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

FEATURE:

 

 

Sisters in Arms

IN THIS PHOTO: Ivy Sole/PHOTO CREDIT: @saeedaferguson

An All-Female, Autumn-Ready Playlist (Vol. XII)

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THE is weather is all mad…

IN THIS PHOTO: Hands Off Gretel 

and we can get warm and sunny days (like today) and those rather cloudy and awful ones - that feel like autumn. In the latest edition of this playlist; I have collated songs, I feel, portray the complexity and variation of the weather. There are some cooler and more windswept numbers and some fizzing and hot tracks that get you uplifted and moving. I am excited seeing all the female/female-led music coming through and how much range there is! Have a look through this tasty rundown that will get you into the mood and elevate the spirit – no matter what the weather is like where you are! It is another fantastic collection of female-fronted songs that emanate from some of the finest…

IN THIS PHOTO: Thunderpussy/PHOTO CREDIT: Jake Clifford  

NEW artists around.

ALL PHOTOS (unless stated otherwise): Getty Images/Artists

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Hands Off Gretel – S.A.S.S

PHOTO CREDIT: Andrew McIntyre

Tmboy – Seed

Maya Kally – Another Time 

PHOTO CREDIT: @erina_uemura

Pinky Pinky – Hot Tears

PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Montano

Halo Maud – Baptism

Ivy Sole – Parables

Madge – How to Play

Dope Saint Jude – Grrrl Like

Gabriella Cohen – Neil Young Goes Crazy

Yazmin Lacey – Body Needs Healing

Cat Burns – Sober

Rae Morris – Rose Garden (Compton White Remix)

PHOTO CREDIT: William Pope

Tamzene – Count Your Days 

Billie Eilish – when the party’s over

Nuela Charles – Forecast

PHOTO CREDIT: Shabnam Ferdowsi | Photography

Maddie Ross – Physical

Party Fears – Dog Star

PHOTO CREDIT: Elliott Franklin

Hydra Lerna – Reckless

Calva Louise – I Heard a Cry

PHOTO CREDIT: Asupremeshot

Peaness – Ugly Veg

PHOTO CREDIT: Thomas Brooker

Lazybones - Heart Beat Like a Drum

White Flowers – Glimmer 

Dorothy – White Butterfly

Adwaith – Newid

PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Grace Hunder

BATTS – Gun

PHOTO CREDIT: Eddie Rehfeldt

Thunderpussy - The Cloud

PHOTO CREDIT: Ian Laidlaw

Jess Locke – Nothing at All

Vienna Youth – Mellow Medicine

INTERVIEW: Fil Bo Riva

INTERVIEW:

Fil Bo Riva

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I have been spending time with Fil Bo Riva…

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

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

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

All great, man!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Might we see more material in 2019?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Brill

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

 PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Brill

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

Tour dates will be announced this Friday… 

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

Of course!

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

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

  PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Brill

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

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

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

Aretha Franklin - Think

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Follow Fil Bo Riva

Official:

http://www.filboriva.com/

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/filboriva

 Instagram:

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

INTERVIEW: KIDSØ

INTERVIEW:

KIDSØ

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THANKS to KIDSØ…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

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

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Follow KIDSØ

Official:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kidsomusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/kidso_official

 Instagram:

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

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/kidso

INTERVIEW: Tiger Lion

INTERVIEW:

Tiger Lion

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THE excellent Tiger Lion…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘The White Album’ from The Beatles

Because it means everything.

A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

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

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

26.10: Brest/UBO (FR.)

27.10: Rennes/Le Bar’Hic (FR.)

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

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

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

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

IN THIS PHOTO: indi

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merci.

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Follow Tiger Lion

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Clem_TigerLion

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eyeofthetigerlion

Bandcamp:

https://tigerlion.bandcamp.com/

YouTube:

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

FEATURE: The Minor Fall, the Major Lift: How an Increase in Women Taking to the Guitar Is Good News and a Strong Message to Festival Organisers

FEATURE:

 

 

The Minor Fall, the Major Lift

PHOTO CREDIT: @haleypowers/Unsplash

How an Increase in Women Taking to the Guitar Is Good News and a Strong Message to Festival Organisers

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THERE is debate as to whether the guitar is declining…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @tenguyen/Unsplash

when it comes to popularity and appeal. Certainty, when it comes to the electric guitar; there have been some contradictions that make me wonder whether people are picking up the instrument. This article, from Digital Music News (May 2018), reported some worrying statistics regarding sales figures of the electric guitar:

“Electric guitar sales have slipped 22.7% since 2008, based partly on decreased demand from younger buyers.  Surprisingly, acoustic guitar sales are a totally different story.

Last year, the Washington Post reported that electric guitar sales had plummeted 33% in the past ten years, from 1.5 million units annually to 1 million currently.  Now, there’s more data showing a precipitous decline.

According to data shared by Music Trades, which tracks annual instrument sales in North America, electric guitar sales slipped 22.7% over the past decade.  The report counted sales of 1.452 million guitar sales in 2008, a figure that had slipped to 1.123 million units in 2017.

Ironically, the report was shared by a representative of Guitar Center, who sent the report to show a sales increase over the past year.  But that increase appears temporary, with the broader trend since 2008 showing a clear decline”.

Another article, from Rolling Stone (May 2018), looked at the continued desire for the guitar and how the market is quite strong:

“Guitar sales in many markets are on the rise, and the industry is in one of its more optimistic times. A report from research firm IBISWorld, which tracks guitar manufacturing in the U.S., shows consecutive growth in the last five years and a projected upswing through at least 2022. Even if today’s music fans are more likely to worship pop stars and rappers than their parents’ guitar heroes, there’s little to indicate that the guitar’s reign is over – and there might actually be more to show the opposite…

PHOTO CREDIT: @labandestyle/Unsplash 

Just because hip-hop and pop are ascendant in the streaming age doesn’t mean there aren’t thousands of guitar bands recording and gracing concert stages every year, from newcomers like Empath to modern mainstays like the National. It does mean, however, that guitar makers have to find new customers. As the charts and stages change guard, companies are also stepping outside of a demographic upon which they relied for decades – white, male buyers – to ask themselves: Who were they missing all this time? 

When Fabi Reyna first started She Shreds, a magazine for female guitarists, five years ago, few in the industry paid attention. But now – with those old guitar heroes exiting the zeitgeist and Taylor Swift and her ilk drawing massive crowds of female fans and imitators – instrument-makers are taking notice of a huge audience they’d ignored. Guitar-wielding women, from Lucy Dacus to Soccer Mommy to 19-year-old Lindsey Jordan of Snail Mail, have made some of this year’s most remarkable albums. Perhaps the enormous potential had been there all along”.

It is true there are fewer guitar/music shops of the high-street but there are plenty of online sites selling guitars - and you cannot really substitute electronics and apps for a real instrument! The reason I am bringing this subject up is a report that states women are responsible for 50% of guitar sales!

 PHOTO CREDIT: @foulsterr/Unsplash

Not only are we still buying guitars and bands/artists are picking them up and continuing a noble tradition; women – who formed the minority of consumers until fairly recently – now make up half of the market. Before I present my findings/impressions; here us how The Guardian reported the news:

“From singers to drummers, roadies to rock critics, music is an industry still overwhelmingly dominated by men – but perhaps not forever. A new study of those taking up the guitar has found that half of new learners are women and girls, suggesting that the future of rock, metal and indie might just be 50% female.

The survey by the guitar manufacturer Fender found that in the US and UK, a phenomenon it had originally assumed was a short-lived blip inspired by the popularity of Taylor Swift was in fact enduring and worldwide.

Similar results from a previous, smaller study in 2016 had initially been ascribed to the “Swift factor”, Fender CEO Andy Mooney told Rolling Stone magazine.

“In fact, it’s not. Taylor has moved on, I think playing less guitar on stage than she has in the past. But young women are still driving 50% of new guitar sales. So the phenomenon seems like it’s got legs, and it’s happening worldwide.”

Fender’s UK team had been surprised that half its sales were to girls and women, he said, “but it’s identical to what’s happening in the US”.

Following the previous US study, Fender changed its tactics to target millennial women, launching a new range of guitars in 2016 and enlisting the female-fronted indie bands Warpaint and Bully in its marketing campaigns…

PHOTO CREDIT: @brinnafair/Unsplash

Almost three-quarters (72%) of those picking up the guitar did so because they wanted to gain a life skill or better themselves, according to Fender’s survey of 500 new and aspirational guitarists, with 42% saying they viewed the guitar as part of their identity”.

