The Cure's Roger O'Donnell Releases Solo Album Feat. Julia Kent

Roger O'Donnell with Julia Kent Love and Other Tragedies 99X/100 29 May 2015

About Roger O'Donnell:

Best known for his role as keyboard player with alternative rock band The Cure, Roger has spent most of the last five years composing for orchestral strings. Ranging in size from the Wurttemberg Chamber Orchestra (The Bernhard Suite) to this his most recent work written for the cellist Julia Kent, 'Love and Other Tragedies'.

In 2010 having written some exploratory works for piano and cello Roger was asked to compose for the acclaimed Toronto Corktown Chamber orchestra. This led to the suite, 'Quieter Trees' inspired by the painting “Bigger Trees near Warter" by English artist David Hockney. Intrigued by trying to describe colours and shape using sound, Roger went on the repaint the picture using violins, violas, cellos and basses. The piece in six movements was premiered in London by the children of the Centre for Young Musicians and then completed in Toronto with the orchestra.

Collaborating with South African born composer Adam Donen led to a Requiem for a small ensemble and then on to a suite for chamber orchestra based on the life of the Austrian writer Thomas Bernhard. Performed by the Wurttemberg Chamber orchestra in Heilbronn Germany and at the Cadogan Hall in London in 2013 and the Summer of 2014.

Parallel to these other works and very close to his heart Roger stayed true to a very personal project which evolved to become this release, 'Love and Other Tragedies'.

The piece will be premiered at St Leonards Church in London on May 30th 2015.

About Julia Kent:

After years spent performing and recording with other artists and groups, among them Anthony and the Johnsons and all female cello group Rasputina, Canadian-born, New York City-based Julia Kent found her own voice with her solo debut 'Delay', an exploration of the private emotional worlds that exist within the disjunctions and disorientations of travel.  'Delay' was hailed for its “lovely, melancholy” compositions, full of “aching romanticism…rich melodicism and detailed arrangements”. Kent toured extensively in support of the album throughout Europe and North America and subsequently released an EP 'Last Day in July'.

In 'Green and Grey', her following solo record, she continued to use looped and layered cello, electronics, and field recordings to explore the intersections between the human world and the natural world. The record explores the melding of the technological and the organic, the patterns and repetitions that exist in nature and are mirrored in human creations, and the complexity and fragility of our relationships with one another and with the world that surrounds us.

Kent's last record 'Character' was released by The Leaf Label in March 2013.
Julia Kent has composed a number of original film scores, as well as music for theatre and dance performances.  She continues to tour extensively and is currently composing for television and film.


About Love and Other Tragedies:

New promo materials available from Blue Soap Music

King Kartel Come At Me Now 30 March 2015

“King Kartel reanimate the glory days of The Jam & The Libertines. Many bands have tried that trick before, but there’s something highly appealing about the Manchester band’s efforts”
RADAR - NME MAGAZINE

Released on CD and as a digital download 'Come At Me Now' is the highly anticipated new single from King Kartel, a band renowned for their infectious indie-infused rock.

Formed in September 2012, King Kartel wasted no time in taking the UK and Ireland by storm through a successful tour to support the release of their debut single ‘Stone Cold Killer’, which has now racked up an impressive 29,000 views on Youtube.

The quartet, mainly hailing from Northern Ireland, quickly caught the attention of Riggsy from the BBC’s ‘Across the Line’ who gave ‘Stone Cold Killer’ plenty of airplay, heralding them as hometown heroes, a claim justified by a string of sold out shows in and around Newry. Riggsy describes the band as having an “eye for a hook!” and Philly Taggart from BBC Radio 1 says King Kartel produce “cheeky guitar pop in the vein of The Fratellis and The Courteeners”.

Northern Ireland is no longer home to King Kartel these days, as vocalist Hugh explains. "It all started in a small town where the takeaway food takes preference over new music or nights out even. We always dreamed of escaping so after a few gigs when people were getting behind us we thought we'd give it a go and head towards the bright lights in Manchester. We only had us so we had to go out and play open mics, hand out fliers, do anything we could to try get enough people together so we could even get a shit slot on a half decent night, but it was all worth it. We've made some cracking friends along the way and the move changed our sound too. We went from a jingly jangly type band to more of a rock and roll outfit."

'Come At Me Now' prove the King Kartel aren't afraid to embrace their pop sensibilities which combine with their indie rock sound to create a storming single which is set to raise the profile of the Manchester based band even higher.

Hugh says "We're a band who just love to play, we're all about playing live, we're about attitude, we love to live, we love nights out, we love drinking, we love having a good time, we love partying. Our aim is to write upbeat hook laden songs that will get people excited, there's too much negativity in the world."
 

Both tracks were written by Hugh McCreesh (King Kartel)
Music by King Kartel

Social Groups:

https://www.facebook.com/kingkartelofficial

https://twitter.com/KingKartelUK 

https://soundcloud.com/king-kartelLive:
February 20th - Barfly, Camden, London
March 20th - Verve Bar, Leeds
March 27th - Night & Day, Manchester
April 24th - Stone Roses Bar, York
April 25th - Live Lounge, Blackburn
May 2nd - Single Launch Night, Manchester, details tbc
May 9th - Proud, Camden, London
 

The Jade Assembly One Last Time 4 May 2015

Four New Releases For Your Consideration!

