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The electronic music industry is uniting once more on the 19th, 20th and 21st June with Carl Cox, Eats Everything and Nightmares on Wax amongst the headliners joining the party and inspiring DJ’s around the world to join them and play a Set For Love.
Building on its hugely successful Set For Love in May, the Last Night A DJ Saved My Life charity are looking to continue fundraising in aid of its COVID-19 appeal with another record breaking event.
Raising more than £60,000 across a mammoth 72-hour simultaneous DJ live stream, more than 1,000 DJs took part last time from over 50 different countries. The event saw the likes of Louie Vega, Paul Oakenfold, Jackmaster, Nightmares On Wax, Doorly, Pioneer DJ, Mixcloud and many more industry heavyweights get involved. They were joined by thousands of other DJs of all levels and from all corners of the globe streaming and fundraising. Now LNADJ is taking Set For Love one step further to continue to help communities that are suffering drastically from the consequences of lockdown and with industry heavyweights like Carl Cox calling out to DJs around the world.
The headline sets will be hosted daily on the Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Facebook Page (facebook.com/lnadj.charity/) from 7pm CEST through to 1am on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June. They can also be viewed on DanceTelevision social channels and the artists own channels. The weekend includes a Wax Da Jam showcase on the Saturday. Each session will finish with a community DJ handpicked by the charity for their fundraising efforts at the last Set For Love, giving them a dream opportunity to play alongside some major names.
Friday 19th June
7-8 – Nakadia
8-9 – Deborah De Luca
9-10.30 – Eats Everything
10.30-12 – Carl Cox
12-1 – Nyan Narine (Community DJ)
Saturday 20th June – Wax Da Jam Showcase
7-8 Mark Farina
8-9 -Cut Chemist
9-10 -Simon Dunmore
10-11 – Nightmares On Wax
11 – 12 Statik
12 – 1am – Max Pietrangeli (Community DJ)
Sunday 21st June
7-8 – SKT
8-9 – Pascal Kleiman
9 -11 Louie Vega
11-12 Joe Smooth
12-1 A-Ro (Ashely Robinson Community DJ)
The ongoing event has already seen invaluable work take place in Uganda, Tanzania, Nepal and Indonesia. LNADJ is encouraging community DJs, A-list celebrities, labels, promoters, producers and every one in between to get involved and help raise money to continue to help provide food parcels, fresh water and sanitation supplies to those suffering from the consequences of lockdown and COVID-19 in developing countries.
Jonny Lee, Founder of LNADJ said, “To see some of the most high profile DJs in the world come together with thousands of community DJs is a real inspiration. Although lockdown restrictions may be being lifted in places, the economic crisis for many is getting worse, not better. We’re supporting vulnerable people in developing countries who have no savings, no benefits systems, no furlough! These communities need our help now more than ever so I urge anyone that wants to make a difference and help change people’s lives to join us on June the 19th, 20th and 21st June by sharing a set, spreading the message or donating.”
Carl Cox said “I am really looking forward to playing alongside my peers and to creating a very special musical journey for Set For Love, it feels good to do this for the cause of helping others, with our passion to share. See you all out there. Oh yes!”
Eats Everything said “Playing on line-ups with Carl is special every time, I never expected to be doing it ever, let alone from halfway around the world but it is lovely to be involved in such an inclusive concept such as Set For Love.”
Those looking to take part and make a difference, can simply register at www.setforlove.org, choose the hour(s) they want to broadcast their set, choose the platform they want to broadcast it from and share the LNADJ fundraising link setforlovedoante.org. The sets will then be streamed simultaneously all weekend long, with DJs sharing the link for their fans, friends and family to donate and spread the hashtag #setforlove.
THE DREGGS are Indie-Folk duo, Paddy Macrae and Zane Harris. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast with the ocean by their feet, they formed in 2017 and since have achieved remarkable success with over 2.7millon streams across 6 singles and sold out national 400+ cap room Australian tour runs.
