Stream "Brighter Days", the Brand New Album by Composer/Producer Blunda
Blunda is the solo project of LA based composer/producer Andy Blunda; his new album "Brighter Days" contains both instrumental and vocal tracks geared towards taking you on a journey to wide open spaces.
Blunda is the solo project of LA based composer/producer Andy Blunda. Blunda, a classically trained pianist in college, was the guitarist and keyboard player for the bands Fastball and Paloalto in the late 90s and early 2000s. He also toured with artists Jason Falkner (Jellyfish, Beck, St. Vincent) and Zoe Bonham playing guitar and keyboards.
There isn't a single one of us who hasn't wondered over the past few years if better days are coming, of if they're even possible. Blunda wonders the same thing. Luckily, he's been perfecting his musical craftsmanship for so long that he's able to seamlessly portray familiar feelings and atmospheres through his surreal yet accessible compositions. His new album "Brighter Days" contains both instrumental and vocal tracks geared towards taking you on a journey to wide open spaces.
“This album came out of wanting to creating a space and feeling that would transport the listener. I found myself going on tons of hikes this past year with my son and exploring all these amazing places just outside of the city. I really wanted to create something that gave the feeling of being in all these wide open spaces. Especially after all the lockdowns of the last couple of years. I love music that takes you out of reality and puts you into a feeling or place. That inspired me as I worked on the songs and gave me the freedom to let them be. With or without vocals.”
Check out “Brighter Days” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Blunda on his social media.
Stream and Share “Brighter Days” on: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Soundcloud
Jessie Reyez Debuts Her New Single/Video “Mutual Friend” and Announces Upcoming Album "Yessie!"
Grammy-nominated, 4x Juno-winning, singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez announces her upcoming sophomore album, “Yessie”, and has unveiled her new single/video “Mutual Friend”.
Grammy-nominated, 4x Juno-winning, singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez announces her upcoming sophomore album, Yessie, coming soon via FMLY / Island Records. In anticipation of Yessie – her first album in nearly two years - Jessie has released a brand new track, "Mutual Friend," proving yet again she is an unstoppable force. Yessie picks up where her 2020 debut studio album Before Love Came To Kill Us left off - a highly anticipated release from a now unforgettable era. Her writing on the new album captures the human experience in a way that is at once unique and relatable.
Jessie took the Jimmy Kimmel Live! Stage last week with a show stopping performance of “Mutual Friend.” On the record, Jessie clears the air to an ex lover and releases any lingering emotion she carries while declaring her independence – shown as scenes of beautiful rage, dying flowers symbolic of the relationship, and fluid dancing in the music video directed by Peter Huang.
After releasing two critically acclaimed EPs, Kiddo & Being Human In Public, Jessie released Before Love Came To Kill Us in March of 2020. Against unenviable odds, the album charted Top 5 on Billboard’s R&B Album Chart, amassed over 1.2 billion global streams, and earned the title of Top Female Debut Album and Top R&B Album of 2020 - cementing Reyez as a worldwide phenomenon. Last week’s Jimmy Kimmel performance is Jessie’s second on that show in two years and follows a string of late night appearances including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night With Seth Meyers, and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. She made live appearances at 2021 Lollapalooza, 2022 Coachella and just opened on Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever world tour. Earlier this summer, Jessie shared her first preview track “Fraud,” which is at 5.6M streams to date and garnered attention from MTV, Hypebae, and Rolling Stone.
Watch the performance and “Mutual Friend” video and stay tuned for more to come soon.
Aura Blaze Shares His New EP "Open-Mindedness"
Award-winning psychedelic rock/dream pop artist Aura Blaze continues his kaleidoscopic musical and philosophical evolution on the illuminating new 3-song EP "Open-Mindedness".
Award-winning psychedelic rock/dream pop artist Aura Blaze continues his kaleidoscopic musical and philosophical evolution on the illuminating new 3-song EP "Open-Mindedness". Aura Blaze is the brainchild of New Jersey-based musician Rhode Rachel, who writes, records and produces everything. This EP, out now, contains two new originals as well as is a cover of The Charlatans (“The Only One I Know”).
