Jammerzine has an exclusive interview with Aaron Starkie from The Slow Readers Club. With today’s release of their new album ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ (listen below), we get an ever-surprising evolution that is the musical revolution of The Slow Readers Club.
And, in today’s interview, we talk with Aaron about ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ as well as the music scene post-COVID and what lies in store for the Slow Readers Club.
About The Slow Readers Club & ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’
As forecast by recent singles and emerging fan favorites ‘Modernise’, ‘Lay Your Troubles On Me’ and the title track, the album sees the band moving beyond their dark-hued post-punk roots to embrace luminous synths and anthemic alt-rock that can also appeal to fans of early Bloc Party, Muse and White Lies. And while its themes are still informed by scathing social commentary, ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ consistently exudes the power of the collective human spirit to counteract the growing dystopia around us.
As vocalist Aaron Starkie explains, “The world had become so bleak it felt a little indulgent to paint apocalyptic pictures when they were playing out in the real world. I thought people would probably want to hear more uplifting things, it was my intention to be a bit more positive. There’s still a lot of melodrama in there and it’s still dystopian in places but there’s more positive shades in this record.”
Beyond the singles, those uplifting moments emerge both lyrically and sonically. ‘Sacred Song’ plays up both elements, its sparkling guitar motif and imagination of a beacon of hope in the shape of a saviour goddess elevating the mood. ‘What Might Have Been’ is thematically more sorrowful, but otherwise beams just as brightly, placing a Balearic twist on an indie-rock heart in a similar way to Foals but with a yearning ‘80s undercurrent. The record closes on a hopeful strand, with ‘No You Never’. It finds Aaron reflecting on his childhood growing up on a council estate, where he felt limited by social and financial concerns. Despite those challenges, his ability to express himself via music demonstrates that there can be opportunities beyond what might immediately be apparent.
‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ is launched alongside a new video for the moody, hooky synth-pop break-up song ‘Forget About Me’. It was the final song to be written for the record and remained in development as the band entered the studio. Its writing was completed in an experimental style, with the band based in the studio while Aaron contributed via WhatsApp as he remained at home with Covid.
Completed by Aaron’s brother Kurtis Starkie (guitar), James Ryan (bass) and David Whitworth (drums), The Slow Readers Club recorded the album with producer Joe Cross (Louis Tomlinson, The Courteeners, Hurts).
The Slow Readers Club recently announced details of a special ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ album launch event on February 28th. Held at Manchester’s Band on the Wall, the intimate event will feature a live edition of #TimsTwitterListeningParty, which will also run concurrently on Twitter. The band will then take to the stage to perform acoustic versions of some of the new album tracks, as well as hosting a raffle in which fans can win rare memorabilia, merchandise and guestlist places for upcoming shows. The event is already sold-out.
The event follows their recent ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ preview event, where they were joined by a local legend in the shape of the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham.
‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ is available to stream or buy HERE. The band’s official store also offers limited edition vinyl, CD, cassettes and t-shirts which feature alternate black artwork.
Next month will see The Slow Readers Club take ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ on the road with a UK and European headline tour, interspersed with a show as special guests to Pixies. Several gigs are already sold-out, with many more to follow imminently. Any remaining tickets are available HERE.
LINKS:
https://www.theslowreadersclub.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/theslowreadersclub
https://twitter.com/slowreadersclub
https://www.instagram.com/theslowreadersclub/
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Live @ Home for August 29th, 2020
Live @ Home is a new chapter in discovering music, with artists performing straight from their homes into fan’s homes around the globe. Going through Jammer Direct’s multiple streaming platforms via PC/Mac, Mobile, Tablet, Radio, and Television in true HD and Dolby Digital surround sound that reaches a worldwide audience.
Brought to you as a joint venture between Jammer Direct and KES Entertainment!
With concerts, events, festivals, and concerts effectively canceled for the near future, even after things get back to somewhat normality people will be slow to get back out there. Musicians need a way to reach out with their music, Live @ Home is that game-changer that will let recording artists of all genres and levels reach out to fans along with gaining new ones.
If you are watching these performances on Jammer Direct’s official Roku Channel, you can use the QR Code embedded in the video to vote via your phone or tablet device.
This Week’s Episode features performances by:
- Girl Pow-R DONATE TO ARTIST (GPR from Girl Pow-R)
- Neena Rose DONATE TO ARTIST
Vote for your favorite artist this week!
About the Artists
GPR from Girl Pow-R
GPR from Girl Pow-R is composed of Carina and Kalista, OG members of this group which was symbolically formed on International Women’s Day to support #BeBoldForChange. As JUNO nominees for their debut album, the band’s music provides an opportunity for the voices of these young women to speak to their peers in a fresh, new voice.