One of the problems with the guitar market is patience and people dispensing with them after a year. Many pick them up with ambition and intention but, soon enough, they get distracted and take up other pursuits. There has always been this impression women lust after musicians and are not that interested in playing. That perception is flawed and, in fact, the reason for this resurgence and parity is women/girls wanting to follow in the footsteps of their idols and adding their voice to music. Maybe the electric guitar is less healthy, in terms of sales, than the acoustic but the fact there are now as many women as men picking up guitars is a great thing! Reports suggest that our consumers are more private than those in the U.S. Maybe there are more overt guitar players there and, perhaps, the impression one gets from the U.K. is of the acoustic guitar-wielding musician who wants to noodle and experiment on their own. That old perception of men picking up guitars to start a band is no longer the standard.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Pearl Jam in 1991/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

I think history and stereotypes have blurred the market. We hark back to decades like 1990s when a raft of blokes were keen to ape the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and that sort. They would head to the guitar shop with their girlfriends and they would buy a guitar – it would usually be electric and cranked right up! The fact the Rock/Alternative band market has shifted and shrunk since then means other genres are taking over. Artists like Taylor Swift were responsible for a wave of young women picking up the guitar but, even though she is less influential now, there are new artists keeping that flame alight! There are people I have heard from who still feel, if they are shopping for guitars with their boyfriends/husbands; the sales assistant will ask the man what they want – assuming it is he who is buying and his other half is there to hold his wallet! Things have, thankfully, moved on and the fact music is wider and more electric than ever means things are altering. There are more independent and unsigned artists coming through - and most of the very best, in my view, are women. Solo artists like Laura Marling and St. Vincent are gathering huge acclaim and, as such, women/girls are seeing these role models they can relate to and who, in turn, are shouting for women and showing how good they are! There have always been iconic female guitar players but I think more and more are coming to the mainstream.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Goat Girl/PHOTO CREDIT: Jack Minto for Wonderland

I am a big fan of bands like Goat Girl and HAIM and others such as Wolf Alice - where there are female leads and these gnarly, powerful figures. To my mind, Anna Calvi is one of the best guitarists in the world right now. I have seen videos of her playing her favourite riffs and she can take on the likes of Jimi Hendrix with ease and passion. Her albums are filled with great licks and riffs and, whilst she is softly-spoken and fairly shy; her music is speaking volumes and inspiring a new generation of female players who are finding much to love – even if they might take a few years to match Calvi and her chops. Similarly; St. Vincent is a great and varied player who matches her guitar skills with fantastic and colourful songs. Whereas blokey bands of the past inspired men to pick guitars up and thrash; a rise in strong female musicians using their guitar as a social and political women is having a profound and immediate effect. It is not only the big and bold female artists who are responsible for an uptake. Folk and Pop are still influential but perhaps artists like Taylor Swift do not hold as much sway as they did a couple of years back. More and more all-female/female-led bands mean electric guitars are still burning bright whilst many great Folk/solo female artists are compelling a love of the acoustic guitar!

 IN THIS PHOTO: St. Vincent/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

The article from The Guardian has a theory as to why more women are picking up guitars these days:

“To the music critic Caroline Sullivan, the increase in women taking up guitar might be explained by millennial women wanting to play an assertive instrument “whose whole basis is: look at me”.

“It doesn’t surprise me that a lot of young girls are taking up the guitar, because playing guitar seems much cooler and more dominant than doing the traditional female thing of standing behind a keyboard looking pretty”.

I saw this balance and resurgence coming off of the back of negative talk around guitars. Reports of manufacturers seeing declining demand and music stores closing their doors; many assumed the guitar was being replaced by electronic avenues and other instruments. The fact a lot of new artists are using synths, keyboards and handheld technology to make their sounds does not mean the music world has changed so much the guitar has no places. Maybe mansplaining and that sexism surrounding the guitar has caused a bit of a rebellion and fu*k-you attitude. Los Angeles Magazine, earlier this year, explained how women are saving the electric guitar:

“For Fender—and for other guitar companies, as well—young players like Creevy and Faye represent the future of the instrument. Like many other industries in the #MeToo era, guitar makers are retooling their images. The effort hasn’t necessarily been fueled by accusations of sexual harassment or misogyny, though the business has no shortage of either—just ask any female musician who’s endured the mansplaining of a guitar showroom clerk. Instead manufacturers are taking cues from the fresh economic reality, revealed by Fender market research, that half the purchasers of new guitars are now women”.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Anna Calvi/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

It reported how, in spite of mainstream radio playing fewer guitar-based songs/artists; many are taking guidance from underground music and festivals. Maybe that absence and lack of a guitar mainstream means new musicians are trying to revive it and add their own imprint. In any case; men are not the biggest market and, it seems, we will have to stop worshipping the ageing shredder and start embracing the younger female icon. Returning to the previous article and it seems like misconceptions and male-defined impressions of what a guitarist should be has created this misconception regarding the electric guitar and its ‘decline’:

“So why all the pessimism about the electric guitar? “To me that narrative—‘Is the electric guitar going away?’—is really, ‘Is my definition of what’s awesome about the electric guitar going away?’” says Anna Bulbrook, founder of the women-led L.A. music festival and community Girlschool.

“According to Bulbrook, much of the romance surrounding the electric guitar for decades was centered on the image of the “shredder,” a highly technical, flashy player who was nearly always a man. There are a few notable exceptions—Lita Ford, Nancy Wilson—but people are more likely to namedrop Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, or Jimmy Page. But such a “male definition of what it means to look and act like a guitarist” was always more limiting than the possibilities of the instrument itself—and it ignored much of the guitar’s history in American popular music, where players like country star Maybelle Carter and recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sister Rosetta Tharpe pioneered its use as a lead instrument.

“I understand canonizing some of the greatest shredders of all time,” says Bulbrook, who also fronts her own band, the Bulls, and plays violin in the Airborne Toxic Event. “But I would argue most of the guitarists people look up to now aren’t 65-year-old aging rock gods. Music has shifted a lot”.

PHOTO CREDIT: @lechonkirb/Unsplash 

I don’t think we can look at modern music and think about it the same way we did years ago. In terms of what a guitar player is and what ‘guitar music’ is about; it is not a binary market. There are so many genres and sub-genres that are seeing more women have a say and the market, as such, take note. Women have always been at the forefront of the guitar epoch. The media’s fascinating with male bands and that ‘epic shredder’ has caused a lot of problems but now, with the market as varied and open as ever, perceptions are starting to change. My greatest hope is that this equalisation and new finding leads to more festivals booking women as headliners. A lot of festivals are providing a big platform for female artists on lesser stages – dedicated to new talent and undiscovered artists – but what of the headline stages?! Take a look at the Reading and Leeds line-ups and, for the past few years, it has been dominated by men. This year’s event saw a lot more women come into the pack – and genres other than Rock – but it was the men who were on the main stages. Look at the last decade of Glastonbury headliners and how many of them are women?! You would be hard-pressed to find a year when there have been more women headlining than men and the headliners of 2017 – Ed Sheeran Foo Fighters and Radiohead – show how the big festivals are still obsessed by Rock bands, mainstream artists and obvious names. Reading and Leeds had Kings of Leon playing – how many years since they were relevant?! – and some of the more washed-up and obvious artists.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Foo Fighters/PHOTO CREDIT: Ed Miles/NME

If I were running a big festival like Glastonbury; I would look at the news regarding an equal gender split in regards guitar buying and look at the catalysts. Who are the modern artists driving this revival?! I have mentioned Anna Calvi and St. Vincent and, for my money, both would make epic Glastonbury headliners – the latter stands out as a particular must-book! Bigger Pop and Alternative artists like Florence and the Machine and Christine and the Queens, whilst not known for their guitar-based songs, have edginess and attitude that women want to replicate through the guitars. We mustn’t assume women are only listening to women. The rise of bands like IDLES have many female fans who are influenced by their work and want to follow suit. I would book St. Vincent for Glastonbury and feel she would go well alongside Beyoncé. Again; Queen Bey is not known for her shredding but her songs are filled with energy, strut and empowerment. Whilst the likes of Madonna have been speculated and mentioned regarding Glastonbury headliners it seems, sadly, the clichés still apply. I mentioned how have to overlook the male Rock gods and embrace female artists but two names who seem Glastonbury favourites, Bruce Springsteen and Sir Paul McCartney, are part of that scene! Sir Elton John and Fleetwood Mac have been mentioned as possible and only one of these names has any female members – Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie would make a welcome change and a showing from Fleetwood Mac would be welcome! Arctic Monkeys, IDLES and The Strokes have been named and I feel, sadly, it will be a male majority for headliners!

 PHOTO CREDIT: @kristsll/Unsplash

Whilst I am not suggesting an all-female headline line-up – that would be good, through – I fear it will be all-male and a repetition of nearly every previous year. Big artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Kylie Minogue are rumoured as possibilities but look at the bookies’ odds and it is mostly male. Although Fleetwood Mac and Madonna are high in the running; it is your usual blokes who are filling most of the higher places – everyone from Arctic Monkeys and Billy Joel to Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick Lamar, in fact, is an clear favourite for most bookies and I wonder whether he has already got the call. I would love to see Madonna, Beyoncé; St. Vincent and Fleetwood Mac considered but I have that nagging feeling Glastonbury will crap-out again. I digress a bit but this good news regarding an equal split of male and female guitar buyers should give indication to festivals that more women, and women who play guitars, need to be on the headline stages and keeping this momentum going! I am glad there is this acceleration of female guitar buyers and I think we will see more and more girls/women boosting those figures! Gone, let’s hope, are the days when people assume women are best left away from a guitar and it is a male market. Given these new findings; I hope all this positivity and parity means it will be reflected in festival line-ups! There are some improvements coming in but, in terms of headliners, festivals are woefully negligent about proffering women! Let’s change this sooner rather than later and accept the fact there is this new generation of female musicians who deserve a big stage! Whilst I hear the empathic guitar string ring out in celebration and recognition; my wish is this sound reverberates and echoes in the ears…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @skywarden/Unsplash

OF those looking for great festival headliners.

