INTERVIEW: Evil Needle

INTERVIEW:

Evil Needle

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I have been speaking with Evil Needle...

about his single, Collapse, and what comes next in terms of new material. The French producer tells me about his path into music and albums that mean a lot; whether he has any advice for artists emerging and which rising musicians we need to get behind.

I ask whether he has any plans before the end of the year and how his music has changed through the years; if he has a favourite memory from his time in music – Evil Needle selects a relatively unheard song to end the interview with.

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Hi, Evil Needle. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m doing great, thanks. I hope you’re well?

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

My name is Evil Needle. I’m a producer from France.

Collapse is your latest single. What is the story behind it?

Collapse is one of the stages of the E.P. The overall theme is to overcome or beat something, hence the name ‘igida wich’ which means 'to win', 'to defeat' or 'to beat'.

How did music come into your life? What sort of sounds did you grow up around?

I mostly listened to Hip-Hop music growing up and started to learn about beat-making randomly when my friend introduced me to one of the few software programs that were available at that time. I found it entertaining, so I just kept doing it as a hobby and, here I am, still working on my craft.

Do you feel your music has evolved and changed since the start of your career?

Definitely. Over the years, I have been influenced by a number of genres such as Hip-Hop, Rap; Neo-Soul, R&B; Trap and Future-Beats.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

I’m currently working on an L.P. called Souvenirs 2, which is the final chapter. It consists of tracks from the SoundCloud era that I’ve reworked and added new productions to. I wanted people to enjoy them on all streaming platforms. This should be available at the start of 2019.

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

The best times were always the times where I got to meet all the ‘internet bros’. It’s really great to see how people really are and sharing a stage or a studio with them was never a let-down – it was a lot of fun.

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

Wu-Tang Clan - Wu-Tang Clan Forever

Because it’s the soundtrack of my childhood.

J-88 - Best Kept Secret

Because that’s the day I discovered J Dilla’s productions.

Flying Lotus - Los Angeles

Because he opened the path for a lot of us and he’s a big inspiration.

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

I don't expect much, but I’d like a good reception from the upcoming E.P.

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

I'd love to support artists such as Bryson Tiller, Jeremih or Anderson .Paak. As far as the rider goes; I'm content with water and some beer; maybe some Pringles for extra fanciness.

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

None at the moment.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

To add their own flavor to the sauce and not only follow footsteps.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Blanda

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

There’s always some great new stuff I’m discovering. Right now, I’d say that I really feel Blanda, Stanzah! and Nasty C.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Stanzah!

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

I can if I want to, but I’m fine with the way it is right now. When I’m not doing music, I like to learn new things such as cameras - which is something I’ve been getting into recently.

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).

allah – jordans (whereisalex remix)

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Follow Evil Needle

Official:

http://www.evil-needle.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/itsmeneedle/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/itsmeneedle/

 Twitter:

https://twitter.com/itsmeneedle

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/37nE9g0LRDhDSIejDuPKPS?si=SxmP1LfoTuCvA3IK1S3SdQ

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/itsmeneedle

INTERVIEW: Fly By Midnight

INTERVIEW:

Fly By Midnight

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IT has been cool…

 PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Robles/Variance Magazine

speaking with Slavo and Justin of Fly By Midnight about their new album, Rerunning. I ask what themes inspired its birth and whether they have standout cuts; how the group started and the importance of New York regarding creative energy and vibe.

They tell me about their upcoming plans and favourite music; albums that are important and whether they get time to chill away from music – the guys each select a song to end the interview with.

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

Slavo: It's been crazier than ever. In the best way possible though (laughs).

Justin: We're just stoked to be releasing more music, so it's been an exciting and nerve-racking past few days. 

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

Justin: My name's Justin and I'm half of Fly By Midnight… 

Slavo: My name's Slavo and I'm the other half. 

Rerunning is your new album. What sort of themes inspired the music?

Justin: The overall theme of the album is romance and the waves that follow it. The highs, the lows; the adrenaline rushes; the exhaustion. It's not about one person, but several people. That's my favorite part.

Slavo: Agreed. When Justin and I decided to call the album Rerunning, we really wanted to establish a recognition of how different, yet similar, some relationships are - almost like a rerun of an episode. Meet, become intrigued; fall in love, watch the love change shapes; sometimes lose the spark and start all over again.

Do you each have a standout/favourite track from the record?

Slavo: Loving Yous a Little Bit Hard Sometimes, for sure.

Justin: Mine's Ain't Got Much to Go.

How did Fly By Midnight get together? When did you find one another?

Slavo: Probably about four/five years ago now. I moved from Florida to N.Y. to pursue production and found myself in the same studio Justin was working out of.

Justin: A few writing sessions in and we decided that a duo project would give a fresh perspective to where we were at creatively. Haven't looked back since.

Do you share similar tastes? Who are you inspired by?

Slavo: Being around each other every day I think we've started to blend our tastes. We're both pretty eclectic with the type of music we enjoy and relate to. A lot of retro inspirations like Billy Joel and Hall & Oates. 

How important is New York and the people regarding your music and creativity?

Justin: As the Pop side of the music industry has begun its move to the West Coast, we still find N.Y.C. inspiring our sound every day. Our best friends still live here. We still find ourselves out till five A.M. in the Lower East Side. It's a huge part of our process and we don't plan on completely abandoning that anytime soon.

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

Slavo: In an age of singles being listened to more than albums, we want to be a part of the movement that allows listeners to really get lost in a body of work. We're playing a big show in Soho/N.Y.C. for the album. Really building up the aesthetic to give fans something they've never gotten from us before. We want to just keep evolving.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Justin: We do, but I'm sure many more will unfold. We'd like to bring the album back on the road across the States and hopefully international as well. More writing sessions. Stoked to work with a handful of people we already have in the calendar.

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

Justin: So many...working on the album has been such a rewarding creative experience. Making music with no rules or boundaries is a feeling unlike any other.

Slavo: Completely agree...especially when fans of our project have gravitated towards the most recent releases. Gives us confidence to create freely.

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

Justin: I'd say Boys Like Girl – Boys Like Girl. It was one of the first complete bodies of work that I listened to front and back on-repeat. It doesn't even have a cohesive story, but that Pop-Punk phase was super-inspiring. In many ways, it led me to becoming a songwriter. 

Slavo: A Day to Remember’s Homesick was filled with a ton of dope songs. Also, being born and raised in Florida and the band being from Ocala; there's a sentimental hometown connection I have to their music. 

Justin: (Laughs). Funny enough, despite both albums being completely different genres from F.B.M.; the songwriting and energetic drive of A.D.T.R. & B.L.G. kind of resonates with the music we make.

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

Justin: The 1975 or Walk the Moon. Both bands' audiences really find themselves lost in their stage performance. Really quite an experience. 

Slavo: Would be killer to bring our records to life with a large ensemble e.g. Justin Timberlake’s Tennessee Kids vibe.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Slavo: Stay humble and focused. Lot of amazingly talented people who become too distracted.

Justin: My favorite quote: "When you think you're working at something all day, remember a day is made up of twenty-four hours".

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

Justin: Rerunning The Album Show @ City Winery - Soho/N.Y.C. (Ticket link).

Slavo: Going to be dope.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Jon Bellion/PHOTO CREDIT: Dexter Findley

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Slavo: We're always finding new artists. Lately, we've been diggin' Jon Bellion’s new album. 

Justin: Also super stoked for The 1975's new album. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: The 1975

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

Slavo: Like most dudes our age, we like hanging with our friends. Grabbing a beer. 

Justin: Netflix and video games on the lazy days. 

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).

Slavo: Bad – Lennon Stella 

Justin: Know Me – The Band CAMINO

 

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Follow Fly By Midnight

Official:

http://www.flybymidnight.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/FlyByMidnightMusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/flybymidnight/

 Twitter:

https://twitter.com/flybymidnight_

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rQTEdG6hDVOlDUFKs9EjZ?si=I2H3TXXfRzadh3BQ3uV8sw

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/flybymidnightmusic

INTERVIEW: Wyland

INTERVIEW:

Wyland

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THE guys of Wyland…

 PHOTO CREDIT: Kelsey Ayres

have been speaking about their new track, Nowhere Now, and what inspired it. I was keen to know how they all got together and whether they share musical tastes; whether there are tour dates and which albums are important to them.

Ariella, Ryan and Zach speak about their favourite music memories and how they chill away from music; which rising artists we need to watch and if they have plans afoot for 2019 – they each select a cool song to end things on.

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

Fast! The days just fly by. 

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

Ariella: I'm Ariella. I play synth and sing backup. We are an Alternative-Rock band based out of the Meadowlands in NJ. Our sound is a little worn and a little new - like finding an old adventure book tucked away in an attic. Ryan has always pulled inspiration from U2 and Coldplay and you can hear that influence along with some Arcade Fire, Mumford; Kodaline etc. We're a little obsessed with the U.K. and Ireland. 

Ryan: I’m Ryan. I play guitar and piano and sing for Wyland. Everything stated above is true. 

Zach: My name is Zach. I am the tallest member and bassist of the group and I’m currently obsessed with David Byrne and Star Trek.

Chris and Patrick aren’t here but Chris is our drummer and he’s really handsome. Patrick is our guitarist and he is also equally attractive. 

Nowhere Now is your latest single. Is there a tale behind it?

Ariella: Of course. Nowhere Now started as a ‘Frankenstein’ which is what we call it when Ryan takes two separate music ideas and stitches them together. The song has been through many, many lives. We sent a few demos to Philip Magee and he took it where it needed to go. We gave him the body of Nowhere Now; he gave it blood.

Do you think there will be more material next year?

Zach: We have hours of voice memos from all of us that might us busy for the next three years. I would say there is a strong possibility that more songs are coming.

Ryan: Yeah. We’re always working on new music. We’re just extremely picky about what comes out. I feel as though a bar has been raised and we can’t release anything that doesn’t meet that bar.

Ariella: Our goal is to write and release as often as we can though. We recorded a few really beautiful acoustic tracks with our friend Ben of Old Sea Brigade, which we'll release after the singles are out. 

Wyland formed in New Jersey. What brought you together?

Ariella: Time. We've been through a number of lineup changes that could have ended the band but Ryan was patient and just had faith in time. Our drummer Chris was a mutual friend of Ryan’s. They met while Chris was in another band. Our bassist Zach moved to New Jersey from Boston after meeting Ryan at a show in Syracuse and our guitarist Patrick responded to an extremely old ad on Bandmix that Ryan posted maybe four years prior. At some point, magic happened and everything clicked. 

 PHOTO CREDIT: Kelsey Ayres

Do you share similar tastes? Who are you inspired by?

Ariella: Not at all. We all come from very different backgrounds. Ryan and I share the most similarities when it comes to musical taste. A few of my favorite bands who inspire me are Lord Huron, The Staves; Mumford & Sons, Florence (and the Machine) and The Lone Bellow.

Ryan: I was raised on Boy and The Joshua Tree by U2. I really adore Coldplay’s older catalogue as well as anything Radiohead, Mumford & Sons; Of Monsters and Men, Keane; Elbow, Noel Gallagher…and the list goes on and on.

Zach: I’m very inspired by Classic-Rock. The energy and ability of The Who, the showmanship and creative mastermind that is Peter Gabriel; the epicness and power of U2. That’s where I come from. I appreciate bands like Coldplay and Mumford & Sons because they bring some of that feelgood power that I personally think has been lost with artists and the industry after the mid-'90s.

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

Ariella: Really just hoping to have a successful release and a lot of love on Spotify. 

Ryan: World domination could be exciting but, yeah, I’d settle with a successful release of Nowhere Now.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Ariella: Of course! We're releasing new tunes and writing. Always writing.

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

Ariella: Making music in Ireland. The whole month we spent there was like a dream.

Ryan: Ireland was definitely a highlight but we had the luxury of playing the Alabama Shakes afterparty at 2015’s Gentlemen of the Road tour in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. I think that was probably one of my favorite memories.

Zach: I think fondly back to when we set out on tour in 2016 in an RV we borrowed from a friend. The transmission went within four hours of the tour and we were stranded in Baltimore. We had to be in Washington, DC that night but we all knew it wasn’t happening. We ended renting a Penske truck, packed it with everything we had and we finished the tour. It was rough but those experiences made us a stronger unit.

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

Ariella: One of our albums? This new one. The energy and the texture in the sound hits just right. Lonesome Dreams by Lord Huron always takes me on a journey. I just love that album. I used to be a big ‘Hardcore’ fan and I would be doing my young self a disservice if I didn't mention Underoath. I know every one of their albums by heart. 

Ryan: Certainly in love with our latest record. I think an album that means a lot of me is really anything Aaron Dessner works on. Frightened Rabbit, Lone Bellow…the man has a magical touch.

Zach: My all-time favorite record is The Who’s Quadrophenia. I love Pete Townshend’s style of writing. He digs up anger, sorrow; love and hope in such a beautiful way. The record helped me fall in love with playing bass and listening to music. It also was a record that made me feel like I was understood. It is about a guy who desperately wants to find his place in the world. I think we feel that way throughout our lives. Not a lot of well-known songs are on it but they pack a punch for me.

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

Ariella: Florence and the Machine, hands down. We do not deserve her. My rider would be simple: lots of water and chocolate. -

Ryan: I may get some shade for this, but I’d probably tear up if we could open for U2. My rider would be water, wine; chocolate, tortilla chips and guacamole.

Zach: I would love to tour with Coldplay, actually. I know we fit in their world and traveling around with them would be a dream. In my rider, I would only ask for a few things. A culinary dish specific to the area we’re in and a local beer.

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

Yes! We're going on tour with this rad Canadian band, Valley. We're doing a leg in Canada and then headed down the east coast, from 11/24-12/15. (Full details on our website). 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Make the music you want to make. Believe in what you’re doing and keep going, keep releasing. Don't sit and wait for an invitation. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: Jade Bird/PHOTO CREDIT: Hollie Fernando for RollingStone.com

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Jade Bird, Joni; Old Sea Brigade, MOSSS; TIOGA, Friends at the Falls and Pronoun.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Old Sea Brigade

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

Ariella: Ryan and I are filmmakers as well, so we unwind from music by writing scripts or filming (or binge-watching on Netflix). 

Zach: I unwind by listening and playing more music. There’s no escape from music for me. I’ll learn a song that I connect with and try to find room for personal improvement. I like to keep expanding my mind with music.