Today they release their new single, ‘Call Me Home’ which perfectly blends folk and indie pop melodies with unforgettable harmonies. Speaking about their new single THE DREGGS observe, “As a musician, it’s really easy to fall into the trap of making something that should be fun and simple, so complex. ‘Call Me Home’ is simply put a happy and energetic track that should be enjoyed lightly. Whether you’re road-tripping down the coastline, thinking about your lover, or just wanting to dance around the house, we feel ‘Call Me Home’ is the perfect theme.”
THE DREGGS encompass a whole range of emotion with their music. Their music is heavily influenced by the ocean, which is a noticeable theme throughout their tracks. With two acoustic guitars, a foot-stomp, and a driving beat, THE DREGGS find themselves writing tracks with a whole range of dynamics. Alongside this, the boys are strong advocates for Mental Health Awareness, touching on elements of mental health in their songs. Growth is a common theme throughout their music, expressing how important it is to grow and change in positive ways.
THE DREGGS are extremely comfortable performing live, whether performing in smaller venues up and down the East Coast of Australia, or at a headlining spot at the Agnes Blues & Roots Festival. It’s been an exciting 12 months for the guys as they have managed to sell out majority of their shows in QLD, NSW, VIC, and even WA, with a rapidly increasing cult following. They also landed themselves a slot on Triple J’s Big Pineapple Festival.
2020 was meant to be an even bigger year, starting out with their ‘Postcards’ National Tour after the release of their single Postcards (2020). Out of a fifteen-show tour the boys managed to sell out thirteen 300-500 capacity shows, however, due to the Covid-19 virus, their sold-out WA shows at the end of the tour were cancelled. Although the music industry came to a halt during this pandemic, THE DREGGS are still working harder than ever, landing themselves an opportunity to feature on several of Ziggy Alberts’ tracks, most notably Together (2020), as well as supporting Kim Churchill on his now-postponed ‘Bright Nights’ Australian Tour at the end of 2020.
THE DREGGS plan on releasing a number of singles throughout this year, including a release for their ‘Keepsake’ National Tour nearing the end of the year.
THE DREGGS ‘Call Me Home’ is out now through Ditto Music.
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Where are you currently based?
I’m currently living in a tiny rural town called Bowen Mountain, on the outskirts of the Greater Sydney area near the Blue Mountains. However, in the time before COVID, I was barely here! I was pretty much constantly on the road, touring both within Australia and internationally.
How did you first start playing music?
Music was always a part of my upbringing as my father has played in bands and written songs his whole life. I grew up thinking that being a songwriter was as normal a career path as being a doctor or a lawyer; it was just what I was exposed to from early on. Having a musical father meant that there were always instruments lying around and my parents didn’t mind my brother and I playing them. I started classical singing lessons at the age of eight but soon discovered, when I turned twelve and picked up a guitar for the first time, that contemporary music and writing my own songs was what I wanted to do with my life.
What’s been happening recently?
I’ve been focused lately on releasing my first new music in two years! I announced an upcoming new EP and put out the first single Found Me on May 1, and the second single My Own Worst Enemy on June 12. It’s been so wonderful to introduce fans to a new part of me through this music, and this EP feels like the first time I’ve made music with no boundaries.
Your new single ‘My Own Worst Enemy’ was written with Alex Lahey, how did you come to work with Alex?
Alex and I met last year in Nashville after I watched her play an incredible gig with her band at the Exit / In. After the show, we met up at Dino’s – Nashville’s greattest dive bar – for a greasy burger and a couple of months later, we got together in Melbourne to write. I’ve always been such a fan of Alex’s music and I was so grateful that she was keen to write together.
What influenced the sound and songwriting?
For me, Alex’s music was a big influence on this song, and I really love the way her DNA is infused into the track since she plays a bunch of guitars and synths on the final version. When we got together to write, we had a bit of a geek out about Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift’s 1989 record, and both those artists ended up being influences on the song too.
Please tell us how the single was written:
Alex and I sat down in a Native Tongue writing room in Melbourne, cups of coffee in hand, and somehow, amidst the random lyric ideas and complaints about the history of my love life pouring out of me, we ended up talking about the feeling of being gaslit in a relationship. It’s awful when someone makes you feel like you’re crazy or paranoid for feeling a certain way, and I know so many people have experienced this disqualification of their feelings from someone they care about.
