Atlanta Indie-Folk/Americana Outfit Book Club Releases New LP "Dust of Morning"
Stream/Download @bookclubatlanta just released third LP, "Dust of Morning" now!
Atlanta indie-folk/Americana outfit Book Club have officially released their third LP, Dust of Morning. In advance of the release, Book Club was featured at PopMatters, Glide, No Depression, Earbuddy & more, with No Depression calling the record, "Ambitious" and remarking that the group, "Takes a big risk combining elements of folk and jazz, and thanks to the careful arrangement and impassioned performances, it completely pays off." Dust of Morning is out now.
Book Club’s evocative sound is the perfect embodiment of the old Joni Mitchell line: “Every picture has its shadows / And it has some source of light.”
While Book Club’s lineup has changed and expanded over the years, founding frontman, guitarist, singer and songwriter Robbie Horlick’s vision has remained the driving force. His laidback voice, emotive and winsome, alternately evokes a shimmery pastoral beauty and deep shades of despondent darkness. The impressionistic lyrics don’t specifically describe events as much as arouse emotions. The music press took notice with Book Club’s last record, 2015’s One-Way Moon, which received high praise from outlets such as Paste, Exclaim!, No Depression and NYLON, the latter writing, “heart-wrenching lyrics with rich, gorgeous melodies … haunting and wintery … folk at its best.”
On Book Club’s ethereal yet riveting new third LP, Dust of Morning, the melodies and tempos never feel rushed. Rather songs such as “I Heard a Distant a Call,” “Honest in Disguise” and “When the Bells Rang Out” beckon the listener to float, drift and dream along with the set’s predominantly acoustic instrumentation.
Book Club never hits you head on. With the classically inflected strings and Horlick’s thoughtful musings, they gently invite you to examine the vagaries of life. Poetic lines like “every shadow hides a dawning”—from the aptly titled “Every Song, Another Question”—eschew easy answers, contemplating the quirks of existence while allowing space for listeners’ own interpretations to simmer and smolder in their minds.
Dust of Morning began to take shape after Horlick’s 2016 solo tour of Europe and the U.K. “I did three weeks there and I was writing the whole time,” he says. “But it was hard to zoom out and distill it all. After I got back, I decompressed and a lot of this stuff just spilled out. It’s not really a clear narrative; it’s things that occurred to me through the prism of that experience.”
The sound on the new Book Club record is spare and open, often with brushed drums, and hints of piano, cello and violin providing a somber bed upon which Horlick’s everyman voice and wistful lyrics lay together. The organic sound and recording approach made for a natural fluidity. “We did most everything live in the studio over a long weekend in the same room with everyone in line of sight,” Horlick says. “Two or three takes of each song—the strings were recorded with the guitar, bass and drums so there was no layering, just nice and easy.”
Even the album’s more lyrically desperate tracks, like “Can You Put Your Eyes On Mine?”—its protagonist pleading with a significant other to “put the phone away” so they can speak without distraction—are tempered by a sunny performance, often featuring the lovely harmony vocals of the band’s new pianist Lauren Love.
From the engagingly torchy country of “So Many Nights” (featuring Love on lead vocals) to the more insistent, rhythmic and string-driven “It Takes a Thief,” Dust of Morning explores a diverse and distinctive sonic palette within the indie-folk genre. Even though the subject matter seems intimate and personal, Horlick reminds us that the singer is not always the narrator. "These songs aren't all autobiographical. I mean, there are snippets, but sometimes I find the perspective of these narrators more interesting than my own."
Stream/Download Jasmine Karimova's Newly Released Debut Album "From the Womb"
An elegant body of work from start to finish, @jasminekarimova debut album draws from both her background in classical piano and guitar, as well as her own personal traumas to create ten absolutely breath-taking tracks.
