Monday, 20 June 2016

Feature: whenyoung (20/06/16)


whenyoung are an alternative pop trio based in London; comprised of Aoife Power (vocals/bass), Niall Burns (vocals/guitar), and Andrew Flood (vocals/drums). They recently played at The Alternative Great Escape and had a show at The Shacklewell Arms in London. Now they've released their debut single 'See How They Run', 2016 is only going to be getting bigger and better for whenyoung. 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
Andrew: Reluctantly probably from the age of eight, willingly from the age of 15, when I started to realise what I liked! 
Niall: I'd loved music since I was a baby but I started playing when I was a teenager, probably around the 'Is This It' came out, like everyone else.
Aoife: My childhood friends and I would start a new band what seemed like every week. There were dance routines, singing into sweeping brushes, and ridiculous lyrics about love even though we were about eight. We were basically trying to be Destiny's Child. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Andrew: Umm hard to choose, Mew maybe because I'm a super fan. 
Niall: Whenever I've seen Patti Smith, which is about four or five times at this stage. 
Aoife: When I was 15 I went to see The Pixies and that had a huge impact on me.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Andrew: Whitney!
Niall: Yeah, Whitney. Also really like the new LUH record. 
Aoife: I've just started listening to John Martyn and he's really inspiring.

3 Qs for whenyoung:

1. How did you become whenyoung?
Coincidence, timing, chance, fate!

2. Which three countries would you most like to tour and why?
Andrew: Australia, it's so far away which means more inflight movies and free beer and they're just the best aren't they! 
Niall: Japan, ever since Lost In Translation I've had a massive desire to go there. 
Aoife: I'd love to tour the USA. It's got such rich musical history.

3. When writing 'See How They Run', was it a collective effort or did you each have specific roles within the process?
Andrew: We all had specific roles but that song in particular I remember came out of Aoife's head one day in our studio.

Random Q:

Favourite place to eat?
Andrew: Mezcal Cantina in Dalston or anywhere Turkish with that clean, clean rice!
Niall: Maintaining a figure is very important when you're in a rock and roll band so I don't eat. 
Aoife: Al Amin in Bethnal Green or anywhere that serves a Bloody Mary.

'See How They Run' Review:
'See How They Run' is a short, intense burst of sound and energy, a perfect debut track, reeling listeners in and leaving them hungry for more. Their somewhat unique sound combines fuzzy guitars, infectious melodies and catchy chorus, underlining bass complimented by drums and layered strong vocals. 


whenyoung's Links:

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Friday, 17 June 2016

Feature: Little Brother Eli (17/06/16)


Little Brother Eli are a rock, soul, blues, and pop band. Formed in early 2013 by lead vocalist Alex Grew and bass player Josh Rigal. The pair were joined by guitarist Adam Stowe and drummer Benji Page along with lap steel specialist Tom Williams. They went on after a series of jam sessions to create their own unique sound and the next two years saw the band take on shows at over 100 different venues all over the UK. Little Brother Eli have performed at festivals including The Great Escape, Cornbury & Blissfields, as well as some major festivals in European countries (Germany & Italy) too. Following two successful EP releases, the band began finishing up recording their debut album towards the end of last year and now feel it's the right time to release it into the world and share it with their ever growing loyal fan base and musical network. We caught up with Tom for a Q&A about all things music... 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
Err I was about eight years old when I joined my local brass band. I was taught how to read music, play the cornet and how to work with other musicians. Good times and awesome burgundy jackets. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Prince at the LG Arena a couple of years ago. Three hours of hit after hit after hit. He was a very special musician and we won't see anything like him again. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Larkin Poe, those girls rock! I'm super excited to see them while they're over from the states. Beautiful voices, kick ass tunes and who doesn't love lap steel?!

3 Qs for Little Brother Eli:

1. Why / how did your name 'Little Brother Eli' come about?
It's a character from the movie 'There Will Be Blood'.

2. When you play a festival, do you get a chance / take advantage of listening and watching other bands and do you think it's important to?
Absolutely! We are all in the same boat and it's important to support each other. It's also the best way to find new music and at the end of the day that what us musos are passionate about. 

3. Which track from your forthcoming album 'Cold Tales' are you most apprehensive about people hearing and why?
I love the single 'This Girl' so I'm excited to see how that goes down. But I'm most interested to see how the albums title track 'Cold Tales' is received. It's much more laid back than the rest of the album and when we do it live I get to properly country it up, which makes me very happy! 

Random Q:

Ideal Friday night?
Hmm we spend so many Friday's gigging so when I do get one off it's quite nice to just have a few quiet beers down the pub with the dog. His name is Ozzy.

'Cold Tales' Review:
'Cold Tales' is a brilliant release; a fantastic collection of genres, ideas, and skills, pulled together to make great music! This album is full of rock, blues, soul and hints of pop; brought together by sharp guitars, super lap steel guitar, infectious riffs and melodies, brill bass lines, rhythms you can't help but tap along to, and wonderfully vocals, layered into catchy choruses and just as powerful verses. My stand out tracks from this release are 'Ocean', 'Hanging', and 'Roll Away' - although those were hard to pick. If you enjoy Hozier, Kings of Leon and just all round great music - you're gonna love Little Brother Eli! 


See Little Brother Eli Live:
18th June: Uptonogood Festival, Upton, Oxfordshire
18th June: Rapture Record Store, Witney, Oxfordshire
18th June: Nor Live Music + Beer Festival, North Leigh, Oxfordshire
25th June: Bands On The Barge, Standlake, Oxfordshire
25th June: Album Launch Party, The Bullingdon, Oxford
26th June: Little Welly Festival, Henley-On-Thames
2nd July: Front Row Festival, Fritwell, Oxfordshire
10th July: Lichfield Fuse Festival, Lichfield, Staffordshire
23rd July: The Gladstone, Brighton
24th July: Nozstock Festival, Hereford
14th October: Tigmus Presents, O2 Academy, Oxford

(all info for above dates can be found on the band's website, linked below)

Little Brother Eli's Links:

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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! 


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:

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