low/You Know, and what the stories behind the songs are. They discuss how the band found one another and what music they are inspired by; what their plans are going forward and whether they each have favourite albums.

I discover how the band’s music gels and whether they get chance to chill away from music; what they hope to achieve before the end of this year; which rising artists we need to get behind and whether there are treasured musical memories that stick in the mind.

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

Adam: Hello. This week has been good; although I’ve spent a lot more time tragically hungover than I would have liked. We did meet an interesting new producer, though.

Jon: Pretty uneventful. We had the launch gig for the release last Friday and normal life is always waiting round the corner.

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

Adam: The Higher Planes are a kind of ramshackle Soul band: the kind you might have heard in the golden era. We are shameless revivalists with loads of hair, angelic singing voices; a no-synth policy and an ever-expanding line-up which now includes George ‘The Major Seventh’ Dimension on the trumpet and Richard ‘Suspended’ Forthe on the public saxophone. They might have real names, I don’t know. You could ask them.

I think our aim is to create a warm, dancy and soulful experience for the people in attendance. My concern is a lot of people seem to be on the slow slide to weary cynicism, losing all feeling in their feet. The way I see it, what we do is try to top the good feeling back up; let that joy and abandon grow back like leaves after winter - I mean for us as much as anyone listening.

Jon: We're The Higher Planes; a (mostly) six-piece....Garage-Soul band?! We used to say ‘folky’ but we've been doing our live shows on the principle it's gotta be super -groovy and deeper rhythms are a bit easier to get into.

 

Tell me about the double A-side release, Keep Your Lamplight Burning Low/You Know. What is the story behind each track?

Adam: Keep Your Lamplight Burning Low is for all the people creaking under the cascade of worrying information that’s taking a grim toll on our heads today; seemingly more invasively than ever (although, let’s face it; it ain’t exactly World War II right now). Or, maybe, it is for some people, in their minds Anyhow; I think it’s saying ‘Take it steady, try not to fret; all is unfolding exactly as it should be in the great cosmic comedy…’ 

You Know is an odd one. It’s an upbeat Soul banger that’s also a story about being burned alive in a giant psychedelic tribal ceremony - a bit like the remake of The Wicker Man with Nicholas Cage. Not the bees! What’s on me?

Jon: I guess the first one is about how to not get crazy and how not to fall asleep in these dark and murky times. A lot of the songs we do have contain a lot of apocalyptic lyrics and such and this one, I think, came about as trying to write a more positive kind of song, which only half-worked before it got derailed by mystical visions – but, basically, it's about keeping your eyes open.

You Know is just a bit of a fever-dream about being the guy in The Wicker Man + symbolism, irrational ideas; things like that.

 

What was the reason for releasing a double A-side? Will there be more material next year?

Adam: The shady characters at Super King Records who pull the strings said their projections were a few percent better doing it that way. Who am I to argue against the cold, hard data?

And, yes, there will be more soon, friend. We’re heading back into the studio in December to whip up some more metaphysically, nutritious soul stew. Probably another two tracks, given the time we have. Big room, recording live (ish); more feeling; more fuzz more of the time.

Jon: We're just trying to record when we can. There's quite a few of us and we're pretty busy, so two tracks were what we got out of our session, especially because they've got quite a few parts and we couldn't, on that occasion, just play them all live and have it done. It's probably gonna be a while before we've got an album of tracks done to a good enough standard.

Maybe we'll get an E.P. done before too long. Otherwise, I think we just thought they're both pretty cool and double A-side sounds fancy. And there's no one to tell us how releases are meant to go, so we just called it a double A-side.

You have brought a horn section into your music and are working with Jazz drummer Angus Bishop. What was the reason for this employment and how do you think it is has altered your sound?

Adam: Brother Jon has always been trying to move in the souliest (sic) possible direction. The horns were a natural progression to the dream set up of a Wilson Pickett-type act. We’re just missing keys…and Wilson Pickett…

Angus Bishop is a long-time friend and collaborator of JJ Stillwell, player of the bass. They call him ‘The Bishop’ because he only moves diagonally. He was playing with us for a while some years back, but then left for some kind of mystic drum odyssey for some months. When he came back, he said he was up for it so we nabbed him. I should mention it’s not him on the recordings (that’s the inimitable Ginger Drage From A Previous Age) - you’ll have to wait for the new year to hear Angus’ particular brand of stick magic. He’s like the Rembrandt of drums. And he’s added gears and dynamics we didn’t know we were capable of before.