Jasmine Karimova is a multimedia artist working primarily within the fields of music and the visual arts. Of Russian descent and English birth, she speaks four languages and currently lives in Amsterdam. Not only does she sing and write each song, but also performs both the guitar and piano. Her music is fueled both by her background in classical piano and early love for lyrical imagery. Walking the tightrope between strength and vulnerability, Karimova's music is a juxtaposition of the darker and lighter corners of human emotion. Often compared to Regina Spector and Fiona Apple, Karimova's voice is compelling and moving, in turns provoking and comforting.
Jasmine's debut album, "From the Womb", is an elegant body of work from start to finish, drawing from both her background in classical piano and guitar, as well as her own personal traumas to create ten absolutely breath-taking tracks. Her powerful voice tells her story through ten distinct tracks, leaving a lasting impression. The album includes a track we featured earlier this week, "Little Love". Stream/Download the release and follow Jasmine on her social media streams below.
Stream/Download "From the Womb" on Spotify
Connect with Jasmine Karimova: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Atlanta Indie-Folk/Americana Outfit Book Club Announces New LP "Dust of Morning", Out April 6th
@BookClubAtlanta have officially announced the release of their new LP, Dust of Morning, due out on April 6th...
Atlanta indie-folk/Americana outfit Book Club have officially announced the release of their new LP, Dust of Morning, out April 6. Along with the announcement, the group shared their new single "So Many Nights" at No Depression who called it "ambitious" and wrote that the track, "Takes a big risk combining elements of folk and jazz, and thanks to the careful arrangement and impassioned performances, it completely pays off."
Book Club’s evocative sound is the perfect embodiment of the old Joni Mitchell line: “Every picture has its shadows / And it has some source of light.”
While Book Club’s lineup has changed and expanded over the years, founding frontman, guitarist, singer and songwriter Robbie Horlick’s vision has remained the driving force. His laidback voice, emotive and winsome, alternately evokes a shimmery pastoral beauty and deep shades of despondent darkness. The impressionistic lyrics don’t specifically describe events as much as arouse emotions. The music press took notice with Book Club’s last record, 2015’s One-Way Moon, which received high praise from outlets such as Paste, Exclaim!, No Depression and NYLON, the latter writing, “heart-wrenching lyrics with rich, gorgeous melodies … haunting and wintery … folk at its best.”
On Book Club’s ethereal yet riveting new third LP, Dust of Morning, the melodies and tempos never feel rushed. Rather songs such as “I Heard a Distant a Call,” “Honest in Disguise” and “When the Bells Rang Out” beckon the listener to float, drift and dream along with the set’s predominantly acoustic instrumentation.
Book Club never hits you head on. With the classically inflected strings and Horlick’s thoughtful musings, they gently invite you to examine the vagaries of life. Poetic lines like “every shadow hides a dawning”—from the aptly titled “Every Song, Another Question”—eschew easy answers, contemplating the quirks of existence while allowing space for listeners’ own interpretations to simmer and smolder in their minds.
Dust of Morning began to take shape after Horlick’s 2016 solo tour of Europe and the U.K. “I did three weeks there and I was writing the whole time,” he says. “But it was hard to zoom out and distill it all. After I got back, I decompressed and a lot of this stuff just spilled out. It’s not really a clear narrative; it’s things that occurred to me through the prism of that experience.”
The sound on the new Book Club record is spare and open, often with brushed drums, and hints of piano, cello and violin providing a somber bed upon which Horlick’s everyman voice and wistful lyrics lay together. The organic sound and recording approach made for a natural fluidity. “We did most everything live in the studio over a long weekend in the same room with everyone in line of sight,” Horlick says. “Two or three takes of each song—the strings were recorded with the guitar, bass and drums so there was no layering, just nice and easy.”
Even the album’s more lyrically desperate tracks, like “Can You Put Your Eyes On Mine?”—its protagonist pleading with a significant other to “put the phone away” so they can speak without distraction—are tempered by a sunny performance, often featuring the lovely harmony vocals of the band’s new pianist Lauren Love.
