INTERVIEW: HAVVK

INTERVIEW:

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HAVVK

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THE brilliant HAVVK…

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have been telling me about the video for the single, Glass, and what it was like shooting it. I was keen to know how they started life and what we can expect from them going forward – they highlight some artists to look out for and whether they grew up in musical households.

I ask how they spend their time away from music and which albums they each hold dearest; whether they all love being on stage and connecting with the crowd during gigs – they provide some useful advice for artists starting out.

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

Actually, ridiculously productive!

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

We’re Matt, Julie and Sam. We’re an Indie-Grunge band based between Berlin and London.

How did you all get together? When did the band start life?

I had a disastrous first attempt at an open mic in London (in my defence, most people’s first open mic night is pretty bad). Luckily, Matt was working on the desk and encouraged me to come back and fight the nerves. We soon started working on my solo songs together but eventually packed in the acoustic stuff to form a nice new, noisy band. It’s pretty much been getting noisier since then. A couple of years ago, we relocated to Berlin and we’ve been hopping back and forth since then.

The video for your song, Glass, is out. How did the concept come together? What was it like to make the video?

The inspiration is directly drawn from the Pride (rainbow) flag. We released the song in solidarity with the Marriage Equality campaigners in Ireland in 2015. I’m from the West of Ireland and we’d been on tour there in the run-up to the referendum. The video was shot by our good friend and amazing director James Byrne. It was a super-hands-on, D.I.Y. video-shoot that we did right outside Matt’s front door. The actual cut that you see only took about fifteen seconds to shoot in the end. A little bit like the Mirror Maze video, we spent most of our time trying to figure out how to shoot it without ourselves turning up in the reflections!

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Are you working on any new material? Might we expect something new next year?

We are really excited about next year’s releases. Matt’s been producing with Rocky O’ Reilly in Belfast who has worked on some projects that we absolutely love, like And So I Watch You From Afar. I can’t say too much just yet but you’ll know before the year is out.

Did you all grow up in musical households? Which artists did you follow when young?

We all had loads of encouragement growing up to listen to music and try different instruments. We all feel really lucky in that regard. I grew up in the West of Ireland and my earliest memories are of bouncing on my mum’s lap watching my dad play the guitar at trad sessions (still happens, minus the lap bouncing).

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

We are seriously keen to get back on stage. We locked ourselves away a bit during the middle of this year, finishing off tracks and working on other projects outside of the band. We run a label called Veta Records and I recently co-founded a D.I.Y. music initiative called SelfMade which has kicked off pretty quickly - no complaints though! But, I think we’re all really keen to reconnect with our audience - we’ll be announcing some winter live shows pretty soon!

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

Julie: Sleater-Kinney - The Woods

Reason: I think it was the first time I listened to an album and felt a true calling to be in a band.

Matt: Radiohead - OK Computer

Reason: It was the first album that I stayed up past my bedtime listening to on headphones when I was young and introduced me to all sorts of unusual noises and different ways of thinking about music.

Sam: Ministry of Sound Ibiza Club Classics '08

Reason: Carrig lads on tour4lyf!

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

Savages…

On-site twenty-four-hour breakfast chef.

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

It’s all in the works…

Do you all love being on the stage? What is it like travelling between gigs and bonding with one another?

Being on stage is amazing. It’s the part of music with the most risk so, when everything comes to together at a good show, it feels like nothing else. Travelling together is pretty silly - there are a lot of car games and playlists. But, everyone pulls their weight and even though it’s hard work, it’s really rewarding. There’s always a kind of ‘summer camp’ sadness afterwards.

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What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Ask questions. There are so many aspects to a music career that aren’t songwriting and playing, but they pretty much have to get done. Things like planning the timings for a release, getting a website; registering tracks for royalty collection…

Ask other artists about how they’re doing it. Sign up to music groups on Facebook. Buddy-up and go to free industry events and panels. And, also, please know that you are not the only one who is feeling clueless. Sometimes it can feel like all of your peers know exactly what they’re doing and this can be really isolating. Ask questions and you’ll probably find out there are things that you can advise them on in return.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Just Mustard

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Off the top of my head: Just Mustard, Pillow Queens; Party Fears, Pearly; Fangclub, Lprrrds and Scrounge. And our label buddies Dyvr and Maria Kelly whom we love dearly.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Party Fears/PHOTO CREDIT: Nina Agnes

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

We are all the kind of people that fill our ‘spare’ time with extra projects, so I’m gonna say ‘no’, we don’t get that much time to chill. BUT, we do love and believe in everything we do, so it’s worth it. When I have an hour or so, Berlin lakes are my getaway.

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

Pillow Queens – Rat

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INTERVIEW: Nick Lopez

INTERVIEW:

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Nick Lopez

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IT has been cool speaking with Nick Lopez…

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about his new song, Words, and where he heads from here. Lopez reveals when music came into his life and which artists compel him; if there are gigs booked in the diary – he recommends some rising artists that are worth a shout.

Lopez talks about his plans for the remainder of the year and what he would say to artists coming through; if he gets time to relax away from music – he ends the interview with a great song choice.

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

This week has been great! I am currently at my beach house relaxing.

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

I am a Pop artist and songwriter. I write songs about my life in Los Angeles.

Can you talk about the inspiration behind the track, Words? How did it start life?

It’s about a friend who was going through a rough patch in her life and me basically reassuring her that everything was gonna be ok if we just took a spontaneous road trip to get out of L.A.

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

Yes. Probably another single or two before the end of this year!

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

I grew up listening to a lot of Alternative and Soft-Rock music - The Maine; Lifehouse, Train; The Fray etc. I just always had a natural love for music and singing. Once I started playing piano and writing songs I was hooked.

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Is it true you played in front of 5,000 people are a rally at high-school?! Is that when you knew music was what you were meant to do?

Ha. Well more like 2,500. But, yes. I performed an original song at a high-school rally in front of the whole school and the reaction I got made it clear to me that music should be my main focus in life.

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

A few more songs released and, hopefully, some cool collaborations with other artists. I also have been writing songs with groups like Xuitcasecity, my friend Zach from the band A R I Z O N A; gianni & kyle, ASTN; Christian French, Crankdat and more up-and-coming artists. Hopefully, some of those get released too.

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

I always like going to music festivals and watching my friends perform for tens of thousands of people. I hope that one day I can be on the stage like them.

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

Room for Squares by John Mayer is the first album that I really fell in love with. Pioneer by The Maine is probably, through and through, my favorite album of all time. California 37 by Train is also a very great album - especially the songs that weren’t the Pop radio singles.

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

Probably John Mayer. I wouldn’t even be thinking about the rider…

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

Hopefully soon!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t be afraid to write songs for other artists at first. It’s a great way to break into the industry even if you don’t have a big following.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Christian French

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

My favourite new artists at the moment are Christian French and ASTN. Great friends as well.

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IN THIS PHOTO: ASTN

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

I really don’t - which is why I’m stressed all the time. Haha.

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).

Like We Did (Windows Down) by The Maine (smiles)

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INTERVIEW: Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser

INTERVIEW:

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 Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser

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I have been speaking with Ben of Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser…

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and the upcoming album, Quarter Life Crisis. He talks about some of the album’s themes and which song he would choose as a highlight; whether he gets time to chill away from music; which albums are important to him – I ask whether there are tour dates coming up with the band.

The American songwriter talks about his musical growth and his favourite memory from his time so far what he would tell artists emerging - Katzman ends the interview by selecting an interesting cut.

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

My week has been excellent. We’ve been touring through the South in the U.S. We just chilled at Elvis Presley’s house. It was so crazy but they only had one Shredstick (guitar) on display! Did you know he used to eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches cooked in bacon grease? Dude was a party animal.

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

Hey, Hey. I’m Ben Katzman. I’m an Aries raised in Miami Beach, Florida! I really like KISS, ABBA and Mötley Crue. Other things that interest me are the movies Face/Off, Heavyweights and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. I like to talk about cartoons, too, so if you like Aaahhh! Real Monsters we can probably talk for a long time.

Can you talk about Ben Katzman's DeGreaser and how it came together? Is it mainly you in the studio creating the sounds - or do you have a group of people you record and tour with?

DeGreaser is really just the personification of my life through shredding. When I was in high-school, I was forced to play in the school’s production of Grease or the Principal wasn’t going to let me graduate. I kinda realized that I have the same sad-boi/bad-boi complex as Danny Zuko, so DeGreaser is all about me de-Grease-ing from my high-school personality. Haha.

I write and do as much as of the recording and playing as possible. However, I have a rotating cast of best friends who make up my backing band. I always keep it in the crew and try to surround myself with friends I’ve had since I was a little kid. Why not travel the world with your best buds?

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Quarter Life Crisis is forthcoming. The album seems to deal with the struggles of your twenties. Was it quite painful putting those songs together?!

It wasn’t painful putting the songs together: it was more painful to live through the stuff that inspired them. My life is pretty good though but going through life and realizing how things begin to work in the long run is a little depressing. 

With this record, I really just tried to make a positive out of all the continuous bummers I kept going through. As you go through life, you realize you aren’t guaranteed work for your college degree and that some friendships dissipate over time; you lose the comfortability you had as a spunky teenager. You have to redefine what your solid rock is in life. So, this album is really about me trying to shred and re-shred through life!

Do you have a cut from the album that stands as a highlight?

My favourite song to play is a track titled Too Old for Retail. I believe a lot of people in this generation have trouble finding work even when they went to college and got degrees and diplomas. There is no job security in 2018 for most people. So, Too Old for Retail is about realizing you are more than what your job is and you have the power to make that change in your life. Also, retail sucks! You get paid too little to turn your brain off and fold clothes for eight hours.

How do you think your music has evolved and changed since the start of your career?

I think it’s gotten a little funnier. To me, lyrics and guitar solos are pretty important. I just try to turn my diary entries into singalong anthems. I just hope to keep boiling down my experiences into head-banging anthems.

It seems like, with the musicians around you, there is a definite harking back to theatrical Rock and some serious kick! Do you think that is missing from today’s scene?!

I don’t know what is missing from today’s scenes - maybe humility. People don’t rock-out and have a good time just enough. I just know that I started playing music to express myself and have fun. To me, playing music is also sharing an experience with the audience. If flipping my guitar over my head makes people laugh and rock a little harder then, hell yeah. We are all in this show together!

Which artists have been most influential to you? Who do you count as idols?

My biggest overall influences are KISS, ABBA; Mötley Crue, Ramones; Madonna, Happy Jawbone Family Band and John Travolta. I idolize all of them. Sure; some of them have become more business than art but that work ethic and hustle is something to be admired just as much as the art. I’m a big fan of lyrics and guitar solos you can hum on the way home from the show and music that is uplifting and relatable.

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

To melt twice as many faces as I did in 2017 with shredding.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Drew Gibson

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

Living in Boston in 2013/2014. There were so many awesome bands and labels: Guerilla Toss, Fat Creeps; Happy Jawbone Family Band and Krill to name a few. Having these nationally-known bands just shredding basements to a bunch of kids packed in like sardines in a Krusty Krab. It was so cool to just have a million awesome bands shredding as part of a local community that was fully supportive of the art. Shout-out to Feeding Tube Records. That label rules.

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

Boiling it down to three is such a hard question!

Three albums I love though are KISS’ Love Gun Because it features Ace Frehley’s first vocal track and his sickest guitar solo on the song Shock Me! I also love ABBA’s Voulez-Vous is a hard-rocking Disco album with killer riffs, synth lines and harmonies. Some key tracks are As Good as New and the Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) (which was later sampled by Madonna on my favourite Madonna record). Third in the list is this totally sick Krautrock album called Traumreisen by this German shredder Michael Rother! You should put on the deep sea episode of Planet Earth, turn off the audio from the documentary and crank this sick shred album.

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

I’d like to go on one of those retro '80s tours with Men Without Hats, Flock of Seagulls or Tiffany. It would be so sick to support these old shredders who are still rocking hard. P.s. both those bands’ first records rule.

My rider would probably include a Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell; a ton of fruits; a T.V. with the movie Face/Off playing and maybe some good hummus.

Can we see you on tour soon? What dates are coming up?

We are touring the West Coast of the United States in October. We plan on hitting the U.K. before the year is through and we will be shredding the South again in December!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

My only advice is to make your art the most you that you can be. Write lyrics the way you speak; make riffs that reflect your attitude and do it for yourself. If you aren’t having fun or making yourself happy then what is it all about!?

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IN THIS PHOTO: MonoLisa

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There are tons of sick bands out there! Mtvh1n1, Dirty Princess; MonoLisa, Kimmy Gibbler; Lemonade Stand (and the first Mötley Crue record - because you missed it the first time around).

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

Well. My band members are usually my best friends so I don’t think of it as playing music; I think of it as ‘rocking with my friends’. So, if I try to unwind, I just ‘chill with my friends’ instead of rocking with my friends. I like swimming, '90s blockbuster movies and eating fruits.

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

I Like by Men Without Hats is my all-time pump-up jam. If you don’t like that one, I say give Smash Mouth’s Walking on the Sun a second chance. It’s a really good song

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INTERVIEW: Adam Prince King

INTERVIEW:

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ruben M. Angel

 Adam Prince King

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WITH a new single out…

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I have been speaking with Adam King Prince about Saskia and what its story is. He reveals what we can expect from his upcoming E.P. and how music came into his life – King reveals his favourite memory from music so far.

I wanted to know which albums are most important to him and whether we might see any tour dates; how his music has changed and evolved since the early days; if he gets chance to chill away from music – King ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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

I’m Adam Prince King. I am a singer from London and write and produce my own songs. I’m a big fan of David Bowie, the '80s; Kate Bush, Prince and mainly enjoy making music videos (at the moment). I am just finishing up my second E.P. which will be released through Little Assembly later this year.

Saskia is your latest track. What is the story behind the song?

I had the name in my head for a song as I like the way it feels on the tongue - with that I came up with the vocals for the chorus first and the song just rolled out from there...and then I kind of hated the production and abandoned her for a while and then recently fell back in love with her and went back and freshened it up a bit. I think the song is summed up by the lyric “I’m not afraid of anything, with you, I hear the sound of golden mandolins”. It’s a love song, a song of hope I guess. I’m quite a lone wolf in real life.

It is the second single from your upcoming E.P. Are there particular themes and ideas that inspired the music?

The E.P. is probably going to be called Music Man - and the track Music Man is really personal, sad and uplifting at the same time: “The muses took me in, got under my skin/Said: “Boy, go be irregular”/so here I am; I’m a music man”. I think this E.P. feels more like I’m stepping into my personal power as a musician.

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

Music has always been there. the radio was always on in my house blaring out London Greek Radio or a record player playing Cat Stevens…or my older brother’s band practising in the living room. I always wanted to hold the mic and always looked up to the singers in his bands. I loved Motown as a kid and was surrounded by eclectic tastes.

I was a massive fan of the film, Labyrinth - my first introduction to the Holy Bowie. I would watch that and the Return to Oz pretty much every day - and of a Greek singer called Glykeria when I was very young.

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How do you think you have changed and evolved as an artist since your earliest days?

