TRACK REVIEW: Ay Wing - Ice Cream Dream

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Ay Wing

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Herrlander

  Ice Cream Dream

9.3/10

The track, Ice Cream Dream, is available via:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRtvNPrdyjw&feature=youtu.be

GENRE:

Pop

ORIGIN:

Berlin, Germany

RELEASE DATE:

27th June, 2018

_________

THIS time around…

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Herrlander

I have a few things I want to look at. Ay Wing is someone I am familiar with and I always love what she produces. I will talk about artists who can consistently produce smart and professional songs – together with great videos – and summer-ready tracks that summon the sun and actually stay in the head. I will also look at artists who want to get the audience involved and create a complete musical experience; those based in Berlin and what the scene is like there at the moment – finishing by talking a bit about Ay Wing and where she is heading. It has been a little while since I approached Ay Wing and what she is doing. I love her music and how she has progressed but, over the past few months, she has made some big steps and produced, what I think, is her finest work. I am looking out at music and seeing all varieties of Pop and Alternative come through. It is interesting watching artists come through and what is available in the market. I have talked about Pop a lot and can see it is split between the more commercial brand: that which is radio-friendly and does not necessarily challenge the mind too much. That sort of music aims itself at a pre-teen/teen market and can produce some great tracks. There is another camp that produces deeper and more serious Pop – this can be quite introverted but aims itself at a broader demographic. If one looks at Ay Wing, you can see she falls between the two camps. Her music has a sense of fun and energy but its lyrics and mood are a lot more intelligent and nuanced. It is possible to produce great Pop music but not have to dumb it down or pander to a particular audience. Look at a song like Ice Cream Dream and you get a classy and sparkling song that has lots to recommend. I will speak about the song in more depth but, when listening, you have a real sense of quality and professionalism comes through.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Herrlander

Ay Wing has always been known for her whip-smart songs and incredible delivery. I feel Pop music struggles to unite the masses and projects a particular image. We tend to associate the genre with the more commercial and throwaway – has that always been the way? I listen to what is coming through the mainstream and popular radio and there are a few good tracks but, largely, the music does not really stay in the mind. The artists who go a bit deeper and take Pop in a new direction and the ones I am really backing. It is a hard trick to produce something fun and light whilst ensuring it gets under the skin and stays in the mind. Ay Wing is one of those artists who manages to keep her trademark sound but produce something incredibly different every time. That might sound like a contradiction but you only need to look at how songs like Strange and Ice Cream Dream differ. She is a fantastic artist who knows what the people want and delivers every time. I have nothing against those who like their Pop music with the maximum fun and little substance but, for me, there is a lot more to cling onto when you have to think and are properly motivated. There is so much music out there right now – one cannot afford to produce cheap and lacklustre songs. AY Wing makes the listener bond with the song. Her lyrics mix sassiness and humour with emotion and revelation. Her compositions are delightfully multifarious and candid; the production is always sharp and wonderful – you get an incredible experience with every song released. It is not only the smart lyrics one is drawn to with Ay Wing; she pokes fun at fads and trends and can make us think and laugh at the same time. Ice Cream Dream looks at fitness fads and how seriously we take our leisure time. She is just the sort of artist we need to embrace and keep close to our chest.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Herrlander

I love how Ay Wing manages to produce great videos for each of her songs. Again, in Pop, you do get a few great promotional videos but many of them lack any real imagination and humour. Maybe that goes back to the song itself: if the lyrics are cliché and routine then that is not going to provoke something imaginative and incredible. I feel modern Pop, and videos, is defined by wastefulness and missed opportunities. There is a new breed coming along that is taking the genre in a new direction and adding their own touch to Pop. Ay Wing, on her latest track, has ticked every box and produced something hugely enjoyable. Ice Cream Dream is summer-ready and makes you get up and dance. Maybe that is quite ironic in a way. The song looks at our obsession with the gym and fitness; how it lacks any real looseness and we can get very po-faced about everything. The lyrics and videos, instead, make you smile and urge the listeners to get up and move their body. It is summer and, with the sun showing no sign of abating; we need those songs that keep the mood high and makes the senses fizz and spark. That is another thing that has struck my mind. In terms of positivity and energy; how many songs have you heard lately that have a genuine sense of fun and put you in a better frame of mind? I feel songs either go for fun and exciting but come off as empty and unspectacular. You do get artists who rival Ay Wing and her style of music but, to me, there are not enough. When the weather is like this, we need to hear songs that keep us all positive and join us all together. I will move on to another subject but it is worth noting how few Pop artists there are out there who manage to balance intelligent and observational with the rousing and joyful. If we can encourage more artists to take this approach – and take their songwriting in a new direction – then it will create a stronger and more inspiring mainstream.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Herrlander

Another impressive facet of Ay Wing is the way she involves people in the music and makes it an immersive thing. I bond with music in different ways but am always more moved by artists that want to engage and drag you into the song. Too many artists are either very serious or produce music that falls a bit flat and pushes you away. This is a discussion in itself but my point remains: if you hear a song and am physically and emotionally moved then that is most of the work done. Ay Wing has these bouncy synths and big beats. You have that physical experience and are compelled by everything going on. Her summer-ready jams and indelible songs are designed to linger in the mind and connect the listener with artist. I am not suggesting other artists are more concerned with profit and quick delivery but I love those who take time and craft songs that infiltrate the brain and really activates the senses. It is hard to describe but, with Ay Wing, there is so much going on. From her changeable colours and consistent quality through to her fully-worked and stunning videos – there is a complete and ready artist waiting to strike. She might be away from the mainstream right now but you have to think, in time, she will get to the big leagues and be able to influence. Right now, her fanbase is growing and there is a loyal core that backs everything she does. That is a sign of an artist who never lets the quality dip and knows what people want. The songwriter puts so much detail into the music and spends a great deal of time crafting songs that demand repeated listens. I am one of those people who consume a lot of music and, most of the time, it can be hard to recall and retain the sounds. Some artists provoke remembrance but it is tricky in this day and age to pen something that stays in the consciousness.

Ay Wing is different in that respect. She wants people to sing her songs and, when performed live, chant and perform with her. I feel we need to create artists who are a complete package and do not only create songs for quick commercial gain. That is an interesting line to draw. I can identify some great mainstream acts who will run and run but, as things get more competitive and busy; artists coming through need to think about more than the music. If you can pen songs that have incredible compositions, memorable lyrics and wonderful lead performances then that is an accomplishment in itself. It is hard to deliver all three but, if you can, then that is something to be proud of. Music is about visuals and creating projects. Recording fantastic videos that add something new and stand aside from the pack is another thing new artists need to consider. Another point to bear in mind is following up songs and keeping intrigue high. I mean, rather than produce songs after song and not think about longevity; artists need to create a personality and characteristics. Ay Wing puts her all into music and you can tell, from the first few notes of any track, that it is her work. That is what I mean by characteristics and personality. Too many artists produce songs but they do not link together and it is hard to separate them from their peers. Ay Wing can write about different subjects and broaden her horizons but you know it is one of her songs because there is a common link and distinct D.N.A. I hope my words – rambling at times though they can be! – show why Ay Wing is an artist with a big future. Pop is a challenging and demanding genre; it is tricky to succeed and do something genuinely original. I wanted to look at Berlin and why it is producing great artists.

VIDEO STILL: Jean-Christophe Dupasquier

Berlin is a city that is attracting more and more people right now. Every city has its own blend and brew but, to me, Berlin is one of the most stunning and appealing areas to create. I am seeing so many artists move there because it offers everything they want. London is still fashionable and desired but more and more people are flocking there. It is a city where you can find success but there is not a lot of room and chance for breath. Maybe eyes are shifting elsewhere but, as rents get more expensive and cities here become busier, people are looking abroad and other parts of the world. Berlin is a city that has always pulled great musicians in and been the source of inspiration – the likes of Iggy Pop and David Bowie have created some of their best work whilst there. One gets a cosmopolitan and diverse vibe but things are a little less hustled and expensive. You can move around and make your way without being jostled and compacted. If you want to rent an apartment or stay for a while, it is not going to break the bank and leave you poor. It is the mix of languages and cultures that stand out to me. People are excited by the music coming through and the creative spirit in the air. I have never been to Berlin myself but I know the music scene is incredible and expanding. People in Berlin are friendly – for the most part – and venues are sprouting up all over the place. From Junction Bar to Quasimodo through to Monarch and SO36 – new artists have choices and can get their music heard. Radio stations are supportive and it is not as hard as you’d imagine moving to Berlin and climbing up the ladder. One of the biggest reactions people get from Berlin is the openness and sense of relaxation. For a city that is popular and modern, that might seem like an impossible thing.

VIDEO STILL: Jean-Christophe Dupasquier

Musicians can go to the German capital and not get overly-stressed and fatigued. Many like-minded souls can be found there and it is a great place to be. I can understand why Ay Wing located there and moved from Switzerland. She performs with a live band but, as a songwriter, her mind is free to wander and project in Berlin. Inspired by the sights and people around her; one wonders whether her music would sound the same if she lived in New York or London. I am not too sure whether Berlin Pop is as popular and different to that in London but I know for a fact there are so many wonderful musicians in the city. More supportive and communal than London, perhaps; it is understandable why Berlin is a go-to dream-spot for musicians. I am not going to move there myself but might go and visit in the next few years. I am attracted to various cities and how the music scene differs depending on where you can go. New York, London and Los Angeles have their own vibe and you get a real sense of what the artists are about. Berlin seems a lot more diverse and challenging than a lot of cities around. Listen to Ay Wing’s E.P., Ice Cream Dream, and you can hear the humour, fun and vibrancy the German capital is associated with. That might sound odd given impressions of Germany – not being that funny and fun – but we would be wrong. It is the colour and artistry of the music that sticks in my mind. Ay Wing is a modern artist who is not concerned with black-and-white and shades of grey. She is a vivacious and captivating soul that mixes the underground clubs and sweaty bars with the vivacious and delightful overground. I feel more people will want to go to Berlin and set up shop there when they hear artists like Ay Wing come through. She has embraced the city and its culture and integrated it into her music.  

If you look at the video of Ice Cream Dream (I suggest you do) you will see toned and good-looking people working out and alluringly looking at the camera. There is a funky and finger-clicking bass that suggests a Disco freakout is about to ensue. I was hooked by the very first notes and invested in the song. Whilst the bass is consistent and has a polished sound; the vocal sounds far-off and has a rather sparse quality. There is a nice clash between the bass working away and the heroine – who seems like she is recording the vocal a little way from the microphone. She talks about fads and how we all do the same thing. Whether we are down the gym or meditating; doing yoga or embarking on some boring and soulless regime. What we are trying to achieve is rather pointless in a way. Maybe one wants to keep the weight off or sculpt their body into a ‘perfect’ shape. Maybe there are chemicals firing in the brain and the release of endorphins. It is amazing why we go through all the trouble of sweating and hurting our bodies to achieve very little. Some of us need to lose weight and genuinely need to be in the gym but most of seem to be chasing some weird ideal. There is that boring and machine-like quality of the gym-goers. Others do less strenuous activities but it is all for the same reason: trying to achieve some form of physical and spiritual wellbeing. How much do we actually accomplish by doing all of this? We get dressed up in ridiculous clothes and are so serious about everything! Rather than walk in the park and have a stroll through the city; why do we insist on being part of the get fit cult?! It seems rather extreme and unnecessary. The video shows a cast of characters who show what I mean. From the muscular gym-goer to the man in shorts doing blanks and pointless exercises.

VIDEO STILLS: Jean-Christophe Dupasquier

The heroine has seen them all and, in her mind, there is that desire for calories and sweetness. Maybe those who exercise and go to the gym have that need. They want the taste of ice cream but feel they need to deny themselves for no real reason. They feel eating something tasty and naughty might pull the ripcord of their physique. As the song progresses; the commentary of the modern fitness fanatic unravels. She looks at this pursuit and how we all get sucked into the latest fad. Why are we spending so much of our time doing this?! The chorus lays out what we all want: various flavours of ice cream and the chance to not follow the rules. One of the only issues with the song, like a few I have heard, is the way the lyrics sometimes struggle for true clarity. It can be difficult understanding what is being said at times. Maybe that is because of the production – the vocals are a little far-off – or the pronunciation but one has to fill in some blanks themselves. It is not a big concern because there are words and lines that stand out and you can piece the story together yourself. The chorus is the clearest part of the song and delivers the biggest hit. What amazes me about the song, and Ay Wing, is the way funky and fun is mixed with a sense of judgment and seriousness. The song itself is funny and uplifting but the heroine is casting her finger at those go to all this trouble and embark on such strain. There are great wordless vocals and beats that come through; the song gets hotter and fuller when the chorus swings in. The listener is definitely engaged and, in an ironic way, working out to the song. One feels the best way to burn calories and get a blast of fun is to dance to the song – rather than go to the gym and sweat it out with countless others!

VIDEO STILL: Jean-Christophe Dupasquier

Even the first time you hear Ice Cream Dream, you understand what it is all about and it will make its mark. There is a great 1980s quality to the song. You can imagine it fitting with the best Pop of the day and one gets memories of the decade in Ay Wing’s performance. The heroine talks about demons and shadows on the subway; the way we are inundated with messages and slogans – maybe brainwashed by advertising and what we should look like. That dream of ice cream is always there and that is what we should be doing. Rather than get hung-up on shaping our bodies and driving ourselves into the ground taking a more relaxed approach is much more advisable. The heroine is a powerful voice and it is hard to refute her advice. Lyrics become clearer in the second verse and you can definitely hear a sharpness come in. That taut and sexy bass continues and perfectly fuses with crackling beats and strident vocals. There is so much life and allure coming from Ay Wing’s voice. Even though the performance is not rapturous and ultra-hyped; you get a sense of fun and physicality that gets you off your seat and involved. Ice Cream Dream is a Pop song for the modern age. It is catchy and engaging but never cheap and shallow. You have plenty of lyrical depth and intelligence working throughout; humour and memorable lines – all topped off with a fantastic central performance. Make sure you check the song out and listen to the video that accompanies it. Both show what a creative and ambitious artist Ay Wing is. She keeps getting stronger and better and one suspects, before long, she will be mixing it up with the biggest artists out there.

ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: Philipp Basler 

Things are getting hotter and better for Ay Wing. I have been following her for a while and can see how she has developed. Her E.P. was released in the spring and its title cut is out in the world. The songwriter has been busy promoting and taking her music across Europe. I am not sure whether she is coming to the U.K. to perform soon but it would be great to see her. Ay Wing has been thrilling crowds and is amazing people with her latest track. Ice Cream Dream is an amazing song that has that wonderful video that makes you smile and remains long in the brain. Everything about the songwriter amazes and I know she will go a long way in the industry. I hope there are U.S. opportunities and the Berlin-based songwriter gets the chance to travel far and wide. Maybe there will be more material this year but I feel Ay Wing will want to get her music around Europe and reach new audiences. The talented and extraordinary musician is out there on her own and has very few like-minded peers. It is because of her I have become more involved and invested in Pop. She shows what is capable in the genre and how it is possible to write intelligent and challenging music but throw in plenty of fun and colour. It is the brightness and explosions she brings to music that makes you follow her and want her to succeed. We shall end things here but make sure you get involved with Ice Cream Dream and listen to the whole E.P. The title-track is a stunning work that looks at fitness and our obsession with getting trim but adds plenty of humour in there. We are so serious when it comes to our bodies and the staying fit – something that should be fun and not that intense at all. Artists that can make you laugh and raise smiles are few are far between and, because of that, we need to keep Ay Wing close. The songwriter has come up with a real gem and proved herself to be one of the most original new voices around. As the sun shines and the heat continues to rise; we are all having ice cream dreams. Rather than labour in the gym and tire yourself on a treadmill; spin the latest track from Ay Wing and get fit and smile…

AT the same time.  

