Today, Mndsgn shares ‘Medium Rare‘ from his forthcoming album Rare Pleasure, out June 4th on Stones Throw Records. The new track, with its evocative instrumentation and intricately crafted atmosphere, is cinematic in scope and perfectly captures the weight of the existential questions his lyrics ask. ‘Medium Rare’ follows the celestial and hypnotic ‘Slowdance‘ which came with an Eric Coleman-directed visual conceptualized by Mndsgn himself, as well as previously-released single ‘Hope You’re Doin’ Better‘ which came alongside a self-directed video.
STREAM ‘MEDIUM RARE’ BY MNDSGN
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AUSTRALIAN HORROR STORY TOUR DATES
Sat 12 June – The Zoo – Brisbane
Fri 18 June – Jive Bar – Adelaide
Sat 19 June – Jack Rabbit Slims – Perth
Thu 1 July – The Cambridge – Newcastle
Fri 2 July – The Lansdowne – Sydney
Sat 3 July – Northcote Social Club – Melbourne
Tickets available here.
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DESCENDENTS
ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM
9TH & WALNUT
FEATURING ORIGINAL LINE-UP
OUT JULY 23
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Where are you currently based?
Currently in Monaco. Home will always be London where I hope to go back once vaccinated.
What have you been up to recently?
I have been working on the acoustic version of “Raise a Toast” and the video. Plus recording vocals for my upcoming acoustic EP.
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing before I could walk 🙂
Your new single ‘Raise A Toast’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
The biggest influence on the melody and the over-the-top drama of the lyrics has been the music of an Italian icon, Mina Mazzini. She has a dramatic voice similar to mine and I take a lot of inspiration from her music of the ’60s and ’70s. Apart from that lyrically I love Lana Del Rey and the vintage glamour which I try to convey in my songs.
When writing this song I thought that it’s message has a lot of similarities to “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen, famously sung by my favorite 90’s diva Celine Dion. As his song was based on a part of a Rachmaninov’s piano concerto I thought it would be cool to add the actual Rachmaninov recording at the beginning of the track played from vinyl! It also underlines the huge influence of classical music in my creative process.
You co-wrote Raise A Toast with Arrow Benjamin (Beyonce, Alicia Keys), how did this collaboration come about and how was the experience as a whole?
Arrow was introduced to me by an acquaintance of my boyfriend. It was a total coincidence that our paths crossed. We met a few times and decided to give it a shot and work on some music together. I was very excited about the opportunity to work with him as he is incredibly skilled with words. As a young songwriter I can learn a lot from people like Arrow.
Once we started working we understood we are both alfa personalities so there were a lot of fiery discussions, long late-night phone calls, and different visions but in the end, we both found a middle ground and consider the song “our baby”.
Where and when did you record the track and who did you work with?
I recorded the track in the summer of 2020 with some difficulties due to the COVID restrictions. It was recorded in a recording studio in Nice, France.
You’re operatically trained, how does this influence your music and live performance?
I’ve been trained in Speech Level Singing technique since I was 16. This technique built the grounds for me as a vocalist. The biggests benefits I got from my classical training were mainly the development of my musical horizons and knowledge, the expansion of my vocal range, and the experience of singing some of the most difficult pieces of music written for voice, which now gives me an incredible confidence and ease while singing pop music. Not to mention the discipline you have to develop when you study for an Opera Degree, which involves acting, music theory, fencing, ballet and more. All this is very helpful for live performances.
How did the concept for the music video come about?
When shooting the video we were in a lockdown and I decided to take things into my own hands rather than wait for the reopening. I ordered a big Pavlova cake at a patisserie in Monaco, bought a ton of macaroons, and asked my close friend, who is a famous fashion designer in Poland, to lend me some fancy gowns. When writing this song I already had a vision of a Hollywood siren who has it all, dancing by herself to the music in her hotel room, drinking way too much, watching TV at night, and eating fast food. The idea of a modern Marie Antonette mixed with Marylin Monroe. Shooting it was hard work but also sooo much fun. And I got totally tipsy on all the champagne! But seriously, I think the video is such a good contrast to the song, as you can see my joyful side. I wanted it to feel more personal therefore we edited it in an 8mm camera style.
Where and when did you film?
Considering that the music video was shot in January 2021 when we were in full lockdown everything had to be done very simplistically with just me as the director, stylist, makeup artist except for the cameraman. It was filmed in a hotel in Monaco.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the music video?
I guess the biggest challenge was to take care of all the styling, makeup, and hairstyling. It was a lot of work considering I had 5 different looks. I loved that I had total creative control and it was simply fun.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I have a very broad spectrum of music I listen to but currently one of my favs is Snoh Aalegra. I’m also in love with the 90’s vibes of the new releases from Bruno Mars.
What do you like to do away from music?
A passion that has definitely helped throughout my teenage years and something I care about a lot is the transformative power of makeup. Together with fashion, makeup has always been my armour and has given me the freedom to choose who I want to be. Every day I choose a different look that makes me feel empowered and brave.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2021?
