Music In Time

Wednesday, 30 March 2016

What I'm Listening To... (30/03/16)

1. Tick Tock - Walking On Cars
Irish alternative rock five-piece, Walking On Cars, released their debut album 'Everything This Way' earlier this year and I've (annoyingly) only recently come across it in the last month or so. However, I bought it the other day and have had it on repeat ever since; this is my favourite song from the album, closely followed by 'Flying High, Falling Low'. It's a brilliant album from start to finish and there one of my current favourite bands.

Tick Tock - Walking On Cars (link)

2. Paraffin - Meadowlark
Meadowlark are back with their latest and title track from their forthcoming EP 'Paraffin', which features the single, another new track, an acoustic version of 'Paraffin' and a remix. Their sound and music has surpassed itself with each release, and that is still continuing to be proved. This is likely to be the last EP before their album, so sit tight, hold on, enjoy this release and get ready for their debut album by teasing your ears with this!

Paraffin - Meadowlark (link)

3. Knife Edge - Matt Corby
After a fairly long wait for new music, Matt Corby returned with his debut album 'Telluric', known for his smooth vocals, incredible voice control and harmonies, honest and beautifully heartbreaking lyrics; this release doesn't disappoint. This is easily my favourite track from the album, his sound has definitely evolved with each of his previous releases, and I think this track captures that really well...

Knife Edge - Matt Corby (link)

4. Wild Horses - Birdy
Another that has returned and released new music to the world so far this year, is Birdy. The 19 year old just released her third studio album 'Beautiful Lies', which is faster paced and has a fuller sound with less of an acoustic feel. There are obviously some 'classic Birdy track' in there too, with beautiful vocals and ballads, and of course stunning lyrics woven throughout. This is the latest single to be released from the album.

Will Horses - Birdy (link)

5. Maybe We're Home - Lewis Watson
I'm pretty sure I included this track in a check it out post a couple of weeks ago, but I'm going to mention it again here, because it's just that great. This first taste of Lewis Watson's second album is one that I've listened to at least 50 times since it was released. With it's catchy chorus and wonderful verses, the song comes together as one of Lewis' brilliant songs to add to the list of brilliant songs previously released. Another album I'm excited to hear even more of!

Maybe We're Home - Lewis Watson (link)

6. Lovedrug - Frank Hamilton
Frank's back too! This is the first teaser from his forthcoming album 'Songs To Make Life Slightly Less Awkward'. It's infectious indie pop / rock and a 'singer / songwriter' song combined and balanced perfectly. I really love this single for it's fantastic guitar hook and catchy chorus, the perfect song to shout (or sing) along to, yet another album I'm looking forward to!

Lovedrug - Frank Hamilton (link)

7. Sometime - Conan Gray
This appeared in my sub feed a few months ago and I've kept on going back to it. It's a beautifully written song and Conan's stunning vocals really bring the lyrics to life (as well as the wonderful video clips pieced together throughout the video). It's the perfect song to listen to whilst chilling with a blanket and a cup of tea - enjoy!

Sometime - Conan Gray (link)

8. Cherry - Moose Blood
A slightly older track amongst all these new releases, 'Cherry' taken from Moose Blood's debut album 'I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time', which was released back in October 2014. It's a beautifully written and performed song, it's also stunning acoustic in session. If you've heard of Moose Blood it's probably not through this track, but I've been re-spinning their album a lot recently and really love it, waiting patiently for their next release!

Cherry - Moose Blood (link)

9. The Sound - The 1975
The 1975's follow up from their incredibly successful debut album has been released; their second album 'I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It'. The album debuted at #1 in the UK and US, thanks to commercial success; it is a great album with a bigger focus on electronica and synths, honing in on a 70s / 80s influenced sound. This is my favourite single from the album (but I think that's just because I've overplayed 'Love Me' along with everyone else.)

The Sound - The 1975 (link)

10. Let's Dance To Joy Divison - The Wombats
The only throwback track for this month's WILT post, is a classic from the indie rock band, The Wombats. I've revisited The Wombats a fair bit recently and they've appeared in most of my playlists too. This particular track was released in 2007 (how is that nearly ten years ago?), it's one of those feel good tracks that you just have to shout and dance along to!

