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London-based trio Puppy have returned with a huge, brand new single ‘Angel‘, released today through the bands new label Rude Records. This is the band’s first new material since 2019’s ‘iii‘ EP and the first indication of where the band are looking to go sonically with their next set of releases.
Puppy talk about the meaning behind ‘Angel’:
“During 2020 we focused on trying to write the best album the world had ever heard. Our goal for this first single was to combine the power of ‘November Rain’, ‘Purple Rain’ and ‘Can You Stand the Rain’ times 1000. I think you’ll all agree that we massively succeeded.”
‘Angel’ marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the bands career. Having recently signed to Rude Records, they’re excited to finally be able to share the fruits of their creative labour. Crushingly heavy, explosively fun and laced with the group’s signature sense of melancholic melody, ‘Angel’ sets the stage for Puppy to unleash what they’ve been working on out into the world.
The band talk about the inspiration behind the video:
“We at Puppy have always wanted to incorporate the world of gaming into what we do. With the video for our new single ‘Angel’, we all felt that the time was right to branch out into the world on technology. When our initial proposal for a fully immersive Oculus Rift sci-fi fantasy in which our topless avatars do battle with intergalactic warlords was dismissed as ‘really expensive’ and ‘not at all believable’, we quickly suggested a Final Fantasy style concept in which incredibly muscular versions of ourselves went on quests and solved puzzles with giant axes. This was also apparently ‘a terrible idea’.
Our next approach involved a physically interactive training pod module in the style of Michael Jackson’s Space Scramble Training, in which we’d guide players on a perilous mission to Uranus. Our label threatened to drop us when we sent over the treatment. And so, we moved back, one console at a time, between operating systems and decades, until we arrived at the 8-bit capabilities of the NES, the only graphics system simple and cheap enough for us to try and imitate by ourselves. The result is our new video for ‘Angel’, a (not at all) immersive 8-bit gothic fantasy designed and animated by us with love and affection. We hope you enjoy x “
Puppy formed in 2015 when school friends Jock Norton (vocals, guitar) and Billy Howard (drums) met bass player Will Michael while working in a London bar; the three bonded by playing the soundtrack to cult 80s comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and figuring out that Norton and Michael’s voices worked nicely together on Karaoke versions of Van Halen & Metallica. Later that same year, the band released their eponymous debut EP, a joyful blend of swooning power pop and beer-guzzling heavy metal, that quickly earned comparisons to acts like The Smashing Pumpkins, Dinosaur Jr and Weezer fronted by Papa Emiritus of Ghost. Early tracks ‘Forever’ and ‘The Great Beyond’ were picked up and used in the mammoth video game series Guitar Hero, opening up the fledgling group up to a huge new audience and satisfying their axe wielding inner-children at the same time.
A second EP quickly followed in 2016, and ‘Vol ii’ saw the band take their first major steps into the live sphere, with UK festival appearances at Download and 2000 Trees, rounding out a healthy run of tours with acts like Creeper and CKY. In between European tours with Kvelertak and Turbowolf, the band retreated to the studio in England to begin work on their debut album. The result of a lengthy recording process with producers Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Royal Blood), Neil Kennedy (Creeper, Boston Manor) and mixer Adrien Bushby (Placebo, Foo Fighters), ‘The Goat’ was released in January 2019, while the band were midway through an epic European tour with Monster Magnet. The album received rave reviews and cemented Puppy’s status as the oddballs of up & coming heavy music.
‘Angel’ is available worldwide now, via Rude Records
FOLLOW PUPPY
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Stay connected with Luke Hemmings:
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Stay connected with Haviah Mighty:
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Where are you currently based?
We are based out of Nova Scotia, Canada’s Ocean Playground.
How did you first start playing music?
Music and entertaining was something I enjoyed since I was a young kid. I picked up the guitar at age 12 when a couple of my good friends started learning guitar and bass while my best friend has been playing drums since he was five. Shortly after that we started a band writing our own material and covering songs from rock n’ roll heavyweights like Rush, Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue.