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).

Ariella: The Staves - Sleeping in a Car

Ryan: Frightened Rabbit - I Wish I Was Sober

Zach: Sad Song Backward - Jake Shears

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Follow Wyland

PHOTO CREDIT: @kelseyayres

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/wearewyland

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wearewyland/

 Twitter:

https://twitter.com/wearewyland

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6oXo5Q1FtU2F4KmRzz5aBm?si=O2UVrohPSiedLxzr4aBPjA

INTERVIEW: LIV’n’G

INTERVIEW:

LIV’n’G

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THE sisters of LIV’n’G have been discussing…

their new E.P., Shades, and some of the stories that inspire them. Olivia and Georgia tell me how they got started in music and some of their favourite memories; some rising artists we need to watch and where they hope to head.

I ask them about their musical tastes and whether we can see them gig; whether there is a tale behind their latest single, Señorita, and winch artists they’d support on tour given the chance – they end the interview by selecting a couple of great tracks.

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

Hey! Were fine thank you. Just been so busy this week!  

We’ve just booked a few firework displays for Metro Radio and TFM at Darlington and Saltwell (Gateshead), where there are crowds of up to 30,000. We ‘popped’ down to London to talk about music with a few people. We’ve been doing song writing sessions in schools for a couple of days and also wrote some original tracks for a choir and other artist.

Oh, yeah, and sorting the video out for Señorita. We love being busy!

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

Our names are Olivia and Georgia and together were LIV’n’G. Olivia gets called ‘Liv’ for short and Georgia gets called ‘G’. So, we just put them together to create our band name! Were a sister singer/songwriter/producing duo from Hartlepool, North East England - yes, where they allegedly hung a monkey as a spy!

Liv: We’ve been writing originals for about eighteen months now; I write the lyrics and sing.

G: I started to learn guitar using YouTube about two years ago then the piano, trumpet and sample pad and that progressed to producing songs. So, I compose and produce out tracks and play the keys, sample pads; backing and control the reverb on the mic, when we perform live.

We have written for other artists, played over two-hundred shows in the last twelve months; recorded in London and had our tracks mastered in London and L.A. We like to think of our music as Tropical Pop/World Pop/R&B and it has been described as “inclusive to all cultures and generations”. We like to use unusual or different instruments from around the world to create hooks; things like an accordion for a Latin track we have.

How did LiV’n’G form? When did you start playing music together?

We have known each other since birth as we’re sisters; we’re totally different individuals but, when we work together, we’re family. There are a few years age difference between us, but people are shocked when we tell them.

Liv: I’ve been singing from morning till night starting at a very young age.

G: I always found music, melodies and computers interesting and learned trumpet in primary school.

Our grandad bought us an electric piano around three years ago and Georgia taught herself to play. We then started to practice together and everyone seemed to like it. We started to do little local performances and were soon asked to support some local acts at gigs. It just went from there and now we’re performing every weekend!

You have won competitions and gained a lot of success. How does it feel looking back and how important are those honours?!

Were very proud of how far we’ve come in such a short space of time. We’ve entered many competitions and they often result in greater opportunities as well as giving us much-needed unbiased feedback. It’s good to enter local talent competitions with your friends and family watching as it teaches you about stage presence; it teaches you to take feedback and criticism, as well as ‘hardening’ you to the industry.  You may not win every competition, you may not even place sometimes but these are the times when you learn more about yourselves and how resilient you are.

We won a number of competitions from local ones - Beyond the Lights, Upbeat Awards - to regional ones - The Big Audition for TFM Radio (Bauer) - to national ones like Live & Unsigned for performances we have produced and for our original songs. The prizes have given us bigger stages to perform; allowed us to support some great acts and some have been connected to raising money for various charities. Over the past two years, I think we have raised over £25,000 for charity from our music.

G: Being part of these competitions has taught us so much and, for me personally, it has built my confidence up so much, from not wanting to be on stage initially to playing and controlling the full set.

Liv: Competitions make you grow much quicker as an artist. It’s great to get feedback and gives you more focus.

Your E.P., Shades, is out. Are there personal stories or particular experiences that inspire the song?

Yes definitely. Three of the songs on the E.P. are personal stories. Walls and Green Light are about starting a new relationship and the fears that we both have felt and come across, the uncertainty of feelings; the scary feeling of ‘giving up your heart’ and the adrenaline rush that love gives you!

The other personal song is Equal. We originally wrote this song in support of International Women’s Day as were all about equality in all aspects of life including music. We hope our music can be considered empowering as well as bringing a fresh vibe to Pop! The track was played internationally at different I.W.D. events! Which, again, makes us so proud, plus it has a speech by Meghan Markle in it which is amazing. The E.P. comes from a female point of view, but we think it crosses the sexes and generations as its about feelings we may all have had sometimes.

What is the story behind the single, Señorita?

We love upbeat and Spanish or tropical rhythms as, with a lot of our music, it’s about a powerful individual; its fun and wants to make you move and, again, it’s about relationships and jealousy; feelings that everyone will have felt at one time or another. It came from the same place as our other tracks - life and personal situations - and we just try and put it in a way that connects with people. An upbeat Latin fable of a song; strong Spanish rhythms compliment the great vocals and modern, clean urban Rap. You can almost hear the flamenco heels clicking as the ‘femme fatale’ lures her prey in.

I get the sense your music is primed towards making us feel better and projecting sunshine. Do you consciously set to write music that gets the body moving?

Liv: We never intentionally write a song to make people want to get up and dance. We jam, talk about our experiences and basically bring our thoughts to life using music. However, as a family, we love to get on the dancefloor.

G: I have always loved the tracks of Rihanna, and the tropical rhythm that runs through her music, so obviously that has influenced the style of music we compose. I really don’t think it was a conscious choice or decision, it just happened.

However, it really does depend on the story and mood behind the song. Sometimes, it can be just a poem to music (like Walls) where is it about the feeling a song conjures up, about listening to the lyrics. We want to connect with people, to engage with their memories too. We have quite a few ‘bouncy tunes’ ready to go for next year that we hope can transport everyone to warmer climates and get them dancing.

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

Liv: I love Beyoncé. Her honest, energetic and powerful performances are amazing and her vocals are so on point, be it a fast dance tune or a ballad.

G: For me, it would be bands like Clean Bandit who have brought the musicianship to the forefront of the music industry.

Our inspirations range from Ella Fitzgerald to Anne-Marie, The Animals to Ed Sheeran - any songwriter that connects with us.

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

By the end of 2018, we hope that people enjoy, stream and download our first E.P. release and were hoping to plan to release more songs early next year. Were also looking to release a professional music video to our lead song from the E.P., Señorita, which we are so excited to shoot! We want to play bigger venues and shows; we want to have a tour or tour support organized for 2019 and we want to have been booked for some festivals next year too. We’d love to get on the music industry radar, managers; booking agents or labels. There is a ’wind of change’ blowing to rebalance the music industry and female involvement; we would love to be part of that positive change.

Cheesy, we know, but we want to inspire younger children who we often work with to show them that if they follow their heart, their dreams can come true!

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

We hope to both ‘be’ Beyoncé; living her lifestyle, producing hits and influencing people…can you sort that for us? (Laughs). We are going to release more original music. We are hopefully going to play more festivals and events next year. Write ‘The Hit’…chart success would be amazing. Collaborate with other artists. Look at arranging a tour or tour support with artists we love.

We may be part of a documentary to be shown on Channel 4 early next year…we will see. We’d love to have management; a label who believes in us and loves our music and to be performing all over the world…just living the dream!

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

Liv: I’m so sorry but I must mention this one. When we supported Alexander O’Neal, we were waiting for him to come on stage and we could see him behind the curtain. Then, all of a sudden, he fell back tried to grab the curtain but missed and ended up flat on his bum. It was like it happened in slow motion. I know I shouldn’t laugh but I did (smiles).

G: Mine must be performing at Everton Football Club in aid of the Bradley Lowery Foundation and seeing all of those people there to support him.

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

G: Mine would have to be PCD by The Pussycat Dolls as it was the first album I ever bought and I could recite the whole album, even today…maybe.

Liv: Mine would have to be Beyoncé’s Lemonade album as I like what she stands for. She is so inspiring and that album made me want to start writing my own music…so I did.

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

G: I would love to support Little Mix. I think they have amazing energy and I love the fact that they are an all-girl ban…hashtag ‘pussypower’. (Laughs)!

Liv: Mine would have to be Beyoncé! (Notice a theme). I’m just a huge fan. I have always been so taken back by her performances and only wish someday to be as successful as she is!

Our rider would have to include parmos, crisps; M&M’s, apple juice; Jaffa Cakes…and Little Mix and Beyoncé! (Scratch that – Mam says we have to have chicken salad and water as Pam at Slimming World wouldn’t be happy).

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

Yes! We are always gigging on a weekend and in our spare time. You can always look on our Facebook page where all our events are listed. If there are no events near you, get in touch with us to request a gig somewhere! We love to travel! We have other gigs around the North East and we’re heading up to Scotland in a few weeks too.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

We would say be true to who you are, personally and musically. Don’t let anyone else try to shape you into something they want you to be! As well as that; practice makes perfect! Any opportunity you get to perform, take it! You don’t know who could be watching, and every performance helps you grow as an artist.  

IN THIS PHOTO: Courtney Hadwin

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We have a friend who has the most amazing voice. He is called Geoff Mull!  We are also friends with Courtney Hadwin (America’s Got Talent) our brother’s girlfriend is Molly Scott who is on the live shows of the X Factor. We also have a friend who is the biggest diva for her age and the biggest voice we have ever hear for her age! (She is nine) Brooke Burke. She appeared on The Voice Kids last year and we’re sure she’s going to go far.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Molly Scott

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

Were so busy with everything pertaining to music: it’s very rare we get to chill!

G: I like to play FIFA football games on my PlayStation if I get the chance and I’m hoping to go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

Liv: I love to go horse riding, take the dogs for a walk and chill out!

We both like to ‘veg out’ on the couch in our onesies and watch a box-set; anything with vampires, really. Plus, we do love to eat. So, wherever there is food, we’re probably there. (Don’t tell Pam at Slimming World, though)

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).

Liv: Could you please play Freedom by Beyoncé!

G: Could you please play Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira!

__________

Follow LiV’n’G

Official:

https://livngmusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LIVnGmusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/LIVnGmusic/

 Twitter:

https://twitter.com/livngmusic

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/649CoIklRNu0QPOFMIidD6

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/LIVnGmusic

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/livngmusic 

INTERVIEW: Deanna Petcoff

INTERVIEW:

Deanna Petcoff

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I am starting the day by speaking with Deanna Petcoff...

who has been telling me about her new single, Stress, and what its background is. I ask whether there is going to be more material coming along and what she hopes to achieve next year; what music she grew up around and whether there are tour dates.

I ask Petcoff if there are particular albums that mean a lot to her and what advice she’d give artists coming along; if there are any rising musicians we need to keep an eye out for – Petcoff ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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

My week has been great, thank you! I hope you’ve been well too since the last time we spoke.

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

I’m an artist from Toronto and have been working in music for over seven years now! I’m currently working on a record for my solo project under my own name.

Stress is your new track. Is there a story behind it?

Stress is about frustration, loss of hope and acceptance of a situation that will never be fixed. The unbearable weight of not feeling good enough for the person you want and thinking they might want you too but can’t follow through with their flirtatious actions is a common feeling, and I wanted to encapsulate the frustration that comes with. I find way too often that feeling is described leaning heavily on the sadness that it comes with, but there is much anger in that feeling as well.

I also wanted to show the range of emotions women feel with the loss of love that isn’t just the sadness of heartbreak. Ultimately, in the end of the song, she’s done with playing with this person and wants the situation to be over, so they can both get on with their lives. Making the decision to be done with that kind of situation is difficult, but necessary sometimes. I decided it was worthy of a song.

Will there be more material next year?

Yes, there will be! We’re looking to release a record in the early months of next year!

Did you grow up in a musical household? When did music come into your life?

I did grow up in a musical household. My dad favoured the Classic-Rock superstars of the '70s like Queen, Led Zeppelin and Heart while my mom played us music like Carole King, Elton John and The Carpenters. Both introduced me to different facets of my musical personality from a young age.

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

I have achieved everything I hoped to achieve by the end of this year; mainly releasing this song for the world to hear!

Do you already have plans for 2019?

I do have plans for 2019. I plan to release a record and tour in other provinces in Canada! I’d really love to make it out to British Columbia!

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

I have loved many moments in my musical career so far, particularly getting to finally record all of the best songs I’ve written professionally and feel like they are being produced exactly the way they deserve to be - there really is no better feeling.

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

This changes constantly but, right now, the top records for me are Low by David Bowie, Be the Cowboy by Mitski and Les and Mary by Les Paul and Mary Ford.

As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?

I would ask for an amethyst ring. I am really obsessed with amethyst right now.

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

I would love to tour with Angel Olsen. She is one of my favourite artists and I feel like I would get along with her really well and hopefully we’d get to do an awesome cover together like Fleetwood Mac or Carly Simon and become best friends! 

My rider would have Diet Coke, M&Ms; popcorn and Greek food. Gotta eat before the show!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I would tell you female artists in particular to work as hard as possible and be confident when introducing yourself to anyone. Don’t be ashamed of your project, your name or your work. You deserve to take up as much space as anyone else.

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

I am playing November 29th at The Monarch Tavern with Helena Deland and Luna Li! All other shows are T.B.D.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Mitski

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m really into Mitski right now. She’s not a new artist but she did just put out a new record. I am also really into Sunflower Bean. Their newest record is also great!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Sunflower Bean/PHOTO CREDIT: Erina Uemura

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

I don’t really take breaks from music. I enjoy always working, writing or producing. I unwind by playing music, actually, or watching movies with my boyfriend and roommate.

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).

Please play Why Didn’t You Stop Me? by Mitski! Thank you!

__________

Follow Deanna Petcoff

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/deannapetcoffmusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/deannapetcoff/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/deanna_petcoff

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/40wJiyTgK3egckAlDOp1ea?si=Bceg95kRSgOxVqdQhgrAQg

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7S_SOnIzEtk3IJjnunvhPw

INTERVIEW: Calvin Arsenia

INTERVIEW:

Calvin Arsenia

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THE terrific Calvin Arsenia...

has been letting me into his world and his creative process. I learn about his new album, Cantaloupe, and the sort of themes that inspired it; how he came into music and a few albums that mean an awful lot to him.