___________

Follow Ay Wing

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Herrlander

Official:

http://aywing.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AyWingMusic

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/aywingmusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aywingmusic/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/aywing

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7cjLa6AQcbH9XWQYmPNpX4

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBnFHc4RSC-gCvuCwoqg0Qw

FEATURE: Minorities Retort: Tackling the White-Majority Bands and Adding Greater Diversity

FEATURE:

 

Minorities Retort     

IN THIS PHOTO: The Tuts/ALL PHOTOS/IMAGES (unless credited otherwise): Getty Images/Press Association 

Tackling the White-Majority Bands and Adding Greater Diversity

__________

IT is always hard…

IN THIS PHOTO: Princess Nokia

concocting titles for features like this through fear of causing offence and saying the wrong thing. I feel, mind, that my reservations and hesitations are the tip of an iceberg that is not succumbing to global warnings. We keep seeing bands proffered before us with the same looks and results. There is a camp, mind, that suggests the band market is suffering in a digital age; that people are more drawn to solo artists and we can never return to an age where groups ruled the market and changed the world – I shall get to that a bit later. I am responding to an article that, in parts, I shall quote from: a piece from The Guardian that looked at the whitewashed band market and how homogenised the scene is. Look at solo artists/duos (etc.) and, whilst there are more white artists than minorities; there are plenty of strong and potent black and minority artists adding their say to the mix. From U.S. stars Beyoncé, Solange Knowles; Nicki Minaj and Drake through to Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z. Even though there are these established stars – and a new crop that is coming on strong – you wonder whether artists like Princess Nokia and Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) pull in the same sort of recognition and dollar as white artists. In many ways, the mainstream charts have been open and never really discriminated.

IN THIS PHOTO: Michael Jackson (photoed in the 1980s)

To me, a lot of our impressions and ethics stem back to a time when black artists struggled to get their music on T.V. Look at the early days of MTV and artists like Michael Jackson: someone whose best songs were denied access because his face ‘didn’t fit’ and wasn’t white enough – that sort of attitude, today, would be met with fierce criticism and outrage. In many ways, we have progressed since the 1980s but, in some, we are still a little ignorance and exclusionary. Look at the strongest and most compelling music from the past few years and so much of it is being produced by minority artists. I have mentioned the likes of Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar but, when you look at the freshest and most compelling Soul, Hip-Hop; R&B, Pop and Jazz out there – some serious heavyweights and talent that are not getting the recognition they warrant. From award show fiascos – not enough black artists nominated and winning big prizes – through to the way we still associate ‘perfection’ and idealism with the young, white and beautiful. I refute the call (that) bands are a spent force and the regency of the solo artists is here to say. In many ways, we can never return to those glory days when titanic bands owned music and were the most influential. 1960s’ icons like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles are past their prime (or simply past); The Who, Sex Pistols and The Clash are older and resigned; the likes of Pulp, Blur and Oasis are through – think about modern music and it might be hard to name a lot of great bands we can rely on time and time again.

IN THIS PHOTO: The Who (pictured in 1965)/PHOTO CREDIT: REX

You can hardly deny there is a lack of talent and potential everywhere in music. Look at the unsigned best and there are phenomenal bands in every possible area of intrigue. I get to interview and review so many: look at the mainstream and there are still bands we can get excited about. I will return to the issue of quality/quantity but, in all of this, you cannot deny this: there are very few black faces in bands. We can speculate why this is but, for me, it is down to history and image. All the bands I have mentioned are white and, again, it seems like there is a nervousness promoting black bands. In my journalism travels; I have encountered bands with mixed races and a balance in the ranks. Some have one or two black members whilst others are all-black – never the same genre; mobile, exciting and primed for success. I do wonder whether their route to the banquet table of music will be blocked because, historically, we have not seen many black bands. The article I was alluding to looked at the Decolonise festival – now entering its second year. I have been a little discriminatory (how easily it can happen) when looking at minorities missing from bands and assuming only black artists should be talked about.

PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash

There are, as I know all too well, so many fantastic Asian artists who are part of bands; brilliant mixed-race groups that do not get the respect they deserve. The article picks up a bit on what I was saying regards music’s past and the largely-white bands:

“British guitar music wasn’t always so white. People of colour were vital in founding the UK’s punk and indie scenes. But while everyone knows the Sex Pistols and the Smiths, Poly Styrene from X-Ray Spex is hardly a household name, while the contribution of Zeke Manyika to Orange Juice is often overlooked. Decolonise was set up in part to confront this “whitewashing”, says organiser Jon Bellebono. “Bands with people of colour have always existed and lots of them have been successful.” Their legacy, Bellebono argues, is just not celebrated in the same way”.

I have mentioned how there are bands, past and present, where one or two members are black/Asian – the majority may be white. Britpop and its all-white, distinct image did not help matters; most of the best minority artists from previous decades have not been involved in bands; look around music now and, again, most of the fantastic black and Asian artists we are seeing on our screens are solo/duos. One of my favourite musical encounters as a journalist was with the ‘cover stars’ The Tuts.

I have been desperate to feature them again because I think it has been about three years since last I put them on my pages. Nadia, Harriet and Bev are the glorious three-tone band who have been around a while now and continue to strive, grow and strike. One could forgive them for looking at the way the industry still promotes white bands above everything else and feel their time will never come. They continue to play and, I know, are inspiring and influencing other artists. Look at this biographical snatch from The Tuts and you get a sense of how far they have come and what they have achieved:

“In 2014 Billy Bragg invited The Tuts to play his LeftField stage at Glastonbury. The effervescent appeal of Nadia’s irreverent stage persona and, as Billy himself called it, the ‘fabulous cacophony’ these three women conjure up every time they play makes for an unforgettable live experience. Pauline Black was in the crowd and soon after The Tuts joined The Selecter on their 2015 UK tour.

The Tuts’ music owes something to the Libertine’s brash, devil-may-care aesthetic but they are not fashionable, and hopefully never will be. This is not beautifully crafted gloss for the latest hipster market – the tunes are too good for that. Their timeless three and four chord rants sung out in authentic working class accents carry the X-Ray Spex and 70s New Wave mantle onwards. The Tuts are ‘indie’ indeed, but not in some generic introspective sense: here is a band that possess that irrepressible spirit unique to independent DIY bands. There is no escaping it, ready or not, The Tuts are coming…”

They have been playing a lot since they released their album, Update Your Brain, back in 2016. I am excited to see what comes next from them but, as the article continues; they are aware of the realities and how the industry looks at bands with black and Asian members:

“The Tuts have found themselves put on a festival’s “urban” stage alongside MCs and grime artists, while critics describe Big Joanie, an emerging black feminist punk band, as “soulful”. “We’re closer to Nirvana than a soul band,” says singer-guitarist Stephanie Phillips. “The whole idea that you see black women and they should be there warbling out some Beyoncé to you – it’s [about] not being able to critique what’s in front of you because of your own ingrained prejudice.” It was Phillips who thought up Decolonise, having felt a “vacuum” existed since her teenage years in Wolverhampton, “and remembering there was literally nothing, no kind of acceptance for people like me”.

IN THIS PHOTO: Big Joanie/PHOTO CREDIT: Elise Rose

Big Joanie, another band name-checked in the feature, are a feminist Punk band who among the most exciting around. Whilst the Decolonise festival has finished for this year; there are bands like Nova Twins and Girl Diet attracting focus and starting to get their name heard. Whether you perceive the band market as flagging or not, there is an inalienable truth: you cannot ignore bands of colour and minority artists. Orange Juice and Bloc Party – two bands who have black members in their ranks but are, themselves, in the minority -  are rare exceptions of bands who feature minority musicians…one wonders whether there will be big changes soon. Whilst a lot of the emerging bands with black and Asian members in their ranks play in the Punk/Alternative realm – The Tuts’ three-tone is an exception – you do not need to look back too far to see a time when there were a lot more black and Asian faces in bands. Look back at female Soul and R&B artists like Sister Sledge (are they more Disco?!) and Diana Ross and the Supremes – a lot of great Motown and Detroit talent ruled and remain in the history books. The 1990s brought us the Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child – one of very few all-black female bands from the past couple of decades – and All Saints...

More-modern examples like Fifth Harmony and Little Mix have kept that alive – the fact the female Pop group as a concept is dwindling means, again, fewer minority artist are being represented in bands. It may sound like I am retreating and submitting to the facts of market forces and facts. That is not true at all. Things are getting harder for musicians in all areas. For women, it is a struggle to get their voices heard on an equal footing – regardless of their race and history. Look at the sexism and un-level playing field and, in many ways, the black/Asian female band has to fight harder than anything. If you consider bands are under solo artists in terms of importance; women are underneath men and black/Asian artists are under white – it is a daunting challenge for bands whose members are not all-white. The scene has changed so that Pop bands/girl bands are not a mainstream draw anymore; there are plenty of black faces in music but, largely they tend to be solo artists. I am not going to accept bands are done for and we are never going to see a wave of great artists create the same sort of impact as Oasis and The Rolling Stones. Pop still holds a huge sway and Punk/Alternative, genres with more minority bands, still have to work on the fringes and have not been granted a passage to the mainstream.

PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash

Look at this article - it addresses the Pop/Soul market and how black artists are failing to compete with white counterparts:

“…According to Greg Boraman, manager of the Freestyle label to which Omar is signed, the key reason for the artist being sidelined is a myopic conservatism. “It does seem that black soul music artists [as opposed to urban acts] are often engaged in an uphill struggle to compete with the current crop of white major-label soul-influenced, but firmly pop based artists. Whilst I don’t doubt the sincerity of those artists’ love of soul music, the industry, especially mainstream radio, seems institutionally uncomfortable with music that’s more soul than pop”.

Another article, when looking at Rock and Roll music, looks back at artists who addressed civil rights/slavery and asks why these messages, by white artists such as Bob Dylan, replaced the largely-black Blues and Folk scene:

“How did rock-and-roll music—a genre rooted in black traditions, and many of whose earliest stars were black—come to be understood as the natural province of whites? And why did this happen during a decade generally understood to be marked by unprecedented levels of interracial aesthetic exchange, musical collaboration, and commercial crossover more broadly? Many of the most famous moments of 1960s music are marked by interracial fluidity: a young Bob Dylan’s transformation of a 19th-century anti-slavery anthem, “No More Auction Block for Me,” into the basis for “Blowin’ in the Wind,” a song that would become one of the most indelible musical works of the American civil rights era; or the revolution of Motown Records, in which a black American entrepreneur bet against the racism of white America and won, and in doing so created the most successful black-owned business in the country”.

IN THIS PHOTO: Bob Dylan

I do not think bands themselves are responsible for the lack of minority representation in music. They (the bands) have to fight against a largely-white market and a current scene that is not only seeing more a largely white mainstream rise; bands as a commodity are less present and visible than ever. Many might pose this at my feet: Why do we need to see bands with black/Asian members if the music itself (by white artists) is good?! That is a point but it is not about a sense of quality over equality. Bands like The Tuts are producing fantastic work and, were they afforded more of a spotlight, would be able to affect change and help create a more balanced band scene. In the way we need to tip the scales regarding gender inequality; open the doors for L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. artists and ensure music is not so homogenised and closed-off – making sure every band we see on music websites, magazines and T.V. screens is not all-white (forgive the poor grammar there) is essential! I am a little tired of the divisions and the discriminatory policies that have been present for some time. As the past day or two has shown; this country is pretty good at protesting and voicing its unease! I wonder whether greater public concern needs to turn the way of music and the largely-white, male-run dogma that has not received a swift and violent boot to the nuts. I am not solely talking about female bands with minority members: I have reviewed and interviews fantastic bands where their male members consist of white and minority faces. In any case; we need to make changes and listen harder to minority artists/bands wanting to step up and get their music heard. Many might think the situation as it is now is okay (they would be wrong) and bands who have struggled to get attention will keep quiet. From Big Joanie and The Tuts to every other mixed-race/black band who have played second-fiddle for; it is very clear they are going to raise their voices…

UNTIL they are heard and understood.

FEATURE: Hunters and Joyful Resistance: The Finest August-Released Albums You Need to Own

FEATURE:

 

Hunters and Joyful Resistanc     

PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash 

The Finest August-Released Albums You Need to Own

__________

WE are still digesting all the great records…

IN THIS PHOTO: Anna Calvi

July has to offer and not willing to rest any time soon. The next couple of weeks, in my view, are a little quiet in terms of the ‘big releases’. I am looking ahead to August and the pleasures that await. IDLES’ sophomore album, Joy as an Act of Resistance arrives at the end of the month and completes a period where we will see new releases from Anna Calvi, The Lemon Twigs; Alice in Chains, Slaves and Nicki Minaj. In honour of a varied and exciting August ahead; I have collated the albums you’ll want to get out there and buy – those that demand some serious passion, time…

IN THIS PHOTO: Alice in Chains

AND attention.

ALL IMAGES (unless credited otherwise): Getty Images/Press Association

_______________

Gulp – All Good Wishes

Release Date: 3rd August, 2018

Genre: Space-Pop

Pre-Order here

James – Living in Extraordinary Times

Release Date: 3rd August, 2018

Genre: Rock

Label: Liberator Music

Pre-Order here

 

Deaf Havana – Rituals

Release Date: 10th August, 2018

Genres: Rock; Indie; Alternative

Label: Warner Music Australasia

Pre-Order here

Nicki Minaj – Queen

Release Date: 10th August, 2018

Genres: Hip-Hop; R&B

Labels: Young Money/Cash Money

Pre-Order here

Ariana Grande – Sweetener

Release Date: 17th August, 2018

Genre: Pop

Label: Republic Records

Pre-Order here

Slaves – Acts of Fear and Love

Release Date: 17th August, 2018

Genres: Punk/Hardcore

Label: Virgin

Pre-Order here

Alice in Chains – Rainier Fog

 IMAGE CREDIT: BMG

Release Date: 24th August, 2018

Genres: Rock; Alternative

Label: BMG Rights Management (US) LLC

Pre-Order here

Candi Staton - Unstoppable

Release Date: 24th August, 2018

Genre: Soul

Label: Beracah Records, Inc.

Pre-Order here

The Lemon Twigs – Go to School

Release Date: 24th August, 2018

Genres: Indie; Alternative

Label: 4AD

Pre-Order here

Anna Calvi - Hunter

Release Date: 31st August, 2018

Genres: Art-Rock; Alternative

Label: Domino Recording Company

Pre-Order here

IDLES – Joy as an Act of Resistance

Release Date: 31st August, 2018

Genres: Post-Punk; Punk-Rock

Label: Partisan Records

Pre-Order here

 

INTERVIEW: Tennyson King

INTERVIEW:

Tennyson King

___________

THE fantastic Tennyson King…

has been discussing his new single, Coast, and where it draws inspiration from. I ask the songwriter about his upcoming album and what we can expect; how his Canadian and Hong Kong roots affect and influence him; which artists have made an impression on him – he recommends some upcoming artists to seek out.

King talks about three albums that mean a lot to him; how he spends time away from music; what tour dates are coming up – King explains exactly what music means to him.

____________

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

I’m great! Thanks for asking. My week has been great. I just started my Western Canadian tour last week in Whistler, BC. I’ve had some shows in the Okanagan valley and, currently, I’m on Vancouver Island for five days with shows all over. It’s been great to be in the beautiful nature of British Columbia and play music all over.

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

My name is Tennyson King; a singer-songwriter based out of Toronto, ON and originally from Hong Kong. I play and write what I describe as ‘Psychedelic-Folk-Rock-driven by guitar and vocals’.

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

Coast was written with lots of inspiration from my two tours in Australia during 2017. I spent most of the year there playing music and when I wasn’t playing music; I was living out of my van and cruising around the country. One specific area I dug was in Queensland between the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. The song talks a bit about the adventures and experience I had while there and, musically, emulate living life on the beach.

I know there is an album coming. Can you reveal the sort of thing we might hear? What themes and ideas did you explore?

