Monday, 23 May 2016

Feature: Youngsmith (23/05/16)


Brisbane's Youngsmith has been making his own music for ten years, having played both in a band as a solo artist, he has produced several EPs, had his work featured and played on national radio and surfing documents in other countries like Germany and the US. However, releasing his first single 'Wither' just last year he appears as a new name in the world of music. Now he's releasing his second single 'Red' and heading out on a national tour in support of the track... 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was 20. I had a major knee operation and was learning to walk again and I picked up my Dad's old guitar (he had got it when he was about 20). It'd never really been played but he kept it and it had three strings. I taught myself from there really... 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen? 
I've seen a lot of famous bands but you kind of know what you're going to get going in a lot of the time. I'm a sucker for an open mic night myself. I find that really inspiring because you've got someone up there who's totally inexperienced pouring their heart out. Sure it's not all good, but quite often there's some really magical stuff that comes out when it's someone's first time up on stage. To me, that's inspiring. It takes guts to expose yourself like that. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I'm stuck in the 80s and 90s at the moment. I've been listening to bootlegs and demos from Pearl Jam, AC/DC and Soundgarden on Spotify lately. Things like unused tracks and demos from PJ's Ten and AC/DCs Bonfire Box (a live album from the late 70s). I love listening to early recordings / early demos of famous bands that I know and love. I like to hear where the sound came from as a basic recording (without all the bells and whistles put it in production / mixing). 

3 Qs for Youngsmith:

1. You're heading on tour in July / August, but which is your dream venue to play and why?
My dream venue is probably The Tivoli in Brisbane at this point. I've played just about every other venue Brisbane has to offer now and that's the one that stands out for me because it's so local and unique. It's old school cool with pink carpet, and cool balconies and feels like something out of The Great Gatsby. 
It has a capacity of about 5,000 but it still feels intimate somehow. Getting complete silence during a song with just me and my guitar is something I secretly fantasise about. 

2. Where do you find you gain the majority of your influences from, both lyrically and musically?
I grew up listening to the music my older brothers listened to. All the 90s grunge bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden as well as stuff like Neil Young and Queen. I always found I related to the music during that time that had emotionally charged lyrics. Some of that music got me through my teens. 

3. What process did you go through creating 'Red' and how much did it differ to your previous release, 'Wither'?
'Red' was an easy song to write, I wrote it in about half an hour. It came to me pretty much completely written in my head. Sometimes songs come to me fully fleshed out, other times I have to rewrite them a bit and trial them at live gigs. 
Getting it down recording was a little more difficult though, because I'm not a huge fan of songs that follow the usual structure and I wanted to have a change in the chorus by the end. I wanted the song to start like a Vance Joy or Mumford & Sons track, but end as a more anthem rock n roll track while carrying the same vocal melody. 
I started recording 'Red' with drum loops and bass and built up layer upon layer from there, breaking down each part as I went. The process was a bit different from 'Wither' (which is pretty simple and was recorded live - for the most part). 

Random Q:

Three things you can't live without?
My cattledog Hudson, my guitar and sugar... 

'Red' Review:
This is a Simon & Garfunkel-esque track, holding a similar style of songwriting and narrative, however it's a soul infused folk/rock song, full to the brim of feelings, that resonate with the listener. Youngsmith's powerful, slightly rugged vocals bring the track to life and lead the steadily growing guitar and percussion throughout. If you like Bon Iver, Jake Isaac or Matt Corby - this is a song for you! 


Youngsmith's Links:

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Friday, 20 May 2016

Spotlight: Samuel Jack (20/05/16)


Samuel Jack has announced the release of his debut EP 'Live From My Caravan', and it will be released on June 17th. Born in London, before moving to Johannesburg at the age of 12, he's now settled in Dorset, writing and recording in a caravan (where he lives). Last Year Samuel Jack opened The Avalon Stage at Glastonbury festival and has been wowing audiences at a string of private clubs in LA and London. Recently championed by BBC Introducing and having shared the stage this past few months with established artists like Grand Master Flash and Izzy Bizu, Samuel Jack is one to watch! 