In June I’m going to release an acoustic EP which has been fun to record as we’ve done it with a great live string quartet. Then I’m hoping to travel and hang out on the beach for the whole of June, July, and August. I’m also gonna have my mini studio set up with me and do remote songwriting sessions with my team. Once September arrives I hope to go back to London and work on my original material there.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
Favorite food? Probably Cipriani’s famous meringue cake. I have a horrible sweet tooth.
My favorite place to hang out is George Members Club in Mayfair, London. It feels like home and the staff there are like family to me!
Taken straight from a sun-drenched pool party at a villa somewhere on the crystal blue shores of the French Riviera, Mighty Knight is brimming with energetic arrangement, driving synthesizer riffs and an undeniably infectious, vocal hook.
The wondrous enigma that is Dubbel Drop draws inspiration from the scene’s icons including Armand Van Helden, Boston Bun and Cassius to name a small few. The first of many singles for the duo in 2021, their goal is to loosen up, party with the people and share their sonic vibes with all who dare enter the Dubbel Drop world. They’re just waiting for a mate…
Mighty Knight is the debut single from Dubbel Drop and will be released on Friday 30th April 2021 via Be Rich Records.
Social links / Website: https://linktr.ee/dubbeldrop
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4R6Kb1sbHUPXcsLTSHdrzN?si=LQMqmBeIR9-FU4mS9u0InQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dubbeldrop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dubbeldropdjs/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe2VsHyhta4dmlCFXHdid6Q
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dubbeldrop
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“This early aughts-sounding banger from Dizzy Fae is like a club anthem for robots.”
– Nylon
—
Minneapolis vocalist and pop experimentalist Dizzy Fae has shared her effervescent new single ‘Body Move‘. The release is accompanied by a colourfully provocative video, directed by Will Tooke. The video reflects Fae’s multitudes from its opening scene inspired by classic Disney Channel shows like Hannah Montana – laugh track and all – to its sex-positive, self-assured lyrics to the colorfully trippy Mario Kart-esque ride Fae takes looking for inspiration in the world around her. The release coincides with the announcement of her upcoming EP Antenna, out May 26.
Dizzy says ‘Body Move’ is about ‘moving your body, it’s giving confidence, it’s giving there’s no better time than now, it’s giving get into your body now! I want people to feel good about themselves while listening to this.’
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“It’s huge to be able to put out the album just as the band is able to start playing together again safely. I’m in love with music and grateful for a chance to share the music I made with some people I love.”
– Rosie Tucker
Singles: “Barbara Ann” “Habanero” “Ambrosia” “Arrow” “Brand New Beast”
Praise for Sucker Supreme
“Barbara Ann” on NPR All Songs Considered
“pop-rock perfection.” – them.
“shimmering indie gem” – Uproxx
“sharp indie rock” – BrooklynVegan
“crunchy, gliding guitars and a soaring melody” – Stereogum
“a capsule of self-exploration and detailed, diaristic revelation.” – FLOOD
“Tucker’s new album ramps up the energy while retaining their keen intellect and searching humanity.”
– KCRW “Private Playlist”
“an intricate web of twinkly guitar parts and shimmering leads, all of which coalesce to create a one-way stream of clean chords, dreamy vocals and pumping drums heading towards the track’s lung-bursting finale.” – Guitar World
“Rosie Tucker’s knack for witty, yet bruising lyrics and impeccable melodies is back in a big way on “Barbara Ann'”
– Paste Magazine
“’Habanero’ is hot like Rosie Tucker songs are hot: beautifully sung and boldly played” – Buzzbands.la
LA artist Rosie Tucker (they/them) has released their third album Sucker Supreme, their first with Epitaph Records. A coming of age album of intimate storytelling and electrifying, intricate guitar, the collection aches with self-discovery, self-definition, and self-redefinition.
Available across platforms here.
It has earned acclaim spanning NPR, Stereogum, them., GLAAD, KCRW “Today’s Top Tune”, Music Connection, Under The Radar, The Luna Collective, BrooklynVegan and more. With nearly 100k monthly Spotify listeners, new singles “Habanero” and “Barbara Ann” have been featured on “New Alternative,” “NPR Music: Bob Boilen,” “NPR: Music’s New Music Friday,” “Out Now,” “Feel-Good Indie Rock,” “undercurrents,” “Chill Singer-Songwriter” as well as Apple Music “Today’s Indie Rock” and “New In Indie”.
On this album, Rosie’s openhearted, sing-song alto melodies are king and wry, detailed lyricism is queen. Noise creaks in every layer of these songs: ticking Geiger counters, synthesised whale calls, tape machine slams, walls of distorted guitar rolling in and then blooming out into infinite repeats. As with all things Rosie Tucker, this album is not easily slotted into a binary like happy or sad. In the world of Sucker Supreme, concepts like male or female, married or divorced, destruction or salvation, are not two opposite sides of the same coin, they are all connected points on the same sphere.