What’s been happening recently?
A few weeks back we released our final single “Homesick” before the album release. This song features Christopher Thorn of Blind Melon and has been getting great reception from radio, and our loyal and new fans. We have also been busy planning and prepping for the album release. This includes rehearsals, social media connection, booking gigs, and lots of press. We recently had our song, “Overtime” off our new album play on the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs during a montage going into OT during game 4 where the Montreal Canadiens (our favourite team) won the game.
After a long hiatus where entertainment wasn’t allowed because of the pandemic we are thrilled to be able to start playing shows again in support of our new album.
Your new album ‘No Fools No Fun’ will be out on July 9, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I had an interviewer a few weeks back ask a similar question. He said very animated, “Where did you come up with this sound?!” Then began to describe what he was hearing to me in a perfect way. The interviewer at the time noticed the 60s Brit Rock vocal stylings combine with the 70s and 80s rock n’ roll attitude that was blended with a 90s image and 90’s/2000’s pop/rock sound. That was all mixed in with some doo-wop style vocals and harmonies that could work for a country band. This can be called, “Grease Coast Rock N’ Roll” which is our signature genre that is easiest describe as “Southern Power Pop Rock.”
How did you go about writing the album?
The album is all based on experiences I’ve had in my twenties. A huge growing decade where in the second half I found out who I really was and why the places I’ve been were so instrumental (pun intended) to the journey and my growth as a person. Songs like “Homesick” highlight my life on the road as a musician and sheet metal worker while “Sympathy Card” and “Read Between The Lines” are songs that are a “look in the mirror” kind of tracks; take ownership of your wrong-doings and don’t put blame on anyone but yourself. It’s an album of hard work, perseverance and to make sure you have fun in the meantime while doing all of this.
Where and when did you record/produce the album, and who with?
We recorded the album at Chalet Studio in Uxbridge, Ontario. A beautiful, secluded spot in the country that included our lodging for the duration of tracking. We began recording in the spring of 2019 where we tracked half the album then and the other half in fall of 2019. The album was produced by Brian Moncar (Alice Cooper, Our Lady Peace) and had guest producer John Angus MacDonald (The Trews) who produced ”Sympathy Card.”
How did you approach the recording process?
We wanted to create an album that best represented the energy we bring at our live shows so we did the album live off the floor with everyone tracking together at the same time. The vocals were overdubbed afterwards so there wasn’t any bleed into the tracks. This is definitely the way we’ll be recording for the rest of our career because it is the most genuine representation of who and what we are as a band.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the album?
The most challenging thing was holding off on releasing the album. We had initial release plans of a Spring 2020 release, but the pandemic put that to a screeching halt so we had to go back to the drawing board. We worked hard to stay creative to not only to keep momentum but build our fanbase while not being able to perform live. We had the intention to release the album to go hand in hand with our live show so naturally that meant touring the album. With the world opening back up and our new release date of July 9th it seems that our patience will be worth the wait. The most rewarding part about it all was having a dream come into fruition. We collaborated with a slew of fantastic industry professionals on this album and the end product is something we can be proud of forever.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
The latest Foo Fighters album, “Medicine at Midnight” has been on heavy rotation for me for the last few months. They’re such an inspirational band. The good guys in rock n’ roll who we strive to be like. Good role models, amazing vibe and fantastic music.
What do you like to do away from music?
Honestly music consumes my brain a good 90% of the time. When I’m not doing music, I like to create posters/graphic work (that usually is for the band or my own solo work…whoops, haha.) I love to adventure and see what nature has to offer. Living in Nova Scotia we have such a beautiful landscape where hiking, road trips, and one-off breweries pop up from town to town. Adventuring would be my favourite pass-time besides music.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?
