Category Archives: Feel Good Music

A Chat With: Charlyn

Charlyn

We caught up with Charlyn after our feature on their new single  ‘Marylise’ last week to get to know them a little better.

 Tell us a bit about Charlyn ?

Charlyn is a Swiss singer/songwriter, born on 26th December 1991. She grew up in the French speaking part of Switzerland and had always been surrounded by music and musicians. She played the piano for seven years and then started singing lessons. In 2012 she decided to study music and moved to London to achieve her goal. She met her band members in London and found her style of music. She started to write a collection of demos and learnt the songs with the band since 2015. The sound of the band is Pop-Rock-Electronic with some 80s sounds influence.

When did you decide on the members of your band and how did you meet them?

Everything kind of happened gradually. I had to perform my songs within a band for university, therefore I had to find people to play with me. I have asked Robin Wheeler (drummer/producer) who was my flatmate at the time, to play the guitar for me, which he did.
My brother, Loric Mathez, who was studying drums one year above me became the drummer and for the rest of the musicians it varied according to people’s availabilities. In 2015 I had to find a new bass player, as the one I was playing with was too busy and wasn’t really involved in the band anyway. Therefore I looked for a bass player who would be into the same kind of music as me. I found George Price through friends and Facebook, he loved the project and was in.
Summer 2015 Loric decides to leave the band to focus on his advanced studies. Therefore we had to find a new drummer. We auditioned quite a few drummers but couldn’t find any one who was able keep up with a simple groove. Robin then decided to swap his guitar for the drum kit, which is his first instrument and we then looked for a new guitarist. I posted an ad on Facebook and Thomas Clutterbuck replied. We auditioned him and since that day he is our guitar player.
If I had to describe the band I would say we are like a family as we don’t only rehearse and play live but we meet up outside of the music world and therefore became close friends. I love my band 🙂

 What inspired you to make music?

I’ve always been into music since I can remember. I would say my dad, who is an autodidact has inspired me. He was writing his own songs as well and I grew up playing or singing with him. Then around 12 I started to write my first songs. In 2011 when my brother left for London I had just finished my apprentice time in a job I didn’t like. I came to visit him in London and I didn’t know what to do at the time with my life. He said to me ‘What do you really want to do? What is your heart burning for?’ I said ‘I want to sing’ and he replied ‘Then that’s what you got to do!’. Because of that discussion music is now not only a passion but it’s my profession and I’m so glad I made that decision back then.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

I’m someone who loves positivity. It’s something that I use on an everyday basis within my life, my health, my studies, etc. I often look at the world or listen to radios etc and I realise that most of what we are listening and exposed to talks about depression, death, heart breaking, or some stupidity which we don’t really care about. In my songs I like to use this positivity as well as bringing hope and happiness to people. Not all of my lyrics are always happy but the message behind them goes in that sense. I had a few people that said to me that my music makes them feel happy and motivated for their day and that is what I want to achieve.
Otherwise I also like to make stories up based on different situations I or other people have been through. I like to write songs about ordinary people’s stories because I know a lot of people can identify themselves to them.

Could you briefly describe your music making process?

I normally sit down on the piano and play around with chords, then find a melody and sing random lyrics just making sounds; I call it the ‘yoghurt singing’. Once I’m happy with my song and melody I write the lyrics with similar sounds to the ones I was using before. I then go on Logic Pro or Abletone and make my demos.
For the songs that are on the upcoming EP I brought most of them as piano and voice ideas to my drummer/producer Robin and he made them sound amazing. I like his ideas and the way he works, he always surprises me with really cool touches and colour to the songs and production.

Tell us a bit about your new single Marylise.

I wrote Marylise in my room in London like most of my other songs. I wanted to write a song after a subject that got to me. I remembered watching some models interviews on Youtube and they were saying how their life is sometimes very depressing, how they have to look pretty all the time, how they have extremely strict diets and how some of them would like to live the life of every day people. I thought that was a very interesting topic to write about. It also made me think about those extremely talented kids we see on TV or Internet, some of them are so young and already superstars. I wonder if this is really want they want to do or if it is what their parents want them to do. That was my lyrics topic for this song.
I would say the song is really summery and catchy and I like the 80s kind of vibe that Robin used for it. It goes well with the song in general and makes it fresh in a way.
I’m happy with how the song turned out I could not imagine it to be different now.

Does the theme behind the single mirror a personal experience?

No, it doesn’t. I actually had the chance to have supportive parents, that always encouraged my brother and I to follow our dreams. They may have oriented us in some ways but never forced us to do something we didn’t want to do.

What was your favourite and most difficult part to record your new single?

I would say my favourite part is the chorus because we’ve put loads of different harmonies, that make it sound fuller. The most difficult part was probably the articulation and accent. Being Swiss English is obviously not my first language therefore I do have a bit of a French accent when I speak and sing. Robin made me sing the lines over and over to get a better accent and say the words in a more correct way. This was extremely tiring but really did help me to get better with how I sound, sing and say things.

 Any plans to come to Ireland in the future?

