Since September 2016, Aliens potent mix of Alt Rock, Pop hooks and politically engaged social commentary has been firing up live audiences, reviewers and DJ’s across the UK. Long Way to Run is the lead track from their new album, Terradome.
Aliens were created as a music/film collective by composer & producer, Iain Harvie, (best known as the Rock guitarist for million sellers, Del Amitri) and filmmaker, songwriter & singer, Tim May. They were soon joined by Helen Turner from Paul Weller & Style Council on keys, Martyn Barker from Shriekback on drums, The Bible’s Leroy Lendor on bass, and hot new talent Tommy Sheen on guitar. Now, Iain has confined his Aliens duties to mixing and producing, while Tim and the band play live.
Their last single, Desolation Angel, written with Jungle’s Fraser MacColl, was released in aid of Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, and swiftly became BBC Radio Scotland’s record of the week. Terradome brings both tracks together with a whole load more that are destined to bring Aliens the wider attention they deserve.
“Maybe the world changes one conversation at a time, one idea, one slight shift of perception, if so Aliens are as vital as any more obvious rallying cry.” Dave Franklin. Scene and Heard.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/blackoutlockdown
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cdiplXHN22XQZ1qieLtEu?si=_yBEoR8eT2elQVb7ReTlvw
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmeJb7YdDx0C4AzkAok8FLQ
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ReMission International Releases TOS2020 (Trentemøller Remix) (The Week in #Indie Segment)
ReMission International has just shed light on Trentemøller’s take on the multinational COVID-19 relief track titled ‘TOS2020’. Trentemøller gives an obvious departure from both the original track from The Mission as well as the first collaboration released last month. More subdued and introverted while containing the obvious Trentemøller style, this remix is an introversion-conversion meant for personal reflection and as a valve for the emotions in this isolation that we all face and desperately feel.
The ‘Tower of Strength’ begins with the power of music.
Check out our other features with TOS2020 HERE.
Check out our other features with Trentemøller HERE.
Check out our other features with Wayne Hussey HERE.
Click HERE to watch Season 6 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 5 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 4 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 3 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 2 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
Click HERE to watch Season 1 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.ABOUT TOS2020 & TRENTEMØLLER REMIX
TOS2020 – the remake of The Mission’s anthemic hit ‘Tower Of Strength’ released to raise money for COVID-related charities worldwide – is out now, along with two new videos – for the Trentemøller remix and a new lyric video featuring many of the artists involved. All proceeds to charities personally chosen by each contributor.
From #TOS2020 creator Wayne Hussey: “This new video for the beautiful Trentemøller remix of ‘Tower Of Strength 2020’ was directed by James Sharples. The live footage is taken from a Mission video and shows us setting up before a gig, and it deliberately ends on a hopeful note to remind us that in the not too distant future we can all get together to make and enjoy loud music in a room again.”
“At the moment the money raised by TOS2020 is close to £100k, which is fantastic. It won’t stop once it’s out and will continue to raise money as long as orders are placed and streaming and publishing revenues come in. The funds will continue to accumulate, which is exactly what we wanted…. I want to keep thanking everyone for their support – it’s a hard time financially for people and there’s a long road ahead. The digital bundle contains 5 awesome tracks for just £2.99, it all helps those that need it most and the proceeds will be divided and distributed equally among all the beneficiaries. Thank you.”
The full version video, directed and edited by Savannah Perry, offers insight into the TOS2020 ‘Beholden To The Front-Line Workers Of The World mix’, revealing who sings which lines, who plays which guitar solo, drums, etc. throughout the song. Earlier, Vincente Cordero / Industrialism Films presented another video for the TOS2020 single.