Calling Apollo HUNTER | GATHERER Signal & The Noise Records 25 May 2015

Calling Apollo are Christian Neale, Kevin Williams, Dan Hughes, Luke Walters and Daniel Rees. The Cardiff based five piece produce riffy/ambient/rock, channeling a broad range of influences from Deftones, The Cure, Funeral for a friend, Circa Survive, Thrice and The Doors to Kings Of Leon, Comeback Kid, Nine Inch Nails and Muse.

Timing was everything in terms of the band members coming together, with each looking for the right project at the same time having behind other bands.   After spending the early months as a four piece whilst they developed their sound, the boys made the decision to add a front man to the mix. This came in the form Christian Neale. With his unique voice and charismatic stage presence, Calling Apollo set sail on their musical voyage, taking inspiration wherever it arises, be it historical events, current affairs or science fiction adventures.

Calling Apollo played their first show in 2013 in Newport to rave reviews and followed that up by releasing their first EP later that year. Titled 'Vessels', the boys decided to knuckle down and record it themselves in a tiny box bedroom in Barry, South Wales. 'Vessels' was released as a free download and received great coverage considering the minimal budget and their lack of experience.

Summer 2014 saw the release of Calling Apollo's first studio single 'Clone City' and b-side ‘1945’. The single was chosen as Song of the Year by PP&P promotions and the band were listed by Cultured Vultures online magazine in their 'Music You Need in 2015' article.
The band's debut studio EP 'HUNTER | GATHERER' was produced by Romesh Dodangoda of Longwave studios (Kids In Glass Houses/Funeral for a friend).  The record will be released by Signal and the Noise records on May 25^th 2015.


“The band churn out a futuristic progressive rock sound that takes in elements of alt-rock, post-hardcore, scream, and an ambient sense of melody that isn’t afraid to get aggressive and abrasive when it needs to hammer it home.”
Cultured Vultures

“A brilliant combination of progressive and technical musicianship, ambient and spacious soundscapes, alongside classic emo/screamo songwriting”
What Culture


Social Links:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/callingapollo
Twitter - @callingapollo  - https://twitter.com/callingapollo
Bandcamp - https://callingapollo.bandcamp.com/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ-GH3kvMpbNCwUSXQDSn7w
PP&P Promotions - http://paradiddlesplectrumsandposers.com/#/showcase-uk-page-19/4583720230

Shooze Classified EP Gospel Oak Records

UK Release for Shark Tape's Album 'Marathon'

Shark Tape Marathon 15 June 2015

Lead Tracks: Bronco, Neverlast

"So you say this is your final chance" ...the opening line of Shark Tape's 'Marathon' speaks of the desperation of a band ready to take off.

Shark Tape, a three piece rock band from Philadelphia are Stephen Lorek, Niles Weiss and Dylan Mulcahy. Active on Philadelphia's music scene since 2007 under various project names, they evolved into Shark Tape and 2012 saw the release two EPs, the self titled 'Shark Tape' and 'Eyes On You' which gained considerable airplay from East Coast radio stations and went on to be selected as one of WXPN's top records of the year.

Channeling influences from several of rock's greatest eras, each Shark Tape song carries the band's own unique sound with subtle references to the likes of The Replacements, Big Star, The Smiths and Cheap Trick.

Having garnered a steady and loyal following that continues to grow organically in their hometown, Shark Tape will be touring later this year, looking to replicate the well attended and vibrant shows they're known for in and around Philadelphia.

In late 2013, the band teamed up with renowned engineer Jeff Ziegler (Kurt Vile, War On Drugs) to begin production on the band's debut album 'Marathon'.  

With a huge list of inspirations that includes adventure, struggle, desperation, a quest for enlightenment, Dionysus and Apollo, faint glimpses of the future, destiny vs choice, the search for a way to travel the universe and a desire to walk into the horizon so the sun never sets, it's fair to say that Marathon is one of the most exciting and intriguing debuts to come out of Philadephia in recent years.

“Philadelphia rock trio, fronted by Stephen Lorek, show off their pop smarts and Replacements influence on this promising debut."
Philly.com
“Shark Tape bounded onto the stage to an introduction by WXPN DJ Dan Reed, with Lorek, guitarist Niles Weiss, and drummer Dylan Mulcahy full of energy. The boys wasted no time as they plunged into just about every track from Marathon. The title track is so damn catchy, and reminds me of Cheap Trick in the best way. To make another comparison, it’s easy to trace Lorek’s baritone back to Joe Strummer, which nicely fits the band’s hook-laden lo-fi sound.”
ThatMusicMag.com


Social Links:
http://sharktape.bandcamp.com
http://sharktapemusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/SharkTape
https://twitter.com/SharkTape

As Heard on BBC 6 Music - Follow The Lion Release New EP

Follow The Lion The Candy and Gravity Motel Sound House Records 29 June 2015

 Lead Track: Candy and Gravity

Follow the Lion are a Leeds based alternative rock band who formed in 2013, quickly gaining a strong following thanks to their energetic and infectious live sets. The band have played a range of venues across the north west of England and will be hitting the festival scene this summer with appearances already confirmed at Live at Leeds, Tramlines and Long Division.