Speaking about "Open-Mindedness", Aura Blaze says:
“Featuring 3 tracks packed with blazing energy, neon color, and a swirling galaxy of texture and innovative sound design, I can say with confidence that the Open-Mindedness EP is one for the record books.
Let the cover art speak for itself as a glimpse into the atmosphere of this release, with the sanctity of transcendental introspection blossoming radiantly through what Aldous Huxley would refer to as the “mind’s antipodes,” or the regions of the mind that one may reach through intense meditation or psychedelic exploration. It is an honor to offer Open-Mindedness as an aural adjuvant towards a deeper discovery of self, acting as a cosmic catalyst for elevated consciousness.
Originally intended as an early summer release, the recording process has been met with no shortage of setbacks, including an external hard drive that decided to crash at a significantly inopportune time during production. Thankfully, I was able to revive the recording sessions and I am happy to finally bring this EP to life amidst the adversity that challenged its creation.
Between the aforementioned crisis, changing careers, and buying my first home, it has certainly been a busy and turbulent year but eternal doth the ardent spirit rise, breaching heights unimagined, in the direction of divinity made manifest.
Suffice it to say, the culmination of the conquering of these respective trials and tribulations have refined the essence of the Open-Mindedness EP, shaping it into the strongest Aura Blaze release to date with respect to both production value and unbridled aesthetic. I am overjoyed at the prospect of finally being able to share these tracks with you. I thank all of you for your continued support as well as your patience in the interim. Rest assured the wait shall be worth it.”
Fans of trailblazing psychedelic pop rock artists like Tame Impala, Ariel Pink, GUM, The Beach Boys, MGMT or Pond should enjoy this release. Listen to the EP now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Aura Blaze on his website and social media.
K-Pop Star Wonho Shares His First Single Album "OBSESSION"
K-Pop singer-songwriter-producer, @official__wonho, has released his highly anticipated single album, “OBSESSION”. Consisting of two tracks written and composed by Wonho; “OBSESSION” is his first release of 2022, following the release of “Blue Letter” in September.
Singer-Songwriter-Producer, Wonho, has released his highly anticipated single album, “OBSESSION”. Consisting of two tracks written and composed by Wonho; “OBSESSION” is his first release of 2022, following the release of Blue Letter in September. “I’m grateful that I’m able to greet my fans with my first single album in the year 2022. It feels like we are starting a new year together! I'll try my best to show great things to you all this year” Wonho says of this release.
Named by Rolling Stone as the “singer who’s breaking hearts just as quickly as he’s breaking stereotypes,” Wonho is set to continue pushing his own creative limits by exploring different themes within OBSESSION. Wonho further explains the meaning behind “EYE ON YOU”; “Sometimes there are people who look at others with stereotypes, as if they were wearing colored glasses. In the music for "EYE ON YOU," you’ll see there are CCTVs that follow me, representing one's gaze. The track originally started off with the theme of one's gaze, but as I progressed with the songwriting, it turned into a topic that one could apply to various stories. In my opinion, it could also be interpreted as a love song, and apply to many different scenarios.”
The b-side track, “Somebody,” showcases a more vulnerable side of Wonho as a storyteller and songwriter. You can feel the emotions as you fully immerse yourself into the lyrics; “I'm all alone in the world full of strangers. Blank faces staring I'm patiently waiting. I need someone to hold on. Take me back to where I belong.” In an interview Teen Vogue, Wonho compares the feeling of being alone to a wolf; “the feelings behind these lyrics are comparable to the image of a wolf being alone, and left in the dark” he explains.
Listen to the “OBSESSION” album right now, stream it on Apple Music and connect with Wonho on his social media.
Petite Noir Shares New Single "Blame Fire" and Announces New Mini Album Due 10/5
South Africa's Petite Noir is back to share the song "Blame Fire", the lead single off of his new mini-album La Maison Noir / The Black House due October 5th via Roya
South Africa's Petite Noir is back to share a new single. "Blame Fire" is the lead single off of his new mini-album La Maison Noir / The Black House due October 5th via Roya. The new album serves as the long-awaited follow up to his 2015 album La vie est belle / Life is Beautiful.
