Wednesday, 15 June 2016

Spotlight: Rory Butler (15/06/16)


Rory Butler's childhood home was built on music, his father ran a recording studio in the cellar. He grew up in the Dumfries area and moved to Glasgow to study English at university. In 2013 he headed down to London and got some acoustic gigs and a manager. A support slot with Scritti Pritti at The Roundhouse and a Radio 1 play from Annie Mac later and major labels were interested. Rory decided to take a step back, continue writing and recording with his own team and see where making his own noise would make an impression... 

'Every Change Of Heart' Review:
This is a brilliant acoustic song; the combination of stunning guitar throughout, coupled with Rory's vocals create a beautifully raw and well written track. Being about 'youthful inconsistency in a world of intangible opportunities', it's clear Rory has lots of stories and points of view he wants to share and a flipping good song is always going to gain attention! A modern day James Taylor, mixed with hints of Ryan Keen, and of course Rory's own spin - he's one to watch! 


Rory's Links:

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Monday, 13 June 2016

Feature: Corey Bowen (13/06/16)


Corey Bowen is a young, Middlesbrough-born singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He's been gigging since he was 14; and started sharing music under his own name in 2012 via Bandcamp, recording all the instruments and vocals himself in his bedroom. The end of last year saw Corey release his debut single 'If Birds Wish To Fly' and now he's shared his latest track 'Back To 95'...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was about 12 or 13 when I started hearing music a bit differently than I had before and the music I was listening to and all the glamour attached to that inspired me to make my own music. I think it was Nirvana and Morrisey at first, I was trying to copy both of those artists for a while.

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
I saw Christopher Owens play his first solo album in it's entirety in this tiny club in Leeds. There wasn't many people there at all but I felt completely connected to the songs all the way through. I think I owe a lot of wanting to do what I do to Christopher. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I've only just got round to listening to Kurt Vile's latest record properly, I love that. I've been listening to Kevin Morby too, he's really good. 

3 Qs for Corey:

1. Out of all the instruments you play, which do you enjoy playing the most and why?
I think guitar. In terms of being a skilled musician I'm very unambitious. It's all about lyrics for me nowadays but I'm best at guitar so that's what I tend to write on most. 

2. What's the most significant thing you've learnt since you started writing at 13?
Two things - firstly, you have to do it for your own reasons and in your own way, not because you think it makes you cool or something. You've gotta put your soul into it and devote your life to it if it's really what you wanna do. And secondly, it's not gonna pay the bills. 

3. You recorded 'Back To 95' at Abbey Road Studios, what was that experience like? 
Surreal, in a word. We were only there for the day unfortunately but it was completely amazing. I didn't get my head round it until a couple of weeks after when I was looking through photos. One of the best experiences of my life. 

Random Q:

Countryside or city? 
Definitely countryside. Cities make me feel like some sort of cog in a machine or something like that, everyone bustling about going off to do whatever it is they need to do. I hate the feeling of having no space, both mentally and physically. I would much prefer countryside. 

'Back To 95' Review:
'Back To 95' is a fantastic indie pop track, perfect for the summer (or brightening those British summer days...) It has a catchy chorus and layered infectious guitar riffs throughout, with Corey's soulful vocals gliding over the track from start to finish. It's a short and very sweet song that's bound to get stuck in your head and stay there for a while! 


Corey's Links:

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Friday, 10 June 2016

Feature: Lánre (10/06/16)


Lánre is a British singer/songwriter whose music can be described as acoustic soul / folk with captivating storytelling, influenced by her Yoruba heritage. Born in Stoke-on-Trent but spending most of her youth in Nigeria, she's grown up singing, performing live, playing guitar and soon found freedom in her own voice. In 2002, Lánre headed out on tour as a member of award-winning UK collective GK REAL, igniting her desire to pursue a solo career. Her debut album was released in 2011, followed by her critically acclaimed EP 'Home' in 2014, now Lánre's released her new EP 'Human'...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was 8 when I first experienced public performance. The journey from there to now has been a very long one. 

2. What is the most inspiring music performance you've ever seen?
I saw Laura Mvula last month, what a gift! 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I listen to 'Fink' a couple of times a week, I am also listening to Foy Vance's new release 'The Wild Swan', I listened to 'Songs From The Arc of Life' by Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott a few days ago, it's amazing. 

3 Qs for Lánre:

1. What inspires your lyrically, and who influences you musically?
I am mostly inspired by poetry, prose, films, a conversation on the train. I am currently reading 'Questions for Ada' by Ijeoma Umebinyuo, her writing goes straight for your heart and I love it! 