Collaborators include: Andy Rourke, Billy Duffy, Budgie, Evi Vine, Gary Numan, James Alexander Graham, Jay Aston, Julianne Regan, Kevin Haskins, Kirk Brandon, Lol Tolhurst, Martin Gore, Michael Aston, Michael Ciravolo, Midge Ure, Miles Hunt, Rachel Goswell, Richard Fortus, Robin Finck, Steve Clarke, Tim Palmer, Trentemøller
BACKGROUND FROM WAYNE HUSSEY:
“When Covid-19 hit I started receiving messages asking ‘why don’t you re-issue Tower Of Strength for the front line workers?’ The song had apparently been adopted as an anthem by some NHS workers, and it got me thinking that I would like to contribute something to the greater cause at this unprecedented time and the only thing I could really contribute is music. So in conjunction with my good friend Michael Ciravolo, I came up with the idea of recording a new version of Tower Of Strength for charity by enlisting the help of musician friends and acquaintances.”
Produced by Wayne Hussey and co-produced and mixed by Tim Palmer. Except * remix by Trentemøller and ** remix by Albie Mischenzingerzen.COLLABORATORS INCLUDE:
Andy Rourke, Billy Duffy, Budgie, Evi Vine, Gary Numan, James Alexander Graham, Jay Aston, Julianne Regan, Kevin Haskins, Kirk Brandon, Lol Tolhurst, Martin Gore, Michael Aston, Michael Ciravolo, Midge Ure, Miles Hunt, Rachel Goswell, Richard Fortus, Robin Finck, Steve Clarke, Tim Palmer, Trentemøller.
From TOS2020 collaborators:
“Being given the chance to do some good to raise money for people and animals struggling in these frightening times by singing one of the best songs ever written was such an easy thing to say yes to. An absolute honour to be involved.”
– Gary Numan“Today as we face an unprecedented crisis with COVID 19, we have to be united in purpose to help humanity and especially the disenfranchised and impoverished among us, survive. Music can be a powerful way to join us all together and help those that need it most now.”
– Lol Tolhurst“I’ve seen and heard Tower of Strength played often and I’ve experienced its effect and the impact it has on others. It’s an anthemic song of hope, comfort and joy, with a message that now seems more relevant than ever. I hope this project, in which I am privileged to be involved, brings a little light into the shade and allows us all to, albeit momentarily, focus on an ‘afterwards’.”
– Julianne Regan“You get a message from Wayne Hussey asking if you can put a vocal (alongside a great list of singers, musicians and friends) on a reworking of a massive track in the repertoire of The Mission to aid COVID-19 charities around the globe – you say yes and get it done as well as you can.”
– Kirk Brandon“I did it coz Wayne asked me to and I love Wayne.”
– Billy Duffy“Being asked to contribute to making a piece of music isn’t overly taxing for a musician. I’m just pleased Wayne didn’t ask me to perform brain surgery or fly a jumbo jet, something which takes some form of skill.”
– Midge Ure“My positive of the pandemic has been connecting to kindred spirits. Honoured to lend a hand.”
– Budgie“I would like it known that, if asked, I would do absolutely anything for Wayne Hussey. Tower Of Strength is utter perfection: it is daring in its intent and supremely executed in both its original recording and every single time I have seen it performed live. To be asked to contribute to this new version was a very emotional experience for me. So many intense memories came flooding back as I sang, there were tears, I can assure you of that.”
– Miles Hunt“Direct Relief is an organisation that helps people in times of emergency like natural disasters or in times of poverty by getting medical equipment and supplies to where they are needed most. At the moment they are obviously heavily focused on Covid-19.”
– Martin Gore (on Direct Relief, his nominated charity)“Love and gratitude.”
– Robin Finck“I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this project – I always loved this song and asked Wayne if I could take a crack at John Paul Jones’ string arrangement, which I have always admired. Hopefully, my take on it does it justice.”
– Richard Fortus“The power we have collectively is transformative … I love and admire Wayne and the band and the warmth and intention behind this release. I know the power of this song and I feel so honoured to have been invited to join so many celebrated artists, this is a beautiful star in the darkest of times and I know the difference it will make.”
– Evi Vine“To be amongst these amazing artists that I’m a huge fan of and have so much respect for is a true honour, especially for such an important cause. The sacrifice that all the amazing NHS staff and key workers have made is truly humbling and inspiring. To be part of an incredible group of people that want to give something back and show their gratitude is something I’m extremely proud of.”