With influences ranging from Pixies, Massive Attack and Nirvana to The Beatles, Tricky, UNKLE and King Crimson, their debut EP 'The Candy and Gravity Motel' promises to be one of this year's must hear records. The EP, recorded at Chairworks Studio in Castleford, was produced by Steve Whitfield who has previously worked with The Cure, Bill Bruford (YES/King Crimson) and was mastered by Sufi Dub legend Celt Islam

The EP's single 'Candy and Gravity' was championed by Tom Robinson on his BBC 6 Music show, chosen as a featured band on Fresh on the Net and received airplay on BBC Introducing Leeds

"I listen to a lot of music to put together the Mixtape perhaps 180 to 200 tracks a week and so things kind of tend to blend one into another… the sound coming out of the speakers you hear a lot of the same genres of things; and just when you think you have heard everything that three guitars and a set of drums can do, along comes a song like that that has a kind of integrity and authenticity about it. Beautiful way the vocal just kind of communicates heart to heart. It’s hard to put your finger on what it is about that that makes it so much above the run of the mill."
Tom Robinson, BBC 6 MusicBand Members:
Daniel Francis - Lead Vocals and Guitars
Richard Swann - Lead Guitar
Mase - Bass
Paul Smith - Keys and Vocals
Danny Jay Barnett - Drums


Social Links:
www.facebook.com/followthelionmusic
www.soundcloud.com/followthelion
www.twitter.com/followthelion_ 

Two Californian Artists Release Two Very Different Videos...

I, Us & We Mono 6 April 2015

Lead Tracks: Lanterns, Sunday

Jordan Doverspike, Evan Doverspike and Aaron Doverspike are brothers based in California who write and perform captivating dream pop they describe as "clean and unadulterated".

Their EP, the beautifully atmospheric 'Mono' was recorded in their home studio and produced by Chad Marshman over the course of several weeks.  Taking a collaborative approach, the brothers found that some tracks came more easily than others, but the advantage of recording from a home studio meant that they could act immediately whenever inspiration struck.

'Mono' is a fluid collection of songs featuring enigmatic sounds and vocal harmonies that ebb and flow, with each track differing in tone.  The upbeat opening track 'Lanterns' is perfectly juxtaposed with the ethereal and climactic 'Sunday'. Third track 'Free is ominously somber whereas closing track 'Alive' ends the EP on an optimistic note.

"This seraph’s song envelops us with a sense so cold it burns."
Danny Davenport

“…like cleansing your ears with a new sound that wipes away the stress. Its cryptic, its atmospheric, its quite fantastic, to be honest.”
CityScope Blog“‘Sunday’ is a lush synth-driven glide with a nifty modern take on some soft-focus 80s production. Call it chillwave, call it synthwave, call it what you want, it’ll still sooth your soul just as well whichever way.”
Record Rewind Play

"Wondrous and dreamy synth-pop with exceptional vocals – so mirage-like in quality that your perceptions will be happily bewildered."
Raw Ramp


Social:
www.twitter.com/iusandwe
www.facebook.com/iusandwe
www.instagram.com/i_us_and_we
http://iusandwe.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/iusandwe

Credits:
All tracks written and performed by Jordan Doverspike, Evan Doverspike and Aaron Doverspike who are all registered with ASCAP
Body Art by Jeffrey Locke

Chanel Samson The Beginning 23 April 2015

Muy GRANDES desde Leicester JUNIOR y su maravilloso "Barcelona"

Chanel Samson's 'The Beginning' is Released Today!

Chanel Samson The Beginning 23 April 2015

Lead Track: Worth The Gold 


Chanel Samson's 'The Beginning' EP is inspired by this Californian girl's time in Liverpool, the men in her life, her friends, and one particular doomed relationship with Matthew. The track 'F U Matthew' documents the doomed love affair but it's as cheerfully upbeat and irreverent as Chanel herself. Her lyrics are biting yet playful, and her delivery is tongue in cheek and knowing, allowing her to explore the darker aspects of relationships without ever losing that Californian sunshine smile.

'The Beginning' EP was recorded and produced by Felix Hagan, lead singer and songwriter of Felix Hagan and the Family. Chanel met Felix last year and was initially drawn to his black and white striped leggings and theatrical performance, knowing immediately they'd get along well. Together they are keen to establish Circus Rock as a solid genre. Chanel says "The sound Felix brought to the EP is exactly what I wanted with rock guitar and quirky instrumentation. I used my horn players at LIPA and he recorded everything else at his studio in Manchester."

Tracks from 'The Beginning's are currently being played on radio stations across the UK, Europe and America as well as attracting positive reviews from a huge range of media outlets. Chanel also has a very large following across the north west of England as she brings some of her West Coast sparkle to Liverpool's vibrant music scene. In the past year, the Chanel Samson Circus has performed at The Kazimier, East Village Arts Club, Parr St Studio 2, and Zanzibar to name just a few, showering her audience with glitter and showcasing burlesque, poetry, music, dance, juggling, magic, fire dancing, and acrobatics alongside her music.Looking forward to taking her Circus to Beatherder Festival this year, Chanel says "I'm an entertainer through and through. When I perform I want to give people a real show! My target audience is anyone who’s ever felt left out or different. I give them a home, I give them acceptance and a group to belong to under my circus tent."

