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
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
Earnhardt Release Eponymous Album (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Earnhardt delivers a solidly consistent set of tracks in their eponymously titled sophomore effort. Written and recorded more like a set of songs meant to travel with you down that highway of open land and whithering mountains, Earnhardt’s songs flow from one to the next like a memorable conversation with an old friend steeped in Americana. Simply beautiful.
As of June 14, 2019, The ‘Earnhardt’ LP is available on vinyl. Already now it can be downloaded from digital stores and the band’s own Bandcamp site and is streaming on Spotify.
About Earnhardt
Americana rock outfit Earnhardt presents their debut eponymous album. This collection is comprised of 9 tracks, built to stand as a showcase of the band’s diversity and a culmination of their labors. It will be released on vinyl on June 14 as a limited edition of 250 copies.
The ‘Earnhardt’ LP is the band’s third release to date, following up their ‘Live at 100’ EP, released in 2017. In the meantime, the band has been busy touring, writing new material and recording.
Based in Brooklyn, Earnhardt is songwriter Adam Gerard (guitar and vocals), Grant Anderson (drums and vocals), John MacDonald (lead guitar), Steve ‘Sunshine’ Stapleton (bass), and Veronica Davila (vocals).
“This record is a collection of rock songs about that universal human struggle, that broken heart. They’re all true and meant to listen to loud, ideally a couple of drinks deep, heavy-hearted or not. I think I tried to write a bunch of country songs and they ended up sounding more like 90’s FM rock radio. I love the hook of a song. It’s got to sound good. We embrace the hook…the pop element of it,” says frontman Adam Gerard.
Earnhardt is alt-country for people who like The Verve, heartland rock ‘n’ roll for people who like The Smiths, and Americana for people who hate the word ‘Americana’. These are songs for saddling up to the bar with when you could use one or several drinks.
These songs are about getting hurt, feeling it, and doing what you need to do to feel better. They’re about having a drink on it, for better or worse. As Cobain said, they’re about “missing the comfort in being sad.”
For two tequila-fueled weeks in late summer 2016, the band lived and breathed these songs, refining the sound under the supervision of engineer and co-producer Ben Brodin (Conor Oberst, First Aid Kit, Savages, Pete Yorn), who handled recording and mixing at Another Recording Company Studios in Omaha, Nebraska, in addition to contributing piano, keyboards and guitar.
“As bandmates, we really know each other. There’s a collective instinct that we share when it comes to what something ought to sound like. This record has been a long time coming and we’re grateful to be able to share it,” says Adam Gerard.
Earnhardt also received mastering support by none other than Alex DeTurk (Taylor Swift, David Bowie, Kamasi Washington, David Lynch, Blonde Redhead).
This album involves a guest appearance by Mike Mogis (Julian Casablancas, TrashCan Sinatras, She & Him, Jenny Lewis), also known for composing the soundtrack to ‘A Fault in Our Stars’. He contributes pedal steel on ‘Women Without Whiskey’, where Earnhardt offers their own rendition of the classic Drive-By Truckers track. Former bandmate Dominique Otto also contributed vocals throughout the record.
“We’re so excited to finally have these recordings see the light of day, so now we can start looking ahead to the next record,” says Steve ‘Sunshine’ Stapleton.
Earnhardt’s music is inspired by the likes of The War on Drugs, Steve Earle, Counting Crows, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, Emmylou Harris, Kurt Vile, and The Replacements.
