INTERVIEW: Binky

INTERVIEW:

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Binky

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I last spoke with Binky when she released her incredible…

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debut single, Fireflies. With her latest gem, Jackie D, showing that initial success was no fluke; I have been talking with the songwriter about her influences and mixing Country music in with a tougher, urban/‘London’ sound.

She tells me about the artists who have helped guide her; whether there is more material coming down the line; when she first took to music and singing; the three albums that mean the most to her – I learn what Binky has in store for the remainder of this year.

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

Hi. I feel like I am on Cloud Nine. This last week has been absolutely amazing! I am overwhelmed by the amazing support from everyone, again, following my debut single, Fireflies. I always get butterflies when releasing new music as I want to make sure I delivery nothing but the best! So; it feels like such an achievement when I get such a wonderful response to a new single.

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

Well. Where do I start…?!

My name’s Binky and I am an aspiring Country music artist from London. I fell in love with Country music quite late in life - I was seventeen/eighteen when I first started to write and perform Country music...but I haven’t looked back since! Although I love Country music, I do love Pop, Indie and many more genres. That’s where I found my sound: I wanted to merge the Nashville Country sound with an urban, London sound.

I hope that most of you will agree that’s what I have portrayed in my singles, Fireflies and Jackie D.

Fireflies, your debut single, was a considerable success. Was it quite surprising seeing it do so well?! How did it make you feel knowing so many loved the song?!

Fireflies achieved so much more than I ever dreamed off. As my debut single, I was so nervous, as this was setting the bar for myself as an artist as well - as showing the world who I am and what I represent.

However, the incredible response and support mean more to me than I could even explain. Every single person who downloaded, streamed and shared Fireflies have made my dreams come true. I can’t wait to share so much more with you all!

Jackie D is new. What inspired you to write the song?

I actually have no idea. I and my producer, Michael Stockwell, wrote the base and melody first and then the story just fell into place. We were working from a studio in Brick Lane at the time - and I think the atmosphere of everyone being happy and going out with friends just brought this storyline to life. A young girl out on the town with friends, just looking to have fun. I mean; who can’t relate to that?!

The song is vivacious, bold and exciting. I get hints of artists like Kelsea Ballerini. Do you get a lot of inspiration from artists like this?

Yes, always. The Country market in the U.S. is swamped with so many incredible, inspiring artist, but I also find inspiration in many Pop and Rap artists. I think I relate more to the personalities of artists and the way they portray themselves.

Miley Cyrus is one of my biggest inspirations. I think she is a wonderful artist. I just love her free spirit - and she allows herself to follow her heart and enjoy everything she does.

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Is there going to be more material? What is your next move going to be?

Yes. I have so much more to show you and I have big plans to bring you all lots of material this year - along with live performances, which are in the pipeline too.

That raw voice and power must have taken time to perfect! Did you start singing at a young age? What was it about Country that drew you to the genre?

I think the likes of Stevie Nicks and Tina Turner are to thank for my vocals. I fell in love with the raspy tones of Stevie Nicks when I was around thirteen-years-old. I have always sung and performed from an early age. But, I started to focus on singing professionally when I was around fifteen. But; a real role model for me was Tina Turner. No, she’s not a Country artist, but her strength and raw talent were just incredible, and I always wanted to be like her.

When I started to focus on Country music, I inspired to The Dixie Chicks, Carrie Underwood; Miranda Lambert and, of course, Dolly Parton. I absolutely love the vibrato Dolly Parton has - and this is the one thing that made me love her even more.

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How important is London and its people to you? Is it a wonderful place to write music?

London is so close to my heart. To have the support and love from London means so much to me. It’s so hard to push Country music in London, as it’s not a sound the population are used to. However; I have found that, once you play it and don’t tell them its Country, that it becomes their guilty pleasure.

So, I know there is a market for me here and not just in the U.S. London is an incredible place to write; it’s very different to Nashville and other places as Londoners seem to be a tad more reckless. But; I have so much fun writing and producing in London.

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

I will be releasing some live gigs very soon, which you will be able to find on all of my social media (or my website).

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Will you get a chance to play in the U.S.? Have you played in cities like Nashville and Austin?

Of course. My plans are to move into the U.S. market very soon which, again, you will all be informed of this very soon. I have played in Nashville around four years ago now and I absolutely loved it! I can’t wait to go back.

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

Taylor Swift – 1989

This album gave me the love to merge a Country and London sound. This album was incredible - and I can only dream to have an album this amazing one day.

This isn’t an album, but I love Miley Cyrus’ (MTV) Unplugged sessions

Again; this was such a cool, laid-back funky style of Country, which represents everything I want to be myself. The vibe of these tracks is so great.

Adele – 21

This album had a massive impact on my vocals and sound today. I learnt so much about writing a wonderful love song. I feel that every track on the album - and the emotional connection she portrayed on that album - is the reason she is an astonishing artist (and one-of-the-kind).

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

2018 is my year. I hope to achieve worldwide recognition for my music and myself as an artist - which will allow me to continue making music, perform and following my dream.

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

Not really. I mean; I feel like I have done so many amazing things already: it’s hard to pinpoint a moment.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Do not give up. If in doubt; put your music out and take on-board all feedback, good and bad. This will make you stronger and will assist you in being the best you can be. Criticism is good. Don’t get deflated by this: turn it into a positive by working on them and getting better at everything you do.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

This is really naughty, but I have spent so much time underground working on my music. I am behind on my research! But, I will be sure to share any newcomers who catch my eye.

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

No. My music is constant. I’m always working on new ideas and, even when I’m not, one just pops to mind. I always carry a Dictaphone so I don’t forget new ideas if my out and about. However; I do force myself to take Sundays off – and, a majority of the time, I do.

I might do the odd bits and pieces but I try to make sure I spend most of the time with family and unwind. This always helps me start the week with a clear and focused 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).

I am a massive fan of Florida Georgia Line and their new single with Bebe Rexha, Let It Be. I love this song - and it is very similar to what I am trying to do.

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INTERVIEW: Phalcons

INTERVIEW:

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 Phalcons

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THIS is not the first time I have interviewed Phalcons…

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but I was keen to speak with the band about their new single, Swim Away, and how it differs from their debut cut. The quartet tell me about the song’s background and what they have coming up; how they all got together – I learn how Ben, Tom; Naomi and Alex spend time away from music; the artists they are compelled by and when the band will be touring.

Ben takes up most of the questions and takes me back to the band’s start; what they all have planned for the rest of this year; which new artists are worth checking out – the guys each select a song to end the interview with.

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

Hello! Very good, thanks. It's been a busy week!  Lots of reposting/retweeting and thanking people for plugging the new single! 

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

I'm Ben. I play the guitar and sing. Tom plays the bass and sings. We have Naomi on keys and vocals and Alex on the drums and vocals - and we are Phalcons.

Swim Away, your second single, is out tomorrow. Can you tell me how it came together and what inspired it?

I actually wrote this song in my head while working in a kitchen a few years ago. I had this melody stuck in my head for days and eventually figured it out on the guitar. I wasn't sure if I'd come up with it myself, or if it was someone else's song. But, I showed it to a few friends and I got the all-clear. At the time, I was moving house; out of the home I'd grown up in and was admittedly a little homesick.

So; the lyrics are a lot to with that; wanting to go back home. Then, the rest of the band came in and wrote their parts. It came together well actually. I'm quite proud of it.

Do you think you have learnt anything since your debut? Are you a more confident and ambitious band?

I've learnt that having an online presence is a full-time job! Twitter is hard to keep up with sometimes. Ha ha. You have to shamelessly promote yourself on every social media platform continuously. It can get tiring, but it's worth it in the end. I also learnt how to say ‘butterfly’ in Italian, which is pretty cool.

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Can you take me back to the start? How did Phalcons come to be?

Well, originally, we were a trio: Tom, Alex and Myself. We played a few gigs in 2016, but we knew we needed another layer - and Naomi was the obvious choice. We were already good friends, so it came naturally. Plus, the keys and the fourth harmony takes it up a couple of notches.

But; we've always played in various other bands together over the years, so it was only a matter of time before we got together and did our own thing.

In terms of music; do you all share tastes and have similar favourites?

Absolutely! We're all big fans of Psychedelic music and all its sub-genres. We're constantly sending new music to each other, checking to see if the others approve. It's, literally, where we get most of our music. Obviously, we have listened to other music too; Tom and I are big Hip-Hop fans while Alex is a Bob Dylan man through and through. I love Bluegrass music, too - anything with twangy guitars and harmonised vocals is right up my street.

Also, Naomi sometimes turns into Stevie Nicks. It only happens every now and then, but any time we're out and Fleetwood Mac comes on, sh*t goes down.

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What comes next in terms of material? Might we see more down the line?

Definitely. We’ve got a couple of releases lined up for the summer; another single and, hopefully, something a bit more full-length that we can promote with a tour.

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

Yeah; we’ve got a few coming up. We’re playing the Libertino Records showcase on 28th of this month in Cardigan, which will be the day after Swim Away is released, so really looking forward to that. We’re also playing Focus Wales on 12th May in Wrexham. Always a good time to be had there; the line-up is always great. Then, we’ll be touring during the summer to promote the next release.

During the summertime, we’ll be venturing over the border into England to play a few gigs. It’ll be nice playing to new crowds.

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

To keep going! Continue to release material, keep playing gigs and, maybe, throw a tour or two in there somewhere. Same as any other band really. We just enjoy playing music. 

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

There was this one time last summer. Alex was playing for H. Hawkline at the time and they were supporting King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard on their U.K. tour. Naomi and I went to see them in Manchester and, when we arrived, we realised Alex had managed to get us on the guest list, so we got in for free. Bonus! The gig was amazing. Loud, fast and adrenaline-fuelled: exactly what you’d expect from a King Gizz. gig. 

But, when they finished playing, Alex managed to get us backstage and we ended up having after-show champagne with the guys from King Gizzard! It was pretty surreal, actually!

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

It’d be amazing to play a gig with someone like Fleet Foxes or Crosby, Stills and Nash - someone with a big sound and loads of harmonies. We could do a seven or eight-part harmony! It’d be like a choir or something! 

Alex: We’d have to have a big bowl of JUST brown M & Ms, too. Otherwise, we won’t go on stage.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Make the music you’d want to listen to!

Ben: Keep at it. Don’t give up. Contact promoters, venues and labels. Be a nuisance. Like I said before; you have to constantly sell yourself. Having a good online presence helps a lot too. That way, it’s a lot easier to promote yourselves on social media platforms…

Tom: ...and keep playing gigs! It’s a shame that bands can’t make a career for themselves solely off their live shows and releases anymore. I think we were born into the wrong decade. Ha, ha. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Men In Trust/PHOTO CREDIT: Chaudière-Appalaches T-Shirt

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Ben: OMALOMA. He’s a good friend of ours that we still play with every now and then. Go check out his music! Psychedelic Space-Pop for your earholes.

Naomi: Men I Trust. They’re not that new, really: I think they formed in 2014 but their music is amazing! Dreamy, synth-driven psychedelia with sexy female vocals.

Alex: Barrie. They released their debut single (Canyons) at the start of the year and it’s so good. It’s really hard to find any other releases by them, though. I think Canyons might be the only thing they’ve put online.

Tom: Kikagaku Moyo. They’re a crazy, Psychedelic; Krautrock, Acid-Folk band from Tokyo! If you’re into bands like Acid Mothers Temple, Holy Wave; Moon Duo or, even, the Flower Travellin’ Band, then you’ll love these guys. They mix so many different genres into one. It’s amazing. It’s something I think everyone should listen to. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kikagaku Moyo/PHOTO CREDIT: WDZIEKONSKI

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

Ben: Well. Actually, we all work full-time jobs: there isn’t a lot of money in the music industry for up-and-coming bands, so it’s actually the other way around: music is the escape from the mundane nine-to-five.

Tom works as a school teacher, Naomi in media marketing; I’ve worked in kitchens since I was fourteen-years-old and, even though Alex plays as a session musician for about twelve-thirteen different bands, he also has to work part-time jobs…

But; I do like a good box set at the end of a hard day...

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).

Ben: Redspencer – Ride It Out

Alex: Andy Shauf – Quite Like You

Naomi: Club Kuru – The Memory Junkie

Tom: Laura Marling – Sophia

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INTERVIEW: Ben Hobbs

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Massaro 

Ben Hobbs

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I love a modern songwriter who makes you think…

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of those classic artists of old. That blend of contemporary production and epic, heartfelt songwriting is not something you see that much of – not delivered in such a stirring and memorable way. It is good to speak with Ben Hobbs and get to know him a lot better – he talks about his new work, Blue Sky EP.

I ask Hobbs if he has a standout track from the E.P.; what the inspirations and stories are; which artists he is influenced by; what he has coming up in terms of gigs; if he gets much time to unwind away from music – he ends the interview with a bit of a classic!

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

Hey! I doing well, thanks. It’s been a good week: happy to see some sunshine!

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

Sure. I’m Ben Hobbs; a singer-songwriter, musician and producer.

Blue Sky EP is out. What are the main themes that inspired its creation?

The Blue Sky EP is inspired by positive thinking. I like to think of it as a little reminder to myself to push the things I love and try to turn bad experiences into good ones. I think each song offers a different perspective or experience on this idea.

It’s up and down in tempo and mood: some of it is more about longing and some of it about acceptance but, overall; it’s about aiming to be content.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Caitlin Mogridge

It has already picked up praise and great reviews! Do you get a lot of energy from positive feedback?!

I do, absolutely. It’s one of the things about this that is, in some ways, out of your control as a new artist. So; getting good feedback motivates me a lot. It’s a great feeling hearing when people get what I’m doing.

Is there a track from the E.P. that stands out? Which do you rank as a favourite?

My favourite right now is the track Simple Life. It’s just got a summery vibe to it that I was keen to put across in my music so, in a way, it feels like a new type of song for me. But, also, Blue Sky - the closing track - I’m really proud of.

That one is good to play live, too.

Tell me how you got started in music. Which artists compelled you to follow that path?

I was always really into '70s and '80s music growing up: I just found it more appealing than what was in the charts at the time! I started playing the piano when I was about ten and then, a few years later, guitar and vocals. The Police and The Beatles made me want to play in bands and write songs. Also, my dad used to play Jeff Buckley in the car a lot and I thought he was such an inspiring artist.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jodie Canwell

South London is where you are based. What is the area like for new music and gigs?

It’s pretty good! I remember the first big gigs I went to were at Brixton Academy, so I’ve always liked that place a lot. In fact, Brixton has become a great place to play/watch gigs in terms of variety.

Who do you count as your main influences and musical idols?

The Police, Tears for Fears; Kate Bush, David Bowie; The Killers, Frank Ocean; Joni Mitchell and Bon Iver, to name a few.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jodie Canwell

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

The Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour

It was the first album I owned and it had some real forward-thinking production on it (see: I Am the Walrus).

Incubus - Morning View

It reminds me of summer holidays as a kid, as I went through a stage of listening to this record a lot. Big-time nostalgia. Haha.

The Police – Synchronicity

It’s just got some of my favourite-ever songs on it - and I can always come back to it and enjoy every second.

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

It’s a work-in-progress, but there will definitely be some shows in 2018! I want to book some in the U.K. and some elsewhere; so, it’s all currently being talked about and put into action.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I just want to see things continue moving. Over time, you see that there are people who really follow and love what you’re doing, and that’s amazing. I want to build on that and continue making music that I’m proud of and, hopefully, more and more people can connect with it.

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

The one that sticks in mind is my Asia tour at the end of last year...

I went out there not really knowing what to expect, but we had the best time. To be on the other side of the world with people in the crowd singing my songs was really special. But, the whole experience was great.

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 What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

It’s hard, but try not to compare yourself to other artists in terms of success. Of course, take all the influences and inspiration you like, but I think it’s important to not try to be the next ‘whoever’ and do what you do as best you can.