FEATURE: That Vincent Price Cackle at the End REALLY Sells It! A Ghoulish Hallowe’en Playlist

FEATURE:

 

 

That Vincent Price Cackle at the End REALLY Sells It!

PHOTO CREDIT: @neonbrand/Unsplash 

A Ghoulish Hallowe’en Playlist

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IT is only a couple of weeks until Hallowe’en…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @freestocks/Unsplash

and you can find plenty of appropriate decoration and baubles to mark the upcoming celebration. I have not properly embraced Hallowe’en since I was a child but appreciate the spookiness and people dressing up; a chance to get a bit dark and ghostly for a night! 31st October is when many of us turn off the lights and pretend we’re not home – so children do not come trick-or-treating! – but, for many, it is a great opportunity to let their childish side out and have a bit of fun. Because of this; I have been thinking about how Hallowe’en and its imagery – from ghosts and werewolves to spirits and the undead – have made their way into music through the years. I am going to embrace Hallowe’en a bit more this year by drinking a few spirits and then staggering a bit like a zombie (joking!)…but I am one of those people who enjoys others getting a real kick from it. We are already being force-fed Christmas ideas and merchandise so it is nice we can put that on hold and get behind a night of ghosts, ghouls and assorted frights! I have looked around for Hallowe’en-flavoured songs that provoke images of the night and will, I hope, get you in the mood. Take a listen to the playlist and I think there are some songs in there that will prepare you for…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @dallehj/Unsplash

A great Hallowe’en.

INTERVIEW: One-Way Song

INTERVIEW:

One-Way Song

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IT has been great speaking with One-Way Song…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

This is a tough question.

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

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

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

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Follow One-Way Song

Official:

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

 Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/OneWaySong

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/onewaysong

PHOTOS:

Tom Gradwell

INTERVIEW: AyseDeniz Gokcin

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino  

AyseDeniz Gokcin 

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THE terrific AyseDeniz Gokcin…

 PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Sinan Uçkan

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

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

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

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

 IN THIS PHOTO: Poppy Ackroyd

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

 IN THIS PHOTO: Benjamin Grosvener

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

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

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

Roll Over Beethoven (smiles) by The Beatles!

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Follow AyseDeniz Gokcin

PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Tarantino

Official:

https://www.aysedenizgokcin.com/

 Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ADPianist

Instagram:

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

YouTube:

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

Spotify:

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

INTERVIEW: Alice Rose

INTERVIEW:

Alice Rose

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I am kicking off today by speaking with Alice Rose…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Might we see more material coming next year?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is hard to say. SO many beautiful albums.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

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

Only in Germany at the moment:

25.10: Kaffee Burger - Berlin

26.11: Aether Bar - Berlin

02.11: Wulberts - Dresden

04.11: Kindle Stuben - Berlin

07.11: Ä-Bar - Berlin

08.11: Prachtwerk - Berlin

09.11: T.B.A.

15.11: Musikmachine - Mainz

16.11: Ladezone – Leichlingen

17.11: Cologne – T.B.A.

21.11: Komm Du - Hamburg

22.11: Hamburg – T.B.A.

24.11: Prinz Willy - Kiel

28.11: Oblomov - Berlin

06.12: Artliners - Berli

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

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

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

This Side of the Blue - Joanna Newsom

___________

Follow Alice Rose

Official:

http://www.alicerosemusic.com/

 Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/alicerosemusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/alice-rose

YouTube:

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

FEATURE: A Cure for the PiL: Why a Lack of Good Images, Poor Band Names and Lacking Visibility Can Shorten a Music Career

FEATURE:

 

 

A Cure for the PiL

PHOTO CREDIT: @anniespratt/Unsplash 

Why a Lack of Good Images, Poor Band Names and Lacking Visibility Can Shorten a Music Career

__________

THIS is something I have touched on before…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @wbayreuther/Unsplash

but I am particular enraged and baffled so many artists continue to make the same mistakes. I must admit that I am not perfect when it comes to my blog. There could be a few snaps of myself and I need to get the social media buttons/links sorted; there could be a few tweaks made here and there but, as I am here to represent other musicians and feel I promote myself pretty well, I am not going to be beat myself up. The ‘PiL’ in the headline stands for ‘Public Image Limited’ - the John Lydon-fronted band and, in an ironic way, it tackles two things I want to talk about. We are at a time where people are photographing everything that moves and they can make their photos look all shiny and colourful, it always baffles me why musicians are among that select group who seem to struggle with providing great photos. It sounds like a personal gripe but it is general and sage advice that all journalists will echo. It can be exciting hearing a great song from an artist and you want to put in a review or interview. You get ready to contact them and check out their social media channels. One loses that passion as soon as you see another grainy, crappy and tiny images. More often than not, you get a slew of phone-taken photos that are piss-poor in clarity or you have a couple of professional shots and nothing more.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @hivadotme/Unsplash

More and more, I am finding artists do not have a selection of high-res photos and, as such, I am turning them away! You might think that is a harsh policy but, as I say, we have the capacity to take professional-quality photos with affordable technology. It only takes a little while to set up your own shoot and get some great pictures online. Failing that, music photographers are not that pricey and you can find plenty of willing and hungry people who would jump at the chance for work and would not charge you a fortune! A single session, which is all it would take, varies in price but it is not a ruinous cost! That investment pays for itself because you look more professional on the page and there is something eye-catching to lure fans, journalists and potential venues/backers in. I see way too many artists with either very few photos of any kind of so many bad ones that are, if you’re lucky, interspersed by a few decent ones. I am not suggesting either artist out there needs to run to the best local photographer and get their wallets out! A fairly regular – once every six months or so – a new set of snaps would be affordable and you can intersperse that with photos of your own. That gives journalists like me a chance to pick some great shots and make pieces look professional and attractive.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @rawpixel/Unsplash

The excuses I get usually fall into three categories: People either say they can’t afford it; the P.R. company that are looking after them limit what they can provide or they feel photos are not that important. It might seem costly getting photos done but, as I say, you can shop around find something affordable. Making music and touring costs money so artists need to think of it as part of their business plan and, after you get a nice set done, you do not need to worry for a while. It is like an M.O.T. or a trip to the dentist – making this sound attractive! – but it will make a big difference and, in a visual age, you cannot afford to be lacklustre. I see artists have Instagram accounts and post endless photos there so I do not buy the excuse they cannot afford to get photos taken – the evidence speaks for itself! I know there are P.R. companies that, annoyingly, limit photos depending on campaigns. They want a particular ‘look’ for that single or whatever is promoted so they can shackle people like me. I have lost count of the times I have seen an artist with a load of top photos but the company wants to limit me down to four or five because they are part of this cycle.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @sarandywestfall_photo/Unsplash

Even if the rest of the photos are a few months old, they want these exclusive shots and get annoyed when you try and add to that. I can understand an artist would want a particular theme for an album or single but it seems foolhardy to limit yourself in terms of photos. A certain preciousness and limitation can be a real issue and I wonder whether musicians have an idea how irritating that sort of behaviour can be. I digress but I do worry about that third point: artists feeling images are not important. Music is as much about visuals as it is anything else. You can be a super-genius innovator or the next-big-thing-of-the-world but, if you have no images or shoddy examples then that looks really bad! The first thing you see in an interview or a review is a photo. That comes before the music and your eyes are engaged and stimulated before your ears! We, as it is said, have short attention spans so, if you have grainy images or none at all, are people going to look further and stick around?! I wouldn’t. The reason I am so insistent regarding high-res images is because I want to capture the mind and hook people in. Too many times, I have been a pacifist and published pieces with terrible images or low-resolution ones. I look back and wince and wonder why I did not reject that artist!

 PHOTO CREDIT: @nicolasjleclercq/Unsplash

This article, published four years ago, shows there is ignorance among the music community:

“Our findings showed that out of 2,000 artists, only 4% thought promoters took the quality of pictures and videos into account when selecting artists as opportunity winners.

The reality is, almost every promoter that we talk to mentions how important photographs and album covers are in their selections. A great photograph is what immediately separates you from anyone else at first glance. You’ve worked hard to make sure that your music is as good as it can be, so why not invest some time in making sure that first visual hook is just as good?”

Victor Alfieri, Founder, Owner and Editor-in-Chief, wordkrapht.com

“A high quality photo or album cover shows that the artist is taking their craft seriously and that this isn’t some weekend hobby. While I understand that funds are always tight, there are ways to produce high quality stuff that help the artist get noticed.”

Vaughn Lowery, President, 360 Magazine

“Captivating artwork is everything. Because we live in a visual world, artists should have photos that expresses the message points of their band. However, there is a clear distinction between quality and quantity”.

To be honest with you; if you do a quick Google search and you will find countless articles that underline the point: you need to get good photos and image is everything!

