Friday, 11 March 2016

Feature: Tim Halperin (11/03/16)


After a successful run on American Idol in 2011, singer-songwriter Tim Halperin, released his debut album 'Rise and Fall', which debuted at #1 on iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart and his follow up release 'Heart Tells Your Head' (2014) debuted at #2 on the same iTunes chart. Ever since his first release he's built a reputation for consistently releasing songs that draw the listener in due to his ability to capture the full range of emotion. Tim has steadily toured I'm the Southeast and Midwest of America, supporting the likes of The Fray, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and many more. You may have heard his music on a variety of TV shows including Grey's Anatomy and Gotham amongst others, he's really one to listen to and enjoy! 

 General Questions:

 1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was 6 years old when I started taking piano lessons. That was my first involvement with music.

 2. What is the most inspiring inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Probably all three of the Coldplay concerts I've been to. In particular, the first one I went to, which was my sophomore year of high school. It was my first major concert and I was captured by the experience of it. The way the band carried the audience through the concert was wonderful.

 3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Lately I've been listening to synths pop. Walk The Moon, The 1975, Troye Sivan. I've also been digging Twenty One Pilots, James Bay, Jon Foreman... a real variety as usual.

 3 Qs for Tim:

 1. What has been your personal highlight of your musical career so far and why has it stuck with you? 
There are several highlights that stick with me. Anytime a crowd sings along with one of my songs is memorable for me. There was a concert I played in the fall in Columbus, Ohio that was a blast. It seemed like everyone in the venue knew every word to every one of my songs. I can't even begin to explain how good that makes me feel. I write in hopes of other people connecting with my songs, and so my greatest joy comes when that happens.

 2. You've gained recent success with your 'Hungry Like A Wolf' cover for the Gotham Season 2 trailer; if you could choose any TV show / film to create a soundtrack for, which would you choose and why?
Lately, I've been watching a lot of TV. My wife and I got really into the show Homeland. The honest truth is 'Friends'. I just love the show and it never gets old. Recently I played the theme song at a concert. How can you be sad after watching 'Friends'?

 3. As well as your fantastic original music, you've shared a fair few covers in the past, how do you choose which songs to cover?
I try to cover songs that aren't in my genre and put my own twist on them. Recently I covered 'Lean On' by Major Lazer. It's such a well-written song and I wanted to do a version that brought out the lyrics with minimal production. I think a cover song should be a unique version of a song.

 Random Q:

 Which album would be the soundtrack to your life so far?
If it's an album I've released, probably 'Heart Tells Your Head' because it has the ups, the downs, the in-betweens. A big piece of my heart went into that record. If it's an album that I didn't write, I would choose 'Continuum' by John Mayer. That album never gets old to me because I resonate so much with the songs. Isn't it funny how the most defining moments of our life often are a result of heartbreak or sadness? The majority of the songs on that record are songs of love lost... but there's a beauty in the brokenness that defines us.

Tim's Links:
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Wednesday, 9 March 2016

Feature: Inspired & The Sleep (09/03/16)


Inspired and the Sleep is a dream-pop band based in San Diego, California; consisting of a revolving line up surrounding singer-songwriter Max Greenhalgh and multi-instrumentalist Bryce Outcault. Determined on continuous reinvention, the band is moving towards a more refined and darker approach to arranging with polished production while retaining hints of Greenhalgh's previous lo-fi ponderings. The duo released their last track (and video) from their EP 'Eyelid Kid' back in January, after a year of directing from Australian filmmaker Robert Crispe, the stop-motion video for 'Die Slow' was shared with the world. They're an independent band that functions on pure DIY steam and they've got even more exciting stuff on the horizon!

 General Questions:

 1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I picked up the bass in middle school, wasn't really sure what it was just thought I'd stand out from all the guitar players. I played in bands for years through high school until I started singing and writing / arranging my own tunes. I started to pick up more instruments as time went on. Bryce was a metal head in his young years. He was very focused on Black Metal for a while. And here we are now.

 2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
I got a chance to see one of my favourite artists Patrick Watson and his band at a small intimate venue in San Diego called the Loft. Bryce would probably say Cut Copy or something.