But, also, don’t be afraid to listen to opinions - you can choose to ignore or take on board what people say about your music and I think that’s a really good way of discovering what you want out of it. 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Knox Fortune

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Knox Fortune, Abi Ocia; Art School Girlfriend and Jim-E Stack are well worth checking out!

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Abi Ocia/PHOTO CREDIT: Dami Oyetade

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

To be honest, I’m normally doing something related to music but walking my dog, Murphy, is one way I ‘unwind’ (he’s pretty full-on!). Also, more recently, I’ve started doing some climbing and bouldering, which is such a good way to take your mind off things.

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

Bruce Hornsby and the Range - The Way It Is

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INTERVIEW: Deux Trois

INTERVIEW:

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 Deux Trois

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THE delightful and delicious Deux Trois…

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have been kind enough to talk about their formation and where they head from here. The trio tells me what the story of Late Night Girls is. The song’s themes and ideas intrigued me – the Canadian band let me into their world and reveal whether there is more material coming down the line.

I was interested to find out what the scene is like in Ontario (Canada); where they take their musical influence from; whether they have ever played in the U.K. – the guys tell me how they chill away from music.

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Hi, Deux Trois. How are you? How has your week been?

It’s been good! It’s been a weird week - exciting week. We dropped our single, Late Night Girls, on Thursday. It was put up for sale on Friday!

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

BW: I’m Ben Webb. I play guitar and sing backup vocals.

NP: I’m Nadia. I sing and play percussion.

BN: Hi. I’m Benjamin. I play the bass.

Late Night Girls seems like it has a unique inspiration! Tell me how that song came to be?

NP: I wrote the original version for my solo act about three years ago. It took a long time for it to get to this point, with a full band. It was inspired by porn. Did you guys know that when we first started playing it?

BW: Nope.

BN: I didn’t know. To me, it just meant party girls.

BW: I didn’t think porn, specifically. You guys brought it to me; it was on the table when I joined the band and the song became a Neil Diamond/The Monkees melody, you could say.

NP: It was a straight, dark Electronic song before that.

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The song looks at culture and self-care, among other things. Do you think we, as people, have become less alive and connected?! Do you think we are more alone and less happy given the rise of technology?!

BW: I would say there’s a rise in contentment, rather than happiness. It’s hard to differentiate between the two. The rise in technology has made living day-to-day pretty easy. The news is no longer an after-thought: it’s in your face the second it happens.

NP: That might make it more difficult for people to have a good mindset in their everyday, though. Contentment implies a kind of disillusionment with happiness, I think.

BW: I would agree with that.

NP: I don’t know that we’re less alive, less connected. I would say we’re under an umbrella most of the time where we’re aware of so many moments happening all at once - but it’s hard to be attuned to those moments because of the lives that we live on our devices.

BW: Almost like a hyperconnectivity...there’s really no choice.

NP: You have to be in it to be a part of everything.

Hard to say if it’s loneliness that’s the key here. It feels lonely because the experiences we have face-to-face with a browser take up so much of our time. It’s isolating. But; there might be people who thrive in that. Tough question.

BN: I struggle with the obligations of the Internet every single day of my life.

The video looks pretty steamy, too! What was it like shooting it?!

BW: It was a lot of fun shooting! We had great background actors: Dima (Dmitry Uchitel) has a real way with the camera. I didn’t think it would turn out as well as it did.

NP: You have to trust me! The next one will be even better. Late Night Girls was shot in one night. It was my first time in a while shooting a video. I hadn’t (shot a video) since last March and was really excited to do something interesting. I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish. Special thanks to David Simon and Steph Natividad...also, Jolene for bringing her projector.

BW:  It was a party; I think everyone had fun.

BN: Thanks to Nadia a lot of my '80s-inspired music video dreams come true.

Will there be more songs from you guys soon?

NP: Yes! We’re releasing our next single, Dave, on May 11th.

BW: …Not to mention we’re still in the process of writing more songs.

NP: True. Also, our E.P. comes out in June, Health. A lot of music is on the horizon!

How did Deux Trois come to be? When did you form the trio?

NP: We formed the trio in November. It was serendipitous, actually. I hadn’t seen Ben in about seven or eight years and happened to see him outside his work while I was having a pint with my friend there. She and I were planning a tour and I was looking for a specific kind of guitarist.

BW: Evidently, I fit the bill (laughs). It’s been a really special experience, for sure.

NP: Before we were a trio; Benjamin and I were a drum and bass act but our collaboration started because his band, Slow High, wanted to back my solo act for one show. After that, Benjamin and I decided to continue…and here we are.

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It is hard to compare you to other acts. Which artists do you all take guidance from?

BN: I take guidance from Factory Records.

BW: Always been sort of a Punk and Hardcore-kind-of-a-guy.

BN: Make it Factory Records and Iggy Pop. Gotta keep up with Ben.

NP: If I had to choose six, I would go with Rihanna, Peter Gabriel; Paul Simon, Kanye (West) and Nicky Minaj. There are more, but I will stop…Drake….

You guys are based out of Ontario. Is it a pretty cool part of the world to make music in?!

BN & BW: Yes!

BN: It’s a great location, in terms of touring music and playing shows: it’s dead-centre of all the major music markets in Eastern North America. Even Chicago is only eighteen hours away.

NP: It’s cool, but I can’t deny that it makes you long for something more. The weather, the transportation; everyone acknowledges that there’s this undercurrent of despair.

It’s kind of like a water that most people are drinking...

BW: I’d say that’s concrete.

NP: Actually it’s water (they laugh).

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

BW: More shows, more touring; meeting more people - maybe releasing another, shorter E.P.

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

BN: No. Yeah. Playing with my other band, PS I Love You, and being afforded the ability to travel; being given opportunities that I might not otherwise have had being from a small town.

BW: I don’t really remember a time in my life when I wasn’t playing music. I think one of my favourite things has been meeting new people and getting to know them on a different level. Let’s say that moment outside of Jiffy Grill. Moment - it was more like an hour, where we had an impromptu dance party with our tour mates, The Vile Bodies, just waiting. Waiting for, not sure for what. Just waiting…

NP: …I think you were waiting for me to finish breakfast...

BW: Is that what it was?

NP: Yeah – actually; I’d say the footage I got of Dylan dancing to Serge Gainsbourg on top of their car was a standout moment during that tour. He is a gem. Right now, the important moment that sticks out to me is when I allowed myself to fully experiment in a studio session by hitting things that weren’t instruments, in front of strangers.

If I hadn’t done that in a professional setting, I wouldn’t have sat down in front of the kit in July, and decided to be a drummer for our band.

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

BN: Iggy Pop - The Idiot

It means the most to me because it was a piece of art that was the result of David Bowie and Iggy Pop wanting to get off their respective addictions and move to Berlin. They made an everlasting piece of art with Tony Visconti.

BW: Forever and Counting by Hot Water Music

It spoke to me at a certain time in my life and I still continually find things about that record that touch me emotionally.

NP: The Paul Simon Songbook by Paul Simon

I picked it up at the library when I was twelve because I liked the cover. I heard it and wrote my first song after experimenting with writing for a while before that. Up till then, it was all references and complete plagiarism.

Are there tour dates coming up? Might we see you in the U.K.?

NP: We don’t have any dates in the U.K., no.

We’re planning a summer tour but only have four dates lined up right now: May 31st at Poisson Noir in Montreal; June 1st at Bar Robo in Ottawa; June 3rd at Bovine Sex Club in Toronto and June 8th at The Toucan in Kingston.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

BN: Keep your day job.

NP: That’s what I’ve had to do…

BW: …Yeah, me too.

NP: It gives me drive, I think, to keep it. Reminds me of what I could have if I live in my ambition during my off hours. My best advice would be to keep a checklist of everything your band needs whenever you go anywhere to play if you don’t have tour management - we always need one because something is usually amiss. Film everything; try to have a competitive spirit with your socials.

These are all things I wished I regularly abided by.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Charly Bliss

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

BW: Oooh; Charly Bliss.

BN: Partner…

BW: (They’re fucki*g awesome).

NP: The other day, I found Nadia Rose. She’s new to me; love her flow.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Nadia Rose

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

BN: I make visual art, spend time with my cat, Vivian. I like to watch X-Files…

BW: …I was going to say that...Netflix and chill with my cat.

NP: I’m in the opposite boat, I think? I feel like I never have enough time to write. I spend a lot of time missing it, to be honest (laughs).

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

BW: Minno by Hot Water Music

BN: What Would You Say by Part Time

NP: Ima Read - Zebra Katz. Oldie, but a goodie. Actually, a classic, really…

BN: …I’d buy that for a dollar.

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Follow Deux Trois

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INTERVIEW: Man Without Country

INTERVIEW:

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Man Without Country

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I have been spending time with Man Without Country…

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and asking the man behind the name, Ryan James, how Remember the Bad Things came about. It is a stunning song from an artist who has been making big waves and looks set to hit the big leagues. I ask him what it felt like transitioning from a duo to being a solo artist; how it feels having his music played on T.V. shows – he reveals what tour dates are coming up.

I ask Ryan whether there is more material arriving this year; which three albums mean the most to him; if there is a new artist we need to get involved with – he reveals what he hopes to intend in the remainder of this year.

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

Not too bad, thanks! Uneventful, which is fine!

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

My name is Ryan James and I make music under the moniker ‘Man Without Country’.

Can I ask where that name, ‘Man Without Country’ comes from? Is there a story behind it?

It’s taken on multiple meanings over the years, but it originally came from a “sense of not belonging”, which still feels relevant to me even to this day. The press-bio-friendly version is that it comes from the Kurt Vonnegut book, A Man Without a Country, but, in truth; I first heard the phrase in the Tom Hanks-starring film, The Terminal.

Remember the Bad Things it out. What is the background of the song?

It’s a song about the mind’s tendency to flag negative memories as being more valuable and important to us than the positive ones. I understand why it is that we’re programmed that way, but I just couldn’t accept it. I knew that, if I wrote something about it, I would, in some way, be taking away the power of these negative thoughts, for myself and, hopefully, for others who can relate.

Is there going to be more material this year? How far ahead are you looking?

Yes, definitely. I’ve been working on an album since last year and it’s coming together. It’ll be out later this year!

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Your music has been played on shows like Made in Chelsea. Is it a good experience seeing your music on the small screen?!

It’s certainly not a bad experience! It’s always nice to have that recognition - and the exposure obviously helps.

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Man Without Country has gone from a duo (with Tomas Greenhalf) to you. Have you noticed a difference in sound since becoming a solo artist?

Everything’s a bit more personal now, which I’m sure has affected the sound. There’s always compromise on both sides when working with someone who shares an equal interest in the outcome as you. One benefit is that I no longer have to find ways to try to explain or translate my ideas to another person - and can just get on with it now.

Of course; the downfall is that you have nobody to share the excitement with, or tell you when something is a bit sh*t.

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Do you recall when you started making music? Were there certain artists who influenced you?

Vaguely. I was very young - I think around eight. My school were offering brass instrument lessons and I guess I was just bored and decided to join. I quickly realised that it wasn’t for me and, to get out of it, I told my mum that I was more interested in keyboards.

It wasn’t until my late-teens that I first picked up a guitar and, by the time I was competent enough to just about get away with playing in bands, I would have been listening to the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Thrice. I still love both...

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

Difficult one!

I’d have to say that Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlaticism changed a lot for me and was the album that first made me realise that I wanted to write meaningful lyrics - and eventually build up the confidence to sing.

John Grant’s Pale Green Ghosts would have to be my highlight and best discovery of the past decade.

A classic one for me would have to be Depeche Mode’s Violator.

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

I do! You can catch me supporting ionnalee at Heaven, in London, on 9th May and I’ll be hitting the road with Draper in September for a co-headline U.K. run. Tickets are still available on my website!

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I really want to be able to physically touch and hold my next album, Infinity Mirror, in my hands.

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

MWC’s 2013 U.S. tour, which concluded at SXSW, was an experience I’ll never forget. It was such a great adventure.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just keep working at it and developing your craft, and don’t take drugs. Being boring is better than sucking.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Empathy Test

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Off the top of my head, I’ll say Empathy Test. Lovely guys with great music who are already killing it and building up a strong following without a record label. I really wish I was that screwed on starting out.

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

I often find it’s best to just do something mundane. Meditation has helped a lot when I want to take a break from music. Gardening is another one - I grew some pretty impressive courgettes last year. Other than that; I enjoy travelling and spending time with my wife and 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).

As I’ve already mentioned them; let's go for Policy of Truth by Depeche Mode

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Follow Man Without Country

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INTERVIEW: Winter

INTERVIEW:

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Winter

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THIS year has already been a big one for Winter…

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and looks set to keep the pace hard and fast. I have been speaking with their singer, Samira, about the single, Zoey, and how her album, Ethereality, came together. She talks about writing right out of college; how she makes her music sound is natural and stunning – she talks about her influences and favourite albums.

I ask the U.S. artist what Echo Park is like as a base and muse; if the band is coming to the U.K. to play this year; if there is a favourite musical memory that sticks in her mind; some new artists that she would single out – Samira finishes the interview by choosing a rather awesome song.

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

It’s been great! We had our record release show - and now are in Florida starting our East Coast tour with Surfer Blood. 

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

I’m Samira Winter from the L.A. based Dream-Pop band, Winter. We just released our second full-length, Ethereality.

Tell us more about Zoey. What is the inspiration behind the song?

Zoey is about my cat Zoey. In the lyrics, I talk about how dear she is to me and tell her to now worry when I’m gone.  

It is the second track from the album, Ethereality. What are the main themes you explore throughout?

In a way, the album goes from daytime to nighttime songs. The songs range from themes of friendship, boyfriends; my cat and inspiration from the color blue. Most of the songs are very personal and were written as a way to process what was going on at that time.

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I believe you started writing the album right after you left college. Was there a reason you wrote the album at that time?

Not really. I’m always writing songs and then collect them and record them. I had written the first album during college, so I kept writing and it blossomed into the second record.

The songs feel very natural and intuitive. How did the songs come together? Did you record them at home?

My songwriting process is pretty intuitive and I do like to make choices that feel the most natural. I wrote them and recorded some of them as demos at home. But, then, I worked on the arrangements with my band and recorded them at a studio called Comp-ny.

Echo Park is your base. Is the area quite promising regards great music? How much do you take from the people and scenery?

Echo Park is a big part of my life still today...

It’s where I live, work; go to shows and it was where I wrote and worked on the arrangements for the album. I am very inspired by my surroundings, the people and the music scene in Echo Park.

When did you get into music? What sort of artists did you grow up around?

I’ve loved music my whole life and started playing and writing when I was twelve. I grew up in Brazil, so I was around a lot of Brazilian music and musicians. On my own, I would look up artists from the U.K. and the U.S. In my teens; I listened to a lot of Pavement, Yo La Tengo and Rilo Kiley. 

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

We are on tour up the East Coast this April and then coming back and playing some Californian dates in May!

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

I would love to. We are working on a European tour at some point these coming months. I’ve never been!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I hope to record another record, tour Europe, Brazil and Argentina. 

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

Hmmm; that’s a really hard question because I have a lot of great music memories. I love stage-diving - it’s a very exhilarating feeling. So, I guess those are fond memories of being in the air in a crowd. 

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t be self-conscious: create in a way that feels natural to you; not trying to sound like someone else.

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IN THIS PHOTO: BOYO/PHOTO CREDIT: Julien Kelly-Gross

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes! BOYO, Vinyl Williams and Potty Mouth. 

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Vinyl Williams/PHOTO CREDIT: Bokeh Monster

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

Gal Costa – Gal Costa; MBV - Isn’t Anything and Alvvays – Alvvays

I love them and know them so well. They’ve been with me in a lot of different times in my life and I feel like they will always be with me no matter how much things may change. 