The idea of being called “your own worst enemy” because you’re supposedly overreacting is something that can lead a lot of people to feel worthless and helpless in a relationship. So I liked the idea of writing this defiant, confident reply saying “you can’t turn me out”, which is a reference to gaslighting and the origin of the expression being from the 1938 stage play Gas Light, where a husband tries to manipulate his wife into questioning her own sanity and perception by, among other things, dimming the house’s gas lights and telling her continually that she is mistaken in thinking it’s getting darker.
Where and when did you record and who with?
We recorded this song and the whole upcoming EP in LA this past January with a great crew, at the core of which was producer Mike Bloom, engineer Will Golden, my manager Jeremy Dylan and myself. We also had some incredible musicians come in to play on the record, including Rock N Roll Hall of Famers, Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello and the Attractions) and Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers). We ended up keeping a bunch of the initial guitars and synths that Alex had laid down on the demo version of the song, because we really loved what she had done and wanted to keep her flavour as an artist on the track.
How did you approach the recording process?
We had such a fulfilling time in the studio recording this track, and the entire EP. For My Own Worst Enemy in particular, my favourite memory of the recording process was having Pete Thomas come in and lay down the drums. This was the song we started with on the day he came in, and hearing Pete count in and then start playing this thunderous beat to one of my songs was a true joy and one of the most beautiful, surreal experiences I’ve had in my career so far.
What does this song mean to you?
To me, this song means standing up for yourself when you’re being undermined in some way. We’ve all been there, whether it’s with a lover, family member, friend or work colleague. It’s important to back yourself and your own gut feelings and know when you’re being manipulated.
How has the feedback been from your recently released single ‘Found Me’?
The feedback for Found Me has been overwhelmingly beautiful. It is certainly the introduction to a new era and a new sound for me, so to see people welcoming the song into their lives with so much love was truly thrilling. I also absolutely loved hearing from people who explained that the song gave them confidence to believe in themselves again after a difficult break up which had made them doubt themselves.
Please tell us about the making of the EP which will be released on August 21, also available for Pre Order now:
Recording this EP, The Making of Me, was one of the most joyous and liberating experiences of my life. Working with Mike, Will and Jeremy brought out a confidence in me I had always sought to capture in the studio. The team’s willingness to embrace a multitude of musical inspirations meant that we felt we were making music that sounded like nothing I’d ever recorded before, but somehow felt more me than anything I’d ever made.
We were referencing wildly different artists, from Prince to Maggie Rogers to Weyes Blood, and I loved the fact that no one ever asked “What genre of music are we making?”
We also got into a great groove during the recording process. I was staying in LA for a few weeks and I’d get up every day, go for a run around Silver Lake, get some coffee and head to the studio, where we’d work all day, call it at a decent hour and sometimes go out for dinner and a drink or two before calling it a night. It was a very civilised and healthy way to record, and I felt like we were all working at full capacity for that reason. Everyone on the team was a huge pleasure to work with, and I couldn’t have asked for better folks to make a record with.
How has your ‘Found Me’ virtual tour been as an experience, what have you found most rewarding and challenging?
I have absolutely loved bringing people these new songs via such an intimate set of shows, where each show has a different theme/instrument. Although I’d love to be playing for crowds in person, this is literally the next best possible opportunity we’ve had to share music with one another lately.
We felt it was important for the shows to be ticketed (even in the pay-what-you-can model) and to make the production quality way higher than just me on my iPhone, so we’ve had Dan Hartley-Allen, who has shot most of my music videos, making it look and sound amazing, to try and give people the feeling they’d have if they were actually in the front row of one of my in-person shows.
It has been incredibly rewarding sharing all the songs from the new EP, most of which are currently unreleased, and seeing people’s reactions to this new material. All the shows so far have been sold out, which is really special. It’s been challenging to play a full show without the give and take of an in-person audience, but I’m grateful that we live in a time where this sort of online connection is even possible.