The tunes on the upcoming album have a similar chill vibe like Coast. It’s music for the everyday person who is working hard doing whatever they do but craving, dreaming or reminiscing about the love of travel, nature and the beach. The overall tone is very care-free but, lyrically, touches on very self-reflective thoughts that I believe many of us have.

You have Hong Kong and Canadian roots. Where do you spend most of your time? What are the main differences in terms of the music scene?

When I’m not on the road, I usually spend my time in Toronto, Ontario though, in the coming year, I’ll be spending some time in Hong Kong and doing my first tour out in Hong Kong and China which I’m really looking forward to.

Which artists were you inspired by growing up? Who do you count as idols?

Growing up, I was inspired by bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica; The Beatles, David Bowie; Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam; Tom Waits, Rage Against the Machine and so many more. Idols…I’d say John Frusciante from R.H.C.P., David Bowie; Tim Buckley, Eddie Vedder and  Anthony Keidis…and I’m sure there are other ones, too.

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

Just as long as I’m still playing music and travelling by the end of this year I’ll be happy.

Will there be any tour dates? Where can we see you play?

I’m currently at the start of a two-month tour of Western Canada - with shows in British Columbia all the way back to Ontario. My tour dates are on my website. I’ll then be heading over to China for a tour in October and back to Australia for another tour in November.

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

One that comes to mind right now…

I was playing a show in Darwin, Northern Territory in Australia last year. I started one of my songs and a dude who worked for a reptile place at the festival came on stage and put a giant 9ft snake around me; so, I ended up playing the rest of the tune with it wrapped around my neck and body. You can watch it on Facebook. It was my Britney Spears moment.

Is it possible to convey what music does to you and the power it holds?

Music makes me feel everything. It’s crazy how it can make you feel sad, happy and so many more all in one shot. For me, it’s a type of therapy: when I listen and when I write as well as when I perform. It’s a new high that nothing else has been able to replace in the past years of my life.

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

Tough question…

In the past year: 1. Bahamas – Barchords; 2. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and 3. Eddie Vedder – Into the Wild.          

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

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. 

Rider: probably just a sweet cheese spread for after my show.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Work hard, be yourself and be nice.

               IN THIS PHOTO: Iskwé/PHOTO CREDIT: Cass K M Rudolph

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Iskwé, This Way North; James Hickey, Candice McLeod and Corey Theatre.

IN THIS PHOTO: Candice McLeod

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

Lately, I haven’t had much downtime but I like to go for a motorcycle ride, going for cottage/lake getaways; swim and beach chills.

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).

Play Life Is Hard by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

_____________

Follow Tennyson King

IN THIS PHOTO: Cesar Barbosa 

Official:

http://tennysonking.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/tennysonkingmusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/tennysonking

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tennysonking/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/tennysonking

YouTube:

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

ALL PHOTOS OF TENNYSON KING (unless credited otherwise):

Jen Squires

INTERVIEW: Polar Youth

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Guillaume Kayacan

Polar Youth

___________

FROM a Saudi Arabian artist…

IMAGE CREDIT: Florent Hauchard

I now head to Belgium to interview the fantastic Polar Youth. She has been talking about her latest single, All Night, and working with DJ Fresh and Georgie Allen on the track – Polar Youth talks about future material and signing to Virgin EMI.

I ask which artists inspired her growing up and what the differences are between music in Belgium and the U.K.; whether there are tour dates coming up – Polar Youth ends the interview by selecting a cool track.

____________

Hi, Polar Youth. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! I’m good, thank you. Hectic! I’m moving into my new place and I forgot how much time goes into that…and, of course, I’m very busy promoting my new single.

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

Like it’s written on my social media: I’m ‘’a 23-year-old girl from Belgium who makes music she likes”. I’ve been producing music on my laptop since I was twelve. I learned to play the guitar before that and, at the age of sixteen, I learned to play the drums – but, most of all, I love to play the piano. My music is mainly inspired by Electronic music and Hip-Hop. I live in the beautiful city of Ghent where I love to hang out with my friends in the many clubs and cafés in the city.

All Night is your new track. Is there a tale behind the song?

I was fortunate enough that some of my earlier music was picked up by DJ Fresh. I met him at a concert in Ghent and, after I had sent him a few of my tracks, he was so kind to invite me in his studio in the U.K.  

One of the demos I had sent him was an early version of All Night.

It is a big and bold song. Was it a challenge putting it all together? How do you approach producing a track like All Night?

I had been working on that track for some time. Initially, the tempo was slower than it is now. For some time, it was just one of those tracks sitting on my hard-drive but, when DJ Fresh asked me to play him some of my music, I also chose that track because I really felt it had something. Playing that track to Dan (DJ Fresh) was exactly the right time to take it out of my hard-drive.

PHOTO CREDIT: Guillaume Kayacan

His first idea was to make it more up-tempo. He also invited the amazing singer Georgie Allen to do the vocals on that song to make it into the final version. We were in his studio for four days and we worked really hard on the track. We had a great time - and I was learning so much from DJ Fresh.

Do you have more material planned for later in the year?

I just released an official remix for Sarai a couple of days ago. Sarai is an amazing artist from Australia. When she asked me to remix her latest single, Get to You, I immediately said ‘yes’. As for other plans, even though it’s very hot and beautiful outside, you’ll mostly find me in the studio during this summer…that’s all I can say for now.

PHOTO CREDIT: Guillaume Kayacan

You just signed to Virgin EMI here in the U.K. How excited were you when that happened? How supportive have they been?

This was all new to me, so it took me a while before I realised how big this was going to be for my career; to be able to work together with Virgin EMI. To be honest, I couldn’t have thought of a better company to work with. They have been so supportive and they have such a great team. They really listen to what I have to say instead of just seeing me as a money-making machine. They care about the artist; they care about the music and they are professional – it has been a great experience.

You are unique but I wonder whether you have music idols? Who do you count as inspirations?

It surprises quite a lot of my friends every time I say this, but my biggest idols are Nicki Minaj and Post Malone. They make amazing music and are (so) unique in their own ways. Very often, I am also inspired by my fellow producer buddies from all over the world. We listen to each other’s music, talk about it…it’s a great source of inspiration and feedback.

Originally from Belgium; what are the main differences between the music scenes there and in the U.K.?

I really noticed how open-minded the music scene in the U.K. is. I talked about this too with Dan (DJ Fresh) when I was with him. I feel like U.K. radio shows are more focused on good music instead of what’s charting in the top-50 - and they give new up-and-coming producers a lot of support too. In Belgium, the music scene is great too and I have worked with some of the finest artists here but, sometimes, I have the impression that people here are a bit less bold and less daring with respect to new music and new styles.

Having said this, it is great for a young artist like me to be able to work in so many different environments.

PHOTO CREDIT: Guillaume Kayacan

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

Lately, I’ve been very focused on getting tracks done, more than anything else, and as I said I will also spend the better part of the summer in the studio - but you will certainly be able to see me later this year.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I hope that, in 2018, I will be able to touch a lot of people with my music. I am also working hard to finalise the new tracks and I am putting together a show for later this year. I hope to see my fans there and thank them for their support.

IMAGE CREDIT: Florent Hauchard

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

The time I was in the studio with Dan (DJ Fresh) and his team was absolutely magical. These four days were hard work but also a lot of fun. I learned a lot about music and about the industry. Sometimes, other producers would just come by to say hello and then we let them listen to our progress of All Night. Their input and encouragements gave me a boost to finish the track. We were all in such high spirits and we worked day and night. I will never forget this.

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

Definitely, Post Malone, I’ve never seen him live but his music is amazing and he’s such a down-to-earth person.

My rider would contain fruits like kiwis and bananas for before the show and a delicious pack of fries with mayo for after the show.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The most important thing is to keep working and don’t give up. I know a lot of people say this but that’s because it’s 100% true.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Lani Rose

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

My dude Lani Rose from the U.S.A. He’s an amazing producer AND also a top-notch singer-songwriter. A huge shout out to Laxcity. He’s an awesome producer from the U.K. and I hope one day more people will recognise how talented he is. Also; check out SARAI and The Endorphins (yes, I know, I made a remix for them).

 IMAGE CREDIT: Laxcity

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

I have two cats which help me to relax during breaks. I also go out with my friends in Ghent. A big hobby of mine is gaming, so that’s also how I spend some of my time not working on music. I’m also passionate about motorcycles. Riding around on my bike after a day of work is one of my favourite ways to wind down and clear my 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).

People say what they want about her, but I think she’s an amazing artist.

Bhad Bhabie - Mama Dont Worry

_____________

Follow Polar Youth

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PolarYouth/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/polaryouth

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/polaryouth/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/48EUMg2SS1VgOyLRzOhwjQ

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/polaryouth

INTERVIEW: tamtam

INTERVIEW:

tamtam

___________

THIS might be the first time I…

have featured someone from Saudi Arabia on my site. It has been fascinating speaking with tamtam about her experiences of Saudi and spending time in L.A. She talks about her new single, Drive, and filming its video; how liberating its themes and story is – I ask whether Saudi Arabia’s strict laws regarding women and visibility have impacted her in any way.

Tamtam talks to me about a pivotal moment that changed her life; which artists were inspiring to her growing up; whether there are any tour dates in the calendar; the advice she would provide upcoming artists – tamtam selects a musician we should all follow.

____________

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

It’s been great, thank you!

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

Yes. My moniker for my music is ‘tamtam’. I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia; I am currently living in L.A. and making music but I go back to Saudi as much as I can to visit my family and home. A lot of my music is inspired by Saudi.

I don’t have a choice but, to be genuine in my lyrics, especially in songs that I write on my own - being brought up in one culture and then moving to another country with a completely different culture - has had a really powerful impact on me that I hope I reflect in my music: no matter where we are from, or how we are brought up, or what we believe in, we have the most important thing in common, our humanity, and that, alone, should unite us.

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

I wrote this song last year when I heard the news that Saudi was lifting the ban on women driving. I was so happy and inspired! I wrote the song right away...

The video sees you driving around with girlfriends through Orange County. How much fun was it to shoot?!

It was honestly one of the best days! I will never ever forget it. I was with my friends (who are in the video) which was amazing. The director, Mackenzie Mccullough, is such a wonderful, creative and humble person to work with. It really was a blast - especially driving that perfect, vintage yellow car!

As a Saudi woman; do you feel even revealing your face and making a video is a brave step?! How does life for a Saudi woman differ when you are in America, as opposed to your home nation?!

When I first started doing music seven years ago, I would say definitely ‘yes’. At that time, I had released my first single, Little Girl, where my face was blurred in the video because I didn’t want anyone to know I was doing music. But, now, Saudi is really adapting in a positive way: women can drive; the first movie theatres just opened a few months ago; live concerts are slowly happening more frequently and are more socially-accepted than before.

Because I’m in music, life in L.A. as a Saudi woman is different for me because there are so many musicians, producers and songwriters to work with and to collaborate with - that’s what I love about being in L.A. as a musician. I can also perform live anytime I want: there are more concert venues here and smaller ones too; not just huge stages. The talent that is growing out of Saudi is amazing and I know that the music there is going to grow so much more with the new laws.

Liberation and women’s rights play a big part in your overall ethos. Do you think it is vital these issues are introduced into music?

Yes, I do, because this is what the youth is listening to. They love music. Anything with a melody and a beat is more interesting to listen to than someone who is just talking; so, more people can engage with music and I believe, as musicians, we need to start sending positive messages through this power that we have.

Do you think there will be more material later this year?

Yes! I have so much more music coming out, including a collaboration with producer/D.J. Accidental Muse, which will be more of an E.D.M. project, that I’m super-excited about as well.

I believe a green Jeep and a unique experience when you were eighteen changed everything. Was that moment of independence pivotal to you?

Yes, it was. No matter where you are in the world, whether in the U.S. or Saudi Arabia, it changes everything when you know you can walk out the door and go anywhere you want. To be honest, when I first started driving here, I was terrified of the road. I wouldn’t take any freeways and I wouldn’t go very far. But, I knew that, with patience and practice, I would get used to driving…and that’s what I did.

Do you recall the musicians who inspired and motivated you when you were growing up?

Michael Jackson is always my number-one. I also loved listening to No Doubt, the Spice Girls; Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake (I still love him) (smiles). I went through an Aerosmith phase. My love for music is not specific to any genre, as you can see.  

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

I don’t have tour dates set yet but I’m definitely going soon and will keep you posted!

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

Yes! I’ll probably do a show in London first. I can’t wait (smiles).

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I hope my music reaches more and more people. I love connecting with my fans; they are so important to me.

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

I just did a show in Kuwait in April for a concert called Kuwait Rising and it was amazing! I love performing live and I love feeling the energy of the crowd - it is definitely an unforgettable memory.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Patience, patience; patience…and listen to your gut.

IN THIS PHOTO: Smoke Season/PHOTO CREDIT: Natalie Neal

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Smoke Season.

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

I love going hiking. Being with nature really helps me unwind and keeps me grounded.

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).

Florence + the Machine - No Choir and Hunger

_____________

Follow tamtam

Official:

https://www.tamtamsound.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/tamtammusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/tamtam_sound

Instagram:

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

Spotify:

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

YouTube:

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

FEATURE: The July Playlist: Vol. 2: If We Organise Our Schedules...We’ll Realise Love Is Magic

FEATURE:

 

The July Playlist

 IN THIS PHOTO: John Grant 

Vol. 2: If We Organise Our Schedules...We’ll Realise Love Is Magic

 __________

YOU get these weeks in music where things…

IN THIS PHOTO: The Lemon Twigs/PHOTO CREDIT: Erica Snyder

are jam-packed and it is hard to keep up! This is one of them, I can tell you! Relax and enjoy as we welcome new tracks from Sigrid, John Grant and The Lemon Twigs. Tinashe, Childish Gambino and Kacey Musgraves have fresh releases – it is an exciting and fulsome week of music! Enjoy the sun, put these tunes on and indulge in all the different moves and moods; the big choruses, sultry moments and addictive takeaways.

ALL PHOTOS/IMAGES (unless credited otherwise): Getty Images

___________

IN THIS PHOTO: Sigrid/PHOTO CREDIT: Johannes Lovund

Sigrid – Schedules

PHOTO CREDIT: @gregswalesart

Nicki Minaj (ft. Ariana Grande) – Bed

John Grant – Love Is Magic

Childish Gambino - Summertime Magic

PHOTO CREDIT: Mathew Parri Thomas Photography

The Lemon Twigs – If You Give Enough

Alessia Cara – A Little More

The Horrors - Ghost

Kodaline – Shed a Tear

Eliza and the Bear – First Aid

Lil’ Kim – Nasty One

All Saints – Don’t Look Over Your Shoulders

Tinashe – Like I Used To

Jacob Banks – In the Name of Love

Dirty Projectors (ft. Amber Mark) – I Feel Energy

Suede – Don’t Be Afraid If Nobody Loves You

Ariana Grande – God Is a Woman

Call Me Loop – Love the Lie

Kacey Musgraves - High Horse

Gulp – Claudia

Patrick Watson – Melody Noir

Gently Tender – 2 Chords Good

Estrons – Lilac

Rudimental & Major Lazer (ft. Anne-Marie & Mr. Eazi) - Let Me Live

Anton Powers – Thinking About You

Exam Season – Strawberry Milk

Honey Hahs – Stop Him

Wande Coal - So Mi So

 

Mac Miller – Self Care

First Aid Kit – Running Up That Hill (Recorded Live at Spotify Studios Stockholm)

Sophia Ayana – Obsession

Not3s – Just Fine

Lily Moore - I Will Never Be

PHOTO CREDIT: Dara Munnis

Tash Sultana – Harvest Love

The Hunna – Babe, Can I Call?

