Jammerzine has an exclusive interview with a duo of masterclass composers and musicians that go under the moniker of Hybrid. With their new album titled ‘Black Halo’ releasing tomorrow via Distinctive Records, Hybrid are poised at just the right time to release a new album on the scale of originality and creativity as I have seen in this past year, to say the least.
Hybrid is not only a unique music project, but a pair of composers who have been in the game since the 90’s and have written music for over 30 feature films, computer games and trailers including Fifty Shades Freed, X-Men: Wolverine, Billionaire Ransom, the Fast and Furious franchise.
That culminates into the music of ‘Black Halo’ A concept album in flow and style and a soundtrack to that future set of memories you will get. You will hear me in the interview praise this album for a few reasons. Almost in a gushing manor. There is reason for this. Maybe I heard ‘Black Halo’ at just the right time. Maybe I heard it in just the right setting. To be honest, part of the reason I say this is the best album I have heard in a while was how it changed my mood and my outlook for the day with the first track and sustained that feeling, modifying it with each song, through the end. Prompting a second listen. That is what music should do. introspect, interpret, influence, and enhance. And I can say, with all honesty, that this has the potential to do the same for you. There are many layers in each song on ‘Black Halo’. Musical, emotional, and spiritual.
In today’s interview, we talk about the songwriting and creative process that defines Hybrid as well as the album itself. This is as much a good conversation as it is an informative interview. Enjoy!
About Hybrid
The sweetest musical spots are always found deep between the contrasts. Dark and light, orchestral and digital, dramatic and delicate, raw and polished, sadness and bliss. Searched for by many, discovered by few, conquered by Hybrid; it’s a creative place where any story can be told. From studio to stadiums, dancefloor bangers to symphonic film scores, the clue’s been in their name since day one.
Hybrid’s electric spark for splicing musical DNA has been evident since their first ever single in 1996; Symphony, a cult club anthem where orchestral dynamics met jungle-inspired breakbeats. 25 years, six studio albums, myriad tours and a few line-up splices later, their ever-evolving, often bass-laced,
sound remains a constant in an accelerate scene. And that same thirst for fusion they began with is now nuclear. Attuned and amplified over years of writing and performing with their full band; it’s a fine-tuned alchemy that runs deep in everything Mike and Charlotte Truman do. Be it conjuring powerful dynamic electronic productions that can tear down underground music havens like Fabric London, working on scores for Hollywood hits from Hobbs & Shaw to Hercules to Interlude In Prague or living, writing and recording in a family home with over 60 animals.
Their CV is a dizzying litany of pinch-yourself moments and accomplishments, including collaborations and credits with luminaries as far-ranging as Cypress Hill, Perry Farrell and Hooky from New Order. With band mates Stu Morgan (guitars and bass) and Simon Hanson (drums) they continue to take their art to incredible places through speakers, stage and screen. And at the heart of it all is simply this: powerful storytelling.
A deep emotional narrative runs through all Hybrid music. You can sense it in Charlotte’s stirring songwriting and vocals, you can hear it in Mike’s formidable sound design and production, you can tangibly feel it in the drama, tension and release of the arrangements. Their latest album – Black Halo – is the best example of this so far. Largely written during the turbulence of 2020, the album celebrates the perseverance and triumph of the human spirit. No matter what life throws at us, we thrive and survive. To enhance this narrative even more, and join further dots between their love of music and the big screen, they’ve created three conceptual videos with writer/novelist James Scudamore and actor Edmund Kingsley. Weaving sci-fi themes with the stark, hard-hitting reality of the 21st century, Hybrid’s visual fusion is just palpable as the music itself.
Following on from their critically acclaimed 2018 release Light Of The Fearless – an album eight years in the making which saw them execute a precision come-back with a sold out tour – Black Halo reaches for those sweet spots between the contrasts once again. Somewhere deep between organic and electronic, faith and escapism, strings and synths, drums and bass, fear and hope, it’s a place where Hybrid can tell their boldest stories so far.
A band whose electrorock influence echoed throughout the ‘90s straight up to today, Hybrid have always been on the forefront of the electronic music scene. Merging Jimi Hendrix-styled guitar riffs via guitarist/vocalist Stu Morgan into Mike’s sonic soundscapes and punctuated by drummer Simon Hanson’s meticulous rhythms, Hybrid’s music allows Charlotte’s clear and pristine vocals to float and weave effortlessly.
Originally formed in 1995 at the height of the UK-led Breakbeat Era, Hybrid became leaders of an electronic movement that encompassed a dizzying litany of pinch-yourself moments and accomplishments, including collaborations and credits with luminaries as far-ranging as Cypress Hill, Perry Farrell and Peter Hook from New Order. In their own right, Hybrid continue to take their art to incredible places through speakers, stage and screen. And at the heart of it all is simply this: powerful storytelling.