Chanel Samson will be appearing at Liverpool's first and only live streamed music festival 2ube Xtra on Thursday April 23rd.
To attand Chanel Samson's show at Lipa's 2Ube Xtra Festival - please register for her guestlist using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2ube-extra-festival-2015-tickets-15974346701?ref=estw
Or watch it online here: https://www.youtube.com/user/The2ubeLIPA

Great Reviews For The Shy Lips and Soft Picasso

Soft Picasso What's To Become Of Us 1 June 2015

Lead Track: Wrong Type of Night

Existing somewhere between dream and memory, Soft Picasso's quirky world is borne out of lo-fi honesty.

Recorded in a bedroom in Liverpool, the duo's stripped back approach uses simple guitar, bass, keyboard and drum machine arrangements to support their intimate storytelling.

The 4-track EP "What's To Become Of Us" is a lyrically enchanting collection of sonic snapshots, ethereal reminiscences of lives past and futuristic nostalgia. At the core of the performances are the vocal harmonies of Nik Kavanagh and Clare Jones, who also play all the instruments on the tracks.

Hailing from seaside town Morecambe in Lancashire , songwriter Nik, formerly bassist with John Peel session regulars Ella Guru, provides the musical foundation for the band's sound.

His understated delivery is complimented by the warm rich textures of Clare's vocals. Clare, from Monmouth is an accomplished singer and founding member of a capella trio Barbieshop.

The due first performed together at the wedding of a friend and are named after a Vic Chestnut song.Nik says: "These songs are like postcards to myself, moments of time that I don't want to lose. What started out as sketches on an acoustic guitar really came to life during the recording and Clare brought a little bit of magic to the songs."

Featuring themes of love, loss and hope, these tunes are a joyous earful from start to finish.


For fans of:
Young Marble Giants
Sean Nicholas Savage
Hidden Cameras


Twitter: @PicassoSoft

The Shy Lips Bahia Part II 4 May 2015

Suenan genial!!! CARTESIAN JETSTREAM y su "Ancestors"

A Storming New Single From FRAZER Plus Today's Releases

Cartesian Jetstream Ancestors Ballagroove Records 20 April 2015

Lead Tracks: 'Celebrities', 'Invisible Ink', 'Transparent Eyelids' and 'Ashes'


Cartesian Jetstream are Ben Scott (drums & backing vocals), Philip Bell-Scott (bass & backing vocals) and Simon Kilgannon (guitars & vocals) who formed in the 'deep south' of Isle of Man in 2010.

Explaining how the band got together, Simon says "I was one of the two people who interviewed Ben for a job, exciting office IT stuff!  The fact that he mentioned he played the drums has nothing to do with him getting the job.  Ben and I played casually with a few people for years and then Phil just seemed to turn up as a gift from the lord and immediately learned all our songs and we were off."

With influences ranging from Krautrock, Sonic Youth and Fugazi to Grateful Dead, Dylan, Jefferson Airplane and Funkadelic, Simon think that if Cartesian Jetsream had managed to make a record five or ten years ago "it would have been much more obviously influenced by whichever of the above I was currently digging the most but I think now it’s all been mashed down like bugs and jungle to make a less recognizable sludge of influences."

The release of their first album 'Sleep Over' in late 2013 brought the band to the attention of The NME who described the opening track 'My Captain' as "superb" together with BBC 6 Music and Amazing Radio.
'Ancestors' is the band's second album and represents their take on pop music. The songs are direct, accessible and hooky with enough unpredicatability to ensure they take the listener to somewhere completely unexpected.  Simon explains "I wanted to get the feel of how bands like the Beatles sounded in 65/66 when it was still quite groovy and beauty but just starting to go a bit weird and psychedelic in places - Invisible Ink is probably the best example of that. Kosmiche power pop? Easy listening freakbeat? Party music for introverts?  Basically we're trying to make a whole album that sounds like the faster section from the Doors' track ‘L.A. Woman’ but with a (slightly) less drunk singer."

The overrall sound is very influenced by early REM, Echo & the Bunnymen and the Smiths. with its chiming guitars and melodic bass lines. The tracks are all very high tempo and driven by the drums yet they maintain an unhurried tempo and glide along.

The unusual band name has its origins in Simon's childhood.  He explains "I grew up loving all those sixties Nuggets bands like the 13th Floor Elevators as well as the bands from the eighties who followed that up, like Echo & the Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes.  The actual name is from a Lester Bangs article where he reviewed all these Count Five albums that never actually existed, he just dreamt them up.  I think Cartesian Jetstream was supposed to be their third album.  It’s a great piece and I love the idea of imaginary albums.  I’d quite like us to be a semi-imaginary band, maybe we’ll achieve that one day.""A perfect combination of modern garage rock and snarling UK punk swagger."
PsychedelicBaby Blog

"A forward thinking and innovative band."
Louder Than War


Social Links:
Website:  www.cartesianjetstream.com
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/cartesian-jetstream
You Tube: www.youtube.com/cartesianjetstream
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/cartesianjetstream
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cartesianjet

JUNIORS Barcelona Robot Needs Home 20 April 2015

Aleks Grey's New Single 'Feel Alive' is Anthemic Summer Pop

Aleks Grey
Feel Alive
The Aleks Grey Universe
15 May 2015'Feel Alive', released on May 15th, is feelgood anthemic pop, perfect listening in the summer sunshine and a great introduction to the music of Aleks Grey.