Amy Shark – All Loved Up

TRACK REVIEW: Swine Tax - Never Ending

TRACK REVIEW:

 

Swine Tax

 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Crowder   

Never Ending

9.4/10

The track, Never Ending, is available via:

https://soundcloud.com/swinetax/swinetaxneverending

GENRE:

Indie-Rock

ORIGIN:

Newcastle upon Tyne

RELEASE DATE:

13th July, 2018

_________

STEPPING out and looking at a talented young band…

 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Crowder   

gives me a chance to discuss some interesting areas of music. I have reviewed Swine Tax before and had the opportunity to witness their blend of music. I will speak about music from the North and whether we are still throwing as much love that way as possible; intensity and bands who have the ability to invoke the spirit music is missing; bringing that energy and directness to the stage; connections within the ranks that makes the music that much stronger – I will end by looking at Swine Tax’s future and how they will progress. I feel we are still ignoring the North of England and what is coming from there. If we look at any new musician and laud them; it seems we are not casting a net far beyond the capital. I have talked about this a lot and approached it from different angles. There is nothing to suggest the future of music is situated in London. The media is based here, and so, that is where people tend to look. You balance the sounds of the South with those of the North and there are some marked differences. I feel there is more honesty, wit and originality coming from northern bands at the moment. I am not suggesting the South lacks any bite and potential – the North is offering something a lot more intriguing and fresh. The Swine Tax boys have been playing for a little while and, so far, have managed to accrue a loyal fanbase and some great local attention. I have looked at the music of Manchester but, looking at Swine Tax and the Newcastle area, I am interested to see whether there are differences. There are some fantastic venues and artists where Swine Tax are - and a great support network. There is always that temptation, when artists get bigger and need focus, they move to areas like London. I hope the guys manage to stay where they are and do not feel the need to up sticks.

So far, they are vibing from what’s around them and seem comfortable where they are. There are, as I said, great venues around and chances to get the music to the people. It is the local support and sense of taste that makes northern music so long-lasting and impactful. There is a loyalty and passion you do not get from any other part of the country. Because of all of this; why are we still spending so much time in London and the music coming from there? I know there is an incredible scene here and wonderful movements: the North is producing epic music and should be given more love. One of the reasons why I feel this way is the band market and how the focus is still on solo artists. Again, this is another topic I have covered and investigated before – I shall not go too much into the topic again. There have been some great albums released this year but, to me, IDLES will produce the biggest statement of the year. I will talk about the band more in a later section but the solo material I have heard this year has been great. I am looking for an album that produces that extra bit of heat, force and oomph. Solo artists can do that but it has always been down to the bands of the world to bring something extra-special and intense. Swine Tax are a band with plenty of intelligence and depth – they have a raw edginess and electricity that takes their music to another plain. Tory Water, their previous single, looked at the local music industry with a sardonic nod. It has the College-Rock sounds but brought in plenty of punch and observations of the local scene. Although there are, as they observe, issues in the North that need remedy and support; the impression one gets from the song is of a band with a big future ahead. The sheer depth, story and colour they bring to the music makes you want to support them and see them do well. I feel we have ignored bands to an extent and assumed they cannot compete with solo artists. Historically, some of the finest music has been made by groups – why are we spending so much time with solo musicians?! Swine Tax have that unbeatable blend of local knowledge and focus with musical swings that stretch all the way to America. It means (they) have the ears of those in the Newcastle area but there is potential to get gigs in the U.S.

IN THIS PHOTO: Lewis Egg Dodds

One of the things that occur to me is how bands like Swine Tax can use their keen lyrical insight, established strengths and focus on the current Government. Tory Water nods its head the way of our leader but there is new opportunity to sink the teeth in. I love how Swine Tax can bring humour and accessibility alongside riotous instrumentation and ample punch. We are living in a very odd time where the nation is splitting apart and politicians are messing everything up. Whilst solo artists would be able to project something meaningful and anthemic; I feel bands like Swine Tax have more ammunition and promise. Vince Lisle, Tom Kelly and Charlie Radford take hints from bands like Sonic Youth and Pavement and splice that with embers from the local scene. They look around them and talk about how politics affects their lives; stories of lust and ambition are thrown in – quite a heady and exciting brew! The band have been picking up fans at a rate of knots since their inception and thrilling those lucky enough to see them. I have seen some great bands form but few have the same intoxicating passion and attitude as Swine Tax. I do love what is coming from music but I feel something is missing: an authority and explosion that has disappeared slightly. The mainstream media are spending a lot of time on solo artists and feel, to me, there isn’t the same sort of promise in bands there was years ago. Maybe that short-sighted assumption reflects a geographical laziness. If they did some more exploration then you could see more attention given to the likes of Swine Tax. I have been hankering for a band who can get the blood boiling and the body moving. I have mentioned IDLES already: a band that has the sound of The Clash and mix it together with modern Punk and Alternative motions. Although Swine Tax source from the U.S. (more than British sounds) and a different era; they have the same sort of majesty and can produce a truly stunning live show.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Crowder   

The nation is looking for artists who can articulate what is happening and how their lives are being impacted. It is good to hear melody and calm in music but, at times like these, there is a desire for release and fire. My assessment paints the picture of Swine Tax as a brutish Punk band who is throwing stuff around and want anarchy. In actual truth, they can fuse spiked and spit-laden with real songcraft, lyrical acuity and exceptional musicianship. Their music is far more compelling than straight-ahead guts-and-shout. It is exciting watching Swine Tax rise and growing with every release. Their live set is extraordinary and the studio music we hear from them is like nothing else. It makes me hanker for more passion towards the North and greater exposure of the best young bands coming through. Maybe the secret ingredient (for success) is assessing what is happening in the country and reaching people in a way our politicians cannot. Their music does have a political edgy but wraps it around character studies and local commentary. I have watched music change skin the past few decades and I am seeing things drop away and not re-growing. I have lived through the tail-end of U.S. College-Rock bands and British Punk idols. I have seen movements die and be replaced by something altogether safer and less risky. We need to revoke the lost Punk and Rock spirit that excited generations and started a fire. Swine Tax have the potential to burn bright in the local scene, as they already have, and lay down a marker. The boys continue to grow bigger and more ambitious every time they put material out there. Whether you are familiar with the music coming from the North and how it varies from that of the South; it is obvious to see how small a roll Rock and Punk is playing in modern music. We can throw various arguments into the mix – changing tastes and times; few great artists to keep the flame alight; critical ignorance – but I can sense something happening and shaking.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Crowder   

Another reason I feel Swine Tax and their ilk are able to stage a coup and gain a passage to the forefront is what they bring to the stage. You can argue a soulful performance from a Pop artist can hold the same magic and power as that of a snarling Rock band. I contend that the most impactful and hard-hitting performance comes from bands that crank the wattage and get bodies jumping. Swine Tax bring their own brand of explosion to the stage but do, as I have said, have plenty of variety and melody. They are a rounded and nourishing band that are gathering huge acclaim because of what they take to the stage. Never Ending – one of two singles they have just released – will sound, I can imagine, amazing on the stage. The guys have a great reputation in the North East and showcase established band there – showing a support and sense of comradeship you do not often witness. They have supported the likes The Orielles and Jeffrey Lewis; they mix the D.I.Y. ethic they have always possessed and bring in new-found skills and strengths. The guys will never sell-out and feel the need to get into a bright and expensive studio. They have an authenticity and accessibility we are looking out for right now. The connection and chemistry the band has is another reason why their local reputation is solid and building. There are some bands where you watch them play and they might stay in the mind for a little bit. Something is missing from their set. Maybe there isn’t the connection you’d expect or the music is too similar to their studio-made sounds – not bringing anything new and unexpected into their repertoire.

PHOTO CREDIT: Graeme J. Baty

Before reviewing one of the band’s latest singles; I want to finish on this theme and highlight the solidity in the ranks. Swine Tax’s success, so far, can be attributed to the fact the guys are on the same page and have that respect. Writing and performance is democratic and there is no muscling for leadership. They have the same goals and want to see their music go as far as possible. I am seeing some bands suffer splits because everyone wants different things and communication is lacking. The friendships present within Swine Tax makes their recorded material such a treat to listen to. They have dropped the double A-side Thorns/Never Ending and will perform at Think Tank? (in Newcastle) tonight. The single(s) have been met with big acclaim and reviews are coming in. The confidence the guys will get from the early praise will translate to the stage. They have gigs coming up but I feel, when their new material gets further out there and resonates; more dates will arrive and there could be some big dates. The guys are playing alongside like-minded, local talent and they are keen to integrate themselves with some fantastic artists. The material they have out there right now acts as a guide for potential venues and bookers. I am not sure whether Swine Tax will release an album next year or continue to bring out singles but they have this energy and focus that is impressive. I would love to see them ascend to the mainstream and influence fully. It is all very exciting and full-on for Swine Tax right now. They are picking up local support and lots of new ears are turning their way. It makes me wonder whether they can take it all the way and embark on a national tour.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Crowder   

I hear there is more material coming from the band later in the year and, in October, they are back in the studio. It makes me wonder what form that will take. Maybe it will be another single or they are going to put a five/sic-track E.P. together. What excites me is how the band has grown from their earliest days. Maybe it is the experience they have gained or the passing of time – it is getting better and brighter for the band. I am not sure whether they have ambitions to tour around the world but I feel next year will be their time. Swine Tax have already cemented their name in the local realm and are ready to face the responsibilities of international touring. One needs stamina and extra fortitude when venturing between cities and nations. It takes more energy and discipline but I feel Swine Tax have that in their locker. I can easily see the northern band head to the U.S. and get some acclaim there. The guys have that reputation as live performers and they have thrilled fans for a long time now. I know the boys could handle the demands of a worldwide tour and what it encompasses. There are people around the world who would eat up Swine Tax and what they are all about. I have been hankering for a band to come along that can stay in the mind and get me excited about the future. I do not often go to live gigs because I feel there is little excitement and it will not be worth a trip out. Swine Tax’s reviews and reputation makes me want to see them and catch them as soon as I can. The boys are on a rise and cementing themselves as one of the finest young bands out there right now. They have already made a great name for themselves in the North – it is time for them to shift and take their music down the nation.

The opening notes put me in mind of bands like Pavement and Pixies. You get that rush of the 1990s (and 1980s) and what was coming out of American then. I guess that is what Swine Tax have always been about but, if anything, there are new elements in their music. The lyrics talk about framing the moment and breaking open an unspecified thing – placing the hero under house arrest. Our man is aching, but not stressed, and one wonders what he is referring to. The early, softer guitar opening mutates to a more squalled and rain-lashed sound that mixes with the rest of the fold. The guys come together expertly and provide instance evocation. Percussion sounds add weight and drive but are never too heavy; there is that bassline that keeps things together and leads; it stays disciplined, level-headed and focused. One of the only problems at the early stages is vocal decipherability. At times, it is hard to understand what is being sung and the mix does push the vocals a bit too low down. I imagine that is less a mistake from production and more an emotive and sonic decision. You have that murkiness and effect that adds conviction to the song. What I mean is this: you get a bigger emotional hit and feel like the hero is singing from under a rock or pillow. There is tension and a slight disconnect that pulls you in and speculate. Lyrics never really allude to a single event or person and the listener is free to interpret what the song is about. Whilst other songs in their cannon have looked at political and local areas; here, we see something that is rooted in the personal and romantic. The hero looks to be casting out to a heroine who has left him stressed and tense but lingers in the mind. It seems her scent and looks are in the brain; her eyes (wild, bright flowers) are burning holes in the soul and one gets a definite longing.

The chorus comes in, when our man is holding back at the moment, and the band really swell and explode. The guitars rapture and the percussion raises its game. All the boys turn the volume up and there is that evocative rush. You get the smell of 1990s College-Rock but there is that distinct Swine Tax skin. The rousing and bristling chorus gets the hairs standing and the mind racing. I was fully involved with the song at this point and could not get enough of it. The guys bring a real sense of thrill to the track that comes from nowhere. You could always feel things building but it is the way they switch from contemplative and open to intense that gets me – a real pleasure and something that gives the song a movement and agility. Few can deny the song lacks passion and professionalism but it is the D.I.Y. aspect of the song that makes its mark. One gets proper intelligence and songcraft but I am drawn to the sparse and honest sound that gives the song its stripes. It sounds like the band is playing from their living rooms: there is no polish that can wash the life from a song; it is a fantastic sound that gives the number much more allure and appeal. The performances are consistently brilliant and so much is thrown into the mix. Backing vocals and layers keep building; the percussion and bass work alongside one another and the chorus explodes back in when you need that hit. Our hero keeps his energy up and is committed to every single moment. Maybe my impressions of lust are wrong but it seems like there is someone in mind that is causing all sorts of problems. His head is swimming and there is a distinct sense of desire and need. Swine Tax keep the composition changing and evolving. Unexpected vocal touches and little bass lines fuse with big, anthemic rushes that delight and thrill. It is when the guys combine in vocals and there is that chanting, brotherly togetherness that you get the biggest hit. The headiness and brilliance of the song continue right until the end and you are compelled to listen to the song over and over. The performance is tight and stunning but you never get the sense things are too rigid and practised. Swine Tax leave room for breath and provide that fantastic, live-sounding feel. I have heard Never Ending a few times and discover new things upon every spin. There is guts, glory and passion running right the way through veins. I know the band will continue to record great music through their career but, right now, they are in top form and really inspired. I can only imagine what sort of reception and reaction songs like Never Ending will get when played tonight. Swine Tax show they are varied regarding their lyrics: they can go from political and local to observing something more universal and love-based. However you see their new song, and what you think it is about, it is a fantastic cut from the boys and proof they are one of the best and brightest talents out there.

Never Ending and Thorns are fantastic singles – part of a double A-side – that show how Swine Tax has progressed and what they are all about right now. I loved Tory Water, their previous offering, and its mix of local observations and political shots. They have continued that pace and brought it to a duo of gems. I wanted to look at Never Ending because it is my favourite but, in reality, both the new tracks are worthy of fond examination. I started my looking at bands and wondering whether the market is starting to turn. We have often ignored groups and are focusing a lot on solo artists. Tastes have changed and the scene is looking for something different right now. Maybe there have been few bands who can get the critics raving and people excited. The likes of Swine Tax show there is plenty of fuel in the tank of the band car. They are hungry and want to get their name out there. It is challenging keeping a band together and remaining strong, let alone getting excellent material out there time and time again. That is full credited to a trio who have that mutual respect and want the best for each other. I will leave things in a second but wanted to offer congratulations to a band that have a bright future ahead of them. Maybe the balance will not tip so there is a Punk/Rock revolution but one would not bet against big changes happening next year. I love the sort of College-Rock sounds bring put out by Swine Tax and how they interpret them. It is a fantastic brew that stays in the mind and compels further investigation. The guys have come a long way and have an ambition that will see them go a long way. Where do Swine Tax go from here? They have that local gig tonight and then, from there, they will want to get their latest material out to the people. They have studio time later in the year but they will want to tour as much as possible and visit new lands. I feel there is that demand out there and it is not long before the boys are doing headline shows down in London. International gigs approach and I feel there is a fanbase out there already. A U.S. date would be perfect and I would love to guys to get some time in, say, New York or Boston. They’d love it there and I think they’d get a lot of love. I have loved getting to grips with Never Ending – listen to Thorns, too – and what it all about. The Newcastle upon Tyne group have a rosy time ahead and cannot wait for them to clean up and conquer. If you have not heard their music and know what they are all about; get involved with their double A-side and make sure you hear every note. Swine Tax might have a great local reputation but, before too long, they will be a big name…

IN the wider world.  