 3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I have been rather obsessed with the Elliott Moss record that came out last year. And this band called Night Beds who were a folk band that turned electronic pop thing really interesting stuff.

 3 Qs for Inspired & The Sleep:

 1. Why / how did your name 'Inspired & The Sleep' come about?
In essence it's about polarity. 'Inspired' represents the light, energy, joy, but also anxiety. And 'Sleep' represents darkness, relaxation, depression. With both positives and negatives to each side. I was having a great deal of insomnia when the project started and I just noticed these two sides of my mental state. The 'and the' kinda puts your classic band name spin on it: Bruce Springsteen 'and the' E Street Band.

 2. What process did you go through creating 'Die Slow' and how much did it differ from other tracks on your EP 'Eyelid Kid'?
'Die Slow' is rather different from the rest of the EP because the tune stayed very true to the original demo that I recorded one late night in our practice studio. The flutes on the final recording were the scratch tracks I put down. I like the imaginative story line to the lyrics. Two young childhood friends who were at one point very close and then something happened to cause one to murder the other. It's basically a metaphor to any kind of relationship gone bad.

 3. The stop-motion animation music video for 'Die Slow' was a year long process, why did you choose this method for a music video and what was it like working with Australian director, Robert Crispe?
That's all Robert. I think the imagery is so inherently beautiful that it had to have take so long for him. He was living in London when I first reached out to him and over the next year he ket bouncing ideas my way, until one day it was done!

 Random Q:

 Whose record collection would you most like to listen to and why?
Frank Zappa. I can't even imagine what kinda jams that looney was bumping.

 'Die Slow' Review:
'Die Slow' is a track that is fantastically easy to listen to, the contrast of bold bass and drums to light guitars and vocals is brilliantly put together. It holds a sleepy summer vibe and the music video is beautifully crafted to hone in on the imaginative and creative side of this track and project. I really love this song and have listened to it MANY times since it was released, along with the rest of the EP, which has some funk tinged tracks and more indie dream pop style songs. Mixes of upbeat, slower, but all wonderfully crafted tracks, musically and lyrically - there's also a really neat focus on bass throughout, which is a pleasant difference between a lot of the other music in the world right now. If you like Bombay Bicycle Club or Foster The People etc. - you will probably more than likely love this release...

Inspired & The Sleep's Links:
'Eyelid Kid' (Bandcamp): https://inspiredandthesleep.bandcamp.com

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Monday, 7 March 2016

Feature: John Parry (07/03/16)


East London singer-songwriter, John Parry, has just released his self-produced EP 'Enough'. This marks the debut EP release from the 18-year-old, a former winner of the XLP Arts Showcase. He's performed at London's Lovebox and supported Fismoll at The Garage (London). These live performances and previously released tracks 'Dirty', 'Love Drunk Punch' and 'Druggie', have paved the way for his continuing ascent into the limelight as his fanbase also continues to grow. John Parry will only build upon that momentum, he's a brilliantly charismatic and incredibly talented young musician and a definite one to watch! 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
Compared to a lot of people I found music quite late. When I was 14, I started playing guitar and wanted to be in some Green Day or Slip Knot mash-up band, but then I decided I wasn't about that life, at about 16, and I haven't looked back. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performances you've ever seen?
My good friend Charlie, at the time a 13 year old girl, had spinal surgery and got up on stage and performed one of her own songs - standing. Nothing will beat that. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Oasis, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber is writing some bangers at the moment, and The Vamps... Only joking. I listen to music totally the opposite of mine for inspiration such as Slaves, Foals, Tame Impala and always have to throw some Arctic Monkeys and The Streets into the mix to be safe. 

3 Qs for John:

1. Where do you look to find influences and inspiration in the world?
Girls, alcohol and nights out. That's about it. But honestly though, the past couple of months I've been having some new experiences and I'm writing some more 'honest' music. I'm opening up my mind to other things and am able to be critical of myself rather than just writing songs about the girl who used to see her ex-boyfriend when we were going out at 17. Yeah, I haven't forgot. It still hurts. 