From the engagingly torchy country of “So Many Nights” (featuring Love on lead vocals) to the more insistent, rhythmic and string-driven “It Takes a Thief,” Dust of Morning explores a diverse and distinctive sonic palette within the indie-folk genre. Even though the subject matter seems intimate and personal, Horlick reminds us that the singer is not always the narrator. "These songs aren't all autobiographical. I mean, there are snippets, but sometimes I find the perspective of these narrators more interesting than my own."
Interview: Urban Folk Singer-Songwriter Aisha Badru
Our latest exclusive Q&A is with NY based urban folk singer-songwriter and activist @aishabadrumusic
Our latest exclusive Q&A is with NY based urban folk singer-songwriter and activist Aisha Badru. Aisha definitely has a story to tell and she has chosen her amazing music to be the vessel to convey her truth. After reading our interview with Aisha, be sure to follow her on social media and stream/download her debut EP "Vacancy", which she released in 2015.
Tell us about your single and video "Mind on Fire"; what thoughts do you want provoked when someone listens to/watches it for the first time?
“Mind on Fire” may come off as a women’s anthem, but really this song is for anyone who has ever felt limited by their circumstances. We live in a system where most of the population spends the majority of their energy just trying to survive, leaving little time to focus on the larger picture. I hope this song serves as a spark to keep the fire burning within us that inspires us to stand up for the things that we believe in, despite the hurdles that we may encounter.
Congratulations on your recent Volkswagen South Africa campaign. Describe your experience going to Bali to build the home for the poverty-stricken family, using some of the proceeds from the campaign. Why do it?
Initially, Bali was an impromptu soul-searching trip. I was surprised to see how many of the local Balinese people’s lives revolved around catering to tourists; it just didn’t feel right, especially since many of the locals struggle to meet some of their basic needs. Seeing the disparity caused a lot of deep reflection during my trip and when my taxi driver showed me his home that he was struggling to earn the funds to build, I knew that I wanted to help. I don’t view it as charity, though. I feel that it’s all of our responsibility to take care of each other. We are so disconnected on a deep level and I believe that once we rediscover how we are intricately interconnected to one another, the issues around the world will start to dissipate. My support is ongoing to the family and if anyone is interested in helping me raise funds to complete their home, you can visit: https://www.gofundme.com/build-home-in-bali
With today's political and social climate in the US, why is it important for you to be an activist through your music?
It’s important because we can’t keep sweeping things under the rug and expect them to go away. Music is something that brings people together, so when I finally get the opportunity to have the world’s attention, I want to make sure I have something meaningful to say.
Can you tell us some of the topics/current events that will be touched on throughout your upcoming debut Pendulum album? When can we expect its release?
The most important thing that I’ve realized, is that the troubling events that are happening around the globe are not happening *to* us, they are happening *because* of us. The world is a direct reflection of its constituents, and we are all leaving an impact whether we acknowledge it or not. We often find someone else to blame, but songs on my album such as, “Splintered” and “Dreamer”, implore us to begin to look within and take self-accountability. The album is coming this Spring.
What have you learned about yourself as an artist and as a woman over the past two years since the release of your debut EP "Vacancy"?
I’ve grown so much from when I first put music online. When I released Vacancy I was very timid and lacked self-confidence. I wasn’t really sure if anyone was even going to care or listen to the things I had to say. Today, I’m grateful to say that I have over 15 million plays on Spotify and have had my music played on TV. I’ve learned that I am more than I have ever considered myself to be. I’ve learned that I am worthy enough to be heard and that I have the power to create my own narrative. I hope that my journey will inspire others to discover the indestructible power that we all contain within us.
Stream/Download "Vacancy" on Spotify
Connect with Aisha Badru: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Review: Darryl Rahn's "Everything Is Fine" Album
@darrylrahnmusic is a singer-songwriter from Utica, NY who is keeping the Americana genre alive and fresh. The folk artist released "Everything Is Fine" on July 14 of this year, and it is a 10-track record full of emotion and good vibes...
