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Ethan P. Flynn
instagram | bandcamp | facebook
theyoungturks.co.uk
www.remotecontrolrecords.com.
Where are you currently based?
I’m now down the South end of Sydney I have lovely peaceful spot near a beautiful river here.
How did you first start playing music?
I formed my first band in 1989 in my garage. Soundgarden was all the rage.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
It’s been a great chance to face my fears and tackle some time-consuming things like getting better at music production, using a computer while doing that more and writing for writing’s sake. I’ve also enjoyed seeing my 8-year-old daughter a great deal more as I’ve been in town (obviously !).
Your debut album ‘Colourful, Noisy’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Many of these songs were written during the last few years of what was a turbulent, chaotic time in my life. I write as a cathartic experience and it helped me to get over that and give me something else to focus on. As far as the sound goes, I’m influenced and somewhat limited in a good way by the fact that until super recently I didn’t know how to record on a computer, couldn’t paste a loop together ! So these are ‘song songs’ written from a voice and piano and then layered with real instruments. It comes out sounding more modern, though, I think! Because I’ve had to figure out how to still get certain sounds that are in my head out, whilst still only using “real’ instruments. I’m also just a human who is influenced somewhat by all things, topics and energies from today in general, so of course it’s going to sound this way.
How did you go about writing the music?
Melody and chordal structure are the first things usually. Sitting down at the piano with merely a feeling and the drive to create is all I generally need. Often 80% of it comes in the first 10 minutes of this sit down.
I always have a notetaker recording. However, then it’s sometimes a case of transcribing what I just did, followed by agonising over the last 20% ! Often I take ages to actually commit to lyrics, a middle section (if needed) or whatnot. I’m getting better at not making this part such a chore and accepting what is. If I’m lucky, sometimes a spark or a melody even comes in a dream. Once I met David Bowie (in my dream !) at Bondi and he helped me write a few lyrics to something that had alluded me. How lucky.
Where and when did you record/produce?
Free Energy Device Studios in Camperdown with Richard Belkner has always been a great space to lay down tracks, especially bed rhythm takes. I did quite a bit in my new space too here and also some mixing with my old mate Sean Carey at Church St Studios in Camperdown who is great musician, mix engineer and producer in his own right.
What programs/instruments did you use?
It’s all built up from the piano and voice. Live drums (mostly Evan Mannell), double bass (my main instrument), electric bass. ’The Long Game’ has live strings on it. A fair bit of layered vocals. The album has sparse use of some vintage keyboards and minimal guitars.
You worked with your former Thirsty Merc bandmate Sean Carey who mixed the record, how did this come about and how was the experience?
I just reached out on a whim, I had a song (‘Share Your Dreams’) and had a thought, ‘you know who’d do a great job with this?”.
The song is written for my daughter and it’s almost like self-consciously I had to get Sean because he knows me, and it takes a certain type of delicacy. He’s such a connected, emotive guy, and not everyone who’s also a bad-ass mix engineer is like that. I then got him to mix 2 the tracks in a similar vein. I even ticked him into singing a little too. He has a delicious voice. He’s now in my live band too!
You’re playing Mary’s Underground on the 15th of October, what can we expect?
My hot new band! Evan Mannell, Harry Sutherland and Sean Carey. There is some instrument swapping. I’m going from basses to piano, and Sean from guitar to bass. Abby Dobson Is supporting which is really exciting for me. She has a voice and sound of an angel.
How do you prepare for live shows and what do you most enjoy about playing live?
I get way more nervous on my own shows than playing for way more people as a sideman with some else. The music is deeply personal. However I do enjoy the challenge of trying to cover the general layered feeling of the record with a live band.
How do you feel about playing during Covid and playing after nearly 6 months?
I feel great about it. I’ve done a few small things but this is really exciting to play this material with my band and let the rest of the world take care of itself for a night.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Cat Stevens.
What do you like to do away from music?
Be in the moment with my daughter.
Be in the moment with my partner.
Drink coffee, sit and be still.
What’s planned for 2020 going into 2021?
Writing the next thing and witnessing however that unfolds. There’s no time limit or stylistic restrictions on what this sounds like, so that’s exciting.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I’m appreciating the inner city area a great deal more after not living there for a while.
Phil Stack’s debut album Colourful, Noisy is out now.