Let's Dance To Joy Division - The Wombats (link)

Thanks for reading!

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Monday, 28 March 2016

Feature: Love Hunt (28/03/16)

Love Hunt, the indie rock / funk band from the heart of Corona, California, shared their latest single earlier this year. The trio, comprised of Mark Krizsan, Marc McBean, and Noah Vergura have taken and released the first single 'Hilltops' from their second EP, 'It's Been Funk'. They've only been together a year and through their funk, rock and rap influences fusing together - they've created a catchy and memorable sound that's gaining interest around the world.

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
It was around our senior year in high school where we started to take music more seriously. We all played before that, but weren't too serious about it.

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
The most inspiring musical performance we've seen was Tame Impala at Coachella in 2015. Those guys know how to put you in the zone.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Bear Hands, Private Island, Vulfpeck, Badbadnotgood, Hunny, and Nightair.

3 Qs for Love Hunt:

1. What process did you go through creating 'Hilltops' and how much did it differ to your previous releases?
The process for making this single involved more electronic instruments along with live instruments. It differs from our previous releases because our first EP had more of a live feel. Our next EP will sound more mature and still have the live punchy feel to it. We wanted to experiment with 'Hilltops' and see what we can do.

2. Which three countries would you most like to tour and why?
Europe, United Kingdom, and Japan; because we love the culture of those countries and would love to visit in general.

3. What does the rest of 2016 have in store for Love Hunt?
A lot more shows, more single releases leading up to the EP, music videos and touring.

Random Q:

First album you bought?
Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magic

'Hilltops' Single Review:
This is a great track, fusing indie pop, funk and hip hop together; creating a fantastically infectious sound. A catchy upbeat chorus with great melodic vocals, the verses led by well thought out and crafted rap - like tones. There are so many layers and brilliant guitar hooks; overall a fantastic track which stands out as a track that deserves to be gaining a lot more attention than it is, these guys are definitely a band to watch.

Hilltops - Love Hunt (link)

Love Hunt's Links:

'Hilltops' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hilltops-single/id1082230376

Website: http://www.lovehuntmusic.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovehuntmusic

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

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/love-hunt

Friday, 25 March 2016

Feature: Bitter's Kiss (25/03/16)

Bitter's Kiss is the current project for New Jersey singer / songwriter Chloe Baker, after launching her music career only a year ago, Bitter's Kiss, has already harnessed more than 800k plays on SoundCloud and over 100k likes on Facebook. Chloe garnered international attention for her emotional delivery of songs that deal with complex subjects, influences by the likes of Carole King and Sarah McLachlan and having been compared to Regina Spektor and Lorde, Bitter's Kiss is one to watch and listen out for...

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I come from a musical family so I have always been surrounded by music. I have done musical theatre since I was 5 years old and have always loved to sing and write. I have a recording studio in my basement because my Dad sings as well. Two summers ago I recorded the first song from my first album. We put the first album on SoundCloud and then we took it from there.

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
I saw Lorde play live when she went on tour. I think seeing a young girl up on stage performing and doing what she loves so well inspired me to do the same.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
I listen to a very wide variety of music. Lately I have been listening to a lot of Tupac, Biggie, and old Kanye West songs as well as bands such as Milky Chance and Vampire Weekend.

3 Qs for Bitter's Kiss:

1. You cover some complex and poignant themes in your songs, what influences your lyrics?
I draw inspiration from my own thoughts as well as things I see and hear about on the radio and in my daily life. For the most part I just write about anything I am passionate about or that makes me feel something.

2. If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose to work with and why?
I think that if I could work with anyone it would be The Beatles. I admire them for their honest lyrics and simple but impactful melodies.