The remainder of our year consists of touring Canada in support of the album release. We’ll be doing multiple dates in the Maritimes all summer before heading to Ontario in September for gigs and some unfinished business. This trip will also include planning for album number three and a live album in between the two studio releases.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I just moved to a place called Stellarton in Pictou County and coincidentally down the road from my house is a spot called, “Andre’s Pizza.” I obviously was intrigued because the spot had my name which isn’t a popular one in the area so the first day here I stopped in. It turns out the restaurant is a music themed place that has a jukebox from Elvis’ Graceland collection, some of my favourite records displayed on the wall autographed and the best pizza you can sink your teeth into. I’ve been back there more than a handful of times and know it’s going to be another home for me, haha. On the other side of things about 10 minutes in the opposite direction is the studio we rehearse at called, “Sea Level Sound.” The band has been going here since 2016. It inspired a lot of songs from the album; “The Swedish Motel” and “Labels” in particular. The owner, Gord Stensrud is a great friend of ours and was also a guest on the “Labels.”
Twitter: @APandTheGiants
Facebook: /andrepettipasandthegiants
Instagram: @apandthegiants
Website: www.andrepettipasandthegiants.com
Title: Ride or Die (ft. Bobby Saint)
Label: Self-released
Florida native PLS&TY teams up with LA-based Barbados-born singer/songwriter Bobby Saint for the new collaboration “Ride or Die,” a feel-good summertime anthem that will transport you to being on vacation with your one and only. Featuring groovy but gentle melodies from PLS&TY and Saint‘s heartfelt, wide vocal talents, “Ride or Die” is a song you’ll want to play over and over again this season; it embodies love, positivity, and connection – all of which form the fabric of the beautiful human experience. Check out what PLS&TY had to say about the inspiration behind the new release below:
“‘Ride or Die‘ is a summertime, feel-good single that encompasses love & romance. Bobby Saint‘s vocals lead listeners to imagine time spent in tropical paradise with their partner. Together, Bobby Saint and I created a song that transmits the ethos of the PLS&TY brand: good vibes and good times. Enjoy.” – PLS&TY
Tommy Leas, a Florida native – better known as PLS&TY – is burgeoning into the electronic dance music scene with his unique sound: languid bass, captivating vocals, and enough upbeat melodies to make anybody feel good. After a collection of chart-topping singles including “Good Vibes” (#1 on iTunes US Electronic Charts), “Down For Me,” “Rebel Love (#1 on iTunes US Electronic Charts), and “Motives” (#1 on iTunes US Electronic Charts / Top 25 Billboard Electronic Charts), PLS&TY would see his productions Remixed by Grammy-nominated Morgan Page, Rusko, Cazzette, Bondax, YehMe2 (Josh from Flosstradamus latest venture), and more. His own remix of Genevieve‘s “Colors” was featured in a Hershey‘s chocolate television commercial that has amassed over 1 billion views. With his brand new “Very Special” EP released in April of 2020 that includes pop records with artists like Sean Kingston, Wifisfuneral, & Alex Aiono (of Netflix‘s “Finding Ohana“), PLS&TY is showing no signs of slowing down, even after a busy 2019 touring season which included A-List festivals Shaky Beats, Breakaway, Electric Forest, EDC Las Vegas, & more.
Title: Make Up Your Mind (feat. Jaden Michaels)
Label: Dim Mak Records
QUIX returns to Steve Aoki‘s Dim Mak imprint with his new single “Make Up Your Mind,” featuring Nashville singer/songwriter Jaden Michaels, a drum & bass gem with QUIX‘s signature emotive punch. The heavy DnB influence pays homage to QUIX‘s homeland New Zealand, where this dynamic music genre has always had a powerful following. “Make Up Your Mind” opens with a heartfelt, soulful voice by Jaden and rides on a steadily building bassline that culminates in a high-energy, goosebump-inducing drop. The track follows QUIX‘s earlier release “IDK Vol. 2” from earlier this year and is his second collaboration with Jaden Michaels, after 2018’s “Giving Up” who released recently her solo single “Every Last Thing.” Read on for QUIX‘s story on how “Make Up Your Mind” came to be.
