A range of 'old' and new music recently, I've rediscovered a lot of artists/bands and music in general that I used to listen to. I haven't seen any live music in the last couple of months, but I have some gigs lined up for September, so no doubt they'll grace the October entry!
1. Blud – SOAK
I re-discovered SOAK the other day and
haven’t stopped listening since, the ‘Blud EP’ is a great group of tracks,
including a remix by CHVRCHES. Bridie doesn’t write the happiest of tracks –
they’re real with deep and honest lyrics. The guitars and harmonies also add to the tone of these tracks, and I'm obsessed with her sound. Also had 'Numb' on repeat, if you'd like another great song by SOAK!
I picked up Nick Mulvey’s album ‘First
Mind’ for £4.99 the other day, officially obsessed! It’s such a great chilled
summery album, the album peaked at #10 in the UK Chart and the single
‘Cucurucu’ got into the Top 40.
Loving this track, with the beat and summer
style lyrics. Katy Perry’s latest album ‘Prism’ is great and I think this is
one of my favourite songs off of it. However, even though this is the latest
single from the album, it hasn’t performed well in the charts yet – but I’m
sure that won’t last for long!
From another album I picked up the other
day ‘So Long, See You Tomorrow’, I genuinely struggled so much choosing a track
from this album, so have a listen to the whole album… It’s been a car CD and
I’m loving it, with so many catchy songs and different sections to pick up on
each time you listen, it’s one anyone’ll like!
Patty Walters’ little instagram video at an
airport led me back to this blast from the past! The piano in this song is
almost legendary, I love this song – unfortunately I can't think of any songs by Vanessa though?! Surely she wasn't a 'one-hit wonder'. That pianoooo with those strings!
I’ve revisited my Green Day times recently
too, this is probably my all time favourite song of theirs, however I’ve been
listening to ‘Good Riddance’ and ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ a fair amount as
well. The drums and guitar make this song for me, and it finishes a flipping
good album off too.
This reggae/ska band have been on repeat in
the last couple of weeks, gutted I’ve missed them at so many festivals this
year too. However, my iPod and Youtube have made up for that and I’ve had this
song stuck in my head for pushing on two weeks now – which surely means it's a good song!
This chilled track is from legend Bill
Withers, I’ve got his Greatest Hits album, and that’s been getting a lot of play recently. I’m a big fan of his more popular songs; Ain’t No Sunshine,
Just The Two of Us, Lean on Me etc. however this is one I keep going back to.
Another song I struggled to choose from a
list of about six or seven. I tend to listen to this album as I’m falling
asleep or just chilling out and doing art/creative stuff. Newton Faulkner is
insane with a guitar and his vocals and lyrics compliment each other so well.
10. This
Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race – Fall Out Boy
Ever since Isle of Wight Festival, I’ve
fallen back in love with a band that I was obsessed with when I was younger. I
think this is one of my all time favourites of theirs and again, I’ve had it on
repeat. From their ‘Infinity On High’ album (one I managed to pick up for £5.99
– not bad!)
Sleeping At Last is the alias of singer/songwriter, producer and composer, Ryan O'Neal. Popular TV shows and Films, such as Breaking Dawn Pt. I, Fault In Our Stars (trailer), Grey's Anatomy, So You Think You Can Dance, Bones and lots more have used Sleeping At Last's music to capture the ears of the viewers. Sleeping At Last has performed alongside Christina Perri, Switchfoot, Alanis Morrisette and more, as well as collaborating with many other talented people. Ryan's currently the composer for the TV show 'Kid President: Declaration of Awesome', as well as working on Atlas: Year Two, after the success of previous projects 'Yearbook' and 'Atlas: Year One'.
General Questions:
1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I got my first guitar when I was about 13 years old. My parent's were kind enough to give it to me as a Christmas present. (Before Christmas, I discovered where they were hiding it in the house, so when they were away, I'd sneak in and play it! So I got in some early practice!) After Christmas, I taught myself how to play and started a couple of bands with friends and shortly after, I fell in love with writing my own songs. For me, music definitely started as something fun to do, but a few years into it, I found myself obsessed with the craft of songwriting and realised the power music can have to deeply move people. So ever since, I've been completely in love and fascinated with it.
2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
I'd say my favourite concert I've ever attended was seeing Bjork play at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago! She was amazing! She was on tour for my favourite record of hers, 'Vespertine' and played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and it was all absolutely perfect!