___________

Follow Swine Tax

 PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Crowder    

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/swinetax

Facebook:

https://soundcloud.com/swinetax

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/swine_tax/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/swinetax

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vcxydDAA4iMUh9gk38H4o

Bandcamp:

https://swinetax.bandcamp.com/

FEATURE: Sisters in Arms: An All-Female, Summer-Ready Playlist (Vol. X)

FEATURE:

 

Sisters in Arms    

IN THIS PHOTO: Rising Appalachia 

An All-Female, Summer-Ready Playlist (Vol. X)

__________

GOING into the weekend…

IN THIS PHOTO: Froya

I felt it only right to put another all-female playlist into the world. It is a selection of songs from the past few months that, to me, convey all the contrasts and emotions of the summer days. Investigate and hold close another bouquet of songs from some fantastic female artists that is guaranteed to kick off the weekend with…

IN THIS PHOTO: Sharkmuffin/PHOTO CREDIT: @mixtapemyheart

A real kick.

ALL PHOTOS (unless credited otherwise): Getty Images/Artist

_______________

Froya – Black Macaroon

PHOTO CREDIT: @ferguson.photo

Sonia Stein – Change Shapes

Raja Kumari – I Did It

Sasha Sloan – Normal (stripped)

Dawn Landes – Keep on Moving

Ama Lou – DDD

Rising Appalachia – Resilient

Cleo Sol – Why Don’t You

Donna Missal – Keep Lying

Olivia Noelle – Fck Around & Fall in Luv

PHOTO CREDIT: Adam Antalek

Mikaela Davis – Other Lover

Sa-Roc – Forever

Kiana Ledé - EX

Mpho Sebona – No Evil

Juanita Stein – Get Back to the City

King Princess – Talia

Jaira Burns – Sugarcoat

PHOTO CREDIT: @mixtapemyheart

Sharkmuffin – Liz Taylor

Jade Novah – All Blue

Greta Jaime – Computer Games

Lily Moore – I Will Never Be

Keeana Kee – Let’s Make Love

PHOTO CREDIT: Ebru Yildiz

Anna Burch – Yeah You Know

Sinead Harnett– Body

Leah Nobel - Coffee Sunday NYT

INTERVIEW: Chasing Jonah

INTERVIEW:

Chasing Jonah

___________

THE fabulous Chasing Jonah…

has been telling me about the video for her new single, Feel So High, and whether the song holds personal relevance. The Florida-based artist talks about the music scene in St. Petersburg and tells me whether more material will come later in the year – she picks a promising artist we should get our ears around.

I ask Chasing Jonah whether touring, and U.K. dates, are a possibility and how important it is being up on the stage; how she spends her downtime; the advice she would give to artists coming through – she ends the interview by selecting an amazing track!

____________

Hi, Chasing Jonah. How are you? How has your week been?

It's been chaotic, but fun! Just finished filming another music video and I'm so tired that I'm not even sure how I'm still forming coherent sentences. 

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

I'm an Alternative Electro-Pop artist and songwriter currently living in St. Petersburg, Florida. My lyrics tend to be introspective and vulnerable and I tend to pair them with cinematic and electronic sounds to help drive their stories. All of my writings have been inspired by personal experiences and internal battles.  

I also love dogs and key lime pie. 

Feel So High is your new song. What inspired the lyrics? Does it hold personal relevance?

It does hold personal relevance. I know it comes off as a flirty and seductive song at first, but it's really about being caught in an unhealthy and, yet, addictive relationship; something you keep getting sucked back into even though you know it keeps hurting you. 

It is an instant and memorable song. Did you know, once it was recorded, it would be an instant earworm?

It is definitely one of my personal favorites. It's so much fun to play and I love the synth sounds in it. You never know how other people will feel though. Releasing your art into the world is always a vulnerable process no matter how confident you might be in what you've created. 

What inspired the fun music video for Feel So High?

It started as a joke in the studio between myself and the producers. We were making up preposterous scenes that involved a cat. I decided I would actually bring it to life as a joke and everyone on my team ended up loving it. 

Is there more material coming later in the year, perhaps?

Absolutely!  We've got a few more singles and music videos on the way!

The music video for War Paint has taken on a life of its own! Has it been strange seeing how far it has gone?!

The music video for War Paint started as a collaborative concept with some of my fire-spinner friends based out of Orlando, Florida. It was a lot of fun to create - and they even taught me how to use poi, fans and a little dragon staff so I could play with them. The song itself ended up being featured on the second season of the T.V. show, Lucifer, and that also really helped to draw attention to the video!

 

Being based out of Florida; what is the music scene like where you are? Are there a lot of great local artists?

I love the music scene in Florida. I currently live in St. Pete and I love that there is always a good show happening somewhere. I've also found a lot of great acts in Orlando and Jacksonville as well. A lot of us really enjoy trading shows with each other, which really helps the community. 

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

This fall, I will be mostly touring through the East Coast of the U.S. and part of the Midwest. Some of my favorite cities that I look forward to going back to are New York, Philadelphia; Atlanta, Asheville and of some cities throughout Florida. I'm also planning on visiting some new places like Austin, Dallas; Chicago and more! 

Might you be heading to the U.K. at all? Do you like British music?

I would absolutely love to! We will see where these single releases bring us! I would love to head to the U.K. next year and, yes, I love a lot of British music. Daughter has been one of my biggest inspirations as well as James Blake, Labrinth and Florence + the Machine.  

Is the stage the place you feel the strongest and most free? How important is it being up there and performing to the crowd?

I definitely try to make the stage my home when I'm there. It can be terrifying sometimes, especially when it's a new audience that doesn't know you. You're basically getting naked in front of people that can judge you, shame you and/or be rude to you if they wanted - or they could love you. But, when it's an audience that already likes you, it feels as though you're inviting loved ones into your home and connecting with them on a deep level.  

It's definitely a challenge when circumstances are always changing. When you start out, you can play to a handful of people or a few hundred people on different nights. Some people are so drunk that they try and talk over you and you wonder why you're there - and then some people are there because they really love the music. Sometimes, you have a sound-system that doesn't work well and you can't hear yourself, so you're just hoping that you're on-pitch the entire time and sometimes everything sounds and feel so perfect it's like you're floating on a cloud.  

My goal has been to stay consistent no matter what the circumstance is; to perform like it's the best show every time. 

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I'd really love to just have great and successful releases and a really fun tour. Maybe, a few more T.V./film placements as well.  Right now, I'm also working on trying to finish my new album by the end of the year.  

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

One of the most moving experiences I've ever had was sitting in a room with an incredible chamber orchestra that was recording the strings for a few of my songs (that will be on the next album). David Campbell had arranged the strings and he was also there conducting. I asked if I could sit inside the tracking room as they were going through the songs before they started recording. I sat on the floor and just wept. It was the most beautiful sound and feeling I had ever experienced. 

I thought to myself: ‘If not a single person downloads these songs or cares to listen, everything I've been through and worked for is still worth this experience’.  Even now, when I'm feeling discouraged, it helps to put myself back in that moment and envision it happening again. 

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

Well; a few of my favorite musicians/artists right now are Janelle Monáe, Aurora and Regina Spektor but, if I stood in the same room as them, I would probably just pass out.

As for a rider, since I constantly forget to eat, my rider would have it so my green room had tons of healthy food before and after the show. That's the one thing I haven't gotten the hang of just yet: making sure I have consistent and healthy food on the road. I would also like a box of puppies, maybe from a shelter. Maybe I could even help get them adopted at the shows. There is something so magical and calming about new life, specifically in the form of puppies. That's, like, way down the road though; when I get to the point where I'm allowed to ask for ridiculous things. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

My advice would be to strive to be the most authentic versions of themselves. People respond well to honesty and it really shows in your art. It's easy to get discouraged, but when you really put yourself out there, those who resonate with what you are doing will support you. It takes time, but being able to create your unique art that really impacts people is so much better than being a flash in the pan.

Not everyone will like what you're doing and that's ok. The point is to be able to do what makes you happy and what helps you become a better person. If people really connect with what you're doing along the way, then that is a great plus. 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

At this moment, I've got a slight obsession with Aisha Badru. I discovered her by chance on Instagram and I can't stop listening to her. Her lyrics are so deep and I also love her music videos. 

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

I really don't get much time, especially before new releases. I do have this bad habit of working myself until I mentally and physically just crash. Luckily, I live about fifteen minutes from the beach and another ten minutes from a bay where you can see dolphins. Being in those environments really helps me re-center when I remember to take the time for myself.    

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).

Bridges by Aisha Badru. The music video for that song is a masterpiece. 

_____________

Follow Chasing Jonah

Official:

http://chasingjonah.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ChasingJonah/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/chasing_jonah

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chasingjonah/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/chasingjonah

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3FzS8VG5yray7Mydmgv0L8

YouTube:

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

Bandcamp:

https://chasingjonah.bandcamp.com/

FEATURE: Sisters in Arms: An All-Female, Summer-Ready Playlist (Vol. IX)

FEATURE:

 

Sisters in Arms    

IN THIS PHOTO: Poppy Ajudha

An All-Female, Summer-Ready Playlist (Vol. IX)

__________

THE ninth edition of this playlist…

IN THIS PHOTO: July Jones

introduces some fantastic talent and reveals some wonderful songs. There is a mixture of lascivious, sweat-dripping and fierce alongside tender, flowing and warming. This playlist represents the two sides of summer: those intense days where the heat gets into the skin; the nights that are more bearable but have an incredible grace and allure. Included in this rundown are tracks from Poppy Ajudha, Tracey Thorn; Little Sparrow, Beth Rowley and July Jones. It is a fantastic collection that highlights some of the finest female talent…

IN THIS PHOTO: Beth Rowley/PHOTO CREDIT: @jonnyrowley

EMERGING right now!

ALL PHOTOS/IMAGES (unless credited otherwise): Getty Images/Artist

_______________

Lola Kirke – Sexy Song

Stephcynie – Friends

Little Sparrow (ft. Robin Dewhurst) – Baggy Trousers

PHOTO CREDIT: Olga Ush Photography

Valentina Blú - higher&higher

La Luz - Cicada

EMM – No Gods

PHOTO CREDIT: Rebecca Johnson Photography

Katie Buxton – Green Light

Georgia Box – I Don’t Want You Anymore

Mahalia - I Wish I Missed My Ex

Chelsea Wolfe – The Culling

Bella Hardy – The Same Mistakes

PHOTO CREDIT: Beth Chalmers Photography

Megan Airlie – Honey

Beth Rowley – Howl at the Moon

Tiger Darrow – American Dreamer

Rachel Cousins – Let Go

Fever Ray - Musn’t Hurry (Aasthma Remix)

Tash Sultana – Salvation

Tracey Thorn – Dancefloor

Brooke Lanziner – Relapse

July Jones – I Fall Apart

Wallace – Frame By Frame

Pip Millett – Love the Things You Do

Haneri – Feel Alright

Poppy Ajudha – She Is the Sum

katie MAC – Gold

INTERVIEW: Nia Orea

INTERVIEW:

Nia Orea

___________

TAKING us towards the weekend…

with a sense of calm and magic is Nia Orea. I have been speaking with the songwriter about her debut E.P., Gifted, and what it was like putting it together. She gives me a flavour of the artists who inspire her own work; how important her fans’ support is – I ask whether there are any gigs coming up.

Orea talks about her uncle managing Bob Marley and the impact that had on her; what she hopes to achieve before the end of this year; which upcoming act we should follow – she ends the interview by selecting a rather good song.

____________

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

I’m great! My week’s been awesome! Soaking in most of the sun: the weather here in London is fantastic right now. Go heat wave! 

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

My name is Nia Orea and I make Electronic music. I love E.D.M., Trap and Futurebass - and my mission is to take your ears and mind into my journey. 

Gifted is your debut E.P. Has it been exciting putting the songs together and completing it? 

Yes! This project is extra-special to me because, during the process, there were setbacks and tribulations, but the magic pulled through in the end. I also got to work with some inspiring people.

The songs mix different genres and sounds. Are you quite eclectic in your tastes? Which artists inspire you? 

The sound-system was always on in our house! I grew up listening to different types of Electronic music and Soft Rock. My dad was Electronic and Dance music whilst my mom was obsessed with the '80s artists like Madonna and Janet Jackson. Our household blasted an array of genres - we had record players, tapes and huge C.D. collection. As a kid, I was also obsessed with theatrical music and soundtracks. Guess it all rubbed off on me! 

Your tracks have received a lot of love online. Is the support you get from fans important? Do they give you a lot of drive and confidence? 

Oh, yes! I love my fans and I love how they let me know how they feel when they listen to my tracks. Critics are also important to me: it helps me improve so that I can make sure that I hit you with something great, always.

Do you recall when music came into your life? Did you learn an instrument when you were a child? 

Yes. From a very young age, I was in my school choirs and plays! I self-taught myself how to play the recorder and I did a few lessons in piano and guitar. 

Is it true your uncle managed Bob Marley?! Did he instil a love of the Reggae in you? 

Yes. My uncle is a legend (R.I.P.) but his motivation and true love for Reggae music and Bob are what inspired me. He worked hard, very hard, and been through so much during his time working with Bob. But, those hurdles didn’t stop him from assisting Bob in following his dreams. Music was his life, as it is mine!

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

Where do you guys wanna see me play? You’ll, possibly, catch me touring in the U.S. very soon. We’re working on something there and, of course, Europe. I would also love to tour Japan! 

How important is it being on stage and delivering to the audience? Can you describe that feeling? 

It feels great - making that connection with the people that listen to your music and story! I’m there to put on a show and make sure you guys have a great time. I wanna make sure it’s a performance you’ll always remember.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I would love to tour or perform with the musicians I admire and that I look up to…or even just meeting them. That would be good enough. 

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

That time I performed Hero for my high-school and I sang my heart out. Yes, I can sing and, yes, I’m shy but I could not see a damn thing when I was on that stage! The person controlling the lights sucked, it was all up in my eyes. But, that was good for me cause I couldn’t see the crowd and I wasn’t nervous. Haha. I was like twelve or something.

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

Haha. Nice question. Skittles, but only blue and red ones. Cheetos - loads of Cheetos -, olives and feta cheese. Cans of Ting; jerk chicken and rice and peas with loads of fried plantain on the side! 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through? 

Stay focused and don’t rush! It’s ok to take a break and collect your mind. Identify areas where you’re weak and work on it. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Tune (Keys N Krates)

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out? 

Keys N Krates is a talented band! Check 'em out as they are making waves right now. 

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

I’m a gamer so, if I’m not making music, I’m probably playing Fortnite or some other game! I also love hanging with my friends on day outs, good food and vibes.

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).

Flume (ft. Kai) - Never Be Like You

_____________

Follow Nia Orea

Official:

http://niaorea.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/niaorea

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/niaorea

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/audioengineer/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/niaorea

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JwK5Bgm0et4WuTnJLlS1h

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pKjd7aYFf39dsnXixxx2

INTERVIEW: Rob Dickson

INTERVIEW:

 Rob Dickson

___________

I have been talking with Rob Dickson…

about his new single, Water Rushing In, and what sort of themes are discussed and explored in the upcoming album, Looking Through Your Window. Dickson talks about his musical tastes and the scene in Yukon (Canada) – he recommends some upcoming artists we should keep our eyes peeled for.

I ask whether tour dates are coming up and the possibility of U.K. dates; what advice he would give to artists emerging; the three albums that mean the most to him – Dickson talks about writing on the road and how he unwinds away from music.

____________

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

Great. I'm traveling for work in a remote community and enjoying the sights and fresh air. I’m looking forward to getting home to my family, though.

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

I'm a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada). I just finished my second album and I'm gearing up for its release and some touring this fall.

Water Rushing In is your new single. Is there a story behind the song?

There are a few stories embedded in that song. I wrote it in a few different parts and had to rework the lyrics a few times. It's sort of a portrait of a hybrid character I made up based on three individual characters.

One is an indigenous person, one is a dairy farmer and one is a logger. I was trying to imagine how different people experienced colonization and industrialization in Canada - and this portrait began to emerge in the form of a song.

It is from the L.P., Looking Through Your Window. Are there consistent themes and stories that inspired the music?