Darryl Rahn is a singer-songwriter from Utica, NY who is keeping the Americana genre alive and fresh. The folk artist released Everything Is Fine on July 14 of this year, and it is a 10-track record full of emotion and good vibes. With influences like The Avett Brothers, Dawes, Guster and Ray Lamontagne, one can anticipate Rahn's latest project to be well-thought out and with meaningful lyrics. After giving it a proper listen through, the conclusion has been drawn that Darryl's audience will keep coming back to Everything Is Fine for years to come.
The first track is titled "Running Back", and it is immediately clear that Darryl's voice has a very distinct and unique tone to it. The song is upbeat and somewhat uplifting, incorporating subtle harmonies and a repetitive chorus that becomes identifiable and gets stuck in your head, proving to be a solid opening track.
The next notable track is the third one titled "Get Me Out Of New York City", which is much slower and less full when it comes to backing vocals and instrumentation. It is an easy listening and relatable one for anyone who is dying to leave their hometown, and the overall vibe of the music matches the message perfectly.
The rest of the album switches between faster-paced songs and steady ballads, focusing more on finger picking with simple vocals that allow the listener to fully pay attention to Rahn's voice and lyrics. It sticks to the acoustic-folk theme throughout with the heavy use of tambourines, shakers and bright guitar chords and riffs. Just as the majority of albums, it take a couple listens to really get into- but once you do, it's a great project. Darryl fully proves his musicianship and talents on these 10- songs, and we definitely recommend you give it a fair go.
Stream/Download "Everything Is Fine"
Interview: Brooklyn Based Indie, Pop And Folk Artist Darryl Rahn
@DarrylRahnMusic is a Brooklyn based indie, folk, and pop artist, originally from Utica, NY, who first started writing songs in 7th grade. Fast forward a few years...
Darryl Rahn is a Brooklyn based indie, folk, and pop artist, originally from Utica, NY, who first started writing songs in 7th grade. Fast forward a few years and Darryl is now on tour in support of his recently released album "Everything Is Fine". We connected with him to find out what he's most proud of with the new album, he describes his creative process for us, as well as life on tour, and much more.
After reading our exclusive interview with Darryl Rahn, be sure to follow him on his social media streams, check out his website, and stream/download "Everything Is Fine" ASAP.
Tell us about your latest release "Everything Is Fine". What are you most proud of with this new album and what does the title mean to you?
The record was written and recorded over the course of 2016, and represents a real weird but important time in my life. I had just graduated from college, moved out of my parent’s house, got a job waiting tables, and started playing a lot of shows on the road. For the first time, I was really on my own and had to sort out a lot of personal stuff. I think that came through in this batch of songs. I’m most proud of ‘Stompin’ Ground.’
What's life on tour like for you currently? Do you have a favorite song from your catalog that you enjoy performing live?
This summer, the shows have been really great for the most part. I’ve mainly stayed on the east coast, but have hit some new towns. It’s also allowed me to reconnect with some people I haven’t seen in years, which is nice because I'm usually traveling alone. Right now, I’m having a great time playing ‘Look at Her Now.’
Describe your creative process for us when it comes to developing your songs. Are you able to write songs anywhere or do you need to be in a certain environment to project your creativity?
Sometimes a hook or a melody will hit me on the subway or walking or whatever, but I try to be really disciplined when it comes to writing. I wake up around 6 every morning, go for a run, and then sit down and try to write for two hours before the obligations start piling up. After the initial idea comes, it usually takes a week for it to be totally done in my head. I’d love to be able to write anywhere, but I usually need to be at my desk with no distractions.
What do you enjoy the most about being an artist and what frustrates you the most?