He plays 2 shows (early & late) at Mary’s Underground in Sydney on Thursday 15 October. Tickets are on sale now at moshtix.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilStackMusic/
John Dhali – In Time
Set to take London by storm, Soul-Folk artist John Dhali exalts positivity in his latest release ‘In Time’. The single is accompanied by a bold statement of a video. Filmed in public, John rips out of office attire to reveal a rainbow paint-splatter t-shirt and unapologetically dances through London’s tube network. The stunt is in keeping with a unique online presence that is fast gathering a devoted following for its unending stream of positivity.
Marsela – Who Knows Where The Love Goes
London-based, British-Albanian musician Marsela has dropped her debut single, “Who Knows Where The Love Goes?”. She has everything you’d want in a singer: an infectious soul/jazz flare, a range like Joplins’, and cinematic storytelling unafraid to talk about the unknown. The release covers a narrative of heartbreak and the struggles of a rough breakup, and it certainly makes for a hard-hitting debut. With a glowing video released today, the visual ads further personality to a personable single.
Conal Kelly – In My Head
Bristol based Conal Kelly releases musing new single ‘In My Head’. With dreamy, refined vocals and edgy instrumentals, Conal’s fresh approach to chilled alt-pop is sensationally crafted. This multi-talented artist’s new offering combines contemplative lyrics and celestial melodies, propelling bedroom pop to new heights.
Laya Laya – I Can Feel You
19 debut, with this version being produced in lockdown alongside electronic alt-pop artist MBlurring electronic elements with live instrumentation and sublime harmonies, Laya Laya is the British alternative brainchild of writer/singer Freya Zai and producer Super Joshi. The duo has returned to share a celestial new single “I Can Feel You”. The pair met in 2017, both having suffered from illnesses that had led them back to music making as a means of recovery. Freya having nearly died from Sepsis, Super losing his voice entirely for several months forcing him to undergo a year-long speech therapy program. After these life altering experiences, Freya and Super both left their roles in law and sales to pursue their creative interests and have not turned back since.
Punt Guns – FOHT
Punt Guns’ video for ‘FOHT (Fantasy Of Hopeless Thoughts)’ is a spectacle of clever production, with western cowboy and space themes brought to life. Samura1, Karisma, J-Nua and Django star as the cast, assuming their musical roles as cowboy’s and building an intriguing narrative throughout. The creative flair and compelling storyline make for some epic visuals.
Tom Featherstone – Alright (At Home)
Sheffield based singer-songwriter Tom Featherstone is set to release his new single ‘Alright (At Home)’. The track is a reworking of his 20inimal Animal. The lo-fi ambience of this iPhone recorded vocal makes Featherstone’s agile voice all the more captivating, paired with soothing acoustic guitar and haunting textures.
Gecko Club – By The Pool
Gecko Club’s second release of the year is one of the first songs they ever wrote. Having kept the track hidden for two years since recording it at River Studios in Southampton, they felt that the now was the perfect time to finally release the laid-back groove and video for “By The Pool,” an easy-to-listen track with catchy guitar riffs and dream-like solos. “The laid-back groove tells a story of a summer romance in the teenage years,” Gecko Club says. The self-directed video portrays the song’s summer feels in an effortlessly fluid weekend trip to the south coast.
Loodvig – Make Our Own
Atlanta-based LOODVIG is a fresh and authentic voice who pairs his vocal abilities with unique and clever pop, electronic, and hip-hop arrangements. Today, he released his latest single “Make Our Own”, produced by Spenser Boice (Flo Rida).
Keoni is a musician from the Czech Republic. He was exposed to music from an early age since his father and brothers play instruments. Despite being recommended to choose a traditional career, Keoni knew that his life would always revolve around music.
Keoni´s influences are as varied as musical genres can be, counting Jim Morisson, John Lennon, Prodigy, Otis Redding, Faithless, Nirvana, Chemical Brothers or Royksopp among others. The latter having a special influence due to their way of composing songs.
Swinging beats, overlapping melodies and harmonies are what creates a unique atmosphere and feeling that listeners expect to experience while listening to Keoni´s music. His haunting vocals with darkwave production tones draw the listener into an alternative electro-pop universe.
Keoni considers poetry to be of real importance, allowing people to see the world from different perspectives. He always concentrates his compositional efforts on enriching the imagination, immersing listeners in the waters of sounds and words. With his lyrics mostly based on his personal experience, however recently he is mainly inspired by global issues and current events.
Keoni will release his first album ‘’Discovery’’ on October 12th.
