Music News

UPCOMING NEW ALBUM TRUE LOVE
OUT THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 ON GRAND JURY

Portrait credit: Pooneh Ghana

Hovvdy, the Texas duo comprised of Charlie Martin and Will Taylor, have shared a Hayden Hubner-directed video for their new single ‘Blindsided‘. “There was a huge magnolia tree across the street from the house where I grew up. I have this vivid memory of a storm rolling in and climbing up so high I stuck my head out the top. This song is filled with similar memories, the kind that push and pull you. I was so scared and I was so happy” says Charlie Martin. Hovvdy is gearing up to release their new album, True Love, this Friday, October 1 via Grand Jury. The Andrew Sarlo (Bon Iver, Big Thief) co-produced album has received support from Pitchfork, NPR, The FADER, Consequence of Sound, Stereogum, Paste, UPROXX, Under The Radar, and Brooklyn Vegan.

Last year, Charlie Martin impulsively wrote T-R-U-E L-O-V-E in all caps across the top of what would become the title track of his and Will Taylor’s fourth Hovvdy album. The on-the-nose instinct encapsulates the LP’s elemental look at relationships – familial, romantic, friendly – and that desire to capture them in a bottle. Since the creation of their last album, both Charlie and Will have married their partners. Will became a father. A nod to their roots and a reach for more, True Love maturely embraces the best of the duo’s hyper-genuine, chin-up qualities developed over the past seven years. Charlie and Will first met at a baseball game while touring with other bands, both as drummers. Back home in Austin, the pair connected over shared sports-centric upbringings in Dallas and, most prominently, likeminded batches of solo songwriting. The interlocking tracks would become 2016 LP Taster, introducing a comforting sonic push-and-pull continued in the innate melodies of Cranberry (2018) and the propulsive storytelling of breakthrough Heavy Lifter (2019). Fourth album True Love follows a surprisingly folksy and beautifully determined course, just hinting at the lo-fi layers of the Austin-based project’s DIY origins. Co-produced by the genre-morphing Andrew Sarlo (Nick Hakim, Big Thief, Bon Iver), the acoustically-driven, forward-looking songwriters’ statement stamps Hovvdy’s debut with Grand Jury Music. Charlie and Will add: “This collection of songs feels to us like a return to form, writing and recording songs for ourselves and loved ones. Spending less energy consumed with how people may respond freed us up to put our efforts into creating an honest, heartfelt album.” Throughout 2020, the band visited Sarlo’s small Los Angeles studio to put down their biggest- sounding record yet. Trusted guidance freed Charlie and Will to play to their strengths on essential elements – an upright piano, an acoustic guitar, a few keyboards. Songs harken to the duo’s Southern totems of Townes Van Zandt and Lucinda Williams, with longtime collaborator Ben Littlejohn adding pedal steel and dobro for subtle drawl. Will calls True Love “the other side of the coin” from past LP Heavy Lifter’s tweaked pop, reflecting instead on the sturdy strums of sophomore Cranberry. “Sarlo heard things in our individual production styles that we might otherwise feel self-conscious about, but he would lean into them,” says Charlie. “We knew we could come in with a very stripped- down acoustic guitar song and it would end up being expansive and vast. I felt really confident in letting this record be as tender and beautiful as we could make it, knowing there would always be a layer of darkness in there.” ‘Blindsided’ embodies the bespoke Hovvdy balance. Charlie’s waltzing piano lines and classical bedding make way for punctuated vocal assurances. Will’s textured guitar downbeats also softly power syncopated storytelling on ‘Lake June‘. Channeling the warmth of new fatherhood, he repeats “I love you so much” at the song’s center. In the exuberant rush of title track ‘True Love‘, Charlie references his old Cranberry-era song ‘Colorful‘ – a wizened callback to a growing catalog, forever morphing in hindsight. Shaking off any nostalgic haze, the new album’s immediate production places their detailed scenes surely in the present. There’s flashes of a magnolia tree, a Tom Thumb, a cross on a trailer. ‘Around Again‘ frets over the fleetingness: “Memory won’t let me take a picture / Turn to me and tell me you’ll remember.” “It’s about resiliency and appreciating the little moments, even when the big picture can be daunting,” says Will. “I’m proud of how we let the songs and the feeling of the record do the work for us. Even in somber moments, the joy behind the music is noticeable, and that’s what makes it special to me.”

Hovvdy True Love 1.Sometimes 2.True Love 3. Lake June 4. Gsm 5. Around Again 6. Hope 7. Joy 8. One Bottle 9. Blindsided 10. Hue 11. Junior Day League 12. I Never Wanna Make You Sad

True Love by Hovvdy out October 1 on Grandy Jury / Inertia Music Pre-order: https://hovvdy.lnk.to/truelove

For more information on Hovvdy follow them below.