This article I discovered talks to photographers and how important images are:

“Nashville-based photographer Kyle Dean Reinford is a specialist in music portraiture, documentary and live photos, who spent years learning his trade in New York. He feels image plays an integral role—especially on the business side.

Yeah, the music is obviously the main product, but in the age of the internet, image means a lot. If I see a terrible photo of a band, I'm less inclined to listen—even more so if they have a bad name. It's hard for me to get past those things on a personal music-loving level and I expect it's the same for others. We don't just hear music on the radio the way we used to.

I'd also say that having good photography is key for getting signed. Labels don't develop bands the way they used to. They want to see a band that looks cool and marketable and has everything worked out”.

The music itself is, of course, the main thing and if you feel image – as in sexiness and fashion – is what sells you best then you need to ask yourself whether you are in the right industry! I am not talking about coolness, selling your body and commercialism. Great photos, as has been outlined, sell the music as much as the artists themselves so there is no reason to think you can have a successful career without some good-quality shots – ignore that advice at you peril.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @shs521/Unsplash

The last two point I want to relate to names and social media. Again, like photos, you need to sell yourself and be visible and, if people struggle to find you online then you are shooting yourself in the foot! I know it has having a great band name and standing aside but you would not believe the number of times I have come across Google-proof bands that you spend ages trying to locate! I have come across solo artists called ‘Sophie’ or ‘Gemma’ and try typing that into social media sites and Google and how many options you have! If you called your band, let’s say, ‘Wealth’, then how am I meant to narrow that down?! In the way people will look elsewhere after seeing some poor photos; they will do the same if they cannot locate you or there are other bands with the same name. Similarly; having weird characters and letters in your name is irritating and unnecessary. If I saw a band called ‘summariZe1’ or ‘TurNINgReed’ or something silly then I would  lose my patience. I have taken artists with complex or hard-to-find names and I always regret it. There are articles out there that give you advice regarding names and getting it right. This illuminating piece reflects some common advice that is worth taking to heart:

“Before you go crazy, there are a few things we would like you to keep in mind. A good (and legal) band name must be:

1. Unused – No one likes a copy cat
2. Short – 1-3 words is standard and works with the psychology of memory
3. Timeless – You don’t want to end up hating your out-of-fashion name in three years
4. Google friendly – Make sure when people search your name, they find you and not a bunch of pictures of Snooping Dogs or porn
5. Consider avoiding ‘The [something]’ – Starting with “The” has been done and is officially dusted (for the time being)

Animal names

The Internet loves animals.

Google ‘bands with animal names’ and you can get about 13,700,000 results. Check out the comments on Brad Frost’s list of bands with animal-themed names, people are enthusiastic. You surely can’t go wrong with this category unless you strongly insist in using names of the world’s ugliest animals. They could be cute to you but might not be for everyone else. And no Blobfish please.

Looking back from the 60s, the list of animal-inspired band names is endless. Here we have the ’The (Animal Name)’, mostly classic rock bands from the old days such as The Monkees, Animals and The Beatles; On the contemporary side we have bands like Arctic Monkeys, Cat Power, Grizzly Bear, Modest Mouse, The Mountain Goats and Birds of Tokyo, which are descriptive or a combination of an animal with something with a ring to it...

IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images  

In saying this, we’d highly recommend you go for a descriptive animal name.

Not only that the ‘The (Something)’ is out, it is also more recognisable and creative than a plain animal name. Think storytelling. Alien Ant Farm is much catchier and funnier than plain old Ant Farm. And Snoop Dogg / Lion / Werewolf / Unicorn / whatever’s next is much better than ordinary Snoop. That’s just creepy.

Objects, Nature, Places & Events

If you’re still stuck, get some inspiration from the things around you.

Where are you? Literally. Where were the New York Dolls or the Alabama Shakes? Look around the house. Take the famous example of AC/DC who chose their name from the back of a sewing machine. Open your fridge. Think Vanilla Ice, Lemonheads, Peaches, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Salt n’ Pepa”.

This article adds to the mix:

“2. Want to use your actual name? Make it unique and more descriptive

If you're compelled to use your personal name, just be prepared to make it more hip, memorable, unique, and descriptive if needed. Case in point: David Bowie (born David "Davy" Jones) adopted "Bowie" – after his favorite hunting knife – to sound more edgy and to create more distinction from Davy Jones of the Monkees.

Alternatively, if your goal is to make it clear that you're the leader of your band, don't be afraid to say precisely that in your name! The Dave Matthews Band is a name that implies that there is one leader, Dave Matthews, but we can also expect – with some flexibility – that the same group of musicians will be working on every recording and performance…

PHOTO CREDIT: @gaspanik/Unsplash

3. Consider how it'll fit on your merch…

Your name should be short enough (or look cool enough when turned into an acronym) to fit on merchandise, including T-shirts, hats, and stickers. Trent Reznor of the band Nine Inch Nails denies any deep meaning to the name – he claims to have just wanted a name that abbreviated easily!

4. Be sure it's easy to read, pronounce, and spell

Remember what a name is intended to do – make you memorable and recognizable. A name with an overly strange spelling that no one can read may be defeating the purpose. Could you imagine if your parents gave you a name no one could pronounce correctly? Each day of school would be a nightmare as each teacher constantly messes up your name!

Korn spelled with a "K" is fine, for instance, but just be careful not to make your own name's spelling too weird. Though the band Lynyrd Skynyrd has been hugely successful for decades, I literally couldn't find them on the web when researching this article because I couldn't spell their name correctly. Even Google had no idea what I was trying to do. (I'm laughing, but I'm serious.) For a brand new band in this day and age, you might as well not exist if your name can't be easily searched online”.

Given the number of artists who respond to my emailed interview questions and I spend more time correcting the thing than they took to write it…we are less connected to the written word and spending a lot of time text-speaking.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @nesabymakers/Unsplash

We want a band that is easy to recall and we can tap into a search engine easily. I am not saying you need to dumb-down but you don’t want to have the caps lock on and off, on and off; typing in a number and then put in an apostrophe! Similarly, if you have a very common name you will take so long to find the band you want that you get annoyed and move on. Also; boring and obvious names can put people off just as much. Take advice from the articles above and bolster it with the search results you can find. It is a bit late for bands out there saddled with crap names but when it comes to naming your next single, E.P. or album, you can avoid similar pitfalls. Again; why do artists feel it is okay to name their latest piece something so common and over-used?! I can understand songs have a theme but I see so many songs that I think I have seen before – look through Spotify and you find a dozen other artists who have named their song the same! This ties together image and naming. Whilst cover art and photos are there to catch the eye and sell the product; if you are lazy regarding titles or give a song/E.P. a stupid name that can have a very detrimental effect! Bands/artists have so much navigate and consider when they are established – making mistakes right from the off means you might not have a long career at all!

PHOTO CREDIT: @andrewtneel/Unsplash

If you have your name and images all sorted and, essentially, ensure people are enticed enough to listen to/promote your music then you’ll want to be visible online! I am not 100% sure whether an official website is vital but it certainly helps! I am not big on Instagram but I feel, if you want to spread your music and get it to the biggest names in music then you NEED to be on Twitter! I have mentioned this before but cannot underline how baffling it is when musicians are not on there! This article provides a lot of reasons why Twitter is essential – I have picked a few:

“2) It’s where things happen first

Not all things. But, increasingly, news happens first on Twitter.

This point may not be so relevant to musicians in terms of publishing content via the medium, but keeping abreast of what is happening in the music world on Twitter and taking an active part in those discussions is one of the ways in which you will gain followers and by extension increase your fanbase. If you only use Twitter once a day or once a week to send updates, instead of using it as a means to engage and communicate with others, you will not be getting the best from the service...

IMAGE CREDIT: Twitter/Getty Images 

6) It’s a fantastic form of marketing

You’ve written your piece or blog. Now you can let them all know it’s there, so that they come to your site. You alert your community of followers.

The primary reason for a musician to use Twitter is to communicate with your fans and promote your music. As I’ve mentioned, if all you do on Twitter is spam your followers with BUY BUY BUY messages, you won’t have them for long. But if you use Twitter well, and tweet about non-commercial content for the most part then fans will respond to messages about buying your music and merchandise. And don’t forget that your followers will be excited about your next concert or music release so tweeting about these things will build up enthusiasm and anticipation.

8 ) It’s more diverse

Traditional media allowed a few voices in. Twitter allows anyone.

In the similar fashion to Facebook, Twitter allows you to capture audiences which previously would have been considered niche. In the vast oceans of the world wide web nice groups can clump together into significant audiences (and market) for your music”.

Another feature, from DIY Musician, makes some interesting points and provides useful advice:

“Facebook might be amenable to a few updates per day, but the more posts you write, the less likely your followers are to see them.

When you want to say something with words, when you want to say a lot of things with words, there’s Twitter!

A string of tweets can show you building a larger story over a short time. A tweet every 15 minutes can reveal the random misadventures of your life. The one-off tweet can share a revelation…

PHOTO CREDIT: @rawpixel/Unsplash 

Whether you want to let your fans in on your stream-of-conscious mind or you prefer to schedule 50 tweets ahead of time in HootSuite, Twitter doesn’t hold you back.