Jon: I think it's always made sense and been a bit of an ambition to put horns onto lots of our songs. Those two tracks were pretty down-the-line-Rock-‘n’-Soul rhythms so it was a no-brainer. First, the Soul influences and I know the sound in my head always has devastating horn blasts all over the bloody place. Some of it is just about having more options – having organs, pianos and theremins and all of that and go with whatever suits the songs.

With Angus, he and JJ studied music together and play together in other projects, so they know each other and each other's playing really well and there's something about Jazz players that make for great Rock ‘n’ Roll players – especially when we want a psychy feeling which we haven't yet done that much of. It's all a bit more technicolour.

How did The Higher Planes get together? When did the band form?

Adam: Jon and I; we are brothers. So, we’ve spent most of a lifetime terrorising the neighbours with our raucous musical endeavours. I think we were playing as a three-piece a couple of years ago with a drummer (and having to switch between guitar and bass constantly) until we met JJ (the boyfriend of a friend of my ex-girlfriend). He took care of low notes. We roped our spectacular women in with promises of fame and glory - and the fact they didn’t really have to carry anything cumbersome or heavy…apart from us at the end of a particularly powerful show.

Jon: Me and Adam have been playing for ages and were just doing acoustic gigs around the place when we got together with Sarah, Deci and JJ to make a bigger sound. For a long time, we played with Ginger Drage, a drummer based around Brentford, and now with Angus. We've played gigs around London for the past few years with a few jaunts around the country.

Which artists did you all grow up around? Do you have any personal musical idols?

Adam: We were both mad on The Beatles and The Stones and learned to harmonise sat at Maggie the Piano blasting out Not Fade Away and Hey Bulldog. Musical idols would be many of the people on the Woodstock roster and also classic English Folk acts like Pentangle. I could go on. And I will. We’ve played with some pretty excellent bands lately. More on that later…

Jon: When I got to sixteen, I started getting into the Blues at the same time as San Francisco bands and just followed all the rabbit holes that opened up after. That's what remained, but we listened to most stuff really.

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

Adam: In the next three months? Not getting hit by a car or a fast bicycle; fulfilling everyone’s Christmas wishes; maybe even making a video for one or both of these songs.

Jon: We're trying to find a bit more studio time, so maybe one or two new songs down. After that, I think we've gotta think about 2019: getting a good E.P., properly done, and going round the country a bit.

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

Adam: Touring with Hurray for the Riff Raff last year. Eye-opening.

Jon: Well. Seeing as it's pretty fresh in the memory; I'd say our recent launch gig at Paper Dress Vintage. The first we've had with horns and some of the moments that we got to put in there were very cool. Playing the Joiner's Arms in Camberwell is always good times. And some of the recent practices where the whole arrangement comes together for the first time.

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

Adam: Oooh. Exile on Main Street by The Rolling Stones

Pure magic. And, also, I would quite like to swan off to Nice to live in a mansion, eat bread; drink wine and create music for the rest of my life.

Jon: Couldn't really say it's my favourite ever, because I don't think there is one, but Country Joe and the Fish – I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die is cool because it's not that complicated; just a band being really organic sounding.

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

Adam: Alabama Shakes. Or Queens of the Stone Age… ah shucks, go on…The Stones! On the rider; 1 x giant pile of old-fashioned, 100%-proof medical chang. Nah; scratch that. 1 x largest possible bag of Twiglets. And two beers, cold.

Can we see you on the road this year at all?

Adam: This year, as in 2018? No. You’ll find us in the usual haunts, probably a few shows around South London. We’ll figure something out further afield in the summertime. I want to go back to the North.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Adam: Hahah! We are not qualified to give any. Apart from stay away from leechy ‘promoters’ who do nothing for anyone but themselves. Find the good venues and talk to them directly. If no one feeds the leeches, they might do us all a favour and go extinct.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Wax Machine/PHOTO CREDIT: Abigail Polaine

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Adam: Check out Jouis and Wax Machine. They’re two acts from Brighton I think and they’re both very good in very different ways. I don’t know if they’re fully fledged idols yet, but I respect what they’re doing. Also; ESE & the Vooduu People are pretty gnarly. And there’s a Scottish blues band called The Rising Souls that we’re big fans of. They’re like a Glasgow Audioslave! Come to London, lads! We’ll put on a show.