On this record, I wanted to try a different approach. After writing, recording and performing the songs for my first record, Proof of Our Years, which was very introspective, I think I naturally wanted to look outwards for inspiration. I started grappling with how individuals interface with the world, how our experiences and memories shape our view of the world and form our predispositions and perspective.

I was looking out and was pretty horrified by what was happening around the world with the rise of nationalist groups, politics of fear; mistreatment of indigenous people and the environment. I think that made me want to examine the perspectives of myself and those around me through the songs.

Is it easy getting reception and opportunities where you are in Yukon (Canada)? What is the scene like there?

Canada and the Yukon, in particular, are pretty decent places to live as an artist. There are so many programs in place to support the making of creative work. It is very hard to tour profitably though due to the vast distances between cities - but I find audiences are really kind for the most part.

I get a sense travel and movement influences your music. Do you write a lot whilst commuting?

I have a pretty busy schedule at home so it can be hard to find minutes in the day to write at home. I also find my mind is a little clearer and less occupied by work and general tasks when I'm on the move. So, yeah, I definitely like to write a lot while traveling. I try to play guitar and play around with melodies every night at home too - but, I find it hard to get in the right headspace to write words at home.

Which musicians inspired you when you were growing up? Did your parents open your eyes to lots of different sounds?

When I was a kid, I listened to a lot of records my dad had in the car: lots of '60s and '70s singer-songwriter music like Joan Armatrading, Billy Bragg; Neil Young and '70s and '80s Pop and New Wave like the Cure, Squeeze and The Kinks. I really liked listening to that music and imagining myself living in that world.

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

I'll be playing a bunch of shows between Montreal and Toronto at the beginning of September which I'm really excited for!

Can we see you in the U.K. this year?

I don't have any dates in U.K. yet, but I'd really like to plan a U.K./Europe tour soon. I'd love to hear from anyone with an empty festival slot (smiles).

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

Plan a U.K./Europe tour for 2019!

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

I got to play a show with John K. Sampson last year. That was pretty surreal and lovely.

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

One Hundred Dollars - Songs of Man

The Barr Brothers - The Barr Brothers

Land of Talk - Some Are Lakes

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Focus on making the best music you can make - that's the most important thing. Work hard and be critical but have fun and remember music is a form of play. Be yourself and don't be afraid to reach out and ask people for help. Most people love to help people.

IN THIS PHOTO: Ansley Simpson

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Ansley Simpson is an incredible songwriter who is doing really great things with her music right now. I'm also really into Jennifer Castle, SUUNS; U.S. Girls and The Highest Order.

IN THIS PHOTO: U.S. Girls

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

I do try and make time to relax without thinking about my work. It can be hard to do, though; I have become a bit obsessive about it. I like getting outside and running or biking. I do those things regularly for fun and they help me clear my head and put things back into perspective. I also spend lots of time with my partner and our kids. They help ground me I think.

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).

Where the Sparrows Drop - One Hundred Dollars

_____________

Follow Rob Dickson

Official:

http://www.robdickson.ca/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/robdicksonmusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/robdicksonmusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/robdicksonmusic

Bandcamp:

https://robdickson.bandcamp.com/

INTERVIEW: Moderate Rebels

INTERVIEW:

Moderate Rebels

___________

THE incredible Moderate Rebels have been talking with me…

about their new track, Beyond Hidden Words, and how it came together. They tell me about their forthcoming album and what we can expect in terms of themes and stories – I discover how Moderate Rebels got together and what the secret to their sound/music is.

I ask how important it is getting on stage and performing; which upcoming artists we should have a listen to; whether there is any time to unwind – they reveal what gigs are coming up and pick some cool songs to end the interview with.

____________

Hi, Moderate Rebels. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello. Good, thanks. We’ve had a good week. People have been kind enough to play the new Moderate Rebels song on the radio and also write encouraging things about it…so; we’ll smell the flowers along the way, why not?

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

Moderate Rebels is a collective of friends, based in London, that get together to make music that hopefully is of its time (i.e. now). We call ourselves ‘anti-music’ as the emphasis is on feeling and ideas rather than technique or cultivating musical skill. We work with our limitations and look to make music we like - that’s it, really.

Beyond Hidden Words is your new single. What is the story behind the song?

Uses of language, generally, seems to be a running theme in Moderate Rebels songs: what words are used to justify all kinds of behaviour and their different potential meanings – and, also, what is and isn’t said is part of that too. But, we feel this is a really hopeful song…maybe about breaking through all of that; getting past those slippery words, and what’s not said, and into strong feelings and people joining together…to look to put a stop to things that they don’t feel should be going on.

It is from your forthcoming album. Can you reveal any titles and themes that are explored?

How language can be used and misused is certainly in there. Also; how the energy and glorious noise of music can genuinely lift up your feelings and, therefore, from that start to make a better day, perhaps…

It lifts us - so that’s why it’s coming out into the world, really.

Do you think there is a secret ingredient in your music? How would you define the ethos and sound of Moderate Rebels?

It’s not a secret as such, but actively not thinking is a really big part of what’s going on for us. The music seems to arrive in an unconscious way: we don’t try to write it. We didn’t try to record this album or the last; they just arrived. Embracing our limitations is important, as is simplicity: “Use as few words and chords as possible” we say. Around the first album, someone said Moderate Rebels were “simple but complicated” which we liked.

How did you two find one another? Was there an instant spark?

There are many members of Moderate Rebels - but only some people will show up for photos…others only play at gigs; others do artwork or go to the studio etc. We found each other the usual way, really: friends, other music groups; parties, friends of friends etc. Some people will be involved in some things but not others.

It’s a fluid set up, which suits everyone.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Not to be funny here, but we don’t hope to achieve anything, really: we’d like people to hear the music we’ve made and we want to play some fun shows. Maybe make another album after that. There’s nothing we want to chase with this; making the album we want to make and putting it out into the world is the achievement for us. There’s nothing much to win and nothing much to lose beyond that.

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

We had a very good time playing Rockaway Beach at Butlin’s in January - and the first Moderate Rebels live show - where we really didn’t know what was going to happen. It could have been a total disaster…it was very exciting. That went so well that we decided to write more than just the one song we had at the time.

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

Kanye West. I do think he is one of the all-time greats. Yeezus may well be my album of the century so far...

Vegan curry on the rider, please.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

The only advice we have to offer is…don’t listen to anyone’s advice…we don’t think that’s the
best way to get to the point of doing whatever it may be that you would really want to do.

Where can we see you play? Do you have any gigs approaching?

11th August at Tooting Tram & Social; another gig in October in London, plus a few more…and then we are doing a U.K. tour in late-November around the album.

How does your live set usually sound? Will you be playing new album tracks or dipping into your past work for upcoming gigs?

Some shows we’ve done have just been thirty-minute versions of one song: sometimes, we do six songs. There’s no constant. New and old songs probably, yeah. But, they will be different from the album versions and, sometimes, pretty different. We’re not particularly interested in faithful reproductions - you can listen to the albums for that. We want to make unrepeatable live moments if we can.

Is it important getting on stage and putting your music to the people? What kind of buzz do you get?

Very important, really. It was the reason we carried on with Moderate Rebels, after the first show, and did more music. If our gigs are approached correctly by us then it should have an unpredictable element and tangible risk of collapse in it…which seems to bring the best out of the group and also make it more engaging than just another gig for the audience.

We would much rather risk the odd disaster here and there and reach for something special than be just reliable or professionally slick. Personally; we’re just not inspired by that kind of stuff and we have no desire whatsoever to be light entertainers.

IN THIS PHOTO: Rodents/PHOTO CREDIT: Habeeb Giwa

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

South London’s Rodents are fun. Quite like what I’ve heard by The Blinders, too.

IN THIS PHOTO: The Blinders

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

Losing ourselves in music, listening and playing, is one of the main ways we unwind. Cycling about the place is also a favourite. Apart from that, the usual: books, films; art, dancing etc. Nothing that special.

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).

Kids See Ghosts (Kanye West, Kid Cudi) - Reborn

Arctic Monkeys - American Sports

Spacemen 3 - Big City (Everybody I Know Can Be Found Here)

Mark Pritchard (ft. Gregory Whitehead) - Come Let Us

_____________

Follow Moderate Rebels

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ModRebels

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/modrebs

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moderaterebels/

INTERVIEW: AKIVA

INTERVIEW:

AKIVA

___________

WITH Donald Trump parking his orange backside…

in the U.K. for a few days; it seems like a perfect time to speak with AKIVA about their new single, Ammunition. They talk about figures like Donald Trump and the impact they are having on the world; how the band got together and the sort of artists they are influenced by – I ask whether there will be gigs and more material before the end of the year.

AKIVA select a new act we should be looking out for; whether there is any chance to chill when not making music; which artist they’d support on tour given the chance; what advice they would offer upcoming acts – the guys each select a song to end the interview with.

____________

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

Pretty special. We released our new single, Ammunition, and watched England get to their first World Cup semi-final in twenty-eight years. Doesn’t get much better than that!

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

We’re AKIVA. There are four of us and we’re from Bedfordshire. We’re into analogue synth. loops; drum-beats with a groove; rolling basslines; Stones-y guitar sounds and big choruses. Our sound was probably originally inspired by all that Electro-Indie crossover stuff that came out of the nineties: The Charlatans, Primal Scream; UNKLE; Black Grape; Doves; Stereo MC’s etc. – and, also more recently, the likes of The Horrors, Jamie T and Beyond the Wizards Sleeve. We’re also big fans of trying to use music to get a message across - particularly in the volatile climate we currently live in. 

We were recently described as ‘George Orwell-meets-The Killers’ - which is not far off.

The video for Ammunition is out. What was it like working with Wayne McCauslin on it? 

This is the second track we’ve worked on with Wayne and hopefully won’t be the last. He’s a real talent. We’re huge fans of his animation style. He totally gets our music and where we’re coming from and has the ability to take the messages we’re trying to convey in our songs to a whole new level with his visuals. He’s a real pleasure to work with and we feel very lucky to have crossed paths with him.

The song is getting a lot of great feedback. How did it come together? Is there a story behind the track? 

Thanks. Yeah; this is actually quite an old song. We’ve been playing it live for a few years but never record it until now. It was originally inspired by the many hasty and disastrous military interventions made by the U.K. and U.S. the last ten to fifteen years: Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya; but it’s also a more general reflection on the international military conflict in general and how it rarely results in any positive outcomes. Unfortunately, with some of the lunatics we have in power at the moment, it feels like another one is not far away.

In a weird way; do twisted leaders like Donald Trump give you plenty of inspiration?! Are you ever surprised by what is happening in the world?!

There’s certainly plenty to write about at the moment! Yeah, Donald Trump is an imbecile (I’d like to see him in a room with De Niro) but I think he’s a symptom of a wider problem rather than a cause. There’s a worrying trend towards rising populism, nationalism and mistrust of others in all countries at the moment - and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see it get stronger. As long as inequality continues to rise, which it shows every sign of doing, more people will find crazy populists with dangerous ideas appealing.

The current climate feels very much like what I imagine the period before the Second World War to be like. I often used to wonder how it was possible that someone like Adolf Hitler ever got elected to power but, having lived through the few years, I can see how it happened. It’s a worry.

How did AKIVA come together? When did you all find one another? 

We all went to school together. Rob and Dave are brothers and were at junior-school with Malc. I moved down from the North and met the others at secondary-school. We started out by messing around with guitar riffs and trying to learn the odd cover that we could play to our mates in the school talent shows and stuff. In the sixth-form, we started to take it a bit more seriously and set up camp in Dave and Rob’s foam-plastered garage - much to the disappointment of their neighbours.

That’s when we formed the band properly. 

Is there going to be an album or E.P. coming from the band later in the year? 

Yes, there is. We have another single called Broken Ship which we’ll be releasing later this year as part of a four-track E.P. There’s a theme of conflict and political tension that runs through all the tracks on the E.P.

Which artists do you take guidance from? Who do you all count as idols?

There’s a long list! We take guidance from anything we like, which is quite a lot. We love all the classic old stuff like The Rolling Stones, The Who; The Beatles, The Kinks – they laid the blueprint for male guitar bands and you can’t help but be influenced by them.

We’re also quite into Electronic music and were influenced by a lot of early-nineties Rave and Dance music and bands that took that feel and crossed it over into the guitar space like The Stone Roses and The Charlatans - as well as the likes of The Prodigy and Chemical Brothers. More recently, we’re big fans of The Horrors, Tame Impala and Everything Everything: three amazing bands with incredible layering and sonic detail in their tracks.

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

Hopefully, to just get more people to hear our music and see our videos. We’re pretty proud of what we’ve created and we want as many people to hear it as possible.

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

We’ve been together as a four for a long time and we’re really tight mates. Some of my favourite memories are from the adventures we had when we were first starting out. I’ll never forget a time we hired a van for a gig in Greenwich and Rob, our bass player, was driving us all down (bass players always drive the van!).

He crashed it into a massive concrete bollard as he tried to reverse-park into a tight space outside the gig venue. He then proceeded to grind the side panel backwards and forwards on the bollard whilst trying unsuccessfully to get it out. It just got worse and worse and we were pissing ourselves laughing.

For some reason, that one always sticks out in my mind. It just reminds me of a time feeling very free when nothing seemed to matter. That’s what I love about being involved with music – when it allows you to feel like that. 

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

I think it would have to be The Stone Roses. Us supporting them on a stage in Manchester and then joining them at the end of their set for I Am the Resurrection. I think I’ve had that dream about fifty times.

The rider would be sixty-eight lemons and eighty-nine tins of red, white; blue, black and gold paint. Maybe we’d throw it all over ourselves and the crowd in the encore for a great big, united; Jackson Pollock, paint-splattered psychedelic groove-out.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through? 

Be prepared to graft: put some serious hours in and just keep going. There’ll be times when it feels like nobody’s listening but don’t let it set you back, just keep on. Never stop trying to learn from the music you love and trying to refine and improve your art. The ultimate pleasure in it all comes from realising you’ve created something you didn’t think you were capable of.

Where can we see you play? Do you have any gigs approaching? 

Yeah. We’re playing at Pennfest on Friday, 20th July. We’re on the main stage at 2:45 P.M. It’s a pretty big gig for us. We’re on before The Bluetones - which is pretty special for us as we’ve always been big fans. I think we played a cover of Slight Return in our first-ever gig. We’re also playing The Finsbury in London on Saturday, 8th September.

IN THIS PHOTO: Hookworms

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out? 

One of my favourite bands at the moment is a band called Hookworms from Leeds. They’re incredible: full of sonic layers, bleeping analogue synths; Krautrock beats and howling vocals. Right up our street. I’ve not been able to see them live yet. They don’t tour much as they all also have full-time jobs (something we can identify with!). Their latest album, Microshift, is brilliant. Go and check it out.

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

Not really. We don’t tend to do much unwinding. In the age where all music is free, there’s not much money in it for smaller independent band like us (and Hookworms!); so you need another job to pay the bills. When we’re not working, we tend to work on the band, whether it’s rehearsing, writing; recording or working with visual artists on the graphics and videos. There’s never enough time.

I remember watching that Ian Curtis film, Control, and thinking how knackered he must have been in the scenes when he’s working full-time in a Macclesfield office before jumping in the car and driving down to play in London…then back up to Macclesfield for work again the next day. It can feel like that sometimes but it’s all good. Wouldn’t want it any other way.

Music’s a pretty addictive thing and I tend to spend most of my time thinking about it when I’m not doing it. Whenever you do get a break, it doesn’t take long before you want to dive straight back in.

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).

With pleasure. I’ll go for Can’t Do by Everything Everything. I absolutely love this band. Their music is so clever, layered and intricate but still has loads of catchy Pop hooks in it. You can love their tunes after one listen but still find something new each time you go back to it. They recorded this in the same studio we recorded Ammunition and Luke - one of our engineers worked on it. That was quite inspirational for me.