2. For people who haven't heard your music, how would you describe it in five words?
I would usually say, listen to it and make of it what you will. I try to write songs that inspire and perhaps uplift and my hope is that, the intention comes through when people listen.

3. What process did you go through creating 'Human' and how did it differ from the other tracks on the EP?
'Human' was the last song I wrote for the EP, it was originally written to be recorded as a vocal and guitar song but I was talking to my producer Feranmi Ogunseyinde about how it'd be nice to incorporate my choir background into the track, predominantly human voices and he did an amazing job of interpreting what I saw in my mind and felt in my heart. 

Random Q:

Favourite food and why?
Oooh I love food, mostly Nigerian food. So, right now, I could do with a hot plate of jollof rice, some plantain and fish... yum! 

'Human' Review:
'Human' is a stunning track, stripped back for the majority, really showcasing Lánre's emotive lyrics and powerful vocals; this song oozes soul and life, inspiring the listener. It gradually builds into a layered song with steady rhythm to tap your feet to and melodies you want to sway and dance to. 


Lánre's Links:

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Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Check It Out #21 (08/06/16)

1. Baby - Anna of the North
Oslo based duo Anna and the North have released their latest single 'Baby' and an accompanying music video. This track follows up previous singles 'The Dreamer' and 'Sway', which were streamed 21 millions times, all of which are brilliant, wistful, synth-driven songs. If you're looking for a song to add to your summer playlists, this is it!


2. Crack Your Skull - Dennis Kalla ft. The Strongest Man Who Ever Lived
Dennis Kalla's first single 'On My Skin' literally came out of nowhere, his second release 'Change Your Mind' charted on Swedish college radios. This led to months of intensive touring and yet another release; quickly gaining him a reputation as a charismatic and impulsive performer, however it took it's toll on Dennis. A trip to the US after falling into a depression and suffering from social phobia, he's now back on his feet and is ready to move on and release his EP 'The Ones That Matter' (which is out now). 


3. Cormorant - Dana Falconberry
This is a beautiful, warm-hearted and engaging track, 'Cormorant' is taken from Dana Falconberry and Medicine Bow's new album 'From The Forest Came The Fire'. Songs from her previous album garnered praise from The New York Times, NPR, and SPIN, helping secure appearances at Austin City Limits Festival, Fun Fun Fun Fest and opening gigs for Califone and Daniel Johnston, amongst others...


4. Villain - Kyle Britton
Indie-folk singer/songwriter, Kyle Britton, creates emotionally evocative music and epitomises storytelling in its truest fashion. This track 'Villain', follows up his first single 'Riddle', both taken from his debut EP and set for release on July 8th (2016)... 


5. Stories & Rhymes - Jasmine Power
Jasmine Power is a young jazz singer and composer from the Welsh coast with her own tales to tell. 'Stories & Rhymes' is the title track taken from her eclectically pleasing debut EP, showing Jasmine to be a singer/songwriter determined to do it her own way, drawing on her love for classic pop, film soundtracks and even net-soul influences to create something fresh, exciting and very much her own! 


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Monday, 6 June 2016

Spotlight: Broods (06/06/16)


Broods recently unveiled the first single, 'Free', to be taken from their forthcoming second album. The newly emboldened duo of Georgia (lead vocals) and brother Caleb Nott (multi-instrumentalist and producer) have made 2016 their year! In April they hit the road with Ellie Goulding on her US tour and will be releasing their second album 'Conscious' at the end of June and heading out on a huge tour of their own during August. Their previous singles 'Bridges' and 'Mother & Father' gained the sibling duo growing attention and support, and this release is only going to build on that momentum! 

'Free' Review:
As the first taste of Broods' forthcoming album, it leaves the listener excited and wanting more. This song hints at a slightly darker and more intense sound from the duo, however, there are definitely those fantastic synths and catchy lyrics and melodies. Georgia's compelling vocals still stand out and push through the song and there is a more experimental aspect to Caleb's producing, which is exciting to hear. They've moved slightly away from their previous release, but have still created that 'Broods sound' and I'm really looking forward to hearing the rest of their album. If you enjoy the likes of Ellie Goulding, Tove Lo and Troye Sivan, you're bound to love Broods! 