3. What have you been listening to lately?
A lot of my all time favourites lately... Billie Holiday, Nick Drake, Nina Simone, Radio head etc. I've recently been appreciating the latest Vampire Weekend record too... and Other Lives too!
3 Questions for Ryan:
1. You've created/recorded a lot of music for several TV shows/films, but what would be your dream TV show/film to create a theme for and why?
That's a fun question!! Hmm... for TV, I'd say it's be a dream come true to write for Mad Men, or if Breaking Bad was still on air... or Game of Thrones! For movies, my dream is to one day write for a Pixar film!! Goodness, I'd love that!
2. If you could invite three people, dead or alive to dinner, who would you choose and why?
I'd send invitations to Jesus, Walt Disney and Mahatma Gandhi... I feel like I could learn an awful LOT about life, storytelling and kindness from that dinner! Whew.
3. Your ATLAS: Year One project is a unique one, following the origins of life, how did you come up with idea of creating those EPs/album and does the content of the track link to the title?
A few years ago I came with the idea of writing, recording and releasing three songs every month for a year (36 songs in total). I called that project, 'Yearbook'. It was meant to challenge me creatively and push me towards working harder and writing better and writing a LOT more music that I ever had before. (I used to be a VERY slow writer!) It was super challenging, but I loved it and it resulted in a way of releasing music that I really valued and enjoyed... so in the footsteps of 'Yearbook', I began my 'Atlas' project... which is another large-scale project, but this time it's a thematic series of releases, and singles, 'Atlas' thematically tells the story of the origins of the universe and our existence in it.
For example, the project begins with the theme. 'Darkness' which represents a time before anything in our universe existed... the unknown. The next EP in the series, 'Light' represents the beginning of our universe. 'Space' explores each of the planets in our solar system, 'Land' zooms the imaginary camera in to Earth, and 'Oceans' explores our world's oceans... all of that represents 'Atlas: Year One', the first year of the project... 30 songs in all. 'Atlas: Year Two' begins now and revolves around the theme of 'Life'.
Random Q from a Reader:
If you could do one thing to change the world overnight, what would it be? (from Lailana)
Hmm... Anything? I'd somehow put pure empathy in the hearts of everyone in the world. If people could truly feel the weight of each other's joys and burdens, maybe through our combined strength and willingness, we could fix many of our world's issues - poverty, hunger, sickness... maybe this would excel our efforts in finding cures for diseases. And of course, an equal and shared pure empathy towards one another would certainly results in world peace.
'Atlas: Year One':
Atlas: Year One, includes the EPs 'Darkness', 'Light', 'Space I', 'Space II', 'Land' and 'Oceans'. Personally I am obsessed with all of Sleeping At Last's music, however, 'Space I & II' are the sections of the album that stand out most to me. The lyrics stand out to me, the vocals and harmonies are beautiful, with piano and percussion adding to the builds of the tracks. There are strings, drums, piano, heavenly vocals and deep lyrics intertwined to make the stunning sound of this collection of songs. If you're a fan of Bon Iver, Sigur Ros or Josh Record, I'd definitely suggest having a listen - and if you're not - you should listen anyway!
Chart: Crazy Stupid Love ft. Tinie Tempah - Cheryl Cole
Recorded by Cheryl Cole and featuring British rapper Tinie Tempah, 'Crazy Stupid Love' was released on 18th July (2014) as the lead single from Cheryl's upcoming fourth studio album 'Only Human'. It has been performed live three times, on Britain's Got Talent, Graham Norton Show and at Capital's Summertime Ball, and it's done well in the charts, peaking at #1 in the UK Singles Chart, and in Ireland & Scotland. (Fun fact: this was originally recorded by Australian artist Kylie Minogue but was branded too pop!)
Kimberly Anne has been performing at a long string of festivals, and has a few gigs set up around the country for the rest of the year. Having been a spotlight artist here on Music In Time, we like to keep up to date with her music, and she's already announced her next release, which will be a four track EP called 'Liar'. Here's 'Liar' live in session, what more could you want that Kimberly's insane musicality, drums and a loop pedal? Enjoy!
'Get Lucky', originally by Daft Punk, featuring Pharrell Williams. It was released as the lead single from Daft Punk's fourth studio album and went Top 10 in over 30 countries. Here it is covered by European indie folk band, Daughter, their album 'If You Leave' is definitely one to check out by the way...