An impassioned mission statement with an irrepressible melody, "Blame Fire" lays out La Maison Noir's intentions, reflecting on Petite Noir's past and his future. Of the track Petite Noir says: "'Blame Fire' is a phrase that I made up, meaning 'Thank God.' I poetically referenced times in history that God showed up as 'fire' i.e. the burning bush in the story of Moses and comparing that to the passion, the drive that we all have inside of ourselves to be successful in life. So basically, don't blame me, Blame Fire for all that I have. In short, it means, all glory to God."
La Maison Noir is the third of Petite Noir's noirwave projects. Noirwave is a movement created by Petite Noir and creative director RhaRha, with its roots in music but its vision fixed firmly on the creative future. Responding to current cultural movements centered in Africa - arising against a backgrop of international anxieties concerning borders, nationhood and globalization - Noirwave offers followers a citizenship which rejoices in freedom of movement, physically and creatiely.
It is through the lens of noirwave that La Maison Noir was created. Diverse yet instant, La Maison Noir's six tracks are imbued with a spirit that leave an indelible memory. The forthcoming mini-album features contributions from New York rapper/poet Saul Williams and Detroit rapper Danny Brown, who Petite Noir previously collaborated with on Brown's 2016 album Atrocity Exhibition.
Hear "Blame Fire" and see below for more info on La Maison Noir / The Black House and stay tuned for more from Petite Noir coming soon.
Rex Orange County Enlists Randy Newman For New Collaboration and Shares Upcoming Tour Dates
@rexorangecounty has just dropped a collaborative cover with great American songwriter Randy Newman of his iconic song “You've Got A Friend In Me”…
British teen prodigy Rex Orange County has just dropped a collaboration with great American songwriter Randy Newman. A cover of Randy's iconic "You've Got A Friend In Me" is now available to stream exclusively via Spotify as part of their RISE series. In addition to the new song, Rex is also announcing two new headlining shows in New York at Brooklyn Steel on July 31 and in Chicago at Subterranean on August 4.
Having entered 2018 as the runner-up in BBC's Sound of 2018 poll, Rex Orange County has spent the first half of the year writing, recording and performing across the US, UK and Europe. Across the summer, Rex will perform at a number of major festivals including Primavera Sound, Melt and Lollapalooza.
Rex Orange County is the 19-year-old multi-talent leading a wave of independent young artists from the UK. Released in the spring of last year, Rex's lauded album Apricot Princess is, according to Noisey, "one of the most colourful, emotionally rich albums that the year has blessed us with."
Hear "You've Got a Friend in Me" with Randy Newman below and see below for full tour routing.
Tour Dates:
7/26 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
7/28 - Detroit, MI @ Mo Pop Festival
7/29 - New York, NY @ Panorama Festival
7/30 - Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
7/31 - New York, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
8/2 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
8/3 - Montreal, QC @ Osheaga Festival
8/4 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
8/7 - Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre
8/8 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox
8/9 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
8/12 - Santa Ana, CA @ Observatory
8/13 - Los Angeles, CA @ Fonda Theatre
The Home Team Release New Single "Ageless" and Announces Debut Label LP, "Better Off"
Seattle based outfit, @thehometeamnw has released a brand new single, "Ageless," off their forthcoming debut label LP, “Better Off”.
Seattle, WA-based outfit, The Home Team, has released a brand new single, "Ageless," off their forthcoming debut label LP, Better Off. The track is the second single, following "Fashion Forward," The Home Team has released this year since the announcement that they had signed to Raleigh-based label Revival Recordings. When discussing the new single, the band says, "Ageless is a song about patience and waiting until the time is right, and now we’re incredibly excited to finally begin giving our fans the album they’ve been waiting for."
The band is also happy to announce pre-orders for their debut label LP, Better Off, which is features both "Fashion Forward" and "Ageless". Talking about their excitement for their fans, both new and old, to hear their new music, the band stated, “Better Off is a diverse collection of stories that we finally get to share with our fans. Our only hope is that everyone is able to find the song that speaks to them the most, and that we can build emotional connections with the people that matter most - our friends and fans.” Fans can pre-order the album now on iTunes and MerchNow. Better Off is set to be released on July 20, 2018!
Alt Pop Duo Æves Release New EP “Desire” and Music Video For “Loaded Love”
Louisville Alt Pop Duo @aevesmusic has just released the music video for “Loaded Love”, off their EP “Desire”.