I feel like a different artist because I’m a different human. Things feel less try-hard these days and less angry than some of the music I used to make when I was younger. My lyrics are more vulnerable.

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

I’m feeling honest today; I need to rediscover my confidence for singing live and gigging. I sometimes get into a rut and build up gigs to be the ‘big bad wolf’ (a lot of wolves going on today!).

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

The first time I was played on BBC Radio 1 was pretty special. It was a different project a few years back - I was in my room painting a picture when I found out and had just about decided to throw in the towel…and I think that saved me a little bit.

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

This changes on a regular basis but, today, it’s Joni Mitchell - Blue

Because Joni knows!

Britney Spears – Blackout

Because, from a production point of view, this was completely groundbreaking and ahead of its time - especially for an artist going through a dark period of personal struggle at the time.

Hounds of Love - Kate Bush

Because it’s brilliantly barmy and I love how theatrical it is: “Let me be weak, let me sleep…and dream of sheep”. And Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) is one of the best Pop songs ever written.

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

I’d time-travel back to the late-'70s/'80s and support the Thin White Duke on his world tour.

I’m really nice so I feel like I would need to up my rider game. So, I would ask for a masseuse, a water feature; a shamanic healer to help with my stage fright, watermelon juice; a single shot of single malt whiskey and, fu*k it, I want a white pony dammit!

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

I’m working on finding the courage to get out there and sing in front of people again. Once I’m on stage it’s all go. But, the build-up to a gig gives me major heebie-jeebies.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ruben M. Angel

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

The feeling once you’re in the zone and out of the woods is something else but, at the moment, I’m in a reclusive phase and focusing on studio work and videos. But, I feel it coming and I’m sure I’ll gig a heap next year. It does feel like home and when you are on that stage. It’s like nothing else matters and you are fully present.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Gig! Feel the fear and just gig. Acknowledge the voice that keeps telling you you’re sh*t and still GIG. I’m talking to myself here…

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Do you know what, I’m such a shi*emaster at this. I am currently being aurally complacent and only listening to old music, so someone please send me a playlist of new music to listen to.

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

This week, I’m doing more chilling than working but that’s cos I got ill and kind of the only time I let myself slow down. I do love a box-set, though, and have a penchant for a murder mystery! I do yoga and, recently, I went on an Ayahuasca Retreat - which is definitely not unwinding but that story is for another time...

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).

My inner-child would love to hear David Bowie’s Within You from the Labyrinth soundtrack please, kind sir!

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INTERVIEW: Midnight Embargo

INTERVIEW:

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Midnight Embargo

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I have been chatting with the chaps of Midnight Embargo…

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about their new E.P., 00:00, and what sort of ideas inspired the music. They discuss their formation and whether they each have favourite cuts from their E.P. – I ask whether there are any rising artists we should be aware of and follow.

The guys share favourite music memories and which albums they hold dearest; if there are going to be any gigs coming and what we can expect from their live set; the advice they would give to artists coming through – the band members each select a song to end the interview with.

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

Rob Macpherson (Synth/Vox): Hey. We’re good. Excited. It’s been a packed summer getting these tracks recorded - and now we’re all ready to shout about them.

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

Ha! The obvious question, right?! I love describing other bands. It’s much harder to describe your own stuff...

Well. We’re Midnight Embargo - an Alt-Rock trio. Definitely upbeat. The kind of music you want to get up and move to. But, there’s also some attitude there; an electronic edge to our songs. Mixing Micro-Korgs with guitar riffs. ‘Dark-Disco’ I call it.  

00:00 is your new E.P. What sort of themes and ideas influenced the songwriting throughout?

Mario Rojas (Drums): I think there’s definitely much more of an emotional edge to this E.P. than our first one. On 00:00, one of the main things on my mind is the heartbreak thing. I mean, it’s the title of the first track so I guess it hits you straight off the bat.

Rob was going through a break-up when we were writing the songs, recovering through that and I’ve been going through a slow break-up. It’s tough but definitely been a theme. Rob uses the second-person a lot in his lyrics - talking about ‘you’. Maybe he has someone in mind?

Rob: Yeah, I do that a lot. I guess it adds a bite to the lyrics when I’m on stage and feeling that attitude. That doesn’t mean the songs are about anyone in particular - not every time anyway. Maybe that helps people identify with them while listening.

As Mario said, we’ve been through a lot when writing these songs. The music has been a great way to get through it - that wave of feelings. From feeling strong to angry to vulnerable and out the other end. We’ve all been there, right? I think these songs reflect that.

You recorded the E.P. in Nottingham. Was it a like putting the songs together? Do you each have a standout cut?

Mario: Standout cut was definitely HRTBRK because of how many takes it took and how intricate it is. I love the ending; how the coda switches up. It came together really nicely. Guy (Elderfield, Producer) was really good. He let us really do our thing and didn’t chop up our songs. Maybe we’ve matured and they were good as they were? You tell us.

He gave us a really good sound which we really love. He brought the idea of more produced drums which gave them an electronic edge. We’re quite a hybrid in our sound between live Rock and Electronic. I think that’s a cool sound.

Ian Wybron (Guitar): It’s definitely HRTBRK for me. We kept thinking which song should go first on the E.P. and we wanted to start with our best single. HRTBRK’s got everything.

Rob: The rest of the E.P. definitely shows off our range of influences though. Borderline is a proper 100 M.P.H. rock song. We wanted to capture the energy we give off when playing it live. Burn Your Fires was probably our biggest surprise. We brought it into the studio with one vibe and it came out sounding a hundred times bigger. The vocal harmonies are huge.

How did Midnight Embargo get together? When did the band start life?

Ian: I’m definitely claiming credit for this one, guys. Well; I was ready to start a new project like three/four years ago. I was working with Rob at the time and knew he was into his music too. We got chatting and realised we had some similar interests; got the guitars out and tried a few songs...

But, it wasn’t until we found Mario through a friend of a friend that things really clicked. We didn’t know what to expect for our first practice session. But, we got into this great little rehearsal space in Hoxton called Kafri - really lo-fi but chilled out. We just jammed for three-hours-straight. When it feels right, you just know.

Rob: Yeah; I think we all felt it. Like; that feeling when you’re all about to change mid-song and you do it at the same time without making a big deal of it. Just a little look and BAM, here comes a chorus. We’ve always been at our best when the three of us are just jamming in a room.

We considered a fourth member and tried out a couple of bassists but it never had that connection that we instantly found as a three. We joke that we have probably forgotten more songs than we’ve written. But, the good scraps always find a way of coming back into new projects. 

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In terms of artists and music; what did you all grow up listening to?

Mario: I’ve been through so many phases. I grew up first listening to Pop music like Michael Jackson, stuff like that. Then, into Rock through R.E.M. in the late-'80s and early-'90s; College-Rock in the U.S. I went through a big Metal phase in my teenage years.

Ian: Yeah; me too. I was in a Metal band in school. Luckily, we don’t have the tapes here.

Rob: Obviously, I went through that Nirvana phase as a teen. But, quite quickly found myself drawn to bands where the sounds were as interesting as the songs: The Cooper Temple Clause, Nine Inch Nails; Radiohead. Then some electronic stuff too: LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk. I love hearing sounds I haven’t heard before. 

Do you think there will be touring dates? Can we catch you play?

Ian: So. We just played a couple of summer dates to launch the E.P. Mario is in the U.S. for a few months but, in the meantime, we are lining up some tour dates in the New Year when our intrepid drummer returns. If you add Midnight Embargo on Twitter or Facebook we will announce some dates very soon and hopefully do some gigs around the country. Watch this space.

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What could we expect in terms of your stage show? Is the stage somewhere you all love to be?

Rob: Oh, there’s definitely a side of me that loves getting on that stage and strutting our stuff. Especially when you’re playing your own songs. I put everything into it - which anyone who has given me a sweaty hug after our gig will attest to!

Mario: Anyone that’s seen Rob knows he’s very energetic. Ian and I keep the show on the road and Rob is the frontman. The three of us work evenly on stage. We all love being there.

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

Mario: God. I gotta think about this one...

Maybe Thriller? I know it doesn’t maybe work with being a Rockstar. But, I love that album a lot. One of the more recent albums that totally slays me every time is Funeral by Arcade Fire. Every song is incredible. They use so many instruments to create such haunting melodies.

Ian: Appetite for Destruction by Guns N’ Roses

Despite the fact I play a Strat out of a tweed amp, Slash was/is my guitar idol. Watching him as a kid made me want to learn guitar.

Rob: Musically, I’d have to pick The Fragile by Nine Inch Nails

I must have listened to it a thousand times and I’m still finding new layers in there that sound like nothing else. But, on a more emotional level, I would say Born to Die by Lana Del Rey. The production is amazing but I listened to it so much when dragging myself through a rough patch a few years ago and some of those tracks just cut you open.

There’s a line in one of our songs called Algorhythm where I sing “Now the songs that used to cut in two/They don’t touch me like the way you do”. I always think of Lana when singing that line because her songs can make you cry when you’re struggling but also uplift you once you’re back on your feet.

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

Ian: Can we have two? A good one and a funny one? Our best gig was maybe supporting The Libertines’ John Hassall and his new band at Proud in Camden last summer. That was a great venue and all the bands that night did a great job of filling it. A shame that it shut down. Our funniest memory is definitely a gig we played in Nottingham recently…

Mario: The Spinal Tap gig. Ha!

Ian: Right. It got arranged at short notice while we were up there recording. I’ll spare the name of the venue but they didn’t know a gig was on that evening when we turned up. We had to cobble together kit from all corners. The drums kept collapsing throughout the songs until I started holding it up with my leg. Rob almost electrocuted himself on the microphone because of some dodgy connection…

Rob: Yeah. That wasn’t fun. It’s only after it got sorted that the sound guy told us that people have died on stage that way. 

Ian: Oh…did I mention the pub was basically empty?

Rob: We still had a great time. It doesn’t matter if there are ten or one-hundred - we still love playing our songs.

Mario: On a more serious note; the last gig we just did at The Water Rats will live long in my memory. The culmination of a few years of playing together. Loads of our fans came out and we love how much they support us. We’re used to these thirty-minute sets that get cut short with some promoter trying to keep everyone on schedule and I always want to play more. It was great to play for almost an hour and show off our good energy.

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

Mario: Wow. This is hard. Interpol are back with a new album so they come to mind. The National, certainly. I’d love to play a show with them.

Ian: I’d play with The Black Keys. Our early songs were definitely strongly influenced by them. We even had a ‘Black Keys Ones’ as a working title which ended up becoming ‘BlackList’. I also saw the Dandy Warhols recently in Toronto and thought they were still awesome. That would be a fun gig!

Rob: Yeah. I’m guessing the rider would include a bit more than just blue M&Ms though for that one! I don’t know what we’d demand. Just some burgers, beers and a bottle of tequila? We all need to get a little bit better at being prima donnas.

What advice would you give to artists coming through?

Mario: Just keep practising. More than we get to at least! Don’t have full-time jobs or leave the country for a few months like I have. Ha! Always have something to work towards. Book a gig or a recording session. It’s so much cooler when we’re preparing for something. Let’s just get on with it.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Rob: I would say all the music I discover these days is through Spotify recommending stuff or Shazam-ing tracks on T.V. programmes and in bars. But, that isn’t always new stuff you know? I was in this great bar in Brooklyn recently. All it did was serve meatballs and play '90s Hip-Hop. I basically Shazam-ed a whole playlist over dinner.

Ian: People should definitely hear the two bands who played at our E.P. launch party. Wild Rival are a filthy sounding two-piece worthy of the Royal Blood or Death from Above comparisons. doops have a great new single people should check out.

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IN THIS PHOTO: doops/PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Mo 

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

Mario: Well, yeah, in a way. We all have jobs, so that is time away from the music. But, to relax? I love to travel to new places. Oh…and I love karaoke. Love singing. Is that getting away from music? Who knows…

Rob: I would say I use music as a way of chilling out. Both playing and listening. I’ll happily noodle around on a piano or guitar for ages coming up with new things.

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).

Ian: Thickfreakness from The Black Keys

Mario: Hate to Say I Told You So - The Hives. The driving drums in that song has had such a big influence on my style, even today

Rob: Sad and Lonely - Secret Machines

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INTERVIEW: KayBe

INTERVIEW:

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 KayBe

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THANKS to KayBe…

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PHOTO CREDIT: @premakemyday 

for talking with me about her new single, Love You Naughty, and what its story is. I ask her about the album, Lovesongs, and what it was like producing and working on the songs. She talks about her life in Los Angeles and how she got into music – KayBe reveals her favourite artists and albums.

I wanted to know whether she is touring soon and what advice she would give to artists emerging; what she hopes to achieve before the end of the year; how her diagnosis of pertussis affected her – the songwriter ends the interview by selecting a great song.

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

So great! (Smiles). Thanks! Loving the break from the heat! How has your week been? (Winks).

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

Of course! I am KayBe. I write and sing love songs. I write about real-life feelings, scenarios; instances all with serious, passionate emotions but, really, while hoping to emote a little fun…I have to laugh at my obsessive behavior and feelings sometimes! I write heart on my sleeve lyrics and melodies that move those feelings to life. Outside of music, I love to laugh; listen to jokes, play board games; workout and be with my family.

Love You Naughty is your latest song. Is there a personal story behind the song?

Love You Naughty was a daydream. I RARELY remember my dreams (only nightmares), however… when I’m daydreaming, I seriously space and I remember certain vivid scenes that still come to life when I sing some of these lyrics. When I sing this song and listening to the full-produced track, I literally feel like I am living my own naive, young love; innocent, movie; happy-go-lucky, fairytale; no-worries romance. And that’s exactly how my daydreams were.

The love that people tell you doesn’t REALLY exist, that’s this song…and it does exist!  Not just in daydreams (smiles). I daydreamed my own love for the majority of my life and wrote songs about them with whatever outcome I chose…and now I am living out the songs and the love that I manifested (smiles).

It is from the album, Lovesongs. You produced the record. What was it like working on the songs and seeing them come to life in the studio?

Honestly…it was THE BEST feeling ever. And, going into these sessions, I would literally say to myself: “In a few hours, you’re going to have a sound and a song that no one knew existed”. That is the best part about being a creator! This project actually came about because I was so frustrated sitting on so many songs that only had roots. They had the melody, they had the lyrics; the songs were there but there was no life…and I was waiting around…feeling dependent on someone else who I thought could only bring my music to life.

Then, I literally thought the words ‘And for what? What is all this for if you’re not sharing it with anyone else?’. I was given a voice in music and a voice with words and it was hiding in my books and in-between the walls of my bedroom and so I said: ‘I’m going to produce this music myself…and, besides, no one can no better the sounds that I’m hearing in my head except me’.  And so I produced it and, other than my mixer, the first time anyone’s heard these tracks is the day that they’re released.

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Literally, creating something from nothing; brand-new. I’m like: ‘Let’s see what I can do today!’ Knowledge and creativity is power and it’s important to realize your strengths, talk yourself up; be proud of your offerings and let your gifts come to life so that you can continue to keep giving!

