Music In Time

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Rewind #9 (29/06/16)

1. No Suspicion - Halfloves
A couple of months ago we featured Halfloves and their single 'It's Easy To Love', and now the five-piece are back with yet another great track, 'No Suspicion'. Between these releases they've been writing and over the next couple of months they're heading out on tour to share their unreleased songs with their audiences, if you want to try catch them at a local date to you, head here.

No Suspicion - Halfloves (link)

2. False - Tusks
Since we featured Tusks and her 'Ink EP', she's been busy with live dates, festival performances, writing and recording and has just released her latest EP 'False'. The title track leads the way for the rest of the release and is true to Tusks' trademark ambient electro pop sound. Definitely worth catching at one of her forthcoming live dates (info).

3. Strange Feeling - Close Talker
Close Talker are back! Their bass player has left but now the original members have decided to carry on as a three-piece and it's definitely working! They've just finished a 20 date tour around Europe and have just announced an album for release next year - we're excited! Here's 'Strange Feeling', the first track to be taken from their long-off, but highly anticipated album...

Strange Feeling - Close Talker (link)

4. Scatter - Sea Stacks
It's been a long time since we've updated you on what Sea Stacks are getting up to, and we saw their 'Human Heat EP' release as the perfect opportunity... They're still making fantastically powerful orchestral indie music, the soundscapes they manage to create are always above and beyond and this release is no exception! This is the lead track from the EP, which can be downloaded from here.

Scatter - Sea Stacks (link)

5. Spirits - Juneau
Juneau have no recruited one more member, a drummer to their outfit and it seems have been constantly gigging over the past few months, they're also releasing two tracks from their EP 'Into The Mouth Of The Wolf' as full band mixes, and they sound really good! There will be a launch party at The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham on the 25th July for 'Spirits' and 'Under The Weather' on 25th July (2016). Here's the EP version of Spirits, imagine it beefed out by a full band and you've got the wonderful single version!

Spirits - Juneau (link)

6. And I - Ed Is Dead
It's been almost a year since Ed released his debut album 'Change' and 'And I' is the latest single from Ed Is Dead and is a bonus track on the new special digital edition of the album. The track was made with Edu's fellow Spanish artist WOMOH, a member of acclaimed Spanish band Dremen, it's another great track from the Spanish DJ, producer and composer, who is also the current 'Vicious Magazine Awards Best Electronic Music Producer'...

And I - Ed is Dead (link)

7. 3 Weeks Down - Adam Double
Since we featured Adam (nearly three years ago - what?!), he has continued to tour as part of Lewis Watson's band, supported Jools Holland on tour, and has released two EPs, 'Phil' and 'Jayne', the latter being the latest. It features five wonderful tracks, one of which is '3 Weeks Down', which I'm sure you'll enjoy!

3 Weeks Down - Adam Double (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

Monday, 27 June 2016

Feature: Izzy Flynn (27/06/16)

Izzy Flynn is a London / Leeds based artist, composer, pianist and vocalist. Alongside the Abstract Orchestra (an all star, hip-hop big band) Izzy has recorded and toured around the world, most recently supporting Mos Def, De La Soul and Africa Bambaataa. Now Izzy is stepping out on her solo project and is currently working on her debut EP, set to be released later this year, but for now here's some more on Izzy's debut single 'Medicine'...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?

I was seven years old when I began learning to play the piano. My Mum and Grandmother both play. I chose not to pursue grades at a young age and instead to focus on writing music, making art to accompany it, learning a broad range of classical pieces and performing.

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?

In all honesty, I haven't yet seen some of my idols, Joni Mitchell, Lauryn Hill, but I'd love to. Keith Jarrett at the Royal Festival Hall was pretty musically inspiring.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?

Most recently; Jamie Woon, James Blake, Jarryd James, Banks, soul singer Aydenne Simone, and some summery choones by Tootes & The Metals! Oh and a tonne of 90s R'n'B!

3 Qs for Izzy:

1. Having collaborated with Abstract Orchestra, what is the main thing you've found surprisingly easy / difficult going solo?

Although technically I'm a solo artist, I'm lucky enough to have a great team of managers helping me and also three extremely talented producers, plus connections with some great fashion designers, photographers and music video creatives, all will be revealed shortly!

A big difference is that I'm writing the music for my project, whereas I'm just performing in Abstract Orchestra. I absolutely love doing both projects, but I think for anyone writing their own music there is always this added level of care over your creations!

