Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie for 7/8/2019
Exclusive interviews with Gone Sugar Die, Bromide, The New Nostalgia, and Casper Sun plus premieres from Brocarde, Def Robot, K Michelle Dubois, Klammer, Para Lia, and The Winachi Tribe.
The Week In #Indie
Tommy Down Drops ‘Superficial’ (The Week in #Indie Segment)
With a smooth groove and sometimes staccato-like rhythm within the lyrics, Tommy Down delivers a memorable track in the form of ‘Superficial’, which is steeped in melody and simply memorable in the aftermath. And now matter and antimatter collide musically with the help of Decca Records artist Rhys Lewis.
This dynamic duo chisel out ‘Superficial’ in a way that is anything but. This song is deep. Musically, creatively, maybe even spiritually on a guttural level. The chorus has such a lyrical delivery of the song title that it is actually still in my head. That is the mark of genius. When a song stays with you and becomes a part of you. That is more than superficial.
About ‘Superficial’
Produced by rising Decca Records star Rhys Lewis, ‘Superficial’ sounds like the brainchild of Nile Rodgers and Sade scoring a Boogie Nights sequel. Managing to tactfully balance its glossy velvet-toned nostalgic influences with a raw and stripped-back production approach, ‘Superficial’ sees Tommy Down analyzing the psychological perils of a generation addicted to selfies and social media. It’s all captured in the contradiction at the heart of its narrative: guy judges a girl for taking a selfie with him, yet harbors a desire to see himself tagged in it the next day.
Ultimately ‘Superficial’ navigates the complex, maddening, and circular logic of technological overthink by asking us if we’re even perhaps a little attracted to the idea of our own narcissism. Maybe the fact that we go into these things ambivalently makes us more woke anyhow? It’s three minutes of clever, concise and thought-provoking pop that puts Down both sonically and lyrically on a standout path. With Tommy starring as himself and his own conscience, alongside live bandmate and Cold Feet actress Sylvie Briggs, and Raffy Ellison, the accompanying video, (directed by Toby Harris), is a colorful, slick and tongue-in-cheek dramatization of the lyrics.
About Tommy Down
Tommy Down is the sharp-suited and incisive lyricist and frontman to Harker Moon. He started the project in 2015 with schoolmates Hal Briggs, Ben Phillips, Olly Jay, and Joe Caplin. The band peddles an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk, and roots with a trademark relish for old-school feel-good vibes. Tommy has been writing music and recording since he was fourteen, and since leaving university a year and a half ago, has been dedicating himself to it fully. In that time, he’s already netted a few accolades and picked up a wealth of practical experience – winning an award for ‘Best Original Composition’ at the UK Open Mic Competition, for instance. He also started performing as the male vocalist for Bristol University Jazz Orchestra in 2015 and now gigs in venues across London including the Camden Assembly.
Tommy’s broad knowledge of musical styles and emphasis on innovative stylistic fusions make him one of the most interesting emerging British artists. >From London to New York he has also been forging some eminent collaborations this year, including Jeff Silverman, Charlie Perry (who helped produce Jorja Smith’s Lost and Found), and John Shave & Jason Pebworth from the Grammy-nominated “Invisible Men” – the hitmakers behind songs by Britney Spears and Rita Ora. Both as a bandleader and as a solo artist Tommy unequivocally shines, but it’s in the latter category that we’re seeing his unique artistry in its full resplendent glory.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Tommy-Down-138191366266833
https://soundcloud.com/nii-amar-children
https://www.instagram.com/tommydownmusic
Rayon Nelson Releases ‘Made of Gold’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)
It’s hard to write, much less record, a song that conveys true emotions. That’s why ‘Made of Gold’, the new track and video by Rayon Nelson, is so special. It conveys and expresses those times in our lives that we have all had. Times of loss and helplessness, when we feel at our lowest. Backed by creative genius both musically and lyrically, Rayon’s soulful voice and nuances really give experience to the lyrics and give the listener hope as well as heart.
About Made of Gold
Shimmering guitar lines and a pared-back arrangement serve as a backdrop to Rayon’s heartfelt confessions of failure and imperfection. ‘Made Of Gold’ chronicles those times when the wellsprings of our emotion overcome our flood barriers and overflow as we fail to uphold our own often fastidious psychological standards. “Hard times are no stranger to my door,” he sings, relating his personal struggle with our complicated and erringly human interior lives. It’s a richly layered song that thrums with the splendor of Rayon’s voice. Combining vintage and modern influences, ‘Made Of Gold is a haunting, soulful, and eminently relatable song which lays bare the touching contradictions at the heart of the human experience. It’s an impressive sleight of hand from an artist who is carving an original and beguiling space in contemporary music.