IN THIS PHOTO: ESE & the Vooduu People

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

Adam: I relax in between rehearsals and gigs by being a full-time school teacher. Therapeutic as hell it is, trying to teach loads of children how to make graphs and read good, all the while knowing that, by the time they hit eighteen, they’re going straight into the Matrix to power robot Tory octopuses.

Jon: We have bags of time away from music as I think all of us have day jobs. We unwind by playing music. Maybe one day it'll be the other way around - and we can unwind with part-time office or factory jobs.

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).

Adam: Please Crawl Out Your Window (the Jimi Hendrix version). Thank you.

Jon: Nearer My God to Thee – Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers (the live eight-plus minute version - Great Shrine Concert, 1955)

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Follow The Higher Planes

Official:

https://www.thehigherplanes.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thehigherplanes

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thehigherplanes

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thehigherplanes/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6T1pXB7fM3gPa8E9plpEz9

Bandcamp:

https://thehigherplanes.bandcamp.com/

INTERVIEW: Ruby Randall

INTERVIEW:

Ruby Randall

___________

THANKS to Ruby Randall…

for talking about her single, The City, and what the story behind the track is. I ask which albums are most important to her and whether she has any goals to achieve before this year is through – she talks about a brief move from Canada to Spain and why she has relocated.

I ask Randall which aspiring musicians we need to follow closely and whether there are any gigs booked; if she has any advice for artists coming through; whether there is a special musical memory that sticks in her mind – she ends the interview by picking a cool track.

__________

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

My week has been a bit wild. I’ve just moved from my home in Canada to Almeria, Spain. I’m here for nine months teaching English to high school-age kids and learning Spanish. I also really wanted to slow my life down and take some time to do the things that I’m always longing to do while in the city - making music being one of them! I’m a social worker back home in Toronto, so don’t get as much time as I’d like to make music. 

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

For those of you who are new to my music, my name is Ruby Randall. I’ve just recently released two new tracks - The City and Loaded Man - under my own name. I played in a band called beau for a long time in Toronto and this is my first solo release since the band’s split.   

The City is your latest release. What is the story behind the song?

The inspiration behind The City actually has a lot to do with my current move to Spain: I was feeling a bit resistant to Toronto’s pace of life. I was always feeling like I wanted to move more slowly and that I was only scratching the surface of things because I felt pulled in so many directions.

I was also really aware of how easy it was to keep myself distracted in a big city and how this sense of distraction kept me from being fully present, or landing on the depth that I so often crave from life. Since moving to Spain, my life has been substantially slower. I live by the sea. Nature just moves more slowly and gives you the opportunity to do the same. 

What sort of music did you grow up around? Did you have a varied upbringing?

I grew up around a lot of Canadian-made Folk music, perhaps unsurprisingly. My parents played a lot of music made by their friends. My mom also loved Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams. Every time I hear these women, I’m reminded of my mom cooking in the kitchen and the house being calm. My dad loves Bluegrass and played in a Bluegrass band. I still remember the words to most of the songs that his band would play. 

What do you hope to achieve by the end of this year?

By the end of 2018, I hope to begin to learn how to produce my own music. This is a big task! A lot of my pals who are really good at producing their own music have been at it for the past decade. I don’t expect to be a master by the time I’m done in Spain, but I’d like to have a handle on the process so that I can at least make demos with fully-realized ideas to take with me into the studio.  

Is there a special musical memory that sticks in the mind?

The last show that my band beau played was really special. Perhaps, because we knew it was our last. We had a full house and my family and all my pals were there. We played a great show and the energy in the room was just really wonderful. It felt really good to be ending our time together as a band on such a high note. It actually felt a little bit like something was just beginning and, interestingly, it was the ending!

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

I always find these questions really hard to answer! The three albums that mean the most to me... mmm….

Perhaps Land of Talk’s Applause Cheer Boo Hiss. Although, honestly, I love each of their albums. This album was just the first one that I fell in love with. Liz Powell, the frontwoman of Land of Talk, is a really good guitar player and I’ve always admired female artists who are both incredible singers and really good at their instruments.

Emmylou Harris’ Wrecking Ball; because it was played in my house for my entire childhood and immediately makes me feel at ease.