3. What process did you go through creating 'No One Will', both musically and visually?
For writing 'No One Will' it started with a few chords on the guitar. I just wrote it on the spot as I was playing the chords. I started it by writing the beginning part that says 'No one will ever love me at all' after writing that verse I thought it would be cool to show the flip side of that idea saying 'No one will ever hurt me'. I thought it would be an interesting way to express the idea of taking precaution when it comes to love because of the damage love can do. For the video, I went to Cork, Ireland to film. We went to different parts of Cork to film it. I have had some experience with acting, so it was fun to use that to visualise my song.

Random Q:

Five songs for a road trip?
'Hometown' - Bruce Springsteen
'Landslide' - Dixie Chicks
'Country Roads' - John Denver
'Bohemian Rhapsody' - Queen
'Dear Mama' - Tupac

'No One Will' Review:
'No One Will' intertwines folk with pop and creates a wonderfully upbeat track, yet holds steady and solemn tones throughout. Chloe's stunning vocals shine through the song alongside the instrumentation. Listening to the song, you float along with the melody, much like a Regina Spektor track, Bitter's Kiss captures a brilliant sound in this song and I can't wait to hear even more from this project.

No One Will - Bitter's Kiss (link)

Bitter's Kiss' Links:

'No One Will' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/no-one-will-radio-mix-single/id1052812280

Website: http://www.bitterskiss.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bitterskiss

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXnxNiuw2EQOFVl6S27JZdQ/videos

Wednesday, 23 March 2016

Check It Out #17 (23/03/16)

1. Seven Mountains - 77 Bombay Street
MTV Award nominated, double platinum-selling band, 77 Bombay Street, are set to release their new single 'Seven Mountains' on 25th March. They've shared stages with The Cure, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys and Imagine Dragons. The quartet comprised of brothers Matt, Joe, Simri-Ramon and Esra Buchli create brilliant folk / rock music and after hearing this fantastic track, I'm looking forward to their forthcoming EP...

Seven Mountains - 77 Bombay Street (link)

2. Call Me - Fantastic Fantastic
Amsterdam based duo, Fantastic Fantastic, are about to release their EP 'Fan Club' comprising of 4 tracks written over the summer while travelling and recording around Europe. The EP is part one of a 2 EP set, with Part 2 to be released towards the summer. The Swedish / Australian duo, Kris & Micke released their debut single 'Houses' in 2014, which gained support from BBC Radio 1 and Hype Machine. This is their latest single, 'Call Me' taken from the forthcoming EP - enjoy!

Call Me - Fantastic Fantastic (link)

3. Nothing Without You - The Big Moon
London alternative quartet, The Big Moon, are setting out on a UK Headline tour next week. Juliette, Soph, Celia and Fern kicked off 2016 with a full UK tour alongside The Maccabees, which included three nights at Brixton Academy. Their live history, as well as their neat indie pop releases are reason enough for catching them at one of their twelve dates... (dates and tickets here)

Nothing Without You - The Big Moon (link)

4. Mr. Haines - Smooth Ends

Smooth Ends are a four-piece alternative band based in South East London, formed in 2013 by Kevin Erlicher (vocals/guitar) and Luca Oliva (guitar), and later joined by Benjamin Vallejos (bass) and Nico Ariza (drums). After releasing their first EP 'Magic Johnson' last year, touring Spain during Summer, hosting events and playing many shows in London, they've now released their first single of 2016. 'Mr. Haines' is a groovy, brit pop track that clear influences of South London and the band's homes of South America...

Mr Haines - Smooth Ends (link)

5. Duas Caras - Deltino Guerreiro

Mozambique's Deltino Guerreiro, crosses genres from Africa with soul and R&B and adds lyrics in Portuguese, English and Macua. This is a brilliantly vibrant track, with hints of house and reflects Deltino's influences and inspirations. His forthcoming album 'Eparaka' (from the language Macua, translates to blessing or blessed), is set for release in the UK on April 8th (2016). Be sure to have a listen and enjoy!