Yes, I would really like to organise a UK tour with the band and of course we would come and play there, However nothing is planned yet but it’s on the list.
I would love to discover this wonderful country and sceneries as I’ve heard great stories about it.

 What advice do you have for people who want to start their career in music?

I would say try to do as much as you can yourself but also be realistic and if you are not good enough in certain areas then work with people that are and can help you. Also having personal saving does really help as music is a very expensive area and without a part time job or good saving it is hard to move further away from Thursday Jam nights. I would also advise to be nice and respectful towards other people you will work with. Unfortunately they are a lot of big headed and rude people in this industry and it isn’t nice to work with such people so don’t become one of them. Being nice and honest is the way to go you want friends in this industry same thing as every day’s life.

What’s next for Charlyn?

We are lucky to go and play quite a few gigs in Switzerland over this summer and we are looking forward to it. We will also be playing in London on 7th, 8th and 15th June at the Half Moon, Putney. We are playing at the BIMM End of Term Graduation at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town on 17th June and at the Good Ship, Killburn on 14th August. More gigs still have to be confirmed.
We are also filming the video for Marylise on 26th and 27th May and the video should be out end of June, which is very exiting.
The EP is coming out mid June as well and we can’t wait to hear back from fans and audience about it.

We are looking forward to the EP as well if ‘Marylise’ is anything to go by its going to be added to a lot of summer playlists out there

Stream  ‘Marylise’ below

Charlyn ‘Marylise’

 

‘Marylise’ is Charlyn’s promising first single from her upcoming début EP. The Swiss singer/songwriter who is now based in London portrays an electric mix of Indie Pop and 80’s elements blended together. Charlyn perfectly complements the rising popularity of female electro-pop vocals, in a similar vein to Chvrches or Brighton’s Fickle Friends.
‘Marylise’ is a bright upbeat electro – pop track with sugar coated synths and a soft bop beat. This smooth track is full of lush harmonies and shimmering electric guitars that add a little bite to this sweet creamy luminous track. Charlyn’s vocals are flawlessly radiant and syrupy and so easy to listen to. This song is full of cool tones with the added sparkling sunny vibes portrayed by the guitars and the rhythmic, spacious 80s-pop beats. .Although the lyrics are somewhat melancholy and sad the tone of the song remains upbeat and hopeful which is refreshingly effective. Its definitely one to add to your summer playlist!
Charlyn has graced the stages of renowned London venues such as Bush Hall, Under the Bridge and 02 Academy Islington, as well as playing shows in Paris and Switzerland, Charlyn is now set to take Western Europe by storm over the summer with four performances in London and appearances in Switzerland already confirmed!
We are looking forward to hearing Charlyn’s EP which will be released this June. The EP release show will take place on the 15th of June at The Half Moon in Putney, London – 8pm if your around make sure you head down.
Stream ‘Marylise’ below

Fictionist ‘Free Spirit’

Fictionist are an Electro-pop / rock band from Provo, Utah. Band members Aaron Anderson, Robbie Connolly, Brandon Kitterman, Stuart Maxfield have shared the stage with Imagine Dragons and Vampire Weekend, and are now back with their latest record ‘Free Spirit’.
‘Free Spirit’ is an uplifting and vibrant track with an electro-pop sound and bursting with sunny vibes. This dance worthy pop track was made for blasting through your speakers on a hot sunny day. Full of cool tones conveyed in the fresh airy echo vocal accompanied by shimmering synths, energetic beats and radiant guitars. Its infectious chorus will have you singing along and dancing in no time.
Stream ‘Free Spirit’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen track this week is Johnny Llyod’s ‘Pilgrims’

‘Pilgrims’ is the new track from  London musician and former Tribes frontman Johnny Lloyd’s début EP. This follows the amazing ‘Hello Death’ which we did a feature on last month. ‘Pilgrims’ is a swoony, hazy laid-back indie rock track. With Lloyd showing us his warm deep vocals accompanied with soft beats for the verse. With sweet luscious guitar features that add a dreamy utopian vibe. This track comes together perfectly with a romantic hopeful melody teamed with bright polished sounds and smooth creamy vocals, that still manage to hold a rawness and give this song some bite.
We are big fans of Johnny Lloyd and are looking forward to his EP ‘Dreamland’ which will be released on June 10 th via Xtra Mile Recordings.
Stream ‘Pilgrims’ below

Lecaudé ‘Powder Blue’

Lecaudé (pron. ‘Le-co-day’) is the self-titled solo project of London based producer, songwriter and singer Jack Durtnall. Lecaudé has just released his second single of 2016 ‘Powder Blue’ from his Circles EP which is due for release 3rd June 2016 and sees Lecaudé continue to work with long time co-producer and mixer Fred Prest.
‘Powder Blue’ is an infectious synth pop and soul infused track with a cool light bouncy vibe. With its catchy melody and smooth vocals its a silky luxurious track with soft lush backing vocals. The contrast between the female backing vocals and Durtnall’s main vocals adds a refreshing and attractive element to the track. The shimmering synths and playful pop melody give this song a picturesque glow leaving you with a refreshing bright care-free vibe.
‘Powder Blue’ is a infectious track that you cant help but bop along to and is a strong single to follow ‘Circles’ which was released earlier this year. Can’t wait until the release of the EP next month! If ‘Powder Blue’ and ‘Circles’ are anything to go by its going to be an excellent EP for the summer.
Stream ‘Powder Blue’ below