What do you like to do away from music?
This question always scares me because music takes up pretty much my entire life, but in the small gaps in between, I like to hang out with my dog Socks (a rescue mutt with about 7 breeds in her – she’s cute as hell!) and keep fit with my fantastic personal trainer Manal Garcia. I’m also very into acting, although I don’t get a chance to do it a lot.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I’m really digging Kira Puru’s latest single ‘Idiot’ and Briggs’ ‘Extra Extra’ and I’m obsessively listening to a few albums front to back: Lennon Stella’s ‘Three. Two. One.’, Ruston Kelly’s ‘Dying Star’, Christian Lee Hutson’s ‘Beginners’, and Maggie Rogers’ ‘Heard It In A Past Life’.
What’s planned for the rest of 2020?
I’ll be working hard on releasing my EP in August and as soon as it’s safe to get out there touring again, I will! Until that is possible, I’ll be doing my best to find ways of getting this new music out there and celebrating its release, and also working on some skill-based learning to make sure I’m not completely rusty when I do get back out on the road.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
My two favourite foods are sushi and pizza (not simultaneously), and I love to hang out at Low 302, my favourite venue in Sydney.
Canadian country-pop artist Mandy McMillan is thrilled to be celebrating her new single, “Dream Catcher” – currently available on all digital platforms and new on Canadian radio. The official music video drops the week of June 22nd.
Listen to “Dream Catcher” on Spotify: smarturl.it/SpotifyDreamCatcher
“After a decade of dreaming, chasing, embracing, and growing, ‘Dream Catcher’ defines my sound and my life. Today – as an artist and as a person – I am exactly where I want to be,” says McMillan.
Co-written in Nashville by McMillan and Andrew Beason and produced by Simon Gugala, “Dream Catcher” was inspired by McMillan’s own love of dream catchers that started when she first made them at a festival. The song is both an honest reflection of her unwavering belief in the cultivation and manifestation of goals, and a compelling snapshot of her own journey towards fulfillment.
A performer since age 5, the Edmonton-born McMillan gave up her day job in Stony Plain, Alberta to move to Nashville after winning a 2008 Country Music Television Canada contest. This bold choice has led to an array of moments, like opening for the likes of Trisha Yearwood and Blake Shelton, releasing her self-titled debut 2014 EP, appearing on stage as part of Kenny Chesney’s 2014 CMA Awards performance, showcasing at the 2018 Diamonds in the Rough series during Canadian Country Music Week, making the Top 10 of ole’s “Play for Publisher” for her 2018 single “Chasin’ the Ace”, playing in a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, and showcasing at Whiskey Jam.
Now dividing her time between Canada and Nashville, McMillan wants her new music and her journey to empower others to act on their own ambitions.
She says, “Every dream is worth catching and when you can turn them into reality, it is so worth it in the end. I want everyone who discovers ‘Dream Catcher’ to pursue whatever their souls desire. With the right manifestation, we can all be the little dream catchers that our hearts want us to be.”
“Dream Catcher” is Mandy McMillan’s first radio single release in Canada, where it debuted June 1st. She is supporting the single and video with several unique initiatives, including:
- A “30 Days of Dream Catchers” blog series that highlights inspiring people.
- An official music video release currently set for the week of June 22nd.
- An acoustic video release on July 6th.
- A virtual Edmonton-themed release show on July 13th.
- Her ongoing weekly “Dream Catcher” podcast with co-host Carli Kahl.
Mandy McMillan’s “Dream Catcher” adventure will continue with this fall’s anticipated release of the album of the same name. Until then, she’ll just keep on dreaming – and catching.
For more about Mandy McMillan, please visit MandyMcMillan.com or follow her on streaming and social media platforms:
Spotify: smarturl.it/MandyMcMillanSpotify YouTube: @MandyMcMillan
Facebook: @MandyMcMillanMusic Instagram: @MandyMcMillanMusic
Twitter: @MandyMcMillan
Canadian recording artist Elyse Saunders is excited to share her new country and pop fusion, “Free”, which is newly available on all digital platforms and will hit Canadian country radio on June 22nd.