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

Music, itself, doesn’t ever tire me out, it fuels me. It’s really just all the other more logistical stuff and emails that can be exhausting. I unwind by dancing PONY SWEAT, practising the DeRose Method and hanging out with my sister Emilie. 

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

I’ve been really into the U.K. band, Happyness. If you could play their song, Falling Down.

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Follow Winter

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INTERVIEW: Sophia Danai

INTERVIEW:

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 Sophia Danai

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YOU get a real sense of emotion and passion…

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when hearing the song, Come Thru. It is from the wonderful Canadian artist, Sophia Danai – she talks about the track's history and creation. I ask her about filming the single’s video; what we can expect from her album, Real Lies – she tells me why Canada is producing such great artist.

Danai tells me how and when music came into her life; some fresh acts we need to keep our ears out for; how music fulfils and nourishes her – Danai tells me whether there are any tour dates coming up (whether, among those dates, the U.K. is part of her plans).

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

Great. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind with the release. It feels so exciting/terrifying to have this record in the world.

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

Hey! My name is Sophia Danai and I am from Vancouver B.C. I’m a singer/songwriter and I use my music to get me through some difficult sh*t - in the hope that it will help others too.

Come Thru seems to reflect a spirit fighting against hard times and strain. What, to you, is the story behind the song?

This song is about my marriage falling apart and finally being able to let go of everything that haunted me about it. I was very young when we met and, although it only lasted for a year, it was an intense, tumultuous experience that I’m happy to be on the other side of. 

At the core, this song is about claiming your space and standing up for yourself when it can be the most difficult.

The video looks like it was a pretty interesting experience. Was it quite cathartic and fun filming it?!

Yes, it was incredible. The director, Jon Thomas, took my idea and ran with it. He shot, directed and edited the piece. It was especially cathartic because the guitar I broke in the video was the one I bought on my honeymoon in Bruges. I wanted the guitar I broke to be mine and to mean something. I wanted the video to represent breaking cycles and rising from the ashes.

Everything that was once beautiful can be ugly, and vice versa - everything comes full circle.

It is from your upcoming album, Real Lies. What can we expect from the record in terms of themes and ideas?

“Real eyes realize real lies” - that quote is the inspiration for the title. To me, it represents how our truth is always evolving and, how, with every lesson and change in our life, we uncover the layers to get closer to who we really are. Being able to identify how we lie to ourselves and what lies we have internalized about ourselves from others is very powerful. For me, I feel like this record is my true debut and everything I’ve gone through up until this point has allowed me to let go, open up and share my story.

We are all human and have flaws and feel insecure at times - it’s about having compassion for ourselves and others and trusting the process.

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How did the breakup of a marriage and creative struggles affect you as a hungry musician? Did you question what you wanted to be in life?

Of course! I can’t tell you how many times I thought, should I really be pursuing this; who am I kidding; I can’t do this. My ex was actually the first person who ever recorded me so it was even more horrible when it ended because I felt like I had lost my relationship and all we had created together.

None of it ever got released but I felt like I truly lost everything. The biggest gift I got from that split was learning I could do so much on my own; I learnt how to produce myself, started working with a variety of different people - and doing gigs with just me and a guitar.

It’s important to have a great team around you but it’s also important to know that, if you just have yourself, you can make magic happen. When I went into myself and focused on my craft, I attracted the right people and was able to make my vision come to life. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Alaina Michelle Photography

How does music enrich and guide you as a person? Did you have any childhood musical idols?

Music is my healer; where I can express my sadness, anger, insecurity and love. It’s the way I process my emotions and connect with God. I feel like when I truly connect and get to that special place where a song pours out: I am connecting to a source that connects us all. It’s something very spiritual for me. My childhood idols are Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin; Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse; Portishead, Destiny’s Child; Lauryn Hill, Fiona Apple and Shania Twain (I could go on!).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Tatum McLea

I am hearing a lot of great Canadian musicians come through. What is it about the country and people that inspire terrific music?

Hmm…maybe that we only have three-four months of summer and lots of time to hibernate and create! Also - Vancouver is especially beautiful with its mountains, ocean and forests that will take your breath away. Our government also helps fund musicians, which is huge!

This record was made, in part, by a grant I received by Factor and Creative BC. It enabled me to make my dream project independently, which was a game-changer.

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

Waldorf: May 5th - Vancouver, B.C.

The Drake Underground: May 10th - Canadian Music Week, Toronto (Ontario).

Might you head to the U.K. and play here?

Yes, absolutely, I want to - and it will happen over the next year or two.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Global domination with my music but, you know…baby steps (smiles). Ha. Honestly; I want to continue evolving and enjoy the journey that my music is taking me on. I’m so excited to share what I’ve created.

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

I have so many amazing music memories.

Recently, I was finishing a long day of gigging and rehearsing and then I went to jam at a friend’s. I felt such a sense of joy that my daily life consists of so much music! Anytime I am writing or on stage; I feel a sense of deep gratitude; it’s such a privilege to do what I love for a living - and I don’t take that for granted.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Take time to develop your craft; focus on being great and honing your talent. No one can deny artistry and skill. You will find strength in the confidence you gain from this and attract the right team to help you amplify your vision and execute your dream! Trust your intuition: you know what’s right for you - and don’t forget that!

If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Omar Khan

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There are amazing artists coming out of Vancouver like Omar Khan, Brevner; DANI Le Rose, The Boom Booms and Little Destroyer.

Also; my girl Kendall Thompson from Toronto.

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IN THIS PHOTO: DANI Le Rose

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

Time off?! What’s that?! (Laughs). Right now, I’m not taking a lot of time off but, when I do, I make dinner with friends; go for a swim or go to the movies. I just saw A Quiet Place and it was so, so good - I cried the whole time. I’m a big baby in movies though. I cry at everything.

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).

People by Omar Khan

Thank you so much!

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Follow Sophia Danai

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INTERVIEW: RJ Thompson

INTERVIEW:

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 RJ Thompson

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I love talking with artists from the North…

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as one gets a different perspective, flavour and personality. RJ Thompson tells me about the music scene in Newcastle upon Tyne and what inspired his latest work, Think About You. I ask the songwriter whether he was surprised at the positive reaction his album, Echo Chamber, received – he talks about influences and gigs.

Thompson talks about new artists he is reacting to; whether, he feels, the North of England gets the respect and prominence it warrants; how he spends his time away from music – he ends the interview by selecting a current Beck cracker.

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

It’s been pretty good, thanks! Working on something pretty cool, so, I’m happy!

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

Sure…well. I’m a singer-songwriter. I’ve just come off a tour supporting Jools Holland around the U.K. - and I’ve just released my new album, Echo Chamber, and the latest single, Think About You.

Think About You is out. Can you tell me about the song and the inspiration behind it?

The true meaning of the song is to be kept secret but, listening to the lyrics; you can probably tell that it is about a relationship coming to an end.

It is a slinky and soulful tune. How do you manage to provoke such physicality and passion into music?! Is it something coded in you?

I just write from the heart, really…I’ve grown up with loads of different styles of music, so I feel lucky enough to be able to reference a few different genres.

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Which artists, would you say, are responsible for your pursuit of a music career?

Michael Jackson, originally. When I was very young, I was obsessed with the way he created music and rhythms with his vocals. I then started to listen to a lot of classic songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen - and their music has taught me so much.

Echo Chamber, released last year, gained great reviews. Has it been encouraging knowing how well it has done?!

Yeah, it has. Ultimately, I make music for myself as an outlet and to have pride in something I have created. But, it’s always nice to hear that it has resonated with other people, too.

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Can we see any more material later in the year?

Watch this space!

You are based in Newcastle upon Tyne. What is the area like for music right now?

It’s really strong! There’s a lot of great young bands and some great venues. Although, it’s sad to see some of the smaller grassroots venues shutting.

Do you think the North East gets enough attention and focus?

I think London is, obviously, the focal point in the U.K. but there are some good organisations (Generator, being one) that are highlighting new talent in our area. I think it’s definitely getting attention at the minute.

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

We’re hoping to announce a tour soon, but it’s hush-hush!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Too many things. You’ll be hearing a lot more from me in the next twelve months, hopefully!

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

My band and I were fortunate to be asked to support Jools Holland at the Royal Albert Hall. That was definitely the standout moment so far!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Write, write, write!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Jake Houlsby/PHOTO CREDIT: Molly Mackay

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Jake Houlsby is making a bit of a name for himself around Newcastle. He’s definitely one to watch.

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

Family time…that’s the most important thing, right?! I try to spend as much time with them as possible really.

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).

Hmmm. Probably something from Beck’s new album. How about Up All Night

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Follow RJ Thompson

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INTERVIEW: PLYA

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Fraser Taylor 

PLYA

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THEY are relatively new to my ears…

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but there is no denying there is ample allure and class in the ranks of PLYA. I have been speaking with the trio about their new track, Feast My Eye, and what the story behind it is. They tell me about their early days and how their music has built; if there is more material coming along soon – the guys select an album that means a lot to them.

I was keen to know if there were gigs approaching; what they hope to achieve in the remainder of the year; how their live sound differs to that we witness in the studio; if there is advice they’d give to new artists emerging – they let me into the wonderful and always-inspiring PLYA camp.

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

Absolutely brilliant! We’re in Los Angeles this week, so can’t complain!

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

Julia: Hey. I’m Julia and I play synths and lead vocals in PLYA. We make dark Electronic Pop that blends dreamy electronic textures, driving guitars and anthemic melodies!

Will: Sup. I’m will and I play drums and percussion in the band…

Kris: Hello. I’m Kris and I play the guitar!

Feast My Eye is your new track. Is there a story behind it?

Julia: Our new song, Feast My Eye, encapsulates that dark, satisfying moment of relishing in the downfall and misfortune of somebody who has treated you badly in the past. But; it's the guilt of enjoying it that lingers in your mind.

It was surprisingly easy to write!

I like the pace and energy of the video. What was it like filming it? Do you like shooting videos?

Will: We love shooting music videos! We’re always imaging how our music would look as a visual piece - It’s quite funny when we’re writing. If there is a cool lyric or vibe then we’re often shouting things out like, “Ash; imagine if we shot a video where *this* or *that* happens”, before we’ve even finished recording the song! Hah.

Julia: We all believe that the music videos are the most important way of portraying the visual aesthetic of the band or the song in question. So; we’re always striving to film something that's not just like a band performance but also something that offers insight or even adds a deeper meaning beyond lyrics.

PHOTO CREDIT: Roberto Vivancos

Feast My Eye is your third single. Do you think you have grown since your earliest moments?

Yeah. We actually wrote this song pretty early on and it’s we all loved it so I guess it set a benchmark and definitely pushed harder to improve our songwriting and shaped how we writing our newer songs. I love the fact that it has a relatable story, a big melodic chorus as well as a cool atmospheric texture beneath it all to create some space.

What can we expect in terms of future material? Are you working on stuff?

Kris: Indeed, we are! We’ve finished an E.P. that we hope to release towards the end of the year.

Right now, we’re releasing a series of singles to help build some momentum and get the PLYA name out there a bit. We’re in Los Angeles at the moment recording with lots of talented producers, so yeah; we’re hoping to get a few new tracks up our sleeve by the end of the month!

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

Kris. For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver

An absolutely beautiful album that you have to listen to from start to finish.

Will: David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust

I listened to this when I was a kid then, when I got older; I remember having the epiphany of realising the whole concept and narrative surrounding the album. I still also love the idea of an artist completely reinventing themselves or taking on a different persona.

Julia: Eminem - The Slim Shady EP

When I was younger; I used to listen to this on-repeat in my bedroom. It opened my eyes to a whole new genre of other artists.

Do you guys have any gigs lined up? Where can we see you play?

Will: In London, we’re playing Birthdays in Dalton on 19th May with Alvarez Kings, who are our mates from Sheffield. It’s one of our favourite venues in London: it’s got great sound, burgers and beer!

Kris: We’re also heading to Spain to play O Son Do Camiño festival in June! Seeing our band name on the same poster as The Killers and Two Door Cinema Club is awesome; so we’re looking forward to that!

How much does your ‘stage sound’ differ to what we hear in your studio cuts?

Julia: I’d say that, on stage, our sound is definitely grittier and less polished than the recordings. Having Will playing live acoustic drums as well as electronic samples really opens things up a bit, sonically.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ellie Mitchell Photography

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Will: I guess to just play as many gigs as possible and try and make new fans and friends everywhere we can. I’d love to play some gigs in Europe! It will be really nice for the E.P. to be out so we can present a whole body of work and be like, ‘This is us’!

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

For me, it was when we sold-out our first headline show in London. Hands down, this felt like such an accomplishment seeing that our new music resonated enough with people to come and check us out live.

We only had one song out at the time, so the rush of playing eight songs that no one’s heard before was very nerve-racking but so exciting! We partied pretty hard after it too!

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Kris: We filmed this awesome 360° video in Sphere Studios for our track, Adrenaline. We wanted to make a video that gave our fans a unique insight into the song.  We highlighted the instrumentations of the song in a V.R. world where three of each of us is better than one. We love that everyone’s journey path watching the video is different: you can't watch the video twice in the same way.  

Julia: Yeah. I think being in Sphere Studios was a highlight too. It’s so beautiful in there; it deserves to be seen in its full 360° glory! I got to play on Adele’s piano, which you don't get to do every day!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Lara Harvey Photography

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I mean, we’re still relatively new to the game, but I’d say whilst concentrating on writing and composing decent tracks I think that you’ve also got to put yourself out there - and meet and network with as many people as you can; integrate yourself into the local scene. If there is a band you want to support or collaborate with, then go to their gig and meet them.

Every cool opportunity we’ve been offered all links back to meeting someone face-to-face: it’s always more successful than a blanket email. 

Will: Totally! Events like Great Escape, BBC Amplify and PRS talks are great opportunities for this.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Fickle Friends

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Julia: Absolutely! The music scene in London at the moment is unbelievably good at the moment. Fickle Friends have released their debut album, which is full of Pop bangers.

Kris: I’ve been listening to Superorganism loads!

Will: Tom Misch is my current South London hero. South of the River is such a tune!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Superorganism

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

Kris: I travel whenever I can. If we haven't got any gigs on, I like to go down camping in Cornwall or somewhere on the coast to unwind and be away from technology!

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).

For sure. We actually update our Spotify playlist every month with all the new tracks that we’ve been listening to! You can subscribe here

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INTERVIEW: Still + Storm

INTERVIEW:

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Strong 

Still + Storm

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MY mind turns to Still + Storm…

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Strong

I have been speaking with the exciting duo about their new song, All of These Things, and whether there will be more material later down the line. The Chicago pairing of Rachel and Dave Raymond talk about their partnership and creative process – they reveal whether they’ll come to the U.K.

Still + Storm talk about their love of Radiohead and what they have planned for the rest of the year; what their diary is looking like; whether they both share similar musical tastes; if there is a new artist to watch – they give some great advice for fresh artists emerging.

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

Hi, there! Thanks for talking with us. This week has been really exciting since we just released our new song and music video for All of These Things. We are really proud to share it with everyone. 

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

Still + Storm is a duo that consists of (me) Rachel Raymond and Dave Raymond. We are partners in music…and life! You may have heard David’s music from his former project, Damiera, or his current ones, Hidden Hospitals and Given Names. 

What is the derivation of that name, ‘Still + Storm’? When did the duo come together?

The name comes from a Brand New lyric: “They say that the captain stays fast with the ship through still and storm”. The sentiment speaks to integrity - which is something Dave and I strive for in our lives and work. We had been together as a couple for about three years before we began Still + Storm. We released our first E.P., Found, in 2014 and have been creating together ever since.

 

All of These Things is the new track. What is the story behind it?

In general, it’s a lament to all of the seemingly innocuous things in life that have a hidden darkness underneath. Scuff the surface and the shine comes right off. Specifically, I wrote this song reflecting on my strong beliefs related to animal rights. Since the meaning behind the song is quite dark; Dave intentionally created lightness and motion into the music. Also, I love the angsty guitar line in the chorus that our producer (J. Hall) wrote for the song.