2. Which track from your EP 'Enough', were you most excited / apprehensive for people to hear and why?
With 'Do' you can jump to conclusions when it's not put into context. If you hear 'Do' and you're shocked and jump to conclusions, message me on Facebook, 'John Parry', and I'll happily provide context. 

3. What process did you go through writing 'Enough' and how did it differ to your previous releases? 
I often write songs in ten minutes - without writing it down. If I remember it, it's catchy, so it's a good song. I wrote 'Enough' and forgot about it but luckily I recorded it. I lent my phone to someone and about six months later they sent me the recording I had done on my phone, saying it's the best song they had heard of mine. I listened to it and thought 'shit, how did I forget this'. I rewrote some of the lyrics and it was done. 

Random Q:

Who would be your dream artist / band to collaborate with?
ABBA. 

'Enough' EP Review:
'Enough' starts atmospheric and builds throughout into an energetic and erratic track; with steady paced drums, I really enjoy the use of snare, which is often overlooked and not used to this extent, and the guitar rounds off the song and compliments the other layers well. John's vocals are soulful highlighting his well crafted and to the point lyrics, the video is edited to work perfectly alongside the song, not only musically but also lyrically, helping bring the diary-like lyrics come to life. John Parry has created a unique sound which reverberates throughout all of his tracks and further into the world of music. If you like the style of The Streets and the music of Ben Howard or Jack Garratt, you're bound to love this guy. This is his debut release, which makes us excited for his future - he's another one to watch! 


John's Links:

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Friday, 4 March 2016

Feature: Beaty Heart (04/03/16)


South London trio Beaty Heart are back with their latest single 'Flora', which is released today (4th March 2016). The alt-pop trio, Charlie Rotberg, Joshua Mitchell and James Moruzzi, have been featured as one of Annie Mac's New Names of 2016 on Radio 1... They released their debut album 'Mixed Blessings' in 2014, which gained support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Phil Taggart, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy; and last year they went on an extensive worldwide tour with Jungle last year. Over the past 12 months they've been in the studio working on their second album, set for release this summer, April sees them head out on a mini UK tour including a headline London show, and they're also gracing stages at The Great Escape and Bestival... 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
The first song I ever wrote was when I was around eight. It was a Weller influenced 'ska-drone' track called 'Walking Down The Highstreet'. The first of many, many hits. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Probably the Clean Bandit advert. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Archie Marshall's new record 'A New Place To Drown' has been on repeat. The purest South East LDN filth. 
Also been listening to the new Oneohtrix Point Never. I keep listening to it again and again, but I'm not even sure if I like or not...? Help. 

3 Qs for Beaty Heart:

1. You've been performing shows in the UK and Europe with Jungle, but where would your dream place to perform be and who would you like to share the stage with?
We've always talked about Japan as being the ultimate gig destination. Just because it's such a special place to visit. Would like to share with like Ratking or some people that are fun to hang out with. 

2. What process did you do through creating your forthcoming single 'Flora'; was it a collective effort or did you did you have specific roles within the band? 
'Flora' was the very last song written and recorded for the album. I wrote it at my Grans house on the same keyboard that 'Walking Down The Highstreet' was written on many many years ago. 

3. Late nights / early mornings?
Late nights, all day. 

'Flora' Review:
'Flora' is a brilliant alternative pop track with tinges of electronica, catchy hooks and riffs scattered throughout, these guys are in line with the likes of Jungle and Adult Jazz. It's a punchy track with chilled energy and smooth vocals. These guys are a band to be listening out for and watching them grow even more, they're showing they can write a mix of fantastic tracks; and that's bound to show in their forthcoming album...

See Beaty Heart Live:
10th April: The Bullingdon, Oxford
12th April: Boileroom, Guildford
13th April: Electrowerkz, London

Beaty Heart's Links:

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Thursday, 3 March 2016

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

1. Nowhere - COLOUR
Hailing from across the North of England, a combination of classified ads and friends' recommendations brought the band together. James Tidd, Scott Harvey, Liam Downey and Connor Dickson are a band with a dedicated work ethic; favouring a DIY approach, spending more than a year in the studio honing their sound, producing everything from artwork to videos themselves and captivating a local fan base. This is their latest track with a huge guitar intro - it's a fantastic release!