'Let It All Out' Review:
Samuel Jack has created a beautifully heartwarming and soulful song, acoustic music at it's best. This track is full of life, with emotive lyrics showing his skill for storytelling, which are brought to life by his rugged vocals. His lifetime influences of blues, Motown, soul and roots shine through this song, a wonderful track that paves the way for the rest of Samuel Jack's introductory acoustic EP. 


See Samuel Live:
26th May: The Bedford, London
29th May: Innocent Unplugged Festival
16th June: Aloft, London Excel
2nd July: Cheese & Grain Festival, Frome
15th July: Larmer Tree Festival
21st July: Surya, London (co-headline with Beth Rowley)

Samuel's Links:

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Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Check It Out #20 (18/05/16)

1. Born Too Loose - Leo Skywell
Gothenburg, Sweden, native Leo Skywell made his debut as a solo artist in 2015 with 'Leisure/Desperation'. He then went on tour through the vast country, wrote new material and then joined forces with Kristian Anttila. A few months into 2016, we're approaching his debut EP, 'Time Will Darken It' (27th May), and this is his new single. 

2. Auxiliary Love - 5 Dollar Shakes
Irish indie rockers 5 Dollar Shakes, have just released their latest single from their recently released EP 'Come & See Enough To Stay'. The young five piece have a similar sound to Frightened Rabbit, Biffy Clyro and Wolf Alive, tense rhythms, guitar switching from shimmering to savage and anthem choruses... 

3. Sommer - AyOwA
AyOwA is Danish duo, Nicolai Kornerup and Hannah Schneider. Recorded in a suburb basement in Copenhagen, during a summer that never really started, but left the duo experimenting over a modular synth and some old reel-to-reels, they wrote 'Sommer', in a dark, electronic melancholic rush of happiness... 

4. Found - Seramic
Seramic returns with brand new track, 'Found', and is the title track from his debut EP. It's a soulful, energy-filled track that is getting a lot of support nationwide, and for obvious reasons - it's a great song! Seramic will also be playing his first headline London show at The Waiting on 21st June, so if you like what you hear - be sure to grab a ticket! (here)

5. Runner - My Heart The Brave
This is My Heart The Brave's first release since his 2014 critically acclaimed debut EP, bringing together contrasting elements from techno, alternative pop, as well as a background as a classical pianist. My Heart The Brave is the brainchild of Danish producer and songwriter Caspar Hesselager, if you like Elliott Smith, Empire of the Sun, and Royksopp, you'll like this track! 

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Monday, 16 May 2016

Feature: Lauren Ray (16/05/16)


Following the release of her debut EP last year, British singer/songwriter, Lauren Ray has recently released her new single 'Drive' taken from her forthcoming debut album, 'We Will Need Courage' - out on July 1st (2016). Whilst holding down a full time job in the music industry by day, Lauren has spent the last few years performing and writing in her spare time, building a fan base in London, LA, Nashville and even further afield...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I have been singing since a young age, getting involved in school choirs, concerts and musicals wherever I could. My first taste of the music industry world (in the smallest of ways) was when I was part of the BBC children's choir that sang with Martine McCutcheon for the 1999 Children In Need charity single 'Love Me'. That was a great experience as we got to record the single, be part of the video and perform live on the show. I didn't start songwriting and working towards my own music until I was a teenager but by then I knew this is what I wanted to do. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
I went to see Emilie Nicolas perform at the intimate St Pancras Old Church venue last year and it was incredibly inspiring. The intimate setting along with her raw lyrics and strong ethereal vocals was really amazing but of course nothing beats seeing a legend like Stevie Wonder and (I'm not ashamed to say it Celine Dion) perform live where they have hit after hit and their energy and vocals are spot on throughout is really something to be in awe of. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
At the moment I am listening to The Lumineers, KWABS, Jhene Aiko, Courtney Barnett, Honne and so many other great artists. 