I still know all of the words to Destiny’s Child’s The Writing’s on the Wall, so this is my third choice. This album reminds me of how good I felt in my skin when I was twelve. 

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

If I could support any musician alive right now, I might choose Sharon Van Etten. I love her music a lot; it’s so painfully beautiful. Or Land of Talk or Feist. I also might choose someone like Maggie Rogers, because her music is so much fun and I feel like we could be pals. Haha.

My rider would just be full of yummy snacks. Cheese and crackers, olives; salami, fresh fruit and mango juice. Yum.  

What advice would you give to artists coming through at the moment?

My advice to any new musician would be to do your best to be kind to yourself. Putting what you have made out into the world can be hard - it makes you really vulnerable. Do your best not to compare yourself to others! This can be especially hard with social media. Stay connected to own relationship with your creativity - why you love to create things and what feels good about sharing what you make with others. 

Can we catch you on the road very soon? Where are you heading?

I have no tour dates coming up. I’m going to spend the winter writing music in Spain and working on some recordings I made in Toronto before leaving. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Noname

Which new/rising artists do you recommend we check out?

New artists that I recommend you check out: Noname. She has a new album out called Room 25, but I especially love her older album Telefone. Also; La Force just put out a self-titled album that is so good. TBT, Lucky One and Mama Papa are my favourite songs off of La Force’s new album. Merival and Anna Wiebe are two of my good pals from Canada who make beautiful music and sing with me on many of the tunes on my upcoming E.P. Check them out!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Le Force

Do you get time to unwind away from music?

I have recently set up my life so I get a lot of time to make music. Prior to coming to Spain, I didn’t have a lot of time outside of my day job to even make music, so this feels like a special treat to myself. Music is not my full time gig, although I would feel lucky if it was! Currently, I unwind by swimming in the salty sea, cooking, and spending time with one of my best pals, Maya, who lives in Spain with me. She’s magic. 

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose any song (not one of yours) and I will play it here.

Can you play TBT by La Force? I can’t get it out of my head! 

___________

Follow Ruby Randall

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/rubyalways00

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ruby.angeline.randall/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/3OQvWrwjM4j4eHy7SdDhuk

INTERVIEW: Bertie Scott

INTERVIEW:

Bertie Scott

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I am starting off this week…

by interviewing Bertie Scott and asking him about his new track, Feel Alive. I ask Scott whether there is more material coming down the line and which artists he grew up around; if there are rising artists we need to get behind – I ask if we can see the songwriter tour at all.

Scott highlights a few albums that mean a lot to him and tells me what the scene is like where he is in Southend-on-Sea; how he unwinds and relaxes away from music; what he hopes to achieve by the end of this year – he ends the interview by selecting a great modern track.

__________

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

Hi, Sam! I’m all good, thanks. Been a busy week getting everything all prepped and ready - new music out tomorrow; first track I’ve dropped in a while and there’s always last-minute things to rush and get sorted. It’s always the way. Haha.

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

So. My name is Bertie Scott. I’m a songwriter from Southend-on-Sea, Essex (just outside of London). Doing the Pop/Alt-Pop thing.

Feel Alive is your latest single. Is there a story behind the song at all?

So. The main chorus idea for Feel Alive actually came about when I was driving my car. I pulled over straight away and recorded a voice note on my phone – sometimes, when you get random ideas you’ve gotta get them down as soon as possible or they’ll disappear from your mind forever. It’s happened too many times and you always think you’ll remember…but 80% of the time they’re gone by the time you get back to your house. I was actually doing a co-writing session with Jack and Rob from a band called Holloway Road the next week. When we met up, I showed them and the rest of the pieces just fell into place.

The concept behind the song is literally about being alive. Most of the time, we’re so drawn in and programmed by society to do the same thing every day; work 9-5, get back; sit down, watch T.V.; same thing day in day out. It’s so stale. But, sometimes, you just wanna get that buzz from life and really feel something.

Might see more material in 2019? How far ahead are you looking?

Absolutely. I took some time out from releasing music recently and focused on writing. As a consequence, I’ve got a whole backlog of songs recorded up and ready to go. I should be good for the next six months and, at the same time, I’ll be writing and recording even more! I wanna put out as much music as possible. The next track for release is just around the corner as well.

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? Who do you count as idols?