Hybrid is:
- Charlotte Truman (vocals, piano, synths, guitar)
- Mike Truman (sound design, producer)
- Stu Morgan (vocals, guitars, bass)
- Simon Hanson (drums, percussion, backing vocals).
Featured image by Steve Gullick.
LINKS:
https://www.hybridband.com
https://ffm.to/hybridblackhalo
https://hybridbanduk.bandcamp.com/album/black-halo
https://twitter.com/hybridbanduk
https://instagram.com/hybridbanduk
https://facebook.com/hybridbanduk
https://open.spotify.com/user/killcitymusic
https://www.youtube.com/hybridbanduk
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/hybrid/4054018?mt=1&app=music
http://soundcloud.com/hybridbanduk
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An Interview with Microcosms (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Jammerzine has a double dose of #indie in the form of an exclusive interview and premiere from who I consider one of the unsung heroes of the unsigned scene. I am speaking of Chicago’s Microcosms.
And now, with the addition of Ronn Richardson on guitar, the sound is filled and full. And we get that in a glorious fashion in the new single ‘Better Together’ (player above). The sound is found, as is said in the interview. ‘Better Together’ will be, in my opinion, the song that could, or should, break the barriers to the masses for Microcosms.
We get an in-depth look at this new addition with an interview with both Ronn and front-man Andrew Tschiltsch about this evolution of revolution that Microcosms is in the midst of taking as well as the new music and what the future holds for the band as a whole in this world of quarantine.
Read the full article and hear the new track HERE.
‘For me its been cool because I haven’t really played with that many musicians in my life. I started Microcosms and that’s really been the only band I’ve ever been in. So, for me, it was great to get these ideas because Ronn can play bass, play keys, and more so we don’t have this issue on who should play what.’
– Andrew Tschiltsch‘There is no ego for me in this band or any project I’ve done with Andrew. In my opinion, it’s more about friendship and fun.’
– Ronn RichardsonCheck out our other features with Microcosms HERE.
Check out the new single on Spotify 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’.LINKS:
https://www.wearemicrocosms.com
https://twitter.com/atschiltsch
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreMicrocosms
https://microcosms.bandcamp.com -
An Interview with Drew Davies (The Week in #Indie Segment)
This interview was a real treat for me. To become a fan of someone’s music that you get to review and to actually get to write about how that music stands out as it’s own is a true privilege. That artist is Drew Davies. I’ve gotten to review two of his tracks so far: ‘Man on the Run‘ and ‘Living the Dream‘. Both tracks stand out in their own individual ways, and each is a musical monster in their own creative right.
And now I get to talk with the mind behind the music and how those tracks came to be and much, much more. There are a few true surprises in this interview (I would have never guessed his origins in music). We also get a detailed glimpse of his views on the current music scene and what he has coming up next. I guarantee, Drew will be one of your next favorite artists.
About Drew Davies
Persistence is a word that’s rather easily thrown around in this era of the five-minute social media fad. But in this golden age of the hashtag Drew’s goals have always been keenly focussed on producing music close to his heart.Through friendships and loved ones come and gone, successes, setbacks and everything in between, Drew has poured himself into his musical labors, and now he’s produced his most personal work to date.
Whilst Drew hails from the North of England he is an adopted Londoner; he’s trod the boards of venues and festivals across the UK and Europe with various bands, worked in musical collaborations, written for other artists and sang in session gigs to get by. From cutting his teeth and paying his dues in some of the seediest venues you’ve ever likely to see to recording in some of the top studios on the planet; these experiences all played their part in his arrival at this vantage point, from which he brings forth his debut solo album.
Musically Drew pulls from a vast array of influences that stretch from 50s rock n’ roll to modern electronica. From the hook-filled, to-the-point numbers of Roy Orbison or Tom Petty, to the cinematic synth sounds of John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Kavinsky, the music is imbued with a heavy tenderness; wrapped up in the genre-bending timelessness of artists like Bowie, Queen or Eurythmics.
“When I wrote ‘Living The Dream’ I had recently removed myself from a number of unhealthy relationships and thrown myself into my work. Whilst I had become somewhat of a hermit in those days I also met a wonderful woman and started a love affair.
The song is about going your own way; but it’s also a snapshot of that period in my life; the lyrics were quite a tongue in cheek; centering on the rejection of the ‘rock n roll’ lifestyle that had been thrust upon me, the new love in my life and the scene from where I was writing the song…”
In preparation for the release of Living the Dream, Drew has readied a full backing band complete with dueling guitars, bass, synthesizers, drums and two backing singers; bringing the full sound of the songs to the stage as they can be heard on the record. Having debuted earlier this year at London’s iconic Troubadour club the band have gone on to play notable London venues and are preparing to tour the UK and beyond.