I think the influence of all three of us gave the song needed dimension. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Daniel Fickle

Will there be more material coming later this year?

Absolutely. Our first E.P., Found, gave us a chance to create our signature sound. We landed on a layered, dreamy soundscape that is intentionally void of guitars. Break Away, our second E.P., integrated guitar and hints of Rock elements. For our next release, we plan to peel off a few more layers and create a stripped down, more straightforward Rock/Pop album. The magic is created in the studio, though, so don’t quote me on that!

Anything can happen.

Chicago is where you are based. How does the music scene differ compared to other parts of America?

That’s an interesting question…

I think it used to be easier to differentiate regional sounds when independent record labels ran the scene. The current Chicago scene, in my experience, is musically and culturally diverse. I also find it to be supportive and welcoming. That’s the best part, truly - making new friends at every show. 

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jaret Ferratusco

I get the sense you have fairly similar musical tastes. Would this be true? How important is 1990s' Grunge, for instance?

If you’re referring to Dave and me, I would say that’s accurate. We are the same age and, although we grew up in different parts of the country, we had some similar music experiences. We grew up on our parents’ records. Later, Grunge music and culture was very important to me (and still is). I am nostalgic to a fault; so the 1990s are a time I look back on often.

Dave identified more with the Hip-Hop genre in the '90s and draws his influence from many current artists as well. We both consistently love the music that Thom Yorke makes - and Beck’s aesthetic. We still drink wine to Sam Cooke. 

Are there tour dates approaching? Where can we see you play?

We are focusing on writing, recording and releasing for the upcoming months, but we consistently jump on shows in Chicago. Track us on Bandsintown to be in the know!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jaret Ferratusco

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

Yes. What have you got for us?!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We hope to create some new and interesting art. Music, merchandise - all of it. We’ve got the freedom of being able to twist the lens each time we make recordings for Still + Storm. It’s fun to dream of what a core idea, feeling or sound could be for the production process. Currently, we’re dreaming of our next E.P…and warm weather. 

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

Impossible! We love so many albums. I think many albums held intense meaning at different times in my life. I will say, though - for our wedding, I walked out to the intro of Codex off of The King of Limbs by Radiohead…

As you have probably figured out, I love Radiohead. A lot.

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PHOTO CREDIT: David Raymond

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

I think the most memorable was our first Still + Storm show. We went straight out on tour and our first show was in Omaha, Nebraska. This was cool for a number of reasons but, mostly for me, because I was so influenced by the Saddle Creek (record label) bands, which is based in Omaha.

We came to find out that the owners of the venue we played are members of Cursive and the drummer from The Faint happened to be in attendance that night and caught our set. He said some kind words and it was an absolutely surreal experience for me. First show success!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I think the most important thing is to be courteous and kind. I am so grateful for all of the artists and audience I've come across that have been so supportive before and after our shows. Pay that consideration forward: when you are attending or playing shows just start a conversation, buy their album and watch them perform...

The world is large but the music community can be quite small. Tiny gestures are often the most memorable. 

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IN THIS PHOTO: Given Names

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I am a bit biased but I adore Given Names - the Electronic, down-tempo project Dave is involved in. It has so much depth and beauty. It is worth a look and a listen.

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).

Sylvan Esso - Slack Jaw

CLOSENESS - More Romantic

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INTERVIEW: Foliage

INTERVIEW:

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 Foliage

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THERE is a lot to digest when it comes to Foliage…

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and his music. Manuel Joseph Walker is the man behind the moniker. He has been talking about his album, III, and the stories behind the songs; how it differs from his earliest work; whether the U.S. songwriter is planning on coming to the U.K. at all – he talks about the music he was raised on.

I ask what the scene is like around Southern California; what he hopes to achieve this year; if it is daunting releasing a third album by the age of twenty; what his favourite musical memory is – he ends the interview with a cool song!

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

Hi, Sam. I'm doing great; my week has been well. I just turned twenty about two weeks ago (April 3rd) and released my third single, The Other Day. It's been doing quite well and I’m really glad about how well it's been received. I've watched a huge jump in Spotify monthly listeners from 2,000 to over 32,000 in a very short time. It's really bizarre and feels really great. I hope these numbers can stick and people will keep listening and enjoy my music for time and time again. 

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

Hi. My name is Manuel Joseph Walker. I am a twenty-year-old from San Bernardino, CA. I currently reside in Rialto, CA, which is about ten minutes away from S.B. I started going to school in Rialto in about 7th grade and met some friends that would later become my best friends today. I started creating music in my sophomore year of high-school at the age of sixteen using nothing but an old Windows XP computer, Ableton and a guitar.

I have two records out; my first I released at age sixteen, called Truths (2015; Human Sounds Records/2017 reissue; Z Tapes) and last year's Silence (2017; Spirit Goth Records). My third record, III, is out this Friday, April 20th and I'm really excited for you all to hear.

It is my favorite record, and I think it is my best. I hope you love it and you think so too. I put my heart and soul into this and I strive to make each record better and better. No filler whatsoever: just great music for you to enjoy endlessly.

The album, III, out now. What sort of ideas influenced the songs? Was it quite an interesting experience recording the record?

Last year's Silence saw me in a naïve, abusive relationship, and trying to escape that. Being my first real girlfriend and all, the amount of love I carried...or thought I had anyway, in my young mind and heart was just a young, naive, seventeen-year-old Manuel. A hopeless romantic longing for the comfort and sweet gestures he watched in shows like How I Met Your Mother (which I sampled dialogue from in the intro for The Other Day - the third single from III).

With this year's III; I feel back on my feet, with my head on my shoulders and a more secure head. I know how to be treated and I've come to hold more value in truer things like friendship and family. I wanted to write a record on that as well as my love life over the past year - up to my now over, sort-of ‘relationship’.

There's probably like two-three girls in here that have songs about them, but most of them are about this one really cool girl. I really cared for this girl and it was awesome getting to know her over the time spent together. We had lots of fun and I'll always cherish the time spent together. I just thought she was really awesome and, as all relationships do inevitably come to an end, valued her friendship over her love; I couldn't bear to potentially hurt her. Track one, It's Time, being the narrative of me standing my ground and remaining independent: "It's time to rehearse our goodbyes for a minute or two/I must take me away from you. Eventually, we'll die and I’ll find another just like you/just like you..."

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How Have You Been? is about somebody you miss, that you haven't seen in a while; that you'd love to hear from once again. Take Your Time, I Don't Mind is about having patience in a slow forming relationship, whether that be of love or lust, and not pushing each other's issues onto one another.

Come Over is about the girl you really want to ask out. Overcoming shyness, as well as meeting and telling each other about ourselves. Decision is the first song where the 'really cool girl' I had previously mentioned comes into play, all of, I guess, the more honest songs on this record are about her, so you can guess. This song is about wanting to see each other more often, we can both feel it; we're getting closer. My insecurity gets the best of me: "You go to school/I stay in my room high. Been smoking with my friends to pass the time. You go to work/I've got no goals in mind. I write this song you listen then decide…" Will we become something, who knows? "To take me in your arms/and never let me fall out. To take me in your heart/and show me what you're all about..." 

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Value is my favorite track from the new record. The track tells the story of a modern romance and not wanting to rush into things. Simply enjoying our time and friendship together as it goes, and not wanting to put any strain on us by enforcing any labels: "Can we skip that part about falling in love with each other? I value you too much as a person to potentially hurt you". It's been a while since I have been in any sort of relationship, as it was for her, and the track acts as a confession of my feelings towards our time spent. "It's too early on to tell you how I feel about you. I know you're nervous too/it's been a while since you've been out too. I know that you really like me, and I would like to, let you know that I’m into you. It's been a long time since I’ve said that before but I mean that, how about you?"

League is about another girl, who I really liked previously, but didn't get the chance to end up seeing due to her insecurities, claiming I was out of her league. "Our time gets only wasted away/when you think this way…that first time we hung out, we didn't get the chance to follow-up to find out our similarities, that could tell me..." Is it something more? I just can't possibly believe when she says I’m out of her league; I truly like her and I'd like her to see that: "Hey girl, can you tell me what you wanted to see in me? Hey girl, can you tell me what you wanted to seek from me? You say I’m out of your league but that's not true, you beautiful fool..."

I'll Miss You returns to the girl most of the songs are about...after we have parted ways. The reason being my lack of commitment and not wanting to jump into a relationship with such strong feelings so soon. I wanted time to take us, as our love had seemed to grow very naturally. I'll cherish the time we spent together and I wish her good luck in her future endeavors of life: "We could've been something if you wanted to stay. We could've been something but you want me to change...I'll miss you and all the days we'd stay up late. I'll miss you,/I'd rather not partake in cliché...I'll wish you all the best in your days..." The Other Day is, probably, the most personal song on the record. This song means a few things, most importantly it's about my trust issues. Falling in love and having a companion has its perks but has many cons that people aren't aware of.

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This is me at my most vulnerable self: "When you said you missed me the other day/did you really mean that? You took my heart away..." My last record was about me going through the motions and escaping an abusive relationship I was in. Here, I am; back again with a secure mind and heart, knowing true values and how I should be treated. No matter how bold I may seem to stand my ground whilst being in love, there's a soft side in there: "If you did/it meant a lot to me. Others have said that before but it's never struck a chord within me...” Affection is more than sex: affection is a connection and true friendship: "Oh, I thought I'd let you know for sure/I liked you for who you were/not just cause you took off clothes...”

Though; we may have come to an end and I wasn't ready to be in a relationship; I still cared for her and I wish her the best in her future endeavors - most importantly, not rushing into things and creating false love in her own mind. "Oh, I thought I'd let you know for sure/I liked you for who you were/don't rush into your next lover".

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Let's Go Home is the final track and really ties it all together - one of my favorite songs I've ever written. It opens with a sample from Toy Story 2 of Woody saying "Let's go home"; which I often quoted in real life as well as grew up on the movies HEAVILY. I s*it you not, I had so much Toy Story-related gear, I even owned a Woody vest and hat. Haha. This is the truest song of remaining you and having complete focus. Knowing what really matters in life and looking out for your own best interest. Not constantly longing for love and falling into depressive and, in my case, with my O.C.D., compulsive cycles.

Ridding yourself of all form of relationship and valuing true things like family and friendship, living your life to the fullest. This life is short, focus on now: "Let's go home/where you're comfy In chase/and I'll take my pace...I know that you want me to be your man well I say no...Can I live my life for a little while? Do you mind/I've got a long way to go in my life. How far am I? I've got a long way to go in my life...Where am I? Am I? Am I? Let's Go Home..."

Moral of the record: People come and go; keep your feet on the ground and your head on your shoulders and remain YOU.

Is there a song from the album that, to you, stand out from the rest?

Honestly: all of them...

Value is my favorite but ALL of them are amazing. I thoroughly love this record; it's my favorite, it's the most ‘me’ record I've ever done and I promise I’m going to keep getting better and better with each one.

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How do you think your latest album differs from your previous two? Have you incorporated new sounds in?

It's the best one - and I think you'll think so too. I've really gone back to my roots here, bringing back the ‘chorus’ sound of my early E.P. that came before Truths, entitled Singles, but with a revamped and polished sound to match the growth in songwriting and production of Foliage. I've always refrained from using too much chorus in my records as there are so many Mac Demarco copycats out there, doing it super-blatantly…I won't say names.

I used chorus in the way I've been known to use for many years since my early recordings and in my live performances, and I wanted to capture that on my newest record. I've always been inspired by Johnny Marr's guitar tone; I was a huge fan of The Smiths growing up.

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You are only twenty! Is it quite daunting releasing music at such a young age? When did you first come into music and start recording?

I think it's given me a lot of room to grow and experiment with my sound over the years. Starting at sixteen; I’ve written SO many songs, I've had so many ideas - but only a few turns into songs. I've had a lot of time to gain knowledge and push myself with not only producing in Ableton, but songwriting as well. I like to make J Dilla-esque beats on the side as well as Math-Rock. Will never be released, but I just love to create music and practice new production methods.

I've mainly stuck in the Indie-Rock field; Truths being a bit more Shoegaze-y and reverb-heavy with underlying jangle Pop and Post-Punk roots, whereas Silence being the quintessential clean, yet somehow hazy, modern revival of 1980s' Indie roots, as well as 2010s' Indie-Pop, a la Two Door Cinema Club and Phoenix.

I've come to clean up and just polish the Foliage sound more and more with each record. III is the most well-executed, produced and well-written work I've done so far. It pays true homage to my roots of music and the music I love the most: 1980s Indie/Jangle-Pop. These are my favorite songs I’ve ever written and it's so awesome to see that all the newer songs are gaining more attention than my earlier work, which was already praised through the BandCamp community and small indie D.I.Y. circles.

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What sort of music did you grow up around? Did your parents expose you to a lot of different sounds?

I look pretty f*cking pale. Haha. But, we're a Chicano family. We own a lot of Chevrolet Impalas and ‘Low-Riders’; so my dad constantly bumped oldies and Chicano Rap like Lil Rob and MC Magic. He played a bunch of stuff like The Temptations, Dion and the Belmonts and Ritchie Valens. He also introduced me to some amazing s*it like Zapp, Timex Social Club and Cyndi Lauper.

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My older sister is the one who introduced me to Indie music. She showed me The Smiths and The Cure when I was in, like, 4th or 5th grade - and that was the first time music gave me goosebumps. I fell in love with music. I just dove deeper into Indie-Rock as I got older, with bands like Bloc Party, Oberhofer; Two Door Cinema Club and Phoenix.

You are based out of Southern California. How important are the people and sounds of the area in regards to your own music?

I wouldn't say it's important at all. I will say this though: I am inspired by the amazing friends I have made as well as the amazing musician friends I have made. There's this band from my town San Bernardino, we're all really close homies; they're called Daise. Amazing musicians and dear friends of mine who deserve to be huge.

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

I have a record release show for III, this Saturday 4/21 at The Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles, CA. Playing alongside Foliage will be underground favorites: Ruby Haunt, Harmless and TWEN. Tickets are on sale now. Hoping to tour throughout the year.

Anyone reading this and wants me to play in your city? Reach out to: foliagemgmt@gmail.com Upcoming dates: 4/21: The Moroccan Lounge (Los Angeles, CA); 4/27: Rialto High (Rialto, CA); 5/1: Brick & Mortar Music Hall (San Francisco, CA); 5/27: Weber Rations (Los Angeles, CA).

Will we see you come over to the U.K.?

I'd fuc*ing love that. Trying to make some big things happen this year. Hit me up: foliagemgmt@gmail.com

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I hope to have achieved a secure career in music. I hope my record does super-well and my fanbase keeps growing as rapidly as it is. I hope all of my new fans will go back and check out my last two records because they WILL NOT be disappointed whatsoever. I've put a lot of time and care into all of these. I hope you enjoy and have enjoyed my growth throughout the years. I'm not done yet (smiles).

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

Foliage played High Sunn's E.P. Release Show for Hopeless Romantic last year in San Francisco at Bottom of the Hill. Justin and the band are very dear friends of mine. I met Justin in 2016; we toured around California. The release show was so beautiful but, what made the trip memorable, was a car ride with Justin. On our way to dinner, his parents' treat (so fu*king sweet of them), Justin had said: "I can't believe I’m sitting next to Foliage; Manuel Joseph Walker. Hahaha." I was like: "Aw man; I'm nobody special. Haha" - and he says to me: “Dude, you are my hero; I looked up to you for a really long time. I wanted to be you". Those words shattered my heart, coming from someone as amazing as Justin. I told him "thank you" and laughed and blushed...

