Wednesday, 4 May 2016

Feature: REWS (04/05/16)



REWS are a young Irish / London based alternative rock duo, here to inspire. Consisting of songstress Shauna Tohill and beat-maker Collette Williams. Their last single ‘Death Yawn’ picked up support from the likes of Steve Lamacq, Radio X’s John Kennedy and Dan O’Connell and Amazing Radio’s Shell Zenner. Shauna has recently toured as guest vocalist with Snow Patrol and as bassist with Darwin Deez; whilst Collette is also a hugely talented vocalist and session musician (who can be seen drumming in Gabrielle Aplin’s ‘Sweet Nothing’ video). Now they’ve released their latest single ‘Shake Shake’ and are set to perform at The Great Escape festival this year amongst loads more (so be sure to check out their live dates!)

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
Collette: My first recollection of being involved in music was singing solo at my church on Christmas Eve when I was eight! I was in choirs and vocal groups for years. After that, we had a drum kit brought in one day at my school and I instantly fell in love! I begged my Dad for drum lessons and he agreed, and used to take me to jam night at our local pub. 
Shauna: From floating in the womb! Haha!! My parents were in a band and my mother was gigging whilst pregnant with me! As I grew up - my parents always encouraged my sisters and I to sing so we sometimes performed at some of their gigs and I started writing songs from a very young age with the idea of having a full on sister band! When I turned 13, my parents split up and I really realised then that music helped me to get through a lot of stuff. It really spoke to me and I realised I wanted to create music that did that for other people. I began initially playing drums in a metal band, then singing for another metal band and then I picked up the guitar (followed shortly by bass and piano) to accompany my songwriting and I haven't looked back since! 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Collette: This is a difficult one! Firstly I would say a Masterclass I've been to rather than a gig, but it was Thomas Lang, my drumming idol! He just blew me away with his technical ability and speed and made me aspire to be the best drummer I can. Secondly, seeing Thirty Seconds To Mars at Reading Festival years ago, they performed 'This Is War' and it was just breathtakinly emotional having watched their 'Artifact' documentary and seeing all the hard work that went into the album. 
Shauna: I agree with Collette - This is pretty difficult! Haha! One performance really stuck with me was when I saw Amanda Palmer performing in Belfast a few years ago - she had been run over by someone in Belfast and STILL DID THE GIG with her leg in a cast and it was AMAZING!! I actually wasn't a massive fan until I went to this - she totally blew me away with her talent, vision and her confidence in just being who she is. 
Most recently though - St. Vincent - WOW! Saw her at Ivy Gardens last year in Dublin and I can still feel the hairs on the back of my neck! What an incredible talent! 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Collette: Such an eclectic mix... Bring Me The Horizon (loving their latest album), PVRIS, the new Chase & Status ft. Slaves track, and a bit of Ludovico Einaudi when I need some chill out time! 
Shauna: With Collette on this - very eclectic. I can't stop listening to Beck - Dreams at the moment! Brilliant song! I have recently discovered Honeyblood - Biro is a kick ass track! I'm also loving Pucifer, The Internet, Phantogram, PVRIS and Crosses. 

3 Qs for REWS:

1. If you could play a show anywhere, where would you choose and which artist / band would be your dream act to perform alongside?
Collette: I would love to play a show in Japan!! I think we would love the culture and fit right in over there. Sharing the stage with a band like Marmozets would be so much fun! 
Shauna: Man! I agree with Japan! To be honest - I really want to play in as many countries as possible worldwide! Maybe South America would be my pick?! Dream artist to share the stage with in this moment would be between Deftones and Nine Inch Nails. 

2. What process did you go through creating your latest single 'Shake Shake', both musically and visually?
Collette: Musically, this track was Shauna's vision which I identified with through the lyrics and energy. We wanted the video to communicate the physical effects that thoughts and feelings have on your body, making it 'Shake Shake' hence the crazy hula-hooping! We had so much filming it! 
Shauna: Yep, this song was a pretty emotional process for me! I was inspired following a really hard break up! It's all about the emotional and mental debris in the aftermath where you are exploring and learning to build and destroy different aspects of who you are and what you previously thought about things. I want to thank Rocky O'Reilly and Peter McCauley who were involved in the recording process! Legends! 
Visually we wanted to capture our energy as REWS but also to reederate what Collette has said - we wanted to be a little creative and add in elements that would reflect the turbulent times that people go through in these times - which was the hula-hooping! 