Often people think because you present yourself in a certain way, that you have everything together. Made Of Gold song attempts to show that even though these words that I try to live by are ‘made of gold’, I somehow still fall in doubt and I’m most certainly not perfect. I’m a closed person in general so this EP contains some personal songs, and I guess its a way of people getting closer to me.
About ‘Closer’ EP
Written and self-produced by Rayon himself, and mixed and mastered by Alberto Coin, Closer is a set of songs that draws listeners deep into Rayon Nelson’s artistic world. Confessional and tender in tone, the four songs that comprise the EP meditate on the concept of identity from four distinct viewpoints. From the soulful and relatable psychological interiority of lead track ‘Made Of Gold’, Rayon lays himself open. Following that, there’s the familial ‘Granny’ – a poignant thank you message to his grandparents, which he contrasts with ‘Where Were You?’, a heartfelt message to an absent father. Closing with the expansive and ambitious ‘Freedom’, Rayon steps outside of his persona and empathizes with the global oppressed. By his own admission Rayon is a guarded figure, but through the humbling honesty of ‘Closer’ he lays himself bare, and in so doing he reveals himself to be a relatable, charming, flawed, but also an incisive lyricist with an inimitable new sound.
EP Track Listings
- Made Of Gold
- Granny
- Where Were You
- Freedom
About Rayon Nelson
Lauded for his captivating and soulful vocals, Rayon Nelson has achieved remarkable status for an independent artist. With eclectic influences from Jamaica, London, and Suffolk, his music presents an inspirational and compassionate lyricism, set often to a sonic backdrop which encompasses a broad fusion of styles. Shaped by early exposure to an array of different music such as reggae, old school gospel, and soul from artists including Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Lauryn Hill, Rayon Nelson’s work is a matchless synthesis of the styles and vibes that formed him. He was shortlisted for Glastonbury festival, performed at Isle Of Wight Festival, and often featured on BBC Introducing and BBC 1Xtra whilst remaining unsigned. His latest EP ‘Yung Solo’ has attracted over 380k streams on Spotify, and has been featured in numerous blogs such as Hilly Dilly while attracting major industry interest. After a one year hiatus, Rayon is now releasing his Closer EP and intends to firmly make his mark in the music industry this year.
LINKS:
https://www.rayonsofficialmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/rayonsofficialmusic
https://soundcloud.com/rayon-nelson
https://twitter.com/rayonnelson
https://www.instagram.com/rayonnelson
Cabinet of Millionaires Release ‘Theresa, Vol. 3’ (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Cabinet of Millionaires gives multiple doses of political commentary with their new single(s) titled ‘Theresa’. With British Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on June 7, this set of singles couldn’t have been timed better.
Each version of the track is unique in its own right as we get samples of EDM, Dance, and Grind from different producers lending their ear. While I gravitate more towards the original, there is something for everyone with the beat sustaining in each version and the hook redressed and sounding good as well.
On June 7, ‘Theresa, Vol. 3’ will be available for digital download across online stores such as Apple Music and streaming platforms like Spotify. It can already be obtained via Bandcamp with all profits going towards supporting food banks.
About Cabinet of Millionaires
British electronic act Cabinet of Millionaires presents the new EP ‘Theresa, Vol. 3’, a rather politically-charged song set to release via Bandcamp on June 7, the very day that Theresa May said she would stand aside as British prime minister. The general release date for other online platforms is June 14.
Hailing from Huddersfield, Cabinet of Millionaires bring a scathing attack on the austerity policies of the UK’s Conservative Party government, referencing the Windrush scandal, the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and failure to take in enough refugees (whilst selling arms), not to mention the dismantling of the country’s National Health Service.
Band spokesman Dave C said, “Theresa’s resignation speech was painful. Austerity is clearly NOT over and the Government’s lack of response to Grenfell was actually pretty shocking, NOT something to be proud of. We hope you like the package. It’s honest. We’re not saying we are political because it’s fashionable all of a sudden. The lyrics are straight to the point. No sitting on the fence. We want the Tories out and a general election NOW!”