2. In My Dreams - KYYN
Classical pianist turned singer-songwriter, KYYN emerges as an artist tangled in harmony. Now creating brilliant indie electro pop, she is one to be watching and listening out for... 'In My Dreams' is the powerful follow up to the fantastic 'Walk On Water', which was KYYN's debut single and will be one of 4 songs in the self-titled upcoming EP. Have a listen and enjoy getting completely lost in her sound! 

3. Out Of Control - Fingertips
This is the latest track from duo, Fingertips (Joana and Rui), from Portugal. With an indie-rock melody, the track was composed by Rui, written by Joana and produced by Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Neon Trees). Fingertips are no stranger to the road, having shared stages with Queen, The Cure, Nelly Furtado and The Corrs, and have played showcases across the world. This year they're heading out on tour around the U.S. and Europe, so keep your eyes peeled for more info on that soon at their FB here. 

4. I Don't/You Don't - Futile
After meeting in Gothenburg during their high school years, Futile became a band (and one to watch!). Their current line up consists of Matias Cortes Santos, Tim Vikman, Magnus Nylander and Daniel Aslund. This track is coated with pop and feel good moments, their rhythmic guitars and catchy synth hooks force you to move and singalong - loud. Enjoy! 

5. Been Lovin' You - Nicky Davey
LA rock and soul duo, Nicky Davey, recently dropped their single 'Been Lovin' You'. The duo, Nick Green and Dave Rosser, officially formed the project in 2011, after making records together under various aliases until they carved a sound they could truly call their own. Melodic vocal arrangements over organic beats, these guys are constantly reinventing the modern pop song. Enjoy this track and keep it in mind for your summer playlists! 

6. Glorious - Jake Evans
Manchester's latest favourite son, Jake Evans, is following up the release of his debut album 'Day One' with a UK tour and this new single 'Glorious'. Last year he supported New Order at three of their sold out shows, and also worked with their frontman Bernard Sumner on stage and the 'Day One' album... This is a great rock tinged track that stands true to the Mancunian music scene, be sure to catch him live (dates and tickets here)


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Wednesday, 2 March 2016

Spotlight: The Feeling (02/03/16)


English pop / rock band from Sussex and London, The Feeling, are back with their self-titled fifth album. Dan Gillespie Sells (vocals / guitar), Richard Jones (bass), Kevin Jeremiah (guitar), Ciaran Jeremiah (keyboards) and Paul Stewart (drums) have seen a lot of success in the band's history, with many Top 10 singles, Brit award nominations and they won an Ivor Novello Award in 2007 for 'Songwriters of the Year'. This album has already gained huge support from the likes of BBC Radio 2 and having been booked for 25 festivals across Europe this summer alone, 2016 is going to continue in good stride for The Feeling. 

'The Feeling' Album Review:
The album kicks off with the first single taken from the release, 'Wild Heart', it holds the well known signature sound of The Feeling true to the core of the track, with intense guitars, thrashing drums and powerful vocals, making a tune to shout along to. 'Spiralling' is much the same but different (yes it's possible), starting steadier and growing into another memorable track. 
A favourite of mine from the album is 'Feel Something', with a focus on keys and the slower, honest approach to lyrics and tone of the song, the compelling vocals bring it to life even more, then it turns and builds into a track with great guitars and bass and a Bryan Adams-esque feel. 
'Real Deal' and 'Non-Stop American' have slightly differing sounds to them, the first with a slight haunting hint to it, and the second being very much inspired by 70s rock, fast paced and fierce. 'Young Things' is another highlight of the album for me, with fantastic guitars, even more thrashing drums with bass and keys and rock tinged vocals. It really is pop meets rock. 
'Shadow Boxer' and 'What's The Secret' focus on lyrics and really highlight the songwriting talent and musicianship of this band. The album finishes with 'Sleep Tight', a brilliant way to end the album, a rock lullaby of a kind.
Overall, this is yet another brilliant release from The Feeling, they definitely haven't lost their touch and if anything this live recording approach has brought something even fresher and exciting to their corner of the music world. 