Michael Jackson - King of Pop. My mum used to play his stuff all the time when we were younger and still does. When I really got into music, though, I remember being fascinated by all the local bands in the area. Me and my friend used to go religiously every Friday to the local venues and watch/listen to music. It was wicked. Some of the bands were so good and I used to buy their C.D.s and go home and learn how to play the tracks and jam out to them on my own for hours.

You are based in Southend-on-Sea. Is there a strong music scene there at the moment?

Absolutely. It’s getting stronger all the time. Some great bands have come from this area. The Horrors went to my school; some of the Nothing But Thieves boys were in my class; Charley from Rixton is from Southend. There are some wicked under-the-radar acts here right now - it’s just a matter of time before some someone crosses over that line again.

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

More music released, more songs written. Honestly, I just wanna get the new tracks out as soon as possible. My favourite song I’ve written so far is still to come - we play it live in the set at the minute but the recorded version is even better. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

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

I played at Pride Festival in Southend this year and it’s the first time I’ve really heard people sing the words back at me when I was on stage. It was amazing and they were so loud as well. I could hear them over the music! It was only a short set, but so good.

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

Dangerous - Michael Jackson

It’s the first L.P. I remember seeing at home and the way it kicks into the first track is just so good. I always remember seeing it around at home when I was little. The artwork on the front is so cool too. It’s such a nostalgia thing and it takes me right back to when I was younger.

Avenged Sevenfold – Avenged Sevenfold

Seems like an odd choice but, honestly, the first concert I ever went to and still one of the best. My sister got tickets for her birthday and we all went to Brixton Academy to see them play. I didn’t know any of the songs and wasn’t really into Rock music back then…but I literally had that record on repeat for weeks and weeks after we got back from London that night.

So difficult to choose: there’s so many I wanna pick. I’m gonna go with 1989 - Taylor Swift

It made me believe in Pop music again.

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

Probably Taylor Swift. I ended up getting last-minute tickets to her London gig recently and it was the biggest live show I’ve ever seen. So good. The energy in that stadium was insane. I’d love to be a part of that. Or play with Sia. I haven’t seen her before but I reckon she kills it…

Rider-wise; if anyone can slip in some avocado Maki…I’m in.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I would say the songwriting is even more important than ever. There was a point when playing live and getting out there was more important, but I think it’s switched round again - especially in the age where social media seems to be ruling. The songs really have to come first and have to be really tight. And, also, don’t be afraid to collaborate!

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Absolutely. I’m playing at Medicine at Royal Holloway University on 9th November; O2 Islington Academy on 29th November and Zetland in Huddersfield on 30th November. I’m doing some Xmas lights switch-ons as well in November/December. Type in ‘Bertie Scott Tour Dates’ into Google and follow me on Bandsintown for the full list.

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

Very important. It keeps me going. I can’t imagine not having any shows to look forward to. Writing music and being in the studio is great too. I love both sides – but playing it live is very different (even if the music is exactly the same).

 IN THIS PHOTO: Emma McGrath/PHOTO CREDIT: CK Goldiing

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

If you haven’t already; check out Emma McGrath. We played a show together recently up in London and she’s killing the game. Her songwriting is so good and she’s got one of those voices you could listen to for hours. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you will soon.

Also; TS Graye. I came across her as she worked with a producer I know but her voice is wicked too and I’ve got her latest track basically on-repeat at home.

 IN THIS PHOTO: TS Graye

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

Sometimes. But, I if spend too much time away, I get an itch to crack on with stuff. Doing music is a 24/7, 365 thing. Once you’ve got the bug, it doesn’t stop. And, if it does, that’s the time to quit. Although, I have definitely learned you need to take a break sometimes as it’s good to reset your brain. My parents have got a little place up in Norfolk we sometimes go up to and, if you go out-of-season, there’s literally no one there in the town. It’s so good to rest and unwind there.

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).

Sucker Punch by Sigrid. Literally just came out the other day and it’s such a tune. Another track I’ve got on constant repeat on my Spotify playlist

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Follow Bertie Scott

Official:

https://www.bertiescott.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bertiescottmusic

Twitter:

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Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bertiescott/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m0xNVRx1tAHY3pfNXt7Ro?si=B3r5PXWmR9uBgwnF_Bh1Qw

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGQ4vVHiIaDqgqOl8rs2_A

INTERVIEW: Maggie Szabo

INTERVIEW:

Maggie Szabo

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THE wonderful Maggie Szabo…

has been telling me about her single, Don’t Give Up (she has just released the song, Wide Awake, alongside No Class), and how it came together. I ask her what we can expect from her upcoming E.P., Worthy, and which musicians are important to her; which three albums are important to her and how she got involved writing for other artists and T.V. placements.