Links to socials:
https://soundcloud.com/keoniofficialmusic
Melbourne!
How did you first start playing music?
I think it was on my 7th birthday that I got a guitar, but I didn’t really latch onto it until I was around 13 and started playing in bands for this holiday program that my mum enrolled me in. I did that program for quite a few years as just an after-school thing and it eventually led to a band called Echo Mono which became more serious and was quite formative for me. Though a few years before joining that band I became interested in electronic music production and downloaded the trial of FL Studio. The trial wouldn’t let you open project files that you saved, so my workaround was to not turn off my computer until I finished the song I was working on. I did that for about 6 months and finished a lot of my first music.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
I’ve just been trying to take it easy really, as my iso experience has luckily been pretty smooth. It’s forced me to slow down quite a lot, which has been good because I think I was about to completely burn myself out trying to prepare a live show if this didn’t happen. Right now I feel pretty eager to knuckle down and pump out some new material as i’ve been thinking about where I want to take this project.
Your new single ‘Wendouree’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
You know I’m still not really sure! The main rhythm guitar part is really old, from an Echo Mono song that was never finished. I think at that time I was just getting into the band Hippo Campus and their song ‘Violet’, the riff sounds sort of similar to that I think. Apart from that though the song is completely different to the old version, and I don’t really know what influenced it. I just knew that I wanted to write somewhat atmospheric, alt-pop music that had a sentimental undertone. That’s where Wendouree and All In Your Stride came from.
How did you go about writing Wendouree?
It started from that old Echo Mono song as mentioned, but I literally just took that riff out and wrote a new song around it. I wrote the demo on Ableton wherever I was, I remember writing on the V/Line train a lot, and never really finishing the lyrics, and then rewriting them right before recording them for the final production.
Where and when did you record and who with?
After I had written the demo and a bunch of others, I brought them all to my friend and ex-bandmate Marc Scollo in around April of 2019. We mapped out what we were working on and brought in a few other friends to track all the instruments. So the entire project was recorded in Melbourne just at Marc’s parents’ house. It was never a requirement but it was pretty important to me that no-one involved in the project was much of a professional. We were all students with part-time jobs living with our parents.
What programs/instruments did you use?
I produced the demo out of Ableton, and a few of the elements from the demo made the final production. We then recorded all the live instrumentation, and then I polished all the synths (which are all sequenced) before dropping them into Marc’s Pro Tools session. I had a crack at trying to record all the synths on analog equipment at MESS (Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio) but I pretty quickly realised it wasn’t working trying to fit the analog gear into these already polished songs, especially considering I wasn’t very familiar with that equipment. Producing in the box was what I was familiar with so I opted for that, but hardware really interests me, so hopefully for another day.
How did you approach the recording process and what did you find most challenging and rewarding?
I’d say our approach was quite straight-forward; finish the demo/composition, re-record the instruments/vocals, produce the synths, then mix the whole lot. For this song especially though it was quite back-and-forth as we kept adding to and changing things that we had already done in an attempt to ‘get it to work’. The most challenging and most rewarding thing would’ve been the arrangement. Marc and I were never really convinced that we were going to be able to pull off the track, but I conveniently provided no other options so we just had to commit to it. I’m really happy with it now though and it seems that the song’s twists and turns are what excites people.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Not a huge amount! My listening has been quite scattered recently, and mostly ambient music.
What do you like to do away from music?
I really like snow skiing, but haven’t been able to do that this year. Recently I’ve been getting into video games again which I feel like I haven’t done properly since I was a kid. I feel pretty eager to finish some more music though so literally just uninstalled some though…
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
I won’t say too much but there’s another single coming very soon! And I’m very excited about the music I’m working on now and will hopefully release in 2021.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Fried chicken burgers are great. And there’s this cool spot up on Mount Dandenong (in Melbourne) that’s great to take people and see the whole city, it’s one of those cliche things where you see how small your life is.
I’m currently based out of Nürnberg where I live with my wife and son.
I started singing when I was very young, as young as I can remember. Guitar I started learning around 2011. I never really wanted to play guitar, I just needed something to be able to sing to, so naturally guitar seemed like the best thing.
Nothing out of the usual, producing music, spending time with family and enjoying life 🙂
So far Covid hasn’t really impacted my life too much financially, thanks to the help from the government for small businesses. Although I would have made a lot more money if nothing had been canceled or postponed, I’m just glad I’m able to continue paying the bills.