I ask whether there are any goals to achieve before the end of the year and which rising artists we should look out for; how it feels being on the stage and delivering to the people and whether he gets time to unwind away from music – the talented songwriter chooses an interesting song to end things on.

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

Hello! My week has been stellar! I just spent the weekend in sunny Miami playing The Dark Lord in a sexy cabaret, Samsara, at the Faena Theater. Then, I returned to a beautiful snowy Kansas City. No complaints here.

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

Sure! My name is Calvin Arsenia. I am a classically trained singer and electric Celtic harpist steeped in a soup of Soul, Jazz; Folk, and Electronic roots, strung together by heart-on-my-sleeve narrations, served with a delicate garnish of cheeky humor on the tippy top.

Cantaloupe is your latest album. What sort of themes and stories inspired the album?

Cantaloupe has many themes. Sensual, Sonic; cynic and cinematic. I produced this record with two of my best friends who just so happen to be my heroes as well, J. Ashley Miller and Simon Huntley. Together, we share a deep passion for existing in beautiful spaces.

In the sensual sense, I wanted the music to feel the emotions on the most visceral level possible. The album also contains found sounds designed to get an ASMR response including a lot of non-musical elements. The desire for body response also spoke to how I would deliver the vocal on the recording. I’m constantly thinking about the narrative of the words I am saying. The allegiance to state of being that caused me to write a piece far outweighs the importance of diction or pitch, much to the chagrin of a former version of me. Grunts, growls; hoops and howls are all fair game. How do we marry elegance with our inner-animal?  In the compositions, it was our goal to have the whole album be a continuous non-repeating movement, which was a challenge within the verses-chorus-verse-chorus Pop music model.

The shows that we produce here in Kansas City, MO are very involved. In the face of an MP3 generation, I feel it is very important to increase the value of being in the room with me. I want people to feel like they could literally lift off their seats when they hear the music, see the lights; taste the drinks and feel the beat and the lace, satins and velvet. I want them to believe that they are free to feel and be and do whatever they want and be fully loved and not only accepted but embraced. In some way, we tried to pull these elements from the live setting and smash them into these tracks - musically and otherwise. Yes. That was a challenge.

The cynic. I kind of enjoy the irony of being a harp player who is a little down or irreverent. In some of the lyrical content, you can tell I am a bit jaded. That just happens around your Saturn Return, right? It’s normal, right? Ha! Ultimately, it’s about finding a deeper place to set the anchor of myself rather than the views and opinions of others. I think we have all suffered from cases of limerence that turn in to self-loathing because the desired result didn’t come to fruition. This behavior is ENCOURAGED by our society. It’s time to write a new story - to be a new society.

Cinematically. Each moment was designed to exist in a space, in a place and a location. It was a lot of fun for us to come up with the ‘set’ locations of the each of the pieces. Scouting in our imaginations. All of it was crafted digitally.

How did you come into music? Were you raised on a lot of different genres?

I’ve been singing constantly, obnoxiously and improvising songs about the things I was feeling or seeing since I was a wee tot (which I guess didn’t last long as I am now quite tall). I remember singing to my baby brother a lot. He was born when I was six. Around the house, my mother would play Gospel music - singers with huge voices! Larnelle Harris and Yolanda Adams. My father really loved slow jams like the Isley Brothers and Luther Vandross.  My older brother introduced me to Neo-Soul. He was a huge fan of Boyz II Men and D’Angelo.

The radio in my father's 1978 Pontiac Grand Prix played Mariah Carey’s Always Be My Baby over and over and I could not get enough! MTV and VH1 showed me great artists like Nelly Furtado…I think she actually was the musician who lured me into more alternative vocalists. I wound my way around to classically inspired singers like Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli and into the long lineage of Folk musicians ranging from Joni Mitchell to Damien Rice. Fortunately, I was also surrounded by musicians that I admired personally, through church or otherwise.

Ultimately, I’m drawn to people and stories. The categorization is really only important if you are in a music shop….and even then. I don’t know. I find the conversation of genre to be a little bit of a sore subject. My work has been described as genre-elusive and it feels to me like I get punished for it a lot - for not playing by the rules or something. I have only every tried to put the elements and sounds and vocal techniques that I have found and loved and collected in my short life. I have to remain true to my story and not try to tell anyone else’s. I want to be inclusive and included. I am doing my best.

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

Wow. Well that’s coming up really fast! Hmmm...I really need a workout routine! Maybe I can sort that out in the next couple months

Do you already have plans for 2019?

More of the beautiful-same. Creating beautiful sensory spaces of love and understanding with beautiful diverse musicians in beautiful diverse spaces where we hope to reveal more of the beauty in the spaces and all the people involved by the time we leave than what we were aware of we entered. This year, I’d like to bring some of this to places around the U.S. I think we really need it here. I will be spending some time in Europe as my heart is there, but I’m specifically looking for places in U.S. to create magic in 2019.

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

A friend of mine is a massage therapist. She makes soaps and bath bubbles for gifts. She and her daughter bonded making soaps using the rose petals her daughter had collected from one of my performances. There was a sparkle in her eye as she told me this.

I was stopped on the street a few weeks back by a woman wearing Coke bottle glasses and long silver hair. She pulled out her phone to show me that she, too, had given another life to roses I used at a show she had attended. (I prefer roses that are red or pink. I prefer them damaged. I prefer them everywhere.) She had collected some from the set and proceeded to make a romantic display for her and her husband on their bed that evening. They’ve been together for decades.  

The audiences, my friends take the flame of the intention of my music and integrate the spirit and rituals of love and appreciation into their daily live.

I have played in front of thousands and thousands of people. I have received hundreds of standing ovations. Those don’t mean near as much to me as what happens after the festival has cleared out and the music, the message; the love, the wonder; the fascination and the energy has gone on to live in other expressions. Where did it end up? Who is tending to it now?

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

Vespertine - Björk

Illinois - Sufjan Stevens

Channel Orange - Frank Ocean

Vespertine really ignited my ears to all the layers of sound that could happen in a single recording. It also was my first introduction to harps in the context of Electronic music where they were displayed in a real delicate and interesting way. I like that the natural sounds and electronics are seamless bound throughout the listening experience. Also; full of layers and layers of unconventional beauty.

As the years go by, Illinois still reveals itself to me in new ways. I love the moving lines of Sufjan’s compositions and the all the stories that he leads the listener through - like a guide through a museum of childhood.

Channel Orange came to me at a time in my life when I needed it most. This album is incredibly human to me. It’s very cinematic. It’s very forward-thinking. Unapologetic. So human. So raw. It the glistening iridescence of spilled oil. The product of tragedies and still irresistible to look at. It’s clever without being kitschy.

As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?

WORLD PEACE. But, if I can’t have that….I’d love if Delta by Salvi would make a carbon fiber harp to tour with.

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

I used to have this answer close by but I think my desires are changing. I’m pretty focused on the feelings and the depth of understanding and love and connection to not only other humans but also earth and the stars and the moon. If I toured with a yoga instructor or a poet or a potter who was just as focused on this mission, it would be an honor.

The rider…? Local flowers. Local food. Vegetarian preference; vegan when we can. Fish if it’s fresh.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Focus on what your unique perspective is. Collect the memories and the faces of people who have supported you and what were the feelings you gave them? What did you make them feel like that compelled them to give you appreciation? I believe music is about connecting with other people. Think about the artists you listen to over and over and imagine someone doing that with your music. If you have this platform, what are you going to say with it?

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

Where would you like to see me play? When? Send me an email. I’ll be there.

How does it feel being on stage and connecting with an audience? Do you love performing live?

I love performing live. It feels dangerous. It feels safe. It feels cathartic. It feels naughty. It’s all the feels and I have given up so much to find myself safe in the arms of an audience again and again.

IN THIS PHOTO: Lilith Merlot/PHOTO CREDIT: Rona Lane Photography

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yes! We they aren’t new: they’ve been doing art for years but you just may not have heard of them yet!

Jametatone; Lilith Merlot; Cera Impala.

IN THIS PHOTO: Cera Impala

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

I used to watch cooking T.V. and knit. Now...I don’t know. Probably just looking for and eating delicious food.

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).

Pilentze Pee from Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares by the Bulgarian State Television Female Choir. You’re going to LOVE this…

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Follow Calvin Arsenia

Official:

https://www.calvinarsenia.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CalvinArsenia/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/calvinarsenia/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/calvinarsenia

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3g1eeQYw5B7LJibFbWlrfn?si=W5Jl_v63Qgq1reSL9V1yfQ

INTERVIEW: Layla Kardan

INTERVIEW:

Layla Kardan

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WITH her album, Saved, out on 30th November...

I have been speaking with Layla Kardan about it and what stories/ideas influenced the songs. Kardan explains the influence of Middle Eastern music and the sounds she grew up around; if she has a favourite memory from her time in music and what comes next.

I ask if there are albums that mean a lot to her and which rising artists we need to look out for; if she gets chance to detach from music and which artists she’d support on tour given the chance.

__________

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

Hi! Thanks for this opportunity. This week, I have been working on my private listening launch – getting all the elements together for the presentation to press and key industry people. I shot a video clip for my first song from the album, Goddess, which was a long but beautiful day of high-fashion and sensual dance. I can’t wait for the unveiling of the video later this month. I went to Muscat, Oman for a private performance. I had a dress fitting at Tom Ford. Tonight, I will perform at the Chopard gala dinner at the Armani Hotel.

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

I am a global citizen, an eternal wanderer; feminine divine seeking adventure and meaning. I am originally from Iran but have been raised in the West so am very open to the world and love connecting with people from different cultures/religions/beliefs. I am hungry for life and thirsty for experience. I tell stories through my music. I am a bohemian at heart but love high-fashion.  My music is raw, honest; sensual and spiritual with fat bass and edgy production. I’m like a dark fairy who wants to only communicate through music.

Saved is your new album (out on 30th November). Are there particular themes that inspired the songs?

Love. Heartbreak. The oppression of Middle Eastern women and the expectation to conform and breaking away from that. An up-yours to all the people who expect that from me. And an up-yours to bigots in my community who think music and singing is reserved for ‘bad women’.

The album is about being ‘saved’; being reborn into a winged thing, shedding myself of my ego so that I can raise my vibration. Shedding my mask and coming into my skin to be true to myself.

Do you have a favourite track from the record?

All the Beauty. The song came from a place of darkness. I did some inward journeying and some growth to be able to then shift my perception of the world; seeing it for ‘all its beauty’ rather than the darkness and the cold.

You were born in Belgium but moved to the United Arab Emirates – and you are an Australian national. With Iranian roots too; how do all these nationalities and nations bleed into your work?!

I am absolutely inspired by the different countries I have lived in and the cultures I have immersed myself in. My lyrics are in English, my melodies Pop and jazzy; my production has subtle Middle Eastern undertones with use of warped Setar and daf sounds (traditional Persian Instruments); the rhythms of certain songs are typical of the sounds of the Gulf region – U.A.E. is in the Gulf.

How did music come into your life? What sort of sounds did you grow up around?

I didn't grow up in a musical family but I'm told that I was drawn to music from the age of one. I feel music in my veins and in my heart. Persian music has a lot of tribal sounding 6/8 beats and interesting high-pitched instruments playing melodies. I feel those sounds influenced my music style. I also started dancing classical ballet at the age of four so I feel dancing thrree times a week helped me develop an ear for music.

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

I want my music to be heard in many different countries in the world. To reach the ears and hearts of people who are interested in a story different to theirs, but can relate to it all the same.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

I have some international gigs booked already. I will spend the summer between London and Los Angeles to work on my next project.

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

My first performance of original music where Sotheby’s presented me as a local artist with a performance in their gallery alongside a Cecil Beaton exhibition. And winning Emirates Woman Woman Artist of the Year in 2017

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

Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 by Jill Scott

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill

Love Deluxe by Sade

These three women and artists I hold in such high regard for their individuality, true artistry; incredible voices and their ability to convey so much emotion in their music. I grew up with all three albums on-repeat and they remain my go to albums today. It’s the lyrics, the music; the power and the grace of each of these women and their perfect deliveries on their respective albums that made me want to write songs.

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

I'd definitely want to support Sade and I would want fifty dancers on stage with me - all women in a spectacular production celebrating women.

I am not a diva (yet) I just need a quiet space with candles, a gong and some paolo santo and an Epsom salt bath for after the show. I'll add some oxygen and Liquid Gold drink just to be fancy. I'd want my producer and dear friend Miloux with me too.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I am a new artist coming through! But, my advice is stay true to your art and sound and don’t feel the pressure to create music for the charts. You don’t need a label to cut through. The digital world allows you so much reach. Stay disciplined and determined. Don’t let your flame die - you only live one life.

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

At the moment, I am performing a lot in the Middle East and planning my dates in Europe and the U.S.A. soon.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Seinabo Sey

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Seinabo Sey; SEVDALIZA; Cleo Sol; Masego; KALEO.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Cleo Sol

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

Not at the moment – I am super-busy. But, whenever I get a chance I escape to nature. I love swimming in the ocean or going to the desert or climbing a mountain. I also love to travel to new and different places.

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

I Owe You Nothing by Seinabo Sey

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Follow Layla Kardan

Official:

https://www.laylakardan.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Layla-Kardan-566098436845128/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/laylakardan/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/layla_kardan

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6anm3koLvedUfsUdmb0uAL?si=G84C2Ay7RF240m5Cgig4BA

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChn_4NYHafj-9e5SBehwSoA

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-217439403

INTERVIEW: Jean-Mikhael

INTERVIEW:

Jean-Mikhael

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TODAY starts with Jean-Mikhael telling me about...

his new E.P., The Deal, and what themes inspired it. I ask what he has coming up and which artists influenced him growing up. Jean-Mikhael talks about playing the young Michael Jackson on the stage and the importance of that; which rising artist to watch and the three albums that mean the most to him.

I ask what advice he would give to artists emerging and how he chills outside of music; if he has anything he wants to achieve before the end of the year and if touring might be a future possibility – he ends the interview by selecting a classic Michael Jackson cut.