We had a wonderful dinner with his parents, my band at the time and his band. We bid our goodbyes after dinner that night and it was so heartbreaking. When I got home; I had a High Sunn Hopeless Romantic E.P. to remember to the trip by and I placed it on my shelf in my room. I was listening to High Sunn as soon as I got home. I was explaining to my brother, Anthony, who plays bass in my band for live shows, The Conversation. Upon telling him what Justin said, I burst into tears. I couldn't stop crying for like two or three hours. Hahaha. I messaged Justin some heartwarming messages and texts telling him how much I love him and his family and how grateful I was to have a wonderful friend. Another time that really wowed me was becoming friends with Justin Vallesteros - Craft Spells himself. Super-inspirational to me when I started; loved that he was a lone-producer and musician.

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He considers himself more of a producer than a musician, and I feel the same. We both love skateboarding, J Dilla and marijuana. Haha. My kind of guy. Messaging him the night before I released the first single of III, he told me that my guitar work has gotten "really f*cking good" and that I have even inspired him to pick up the guitar again. Huge moment of joy for me. What an awesome guy. We swapped demos and talked about the future and hanging out the next time in S.F.

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

Honestly; I don't even know. I really fu*k with chocolate chip cookies; so cookies could be one. Skittles are pretty dank too. Hahaha.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

DON'T GIVE UP. BE PATIENT. I've almost given up many times out of discouragement. It may seem a long way to the top but, if the music is good, it's good. Someone's gonna hear, eventually, and your hard work will pay off.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sonif

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I'll put three...

Hank LW, Sonif and BeerBellyJake 

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IN THIS PHOTO: BeerBelly Jake

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

I tend to spend MOST of my days working on music but, recently, as the music gets more popular, I just find myself on the computer more and more often; talking to people, sending emails - stuff like that. I do give myself a lot of free time, though. I like to unwind by chilling with my homies and smoking many bowls of marijuana. Hahaha.

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

Not a song, but this is my brother Anthony's debut E.P. - and his first hand at music. It's really good...and I recommend you listen.

Mineman is my favorite track

Thanks, Manuel (Foliage).

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INTERVIEW: Gravves

INTERVIEW:

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 Gravves

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THE guys of Gravves have been telling me more…

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about their new tune, Hello Sailor. I was interested finding out about its origins and how they feel about getting attention from Radio X; what we can expect from their E.P., Oh, the Joy; how they got together – I ask how they feel about the spate of heavy and urgent bands coming through right now.

The lads talk to me about their future plans and gig dates; which musicians they count as idols; whether there are any new acts we need to get behind – they tell me how they unwind away from music.

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

We're good! Working at the day jobs, apart from Ad, who is in Japan. So; we haven't really seen much of each other for the past month, which is a bit strange.

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

We are Gravves; a three-piece noisy Rock band from North Wales; made up of Adam Hughes (Bass/Shouting), David Thomas (Guitar/Singing) and Tom Williams (Drums/Minor Backing Vocals).

Talk to me about your song, Hello Sailor. It has been getting attention from Radio X and NME. What inspired the song – has the reaction surprised you at all?!

Like most of our songs, on the surface, it's a bit mad but, beneath, it's quite emotive. It's about getting through that horrible limbo moment of a breakup...

The reaction has really taken us by surprise; we're still trying to process it. We've never been picked up by Radio X before, and being Track of the Day on NME just doesn't seem real. When you sit on songs for a while, it's easy to lose perspective of what your good tunes are.

So, it's a confidence boost too. Anything which can help us get it out there is massively appreciated. We don't take it for granted.

The song is taken from the E.P., Oh, the Joy. What sort of themes influenced the songwriting throughout?

Frustration and progress; getting through hard times, with some cynical humor thrown in. We don't take ourselves too seriously: we just want people to come down, get a bit weird and have a good time, no matter what is happening in their life. 

That's the message at the centre of it all.

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How did Gravves get together? Take me back to the start…

Adam and Dave were in school together and grew up playing in bands. Later, they met me (Tom) through the local music scene. There's a lot of cross-pollination in bands where we live.

You are based up in North Wales. Is there much of a scene where you are? Is it easy enough to get gigs and get your music out to people?

There's such a high calibre of music in North Wales. It's an exciting time to be part of the scene. We're biased, but we believe some of the best new music in the U.K. comes from where we are. The pinnacle of it all is an event in Wrexham called Focus Wales. It showcases new Welsh music and draws in some big names too. In recent years, we've had the likes of Slaves, The Joy Formidable; Future of the Left, British Sea Power just to name a few...

A lot of heavy and raw bands are coming through right now. Do you think Punk and Rock are starting to overtake Pop in terms of impact and popularity?!

Rock and Punk will always be a bit of an outsider thing. If you take a look at BBC Radio 1's playlist, there's still a lack of heavy/raw bands but there's also Daniel P. Carter's show, which is massively popular. We like Pop music, though. There's some great stuff on the radio which is still new and adventurous: Dua Lipa, Post Malone and The Weeknd...

Going back to your question, though. Maybe Rock and Punk isn't taking over but people are more open to hearing it now. People's listening habits are so different. It wouldn't be weird to speak to someone who loves Black Sabbath just as much as they love Beyoncé.

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Which musicians do you all count as idols?

We tend to look at whole bands more than specific people - Queens of the Stone Age, Death from Above; The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Pulled Apart By Horses and Foals. That's not an exhaustive list, though.

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

We do! After the EP is released, we are heading to the following places:

28th April - LIVERPOOL, Wrong Festival

4th May - SALFORD, The Eagle Inn

6th May - LIVERPOOL, Sound City

10th May - WREXHAM, Focus Wales

11th May - PRESTON, The Ferret

12th May - WREXHAM, Focus Wales

19th May - NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, The Rigger

26th May - LLANIDLOES, Kingsfest

27th May - DIGBETH, Wagon & Horses

20th June - LONDON, Aces & Eights

21st June - LONDON, Sebright Arms

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We want to get to the point where people look a poster, see our name on and think: ‘Oh yeah; I know them. I definitely want to go to that’. We're happy with the E.P., so getting it out to as many people as possible is a big aim for us. That's going to plan so far. Once it's out, we'll be on to the next thing; whatever that is.

We'll keep pushing forward, though. Everything which is happening for us right now is amazing - but we want to see how much further we can take it.

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

When you've been releasing music for years, it can feel like you're bashing your head against a wall after a while. We've each been in bands where members have left; the spark has disappeared or it just wasn't working anymore. When we started Gravves; we might have lowered our expectations a bit. We thought people would only be casually interested.

Then. we played a couple of gigs after our first E.P. - namely Wrong Festival in Liverpool and Focus Wales - and people filled into the room before we started. None of us had felt that sort of buzz for a long time, and it definitely added a bit of purpose.

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

We're playing with Future of the Left this month, who we love! Probably them and Queens of the Stone Age - just so we can meet Josh Homme.

We would probably be dull and sensible with the rider, to be honest. Plenty of booze though.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don't forget to enjoy yourselves: that is the whole point after all. You don't need to play loads of gigs; just good ones. You don't need to play for free. Any promoter worth their salt will at least give you petrol money. When you record, make the most of each release.

Throw together a video; send it off to as many places as you can. Ask for feedback if you don't get a response - you don't need to shape yourself around it, but sometimes a bit of constructive criticism can be really helpful.

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IN THIS PHOTO: YONAKA/PHOTO CREDIT: Ryan Saradjola

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

LOADS...

YONAKA, Bryde; Chupa Cabra, Kidsmoke; Wax Futures, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard; Pushing Daisies and Dearist.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kidsmoke

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

We have to squeeze music in around our jobs, childcare; family etc., so, not really! That can be exhausting sometimes. This past month has probably been the longest downtime we've had in a while. It's been nice, but we're itching to get out there again.

Thanks for this mate. We appreciate it...

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FEATURE: Earth Day 2018: The Playlist

FEATURE:

 

Earth Day 2018

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 ALL PHOTOS: Unsplash 

The Playlist

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IT is Earth Day (today) and we are all provided with the chance…

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to think more carefully about our planet and how we treat it. Not only is one expected to reflect on the way the Earth is changing and how climate change/pollution is affecting the oceans and people; we are all urged to embrace what we have and the beauty that is out there. I have been thinking about the day and feel it is even more important, now more than ever, to acknowledge what we are doing to the planet and, well…take more care of her. There have been some insightful and thought-provoking pieces put online regards environmental concerns and how the climate concerns of the masses need articulating effectively by politicians.

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I cannot do much to remedy issues we face but, as a music journalist; it is important I have a look at planet/Earth-related songs and tunes that make me think about the natural world – in good and bad ways. Here, then, is a selection of songs that, for me, look at the planet in various ways – from looking at it from space or the intimacies of a woodland or subtle piece of nature. I hope the songs sum up Earth Day 2018 and, more importantly, get us thinking about a world that is becoming more polluted and endangered. It is a shame because, when you think about all it has to offer; it is a pretty spectacular and…

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BEAUTIFUL place.

FEATURE: Lottery Winners Die in Southern Motels: A Memory Tapes Playlist

FEATURE:

 

Lottery Winners Die in Southern Motels

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 IMAGE CREDIT: Freepix 

A Memory Tapes Playlist

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I have cunningly (read: obliquely) mistitled this piece…

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IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images

to give the illusory impression it pertains to anything other than my musical memories and what stands out to me. The title, in fact, is not quite as clever (read: pretentious) as it might appear on the page. One of my more minor dreams is to have a collection of my favourite musical memories – those that have scored influential and nurturing moments – highlighted and exposed to the public. Others have different memory tapes that soundtrack a romance or a special friendship; others choose to represent a particular year in their life through music – the kind of songs, old and new, that held their hand and sticks in the memory. For me, I am a groove monkey whose musical ‘memory tape’ is less about specific events and relationships: my song selections start from my earliest years and come right near to the present. Each song has significance and has either helped me through a hard time or taught me something about myself. Going chronologically; my first-ever memory was, maybe, around 1986 when I would have been three (making myself feel old and decrepit!) and hearing the drum machine-heavy rush of Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants to Rule the World. I have told this story before but, on the off chance there are curious ravens swooping overhead; I will briefly recount it.

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IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images

That song counts as the most important in my life because it was the first thing I heard – or remember – and, every time I hear the track; I seem to transport myself back to that early family home when the walls were browner and the hairstyles had a three-foot-minimum height restriction! Moving through my early childhood, and two artists come to mind: The Beatles and Kate Bush. They are heroes of mine but, in the context of my childhood; they both opened my eyes to different sides of music. My family possessed ample stock of Beatles vinyl and had everything from their ‘red’ and ‘blue’ albums – albums that collated their earliest and later work, respectively – and Abbey Road; some Revolver, Rubber Soul and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Not only did The Beatles’ albums blow my mind on an artistic front – the iconic covers of Sgt. Pepper’s’ and Abbey Road – but the music, somehow, took me back to the 1960s – when my parents were growing up around them and able to queue outside record shops for their latest gem. Even though Rubber Soul is my favourite Beatles album; it is their debut, Please Please Me, that stands aside. I will not recount its unique recording process – the fact all bar four songs were captured in an all-day recording session – but it seems to be on in the house/car during family trips to my grandparents.

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IN THIS PHOTO: The Beatles/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

The shivering and scintillating harmonica notes (from John Lennon) of Love Me Do make me think of visiting my grandparents and those Sunday evenings where I was discovering the world and unlocking new scents and sensations. Songs such as Do You Want to Know a Secret (dodgy George Harrison vocal) and I Saw Her Standing There (fantastic Paul McCartney opener) are still in my mind and on my turntable. The fact my grandparents have been gone for over twenty years (or twenty-five) does not matter: hearing those songs bonds me to them and evokes all the perfume, off-kilter language and familial in-jokes many of us take for granted. Moving through ages ten-sixteen and, as mentioned; Kate Bush comes to mind. She is a musical heroine, for sure, and I even have some of her lyrics tattooed on my arms – the number of heads that tilt to the side on the Tube; futile in its attempt to decipher and recognise their origin – and her debut album, The Kick Inside, is my favourite of all time – many argue Hounds of Love is her best work but they, as you’d imagine, are wrong. Like many (including Caitlin Moran); my vivid first memory of Bush is seeing her in the video for Wuthering Heights; wearing a white dress (that looked like a nightgown) and spiralling to the sounds of her number-one smash. It was on a V.H.S. – maybe, The Whole Story?! – and I would sit down and watch videos from a strange, beautiful and hugely alluring musician (she remains my one and only musician crush). Bush is still someone who resounds in me – it was The Kick Inside that, yes, kick-started that passion; revealing a unique and sensual butterfly who went on to influence everyone from Tori Amos, Florence Welch and Nickelback (might have made the last one up!).

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Liddicott

Primary and middle-school were hard, and so, music was a companion in every crush-addled blitzkrieg and rose-cheeked embarrassment; the cliques of the playground and the tape-swapping mastication of the playground. In fact, backing it up a smidge and Carole King seems to distil all my primary school experiences into one album: the mesmeric and peerless Tapestry. Like Kate Bush; Carole King’s vocals and sublime songwriting touched me deeper and more profoundly than anything. I was bullied through school and was a little slow, academically. Now, at thirty-five; I know a lot more, comparatively, than I did back then and feel I have come this far because of music and its comforting kiss. Songs like It’s Too Late and Will You Love Me Tomorrow? swam in my hippocampus and seemed to offer friendship, counselling and reassurance: a bespoke and multifaceted isotope that gave me somewhere to retreat and cloister my, sometimes, battered soul within. Music started to play a bigger role between 1988-1999. The last years of secondary school were heightened by the awesome club and Dance music that came out around the time. I had a good life at school but, against all the academia and near-scrapes with the headmaster; it was those music-fuelled memories that stand proud and noble.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Carole King/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

One such incident saw a classmate take to a wooden chair – like Rommel saddling up and plunging into action! – and pump the kids up in delirium chorus. The song that blared out of the cassette player – it was the 1980s, remember! – was The Shamen’s smash, Ebeneezer Goode. For all its drug references and controversy – ‘Veras’ and ‘salmon’ slang for, well…not what you’d think – it was a banger that got us all pumped and together. Not only was our school fairly liberal; it was permissive of musical indulgence and the curiosity of children. I will talk about the song that, embarrassingly, seemed to define high school but, keeping it around the period; Dance music and popular hits fused and entwined. I was discovering Madonna and, with it, an empowered and bold female artist who taught me more about women and femininity than any textbook and hopeless crush. It was, however, a crush that ends the final memories of middle school. My late grandfather built a go-kart back in, I think, the 1980s and gave it to me as a present. It was black and you could pedal it; it has a stand on the back so we could get someone with a cassette player blaring as I/my friends pedalled. I was a bit smitten with a girl – who shall remain nameless; less she vomits at the mere recollection – and several artists helped me negotiate awkward conversations and innocent playfulness – when we would climb trees, explore woodland…and many other things Tom Sawyer would get up to if Huck Finn was in the mood for motivation.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Michael Jackson/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Michael Jackson was a huge influence and, aside from his weird white gloves and his monkey (Bubbles); the wacky King of Pop was our lifeline and voice. Many happy days listening to Bad and Thriller beneath the carapace of a tree; a near-kiss to the strains of Smooth Criminal (musical irony and taunt at its most cruel and teasing); other pick-n-mix visions that made my childhood infinitely pleasurable and buoyant. T.Rex, actually, were those champions of the go-kart cassette player who taught me so much more about music. I remember listening to the anthemic rabble of Bang a Gong (Get It On) – subtlety plagiarised by Oasis on their hit, Cigarettes & Alcohol – and classics like Metal Guru, Children of the Revolution and Hot Love (a song that makes me smile like a child kicking Piers Morgan in the nuts). Britpop and its battles were the older boys that I looked up to and was fascinated by. Being in a state school in the South of England meant there was a healthy mix between those working-class peeps – such as myself – and the wannabe middle-classes who were both balkanised and galvanised by the Blur vs. Oasis rivalry. Songs from the legendary bands helped me through bullying and the first flourishes of depression. I became hooked by these emphatic and observant bands who were speaking for my generation – one finds few likeminded artists today who can truly represent Britain and give us all something to hold on to!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash

I appreciated Blur for their clever-clever wit and Essex boyishness but was more drawn to the rugged rebelliousness of the Gallagher brothers and that constant spark. Albums like Definitely Maybe were vital sources of guidance and, as I started to discover Grunge in its late stages – going back to Nirvana and their earliest work – I was growing up around a mix of harder sounds that provided me with the energy and fortitude to withstand the vicissitudes of school life. The other artists – before I summarise the latter days and years – remind me of overcoming hard times and evoking crushes and cute times. In 1997, when a schoolmate died; I was searching music for assistance and a compassionate hug. The fact someone my age (fourteen or so) could leave the planet without warning and rationale was a dam breaking – where I changed from a relatively happy child to someone numbed by shock. The fact my musical icon Jeff Buckley – more on him soon – died that year meant I was scrabbling for reassurance and something uplifting. Odd songs – like Smash Mouth’s Walkin’ on the Sun – and familiar favourites provided the calories and sympathies needed to complete high school and ensure I was able to continue on. My broadloom and routine have been irrevocable shattered: music was the always-willing Muse who stood steadfastly and gave me that hug. I mentioned crushes and how they were scored: the Dance music you’ll see from my playlist were all rattling around my mind as I tried to win the most popular girl in school (without avail) and watched open-mouthed as a girl I was attracted to passionately made out with a friend of mine (what a prick!).