I’ve been using acoustic guitar and atmospheric electric guitar for some time now, so I’m generally always incorporating these elements in my music. Songwriting has never been much of a problem as long as I have a good idea or mood to start with, wich by “coming home” was the cozy home feeling.
Writing about home or life at home was a nice change, because it was so easy to convey in words what being at home feels like. Usually I would have to do a little brainstorming or word finding, but with this song it came naturally.
I recorded the song on my own in my home studio a few months ago.
I work with FL Studio and Waves plugins. Acoustic guitar and electric guitar are a must.
I honestly can’t think of anything challenging about producing or creating any song in general. If something is challenging during the creation or recording of a song, then your doing it wrong 🙂
I have lots of hobbies things I enjoy doing, like spending quality time with family, going on a run, or just sitting around and being at peace.
German Pancakes with Ahorn syrup and my favorite place to hangout would have to be on the couch at home!
Gianni, bass and vocals.
Where are you currently based?
I’m currently based in Sydney.
How did you first start playing music?
Music started as I thought myself how to play drums in Ghana and eventually fell in love with everything else about it.
How would you describe your sound/music?
It’s experimental, chilled and flowery. really instrumental because of my love for baselines and pretty chords but also introspective in my writing and message.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
I’ve been working on being a better producer and that has led to me already working on my second album. Covid has been pretty hard since I love performing. It kinda feels like it took something away from me but we’re finding ways around it so I’m more hopeful.
Your new track Armadillo is out now, how did you come to collaborate with Maina Doe?
This happened during my first session with the Sumatra boys. I made some drums while Fin & Riley(members of Sumatra) played some chords and added baselines to it. When we put them together, we knew we had something so I put some old poetry together and rapped the verses on it. Was still tryna figure out a chorus but Maina had a session with the boys next so she jumped on it and sent me what she did the next day and I knew we had a banger. So yh it wasn’t face to face but we made it happen.
What influenced the sound and songwriting?
Tyler, the creator is one of my biggest influences when it comes to sound. Love the flowery aspects but so experimental that you don’t know what to expect. Poetry has also shaped the way I write but also the likes of J Cole and Bas that have influenced my song writing.
How did you go about writing Armadillo?
Armadillo was a poem I wrote to a past lover after a break up. With a lot of reminiscing and holding on in mind, it was a description of the complication that was going on at the time. Didn’t really think I was gonna make a song out of it.
Where and when did you record/produce and who did you work with?
I worked with Sumatra (includes Finbar Stuart, Riley hilder and additional guitar from James Baldwin) .
We made this in the boom child house where most of our projects are made.
What programs/instruments did you use?
I use Fl studio but the boys use Ableton.
How did you approach the recording process?
Demo was initially recorded with Sumatra but I then went back to my engineer to redo some Vox before we had to release it.
Please tell us about your photography and multimedia interests:
Photos was the side hobby/ work I did for people and a lot of artists that I know. It started from Church and eventually to blogs and now a part of my creativity.
I think I can do anything so learning all these mediums was quite easy for me as they all compliment each other.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’m currently listening to Big Sean’s album and an artist called Amber Mark. i highly recommend.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021:
I perhaps wanna finish my second album ready for 2021 and also land some really cool festival gigs for next year.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Favourite food is anything Thai so wherever has a good Thai, you can find me there.
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Independent artists are releasing music at a much higher rate this year. Maybe it’s because of the pandemic and many people stuck at home, without any concerts or live performances to attend. Musicians have more time on their hands to pivot their business, work on their craft and put forth their music to the online world through various ways such as streaming live or uploading new recordings for downloads.
Last year, musicians gained a lot of ground in the independent segment, making their way into the industry without the aid of a label. Here are some great indie artists that we can expect some great things from in the upcoming year for 2020, and even 2021.
LIZZO
Everyone is familiar with this breakout indie artist who successfully crossed over this year into the mainstream and showed everyone just how amazing she is. We’ve already seen amazing things from her because she dominated not only the Pop but also the R&B and Rap charts in 2019. Lizzo was even named Entertainer of the Year by Time magazine, and her breakout song “Truth Hurts” was the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 single at number 1 by a solo female rapper – a feat that would not be expected from an independent artist.
Hard to believe someone who started as a sign spinner for Liberty Tax (check her Twitter if you don’t believe it!) could become nominated for eight amazing honors at the 2020 Grammy Awards. She has tolerated and overcome fat-shaming through the media and established herself as a true artist that will be sure to continue to dominate and impress us all.