2. Where do you look to gain inspiration and influences?

I look to many things.

In a practical / musical sense I look at exploring and expanding my knowledge of harmony, and will do until I die! That can be from listening to music and working things out or learning from other musicians etc. I gain inspiration from meeting different people and from art, paining, beauty in the world.

3. What process did you go through creating 'Medicine' and how has that differed to other songs?

I think I'm always feeling around initially for chords that are juicy, dark and perhaps move in an 'unconventional' way. For example, treating the baseline as a melody and having subtle shifts in tone / mood by changing only one or two notes between chords. Lyrics and melody seem to intertwine with the chords, they all grow almost simultaneously.

More recently, however, I have been writing some more uptempo songs. Repetition is a key aspect in drawing in the listener, but it's trying to use this without songs becoming monotonous.

Random Q:

Where in the world would you most like to visit?

I'd love to be dropped off to an amazing beach in Jamaica, and party hard but then have a writing holiday, good friends, BBQs, me, a piano, some banana and pineapple based cocktails :)

'Medicine' Review:
'Medicine' is a dark and moody track, intense and perfectly disjointed. Izzy has managed to create a soundscape that reflects the context of the lyrics sublimely. With a catchy chorus and infectious melodies, this song represents electronic music with hints of soul at it's best, a captivating track that shows Izzy could go far as a solo act.

Medicine - Izzy Flynn (link)

Izzy's Links:
'Medicine' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/medicine-single/id1105905333
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izzyflynnmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/izzyflynnmusic
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/izzyflynnmusic

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

Friday, 24 June 2016

Feature: Mark Elliott (24/06/16)

Mark Elliott is an alternative pop artist from England. He's shared stages with Gabrielle Aplin and Rob Green, and has played for Sofar Sounds. BBC Introducing have supported his latest release 'Drink To Thunk', the second track from his 'China Doll EP', Mark is also set to play Kensington Roof Gardens on 16th July alongside some other incredible names, we caught up with him for a Q&A to talk all things music!

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?

I started playing guitar when I was 15 - mainly because I thought it might get me a girlfriend (it didn't) but then I fell in love with music and have been full time for the last couple of years.

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?

Seeing John Mayer at the O2 was a performance that really stuck with me - he just seems like someone who is totally absorbed in the process of creating music and playing it live. He lives it and it shows.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?

Recently I've been listening to Oh Wonder, Nao, Half Moon Run and Jack Garratt along with Jamiroquai - I'm constantly buying CDs from charity shops to listen to in my car cause I've not got an aux in ha.

3 Qs for Mark:

1. Where do you usually gather inspiration and influences for your songs?

It's a bit cliche but I try and gather inspiration from everything - it becomes a bit of an obsession and it's easy to stop enjoying films/books/music/live gigs because you're forever thinking 'how can I use this?'. My main lyrically inspiration comes from books and I find the more I'm reading the greater the variation in my lyrics - when I wrote 'Drink To Thunk' I was reading 'Bonjour Tristesse' by Francoise Sagan and I think looking back the mood of the book definitely permeates the lyrical content. Then music wise the people I'm working with - Producer Dave Tidmarsh and Matt Zara have both had a huge impact on how the final song turned out.

2. Who would you most like to write / collaborate with and why?

I'd love to work with Oh Wonder because I feel as though they're real innovators and I've followed Jose for years and years - also Frank Ocean lyrically is on another level. Labrinth, Jamie Cullum, John Mayer, Robert Glasper, Pharrell waayy too many to mention. Really anyone who can write the kind of songs that it would never occur to me to write are the kind of people I'd love to work with.

3. What process did you go through creating 'Drink To Thunk' and how did it differ from the other tracks on your EP 'China Doll'?

'Drink To Thunk' was equally the most frustrating song and the most fun to work on. I think in total we recorded it three times in full before finding this feel. The chorus lyrics along changed three or four times. It's got loads of really interesting stuff that probably goes unnoticed - the shaker in the chorus is a packet of PG Tips playing cards, there's a snare sound in the breakdown that was me accidentally dropping (and breaking... sorry Dave) a box of percussion and a piano that sounds like a car from 'The Jetsons'. I think the fun we had making it really comes across in the final product.

Random Q:

All time favourite album?