Being a member of a larger music community is important, but when you want to share info about a friend’s new music, or thank a blogger who covered your latest release (on the same day your video goes live on YouTube), or just ask your fans what they thought of that cool article about your favorite artist,… you might be reluctant to do so on Facebook if it hurts the reach of other important posts you need to make that day.

Who comes to the rescue? Yep, once again, Twitter.

Twitter has zero barriers to being a good community member. You can tweet, retweet, reply, and like things whenever you want. When there’s no cost to being a supporter of others’ work, generosity follows. Sure, Twitter is the digital home to plenty of trolls, but it can be a really supportive place as well”.

You can get so much attention being on Twitter and it means, with a single tweet, you can get your music to radio stations, labels and whoever you want! Maybe you feel your music can grow and market itself based on radio and Facebook but the reason so many artists get their songs played on big radio stations is because of Twitter! There is no logical reason to avoid the site and it is so incredibly simple to promote and accrue the right fans; get a big audience and remain visible. If you think you are too ‘cool’ for Twitter then you are wrong. Not only will people miss your music but you are limiting yourself being off of Twitter.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @reeneyjenkins/Unsplash

The last piece I will bring in introduces a new dynamics and thoughts:

“I think you lose a lot if you outsource your social communication to third parties,” says Mike More, CEO of Headliner.fm, a social marketing platform for musicians. “It only takes a few minutes a day. There’s a very big upside for artists that invest their time in getting it right.”

“One of the main advantages Twitter has for artists is that it’s more open than Facebook or any other social platform,” says More. “Artists can follow any band they’re into and connect with them easily. This is a big plus.”

This lends itself to the possibility of connecting with like-minded artists and if one possesses the right blend of luck and relevance, getting followed or retweeted by a band with a massive following.

But it also makes that artist-to-fan communication much easier than it ever was before, and different artists utilize it in different ways. Some are impersonal and almost broadcast-esque, while others choose to get a little more intimate”.

I would not exist and be able to do what I do were it not for Twitter! Facebook is okay for personal contacts but limited for music and promotion. I can add musicians and contact them directly; I can get my pieces shared more easily and widely and it is an essential marketing tool!

 PHOTO CREDIT: @mparente/Unsplash

I cannot emphasise those who ignore it and do wonder why! These concerns of mine might seem niche and personal but, honestly, journalists and every corner of music feels the same. The best and most long-lasting artists take pride in images and realise their worth; they have a great name that is not off-putting and they are visible on Twitter. There is a lot more to consider when it comes to forging a successful career in music but avoiding pitfalls regarding name, photos and Twitter visibility is paramount. You need to ensure people can find your band/music and you have a visual edge – not just musical – and, when they do like that they see, they can point others your way. It is all about that fan-to-musician relationship and an intimacy that goes with it. One reason I am tuning away a lot of requests is because of things like lacking photos or poor quality; those not on Twitter or something like that. There is no need to make these errors and be lazy. If you are an artist – and culpable when it comes to my concerns – then think about it from the fan’s/journalist’s viewpoint. We want to bond with you and share your music so it is essential you are visible and easily locatable. Image-wise; we want to see what you look like and what you are about – photos are as much about your personality and unique edge as they are anything else. These tips and guidelines may seem rather minor and slight but trust me, if you follow them and take them to heart, it can all make…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @jeshoots/Unsplash

A huge difference!

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

FEATURE:

 

 

Sisters in Arms

IN THIS PHOTO: Bang Bang Romeo/PHOTO CREDIT: Holly Rose Stones

An All-Female, Autumn-Ready Playlist (Vol. XI)

__________

HERE is another female-led playlist…

 IN THIS PHOTO: IDER/PHOTO CREDIT: Lottie Turner  

that should suit the rather autumnal weather we are having! I will produce another selection by the weekend and am always keeping my eyes and ears open for the best female-fronted sounds around. It is a drizzly and rather cloudy day so it is a good excuse to get the headphones on and listen to some great music - great new cuts and a few songs that go back as far as last year. I am excited and immersed into the playlist and the variety included. From Pop and R&B; covering different nations and showing the depth and quality of female-made music; it is another bold and fascinating playlist. Have a listen to the collated songs and I am sure there will be something in there that turns the head and gets you interested.  As the weather turns a bit crap and we are all looking for something warm and safe; here is an assortment of top-quality songs that will keep you protected whilst…

IN THIS PHOTO: Alice Chater 

BRINGING the heat.

ALL PHOTOS (unless stated otherwise): Getty Images/Artists

____________

LCMDF – Glitter

Thandii – Another One

The New Respects - Trouble

PHOTO CREDIT: @kramerdoingbits

After London – Ceremony Waits

PHOTO CREDIT: Steve Carson Photography

Jealous of the Birds – Marrow

Salt Ashes – Go All Out

Lucy May Walker – My Help

Sofi de la Torre – Run That Back

Dolores Haze – FLIP

Elheist – Matter of Fact / Not That Easy

Lucy Spraggan – Hey William

PHOTO CREDIT: Jack Bridgland

IDER – You’ve Got Your Whole Life Ahead of You Baby

Dominique Tey – Let It Out

La Force – Mama Papa

S.O.S – Like a Flower

PHOTO CREDIT: Ellie Mitchell

Bang Bang Romeo – Chemical

Tori Sheard – Treading Water

Laura Gibson – Domestication

Alice Chater – Hourglass

ANNALIA – Cycles

PHOTO CREDIT: Luke Nugent Photography

NAATIONS – History

MAWD – Wandering Eye

PHOTO CREDIT: Tanya Voltchanskaya

Bri Clark – Giving Up

INTERVIEW: Victory Chimes

INTERVIEW:

Victory Chimes

___________

MY final interview of the day…

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

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

__________

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

Doing great, thanks! Busy rolling out this record.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Beatles – ‘The White Album’

For pushing the limits of songwriting.

Radiohead - OK Computer 

For sonic textures and production.

Nick Cave - Push the Sky Away

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

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

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

For rider…just natural orange wine.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

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

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

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

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

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

___________

Follow Victory Chimes

Official:

http://www.victorychimes.ca/

Facebook:

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

Instagram:

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

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/victorychimes-743557669

PHOTOS:

Faustino Balvé 

INTERVIEW: Ivy Mairi

INTERVIEW:

Ivy Mairi

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THIS interview finds me talking with Ivy Mairi…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

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

 IN THIS PHOTO: IDER/PHOTO CREDIT: Lottie Turner

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

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

___________

Follow Ivy Mairi

Official:

https://www.ivymairi.com/

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ivymairi

Instagram:

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

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/ivy-mairi

Bandcamp:

https://ivymairi.bandcamp.com/

INTERVIEW: Jerrica Alyssa

INTERVIEW:

Jerrica Alyssa

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I am starting the day by speaking with Jerrica Alyssa…

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

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

__________

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

Awesome. My new single dropped today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Songs in A Minor by Alicia Keys

Off the Wall by Michael Jackson

Raise! by Earth, Wind & Fire

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

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

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

I would love to! 

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

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

 IN THIS PHOTO: The New Respects

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

IN THIS PHOTO: Sampha

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

You’ll find me in dance class getting physical! 

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

(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano by Sampha

___________

Follow Jerrica Alyssa

Official:

https://www.jerricaalyssa.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJerrica

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jerricaalyssa

Instagram:

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

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jerricaalyssa

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: The High Points

INTERVIEW:

The High Points

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

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

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

__________

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

We can give you an insight...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a hard one…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

 IN THIS PHOTO: The Renadeans

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

Matt: Girl - The Beatles

Ethan: Peg - Steely Dan

___________

Follow The High Points

Official:

https://www.thehighpointsofficial.com/

Facebook:

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/thehighpoints

Instagram:

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

Spotify:

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

FEATURE: Embrace/Retune: BBC Radio 6 Music in 2018: The Future Is Very Bright

FEATURE:

 

 

Embrace/Retune

IMAGE CREDIT: BBC/Getty Images 

BBC Radio 6 Music in 2018: The Future Is Very Bright

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ONE of my prurient distractions (that I constantly need to itch)…

is listening to BBC Radio 6 Music! I tend to write a couple of pieces about the station a year because, as much as anything, I hope it gets shared and new listeners turn on! I will be covering some older ground but I wanted to revisit the station because, as we head to the New Year; I have been looking back at the station and how important it is to me, personally. It has been a turbulent and eventful year for the station. One of my favourite D.J.s, Mark Radcliffe, is currently on a ‘sabbatical’/sick leave dealing with cancer and I will be very excited hearing him back on the airwaves next year. Radcliffe presents the afternoon show during the week with Stuart Maconie and their repartee/banter is one of the reasons why I love BBC Radio 6 Music so. They have been, as part of a New Year shuffle, moved to the weekends (during the morning) and that decision garnered its fair share of indignation! I was among those who protested – in the form of mild grumble – and asked why that decision was made. It is sad to see two stalwarts of radio taken from a slot they seem so comfortable and content in – Stuart Maconie and Mark Radcliffe have both said they have a good working relationship and no desires to go their separate ways. With Radcliffe battling cancer; it seems sad his return to radio will be in a reduced role...