3. Where do you gain inspiration and influences from whilst creating and performing your songs?
Collette: Personally, I take inspiration from things that have happened to me, day to day life, people I meet and everything in between! I try not to force the inspiration, rather let it hit me and carry me through the process so the song and performance is raw. 
Shauna: I am really inspired by experiences and what happens every day, both good and bad. I love reading and hearing about what is going on in the world either in books, people's minds, conversations etc. I'm most inspired on the move - so whilst walking, on the train, on a plane, running... you name it. 
During the writing process, I feel that it's so important to enter into the 'flow' where the songs just come together... it's a really beautiful moment. Performing, I just love to really connect with Collette on stage and really be in tune with each other and also being aware of the audience and how they are feeling. It's all about adapting and creating good vibes. I just love creating and performing!!! 

Random Q:

Favourite pizza topping?
Collette: Hawaiin!! Or anything with mushrooms. 
Shauna: Something spicy and veggie! :) Love Jalapeños, peppers, mushrooms, sweetcorn and red onion! <3 

'Shake Shake' Review:
This is a fantastically high energy, punk infused alternative rock song. With a catchy chorus, wonderful vocals to sing along to, infectious guitars, pulsing bass lines and foot-tapping, air drum worthy rhythms, this track has it all. 'Shake Shake' is one of my favourite songs of 2016 so far and I don't think it's going to get knocked from that position any time soon! Enjoy!

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Monday, 2 May 2016

Feature: Bouche (02/05/16)


Bouche is the music of songwriter, double bass player and singer, Rebekah Bouche, accompanied by trumpet/flugelhorn and electric guitar, and occasionally featuring a mini string section of violin and viola. The trio, Rebekah, Joe Sharp and Nikos Ziarkas have been performing live for a year and a half building up a local fan base in London and taking their music as far afield as Italy and Germany. Performances include sets at Wilderness Festival and Secret Garden Party and an invite to support Van Morrison in March last year (2015), at Kensington clubb, Nell's. Now they've released their debut album 'So Long Solemn' and it's alternative jazz at it's best. 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I believe I entered the world screaming.

 2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
I don't think I could name any one performance. I never knew what my favourite colour was when I was a kid. I've been inspired by all kinds of different things at different times, and there are a lot of gigs that have stayed with me, and I'm sure many that have stuck around somewhere in my subconscious even if I don't remember them. I'm also very lucky to hear incredible live music several times a week in the venues where I play and hang out. As an artist you thrive off inspiration so if I didn't see the most inspiring performance I've ever seen yesterday then I should probably go out tonight.

 3. Who have you been listening to lately?
The voices. So many voices.

 3 Qs for Bouche:

 1. You've performed in Italy, Germany and the UK, but which three countries would you most like to tour and why?
That's a really hard question. Back to that colour thing again. For the moment though the UK is definitely first on the list. We toured the album around some of the major cities last both, but in the autumn we're planning something a little more spectacular, closer to the show we put on in London for the launch.

 2. Who influences you musically and what inspires your lyrically?
Musicians, and words.

 3. Which track are you most excited / apprehensive for people to hear from your debut album 'So Long Solemn' and why?
The first one I guess; if they're listening to that then it's pretty exciting that they've decided to give the album a go, but they might hate it, and that makes me pretty apprehensive.

 Random Q:

 If you could invite any three people to a meal, who would you choose and why?
My Mum, my Dad and my other Dad. They haven't spoken for 20 years.

 'Everything & Nothing All At Once' Review:
This track is a really fantastic alternative jazz song, the darkness of the music video reflects the mood and tone of the song perfectly too. Powerful vocals, showcasing Rebekah's range, glide over the double bass to create a sleepy and steady song. The darkness of the lyrics are also highlighted with the depth but simplicity of the instrumentation. A brilliant song full of emotion, a theme that runs throughout the rest of the album 'So Long Solemn'... 


 Bouche's Links:
Website: http://www.bouchemusic.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bouchemusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoucheMusic
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bouchemusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHageaKsUeusnTUOURufKwg/videos

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Friday, 29 April 2016

Spotlight: Vanessa Carlton (29/04/16)


Vanessa Carlton is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her debut single 'A Thousand Miles', after it reached #6 in the UK Singles Chart and #5 in the US Billboard Hot 100. She has since released four albums and three EPs and now Vanessa returns with her fifth studio album 'Liberman'. This album reflect her current state of mind since moving from NYC to Nashville, marrying her husband John McCauley and having a baby girl. The album's title stems from a colourful oil painting by her grandfather, 'Liberman' being his given last name, meaning 'honourable man' and 'my beloved', which Vanessa found to be a fitting title to describe the music.