Alternative pop duo Æves have released their brand new EP “Desire”. The six track collection, featuring the previously released single “Loaded Love,” contains a combination of stripped down acoustic versions and their originally-recorded counterparts, as well as one remix. The lead single, Loaded Love official visual features the duo on some sort of adventure leading up to aesthetically pleasing shots that’ll leave you with a sense of wanderlust. The duo, comprised of Molly O’Malley and Matthew Adam, successfully marry together elements of both alternative rock and electronic pop on “Desire,” creating a light, yet enthralling sound. About the future of Æves, Matthew states:
“Right now we’re in the trial phase of whatever’s going to happen next. We’re very pleased with the reaction of Desire and want to keep the ball rolling whether it be more shows, merch or new visuals. We like to keep a sense of mystery in whatever we do. Even though the future is unclear, we feel it sure is bright.”
When longtime friends Matthew Adam and Molly O’Malley formed Æves in January of 2015, it was out of a fever dream. Drawing inspiration from contradicting local music scenes, the duo out of Louisville, KY found the solution in collaborating with each other. With the help by mentor, friend, and late local hero Bryan Puckett, Æves released their EP Ignite in June of 2016. After taking some time to hone their craft and evolve their sound, they flew out to Los Angeles to work with Marc Walloch, (Company of Thieves and AWOLNATION) returning with several completed songs and a more focused sense of ambition. Their new EP “Desire” marries the political rhetoric of punk rock with the vibrance of pop-electronic, creating a sound that is as invigorating as it is luminescent. In light of all the darkness shaping music and the world as a whole, Æves is paving a way for a future that is colorful and bright. “Desire” is out NOW.
Monsta X: KPOP’s Next Act to Hit Big in the U.S With Their Tour & New EP "The Connect: Dejavu"
Kpop sensations and soon to be US Pop sensations, @officialmonstax will kick off their US tour in Chicago on July 20.
Kpop sensations and soon to be US Pop sensations, MONSTA X, make history with their new EP, "The Connect: Dejavu" which sold 2,000 traditional albums in the week ending March 29 landing them squarely on the US Billboard Charts.
Billboard noted, “...This was enough to land the guys at No. 2 on Billboard's World Albums chart and a No. 8 debut on Heatseekers Albums -- a new peak for the band on the chart that sees far fewer K-pop acts land entries.”
“We can’t wait to come back to the US to tour for our fans. Our “Monbebes” are supporting us and we look forward to making even more friends when we tour this time. We feel more excited about this tour because of so much growth” says, I.M. rapper from Monsta X.
The bands latest video “Jealousy” is up to nearly 7 Million views on Youtube and growing daily adding to the over 20 million views of their previous releases:
Their style is more aggressive than other artists in the genre combining rap, rock and dance moves to great acclaim among fans. Teen Vogue wrote: “...Monsta X, to put it simply, go hard.”
The tour kicks off in Chicago on July 20 weaving its way across the US:
July 20 - Chicago, IL - Rosemont Theater
July 22 - Newark, NJ - New Jersey Performing Arts Center
July 25 - Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
July 27 - Dallas, TX - Verizon Theatre
July 29 - Houston, TX - Smart Financial Centre
August 1 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theater
August 3 - Los Angeles, CA - Microsoft Theater
Bali Baby Announces Debut Album "Baylor Swift" and Shares New Video "Backseat"
@_BaliTree_ the 20-year-old Atlanta rapper, shares the first proper taste of her forthcoming debut album, "Baylor Swift", with the first single and video "Backseat."
Bali Baby, the 20-year-old Atlanta rapper, shares the first proper taste of her forthcoming debut album, Baylor Swift, today with the first single "Backseat." Baylor Swift finds the Soundcloud starlet reincarnated as a pop punk princess, as she morphs her pop lucid dream into a distorted hypercolor reality atop production from rising New York producer Chicken. The album navigates Bali's escape from an abusive relationship through the lens of "POPROCK" which, in her own words, comprises "a mixture of rap, rock and pop!" With a kiss and a strum from her metaphoric guitar, Bali Baby is poised to fulfill her self-proclaimed title as the next teen pop sensation.
Check out the "Backseat" video and see below for full details on Baylor Swift.