But, as far as production; I’ve NEVER done this before! That thought inhibited me for years. I was telling myself I wasn’t a producer because I’d never done it and I’d never had lessons, or taken classes or anything of the sort. But, once I broke through that fallacy production was so fun! And, honestly, for this being my first project…I am actually thankful that I went into it with no guidelines, teachings or anything because I got to start with a blank canvas: no preconceived rules or notions. There was no such thing as right or wrong or technicalities or anything. If it sounded good that was it. 

After having produced fourteen tracks, I have learned so much and improved throughout the making of this record which has inspired me to learn and actually research into certain techniques because I have the taste now and I want to get better and learn more about the art. So, we’ll see what happens next time on my next project! (Winks).

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You were raised on Country music and grew up around a lot of great stuff. When did music come into your life and which artists do you view as most important?

Yes, I was! (Smiles). I loved LeAnn Rimes and Shania Twain. I feel like I learned to belt from LeAnn and Shania’s songs were my favorite! I think her songwriting and down-to-earth lyrics and playful vibe really inspired me. But, I have to talk about Whitney Houston and Celine Dion because I always listened to them too - and I think those classic love songs really moved me to be such a hopeless, passionate romantic which you also hear in my songs as well.

I also was a dancer for twelve years and that aspect of my life was crazy-important too because there is definitely something about a song that can not only move your soul but move your body as well. Not all of them have to do both, but I think both elements are absolutely crucial to have in your repertoire. Sometimes, it’s important to take ourselves seriously; be in our feelings and hearts - and other times it’s just about letting go and shaking your body. No one artist or element is more important than the other because each different inspiration that I take from the greats around me helps influence and mould me into the unique, multi-elemental musician I am today (smiles).

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Starting life in St. Louis; you are now based in Los Angeles. How have you adapted to the changing landscape?! Do you find you’re taking in new sounds and sources of inspiration?

Ummmm…yes it feels like I am on a completely different planet. Haha. The cultures and lifestyles are so different but I am thankful for both worlds. I love St. Louis and it was a great place for me to grow up and I love Los Angeles now and it’s a great place for me to be now pursuing my music and playing and singing around town. But, that’s not to say things don’t change in the future. Wherever life takes me or calls me, I want to go. I feel like I’ve done the most growing as a person and definitely as an artist in Los Angeles.

I’ve just learned a lot about life and myself and I feel like I’ve really come into everything that I was meant to be (and still am). It’s great that I feel like I’m living that uninhibitedly. In L.A., I have learned to take more risks and to not be afraid to be myself…and I am constantly presented with wonderful music opportunities. It’s a real treasure to be surrounded by so many other crazy-talented musical people in this little hub on the planet!

You were diagnosed with pertussis years ago - and that affected your vocal chords. Did you feel that would end your music career?! How have you adapted since then?

To be completely honest: no, I didn’t. It was even a thought EVER that I would stop singing but it was sooooo frustrating I was in high-school and there was NO time to stop and think. Maybe I should really, really take some time off and care for my voice because I never really wanted to believe that the damage was that serious. So, I continued in three-four choirs. I was a cheerleader and a social butterfly and my chords never healed and I tried to push them and push them through everything else I was doing and it was a vicious cycle. After years, it became the normal and I remember thinking to myself all the time: ‘What is wrong with me!?  Why can’t I do so effortlessly what I used to be able to do without thinking?’

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PHOTO CREDIT: @premakemyday

They were so fragile; the littlest things would affect how I sounded and everything was just a vicious cycle. I felt like an injured athlete on the sidelines watching everyone else do what I knew I could do too. Then I started getting NERVOUS before performances - which I NEVER used to do - and that seriously affected me and my mentality and my overall performance, of course. I would get nervous cus I didn’t know what was going to happen. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to sing as well I had or if I could hit all the notes or what would happen with my voice.

I became so much more critical of myself, which wasn’t a good thing either. Then, all of a sudden, years later…I was taking better care of my voice and I was training it again, properly; giving it love and working it out like a muscle and giving it rest when it asked for. Then, I started improving again instead of moving backwards. Songs that I couldn’t sing three months prior on the radio were all of a sudden effortless and then things kept going. The songs I wrote three/four years ago are different than the songs I’m writing now because my range keeps improving again. I will ALWAYS put my health and my vocal chords as a top priority. It’s so important to take time off if needed and to take the extra time to care for myself. My body is my instrument - and it’s the only one I have!

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

Make more music! Play more shows! Sing, sing, sing! I just have been thinking about my life more from a bird’s-eye view lately. I just want to look back at myself and know that I tried my hardest and took all the opportunities I could! If there’s an opportunity to play, to sing, to dance, to write then I’m going to do it. Of course; I hope my music reaches as many people that want to hear it and as many people as it will move. But, I also know that it already has too (smiles). I’m thankful for my success; I aim to keep moving forward and growing and as long as there is a space. I want to sing every chance I can get.

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

Honestly, when I play live - every single time - I get so high and feel so good. Like I was made for something and that I have purpose, value and I am living it. Some shows over others hit me harder, but seriously, live music is the best. You’re there with people. You’re feeling and singing the lyrics and the emotions yourself but you’re sharing that with people on a live, real intimate level…right there! Together!

Music is universal and it’s a connection with others that feel you, have felt you; know you and your experiences feelings and thoughts, which is what being a human and what this life is all about. It’s instant gratification. You see the room of people connecting, feeling and enjoying what you’re putting out there. It’s totally awesome.

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

…Baby One More Time - Britney Spears

She was the female Pop Icon of my time. I’m pretty sure I made up a music video for every one of those songs in front of my mirror. Honestly; that’s some good, classic Pop and those songs still hold up today (smiles).

Thriller - Michael Jackson

Obviously. Everybody knows why...

No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems - Kenny Chesney

I played this album over and over and OVER again and it included the mega Country hit The Good Stuff. That was, honestly, the first song that made me look inside myself and say: ‘I want to write songs too’. That was the album I listened to as a wannabe songwriter. I started analyzing lyrics because they moved me on some level in every emotion and I knew I wanted to be the one writing those!

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

I'm so into Ariana Grande right now - and her new music is great.  I would love to open for her. All I would require is gummy bears in my dressing room and a comfortable place to sleep (smiles).

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

Yes! West Coast dates coming so soon! In and out of L.A., so stay tuned! I also plan to travel back to the Midwest and play a bit in my hometown St. Louis! Look out (smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t give up and have faith in yourself. If you like what you’re doing and you believe in it, then you’re doing it. Also; remember what’s important and do it because you love it and it means something. There are a lot of fallacies and myths about what matters and what makes you a good artist; like what your numbers are; your following and money…but that’s not true. Good music is what’s important, so stay true to that and to you.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Jaqueline Justice/LOGO DESIGN: Jessica Yohn 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

To be honest, I’ve been listening to Ariana Grande’s new album for the last two weeks. Haha But, I did recently see Roots of a Rebellion on their West Coast tour in L.A. They’re a Reggae band based out of Nashville and their show was so much fun! Great lyrics, great vibes and great music!

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

When I’m doing music then that is my chill time! It’s what I’d rather be doing above all else. But, I love working out. It feels so good. I love hiking (because I live in L.A. and everyone does (laughs). I love exploring and eating my way through new, local restaurants and I love board games and puzzles. I’ve also watched The Office thousands of times while doing crosswords and sudokus. Also; I’m into the new Castle Rock Stephen King show on Hulu!

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).

Yay! Haha. I think you should play In My Feelings by Drake…cus he does shout-out KayBe (smiles).

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INTERVIEW: Amongst Echoes

INTERVIEW:

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Amongst Echoes

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THE guys of Amongst Echoes…

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have been speaking with me about their debut single, Daylight Robbery, and what they have planned coming up. I wanted to know what sort of music/sounds they respond to and who they count as influences – they select some rising artists we need to follow.

The chaps discuss how they got together and what the scene is like up in Newcastle upon Tyne; how they chill away from music; if they have any advice for artists coming through – they each select a song to end the interview with.

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

It’s been good, thanks!

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

We are Amongst Echoes. We’re a five-piece Indie/Rock band based primarily in Newcastle upon Tyne. We hope to make an impression and that our music can make you move, even if it’s just a little bit. Essentially, we’re a group of friends with a varying musical influence so when we start to change things up a bit; we think you’re going to like what you hear.

How did Amongst Echoes get together? Were you all friends from way back?

We mainly just knew each other from school/social gatherings; naturally, this lead to more gatherings and furthermore discussion of music and, from this, the idea of a band was spurred. Later down the line, we met Kegan through university and began recording our first single.

Daylight Robbery is your debut single. Can you reveal the story and meaning behind the song?

The track is basically set in the scenario of a social gathering, carrying a juxtaposed theme - a robbery ‘of’ daylight rather than a robbery ‘in’ daylight.

You worked with Connor Sweeney on the song. As a producer, what did he bring to the mix?

Connor is a good friend of ours and has assisted some of us in various other projects. Him helping produce the track introduced new creative ideas, taking the original demos and turning them into something we never could have anticipated. For any band wanting a recording sorted for any type of genre, we would highly recommend him for it.

Do you think you might have an E.P. out next year – or are you going to tour the single and let it settle in?

More music is coming. We can’t give much information away at this point but there are plans being put in place for a follow-up to the single. We don’t know when just yet but it will happen. No plans have been talked about for touring the single but we will be popping up around various venues across Newcastle and Yorkshire.

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Newcastle upon Tyne is where you are based. Is there a pretty good scene out there right now?

The Newcastle scene is ever-so-slowly beginning to pick up more of a feel to the commercial Indie sound. Various promising bands are beginning to emerge, all delivering a competitive image and generally producing great tunes. Which we think is great.

Which artists are you all inspired by? Did you grow up around a lot of different sounds?

We are mainly inspired by the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, The Strokes and The Smiths. The overall sound these bands have put out is insanely captivating and we wanted a piece of it. Maintaining the more commercial aspects of the Indie movement is our current aim.

Do you think there will be touring dates? Can we catch you play?

So far, no tour dates have been confirmed but, for anyone wanting to catch a show, you can find us mainly popping up around Newcastle in the coming months.

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

Sam: The Killers - Hot Fuss

Probably a popular option but, for me, this album is literally timeless and I still haven’t gotten sick of it yet. It was the album that introduced me to indie music.

Luke: Muse - Origin of Symmetry

This album has always been a favourite. It’s the main album that got me into Rock as a kid and, ever since, it’s never died.

Kegan: Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I’m Not

If I had to pick one album it would be this one. It reminds me of my childhood because, being from Sheffield, it’s all anyone would ever listen to. But, also, I love how every song on the album is a banger that everyone knows.

Seb: Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the Way

I could talk for hours about this album but at the core of my love for it is how it inspired me to pick up the bass. Can’t Stop alone solidifies this as my favourite album. However, there is so much more to love - the basslines of Throw Away Your Television and By the Way. They are a sharp contrast to the more emotional and thought-provoking side of Anthony we see in Dosed and I Could Die for You.

Jack: Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

An all-round brilliant album full of all the good stuff. I think we all recognise a song or two from Rumours. At least…that’s what I heard.

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

Sam: In the past, I’ve been lucky enough to play many stages through various other projects. But, a real stepping stone for me was to perform a one-off show in Portugal and make a holiday out of it. Gaining that experience and knowledge really

Luke: I’ve got to agree with Sam on this one. Portugal has been my biggest gig to date and making a holiday out of it just topped it off!

Kegan: Shooting the video for Daylight Robbery was a good memory for me, as it was the first time I hung out with the band as a whole, believe it or not. Up until that point, I had been good friends with Sam and Luke, met Seb briefly and had never met Jack. So, to me, that felt like the start of something big; it felt like we finally had the ball rolling.

Seb: My time studying in Bradford has been a wonderful opportunity for progression with music. There are countless memories I have of practising and gigging. I’ve had the pleasure of playing in such diverse music groups. People from all around the world coming together to create a new shared culture and style. The vision of each member was inspirational and their passion showed every time we performed.

Jack: I always looked up to my older brother as a drummer. In my early days of a playing guitar as a teenager, I went to a practice session with him and a few of his friends. At this point, I realised what fun there was to be had and this sort of set things in motion for me.

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

The Doors, The Killers and Two Door Cinema Club. Would be lethal.

What advice would you give to artists coming through?

Take the influences that you would like to match. Think of ways to develop their current sound to fit your own. Record/produce it to the best of your ability.

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IN THIS PHOTO: The Cheap Thrills

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

The Cheap Thrills, Cassia; Llovers, Post Rome; Courtyards and Kill the Monkey. Much love to those who already follow them.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Cassia

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

We usually just get together at various points to jam demos and throw ideas around for new tracks etc. At the minute, we all kind of go about going our own things until it picks up a bit more.

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).

Kegan (Vocals): Courteeners – Summer

Luke (Drums): Muse - Plug in Baby

Sam (Guitar): The Wombats - Out of My Head

Jack (Guitar): Cassia - 100 Times Over

Seb (Bass): 2Pac (ft. Outlawz) - Hit ‘Em Up

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Follow Amongst Echoes

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FEATURE: Ready, Freddie! Remembering the Incomparable Freddie Mercury

FEATURE:

 

 

Ready, Freddie!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Freddie Mercury at Knebworth in 1986/ALL PHOTOS/IMAGES (unless credited otherwise): Getty Images 

Remembering the Incomparable Freddie Mercury

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TODAY would have been his seventy-second birthday…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Freddie Mercury with Queen at Wembley Stadium on 15th July 1986

and it is amazing to think that, if he were still alive, Freddie Mercury would probably still be making music. He died on 24th November, 1991 aged only forty-five and it was a huge loss to music. I remembering discovering the news and was genuinely shocked. I was not aware Mercury was ill and had AIDS. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, there was less knowledge and conversation regarding AIDS; the mortality rate was higher and many people hid their disease through fear of judgement and hatred. Now, we have come a long way and, in a strange sense, it is people like Freddie Mercury who helped raise awareness. Mercury died of bronchopneumonia – complications of AIDS – and, before he left us, changed the world of music. Tributes are being paid around the world for the Tanzania-born, Queen-helming legend. The frontman once spent time as a baggage handler so, wonderfully, fans have converged to Heathrow and have treated commuters to some dancing and unique showmanship! I guess we are going to see a lot of charming, flamboyant and colourful tributes to a man who, through music, was an explosion of sound and personality! You only need look at a typical Queen video or one of his epic performances – none come bigger and more memorable than Live Aid in 1985 – and you get a sense we will never see the likes of Freddie Mercury again!