Duas Caras - Deltino Guerreiro (link)

Monday, 21 March 2016

Feature: Novah (21/03/16)

Swedish based group, Novah, consists of Simon Hagstrom Rennerstedt (vocals/keyboard/guitar), Filip Hagstrom Rennerstedt (bass), Paul Strand (drums), Oskar Karlstrom (guitar) and David Tranberg (vocals / guitar). After releasing the internationally well-received 'Robot' last year - a track that has now surpassed 100k streams on Spotify - they immediately started focusing their minds on a debut EP, which will be released this Spring. They have teased what's to come with their latest single 'Revolution'.

General Questions:

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

We were about 10 years old when we started playing in different bands. At that time we had no idea how to play any instruments but we thought we were the biggest rockstars ever.

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

A Swedish artist called Moto Boy performed a few years ago at a small venue in Stockholm. That was incredible. And of course seeing U2 live is a godlike experience.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?

Rhodes, The Killers, Amanda Bergman, Novah, Aquilo.

3 Qs for Novah:

1. Which three countries would you most like to tour and why?

Touring USA is a dream of course. Brazil would be fantastic too! And we have to say Germany as well. They have a great scene for our kind of music. Probably the best in Europe.

2. Who influences you musically and what inspires you lyrically?

Artists like Arcade Fire, Glasvegas & Kent have been a huge influence for us musically. But also more dreamy music like Brian Eno and Sigur Ros inspires us a lot. We love big sounds. It's hard to say what inspires us lyrically. It can be anything from very simple and honest lyrics to more deep and metaphoric.

3. What process did you go through writing 'Revolution' and how did it differ from the rest of the tracks on your debut EP 'Alaska'?

The funny thing is that we usually struggle with having a great verse but no chorus. With 'Revolution' it was the complete opposite. We wrote the chorus back in 2014 and when we picked it up again last summer it took us maybe 20 minutes to complete the whole song.

Random Q:

First song you remember hearing?

Maybe 'The Look' by Roxette or 'Billie Jean' with Michael Jackson.

'Revolution' Review:
'Revolution' is a beautifully atmospheric track, the honesty in the lyrics and emotiveness really shines through in the vocals and the melody. The layered instruments come together brilliantly and grow into a fantastic chorus, impossible to not to hum along to. There's a really energy and rawness to this song, easily one of the best indie rock tracks so far this year! Looking forward to hearing what's to come on their EP.

Revolution - Novah (link)

Novah's Links:

'Revolution' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/revolution-single/id1073339390

Website: http://www.wearenovah.com

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/novahchannel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/wearenovah

Friday, 18 March 2016

Feature: The Mining Co. (18/03/16)

The Mining Co. is led by enigmatic London-based musician Michael Gallagher's voice and songwriting at the forefront. Creating a sound which brings the genres of americana, country and folk together. They've recently released their debut album 'Burning Sun & The Atomic Powers Within', combining the rustic shuffle of Gallagher's Irish roots and a subtle European heat having co-produced in Spain with Paco Loco. We caught up with Michael for a quick Q&A...

General Questions:

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

15, started a short-lived heavy metal band, it was more about having big hair and wearing tons of makeup.

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

There have been three; Bruce Springsteen 1985 at Wembley, The Waterboys at Glastonbury 1986, At The Drive-In at the Astoria.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?

Nadia Reid, Benji Hughes, Joan Shelley, Jake Xerxes Fussell, The Righteous Brothers.

3 Qs for The Mining Co:

1. If you could tour any three countries, where would you choose and why?

Ireland - becucase of my Irish roots and in Irish culture, music comes first.

Japan - I always saw it on heavy metal albums as a kid and I love Bob Dylan's at Budokan (live) album.

America - always loved American culture from TV, films, clothes, music.

2. Do you feel that influences for your music comes from just experiences or do you find them in broader mediums of art too?

My influences are from art and music and when I'm feeling happy - that's when I write best, not when I'm blue.

3. Which track from your album 'Burning Sun & The Atomic Powers Within', did you enjoy creating the most and why?

Ballad of the Mining Company because I tried it upbeat with a big marching bass drum and cellos which sounded great, but preferred the quiet ambient version. I always wanted to write a protest song, and this is it.

Random Q:

Whose record collection would you most like to listen to?