Bali Baby
Baylor Swift
TWIN
(May 8, 2018)
1. Introduction
2. Backseat
3. Candy
4. WWW
5. Electrical
6. Tough
7. Few Things
8. Killer
Produced by Chicken
Mixed & Mastered by Gabe Shulman
Playgirl National Tour
04/18/18 - Red Bull Music Festival: Careful On the Pavement - New York, NY
05/06/18 - Motorco - Durham, NC
05/08/18 - Club Congress - Tuscon, AZ
05/10/18 - Empire - Austin, TX
05/11/18 - Secret Group - Houston, TX
05/25/18 - Union - Los Angeles, CA
07/26/18 - Loring - Minneapolis, MN
07/28/18 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
More about Bali Baby:
Atlanta's Bali Baby first emerged in 2016 when her "Dip Dip Freestyle" went viral. Since then, Bali has amassed a loyal online following while also reinventing herself with every project - from the r&b tinged Bubbles Bali to her rap moment on Brazy Bali to featuring on Trippie Redd's melodic ballad "Woah Woah Woah." Through her transformations, Bali Baby constantly reveals a prowess at delivering hooks for days - on last year's standout single "IGGADY," Bali proclaims, "I cut that bitch head off and walk away giggling."
For her forthcoming debut full length, Baylor Swift, Bali Baby now shifts her focus from rap to pop -spinning tracks twisted around hybrid autotune to showcase her warped lyricisms through a sheen of venomous pop. Bali has carved out her own identity, meshing quirky and menacing alter egos together into a medley of trap, rock and pop.
Through what can feel like a constant onslaught of new talent striving for recognition, Bali Baby's ability to cultivate a persona that extends beyond the music to a full celebration of artistic self expression truly stands out. With a mood board that scans equal parts horror and calculated nod to pop culture, taking cues from no one but herself, Bali Baby is poised to push the envelope more than ever in 2018.
Connect with Bali Baby: Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud
Stream/Download Sam Levin's New Album "I Am"
NY based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Levin recently released his second album "I Am".
Sam Levin is a talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from New York who recently released his second album "I Am", following up his debut 2017 album "Frame of Mind". Sam Levin has been called "one of the most eclectic and innovative artists in the current scene right now." He recently completed an East Coast coffeehouse tour to promote the release.
Yeek Announces New EP "BLACKHEART" and Shares Lead Single "Slept On", Featuring Robin Dalyan
@imyeek has announced his new EP "BLACKHEART" which will arrive May 4th, and dropped a new single "Slept On"...
Yeek has announced his new EP "BLACKHEART" which will arrive May 4th, and is the follow up to Yeek's 2017 album "Sebastian". To coincide with the announcement, Yeek is sharing the lead single from the project, "Slept On." The new track, which is a duet with LA singer Robin, features Yeek's uniquely melancholy blend of pop and hip hop and is undeniably catchy in spite of its forlorn themes.
Yeek is a Los Angeles based singer, songwriter, and producer originally from South Florida. His music combines elements of hip hop, taken from his environment in LA, with pop sensibilities to create a distinctive sound.
Connect with Yeek: Twitter
Interview: London Based Pop/RnB Duo World Machine
We connected with @worldmachinetw comprised of Jack Shea and Naz Kalsey, for an exclusive interview to discuss their new single "Affection"...
World Machine is a London based duo comprised of Jack Shea and Naz Kalsey who just released the single "Affection". The single, which seamlessly blends pop and RnB, has been on heavy rotation for a few days now in the DCWS office, and fans of Prince especially, will be swept up by Naz's synth-based, melodic production and Jack's airy vocals. We connected with the guys for an exclusive interview to discuss their new single, as well as their plans to follow it up, their creative process in developing songs and much more.
After reading our Q&A with World Machine, be sure to follow them on their social media, and stream/download "Affection" on iTunes below.
After working together in the band Smashing Lights, how was it decided between you guys that you would form the duo "World Machine"?
We felt that we were drifting away from the indie sound we started with Smashing Lights and we felt the other members would not like the direction we were going in musically and sonically so the idea of World Machine really started from there.
If you had to describe World Machine's music to a stranger who has never heard you before in three words, which would you choose?
Personal, Clean, Colourful
Tell us about your creative process when developing a new song. When do you two know that the song is officially finished?