Szabo talks about her plans going forward and how important it is being on the stage; what she does when she is not making music; the rising artists we need to check out and get behind – she picks a classic song to end the interview with.

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

Hey there! My week has been great! I literally just landed in Amsterdam and am writing this at my friend’s dining room table at their home close to Vondelpark.

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

My name is Maggie Szabo and I’m a recording artist and songwriter from a small town in Ontario, Canada but currently live in Los Angeles.

Can you reveal the story behind your single, Don’t Give Up? How did that come to be?

I was inspired by the lyric idea ‘don’t give up on love,’ and that’s where the song started. It’s a feeling we’ve all felt before and the lyrics and melody came very naturally. I wanted the lyrics to be really honest, which is where the first line of the verse came from: “Everyone knows this world isn’t perfect”. Once I finished recording the song, I knew that the video had to stand for something and I wanted it to stand for something I truly felt for.

I decided I wanted to make a video that shed light on transgender issues particularly trans kids. So many trans kids are being discarded by their family and are forced to live on the streets. I wanted the spirit of the video to genuinely portray the story of a teenager struggling with their gender identity.

It is from the E.P., Worthy. What sort of themes defines the E.P.?

I named it Worthy because I wanted the E.P. to feel empowering. I want it to be a reminder that everyone is worthy.

Which musicians do you count as idols? When did music come into your life?

There are too many idols to name! Music came into my life at an early. Some of the first artists that I fell in love with were Carole King and Tracy Chapman. I really look up to them because they are such amazing songwriters and artists as well. Their lyrics feel really honest to me, so I think they had a huge influence on my writing growing up. I also sang in a Jazz band when I was a kid so Etta James definitely made an impact on me. I also love Justin Timberlake, Sia and John Mayer.

You have written for other artists and for T.V. placements. Was there a moment that you knew you needed to concentrate on your own material?

My own music has always been a priority for me but I have always loved writing for other projects. Songwriting makes me happy, no matter what it is for. It’s a very different feeling having someone else sing my material other than me because it’s such a great compliment and I truly feel honoured when someone else wants to use my music for their own. I try and balance both equally because some of my best material wasn’t necessarily written with myself in mind; it was more about just writing a great song.

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

I have some collaborations coming out with some amazing D.J.s and I will also be releasing a Christmas song! I will also start planning ideas for a tour next year.

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

I thought about this for a good few minutes…and I honestly can’t say I have one specific memory that is my favourite. Performances, being in the studio and landing in L.A. when I first moved here are all memories that will stick with me forever.

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

Tapestry by Carole King; Continuum by John Mayer and Justified by Justin Timberlake mean a lot to me because they all contain some of my favourite material from my favourite artists. Nowadays, I don’t listen to full albums as much because now the music industry is more focused on singles - but I definitely spent a lot of time listening to those albums.

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

Definitely Justin Timberlake would be someone I would love to support! If I could support him, I don’t care what my rider would be (smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

If you want to pursue a career in music, be willing to sacrifice everything you have for it.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I am playing on October 18th in Amsterdam as part of ADE and, on Nov. 4th, at the Palm Springs Pride!

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

So important! I love feeling the energy of the audience in the room - it’s so inspiring. It’s also a great way for me to see what material people react to and that helps inspire my new music.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m sure you already know him, because he is mega-successful, but I have been listening to all of Chris Stapleton’s music. I work a lot in the EDM world, so some of the D.J.s and producers I work with in Europe aren’t super-familiar with his music, but I definitely recommend everyone listen to Stapleton’s songwriting; there is so much to be learned.

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

I love health and fitness as it keeps me feeling good and it helps me to stay mentally focused on my goals. When I’m not in the studio, you can often find me in the gym or running outside listening to music!

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).

It's Too Late - Carole King!

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Follow Maggie Szabo

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/allaboutmaggie

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/allaboutmaggie

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/allaboutmaggie/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/allaboutmaggie

YouTube:

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