LINKS:
https://www.girl-pow-r.com
https://www.facebook.com/GirlPowRMusic
https://twitter.com/Girl_Pow_R
https://www.instagram.com/girl_pow_rNeena Rose
“Between her breakout single — 2018’s “Games” — its successors, “Circles” “Rewind” and “Mannequin”, Canadian singer/songwriter and R&B/Pop artist Neena Rose has emerged onto the music scene with a magnetism not encountered every .
The 18-year old Hamilton, Ontario-based artist has received extensive early support from media and playlisters, and was a recent panelist at the California Copyright Conference, making her the youngest female Canadian to speak thus far. In November of 2019 she was 1 of only 6 Canadians nominated for a Hollywood Music and Media Awards, in Los Angeles , Californa.
Her debut single — “Rock N Roll Lullaby” — was recorded at age 12 with Diamond/Platinum producer/songwriter Roy “Royalty” Hamilton III (Britney Spears, Nas), and the five years since has included performing for audience sizes up to 14,000 (including Oprah Winfrey).
She’s an “amazing young talent,” says Universal Music Publishing Group’s 80 Empire. “She’s an incredible vocalist and witty lyricist… Working with her is a sheer joy!” “Hellafun to talk with,” Cashbox Magazine’s Lenny Stoute adds. She’s a “combination of music biz savvy and emotional intelligence, with a commanding voice. Gonna go far.”
Neena Rose is not only a singer/songwriter, she is a young entrepreneur, owning a production company, Rosatone Records. Neena engineers, and produces her own vocals, does her own artwork, and also edits her own promotional videos. She captures the spirit of her generation in all her music and plans to take the world by storm. Her record label, Rosatone Records, is distributed by DCatMusic/The Orchard/Sony, and will be releasing her EP 333, in fall 2020.
“I love it all, but writing lyrics is my favourite part,” Neena muses, reflecting on previous dips into nu-country, emo rock, and lofty pop bops before finding her most authentic self in R&B. “I want people to gain empowerment from my music. I want it to communicate to them: ‘You’ve got this. You can be different. You can do anything.’”
It’s true, and Neena Rose is leading by perfect example.”
LINKS:
https://www.neenarosemusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/neenarosemusic
https://www.youtube.com/neenarosemusicAbout Jammer Direct
Jammer Direct is a multi-platform and online promotional and media company that includes video, radio, and print entities in the form of the brands Jammer Direct, JammerStream Radio, and Jammerzine.
These multiple platforms are defined as follows:
- Jammer Direct is a video network consisting of a vast selection of music videos of every genre as well as live concerts, original films and documentaries, and original programming. This network now includes what is called JDTV, a television version of Jammer Direct found currently on Roku (channel link HERE), and soon to be on Amazon FireTV, Pluto TV, TubiTV, and more this year (2020).
- Jammer Direct is also getting into original television programming and film with the TV show for independent musicians titled ‘Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie‘ (link HERE) and films such as the Beauty in Chaos’ documentary ‘Behind The Beauty: Remixing The Chaos‘ (found on Jammer Direct HERE).
- JammerStream Radio is a four-station radio network split into genres of music submitted to Jammer Direct directly from the artists, their labels, or their representation. The stations also have original content and programming. JammerStreams radio stations are also available on all online radio stream platforms (search JammerStream) as well on Amazon’s Alexa and Alexa for Auto (link HERE).
- Jammerzine is an online magazine featuring daily premieres for songs, albums, and videos, as well as exclusive interviews and content.
Collectively, the brand known as Jammer Direct (Jammer Direct, JammerStream Radio, and Jammerzine) generates over 2 million unique views per month with an average stay time of between 30 and over 40 minutes for the artists that they feature (links HERE & HERE).
LINKS:
https://jammer.direct
https://jammerstream.jammer.direct
https://jammerzine.com
https://twitter.com/jammerdirect
https://twitter.com/jammerzine
https://www.facebook.com/jammerdirect
https://www.facebook.com/jammerzineAbout KES Entertainment
KES Entertainment provides worldwide digital and US physical music and film distribution for record labels and artists. Our marketing and promotion team specializes in structuring tailored campaigns, assisting the artist with connecting to their fans, and creating new ones.
Our most popular services:
- Spotify playlist campaigns
- Social media marketing
- Vevo artist video channel
- (Vevo is the worlds leading music video and entertainment platform, reaching approximately 26 billion viewers per month).
- Radio Promotions / Mainstream BDS and Mediabase / College / All Genres
- Video Promotion
- OnDeckMagazine.com
LINKS:
https://twitter.com/kesindiedist
https://kesnetwork.com -
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 -
Last Days of Jude Release ‘Misery’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Last Days of Jude, a.k.a. Fre Pacheco, has dropped his new video for the track titled ‘Misery’.