Well it all starts with Naz Kalsey the guitarist and songwriter of the group. We normally talk about a new song idea whether it is a certain feeling or a production idea from a song we both like and really base it on that. We approach making a song with originality but also with the idea of making it an experimental blend of different characteristics.
Regarding when we know its finished we never know, its a curse especially for me when I hear a track back I always want to add things but we always mutually agree that its to the best of what we could do at the time and always move on to the next track.
Can we expect to see a visual for "Affection" soon and do you expect the song to be appearing on an upcoming EP or album this year?
We are currently working on a visual for Affection that will probably be out by May/June time plus a new track that will be out by late April. Currently we have nearly 30 songs written for an album that we want to release in 2019, which we are excited for, but at the moment we are really working on it to make it the best it can be.
What motivated the creation of "Affection"? Were the lyrics based on a personal experience in a relationship?
The lyrics for Affection are really based on an idea of a relationship and a certain situation. Being the person that wants to give affection and comfort is a new avenue lyrically for me and I wanted to explore my inner tenderness that I had never really expressed through music before. This approach I have started to really connect with recently and a lot of the tracks we are working on recently have that introspective feel.
Stream/Download "Affection" on iTunes
Connect with World Machine: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Los Angeles-Based Husband & Wife Indie/Electro-Pop Duo Tiger March Release Debut LP "Hold Something"
Check out the newly released debut album "Hold Something" by LA based indie/electro-pop duo @tigermarchmusic
Los Angeles husband-and- wife duo Tiger March have officially released their debut LP Hold Something. In advance of the release, the duo was featured at PopMatters, Atwood Magazine, The Wild Honey Pie, Earbuddy and more, with PopMatters calling Hold Something, "One of the key synthpop/chillwave records of the year." Hold Something is out now.
Hold Something—the intimate yet danceable debut LP from Los Angeles husband-and- wife duo Tiger March—is a shimmery indie pop narrative on love’s beginnings, ends, and in-betweens. The band, comprised of Annie Gleason (vocals and songwriting) and Matthew Gleason (production and songwriting), finds itself buoyed by the strength of its songs captured in their thoughtfully executed debut LP.
Tiger March formed in late 2014 after Annie and Matthew met via Craigslist, where both were searching for musicians with whom to collaborate. “We were a band before we were a couple,” Annie says. Album tracks like "Could You" locate the band’s romantic beginnings. What initially began as a long-distance collaboration turned to friendship and then love. “I was in San Diego at the time. I had been there for a number of years getting another graduate degree, then ended up landing a job there, and just kinda got stuck, hence the song 'Beach Cities’.”
Of that time, Annie describes an almost nightly songwriting schedule, songwriting the panacea for a broken heart. As Annie began sending her demos to Matthew, the songs became fuller and more defined as their sound began to take shape. So too did their partnership. Annie began making weekly treks up to LA to work on music with Matthew and, as she recounts, “I guess we just discovered that we loved each other. After a period of time when we were both available, it was like, ‘Oh I love you.’ ‘I love you back.’ It was cute.”
Hold Something was nearly entirely recorded and produced at the band’s home studio with vocals recorded with Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart, Silversun Pickups, Ben Gibbard) and Peter Novoa (Mister Heavenly, Slothrust) at The Ship Studio in Los Angeles. The album is anchored by standout track "Either Or", one of the more narrative and predominately retrospective songs on the album. As Annie describes, it is as much a reflection on love as it is a reflection of its landscape, and what you’re left with at its end. “It reminds me of a shimmery winter,” Annie says. “You walk out into remnants of an ice storm, but there’s a moment where you can see your breath in the air, and you realize you’re sad and you’re not with anyone.” Self-deprecating and candid, Annie goes on, “I wanted to write a song about things people say about love that are total shit. Why do they say ‘love is kind?’ Why do they say ‘love is blind?’ It’s neither.” Throughout the album Annie’s direct and unadorned vocals juxtapose Matthew’s ethereal and at other times danceable production and songwriting, creating a subtle, yet pleasing kind of tension that defines their sound.