Featuring resplendent punchy beats, sci-fi loony tune hooks, dub basslines and gospel-tinged soul-rock vocals from Pat Fulgoni, this five-song release includes the original version of this track, along with several remixes, including from USUK, a collaboration between Leeds-based award-winning Allen & Heath sponsored DJ/producer Mark EG and Chad Stegall, an American piano composer and synth addict.
Renowned producer Steve Whitfield (The Cure, The Mission, Terrorvision, Klammer) also delivers a lush Donna Summer-meets-Underworld dance remix, in addition to contributing guitar on the original version of ‘Theresa’. Zion Train’s remix of Theresa is a brutal takedown of Theresa May and her Government’s austerity program.
Whether you call it agit-house, electro-rock or social disco, Cabinet Of Millionaires is an uncompromising project with a ballsy soulful political message and infectious grooves. According to Eddie Gordon of BBC Essential Mix, this is “the kind of dance music that DJ’s like Andy Weatherall would turn people onto or the Talking Heads would delight the New York uber-cool clubs with”.
The video for the ‘Theresa’ original mix is inspired. Shot in and around Manchester, it stars Clay Whitter playing a homeless busker who tries to survive on the streets by busking with a useless Theresa May puppet!
Prior to 2019, Cabinet of Millionaires released the singles ‘Satan’s Horses’, ‘Serve Me’ and ‘Cabinet Of Millionaires’, receiving radio support from the likes of Eddy Temple Morris and Nemone (BBC Radio 6), as well as various American college radio stations.
Vocalist Pat Fulgoni has a fantastic raw soul voice. He sings across a wide range of genres including his own live blues band, even massive Drum & Bass artists like Camo & Krooked, Teddy Killerz, Bcee, Logistics, and The Vanguard Project. Technimatic’s 2019 single “Sometimes” has been hammered by Annie Mac and Rene La Vice on BBC Radio 1. He’s toured the planet with various acts from the USA to China and throughout Europe. His activism began in the 1990s when he collaborated with Tony Benn MP and organized the ‘No Compromize’ CD against the introduction of tuition fees in the UK.
Live CoM dates have included shows for Love Music Hate Racism and the Peoples Assembly Against Austerity, even being incorporated into a play (theatre) down the road from Conservative Party Conference and live appearances on official demonstration stages in Manchester and Downing St, London.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/CabinetOfMillionaires
https://cabinetofmillionaires.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/cabinetofmillionaires
https://www.youtube.com/cabinetofmillionaires
https://twitter.com/cabinetmillion
SERA Releases ‘Rabbit Hole’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)
SERA is clearly proven to be a sheer multi-talent with her new upcoming release titled ‘Rabbit Hole’ due out this Friday (June 7, 2019). With a clever Welsh hook and angelic voice combined to give a sing-and-dance-along musical audacity to every chord progression, ‘Rabbit Hole’ feels good to the ears and lasting to the memory in ways one can’t describe but longs for more.
‘Rabbit Hole’ was released officially on CEG Records via PYST on June 7th along with a music video.
About SERA
‘Rabbit Hole’ is the first single from SERA’s collection of songs for 2019 and from her new collaboration with producer Andi Bonsai.
SERA played a mellow acoustic ‘Rabbit Hole’ on her guitar to Andi one wet and windy October morning and by the end of the day, that song had transformed into the high energy version you hear today. ‘Rabbit Hole’ stays true to SERA’s Americana/folk style but takes on some bold new ideas. The chorus explodes into Come with me to incredible things, where the oyster’s march from the sea, inviting you into a world of the fantastic. SERA’s new songs will continue to follow in this theme of the mythic-surreal rooted in very real experiences.
‘Rabbit Hole’ is a journey through an addictive relationship, leading through naivety and self-destruction to escape. SERA hails from Caernarfon in North Wales and is a busy bilingual (Welsh and English) performer and songwriter, part of the CEG Records family.
In addition to great support from Welsh media and festival such as BBC Radio Wales/ Radio Cymru, S4C and Focus Wales, support for SERA’s music has come from Chris Hawkins 6Music, Claire Blading Radio 2, specialist shows, North American Festival of Wales, How the Light Gets in, Festival Number 6, Henley Festival and more and continues to grow….