 

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen track this week is Stevie Appleton’s ‘This Is America’

Stevie Appleton is a Twenty six year old multi-instrumentalist from London, his long awaited new single ‘This Is America’ which was released on the 6th of May via Stevie Appleton’s own label Lucky Busker, is a bright, catchy,  feel good track full of hopeful vibes. Appletons tender voice with a slight rasp tells us a story of hope and gives a smooth feeling of optimism. With soft bouncy rhythm and beautiful piano feature this song gives you that lift you need when you feel all is lost. This song gives you a comforting support or assurance that maybe your dreams can come true. The added country twang in the middle gives a refreshing break in the song and enhances the bright vibe.
‘This Is America’ is a great introduction to Appletons style of music and we will look forward to hearing more.
You can catch Stevie Appleton on May 20 at The Mesmerist, Brighton.
Stream ‘This Is America’ below

ISLE

 

ISLE are Scottish electro-pop duo Liam Rutherford and Ben Singer. The have created a refreshing blend of electro pop and rock that is just infectious. Their track ‘Kid’ is an energetic explosion of dynamic synths winding guitar and snapping beats. With beautiful piano feature in the background and even a Celtic undertone this song has everything and more. From just seconds into the song you are blasted into a swarm of amazing sounds that blend remarkably well together. The animated spirited vocals adds an anthem-like quality to the song with fist pumping intensity that makes this song vibrant and enthusiastic.
‘Surrender’ is a melodic track with again a beautiful piano feature running throughout. Its upbeat positive tone is conveyed with clap along bridge, snapping snare and uplifting “oh wo-oh” backing vocals. Its a catchy rhythmic track that you can’t help but sing and clap along to.
Stream ‘Kid’ and ‘Surrender’ below

PALE WAVES

Manchester’s PALE WAVES are Heather, Ciara, Hugo and Charlie. They are making a name for themselves for their infectious indie pop sound. ‘The Tide’ Is a bright pop track with a daydream beach feel. The longing vocals give this track a sentimental tone while the guitar bursts give a hazy fantasy feel that you can lose yourself in. The smooth drum beats and slick lustrous guitar riff make this song easy to listen and enjoy every minute of it. It has a youthful “run away with me” freedom vibe.
‘Heavenly’ is a fantastic catchy melodic track. It radiates sunshine with gleaming, light airy vocals that is appealing to the ear. The glistening sun kissed guitar riffs are stunning yet subtle and give a free and easy vibe. This is a bright bouncy tune that you can get up and dance along to or sit back in the sun with a drink in you hand and let Pale Waves take your imagination on a shimmering sun lit journey

PALE WAVES have a bright future ahead of them!
Stream ‘The Tide’ and ‘Heavenly’ below

VITAMIN ‘Waterfall’

 

VITAMIN are a four piece indie band from Leeds, band members Jared, Theo, Harrison and Cameron, who are signed to National Anthem records have just released their new single ‘Waterfall’. This is an upbeat, uplifting track with tropical melodies and shimmering synths radiating sunny vibes from every note. With beaming guitars and a pop bouncy beat you just wont be able to stop yourself from dancing! Its definitely a track that sticks in your head. The infectious chorus and strong vocals keeps you wanting more, like a soft sponge cake you can’t refuse. ‘Waterfall’ is definitely a track to add to your summer playlist
VITAMIN have toured with other incredible indie bands such as Sundara Karma and The Magic Gang so they have great experience performing live. Definitely a must see if you can,  they are playing at:
Sat 21 May, The Great Escape, Brighton
Sun 29 May, Lost Village Festival, Lincoln
Fri 03 Jun, Studio 24, Leeds
Fri 10 Jun , X&Y Festival, Liverpool
Fri 24 Jun, Studio 24,Leeds
Listen to ‘Waterfall’ below

The Hearts ‘Lovers Drug’

 

The Hearts are indie trio Alex Nash, Hamish Kay and Jamie Roberts from Newport, South Wales. They have already had some impressive gigs under their belt supporting acts such as Arcade Fire, Paul Weller and Pretty Vicious. They are known for their massive energetic chorus and synth-infused rock and their new track ‘Lovers Drug’ doesn’t disappoint.
‘Lovers Drug’ begins with a soft vocal and smooth instrumental backing to introduce us to the tune. It then kicks in to a high energy hands in the air anthem. With its mighty fist pumping chorus this song is bursting with energy. The strong vocals are full of vibrancy and intense emotion which is reinforced by the luminous guitars pounding drums and shimmering synths. These guys really know how to catch your attention and make you feel like you can do anything.
Stream ‘Lovers Drug’ below