 IN THIS PHOTO: Shaun Keaveny with Jodie Whittaker/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC

In any case; among the negativity and unwelcomed change are some new appointments. Shaun Keaveny has moved from the breakfast show to afternoon and, whilst I will miss him sorely in his usual slot; he has been breaking rocks and entertaining those weary-eyed risers for over a decade and, well…it is time the Leigh-born D.J. gets a bit of a kip in the morning! Mary Anne Hobbs is becoming a regular weekday D.J. and, alongside Lauren Laverne taking over the breakfast show; I am glad female D.J.s are getting bigger recognition and there is that move. Whilst I am going to take a while to adjust to someone more positive taking over breakfast – that 7 A.M. grumble and gripe is something I will miss, man! – I am glad Keaveny gets a chance to bed into a new slot. I love his partnership with Matt Everitt and it is good to see them travel together. I get a lot of my music news and discoveries from Everitt and his work is a big influence on me (from his music news to his in-depth and compelling interviews with big names). I wonder whether his regular features will go with him (Small Claims Court and his usual morning routine…) and whether, in that early slot, Laverne will be able to bring her much-loved features along – Desert Island Disco, Memory Tapes and Biorhythms are great fixtures and I always discover new music listening to them. She is a great interviewer and hosts live sessions and one would imagine, when that shift happens, Mary Anne Hobbs would take live sessions on?! I am a huge fan of Chris Hawkins too and, whilst he is on before Keavney - and a bit too early for me! - I catch him on the iPlayer. Hawkins’ hard work and endless commitment takes my breath. An exceptional D.J. and pivitol figure on BBC Radio 6 Music!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Lauren Laverne with John Grant/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC

I was slightly aggrieved at Laura Snapes’ reaction to the BBC Radio 6 Music ‘cabinet reshuffle’. Writing in The Guardian; she was pleased women were/are getting more exposure but felt, aside from that, it was same-old-same-old at the station:

“…Otherwise, it’s a classic 6 Music cabinet reshuffle. It speaks to the station’s core contradiction: its remit is to “celebrate the alternative spirit in popular music from the 1960s to the present day” yet its presenters are all firmly establishment. The average age of its 22 DJs is 52. Only one is under 40 – Tom Ravenscroft, at 38. For all its praiseworthy emphasis on new music (apparently a key doubling-down of the reshuffle), 6 Music struggles to introduce new presenters because it relies on stable brands – largely pegged to the very white history of British indie culture – rather than minting new stars.

There’s no shortage of potential 6 Music DJs: Jon Hillcock has been filling in on the station for years with one of the most inclusive and inquisitive new music shows going, yet has never progressed to a regular slot. A DJ like 1Xtra’s omnivorous Jamz Supernova would fit well, as would NTS’s Bullion, and they could do more with Huw Stephens than Radio 1 make of him. I’m surprised they’ve not poached the fairly new but eminently adept Matt Wilkinson from Beats 1, nor opened up their cohort of musicians to younger performers: off the top of my head, Lily Allen, Dev Hynes, MIA, Metronomy’s Joe Mount and Bat for Lashes’ Natasha Khan would all create exciting radio...

IN THIS PHOTO: Mary Anne Hobbs/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC 

Yet the station’s complacency makes a certain sort of sense: the lack of room for new talent indicates the success of 6 Music’s well-established brands. Note that Steve Lamacq, the station’s most popular broadcaster outside of the breakfast show, is the only untouched daytime slot. Rajar figures released in May show that 6 Music now attracts a record 2.53 million weekly listeners aged 15 and over (from 2.34 million in the previous quarter and 2.35 million last year), with all of the daytime shows reaching more than a million listeners weekly for the first time. Why fix what isn’t broken – especially when listeners baulk at change? Who can forget the horror at George Lamb’s short-lived show? Attempts at GLR-style quirk (Natasha Desborough on weekend breakfast, Jon Holmes at the weekend) were similarly brief”.

I can abide by a couple of points. There is a pool of talent who do occasional shows on BBC Radio 6 Music, like Jon Hillcock, who I would like to see moved to a more permanent slot! I will come onto this a bit later but, your honour, I must get to my point! Like a lawyer making a case who has suddenly been distracted by a squirrel frolicking by a tree outside the courthouse; I need to regain some focus and clarity! I wanted to write this piece to state why BBC Radio 6 Music has been especially important to me this year – a look at where I think it could go in 2019...

 PHOTO CREDIT: @josephbalzanodev/Unsplash

The past few weeks have seen me locate to London in search of work, dreams and all of that and I, to be honest, have found it very hard going. The phone is not ringing as much as I’d like; the Tube is being delayed more than I’d imagine and the bank balance is becoming ever-more malnourished and sickly! I am a bit concerned about that aspect but, if anything, BBC Radio 6 has been a trusted and forgiving companion. It does not scoff at my rather lacklustre riches nor snort in derision when looking at my plans for any given week! Instead, I have turned to the station like a mute confessional box and have let the music/D.J.s balm and soothe me. I am looking forward to changes and evolution next year but I have been blown away by the quality and brilliance of the station. It is getting stronger each year and that, in no small part, is because of the loyalty of the staff and the passion they exude! Say what you want about changes at BBC Radio 1 and 2 – some high-profile names going elsewhere – but BBC Radio 6 Music, to me, is a station that warrants a lot more love (more on that anon). I love the holy trio of Shaun Keaveny, Lauren Laverne and RadMac (Radcliffe and Maconie) and have discovered so much new music from them.

The enthusiasm, humour and passion you get from these D.J.s is infectious and (they have) buoyed me at a time when I need it most. Some people talking about mental illness like two pigeons fighting over a discarded condom in an alleyway – or something less revolting! – and turn their noses up. I, as a journalist, am not alone when it comes to mental-health. I suffer from depression and anxiety and ‘conventional’ medicines/talk have not made a dent through the years. Listening to these familiar and reliable voices each day, in an odd way, provides me with more spirit, determination and hope than nearly anything else. It may seem strange – as I have not met any of them – but I have become a more ambitious writer and a stronger-willed person because of them! I am tuning into Steve Lamacq during the afternoons and discovering what he is all about. I have always been aware of ‘Lammo’ but am spending more time with his show. He, aside from Tom Ravenscroft, Lauren Laverne and Mary Anne Hobbs, is one of the most ardent truffle hounds of new music. His nose is pressed to crates and his ears never more than a few feet from some sweaty, beer-scented and explosive gig; his mind never far from projecting florid and delighted words about some band we need to hear. The same is true of Marc Riley - who provides live sessions and is one of the most passionate and committed D.J.s at the station.

That sort of passion and love is, again, what makes BBC Radio 6 Music such a perennial banquet of delight! D.J.s on the station give a voice to new artists and so many musicians I interview have been featured on the station. It means so much to them and puts their music into new hands; it boosts their career and is an invaluable asset! I am listening more to Craig Charles, Tom Ravenscroft and Huw Stephens (a new name to the BBC Radio 6 Music roster) and dipping in to Cerys Matthews and Gilles Peterson – that sounds a bit wrong but you know (I hope) what I mean – and becoming less reliant on three or four D.J.s to satisfy my thirst. The quality and variation I have discovered by spending more time with the station is mind-blowing! I am discovering new things and qualities about BBC Radio 6 Music - and the station provides an alternative for those who want to escape the commercial rivals and discover D.J.s who are genuinely excited about music – so many smaller stations hire D.J.s for comedy/entertainment rather than a love of music. If you are new to the station and want to find that hard balance of excellent music and D.J.s who are likable and know what they are on about…you need to tune in to BBC Radio 6 Music. The station marked National Album Day and is always involved in every aspect of music. The documentaries they put on – like Martin Freeman, last Sunday, paying tribute to The Beatles’ eponymous album turning fifty – are fantastic and you get so much more than the same old shows week in, week out.

Stuart is marking the 50th anniversary of John Carlos and Tommie Smith's black power salute at the 1968 Mexico Olympics this afternoon - hear his chat with Tommie just after 2.30 on @BBC6Music pic.twitter.com/UUPFWglfWg

— RadMac on 6 Music (@BBCRadMac) October 16, 2018

From shining a light on a special album to opening our eyes to issues around gender and race; BBC Radio 6 Music has a social conscious that is refreshing and inspiring to see! I disagree with something Snapes said in that Guardian piece:

“…It trades in comfort and familiarity, new versions of old sounds, rather than pursuing a genuine cultural “alternative spirit”. The “alternative” it celebrates is the mainstream – look no further than David Cameron’s festival selfies for proof. In essence, 6 is the old Radio 1 evening slot writ large for people who, due to jobs and kids, can no longer listen to the radio between 7pm and midnight. Sloughing off older presenters would force listeners of a certain age to reckon with their identity – and mortality – and the fact that what was once their youthful alternative now simply … isn’t”.