Free - Broods (link)

See Broods Live:
13th June: ODU Constant Convocation Centre, Norfolk, VA
18th June: WKQX PIQNIQ, Tinley Park, IL
22nd June: Salt City Sounds, Salt Lake City, UT
8th July: The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley, Australia
9th July: Enmore Theatre, Newtown, Australia
14th July: Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, New Zealand
15th July: Vector Arena, Auckland Central, New Zealand
17th July: Shed 6, Wellington, New Zealand
18th July: Union Hall, Dunedin, New Zealand
1st August: 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
2nd August: Webster Hall, New York, NY
3rd August: Royale Boston, Boston, MA
4th August: L'Astral, Montreal, Canada
6th August: Time Festival, Toronto, Canada
7th August: A&R Music Bar, Columbus, OH
8th August: Metro, Chicago, IL
9th August: First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
10th August: Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
12th August: Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
15th August: Rosalind Theater, Portland, OR
16th August: Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, Canada
17th August: Neptune, Seattle, WA
20th August: The Observatory, Santa Ana, CA
23rd August: The Novo, Los Angeles, CA
25th August: The Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix, AZ
27th August: Granada Theater, Dallas, TX
28th August: Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
29th August: White Oak Music Hall, Houston, TX
30th August: Republic New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
1st September: The Beacham Theatre, Orlando, FL
2nd September: State Theatre, St Petersburg, FL
3rd September: Centre Stage, Atlanta, GA

Broods' Links:
'Conscious' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/conscious/id1112066486
Website: http://www.broodsmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/broodsmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/broodsmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/broodsofficial/videos
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/broods

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Friday, 3 June 2016

Feature: Willow Robinson (03/06/16)


Born in Los Angeles to British parents, 22 year old singer/songwriter, Willow Robinson, is now residing in Hay-on-Wye. He's recently been signed, after playing his first ever gig, and has also released his debut EP 'Stones', which features a selection of self-produced tracks recorded in Willow's home studio in rural Wales. Having just supported Kula Shaker on tour, he could be set for a pretty exciting 2016. 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I started playing classical guitar and piano at a very young age, but it wasn't until around 11 years old that my parents bought me an electric guitar. It was at that point music took over my life and I knew exactly what I wanted to be. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
I recently saw David Gilmour at the Albert Hall and it really blew my mind. Every single one of my senses were amazed, The music was complimented so well by this incredible light show, and it made me realise performing is about leaving people in awe and creating an experience they will never forget. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Lana Del Rey, Beck, John Mayer, Pink Floyd, Kula Shaker, Led Zep, the list goes on. 

3 Qs for Willow:

1. What inspires you lyrically and who influences you musically?
I read a lot, there is always inspiration in books. But mostly I write about experiences from my life, the best being ones that evoke extreme emotion, be it joy or sadness. It's impossible to pinpoint my musical influences as I find things that inspire me in almost all genres. All the great artists have left great things to draw from, but I try to be me as much as I can when I compose. 

2. Which is your favourite track from your debut EP 'Stones', and why does it stand out to you?
I am very attached to 'My Burdened Mind' because it took me two years to record and perfect. I completed the full production and mix completely on my own, so it was really a labour of love. Within this song you also hear me finding my sound, it was like the curtains being parted for the first time. I first started recording it when I discovered I could sing, and it really shocked me how well it turned out. 

3. You've just supported Kula Shaker on tour; which country would you most like to tour and who would be your dream act to perform alongside?
I really want to do a European tour and make a trip of it, stopping off at lots of beautiful places on the way. That's the way I like to tour, I hate just sitting in a car, wondering around a venue and seeing the inside of a hotel room. For me the journey is the destination. As far as my dream band to perform with, I know they're old, but The Rolling Stones. I imagine it would be seriously fun and the crowds they draw me insane, let's pretend I could perform with them in their heyday. 

Random Q:

Favourite lyric you've ever written?
'All I have are these dreams and pictures in my head, I just hope, I get to put them down on paper before I'm dead.'

 'Stones' Review:
'Stones' is a great track, with stunning guitar introducing the song to the listener. It's a classic blues infused song, with raw and emotive vocals from Willow. His skill for creating captivating lyrics, forces you to really listen and get lost. The song builds into a layered chorus, making it an incredibly powerful song, one that you really feel, and there's a fantastic guitar solo in there too... Enjoy! 

Willow's Links:

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Wednesday, 1 June 2016

Spotlight: Michael Persall (01/06/16)


Michael Persall played over 400 gigs in New York City last year and a recent February residency at Pianos in New York's Lower East Side to kick off 2016. Michael creates a sound that blends modern indie pop with soul and has a conversational and honest songwriting approach. He's one to watch this year...

'Focused' Review:
'Focused' is a brilliantly dark and intense track, growing into a powerful song. It's alternative pop soaked in soul, pushing boundaries as a singer/songwriter. Michael's honest and emotive songwriting is presented beautifully by his vocals. I'm really excited to hear more from Michael and see what more he has to offer! 


Michael's Links:

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