When a song of mine connects with someone, and they tell me they’ve felt the exact same way, or have been through the same situation, it’s one of the best feelings. I think the most frustrating part is just the overstimulation we’re all accustomed to now. It’s hard to try and make someone care about your song when there are literally millions of other things they could be looking at or listening to.
If you could record and perform a collaborative song with any artist (dead or alive) in front of an audience, who would you choose? Why?
John Moreland. I’d just love to see how he taps into such a deep place lyrically.
Stream/Download "Everything Is Fine"
Connect with Darryl Rahn: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Swedish Folk-Pop Duo Smith & Thell Discuss Their Upcoming Debut Album "Soulprints"
@smithandthell is a Swedish folk-pop duo based in Stockholm whose debut album "Soulprints" is due for release on May 12th. We connected with...
Smith & Thell is a Swedish folk-pop duo based in Stockholm whose debut album "Soulprints" is due for release on May 12th. We connected with the very talented artists and songwriters to discuss their upcoming album, find out more about their very interesting "Yes Man Code", as well as how they determine which songs to keep for themselves and to sell, and much more.
After reading our exclusive Q&A with Smith & Thell, follow them on their social media streams and pre-order "Soulprints" on iTunes.
When you guys moved to Stockholm, you agreed to live by a "Yes Man Code" for a whole year; looking back, do you remember one time when you regret having to implement that code?
Funny question.. Well.. We ended up at some awkward parties consisting of some super-difficult people, plus we got quite a few hangovers we could have lived without. The ’stay for another beer’ strategy was common during this phase. We really recommend everyone take on a ’yes man’ period in life.
If you had to describe your music in three words to a stranger, which ones would you select?
Honest, Earthy, Hopeful.. maybe? :)
As songwriters for other artists as well, how do you decide which songs to keep for yourselves and which ones to sell?
We just know. We get attached to a song differently when it’s written for someone else versus for ourselves.
I really like the visual for your new video "ROW"; how did you guys decide on the premise of the video and who directed it?
Thank you! The director is August Segerholm and the animations are made by an animation firm from our home town Helsingborg called Family & Friends. We felt like the landscape of the island of Gotland, Sweden (where we filmed it) was perfect setting for the song and video.
Tell us about what we can expect from your upcoming debut album "Soulprints", which is due for release on May 12th. Also, how will it be different that your EP "Statue" in terms of the overall sound?
You can expect a real emotional roller coaster with the album as most of the songs are about dealing with grief, in one way or another. Emotionally we touch on so many things, anger, apathy, sadness, thankfulness, forgiveness and the feeling of loss being the core emotion to them all. Also our listeners will get to know a little different side of us on a few songs as we’ve been experimenting a bit.
Describe your song development process. From the first lyric written to the recording studio, how long does it typically take for a Smith & Thell track to be completed and when do you know it is finished?
We never sit down in the studio with each other and be like ’hey we have to write a new Smith & Thell song today'. That process happens when we write with/for others, but for the band project, we consider it an honest and not forced process. We feel like writing when it comes to us. Almost all song ideas on the album started outside of a studio. We've learned to trust our gut-feeling. Usually we start a song and leave it for a few months, taking our time to finish lyrics and fine-tuning melody a little here and there. Then we wait for the right day to record. Basically the whole process is based on the "when you know you know" mentality.
Barring a ban of Swedish citizens by President Trump, can we expect to see you guys on stage performing in the United States this year?
Yes, very soon, but maybe we should hurry before no one else is welcome. ;) In the meantime we want to dedicate our song ’Row’ to Melania Trump as she might need some encouragement in order to be able to put up with him.
To pre-order "Soulprints" on iTunes, click here: https://itunes.apple.com/se/album/soulprints/id1201171971?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Review: American Dreamer's "Restless Nights"
Formed in Austin, Texas, this earthly ensemble of alternative pop and orchestrated folk depicts budding life experiences seen and expressed through thriving...