“I actually started writing this beat last year during a twitch stream; funnily enough, Jaden had already sent me the topline months before. Essentially, I mashed up the beat with her vocal and surprised myself with how well they worked together. I’ve never made a DnB song like this before, and I wanted to challenge myself to incorporate the mainstream style with my signature style. Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoyed yourself, especially on that last drop” – QUIX
Hailing all the way from New Zealand, QUIX initially traveled to North America in 2017 for 10 shows and finished up doing an astonishing 42 stops. He has been tearing up the trap scene ever since, continuously shaking the new ground with his unique sound design. Coming off three headline tours in 2018, including Coachella and support on Steve Aoki‘s Kolony tour, QUIX had a break-out year with his “Illusions EP” on Dim Mak. It has racked up millions of plays and creatively merged genres with powerful vocals while staying true to QUIX‘s signature sound. He has also been honored by Spotify to feature on the cover of their two biggest international dance playlists, “Mint” and “Dance Rising,” and officially remixed the likes of Steve Aoki, GASHI, RL Grime, and more. Jaden Michaels is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. In her career as a songwriter, she has collaborated with some of pop music’s biggest stars, including Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Robin Thicke, and more. In 2012 and 2013 Jaden co-wrote one of the songs performed on the season finale of American Idol. Her songwriting work on Carly Rae Jepsen‘s album “Kiss” received the 2013 Juno Award for “Album of the Year.” Stay tuned for more music coming from these exciting and talented artists very soon.
With their new release for 2021, Sydney indie rock group Eagle Eye Jones present ‘Paperskin’. Inspired by the events of last year, the single encapsulates the uncertainty of the times we have lived through, and the wonderment of what a new normal can potentially be.
Taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album, ‘Paperskin’ is one of Eagle Eye Jones’ darkest releases yet but stands out as one of their most striking and dynamic. As a unit, they have developed refreshed strength and confidence as they worked on the full album – exploring new influences and sounds to incorporate into their new music.
The sound of ‘Paperskin’ is rich and textured, thriving on defining rhythms, guitars and urgency in its pacing.
“Inspired upon the brink of COVID lockdown in March 2020, ‘Paperskin’ is a song about a disappearing world. Walking through the empty streets of Newtown I was struck by the notion that all the perceivably ‘immovable’ structures such as society, economy, and, to an extent, general human decorum, where only paper thin and had crumbled around me in a day. I felt utterly alien and alone. A sobering yet spine-tingling realisation.”
Luke Saunders, Eagle Eye Jones
The broodiness of ‘Paperskin’ has been brought to life by Kane Lehanneur (The Sauce), who took the band’s idea for using newspaper headlines as the core of the music video. The end result, dramatic and impactful, captures the energy of ‘Paperskin’ perfectly.
“Months leading up to the shoot we had this loose idea to use newspaper headlines, mainly from COVID times. Luke’s dad (Bruce from Balgowlah), loves reading newspapers so he put aside particular pieces that he thought would work. By the time we got around to the shoot we had hundreds of newspapers to sort through… Then came assembling it on the faces. We were all mummified with COVID headlines, it took hours. Someone lost count of the amount of frames we had taken during Jamin’s take, and he ended up being under there for 500 frames, about 300 longer than everyone else, and we were all taunting him with snacks whilst he had to patiently sit there until the end.” Eagle Eye Jones
PRAISE FOR EAGLE EYE JONES
“Eagle Eye Jones know their way through a jam and I’m a sucker for it. It’s a wonderland dreamscape and I don’t want to drift away from this ever.”
Claire Mooney, Triple J
Claire Mooney, Triple J
“Eagle Eye Jones have made every second of this 5 minute sprawler worth it with the slow building emotion and grandiose vision that’s well and truly come to life.”
Declan Byrne, Triple J
“It really seems only a matter of time before Eagle Eye spread themselves all over the country, and perhaps, the world.”