See The Feeling Live:
9th March: Oran Mor, Glasgow
10th March: O2 Academy 2, Newcastle
11th March: O2 Academy 2, Birmingham
12th March: Thekla, Bristol
14th March: The Ruby Lounge, Manchester
15th March: The Scala, London

The Feeling's Links:

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Tuesday, 1 March 2016

Feature: Natives (01/03/16)


Natives are a tribal pop band from The New Forest, United Kingdom. The four-piece consists of Jack Fairbrother (guitar, keyboards), Jim Thomas (vocals), Greg Day (bass) and Andy White (drums and percussion). They return for the first time in just under two years with their first track to be taken from an ambitious concept-album that will incorporate a 20-track story and accompanying the novel. They're ready to emerge with something new and will be taking 2016 by storm, I caught up with Jack for a Q&A...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I think I was around 10 when I got my first guitar. My brother and sister both played instruments and so I naturally fell into it too. I was a big Oasis fan so learning all of their songs kept me hooked. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
I watched Empire of the Sun play a festival set in the Philippines and that really inspired me. It felt like as much a theatrical performance as a musical one, and I loved how everyone could get involved whether they'd heard the band before or not. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I still love the Vacationer album 'Relief', so I play that all the time. I'm also listening to the latest Panama Wedding EP and Oh Wonder a lot. 

3 Qs for Natives:

1. Where did the idea of a concept album with 20 tracks and an accompanying novel come from and where did you find your main inspirations?
We knew before we wrote any new music that we wanted to tell a story - we'd done the same thing with our first album and really enjoyed the experience. 
The narrative itself was written before any of the songs, but the idea of turning it into a novel came part way through the process, we just wanted to expand on what you hear in the 3 or 4 minutes of each song. 
As to the length, we didn't set out to write 20 songs, that's just how many it took to tell the story - there are 20 chapters in the book. 

2. What have you found to be the best and worst thing about the project?
The best thing about the project has been our approach, namely two clear rules we set at the start:
1) Not to be influenced by any factors outside of us and Jake (co-producer) liking something. If everyone in the room liked it, we went with it, no boundaries. 
2) To consider the recording a studio project, as if we're soundtracking a story, rather than thinking in terms of a band. We didn't want to let a fear of performing parts live stifle any creative ideas. 
These two rules gave us so much freedom, it was a very personal and liberating experience. 
The worst thing has been trying to ignore how long we were spending on the project. It's been difficult to just disappear and not worry that we were taking too long, even though in reality it's completely up to us! 

3. What process did you go through creating 'Chasing Lions', was it a collective effort or did you have specific roles within the band?
It was a very collaborative effort. Andy came to us with an initial idea. He'd written a riff on guitar, transposed it to MIDI and that became the main marimba riff. He also had the drum groove. 
I then described the Chasing Lions chapter of the story to everyone and together we built the song. The verse and chorus came together quite quickly but the middle 8 took a while... 
Realising that vocals are as much an instrument as anything else, and therefore that changing language can have as much effect as trying a new guitar or snare drum was the big breakthrough. Once we sung the section in Swahili it all came together. 
Mixing the song was also pretty fast, but mastering took a lot of back and forth with the engineer. We kept sub-conciosuly trying to change the sound with the master because we felt that it was expected, but once we realised that we'd got the sonics nailed in the mix, it all came together. 

Random Q:

1. If you could be any animal for the day, which would you be and why?
A penguin - I like swimming and I like snow! 

'Chasing Lions' Review:
The new track from Natives is the first in two years and it shows; it's a fantastic African infused pop track, they've found their sound and this release highlights tribal pop as the perfect creation for Natives. The compelling, energetic tone to this track combined with layered percussion and keys, combined with quick bursts of guitars and built up harmonised group vocals brilliantly led by Jim, brings it together as a outstanding song that I'm sure will gain a huge response and support. Get up and enjoy this one up loud! 

Natives' Links:
'Chasing Lions' (iTunes pre-order): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/chasing-lions-single/id1087300195

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