My best friend John, who has everything from jazz, trad Irish, rock, pop, world, you name it, he has it. Ultra diverse and eclectic, and all on vinyl.

'Country Heart' Review:
'Country Heart' is a wonderful song; a steady lullaby-esque track with solemn and sultry tones. The guitars are underlined by strings, allowing the song to flow beautifully alongside Michael's sincere vocals and lyrics. This is one of those songs you can truly sit back and lose yourself in, a possibility which is carried onwards throughout the album.

Country Heart - The Mining Co. (link)

The Mining Co.'s Links:
'Burning Sun & The Atomic Powers Within' (Bandcamp): http://theminingco.bandcamp.com/releases
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theminingcoband
Twitter: https://twitter.com/themining_co
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-mining-company

Wednesday, 16 March 2016

Feature: Palms & Pelicans (16/03/16)

Since early 2015 the dream-pop quartet, Palms and Pelicans, have been shaking up the UK underground scene. Jack Lawrence (guitar/vocals), Mattea McKinnon (guitar/vocals), Daryl McCabe (bass) and Darren Barrett (drums) have gained eager support from the likes of BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 6. after a hugely positive response from their 2015 EP 'Sungaze', they're now back with their latest single 'Comfortable', taken from their new EP set for release this spring. They're heading for a fantastic 2016, packed with releases and touring the UK as frequently as possible; we caught up with Mattea for a Q&A...

General Questions:

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

I always loved music growing up but I think I was about 9 or 10 when I really started expressing an interest in learning how to play guitar. Bands like Blink and The Offspring were huge back then and I always wanted to learn how to play their songs so I pestered my family for an electric guitar. I got one for Christmas in 2000 I think... and became absolutely obsessed with learning. Not too long after I started trying to write songs with Jack and I guess it stemmed from there really!

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

Really tough question! I saw The Stone Roses comeback show at Heaton Park in Manchester a few years ago - that was a special moment for me as I never imagined I would ever get to see them play live. Their songs are just timeless and I remember there were people of all generations at that gig - they all seem to relate to their music and that's pretty inspiring in itself.

3. Who have you been listening to lately?

I've still got the Wolf Alice debut, 'My Love Is Cool', on repeat. It's incredible and seems to get better over time. The 1975's new album is also a cracker. Stuff like The Cranberries, Chapterhouse, The Velvet Underground... these are CD's knocking around at the moment. I have no iPod cable in my car so scratched up CD's it is at the moment!

3 Qs for Palms & Pelicans:

1. You're heading out on tour as much as possible this year, but where would be your dream place to perform and who would you have as your support?

We'd all love to play Brixton Academy one day. It'd be sound to have someone musically really different to play with us - like The Streets. Mike Skinner would warm everyone up a treat!

2. Who influences you musically and what inspires you lyrically?

Musically we don't consciously try to sound like anything but we do all listen to a huge range of genres, which must have an influence on the sound. Shoegaze, pop, grunge, rock, ambient, house, folk, garage... you name it.

Lyrically - a lot of our writing comes from personal experiences.

3. What process did you go through creating 'Comfortable' and how much did it differ from the tracks on your previous EP?

To be honest the recording process took a while for 'Comfortable' as we took some time to experiment. Jack and I produced the track and recorded each section in stages. We paid a lot of attention to recording guitars and finding the best sounds. Lots of new pedals came out. We didn't necessarily want it to sound as clean and accessible as our other EP - people seem to be getting that too which is cool!

Random Q:

Song you wish you'd written?

This is a hard question but right now in this moment - 'Walk On The Wild Side' by Lou Reed. What a tune!

'Comfortable' Review:
'Comfortable' sits comfortably (sorry), with the previous release from Palms and Pelicans, it follows up their previous single 'Sungaze' perfectly and shows they know their sound. This track is full of energy and pieced together brilliantly; Jack and Mattea's vocals compliment each other perfectly and also manage to highlight the bass and guitars riffs and hooks throughout. The infectiously memorable bridge and chorus builds and forces this to be underground indie pop at it's best. Be prepared to see more of this band in the next 12 months...