Adam Gerard and Grant Anderson previously performed as part of Young Lords, later forming the band Red Horse, releasing material with Steve Stapleton on bass. John MacDonald was also busy around this time as a member of Brooklyn-based The Archive. After a few years of sharing stages at shows around Brooklyn, Earnhardt began playing with MacDonald to round out the band’s unique sound. Veronica Davila, also of the Brooklyn-based group Low Roller, adds vocal harmonies.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/earnhardtband
https://earnhardt.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3odiQ5REAR4J4enVjqkbdk?si=AgSTp2ziQGqMejUft8STyw
https://twitter.com/earnhardtband
https://soundcloud.com/earnhardt
https://vimeo.com/earnhardtband
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLAd0-lM4QnUZExaozkHsSA/videos
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/earnhardt/284681134
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
Kenny Roby and 6 String Drag Premiere Brasstown (The Week in #Indie Segment)
Alt-Country has always been a guilty pleasure of mine, being a guitarist myself. So when I see such a blast from the past as Kenny Roby and 6 String Drag, I get goosebumps. The band originally formed in 1993 and, essentially, disappeared sometime in the late ’90s. But, as of 2014, they are back! With one reissue already under their belt in the form of their album ‘High Hat’, they keep the reenergized momentum going with another upcoming release, this time with unreleased material in the form of ‘The Jag Sessions: Rare & Unreleased 1996-1998’.
The sessions really capture the raw energy of the band and that controlled gritty feeling with dirty slide guitars, raspy brass, and a country swagger only found in the purest of traditionalists. This will be released in only 500 copies of special vinyl so be warned, quantities are limited.
The album will be available from RSD-participating record stores on April 13 as an official Record Store Day release. The 12″ red vinyl edition of ‘The Jag Sessions’ also comes with a download card featuring two bonus tracks not included on vinyl.
About 6 String Drag
Schoolkids Records has announced the new 6 String Drag album ‘The Jag Sessions: Rare & Unreleased 1996-1998’, which will be released especially for Record Store Day. This will be issued on limited edition 12” red vinyl with just 500 copies to be made available.
In the mid to late ‘90s, Kenny Roby and 6 String Drag stood out as pioneers of the nascent alt-country movement. After a leaving a mark on this, as well as the Americana / No Depression scene, the Carolinas quartet essentially broke up.
The band’s second record ‘High Hat’ was produced by Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy and was released in 1997 on Earle’s Warner Brothers imprint label E-Squared Record. This album remains an undisputed classic of its era.
In early 2014, 6 String Drag reformed with the ‘High Hat’ line-up and recorded their 2015 comeback record ‘Roots Rock & Roll’ too much fan excitement and critical acclaim.
In January 2018, the band reissued a 20th-anniversary reissue of ‘High Hat’ on CD, vinyl and digitally, following up with their fourth full-length studio record ‘Top of The World’ in March 2018. This album features 6 String Drag founding members and frontmen Kenny Roby and Rob Keller, along with new members Dan Davis and Luis Rodriguez. Both releases are available through Schoolkids Records through Redeye Worldwide Distribution.
‘The Jag Sessions’ album is a collection of unreleased rarities and record quality demos recorded by Byron McCay at Jag Studios in Raleigh, NC between 1996 and 1998. Previously, these recordings have only been circulated among fans and digitally as low flying CD releases for sale at shows.
This album represents the first time any versions of this collection and the songs found here are available on vinyl. Some of the collection are songs originally recorded for Columbia Records in 1996 for a demo deal with this label, but that ultimately never came to fruition. The songs from 1998 were recorded as pro demos and were intended for release as a new EP following ‘High Hat’.
Outside of the four 6 String Drag albums, Kenny Roby has released four critically acclaimed solo LPs – ‘Mercury’s Blues’ (1999), ‘Rather Not Know’ (2003), ‘The Mercy Filter’ (2006), and ‘Memories & Birds’ (2013), in addition to various compilations.