3 Qs for Lauren:

1. Which three countries would you most like to tour and why?
1. America because I listen to so many amazing artists from the US and whenever I am over there I always feel so inspired to create - I think it's the space. 
2. Malaysia because a friend of mine has been living there for a while and has convinced me that all the music she hears in coffee shops and various places is in the same smooth adult contemporary genre that my music is in... plus it's a gorgeous place so it would be a great place to tour. 
3. Australia because I've been dying to go back since I travelled there 10 years ago. Plus so many of my friends now live there or are from there so I could combine touring with travelling and with seeing good friends all the way along the coast. 

2. Who have been your biggest influences musically and what have been your biggest inspirations lyrically?
Musically I can't think of one stand-along influence because I listen to so much music I imagine it all seeps in. I would say listening to artists like John Mayer, Carole King, Amos Lee, Laura Marling and Norah Jones have influenced my overall pop-country blend. 
My songs are grounded more in fact than in fiction so it is my own real stories and the stories of my close friends and family that have inspired my lyrically. 

3. What process did you go through creating 'Drive', and how did it differ from other tracks on your forthcoming debut album?
Each track on my album, whilst having the same producer and musicians, were all approached differently to a certain extent. The producer and I discussed what feel we wanted each song to have and with 'Drive' we just knew it was always going to be the more laid back track just because of the lyrics and message. 

Random Q:

A lyric / quote you live by?
If the person you are speaking to is saying no, you are just speaking to the wrong person'.
I have no idea where I heard this but it has helped me over the years because pursuing a career in the music industry can be full of no's - but that just makes finding the person(s) who are saying yes that much more rewarding. 

'Drive' Review:
'Drive' is a soulful, smooth and steady track, combining pop and country elements to create a chilled summer song. Lauren's gracious vocals glide over the piano and guitar led track, this sets the tone for the rest of the album teased with other single 'Come To Me'. It's clear Lauren has her own sound yet still ventures within that, I'm excited to hear more from the forthcoming album! 
See Lauren Live:
21st May: The Book Cafe, Derby (UK)
22nd May: Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham (UK)
3rd June: Acoustic Festival of Britain, Uttoxeter (UK)
8th July: Cornbury Music Festival, Chipping Norton (UK)

Lauren's Links:

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Friday, 13 May 2016

Feature: Joy Oladokun (13/05/16)


LA-based singer / songwriter, Joy Oladokun, has been writing and playing guitar for a while, however, it wasn't until 2015 that Joy took the plunge and decided to record her debut EP 'Cathedrals', leading to Joy's first ever solo concert of original music, singing songs and telling stories for over two hours to an audience of 60+ crammed into her living room. Deciding to then stay in LA after performing several more shows and working as a background vocalist for other artists, she went full time with her music. Joy then managed to raise $30,000 in a Kickstarter campaign for the funding and marketing of her first full-length release, 'Carry', which is out now! 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was 10 years old when I started playing the guitar. I had seen a Tracy Chapman video on TV and it was the first time I remember seeing someone who looks like me playing the guitar. It changed my life.

 2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Hmm that's a difficult question. I find myself inspired by a lot of the musical performances I watch. I think there is something in general that is so inspiring about being brave enough to stand up on a stage and share your heart with a room full of people.

 3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I'm on a big folk / country kick so Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash, Noah Gundersen.

 3 Qs for Joy:

 1. What process did you go through creating 'Shelter' and how much did it differ to your other tracks on your debut album 'Carry'?
'Shelter' came out of a moment of frustration during the production process. It is the only song that was kind of reverse engineered - meaning that I felt it was something that I needed to hear, rather than something I wanted to say. I just needed to remember that there were people cheering me on, and I had to choose to receive it. The other songs were me needing to say something / get something off of my chest.

 2. If you could invite any three people to one of your gigs, who would you ask and why?
Ooooo. I think Lenny Kravitz, 'cause I'd love to work with him! I can't really think of anyone else. This may seem lame, but two of my close friends. I really do feel more comfortable when I know people in the room.