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IN THIS PHOTO: The White Stripes/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

That song I mentioned, that defined high-school, was, actually Snow’s Informer. That might not sound too humiliating but, to me, it was the song that made me feel good and tied together the myriad highs, lows and beautiful moments that helped me transition into adulthood. I will skip over a large chunk of time – the playlist covers any gaps – but there are other artists/time periods that need mentioning. The White Stripes came into my life when I started university up in Cambridge and, against the daunting spectacle of spires and centuries-old colleges; the Detroit-formed duo was a satchel I carried and was able to escape in. The memories of The White Stripes are bitter-sweet and complicated. I attended a ‘sister university’ of Cambridge - but was allowed entry to the Footlights. Although I only performed a few times; I attended social events and, being Cambridge University-organised; they weren’t actually relaxed and free-flowing. Black-tie dinners and French brasseries; dinners of fine decorum – where I would hang around with a few mates at the end and scoop wine bottles from the dinner table – would mix alongside summer parties in the gardens of Queen’s College. It was during one such party – where I over-imbibed on Pimm’s; had to cook dinner half-cut and watched the latest Harry Potter film without passing out – I realised, although I was a working-class guy who felt daunted and out of place among privately-educated people; music was that leveller and ice-breaker. This was around the time Elephant was released (2003) and that and The White Stripes – their debut of 1999 – were huge favourites. A mate of mine, Tom, introduced the duo to me and it was him that compelled me to see them play at Alexandra Palace – a gig memory that was a bit of a missed opportunity and regret…

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IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images

It was Tom who actually shared my love of Jeff Buckley. The man is my music idol and, as I was acclimatising to life post-university and exploring the possibility of music journalism; I got into Buckley and all his magic. I, like millions, adore Grace (his one and only studio album) but it is the live album, at Sin-é (pronounced shin-aye), that stands out. I have chosen his version of Je N'en Connais Pas La Fin (the spirit of Edith Piaf watching over him...) for my playlist. I actually wanted to select his rendition of Yeh Jo Halka Saroor Hae (a Qawwali song by his idol, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) that truly embodies all Buckley was: that brave and divine spirit; the way he could tackle any language/song and, if you listen to the monologue that proceeds the song; the way he interacted with the audience (a small number of people crammed into a New York café) that made me idolise him – shed tears and feel distraught realising he is no longer with us. His music has taught me more about myself and the world than any other musician; a dedication and relationship that still informs my decisions and makes me feel I am doing the right thing. I have not mentioned why Soundgarden and Nirvana represent great memories; why Björk’s debut is so vital – the artist that turned me on to BBC Radio 6 Music and the album that got me my first appearance on radio…we are pressed for time, so I shall end things...

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PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash

Music is a vital cog in my existence and the reason I got into music journalism was through a then-friend, Kate, and how music helped her. She wrote a blog that detailed her life and love experiences and it was a particular band, The National, who we used to bond over. I remember talking to her about albums like High Violet and The Boxer and how she found solace and warmth in the words. That may sound odd – considering the songs were quite emotive – but it brought me to her and, from there, started my music blog. We are no longer in each other’s life – a jealous boyfriend stopped that – but The National’s music reminds me of her (Kate’s) writings and what we used to discuss; how she compelled me to start writing and get into journalism. I have made a decision to dedicate full-time to music (and move to Manchester) and she is partly responsible for that – as are some of the artists I vibe to right now. Between then and now; there is one other artist who has made an impact – one that many might not have heard of. I was one of the first to review Yorkshire-born Billie Marten’s Writing of Blues and Yellows when it arrived in 2016. I gave it a hearty four-star review (when writing for an online music magazine) and, aside from some foolish conclusions – I reasoned, falsely, Emily and Green were minor songs! – the songs within helped me through a difficult time in a dismal job; in a town I hated/hate, around people I felt uneasy and angry around – a situation I am still in (in terms of the job and the town) but am changing in the coming months...

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IN THIS PHOTO: Billie Marten/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

It is one song, however, that had a huge emotive effect and helped me make decisions. Heavy Weather is a proudly delicate and passionate song that bellies her teenage years (Marten is, I think, eighteen) and one that fills my soul and makes me determined to make things better and plug on in life. My biggest hope is Marten releases another album this year – I will be one of the first to jump on that! – because Writing of Blues and Yellows was my favourite album of 2016. It was scandalously overlooked by the end-of-year poll-makers and did not even crack anyone’s top-fifty! Maybe that is a result of snobby attitudes towards Folk and young artists; let’s hope those journalists reverse their mistake and get involved with her sophomore record!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sam Liddicott/PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Liddicott

I will end things there – the playlist puts together songs that cover other years and events – but these songs, in their way, have shaped and guided my life from the age of three/four to thirty-four. They are the build-up to crushes and fumbled chat-up; the longing of youth and the discovery of new vistas and lands. (I haven’t even mentioned Steely Dan and how pivotal their album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, was to my childhood and reminds me of my aunt (who died of skin cancer); the way the songs connected and what they mean to me!). They are the fuc*-you to bullies and psychic bandages; the academic slackers and red-lipped temptresses that have shaped, for better or worse, the rest of my life. These are the songs, wonderfully, that will continue to influence my life as I tackle new careers, loves – let’s hope so! – and tragedies. All of the songs in the playlist have their place and short story; they are all crucial and irreplaceable and are memories I hope to hold…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash

FOR the rest of my days!

FEATURE: Ma Nishtana: Why This Year Is Balancing Progression and Change with Tragedy

FEATURE:

 

Ma Nishtana

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kendrick Lamar/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images 

Why This Year Is Balancing Progression and Change with Tragedy

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EVERY year in music…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Avicii/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

we witness heartache and unexpected loss. A few days ago, the super-producer Avicii lost his life and sent shockwaves through music. People from all corners of music and social media have come together to pay their respects to a wonderful and unique talent who had the potential to truly add his stamp to music. It is no secret that Avicii shunned some of the limelight and did not feel comfortable with the glare on his face. There were reports of depression and anxiety; he died in Muscat (Oman) with police reporting no foul play or suspicions. Back in 2016; Avicii was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis due to excessive alcohol use. Although one cannot draw a line between that diagnosis and his untimely death; the fact the Swedish producer is no longer with us has shocked many. Someone so young (twenty-eight) has left us and some wondering if more could have been done – if he should have gone into rehab or medical intervention could have prevented such a tragic loss. It is difficult to avoid every decline in health and sad loss – we have to go through this, unfortunately. Some of the best musicians and talents from the industry have died at a young age. The infamous 27 Club is the collective group of musicians who died aged twenty-seven – including Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Amy Winehouse.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Amy Winehouse/PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Bergen/Redferns

There is no scientific or correlated reason why that age has become so synonymous with high-profile deaths. Maybe excess and certain pressures arrive at that age; when an artist reaches a sense of maturity and the critical acclaim gets too hot – the need to escape or find solace and comfort in drugs and alcohol. That is all speculation and lazy science. Of course; there are reasons why some of our finest musicians died at twenty-seven. Avicii’s fame and sudden prominence meant, of course, he was expected to be a certain way and in demand. His drinking issue might have had personal reasons and other contributory factors – perhaps his celebrity was not wholly culpable. It seems, though, we have an artist who suffered immense pressure and struggled to deal with all the trappings and roles of fame. He wanted to influence people – and left a great body of work – but was not completely happy having his every moment and movement planned. Again; there is no blame on anyone or the music industry as a whole. I am sad someone so young has died and warning signs were there. Should we expect this kind of thing to happen now and then?! I think it is a tragedy any artist, who is clearly over-indulging or struggling, should struggle so much. It seems, heartbreakingly, we cannot escape tragedies in the industry. My hope is Avicii’s sad and shocking death should open conversations and query whether we need to do more and raise awareness when it comes to young artists and excess.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Yang for Variety

One of the positive things that have come out of music this year is acknowledgement of black music and a greater focus on artists of colour. Kendrick Lamar, rather wonderfully, was the first black musician to win the Pulitzer Prize. The award usually goes to Jazz or Classic artists – the fact they awarded Lamar’s superb album, DAMN., is a big shift and seismic evolution. The ceremony has been accused of being stuffy and ludicrously narrow-minded. The rigidity and one-dimensional nature of his past winners mean nobody was expecting such a radical about-face. Lamar’s win follows on from Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize win for Literature last year. Few expected a popular and decades-enduring musician to get the honour. Kendrick Lamar’s victory is not really needed from his perspective. He has accrued awards and huge fan numbers; the man has won critical affection and is one of the most popular and successful artists in the world. Those who criticise Hip-Hop – some bigoted commentators feel it has done more to damage black American youth than guns or drugs – need to look at the changes being felt and how the likes of Kendrick Lamar are coming to the forefront. Black music has suffered a turbulent and hard past. From Jazz innovators and Soul kings; the new wave of Hip-Hop and Pop artists – one can argue there has been racism and ignorance for many decades in music.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Yang for Variety

A piece in The Guardian argued why DAMN. warranted that elusive award:

“But even if it weren’t a cultural phenomenon, Damn would be deserving on a compositional level. While there will always be those who flatly refuse to accept hip-hop as a valid artform, for everyone else Lamar represents the pinnacle of the form. His combination of technical virtuosity, moral complexity, political acuity, wit, empathy and musical depth and breadth makes him the only MC (sorry Kanye) who can unite teenage hip-hop fans, Golden Age aficionados and people who barely follow the genre.

Raised in Compton, Los Angeles, Lamar, like many rappers, grew up amid poverty and gang violence. He continues to wrestle with survivor’s guilt and the moral responsibility that comes with success, constantly interrogating his own weaknesses and hypocrisies. When I interviewed him in 2015, he was hugely impressive in a low-key way: calm, reflective, deeply religious and wise beyond his years”.

I am not suggesting Kendrick Lamar’s achievement will reverse the trend we have always seen – where black artists do not get their due and are neglected when it comes to awards and festival slots. As recently as a year ago; we were wondering whether racism and the lack of attention paid to black artists would subside and redress. There seems to be more of a balance than there was back in 2017!

The most recent Grammy ceremony featured a lot of fantastic black artists and its major categories were supple with fantastic black artists. Although it did not go far enough – there was still imbalance and Bruno Mars, a Pop artist who produces music, not all critics love, won most of the awards – it was a great improvement and signs things were starting to change. The fact a black Hip-Hop artist won an award usually reserved to white artists of a certain genre…that sends a message that we cannot keep going on with ignorant practices. Another event I wanted to allude to was Beyoncé’s much-lauded and fantastic set at Coachella. The iconic singer-songwriter put in a career-spanning, life-affirming set that saw a reunification of Destiny’s Child and some of the best theatrics and dance displays seen at any gig. The artist has been out of the public eye since she gave birth to her twins last year. She is embarking on a co-headline tour with her husband, Jay-Z, and many wonder whether she will follow up 2016’s Lemonade with a new album. The confident and emphatic set she turned in at Coachella has put black music to the forefront again and showed our strongest and most impressive solo artist is black. You can argue there are better white artists who are more iconic and popular playing right now.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Beyoncé/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

I would argue against that and state nobody has the same power, pull and panache as Beyoncé. We need her in music right now and that singular, divining voice can do so much to a divided world. All of these events and changes might sound like a small step and minor occurrence. If we look back a few years and see how far we have come right now – I feel 2018’s big steps and breakthroughs will continue for the next few years. I cannot argue we will see a complete reversal and there will be true equality in our lifetimes. I am positive genuine evolution can happy so we do not see black artists confined to the shadows and seen as inferior to their white peers. I realise commercial artists like Rihanna and Beyoncé have been performing for years – there are many more in the underground who have not received the acclaim they deserve. With the likes of Cardi B and Leon Bridges, between them, delivering some of the most affecting and stunning music at the moment; I wonder whether the recent acclaim of Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar needs to be highlighted and used as a guide. There are still steps to be taken and more we can all do. I am pleased a body like the Pulitzer Prize decided to give an award for music to Kendrick Lamar. Nobody saw it coming and, whether compelled by pressure or recognition of genuine talent; walls are coming down and the always-stuffy are starting to relax their stringent and homogenised ideals. This year has seen some tragedy and great loss: alongside it has been some big steps forward and signs parity will come about. Many might say 2018 is no different to any other year. I feel very different, indeed. So far, over the past few months; there are signals that suggest this year will be…

VERY different to every other one.   

FEATURE: The Hottest May on Record? Great Albums Due Next Month

FEATURE:

 

The Hottest May on Record?

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Chvrches/ALL PHOTOS/IMAGES: Getty Images

Great Albums Due Next Month

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APRIL is almost through…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Ray LaMontagne

and we are starting to get used to the warmer weather and promises of festivals. I have been looking ahead to May and all the records that are scheduled for release. There are some average and forgettable ones out there: among the clan are some fantastic options that warrant proper attention and play! I have collated the albums, I feel, everyone needs to get behind and investigate.

Here are the best May-due records that the fondest and most ardent music fans…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Courtney Barnett

NEED to keep their eyes out for. 

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Gaz Coombes – World’s Strongest Man

Release Date: 4th May

Genres: Alternative/Rock/Indie

Label: Caroline Distribution

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Eleanor Friedberger – Rebound

Release Date: 4th May

Genre: Indie-Rock

Label: Frenchkiss Records

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Leon Bridges – Good Thing

Release Date: 4th May

Genres: R&B/Soul

Label: Columbia Records

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Beach House – 7

Release Date: 11th May

Genres: Dream-Pop/Indie-Rock

Label: Sub Pop

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Simian Mobile Disco – Murmurations

Release Date: 11th May

Genres: Dance/Electronic/House

Label: Wichita Recordings

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Ash – Islands

Release Date: 18th May

Genres: Alternative

Label: Infectious Music

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Courtney Barnett – Tell Me How You Really Feel

Release Date: 18th May

Genres: Alternative/Indie

Label: Mom + Pop Music

Parquet Courts – Wide Awake!

Release Date: 18th May

Genres: Indie-Rock/Post-Punk

Label: Rough Trade Records

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Ray LaMontagne – Part of the Light

Release Date: 18th May

Genres: Singer-Songwriter/Folk

Label: RCA Records

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Chvrches – Love Is Dead

Release Date: 25th May

Genres: Synth-Pop/Alternative

Label: Glassnote Records

INTERVIEW: Atlantic Machine

INTERVIEW:

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 Atlantic Machine

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WITH a cracking new single out there for the people…

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I have been chatting with Atlantic Machine about I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend. The duo of Jim Lowe and Tiffany Page talk about the song’s background and their upcoming album, Mosquito (out on 18th May). I ask how Atlantic Machine got together and the sort of music that compels them – they talk about gigs and plans going forward.