“Free” – co-written by Saunders and Shawn Moore – is her debut collaboration with acclaimed producer Dan Swinimer (Madeline Merlo, JoJo Mason). An upbeat country song that blends electronic-pop elements and an acoustically driven rhythm with soaring vocals, the summertime story at the heart of the song carries a deeper message for the Peterborough, Ontario native.
“I believe there’s something really beautiful about celebrating life and just taking in the moment. ‘Free’ takes me back to simpler times when I was younger and there were less responsibilities. It’s when a day at the beach enjoying the sunset and watching fireworks was really important to me. I’ve come to learn that it’s these experiences with the people in my life that matter. It’s important to slow down and soak in these quality moments. We need to make time to be free and this single is a reminder of that,” says Saunders.
“Free” is also the first in an exciting wave of new music from Saunders through her new collaborations with Swinimer, as well as with co-producers Paul Shatto and David Wills (The Higgins, Robyn & Ryleigh). All part of her planned album – also called “Free” – these songs will capture her artistic freedom and authentic ability to explore different sectors of the commercial country universe.
Especially passionate about her high-energy live performances, Elyse has done over 350 live shows in North America – including opening at 2019 Canadian Music Week for David James and Kira Isabella and a 2020 FEO Showcase in February – but with live shows on hold due to COVID-19 concerns, she is supporting the release of “Free” with a weekly vlog series on YouTube and connecting with her fans in real-time through regular Facebook Live chats.
Saunders says, “We all have a place in our hearts and minds where we feel free and liberated. I want people to hear this song and be reminded of those moments that take us there and to never lose them. Life can be confusing – especially right now – which makes it even more important to slow down and enjoy quality moments. Keep that high alive!”
“Free” is available across all digital platforms. The lyric video is available on YouTube. The single will drop on Canadian radio on June 22nd.
For more about Elyse Saunders, please go to ElyseSaunders.com or visit her on social media:
Facebook: @ElyseSaundersOnline | Twitter: @Elyse_Saunders
Instagram: @Elyse_Saunders_Music | YouTube: @ElyseSaunders
Spotify: smarturl.it/ElyseSaundersSpotify
Canadian country artist Alex Runions is pleased to introduce his recently released digital single release, “Take It Out On Me”, which will go to Canadian country radio on July 6th.
“Take It Out On Me” – written by Nashville heavyweights John Ozier (Lee Brice), John King (Randy Houser), and Brad Tursi (Old Dominion) – explores the push and pull dynamics of a fiery relationship through a smooth commercial country-pop delivery. It’s the first single from Runions since his 2019 release, “Heartland”.
Speaking about “Take It Out On Me”, Runions says, “I think people are always trying to work on their relationship no matter how long they’ve been together. I was drawn to this song because the passion in the relationship is relatable and real. I hope people who hear this can look at their own relationships and look at how to keep that spark and fire alive.”
Ozier – then the VP of Nashville Creative at ole Publishing (now Anthem Entertainment) – originally approached Runions’ manager, Leslie Mitchell, with the song and the Kipling, Saskatchewan native-turned Saskatoon resident immediately took an interest in it. Under the guidance of CCMA award-winning producer Bart McKay (Brett Kissel, Don Amero, Samara Yung), the essence of the song was preserved within a sleek and modern production.
The 2016 Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year”, Runions enjoyed similar recognition last year with 2020 nominations for “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Songwriter of the Year” for “Heartland”. On stage, he also performed at Country Thunder Saskatchewan, the Calgary Stampede, and the Dauphin Countryfest last year.
As he works more singles for later this year and the chance to return to the stage at the appropriate time, Runions is optimistic about “Take It Out On Me”, saying, “I feel an excitement for this song because the female in the story is in the power position, which sets it apart from most male country songs. She’s holding the cards and making the rules and she’s ultimately guiding where the passion of the relationship will take them. I hope others will listen and discover their own personal meaning from the song.”
