If you are a fan of, or familiar with, Jammerzine and Jammer Direct, you very well know how much of a fan we are of A Shoreline Dream. And now we talk to another group that has strong ties with that band in the form of Brim Liski. Both feature guitarist and co-founder Ryan Policky. What I find is the best asset with both bands is the fact that, while there is a similar aspect to the music, that music is completely different and original each in its own right. That is an accomplishment in and of itself. On many levels. Originality is the key to diversity in all aspects of life.
Today, we talk with Ryan about the process of writing for and collaborating with Brim Liski as well as finding that unique sound that is Brim Liski as well as their new EP titled ‘Duels‘.
About Brim Liski
Brim Liski presents a blend of electro, goth and future pop that is slightly gazey. This is a mixture of the diverse sounds both artists bring to the table, becoming something a bit different than the typical electroclash that is currently out there.
Their music is inspired by epic sounds you might imagine occurring in the cosmos. This is dark, limitless night music perfect for driving down an endless moon drenched highway.
“Like the EP as a whole, ‘A Different View’, is about the challenge of acceptance to new unexplored territories in our lives. Making big changes. Accepting things aren’t working and to move on. I personally had many issues blocking me from being who I wanted and needed to be,” says Ryan Policky.
“I had been falling victim to acceptance to things I should be pushing away, and once those things were fully pushed out of the picture, things became that much clearer. Just like the discoveries of new galaxies, formations on other planets, and other unknowns, the focus is becoming more apparent as technology and time move on.”
Brim Liski may have formed in 2008, but they sound more closely resembles a band from 2024. Their music is about as cosmic and dreamy as Saturn’s Hexagon, which also features on the cover art of their new EP.
Today Brim Liski is a duo comprised of experimental multi-versed digital artist Cacheflowe (aka Justin Gitlin) and Ryan Policky, who is vocalist and producer for renowned prog-gazers A Shoreline Dream.
“I had been working with Justin at an ad agency – working on games for a bunch of entertainment projects for Sony and the like. I found out his passion for music production and we instantly hit it off. He had been working on material and setting up PR for his project, Cacheflowe, and I was working super hard on getting A Shoreline Dream up and going,” says Policky.
“We exchanged ideas and eventually started working on remixes, eventually leading to Brim Liski, which was a side project for both of us, but an important one. One of my dearest girlfriends Michelle Brim had just passed away, and I was torn apart. Brim Liski, named in her memory, became that passion project to get those emotions out, and I was lucky enough to have Justin’s talent help bring it to life.”
With strong initial support from XLR8R and Filter Magazine, it was clear that Brim Liski’s videos feel more like a blurred out dream being torn apart by technology. Their unique and dramatic live shows blend the art of dynamic installations and vivid colors.
LINKS:
http://www.brimliski.com
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Brim-Liski-589032774456227
https://twitter.com/brimliski
https://twitter.com/latenightwn
https://www.instagram.com/brimliski
https://brimliski.bandcamp.com/album/duels
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/brim-liski/334774461
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2D1djVg5W8mSqKuZiMvajn?si=NFlh7qSLQZCmgUl28h9EkA
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Skyfever Drop New Single ‘Kings’ (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Skyfever is a rock band from Ireland who is breaking through in a big way, with their music being selected for play in a number of famous sports stadiums. Their infectious rock music has filled the stadiums of Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC, the Tennessee Titans, the world famous New York Yankees and also at the Carolina Panthers 75,000 seater Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. With this band, rock finds its rightful home!
Legendary rocker Alice Cooper is a fan, and last year he endorsed the band by not only playing their track, The Returning, to listeners of his worldwide-syndicated radio show, Nights with Alice Cooper, but also by personally sharing their track on social media and praising their talent. In fact, radio stations across the USA have recognized Skyfever and they have been played on stations from Philadelphia (WCLH) to Chicago (WZRD) to Nashville, Tennessee (Under the Gun Radio).
The UK has got behind Skyfever too, with Jim Gellatly (Amazing Radio) playing their music and the renowned Fred Perry Subculture website name-checking them alongside Otherkin, Heathers and Squarehead as ‘Top 20 Dublin Bands to Watch’.
Skyfever is Luke Lang on vocals, Brian Clarke on guitar/sounds, Tyson Harding on guitar, Ciaran O’Brien on bass and Karl Hand on drums.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Skyfevermusic
https://twitter.com/skyfever1
http://www.skyfevermusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/skyfevermusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HPFvyJT6JkaEaoZFFUurl
https://www.snapchat.com/add/skyfevermusic01 -
Rum Thief Premieres ‘Time to Make a Move’
Rum Thief is solo artist Jot Green with support from his band members Kieran Whitehouse on lead guitar, Gary Long on bass and Chris Hobbs on drums. Based in Chorlton, Manchester, the project began when Green, a drummer in bands for over ten years, decided to record some songs of his own. Booking into Manchester’s Airtight Studio, he played the drums, guitars, vocals and backing vocals on his first EP ‘Clouded Mind’. The titular lead track generated interest from media outlets across the north-west and, with the help of his bandmates, Rum Thief secured local gigs, festivals, support slots and airplay on the local and national radio.
Rum Thief’s second EP ‘Reach For The Weather Man’, characterised by Jot Green’s keen ear for melody and sharp observational lyrical content received widespread critical acclaim from the likes of Fred Perry Subculture and much more notable media outlets around the world. After successfully headlining the Manchester Ritz he got down to recording this third EP ‘Time To Make A Move ‘ at the legendary Hackney Road Studio with producer Shuta Shinoda (Ghost Poet ‘Shedding Skin’).
LINKS:
http://www.facebook.com/rumthief
http://www.soundcloud.com/rum-thief
http://www.twitter.com/rumthief
http://www.youtube.com/rumthief -
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