Born in Volda, Norway, Aleks was introduced to music through classical piano lessons when he was just three years old, but he was soon drawn to blues, soul and rock and roll. By the age of ten he was writing his own songs and by twelve he had become an accomplished guitarist.

Acutely shy, Aleks had never dared to sing publicly until one of his best friends forced him to audition for a part in a musical. Aleks was successful and performed in three musicals (Rent, West Side Story and Les Miserables), and had leading roles in each one. He also went on tour with Fame – the musical.

At sixteen Aleks founded his band The Last Province with a group of friends. They played several festivals including Malakoff in 2011 and had their first single 'Lullaby' playlisted on Norway's national radio station NRK P1.

2013 saw Aleks starting his solo project, Aleks Grey, recording his first singles 'Starlight' and 'Born' at Urban Sound Studios in Oslo. Both singles got airplay at NRK P1, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. In July 2013 Aleks played Malakoff Rock Festival and won a grant for best young act.A move to Liverpool in 2013 allowed Aleks to connect with his current backing band, and he kept writing, recording, releasing and performing. In May 2014 Aleks and his band played The First Look Festival at Paul McCartney's performing arts school, LIPA. His last single 'When You Are Home' was released in November 2014, and again was played by NRK P1 and BBC Introducing.

In December 2014 Aleks embarked on his first tour of Norway performing six gigs in the Western Part of the country. His final date of the tour was a Christmas Concert with noteable Norwegian artists Eva & The Heartmaker and Tone Damli. This show was aired on Norwegian national television three times over the Christmas period.

The Band:

Aleksander Raftevold (Aleks Grey) – vocal/piano/synth/guitar
Reece Cairns – Drums/pad
Eline Brun – bv/piano/synth
Andreas Oxholm – bv/bass
Andreas Skuggen – guitarSocial Media:
www.facebook.com/aleksgreymusic
www.twitter.com/aleksgreymusic
www.instagram.com/aleksgrey
www.aleksgreymusic.com
www.youtube.com/aleksgreymusic
www.soundcloud.com/aleksgrey
 

NME Favourite Tony Volker Releases EP

Tony Volka Break & Reshape EP 1 June 2015

"An up-and-coming new artist to keep your peepers on."
The NME - Radar

Lead Track: 'Kingdom of the Beasts'

Tony Volker is a South London songwriter who makes artfully produced electro-folk, showcased perfectly by the tracks on his new EP 'Break & Reshape' released on 12" vinyl and as a digital download.

Volker’s mellifluous and emotive songs are often written using the framework of a finger-picked guitar and are produced using a mix of classic audio recording and subtle, sparse and experimental electronics.  Tony initially had no plans to release records but simply started by experimenting on his laptop but over the years the project grew and has led to him becoming one of the UK's most hotly tipped emerging artists.

Citing influences as diverse as Thom Yorke, Jon Hopkins Elliott Smith and Glass Animals and having already shared the bill with the likes of Katy B, Tony aspires towards "no less than world domination by Christmas. Not much to ask really is it?"


Catalogue Number: TV005Track Listing:
1. Kingdom of the Beasts
2. Disculpa Me
3. Impasse
4. Lines in Sand
5. I Guess You Know


Social Links:
www.tonyvolker.co.uk
https://soundcloud.com/tonyvolker
https://www.facebook.com/musictonyv
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSowGv0scenKXKa-VaOmndQ
https://twitter.com/tony_volker

New Releases and the Launch of an Online Music Festival!

I, Us & We Mono 6 April 2015

Lead Tracks: Lanterns, Sunday

Jordan Doverspike, Evan Doverspike and Aaron Doverspike are brothers based in California who write and perform captivating dream pop they describe as "clean and unadulterated".

Their EP, the beautifully atmospheric 'Mono' was recorded in their home studio and produced by Chad Marshman over the course of several weeks.  Taking a collaborative approach, the brothers found that some tracks came more easily than others, but the advantage of recording from a home studio meant that they could act immediately whenever inspiration struck.

'Mono' is a fluid collection of songs featuring enigmatic sounds and vocal harmonies that ebb and flow, with each track differing in tone.  The upbeat opening track 'Lanterns' is perfectly juxtaposed with the ethereal and climactic 'Sunday'. Third track 'Free is ominously somber whereas closing track 'Alive' ends the EP on an optimistic note.