– James Alexander Graham“When I was asked by Wayne to be part of this fantastic charity project, I immediately said yes! If I could contribute to supporting the hard work fighting COVID-19 by making a remix of Tower Of Strength, that was a way for me to make a small difference. I’m very honoured to be a part of this.”
– Trentemøller“I signed on for this project because I felt that it would be a great way to raise a lot of funds for those in need at this time. When I heard all the names of artists who were collaborating, I knew that it would turn out very special. I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to contribute to this marvellous project.”
– Kevin Haskins“When Wayne emailed me with the idea of contributing vocals to this project I jumped at the chance. Tower of Strength is such an anthemic song it’s only fitting that this has been done to support the various charities. It’s an honour for me to be a small part of the process and what a stellar line up of people involved.”
– Rachel Goswell“Not every day do you get the chance to play on one of your favourite songs with some of your favourite artists, and to have it be for all the right reasons and for an amazing cause.”
– Michael Ciravolo“So honoured to be part of this wonderful project. It’s also interesting that three of the original performers on our – Gene Loves Jezebel – very first recording, ‘Shaving My Neck’ are reunited by chance some 37 years later: Julianne Regan, J.P, and myself. Hats off to Wayne and the Mission for giving this rendition for charity during this pandemic.”
– Michael Aston“Absolutely buzzed and honestly flattered to be asked to not only add my voice to this wonderful recording but also give something back to our much loved and beleaguered NHS. The perfect song for these difficult and challenging days.”
– Jay AstonTOS2020 nominated charities currently include:
NHS UK
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis
Music Venue Trust UK
Covenant House, New Orleans
Disasters Emergency Committee
MusiCares
Plan International
Direct Relief
Alzheimer’s Scotland
Liberty Hill Foundation
The Shrewsbury Ark
Memorial Sloan Kettering Center, NYC
Prostate Cancer UK
The Teddy Bear Clinic
Red Rover
Help Musicians UK
Crew Nation
Venice Family Clinic
The Anthony Walker Foundation
Projeto Cáo Communitário
The City Of San Francisco Covid-19 FundLINKS:
http://www.themissionukband.com
https://www.facebook.com/themissionuk
https://twitter.com/the_mission_uk
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDjpRLuH8jv
https://www.beautyinchaosmusic.com/tos2020 -
An Interview with Evi Vine (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Ethereal alt-rock outfit Evi Vine presents ‘Sabbath’, a sweet and heavy preview of their long-awaited long-play ‘Black Light White Dark’, out now on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally. This powerhouse track features Evi Vine’s gossamer vocals and precise orchestration, cleverly woven together with bass guitar by Simon Gallup of The Cure and guitar by Peter Yates of Fields of the Nephilim.
Produced by Dave Izumi (Nordic Giants, Ed Harcourt, Magic Numbers) and mixed by Phill Brown (Talk Talk, Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, John Martyn, Robert Palmer), this album also features contributions from several other celebrated artists. Apart from Simon Gallup (The Cure), this album also involves Martyn Barker (Shriekback, Billy Bragg, Marianne Faithfull, Goldfrapp), Peter Yates (Fields of the Nephilim), and Geraldine Swayne (Faust).
As a group, Evi Vine is joined by Steven Hill, Matt Tye, and David ‘GB’ Smith. Their music explores the dark elemental nature of the human heart, as well as environmental and post-apocalyptic themes. Evi Vine’s sound is both sublime and haunting. Creating a unique and uncompromising atmosphere, the effect is reverential, physical music, evoking a rare experience that is beautiful, sparse and deeply intimate.
“I know a lot of people are being shaped by experiences in our lives, ghosts of childhood, self-destructive pain and sorrow, all our personal struggles, doubt, and change. I can feel the earth dying and it makes me so sad. We write reflective songs about the circular patterns of man, and reflecting beauty and violence in the world,” says Evi Vine.