September 29, 2021 0 comments

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RELEASE ALBUM TITLE TRACK

TAKEN FROM IN ORDER TO KNOW YOU
OUT DECEMBER 3 ON BELLA UNION

Photo credit: Zora Keuttner

With their new album In Order to Know You due out December 3 via Bella Union, and having previously shared a video to lead track ‘Alchemilla’, Deep Throat Choir today share the LP’s beguiling title track. Of the track founder member Luisa Gerstein says: “In Order to Know You is a tender love song about the insufficiency of words sometimes. It also refers to the body of work – we make these songs in order to know each other more fully, and music as a whole is a means of understanding and communing with each other in a deeper way.” “I’m reeling, I’m restless,” sing Deep Throat Choir from the heart of their second album. That restlessness manifests in a set of tremendously abundant, original songs from the East London vocal collective, which consists of women and non-binary members and was founded by Landshapes member Luisa Gerstein. To be released at the end of the year, In Order to Know You is a multi-layered assertion of freshly expansive range, driven by two core virtues: a sense of strength in unity and an open embrace of its singers’ personal experiences, shared through collective, supportive vocal expression. After 2017’s largely covers-based debut album, Be OK, the choir recognised the call to evolve. “Having been singing together for five-plus years, and having released an album of mostly covers, it felt like the logical next step to make our own music together,” says Gerstein. “This album is the alchemy of all the specific voices and players that make up the choir, and a collaborative process of writing and sharing music and ideas. Sonically, I wanted to move beyond just voices and percussion, to see what richness could be brought with instruments and electronics, and to transition from a choir that does covers to a band with loads of vocalists.”  The rewards of that leap are immediately evident on first single ‘Alchemilla’, named after the herbaceous perennial. A testimony to the strength in vulnerability, it celebrates an openness to emotion across buoyant harmonies that “ebb and flow” like cool waves. With words by Heloise Tunstall-Behrens, Alice Freedman and Holly Turnbull, the song emerged from a jamming session in Margate and a conversation about masculinity.

A rolling piano buoys up ‘Lighter’, which channels Sun Ra’s influence into a song that upholds the support found in mutual connectivity. Meanwhile, the gorgeous swoon of ‘Patience’ again illuminates how individual singers’ experiences can take shape within the choir, to become something held by all. “I wrote ‘Patience’ as a kind of eulogy for my mum’s funeral,” says Rosa Slade. “Music for me was the easier way to express a combined and confusing feeling of grief and celebration of life. I joined Deep Throat a few months later and found the choir space brought such deep holding through song and collectivity. When Luisa began to compose and gather for the second album, it felt natural somehow for the song to be held by those voices too; so it could live by transforming into something new and shared; becoming multiple stories existing in unison.”  From there, In Order to Know You heads towards its climax without seeming to touch the ground, from the title track’s devotional exhalation to the stealthy, smoky shimmer of ‘Unstitching’. Its lyrics drawn from a poem by Emma Cleave, the sublime ‘Field of Not Knowing’ closes the album in a vivid tapestry of folk-gothic images and serene-to-soaring arrangements. For Deep Throat Choir, the result is both a culmination of journeys taken so far and a lustrous springboard for further adventures. Their travels began in 2013, when the collective took shape from a desire to strip music back to the basic elements of raw voices and drums, united in a fashion that both honours and transmogrifies personal expression. A small group of four or five singers steadily expanded, with Zara Toppin’s drums providing a propulsive energy. Cathartic live shows and collaborations followed, ranging from team-ups with Peggy Sue, Stealing Sheep, Horse Meat Disco and Matthew E White to a fruitful collaboration with techno-pop duo Simian Mobile Disco on the 2018 album Murmurations followed: a testament to the choir’s alchemical abilities. At a residency at the Prah Foundation, Margate, seeds were sown for the new songs. An increased confidence bloomed as the band pushed at its boundaries, an evolution aided by engineer Andy Ramsey and the vast range of the contributors’ musical talents. Emerging organically, the songs reflect the experiences and worlds of the singers who contributed to the writing process. Alongside soloists Tanya Auclair, Liv Stones, Holly Holden, Elly Condron, Miryam Solomon, Fikir Assefa, Maddie Rix, Rosa Slade, Heloise Tunstall-Behrens, Fran Lobo and Gerstein, new contributors included brass players Marcus Hamblett and Emma Gatrill, plus pianist Sam Beste. From within the choir, Kate Burn played cello, Sarah Anderson played violin/viola, Tunstall-Behrens played bass and Auclair contributed synth parts. Recording took place before lockdown; Gerstein produced, while Jimmy Robertson (Anna Calvi, Peggy Sue) mixed the record. The album title reflects that drive towards a kind of questing togetherness. “We made this music in order to know and understand each other more fully,” says Gerstein, “and that’s what music is in general. We’re saying it to each other, and to the listener.”

In Order to Know You by Deep Throat Choir is out December 3 on Bella Union / [PIAS] Pre-order: https://smarturl.it/dtc_iotky

For more information on Deep Throat Choir, follow them below.

September 28, 2021 0 comments

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Having released their internationally acclaimed debut album, ‘Daydream‘, rising Australian music stars, The Buckleys, return with ‘Woodstock69’ — an ode to one of the most monumental moments in music history. It features a beautifully curated music video that was directed by the youngest band member, Molly Buckley who shot the video at Chris Murphy’s beloved Ballina property, Sugar Beach Ranch. Woodstock69 delivers one of the many highlights from their full-length album.

Listen to Woodstock69 

HERE

‘Woodstock69’ perfectly captures the Byron Bay siblings’ exquisite song-writing and feel-good foundations. Written by Sarah Buckley, Phil Barton (Nashville’s Music Row Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year) and Dave Thomson (co-writer #1 hit ‘Champagne Night’ by Lady A)  and scheduled for release on Petrol Records / UMe, ‘Woodstock69’ is a nostalgic love letter to live music and the impact it has had on their lives and fellow performers.

With the band’s signature authenticity and aura of liberation, Sarah’s alluring vocal palette, paired with both the charming instrumentals and finely crafted videography results in a stunning audio-visual aesthetic that sways between snippets of the sibling trio and original footage from the famous 1969 Woodstock festival.

“Beyond Woodstock, this song is reminiscent of the times we all stood in packed crowds, singing songs, holding the hands of strangers, and dancing together. It’s a song that embodies the excitement we have for when we all get to do this again. This is our love letter to live music and the impact Live Music has had on all of our lives.” The Buckleys

Whilst Australia is currently unable to host live events, the band has not lost their creative spirit and recently launched the Soulfood Sessions – performing all their favourite cover songs from their home studio, Soulfood Studios which can be viewed through their YouTube channel. The performances are reminiscent of their virtual live tour with Live Nation last year that exposed the band to over 5 million viewers globally.

For media enquiries, including interviews and all things press-related, please contact:

“The holy grail of modern surf guitar albums” – Ride The Wave Magazine

“A high water mark of the late 90s surf guitar genre” – Surf Or Bust Digest

Surf-N-Burn – the bodacious 1997 debut album by the classic surf trio Blue Stingrays – has rocked, rattled and rolled since its original release on Epitone Records. Twenty-four years later and long out of print, Epitone is re-releasing the album on vinyl today.

Upon its original release, the members of Blue Stingrays were touted as iconic yet anonymous surf rock pioneers. Now, after decades of whispers and speculation, the identities of these mysterious musicians have been officially confirmed as guitarist Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers/Fleetwood Mac/The Dirty Knobs), bassist Ron Blair (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers) and drummer Randall Marsh (Mudcrutch).

Two outtakes from the original ‘Surf-N-Burn’ recording sessions were recently unearthed and are being released digitally alongside the vinyl re-release. “Grits and Eggs” keeps a steady, low key vibe while “Dawn Patrol” will inspire you to boogie to the beach with your board.

Like those who roamed the globe and found the perfect wave, Blue Stingrays nailed the perfect sound when their first twang rang ‘round the world on their now legendary debut. To quote the original Surf-N-Burn vinyl jacket sleeve: “The most profound expression of the human condition ever communicated through art, the passion in man’s soul expressed through surf guitar and captured on record!”

“lands somewhere between the sonic extremes of her previous work, marrying heavy distortion with sticky pop hooks.” – NEW YORK TIMES

“nine tight, hook-focused songs that favour front-to-back consistency over constant mayhem — drawing on uptempo grunge (‘Lessen the Damage’), pop-punk (‘Mean’), new wave (‘Hysteria’) and shoegaze-y dream-pop (‘As Strange As It Seems’) in satisfying bursts.” – SPIN

“Poppy has well and truly earned her spot amongst the greats of the alternative scene” – Wall Of Sound

Poppy has just released her new album Flux via Sumerian Records. The album is another ambitious leap for the ever-evolving musician, putting a renewed focus on a stream-lined songwriting approach that puts her indelible vocal melodies at the foreground of a kaleidoscopic mosaic of overdriven guitars.

To help bring her vision to life Poppy brought in acclaimed producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen (M83, Deafheaven, Jimmy Eat World) who had the band record live to tape, accentuating the warmth of the arrangements and lending a decidedly personal touch to the new set of material. The album was preceded by self-directed videos for “So Mean,” “Flux” (which featured a pastel dream world constructed by Australian visual/sculpture artist Pip & Pop), and a video by accomplished stop motion animator/director Chris Ullens (Rex Orange County, Lee Ann Womack) for “Her.” With each visual she has deepened the world of the album, revealing a world brimming with blisteringly sunny vocal melodies and saturated sonics.

2021 has proven to be a landmark year for Poppy, kicking off with a stunning GRAMMY performance in March (celebrating her nomination for Best Metal Performance, the first solo female artist ever nominated in the category), her global livestream event The Last Disagreement in April, the May release of her cover of Jack Off Jill’s “Fear of Dying,” and multiple appearances on WWE NXT, the most recent of which culminated with her announcing the surprise drop of a five song EP, EAT – NXT SOUNDTRACK.

On top of it all she was just announced as the cover artist for the latest issue of Kerrang & launched a collaboration with acclaimed Harajuku Japanese accessories company Q-pot, in addition to her recently announced collaborative line of shoes with Koi Footwear and her ongoing role as the face of Viktor and Rolf’s blockbuster fragrance Flowerbomb with L’Oreal.

Stream / Purchase Flux
impoppy.com

Watch the video for “Flux”
https://youtu.be/C68Okt3Qg8M

Watch the video for “Her”
https://youtu.be/x_KB4KFPxss

Watch the video for “So Mean”
https://youtu.be/CT40JmmtnY4

POPPY – FLUX OUT NOW

Sabo and his label Sol Selectas welcome Ayala (IT) for an EP with three original tracks along with solo remixes by Sifa, Chambord and Animal Trainer.

Ayala (IT) previously featured on the Sol Selectas Summer Sol compilation with his track “Levante” that showcased his afro house style that blends upbeat tribal percussion with melodic synths and traditional instruments from around the world.

Each of the three originals take influence from aboriginal culture and fuses it with modern electronic sounds to create a sonic tapestry that tells ancient stories with a contemporary twist. Based in Italy, Ayala (IT) has also featured tracks on other imprints such as MoBlack Records, Sirin Music and Sony Music.

Joining the originals are three stunning remixes, the first of which comes from Belgium’s Sifa whose previously featured tracks on labels ranging from Kompakt to Global Underground. French duo Chambord have also featured on Summer Sol compilations, and make their return with a mystic remix in the style they have featured on the likes of Akbal Music and Kindisch. Last of the remixes comes from Swiss duo Animal Trainer who make their debut on Sol Selectas following many high-profile outings on the likes of Katermukke, Stil Vor Talent and Einmusika Recordings.

“Sacred Steels” opens the release with gamelan melodies and ethereal vocals that fuse with the building tension of a swelling synth. Augmented with dramatic vocal textures, it’s a tropical sapphire filled with adventure that teleports the dance floor too far away exotic locations.

Second of the originals, “Sacred Piano” has heavy percussion and distant trumpets that surround bass heavy piano chords. Loose and free-flowing, this ever-evolving slice of tribal house is tailor made for club sound systems, while also telling the story of jungle life.

“Panther” is last of the originals with a low-slung groove full of psychedelic textures and a mystic atmosphere that create a ceremonial vibe. Rich with percussive textures and enchanting melodies, the track feels like a lucid dream come to life.

Sifa’s remix of Sacred Steels lifts the tempo, and chunks up the track to raise the intensity while also adding a hypnotic acid bassline.

Chambord refines Sacred Piano with a version that strips back some of the original’s elements and brings the trumpets into focus to create a Balearic vibe perfect for bringing in the sunset.

Animal Trainer closes out the release with a melodic remix of Panther, which steadily builds momentum and draws focus to the melody until the drums take control in the latter stages of the rework.

The artwork by Helia Jamali is a sacred hypnotic sunset that awakens your deepest senses.

PLAY/LISTEN

Australia’s very own Tbish links up with 410’s Jay Slapit for their latest drill banger ” Temple “.

The two artists featured in a powerfully delivered crossover seen as Businessman and Tweeko’s second production between the two nations.

Jay Slapit wastes no time reminding people of his reputation and lyrical presence he asserts as part of the Brixton crew. While Tbish continues to integrate his Birmingham background and Oz articulation to creep swiftly between recognizable flows.

The release is an example of the timeless pieces we can see from international collaborations.

https://www.instagram.com/_tbish/?hl=en