 'Liberman' Album Review:
'Liberman' is a fantastic release from start to finish. Opening with 'Take It Easy', which has more of an electronic focus compared to previous songs, it's a great track with a pulsing atmosphere to get easily lost in. 'Willows' follows on well offering a slightly different side to Vanessa's music, a steady track with beautiful piano, deep and powerful rhythm, and emotive lyrics, definitely one of my favourites from the album. 'House Of Seven Swords' is a delicate song, with a mystical edge - reflected in the music video. Vanessa's vocals float lightly over the stunning piano presenting the well crafted lyrics with the respect they deserve. The darker and more intense sound of 'Operator' is reflected again in the accompanying music video, and is a welcome contrast amongst the lightness of the other songs on the release. 'Blue Pool' is another hauntingly atmospheric track, with more of a focus on classical piano. 'Nothing Where Something Used To Be' and 'Unlock The Lock' create wonderful soundscapes, reminding the listener of the likes of Enya, lots of layers and as usual wonderful vocals from Vanessa. 'Matter Of Time' and 'River' are stripped back and infused with folk, both highlighting Vanessa's talent for not only carefully crafted lyrics but also her skill of storytelling (especially in 'River'). The album comes to an end with 'Ascension', the perfect finish, a beautiful piece of music; traditional piano meets dream pop, creating a stunning soundscape. 
A fantastic release, with varying and contrasting styles and tones of alternative music throughout the album. 

See Vanessa Live:
3rd May: The Lexington, London (SOLD OUT)
4th May: Lantern, Bristol
5th May: SWG3, Glasgow
6th May: Band On The Wall, Manchester
8th May: Melkweg, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT)
10th May: Lille Vega, Copenhagen
11th May: Privatclub, Berlin
12th May: Stadtgarten, Cologne
13th May: Queer Festival / Karlstorbahnof, Heidelberg
15th May: Les Nuits Botanique, Brussels
17th May: La Fleche D'Or, Paris
18th May: Scala, London

Vanessa's Links:

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Wednesday, 27 April 2016

Rewind #8 (27/04/16)

1. Wake Wait - The White Raven
The band who created one of our favourite songs from 2015 are back with yet another fantastic track! 'Wake Wait' is their latest offering to the world of music, written in 2014, revisited late last year, and now ready to share as their first track (and single) from their forthcoming album, which is set for release later this year. I'm sure you'll agree it's something to get excited about!

2. Milk & Honey - Billie Marten
'Milk & Honey' follows the success of Billie's last single 'Bird', which was playlist at Radio 1, 6 Music & Radio X, saw Billie sell out her debut London show and make her debut US appearance at this year's SXSW. As always, this release 'Milk & Honey', joins the list of many stunning releases previous, a delicate song 'about the greed of people'. There's also talk of a debut album album to follow in Autumn...

3. Over The River - Ardyn
This track is the first new music from Ardyn, since the release of their acclaimed debut EP, 'Universe', which we spotlighted late last year. Katy and Rob Pearson, the brother and sister duo behind Ardyn, have yet again created a brilliant song that slinks and simmers, driven perfectly by Katy's vocals. It's a good 'un!

4. Surprise Yourself - Jack Garratt
Jack Garratt is a familiar name on Music In Time Blog, having been spotlighted, reviewed, added to our 'Best Of...' playlists and supported since we started. He's back with a fantastically inspiring single and music video. Easily one of my favourite tracks from his debut album, 'Surprise Yourself' summarises Jack's sound and essence perfectly! Enjoy!

5. Tear Me Apart - Shaun Colwill
One of our first featured artists, Shaun Colwill, is about to release his debut EP 'Bare Beginnings'. Out on 13th May, the release is set to be deeply emotive and incredibly infectious, the lead single 'Tear Me Apart' is a brilliant teaser for the rest of the EP, full of hooks, pure pop and soulful vocals, you're gonna be humming along to this one without realising it!
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Monday, 25 April 2016

Feature: Stone Cold Fox (25/04/16)


Stone Cold Fox are an indie pop/rock band from Brooklyn, NY, consisting of Kevin (vocals, guitar), Aaron (drums), Graham (synths/guitar), and Justin (synths/bass).  Their latest offering of music comes in the form of EP 'Tunnel Vision', starting off as rock songs, turning into chilled electro songs, and finishing somewhere in the middle, we caught up with Kevin to talk all things music... 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was nine when I started playing guitar. My Dad had introduced me to Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac and it just blew my mind. I've been wishing I could play guitar like him ever since.