Malc (Guitar): The Horrors are right up there for me. Top band and their last album, V, has some of their best work in my opinion. The track I love most is Press Enter to Exit which has sounded ever-better cracked loud in the summer sun. I challenge anyone to hear that awesome grooving bass and not nod their head or shuffle their feet. Add to that the huge distorted drum break and grinding machine guitars and you have a dream track for me....oh, yeah, and it has a doorbell in it. Cool, hey!

Dave Merc (Drums): My choice is Electric Man by Rival Sons. Love that guitar riff and solid drum beat

Rob (Bass). I’ll go for an old track – Dying Days by Screaming Trees. '60s Psych vibes with soulful vocals. My favourite to listen to in the car on long, hot drives on my own

_____________

Follow AKIVA

Official:

https://akivamusic.net/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/akivamusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/akivamusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/akivamusic

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/31B4KseyWEoMfzVnwgFoU9

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpC9bSOSVhGHQFamF3smTIQ

Bandcamp:

https://akivamusic.bandcamp.com/

INTERVIEW: Domanique Grant

INTERVIEW:

Domanique Grant

___________

I have been chatting with Domanique Grant…

about her debut single, Investment, and what its tale is. She talks about her upcoming E.P., Playhouse, and the themes that inspired the songs; which artists were important to her growing up; why the Canadian thinks her nation is producing so many great artists – Grant gives some useful advice to upcoming songwriters.

I was curious to know whether there will be any touring dates and which new artist we should follow; if she gets time to relax away from music – Grant chooses a classic song to end the interview on.

____________

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

Hey, Sam! I’m great. Soldiering through this intense Toronto heat but loving the sunshine.

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

I’m Domanique Grant and I’m a singer-songwriter from Toronto that love’s making music that reminds people to feel something. I’d say, genre-wise, I’m a fusion of Pop, Soul and World - and I’m usually compared to fusions of artists like Sia and Sade, but you tell me (smiles).

Investment is your debut single. What inspired the song’s creation?

Yes! Investment is my debut single - and I’m so happy to finally share it with the world. 

Investment is about what we’d get in return if we were able to quantify all that we’ve given up for relationships. I had a blast working with Grammy and Juno-nominated producers Kuya on this record and they really brought it to life. Investment was inspired by a bad dating experience that simultaneous coincided with seeing friend after friend giving their all in long relationships, only to see their partners take all that they could, leaving them with little.

I really wanted to talk about the non-committed culture of dating in big cities alongside failed relationships and losing yourself after all is said and done...but, I wanted to talk about it through the lens of picking yourself up and starting all over again.

It is taken from your debut E.P., Playhouse. Can you reveal what sort of themes and stories you drew from to create the songs?

Well. I grew up living in quite a few big cities around the world, from cities in South America to East Africa. When you travel a lot growing up, you experience the world a bit differently and Playhouse really takes those real experiences - stories, I guess - and turns them into themes. The songs are all pretty personal as one of the underlying themes that Playhouse explores is how these experiences shape the meaning of home for me.

The E.P. starts from that perspective and ties it to conversations about relationships, identity; dream-chasing and more.

You moved between continents and was a motivational speaker. How did you settle into music – did you learn a lot from those early years?

I definitely did learn a lot.

In a strange way, the motivational speaking and travelling really informed my music today. I grew up playing instruments like the cello and piano, writing poems and shower-singing to the greats. I was just an odd, curious kid. Odd kids don’t always fit in and, I guess, that’s where reminding others that they do (fit in) turned into speaking. For a while, though, I felt like I just didn’t have anything important enough to write about. I actually really settled into music when the travelling got the busiest because I needed another way to share my experiences living in new places.

After settling back in Toronto, I was invited to be a part of a Dora-nominated theatre production where I was asked to include original music that connected with my life. After the show sold out and was nominated for a number of awards, I realized that this was something that I wanted to do and that’s when I started recording.

Have you always been into music? Which artists struck your heart growing up?

Music has always been a part of my life in some form. I was obsessed with a bunch of artists growing up. A few of them were Alanis Morissette, Sade; Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley. I’d almost always have one of their songs on-repeat. They all told stories in a way that made you want to jump into their songs and celebrate, while still managing to affect you emotionally.

I am seeing a lot of great Canadian artists emerge. Do you think there is a reason the nation is providing so many great musicians?

Canada has an incredible industry that supports the arts and I think that - aside from the raw talent that has always been here - we’re really fortunate to have funding and resources that also support artists at all levels. The rise in artists like Drake, Justin Bieber and The Weeknd have also put Canada on the map - but, I also think that Canadians are hard workers and talented and that just speaks for itself.

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

Tour dates will be announced really soon at Domaniquegrant.com and I can’t wait to share.

Will you visit the U.K. this year and see us?

I’ll definitely be in the U.K. in 2019: another adventure that will be a first! We may be there sooner, though. I’ve heard incredible things about visiting and, aside from the incredible talent and fans there, you guys have this amazing chocolate with cornflakes that I can’t find anywhere else!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Finally sharing music with the world and (just) enjoying the process of a lot of firsts - including my first E.P., my first tour stops and more. I get butterflies thinking about it.

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

I’d say one of my favourite memories was doing my first TED Talk. It was on my bucket list and it was an experience that I’ll never forget.

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

Errr; that’s a tough one there are so many artists that I love. Definitely Sade, Beyoncé or Sia right now…I can’t choose. Just because I’m also a '90s kid I’d have to say that, if the Spice Girls ever did a reunion, I would opt for a sixth spot (smiles).

Rider-wise. Hmm; well, seven random things, in no particular order, would include:

1. Raw honey

2. Marshmallows and liquorice (my embarrassing love)

3. Hot yoga studio

4. Lots of mangoes

5.  A puppy (Mariah Carey-style, just to say that I did it…plus, I love animals)

6. Fenty makeup – just in case mine ran out

7. A humidifier

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Create music that you want to hear and be true to yourself (smiles).

IN THIS IMAGE: Chloe x Halle

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m a huge Chloe x Halle fan; though they’re getting pretty popular so I don’t know if they’re new anymore.

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

Not as much anymore. I love nature and love yoga so I think I’d be somewhere climbing mountains until I got to a dramatic flatbed to stretch in (laughs). That, or binge-watching until the new Game of Thrones season comes out. I also love a good book!

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

Fast Car - Tracy Chapman. One of my favourites.

For anyone reading that needs a reminder to live and appreciate exactly where they are...

_____________

Follow Domanique Grant

Official:

http://smarturl.it/domgrantinvestment

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/domaniquegrant/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/DomaniqueGrant

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/domagrant/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Q5NpY4101N3zqetlKFk7B

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq7Fpv81lZNY81h7nbSqBfA

INTERVIEW: SEIL LIEN

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Jimi Rae

SEIL LIEN

___________

THE majestic and wonderful…

SEIL LIEN has been telling me about the single, I Am Fire, and her fantastic new E.P., A Little While More. She talks to me about getting into music and the sort of influences, musical and parental, that helped guide her career – I ask which songs from the E.P. SEIL LIEN responds to hardest.

The songwriter discusses touring and explains the importance of being up on the stage; a new artist we should follow and watch closely; whether there is much time to relax away from music – she ends the interview by selecting a rather good song.

____________

Hi, SEIL LIEN. How are you? How has your week been?

Hwat! This weather! Just back from Glasgow, caught Mr Matt White (our bass/guitar player) playing with The Temperance Movement at Trnsmt Festival; I then hung back to see the folks and get things organised for our Scottish dates at the end of the month.

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

I’m SEIL LIEN (pronounced Seal lee-in). It's my Chinese name: my mother's Scottish and my dad’s Chinese. It means ‘little lotus’. 

It started as a little underground arts band creating live ambient landscapes, improvising and collaborating with different types of artists. It eventually mutated into a more structured band format but I have tried to stay true to its roots, placing a lot of importance on creating atmosphere. 

I am interested in I Am Fire. How did that song come together and what does it mean to you?

I had written the main guitar riff and had penned a couple of variations of the song. When I took it to the producer (and artist in the same name) Rico he got it; he could feel what I wanted to put across. We did a fifteen-hour session. It was a cold, dark Christmas night and we ripped it apart and put it back together again.

It’s not a blow-by-blow true story but certainly relatable. It’s kind of about admitting that you're sabotaging a relationship -  it’s not my story but it’s a narrative I've certainly danced with on more than one occasion. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Frank To (who designed the artwork for I Am Fire)

Can you tell me about the cover art for the single and how that was put together?

An old school acquaintance was making incredible artwork and he is being hailed as one of Scotland's most exciting contemporary artists. In his current work and the piece he did for I Am Fire, he manipulates and sets fire to gunpowder. It's really special! 

The E.P., A Little While More, is out. Do you think there are particular themes and stories that go into the songs?

It’s all true in one way or another... 

I wanted the songs to create a mood rather than just the words painting a picture. It's important to me that music is emotionally tangible. I worked really hard on that and really hope it comes across.

Is there a song from the E.P. that stands as a favourite? Which tracks means the most? 

Hmmm; not really. Although, if you had a gun to my head: I Am Fire is my favourite to play; Chase the Devil is my favourite to sing and A Little While More is my favourite to hear back. 

Do you recall when music came into your life? Was there a moment or artist that lit that fuse?

My dad plays classical Spanish guitar. I have memories of sitting by his feet watching him play things like Suite Española No. 5 Asturias. This passion for Spanish and Latin American guitar was passed down from his father. I’ve inherited the most phenomenal record collection and I’m very much influenced by it. 

I was a teenager in the '90s; I was into all the typical grungy stuff – Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Alice in Chains. I'm not sure who lit what to be honest…

PHOTO CREDIT: Jimi Rae

The moment that lit the fuse for this particular project I can actually pinpoint. It was seeing a music and dance collaboration between Nitin  Sawhney and Akram Khan. I was so blown away, I came out of the theatre and said: “I want to do that”. That’s when I started working with dancers and started creating 'atmospheric' music. It was the beginning of SEIL LIEN. 

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

I’m playing at the Hope and Anchor in Islington on 18th July and I’m very privileged to be opening for Sylvain Sylvain from the New York Dolls at his book launch in Glasgow and Edinburgh on 26th and 27th July respectively. 

IN THIS PHOTO: SEIL LIEN at Bush Hall supporting Sophie Barker (Zero 7 singer) 

Is the stage the place you feel the strongest and most free? How important is it being up there and performing to the crowd?

Ha, well. I was always a reluctant performer: I’m naturally shy but the need is greater; it’s the strangest thing and I’m sure that’s a common story in the history of performers. I dropped out of art school so had to find another artform to express myself….

I didn’t really think about the consequences until the love for songwriting was greater than my fear of the stage. It's a pretty special way to connect with people, which is ultimately why you do it...so, very important!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I want the album to come out and for the people who get it to have the opportunity to get it and then we can all hook up and have a…party? 

IN THIS IMAGE: The limited edition version of the single is available here

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

Getting the funding from Creative Scotland to make the record. I felt free!  

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

Nick Cave - and vodka martinis.

IN THIS PHOTO: SEIL LIEN and band setting up at the National Portrait Gallery, London/PHOTO CREDIT: Talya Jacoby

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Find your voice, get a mentor and carve your own path.

Some years ago, dealing with different commercial producers and major labels, I was always told to try and write ‘happy tunes'....which I'm not very good at! One of these times, I went to Rico and he said something that has always stayed with me and influenced a lot of my later choices: “Everyone. Everyone gets spat out the other side. The most important thing is that you can live with what you put out into the world. That you can look back and be proud of whatever happens”…

For me, that nailed it. Integrity is everything and, if no one likes it, so fuc*ing what. You made a bit of art that was good for you at the time...

Hey; well done you!

IN THIS PHOTO: La Luz/PHOTO CREDIT: @sub_lation

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Well; it’s probably not new but it was new to me. I was painting in my studio the other day, the sun was streaming through the window and it came on BBC Radio 6 Music: La Luz - California Finally. It was perfect: I wanted it to last for at least ten minutes. 

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

When you work in the arts, it’s tricky because it’s not a job you can put away at 6 P.M. and go home - and now you have to smear your every move over the socials it’s now even harder to separate your home life from your ‘work’. In the moments in-between, I walk my dog; I paint, I sketch; I write, I listen to records... 

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).

Well. The sun's still shining and I'm off to the studio so, hey, La Luz - California Finally!

_____________

Follow SEIL LIEN

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SEILLIEN/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/seillien/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/seillien/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vnIDDh2dkk3RRGtQuluYQ?si=m-pZZ3hURrqt7O19LbINQQ

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFWvsgZ5eUcRlC3Tx-DuIDQ

INTERVIEW: Caplin & Massiah

INTERVIEW:

Caplin & Massiah

___________

BEFORE I wrap up the day’s work…

I have been speaking with Zeeteah Massiah and Paul Caplin of Calplin & Massiah. They have been telling me about their formation and the anti-Trump message behind All You – I ask them about Donald Trump and how they feel about his state visit to the U.K.

The duo reveals whether more material is coming and if touring is a possibility; the sort of sounds that influence their music; which new artists we should get behind – they each end the interview by selecting a song.

____________

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

Hi! Our week has been exciting but a little exhausting as we race to get our new video ready.

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

We are Zeeteah Massiah and Paul Caplin; a husband-and-wife musical partnership. We’ve made two Zeeteah Massiah albums together and we’re now releasing our first track together as a duo, Caplin & Massiah.

How did Caplin & Massiah get together? When did you find one another?

We first met in 2005 when we were both visiting the same person in hospital. Zeeteah was living in Germany at the time but we kept in touch and over the next few years, our friendship grew into a romantic and musical partnership.

All You is your new single. I believe there is a strong anti-Donald Trump message. Was there a particular speech/moment from him that influenced the song?

Like so many people, we used to regard Trump as a joke, just a buffoon. As his campaign for the presidency gathered momentum and he gained in confidence, we began to be alarmed by the things he was saying and the popular support he was attracting. Now, as our song says, we don’t think it’s funny anymore. Paul says: “If there was one single turning point for me, it might have been the notorious and nauseating video clip of him mocking a disabled reporter”.

He is coming to see us in the U.K. on a state visit. Do you think he will be met with a lot of fury and protest? How do you think he is changing/affecting the world right now?

Major protests have already been organized around the country, including a huge march in London. It’s reassuring that people perceive the danger to all of us of allowing people like Trump to gain political power and are willing to do something to make their feelings known. How is Trump changing the world right now? He’s dragging the global economy down and sabotaging people’s sense of right and wrong, true and false.

Will there be more music from you in the coming months? What are you working on?

Zeeteah performs regularly at clubs around London. Catch her if you can! We’re preparing an album of her live performances and writing new Caplin & Massiah tracks. More soon!

I get splashes of Bajan and Reggae in your sounds. Can you give me an idea of the music you both grew up around?

Zeeteah was born in Barbados and grew up with Calypso and Reggae. As a teenager in London, Paul was into everything from Mozart to Psychedelic Rock. The two of us have been through so many stages of musical development and enjoyed so many different musical styles. We love it all.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Our immediate goal is to promote our new single, All You, and the message behind it. After that, Zeeteah’s live album and new Caplin & Massiah tracks.

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

We both have so many…but:

Paul: Going from zero to famous overnight with Haysi Fantayzee - and the first time I wrote a song for Zeeteah.

Zeeteah: Singing with Tom Jones on a world tour. It was one long, crazy party (and what we’re doing now).

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

Zeeteah wins this one: Shirley Bassey. Tthe rider is that they get to sing a duet.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

All that matters in music is what you feel when you hear it. Make people feel.

Where can we see you play? Do you have any gigs approaching?

Zeeteah has lots of live shows coming up. Just google ‘Zeeteah gigs’.

How does your live set usually unravel? Will you be playing new album tracks or dipping into your past work for upcoming gigs?

‘Unravel’? Hopefully, it doesn’t do that…

Zeeteah’s live shows cover a huge range of music, including our albums and classics that she loves. Caplin & Massiah is mainly a studio project but we’ll be planning live shows once we’ve finished our first album.