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PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/Steve Jennings

My favourite Mercury vocals, oddly, are from two very different albums. His Mr. Bad Guy solo record (released in 1985) spawned the single, Living on My Own. It is the 1993 No More Brothers remix that brought it to my mind – exposing the best of his voice and adding more punch and dance the original! I am hooked by that track and love the way Mercury performs on it. His masterful duet with Montserrat Caballé, Barcelona, is among the finest vocal performances ever! Barcelona is from the 1988 album of the same name and, to me, Mercury is the one who shines. His passion, intensity and skill blow me away. Considering he was paired with an Opera singer and someone used to this kind of challenging song; he takes the bull by the horns and nails it! Those sort of performances were hardly unusual. Look how he duels with David Bowie on Under Pressure! Having those icons trade lines is a match made in Heaven and, yet again, it is the Queen lead who wins that battle. It was not all about power and a gust of hurricane when it came to Mercury. He could do more sophisticated and tender moments – tracks like Love of My Life (from 1975’s A Night at the Opera) are spellbinding in their gentility and raw emotion. Whether powering his voice to space or playfully turning phrases and cheekily winking; there was nobody with the same talents and abilities as Mercury.

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The current Queen lead, Adam Lambert, expressed his concerns regarding taking over from Freddie Mercury:

“Not only did I have to make sure my voice held up and I know all the words. … But it was also the perception of the fans; I definitely had some concerns. This is not my music that I wrote: This is me, as a guest, with one of the greatest rock bands of all time, singing the songs that one of the greatest rock singers of all time brought to life.”

Adam Lambert reveals “concerns” in taking over from Queen’s Freddie Mercury

He also described Mercury as “irreplaceable”.

“There’s no way to compare to him. It was always my hope that audiences would understand that I’m up there just excited to sing great music that everyone knows”, he admitted”.

A forthcoming biopic of Freddie Mercury looks to be promising and, whilst it has been hit with delays and a change of lead actor – Rami Malek plays Mercury – it looks set to be a good representation of his life and music. We shall see how people react when the film, Bohemian Rhapsody, hits screens on 24th October. There will be a lot of new interest in Freddie Mercury and I am excited to see what comes next. Maybe there will be some unearthed songs or we will see album re-releases with bonus tracks?! In any case, so many years after his death, people are still invested in Freddie Mercury and his incredible legacy...

I shall end by talking about the music but we associate Freddie Mercury with his sense of expression and fashion. There were few openly gay musicians during his lifetime and, like other artists, one suspects labels and the press would rather he kept it secret. His sexuality was part of his mystique and magic and his lyrics – regarding confidence and L.G.B.T.Q – are relevant today. There are few gay frontmen/women in music and, those that are, there is often the struggle for attention and recognition. We are in a time when there is a particular ideal of what a mainstream artist should be – sexuality is still a big issue and not something we are close to seeing resolved. I imagine, if Mercury were alive today, he would be championing L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. rights and looking for change in the industry. Listen to his songs and, whether overtly referring to his sexuality or not, there is that overriding message of being yourself, showing your colours and being confident. Whereas Mercury was shy and quietly spoken off of stage; when he was performing and in the studio, a different man came out! Alongside his messages and self-confidence, we have those incredible fashion choices. GQ published a piece that charted his looks and his best outfits. They selected, it is my favourite look of his, his yellow military jacket as a defining look:

“If there’s one fashion element Freddie is best known for today, it is, without a doubt, his yellow military jacket. Having done away with the satin blouses and leather trousers by this point, Freddie instead opted for a minimal look in which one statement piece was the focal point. Instead of going for a military vibe in olive green, or even the sorts of bandsman jackets favoured by Jimi Hendrix, Freddie went with a bright yellow jacket, which, when paired with his oversized belt, gave him the air of a comic book superhero. Behold, the Mighty ’Stache! Gunpowder, gelatine, dynamite with a laser beam, et cetera, et cetera”.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Freddie Mercury with Queen

The man knew his way around a wardrobe and, whether dapper and snazzy in something smart of really glamming it up; Mercury was a true character and icon that did not easily blend into the crowd. I feel modern artists and band leaders need to take from him and embrace their inner-Freddie Mercury. Gone are the days where David Bowie and Bryan Ferry captivated with their unique style. We have modern Pop artists who have a sense of fashion but none that transcend the ordinary and create their own niche. Another reason it is sad Freddie Mercury is no longer with us is because of the energy and excitement he put into music. Whether you are a Queen fan or not; few can argue against the man’s stage presence and voice. Look at the way he commanded the massive audience at Live Aid – getting them all to sing along and clap; no mean feat considering the vast sea of faces! Maybe he was a more reserved person away from the spotlight but, when the music started, he was this animal that was ready to attack! Mr. Fahrenheit was an explosive, red-hot performer who could transfix any crowd and turn in truly spectacular performances. I was only eight when he died so did not have the chance to see him perform live. I would have loved to have caught him strut his stuff and see how those Queen record came to life on the stage!

Queen are that divisive band and some consider their music to be too camp or lacking any real substance. I do not think anyone can deny the gravitas and genius of Freddie Mercury. The reason so many love Queen is because of Freddie Mercury. Could you imagine anyone else performing back in the day?! Adam Lambert does a great job now but one could not have an average or ordinary Pop singer fronting Queen when they formed. In a way, Mercury is the essence of Queen – band members like Brian May helped bring the songs alive but it is that voice we all get drawn to! Maybe there was some drama and tension in the band at times – various biographies and books have revealed some frosty moments and Mercury storming off – but the music shines bright. I am not a huge Queen fan myself but was always interested in them when growing up. Mercury, as a songwriter, could create huge, world-beating songs like Bohemian Rhapsody or something a bit more restrained. Listen to tracks like Bicycle Race, Don’t Stop Me Now and Killer Queen and Mercury steals and defines every eccentric and wonderful word! He brought songs to life and put everything he had into them! I have compiled a ‘best of’ collection of Freddie Mercury-fronted songs that show you his range and incredible talent. Perhaps the songs, at time, were a bit cheesy or odd but that was Queen: never a boring band who was writing the same stuff as everyone else. I love their classic cuts but have a lot of time for their lesser-heard album tracks. At the front was this incredibly charismatic and impressive figure who transformed music.

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Many overlook Mercury as a songwriter but he is responsible for songs like Crazy Little Thing Called Love, One Vision and Bohemian Rhapsody. He could turn a phrase or deliver tongue-in-cheek lines; switching between inspiration and motivational to the slightly peculiar and out-there. You could never accuse his songs of being average and lacking any real personality. All of that left music when Mercury died but, through modern artists emulating his work and style, there are still parts of him in the world. I am delighted he created such magic music and gave us that incredible voice. I am not sure what he would have done to mark today but I imagine he would have taken to social media and delivered something funny. Artists might follow in his footsteps but there is nobody that can touch his brilliance, showmanship and energy. That incredible voice and those great outfits; the temper and tantrums with the humour and the charm – all part of the Freddie Mercury brew! As we remember him on his seventy-second birthday; have a listen to the songs below and watch interviews of him and get a sense of why he remains this unique and enigmatic presence. A contradictory man – quieter and more private to the onstage goliath we know – who brought his special touch to music and made it brighter and more wonderful. He is no longer with us but, with that immense energy and drama still running through the bones of music; it is true that Freddie Mercury could…

NEVER really leave us!

INTERVIEW: DOLLS

INTERVIEW:

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 DOLLS

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JADE and Bel of DOLLS…

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have been telling me about their latest single, Sugar Free, and what we can expect from their Pop the Bubble EP – they reveal some artists we need to get behind and talk about how they found one another.

I wanted to know the sort of music they are driven by and whether there are gigs coming; why they think powerful duos are popular right now; the advice they would give artists emerging – they end the interview by each selecting a track.

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

Jade: Very good. We’ve just been on a holiday to Malaga! (Bel’s hometown)…

Bel: It was really hot and I’m feeling super-relaxed now!

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

Jade: We are DOLLS; a Garage-Grunge-Rock duo (those seem to be genres we tick when people describe us).

Tell me about the single, Sugar Free. What is the story behind the song?

Jade: I came up with the guitar riff and Bel had a sugar-free drink. We were laughing about saying how people are so scared of sugar nowadays and how people get wrapped up with how everything looks in photos and the need to be validated.

Bel: It’s also about how, if you didn’t take a photo of it and upload it on social media, it probably never happened.

It is from the Pop the Bubble EP. Are there personal themes addressed? What sort of thing was influencing the songwriting on the E.P.?

Jade: Mainly just our views on pop culture. Comments on what we saw around us and, basically, taking the piss.

Bel: There are also some references to certain fictional characters…but we won’t give it away. If you read the lyrics closely you’ll probably work it out (winks).

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Was it cool working with Jim Sclavunos on the E.P.? What did he bring to the recordings?

Jade: Yes. So good! He made us really think about the songs and how we played our parts. I think we became a much tighter band because of working with him.

Bel: Completely agree! Jim was fantastic and pushed us to be our best. Also; it was my first time working with a producer who was also an (amazing) drummer, so it was a bit intimidating at first!

How did DOLLS get together? When did you meet?

Jade: We met via the Internet as I was looking for a female drummer at the time. Bel was living in Spain at the time and we got introduced by a mutual friend. We then got on like ‘a house on fire’ and we are still together almost four years later!

Bel: Exactly! I kind of decided to move back to London partly because I was so excited to start playing with Jade!

I am seeing a lot of powerhouse duos emerging right now. Do you think there is a reason for that?!

Jade: It’s a lot easier organising two people than when you have three or four. Also, I feel like you have a really strong bond when there is only two of you. It’s a very intense relationship and you are around each other a lot! I mainly wanted DOLLS to be a duo because I loved the sound me and Bel created. I also felt like a third person might ruin our dynamic.

Bel: I totally agree with Jade. It creates a certain dynamic that you just can’t quite get if you are part of a bigger band. Also, I believe that having ‘less resources’ (i.e. instruments, people and ideas) really pushes you to get very creative and think about playing your usual instrument in a very different way to what you’d normally do in a regular band.

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In terms of artists and music; what did you both grow up listening to?

Jade: I grew up listening to Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin; Wes Montgomery, ABBA, Britney Spears…the list goes on and it is fairly eclectic.

Bel: I grew up mostly on Slipknot, System of a Down; AC/DC, The Beatles; (The Rolling) Stones and cheesy '80s Rock and Glam-Rock… all sorts of that.

Do you think there will be touring dates? Can we catch you play?

Jade: Yep. We are working on that! We have our release show at Rough Trade East on 24th September.

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What could we expect in terms of your stage show? Is the stage somewhere you love being?

Jade: Yes! Performing live is my favourite thing to do. In terms of what to expect…I don’t really know how to answer that…I guess you should come to a show!

Bel: Absolutely! I always love performing. We have a couple of tricks we like doing onstage and we are planning something quite special for our launch show.

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

Jade: Ah; that’s so tricky. Either Machine Head by Deep Purple, as I grew up listening to that in the car with my dad, or Push the Sky Away by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

I really didn’t like it when I first listened to it but then I saw them play it live and I was blown away. That album made me become a Nick Cave fan and, when I listen to it now, I can still feel the same feeling I felt when I saw them live.

Bel: I think it could be The Beatles’ Rubber Soul or Toxicity by S.O.A.D.

I know they are both completely different but both bring back so many memories of when I started playing drums.

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

Jade: Not really. There’s a lot of great memories floating about in my head!

Bel: There are lots of amazing memories and people I’ve met along the way…but I particularly love the times I meet other girls or women after one of our shows and they tell me I’ve inspired them to take up drumming lessons! I wish I had a female drummer role model in Spain when I was growing up!

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

Jade: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds or the Pixies.

Hmm; I would probably ask for a kettle so I could have a tea that’s good for my throat (woohoo, party!) - then ruin it by asking for pizza and chips…

Bel: Haha. Yes. I’d love to support those bands! I’d ask for some Jack Daniels followed by prosecco (all to be drank after the show) and all the vegan junk food. Gracias.

What advice would you give to artists coming through?

Jade: If you want to be a band for a while don’t get too sucked into what you think is trendy and current. Just make music you actually like and there will be people who like it too! Also, I would focus on making a really great single/E.P. before you even start doing gigs. It will help you get actual good gigs rather than the slog of playing to two people again and again.

Bel: Mostly just don’t give up. It is so heartbreaking when I talk to older people that say they wish they had given their music career a good shot. Also; be proud of what you are doing. If you love the music you play it will show and people will see your enthusiasm.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Tired Lion/PHOTO CREDIT: Kane Hibberd

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I currently love a band called Bully and Tired Lion from Australia. I also looove Curse of Lono.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Curse of Lono

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

Jade: Not really. Everything I do involves music pretty much. If I was to unwind, I would watch a film with my boyfriend Sam or go out to eat! If anyone has any places they recommend let me know.

Bel: I work in the pro-audio (work) daytime so, in a way, I do get to chill but it is also music-related in a way. My favourite hobbies are reading, dying my hair different colours and scuba diving - I obviously picked the wrong city for that!

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).

Jade: Raising the Skate - Speedy Ortiz

Bel: Valentine by Curse of Lono. Thanks!

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Follow DOLLS

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INTERVIEW: Elise Fawcett

INTERVIEW:

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Elise Fawcett

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I have been talking with the fantastic Elise Fawcett…

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as she tells me about her new cut, Reign. I ask whether we might see more music coming and, as a teenager, if she feels a particular pressure from the industry and fans – Fawcett reveals albums that mean a lot to her and which upcoming artists we need to get behind.

The Canadian songwriter talks about how music came into her life and what she wants to achieve before the end of the year; the advice she would provide musicians emerging; how she spends her free time – she ends the interview by selecting a great song.

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

Super-busy, but that’s how I like it! 

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

Hi. I’m Elise Fawcett; an up-and-coming Alternative-Pop/R&B artist from Calgary, Canada. 

Reign is your new single. What is the tale behind the song?

Reign is a song about claiming back power within yourself after someone else has taken that away from you, specifically someone you loved and trusted. I wrote it when I was fifteen-years-old after I had ended a toxic relationship and, instead of focusing on my anger towards myself for being weak in that relationship, I focused it on the strength and self-awareness I had gained from experiencing it. 

There is a nice mix of R&B and Electro-Pop; embers of Lana Del Rey and Halsey. Was it a good song to put together and work on?

Yes. I enjoyed every second of it! I’ve been in the studio many times in my life and worked on many tracks but Reign is by far my favorite song I’ve worked on. I’d also say it’s the first song I’ve released that has really captured my sound and voice as an artist. I remember the first time I heard the finished track; I got so excited I couldn’t stop dancing. Haha.

Might we see more material next year?

Yes! Actually, I’ll be releasing another single next month! I plan to release a new single every month till the end of this year.

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

Music has always been in my life for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was eight-years-old, I’ve been writing, performing and recording. I also grew up in a home full of music, mostly due to my dad being in a band when he was younger. So, I was exposed to bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and U2 at a young age. I also listened to a TON of Rihanna and Avril Lavigne.

You are still seventeen! Do you feel there is a pressure for artists your age to sound a particular way?!

I am! As for pressure on teenagers to sound a certain way, I think that people my age face the same pressure that artists of all ages face: to sound like the big names in music. However, I do feel like there is a certain pressure on teenage artists when it comes to writing, especially because older people often think we’re too young to write about the things we do or too young to know what that feels like.

It makes it hard to sing about mature topics to adult audiences when they’re expecting a seventeen-year-old to sing about cheesy love or high-school and, suddenly, I come out singing some dark stuff about drug addicts and toxic relationships. As you can imagine, it’s also decently awkward when it’s adults you know, or worse, your parents.