Self-produced by Drew, the album was recorded at Tileyard Studios in London, before arriving at the hands of mixing engineer Steve Honest (Oasis, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac), with mastering by John Webber (George Michael, David Bowie, Super Furry Animals) at the legendary AIR Studios.
LINKS:
https://www.drewdaviesmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/drewdaviesmusic
https://www.twitter.com/drewdaviesmusic
https://www.instagram.com/drewdaviesmusic
https://drewdaviesmusic.bandcamp.com -
Felixity Premieres ‘You&Me’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Felixity drops her new single, remix, and video for the track titled ‘You&Me’. Featuring a wonderful vocal syncopation done soulfully by Felixity and continuing that level of skill with her voice throughout, ‘You&Me’ centers on that special hook not heard since the glory days of Motown with modern twits and funked-up rhythm that will cause random rewinds just to hear those moments again.
This all culminates into that wonderfully wicked breakdown meant for the masses that literally segways into the remix via that special playlist where both songs are combined. Oberkon matches the mayhem with a slick beat and otherworldly and otherways overlooked instrumentation brought to the forefront which generates that original feel for the dancefloor.
The Oberkon Remix is a collaborative effort between 3 heavy hitters: Andy Spaceland of Alpha and 5 Billion in Diamonds, together with Butch Vig (of Garbage fame and then some); Jay Reynolds (Dua Lipa, Liam Gallagher, MIST, Fred Again, Gabrielle, Paloma Faith); and producer David Francolini, who also produced Felixity’s forthcoming album.
As of April 17, ‘You&Me (Oberkon Remix)’ will be available across all the main digital platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. On April 24, the next single ‘Twisted Love’ will be released, followed by the full ‘Love Sick’ album on May 1 via Komplex Recordings.
Watch the full episode of The Week in #Indie 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 FELIXITY
‘You&Me’ is a hyper-real and joyful gem that shines in an auto-tuned pop landscape. Equally street-smart-urban and classic chanteuse, her remarkable voice and effortless range make an impactful introduction.
Felixity’s cool, hauntingly beautiful tone is fused with a world-class dynamic production; washes of orchestral uplift and wonderful musicianship weaving soulfully funky, R&B vibes. The deep groove, broad sonic palette, and positive message should resonate with all generations of music lovers.
The Oberkon Remix was created by a trio of heavy hitters: Andy Spaceland (a.k.a. Andy Jenks), part of Alpha and 5 Billion in Diamonds, together with Butch Vig; Jay Reynolds, notable mixer for the likes of Dua Lipa, Liam Gallagher, MIST, Fred Again, Gabrielle, Paloma Faith, and Pixie Lott; and producer David Francolini.
“I often write about things that have hurt me, music is the easiest place I can put the things in my head because I find it simpler to sing about things than say them. I’ve opened up a lot about myself in these songs so I hope someone out there hears them and feels a little bit less alone,” says Felixity.
Recorded in London, Bristol, Brighton, Berlin and Geneva, this LP was mastered by Brian Lucey (Katy Perry, Shania Twain, Liam Gallagher, Hatchie, Green Day) at Magic Garden Mastering and mixed by Cenzo Townsend (U2, Ash, The Stranglers, The Wedding Present) at Decoy Sound. It was produced and engineered at Komplex Studio by David Francolini, who has been operating Komplex Studios out of Bristol but has now moved operations to the French Alps.
Her forthcoming collection of 10 deeply personal songs is part confessional, part exorcism and all infused with her extraordinary voice and street smart lyrics. Inspired by The Weeknd (Trilogy), Etta Bond, J Cole, Anderson Paak, KAYTRANADA, and Jhene Aiko, Felixity’s songs, which were written at the very end of last year, takes the listener on a poetic journey to the heart of the singer.
“Given the confessional nature of Felixity’s lyrics, it was important to create a dramatic soundscape; a cinematic and lush harmonic bed on top of which her wonderful voice could sit and her stories’ meanings are amplified. I have shapeshifted the feel of the songs throughout the record so it feels like the emotional journey that the lyrics portray. All quite conceptual really, but always keeping it uncluttered, funky, simple, and the groove deep,” says producer David Francolini.
This collection of songs of love and loss is just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come. Living between Bristol, London, and Brighton, Felixity has several albums planned for 2020 and is already back in the studio to record the second.
As for many artists, the live shows planned in support of this album have been postponed. Nonetheless, Felixity is hoping to perform again later in the summer, current environment permitting.
Featured image by Steve Gullick.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Felixityx
https://twitter.com/felixity_x
http://www.iinstagram.com/felixity_x
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqvgVRDF_xKKzWNNYnRVmA
https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/felixity/1497518825
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rrpwcxiKQNAtpsU3e4q7V