FRANKIE SIMONE
If you haven’t heard her yet, you should definitely give her a listen. Expect really big things from this Puerto Rican/Portland-based singer Frankie Simone, represented by Marmoset music licensing agency. As Marmoset put on their site, listening to her music “feels like they’re putting a microphone directly to their heart.” She is an indie artist with a noticeable and fun twist. She has created a new kind of eccentric electronic pop, full of exciting beats and lots of personality with her empowering lyrics.
Her lead single “War Paint” is a bold song on its own, but if you view the music video you’ll see lots of bright colors that accentuate the lyrics “So when we went to war/I saw your colors all over me.” She has many other songs that have evolved with this electronic and dance background, and prove that she is in the right place and time to seriously dominate the pop music field.
JOE TAYLOR
This independent singer/songwriter has an awesome ability to connect with audiences with his unique songwriting. Making his own label so that his music could be heard, he quickly sailed through the charts with his latest hit song “Don’t Change”, reaching the number 1 spot. His passion is in collaborations with other artists. He grew up in Canada but now has moved to the metro New York City area to carve out his career, singing soulful guitar tunes and playing in bars. He has a strong drive to have his music heard around the world, and we think he won’t have any problem getting there with his proven track record of success.
SUSAN TONEY
An Oklahoma native who moved to Los Angeles to make it in the music industry, Susan has finally been noticed as a newcomer and breakout indie artist this year. Her newest album available now is called Headed for Love, with the single song “Starlight” gaining ground by captivating her audience with interesting melody twists.
Susan has been around and making her music since the 2000s, but has more recently been noticed, climbing charts with this 2020 album. “Starlight” has successfully reached the number 1 spot on the Billboard Charts for AC40 as recent as just last week! She draws not only in the Country and Pop genres but also with Rock, Americana, and Blues, giving her that edge that should bring exciting new music in the upcoming year.
BAKAR
The full name of Abubakar Baker Shariff-Farr, better known to all as the indie artist Bakar is well-known for his indie-rock style of music. He is one to watch as a talented emerging artist, getting nods from the likes of true legends like Sir Elton John, mixing rap, rock, and punk together to create his unique sound, which to some sounds like it is all over the place. Though most of his tracks include rap and hip hop influences, he also demonstrates some Motown and his lyrics give the audience his street smarts, showing everyone that there is much more to him and his unique style. His most recent EP entitled “Will You Be My Yellow?” displays so much potential, we can certainly expect big things to come.
There are many other independent artists to watch you should be sure to watch for, such as Megan Thee Stallion, a huge underground artist and great female rapper, or Georgia, a 21-year-old singer and songwriter with undeniable talent, WebsterX, a master at hip hop, rap and defining beats, and Siena Liggins, another Marmoset artist who demonstrates catchy hooks and fun wordplay.
Independent artists will have their claim to fame with the ability to reach out to a broader, more online-focused audience, and we couldn’t be happier with the potential outcome. Beef up your Spotify, SoundCloud, or YouTube playlists today with new music for the future. Tell us which artists you think will break out with hits by the end of the year.
Yellow Claw‘s Barong Family celebrates 6 years and 200 releases with an EP compilation appropriately titled “BF200,” which features seven brand new tracks from the brightest names on the label, such as Yellow Claw themselves, Wiwek, Crisis Era, RayRay, GHOSTER, Nonsens, Psycho Boys Club, and more. The Amsterdam-based imprint has become known for its wide range of musical influences and high-tempo BPMs, and “BF200” follows the same vein. Spanning sounds from three continents and even a reworked ’90s classic, “BF200” also has a unique and fantastical backstory. Ever the creative crew, the EP‘s accompanying artwork, and bonus audiobook see Barong Family travels across space and time to save their home planet Mother Earth. Head honchos Yellow Claw describe the impetus behind the EP below:
“It has been a wild ride since when we had put out our first release on Barong Family back in 2014. During the past 6 years, we have met many talented artists who wanted to take part in this adventure with us and joined the family. Moksi, RayRay, Wiwek, and more all saw the transition from Barong Family – a music label to Barong Family – a worldwide brand with its own merch lines, writing camps in Asia, documentaries, sold-out tours in North America, own stages at the world’s biggest festivals. 200 releases seem like a big number, and 6 years feel like a very long time, but for us, thanks to what we do and whom we are fortunate to work with, it feels like we are just starting, as our excitement never faded away.” – Yellow Claw
As for the sonic journey of “BF200,” it begins with “I Want It” from Yellow Claw and Wiwek, who deliver epic hip-hop beats to set the tone of the EP. Next up is Canadian duo Crisis Era‘s “Funky Pills” for all the old school ravers out there, while DJ Soda and RayRay‘s “Obsession” serves up a sneaky dose of hard-hitting bass. Yellow Claw themselves reworked the Tokyo Ghetto Pussy‘s 1995 hit “Kiss Your Lips” for the EP, giving the classic a modern dance facelift. GHOSTER employs Nanami‘s breathy vocals to deliver a solid mission statement in “Belong,” before Danish threesome Nonsens put the pedal to the metal with “Teaze,” speeding up proceedings with immense 4/4 energy. Finally, all systems go on Psycho Boys Club‘s “Break.” Did anyone expect Barong Family to ever take it easy?
