Jessica Faroe releases her new single titled ‘Beautiful’ today. In the age of the lockdown and with the world being in the state that it is, ‘Beautiful’ is a track that speaks the truth with feeling and sends it to the masses with earnesty.
Musically, ‘Beautiful’ is a somber yet uplifting track with Jessica’s angelic yet wise vocals with a solid hook and that certain something that compels a second listen.
Emotionally and spiritually, however, what we get is the self-realization that we are all beautiful in our own unique and special way from someone who has been there and has ‘taken the red pill’. People can be cruel. But what we almost never realize is that they put us down to build themselves up. The danger comes when we take those words and let them define ourselves. I am one of those she says have ‘suffered silently’. And what I learned years ago is that, while I can never be the best, I can be the best I can be. I also learned that when someone puts you down they are really saying more about themselves than they are of you. Be beautiful.
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.facebook.com/jessicafaroe
https://www.instagram.com/jessicafaroe
https://jessicafaroe.bandcamp.com
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An Interview with The Slow Readers Club
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’
‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ cover. 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/ -
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 6/8/2020
Deleo premieres their new single ‘Mythomania’ plus album, and video premieres by Speed of Sound, The Swagger, Vision Video, Darwin, Harry Stafford, I Like Trains, Tarah Who?, and Shishi.
About Deleo
Deleo is set to drop their new single titled ‘Mythomania’ on June 19, 2020. By the first listen it is apparent that Deleo has that certain something where they can show that they’ve not only found their sound; they’ve crafted it. And crafted it in such a way that they are recognizable within those first few precious notes; within the timespan, it takes to grab the attention of even the most casual of listeners.
‘Mythomania’ has that beautiful hook that forces one to hit the quick rewind a few times just to recapture that initial ‘aha’ moment. There is nothing more perfect than to be introduced to a band or artist with such a track.
Check out our other features of Deleo HERE.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/deleoofficiel
https://www.instagram.com/deleo_officiel
https://twitter.com/Deleo_OfficielAbout Speed of Sound
Speed of Sound will drop their new single titled ‘Glide On By’ on June 26th. Ahead of that date, we have a sneak-peek of things to come; and those things are original. The style and sound are quirky and original in that way that is Speed Of Sound, yet there is something more here. There is that feeling of coasting and freefall within the music trapped inside the lyrics. This is that new inner dystopia found in us all.
LINKS:
https://thespeedofsounduk.com
https://thespeedofsound.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/TheSpeedOfSoundUK
https://twitter.com/SpeedOfSoundUK
https://www.instagram.com/thespeedofsounduk
https://www.youtube.com/user/660mphAbout the Swagger
The Swagger dropped their new single titled ‘Loaded Gun’ on May 25th, 2020. The band continues that magic momentum began years ago with a progression of the originality within the sound and the heaviness of the riff and rapture within the track. Combining what has inspired with what is contrived, The Swagger gives that hope within the hook that gives us that light at the end of the tunnel with a stadium worthy foot-stomper that is steady in the beat and gritty to the core with an inspirational interlude fit for the times.
Check out our other articles about The Swagger HERE.
LINKS:
https://theswagger.bandcamp.com
https://facebook.com/theswaggerofficial
https://facebook.com/groups/theswaggermusic
https://twitter.com/theswaggermusic
https://instagram.com/theswaggermusic
https://musicglue.com/theswaggermusicAbout Vision Video
Vision Video officially releases their double-single titled ‘In My Side’ & ‘Inked in Red’. If you like the age of Joy Division/New Order, The Smiths, Bauhaus, and that era in general, then you are going to look at Vision Video as a breath of fresh air from the lungs of that genre.
‘In My Side’ gives that classic-style bassline underneath the glistening chime of the guitars with that disclaiming and bellowing style of vocals that needs to come back in earnest.
‘Inked in Red’ gives a different take, or side of the same coin, in that the stylistic percussion in concert with the synth and guitars is blistering in appeal and captivating in attention. These two tracks combined give bookends to that certain feeling you get when you hear the classic bands you love. Savor that.
‘In My Side / Inked In Red’ is out now across digital platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. Their debut album is expected later this year.
About Darwin
Darwin has released their video for the track titled ‘Dance Alone’. With a suave execution and a smooth demeanor, Darwin adds a dark cool to the dance floor with introversion seen only in an earnest and true #indie artistry. Capturing that moment when originality meets the silent masses wanting more yet expecting less this is a solid surprise for all.
As of June 1, ‘Dance Alone’ is available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. The video for ‘Dance Alone’ premiered on May 31.
LINKS:
http://www.darwinmeiners.com
https://darwinmeiners.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/darwinmeinersmusic
https://twitter.com/darwinmeiners
https://soundcloud.com/darwin-meiners
https://instagram.com/darwinmeiners
https://open.spotify.com/album/22T8ChhXtv1MXVoLV8dtdR
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/darwin/1423812480About Harry Stafford
Harry Stafford has officially dropped his new video for the track titled ‘Gothic Urban Blues’. With a cheeky demeanor and a penchant for originality, Harry gives a single and video rife with personality and charm with that jazzy bravado and grit between the seams brimming with hooks and retro with style. Let this song sink in with a nice brandy.
The ‘Gothic Urban Blues’ single is out on May 15. The full album is available everywhere, including iTunes and Spotify, and can be ordered on vinyl and CD via Bandcamp.
Check out our other articles featuring Harry Stafford HERE.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Harry-Stafford-Gothic-Urban-Blues-109044650629860/
https://harrystafford.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/harrystaffordmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoQwIg9zEAmDoNuThXul2Uw/videos
https://vimeo.com/user53168912
http://twitter.com/harrystaf62
https://www.instagram.com/stafford2838/About I Like Trains
I Like Trains drops their new video for the track titled ‘The Truth’. Almost in a style set in its own noir, I Like Trains begs the question ‘Is that the best you can do?’. Set in these unique and trying times, I like Trains gives that tell-all to the truth with a hard-hitting ode to social questioning in a time of social distancing. And it works.
While the single is available across digital platforms now, the full ‘KOMPROMAT’ album will be released on August 21 on black vinyl LP, limited edition silver vinyl LP and CD, as well as digitally.
LINKS:
https://iliketrains.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/iLiKETRAiNSmusic
https://twitter.com/iLiKETRAiNS
https://www.instagram.com/iLiKETRAiNSmusic
https://soundcloud.com/iliketrains
https://music.iliketrains.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/user/iLiKETRAiNSofficialAbout Tarah Who?
Tarah Who? officially drop their new video titled ‘Pantomath’. One thing I absolutely love about Tarah Who? is the fact that they clearly evolve from one release to the next. Not just with music but stylistically and visually as well. ‘Pantomath’, as a video, has an almost Tarantino approach to it. But, more-so than that, there is this symbiosis between the song and the video that captures that essence that is not only Tarah Who? but independent music itself, or at least where #indie music should be. And that is a beautiful place to be.
Check out our other features with Tarah Who? HERE.
LINKS:
http://www.tarahwho.com
https://www.facebook.com/Tarahwho
https://twitter.com/TarahWho
https://www.instagram.com/tarahwhoClick 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’.
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Click HERE to watch Season 1 of Jammerzine’s ‘The Week in #Indie’.