Formed in Austin, Texas, this earthly ensemble of alternative pop and orchestrated folk depicts budding life experiences seen and expressed through thriving musicianship. This universally appealing band consists of: Audrey Lee (Violin), Courtney Castaneda (Cello), Dana Wygsmans (Back-up Vocals, Bass) and Sasha Klare-Ayvazian, the band's vocalist, guitarist, composer, and founder. Besides being the main fuel in American Dreamers, Ayvazian is also a teacher with a Masters degree in music and all that educational dedication to the study of sound influences his engaging singing and songwriting.
The record is filled with rich and charming tracks like the strumming acoustic trances coupling with emotional strings in the warm opener "Open Your Eyes" that speeds up the pace into a lightly lifted atmosphere, the slow ballroom waltz in the melancholy tale of loneliness in "When Your Away", the rock rooting blues inspired "Start-Stopping", and the instrumental quick but strong beauty in, "Lullaby". This eleven track golden gem is also accompanied with the colorful and artistic music video for the single, "All The Time". Restless Nights is the band's debut full-length album. A mature and professionally sweet record.
Connect with American Dreamer: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Spotify
Buy "Restless Nights" by American Dreamer
Interview: HANK Connects With DCWS To Discuss His New EP "Grate "A" And Video "Equilibrium"
We connected with HANK, a folk, rock, indie, and progressive businessman by trade from Pittsburgh, PA for an exclusive...
We connected with HANK, a folk, rock, indie, and progressive businessman by trade from Pittsburgh, PA for an exclusive interview to discuss his new EP Grate "A", which was released January 20th, 2017. We also discussed his single/video "Equilibrium" and the concept behind it, as well as his musical goals for 2017. After reading this Q&A, be sure to stream Grate "A" and follow HANK on Facebook.
Tell us about your single/video "Equilibrium; is the song self-produced and how did you come up with its concept?
Equilibrium is a song that I wrote while being at home and it’s about being out of your comfort zone. At one point in the song, I say “side to side” meaning that I like to rock in and out of equilibrium and I also use the scenario of being at a bar to help reinforce that idea. And I recorded the song myself on my Macbook and sent it for mix/mastering to my cousin Nick.
Who are some of your musical inspirations and what led you to want to become a musician/"businessman"?
I have been a musician for most of my life and I really only started branching out as a solo artist a few months ago. I was in a band for a long time but after I had a full-time suit and tie job, it changed my direction. I then embraced the businessman persona and became HANK the businessman. Some of my biggest inspirations in my writing/music include John Mayer, the instrumental group CHON, Little Barrie, Billy Joel, and Tenacious D.
If you had to describe your music in three words, which words would you select?
Relatable (to some), Dynamic, Detailed.
Tell us about your recently released EP Grate "A". What are you most proud of with this project?
Grate “A” was essentially my response to working a full-time suit and tie job. Some songs are more prevalent than others with aligning to the businessman persona but at the end of the day, it is my story about a corporate job. I would say just being able to write a bunch of music is the proudest thing I can think of about this project. I wrote a bunch of songs and was able to pick and choose versus having 6 songs and calling it a finished project.
To follow up on the last question, do you plan to release another single/video off Grate "A"?
Probably not. This EP is intended to be a starting point in my solo career. I have already been actively writing for the next project but that doesn’t mean I am not focusing on getting Grate “A” out there more. I have been doing things daily to help promote it as much as possible. There’s still lots more to come from the businessman by trade….
We're midway through February; what are your musical goals for remainder of 2017?
I would like to play at least one show weekly. I also aspire to move somewhere where my music can flourish more. I also wanna release another project by the end of the year. I think this year is gonna get a lil hectic at times but I am determined to have my music listened to as much as possible.
Connect with HANK: Facebook
Toy Cars Wants To Bring You in Close, Then Scream in Your Ear
I was in a random dude's living room in New Jersey some time this past summer when I first saw Toy Cars perform...