Life Without Andy
“It’s hard to pinpoint exactly who the five-piece sound like, which, in my eyes, is what you’re looking for in new bands.”
Pedestrian.TV
“We’ve been hooked on the sultry and groove-laden sounds of Eagle Eye Jones for a while now. The band ooze out an intoxicating concoction of jams that it’s virtually impossible to resist. “
Happy Mag
‘Paperskin’ is out now.
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
With new single ‘On Repeat’, Fremantle five piece Figurehead are cracking open a brand new chapter for themselves as a group.
They’re part of West Australia’s current wave of young artists adding their own unique flavour to the country’s indie rock tapestry; ‘On Repeat’ serves as an introduction to East Coast newcomers and for those playing at home, a reminder of the talents at play. In recent years, the band has been thriving off their expansion as a live unit, using what opportunities were available in 2020 to road test new music and prepare for a new year of music goodness.
Which brings us here: a three and a half-minute blissed out ride, indie rock built on a foundation of groove, melody and sun-kissed vibes.
Says Figurehead frontman Joe Caddy, ‘On Repeat’ explores feelings of paranoia and entrapment, particularly ‘those that manifest themselves whilst under the influence of psychedelic substances.’
“The main riff that initiated the song was the first thing I played when I picked up my new Fender Telecaster and the lyrics followed. The song initially had a longer run time and a different structure, but the short poppy skeleton of the song was in part, the vision of Dave Parkin of Blackbird Studios, who produced the song.”
Figurehead, Joe Caddy
For the ‘On Repeat’ music video, Figurehead linked up with Cooper Gordon and Ashleigh Hunter (Gordonco Visuals) to collaborate. Filmed at Perth’s Johnny Ma Studio, the ‘On Repeat’ video definitely captures the off-kilter dreamlike vibes the song itself produces.
“They [Cooper and Ashleigh] were super organised and smashed it out in a day, including Joe having to get into a cold swimming pool for the underwater shots. Cooper and Joe had a clear vision for the video and the chemistry between the two was obvious.”
Figurehead
Figurehead have developed consistently since their inception into a formidable young force on the West Australian music scene.
Forming in high school, then hitting the ground running with music as their priority straight out of it, the band had their first major breakthrough in 2018, where their single ‘Ear To Lend’ won the WAM Song of The Year Award. The same single was also nominated for Best Indie/Alternative Rock Song at the 2019 Independent Music Awards, held in New York.
And now, with their lineup and direction ready and raring to go for 2021, Figurehead can’t wait to be back on live stages, getting more new music out to the masses.
PRAISE FOR FIGUREHEAD
“Can see this one at a festival – people singing along while thinking about their own life. it’s simple, catchy rock.”
Triple J, Declan Byrne
Triple J, Declan Byrne
“Classic indie pop with a sweet textured voice that’ll sit just right on everyone’s taste buds.”
Triple J, Claire Mooney
“Catch AF and tight as a treasurer’s purse string in the middle of a financial crisis.”
RTRFM, Pete Barr
‘On Repeat’ is out now.
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
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TRACKLIST
I Have A Love
You Stayed / To Live
To Have You
Top Scheme
The Myth / I Don’t
The Shape Of You
Birthday / The Pain
You Live / No One Like You
Leave Me Not Love
Stay connected with For Those I Love:
Website | Instagram | Bandcamp
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Danish audio company AIAIAI demonstrates its ongoing commitment to creation with the unveiling of two new editions to its award-winning and uniquely modular TMA-2 range. Trusted by music creators and performers on the road, in the studio, and on stage, AIAIAI continues to set impressive new standards for component headphones.