"This seraph’s song envelops us with a sense so cold it burns."
Danny Davenport
“…like cleansing your ears with a new sound that wipes away the stress. Its cryptic, its atmospheric, its quite fantastic, to be honest.”
CityScope Blog

“‘Sunday’ is a lush synth-driven glide with a nifty modern take on some soft-focus 80s production. Call it chillwave, call it synthwave, call it what you want, it’ll still sooth your soul just as well whichever way.”
Record Rewind Play

"Wondrous and dreamy synth-pop with exceptional vocals – so mirage-like in quality that your perceptions will be happily bewildered."
Raw Ramp


Social:
www.twitter.com/iusandwe
www.facebook.com/iusandwe
www.instagram.com/i_us_and_we
http://iusandwe.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/iusandwe

Credits:
All tracks written and performed by Jordan Doverspike, Evan Doverspike and Aaron Doverspike who are all registered with ASCAP
Body Art by Jeffrey Locke

Kosoti Gone Too Far 27 April 2015

Post-Punk From New Jersey's New Politicians

New Politicians Remission 21 April 2015

New Politicians started in late 2012 with Gian Cortese on guitar, keyboards and vocals and his brother Renal Anthony on vocals and guitar. The band, now a four piece with Erik Watson on drums and Winston Mitlo on bass, play Post-Punk, Alternative Rock and are based in Centerville, New Jersey.

November 2013 saw the band releasing their self-produced, sophomore EP entitled Drag a City. This four track release, available to stream & download on their BandCamp webpage, earned the band critical acclaim and an army of fans.  Their highly anticipated new EP 'Remission' is released on April 21st.


“Why this unsigned band hasn’t been immediately snapped up by a record label is beyond comprehension. New Politicians has my vote!”
Jen Stratosphere, RebelNoise

"The music itself, elegant and pronounced, is at times nuanced and other times obvious. The record is just as concerned about the arrangement and performances as it is about creating mood. There’s a slightly cinematic feel to the record, couched between a nostalgic 80’s feeling and a also a peculiar “newness.” It’s as though we’ve been led back to a grand old city – one the entire world knows from a bygone golden age. We’ve seen the pictures and we have practically visited every street in the cinema of our minds. But New Politicians takes us back to see all of those things we missed."
Unsound
Social Links:
https://www.facebook.com/NewPoliticiansMusic
https://twitter.com/newpoliticians
http://www.newpoliticiansmusic.com/
https://newpoliticiansmusic.bandcamp.com/

Mark Ronson, Stealing Sheep, The Wombats and Noddy Holder...

Helena Johnson Take Me Home Tonight 23 March 2015

Soulful and slick, Helena Johnson has created and mastered a unique and powerful sound that's showcased perfectly in her new single 'Take Me Home Tonight' .

Originally from North Yorkshire and now based in Liverpool, Helena has impressed audiences and critics alike with her stunning live shows backed by a 10-piece band, complete with the comedically-named horn section 'The Horn Supremacy'. Her ability to captivate her audience from the first note, mesmerising even the most unruly of crowds, was evident when she recently performed at mammoth events such as Fiesta Bombarda and The Neighbourhood BBQ at Liverpool’s acclaimed venue, Camp and Furnace.

Since joining The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in 2011 to study, Helena has grown from talented musician to a potential international singing success, with recent interest from a major label. 2015 promises to be a year to remember for the rising star and she is definitely one to watch.

Gigs
February 21st – St George’s Hall, Liverpool
March 1st – Studio2, Liverpool
March 20th - Camp and Furnace, Liverpool
March 22nd – Single release party, venue tbc, Liverpool
March 27th/29th – Threshold Festival, details tbc
April 16th – The 2Ube Extra Festival, LIPA PMA, Liverpool
July 28th – Kazimier, Liverpool

Online
www.facebook.com/HelenaJohnsonMusic
https://twitter.com/HelenaJ_Music
https://soundcloud.com/helena-johnson-band
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvrNyk5A950

Video for 'Take Me Hone Tonight'  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpU-elObZTY


"Powerful vocal weaved over subtly crafted instrumental sections creating that unique sound the band has coined, and mastered."
LSRadio, 2014

“I can confidently say they displayed something quite extraordinary – an opening band that can deliver enough to satisfy the audience for the whole night.”
George Aird, Liverpool Student Media 2014
 
“Fantastic”
Chris Currie, 7 Waves Radio, 2014

“Impressive sound... Helena is undoubtedly the star attraction, her politeness in between songs in stark contrast to her powerful soulful voice.”
Getintothis, 2015

Satin Beige Addicted 2ube Xtra 9 March 2015

Hannah in the Wars New Album and Chanel Samson's New EP

Hannah In The Wars
Hannah in The Wars
99X/10
25 May 2015“The amazing performances and arrangements somehow pull you in and take you somewhere else. Somewhere Hannah has been but you haven’t, she shares her secrets and tells her stories…Its been a pleasure and a privilege to work with her.” 
Roger O’Donnell, The Cure


Songwriter Hannah Curwood originates from the stark, remote region of Central Otago in New Zealand. Now based in London, Hannah in the Wars is a new project, the result of working alongside Roger O'Donnell of The Cure and a handpicked group of musicians.

This eponymous debut album showcases a collection of lyrically robust emotional narratives. Curwood’s distinctive and powerful vocals are accompanied by Telecaster, piano, synth, delicate string arrangements and the brooding pulse of an orchestral percussionist.

O'Donnell has supported the band by providing his country home studio as a recording base, and lending guidance with vocal performance, arrangements and his expertise in synth programming.

The resulting ten songs evoke the likes of P J Harvey, Anna Calvi, Sharon Van Etten, Laura Marling and Smog - delicacy entangled with intensity.