__________

Hi, Jean-Mikhael. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi. I’m well, thank you. How are you? Aaaaah. This week has been crazy. Just released my debut E.P., The Deal. The response has been immense. I charted in the R&B/Soul iTunes charts at number-eight. Especially for someone that’s just put it out and among my team and label this was cast as my soft release, so it's just amazing to know that my music has reached out to people. It was so unexpected but such a huge blessing.

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

So. My name is Jean-Mikhael; born and raised in West London, I’m twenty-two. I started singing from a very young age. You could say around five. Then, because of everyone around me saying how well I could sing, I just took it on and ran with it and from the reactions I would get I loved doing it. So, music just became my life in the end really and that’s all I knew I wanted to do. Perform and (haha) perform.  

Your E.P., The Deal, is new. What sort of themes and ideas inspired it?

The idea of the E.P. came quite organically. I was with my producer Akara and we recorded, say, around twenty to thirty songs in two months or so with no agenda. I was making the music and having fun. I brought some people in and most times I wrote by myself. When I write, it’s normally to do with maybe a situation I’m going through or someone else’s story I’ve heard and thought would be a good one to express through my music. I like to empower people and I think that’s just something I have always stuck with. 

So, when it comes to writing, I automatically think about making people believe my words and feel they can do whatever they want. To also understand we can relate as well. By the time I had put together the E.P., I decided to call it the single name because it was my first record deal I was signing and also it was showing people this is my story, my truth…so here's ‘The Deal’. 

You appeared as Michael Jackson in the West End musical Thriller. How does that experience and your time at the BRIT School inspire and affect your music?

That really shaped me as a performer. I think playing a young M.J. at such a young age made me learn what it is to be an artist even more. Music-wise and regarding vocal ability at that age, I was compared to him at times so that just stuck with me. Wanting to be a PERFORMER, a showman. Give people what they came for. I don’t believe artists should be so lazy on stage. I want that when you see me; you’re dying for my next show because I make your body part of mine. To every single person in that room; whether it’s 100 or 50,000. I want you to feel like you're feeling my every move because of the charisma I have. So, that definitely defined me to work very hard. With BRIT School; I loved being there but then I felt restricted at times. I also was a little bit rebellious, you could say, in my own way. I knew I wanted to be an artist and that was it.

Teachers would ask me to sing a certain genre in their way and I would say no. Maybe that was my way of saying I wanted to be my own person but in a non-explanatory way (haha). I wanted to soar that’s for sure, but it definitely taught me how to be a businessman as well in the game. My mum didn’t know loads about the business but she said I want you to learn it for yourself. So that’s what I had to do. I had to learn how to understand every single side from the academics of it to my performance; how to read music, learn instruments; produce. I definitely would say it helped me grow to become strong in this game. I thank those two monumental moments in my life - being young M.J. and being a student at BRIT School - for really showing me such a great insight into the business. 

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? When did music come into your life?

As I said before; it was around the age of five. My mum would listen to people like Al Green, Aretha Franklin; Andrea Bocelli (that’s an amazing Opera singer); then there would be my sister who would listen to Brandy, Destiny’s Child; Alicia Keys and I think it was her music that then moulded me into loving people like Beyoncé, Chris Brown and Usher. All these R&B/Pop artists that are phenomenal and have so much stage presence. 

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

By the end of 2018, I hope to see my numbers rise in terms of whose listening to my music. To just see the music gliding more and more. Have more fans and hopefully some shows come through too. 

Do you already have plans for 2019?

For 2019, that is definitely going to be a big year. There is so much planned but I really want everyone to just see the work happen and appreciate it. I have a little part of me that doesn’t always like revealing things simply because life is very unpredictable and everything I have I prayed for, worked for and gave to the universe…but you have your times where it won’t happen straight away and I want people to feel the moment when it’s here. But, I will drop one word which is ‘America’. 

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

My favourite memory would be performing at People's Day. The reaction was crazy and, if I may add another one, it would be releasing this E.P. and getting number-eight on the iTunes R&B/Soul charts. 

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

All three of my own future albums are the ones that mean the most to me (laughs). No, I joke. I would say Alicia Keys – Songs in A Minor

It means a lot to me because, at that time, I started singing her really famous song Fallin’ everywhere. That album was just amazing. One of her best works.

Beyoncé – The Beyoncé  Experience

Beyoncé came to really find herself in that album. The performance, production and vocals were just on another level. I remember listening to the live version of that album all the time. Her concert, The Beyoncé Experience. It was mesmerising and I wanted that appeal so much. Just for people to listen and see me performing and think, ‘WOW’. It definitely inspired me to be a performer as well.

Prince – Purple Rain

This album is so reckless and slightly controversial to be honest. That’s what I loved. It was unapologetic and a bit of a fu*k you to the world. I can sing what I like. Prince generally was that guy and it's definitely a motto of mine. People love you when you’re true. I am someone completely different on stage and off. I become a light, a fire. My stage is my playground and he show’s that so much. Being this extravaganza on stage. It's fascinating.

As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be? 

Well. Growing up, I never celebrated Christmas. So, it's not really something I do much of. But, all I ask is that I have a prosperous life and can keep doing what I am doing and continue to inspire people. 

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

It would be Beyoncé. I would want water, a nice scented room; food for my crew, anything to make sure my vocals are on-point and somewhere I can just rest for the show. I just want whatever's going to make the best. I don’t really eat before shows so water is my best friend, but food after is always a great thing. I am a foodie.  

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep going, keep going. Believe in yourself. Listen to some people sometimes, but if your heart really says ‘no’ then go with it. Be creative and think out of the box. Make your own lane and be a businessperson alongside your creativeness. 

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

I don’t have any tour dates as such yet but they will be coming. Right now, it's just putting the music out but I am going to have some eventually. I might be performing on 15th November for Ticketmaster but that’s not confirmed yet so keep your eyes peeled for that on my socials if it is going ahead. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: Sharna Bass

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I really like Sharna Bass. She’s cool. Dope tone to her voice. 

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

I try to, but with success come hard work, so not a lot really. When I do though, most times it's in my house with family or friends or we go out to eat, which I’m cool with because I don’t like going out all the time, but to get to the next level I have to keep working nonstop. I am a bit of a workaholic. 

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).

Nice. Well let's play Michael Jackson – Remember the Time. I love that song

__________

Follow Jean-Mikhael

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheJeanMikhael/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thejeanmikhael/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Thejeanmikhael

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Hmjn0d17bTM6e4dLTWxNz?si=HawvzRbGTHK0NpRoePVMQQ

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-EaMvH7NjzD_KA24EW01Q

INTERVIEW: Trapdoor Social

INTERVIEW:

Trapdoor Social

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I have been speaking with Skylar Funk of Trapdoor Social...

who tells me about the band’s new single, Hold Me Down, and how they came together; how the line-up has changed and what is coming next from the guys – he highlights some rising artists to look out for closely.

I was keen to know more about the band’s environmental ethics/motives and whether there are gigs emerging; if Skylar has any favourite album and whether there is time to relax away from the band – each member selects a song to end things with.

__________

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

Hey! We're great. Real bittersweet week actually...just played our goodbye show with our drummer Ben, who's moving up to the Bay Area for grad school, his girlfriend and generally greener pastures. So, that's tough...but it was a great show! And a great few years together. So much love.  

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

We are Trapdoor Social, an L.A. band since 2011 and we play Indie/Alternative-Rock (or something), often outdoors using solar power. We created and ran Sunstock Solar Festival for the last three years as well.

How did Trapdoor Social get together? When did you all meet?

Merritt Graves and I (Skylar Funk) met at Pomona College in the Environmental Analysis department. We spent a handful of all-nighters in the same computer lab talking about the music we loved and the challenges our planet is facing... and then, a couple years later after school, we decided to start the band. The rest of the guys have come and gone (I guess Louie hasn't gone anywhere) from all kinds of places (like Craigslist).

You are all environmental activists. Does the band have a mandate/mission regarding the environment and conservation?

So, I guess, really, the thing that concerns Merritt and I are existential threats and, at the base of that, the moral assertion that living things shouldn't suffer any more than they have to. So, for example, if we destroy the environment; a huge number of earth's inhabitants will be negatively affected and so we shouldn't do that. But there are a couple other important existential threats to watch out for as well - namely nuclear war and runaway artificial intelligence. Just...things we should be careful with.

Hold Me Down is the new single. Can you explain the story behind it?

Hold Me Down was a collaborative songwriting experience which was actually a bit frustrating for me personally. I'm glad it came together though...this one is super-fun to play. The message of the song is about how we know there are big, serious problems in the world we need to deal with (see above)…but how it's all forgotten when matters of the heart come into play. Like, in verse two: "Oh no/the world is going under/and we sit here twiddling our thumbs/our love is the least of our problems/but you say one word and I jump!” 

Will there be more material coming next year?

Oh, yeah. We've been recording for over a year and we have more songs than we can fit even on a full-length album. So, you might not hear it all but you'll hear a full album!

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

Oh, man; that's soon! I hope to have jammed and/or collaborated with a good handful of other artists and I hope we have the album finished and ready to drop. I hope to have some cool new songs written and I hope to have my little studio set up again. I had to take it apart to make room for my girlfriend's sister when she moved to L.A. and stayed with us for a while. Haha.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

2019 will be The Year of the Artist! Stay tuned to find out what that means (smiles).

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

This might be proximity bias...but last night I supported my friend Kinney at her show at the Satellite in Silver Lake. It was a fun set, and at the end, the people called for an encore...for which we were completely not prepared. The rhythm section started grooving in Bb, which is a great key for me, so I Got Down. 

I had my baritone sax and she had another gentleman playing an upright bass (with a wireless mic) and, at one point, we both hopped down into the crowd and danced wildly while playing. There was AcroYoga happening; the crowd was going nuts, the jam was insane. It was pretty special.

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

Wow; that's tough. Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism? 22, A Million from Bon Iver? Florence and the Machine's Ceremonials, or The Heist by Macklemore? All super-formative and I'm sorry, you asked for just one....

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

I would want to open for Postal Service (on tour for the next album they'll release, of course) and there would be massage and a vegan feast complete with chocolate fountain. At the end, Ben Gibbard would join us for an acoustic cover of Brand New Colony. While both of us crowd-surf. 

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

We do not have any dates planned. Gotta get a new player or two first! We can always play acoustic, though...

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I would encourage a new artist to seek balance. You can't make art if you can't pay the bills or keep yourself sane. Losing our drummer really emphasizes that for me - he was young and talented and committed to our band...but his life in L.A. was too hard. You gotta make your life work ok - take care of yourself - so you can spend all the time it takes to become the artist you want to be. 

 IN THIS PHOTO: Karmic

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

For sure! Real stoked about a few of the bands we had on our solar stage at Sunstock. Karmic is a super-fun Indie-Pop act and have become dear friends and Top Shelf Brass Band from Riverside is just the most fun I know how to have. Beyond that, I recommend you watch out for The Dip from Seattle, which is super-groovy Retro-Soul.

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

Yeah. I get me time here and there. I play ice hockey every week and ultimate frisbee when I can and I play Magic: The Gathering, because apparently just being in band isn't quite nerdy enough for me. Weeeeee

Oh, yeah...and hot sauce. I'm a huge fan of hot sauce. I've collected it all over the U.S. and beyond and I make my own as well. I've been selling it for a few years now and it's really fun. Check it out.

Finally, and thanks 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).

Fun! I've been rocking out to Superposition by Young the Giant

Merritt says Big Black Delta - Dreary Moon

Louie says Alabama Shakes - Gimme Me All Your Love

Thanks for your time and interest!

__________

Follow Trapdoor Social

Official:

http://www.trapdoorsocial.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TrapdoorSocial/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/trapdoorsocial/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TrapdoorSocial

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5SancUuEIRjnkYtglSRe8Q?si=pGMlNMH9RguWUNsm54Uq3g

Bandcamp:

https://trapdoorsocial.bandcamp.com/

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: C. SHIROCK

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Daniella Midenge

C. SHIROCK

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THANKS to C. SHIROCK for telling me about...

his latest single, Confess Your Love, and the great personal story behind it. I ask him about his start in music and the sounds that influence him; whether he has anything else to give before the end of the year and what comes along next year.

He reveals some rising artists worth a look and albums important to him; if we can see him play anytime soon and whether the Nashville-bases artist gets time to unwind and relax away from music – C. SHIROCK selects a great song to end the interview with.

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Hi, C. SHIROCK. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m doing well! I’m currently in Los Angeles and about to head to Nashville for my birthday and some recording sessions. The last two weeks have been really incredible. Confess Your Love came out; the music video came out a week after. I’ve been in the studio finishing up a few more singles for early next year…and we’re wrapping up the edit for the music video for Stand with Me Tonight, which will be the second single coming out Nov. 30th! So, a lot happening but it’s exciting to finally be sharing all of this new work.

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

My name is Chuck SHIROCK – my artist name is ‘C. SHIROCK’. I am based between Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA. My music is Alternative Pop – my favourite comparison’s I’ve read are ‘modern Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins…a little bit of Prince, U2…’ When I read that, I immediately felt like that was something I’d want to hear! I had a band called SHIROCK for a long time before starting the C. SHIROCK solo project. We toured a ton, performed with bands such as Twenty One Pilots, Cage the Elephant; Manchester Orchestra and tons of other inspiring acts. Confess Your Love is the first single off of my upcoming collection of songs, which will continue to come out monthly into 2019.

PHOTO CREDIT: Emilia Paré

Confess Your Love is new. What is the story behind the song?

Confess Your Love was written about meeting my partner for the first time. We met in Tulum, Mexico entirely by chance…

I had bought a one-way ticket to Mexico and she was there with a friend. I was going through a life reset/new beginning of sorts and, the short version is, I was having dinner by myself at Hartwood (incredible restaurant in Tulum) and she was there with a group of friends. I saw her when she walked in and knew I wanted to talk to her. I was immediately drawn to her and I promised myself I would leave without at least telling her I thought she was beautiful. I kept trying to find a way to say something and slowly the entire restaurant cleared out except for me and her group. They got up to leave and I also walked out; she was in a conversation with a guy – I thought I had missed my chance…I was standing on the sidewalk with my bike, looking down at my phone and, all of a sudden, I hear this voice: “Are you okay?” I looked up and it was her. 