Is it important getting on stage and putting your music to the people? What kind of buzz do you get?

Zeeteah: it’s absolutely my favourite thing.

Paul: I’m happiest in the studio - but watching Zeeteah perform is absolutely MY favourite thing.

IN THIS PHOTO: Lady Leshurr

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Lady Leshurr; Sherrie Silver (dancer) and Laurence Jones.

IN THIS PHOTO: Laurence Jones

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

Not at the moment! But, in general, we make plenty of time to relax. We’ve just moved out of London and it’s so easy to chill in our new home in the country.

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).

Zeeteah: Bonnie Raitt - Something to Talk About

Paul: Nina Simone - I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free

_____________

Follow Caplin & Massiah

Official:

https://www.caplinmassiah.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/caplinmassiah/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Caplin_Massiah

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5hjDTZFUG5sG7op3lW8YgV?si=uUbc6znRQVSmSyKZ8g6yvg

FEATURE: Shaking Rumps, Rebellious Parties and Brass Monkeys: The Beastie Boys and Me

FEATURE:

 

Shaking Rumps, Rebellious Parties and Brass Monkeys    

IN THIS PHOTO: The Beastie Boys/PHOTO CREDIT: Glen E. Friedman 

The Beastie Boys and Me

__________

EVERY one of us can recall…

the sounds and albums that struck our ears at a very young age. We might not be able to locate that first moment; when music stuck in the mind and the world seemed like a much more interesting place! I can recall the sort of music I was listening to when I was in primary-school but, by the early-1990s, there was this strange, awesome force of nature: the Beastie Boys. I first discovered them when the band’s album, Check Your Head, was released in 1992. The album – the third from the clan – was met with critical praise and acceptance. There were some who felt the vastness of the cross-pollination was, at times, confusing – they admired the ingenuity and boldness. Stormers like Gratitude and Jimmy James were atom bomb-sized mindblows that sounded unlike anything else I had ever heard. My only exposure to Hip-Hop and Rap at that time was with the likes of Arrested Development and De La Soul – two U.S. outfits that were more ‘Flower Power’ and peaceful in their mantras. They combined wit and humanist outlook with something less controversial and more colourful. I would be greeted with the opposite end of the spectrum a bit later down the line: Public Enemy, N.W.A. and their ilk would open my eyes in a very different way! Check Your Head fascinated me because of its sheer number of tracks (twenty) and the fact it possessed economy – there were short numbers and no song really drags.  

After having something genuinely thrilling to talk about in the playground; I went back and ‘caught up’ on the Beastie Boys. Their 1986 debut, Licensed to Ill, contained their hits, Fight for Your Right and Brass Monkey – stone-cold classics that could be chanted, sung and hummed without too much disciplinary backlash! Paul’s Boutique – the 1989 masterpiece that, at first, divided critics – seemed to suggest what Check Your Head would be but, in a way, reached further than any Beastie Boys album. It remains untouchable and, when I heard it around age eleven, I could not believe all these samples and sounds fusing together to create something cinematic, biblical and head-melting. I still get the same feelings and effects at the age of thirty-five. The reason I am bringing up the Beastie Boys’ work now is that their memoir, Beastie Boys Book, is out on 30th October:

“A description on the Beastie Boys’ website called Beastie Boys Book as “a panoramic experience” and “a book as unique as the band itself.” It will cover the entirety of the group’s career, “revealing and very funny accounts of their transition from teenage punks to budding rappers; their early collaboration with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin; the almost impossible-to-fathom overnight success of their debut studio album Licensed to Ill; that album’s messy fallout; their break with Def Jam, move to Los Angeles, and rebirth as musicians and social activists, with the genre-defying masterpiece Paul’s Boutique.” No doubt the book will also touch on the Beastie Boys’ later years, including the tragic death of MCA in 2012”.

I will be rushing out to get it for a couple of reasons: the fact the band is, sadly, without all of their founding members makes me wonder how they address the death of MCA (Adam Yauch). I wonder, too, whether new material will come in the future – is it possible to have a Beastie Boys record without Yauch?! Michael ‘Mike D’ Diamond and Adam ‘Ad-Roc’ Horovitz would be able to capture some of the spirit - but I wonder whether there would be a very discernible and noticeable gap?! (More on that later). Anyway…back to my experiences. Growing up in school meant inevitable discussion of Pop titans like Michael Jackson and Prince (bit of Soul and Funk in there) and, by the early-1990s, we had Grunge and Britpop coming in – the former died, I’d say, when Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) did in 1994; the latter sort of peaked a year later. There was that inevitable class-clash of Oasis (northern, working-class) and Blur (southern, lower-middle-class) and the styles each possessed – the more empathic, weed-infused togetherness of Oasis (that would be more coke-fuelled by 1997’s Be Here Now) and the cerebral, anthemic sounds that were always more Pop than Rock. Beastie Boys were the illicit and thrilling conversation that would bounce between buddies and newly-initiated – they were an American band and, at a time when British sounds were celebrated; it was almost taboo to mention a U.S. group with such passion!

Ill Communication and Hello Nasty (1994 and 1998) were the two albums when my love was cemented and indelible. The former record was not as lauded as previous efforts but, with the mighty Sabotage among its twenty tracks; who could resist the empathic and exhilarating song?! Its video, too – at a time when MTV was a thing and videos could only be seen on T.V. – raised plenty of laughs and school-yard parody. Gone (almost) were the samples and heavy use of older material: the boys brought more live instruments to the party and, whilst more organic in feel; the record still had that kaleidoscopic and cut-and-paste feel. Music at that time, from my experience, was a lot different to what the Beasties were serving up. Grunge was introverted and, at times, bleak whilst the Britpop shakers – throw Suede and Pulp into the blender! – were talking about their modern lives and the adventures, joys and missteps of existence. Beastie Boys went outside the nucleus and introduced people like me (and my chums) a side of America – and, for that matter, the world – we had never seen. From the early days (Beasties) of fighting for their right to party; the band were talking about strange characters, throwing in impressions, jokes and samples. It was more street-tough than the British alternative and, at the same time, seemed like a cooler and more elicit taste.

Almost like looking through the slat at a neighbourhood speakeasy: me and my clique knew the password and, as such, were welcomed into this heady and delirious world. Beastie Boys stood in the middle of the fire of Public Enemy and N.W.A. – black groups who were concerned with police violence, social injustice and discriminatory leaders – and the ‘ice’ of De La Soul and Arrested Development – an ethos that promoted coolness, fun and greater harmony. I am not suggesting Beastie Boys are/were the ‘warm water’ – although, if one stuck their hand into the Beastie Boys trough they’d pee themselves (I’ll drop the metaphor!). Regardless: the mid/late-1990s was a time of transition, discovery and growing up, for me. I was moving through high-school and, with it, the first tastes of what it was to be an adult. Holding my hand and keeping me company was the music of the Beastie Boys. One of my fondest memories of their music was listening to Intergalactic (Hello Nasty) in a school mate's, Stefan, bedroom. The window was open, the sun was shining and a game of footie was imminent – the pheromones of an enduring five-a-side swept through the neighbourhood like the smell of doughnuts at a fat camp! That song was the tip of an iceberg that combined Latin wiggle (Song for Junior) and Longue-Pop (Song for the Man). Intergalactic was the city-stomping, machine-processed gem that combined a sample from the 1985 film, The Toxic Avenger (as adapted from Rimsky-Korsakov’s arrangement of Mussorgsky’s A Night on Bald Mountain) and a sound effect one can trace to Resonator from the 1986 film, From Beyond.

The fact a single song could combine such disparate and unusual sources shows how far ahead of their time they were. Their eclectic and scattershot (in terms of sounds) albums made me look more closely at music and compositions. It was not only about big choruses, familiar tableaus and the sounds of the top-forty: now, as adolescence academic took a big grab of the testicles; Beastie Boys were there ensure I got through things and strode on. I can trace my discovery and passion for music to the likes of Kate Bush (a true icon of mine) and The Beatles. Beastie Boys was my first real taste of American music: something far away from the scents and sights I was raised on and grew up around. If song titles like The Negotiation Limerick File (Hello Nasty) didn’t provoke further investigation then I/we knew you weren’t that cool. I had a lot of love for the chart-approved sounds but the Beastie Boys were the cool boys bringing beer to the bike sheds and cracking awesome jokes – it was a wonderful experience, indeed. The 1998-released record was the end of the ‘traditional’ Beastie Boys sound. I often associate To the 5 Boroughs as a new era and phase. Not only was it the first Beastie Boys album to be released in the twenty-first century (2004) but it came after a six-year gap (the longest between any Beasties album). Songs like Ch-Check It Out and An Open Letter to NYC harked back to the earlier, innocent sound of the band and led many to proclaim (To the 5 Boroughs) the most complete and stunning album since 1989’s Paul’s Boutique.

IN THIS PHOTO: Adam 'MCA' Yauch

2007’s The Mix-Up and Hot Sauce Committee Part Two (what happened to the first part, you may wonder!) fared pretty well – the latter especially so; considering the cancer diagnosis delivered to MCA, it is amazing it got made at all. In fact, the reason there is no ‘part one’ is that of Adam Yauch’s cancer diagnosis. The band shelved the planned Hot Sauce Committee Part One and released Hot Sauce Committee Part Two instead – they were going to do a two-disc release but, following Yauch’s death in 2012, that was scrapped. I was five days shy of twenty-nine when MCA died and it felt like losing a long-term friend. It was a heartbreaking moment and I can only imagine how much shock and loss there was in the Beastie Boys camp. It was, to them, like losing a brother: the much-praised Hot Sauce Committee Part Two had a bittersweet quality. The boys were on top form and it seemed like they were producing the most exciting and natural work since their inception. Yauch’s death, aged forty-seven, was the last time I truly listened to the Beastie Boys. I felt things were over and it was a long time before I even heard one of their songs. The reason I have got back into them in a big way goes beyond the forthcoming memoir. I am, sure, fascinated to see what the surviving members have to say and get an idea of how Beastie Boys formed and how influential New York was in the 1980s.

Mike D and Ad-Rock have promised not to perform under the banner of Beastie Boys out of respect for MCA – one wonders if that means both artists will cease recording altogether. Although it is sad we will never get another Beastie Boys album; the fact they enjoyed four decades of fun, success and brotherhood is a huge achievement! Not many artists in this day and age can boast that longevity and sense of meaning – there is nobody quite like Beastie Boys. It is the fact Beastie Boys are unique and blew open the doors of Hip-Hop. From touring with Madonna (1985) and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (only a month before Adam Yauch died); it was a wild and amazing time that changed the world. It is a shame there is nobody like Beastie Boys out there in the world: maybe they were this celestial one-off that laid such a benchmark that nobody could legitimately follow it! I am pumped to get their memoir in my hand and bring back some tremendous memories. I have recovered from the gloom that filled my heart following MCA’s death in 2012 and (am) finding endless pleasure in spinning Beastie Boys L.P.s to my heart’s content. Right now, Ill Communication and Check Your Head are top of the pile – Paul’s Boutique is never far away and always there if I need an instant blast of gratification. If you are unaware of the Beastie Boys – or have been a bit neglectful regarding their albums and what they mean – I urge you to get back into the swing and let their music do its work. A perfect afternoon would be listening to their albums and laughing, cheering and singing at the embarrassing riches that come forth. Whilst one of its founding brothers has departed the world; it is clear the spirit and genius of Beastie Boys will live on…

PHOTO CREDIT: Lynn Goldsmith

FOR generations to come!

_______________

The Beastie Boys’ memoir, Beastie Boys Book, is available from 30th October through Spiegel & Grau/Random House

ALL PHOTOS (unless credited otherwise): Getty Images/Associated Press

INTERVIEW: Megan Airlie

INTERVIEW:

ALL PHOTOS (unless credited otherwise): Beth Chalmers Photography 

Megan Airlie

___________

I have been talking with Megan Airlie…

about her incredible new single, Honey, and what its story is. Airlie discusses classic singers and how they influence her; whether the scene in Glasgow, her hometown, has a great scene; which new acts we should get behind – she tells me whether Pop music, in her mind, has lost some of its depth and soul.

Airlie shares some favourite memories from music and reveals her ambitions for the remainder of the year; whether she gets much time to unwind away from music – she ends the interview by picking a song I had never heard before.

____________

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

Great! Resting this week after the week previous - because I was playing XpoNorth and TRNSMT festival.

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

I’m a twenty-four-year-old singer-songwriter from Glasgow. I take a lot of influence from Jazz, Blues; Folk, Soul and anything I can dance to. You can find me playing solo or backed by a wonderful band. Some of them I’ve been playing with for a long time - which always makes for an electric show.

Honey is your new single. Can you tell me the story behind the song?

It was written five years ago now. It’s an easy breezy love song that was sparked out of a relationship I had. It denotes a more innocent time where you are totally engrossed by a new love and you want to spend every minute with them. In reality, the relationship itself was not all sunshine - which is why wanted to elude darker tones in the music video.

It seems to evoke memories of classic singers like Billie Holiday and Judy Garland. Are these artists you are inspired by?

Yes, definitely; especially Judy Garland. I have listened to her from a very young age,

Do you find more beauty and personal possibility taking from older music and the romance of the chanteuse? Do you think modern music lacks true soul and depth?

Pop music, way back when, definitely evokes a more romantic and, it seems, they thought more of what they were trying to say, whereas Pop music today seems less personal and is just a means for dancing and churning out ‘hits’ as fast as possible. However, there is music I feel - not in the charts - that still has the same push of passion and emotion. People still have soul!

Is there going to be more material arriving? What are you working on?

You can expect another single within the next couple of months - and I am currently working on new material to record and release at the end of this summer.

You are seen as one of the best new singers coming out of Scotland. Do you think the country gets the attention it deserves? What is the music scene like where you are?

Being Scottish, I have the internal pride in being so. So, yes, I always feel it deserves more attention, not just in music. The music scene is vibrant and bursting out the seams. Glasgow, in particular, you can walk down one street and hear multiple different types of bands playing. The scene itself in Glasgow seems to be quite cliquey, as if you have to earn your stripes before being accepted, but it is a warm environment to be in, mostly.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Beth Chalmer

Which artists and albums did you fall for growing up? When did music come into your life?

Michael Jackson’s Bad, Fiona Apple’s Tidal; Reuben’s 3 and Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions

There was always music around; from the Britpop and Punk my dad listened to; to the '90s Grunge and Alternative scene my aunt was a part of. I would always be listening to noughties and '90s R&B on the music channels. I started playing the saxophone when I was twelve and then started to take singing seriously when I was seventeen.

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

To have a solid record in the works and to get some good support slots.

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

Probably getting the opportunity to play XpoNorth this year with my band behind me. People were so lovely and responsive and I made a lot of contacts. I kept thinking: ‘Yep; this is definitely what I’m meant to be doing’.

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

Fiona Apple, for sure.

Rider: ideally, this would be good coffee and a bottle of red wine.

Can we see you on the road at all? What tour dates are coming up?

Currently, no tour planned but, hopefully, that (touring) will happen in the near-future.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Stick at it. If you’re enjoying what you’re doing then the likelihood is someone else will do.

IN THIS PHOTO: Harry & The Hendersons

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Harry & The Hendersons and Russell Stewart - both Glasgow-based, Scottish artists.

IN THIS PHOTO: Russell Stewart/PHOTO CREDIT: Delilah Niel Films

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

Doing music is my chill time and escape from normal day to day life. I can’t seem to tire of it. I don’t get enough time to do it as I work a nine-five job.

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).

There’s new music coming out from a Scottish band, Awkward Family Portraits - and their new single, Baby Blue, is out soon

_____________

Follow Megan Airlie

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MeganAirlieMusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/megan_airlie

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mgnairlie/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC221Z0R3vDb8_AMWxUC5U6A

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/meganairliemusic

Spotify:

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