“Take It Out On Me” is available on all digital platforms. On July 6th, it will go to Canadian radio.
Find out more about Alex Runions at AlexRunions.com. You can also follow him on social media at:
Facebook: @AlexRunionsMusic | Twitter: @AlexRunions
Instagram: @AlexRunions | YouTube: @AlexRunions
Spotify: smarturl.it/AlexRunionsSpotify
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Plants and Animals
Site Web || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram
secretcityrecords.com
remotecontrolrecords
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The Adam Brown was formed in early 2004, as part of the initial Montreal Indie explosion after leader, Adam had been bored to tears with own acoustic solo record released in January of that year.
The Adam Brown would be different, it would never be boring.
There have been over 20 members of the band in it’s history.
What We’ll Never Know is The Adam Brown’s second full length album, and the first with all new material. It is the result of Adam escaping the weight of the band’s decade in the making first album.
Accomplishments:
Were the first Indie Rock band accepted to have a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts
Have won the MIMI (Montreal Independent Music Initiative) award for Best Songwriter
Toured Europe with Alden Penner and Michael Cera in support of debut album Sometimes I Try.
Music has been in movies such as Jay Baruchel’s Goon 2, and the special edition of Jean-Marc Vallee’s acclaimed C.R.A.Z.Y.
Adam has also worked with Julian Casablancas (of The Strokes), The Pale Lips and Basia Bulat to name a few
Remote Control Records is excited to announce our first-ever compilation – Bloom and Simmer. Digitally released on Friday 26th June, the compilation is a celebration of community, connexion and creativity featuring 21 tracks you’ve never heard before from the Remote Control Records family of artists.
This is the music they make when they’re not making music; a dive beneath the waves, a journey off the beaten path, a glimpse behind the curtain.
Bloom and Simmer brings together artists from Dot Dash Recordings, Barely Dressed Records, Pool House Records, Part Time Records and Interstate 40.
To celebrate the announcement two tracks are available to stream now – ‘Worry Wart’ from Sunbeam Sound Machine and HANDSOME’S cover of Christine and the Queen’s ‘The Walker’ featuring Essie Holt.
Speaking about ‘The Walker ft. Essie Holt’ HANDSOME shared – “When you love a song so dearly, and you have the opportunity to make it your own it is such a privilege. There are so many elements that excite me about releasing this song. Its political sentiment is both educational and powerful. Making this song with Essie Holt was truly wonderful. It just felt so right – to release a cover of a song by a queer woman, with two queer women about the power of our community, in pride month. Hopefully, it is a reminder to some that we are here for each other.”
Speaking about ‘Worry Wart’ Sunbeam Sound Machine shared – “This song has been kicking around in my head for years. I’ve tried to record versions of it for previous albums but it just didn’t quite work so it never made the cut. I started recording it again this year and although it finally came together, I still didn’t feel like it would fit onto the next album. That’s when Dot Dash rang asking if I had anything I’d want to put onto a compilation. The song is about a frequent daydream I had when I was very little about my family having secretly been aliens the whole time, and the day when they all revealed their secret and flew away. I think it’s about wanting to hold onto your loved ones.”
Listen to HANDSOME – ‘The Walker ft. Essie Holt’ via https://handsomeftessieholt.
Listen to Sunbeam Sound Machine – ‘Worry Wart’ via https://sunbeam.lnk.to/
Pre-save Bloom and Simmer via https://RemoteControl.lnk.
Remote Control Records
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify
Soothsayer are elated to share a new release from beloved Sydney-based producer Dro Carey, the hypnotic double A-side ‘Another Knot / Predictions’ which premiered overnight via triple j Good Nights.
First track, ‘Another Knot’ is a hip-hop, acid house and UK garage hybrid that features the silky vocals of London poet and singer RUE, who was the featured artist on BBC Music Introducing in London this past February and whose music has been featured on Reprezent Radio, Complex and TRENCH. After stumbling across RUE’s music on SoundCloud, Dro was instantly blown away and reached out to propose a collaboration, resulting in the delectable club track, with a poetic spoken word overtone that makes it instantly Dro Carey.