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

By the end of 2018, I plan to have released at least four singles, each gaining more attention than the last. I plan to have grown my following x10 bigger and I hope to achieve Spotify playlist placements and radio airplay. I plan to be collaborating with other artists and producers from outside of Calgary. I also plan to have put on my very own live show in Calgary.

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

My favourite memory would be when I was eight-years-old and I participated in my first singing competition. My music wasn’t working but, instead of moving my performance to another day, I decided to sing my song Angels Among Us acapella. Despite being nervous, I was able to put on my best performance during that competition and was able to make one of the judges from Julliard cry.

It was a super-humbling experience because it made me realize how music can make people feel things and I wanted to be able to stop people for three-four minutes in their day and have them just listen and relate and feel understood.

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

Badlands by Halsey

My favourite album of all-time. Each song on there has been my favourite at some point and it has my all-time favourite song, Colours. It was Halsey’s debut album and opened my eyes to her style of sound and writing which I had never heard anywhere else. I felt like it was made for me. Honestly, wish I wrote it.

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Born to Die by Lana Del Rey

I adore and know all the words to all Lana’s songs but Born to Die is next level. The album is timeless and iconic and will be the soundtrack for my life till I die - Carmen, This Is What Makes Us Girls; Video Games and Million Dollar Man are all songs I wish I wrote and will try to recreate forever.

Wiped Out! by The Neighbourhood

Such a crazy, unique vibe with so many trippy beats and experimental sounds. Makes me want to roll down the windows and drive along the ocean in California. Every song is perfect.

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

I don’t have any tour dates currently, although I am planning some upcoming performances at local venues in Calgary. Stay tuned!

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

I have no plans to yet but I would absolutely love to sometime in the future.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’d say to be true to yourself and your art. No one knows your art better than yourself and no one else is you. That’s what makes your art so cool and different. Lean into yourself as much as you can and show the weirdest parts; that’s how you build something super awesome and unique. People don’t want to listen to a copy of another artist: they want to listen to something they haven’t heard before.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Juice Wrld

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Juice Wrld, SAINt JHN and Billie Eilish. They’re pretty popular now but it makes sense why. They’re amazing - especially if you dig Hip-Hop.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Billie Eilish/PHOTO CREDIT: Ben Hassett for PAPER

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

I try to work on music at least once a day but I always make time to get out of the house as well. Most nights I’m out with friends hanging out or going to different kinds of events and, during the day, I like to work out or go for coffee. Reading books or watching films are also big favorites for me - and are beneficial because they usually give me most of my inspiration for songs.

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

The Night We Met by Lord Huron. My favourite song

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Follow Elise Fawcett

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INTERVIEW: Origami Crane

INTERVIEW:

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Origami Crane

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THE chaps of Origami Crane…

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have been talking about their new single, Turn Around, and its story. The New York band reveal how they got together and whether more material is due; their individual career highlights to date; the albums that mean the most to them – they select upcoming artists we should look out for.

I ask them whether there are tour dates booked and the advice they would give to musicians coming through; what it feels like getting up on stage and connecting with an audience – they each select a song to end the interview with.

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

Hey! We’re doing well. It’s been a nice week, getting back to life in N.Y.C. Jake just returned from Japan and Noah just returned from Colorado. The trips were both incredible but we’re excited to be back here working on our upcoming releases.

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

We are Jake Fine, Noah Wilson and Max McEwen, A.K.A. Origami Crane. We’re an Indie-Pop band based in New York City. Our music is first and foremost a lot of fun; it’s made for dancing but it also has a lot of heart. We like to describe it as playful, flirtatious and packing a punch for a three-piece band.

Turn Around is your current single. What can you say about its story and background?

Absolutely. Turn Around is based off one of our early experiences in N.Y.C. Long-story-short; Jake met a cute girl at a concert and they hit it off. But, Jake was afraid to ask her out so we (Noah and Max) encouraged him to turn around and go for it because then, in our new lives in N.Y.C., we decided we couldn’t let any opportunities pass us by.

Anyway…Jake got rejected but we got a great song!

What was it like working with Brent Kolatalo and Arthur Indrikovs on the track?

Brent and Art are fantastic to work with and amazing at what they do. It was very humbling to have professionals on our team who have worked with artists such as Ariana Grande, Jay-Z; Calvin Harris, One Direction and more. The tracks wouldn’t be the same without them.

Do you think we might see an album or E.P. next year?

We’ve definitely got more releases on the way so stay tuned!

How did Origami Crane get together? What drew you to one another?

Noah and Jake met week one of their freshman year at Berklee but the real story is how we met Max. We saw him in the local burrito shop in our neighborhood in Boston, wearing his signature trench coat and purple Converse and thought:  ‘We need to know that guy!’ Don’t worry; he doesn’t wear either anymore.

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

Well; the end of 2018 is pretty close. We plan to release Turn Around and two more singles by October and share them as far and wide as we can. Our band is now a little over one year old and we’re still completely independent, doing everything on our own. We are ready and looking for the right people to bring onto our team and help bring O.C. to new audiences.

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

Jake: One that sticks out to me especially is the recent experience of recording at Quad Recording Studios in Times Square. Tracking guitar and vocals in the same room that many artists I look up to have recorded in (including Coldplay, John Mayer; Beyoncé, Mick Jagger; Bob Dylan and more) - with a view of Time Square to accompany - somehow felt both dreamlike and absolutely natural simultaneously. I felt elated but also that, in a quite simple way, I was exactly where I’m meant to be, doing what I love most.

Max: The drive out to N.Y.C. from Colorado, where we used to live, to start our careers here. While at the time it seemed a little bit like torture, now it’s a bit nostalgic. We towed a trailer that was entirely full of music equipment and was bigger than the van, and weighed it down so much that it looked like the axel would break. Thankfully, it didn’t! But, what did happen was the van overheated and broke down just across the state line into Illinois.

We spent the day at a dealership getting it ‘fixed’ - with the $100 we could spare – then, later, had to sign a waiver that essentially said the car wasn’t safe to drive and that they warned us and weren’t responsible. The rest of the drive was all done at night - so the engine wouldn’t overheat – and in partial delirium from exhaustion. When we finally made it to N.Y.C. we had to move everything into the apartment immediately. We slept for fifteen-hours-straight that night and it still wasn’t enough. Good times.

Noah: One of my favorite memories is actually the single worst gig we ever played. Back in Colorado, we got booked to play in a small mountain town called Eagle. We drove four hours both ways in the dead of winter (and at the time our van was missing a door, so we had it patched up with a tarp and duct tape). We finally arrived to play at a draughty bar in support of an artist - who we won’t name - that treated us very disrespectfully. Despite everything, we played our best and the gig certainly made us closer as a band. It’s times like this when you know that you’re on the right path.

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

It’s funny you ask that because, for each of us, our favorite albums aren’t of the genre we play. However, they each influence our sound in many ways…

Jake: Certainly, one of them would be the album Bon Iver by Bon Iver

It was released right as I began a musical education at eighteen and became a cornerstone for my sense of beauty and musicality.

Max: American Idiot by Green Day

Because it came out right as I was starting to play drums and guitar - and my brother and I used to jam on the whole album for hours. It’s what really set me on the path of playing music for fun instead of just for recitals and school.

Noah: If I have to choose one, I’d say This Empty Northern Hemisphere by Gregory Alan Isakov - for its stunning lyrics and soothing arrangements.

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

We would want to be the supporting act to Coldplay. Their fanbase is amazing and their music has shaped our sound vastly.

On our rider, we would ask for a case of Colorado’s Left Hand Milk Stout to be included for after every show.

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

We have an upcoming headlining show at The Bitter End in N.Y.C., Sept 21st at 11 P.M. Other than that, we’re in talks but nothing is set in stone in respect to an upcoming tour. We’ll be sure to let you know!

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Do you all love being on the stage? What is it like travelling between gigs and bonding with one another?

Being on stage is exhilarating. It’s our favorite place to be. Gigging and traveling together has certainly brought us closer and has done so through both bad and good shared experiences. There’s a certain sense of comradery that is unique to a band and is only cultivated through the feeling of playing and traveling together.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Perseverance is key. Music as an art has so many aspects that are fun and fulfilling but participating in the music industry can be taxing. It requires a certain level of commitment and tenacity and our advice would be to approach your goals with those hardships in mind so you can instil in yourself the ability to overcome them.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Skogsrå 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

It depends how new: certainly Skogsrå has been a big influence of ours, despite being lesser-known in the U.S. Sam Wills is an amazing British musician that’s definitely a must. Having just released their new album, Fickle Friends is one of our absolute favorites.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sam Wills

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

Well; we all field several jobs in N.Y.C. to keep the finances afloat but, when we do get time off to chill, Max plays a lot of video games; Jake watches anime and Noah does yoga and always has a stack of books he’s reading.

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

Jake: Light on Me by Sam Wills

Max: I Am You by Haywyre

Noah: Into the Ether by Leif Vollebekk

Thank you so much to Music Musings and Such for taking the time to talk with us!

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Follow Origami Crane

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FEATURE: Forever and Ever, Never for Ever: Kate Bush’s Groundbreaking Album at Thirty-Eight

FEATURE:

 

 

Forever and Ever, Never for Ever

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IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images 

Kate Bush’s Groundbreaking Album at Thirty-Eight

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ON Friday…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush in 1980/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

we are provided with another chance to celebrate Kate Bush! Having just marked her sixtieth birthday (on 30th July, to be exact); we have more opportunities to commemorate her work later in the year – a few of her albums will celebrate anniversaries and we can put her back under the spotlight. I hope there is more Kate Bush material coming next year – I get the sense something is brewing and she is working up to another album! 2011’s 50 Words for Snow was a critical hit and new direction for her. Fewer songs than most of her albums but longer, more explorative soundscapes that perfectly departed from what we view a ‘conventional’ (if you can ever apply that word to her?!) Kate Bush album and stepped more into Jazz territory. It is a fantastic record that points to a very interesting and curious future. I wonder whether subsequent Kate Bush albums will go down the same lines or return to her earlier work – a bit of a nod to her sapling days and the shorter Pop songs. In any case; that is all to come and what we might expect: we now look to the past and a Kate Bush album that changed the course of her career and broke new ground. I have talked extensively about her debut, The Kick Inside, and my love for it. If Kate Bush super-fans place it lower in their top-five – never getting above Hounds of Love, The Sensual World and The Dreaming – I wonder whether Never for Ever makes the cut?!

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IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images

1978’s The Kick Inside was a huge work that caught the imagination of most critics and, in any case, introduced a unique talent who was years ahead of everyone else. There was that inevitable pressure to follow up a debut smash with something that retained the urgency and beauty of that work. Lionheart was released in the same year and, whilst not as grand and original as her debut album, it gets an unfair kicking from critics! She was never going to follow up on The Kick Inside with anything as good given the label pressures and lacking time. If Lionheart is a more hurried and studio-based album – The Kick Inside assembled tracks Bush had written at home; I suspect more songs came together in the studio for Lionheart – then it is by no means a failure! Listen to cuts like Wow, Symphony in Blue and In The Warm Room; the weird twists of Hammer Horror and the swoon of Oh England My Lionheart (one of Kate Bush’s favourite songs of that album). It is a solid ten-track collection but because it does not have a Wuthering Heights on it; many saw it as a lukewarm effort and a bit so-so. I acknowledge there aren’t the same heights and peaks as The Kick Inside but it is an impressive and stunning record.

In any case; 1978 was a frantic year and, around this time, Kate Bush was touring both albums and bringing her music to crowds around the country (something she would not do again for decades!). Whether you see it as a new start or a chance to start afresh; Never for Ever was released in 1980 and, after touring and the need to follow her sophomore record with something exceptional, there were eyes and ears trained the way of the album. The next evolution and growth would happen when she released The Dreaming and Hounds of Love – that 1982-1985 period where she was coming into her own and capturing that debut album magic (to many, this was her finest career period and a moment when she stepped into a league of her own!). Never for Ever is important because it found Bush stepping into the producer’s chair. She had ‘assisted’ production on Lionheart but here, alongside Jon Kelly, they worked through the songs together and you can hear more of the songwriter’s fingerprints on the music. Perhaps it is the way I hear the songs but I get the sense (Never for Ever) was Kate Bush stepping up and starting that fight against the record label. She wanted to assert more control and produce an album that sounded right to her – not just a commercial record that would see her get famous and put her songs in the charts.

Kate Bush has always said how she wants people to hear albums rather than handpick singles (and skip through things). You can hear a mood and a narrative run through Never for Ever. It is a fantastic L.P. that has those instant and recognisable songs – I shall come to them – and those rare gems that reveal their beauty through repeated listens. In 1980, Never for Ever scored Kate Bush’s first number-one album and, astonishingly, it was the first album to enter the charts at number-one by a female artist. It is weird to think that, even in 1978, there had not been a female-created record that went straight in at number-one. Given the rather ho-hum reception for Lionheart; the exposure gained from touring and a rising profile meant there was a huge appetite for new material. I have watched T.V. interviews from 1980 and there is that sense of relief she is back after two years – such a long time to be away from the scene (almost laughable considering how long it takes mainstream stars today to produce records)! The hard work and touring paid off: Never for Ever, whilst not a Hounds of Love-level genius-work, gathered a lot of praise and singles like Breathing, Army Dreamers and Babooshka scored huge (and are considered some of her finest-ever songs). At twenty-one, Kate Bush became the experimental artist that defined the rest of her career...

With a combination of up-to-the-minute technologies and little-heard sounds and touches, it was a blend of the natural and advanced. Listen to the Fairlight CMI sound/sample on Babooshka (the noise of glass shattering) and you could hear Bush pushing herself and utilising what was big at the time. Although Kate Bush loves analogue and a more traditional way of working; she is someone who uses technology to add new dimensions to her music and provide a unique edge. More complex and bold than The Kick Inside; Never for Ever is an electric and exciting album that contains plenty of tenderness and early-career touches. Babooshka is Kate Bush reaching new heights and creating the sort of raw and explosive song that would be more commonly heard on The Dreaming. It is an addictive and awe-inspiring track that is hard to believe came from an artist only three albums in! That is the majesty of Kate Bush: she was able to bring these songs out and it seems natural and seamless. After that brilliant opener; we have Delius and Blow Away: flighty and bird-like; heavenly and supremely tender in all their movements and whispered tones. Even in the more ‘intimate’ and quieter moments, you have so much instrumentation, sounds and detail. Listen to the bass vocals of Paddy Bush (her brother) on Delius or the orchestration on Blow Away...