That's a difficult and potentially embarrassing question - either 'Songs About Jane' - Maroon 5 - it's an album I keep coming back to and it never disappoints OR Michael Jackson - 'Thriller' OR 'Justified' - JT for the same reason. Or maybe Frank Ocean - 'Channel ORANGE' for lyrics, Nitin Sawhney - 'Broken Skin' grabbed me from the first listen. Sorry I've cheated massively... just way way too many to pick from and all for different reasons! I'll stick with 'Songs About Jane' hahah.

'Drink To Thunk' Review:
'Drink To Thunk' is a brilliant pop track, a perfect tune for your summer playlists. With a soulful and slightly jazzy touch, great bass lines running neatly alongside a rhythm that's impossible not to tap along to. The catchy chorus and infectious melodies lead to the song being stuck in the listener's head for a good couple hours to days...

Drink To Thunk - Mark Elliott (link)

Mark's Links:

Website: http://www.melliottmusic.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melliottmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/melliottmusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/markyelliott91/videos

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/melliottmusic

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Check It Out #22 (22/06/16)

1. Don't Even Care - BKLYN
BKLYN are Josh (lead vocals / guitar), Alex (bass), and Jack (drums); an alternative pop trio hailing from Devon, UK. They've gained previous support from Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1) and Tom Ravenscroft (6 Music), and have recently released their latest single 'Don't Even Care', a brilliant multi-layered track with hints of the 80's...

Don't Even Care - BKLYN (link)

2. Bloodsport - King Harvest & The Weight
New Halifax based act King Harvest & The Weight recently unveiled this sublime track and accompanying music video. Nostalgic strings, acoustic and slide guitars and wonderful vocals gliding over the top, this is a stunning track that gets right under your skin within seconds...

3. Waiting On You - Darkly
'Waiting On You' is the release from electronic singer and producer, Darkly. He's from North London and is currently working on his debut album, his first, critically acclaimed song 'Touch' has over 100,000+ plays on Soundcloud. This track is an addictive and moody cut that forces you into a synth led trance, be prepared to have this on repeat.

Waiting On You - Darkly (link)

4. Leaving On The Light - Jonny Carroll
Hailing from Grand Rapids, MI, Jonny Carroll started off by busking the streets of West Michigan for a living, spending winters playing shows and street performing in England and Scotland. His debut EP 'The Willow' was nominated for 4 WYCE Jammie Awards in 2014 and his music has been featured on many radio stations. This is the title track from his debut album 'Leaving On The Light', out now, and is a brilliant combination of chart pop and contemplative folk and engaging lyrics.

Leaving On The Light - Jonny Carroll (link)

5. Enigma - Polarheart
Polarheart are duo Mary and Chris from Sydney, they began writing together in early 2013, found a strong chemistry and a year later Polarheart was born. Combining dreamy vocals and abstract soundscapes the create a captivating listening experience. After four successful singles and months of writing and recording they've now released their self-titled debut EP. This is the lead single and I'm you're going to love it.

Enigma - Polarheart (link)

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Spotlight: Marsicans (21/06/16)

Marsicans are an emerging indie band from Leeds, England; all long time friends from school and Leeds' music scene, the current line up started sampling old synths, singing in harmony and writing songs together in 2014. Comprised of four very different individuals; James - a Beatles-obsessed singer, Oli - an art student turned guitarist, Rob - a 'bolder than your average' bassist, and Cale - a former samba band drummer. They've got a busy summer ahead with plenty of performances across the festival circuit, including Glastonbury, and September will see them release an EP...

'Far Away (Saudade)' Review:
This track is of those fantastic indie rock songs, perfect to see in the summer with. Reminiscent of Little Comets but still standing out as the 'Marsicans sound', there's a wealth of guitars, drums to tap along to, a strong bass line and a powerful chorus. It's bound to get stuck in your head and have you dancing along in no time!

Far Away (Saudade) - Marsicans (link)

See Marsicans Live:
26th June: Glastonbury Festival
2nd July: Night & Day Cafe, Manchester
8th July: Chapel FM (session), Leeds
22nd July: Tramlines (w/ Flyte), Sheffield
30th July: Kendal Calling, Cumbria

Marsicans' Links:

Website: http://www.marsicans.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marsicans/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marsicans

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MarsicansUK/videos

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marsicans

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.

See How They Run - whenyoung (link)

whenyoung's Links:

'See How They Run' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/see-how-they-run-single/id1102040269

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whenyoungband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/whenyoungband

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPMWYayAGgzeY4y495iZY-A

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/whenyoung

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!