Acting as a Yin to the Yang on the two-track offering is ‘Predictions’, a track that was originally a short demo production for an R&B artist. Originally much faster and brighter, the final product is a more subdued journey that still retains a R&B heartstring at its core, while reminiscing on a Burial-esque type beat making it the perfect companion to ‘Another Knot’.
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It is with regret that we inform you about the frauds aimed to “Epizode” festival. The “Epizode: Epilogue (Epizode 5)” announced on social networks yesterday and the advertising campaign launched that day (which was additionally supported by industrial media) were not officially confirmed by us, there were no press-releases regarding these matters.
We were shocked to hear this news, because the decision to hold the next “Epizode” festival has not been taken yet due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. We closely monitor the course of events and the festival dates will be announced as soon as we can be confident of safety of our guests, which has always been a top priority for the festival organizers.
Hence, please do not associate the “Epizode” festival with the announced event and keep clear of fraudsters.
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“Walking Into The Sun” is the song I’ve listened to the most on the new album, probably because it’s the most autobiographical track on the record and it captures a lot of the contradictory emotions I’ve felt in my life.
When I was a kid I used to dream about traveling to places that I never imagined I’d ever get to see and as an adult I actually ended up getting to see many of them in person. What I didn’t realize growing up was that just seeing something didn’t have nearly as much value as being there with someone you could share it with and experiencing the journey through the joy reflected in their eyes. It’s a song that’s both about sharing those magic moments with the love of my life and at the same time feeling the melancholy of longing when we are apart – dreaming of drifting off into the colors of the sun together. One thing that quarantining has done is bring a deeper appreciation of these shared experiences and I hope people can feel it glowing in the song.” – Michael Franti
Just when we thought the world couldn’t get any more challenging with political division, environmental crisis, gun violence and everyone with a keyboard dissing each other all the time, COVID-19 comes along and puts us all on a worldwide time out. And with everyone locked indoors wondering what the heck is gonna come next, there is no better time for music that helps us laugh, cry, rage, soothe, dance and sing through the sea of emotions boiling inside each of us. Music is simultaneously the greatest self-isolating experience (headphones) and the greatest group coalescing experience (live shows) that humankind has invented. I look forward to the days when we can have mass celebrations of gratitude to all those who held optimism in their hearts and got us through the jaws of this virus and songs of love for those family and neighbors who did not. But for now, I’m going to keep putting music into the world that hopefully helps someone find ease of heart, while the planet is on pause.
Physical distancing is currently the only known tactic we have to fight this disease, but that doesn’t mean that we have to be socially distant. In fact, quite the opposite. Now is a time when all of us are being called to find new ways to hear others, be heard and hold space for the emotions that need breath. While all of us long for life to go back to normal, the coronavirus has also shown us that “normal” wasn’t always working, and we are all being called to create great change.
I wrote “I’m On Your Side” to share the message that despite the labels we put on each other to divide us into different groups and force us to choose sides, like political ideologies, gender, race, religion, sexuality and economic standing, we have a lot more in common than we do in difference. We all “stay awake at night wondering if will be all right,” or sit “…at the kitchen table counting up the bills to pay.” And in each of those situations where we start to feel hopelessness creeping in, when we feel most alone in the battle, I want the listener to know, I feel it too. I’m there with you in spirit, without judgment, in solidarity and “I’m On Your Side.”
“This Is How We Living” is about taking the time to celebrate the fun side of life. The break that all of us need and deserve from the chaos of our daily grind, and in gratitude for all the joy that life brings us despite all the hurt in the world. It’s also a gentle reminder that “If you’re looking for the problems in this world, you’re gonna find ‘em, all you’ve gotta do is look out the door. But if you’re looking for that good stuff, it’s already up inside you, all you’ve gotta do is just let it show.”