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IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images

If we associate Bush’s first two albums with a reliance on piano and a few other instruments – she was adding new elements by Lionheart... – there was an increase in ambition on Never for Ever. As I say; this innovation and stretch would get even bigger by The Dreaming – hitting its peak in Hounds of Love – but this was the album that signalled a transition. This article expanded on Kate Bush’s use of technology and her interest in new developments:

“The album is also important in terms of Bush's artistic development in the way it demonstrated her interest in new tech; this is taken from an article in the NME:

“As soon as I met the Fairlight,” Bush admitted in 1985 about the digital sampling synthesiser, “I realised that it was something I really couldn’t do without because it was just so integral to what I wanted to do with my music.” The possibilities are obvious on ‘Never For Ever’, the most lush of her albums to that point, where dreamy Minnie Riperton soul (‘Blow Away’) meets berserk vamping rock (‘Babooshka’). Its finest moment is the haunting ‘Breathing’ with Bush facing up to the burgeoning nuclear crisis as weapons move into Greenham Common. “What are we going to do/We are all going to die” is as direct as she ever gets, and has all the more grim power for that. ”

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 PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Never for Ever’s first-half has some great songs – bookended by Babooshka and Egypt – but the remainder of the album, if anything, is stronger. I associate records like The Kick Inside, Hounds of Love and even The Dreaming with stronger opening halves – that was not the case here! Never for Ever was not going to give all of its pearls away by the first five or six songs, oh no! Listen to the lesser-celebrated songs like The Wedding List and Night Scented Stock and they seem to say so much with very little explosion and weather. You get all that story detail and wonderful vocal work but you follow the lyrics and plot. You are drawn into the songs and taken into a beautiful and strange world. Violin, like Babooshka, is Kate Bush stripping away the clothing and going wild! The growling, elevated and harder-edged vocals many were unfamiliar with came into view and signalled another side to her remarkable voice – listen to songs on The Dreaming like Get Out of My House and that is intensified to scary levels! Perhaps she saves the two best (depending on where you put Babooshka in the pack) for the end. Army Dreamers, the third and final single from the album, is about a mother discovering her young son died during army manoeuvres – wrestling with her consciousness and what she could have done.

Not only is it hugely original and unexpected territory for a Pop song but it has a potent and sobering political message regarding the armed forces and how those protecting and preserving life can have theirs snatched away without warning. Its music video sees Bush wide-eyed and alarmed at the gunfire and explosions around her; a compelling piece that perfectly highlights the song’s messages and, actually, is one of the few pieces of her work she (Bush) was completely happy with! Breathing, on the other hand, is not about warfare and the army but carries an equally powerful message. The song is about a foetus that is aware of war outside the womb and the possibility of nuclear fallout. Lyrics also talk of the foetus absorbing the tobacco smoke of her mother (the line about breathing my mother in...) and a lot of the inspiration came from a documentary Kate Bush had watched regarding the possibilities of nuclear war and its fallout. Breathing is the first single from the album – rare to see a closing track as a lead-off single – and, whilst it only just dented the top-twenty (entering at number-sixteen), it is considered one of Bush’s best songs. She herself claimed Never for Ever was one of her favourite works and I get the sense a lot of questions and frustrations were resolved whilst making it.

Before I wrap things up; here is a review from Sputnik Music, published in 2012, that seems to define the critical voice and the sort of assessment that came through in 1980:

“…Musically, Never For Ever naturally expands thanks to a more layered sound. The album features a vibrant mix of wet fairlight synths, pianos, fretless bass and layers of strings. The performances of the album fit smoother than on previous records as Bush goes for a more varied final product. 

Kate's third solo album was no masterpiece but a fascinating and necessary step in her discography. Bush's writing had finally evolved enough to the point where she could write without relying too much on image or style. Whether it's experimenting with her remarkable vocal range, creative arrangements, or vivid lyrics, Never For Ever shows Kate Bush improving in all the right ways”.

The Dreaming would finally see critical unity and praise came back her way fully; by 1985’s Hounds of Love, Kate Bush was a national musical treasure and had created one of the best albums ever. Never for Ever was an important step because she was keen to make an album that she had more of say in. Maybe she was a bit disappointed with many aspects of Lionheart but she was not going to repeat that experience.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush signing copies of  Never for Ever at London's Virgin Megastore in 1980/PHOTO CREDIT: Chas Sime/Getty Images

Her third album is more considered and its songs more varied; there are political images and messages alongside songs that would be familiar with those who loved her first two works – Delius and Blow Away for instance. There were some critical jabs at the album and some took a shot at Kate Bush herself but the public reaction to the album was stunning. The week following the album’s release, Bush undertook a record signing tour of the U.K. and, when at London’s Oxford Street, found queues that went right down the street! She proceeded to tour Europe and found a lot of love for the album. Never for Ever spent three weeks at the top of the album charts and remained in the top-seventy-five for a good deal longer than that. There was a lot more love aimed at Bush – compared to her previous album – and the feeling she was maturing and growing in confidence. The fact she co-produced the record meant she could make decisions in the studio and record the songs as she imagined them. New technology and bold lyrics themes were coming in at this point – they would define her career from here and, in many ways, Never for Ever was the true beginning of her 'golden period'. I prefer The Kick Inside in terms of quality and overall mood but I feel Never for Ever should be celebrated because of the milestones achieved (Bush as the first woman to have an album go in at number-one; not just in Britain but the world!). It turns thirty-eight on Friday and, whilst Bush would create albums more celebrated and popular, I feel that Never for Ever is hugely important because it was the start of a creative and personal growth that, only five years later, would see her…

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IN THIS IMAGE: A fan interpretation of the Hounds of Love album cover image (by John Carder Bush)/IMAGE CREDIT: rosabelieve

RELEASE her defining masterpiece.   

FEATURE: Happy B’Day: The R&B Queen at Thirty-Seven: The Beyoncé Playlist

FEATURE:

 

 

Happy B’Day

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IN THIS PHOTO: Beyoncé photographed for the September (2018) edition of Vogue/PHOTO CREDIT: Tyler Mitchell 

The R&B Queen at Thirty-Seven: The Beyoncé Playlist

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IT may seem incongruous and unnecessary to…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

mention the age of an artist like Beyoncé but, on her birthday, many are sharing their favourite songs of hers and celebrating her impressive back catalogue. She is only thirty-seven and given the fact we have icons of music performing well into their seventies; I feel there are decades more inside Beyoncé! It is scary to think she has really only just begun her career - and I wonder where she will head. Might see slow down and adopt a different style as she heads into the next couple of decades?! I feel we will get the same uplifting and emphatic anthems that have defined her career since she started life in Destiny’s Child. I first encountered Beyoncé in Destiny’s Child and was hooked on songs like Bills, Bills. Bills and Survivor; Say My Name and Jumpin’, Jumpin’ were big tracks that seemed foreign to anything that was around at the time. There were other girl groups in the 1990s (and the early-'00s) but mainstream Pop did not have the same swagger and potency as the music Destiny’s Child were bringing out. When they disbanded; I followed her solo career and am amazed by the way she has stepped out on her own and grown. I know she has producers and directors around her but that voice and confidence were all hers. Whilst Lemonade is my favourite albums from Beyoncé; look at B’Day (2006) and Beyoncé (2013) as examples of her hitting new heights and exploring fresh ground.

Every record she has produced has resonated in some way and stuck in the memory. To many, Beyoncé is a role model who shows what a modern artist should be all about. Whilst this is not a full-out exploration of her work; Beyoncé is keen to highlight important issues and spread positive messages. From sending out positive tones regarding body images to feminism and family – it is clear she is a great role model who is independent, fierce and a big supporter of the L.G.B.T.Q. community. She is loyal to her family and generous to her fans. There is confidence but you never get the ego and arrogance of some artists. Whilst Beyoncé has a reputation and sense of stature; she is a modest and down-to-earth figure who never lets controversy and the media get in the way of things. She has inspired countless artists today and continues to break ground and lead the way. I get the feeling we will see another solo album from her next year – she recently recorded an album with her husband Jay-Z under the moniker ‘The Carters’ (Jay-Z’s real name is Shaun Carter). Their record, EVERYTHING IS LOVE, gained a lot of great press and is proof the marriage and bond between the two artists is rock-solid. At a time when the U.S. is experiencing a bad presidency and so many issues; Beyoncé’s role in the world is clear.

She is a spokesperson for women’s rights and the plight of black artists/peoples; a strong and inspirational figure for girls/women and, for everyone else, a stunning talent who has not diminished and faded since her early days. She seems to get stronger and, when it comes to her live shows, they are more ambitious and spectacular. There are many more years of her music to look forward to but, as it is her birthday, a playlist of her finest cuts is in order. From the Destiny’s Child early days right through to her EVERYTHING IS LOVE album (with Jay-Z); I have collated a rundown of her best videos, first, and end with the playlist (I have not been able to include any Lemonade songs as the album is not available on Spotify) that charts her rise, evolution and revolutions. So many modern artists owe what they do to Beyoncé and, for me, she provides music that really hits me hard and gets into the head. There is always a message and driving forces, whether she is providing a stone-cold anthem or emotional song, that comes from the heart and make their mark. As we celebrate her birthday and look back at what she has provided; let us appreciate where she is heading and…

ALL the fantastic years she has ahead...  

FEATURE: A New Dawn: Who Should Succeed Chris Evans on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show?

FEATURE:

 

 

 A New Dawn

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IN THIS PHOTO: Chris Evans/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC Pictures/Getty Images 

Who Should Succeed Chris Evans on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show?

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SOME big announcements have come out…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Max Tollworthy/Goff Photos

of BBC over the past few weeks. Not only is there is the shake-up at BBC Radio 6 Music – a few swaps and shifts in terms of the line-up – but Chris Evans has announced he is leaving BBC Radio 2. He has been at the helm for eight years (at the station for thirteen years) and it is a big shock. I guess everyone has to leave at some point but I feel it is a strange time for him to go. Maybe he has done everything he can at the station but, considering he has such good ratings and an army behind him, I wonder whether there are personal reasons for his departure. Evans has been hosting breakfast shows, on radio and T.V., for decades and I feel his natural home is at BBC Radio 2. I am not one of his loyal fans – I listen to BBC Radio 6 Music at that time of day – but it is clear he has a verve, enthusiastic approach and respects his listeners. I guess the station has already selected his replacement but people are pitching which presenters should take over. There are some ridiculous and strange choices - Emma Bunton and Jamie Theakston are among those tipped! They host the breakfast show on Heart FM and, as Evans moved to Virgin; could the duo come across to BBC Radio 2? I feel they do not have the pull and style of show that would suit the station.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Richard Bacon/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

I feel the replacement for Chris Evans needs to come from the station itself – in the same way BBC Radio 6 Music brought Lauren Laverne into the breakfast slot to take over from Shaun Keaveny. I argue against having Simon Mayo in the slot because I do not think he has the energy and type of demeanour that would urge one to tune into the show. There have been a lot of male name tipped but I think a female presenter would be a better choice. Richard Bacon is another name dropped and, whilst he has experience and would be a solid host; BBC Radio 2 need to start making changes regarding gender and not go with male options. I was annoyed when Jo Whiley and Simon Mayo were paired in an evening slot and, whilst they are great individually, they do not have any connection or chemistry together. It seemed like a way of BBC Radio 2, in a rather feeble way, of having a woman in a primetime-ish slot. They could have had Whiley present solo or found a better partnership to fill a lucrative show like that. Breakfast is a time of day when we all start to tune in and need that lift. Evans’ captaincy has gained BBC Radio 2 millions of listeners and he can certainly get you up and awake!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Claudia Winkleman/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

It is sad to see him leave but, when thinking of his replacement, you need that relatable energy and a personality that is warm and interesting but has a bit of a cheeky side. Claudia Winkleman has a hectic schedule. She presents a Sunday evening show on BBC Radio 2 and hosts Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly. Maybe doing a weekday breakfast show alongside all that will be a bit much! I was thinking the two who will duke it out for the vacant breakfast show is Sara Cox and Zoë Ball. Both already have shows on BBC Radio 2 – Cox presents an evening show and Ball hosts Saturday afternoons – and they know the station’s layout. They are experienced and have a great rapport with their listeners. Both have similar energy and enthusiasm and you get a distinct style from each. I feel Ball is the warmer and more comforting voice whilst Cox, in a way, a bit more spirited and vivacious. There is not a lot to distinguish between Ball and Cox in that way: both are stalwarts and could produce incredible shows. I feel, for me, Sara Cox is the natural choice. I love Zoë Ball’s voice and presentation; the way she can get you in a great mood and has a vast knowledge of music.

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IMAGE CREDIT: BBC

Her Saturday afternoon show is a brilliant formula and, whilst she could easily translate to weekdays; we need her at the weekend to keep us buzzing and moving – maybe a six-day stint would be a bit too much to ask!? She has presented a Saturday breakfast show before and knows what lies in store. Sara Cox has stood in for Chris Evans before and, come Christmas, I would like to see her named as his successor. There is a lot of talk regarding the gender pay gap in radio and how there are not really any solo female D.J.s in the big shows. All the drivetime shows are male-helmed or have a male-female duo. I think Lauren Laverne’s breakfast promotion on BBC Radio 6 Music should be paired on BBC Radio 2. She has proven how she can handle the role and easily slot into the void. She presents a 1980s show and can unearth the best of the decade but, like Ball, has a width range of tastes and, if anything, can bring a more contemporary and ‘cool’ edge to breakfast (compared to Evans). There is no doubting she would be a popular choice and not have to fight hard to convert Evans’ fans. You need someone who can hit the floor running and not need much time to bed-in. The big questions would be, if Cox came in, who would take her evening slot? You’d have to have a swap around but I think you could find a good replacement.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Zoë Ball/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Cox deserves a larger audience and I know she would tackle the breakfast show with plenty of vim, humility and dedication. One reason why Chris Evans transferred to Virgin was the fact he is expecting twins! Maybe it is a bit less hectic and pressurised on the Virgin slot and he would more easily be able to shift family duties and the radio. Sara Cox has children but is not, so far as I know, expecting any new deliveries! A big problem we have in radio is certain stations having a set demographic. Lauren Laverne moving to BBC Radio 6 Music’s breakfast show will keep Keaveny’s followers firm and bring her listeners across. Keaveny will be able to keep a solid fanbase and, in fact, both D.J.s are hugely popular and have a similar age demographic. Greg James replaced Nick Grimshaw on BBC Radio 1 and that seemed like a sensible swap. I feel BBC Radio 1 has an issue converting slightly older listeners and, whilst that might be down to the music they play; are they being too rigid regarding the age and style of the D.J.s? I feel BBC Radio 6 Music is broader so does not suffer the same fate. BBC Radio 2 is seen as the place where middle-aged and older listeners go. Even though the average age of a D.J. at the station is probably in the forties or fifties; that is not to say they cannot recruit younger listeners. I thinking someone like Zoë Ball or Sarah Cox could attract younger listeners and new demographics.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Sara Cox/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC/Leigh Keily

Positive changes regarding gender promotion need to be at the forefront of the mindset of those who will make the decision. I can understand if they hire Richard Bacon but look at some of the suggested names and there are few strong male choices. Who are you going to bring in that could replace Chis Evans? I am casing my mind and nobody springs to mind (in terms of the men). Simon Mayo, as I said, is a bad option and you really need to recruit from within the station. Because of that, the two favourites would be Zoë Ball and Sara Cox. Cox has the slight edge and I feel she could keep the pace and popularity of Chris Evans’ show going and bring in younger listeners! I am not going to jump from the BBC Radio 6 Music ship but I would dip in now and then, certianly. Being the BBC, they will probably make the wrong choice but I have faith they will do the sensible thing. Evans is a popular presenter but I feel you need to hire a replacement that keeps many of his traits and brings something new to the plate. We need to keep the energy up there are very few D.J.s who have his same electricity and oomph. Sara Cox would be a great selection and I would be interested to see what she does. In any case; thinking about gender should be paramount for the chiefs at BBC Radio 2. It is sad to see Chris Evans leave such a popular show but he wants to accomplish new things and take on fresh challenges. What they will be and what he has in mind will be curious to see but I know he is a big asset to Virgin. Many will be waiting with baited breath to see who succeeds him but, whoever it is, will surely have…

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PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

VERY big shoes to fill! 