I smiled and laughed a little bit and gave her my long-rehearsed monologue about seeing her when she came in and wanting to tell her I thought she was beautiful…she smiled and asked if I wanted to walk her and her friend back to their hotel. I did, and we ended up meeting up the following day and the day after…neither of us thought we’d ever see one another again so we just opened up fully and connected really deeply. She left Mexico and I had another two weeks there. After going back to Nashville, I knew I had to see her again. I flew out to Los Angeles to see her and try to figure out what just had happened. We quickly fell in love, and…here we are today (smiles).

What was it like putting the video together? Was it fun to shoot?

This was a really fun video to shoot – a ton of preparation and work to shoot in a foreign country but, as these things tend to do, it all came together last minute. We shot the majority of the video in a small colonial town called Valladolid, which is about two hours from Tulum. The city was the perfect backdrop to tell the story of a couple meeting and falling in love.

We pulled most of the inspiration from my actual experience - when I met my now fiancé a few years ago. We took some artistic liberty in the re-telling of the story and wanted to play on the idea of those little encounters and moments that, if taken, can change the entire course of our lives. In the video you don’t, at the end, know what transpired actually happened or if it was a what if…

Might we see more material coming? What is next for you?

Yes! The second single, Stand with Me Tonight, comes out November 30th and the music video Dec. 7th. Then, I have a surprise in the works for mid-December (smiles). We’ll have a little break into January, then pick back up with single releases, music video; select shows and a full album early-summer. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Daniella Midenge

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? When did music come into your life?

I grew up in a very musical and artistic family. My mom was ballet dancer and my dad is a great Jazz guitarist. My grandfather (Dad’s side) was a professional Jazz pianist and I and my three siblings all started playing piano when we were really young. I actually didn’t grow up listening to too much music – I was in the Philippines until I was eight, then Scotland until about thirteen.

So, I ended up spending a lot of time writing on piano and composing…although I had no idea that’s what I actually was doing. It wasn’t really until I came to the U.S. (Detroit) and started really listening to the radio that I completely fell in love with Pop and Rock music. Into college, I really was introduced to the artists that have shaped my musical understanding…Radiohead, Peter Gabriel; U2, Prince; Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Buckley; Sigur Rós, Bob Dylan; Madonna etc…

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

This is a busy end of the year for me and my team! Before the year is done, I have another single coming out Nov. 30th (Stand with Me Tonight); a music video Dec. 7th and a surprise mid-December…meanwhile; I’m also in the studio finishing up a few other songs for early 2019…and, on a personal side, my birthday is coming up and I’m finishing up a house renovation project! So…a lot’s happening at once (smiles).

PHOTO CREDIT: Allister Ann

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yes! I’ve been in the studio writing and recording through most of 2018, so I have a series of singles lined up to continue releasing into 2019. I can’t wait to share this new music – it feels like my producer (Thomas Doeve) and I have been in the studio this past year writing and working, and I can’t wait to share all of this new music. 

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

There have been so many beautiful memories so far. Touring with some of my best friends, performing main stage at festivals for thousands and thousands of people; hearing myself on the radio for the first time…but I think my absolute favourite is when I meet people whose lives have been impacted by the music. I’ve received letters, emails and talked in person with fans who have shared how a song or a lyric helped get them through loss of a loved one, heartbreak or difficult times. Without a doubt, those are the most important memories and what I love most about getting to create music. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Allister Ann

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

Wow – what a great question…

Peter Gabriel - So

I didn’t discover this album until a long time after it was put out…but the sounds, production and sonic landscape of this record brought a new understanding of what Pop music could sound and feel like. 

U2 - The Joshua Tree

This record redefined what Pop/Rock music can be and the emotion that music can carry. The lyric, the delivery; the way the music and vocals combine to form something entirely unique and so compelling was a revolution for me.

Jeff Buckley – Grace

My roommate in college introduced me to Jeff Buckley – and it changed everything for me. It shaped the way I approached singing and what was possible with my voice. It was like, all of a sudden, I had permission to explore and use my voice as an instrument. 

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

Such a tricky question! I would love to tour with a real Popstar. Mostly for selfish reasons! I have so much to learn from someone like George Michael, Michael Jackson; Madonna…I’d love to see them night after night.

PHOTO CREDIT: Emilia Paré

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be courageous in your art. We have enough people chasing what already exists. You have a unique voice and interpretation…chase that. Make music that turns you on and, when you deliver it in the studio or live, give it everything you have. Write music that matters. Too many people chase formulas and don’t have anything to say. Tell the stories that are yours alone to tell. Move us with your music. We’re all waiting to be emotionally moved.

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

I love touring – I can’t wait to be back out performing this new music. I will be touring in 2019 – plans are currently underway for tours in the summer as my album will be released. For the latest info, you can follow me on social media, or on my website.

IN THIS PHOTO: Mikky Ekko

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Being based in Nashville, I have the privilege of being surrounded by so much great music…some incredible artists. Mikky Ekko is amazing; COIN is a great Alt/Pop/Rock band from Nashville also. Daniella Mason is an upcoming pop artist as is Whit. Daniella and Whit both sang vocals on Confess Your Love. Also, my brother is an incredible producer and writer and his project is called Kind. 

IN THIS PHOTO: Daniella Mason

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

I get a little bit of time. I feel very fortunate that my job is something I love so much. Even with it being my profession, I still like to begin each day at the piano before I’ve made my coffee and I often find myself back at the piano at the end of the day! I have a vintage motorcycle I love riding. I also grew up playing soccer and still play often. I love reading – I get so much inspiration from poetry books. A favourite is the late Irish poet, John O’Donohue and another is Pablo Neruda. 

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).

Ha! Okay…not my music – this has been a favourite lately – Reckless Love by Elle King and Bleachers. I love Jack Antonoff’s approach to writing and production. I think he’s a genius

__________

Follow C. SHIROCK

PHOTO CREDIT: Daniella Midenge

Official:

http://www.cshirock.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/cshirock/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cshirock/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cshirock

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6rclmdstz3sdi2HTLzXJwg?si=FhiXsdPQT_qCC6givhVedA

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/cshirock

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/cshirock

INTERVIEW: Emily Magpie

INTERVIEW:

Emily Magpie

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MY last interview of the day is with Emily Magpie...

who has been telling about her E.P., Be Your Own Light, and filming the video for the title cut. I was keen to know what sort of music inspires her and when it struck her; if there is a rising artist we need to get behind and what she has planned for next year.

The talented songwriter reveals a few favourite albums and where we can catch her perform; which artist she’d support if she had the chance and whether she gets time to chill away from music – she selects an awesome modern song to end the interview with.

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

Hi, Sam! I’m currently in Belgium, recovering from a couple too many (and too delicious) Belgium beers last night after my gig. I’m out here doing a few shows with Uncle Wellington - beautiful band and country!

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

I loop layers of vocals, ukulele; synth bass and beats to make dreamy Electro-Folk music with some oomph-y bass under it. I’m a singer songwriter and producer- D.I.Y., man!

Be Your Own Light is your new single. What is the inspiration behind the song?

I was exploring my patterns in relationships and looking at my relationship with myself. I wrote it almost as a mantra or magic spell of self-love and wanted to extend that out to other people that might resonate.

The video looks cool! What was it like filming that?!

Nowhere near as glamorous as it look. Haha! It involved a lot of glitter and bike lights...my sister Meghan Spetch is a genius animator and filmmaker (working on Our Planet currently) and she created the whole concept from very little.

Be Your Own Light is from the E.P. of the same name. Were there particular themes and stories that inspired the songs?

Yeah. I don’t tend to write too much about love and relationships as I feel there are so other things to talk about. But, this E.P. has four songs on it - that I wrote this year – and are all about my growth in terms of my relationships and myself...and I wanted to put them all together and have a body of work exploring that.

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? When did music come into your life?

So many different artists! I think that’s why my stuff is so eclectic...

I grew up being introduced to bands like Modest Mouse, the Pixies and Nirvana by my brother; being a bit of an Emo kid and listening to Brand New, but also loving R&B. And I used to sing in a Jazz band as a teenager and loved all the old Jazz and Soul songs - plus, artists like Fleetwood Mac via my parents.

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

Not got long left. Haha! Something quick. I think just enjoying playing the new E.P. live and continuing writing and developing ideas for an album next.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

The aforementioned album. I’ve written an album of songs which all fit on a concept and I want to develop, record and produce that. 

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

I’m loving being in Belgium at the moment actually; wicked to travel with music. Also, playing support to This Is the Kit this year in a church was beautiful. I love their music.

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

How can I choose?! It’s like picking a favourite child.

Okay; right NOW...

Jai Paul - Jai Paul

Because I actually managed to get my mitts on a copy! A label I’m working with next year managed to grab one of these when it got leaked years ago and passed on a copy to me recently. Jai Paul is a genius. I learn so much from the way he produces and builds songs.

Radiohead - OK Computer

I was obsessed with Radiohead. I can’t listen to it too much now as it makes me sad but this album reminds me of a very introspective time.

Sylvan Esso - Sylvan Esso

This album is filled with songs that make me feel so much. I’m always playing it.

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

Sylvan Esso! Saw them at SWX (Bristol) and they look like they have such a good time. I’d get a ton of beers so we could get pissed and party after the show. And maybe some Skittles or something.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Make music you believe in; explore and be playful. Release lots, gig lots; be nice.

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

26th Nov - The Louisiana, Bristol (supporting Lydmor)

22nd Dec - Jinglefest at The Exchange, Bristol

 IN THIS PHOTO: Anna Pancaldi

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

My friend Anna Pancaldi just had a release recently too. She makes beautiful music.

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

I’m chilling now(ish)... 

I am a bit obsessed with music and can work too much. I’m trying to keep a balance. I don’t like how obsessed we are with work in U.K. culture. It’s not cool to be busy all the time. I just try and do things I enjoy outside of music every week and make the most of opportunities music provides (to have adventures too). I’m off exploring for the next two days before my gig on Sunday in Gent.

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).

So tempting to choose something ridiculous and you’ll have to play it. But, no...I choose IDLES - Mother. These guys excite me a LOT

__________

Follow Emily Magpie

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/EmilyMagpie1

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/emilymagpie1/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/emilyspetch

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7pVUDWzKKoTkhBZTB46SyQ

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/emily-magpie

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0brLwFO51jpCnTCW3fZTKA 

INTERVIEW: Miel de Botton

INTERVIEW:

Miel de Botton

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THE fantastic Miel de Botton...

has been talking with me about her upcoming album, Surrender to the Feeling, and her new E.P., I Was Given Nature. The title-track from the E.P. has been used by the WWF so the songwriter discusses that; which albums and artists are important to her – she reveals how important nature and conservation are to her.

I ask de Botton about her training as a clinical psychologist and how that impacts her music; what she has planned going forward and the music she grew up around – she ends the interview by selecting a great song.

__________

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

Hectic! I am alright but lots of exciting things have been flying at me. I have been coordinating a rehearsal schedule for my E.P. launch on 12th November with lots of media invitations. I have been asked to do five or six radio interviews and an interview for London Live (T.V.). This latter slot will be with the Director General of WWF, Marco Lambertini, to discuss my new song, I Was Given Nature, which has been taken up by them for their Connect2Earth education campaign. 

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

Hello! I am a Swiss singer/songwriter. I sing some chansons, some ballads and some more uptempo numbers in French and English. My first album, Magnetic, came out in March 2015. It was produced by Andy Wright, an amazing producer (Simply Red, Eurythmics and Jeff Beck). I have done two U.K. tours with John Barrowman and Rhydian and some festivals - Camp Bestival and CarFest. 

You have an album coming out soon. Can you tell us about that and the sort of themes that inspired it?

My new album, Surrender to the Feeling, is available to pre-order on all platforms on 13th November and will launch on 1st March next year. This time I collaborated with a few different producers, Marc JB, Sam Swallow; James Sanger, Morten Schjolin and, of course, Andy Wright, who is also the album’s Executive Producer. The main theme umbrella is healing, whether through nature or our own natural emotions. My songs are about being contented in the silence and enjoying stillness, but also about dancing in joy and appreciating anything that brings joy. 

You are a prolific art collector and trained as a clinical psychologist. Do you think those passions/experiences influenced your music career/path?

I feel a true work of art is about the beholder experiencing emotion. In the visual arts, I feel that a successful work of art is one that has touched you and moved you and that is what I try to do with my music. Of course, ultimately that is meant to lead you to a path of self-healing - exactly what a clinical psychologist sets out to do; so I do think these passions have influenced my musical career.

Did you get introduced to music at a young age? How important is your family regarding that love?

Yes! My dad was constantly playing Classical music throughout the house. He loved Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. I used to conduct to Mozart and was in the choir and musicals at school. As a family, we loved to listen to Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin and Albert Hammond. I used to sing All the Lonely People to my dad, who loved it. He also used to sing many French chansons to me as a child and I re-worked some of these for my album, Magnetic, as a tribute to him.

Your song, I Was Given Nature, was used by the WWF. How important was that to you? Is nature and conservation really important to you?

I grew up in Switzerland, where people are very ecologically-minded and I was always made very conscious of the beauty of nature by my (now) eighty-eight-year-old nanny, who took my brother and me for lengthy walks. Also, whilst I was at school my best friend’s father was very involved in the WWF; so very early on I was aware of the causes and the panda made its mark on me. I was absolutely thrilled when my song was taken up by WWF. I had written it originally following many tears listening to Michael Jackson’s Earth Song. 

I wanted to write my own Earth Song and move people to action! I was hoping WWF might like the song but, in fact, I was blown away by their reaction. They even asked me to perform the song live for a function in Geneva and I was honoured to do so. I am about to host an event for my E.P. launch where WWF will talk and I have invited all the environmental charities that I am involved with, so that they can contribute to conservation discussions that are going to take place alongside the music.

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

Well. There is not much of it left, but I am happy to have achieved quite a few things at this stage. My year saw the completion of my album and performances at a few concerts plus some environmental charity work. The planning of the new album launch and next phases - for example, touring - are being worked on now and if I have all that in place by the end of the year it will be a great achievement for me. 

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yes - the launch. After that; hopefully some touring, but that is all very much in the planning stage right now.

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

What I think of straight away is a gig in Newcastle during the Rhydian tour when there were massive storms; trees on the line and total travel disruption. There was fantastic goodwill and collaboration among the band that were all trying to get there and arriving in the nick of time – missing the soundcheck and just about making the performance.  A wonderful experience of team spirit!