I was in a random dude's living room in New Jersey some time this past summer when I first saw Toy Cars perform. There was probably 20 or thirty people there, standing directly in front of the band.
I had no idea what to expect. I'd never seen them, or even heard of them, before. It was a typical random rock show: A bunch of bands playing together for one night, and one night only. I figured we'd all probably forget each other's names after we left. I can never remember the names of most of the bands, or the people in them, or really anything about the night, usually. It's nothing personal. I don't expect them to remember me either.
But I didn't forget Toy Cars—as soon as they started playing it was clear that they weren't your run-of-the-mill local band. They had a ton of energy, and great songs—and, most importantly, they seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. It was one of those sets that makes time seem to speed up and slow down at the same time.
They made that dude's living room feel like it was a stadium.
And now, with their new EP, Sleeping Patterns, out on Friday, September 16, they pull off a similar feat: The five songs are somehow simultaneously intimate and gigantic at once.
The EP starts with “Bjork,” which puts vocalist Matt DeBenedetti's half-screaming-but-still-somehow-melodic style on display, and then Matt Caponegro's guitar comes in. It fills everything out—he does ambiance perfectly. Drummer Mike Linardi and bassist Chris Beninato lock in immediately, giving Toy Cars a driving sound that is especially strong on the EP's single, “Stone.”
“Dull,” essentially a folk song, changes things up—it's just DeBenedetti singing and playing acoustic guitar. Placed right in the middle of the EP, it's the perfect break of the loud-quiet dynamic shifts of the rest of the tracks. It has a Bright Eyes feel to it, which they return to on the final track, “Albatross,” a song about growing older, about regret, about devoting yourself to the things you love even if, as DeBenedetti sings, “every thing you've ever loved is gonna bury you some day.”
Well, let's hope that day doesn't come any time soon for Toy Cars: Sleeping Patterns is the work of a mature band, and if it's any indication about their future, they've got a lot more to offer.
Sleeping Patterns is available on vinyl from Counter Intuitive Records and on CD from Sniffling Indie Kids.
L.M. Alder is a writer, librarian and musician. His stories, poems, and reviews have appeared in Asimov's, Ghost Town, decomP, Corium, the EEEL, and other places. He is the co-author of A Cathedral in a Mason Jar: The Untold Story of Elvis Presley (tNY.Press, 2016). You can check out his band at TheDeafeningColors.com.
King Pig’s Self-Titled EP: Why You Need To Keep This Band on Your Radar
King Pig is an Australian band made up of Cairns natives, Dal and Tim, who released a killer self-titled debut EP...
King Pig is an Australian band made up of Cairns natives, Dal and Tim, who released a killer self-titled debut EP in November of 2014. The boys started out playing in a reggae band, eventually relocating to Melbourne where they redefined their sound and started up a brand new project. Taking the band’s name from the end level boss in the popular game Angry Birds, King Pig is showing the world why the Melbourne music scene is a force to be reckoned with.
Having both worked on the Cairns franchise of balcony TV, these guys are no strangers to the music world. Tim busked his way across the east of Australia, playing in almost every small town and allowing the landscape to influence his music, while Dal works at the Victorian Arts Centre as a successful audio engineer.
In the words of lead singer Tim, the King Pig EP is a collection of six songs ranging in style from straight old time folk to dark pop and blues. The ending of Tim’s long-term relationship, family, and the uncertainty of change were the major driving factors behind the creation. With influences like Radiohead, Earl Scruggs, and Sun House, you can bet this band is only putting out top quality work.
Between the peaceful vocals and exceptional musical composition of each track, the overall feel of the EP is a very collected and easy listening one. The band’s strongest track on the EP is titled Right Sun, and immediately draws the listener in with an amiable and uplifting vibe. Each of the six songs is unique and gives off an individual feel, proving the overall project to be diverse and refreshing.