“The world’s a better place with 6 String Drag in it”
– Steve Earle“So thrilled to have 6 String Drag back again. They’re as great as ever. Like reconnecting with a long lost friend”
— Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers)“A raw, raucous take on alt-Americana, a sound hard to put your finger on but one that wraps comfortably around your ears while it rocks your ass off”
— No Depression“In their original run in the ’90s, 6 String Drag was regarded as a better-than-average alt-country act; with Roots Rock ‘n’ Roll and now Top of the World, they’ve shown that they’re more than that in their second act, and this is mature, heartfelt, and resonant rock & roll that’s also plenty of fun”
— AllMusic (4 Stars)“A pair of deeply satisfying albums – including Top of the World, released on Schoolkids Records – that sound as though the band never went anywhere”
— Rolling Stone Country“Rootsy, authentic and heartfelt tunes with great harmonies and just enough of an Americana vibe to draw in those who claim not to dig rock. Vocal reminiscent of early Elvis Costello, and more jangle than twang”
— The Musoscribe
LINKS:
http://www.6stringdrag.com
https://6stringdrag.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/6stringdrag
https://twitter.com/6stringdrag
https://soundcloud.com/kenny-roby
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4WvOP47oMCIksgyMLpiGNB?si=aMLIWwNXSFWZWNa9xlkqUQ
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/6-string-drag/924629764
Tito Montana Premieres ‘Why Not Me? 2.0’ on Jammerzine (The Week in #Indie Segment)
From his debut release in 2014, when the premiere of ‘Miracle’, produced by Just Blaze appeared on MTV and BET Jams, receiving numerous positive reviews from several renowned sites (The Source, The Hype Magazine, Revolt TV, All Hip Hop, and Medium.) and national radio play – it was evident Tito Montana was here to make a statement in the Hip Hop world.
Tito Montana was born Rayhiem Drayton in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, which at the time was notorious for street crime due to poverty and drug-induced warfare. A young Tito and his family relocated to the quiet town of Poughkeepsie, New York where he would pen lyrics from the age of 12 about the hardships he’d encountered in his youth. Those hardships would become his personal vices, indulging in the illicit and fast-paced lifestyle of the streets, this led to a tumultuous relationship with the law.
After many years hustling, fast forward to April 2009 and Tito Montana launches Final Score Entertainment , the independent record label features some excellent artists including D. Weathers, Foreign Dre, Pro-T, U-Neek, and Jalitha, there are several subsidiaries including a media company: Panoramic Films and an urban clothing brand, Phly or Die.
When the label began picking up traction Tito released his own material and has since been touted by DJ Funk Master Flex on Hot 97 which then led him to open for many great artists including French Montana, 2 Chains, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Young MA, and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Elle Varner and also featured on/in Scrilla Guriellas, Felon Magazine, This is 50, and The Source to name a few.
In 2016 Tito collaborated with DJ Tek Wun for a European tour and performed in several countries including Scotland, Germany, Amsterdam, France, and England and he’s planning a return in 2019.
This brings us to this release, ‘Why Not Me?’ which is a culmination of where Tito has come so far. The EP features production by the L.O.X.’s producer Vinny Idol and also Final Score Entertainment’s in-house producer Half and Kenny Buttons, special guest appearances from artists including Dave East, Maino, Fred The Godson, Emanny, (FSE’s own) D-Weathers, and Nino Man.
Tito Montana is a walking testament of hustle and ambition, defying the odds and breaking the barriers of hardships and challenges whilst remaining independent and building his empire, the inevitable is yet to come. Why Not Me?
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/TitoMontanaMusic
https://www.instagram.com/iam_titomontana
From Carbon Premiere ‘Petty Tom’ Single (The Week in #Indie Segment)
From Carbon are an Indie band from Manchester, England. Formed 5 years ago, the band has developed a creative sound and a great live reputation.
They released their debut album ‘Wealth’ in 2014 to critical acclaim and led a UK theatre tour as main support for Heather Small (M People). A song from their debut album called ‘Demons’ also featured in the movie ‘Strangeways Here We Come’ which was released in 2018.
On March 30th, 2019 the band are releasing their follow up album ‘Existence’ ( Limited number of physical copies) produced by Chris Oliver with a very special album launch at The Breadshed in Manchester, which will include a collaboration set with Joe Duddell and his classic ensemble. (Joe has worked with legendary acts including Elbow, James, The Charlatans, and New Order).
The first single from Existence ‘Petty Tom’ is released digitally on 1st March 2019
From Carbon are donating 10% of all physical album sales to ‘Musicians Against Homelessness’ who will also be promoting the album launch.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/FromCarbon
http://www.fromcarbon.co.uk
https://twitter.com/FromCarbon