Featuring an upgraded sound quality and focus on the evolving demands of the modern production environment, the new TMA-2 Studio and TMA-2 Studio XE models are professional modular studio headphones equipped with AIAIAI signature audio and superior comfort. Building upon the industry leading and history of the constantly evolving TMA-2 headphone, AIAI
A headphone for discerning music makers, the TMA-2 Studio features highly detailed audio from the signature bio-diaphragm driver which ensures precise and reliable audio and isolation for the creative process. The bio-cellulose speaker diaphragm is made of a bacterial cellulose, an organic compound grown using certain types of bacteria. Renewable and biodegradable, with powerful acoustic properties, the diaphragm is made up of a structure of fine fibres. These fibres construct a very solid but lightweight material making it ideal for a speaker diaphragm.
“We are inspired by the rapidly growing community of music makers. The entry barriers to music creation have never been lower and we’re excited to be part of it! With the Studio and Studio XE, we bring the best from years of collaboration with artists and the award-winning TMA-2 into the hands of more creative people all over the world.”
Frederik Jørgensen (AIAIAI, Co-founder)
Applauded for their sturdy build and responsible design, the new additions to the range continue with innovation; providing enhanced comfort in the form of indulgent and resilient ear cushions covered in Alcantara on the TMA-2 Studio model and lightweight vegan leather cups with the TMA-Studio XE respectively. With both the TMA-2 Studio and the TMA-Studio XE featuring AIAIAI’s awarding winning and industry first bio-diaphragm driver, the Alcantara ear cushions are the perfect pairing on the TMA-2 Studio model creating both high-level comfort and increased sound profile. The new inclusion of the lightweight vegan leather cups on the TMA-Studio XE offer higher sound isolation, resulting in an advanced and diverse workflow for users. Both new editions also include the C02 cable which has been a signature feature of the TMA-2 headphone making it an ideal asset for studio production.
Both models revolve around the TMA-2 Modular Headphone System, which since its launch in 2015 has now become an industry benchmark with the uniquely bespoke opportunity to upgrade individual parts, or change between different combinations, extending longevity of the product.
The latest editions to the range will be available from mid-July at SRP €229.00 for the TMA-2 Studio and at SRP €179.00 for the TMA-2 Studio XE. AIAIAI have also partnered with digital DJ and music production software company Serato, to offer an exclusive bundle when purchasing the TMA-2 Studio headphones. Consumers will receive a free, limited time monthly membership to Serato’s music production DAW, Serato Studio.
Find out more on the TMA-2 Studio and TMA-2 Studio XE.
KEY FEATURES OF THE TMA-2 STUDIO RANGE
Signature AIAIAI sound tuned for clarity and detail.
Critically acclaimed sound specifically designed for studio use with a clear and highly detailed sound representation. AIAIAI paired the biocellulose diaphragm with a high-grade neodymium magnet which resulted in a speaker unit that offers a clear mid-range better dynamic and a more natural overall tonality. When tuning the speaker unit special attention was given to the clarity in the mid-range without compromising the extension in the bass range. This results in a very wide soundstage with great instrumental separation.
Enhanced comfort with Alcantara®. (applicable to the TMA-2 Studio only)
Ultra-soft over-ear memory foam cushions covered with resilient, CO2 neutral, and highly comfortable Alcantara® ideal for longer sessions.
Bio-diaphragm speaker for enhanced accuracy.
Diaphragm precision-grown from bio-cellulose making it stiffer, lighter and stronger than regular PET speaker units. The biocellulose speaker diaphragm is made of a bacterial cellulose which is an organic compound that is grown using certain types of bacteria. Bio-cellulose is an interesting material for many reasons: it’s renewable biodegradable and it has great acoustic properties.
High quality cable.
High quality coiled cable extending up to 3.2m for flexible and lossless experience.
Responsible modular headphones – designed to last.
Upgrade and expand as technology or needs evolve to extend the functional lifetime of the product and create less waste for the planet.
Two-year warranty
To guarantee long term, reliable audio performance a two-year warranty is included.