LINKS:
https://www.serasongs.com
https://www.facebook.com/serasongs
https://www.instagram.com/serasongs
http://www.twitter.com/serasongs
https://www.youtube.com/user/Serasongs
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2R4Pz7h7LHtxHObkJB8ifb
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/sera/1295957065
Minx Premieres Video for ‘Female Dirtbag’ (The Week in #Indie Segment)
This was something that needed to happen. There simply had to be a vision for the voice. And now that vision is here in the form of Minx’ new video for her stellar track titled ‘Female Dirtbag’. This premiere is simply an honor. After listening to the track last month (review HERE), and talking with her HERE, I realized that some artists were simply meant to be.
‘Female Dirtbag’ is not what you may think by reading just the title. You have to read between the lines. And those lines are clearly drawn with the track by Minx, who draws it with a big stick and keeps it with an even bigger mic. Empowerment can mean many things, but in Minx’ case that definition is written in stone with the simple fact that gender is not a roadblock, but the road itself. You can use that empowerment to define your character and, in turn, let that character define you to others. Beautiful in many ways.
About Minx
Minx’s brand of ‘inclusive feminism’ shines through in her stunning new track ‘Female Dirtbag’, an ode to a powerful breed of women who know what they want and how to get it, as you can see from her Dave Chappelle inspired cover for the single.
Sexy, funny lyrics delivered with smooth and sultry aplomb are fast what is giving Minx her name. Produced by Cooler Ruler Divine (Onyx, The Lost Boyz, Sean Price) it’s a perfect pairing as Minx’s love for classic Hip Hop from the ‘Golden Age’ is strong and this is undoubtedly a smooth Boombap banger.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/minx4music
https://twitter.com/minx4music
https://soundcloud.com/minx4music
Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie for 6/10/2019
This week Jammerzine has an exclusive interview with Throwing Muses, 50FOOTWAVE and global solo artist Kristin Hersh about her new tour with Fred Abong and Rob Ahlers. Video premieres by UK Hip Hop artist Minx, Rayon Nelson, the band Partisan. Song premieres by Cabinet of Millionaires, Australian band The Vendettas, Tommy Down, and Sera. Album premiere from Paul Den Heyer.
Secrecies Premiere ‘So Quickly’ Video (The Week in #Indie Segment)
With a solid start and a firm beat, Secrecies get to the musical point with their new video titled ‘So Quickly’. The duo, which met by chance at a concert, show they were meant to be with a solid song and vivid video with lush layers of originality and vocals akin to sheer sonic bliss. ‘So Quickly’ leisurely finds that aural high mark and gently reaches out to you to say ‘Join us’.
The new single titled ’So Quickly’, from Secrecies’ forthcoming new album ‘Secrecies’ dropped on June 7th, 2019 via Idol Records.
Exclusive quote from Secrecies:
“We are big fans of Black Mirror and for this video we wanted it to capture that modern sense of technological existentialism through an idyllic and peaceful setting – but then there is something just not quite right. It’s intentionally set up to feel more like a short film than a traditional music video of us playing and singing. To accomplish this we collaborated with filmmaker Courtney Ware who helped us develop the concept and direct the film. Having Courtney direct the film was a natural decision since Shawn had worked with Courtney before, composing the score of the full-length feature film and psychological thriller “Sunny In The Dark.”
Thematically, we wanted to explore the dichotomy of how clouded our lives are by technology and the parallel existences we live in real life and digitally – blurring the lines between what is real and not real. But what really makes us happy? We seek out fulfilling experiences to combat our loneliness, but can a digital experience be just as fulfilling and rewarding as a traditional physical experience? Is swiping for love online healthy? Can a video chat with a doctor really replace a real-life physical human assessment of health? In this video, we explore this idea, while actually posing more questions than answers. While we hope it makes people ponder the fleeting nature of life, we also hope it challenges viewers to savor those precious moments in life – no matter where they take place.”
About Secrecies
From the longing of synthetic fulfillment comes the self-titled debut album from American synth duo – SECRECIES on Idol Records. Find warmth in sweet bouncy melodies as they frame a revolt from the digital dots that connect modern society. Stacked layers of brilliant vocals descend into a gritty bed of rock sentiment, leaving you wanting more. Their sound has drawn comparisons to St Etienne, Sylvan Esso, Purity Ring, STRFKR, Glass Candy, Ladytron, Beach House, XX, and even Blondie’s more disco-leaning material.