Explaining how the songs came to be, Hannah says "This album was written amidst a complex tapestry of events.  A profound existential, spiritual and psychological crisis of a family member, terrifying, brutal and bewildering in intensity was accompanied by the agonising death knells and eventual shattering of a romantic relationship that had spanned many years, the deconstruction of a home.

This as the rumbling, groaning earth broke up under one of our cities.  I remember hearing about the first big earthquake on a grey, humid Auckland day and feeling as if time suddenly stopped and was stretching, creaking, tearing at the edges. I went home that evening to a desolate, empty house and wept for the people of Christchurch, for my own grief, chastising myself for having the audacity to cry over an insignificant personal miasma when people a few 100 km away were lying dead, dying, searching for loved ones amongst the wreckage of multiple lives.

But this is how we work, in infinite ways, against infinite backgrounds we function.  We grieve, we process, we grow and we continue on in our inexorable march, sometimes dragged kicking and screaming, sometimes passive travellers dreamily coasting with the current."

The album was mixed by Paul Corkett (The Cure, Nick Cave, Bjork) and will be released via O'Donnell's 99X/10 label on May 25th 2015.
 
Hannah’s previous releases, Sky Above, Horse Below (2007) and The Blind Love EP (2009) both received resounding critical acclaim, with tracks such as the murder ballad ‘It's Been Snowing All Winter’ showcasing Hannah's use of dark lyrics, twisted imagery and ethereal melody, earning her a place as one of New Zealand's celebrated alternative folk writers.


Social:
facebook.com/hannahinthewars
soundcloud.com/hannah-in-the-wars
twitter: @hannahinthewars
instagram: @hannahinthewars

Gigs:
April 11th: The Newsagent, Sydney, Australia
April 18th: The Wine Cellar, Auckland, NZ
April 19th: The Rogue Stage, Rotorua, NZ
April 22nd: Moon 1, Wellington, NZ
April 23rd on the Interislander ferry, NZ
April 23rd: Le Cafe, Picton, NZ
April 24th: The Playhouse, Nelson, NZ
April 26th: Wunderbar, Lyttelton, NZ
April 28th: Sherwood, Queenstown, NZ
April 29th: Gin & Raspberry, Wanaka, NZ
April 30th: The Cheeky Llama, Invercargill, NZ
May 1st:Taste Merchants, Dunedin, NZ

May 16th: Sebright Arms, London
May 23rd: Red Roasters, Brighton
May 27th: Bloc, Glasgow
May 28th: Bannerman's, Edinburgh
May 29th: Liverpool, venue TBC
May 30th: Three Minute Theatre in Manchester
June 4th: The Pavilion in Belfast
June 5th: Roisin Dubh in Galway
June 6th: The Twisted Pepper, Dublin
June 12th: Prachtwerk, Berlin
June 13th: Juhu, Berlin
 
Chanel Samson
The Beginning
23 April 2015

New Promo Materials Available from Blue Soap Music

Hannah In The Wars Hannah in The Wars 99X/10 25 May 2015

“The amazing performances and arrangements somehow pull you in and take you somewhere else. Somewhere Hannah has been but you haven’t, she shares her secrets and tells her stories…Its been a pleasure and a privilege to work with her.” 
Roger O’Donnell, The Cure


Songwriter Hannah Curwood originates from the stark, remote region of Central Otago in New Zealand. Now based in London, Hannah in the Wars is a new project, the result of working alongside Roger O'Donnell of The Cure and a handpicked group of musicians.

This eponymous debut album showcases a collection of lyrically robust emotional narratives. Curwood’s distinctive and powerful vocals are accompanied by Telecaster, piano, synth, delicate string arrangements and the brooding pulse of an orchestral percussionist.

O'Donnell has supported the band by providing his country home studio as a recording base, and lending guidance with vocal performance, arrangements and his expertise in synth programming.

The resulting ten songs evoke the likes of P J Harvey, Anna Calvi, Sharon Van Etten, Laura Marling and Smog - delicacy entangled with intensity.

Explaining how the songs came to be, Hannah says "This album was written amidst a complex tapestry of events.  A profound existential, spiritual and psychological crisis of a family member, terrifying, brutal and bewildering in intensity was accompanied by the agonising death knells and eventual shattering of a romantic relationship that had spanned many years, the deconstruction of a home.This as the rumbling, groaning earth broke up under one of our cities.  I remember hearing about the first big earthquake on a grey, humid Auckland day and feeling as if time suddenly stopped and was stretching, creaking, tearing at the edges. I went home that evening to a desolate, empty house and wept for the people of Christchurch, for my own grief, chastising myself for having the audacity to cry over an insignificant personal miasma when people a few 100 km away were lying dead, dying, searching for loved ones amongst the wreckage of multiple lives.

But this is how we work, in infinite ways, against infinite backgrounds we function.  We grieve, we process, we grow and we continue on in our inexorable march, sometimes dragged kicking and screaming, sometimes passive travellers dreamily coasting with the current."

The album was mixed by Paul Corkett (The Cure, Nick Cave, Bjork) and will be released via O'Donnell's 99X/10 label on May 25th 2015.