This record started off as an idea: That it’s important in this time of division in the world to Work Hard And Be Nice To People. Before there was a song and an album by the title, I made a t-shirt for my band and crew that had the saying on it, because I wanted it to be our mantra on tour. When fans saw the shirt, they wanted it and it became our top-seller; it was so popular that I decided to write a song about the concept. Every song on the album is about the power of optimism to get us through our darkest moments and find the light in our loves, lives and for the planet. I collaborated with many different incredible songwriters and it was amazing to hear how all of them understood completely the idea of how important it is for people to have ease of heart in these troubled times. The need for emotions to be able to pass effortlessly as they arise. Music helps with that, and sometimes it brings out feelings we never even knew existed. As I set out making the record, I hoped that it would move people’s hearts and bodies and inspire people to take on the great challenges the world faces today, with courage, love and bold optimism!
Never in a million years would I have imagined we are where we are today with the entire world in self-quarantine, but as I listen to the songs on this record they are all about how we get through the greatest ups and downs of our lives with our body, mind and soul still in one piece.
Today, we are being called to connect with the hearts of others to literally bring about the healing of the planet. There is no higher calling, and I hope this music helps people know that they are not alone in the effort. Each person’s role makes a difference, and we will create billions of small victories that all add up…together!
Work Hard And Be Nice Track Listing is as follows:
- I Got You (Michael Franti & Chris Stevens)
- Sun and Moon (Michael Franti & Chris Stevens)
- Good Shit Happens (Michael Franti & Cappy Franti)
- I Can Still Feel You (Michael Franti & Carl Young)
- Start Small Think Big (Michael Franti, Chris Stevens. Brett Warren & Brad Warren)
- How We Living (Michael Franti & Tim Myers)
- Breaking Down The Door (Michael Franti & Tim Myers)
- The Friends Song (Michael Franti & Daniel Lubwama Kigozi)
- Lay It All Down (Michael Franti, Chris Stevens & James Yeary)
- P.S. I Love You (Michael Franti)
- Work Hard And Be Nice (Michael Franti & Jonathan Singleton)
- Is It Worth A Penny To You (Michael Franti & Carl Young)
- Walking Into The Sun (Michael Franti & Carl Young)
- All My Friends (Michael Franti & Tim Myers)
- I’m On Your Side (Michael Franti & Sean McConnell)
- Daycation (Michael Franti & Nathan Chapman)
- Watching The World Go By With You (Michael Franti & Carl Young)
RECORDED IN: Nashville, TN; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA
MASTERED BY: Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound; Assisted by Will Quinnell
MIXED BY: Mario Borgatta, Dave Clauss, David Cook of Splash of Soda, Jeff Juliano at The Compound, Tim Myers, & Chris Stevens
PRODUCED BY: Michael Franti, Chris Stevens, Tim Myers, Nathan Chapman, & Sean McConnell
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About Michael Franti
Michael Franti is a globally recognized musician, humanitarian, activist, and award-winning filmmaker revered for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, devotion to health and wellness, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Throughout his multi-decade career, Franti has earned Billboard No. 1’s with triumphantly hopeful hits “Sound of Sunshine” and “Say Hey (I Love You),” five Top 30 Hot AC singles, eight Top 25 AAA Singles and three Billboard Top 5 Rock Albums. In January 2019, Franti released his self-directed documentary “Stay Human,” which won an array of awards at film festivals worldwide and influenced his writing for his most recent album Stay Human Vol. II (Thirty Tigers), which debuted at No. 1 on both the Americana and Independent Album charts and received critical acclaim from USA Today, Billboard, Associated Press and Paste.
Michael Franti & Spearhead continue to foster their community both on and off stage with a wish granting non-profit, Do It For The Love, founded by Franti and his wife, Sara. Do It For The Love brings those with life threatening illnesses, veterans, and children with severe challenges to concerts worldwide, fulfilling over 3,300 wishes and touching the lives of over 12,000 people to date. Franti also owns SOULSHINE Bali, a 32-room top-rated yoga retreat hotel located in Ubud, Bali. Amidst touring, Michael Franti & Spearhead have been in recording studios in Nashville, Los Angeles, and San Francisco working with A-list writers and producers on their most diverse record yet, Work Hard And Be Nice, set for release June 19, 2020.
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