 2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen?
Richie Havens came to my town, about a year or so before his death. He was a huge influence of mine and seeing him perform really taught me a lot about stage presence. He was just such an amazing soul on stage, and he has such fury when playing the guitar. I think he broke his strings like five times haha.

 3. Who have you been listening to lately?
A lot of Courtney Barnett, sometimes it's nice not to hear a synthesiser for a second haha. She's an amazing storyteller, I always wish I had the mind for that type of songwriting.

 3 Qs for Stone Cold Fox:

 1. How / why did the name 'Stone Cold Fox' come about?
I was watching Virgin Suicides and the phrase just stuck out.

 2. Which track from your EP 'Tunnel Vision' did you most enjoy creating and why did it stand out from the others? 
'Firing Squad'. That one went through such a informative transformation from inception to recording while still maintaining all of it's emotional glue. It's definitely the most personal song on the album for me. Also it's super fun to play live.

 3. Five songs everyone should listen to on a road trip?
LCD Sound System - 'Tribulations'
St. Vincent - 'Cruel'
The Walkmen - 'The Rat'
Mitski - 'First Love / Late Spring'
Arcade Fire - 'The Suburbs'

 Random Q:

 If you were going to venture into any other musical genre, which would you go for?
Blues.

 'Firing Squad' Review:
This is a movie soundtrack-esque track, brilliant synths compliment Kevin's vocals wonderfully, as well as the combined steady drums with stuttered guitars makes this an infectious indie pop/rock track. It's a perfect tune for singing (and shouting) along too and I can imagine it would create a fantastic vibe live! 

Stone Cold Fox's Links:

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Friday, 22 April 2016

Feature: August Wells (22/04/16)


August Wells finished 2015 on a high note, supporting Glen Hansard at a sold out show at New York's Beacon Theatre, before returning to Ireland and Europe at the end of January for a number of dates. August Wells are Dublin native Ken Griffin and New York pianist John Rauchenberger who met in the middle of differing musical pasts to form a band. Their new single 'Here In The Wild', out in the UK today (22nd April), and is taken from the band's forthcoming second album 'Madness Is The Mercy'. 

General Questions:

1. How old were you when you started getting involved in music and how?
I was 14 and in school, a friend of mine, Karl Jones, was in a band and I went to see them practice, I thought they were pretty awful, but I wanted to express myself. I used to paint and draw a lot, and write stories, but a band offered an immediate confrontation between ideas. You could alter the bands ideas by what you did. If I didn't like the music I could try and drag it vocally in a direction that changed it. At the centre of a lot of creativity I think is the desire to find yourself, your voice, true voice, and give it a life outside your head and for it to be ok. So I quite honestly was so bored by the music the band were playing I grabbed a mic and started singing, and that moment shaped the next 30 years of my life. 

2. What is the most inspiring musical performance you've ever seen? 
My old band Favourite Sons were playing a show in Kalamazoo. It was one of those horrible bookings, no promotion, no one knew we were playing. So the audience ended up being the Bartender and the guy who was opening for us. The bartender told us, oh there's a local act opening for you. The local man set up his keyboard in the middle of the stage, then went outside for a smoke and a beer. We shook hands and laughed about how no one was there, but at least he would have a respectable audience made up of the 5 members of our band and the bartender. 
He was handsome and weathered and so I expected some handsome weather songs, maybe like a second rate Warren Zevon. 
We took our seats out of respect for out fellow musician and expected very little. He wandered on and sat on his stool and began to stretch his fingers. He also began to hum quite loudly, we, the band, exchanged glances and smiles that meant our expectations were lowering even further. His hands hovered above the keys and finally he began to play. What followed for the next half an hour, I can honestly say, was maybe one of only 3 times in my life that I felt I was in the presence of greatness. It was some of the most accomplished playing of an instrument I had ever witnessed. He ended, we roared with laughter, and joy, and appreciation. 
It turns out he wasn't a local musician, his name is Thollem McDonas, and he has played with some of the greatest musicians in the world. 