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

Guilty by Barbra Streisand is one. I love her voice and Barry Gibb singing with her. It is just so romantic…

I love all ABBA albums and they never cease to inspire me. 

I also love Leonard Cohen - The Best of Leonard Cohen (1975). His songs are so expressive and moving. They make me laugh and cry every time.

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

Michael Bublé. He just connects with the audience so much. Also; Barbra Streisand. 

My rider would contain 85% Lindt chocolate and almonds.

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

Hopefully! We have something in the pipeline regarding a tour, but nothing confirmed yet. My next gig after the E.P. launch will be the album launch next spring and there will be some tickets on sale for that. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Perseverance...but also take breaks, because this business is tiring!

 IN THIS PHOTO: PURDY at the 606 Club

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Check out my friend, PURDY. She has a gorgeous, mellow voice and sings jazzy songs of her own creation and some classics. She often sings at the 606 Club.

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

I take walks in nature and I have an amazing healer who gives me hand-on healing. I also like to sing and dance around my kitchen!

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

I love Andante, Andante by ABBA

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Follow Miel de Botton

Official:

http://mielmusic.co.uk/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MielMusicUK/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/miel_music/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Miel_Music

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1upTG9n7VaUQSaVLH0WZZw?si=3CLSDryDTm21z119EEVsWQ

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: Captain of the Lost Waves

INTERVIEW:

Captain of the Lost Waves

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IT is time to step into Captain of the Lost Waves’ world...

and get to know the man behind the music. I have been speaking with him about the new album, Synthesis, and the single, Uniforms; whether there is a reason and story behind that moniker and what sort of music is important to him.

Captain of the Lost Waves discusses his upcoming plans and reveals some albums important to him; what he wants to achieve before the end of the year and what advice new artists should take to heart – he selects a great song to end the interview with.

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Hi, Captain of the Lost Waves. How are you? How has your week been?

Currently feeling like a fair to middling supernova on soft ground after embracing the fierce elements of the Felixstowe coastline - where one’s pedalboard ended up with puddles of rain on it, in it and around it!  I’m finally thawing out, as is my pedalboard…

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

I am neither one thing nor the other but all things - in truth we all are. We all decide to represent ourselves via one title, occupation or otherwise. My performance is a marriage; a jigsaw of pieces that really shouldn’t fit together but somehow do. This is music, storytelling and an intuitive connection with my audience. At the heart of it the music is the core ingredient that holds all of the elements in place, the sonic smorgasbord of fluctuating moods and expression.

Is there a reason behind the mysterious moniker? Does anyone know your true identity?!

The lost waves of which I am Captain of are but a nod to many things we choose to neither see nor resonate with; our own innate natures being overwhelmed by global mental noise. The miracle of life in its multitude of expressions are those hidden and consigned to the shadows. Of course, this is my true identity…depends what you call true? Does anyone really know anybody else? As often people don’t even know who they themselves are.

Synthesis is your latest album. What inspired the record and how much of your own experiences go into it?

Life inspires everything I do; amazing stories of life’s ability to weave the most inspiring tales. The album is the story so far with the singles to date and five brand new tracks. Like a Captain’s seesaw, this is the current halfway point.

Uniforms is the latest track from the album. Can you explain the story behind the song?

It’s the power that uniforms hold - of course, everything we wear is a uniform. The largest organ of the human body being the skin is the ultimate uniform, we are covered in it! Within the song itself, I explore the paradoxical nature of the uniform; the post-colonial empirical hangover. I’ll stop there…it’s curious as to why human beings need to quantify or have everything explained to them.

The treasure lies in the questions, not the answers.

Can you recall when you got into music? How have your sounds changed since the early day?

The drumbeat of my mother’s heart…I distinctly recall it. It’s a constant evolution exploring new sounds, mixing Classical and Ambient textures with the tumultuous tremolo of the human voice being fully embraced as the ultimate indigenous instrument of the human experience.

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

That I maintain the instinctive connection to the source of creation. I am merely a conduit, a vessel; a plaything for the gods, if you want to use a metaphor - though I’d not choose it to be any other way. Art, at its purest, is something intangible and unfathomable.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yes - to keep sowing the seeds of my vision and not losing sight of my grandest and wildest dreams (not likely to be anything of note in a three-dimensional sense). I may appear abstract or flighty to some of your readers - and that would be correct. Should I elaborate as to what my most pragmatic and logical aim is? To keep connecting with the magicians, the autonomous; the fiercely independent, the individuals; the magnificent outsiders, those so far out of the loop that, like me, they are almost back in.

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

Far, far, far too many but, among them, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Lincoln Drill Hall; Glastonbury Festival and a range of shows over this last two years within the Steampunk community, of which when at its best is inclusive, imaginative; supportive and fun. As my dear friend Professor Elemental once said: “It’s a giant fancy dress party for adults”.

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

This is really difficult. Music, to me, is like food and, on any given day, my appetite yearns for something different. But, you asked for three so here goes! I could have had The Beatles – Revolver; Prince – Sign o’ the Times and Talking Heads – Remain in Light among tons of others!

Once Upon a Time in the West soundtrack - Ennio Morricone. I have a deep affinity to Classical music and soundtracks. This particularly resonates due to watching the film numerous times growing up.

Queen – A Night at the Opera. For its pure theatrical exuberance, wondrous songwriting and evocative atmosphere.

Cat Stevens – Tea for the Tillerman. Inherited from my uncle, a masterpiece of warmhearted vocal delivery; emblazoned across a tapestry of magical songs. He could stop me in my tracks.

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

The Spaghetti Western Orchestra.

Twelve bottles of sparkling courtesy as standard…

Nine trays of affable audio exchange…

Thirteen platters of eye contact, which renders neither who engage uncomfortable…

Forty-hundred-and-forty-four bursts of belly laughter (however, if not available, a harem of hearty cackles or sweeping, sideways mile-wide grins will suffice)...

One audience member willing to explore the art of unlimited, open-ended and non-conclusive possibilities (one is all that’s ever needed in any setting to create a fusion effect…’spark to a flame’ comes to mind).

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

All sorts of places that you can find via the ‘adventures tab’ on the website.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be prepared to go it alone; allow yourself time to discover your most authentic voice. Keep making mistakes: we all make them until we get it right, even when we think we get it right we are still making mistakes! Art is a process of discovery. You’re learning and it’s a lifetime pursuit.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Stjepan Hauser (‘Hauser’)

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

It depends on what you call new: most music I tend to listen to is Classical and Ambient. I adore the cellist Stjepan Hauser and, if you want a night of pure silliness and true connection, my kindred spirit and dear friend Professor Elemental.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Professor Elemental

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

I hear music in everything, my favourite musical sound is that of the ocean…hence, I find solitary endeavours such as walking on the coastline, conscious breathing and drinking Earl Grey tea whilst stroking a myriad of beautiful dogs (or cats; or horses…) are my favourite things to do…I always take time to take time out.

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).

Adam & the Ants – Dog Eat Dog

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Follow Captain of the Lost Waves

Official:

http://captainofthelostwaves.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/captainofthelostwaves

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/captainofthelostwaves/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/CaptainOTLW

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eMXY1pFGHO20S02fCNF5e

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/captainofthelostwaves

INTERVIEW: The Magic Lantern

INTERVIEW:

The Magic Lantern

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I have been speaking with The Magic Lantern...

about his new album, To the Islands, and what sort of themes/stories inspired it. He tells me about the music he grew up around and when he took up music; the albums that are most important to him and which rising artists we need to get behind.

The Magic Lantern talks about his future and reveals what tour dates are coming; if he gets time to chill away from music and what he wants to achieve next year – he ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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Hi, The Magic Lantern. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m pretty good, if a little hectic, and just about to go to a rehearsal. Last week was great, if slightly strange. My new album, To The Islands, has just came out so I’ve been in the Post Office quite a bit sending records to various far flung corners; but I’ve also had a little time on my hands before the majority of the tour starts. It feels weird; I’ve been so focused up to now that having any free time makes me feel like I’ve forgotten something really important!

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

My name is Jamie Doe and I’m an Australian singer-songwriter living in London. I perform under the moniker of the ‘The Magic Lantern’ and To the Islands is my third album. My music doesn’t fit too neatly into any particular genre but reflects my curiosity.

I love the harmonic and textural openness of Jazz and the directness of Folk music and really believe in the power of the song form to convey emotion and ideas. My hope is that if the music works, it both allows me to express myself while allowing the listener to find expression in it for themselves too. To create in some quiet but powerful way, a sense of solidarity - which we could all do with more of right now.

To the Islands is your new album. Are there particular themes that inspired the record?

The album is a lot about memory and hope. About three years ago, I was lost. I went back to Australia for the first time in nearly ten years looking for the foundation myths that I had carried around with me and which I thought had made me who I was. I didn’t find them and, in some cases, I realised that I must have made them up. It was a dislocating experience and coupled with a ridiculously acute heartbreak, I came back to London feeling pretty fragile but with a bunch of ideas for songs and a book - To the Islands by Randolph Stow, given to me as a parting gift.

Around the same time, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so memory and what it means; how it shapes our sense of self and our hope for the future, naturally evolved into a key theme that I was exploring through these songs.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Kasia Wozniak

How did you get into music? Was there a particular moment you knew it was a path you had to pursue?

We sing as a family whenever we get together. It’s always the same bunch of songs (a mix of workers songs, ’60s classics and the odd hymn) and we still only ever remember a few verses for each one but, ever since I was a kid, we’ve been singing. My mum also used to play the organ as a kid so we got a piano when I was young and I started learning. I remember when I was eleven my mum got me Kind of Blue by Miles Davis and a live record by Keith Jarrett and, right then, I decided that all I wanted to do was play piano like that and play cricket for Australia. It hasn't turned out exactly like that, but that’s where it started.

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? When did music come into your life?

My sister would make these amazing mix tapes for long car trips. They were mainly my mum’s favourite tunes from the ’60s so lots of Beatles, Neil Sedaka; The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel; Sonny and Cher etc. Still, when I hear anything like that it makes me think of driving along the South Coast near Batemans Bay on a hot day and the fish and chips we’d get when we arrived at the beach.

My dad has always been a big Paul Robson fan so there was a lot of this rich voice blaring out from this study.

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

As many walks with my dad and Mick the dog as possible.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

To get a job (that earns actual money). I had to borrow quite a lot of money to finish the album and, while my kneecaps are safe for now, I can’t pay my debts in critical praise alone.

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

Going to buy my guitar with my dad twelve years ago. I went to the Spanish Guitar Centre in London three or four times and had my heart set on this one guitar. I was just starting out in London trying to get gigs. My dad came to visit me and I told him that this was what I wanted to do. There wasn’t much to go on at that stage, but he said he believed in me and we went back to the shop and got the guitar I’d been eyeing up. It’s still the guitar I play today.

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

Kind of Blue - Miles Davis

This record changed my life. It was one of the first Jazz records I got and the sound, the mood; the confidence that comes off it, like they knew that this was important, entranced me. In particular, Bill Evans playing on the track Blue in Green had me listening to it sometimes twenty times in a row on repeat.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kasia Wozniak

Penguin Eggs - Nic Jones

When I was a teenager, I got introduced to the great folk guitarists of the ’60s revival such as Bert Jansch, John Martyn and Davy Graham and I loved them. I loved how they made the accompaniment as important and beautiful as the song. They also made it seem effortless. But, it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I came across Nic Jones and his seminal album, Penguin Eggs. His story is pretty tragic - a motorcycle accident in his thirties really robbed him of his ability to play - but when you listen to him play on those early records, it’s clear that he was the cream of the crop. The absolute best Folk guitarist and an incredible singer. He still sets the standard.

Chet Baker Sings - Chet Baker

I got given this as a present on my fourteenth birthday. Without noticing, I would sing along as I listened and, pretty soon, I could sing the whole album; mimicking his style, word for word and note for note; singing along to the trumpet solos too. Years later, when I started writing my own songs, people would come up and say they thought I sounded a little like Chet Baker and, over the years, I came to see how big an influence he was on my singing. I love this record. It’s a safe place.

As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?

A slot on Jools Holland!

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

I would support Sam Amidon, Sufjan Stevens or Randy Newman - all three are musicians who I really love and admire. I don’t like to eat before I play but, afterwards, a beer, some good fried chicken and a hang listening to records would be a blast.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I watched a documentary about Bill Withers where he urged people to ‘take a look around, as this might be as good as it gets’, which I think it pretty good advice and not at all what it might appear. That’s to say, that while drive and ambition are important and useful motivators, you’ve got to enjoy the process and what you’re doing and making right now, in front of these people, in this room. There is no gig more important than the one you’re actually doing.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kasia Wozniak

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

Yep. I’m on tour in the U.K. right now through to mid-December promoting the album. Come and say hi!

17 November - House Show, Birmingham

18 November - The Bicycle Shop, Norwich

21 November - The Lighthouse, Deal

23 November - Pindrop Sessions, London

24 November - Unamplifire Festival, London

28 November - The Prince Albert, Stroud

11 December - SET, London

12 December - The Tap Social, Oxford

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m a big fan of Snowpoet, Dick Wag; PicaPica, Alabaster dePlume and Seamus Fogarty. They’re all good friends making music in London and, between them, the most inspiring musicians I know. While they’re all very different, they are each in their own way doing incredible things. Have a listen.

 IN THIS PHOTO: PicaPica

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

I’m not very good a switching off, but I’m a big cricket fan. I set up a team (Clapton & Oval C.C.) with some friends in East London eight years ago and it’s one of the great joys of my life. We've made the middle of the North East London’s league table our own. What we lack in top order batting we make up for in team spirit and bad puns.

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

I Wish I Wish by Sam Amidon

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Follow The Magic Lantern

Official:

https://the-magic-lantern.co.uk/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheMagicLantern/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Magiclanternuk

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jIhiAEbmLrPj69WLM2R3V?si=a4Us7Y7WTKG6bnFzsFvaYw

INTERVIEW: Charlie Melrose

INTERVIEW:

Charlie Melrose

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MY final interview today...

is with Brighton-based Charlie Melrose who talks to me about her single, The Original Ghost, and its background. I ask what it is like having famous musicians in the family and what she has planned going forward – Melrose talks about some rising artists we need to get behind.

I was curious to discover what her early life was like in terms of music exposure; whether there are plans in her mind for next year and which musical memory stands in the mind – she ends the interview by selecting a great song (or two)!