Hannah’s previous releases, Sky Above, Horse Below (2007) and The Blind Love EP (2009) both received resounding critical acclaim, with tracks such as the murder ballad ‘It's Been Snowing All Winter’ showcasing Hannah's use of dark lyrics, twisted imagery and ethereal melody, earning her a place as one of New Zealand's celebrated alternative folk writers.


Social:
facebook.com/hannahinthewars
soundcloud.com/hannah-in-the-wars
twitter: @hannahinthewars
instagram: @hannahinthewarsGigs:
April 11th: The Newsagent, Sydney, Australia
April 18th: The Wine Cellar, Auckland, NZ
April 19th: The Rogue Stage, Rotorua, NZ
April 22nd: Moon 1, Wellington, NZ
April 23rd on the Interislander ferry, NZ
April 23rd: Le Cafe, Picton, NZ
April 24th: The Playhouse, Nelson, NZ
April 26th: Wunderbar, Lyttelton, NZ
April 28th: Sherwood, Queenstown, NZ
April 29th: Gin & Raspberry, Wanaka, NZ
April 30th: The Cheeky Llama, Invercargill, NZ
May 1st:Taste Merchants, Dunedin, NZ

May 16th: Sebright Arms, London
May 23rd: Red Roasters, Brighton
May 27th: Bloc, Glasgow
May 28th: Bannerman's, Edinburgh
May 29th: Liverpool, venue TBC
May 30th: Three Minute Theatre in Manchester
June 4th: The Pavilion in Belfast
June 5th: Roisin Dubh in Galway
June 6th: The Twisted Pepper, Dublin
June 12th: Prachtwerk, Berlin
June 13th: Juhu, Berlin
 

Postcards From Jeff Suburban Girl Louder Than War 13 April 2015

Liverpool's Most Respected Music Award Reveals Shortlisted Artists

The GIT Awards 2015 Get Into This 4 April 2015

"The most exciting bands right now are from Liverpool. That is an irrefutable fact – it is therefore an honour to be involved with this year’s GIT Award"
Simon Raymonde, Bella Union Records

"The GIT Award represents artists of the future"
Yoko Ono

"The GIT Award illustrates just how colourful the music scene in Liverpool is today"
Domino Records


GIT AWARD 2015 SHORTLIST REVEALED AHEAD OF SPECTACULAR CEREMONY AT THE KAZIMIER ON SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2015 AT 7PM

LIVERPOOL VENUE 'KAZIMIER' TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO AZTEC JUNGLE WITH SET PIECE VISUALS & CARNIVAL PLUS ONE-OFF COLLABORATIVE LIVE PERFORMANCES


Liverpool music prize, The GIT Award has revealed the 12 shortlisted artists for the 2015 edition.

The GIT Award 2015 shortlist is:

All We Are
Circa Waves
D R O H N E
Gulf
Hooton Tennis Club
Roxanne JonesLåpsley
Esa Shields
Sundowners
Xam Volo
Jane Weaver
We Are Catchers

General manager at 4AD Records and GIT Award 2015 judge, Rich Walker, said: “What a great award to be asked to help judge. Working at 4AD, there’s never a shortage of new music to listen to but I’ve particularly enjoyed discovering what a fertile and supportive scene Liverpool currently has. More cities really should copy the GIT template and do their own award.”

Now in its fourth consecutive year, The GIT (Getintothis) Award, champions the best of Merseyside music providing a snapshot of the year while recognising significant artistic achievement across a range of musical styles.

And the 2015 shortlist is no different..

Kosoti Release New Single 'Gone Too Far'

Kosoti Gone Too Far 27 April 2015

“Kosoti play the kind of folk/pop which is underpinned by the kind of song-writing nous that is really going to get people sitting up and taking notice.”
THE CRACK

“If you like your music creative and atmospheric with strong vocal harmonies this is the band for you.”
THE COURIER ONLINE

After a near death experience in 2013, lead singer and songwriter Allan Hyslop realised he needed to treasure every moment of his life by doing what he loved most, writing and performing music.

Allan explains "Kosoti is the result of a few musicians and friends getting together to write songs and enjoy each other’s company. It started about eighteen months ago when a change in personnel gave us the impetus to try something different from what we'd previously been doing. The sound emerged and we knew there was something special being born..."

The new single 'Gone Too Far' was produced by Adrian Hall and follows the success of 2014's 'Bark and Sticks' which saw widespread airplay for the band.  'Gone Too Far' is a laid back track with sensitive yet powerful overtones and a rousing chorus mourning a relationship that has gone awry.

Having already performed sessions for BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and Metro Radio in their short career, 'Gone Too Far' is set to take the band to an even larger fanbase who are drawn to Kosoti's beautiful vocal harmonies which are very much their trademark.

Social Links:
www.kosoti.com
www.facebook.com/kosotimusic
www.twitter.com/kosotimusic
www.youtube.com/kosotimusicGigs:

	Mar 27	Cluny 2 w/ Dan Whitehouse	Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
	Jul 12	Mouth of the Tyne Festival w/ Martha and the...	Tynemouth, United Kingdom

 All tracks written by:
Allan Hyslop, George Patrick Hutton, Seth Tinsley, Christos William Worsley, Rebecca Gregson, Paul William Holdsworth