“We recorded live for the first time, which meant we were perhaps able to express the energy in the room together, vibing off one another and experimenting with new sounds, in a new space. Writing in the room was a new experience for us. Its the first time we’ve gone in with no finished songs. We had a few ideas and riffs but took the time to let them breathe and worked on them until we felt we had captured a special moment. After producing two albums essentially at home, this feels like a re-birth for the band.”
Evi Vine’s debut self-released debut album ‘…And So The Morning Comes’ was heralded as “the underground gem of 2011” by Drowned in Sound and championed by Simon Raymonde (Bella Union, Cocteau Twins) as his album of the year. Directed by Oscar-winning Nick Brooks (Fight Club, The Matrix, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Evi joined with internationally acclaimed photographer Patrick Fraser to make the stunning video ‘For the Dreamers’.
Their second album ‘Give Your Heart to The Hawks’ (2015) was co-produced by Richard Formby (Mogwai, Spacemen 3, Wild Beasts) and mixed by the legendary Phill Brown (Beth Gibbons, John Martyn, Talk Talk, Led Zeppelin, Robert Palmer). The album also featured Martyn Barker, Peter Yates, Tatia Starkey (My Vitriol/Lola Colt), and Billy Cote (Madder Rose).
Evi’s career has been filled with color. She formed this band while living in LA, quickly getting a support show opening for Slash at the Whiskey-agogo. She has collaborated with Graham Revell (SPK, The Crow Soundtrack), The Eden House, Tony Pettit (Fields of the Nephilim), and Peter Yates (Fields of the Nephilim). In 2016, Evi sang on Phillip Clemo’s ‘DreamMaps’ album, together with Talk Talk’s Simon Edwards and Martin Ditcham, subsequently making appearances on BBC6, BBC3 Late Junction and Jazz FM.
Most recently, Evi Vine contributed backing vocals on The Mission’s 2016 album ‘Another Fall From Grace’, which hit the UK top-40 album chart, and collaborated with Michael Ciravolo on the debut album from LA-based Beauty in Chaos, involving members of The Cure, Ministry, The Mission, Cheap Trick, The Offspring, King’s X and Ice T, among others.
In recent years, Evi Vine has toured with The Mission, Chameleons Vox, Wayne Hussey, And Also The Trees, Phillip Boa and The Voodoo Club, and Her Name is Calla. After hearing Evi Vine’s debut album and including it among his top five albums, Wayne Hussey invited them to tour with him in 2016 and subsequently with The Mission in 2017. Invited on stage to sing three songs by The Mission, the seed was sown and Vine joined The Mission as the featured vocalist for their 30th Anniversary Tour.
“The new album is intense – dark, layered, wonderfully atmospheric, fragile, and at times stripped bare – an album to get lost in….and then surface with Evi’s haunting and delicate vocals and the endless space,” explains Phill Brown.
The Cure’s Simon Gallup elaborated on his involvement in this project: “Hammersmith …me drunk …meet Evi for the first time I mumble that I’d love to play on a couple of tracks …don’t hear anything for ages than an email out of the blue …Three songs …feel nervous but really enjoy the songs …a day trip to the coast and a lovely welcome with dogs ..have beer and made to feel even more welcome ..worry that what I’m playing isn’t right or not going to fit in but enjoy myself and the warmth of everything ..have to dash as there is a prom on …a very bad hill start and a dash back down the motorway ..a quick day that had started 20 months before.”
LINKS:
http://www.evivine.com
https://www.facebook.com/evi.vine.music
https://twitter.com/evivine
https://evivine.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/evivine
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcPbQaScYhloAHQFURajuZg?view_as=subscriber
https://itunes.apple.com/mn/artist/evi-vine/433578453
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4pZRfgJDhjBjNuYQV09lLt -
Jammerzine’s The Week In #Indie for 5/22/2017
Exclusive interview with #Indie legends Bettie Serveert. New videos by Blacktop Mojo, Traveller, Scott Swain, and Weinf. New albums by UK artist Rum Thief, Colour Colour and a new single by Caesaria. Plus the latest Mixtape.