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

I’m good! Are you? My week has been manic but good. I’ve been prepping for the upcoming single launch; we’ve got a lot planned for this event!

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

I’m am Artpop/Neo-Soul artist brought up in Scotland/Cornwall and now based in Brighton.

The Original Ghost is your new single. Is there a story behind it?

Yeah, there is…

I suppose perhaps it comes across as a song written by a ghosted lover…but it’s not how it is. The song is about my biological father - he is the ‘original ghost’ in my life story; coming in and out of my life (mostly out) as he pleased and me spending most of my childhood and adult life not knowing his address or where he might be. Maybe some would shun a ‘father’ like that…unfortunately, for me, I just accepted it and got hurt and hurt over and over. It affected my relationships with men and I got into a vicious circle of going out with men who would treat me in a similar way to him; not taking any of my feelings into account. I didn't see myself as worthy deep down because the child in me thought ‘there must be something really bad about me that I’m not worth contacting or caring about’ - so I let it keep happening.

But, one day (about this time last year actually), I stood up to my ghost. Through a lot of hard work, I have convinced myself that I am worthy of better treatment and…love. I agreed to meet him in Brighton (he was on tour with Hazel O’Connor - his sister and my aunt) and I was extremely brave. I stood up to him and told him that what he had done to me was wrong and that I was in charge now - and I told him I was never to hear from him again; he is not allowed to contact me ever again and he shan’t ever hear from me or follow me on social media. I took control of the situation and ghosted him back. Forever, done; capiche.

I walked away crying and laughing at the same time. It was the single most empowering and terrifying thing I have ever done. The Original Ghost embodies some of that empowerment and also tells of some of the story that I have been through with him and relationships.

Might we see some more material coming next year?

Absolutely! This is just the beginning - I’m aiming to release an album; there may be some more singles first.

Hazel O’Connor is your aunt! How influential is she in regards your music?

She is! She’s not been massively influential on purpose. Weirdly, I got told something very strange when I performed in my first band at nineteen. It was a battle of the bands-type thing. The judge said “You probably don’t know who this is but you remind me of Hazel O’Connor”. I was astonished. My response was “Well, I don’t know her personally…but she is my auntie”.

The first time I met her I saw her at a gig and it was very emotional for me. She was fantastic. I felt so sad that I had missed out on having her in my life for my whole childhood. She seemed almost like a myth to me…but we really were related. Maybe she was another sort of ghost; someone I looked up to but never knew...

Did you grow up in a musical family? Which artists did you discover at a young age?

My musical family are my ghosts - Hazel and Neil. My mum and my stepdad are not musical at all: my mum has always been really supportive but admits she didn’t particularly want me to sing because she knew how unreliable of a career path it was. But, it was impossible for me to not pursue music. It feels like it’s a huge part of what makes me who I am.

Artists I loved at a young age weren’t particularly good. Haha. My favourite singer was ‘Sporty Spice’ when I was a kid, no joke! I loved her. I used to dress like her and everything. In my teens I was into Emo and Punk (and Metal apparently but I was massively lying to myself on that one) and, in my late-teens, I loved Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black (and still do); Wallis Bird’s Spoons and Kate Nash’s Made of Bricks.

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

A successful launch of The Original Ghost and some festival slots booked for next year.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Absolutely: write and record the album, tour and play festivals.

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

Yeah. I sure do. I used to front a Punk/Rock band and we opened the Main Stage for the Buzzcocks at Rebellion Festival (2012) to a huge crowd in a big ballroom (Blackpool Winter Gardens). The feeling on that stage was phenomenal.

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

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

So beautifully written; so real, so heartbreaking; just incredible. Amy touches my soul.

For All We Know - Nao

Amazing music with pure passion and GROOVE. My favourite modern artist besides Christine and the Queens.

Spoons - Wallis Bird

Every song means something to me; it’s such a brilliant album. I think songs you really incredibly love as a teenager will always take you back to those moments that you identified so deeply with at the time. It’s very nostalgic for me.

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

Christine and the Queens, please! That would be so sick.

Ooooh; rider. Prosecco, grapes; loads of water (boring but essential. Haha), roasted vegetable wraps; roast potatoes (for afterwards, please); dairy-free chocolate milk and vanilla yoghurts.

Haha. I’m talking to you like you’re booking me.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

If you have a passion, drive and a plan you’re halfway there. Want it. Want it bad. But, don’t want it so much that you forget to enjoy the journey. There will be moments where you’ll tear your hair out and you’ll wonder what the point of it all is - and then you’ll play ‘that gig’ and that’ll remind you exactly why you’re doing it.

IN THIS PHOTO: Yazmyn Hendrix

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Yazmyn Hendrix is epic! Loop artist with all the vocal chops and a fantastic songwriter. Tasha Robertson is wonderful. I sang backing vocals for her for Sofar Sounds Chichester. She has a lovely, sweet voice and folky, poppy tunes. She’s like a sweeter more tuneful Kate Nash.

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

I love yoga and surfing. I love exploring and adventures. I really need an adventure every once in a while to chill my mind out. I’m quite a highly-strung anxious sort of person who needs to be reminded to have a day off. I love countryside missions and riding horses. I also love to DANCE.

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).

Christine and the Queens - Girlfriend

OR

Bad Blood - Nao

Both are wonderful

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Follow Charlie Melrose

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/charliemelrosemusic/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/charliemelrose/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xPg9VQMYIHLCVxB0zHjNS?si=NYSsPxn8TG-JcawljgPbAw

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/charliemelrose

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh4ixe4T8aqdjIrt-v7-bJQ

INTERVIEW: Lost Cousins

INTERVIEW:

Lost Cousins

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I have been speaking with Lost Cousins...

about their new single, Stay, and how it came together. I was keen to know how the band found one another and what the story is; if there is going to be more material coming through and whether there are going to be some tour dates approaching.

The guys talks to me about some rising artists to watch and the advice they’d give to approaching musicians; how they chill away from music – they reveal which people they’d like as ‘lost cousins’ if they could choose anyone in the world.

__________

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

Our week’s been great! It’s been a little hectic between preparing for some upcoming shows and being consumed by the process of releasing new music - and a few other cool things we’ve been cooking up - but we’re excited to share our new material.

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

Of course! We’re Lost Cousins; a four-piece Psych-Rock band from Toronto, Canada. People have described our sound as a mix between Tame Impala, Local Natives; Washed Out and My Morning Jacket. Lots of big ambient textures but with a big dynamic range and driving rhythms.

Stay is your new single. Is there a story behind it?

There is a subtle story behind Stay. It’s about moving away from somewhere that you love to a new, unfamiliar place. Our drummer and singer Cam moved across the country when he was a kid and our band moved to a new city right after school, so the song sort of touches on both of those experiences. The lyrics are about sitting in the backseat of a car and staring at the changing scenery that passes while awaiting a new beginning.

Might there be more material coming next year?

We have another new single coming out on November 23rd and our debut album, In Scenery, is scheduled for Feb. 1st release!

I believe there is an interesting story behind the formation of Lost Cousins. Can you elaborate…?

Lost Cousins stemmed originally from the name of one of our songs. The group started as a project that gained and lost members through a ‘friend of a friend’-type system and was gaining new fans solely through playing shows. We had virtually no music online and so the band was facilitated entirely through friend groups. Due to the fact that the group started in university, each one of us had moved from a different city and ended up playing music together in another.

I think, because we all left friends and family in our respective homes, we felt a sense of new community, but also the loss of another. The name ‘Lost Cousins’ came from those feelings. People always say to us “Hey. I have some cousins I haven’t heard from in years” and that sort of explains what the band name means – feeling connected to people outside of your physical environment, who you might not have communicated with in a while. It’s that sense of community (whether near or far) that helped our group form initially.

Do you share similar tastes? Who are you inspired by?

We do have similar tastes; which is helpful when we are arranging our music, but naturally there will always be some differences in what we listen to and draw inspiration from. We tend to be most inspired by experimentation and uniqueness. Bands or artists that create sounds never heard before are huge inspirations for us and have shaped and directed our own ambitions in producing our music. We really admire and strive toward the intersection of enticing melodies or progressions that are supported by creative production ideas and innovative textures and sounds.

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

We hope that our longtime fans can enjoy and resonate with our new music and that we can connect with some new people by the end of 2018. Since our first ‘single’ and E.P. in 2015, we only released one song before Mindmaker came out this year. We’re unbelievably stoked to finally share what we’ve been working on.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

As mentioned, our debut album comes out in February. Other than that; we plan to hit the road, take to the air and never come back.

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

Cam: On a personal level; we played at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa earlier this year and the acoustics blew me away. Everyone was seated listening to us (which is often not the case) and were therefore really attention to what we were playing. The sound could not have been better in that room and I was extremely happy to share our live sound in that setting. I’m also from Ottawa originally so it was a special night for me. I think, as a band, one of our first festival performances sticks out for sure.

Also - we played at the inaugural Wayhome Music and Arts Festival, which has since fizzled out of existence but it was an extremely cool festival north of Toronto run by the same team that puts on Bonnaroo. That show sticks out because we played to about 1000 people and, before that, our biggest audience had probably been about 200.

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

We actually only have singles released before this, so our debut album will and does mean the most to us.

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

I think, if we could support any musician today, it would probably be either M83 or Local Natives – we’ve listened to those bands for ages now and would love the opportunity to play alongside them.

We’re not too picky with riders, but we do have this one thing going on where we ask for a Tide to Go Stick and then purposefully spill on ourselves before the set in order to make good use of it. Rituals.

Given the band’s name; if you each found out you had a long-lost cousin, who would you want that to be and why?

Cam: I would have to say some iconic producer/artist like Brian Eno.

Lloyd: I tried to think of something hypothetical but all I could think of was a real story that just happened - I actually was recently fortunate enough to connect and meet up with a second-cousin who moved to Toronto in September. We had met once when we were five and seven-years-old or so but had never met or even had a conversion prior to a month ago. He also happens to be a great musician and has started his Master’s in Musicology at the very same school in which I’m doing my PhD in Music Education.

Thomas: The music nerd in me wants to say Dave Smith - an early innovator in synthesizer design and manufacturing. I spend a huge chunk of my time obsessing over my synth keyboard possessions, and to meet the man who created them in the first place would be a dream come true. But, if we took that a step further and he was actually my cousin...?! (Smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

We’re still in the middle of figuring all this stuff out too, but our advice would be to play lots of shows; meet as many new people as you can, and really try to connect with them. If you believe in your music, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and just go for it.

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

Within the next month we’re playing plenty in Canada - specifically in Montreal, Ottawa; Kingston and Toronto. We’ll be doing a lot more playing once the album has been unleashed on the world.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Close Talker/PHOTO CREDIT: Jono Bernstein

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

So many...

Here are a few we came up with:

Close Talker - we’ve toured with these guys and they are an insane live band. Their records are awesome and get better with each listen. Highly recommend this Canadian band!

Adrianne Lenker - not necessarily new because she also happens to be the lead singer of Big Thief but her solo record, abysskiss, is amazing and perfect for fall/winter vibes.

argonaut&wasp - great Dance-Rock duo from Brooklyn we’ve connected with a few times when we’ve been in N.Y.C.

The Brandy Alexanders - smalltown Canadian band with a big-time Psychedelic, Indie-Pop sound.

 IN THIS PHOTO: Adrianna Lenker

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

We do spend a lot of time together, but we all kind of have our own lives and ways to get away from the music outside of the band. We like to play Settlers of Catan a lot and going to see other artists is really cathartic for us. A few of us like to read and write which we find is a great way to remove yourself from the stresses of life.

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).

Cam: Letting Go by Wild Nothing

Lloyd: out of your mind by Adrianne Lenker

Thomas: Only a Shadow by The Cleaners From Venus

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Follow Lost Cousins

Official:

http://www.findlostcousinsband.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LostCousinsBand/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/LostCousinsBand

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lostcousinsband/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2yZQbeFIRhUpRehbauidnq

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/lostcousinsband

YouTube:

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

INTERVIEW: Cavey

INTERVIEW:

Cavey

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THANKS to Cavey for kicking this week off...

by telling me about the latest single, About to Start, and how it came together. I discover how the band came together and what is coming up in terms of gigs and material; which musicians and sounds inspire what they do – they recommend a rising artist to look out for.

I ask whether there is a favourite career memory so far and what they want to achieve before the end of this year; the advice approaching songwriters should take to heart – the interview is completed with a rather good song choice.

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

Hello! We've had a busy one preparing for the single launch, celebrating too!

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

We are Cavey; a four-piece Alt-Rock band from London. We try to tastefully combine playing styles into our particular sound; the interplay between Jazz harmony, electric guitar and my songwriting. It’s just Alt-Rock, but that's a pretty broad umbrella. There's something different in us and it comes from the band's technicalities.

What is the tale behind your new single, About to Start? How did it come together?

I haven't asked, but I'm sure most musicians experience a sort of double-reality; one in which they are fulfilled by the joy of playing and connection with bandmates and the audience and another in which nothing they do is ever enough to satisfy the abstract idea of success portrayed in films and the media. One is always in danger of succumbing to the latter, which can include overworking yourself, neglecting others and feeling incomplete. About to Start is about the conflict of love and the belief that the only way to make it is to sacrifice everything. 

Was it cool having Blaenavon’s Frank Wright produce? What was that like?!

Frank and I have been friends for years, so it was very comfortable. Because we know each other so well it makes it easier to communicate musically. I feel like we both know we can criticise each other constructively without negative consequences - which is always good - because then we're serving the song and not somebody's ego. 

Might we see more material from you guys next year?

Absolutely!

How did Cavey get together? Do you all share tastes in the same sort of music?

Cavey formed two years ago after Frank Wright (Blaenavon) introduced me to Adrian (drums) at a show in Kilburn. I had a couple of songs that weren't right for any of my current Country or Hard-Rock bands, because the songwriting was a little gentler and a little bleaker,  so I decided to form a new project. Adrian introduced me to a bunch of Jazz musicians at Guildhall and the songs I had written grew into a more cohesive sound that seemed like a good kind of different.