I didn't know where to put this one, but seeing as I discovered it on Youtube and is from an upcoming artist - I thought I'd put it here. Rae Morris has featured on Bombay Bicycle Club & Clean Bandit tracks and is becoming more popular amongst upcoming artists, I love this catchy track, and she is receiving radio play on BBC 1 with her track 'Closer'.
Tusks, real name Emily Underhill, is an electronic/indie/ambient producer and vocalist from London. Emily's self-released two EP's 'Snow' and 'Fly' and has just released her next EP 'Ink' under her new project, Tusks. She has collaborated with many artists and has received lots of radio play. Tusks has also had a string of gigs this year as well as playing The Secret Garden Party and has a fair few left this year too!
General Questions: 1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I started playing the piano from when I was tiny, my parents had one in their house, so I used to play around on that.
2. What is the most inspiring/gig/concert/festival you've been to?
Seeing Amon Tobin was pretty magical - he has an incredible live visual show with this massive set of cubes built around him that appear to move throughout his set, it's amazing to see if you get the chance.
I think overall I prefer tiny intimate gigs though when artists are still small, it seems more real and personal.
3. What have you been listening to lately?
So Long, See You Tomorrow - Bombay Bicycle Club
Youth - Daughter
All I Want - Dawn Golden
Display - Phoria
Chandelier - Sia
Remnants - Jack Garrat
Come Down To Us - Burial
3 Questions for Tusks: 1. Where do you think your music is most popular, America, Asia or Europe and why?
My music seems to be most popular in America - I'm not sure why and it's the only continent that I haven't actually been to... Everywhere seems to be becoming more interlinked though as blogs become more prominent in promoting and sharing music, so I guess it's pretty evenly spread out everywhere.
2. If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of the year, what would you choose and why? 1. So Long, See You Tomorrow - Bombay Bicycle Club: It's just one of the best albums I've ever heard. I've probably listened to it every day for the past months and I'm still hearing new parts in each song and they haven't got old, it's so uplifting. 2. The North Borders - Bonobo: Again I've listened to this album so so many times and I'm never bored of it. I love how he mixes orchestral elements and vocal samples with beats and creates this uptempo relaxed vibe. First Fires is another level - the key change towards the end with the strings is probably one of my favourite parts of any track. 3. If You Leave - Daughter: I saw Daughter live and Elena's personality on stage actually annoyed me quite a bit but the lyrics and production on this album are so amazing. I listened to it when I was in Melbourne last year and it always takes me back there - Youth has to be my favourite.
3. What process did you go through creating 'Dreamcatcher' musically and visually?
'Dreamcatcher' was a bit of a different process of writing to previous songs - I wanted a song that was more beat based so concentrated on writing the beats first then letting the more melodic aspects come after. The song's about a really hard, annoying, confusing situation so by the end I just wanted distortion to come in and take over everything and not have to think about it anymore.
Random Q: Favourite season and why?
Summer. I love being outside and really want to go travelling again. I've just got back from Secret Garden Party and am heading to Outlook in September so there's still a good few months left!
'Ink' EP Review:
This EP has a very chilled vibe, with slow melodical piano pieces in 'Burn', there's haunting vocals in 'Ink', great guitar in 'Answers', which echoes Daughter - definitely not a bad thing. 'Dreamcatcher' summaries the sound of this EP and Tusks rather nicely, it's been released with a music video (linked below). The only possible slight downside is that the tracks seem similar, however, if you listen closely, you can tell they are pieced together very differently and all have a slight unique sound. The deep lyrics are varying throughout the tracks - which should give you a reason to listen to all of them. The EP also houses two remixes, 'Dreamcatcher (Bodhi Glitch Remix)' and 'Ink (Koda Remix)'.
This chart hit comes from Norwegian duo Nico & Vinz. It was a popular track over a year ago in Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Finland, whilst the duo were known as Envy. Then later, international releases under their new name hit charts hard, around the world, it's peaked at #1 in the UK Singles Chart, as well gaining chart success all over the world.
'Chocolate' is a song by British indie pop/rock band, The 1975. The third track from their eponymous debut studio album. The single peaked at #19 in the UK Singles Chart. These guys are well known for their insane live sets, so here's a little insight!