For Dal and Tim, standing still is not an option, and you can expect more great work from King Pig in the near future. They are currently in the process of creating a full-length album, and will hopefully be releasing a single very soon. If their upcoming album is anything like their first project, you should definitely be keeping your eye out for the release.
Below, you will find King Pig’s social media accounts and links to listen to their self-titled EP, as well as keep up with future projects.
Bateau is a Melbourne, Australia based Trip-Hop/RnB/Hip-Hop artist as well as a DOPE writer and friend of DCWS. You can follow her on Instagram at #bateauofficial or at bateauofficial.wordpress.com
JC Villafan recounts his tale of Immigration & Hope
Hailing from Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter JC Villafan has been honing his craft since 16 years old, performing in front of an American audience, as well as touring in Europe where he built a new loyal fanbase...
« If you want refreshing, catchy, heartwarming music, JC Villafan is your man,
his music has no expiry date. » — BBC Merseyside Radio
« Villafan is a young man with an old soul, bringing forth the style of music
past into a contemporary new format. » — The Examiner
Hailing from Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter JC Villafan has been honing his craft since 16 years old, performing in front of an American audience, as well as touring in Europe where he built a new loyal fanbase. His delightful blend of Pop, Rock and Folk especially won hearts in France, where his music has been highlighted on national television and radio, as well as in major media outlets. Whether at home or abroad, he has always made time to give to the community and ensured to working towards his ultimate goal: to inspire and encourage others to pursue the greatest fulfillment of their wildest dreams.
These beautiful values of altruism and hard work have been instilled in him by his parents whom he wants to give pride of place to for the next step of his career. After releasing the Sweet Time EP — nominated in 2012 for Best EP at the L.A. Music Critic Awards — and its follow-up I Still Believe in 2014, JC Villafan is reflecting on his journey and his heritage in his debut album America’s for Dreamers. Back in 1991, his then 5-month-pregnant mother climbed the fence separating Mexico from the United States with her husband, wholeheartedly hoping to offer him a brighter future. « The story of the album continues with my ceaseless pursuit of a dream. A selfless dream that oversights fame and fortune for making a difference and uplifting those who stop to listen. The album ends at exactly right where I find myself today », he explains.
America’s for Dreamers is set to be released on May 17 (the iTunes pre-order started on April 28) and will be followed by a European tour kicking off in Belgium on June 2nd, before making its way to Germany, France and the UK and eventually heading back home for a few more dates in California.
Download acoustic versions of Be Free & The Moment for free: http://bit.do/freedownloadsjc
Lánre unveils her new single 'Human', a beautiful take on what unifies us all
Lánre is a British singer-songwriter whose music can be described as acoustic Soul and Folk with captivating storytelling influenced by her Yoruba heritage...
"Relish in her soft yet soulful vocals..." - MTV UK
"This utterly soothing new single is well worth a listen" - MOBO awards
Lánre is a British singer-songwriter whose music can be described as acoustic Soul and Folk with captivating storytelling influenced by her Yoruba heritage. Born in Stoke-On-Trent in England, Lánre has spent most of her youth in Nigeria where she started singing and performing live at the age of 8. Soon enough, she started playing guitar and found freedom in her own voice.
In 2002, Lánre embarked herself on a worldwide tour as a member of award-winning UK collective GK REAL. This experience ignited in her the desire to pursue a solo career. Her debut album 'Pen Voyage Chapter One: Singing For Change' was released in 2011 followed by her critically acclaimed EP 'Home' in 2014 (praised by MOBO, MTV UK among others).
Her new EP 'Human' is set to be released on April 29th. This new record is a collection of uplifting songs, which encapsulates the essence and depth of Lánre's artistry. Relating the struggles and celebrations of life, 'Human' is a hopeful hymn to togetherness.
In the meantime, Lánre has recently unveiled the title track 'Human' whose signature phrase 'We're all broken so that light can come in' showcases once again her determination to offer the listener inspiring words to hold on to.