We played a few shows as a trio, with Alex (keys) doing the bass parts with his left hand, and had great feedback and support from the crowd so we decided to record a few tracks. We tracked them cheaply at a studio beneath Camden Roundhouse and they went on to become our first E.P., Night Time. We had Josh Eggerton of Social Contract play bass for a while, but he got too busy with his band, so Adrian suggested Refa playing double bass. She had all the songs down in like three days and smashed the E.P. launch so she was definitely in! That's still our current line-up.  

Refa, Alex and Adrian all studied Jazz music at Guildhall and they have their idols in that discipline, Sonny Clark, Tony Williams and Charlie Haden, as well as more contemporary Rock and Pop stuff. From Radiohead to ABBA, they really know their stuff! I learnt guitar with Classic-Rock and Blues. Classic stuff like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Sabbath on the Rock end and Howlin’ Wolf, T-Bone Walker and Freddie Kind on the Blues end. But, now I tend to gravitate towards the lyrically talented musicians - Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed and Joni Mitchell to name a few. So, we are quite a mixed bag but there are definitely cross over points.

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

Now the single is out, we're gonna spend a while writing songs. I'm gonna try and have an album’s worth by Christmas.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Hopefully, the recording and release of that album!

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

We played a show at Barrel Project in Bermondsey recently, but we weren't playing Cavey songs; it was mainly Jazz and Funk tunes. It was great to see Adrian Alex and Refa in their element and put myself out of my comfort zone too. In the end, we had such a great jam. It's sometimes more pressure playing originals so it was nice to blow off some musical steam like that!

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

Adrian: Life to Everything by Phronesis

Because it’s really good.

Cavey: The Best Air Guitar Album in the World... Ever!

After listening to that a few times, I asked my dad for an electric guitar.

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

I'd support Ryley Walker. I’d ask have the promoters install a nacho cheese pump in the green room and serve us a sh*t-load of crisps and beer...and a million pounds.

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

29th November at The Old Queen's Head. Tickets are £4 here. 

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Practicing and playing all the time are more important than a social media presence. Get your sh*t together before you start spreading stuff everywhere.

IMAGE CREDIT: Dick Stusso

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I recommend Dick Stusso.

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

Yeah, but I normally feel guilty for not working hard enough, so it can be difficult. If I can remember to tell myself I'm working hard enough, I'll go out and blow off some steam. I like dancing and karaoke is always fun. 

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).

How Do You Think It Feels by Lou Reed

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Follow Cavey

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Caveyband/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/__cavey

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/__cavey/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4SbnovsX1hCqILfAjptxnH?si=oZBVOVuZRxKMoFK4jzN3lQ

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/caveyband

INTERVIEW: Bryony Dunn

INTERVIEW:

Bryony Dunn

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I am ending the weekend by speaking with Bryony Dunn...

about her latest track, I Can’t Look Away. Her E.P., Full Bloom, came out on Friday so it is a busy time for the young songwriter. She tells me about her musical path and the albums that mean the most to her; what she has planned going forward and which rising artists we need to get behind.

I ask Dunn if she has a favourite memory from her time in music and what sort of sounds she grew up around; what she wants to achieve before the end of the year and whether we might see more material coming – she ends the interview by selecting a great track.

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

Hey! It’s not been bad at all, thank you. Started off with a gig at Cardiff University; popped into BBC Introducing Live and then a gig on Saturday at The Gladstone Arms in London – plus, my E.P., Full Bloom, came out. That’s pretty big I guess!

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

My name is Bryony Dunn. I’m a singer-songwriter based in the Surrey Hills and I make Pop music.

I Can’t Look Away is your new track. What is the story behind it?

It’s a song about feeling pretty low in terms of self-esteem and then having someone - a friend, lover or family member - coming and pushing you to accept yourself and be a better person.

Will there be a music video for I Can’t Look Away do you think?

Hopefully, in early-December. My friend Willow and I have been planning but she’s at university at the moment so I intend to film when she gets back, fingers crossed!

Are you looking ahead to future material? Might we see more next year?

I’ve been writing so much over the past few years. I have a bunch of tracks that I absolutely love that aren’t quite ready yet. Depends what happens with the E.P.! 

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? When did music come into your life?

My parents always played so many different styles of music. The first gig I went to was Madness at the age of six and then the second was a Genesis reunion tour when I was about eleven (?). I also always listened to things like the Spice Girls and Britney Spears as well as Paul Simon and Fleetwood Mac, so it’s pretty eclectic - but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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

A New Year’s Eve kiss. If you know anyone who’d be interested, direct them towards my D.M.s. Haha. But, if that’s not achievable then a whole bunch of streams on my E.P. would be really nice.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yep. I’m spending the first few months in the French Alps as a resident musician in a bar; then, hopefully, getting some more tunes out and doing some more gigs around the U.K.

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

I did something I’ve always wanted to do in my gig in Cardiff. Half way through my electronic set; I stepped out totally unplugged into the audience with just me and my guitar and everyone sang along! Insane. It’s my new favourite thing.

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

Gosh. This is far too difficult; there’s no way I can pick a top-three but I’ll give you three good albums and why I chose them:

Torches by Foster the People means a lot to me because I listened to it on-repeat age fourteen with my good pal Tilda on a family holiday in Provence. We had an earphone each from my little U.S.B. Sony MP3 player (to which I had downloaded the live versions from YouTube of the album because my parents didn’t want to buy them for me) in our little twin bedroom when we were meant to be sleeping. Listening back to it now it still sounds sick.

Every Coldplay album has so much meaning for me and I adore the way that their albums flow from the first song to the last. But, Mylo Xyloto sticks out because, in our music class, three of my loveliest friends and I were allowed to go in a group for the Pop song project and we covered Paradise. We were then asked to perform it in the school concert which was a real beginning for me on the Pop music side of things.

Retrospectacle - The Supertramp Anthology. I remember singing in the back of the car on many long family journeys to Scotland to visit my grandparents. There was a song for every sort of feeling and they really moved me. I was lucky enough to get to see Roger Hodgson live at the Albert Hall once as well.

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

It would have to be Coldplay. Their show is always incredible and every support act I’ve seen of theirs has subsequently blown up. As for the rider - a nice bunch of flowers, hot water; honey and lemon; tea and all of the food ever would probably do just fine to be honest.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I’m not sure I can really give advice at this stage, but I asked this same question in a Q&A with Christine and the Queens and she said “Only you know best I think. You can ask for advice if you want but only you know best”. I think that’s pretty good advice.

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

On the 25th November, I’m supporting Tom Williams in Guildford and on the 28th November I’ll be at Northern Guitars in Leeds. I’m also planning a bit of a party gig in Dorking on 17th December…so watch this space.

IN THIS PHOTO: Chincilla

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

AMBR. She’s a legend. Bedroom / Boredom are super-cool. FOXE are doing great things and Chinchilla doesn’t have any music out yet but, if you can catch her at a gig, you will not regret it.

IN THIS PHOTO: Bedroom / Boredom/PHOTO CREDIT: Adam Green/PHOTO EDIT: Jack Lynch

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

I think time to chill is so important for staying sane. I go out walking with my dog Jasper and I like to read - but there’s nothing quite like a cup of tea and a movie.

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

It’s got to be Crying Over You by HONNE. Can’t stop playing that at the minute!

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Follow Bryony Dunn

Official:

https://www.bryonydunn.co.uk/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bryony.dunn

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/BryonyG_Dunn

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bryonydunn/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7oY4MeaDDCv3FFalNWzUPR?si=N1Ngy73VTnC82GcZBw1NGw 

INTERVIEW: Tez Cadey

INTERVIEW:

Tez Cadey

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THANKS to Tez Cadey...

for talking about his start in music and the artists/albums that influence him. I ask about his new album, Lizard Days, and what themes inspire it; whether he has a standout track from the record and what the scene is like in France at the moment.

The Electronic artist tells me about what he hopes to achieve next year and whether there is anything to achieve before the end of this year; if he gets time to chill outside of music; which rising artist we should be aware of and whether there will be gigs coming up.

__________

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

Amazing, thanks! We just released the album last week and so far the feedback has been great. I’m spending a lot of time looking at streaming stats, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, but I can’t help it.

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

I'm a twenty-five-year-old producer from France making Electronic music, Pop and House.

Lizard Days is your new album. Are there particular albums that inspired it? 

I was listening a lot to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band during the making of this album, so it must have crept in somewhere - particularly in the song arrangements. There is actually one break in Your Way were a crescendo of orchestral nonsense takes place that was directly inspired by A Day in the Life. You can also hear it on the last part of the outro, Divine. I just love how the songs evolve on this record (The Beatles' one).

Is there a standout or personal favourite from the record would you say?

It changes from time to time but I'd say Logic is my personal favorite. I still don't get tired of it. I think it has a unique and timeless touch that keeps it fresh and interesting to listen to. And, most of all, it’s at the crossroad of my influences; between Pop, old-school House and Psychedelic-Rock.

Did you grow up around a lot of music? Which artists did you follow at a young age?

I grew up mainly listening to what my parents listened to, like many kids I guess! So, a lot of New Wave, Rock and a some House music; ranging from the Cure to New Order to A Guy Called Gerald. A lot of English music. Haha.

As a French producer; what is the music scene like in the country right now?

The scene here was great a few years back with a lot of newcomers trying out new things and great support from the public. Now, there's still interesting stuff going on but it's harder to break through. I feel there's so much content being released every day. People now have less time to give.

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

Well. It's coming up fast, so I just hope I'll see the album grow a little! 

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Yes. I've been in the studio since August now working on new material. I'd love to release it before next summer. It's going to be more Dance-oriented for sure; more like my older tracks.

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

There are so many to pick from so it's hard to choose! My best memories from my time in music has been the touring. I love spending time in the studio but it’s a rather lonely process. Going from place to place; discovering new cultures, new people and connecting through the music is, by far, the most gratifying experience.

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

I'd say Tame Impala's Currents, Justice - Cross and Mac DeMarco - Salad Days

I don't really know why I like them that much. One of them I don't even play anymore but they were albums I used to listen to a lot during certain periods of my life. So, they have a strong nostalgic effect on me. Salad Days is also the most laid-back album of all times. I used to put in on a loop when I was living in Mexico. Just thinking of it brings back good memories.

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

You mean for the rider or the musician I would support? For the musician, as long as it’s coherent with my project I’m in. For the rider...surprise me!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

It’s going to sound generic but don't be too influenced by what is going on: try creating what feels right to you, what your guts want to hear. It can be tempting to make music that sounds like what’s going on right now and it can feel reassuring. But, here’s the thing; it’s already been done and the guys who did it first probably do it better!

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

Not that I'm aware of. I've been limiting the gigs during the winter time to work on the next singles. But, you can expect new tour dates starting next summer!

 IN THIS PHOTO: Yarosslav/PHOTO CREDIT: Jean Marc Eloy 

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

My friends from Yarosslav are putting out some very cool songs at the moment. Check them out!

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

Being full-time in music is a relatively new experience for me. So, I'm still learning on how to take a step back from it from time to time. My best answer to this for now has been finding another hobby. Like painting or reading or programming or anything really! Just to take my mind off the music and off the pressure.

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Follow Ted Kazey

Official:

http://www.tezcadey.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/tezcadey/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TezCadey

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tezcadeymusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5cBeFQv3kBVP8o15CmPTKb?si=pasyFh04Rx61kxcLxGshVA

INTERVIEW: Prins Obi

INTERVIEW:

Prins Obi

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IT has been cool finding out about Prins Obi…

and his project/band Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors. The lead talks about the video for Vortex and what we will get from the Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors album; the sort of music that is important to him and what the music scene is like in Greece right now.

Prins Obi reveals how he got started in music and whether there are plans for gigs; which three albums mean the most to him and how he unwinds outside of music; the advice he would give to artists coming through right now – he ends the interview with a great track choice.

__________

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

Hello. I'm fine, thank you. Busy week, but I'm really excited that my album is coming out.

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

The name of the project is Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors. I am the vocalist and keyboardist; Pantelis Karasevdas is the drummer; Sergios Voudris is the bassist and the second vocalist; Kostas Stergiou is the percussionist and Chris Bekiris is the guitarist. We are a Freak-Rock band with pop sensibilities.

The video for Vortex is out. What is the inspiration behind the song and what was it like putting the video together?

I was really stoned in my cottage house one long summer night...I fell asleep and I dreamed of this song. It tells the story of an unfulfilled romance. The video was Vasilis Katsoupis' (A.K.A. ‘dipyadeep’) inspiration, the brilliant director who envisioned the whole thing. I had really great time working with such a talented dude.   

The Prins Obi & the Dream Warriors album is upcoming. Are there particular themes that inspired the record? How does it differ to your previous record?

I wanted to create something more coherent and raw than my previous album; to aim straight at the heart. It is an L.P. of songs and I think it is the first real ‘Rock album’ I've made thus far.

Partying, exorcising demons; recapturing romantic moments, exonerating miserable situations and laying emphasis on live energy were themes and goals that inspired us.

When did you start out in music? Which artists inspired you?

I am a classically trained pianist and I started playing at the age of seven. I was a huge fan of the British Prog-Rock scene when I was in high-school and these bands and artists defined me to some extent.

Is there a big and productive music scene in Greece right now? Is it challenging getting exposure?

Where there is crisis, pain and suffering there is always a huge amount of good music. The problem is that the largest amount of the population is addicted to sub-culture trash.

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

To be healthy and in harmony with the people I love.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

To book some awesome gigs promoting the album and have really great time playing together. I have also formed a Hard-Rock band with my local pub friends (Electric Feat) and hopefully our debut album is coming out in 2019.

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

Recording the first Baby Guru album (my previous band) with my other two childhood friends. So much passion and innocence combined.

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

If I could choose one album right now, it would be Sam Cooke's Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963. This live album is unbelievable...the energy, the songs; the audience, that VOICE.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be true to yourselves, fu*k trends; think out of the box and speak from the heart.

Do you have tour dates coming up?

Not yet, but we are rehearsing.

Where can we catch you play?

When the gigs are planned, I will let you know.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Oh; the list is countless but, to tell you the truth, I am a little bit of a retrophiliac.

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

Actually, I am pharmacist during daytime. That's my day-job and music is my way of unwinding.

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).

Sam Cooke - Bring It on Home to Me (Live)

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Follow Prins Obi

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/prinsobiproject/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/prinsobi/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IzOZjZx9lrkDidj9sHfV7?si=x_-n1ZoJR3eLIbbdGD20SQ

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/prinsobi

PHOTOS:

Eftychia Vlachou