 3. You've said each song from 'Carry' stemmed from a lesson you've learnt, or are still learning; but which song / lesson have you found to be the most important or meaningful?
'Poison' by far. The hardest lesson I've had to learn is that sometimes loving someone means realising that you aren't the best for them and letting them go. That's a song that is still so sensitive to perform and I wrote it almost a year ago.

 Random Q:

 Three things you can't live without?
1. eggs
2. good friends
3. a nice jacket. I wear them often. Even when it's hot.

 'Shelter' Review:
'Shelter' is a beautiful, soulful and emotive, piano and vocal led song. The drums and electric guitar build up and breakdown adds layers and depth to the track, alongside powerful and raw vocals throughout. The warmth behind the song really shines through and this is a theme that runs from the first note of Joy's album 'Carry', right to the last. I'm really excited about this release and the future of Joy's music. Easily on my list of favourite tracks from 2016. 

Joy's Links:
'Carry' (album): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/carry/id1109368744
'Shelter' (single): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/shelter-single/id1097109276
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyoladokunmusic/?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joyoladokun
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/joyoladokun

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Wednesday, 11 May 2016

Check It Out #19 (11/05/16)

1. Skin - Carmody
London based singer/songwriter, Carmody, released her debut solo offering taken from her self-titled EP. Having previously worked alongside Tom Misch, Carmody has now started a solo project, releasing enchanting songs with stripped back vocals. If you like Birdy, Billie Marten and Rae Morris, you're bound to love Carmody!

2. Don't You Cry For Me - Cobi
Previously fronting the Boston-based indie band, Gentleman Hall, Cobi decided to release music as a solo artist in 2014. Since then, he's only released two single, 'Walking Through Fire' and 'First Snow', but now he's back with a third! It's a deep, dark song but Cobi's vocals are soulful and emotive bringing the raw and honest lyrics to life. It's a beautiful song and one I'm sure you're going to enjoy... 


3. Constant Crush - VÉRITÉ
VÉRITÉ has just released her latest EP 'Living', which follows up two previous EPs, 'Echo' and 'Sentiment'. 'Constant Crush' is the lead single from the 'Living' EP and is already becoming a popular new track. Alternative pop at it's best, this song is full of electronic and synthed layers, with VÉRITÉ's vocals gliding over the top. 


4. Crawl - Live//Learn
Live//Learn are Bedfordshire based, four-piece, bringing a new breed of cutting edge alternative music. Having formed at the end of 2014, after shedding the juvenile constraints of their previous band Poolside Dive, they set out with one less guitar and for the first time, a producer. This shows in their new tracks being released and show an exciting new twist on alternative music. 


5. Waiting For You To Run - Georgia Reed
'Waiting For You To Run' is the debut single from Perth's Georgia Reed. Georgia's no stranger to her city, having an extensive live music apprenticeship of Perth's bars and basements, and in 2015 appearing on billboards around WA as a face of The Bigger Picture Campaign. This is a brilliant fierce and intense track, if you like Florence and the Machine and Lana Del Rey, this one's definitely for you! 


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Monday, 9 May 2016

Spotlight: Twin Peaks (09/05/16)


Twin Peaks are Caddie Lake James, Clay Frankel, Connor Brodner, Jack Dolan and Colin Croom. In the three years since dropping out of college to support their debut album 'Sunken', the band have covered a lot of ground. They've been playing to growing crowds, performing to masses at festivals in the US and Europe, including Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, Reading & Leeds, and Roskilde. Now they're back with their third record 'Down In Heaven', setting out to reflect on how far they've come and how much of life is left... 

'Butterfly' Review:
A gritty, dark, dance track hidden behind the 'indie rock' title, these guys have made this song so much more. With electric guitars skipping over the steady bass line, and rumbling and at times glistening drums. An infectious melody that's impossible to avoid dancing along to, this track leads the way for the rest of their album, each of the 13 songs has something different to offer. 

Butterfly - Twin Peaks (link)

Twin Peaks' Links:

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