INTERVIEW: Grizzly Coast

INTERVIEW:

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Grizzly Coast

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I have been finding out more about Grizzly Coast…

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and her latest single, Zuzu’s Petals. I was keen to know the song’s origins and when she realised music was the career for her. Alannah (Grizzly Coast) talks about her musical progression and which rising artists we should spend a bit of time investigating.

I ask which artists she was hooked on growing up; whether there are gigs booked in the diary; what she hopes to achieve by the end of the year; what it is like being on stage and performing – Grizzly Coast tells me which artist she’d support if she had the chance.

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Hi, Grizzly Coast. How are you? How has your week been?

Feeling fine! My week’s been really exciting. Just anticipating the single and video release.

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

Sure. My name is Alannah Kavanagh but I play under (the name) 'Grizzly Coast'. I’m a Toronto-based Folk-Rock musician using music as a vehicle to tell stories. While the core of the project and its lyricism remains solo and very personal to me, this year Grizzly Coast has been growing into a full-band live act; so people can move with the music in a new way.

How did that moniker come to be? Is there a story behind the name?

There is! I lived on Vancouver Island as a teen and I kept visiting back for a few years after I graduated. The whole time, I was really struck by the natural landscapes of the West Coast. The lifestyle there was so lovely. We’d go down a winding road to the beach, pass goat farms and skip stones. Some summer days we’d just sit by the fish hatcheries, go for a hike or swim in the river before getting a burger at the food truck and going to a backyard campfire party at night.

There was a band in the Cowichan Valley called No Don’t Stop and they had a song called Grizzly Coast which I interpreted to be about how peaceful and lucky it felt to live there. I ended up making the title my Instagram handle years before I started playing music publicly and it got to the point where people associated those words with me. When it came time to name the project, it seemed like the natural fit! Since I live in the city now, the name is a reminder to slow down; appreciate my surroundings and tune into myself. 

Zuzu’s Petals is your new single. What is the story behind the track?

Zuzu’s Petals is something I wrote when I felt like I had, to my earlier point, tuned back into myself. I was in a relationship that ended around Christmas last year and while watching the holiday movie It’s a Wonderful Life, I started thinking about one scene in it. I won’t spoil but, basically, the main character goes through some hardships and he finds these petals from his daughter Zuzu’s flower in his pocket and realizes that everything is going to be okay.

Lyrically, the song isn’t so much about the breakup but the exploration of the newfound relationship I forged with myself after going through that low. I felt really boundless and hopeful about what I could accomplish after bouncing back and aimed to evoke that happiness in all aspects of the song.

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Your debut album, Gold Lined Path (2017), mixes your love of music and poetry. Was there a point where you knew you had to pursue music and record?

It’s interesting to reflect on that because I knew I wanted to be a musician since I was a child. It’s just something I always felt strongly about. I used to play piano and guitar and write corny-preteen songs all the time in my bedroom after hockey practice and stuff.

It wasn’t until late in university though that I recognized that I wanted to pursue music and tell people that something I was totally scared to come out and say. I slowly developed a group of friends around me that were in the music scene and seeing all of them release their tracks gave me the confidence to do so myself. I was just beginning to learn about songwriting when I released Gold Lined Path; tracks that were essentially poems set to music.

I released that album so quickly. I basically just wrote my first songs and, once I had enough for an album, recorded them. This time around, I’ve been heavily focused on learning more about songwriting and production in an effort to solidify my sound before my sophomore release.

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

Yes. I definitely was and, strangely, I was super-into Rock and Roll. It weird to think about now how in middle-school I was obsessed with AC/DC. I just loved them. But, I was also super-into bands I still enjoy like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors­ – I had their posters all around my bedroom.

Around that same time, I had an older family friend, Katie who played in a band and I asked her to make me an ‘Indie’ mix C.D. I don’t think I even knew what that word meant at the time. She gave me a C.D. with Feist, Hawksley Workman; Broken Social Scene, Joel Plaskett; Joanna Newsom, Beirut and way more artists that I just became obsessed with.

Katie really influenced me since she was a few years older and I wanted to be just like her. So, I started playing the guitar, writing songs and emailing her the lyrics. And so it began!

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

Another single recorded, this time for the next full-length album; another video, a ton of live-shows and to begin recording my next album which we’re aiming to release in 2019!

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

It’s a toss-up between two things I’d say…

It always means so much to me when people, especially people I have no real-life connection to, reach out on social media to tell me how my music has impacted them. That’s honestly so affirming.

But, I think my favourite moment so far was when I played at the Burdock in February. I had taken a break from live-performances because I’d developed a very bad case of performance anxiety. So, leading up to that show, I really worked on getting over it through visualizations and just a lot of practising the songs. The show was phenomenal; the room was packed and I felt so grateful and, like, cured.

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

The Year of Hibernation – Youth Lagoon

I listened to this album when I was seventeen and it was a soft place to land at a time in my life where things felt very hard. I used to listen to it while walking around on the island. There’s a lyric on the song, 17, that says: “When I was seventeen, my mother said to me “Don’t stop imagining, the day that you do's the day that you die’” and my Emo-as-hell teen self was really eating it up.

Carrie & Lowell – Sufjan Stevens

Man. This album is just otherworldly in its exploration of what you can do production-wise with Folk-y music and also the topic of grief. Sufjan is such a diverse explorative artist. I’d give him my kidney for everything; all his sonically-unique albums have brought to me. My vavó was dying and we had always been so close, so listening to this was like a shoulder to lean on.

Let it Die – Feist

I used to listen to this on my iPod to fall asleep as a young teen and Feist sort of became a model for me - of a talented woman songwriter releasing music and really just killing it in the music industry. The album is full of amazing tracks like Mushaboom and Let It Die. When her song was in that Apple commercial and more people began discovering her I was annoyingly like: ‘Oh, yeah, Feist? I’ve been listening to her since grade-six’.

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

Damn. I could really go off with people I dream of touring with. But, I’d have to say Feist because she’s Canadian too and I feel like I could learn so much from her wisdom and years in the industry.

And…for the rider? Probably Perrier, beers; doughnuts and fresh flowers. Yeah, definitely those things.

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

In the process of booking a bunch of shows but the ones set in stone are: Queen West Art Crawl on September 22n; Indie Week 2018 in November.

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

You know…I don’t purposely set out to play sad songs but, oftentimes, I find that the lyrics I write are quite detailed and honest and it’s not uncommon to see some tears in the audience at my shows. It’s really special to me that my personal experiences and lyrics can evoke others to reflect on theirs and feel vulnerable and cathartic in public.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t be shy about owning the ‘musician’ label: you are a musician. Everyone starts somewhere. Keep chipping away at small goals until they keep getting bigger. Try to not compare your first songs against someone else’s years of practice. A painter doesn’t start off making opulent and stunning pieces…you’re learning!

The person I was two years ago would be truly astonished that I released the Zuzu’s Petals video, and am playing live shows every month. You have to go out there and do it, not sit at home and think about doing it.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Oh Geronimo/PHOTO CREDIT: Unfrozen Photography

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

If you like Folk-Rock with sentimental lyrics, check out my pal Ciaran’s band Oh Geronimo. Some other emerging bands/artists I’m into lately are Clementine, Wine Lips; Alex Mason and Modern Desert.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Modern Desert

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

I really do my best to stay balanced at all costs so I definitely take time to chill because I want music to remain something I’m doing because I love it not a task to complete, you know?

I meditate every day and I really like going for walks in the park. Also; going for pho by myself with a good book or podcast in my headphones is basically my other hobby.

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).

Chelsea – Phoebe Bridgers

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INTERVIEW: Aidan Carroll

INTERVIEW:

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Aidan Carroll

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THE superb Aidan Carroll has been telling me…

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about his forthcoming album, The Other Side. It is released on 14th September and, ahead of its release, I discover the themes that inspired the record. Carroll discusses his musical past and why his parents were an influence; a few albums that are especially important to him – he recommends some artists to watch out for.

I ask the songwriter how he got into Jazz and whether he has a favourite memory from his career to date; if we might see the American come to the U.K. soon; what he would tell artists coming through in the industry right now – he ends the interview with a great track.

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

Greetings. I’m having a good week! Thank you for asking. Mostly, working on new music; my album release and prepping to play a show with my friend/artist Rush Davis who’s performing at an Amy Winehouse tribute here at the Los Angeles (Soho House) on Friday. Last week was a bit of a mercury retrograde vibe, so I’m happy to be moving out of that.

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

My name is Aidan and I’m a chameleon of sorts. I’ve been lucky to play bass for various cool people and travel the world playing Jazz, Rock, R&B…you name it. I find myself in a new life-phase working as a producer and writer working with like-minded artists. I currently am producing and writing my own music which falls somewhere in the experimental Soul/R&B/Jazz-infused landscape.

The Other Side is your upcoming album. What sort of themes and ideas inspired the songs?

Transformation, change; discovery, exploration and rebirth. The album is about finding new sides of myself as a person and musician and learning how to express those vulnerabilities through sound. This being my first project as a singer and songwriter, I find I write from a fairly personal place. There are some universal themes here as well such ‘love’ and ‘self-acceptance’ to name a couple.

The album is also dedicated to my father who passed away three years ago so his spirit is an important element to the project. On top of all that, there is a certain freedom I found in not following conventional forms so that kind of open exploration is a consistent theme throughout.

Is there a song from the album you are particularly drawn to?

Hard to pick one but, for now, I’m gonna go with Another Step which was written for my father. The vocal performance was quite tender and stripped down - I realized after recording it. I like the chords too.

You are a classically trained Jazz musician. How did you get into Jazz?

Honestly; Jazz just felt like a logical step for me in my music progression as a kid in high-school. I got into it from Classic Rock to Progressive Rock to '70s Fusion and then from there went backwards and started studying the classics. The very first time I heard it though was when my dad got Thelonious Monk’s album, Straight, No Chaser, as a gift from a friend. That and Pat Metheny’s album, Question and Answer - I really wore those out. Jazz is an immense music and truly a lifelong study. I feel grateful for having spent so much time in that world; it really keeps you humble as a musician.

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

I was surrounded by music being that my mother was a Classical pianist and professor and my dad a self-taught guitarist and singer. But, I do have a distinct memory from around eight-years-old when I had a vision sort of wash over me and I just knew then that I would play music for the rest of my life. That was it.

Artists I was drawn to when I was young include The Band, Bob Dylan; Robert Johnson, Jimmy Hendrix and a little later loads of grunge like Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden; Black Sabbath and finally, at the end of high-school, I got into some Hip-Hop like The Roots, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Nas to name a few.

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

By end of the year, I’d like to have begun the process of being self-sufficient as a producer and co-writer for other artists. That’s really the ultimate goal: to service others with my talents. As well, I’d like to have a good handle on the direction for my next releases as a solo artist.

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

Ohh, man; so many stories! Okay; a deep one: I was playing in Minneapolis with Lisa Fischer…I think this was two years ago in the fall. We were playing Gimme Shelter - the Stones song - which I have an open acoustic bass solo on, as in I can really take it wherever I feel like taking it.

That night, towards the end of my solo, I found myself playing the theme to John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme and Lisa caught it and then all of us plus the audience were chanting the melody and words meditatively. It was a beautiful moment. Later, after the show that same night, I found out it was Coltrane’s birthday that day… No. Words. Man.

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

Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On

Somehow, I discovered Marvin a little late. I had already left my hometown and moved to N.Y.C. when I did and, though I had heard artists like Stevie Wonder growing up, I just didn’t hear much classic Soul/R&B in my environment. Once I did, I could not stop listening to this album. It feels like classic Soul to me. The man had an incredible gift of being able to express *emotion through song - he’s been a big influence ever since.

Frank Ocean – Blonde/Blond

I had to pick one recent album and this is the one. In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest modern works of music. Everything from the songs, the vocals to the production creativity. Frank is one of the true innovators in music for me.

Jaco Pastorius – Jaco

This guy changed bass playing and music forever. His approach to the bass was completely original and unprecedented. He was only twenty-five when he recorded this album, his first album. An all-star cast, great tunes and performances. I was fairly young when I heard it and it was definitely an influence on me. The song, Portrait of Tracy, with all bass harmonics is a legendary standout. Check it out, y’all.

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

Francis and the Lights.

My rider would probably have something like beer, gin; vermouth, lemons; raw ginger, salad; fresh bread, charcuterie; Twizzlers, chocolate chip cookies; espresso machine, water and LaCroix. Haha!

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

I’ll be doing some shows around L.A. and other parts of the U.S. this fall with Rachel Eckroth and Lisa Fischer (I’ll be on bass for both). Stay tuned for more in the future.

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

I sure hope so. I love it there. Toured in London twice in the past with other artists and would love to come back soon. Especially would love to collaborate with some artists and producers in the U.K. - some of my favorite music is from there.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Write from your heart. Work hard. Network with people in a genuine way. Develop a team of collaborators you trust to help you execute your vision. Never give up.

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 IN THIS PHOTO: Yaeji/PHOTO CREDIT: Lydo L

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yaeji, Big Red Machine; Rush Davis and Jimmy Edgar.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Big Red Machine

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

I do! I find, as I get older, it becomes more important and I get better at finding time away. I love to exercise or get outside as a way to take a break and stay healthy. I’m an avid reader; love getting to museums when I can and just going out to the bar with my wife is a fave activity. Spinning records at home, too!

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

Alice Coltrane - Wisdom Eye

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Follow Aidan Carroll

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INTERVIEW: Devin Kennedy

INTERVIEW:

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Devin Kennedy

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IT has been cool speaking with Devin Kennedy…

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about his latest track, Bad Habit. He discusses his musical start and studying at Berklee College of Music; which albums and artists are important to him; whether there will be more material coming later in the year – he recommends some rising artists to get behind.

I ask Kennedy whether he has a favourite memory from his career so far; how he chills away from recording and performing; what advice he would give to artists coming through – he ends the interview with a Bruno Mars track.

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

Hello! I’m doing well; thanks for asking! My week’s been a little hectic, which seems to be a trend lately. I’m splitting my time between writing and producing for others and continuing a push for my solo music. It’s definitely keeping me busy. 

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

Absolutely. I’m an artist/producer from Los Angeles, born and raised. I’m addicted to the craft of Pop music. 

Bad Habit is your new track. Can you talk about its story and history?