While Annie’s background as a poet-- she studied at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing—lends lyrical depth to the band’s skilled pop hooks, Matthew’s time spent cutting his teeth in local indie pop and shoegaze bands has informed and driven much of the band’s distinctive sound. Meeting Annie, Matthew was inspired to completely rethink the way he approached music. Matthew explains, “I had to basically put my guitar down and force myself to learn Ableton. This challenged me to write and produce music in a new way, with production and songwriting efforts focused on layered synths, loops, and electronic drum sounds as opposed to reverb and distortion-drenched guitars. From a song structure point of view, we follow pretty basic pop structures. And that’s what we like—simple pop songs, but with an edge.”
Tiger March’s distinct sound and strong songwriting have garnered them radio play on Los Angeles’ Alt 98.7 Close to Home and U.K. station Phoenix 98’s “Synth City.” In 2015, the band released their EP Never Not Forever and has played live throughout the Los Angeles area to well-received audiences.
Stream/Download "Hold Something" on Bandcamp
Connect with Tiger March: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Fickle Friends Release Debut Album "You Are Someone Else"
Pop band @ficklefriends have released their debut full-length, "You Are Someone Else" on Interscope Records...
Fickle Friends have released their debut full-length, You Are Someone Else on Interscope Records. The new record, which Billboard calls "neon dance tunes with bite" is laced together with upbeat indie bops featuring unapologetic lyrics about toxic friendships, feelings of worthlessness, slippery relationships, mental health and a lot of other overwhelming emotions felt during young adulthood and young adult relationships. In addition to the newest track "Wake Me Up," You Are Someone Else features the band's five previously-released bangers "Hello Hello," "Hard To Be Myself," "Swim," "Glue" and "Brooklyn."
The band's crushingly-catchy melodies and hook-driven refrains have directly impacted their reach, with over 50 million streams on Spotify and praise from Pitchfork, Nylon, and Paste. As a result, You Are Someone Else encapsulates what Stereogum has already described as "infectious" and Noisey called "a sparkling slab of indie-pop." Tenacious and steadfast, it is the band's stubborn perseverance that has helped slingshot them forward. Building then riding their own wave of momentum, the band has played over 400 shows and hundreds of festivals, traveling to most from the Sam the drummer's mom's Ford Galaxy. As Billboard explains, "Fickle Friends don't play by anyone's rules but their own. That's how they've managed to create such an impressive path for themselves."
Helena Deland Releases "Altogether Unaccompanied Vol. I & II"
Following a first taste of the project with"There Are a Thousand" and "Take It All", Helena Deland is back to release "Altogether Unaccompanied" Vol. I & II...
Following a first taste of the project with "There Are a Thousand" and "Take It All", Helena Deland is back to release From the Series of Songs "Altogether Unaccompanied" Vol. I & II on Luminelle Recordings. The music follows her Drawing Room EP and further defines her self coined genre of "sincere pop". Describing how the project came together Helena shares, "I went back to the studio last summer to record all the pieces I had written in the last five years. It has become a series of fragments that have in common the idea of the relationship, the feeling of being often completely lost in the company of others."
To celebrate this evening she will be performing at Sala Rossa in her hometown of Montreal and will be making a stop at the Smiling Buddha in Toronto tomorrow night before heading to SXSW and on tour across North America with Superorganism. Stream the project in full above and find details and full tour routing below.
Tour Dates:
3/2 - Montreal, QC @ Sala Rossa
3/3 - Toronto, ON @ Smiling Buddha
3/13 - Austin, Texas @ Bungalow (M for Montreal + Manitoba Music)
3/13 - Austin, TX @ Cheer Up Charlie's (Gorilla vs. Bear + Winspear Showcase)
3/15 - Austin, Texas @ Big Easy Bar & Grill (Escapes Festival Showcase)
3/15 - Austin, Texas @ Hotel Vegas (Levitation Festival Showcase)
3/16 - Austin, Texas @ Seven Grand (Gorilla vs. Bear Showcase)
3/19 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex*
3/20 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop*
3/22 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge*
3/23 - Seattle, WA @ Barboza*
3/26 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry*
3/27 - Madison, WI @ The Frequency*
3/28 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern*
4/1 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall*
4/3 - Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel*
4/4 - Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle*
4/5 - New York, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg*
5/17-19 - Brighton, UK @ The Great Escape Festival
5/25-27 - Manchester, Bristol & Nottingham, UK @ Dot To Dot Festival
w/ Superorganism = *