Originally by American rock band, Imagine Dragons, this song is the first on their debut album, Night Visions. The track received two Grammy Awards nominations, winning one, it also peaked at #12 in the UK Singles Chart and #3 in the US Billboard Hot 100. Here, it's covered by upcoming British singer/songwriter, Jake Bugg - Enjoy!
Troye Sivan is a 19 year old, South-African born Australian actor, Youtuber and singer/songwriter. He is well known in the Youtube community and has more than two million subscribers. After the success of Troye's 'Fault In Our Stars' song, he's now releasing his debut EP 'TRXYE', here's the single - I'm obsessed!
Hannah Grace is a 21 year old singer/songwriter from South Wales. After supporting Gabrielle Aplin on tour in 2012, Hannah was invited back on tour in 2013, this time as backing vocals too. Now releasing her debut EP 'Meant To Be Kind' on Gabrielle's record label 'Never Fade Records'. Hannah worked on this EP between studies at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The music video for the title track recieved an impressive 10,000+ views in it's first week.
General Questions: 1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I've been singing for as long as I can remember! My Dad is very musical and always encouraged me to sing and play instruments. I played and performed with him a lot when I was growing up!
2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
I've seen Elbow a few times now, and I think they are amazing live! The energy they have for performing is inspirational and their concerts are very memorable.
3. What have you been listening to lately?
I really love Hozier. His voice is so distinctive and his songs are very powerful. I can't wait until he releases an album!
3 Questions for Hannah: 1. You've supported Gabrielle Aplin, many times on tour, but who would be your dream artist/band to support and why?
I would love to support Paolo Nutini. I was lucky enough to see him in concert a couple of years ago and was blown away by his voice and he always has an incredible band. It would be amazing to open for an artist like him.
2. What influences your lyrics and who influences you musically?
Anything can influence my lyrics, from my own personal experiences, experiences of friends and family or something going on in the world. I have so many different musical influences but my earliest inspiration is Eva Cassidy - I could never tire of listening to her voice. I also love songwriters like Paul Simon and David Grey, and adore the voices of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. More recently however I have been hugely influenced by Hozier, Paolo Nutini and Michael Kiwinuka.
3. Have you got a favourite track from your debut EP 'Meant To Be Kind', and if so why is it your favourite?
My favourite song changes every day, but at the moment I really like the song 'Broke'. I really enjoy singing it because I feel like I can make it different each time.
Random Q: Favourite book and why?
I think it would have to be 'A Thousand Splendid Sons' by Khaled Hussaini, the story stayed with me for a long time after reading it, I was really moved by the women's struggle portrayed in the book.
'Meant To Be Kind' EP Review:
This is a stunning debut EP, it really shows what Hannah is capable of, which makes me excited to hear more music from her in the future! 'Meant To Be Kind', the title track has a traditional sounding start, which builds into a powerhouse chorus. A catchy tune, the perfect track to use as an introduction to Hannah's music. The next song is 'Broke', which was the free single of the week on iTunes recently. It has a chilled beginning, however it grows into a stunning soulful song. 'Walk Away (The City)' comes after, with a steady drum beat and progressive percussion intertwined adding to the track. This one reminds me a little of Duffy, and is yet another amazing song! Last is 'Chasing Butterflies', with a slower, more melancholy mood to the track. With beautiful imagery in the lyrics starting the song off, continuing throughout. Overall, a stunning EP, which showcases Hannah's musicality and penmanship, vast vocal range and ability to make mind-blowing music!
'Me and My Broken Heart' comes from British group, Rixton. The track was released on 14th March (2014) as the lead single from their upcoming debut studio album. The song samples 'Lonely No More' by Rob Thomas - who worked on the track. It's doing well in the charts and has caught lots of attention, peaking at #1 in the UK Singles Chart.
'Only Love' from English singer/songwriter, Ben Howard, came from his debut studio album, 'Every Kingdom' (a very good album). It was released in May 2012 and peaked at #9 in the UK Singles Chart. Here is his live performance of the track at this year's T in the Park, held in Scotland. (WARNING: FLASHING LIGHTS IN VIDEO BELOW)
Originally by Ed Sheeran, 'Give Me Love' was released as the sixth and final single from his debut studio album '+'. It peaked at #18 in the UK Singles Chart, surprisingly not following the success of his previous singles. Here the American actress and singer, Demi Lovato gives a rather moving and powerful performance of her cover.
'Stan' was the third single from The Marshall Mathers LP, recorded in 1999 and released in December 2000, the track peaked at #1 in the UK Singles Chart. It samples 'Thank You' by Dido as the chorus and is suggested by many as Eminem's most popular and well known tracks. It's also been included in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. (WARNING: explicit - of course it is - it's Eminem!)
Becky CJ is a singer/songwriter from Croydon, London. She has been uploading covers and originals to Youtube for the past three years and has gained a growing group of followers, Ed Sheeran has even said her covers are 'brilliant'. Recently, doing her first headline gig at The Garage, Islington, Becky is one to watch, with her second EP 'Is This Love' doing pretty well so far.
General Questions: 1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I've been involved in music literally forever. My parents are both musicians so there wasn't much getting away from it. I did a few West End shows when I was little, Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and have basically been singing ever since then properly!
2. What is the most inspiring gig/concert/festival you've been to?
It sounds ridiculous because it was only this year, but I went to Latitude Festival a few weeks ago and it was just amazing, such an amazing few days. Going to festivals and enjoying them just reminds you how much music means and how amazing it would be to actually be able to perform at these things!
3. What have you been listening to lately?
I love HAIM, I've been listening to a lot of Erik Hassle, FKA Twigs, Banks and I always repeat Alison Krauss albums and The Civil Wars.
3 Questions for Becky: 1. You've been uploading videos to Youtube, for the past three years, but what are your favourite three uploads and why?
I think my favourite three uploads are 'Lego House', 'Kiss You/Overjoyed' and 'If This Is Love'. 'Lego House' will always be a favourite because it was the first and it did so surprisingly well, so will always be a special video. I love the 'Kiss You/Overjoyed' cover because it was such a fun video to put together and to create the mash up itself was fun! And 'If This Is Love' because it's an original that started doing well out of the blue and it's amazing to think about people listening to my original songs and enjoying them!
2. A movie you can watch over and over again?
D'you know what I really can't watch films?! I really struggle so this question is almost pointless... I like Mean Girls...?!
3. What process did you go through writing and producing 'If This Is Love EP'?
I recorded it entirely at home. My Dad has a studio so we alternated between recording in there and recording our piano in the house. It was quite a long process because we (I say we, it's mainly Dad) were doing everything. I luckily have some amazing musicians as friends who got involved playing guitar and cello and violin, and we collectively came up with a lot of the production ideas on the EP. The writing of the songs had been done entirely on the piano and I struggle with imagining my songs out of that context so it's important I work with other people to create a produced finalised product!
'If This Is Love EP' Review:
The EP overall is a really lovely finished sound, it highlights that DIY music and recording is still just as good as what you find in the charts, also highlighting the creators and musicians are what really matters! 'Funny How Things Change' starts with a nursery rhyme like melody, that turns haunting. This track shows Becky's vocal range with the instrumental backing building throughout the song, it's a great start to the EP. Second is 'If This Is Love', which is the oldest track from the EP and one of the most popular of Becky's originals, understandably so. It's a catchy song with piano, percussion and showcases her penmanship of lyrics. 'Me and You' is one of my favourites from the EP, with strings and chilled percussion going hand in hand alongside Becky's usual amazing vocals and lyrics. The EP finishes with 'Mixed Messages', which is on a similar line to 'Me and You', however the simplicity of piano and vocals makes this ballad-like track stand out from the rest. A wonderful EP to listen to, if you're a fan of Sam Smith, you'd definitely enjoy this EP, but it's one for anyone to enjoy!
'Boom Clap' is the feel good track from British recording artist Charli XCX. It was released as the first single from the soundtrack album 'The Fault In Our Stars'. The song peaked at #6 in the UK Singles Chart, as well as peaking in the top ten in Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Crystal Fighters are a British alternative, folktronica band. As well as touring the world this year, they've also performed at Glastonbury on the John Peel Stage and Latitude Festival, which is where this performance comes from - enjoy!
Originally by Spice Girls, released in 1996, 'Say You'll Be There' hit #1 in the UK Singles Chart. Covered here by MØ, a 25 year old electronica indie artist, mostly known for her recent single 'Walk This Way'.
Superfruit, AKA Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying from Pentatonix. They've created a side channel for vlogs and covers, here is a prime example of how amazing those are. They've created a mash up of Miley Cyrus songs from Disney to Bangerz - enjoy!
