This week’s episode includes the latest from The Goood Things, Erica Chase, Only Shadows, Simon Wolstencroft, The Kite Collectors, and the Blue Soap Music Blue Soap Box Top 10 in independent tracks.
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An Interview with XTC Author Mark Fisher (The Week in #Indie Segment)
When a band, or any kind of artist for that matter, has such a positively fervent following, as XTCdoes, the music and stories surrounding that band or artist can elevate to a kind of mythical status. There is certainly mythology surrounding XTC that has fermented for decades with followers and fans of all ages, ethnicities, and beliefs all captivated with the music in their own special ways.
And now we have author Mark Fisher chronicling some of those stories from those who knew the band personally as well as those who know the music. This is an inciteful book about an inciteful band. And now we get a perspective of XTC from a well-versed author who is also a fan (having run the original XTC newsletter, Limelight).
‘What Do You Call That Noise?’ will be released on March 4 (links below).
About Mark Fisher & ‘What Do You Call That Noise?”
From Mark Fisher, the editor of ‘The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls’, comes a new musical exploration of one of the most essential pop groups of the 20th century. ‘What Do You Call That Noise? An XTC Discovery Book’ is a compelling 228-page book that involves some of the world’s leading musicians and keenest fans of XTC. Here, they come together to discuss what makes this Swindon band so very special and the extent of the impact of their music worldwide.Every member of XTC also makes an appearance. Andy Partridge speaks about mixing, Dave Gregory on arranging and Barry Andrews on the piano. The book also features interviews with XTC drummers Pete Phipps, Pat Mastelotto, Ian Gregory, Prairie Prince, Dave Mattacks and Chuck Sabo.
“Every XTC album that got ignored gave the band a real power jolt. It was like being the Duracell bunny and getting a fresh set of batteries in your back. It made us want to strive harder,” says XTC frontman Andy Partridge.
“Weirdly, it does feel like the band is being appreciated now. We’ve become a historical artifact that’s more important than when it was a pot in Cro-Magnon times. As a museum exhibit it’s become priceless, but as a Neanderthal pot, nobody wanted to bother pissing in it. It makes me feel valued – as long as I don’t go into national treasure territory!”
Fisher also offers an in-depth review of Colin Moulding and Terry Chambers playing live for the first time in 36 years as TC&I. during their recent Swindon Arts Centre residency, a performance named on BBC Radio 6 Music’s Marc Riley show as one of the gigs of 2018.
Contributing musicians include:
- Rick Buckler: The Jam
- Chris Difford: Squeeze
- Debbi Peterson: The Bangles
- Dennis Locorriere: Dr. Hook
- Steve Conte: New York Dolls
- Steven Page: Barenaked Ladies
- Chris Butler: The Waitresses
- Tracey Bryn: Voice of the Beehive
- Jason Falkner: Jellyfish
- Andrew Falkous: Future of the Left
- Peter Gabriel
- Mike Keneally: Frank Zappa
Plus Anton Barbeau, Todd Bernhardt, Chris Braide, Mikey Erg, Anne McCue, Jim Moray, Erich Sellheim, Rosie Vela, Mark Vidler, and David Yazbek, as well as members of Fassine, Big Big Train, bis, Cosmic Rough Riders, Odds, Tin Spirits, Palm Ghosts and many more…
2018 marked the 40-year anniversary of XTC’s first studio album ‘White Music’. While XTC was founded in 1972, it wasn’t until 1979 that XTC had their first UK chart single. Colin Moulding and Andy Partridge continued their partnership until the group’s dissolution in 2006.
Lately there has been renewed interest in XTC, in part due to the release of eye-opening XTC documentary ‘This Is Pop’ about the band’s history and legacy, which looks at XTC and their journey from mercurial pop outsiders to full-blown national treasures and one of Britain’s most influential yet unsung bands.
“The song is a little machine. If you take apart the machine, it’s not a clock anymore and you can’t tell the time by it.”
– Andy Partridge“Music… I couldn’t imagine life without it. It’s always there.”
– Dave Gregory“I was always quite envious of XTC because they weren’t put in the same pigeonhole as punk bands. They were regarded as a bit more arty than that. We always had to fight off this flag, being under the banner of punk… XTC never seemed to fall into that trap. They had that freedom.”
– Rick Buckler ( The Jam)“Seeing them on TV was like being in a tribe. Together I thought we might rule the world… Yes, I stole from them. I’m sure I was not the only one. The wit did woo mee. I fell head over heels for the clever wordplay, the charge of the story and the sentimental Britishness of it all.”
– Chris Difford (Squeeze)“XTC’s music has always been there in my consciousness. I think about it a lot when I’m making records… They come across as an everyday group of people and that’s very much what Barenaked Ladies were about too – living as ordinary a life as you can in a bizarre lifestyle like rock’n’roll.”
– Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies)“I remember when I first heard Making Plans for Nigel on the radio… I absolutely loved the song, especially the drum part… Terry’s drumming was so rhythmic. I was very much influenced by him. In fact, I would drum along to XTC songs to warm up. It was very inspiring to me!”
– Debbi Peterson (The Bangles)LINKS:
http://www.xtclimelight.com
https://twitter.com/LimelightXTC
https://www.facebook.com/XTCLimelight
https://www.facebook.com/groups/425591964471058
http://www.xtclimelight.com/buy.html -
Jammerzine’s The Week In #Indie for 7/31/2017
New album premiere supporting the We Love Manchester campaign as well as from Iguana Lovers and The Seagulls. Exclusive interviews with Simon Mason of Hightown Pirates, Jordanian singer Nadine Zureikat, A Shoreline Dream, and The Plea. New single premieres from Hegarty and Joel Thomas and the MixTape.
Episode breakdown:
- The Test Drive
- Various Artists – Manchester With Love.
- The Seagulls premiere “Blood Orange”.
- Iguana Lovers premiere “Surfing Caos”.
- Jammerzine Exclusive
- Exclusive interview with Simon Mason of Hightown Pirates.
- Exclusive interview with Nadine Zureikat.
- Exclusive interview with A Shoreline Dream.
- Exclusive interview with The Plea.
- First Listen
- Joel Thomas premieres “Sunshine Funshine”.
- Hegarty premieres “I Only Dream In Black & White”.
- Jammerzine’s Mix Tape
- After The Departure – “Clarity”
- Y-Key Operators – “What’s Real Anymore?”
- Discolor Blind – “Black & Grey”
- Late Guest At The Party – “Give You A Life”
- The Phantom Sound – “Voices”
ARTIST LINKS:
http://www.manchesterwithlove.uk
http://www.facebook.com/theseagulls
http://www.iguanalovers.com
https://hightownpirates.com
http://www.nadinezureikat.com
http://www.ashorelinedream.com
http://www.facebook.com/thepleaofficial
https://joel-thomas.bandcamp.com
http://hegarty.rocks - The Test Drive
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Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie for 5/10/2021
In this episode of Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie we feature exclusive interviews with Johnny Indovina and Mark Balderas from rock legends Human Drama, #indie upstart Jonny Kosmo, and the original sounding Proper Nouns. Also new original music and videos from Aleks Grey, Electrobuddha, Max Embers, Royals, Yelpy, and Razorbats.
About Human Drama
In this Jammerzine Exclusive, we talk to literal legends of music in the form of Johnny Indovina and Mark Balderas from Human Drama. And by legends, I mean immensely talented musicians and true human beings. Human Drama is one of those sacred icons of music having evolved musically for almost five decades and showing no signs of slowing down while doing everything on their own terms. This, to me, is that unspoken achievement rarely achieved and almost never accomplished.
Their latest album, titled ‘Blurred Images‘, is a continuance of their evolution of revolution that began with ‘Hopes Prayers Dreams Heart Soul Mind Love Life Death’ and refined and remolded through ‘Broken Songs for Broken People‘. Retaining that core sound while evolving into new forms of music is the sign of true musicians and artisans.
On ‘Blurred Images’ throughout, you get a set of personal takes on the snapshots of life. You will hear about this in detail in the interview. Musically, the album is blurred in genres at times yet comes together succinctly as a concept. Some will say that this fits a metaphor of a scrapbook filled with images, but personally, I feel that it is a single canvas of paintings molding into one another. Not knowing where one begins and another ends, but, collectively, make something whole.
LINKS:
https://www.humandrama.net
https://humandrama.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/johnny.indovina.7
https://twitter.com/JohnnyIndovina
https://instagram.com/johnnyindovina
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZF4F-IRFJXU5GJeQDfr4cg/featured
http://sevendaysinmexico.com/About Jonny Kosmo
Jonny Kosmo has given an exclusive interview to Jammerzine. I announce that because, when you hear his music, you will see. This artist is a true original. From his music to his life and everywhere in between.
And, in this interview, we talk about his new album titled ‘Pastry’, to be released June 4th on Feeding Tube Records and Dinosaur City Records (AUS). We also talk about his innovative video from ‘Pastry’, for the song ‘Fool’ (video below), featuring animation with personality by Peter Nichols (his YouTube link below).
Whatever your musical tastes are, I think it is safe to say that you will find space on your plate for Jonny Kosmo. His music comes from that part in all of us that wants to know our individuality and inner child. Jonny has found both and made them partners.