Rosie exploded into the musical zeitgeist with critically acclaimed 2019 album Never Not Never Not Never Not, sharing stages with kindred spirits Phoebe Bridgers, Soccer Mommy, Vagabon, and Remo Drive. Sucker Supreme is just the right follow-up: still playfully observed, still sneakily political, still indebted to folk singers of the past – but also much, much bigger, brighter, louder and noisier than anything Tucker has dared before.
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Melbourne songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and film composer Albert Salt has returned his stunning new single ‘Think It’s Time To Get A Job’.
Paired with the release is a brilliant video clip produced by Salt from his home studio. The video features Salt performing in front of projections of Melbourne from the 1970’s – it’s a compelling accompaniment that leans into the nostalgic and dream-like atmosphere of the song.
Thematically, ‘Think It’s Time To Get A Job’ pulls on the heart-strings of what many musicians go through – the pressure and anxiety of getting a “real job” and the ever-longing pursuit of a stable and “normal” career. Salt grapples with the notion of leaving it all behind and putting his dreams to bed, but it’s evident to those listening, and to himself, that his creative pursuits will, and should continue.
It’s also a melancholic and reflective piece. ‘Think It’s Time To Get A Job’ exemplifies Salt’s musicianship pairing beautiful performance with intricate arrangement, alongside faultless production. The song truly packs a punch, drawing you in from the outset before taking you on a journey of realisation – the perfect soundtrack for times of reflection and self-doubt.
The track follows a busy 2020 which saw Salt release his first major body of work in five years – 25 Not Doing Alright – featuring singles ‘25’, ‘Daylesford’ and ‘Even Out’. The songs on 25 Not Doing Alright were a new beginning for Salt and the catalyst for a prolific period of songwriting as a solo artist, film composer and member of Juno Disco.
“The last record was extremely personal and revealing. It was a nice challenge to come up with something that could follow that. I decided to go back in time a bit and explore a period of my life where I was working a dead-end job and wasn’t really putting out music under Albert Salt” he explains.
PLAY/LISTEN
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Indian-born and now London-based artist Segiri releases the sparkling and uplifting dance-pop single ‘Parallel’, which is the perfect feel-good tonic as we approach the warmer months and move out of lockdown.
Released on 30 April, the vibrant ‘Parallel’ proves why Segiri has been heralded as “one to watch”, having received strong radio support from BBC Asian Network, Soho Radio and Hoxton Radio. Infused with elements of piano house, synth-pop and R&B, the euphoric single was produced by One Bit (Stormzy, JP Cooper) and Haj (Sigma, Becky Hill) and looks set to propel Segiri to the next level, thanks to its catchy lyrics, anthemic chorus, and Segiri’s powerful yet emotional vocal delivery.
Segiri said: “ Parallel is about two lives or two parts of oneself that run parallel but never quite meet. It’s about trying to find that soul mate but never being able to do so. The dark and good side to you living in parallel and co-existing, aware of each other but never meeting.”
‘Parallel’ has been remixed by fast rising UK House Producer & DJ Tom Ferry, whose deep, bass-infused remix will be released on 28 May.
Segiri’s previous singles, ’Tastes Like Anarchy’, ‘Chances’, and ‘Red Flag’ received strong radio support, including from Ashanti Omkar on the BBC Asian Network, who selected ‘Tastes Like Anarchy’ as one of Ashanti’s 2020 Bangers. Filmed during lockdown and made to look like a Zoom call, Segiri’s music video for ’Tastes Like Anarchy’ won the NeXtup Global Indie Music Competition judged by Mally Mall, Zhavia and Chief Keef. Segiri’s previous three tracks have over 100k plays combined views on YouTube and over 250k plays on Spotify.
Segiri Socials
Laurel Canyon – Nicholas Gillespie, 26, and Serg Cereja, 22 – met two years ago through a mutual friend in their hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania. After connecting over a shared interest in Arthur Rimbaud, the duo began to rehearse rock ‘n’ roll standards in Serg’s garage. By October 2020, Nick and Serg began composing original songs together, the first of which, “Two Times Emptiness,” will be released May 1, 2021 on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube and SoundCloud. Gillespie and Cereja found a new power in their individual craftsmanship through collaboration, both contributing equally to the music and the lyrics, eye-to-eye, line-for-line, creating a song neither felt they could have written alone.
After breaking the ice with the first completely co-written song, they quickly found themselves with more than an album’s worth of material. This unique experience spurred them on to professionally record that first song that had opened the doors. With the help of New York based producer, Craig Almquist, the duo managed to have it recorded in one day, mixed and mastered only four months after they had written it in the fall of 2020. This debut single, an upbeat tribute to the “femme fatale,” was recorded in February 2021 by Ayad Al Adhamy and Craig Almquist at Diamond City Studio in Brooklyn, NY. After the debut single’s release the first of May, their follow up single, “Enemy Lines,” which was recorded in March, is set for release early this summer.
Bandcamp: https://laurelcanyon
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TRACKLIST
the craziest thing i’ve ever done
Cautious
First Grade
Malleable
5
The Beach
in case (there’s a change of heart)
Escape
untitled
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Stay connected with Finn Askew:
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