LATEST RELEASE “TALKING IN MY SLEEP” HITS TOP 40
STUNNING STRIPPED VIDEO OF “TALKING IN MY SLEEP” IS OUT NOW
September 1, 2020 (Toronto, ON) – Toronto’s A is for Arrows has been capturing the attention of fans and industry alike with infectious, danceable alt-pop tracks since debuting in late 2019. Today, lead singer Alessia Balasbas announces an exciting new era for the project with the forthcoming release of “Can’t Stop” on September 8, the first release as a solo act. Fans can anticipate continued releases from A is for Arrows with the same striking energy that can be found on “Can’t Stop”.
“I love the juxtaposition of this song,” explains Balasbas. “When you initially listen to it, it seems happy and care-free, but if you listen to the lyrics, they’re actually kind of sad. The song is definitely based on real emotions and a time in my life where I didn’t feel very confident in my relationship. I felt like the person I loved wasn’t fully invested and even though it hurt and no matter how terrible they sometimes made me feel, I couldn’t stop loving them. I think it’s pretty straightforward and to be honest, it was tough for me to call them out like this and be like “hey you were being pretty shitty, but whatever I’ll let it go cause I love you so much” Moral of the story is music helps me purge – haha!”
“Can’t Stop” follows A is for Arrows’ most recent release “Talking in My Sleep,” which received national acclaim and landed in the Top 40 of the CHR charts. Last week, AIFA released a special stripped video of “Talking in My Sleep,” shot by @thatgoodgraphic. What the video HERE.
Less than a year out, A is For Arrows has already gained the attention of industry and tastemakers alike, having earned praises from the likes of SiriusXM, Wonderland Magazine, Popdust, Atwood Magazine, and Buzz Music LA, in addition to being added to a variety of popular playlists such as Spotify’s It’s a Bop, New Music Friday, Fresh Finds: Pop; Apple Music’s New In Pop; and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch, Fresh Pop and Brand New Music, to name a few. The project’s blending of contemporary beats, soft synths and heartfelt lyrics has made A is for Arrows a project to watch in Toronto’s eclectic music scene and on the world stage alike.
Whether it’s the glisten of Alessia’s voice, or the raw honesty in her songwriting, one thing is certain – there is a rarity about a project such as A is for Arrows.
For more information, please visit: www.aisforarrows.com
To pre-save “Can’t Stop”: https://ffm.to/cantstop
After ten years since forming and five LPs in, Yukon Blonde have been characterized in a lot of different ways. They emerged as a guitar-heavy rock band with their debut self-titled LP in 2010 and by the release of On Blonde in 2015, Yukon Blonde were experimenting with slick, ‘80s inspired pop elements like those heard on the album’s driving hit single Saturday Night. More recently, on 2018’s Critical Hit, the Vancouver-based five-piece band turned their attention to mood making, largely ditching their guitars in favour of synths and drum machines to build danceable, multi-dimensional soundscapes.
With their fifth release, Vindicator, Yukon Blonde rewrite their story again. Jeffrey Innes (vocals/guitar/keys), Brandon Scott (vocals/guitar), Graham Jones (vocals/drums), James Younger (vocals/bass/keys), and Rebecca Gray (vocals/keys) douse keyboard melodies and relaxed grooves with psychedelic hues that are both playful and expansive.