ABOUT AIAIAI
Founded in 2006 in Denmark, AIAIAI is an audio company dedicated to developing premium products for music makers. Trusted for music creativity and in the most vigorous environments – on the road in the studio and on the stage. AIAIAI boasts a world-renowned network of professional music makers as part of its highly collaborative development process.
Driven by a responsible design philosophy the brand remains committed to doing things better. This is a foundational principle across all AIAIAI products and packaging. The materials used are carefully selected to reduce the environmental impact and ensure the products are designed to last. By designing for longevity, and with modularity the products can be upgraded as technology or needs evolve, extending the functional lifetime of the products.
Website: www.aiaiai.audio
Stay up to date: https://aiaiai.audio/
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TRACKLIST
Strangers
I Can Only Whisper ft. BADBADNOTGOOD
If I Could
Lovesick Utopia
Mountains
Danny’s Interlude
Changes
Take Care of You ft. Syd
Keep Moving
Wish It Was Easy
Adam Complex
Stay connected with Charlotte Day Wilson:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
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Releasing a full collection of music can be daunting for any artist, though dropping an album like this after the year we’ve all just been through feels cathartic – how are you feeling about the whole process, now you’re at the end of it?
I think yes to a lot of people, the idea of dropping any type of work during or post covid is a bit of a weird one. For me the concept of releasing my own album was something I thought I’d be delving into years down the line. I wouldn’t say my project was the sole consequence of covid, but it did play a big part. Like many I was out of a job, I had moved back home, and it gave me a chance to listen to a lot of the music/demo’s I had done over the past three years. About half of the songs on the project are a result of this study and the rest of the songs came through time and as the world kind of grew back together. Whilst I’m super proud of the album itself, I still feel a sense of imposters syndrome about it all. ‘How have I even put this together?’ etc etc. In saying all this, the album to me was about my personal growth, and has been a really good basis in the new music which I’m writing everyday.
We’ve heard some tops singles already from the album – how do you think they represent who Oly Sherman is as an artist in 2021?
I think with any of my work but particularly my singles off the album, they quite literally depict my life in those circumstances. Songs such as ‘Madness’ and ‘In The Summer’ are lyrically, pretty accurate representations of my emotional and physical state within the perspective. Whilst saying all of this, my taste and musical writing continues to grow. This album is definitely a representation of myself, but also a chance to show my growth. I’m even more excited to show what I’ve been cooking after the albums release.
And within the wider scope of the album, what is it about these recent singles that represent the energy of the whole album do you think?
I think in regard to a ‘wider scope’, these singles best represent my first few years of song writing as a whole. I was and to some respect, still am super familiar with writing those types of songs. The album is definitely a representation of that type of writing process that I felt comfortable with.
What has it meant to you that you’ve been able to have music as an outlet to concentrate on as we’ve had to grapple the pandemic?
I think its necessary to firstly say, that I was definitely a lucky one during covid. I was very, very thankful to have my family there as a support and know that a lot of other people weren’t so lucky in those respects. For me music and writing of music will always be a personal thing. I’m lucky enough that I can somewhat place that on an empty canvas and share it with the world. It’s a creative method which seems both easy and ‘nonchalant’. Rather than a distraction, I used my music as a means of perspective. It was present every day and kept my mind on what made me mentally healthy.
For people who might be coming to your music for the first time with this music, is there a particular song/s off the record that you’d say are the one/s you’re most connected with now (and why)?
Different for me, as some of the songs from the project I love in certain ways, and some songs which the band and I have performed I love in different ways. I think for someone coming to my gig for the first time, the main message from me is just to just focus on having a good time. I think especially when comparing it to covid related things, everyone coming back to gigs just want to be happy and share the joy of live music again. I want nothing more than that in my live shows.
This album is one of those records specifically made to be listened to front to back: was this an element you always had wanted to implement?
To be honest at the time, no but I think projects and music grows naturally into ways you didn’t expect them to prior. I’ve listened to the album a number of times and am pretty confident the order shares my mind state throughout.
Land of All Pretend is out now.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed