Monday, 15 February 2016

Feature: Art Block (15/02/16)


Art Block is a singer/songwriter from East London; creating alternative rock / indie music and gigging locally. His forthcoming EP 'Borderline' - produced by BBC Radio award-wining musicians, Ben Walker, from Folkroom Records - will be released on 4th March 2016. So we caught up with Art for a quick Q&A and listen of the title track 'Borderline'... 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I wrote my first song at 15. Inspired by Pet Shop Boys lol

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Neil Young at Hyde Park or Roger Waters performing The Wall at The O2. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
A lot of unsigned artists on SoundCloud you've probably never heard of. I love Sophie Jamieson and her 'Where EP', which still resonates today. 

3 Qs for Art:

1. Which band / artist would you most like to collaborate with and why?
I've always wanted to collaborate with Ben Walker, who is an extremely talented folk musician and I was lucky enough to do so on the Borderline EP. 

2. Where do you gain inspiration and influences from whilst writing?
Usually SoundCloud - it's a mine of undiscovered talent. I'm also inspired daily by the amazing world around us. Living in London is good for that! 

3. Which track are you most excited for people to heard from your forthcoming EP 'Borderline' and why? 
'Breaking Point' as it is so different from my previous songs. It has an electronic experimental aspect to it. Ben Walker's guitar playing is phenomenal. 

Random Q:

Favourite lyric?
'Where the old Thames does flow...' - from The Verve's 'History'. 

'Borderline' Review:
The long but intricate guitars throughout, work perfectly alongside the haunting, echoing vocals and steady beat, creating a beautiful harmonious song. It fits into the genre perfectly, the only negative not being able to hear the well crafted lyrics clearer; but a great title track to welcome the rest of the EP with... 


Art Block's Links:

Thanks for reading!

Music In Time Blog's Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: @musicintimeblog
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Enquiries: musicintimeblog@gmail.com
No comments:

Friday, 12 February 2016

Feature: Dave Hanson (12/02/16)


Former lead guitarist and songwriter for the well known band, The Dunwells, Dave Hanson is embarking on a new adventure into the unknown. He enjoyed great success with The Dunwells, who in the past toured with Mumford & Sons, Sheryl Crow and Amos Lee, performed on 'The Tonight Show' with Jay Leno and gained a number of US Top 40 singles. Dave's already proved himself on the band circuit, now he's set out to do the same thing as a solo artist and begins with the release of a new EP and lead single 'Blind Faith'... 

General Questions:

 1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I picked up a guitar at age eight. I must admit I was inspired by the movie Back To The Future - and can remember thinking if I could just learn to play the intro to 'Johnny B Goode', I would be the coolest kid in school!

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Marty McFly? Ha no - but seriously - when I was 16 years old I got to see a show featuring Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker and ZZ Top. That was pretty inspiring for a young kid obsessed by blues and rock music to see all those legends jamming together!

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I'm really digging the latest Gary Clark Jr. album. I love his diversity of styles and distinctive guitar tone. I'm also a big fan of a band called the Sheepdogs. They've got a cool Levon Helm vibe going on.

3 Qs for Dave:

 1. What has been the highlight of your musical career so far and why has it stuck with you?
Performing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, performing a song that I'd written was pretty special - knowing that 8 million people were hearing my music and seeing my play my guitar is definitely a highlight!

2. After enjoying success with The Dunwells, do you miss being in a band and what is the main thing you've found surprisingly easy / difficult going solo?
Well I have my own band now, and there's a couple of girls in it - which is refreshing after being stuck with a bunch of blokes for so long!

3. What is your current favourite track from your EP 'Blind Faith' and why does it stand out to you over the others? 
I love the title track 'Blind Faith'. It has this really cool laid back groove, which was recorded with my co-producer Daniel Woodward playing 'Hand, Foot & Leather Jacket'. It's lyrics have a poignant meaning to me as they were written at a time in my life where I was at a crossroads - should I go solo or disappear into insignificance?!

Random Q:

 If you could see anyone perform live, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
I would love to see Jimi Hendrix play - for me he will always be the master of the electric guitar.

'Blind Faith' Review:
This track is a classic old school country blues song, it's catchy and easy to singalong to, with the conventional harmony lines for the genre throughout, honky tonk piano and fantastic hook creating a feel good track that'll make you want to clap and dance along in the summer (or if you're in England, in the rain pretending there's sun around...)

Dave's Links:

Thanks for reading!

Music In Time Blog's Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: @musicintimeblog
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Enquiries: musicintimeblog@gmail.com
No comments:

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Check It Out #14 (10/02/16)

1. Maybe We're Home - Lewis Watson
Lewis Watson is back a year and a half after the release of his debut album 'The Morning', he has returned with a fantastic track, with a fuller sound 'Maybe We're Home' is continuing the usual Lewis Watson lyrics and melodies but seems a bit more upbeat and with thicker instrumental layers. This is the first taster from his next album, and it's creating quite a big hype around the artist, he's currently supporting Gabrielle Aplin on her tour and we reckon is set for a pretty big summer and second half of the year too. 

2. Left Hand Free - Wyvern Lingo
Wyvern Lingo are a three-piece from County Wicklow, Ireland; Karen Cowley (vocals, keyboards), Caoimhe Barry (vocals, drums) and Saorise Duane (vocals, guitar). A week ago I went and saw Hozier on his tour at O2 Academy Brixton, and Wyvern Lingo were his support, and ever since I've had them on repeat. This cover stood out in particular and they performed some of their fantastic tracks from their forthcoming EP too... Enjoy! 

3. Catapult - Jack Savoretti
'Catapult' is the most recent single taken from singer / songwriter, Jack Savoretti's re-released fourth studio album, 'Written In Scars'. The album made it to #7 in the UK Albums Chart and has gained a fair amount of support too. This is a stunning song accompanied by a beautifully simplistic video, it's one to turn up loud and just take in. 

4. 7 Years - Lukas Graham
This track peaked at #1 in the UK Singles Chart and is taken from Lukas Graham's second studio album 'Lukas Graham (Blue Album). The Danish soul / pop band released the track last year (2015) in September and it's gone on to reach #1 in 15 countries including the UK Singles Chart. It's a fantastic track and as it's success shows a very popular one. 

5. Take What I Can Get - Slowlights
Another band I came across supporting at a gig, this time it's Slowlights, saw these guys support Eliza and the Bear at The Boileroom, Guildford. They're like an younger, 'indier' Coldplay. They're at the beginning of their musical career as a band, but they're a promising group and I'm really looking forward to hearing whatever they have to offer next! 
Take What I Can Get - Slowlights (link)
Thanks for reading!

Music In Time Blog's Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: @musicintimeblog
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Enquiries: musicintimeblog@gmail.com
No comments:

Monday, 8 February 2016

Spotlight: Ardyn (08/02/16)


Ardyn is the moniker of young British brother and sister, Rob and Katy Pearson. The duo, born and raised in Gloucestershire, released their debut EP 'The Universe' in November 2015, which garnered growing attention and support. They've now unveiled their latest track, 'The Garden', taken from the previously released EP, and are also heading out to do some headline shows around the UK in March and headlining Moth Club in Hackney (London) in April...

'The Universe' EP Review:
If you enjoy listening to musicians like Rae Morris, Kate Bush or Florence Welch, you'll love Ardyn and if you enjoy anything that stands out amongst other music and is generally brilliant - this duo is for your ears! This EP is melodic and beautiful throughout but also upbeat and pop-like at times. Mixing genres and styles amongst each track; a wonderful combination of percussion, piano and stunning vocals across all four tracks. Their latest track 'The Garden' is probably my favourite track from the release, it's smooth and focuses on piano and the emotive lyrics intertwining creating a floating and light track but a heavier meaning. Overall, a great EP and the start of huge things for this duo I believe - Ardyn are definitely the duo to watch this year! 


 See Ardyn Live:
4th March: Also Known As, Banbury
9th March: The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool 
12th March: Headrow House, Leeds
31st March: Bungalows and Bears, Sheffield
19th April: Moth Club, London

Ardyn's Links:

Thanks for reading!

Music In Time Blog's Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: @musicintimeblog
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Enquiries: musicintimeblog@gmail.com
No comments:

Friday, 5 February 2016

Feature: Tom Speight (05/02/16)


Londoner, Tom Speight, has now released his latest EP 'Little Love', and is also set to release his debut album later this year. Tom's previously enjoyed prominent success with his 2010 debut EP 'Willow Tree', though was forced to take time out due to medical issues, however his welcome return will see him collaborate with The Staves, Denai Moore, Clean Cut Kid and Benjamin Francis Leftwich. He's landed support slots for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Jake Bugg, Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes in the past and is now returning to perform extensively around the UK alongside Turin Brakes throughout February and March...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I first started writing songs around the age 12 - it's been an infectious bug ever since! I don't really remember how it happened, it was just all I ever wanted to do. I have fond memories of listening to cassettes in my Mums car on repeat. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
That's such a tough question... What comes to mind first though is seeing Damien Rice just after his first album came out at Brixton Academy. The dynamics of his songs and the chemistry between him and Lisa Hannifin has influenced my music ever since. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
My top three records from last year were Sufjan Stevens, Tobias Jesso Jr. and the Ryan Adams live album. They just never seem to leave my record player. 

3 Qs for Tom:

1. You've supported some fantastic musicians in the past, but who would be your dream artist / band to tour with and why?
I would love to share a stage with Elton John. I think musically it would work and he seems like a lot of fun plus he is a legend! 

2. What process did you go through creating your single 'Little Love' musically?
I wanted to write a song that represented a period of my life I wanted to say goodbye to... It felt like a reward for going through something quite difficult, if that makes sense when I finally finished that song. 

3. Which is your favourite track from your EP 'Little Love' and why does it stand out to you?
My favourite at the moment is 'Something To Say' because it's probably the most positive song on the EP. I'm also really proud of 'Little Love' and the reaction it's getting. 

Random Q:

If you could invent a chocolate bar, what would you call it and what would the main ingredients be?
Peanut butter all day! Everyday! As for chocolate bar names... Dr Nut? I'll stick to music I think! 

'Little Love' EP Review:
Tom has created a perfectly crafted EP. 'Little Love' opens the release up on a steady track that grows into a catchy chorus, leaving me tapping my toes throughout. 'If I Belong' is stunningly emotive and honest, with harmonious vocals working incredibly well alongside the guitar. I found 'Something To Say' was very typical of the singer/songwriter genre, reminiscent of early Lewis Watson (definitely not a bad thing), and was pleased when Tom's songwriting ability shone through and push it outside of the norm. The EP closes with 'Green Eyes', another beautiful track with layered vocals and guitar complimenting each other and wonderful builds.
Overall, a fantastic EP, perfect to relaxing to in front of a fire or a sunset and really listening to and taking in, Tom's ability to create a narrative throughout a song and contrasting tracks with slower and steadier tones to upbeat, memorable melodies, but managing to incorporate honest and emotive lyrics to all. 


Tom's Links:

See Tom Live (supporting Turin Brakes):
18th February: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
19th February: Guildhall, Gloucester
20th February: Union Chapel, London
21st February: Open, Norwich
22nd February: Pavillion Arts Centre, Buxton
24th February: The Brook, Southampton
25th February: Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter
26th February: Cheese & Grain, Frome
27th February: Pontardawe Arts Centre
29th February: Thekla, Bristol
1st March: The Stables, Milton Keynes
2nd March: Concorde 2, Brighton
3rd March: Colchester Arts Centres
5th March: Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
6th March: The Duchess, York
7th March: The Junction, Cambridge
8th March: Glee Club, Birmingham
10th March: The Ruby Lounge, Manchester
11th March: Le Belle Angele, Edinburgh
12th March: The Cluny, Newcastle
13th March: The Live Rooms, Chester

Thanks for reading!

Music In Time Blog's Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: @musicintimeblog
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Enquiries: musicintimeblog@gmail.com
No comments:

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

Check It Out #13 (03/02/16)

1. Revolution - Novah
Swedish based group, Novah return with their latest single 'Revolution'. After releasing 'Robot', a track that received international support, last year; they immediately started focusing their minds on a debut EP 'Alaska', set for release this spring. Enjoy this beautifully atmospheric track, one of my favourite current indie rock tracks out there!


2. Dogs - Bird Dog
This is the latest track to be released from emerging LA-based band Bird Dog's debut EP 'Misty Shrub', which has recently been released. Maxim (vocals, guitar), Tyler (guitar, vocals), Eric (bass, vocals), Colton (percussion, keys, vocals) and Justin (drums) are currently supporting Ryan Bingham on tour, and have announced performances at SXSW sonf Bottle Rock Festival in the next few months. A big year for Bird Dog! 


3. Nightcall - LCV Kin Choir
Kin Choir is 'London Contemporary Voices' louder, lairier little sister', born in Autumn 2014. They've hosted major concerts and projects at venues including Somerset House, Trafalgar House and Kensington Gardens. Here they are with a beautiful live cover of London Grammar's 'Nightcall' with echoing harmonies reminiscent of Enya, a stunning solo from Corinne Shields and the introduction of beats from BeatFox leads into a powerful section too. Enjoy!! 


4. Mystery and Wonder - Blitzen Trapper
Portland, Oregon rock quintet Blitzen Trapper are back with a new three-track EP 'Mystery and Wonder' and a Europe tour this month (Feb' 2016). The EP features the band's own version of traditional tune 'I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow', which they were asked to record specifically for US TV show Fargo. The lead track is a catchy tune, perfectly crafted and a wonderful showcase of not only the bands music but for the rest of the genre too! 

Mystery and Wonder - Blitzen Trapper (link)

5. Heard Good Things - Julian Taylor Band
Julian Taylor Band, a Canadian group, continue their mission aiming to contextualise soul music not as another genre defined by racial precedent or sound requirements but as a medium that speaks to the soul. The new music video for 'Heard Good Things' was shot in one take and features cameos from some of Toronto's finest artists; Thompson Thompson Egbo Egbo, Jordan Alexander and Ross Hayes Citrullo from The Commoners. Kick back, tap your feet and enjoy these infectious funky guitar riffs and beats. 

No comments:

Monday, 1 February 2016

Feature: Blaue Blume (01/02/16)


Blaue Blume are a Danish four-piece, comprised of Jonas Smith (vocals), Søren Buhl (drums), Robert Buhl (guitar) and Peter Bøgvad (bass). They released their debut EP, 'Beau and Lorette' in June 2014, which received great reviews and a lot of radio airplay in Denmark, Germany, the UK and France. The single 'On New Years Eve' was named best debut track by Fake DIY and featured in The Line Of Best Fit's Top 50. They've also played several festivals and sold out shows across Europe. We caught up with Jonas for a Q&A about the band, their latest release and of course other things music... 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
Music has always been a huge part of our individual lives. We all come from families engaged with music, so growing up without it was inevitable. As a band we've existed for approximately six to seven years. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
We have all seen a Danish performer called Nils Grondahl, several times. He is really something to witness. Very loud, very dark and very beautiful. A lot of artistic performances whether they are musical or not, can be musically inspiring. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I listen to Brian Eno a lot these days, especially one record called 'The Pearl' which is a collaboration with a guy called Harold Budd. Ambient music in general is a very interesting and undiscovered genre for me. 

3 Qs for Blaue Blume:

1. Why / how did you choose your name 'Blaue Blume'?
It sounded beautiful and ugly at the same time which is the contrast we would like our music to represent or express in some way. We were very drawn by the fact that it was in another language than English or our own. It seems foreign and therefore very much alive every time we pronounce it. Also no other band had taken it... That might be the primary reason why we chose it. 

2. Which track from your debut album 'Syzygy' are you most excited for people to hear? 
That's pretty hard to say. It's like choosing between your kids. I guess I would really like for people to hear the record from beginning to end maybe even read the lyrics simultaneously. It is really, from our perspective, thought of as a whole. 

3. What process did you go through creating 'Sky', was it a collaborative effort or did you all have specific roles within the band?
Well we all have different roles in the band but I guess we try to find the same thought when making music. Everything we've created together so far, including 'Sky', is an attempt of expressing the same idea. More practically, and less analysing, we were having fun jamming. 

Random Q:

If you could play a show anywhere, where would it be and why?
We have this insane dream of playing Carnegie Hall one day. Some of our absolute favourite live recordings were made there. Check out 'Nina Simone Live at Carnegie Hall'! We often put that on before going on stage ourselves. 

'Sky' Review:
'Sky' is an atmospheric and haunting track; with beautifully chilling vocals from Jonas leading the way and the steady drums and bass lines rising and falling with the track, as well as the intricacy of each instrumental, specifically guitar throughout too. Continuously contrasting, with light and floaty sections and rising into a dark and intense second half of the track. Powerful and poetic, an all-round beautifully crafted song, a fantastic start to their debut album 'Syzygy'. 


Blaue Blume's Links:

Thanks for reading!

Music In Time Blog's Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Twitter: @musicintimeblog
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MusicInTimeBlog
Enquiries: musicintimeblog@gmail.com
No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)