PRE-ORDER VINDICATOR HERE
With singles In Love Again and Get Precious already racking up the plays around the globe, today the band are sharing another new single, You Were Mine. “We were all on Galiano island for this recording,” says Innes. “James brought the initial idea to the table, and after several hours of jamming, eating Scooby-snacks and drinking Churchill martinis, it started to fall apart in the most perfect way imaginable. I feel like this song somehow epitomizes the spirit of a successful collaboration in our band. Words like ‘compromise’ had no place in that session; everyone sings leads at some point, everyone plays everything. It’s certainly among our favourites from the record.”
Vindicator is the first Yukon Blonde album written, recorded, and produced entirely by the band. It took shape in their jam space in East Vancouver, a cabin on Galiano Island, in a closet at Younger’s home, and in Innes’ kitchen. But this DIY ethos has always been the backbone of Yukon Blonde who are curious artists with a passion for honing their craft.
The in-house approach to Vindicator allowed Yukon Blonde to stretch themselves creatively and experiment with sounds and styles in ways they haven’t before. The band share vocal duties and Innes, the band’s primary songwriter, lets his lyrics, which touch on everything from love to redefining your relationship with social media, drive the shape of the songs.
Admittedly, making Vindicator by themselves was a creative risk but it’s one that’s paid off. Even the album title is a nod to how Yukon Blonde feel about the record’s outcome. As Innes notes, “You don’t really need to compete with yourself, you just need to challenge yourself.”
“It’s a very rewarding feeling taking control of yourself and your creative ambition,” adds Younger. “It’s something that you can ride high on because expectations were met and fulfilled and that’s a joyous thing.”
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Praise for Phil Stack & Colourful, Noisy…
“In his debut solo album, (Phil) flexes his artistic brilliance, from jazz piano-laden ballads (The Centreline) and exuberant rock-infused pop (Tradin Up), to The Long Game, a heart-wrenching orchestral masterpiece tempered by an unassuming ’90s grunge flow…”
– Sydney Morning Herald
“The man, it turns out, can really sing” ★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald
Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter PHIL STACK today announces he will perform two album launch concerts – 6pm and 8:45pm – at Sydney’s Mary’s Underground on Thursday 15 October, complete with his four-piece band.
Tickets are on sale now at Moshtix.com.au
The shows take place in celebration of Phil’s just-released debut album, Colourful, Noisy, his first new solo music in almost five years.
Recorded between Camperdown’s Free Energy Device Studios and Phil’s own bush studio, the stunning debut sees Stack playing multiple instruments across seven tracks, his captivating vocal gutsy on current single ‘The Centreline’ and soaring on album closer ‘Celebrate Life’.
Mixed by former Thirsty Merc bandmate Sean Carey (Cat Stevens, Daniel Johns) and Richie Belkner (Boy George, Missy Higgins, Tim Minchin), Colourful, Noisy has garnered praise from fans and critics alike.
“… the record is a cascading meditation on the perils of being alive” – Sydney Morning Herald
Perhaps best known for his work as a founding member and bassist of 5 x ARIA Nominated, multi-platinum selling rock outfit Thirsty Merc, Phil Stack is a rare breed of artist who seamlessly traverses genres from jazz to rock, equally at ease delivering tender ballads and exuberant pop gems.
A force of nature on the double bass, Stack attacks the instrument with an energy, vigour and passion almost unparalleled. He has played with music luminaries including James Morrison, Michael Buble, Keith Urban, Tina Arena, Benji Madden and Wynton Marsalis, and has recorded with You Am I, Ian Moss, The Whitlams, Katie Noonan and more.
Joining Phil on both shows is beloved local artist and former Leonardo’s Bride frontwoman, Abby Dobson. With one of the most distinctive voices in Australian music, and a beautiful solo album It’s Okay, Sweetheart released last year, Abby will be raring to warm Sydney audiences next month.
On 15 October, Phil and his band will treat audiences to songs from his 2015 EP Lap Around The Sun, and will performs songs from the brand new Colourful, Noisy album live for the very first time.
LISTEN TO PHIL STACK’S COLOURFUL, NOISY ALBUM HERE
WATCH ‘THE CENTRELINE’ MUSIC VIDEO HERE
DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS HERE
PHIL STACK | COLOURFUL, NOISY ALBUM LAUNCH CONCERTS
With Special Guest Abby Dobson
Information at marysunderground.com
SYDNEY
Thursday 15 October – Mary’s Underground
Early show – 6pm
Late show – 8:45pm
Tickets from Moshtix.com.au
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