I think love has the potential to be our worst habit. We tend to pawn our worst habits on to others that we spend time with. In a way, the love that connects us is the bad habit. I wrote and recorded the song in one day at my home studio in L.A. 

Might we see an E.P. or album coming later this year?

You’ll have to stay tuned on that one! For now, I’ll keep pushing some singles and, if they become part of a bigger release, my guess is that that’ll be in the first quarter of next year. 

You are a multi-instrumentalist. Do you recall when you picked up an instrument? Do you think your talents regarding instruments give you a lot more creative freedom and flexibility?

I do. I have vivid memories of getting my first drum set for Christmas when I was three. I also remember my dad taking me to get my first guitar - it was very hard to play because my hands were so small. Being able to play and communicate on drums, piano; guitar and bass help me tremendously. I’m all for getting whatever I hear in my head into the computer as fast as possible. 

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

At a very young age. My grandfather was an accomplished concert pianist and my dad is a film/T.V. producer/mastering engineer. I grew up in studios and playing instruments. When I was really young, I listened to whatever my dad listened to: Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, Kansas…etc. I love those bands and, as I grew a little older, my musical taste developed into loving bands like My Chemical Romance, All Time Low; Fall Out Boy…etc. 

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How important was your time at Berklee College of Music?

The most important...

Berklee taught me how to have an open mind; to embrace high-quality music regardless of genre. I am not a producer, writer or an artist without my time there.  

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

By the end of 2018, I want to have some more music out and I want to get out on the road and start meeting some of the amazing folks who have been streaming my solo music all year. 

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

So many great memories. Last week, I had the pleasure of headlining The Peppermint Club and having some of my best friends open the show. We had a packed house and it was one of the most exciting nights of my music career thus far. 

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

Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

My favorite album ever. Emotional. Raised me. 

Continuum - John Mayer

Easy listening. Relaxing. My go-to. always. Have probably listened to this album over one-thousand times.  

24K Magic - Bruno Mars

A masterclass in production and songwriting. Showed me how to truly embrace Pop music. 

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

I would love to open for John Mayer. One of my al-time-favorite musicians.

I don’t even need a rider for that. I’d show up unpaid; I’d bring my own food. My only condition: gummy worms in my dressing room. 

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

Definitely. You’ll see some more West Coast dates pop up through the fall and then we’re hoping to head east and potentially add in some international dates in the first quarter of next year. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be-open minded. Collaborate often and with as many people as possible. Serve the song, always. 

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Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

A R I Z O N A - one of my favorite bands 

The Habits - Friends of mine 

Brooke Williams - Very cool L.A.-based artist.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Brooke Williams

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

These days, I don’t get much time away from music but that’s exactly how I want it. When I do get a moment, I love sitting down and listening to vinyl or playing something mindless like RollerCoaster Tycoon. 

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).

Throw on something funky. How about That’s What I Like - Bruno Mars

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Follow Devin Kennedy

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INTERVIEW: KING

INTERVIEW:

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 KING

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THE terrific KING has been talking with me…

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about her new single, Mango, and its unique origins. I ask whether there is more material coming our way and, as a Danish artist, what the scene is like in Denmark; which rising artists we need to check out; if there are going to be tour dates – she shares a treasured memory from her time in music.

I was eager to discover how much came into her life and, as a dancer, whether she brings that experience and movement into her videos; whether she gets chance to chill and unwind – KING provides advice to artists coming through.

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

Hi, there. I've been well, thanks! I’m currently in sessions; always grinding…!

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

I’ve been putting out music since 2016. I started releasing stuff via SoundCloud. I was recording with producers in Copenhagen first, then I was in Oakland California with some old-school Hip-Hop dudes and then I ended up with a creative bunch in Stockholm. My first ‘properly’ released track, Promise, was recorded in Stockholm and then I flew to Cuba to shoot the video with an old friend of mine. He is white, so ended up spending a few hours with immigration there.

Mango is out now. Is there a story behind the song?

So many things I could say about Mango; don't know where to start. Mango is Cuban slang for a ‘hot guy’. Sounds crazy, but I wanted to write a song surrounding a mango for a while and this spring it just hit me. It sort of just came to me in the studio when I was writing the song.

We were vibing heavily with each other, Crille and I (the producer), and we more or less jammed into it and the song started taking shape. We ended up bringing a couple of Copenhagen/Cuban guys in on piano, drums and all sorts of percussive stuff. We had a proper Caribbean vibe going on! 

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I'm not gonna lie; this record was the hardest record I've made. Once we got the demo cut, it was a very tough process getting the record actually released. I fought a real battle with the label and producers to see it through but I triumphed ultimately, so it’s very dear to me. As far as the writing goes and studio flow, it was a smooth and beautiful process and I believe the song retains that vibe.

You are a dancer and choreographer. Do you think it is important to bring a lot of movement to your music and videos?

I sort of automatically think in movement and rhythm and I can even think out specific movements and visual cuts as I write songs. I intertwine with it I guess….

We flew to Barcelona to shoot this video; most of it is filmed in Saint Cugat. I really love that town and I wanted to film there with friends. It felt so special to do the video there. So, basically, everyone in the video is friends. We brought the whole cast in for the last scene in my video.

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Might we see more music coming along before the end of the year?

I’m in the studio in Los Angeles throughout September. I try to do different things and challenge myself and everyone around me, so you could pretty much expect anything from me. So be ready.

Do you recall when music came into your life? Do you recall the first record you bought?

Listening to Marc Anthony, Niña Pastori; Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears; Robyn, Lil John and Chingy to name a few. I think all of the above has influenced my music. The first album I held in my hand was a Madonna C.D. First one I bought was the Kevin Lyttle single, Turn Me On.

Might we see more music coming along before the end of the year?

Yes. Working on my follow-up to Mango as we speak. It will probably be way different than Mango….we’re playing around tons of super-sh*tty lo-fi Electro synthy stuff. Sounds real Germany. Hahaha.

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You are a Danish artist. Is there a strong music scene there?

There are sooo many new artists and can’t even keep up. But, I would have to say that the producer Snavs is my favourite. I also work with him and we just released a track on his new album, SS18.

What do you hope to achieve in 2019?

My debut album will be out in the spring! And I hope for world peace!

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

I played a college festival this summer. That crowd was so great. It felt like the summer of '67 in there. It was all love and good vibes. Incredible…

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

I would definitely have opened for Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin. I heard she hated air conditioning, so I can relate.

Put MINIMUM twenty-six degrees Celsius in my rider! With Michael, I would have asked for a complete replica of his silver glove at that show.

Are there going to be any tour dates coming? Where are you heading?

I will be in the studio for pretty the remainder of this year. Working on my debut album - which will be out in the spring of '19. So, I hope to tour heavily surrounding that release!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Oh, man - too soon for me to give advice to anyone. Stay true to yourself, I guess. That’s the only way…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Yoshi Flower

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve been a big fan of Yoshi Flower since his first demo. He’s this Detroit kid that’s got this Hip-Hop, rockin’ vibe with a very authentic sound going on. Mavi Phoenix is also awesome. I think she’s from Austria…

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IN THIS PHOTO: Mavi Phoenix/PHOTO CREDIT: Lukas Gansterer

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

With music - and I choreograph pretty much everything.

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

Put Yoshi Flower on please! Brown Paper Bag….

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Follow KING

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INTERVIEW: SAHARAS

INTERVIEW:

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SAHARAS

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THE guys of SAHARAS…

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have been telling me about their new single, Shake My Fever, and what it is all about. I was eager to learn how they met and how music came into their life; what they have planned going forward and a couple of rising artists we need to get involved with.

The band reveal their favourite albums and tell me how it feels being on stage together; whether they get time to unwind away from music; what they hope to accomplish before the year is through – the chaps each pick a song to end the interview with.

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

Hello! We’re all good, cheers. Recovering from Reading Festival but we’re very excited about the release of our new single this Friday. We’re also looking forward to a show we’re playing this Saturday over at the Trinity in Harrow.

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

We’re SAHARAS; a four-piece Alt/Rock band with added synthesised pulses and textures out of Windsor, U.K. The band is made up of Nando (Lead Vocals and Guitar), Dan (Drums); Matt (Bass) and Alex on guitar and backing vocals.

How did SAHARAS form? When did you all meet?

We’ve known each other since primary-school and have always shared a mutual love for music whilst growing up listening to the same bands. In early-2014, we decided to start writing music together and here we are! Still going strong and enjoying it as much as we did back then.

Alex is Dan’s younger brother and he’s been around supporting the band since we started out; whether it’s been going to near enough all of our gigs or putting together the video for our track, Mirrored. It was definitely natural to implement Alex into the line-up sooner rather than later and we’re proper-buzzing to have him on board – the four-leaf clover is complete!

Shake My Fever is your new single. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

In terms of inspiration, the lyrics are centred around having someone new coming into your life and shaking things up in a euphoric and lustful way – to the point where you doubt whether it’s too good to be true in comparison to previous experiences. Overall, it’s a light-hearted and upbeat song which is quite different to what we normally tend to write about.

It follows on from Sweat. Will there be more material coming next year?

We’ve put the majority of our time and focus into writing new material over the last couple of months and have got some demos to show for it - and we’ll be testing the songs live over the course of our next few gigs. We’re definitely looking to keep progressing and to release new music by early next year, latest! We really enjoy recording.

How did music come into your lives? Which artists were you fans of growing up?

The beginnings of our love for music coincided with the beginning of secondary-school, around 2005/2006. Debuts from Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks and Bloc Party helped pave our way toward a particular ‘taste’ in music and led us to explore influencers of these bands such as The Strokes, The Cribs etc. Alex would listen to Dan’s records and this lead to his similar tastes also!

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

First and foremost, we just want our music to reach a broader audience and we’re hoping that the new single will help us do so. Additionally, we want to keep playing the live circuits and branch out further afield. Ultimately, we’re aiming to expand our fanbase!

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

Hearing everything coming together in the studio recording our very first single was a very special memory that we have and always will. Every time we have returned since that feeling returned and has seemed to have grown; long may that continue! Aside from that, listening to one of our tracks getting played on BBC Introducing radio was definitely a highlight for us.

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

Matt: The album I would never skip or even shuffle would be Humbug - Arctic Monkeys

A ‘tricky’ third album which I would describe as their strongest. I loved the change of direction down a slightly darker path, whilst retaining everything I’d come to love about the band both lyrically and musically.

Nando: Mine has to be Given to the Wild by The Maccabees

This album inspired, and still inspires, my musical style in terms of guitar and the sound I aim for on a personal level. The guitar work is amazing on this record and it carries out a lot of reverb – something I can’t live without…Orlando is also a hero of mine.

Alex: This has to be one of the hardest questions for any musician to answer; however, right now, I have to lean towards My Love Is Cool by Wolf Alice

As a group, they’ve created something very special and pure in this album and I find it so easy to get lost in its dark and dreamy sound. Also, I have to mention Joff’s creative and unconventional approach to guitar playing; he’s definitely a massive inspiration towards my own development in music. Oh…and they’re wicked live too.

Dan: My favourite album has to be Total Life Forever by Foals

The album has always spoken to me artistically and stylistically, with Spanish Sahara being the single that influenced my musical direction growing up as a late-teen. From a drumming perspective, Jack’s style of drumming carries such a wide variety of speed and consistency and his technique is preserved throughout the album. This is something I’ve always hoped to achieve through my own drumming style.

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

We think we can all agree that it would have to be Foals. They are an immense inspiration to us, stylistically and musically.

As for the rider; we’re quite cheap so any beer would do (Matt prefers a lovely smooth ale). We’d also demand rum ham! If you know, you know…

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

You sure can! As it stands, we’re playing Notting Hill Arts Club for Turtle Tempo on 15th September supporting Leader. Following on from that, we’re playing a DPRK Records showcase for the Windsor Fringe on 3rd October.  Following this, we will be looking to play plenty more shows in and around London. You can keep up to date with our shows via our Facebook and Spotify!

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Do you all love being on the stage? What is it like travelling between gigs and bonding with one another?

We love sharing the stage together. We treat it as a celebration of the time and dedication we put into writing our songs. It is very rewarding when you get a positive reaction from a crowd! Travelling between gigs is generally a cosy experience; transporting gear and ourselves around in a Fiesta and Polo (but you have to make do). We use our time travelling to gigs to share new songs we’ve discovered with one another. A good time is had by all.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep writing new material, experiment; express yourself and, above all, enjoy what you are doing!

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IN THIS PHOTO: FAERS

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

FAERS and Hot Dreams.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Hot Dreams/PHOTO CREDIT: Benjamin Edward Simmons

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

Music is our way to unwind, but we also enjoy a good T.V. series: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a big favourite of ours. The pub is always on the cards too.

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

The Growlers - Late Bloomers

Sports – Panama

Phantogram - You Don’t Get Me High Anymore

Hot Dreams – Plungepool

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Follow SAHARAS

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INTERVIEW: Naomi Banks

INTERVIEW:

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Naomi Banks

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I have been talking with Naomi Banks…

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about her new single, Hourglass, and how it came together. She tells me whether it took a long time to cement and perfect her voice; whether there is going to be any future material coming; some albums that mean a lot to her – she recommends an artist we need to check out.

Banks tells me whether she gets time to relax outside of music; if there are going to be any tour dates coming up; what she wants to achieve before the end of the year – she reveals when music came into her life.

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

Hello. I am very well, thank you. My week has been wonderful! 

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

Yes, indeed. I’m not quite sure of my genre; I guess it falls under ‘Neo-Jazz’. I trained as a Jazz musician so everything is heavily influenced by that but with modern production. 

 

Hourglass is your debut single. What is the story behind the song?

It is about a very close friend of mine who stopped speaking to me as he didn’t feel like I was there for him. I realised he was absolutely right and felt terrible when looking back at how much he did for me.

How does it feel having the single completed? Are you already looking ahead to other songs?

Yes. I was bored of this song two years before I released it. I’ve got so many (songs) and I’m excited about releasing them.

I especially love your voice. Do you have to work hard to create that tone/sound?

(Smiles). Yes, very hard. My mum was gutted when I said I wanted to be a singer as I really wasn’t anything special. Luckily, she is so she taught me everything I know. It took a long time to make my voice sound how I wanted it to.

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

Both my parents love music so I was surrounded by it my whole life. I loved The Carpenters and The Beautiful South more than anyone! 

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

I hope to have an E.P. released and perhaps a pet parrot…but I’m still doing my research.

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

I don’t think I could give you a single album I listen to regularly! But, my favourites have been Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon; Caravan Palace (love all of their albums equally) and a few tracks from JAIN’s album, Zanaka. She has the most amazing music videos also!

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

Paloma Faith!

Well; I would like - if for every gig I do - someone leaves their favourite game or instructions for a game they like. Even if it is Hide and Seek.

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

Nothing is set at the moment but definitely doing something big in London before the end of the year. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I don’t think I’m in a position to give advice to people but maybe remember that there is no formula. Don’t get demoralised!

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IN THIS PHOTO: Tom Bailey

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve just discovered a guy called Tom Bailey. Loving his music.

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

I certainly do. I live on a boat and I longboard a lot. 

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).

Laputa - Hiatus Kaiyote

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