I think a reason why BBC Radio 6 Music continues to snap, crackle and pop the underwear of curiosity and slake the perversity of the musical imagination is (because of) the way it remains fresh and does not stick with rigid guidelines. I feel the fact there are slightly older D.J.s at the station is not a sign of mortality or a depressing thing: you have years’ experience and are not reliant on the usual plethora of overly-cheerful yoofs (sic) who are all about the ‘coolest’ and most commercial sounds. It seems, despite some dimples on the motorway; BBC Radio 6 Music is looking in fine shape as we head into 2019…

 

Aside from thanking BBC Radio 6 Music and recommending people tune in; I feel there are exciting possibilities that can be explored in 2019! I am not sure whether it is possible to bring a digital station - which BBC Radio 6 Music is - to the normal airwaves and turn it F.M. BBC Radio 2 and 1 have such a big audience, among other reasons, because they are not digital-only and, as such, it is easier to find them and stay with them. I know BBC Radio 6 Music has this cool and slightly exclusive edge but one of the reasons a lot of people I know have not discovered the station is because it is digital. Maybe it is not possible to do that but I feel like there is this chance for BBC Radio 6 Music to go a bit more mainstream and I think it could recruit a lot of listeners from BBC Radio 2 and 1 – they would find much to love and discover and it could create a new army for BBC Radio 6 Music. I am pleased Lauren Laverne and Mary Anne Hobbs are moving to new slots and there is a conscious effort to promote women and make changes. I still feel like there is an opportunity to bring more women into the station and tip the balance. There are more men at the station than women – this is true of most bigger options – and I feel like BBC Radio 6 Music could be one of the first station to bring about parity in terms of gender.

I mentioned how part-time BBC Radio 6 Music faces like Jon Hillcock could be promoted and new blood brought in. There is great loyalty at the station but there are chances for new shows a slight shake-up. I wonder how the breakfast and afternoon shows will change; who the music news presenter will be in the morning and whether all the much-loved and familiar features will find a new home. I am confident everything will settle and it will be great but I know there is that chance to bring the brand to a bigger audience. The station does that itself but there are many more (uninitiated) out there who could benefit from the warm and chocolatey tones of BBC Radio 6 Music. In my last BBC Radio 6 Music-related piece; I mooted the possibility of an award show that can be run by the station. With the Mercury Prize gaining negative scrutiny and other options like the BRITs designed for a rather commercial market; I feel like BBC Radio 6 Music could provide that essential and sought-after award that genuinely reflects tastes, variety and geography – with the Mercury Prize being very London-centric. Whereas The Cardigans, back in the 1990s, urged us to Erase/Rewind; I think BBC Radio 6 Music should be embraced but, in terms of personnel and bringing it further to the masses, a slight retune could be in order. I have a lot to thank them (everyone at the station) for what they have produced this year and I am sure so many people out there have been enriched and harnessed by the station. It continues to resonate, grow and shine and I think next year will be a huge one for the station. As I look back and encapsulate what the station has provided me (and so many others) this past year; I look forward and seeing how, with changes and shifts, it can move forward and who it can reach. If you are unaware of BBC Radio 6 Music and the loyal army – from the D.J.s and producers through to music news presenters and everyone who makes the machine work – then make sure tuning in is one of your…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @piensaenpixel/Unsplash

NEW Year’s Resolutions!

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Follow BBC Radio 6 Music

IN THIS PHOTO: Héloïse Letissier (Christine and the Queens) alongside Lauren Laverne/PHOTO CREDIT: BBC 

Official:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/6music

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/BBC6Music

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/BBCRadio6Music/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bbc6music/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqV-eYI6gwAYxQowEWosBkA

INTERVIEW: Novul

INTERVIEW:

Novul

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MY last interview of the day…

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

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

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

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

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

I’m Novul - check out my story. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

 IN THIS PHOTO: NF

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

Everything Is Embarrassing - Sky Ferreira 

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Follow Novul

Official:

https://itsnovul.com/

Facebook:

https://twitter.com/itsnovul

Instagram:

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

Spotify:

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

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/novul

FEATURE: Llais Hyfryd: The 2018 Welsh Music Prize: The Nominees

FEATURE:

 

 

Llais Hyfryd

IN THIS PHOTO: A shot of Llanberis, Wales/PHOTO CREDIT: @fotios_photos/Unsplash

The 2018 Welsh Music Prize: The Nominees

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SO much energy was expended earlier this year…

 IN THIS PHOTO: The flag of Wales/IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images

when the nominations for the Mercury Prize were announced that we forget there are nation-specific awards for Scotland and Wales. It is great the nations get to mark the best of their indigenous talent and I feel the Welsh Music Prize does not get the coverage it warrants. That said; I have been hearing a couple of radio stations mention it and a few of the music magazines/websites have listed the runners and riders! Wolf Alice won this year’s Mercury and, again, it was a year with some notable omissions and a London winner! Many have become aghast at the predictable let-down and slight annoyance you get with the Mercury whilst others feel it has a lot of potential and is giving a platform for artists who really need the exposure. I flip-flop but was irritated a few great albums were omitted from the shortlist this year – among them was Gwenno’s Le Kov and Boy Azooga’s 1,2, Kung Fu! Both of those records are Mercury-worthy but I guess you need to draw a line somewhere! Each of the nominated albums for the Welsh Music Prize are fantastic and I think there is greater depth and strength in this award than there was for the Mercury. It seems like Wales (and Scotland) are leading the way when it comes to running a balanced and quality-packed award!

 IN THIS PHOTO: A shot of Borth, Wales/PHOTO CREDIT: @xientce /Unsplash

Before I present the nominees and a little bit about each record; it is probably worth letting DORK give you some information about this year’s Welsh Music Prize:

“The nominees have been revealed for this year's Welsh Music Prize.

With a ceremony planned for Cardiff's Coal Exchange on 7th November, artists up for the gong include former winners Gwenno and Gruff Rhys, Manic Street Preachers, Boy Azooga and Astroid Boys.

There are also nods for Alex Dingley, Bryde, Eugene Capper & Rhodri Brooks, Catrin Finsh & Seckou Keita, Mellt, Seazoo and Toby Hay.

Co-founder of the award Hew Stephens explains: "It’s another eclectic and electrifying nominations list that the jurors have put forward. The judges will now listen to the twelve excellent albums and decide on a winner. These albums have found audiences worldwide, the musicians are incredible talented ambassadors for Wales and this year’s Welsh Music Prize proves that creativity in music from Wales is at an all time high”.

It is a rich and exciting time for Welsh music and, as many of the mainstream music sites ignore stuff outside of Wales; this list of juicy albums shows what colour, talent and nuance is coming from the proud and noble nation! I have had the pleasure of reviewing some of the albums below – and interviewed artists associated with them – and can attest to their power and hard work. Take a look and listen through the nominated twelve and, to all of the artists nominated, all the very…

 PHOTO CREDIT: @florenciaviadana/Unsplash

BEST of luck!

ALL ALBUM COVERS: Getty Images/Artists

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Astroid Boys – Broke

Release Date: 29th September, 2017

Label: Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

Standout Track: Dirt

Review:

“But ultimately – as has been said numerous times in this review alone – Broke isn’t a rock album, rather a grime album proactively brought forward to try and give rock its swagger and edge back. And if, off the back of this, Astroid Boys do continue to be embraced within those circles, that’s only a good thing, as Broke is the sort of incendiary, crucially modern project that’s well and truly needed. Whether Astroid Boys will be the ones to unite the two camps for good remains to be seen, but for what has been a long time coming, an album has crossed over into the rock world with the firepower to potentially make some huge changes down the line” – The Sound Board

Boy Azooga – 1,2, Kung Fu!

Release Date: 8th June, 2018

Label: Heavenly

Standout Track: Jerry

Review:

“The sense that (Davey) Newington has poured everything into this significant debut ensures an emotional resonance at the heart of songs like ‘Waitin’, with the spiralling repetition of its weary chorus set to cause all kinds of borderline obscene tingles within festival-goers over the coming months.

The love for his craft that Newington clearly possesses is writ large across these eleven songs and the bloated Sabbath crescendo of closer ‘Sitting On The First Rock From The Sun’ is a bizarrely fitting finale. It feels like a release, entirely lacking cynicism, simply the right thing for that moment in the song. It’s a philosophy that Boy Azooga lives by on ‘1, 2 Kung Fu’ to often giddying effect” – CLASH

Bryde - Like an Island

Release Date: 13th April, 2018

Label: Bryde

Standout Track: Fast Awake

Review:

“Bryde’s tone and voice inflections in Transparent are so elegantly captivating, and drastically differs from the nostalgically grungy tunes that precede it, with more of an organic feel that accentuates the angelic facet of her voice. If Alanis Morissette and Jewel wrote a lullaby together, it may sound something like this.

The delicacy of Bryde’s vocals works perfectly in accordance with minimal instrumentals or heavy electric guitars, and first time listeners will be enamoured with her sound straight away, whether she is in a whisper or singing angstily. The singer-songwriter has a newfound attitude that shines brightly in this solo project, and it’s always refreshing to see the rise of a strong indie female artist” – Thank Folk for That

Eugene Capper & Rhodri Brooks - Pontvane

Release Date: 29th September, 2017

Label: Bubblewrap Records

Standout Track: Yonderer

Review:

“The majority of the tracks lilt along in an acoustic or semi-acoustic reverie. ‘That’s Who’ is full of pain and understanding. The addition of the harmonica reinforces the impression of being alone on the plains of Wales, enhanced by a pensive instrumental outro. There are clear Americana references such as on ‘Yonderer’. In contrast, on ‘Sophie’s Song’ the slide guitar makes it sound more like it’s on a land-locked Hawaii. In this sparse track, ‘cigarettes don’t calm me down’ is half-sung, half-narrated over a waltz rhythm. On ‘Please Do’, the slide guitar glides like a slow dance at a wedding. It is a South Pacific lullaby. Sing this to your loved one by a campfire or even a gasfire. It’s about taking off your boots and staying in.

Pontvane has a number of additional collaborators all which contribute to its quality. Of special note is ‘Scary Shoes’ which features Girl Ray. Psych-lite, it is a bit of toe-tapping deliciousness, ‘my heart doesn’t beat like it used to’. ‘Kingsland Road’ also benefits from the addition of a female vocal. What should be the prettiest of songs, though, is disturbed by the disorder of a radio interruption midway” – God Is in the TV

Alex Dingley - Beat the Babble

Release Date: 2nd December, 2016

Label: Birth Records

Standout Track: Butterfly Corpses

Review:

“There are highlights in the ten tracks - the rolling piano and mix of yearning and regret that defines Between the Sheets, the affecting simplicity of If I Asked You to Dance, the melancholy of Lovely Life to Leave - but the overall impression whilst listening from start to finish is of being somewhere else entirely, spirited away from the humdrum into someone else's imagination. The music flows and dances by like an extended hypnagogic dream.

The reason for this is straightforward. The record (it is still available at the time of writing on blue vinyl) lives and breathes in a space bound on one side by the intuition of The Velvet Underground, another by the music The Cure appear to be making in the claustrophobic wardrobe in Tim Pope's film for their classic single Close to Me, and on a third by the liminal magic of an Edwardian fairground at dusk.

This is Beat the Babble's first UK issue - but it is Dingley's third LP and was originally released three years ago in the US. The last time I owned an album as singular and individual as this was Clash cohort Tymon Dogg's Relentless, and I wore the brilliant music out of the grooves of it. Where Relentless was often angry and political, Beat the Babble is intensely personal, but just as essential; this is one of 2018's albums of the year, and of any other year you might care to pick” – From the Margins

Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita – SOAR

Release Date: 27th April, 2018  

Label: bendigedig

Standout Track: Clarach

Review:

“The exultation of flight is captured on opener Clarach, kora and harp cascading around each other intricately, while the enforced migration of slavery is addressed in 1677, a darker, bluesier piece referring to the infamous slave station of Goree – though even here the playing is gloriously airborne. Bach to Baïsso begins as an extract from Bach’s Goldberg Variations before flipping into an antique Senegalese tune with griot chants; a daring but successful leap. The pair take turns to supply an underlying riff or play lead, but the interplay between their instruments is seamless, and testimony to their years working together. Hypnotic and ethereal, Soar is a unique marriage of cultures” – The Guardian  

Gwenno - Le Kov

Release Date: 2nd March, 2018  

Label: Heavenly

Standout Track: Eus Keus?

Review:

“Gwenno effortlessly glides between styles on ‘Le Kov’ – the seamless transitions between forlorn piano and frosted beats (Aphex Twin was an inspiration) to pristine drums and discordant brass evoke a Cornwall that’s as easily accessible as it is steeped in tradition and folklore…

Like her debut, ‘Y Dydd Olaf’, delivered in her native welsh (the Cornish comes from her parents, it was spoken around the house, and her father is a Cornish poet), the fact that the majority of people won’t understand the lyrics matters not. ‘Le Kov’ would be a wonderful album even if it were sung in Gallifreyan” – Loud and Quiet

Toby Hay - The Longest Day

Release Date: 21st June, 2018   

Label: The state51 Conspiracy

Standout Track: Leaving Chicago

Review:

“This is music that proves powerfully potent at evoking crystal-clear images of the places and moments that may have inspired it. Both parts of the string-enhanced, majestically swirling “Curlew” bring to mind a more spontaneous take on the luxuriously orchestrated epics on sometime musical partner Jim Ghedi’s recent gem A Hymn for Ancient Land. The pull of Hay’s music is not reliant on ornamentation, however. The contemplative closer “At The Bright Hem of God” features little beyond Hay’s guitar but proves the most moving moment on an album not exactly short of highlights, a deeply resonant, beautifully built piece worthy of comparison to Michael Chapman’s greatest guitar compositions” – The Line of Best Fit

Manic Street Preachers - Resistance Is Futile

Release Date: 13th April, 2018    

Label: Columbia Records

Standout Track: International Blue  

Review:

“The true character of this 13th album probably lies on ‘Distant Colours’ and ‘Broken Algorithms’ – lamenting how transient culture has become, how social media and fake news have diluted knowledge in the echo chamber of digital hiss and zeroes and ones. The band who once told you to know your enemy now realise that the enemy is omnipresent, yet also invisible and unknowable. Still, the Manics are kicking against the pricks just as hard as ever. In their existence alone they continue to fight the good fight – but the sheer scale, pop-pomp and balls on show here render their survival an absolute victory. Resistance may be futile, but the Manics continue to advance” – NME

Mellt - Mae’n Hawdd Pan Ti’n Ifanc

Release Date: 20th April, 2018    

Label: Recordiau JigCal Records

Standout Track: Tex  

Review:

“Since ‘Cysgod Cyfarwydd’ appeared on their first EP back in 2014, Mellt have been rated as one of the best chorus writers around, and they seem keen to remind us of that ability on songs such as ‘Rebel’ and ‘Tex’. However, their strikingly humorous and healthy lyrical ode to being young threatens to steal the show as the album’s main attraction. Both of those features help to create an album where an unashamed pop sensibility doesn’t necessarily lead to a compromise in edginess and authenticity.

Stylistically, the Mellt formula is somewhat stretched in the steadier wails of ‘Gwên Werth Mwy na Bwled’, and in the Blur-meets-Libertines bed to guest vocalist Garmon’s classic old school Welsh alt-rock rants. However, as last track ‘Glan Llyn’ halts towards the chorus, the band’s use of the album’s title reminds us all of why we’re here in the first place, and how we’ve listened to a well-constructed half hour of pure indie hookiness” – Let It Happen

Gruff Rhys – Babelsberg

Release Date: 8th June, 2018    

Label: Rough Trade Records

Standout Track: Frontier Man  

Review:

“Babelsberg, you soon realise, is a kind of primer of those pleasingly eccentric, non-youth-oriented mainstream pop styles that flourished in the States from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, somewhere between Glen Campbell’s first flush of success and AOR’s first incursions, via MOR’s heyday. ‘Limited Edition Heart’ has a lovely, smooth Carpenters swirl and depth to it. There is more than a touch of early Steely Dan to ‘Take That Call’. ‘Architecture of Amnesia’ might have Father John Misty checking his wallet, but Rhys has been craftily plundering the same sources for a good while now. A duet with Lily Cole, ‘Selfies In The Sunset’, makes a poignant coda, as though Nancy and Lee replaced their archness and menace with a meditative, wistful air of acceptance.

Throughout it – as throughout his career, with others and solo – flows Rhys’s gift for melody, which seems to rise from him as easily, naturally and endlessly as water from a spring. In the end, you can’t beat a good tune or ten. And when they carry this much imagination with them, it becomes a form of gentle wizardry. Any enchantment is bound to fall on deaf ears, at times; mine remain tuned in to Rhys, and I’m glad of it” – The Quietus

Seazoo – Trunks

Release Date: 2nd February, 2018     

Label: Seazoo

Standout Track: Dig  

Review:

“Recorded in bedrooms and the aforementioned bunker above, Trunks is the debut album from this up-and-coming act. Having previously received love from BBC’s Huw Stephens, Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq, Mark Radcliffe, as well as a handful of notable online tastemakers, this handful of charming numbers is sure to expand on the impressive reach this young band has already made.

Without digging too far into these cats, you’ll quickly see the outlined comparisons to the long-standing indie rock legends, Yo La Tengo. And, those associations are pretty spot on. The playful and carefree nature easily brings you fully into that frame, and it’s something that you don’t see too often. There are wonderfully poppy moments throughout — catchy hooks, unique vocal cadences, and grin-inducing harmonies — but it never feels forced, or overdone. It comes off with a nonchalant air that’s simply intoxicating and downright addicting” – The Music Ninja

INTERVIEW: Chloëbeth

INTERVIEW:

Chloëbeth

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THE wonderful Chloëbeth…

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

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

__________

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visions of a Life by Wolf Alice

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

Blink-182 – Blink-182

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

Nevermind by Nirvana

Love that album too.

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

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

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

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

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

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

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

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

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

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

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

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

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Follow Chloëbeth

Official:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ChloebethH1

Instagram:

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

Spotify:

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

INTERVIEW: Machine Age

INTERVIEW:

Machine Age

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

IN THIS PHOTO: Adrian with SLUMBERJACK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will there be more work between you guys?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s a super-tough question...

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

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

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

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

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Make the music you want to listen to.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Willaris. K

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Willaris. K

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

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

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

Ólafur Arnalds - re:member

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SoundCloud:

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