The duo talks about favourite new artists and an album that means a lot to each of them; what advice they would offer new musicians emerging; if they ever get chance to detach from music – they tell me what one can expect from one of their live sets.

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

Great, thanks. Been busy this week working on the video for the next single called Toronto - out April 27th.

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

Atlantic Machine is a London-based duo fronted by vocalists Jim Lowe and Tiffany Page.

I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend is your latest cut. What is the story behind the song?

The story is fairly self-explanatory as read in the title but presented in a more tongue-in-cheek way.

A new album is out on 18th May called Mosquito. What can you reveal about the stories and inspirations that go into it? What was it like recording it?

The album has nine tracks inspired by many different themes, spanning from good and bad relationships; heartache and losing a friend, to feeling upbeat with some nostalgic moments. It was great fun to record the album and collaborate with talented musicians. It’s always exciting hearing the songs develop into their final form.

Is there a track from the album you would select as a highlight?

One of our favourite tracks is Automatic. It has some pretty special drum playing and string arrangements on it which capture a cinematic vibe.

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How did Atlantic Machine find one another? Jim and Tiffany; how did you find one another?

As well as being the man behind Atlantic Machine, Jim is a Grammy Award-winning producer who works with many other artists. Jim met Tiffany whilst working on her Mercury-signed album in 2010.

How do you think your music has developed since your first sessions? Are you always learning and integrating new sounds?

The first, self-titled (Atlantic Machine) album was written, mixed and produced by Jim as a solo artist. Mosquito, however, sees Jim collaborating with Tiffany Page, which has brought a new flavour to the music. This album is slightly heavier than the first record and we’ve mixed vintage synths along with guitars and real strings.

Yes, we are always experimenting with new sounds and have no set boundaries with what we are laying on the tracks.

What sort of music were you raised on? Is there an artist you both gravitate towards?

Tiffany was raised on Neil Young, The Doors; Grateful Dead and anything '70s. Jim was raised on various things from the late-'70s and '80s, including David Bowie, Lou Reed; The Police, Japan and Iggy Pop. Both of us are pretty open-minded and into whatever has good vibes.

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

There are some gigs in the pipeline yet to be confirmed…

If we came and saw an Atlantic Machine show; what could we expect in terms of the sounds, set and sensation?

It would be a rocking, upbeat set with singalong tunes - including a few moody tracks.

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

For Jim, it would be Lou Reed – Transformer

Yes, a classic record. I was introduced to this at an early age and it just stuck with me. It just had a cool sound and great songs but, really I was drawn in by the album’s front cover!

For Tiff; her favourite would be Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York!

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We hope to bring Mosquito to many live audiences and keep being creative.

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

For Tiff; being on a plane with Brian May from Queen and experiencing Glastonbury 2010.  For Jim; jamming with Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood and Kelly Jones - and also meeting Keith Richards backstage in L.A., 2003.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Just keep working hard, craft good songs and maintain an endless drive. Believe in yourself!

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Jim really likes Wolf Alice. Also, Jim worked with a guy called Leaone, who has a good baritone voice and thought-provoking songs.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Leaone

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

What’s really good fun is finding the inspiration for videos and artwork. It gives your ears a rest and lets your eyes do the work.

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).

The Doors - The Spy

David Bowie - Ashes to Ashes

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INTERVIEW: CHANCES

INTERVIEW:

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 CHANCES

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THE tremendous trio of CHANCES…

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are readying themselves for the release of their debut album, Traveler, and have been discussing its latest single, Fire to Go. I learn how the guys got together and learn what the music scene is like in Montreal – they recommend a new act to watch and discuss the music that inspires them.

I was keen to know whether they are coming to the U.K. and whether they have a precious memory from their time in music; what they have plotted for the rest of the year; the advice they would give new artists of the moment – they each select a great song to end the interview.

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

Hey, Sam. Thanks for taking the time to listen to our music! We're busy getting things ready for our album launch and tour which kicks off in Montreal at the Phi Centre on April 26th, followed by dates in Quebec City, Toronto; Hamilton and Ottawa. Super-exciting! It's our first album…we can't wait to release it into the world!

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

We're a trio based out of Montreal. Chloé and I play synths/keys and sing; Vincent plays the drums. We've been together since 2016. CHANCES is a mix of our influences and cultures. We like to blend Pop hooks, synths and vocal harmonies with both electronic and organic sounds. The songs are rhythm-based because the writing usually starts off with one of Vincent's drum sequences or beats. Chloé and I share lead singer duties, often singing in unison or in harmony.

We're inspired by World music as well and like to see how we can fit that influence into catchy melodies with original harmonies. There's a feeling of openness to what we do, a willingness to stay curious and to touch upon universal themes.

To be visual about it…in concert, Chloé and I face each other with mirrored synth/keyboard set-ups. Vince is directly in the middle of us at his drum - and with the audience, we form a circle. From the beginning, we had the word 'empowerment' in mind. It's been a guiding element in the creation of the songs and our live show. Writing songs that will give energy to those singing and listening. This band is a lot about sharing and communion amongst the three of us and with our audience. There's a give-and-take we strive for that feels really good when it's happening.

What can you reveal about Fire to Go and how the song came together?

Fire to Go is an ode to resilience. It's a break-up song that was written to inspire strength. We have a way of writing together as a trio that works really well for us. This time, Chloé started with one of Vince's beats and composed the melody. I felt the melody had something powerful about it; especially with the way the chorus lifts-off. I sat down and came up with the first draft of lyrics. The rest came together as a trio; working on the arrangement and finishing the lyrics together. It was a fluid process. 

There is a relationship angle in the song – standing strong against easy temptation. Have you all experienced bad breakups and going back to someone?

I think that, whenever you break up with someone, there's always a certain amount of building yourself back up that happens afterwards: there's a period of time where you need to take care of yourself and figure out who you are now that you're not with that person anymore. This song is about that…it's about finding your footing again and believing in yourself; standing your ground, protecting your boundary. Sometimes, that's easier said than done and music can help inspire courage

When did CHANCES form? How did you all meet?

We met in Montreal and toured together to promote Chloé's second album. We realized there was something special about the three of us onstage together. We knew we wanted to keep playing together when her tour ended in 2016. So, we decided to try writing as a trio to see where it would take us. We went on a road trip to Bon Iver's Eaux Claires festival in Wisconsin in the summer of 2016. It really inspired us to see so many incredible bands; a lot of them with female lead singers of all ages and backgrounds – and, of course, Bon Iver live was equally amazing; we're all fans of his work. 

We came back from Wisconsin with our band name and lots of ideas for the project and started writing and recording.

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I always ask Canadian bands whether there is a great scene in the country. What is it like for a musician in Canada?

We live in Montreal, which has a really vibrant scene! There are so many fantastic bands and artists coming out of Montreal and Quebec these days! We feel lucky to be a part of that scene!

Traveler, your debut album, is out (27th April). What themes inspired the songwriting? Was it fun to record the record?

Traveler is a collection of songs that talk about different themes ranging from love, truth; the power of your words, women's issues; kundalini/chi, breakups; loss and courage. 

We recorded it bit by bit over the past few years with our co-producer/recording engineer, Pierre Girard. We call him our ‘fourth band-mate’, even though he doesn't play live with us. He was a really important ally in the studio. The recording process was exciting, sometimes challenging and sometimes flowing easily. As we grew as a band, we also learned how to work together in the studio. It was really fun to hear the songs come together, transform and each become a shining diamond.

When you write a song, it pours out of your heart and mind often in a simple, rough form and you don't necessarily know how it will sound when it's all finished, arranged and recorded; especially in this type of project. You keep polishing it and polishing it till it reflects emotion in just the right way and makes you feel the way you want to feel when you sing it and listen to it. That made this a pretty exciting record to make!

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

We have a few gigs coming up! 

April 26th - Traveler album release show:  Phi Centre, Montreal

May 3rd - le District, Quebec QC

May 8th - This Ain't Hollywood, Hamilton ON

May 9th - The Burdock, Toronto ON

May 10th - National Arts Centre, Ottawa ON

June 12th - Centre des Arts, Opening for Alex Nevsky, Baie Comeau, QC

June 13th - Salle Jean-Marc Dion, Opening for Alex Nevsky, Sept-Iles, QC

June 15th - Felix Leclerc Cultural Centre, Opening for Alex Nevsky, La Tuque, QC

July 28th - Place du Marché, Shawinigan QC

August 2nd - Salle Jean-Pierre Houde, Chateauguay QC

August 9th - L'ange Cornu, L'assomption, QC

October 13th - Outremont Theatre, Montreal QC

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Will we see you come over to the U.K.?

We would really love to tour the U.K. and are putting that out there (smiles). We're currently looking for an international booker…our show is ready to hit the road!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018? 

We would love to tour outside of Canada. We, basically, want to play these songs, reach out to as many people as possible and see the world as we do it! We also want to keep writing new material and to collaborate on a few songs as well. 

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

A few summers ago, we were touring in northern Quebec. We had stopped in a small sea-side village called Petite Vallée. One night, Vincent cooked up an amazing meal over a fire on the beach. We used flat stones as plates and had this amazing seafood pasta meal and white wine as the sun went down; sitting around the glowing fire, the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. It was unforgettable!

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

Oh wow; what a fun question! 

Seeing as Bon Iver was sort of a spiritual father/guide to our band; I would have to say we would love to open for him! 

Our rider…

Chips, kombucha; chocolate, red licorice; veggies, fruit; Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi; beer, crackers; gouda and Babybel.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Write.

Read, see inspiring movies; travel, keep your brain fed.

Take walks. Play outside. 

Write some more.

Check out some live shows. Learn a new instrument.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Thus Owls

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We recommend Thus Owls. They aren't exactly new but they don't have the recognition they deserve!  They're based out of Montreal and their music is magic. Here's a link to one of their songs.  

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

All three of us love to travel. Vince is a great cook; I (Gen) jog and do indoor climbing; Chloé hangs out with friends and jogs.

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).

Thanks (smiles).

Vincent: You and I - Local Natives

Chloé: Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens

Gen: New York by St. Vincent

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INTERVIEW: Sisteray

INTERVIEW:

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Sisteray

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I am pleased I get a chance to chat with Sisteray…

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as it has been a little while since I last featured the boys on my pages. They tell me more about their new single, Algorithm Prison, and the story behind it. I ask whether privacy and data protection is something we need to all be more aware of; if the guys have more material brewing for later in the year – they talk about their formation and how their music has progressed since the earliest days.

I learn more about the tour dates booked and new artists we should be checking out; what the mood is like in the Sisteray camp; if they spend time away from music relaxing – the guys each select a song to end the interview.

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

It’s always non-stop in Camp Sisteray. This E.P. isn’t even out yet and we’re already back at Sisteray H.Q. in Haggerston writing new material…always moving forward. Algorithm Prison was premiered on Radio X on Thursday and we’ve been announced as the headliner for Soma Fest in Chelsea on 21st April; so, a good week all in all.

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

We are Sisteray from London Town and we are the future of the Post-Post-Post Punk generation.

Algorithm Prison sounds like an interesting title! What is the story behind the song?

This tune is more of a rallying call than a storyteller. Niall does this spoken-word part in the middle of the song when we play it live which goes: “This is Algorithm Prison. It's is about the darker side of social media. We’re fed up of having random posts and adverts rammed down our throats day in and day out and we want to know if you’re happy being a target market because we’re not!”. That sums up the song perfectly.

At a time when the Cambridge Analytica scandal is still raw; do you think we all need to be wary of privacy and how much of our data is being given away?

Yes, absolutely. Should someone in, I don’t know, Outer Mongolia, be able to target people in rural U.K. towns with ads saying immigrants are coming to take their jobs?! Absolutely not. That sort of thing is dangerous to our democracy - and who knows what would happen if malicious people got hold of your personal information?!

We started our own Cambridge Analytica-style personality test called ‘Are You Trapped in an Algorithm Prison?’ under the guise of ‘Hoxton Analytica’. It’s ironic, but a lot of people ended up signing up to our mailing list to take the test.

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I last chatted with you about your 15 Minutes. It had an original concept. Do you feel it is important to keep fresh and stand away from the mainstream/predictable?

Absolutely. People consume music much differently these days and it’s important that you live and breathe what you do as an act. We believed in every aspect of 15 Minutes, from the theme, to the art; the special fifteen-minute shows we performed and to ensure the release was exactly fifteen minutes long, as that was our fifteen minutes… a moment in time where we could put down our flag and make a real statement.

I understand an E.P. is due very soon. Can you reveal its title and the sort of themes that inspired the songs?

We can’t reveal the title until Vallance Records does but it’s another statement piece from us, that’s for sure. Algorithm Prison provides a great taste of what’s to come. We take shots at the press, the stale state of the music industry and more…

That’s all Sisteray can say for now!

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How did Sisteray come together? Do you share similar tastes in music?

We came together under odd circumstances, really. I’d wanted to start and band for a while and had been writing some tunes with my brother, the original drummer. I met Niall at some Thrash Metal gig at the old 12-Bar Club in Denmark Street. Me, Ryan and Niall wrote some tunes and booked a gig in Camden. Mick was an old workmate who joined three weeks before our first show, learning all the bass parts on an electric guitar. Believe it or not, the first time he ever strummed a bass was at our first ever gig!

Calum Landau recently joined us last year on the drums. He’s a fantastic musician and songwriter, as well as an up and coming producer/engineer - and definitely brings a lot to the band.

We all have quite eclectic tastes in music. In the tour van, we’ll listen to anything from The Clash to Eminem; Blondie, The Velvet Underground; Kendrick Lamar, Pixies; Bob Marley, Django Reinhardt and The Specials. We’ll listen to anything, really.

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

Nirvana – In Utero

One of the most honest albums ever made. Still gives me chills.

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Do you guys have any gigs lined up? Where can we see you play?

21st April – Soma Fest, Chelsea

8th April – Café INDIEpendent, Scunthorpe

1st May – The Workman’s Club, Dublin

3rd May – The Black Gate Cultural Centre, Galway

18th May – The Great Escape Festival, Brighton

19th May - The Royal Standard, Sheffield

2nd June – Camden Rocks Festival, London

20th July – NambuccaPalooza Festival @ Nambucca, London

14th-15th September – AnfiRock Festival, Huelva

17th October – 100 Club, London

If you had the chance to support an artist, and choose any rider; what would that include?

Would love to warm up the crowd for John Cooper Clarke, the same way he used to warm-up Punk crowds; that’d be something special. As for a rider; just a table tennis table, some balls and a bat. That’d keep us entertained for hours, just as the Sheffield Hallam Uni student union did.

Oh…and some vegan sausages for our Mick.

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What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

We just want to connect as many people as possible; make them feel part of a community. We’d like to give as many hardworking grassroots bands and venues a leg-up as possible and make and release as much music as possible.

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

Our Camden Rocks headline set at The Good Mixer (last sometime). That was the most eventful hour or so of my life…I’d never seen so many people packed into a space like that! Non-stop crowd-surfing all night; just the way it should be!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t rush into anything: take your time to develop a great sound and great songs and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way because that’s how you learn. Also, copy no one. Be yourself and don’t be afraid to be different…even if it takes a while to break through…

Eventually, you’ll stand out from the crowd.

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

485C, The Black Roses; Aerial Salad and Nadia Sheikh.

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

No, not really! Whenever we’re not selling vegan pies or promoting our own shows, we’re on the road or going to gigs! We live and breathe everything we do and we love it!

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

Calum: The Lemon Twigs – These Words

Niall: A$AP Rocky – A$AP Forever

Dan: The Vaselines – Son of a Gun

Mick: Novelist - Stop Killing the Mandem

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TRACK REVIEW: Josh Michaels - Above the Water

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Josh Michaels

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Above the Water

 

9.7/10

 

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Above the Water is available via:

https://soundcloud.com/user-427547948/above-the-water

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Pop; Alternative

ORIGIN:

New York, U.S.A.