3. Who have you been listening to lately?
Lately I have been doing something I have neglected to do for years. I am listening to old classic songs, standards, and learning how to play them. The reason being, I am hoping I can unlock some new approaches to writing. So I have learned, Moon River, Over The Rainbow, Blue Moon, Stormy Weather, Blue Skies, and a few more. Those songs have been played to death by some of the best and worst musicians alive. I just simply wanted to know how they worked, and why they have lasted, and if there is any common threads between them. Maybe, I should do an album of standards called LOW STANDARDS. The experience has been humbling and eye opening, like going back to school as an adult. So much time has past since some of these songs were written they seem other worldly, almost spooky. I am being careful to keep a safe distance from them too though.

 3 Qs for August Wells:

 1. You've supported Glen Hansard in New York, but who would be your dream artist / band to support and at which venue?
Trying hard here to come up with an interesting unexpected answer, but, in reality, Bob Dylan at the Beacon Theatre in New York.
I think Glen opened for Bob Dylan on tour, so I have opened for someone at the Beacon that opened for Bob Dylan, that's as near as I will probably get.

 2. How much has changed for you as a band between your debut album to your second?
I suppose the biggest difference has been that we recorded the first album 'A Living and A Dying Game' in our home studio, and we did all the tracks separately. Most of this new album 'Madness Is The Mercy' was recorded live with a group of musicians, and we use single takes for each song. Every note was arranged and rehearsed before we went near the studio.

 3. What process did you go through creating 'Here In The Wild' and how much did it differ to the other tracks from your forthcoming album 'Madness Is The Mercy'? 
'Here In The Wild' was the first song we recorded for the album. We heard back a live performance we did of the song and were surprised how complete it sounded. So we decided then that we would do as much of the album live, and in one take as we possibly could. 'Here In The Wild' is one live take, and I think two over dubs of a flute and an acoustic guitar.

 Random Q:

 Favourite tour food? 
Oh probably just big large hearty breakfasts.

 'Here In The Wild' Review:
'Here In The Wild' is an all round beautiful song. Their vocals hold so much soul and emotion and with stunning piano accompanying, the layers create a wonderful base. Add in wonderful lyrics to tell a story and strings that slice through the track beautifully. It's a song full of warmth and feeling, and paves the way for the rest of their incredible album. 

See August Wells Live:
25th June: Sailors Bar, Clare Island (IRL)
26th June: Sea Sessions Music & Surf Festival (IRL)
30th June: Mike The Pies, Libstowel (IRL)
1st July: Coughlans, Cork (IRL)
2nd July: Levis Corner House, Ballydehob (IRL)
8th July: The Cave, Mitchelstown (IRL)
9th July: Pine Lodge, Myrtleville (IRL)
12th July: Bom Banes, Brighton (UK)
13th July: The Islington, London (UK)
16th July: The Railway Hotel, Southend-on-Sea (UK)
22nd July: The Hot Spot, Greystones (IRL)
23rd July: The Workmans Club, Dublin (IRL)
24th July: Knockanstockan Festival, Blessington (IRL)
31st July: Indiependence Music & Arts Festival (IRL)

August Wells' Links:

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Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Spotlight: Just Jack (20/04/16)


Just Jack returns with a brand new five-track EP, 'Life Lessons', which will be released on 6th May through Elton John's Rocket Records. Jack first came to prominence with his 2007 single 'Starz In Their Eyes', the accompanying album 'Overtones' led to extensive touring, followed by third LP 'All Night Cinema', which included popular track 'The Day I Died' in 2009. 'Life Lessons' was recorded and produced by Jack in his Brighton studio. Along with frequent collaborator Jon Cox, various friends dropped by to contribute to the songs, and Jack's daughter often crashed through the door in the middle of vocal takes, lending a certain unpredictability to the process... 

'Lessons For Life EP' Review:
'Lessons For Life' opens with 'Alchemist', a steady track infused with funky bass lines and smooth vocals floating over electronic based tunes, and as always beautifully honest lyrics. 'Bluer Than A Bruise' is slightly slower, with steadier synths and rhythm, building into a catchy chorus and striking strings added throughout. The EP slowly steps down into a slower, solemner sound, with 'Krystal Skull' holding an ethereal feel and showcasing Jack's fantastic skill for writing lyrics. 'Lonely Telephone' is another great track, with Jack's honest lyrics being presented with emotive and raw vocals over a steady, yet catchy underlining track. The EP closes perfectly with 'Little Friend', which highlights the pure talent Just Jack has for storytelling. Overall, a stunning collection of songs, Jack's sound has evolved with the years, but is still undeniably Just Jack. A favourite release of mine from 2016. 


Just Jack's Links:
'Lessons For Life EP' (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/life-lessons-ep/id1101189841

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