By complete happenstance, Shawn Magill and Joey Noga met at a Cashmere Cat concert in Deep Ellum (Dallas, TX). They instantly connected over their obsession with sexy, synth-heavy electro-pop and formed a new band, Secrecies. Together, their multi-layered chilling harmonies unite over playful pulses, evoking the heartaches and joys of passing youth. They have performed with Alice Merton, Handsome Ghost, Armors, Swimming With Bears, Wilsen, Geneva Jacuzzi, Bad Bad Hats, Night Drive, Nite Jewel and more. Their debut album, SECRECIES, was released on June 7th, 2019.
SOURCE: Official Bio
CREDITS:
- Video directed by Courtney Ware
- Starring Cooper Thomson
- DoP: Andrew Ryan Shepherd
- Key Grip: Allan Thompson
- Projection: Camron Ware
LINKS:
http://secrecies.net
https://www.instagram.com/secreciesmusic
https://www.facebook.com/secrecies
https://twitter.com/secreciesmusic
Burning House Releases ‘If You Won’t’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Burning House has released the next evolution in their revolution with a multi-layered and well-written track in the form of their new single titled ‘If You Won’t’. The song is one of those pieces of music that takes you along for the ride the writers have intended with a sweet combination of melodic drive and hooks within the chord progressions. With delectable dirt in the guitars and a steady rhythm within the melody, ‘If I don’t’ will make you listen and revel in the fact that the #indie scene is thriving.
About Burning House
Hailing from Southampton, Burning House formed in 2013 after many incarnations – today they are a trio comprised of frontman and guitarist Aaron Mills, drummer Dominic Taylor and bassist Patrick White. Mills, the band’s sole songwriter has refined the art of recording music over the past decade, in parallel with his technical skill as a guitar player. Their music rides the soft/loud dynamic well, producing music ranging from beautiful melancholy to loud feedback-driven post-rock.
Fusing elements of shoegaze and decade-spanning American Indie (Elliott Smith, Swans, Deerhunter, Teenage Fanclub, Slint, Pixies), Burning House’s sound is defined by multi-layered piercing guitar rhythms, sophisticated melodic arrangements, and tempos spanning introspective, stripped-down pieces through to distinctly upbeat, frenetic songs.
After gingerly approaching BBC 6 Music’s indie doyen Steve Lamacq with a 4-track demo while in Southampton, Lamacq was so enthralled that he chose Burning House to appear on 6 Music’s new band’s line-up.
Burning House has opened for the legendary Wire, after earning the appreciation of Colin Newman. The trio’s euphoric sound has also led to playing all over the south coast with the likes of Moon Duo, Shonen Knife, Is Bliss and Kagoule.
SOURCE: Official Bio
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/BurningHouseMusic
https://burninghouse.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/burning-house
https://www.instagram.com/burninghousemusic
https://twitter.com/BurningHouse_
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxXmzTwF9tYz0lg9560Tiyg
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/burning-house/1347291434
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ayj4NnClqy7YWFGNN75gF
The Magic E’s Release ‘Into The Fading Light’ (The Week in #Indie Segment)
The Magic E’s play melodic Rock ‘n’ Roll that delivers “Sounds of early Brit-Pop and Mod-Rock through building melodies and wonderfully textured sounds.” (Anthem Review).
Their influences range from bands such as The Who, The Clash and The Small Faces and 90’s Indie including The Stone Roses, Ride and The Charlatans whilst comparisons have often been made to Bruce Springsteen, Teenage Fanclub, The Gaslight Anthem and The Jam.
Since forming in 2014 Pete Thompson (vocals/guitar), Jasper Stainthorpe (Bass) and Stuart Catchpole (drums) have released a string of singles and gained worldwide radio play and critical acclaim for their debut album, ‘It Goes On’.
New Jersey-based Henry Lipput, music blogger and reviewer for numerous publications, made it his favorite album of 2017 and went as far as to say that the band was “The best British Rock ‘n’ Roll band since the heyday of the Gallagher brothers”.
The band completed their first UK tour in 2018 and won over an army of new fans as a result. 2019 sees the band release their second album alongside a number of live shows across the country in support of their new music.
‘Into The Fading Light’ is the first single to be taken from the new album and it’s definitely a nod to all of the above, a real feel good, balls out, Rock ‘n’ Roll, tune.
LINKS:
http://wearemagic.uk
https://facebook.com/wearemagicuk
https://twitter.com/wearemagicuk
https://soundcloud.com/the-magic-es