RELEASE DATE:

18th April, 2018

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I do not usually review artists more than once…

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but I am making the odd exception lately. One of the reasons I wanted to feature Josh Michaels again was to go back to New York and re-explore the city. It also gives me a chance to look at how he is developing and a song that is exploring a determined and defiant subject. Above the Water is a song I am keen to get down to but, before then; I will look at New York and why it needs to be brought more into the forum; why yesterday’s Record Store Day should compel us all to take an interest in new artists and seek out hidden treasures; songs that deal with battling holes and pits – coming out the other side and showing fortitude. I will also explore musicians who mix in Classical tones and operatic notes with something accessible and mainstream; a little bit about spreading music into the world and getting exposure – ending on the way we can get more American artists here. Michaels was born in New York in 1990 and, since then, he has made a big impact in the city. It can be hard getting recognition in a huge place like New York but, if you have the passion and skill to overcome hurdles and stand out from the crowd, it is rewarding sticking with it. I wanted to look back at New York as it is an area we do not really hear about in the British press. Our media is still obsessed too much with homegrown sounds and, unless a big artist from another part of the world is riding high; how often do we investigate cities like New York?! I guess there are finite column inches and features; we cannot instigate an overhaul so we limit what we say regarding British music – it would be nice to see more of a balance. I love New York because its music has always been at the forefront of popular music. My favourite New York act, Beastie Boys, seemed to encapsulate the rawness of Brooklyn and the panoramic, vast nature of the state.

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Although they spent a lot of time in L.A.; they knew where they were meant to be and where their music sounded natural. Other, more recent artists have shown what diversity and talent there is lurking in every avenue. From 49th Street to the rarest bars of The Bronx; to the streets of Staten Island to the packed and busy Manhattan – there is wonderful music being brewed like you would not believe! I guess there is a misconception that New York is so packed and hustling that you never get time to rest. People are often seen as rude – many prefer the easier nature of L.A. and its scenes. We can make a cliché of New York the same way as we would London. New York, and its five boroughs, is a rich tapestry that has its ugly spots: there are so many more wonderful areas that inspire the imagination and compel the heart to beat faster. It is alive and teeming; there is colour and culture spilling from every shop and restaurant. I have never been myself: music from the state is how I experience all it has to offer. There is a new breed of artists who are exploring New York’s vivid and multifarious landscape and articulating what it is like to live among its people. Who can deny the allure and mindblowing scenes one would witness when they head to Manhattan, for example? Josh Michaels has planted himself right in the bowels of New York and has been exploring everything there is on show. He has played successful gigs and drawing influence from the streets and the people around him. There is, I feel, a distinct ‘New York sound’ that seems to differ from what we’d hear in London and other areas. I have been looking to head to New York, simply because the music coming from there is so strong. Artists like Josh Michaels are hungry and want more people to know what is coming from there right now.

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I will return to New York but, before then, let me have a look at why I am revisiting certain artists; how Record Store 2018 is an important event – and why we need to be more open with our music. Many might think a link between Record Store Day 2018 and an artist like Josh Michaels would be a hard link to fuse. I did not get too involved with the day – was tied to the laptop, alas – but I am one of those people who goes to record stores, not to pick up something I am overly-familiar with; I go because I want to pick up something new and unexpected. I feel we get into a habit where we surf and get our sounds from the Internet. We still buy vinyl – it is a bumper time! – but most of us still prefer the ease and convenience of the Internet. Josh Michaels is releasing some fantastic music and, whilst he has his fans and will be celebrated in his native New York; his music is the sort that would benefit vinyl release – as someone happens upon his latest single on 7”. I am not sure whether he has considered branching into vinyl territory: he would get a lot of appreciation and love from record store-hunters in New York. My point is that people like Josh Michaels compel greater investigation and love of music. There is something grand and deep regarding Michaels’ voice. He has that nostalgic ability and a sound that reminds me of the some of the greats from music. I think his music warrants a bigger audience and is something that might get overlooked online. One might argue physical sales, as a whole, are declining – how can we expect to substantiate a return to older methods?! I am compelled by Record Store Day because it allows people the chance to celebrate vinyl and look at music past and present; songs and records that mean a lot to us all. Josh Michaels is someone I can envisage looking through vinyl and exploring where music came from; how it sounds purest; why vinyl has such a great sound. I listen to his music and hear a young man who has not lost touch with the beauty of music and the purity one can get from it.

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I will talk more about this subject in later pieces but, stay with me; I feel Record Store Day should not only act as a call for vinylheads to get out there and converse with their fellow obsessives: we all need to think about the way we digest music and how, on days like this, we stumble upon artists we might not of otherwise have encountered. The various in-stores and performances that happened around the world (yesterday) provided an opportunity for new musicians to reach the music-buying public. I am not sure what was happening in Michaels’ part of New York; I can imagine there was activity and excitement spilling out into the streets. There is something about Michaels – a cool and suave nature – that makes my mind leap to vinyl and a young man who understands how to entice a listener in. So many digital outlets exist: I wonder whether we are losing touch with music’s authenticity and its origins. I said I’d explain why I have featured Josh Michaels again. I love his work and, although I am hungry to look at new artists; I feel there is something enticing about his sounds and the sensations once gets when listening to him. Maybe it is his deep and rich voice; perhaps there is something in the delivery – I feel there are other reasons. Michaels has that ability to draw the listener into the song and involve them in the story. It can be hard doing that: Michaels seems to do it with ease and conviction. Every song deals with different matters and builds on what came before – there is no repeating himself and giving a samey and predictable brand of music. If Record Store Day teaches us anything; it should be that we need to spend more time with artists and their music. Digital streaming is easy and allows us to flick through songs/albums without pausing for breath. When Michaels comes to recording an album – I shall allude to that later – one hopes the purchaser dedicates some time to exploring all the songs and not merely browsing without much regard.

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Josh Michaels’ latest song, Above the Water, is one whose title sort of nods to the origins. Many artists, before, seemed to look at love and everything it meant to them. I feel now, in 2018, music is starting to look more inward and investigate personal struggle. Maybe that is an over-generalisation and exaggeration: I am noticing more and more people discuss anxieties and the need to stay resolute when challenged by the pressures of life. I wonder whether that is a reflection of life and how much more stressful it is getting for us all. We have love songs still, of course, but there are so many songwriters exploring what it takes to survive and keep your head high in the world. Michaels, on his new song, has been looking at just that. He feels the pinch and knows how hard it can be getting by and staying positive – let alone succeeding and making a big name for yourself! Maybe that shift and change in subject matter is a good thing. We are told we are a more anxious and unhappy world; people are finding it hard to stay happy and there is more pressure on the shoulders. Many authorities and governments are ignoring the epidemic and so many are going unnoticed and unaddressed. I fear we are living through a time where many lives are being lost needlessly and the mental-health crisis is at an unmanageable level. That might sound dreadful and completely negative: music is here to offer some form of constructive guidance and, in addition, provide support and understanding. Josh Michaels is a musician who goes through the same strains and challenges we all do. Living in New York has its great sides and obvious benefits. I will not labour the depressive side of this argument too much: we are here to be positive and find something pleasurable. It is encouraging artists are not focusing too heavily on commercial outlets and writing aimless, predictable love songs. Many young Pop artists are addressing what they experience and how life is for them and their peers.

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We all want to find music that talks about life and is completely honest with us. I love a love song – it is something we all need. I get a bit bored with the same tales of recrimination and accusation. Those songwriters who turn the pen inwards are to be congratulated. Music is so competitive and busy right now. It would be understandable to write something ordinary and safe. Many do and, to me, that marks a fear and lack of courage. Josh Michaels has written about passion but, more than anything; he wants people to see the world and modern life through a wider lens. I experience depression and anxiety myself. It is not unusual to find people who go through a lot of stress and unhappiness of a day. Music, to many, is escapism and a way of forgetting about their strains. I want a balance when it comes to sounds: music that makes me feel better about life and what I go through; I need to hear songs that explore what I am feeling and make me feel less alone. It can be hard bonding with a listener that goes through anxieties and finds it hard facing the demands of the world. Michaels knows a single song will not change the planet and many of us will still find it hard to negotiate the pitfalls and traps. What he has done, on Above the Water, is to discuss a subject that many might consider ‘taboo’. It is always hard opening up about struggles and how hard it can be moving along in life. Above the Water is not a haunted and depressive song that bemoans others and casts blame around. What we do get is someone who goes through tough moments but, rather than let them bury him; Michaels is writing it down and trying to visualise something positive. There are, sure, times when he feels things are getting too much for him.

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Josh Michaels has that strength and willingness to reveal his pains and translate that into music. Many might assume he has endless heartache and pains in his life. He is, in fact, no different to many of us in the world. There are positive and negative feelings that he has to deal with on a daily basis. Rather than bury all those sensations and contrasts; he has written them down and is trying to help the listener deal with their own issues. A reason why his music is so stirring and bold is the way he projects his voice and all the emotions evident within. That has come from his Classic training and his love of bigger, operatic sounds. I love his voice and how much passion he manages to exert through his performances. There are few singers, to my mind, who manage to get that same sort of power and nuance through their voice. I am always looking out for singers who have that extra gift and magic to their music. Michaels has spent a lot of time following artists and delving through various genres. He has that love of Classic and Opera but there are Pop sounds that filter through his music. What one gets is a concoction that is hard to resist. It marries the older, stauncher angles and opens into something flourishing and florid. The way he manages to unify something exclusive and limited to the accessibility of the mainstream – that is a hard trick to pull off! I am always obsessed with the voice and what it can provide a song. It is challenging, in this time, to get ahead of the game and stand out from the competition. Josh Michaels excites me because he seems to get into the head and heart naturally. The way he sings and gets his words out sounds so effortless – I am sure there is experimentation and challenges getting the voice sounding just right.

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I am keen to move on to the song itself but, before I get there; I want to look at finding American artists and how we can get more of them over here. As I type this; I am listening to a live album from Jeff Buckley – where he recorded at a New York café back in 1993. The way he managed to entrance the audience throughout those recordings; the sheer gravitas and pull of his voice and music…that is not something you find a lot of these days! He was a success in the U.S. but he found more acclaim in the U.K. and Europe. Maybe it was the fact we ‘got him’ and seemed to understand everything about his life and ambitions. The music has/had that ability to resonate ad strike every listener. Maybe it was a bit too sophisticated for the American audience – no offence to Michaels and his county folk! – but that was the way it went. I feel, since then, we have seen a few American artists succeed here and get acclaim- in terms of new music and unsigned artists. Largely, we are seeing few U.S. musicians come over here and find big acclaim. Most of the music we are exposed to – and the media promulgates – tends to be British/home-based. It is hard finding the money and demand to come from the U.S. and play over here. One cannot simply pack their things up and come over here for a jolly three-week jaunt. That kind of dream and freedom is reserved to those who are big propositions, indeed. In terms of Josh Michaels; he is someone we need to see over here. I am not sure whether he has plans to come to the U.K. and play for us. I hope he does get a chance to because, in my mind, we are not seeing enough American talent come here. That might be the media here and the limits they have; it might be the cost and the sheer commitment it takes to get over here and sustain interest. I feel many U.S. artists are staying put is because we often gravitate towards artists from our own nation. The press is responsible for proclaiming artists from all around the world: if they stick local then that means we will have a relatively limited scene. I hope there is a way for Michaels to come and play some venues over in London. He would go down a treat and add something new to the British live music scene!

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The first thing one notices when listening to Josh Michaels’ new song is how immediate and stunning it is. From the very off; we have this song that gets under the skin and makes its mark. There is some guitar noodling – the sound of the string being teased and caressed – but the voice comes in and Michaels makes himself known. He urges some calm and us to remain calm and controlled. Going to sleep and counting sheep; taking moments to unwind and try and detach from the chaos and crap around us – that is hard to do. I am in the position where I want to find some lessons from music and make my anxieties feel less pressing and urgent. Michaels, on Above the Water, is a calming influence that manages to get inside the head and make things easier. One can sense the strains the songwriter has and how this song is about relaxing himself and finding a place of safety. I have been listening to Michaels for a while but now, on his new track; he feels at his most alive and captivating. The song itself keeps you gripped and, after paens to relaxation and counting sheep; you see the bird fly away and raindrop tears dry up. Michaels brings is some clattering production that mixes with a song that has a bare and naked backing. I mean, the production is surprisingly lo-fi and sparse. It means the voice gets into the fray and stands aside. It is almost like listening to Michaels perform from his bedroom. One feels an intimacy and connection with the listener you do not get from the flash studio-treated songs that layer things up and polish it beyond the point of approval. Everything, in a song about struggle and staying above the waves, is redemptive and positive. Michaels urges people to stay strong and enjoy the new day; to keep determined and see the light.

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If you thought the song would stay calm and bare for long; the chorus explodes into life and you get that explosive combination of Pop sounds and the impassioned operatic vocals. The scene bursts and fireworks brim from every avenue of the sky. The song races and things get hot and, right then, the listener is lifted and transported. The sheer effectiveness and power that is portrayed in the song, at this moment, is alarming. You are brought right into things and get a physical smash. Following the hero and what he is saying; that need to get people looking ahead is impressive. Rather than retreat into the carapace and let things get too much; we see the hero stand up and flex his muscles. There are ways we can get buried and things can get too much. Bristling and inflamed; Above the Water turns into this bellicose and military march that matches pounding percussion with that all-conquering voice. Our man is talking about tears and the fact we can get bogged. The sunlight will shine through and things will get better. The chorus and brighter moments wash right over you and it is so tempting to staying in the song forever. The power and addictiveness of the track mean we will come back time and time again and find meaning in it. Ghostly far-off vocals mix with the electric guitar – as the song goes down – and you have a chance to breathe. Above the Water dips and it rises; it has that wave of rhythm and sass that builds with the beats and gets the hips moving. My earliest observations and topics may have led the reader to believe the song was going to be foreboding and haunted. Instead; it is an experience that throws the shackles and lights the sky with colours. You will listen to the song once and get that instant and undeniable thrill – you’ll come back in and witness new cadence and inflexions each time you return. I hope my words have explored the song in enough depth and with ample intelligence and eloquence. In short terms: it is a fuck*ng beast of a song!

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I have spoken a lot about Josh Michaels and various sides to him. He is someone who has managed to transcend from local hero and is being seen as an international artist of note. I am excited to see where he goes from here and how he manages to build on this celebration. Above the Water is a call for those who go through tough times to stay resolute and not be weighed down. It is personal and explores the artist’s need to keep his head afloat and not be pulled by the waters. I am not sure whether he has more material planned – he is prolific at the moment – but I know there are plans in his mind. I would love to see a Josh Michaels album and know it would be popular and well-received. What I have noticed from him, since I first reviewed his music, is the passion and confidence in the voice. It is hard to succeed in the industry and it can be impossible finding time to explore and get out into the world. I hope he does come to the U.K. and play here some time. I am excited seeing where Michaels can go and what he can accomplish. He is a talented artist who writes and performs in his own way. New York is a wonderful city/state that offers chances to those who want it bad. I am not certain how music will evolve through this year but I would like to see New York getting more respect. It is a fantastic and wondrous place to discover all that music has to offer. Josh Michaels is in the midst of all this and, one suspects, trying to add his name to the illustrious list of champions and new innovators. That is what we want from an artist: someone who has that strength and wants to get far. That is only a matter of time for someone who has found his sound and has a dedicated fanbase. I will leave things here – lest I go on too much – but I am excited to see where Michaels goes and what he can achieve. His latest song is proof he is an artist who warrants more acclaim and respect. Listen to what he says and get immersed in the music. If you strip away all the strains of life and the roadblocks put before you; turn on a song like Above the Water and learn from it; it does, in its own way…

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MAKE things easier.

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Follow Josh Michaels

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