“There are two sides to every coin. “Fool” is about how our character struggles can also be our greatest assets. In this case, it is love and connection with another that allows the defensiveness and protection of the fool archetype to shift to that of a fool for life. I aimed to capture the movement from the rigidity of taking ourselves too seriously to the humor of being human. This song is accompanied by a video made by Kevin Kearney, Peter Nichols (animation), and myself.”
Jonny Kosmo on ‘Fool’ videoLINKS:
https://www.jonnykosmo.com
https://www.facebook.com/jonnykosmo
https://twitter.com/JonnyKosmo
https://www.instagram.com/jonnykosmo
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VyZH1zto2r7gkSYsUUBEx?si=Xm38MBHARQ-OW0AI3du-Cw
https://soundcloud.com/user-626752313About Proper Nouns
Spencer Compton from Proper Nouns is our special guest in today’s Jammerzine Exclusive interview. Having just released their new album titled ‘Feel Free’, Proper Nouns are at that magic moment where they get a wider audience and those original fans can start saying ‘I remember when they started’.
In today’s interview, we get a personal glimpse at the man behind the music as well as the beginnings of Proper Nouns and how to overcome the trials life throws at you, both internally and externally, and convey them in the music. This can be inspirational.
LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/propernouns
https://www.facebook.com/propernounstheband
https://propernouns.bandcamp.comAbout Aleks Grey
Aleks Grey has released his new single titled ‘B.A.B.Y.’. Standing for ‘Being Alone the Breaks You’, tells the story of not taking that chance in life. Finding that special someone. I’ve been there myself and thank God my fiancé is braver than I am.
Having said all of that, the song starts off with that Aleks Grey that has evolved into a more complex and thoughtful songwriter and such a different and diverse artist with a stellar track that is as pertinent as it is polished. This song sounds like a million dollars. And that, folks, is the secret to getting your name out. Listen. Learn. Love, baby!
LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/aleksgrey
https://www.facebook.com/aleksgreymusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZDk9lPM0xUAZyzJqGZMn9?si=85SmSROuQ2mtIz-720et_About Electrobuddha
Electrobuddha is set to drop the new single titled ‘Biba Love’ on June 4th. An almost retro-anthem with psyche-rock roots, ‘Biba Love’ sonically marches forth with the musical history of the past few decades and brings a dirty hook and raucous beat you won’t soon forget.
LINK:
https://linktr.ee/markhamiltonmccafferAbout Max Embers
Max Embers is set to drop his new single titled ‘Wildest Dreams’ on Friday. Before then, however, we get that exclusive first listen, and, this one is a privilege. It is a privilege because not only does ‘Wildest Dreams’ fit the sign of the times, it does it with such an earnest and honest way about it and a clear and vivid musical side that you will not only relate but rely on.
‘Wildest Dreams’ has a subtle orchestral vibe with Max’s weathered angelic vocals guiding and gliding throughout. Some songs need not shout the message in your face. Some just need to give you their heart. This is the latter. Beautiful. And over too soon.
LINKS:
http://www.maxembers.com
https://www.instagram.com/maxembersmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@maxembersmusic
https://twitter.com/maxembersmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC36Mpr76HE8JuljZY7iOOigAbout Royals
Royals have released their new single and video titled ‘Jaded’. Those first few notes make it obvious that Royals are master songwriters. The hook is strong and the song is solid. But there’s a message behind the music, and it is solid. The song is a lesson and a guide in this trying time of isolation and COVID. We are all there, whether we are still trying to figure out our new lives or we are resigned. ‘Jaded’ sings that we are not alone, and that change is here. We can all make our strength that strength of adapting, and learn that we are not alone, even if we are jaded.
LINKS:
https://www.royalsofficialuk.com
https://www.facebook.com/RoyalsOfficialUK
https://www.twitter.com/royalsbanduk
https://www.instagram.com/royalsofficialuk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxK48ctaYPF-IPdGaKJNzgAbout Yelpy
Yelpy has released his new video for the track titled ‘Heartbeats’. Written masterfully and capturing that moment and emotion within the moment, ‘Heartbeats’ accompanying video is a visual aid to that future memory and style that is always copied but almost never improved on, except here. Simplistic video captures soar with the consistent hook that is the style of Yelpy. This is magic.
LINKS:
http://www.yelpy.net
https://www.facebook.com/YelpyPage
https://twitter.com/Yelpy
https://instagram.com/yelpyAbout Razorbats
Razorbats have officially today released their new album titled ‘Mainline Rock ‘N’ Roll’. Multiple eras clash in multiple ways and collide with originality in this new album that showcases Razorbats’ songwriting and musicianship. There isn’t a single song that doesn’t deserve a foot stomp or a headbang in a solid rock album with signature riffs and distinct hooks. This is an anthem as much as it is an album.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/razorbats
https://instagram.com/razorbatsofficial
http://razorbats.com
https://razorbats.bandcamp.comClick HERE to watch Season 7 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.
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